Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 824) (1893 05 09)
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| ys ~— ai ————— ea ~ : {Dt ih a a SS lane ec lL tml Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1898, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, May 9, 1893, ‘ $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No, 824, a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. Tol. XXQTI. | | \ Ue The Maine Log-Driver in New York, BY JO PIERCE, AUTHOR OF ‘BOB O’ THE BOWERY,” “DENNIS DUFF,” ** TOM THISTLE,” ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. A DEAD MAN IS FOUND, ** Say, boy, I'll give you a dollar to get me a brick!" “* What do you want of a brick?” oa Cd EER Re ee SPUN ATR CG Se cate GET? at “ Want it ter smash in that door, an’, by ‘STHE THIEVES ARE PULLIN’ ME DOWN!” HOWLED THE LOG-DRIVER. gosh! I’m goin’ ter do it, Down goes that door, ‘* HANG ON, BILLY; HANG ON!" ;
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“mon sense. 2 Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer. an’ ef I can’t hev a brick I'll take something else, but down goes the door, somehow!” A boy of about seventeen years had been pee his way through Prince street, ew York, when he came upon an excited man who was trying to force open an ob- stacle to which his words referred, but try- ing without the least evidence of success. To his last assertion the boy gravely re- plied: * T wouldn't do it, ef [was you. There’s a law against sech a smash-up, an’ you would—” **] don’t care a rap fer the law! Why should I, when others don’t care? Down goes the door!” ‘Why, mister? way?” ‘* A feller has just gone in there who has robbed me.” The boy smiled. He was one born and bred to New York life, and would have been blind not to see that his present companion was fresh from other scenes, having the un- mistakable characteristics which mark the genuine countryman, ** How did he rob you?” ‘**On the train from New Haven here.” ‘* Oh! a soaker, was he?” The explanation was not just what had been expected, and Billy Wade, as the youth was named, amended his original opinion, ‘‘If you've been robbed,” he a-Jded, ‘* your proper way is ter see the perleece, an’ they will—” ‘Darn the perleece! I wouldn't give a chaw of terbacco fer the whole force you’ve got here! I’m able to do this job, myself, an I’m goin’ ter do it... Yes, by gosh! The feller who robbed me is in there, an’ I'll hev him ef I smash in the door ter do it!” cried the countryman, ae Don’t be too rapid, mister,” advised illy. He went in there—Harry Hudson, he calls hisself—an’ I’m bound ter foller. Ef I get inter trouble there will be mournin’ in Skowhegan, Maine, an’ the boys will drive jogs without Phineas P, Pratt—that’s me!” Tf you’ve been robbed the best way is ter rely on the perleece, mister, but ef you're dead set ag'’inst it, why, I s’pose I kin’ give yea bit o’ help, myself.” “How?” «This place you’re a-hammcrin’ at is only a side-door, anyhow. The main entrance is i beyond, an’ you kin see Harry Hudson by goin’ in there, Idassay. Skip Meegan keeps the ranch, an’ it is a sort of hotel. Will you go in?” : ‘Will 12 You bet, an' Ill raise merry thunder—” ** Now, hold on, Phineas P. Pratt. No high jinks won’t gohere. Itain’t a pr school in yender, an’ ef you go fer ter kick up arow the boss will trundle you out on yer ear. See?” “Tl hey my money or bu’st. the whole shanty !’’ **The only way ter do it is ter use com- Ef you go in an act voylent you'll git flung out. Your plan is ter go in mild an’ meek an’ ask where Harry’s room is. I’ve seen him before, an’ I reckon the handle o' Hudson don’t belong ter him, but heis called Happy Harry, an’ by that cogno- men you must ask fer him. Now, don’t be brash an’ spoil yer own case.” Billy Wade spoke persuasively, and: Mr. Pratt saw fit to be convinced. Curbing his hot temper he answered: “If you’re a New Yorker I s’pose you ought ter know the way things is done here, an’ it shall be as you say. me with me!” “One word, first. You say Happy Harry robbed you?” He did.” ** How?” E “ Got inter conversation with me on the _ train, set beside me, an’ jest everlastin’ly tole my wallet.” What’s the matter, any- ‘*How do you know?” ‘“’Twas in the pocket next ter him, an’ nobody else could ’a’ done it, by gosh!” ‘Tin afraid your evidence ain’t o’ the best, but this is your case an’ not mine—at present,” Billy thoughtfully added. ‘‘ You kin try it, sence you’re bound ter.” ‘*Come on!” Considerable time had elapsed, and Pratt was justified in being ina hurry, He trod eagerly at Billy’s heels as the latter entered the other door, and then followed him up the stairs. The hour was early evening, and the guide expected to find something of a crowd in the office of the so-called hotel. He mentioned this fact to Phineas, and it was arranged that he should do all the talking. Thus, when they reached the clerk’s desk, the boy care- lessly asked: “Kin you oblige me with the number 0’ Happy Harry’s room? We want ter see the gent.” ‘‘Number 27,” replied the clerk, with searcely a glance. ‘Thank ye, boss,” They turned away and wentalong the hall. Billy had never been there before, but it was not hard to find the designated number. Along the hall they went, while the figures on the doors constantly increased in magni- tude, and finally 27 appeared before them. The guide knocked. He thought he heard a voice say, ‘‘Come in,” and, though subse- quent events proved this to be a mistake, he did enter, ‘** Don't be too cranky,” he warned, to his companion, as they passed the threshold. They were in the room, but they looked around in vain for its tenant. No one was in sight. Pr “Ts he out?” ete ‘*May bein the closet,” suggested Billy. ‘“*T'll look,” Phineas was even more hasty in his move- ments, and he led the way. He passed ‘the line of the bed, which stood well out from the wall, Then he suddenly recoiled and nearly knocked Billy down. ‘Gosh to thunder!” he ejaculated. ‘*What is it? You act as if—” Speech died away on Billy’s lips. He had seen something which checked the power of utterance and left bim weak and startled. There was that on the floor which would have dazed the stoutest beholder—the body of a man; no more. . He lay on his back with his face turned upward, and it was the thought of each that a look of terror was frozen on his still feat- ures. Except for that there was nothing visible that told of violent things, but a startling idea was in their minds. ‘“Dead!” gasped Billy, after a pause. ‘It’s Harry Hudson, too,” muttered Phineas. ‘Happy Harry it is, an’ he’s done his last robbin’. Say, how did this happen? Was ‘it—was it murder?” Phineas started back. His face had grown white, and he was about as much frightened as any man could be. ‘This wa'n’t no natural death,” he assert- ed, tremulously. ** Therm somebody was layin’ fer him when he come in, an’ he got in his work quick.” ‘* Murder it was.” ** We must go down ter the office an’ re- port it—” ** Not much; Tl get out o’ this house on the run. What, stay here an’ let them say I killed him? Wal, notmuch, you bet! I’m goin’ ter skip immediate. What would our word go fer ag’inst all the evidence they would bring ter bear on the other side? Come on!” He seized Billy by the collar and began to drag him aw ** Stop! think—” ‘** Darn me ef I care what they think under f we run away they will that condition. I know what they’ll think ef we stay an’ let them find us here. I’m goin’, an’ sobe you. You can’t stay here unless I do, an’ I won’t! Come on!” Phineas was big and strong, and he car- ried his way not only by muscle, but because Billy was almost as much disturbed as he. The result of it all was that they hurried out of the hotel. By making for the side door they avoided the main room, and did not again make themselves visible in the office. Nothing more was said until they were nearly a block away. Then the man from Maine reopened the conversation. ‘*Say, I want you ter come ter my room.” ‘Where is it?” Billy asked. ‘On King street. Join me there an’ we'll talk this over.” Phineas’s object was to keep possession of his companion until he was sure the latter would not go and tell of the late adventure, but he need not have been so anxious. Billy had become interested in the case, and would not willingly have parted from Phineas. To King street they went, and when once there the man drew a deep sigh and sunk into his chair, ‘I'm jest knocked endways!” he declared. “You may be worse, later on. Do you know that I think we have made a serious mistake?” “How?” ‘**Tn leaving the hotel.” ** Why should that, be?” ‘“‘If Happy Harry was murdered we shall be accused of the crime.” ~~ “ They’ve got ter ketch us first.” “* An easy thing fer the city perleece.” ‘$] ain’t afraid o’ the whole b’ilin’ o’*them, by gosh!” ‘“That is cheap talk. Let’s be sensible, ef we kin. Harry is dead up in his room. We think he was killed, though the fact is we run off like mad without waitin’ ter find out. He prob'ly was murdered, fer he was in good health, ter allappearances, jest afore he shuffled off the mortal coil. Well, we “was seen ter enter the office, ask fer him, an’ then go up ter his room jest afore he died. As sure as guns we shall be suspected!” Phineas looked more serious. **Mebbe you're right,” am, “We might go back—” **Too late! We must stand by the line of operations we hey marked out. No goin’ back, now.” ““This is a bad go. I didn’t think I was goin’ to git inter any such mean fix when I left Skowhegan,” “Why did you come here, Mr. Pratt?” “To git a fortune I hev inherited,” ‘Uncle o’ yours?” “Yes; "way back. You see, it was money in England, and J heired it from a sure source,” ‘‘So your folks ain’t been long in this country ?” ‘* Ain’t they, though? Well, you bet they have. Been here about as long as any white man has. Aminadab Pratt was the first; then Joshua; then Josiah, Peleg, Caleb, — Moses, Aaron and Thomas. Thomas was my father, and I’m the ninth generation in the country.” ‘You have it down fine.” “Yes; I had it looked up.” ‘“How was that?” : “Wal, you see, my cousin Harriet read that there was money in England due ter folks named Pratt, ef they. could be found, an’ no heirs over there. I Jooked inter it, an’ when I had proved my line in this country I was told I was an heir direct.” ‘* Who told ye?” “Lawyer here in New York.” ** Who?” “ Dulaney & Jones Brothers is the firm. I hev my dealin’s with Mr. Dulaney, who is a fine feller.” ‘« Hey you got your money?” ¥ , “ a) es a= Pe Pag at Se pe a ey Se a SI, eS Se Sa a ee
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Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer. ‘Not yit, but it’s all ready fer me, an’ I’m ter meet Dulaney ter-night, ye see.” ** Where is his office?” “‘T don’t know, but his box number is on this sheet 0’ paper. All my letters hev been writ ter the box in the post-office, ye see.” ‘How can ye meet him ef you don’t know where his office is?” **T go ter his house,” * Where is that?” ‘On Houston street.” “* Cost ye much?” asked Billy, curiously. ‘*“One hund’ud dollars, so fer, an’ five hund’ud more when I git the cash, That's all I pay fer ten thousand dollars.” Billy shook his head. ‘*Phineas, it’s my opinion yow’re bein’ taken in!” he declared. QHAPTER II. TROUBLE ON THE STREET. THe man from Maine looked very much surprised. ‘* Why do ye think I’m bein’ taken in?” he demanded. “JT ain’t got any faith in this money busi- ness.” ‘Why, it’s as plain as the nose on your — See allthese dockyments. Look at that, rst.” ; He extended a printed circular which proved to be a notice to the effect that one Belcher Pratt had died in England; that he was the last of his line for many generations, and that, since there were no lineal heirs either in England or elsewhere, the immense fortune he had left would fall to collateral relatives if they could be found. It was supposed they were in America, being the descendants of some early emigrant. Such heirs were advertised for, and the fortune would become theirs on proof of identity. Billy looked up> “You're one o’ them, be you?” he asked. **T be,” admitted Phineas, with much satisfaction. ‘‘ How did you learn it?”- * Looked up my geneawlogy in this coun- try from the start, and then wrote the law- . |, Phey said right off that Iwas one 0’ ‘* An’ you are to get ten thousand dollars by payin them five hundred, be ye?” oe es. ”» “This circular says the fortune is ‘im- mense.’”’ *‘ Wal, there is so many heirs that my part is only ten thousand.” ‘‘Ef there is so many heirs, ain’t it a bit steep fer you ter pay five hundred fer your share o’ the expense?” ‘*Tt seems so at first, but it ain’t. Ye see, in order ter haul in ther cash we had ter employ English counsel ter help the New York lawyers, an’ they charged high, Of course Dulaney & Jones Brothers did all the business, an’ they thought at one time it would be a fizzle, but they was sharp enough fer the case. They hired Queen Victoria’s own lawyer, an’ he so worked on ‘the old lady that she said she guessed it was aul right, an’ consented to let the money leave the country.” ** Who says so?” *‘ Dulaney & Jones Brothers.” f ‘Phineas, you are being tooken in the very worst way. This is all gammon, and you're dealin’ with New York bunco sharps, ‘bet my off stockin’, Yes, b’jinks! that is jest it!” * pig =e **Go ’way!” exclaimed Phineas incredu- sly. ri Dia you ever hear of anybody who ever succeeded in gettin’ money from England, ef their folks had been in America long?” ‘*‘T never heard of anybody who tried.” ‘“‘T hev, but they never see the color o’ the ‘bullion, b’jinks! Ye see, ef you’ve been long here there ain't no show fer sech fortunes. ‘Many try, pay out their own hard cash, and then git nothin’ back. Why, et was buta few months ago I heard o’ the arrest 0’ two sharpers here in New York who was playin’ the game onthe unwary. Phin, it’s areg’lar bunco scheme.” “ Pshaw!” ‘I tell ye et is. I'm on ter all the games of the bunco brethren. I make et my busi- ness fer ter keep watch o’ them an’ head off their plots. Why, I’ve done so much of it that the perleece all know me, an’ I go un- der the nickname o’ the Bunco Bouncer. Un- derstand me, I ain’ta buncoer, myself, but I got et by beatin’ the buncoers out time an’ ag’in. My favorite field fer operations is the Bowery. Hi! Phin, many’s the bunco sharp I’ve bounced from the Bowery!” Billy warmed to his subject and was almost hilarious, but simple Mr. Pratt look- ed puzzled. “I see you mean ‘there is swindlin’ goin’ on, but what in thunder is a bunco man, anyhow?” ‘**He is a sharp who lays fer countrymen an’ does them up.” : ‘*Say, do ye think because I come from Skowhegan, Maine, that I ain’t up ter snuff?” ‘‘T think you're so fer up that you're liable ter be snuffed out, ef you don’t mind yer eye.” “*Pshaw!” “You're ter give up yer five hundred dol- lars hard cash fer ten thousand, in a private house, be ye?” asked Billy. ‘“My good frien’, you would git only counterfeit money or sawdust.” ‘‘Pshaw! You're too suspicious. I guess a good firm o’ lawyers is ter be trusted.” “Till bet my best left stockin’ there ain’t no sech names in the Directory as Dulaney & Jones Brothers, lawyers.” *We'll see.” ** Le’s go out immediate.” ** No, no; I ain’t anxious ter go out an’ git arrested fer killin’ Harry Hudson.” “Ts that still runnin’ in your mind?” ‘Is it runnin’? Why, it’s gallopin’ faster than any hoss that ever showed up at a fair in Somerset county, Maine. I know we shall get hauled up fer what we didn't do, an’ the Pike family in Skowhegan will jest fat an inch on every rib. Ye see, I give Dolly Pike the mitten, an’ they hev all been sour on me sence.” *Tt’s a bad business about Happy Harry.” ‘So it is, an’ I don’t forget that he still had the cash he stole from me. Gosh‘ but I'd like ter know what sort of a place New York is, anyhow!” “Et is full o’ bunco men, thieves