Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 830) (1893 06 20)
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CS \ Wy A Sus TRH NY . NIN wae <item < — — at ea! FT PPA vo) | ee Wr s Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1898, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, June 2, 18! sal i $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, No, 839. a Year. No, © WILLIAM STREBT, NEW YORK.) // 0), B Senta). SN AN Vol. XML Tit ull ult lf = : BY BEN. D. HALLIDAY, Pee set and Private Detective, IA ee An ull es ; HI i} Ti Wy i ‘ ui ' Ny a We Nii EN \ il | TE Tl i YWage st i entat : } raod sa H} | oa a ete a ikea 2 if te |, WW € EAL) =, SR = 7 I : = Ws ALU TUS i} SY || | aie Al Ny Ty tt i Mak YY: sf AT 4 Uc es ni V Vale ii te a | 5 \ 1G | _ 1 HG J hi , Hh t | “a6 ul e a A ROUGH CHARACTER SEATED AT ONE OF THE TABLES WATCHED OLD FRINE, THE SAILOR, CLOSELY,
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2 ¥ The Grim Lodges of Rag Alley; Citizen Rupe of Number Ney@lo A Romance of Fourth Ward Lif’ in New York. BY BEN, D. HALLIDAY, (Reporter and Private Detective.) ) CHAPTER I. A SAILOR WITH A SECRET. Ef “ WHatT’s that I hear? Somebody tryix’ ter | thump the house down? ’Pears like it, I declare! } Now, then, ‘will you let up on that racket? | You distarb my meditations an’ unstring my | narves\” The speaker was a boy of fifteen yoars, who | rejoiced in being tke occupant of Rvom 99, No. | %, Rag Alley, in the city of New York, There was nothing aristocratic, about the combination, Neither Rag ANey, house Num- ber 7, Room 99, nor the-boy, rose tc: any degree of dignity, and if New York was judged by that immediate vicinity, it would never be se- | lected as the grandest city of the New World. } Grandour kept away from Rag Alley. The boy to whom reference has been made oc- | cupied a small, dilapidated room in the dilapi- , dated old house} and the cause of bis remarks was a succession of sounds in the room below, Somesody appeared to be thumping around in an odd way, though not -loud enongh to arrest | generalattention. — 7 | Indeed, it is probable that the noise passed unheard by all except the boy, and he only no- | ticed it because he had nothing elso to do while | his compiaint was more ‘humorous than avy- thing else, \ » | “Keep it up!” he added, encouragingly. “Thar ain’t no use of nobody bein’ bashful | *round Rag Alley. Even the cholera has rigbts | here which ev’rybody is bound tar respeck. Baskful folks ain’t no claim on these regions, which is pooty much given over ‘er rats, dirt, rags an’ poverty. ; e was certainly ragged, none toc clean, and, manifestly, poor; while his name, i? he was to be believed, was Rube Rat-trap, An odd name it was, but all things were odd | in Rag Alley—all but —. | ** Still ‘thumpin’!” quoth Rube “ Takin’ his promenade, I guess, though his se seems & hair irregular. Can’t be he’s @ West Pint | gradoocate. Solomon Sinn! That’s bis name, | cordin’ ter all accounts, but ef i5 was mine, I’d | change it, by Jerusha! A man whose name is | Sinn gives hisself dead away first off,’ = |} An old man named Solomon Sinn had moved : into the room below a few days bofore, and he it was, presumably, that was going so much thumping. { ‘“Keep on, Solomon,” the boy added, as he: rose to leave the house, As be passed Solomon : Sinn’s door he heard a rattling as though a chair | was being moved, and then « squeaking as | though Sinn was climbing up into it, ‘ ag Queer blade, he is; but ‘te'n’ iz!’ ‘ With this verdict Rube contin ied his way and : was soonin Reg Alley. That 1s the name to be used here, but it is not the one rightfully belong- © ing to the place; as many who lived there ‘sailed under false colors,” s¢ may the alley | pass under mask in these pages, It was not a pleasant spot. Some yards away ' was a busy, noisy, dirty, but semi-respectable street. Rag Alley was dirty, but not respect- able as to appearances or inbabitants, It wasa narrow gap between tall brick buildings which, judging from appearances, suffered frome mixed complaint—dilapidated old age and a re- cent case of small-pox, so battered disfig- ured were the edifices, Go there at almost any time, and you would ses ragged men sleeping off a late debauch in the doorways; ragged women gossiped with each other, and ragged children played or fought, as suited their turn of mind. At the particular time when Rube emerged from the house the alley was not keeping up its reputetion. It was supper-time, and the usual crowd had gone to eat, or elsewhere; and only . afew very small children remained visible. = Down the alley from the street came a man middle-age, é was a short, broad, bearty- looking person who wore a full sailor-suit, but everything was not in ship-shape with him, He was obviously, thoroughly drunk, and he rolled | none 0’ my | about and lurched in the trough of the drunk- mum ard. —s until his top-gallantmast bade fair to | Citizen Rube. tp other words, his head and heels from each other. Rube watched his erratic movements with | grave interest, but the sailor finally came to a halt and tried to survey the buildings on the | west side of the alley. This proved difficult, and he nearly lost his footing, but ingenuity helped him out. He went to the opposite side, leaned against the wall and found the support sufficient. ‘¢ Wine view, mister!” observed Rube, “Ay, ay, my hearty!” the sailor bluffly reed. ee Thinkin’ o’ buyin’?” * $8 How’s that?” °6 Goin’ ter buy the block?” * Avast, there! I’m no millionaire, an’ ef I | was Id buy real-estate on the ocean, not on land,” ‘¢ Taxes less, I da’ssay.” 66 Eh ? ‘and cheaper thar, ain’t it?” **T’'d buy a ship,” “J understood yeafore. Should say, hows’- ever, that a land-tenement would do fur you. You could beat a ship out on the wobble, an’ saever turn a hair,” The sailor turned partially around and looked sharply at his companion. “ What’s yer name?” he asked. ‘* Rube Rat-trap,” “What ye givin’ us?” “act, by Jerusha!” ** Nobody ever had a name like that.” **Don’t call names, Jack Foulweather; don’t call me ‘nobody.’ It ain’t perlite, though it may be owin’ ter your bringin’up. My fam’ly is respecterble, all on ’em—human, rodentikel en’ feline—the Rat family is. Few like us, an’ we ain’t like nobody else, We are queer, the , Rat fam’ly is; big an’ little, great an’ small. a roud o’ my name, an’ I’m a Rat no cat kin cetch! Rube threw back his head, expanded his chest in pride, and nodded gravely at the sailor. “* Who's yer father?” the questioner continued, winking hard in an effort to keep his eyes open. ** Ain’t got any. Now, don’t go on with that katerkism. I’m painfully destitoot of parients. 1 may hev had six mothers an’ four fathers *rigernally, but I can’t prove it. Mister, l’m— What yer ndme?” ’ ** Asa Frink.” **Good name, my friend; goodname. ‘‘ Wal, as I’s about ter say, I’m an orphin an’ a widder, all in one. I hev no parients, no wife, no hus- band an’nochildren, Ef that ain’t a bereave- ment, Asa Frink, what is?” Tho sailor felt that he had met with a melan- choly case, but his mind was not clear and he could not fully grasp the situation. "He shook his head slowly and changed the subject, ‘*))’ve know ’Siah Parsons?” 63 No. ” ‘Don’t live here, now, eh?” os No, ” “He did twenty years ago.” “Pye heerd it said one tenant moved out on sence then,” Rube grimly answered. ‘¢ Know Peter Andrews?” “Not any.” ®¢ Amasa Briggs? *“Nosech men’round Rag Alley, messmate.” “Things York afore!” sighed Frink. ** How long ago was that?” ‘Twenty years,” “There Aas been one or two changes sence then.” My T&at house is No, 7, ain’t it?” ** That’s the place!” ‘© What place?” ‘: He was killed there.” *¢ You don’t mean it!” °° Yes—murdered; foully murdered!” ‘* Say, now, thisgrows interestin’, Murdered, | eh? What fur?” Prink shook his head. ** That’s a long story.” “pose they hung the ’sassinator?” “That they didn’t; the scoundrel escaped.” *¢ Perleece wa’n’t no good, then, hey?” ‘¢ They never heard of it.” ‘¢ Never heerd onit! Why not?” ““Hushed up. hen Old Nick had his trial, an’ was throwed out. 0’ likely he give evidence ag’in’ himselr.” **1 think 1 ketch on ter the p’int. This mur- - der wa’n’t ” * Ay, ay; that’s it.” ginerally knowed, an’ ‘twas kep’ ae \ ae sae against quarter-deck at any time, so to | \speak, , seemed reluctant to keep at proper distance hev changed sence 1 was in New good quarters, "tain’t. ** Wal, ef you knowed it, why didn’t you tellf | Was you the ’sassinator?” |. Asa Frink turned two bloodshot eyes upon the | boy. | _“* You're too sharp, sonny,” he returned, in | ill-humor, ‘‘ Don’t be pokin’ your nose into other folkses affairs!” | ‘“*Whynot? It’s the natur’of a rat, an’natur’ will bubble when thar’s a fire under the kettle. | Bein’a Rat, I can't help pokin’ my nose inter | ev’ry corner.” **T guess you mean well, full?” | ** Number seven?” “Of course.” ‘* Not above the ridge-pole.” ‘“Don’t be too funny. I want ter hire a room.” ‘There is one ter let at Number Six.” **Tt won’t suit, Seven isthe place I want, an’ I'll hev it, d’ye mind, ef I pay ten dollars a week fur a closet!” Say, is that house ‘““Whe-ew! Want ter bein whar the murder was done, do ye? Funny taste!” ‘*'You live there, don’t_ye?” **T do; an’ I'd be right glad ter hev you fur 6 neighbor. Excuse my p'inted remarks, ef I’ve made any, fur I like your build, Jack Foul- weather—I do, by Jerusha! I guess you an’ me could git along as good-natured as two buck- wheatcakes!” ‘ That’s frank and hearty, Rube—” ‘* Rat-trap is the t’other part; so-called ’cause Iliveinarat-trap. Make it Rat-trap Rube, ef you want ter; I don’t keer.” ; ; ‘* You're a good feller, Rat-trap, I know that ef I be half-seas over. Now, see here—I want ter speak ter you sorter private-like! Dve gota secret ter tell!” Frink looked cautiously around, to be sure no one was listening, and nearly lost his balance in doing it. Then b tipsy confidence. e turned again to Rube with CHAPTER II. ASA WANTS A ROOM. THE sailor leaned heavil and blinked OR in an effort to keep Rube® face visible to his watery eyes. ‘‘ What room d’ye b sked. ‘* Number 99.” ‘‘ There ain’t that many rooms in the hull in, messmate?” ht a ship.’ te They ain’t numbered consecutively; but ef you’ll look on my door you'll see ‘ 99’ done thar in black, Artist was R. Rat-trap, Esquire; done with a coal.” ‘* Ay, ay! Where’s the room?” “*'Third floor, front; side room.” ‘*Ha!l Who has the big room under ye?” eagerly demanded Frink. | “Solomon Sinn.” | ‘“‘ Never heard of him.” ‘* He’s a thumper!” “A what ?” ide A queer old blade. Never mind, though; g@ 43 es t want that room!” | _ ** With Solomon?” ** No, by Neptune! He must move out.” ** S’pose he won’t go?” ‘*Te must, an’ shall, Shiver my timbers! ) I'll throw nim overboard ef he don’t!” “There is other rooms; good ones, too, that—” ‘* They won’t do; I must hev Sinn’s room, an’ I’m goin’ ter haveit, He’s poor, ain’t he? But _ of course he is, or he wouldn’t herd in that old _ ark, A hog wouldn’t live there ef he was fed on honey off of gold dishes. Hang it! the house was older than Methuselah when I knowed -it, an’ it looks fit ter fall inter sawdust now with age an’dry-rot, Sinn is poor, an’ when I offer ter pay bim fur movin’ out, out he'll go on the _ jump. Then I'll move in an’—” Asa Frink checked himself abruptly. Evi- dently he did not want to utter what was in his mind. : “Was that room connected with the mur- der?” Rube asked, gazing at the sailor critical- "he Was it? Was it? Oh! no; not by any means. Who said so?” . Rube smiled. Asa was not sharp enough in his present mood to manage affairs well, and - his sudden trepidation was the best possible proof that the crime had been done in the room, or near it. ** Nobody said so, Jack Foulweather. only in hopes | sleep over it.” _ against the wall, I was it wa’n’t, fur I wouldn’t like ter EF Soe ee ee
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yoom, His obhidact perp ten in the pressure of a new idea. “Tis all right—all right. Don’t be afraid, The murder was done in the—the basement.” * All right, Jack.” ‘TJ mind the night well; a bad night, too. The wind was blowin’ off-shore, an’ the masts creaked when the wind ketched the old house dead on her port side, Every timber was on the strain, an’ there she was anchored, with no zhance ter run afore the wind. That was the night, an’ he lay there in that room about as sensible as the Rock o’ Gibraltar. Rum did it, or he’d never ’a’b’en there. Rum brought him down, an’ he’s no more able ter look out fur his- self than a baby,” ** An’ they killed him?” ** Ay, ay!” **Tn his sleep?” ** No; he woke at “oT was a mean thing ter do,” ““7Twas a cruel, dastardly thing ter do, Rat- trap, an’ don’t yer forget it. Why, lad, I’ve been a sailor thirty. good year, an’ I’ve seen rough sights in some foreign ports; but never one that’s ha’nted me like that. Ay, ay, lad; it’s ha’nted me. Many’s the time I’ve laid in my bunk in fair weather an’ foul, with the old ship a-scuddin’ aforea good breeze, or laborin’ in a gale, an’ thought on’t ter my sorrer; an’ thar’s b’en times, messmate, when the craft seemed goin’ down inter Davy Jones’s Locker that Pve see’d his ghost a-standin’ in the riggin’ an’ beckonin’ me ter come with him, I hey, by Neptune!” rink took off his cap and wiped from his brow perspiration which was not called there by the general temperature. . Old scenes revived moved him, and he mani- fested nervous regret and uneasiness, ** But you didn’t kill him?’ asked Rube. **Never, lad! I wouldn’t ’a’ harmed a hair o? his head!” ’ «*Tt was never found out?” ac No,” ** What was done with the body?” **T never knowed. City sharks know howter dispose o’ sech things.” ‘* What become o’ the man who killed him?” Asa Frink suddenly straightened himself, His expression changed, and he looked at Rube sus- piciously. ‘* What's that?” +e Who killed him, an’ where did the killer v ‘* Boy, you talk too much!” The sailor had been indulging in confidential talk brought on by intoxication only, and, alarmed at his own imprudence, he now made a laughable attempt to act with dignity. Rube, however, had no thought of laughing. The room of the old house which had Solomon Sinn for an occupant had suddenly become im- bued with a new interest. A crime had been committed there; a secret was connected with the crime; and, for some mysterious reason, Asa Frink wished to move into the room. Why was tt ? The boy did not lose his usual shrewdness, and once more he set out to pacify his new ac- quaintance, **Hope you'll ’scuse me, Jack,” he respectful- ty replied, ‘‘ but I was always a great case ter ike stories.” / out like two pineapples ay “You don’t say so!” lexed the boy a good deay. _ *¢ Now, le’s have a drink!” Frink spoke heartily, but suddenly checkei elf, ; ‘Hang met I forgot you’s a Boy!” he added. “May Davy Jones get me when I Jead a boy in wrong ways. Lad, let whisky alone! It robs man 0’ his money, his jedgment an’ his brains— Say, you live here reg’lar, eh?” . The temperance sermon was suddenly forgot- : % eee a Si ah a a a a ae kee S Citizen Rube. **Yes,some,” Rube answered, ‘‘I’m a citizen o’ Rag Alley. Brought myself up here, though where I’s born is a hefty conundrum. Can’t solve it! Yes; I live here; I’m Citizen Rat- trap, 0’ Rag Alley!” ‘“Hang me ef you ain’t a good un! Wal, see a Rat-trap, I’ve talked pooty free ter you, eh? **1’'m proud ter say you hey.” ‘Um! Wal, now, I hope you won't go an’ tell all I’ve confided ter you?” ** Not by a mighty sight!” **Good! good! owre a trump card, Rat- trap, an’ I’m proud ter know ye. When we git housed under the same canvas we'll be great friends—ef you don’t peach!” Asa looked at hiscompanion ever sharper than before, but Rube hastened to answer: **Not one blessed word will I give away, Jack.” ‘*That’s the sort. I knowed you wasa good ‘un the minute I set eyes on ye. When I git this biz done I’m goin’ ter git away ter sea ag’in, an’ [ll take you with me, ef you say so, ou needn’t be afeord ter trust me, for Asa Frink don’t fill himself ter the muzzle with poor whisky every day.” ‘*] should hope not, Foulweather; I should hope not, You don’t look pooty with a jag ‘*That may be, but I’ve got ter fill up again. Saloon jest ’round the corner, ain’t there?” “ce Yes. ” “Knew it, unless it had moved, for I sampled it when I comealong. Til h’ist a fresh cargo and then come back an’ talk biz with Solomon Sinn, You'll introduce me, hey?” Kreck’! By the way, ef anybody comes in here while I’m gone, an’ asks fur Asa Frink you swear you ain’t seen a strangsr about, Will e% “Tf ye want me to, sartain,” ** Good-by—good-by! An’ ef them men come, jest keep yer weather-eye open. They’re tough cusses, an’ the Spaniard might take a fancy ter knife ye. Ho carries that weapon, an’ he’s waitin’ fur a chance ter give me the blade, fair or foul.” “Ril ye?” ‘*That’s their lay. Every blessed minute them sharks are on my track, on murder bent. You see, they’re afraid I may blow on what was done in Reg Alley twenty year ago. Look out fur them ef they show up, capecially the Span- iard with the knife; he’sabad’un. i git a drink an’ come back in a shake.” Frink walked away with a ‘‘roll” in his gait which was not all the result of long experierce on a ship’s deck. A moment later he entered one of numerous saloons in the vicinity, this particular one form- ing a popular rendezvous for jolly tars ashore on a spree, The throng within formed a motley com- any, inclduding a rough character seated at one ef the rude tables who watched old Frink the sailor closely as he ambled up to the bar. As the sailor disappeared from view Rube sat down to await bis return, He was more than willing to help Asa along in his work. The reference to the old-time trouble at Number Seven, with the attending mystery and murder, had aroused all of the Citizen’s interest, and, belleving that the sailor wanted possession of Solomon Sinn’s room to work out some important end, he was bound that Asa should be located there, if possible. Rube made a living by doing odd jobs, and as no job was on hand just then, he thought he could in no way better employ himself than by “ freezing to Asa, as he expressed it, Several minutes passed.’ Rube bad kept no run of the lapse of time, owing to the fact that he had been doing so much thinking, but the idea finally impressed itself upon his mind ¢hat Asa was very slow about returning. ‘‘He’s forgot that he went fur one drink, I guess, an’ is prob’ly standin’ up ter the bar an’ ag loadin’ himself. That won't do; I must stop Rising, the Citizen walked toward the saloon, Thestreet beyond Rag Alley was no longer the bustling thoroughfare of an hour before. Busi- ness hours were over, and only a few hurrying There was no sign of Frink. there. The barkeeper knew Rube, as he did every one around Rag Alley, and as Rube had never been a saucy boy, the dispenser of fluids had a good opinion of him. He had never seen the oy in the saloon before, and be spoke in a pedestrians and belated trucks were to be seen, Rube walked into the saloon; Frink was not . friendly way. ” ' ‘Well, Rat-trap, what’re you looking fors” ** The sailor-chap.” ‘The oné who nearly got his head broke?” “ How’s that?” ‘¢ There was a sailor in here a bit ago, and he had a rusty time. Other men pounced on bits, and he got laid out!” CHAPTER ITI. A SHARP OLD MAN IN RED. | RUBE became interested at once. ‘¢ What’s that you say?” he asked, ‘Jack Tar came to grief in here, and I thought he would get badly done up, but i seems it was all right—at’ least, so the me stated. The barkeeper’s tone was one of some doubt. ‘*Who was the men? Shall be glad ter hev you eloovidate fully, fur he was a frien’ o’ mine,” ’ ‘* Who was he, anyhow?” **Can’t jest say. I made his ’quaintance in the classic precepts o’ Rag Alley, an’ he was ter come back ter me there,” “‘T don’t reckon hell come, Citizen, He's been robbed and carried off in a hack.” ‘* The dickens, you say!” ‘Fact! He came in for a drink, and I mixed him up a mild one, for I saw he had a glorious jag on already. He was still at it when in came three other men, Your sailor knew them, and backed up in a corner where he could face them ; and then they all went at bim for keeps. He knocked the first down, clean as a whistle—” x * Bully fur bim!” “But they were too much for him, A man with liquor in ain’t good for much, and with three against him, your sailor went down, See of the gang, a sort of Spanish-looking fel- ow— ‘* How’s that?” ‘*One of them looked to be a Spaniard.” ‘Hum! Goon!” ‘The Spanidrd actually drew a knife, but another fellow was abead of him; he give the sailor a crack over the skull with a club, and brought him down in a jiffy. Then two of them lifted their game and carried him out, while the third stopped to give me an ear- ache,” ‘* What did he say?” ‘* Said he was acting for the sailor’s folks.” ‘¢ Gammon!” Think so?” ‘¢ Wal, it ain’t brotherly nor sisterly ter knock him down with a club.” ‘* The other fellow said that Baker—” ‘¢ Who's Baker?” ‘§ The sailor.” “Hum! Goon!” ‘Hoe said Baker was a right good fellow when in his right mind, but a loaded up with whisky. He tried to thrash his old father this morning, strangled his sister’s pug-dog, and then cleared out, The family new he would bring up ina police-station—he always does when he gets on a tear—so they sent the three men to gobble him, take him home and get him sobered up; aj] done to keep him from being arrested. Knowing persuasion would be of no use, the men dropped on him bold and heavy, first off.” ‘** Did you b’leeve all that?” — “Well, I hardly know.” = . “ But you didn’t interfere?” ‘*No. I've learned to keep out of other men’s fights. I don’t want my head broken, while as for calling the pence if 1 aid that when rows ane Pdi ave all Rag Alley locked up insido of two days. “ They be fighters,” Rube admitted, ‘‘ but this isa differentcase. So they took the sailor away in a hack?” ppb 4 ay “Which way did they go?” “ East ” ‘Did ye know the hackman, or see any num- ber?” } “cc No.” " ‘* Did the sailor speak durin’ the scrimmage?” ‘Yes. He was ee, and he said no gang of cut-throats coul him.” ‘* Was that all?” ‘* All he said was to that effect.” Rube had gainedall the information he could. He asked more questions, but they did not de- velop ee of im ce, He went out- side and stood looking soberly down the street. Asa Frink was gone, and he knew of no way to find him. Who the sailor was, really, where he had come from and where he belonged, Rube Po cyclone when — «ee as pa” ‘a aed
