Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 810) (1893 01 31)
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om a - mt! i}! ae som fey Ww , \ D | | : ‘ i f on A ; WS 4 r t |yyas biti! < Peet ily wan i) ia January 31, 1898. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Pri “ | f No, 810. a@ Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, 5 cents. Vol. XXXII. wea ‘i mn i ft es 1h will) : \ im ST ee Z — f- = 7 | ay <a HH f ie i} : HII = | HN Hii ! iit {| | Ne hit | MW yt. | | i } i = i Pay = [_ | 1, The Gentleman Tramp. A Romance of the Strange Case at Roseford, BY J. C. COWDRICK, AUTHOR OF ‘‘' BROADWAY BILLY” NOVELS, ETO. CHAPTER I, BILLY MEETS AN OLD FRIEND. “Sweet pertaters! If it isn’t Chinny Chips!” ‘*' Then you know me, eh, Billy? You are the game old Billy, I find.” “Know you, Chinny? I'd know that mug = ee you if I met you in China TO BROADWAY BILLY IT SEEMED ALMOST AN AGE AS HE HALF SPRUNG OUT OF THE : CAB ON THE RUNNING BOARD, FILLED WITS HORROR AT THE SIGBT, Ka = Wey =< rc
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The two had clasped hands and were giving a jong and hearty shake, proof that they met as good friends; and Happy Harry and Silent Seth looked on, wondering who ‘‘ Coinny Chips” could be. The meeting had taken place in Billy’s office, Billy and the boys were talking, when the door opened and this stranger to the boys stepped in, He did not speak, but waited for Billy to recognize him, And‘he bad not long to wait, for almost at once Billy greeted nim as quoted, The visitor was a young man, perbaps a couple of years older toan Billy, but no more; a stout, well-built fellow, but not remarkable for good-looks, He was we!l dressed, and appeared to be hearty and prosperous, ‘Well, sit down and give an account of your- self,” Billy invited, when they had finished their hand-shake, ‘*I bave not seen you in a dog’s age, Guess I haven’t met you since the time we dressed out Pug-nose Jake, when he tried to crowd you off your territory.” ‘¢ Ha, ba, ha! You did d» that up fine, though Billy! No; I guess we haven’t met since then, I went away soon after that.” ‘Yes: [ heard from the other kids that you had been adopted by somebody, or some- thing like that, for some service you had done, Where did you go to, anyhow? And what are you doing these days?” ‘* Why, I'm now a locomotive engineer, Billy, and I’m running the Flyer over in Jersey. tell you we make things hum when we get a move onus, You must come over some night and take a ride with me. Tl) give you the fastest ride you ever bad in your life,” ‘* A locomotive enginesr—you? Well, if that don’t beat all! Why, when you were a kid no- body would have thought you’d ever know enough to engineer a junk-cart, And here you are, running the Flyer! But, how did it come about?” ‘Why, you see I saved the life of a little girl one day, and her father fej] on my neck and wept tears of joy—tact. He wanted to know who I was and all about me, and when he found I was a kid of the gutters, with no parents and no home, he made me drop my kit and go right along witb him, He was an engineer, and after sending me to schoo] for a couple of years he got mea job in the round-house, There I began, and now Tm a full-fledged throttle- jerker. Best of all, ’m married to the little girl whose life I saved. Ob, it’s about as good ‘asa romance. Are you married?” ‘*Nary!” answered Billy. Don’t have time to think about it.” » “ Well, P'll have to cut my stay mighty short, for I’m inaburry. I have seen your name in the papers a good many times, and meant to drop in on you the first time I got over bere, and heralam. These are the ‘ pointers’ I’ve read about, I suppose; your team, beagles, or whatever you call them,” He indicated Harry and Seth. : ‘Yes, they are my team; and a smarter pair of boys never polished leather in Gotham, Chirny.” ‘'They look it, So, they came up from the brush, the same as we did ourselves, did they? This chap looks like you did when a boy, Billy. T’other one is the better looking, sey rh The latter compliment was paid to Setr. “Yes, they started at the foundation,” an- swered Billy; ‘‘and are bound to make their ‘mark, too, you bet, But, don’t be in such a rush, Chinny; give me a@ chance to look at you before you tear yourself away,” inp “Can't do it, Billy; my time is limited to minutes,” glancing at his watch, “ A railroad man is nowhere if he isn’t on time, you know. I'll try an’ drop in again when I can stay lon- ger, and then we'll have a chin about old times, This is only a flying visit.” “Should say it was, But, say, your road runs through Roseford, don’t it?” f ae Yes, n) ‘* Nothing; only I have got to go out there to- night—” ; ‘The deuce you bave! That will be just the feather, Come over and ride out with me on the Flyer.” “ Bat, your train don’t stop—” ‘No; but it slows up at the junction crossing, and I will slow it enough so that you can drop off safely, Don’t fail to be on hand; we pull out at pine sbarp. I’)l expect you, sure,” “ That will just suit me, Chinny, and [ll do as yousay. I'll be on hand if nothing breaks, I’m not wanted there till ten o’clock, and your train will get there before that e. Yes, ort of engineer you are,” count on me as your passenger; I’ll see what | ah Te “ All right; but be on time, for the Flyer waits for no man,” ‘* 1)] be on time, sure,” There was then a hasty word of parting, and | much, the visitor was gone, ‘** Christopher Columbia!” cried Happy Harry, the moment the door closed after bim, ‘* but that fellow can talk faster than any man I ever heard in my life. I thought I could talk a lit- tle, but I can’t hold a candle to him,” Broadway Billy laughed, ‘He was always that way,” he explained, ‘The fastest speaker I ever heard, I believe. Thav’s how he came to be called Chinny Chips.” ‘*That’s a funny name—Chips.” ‘That isn’t his name, though,«Harry; we called him Chips because he was little—not big enough for a whole piece, you see. But, he has outgrown that, it seems, and no doubt be’s out- grown Chinny, too, His nameis Dennis Keyton, if [ remember right; I never beard it more than once or twice all the time I knew him, He was always Chinny Chips.” ** And he was a bootblack?” ‘Yes; used to work one of the cross streets toward the ferry, Hewas a good sort of fellow, and ke and I used to get along pretty well when- ever we'd meet. I can’t hardly realize it’s true, that he’s come to be a first-class engineer, Why, I sea him now, homely and dirty, with his box on bis arm, yelling—‘ Shine, sir? Shine? Such meetings make a fellow realize that Time is hustling.” ‘* Nothin’ more strange about his bein’ a first- class engineer than that vou should be a first- class detective, with an office of your own, is there?” Harry argued, ‘Yes, there is,” Billy declared, ‘*I was a de- tective born, I believe, and I couldn’t have turn- ed out to be anything elseif I had tried ;swith him it was a case of pure luck, But, I’m glad he’s grown up to be somebody, anyhow,’ I tell you, boys, there is a chance for every lad in a country like ours,” ‘* Two chances,” spoke Silent Seth, Happy Harry gave a jump, as though Seth’s speaking had frightened him. ‘* Crackers an’ cheese!” he cried. ‘*‘ The Sphinx has said two whole words, boss! He never speaks unless be has got somethin’ to say.” ‘* What do you mean, Seth?’ Billy asked, “T mean that every lad has a chance to go to the dogs, or to make a manof himself, just which- ever he chooses,” , ‘Yes, that’s so: two chances, And, he’s all the more manly a chap if he just grits his teeth and makes up bis mind that he’s going to be something. It’s the easiest thing in the world for a boy to go wrong, here in New York.” ° ‘* And sometimes it ain’t all the boy’s fault, either,” declared Harry, ‘* You are right,” agreed Billy. ‘*‘ When rum and tobacco have been put a little further out of reach it will be a big thing, to say nothing of other evils. There is a serpent in this fair arden of Uncle Sam’s, and if Uncle Sam don’t Plant his heel on its head it’s going to doa pile of damage. There’s a whole sermon, boys, if you cau pick it out.” “But, are yon going out there friend Chinny to-night, boss?’ ‘“*Tbat’s the programme, you know., You know I have got to go and see that Mrs, Robn- wald who has sent for me, to learn what she wants, As I intended to tell you, | have made inquiry about her and have learned that she is a very rich widow, and am assured that a call from her is no commonplace matter, _The Rohn- wald family is at the head of the list, out that way, and it bas been hinted that I ought to con- sider it something of an honor that I have been called upon.” It was Broadway Billy’s way, talking to bis oung apprentices as though they were his equals in every case the combination undertook. He had found it to pay, to let these into a full un- derstandiog of every matter in which he was interested. ‘“* But, isn’t it funny that she should want you to come at ten o’clock at night?’ Harry ques- tioned, Yes, it is s0; but, she may have some good reason for that, and yet a very simple one, She may intend being away till that hour; or, some one may be there who will be gone by that “‘ ‘Yes, that’s so,” “There is something of mystery about it, none the less,” ee mused, taking a letter from his pocket. ‘‘ She does not say what the case is; merely that she requires my assistance, and tells me to come at that hour, Wonder how she with your been saying a godd deal about us lately.” us ¥ x y om ye hy ae Pig a faut See! and ® 7 : ; . poles? sal sa ois 1 begiiae Era O OPVBAR gu ele ra A 3 oh “ S5GK 2 ae A ae | | ly’s Wipe-Out. “* A good deal too much,” put in Silent Seth, =, wy Again Happy Harry made as if to jump, pre- ‘ tending surprise taat Seth should be talking so © . “, ies ha iy ‘“ Wonder of *. Boss, 1f Seth is goin’ on this way ‘*'The dumb speaks!” he cried, wonders! what will I do? sure.” “Seth has not done anything out of com- mon,” laughed Billy. ‘‘ He only spoke because he had something to say, But, Seth, don’t you approve of newspaper notoriety? See the puffs you bave had,” may ‘‘Tt makes me tired. When I do a good i, stroke, which isn’t often, it’s enoygh for me to know it.” “‘But, you won’t find it that way, while you are with Broadway Billy,” cried Happy Harry, ‘* Our chief is a chief irdeed, and they all know it, and they can’t say too much atout us,” ‘* Well, we won’t trouble ourselves about it, wea so long as they come within a mile or two of the ees truth,” said Billy. ‘But, to finish what I started out to say. I'll go out there to-night, i? and to-morrow I'll be able to let you know what ‘ the case is, and if there are any parts for you to play Vil set you at work upon it, “It was my intention to go out about five o'clock from the city, get my supper out there } ata hotel or restaurant, and then learn all I 2 could, guietly, till the appoisted bour for the ne interview. But, this offer of Chinny Chips has ie, led me to alter my plans, for the sake of the ride on the engine of the Flyer, That will bea treat not to be missed.” ‘¢ Haven’t any idea what the case can be, eh?” queried Harry. ‘*Only some wild speculations that have been running in my mind; nothing that is based on fact,’ ‘* Well, we'll be in a fever till you get back, boss, tolearn what itis, and we hope that it’s a case that will just make us git right up and hump to get there.” : ‘*] hope it will be something interesting, at any rate, Whatever it is, great or small, if it is worth taking hold of at all it is worth doing well; and this agency must do its level best, from chief to private.” CHAPTER II. ALL ABOUT A ‘‘ PESKY” TRAMP, e, THE late afternoon sun ofa botsummer day — sent its slanting rays along the shining steel rails with no less heat than it had poured down upon them at noontide, so far as the dusty tramp could perceive. a To judge him by his looks, the man had come | | many a weary mile along the great iron high- way. His steps were lagging, and he lifted his staff like one whcsa strength was far spent. But still he trudged on, ip har 9 intent upon reaching the village ahead before he stopped. His age was hard to guess, but that he was not an old man his form plainly indicated, He wore & broad slouck hat, and a tangle of hair and beard made it next to impossible to judge of him by his features. He was clac in patched and ragged garments, heavy boots, nfuch the Yaage. worse for wear incased his feet, and taken allin | all he was a perfect specimen of the type he) |. represented. ge: e was approaching the village of Roseford, ; op one of the great railroads, ~ Presently, coming to a spot where the grate- ful shade of a clump of trees fell across the | tracks, he stopped. hee Leaning upon his staff, he removed his hat and mopped the perspiration from his brow with a red handkerchief, at the same time looking ahead as if calculating the remaining distance to the village. ‘A mighty hard tramp it bas been,” he said to himself, ‘‘and [am glad theend is near, LT =* wouldn’t want to go over the same ground = again, but I had todoit this time to makemy —_ disguise the more perfect. Iam tired enough _ ae My graft will be broken, + “45, oi* and dusty enough now, goodness knows,” hg x After resting a few moments he plodded on, © 4 ‘‘Saven years since I went away from this = a place, with my father’s curse upon my bead,” be 4 mused, as he looked at the village before him, ** He forbade my ever returning while he lived, _ and [ have obeyed, though Llovedmy fatherand hoped that I might see him before he died; but, his death coming suddenly, as I have heard it did, that was impossible, a ‘*And now, what would people say, could — ; they know me, to see Robert Rohnwald return- _ ing to his native town like this? Ha, ha, ha! But, they cannot guess who I am in such a dis- guise, and solam sa’e, It is my purpose to heard of me? But, then, the newspapers have | look around and see how matters stand, before I make myself known. I shall find Gustav ie A . ' \ hy +4 ie
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master of Woodlawn Manor, of course; and, I? i find, too, that Carlotta has wed him, I shali go away again never tc. return, “But, suppose she has not married him? _ ‘Suppose she bas remained true to me as she pro- ‘seven years ago, then I’m a know-nothin’, mised todo? In that case, | will go away quiet- ly and assume my proper attire, and then com- ing back openly, will go to her and ask ber to be mine. And the manor? Well, if father has willed it to Gustav, a3 he threatened to do, I willletit go and build a fortune for myself, Ha! there is the station, ahd I venture to say that is the agent, old Goodluck, sitting iv his favorite spot on the platform, Little will he imagine such a tramp is Robert Robnwald.” He pulled his bat still further over his brow, and aiding himself with his staff, moved wearily forward, Peter Goodluck, the station-agent, was seated in a shady spot on the platform of his station, reading his newspaper, as was his wont on summer afternoons when he had idle moments, Glancing up and down the track, presently, he espied the approaching tramp, and as he surveyed him over his spectacles as the fellow drew near, said to himself: ‘Here comes another one of them pesky tramp critters. I wish I had power to take every pesky one of ’em and lock ’em up, I bet ’'d do it, quick. Well, he needn’t stop here, I can tell him that. This station ain’t no harbor for sech as him, not solong as Peter Goodluck has . voice in the matter.” e resumed his paper, with one eye on the tramp occasionally, and did not look up as the tramp came trudging along, nor while he passed, not wanting to encourage such a character to speak to him, When the fellow had passed, however, then tho old agent laid bis paper on his lap, removed his glasses, and took a critical look at him as he retreated, “The dirty, lazy rascal!” he exclaimed, “t Why don’t he go to work and beaman? The idea! a big, healthy fellow like that being sucha good-for-nothing in such a blessed land as ours! There’s no social conditiom to be held ’countable for it; no use to tell me that; it’s the lazy vaga- bond’s own choice, that’s what it is.” ° He continued gazing after the subject of his observations, and as be looked, the man having now gone some distance past the station, he noticed « change in his manner of walking. It was only a slight change, but he noted it quickly. ‘¢Bless me!” he ejaculated, ‘‘I know that walk, sure’s I’m a sinner saved by grace! If it isn’t young Rohnwald, bim that went ster ul, it can’t be, either; Rob Rohnwald was not the boy ever to turn out so bad as this fellow looks, No, it can’t be, of course; but I never seen two persons walk so alike in my life. Not mach ofa compliment to Robby, bless me if it is; but, I couldn't help noticin’ it,” He watched the tramp a little longer, or until he disappeared around a curve, when he took up his paper again, But now, be could not read, it seemed, and finally throwing the paper down he took off his specks for good and put them in his pocket, “T can’t belp thinkin’ about it,” he mused aloud, ‘*how much that tramp did walk like Rob Rohnwald, after he had got a ways past me. But, it couldn’t be him, of course; that’s out of the question. I wonder what ever be- eame of Robert, anyhow? He was a fine fel- low, a good deal better than his proud half- brother, Gustav, and it was always a wonder to me that the old man couldn’t see what was so plain to everybody else. Gus takes more after his mother, for Rohnwald himself was a good man, at heart; and his first wife, Rob's mother, was a lady born! ‘But the second wife, Gus’s mother—sbe was not to my liking, to say the very least about her, ‘“T know them, every one of ’em. I know the whole family, and can give their bistory for fifty straight years, if necessary. There was Richard Rohnwald, the son of his father if ever a father bad a son. He was as like him as one month’s report is like another at this station, and that is about as near as any- thing I can compare ’em to, I guess, Richard didn’t marry till he was of considerable ripe age, when he married his first wife, the mother of Robert. She died at the boy’s birth, more the pity! Then, in a year, he married that roud thing, his second wife, and Gustav was . Gus is only two years younger than Rob, The second wife lived till her boy was about six years old, when she died, and in a year again Rohnwald married his third wife and she is his widow that’s left, Oh, yes, I know them all. > " = - : b tc “This third wife, and she’s a gomlenough | face is a sight to bebold, so I'll not listen another woman, far as 1 know, was a «widow Robnwald married her, and she had a little daughter named Carlotta Gilburt, a dear little child as 1 remember her at that age, and as fine a young lady now as can be found anywhere, The boys fell in love with her as soon as she came into the house, and from that hour, children as they were, Rob and Gus formed a hatred for each other that only increased as they grew older. Rob was the girl’s choice from the first, and if the truth could be known, she loves him now, That's the reason Gus has never been able to get her, and he’s crazy after her as everybody knows, I wonder if she knows where Rob is now? If anybody in this place does know, she’s the one, that Pll bet on, Bless me, but I would like to see the boy once more, It’s strange that ragged tramp should remind me of him so strongly, but his walk was like Rob’s for all the world, tis foolish to think it was him, though, ** Poor Rob! the old man was blind indeed when ke turned bim out, and it’s very strange he couldn’t see it, as I’ve said a thousand times, It all came over their love for the girl, too, Rob and Gus had a terrible quarrel, and their father sided in with Gus, as he ’most always did, for he seemed to have a grudge ag’in’ Rob, somebow, Rob stood up for his side like a man, and I guess he told the old-man some plain facts, for the old man turned him out of the house ani told him never to show his face there again; and, the boy never has, That wasseven years ago. When the old man made his will he left everything to Gus, after remembering bis wife and her daugh- ter suitably ; cutting Rob off with a single dollar, I know all about that, for I was one of the wit- nesses who signed the document, I’ve signed a hundred vally’ble papers for folks in this town in my day, but I never signed one that went ag’in’ the grain like that one did, And it is wonderful strange where that will is, too, for it can’t be found anywheres, We all know there was such a will, but it can’t be brought to light, though they have almost turned the house inside out to find it,” The old man bowed his head and became lost in a reverie, He paid no attention to his surroundings till presently a through train came bowling along and whisked past the station, almost overturning the old fellow, chair and all, by the force of the draft it made, He recovered from his daydream with a start, to find that the shadows had doubled their length while he had been lost in thought, and he rose hastily and took up his chair to go into the office, when a light step upon the end of the platform caused bim to turn bis head. Coming toward him was one of the persons of whom he had been thinking, Miss Carlotta Gil- ngs. her face somewhat pale and manner excit- ed. The old man stopped, put down his chair, and touched his cap to her politely, saying: ‘* Did the train scare you, Miss Gélburt? ‘You look as pale as though you had seen a ghost,” Do I look pale, Mr, Goodluck?’ she sweetly asked, with a forced smile, ‘I shall have to admié, then, that the train did startle me,” ‘Did you not see it? Which way did you come, then? You can’t be too careful around the railroad tracks, Miss Gilburt, for some of these trains do travel at wonderful speed,” ** On, yes, I know they do; but l am careful, I saw it coming, but it passed me at such per- fectly frightful speed, you know. And then, too, I saw you here on the platform asif you were asleep in your chair, as perhaps you were; and what if you had been killed!” ‘Ha, ba! That is not likely to bappen to me, at this late day in life, miss. But, which way were you coming? If you were coming up the street, you could not see me and the train at the same time, as you suy you did.» Own up, now; you have been walking on the track again; a thing I forbid you doing years ago, and that command is still in force.” ** No, no, Daddy Goodluck, I have not, indeed, I came up through the glen, and was comiug along the fence there by the track, where the path runs, you know. But, is my paleness gonet I do not feel pale, I assure you; nota it. ‘*- You came up from around the bend there? Tben maybe yuu seen that pesky tramp that went around that way awhile ago, If you did, that would be enough to make you pale, I’ll be bound; and I guess you did see him, too, for you have grown paler at the mention of him,” “Oh! Daddy, wky do you try to tease me? You will make me believe I have had a terrible fright, if I listen to you any longer, and that my when | minute, Next time | see you in danger Pll just shut my eyes, and then perbaps I wou't get such ashock, Gocd by, Duddy!” And with a wave of the band to the old man she hastened away, leaving bis remark regard- ing the tramp unanswered. CHAPTER ITI. A TERRIBLE THREAT OVERHEARD, MEANWHILE, what of the tramp? He had scarcely looked up, after passing the station, till he had passed outof sight around the bend. Here he was in the cool, shady woods belong- ing to the Robnwald estate, and taking off his hat he allowed the air to fan his forehead as he walked along. ‘“¢Well do I remember this wood,” he said to himself. ‘Asa boy, I played over every rod of it, and I well recall bow my father raved when the railroad came along and lopped off its finest part,” ‘‘ Poor father!” after some moments of ) flec- tion. ‘I loved him, although he appear. to have little affection for me, as compared to that he showed for Gustay. Ican understand how that was, now, however, Gustav had a mother; Ihad none. Perbaps it was to please ber that father made most of bim when both of us were smal], Young as 1 was, | noticed it, and feeling injured, [ was mocdy and resentful; and socame the gult between father and me, which widened as time passed, till at last it could not be crossed, ‘* Here is the old nutting ground,” he observed again, after proceeding a little distance further, ‘“* Here we played together as children, Gustav, Carlotta and I; and there is the old tree where we had the big swing. Just yonder, too, I hear the murmur of the brook, at the old spot where we used to cateh the spotted beauties in such numbers that the supply seemed to be inex- haustible, I wonder if any are to be caught there now? The railroad crossed quite close to the favorite pools, I know, and that, perhaps, bas driven the fish away. WishI bad a rod; I’d step down there and try it, tired as Iam.” He looked longingly upon the familiar spots as he passed on, and his laggard steps seemed to grow more elastic as the murmur of the brook grew louder. ‘¢ P11 stop here in the. old wood to-night,” be said to himself, ‘‘and to-morrow I'll pick up what items of gossip I can around the village, It will not be hard tor me to learn all I want to know, I guess. I must learn whether father left a will, and what it was. I must learn about Carlotta, and whether she has forgotten me, I must know whether it were better for me to go away unseen and never return, or whether I should come back boldly, assert my rights, and fight for them if need be, And it will depend on how I find the situation. Ha! here is the brook, and there is the old trout pools— Gustav, as I live!” Here the railroad lay upon a high embank- ment, and the brook, many feet below, ran un- der 1t at right angles,a high arched culvert spanning it; and upon the rocks below, a little distance from the embankment, stood a fisher- man. He was a young man, about twenty-four years of age as any good guesser would have said, and good looking. He was well dressed, wear- ing something of a sportsman’s outfit, with high boots and a cap, and was plying a rod and reel of which no sportsman would have fouaod cause to feel asbamed, He was busy with his sport, and did not look up, evidently bearing nothing above the con- stant babbling of the brook, and the tramp on the embankment stood and looked down at him for several miputes in silence, or until a fine catch on the part of the fisher caused him to ut- ter an ejaculation, when the sportsman glanced up at him, A scowl came upon the young man’s brow as he saw it was a tramp, ‘“What did you say?’ he demanded. ‘Did you speak to me?” ‘*T said that thear was a good ketch ye made,” the tramp exclaimed, civilly. ‘Yes, it will do well erough,” was the re- joinder. ‘‘ But,” was added, ‘‘ you are atramp, take it, and you had better tramp right on about your business,” “Well, Lam ina free country, sir, if lam‘a tramp,” was the retort, ‘‘I will go or stay, asI please, and not ask your leave either way, I have done nothin’ to harm you, that I am aware of. The young man eyed the tramp sharply. “Well, you area tramp, anyhow,” he finally cried, ** and that is enough, Let me inform
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, oe i) Shas vip.+ Foe ial you that I own all this land around you, and that you had better not trespass upon it if you do not want to feel the weight of Jersey law. Fellows of your stripe are pot wanted around here, and the sooner you move on, the better.” ‘Much obliged to you for the information, sir,” and the tramp made a bow in mock polite- ness, ‘I have no intention of breaking the Jaw in any manner, knowingly, so you need not fee! alarmed. And now, if you will take a word of advice froma man who has caught many a trout himself, you will drop a red fly over into that furthest pool, where [ think you will ull out a match for the one you have just funded.” The young man looked at the speaker even longer and more steadily, this time, as though there was something about the voice that was familiar to him. And, of a truth, the language of the tramp was different from what it bad been in the first few words he had spoken, “What do you know about that pool, or any other, around here?” the young man asked. ‘*[ have caught many a trout, sir, and kuow a likely spot when I see it.” ** Well, Pll try it, just for the satisfaction of showing you that you don’t know anything about it, I judge that you are a ‘gentleman’ tramp, from the language you use.” ‘¢A gentlaman may be a tramp when it suits bis pleasure, sir,” ‘But not all tramps are gentlemen, however,” ‘* True enough.” The angler was changing the fly upon his line, and being ready, presently, sent it out over the pool the tramp had indicated. Before it touched the water there was a break in the glassy surface of the dark pool, anda glittering trout of splendid size was securely caught upon the sharp hooks, “Ha! excellent!” the tramp cried with en- thusiasm., ‘The sportsman played his prize skillfully for a few minutes, anu pre-ently landed it safely. ‘*Well done!” applauded the tramp, then. ‘* And, you may as well give it up for this time, for we have been making too much noise. How- ever, you have a string not to be ashamed of.” “ As you were right in your judgement about my making this catch, I'll take your further advice. There is only one man in the world who could have known where and how to throw to et this last beauty, and that man is—Robert Bobn wald, LIrecognize you, Sir Tramp.” The tramp muttered an imprecation under his breath, : ** Fool!” he hissed. ‘‘ I allowed my enthusiasm to run away with me, and so have given myself away te him. Bat, he may only be guessing; T’ll see how a denial will go with him,” *Itseems that one other did know where the most likely spet was, and that other myself. I have taken hundreds of them, young man, in my time, and my judgment seldom plays me false,” ‘*lam not mistaken; I know you, Noman ‘but Rob Rohnwald could have done so well, and you are he, You well say you have taken hun- dreds of them; you have taken hundreds of them from this very brook,” ‘* You honor and flatter me, sir, but—” “Pshaw! what is the use of your be Jas, Sr carry the deception further? Your voice has given you away, if nothing more. You could not carry out the deception, It is no surprise to me that you are here, however, and scarcely any that you come in so disreputable a guise,” “ What do you mean?” “Just what I say. Your present attire well suits your true character,” ‘*Have a care, Gus Robnwald! You know nothing about me to my discredit, and if I have chosen. to masquerade a little, that is my own affair.” Certainly it is your affair; I do not deny that, You are not here in so disgraceful a character without some vile purpose in your heart, however, and I know it. You bad better take your leave as soon as you can,” “T have no evil intentions toward any living soul, Gus, and you know ip your heart that you lie when you sayit. I am bere with honest in- tent only, I am here in disguise, true, but it was only that I might eome and learn how matters stand in the old home and go away un- known, perhaps never to return again,” . ** Ts this your first secret visit here?” ““What do you mean now?” s I can’t make the question any plainer than that. ‘Yes, it is the very first time I have been here in seven long years, if that is what you mean. “Well, you had better make it the last, for Pla SO A Sk ant A eed, wr “4 WA he 7 oe: 5 ae *) ei) zh , Bari fs) i Appr an “har Py Rey Te ~ r+ ve bh: there is not room euough in this place for both of us; and I, as you may have heard, am master of Woodlawn Munor. You have no further in- terest here,” ** Tf you would not call it trespassing, I would like to come down there and talk witb you fora few minutes. Since my identity bas been be- trayed, I may as well get from you the informa- tion I want, and go onmy way. We are not friends by any means, I know, but that need not stand in the way of our talking together for a few minutes,” ** Come on, then, for it is just as well not to be shouting our business so the villagers can bear.” So, while Gustav Rohnwald was doing up his pole and lines, his half brother descendea the steep embankment to the place where he was standing. ‘ft have heard that father is dead, Gus,” Robert said, when he reached the bottom and stop . ** Yes, he is dead,” the brief response, ** And his widow is at the homestead, of course, Is she well?” ‘* Yes, she is there, and she is well. It will hardly be worth your while to cal] on her,” **T have no intention of doing so, now that I am known. Had I not met you I might have applied for bread at the kitchen door, in hope of seeing—” *Do not mention her name, sir. Carlotta Gilburt is my promised wife, and we will marry when father has been dead a proper length of time. If you have come here with any idea of seeing her, I for!,il your doing so,” ’ ‘* Your wish in the matter shall be respected, if what you tell me is true,” * And it is, rest assured of that.” “* Does she know I am living?” ‘She neither knows nor little cares, I guess. Whether she does or does not can make little difference to ycu now.” ; *T suppose not. But, you proclaim yourself master of Woodlawn Manor; take it for grant- ed that father left a will, and that I was cut off with a shilling, as the saying is,” “Yes; you were left the bastard’s dollar, which you can get—” ‘** By heavens! if you mean to apply that epithet to me, Gustav Robnwald, I will break your head with this hickory staff! Take it back, anyhow, or I'll strike you to the ground where you stand! “Take it back, or as I live I will kill At that moment a face peered through the bushes, a frightened face, the face of a young and pretty woman. She took in the situation ata glance, and drawing back, hastened away along a wood path by which she had just reach- ed the scene, as if fearful that her presence might be discovered, hat young woman was Carlotta Gilburt, CHAPTER IV. THE RIDE ON THE FLYER, Ata few minutes before nine o'clock on the evening of the sams day of the events chroni- cled in the préceding chapters, Broadway Billy, the rising young detective of the American me- tropolis, passed through the pair he Agsiam of the station in Jersey City and meade his way out to the train-sheds, Trainmen were calling out, and the great “PWlyer” was making ready for its night-time flight across the State; and Yel along down the shed, past the cars and hurrying porters with trucks of baggage, Billy came to the en- gine, which stood singing under its heAvy pres- sure of steam, as though eager and anxious to be on its way; and there he found his friend eagerly looking for him. ‘Hello, Billy! here er are, eh?” the young “Was half afraid you had back- engineer cried. ed out.” ‘*Nary a back-out!” cried Billy, in response, “*T said I'd be here, Chinny, and here I am. wouldn’t miss this ride for anything.” “Well, I’m glad you came. Get right up, and I'll be with you assoon as I squirt on a little grease. Have to have plenty of that on, you know, for this train.” Billy climbed up and took his seat upon the left side of the eab, and by the time he had got himself comfortably fixed for the ride the ‘en- gineer joined him, when Billy thought to ask: “ By the way, Chinny, this won’t get you into any trouble with the company, will it?—my rid- ing with you on the engine,” ‘Don’t worry about that, Billy,” the engineer reassured; ‘‘I asked for a pass for you and have got itall right. Otherwise it wouldn’t do, of course,” “Greatly obliged to you; I never thought of that part of it till now.” / vk is aoe . = sed as tg ee ee pea Cee Se to = Neue emai roadway Billy’s Wipe-Out. | “ Tt’s all right; you’re my guest,” They had not long to wait, The bell sounded, the conductor gave the signal, and the young engineer pulled the throttle, Tne monster of iron obeyea the touch as though endowed with life and reason, ij started forward, slowly at the first but gaining in speed with every turn of the wheels, and they were quickly out of the shed, z Then through the ‘‘ yard” with its labyrinth of tracks the giant iron horse picked its way, as though it were indeed selecting its own course instead of being guided by the rails; while numerous lights flashed on every band, each a signal of safety, danger or caution. When the yard bad been cleared the throttle was pulled again, and in prompt obedience ty the will of its master the great machine spruu « forward like a racer, and the train was soon dashing along over the gleaming rails like a monster, “This is glorious!” Broadway Billy eried, drinking eagerly of the cool air that rushed in upon him through the window, ‘*Then you like it, bey?” shouted the engineer in response, ‘* We’ll de traveling after awhile, when we get right down to it. Haven’t got fairly started yet.” **T should call this pretty fast getting there, as it is,” Billy rejoined. ‘* Well, yes, it’s moving some, [ admit.” ‘*T almost envy you your situation, Chinny,” ‘‘There’s Many a worse calling, even if there is danger.” The night was a glorious one; the moon being full and bright, the whole scene around and about them was almost as light as day. The view was constantly and rapidly chang- ing, as they plunged forward, and the engine swayed from side to side; with an occasional jerk, as though, now maddened, it were run- ning away. Occasionally the whistle sounded; at intervals the bell rung out its warning; and on and on they flew. Billy and the engineer talked, about one thing and another, and the timo passed all too quickly. At last Billy’s journey was coming to an end; the lights of Roseford were in sight. ‘¢ Well, I'll soon lose you, 1 s’pose,” the engi- neer observed. ‘*That Roseford ahead there?” ‘On the left. We make a big bend ahead here, and then comes the junction, care when you get down to get off.” ** All right; I’)l look out, Haven’t had such a lorious experience ih a month of Sandays, ere V’ll pay you back for it sometime whon I catch you in New York. I won’t forget it.” ‘Oh! that’s all right; come and. take another ride sometimé, only let me know beforehand. Tom there will show you how to get down, but dort step off till be gives you the word. Look pe for bim, Tom; see that he gets off clear when slow.” “ All right!” the fireman seoeder: The engineer had turned bis head to speak to the fireman, and as heagain fixed his gaze upon the track ahead he was sen to start, He sprung up and peered out sharply; the next instant he applied the steam brakes, gave one short, sharp blast with the whistle, and reversed the engine, all in the shortest time im- aginable, Broadway Billy, noting quickly the engineer’s first alarm, had looked ahead along the track at almost the same time as the engineer himself, and there, to his horror, only a little distance ahead and on his side of the engine, right across. the rail, lay what looked to be the body of a just ake man! ¢ They were yet on the straight line, just enter- ing a piece of woods, and only a little way ahead was the bend of which the engineer had spoken, The moon shed her full light down up- on the track, and ed could be seen as plain- ly, almost, as by daylight. Aad, by the time the engineer had put on the brake 3 reversed the engine, they had come so much nearer to the object on the rail that there was no mistaking what it was, a It was a man! Tho speed of the train was rapidly lessening, but the engineer bad no sooner donc all in his power than he recognized that the stop could not be made soon enough to save the victim... ‘‘ He’s a goner, Billy, unless I can reach the cowcatcher before the engine reaches him,” be cried, his face pale but his manner perfectly cool; and as he spoke he opened the window in front of him and hastened out upon the running- board ard made his way forward. No more than half a dozen seconds had elapsed since the man had been first espied, yet to Broad- yen x Mia Pt Paap BOT Eee RL a tiger re Re a Pe OE Laer Saeere eg or Maha Uo ee nee RR SPER ps aes SaaS) ee Weer ae ee: ah soon sie tayee oe pat 7 4 "td “d x e =~. a Ee Wis Se vs a ai c ve “—
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| J : } ) J . a ee ae Broadway Billy’s Wipe-Out. way Billy it seemed almost an age as he half sprung out of the cab on the runuing-board, filled with borror at the sight but unable to remove his gaze from it. The speed was grow- ing less, but n0 power could stop the train be- fore the man was reached, The track itself seemed to be in motion, as it appeared to Billy, carrying the poor victim un- der the craunching wheels, swiftly, surely! Another second and it would be done— But, the engineer was there! He let himself down upon the pilot; he stooped; end— Broadway Billy saw it all asit happened. He saw the engineer receive a po-erful jerk, one that almost tore bim from his hold; the next moment—ay, the same moment—there was a sickening something felt under the heavy wheels, and all was over. The train did not run another length before it stopped, and the conductor and trainmen were out with their lanterns immediately. The fireman had sprung to the throttle the moment the engineer left it, and he now quickly shut off steam and brought the reverse-lever to acenter position; whils Broadway Billy jump- ed down to run back with the engineer and others, ‘* That almost fixed me, Billy,” his friend said, hurriedly. ‘‘ That man was tied fast to the rails, sure as you live!” “Tied fast!” Billy exclaimed, struck with horror at the thought. ‘Yes; if he hadn’t been [ could have taken him along, for I gota grip on him that almost carried me under the wheels with him,” ‘*That was horrible!” Billy could not help ex- claiming. ‘‘If that was the case, here is a crime, and I think [ll take a hand in working it out, Poor devil, he is done for.” They had now come to where the body lay, under the middle of the last car, and it had been ground in two by the many wheels that had passed over it, True enough, as the engineer had guessed, the man had been bound to the rail, a rope passing two or three times over his body and as many times under the rail, so that it had been impossi- ble for him to escape. For a moment Billy had to turn away, fairly sickened at the sight; but in the next moment all his detective instinct was keenly alive, and he stepped forward and laid a hand upon the dead man’s face,,the thought having struck him to learn whether he had been placed there alive or dead, ‘* He was dead long before the engine touched him,” he cried. ‘The body is cold.” “That's so?” cried the engineer. ‘* I’m glad of that, anyhow. It’s bad enough as it is, but I’m glad the Flyer didn’t kill him.” ‘* Well, get the body out from there, boys, quick,” ordered the conductor of the train, “and we'll take it on to the station, We have no time to lose, but we are losing it fast.” The rope was quickly removed and the body lifted out and carried forward to the baggage- ear, all going with it save the young detective, As soon as the others had gone he gathered up the pieces of ropa and thrust them into bis pocket, and looked carefully around by the light of a match to see if any clew might be found. There was nothing, however, and he ran for- ward and reached the engine again just as the train started. ‘s You won’t need to get off at the junction now,” the engineer said; ‘* we'll have to stop at thestation. You have had more experience than you bargained for, Billy.” - “Well, yes, rather more,” Billy admitted. “(Tl tell you what it is, though, Chinny, I am going into this case and find out all about it, if Ican. My detective fever is away up, now, and I must solve théMystery of the dead man if it is in the wood.”