Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 835) (1893 07 25)

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eee NICK NORCROSS AGAIN uN ‘DECK! =h $2. 50 No. 835. - “Year. ITT AN AAT fF it ‘ U . a i “ MH ith 1) 1 Ws | fil | i i ‘ My { i I } : f I WHI Ae . i Ht Mill Li Copyrighted 1898, hy BEADLE AND tt PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BE ADLE AND ADAMS. _No. 98 WILLL@M STREET, NEW YORK, —LL—L_—_ << - ——— = aA — 2 ye ZA : = —— — << = ae Z Z : Z r, Mh LZ SS ——<f_. ZW. ff a _ ‘ 7 OSA Uj, — + ke J Zz = ZB hh, CULL SoZza—e — Wij f Gz EZ —= 4 hd ge Ss : . 2 << : A By) \a \F \, NREGURR, we “iniGerw =a aro _ uly 35, 1890, scents. Vol. XXXIIL be ce Bee “ack uo BIG HAUL. © BY see hinae | PRENTISS INGRAHAM. | = SSS Vita | | al) ue | My —— —— _— es) jpn a Lp" =p J = = “BUT ‘THE GHOSTLY "FORM. DID “NOT MOVE, AND ONLY A LOW GRO. AN CAME FROM THE LIPS oF THE WEIRD VISITOR. r yt ‘ - F) 44 on ‘ ‘ -) { SMM INUeTG Oe ree

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% 2 Dick Doom’s Big Haul; OR, The Rogue Round-up in Chicago, A Romance of the World’s Fair City. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ THE DICK DOOM NOVELS,” ETC, CHAPTER I. THE PRISONER'S THREAT. *PirnHr set me free from this prison, or you hang; sotake your choice, Scott Sco- field.” “The speaker was a man locked in a cell of the Chicago City Prison, and the one he ad- dressed was a guard. They were strange words to come from a prisoner, and be spoken to a keeper—the one a guardian of the peace, a catcher of crim- inals, the other a man upon whom rested the charge of murder, and the murder of a young and beautiful girl at that. But the words were spoken in deadly earnestness, and in the nature of a threat that would be carried out, The prisoner was a tall, handsomely formed man of thirty, with a face to command ad- miration, if not respect, for the features were cast ina perfect mold, the eyes were fascinat- ing in their expression, while a look of re- finement was staniped upon him that showed that he was an aristocrat. . He was elegantly dressed, though not in a flashy manner, wore a diamond of rare beauty in his scarf, a massive seal ring upon Atte Ait le finger of his left hand, and a watch » andehain, for he had requested, when put * “in prison, not to have his valuables taken ~~ from~him until it was decided to hold him or not, on the charge against him. “The one who entered his cell was attired in the uniform of the prison, and though he - he stood response held power over his freedom, humbly before the prisoner, and, to his threat said pleadingly: **No, no, Mr. Sanford, you would not be so crucl—you would not do that.” “Tt is just what I will do, Scott Scofield— hang you, if you do not set me free!” was the determined response. ** You have no proof,” whispered the man. ‘You have no proof of your innocence, “es I can prove your guilt, and you will ang.” ’ ** My God! don’t say that, for I am utterly powerless here to help you.” ‘* You are not!” “T could not save you, gladly as I would do so if it was in my power.” “You can and must save me or suffer the consequences, for 2 shall send for the chief and tell him the whole story.” ‘“No, sir! do not do that, but give me time to think.” ‘‘ And while you are thinking, I suffer.” ‘Have you any plan?” ‘*Ts there a man in this prison who looks like you?” ** Yes, there is.” ; ‘And is he on duty at the same time?” ‘‘ Heis, and ours is the night watch.” “Then go and get a false beard like yours, wear two suits of clothes, one under the _ other, and come here to-night, prepared to aid my escape.” ‘*T suppose I must.” “Tf you do not, you kn me for the murder of that girl. ‘Are you guilty?” asked the ofticer. The i was a derisive laugh, and the ar officer sai ‘‘T believe that you. pecuilty. , ; “That is your belief regarding me, but * T happen to know that you murdered—” Don't say any more, for God’s sake, and help you.” ig a Th pl I have no desire to tay MU Cy know they will hang ack hole longer than I must do e Dick Doom’s Big Haul. so, and if I do not escape I will have to hang, innocent or guilty, and you shall keep me company, for you can save meif you will.” ‘*T will,” groaned the officer and he de- parted from the cell, his face pale and his look one of intense anxiety, amounting almost to despair. CHAPTER II. THE BOY FERRETS. “T say, boys, you have all heard of Dick Doom?” ‘Yes, the mysterious detective—the Silent Man-Hunter.” “That is the nian.” ““They calls him, too, the Ferret of the Golden Fetters.” “Yes that they does.”, ‘‘Some says he is a woman in man’s rig. *‘ Nobody knows who he is.” **He’sa dandy on disguisin’ hisself, 1 has heerd,” ” “Shut up, all of yez, and hear what. Cap’n Nick has ter”say,” growled a voice with the true Limerick byogue, and there was at once a dead silence. **Cap’n Nick Norcross,” as he was spoken of, had been the one to ask the question that opens this chapter. ‘ He was a handsome youth of seventeen perhaps, with a wiry form and a graceful movement, well dressed and in appearance the superior of his comrades in birth and education. He had entered a room where there were eleven other youths, ranging from twelve to twenty years of age, and was accompanied by a rather hard-faced looking boy of about his own age. Those gathered there were dressed in cos- tumes that were picturesque to say the least, and their nominal occupations were set down as bootblacking, paper-venders and general utility boys. To the police of Chicago they were known as the River Rats, and they were hunted with a determination on the part of the offi- cers of the law to wipe out the band, which was suspected of being guilty of innumer- able misdeeds, both great and small. In fact, whenever the police could not catch a criminal he was set down as a River Rat, and half the crimes in the calendar were laid at the door of that gathering, the thir- teen youths there in the room which the two last comers had entered through a trap in the floor. 2 Urged to continue what he had come there to tell them, Nick Norcross, speaking in a voice strangely soft toned and winning, and using good language, greatly in contrast to that spoken by his comrades, said: ‘Well, boys, I was going to say that Dick Doom ran down the murderer of that beau- tiful girl, Miss Estelle Enders, whose body was found in a boat on the shore of the grounds of millionaire Marlborough’s man- sion, “ And you helped him run him down, Cap’n Nick,” said Pete Pepper, the one who had entered the room with their ‘‘ chief.” “Oh, yes, I helped, as you did, Pete, and ‘| all of us; but we would not have solved the mystery of the murder bad not Dick Doom TT ee rel mystery until he got Merton Sanford be-) hind the bars. i ‘“Now, Dick Doom says that he wants us | to work for him, to get a hiding place and — have our meetings there, but to continue our various occupations, as now,” ‘ But the police will still hunt us?” urged » one. ' ‘Oh yes, but we won't mind that, for we'll be Boy Ferrets, drawing pay, and Pil report what we shadow each week, and oftener, if there is need of it. ‘7 happen to know a dandy hiding place, and so there we will go, if you all say the word, only you must take the oath of allegiance over again, and now.” ‘We will!” came ina chorus of voices, and ten minutes after the band was formed and named ‘‘ The Boy Ferrets,” with Nick Nor- cross as chief and Pete Pepper as his aide. CHAPTER IIL DICK DOOM IN DISGUISE. STANDING by a window of the Leland Hotel in Chicago, gazing out upon the lake, was a young man with a face thal was strik. ingly marked, so full wasit of stern decision, perfection of features and a fascination which in a woman would have made it beautiful. The look of daring and stern resolve then upon it kept it from being effeminate, though a casual observer would have called it so, He was stylishly dressed, and about him was an evidence of luxury, in the handsome- ly furnished parlor and adjoining bedrooms, one on either side. The man was Dick Doom, who has won fame asa Man of Mystery and whom his fellow detectives knew as the ‘‘ Ferret of the Golden Fetters.” ho Dick Doom really is it is said but one man really knows and he'is the chief of the Secret Service Bureau at New Orleans. . To the other chiefs he is known only as Dick Doom of the United States Detective Service, and he has been called in to solve mysterious cases from New York to San Francisco,” and from New Orleans to Chicago, ; If it is his pleasure to appear before chiefs of the Secret. Service, who are unac- quainted with him, in disguise, whether as @ man or woman, he does so, and the very people about Headquarters never know him as he really is. A most remarkable murder case, reported as a suicide, and with every evidence to prove it so, had called him to Chicago. He had appeared as an Indiana farmer, taken the trail which had baftled all others, and had, while in the lower part of the city, been set upon by robbers and would have lost his life but for a rescue by Nick Norcross and bis River Rats. In the young captain of this hunted band of youths, Dick Doom had seen good material to work with, and with their aid he had shadowed down the suicide as a murder, and had arrested « fashionable young man of the city as the murderer, on the eve of his marriage to a rich and lovely heiress of the Western Metropolis. But the getting of the accused behind the come here to shadow the affair. Jiron bars was only half the battle Dick ‘,But this is what I wish to say, and that: Doom well knew, and then it became his is—that we are to be in the pay of Dick | duty to prove his charge that Merton San- Doom, and go regularly to work as Boy Fer. rets.” , A murmur of approval ran around the room at this, and ‘Nick Norcross continued: ‘Now, you all know just how the band _ originated, and the laws that bind us to- gether. eS , ~« When I was arrested by the detectives as the murderer,of Miss Enders, or as an ac- complice, you all,, to save me, when you were hunted. down and put behind the bars, vi er. told the story of my killing Giant Jack, the | is mind was busy in plotting, a ex-convict, as you knew it, and these stories ; Dick Doom worked on and so solved the a, yh ie eu a oe 5 Abs fis Cas ee es ee ford had taken the life of Estelle Enders. _. To do this he had called in his boy ally, Nick Noreross with his River Rats, well knowing what valuable aides they would be, even though they were under the ban of the police as suspects and burglar spies. Now, ashe stood by the window gazing. out upon the great lake, and the ile vessels in sight, he was foodeeply wrappe in his scheming meditations to enjoy the his eyes were upon the scene bef yet seemed not to behold it. ] ye J ee a. Mn ys f *' i 4 fy’ |

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| Dick Doom’s Big’ Haul. 3 ay ———$—$—$——— oo —mTl™=——T— Meeriideniy Lie neat steucetwe wisoratat ths he started, glanced at his watch | the police are shadowing us constantly, with- “Tam sure of it, sir, and muttered: out the slightest cause.” “We have Sanford ada: and yet there ‘Imust be ready to meet the boy in my ‘* Well, let them do so, for it will be the | are others back of him to be found, and that 3 ee disguise, for he must not know me as I am, } better for the work you are to do for me as; can be done only by unearthing his antec e- f though I do trust him, perfectly.’ y So saying he entered the bedroom upon \* his right, and at once began to make his toilet. } Boy Ferrets; you won't be suspected, you | dents and solving the mystery hanging about see, as being in my service.”’ | him, ‘‘Oh, we don’t mind, sir, for we are Sc | ‘Though engaged to marry Miss Myrtle to dodging the police. We rather enjoy the Marlborough, no one knowsaught about him, excitement.’ not even her father, an‘ for no appar: nt rea- In half an hour he returned to the sitting- room and no one would ever have suspec ted him as the stylishly-dressed young man who had been standing by the window. dy His face had been increased in fullness by | ‘“* Well, as I understand it, you are your- | son he takes the life of a young and beauti- self a waif, one who was well-born, but drift- | ful girl, carrying her out ‘upon the lake for ed apart from your kindred, and have been | that very purpose beyond all doubt, and then rowing the boat, with her body, to {he living the life of a young vagabond ever \ the aid of ‘‘ plumpers” pl: wed in each cheek, | since. Se very shore where dwelt the lady whom he and a wig of jet-black hair, tinged with gray “Well, Mr. Richardson, it is hardly as | intended to marry y,| which seemed most natural, covered his own | bad as that, for I am not a vagabond, and ‘He is certainly a finished villain, sir, if locks. never have been.” he is really the murderer, and a very daring He wore gold-rimmed spectacles, with ‘That is a name I used for comparison. | one, too.’ _ slightly darkened glasses, and a cler ical suit of black, with a white tie; in fact, he would have been taken for a clergyman of forty. As he entered the parlor a knock came at the door, so, quickly seating himself and taking up a Bible he said in a “deep voice: “Come in!” The door was opened by a bell-boy and there entered behind him none other than Nick Norcross, the Captain of the River Rats. ‘Of that Ihave no doubt, Nick; but we must get at the motive for the deed. What was his purpose ? ‘Now, his valet has disappeared most my sterionsly, since the arrest of his master, and that would indicate that he was more than a servant, perhaps the partner in guilt of Merton Sanford.” ‘That would seem to bea correct inference, sir; but I will get to work with my Ferrets to work up the case, trying to find the valet. Is not that the first step to take?” ‘Yes, that is your lay. Put out your I know that your gang have been a lot too hot to hold him.” | spies at once, and now let me add I am only to rough and tough street urchins, whom you have tried hard to reform.” “Yes, sir; they are all true gamins,” “You are now willing to be one of my Boy Ferrets?” ‘We are, sir, all of us.’ “Can you trust them al?” “ With my life, sir.” “Is there not one that you suspect might prove treacherous?” ‘*Not one, sir, and it would be bad for him if he did play false. Chicago would be CHAPTER IV. THE COMPACT, Tue bell-boy closed the door behind the young Visitor, who started at seeing one who looked like a stran ger to him and said: ‘* Pardon me, sir, but there is some mis- | aided greatly in shadowing down Merton ‘*Glad to hear it; but now to business,” be known to. you, and to your Ferrets, as the take.” : Sanford, and in truth, I owé more-to you Parson, Richard Richardson,” eal understand, sir,” ‘* You will find me here at the hotel, and I will give you some cards, one of which will always gain you admission to see me at any hour, day or night.” ‘Thank you, sir. % SOY es, ‘sit,’ “You especially, and your comrades ‘““Whom did you come to see, my son?” | than I accomplished myself. asked the pretended clergyman in sonorous ‘‘Now, we proved that the girl, Estelle tones. Enders, was beyond all doubt murdered and : “Mr, Richardson of Indiana, sir.” left in the boat, which did not drift upon “But you must change your quarters, or ° ‘Sit down, for [am Mr. Richardson.” Mr. Marlborough’s shore front, but was | the police w ill hound you where you now ‘* Not the one I wish to see, sir ” taken there. are I suppose.” *T am his son, the Reverend Richard **The slip of paper found in her hand, the “That we knew, sir, and have already de- Richardson, my boy.” empty bottle of chloroform and saturated | cided upon a change. rs ‘“‘I did not know that the gentleman | | handkerchief, with her purse and jewelry ** Where will you go?” came to see had a4son, sir.. In fact, he is—” | untouched, proved suicide to all but you ‘“You know, sir, “that before Mr, Marl- Nick Norcross stopped, for he knew Dick | and 1 and so we tracked down the maker of | borough bought ‘his house it was called the Doom to be a young man, in spite of the dis- | the boat, found to whom it had been sold, Haunted Manor,’ guise he had seen him in as an old ‘‘hay- discovered ial Giant Jack, whom you killed ‘* No, I did not know that, Nick.” seed” from Indiana, and he was about to had been hired by Merton “Yes, sir, it was an old mansion built on in self-defens say so. Sanford to steal the boat, thus destroying | the lake. shore forty years ago. It belonged “You are Nick Norcross?” queried the | that link; then we ran our man to earth, and | then to a rich gambler, and several murders son of Mr. Richardson. ~~ |hei is now behind iron-bars,” were committed there. ‘* Yes, sir,” in some surprise. ‘* Yes, sir.’ “The gambler himself was shot one night, “The captain of the River Rats?’ ‘But it remains for us to prove the guilt | most mysteriously, and the place was vacant ‘You know this, sir?” in yet greater sur- | of the man we accuse,” for a year or more when it was purchased by prise, ? “Tt does, sir,’ a retired sea captain who died there. “Yes, Nick, as I know that I am the one}. ‘‘ And you and your boys are to go in with “Then an old servant left in charge was you came to see, forIlam Dick Doom, as | me and ferret out the mystery?” murdered one night and robbed.” also the old Hayseed from Indiana.” ‘We are, sir.” * The place really has a bad name, then, I Nick gave a whistle to express his amaze- “Then that settles the compact eaean infer, & ment and said: us, Nick Norcross,’ and the detective sy It has indeed, sir, and no one would live ‘Well, sir, your disguise is perfect, Mr. grasped the boy’s hand firmly, there until Mr. Marlborough bought it, Doom!” added to the house, improved the grounds “I never appear in one that is not, fora CHAPTER V and made it his home.” is “Yes, and it was there that Sanford took THE NAUNTED HOUSE, , the body of the murdered girl—there that “ Now, Nick, Iam glad youarchere, for} Tue compact between the detective and | the coachman of Mr, arlborough was kill- I wish to talk with you, and this is the dis- | his young ally being settled, Dick Doom re- | ed by Giant Jack the convict, and—” recognition or mistake might cost me my life. guise you will find me in when you come to | marked: “And there that I killed Giant Jack, sir.” see me, hereafter,” : ‘‘ Now, Nick, I wish to say that, you shall “Yes, the place is still haunted, by the “Tl not mistake you next time, sir,” with | be under good pay yourself, and your Boy | specters of tragic deeds at least, Nick.” a smile. i" Ferrets shall also receive a fair salary, while ‘Tt is, sir, and being now nailed up and de- “Unless I change my disguise, eh? anything that comes in the way. of: rewards serted by Mr, Marlborough, the people of all “‘But can you go about asa cleryman, will be equally divided among you.’ : that neighborhood say that it is haunted and -as you would wish to do? Isit a good char- ““You are very kind, Mr. Doom—very | no oné will go near it after nightfall, so I _ acter to work in? generous, sir,” have decided to have our secret retreat there, . “Oh, yes, for my missionary duties will] ° “Oh, no, only just; for though the police | sir, as we can reach it by boat, and by land a i carry me to the slums of the city, while the | believe you and your band a bad lot, I have | from two directions,” vy ~~ stamp I bear of a minister will often protect | different views, gladly acknowledge the| ‘That. is not a bad idea, Nick, for you | me. value of your services, and shall depend | will be undisturbed, if not seen going there,” . “ie \ “ Then, too, I can do much good in a upon you for much aid.” said Dick Doom thoughtfully, oe iet way, while serving as a detective, as | ‘You go upon the principle, sir, of setting . Re keg “Swe a thief tocatch a thief,” suggested Nick with CHAPTER V1. Zi Ae "i So y you can, sir, fix0n" ens so inclined. | a smile. NICK NORCROS&’S SUSPICIONS, a ea ple mty of that to do in Chicago.” “Well, itisa good way to say the least of “‘ THERE is every chance in our favor, sir,” , ~. “ Well} Nick} what have you done, may | it; but in this éase it is more serious than | said Nick Norcross, in response to at ne its Task?” catching a thief, though I believe there is | Doom’s remark about bein - oing to an +. “The boys*all met me, sir, at our ren- robbery as well as murder connected with | from the mansion the y:. Rorreta had in + though it is dangerous for us, as | the affair,” 5 decided upon as their rereak

