Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 856) (1893 12 19)
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$2.50 a Year. No.8 856. A us it it tT th Y, Post Offices. PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. s ~ > + 4 CN) 3 oi | MLL i YZ NEAT WO, S NESE URN ya nae a Sm) NY) AS ® fst i! a a (ATTN December 19, 1603, Copyrighted 1898, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, Toh XXX. SAAS, 3 > | a Price, _No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. The i Cowaway; or, roadway Pilly's Rind. BY J. C. COWDRICK, AUTHOR OF THE ‘‘ BROADWAY BILLY ” NOVELS, Hi rae } , H ju) hy iti retin bite Mill ‘THE DETECTIVE APPRENTICE,” ETC., ETO, sail ie } i i ul rage \{
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~~ Ba a es fa Ry ig ts IB ; 4 eens The Bootblack Stowaway. The Boothlack Stowaway; ? BROADWAY BILLY’S BLIND, Secret of the Banker’s Buried Booty. BY J. C. COWDRICK, AUTHOR OF THE ‘‘ BROADWAY BILLY " NOVELS. CHAPTER L PLANNING A STRANGE ‘VOYAGE. As the day was warm, the skylight of the cabin had been removed entirely, and while the two men sat at the table consulting over a chart, a third was peering down upon them through the opening. One of the two in the cabin was a solid- looking man of forty, or maybe a little younger, with a full beard, and was clad in the uniform of a steamship officer. The other was a‘deformed man, a hunchback, with smooth face, younger than his compan- ion by ten years, “What is your position worth to you, Captain Elliott?” the hunchback inquired. ‘* Twenty four hundred dollars a year, Mr. Conningham,” was the thoughtful response, ‘*And how many years of service do you think you are good for yet?” ‘* Maybe twenty, barring everything that would be unfavorable, sir.” ‘*Exactly; twenty years of wind and weather, to gain what [am willing to give you for a few months’ work,” The other started, *‘T mean it,” the hunchdback . assured. ‘*Engage with me, and I will give you an even fifty thousand dollars for the work you are todo, Here is your twenty years’ pay in a lump; and more.” **T'll do it!” ‘That is what I wanted to hear you say, | sir. Hand in your resignation to the steam- ship company at once, and come immediately and take charge of this yacht. I could have found other men, but you are the man I want. No going back on your word.” ‘No; I'll not go back on that. condition to propose, however, which is only fair to myself.” “Name it, Captain Elliott.” “T must have half of this money in ad- vance, to deposit for the benefit of my family in case anything should happen to me.” -‘* Well, to secure your service, I'll grant it, Tl give you my check now. The other half is to be paid as soon as the 5 Sa oo suc- Di, Na stata ete and you are dismiss- -** That is satisfactory, Mr Conningham.” “The hunchback took a check-book from his pocket, and using a fountain pen, wrote a check forthe sum named and handed it across the table, , -'“ You see I am dealing fair with you,” he snid. ‘‘ All Lask is fair dealing in return,” /* And you shall have it, sir,” The fingers of the sea-captain. trembled slightly as he folded the check and put it in his pocket, It represented more money than he had earned in the past dozen ycars—his pay had been smaller than now. Msg de ‘There is one thing which remains to be settled,” ** Yes, I want to know all about this voy- feet’ i ut, do yo 1 swear th t you will do it?” 1 oe Stent) RE pean AG ss T have one age, where am going and what I am going } go, and when they awake it wil Maas oau ae be many years, and I have never had reason to doubt your word.” The face that was looking down upon them expressed keen interest. ‘*Well, about the voyage?” the captain urged. “Yes, about the voyage, now. Do you see this small island marked here, Captain Elliott?” . The hunchback indicated with his finger a spot on the chart, and the captain was quick to respond that he did see it. “JT have never been there;” he added, ‘‘but I know what it is: a barren, desolate bunch of rocks, and nothing more. What on earth do you want to go there for?” ‘* We go there for our cargo.” The captain leaned back in his chair and stared at the hunchback as though to ques- tion his sanity. ‘* Your cargo?” he repeated. ‘* Exactly.” ‘And what is the cargo 3 “That, Captain Elliott, you are never to know.” The captain’s face became more surprised than ever, and he knew not what to say, evi- dently. He simply stared until the hunch- back spoke again. “You are never to know,” the latter re- peated. ‘‘You are to go there, take in a cargo which you will find awaiting you, bring the yacht safely back to New York, and your duty is done.” ‘ **] don’t like such business as that, though, Mr. Conningham, I always like to know the secrets of my vessel.” **You cannot know in this instance.” 9? all—” ‘‘Think of the price’ you are to get—and nee of it in your pocket this minute, Think of ‘See here, Conrad Conningham, is this voyage an honest one?” ‘Strictly so, Captain Elliott.” : ‘Then why should it be a secret one?” ** Captain Elliott, the plainest kind of talk is necessary just here.. The secret, whatever it is, is mine only, and is not to be shared with se Men I wanted a trustworthy cap- tain, and you are the’ man I fixed upon. I am paying you a fortune for a simple piece of work; but not so much for that as for your silence afterward. Now, do you ques- tion further.” The captain was thoughtful, biting his short mustache while he meditated, ‘** You say the voyage is an honest one?” ‘he questioned again. “Strictly so, I repeat,” was the answer. ** We are to sail openly, and openly return. It is 10 appear mereiy as a pleasure voyage.” ** But, your cargo; that can be no secret when we reach port.” ‘We go out light, and return the same, so far as concerns appearances, Our cargo will not be seen.” Pi. ‘*Then we are to smuggle?” “It might be called that, maybe; but, no one will ever know.” : ‘How about the crew? You certainly cannot keep thesecret from them; and if you are going to buy tecr silence, I cannot un- dertake thé voyage.” | “Captain Elliott, I could have engaged a dishonest man for this business, had I chosen to do so, and he would never have question- ed as. you do; but, it was an honest man 1 wanted.” a een “*That is not the point,” ~~ . -- _“The point is, | trust no-one but you, Net. one of our crew will ever know what is. taken aboard the yacht at that island. | sleeping potidn will render them oblivious to everything while we ar tt fa she to 0, BARCHY } £2 f ; 0. you assure me that nd trouble can * Dy sD ‘ ear it, OPO) «Yee me ae i come of this?” te eteth ta peat it ; at is enough.” Thave known you for _ ‘I guarantee you against everything of “‘Tam half inclined not to accept, after | cial purpose; the engineer of m , ~ that kind, captain. You yourself will know nothing whatever of the secret, and I alone can be held responsible. But, nothing will ever be known; never fear.” ‘‘How about getting your secret cargo ashore?” ‘*Tt will not be taken on shore, at any rate acy for awhile; I will attend to all that my- self,” ‘* But, the customs officers; how do you expect to avoid them? They may or may not take it into their heads to board yqu up- on your return, This voyage cannot be made in a day.” ‘*Let them come aboard, if they want to; they will find nothing but a little ballast, same as now. © As I told you, we goout light and return the same.” ‘* Well, it is all a mystery to me, Mr, Con- ningham.” ** And it always will be, Captain Elliott.” From biting his mustache, the captain had taken to tugging at it with his fingers, and it was plain that a conflict was going on with- in his breast. He was silent for some time, ** What is your decision?” the hunchback finally demanded. ‘You have had that,” was the measured reply. ‘I was only thinking whether I had ‘not better withdraw.” ‘*T cannot compel you to serve me, cer- tainly. If you do not care to do so, give me back my check, and with it your word of honor that you will never breathe one sylla- ble of what has passed between us here.” ‘“The temptation is too great,” the captain rejoined, now firmly. ‘‘It is the chance of my life and I dare not refuse. <A fortune picked up ina single summer—I am your man, Mr, Conningham. 