* ** And you can do it, I'll bet, by all that ve read and known about you, l’ll watch the papers to re ad the case, for I’m sure it will be one, ; “Yes, [ think it will,and I'll tell you all about it afr it is over,” They -were soon at the Roseford station, where, the body was given into charge of the watchnian, the station being closed, with in- structions that he should notify the proper authorities, Billy asked the man if he recognized the face, but he did not; and aiter he had assisted the trembling fellow to put the body in the store- room where it would be safe for the time being, set out to keep his appointment with Mrs, Robn- wald, having but few minutes to spare to be there promptly on time. He could little imagine the new complications that had now arisen in the very matter in the interest of which he had been called, and con- cerning which be knew nothing whatever yet, Had not the watchman at the station been a comparative stranger at Roseford, he would have known that the dead man was none other than Gustav Rohnwald of Woodlawn Manor ! CHAPTER V, THE WOODLAWN MANOR CASE. It was a few minutes’ walk from the railroad station to the center of the village proper, and when he came there Billy found that most of the stores and shops had closed for the night, and that the streets were almost deserted. Making inquiry of a person he met, Billy soon learned where Woodlawn Manor was, and turn- ing his steps in the direction of the old manse, hastened forward to learn the matter of business upon which he had been called. W hen be came to the house be found it to be a large, old-fashioned homestead of colonial days, setting well back from the road and partly shut in by the giant trees standing in front of it, As he stepped upon the piazza he heard a loud elcex within striking the hour of ten, and the moment tie clock ceased to strike he lifted the knocker and awoke the echoes in the hall, The door was opened promptly by a man- servant, “T desire to see Mrs, Rohnwald,” Billy made known, “What is your name, please, sir?” inquired the servant, ‘* William Weston.” ‘* You are expected, sir. Follow me, Raper He conducted Billy down the hall and opened a door on the left, announcing as he did so: ‘“* Mr. Weston, ma’m.” The room was a small but cheerful apartment, and seated in an easy chair by one of the open windows was a womanof middle age, a pleasant- faced lady with silvered hair, “You are prompt to the minute, Mr. Wes- ton,” she greeted, without rising. ‘‘ Be seated here near me, please, so that we may talk in low tones.” ‘*T make it a point to be on time, whenever possible, madam,” Billy made answer, taking the chair the lady indicated, ** You are a younger man than I expected to see, Mr. Weston, after all I have read about you. ** Yes; I am little more than a boy, being only in my twenty-second year.” **You look even younger than that; but, you have won a reputation to be proud of, if all ac- counts are true, and [ have confidence enough in you to trust my case to you,” **T will serve you to the best of my ability, madam, if the matter is one I can undertake, Please let me hear what it is, together with all the particulars concerning it. But, first please say what the nature of the case is,” ** Well, it will come under the head of robbery, TI suppose, as you will class it, A valuable doc- ument has been stolen from this house, and I want you to undertake to recover it. But, the affair is so shrouded in mystery that it may prove no easy task for you.” - ‘*Ttisacase I can undertake. Now, for the particulars of it, and I will be able to form some idea regarding it,” ‘Then do I understand you that you do not take all kinds of cases that are offered?” ‘*T do not, madam, I have to refuse a good many. ‘The criminal case is my specialty.” ‘* So I have been led toimagine. Now, I will tell my story,and then I'll expect you to say what you think of the affair.” ‘* Very well.” ‘In order that you may have a full under- standing of it, I must give you the family history in brief. I will inform you that I am a widow, as perhaps you have already learned, or as you may have guessed, seeing mein mourning, My husband, Richard Rohnwald, died some months ago, was his third wife, and he had no children by me, though he has left two sons, one child having been born to each of his other wives, I have a daughter by a former husband, now twenty-two years of age, Her name is Carlotta Gilburt. *“Mr. Rohnwald’s son by his: first wife” is named Robert, Tho son by the second wife, two years younger than Robert, is named Gus- tav. Heis now a young man of twenty-four. When { cime into the femil¥ these boys were aged nine and seven, respectively, and my daughter was aged five. The boys immediately formed a strong attachment for Carlotta, and, as time passed, their affection ripened into love, and they became hated rivals to each other on her account, Finally, they had a violent quar- rel, and their father, taking the part of Gustav, turned Robert out of the house and forbade him never to show his face here aguin, ‘* A little time after that Mr. Rohnwald made his will, in which, after some minor bequests, he left the bulk of his property, real and personal, to Gustav, giving Robert the sum of one dollar only. This will, and its terms, were no secret in the family or in che neighborhood; and although everybody thought it unjust to Robert, nothing could turn Mr, Robnwald from his pur- pose, and he declared the will should stand just as he had framed it; that he knew perfectly well what he was about, and that it was his own business. So, the will was put away, and it passed out of mind, almost, till the death of Mr. Rohnwald, when it was looked for, but it was looked for in vain, 1t was not to be found,” ‘* And it has not been found yet?” ‘Wait; lam coming to that, The lawyer, Mr, Percival, offered to take the will, he says, but Mr, Rohnwald did not allow him to do so, saying he had asafe place for it here in the house, and that be did not want to take any chances of its being lost. Mr, Percival thought strange of that, for he bad taken care of other valuable pa- pers, and bad been doing so for years; but, Mr. Robnwald had his way about it, so the will was left in his keeping, and we knew that wherever it was bid it was not outside of this house; Mr, Rohnwald’s words to the lawyer stood as proof for that. But, the house was ransacked from top to bottom, in every crook, cranny and cor- ner, and the will could’not{be found, ow comes the mysterious part of it. A few nightsago this bouse was entered and that will was stolen from its hiding- place, of which we are sure beyond question,” E 6 ‘The affair begins to savor of the mysteri- ous,” ‘* Yes, so it does; and still, before Iam done you may say it isa very plain case indeed. ‘On the morning of the discovery of the robbery 1 happend to be the first one to enter the library, and the moment I entered the door a surprising sight met my astonished gaze. Over the mantel- piece was a hole in the wall, with a door stand- ing wide open; the hole was about a foot square in size, It wasa secret recess of which no one in the house had ever known theexistence, With the door closed it was invisible, the door fitting inasa part of the mantle carving. But, there it was, and that was not all, On the floor lay a large envelops on which was written—‘ Last will of Richard Robnwald,’ The envelope was empty, the will was gone! Afterward, Mr. Percival identified the envelope as the one in which the will had been put when he delivered it to Mr, Rohnwald, and the writing on it was his, A search around showed that entrance had been gained by forcing one of the parlor windows,” ‘* And there was no clue as to the identity of the rubber, Mrs, Rohbnwald?” “No, no clue whatever; but, suspicion has yinted to a certain person whose whereabouts is unknown, and that person is—Robert Rohn- wald, the disowned heir, Public opinion is very strong against bim, and it is now remem- bered against him that his father strongly dis- liked him, for some reason or other which was never fully known to anybody, He may have had knowledge of this secret place in the wall; it certainly appears positive that no one else had, And no one else, as it appears, could have any interest in doing away with that will, since no one else bad anything to gain byit. You can readily perceive how it stands,, With the will Robert was cut off entirely; with no will, then he would come in for an equal share with Gustav, which would enrich him; for Mr, Rohnwald died a very wealthy man, There is very good ground, it seems to me, for the suspicions against Robert, though I am very sorry it is as it is, Now, I would like to have your opinion of the matter, as it looks to you, and then I want to find and recover that will, if possible.” ‘What is your interest in the will?” Billy in- quired, ‘*You are quick to note everything, I see,” the woman rejoined. ‘I will tell you. By the will fam more liberally provided for than with no will; and besides that, a small legacy was left to my daughter. You see, I have an active interest in the matter, Mr, Weston.” ‘‘The explanation is satisfactory. And now my opinion in regard to it: I have to admit the suspicion against Robert Rohnwald is strong indeed, If he is guilty, then the will can never be restored, for lie has destroyed it, He would not allow it to exist any longer than he could not help, And, even if he is not the guilty one, I fear the will has met the same fate. My belief is that it will never be found,”
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—— ~~ ee eee ot — > Se ie + 7+ — es icy = again. ; re os _ “Then you think with the rest that Robert is guilty, do you?” ‘*T have not said so, madam, On the con- trary, I see some reason to think ho may be wholly innocent of the theft.” “You do! You surprise me, sir, when every- body else seems so positive it must have been he that did it, Wall you tell me upon what you base that idea?” ‘Tf he was the thief, why did he leave the secret door open and the envelope on the floor? Would he not have been more likely to have closed the door in the wall and leave no trace of his visit?” ‘Oh! that has been brought up, Mr. Weston, but Mr. Percival has disposed of it, You see, it was so well known that Mr. Rohnwald did leavé a will, he argues, trat it would be to Robert’s interest to have it known the will had been destroyed.” “T don’t think so, and on that point I can’t agree with the lawyer, That is the best proof that the will existed ut the time of Mr, Rohn- wald’s death, and if the witnesses are all living and can remember the conditions of the will, it might be hard for Robert to break it, even if destroyed.” ‘*T had not thoughtof that. I don’t know how that point wouid be in Jaw.” **Nor do I; it was only a thought that came tome, But, I think Robert would have been more apt to leave no trace of his visit, for then he could raise the argument that, no wil] being found, perbaps his father bad destroyed it before he diaa,” “Upon my word, Mr, Weston, your reasoning in the matter seems sound. Still, there is much against the young, man, Pernaps some noise in the house alarmed ‘him, and he left in such haste that Se forgot the door and dropped the envel- ope in his flight. But, I do not pretend to know; that is why I have called upon you. ‘Will you take the caso and endeavor to solve the mystery ?” ; “T will, and with much interest, I cannot, however, promise success; 1 seldom do that. And, it may prove a slow case, I may bave trouble to find Robert Robnwald, and I certain- ly shali not find him readily if he is guilty, In that case, he has no donbt put distance between himself and this place, and will endeavor to prove an alibi, If innocent, he will be able to prove the alibi, no doubt: though that would not prove that be bad no hand in it, fer he might have taken some one into the scheme with him, and his accomplice may have been the one who did the work, ow, with your permis- sion, 1 will ask some questions, madam,” Just then Billy fancied he heard a slight noise outside the window, CHAPTER VI. THE TERRIBLE NEWS COMES HOME, THE young detective was seated so that he could command a view of the window without turuing his head, and he cast a quick look in that direction, But, no one was to be seen, and as the sound was not repeated he gave it no fur- taer thought then, If loud enough for him to hear, it was certain- ly loud enough for the woman’s ears, she being nearest to the window; and as she paid no atten- tion to it he set it down in his mind as having been made by some trifling accident; perhaps by a cat moving along beneath the window, And, sve having given him permission to ques- tion her, he now proceeded to inguire into the particulars of the whole matter. “Dol understand you, Mrss Robnwald, that you never knew why Mr, Rohnwald hated his elder son?” : “T never knew in particular, Mr. Weston, Gustav was his favorite,” *“* Which of the sons was your favorite?” ‘¢You ask me a hard question,” ‘Why is it hard?” ‘*Woman’s reason; because it is, Kaowing that Mr. Rohnwald mjstrusted Robert and al- most bated him, as you pe aed it, I suppese I looked upon him with something of the same sus- picious feeling. But, I never spoke an unkind word to bim, taat I can remember.” ‘* What was your opinion of his character? Was it good, or was it bad? You certainly know that,” _ : ‘*T never knew any evil of bim. He was gloomy, almost morose, in his father’s presence, wnd spent most of his time in the woods and around the village, seeming to avoid the honse all he could. Gustav was with bis father a good deal, and was quite petted, I once s»oke to Mr, Robnwald about it, but he dismissed the matter 80 abruptly that I never ventured to mention it reas Pe ’ a" boa Bs sit Me a o) we A anes | % xe Broadway Billy’s Wipe-Out. ‘And what is your opinion of Gustav? If you had any preference between them, in whose favor did it lie? All this is important to me, and it will help me to reach right conclusions,” so do not think me over inquisitive. .“ Well, I liked Gustav; I have nothing in the world against him; but, feeling a good deal of sympathy for Robert, he has naturally been more in my thoughts, and after he went away I came to know that l regarded him with a good deal more affection than I had ever thought I had for him before, To be very frank with you, Mr. Weston, [ hope you can prove him innocent in this matter; but, I have told you just how black it appears against him,” ‘What was his reputation in the village? Since, as you say, the whole place seems to be against him now, he could not have been very well thought of, one would naturally infer, Can you tell me anything about that? Trifling items are sometimes important.” ‘* Robert was well thought of at the time of his going away, I have reason to believe. Now, however, mention of his name brings a shake of the head avd an ‘I-told-you-so’ look upon a good many faces, There are those, kowever, who atick up for him. For instance, there is Peter Goodluck, the old station-agent at this place, with whom Robert was a favorite; he will not believe the boy is guilty of the theft of the will, and stoutly maintains that Mr. Rohn- wald did him a great injustice; that he never understood the lad’s good qualities as he should have known them.” ‘Another question, Mrs, Robnwald, You have told me that Robert and Gustav were rivals for your daughter; which one did the young lady regard with most affection? This may have some bearing upon the case,” ‘* She loved Robert—loves him still, This sad affair is breaking her heart, I see there is no use keeping anything back from yon, for you will have it out, anybow, I-have told you that my object in sending for you was that the will might be recovered because I and my daughter have interest in it; but, that reason stands only secondary to the main reason, that for my daughter’s sake I must bave the mystery cleared up, if possible, There are two reasons running parallelin this, One is, if Robert is shown to be innocent, I have given my word to my child that I will favor his suit for her hand; and the other, if he is proven guilty, then she has pledged her word to me that she will wed Gustav.” ‘*Then you have been urging her to marry Gustav, I can understand, but she has refused, because she loves the absent Robert. You favor the younger man because he is the heir to the estate, I take it. Now, if both were poor, or both alike rich, which bad you ratber see her wed?’ “ Robert,” The answer came promptly. Again Billy fancied he heard a noise outside by the window, but this time it was even less loud than befo'e, and he gave it no attention. The conversation was being carried on in ver low tones, and the young detective did not thin it possible that an eavesdropper could overhear, even if there was one. ‘Your choice is named promptly,” Billy re- marked, ‘*Not because I have anything against Gus- tav; because I know Carlotia loves Robert.” * Another question: What was your object in having me come at so late an hour, Mrs, Rohnwald?”’ **Tn order that idle gossip might have less to say, for I am sure you have come with all the caution of your calling, sir; secretly.” ‘* As secretly as possible; I had to inquire where you live, of course, but that was all, Tbat was your only reason, then, why 1 should come by night, madam? If not I ought to now,” ‘* You suspect some other reason?” ‘*No, not necessarily; I thought there might be some particular person whom you would not want to know that you have employed a de- tective,” ; “T see again, Mr, Weston, the folly of trying to hold back anything from you or to deceive you in any degree. My confidence in you is growing constantly, and I am sure you will succeed with this case,” “But, that does not answer my question,” “True, The reason you have suggested was my main reason for having you pay your visit to me by night. I donot want Lx wyer Percival to know of it, if Lean keep it from him, at any rate for the present. He bas advised against it, you understand, abd he is my lawyer.” ~*~ ‘What was his reason for that? Does he not waxt some effort made to find the will?” nol “‘T will tell you. With all the rest of the village, nearly, he thinks it must have been Robert who took the document, and he would spare bim if he could.” ‘* While you, who profess to like Robert better than Gustav, in your secret heart, would have me bunt bim down and drag him to justice, even though he loves your daughter and abe loves him,” “Tam sure, Mr. Weston, that you understand me well enough, even though you pretend not ta do so, You are so quick to read what I have: partly tried to hold back, Iam sure you have not failed to understand what I have meant you. should understand, I will, however, speak out plainly.” ‘**1t were better to do so, madam,” ‘Well, I have told you my daughter loveg Robert. If there is a person in the world who knows him well, it is shes, and she stoutly main- tains that he is innocent; she declareg it is im- possible that he can otherwise. Had he known where that will was, and bad wanted to destroy it, he would have come here openly and: aboye-board and done it, His nature is too noble to allow him to play the thief. This is her argument; and so positive is sbe that, in spite of all appearances, I, too, believe Robert is in- nocent, So, I do want the will found and the guilty one punished, If we are mistaken, and it is Robert, well and gvod; but, if he is innocent and you can prove him so, better still, Now, sir, you cannot fail of understand-~ ing me,” ‘““No; you have made your whole ‘object plain.” / ‘Ts there anything further you would like ta inquire about?” “Yos; concerning the whereabouts of Robert: Rohnwald,” ‘*T have not the slightest idea where he can be, Mr. Weston,” ‘* No; but your daughter? If any one can give me a clew to him, it is she, I am sure,” **She does not know. I have asked her, and she declares she has not heard of him since the day he left here seven years ago.” “That is bad; [ hoped to get my start from her, But, perbaps his old friend the station- agent can give me the clue I need, Perhaps he has heard from him at some time or other during bis absence,” ‘¢ Possibiy; I cannot say.” ! ‘* And this is the whole matter of the business for which you called me?” ‘Yes; you bave heard it all, fully, Take the case, Mr. Weston, and solve the mystery if yow can, What is your fee?” That part of the business was speedily and sat- - isfactorily adjusted, and the young detective was about to take his leave when many heavy steps were heard on the piazza’ and the knocker" resounded through the house, ‘* Mercy! what can that mean?’ cried Mrs, Rohnwald, in alarm, Her face had grown suddenly pale, and she stood with her hands clasped as if apprehending, something terrible, The steps of the man-servant were heard im- mediately, and at the same time Billy caught again the sound he bad heard twice before px outside the window, and this time he decided to know what it was, With a single step he was at the window, and was just in time to see a woman ina light dress disappear around an angle close at hand, Some one bad been eavesdropping, and that person, he guessed, had been Mrs, Robnwald’s daughter, Carlotta Gilburt. And, he was not mistaken. By that time the man-servant had opened the door, and excited voices were for a moment heard, when the servant came running to the door of the room in which his mistress and her caller were, which be flung open bastily without. pausing to knock, and he looked like a man who had seen some terrible apparition, being as pale as death and his eyes widely dilated. ‘“‘My God! what is the matter?” Mrs. Robn- wald cried. ‘*‘ What bas happened? It is noth- ing to Carlotta, is it? Speak, man! Speak!” The trembling man-servant stood with his mouth open, but the power of speech seemed to have deserted him utterly, for the moment. By a desperate effort, however, he managed to gasp out; 4 “Mr. Rohnwald!—Master Gustav!—he has - been killed—” There was a woman’s piercing shriek in the hall, followed bya fall, and Broadway Billy sprung out, Mrs. Robnwald efter him, Prone on the floor of the hall Jay a woman, the woman of the same light dress of which Billy had caught a glimpse a moment before at the Tabally ak . in? > « ; Wee, bd ie Tae ne i Dreyer Pe: Pee Poet eae
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eS a ee eee ——_— Se ee 2 a SA a Se - man in the hall, who bad steppe wildly cried: ‘Carlotta! My child! has killed her!” CHAPTER VII. ATTENDING INCIDENTS. Some thoughts ran like lightning through Broadway Billy’s mind. In a brief momenta good deal of thinking can be done, First, be questioned, why, if this young laly and her mother were agreed that Robert Robhn- wald was innocent of the crime of stealing the will, had the young woman played the ;art of eavesdropper? Why had she not come boldly into the room? Then, too, if she loved Robert so much mre than Gustav, why should the news of his death affect her so? But, for that, there was the ac- ceptable explanation that perhaps she was very nervous, and the same news regarding one of the servants might have produced the same ef- fect upon her, These thoughts, and others besides, flashed through his mind in a brief moment, yet with- out any apparent hesitation or loss of time he said: ‘*No, she’s not dead, Mrs, Rohnwald; the shock has only caused her to faint. Here, sir,” to the man-servant, ‘‘ help me to lift her and we will carry her into the room here,” The servant sprung quickly to obey, and tak- ing the insensible girl up, he and Billy carried her into the room and laid ber on a lounge, where Mrs. Rohnwald and some of the women servants, who bad come ruuning quickly to the scene, set about applying restoratives, Broadway Billy, as soon as he had disposed of the fainted girl, stepped out again into the hall to learn what be could about the tragedy that had just been announced, He had the thought in mind that perhaps this was the young man who had been found dead on the railroad and run over by the Flyer, noted that person had been a young man and well dressed. One of the men who had brought the body home was standing in the ball, turning bis hat in his hands nervously, while several others were outside on the piazza in a group around a dark, dvead something which lay on a rude stretcher at their feet, and stepping to the door Billy quickly recognized, by the light of a lantern and that of the moon togethar, that his hasty guess had been correct, It was the body of the victim of the railroad tragedy, The young detective said nothing for a mo- ment, whilo he considered what stand to take in the matter; whether to let it be known that he had seen the body before, or to say nothing about any previous knowledge of the awful affair, He quickly decided to pursue the latter course, ‘** How did this happen, sir?” he Gaasieties the with him to This terrible shock the door, ** Why, sir, he was run’d over on the railroad, sir,” the man explained. ‘‘It is a case wuss’n that, though, fer he was was found tied to the rails, so they tcll,” ‘Indes i! Then it looks likea case of murder. Has any examination of the body been made yet?” ** Yes, [ have given it some examination— I’m the corouer here, you know} and I find tat his head has been cracked, as if with a bludgeon, I have sent for the doctor to come and look inter it more closter,” ** You have doneright. It is a matter that must be sifted. If murder has been cone, and that is hardly to be doubted, under the cir- cumstances, the guilty-man must be brought to account for it. Have you any suspicions as to who can hove done the dreadful deed?” ‘“* Well, there’s ¢ hint afloat, sir, a hint, but not knowin’ you I won’t mention it here and now. You area stranger to me, I believe, sir.” Billy would have responded, but just then Mrs, Rohnwald came hastily out and passed be- tween bim and the coroner, and he took ad- vantage of the interruption and said nothing further then. °¢ My God! this is terrible!” the woman cried, wringing ber bands, ‘‘ How did it happen, men? how did it happen? Where was he found? Heavens! he has been run Over on the railroad! Ob! this is too horrible to bear! Poor boy, poor boy!” He had! awful thing.” ‘* Tell we how it happened, Mr. Parkerburg,” the woman asked, ** Nobody knows jest how it did happen, Mrs, Rohowald,” was thé coroner’s reply. ‘tHe was found tied fast to the railroad track, and the train came along and run right over him,” Ont Ony" ‘* But, he was dead ’fore that, ma’m, for the body was stone cold, almost, and I have found a dent in his head where he was hit witha bludgeon or somethin’, It isa case of murder, Mrs. Kohnwald; seein’ that you know this much you may as well know the worst of it, He was murdered, and his murderer tied him to the rails,” Mrs, Rohnwald had staggered back as though she had been struck a blow, and her face was the hue of death itself. ‘* Murdered!” she gasped, ‘* Murdered !” ‘*There don’t seem tobe no doubt alout it, ma’in,” ‘* But, who can have done so cowardly a deed? And for what purpose?” ‘We don’t know, ma’m, but we are going to the place where he was found to look around,” ** Yes, yes, you must do that; you must not leave a stone unturned till you have learned the truth—till you have discovered the wretch who has done this deed, “Mr, Weston?” She looked around suddenly seeking him. “Here I am, Mrs, Rohnwald,” Broadway Billy responded, stepping forward, ‘*That other matter pales into insignificance in the face of this terrible crime, Here is work for you indeed. Do not stop at anything till you have discovered the fiend who has done this work,” ‘*T have already made up my mind to do that,” Billy said modestly, ‘*Migbt I ask who the gentleman is, Mrs. Robnwald?” said the coroner, as all eyes were fixed upon Billy. ‘* This is Mr, Weston the detective, from New York,” the woman hurriedly introduced, ‘‘ Mr, Weston, this man is Mr. Parkerburg, the coroner here, Lend him all the help in your power t> get at the truth,” ‘You ain’t the Mr. Weston, detective, I hear so much about in the papers, be ye?’ Mr. Parkerburg cried; ‘‘him they call Broadway Billy?” “The same,” Billy acknowledged, At that moment another personage came hurriedly up the flag walk, pantingly demanding as he came: ‘““What’s this I hear? What’s this I hear? Gus Rohnuwaild run over by the cars! - Is he dead, gentlemen? is he dead?” “Yes, be is dead, Doctor Graves,” said Mrs, Rohnwald, sorrowfully. ‘‘ This is asad blow, indeed for this house, And, worst of all, they say it is a case of murder,” ‘* Murder !” ‘Yes, Mr. Parkerburg says be was dead be- fore he was put on tie track, and he was found bound fast to the rail,” ‘*Good beaven:! this is terrible!” “And Isent for you, Doctor Graves,” said the coroner, “for you to examine the body thoroughly and find out jest what the cause of death was. The poor fellow never broke his own head in and tied his own self to the track, that is sure,” *Of course not, Parkerburg, of course not. Where shall we take the body, Mrs, Robnwald? The outside kitchen will be the best, I should say, seeing how terribly itis mangled. Lend a hand here, men, and carry it around this way, I'll see to it, Mrs. Rohnwald, I'll see to it,” And in that way the old village doctor took the matter upon his own shoulders for the time being, relieving Mrs, Rohnwald of it all, Of that she was glad enough, and a sigh of re- lief escaped her as she turned and went back to the room where she had left her daughter; Breadway Billy following ber there, As they entered the room the girl was just coming to, ‘* Ha did not doit, ol! he did not do it!” she cried, looking around her in a bewildered man- ner. Broadway Billy caught the words, and imme- diately a new thought came tohis mind, Had this girl some knowledge of the affair more than Pocr Gustav! | would appear possible for her to ; ossess# Her e\e3 wandered from faces to face, and ** We hated to bring him here, Mrs, Rohnwald,” | gradually she secmed to realize where she was the coroner said, ‘‘ but we thought it was best and what had happened, She said no more, and to do so, for we knowed you wouldn’t want him | already Billy had found an explanation for the taken nowheres else; but I kin see now that we'd orter ’a’ come and sort of broke it to you more words she had spoken, The case against Robert Rohnwald had been uppermost in her mind, af- Broadway Billy’s Wipe-Out. ; | window, and at sight of whom Mrs, Rohnwald | lighter, so you could bear it more easier. It’san | ter the talk to which she had been listening, and no doubt that was what her words had reference to, ** My child, my child, try to be calm,” the mo- ther said, stroking her hair in a gentle manner, * You will need. all your strength, Try to be calm, You fainted, and have just recovered from it.” ‘‘'Yes, I know, mamma; I remember now, Poor Gustav! Yes, I must bear up, for I will need all my strength, as you say.” This last was said with such firmness and calm- ness that Broadway Billy could not belp taking particular notice of it, **You wanted to seo me further, sir?’ asked Mrs. Rohnwald, as she just then noted Billy’s presence, ‘‘Wor nothing in particular,” Billy answered. ** As soon as the coroner is ready I will go with him to the scene of the crime.” ‘*Mamma, who is this person, please?” asked the young lady, quite eagerly. ‘* He is a detective, dear—” **Oh! yes; now I remember—” ‘You remem! er?” "Oh! I hardly know what I am talkiug about, mamma; my head is strange yet, from my faint,” The mother accepted this «xplanation readily enough, but not so Broadway Billy. He saw mure in the girl’s words and toanner than ap- peared on the surface, he believed, ‘*Then do not try to think, dear,” the mother said, soothingly. ‘Just rest where you are till you are fully recovered. And you, Mr. Weston, when you return from the scene of the crime you must come directly here and tell mo what you have been able to discover, I will re- main waiting for you.” . Very well, Mrs, Robnwald, I will do so.” * And, not only so, but you will remain here all night, since the hour will be so very late, perhaps.” “That will suit me, if it is convenient for you, madam, At any rate I will come in and tell you what we are able to learn, I only hope we can find a clue to the agsassin there,” The coroner and some of his men were pres ently ready, some remaining behind to assist the doctor; and under the leadership of Broadway Billy they set out for the place where the body had been discovered in quest of a clue to the beinous crime, CHAPTER VIIL. MAKING AN ARREST, LET a Cetctive from the city put in bis ap- pearance at any country village, and be known as such, and he is looked upon as notbing less than a little god, At the gate, 2s they came out of the grounds of Woodlawn Manor, was quite a crowd, and as the word was quictly passed that Broadway Billy, the detective, from New York, was with them, Billy became tke object of all attention, and was looked upon with a reverence akin to awe, “What isthisI hear?” asked one man, a man past middle age, who bad just come up. ‘‘ Gus Robnwald killed!” ‘Yes, Daddy Goodluck,” the coroner made answer, ‘‘and we are just goin’ toseeif we can’t find some clue to the crime. Come along with us: we want you,” Broadway Billy guessed at once, and correct- ly, that this was the old station-agent, rr mem- bering thename Mrs, Rohnwald bad mentioned. ‘* This is awful news,” the old man remarked. ‘‘T couldn’t believe it when I heardit, And they say the body was found on the railroad, too, and that it had been run over,” ‘¢- Yes; it was run over by the Flyer, and they stopped and took it up and carried it to the sta- tion, The pcor fellow bad been killed and then tied fast to the track, and—” “Hello! what's all this crowd for? What's the matter, boys?” So exclaimed and inquired a young man who just then met them as they were moving up the street. ‘Haven't ye heard, Dolph” one man of the party asked, ‘*No; whatis it? Must be something serious, by the looks of things, What, you in it, Coro- ner Parkerburg?” ‘* Yes; there’s been a murder done, Dolph—” ‘*Murder! Who’s been killed?” * Gus Robnwald.” ‘*Good heavens! you don’t mean to tell me that. Where—when was he killed? Isaw him late this afternoon, and— But, where was the body found?” “It was found tied to the railroad track
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ef Ae : f ~ ee hee ad ra Pr. at J Broadway Billy’s Wipe + Xe ? ¥ Pi % ‘down around the curve in the woods, and when the Fiyer came aleng it ran over the body and -cut is in two, But he had been killed before that, for his skull was broke and—” ‘* Dll bet it was the tramp, I saw him—” ‘My God!” ejaculated the old station-agent, **T had forgot the tramp!” ** What—whet’s this?” the coroner hurriedly inquired, ‘‘ Whoseen thetramp? What abcut Aim?’ ‘* Why,” the young man explained, ‘‘I was ridirg borseback out in the direction of Hope- dale this afternoon, and when I was on the ‘other side of the railroad bank at the place where the brook runs under, I saw a tramp on top of the bank. He had a long staff in bis hand, one that was peeled white about half way of its length, and he was shaking it at something or somelody on the other side, and was shouting. Then I heard a voice answer bim, and I recognized it as Gus Rohnwald’s, He was ordering the fellow to move on, and the tramp was defying bim, I didn’t pay much at- tention to ic.” “The same tramp,” said the old station- agent. “I remember the staff you mentioned, peeled white half-way up. I took notice of him as he passed the station, and I thought tben he was a ugly customer, sure as I’m a sinner saved by grace. And then when he had got a ways past [ noticed bis walk—” But just there the old man stopped short, in- terrupting bimself with a fit. of coughing. **'You noticed his walk?’ the coroner refeat- ed interrogatively, as soon as the fit of coughing bad ceased, ‘*'Ye—yes,” the old man said, hesitatingly; **T—] noticed that he walked— That is to say, he walked right in that direction,” The old man had recollected the similarity he had noticed in the tramp’s walk to that of bis qoane friend, the absent Robert Rohnwald, and ad almost let itout ,when he thought what sus- picion it might cast upon the young man, And, being urged to finish what he had start- ed to say, he hardly knew how to get around the point, for bis geod Christian tongue was stranger to a lie, and his hesitation was noticed by all, It was noticed, too, now, that be ap- peared to ba somewhat disturbed in manner. ‘‘ Did you see the tramp when you came back, Dolph?” the coroner inquired, ** Yes, I aid,” was the prompt answer. “TI was just going to tell you about that, too, I came back by the wood path that crosses down below the stution and comes along by the brook and on out bebind Woodlawn Manor, and when I came along by the stone wall behind the manor I saw a fellow asleep on the ground in the moonlight, snd 1 took him to be the same tramp. I didn’t stop to bother with him, but rode on about my business and went up home and put up my horse and thought no more about it; but now it all comes back to me, since you tell me what has taken place. T'll tell you what, let’s go rigbt there, and if the fellow isn’t gone arrest him on suspicion anyhow,” ‘* Just what I was going to propose,” cried the coroner, eagerly, ‘* We'll make sure of him if we can, and if he is innocent it won’t be any orcs done, What do you think of it, Mr. Wes- n ‘‘ That’s the proper thing to do,” Billy agreed. “*)f the tramp did the deed it will prove a very simple case, for we can no doubt put the crime on him fast enough,” The young man called Dolph looked at Billy keenly while be was speaking, and turning to the coroner, asked: ‘* Who is this young gentleman, Mr, Parker- burg?” “ Him? said thé coroner, with pride uncon- cealed, ‘ Why, he’s Mr, Weston, the detective, ic New ork; him they call Broadway illy. Tbe young man looked the amazement he felt, for a moment, “A detective!” he ejaculated, ‘ Broadway Billy! Really, this is fortunate, at such a time. Glad to know you, Mr, Weston,” giving his hand; ‘my name is Adolphus Greenwood, By what good fortune are you here at this time?” Billy bad taken the offered hand. ‘*T bappened to be called on another matter of business,” he explained, briefly. ‘*My visit would have been a secret one, but for this teirible affair, I was at Mrs. Rohnwald’s when the body was brought home, and so, naturally, ithe case fell to me to solve,” *‘Tben Mrs, Robnwald bad called you in re- gard to the lost will, I suppose.” ‘Yes, that was it; since it can no longer be a secref and no barm can be done by letting it out. But, lead the way to where you saw that ! ; tramp; we must get him if he has not already given us the slip.” ‘* Yes, we'll turn just ahead here, A curious case, that of the will; but, I don’t think there can be much question as to who took it; [ think the suspicion bas been put where it rightfully belongs. Rob Robnwald is the guilty one, and Vl be willing to bet on it,” ‘*Never!” cried Pater Goodluck, promptly. ‘*T say he’s innocent, and tbat Vl stick to till the day I die, Rob Rohnwald was not that sort. ILknew him as well as anybody here at Roseford, and maybe better, too, and I know he couldn’t do anything of that kind. It wasn’t in him, Tknew Robby.” ‘* Well, you are to be respected for your firm belief in him, anybow, Daddy,” Greenwood ob- served. ‘Still, you can’t deny that appearances are dark against him in the matter.” “TI don’t care a strawif they are black asa bottomless pit, Dolph Greenwood; that wouldn’t never nake me change my mind.” ‘© Woll, it’s to be hoped you are right, that’s all, Here’s where we turn, Mr, Weston.” ‘* How far to where the man was seen?” Billy asked, ‘** About an eighth of a mile,” ‘* Let every man be still, then,” Billy ordered, ‘fend let the lantern be put out, or carried well behind the man abead of it.. You lead the way, Mr. Greenwood; and you, Mr, Parkerburg, make the arrest.” ‘Oh, no!’ the coroner cried quickly: “ that is for you todo. You are the one to do that.” ‘* Very. well, if you desire it so. Silent all, now.” So, in silence they proceeded, Billy and Green- wood some yards in advance of the others, The way wasa broad wood-path, curving in frcm the main road and skirting along the wall in tne rear of the manor-house of the Rohnwald estate, Preséntly a point was reached where Green- wood showed more caution, and then in a mo- ment more they came to some great trees where the ground underneath was covered with a soft, yelvety sward. ‘* Soon, then, Greenwood stopped short, and catching Broadway Billy by the arm, pointed ahead on the right, where, in the border of the moonlight, lay a man, ‘* There he is,” he whispered, ‘‘ just where I saw him,” ‘*T see him,” said Billy. ‘‘ Follow me now, all, and be on hand to hear what he has to say when be wakes up,” This was spoken to the others as well as to Greenwood, they having come up with their leaders now; and having so said, Billy went ahead toward the tramp. He took a pair of handcuffs from bis left hip pocket as he advanced, and on coming to the spot where the tramp lay, caught hold of the fellow’s hands, and snapped the bracelets on his wrists before he awoke, The rest of the party came right up, and were circled around the tramp by the time he opened his eyes and stared around him in a dazed man- ner. This was but momentary, and the tramp essayed to rise, suddenly and with a great start. His hands being manacled, though, he fell back, and as he did so he held up his wrists to see what held them together. | ‘*My God!” he cried. ‘' What is the meaning of this, men?) What—what—what—” ‘Tt’s Rob Robnwald!” So cried several in the crowd, speaking at once, They had recognized the voice. Broadway Billy gave a start, in spite of him- self, at this unexpected denouement, while old Petar Goodluck turned away with a choking sob, covering his eyes with his hands. ; Billy’s duty was plain, and he did not hesi- ate, ‘Tt means, sir,” he said sternly to the half- bewildered tramp, ‘“‘that you are under arrest for the murder of Gustav Rohnwald, Take—” With a bound the seeining tramp was upon bis feet instantly, somehow, and he cried out wildly: ‘“Gus Rohnwald dead—murdered ! It cannot be; Isaw him late in the afternoon alive and well! And I—I— am accused of having killed him! Oh! God, this is too much to bear! Men, ‘““Pake care what you say, sir,” Broadway Billy continued the caution he had been on the point of giving, ‘“*for whatever words you utter now will be used against you later, a Greenwood, is this the man you saw on the rail- road bank this afternoon? And you, Peter GoodJuck, is it the man you saw passing your station?” . -Out. ‘Yes, it is the same person,” answered Green=- wood, boldly; but the old station-agent, pale — A and trembling, waved his hand as though to force back the question, crying out at the same tme: ‘* Do not ask me, do not ask me! I can- not swear it is the same person; how could 1? Do not ask me, I beg of you.” CHAPTER IX, CIRCUMSLANTIAL EVIDENCE, Some facts had be+n driven home in Broad- way Billy’s mind, quickly, swiftly, surely. First, that this tramp was recognized by his | voice as Rob Rohnwald; next, that he had been Qa seen by at least two persons on that afternoon; then, that the old station-agent had thought he recognized him at the time, If, then, he was Robert Robnwald he was only twenty-six years old, and must be in disguise, It was a simple matter to prove that, and the young detective set about it with- out delay. Taking hold of the prisoner’s hair he gave a slight pull, and hair and beard came off together in bis band! ‘*Rob Rohnwald it is!” cried the the crowd, ** We knew the voice, and be is the one that did the deed.” “Tam not the one who did it,” the prisoner fired, ‘‘ 1 knew not that anything bad bappened till you told me, I cannot believe even yet it is true, ‘*Let me caution you again to be careful what you say,” Broadway Billy enjoined, ‘* At present, appearances are against you, but per- haps your innocence will be proven easily enough,” Billy was of the opinion the man was inno- cent, ‘* He was a good-looking man, with a bold face and fearless eyes, and the face struck Billy as being one to be trusted. ‘“‘] swear I am ivnocent, sir, in spite of all,” the prisoner said to him in earnest tone. ‘‘ Be- lieve me or not, it is the truth,” ‘* But, it remains to prove you innocent,” Billy rejoined. ‘*‘ Why are you here in sucha disguise as this?” “* Because I am a fool, first and foremost,” was the forceful rejoinder. * And do you admit your identity as Robert Rohnwald?”’ . ‘All these men know me well,” : ‘6'Yes, we all know him,” spoke up the coro- ner. ‘* And, it appears very dark indeed against him. Robert Rohnwald, you said you saw. ei half-brotber late this afternoon; where was it ‘“‘Down by the trout pools, by the railroad bank. He was fishing when I came along, and I stopped to watch |im a moment, He madea catch and I spoke to him, and he recognized me. Fool that I was to think I could carry out the character I assumed! 1 might have known I could not do it,” ‘But, why did you come here like this” “In order to see how things stood here, and then go away again unknown if I found it bet- ter to do so,” i “Well, Mr, Greenwood here, who saw you ~ this afternoon, says be beard youand your balf- brother having words. It looks bad for you, now, and I only hope you can clear yourself.” ‘* Let us go on to the scene of the crime,” sug- gested Broadway Billy, ‘* This arrest does not excuse us from that duty, If this man is inno- | cent, as he declares he is, we may find something more there. What we are after is the truth, no matter what it is.” ‘And this is the nearest way to the scene. from bere,” said Greenwood. ‘*Come on, if only hope suspicion can be swept away from this man, It does not seem possible that he can be the murderer.” ~ ‘Shall we bring the prisoner with us?” ask the coroner, ‘*Ves, may as well,” billy answered, They set forward, then, Billy again warning the prisoner to take care what he said, and in due time reached the pools, He Here the moon shed its full, strong light, and by daylight. And, almost the first object to draw the attention of the quick-sighted detective was a stout staff, one with the bark peeled off it one half its length, Springing forward, Billy picked this up and looked at it, carefully. d Near one end he speedily discovered a stain of was the weapon with which the deed bad been may asked of Greenwood. ‘*] should say it is, sir,” was the ap ry the whole scene was shown as clearly, almost, as _ blood, with some hairs with it, proof that this — one. ‘Tg this the staff you saw the prisoner have?” —