an’ sharpers, an’ only the onceasing vigilance 0’ me an’ the perleece keeps it on decent foot- in’. ” There was a knock at the door. ‘«Gosh ter mighty!” Phineas gave gave one wild leap as he ut- tered the exclamation and then sprung for the bed. Under it he tried to go, but it was not so high posted as the beds of Skowhe- gan, and he stuck fast. There he remained, kicking wildly in his efforts to go further, and presenting such a comical sight that Bunco Billy was forced to laugh heartily. Unfortunately, too, the applicant at the door, who was the innocent landlady, decid- ed that no one was in, and she opened the door and caught Phineas in his great kicking act. Ske stared in wonder. “T won’t be took!” cried Mr. Pratt, from his refuge. : ‘Dear me, I hope he is not ill!” exclaimed the good lady, solicitously, still eying Phineas. “Nothing seriqus, mum,” replied Billy. ‘“*He had an electric fit, and if was worse than a Bowery tailor’s fit; but he’s comin’ out on it at a canter. i “‘T have a letter for him.” ‘* Lay it on the table, an’ he will come ter time an’ peruse it directly. He’s dead in love with puoi docky ments.” **Can’t I help him?” “Tm all right,” murmured Mr. Pratt, from under the bed, and he then made a struggle and managed to get out. The landlady departed with an unsatisfied and sympathetic expression on her face, after which Phineas made a dive for the letter. ; ‘‘From my lawyers,” he quickly said, “Yes, so itis. Read it, Billy. It postpones our meeting about the money.” Such was the purport of the letter, for it stated that the writer would be occupied with another client on an important case until so laet an hour that he would have to defer seeing Mr. Pratt until the following evening. ‘* Jest as wal, I guess,” observed Phineas, ‘for ef we went out we should prob’ly be arrested fer murderin’ Harry Hudson. Good! I'll stick ter my room,” ‘Phin, you’re goin’ out with me.” **T be?” “Yes,” ‘Not ef Gineral Jackson knows hisself.” ‘**T want ye ter go, jest the same, Don’t think every stick an’ stone is goin’ ter pop up an accuse ye of doin’ the killin’. The more I think of it, the more I reckon Happy Harry may hev died o’ heart disease or colic.” “‘D’ye really think so?” inquired Phineas, eagerly. ewe.” “I’m glad there’s aray 0’ hope, but why should we go out?” “Ter see ef we kin git any word about this Mister Rollo Dulaney, whose name is signed to this letter.” ‘‘Say, boy, don’t you worry about him; he’s all right, an’ don’t ye forget it.” _ It was impossible to shake the Maine man in this opinion, but Bowery Fi'ly accomplished his object under disguise. Phineas P. Pratt was eager to see the sights of New York, and, when Billy had again assured him it would not bring arrest upon them on account of Happy Harry’s death, he consented to go, When he agreed he fell into a trap. Billy had not lost his ruling purpose, and he in- tended to manage matters so that they would get the news desired, in spite of objections. As the sworn foe of bunco men he must be up and doing before the latter could get down to their work, The ill-assorted pair left the house to- gether. It was a curious combination. Phineas was big, fat, and forty years old. Billy was small, lithe and but seventeen, Phineas had a broad, smooth red face where the imprint of the country was seen in every feature, almost. Billy was keen-eyed, sharp-faced and alert—a genuine product of the great city. it was the agreement that Billy should show his companion the Bowery. The nearest way there was through Houston or Prince street. But Phineas had such a hor- ror of the neighborhood, Harry’s end, that he would not hear to it, and they took a walk as far as Bleecker and started to cross through there instead. ‘“‘T should dote on this trip ef it wasn’t fer Hudson,” remarked the elder of the twain, *“T’ve always wanted to see the Bowery, fer though I calculate 1] am_as smart a log-driver as ever stood in the Maine woods, this is new ter me.” ; ‘Great place, as you will see So are the woods, I s’pose.” “Now you're shoutin’! My trade is lum- berman an’ log-driver, an’ ef = ever want fun, come down an’ see us fellers break up a ‘That’s where logs clog up in a river when bein’ floated down, ain’t it?” . ‘Say, how did ye learn that?” and Phin- eas was surprised. ai since gre 2
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4 oe oe 7] —_ — Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer. ‘Seems ter me I’ve heerd of it.” ** Mebbe. ay there goes a fire-engine, ringin’ the bell like mad, Le’s take in the blaze—” ‘* That engine is an ambulance.” ‘Gosh! you don’t say so? Wal, I don’t know all about New York, Il admit, but I’m willin’ ter learn, ‘This ain’t a very spruce street— Hello! there's a fight!” There was one, and Phineas had to stop and see the end of it. Then they went on, but had gone buta short distance when there was a new diversion.” It passed unheeded in its earlier stage by the man from Maine, but there were features about it which made an immediate impression on Bunco Billy. On the south side of the street was a tall building which appeared to the casual view to be one devoted to business purposes. In front of this a eab was standing, with the driver on the box. From the building emerged two persons, a young lady and a man. She was silent and grave; he was smiling, respectfully attentive and easy. It was the purpose of one or both to take the vehicle, and he was escorting her to that conveyance. They reached its side and she was about to enter when a slight, girlish figure rushed out of the house and appeared by their side. : A clear, sharp voice came from the last comer as she addressed the young lady. ‘‘ Don’t you get in there!” she cried. ‘“‘ If roe 0 you will regret it as long as you lve 4 s The young lady stopped short and regard- ed the alarm-giver wonderingly,: -‘* What did you say?” she inquired. “Ef you get inter that cab you'll make a huge mistake,” - ‘See here, Patty Beeks,” cried the man, *‘you skip about your business before I sit down on you!” ‘Not for you, Steve Slim!” was the defiant retort. ‘‘Don’t you try ter scare me, fer ou can't make it work fer a cent, old man, ot much!” ‘* Be off with you!” ‘‘ Will I? Mebbe ducks will eat fire!” ' “Who is this girl?” asked the young lady, curiously. ‘‘Don’t mind her, Miss Reymore, she is a half-crazy child who—” ‘‘Orazy, be 1?” cried Patty Beeks. ‘‘ Well, you'll wish I was before you get through with me. Miss Reymore, ef that’s your name, don’t you go in that cab. Ef ye do be won't bring up where ye want to go, I nev been down by the door, here, an’ I’ve heerd Steve Slim an’ that precious cabby ‘ talkin’, an’ they planned ter—” ‘‘Girl, get back to your pots and kettles!” sharply ordered Steve. ‘I won't hear any more of your crazy talk. Miss Reymore, do ‘not heed her, or let her annoy you. Kindly enter the carriage and we will go on and be rid of this annoyance.” “Wait!” the young lady directed. ‘‘ Patty does not look deranged. I will hear what you have to say, my girl—” ‘*But the hour grows late,” urged Steve, *‘and this vicinity is not of the best charac- ter—” “If you are so solicitous of my welfare, wy did you keep me as long in there as you id?” **So he could kidnap ye!” cried Patty “Beeks. ‘‘It isa lie!” hotly declared Steve. ‘‘Oh! is it? The lady don’t think so, an’ ‘she is goin’ ter hear me, Mister Steve Slim!” coolly responded Patty. ““T am,” added Miss Reymore, calmly. ‘*What have you to tell, my girl? Speak fearlessly.” — Steve made one more effort to frustrate the 4 - revelation, but he was unsuccessful, and had wh stand tamely while Patty fired her broad- e. ‘‘T heerd Steve an’ cabby talk right here five minutes ago, an’ Steve paid t’other fel- ps ler ten dollars fer ter not take you where She said it, and it would have been @ you wanted ter go, but to kidnap ye inter | stupid person who would have doubted that some den!” CHAPTER III. A CASE OF FISTS. Ir was a direct accusation, and made with an air so sincere that even in the dim light Miss Reymore was seen to grow pale. “False, false as the fiends!” muttered Steve, angrily. ‘*Be more explicit,” directed Miss Rey- more. ‘‘T come down ter the door,” went on Patty Beek, ‘‘an’ cabby was standin’ here by his hosses. Then Steve Slim come down the stairs. I didn’t want ter see him, so I kinder edged in by the dark shadders be- hind the door an’ he passed me by, but I was right where I could hear all that was said. This is the way of it.” Patty took breath and resumed with ah f ** You are not to take the young woman back as she come, John,’ he says, ‘but you are ter drive her another way an’ keep her blind ter the fact by various tricks,’ “* All right,’ says John. ; “«¢T have her here by means of a false scheme,’ says Steve Slim, ‘an’ it must be a go. Ef I let her go home it will soon_reach her ears that I have throwed down Henry Bar- rington— ” ‘Did he say that?” cried, Miss Reymore, “ He did, fer sure, miss.” ‘*« Throwed down?’ What does that mean?” ‘Why, that he has done Henry Barring- ton up 24 some trick; mebbe by takin’ ad- vantage of his trust in him, ye see,” ; “And they said that?” ‘‘Why, sure, miss,” assured Patty Beeks. ** Sir,” cried Miss Reymore, ‘what have you done to Henry Barrington?” ‘“‘ Nothing,” answered Steve, sullenly. ‘‘Do you deny your own words?” ‘*T deny that I ever used such words.” ‘‘Has not Henry Barrington enough to contend with, with his unfortunate disposi- tion, without being tempted by those of stronger nature? For shame, sir, if you a done more to lead him on the down road !” ‘Miss Reymore, I know nothing of this vague crime you allege against me,” declar- ed Steve, with an appearance of candor, ‘IT ee you it is all bosh. Tais girl has i reel Lg ; “* Now, see here, mister, you be careful,” cautioned Patty. ‘‘Lain’t a pugilist, but I kin use my finger-nails as wal as oe pac when I git my mad up, an’ I'll walk all over yer collar ef you tell me I’m a liar, I'll do ye up cold. Sce?” It was not the most refined of language, but it was clear that Patty was a child of the streets in the full sense of the word, and it ‘was what must be expected from her. : “And I,” he declared, fiercely, ‘‘ will wring your neck—” ‘ ‘* Silence!” exclaimed Miss Reymore, with severity. ‘‘ You condemn yourself by such remarks, and I willnot gointhecab. Patty, do you live in this house?” ‘*T breathe here,” amended Miss Becks. ““T will see you again. Just now, have you the courage to walk with me to the owery? ; ‘Laws! why not?” asked Patty, with wide open eyes. ‘It’s a hard locality—” **Ha! ha!” laughed the girl. ‘‘ You don’t s’pose that would worry me, do ye? Why, ef any man, woman or kid should touch me I'd dislereate his cerebral columb, you bet!” oe ‘Come with me, then.” “Miss Reymore,” spoke Steve, with an ugly air, ‘‘do I understand that you really refuse to accept my escort home?” ‘You are to understand just that.” : BS As EL ee REL eB GOS a aS Ch ac ek PE I Ss a he LE RE PG a INS SN a ee a 7 wu she meant it. Steve was not stupid in that way, but he was in one other. Enraged at his failure to carry out the original plot, he lost his head and determined on a rash course, ‘“We will see!” he cried. With a quick movement he seized Miss Reymore and began dragging her toward the cab. “Give your hand, John!’ he ordered, ‘*We must act promptly.” ‘*T'm with ye!” The cabman thought he was, but Patty Beeks gave a little shriek which might have attracted some attention under any con- dition, As it was, the outcry was*not need- ed. Some one had been watching with rapt. attention, and just as Miss Reymore was forced to the door of the cab there was an occurrence which put a Western cyclone ta the blush. John got a blow under the ear which knocked him under the carriage, and then it appeared as if a score of mules were mali- ciously kicking Steve Slim in the head and other parts of his anatomy. Thump! thump! thump! came the sound of blows, and as they fell a voice joined in with them, “Take that, you tarnal skunk! Merlest: women folks, will ye? Wal, maybe, but not while Phin Pratt is around. Oh! I’m in the drive, an’ no logs don’t git by me. How is that fer a snifter? I'll flatten yer nose fer yr ” But Steve, bleeding and flurried, had seer enough of it, and he now took to his heels and ran as if life depended upon it. The single blow had been enough for cabby, too, and when he crawled out. from under his vehicle, muddy and damaged, he sprung to the box and sent the horse away at full speed. Phineas P. Pratt stood panting but vic- torious, while Billy, who had done his share, was by his side, laughing heartily. The man. from Maine had struck like a battering-ram, but he had so little knowledge of ‘‘science’” that his wild churning of the air with his fists had been very amusing. Miss Reymore was much cooler than was: to be expected, and she came forward and naidresbed. the rescuers with sweetness and tact. “Tt is my fortune, good or bad, to be a woman, and to have » woman’s weakness, but there need be nothing for such persons to fear while men so brave and chivalrous as you walk our streets.” ‘*T ain't got thetmoney ter ride,” answered Phin, practically. “You have courage and honor, Sir, E thank you heartily, and hope you will find as ae defenders in your own hour of need.” ‘Miss, don’t mention it. I kin lick @ dozen jest like them with my hands tied be- hind me, ye see. Besides, Billy did most of a “Draw it mild,” suggested Billy. ‘It was you who played John L. on the feller’s head, so don’t dodge your honors. Miss, we are modest, but Getes did hammer that critter silly, fer sure. It’s all right. Now, what can we do fer you further? How will you get home?” ; «Kindly walk with meto a station of the Elevated Road, and after ‘that I shall be all t. te Et shall be done.” Miss Reymore told Patty that she should call and see her, and then the other_three persons walked toward the Bowery. It was only a few steps to the Houston street station, and ere long the train had rolled away with the young lady as a passenger. She had taken their names and residences, and intimated that she should also see them again soon., ; F fxn 32 Ee i Ms ne ae ee oe BO ie eS a, Ca © &