1 will resign my present employ immediately, and in three days will come on board the Gauntlet and take command,” - ** Your hand on it,” They clasped hands across the table, and the bargain was sealed. ‘* Respecting a crew,” the hunchback then went on to say, ‘‘you may take full charge of that. Ship as many men as necessary for absolute safety, for we cannot afford to take a single risk.” ‘* Have’ you no engineer? She ) ‘No; I bought this yacht for this espe-— other plea- sure yacht, the Peer, has been handling her for me.” . ‘IT see, Well, I will undertake the mat- ter, Mr. Conningham, and you are aware that I do not turn back when once I put my rn toathing. When do you expect to sail?” ‘* Just as soon as you can get ready.” “Very well; on the third day from this we will drop out wii{: the ebb and steam away.” ‘ ‘That is good, Ouptain Elliott; Iam well | satisfied with my bargain and the arrange- ments. All I ask ‘is, do not fail me, for T have more at stake in this than you would ” | dream possible.” ‘*T believe you, for I do not think you are crazy.” fh ee me well, and you will never regret ity Captain Elliott, is all 1 can say. Iam far from crazy, believe me,” 55 The remainder of their talk would be of no interest, for it concerned only arrange- ments in detail, and finally, after a parting glass of wine at a sideboard, they ascended to the deck, _. be As ioe ee Barely had their backs turned and their fect. struck the steps, when a phir, 6f tase came dangling down threugh the open skylight, and asthe heads of the hunchback and Cap- tain Elliott emerged abeve deck, the man who had been listening dropped lightly to the table, ry There it was but the work of a moment — for him to yo up the chart which had been left on the table and get it into hia wy? CELA op why ph b wa Aa ro :
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+ pocket. That done, he took some other papers out of a drawer in the table which the hunchback had left unlocked and open. ‘Then he waited, until the hunchback, having parted with his captain, was heard coming down the steps, when the fellow gave a light spring, caught himself over the coping of the opening, and was gone. CHAPTER II. A SCHEME AND A SHADOW. “‘Jupery Jupe#!” exclaimed the street Arab ‘‘ Ticket,” but now known as Broad- way Billy, Junior,* as something out of the usual claimed bis attention. ‘I have got my awful eye on ye, me ducky, and if this ain’t a case fer my namesake I miss my guess. I reckon I'll git onto your haze, an’ see what you have been up to, anyhow.” Without delaying a moment he set forth after the object of his aroused suspicions. The boy, in all his array of rags and patches, and with his bootblack’s box slung over his shoulder, had sauntered idly out up- on one of the piers for a breath of river air. A beautiful steam yacht was lying along- side the picr, and he stopped to admire her. Two men had just stepped ashore, one a mild-faced hunchback and the other a thick- set, bearded man wearing a uniform of blue with gilt buttons, and they stopped on the edge of the pier to talk. They were there but a few moments, when, after shaking hands, they parted, the man in the uniform walking rapidly away and the hunchback returning aboard the yacht. There he paused fora moment, looking first at the retreating form of the man who had just left him, and then admiringly at the pretty craft, of which Billy Junior rightly guessed he was the owner; when he turned and slowly descended the steps leading into the cabin, Then it was that the mentioned ‘‘some- thing out of the usual” took place, causing the street Arab to break forth in the language quoted. A fellow in sailor’s attire leaped lightly up through the open se in the top of the cabin, turned half a handspring and landed upon his feet like a cat, and was up on the pier and away before any one could have de- tained him. Without delaying a moment, as said, Broadway Billy, Junior, was after him, not ito try to stop him or to call attention to him, but toplay the shadow and learn what his Action meant. ‘‘T'll bet my dinner he’s been liftin’ that hunchback gent’s watch, or somethin’ like that, an’ if he has he'll find he has run ylump up against Broadway Billy’s com- ine,” the boy further muttered. ‘Don’t expect ter take him in myself, but I bet he dlon’t git away from me jest the same,” The sailor had not noticed the boy, on leaving the yacht in such haste, and even had he done so, could never have suspected him for the able little detective he really was, As soon as the man reached the strect he mingled with the crowd, and moved along down the river front. No one could suspect the trick he had just performed; nor would any one imagine that the patched and ragged urchin coming along a little distance behind was shadowing him, The sailor had not gone far when he met -another wearing the same style of hat and jacket as himself, proving that they were or had been messmates aboard the same craft; and when they stopped, the one Billy Junior was following drew the other to the edge of the sidewalk. \ Where they had met the sign of a cheap eating-house stood on the edge of the curb, a donble, tent-like thing of light material on a framework about two feet wide by three times as many in hight, and Ticket the See Half-Dimes 844 and 849, The Bootblack Stowaway. Trump—to give him his old name for the nonce—was under it with the quickness ofa rat-and prepared to take in whatever might be said, He had caught the names of the pair as they greeted each other, and knew that the name of the one he had followed was Mark; the other’s was Tom. ‘You have found a berth, mate,” the one called Tom gbserved. ‘I kin see it in your face.” ‘You're off your reckonin’ this time, Tom; I ain't found no berth, but I have found somethin’ else that may be a good deal better, if it don’t slip its: hawser ‘fore I kin make it fast.” ‘* What is it? What ye talkin’ about?” ‘*When have ye see Cap'n Trycker? Tell me that first, fer I’m most anxious to find him.” ‘*T seen him not two hours ago; went around to see if he has got a ship yet, or any berth, thinkin’ to ship with him, but he hadn’t, so I’m still tuggin’ at my anchor, an’ likely to keep on tuggin’, I’m afeard.” ** But, where is he?” **’Round at Smithkin’s boardin’-house. ‘* All right; we’ll tack off in that direction, Tom,” ‘* But, mate, ye haven’t told me what it is ye’ve sighted,” the other reminded, ‘*Don't know what it is m’self, yet, Tom,” the rejoinder; ‘‘ but it is somethin’ worth tryin’ fer, and don’t you fail to put that down in your log, It’s a big mystery, I tell ye.” “Yes, but ye ain’t tellin’ me; you are worse ’n a dead calm to a sail-craft an’ the cap’n in a hurry.” ‘* Well, I'll give it to ye close-hauled, an’ then we'll wear off an‘ find the cap’n. I think He'll know what to make of it, if ae don't; it may mean a berth fer us both.” ‘*T hope so, anyhow.” “You know I have been keepin’ a sort o’ lookout on the Gauntlet ever since Hump- back bought her and we all got our walkin’- papers, for I wanted to know what he was goin’ to