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“Oh Robby, my poor boy, muttered the old station-agent. “And it is the same one you saw him carry when he passed your station, is it, Mr, Good- luck?” ‘*T cannot swear that it is, sir, I cannot swear that itis,” was the eager effort atevasion. “ How do you suppose I can, sir?” Billy did not press the question, seeing how painful it was to the old man and knowing full well the reason, bet turned his attention to look- ing further about on the ground. Suddenly he stooped and picked up something which he put in his pocket, * What have you found there?” inquired Greenwood, **Something which may prove useful in the case,” Billy answered, ‘Ddo not care to make it known now,” He looked further, it being unnecessary to use the lantern in his search, for the moonlight was so strong that it cast a shadow of the lantern on the ground; and in a few minutes he discovered what he wanted. That was, the trail leading away from the scene, This trail led along by the bottom of the em- bankment till it came to the end of the fill, where it went up in the rain-washed gully that formed the line between the natural bank and the fill. Billy was not following the trail of blood now so closely as he was following the heavy foot- prints that went with it, and jnost here they were very plainly marked. ‘“* Stop,” he ordered those behind him, ‘Do not spoil these tracks, for they may prove the whole case for or against the prisoner. He went up the bank, taking care not to mar one of the tracks, the others { going further around in order to get up. When he reached the top of the bank, which there was not very high, Billy recognized at once the spot where the body had been tied to the rails, only a little way distant down the track, at a place where the ground was level. He went no further, having already looked well around there, He indicated the spot to the others, and many of them went forward to il, among them Dolph Greenwood and the coroner, The old station-agent remained behind with those who had the prisoner in keeping, and as soon as the greater part of the company had left them, he eagerly asked, * Rob, tell me, are you guilty of this crime?” “Daddy Gi odluck, C am not,” was the firm answer, clearly spoken. “Thank God for that,” the old man said, cevoutly. ‘I have your word; now come what may, I believe you innocent,” “You know me, Daddy; you know me as my poor boy!” only one other in the world does; and I tell you candidly and sincerely, tuat [ left Gus there by the pools, alive and well, and [ have not seen him since,” “T believe you, dark ,@8 appearances are against you, I believe you,” And 80, too, did Broadway Billy, He had noted the prisoner’s manner and words when first charged with the terrible crime, and had there and then adjudged him in- nocent, If not, then he was a most perfect actor, and other circumstances went to indicate that he was far from being that. He had not been actor enough to carry out bis assumed charac- ter of tramp. Then, too, if guilty, was, it likely that he would have remained there so near the scene of the crime, and that he could have lain down and gone soundly to sleep? It did not look reason- able to the miud of the young detective, Still, be could not deny how terribly appearances were against him, ‘*Mr, Robnwald,” he now said to him, I want one of your boots for a moment, If’ you are innocent these tracks are not yours, for they are the tracks of the man who brought the sya from the pools there and tied it to the rai “ Ha! that is so,” the prisoner cried, as with a sudden burst of hope, * Tako it and put it to the test.” He threw himself upon the ground as he spoke, and ae up his foot that the boot might be re- mo Billy laid hold upon it and drew it off, and by that time the others were returning. ** What now?” asked the coroner, “*I’m going tosee if the prisoner’s boot fits these tracks,” Billy answered, “Hall bad not thought of that. That will tell for or ag’inst him, sure as kin be.” Billy took the boot and tested it in some of the ______ Broadway Billy’s Wipe-Out. nearest of the tracks, the others looking on as he did so, eagerly awaiting bis verdict. But, they did not get it, When he looked up, presently, it was to say: ‘* Here, gentlemen, take the boot and fit it to the tracks yourselves, and say what you think. You, Mr, Par kerburg, are the man to do this,” ‘* But, you are a detective, sir,” the coroner argued, ‘“‘And you are the coroner in charge of the matter,” Billy reminded. This touched Mr, Parker burg upon his official pride, and taking the boot, he proceeded to do as be bad seen Billy doing. ‘*T swow!” he presently ejaculated, “it fits the track.” ‘** Let me see, if you please,” requested Green- wood, ‘I hope I can show that it don’t.” He took the boot and followed the example of the others, but when he rose it was with a shake of the head, and he handed the boot to Billy without saying anything. Others made the same test, andit was agreed that the boot did fit the tracks, “But, what is your pag of it, Mr, Wes- ton?” the coroner inquired, *“The boot is certainly about the same size as the track,” Billy had to admit. “Then fate is against me,” sighed the pris- oner. ‘I swear to you that 1 was neither up nor down the bank at this place. 1 went down yonder nearer the bridge, and I did not go up again at all.” ‘Then you admit that you did go down to the place where your half-brother was standing, do you?” asked the coroner, ‘*Yes, 1 admit that, You can find my tracks there where I went down,” The coroner shook his head in a dubious way. Billy helped the prisoner on with his boot, and then assisted him to his feet, when he gave him over to the coroner. ‘* What is your opinion in the case?” the coro- ner asked, ‘* Tt is needless fora man of your age and ex- perience to ask that of me, sir,” was all the auswer Billy made. It certainly looked like a case all too plain, and in sorrowful silence the littl company wended its way back to the village, where the justice of the peace was called up and the prison- er was proper ly committed to jail to await his examination on the morrow, And while that was being done, Broadway Billy went to the Woodlawn Manor to report to Mrs, Robnwald, as he had promised to do. —— CHAPTER X, GROWING DARKER, Briiy found the lady awaiting his return, and her daughter with her, in the little back sitting- room where he had before had the interview with ber, The faces of both looked haggard and worn, and the girl’s eyes showed signs of weeping. ‘‘ Well, what have you been able to learn, Mr. Weston?” the woman asked, “That it was undoubtedly a case of murder, madam,” was the reply; ‘‘ and, an arrest has al- ready been made,” ‘An arrest already!” exclaimed the girl. **Who is it?” “Tt isa tramp—” The girl clasped ber hands and sunk back in her chair with a moan, Billy grasped the truth at once. She had known of the presence of Robert in his disguise; perhaps had an interview with him, ** What do you know about this tramp, Gilburt?”’ he demanded. * Nothing, sir, nothing. Ob! it is so terrible, to think of his having been killed by a tramp. But, are you sure the tramp did it?” “Do not think to deceive me, Miss Gilburt,” said Billy, gently. “‘The identity of this tramp is krown, and I know by your words and actions that you knew of his presence bere.” “And do you think him guilty?’ asked Mrs, Robnowald, quietly. “T want it understood that 1 do think him guilty,” Billy answered. The young lady gave a groan at that, cover- rs her face with her hands, and a sob shook her rame, ** But,” Billy added, *‘I am going to take you ladies into my confidence and tell you, secretly, that I believe Robert Rohnwald entirely inno- cent of this crime, I intend to exert myself to the utmost to prove him go,” “Thank heaven!” cried the young woman, in a hushed whisper, and she threw herself upon her knees before Billy, clasping his right hand in both of hers and looking up into his face. “ Only Miss SS 9 prove Robert innocent, Mr, Weston, and I will bless you, evermore!” ‘** Carlotta!” the mother chided, yourself,” The girl was already resuming her seat, ‘* No, mamma, I do not,” she made reply. ‘I was overjoyed at hearing Mr, Weston say he be- lieves in Robert’s innocence, in spite of all ap- pearances,” ‘Yes; but perhaps he does not know just bow dark the appearances are against the prison- er. Hecannot know what you have disclosed to me—” “Oh mamma | you promised not toreveal that to any one!” ‘* Useless to try to keep it back from Mr, Weston, dear. He has already guessed that you know something important, and he has been able to see by my manner that you have told me all about it,” All of which was quite true, of course, ** But, mamma, it will hang Robert, as sure as it comes to the know ledge of the jury.” ‘Perhaps it may not be necessary that it should be known further, Since we have heard Mr. Weston declare his belief in the innocence of Robert, we know we can trust him. I shall tell him what you saw and overheard, and let him say what he thinks about it,” “Tt were better so,” said the young detec- tive. ‘* The fuller the understanding I have of the whole matter, the better [ can work upon the case,” The young lady bowed her head, and her mo- ther said: ‘What we refer to, Mr, Weston, is something which my daughter and I had made up our minds to keep secret, She had told me all about it before youcamein, But, as I said, now that we know you are for Robert I will disclose it to you, ‘*This afternoon my daughter was out walk- ing in the wood, and her walk took her down by the trout pools near the railroad bridge, As she drew wear there she heard voices, one of which she recognized as Gustav's, She went on, and a few steps brought ber toa place where she could peer through tbe bushes, and there she stopped, in fear, for two men were quarreling, and she recognized the voices of both, now. ‘* One was Gustav and the other was Robert Robnwald, and Carlo’ a saw that Robert was in disguise as a tramp, and that be had a big stick in his hand, one that was peeled half-way of its length. This stick he was shaking menacingly at Gustav, and Carlotta heard him say in words of hot passion; ‘Take it back, or Pil strike you to the ground where you stand! Take it back, or as I live [ will kill you! And being terribly frightened, Carlotta ran away from the spot as fast as she could, fearing that if her presence became known to the rivals it might precipitate a deadly strife between them,” Broadway Billy had clinched tight his hands, as he heard this, and he fixed his eyes upon the floor, a heavy frown upon bis brow, Here was damning evidence against the man in whose innocence he bad declared his belief, Was Robert Robnwald, after all, a more perfect actor than he had given him credit for being? * What do you think?” asked the young lady, eagerly, ‘What you have heard has not changed your mind, I hope!” ‘Tt is evidence which would bang him,” Billy said. ‘I only hope I can clear it away so as to make it of none effect, for I am still of the mind that Robert in innocent,” ‘Thank God!” ‘And you will not compel Carlotta to tell this story at the inquest, will you, Mr. Wes- ton!” asked the mother, *“*T will not, as I am not working against Robert now, but for him,” Billy answered, “T can understand how terrible a trial that would be for her, loving him as she does,” ‘*T¢ would kill me!” the girl declared, “lamin the case with the belief that Robert Rohnwald is innocent,” Billy said, musingly, t* Why would he tie his victim to the railroad track, after be had killed bim, if guilty? Some- thing” I do not pretend to understand, that. No; Tam still firmly of the belief in his innocence, though the case against him is terribly dark.” ‘You have vot told us bow you found Rob- ert,” reminded Mrs, Rohnwald, a True, but I intend doing so, now. It was with the ‘help of another witness that we—” ** Another witness!” cried the young lady. *Then—” ‘*One who saw the tramp op the railroad bank,” Billy explained, ‘‘and heard him in an altercation with Gustav. He met us as we were going out to the scene of the tragedy, ‘* You forget
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Hee 4 and having heard- nothing about the death of Gustav Robnwald, asked where we were going and what was the matter, seeing the coroner with us. ‘He was told, and the moment he heard Gustav had been killed he mentioned the tramp he had geen and told what he knew. More, he had seen the tramp again, later, and knew where he was asleep in the woods, and guided us to bim. We made the arre-t, and it was then discovered’ who the tramp really was, and the cass against him at once looked darker than ever, ‘*Mr, Greenwood recog—” ‘Mr. Green wood!” the young lady exclaimed, interrupting. ‘‘What Mr. Greenwood was tbat?” ‘*Mr,. Adolphus Greenwood.” ‘He! Howl hate him! Did he know who the tramp was, before the arrest?” ‘* No; he was as much surprised as any one there. But, you say you bate him; may I ask why you hate him?” ‘It does not matter, sir, since it is nothing which can concern this terrible affair, I pre- fer not to tell, if you please,” * You should guard your tongue a little better, Carlotta,” said the mother, reprovingly. ‘Since you have said so much I shall have to explain the matter to Mr, Weston,” ** As you think best, mamma,” ‘* It is like this, sir,” the mother said: “ Mr, Greenwood has been seeking to marry Carlotta, and not liking bim, she has come to hate him for his persistence in the matter.” ‘““ Ah! Isee, Well, as I was about to say, Mr. Greenwood recognized the tramp as the same one he had seen on the railroad bank earlier in the evening, or rather in the afternoon; and Mr, Goodluck, who was with us, recognized him as one he had seen pass the station that afternoon, That good old man tried to bide what he knew, but his efforts to do so only made it the more plain, We went to the railroad bank from there, and on the rocks by the trout pools we found tha half-peeled club, and it had blood and bair on it as proof that it had been the weapon used by the assassin.” ‘He is lost—lost!” cried the young lady, wringing her hands, ‘‘Hrom there,” Billy proceeded, ‘‘ we follow- el to where the body had been tied on the rail- road track, and the tracks in the clayey earth fitted well the boot the tramp bad on, We took one of them off, and all present were satis- fied that he was the one who had carried the body up there, I never saw a case so plain, takiog a general view of it; and yet, from cer- tain facts I have picked up, and from ideus I have formed, and impressions that have been made upon my mind, I still think Robert inno- cent, and I hope to prove him so; But, as I said, this is to you privately. Openly, I want it tc appear that I am against the young man, for the present.” ‘* He is lost, lost, lost!” cried Miss Gilburt, still wringing ber hands. “Do not despair,” said her mother, ‘‘ Mr, Weston has made a reputation asa detective, and we know he would not say what he does without some good grounds to support bis opin- ion. Still, how terribly dark it is! Prejadiced minds will see in it only a desire to have Gustav out of the way in order to come in forthe whole estate, and to have him out of the way as a rival for the hand of my child here. How little they understand bim! No, Robert is not guilty of this; I cannot believe it; he could never do such a deed, unless—” ** Uniess what, madam?” ‘*T was about to say, unless Gustav attacked him and he fought to defend himself, and unin- tentionally struck bim a blow that killed him.” ** Not so,” said Billy. ‘*The blow was intend-. ed to kill; no doubting that part of it. But, if Robert did do it, for sake of argument let us suppose, rey did he put the body on the track? And, too, why did be remain herein the wood, when the discovery wa3 bound to come early and his chances for escape would be slim indeed after it was known that the victim had heen murdered, And, why did he leave his staff at the place of the crime, direct evidence against him? And, could he lie down as we found him and sleep soundly immediately after committing sc hellish a deed? Never! I give you these aes for your comfort; do not repeat them, You will see, in part, why I believe him inno- cent.” ‘God bless you for your cheering words!” cried the young lady ‘“And do you exert yourself to the utmost to ee the truth to light,” urged Mrs, Rohnwald., “That I shall do, never fear,” Billy promised, ———E———E EE sa a a illy’s Wipe-Ou “* And now, if you will allow me, I will assume a disguise before leaving the house again, bave work to do, but you can let the impres- sion be that I spend the night here.” With a few hasty touches the detective dis- guised himself so completely right therein the presence of the two ladies that they could hardly believe the same person stood before.them. And that done, he went out into the night by a rear way, to perform whatever task he had in mind, CHAPIER XI. BILLY’S SILENT SEARCH, On the following morning Broadway Biily breakfasted at Woodlawn Manor, and a little time later came forth from the house and made his way in the direction of the railroad station. He was without disguise, and no sooner had he made his appearauce than he was seen, and men in the street pointed him out to one another as the detective who was in town forthe purpose of clearing up the Roseford mystery. Qoite a number followed him to the station, keeping at a distance behind him, feasting their eyes upon what was to them a treat, a genuine and real live detective; and Billy bad to smile to himself as he noted what interest his presence created in the rural mind. Reaching the station, he found old Peter Goodluck in the office at work upon some report or other for the company. He recognized Billy at once, and opening the door of tha office, said: £ Come in here, sir, for I want to talk with ou. ‘Thank you,” said Billy, as he accepted. The office wasof good size for a country station, and at a table in the bow window sata young man who was working the telegraph. ‘*T want to talk with you about this awful matter here at Roseford,” the old man said as he closed the door, ‘* You needn’t mind the operator; he is my son” ‘That is all right,” responded Billy, ‘* I’m willing to talk with you, sir; but before I do so I want to send a message to New York. You send messages from here, I suppose, of course?” ‘*- Yes; just write out what you want to say, and Harry there will send it for you.” So, Billy wrote out a message in cipher, ad- dressing it to— : ‘ “Arttyarp & MARTEN, “Room No, —, ‘*No. — Broadway, ‘* New York City.” That message, as the reader will recognize at once, was to his ‘‘team,” Happy Harry and Silent Seth. The operator counted the words it contained, stated the amount due, and as soon as Billy had settled with him he turned again to the old man, ** Well, Mr, Goodluck,” he asked, ‘is there something you want to inquire about in partic- war?” ‘Yes, young man, there is,” was the re- sponse. “I want to ask ye, right out as a man, if you think there is any Lope for Rob Robnwald,” “The case is very dark against him, Mr. Goodluck,” Billy evaded. ‘‘ You can see for yourself just bow it stands. Of course, after the inquest we may be able to understand it better.’ “Yes, [see how it is, sir; but I want to say to you right here that I will never believe Rob Rohnwald done that deed, not if he was to con- fess to it I wonldn’t; be ain’t that kind. I have knowed Robby from a boy up, and he’s as good and true as bis mother was before him.” ** Then he is the victim of circumstantial evi- dence the most unfortunate, Mr, Goodluck, is all Tcansay. I certainly hope he will be able to clear himself, but at present that is almost like hoping against hope,” f “T know it, I know it: but I'll believe the boy’s story, no matter what the proof against him is, after what-he said to me last night. No matter what comes, even if they hang him, to me he is innocent and [ wanted to Jet you know just how much faith I have in him,” _** Tam glad to see you so strongly on the weak side, Mr, Goodluck. T only wish he hada few moresuch friends, The man who sets about proving his innocence has got to work against the whole field, howéver, and will have no easy task before him, Now, as you believe Rob in- nocent, is there any one else you can suspect of having done the deed?” “Nota single one, sir. God forgive meifI * t. Lal a a LE to back up the suspicion with,” AS ‘*Tbhen do I understand you to hint that you might tbrow suspicion upon some one else if you would—” ‘No, sir; no, sir; you don’t understand me to say anything of the kind.” : “Oh! Well, excuse me, then, Mr, Goodluck ; but, there are some questions [ would like to ask you, if you don’t mind.” ‘* What are they?” ‘* About what time was it when Rob Rohnwal¢ passed here yesterday afternoon?” ‘‘T should say it was about five o’clock, as near as I might guess; not many minutes before or after, anyhow,” ‘That is near enough to it, since you do not know the exact time. Now, did you notice » Mr, Adolphus Greenwood going by the station here after that, on the road out yonder?” ‘No, I dii not; but that dcn't signify, for he might a’ gone a Lundred times and not be seen. o’ me.” ‘* Well, can you tell me who it is drives a horse and a mule together, with a very broad- tired wagon?” ‘6 Yes, that’s Silas Barringer.” ‘“‘And [ saw him come along that road about seven o’clock,” spoke up the operator, “That road is not traveled much, I take it,” Billy observed. ‘* No, not very much, But, what are you com- in’ at, young man? You wouldn’t cast no sus- picion on Silas Barringer, would you?” ‘‘Har from it,” Billy made reply. ‘I was merely getting at the time in a certain point I have in mind, that was all. But, I’m afraid the cass is going against the young man ip spite of all.” ; “‘Tt looks that way. Foolish boy he was to come here in such a manner.” “Yes; for that very fact will tell terribly against him, And then the fact that the murder was done with the club he carried.” ** Yes, ye3; and the tracks up the bank, whick his boots seemed to fit s0 well— Poor Rob! I would almost lay down my old life to save bim I believe; yes, I would do it, and willin’ly, for i know he is innocent.” ‘But, you can’t offer anything to prove it.” ‘* Not a thing, nota thing.” Billy talked a little longer with the old man, drew out some more points he was after, and went away. He bent his steps in the direction of the vil- lage proper again, and when he reached the hotel of the plece he met Dolph Greenwood. ‘* Good-morning,” Greenwood _ greeted. ‘¢ Learned anything more?” ‘* Nothing more of any importance,” Billy an- swered, **Been out to the scene of the crime this morning?” m ‘““ Why, were you going out that way?” “T thought I would. Daylight is stronger than moonlight, and there may be something to discover,” ‘*T am satisfied with my examination of the ground last night,” said Billy, ‘* but if you want. to go out that way I'll walk with you. I sup- pose there is a crowd on the spot by this time, though.” 4 ‘That's so, no doubt there is; but, they can’t. carry it away with them, that is sure.” ** Come on, then, Have you seen the coroner this morning?” sw ae ae should mention any name without some proof ig { Vet. ag ‘a YANK, x * oS . ‘“-Yes, and he js all broke up over the matter. I guess it is the first bad case he ever had,” “*What time does he begin his inquest?” ‘* At half-past nine, 1 Leligve.” \ ‘¢' We can be back in time for that, I want tc, be on band to hear andgee. I suppose the fellow is guilty, sure enough.” “1 don’t see any doubt of it. He and Gus hated each other, and Gus had the inside trac’ of him all around, both in property and love matters, With Gus out of the way he would have the whole thing to himself.” : “Yes, that’s true, sure enough, But, why. do you suppose, did he tie the body to the rails?” ‘‘ Don’t see, unless he wanted it to be sure to he found, so there could be no question abovt Gus’s being dead,” : ; “Tf that was his object, I sbould think be would have merely laid it on the track, to give the impression that it had been an accident.” ‘‘T don’t pretend to be able to guess bis no- tive, but maybe be wanted it to appear as a mur-~ | der, out and out, hoping to be able to prove his - innocence of it. He was in a good disguise, you Re know,” ‘* Yes: but he kept the disgvise still on, anda went and lay down in the wood to sleep, sides, he left his staff at the place where the — / ' te