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w of a _ Haunted Mansion myself, for I have a _ curiosity to see a ghost.” I can show you one, sir,” said | | -wish to make known to you, sir.” “All right, Nick, but just remember that | we gin) Nick.” ‘You see, sir, there are long bulkheads on the lake-shore running in each direction | which will conceal the approach of a boat ! from any one on the lake-front.” ahs worked for him, or rather robbed under his directions and leadership.” n ‘* Nick Norcross, you are a born detective, and I predict a great success for you in your new career, for you are mapping out the life “Then, in the bulkhead near the man- | of Merton Sanford just as I have read it. sion, are several piles loose from the lower end, but fast at the top,and these can be drawn aside admitting a small boat into a space where half a dozen of equal size can be concealed.” “* You . have Nick” ‘Yes, sir, yesterday and last night I went all over the place. ‘“‘The stable stands over the open space in the bulkhead, and there is a trap there which we can enter and leave by, so that we can have our quarters up-stairs in the stable.” ‘* And the mansion?” ‘Is connected by a covered passageway with the stable, sir, that enters through the basement.” ** But the house is locked up.” ‘*Most thoroughly, sir, the windows hav- ing braces screwed across them, and the pili padlocked in addition to their regular ocks.” “ Was the house left furnished, Niek?” “Completely, sir, even to the mantel orna- ments and books,” “Then you have been in it?” ‘‘Oh yes, sir, I unlocked the basement door and went through it.” “You must be careful not to disturb any- thing, Nick, for you and your men could be held then on a very serious charge.” ‘«T know that well, Mr. Doom, and I shall be most careful; in fact shall not allow my Ferrets to enter the house, though, do you meh I firmly believe that some one does go there.” ‘*Ah! perhaps one of the old servants who has the keys.” ‘*No, sir, for Mr. Marlborough took the keys with him to Europe and said the house should not be opened until he was ready to pull it down and sell the land.” ‘Yet you think some one goes there?” “*T do, sir,” ‘* Enters the house?” WEN G8) ips: ‘* Why do you think so, Nick?” ‘* Well, sir, I have been twice in the house, and some one certainly was there between my two visits, for I found doors open between the rooms which I had closed after me,” ‘You are sure?” ‘Perfectly, sir.” ‘‘Maybe the ghosts are prowling around,” said Dick Doom with a smile. Well, sir, ghosts or men in the flesh, I been, investigating then, ~ intend to know who they are, and so you can give me orders to watch the place, and that will protect me should the police pounce down upon me.” + whe ‘*A good idea, Nick, and I do give you such orders, while some night I will go up with you and have a look through the “ce Maybe ¢ Nick witha smile, and then he added: ‘Mr. Doom, I have a suspicion which I T am not known as Dick Doom, but as Parson Richard Richardson.” “Yes, sir, [ll not make a mistake again | about your name.” ; ‘ ** Now to your suspicion?” | ‘Well, sir, I believe that Merton Sanford aes a band of confederates in crime in this | i eity.” 4 { *‘ Ah! you are on the same track that I ‘They may not know hin, sir, as Merton Sanford, a society man, but I am sure that _ he had some underhand way of getting his - ‘Money, and that it was through others who te “ But now go and settle yourself and your Ferrets, and report to me to-morrow morning at eight.” ‘*T will, sir,” and the young Ferret took leave, while Dick Doom muttered as the door closed behind him: “That boy has a brilliant future, or I misjudge him.” CHAPTER VII. BROUGHT TO TERMS. ALL was quict in the city jail, though from without came the rumbling sound of wheels upon the stony streets. It was after midnight and the lights burned dimly, casting grim shadows about the cells and corridors of the prison which startled the prisoner, who awakened from an uneasy slumber and beheld, as he believed, the form of some victim before him, In Merton Sanford’s cell all was quiet, and ist occupant lay upon his cot, though neither undressed or asleep. He was awaiting to see if the threat he had made to Scott Scofield, the officer over whom he held a deadly secret of the past, would have its effect. ‘He dare not fail me,” he muttered. ‘Tf he does I will make the charge of murder against him, give my proofs of his guilt, and he will merely hang, as I shall at least have company in my misery. “They can never prove my guilt, and it is only circumstantial evidence they have to confront me with; but cin I disprove it, will be the question? * Curses upon that Dick Doom, for he was the one who brought me here, shadowed me to my destruction, ‘But I will escape, I must, for I will not hang like a dog, and Scofield will see to it or hang with me—ah! I hear a step now.” Along the corridor in the dim light came a step tr it halted before the cell of Merton Sanford. The key creaked as it turned in the lock, and the hand that held it shook with fear. But the iron door was opened and the form stepped in, “You are here?” : ‘Yes, for lam not one to hang threatened.”’ ‘You were wise to come to my terms.” ‘«’*Sh—do not talk, but act. ——————————————————n, een, you might say good-night in a low deep. voice, for so Wilde speaks.” ** Yes, I have noticed him,” “The guard will let you out into the street and you are free.” ** Good!” ‘But leave the key in the corridor door, for you have my pass-key.” : . “«T will,” ‘*] shall need it, for I, too, must leave here to-night ” ‘You must leave?” ‘* Certainly, for have no desire to go into your cell for aiding you to escape.” ‘* Give me an address where I can find you, and I will have you serve me?” ‘* No, to serve you would be to go to the bad, and I am not wicked, even though I did kill a man under strong provocation. ‘*T came here and Lave lived an honest life for three years, since we last met, Mr. ( Sanford, and | have laid up a couple of thou- sand dollars, which I will take with me and seck a home elsewhere, for I have no family. ** Now go, and be careful, for I have done for I can for you.” ‘‘Thank you, Scofield,” and the prisoner held out his hand.. ‘«No, I will not take your hand, for it is stained with the life-blood of a woman,” and ‘the officer drew back. A curse came from the lips of the prisoner at the action of his pied and quick asa flash he dealt him a stunning blow which sent him backward upon the cot. . ! CHAPTER VIII. THE ESCAPR, Tue act of Officer Scofield maddened Mer- / ton Sanford when he refused to take his ‘hand, and uttered the words that he did, | and the resenting blow was so quickly given ' that there could be no resistance offered. Not satisfied with having stunned the uard, or fearful, if he recovered conscious- “ness, he would prevent his escape, m Sanford snatched the revolver from his belt | and dealt him several severe blows with his own weapon. | There was a low moan, a drawing up of the limbs, and Officer Scofield’s form became limp and still. ; Then the desperate prisoner thrust the weapon into his own belt, drew open the | coat of his victim and hastily searched his kets, taking therefrom a large official as you | envelope well filled with money. *«'Two thousand,” he said. “Well, he will not need it,” and with a suppressed laugh the prisoner turned to the ‘‘ Put’this false beard on and these clothes | cell door, opened it, and thrusting the key I wear, for I have a.suit over my own.” » He took off the outer suit as he spoke, and handed the prisoner a beard and uniform cap with the clothes, ; The prisoner hastily drew on the uniform over his own, put on the false beard and cap and said shortly: “T am ready ” | “You must go out alone.” “ Why will you not go with me?” *‘T dare not.” | ’ “ Direct’ me then.” «| - Go down this corridor, turn to the left and go to the next turn to the right. © ‘This key will open the door for you, and you will find yourself in the office, where ; there will be a watch on duty. “Do not speak to him unless he first ad- dresses you,/and if he does he will call you Officer Wilde.” ‘‘T understand.” : ‘*The beard, and your size and bearing will cause you to be mistaken for Wilde, who went home before twelve, as I took his mrt) watch for him.” “6 see, ” (1 ¢, \ “Then cross the room, pass out. of the center door and you will find yourself in the Ais hallway where there is also a guard, to whom | into his pocket, muttered grimly: ‘Tl take this as a souvenir of my incar- , ceration here,” on “Pgs Going along the corridor with light, yet unwavering tread, he turned to the left as directed, then kept on until he came to the turn to the right and_halted at the massive door leading into the office, — He hadthe key given him by the unfor- tunate officer, and opened it without trouble, He shaded his eyes as he stepped into the electric-lighted office, where he saw a man in uniform seated at a desk and writing. The officer looked up as he saw the escap- ing prisoner enter and said: eI “Ho, Wilde, I thought you had gone home.” } | No, I was talking to Scofield—good- | night,” was the answer, and the prisoner — spoke in a low voice without the slightest. tremor in it. , ‘‘Good-night, Wilde,” and the officer con- ‘ Se tinued his work, while Sanford crossed the — office, went to the middle door, turned the — key in the lock and passed out into the cor- ridor. outer door reading a ot “*Good-night,” sa th + A seh atl ‘a There he saw another officer seated by the paper. Rigs Wek id the prisoner with the 3 ha oy (tee