do with her; an’ now I’ve found out.” ‘‘Hoy! Is that so?” “True as preachin’, She's up here at a pier, coaled an’ provisioned for a long trip, an’ now Humpback has shipped a new cap’n and in three days they.are to steam out— that is, if nothin’ happens; but I’m of the opinion that somethin’ will happen.” ** What do you mean?” “T think a I tell Cap’n Trucker what I know, Ae will take a hand in, and maybe they won’t find no Gauntlet when they git ready.” ee Whew whey ‘‘That’s what I mean, Tom, fast as tar an’ pitch, This new captain is to be paid fifty thousing dollars fer this one trip— think of it/ An’ itis to be # secret smug- glin’ v'y’ge.” ‘‘Sounds like the stories a feller reads *bout them old-time prizers, don’t it?” ‘You are right, Tom, But, I am up to ‘em. Ihave got their chart an’ papers, an’ we'll go right off an’ see Trucker an let him figger on the whole thing. Comealong with ye, mate.” Mark gave a tug at his companion’s arm as he spoke, and set off, the other going with him promptly. _ The Arab, Ticket, was out from between ” the sides of the sign in an instant and after | them, His eyes were flashing with interest fully aroused, and he meant to know about this matter if possible, “By Jupe!” he exclaimed under his breath, ‘“‘ but it’s growin’ a trifle interest- in’ now. I must see it out, if I rip a patch or two tryin’. Guess the Broadway ved fever is gettin’ holt on me. the way I feel. Goin’ to steala steam yacht, are they? I think we'll have somethin’ to say about that, me hearties.” Ticket grinned, taking an extra hitch at | his one apology fora swspender as if thus ' girding on his armor for the fray. It was impossible for him to overhear , the further talk of the two sailors as they | elbowed their way along the crowded streets, and their conversation had little interest for us, Mark simply telling his messmate what |! he had heard and seen on board the Gaunt- : Tet. Their destination was a sailors’ boarding- house kept by one Niles Smiihkin, on one of the streets near the river front on which such establishments abound. Smithkin’s house was neither worse nor better than many others of its kind, perhaps. There was asaloon on the ground, with a mess-room at the rear, and above were pu- merous sleeping cubby-holes. Billy Junior Stat a few minutes after | | ‘the two sailors had entered the den, so as fee to give rise to the suspicion that he had been following them, and then boldly | sauntered in with as much independence as | though he carried New, York in his / pocket, | He immediately espied the two men he ' had followed, in conversation with a third, |a squat, square-jawed, &quare-shouldered individual with a short, bristling mustache, whose appearance on the whole was that of a particularly hard man; and at sight of him the young street Arab felt a sensation of fear creep up his back. It was only momentary, however, for the boy's past rough experience had made him really afraid of nothing. ‘* Well, kid, what do you want here?” a rough voice sung out, It was Smithkin who spoke, and Billy Junior, on looking, saw him leaning over the bar and eying him critically. ‘‘Does John Brown the Sailor live here, sir?’ the boy asked, with pretended tim, iditv. , ‘* Mebby he does,” was the response, with a wink at some men who stood near the bar. ** What do you want with John Brown?” ‘‘He’s goin’ to take me on his ship, sir, He told me to come here and wait fer him, and he would take me and make a midship- man of me, sir. If he ain’t here, I’m to wait,” } There was a roar of laughter from those who heard this, and the boy was looked upon with half pity, half amusement, on the part of some. ‘‘That’s purty good, that is!” declared Smithkin, ‘‘Mebby you paid John Brown somethin’ to git the berth fer ye; did ye?” Billy Junior looked surprised at this. ‘How did you know?” he innocently asked, This raised another laugh, and while it was still ringing, the young Arab advanced further into the room and sat down. The trio in whom he was irterested had paid no attention to him, being evidently too much interested in their own affairs, and they had now taken seats and Mark had given the stolen papers into the hands of the hard-looking man, Seeing no good advantage to get near enough to overhear, now that attention had : been so openly called to himself, the boy had to be satisfied with watching, and as the hard-looking man examined the papers which had been put into his possession, a ‘look of keenest interest. appeared on his face. Leaning over the tuble toward Mark, he engaged him in conversation which lasted fully an hour, referring now and then to the ee ——————eEeE——eeEeE———eEeEeEeEEEeEey———EeEeEeE——E——EEeEeE—EEE——————————————EEE——E canine! papers. He finally ordered something to drink, and the three proceeded to make . | merry overa plan which had evidently been fixed upon, whatever it might be; and no | notice having been taken of the Arab by any one for some time, he ventured to draw | nearer to where the men sat, | This Captain Trucker, as he had learned -
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: nets ¥ a> ee a aes eee an renee a Jap wee his name to be, was now his especial game since the stolen papers had passed into his l keeping. CHAPTER ITI. VERA STAFFORD'S STORY. Ir was on tiis same summer day that a lady entered the office of the young metro- politan detective, Billy Weston, re She was young, good-looking, and richly attired, an{ had the air of one born into good society. There was a troubled look upon her fair face, however, and Broadway Billy knew at aglance she had come aeskiag his professional service **Do Laddress Mr. Weston?” she sweetly asked, as Billy rose to greet her. “You do, madam,” Billy, politely answer- ed. ‘‘May | invite you to take a chair? You will find it cooler here by the window.” She took the seat indicated, and Billy re- suming his own chair by the desk, awaifed her pleasure. **[T have come to you for help, Mr. Weston,” she proceeded immediately to ex- plain, ‘Still, I dont know whether the service [ require is in your line of business or not.” , “ Let me hear what it is, madam, and I can decide that point.” . **T will tell you: A dear friend of mine is in danger, and I want him protected for a day or two,” ‘** Maybe [ can serve you; I must have the | full particulars, however, if I am ‘to be of much use in the emergency. Who is this friend of whom you speak?” “It is Mr. Conrad Conningham, who is— I suppose I must be explicit—who is my ac- cepted lover. He has a rival, a dangerous man, [am afraid, since he has threatened desperate things.” “Yet you say you need my protection for Mr, Conningham for only a day or two?” ‘*That is all, sir in his steam yacht, for a voyage, and when a has safely departed your work will be one,” ** Who is this foe—this rival?” ‘** His neme is Elson Longdale, sir.” ‘And, pardon me, your own name is—” “Vera Stafford.” ‘Thank you. Will you tell me still more about the matter, Miss Stafford, so that I may have a full understanding of it all around?” ‘*] scarcely know what further you desire, Mr. Weston.” — ‘Well, I must have the addresses of these men, a8 _wellas yourown, andI ought to know what manner of men they are, and what threats Mr. Longdale has made. The more you tell me the better I shall be able to serve you.” . The young lady gave the addresses re- quired, and said further: ‘As to the threat, Mr. Weston, Elson Longdale has taken a horrible oath that Con- rad shall never marry me, and Iam sure he means it. I could not wed him, for I never liked him, but he has the idea that if Conrad were out of the way I would consent to be- come his wife.” 4 ‘Can you describe