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deed was done, and by putting the body on the rail he invited early discovery and his own ar- rest. J “ That’s all so,” the young man admitted, ‘It puzzles me,” ; ‘“*Isn’t it just possible that he may be innocent, and that some one else did the deed?” “T only wish it could be proven so, Mr. Wes- ton, but it looks to me like an impossible task, Everybody is against him, you see.” “That is nothing. Ifany proof of his inno- cence could be showr, everybody would be as strongly for him, except perhaps his personal enemies, if he has any such,” * Well, perbais you are right,” *ITnve you ever heard what the trouble was L. tween him and his father?” “No, noting further than that Rob and his step-mother could not get on well, and the old man had it in for him on that account,” “ But, at the timeof Rob's going away they are sid to bave bad a cuarrel.” “The same old sore, [ guess, moro { do no} know of it.” They telked on, Jilly drawing out all ho could got, in a careful way, and in due time they came to the jceno of the crime, Hera, as Silly had prophesied, was a zood crowd, half tse mon ad boys of the village be- ing corgrega*od ‘ere, it a: peared, all searching eagerly around ->d all talking wisely. *Do you want to be seen?” asked Greenwood, as they peeped through the busbes, "Wo, itisn’t worth while,” Billy answered. “ve got all[ could learn here, so we may as well walk back,” They turned, and as they did so Billy’s eye caught a bib of cloth on ono cf the bushes, Greenwood, too, seemed to see it at the same in- stant, for he reached forth and took it, ** Hello!” he exclaimed, ‘here is something. It is a bit of a woman’s dress, and— By Harry! I recognize the stuff; it is like She dress Cariotta Gilburt wore when | saw her yesterday. What do you make of this, Mr. Weston? What ought we to do with it? I suppose I'll have t turn ‘6 over to the coroner, much as I hate to do that,” CHAPTER XII, THE INQUEST AND THE VERDICT. THE inquest was begun promptly at balf-past nine. An intelligent jury had been got together by the town constable, and they assembled in one of the great pariors of the manor-house, The room was well filied with the town’s good citizens, and the prisoner having been brought from the jail occupied a prominent seat, He was still in his tramp’s attire. He had washed and combed, however, and was by long odds the finest-looking man in the com- pany. He had dark curly hair, a graceful mus- tache, keen dark eyes and even teeth of purest white, He looked anything but a murderer, yet he was looked upon as such. 7 The coroner began the business of the hour nny at the time set, and the first witness called was Peter Goodluck. “Mr. Goodluck,” the coroner asked, ‘*do you recognize this prisoner as the man you Saw pass- ing your station late yesterday afternoon, in full disguise as a tramp?” ‘*T do not,” was the firm and prompt answer, ** You do not?” “a No, sir.” * But, last night at the time of the arrest you showed by your actions plainly enough that you did recognize him,” **T tell you now that I do not recognize him, The tramp I saw bad bushy hair and beard, for one thing, which this prisoner has not, sir.” It was plain that Daddy Goodluck meant to favor the prisoner if possible. “Well, do you recognize this wig and beard as the one he had on?” holding up to view the disguise Robert bad worn, “T can’t say that [do; the tramp did not stop and I only saw him as he passed,” ‘*Did that man carry a staff?” “Yes,” ‘Ts this the one he carried?” “That is impossible for me to say; it looks like it.” ‘Prisoner, you will please put on this dis- guise, take the staff’, and stand up,” the coroner ordered. Robert Rohnwald complied, “Now, Mr, Goodluck, is this the tramp you saw yesterday?” ‘*T can’t swear that it is, sir,” “Does he Jook like the tramp you saw?” ** Yes,” very reluctantly, “That is what the gentlemen of the jury want to know. Now, sir, how long after the tramp If anything Broadway Billy’s Wipe-Out. passed was it that Miss Carlotta Gilburt came to the station?” Broadway Billy gave a start of surprise, and the young lady and ber mother looked at each other in something of ,alurm. How had the coroner come by this knowledge of Miss Gilburt’s movements? Billy quickly reasoned it out, however. Dolph Greenwood had turned over to the coroner the bit of cloth be had found, and no doubt the coroner bad made inquiry and found some one who had seen the girt at the station. ‘* How do you know she was there?” asked the old agent, embarrassed. ‘That does not matter, long as I do know it,” the coroner rejoined, ‘ Please answer the question.” The poor old man looked at the young lady and then at the prisoner, belpiessly, and said: “Tt might have been twenty minutes aiter; I don’t know.” ‘What was her manner? be excited” ** She had come close to bein’ run over, an’ she was pale and excited like, naturally.” ‘*Of course. Did she tell you which way she had come?” With another helpless look at the young lady and the prisoner the old man gave his answer. ‘*She said che had come up through the glen,” That was all, and Dolph Greenwood was the next witness called to the stand. Needless to give his testimony, question and answer, since it is already known to the reader, sum and substarce, The next one called was Carlotta Gilburt, She advanced pale and trembling, and took the witness chair, ‘* Miss Gilburt,” said the coroner, “‘ here is a iece of goods like the dress you wore yesterday. t was found ona bush near the trout pools where Gustay Rohnwald was murdered. Can you tell the jury bow it came there?” *Tt must have caught as 1 was passing along that way,” was the firm answer, though the girl was pale to the lips, *« But, it was inthe bushes, a'step away from the path,” said the coroner, ‘It may have blown there, sir.” ‘Wo; it was caught faston the very thorn that tore it from your dress, Why had you stepped aside into the bushes?” ** | decline to answer that.” ** Did you see Gustav at that time?” «“ Yes,” ‘Did you see Robert?” **T decline to answer.” ‘* Did you overhear any high words?” **T decline to answer,” ‘* Very well, ycur refussals only tell against the prisoner, Miss Gilburt.” He dismissed her, well knowing he could draw nothioy further from her, and called the most important witness of all, the prisoner himself, Robert Rohnwald,” be asked, ‘‘ why did you come here in this outlandish disguise?” **So that 1 might not be recognized, Mr, Par- kerburg,” was the firm answer, ‘‘I wanted to know how matters stood here, andif I found them so thatit were better for me to goaway again and never return, I intended doing that, and no one would know that I bad been here,” ** What do you mean when ycu say you want- ed to learn how matters stood here?” ** Well, I had heard that my father was dead, and 1 wanted, to krow bow the property had been left, for one thing; but, and more impor- tant than that, to me, I wanted to learn wether Miss Gilburt had married my half-brother, or Was engaged to him, If I found either to be the case, then [ would go away for good and all and they would never know I had been near them,” ‘Why did you choose tocome as a tramp? Was there no otber ani more respectable dis- guise you could have assumed?” ““T thought by coming in this manner that no person could ever guess Who I was, knowing that I was not actor enough vocarry out the de- ception any other way, But, it ssems it was a most unfortunate choice.” “Did Gustay recognize you when you came along where he was fishing?” **T stood and watched him at his sport for some moments, and when he made a catch my enthusiasm got the better of me and I applauded him, We exchanged some remarks, and be re- cognized my voice,” * What happened then?” ‘*When I was sure that he recognized me, I admitted my identity, and told him tbe object of my coming, and propose that he be the one to give me the information I was seeking. I went down to where he stood, presently, and there we talked, He wasin an evil mood, and Did she appear to 11 pretty soon he insulted me and I threatened him» with my stick unless he took back his words, He took them back and offered an apology for them, and in a few minutes we parted, I going off into the wood, where I intended spending ther night,” ** And you mean to tell us you did not see hin after that?” **T did not gee him after that, sir; { left him there alive and well, And, another thing, [ took my staff with me, and had it with me when I lay down in the wood tosleep, It seems it was found at the scene of the crime, I have no knowledge how it came there,” The coroner looked at his jury. ‘This is strange, very strange,” he remarked. ** How do you account for it, sir?” **T don’t account for it,” was thereply. ‘* Alb Il know is that I have told you the truth, and that I am innocent of the crime.” ‘But, Robert, we bave examined, as you know, the tracks leading from the pool to the railroad bank, and they exactly fit- the boots you wear, The inference is that the tracks are, yours,” “They were not mine, sir,” ‘* How can you prove they were not made by” you?” ‘“*T do not know; Ido know that I am inno- cent of the terrible murder for which f£ have been arrested.” ‘** But, all the circumstances are against you, and it must be for the jury to decide in the mat- ter, If you are innocent, we only hope you cam establish it,” Some other witnesses were then called, and then it came Dr. Graves’s turn to testify, “Have you examined carefully the body of the dead mau?” asked the coroner, ““T bave, sir,” the answer. ‘* What do you find?” “That death was caused by a blow upon ther head, and it is certain the man had been dead: for some time when he was run over by the cars,” That closed the corcner’s inquiries, and he proceeded to charge the jury according to the evidence they had heard, “Gentlemen of tho jury,” said he, “it now remains for you to decide in the matter before us. You have heard the evidence jest given in your hearing. There does not seem to be much question as to the manner in which Gustav Rohnwald came to bis death, That is only too evident, It couldn’t be any more plainer, seems to me. He was murdered, and then his body was put on the railroad track to be run over by the cars. The question is, did Robert Rohnwald do the deed? He came here yesterday afternoon in disguise as a tramp. He was heard having words with Gustav, “The prisoner admits that he threatened him, This was no doubt what Miss Gilburt overheard, that. made ber excited when she reached the station, Did that quarrel end in a murder? Think wel? of the evidence before you decide, ‘Was there any motive for such a crime om the part of the prisoner? Let us see. He’and Gustav had never been friends, Gustav had just come into all the property, and was in a fair way to win this lady whom they both loved, With Gustav removed, Robert would have everything hisown way. Did he do the deed? Tf so, why did he put the body on the track and so invite discovery? And, why did he remain so near at hand, and so invite arrest? Does itt not look more reasoiable that he would get- away from the scene of the crime as soon as possible, so as to prove he was not here at all at the time? These things are for you to consider in makivg up your verdick, We will now alb retire and leave you to deliberate over the mat- ter, and when you are ready you can send for me, All left the room, then, save the jury; but they were not long in making up their minds and the coroner was recalled, and the verdict they gave was, that Gustav Rohnwald bad come to his death at the hands of some person, per haps Robert Rohnuwald, who should be held for further examination, CHAPTER XIII. BILLY’S TEAM TAKE HOLD, AFTER the inquest was over, Broadway Billy remained for a little tine at the house, talking with Mrs, Rohnwald and her daugbter, When he went from there it was to go to the. jail, where he was promptly udmitted to the celb where the prisoner was confined. His name and profession were the ** Open Sesame.” “ Mr, Rohwuwald,” be said in tone that so none else might hear, “I have come for a little talk with you regarding this matter with which you. ——— - Ef Samy a
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are charged. I will begin by telling yon, pri- vately, that [am convinced of your innocence, You know who I am, of course,” / ‘* Yes, Mr. Weston; and Jet me say that Iam glad to know there is one who will believe my story in spite of appearances, Tam as in- nocent of the crime as you are, although I may have to hang for it, for [do not see how Iam going to sweep away the terrible evidence that stands arrayed against me, Do you see any hope for me?” ‘*T do see hops for you, Mr. Rohnwald.” ** Thank God for that.” ‘*T think Ican assure you that you will be cleared at your examination,” **So soon! Then do you think I will escape en the murder? Your words lend me new ife, ** Yes, I think you will escape the trial, for, if Tam not greatly mistaken, another will take your place before then.” ; ‘* Who is that. other?” *‘T cannot tell younow, You may be sure, though, that I would never give you this hope without good ground for its support. You must mot mention it, however, for I want it to appear yet that I think you guilty.” ‘“‘Phen I'll never breathe it, Mr, Weston. I ‘have beard of you, and I know you are a detec- ‘tive worthy the name.” ‘‘T want to aska few questions, Mr. Robn- wald.” ‘Ask as many as you like; Ill give you = yen Ai and truthful answers to them all, ‘When youcame here yesterday you were aware that your father was dead?” “*T was,” “Did you know anything about the will he had left?” ‘* No; that was a part of the matter I wanted “to learn about; how he had left the property.” “Good. Now, were you aware of any secret ‘recess anywhere in the wall at the manor-house?” ‘*No, 1 never knew of such a place,” ‘*Never heard your father speak of such a “place?” ** No, sir.” ‘* Well, there was such a place; a small niche jn the wall above the mantel in the library, and in it your father’s will was hid.” “Gustav mentioned yesterday that the will had been stolen, and he accused me of the theft, I bave since found tbat such is the general opin- ion here in the village, A good opinion my old friends have of me, truly.” ‘* Yes, that suspicion is against you, as well as ‘this of the murder, It was upon that case I was called here by Mra, Rohnwald, who wanted the will recovered and the truth brought to light concerning it, She did not think you guilty, understand me, But, she wanted the truth,” ‘* Perfectly right; I am glad she took that step. When was the will stolen?” Billy gave him the date, and he was thought- ful for a moment. ‘* Ha! the date is a fortunate one for me!” he resently exclaimed. ‘‘I can easily prove where was that night.” ‘* [ am-glad to hear it, If you can prove that, ‘the present case will be weakened against you ‘by half.” ‘*And I can prove it. I attended the wedding of a friend of mine in Washington as best man, ‘Excellent! Now there is light ahead, sure enough. Keep this to yourself for the present. We will hold back our heavy guns for the ex- amination,” ‘ Just as you say,” * Who is your lawyer?” ‘“*Mr, Percival, I bave sent for bim.” * He is inclined to think you guilty, with the rest, I believe.” . ‘* Whut makes you think that?” “* He did not want Mrs, Rohnwald to employ a detective, having in mind the honor of the family name and your safety together,” ‘** Some influence has been at work here against me, Mr, Weston, during the time I have been absent, to change everybody so against me, Men who knew me well should know better of me, ‘For instance, the old station-agent.” “Yes; he is true.” “And you will see the whole town swing around on your side, too, as soon as we get down to busiuess,” ‘* T hope so,” “Tknowit. But, if Mr, Percival is to handle our case we must take him into our confidence, will go and see bim immediately, before be comes to see you, and will have a talk with him, He was at the inquest, and looked very dis- itressed,” eT = yo tA ce eee Broadway Billy’s Wipe-Out. ‘*Tt was enough to make anybody look blue,” “You are right; but, it will presently make somebody else look not only blue, but green and yellow all around in spots as well.” At that the prisoner smiled, and after a few words more Billy took his leave and went in quest of the lawyer. He was closeted with him for half an bour or more, and when he left, the lawyer looked de- cidedly brighter than when he had come, After that Broadway Billy disappeared. He had been seen at the hotel, but no one could say just what had become of him, This was strange, too, for the worthy citi- zens of the village had been keeping him under their eyes pretty closely, to note his doings, But, be was gone, and no one knew how, when or where, It wasin the afternoon that astranger was geen at the station, pacing the platform as though awniting a train, No one knew him, and little attention was paid to bim, for a stranger at a railroad station, apy wherg, is no strange sight; for there, if any- where, strangers are to be encountered, This stranger was a solidly built man, per- haps thirty years of age, at a casual glance, and had a full black beard. He looked not unlike a Jew, and yet the like- pess was not very pronounced. It was the black beard, no doubt, that gave the impres- sion. He had nothing to say to anybody, but paced to and fro attending strictly to his own business and leaving other persons in the same highly commendable occupation, Finally a train drew up and stopped, and two young men alighted. These looked around asifin search of some one, and they had not long to look, for the man who had been waiting rushed up to them, kissing each in turn in the true Israelitish fasbion, When the train went on the three bent their steps in the direction of the village hotel, talk- ing eagerly and earnestly among themselves. At the hotel the man inquired for board and lodging for a day or so, asking for a room with two beds, He could be accommodated, and registered thus: ‘¢ Moses Cohen and Brothers, New York,” That done, he casually let out his business at Roseford, which was to look around with the idea in view of opening a clothing store there, After some talk among themselves and others in the bar-rcom, asking questions concerning the prospects of their venture, and so forth, the three retired to their room, There, as soon as the door had closed, one of the younger of the trio proceeded to stand on his head. Is it necessary to explain that these were Broadway Billy and his ** beagles?” Billy’s telegram had brought them to his aid, As soon.as Happy Harry had righted himself, and all had taken seats, Billy said: ‘* You answered promptly, boys, and you have carrie’ out the role well, and I’m proud of you. Now Ill give you the case.” *¢ And them kisses!” exclaimed Harry, ‘‘ That was too good, boss. You are good at kissin’, an’ if I was a gal [’d set my cap for you, you bet!” ‘** Tt bad to be done, to make the deception per- fect,” said Billy, smiling. ‘* Yes, I s’pose so. But, boss, let’s have the ease, for we are jest dyin’ ter get in our fine work on it, ’specially Seth. He don’t say much, but he is thinking as hard as ever he can.” ‘Well, here it is,” said Billy; and, in low tone, he gave his apprentices a full and complete his- tory of the whole matter to date. “That feller is innocent, of course he is,” de- clared Ha: ry, as soon as Billy had done, ‘Seth thinks so, too; I kin see it in his off eye. What’s more, i'll bet my bat the other feller is the guilty man.” “‘ Mind, his name must not be breathed,” cau- tioned Billy. ‘Take me for a jay?” asked Harry. “ Hardly.” ‘© Then don’t think we’re goin’ out an shout our secret from the housetops, so that he that runs may get there, or whatever the quotation is; we ain’t that kind; and ’specially Setb.” **IT know I can trust both of you. Now, for the work you are to do; and you must put your- selves right down to it, to do your very best, A little slip on your part may throw all! the fat in the fire, you know, My case is half complete, sit FEO tai re el Rs . teen Ciba para tp | and now it remains for you to help me to make as | it perfect.” | * And we'll do it, you bet! Hey, Seth?” | The silent partner nodded, ** And, don’t forget your names,” Billy further ; cautioned, | ‘* No, brother Moses, you shust bet we won’t; mine is Levi and Seth’s is Abraham,” ** Well, we have been long enough here in our room, boys,” said Billy; ‘‘ we must now go out and cast about fora location for that clothing emporium,” They left the room, and were soon busily en- gaged in the work they had given out as having brought them to Roseford, And so passed the afternoon, and when sup- per time came they bad not succeeded in finding a store, but they had become pretty well ac- quainted with tbe town and its citizens. | CHAPTER XIV. BILLY’S WORK, DONE, Ir was some timaafter supper when pe pea Billy again made his appearance at the hotel, this tims in proper person. “Hello!” greeted Dolph Greewood, who was on the piazza when be came up, ‘‘ we thought you had gone back to the city. You slipped away from us on the sly.” ‘““No, I baven’t gone yet,” said Billy, taking a chair near the young man, ‘I haven’t quite finished.my work bere, The matter of thestolen will hasn’t been cleared up, you know,” ‘* But, it’s plain enough who took it, i should think,” ‘“‘It may seem so, but suspicion isn’t proof, you know, ‘The prisoner has denied all knowl- edge of it.” ‘* That he naturally would do.” “Of course; and, if guilty, the proof has got to be forthcoming to fasten it upon him.” ‘Well, I suppose that’s so. How are you go- ing to do it? Can you prove he was here that night? Or can he prove be was not here?” ‘*T have got to prove he was here, in order to fix she crime on him, How it is to be done I do not know, unless I can make the gir] confess what she knows.” ** You think she had a hand in it?” * Does it not look reasonable?” ‘* Perhaps, if you want to look at it that way; but, I hold Carlotta Gilburt to be as good and pure as an angel, and I don’t think she would take any part in such a piece of business,” ‘‘But, women are strange creatures,” argued Billy.. ‘We know she loves Kokert, and she would not say anything at the inquest that would injure him if she could help it, She may be as guilty as he is himself. To judge by looks ‘and appearances only, he is as good and true as she can be,” ‘¢ The evidence is all against him, thougb.” “T know it; and, I may be able to bring some of it against her. Don’t you see?” ‘“‘What do you mean?” ‘* Well, suppose it was she who stole the will, how then?” “¢ Impossible!” ‘Nothing is impossible, where a woman is e-ncerned. And, what if it can be shown that she killed Gustav.” *¢ Good heavens! you can’t think that?” ‘“‘fam merely supposing the matter, to see ; how it will fit,” . ‘*It is folly to think of itin that way, She could never carry the body up and tie it to the rail, ‘ Besides, the tracks were plainly those of ‘‘ Well, maybe both of them together bad a hand init. What errand had the girl out there | that afternoon about that time? There is some- | thing strange about it all, as you must admit.” ‘7 don’t see anything in it. I believe she was simply taking a walk, as it is given cut; and that sbe was in time to hear something of the quarrel, and, being alarmed, she ran away as fast as she could.” ; “Then why did she not report at the station what was the trouble? Instead, she deceived the old agent,” ‘That is easily explained.” “Then explain it to’ me, ““ Why, apprehending what might bappen, she would not say anything for fear of getting Rob into trouble, If he bed got off unseen, she would never have opened her lips, is my idea,” There was little in the argument billy was advancing, but it served to draw thoughts from the young man. hile they were talking, two ragged youth passed down the street and disappeared around ' a corner. Billy noted them with satisfaction, and con-