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_ alike. Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer. OO **Say, William,” gquoth the gentleman from Skowhegan, ‘‘ what do you call that?” ‘Call her a mighty pretty girl, fer one thing.” William, you're right; you are, sure as gum is gum! Thunder an’ prohibition whisky! but I never seen the like of it! I calculate we hev as pretty gals in our town ter-hum as old Maine kin boast of, but I do vow that this.one lays them all out. Why, honey would be bitter in her mouth!” ** She's all wool an’ a yard wide.” “Wal, you bet! Say, I would jest lay down an’ die fer sech a gal, an’ there aint no nonsense in a Skowhegan feller, either. When we admire a gal we usually think of our own interests, but you can’t do that when ye see an angel, by gosh!” It took some time to calm the Maine man down, so powerfully was he shaken by the beauty, refinement and elegance of this high- bred New York girl, but he was finally aroused when Billy reminded him that the sights of the famous Bowery were yet to be seen, They crossed and went on down the west side of the street. The passing crowd and the flashy stores by the way awakened Phin's wonder and admiration, but it was not to be a mere sight-seeing expedition. hey were going slowly, and as they did soa man went past who was of figure majestic enough to call Phin’s attention at once. ** Looks like a soldier,” he commented. “Ef ever man was out o’ place on the Bowery it's him,” added Billy. This last remark was very true. The person referred to had the best of clothes, and evenaduil observer would sce that he was of the blue-blood element of New York, He walked with a firm, confident step, and paid no attention ‘2 those who had spoken of him. His gaze, however, was that of one wide- awake, and that he lost nothing by the way ‘Was soon seen, f His face lighted up, and with two long strides he gained the side of a younger man who was passing and caught him by the arm savagely. ’ * You scoundrel! uttered, The man thus captured gave a great start and then seemed to shrink away, as it were, in the grasp upon him. ; **Colonel Reymore!” he muttered. ‘* Hi!” cried Bowery Billy, in Phin’s ear, “‘did ye hear that? Reymore is the name.” **So was my angel’s,” added Phin. ‘* Yes, an’, b’jinks! him an’ her look a bit Hold up, Phin, an’ we may see some more fun!” I have you!” he deeply CHAPTER IY. FRESH ALARM FOR PHIN, Ir there was a prospect of fun for the man from Maine and Bowery Billy, there did not ‘seem to be any for the man who had been so unceremoniously and roughly brought up by the athletic man of military appearance, He shrunk still more, though Billy thought there was more than craven fear in the dismay he showed. “Yes, Lam Colonel Reymore,” replied the military-looking man. ‘If I mistake not you are Jack Olmsted, What title do you think would best suit you?” and sarcasm and rey were in every word, don’t know,” murmured Jack, gloom- ily. 3 » “How would thief do?” “* Colonel!” ‘Or ingrate? Or Judas? Or weak-fool? Man, I came here to-night thinking you ‘would be here. The Bowery catches the dregs of the city, and you are now a dreg!” “Colonel, do not condemn me unheard,” protested Jack, weakly “Well, haven’t I given you all the chance to talk that man could ask for? And you aave not availed yourself of the opportunity. | to put the two of you in jail; Iam, b Don't condemn you unheard! Rosalie said the same thing. You are a precious pair, you two, Take you, my Humph! | Jupiter! It would serve you just right. lost three thousand dollars out of that theft. Perhaps you think that is fun, and more daughter and Henry Barrington and you} when-you say, after being implored to tell would do for freaks in some museum.” Bowery Billy nudged Phin. _ ‘All one family, the Reymores be,” whispered. ‘*‘What the darn is up?” demanded Phin, ** Wait and watch!” Jack Olmsted’s face flushed. **I beg that you will not be hasty, colo- nel,” he requested, earnestly. claim more honor than I have—” “Then you claim but little. had a aie Jack, if I me something definite, that you can’t tell/ Hang your mystery!” he Gdlonel Reymore, I should be glad to | explain—” ‘Then why in thunder don’t you?” **T can't!” ‘“ Ye gods! I have a good mind to have you arrested, now and here, ‘Your ‘ can’ts’” ‘J do not | are simply atrocious.” Jack was again silent. **See here, young man,” the colonel , sound heart—a heart as sound | added, ‘I'll give you three days to think of as my head—you would be in a prison-cell | this further, and if you don’t then give up this instant. If ever man deserved it, you do. What have I done for you, and what have you done for me?” Jack looked only at the sidewalk. “‘T took you, a homeless, friendless boy, and started you in life in my own store. You became honored, trusted and liked by all. In return you robbed me—” “Colonel, I swear I did not!” The drooping face was lifted, and the ac- cused man looked his companion full in the eyes. It was asif he was actuated by con- scious rectitude and was about to establish the fact. ‘* Prove it!” Jack’s head dropped again. ‘‘T have given you all the chance in the world,” Reymore added. ‘‘I have deferred arrest when any one else would have moved; I have been as arxious as any one could be for you to clear yourself, but you will not. Willnot? Bah! you cannot!” ‘*T am innocent,” muttered Jack, **Some one is guilty.” There was no reply. ** Your silence on former occasions proves that you know whoit was. If you are not the one, you had better tell me who it was before you get into the Tombs, for go there you surely will unless you speak out,” ‘*T have not said that I know.” Colonel Reymore made a gesture of su- preme impatience. ‘Weak wretch!” he exclaimed. Again Jack flushed. “Consider my position,” the colonel went on, earnestly. ‘‘I made you what you are. I took you, a friendless street boy, and started you on the road to success—” ‘* You did, Heaven bless you!” Again Reymore made an impatient ges- ture. © ‘*You grew to manhood trusted and hon- ored. More than this, you and my daugh- ter, Rosalie, saw fit. to fall in love with each other, Most fathers would have said you were as far below her as earth is alow heaven, but I never remonstrated. Believ- ing in you, I tacitly gavé my consent to it ll hat now?” Jack shook his head gloomily. ‘* Money was stolen from my store. You were situated so you should have known something of it. Iasked youabout it. You told me nothing. The situation grew worse, and you seemed to be the thief. I spoke to you, and toid you I knew pa could prove your innocence. Did you do it?’ Jack shook his head. ‘Right, you did not. Instead, you fled from my sight. Even then, even now, I have not told the police of you. I keep your guilty secret, hoping you may be saved, whether you may be innocent or guilty, but you do not help me one jot or tittle.” 7 **T am unable to tell you.” ‘Jack, you and Rosalie are the biggest dunces in New York. You are more mys- terious than an old grandmother. She can’t, and you can’t! Confound it! Iam tempted | skulking in the Bowery, and come to me with a full account of all you know, I wili have you arrested. Listen to that, for it is my ultimatum. Remember!” Abruptly the indignant gentleman wheeled and walked away. Jack watched him briefly, and then, as if afraid he would change his mind, the young man turned and hurried off throu,h Hester street. ‘Wal, that is ixterestin’!’ quoth Phin Pratt, who, with Billy, had been able to hear all this without giving suspicion that they were acting the listeners. “I should smile,” replied Billy, vaguely. “Of course his gal, Rosalie, is the same we seen in Bleecker street. Don’t ye think so?” ae Yes. ” ‘* What was she doin’ there?” “My frien’,” replied Billy, “it may pay us ter find out, an’ we will make a try at it in the mornin’. What wesee there, an’ what we hey jest heard there, hinge tergether. Now, we only want to learn a bit more an’ bit case will go as merry as a marriage ye tea ’ “Tf Rosalie is in the marriage party I walle like ter be chief bell-ringer, by ‘We'll look inter it. I hev a notion that Steve Slim is in this same game that is worritin’ Jack, an’ I guess the whole thing is jest about in my line. I am the so-called Bowery Billy, the Bouncer, fer I bounce bunco chaps an’ crooks off the Bowery. Wal, I set Steve down as bein’ a crook, as wal as a skunk, so it will behoove me ter look wal ter him an’ the whole biz.” **Go in, William, an’ I'll stick by ye while a ine buttons hold on, by gosh!” hineas shook hands with his ally, and the case was duly settled as far as compact went. Work came after, Interested as Phin was he could not keep his mind off from the living panorama of the Bowery. He saw about all that was to be seen, and each type of human character which was new to him aroused his close seru- tiny. Phey had turned back and reached the corner of Houston street when he nudged Billy and whispered: : : “Wait a bit! I want ter study that con- stable. He’s big an’ strong enough fer a Maine log-driver, an’ looks too pretty ter a in his smart clothes. Let me study im.” The ‘‘ constable” was a blue-coated police- man. He stood on the corner in that state of massive repose which is the chief glory of the city policeman, and was like a small king on his throne, Phin thought. **Gosh! you'd think he owned the whole ~ road!” declared Mr. Pratt. ‘*He does, as long as the roundsman is elsewhere, but when that lord of the night uts in an appearance you will see Mr. F aegoag shrink up,” answered experienced illy. Phere comes a dashin’ lookin’ chap. Is he a Wall street banker?” ** Fle’s a sport.” ** Bets on hosses, does he?”,
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hy BAe DR te ag , Pe TE RS Zt ER ae Sn we? — ae G ; SF, Pe | + - Ce ee ENS B ‘* Wal, I reckon he takes chances on Paces, hoss an’ human,” Billy ventured, for the new-comer had the marks which went to tell of the genuine sport, and much which suggested the sharper to the wise youth. Somewhat to his surprise the sport stopped in front of the patrolman, whom he ad- dressed with a mixture of familiarity and hesitation. ‘“‘ Good-evening, officer!” ‘Hallo, Lane, is it you?” ** Nobody else.” ** You're not in Sing Sing yet, I see.” ‘Hush! Don’t advertise me, Fine even- ing. Have a cigar?” “Thanks; I will.” ‘* Anything new?” ‘*In your line? Well, I haven’t heard of any new break by you, and I don’t know _ that we need to use you.” Billy touched Phin gently. ‘Policemen an’ detectives use crooks ter tell on each other,” he whispered, in ex- planation of the words from the officer. ‘‘T am always at your service,” respond- ed Lane. ‘And always on the watch _to fleece countrymen,” ‘*Come now, don’t be hard ona feller. living on the square.” **So is the Evil One. Letit drop, though. You ask if there is anything new. I believe there is. I heard, to-night, just as I came out on my beat, that a man had been murder- ed that I have seen with you before now. His name is Happy Harry. ' Three persons started at this information, and Phin caught at Billy’s sleeve to get him away, but the Bunco Bouncer was not to be taken off at such a stage of affairs. Lane gave a genuine start of surprise, “ Happy Harry murdered!” he cried, ** So Tam told.” ‘““When? How? By whom?” ‘** Early this evening, and by a man and a boy whose names are unknown to the police,” “* Gosh! le’s dust!” It was Phin’s frightened voice which uttered these words, but Billy did not get flustered, ‘<Take it cool!” was his advice, ‘** But they mean us.” f CHAPTER V. , OMINOUS NEWS, ** Husa yer cackle!” It was not the most elegant of advice, but Bowery Billy was impatient that Phin should make comments which would cause him to lose any part of the talk between Lane and the patrolman. but heintended to hear the rest. ‘“How was Happy Harry done up, any- how?” Lane inquired, anxiously. ‘*He was in his room at the hotel whena man and a boy called to see him. Half an hour later he was found dead in the room, and the visitors had gone,” ** Why should they kill him?’ “That remains to be found out.” “* Aren’t they caught, yet?” “No.” “‘How wasit done?—with a knife?” **So [heard. How did you know it wasn’t a revolver?” suspiciously’ inquired the officer. ‘*T inferred that a revolver shot would call the attention of the people in a hotel at such an hour.” : ** Probably.” ‘* Well, 'm sorry Harry has shuffled off the mortal coil. He was a good, companion- able fellow, and—” ‘‘And you were leading him along the Tm - road to crime.” “1? No, sir; no!” ‘*He was a scholar of yours, but it don’t matter, now. You had better amble on, _ but see to it you don’t try to fleece any coun- — = ‘trymen on my beat. Good-night!” He had lost some,: The officer turned his back, and Lane had no recourse but to follow the advice given. It was nothing new to him to be told to “*move on!” He belonged to the class of criminals who, though spotted by the police, and constantly under watch ina general way, make themselves useful now and then by be- traying other criminals, and thus keep on familiar terms with the guardians of the law. . Strange and devious is the way of justice in modern Gotham. Phin was delighted to see the interview broken up. ‘‘ Le’s skip!” he urged. ‘‘ We was mighty rash ter come out when the woods was full o’ men looking fer us, all ready ter pounce on us fer killin’ the feller we never did _ kill. Le’s skip!” ‘* You have not seen all the sights—” ‘Darn the sights! One o’ the sights I kin git along without seein’ fer a lifetime is you an’ me hauled off ter jail by the constables, But it’s got ter come, sure as shootin’. We shall be seized an’ incarcerated, an’ all Skow- hegan will ring with the news. Gosh! I don't believe but I shall be the first log- driver what was ever hung!” ** Ain’t you proud of it?” ‘Proud! Thunder, what do ye take me fer? Pride goes before a fall, an’ it will be a mighty serious fall when I drop about eight feet with a stone tied ter the other end o’ the rope.” ’ ‘* We do it with electricity, here, now.” ‘“A most unhuman way. Gosh! I wish I was back in old Somerset county ag’in! I wish ter mighty that the Pratt who died in England and left me his money had lived ter be a hund’ud years older.” ‘Phin, be you still expectin’ fer ter get that wealth?” “* Certainly I be.” *“Then you will get done up so bad you'll lose all the profit on log-drivin’ fer the past ten years,” ‘* Pshaw!” ** Mark my words, it’s all a bunco scheme. You say your ansisters."hev been in this country fer over two hundred years. Wal, ef you expect ter heir English money by reachin’ back inter the dim and dusty abyss o’ time, you'll get a wrench o’ the pocket- book that will leave you dead broke an’ mel- ancholy.”’ ** William, you wouldn’t say that ef you could read all o’ Rollo Dulaney’s letters. They are jest beautiful letters; they are, sure as gum is gum.” e ‘** Humph!” ‘Tt won't be ‘ Humph!’ when I git my ten thousand dollars.” ' *“No; but itll be ‘Humph!’ when the bunco sharps get yer five hundred dollars, b’jinks!” t was plain thatthe two could not agree on the point at issue, and they dropped it by mutual consent and went home. Both slept in the same bed that night. Phin had taken a prodigious fancy to Billy, and was so set upon the idea of keeping him with him that the boy could not well refuse. He agreed all the more willingly because he was bound to defeat the plot which he believed lurked behind the alleged chance to get the ten thousand dollars. - The night passed as peacefully as could be expected, but Phin did not sleep so peacefully as he was-won’t to do in the Maine woods, He was troubled with dreams in which his fears on a certain point played a fruitless part, and he summed up the result in the morning thus; - “T had mofe difficulty than a hen with thirty chickens. That Harry Hudson matter worries me mightily, an’ I was lawfully hung six different times durin’ the night— woke up chokin’ every blessed occasion.” Billy tried to console him, but it was still harder to do when they had secured a morn- ing paper. In that sheet they found an ac- ; wery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer. —~ | ee Ee ee ee ee ee eee count of the death of Happy Harry. Killed in his own room with a knife, said the article, and then came this Ominous para- graph: “The police are very reticent, but it was learned by the reporter that the murderers are known by ment, if not b name. There area man anda boy who went to Harry’s room just before the assassina- tion. They probably will bs arrested before night.’* Phin’s eyes seemed about to jump out of their sockets. ‘“‘T knew it!” he cried. ** Knew what?” ‘‘'We shall be tooken up fer what we didnt do!” ** Keep cool, neighbor.” “Cool! An’ we ter spend the night in the jug!” ‘“They ain’t got us yit. Phineas, you want ter learn ter take things in newspapers with some salt. The reporter wanted ter prophesy that, so if it occurred he would hev the credit o’ bein’ wise. See?” ‘* He’s a dern mean skunk ter want glory at our expense.” ** He ain’t got it, yit.” ‘* Where do you seen any hope?” ~ ‘‘T didn't say I see any, but we are ter be ketched afore we're incasserated, ye know. T admit it’s a bad go, but let’s keep up cour- age. Hope on, my frien’, Hope, though it ig a measly bad fix.” e Billy believed it. He saw how easy it would be to attach suspicion to them, and greatly he regretted their unwise flight from the hotel. If they had, instead} gone direct. to the clerk and told their story it would have been very different, but it was too late to regret the consequences of Phin’s bad. judgment. **'We shall be tooken up an’ hung,” was the burden of the log-driver’s lament, and Billy was afraid the first of these calamities would come upon them, Presently the Bunco Bouncer suggested that they go out. ‘©Go out?” echoed Phil. won't leave this room!” **Oh! yes, youwill.” ‘** An’ git strung tera lamp-post by a mob! Never, sir; never!” ‘Our way is to move around about our business just ez usual—” ‘*My business is right in this room until night. Then I'll call on Rollo Dulaney an” git my money, after which Phineas P. Pratt will skip fer Somerset county as spry as his legs will take him!” It was hard to change this plan, but Phin was not so much of a coward as his words at times indicated, and Billy argued with, him until he gave way and agreed to go around a little, if it was done prudently, He, as well as the New York boy, wanted to know more about the episode of which they had seen a part the previous night, and he decided to accompany Billy to the build- ing where Patty Beeks lived, to seek for light on that affair. On the way Billy took occasion to exam- ine a Directory to seeif there was any sign of the alleged legal firm of Dulaney & Jones Brothers, but nothing of the sort was found, “« Just as I told ye,”’ remarked the boy, “That don’t prove nothin’,” ‘Why not?” s “Them bookmaker’s is careless, an’ it prob’ly got skipped somehow.” ““They couldn’t skip what don’t exist. ““Pshaw!” ‘* Wal, go it, Phineas, but you'll be sorry- later on; now you mark my words.” “‘T should be sorry ef I missed that ten thousand dollars.” There was no such thing as convincing him, and Billy let it drop for the time. Re- suming their way, they were soon in the presence of the young girl they desired to see. ‘* How goes it, Miss Beeks?” asked Billy, genially, at “Thunder! I AL fh A | hl @ bi | & #| ¥ = . % | is) Ee | ‘ a» a