these men to me, Miss Stafford?” “Oertainly, sir; or at any rate I will at- tempt it. Mr. Conningham is a deformed man, being a hunchback, but what he lacks in personal appearance he makes up in beauty of character, He has a full, mild face, with large brown eyes, and wears no beard. He _ cannot be called good-looking, and yet he is far from being really homely, as I see him.” Billy inclined ‘his head ‘“‘And the other, Mr, Longdale?” be in- quired. ag “ He is called a handsome man, and I sup- ose he is. He is tall, didly formed, and people wonder how I can s him by for Mr. Conningham; but, if 1é latter ie deformed in body. Mr, Long- Pius | : 4 ' 2 ag Oe Pam annie siping ap a Seale 2 -_ ey oe si ae “if PRE a: is SUPT He expects torgo to sea | graceful and splen- ' ae Mic ah ae The Bootblack Stowaway. dale is no less deformed in character, and I and for that reason I hardly know whether Me 7” ga Lens a wees “>> tes know’ prefer Mr. Conningham with all his de- | ought to serve you or not—” formity to Elson Longdale with his perfect | form yet tarnished moral quality. The con- | “Yes, yes; you must serve me, Mr. Weston; I have the greatest confidence in trast, outwardly, is what makes Mr. Long- | you, and I want to protect Conrad. What- dale all the more bitter.” | /**What of the threat he has made? is it?” | ‘* Why, just what I have told you; he has taken a horrible oath that Conrad and I shall never wed; that I shall not throw my- self away upon that hunchback—as he dis- respectfully calls him. I greatly fear he _means to kill Conrad, if he can, or in some way remove him. Oh! you can protect him _—~you will protect him, Mr. Weston?” **T will endeavor to do so, Miss Stafford,’ cr the way, do you expect to go to sea with r. Conningham?” ‘Oh, no, sir!” **Pardon my asking, but I thought may- : be you intended marrying immediately, and | this was to be the honeymoon excursion; I know most brides expect a little jaunt out ' into the world after the knot has been tied, before they settle down for the lifetime jog in domestic harness.” Billy spoke in his pleasing, droll way, his handsome eyes Ny Meagan and the young | lady smiled as she listened. ‘*Oh, no; you are wrong in your guess, sir,” she made response. ‘‘ Mr. Conning- : ham is going alone, and really 1 do not know where he is going, or why.” | ‘That seems strange, secing that you are his bride to be.” | **So I think, too; but he declines to tell me; says he cannot do so, and bas begged me not to urge him.” “And you fully trust him?” _ Oh, yes; Conrad is the soul of honor, sir.” *Do you think it is possible that his rival can be at the bottom of his going?” 7 ‘‘Do you know, that same thought came ~tome, and I asked Conrad; but he said no, . it was impossible; that Elson could not pos- What / sibly know anything about his intention of going to sea.” ‘Do you know where he is going?” ‘1 do not.” ** Or how long he will be gone?’ ; ‘* He will be absent several weeks, so he has told me,” | “There is something behind this, Miss Stafford, Iam sure, for it is an unusual proceeding on the part of such a man as you have described Mr. Conningham to be. | here is certainly something back of it.” | ‘ Again you think asJ do, Mr. Weston; this isa matter that has troubled me not alittle. I ‘have tried to get Conrad'to tell me all about it, but he says he positively cannot do so; it | is a secret, he says, which must be forever ' locked in his own breast; that it is something I must never know.” | _ Worse and worse. But, this is nothing , to me, since you do not want me to pry into his secret; you want me merely to protect his life until he has safely sailed away.” ** Yes, that is all; and yet— But, that is all, Mr. Weston.” ‘«T will attend to it, then. I will have him - followed and watched over from now until | the time of his departure.” | “That question of yours, Mr. Weston; do igs think it possible that Mr, Longdale can e at the bottom of it all? You cannot un- derstand how anxiousI am about it, and et—~"?* , : [ ii No, madam, I do not think so, now, since ou say your lover declares it to be impossi- le. But, as I said, there is something very strange back of it, and it may so happen that— But, there, what is the use of idl speculation?” ’ ** What were you about to say?” “Well, I wns going to add that events might so come around as to throw this secret into my possession, since I am to have Mr, Conningham under my eye for a time, ' } 7 ‘ ' ' ’ eee eee eee SSS ever you learn, keep it locked in your own breast and never reveal it to a living soul.” ‘Certainly, so far as that goes, Miss Stafford; but I had not quite done. | If this secret happens to be something of a criminal nature, what then? You know lam a de- tective—” The young woman had paled for a second, but the next moment she smiled, as she in- terrupted: ‘* You do not know Conrad Conningham as I know him, sir, or you would never sus- pect anything of that sort,” with all con- fidence in her tone. ‘‘ Were all the world to declare him guilty, I would still believe in his innocence,” ‘* Guilty of what?” It was a thrust by which Billy hoped to surprise a disclosure, if the young woman was holding anything back. “Of anything that might be charged against him, no matter what, sir,” with all frankness. ‘‘ Unfortunate man that he is, Mr. Conningham is the prince of honor, and nothing could shake my faith in him,” Broadway Billy saw that she was sincere, and there was nothing further to be said, The young woman took her leave. When she bsd gone Broadway Billy tapped a tiny bell on his desk, and the door leading intoan adjoining room opened and his two able aides, Happy Harry and Silent Seth came into the office. ‘* What is it, boss?” eagerly demanded the impulsive Harry. ‘‘Is it a new case fer us to bend our brains to? 1 hope. so, for here we have been two whole days withoutatap . of work to do, and I feel as rusty as any old cheese-knife. Can’t stand it if somethin’ don’t—” : “Cork right wp, sir!” Billy ordered. ‘‘ That tongue of yours will never get a chance to rust, that is certain. I have work for you and Seth, and I want you to set about it im- mediately.” . ‘*Hooriy!” cried Harry. ‘‘ How does that strike you, Silent Shadower?” He gave Seth a playful slap on the shoul- der, but the imperturbable Seth showed no aoe whatever, only waiting for instruc- tions. ‘Tt will be something new for you both,” Billy went on to say. ‘‘ You, Seth, are to play the guardian over a certain man whose name and address I will give you, and you, Harry, are to keep an eye upon his foe to see that i does not harm him. It will be fora couple of days only,” f Harry's face dropped. brad ‘*That will be rather tame sort 0’ work,” he complained. “It may or it may not; I am inclined to think there is going to be some excitement before you get through with it.” Their chief then went on to give them_ such an understanding of the matter as they needed, and having received their instruc- tions the two beagles set out on their still hunt. Even Billy had no idea of the magnitudd of the work his aids and himself’ were to perform in this apparently common- place case. \ CHAPTER IV. pveaes AN UNEXPECTED DANGER, Riess: Tue gamin, Ticket, when he had moved _ nearer to where Captain Trucker and_ his companions were seated, in the saloon where — we left him, found he was able to catch a_ word now and then of what was being said. — He had by this time come to feel quite at home in the place, and the proprietor being _ kept bow most of the time, he had not been furthered questioned, andin fact little if any further notice had been taken of him after the first remarks: upon his. entering.