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= te quad chee fae Se ae did not know; and as he had lately « come in from a voya 6, it might not be easy to trace him even with the most zealous efforts. Of course the story told to the barkeeper was wholly false, Frink had been captured by his enemies, and from what he had said, his pros- pects did not look bright. The Spanian d—the man with the knife—against whom Asa had spoken so forcibly, was.ou the scene, and Rube would have been glad to know that the sailor’s life was not in danger. ‘* He said they was on his track, on murder bent; an’ that t e Spaniard was waitin’ fur a chance ter ‘ give him the blade!’ Whew! he has fell inter a mighty bad fix, an’ I’m afeerd I’ve seen the last o’ my sailor pard!” Remembering that Frink had said those men sought his life because they were afraid he would tell what had happened, years before, at Num- ec 7, the house suddenly became of new in- rest. The boy walked back and entered. As he went up-stairs to his own room he | paused fora moment at Solomon Sinn’s door. ‘on pa silent inside, but a lamp had been 4 ‘ted, Citizsn Rat-trap had never seen the inside of that room, but, feeling sure that it was there that the crime of long ago had been committed, he was tempted to rap, make some errand with Sinn, and so haveac ance to look around. Resisting the temptation, he went to his own room and sat down at the window. From that point he could keep the watch for Frink he had promised to make, and this he determined to do, useless as it seemed. In a short time who lived in Rag Alley ee out for an airing, great and small, and y children tumbled over each other while thely dirty elders gossip ped, joked, argued and ye icon All this was an old story in Rag lley, but Asa Frink did not return to make a uew feature. After some time sounds were again to be heard ir. Sinn’sroom. Theold gentleman had been resting, but he en to tramp around, and, now and then, the ing which had at- tracted Rube’s attention before was renewed, but it sounded only at rare intervals, and did not seem to have any system. Rube was of the opinion that Sinn would be able to keep the room as Jong as he wished. Asa Frink was not likely to come back. This again ee an inquiry: Why had Frink wanted the room, anyhow ‘If a crime was committed there in former days, it seemed to be just the reason why any one who knew of it should want to keep awa At the end of an hour Citizen Rat-trap went out of the house. He had given Frink up, but the sailor’s case had lost no part of its interest. He left the oer. and walked down the street in the way his kidnappers had gone, keeping a sharp lookout. He saw no one who had connec- tion with the case, as far as he knew, and when he finally returned home it was with the im- pression that Asa had gone out of sight perma- nentl Rube was pe se ei he was tired, and when ae he was in he did not lie awake a t while to think about the sailor or any one else. = ge pret and put in a good night’s rest. hing he was conscious of in the eweuse a sharp rapping at some point, and as he became fully awake he realized that some one was knocking at hisdoor. It proved to be one of the female tenants of the house, and when he had thrown on hisclothes and shoved back the bolt he gained view of her. “Are you the Seven Sleepers!” she tartly ihe No; I'm only three on ’em,” Hi: nearly knocked the door down!”’ “Did it bit back?” **Come, Rat-trap, none 0’ your nonsense. I’ve come on business,’ ** Heave ahead, Mrs, Odjacks ” « Do you want & job?” ** I'm pinin’ fur one.” ** Asa nurse?” , ‘* Attendant on a sick person.” ‘*Wal, lemme see! I ain’t had no 'sperience but the Rat family take naturally ter all good an’ gelorious work. Ef the sick chap ain’t got eller fever, cholera, small-pox or toothache, *m his huckleberry; but I drawr the line at ketchin’ com oe dolochen Bina ha has fell and hurted his hip so he can’t move, an’ he wants a smart boy tertake | careo’ him. He —_ arr ene look furder, a Odjacks; ob!” Rube asserted. me right down,” — I’m the F709 ox wi said, Citizen Rube. — r . rye empresas ¢ i A et We’ Citizen bad ladsle Oak cal Clieua Weak Gah Wilts Miah wipe Wake wae | Gale naat cams cookies wise was in high glee. Here was a chance to see the inside of the mysterious roon in which the crime had been committed, and he did not intend to let the chance slip, Ho concealed his joy as much as possible, and fol- lowed demurely after good Mrs, Odjacks. They found Solomon Sinn in bed—an odd, lit- tle old man with a wrinkled, emaciated faceand a beard fit for a patriarch. He had a hooked nose, and deep-set eyes which were very bright and keen. He proceeded to spear Rube, as it were, with his sharpest glance. “So SF Nee the boy?” te began, firing off each word like a rifle-shot, ‘*T’m the boy,” Rube agreed. “ Are you smart?” “My fam’bly think so.” “Do they live here?” ‘* Yes.” : ‘*Who are they?” ‘*The rats. Them is the a4 corbin Mele hev, an’ they are here in super-a bundance. You kin hear them scamperin’ around like mad ev’ry night. Human foihs I ain’t got; I’m an orphin an’ a widder!” “Hum! hum! hum!” muttered the old man, sharply, and neither by his speech nor his ex- pression could Rube tell whether he was pleased or angry. ‘*T sha’n’t hev no ‘follerers,’” the boy added. ‘*Can you mind your own business?” ‘* Always have done so.” **T don’t want a boy whose tongue will run like a locomotive the instant he = seaves me, zn ‘* Pm a mum chap, boss.” ‘* What pay do you want?” ‘* What you think is right.” ‘* Pll give you your board and three dollars a week. af “All right.” “I'm a cripple just now. I received an in- jury to my hip last night, and the rheumatism has gotinto it the worst bbe I can’t get out oan; Gok Miatibiee bd I suffer a good deal of ain, but that ismy business—” . ““Pve been tryin’ to have Mr. Sinn havea doctor—” pal as ectaiy a Mrs. Odjacks, but Sinn inter- sha: ne ‘I won't sae doctor! Don’t you mention it again, or you shall leave the room. Now, ra A Bek I want you here to help me; hand me run errands; make my coffee ; and, if you now how, read, The te will last until I yet over the effects of my fall.” ‘*' Thank you .I shall be glad ter take it. I’m pees though sorry you ffell. How’d you en ter tumble?” one of your business!” fiercely returned the old man. ‘‘ Haven’t I aright to fall, if I want to?” ‘* You hev, by Jerusha!” “‘Then say no olay about it. I won’t have cheap talk; Dll fire every soul of you if you make yourselves obnoxious. Irun this room, and I° won't have obnoxious folks around. Folks who deal with me must mind their own business! Do you clearly understand that?’ CHAPTER IV. RUBE DISCOVERS A MYSTERIOUS BOX, Mr. SoLOMON SINN glared at his companions as though he would like to bite their heads off, but the boy applicant was neither frightened nor angry. ‘*T ketch on,” he replied, with perfect good humor, ‘fan’ I approve o’ ou say. You principles ig k’reck, an’ you will find me read: ter back ye up in ev'ry way. Bein’ my boss, rar way will be the way / must go, an’ I'll do mi Youre a sensible boy. What's your name?” ** Rube rns ol oe What ye Qacer name, ain’t it? Wal, it’sthe only one Ihev. Rube Rat-trap; otherwise, hes Eminent Citizen o’ Rag Alley. AsI said afore, I’m an orphan an’ a widder, an’ what relatives I hev, run over the house with four feet, ’stead 0’ two. Takin’ the hull batch, human, rodentikel an’ feline, big an’ little, four-footed and two-footed the Rat fambly is numerous. IThold my head patie ad any on ’em, an’ Tm a Rat no cat kin ) ** Boy, you amuse ,me ” declared Solomon n, ‘* Sometimes I amuse myself.” “T think we shall get alon the together.” “T sha’n’t quarrel, ef you don’t “Mrs, Odjacks,” added Sinn, “ you can go. You area soul, and I will try to reward you later. 0 fact, if you will do the more et cate part ofjmy cooking, while I am ill, I will pay you well—” ** Dear, dear soul!” pronounced Mrs. Odjacks, ‘don’t mention it, My heart worms ter the needy an’ desarving, and what I can do shall be done cheerfully. The woes o’ my brother men touch my heart to its innermost inside, an’ as Parson George says, ‘Him who helps her nei hbor is nobler than a queen!’” ‘* That'll do!” hurriedly declared Solomon. “Sermons won’t stay my stomach, but food will. Go and prepare me some right away!” Mrs, Odjacks was too good-natured to be of- fended, and she took her ponderous form out of the room. ‘That woman is a fool!’ Solomon deposed, curtly. he’s good-hearted.” ‘* That’s why she is a fool!” It was very clear that Mr. Solomon Sinn was a cynic of the worst kind, but Rube cared nothing for that. He had moved on a step in his work, and as he suspected that his new em- ployer’s * bark was worse than his bite,” to use a asap expression, he had no doubt of his ae get along with the injured man all right Sinn had several things that he wanted done in the room, and he proceeded to give direc- tions at once. Rube did the work, and, some- what to his surprise, his employer did not find any fault, hile thus occupied, Citizen Rat-trap had ore thee to use his eyes also, and did not ne- ect the chance, The room was of good size; much larger tham any one but a rich man would think of uilding at the present day; and it was queer and pecu- liar in many ways. Reference Saat before been made to the fact: that the whole buildin ding was very old. Age showed wy cw Sinn’s room. It was made and finished in an odd way, and many years had passed since any change had been made. There was a huge closet at one side, from which the door was gone, and a corner cupboard of the good old style made a novelty. Neither pa- pet nor plastering covered the walls; the bo f plain boards, and very much out o pegs ag at that. It wasa quaint room, but nothing was visible to explain why Asa Frink had been so anxious to get Sarees of it. Rube’s thoughts went back along the course of years, and he could not but wish the room had a voice of its own, to tell the story of the crime alluded to by the sailor, The Citizen imagined another bed and another | man lying there, and he seemed to see the victim of that mysterious crime, but imagination could go no further, How had the deed been done? Who had done it? What had been the object? These questions he could not answer, but he cordially wished that Solomon Sinn was a hun- dred miles away, and that Asa Frink had the room. But why was Asa so eager to get it? ee was but one explanation which a sharp oy could peiein at—there was something there, lieved yor: § Asa tobe there, which he wanted. Rube glanced at the big closet, the corner cup- board and the boards of the wall. If. any one wished to hide anything in the room, it could be done easily. Probably a board could be removed without trouble, and there might be quite a re- cess behind. The Citizen began to feela fever for search- ing the place, but it needed only one while nee sharp eyes were about. Mrs. Odjacks soon came u with the break- fast. It proved good,and Sinn was not un- grateful. He expressed his pion b ine both in words and by means of grunts, and he nade a good meal in spite of his condition. In order to eat be had to wank had head er and this was effected by meansof pillows, Mrs. Odjacks had her opinion of how this should be done, but Sinn had his, also, and he had his He e gave his orders, and they had to obey to the letter, It was Rube who had lifted his head and - shoulders, and ae fing 3 this the ated had felt something hard under the feather-bed. (The latter be ation, which few persons | are able to tolerate, bai Hc brought to the house by Sinn, and was b: something” bar Under this feather-bed was someth and Rube: fae ieacaing skin pedo oft trees his fore-arm some corner. TWhile So Solomon ate, Reuben thought. What was nener. the feather-tick? / ood look — at Sinn to assure him that nothing could be done. |
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The Rag Alley Citizen had a lively imagina- tion, and he at once decided that Sinn was a miser; that the object in the bed was a box; and that che box was full of money. In sup- port of this theory was the fact that Sinn had een so particular when being lifted; that he would allow only Rube to do “it; and that he had given particular directions just where the Citizen should place his hands, All this seemed important, and Rube deter- mined tortest the matter. i; Sinn finisbed eating, and said that he would | Ba liedown again. Rube lowered him, but not ac- :} cording to orders, The boy slyly slipped one of his hands under the feather-bed, and in a twinkling he had confirmation of his idea. , r here was a box secured there! ig | Sinn was fixed easily ; Mrs. Odjacks retreated ; Ore and employer and employee looked at each other critically. The Citizen was convinced that the man was a miser, ind that aiargesum of money j was in the bed. He wanted to think of it; to 4 ey dwell upon the bewildering fact’ but he was given no time, ‘* How long have you lived around here, boy?” me the injured man asked. ey ‘Don’t know.” hale ** Were you born here?” ** Presoomably.” ** How old are you?” ‘¢ Ain’t a ghost of an idee,” va ‘What melancholy ignorance!” A Fas ‘* Mebbe; then ag’in, mebbe not. It’s like this: { Folks is fastidious bout. their age. They hate ter tell, an’ they don’t tell. What then? * They lie! W hat next?) Why, lyin’ is wicked, an’ they git a black mark scored ag’in’’em. Now, I don’t know how old I be, sol can’t lie. Is it ree’ly a misfortune fur a kid not ter know liow old he is?” “* You're a Philosopher, I see,” ‘S That ain’t all, S’pose it was a disgrace, not i, a good thing, ter be ignerant o’ when I’s born, Pee hat then? Would Ibe ter. blame? Presoom- | eee ably not. What kin you expect from a kid at brought up in Rag Alley?—brought up in dirt, dark , ignerance, vice an’ all the rest 0’ the black brood, That’s me! Fur’s I know o’ my own ta *sperience, the sun don’t shine but one hour a pa day. Bout noon it climbs up nigh the roof o’ the sky an’ looks down inter Rag Alley, but I allow the sight o’ rags, dirt an’ whisky embar- .rasses it. The beamin’orb yanks the throttle wide open an’ skips fur keeps. There be thern, frien’ Sinn, who sez the sun rises at mornin’, stead 0’ noon, an’ I’ve often thought 0’ goin’ over ter some high pint ter see. We don’t see hiv him in Rag Alley, but whisky, fights an’ crime ' flourish rightsmart. Kin you blame a boy fur growin’ up without knowin’ much?” There was no bitterness in Rube’s manner, but there was a good desl of earnest gravity. He gesticulated with one hand, and laid down the way of life from his standpoint as he sit it. Solomon Sinn’s expression was deran gel grave. ‘* And you have lived here all your life?” “i Da e3, ey ‘‘ Have you ever been to school?’ eva! 4 Never 2? *\ ) Can you read?” oa ‘Quite flooently. Some years ago there lived in Rag Alleya poor woman—she died here, too —who took an intrest in me. She teached me ter read an’ write, an’ ter figger sum, She was a good woman, an’ hope she’s where poyerty ain’t knowed, now!” i The Citizen finished with an unconscious sigh. ' It was echoed by Solomon Sinn, bue for some _ time no more was said. Finally the old man . aroused from thought and abruptly asked: Did indy td know a man in Rag Alley named Peter Andrews?” Rube started. Once before he had heard that question’ Peter Andrews was one of the men inquired for by Asa Frink, and the coincidence was surprising. _ * Never heerd o’ him,” the Citizen replied. ees Gone, long ago, no doubt; perhaps he is ead.’ Ges ‘Who was ie anyhow?” “Ob! a man Pye heard of,” Ses, ems in Rag Alley, eh?” ff “ Tn cui idlase dere ov 84% don't on ' Sinn spoke impatiently, as though he did not want to say anything more about Peter An- _ drews, and then he changed the subject and ts eRe Rube away on an errand ; t was not one of importance, but it took the “Ek Citizen away for an hour. surprise awaited him on hat return, Pie oS see ce ae a eS Oe ee Rube. CHAPTER V. bs NEW-COMERS TO RAG ALLEY, THE errand was done, and it was just nine o’clock when Citizen, Rat-trap entered No. 7 and went up to Solomon Sinn’s room, There was a marked absence of etiquette at Rag Alley, and, having never been taught that knocking at ‘another person’sdoor was a necessary preliminary to an entrance, he walked in unan- nounced, He had bar ely crossed the threshold when he paused in surprise. Solomon was no longer alone. Two ladies were in the room, and one sat on each side of the bed. More than all the rest, these ladies were not residents of Rag Alley, but strangers to Rube, and wearers of fine garments w hich looked very much out of place in that locality. Rube stood in uncertainty, but Sinn soon set- tled alldoubts. ' **Come in!” he directed. ‘‘ Close the doorand put your purchases down on the table.” All this the Citizen did promptly. ‘** Boy,” continued the injured man, ‘‘ these are females who have the misfortune to have me for a relative—Mrs. Sophronia Araminta Smith, and her daughter, Miss Violet Calla Flower- garden Smith.” His manner was grim and vicious, and the younger lady spoke in a horrified tone: * Dear uncle, don’t say that! There is nosuch thing as ‘ Flower- garden’ in my name. It is plain Violet Calla Sthith.” “Aum! bum! hum!” growled the old man; ‘it was a shame to slight the other posies! So- hronia, where were the lilacs, roses, pansies, daffadow ndilly lilies-of-the- valle , and other hot-house plants, when you named your cherub? You showed r eprehensible partiality ! i **You will have your joke, dear uncle!” mur- mured the elder lady, ‘* Hum! tum!” “his boy is waiting to be dismissed, uncle.” “Ts he? I think not; anyhow, he won't be dismissed. He’s,to stay here.” “But we can take care of you.” ** So can he.” ‘* But he is so ragged! ii ‘“*My beloved Sophronia,” sneered Sinn, State) fifteen dollars from your pocket and gee ee Calla to buy a suit of clothes for im ‘‘ But I haven't the money to spare,” “Then say no more about his ra Why, rags are honorable! Honorable, you—boncr able!” Solomon glared at Mrs. Smith as though dar- ing her to deny his statement, F **No doubt, uncle.” “Hum! bum! bum! Reuben, where ‘3 your “watch?” ‘* Don’t carry the article, sir.” ‘Hum! Get one the next time you go out. Vl foot the bill.” Mrs, Smith and Miss Smith looked at each other i in dismay, ** Don’t you think, uncle, you are able to be moved home?” sweetly asked Violet Calla. ‘* We should all be glad to see you—even the dog and the parrot—” Hang the dog and the parrot! If I had that despicable little wretch which you call a dog I'd blow his head off. Or perhaps ei has no head ; I never saw anything but hair and a nose.” ‘You are as facetious as ever, dear uncle.” ‘*Hum! That’s as near the truth as can be expected from a woman who keeps a dog. She never takes one of those half-pound abomina- tions with her until her brain begins to soften!” Solomon spoke fiercely, and his coarse gray hair seemed trying to stand on end. *€ Dear uncle, don’t excite yourself!” mur- ag Mrs, Smith, and she ensayed to feel his Rags! mind is ‘snatched his wrist awa viciously. ‘*Tet me alone!” he exclaimed, snappishly. ““T won't have any baby-work here. Do yousee geass two chairs over by the window?” es.” ““Go oid sit there—you and Calla Violet!” Mrs, Smith looked at Miss Smith, Her glance was vicious, and it was plain that she would tenets have resented the order and the rude one in which it was given, but she dared not. | Quickly recovering her suavity, she arose. i aay, as you wish, dear unc e,” she returned, swee Citizen Rat-trap had been an attentive ob- server and listener, and he had not failed to ar- rive at several conclusions. Obviously, need to live in such a miserable place as Rag | Alley. The women were his relatives—he di not deny that—and they wore good clothes. To Solomon Sinn was not a man who dress as they did, they must have considerable money. They had come to see Sinn, and were bearing his severe treatment meekly. There was only one inference to be drawn from this— Solomon Sinn bad a good deal of money, too. Hypocritical devotion to him was plain in all the women said and did, and only money could lead to such a thing. For some strange reason Sinn had left good quarters and come to Rag Alley. Why had he done it? Any one who inferred that the old gentleman was wr ey apo would soon find himself mistaken. That was not the explana- tion W “hy, then, had he come to miserable, noisy, dirty, tumblée-down Number 7 Rag Alley? Here was a conundrum. As the women retired with perceptible bad humor to their new position, Sinn looked after them with a twinkle in his eyes which expressed great satisfaction. Then he turned his head. ** Reuben |” ‘** Yes, sir?” heat a5 ing a book here and read to me!” The Citizen was to be put to a severe test. He had not been heard in this line, and Sinn had no means of knowing how he would acquit himself, As his only object was to worry the Smiths by showing a preference for the boy, he did not care, Rube did. He had a reputation to make, and was well aware that any failure on his part to do well would be a triumph for the Smiths. These women he knew to be his enemies al- ready. Fortunately, he could read far better than was to be expected, and the book presented no serious trouble. He scored a success, and Sinn kept him at it for nearly an hour, while the wo- men sat by and looked about as good-natured as two sore-heeded bears. Solomon derived a good deal of pleasure from it. He knew that they were ca at being put to one side while the boy in rags had the place of honor, When the reading was over, Mrs. Smith came forward with a passable assumption of tranquillity. ~‘*Do you know what quarters I can get here, un cle?” she asked. PE ive of what?” refer to a room for Violet ana myself.” “Dow lenow anything about it!” growled Sin ¥ ‘Perbaps this youth can tell me?” Mrs. Smith . Bugiested, growing more friendly. rs. house,” Rube responded, ** Will you see her for me?” Rube glanced at Mr. Sinn. ‘*Now, then, Sophronia, what do you want?” asked the old man, curtly. “Rooms where I can stay near you until you recover | sufficiently to be moved.” Hum! Have | asked this of you?” “No; but I know my duty, You are my uncle, and I am not going to desert you in the hour of your affliction,” ‘« This is an affliction |” ly commented the injured man, and it was obvious that he did not refer to his\bodily troubles. ‘‘ Sophronia, I won’t trouble you; yeu can go home!” “And leave you here, in sickness? Never, ‘Uncle Solomon—never!”’ *“You never will go home, eh? Hum! I’ve often felt the same way. But who will care for the dog and the parrot#)’ * Dear uncle, do not jest now. Iam sincere in what I say; our devoted Violet and I must remain here until you are able to go home with us. We will secure a room and be near you,” ‘* T suppose I must endure it!” cee this ungracious reply Solomon turned u “Citizen,” he directed, ‘go to Mrs, Odjacks ape tell her a room is wanted. Beloved niece, wens wish one that is aristocratic?” The best the house affords!” ‘‘Hum! hum! All modernimprovementsde- = sired, Reuben—kerosene lamp, table with four legs, bed without too many missing slats, stove in an edition n not later than 1710 a. D.; and so orth.” | Violet looked 3. prime at her mother, ay: ‘*luxuries” dismayed her, — but Mrs. Smith said nothing and Rube leftthe though this list room, “Bt we don’t have some fun in there,"he thought, ‘‘ I’m ’way outo’ my reckonin’!” ne i be Wee oe in her A rooms, _ ' ** Quarters ter le © repea answ his question, ‘‘ Well, they're just int time. vanni Parenza has just left his room vacant an’ started for Chicago. It’s to let, but, land of 1s tae, djacks has gineral charge 0’ the ‘Gio, :