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? cy | a ') @ } vie 4 o | a if re 4 eft s et | as A coal” ¢ oan ? * ef a 14 Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer. ' “Ym all right; 'm neveranything else.” “Good fer you! the old score?” ** About them we rescued last night?” ** Jes’ so.” ‘“‘Tain’t seen them sence.” “Tm a gona bit interested in that case, an’ I’ve called around ter see ef you will give me some pertic’lers about it.” ‘“Why shouldn’t I, when you slammed Steve Slim ’round so beautifully ?” ‘No reason why you shouldn’t, so wade in, my gal, an’ let us hear all.” Anything more new on CHAPTER VI. DECOYED. ** Wuat’s first?” inquired Patty. “Who an’ what is the young lady you petped out o’ diffikilty, last night?” returned illy ‘**T know she is a Miss Rosalie Reymore— at least, that is all I know of my own self; but there is a man in the buildin’ who says he knows all about ’em. I hev plenty o’ facts about Mister Steve Slim—he’s called ‘Slim’ ’cause he’s so wasp-waisted, ye Wal, what about him?” ** He’s a bunco man!” “IT thought so. Perceed!” ‘*Steve hasa pal named Lane, an’ they are in the biz o’ bleedin’ folks. Most o’ their victims is greenies from the country, but ef they kin git a grip on acity man. they do et ez quick ez they would eat quail on toast.” ‘* Hev they a grip on Miss Reymore?” ce Yes. ”» ‘* Thunder! what has she done ter be feed fer sech p’isen skunks?” “‘Nothin’, but she has a cousin named Henry Barrington who is goin’ ter the bad. He’s weak o’ will an’ easy led astray, an’ he’s fellin with Steve Slim an’ Lane, an’ they are taking him valong the down-road. Ye see, Miss Reymore has a rich father, an’ though Barrington ain’t got no money, it looks as ef ct was the plan ter git him inter their power fully, an’ then call on Reymore fer the cash ter bein him out.” ’ ‘“* Nice scheme, by jinks!” “That was what brought Miss Reymore here last night.” **T don’t ketch on.” | x ‘‘-Ye see, she is doin’ all she can ter save Barrington, an’ ter do this she has tried ter move Steve Slim.” . ‘* Wal, she’s got a big contract.” **Might ez wal try ter move a crockerdile ter refuse meat. Why, Steve ain’t got one redeemin’ feature in his make-up. But she ketched at theblind hope, I s’pose, an’ ez Steve claimed he wasn’t so bad ez he might be, he got her ter come here on pretense that she could see her cousin—Barrington has been keepin’ out 0’ sight, ye see.” ** An’ et was a decoy?” . * Et was, sure. She come here, see Steve an’ waited fer Barrington. He didn’t come, of course. When she got tired.o’ waitin’ she wanted ter go off, an’ she started. Now, I don’t know all about this, but old Slim had some object in lurin’ her here which didn’t pan out.” : ‘«« Expected an ally ter come, mebbe.” **Shouldn’t wonder. You know what happened when she got tired of the useless wait an’ tried ter go home.” ‘*T do, b’jinks! an’ so does Phin, Slim got lammed the worst way.” “ Served him right.” ‘* Correct ye be, Patty.” : “Tf I understand this,” added Phineas, “Rosalie has a weak-minded cousin she is tryin’ ter save from ruin, but Steve is bound ter keep it up. The cousin ain’t the only one he has designs on. He would hev ab- ducted Rosalie, last night, ef he could.” uess that was a sudden, rash thought “ec I ° his,” gagosted Patty. ** Another nail drove,” agreed Billy. *‘ The mystery is-about all out o’ the thing now.” “The fightin’ ain’t all over,” declared Patty, witha sharp nod, “I don’t s’pose this is any 0’ my business, but I’m goin’ ter make et so, an’ ef Mister Steve Slim don’t mind his biz, P’ll scratch his eyes out—I will, sure ez you're livin’!” ‘“« Bravo!” ; “Tain’t a tough,” pursued Patty, warm- ing to her subject, ‘“‘ but I took a fancy ter Miss Reymore, an’ I'll fight fer her, ef it ain't a nice thing to do.” ““Put yer fin there, Patty!” cried Billy, extending his hand. ‘We are with ye in this game, an’ we'll make music on the frontier. No bunco sharps can’t raise Cain without our bouncin’ them off the whole claim, b’jinks!” ‘‘T’ve been awful mad ever since Mr. Warriner told me about this.” ‘‘Warriner? Who's he?” ‘Lives in this house; has a room all by hisself an’ does his own housework, Writes hist’ry, an’ lets his hair grow long.” “* What has he to do with it?” - ** Nothin’, He was out last night, but he comes ter me this mornin’,.an’ says he, ‘I heer’d there was a row here in the evenin’. What was it about?” **T guess he found out.” *‘He got all I could tell, but as I only knew what I see, there was much lackin’, That’s where he comes inter play, fer he says he knew the Reymore family by hearsay, an’ then he told me about the black sheep o’ the family, as he called-Barrington.” **T s’pose Warriner is a relative of the family. Eh?” ‘Ef you kin find out you'll do better than any one else. Warriner is a gent that keeps his business to himself, he is; an’ nobody kin claim ter hev drawed him out much.” ‘Be you sure he wa’n’t in the plot against Rosalie?” ‘Bless ye, yes; he’s as honest ez the day is long.” “Then why was this ranch selected fer the place o’ lure?” ‘* Because there is some mighty hard cases in the buildin’, There is some who would ez soon kill a feller bein’ ez ter sing a chant, I do believe.” ‘“Not the best place fer you ter live, Patty.” “Why not?” “They might hurt you.” ‘**So they might turn decent! Say, ef any o’ them thinks they kin do me dirt, jest let ‘em try it; that’s all!” z Brave Patty threw her arms akimbo and looked so defiant that Billy was awed with admiration. The girl was a treasure, hé thought. Business was over, and the two visitors prepared to depart. Patty lived on the third floor, and she did not dream of going down with them. Thus, they went alone, All progressed in a matter-of-fact way un- till they reached the front door. This they found locked, much to their surprise, and they looked for the key in vain. They were just thinking that-they would have to go ack and get Patty’s help when an ‘adjacent door at one side of the hall opened. A woman appeared, “ What is it?” she asked. ; ‘‘ We want ter get out,” Billy explained. “Oh! I thought it was Pete an’ his boy. I see you're strangers, so it ain’t to be ex- pected you would know that door is bein’ repaired on the outside, an’ is locked fer a few minutes. You can go out by the other way. Come right through my room.” Billy did not remember; seeing more than one door to the house, but the invitation was so friendly in seeming that he accepted it as it appeared‘to be. He and Phin entered the room indicated. The man from Maine was ahead, and he went with his usual blundering freedom of | us well.” Sia! | movement, not using his eyes to any advan- tage. As Billy passed the threshold there was a click and the door closed sharply. His attention turned that way for a mo- ment, and it was while he was thus occupied that a groan fell upon his ears. Quickly he turned his head again, and as he did so Phin fell over against him and almost took him off his feet. It was a little struggle to regain his usual position, and when he had succeeded in do- ing so he found himself looking into the end _ of a revolver, ‘« Be still or you are a dead man!” hissed a voice, Phin Pratt lay unconscious at Billy’s feet, and the weapon covered him fully, The boy was trapped. He saw three men in front of him and realized a part of the truth, The rest was soon forced upon him, ‘* Kill the kidif he yells!” added a second man. Billy did not yell. He was wise enough to know when he was well off, and the re- volver which bore upon him had a meaning which it would not be prudent to defy. 1n- stead of inviting certain trouble he assumed a peaceful look and mildly inquired: **Say, what's all this ruction about, any- how?” His question passed unheeded. The men were flustered by their own work and its possible consequences, and they all tried to speak at once, 5 ‘Tie them up!” “Open the door!” ‘Hit him ag’in!” ‘*Use the ropes first!” urged the former speaker. ‘* We waste time. Never mind the tying; we shall be able to see to them directly, If you won't see to the door, I will.” He sprung forward and raised a trap-door in the floor. It was simply a contrivance to avoid going too far to gain access to the cellar, but it came in goo play then, A black gap yawned before Billy, ‘Down with them, at once!” : So urged the leading spirit, and he made a rush for the Bowery boy. Billy did not like the looks of the gap in the least, and as it seemed violent work was intended, he no longer tried to get in his protest by word. Instead, he met the rush of the fellow with a straight, scientific blow, and the aggressor toppled over like a ten- pin. If he had been the only opponent Billy would not have had cause to fear, but it was very different. The other two pounced upon him and he was dragged toward the yawning gap. CHAPTER VII. PENNED UP WITH THE ENEMY, Bowery Brtiy was small of stature, but was unusually strong for one of' his years, a fact which his enemies soon discovered, for he made a telling effort before being subdued, but the odds were too much for the Bowery boy. His arms were pinioned, and then he was flung down the trap! us One moment his face showed at the open- ing; then it vanished from view, and the rogues turned toward Phineas Pratt. “‘He is recovering his senses!’ was the cry. ‘‘ Away with him before he gets into fighting trim.” Accordingly, the man from Maine was — seized and cast down after his young ally. With a sigh of relief the leader dropped the cover of the trap. ‘* We are luckier than we dared hope for,” he remarked. “They will be making a rumpus down there which will call the attention of all in the house.” ‘‘Not much, for we will go down and set: _ tle them, and then Steerer Steve must pay
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a if Y et ie ad io haben EE ry Papa Sa at ato moe ins as on er Py oe the Bunco Bouncer. — If the trapped detectives could have heard the comment it would have thrown a good deal of light on the secret of the attack on them, but they were not where they could hear anything of the sort. Billy had fallen several feet and received considerable of a shock, but did not feel that any bones were broken. He quickly strug- gled to his feet, and none too soon, for just then the body of Phineas Pratt descended, narrowly missing him in its fall. A groan escaped the man from Skowhegan. Billy. was in total darkness, and he would have been at a loss to know where else he was, had not circumstances helped him to form some idea, He had fallen from the lower floor of the house: he must now be in the cellar, since the house was not of the kind that had basements. ‘* Hello, Phin!’ he uttered, hurriedly. There was no reply. **Say, be you knocked out fer keeps?” Phineas said nothing, so Billy bent over him and touched his face. é ‘‘Ef there’s a spark o’ life in yer anatomy, let it be mentioned immediate!” he urged. It was not that Phin was changed from a previous line of conduct, but because he had just found his senses in part that he also found his voice. ‘Be I dead?” he inquired, dismally. ‘“‘Dead? Why, you're all right, my frien’. Git a wiggle on an’ let yer voice be heerd ter some purpose.” **T thought I was killed.” ** You're all right, I say.” “Ef I be, I wonder how I'd feel ef I was all wrong.” The lumberman from Maine struggled up to a sitting position. ‘Hit by a log in the jam, sure,” he added. ‘*Got it in the bread-basket, an’ the pesky thing hurts.” ** Phin, we have been set onter an’ flung down cellar, Stir yer stumps an’ help me think, or we shall both git done up fer keeps.” ‘Say, did they chuck us down here?” “They did, sartain.” ; ‘<Be we in the potato-bin?” . * We are down suller, sure.” “Wal, I'll be gosh-darned! Little did I think when | left Skowhegan that I should ever come ter this. Is’pose I’m as good as dead, or worse.” ** Hist! They're comin’ down!” ** What for?’ “Ter kill us, I reckon! Pull yerself tergether, old man, fer we must rise an’ shake ourselves or we shall get done up. Listen!” The foe, or somebody else, was certainly coming. There was a stir in the further part ofthe cellar, and feet sounded on the stairs. Phineas did not yet seem fully him- self, but Billy was not slow to recognize the pressing need of action. He had in- timated to his companion that murder was intended. He was not sure that such was the case, but, anyhew, they had the liveliest grounds for concern, What could be done? “Come with me!” directed the Bowery boy, hurriedly, ‘They will expect ter find us right under the trap, an’ we kin gain one lap in the race while they are lookin’, I guess, Hustle !” - He pulled Phin along with him. His feet struck a stone and he fell, but it was on soft earth and he made no betraying sound, Up he got once more, but his movements were now more cautious. Very secretly he re- treated to the dark recesses of the €ellar. A light showed where the foe stood. ‘** Now, let’s finish this up without delay,” spoke one of the latter. any ruction,” “We ought ter have tied them when we had a chance.” **Oh! we can finish them!” All this Billy heard, He had no means of *“We don’t want ne | Bowery Billy, knowing just what was meant by “ finishing” them, but, naturally, his fears suggested the very worst construction of the speech, and he believed his life and Phin’s were in danger, ‘*Be you armed?” he whispered to his ‘Say, ef I git at them skunks ag’in there will be weepin’ an’ gnashin’ o’ teeth; now you bet high on that/ They hit me in coward style, an’ I'll show them yer uncle ain’t o’ the kind ter be done up every heat without a kick on his part.” ** Be prudent, Phin,” **T will, an’ ez dangerous as I kin!” Billy would have been glad for a transient gleam of light in his section. If there was a club, or anything else, which could be used in defense, he wanted to know of it. He felt around but discovered nothing. They were still without weapons. The enemy, in the mean while, had finish- ed all preparations for the next move. One of their number was left by the foot of the stairs, and in his hand wasa revolver. He was to’ guard that passage, and he seemed to have the means of doing it well. In vain Billy tried to form a plan of campaign. He saw no way of meeting a superior force under promising conditions. They advanced. The light of the feeble lamp flickered on grim stone walls and re- vealed, more distinctly, the brutal faces of the two men who were there with the avowed purpose of *‘ finishing ” the inoffensive twain. ‘*Phin, can’t you think of some way?” again whispered the Bowery boy, as his own wits refused to work. ‘* Not a think.” **Keep well back.” “Td ruther sashay right up ter them. Sa the word, an’ I'll agree ter lick the whole gang single handed!” Phineas was a marvel of muscle, but Billy did not forget that the foe were armed, and he would not hear to such rashness. The searchers reached the place where they knew their victims had fallen, and then their voices expressed their disappointment as they realized the situation. ‘* Gone!” ‘**Can they have escaped frem the suller?” ‘** Nonsense! The stairs is the only way out, an’ we know they did not go there. They are hidin’ in the dark shadders. Keep on, an’ jest have your peepers open; thenall will be well.” ; The search was continued! With the light well advanced they sought along the area of darkness, but without result. Billy had taken charge and was keeping up a plan of masterly retreat. His own feet fell with scarcely more sound than the movements of a cat, but with Phin it wasdifferent. It was pure luck that the rough man from Maine did not fall and direct attention to them at once, ° Under Billy’s skillful lead they managed to keep out of the way, and, at the same time, not betray themselves to the guard by the stairs, but the léader of the enemy finally stopped short. ** This is played out!” he declared. | “They have got out of the suller,” added one of his companions, **T don’t believe it. I don’t see how they could. They are still here, but they are dodging us. Even now they are within sound of our voices, an’, no doubt, laughin’ at our vain efforts ter get them.” ‘Ef we could light up the whole suller—” “We can’t, so we must do the next best thing. Sam, lock the door above an’ then join Sam obeyed. ‘‘Now,” pursued the leader, ‘ we will all move at once, but in different directions. That is the only way to find them, Sam, go to the left, an’ you, Tom, keep ter the right. I'll move directly through the middle o’ the suller. Now, move on, all 0’ you. Move!” CHAPTER VIII. TROUBLE WITH PHIN’S LEGS. Tne last order was obeyed, though re- luctantly. Sam and Tom remembered how big and strong Phin was, and were unwilling to give him a chance at them in the dark. They did not like the plan, but it was carried out as directed. Then began the difficult task for the Bowery boy and his friend of evading the whole three, but they soon found themselves driven into a corner by Sam’s movements. At that point there was a box, and behind this they crouched. The scheme was to keep out of sight as long as they could, and then to fight desperately for life. Sam came on cautiously. ‘** Dark as thunder!” he muttered, his huge hand put out in advance, as if to feel the way. The fugitives snuggled in behind the box as close as circumstances would admit. Retreat was now out of the case; they must stay and accept the result of the search. Sam soon discovered the box, and did so to his sorrow. His shin struck a sharp cor- ner and he recoiled with a groan. ‘**Have you found them?” cried Tom. ‘‘Found thunder!” howled Sam. ‘‘I’ve broke my shin-bone on some blamed old dry-goods case.” ** You fool! attend to business!” directed the leader. “‘Call me that again an’ I will come over an’ thump you in the nose, See? I reckon my shins are as good as anybody else’s.” e was not answered and the storm quieted down, but he was more careful, moving very cautiously away to avoid the box. The fugitives did not stir. Sam passed on, and Billy and Phin ven- tured to breathe once more. The searchers met at a point and compared notes. ‘“They’ve give us the shake an’ got ter the Battery by now, Cap,” ventured Sam. * And +f tell you, I know they are still here. They are too cunnin’, an’ have been dodgin’ us, Your search was not any good, Do you forget that Steve said he would give us fifty dollars to catch ’em an’ shut them up here? Mebbe you don’t want that money?” ‘Oh! but we do!” = ‘Earn it, then! We get the fifty, an’ we may scoop more. Ye see, the boy an’ the ~ man see Steve act rusty ter a gal last night, an’ he’s afraid they will go an’ peach on him. When he see them come here, ter- day, he jest slipped in an’ hired me ter do the job, an’ I got your help, But there may be more in it. We may get another haul from Steve, ef we once get on the right road, Now, we must hev them, Tom, go up an’ get two more lights.” Tom started. “That will do us up, Phin!” whispered Billy. ‘“« Sure!” ** What be we ter do?” ‘‘T hev hid here as long as I want ter. We must git a wiggle on, as say say, an’ git out ef we hev ter fight.” “Right you be, old man, Now, I have a plan.” “What?” s os **Can’t we go up the same way we come down ?”}j “How kin we?” ‘Put this box which we hey here right under the trap, an’ then go up, b’jinks!”’ Phin caught eagerly at the plan. Neither of them was stupid enough to think this was a promising scheme, but when there was no way which was promising, something had to be tried if it was not of that nature. As softly as possible they moved, and the box Peat - _P : ee ae ee em OP on a eS) fh eo eS RA 8
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® 4 Phe 4 es Pip wa ° aan Ww 4 « a a a) ¥ fox be ¥ Sa * a» “4 4h : P 3 . , + 7 + Fe at * id ¥ ad 5 ee « i Se geht 2th } 9B ib * 2 bY a ome hy | eae “4 f Rs i, F Bae Sater Ms ape now nes ee pees “ - z Pie a Oe down, an’ trod all over them in patent style. Gosh all hemlocks! I’ve give them a sample o’ Somerset county style, an’ ther beauties lay like dead snakes!” ‘Phin, you're a trump, but we can’t stop ter say so. Up, man; up an’ out o’ this afore the other feller brings help!” ‘T feel like lickin’ the whole gang, but I s’pose your way is best. Lemme give yea hist, Billy boy!” Once more Billy was raised to the floor above, and this time there was no opposition to Phin’s following. From the room they passed quickly to the hall, and, finding the front door once more unlocked, they were soon in the street. Both felt like taking revenge for the trouble they had endured, but the shadow of Happy Harry’s death was over them, and they did not dare to complain to the police, They were talking of this when a new scare came on that very subject. A patrolman and a roundsman passed at a slow walk, and afew words of their con- versation were caught by the listeners, ‘Tt is just the chance for some smart fellow to make his reputation,” remarked the latter, ‘*The description sent out is very accurate, and it ought to be possible to recognize the criminals, They may come on your beat, Maginnis, so have your eyes propped open and see everybody. If you get them you will not only avenge Happy Harry’s murder, but get.a show for promo- tion, yourself.” “Oh! you bet J’ll watch!” replied the patrolman. “The recognition should be easy. I sup- pose the boy is about the size of that one.” They had passed slightly by Phin and Billy, and the speaker jerked his thumb over his shoulder ashe spoke, The patrol- man stopped and looked at Billy fully. ' “ We're gone up!” muttered Phin, in dis- may. “That kid ain’t the one,” said the patrol- man, shaking his head. ‘‘Of course not.” ‘ Let that kid go to any hotel an’ he would not be allowed ter go up to any room, Why, he has a face so homely he would sn the chambermaids into fits if they saw m.” He raised his voice as he spoke, and the richness of his remark so impressed the roundsman that both officers had a hearty laugh as they resumed their way. ‘*Darn my boots ef that ain’t a perlite way 0’ speakin’ of a feller-bein’!” quoth Billy, in disgust. ‘Say, Phin, be I so thunderin’ homely as he says? Ef so, I had better gita base-ball mask an’ wear git ter keep the goats from chewin’ me.” ‘Never mind; let’s skip!” shastily advised hin. . ‘* What’s the hurry?” “Them chaps are lookin’ fer the man an’ the boy who went inter the hotel where Harry Hudson was killed.” “Let ’em look; they wouldn’t find us ef we went an’ pulled their noses. Recognize us? Bah! They ain’t built that way!” ‘* Wal, I'm goin’ home right off, quick /” ** Not yet.” **T say yes; go, an’ do it. sudden, Don’t ye think [ ever want ter look on the hills an’ valleys of old Somerset ag’in? There would be a pile o’ mournin’ goods ordered fer this year ef Phin Pratt was never ter see the gals up that way ag’in, by gosh!” As usual, “Billy overcame his friend’s fears, and they wandered on in company, though Phin kept a sharp watch and was ready to run if he saw an officer looking at him with more attention than seemed na- tural. Suddenly a voice pronounced Billy’s name, They were in front of an undertaker’s es- tablishment, and the proprietor stood in the doorway. : “« Are you busy, Billy?” he inquired. “Not especial.” * Will you do me a favor?” ‘*‘T reckon so. What is it?” ** Stay in my shop for half an hour while Tam wing want to go out, and do not wish to leave the alone. Some customer might come in, you know,” ** We'll stay, an’ welcome,” “Good! Tllask you to take the rear room. Thus, as you will not be visible, you will invite no transient in, while if anybody really desires to see me you can come out to an- swer them, and say I will return shortly.” **Correct! Toddle along about yer er- rand, an’ you'll find us here when you put in & reappearance,” The undertaker went his way, while the substitutes sat down in the rear room. Phin surveyed one thing with apprehension. ‘“Say, d’ye sce all o’ them coffins?’ he asked, ‘*] do that same.” ‘‘Nice things fer us ter set \longside of, by gosh!” ‘Be you afraid?” “T don’t lack much on’t, I admit. Ef there’s any one thing I don’t like it is dead folks, an’ coffins is about as bad. Jest now, sech things hit me worse than usual, Ye see, my nerves ain’t never got over seein’ Harry Hudson layin’ behind the bed up in the hotel.” ‘* Does he haunt ye so?” ‘‘Comes mighty near it.” ‘Wal, this ain’t the hotel.” ‘« Ef it was you wouldn’t ketch me around the establishment. Say, what is that one coffin propped up in the middle o’ the room fer, when all the rest are at one side?” ‘*My guess would be that there was some one init.” ‘Thunder an’ lightnin’!” Phin almost flew into the air, so suddenly did hespring from his chair, and his fright- ened expression made Billy smile. *‘Don’t be so took down,” the Bunco Bouncer advised. ‘‘ Nobody wiil hurt ye, be he dead or ’live, an’ I don’t know that there 7 any one in the coffin, I'll look!” Billy moved forward and took off the cloth cover, The upper part of the coffin lid was not on. He gazed, and then Phin saw him start back with more trepidation than he had ever before witnessed in the cool lad. ‘* What is it?’ the man from Maine in- quired, anxiously. ~ “Come an’ see,” replied Billy, in'a hushed voice. Phin stepped forward, looked and then uttered a cry of dismay, CHAPTER X. FACING A POLICE MAGNATE, Par Prarr turned to rush out of the ro J om. ‘‘Stop! Where are you goin’?” demanded Bowery Billy. *‘T’'m goin’ home, by gosh! an’ goin’ as quick as my legs will carry me!’ declared Phin, in a panic. ““ Wait!” . ‘‘ What! with that thing inthere? I guess not!” : ‘*T tell ye to hold on!” ‘Say Billy do ye know who that dead man is?” ‘é Yes.” j * It’s Happy Harry, the man folks think ae killed!” “3 “That’s true, but should you be scared | a about it?” ; “Wal, by gosh! ef you'll tell me why I shouldn’t be scared, Pll agree ter stay with ye here as long as ye say.” of “Done, old man! Iadmit that Iwas all — shook up when I first gazed in, but; now, 4 my wits git ter workin’, I see how foolishI was. Harry is dead an’ can’t harm us,an’ nobody else is nere—” E i.
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eS ee ee fou &
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4% a + +6 : : - a ie + ‘ - ¥ ~ tat ae ‘ as i" « f * e < ef opr - 1 — t; ee Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer. ar apothecary shop an’ git them ter mix me up some catnip tea, ef they kin” ‘Stay where you are, Phin. We are not suspected, an’ the best way is ter bluff et out.” “I would jest ez soon ez not, fer this is a pile o’ fun ter me, but this gain in my stom- ach is jest excruciating, by gosh!” _ Billy smiled. .He knew the pain was bogus, and that Phin was simply a very badly scared man. Luckily, both were re- lieved from danger by the return of the un- dertaker, He seemed the center of interest, and the Bowery boy and his ally lost no time in getting out of the place. Phin fell to mopping away the perspira- tion from his forehead. “You see we are all right,” observed Billy. ~ ‘All right? Wal, so was John Rogers, after he was burned at the stake, It was the purnin’ that was uncomfortable fer him. An’ ef I ain't been tortured in there you kin kiek me ferafool. Why, it was an escape so narrer that the starch is all melted in my collar, by gum!” ** Phin, I have an idea!” ** What is it?” ‘‘What ef it was Steerer Steve who killed Harry Hudson?” se Eh?” ‘* Ain't it possible?” ‘*He is skunk enough ter do it, but why do ye think it did happen so?” Billy was eager to tell, and he soon made known the grounds for his suspicions. He could give no absolute evidence, but when a man wishes to be convinced it is not hard to convince him. It was so with Phineas, and he explosively exclaimed: “You have hit the nait on the head, by gum! There ain’ta bit o' doubt on the sub- ject. We'll go right ter the constable an’ tell him so.” ‘‘ Without any proof? Go slow, old man; go slow. We hev our theory, buteef we’s ter spring it without proof we shouldn’t be in it at all. Now, here is a chance fer us ter git in our fine work. We'll turn detectives an’ see ef we kin run Steve down.’ ‘Hooray! I’m yer huckleberry!” ‘“You are with me?” ‘‘With ye? Gosh all hemlockst you bet Ibe! Goin? Wal, rather! An’ T’ll bet we succeed so wal we shall git appointed con- stables in place o’ that feller who felt so bad *cause Harry was dead.” Phin’s erratic temperament was on a new ‘line of action; he had forgotten his fears, and was willing todo anything rash so long as it promised to get Steve into trouble. During the rest of the day, however, there was no startling development. The ap- proach of night brought another interesting era in their affairs. In spite of all Billy’s urging to the contrary, Phin proposed to go and meet the representative of Dulaney & Jones Brothers, and his zeal was spurred on by a note from Mr. Rollo Dulaney, telling him all was ready for the exchange of the big English fortune for the Maine man’s five hundred dollars. 