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. ‘ utmost calmness, and he passed through the door into the street, the guard giving him only a glance as he said with a sleepy yawn.” ** Good-night, Officer Wilde.” Once out into the street and the escaping man walked leisurely along for several blocks, before he quickened his pace, and then at a brisk step he went toward the lake. He kept on until he reached the lake front and crossing Michigan avenuc he stood upon the wharf gazing out upon the lake. Raising his cap and removing his false beard he stood for several minutes letting the cool air from the lake blow upon him, and then he muttered in a low, ¢arnest tone: ‘‘ Free! yes, again | am a free man, and it will take more than even Dick Doom has proven himself, to get me again behind prison bars. “Thanks to my Star of Luck, I was allow- ed to retain my yaluables and so have my Keys, and can enter my own house. “T have little time to Jose, however, for it will be daybreak within a couple of hours more, and | must be safely housed before the dawn reveals my escape. ‘““Now to seek my own quarters, where [ sincerely hope that 1 will find all as Tleft it, though what has become of my faithful But- tons I do not know.” . With this he replaced the false beard upon his face, put on his cap and walked’rapidly away along Michigan avenue for a number of blocks, when he turned into a cross street and after going a short distance halted in front of a house fronting southward. Me had not sbrunk from any one he had met, but before ascending the steps looked cautiously about him. Then he stepped quickly up to the door, placed the pass-key in the 5 and ‘entered the house as though perfectly familiar with ‘the place, | CHAPTER IX. THE ““EXTRA.”’ THE newsboys were lustly sifging out ~** Extra!” in the streets beneath the windows of Dick Doom’s room in the Leland Hotel, when his ears were attracted by the words: ** A murder committed in the jail! ‘‘Escape of the man who killed Estelle Enders. !’”’. Dick Doom’s calm mien changed for once, and he started for his hat, just as a quick knock came upon his door, Opening it he found there Nick Norcross, who held an “ Extra” in his hand and said; “tT have news for you, Parson Richard- son. > The disguised detective quickly closed. the decor, threw himself into a seat and ~ said: *‘Sit down and fread what it says, Nick, for I just heard a tiewsboy call out that Sanford had escaped.” “‘He has, sir, and the papers got out Extras as soon as if was known and I bought this one,” | “Read it!” The youth opened the paper and read aloud as follows: — + ys “A MURDER IN THE PRISON! “OrriceR Scorn ScorrenD KinLEp! “*MSCAPE OF A MURDERER, WHO COMMITS _ MURDER TO ESCAPE! “*Our readers will be shocked to learn that “Merton Sanford, accused of the murder of Estelle Enders, a beautiful and unknown —iiling one of the best and most faithful cers of the guard, Scott Scofield. “Tt is still fresh in the memory of all how gin, has made his escape from prison’ by 0 a fancy row-boat was found one morning against the shore of Mr. Marlborough’s ele-. . a grounds upon the lake-side, and in it was iscovered the body of a young and beauti- aon r Sc) poe ) res “a t4 A Pe ae ER ee, Dick Doom’s Big Haul. ful girl whose identity has never been clear- ly established. ‘* Her jewelry and her purse had not been taken from her, and in her hand was a slip of paper, upon which was written in a | feminine hand a statement that she took her own life and no one was to blame. “There was a handkerchief saturated with chloroform, and a bottle which had held the drug found in the boat, and the form lay in perfect repose, as though only asleep. **The unfortunate girl was buried by Mr. Marlborough, and the suicide was a nine- days’ talk and then almost forgotten. ° ‘But an efficient chief of the Secret Ser- vice had his ferrets at work on the case, and failing to secure proof that it was not a suj- cide, the famous detective known as Didk Doom, and who isa mystery himself, was called in, and after working for some time in the matter startled all by suddenly arrest- ing & popular man about town, and who was | soon to have wedded Mi8s’ Myrtle Marlbo- rough, ‘This man, Merton Sanford by name, no one seemed to know muchof, popular though he was, and yet it was a shock to have Dick Doom accuse him of having murdered Es- telle Enders, “Tt was circumstantial evidence alone, and he was regarded as innocent, and though taken to prison was allowed better accommo- dations than the ether prisoners, while he was permitted to retain his valuables and money, “This morning when the relief guard went on duty the discovery was made that Officer Scofield was missing, and a search revealed the fact that he lay dead in the cell occupied by Merton Sanford, who had escaped. “The head of the unfortunate officer had been fractured by several crushing blows, evidently given with his own revolver, which was missing, and doubtless appropriated by the prisoner, who must have called him into the cell on some pretext, perhaps feigning illness and then attacking him, “Tt was known that Officer Scofield had | drawn his pay that afternoon, but no money was found upon him; so the prisoner beyond doubt robbed his victim also. “The guard in the office, and the night watch at the outer door, vow’ that no one passed out excepting Officer Wilde, to whom they spoke; but as there isa uniform and cap missing from the clothes press in the corridor, the prisoner must have put it on and thus disguised, passed out without being recognized, though both officers assert that he had a beard and was surely Officer Wilde. | “The latter officer however states that he left for his home at eleven o’clock, as he has a sick child, and officer Scofield went his rounds tor him, and so the mystery remains to be solved of just how the daring and des- perate prisoner made his escape, though noe there will hardly be any who have pr claimed his innocence before, who will assert that he is not guilty, for the murder of poor | Scofield brands him forever with guilt and will surely send him to the gallows. «We sincerely hope that Detective Dick Doom will at once be telegraphed for and put on the murderer's track.” ~ CHAPTER Xi * } UNCHAINING THE HOUNDS OF THE LAW, Wirnovut any comment whatever, Dick Doom heard the Extra read through to the end, Nick reading well and distinctly. The mention of his own name several times did not cause any change of color in his face, and when at last the article ended | with the statement that it was hoped that he, Dick Doom, would be sent for to go ae the track of the escaped murderer, he said; “Well, Nick, I in the charge that Estelle Enders.” ess I was not far wron erton Sanford murdere ! AE ede os, : 4, ia i Tes a - “Had they been bribed to aid Sanford’s attack of illness, Din chief questioned them closely, Dick Doom | ‘**No, sir, he certainly did so; but if he did not he took the life of Officer Scofield.” “Yes, that is a certainty.” **You do not think, sir, that the two ofli- cers on watch connived at his escape, do rou?” me Why do you think so, Nick?” asked Dick Doom thoughtfully, “Well, Parson Richardson, as you say I must call you, it seems strange that the prisoner should pass out before two officers, neither of them together, and be mistaken for Wilde, whom I know, and who has a long beard, where Mr. Sanford is clean shaven,” “That has a suspicious look, Nick, and yet I deal so much in disguises myself, that it might be done, a false beard you know, ‘+ making the difference, especially as the glance given the man, vgjo would be in uni- form, was but a casual one, ‘*Stiii it must be seen, just what style of men those two officers are, for, if bribed to aid the prisoner in his escape, they are liable as accomplices in the murder of Sco- field,” ** Yes, sir.” “And that very thing ciears them in my mind, for if they took a bribe to allow the prisoner to escape, they certainly would , not have permitted the killing of poor Sco- field.” ‘Tt would look that way, sir.” ‘Well, Nick, you go out and pick up all the information you can and get your boys to do the same work, reporting allto me to- | night at eight o’clock, “Should you fail to find me then, come at the same hour in the morning. *T will now go around and see the chief,” and just as Dick Doom was leaving his room a messenger arrived with a note for him, ~ It was from the chief and begged his im- mediate presence at the Secret Service Head- quarters, When Dick Doom sent in his card as the **Reverend Riehard Richardson, of Indiana,” he was at once admitted to the private office of the chief, ; ** Ah, Dick, Tam glad to see you, for of — course you know what has happened?” f ‘¢T just read the Extra, sir.” © “What do you think of it?” : “* Plat Any that Sanford knew that his guilt’ would be proven, and that his punish- ment fora second murder could be no greater | than for one, so killed Officer Scofield to make his escape.” * ‘* We must be found.” — ** Certainly, chief, and I suppose you have — your hounds of the law upon his track?” 74 ‘Yes, every man that Tcould spare.” ‘* T will also begin work, sir, for I was al, — ready at werk, to prove hih the murderer of Estelle Enders.” ft ~ “Then I feel that you will run him down, — Dick Doom, for you never fail; but have | placed the two officers of the watch under — arrest as accessories.” ; “They are not guilty, sir ““How do you know?” y escape they would never have allowed the murder of Scofield.” ~ , 5). ‘*By Jove, you are right, and both of — those men J now revall were devoted to . Scofield, who had saved the life of one of. — them, and nursed the other through a severe | ¥ ‘ a et ” " . m “Yes, I shall order’ their release at once,” 5 “It would be as well, sir, for they can be shadowed, and under the circumstances, — Sanford made up as Officer Wi'de, certainly | | ‘they could not be blamed for mistaking the _ preager for him, coming as he did from the cells.” sak i _ The chief touched a bell and ordered the | two guards to be brought before him, They soon appeared, and in irons, and the | ai phe Ri

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rd him. At last the detective handed to the chief a slip of paper which he had written some- thing on, and the latter said: ¢ “My men, at first suspicion was aroused against you, but that is dispelled now, and I will detach both of you from your present duty and set you to work to find the escaped prisoner. “You are free now, and go your own way about removing suspicion from yourselves by finding this double murderer, Sanford.” The faces of the men brightened up, and they quickly departed upon their mission, and by noon scores of detectives and police oflicers by the hundred were searching for the murderer. CHAPTER XI. SURPRISED, WueEn Merton Sanford entered his home, his hand dyed with the life of Officer Scofield, and a fugitive from his fellow-men, all there was dark and silent. But he knew the place thoroughly and making his way to his library quickly turned the knob of the door. What would he find there? | Would there be an officer in charge? If so, he was ready for him, for he carried Scofield’s revolver in his hand ready to take another life if need be. He knew that if there was no one on watch at his home it would not be a safe place for him when daylight came and his escape was discovered, for naturally the detectives would come to look for some trace of him in the place that had been his home. But he had a’ motive for going there, and that was to secure his money and valuables which he had hidden away in a secret hid- ing-place in his library, He softly opened the door and started as he saw a dim light in the room, ‘It comes from the street lamps,” he mut- tered, and then he saw that the blinds were | closed and the curtains drawn over them, The light came from the rear room. Cautiously he peered in, and having made no sound he knew that the one there did not suspect his presence, and that some one was there he was certain. Stepping into the room he saw that the | light came from a candle and it sat upon a ; chair, an ash-receiver serving as candle- | stick. The light revealed a man upon his knees working ut a panel in the wainscoting, as though striving to find a secret hiding-place there. \/ The man’ was i busily en&a#ed with the | instrument he was using to force open | the panel that he did not hear the light , tread of Sanford as he entered the other | room and slowly advanced toward him, Halting suddenly the eyes of the fugitive rested upon the form with a look of recogni- tion and his lips almost uttered aloud the name, ‘* Buttons!” But still the man kneeling on the floor did | not heed the presence of another in the room, but went on with his work. . Nearer and nearer advanced the murderer now, each step more cautiously placed as he | approached, and with his revolver half-raised | as though to deliver a death-blow. But suddenly Merton Sanford came to a very quick halt, and his upraised arm fell to ; his side, the revolver almost dropping from his grasp. It was not that his presence had become known, it was at what his gaze had suddenty fallen upon. There, in the rear of the man at work on his knees, lay the form of one who appeared to be lifeless. Sa It was the form of a rough-looking man, Dick Doom’s Big’ Haul. listening to every word, and also attentively with a bearded face, arid that the life had watching their faces as they stood before | left the body, the aan ] pallor revealed, for the candle-light fell full down upon the upturned countenance. Nor was this all, for across the pallid fore- head was a deep, red gash, as from a blow with some heavy instrument. Still in death lay the form, and by his side was a bag with a number of tools protruding from it. < This seemed to tell the story that the man was a burglar, had gone there to rob the house, and had been killed by the one who was so diligently working at the panel in the wall. | ,» Merton Sanford stood as silent as a statue, gazing alternately upon the dead, upturned face, and the form of the workman, His attitude was that of a man about to spring upon a foe, and his chest rose and fell convulsively, asesbhough he was striving to gain perfect control of himself. After a moment of silence he stepped closer to the working-man, and leveling his revol- ver at him, asked in a low, stern voice: ‘** Buttons, what are you doing here?” CHAPTER XII. BUTTONS. A GROAN, rather than an exclamation of surprise and terrorat being discovered, broke from the lips of the one whom Merton Sanford had ealled Buttons, when he heard the voice fall upon his ears. He tried to spring to his feet, but his knees refused to support him, and half turning, he gazed with white, scared face at the intru- der. , Seeing that there ‘was no resistance to be offered, Merton Sanford advanced quickly, still keeping his revolver leveled, however, and said: ‘“‘Answer me, Buttons—what are you doing here, and robbing me?” “Thank God that, it is you, sir. P “T thought that the cops were upon us,” gasped the man. “Well, should they not be, when you are robbing me, and I have ever-been so kind to ou?” 7 ‘*No, no, Mr. Sanford, I was not robbing you, sir, no, not that.” “Did I not catch you in the act?” «Listen to me, sir, I beg of you.” ‘* Well, what have you to say to defend yourself, Buttons?” ‘‘T have to say, sir, that you were in pris- on, charged with the murder of a young girl, whom I do not believe you ever saw. ‘*But the cops were determined to hang you for it, and they searched your house and took all away they could, to make a case against vou, sir. ‘They searched for me as your man, but I eluded them. ‘As I had no large sum of money of my own, sir, I determined to come here and get yours, and aid you to escape, to save you from,,the gallows, for you once saved my life, Mtr. Sanford. on ‘‘T knew that you hada secret hiding- place for your money, and I suspected that it was in one of the panels of the wall, for I had seen yourise from before it several times when I came into the room, - _ “‘Tsaw in the papers that this property was sold, and was to be torn downas the ground was to have a large building put up- on it. “So T determifed to make the search, and letting myself in with my pass-key, I entered the room to find—see, sir, see! that man at work here, just where Iam,” and Buttons shuddered as he pointed to the dead form ly- ing near him. ‘Well, Buttons?” asked Sanford sternly. : TT *“T stood there, sir, near the fireplace, and seizing the poker, I gave him a blow that caused him to stagger back and fall. ‘‘T went to him, Mr, Sanford, and I found that he was dead, for I had killed him. ‘He had a revolver, sir, but had not dared to use it for fear the shot would bring the police, and those tools on the floor are his, as well as that bunch of false keys, and I made use of them, working where he had upon the panel.” “Who is he?” , ‘“*T only know, sir, that I saw him once before when he came to see the cook, and she must have told him you had valuables hid- den here.” “And had you secured my treasure, But- tons, what then?” ‘*T would have used the money to aid your escape, sir; but I am so glad to see that they have set you free, Mr. Sanford.” ‘“They did not set me free, Buttons.” “Ah, sir, did you escape?” “Ves, and killed my keeper to do so, and we are both in the same box now,” “Ah, Mr. Sanford, what shall we do?” “‘T will get my money and valuables, Buttons, and then we will get out of this. with all haste and seck some hiding-place, for we will be hunted hard by those detec- tive bloodhounds.” «“Mr. Sanford, I can take you to the very place, sir,” cried Buttons excitedly. ‘“Then let me get'my gold and, jewels, and we will start.” Ten minutes after the two fugitives left the house together, and walked rapidly away in the darkness. CHAPTER XIII. NICK LENDS A HAND. Tuere is an old saying that sorrow and trouble never come singly, and it-is very true, and the same may be said of crime, for when a suicide or murder occurs, other tra- gedies appear to certainly follow in rapid succession, It was these facts that caused the papers of Chicago to give large headlines referring to the ‘‘Carnival of Crime” existing in the city when the discovery was made that a murdered man had been found in the quar- ters of Merton Sanford. Of course it was at once set down as the work of Sanford, who after his escape had gone to his house and found a burglar there robbing him, for the dead man was recog- nized by the police as one of the worst and most daring crooks in the city. That he had been killed was a relief to the police, and yet his taking off was such that. the cause and circumstances surrounding it must be unearthed. The man who killed ‘‘ Carl the Crook,” as: he was known, no one doubted as being other than Merton Sanford, and by catching him, a murderer and fugitive himself, all would be known. The papers, 2S JS generally the case, abused the Police Department and_ Secret Service Bureau, and urged that they were incompetent when they could not put an end to the epidemic of crime in the city. The discovery of the dead crook in Mer- ton Sandford’s quarters was made by Dick Doom, who had gone from the quarters of the Secret Service Chief to the home of the fugitive, to note whether he had been there. after his escape from prison. Nick Norcress had accompanied him, and Dick Doom had known that, after the arrest. of Sanford, the place had been locked up securely. The two had discovered that the door had been opened, and entering by aid of his keys, Dick Doom at once beheld in the “T thought he was a cop, sir, and would | library the dead body of Carl the Crook. have gone away, but he turned and saw me, and sprung-upon me, Whether by design or not the secret panel — in the wall had been left open by Sanford, a ee a RC Ce aly ¥ 4 a ee ~*~ hg en ty ESE, : Live E eal ef