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love! what do them two high-fliers think they can do with that room? It’s a mere ruin. Floor, walls an’ all is goin’ ter rack!” ‘*They want ter be nigh Solomon.” .** They must love him.” ** So a cat does hot soop.” *¢*T don’t think they'll take the room.” ** They’re sot on’t,’ ‘*¢ Runs in the fam’ly, I guess. Poor,dear Mr. Sinn was that way when he come, an’ such an odd fancy as he had! You know that the room now occupied by Mr, Bartholomew Flynn is a very good room” ‘Vos, ‘* Well, that was vacant then, but it wouldn’t ‘suit Mr. Sinn; he wanted a front room, and said he’d pay a bonus ter any one who'd give up one tohim, Mrs. Kazakofsky offered him hers, but it wouldn’t do; he wanted ter look furder. Well there was only Mr, Jules La Fontaine’s left, an’ when he was asked ter give it up he refused,” ‘* He wasa money-maker,.” **T should say so, an’ he gotit. Sinn actuall paid him twenty-five dollars ter move out. It was robbery, but Sinn was bound an’ determin- ed ter have thatroom, He’d tooken a fancy to it, first off, an’ he gotit. I almost b’lieve he’d heerd of it before he come, for while the other rooms didn’t seem ter please him, he brightened up at sight o’ La Fontaine’s, an’ nothing could make him let up until he got it.” Rube gazed at Mrs, Odjacks in silence. Maer was the peculiar attraction about that room? Sinn had paid La Fontaine twenty-five dollars to move out, and only that day Asa Frink had said that he was ready to pay Sinn well if he would move out, Clearly, the room possessed attractions—in the opinion of some—not visible to the eye. Mrs, Odjacks accompanied Rube to Mr, Sinn’s door, and the Smiths were then shown the va- cantroom. It had been made fairly clean, but 1t was so dilapidated that doubts might well be entertained of its safety. Mother and daughter shivered, but the room was duly engaged and a payment made. . hey were bound to stick to Solomon Sinn, come what might. There was grim enjoyment in the old man’s manner as he asked, afterward, how they were pleased, and he seemed liable to get some fun out of life if he did have a disabled hip and an an- noying case of rheumatism. The ladies evinced a desire to remain in his room, and it was evi- dent they had suspicions that Rube was not a safe attendant—not safe for them—and Solomon did not oppose them. They remained, fe Directly after noon there was another sensa- ion. CHAPTER Vi. SOLOMON ARMS RUBE WITH A CHISEL, CrrizmNn Ruse had bis dinner, and then went to the drug-store on an errand, When he re- turned he saw two men before the door to Num ber 7, The door opened, and Mrs. Odjacks ap- peared just as Rube came up. The men were roughly dressed, but it was noticeable that their hair, beards and hands were very well cared for, and one of the pair spoke very politely, ‘* Madain,” said he, whois the janitor here?” Mrs, Odjacks smiled. ‘Phere ain’t no such thing, but I havea sort o' care 0’ the place fur the owner.” ‘¢ We want to hire a furnished room.” ‘* The last one was let two hours ago,” ** No vacancy @” y, ‘No. It’s a tenement-house, mostly, though aes is five rooms let singly. Them is all ‘ull. ** Flow about the second floorfront? We think _ that would suit us,” Rube began to be titerested ; ‘the second floor front” was Solomon Sinn’s room. “ Man in it,” replied Mrs. Odjacks., r if we like the room we will pay him to move out.” : Rube’s eyes opened wide, ** He's sick.” / The applicants both looked very much disap- pointed. ‘*How about the other rooms? Perhaps we can hire the occupants of these to leave.” ‘*There is vacant rooms in the house across the way.” ‘ ‘* Excuse me, madam, but we are not talking _ about the house across the way. We want quarters here, It seems to us a very desirable —that is, anairy place. If wecan get a room we will remain almost anywhere until the sick man recovers, and then— Well, as we said, the -house suits us,” NS Citizen Rube. » At any other time Rube would have smiled at the idea of the old house suiting any one, but the fact that a swarm of folks were coming down to Rag Alley and making such strenuous efforts to get quarters in the front room of the second floor was too significant to be laughable. What were tiey ail after? **'You can see Mrs. Bartholomew Flynn, who has the room you may be able to get,” ex- plained Mrs. Odjacks. ‘‘She is a perfect lady, an’ you an’ her may be able tercome to some understandin’.” = ‘* Allright, madam,” The men seemed relieved and walked in while Rube followed slowly after and ascended the stairs. ‘¢ By Jerusha!” he muttered, ‘‘ wish I owned this house. Could rent it fur prices ekul ter Murray Hill; though what in creation has started the racket ain’t clear, Asa Frink want- ed that one particular room fur the cheerful reason that a murder was done there once. Was that why Solomon Sinn wanted it, an’ why these men want it? Ef I owned a house I'd ad- vertise it an’ say, ‘ A murder was once did init!’ Hi! how folks would flock in ter hire!” Rube laughed as cheerfully as though he be- lieved that he had found the true theory. He did not believe it; he was shrewd enough to know there was a deeper cause, ‘*There is a certain thing that’s missin’, an’ dollars ter doughnuts is a safe bet that they all think it is, or may bein that room. Now, what is it? Why, it’s almost a dead sartainty it had some connection with the crime Asa spoke on, Jerusha! I’m a good mind ter buy this hull house an’ pull it down fur the lost somethin’. I'm gittin’ interested, by gum!” His interest was not decreased when he learned, somewhat later, that the two stran- gers had secured Mrs, Flynn's room by paying her twenty dollars to move out. It was clear gain to her, for she merely car- ried her few portable goods across the alley on her own broad back, secured equally as good a 00 for the same price, and had the twenty dollars in her pocket, It is a melancholy fact that she put so much of the money into liquor that she was ‘‘not herself” for the next tort- night, but that is a foreign matter. he’ men—they gave the names of David Green and Ezra Norton—moved in at once, and seemed as well pleased as though they were lo- cated in the best house of great New York. During the remainder of the afternoon there was not much excitement, though there was scarcely a moment that did not have its interest for Rube, Sophronia Smith and her daughter kept close to Solomon Sinn, though it is douutful if they experienced much pleasure therefrom. He made no effort to send them away, though hedid what was far worse to a sensitive mind. He lay upon the bed grim and watchful, and no chance was missed to make the women uncomfortable. He had no kind words for them, but his sarcasm flowed almost incessantly. From under his bushy brows he looked out cunningly at them, and his venomed shafts were sped unerringly. ‘All this they bore unflinchingly, though now and then a hostile glance betrayed them, Obviously, they hated the old man, but were too prudent to sayanything rash. Like a hawk watching for prey, they were not disposed to seare the victim until they had made sure of im. ‘ Early in the evening they were banished from the room, Mr, Sinn stated that he wished to sleep, and they could not disregard that, So- phronia looked suspiciously at Rube, and sug- gested that he go, too, but Solomon replied that he ‘* wanted help about his toilet,” That hint sent them off, whereupon Solomon smiled sarcastically. ‘“ Were you ever out West, Rube?” he asked. ‘* No furder than Hoboken.” ‘* Did you ever see a buzzard?” Rube looked puzzled. ‘*Do ye mean a buzz-saw or a hornet?” he asked, : prey which scents game afar off, and when it’s helpless, goes for it. Not caring to fight when there is danger, it hovers over the sick and wounded, waiting for him to get wholly help- less, That’s what it likes to feed on.” SS Te BOO. 327 ‘* Well, young man, if you ever get your eyes ona buzzard, or two buzzards, look out!” — Grinily’ uttering the words, which, plainly enough, were to be applied to the Smiths, Solo- mien turnet his head and asked for his medi- cine, He took it, and then turned again to the boy Citizen. : a SS SE IT NE, SRE SOTO EL LL AE TT ITI | substances, ** A good deal of both, A buzzard is a bird of Rate cee giant ttt Ss ob etn A “Rube, you’ve got a sharp face!” he re- marked. ‘* All the Rat family have,” ‘*How do you know, if you are the only one?” ‘¢ Because I’m an orphin an’ a widder, it don't: foller that I ain’t got no distant rel’tives. Hark any night arter things is still an’ you'll hear my cousins, sisters an’ aunts go scamper- in’ through the house.” Just so. Well, to resume: You look hon- est. ‘¢’Pearances is deceptive.” ‘* Mightily so, young sora tily so. Have often noticed that myself. Still, I think you honest.” ‘¢ You can’t tell; I ain’t never been tempted. What credit is it ter a chap ter be honest ef he’s never been tempted ? I’ve knowed folks said ter be awful good, but, great Caesar! they had never been tempted. Now, I hold that a usson never tempted desa¥ves no credit fur ein’ good!” : ‘¢True Rat logic. Sharp, to the point, true.” ‘Beyond doubt.” ‘¢ Well, I am under the impression that you are a boy to be trusted. As my employee have you, or have you not, a right to tell abhted: what you see here?” ** As long as you keep inside the limits o’ law, I’d be a fool an’ a rascal ter blow on ye.” Ue Tersely put. Well, my lad, I have work for you to do.” All right.” ‘¢Go to the corner cupboard and find a chisel that is there.” ? Rube obeyed and soon bad the implement, ‘¢ Find the fifth board trom the corner—the upright boards in the wall.” Again Rube obeyed. ‘¢ Use the chisel and pry it off!” Citizen Rube was surprised. He had not for- gotten his theory that there was something con- cealed in or about the room which was desired by all the men who were after the occupancy of the room, but he had not expected to be taken into the game asan assistant. He was not too rouch surprised to delay work, and he ‘ran the point of the chisel into a convenient crack. ‘*Use care, and make as little noise as pos- sible.” : , ** Correck |!” ; The boy had no difficult labor ahead of him, The boards which made the interior wall of the room were divided into two rows, broken mid- way by a horizontal line, and were so warped that many of the nails had already become loosened and lost. Rube pried steadily, and with all the care Sinn could desire. He was greatly interested in the work, and, being anxious to know just what the lost article was, was prepared to do all he could to make the work a success. His em- ployer watched his progress with manifest eagerness, and the scene became well worth looking at. ‘ ; The board moved, and with a last effort Citi- zen Rube tore it entirely away. A black cavi- ty was revealed beyond, but no more was to be seen. ‘¢ Tt’s done,” he announced. ‘¢Take off the one next to it.” Once more Rube obeyed, and the work was: soon done. ‘ ‘‘Now,” continued Sinn, ‘make a careful search in the vacant space. Look up and down, and to the rear wall, and let nothing escape: your notice.” QAM ee ‘“¢ What be I ter look for?” Rube inquired. © Everything!” ‘¢ Don’t see even a rat.” ’ ‘¢ Never mind; continue to look, Perhaps & folded paper is slipped into a crevice in the wall, or perhaps a diamond ring lies on the floor, Look for both, and look for all other You say you are a rat with a sharp nose, Use that nose well and let nothing get away from you.” AS }. K.! We'll hev a general upheaval, though I kin see more dirt now than anything else. Futur’ developments may stir up a mul- titoodinous supply o’ curiosities, hows’ever. We'll see!” . é Rube went down upon his knees as readily as Solomon could wish, and the search for the un- known article was duly commenced. CHAPTER VII. SOLOMON PREPARES FOR TROUBLE, Tux cavity proved to be too dark for reliable search, but when the lamp had been brought into use, Rube could see quite well. ; ~Vy \ ip thes fa ie pen hp TNC It did not | take him long to decide that there was nothing “ht ie hy hd 4; ».* a s. a Re: SS oo et kat
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above, but on the floor was a great pile of accumulated dust. AN manner of valuables might be hidden there. Citizen Rube had his opinion as to what the desired object was. Sinn had mentioried a ‘* folded paper” and a diamond ring. That the latter article should be there Rube regarded as the hight of absurdity, so he fell back upon the folded paper. His zeal was dampened, how- ever. If a paper, folded or otherwise, had been in that space ever since the old-time tragedy, it was not likely that much was left of it. The four-footed rats of the house would not be likely to overlook it, Saying nothing about his fears, Rube worked on. He moved the dust and, with supreme con- tempt of dirt, searched itthoroughly, He found nothing, and was at last obliged to turn to Solo- mon and make that announcement. The old gentleman showed no disappoint- ment, ‘* Tear off two more boards!” he directed. *¢ We'll soon have the hull house down.” ‘* Never mind; it will give you a chance to speak to your four-legged relatives, the rats.” ‘They're powerful quiet, my cousins be,” ‘*At supper, perhaps, Go on, Citizen!” Rube obeyed. Two more boards were pried off, revealing the same old scene, and again he lunged intothe dust. He was not moresuccess- ul than on the former occasion; nothing re- warded his search. The first two boards were ih ant without much noise, the broken nails easily entering the old holes; and then two more weré removed. In this way the work went on until Rube had-gone completely across one side of the room, but without finding any unusual object. Sinn could not, and did nut, complain of a lack of oare; Rube was too much interested to slight the work. He put back the last board and turned to Sinn, but the old gentleman lay for some time in silence, his forehead knit in a thoughtful frown. “ We will let the matter rest for to-night,” he finally remarked, ; ‘* Vl go on ef you say so.” ‘“No. I wish I was able to help, though.” ‘*1'll do whatever you say.” ‘ ‘** You shall work at a future time, my lad.” “* How about the closet an’ cupboard?” ‘*T have looked there.” Rube suspected that he knew how Solomon had got the fall which had laid him up in bed. ““ Did you lose the thing you want ter find?” cautiously inquired the Citizen. ‘* Hardly.” . ‘ This room seems ter be of gineral interest.” ** What do you mean by that?” ** You ain’t the only one who wants it.” Solomon turned his head quickly. ‘* Who else wants it?” ‘Two chaps who moved in ter-day.” * Wanted this room?” 6 Yes.” © ** How do you know?” *‘Theerd them tell Mrs, Odjacks 80, an’ they said they would pay you ter move out an’ let em have this room,” ‘* Had they seen the room?” “ No.” : ‘Then why did they want it so much?” ‘* That’s what I don’t understand,” et want to know all about this. Tell me a Obviously, Mr. Sinn did want to know all aboutit. He had become suddenly interested, as well as somewhat excited, and his sharp eyes were turned penetratingly upon the Citizen, Rube was not réluctant to give what informa: tion he could about Ezra Norton and David Green, He did not intend to iA the fact that Asa Frink had declared a similar desire, but thought it well that Solomon should know about the other men, He was questioned while he talked, and not only told the whole story, but gave an accurate description of Norton and Green. Siun looked puzzled. * What do these men want of my room?” he abruptly asked. ‘‘ Now you've got me,” - “You are sure it was this room?” \ '“Sartain sure. Mrs. Odjacks tol’’em that the man who had it was sick, an’ they said they would wait until he got better, an’ then pay him to move out.” “They will, eh? Well, perhaps I shall have something to say about that. I don’t recognize these men by their names or your description.” bi! Prob'ly they are disguised in both re- Citizen Rube. **No doubt. Well,now they have got Mrs. Flynn’s room, what are they going to do?” ** Wait fur you ter get well—” **T doubt it.” Sinn interrupted abruptly, and the deeply- thoughtful expression did not leave his face, He glanced toward the door. ‘*A professional thug could open that door easily and without noise,” he added. Rube began to see his idea, ** That’sa fack.” ‘**T believe Norton and Green will try it.” ‘* What do they want here?” ‘* Tt is notimprobable that they would murder me, if they had a chance, though that is not what they want here,” coolly returned Sinn. ** Rube, how is your courage?’ ‘* Tolerable, 1 guess. Try me, an’ see!” ‘* Are you afraid to sleep in this room?” ** Be I? Well, I should say not. Sech weak- nesses don’t come nat’ral ter the Rat fam’ly. I was left an orphin an’ a widder at a tender age, both my parients havin’ died sev’ral months afore I was born, but I feel sure both on ’em were heroes. I mean ter hold up the fam'ly repertation, or git a big fallin tryin’.” ‘*You may be tested right away. I don’t know who Norton and Green are, but have no idea they will remain quietly in their room and wait for me to recover and give up my room to them—which latter I have no idea of doing.” ‘* Should presoom not.” ‘*The fellows are under this roof, and they will move promptly.” ‘* Ter kill you?” ‘**To find what you have been searching for,” ‘**T ain't got any idee what that is,” ‘*T have. Well, to-night, unless I err, they will make an effort. Their scheme will prob- ably be to enter here and drug me, or bind me by force, then search the place.” ** Pll bet a bran’-new dollar—when I git one— that you won’t agree to that.” ‘*Their attempt will fail. I shall take meas- ures to baffle and detect them,” Rube’s eyes sparkled, ‘* By Jerusha! this is gettin’ interestin’,” he declared, ‘‘ Mister, I’m your valet, an’ it’s my duty ter look arter ye. I hope you'll let me help murder ye—l mean, keep ye from bein’ murdered !” , ** You shall have your fill of excitement,” Sol- omon promised, gooi-humoredly, ‘‘Do you think you can bring enough of your bed down here to suffice for a place to sleep, and keep your rnovements secret from every other per- son? Nobodymust know that you propose sleep- ing here.” * Nobody shall, by ginger!” ‘Allright. Wait until the house gets a bit more quiets then try it. One thing more.” es? ** Let nobody, least of all the Flower-garden Smiths, know about your search here. That must be kept secret as the grave.” ‘* So it shall, by Jerusha!” ‘‘Rat-trap, you impress me as being a boy whom I can trust, and you will find it to your ad- vantage to serve me well, If I win my game here, and find that it is owing a good deal to your efforts, you shall be repaid in more than empt y words.” ** Wal, mister, I ain’t goin’ ter say I don’t wantit. The Rat tribe, human an’ t’otherwise, is always greedy for good things—but that ain’t ter the pint. I’ll do my very best ter help ye through all right.” ‘*Bnough said. Let me think, now, and see just how far we will go to head off Norton and treen.” , Rube relaxed into silence, and Sinn gave con- siderable time to meditation, Ho finally arous- ed and directed the Citizen to go for his bed. Rube went, and succeeded in returning without any one being the wiser. He brought onlya blanket and a rude pillow, but these, he declar- ed, were enough to make a bed for any one. Preparations were then made for the night. _ The room could have been made secure from intruders by simply moving some heavy article against it, but this was by no means what Sinn ‘wanted. Satisfied that the suspected men would make a move against him promptly, he was anxious that they should show their hands at once, ‘Better hasten the crisis and have the suspense over. Acting upon this idea, he arranged to give the men what he grimly called ‘*a fair chance,” The door was only locked because to leave it otherwise would arouse suspicion; but the key was removed so it would not bother the lock- pickers if they came. ‘*Now,” said Solomon, “you are to sleep in °-.2 : ——————————————— a the closet, Rube, and have the lamp beside you with the wick turned low down, so it will posi- tively give no light. Be prepared, however, to turn up the wick at a moment’s notice, and spring out to light up the room.” ‘ What'll ow ba doin’?” : “ Dealing with the intruders.” ‘*Won’t they run?” Solemon smiled grimly, ‘* Hardly!” he answered; and then he thrust his hand completely under the bed and brought out a dangerous-looking revolver. ‘“‘ With this covering them,” he added, ‘I fancy they won't try to run, If they do, I shall shoot to kill!” CHAPTER VIII. WHAT THE LIGHT REVEALED. CITIZEN RUBE began to realize thatthe night’s work was not to be child’s play. SolomonjSinn had*taken time to think, and, plainly, was re- solved to follow the course indicated, serious as 1t was. If the men came, and did not stand still when he told them to, he would drop them with- out mercy, 4 Now, Rube Rat-trap had not lived all his life at Rag Alley without becoming accustomed to rough scenes, He did not feel so much shocked as more carefully-reared boys would, but he looked at Solomon with some concern for that gentleman. ; ‘¢ Bf you shoot one on ’em thar will be a rack- et,” he remarked, ** No doubt.” ‘¢- You'll be tooken up,” All right.” ‘The law is pooty severe on fellers that shoot—” ‘* Are you a lawyer?” “e No,” “Tam!” The boy looked at Solomon with wide-open eyes for a moment, but as the belief that the old gentleman was telling the truth became fixed in his mind, he promptly replied: ‘Jerusha! I ain’t got po more ter say. I s’peck you’re’way up in legal biz, an’ I ain’t never studied any but in Rag Alley. I won't give no more advice, though the Rat family is -nat’rally sympathetic.” “All right, young man; your good-will is known and appreciated. Now make your bed in the closet and turn in,” Rube did as directed, and by using due care with the lamp he managed to arrange it so that no light would shine out to betray them, yet a single turn of his hand would force the wick | up. A few minutes later all was dark and silent about the place, The Citizen was under the impression that he would not, and could not sleep at all. He had become greatly interested in the course of events since Asa Frink approached him in the alley, and he was great tie Whene to know what the result would be, e thought it all over for awhile, and then Nature prevailed over him—he fell asleep. He dreamed. He thought that the intruders had entered the room and overpowered him and Sinn; that the latter had, at their command, produced scores of bags of gold from the little box under his pil- low, each bag being bigger than the box; that they were melting this gold ina huge caldron under which blazed a big fire; and that when Sinn declared there was no more gold, the rob- bers had turned in a rageupon him—Rube—and flung Him into the caldron. , Rube awoke. He was not in a caldron, or near one, but it took him some little time to realize that there wasno danger. _ He had begun to grow sleepy again when he heard a slight click /” s ‘* Rats!” thought the boy. Just then there was asharp pull at his wrist. According to Solomon's orders he had attached astring there, the other end running back to the old gentleman’s bed; and the pull at the string was a pre-arranged signal It was a warning to Rube to arouse, and he was not slow to obey. : Quickly rising he put his head out of the closet. There was no light, but his movements, faint _ dthat as they were, had been heard by Sinn, an person spoke in a whisper. “They are coming!” he announced. ‘Lay nal. * All right!” : \ Rube answered cantiously enough, and then he stood still and listened, The ‘ clicking” sound continued, but much fainter than before, ; * ("y wn low, and don’t make a sound untill give the sig- — *
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: Except for the previous warning it might well <e have passed for the harmless movements of 7. Rube’s alleged *‘ cousins,” the four-footed rats; but the Citizen felt positive that the lock of the hall door was being skillfully tampered with. The work went on—then there was a sudden, heavier sound, and Rube knew the bolt had been forced back. Silence followed this achievement; thé bur- glars were waiting to see if they had created any alarm. All the danger lay in the room, for rows were so common at Rag Alley, indoors and out, that a tremendous racket might occur without causing wonder. A whole minute passed before operat.ons were resumed; then the latch rattled the least pos- sible degree and the door was softly opened. The crisis was at hand, Rube held his breath and watched and lis- tened. He could see nothing, but a gentle rus- Rey tling betrayed the entrance of at least twomen, ce ee and he realized that they had approached Sinn’s i bed. Rube knew he had a revolver, but he be- gan to fear for him. Sagi suddenly, the slide of a bull’s-eye lantern was drawn, and its light fell ful] upon Solomon. The men were a moment ahead of him, but he me 9 was not disconcerted. Two sharp pulls of the Pe oa string signaled to the boy, and the latter sent the wick of his hidden lamp shooting up. af The room became light, and a striking tableau y was revealed. ts ihe + At the front side of the bed stood two masked men, silent and motionless, The light of Citizen A Rube’s lamp showed a revolver turned full upon the intruders, and it was held in Sinn’s unwav- ering hand. rags That the old gentleman was thoroughly cool , was revealed in every way, and his keen, cold its. eyes looked steadily upon the burglars. ay? “Stand where you are!” he uttered, in a y low but distinct voice. ‘‘If you move a step I f3 will shoot you as I would a mad-dog!” Perhaps the men were dumfounded; in any case, they did not stir, % Rube, close the door:” Sinn directed. The Citizen moved quickly around and obeyed. “Lock it, and remove the key!” This was done, and a satisfied smileswept over the old man’s grim face. ‘*Now we can talk in peace!” he added. Rube returned to his former position, while the entrapped burglars looked at each other in manifest dismay. Solomon, however, was in good humor, and he continued to speak in a grimly sarcastic way: “Gentlemen, sit down!” hecommanded. ‘‘The . hour is rather late for a call, but it shall never be said that I am oblivious to the demands of hospitality. Guests should always be cordially { entertained, and vow shallbe. Sit down!” The masked intruders had begun to recover their wits, but this fact brought norelief. The ugly-looking revolver still bore upon them, and a touch of Sinn’s finger upon the trigger would be fatal to them. They were hopelessly in his power. No movement had been made to obey his first invitation to sit down, but when the words rung out the second time they were sharp enough to make them seek chairs with dispatch. ‘Now we can talk quietly,” resumed the old gentleman, ‘‘1I dare say you have come on busi- omnie ness, Whatcan I do for you?” ope) ** Youcan let us go,” suggested one of the bur- Ve giars, finding his Pap. “Tecan, but I shall not. What do you want here?” “ses Nothin g. ” **Then why are you here?” cu “We made a mistake,” + kt, “ What kind of a mistake?” ght! “We thought this was our room.” ‘*Oh! and do you enter your room by picking the lock?” j - “ Wethought it had got locked by accident—” . Haven't you a key to your room?” 0 “ e eas ab, saw Mrs. Odjacks give one to ’em,” put in ' “Rube. _ “We lost it.” Ms **Oh! come, now, don’t be so radically fool- ish!” directed Sinn, ‘‘ Take off your masks!” There was no movement toward obedience. **T know you already,” he added; ‘‘ you are Ezra Nortonand David Green.” —, ‘*See here, old man, ho are Mkts 9 things 4 veouae a hand!” declared one of 6 men, ee fe _ “Whatare you going to do about it?” “* We won’t submit!’ eh, _ ‘No? Whatthen? My revolver covers Bee andif you make a hostilemovement I wills oot A. settee a OO ee] Citizen Rube. ly; and your lives are forfeit to me,” ‘We will break you in two—” **Come and try it!” Solomon looked calmly along the barrel of his revolver, and there was brief silence. “One thing more,” he observed; ‘you un- doubtedly carry weapons. Let me caution you not to use these. If I see you drawing them 1 shall shoot! ** See here, old man, you're rough on us!” one of the burglars exclaimed. ‘* What do you expect?” ** We ain’t harmed you.” ‘*'No; because I was ahead of you. You had just turned the light so you could see me, and would have pounced upon me & moment later. Oh! you are as innocent as doves!” “ Anyway, we demanc that you let us go!” “* Softly, softly! You have not got what you came hene for.” ‘* What we came for!” “s Yes,” ** How do you know?” ‘7 am well aware of certainfacts. You came to Number 7, Rag Alley, determined to hire this very room. When you got here you offer- ed to pay me well to move out, and when you were told thatI wassick, you said you would wait until I recovered, and then pay ms to move out and let you in here,” ‘¢ What of that?” ‘¢ A good deal. What do you want here? What attraction has this room for you?” His keen, sharp voice seemed to put the men in a more uncomfortable mood than ever, and they looked at each other but made no reply. CHAPTER IX. A JUMP FROM THE WINDOW. SOLOMON was not to be put off the track, and he sternly repeated his question: ‘* What attraction has this room for you?” The burglar spokesman—his voice was enough for Rube to recognize Ezra Norton—braced up and replied: — A ‘* Captain, you have us on the hip, and we know enough to cave when we are down. The treatis on us, and we are ready todo the proper caper. Now, you can yourself state that we have not robbed you, eh?” “ Rather!” **Good! You are nothing out, and you can be something in. We will pay you twenty dol- lars for liberty. Is ita go?” * One condition goes with it.” ‘© What is that?” ‘*T must see your faces,” Norton hesitated. ‘You are a bit hard ata bargain.” “*T ask no man to accept my terms.” “* We will give you forty dollars to go with- out unmasking, but not a cent over twenty if you compel us to show our faces.” ~ Sinn smiled scornfully. It was plain that he did not care a rush for the money, one way or another. The men had an impression that be- cause he lived at Rag Alley a dollar would look as big as the moon, and forty dollars a good deal larger than the ear'th, ‘*T have heard,” the old gentleman answered, ‘“of women being paid ten thousand dollars to go on exhibition as beauties, Surely, when good looks come so high, you ought not to re- veal your faces, and pay for the privilege, were it not to humor an invalid. My fancy is to have you unmask, and I will consider no proposition which leaves that part out.” “ Will you let us go if we do unmask?’ ‘Yes,’ : ‘** Will you swear to it?” “Take my word or nothing,” Sinn answered, irritably. The burglar prompaly removed his mask, and his companion followed suit. The faces of Nor ton and Green were revealed. __ Sinn looked at them a long time in silence, studying their countenances closely, but finally shook his head slowly. ‘** Don’t know you!” he admitted, “Did you expect to?” Norton asked. ‘“‘Hum! I did not say. So you are lodgers?” Pome se ” the new “As far as I haye seen, you make friendly | mad! neighbors.” ‘* It was alla joke—” ‘“No doubt; and it isimmensely funny. Do you intend to live long in Rag Alley?” _ “ We hardly know.” — “*T would advise against it. The air is bad here, and we are so fastidious as to object to calls at one or two o’clock in the morning. In brief, gentlemen, when you leave this room you to kill. You have entered this room felonious- | must also leave the house. If I find you herein ' chose the Citizen to act as detective; Rube was ‘Rag Alley he saw that they were the morning, I shall have you arrested!” ** We will not trouble you.” As BY which you mean you will go?” ** We will.” ** At once?” ‘* Within ten minutes. We have a few things in our room ;'as soon as we can get these togeth- er we will leave the house for good.” * Allright. Good-mgbt!” i Sinn motioned to Rube to unlock the door, ; while Norton fumbled in his pocket and brought out a bank-note,. ‘““To destruction with your money!” Sinn growled, ‘*I am not going to burn my fingers with it. I presume there is blood and crime clinging to every grain of it. Get out and say no more!” Citizen Rube had unlocked the door, and the burglars saw fit to disregard Solomon’s seyere se remark and go while they could, They went, Cy and Sinn motioned imperiously for Rat-trap to lock the door. eS ‘* Come close to me!” the old man then direct- ‘ie ed. This was done. ** Boy, the time has come for you to show your mettle,” Sinn continued, in a whisper. ‘** Dare you follow those men?’™* af You bet!” ; ‘* They will soon leave the house, and it is likely that they will go to some lair, At any rate, they will put up somewhere for the rest of the night, and even if they go to a hotel, they willleave the way open for discoveries. The an ae must be run down and their real names learned, Tages Malediction upon. the luck which puts me help- ue lessin bed at this time! You, boy—yow must act forme. I want you to dog them like an In- dian on the trail!” Solomon had becomeexcited, and Rube caught the fever somewhat, though it required more then that to upset him seriously. ‘111 do it!” he quickly responded, ‘* When you have hived them, and learned all net you can, come back tome. Wait! They may Te ear go to a hotel. If they do, go to South Fifth avenue—here is a card,the number and name . are on it—go there and call up Mr. Jerrold. Tell a him Solomon Sinn wants him to ‘shadow’ the two men. Do you understand?” That i do.” : ‘Tf they go elsewhere than to a hotel, linger around until you are sure they do not come out We! after making a temporary stop, and the come 3) aaa back here. Understand?” iy ‘* Like a book!” has ‘Then get away, so the men need not escape you. How can you get 2ut unheard by them?” ‘*Simple as duplex fractions. Ill drop out o’ the winder!” ‘**1t’s too big a jump.’ “Not an artom. I’m off!” Making a dive for his cap Rube hastened to the window and raised it quickly but cautiously. He knew what he had been talking about when he spoke of jumping out. He had seen it done ’ before then, and as the houses of Rag Alley were not noted for lofty rooms, be had full con- fidence that he would not be injured. rh He squirmed through, agilely, turned and iad made a cheerful gesture to Solomon Sinn, and then dropped with care. Down he went, and the fallleft him none the worse. He was con- siderably shaken, though the accumulation of © dirt in the alley made a sort of cushion. ech tn his balance he ran out of the alley, crossed the street beyond and ensconced himself in a convenient, deep doorway, there to await the appearance of his game. — A Ate Sinn. had made no poor selection when he Li shrewd and cool enough for any ordinary emer- ency. Baverut minutes passed, and then he saw two- men ha from Number 7, They advanced. and when they were beyond the dark area of Norton and Green. They paused on the first side of the street. , ae ote ** Homeless by night!” exclaimed Green, face- Ve tiously. — 4 ‘You may joke if you want to,” Norton answered, ‘‘but this cursed luck has made me ‘Mad! I ar furious!’ a) ‘‘Bah! you are too big a fool to seewhat we have lost. Baffled in our game we shall, of course lose the boodle that goes with it.” oy That’s,the luck of war. rit t Ret ey i, ‘¢Tt’s the luck of that old foolin our coveted room,” i | ib ' : f ** Callit that, then.” Me Ni ** Who is he?” hi ac Vn aa
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é “Giveitup.” = Tid you mind that he said we come to Rag Alle with ‘a fixed object?” ** Yes “ And that he knew of our scheme to hire bis senaes by paying him to move out?” es, ‘** How did he know this?” ‘*He was probably told by Mrs. Bootjacks, or whatever her name is,” “That may account for it, but I am not at ease. The way that old reprobate received us, and the cool, sarcastic, masterful way in which he handled things, worried me. I almost sus- pect that he knew of yourcoming, why we were there, what we wanted and—” “ Oh!.come off, Ez! Don’t go on in such a wild wey. What should a Rag Alley beggar know about us, or care aboutus? Youware too imaginative!” Norton shook his head and did not reply. He seemed about to fall into deep thought, but Green impatiently added: **Come! let’s be off. We don’t want a cop to fall on us, and the sooner we get to a hotel, the better.” ‘* No hotel for me!” ** What then?” ‘(I’m going straigh to our boss to report.” | * To-night?” “ Yes,” ** Nonsense!” ‘Call it what you will, Iam worried by this affair, and it is no more than right to let the boss know all. e have failed to get the old room, and our attempt to ‘ work it’ has resulted disastrously. No great trouble may come of it, but a mental picture of that grim old man in bed keeps hovering around me, Somehow, I . feel that he will be the means of doing us dam- age, ‘*You got an atom shaken up in there, Ez, and you are inclined to make a mountain out of a mole-hill. We can afford to laugh at the old man of Number 7, as completely as he ruled our destinies a bit ago, He is only one of the many toughs who infest Rag Alley; a place where everybody is on the shoot, and where human _» fife is held mighty cheap. The old fellow isn’t worth a second thought.” _ **Maybe not, but I think we ought to make “our report at once.” ‘* All right; let’s do zo.” The pair started off down the street, and after them went Rube Rat-trap. He had heard all this talk, and was elated at the prospect of dis- ' eovering where their ‘‘ boss” lived. 1f the head _ knave could be located it would be a very good ' job, and the Citizen was not forgetful of the _ fact that Solomon had promised to pay well for _ any important discovery. - CHAPTER X. As they went on he was encouraged to see that they did not look around. Even Norton appeared to think there was no danger of pur- satt, anal Rube’s work was rendered easy accord- ingly. . 3 we rehitecture, and was now weather-beaten and ngy, rather than dilapidated, it looked as ough it might possibly be occupied by some -fashioned family of some financial means. orton rung the bell sharply. : The first pull did ake py sora any result, nor did the second or third, but the fourth had scarcely sounded when a window of the second floor opened, A. white night-cap was plainly realed, with a white beard under it. “s there?” asked a peevish voice, - _ Ne made answer, and seemed to apes some name, but it was not that one by which Rube knew him, and the Citizen did not catch ‘It was enough, however, to interest the man e night-cap, for he spoke hurriedly, + ‘> )< . . au iy, ea s ig frat ee 2! ; 3 Ti ae te eee PRR tae oP tie id iat eae fe) ASE TS pa ab Or A —— 7 : tet eee see ee ee es ea ee eee a Citizen Rube. ‘* Wait!” he directed, ‘‘ I will come down.” He a age ; the window closed; there was a delay of a few moments, and then the door opened. Norton and Green entered; the door ‘reclosed; the bolt clicked, and Citizen Rat-trap was on the wrong side, with all view shut off. His first step was to go to the door and read the name on the plate. ‘“*Banderson, eh?’ he muttered. ‘‘ That’s o’ some vally, I allow. When found, make a note on’t, Jerusha! don’t I wish I’sin whar 1 could hear them chin?” ‘ He retreated somewhat and watched for a light to shine out, but this did not occur. ‘*Gone tera rearroom fur their pow-wow,” was his verdict. His gaze turned toward the alley. This fur- nished a further means of observation, and the temptation to make use of it wasstrong. Solo- mon Sinn’s directions had not includedanything of this sort, but he knew that the more news he could bring, the better the old gentleman would be pleased. His decision was quickly made, and with light steps ke entered the alley. _ The rear of the house was soon reached, and it was not hard to locate the men, A light was burning in a room on the second floor. The window-shades were lowered, and ail further view cut off, but it wasa safe bet that Norton and Green were telling their story in that room. Rube scratched his head mournfully, ‘Wish I’s in there, too!” he muttered, ‘‘Ef1 could overhear the talk I could git onter the hull p’ison racket ina jiffy, 11 bet—an’ wouldn't S. Sinn, Esquire, be jolly glad! Wal, I should observe!’ The Citizen looked the premises over, The house had a back-yard which could be gained easily, and it seemed a good point*%o be as near the secret as possible. The temptation was ‘strong, and after a little thought he went for the fence. It was quite a scramble, but he gained the top and then dropped off and was in the yard, , Ail was quiet there. He advanced toward the house, and when within a few feet of it, madea discovery. The basemeat door was open. This fact surprised him, and be stood looking at it thoughtfully, but he was only beginning on a series of unex- pected and exciting events. While he Jooked a woman suddenly appeared in the doorway, facing bim, and he was so taken unawares that he could not run. She did not seem surprised in the least degree. ‘** Are you the boy?” she asked, in a matter-of- fact way. Even a Sunday-schoo! scholar could have an- swered that question without doing violence to his conscience or the truth. ‘**T am the boy,” Rube agreed. ‘You can comeright in, Mr. Banderson did not expect you so soon, and has been lying down, but he will be glad tosee you. Come in!” There are times in all persons’ lives when they act with more haste than judgment. Rube had one of those spells just then. He did not stopto consider but one feature of the case; he only re- membered that he wanted to get into the house, and that a chance was vouchsafed. Promptly enough he entered, and the door was closed and locked by the woman. ' ‘*T think my master has callers just now,” she added, ‘‘ but it ain’t likely they will stay long. He told me to let him know as soonas youcame, and I'll take you up to his bedroom and then speak tohim. As soon as the men are gone he will come to you. See?” ‘Of course!” Rube answered promptly, but, in point of fact, he did not ‘‘see” at all. Mr. Banderson was expecting some boy—that much was clear— and had business with him, but’ what the busi- ness was the Citizen did not know, and he was certainly not the boy whom Banderson ex- pected. _Jt occurred to him that though he had got in- side the house, he would be far better off out- side it, and prudence counseled prompt retreat, but he did not yield to its dictates, He had wanted to get into the house; he was there; he determined to remain as long as he could. At the least he would see the face of mysteri- ous Mr, Banderson, and if that man wanted to have him arrested for a burglar—why, the Rag Alley Citizen must trust to his wits to get out of the fix. The servant had started lowed. When the second floor was reached, he could hear voices in the rear room, but he was usher- < hin the front one, where the woman made a light. up-stairs and he fol- (ERR TET 2 at RES EEE EE A LT ES EE OL AS NE ETF | AEs SRT OR SET nae ei eee Py eee a ‘* Tl] go and tell my master, and then sit on the Stairs until he comes,” she then answered. This plan did not please Rube, for it shut off all chance for him to go to the door of the rear room and listen, but he had to take the bitter with the sweet. The door closed, shutting him inside alone. The room was an ordinary, fairly-furnished chamber, antl some one had lately been lying down on thé outside of the bed. There was a compact wall at the rear which destroyed all hope of, listening to the men, Rube looked sharply around. Convinced that Banderson was a rascal, he would not have scrupled to look at any scattered letters, but not a letter was visible. Absolutely no tell-tale matter was lying around. Citizen Rat-trap settled back to wait, and his thoughts began to run in a lively fashion. ‘t Here I be in the greatest expl’ite o’ my life, an’ [ must say it’s adub’us one, Pooty soon Banderson will come in; he'll see that the bo. he sees ain’t the one he wants ter see; an’ he'll land me kerslop in the Dry Torture-agus, or some other perleece station. Hum! Not pleas- ant fur you, Rat-trap! What'll yer four-footed cousins at Number 7do? Who'll bail ye out? You're an orphan an’ a widder, an’ never havin’ been a voter an’ sold yer ballot, you, can’t rely on perlitikel inflooence, Nary time!” he eminent Citizen was not so much cast down as he ought to have been, but he did realize that he was cruising in dangerous wa- ters. There was a stir in the hall; the sound of heavy footsteps; and he realized that Norton and Green were going away, The crisis was near at hand, Evidently Banderson saw his callers out; then he came back up-stairs and the door opened, A tall, bony old man of gentlemanly appear- ance entered the room. Kube braced himself for thé encounter, assuming an air as innocent as possible. He expected that Banderson’s first look would result in an explosion, but, on the contrary, the new-comer added pleasantly: ‘*So you are the boy?” he inquired. ‘*T be,” Rube acknowledged. . Larrabee couldn’t get here, could he?” “Well, how did you succeed with my work?” : ‘Not over an’ above wal,” é y “Did you find the man?” ° " ; No.’ \ t ‘Did you ask the servants if he was around?” “T did, that.” Rube had not the ghost of an idea what all this talk was about, but he answered promptly, ‘*Was the rumor true that the women had — gone away?” continued Banderson. ‘*T reckon it was.” ; ; “Did you ask if they took clothing with them?” “Yes; they took a grip-sack full,” Rube bold- ly stated, ‘*They evidently mean to run the old man down,” ‘*T should say so.” ‘* Tt’s odds where he has gone to,” ‘That's a fack,” Banderson walked slowly across the room, his head bentina thoughtful way. = - ‘Some of my agents have just brought a re- ort which is very suggestive,” he resumed, af- er a pause, , “That so?” | “Yes; I was talking with.them when you came in, One of them is still down-stairs, and I want you to see him, anon.” Rube’s face clouded; of all men he least wish- ed to see Norton or Green, ‘“By the way,” added Banderson, “do you know where Rag A\jey \ al nie Aah CHAPTER XI, BRANCHING OUT AS KEEPER OF WILD BEASTS, sharply at the questioner, but there was noth- ing suspicious in Banderson’s manner. jg ‘Rag Alley?’ the boy repeated. ‘‘Wal, I b’lieve ve heerd o’ the place, but 1 can’t say jest where it is.” : . ge broils rty, drunke sink of broils, poverty, drunkenness, misery nd crime,” ly, because I have a proposition to ma uu. You saw old endricks “once, Citizen Ruse started slightly and looked : a hard part of the city, and is, itself, as ft Ps recommend it wal,” Rube observed, nt y ®. . ! , y ve it ‘ TP ao not overstate the facts, Ispeak plain- ey * Miso
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‘ 10 ** Would you recognize him again?” ‘*Sartain,” ‘*Good! Well, I wish you to go to Rag Alley and hire a room at Number 7,” Rube’s eyes dilated. Was he to appear at that delightful place as a person who would pay somebouy solid cash to move out? ** At that bouse, in the front room on the sec- ond floor, is an old man who, | strongly sus- pect, ssay be Kendricks, He cal] himself Solo- mon Sinn!” Rube tried to subdue the sparkle which would appear in his eyes. ' “> Propriate name,” he observed, vaguely. “Very. Well, assuming that John Solomon Kendricks and Solomon Sinn are one, I see great danger to my plans in the fact that he is |, at Rag Al ey.” ‘* Jest 30,’ ‘*T know of no one who would be more likely to escape notice in the house than you, for you _area boy, and I would like to have you occupy a room there, at my expense, long enough to see this Sinn and settle it definitely,” “Of course I’m at yer service, but,” Rube boldly added, ‘‘ why in the world should Ken- dricks go there?” ‘* Well, you see—” Banderson began hesitatingly, and ended by giving it up entirely. Then he began over again. ‘*Kendricks is working on the same game I am, and he would do anything to win. He robably has some objectin gding to Rag Alley, hough what it is I can't say.” ec see,”’ “* His complete br, ae from Mrs, Smith’s leads me to believe he has gone into exile somewhere. This brings up another ques- tion: Where have the Smiths gone? The fact learned by you that they took some baggage in- dicates that they mean to stop some time,’ . “Not nec’sarily. A woman usuaily takes a hull trunk ef she goes ter stop over-night.” Banderson smiled and replied: ‘Well, I want you to go down and see Ezra ’ Norton now,” Rube moved uneasily, This was just what ‘he did not want to do, Ezra would be sure to recognize him as the bey he had seen in Solo- mon Sinn’s room, and this would be a great calamity. There was more than himself to think of—he had made a start in Banderson’s good graces by means of his bold artifice, and much good might come of it if he could pass undetected. Just then there was a rap at the door,and the female servant appeared. ‘*Norton has gone away,” she announced. **He had forgotten something he wanted to say to Green, but he stated he would be back to- “morrow.” ‘*Confound: the fellow! I wanted he should tell you how to find Number 7, Rag Alley.” The last words were addressed to Rube, and that youth answered with becoming modesty : ‘*T think I can find the house, sir.” ** Well, Norton will be around to-morrow, anyhow. Are you sleepy, boy?” ‘ Not a hair.” ‘* Larrabee says you are to be trusted.” ‘6So I be,” : ** Conscience not too delicate, eh?” ‘* Bless ye,” returned Rube, with the air of a desperado on a small scale, ‘‘ how is a kid goin’ ter git along in New York ef he’s too tender- hearted?” ‘“*T am glad to see you aresosensible. Well, Iam going to trust you fully. Larrabee re- commends you highly, and he is not a man to make mistakes, Tom—your name is Tom, I be- lieve?” ‘* That’s it, boss.” : ‘*T want you to sleep in the basement of this »house to-night!” ‘That'll be a jolly good bunk.” “The fact is,I have an untamed bear in a cage there, and all the boys around here are so determined to get at him that I have to keep a guard every night. My reguiar man is away to-night. The grizzlyis very ferocious, indeed, but is harmless if-left alone, The cage is in a smal} room, partitioned off for that purpose, and we keep him inthe dark. As long as that is done he is quiet enough, but a rayof light will arouse him to fury, making us fear that he will break from the cage and tear us all to pieces, Now, all a guard ‘has to do isto sit there and watch. He havea light, but he must not let the grizzly see it. Dare you take the place for one night?” Rube did not show auy signs of timidity, but | did find it hard to hide his a he his opin- ion, he had just heard t iggest kind of a _ —_—— Citizen Rube. h * fish story,” and as he did not want any one to think him so green as to swallow all he heard, he felt disgusted in the extreme. He felt positive that there was no bear, tamed or untamed, in the basement. What was there he did not know, but it flashed upon him that Banderson had some secret which he wished to mee by raising the bugbear of a dangerous ani- mal. The Citizen was so much affected by this sible, ‘* ve seen bears an’ the like in cages at Cen- tral Park, an’ they didn’t hurt me,” he remarked, meditatively. oS My grizzly is equallyharmless if left alone.” **'W hat boodle is in it?” “One dollar for the night ** Jerusha! I ain’t throwin no dollar-jobsover my shoulder this week! il stay ef you’ve got a ’huil mernagerie thar, mistez!” ‘* Very well; it’s a bargain.” ** Always thought I’s cut out fur a keeper o’ wild beasteses.” ‘* You need have no fear.” ‘*T won’t hev any.” “You will, of course, keep pretty quiet, and if you hear Old Eph rattling his chains, be sure not to let him hear you.” ‘* Jes’ so.” ‘**TIn case he makes any great racket, come to me immediately.” \ “Sol will, A quiet bear I kin stand guard over, but ef thar is ter be a wrastle with the varmint, of course you are the chap to hold up our end. I’m some guns at collar-an’-elbow » wrasthn’ with two-legged quadrupeds, but I seat the line the safe side o’ four-legged griz- ! es. A “You aré a wise youth, but there is no danger | if you follow my directions.” anderson seemed to be somewhat anxious, , and he repeated the directions referred to. Evi- dently, he desired Rube to keep good watch and | remain away from the room which held the cage and the grizzly. hen his cautions had been thoroughly re- peated he called the servant and directed her to guide ‘‘Tom” down. As a measure of safety they were not to hold any conversation while there, but all had been arranged in advance, so that the boy could understand. He was conducted down, The room proved to be the back basement, or | kitchen. One corner had been partitioned off. with stout planks, and in one side was a door with a heavy padlock upon it. All this was for additional security, Banderson had stated, as the cage was supposed to be strong enough to hold the ferocious grizzly. The servant pointec to a corofortahle easy- chair; then, shaking her head gravely, indicated the closed room in the same way and beat her retreat. The doorswung to and Citizen Rube was alone. is fir-t act was to sit down in the big chair, after which he fixed his gaze curiously upon the secret room. “Daniel in the lions’ den!” he muttered, ‘I kin jest about ’preciate Daniei’s fix now, an’ I must say I pity him. Don’t ’magine he enjoyed ita bit. Then, ag’in, thar is Bluebeard’s closet, which nebody wants ter look in, I’m glad I was teac hed all these things, cause the warnin’s come in handy now, Strange, but I feel jest like Bluebeard’s wife—I want like p’ison ter’ look in that place!” He shook his nead and settled back further in his chair, Whatever his curiosity might lead _ him to do Jater, he was in no hurry to move, He might be under espionage, and he was not going to be rash, There was some suspicion in his mind. “*Ts Panderson a tool, or does he think me one? Is he as stupid as he seems, or is this a | trap? My double, the unknown ‘ Tom,’ must ’a’ been inighty wal recommended as a rascal, or Banderson would not Lev put me down here to guard his secret, Or is ita trap?” The Citizen studied this point, but could not see what Banderson wasto gainthereby. He decided that all was open and fair in the situa- tion; he wag being trusted simply because he was believed to bea villain. Another thing occurred to him. When the servant first spoke she had told him that they had not expected him so soor, It seemed, then, that tbe genuine ‘‘'l'om’ was looked for. What if hegvas to put in an ap- arance? If hb did, Citizen Rube would find imself in an unpleasant fix. Putting this possibility aside, he directed his attention to the pen in the corner. ; **Guess Old Eph is asleep,” he muttered, “I that he determined to know the secret, if po’ { 1 don’t hear no rattlin’ o’ chains, nor no prowlin’? about of anysort. I’d give a year’s salary 0’ the mayor ter know what's in thar. Wouldn’t be a tall s’prised ef it wasa fair an’ beauch’us damsel deprived o’ her pussonal liberty an’ chance ter gossip ’mongst the neighbors. Mel- ancholy spetterkel! Rat-trap, you may yit come ter the surface as’a romantic bero!” The Citizen grimaced. Nothing could cblit- erate his fancy for the absurd and humorous, There was nothing to indicate that he was being watched to test his loyalty, but he was duly cautious. He kept his seat, but, as soon as was prudent, intended to discover what was in the pen in the corner, CHAPTER XII, RUBE LOOKS INTO BLUEBEARD’S CLOSET. AN hour passed, Rube arose to his feet, He believed that if he had at any time been watch- ed by Banderson, or his servant, the espionage had before then been withdrawn. Consequently, it was time to investigate the locked room, As he rose the silence in that quarter was sud- denly broken. The clanking of chains became very distinct. Kube could hardly restrain an impulse to dance for joy. He had lately read an old-time story which was full of sliding panels, secret passages, trap-doors, dark dun- geons and clanking chains, aud the idea of find- ing a thirteenth century romance in the base- ment of a New York house was interesting. ‘* Ts it a beauch’us maiden, or is it a measly old grizzly b’ar, with claws seventeen inches long?” he muttered, Clank! clank! The sounds continued, showing the unknown object on the move, and what was more, he seemed to be approaching the iocked door. Rube glided forward and held his ear near the planks, Then came a new sound. Rap! rap! rap! ; It was a pounding on the other side of the partition. ‘*Come in!” muttered the boy, in an under- tone. ** Say, are you there?” It was unmistakably a human voice, though very indistinct and muffled, and it came from ue behind the decor. ‘* The grizzly talks!” uttered Rube, ae “Say, youl—you’ve forgot icone any water in here, an’ I’m in need on’t. y throatisas dry as Sahara, an’ drink I must have, I ain’t partic’lar as ter the sort; whisky will do, though water is what I’m howlin’ for. Somethin’ 1 must have!” : ‘The grizzly drinks whisky!” interpolated Rube. ‘* He must be a good ’eal tamed an’ civi- lized, by mighty!” es ‘* Bs you asleep out there?”’continued the voice of the unseen. y Stall Rube made no audible answer ee ‘* Perhaps you think you kin keep me quiet ae when I hanker fur water, but it won’t work. Drink I will have, or I'll stan’ right up on my hind legs an’ yell!” Le ‘*Can’t be a beauch’us maiden!” quoth Rube, shaking his head, ‘She wouldn’t do that!” = ©. ‘You infernal land-lubber, why don’t you - — answer?” Fe. No doubt the words were lustily shouted, but = they came to Rube as muffled as ever: ae ** Nobody would be used this way on the high seas,” lamented the alleged grizzly. ‘“I’veseen men in irons, an’ held fur high crimes an’mis- demeanors; but never the time when water was | refused him—by Neptune! no! Shivermytim- ele bers if a land-shark ain’t the worst thing afloat = or ashore. Give me the goodolddeck ofastoub — ship, an’ let the wind whistle ever so sharp, an’ the waves roll ever so high, an’the ‘old man’ — be ever so + ga a tyrant; but I'll take my — chances there any time. Lord bless you! I’ve had my taste o’ the cat, well laid on, but never __ the time was water refused me when werode the blue waves, A sailor’s life for me, an’ter — Davy Jones’s locker with all land-lubbers whe _ begrudge a sailor-lad the means 0’ wettin’ his whistle! Yes, by Neptune!” : The complaining voice died away, but there was only brief silence. Rube had grown excit- ed, and he hastened to speak. . ees “Say, who be you?” he asked, oF ‘* What’s that?” j *¢ Who be you?” ‘ ‘¢ You'll have ter speak louder.” e Rube glanced toward the hall door. To speak louder was just what he did not wish to do. There was nothing to muffle his voice, excep ‘
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from the unknown, and if he raised it very high he might have Banderson down there in a twinkling. ** What’s your name?” he continued. “TT ain’t workin’ no game.” **T said name, not ‘ game.’” ‘What's that?” ** Tell me who you be?” ** Don’t I wish L was at sea? Wal, you bet I do! Hang the land, an’ all land-lubbers!” Rube wasin despair. It seemed impossible to make the other speaker hear without shouting so loud that the alarm would thereby be sound- ed. The situation had become interesting, The fraud of the prison-room was partially reveal- ed; the prisoner was nothing more or less than aman; and certain things looked very signifi- cant to Rube, He was eager to know more about the unknown, but how was he to’ do it? Loud conversation; was dangerous, and the prisoner evidently believed he was talking with his usual guard. There was fresh rapping at the door, ‘Say, messmate, l’ll take back all I said, an’ eat humble-pie, ef you'll give me some water.” ‘* Be you chained?” asked Rube. Ada can't be blamed? Well, I should say not— **Bo you chained ?” Rube shouted, ‘* Of course I be.” *“ Whar isthe key kept?” / ** You ought ter know; I don’t.” Rube determined to risk everything in an ef- fort to make one more question audible to the prisoner. : ‘¢ What’s your name?” he called, loudly. ‘“My name? Wal, I ain’t ashamed to give it; it’s a good, honest name, ef J ain’t good an’ hon- | est. Asa Frink is my name, the wide seas over!” | Rube was jubilant. He had vaguely suspect- ed as soon as the unseen man began to utter sailor talk that he might be Asa Fink, though there had been no good ground for the belief. Now that he was sure of it, he resolyed to help him if possible, es had a very friendly feeling for his sailor ard, . The Citizen looked at the padlock. It was heavy, and well-calculated to stand any strain upon it. But where was the key? The natural | inference was that Banderson had it up-stairs, | but Rube began to search the kitchen, Itmight be concealed in some crevice. The sailor con- | tinued to talk, but he ro longer had a listener; ' Rube was looking eagerly for the key. At the end of tive minutes he had given. up | the effort, satisfied that it was. not in the room. There was only one hope left, and that was to | pry off the lock. This did not promise much, for it looked stout and firm, but it must betried. But what could he use? A crowbar would have | been just the thing, but nothing of that kind | wasat hand, He looked at the iron bars over | the windows, Tf he could secure one it would make an excel- | lent substitute. He lost no time in trying. / - The result was encouragi ng. He found that | time had somewhat loosened the bars, and he | went to work zealously, For at least five min- | utes he pulled and twisted—then one end was | wrenched away. After that the task was not so hard, and the whole bar was finally secvred, Armed with this he went back and inserted it | in the padlock, “Now fur the tug-o’-war!” he muttered, | “Wish I had Asa Frink here'ter give me a lift, but he’s on the wrong side o’thedoor, Now, Rat-trap, hump yerself an’ show what you're madeon. Never let it be said that one o’ yer fam’bly got left ina tussle fur anything what- sumdever!” ; Ns While talking he had been working, also, making a desperate attempt to twist the lock open. It was no easy job, but he was strong and determined, and as the bar proved to be just the thing, victory finally rewarded his ef- forts, There was a snap, and the lock flew open. Rube dropped the bar and tore the door open. ies Frink, bound to the wall with chains, _ stood revealed. - _ “Hullo! is it you, old chap?” Rube cried. / A lamp stood on a table in the prison-room, but it had nearly gone out, and the sudden in- crease of light dazzled the sailor. He put his | manacled hands to his eyes. nots ee 4 the jailer, be ye?” he asked. **Not much! Don’t ye know me, Asa?” Frink shook his head. | opened, Citizen Rube. ** Don’t ye remember the boy you talked with at Rag Alley?” ‘*T remember gettin’ drunk as a fool an’ go- in’ there, but who 1 talked with I don’t know.” ‘oT was me,” “* Might ’a’ been the Flyin’ Dutchman, for all I remember.” **- You an’ me made friends.” “Did we? Then s’pose you let me out 0’ here?” ** Jest what I’m goin’ ter do.” **'You be?” *¢-Yes.”