5 Billy warned the log-driverin vain, for he was much interested. His belief that Phin had been dealing with a bunco gang was strengthened by the fact that Mr. Pratt had specific directions to visit his “lawyer” alone. . For this the reason was given that it was unsafe to have ary confidant when one was to handle large sums of money, but the excuse did not satisfy Billy, ‘Wal, ef you will go, there is just one thing I want ter say—look out fer yerself, an’ don’t blame me ef you come home a plucked pigeon.” : “William, you mean wal, but I te ye Rollo Dulaney is as square a feller as you kin find in pile 0’ bills as large as your head, an’ then we'll see who the laugh is on.” “But you'll be careful?” rN 5 ‘*T will, an’ I'll remember all you’ve told ‘«Especially, about the panel game,” ‘Yes; they don't substitute no bogus money on me ef lonce git my peepers on the good.” Billy had done his best, and he had to be content and see Phin go to meet his “ lawyer.” The man from Skowhegan had been stub- born outwardly, and in reality, but he was not so stubborn as to want to lose his five hundred dollars. A more serious mood came over him when he had gone along the street a distance, and he muttered. ‘It's jest possible that the boy maybe right. He’s a sharp, knowin’ lad, an’ he’s a New Yorker; he ought ter be up ter sech things. I will be uncommon careful!” It was not far to the residence of Rollo Dulaney, lawyer. This was a brick house which had always been plain, but had grown rusty, now, with the passage of time. Phin rung the bell and waited anxiously, CHAPTER XII. CUNNING AGAINST CUNNING. Tue door was soon opened. The girl who did this part of the work was clean and trim- looking, and Mr. Pratt was encouraged. He had a susceptible mind, and he thought that such a girl would not be in league with law- breakers. He asked to see Mr. Dulaney, and was es- corted to a room on the second floor and told to wait until the servant went to the “law- yer.” She went out, was gone about five minutes, and then returned with the report: ‘Mr. Dulaney is now busy with a client in a case where much money is involved, but will see you in a very short time.” Phineas was encouraged still further. ‘* Ef he was crooked he would rush right here,” was his line of reasoning. ‘‘ He is with another client, an’ he must be on the square. Ha! won’t I have the laugh on Billy, though!” This anticipation was so agreeable that Phin laughed then and there. He felt of the five hundred dollars in his pocket, and im- agined how big a roll the ten thousand would make. ‘* Won't I cut a dash at Skowhegan, when I git home!” he thought, with a chuckle. He wasin the seventh heaven of joy and confidence, and at that moment all of Billy’s warning was forgotten. Phin was ready to yield up his cash to a stranger as completely as ever victim of bunco man did. Footsteps sounded outside the door, The latter opened and a man entered, He was rather a handsome young fellow, and fault- lessly dressed in sober black. He also wore a winning smile—a smile which would have ‘turned vinegar to honey, if such a thing had been possible under any condition. The smile expanded; he advanced with extended hand; and in dulcet tones he explained: | “‘Tam the gentleman you wish to see. My dear Mr. Pratt, Tam delighted to meet you at last, and exceedingly regret that ressing legal business deferred it last night. ray be seated, and at your ease; Iam Rollo Dulaney, Esquire.” . ; A part of this address had been because he thought the visitor was flurried by being in such exalted company. He judged by Phin’s expression. Phin did look different from common, He was staring at Mr. Dulaney in an odd way, and there was good cause, ; No stranger to him was the dulcet-voiced “lawyer.” He had_ seen him before, if Du- laney had not seen Phin. It was none other than Lane, the confi- dence man who had been told to ‘‘move on” by the Bowery policeman, and _ the ew York. I'll bring home a! avowed ally and confederate of Steve Slim! Never before had Phineas received such a ock, ‘ It was not singular that he stared oddly the speaker, waxing eloquent, at the bland entrapper of men. He was no fool, and no one else would have failed un- der the circumstances to realize the truth. His dream of English money faded away, and he saw at ohce that Billy had not warn- ed him without good cause. The ‘lawyer ’” was no lawyer, but, beyond question, was: now seeking to ply his trade as a bunce man, Down went Phin’s hopes. ‘* Please be seated,” repeated Dulaney. ** Yes, sir,” It was a very weak voice to emanate from A man, and Dulaney began to be puz- zled. “T trust — are not ill?” he asked. Phin made an effort to ‘‘ pull himself to- gether,” ‘* It flusters me to think o’ all the money comin’ ter me,” he explained. ‘‘Oh! that is nothing,”. replied Dulaney,. witha smile. ‘‘Thereis not a week but I pass over tothe proper claimants just such amounts as the one you have secured, I feel that Iam doing good in this work,” added ** Above all things Iam a genuine American; I love our ‘country and its glory, and it does me good to secure these claims. Every dollar brought. from England to this country is so much gained.” Phin drew a long breath, He had been allowed time to get control of his nerves. He knew he was dealing witha swindler, and was not only prepared to meet him, but was about as angry a man as ever stood in Rollo Dulaney’s presence. ‘“‘T shall be glad ter get my cash,” he an- swered. ‘* You shall have it at once. Wait, and I will get it from the safe.” He went out, and Phin had: time to form his plans. Whenthe buncoman returned he bore a large package. This he proceeded to- free from its wrapper, and Phil caught the gleam of greenback paper. ‘* Examine it,” blandly requested Rollo. ‘he man from Maine obeyed. He believed himself to be a gecd judge of money, and investigation convinced him that, though he could not stop to survey every bill therein, there were many that were genuine, ~ Little did your distant English cousin think, when he was accumulating this, that. he was going to enrich you,” remarked Rollo, with a guileless smile. “Folks don’t always know how money transactions is goin’ to turn out,” replied Phineas. . ‘Hatha! Thatisso. Ha! ha!’ Esquire Dulaney seemed to find something- very amusing about the remark of his. visitor.. His laugh had a more sincere ring’ _ than anything he had said. He aired Phineas to look to his fill, and. then added: ‘Here isa small hand-bag which I will — give you to carry the money homein., You will attract less attention than if you had a package.” j The money was put in the article named; the hand-bag was closed, and then set on the © — table. “IT suppose you brought the five hundred dollars,” he went on, with his guileless smile: growing more bland. **Oh! yes; here it is.” ; Phineas produced the roll which he had hoped would buy so much prosperity for him. Dulaney counted it rapidly. ; “Quite right! Now, friend Pratt, do you know what Jam going to do with all this. cash?” r ce No. ” ? “T am going to put it all out to pay off the mortgage on the house of a poor widow on this block who— Step to the window and I will show you where she lives.” ’ He led the way, and Phineas followed. obediently. Dulaney .pointed down the | a z
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13 Pe el “street and began to talk volubly about the widow and her financial troubles, Phin listened patiently, but he did more. Covert- ly he watched the hand-bag on the table, and his watch was not in vain. He ‘saw a panel move in the seemingly solid wall: he saw a hole appear there, in- stead; he saw a hand reach out and grasp the hand-bag. Then he lost all interest in the widow. With a cat-like bound he regained the vicinity of the money, and, just as the hand- bag was disappearing through the hole in the wall, he laid hold of it himself, and ~wrested it away from the thief. Z Through the hole he then saw the other — Se ~ Bowery Billy the Bunco Bouncer. ‘** An’ J ain’t got a word ter say?” “No. All you have to do is to git, and see that you lose no time about it. Git/” Plucky Phin was determined to stand up for his rights if he died forit. If he could have got his hands on Dulaney without re- ceiving a shot from the dreaded revolver he would not have asked odds of any one, but he knew the attempt would cost him his life. He could think of but one other scheme, and he proceeded to put it into exe- cution. His hand was still on the hand-bag, and | now, with a quick movement he swung the latter from the table, and with the same | movement he hurled it-with all his force at gosh-darned old skinflint of a bunco shark, ef you think ye kin bluff me you are away off from the road. Yes, sirree, findin’s are keepin’s, an’ all I have I hang on to, Git out 0’ my way!” The man from Maine took a step toward the door, and Dulaney moved aside like one in a dream. “Was the victory won? Not yet, and Phin was nct foolish enough to think so. ; In order to go out he would have to pass in the line of vision of the bunco con- federate in the next room, and if Steerer Steve was wise enough to use bisadvantage, and desperate enough to take human life, he could prevent Phin from ever reaching the ¥ * man, and the sight was worth a good deal, the head of the bunco man. door—prevent him with a revolver-shot. ar He recognized Steve Slim! Rollo Dulaney had been in his line of Phin was worried. He had been reared . Rollo Dulaney was dumfounded. His | ‘‘ business” for many years, but past ex- | where all disputes were settled in what he a J plot had to all appearances been working | perience had not prepared him for such an | considered the only manly way—with mus- ae | well, and the sudden change was both sur- | attack. He had found in-the past that a re- | cle—and he was not used to firearms asa ¥ prising and alarming. For a moment he | volver would quell the bravest of his victims | means to such an end. ~ could not recover his breath, but when he ‘did, the viciousness of his nature came to the front. ‘** What are you doing?” hecried, sharply. **Holdin’ on ter my property!” clearly explained Phineas, ‘Why do you leap about like a mad- man?” **Somebody tried to steal it.” ‘* Nonsense!” “Is it? Look at this hole in the wall, ef “ye think so. Yes, an’ look at me, too, by gum! Do I look like a feller that can be tookin by bunco chaps? Ef you think I do, ‘try it on!” = who were not taken in by the ‘‘ panel” trick, and this confidence was so shared by Steerer Steve that, though the ally was still in the next room, he did not dream his aid would be needed. Like a flash went the hand-bag, andthe aim was true. It struck Dulaney fullin the face, with the result that he measured his length on the floor, his revolver flying away to the distance of several feet. Then the plucky Phin showed his agilit once more, for he secured the pistol, and, though the bunco man made a surprisingly quick rise, he found the reyolver bearing upon him. He had a horror of bullets, and was more scared than he, would have admitted at the idea of being made a_target of by Steve, the boss, crook. Yet, there was no way out, and he made the venture. Toward the door he went with his gaze fixed on the now-closed panel, ex- pecting at every moment to see it open. Was he to be shot down like a Somer- set county Christmas turkey? Horrible thought! His blood seemed to chill as he watched. Life was sweet. Was he to lose it at the hands of such a knave? Creak! The door opened before he reached there, The man from Maine tucked the hand-bag | and Steerer Steve stood in the passage. . + | CHAPTER XII. under one arm and grimly surveyed his foe. | Phineas was looking into the wicked eye ; A DESPERATE SITUATION. ‘“‘ Mister,” he spoke, ‘‘T’ll trouble you to | of a revolver, held in the second bunco - } . Roito DuLANEy’s face was the picture of | pass over that five hundred you owe me!” man’s hand, but it was a positive relief. dismay and rage. The speech of the man ** Eh?” Better that than a shot from ambush, as one ; from Maine was plain and to the point, but | Dulaney was bewildered. | from the panel might be considered. Steve _ - - the sharper was reluctant to resort te violent “Fork over, or ’ll blow you inter Aroo- | squared away for action. measures while mild ones might possibly an- | stock county!” **Stop where you are!” he ordered. swer. - ** But that will be murder,” a 9 roe speak?” retorted Phin. ‘What do you mean by such wild words?” | ‘‘I’ve killed fifteen men in my time,”| ‘‘I did, and I mean it.” a oe - action no longer. he demanded. ‘‘T mean {that you are a bunco man, but you can’t take me in!”™coneisely added hineas, “* Why, are you crazy?” “* Better fer ee that I was, but I happen ter know all a Lane, the sport. Yes, un’ Iknow a Mr. Steve Slim, too!” The die was cast. Rollo saw he had caught a Tartar, and he delayed decisive Moving toward Phin, he about exclaimed: ‘“* Drop that hand-bag!” ** Drop it? Why you told meter take et ‘Shome with me.” ‘©All we have said before is off. You have seen fit to kick over the traces, and you will take the consequences, Drop it!” ‘Not much! As fer you, mister, you keep away from me or I'll lick the stuffin’ out o’ you! D’ye hear that, you blamed - bunco skunk?” Rollo drew a revolver. ‘‘Obey me or you are a dead man!” he cried, sharply. Things began to look bad for Phin. He had abundant muscle, but muscle goes for nothing when opposed. to a revolver, the weapon which makes the weak the equal of the strong under any condition. Phin was not slow to realize his danger, but he re- mained cool. : “ Say, ain't [bought this thing?” he asked. **You accuse me of being a swindler, so you can’t expect me to have any regard for the bargain.” : ‘‘T don't,” frankly replied the log-driver. * You are right: I have no such regard.” ‘* How about my five hundred dollars?” “It is now mine, and I shall keep it!” walmly declared Dulancy. out you, Mr. Dulaney, a/ias. asserted Phineas, unblushingly, ‘‘an’ I am jest hankerin’ fer a chance ter make it six- teen. Fork over or die!” There was a sound at the panel in the wall, but Phin gave the locality but one glance. The panel was not large enough for aman to put his head through, and as he was not in range, now, he had little fear of a shot from that quarter—the only way to do him eee Dulaney’s head began to clear, but Phin did not intend to let him have opportunity to plan out and execute any new scheme. *‘TDo I see ye movin’?” he demanded. ‘*My man, I will compromise with you—” “Tll bet a yoke of oxen you won't! ‘For the last time, fork over! Toss that roll 0’ bills down at my feet, or your marm.,, hig mourn the loss 0’ her pet child! Drop til” The big log-driver from Skowhegan could look fierce when he tried. He looked fierce now, and the bunco man decided that he must obey. Inwardly swelling with savage hate and anger he cast the five hundred dol- lars down as directed, and Phin gathered in his almost-lost cash; ‘ ‘‘ Now,” added Dulaney, mildly, ‘‘ I will trouble you for the gripsack, you kaow.” ‘Tt won't be no trouble,” ‘Tam glad of that.” — ‘*‘ Tt won't be no trouble, fer you won’t get it! I keep all I hev got, an’ your carpet- bag goes with me ter Somerset county ez a reminder. Mister, I must hev something to remember you by.” ‘*But my money is in it!” ** So it is.” ** You won't keep that ? ‘Yes, I shell.” | ‘But you have your own cash, and it wouldn’t be right to keep mine, you know.” ** What hev you ter do with this game?” **T will show you. You big brawling country lout, if you imagine you can run this show your are mistaken. You are dealing with men who know their business, and don’t you forget it! Drop all you have there, or I will blow your head off!” “What will I be doin’ all the while?” re- torted Phin. , ‘‘Nothing. You are not in it in any sense of the word. Why, we New Yorkers could do up a regiment of such yokels as you!” “Could, could ye? al, this carrion crow has jest tried it. How did he come out?” **You took an advantage of him. Now, the advantage is all on the other side. We are two against one, and we will show you no mercy. Drop that hand-bag!” **T won't!” “Drop it, or I will shoot you full of holes!” “ Shoot away, dang you Phin was defiant, but he did not fail to see that he was in great danger. The odds ” ! were against him, and he was well aware ~ that he had to deal with brawny men, He had beaten them so far, but the rest did not look easy. He wished he had taken Billy’s advice and kept away from the danger. ‘ CHAPTER XIV. PHIN GOES DOWN; SOMEBODY ELSE COMES UP. - Roiito Dunaney spoke sharply. ‘“‘ We lose time by dallying with this man. Take the thing into your own hands and end it!” ; Steerer Steve once more addressed Phin: ‘* Drop that hand-bag!” s “ Got this all planned, ain’t ye?” “Oh! you pretty bird! but «ain’t you a| . The man from Maine had been doing some 5 a Biss» «*T have.” sa . nice one to preach right an’ wrong! You thinking. He had made up his mind that.