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‘ence in the city, and that he had discovered oe Dick Doom’s Big’ SS ie ae ate ae | ae and the body of the dead man lay near it, | carriages, for fear of the police, but who had; There, lying against the dock the occupant _ of one of the boats had remained in hiding with two or three burglar tools upon the | floor by his side, while the evidence was | there that the burglar had been trying to break into the} retreat when discovered by the coming of Sanford after he left the prison. Both Dick Doom and Nick carefully searched the place, and then the former went | to the chief to make his report, promising to | meet the young captain of the Boy Ferrets later at the Leland. Having made his report to the chief, and requested that nothing be said’ of his pres- that Carl the Crook had been killed, Dick Doom went on to his rooms at the Leland. He was seen to enter by Nick Norcross, who at once followed him, and was admitted to the detective’s parlor, — “Sit down, Nick, and let us talk over this third killing by Sanford,’’ said the detec- tive. ** Yes, sir, he is leaving a red trail behind him, that is certain.” ‘He began with a woman, if that is his first murder, then killed Scofield, and now it is Carl the Crook, though the latter is no loss, ‘But it shows just what he is capable of doing, and he went to his rooms to get his money from that secret hiding-place there.” ‘«That would indicate, sir, that he intends to leave the city.” ey No, I think not, for he would be safer here in disguise, and somehow I believe the ; man has reasons for wishing to remain in Chicago which are greater than his dread of capture, ‘But we will talk it all over, Nick, and then you start your Ferrets to work to run him down, and I believe we can do it.” ** We can at least try, sir, and I will start my boys out to-morrow, for we will be set- tled in our new quarters to-night,” and an hour after Nick left Dick Doom confident of his success in the ultimate running down of Merton Sanford. : CHAPTER XIV. . | THE BURIAL OF A ‘‘ CROOK.” Tue body of Officer Scofield was borne * to its last resting-place in the cenietery, fol- | lowed by those who had been his friends in — life and respected him for his many good qualities of heart: } His lips were forever silenced, and from them came no confession of what his past , had been, no story of the secret he held locked in his bosom, and how, where no bribe of gold could bave forced him to forfeit his duty, the threat of Merton Sanford to | expose his past life and send him to the gal- lows had caused him to act and aid the pris- oner to escape. Not a soul suspected this secret, and honored by all, Scott Scofield was placed in his grave which kind friends strewed with flowers : nea The body of Carl the Crook was also borne to the grave by those who loved him, for be a man ever so vile there is some One Who has love for him, anda mother can never cast even a wicked son from her heart, can never | wholly sever the tendrils of affection for a | child. “« So, behind the coffin of the crook, who | had gone astray early in boyhood, followed the mother who loved and forgave him, her tears as sincere a8 though he had spenta noble life. Many a time had she pleaded with him to reform, and prayed that he might mend his | cvil ways, but allinvain. So the mother followed his dead body, un- | mindful of the dishonor he had brought upon her, and a few sympathetic friends accom- panied her, I Popular crook | among those of the _ fraternity, Carl Creswood also had other _ Mnourners, those who had not dared ride in STUN Nig Np = Ate. their features, and the power to do much | { bs *. *. "Rel | stepped toward him and said pleadingly: } ' pathetic, the stranger recited passages of the hied across the fields one by one to reach | the burying-place, slipping up to pay a last , tribute to their friend, as cautiously as though they were seeking to kill or to rob. Here and there as they came along a few wild flowers would be gathered by one; an- other, with the ruling passion still strong, would steal from a newly made grave a | withering bouquet,-or tear from a lot a few fine roses and other flowers, to place over the body of the one they respected, though Carl the Crook, é' Known to each other, a warning signal had been agreed upon, to be given should a policeman appear, and cautious, anxious glances were cast about for any one who might look suspicious, appear as a ‘‘ wolf in sheep’s clothing ” as they regarded the ofticers of the law. In a retired spot of the cemetery was the humble burial lot of the mourning mother, who placed the body of her erring son near , the ashes of her husband and other children who had gone before. ! A brother of Carl the Crook, who had | lived an upright life, was not ashamed to accompany his mother and console her in her sorrow, and a few real friends also were | there, and who could not but cast strange | ‘glances at the curious throng of several score crooks who stood near with uncovered | heads, solemn, sorrowing, and anxious for their safety. | A strange. motley throng it was, with | crime-hardened faces, dissipation stamping | evil, cause much unhappiness in the world. | In the midst of the gathering was one | whose clerical garb and benign expression caused all to believe him to be the clergy- | man. As no clergyman had come with the body, | and the eyes of the mourning mother fell upon the clerical-looking stranger, she “Oh, sir, will you recite the burial ser- | | vice over my poor boy, wicked though he | ' was, for, as a minister, you can but forgive the erring ones, though my own.pastor re- | fused to come to the graveof my wifortu- | nate Carl.” | The, face of the stranger flushed at the pleading words, then it turned pale, but | amid the deathlike silence, he responded: | “Yes, madam, I will not refuse.’ | temoving his hat, with no book to guide him, in a voice melodious in tone and sym- burial service, while all stood about him in | respectful silence. The hymn, “I would not live alway,” | was then sung, the stranger's fine votce leading, and the-assembled crooks joined in. Then the body was lowered into the grave, | while the sobbing mother said as she turned | away: ‘*T thank you, sir, and may Heaven bless you.” | The stranger bowed and walked ‘away, | muttering to himself: ‘ “T never witnessed a more solemn scene than the burial of that unfortunate man, Carl the Crook.” The clerical stranger, as the reader has doubtless surmised, was Dick Doom, the De- tective | CHAPTER XV. CAPTURED. Over the waters of the lake, creeping along | out of the range of the glare of light from | the city, a boat was working its way, pro- | pelled by four oars, and with another one in | tow ten feet astern. The boats had been rowed by one man to & point on the river which at night was se- cluded and deserted, save for an Occasional pars going his rounds to see that all was weil. ; | / J ‘i Ty oS ‘ | the oarsmen that were to row, ' ed twelve present. | swered. | swered, and the two forms came nearer and | serve,” = wart **T surrender! Don’t kill me!” 4 . aa PTY Cae I PT See ms 7 until he saw a form approaching. A long, low whistle passed his lips, as a signal, while he stood ready to seize his oars and row rapidly away should the response not be what he wished. But the signal was answered jusi as given, and a moment after the form halted at the dock and tossed a bundle that he carried down into the rear boat. ‘‘1’m the first one so far, Pete,” he eried. ‘““Yes, you is Number One, Jake, but t’others will be along soon, and I don’t care how soon, for I'd hate to be nabbed by ther cops for being here.” ‘*Tlere comes some one now,” said Jake, and Pete Pepper at once gave the signal. It was answered as before and a boy came up, also carrying a bundle, which he lowered into the boat. ¢ ** Well, Dot, is ther t’others coming soon?” asked Pete Pepper. ‘“You bet, if ther cops don’t run ‘em oN tis Just then a third form’ was seen approach- ing, the signal was given and answered, and Jake said: Nts Kile? “Kid” also carried a bundle that was placed in the boat, and. next ‘ Bricktop,” ** Denny,” ‘ Tricks,” and bthers, all carrying burdens of some kind which found a place in the boat that was in tow, and into which two of the mysterious young fellows got, one to steer and the other to make more room for ‘‘We is all Jhere but Cap’n Nick,” said Jake as he glanced over the crowd and count- ‘* ¥as, but he’ll tarn up soon,” Dot an- “Ther cap'n is mighty prompt always, so I hopes nothin’ has’ happened to him,” Pet Pepner remarked, : “You knows the place we is goin’ to, Pete, if ther cap’n don’t turn up?” asked Tricks, ‘Yes, but he’ll be here onless he has been fished.” There he comes now,”’ was whispered, ** Boys, thar is two of ’em.” ‘So there be; lie low all.” ‘* Better give ther signal and see ” The signal was given and promptly an- nearer, As they drew closer it was seen that one was their captain, Nick Noreross, but the other was a large man and in uniform. ‘*Lordy! it’s a cop.” * Pink him!” ‘‘No, Nick knows what he is about, pards.” ; “Whas is he bringing a cop with him for id “Maybe it’s Dick Doom, the mun we is to The twelve boys were now standing up in the boats, their eyes.on a level with the wharf and their heads looking like a row of crows, All were anxious and their eyes riveted: upon the two who were approaching, one of whom was certainly their young leader, Nick Norcross. As they came within ten feet of the end ~ of the wharf Nick Norcross made a quick — move, and a revolver was thrust:into the — face of the one with him, and the young _ Ferrets all heard the stern words: en ‘Hands up, sir, or you are a dead man! | ««Obey, and we'll do you no harm!” \ That the officer was taken eo by sur- | prise there was not the slightest doubt, | and he was fairly caught, for with a cocked | revolver thrust into his face, and a dozen | daring youths suddenly surrounding him, ~ he was at the mercy of his captors and — could only say: ae we!

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8 Dick Doom’s Big Haul. CHAPTER XVI. THE FERRETS, CauGutT as he was, and not knowing but that he was in instant danger of death, the position of the policeman was anything but an enviable one. He was surrounded by what appeared to be to him a desperate lot of young crimi- nals, and he submitted quietly to having his weapons and club taken from him, while a pair of handcuffs found in his pocket were placed upon his wrists. ‘*Got a rope there, Pete?” asked Nick Norcross. = ** Yas, here it is, Cap’n Nick,” and 4 stout rope was handed up from the boat. ‘* Officer, as I said, we mean you no harm, =F seg you attempt to betray our presence here. “T shall gag and bind you, leaving you here to be found by the next cop on his rounds.” : , ‘Tf won’t be until daylight, cuss yer.” **T am sorry on your account, but glad on ours, . ** Here, sit down by this hawser post.” **You is ther River Rats, ther worst gang of young cut-throats in Chicago; and that’s sayin’ a heap!” ‘That is your opinion, Cap, but we may not be such cut-throats as you think. “Open your mouth, please.” “What for?” ‘«The end of your club, for I intend to gag you with it.” ; With an oath the officer obeyed, and the end of the chub was thrust into his mouth, and tied there, making a secure gag. He was then bound securely in a sitting »osition with his back to the post, and Nick orcross said: _ **¥ou will be safe now, Mr. Cop, until you are relieved, ‘* Just say that the River Rats did the work, and inthe morning hunt up what we have done in the way of killing, burglary or robbing hen-roosts, for we are a bad lot, you know. **Good-night,” and with a word to his comrades Nick Norcross sprung into the boat and took the tiller, the others clamber- ing down after him, “Give way, boys,” be called out, and the four oarsmen set to work and pulled steadily away from the dock, straight out into the lake, the other boat towing astern. “How did you find the cop, Cap’n Nick?” asked one of the boys as they rowed along. : * Oh, I saw vhat he was watching for me, and so I decided to play a bold game, know- ing I could not shake him. “‘T went up to him and said that there ‘were several men in a boat at the end of the fen bi 4 dock and we could see if they were not up to some deviltry. ig “T also told him that I was a detective, and when I heard your signal I answered it, determined to take him prisoner when I was near cnough for you to help me.” | “And you did it in great shape. Cap’n _ Nick; but where are we going now?” “To our new hiding-place. __ “Did you bring the bed and the provisions I told you to get?” : ~ * Yes, we got just what you told us; but where is the new dive?” ‘‘In the stable of the Marlborough Man- sion.” “Whew! “They say it’s haunted, Nick.” «Well, we don’t mind ghosts.” ‘‘T has heerd strange stories told of that _ place, Nick, and folks says you can’t git any one to take charge of the mansion for lo money, and it’s all locked up.” = | “So much the better for us, boys, for we will be safe. A, ‘But the stable is built over the dock, id there is a place among the piles at the ulkhead where we can get ve or a boats and can go up through a trap into one of the stalls. ‘* We can darken the windows up-stairs so no light can be seen there at night, and we'll be perfectly safe, while if any cops should attempt to enter the stable, before they could break in we could get down into our boats and skip out. ‘**T tell you, fellows, it is.the very place for us,” said Nick with enthusiasm. CHAPTER XVII. THE FERRETS AT HOME. Far out into the lake went the Boy Fer- rets with their boats, for they were anxious not to be seen, and only after they had left the busy streets behind them did Nick Nor- cross turn the prow shoreward. ane part of the city he headed for was a secluded locality upon the lake-shore, where there were a few residences of the better classes, who were able to indulge in the luxury of a home near the water. The most elegant of these residences was situated upon a point, where the water was deep, and which was protected by wooden bulkheads filled with heavy stones. The grounds occupied several acres, and were beautifully ornamented with trees and shrubbery, while the mansion was large and massive in structure, and the buildings cor- respondingly commodious. But there was no light in the house, all was dark and dreary, and the nearest resi dence to it was several hundred yards dis- tant. The place was the one known as the Haunted Mansion, and was the property of millionaire Marlborough, who had deserted his home and gone abroad, after the blow that had fallen upon his daughter from the arrest of the man she had expected to marry, as the murderer of Estelle Enders. It was toward this dark pile that Nick Norcross headed his boat, and he guided it straight in to the bulkhead, where there were several of the piles, hung with chains, that were loose at the bottom and could be moved, Strong hands soon moved these aside, and the boats were drawn in under the dock and made fast. Then Nick Norcross, who seemed to be well acquainted with the surroundings, felt his way along until he came to a place where he pushed on the flooring overhead and it yielded to his strength. “ ‘‘Here is the trap, boys, ard T’ll go up first,” he said. This he did, and soon the others followed him and the bundles were taken up one by ‘«The blinds are closed, but we will cover the windows so that no light can be seen through,” said Nick, and they followed him in the darkness up-stairs, each holding to the other’s hand. ’ The windows were soon covered with thick canvas and then a light was struck and a lamp lit. They were in the second story of the stable, and there wasa large loft there and two rooms leading off from it and looking out up- on the lake, ‘We could jump from these windows in- to the lake, if it came to being cornered,” said Nick, and then he set about making things comfortable. ig sn One room was fairly well furnished, and the other had only a cot in it; but Nick was. given the cot and the others spread their blankets along on the floor, In one room there was a fireplace, and a pile of wood was in the loft, so that Nick said they could cook at night, when the smoke would not be seen, and they would not fare badly by any means, So while Nick slipped out upon a recon- noitering tour, a voyage of discovery, as he in with our] said, Pete Pepper and, one of the others got Sa So a Se ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee eee ee Se out the bags of provisions and began to pre- pare a late supper. When Nick returned half an hour after his face wore a very serious look, but he made no reply to the questions asked, if: he had seen a ghost, and ate his supper in silence, Then he said: ;, ** Boys, you all know that I have engaged with Dick Doom, the great detective, for us to serve him as Boy Ferrets, and this place is to be our retreat. “Six of you are to go on duty by day, and six by night, and we can come here either by land or water, and I will show you how to get in and out by the trap-door overlouk- ing the lake, and thence along a sill to the corner of the stable, or by the floor trap down into the boats. ‘** Those who go on duty at night, must not leave until after dark, and then depart singly, if you meet elsewhere, and return be- fore daylight. ‘*Those who do duty by day must leave before dawn and return after dark, and the party remaining here must not talk in a~ loud tone and be always watchful for any one coming near, though I do not expect many Visitors here, as the place is much dreaded. He ‘Still the police might be prowling about and we must not be found here. “The first duty you are to do is to find some trace of Merton Sanford, and there is to be a large reward offered for his capture, so try and get it. “When other duty is cut out for you I will let you know. ; ‘* Now let us get what rest we can,” and throwing himself upon his cot Nick Nor- cross was soon fast asleep, the other Fer- rets quickly following his example. CHAPTER XVIII. NICK RISES TO EXPLAIN, Tne Boy Ferrets, who were to go on duty by day, led by Nick. Norcross, out of their retreat beforedawm =, They cast ap- ominous glance at the dark mansion as they glided by, but once they had reached the streets beyond, breathed more freely, for it must be confessed that they were impressed by the weird stories they had heard of the place being haunted. Giving them a rendezvous down in the city where they could meet him, or leave a note, if they made any discovery that was urgent, Nick Norcross made his way alone to the old haunts he had known so well, and hung about to learn if there had been any discovery of the bound and being found. ‘ He was not loag in making the discovery — that something was going on down on the dock of an exciting nature, for he saw a ‘Patrol wagon drive ravidly there with half a dozen po'ice in it. Nick had changed his usual costume to that of a sailor boy, and he did not fear re- ‘cognition, so stood calmly while the police wagon dashed along with the officer in it whom he had so securely boundand gagged, He saw that the officer was being sup- ported by two of his companions and the read came over him that he had been hurt jn some way. ou So he ate his breakfast in a restaurant near by, and heard it told by several how a policeman had been found gagged and ‘bound upon the pier, but could not speak to tell who had thus served him. “Ts he badly hurt, sir?” asked Nick of the night-watchman who was telling the story. ‘Oh, no, I guess not, only cramped from being tied so tight, and the gag in his mouth. ’ ‘« He'll come ’round all right.” et Nick gave a sigh of relief, and asked; ‘Don't they know who did . “T believe the officer was just able to say he had been set upon by the River Rats.” — a — pomean aag : slipped — gagged officers, . his throat sore from ” 4 } d it?” ; ; - ee ee es a > — ee ~~. ~ Sas ¥, Hcy = . . - 1)