? ** Messmate, give us your fin!’ exclaimed the sailor, putting out his manacled hands, ‘ Ef you’re in earnest, we will renew our vows 0’ friendship right off, quick. I bear in mind that when I drifted into Rag Alley Harbor, a whisky- logged wreck, I did a good ’eal o’ talkin’ to somebody. So it was you? Well, messmate just git me red o’ this anchor, so I kin spread sail an’ get away under a spankin’ breeze, an’ you'll find that Asa Frink is in condition to re- member his friends, this time!” He was the same bluff sailor of old, only the degrading effects of liquor were gone from him and he was a keen, resolute man instead. ‘But how in thunder came you here, whar all the sharks are my foes?” he added, _“*T played a trick on ’em, Asa. I ain’t got time ter explain now, for all your enemies would be mine, too, ef they dropped ter the racket. What we want is ter get out o’ here on the run, afore they come in an’ see what I’m up ter. Once they do that, our name is Mud, messmate.” Rf in thunder am I ter get these irons off’ ** Don’t you know how?” ‘¢They unlock with a key, an’ they have took the key away.” ‘*Mebbe I kin twist them off—” Rube stopped short and held up one hand warningly. ‘*Hark! Somebody’s comin’! Great Scott! Asa, hev they diskivered my game?” CHAPTER XIII. TROUBLE IN TH# BASEMENT. Foorstrers had sounded outside, and Rube for a moment lost his calmness. Exposure seemed certain, and Frink would be perfectly helpless in any struggle which might ensue. One moment of weakness, and then all of Rat- trap’s native audacity returned. ** Mum is the word, Asa! Ill try ter fool ’em. Don’t give me away!” He darted out of the prison-room and closed the door. The padlock showed no signs of hav- ing been tampered with except that it was open, instead of shut,and when he bad slipped it buck in place it was well calculated to deceive the eye. A hand laid upon it, however, would at once expose the fraud. _ There had been a hesitating, shuffling sound in the-hall, as though some one was having dif- fieulty in finding the door, but the latter now Rube looked and saw a boy of about his cwn age. ‘The latter paused and looked around. ‘ ‘* Ain’t Pat here ter-night?” he asked. “No,® promptly, coolly returned Rube. ‘Where is he? ‘© Gone out fur a little fun.” Rube suspected that ‘‘ Pat” was the regular jailer, and had answered accordingly. The other boy looked at him critically. ‘©) don’t know you.” ‘¢T don’t know you,” Rube answered, ‘¢l’'m Tom Benley.” ‘ Rube had never heard the last name before, but he believed that he caught the idea. The boy for whom he had been mistaken by Bander- son and the servant had at last arrived, himself. It was lucky Banderson was not there. ‘* Good name!” muttered the Citizen. ‘*’m a friend o’ Larrabee.” “T see,” ** Whar’s the old man?” ‘What old man?” ** Why, Banderson.” st: ter bed.” ** Call him up.” ‘© What fur? **Tve got business with him.” ‘* He’s gone ter bed sayin’ he won't see no- » He was ter see me immedi’t’ I came.” Jes’ so, but he changed his mind,” explained Rube, who was by that time fully himself, ‘* You see, he was took with a voy’ient pain in his stummick, an’ it nigh about laid him out. He’s a man o’ sand, Banderson is; but he jest grupped his han’s over his bread-basket an’ bel- lered like a buff’ler. That’s why he turned in, He mentioned the boy Larrabee was ter send— I heerd him speak o’ the boy, myself—an’ I was ter tell him ter call ter-morrer ef he comes,” ‘*T see how it is.” ‘*T see ye do.” Rube spoke with grim facetiousness. — ‘* Wa’n’t yous’prised ter see me walk in?” Tom ed ‘*T was that.” ‘* Larrabee give me his key, it was so late,” ‘* Jes’ so.” ‘* What ye got in that pen?” i - brindle-backed hyena!” Rube calmly re- plied. ** ‘You don’t say so!” “No; I don’t, but Banderson does. I ain’t never seen it, an’ wouldn’t venture ter go nigh the critter. It is an animile o’ perdigious strength an’ ferocity. It once took four men at once an tore ’em up so bad that they was after- wards used fur fiddle-strings. Anyhow, that’s the way the story goes,” ‘¢ Whar did Banderson git it?” asked Tom, his eyes protruding in wonder. ‘¢ Captered in Central Afrikay.” ‘* Where’s that?” ‘‘In Jersey, som’ers out beyond Hoboken, Don’t jest know where.” ‘* T always wondered what Pat had charge of here, What’re they goin’ ter do with it?” ‘*Tt’sin trainin’ ter be a Wall street broker.” Tom looked at Rube doubtfully, but the lat- ter’s face was as eave asa parson’s, Tom felt. that he was calied upon to credit a good deal, but he had never heard of such a thing as a. hyena before, did not know what it was, and was ashamed to ask, He could not say positive- oo whether a hyena was by nature fitted to be a Yall street broker, but he had his doubts, ene innocent look restored his doubts some- what. ‘¢T shall ask Banderson ter let me see it ter- morrer,” be declared, *¢ All right; come around,” ‘Do you object ter my spendin’ the night here?” ‘*Pussonally I don’t; but it’s Banderson’s or- ders ter have nobody in here an’notalk, He tol’ me not ter sing or whistle, fur fear the hyena should tear the cage in pieces, an’ not ter let nobody in.” ‘Do you work reg’lar fur Banderson?” Rube was too shrewd to claim that he did. ‘‘No; but my father has done lot’s 0’ work furhim. My dad is poor, but he’s knowed Ban a long time, an’ they’re quite frien’ly.” Tom stood still and let his gaze wander around, It came back to the closed door, and it was plain that the room had a fascination for him, but he made no comments, ] guess I'll go,” he observed, ry ‘* Call fur me when you come around ter-mor- rer. Pll be glad ter see ye.” ( ‘* What’s yer name?” “ Jim Griffin,” “ All right; DPli see ye.” Tom turned and walked away. Rube wanted to make sure that he was really going, and he followed him to the hall. ‘The boy went out; Rube locked the door after him ; and one danger was for the time disposed of. Rube’s success in fooling Tom had put him in great good humor, —_ he opened the prison-door with a grin on his ace, ‘*Come out, you brindle-backed hyena!” he directed, addressing Asa Frink. ‘“‘T heard all,” the sailor replied, ‘‘an’, by Neptune! Iam proud ter have you for a mess- mate. As fur comin’ out, 1 can’t do it. You will remember that I am chained.” “Td forgot that, but we'll have you out di- reckly.” The Citizen made for his iron bar, and it was again put into use, This time more than brute strength was needed, Fiink’s wrists could not bear the violent wrenching which bad conquered the door, aud they had a long struggle. By means of ingenuity Asa was spared any great amount of pain, and he finally stood a free man again. ae He shook hands joyfully with his rescuer. ‘* You're a brick!” he declared, ‘* Modesty keeps me from admittin’ that you're right, but [ have succeeded tolerablecon siderin’ ’m an orphin an’ a widder,” “True, Wal, what next?” — ae ‘Next, we want ter git out o’ this house likea beg: r goin’ fur a hot pertater. ut i We will go at once,” Thay did not go at once, and that they did not. was owing toan unfortunate interruption, It seemed to be their ill-fortune to have some one — a = oP Sa 5 ae a dit aan ang rs Ee Seria gn Tp os
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Citizen Rube. se come in upon them just when they wanted vis- me ter say that again, Stop shakin’ like a | out the fact that I wanted to hire a certain room itors least; and when Rube’s sharp ears detected | whipped cur, an’ jest hark to me. ‘You'll see I | at Number 7?” “the sound of footsteps on the stairs he was not | am out o’ jail.” ni ** You did.” slow to seek measures of safety. Banderson turned a vicious glance upon ‘* What one was it?” ‘* Back in thar, quicker’n scat!” he exclaimed. | Rube. ** Second floor front.” , His hurried order caused Asa toact without | ‘That boy did it!” f ‘¢ Jes’so. Who did you tell me occupied that having formed a plan of his own, and once! ‘‘Never mind who did it, It’s enough that | room?” ! more the door closed upon him. Rube noticed | your brief day is over—an’ you won’t never git ‘¢ Solomon Sinn,” that the footsteps were slow and heavy, and, | another. Don’t try it, old man; I sha’n’t fill up ““T want ter pay him ter move out an’ let me 12 ea Sa . suspecting that turned to his easy-chair, The door opened and the oid mar appeared. The Citizen nodded with all possible coolness. “Out fur a walk?” he asked, genially. ‘Slightly. Is everything well here?” ‘* Perfeckly correct.” **Ts the grizzly quiet?” “Yes. I reckon he must be sleepin’,” ‘*T was afraid he might get hungry and make a disturbance, particularly if you made any sound by accident.” ‘*'You bet I haven’t! I ain’t no coward, but | don’t hanker fur a muss with a wild-eyed grizzly bar. 1 have set right here likea little lamb an’ thought how nice it was that grizzlies slep’ sound!” 7 Banderson laughed and moved toward the rison-door, It at oncedawned upon Rubethat 6 meant to try the lock, and the necessity, of preventing this was apparent. The Citizen sought desperately for a pretext. **Won’t you come here an’ see what’s the mat- ter with this chair?’ he asked, feeling the resort a@ very lame one. ‘*Tn a moment.” ‘ Banderson spoke calmly, unsuspiciously, but laid his hand upon the broken lock. He gave it Banderson’s -teeth chattered as he made an- “Don’t ask me ter explain ter-night; J'll see | _ He decided to deal frankly with hisemployer, = Rs Pees ja -gwer: j you ter-morrer, ap’ we'll lay plans fur the | keeping back nothing, unless it wasthe knowl. =” o Pee ‘* My goo—good man, don’t kill me!” | future,” edge of Asa, Inregardtohimit would be well = || 7 eee. ‘Killa cat!” exclaimed Asa, in disgust. “It | ‘* One question.” to feel his way. i ‘A e' «RBIs ieee would be more honor.” ‘* Heave ahead.” Reaching Number 7, he entered the houseand _ *) at ‘‘T have not harmed you.” “Do you know a man named John Solomon | was soon at Sinn’sdeor. A light was burning — ’ ial “Drop it, you old hypocrite! P’r’aps you | Kendricks?” | inside, and when be knocked there was a think it is nothin’ ter shut up a sailor fresh | ‘You bet?” prompt answer, Rube had been at a loss to know how he was to enter, as the ‘key was in- side and Solomon could not rise, but the latter had settled that question. His bed wasnearthe _ door. and he had thrown down the key and worked it along with his cane until one move- ment more would push it under the door. i - This movement he made now, and Rubeen- _ EN from the high seas. That may be your idea of ig 3 ‘the eternal fitness o’ things, but it ain’t mine. foun By Neptune! it don’t suit a world-wide rover, By fea ' Take an honest lad an’ load him down with Bee (ease. chainsin a dungeon, eh? Destruction take all 5 sharks like you!” | , } ““ We did you no bodily harm—” tena? ** What! what! Didn’t your man hit me with Sti aclub in the saloon, an’ didn’t the Spaniard go : fur me with that bloody knife o’ his’n?” “*T was not there—” _ They were your tools, ‘don’t be Bc see how big a fool you can be. Idiots should not be killed, an’, fect rascal that you are, I sha’n’t hurt you. Don’t oblige ‘* What sort of a chap is he?” ‘*He’s a fit pal fur Banderson. Two bigger knaves never walked the wide world than em two.” Rube's face fell. He bad felt sure that Kén- dricks, alias Solomon Sinn, was an honest, wor- thy man, and he had been thinking of tellin ‘Asa allabout him. He was now at fault,and| tered. |. oe ae was shown the difficulty of serving two mas-| The scene had not changed, but Solomon was ters. r ; % asalertand keen-eyedasever. = —— WoeNee ‘“ Tf you ever see the varmint, up anchor an’ \ “* Welcome! welcome!” he exclaimed. ‘Thad ith ev'ry stitch of canvas spread,” SANs begun to fear for your safety.” : “Tm a rat no cat kin catch,” | yi Jo | “Did you follow themen?® | Ans x sloadedI let! ‘‘ You bet I did.” the yar eee hae Cheese it, old man; | run away Asa added. “* Pll remember.” et | “* By the way, I b’lieve when I’
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toot don’t live, and I’m glad iw gught to have choked h.n some more. That ” wy y ¥ > | aa i 4 Proposal ee He wants ter pay you a ceriain sum ter _ taove out o’ this room an’ let him in!” i Ha 7 A 2 dida f rere } t \ x ys ther room. Wha Asswant? dali ‘Successfully ?” “Toa fine point. I must say that I did wal, considerin’ I am an orphin an’ a widder. They _ suspected that an avenger was on the traek, an’ I run ’em down. They went straight to their boss.” ** Do you know his name?” ‘*I do, that—it’s Elijah Banderson!” Sinn’s face grew dark with the frown that overspread it, **T suspected as much!” he muttered. ‘' The scoundrel! he thinks he is going to beat me in this game!” CHAPTER XV, AN ENEMY ENTERS RUBE was ready with his reply. “T take it you know him.” “Too well. it is my misfortune that*he is slightly related to me.’ “T’ve heerd a bit about his relatives. One was named John Solomon Kendricks,” Sinn shot a quick glance at the boy. ‘*T guess you have improved your time,” ‘*So I hev, Mr. Kendricks,” ** Call me Sinn; I hold that name for the pres- ent, Youknowme, Well, I trust you are not thinking of deserting me at this crisis?” ** Not by a good’’eal!” Did you see Banderson?” “ Yes. ? ** Did he mention me?” “ce Yes. ” yu **Does he know where I am?” “‘He has suspicions, Elijah has. You see, oy told Norton an’ Green that they come here somethin’ important, an’ Norton got skeer- _ ed, thinkin’ ge was dangerous some way; an’ when he told Elijah, he got the same wrinkle, though none on ’em is ae ‘* Tell me the whole story!” ‘‘Lemme get my breath first. I heerd other names mentioned. One was Eunice Travers.” ** Poor child!” sighed Sinn. ‘¢ Another was Asa Frink.” ‘‘An honest, hearty soul. He was a sailor, anda good fellowinhisway. Kunice Travers married Herbert Landers, under whose father. James Landers, Frink sailed on the ocean. Old Captain Landers was an honest, steady man, but oui tg was dissipated. Ah! ah!—it cost ear ‘* What became on him?” ‘* He met a violent death.” ** Not murdered?” 4 *€T believe he was—but let us ak of some- thing else. What did they say about Frink? Is he alive?” **T think so.” ‘“* He bore me no good-will, but it was through a misapprehension. He thought I was leagued with the enemies of Eunice Travers. He never made a greator error, I hg Mame & give | t many a hundred dollars to undo the , but itis too late. Eunice and her hus- band are both dead. But, come! I am chatter- } ing idly. Tell your story.” Wait one second more, Ef you seen Asa Frink, would you meet him as a friend?” _ Yes, most decidedly.” **Could you prove you was friend ter Eunice, © Of course. But why do you ask all these : “sone gl Have you news of Asa?” ° | es. “Tell it at once! I am in a fever of im- patience, and will wait nolonger, Tell me all!” rEnbe hesitated no further. He believed that _ he had proved Solomon to be all right, and he _ described his adventures of the night in full, - noteven omitting a due account of Asa Frink, __, Sinn listened intently, and his sharp eyes glit- i and gleamed, He interrupted with ques- _ tions occasionally, and when he heard of Bander- son’s discormfiture he broke into a series of _ chuckles which were so violent that Rube grew - alarmed. Solomon, however, was in great good humor. ‘ ** A bigger knave than that same Banderson h cametogrief. Frink k is a good, honest feli w, and I am glad to him seAjg. I want him up _ in this room.” wt ae Rube had saved one revela »n for the last. He'll come; he’s got @ pe} sal ter make ter ? What?” _ hear you are to see | ar pat Siloeiears e i 1 Citizen Rube. “‘ He need not—he wants 'the article we were | possible. Do this, and I will never love youthe searching for last evening.” “‘T don’t know what that was.” **T do. Well, Asais working from the same standpoint I am, I feel sure, and he and I need not quarrel. Once let mesee and talk with him, and I will convince him that he has done me unintentional wrong in the past.” ‘¢ Hope so, anyhow; an’I hope you'll conclude ter trust me enough ter let me know what all the disturbance is about.” ‘* Don’t be impatient, my lad,” Sinn returned, smiling. ‘All will be known in due time, There is a race between Bauderson and myself, and you are playing an important part in it.” ‘*Shall [ tear off some more boards?” ‘Not to-night.” ‘‘ We may find that diamond ring.” “The ring was only an imaginary article. Herbert Landers was slain in this room, and it is believed that he concealed something here be- fore he was struck down. Whatever he had, these things have never come to light—hence, my search.” ‘I ketched on ter that.” ‘*And now, Rat-trap, let’s get some sleep. Day is coming rapidly, and we need all our nerve to-morrow.” Rube did not object, and in a few minutes the room was dark and silent, The Citizen was not long in falling asleep, and he was too weary to . When he again became conscious it was broad daylight, and he scrambled to his feet in haste, Solomon Sinn looked at him with a smile, ‘* Guess I’ve over-slept,” Rube observed. ‘None too long; but you have slept through a cyclone,” ** A what?” ‘*My dearly - beloved relatives, Sophronia Smith and her flower-garden daughter, Violet Pansy Chrysanthemum, or whatever her name is, have twice been to- the door and hammered for admittance.” ‘You sent ’em away, eh?” ‘*T did not open my mouth,” Solomon calmly answered. ‘‘This might have been a room for the dead for all the answer my charming rela- tives received. It’s about time for them to knuckle the door again, and you may put our den in order for their royal presence!” His dislike for the women was perceptible in every way. ‘* His prophecy proved correct, for in about ten minutes there was another knock at the door. He raised his voice and roughly bade the applicant enter, and Mrs. Smith and Violet en- tered. Both looked haggard, but Sophronia was true to her ruling passion, She ran nimbly to the bedside. ** Dear uncle, how do you do, to-day?” she asked, with a great show of solicitude. ‘*Sick abed, by Cesar!” Solomon declared, rudely. ‘* Surely, you are no worse?” “Tam!” ; ““*Ts there a new complication?” - ‘Yes, and it’s dangerous. I have all the mptoms of yellow fever, and it is believed that 1 have it in an acute and malevolent form. The doctor will have an ambulance here pres- ently to take me and all the other inmates of the house to the yellow-fever hospital!” Violet uttered a little shriek, an So- phronia turned pale. 2 ‘Surely, you are joking!” she stammered. ‘* Well, if thereis any joke ubout the yellow fever I fail to see it.” ‘* But it can’t be possible.” ** All right; just wait until I am dead, and my money is all absorbed in the erection of a charitable home for dogs and cats, and then you will believe,” ** Dear uncle! you will have Pi joke. Well, Tam glad you feel like it. Violet, love, our dear ‘ ‘uncle is doing well!” “Then don’t turn my stomach. Keep your a teripe terms on ice until you get back to Violet's half-pint dog; then you can utter them wi impunit ,and the wretched little cur will never feel any the worse for it. Don’t hover over me like a hen brooding one lonesome chicken. Sit down, Sophronia, and rest—~and eae a rest, too! Did you sleep well last Mrs. Smith shivered. ‘“Not any too well.” . “Do oe think you will like your room?” — rhe frank, dear uncle, I would not remain there under any condition were it not to be near you. ‘*Bless my soul! don’t let that influence you. My fond Fak ayaa take our flower-bed Violet and get back to the dog and parrot as soon as 13 ess for it.” ‘* Our duty is plain, uncle.” ‘Pity you can’t see it!” growled Solomon. “But never naind; let’s change the subject. You have enjoyed your palatial quarters; now let me enjoy breakfastif I[can, Hustle, all you who worship me, and knock together a repast that will stay my stomach and put a dampener on the ambitious wrenches of rheumatism!” Sinn wasinclined to be in good-humor if he was afflicted with the presence of the Smiths, and he continued to give directions until break- fast was prepared. Mother and daughter got but little consolation for their labor, for his sar- casm continued, with the breakfast for a target, but it wasall over at last, and he felt more com- fortable than he would admit. He then had a period of meditation, and had about decided to send the women away, whether they were reconciled or not, when there was a new, abrupt and exciting turn of affairs. Without any warning the door opened and a man walked in. Rube saw him first and stood silent with surprise, The intruder was Elijah Banderson! The latter’s air had been headlong and deter- mined, but as he caught sight of Rube his face fell, and it was not until he had made an awk- ward pause that his gaze wandered to the bed. He found Solomon locking at him steadily, and then ensued a war of ¢ Both men forgot the presence of others, and their hostility toward each other was evident to the dullest observer. It was Sinn who spoke first. ‘**So it’s you?” he uttered, ‘*Tt is I, John Kendricks!” Banderson replied, recovering his coolness. ‘*To what errand am I indebted for the honor ances, of this visit?” sarcastically asked Rube’s em- ployer. Pips (> ¥s “T wanted to satisfy myself if you were ere, “‘ Are you satisfied?” “Tam.” “What next?” **T see you are at your old tricks!” ‘* How so?” ““T know iy oe are here.” **Do you feel that my business is any of your business?” : ‘*T shall make it so.” What will you do?” **T decline to show my hand, but you may rest; assured that I shall beat you.’ ‘* And chain me to the wall in a dungeon?” Banderson flashed a vicious glance toward ube, ‘“*T see that the boy has been tattling!” he ex- claimed. ‘‘The boy has beat you out, Banderson, All of your plans have gonetoruin. You thought when you sent your tools here that you had ar-. ranged matters finely, but they found me en- camped on the ground. Possession is nine points of the law, Banderson!” The visitor’s gaze wandered around the room, and it was plain that he would have given a good deal to be in occupation of the place. “Tf you fail to see what you want, ask for it!” added Sinn, with an irritating smile, “T don’t believe you have won yet,” _ ‘¢ Be that as it may, I shall win in the énd.” ‘*Don’t be too sure!” bitterly replied Bander- son. ‘You have always crossed my path when you could, and [ know how to deal wi now. —_e_ CHAPTER XVI. DANGER AHEAD. SrNn smiled in his usual cool, sarcastic way. ‘* Follow the bent of your own mind,” he re- plied. ‘‘ You are at liberty to be as dangerous as you can,” : “IT do not need your consent,” retorted Ban- \ erson, ‘Even that will not save you from defeat.” “We will see.” Lane A looked critically around the room again, ' **Do you like my camp?” inquired Sinn, tan- ngly. Tt. iisoer day for crowing, now,” the visi- tor replied, with sullen and vicious curtness, ‘“*-You are completely beat out, Banderson |!” Solomon evidently derived great pleasure and Elijah was ube almost ex- — from exulting over his enem correspondingly cast down, Pee to see him attack Sinn, and there could e no doubt that bis will was good enough, but Ae / th a It is war to the bitter end between us!”