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. best to be the aggressor. Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer, » 13 nothing could avert a fight, and that it was ) He had always lived in a law-abiding community, and though he felt that he ought to use the re- volver which he held, and use it without compunction, he could not bring himself to do what might make him the taker of human life. Thus, he resorted to the one way of an honest man and acted accordingly. With a mighty leap he sprung upon Steve, whose revolver was disregarded, and the log-driver relied only on his muscle. Not so’with Steve. Murder was some- thing he abhorred only on account of possible consequences, and, as he was now mad all through, he did not let that interfere with his plans. He pulled the trigger, and the bullet sped so close to Phin’s head that he almost thought he had been hit. It was a single chance in many that he was not, but escape the shot he did. He was left for action. His big hands were outstretched to seize the Steerer, but if Phin was alert, so was another man. Dulaney had been watching keenly, and at the first sign of a move on the Maine man’s part he moved, too, and just as Phin was about to lay hold of Steve a foot was projected and the assailant stum- bled, reeled and fell in a heap. Another moment and both crooks had piled upon him, ‘‘We have the demon!” cried Dulaney, exultantly. Right there he miscalculated. They had to deal with one as strong as an ox, and the result was soon seen. They had Phin down, but there was a movement like the surge of — and Phin’s arms and legs began o fly. *Gol-darn ye!” howled the log-driver, ‘**T’ll make mince-meat o’ ye ef you don’t let me up! Take that, you measly skunk! Git off my stomach, or I'll smash yer ter kindlin’ wood!” Brave was the visitor from Skowhegan, and the battle began to look doubtful, ‘The crooks saw they could not hold him down, and as this fact was impressed on their minds they looked for other means. Both revolvers had gone flying away, but Dulaney recovered one and suddenly clapped it to Phin’s head. ‘Give in!” he cried. die!” ‘* Never!” ‘Then take it!” ° Dulaney really meant to fire, but he had waited just a trifle too long. ** Drop that shooter!” It was a new voice which made the de- man 1, and there was a blow which sent the weapon flying faraway. The second revol- ver was not so distant, and it seemed scarce- ly a moment of time before it was presented to Dulaney’s own head, and the new voice added: ‘“‘Dry up or you are a dead duck!” There was a lull, All looked up. ‘* Billy!” shouted Phin, ‘‘the Bowery boy for a hand full!” ‘Billy it is!” coolly returned the Bunco Bouncer. ‘‘ What’s all this friction about? B’jinks! ef you fellers don’t let up; an’ show some pride in good government, I’ll cut the whole gang up fer hash!” and he tried to look vicious, but, really, he was inclined to laugh, for the three men looked comical enough as they lay sprawling on the floor. Phin hurriedly rose, and the crooks would have done the same thing had not Billy in- terfered. “Tay right where you be!” he ordered. “Say, let me lick them silly!” requested Phineas. — Pa ‘No, All we want is ter git out. Pack up, old man, an’ we will pet a wiggle on.” The log-driver sprung for the hand-bag. — -“T protest,” began Dulaney; but, Billy interrupted him. ‘How much?” *‘Give in or you “ec Eh i **Enough o’ protest so you want a cop called in?” ** Jest let me git up and talk—” ~ ‘‘Lay right where you be!’ and the re- volver enforced the order, It wasa humiliating situation. To lie on the floor and see an enemy in his hour of triumph is something no man could do with composure, Yet, the bunco men saw they must grovel in the dust and keep out of danger of the revolver. Phin hugged the hand-bag. ‘*T’m all ready ter go,” he answered. “Wait!” cried Dulaney, imploringly. ‘Let us hev our own property and I will not say a word. Give me the hand-bag and you can go scot free, but that is property.” “*Phin, do you want ter keep it?” ** Sartain, Billy.” ** Then you can. ant dreams—” ** Would you rob us? We protest—” “Shall I call a policeman?” ‘‘No, but there is such a thing as right—” ‘You gosh-darned, measly, thievin’, sneakin’ swindler!” shouted Phineas, ‘‘ you are a pritty man ter talk about sech things, ain't ye? Thought of all that when you was robbin me, didn’t ye? Wal, when ye git this carpet-bag back jest notify me by mail, will ye?” “This is talk enough,” added. Billy. “Go out, old man, an’ we will lock these fellers in.” They went, keeping up the watch to the last. Almost as soon as the revolver ceased to cover them the key was turned in the lock. Down the stairs went the allies. Not a word was spoken until they were on the street and the danger to all appearances over. Hastily they walked home. Billy waited patiently for Phin to speak, but, as he did not do so, the boy finally broke the silence. There was a twinkle in his eyes as he observed: ‘*T s’pose you hev got yer English money in that bag?’ ‘‘ William,” seriously answered the man from Maine, “‘I am sorry ter say that money existed only in a bunco man’s fancy.” But you have something there?” res Mata *¢ What?” ‘‘The stuff you call green-goods, I guess, but some of it is so interestin’ly green that it has Uncle Sam’s munnygram on it, an’ ef I ain’t sell out. Gosh ail fish-hooks! it was the big- gest racket Lever heard of. William, how did ye happen ter show up so handy?” ‘T feared you would get inter trouble, so I follered you. When you failed ter come out in what I thought was due time I rung the bell, an’ when it was answered I told the irl I had a message fer Dulaney. Told her was ter deliver it inter his own hands— which I did, as you may remember, Et was a revolver message!” ‘« William, you are one 0’ the white hen’s chickens, ef she ever had a chick. You’ve saved my life.” ** An’ we hev done up the bunco chaps.” “We hev, by gum! Billy, let out another kink an’ le’s git home as spry as we kin. I want ter see how bad we hev beat them. This carpet-bag is wal stuffed. The question is, how much good money hev we here?” CHAPTER XV. THE OUTCAST’S REBUFF. “Bmnks! there is our old friend, Jack Olmsted!” It was afternoon of the day following Phin Pratt’s adventure with the bunco men, and he and Billy were in Washington Square when the latter made the exclamation just recorded. Billy’s eyes were always open, and he did not fail to see the young man who had been Gents, so-long, an’ pleas- y ot my share o’ the plunder I'll. dealt with at once so severely and so lenient~ ly by Colonel Reymore on the Bowery. “He looks a trifle more cheerful than he did,” remarked the man from Maine. ‘‘Yes,a fraction. Say, I guess he’s watch- in’ fer somebody.” . ‘‘That’s right, I should say. He’s scan- nin’ all the folks on the benches, but ef he finds congenial company in them he must. be goin’ ter the dogs fast. Land sakes alivet what a gang 0’ tramps they be!” ‘‘Hullo! Jack seems ter have found his: pal— Pal! Great guns! I take that back¥ See who it is!” ‘Rosalie Reymore, by gum!” “Yes. Ha! ha! she ain’t so hard on poor Jack as the colonel is. She meets him, an” ef you are any judgeo’ feminine folks, Phin, ou kin see the spirit in which she does it. ow! see them beam!” There wasa good deal of beaming. Rosalie and Jack had met, and with such a flow of mutual pleasure that their faces told much to the beholders, the rich man’s daughter was loyal to him, in spite of all. “‘They go off one side an’ stand in sociak confab, Wish we could overhear what they have to say.” **Can’t we?” ‘* Possible, but I sorter hate ter act the spy” on sech folks.” “By gum! you're right,” admitted Phineas. ‘The man or child who would be mean to- sech a personas that angel ought ter be kicked from here ter Somerset county, I do declare,” “* Then let’s watch.” Jack and Rosalie appeared to have some- thing of importance to say. Their joyful: manner soon abated, and they began to con- verse with all the seriousness in the world. Matters of vital import lay heavy on their- minds, and this secret interview seemed tor _ mean a good deal to them. Half an hour passed. During this time: Billy and Phin adhered to their resolution: not to act the listeners, but they did some thinking, The result appeared when Billy observed: “ Why wouldn’t it be a good plan fer us to get acquainted with Mister Jack?” *€ Jest what I was thinkin’.” ‘“ We'll do it as soon as— Hullo!” “What?” ** Look over beyond them!” : “Why, it’s the old colonel, an’ comin’ liker a ravenin’ wolf!” ‘* Hustle nearer, an’ let us hear the racket!'” Colonel Reymore, if he did not move like a ‘‘ravening wolf,” as Phin suggested, did come with long steps and an angry manner. He took the lovers wholly by surprise, and the first warning they had of his presence was when he seized Rosalie roughly and drew her away from her lover. The young couple regarded him in dismay. “This thing has gone far enough!”. de- clared the colonel. . : ‘¢ Father!” remonstrated Rosalie, feebly. ‘*What have you to say?” ‘« Your severity—” ; ‘Severity! Is that what you call it? Is it severity to refuse to let my ae keep the company of such a reprehensible person. as the one you are with?” ‘Father, I protest against your harshness; to Jack—” ; ; “And I protest against your weakness’ toward him. Listen to me, girl! You must promise me, here and now, never to speak. to Jack Olmsted again.” “‘T refuse, sir!” “You do?” “Respectfully but oo: I do, sir.” “Girl, you are mad. He is a social out- cast, and that he is not in prison is owing to my blameworthy folly and weakness of heart; but this much is sure: If you persist. in seeing him I will press the charge of theft, and see him incarcerated without de lay.” ee ‘ Jack was in disgrace, but» °
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J ; Slim outside o’ that occasion. ~ a RE Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer. “Then you will do a most unjust deed.” “Oh! shall 1?” ‘You will, sir. from your store.” ‘Then why don’t he proveit? Iam tired of this weak management of all concerned. He would be in prison if any man but me had conducted affairs. I have been easy, but in so doing I stipulated that you should drop his acquaintance. Now, 1 find this stolen meeting on.” ‘Father, Jack is innocent.” “Then why don’t the fool prove it?” harshly cried the colonel. ‘‘I have begged him to do so; I have let him go unpunished for his crimes; I have been weak and easy; and I have wished as much as any one that he would prove his innocence. By Jove! it cuts like a knife to think ill of him! I brought him up; I treated him like an own son, but this has gone too far. Jack Olm- sted, are you ready to tell me who the thief was, if, as you claim, it was not you?” **T cannot, sir,” gloomily answered Jack. ‘*Once more, and for the last time!’ Jack stood silent. “ “Enough! There is no more for us to say. Young man, if I find you in the com- pany of my daughter again I will have you arrested for stealing from me. Girl, come with me!” His strong hand pulled at Rosalie’s arm, and she gave way. With a glance to Jack she went along, and the interview was over. The unfortunate cause of all this trouble stood with his hands thrust invo his pockets, the image of distress. He was still medita- ting gloomily, after the Reymore carriage had rolled away with its occupants, when a hand was placed on his shoulder. “Jack. I want a word with you Olmsted turned suddenly, He saw Billy, but, not having his acquaintance, the recog- nition did not indicate anything to him. . ‘*Be you in trouble?” added the Bowery 0 y. ** What is that to you?” Jack was impatient at being disturbed, and his manner was irritable and sharp as he asked the question. **Don’t be riled up, my frien’. I mean ye no harm, an’ it may be we two kin be of value ter each other. Mebbe you have heerd o’ me indirect, an’ ef you have, you may not be so wishful ter chaw my head off. Rosalie Reymore got inter trouble with a feller named Steve Slim, an’ a man an’ a kid come ter her help. I was that kid.” Jack’s scowl vanished, and he put out his hand quickly, ‘‘I beg your pardon for my rudeness, ‘ae man,” he said, quickly. ‘‘I have eard of you and your noble work. I thank you for what you did. Again I beg your pardon for speaking so sharply. Now, can Taid you in any way?” ““T wanted fer to compare notes.” “In what way?” “I’ve had some experience with Steve He’s a bunco man, an’ he’s my enemy. Now, as_ he’s Rosalie’s enemy, too, why can’t .we join forces?” - ** What do you wish?” ** What is he annoyin’ of her fer?” ‘He is not, except that she went to him for information, and he took advantage of her helplessness and tried to abduct her.” ‘What inflammation did she want?” “Trace of a missing mun.” ** Who?” ' “Let us call him Harry,” replied Jack, after brief hesitation. , Bowery Billy made a sudden start. ‘Great guns!’ he exclaimed, impressed ‘with a sudden idea. CHAPTER XVI. AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY. Jack Oxmstep regarded his companion He never took one thing 4 ? Curiously. “You seem surprised,” he remarked. ‘*May I ask why?” : “You say we may call him Harry,” Bowery Billy answered. ‘‘ What else? Harry Who, fer instance?” ‘*Isn’t that enough?” ‘1 have heard that Rosalie was interested in a feller named Henry Barrington, but it never occurred to me ter call him Harry, If anybody ever does that, what else is there besides Harry ?” **T simply used the term because I did not wish to call Mr. Barrington by his real name. We have addressed him as Harry now and then, but only rarely. There is no other name in connection with him.” ** Sure?” ‘*T never heard of any.” ‘“‘Haven’t I heard that Steve was respon- sible fer Henry Barrington’s fall from grace?” **Such was the fact, anyhow. Barrington is Colonel Reymore’s half-nephew. He has always been a source of care and disappoint- ment to the old gentleman, for he was in- clined to be wild. He got in with a fast crowd, of whom Steve was one, though it was not supposed he had as much to do with him as we now know to be the case. He went from bad to worse, and the colonel cast him off some time ago. Rosalie pitied the man for his weakness, and she has never given him up, however.” Bowery Billy had listened with rapt at- tention. 3 ‘** Where is Barrington now?” *‘That is what Rosalie is trying to learn,” answered Jack, gravely. ‘‘ He has not been seen or heard from for some time, though letters have been sent to him by his faithful cousin. We think he is still under Steve’s influence, and we know not what we may hear next?” ; ‘** What fer a looker is he?” *‘He is of medium height, with slender form, light brown hair, blue eyes and a small, light, light-hued mustache. Why? Do you think you have seen him?” Billy was afraid he had. He was won- dering, now, that he had not before thought to associate Barrington’s name with that of another man, and the next question was based on the new suspicion. ‘*Was he ever called Happy Harry?” ‘Not to my knowledge,” returned Jack, “though it was a name which would not be inappropriate.” Billy looked down and meditated; then, after a pause, Jack suddenly started and ex- claimed: “Happy Harry! Haven’t I heard that name in the last few days?” “Ef pore read the papers you may hev seen it there.” __ “Why, it was the name of the man mur- dered in the hotel!” ** Right ye he, Jack.” “Great heavens! do-you mean that it was ests Barrington?” *‘Hold yer hosses, John! I don’t say it, an’ the notion ain’t but just struck me, but it is worth investigatin’, mebbe.” “Tf it is—” ‘Wal, what?” ‘‘Never mind, but I must go where we can solve this possibility.” “You shall. I know where the body is, an’ the place isa quiet one where you kin look yer fill. Ihope et ain’t your Henry Barrington, but it looks a trifle bad. Steve is credited with bein’ the evil genius of the dead Harry, and things seem to match in the two cases, as fer ez our evidence goes.” ‘*Tf it should be he!” murmured Jack. ‘Would it change things much?” “ Greatly!” ‘* Especially fer Barrington, eh?” “Tam not sure it would be sucha mis- fortune for that misguided young man. He has been going his evil way until friends and honor are lost, and more of life might bring more of misdemeanor. It seems a hard thing to say, but death would not be so much of a misfortune as it might seem at first thought.” ‘*Wal, Jack, toddle along with me an’ let us see about this.” Phineas was summoned, and the three took their way to the undertaker’s cstablish ment. Billy’s acquaintance with him was sufficient to gain for him the desired view without any trouble. ‘They were told to go to the other room, and they went without any one to watch or molest. Billy uncovered the still face. Jack stood waiting eagerly. He saw the face and then gave a start. “Tt is he!” was the cry. ** Rosalie’s cousin?” “Yes. Henry Barrington it is. And this is the end! Murdered, and forever lost to chance to reform. How horrible is the way of vice!” It. was some time before Jack fully recov- ered from the shock. The Bowery boy waited patiently, and let Jack Ye-open the conversation. This he finally did, eagerly: ‘**T have had too many troubles of my own to follow this matter closely,” he said. ‘‘ Let me ask if the murderer has been found?” ‘He ain’t,” replied Billy. ‘Where was Steve when the deed .was done?” ‘Wal put, John. The same idee is in your noddle that is workin’ in my own. Steve hez boasted that he had got a throw- down onter this deceasted man, Now, what was the throw-down, ef not the killin’ of him?” ‘«T think you are wrong in this surmise, I believe I know what the throw-down was. Steve aspired to get the favor of Rosalie Reymore—” ‘The audacious skunk!” ‘¢ And tried to use Barrington to that end. Lost as the latter was to all else that was honorable he would not consent to aid Steve in his scheme. Shortly after, poor Barring- ton committed a burglary, and put himself the more helplessly in Steve’s power. I be- lieve he was put up to it by Steve, and that the throw-down consisted of entangling Henry in a visible crime, so he would be a regular criminal, and, also, wholly in his tempter’s grasp.” “ Like as not.” ** Boy, did Steve finally kill him?” ‘Why should he, if he wanted him in his power?” ** Possibly it was done in the heat of pas- sion.” ‘* True: “Unfortunate Henry!’ murmured Jack, regretfully. “Wal, his takin’ off will relieve Rosalie from a heavy burden in tryin’ ter save him.” **Tt will do more!” cried Jack. ‘‘Do you know, I have been Mbt suspected of the very robbery he committed, and to which Ihave just referred. It was he who did it, but circumstances seemed to point to me, Colonel Reymore accused me, but refrained from arresting me. Rosalieand I knew who was guilty, but she implored me to wait un- til she could see him and have matters ar- ranged, if possible. Now, I can clear my- self— But of course you know nothing of this.” ‘ Billy smiled. His watchful eyes and at- tentive ears had enabled him to learn more than Jack thought. He said nothing, however. Jack was invited to go to their room for a conference. They went, but the situation was changed, when they arrived, by the finding of the following note: “Mister WILLYUM Warp:— “Tf you will cum to my house i wil tel you:some- thin’ w’ich wil help you, an’ mebbe keep you owt ae Cum as sune as you git this. Don’t “ Tong epedabe.