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“The worst gang o’ young fellers in this here town,” said one. “That’s so, and every one of ’em will stretch rope yet,” another remarked, ‘And they desarve to, for they do say them young River Rats kills as well as robs folks.” Nick did not care to hear more, for the conversation was getting too personal to please him, and it was evident that the River Rats had no friends in that crowd. So he paid for his half-eaten breakfast and got out. He made his way at once to the Leland Hotel and sent up one of the cards given him to the ‘‘ Reverend Richardson,” and was at once admitted. ' “Well, Nick, I was going to look you up, for I just received a note from the chief.” j Stimes; Sir.” “Here it is, and it concerns you.” “Indeed, sir?” “‘T ll read it,” and taking up a letter from the table, which had come a few minutes be- fore by special messenger, Dick Doom read: _ “JV desire to Inform you that, the River Rats, whom you made yourself responsible | for, were up to more deviltry last night, for they captured, bound and gagged one of my best officers, and left him thus until he was discovered at six o’clock this morning. *“<They went off in a boat somewhere, and though no report has yet been received of what they were guilty of, I will doubtless soon learn. ‘* Please ‘come around and see me as soon as you can do so.’ “Well, Nick, what have you to say to this charge?” asked Dick Doom quietly, when he had finished the letter. ‘*Tt is true, sir.” “True that you are making war upon the olice, after you have entered. my service as ‘errets?” “Til explain the situation,! sir, and you 1 see that it could not be helped, for the fe oR, did, though I did not wish to harm him,” ‘Then Nick explained just how it happened, and Dick Doom said with a smile: . “Well, Nick, I think you have had your ‘ revenge upon at least one of the police: but I cannot blame you, and I’llsquare you with \ the chief. ‘Now wait here until I return,” and Dick Doom started for Headquarters. CHAPTER XIX. DICK DOOM DEFENDS HIS FERRETS. Tue chief listened most attentively to y nee Doom’s defense of his boy allies, and said: “Well, Dick, I will have to accept your apology for those young ruffians; but. Ican- not believe with you that they are sincere in their reformation. -« They are a hard lot and I do not believe ty! any good can come from your protecting aid them,” i} _ “ At least give mea fair trial with them, ae chief.” 2) ‘tege i, "ae ‘‘T will do that; but what do you expect Pek to accomplish?” | % T ra < they are all that the police assert they are, but which I doubt most decidedly.” ~ © And then?” ws ‘© Well, sir, as one who was a boy detec- 5 cer discovered me, and I could only do as | “In the first place their reformation, if: is m tive myself, I know the value of having oo every Where and see everybody, | Dick Doom’s Big’ Haul. girl, and I believe I can yet track him now through them.” “If you do I'll never say another word against your Ferrets, Dick; but, they must let my officers alone or they will get into serious trouble,” “They will, sir, but this was a case where they had to act in self-defense, for they were seeking a more secure hiding-place, where the .police would not constantly hound them.” ‘‘ Would it not be better if the police and my detectives knew that they were really acting as ferrets?” “IT think not, sir, for more good can be accomplished as it is; but what did the offi- cer say of their capturing him?’ ‘‘He is very sore over it, of course; but he said he was most cleverly caught, and though they did not intentionally hurt him, they bound and gagged him in a way that was far from pleasant, and he threatens to yet be at the hanging of every mother’s son of them.” Dick Doom laughed at this, and replied: ‘““Well, chief, I believe my Boy Ferrets are in a fair way to dodge the hangmen themselves, and to bring others to the gal- lows; at least I have that confidence in them.” ‘‘Well, that is saying a great deal, Dick, for you are the poet detective I ever knew, and I have more confidence in you than any one else, for your actions, not your words, have proven what you are,” ‘*You are very kind, chief, and L ask of you patience for awhile, on my own account, for my Boy Ferrets.” “You shall have it, Dick Doom, and all the assistance and influence I can extend ou. ‘*But have you yet heard anything of the fugitive, Sanford?” . ‘Not a word, sir, and I have not been idle either.” k ‘‘T fear that he has left. the city.” **T cannot believe it, sir; but I have a re- quest to make of you.” ‘Tt is granted beforehand, Dick.” ‘You have put a number of your men upon the track of Sanford?” “Yes.” ““There is a reward offered for him?” ‘*There will be ten thousand offered for him.” “Well, sir, my request is that you let my Boy Ferrets and myself work up this case, and withdraw all your men,” ** Indeed?” ‘If I find this man Sanford, I will divide the reward equally among your detectives, and if my Ferrets discover him, then the re- ward goes to them,” “That is fair enough, Dick, certainly.”, ““T have every hope of finding the man, chief, for I cannot believe that he has left the city, and in the search for him I wish my Boy Ferrets to do their share, and I promise you that you will have a band of Secret Service men you can rely upon, young as they are.” 5 “Tf they were not such a hard lot, Dick.” “The police accuse them of every crime they cannot find the perpetrator of, yet not once has one of them been captured and proven guilty, and I will frankly tell you that Iam watching them closely, shadowing them day and night, and I will vouch for them thus far.” “Well, I will accept your guarantee, Dick, and I confess just such a band of boy detec- tives, when I know they can be re ied on, will be just what I need as allies,” said the chief, and he added: ““So T leave it for I wish.” — you to make them what ' CHAPTER XX. __ NICK MAKES A DISCOVERY. | Tur Boy Ferrets whobad started out upon their day’s work, had been anxious: to be able to goin with some report of value to their young captain. They felt proud in feeling that they been trusted by the famous Dick Doom, and taken into his service, and they wished to prove themselves worthy of it. So they set to work with a will, and went hither and thither in their desire to obtain some clue to the fugitive murderer, Merton Sanford. When night drew near, having separated, they started for their retreat in the stable of the Marlborough Mansion, having learned what information they could. They went one by one und reached their retreat without having attracted any atten- tion to their movements. The others were there, just ready to start upon their night work, and yet their young leader had not returned. - The others however understood their duty and started out soon after the coming in of the day watch, as those had been out all day: were called, An hour passed before Nick Norcross arrived, and ashe entered the stable those there saw that he wore a very serious air, Something evidently worried him, and yet he did not make mention of what it was. After awhile, as the boys began’ to take to their blankets for a night’s rest, Nick Noreross arose, put a candle and some matches in his pocket, and taking a revolver and bull’s eye lantern, quietly slipped out of the room and made his way down to the floor below. ‘**T wish I had Pete Pepper with me; but I will go alone as he is off on duty to- night,” he muttered, referring to his firm stand-by and particular chum who had been his room-mate, , Nick had evidently made up his mind to go alone on some mission, and leaving the stable by way of the sill, he wound his way — cautiously around to the grounds, All was dark'and lonely there, and a chill wind was coming off of the Jake, Crossing the yard he went to the cellar door which was made fast by a padlock. With a bundle of false keys, which he took from his pocket, he opened the door, and descended into the midnight darkness of the cellar, closing the way behind him. He took his bull’s-eye lantern then and lighted his way across the cellar until he came to a door which was at the foot of a stairway leading to the floor above. The door was locked, but the key had been removed from the lock, and one of his | false keys opened it for him after several trials. & Leavingjthe door unlocked behind him he ascended the cellar stairs to a door on the next floor, and which he also found locked, — But it yielded, as the other locks had done, to his bunch of magie keys and he found himself in a large rear hallway, open- ing into the kitchen on one side, the pantries on the other and a balcony upon the rear of the mansion, The one who had elosed the mansion, had appeared to seek greater security agninest entrance from outsiders, by locking all of | the room and hall doors, and taking out the ’ keys, and this very circumstance enabled Nick Norcross to make his way where he pleased with his keys. ee He passed through the lower floor, from room to room, guided by his dark-lantern, « — and ascending the massive front stairway | | found himself in a large hall shaped like a cross. ny At one end, the one toward the Inke, was | a cozy sitting-room, and opening the door , | leading into it, Nick started back at the sight _ that met his gaze, and his lantern nearly dropped from his hand. ee . What Nick saw Was a pleasant room, well- me furnished, with the ornaments upon the | mantel, and a window looking out into a ’ a i a ™ Wie ) , ws wi ’ * Lp. . jee f Be ab, 1) oki ; “hh eee a ae id de watt i a hve

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i ti, Cte ee —os5- = er Pa : Mrs BPP 2 t=. eo SOU ET CATS Aare En EN ape 10 — conservatory from which the plants and flowers had been taken. But that was not what surprised Nick the Ferret most, which fairly startled him, but that he beheld burning in the fire-place a wood fire, and before which a lounge had been drawn. The fire had burned low, but it proved most conclusively that some one lived in the house in spite of its being believed to be deserted, yee CHAPTER XXI. A WEIRD VISITOR. Nick Norcross was no coward. In fact he was as utterly fearless in his nature as one could wish to be, and he had an iron nerve and always kept his presence of mind under the most trying ordeals. He saw that there was a dweller in the mansion, or had been, notwithstanding that it was securely closed, no one was supposed to dwell there, and the place was avoided as a house with a mystery, a superstitious dread by many that the place was haunted, presumably by those who:had Jost their lives in the past. aut What had worried Nick the night before, when he first took his Ferrets into the stable, was the fact of his seeing a light flash from an upper window in the man- sion, ; It was quickly gone, and darkness reigned again, but Nick knew that he was not mis- taken. ; He had surely seen a light. He weuld not tell his comrades, for fear of a stampede; but he made up his mind that he would investigate for himself. So he entered the mansion to see what that light meant. In the upper rear room, opening into the conservatory, by a window, he found a fire smoldering upon the hearth. Where was the one who had built that fire? Why had it been built? These questions could only be. satisfac- torily answered by Nick’s making a search Whoever dwelt there was certainly doing so secretly. No watchman would thus be in charge of the house, and Nick had discovered that no one had been placed to guard it, and felt . that the one whose presence there was re- vealed by the fire, was secretly hiding from some crime. Whatever the cause he certainly dreaded the result of being discovered more than he did the weird stories told of the place being haunted, ‘** Well, I guess I'll go on a cruise through , the old mansion,” said Nick, personal dan- ger not being taken into consideration. He felt that there was only one there, and if he met him they were about on equal terms. strange sound. It was at first low and like unto a moan, as from the lips of one in pain. It grew louder and louder, as the sleeping youth slumbered quietly on, until at last it ended in a shriek. ‘ It was such a shriek as might come froma lost soul, and it pierced the’ears of Nick Nor- cross, arousing him with a startled exclama- tion, Springing to his feet he gazed about him an instant, trying to recall himself. As he did so, and had come to the conclu- sion that he had hada bad dream, again came a low groan, It came from the window behind him, and turning quickly Nick Norcross beheld there a white-robed form, with outstretched hand, face covered and most ghastly looking. Quick as a flash the young Ferret snatched his revolver, leveled and fired it, the ball crashing through the glass. But the ghostly form did not move, and only alow groan came from the lips of the weird visitor. CHAPTER XXII. THE FATAL SHOT. Tue shot fired by Nick Norcross rung through the deserted house, as well as the crashing sound of the glass broken by the bullet. But to Nick’s almost dismay the white form remained standing before him, though at the shot it had stepped back a couple of paces, ; j Nick had not fired to kill, nor to even hit the form, simply to startle the one who had _ap- peared before him like an apparition from the grave. The bullet had sped overthe mufiled head, and thus the weird form and the boy stood facing each other through the window. _ It was evident that. whoever was playing ghost was desirous of frightening the youth, for the arm still remained outstretched, the | form still stood erect and silent. Nick Norcross was a dead shot, for he had used firearms a great deal, and prided him- self upon his skill as 9 marksman. He felt a trifle unnerved now, when facing that white, sileht form, and yet believed that he could bring it down with a shot. But who was it that dared risk life thus by facing him, after having seen that he was armed and would shoot? It was this daring that took the youth aback, and he was slightly startled to see the foym silently glide away. He did not wish to fire again, and yet did not care to see the spectral figure escape from him. So he sprung to the window and attempt- ed to raise it, to follow, but in vain. $$ nes a bullet buried itself in the door just over Nick’s head. 5 Almost on the instant he returned the fire, and with a cry of anguish ‘the spectral form sunk heavily npon the floor. ‘“* My God! this is terrible!” cried Nick, as he sprung to the side of the writhing form. . As he did so he heard footsteps without in the upper hall,. and they were moving rapidly. ; Believing that he was to be attacked by some one else who was in the house, Nick Norcross sprung to one side of thé door and stood at bay, his revolver in hand. But the steps were not coming toward the room, but died away from hearing at the other end of the long corridor. Then Nick turned to the groaning, writhing form upon the floor and drew from his face the white sheet. that enveloped it. One glance into the anguish-tortured face, now as white as death, and Nick Norcross recognized it, for he said: ‘You are Buttons?” i X Gs. “The valet of Merton Sanford?” “Yes, and you have given me my death - wound.” — ms **T hope not.” ‘*‘T know, I am dying.” ‘No, I will seek a physician—” s ‘* And betray all—no, no, no man can save . me now, so let me die—oh God! how that bullet burns my vitals!” and his groans aused the sweat to come out like beads up- on the face of Nick Norcross, who said: “What were you doing here?” ‘Hiding from the law.” ** And Sanford?” ‘Was with me; but he hus escaped an you can never find him now, for he does not stay here. only came to-night to visit _ me,” ee! ‘‘L know it.” . Ce oka “Phen why not confess your crimes, aud where Sanford is?” , ; ‘“Never! I will never betray him.” ‘‘T do not believe your wound is fatal and I will seek aid,” and with a bound Nick was gone from the room, and hastily he re- treated hy the way he had entered the man- S100. “Do you believe you arg going to diets: ; ae eee CHAPTER XXIII. THE STORY TOLD, ONCE he had left the house Nick Norcross paused, as though undecided whether to go alone, or to call up his Ferrets asleep in the stable. ore He decided to go alone, and to row down ~ the lake to the Deland and report to Dick Doom just what had oceurred. lt took but a short while to get the boat out, the same light craft in which the ody a a s ON OS = Se ie ee of the mansion. to him. But suddenly Nick thought that he might | He could not move it. of Estelle Enders had been found. run into an ambush, and taken at a disad- Then he van to the door opening into the Nick was a fine oarsman and_ possessed. vantage the result would doubtless be fatal conservatory. great strength and endurance as well, and 4 {t was locked, and he hastily sought for | he sent the light boat flying over the waters, cat ‘No, if he has not left the mansion, he | a key on his bunch with which to open it, and the pace he kept up brought him to © jq- iI will return here, and if he has skipped out, Just as the key fitted the lock he heard a} the wharf near the hotel in less than an © { ei he will come back, so here is the place to | sound behind him, and turning, quickly be- | hour. ' adh ag PP i Ae. wait for him. held the hall door open and coming into the He at once went to the office and saidthat = Ned ‘*T will wait just here, and lam mighty | room was ithe same weird form clad in| it was important tor him to see the Rev- ~ iy glad I left the doors locked as I found j} white. erend Mr. Richardson, and a boy showed — | | by them. Nick was cornered, he was compelled to | him up to the room. Bay _, Yl sit here on the lounge, for when he} admit, and he quickly drew his revolver | A light was burning within and 4 knock = 4 i comes into the door there, I will be behind | once more, brought a prompt response to come in, Ree se. he | him, and thus hold him up, if I don’t scare The form advanced toward him now, Entering the room Nick found the detec- |_| : him to death, for he may take me fora ghost.” | with both hands extended, the robe covering | tive still up, and looking over Some papers. With a grim smile at this, Nick threw a | over the hands and hiding them. He showed no surprise at the latecallof i ek ¥ ‘ Pi couple of logs upon the fire, to give him| It was certainly enough to strike terror|the youth, but greeting him pleasantly me . . plenty of light, and seated himself upon the to evena brave heart, yet Nick Norcross did | asked: Re - SORT RS | lounge with his back to the conservatory | not flineh but called out. ‘Well, Nick, any news?” me ( — ~window. . . ‘‘ Halt, or I fire, and fire to kill!” “Yes, sir.” i my cata « Wis Seated there, gazing into the firelight, his | - Hard the words left his lips when, “ Sit down and tell me about it.” Be | ——s eyes became heavy, and he dropped off into | from one of the robe-covered hands there ‘‘T wish you to go with me at once, sir, . / a comfortable sleep. Pie Uh, os came @ puff of smoke and sharp report, and | and I can tell yoron the way. Sete