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va Ae 2 x ee he was not sufficiently reckless to put himself in trouble without some corresponding gain, He turned toward the door. “Pll leave you now; I| don’t like present com- pany.” ‘*Tf you want to flock with birds of your own feather, go to Sing Sing,” Sinn advised. Bandersonshot him a vicious glance and paused for a moment at the door, **You shall hear from me again!” he de- clared. _With this significant remark he went out, and his footsteps were soon heard on the stairs. Sinn broke into a series of exultant chuckles. ‘** He is down!—he is down!” the old man ex- claimed. ‘‘ The rascal has run to the end of his halter, and his last card is played!” ‘* Be you sure 0’ that?” Rube asked. ** How can it be otherwise?” ‘*He sized up this room in a way I didn’t like. Whatef he should bring a gang here ter clean us out, get what he wants out o’ the room, an’ then skip?” ‘* That could hardly ke done in broad day.” ** Night is comin’.” ‘* True,” Solomon answered thoughtfully. The last words had pointed toa real danger, Law was lax in the neighborhood of Rag Alley, fights were common, and one more added to the usual number would not attract much attention. From what he had séen during his own residence there Solomon was of the opinion that it would be possible for his enemy to collect a gang of roughs, Visit the house, carry matters their own way and get clear—for all of outside inter- ference. It remained for himself to protect his property —perhaps his life, e did considerable pest for several min- utes, and then turned to Mrs. Smith, who sat by the window like a picture of Melancholy. “*My beloved Sophronia, let me give you one word of advice,” he said. ‘* What is it?” she asked, drearily. “Go home!” ce Eh ?? “If you don’t want to get into the worst row ever heard of, get away from Rag Alley! Be- fore the dawn of another day there will be a fight here, and more gore will be spilled than ou can shake a stick at. My esteemed cousin, lijah, means business. SodoTf. Our business is bloody business, the like of which has never been equaled since Herod massacred the inno- cents!” ‘* Are you really in earnest?” "Lam," ‘* But it seems base to desert you—” **Not a bit; your life depends upon it!” Mrs. Smith looked frightened. “ But you—you—” **T can care for myself. Armed with a seven- shooter,” proclaimed Solomon, with a tragic air, ‘‘I can drop about that many men before a, lay handsuporn me.” 6 woman uttered a little shriek, “‘Yerrible! terrible!” she cried. **Too terrible for you to witness, Get thee hence, Sophronia—hie thee home—and I will never love you less, By all means, go!” Mrs. Smith’s face brightened in spite of her efforts to look grave. Her experience at Ra Alley had disgusted her; the noise, squalor an drunken bickering were too muchfor her nerves; and, wearied out by a nearly sleepless night, she was glad of a chance to get away. She did not jump too greedily at the chance. She talked very cleverly, speaking of her solici- tude for her uncle, her fears of the rough men around and her pressing home duties, and as she and Solomon were both on one side in the dis- cussion, there was no difficulty in arranging for . come!” the departure; and when it was once arranged, she did not lose much time in executing the lan. She and Violet made ready, said a few more things meant to be agreeable, and then went their way. Sinn smiled his most cynical smile. ** A pair of treacherous eats!” he observed. ‘* Be they mixed up in the case?” “They want to be. They are my heirs-at- law but they have a lively fear that I shall leave my property to some one else, and I guess they are aboutright. I wish Asa Frink would The last words were abruptly spoken, and from that time Solomon was uneasy, but it was an hour later when Mrs. Odjacks appeared to say that a ‘‘sailor-man” was down-stairs and wanted to see Rube, It was Asa, and the Citizen was soon in con- wersation with him, When he learned that Citizen Rube. Rube was an attendant on John Solomon Ken- dricks he was inclined to be suspicious, and it took a good deal of argument to persuade him to go to the old gentleman on a semi-friendly footing. He went at last, but the glance he bent upon Sinn was far from pleasant. The latter was calm and confident. ‘*Sit down, Asa Frink}” he directed. about to set you right on one point.” “Tf you can,” Asa doubtfully replied. ** You don’t think I can do it?” ‘Hardly, but I ain’t pig-headed. Prove that you wasa friend ter Eunice an’ Herbert Lan- ders, an’ I’ll eat my old opinion on ye.” ** You can read, I suppose?” e Yes.” “ Rube, remove a tin box which you will find under my pillow. In that box, Frink, you will find the best of proof that I was their friend.” The Citizen was not slow toobey. He wanted to see the inside of that box in which, his lively fancy had once told him, Solomon kept an un- told amount of treasure. The box was brought out and Sinn opened it, but the romance faded away when Rube saw that the contents were restricted to papers, the greater part of which were letters. Solomon selected a package and handed it to Asa with the brief direction: ** Read!” The sailor obeyed, and for several minutes there was silence in the room. When he had finished he looked up and his bronzed face flushed a deeper red. ‘*Messmate,” he exclaimed, ‘‘I’m ready ter take water when I’m down, I’ve wronged you, an’ I’m sorry for it—” ‘*Enough said!” interrupted Sinn. ‘' You and I were never wg rouch in contact, and you judged hastily. I donot blame you. Let us now come to an understanding, The past is gone and the dead we cannot help, but let us do justice to the living. Herbert and Eunice Lan- ders left a child, and that child is now living—a most estimable young lady, by the way. She must have the property unjustly held by Elijah Banderson.” ‘*She must, and she shall!” declared Frink. Solomon took a newspaper clipping from the Xx, ‘* Listen!” he directed; and then he proceeded to read aloud as follows: ‘*** Havana, March 7.—Antonio Massana, the sail- or fatally mjured in the drunken fight of the 5th inst.,as before mentioned in these columns, died last night. Before his death he made 4 statement regarding a crime alleged to have taken place at No. 7,Rag Alley, New York, twenty years ago. A sailor named Herbert Landers, son of James Lan- ders, once a well-known sea captain, died at Ra Alley under circumstances which pointed to sui- cide. Massana tells a different story, and states that Landers was murdered, the fatal blow being struck by Perez Massana, cousin to the confessor. *** More than this was revealed by the dyIng man. He Said that the Pe nes of the murder was to obtain oe agers, of a will which wasin Landers’s hands, ut that) the strictest search of the premises by the murderers failed to reveal the coveted paper. Antonio Massana explained why this was so. He went on in advance as a spy, and saw Landers place “T am s0me paper in a tin box and hide it, It was con- | cealed just in time, and Antonio, aggrieved because hé had not been given what he thought sufficient money by the ganz, would not tell them that he had seen a paper thus concealed, He died in the be- lief that the paper was the missing will, and be- lieved that it might stillh be found. He did not state where it was hidden, but a search of the front room on the second floor of No.7, Rag Alley, might be of interest tosomeone. It might, or might not, show whether Massana’s story was true.’”’ Sinn ceaséd reading and laid down tbe clip- ing. ¥ From a foreign paper,” he observed. “*Tve read it, too,” replied Frink. **T suspected that you had. So has Elijah Banderson, and that explains why there has been such a rush for this room. By the way, did you see Landers killed?” Asa drew a long, deep breath. \ ** You take me back ter the most -gnoble part o’ my life,” he returned, gloomily. ‘‘I was then a sailor lad in my ‘ teens,’ an’ 1 got in with the ang, the two Massanas an’ one other man. hat night I was in liquor, but I swear that'I never suspected what we were here for until the job was done. Poor Herbert Landers was ter- ribly dissipated, an’ when we got here he was like a log with drunken stupor. He could make no resistance, an’ he didn’t? Perez Massana struck the blow—yes; Antonio was right.” ** You are sure they did not find the will?” “ Dead sure,” / ‘What came next?” : “T was hustled away, got aboard our ship >" it ‘| with zeal to find the tin box, an A > i* ‘oe E saint Rs. Hee enone ~— ibs ee + epee — ¥ NP er tee vo an’ started on a three-years’ voyage. WhenI got back I learned that Landers was mark down a suicide; that his wife an’ child had di appeared; and the case seemed gone up. I’r ashamed ter say I did not go ter the police wit: my story, but 1 was afeerd ter. Spanish Perez Massana had sworn.to kill me ef I talked,’ an that man an’ his knife was the terror 0’ my life fur years,” - | “Tf see. Well, what can we do now? The Banderson property was left by will to Eunice Landers and her heirs, without reservation, but, as that will was never found, Elijah Ban- derson inherited everything as next of kin, Herbert Landers, when intoxicated, stole the will from its place of safe-keeping, and thereby defeated the very object he wished to aid.” ‘* Poor fellow!” muttered Frink. ‘* He was not all bad, but it wasa fatal mis- take for Eunice to marry him, He was his own worst enemy. Well, I have done a good deal of searching in this room for the lost will, but itis not yet found.” ‘* Let me try!” Asa eagerly exclaimed. — ‘* You shall. You and our young friend, Rube, shall tear thé room to pieces, if need be, to get evidence. The tin box and the will must be found. One thing more: You mustnotleave this room to-day!” ** Why not?” ‘*T believe that Banderson will send a gang of assassins here to-night to find the will—per- haps to butcher me—and we want to surprise them,” “We will!” Asa declared. ‘‘Ef a gang comes, the Spaniard will be one of them, an’ I’m just hankerin’ for a go at him. He was one who nabbed me in the saloon an’ took me ter Bandersons’s, an’ I feel jest_in a mood ter ay off old scores. Let Perez Massana look a ittle out!” CHAPTER XVII. THE HAPPENINGS OF A NIGHT. A SCENE of confusion! Asa Frink and Rube Rat-trap were working Sinn lay upon the bed, watching them eagerly. Boards and other refuse matter had been scattered about until it looked as though the house was being pulled down. All this had not been done with- out some noise, and twice Mrs, Odjacks had been to the door to remonstrate. Her opposi- tion had been weak, for it was her opinion that Solomon had gone crazy, but, luckily, the good soul had not done any more than to talk through the keyhole. If the owner of the house had been present, there would probably have been trouble right away, but Mrs. Odjacks did not own it, and she took no radical steps. As the search of the room went on, the day woreaway. Noon came and passed. The tin box had not been found, and the hopes of the searchers began to waver. The fear that, if human hands had left the box where Landers put it, the rats had dragged it away, became overburdening. Asa Frink rested from his labor and wiped the perspiration from his forehead. ‘*T guess we shall hey ter knock the whol ship ter pieces,” he observed, ‘“ Whar do we tackle next?” asked Citizen Rube, who felt as fresh as ever. “Give it up!” ‘*T suggested twice that we yank down that Sea corner cupboard. It’s only nailed up, any- ow. ‘*T fail to see how it could be used asa hiding- rein but we are here to do a thorough job. own with it!” Asa continued to remain seated, but Rube sprung at the cupboard. The nailsywere loose as elsewhere in the room, and with tbe tools they had provided themselves with it was not hard work to remove it, Thesailor gave hisaid as it grew loose, and it was successfully lowered to the floor. a A vast amount of dust bad gathered behind it, but Rube saw more. : The boards in the corn he tore off one with his hands. Ashe did this some- thing came rattlin where the cupboard had reached, and a small box bounced half-way across the room as though endowed with life. jp Solomon Sinn forgot his pains and rose toa sitting position in the bed, while Rube pouncéd upon the box. { ‘*Open it!” cried Solomon, shrilly. ‘‘ Open it, A boy !—open it!” A tin box of some sort was in Rube’s grasp, MK migd © x ee, Pee sees ee _— were very loose, and down from the top, above —
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as Oe ties eet lel ti | | t a ; B: he iN A) 1) i] hands. - No sound within. - the room. _ It was no small force which had come on the er- - rand of rascality. } _. They crept forward with great care, and then _ around, they found themselves ¢ _ way of retreat by another part, and he wrenched away the clasp with unsteady A neatly-folded paper was inside, _ ‘Here! here!” exclaimed Sinn, holding out his hands. ze s Rube passed over the paper, and the old gen- e man unfolded it hastily. One glance he gave, and then his expression became triumph- ant, ** The will !—the will !” he uttered, hoarsely. With these words he fell back on the bed, ex- hausted by the force’of his emotions. Asa hastened to Rube’s side, seized his hand and began toslap him on the back with a force which almost took the Citizen’s breath away. ‘* Bully boy!” the sailor cried. ‘‘ You’ve done it at last! Shiver my timbers ef you ain’t fit fur the quarter-deck! Ef you ever want ter sail the boundin’ sea, jest you let A. Frink know it. I'll take you in, an’ I dare swear no man ever had a better messmate!” ‘‘Right! right!” gasped Sinn, from the bed. ‘*1’m happy ter hear yer praise,” responded Rube, taking on an air of immense dignity; **but all thisis nat’ral to the Rat family. We hey long noses, an’ are powerful at smellin’ out secrets. Take us where you will, two-legged or four, big or little, we are a few pumpkins, even though we be orphins an’ widders.” **Come here!” Sinn spoke abruptly, and Rube advanced to the side of the bed. ‘‘Boy,” said the old gentleman, ‘‘I told you that if you served me well youshould be well- rewarded. Youare too bright a boy to grow up in ignorance and misery, and whatever can be brought out of you by education shall be shown to the world. Who knows but you will be in Congress, yet, aiding to pass wise laws?” “ The fu’st one I'd interdooce there would be ter give the Rat family, big an’ little, all the cheese an’ honey, an’ other solids, they could eat,” was the grave reply. ‘We'll attend to you later, my lad. For the present, put this room in order again and make ready for possible visitors at a later hour.” One o'clock at niglit. Darkness and silence reigned in Solomon Sinn’s room, but that by no means meant that all were asleep there. No one slept. Sinn, Rube and Asa were all awake and on the alert. They felt astrong belief that trouble would come during the night, but when or how they did not know. They were more than willing that the enemy should make a manifestatidn; they were anxious for it. ‘ There was a faint sound outside the house, near the window, like thescraping of the branch of a tree against the wall. A pause followed; then the window-sash rattled ever so slightly. Another pause, and the win- dow then glided upward. There was nothing to prevent it. Citizen Rube had keen eyes, and though the wall across the alley prevented any outlining, he knew he could see the form of aman. The _ enemy’s mode of action was revealed; a ladder had been placed against the wall and the window was the objective point. The spy was cautious and did not stir for some time, but the profound silence reassured him. He crawled through the, window and stood in Other men followed—one, two, three. occurred something which forcibly recalled the “visit of Norton and Green. The slide of a bull’s- eye lantern was turned and the light fell upon the bed. It had no occupant; not even a mat- tress covered the bare frame! The man with the light started back, an ex- ression of uneasiness flitting across his face, ut he was given nochance to investigate. An- other, stronger light flashed up, making all iho room bright, and a striking scene was re- vealed, The intruders were at the center, and every - manheld a drawn knife. A formidable-appear- _ ing party they were, but it did not look as though they were to have things all their own way. “i While they had worked others had been busy, too, and, as the startled ce af looked t off from the of men, and of the latter, two wore the uniform of the police! Afurious exclamation passed the lips of the man-with the hate light—he was an evil- looking, swarthy-faced fellow—and heswung up _his long knife. __‘*Trapped!”he hissed. ‘‘ At them, messmates! Cut them down!” by <i Citizen Rube. ‘Tackle me first, Pefez Massana!” cried a ype voice, and Asa Frink dashed at the sailor. lt was the signal for the fight. The detected intruders made a break for the window, and the other party met them willingly. Massana avoided Asa and made a dash for a policeman, his knife held ready for a blow, but the blue- coat escaped without a scratch. As the Spaniard rushed forward a lithe figure dropped at his feet, and he was flung to the floor witha crash. The obstacle was Rat-trap, a8 he had neatly tripped Massana at a critical ime. The fight was now well under way. The presence of the policemen deprived Massana’s comrades of all desire to stay, and their rush for liberty was fearless and headlong. The went at their enemies like tigers, and blow fol- lowed blow in rapid succession. Asa had not forgotten his desire to get at Perez, and, as the Spaniard arose he saw Asa again. ‘*Hound of an American!” he yelled, ‘‘ are you bound to die? Here’s at you, then!” He leaped forward with a rush which had only one object, but Asa remained perfectly cool, With a skillful parry be turned the knife aside and, a second later, gave Perez a slash in the arm. ‘**There’s one for old time’s sake, you bloody imp!” he shouted, ‘he Spaniard recovered and made another rush, but once more Asa avoided him. He did more; not wishing to kill a man plainly intend- ed for the hangman’s care, he knocked Perez down and then disarmed him. By that time the fight was waning. The policemen had done good service, and, as chance would have it, Rube had been on hand to foil every murderous attempt of the gang, which he did by adroitly tripping them just when they wanted most to be on their feet. There was a series of clicks and the officers had their prisoners ironed, and a badly demor- alized lot they were. The clubs of the police- men had left their mark, and the Spaniard’s wound was bleeding freely. Some off-hand surgery was resorted to, while Solomon Sinn, who was lying ona bed newly ae for him in one corner, called Rube to im. ** This is our last night at Rag Alley,” he an- nounced. ‘‘My work here is done; the will is recovered and, by a lucky chance Perez Mas- sana, the murderer of Herbert Landers, is cap- tured; and now J am ready to take the case of Herbert Landers’s child, for whom I have long cared, into court, and deprive Elijah Bandersou of the property he wrongfully hotds. Nor is that all; there is no room to doubt that Bander- son instigated the attack upon Landers. If Massana conf sses, there will be moré trouble for Banderson.” ‘**'You do sort o’ seem ter have him on the hip,” the Citizen admitted. ‘* Matters have grown too serious for mere exultation. Let us speak of something else, You are to accompany me from Rag Alley!” ‘*Bel?” ‘¢ Most certainly.” ‘The four-legged rats will miss me,” ‘¢ They will have to getalong. As for you, if you do right you shall be wellrewarded. I owe you much, and I shall not prove ungrateful!” Time is a great changer of human events, He lays his hands upon things animate and in- animate, and like a magician alters all, What ‘has Time done that need be noted here? The murder at Number 7 has been avenged, and the Spaniard has paid the penalty of his crime with his life. Elijah Banderson, crushed by his misfortunes, sickened and died before his case was decided. Nortonand Green were found to be fitcandidates for Sing Sing, and were duly established there, The recovered will did its work, and the Banderson property passed from Elijah’s hands to those of Herbert Landers’s daughter, who well deserved it. Solomon Sinn, or John 8, Kendricks; as he should be called, still lives. Sophrovia Smith and her daughter continue to scheme for his property, and he keeps them in syspense, but they will never get a dollar; his will is made, and their names do not occur in it. The old gentleman has kept his word to Rube, First he looked up the Citizen’s past and found that his real pame was Reuben Westcott. We are not able to add, as would, perhaps, be agree- able, that the boy was heir to a fortune. He was heir to nothing but Solomon’s good-will, ret) ss SOR ¥ Pe Mba a Aan ae ee fara losopher was piven a course of schooling, and proved himsel capable youth. Solomon believes in him thor- oughly, and will do all he can to help the young man to achieve success, Asa Frink is still a sailor. He has left off drinking, and now he is Captain Frink, of the good ship Rolling Wave. THE END. Beatlle’s Half-Dime Library. BY LIEUT. i. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay, 180 The Sen Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY HARRY WAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 829 Red-Skin Tomy or, The Demon's Trail, $42 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw, BY COL, A. F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckakin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King, 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Wooda- BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout, 806 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Ont Pards, 846 Rapier Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas. B91 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pardy; or, The Gold King. 406 aus Mad Man-Hunter; or, The Mystery of Golden ulch,. 505 Powell’s Pardy; or, The One-Armed Giant. BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Hand; or, The Man of Mystery. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road. . 140 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rosky Bar, | 171 Ebony Dan; or, The Rival Leagues, 185 Evil Eye; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande. BY W. J. MAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengors, ) 66 Single Hand; or, A Life for a Life. : 72 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. : 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete's Scoop. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck, 537 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Pail, the Boy Miner, BY NWARRY 8ST. GEORGE. . ; 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. 44 Rattling Rube; or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky,; 59 Old Hickory ; or, Pandy Eliis’s a0 108 Daring Davy ; or, The 'I'rnil of the Border Wolf. 166 Mickory Marry ; or, The Trapper-Brigade’a Spy, 172 Thunderbolt Toms or, the Wolf-Herder_ BY MAJOR E, L. ST. VRAIN. 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 301 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Kedtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. B88 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 862 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “ Sand.’’) B59 Daraneo Ouve, the Young Conn ion Wreatler. 87) Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective, B80 Avalanche ALf, the Foothills Guide, 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountuin Mall-Line, BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS. 6 BUl Blddon, Trapper. 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captires of the Frontier. 10 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. 21 The Frontier Angel. : 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The manted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman. 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains. 271 The Huge Munter}; or, The Steam Prairie Man. / BY ROGER STARBUCK, 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughtor. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. 259 The Golden paxpems or, Lost Among the Flos. aaa Siete or, A d Sete Sheen Peas Pasila, «x Morn ike, e@ ‘ramp; or, The ar S6L The Phantom Light-house. fit 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE. 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Tuoas or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. \ 115 The Mad Miner: or, Dandy Roek’s Doom, f 181 The Golden Handy or, Dandy Rock to the Reacne, 164 Dandy Rock's Pledges or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Rock's Rival; or, The Haunted Maid of Tacs, © BDhY CAPTAIN FRED, WHITTAKER. 15 The Ren-Vat 3 or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Pages or, The Doge’s Daughter, 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasse; or, The Children of the Chaco. 1 The Sword Munters or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, ' 159 The Lost Captatn; or, Sk{pper Jabez Coftin’s Cruise to the { 200 The Boy Fedoul The Brothers of the P ‘he outns; or, The Brothers of t Inmed u 214 Wolfgang, the Rodber of the Rhine, wri IS R49 ld tomer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World anderer. 265 The Tiger Tamer; or, The League of the Jungle. B81 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. a 895 California Joe’s War Trail. y A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library {+ for sale by aii newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Poblishers, t _ 98 William Street, New Verk. 15 but that went a long ways, for the young Phi- ' , a3 might have been expected, a «
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” BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela. 1 Dendwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. +4 paeewncd nee apaeess or, Deotie Temas enadwooe « n agrulse; or, bulals n. 85 Deadwood Dick In His Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. 567 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar, 8 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 3 ine, the Heroine 18 em pala pees wo oat or, Corduroy Charlie, endwoo ck in Leadville, 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick an Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Guich Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Part endwoo ek of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. +t Tesawoes 4 moous Lore aaron Jane’s Adventure. ead woot ck’s Den eal, ; 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 2B2 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, +44 emg at penne perro ore ae Spirit of Swamp Lake. end woo: ck’s Dea ra 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon} 821 Deadwood Dick’« Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flate 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. ne nen ore fy (io an ey lela aa ult aaa 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick's Diamonds 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand, ot pesewore Picks ory ore Crimson Crescent Sign. ead wooe ek, Jr.’s, Defiance. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Racket at Claim 10, at6 peagwoes pieks ers es porrels Os ere Bill. endwoo « r.’# Dog Detective. . 481 Deadwood Blok: Jr-s in Deady ood, endwoo ¢ ra, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’«. Inheritance. 4 Peadgwraag Picks grees ¢ ngs. endwo ¢ r. eliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Three, 529 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’s, Danger Ducka, ++ eng wood pick ot nes h Hunt. eadwoo ck, Jrs, in Texas, 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild Weat Vidoog 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on His Mettle, SEs incndweed Dick’ Sev, tn Lesaton-, dwo q ° 0 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. 5S4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Beelzebub’s Baain. 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, rey te ale | pik bat hy Lay. ; eadwoo ek, Jr., in Detroit. #18 Deadwood Dick, Jr...in Cincinnati. $6 pestwoed Bieke 5 in gevada. me endwoo ck, Jr., in No Man’s Land. $5 Gecdwocd Bick 3r atte dan weet: endwo ek, Jr., in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. rit Dendwood Dick, Jr., (un Durango; or, Gathered In.” 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Discovery; or, Found a Fortune, 684 Fe thes | Dick, Jr.’s. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide, E04 Deadwood Pick, If at Jack-Pot endwoo ek, dr., at Jack-Pot, ‘10 Deadwood Dick’ r., in San Francisco. aS mwens we A rey pve Png { endwood e rs, Dominoes. 8S Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Disguise, 4 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. d Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch. 7 Dendwood Dick, Pe iy Youblet, Deadwood Dick, Ieve, Deaptrace Btralt, e F ip Te | 20 pendwaed Bick, Jr; ove : and. " end wood ek, Jr.’ Defeat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr2s, Resurrection. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. %S7 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Detied. 792 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device, 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«, Desperate Venture. ee peadwoed, eee? Woy Zamons Dice. ‘ endwooe « ray Roya ush. 812 Deadwood ck," Ir.a, lead-off, 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. BY WM. G. PATTEN. \ eieleyote? i] eleleleieyeied Tae 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jacktown. 66% Violet Vane’a Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out. 698 LB pe pa and Datay, the Posy Pards, 705 Violet Vane’s Vow; or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft. 724 Violet Vane’s vengeance: ot, The Wipe-Out. a4 Violet Vane’s Verdlets or, The Game at Coffin City. TAL Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidocq; or, Sport va. Sport. 750 Violet Vane, the Vanquished; or, The Life Struggte. 768 Violet Vane’a Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. . 48 bane Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 519 Oaptain Mystery ; or, Five in One, oa Pare the Sport from Denver. 2% Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. © | , 604 Tron Fern, the Mnn of Fire; or, Among the Vultures. 19 The Boy Tramp Detectives or, The Donbie Grip Witness ixmal Dave’ any Pard; or, The Clue to Capt, Claw Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective Wild Vuleany the Lone-Range Rider, Old Misery the Man from Missouri, Clear-Grit Cal, the Never-Say-Die Detective. Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special. $ Cowboy Steve. the Ranch Mascot, ’ -_ = ha BRIAISAARD ib Ae Le ad SO ee me | BY COL. A. F. NOLT. Parda, i. Stren; or, Mad ze. : Hendiight a Hunts The Cache of Gold, oa ihe, te, Tas Doneed Se i The Dany Sparts or, The King Pin Consptrator. f ; i 761 iss | 38 ee rr Speers : 4 ; ee Viera, ara ee a Other Novela by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. 88 Kosebud Rob’s Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud KRob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skull and Crossbones, 285 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer} or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. 885 Yreka Jim's qokeri or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Yreka Jim’s New Role; or, Bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter. 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 248 Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sans Pard; or, The Ange! of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Saim’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. B84 Kangaroo Kits or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 69 The Boy Detectives or, Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides, the Beggar Dov Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Muckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Ronanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Frank the Bockskin Brayo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo Bll, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 880 Little Qu! ek-Shot 3 or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher, 878 Nabob Ned or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the Klug of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance. 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten. BY J, 0, COWDRICK, Broadway Biliy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case. 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Dittikilty.” y 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. i 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dend Act: or, The League of Seven, 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. 687 Broadway Billy In Clover. 96 Broadway Billy in_Texas; or, The River Rustlers, 08 Broadway Billy’s Brand. 1 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. 1 85 Broadway Billy’s Business, 8 Broadway Billy’« Curious Case. 58 Broadway Billy in Denver. 62 Broadway Blilly’s Berestns or, The Three Detectives. 69 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective. 75 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. ; S88 Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 86 Broadway Billy’s Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pall. 90 Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive. 96 Broadway oy * Queer Bequest. 800 Broadway Billy Bafiled. 805 Brondway Billy’s Signal Scoop, 810 Broadway Billy’s pe Out. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 one Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, : ’ 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. e358 Diaco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 50 poe Ralph the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve. ore Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case. 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Harsy 640 Bareback Rath, y the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 647 Typewriter T 659 ices the Centaur of the Circle, » the Merchant’s Ward. oonlight Morgan, the Pizenest ” Man of Ante Bas, | be be te be he te ba be be be he be bal) oe Ze BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph aan captain Guckumstbe Bee the Rive? &p "he &1 583 oraree Sol, the Man With a Shadow app Bildad 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank, 6 olly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective, 676 Stenal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy, the 7psy Spy? _or, The Mystery of Two Lives. 699 mople Sim, the Broncho Buster; or, For Big Stakes. 712 The Meameriat Sports or, The Mystified Detective. +4 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 5 Kansas Jim, the Crosa-Cut Detective. 61 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective. ’ Lone Wand Sees ire Conmttaept 0 sate an ne Hand J 6 Cornm| ne, Kent Kirby, the’ High-Kicker from Killbuck. - BY BUFFALO BILL (ion. Wm. F. Cody) Kansas K or, The Red Right Hand. The Phantens Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. eadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. ) 0 20 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand; or, The Gamin Detective. BEADLE’S*H ALF-DIME*] IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. ~ | 826 Si ri ener FB: WE BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM. Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny. Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. Dick Doom; or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York, SS Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks. 93 Dick Doom in Chicago. 298 Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. S08 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. 818 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. z4a9 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. 756 Dashing Charlie’s Destiny; or, Tho Renegade’s Captive. 760 Dashing Charlie’s Pawnee Pard. ~ 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive, 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande. 560 Pewnee BIL, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee Bills Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom, 25 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick, 692 Redfern’« Curtous Cases 01, The Rival Sharps. 697 Redfern at Devil’s Ranchyj or, The Sharp from Texas, FOR Redfern’s High Mand; or, Blue Jacket. 07 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 Sailor. 679 Red Ralph, the Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 644 Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Express Rider, 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza, 565 Kent Kingdon; or, The Owls of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower 3 or, the Card Queen, 575 Kent Kingdon’s Duel; or, The Surgeon Scout. 586 Kent Kingdon’s Doom; or, The Buckskin Avenger, 545 Lafitte Run Down; or, The Buccaneers of Barrataria, 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 555 Latitte’s Confession; or, The Creole Corsair. 520 Buckskin BIL, the Comanche Shadow. 525 The Buckskin Brothers in Texas. 580 The Buckskin Bowers}; or. The Cowboy Pirates. 585 The Buckskin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive, 540 The Buckskin Pardw Quest; or, Captain Ku-Klux, 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Royal Middy’s Luck; or, The Hunted Midshipman? 511 The Royal Middy’s Foe. : 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 54 Wizard Will's Street Seouta, TA Wizard Will's Pard; or, Flora, the Flower Girl. 458 Wizard WiLl’s Last Case; or, The Ferrets Afloat. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee, 488 Duncan Pare’s Plot; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. , 487 Dnnecan Dare’s Prize; or, The Sea Raider. 441 Duncan Dare’s Secret: or, The Ocean Firefly. 402 Isodor, the Young Somes eters or, The Fatal League. 407 Isodor’s Double Chase; or, The ig? Insurgent. 412 Isodor’s War-Cloud Cruise; or, The Wild Yachtaman, 216 Bison Rill, the Prince of the Reins. ¥ 222 Bison Bill’s Clue; or, Grit, the Bravo Sport. 804 Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma. _ x B08 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Keno Kit. 814 Dead Shot Dandy’s Defiances or, The Boy Bugler, 607 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chiefs or, The River Detective, 245 Merle Monte’s Leap for Life. 250 Merle Monte’s Mutiny ¢ or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 Merle Monte’s Treasure Island, j 269 Merle Monte the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, “ The Gold Ship ” Chase, 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, The Pirate’s Pride. ’ 284 Merle Monte’s Pledge; or, The Sea Marauder. 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, 781 Ruth Redmond, the Gir) Shadower. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout. 602 The Vagabond ofthe Mines. 597 The Texan Detectives or, The Black Bravos. 591 Delmonte. the Young Sea-Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor.’ 5680 The Outcast Ontet or, The False Detective. | 495 Arizona doe; or, The Boy Pard of Texas Jack. AST Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster; or, Pirate in Spite. Leies 4 z 4 thes . 102 mek Dead-Eye, the Smuggier ; or, The Cruise of the Vixen. 24 Dinmond Dirk} or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 1% Ral 7 The Flying Yankee} or, 814 Ace High, the Frisco Detective. By C. E. Tripp. SIs Broadway Billy’s Bank Rackets or, The City Detece tive’s Big Haul, By J. C. Cowdrick. ; R16 Deadwood Dick, Jva, Rival. By Edward L, Wheeler.” 817 Wideawake. the Train-boy Detective. By Col. A. F. Holt. 818 The Hustler Rogue-Catcher, By Wm. R, Eyster. «— 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 820 Nobby Nats the Tenderfoot Detective. By Wm. G. Patten. 821 Broadway Billy’s Bluff. By J. ©. Cowdrick. { 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom, By Eds L, Wheeler. 828 Poker Jack, the Detective Sport. ‘ By Ol! Coomes. 824 Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer, By Jo Pierce. $25 Marlo, the Cowboy Coaster, Cy Col. P. Ingrabam. Bro away Billy Among Jersey Thugs. By J.C. Ow darick, ' 827 The Bantam Sport. By T. C. Harbangh. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. By Ed. L. Wheeler ; 829 The Gentleman Crook in Chicago; or, Dick Doom’s — Shadow Hunt. By Col. P. Ingraham. 880 The Grim Lodgers in Re Alley 3 or, Citizen Rube » Halide: of Number Seven, _ By Ben D. i see roadway Billy’a Raid. By J. C. Cowdrick, 8 A. New Issne Every Tuesday. ify five BEADLE AND ADAMEBS, Publishers, 881 The Chicago Drummer’s Deal. By J. G. Bethuve. 882 Tire Wester’ Detective in ocak By Lieut. A. K. Sims, eadwood Dick, Jr.’4, Dummy. By Ed. L. Wheeler. . — z Ready July 18. , ; f be The Half- Dime Library !s for sale by all newsdealers, cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. ~ b' ynr"e 98 William Street, New Yorke