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- tion. ‘tinued his talked with Greenwood, in argumenta- You seem to talk as though you would ar- rest the young lady upon suspicion,” Green wood presently observed, “T believe I could do so with good grounds for the action,” assured Billy, ‘‘it is not my intention, however, If sheisin any way guilty, it will come out,” * But, she is not guilty; I could swear to that, almost. Knowing that girlas I do, lam sure there is nothing evil in her.” eS Perhaps you have tender thoughts in that ditection,” laughing. **T won’t deny it.” ** Tt will be convenient for you, then, to have the rival brothers both out of the way. It’s an ill wind that blows no good.” Greenwood looked at Billy searchingly. Billy met this scrutiny smiling, awaiting his response, ‘You are heartless to mention such a thing, sir,” Greenwood said, ‘At sucha time that is furthest from my thoughts.” “T gave it out as a joke only,” ‘Its a serious joke, with me, more about it.” “Very well; just as you please; but, do not mention what I have said to you in confilence.” While Billy was talking he took a small pen- knife from his pocket and began cleaning his nails with it. He was at the same time keeping watch upon the man beside him, and presently saw him start as his eyes caught the knife. _ Billy did not look up, just then, and when he did so Greenwood had regained his composure and carried on the conversation without appear- ing to notice the knife further. This knife, by the way, was the object which Billy had picked up at the scene of the crime on the previous night, It would appear that, recognizing it, Green- wood knew who its owner was. Broadway Billy remained with him all the eve- ning, even detaining him when he would have taken his leave, and finally Greenwood came to regard bim as a pretty good sort of fellow. illy entertained him with stories of some of his adventures, not in a boastful way, but natur- ally, in response to questions asked. The hour was late when firally they parted. They had remained on the piazza all the time, and while there the two ragged youths had been seen again, passing up the street, After Greenwood had gone, Billy took a stroll, and was seen no more that night. Later on the three Jews came in and retired to their room. ** Well?” Billy cautiously asked, when they bad Please say no M closed the door. ‘* He’s our mutton, sure!” exclaimed Harry. Seth nodded approval. ° ‘“« What have you discovered?” ‘©The boots and the cut rope.” eae an old coat with blood on it,” added th. ‘* Where are they?” a Bebind the wocdshed at the Woodlawn or. “Good! Now we are coming at the thing in good shape. I'll compare the boots with my laster molds the first thing in the morning, and f they are a match the case is complete.” “* And you'll be able to get Rob out before he gets sont up for the grand jury, sure,” Harry de- clared, exultantly. ‘‘ Yes, if I get the proofs straight enough. The examination comes off to-morrow, and the prosecutor thinks he has a sure case.” ** And he don’t like Rob worth a cent, and will be glad to send him up,” ‘So I think, from what I have been able to learn. It will be fun to disappoint bim.” _ “But,” spoke up Seth, ‘ suppose our man gets alarmed and lights out? He may, when he finds _ the things gone, you know,” “True enough,” agreed Billy, ‘You tboys will make it your business to keep your eyes on him to-morrow, and all the time until bis ar- rest, “¢ And if he goes to skip out” ‘© Nail him, at all hazards,” ‘* Why not take out a warrant and arrest him now, aod so take no risk?” suggested Seth. “That would be the proper plan,” assented his chief; ‘‘ but, I can’t miss the fun it wil] be to spring the trap at the examination to-mor- row. “ That's the stuff!” ejaculated Harry. ‘It would spoil all the fun to do it now and let everybody eome there prepare’ for what was to -- gome off, No; let’s shock ’em like with dyna- taite,” PEF Broadway Billy’s Wipe-Out. . nn a a a od r ¥ esr. b 1) eee ‘You boys have done good work,” Billy com- plimented, ‘‘ and it only remains for you to keep it up to-morrow and the thing is won.” Broadway Billy against the field—a clean wipe-out,” suggested Silent Seth. * He and his team,” Billy corrected, ‘‘ That’s about what it is, for everybody is settled in the* opinion that Rob Rohnwald is a guilty man; all save one or two very near friends,” ‘¢ And everybody is going to get astonished,” cried Harry. “Tf nothing fails,” said Billy. ‘*I think I have the case well in band, and it has been worked out more quickly than [dared hope, I was up all night last night, taking casts of the tracks and hunting for further evidence, and I got; what I was after as I have told you.” After some further talk they retired, Billy being well fagged out. - Atan early hour they were up again, how- ever, and immediately after breakfast Billy left the hotel, Stepping out of sight in a convenient place he removed his disguise, and at once proceeded to the Rohnwald residence, When he had been gone a little while his team set forth upon the business that had been in- trusted to them, which will be made known in due time, Arriving at the manor-house, Billy had some talk with Miss Gilburt, after which he went out to the rear to look for the things the boys had mentioned to him as being there, Bebind a shed he found them;a pair of old coarse boots, an old coat with stains of blood on it, anda rope on astick, such as gardeners use in marking out the ground when planting. There were two sticks, but a piece of the rope was missing. One of the servants carried the things into the outer kitchen, and there Billy examined them at his leisure, his face lighting up as he did so, The case was bis, now. The boots matched the plaster casts of the tracks in every particular, and the rope he had picked up at the time of the finding of the body was the very piece that had been taken from the gardener’s sticks, The case was as good as won, CHAPTER XV. DAMAGING TESTIMONY. WHEN the young detective had fiuished his work each article had been properly labeled, and they were all done up into as compact a bundle as possible, This bundle, for the present, Billy left in the care of Mrs, Robnwald, telling her in what man- ner of disguise he would be when he came for it; or, if not himself, then his boys, He left the manor and went inthe direction of the hotel. As he came noar there he met Dolph Green- wood, who seene' somewhat troubled in man- ner, Billy knew well enough what the trouble was, but he did not let on that he noticed anything unusual about the man, ‘ {t was the first time they had met that morn- ng. ‘* Good-morning,” Billy greeted, Greenwood responded, and then inquired: gee anything new in the case, Mr. Wes- 0 “Thera don’tseem to be room for anything new,” Billy answered, “ Why?” ‘* The case seems as plain as it can be.” ‘** Against Rob, you mean,” “Of course, The people here would lynch him, [ believe, if they could have their way about it.” “ Yes, I know, There was a guard around the jail all night, to protect the prisoner. If he is guilty, though, he deserves to be hanged,” ** Most assuredly,” ‘*T meant to say lynched,” ‘‘No; the law here in Jersey is speedy enough,” - ‘“*By the way, you haven't discovered any- thing new, have you?” “Little room for further discoveries now,” Billy made reply. ‘‘The prosecutor has a sure thing.” * ** Well, it’s too bad, but if he is guilty he must answer for it, that is all, He was a fool to ssc here as he did with sucb a purpose in his eart. ‘* Are you going to stay here to be present at the hearing?” he added, ‘* Yes, I suppose 80,” Billy answered, * As a witness?” ** Yes, if I am called on.” ‘Your testimony will damage Rob’s case.” ‘*Can’t help whose case it does damage to, a ee Se ES ee a ee ee el a a ee ee eS ee es a a eS EE EE EEE eee know,” ““Cortainly. And then you are done with the matter, 1 suppose?” ‘ ‘* Yes, I guess so, for I don’t think my ser- vices will be required any longer. The mystery is all solved.” ‘Ts there any other detective here, do you know?” ** Not that I am aware of.” ‘*T was going to say, if there is any chance for Rob, and if they are going to try to clear bim, I stand willing to aid all I can iv the work,” ‘“ That’s good of you, anyhow, when so many are against him, I guess the case will not re- quire any further detective work after the bear- ing, however, I think it will be settled,” ‘*Then you see no hope for Rob?” ‘You know just how it stands, Mr, Green- wood,” ‘But, I’m asking you what you think about it.” * And have told you the prosecutor has & plain case.” Toe man looked at Billy sharply fora moment, and dropped the matter, They talked on fora little while about other things, and then parted, and after that Billy wae seen no more for a time, The examination was set down for elever o'clock on this day, the day before the funeral, It had been proposed that it be postponed till. after the funeral, but the people cf Roseford bad, urged it, Everythiag being so strongly egainst the pris- oner, there was a sentiment of vengeance against. him strong enough to bave lyncbed him witbout trial, could a leader have been found, The people: were fairly crying for bis life, The situation had been regarded as serious on the previous, night, and the jail kad been guarded, t was the very brutality of the deed that en- raged the people, The murder knd been as bad’ as a deed well could be; but, when the body was: deliberately tied to the railroad track, that made- the crime so appallingly beinovs that it was no wonder the people of the village were excited almost to rasbness, A very litt'e would have precipitated trouble, The hearing was to take place in the court-~ house, and precisely at eleven o’clock the bell. was sounded, Everybody was on band at the hour, and the court-room was packed full of people, A judge bad been summoned, and was on the: bench to hear the case, The prosecutor opened the case by giving the story at Jength in his own way, and by the time he had done, it could be seen plainly what the mind of the jury was. After that recital the witnesses were called one by one, and the proofs were piled up a ainst. the unfortunate prisoner thick and fast, It was. about the same as had been given at the inquest, with some changes. These changes were in the testimony given by’ the old station-agent and by the young lady,. Miss Gilburt, ‘“* At what time, Mr. Goodluck, did that tramp: pass your station?” the prosecutor asked, ‘Tt was about five o'clock,” the answer, ‘““You have seen the prisoner since in the dis- guise he had on when arrested; did you recog- nize him as the same man you saw then?” Edita” “Then, you say, he and the tramp were the same?” ‘ST do, ain: 9 . ‘* Did you suspect then who the tramp was?” ‘* After he had gone past the station I noticed something in his walk which made me think of- Rob Robnwald.” ‘* But, you did not think it was he?” ‘No, I did not think it possible it could be,” “Of course not, No one would have dreamed’ of his coming herein such a guise, Now, sir how long was it after the tramp had pas when Miss Gilburt came to the station in an ex- cited manner?” * Perhaps twenty minutes,” ‘You noticed tbat she was excited?” “*T did.” ** And you mentioned it to her?” +“ Yes,” ** What did she say?” ‘* She pretended the train had frightened her,” r fhe ahnan ght faa then?” Though ‘* Hardly; but I let it thought at first she had been frightened by the tram a “Did you ask her if she had seen the tramp?’ “Yes, but she evaded the question and soon went away. I noticed when I asked her that, she seemed to grow yet more pale,” The prosecutor looked at the candid cld man.
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: -searchingly, as though wondering at bis gettin »so much where he had expected to find it har ito get even a little. iss Gilburt was the next witness called. ‘What object had youin going for a walk up through the glen on the day in question, Miss Gilburt,” she was asked, / ‘‘ Merely that, sir; the object of a walk,” was the reply. ‘Then you did not set out expecting to meet Robert Robnwald?” * No, sir; I had not heard from him in seven ‘years, and knew not where he was at that time.” “You went down through the wood path to ‘the trout pools, where you stopped, as is proven by a piece of your dress found on one of the bushes aside from the path, What did you stup tor? ‘*T heard loud voices asI came around the . vocks just above the pools, and thought I recog- mized Robert Rohnwald’s,” ** And so you did.” ““ Yes.” ** Tell the jury what you heard,” “They were quarreling, and I heard Robert threaten to kill Gustav, unless he took back something he had just said, I was frightened, -and fearing that my presence might bring on a fight between them [ ran quickly away.” “ Hal” cried the prosecutor, ‘‘A threat to ‘kill, mark you, gentlemen of the jury. Had you any idea, Miss Gilburt, that Robert would @arry out that threat in the manner he did?” ** He certainly spoke as though he meant what the said,” ‘Then you did not see him strike the blow?” # **T did not.” ** Do you think he did strike it?” **T do not.” ‘Then, may I ask, why have you told so much that is damaging to bis case?” ** Because, sir,” with diginity, ‘‘I am sworn ‘to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing ‘but the truth,” ** And for which we are greatly obliged to you,” said the prosecutor, and he made hera polite bow as he dismissed her from tbe chair. ae next witness called was Adolphus Green- ‘wood, He was pale and slightly nervous, at first, but soon got control of himself and told the same story he had told at the inquest. Then the prisoner himself was called to the ‘stand, * Robert Rohnwaki,” was tho first question, *“‘where were you on the night of Auguat sixth?” “T attended a wedding in Washington, where Iserved as groomsman,” was the straightfor- ward reply. * Can you prove that!” *¢T can, sir,” “You will be given opportunity to do so. Now, pleass tell your version of this affair of the murder, hy you came bere asa tramp, why you and your half-brother quarreled, why you threatened him, and all about it.” And so the prisoner did, telling his story fully and truthfully from beginning to end, **A cunningly devised tale, a very cunningly devised tale,” said the prosecutor, when {he had done. “ But, it will not serve you, sir, The circumstantial evidence against you is too strong. Nothing can break it down, and you are already doomed for your fiendish crime,” The prosecutor then called the attention of the jury to every point in the case; the finding of the blood-stained staff, the tracks, and all, CHAPTER XVI. BROADWAY BILLY'S .VIDENCE, LAWYER PERCIVAL took up the case for the defense promptly. ; The first witness he called was Adolphus ol a greatly to the surprise of all pres- ent, “Mr, Greenwool,” he asked, “at what time did you set out to take tuat ride on the after- noon under consideration?” “Tt was about five o'clock, sir, I think; I did not note the exact time.” ; The witness appeared to be uneasy and nerv- ous, more so than he had been when called to the stand before, ‘*That wood road, we know, is not much traveled, Did you take any notice’of the tracks indicating what manner of vebicle had last passed that way?” “No, sir: I did not give it any thought or at- tention,” “Are you acquainted with the team and _ Wagon with which Farmer Barringer usually Wh on +) +e fi 1 \ > \) pe y ; ee |i B! ‘ Ee hs LAY ue ‘ ") 439 r 4 . rr :
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erfecs of the tracks, I Jay down near at and and waited for it to harden. I remained there until near daylight, when, taking up the casts, I set out to follow the trail of Greenwood’s horse on the previous afternoon, 16 is daylight early, you know, [ followed it for a long distance, and noted that it had gone | over the road after the coming toward town of a wagon with broad tires drawn by a horse and a mule, When the track left the road it went through the underwood to a path, where it turned again toward the village, At a point about an eighth of a mile from the railroad bank I came to a place where the borse had been tied in the bushes for some time, at a distance from | Upon making that discovery my sus- the path, For what purpose ee were strengthened. ad that stop been mace? ‘Well, I went on, watching the ground closely, and in places [ founi the tracks of a man, going in two directions—the same tracks, and they were identical with the tracks that had been made by the man who had carried the body up the bank and placed it on the rail. That was point Number Six, and I then decided that Adolphus Greenwood was my man, Still, I had to prove it, strong as my my suspicion already was, Following the path on, I came to the spot where the murder had been done, and there, by daylight, I made a thorough examination,” CHAPTER XVII, BROADWAY BILLY'S TRIUMPH. THE entire court-room was so still that the fabled pin might have been heard to drop any- where, The vast crowd was held spellbound, the prose- cuting attorney was looking at Billy with amaze- ment depicted upon his face, while Greenwood, with pale face and staring eyes, seemed as if Gurned to stone, ‘¢ My further examination,” Billy proceeded, after a momentary pause, ‘‘revealed much. At a point near the pools, where Robert Rohn- wald had been fishing, I found where a man bad been concealed in the bushes, The tracks were plain, showing the wearer of a fine boot to have been the person hidden there, and there I found a nickel matchbox, I took a cast of ono of those tracks also, ‘*T went around and around that spot, widen- ing my circle each time, in search of the wea- pon that had been used, and finally I found it, about a good throw distant in the bushes and briers. I was on the right track, I[ returned cautiously to the manor, where I breakfasted and after breakfast I went over to the railroad station to telegraph for my assistants in the city. At the station I mad» inquiry about the owner of the horse and mule team, learned who he was, and that he had been seen coming into town after seven o’clock in the evening. “Coming back to the hotel, I met Greenwood, and from that time took a great interest in him, We took a walk together out to the scene of the crime, and by watching bim closely I knew ] had the right man, He» looked several times over in the direction in which he had thrown the weapon with which he had killed his victim, and otherwise betrayed himself. As we were coming away [ caught sight of the bit of dress stuff on the bush, and Greenwood saw it at the same instant. I know it bad not been there before, for it was too conspicuous to have missed my eye. He bad put it there with a purpose in view. That was another point, of course,” The eccused man was like marble, his eyes were bulging, and a cold perspiration was upon his forehead in great beads. ““T made no revelation of what I had discover- ed,” Billy went on, ‘t save to Mrs. Rohnwald and her daughter, and but little to them, yet, Everybody was Jed to think I believed in the guilt of Robert Rohnwald. This was to allay any suspicion on the part of Greenwood, I wanted him to tell his story at the inquest, and so stand committed, * You all know the story he told. After the inquest [ assumed the disguise you have just seen me discard, and went to the station, later on, to meet my boys. Wecame to the hotel and registered, and I gave my assistants the work they bad todo, It was agreed that I was to occupy Greenwood during the evening, while they made a thorough search of his stable and out-buildings for further evidence against him, ‘Our succe:s was even greater than I had hoped for, We found the boot he had worn on the occasion of his carrying the body up to the failroad track, the rope from which the piece Broadway Billy’s Wipe-Out. en had been cut with which he tied the body to the rail, and an old coat with blood stains—” **Ourse you, die /” Dolph Greenwood had sprung to bis feet, and his hand was drawing a revolver from his hip | pocket, but quicker than thought Broadway Billy had him covered with a weapon, having i had an eye upon him all the time, and the cowarl faltered, The next moment hands were laid upon bim and he was disarmed. “To you want any further proof of his guilt?” Billy quietly asked, his revolver having | disappeared, *' Do you want any further proof of his character? But, let me finish my story, and then I will turn over all my proofs to the proper ‘authorities, ‘*T detained the prisoner at the hotel whilemy boys were at work, and while talking with him I used the knife, | had found, to cut and clean my nails, taking care to display itso that he might see it fully. He recognized it, and gave a start when he sawit, From that moment he suspected me, and tried to learn what 1 knew, but I took care not to let him get much satisfac- tion, ‘This morning, after having very probably sought the coat, boots and rope to destroy them, he was very much disturbed, and when he met me he questioned me closely, all the while draw- ing the rope the more tightly around his own neck, The case against him is complete, There is no chance for him to escape, The story told by Robert Rohnwald is true in every particular, I believe, while the story'told by the murderer is in almost every particular false. He did, how- ever, witness the meeting between the half- brothers, while he lay in the bushes awaiting a fair chance to do the deed he had in mind, ‘*Greaenwood loved Miss Gilburt, and to win her be was willing to go any length, He it was who stole the will from the bouse, You, citizens of Roseford, will remember it was Greenwood the elder who built the chimney in the house, when some alterations were made, He put in the secret niche, and had told his son about it, My proof? A letter found in a pocket of the old coat I bave mentioned, which had been laid away with the will, and which must have slipped out when the rascal took the document from his pocket to destroy it, ‘Here is the letter,” showing it, “It is its own proof that it was with the will in the secret place over the mantel. Why hestole the will you can surmise as well asI, It was to injure Gustav Rohnwald. But, that was not enough; he must-remove him, and he laid his plans, ‘‘ He was at the trout pools for tho purpose of doing the deed, and was only awaiting his best chance, when the seeming tramp came along and everything seemed to favor the wretch, Why not kill two birds with one stone? He _ would murder Gustav and put the crime upon Robert! Excellent! Then, t» make it better still, who should come along just at the right time to hear a threat but Miss Gilburt. He would force her to tell what she had heard. Everything was playing into his hands, Need I say more? 1 think not. To doso would be to repeat myself, I will now call my assistants forward and dis- play tho proofs of which I have spoken,” At uot Billy gave a signal and Happy Harry ond Silont Seth came forward and took their placos beside him, The crowd, at the same time, broke out into a wild thunder of applause, and above the din were cries for the release of Hobert Robnwald, Lawyer Percival had leaped to his feet and grasped Billy’s right hand in both of his, and while the room was in its wild uproar he bad to shout to make bimself heard as he said: ‘‘ Weston, you have mistaken your calling; you should have been a lawyer!” “Then you* think I am not a success as a de- tective? Perhaps Mr, Robnwald will differ with you there,” ‘No, no,” the lawyer hastened to set right; “T meant to say that you would be a brilliant ornament to our profession,” am, sir,” Billy declared, ‘* whether I’m good or bad at it, for my whole heart is in it.” As soon as the judge could restore order, the case proceeded to its closing. The proofs were shown, and the crime was fastened upon Greenwood so tightly that he could deny nothing, He made a confession and his story proved how well Billy had woven the net from the meager beginning from which he had sterted, After Robert Rohnwald bad gone away, after his bigh words with Gustav, be, the murderer, step out from his hiding-place and dealt the fatal blow, He flung the weapon as far away as he could, and laid the body out