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ager to hear more, he edged along on a bench that stood by the wall, near the end of which was the table where the trio of sus- pects were sitting. Inch by inch he moved, till finally he could have touched Captain Trucker had he desired. Now he had command of what was being said almost as fully as though he was one of the patty himself. ** You never did a better stroke of work in your life, Mark Welch,” was the first com- ap remark he got hold of. ‘‘ You and om get the old crew together, if you can find them, and we'll make the venture, ote board the yacht this very night, and 0 Billy Junior's heart gave a great leap. The next moment it gave another and greater still, when a temptation was put in his way. As he concluded speaking, Captain Trucker thrust the papers into the outside pocket of his jacket on that side nearest to where the urchin detective was sitting, as if inviting him to take them. This the little Arab fairly itched to do, but the hesitated, He knew who had the papers, and by keeping him in sight, the eepet could not really be lost, and he would in some way bring about their recovery. ** Good fer you, cap’n!” one of the sailors meantime had exclaimed. ‘ We are with ye, heart an’ soul, in this thing, sure’s my name’s Tom Sand.” “Right ye be, messmate,” Mark Welch echoed, ‘‘Come along an’ we’ll hunt up the boys, if we kin find ’em, an’ when we tell 7em what is in the wind, I’ll bet they’ll ship fast enough.” The tworose from their chairs, ““You must be back here by ten sharp to- night,” Captain Trucker reminded, “Don’t you fear but we'll be on hand, cap’n,” was the response, ‘‘ We understand the hull thing as plain as the compass,” They turned away with that, and as they did so the hard-looking captain rose from his seat, after gulping down the remaining liquor in his glass, and moved over in the direction of the bar. He stopped for a moment to speak to Smithkin, after which he sauntered to the door and out. Ticket remained in his place as if turned ‘to stone, The papers the captain had put in his pocket lay on the floor at his feet! With one foot he had moved his boot- black’s box so as to conceal them from sight. The papers being folded long, and the pocket of the man’s jacket being shallow, just a touch under the edge of the table as e rose from his chair bad turned them out, and he had never noticed it, No sooner had the man passed out the door than Billy Junior stooped and flipped the papers into his box, ard rising, with the ‘same motion, flung the box overt shoulder and made forthe door, While he had hesi- tated about taking the papers out of the man’s “opthena he did not hesitate over this chance or recovering lost property. ** illo!” the proprietor called out to him, ‘as he passed the bar. ‘‘ Not going, are ye, sonny ?” “Yes, I’m goin’,” the Arab answered, in tone of disgust. ‘‘I don’t believe John Brown is comin’ here a tall, I don’t; I think he’s fooled me.” : ‘“* Well, yes, I think so, too; somebody has played ye fer a sucker, my boy, and that’s ~all there is about it. You'll know more after you have cut your wisdom teeth ‘n what ye ‘do now.” Billy Junior made some response in a half- muttered way, but did not pause in his ‘march toward the door. He looked up and down the street the mo- sment.he passed out, and saw Trucker only a The Bootblack Stowaway. few steps away talking with a good-lookin man whom he had evidently just met, abd taking the opposite direction, the Arab made off as fast as he could go. On leaving the place, Captain Trucker had come face to face with this man before go- ing a dozen paces, and the man had stopped him, ‘The very person I am pet for, Cap- tain Trucker,” he cried, catching hold of the captain’s arm. ‘*Ha! is it you, Mr. Longdale?” the cap- tain responded, and he offered his hand in the most friendly manner, ‘‘Nobody else, I assure you,” as they shook hands. ‘‘I hunted up the Gauntlet to find you, and to my amazement learned she has been sold and you and all the crew dis- charged.” “That’s the way it stands, Mr. Longdale, we're all ashore and the yacht is in other hands,” ‘But, why in the world did Hewson part with her?” ** Why, he bet so heavy on that last fight, and lost, that I guess he was glad to let her go. He’s one of the boys, you know.” ‘*Yes, I know heis. But, who owns the Gauntlet now?’ ‘A man named Conningham, a hunch- back.” ‘“The dickens!” ‘* Why does that surprise you?” ‘*Because I know the man, and I know he already has one steam yacht, Ican’timagine what he can want with another,” The captain smiled, as far as his hard face was capable of taking on a smile, but he said nothing. He knew the reason, and it was one which it was to his interest to keep close, ‘What did you want to see me for?” he asked, Tt’s all up, now, if you are out of the Gauntlet. I hada piece of work 1 wanted you to do, that’s all,” ‘* Let's step into Smithkin’s here and have achat. It may not be all up, forI have a httle job of my own on hand and it is possi- ble I can work them both together. e’ll see— Great hurricanes!” ‘* What’s the matter?” ** My papers!”’ The captain had put his hand to his jacket pocket as he spoke, his words reminding him of the papers, and great was his surprise to find them gone. He hastily scanned the sidewalk, and not finding them, left his companion and ran back to the saloon, dashing in and going to the table where he had been talking with the two sailors so shortly before.. , Longdale followed him, and entered the door just as Trucker cried out: **T say, Smithkin!” ** Well, what’s the matter, Cap’n Trucker?” the proprietor asked, giving his attention at once, “Did you see anything of some folded papers here after I went out? I had ’em in this pocket while I was sittin’ here, but now they're gone.” ‘*No, ain’t seen ’em,” Then it was that the captain began to storm and swear in a thoroughly piraticat fashion, and if swearing could turn things blue, as is sometimes farcifully said, things in that saloon would have assumed a decided- ly azure tint. But, all his swearing availed nothing; the apers were gone, and he could not guess ‘how, when or where he had lost them. He had to accept the theory that some one had taken them out of his pocket on the street, At last when he was calm enough to ap- proach, Longdale spoke to him. “Well, they seem to be gone, captain,” he said, ‘‘ so what are you go do do about it? Come, let’s sit down and have a chat as you said, You thought maybe you could help me—” “Yes, but dash upon dash, man, you don’t understand it! I’d have given up my life sooner than give up those papers. If I could be sure they were destroyed, that would be different; but not knowing where they are is what worries me. I'd give my right hand, almost, to get hold of them.” “That don’t help the matter a bit; they are gone,” ‘Yes, curse the luck,” The captain dropped upon a chair in a heartless way, as if he little cared what might happen now, * Yes, I wanted to see you,” Longdale brought the talk back to his own interests; ‘*but with the Gauntlet out of the question I don't see how you can be of any use to me—” ‘The Gauntlet isn’t out of the question,” the captain growled, being in just the right frame of mind to be reckless, ‘** Not out of the question? mean, Trucker?” ‘*T could steal her in an hour, if I wanted her.” ‘‘Ha! But, you wouldn’t dare do it.” **You don't know me, Elson Longdale, I dare do anything, and that would be a mighty small matter.” “Say, then,” in alow and cautious tone, ‘« would a thousand dollars in hand be any inducement for you to steal her and and take a little ocean excursion in her?” ** What d’ye mean?” ‘Exactly what I say.” «Yes, it would. I’m in the mood forany- thing desperate. You show me the color of a thousand dollars, and I’m your man,” ‘It’s a bargain! You are the very man I want for the business, for I know I can fully trust you, once you have undertaken itforme. If you'll do it, Il give you the thousand dollars cash down.” ‘‘I’m your man; say on,” ‘‘This man you have mentioned, this Conningham, is a fellow I bitterly hate and it seems I am going to be able to deal him a double blow. We both love a certain youn lady, and she is determined to throw hersel away upon this hunchback, while I am as determined she shall not, ** Now, the matter is just this: I am going to steal her, take her away to sea, and force her to marry me whether she will or not. _ It is harsh measures, but she will thank me for it when she comes to her senses afterward, And, if I can take her in Conningham’s own yacht, so much the greater my revenge upon the hateful hunchback. Now, what do you say to it?” ‘Captain Trucker leaned over the table, laid a firm grasp upon the other’s arm, and hoarsely whispered: **Give me the thousand, and have the girl on the dock at midnight.” CHAPTER V. WHAT I8 HIS SECRET? ConrapD CONNINGHAM, returning to the cabin of the Gauntlet after parting with Captain Elliott, advanced to the table and had actually put out his hand to take up the chart he had left lying there before he per- ceived it was gone. He gave a start, and his eyes swept the chairs, the floor, and in whole cabin, in search of it. ‘*Gone!” he gasped, turning pale. ° For' the moment he seemed dazed, and pressed his hand to his forehead. ‘Is it possible Captain Elliott took it?” he asked himself, half aloud. ‘ No, I know he did not,” answering the query immediate- ly; ‘‘it was lying here as we went out, and. he was abead of me.” The drawer in the table was open about as he had ieft it, and he sprung to look in that, as a sudden fear seemed to seize him. ‘My God!” he cried, the instant he look- ed, and he sunk down upon a chair, ‘A, thief has been here! The papers are gone, What do you uickly act the