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~. f A. . re aA — ‘Put on your great-coat, for we go on the lake, and it would be well to have you send a messenger to Headquarters for the police surgeon to meet you at a certain point, in case you needed him, and if not he could return and not have to know why you wanted him.” ““Well, Nick, you are all business, I see, and I will do just what you wish, but where shall I have the surgeon meet us?” ‘* At Cornell avenue, sir, and say, fifty- fourth street, for that will be near enough, if he is needed, to. soon fetch him.” Dick ‘Doom hastily wrote a few lines, rung for a messenger and sent him with a note to Police Headquarters, A moment after he was ready to go with Nick Norcross, and leaving the hotel the latter led the way to the wharf where he had left his boat. They at once sprung in, Nick seized the oars, and the boat was now on its return to the Marlborough Mansion, Nick pu!ling the same strong, quick stroke which had brought him to the hotel in such good time, Ls As he rowed along he said: ‘Tt seems, Mr. Doom—” ‘Parson, you know, Nick.” “Oh yes, sir,. I forgot. ‘*T mean that it seems, Parson Richard- son,that my destiny is to have to kill my ~ there to-night?” but went on, ”? _fellow-beings. .‘* Ah! you have had a shooting scrape . Ves: iv’) -““ Who with?” “A ghost.” ‘* Indeed! “Tell me of it?” “Well, sir, it was in the Marlborough Mansion, for you know where I told you our retreat was?” + : ce Yes. ” > .‘*T saw alight in the mansion the night - before, and to-night went on a voyage of discovery to see what it meant.” ““Who went with you?” “*T went alone, sir.” *“ You are a plucky fellow, Nick.” ‘‘T did not see anything to be afraid of, and I thought it best to go alone.’ “* And the house was haunted?” “Yes, sir.” ‘« By a ghost?” “By a man who was playing ghost, or rather two men, for one escaped.” ** Ah! and the other?” ’ “€T shot him,” «Killed him?” ‘7 wounded him, he said mortally, but I hope not, and I came for you as the best thing to do.” “That was right; but who was the man?” “The one I wounded, sir, was Sanford’s valet, Buttons, and the one who escaped ‘was the man we are in search of,” was Nick's impressive response. Then Nick told the story of his adventure. CHAPTER XXIV. LOOKING FOR CLUES. Dick Doom ‘listened with the deepest. at- tention to the story of Nick’s adventure, and “made a comment only now and then. - Reaching the hiding-place of the boat, Nick put it away under the wharf, and Dick Doom followed up through the trap into the stable and then around by the narrow walk to the grounds. In the stable all was still, showing tilat the Ferrets, all unconscious of what was going on, were sleeping soundly, _ Leading the way to the mansion, as he had gone before, Nick opened the outer door and entered by the cellar-way. He had not,locked the door in bis retreat, Jeft it in the cellar to await his return. ‘ Dick Doom’s Big Haul. last they reached the door where the tragedy had happened. Here Nick paused, with his hand upon the knob, and he drew a long breath as though to prepare himself for the sight within: Would he find the man still writhing in the anguish his wound gave him, or would he find him dead? 3ut,as Dick Doom made no motion to en- ter, uttered no word, Nick opened the door quietly and slipped within. The detective followed close at his heels. The fire was still burning, but not brighily as before. But there was light enough for both to see the form lying upon the floor. Nick slightly shuddered, while Dick Doom stepped forward, drew aside the white sheets which’ still enveloped the form, and placed his hand upon the upturned face. “Nick?” ‘Yes, sir.” “There is no need of the surgeon.’ ** He is dead, sir.” ce Yes, +P ‘‘Tam sorry; but what is to be done, sir?” “‘T made myself responsible§for your ap- pearance, when needed, in the case of the killing of Giant Jack in the grounds of this mansion, the night you came to take the boat, and I will still be responsible for you.” “Thank you, sir.” “‘T do not wish the body of this man taken to Headquarters yet, or his death re- ported.” ** You know best.” ‘“We will leave the body here until to- morrow night, when it can be buried in the ground until I see proper to report the death, vee and you and your Ferrets can bury it, can you not?” . “Yes, sir; only I hope they, won’t stam- pede.” ‘*Can you not trust thent?” ' “Oh, yes, sir, with my life, only I fear they will not wish to remain here after what has occurred.” “Yes, they will not desert you. ‘* But I will search the body now, for any clue that may be found, and then we will take a look over the mansion, after which I will go where the surgeon is waiting and return with him to the city.” ; “Yes, sir, and I will still remain here?” ‘‘In your retreat, yes, but not in your house.” Dick Doom then searched the body thor- oughly, and found a considerable sum of money, a watch, chain, and a few trinkets, with acard upon which there was an address, but no name. These he carefully wrapped up in his handkerchief, and then folding the hands upon the heart, and covering the form with the sheet, he said: ‘*Now take the lantern, Nick, and we will have a look over the house.” Nick obeyed in silence, and the door was closed behind them when they left the room of death. They went from room to room, hall to hall, and floor to floor, and at last came to a hallway leading to a side entrance of the mansion, As they did so they heard a low growl, followed by the rattling of a chain. “Ah! a dog,” coolly said Dick Doom, ' and Nick flashed the light into the vesti- bule, and» they saw a large dog chained to the door-knob. CHAPTER XXV. THE BUMB DETECTIVE. THE dazzling light of the bull’s-eye lan- tern flashing in the face of the dog, seemed to cower the savage animal, for he possessed & vicious look. He was fastened only by a light chain at, 11 Without hesitation Dick Doom stepped you.” At the same instant he flashed the bull’s- Doom turned the collar around to look for a of Mephiste.” you remember, for you know he called ;to was arrested. tective now.” ; Buttons.” dow we found open. and looking out upon grows that large tree,” in and left the house.” slept there was Buttons, from what you told forward, with a stern command to the dog, while Nick anxiously called out: ‘Be careful, sir, for he will spring upon yo But Dick Doom did not heed, and repeat- ed his command: : * but in escaping he got out the nearest het es y) Roy a ae when engaged to Miss - ler-*. away and found the sur-"\ 'geon asleep in the police ambulance, the |. nis lantern in hand, for he had | tached to a massive brass collar, and had | driver keeping watch. ve || doubtless been left there when his master | - Dick Doom followed in. silence, and wot entered the house. find f ae) .

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eee. ‘ter very anxious to continue on the track of his master. ‘*Now, Mephisto, take up the trail once more, and lead us to your master’s hiding- place,” said Dick Doom, and the Dumb De- tective started once more upon the scent, little dreaming in his hope of joining lis master that he would be betraying him to his foes. y CHAPTER XXVL THE SECRET TOLD. Tue dog continued on his way, pulling hard on the chain held in the hand of Dick Doom, and though at times he was at fault, he soon regained the scent and held on as before. a Several officers were met, and a few strag- glers returning to their homes, and twice Dick Doom had to stop and show his badge to the policemen, who were impressed by" the strange sight of two persons, following a huge dog through the streets at such an hour of the night. The’ dog led them down Michigan avenue for a long distance, then turned by a cross street into Cottage Grove avenue and held this until he reached State street. He made his way then by a cross street to Plymouth Place and started to run up the steps of a house in a window of which a single light was visible. “Take the number, Dick, and then fol- low me,” said Dick Doom, and he was forced to be very firm with the dog to get him to leave the place. But he had mastered the animal by his stronger human will, and the brute trot- ted along sullenly by his side without ap- pearing longer to feel any interest in life. He did not notice any scent then, and as though to show his displeasure he growled at Nick when he came up. ‘* Here is the number, sir, written as well as I could in the dark,” said Nick It was growing light now, and. Dick Doom hastened along toward his hotel, tell- ing Nick to accompany him and he could | rest in one of his bed-rooms, for the de- tective had a way of always having two. rooms anda parlor when he stopped at a hotel that he might better appear in his dis- guises and arrange surprises for those whom he wished to surprise. Arriving at the hotel they went up to the detective’s rooms, and “the dog was told to liedown upon the rug and he obeyed in | silence. 4 ; Nick, that is your room, and you veep until noon, when I will also get can é u & ¥ ay z Now to have a look at this address.” j\ He glanced at the address Nick had taken down and said: “We are right, Nick.” Tam glad of that, sir.” ‘That is, our dumb detective was right, for this is the same address as the one on. . the card I took from Buttons.” ‘* Then there can be no mistake, sir.” Howe ‘None, so retire and get a good rest and i! then Ii have something for you to do, for now we have direct work abead of us.” Nick was asleep in a very few minutes, for he was very tired after his long row in the boat and walk while following the dog. +n The scenes of the night, the dead form! - lying up in the Marlborough Mansion, all flashed before him, but he dismissed all _ thought by © strong effort of his will, and ‘sunk into a deep sleep, ; It was just noon when the detective me Spree him fully dressed, and call- |. ed him. - ~. Nick) sprung to ‘and said: his feet in a startled way f zy “Oh, itis you, sir?” e vas 7 "ee 3,7” y y ; ba _. #*And you are all dressed?” want your help, for I need it badly.” Dick Doom’s Big Haul. ‘* Yes, Nick, I have been out, and I’ll tell you what I have done.” ‘* Yes, sir, and you seem never to sleep.” “TI do when I need sleep, though I can get along with very little. ‘*Now I went to an office building op- posite to the one on Plymouth Place, and engaged a room there. **] will make it an office, and I will have you on duty there to keep watch on the house where Iam now certain that Sanford lives.” ‘**T am ready, sir,” ‘You must get one of your Ferrets to help you, so one of you can be constantly on the watch, and you can arrange your desk so as to keep the house always in view.” **T understand, ‘sir.’ “You must report all you see going on there, and who leaves and goes to the house.” ‘*T will, sir.” *“You and your comrades are to be my clerks, and my business will be supposed to be literary.” \ ‘Yessir, Lam glad you told me, as but a few of my Ferrets can spell or write; but I can get one who does as an assistant clerk.” “All right, go and get, your breakfast now, then knock about the city until night, when you can go to your retreat and bury the body of the dead Buttons,” Yes, sir, we'll de him in one of the flower-beds in the garden to-night.” “Do so, and learn what your men have to report, after which come with the one you want as an assistant clerk, and report to the office in the morning.” ‘“We'll be there, sir; dog?” . ‘IT have given him to the porter to take care of for me.” Nick seemed relieved to find that the huge brute was not in.the next room, and having completed his toilet he soon after left the hotel: ) He went to the down-town rendezvous which he had with his Ferrets, and found them growing anxious about him, for he had not told them that he was going away, when he went into the Marlborough Mansion. He knew that Tricks wrote a good hand and was yn intelligent young fellow, and he singled him out as the one he desired to aid but where is the him as pretended clerk in the ‘‘ Literary |. Bureau,” and told the Ferrets he wished to have them all at the retreat that night soon after dark, for he had something to tell them of importance. Soon’after dark Nick made his way to the Marlborough stable. All was dark there, sion; but the brave boy kne as well as in the man- that there was. a grim secret concealed by the darkness which he must make known to his com- rades. So he made his way into the stable and found that the Ferrets were all there and had supper ready, a cold snack, but a tempting one to a hungry person. f But Nick had no appetite, and sat gazing at his comrades while they ate with the relish that health and hunger give. __. ook. When the supper was over, Nick said in a tone that revealed that he had something im- portant to communicate to them, and which they had already guessed by his manner: “Comrades, I wish to tell you something very serious,” A / All were silent and anxious. ; ‘“«T went last night into the big mansion.” ‘* Alone?” ' ‘* Yes, Pete, alone.” **An’ seen a ghost,” said Dot. _ ** Yes, a ghostly form which turned out to be a man wrapped in a sheet.” | ; ae Lordy, but I’d have been scared,” said us ath ‘ ; “JT will tell you the secret, boys, and I iP Py | TY, : % gis: ip ¥ Perea en yar y Yea hans Selah hal kah ge ‘‘You shall have it,” Pete Pepper re- | marked .earnestly and ina chorus came the : words: . “‘So say we all of us; Nick.” ; CHAPTER XXYII. THE NIGHT BURIAL. ; Tue Ferrets were certainly greatly amazed at the story told them by Nick Norcross. Each one of them gazed upon him with greater admiration as their Hero Captain, . and wondered how he dared go alone into the mansion, — He told them frankly that Dick Doom had advised him to keep the affair & seeret, even from the police, and to bury the body of 3uttons that night, and avait further in- structions, There was a consultation and it was de- cided that four of them would enter the man- sion and bring the body, while four more would dig the grave. In the stable were spades and shovels, and an old cot, which could be used as a stretch- er to bring the body on. 5.3 Nick went out first and selected the spot for the grave, and the fresh earth was to: be placed upon some blankets found there, so as not to betray them, if seen, and what re- mained over would be put into the lake, _ A pile of weeds and brush was to be moved, and replaced over the grave, while a tempo- rary coffin was made of two barrels, around which a blanket was to be wrapped. When the four youths began to dig the grave, relieving each otheras they needed rest, so as to keep the work progressing steadily, Nick and four others entered the - mansion to bring out the body, the rest. of the band going out to keep watch. With his bull’s-eye Nick led the way, and the boys, all with bare feet, for they had re- > moved their shoes, followed him in dread.” silence. ‘Nick reached the room, hesitated, with his band upon the knob, as though loth to en- ter, but then with a decided -manner went . on - zg Lays mags DA hints hd ae, There lay the form of Buttons, covered” with the sheet, as it had been left, and the boys looked at it with a shudder. But Nick had nerved himself to his task and at once said in a whisper: ‘*Put the stretcher there, boys, and then help me.” They obeyed and the body was put upon it with almost tenderness in their manner of» handling it. “Tl lead the way,” said Nick, and the four boys raised their left the room, cP a RS Down the stairs they went, out through.) - 4 the lower floor, and by the covered passage= vay tothe stable, the inner doorot which = | had been opened, i There the body was wrapped securely in a couple of blankets and placed in the twobar- rels, which were algo bound around with an =, old sail found in the stable. 3 Placing it then upon the cot, used asa | stretcher, they bore it out into the garden, — %& where the four young grave-diggers hada hole dug some three feet in depth, eee If it was not an artistic grave in shapeand — ~ depth, it at cast answered the purpose, and the barrel-coflined ferm of the unfortunate Buttons, was lowered into it. a The dirt was thrown in and |packed down, that which remained. over being carried in iT ghastly burden and blankets to the bulkhead and dumped into the lake. oo ae ‘The weeds and brush, piled by the gardener to burn, were then placed over the’ grave and the young Ferrets returned to their re-— treat in the stable, Nick accompanied -by — Pete Pepper going back into the mansion to” relock the doors and leave all as it had been found. } My SR pase ay | When they returned to the stable they _ i found there their comrades discussing the- 7 situation ina low tone, ratte ts, | ’ - 7 t : AV HAASE Ri hs

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It was ‘evident that the youths nervous over the affair, and did not care to | remain in the dread spot; but Pete Pepper said: ‘See here, you chumps is seared I really | | this is valuable work that they have done.” believes. ‘“ And what has yer to be scared about?” | ‘Dead folks,” whispered Dot. ‘‘ Bah! dead folks don’t cut no figure with Nick, and you knows that he was ther one | ter do ’em, and if he don’t skeer I don’t see why you sh’u’d, ““Come, if yer is scared say so,” Thus appealed to the Ferrets remained silent. If their silence was an affirmative that they / were frightened, Nick Norcross would not | so construe it, whatever he might think, for | he said: *T admit, boys, thisis not a cheerful re- “treat; but never mind, we are earning a living and we are not going to mind any stories about this old place, and the fact that a poor fellow lies buried in the garden. “ Now let us all goto bed and get what rest we can, for Tricks and I have got to go on duty to-morrow for Dick Doom, and you all can look up elues as you have before, not only on the case we were set to work up, but shadow anything else that will help the police out and run down crooks, and you bet we will all make a home for ourselves ek” “‘ See?” said Pete in his slangy way, and they all seemed to “see,” for they at once expressed their willingness to do just as their young captain wished them to do. _ Half an hour after they were all slumber- ing quietly, forgetful of their ghastly work of the night. CHAPTER XXVIII. THE REPORT, OF THE FERRETS. Nick Norcross and Tricks reported at eight o’clock sharp at the office rented by Dick Doom, and the windows of which com- manded a view of the house to which the as had tracked his master the night before. desk and table, with several cliairs, had already been put in the room, with paper, .ak, and a few books, and a notice was put up on the door announcing that it was: “ RICHARDSON’s LITERARY BUREAU. Private. Office,” Dick Doom was there to set the boys to work, and he had gotten for them some books to read, to pass away the time, and a lounge had been bought on which they could rest when tired. Vv One of them was to keep on watch con- stantly, and he had a book in which he was to jot down all that he observed about the house opposite—who went there, who was seen to leave there, and anything that might seem .worth knowing regarding the place and its inmates. Leaving the two boys On watch, Dick Doom went to the oflice of the chief of the Secret Service. He was admitted as soon as he had sent in his card, and the chief said laughingly; — “T declare, Dick, you look like the boss saint of the Salvation Army.” “Tt am glad I have that appearance, sir, e my disguise will not be penetrated; but have news for you. “Well, sir, here is the oe of the two who got onto a counterfeit case, ‘ owed the ones they overheard talking to- _. gether several 0. } eee Bend to take number, sir, after twelve to-night, and you will catch these three counterfeiters at work, with all their tools tM ried), Bh : TEM were —_—_----———. . ~~ Ee ee ee ee ee ee ——_$—$—$ $$ _g00d time, when I know : . he cage,” was the quiet response of Dick ‘* Good! that alone raises your Boy Fer- rets in my estimation half a dozen notches. ‘**But which ones made this find?” ‘«Their names are on the report, sir.” ‘Good! they shall not be forgotten, for ‘Here is a report from two more, sir, whose names are here, for I have all of them dictate their finds, and you will see that they have run down the convict Stowhall, who was a life prisoner, and escaped some six months ago.” “Then they finger a thousand dollars re- ward for that find.” ** Here is where the convict will be found, and he is a very dangerous man, so you will need to send several officers to capture,” ‘“We'll catch him sure,” **Now, chief, here is where you will find bank cashier, Spendelle, who got away with so much money. « “He is working asa sailor upon a lake schooner, and came into port several days ago, with his beard grown out, and hoping not to be recognized. ‘‘He is engaged to a girl, who as you know, remained true to him, and he sent her a note by one of my Ferrets, who read both it and the answer, and she, it seems, com- promised herself by stating in it that she had all of his treasure safe, and would meet him + the hour and day he stated in his letter to er, ‘“That means that Spendelle got the girl to keep his stolen booty?” ‘Yes, chief.” ‘* Was the hour, day and place of meeting named?” ‘Tt was, sir, and is in the report, as you notice.” ‘* Yes, yes; well, Dick Doom, you have a ie in your Boy Ferrets and no mis- take. | ‘‘Have they any other reports?” “Not now, sir.” “But they can find no trace of the man Sanford?” “Well, yes, sir, I have a report to make about him that*will surprise you; but I do so in confidence, for I am working out my plan in my own way.” “Youft way is a good one always, Dick; but tell me if you know where Sanford fled when he left here?” ‘*T know that, as T suspected would be the ease, chief, that he did not leave the city.” ‘¢Ha! he is here then?” “Yes, sirai’ «And you know where?” ‘*T think that I do, sir; but IT owe it to the young captain of my Ferrets, Nick Norcross, that I made the discovery.” ; ‘‘T have nothing more to say, Dick, against your Boy Ferrets, fer you were right, and I wrong in believing they would be valuable aids in shadowing criminals.” ‘Tam sure that you will yet find them so, sir; but let me tell you just ‘ie has been accomplished, and how it was done. . Then Dick Doom told the chief of Nick’s adventure in the Marlborough Mansion, and the tragedy there, with the escape of Merton Sanford, who had been tracked by his dog. | ‘ ‘No, ma’am, I didn’t think I’d got licked if I didn’t do as 1 was told.” ‘Your lickin’ wouldn’t be one amiss, I guess,” growled the woman, and she led the way into a rear room where a woman sat by the window, and a man by a table looking over some papers, . te Upon the floor lay the purchases Mrs, Bridewell had made at Halheimer’s, ‘ if ¥ > pai} ie fe san : Week ; yee Le 4 ne ee eelad i Y ee = ’ GAVE Da abe pol DA, “ OS, salons Le tae Fe? ee ri PER Oe Ne: Sn ee a We ee ee st ae i sere Ay dae ‘ ou was; but