of sight for “T can never Le anything other than what T | 15 the time being, and that done, began to plan his alibi and the scheme to throw the crime upon the innocent man. He knew tbe time would be an important item in the whole matter.. He must be able to show where he was at the time the crime was done. if the tramp had been seen coming down the road, tuat time would be shown, and Miss Gilburt could not deny what time she was on the scene and heard the kigh words and the threat, After some thought it came to him to say he was on horseback on the wood road at the time when the two men quar. eled, But, he must prove that be was there. He followed the direction Robert Robnwald had taken, and watched him till he Jay down in the wood to sleep, and when he was asleep, slipped up and stole his stick away from him. It was by that time near eight o'clock, He went to the house by a rear way and got bis horse, to- gether with the old coat, the boots, and the piece of rope, Mounting, he rode along the wood road for a long distance, in order that his horse’s tracks could be followed if that point came in question, though he bad no idea it ever would, On the homeward route he tied the horse where Billy had discovered the marks of its standing, and going on on fot, smeared the club with blood and put some bairs on it from the victim’s head, and then carried the body and put it on the track. He wanted the body dis- covered early, so that the arrest could ke made before Robert could awaken and go away. Af- ter putting the body there he got his horse and went home, hiding the coat aud bcots in an out-shed. intending to destroy them when op- portunity was given, He had supper, then, tell- ing where be had been and how long he had been absent from the house upon his little ex- cursion, From that time he watched the matter, saw the Flyer make its stop at the spot where he had Jeft the body, and agsin at the station, Af- ter that it was easy for him to meet the coroner and his party as he did, pretending to know nothing about the matter whatever. His con- fession was a full one, every particular bein brought out, and when it was ended Robe Robnwald was released. The good citizens of Roseford immediately tried to undo the wrong they had done him in adjudging him guilty, and Broadway Billy and his “‘ team” were the applauded heroes of the hour, Neyer in its history had Roseford seen such a demonstration, and it will probably never see anotber like it. Greenwood would bave banged but for the fact that poison was somehow conveyed to him in bis cell, and be wes found one morning dead, That Robert and Carlotta were n arried, and are Lappy in the old homestead mansion, the reader will assume without prompting, it was so right and righteous to be so, Paria! Broadway Billy afterward saw his friend, the engineer, and gave him the full particulars of the case as he had promised to do, THE END, Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY JOSEPH KE. BADGER, JR. 2 Vellowastone Jucks or, The Trapper 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Wurricane Bills or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 110 Muatang Sam 3 or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-llawk Kits or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 15t Panther Paul: or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Ghants or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Dendly Dash; or, Mighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmaska, 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ Ler gue, B85 Old Double Flat; or, ‘The Strange Guide 855 The King of the Woods: or Daniel Boone’s Last Trail, 419 Kit Fox. the Border Soy Detective 625 Chincaptin Dan, the Boy Tratler, 677 Chineapin Dan's Second Pratl. 688 Chincapin Dan's Home Stretch, 698 Old Crazy, the Man Withonta Head. TOS Light-Heart Lite’s Legacy. gy Light-Heart Lutes Lent Trail. 7238 Silverblade, the Shoshone, 729 Stiverblnde, the Half-Blood: or, The Border Beagle at Bay, 7B9 Kilverblade, the Heatile; or, The Border Beag'e’s Tratl. 748 Silverblade the Friendly; or, The Border Beag!e’s Boy Pard BY EDWARD WILLETT. | 167 Aan Scott, the Steamboat Boy; or, The Mississippi Pirates, 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws, 282 The Typo Detectives or, Wense), the Boy Tramp, 295 Fearleas Phil; or, The King of Quartzville, 811 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, | 8322 Nemo, the Detectives or, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta, | 840 Clip the Contortioniats or, The Montana Vigilantes, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library Is for sale by all nowsdealers, Eve eentn por sopy, or sent by mail on recerpt of alx conte each BEADLE AND ADAMA, Publishers, } 98 William Street, New York
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er ee oe = oF te Yn ree t vind ~ aS . eet So * . Rar “2 READLE’S* FH ALF-DIME* | IBRARY. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. 20 Deundwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick In Disguise; or, Buffad, Ben 85 Dendwood Dick in Mis Castle. 42 age w —_ a = Benanzazy or, The Phantom Miner. 4D Deadwood Dick in Dangers or, Omana Oll. 57 Deadwoud Dick's Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 3 nosey soe pick on Deck; or, Calamity é :ne, the Heroine TT Deadwoor ek’s Last Acti or, Corduroy Charlie. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. ‘ 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Doubie Cross Sign. 249 Deadwood Dick aa Detective. Lt 44 meee ee rene prom les she The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. S Dendweoc ck’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 166 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. My pad wees + os reaees or, oe Rivuls of the Road. ) endwooe ck’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel ae eg weed em ene aon acegeaety Jane’s Adventure, * z endw oo c "6 cue eal. 221 Deadweed Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Duat Diek. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 36. eae wood picks ot ing oF Spirit of Swamp Lake. H eadw oor ek’s Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. yt pe: lp Ld ho ever or, The Fakir eae spe Flats 4T Dendwood ck’a ucnts; or, Days in the Diggings. yas Reokwoed ies ayy beet or, The Terrible Vendetta. 2 Deudwoor ck’a Claim. 405 Deadwoed Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Dinmonds, 421 Dendwood Dick In New York; or, A “Cute Care.” one Renew eed 4 he Past s or, The Chained Hand. ‘ endwoeot ek, Jr. or, The Crimson Crescent Sign. 4485 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Definnee. F 458% Dendwood Dick, Jdr.’s Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Big Round-Up. 465 Dendweod Dick, Jr.'s, Racket at Claim 10, an; eae palin 8 ah ee or, Bozeman Bill. ATG Dendwoo ck, Jr.’s, Dog Detective, 481 Deadwood Dick. Jr., In Deadwood. ADL Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’«, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Digginga. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dellverance, 615 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. H22 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Three. 629 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Danger Ducka. 5484 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 544 Deudwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocg 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on tis Metile. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Pick, Jr., in Boston, 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadetphia. 572 Deadweod Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 57S Deadwood Dick, Jr., Aflent. 6S4 Deadwood Diek, Jr., In Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. 505 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. 600 Deadweod Dick, Jr., at Ceney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinuatl, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jdr., in Nevada, 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, 68 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer, 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in_tuffalo. ra monawecs ercks oc yee rs pla 48 che Comeeneee 65 endwooc eck, Jr.» Among the Smugglers. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Dane. 666 Dendwood Dick, Jr., Back f the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, dr., tn Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” tye pennweas Broke Sree peers or, Found a Fortane, ' endw eo ck, Jdr.’s. Daszle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide, 700 Peadweod Dick, Jr.'s, Drop. 04 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. Deadwoed Dick, Jr., in San Francisco. Deadweod Dick, Jr.'s, Still Hunt. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doninees. Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise, Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Pouble Deal. Peadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Doublet. Deadweod Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblew. Peadwoed Dick, dr.’4, Desperate Strait. Deadwoed Dick, dr.’s, Lone Hand. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection, Dendwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dark Daya, Deadweod Dick, Jr.» Detied. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. Deadwood Dick, Jr’.s, Desperate Venture. Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Royal Flush, BY WM. G. PATTEN. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jacktown, 66% Vialet Vane’a Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Ont. 698 Vielet and Dalasy, the Posy Paris, 705 Violet Vane’s Vow; or, The Cratty Detectrve’s Craft. 724 Violet Vane’s Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Oat. 7830 Violet Vane’s Verdict; or, The Game at Coffin City. ZAL Violet Vane, the Ventriloguist Vidocq, or, Sport vs. Sport. 250 Violet Vane, the Vanquished; or, The Life Struegte. 268 Violet Vane’s Vislon; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. 489 The Diamond Spert; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 3 or, Five in One, KPeiekeddeledlelelewedeieieyede? SSCCLIENINSU ee eC NRONGNCSSe LENS K POSS 87 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 04 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire; or, Among the Vultures. 19 The Boy Tramp Detectives or, The Double Grip Witness 1 Sandy Pard; or, The Clue to Capt, Claw 1 41 Diamal Dave's 561 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 82 Wild Vulean, the Lone-Range Rider, 14 Old Misery the Man from Missourt. 71 Clear-Grit Cal, the Nover Say-Die Detective. 49 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 06 Cowboy Steve, the Ranch Mascot, BY COL, A. F. HOLT. 678 Headlight Harry’s Wazard; or, The Lightning Express etective. 691 Weadlicht Harry’s Haul; or, The Railroad Pards, 727 Weadlight Harry’s Siren; or, Mad Madge. 759 Weadlight Harry’s Heritage. 794 Heudlight Harry’s Hunt; or, The Cache of Gold. B89 Black Backakin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Kuife-King; or, The Doomed Six. ABS Littie Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. B2E The Dandy Sport; or, The King Pin Conspirater. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hen. Wm, F. Oody). 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hoed; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank ef Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. RNIAIITSADRBSA 1 “pw, a Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY EDWARD L. WHEELFR. j Rosebud Rob, the Sport. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, tho Knig ght S84 Rosebud Kob on Mand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob's Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. =o _ Benver Doll. 27ZZ Denver Doll, the Detective Queen, or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll's \ ietury; or, Skull and Crossbones, 285 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 296 Denver Doli’s Drift; or. The Road Queen. Yreka Jim. 868 Yreka Jim. the Gold-tutherers or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. 4 8S5 Yreka Jim's Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose. B89 Yreka Jim’« New Role; or, Bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, Detective Fritz. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter Sierra Sam, 244 Slerra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion, 245 Sterra Sama Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sawm’a Pardy; or, The Angel ot Big Vista. 255 Sierra Sain’s Seveng or, The Stolen Bride. Kangaroo Kit. B84 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. $89 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out. Detective Stories. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 69 The Boy Detective; or, Guld Rifle, the Sharpshooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Gir! Detcctive. 226 The Arab Detective 3 or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co,, the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Dotective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Marry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Heof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche; or; Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 583 Jim Blnudsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Billy or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza BIL, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boas Bob the King of Bootblacks. 141 Solld Sam, the Bev Road-Agent, er, The Branded Brows. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevadany or, The Sierras S« AM pA. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator, or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 880 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville, B58 Firat-Clasa Fred, the Gent from Gopher. BTS Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the Kicg of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 438 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkier; or, The Tribunal of Ten. BY J. ©. COWDRICK, Broadway Biliy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. S14 sha tah a ae agers Clearing a Strange Case. rendway y's lity.” 557 Breadway Biliy's Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Breadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Invine. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act; or, The League of Seven, 669 Breadway Billy Abrond; or, The Bootblack in Friseo. See pronewsy A cage or, Beating San Francisco's Finost. readway y in Clover. +4 Eresewes Biny in Reape or, The River Rustlers, readway y’s Brand, 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. cae Broadway an ol Rand: or, The Gamin Detective. roadway y’s Business. 788 Breadway Billy’s Curious Case. 758 Broadway Billy in Denver. 762 Breadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectives, 769 rene Way mass Or Detective. 775 Broadway y’a adow Chase. 738 Breadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Breadway Billy’s Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. +4 Besedwer th bie Brigades or, The Dead Alive. readwa y’s Queer Bequest. 800 Broadway Billy Baflled. ; 805 Broadway Blilly’s Signal Seeop. 810 Broadway Billy’s Wipe Out. Other Novels by J. ©. Cowdrick. 860 Silver-Mask, the Nan of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold king} er, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’« Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta John; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Diaco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 606 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detectives or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve, 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. B71 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case, 593 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Narr the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle. 647 Typewrtter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the * Pizenest’’ Man of Ante Bas. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 559 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City, 622 Tom-Cat’« Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat’« Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective, 688 Tem-Cat’s Triumph; or, Bleck Dan’s Great Combine 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike, 5668 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling jor Millions. 576 The Silver Sporty or, Josh Peppe mint’s Jubilee. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy lana, the Dutch Videcg; or, Hot Times at Round-Up 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Monntain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jereminhs the Plains Detective, 676 Sienal Sam, the Lookout Seout. 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 Simple Sim, the Broncho Buster; or, For Big Stakes. 712 The Meameriat Sport; or, The Mystified Detective, 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kanana Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective, 778 The Rustler of Rolling Stone. 785 Lone Hand Joe, the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck, BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, Detective Dick Doom, 772 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny. TIT Dick Deom’s Destiny; or, The River Blac ’s Terror. @S4 Dick Doom; or, The Siarps and Sharks of New York, TRS Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks. 79S Dick Doom in Chicago. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. « | 808 Dick Doom’'s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. Dashing Chartle. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail, 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive, 760 Dashing Charlie’« Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. ~ uck Taylor, (Buffalo Bill’s Cowboy Chief,) 97 Buck Taylor, King ot the Cowboys 87 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 48 Buck Taylor's Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Granda Pawnee Bill. 60 Pawnee BI, the Prairie Shadower. 18 Pawnee Biil; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 1 2 on 9 Pawnee Bill'« Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 5S Pawnee Bill; or, Dariug Dick, Detective Redfern, 692 Redfern’s Curfous Case; ©, The Rival Sharps, 697 Redfern at Devil’s Ranch; or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Redfern’s High Hand; or, Blue Jacket. TO? Redfern’s Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangeis. Red Ralph. 68 Red Ralph's Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Midshipman. 74 Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailor. 79 Red Ralph, the Shadower, or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. Butterfly Billy, (Buffalo Bill's Pard.) 644 Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. 650 Butterfly Filly, the Pony bk xpress Kider, 656 Butterfly Biliy’s Man Hunt, 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. Kent, the Card King. 565 Kent Kingdon; or, The Owis of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower } or. the Card Queen, 5675 Kent Kingdon’s Duels or, The Surgeon Scout, 5S6 Kent Kingdon’s Doom; or, The Buckskin Avenger, Lafitte, the Pirate. 545 Lafitte Run Down; or, The Buccuneers of Barrataria, 550 Lalitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 5655 Lafitte’s Confession; or, The Crecle Ccrsair, The Buckskin Brothers. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. 525 The Buckskin Brothers in Texas, 56830 The Buckskin Bowers}; or. The Cowboy Pirates, 5685 The Buckskin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive. 5640 The Buckskin Pards’ Quest; or, Captuin Ku-Klux, The Royal Middy. 508 The Reynl Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Reyal Middy’s Luck; or, The Hunted Midshipman, 611 The Royal Middy’s Foe. Wizard Wil. 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret ot New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Seouta. 474 Wizard Will's Pard; or, Ficra, the Flower Girl. areigr 6 6 6 488 Wizard Will's Last Case; or, The Ferrets Afloat. | Pancan Dare. j 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. H 488 Duncan Dare’s Plot; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. 487 Dnnean PBare’s Prize; or, The Sea Raider. 441 Duncan Dare’s Secret; or, The Ocean Firefly. The Young Conspirater. 402 Isodor, the Young Conapirator; or, The Fatal League. 407 Isodor’s Double Chase; or, The Boy Insurgent. ’ 412 Isodor’s War-Cloud Oruise; or, The Wild Yachteman,. Buffalo Bil. 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Bisen Bill’s Clue; or, Grit, the Bravo Sport, Dead Shot Dandy. 804 Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma, 808 Dead Shot Dandy’« Double; «r, Keno Kit. BIA Dead Shot Dandy’s Defiance; or, The Boy Bugler, 607 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chicf; or, The River Detective. Merle Monte. 245 Merie Monte’s Leap for Life. 250 Merle Monte’s Mutiny ¢: or. Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 Merle Monte’s Treasure Island. 269 Merle Monte the Condemned, 276 Merie Monte’s Crulac; or, * The Gold Ship” Chase, 280 Merle Monte’« Fate; or, The Pirnve’s Pride. 284 Merle Monte’s Pledge; or, The Sea Murauder. The Kid Glove Sport. 197 The Kid Glove Sport; or. Little Grit, the Wild Rider, 204 The Kid Glove Spert’s Doem; or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider, Other Novels by Colonel Ingraham. 7B1 Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 597 The Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos, 591 Delmonte. tie Young Sea Rover; or, Tne Avenging Sailor. 5680 The Outcast Cadets or, The False Detective. 495 Arizona doe; or, The Boy Pard of Texas Jack, A487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger 468 Neptune Ned, the Bey Coaster; or, Pirate in Spite. 462 The Sailor Boy Wanderer; or, The Born Guide. 446 Haphagzard Harry; or, The Sea Scapegrace. 898 The Red Clasped Hands; or, The Boy Lieutenant. B87 Warpath Will, the Traitor Guide. 888 The Tadian Pilets or, The Search for Pirate Island. 877 Benodel, the Buy Rover; or, The Flagless Schooner, 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, of the Rio Grande. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 229 Crimson Kate, the Girl Trailer; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph. 116 The Hussar Captain: er, The Hermit of Hell Gate. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Smuggier ; or, The Cruise of the Vixen. 75 The Boy DueHast; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. @ The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 811 Duke Derby, the Trump Card;or, Neadlight Harry’s Flyer, By Col. A. F. Holt. 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Hend-off; or, The Round-up at Roundabout. By Fdward L, Wheeler, 818 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. By Col. P. Ingraham. Ready February 21. The Half- Pime Library s for sale by all newsdoalers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six eents each, BEADLE AND ADAMBS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Yorks