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1 f x 7 ‘told ye of before. Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer. 15 Tt would not do to neglect such a cail, and Billy went at once. He found Patty con- siderably excited. ‘Ef you don't look out you'll git done up!” she cried. ‘* Why so, my jewel?” ‘‘Steve Slim hes plotted fer to do et, an’ he’s goin’ ter strike soon. He's called a con- ference o’ his gang,*an’ they mean ter fix you an’ the big feller from Maine. They'll do it, too, ef you don’t-hustie!” CHAPTER XVII. A GAME WHICH FAILED. ‘Do us up, eh?” repeated Billy, coolly. nrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferre’ bis ett Bob, the Booey Badger; or, Scooptng « Slippery Set, 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Lite-Saver. 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator. 694 Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind, 706 Tom Thistle, the Road-House Detectives T1T Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin. 726 Dennis Duff the Brown Sport’s Kid. fey eae Ve Bote earnee r nny the Street Patrol. cael Foxy, Sedle Oad Pards or, The Keener’s Huge Hustle. 781 Caast-Off Cale, the Scapegoat Detective. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus 498 Taos Ted, tne Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colerado, the Half-Breed Detective. 518 Cool Colorado in New York: or, The Cowboy’s Fight, BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the 8 The Vailed Lady. Mee re ee she Bens, Grubler’s Big Game. A New Ineuce Every Tnesdaye The Half-Pime Library is for sale by al! newsdealers, five gents por sopy, or sent by mail on receipt of alx conts each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York
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BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME« LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela Dick, the Pmnce of the Road, Dick’s Detlance; or, Vouble Daggers. Dick in Disguise; or, Buffa), Ben 1 Deadwood | Dick in His Castle. 20 Deadwood Deadwood 5 Deadwood 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; o-, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, O:mana Oli. B57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. {78 Deadwood Dick on Deck} or, Calamity ¢ ‘ne, the Heroine 7 Deadwood Dick’s Last Acts or, Cordur.y Charlie. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick aa Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’a Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. Deadwood Dick’s Big Strikes or, A Game of Gold. Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road. Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. 5 Aap iota pie Se tor. “agent Jane's Adventure. end woo ckh’s ene eal. Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. Gold-Duat Dick. A Romance of Rough« and Toughs, mead wend a fev iae nad Spirit of Swamp Lake. endwoo ck” eanth rai. Deadwoed Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flate Deadwood Dick’s Ducatea; or, Days in the Diggings. ray ht | tne Poy ren eat or, The Terrible Vendetta, endwood ck’a Clabn, Deadwood Dick tn Dead City, Deadwood Dick’s Diamonda, Deadwood Dick in New York} or, A “ Cute Care.” Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. ponewses ot na - ; ee Crimson Crescent Sign. Icenadwoot ck, dr.’a, Deflunece. Deadwood Bick, Jr.’a Full Hand. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Bl: Round-Up. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Racket at Claim 10, 471 aa jeloe | Picks sro neures or, ee Bill. cadwoo ek, Jr.’*, Do etective, Deadwood Dick. Jr. In Deady ood, Deadwood Bick, dr.’«, Compact. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Diggings. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Deliverance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. Deadwood Dick. Jr.’a, Three. peaduced ag penmer Paeta: leandwoo r.’a enth un Peadwood Jre, in Texan > Deadwood Jr., the Wild West Vidocg peesnsed 5 a ag Ser te etttee endw ood c r., in Gotham, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. Deadwood Dick, dr., in Philadelphia, Deadwood Diek, Jr., in Chicago. Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Decree. 5 penamecé Sn ares in Reusen ass Baste, end woo ek, Jr., at Concy Ialand, Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Leadville Lay. Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Detrolt. Deadwood Dick, dr., in Cincinnati. Deadwood Dick, dr., In Nevada, Deadweed ae gros ioe ene Land, rendwoo ck, Jr., After the Queer. Deadwood Dick, Jr., In_ Buaffalo, Deadwoed Diek, Jr.'s, Chase Acrosa the Continent Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. Deadwood Dick? Irie Rack in the Ming cndwood ck, Jr.,g Rack in the Mines, Deadwood Dick, dr., tn Duranyat or, “ Gathered In.” ppesdwend pricks 4 1," Discovers; or, Found a Fortune. cadvy oo ek, dr.’«. Daczle. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. Dean oon nee? Cae ot Danger Divide, end woo ek, dr.’a, Drop. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. Deadwood Dick Jr., in San Francisco, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Mont. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Dominoca, Dendwood Dick, Jr.'s, Disguise, Deadwood ‘a, Double Deal. Deadwood Deathwatch. Denawoed n Deathble cadwoo » Deathblew. pondwees preks Prose pesperate Strats. cadwook ck, Jr.’s, Lone Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Befent. Deadwood Diek, Jr.’a, Resurrection. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, D Daya. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Befied, Deadwood Dick; Jr.’s, Double Device. paaansod picks Le Pesperate © entare, ecadwo ek, Jr.’a, amon¢ Cee Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Royal Flush, Deadwood Dick,’ Jr.’a, Mead-off, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. BY WM. G. PATTEN, Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jacktown, 666 Violet Vane’a Victorys or, The Jasper City Clean Out. 698 Vielet and Daisy, the Posy Panis. T05 Violet Vane’s Vows or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft. 724 Violet Vane’s Vengreances or, The Wipe-Out. 780 Violet Vane’a Verdict; or, The Gamo at Coffin City. 7 Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidooq; or, Sport va. Sport. 750 Violet Vane, the Vanquished; or, The Life Strarg'e. 768 Violet Vane’« Vialon; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate, 489 The Mamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 519 Oaptain afyatery ; or, Five in One, 581 Daley Ware the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. G04 Iron Fern, tlhe Man of Fire; &, Among the Vultures. €19 The Boy ean, Detectives or, The Donble Grip Witness 641 Dismal Dave's Dandy Pard; or, The Cine to Capt. Claw 651 Bound Roy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulcans, the Lone-Range Rider, 714 Old Misery the Man from Missouri. 774 Clear-Grit Cal, the Never Say-Die Detective, 789 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 806 Cowboy Steve, the Ranch Mascot, TOL BNCORSOKEGCRSELHAS PS Tore toretorororetororerorers! SELINAINIAA aPeww=— 629 = ~ BY COL, A. F. HOLT, 811 Headlight Harry's Flyer; or, Dake Derby. 678 Headlight Harry’s Wazard; or, The Lightning Express tective, 691 Weadlight Harry’a Maul; or, The Railroad Pards, 727 Headlight Harry’s Stren; or, Mad Madge. 759 Weadlight Harry’s Hertiage. ize Poaditehs Harry’s Winnt; or, The Cache of Gold, 99 Klack Buckskin: or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King: or, The Doomed Six, 485 Littie Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. S28 The Dandy Sport; or, The King Pin Consplirator. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. Rosebud Rob's Keappearanee; or, Photograph Phil. Rosebad Rob’s Ghaltennes or, Cinnamon Chip. Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yaukee’s Surround Denver Dolls Victory; or. Skull and Crossbones, Denver Doll’« Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen. Yreka dim, the Gold-Crtherery or, The Life Lottery, Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. Yreka Jim’s Joker}; or, The Rivals of Red Nose. Yreka Jim’s New Role; or, Bicycle ten. Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective, or, Dot Leetle Game, Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter Sicrra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion, Kierra Sams Sceret; or, The Bloody Footprints, Sierra Sam’s Pardy or, The Angel «t Big Vista, Siorra Sam’s Seven}j or, The Swlen Bride. Kangaroo Kits or, The Mysterions Miner. Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, ihe Pride of Piayed-Out, Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 60 The Boy Detectives or, Guid Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Ar-bs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the iy rt Detertive 145 Captuin Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ¢ or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 625 Kelley, Hickey & Co.,, the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Wat Warry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon: or, The Border Vultures, £2 Bob Woolf’; er, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 MBuackhorn BILl3 or. The Red Rifle Team. 92 Canada Chet; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 18 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 25 Benanza Iill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. BS oases ob the King of Boothlacke. Solid Sam, the Bov Road-Agent; er, The Branded Brows. Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scampa. Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love. Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 40 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-Takor. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. B80 Little Qufck-Shot 3 or, The Dend Face of Daggersville, B58 Firat-Claae Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Srcret of Slab City, B82 Cool Kit, the Kirg of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeunce. 486 Scalskin Sum, the Sparkler, or, The T:ibunal of Ten. BY J. ©. COWDRICK, Broadway Billy Novela. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’« Boodle; or, Cleming a Strange Case, BRE Broadway Rilty’a *Ditikiity.” 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billys or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, 628 Brondway Billy’s Dead Act; or, The League of Seven, 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootb!ack in Frisco, 675 Broadway Billy’« Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. 687 Broadway Billy tn Clover. 696 Broadway Billy in Texna; or, The River Rustlers, 708 Broadway Billy's Brand, 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. 720 Brondway Billy’s Full Wand: or, The Gamin Detective, 85 Broadway Billy’« Business, 88 Broadway Billy’s Curious Cane, ae Broadway Billy in Denver. 6 RS OS et pt pet ee feed et Pel ame 2 Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectives, 9 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective. 7S Broadway Billy’s Fhadow Chase. 88 Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. Brondway Billy’# Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. Broadway Rilly’« Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, 796 Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest. 800 Broadway Billy BamMed. 805 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy’s Wipe Out. 860 Bilvor-Mask, the Man of Myster;; or, The Golden Keys, 869 Shasta, the Gold Kings or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without s Name. 424 Cibuta John}; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 806 eeetaet Ralph the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve. 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case. 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Narr the Chief off Chained Cyclone. 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the * Pizeneet’’ Man of Ante Bas, BY LIEUT. A. K. SIM&, 589 Tom-Ont and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 822 Tom-Ont’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective, 688 Tom-Cat’s Triamphys or, Bleck Dan's Great Combine 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh's Ten Strike, 5668 The Dandy ef Dodge; or, Rurtling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peppe: mint’s Jubilee. 588 Saffron fol, the Man With a Shadow 601 waper Wana, the Datch Vidocq; or, Hot Times at Round-Up 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 846 Comper Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jcremiahy the Plains Detective. 676 Stenal Samy, the Lookout Scout. 689 epee the @ypay Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives. 699 Straple Sim, the Rronclo Buster; or, For Big Stakes. 712 The Mesmertat Sport; or, The Mystified Detective. 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kansas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mostanger Detective. T7B The Rustler of Rolling Stone. 785 Lone Wand Joe, the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck, BY BUFFALO BILL (fen. Wm. F. Cody). 8 Kaneas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom apy 2 or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Secut; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 er Robin Hood 3: or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado} or, The Trapper’s Trust. BWIII2202 Es ce > BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, Z72Z Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective hy Destiny. V7TZ Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Binckleg’s Terror, 784 Dick Doom; or, ‘the Sharps and Sharks of New York, 788 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks. 798 Dick Doom in Chicago. 708 Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep} or, Five Links in a Clue. 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. 818 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. 756 Dashing Charlie’« Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. 760 Dashing Charlie’s Pawnee Pard, 766 Dashing Charlfe, the Rescuer. Buck-Taylory, King of the Cowboys. Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Granda Pawnee BIII, the Prairie Shadower. Pawnee Bt; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. Pawnee Bill's Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 5 Pawnee Bill; or, Duri:y Dick, Redfern’a Curious Case; , The Rival Sharps. Redfern at Pevil’s Ranch; or, The Sharp from Texas: Redfern’s High Hands cr, Blue Jacket. TOT Redfern’s Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, 668 Red Ralph’s« Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Midshipman. 674 Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sail r. 679 Red Ralph, the Shadower, or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 644 Butterfly Billy’s Dixguise. G50 Butterfly Billy, the Pony | xpreas Rider, 656 Butterfly Biliy’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; or, The Ow! of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Khadower} or. the Card Queen, 575 Kent Kingdon’s Puels <r, The Surgeon Scout, 586 Kent Kingdon’s Doom; cr, The Buckskin Avenger. 545 Lafitte Run Down; or, The Buccaneers of Barrataria. 550 Lafitte’« Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 555 Lalitte’s Confecsion; or, The Crecle Corsair, 520. Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. 525 The Buckskin Brothers in_ Texas, 580 The Buckskin Bowers} or. The Cowboy Pirates. 585 The Ruckekin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive. 540 The Buckskin Pards&’ Quest; or, Captain Ku-Klux, 508 The Royal Middy + or, The Shark and the Sen Cat. 507 The Royal Middy’s Lucky or, The Hunted Midshipman, 511 The Royal Middy’s Foe. 450 Wizard WHI: or, The Boy Ferret os New York, 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts, 474 Wizard Will's Pard; or, Fiera, the Flower Girl, 488 Wizard Will's Last Case; or, The Ferrets Afloat. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 Duncan Dare’s Plot; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. 487 Doancan Dare’s Prize; or, The Sea Raider. 441 Duncan Dare’s Sceret; or, The Ocean Firefly. 402 Isodor, the Young Consptirator; or, The Fatal League, 407 Isodor’s Double Chases or, The Boy Insurgent, 412 Isodor’s War-Cloud Cruise; or, The Wild Yachteman.. 216 Rison Rill, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Bison Bill’s Clues or, Grit, the Bravo Sport. 804 Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma, 808 Dead Shot Dandy’s Bouble; or, Keno Kit. 814 Dead Shot Pandy’s Defiances or, The Boy Bugler. 607 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chicfy or, The River Detective. 245 Merle Monte’s Leap for Life. 250 Merle Monte’sa Mutiny ; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 Merle Monte’s Treasure Irland. 269 Merle Monte the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, * The Gold Ship ” Chase, 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, The Pirnte’s Pride. 284 Merle Monte’s Pledge; or, The Sen Marauder. 197 The Kid Glove Sport or. Little Grit, the Wild Rider, 204 The Kid Glove Sport’s Doom; or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider, R81 Ruth Redmond, the Gir) Shadower. 6R6 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot_ Scout. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines, bY? The Fexan Detective; or, The Black Bravos, 691 Delmonte. the Young Sea Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor, 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective, 495 Arizona doe; or, The Boy Pard of Toxas Jack. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger A468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster; or, Pirate in Spite, 462 The Sallor Boy Wanderer}; or. The Born Guide. 446 HWaphazard Harry: or, The Sea Seapegrace 898 The Red Clasped Hands; or, The Boy Licntenant, BS7 Warpath WII, the Traitor Guide. BS8 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. B7T Bonodel, the Buy Rovers or, The Flagless Schooner, 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, of the Rio Grande. 287 Lone &tar, the Cowboy Captain. 220 Crimson Kate, the Girl Truiler: or, The Cowboy's Triumph. 116 The Hussar Captain: or, The Hermit of Holl Gate, 111 The Sen-Devil 5 or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 102 hick Dead-Eye, the Smuggier; or, The Cruise of the Vixen. 75 The Roy Dnellats or, The Cruise of the Sea-W oll. 62 The Shadow Ship: or, The Rival Lieutenants, 24 Diamond Dirk} or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 17 Ralph Roy; the Roy Buccan. er; or. The Fugitive Yacht, 2 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 814 Ace High, the Frisco Detective. By C. E. Tripp. 815 Broadway Billy’s Bank Rackets or, The City Detec— tive’s Big Haul. By J. C. Cowdrick. 816 Deadwood Diek, Jr.’s, Rival. By Edward L, Wheeler 817 Widceawake, the Train-boy Detective. By Col. A. F. Holt. 818 The Wuastler Rogue-Catcher.. By Wm. R. Byster. 819 Dick Doom’« Girl Mascot. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 820 Nobby Nat, the Tenderfoot Detective. By Wm. G. Patten. 821 Broadway Billy’s Bluff. By J. C. Cowdrick. 822 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 828 Poker Jack, the Detective Sport. By Ol1 Coomes, 824 Rowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer. By Jo Pierce. 825 Marlo, the Cowboy Coaster, Cy Col. P. Ingraham. [ P Ready May 16. 826 The Rantam Sport; or, M rie, the Boy Nabob. By T. C, Harbaugh. Ready May 23. A New Isaue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library is for nsle by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. ZO2