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14 Dick Doom’s Big’ Haul. The woman was handsome, over thirty, and eyed the visitor sharply. The man had gray hair and beard, and gave aquick glance at Nick, who explained why he had come. ‘* No, these things are all right, just as I bought them, tell Mr. Halheimer, and the mistake was made elsewhere.” Nick insisted upon showing the contents of his bundle, and Mrs. Bridewell remarked: ‘No, they are not mine.” *‘ Buy them anyhow, for they may be, use- ful,” growled the man. The woman asked Nick if he knew the value of the goods; he told her, and the man paid for them. Nick eft the house with a smile upon bis face, went around the block to the ‘door of the building in which was his ‘ office,” and said as he entered: “Tricks, I saw the woman and the man, + the working-girl, and they are a hard ot.” ‘* Ever see ’em before, Nick?” ‘* No, but I kept my eyes opened, and if the man isn’t disguised, then I don’t know anything when I see it. ‘‘He’s a young man, but his hair and beard were gray, andif not false, I’m greatly mistaken.” ‘*Do you think it is him?” *T really do,” was the solemn answer, CHAPTER XXX. PICKING UP CLUES. Dick Doom led the officers in their raid upon the counterfeiters’ den, and surprised the men at work. He captured the three of them, and all of their utensils, and a lot of counterfeit money . as well. The detective was also at the rendezvous appointed between the defaulting cashier, Spendelle, and his lady love, and the two were captured at the depot when about to board a midnight train for the West. {n their baggage. was found the mone which the cashier had defrauded the bank of, and the thief and his accomplice were taken to jail to await trial for their crimes, for the girl was an accomplice of her lover, as was proven when their baggage was searched. The escaped convict, Stowhall, was next captured in his hiding-place, and all these captures were set down to the credit of Dick Doom and his Ferrets, the latter having un- earthed the crooks. Having made his captures, and gotten papers giving a claim for the reward for the capture of the bank cashier, the convict and the counterfeiters, Dick Doom had time to look up bis two allies on watch at the Literary Bureau.” ‘‘Well, Nick, [have good news for you, as the people are bagged, and the treasury of the Boy Ferrets will soon have a nest-egg in it of several thousand dollars. ‘Now what have you discovered here?” ‘‘ Here is Tricks’s report, sir, and mine, and ‘I guess we are on the right track.” “To catch Sanford?” ‘* Yes, slr,” ‘The detective took the reports and went -earefully over them. ‘* Well, Nick, you and Tricks have cer- ‘tainly proven yourselves expert shadowers, and I’ll give you a holiday this afternoon, -while I stand guard here. . “Took up your comrades and tell them I want them all to meet me here in this office soon after dark.’* | : «« We'll be here, sir.” - With this the boys leftand Dick Doom sat down by the window and again looked over the reports written down. At last he came to the following, which he read aloud: Saw old Graybeard come out, walking “with a stick, and go down the street. - **He returned in an hour, and later saw another old gent, with smooth face, spectacles and dressed in black, come out and go up the street. *** Am sure he was the same as the gray- beard, for I watched their size and step closely.’ ” Then there was a report of that afternoon, stating that a rough-looking man, with bearded face, and dressed in checked shirt and over-hauls, had gone out a short while before. The words followed: ‘‘He was the same build as the two old men, and walked like them.” ‘‘T'll await his return,” said Dick Doom, and he kept his eyes upon the street. Just as it was growing dark the rough- looking man returned, and Dick Doom’s gaze was riveted upon him, ‘‘ Nick has kegn eyes to see through that disguise, for diSguise it is; yes, and I be- lieve that it is none other “than the crook I want. ‘Well, my Ferrets will be here soon, and later we will know what that house con tains.” : A few minutes after Nick Norcross came into the office alone. ‘Well, Nick, have you seen your Fer- rets?’ ‘Yes, sir, and they’ll be here to-night. “Tricks went up to the old mansion to tell the others, as soon as it got dark, and they'll be along in time.” «©Good! Now, Nick, I have something for ou to do.” ‘Certainly, sir.” ‘““You went to the bundle?” ‘*Yeg, sir.” “« After awhile I want you to go again and say that Halheimer sent you back with the money to get the things, for you had sold other people’s goods.” SY es sir,” “<T wish you to see if the man and woman are there, and get whatever information you can, while, when you stand by the door unfasten the catch on the lock so that it will be easily opened.” “Tl try, sir.” ‘ ‘‘ When you come out you will, find me here, and when your Ferrets arrive we will proceed to work.” “Tf we only catch our man,” said Nick earnestly. ‘Tf you do, the chief will be proud to ac- knowledge my Boy Ferrets as dandies in Secret Service work.” CHAPTER XXXI. SHADOWED TO THE END. Tum Ferrets dropped into the ‘Literar Bureau” one by one, soon after dark, Dick Doom explaining to the janitor of the build- ing that he had a class of young men, and accompanied his explanation with a five- dollar bill that kept him from being rude to his young visitors. ‘ Dick Doom was in the office and received the young Ferrets, and when all had arrived Nick Norcross started out upon his mission across the way. They saw him ring at the door, and a head appear in a window above and look down to see who it was, : ; Some words followed and then Nick was seen to enter the house. : He was gone some fifteen minutes, when he reappeared carrying a bundle, walked down the street, and soon after entered the office, which was dark, save for the light from the street-lamps. ‘ ‘Well, Nick, you got into the house, I saw?” ‘ ‘Yes, sir, and slipped the catch on the lock.” ' ‘“« Whom did you see?” “The ugly dame who stays below stairs, sir, and then Mrs, Bridewell and the old gent, only he wasn’t an old man this time.” house with the ro Bhat Pe pi toi es ONG Se alg FS SRE, Va ele et *“ What was he?” ** He was the bearded tough in workman’s clothes I saw go out this morning.” “Well?” ‘* But he was the old man, too, for he for- got about his age when I was there before, and said that they wanted to keep the things.” ** And then?” **T told them that old Halheimer was as mad as a hornet, had licked me for selling the things, and sent the money to get them back, and if I did not get them, he intended to send an officer,” ** Ah! so you got them?” ** You bet I did, sir, and the beard was the one the man had on, and he had to go out and take it off, sending it in by the wo- man,” ‘Did you make any other Nick?” “ Well, sir, Iam sure I heard voices up- stairs, but they did not go in the front door, that is certain.” ‘You have done well, Nick, and now we will prepare for work, for I will have you aid me in the capture, not calling upon Head quarters for officers.” The Ferrets all felt proud of this distinc- tion, and when Dick Doom opened a heavy bundle he had brought with him, and took out some silver stars of the Secret Service, / discovery, ' they were delighted. **Now, boys. I wish to say that I will arm but three of you, Nick Norcross, Pete Pepper, and Tricks. ‘¢T wish to divide your force in three, send- ing two to the front door, one to the rear, and one to the alley, the latter of three each, “That leaves five of you to go into the house with me, and somehow I have an idea that we will need a show of force.” “‘T’m sure there is a gang in the house, sir, and they went in after dark and by the rear way,” Nick declared. Having organized his Boy Ferrets, and ex- plained to them just what he wished them to do, and to keep cool and make no mistakes, Dick Doom left the office with his little band, % They scattered when they reached the street, and divided into four parties. But fifteen minutes after they began to as- semble at the suspected house in Plymouth Place. One party hid under the front area, a second went to the rear door, and a third halted beneath the windows opening into the alley. The fourth party under Dick Doom, went up the steps and the detective tried the door and found that Nick had done bis work well, for the latch turned under bis grasp. _ The house was black as midnight without, save for a glimmer of light In an upper window. ; eS Stepping into the hall Dick Doom found a light burning dimly there. / He was followed by his party of Ferrets — who moved as quietly as cats, Going to the rear room, which Nick point- ed- out as the one in which he had seen the man and woman, Dick Doom suddenly threw it open. Pi j Only a woman was there, and Nick said quickly: ‘Tt is Mrs. Bridewell.” \ In an instant Dick Doom stood by her side; his handcuffs were upon her wrists be- fore she could utter a word in her amazement and terror, and she heard the words: “Tf you utter a cry you shall die, for we broke into this house to get a prize.” The woman sunk down in her chair speechless, and swooned away. a ‘‘Watch her, Dot, while we go up-stairs,” ordered Dick Doom, and he led his, Boy Ferrets to the second floor above, where — voices were heard. ‘ Rtgs chee Listening without, Dick Doom decided - 6 a

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, \ * * brkd ' 4" 7 vo4 aay + it he’ Th . : ra Side OLY. oe U SS hae bela ees sy y ao PaAL. Bele geet a be’ fi sable ate Peres? ‘ Ltt. ae es - _ a. | rae (He Dick Doom’s Big Haul. The Boy Ferrets were now recognized as | able allies, by the chief,,who, however, at | the request of Dick Doom, still allowed | them to remain unknown to the detective | and police force, for it was thought that | they could render better service by remain- | ing under suspicion of being crooks them- | selves, and the result of their future work | proved that the great detective was quite | right. The killing of Buttons, by Nick Norcross, | was kept a secret, at Dick Doom’s desire. Then the work of the Boy Ferrets began in other fields, in which they showed them- selves worthy of their noted Secret Service leader, and that they deserved the name he gave them of the Fatal Shadowers. THE END. Beatle's Half-Dime Library. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Juck; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Wurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang Sam 3 or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-linwk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue, 160 The Black Glanty; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash or, lighting Fire with Fire. ISk ‘he Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. 2038 ‘The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmaske. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. $19 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. 885 Old Double Fiat; or, The Strange Guide $55 he King of the Woods: or. Daniel Boone’s Laat Trail. 419 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. 677 Chinenapin Dan's Second Trail. 6388 Chincapin Dan's Home Stretch, G98 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head, ZOOS Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. 718 Light-Weart Lute’s Last Trail, 728 Silverblade, the Shoshone. 729 Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beagle at Bay. 739 Silverblade, the Hostile; or, The Border Beag!e’s Trail. 748 Silverblade the Friendly; or, The Border Beagle’s Boy Pard BY WILLIA' R. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Far Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pardo * BY JO PIERCE, B97 Bob o’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street, 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 Hotapur Bob, the Street-Buy Detective. 460 The Lawyer's Shadow; or Luke’s Legacy. 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. 504 Five Points Phil, the Pavement Prince. BOY Jack Jagger, the Butcher Boy Detective, 516 Tartar ‘Tim; or, Five Pointe Phil’s Menagerie. North River Nat, the Pier Detective, Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. Jeff Filcker, the Stnble Boy Detective. { Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mystery, fice Boy Detective, Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Deteotive. Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, Jack-o'-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. Buck Bumblebee, the Harlen: Hummer, yoked ey, att Express-Train Ferret, samin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a 8! pery Sky-Rocket Rob, the Lite-Saver. ie. 6 Site ety Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator L Spley Jimy the Only One of His Kind. > Tom’ Thistle, the Road-Honse Detective Harlem Jack, the T Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin, Dennis Duff the Brown porta Kid. Dick of the Docks, the Night-W ateh. Flipper Flynn, the Street Patro}. Foxy Fred’s Odd Pardy; or, The Keener’s Huge Hastlo, Cast-O1f Cale, thy Scapegoat Detective. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, ‘11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl, 76 Abo Colt. the Crow-Killer. 79 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 2RB Joe Buck of Angele and His Boy Pard. 4? New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Founditug, 464 Nimble Nick, she Olrens Pines. 498 Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 do, the Half-Breed Detective Bis Geol Geleraaoin New York: or, The Cowboy's Fight. f BY PITILIP 8. WARNE. 136 Captatn Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 219 Respard, the Duellat; cr, The i Little Tornado; or, The On 8 Litt 8 Litt rs Tittle Shoo. Fly; or, A Race for a Ranch. 1 le Ah Sin; or, The Curse of Blood. = a de Rate. Tale ofthe anes et o na TT ts of Paddy’s Flat. ait dim Gladden's Depety: or, The Jolly Pard’s Campaign. ¢ Jolly Pards to the Resenes or, The Jack of Heurts. I Sandy A 6 Lariat Li ; Bea Ken catscl-ton, the Man with the Dogs. 599 Jim p, 618 R 685 Okla tenes or. 648 Vappy owe! the Rlne-Coat Scont. ’ ry’ Big Find 1 1 $64 Cheeky Charley i Mi se poms The Beantifu Jezebe ‘ ! “ * } ti . an > a - ee Nes Ga 15 — ee eee BY CHARLES MORRIS, . 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picnyune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Raga. 142 Handsome Harry, the Boothlack Detective. 147 WIL Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black HKeas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Wl Wildiire In the W ooda, 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. 170 A Trump Cardy; or, Will Wilddive Wine and Loses 174 Kob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 17Y Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 188 Vhe Midden Itand; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Malyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers. 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed 3 or, Bob Kockett's Fight for Lite. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, 220 ‘Vom Tanner; or, The Binck Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two * Eloods"; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway?: or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps? or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail RT4 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice, 289 Joy Jim's Job; or, The Young Detective. 2958 The Water-Hound;: or, The Young Thoroughored, 505 Dashaway, of Daketay or, A Western Lad In Quaker City, $22 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detectives or, red Flyers Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Timer. 87) Larry, the Levelers or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 iretly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 423 The Lat Finger ; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 466 Wide-Awake Serry, Detective; or Entombed Alive. TY Detective Dodge: or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 48% Wild Dick Racket; or, How He Qought for Honor, 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Teo Sharp for te Sharper, 566 The Secret service Boy Detective, — 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Aimong Wolves, 627 Tom Bruce of Arkanansy or, The Wolfin the Fold, 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculators, 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. ‘ 709 The Curbsatone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat, 757 Detective Frank’s Sweep-stakes. BY CHARLES E. LASALLE, ' ; cer the Trapper. Be The white Buffalo. #: Tale of the Northwest BY J. W. OABON. 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, he Map ac res Luck. U “keye, the Sierra Shadow. B64 Peden Bl fl, the Boy Miner; or, The Man Without a Past. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veternn Detective. 620 Little Li htning's Lengney or, The Mystery of the Island 688 Plneky Paul, the Boy Prospector. 751 Gold-Dust Dan, the Trail Patrol. 755 Gold Dust Dan's Oath; or, Kockless Roy, the Regulator. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER. 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien, 29 The Dumb Page} or, The Dogo’s Denghter. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 180 Lance and Lasso ¢. or, Tha Children of the Chaco, 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Nd fb $ or, Skipper Jabex Coffin’s Cruise. 200 The Boy Bedoutnas or, The Brothers ot the Plumed Lance 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Phine. 249 Milo Romer the Animnl King; or, Round the World, 265 The Tiger Tamer ¢ or, The League of the Jungle, B81 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. ; ‘895 California Joo’s War Trall, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-lWorse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reta and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver's Travels. By Dean Swift. 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderfal Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe, (27 Ulustrations,) 18 Stndbad the Sallor. His Seven Voyages. 22 aoe Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Juan ewe, 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribers, By 8, W. Pierce. 86 The Roy Clown: or, The Arena Queen. By F 8, Finn. By Texas Jack. 51 Theo Roy Fifties; or. The Underground Camp. By A. C.Irona, 95 The Prep env ane or, The Freebooters of the Misbiaeippi. 0 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Ear); or, The Merry Men of Green- wood, Prof. Gildersleeve, Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, the Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe, Glerson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, Bhe Pirate's Strongheld. By Harry Cavendish, lexander Patten. . , 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, Tho Groen Ranger of the Yel- 261 Ferenua Fearnaught the New Y nl Boy. ByG, L. 266 Killb’ar., the Guide; »r, Davy Crockett’s Crooked ‘arren, 298 Red Claw. the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Mald of the Cliff. By Captain Comstock. tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy's Fight for Life and Hones, 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The B veange, By Nad Buntlina, et Nee ca had P, Morris, B74 Gold-Duat Tome or. Ben’s Double Match, * 876 Californian Joe's First Trail. By Colonel Thomas 418 Rilly Rombshell, the Clif Climber. By F.S. Winthrop, 4 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinelbles, By Henry J. Thomas, Ry Edwin Rrooke F 4. B52 Avtel the Athlote ied Dealer Toe BRS WIT Waters, the Row Ferret. Ry oy eg \ vy Gerald Ceriton, — 721 Mavertek Mose, tho Arizona Detective; or, The Winard of Trko» Poss. Ry Wil Lisenher, By King K U. S. Secret Service Corps, Porm pass gi - 4 Now Tasne Every Tuesday. : Genta por popy, or sent by mai! on receint of alx cents each, ace BEADLE AN ADAMS, Publishers, 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Lient,-Col, Haseltine. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain (24 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George 148 Sharp fami; or, The Adventures or a Friendless Boy, By J, lowstone, By Edward Emerson. A Trail, By Ensen ©. D. Wi 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lieu- By Maior Mickey Free. RRS Raltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A, By G@ H_ Morse, Hover Monstery 475 The Black Ship, Rv John 8 Warner. 5R2 The Cowboy Duke. Ry David Drald. 6R2 The Dead Notective’s Nonble. 809 Don Danton, the Gent from Denver. The Half-Dtme Library is for sale by all nowedealers, five _ 98 William Street, Now York