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‘not foive minutes ago.” - had a box slung on one shoulder av him, and I would have given up my life sooner than lose them.” With a groan he allowed his head to sink upon his breast, and thus he remained for several seconds, : Suddenly he roused up, springing to his cet. ‘‘Who took them?” he cried. ‘‘ There was certainly no one on board the yacht, and positively there was no one here in the cabin. ie were those. papers spirited away in so short atime? I must notify the police immediately— But, I dare not go to the police with it! What am I to do?” The expression of his face was one of keenest despair. ‘* What am I to do?” he repeated over and over again. ‘‘ Who has taken them trom me? No man living knew I had such papers in my possession; nota soul shared the secret with my father. I cannot understand it. Ha! is it possible that some one was listen. in If so, all is lost—lost!” ie looked up at the open skylight above the table, and from that sprung to examine the top. of the table more closely. ‘*It is true—true!” he cried. ‘‘ Some one listened, heard all that was planned, and has stolen the papers! All is lost. There | is but one thing to do and that is to start as ney Bh ossible— But, how can I find what I seek without the papers to guide me? Great heavens! what am I to do? certainly must not idle away time here, but must see Elliott again immediately.” On the top of the table he had discovered the marks of feet, and it was easy to under- stand, then, how the papers had been stolen and how the thief had entered and left the cabin. Searching yet once again, even through all his pockets, though he had been. so sure where the papers had been, he finally left | the cabin, put the skylightin place, returned and secured it inside, then locked the cabin and left the yacht. Men were busily engaged further along the dock, and he approached and called to one of them, ‘*Did you see any one leaving that yacht a few minutes ago, my man?” he asked. “Oi did thot, sor,” was the broad Milesian reply. ‘‘Oisaw a ragged little divil av a bootblack makin’ thracks away from dhere ‘* Had he anything in his hands?” ‘‘Oi did not see dhat he had, sor, but he loike any other little imp av his koind, sor.” ‘Thank you, my man.’ s Has anyt’ing been tooken from dhe boat, sor Ld ‘*Yes, some very valuable papers have been stolen, and I would willingly give a hundred dollars for their recovery. ‘*Begob! an’ it’s mese]’ dhat would loike to be afther recovering av dhem fur ye, sor, and av Oi see dhe little spalpeen around here io et haa foind out phwhether he took dhem or no “ All right, my good man, I wish you would.” ‘* Mr. Copsingham walked away, not a little relieved in mind, ‘* Well, if the papers have been. taken by a mere hoy,” he mused, ‘‘it may not be so bad. Finding they are not valuable to him, he may destroy them, and, great as the loss is, that will be better than exiea them fall into the hands of some person who could use them against me,” The wncertanity, however, caused the troubled look to remain upon his face as he |, left the dock, | Losing no time, he made his way to the office of one of the steamship companies, where he was fortunately just in time to meet Captain Elliott as he was coming away. an what isthe matter?” the captain j “That chart, my papers,” the hunchback * = i tet The Bootblack Stowaway. answered hastily; ‘‘I could not find them when I went back.” ‘The chart was left lying on the table, Mr. Conningham; I did not see anything. of any papers while I was there. Who do you suppose took them?” The hunchback told what he knew of the matter. ‘Tt is too bad,’’ the captain sympathized, ‘“ but we can get along without the chart, knowing where the island is.’ ‘* Yes, but the papers: 1 doubt whether we can find what weare going for with- out them. We must sail just as soon as possible, Captain Elliott, to prevent any one gettin there ahead of us.” ell, let us make it the day after to- morrow, then, instead of the third day from this, as arranged. T'll do my best not to disa point you.’ Very. well; but even earlier than that, if BS Ak They talked further, and when finally they parted the hunchback took a carriage, giving the driver directions toa place well up-town. His destination was a handsome residence on one of the aristocratic streets and the servant who answered his ring showed him every mark of respect, recognizing him as one having the entree. “Ts Miss Stafford at home?’ he made in- quiry. es, sir,’ walk in, sir?” He was courteously shown into the draw- ing-room, wherein a few minutes Miss Staf- ford joined him. It was the same Miss Stafford whose ac- quaintance we have already made, of course, the Vera Stafford whom we have seen at the office of the detective. ‘*Tam glad to see you!” she exclaimed, offering him both her hands with the utmost unreserve. ‘‘I have been thinking about ouallday. But, your eyes look troubled, hat is it, Conrad?” I, Nothing serious, loved one,” with a fond caress. ‘I have met with a loss, that is all,” ** A loss?” ‘* Yes; some valuable ati I bring you worse news than that, however, if you love me as well as you say you do.” “*Can you question that?” “Not for a moment, my darling Vera. 0 news I rye you is, that I have come say 8 good-by sooner than I expected I ean I Cock. found a captain for my new yacht, and we sail just as quickly as we can get ready.” The young woman’s face grew sad imme- diately. * the reply. ‘‘ Will you please ‘*T wish you were not going,” she said. 53 Or, if you must go, that I were going with ou,’ ‘*Impossible, Vera. And 1 must go; nothing must detain me, not even you, my dearest.” ‘* But, wit im ost les: Conrad?” - Positively, ‘*T know, as things are; but, could I not £0, as—as your wife ‘*No, loved one, no. This is a secret which you cannot: share, and about which you must never question me.” “Do you think this quite fair to me?” “‘ [know it is not, but Iam helpless. You trust me, do you not?’ ‘Yes, I know I can trust you, but can Sa not tell me more of this matter than you ve told me?” “Ts it not enough when [I tell you Iam helpless? This secret is not mine, but an- other's, Vera. he pe you not trust me fully now? Need more? Gladly would I tell you all, a I but do so,” “Tt is enough, Conrad; I will press you no further.” ‘* Bless you, my precious.” ** And when do you return?” the young ~ woman asked, when their talk again turik upon the proposed voyage. v ‘“‘T cannot tell, but 1 do not expect to be — away two months all together. After that time you may look for me any moment,” ** It will seem two years to me.” “« And to me,” ‘*One question more, Conrad, before I let ou go: Do you still assure me that Elson ngdale can have nothing to do with this voyage?” The hunchback laughed lightly. ‘‘Of course I still assure you of that,” he 4 answered. ‘‘Elson Longdale can know 2H nothing about this secret, and if he did, } could not one way or the other influence me ta% in the matter.” : He had risen to take his leave, and again i: he held her hands in his. It was a striking contrast, the beautifnl a young woman, superbly molded, and this re man so deformed. wa Taking their faces alone, however, and Be more especially their eyes, the difference Cle was not so great; in fact, both were expres Ap sive of truth and honor and hy alge lacey ** You know I am anxious for your safety, ieee © after the threat be made,” the lady rejoined. a “You will be watchful of him, will you not?” if ‘Yes, I will be watchful, but there is Ae nothing 16 fear; bis threat was a meaning- 1 ba less one, born of his disappointment; he 4 a would not attempt to carry it out, I am | a sure.” = Fe) ‘‘T am not so sureof that, Conrad. His 1 character is. not like yours, and for that rea- 31g son eer must be guarded,” at ane are too apprehensive, I am She Bay t can he do to carry out his Jie. threat?” ips at ‘‘He might kill you; and in truth that ed was what I inferred he meant.” Aan? ‘“Oh, no; he may be evil, but he is not ~ wo i), bad enough for that. But, be not anxious, a for I will guard against him,” sh e . And so their conversation closed, so far as. Pe) p53 it concerns us, and_ present] they parted. 