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Published BEADLE’S«H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela, Dick, the Prince of the Road. Dick’s Defiance; or, Loyble Daggers. Dick in Disguise; or, Buffaly Ben Dick In His Castle. Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 1 Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood & Deadwood Deadwood 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Ol. BT Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. Calamity 4 ine, the Heroine 7 Deadwood Dick’s Last Acts or, Corduroy Charlie. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Gane of Gold. 156 Deadwood Diek of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’. Jezebel. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom: or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. 217 Deadwood Dick’s Dead Deal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Duat Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, Pies pivice Ba Spirit of Swamp Lake. Cck’s en rail Dick’a Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. Dick’a Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats Dick’sa Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings, aE Somtemson's or, The Terrible Vendetta, ck’a Claim. Dick in Dead City. Dick’s Dinmonds, Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Case.” Dick’s Duat; or, The Chained Hand. Dick, Jr.; or, The Crimson Crescent Sign. Dick, Jr.’s, Deflance, Dick, Jrae Full Hand, Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. Dick, Jr.’s. Racket at Claim 10. Dick, Jr.’a, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Dick, Jr.’ Dog Detective. Dick. dr., in Deadwood, Dick, Jr.’a, Compact, Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, Dick, Jr. ay 2S ngs. Dick, Jr.’n, De verance, Bice Jee descr Dick, dr.’s, Danger Ducka. Bick a an Hunt, ek, Jr., in Texas. Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocg Deadwood Diek, Jr., on Hila Mettle. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia, Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Chicago. 8 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. pase woos pee 5 ae oe Geclnanahs Basin. eadwoo ek, Jr., at Coney Island. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Leadville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Deadwood Diek, Jr., in Cineinuatl, Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. peeawere pa pe After 520 Queer. end woo ck, Jr., in Buffalo. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent pesawand Disk: ri Mucetais Case ead woo ty Tn ee 4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. Deadwood Dick, Jr., (n Durango or, “ Gathered In.” : Deadwood Dick, or. ort gt or, Found « Fortune, endwood ek, Jr.’s. Dazzle, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. 00 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick Jr., in San Franelaco, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Disguise, Deadwoo1 Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch. 2% Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Doublet. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. 268 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Desperate Strait. 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Lone Hand, Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Yeadwood end wood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood 9 Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Zz 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. 78? Deadwood Dick, Jdr., Detled. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. 797 Dendwood Dick, Jr’.«, Desperate Venture. 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Diamond Dice, 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Royal Flush, 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Head-off, #16 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport: or, The Jubilee of Jnektown, 664 Violet Vane’« Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out. 698 Violet and Malay, the Posy Pards, ' 705 Violet Vane’s Vow; or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft. 724 Violet Vane’«s Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Out, 720 Violet Vane’a Verdiet; or, The Game at Coffin City, 741 Violet Vane, the phe Vidoeg: or, Spots va. Sport. 750 Violet Vane, the Vanquished; or, The Life Struggte, 768 Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. ANY The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 819 Copseatn Mystery B81 Daley Mare the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 [ron Fern, the Man of Fire; or, Among the Vultures, 619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or. The Double Grip Witnean 641 Dismal Dave's Dandy Pard; or, The Clue to Capt, Claw 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider. 714 Old Misery the Man from Missourl. 774 Clear-Grit Cal, the Never Say-Die Detective. 789 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 806 Cowboy Steve the Raneh Mascot. BY OOL, A. F. HOLT. O10 Weadlight Harry’s Flyer; or, Duke Derby. 378 presdlight Warry’s Hazard; or, The Lightning Express jetective, 391 Headlight Harry's Hani; or, The Railroad Pards, 3-44 Headlight Harry’s Siren; or, Mad Madge. bo Weadlight Harry’a Heritage. ioe Hendlight Harry’s Hunt; or, The Cache of Gold, 99 Hlack Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Death Can Kenneth, the Knife-King; or, The Doomed Six. 19 Littl htfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. The y Sport; or, The King Pin Conspirator, you, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler, 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’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, 255 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. Denver Doll's Drift; or, The Road Queen. Yreka dim, the Gold-Gatherery or, The Life Lottery, Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up, ’ B85 Yreka Jim’a gokens or, The Rivals of Red Nose. BS9 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 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister's Devotion. Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Ange! ot Big Vista, Sierra Sam’s Sevenyj or, The Stolen Bride. Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. The Boy Detectives or, Guild Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 06 Watch-Eye the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Bp rt Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective, 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Gir! Detective. 226 The Arab Detective 3 or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective. 6 Sam Slabaidea, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, PrivateDetectives. 26 Cloven Ifoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf or, Tho Girl Dead-Shot, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix, 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 118 Jaek Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boas Bob the King of Bootblacks. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agont; or, The Branded Brows. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scampa. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo Bill, the Trai! 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. B80 Little ulck-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 858 Firat-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 878 Naboh Neds or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance, 486 Seulsakin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten, BY J, ©. COWDRICK. Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’a Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case. 586 Breadway Billy’s ‘ Difikilty.” 557 Broadway te) Peath Racket. 9 Broadway Biliy’s Surprise Party. Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, Broadway Billy's Dead Acts or, The League of Seven Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco, Broadway Billy’s Beat; or, Beating San Franciaco’s Finest. Broadway Billy in Clover. Broadway Billy tin_ Texas; or, The River Rustler. Broadway Rilly’« Brand. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. Broadway Billy’« Full Hand; or, The Gamin Detective. Broadway Billy's Business, Broadway Billy’s Curious Case. Broadway Billy in Denver. Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectives, Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective. Broadway Billy's Shadow Chase. Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest, Broadway Billy’a Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest, Broadway Billy Baffled, 5 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. Broadway Billy’s Wipe Out. Rilver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keya, Shasta, the Gold Kings or, For Seven Years Dead, The Detective’s Apprentice: or, A Boy Without » Name, Cibuta John; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, Disco Dan, the hag Dude. Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 4 The Lenton Detectives or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve, Mart, the Night Express Detective. Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case, The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out, Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Rareback Reth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the * Pizenest’’ Man of Ante Bac. BY LIEUT, A, K. SIMS. 589 Tom-Cat and Pardy or. The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’a Triads or, The Affvir at Tombstone, 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowhoy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’a Triumphs or, Bleck Dan’s Great Combine 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike. 568 The Dandy of Dodge: or, Rurtling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Wana, the Dutch Videcg; or, Hot Times at Round-Up €1f Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Herenls. ‘ 646 Cowboy Gid. the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective. 676 Sienal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Rilly, the Gypay Spy: or, The Mvstery of Two Lives, eso Simple Sim, the Broncho Bueter; or. For Big Stakes, 712 The Meamertiat Sport: or, The Mystified Detective, TBR Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector. 745 Kansas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective, ane The Ruatler of Rolling Stone, 85 Lone Wand Joe. the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuek. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm, F. Cody). 8 Kansas King: or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. B5 Peadly-Fye. the Unknown Scent; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trost, A ee ee ee es ee ee BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAISIAM, wt2 Dick Doom‘s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Der Tze Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Tern TR4 Dick Do 3 or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York, S88 Dick Doom tn Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks. 98 Dick Doom in Chicago. 98 Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links iv a Clu S08 Dick Doon’s Death Clie. $18 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s Firet’] 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Coy 760 Dashing Charlie’« 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 Boysy or, The Red Riders of the Rio Gri 560 Pawnee BU, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee BIN; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee Bills Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick, 692 Redfern’s Curlous Care; o, The Riyal Sharpe. 697 Redfern at Devil's Ranch; or, The Sharp from Tex T02 Redtfern’s High Hand; or, Blue Jucket. TOT Redfern’s Last Tratl; or, The Red Sombrero Ranger 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 Disgulse, 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Fxpresas Rider. 656 Butterfly Bily’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’« Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; or, The Ow!s of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower ; °F, the Card Queen. 675 Kent Kingdon’s Duel; or, The Surgeon Scout, BS6 Kent Kingdon’s Doom}; or, The Buckskin Avengor, 545 Lafitte Run Down; or, The Buccaneers of Barrataria, 550 Lafitte’a Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. bbb Lafitte’« Confersion: or, The Creole Corsair, Buckakin Bill, the Comanche Shadow, The Buckskin Brothers in Texas. The Buckskin Bowers; or. The Cowboy Pirates, * The Buckskin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive, 540 The BRueckskin Parde’ Quests or, Captain Ku-Klay 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and tie Sen Cat. 507 The Royal Middy’*s Luck ; or, The Hunted Midshipa h11 The Royal Middy’s Foe, Wizard Wl: or, The Boy Ferret o1 New York. Wizard Will’ Street Scouts, Wizard Wills Pards; or, Flora, the Flower Girl Wizard Will's Laat Case; or, The Ferrets Afloat, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee, 488 Duncan Pure’s Plot; or, A Cablo Boy’s Luck. 7 Dnncan Dare’a Prize; or, The Sea Raider. Punean Dare’s Recret: or, The Ocean Firefly, Isodor, the Young Conspirator 3; or, The Fata) Les Isnodor’« Double Chase; or, The Boy Insurgent, Ixodor’a War-Cloud Cruise; or, The Wild Yachts Rison BI. the Prince of the Reine, 2 Bison Bill's Clue; or, Grit, the Bravo Sport, Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma. A Pend Shot Dandy’ Double; or, Keno Kit, Dead Shot Dandy’s Defiances or, The Boy Bugler. Dead Shot Dandy’s Chi fs or, The River Detective. Merle Monte’s Leap for Life. Merle Monte’s Mutiny ; or. Brandt, the Buccaneer. Merle Moute’s Treasure Island. Merie Monte the Condemned, Merle Monte’s Crulset or,“ The Gold Ship” Chase, Merle Monte’s Fate: or, The Pirate's Pride. Merle Monte’s Pledgey or, The Sea Marauder. 197 The Kid Glove Sport 3 or. Little Grit, the Wild Ride} 204 The Kid Glove Sport’s Doom; or, Buffalo Bill, Black Bravos, Avenging Sall 229 OCrimaon Kate, the Gir) Trailer; or, The Cowboy’s Triul 116 The Hussar Captain: or, The Hermit of Hell Gute. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. ) 102 Dick Dend-Eye, the Smuggier; or, The Cruise of the V 2h The Boy Dueliat; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants, 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 17 Ralph Roy; the Boy Buccanver; or, The Fugitive Yacht 2 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 814 Ace ll , the Frisco Detective, By C. E, Tripp. 815 nee sila. tesily’s Bank Racket} or, The City D tive’s Big Haul. By J. C. Cowdrick. . R16 Nendwood Dick, Jr.’a, Rival. By Edward L, Whi 817 Widenwake. the Train-boy Detective. By Col. A; F.F R18 The Hustler Rorue-Catcher. By Wm. R, Fyster £19 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. By Col, Prentiss Ingrat} 820 Nobby Nat, the Tenderfoot Detective. By Wm. GQ. Ps 821 Rroadway Rilly’« Bluff, By J. C. Cowdrick, R22 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Boom, By Ed, L. Wheel R22 Poker Jack, the Detective Sport. By Ol] Coomes. 824 Rowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer, By Jo Plerce, 825 Marlo, the Cowboy Coaster, Cy Col. P. Ingrahat 826 Broadway Billy Among Jerscy Thugs. Be Cow drick, 227 The Bantam Sport. By T. C. Harbeugh. R28 Penadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Scoop. BY Ed. L. Wheeler 829 The Gentleman Crook in Chicago; 0, Dick Di Shadow Hunt. By Col. P. Ingraham. R880 The Grim Lodgera In _ Rak Alley; or, Citizen of Number Seven, By Ben D. Hallid' vy. ' 881 The Chiengo Drummer’ Deal. By f G, Rethur 8&2 The Doctor Detective in Texas. Be ent. A. K, &8R Broadway Billy’s Raid. By '. C, Cowdrick. ny xy, By Ed. L. Wh 884 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’ Prox? Ines eg RB aR Heul. ane noe coer kes Double Deal. By Wm, G. Cat 887 The Big Four of the Bowery. By Jo Pierce, A New leaue Every Tuesday The Half- Dime Library {1 for sale by all newsdealen eents per copy, or sent by mail on reeeipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Yeo