4 ia Little they imagined how their mutual foe— so to call him—meant to carry out the threat. he had made, ' CHAPTER VI. er A CLUE AND A RUSE. a Broapway Bruty was about leavin ng his ; office for the day when the door opened and pic Billy Junior entered, in all the glory of his ts! rags and patches, De e will designate him ‘Billy Sect without the formality of a comma, for so he | was now called, as if the ‘‘ junior” were his. last name proper. His old name came out once in a while, as on this occasion, “Hello, Ticket,” Billy greeted him; ‘ ‘* what brings you here?” ee “Don’t you go o back on me likethat, now, oh ee, Mr. Weston,” the Arab complained, “Tam rs Broadway Billy, Junior.” “‘That’s so; I beg your pardon. Well, Billy Junior, what have you got to say for yourself? Have- you been running up against a case again? You don’t bear any : marks of having got the worst of it.” kaa ) ‘‘Mebby I don’t, boss, but Ihave bucked Bec up against another riddle, and don’t you i dowbt it. I’ve poked my nose into one of the greatest old ring-twisted diffikilties you ever heard tell of, by Jupe! Tve gota tale ne to ontwist that'll make your hair git up an” curl,” Billy es to laugh at the urchin’s earnest- ness, and he saw his own early boyhood — faithfully portrayed. He had well named. this little fellow Broadway Billy after bim- self, “Well, take a seat, Billy Junior,” hein- vited, ‘and let_me hearal about it. There — must be something in it, I suppose,” ; ‘* Something in it!” cried the young name- — 3 sake, as he put his box on the floor and sat. — down on it, taking off his ragged cap and
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Inistaken in my estimate of a character. a +47 ee. 7 The Bootblack Stowaway. 7 mping it down beside him. ‘ You will Bay there is, I guess, when you have heard me chirp.” “Then let me hear you.” Billy Junior went ahead, then, and told his story in his own peculiar and faithful manner, his chief listening with close atten- tion. ‘* Well, this is interesting, sure enough,” Broadway Billy declared, when he had heard all, ‘This is something out of the usual, decidedly. But, where are the papers?” “I’m divin’ fer’em now,” Billy Junior made answer, and he was thrusting his hand—and almost his arm as well—into the ragged recesses of hisattire. ‘‘ Ha! here they are; [ knowed they couldn’t git out 0’ that, even if they did roam around a bit.” Broadway Billy laughed again as he took the papers, and he turned to his desk to look them over and learn what they were. He had not proceeded very far when his face: changed expression, and a prolonged whistle escaped his lips. *“What is it, Mr, Weston?” Billy Junior asked eagerly. “Tt is a wonderful discovery, that’s what it is, my boy,” Billy answered, ‘‘ A secret that has been dead these forty years.” “And is jest comin’ to life again?” ** Yes, thanks to you.” ‘“That was a purty long snooze, forty years, now wasn’t it?, Guess it went dead fore I was born. But, what is it?” *« That I cannot tell you, now. It is some- thing for which the detectives of the whole world were on the alert forty years ago, a mystery which they gave over in despair of ever solving.” “ An’ you are goin’ to do it?” ‘Tt is done already; these papers set forth the whole matter in plain words. Mind you, not a breath of this to a living soul, Ticket.” ‘* Billy Joonyer, if ye please, boss.” ‘* Yes, so I meant.” ‘“‘ Trust me fer that. I’m Broadway Billy the Second, and I’m goin’ to be jest as near like the First as 1 kin. You'll never hear a peep out of me ef you say 80, an’ that’s what ye have said.” **T know I can trust you; I am seldom You say they intend stealing that yacht to-night?” “ This very night, boss, They are to meet at Smithkin’s at ten, and I s’pose they'll go from there to the boat an’ cut her loose and steam out. Thatis, that’s what they have planned.” . “« And we'll let them carry it out, too.” ‘“What! Ain’t you goin’ to stop ’em?” “Nota bit, Billy Junior; but [ am going to sail with them, if I have to take passage as a stowaway.” ‘* Jupety Jupe! Yedon’t meanit, do ye?” “Of course [ mean it. Would I say so if I didn’t?” Even while talking thus with the boy, Billy was still looking at the papers and his brain was busy. It was ashe had said, Here he was mas- ter of a secret that had for years been the age of the world. He could hardly be- ieve that he was awake and not dreaming. That it should have remained for him to clear the matter up, seemed wonderful. But, then, he had not Ascompliahed that end yet; he had only come into the possession of the means by which to do it.* Whether he would be able to carry out his purpose or not, was another question. The matter was one about which he had heard, or read, but it had never been much thought about, except as a matter of wonder, A mystery which had been given up years before he was born and had little concern forhim. But now it was different; he had come into ssession of the key which would unlock the whole enigma. Now he could understand the mystery sur- rounding Conrad Conningham, and the se- cret voyage he proposed making. Ene LEE eee" He could understand why Gonningham could not tell his betrothed his secret. When he had studied the papers to his sat- The sailor advanced to where the man sat, and was invited to take a seat, which he did. The sailor was Broadway Billy, and; he had isfaction he put them in his pocket, and! found bis man. turned to Billy Junior, who had remained quiet since his last-quoted question. ‘*Some points you haven’t given me, Billy Junior,” he spoke. ‘‘ What dock is this yacht lying at? And what isthe address of this boarding-house where you overheard the plot to steal her?” The questions were promptly answered. ‘Good enough,” said Billy, then. ‘‘If you want to do further workin the case, Billy Junior, you may go back there and pick up whatever you can. I will be there this evening, in disguise as a sailor, but you must take good care not to draw attention to me, should you recognize me.” Full assurance was given on that point, and Billy knew he could trust the shrewd boy. Billy Junior having told all he had to tell, nothing remained bunt for him to take his leave, and when he had done so Broadway Billy closed the office and went home. It would not pay him to waste time trying to look up Harry and Seth, and it was not necessary anyhow, since he could leave word for them at home, where they would come as soon as the work which had been given them would allow. The evening was advancing when a jolly sailor rolled rollickingly into the boarding- house kept by Niles Smithkin, He was a young man with a full, round faceand a complexion a woman might envy, and was solidly built and the picture of health and good spirits. At first glance one might have thought he was ve a little tipsy, but a second look would put that thought to flight. He was simply jolly, that wasall, and completely happy. ‘* Hello, mate!” called out Smithkin, cheer- ily, ‘‘ you seem to be as ‘happy as a clam.” ‘* Might as well be that way as any other, cap’n,” was the response. ‘‘ Don’t want to go around like a water-logged hulk ’cause the tide is ’gainst me.” ‘*What’s the matter? Out of a berth?” “That's it.” ** Well, that’s bad, sure enough; but as long as a feller hasa little money to tide over with—” ““That’s what's the matter with me, cap'n, I’m iu a dead calm; ain't got enough money left for the price ofa bed to-night; but, what's the odds so Icng’s you're happy?” There was evidence of reserve in Smith- kin’s manner immediately. A sailor with money is the delig’ t of Jack Tar’s boarding-house; one without that es- sential commodity is not wanted. “Kin ye give me a bunk fer to-night?” the young sailor‘openly asked. ‘“Can't do it,” the reply. ‘We are full clear up to-night, and you'll have to look further.” With that the proprietor of the place cut his part of the conversation short and turned away, the sailor looking after him for a mo- ment before speaking, - ‘* That's the way it goes,” he presently ob- served. ‘‘ When I had a pocketful of barn- acles I was a purty good feller; now that I ain’t gotnone I don’tamount tomuch. But, T ain’t goin’ to cry.” His face immediately reassumed its happy look, and he broke out in a verse of a jolly song, Thus he walked down the room, his hands in his pocket, and every eye upon him. He had not proceeded far when he was hailee. **Look here, Jack!” a voice called out, and he stopped to learn who had spoken to him, if to him at all. At one of the tables was a hard-looking man, who motioned. ‘* What's your name?” Captain Trucker asked, ** Jack Roper,” the prompt answer. ‘And you're out of a berth and out of money, you say?” ., ‘That's jes’ the kind of a storm I’m tryin’ to ride out, cap’n,” quite as promptly. ‘* Well, you seem like a likely hand; how would you like to ship with me?” Trucker asked. § ‘*T’m ready to ship with aflybody, on any kind of a craft, provided there is grub in the locker and I can have a hack at it shortly.” “Then T’litake you,” was the short deci- sion. ‘I’m going to sail about midnight, for a short voyage. Go into the back room there and I'll order you a supper, and then you can wait around till the rest of the crew get here.” Billy gladly accepted, and did as directed. His ruse had worked even better than he bad dared to hope it would. CHAPTER VII. SETTING A CRUEL SNARE, Bruty Junror, in leaving the office of his patron, went forth with a keen desire to fig- ure further in the case upon which he had already done so striking a stroke of work. He hardly cared to venture again into the saloon where he had picked up the papers dropped by Captain Trucker, fearful that the captain iight still be there and that he might remember him and call him to ac count. And if not there, it would be a waste of time to go anyhow, So, instead, he bent his steps in the direc- tion of the pier where the yacht Gauntlet was inoored. He reached his destination, and went out upon the dock with his usual air of independ- ence, The yacht was still there, with no one aboard so far as could be seen, Billy Junior advanced to where she was made fast, and dropping his box, sat down upon it to think and to watch while he thought. ‘I'd like to, by Jupe!” his thinking soon reached a climax. ‘‘If Broadway William is going with ’em, Broadway William the Twoth would like to go ditto. But, I don’t see how it’s possible.” At that moment a heavy hand fell upon his shoulder, closing sufficiently tight to hold him and yet having strength in reserve to crush him if that was necessary, as the boy instantly thought, and withacry of alarm the young boctllack leaped to his feet, He found himeelf in the grasp of a power- ful, red-faced Irishman, ‘* Ah-ha, ye spalpeen!” the man exclaim- ed, ‘‘Oihave got ye, have Oi? Maybe it is somet’ing more ye would be afther stealing.” ‘“You letme go,” cried Billy Junior, jerk- ing to get away. ‘‘ITaint been stealin’ nothin’ yet, an’ stealin’ ain't in my line sh how. Let me go, I tell ye, ye great big duffer,” ‘A great big duffer, am Oi? ‘Fur wan cint it’s flinging av ye cl’ane over into dhe wather Oi'd be, Don’t ye be tellin’ me it’s nothin’ ye have been stealing; didn’t Oi see ye wid me own two eyes? Phwere’s dhem papers ye was afther takin’ from dhe cabin av dhis boat?” ‘‘T ain’t took no papers from no cabin—” “‘Don’t ye be lyin’ to Pat McGoon, ye spalpeen. Didn't Oi see ye run away wid em—” : “a No, what di e didn’t; but I was after the feller take em. You let me go, or I’ll hi fur the p’lice. You can’t scare me even f you are biggest.” Begob, ye “Yell fur dhe p’lice, w’u'd ye?
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A a ESS weer may do that same an’ welcome, an ye want to; it will save me dhe throuble av taking ye | wishing for? to dhem mesel’, dhat is all, Oi want dhem papers ye took.” **T didn’t take any papers.” ‘Ye loie, ye spalpeen.” ** No, I don’t lie.” ** Oi say ye do.” **T don’t,” **Didn’t dhe gintleman come out an’ tell me roihgt afther ye had skipped out wid dhem? And didn’t be tell me he would give me a hundred dollars an Oi would get dhem back again furhim? An ye know whin ye are well off, me b'y, ye will hand dhem over instanter,” ; Billy Junior was in a bad fix and he knew t. In avoiding danger at the boarding-house saloon, he had run right into it here where he had least expected it. He protested kis innocence with all earn- estness, but he could not convince his captor that he was telling the truth, and he dared not undertake to prove it, for that would be tray Broadway Billy. “‘Dhen ye won't tell me?” the Irishman finally demanded, after giving his little pris- oner a good shaking. ‘**T do tell ye I’m innocent,” Billy Junior insisted. ‘‘Can’t.ye believe me?” ‘*Begob, Oi can't, dhen. Do ye know phwat Oi'’m going to do wid ye?” ** You are big enough to eat me, if you have a mind to.” ‘* Dhe which same Oi haven’t; it is more choice av me stoomach Oi am; but Oi am go. ing to make a prisoner av ye till dhe morry whin dhat gintleman will come around. Oi am afther dhat hundred dollars, and don’t ye turget it,”’ ‘* Well, you won't get it, all the same, if you have to get the papers to earnit. I didn’t take the pores from the boat, and that settles it. ou kin make me a prisoner if ye want to, but that’s all the good it will do ye. I'll makeit hot fur you when I do get away, though, you bet.” ‘‘ Bah! it is talkin’ ye are, and Oi’m going to hould fast to ye. along wid me.” With that the burly Irishman, having a firm grip on the Arab’s collar, lifted him clear and carried him toward the yacht. The workingmen had been leaving the dock when the boy appeared, and now no one was at hand to see what was going on and the Irishman had it all his own way. Stepping aboard the yacht, he opened the hatch over the hold with one hand, and with the other swung his prisoner over and allow- ed him to drop in, seeming to care little whether it hurt him or not. ‘** Dhere,” he called down to him. ‘‘ How do ye loike dhat? Oi t’ink it is safe ye will kape dhere till dhe morry, and whin dhe gintleman comes Oi will tell him ye are dhere and he can get a policeman to help ye out. Ye may as well go to slape and take it'asy, fur it is fastening down dhe hatch Oi'll doing now.” Billy Junior rattled off a defiant response, but the man not paying any attention, closed the hatch and secured it and left the yacht. ur sd a Jupe!” cried Billy Junior to him- self, ‘‘ but here isa pretty mess, sure enough, I guess 4 to sea now, whether I want to or not. onder what they’ll do with me when they find me aboard? Mebby they’ll throw me over fer shark bait—but, then, Billy the Onest will be there, if his plan carries, an’ he'll put ina good word fer me.” He knew it would be useless to try to get out, so did not make any attempt to do so, but sat down on his box there in the dark aud proceeded philosophically to make the best of a bad situation. Fortunately he had landed upon his feet, like a cat, and that upon a level surface, and as the fall had not been a great one, he had . escaped injury, Oi have got ye Come ~~ a, The Bootblack Stowaway. 4 } f ; pe — And, was not this just what he had been ! nature himself, and knowing he had offers. quickly decided that if any danger threatened In the mean time what of Happy Harry | Conrad Conningham from this source, this and Silent Seth? was the man for him to shadow. Seth, it will be remembered, had been set So, he allowed Longdale to go and took as guardian over Mr. Conningham, while | up this other instead. Harry was to keep a watchful eye upon El- Harry had not learned his name, but that son Longdale, was immaterial so long as he knew him by The first move on the part of the Silent | sight and was piping him. Shadower bad been to go to the man’s resi- The fellow remained around the hotel a dence and make inquiry for him, in order to | long time, pesos and jidling, talking when getupon his track, but at first he had met | he had any one to talk with; and every little with slow success. while consulting his watch, as if not to over- Conningham was out, and the servants wii his time. could not say where he had gone or when he | t last he went forth, and Happy Harry would return with any degree of certainty, | after him. so there was nothing for Seth todo but re- | The man went toa stable, hired a closed main in the street and watch for his coming,.| carriage, and mounting the box with the and by so doing his patience was at last re. | driver, engaged him in earnest talk as the warded, vehicle rolled away. ; A carriage finally drew up before the Harry was not left behind, be assured. house and stopped, and Mr. Conningham | The carriage drove straight to the house of alighted, Seth recognizing him immediately, | Vera Stafford, where the driver sprung down there being small chance for a mistake in | from his box and ran up the steps and rung this respect; and the carriage drove away. | the bell. And so, Seth now having his man safely at home, his mind was more at ease. It now remained only for him to see that no harm came to him. Hours passed. Night came on, and a light in a certain room, and a shadow on a curtain, showed Seth which room the hunch- back occupied. No one entered or left the house. Finally at a late hour, the light was put out, and the house was dark, and not until then did the young detective think of leaving his post; nor even then, till he had waited an ample time to see whether any vne would come out following the ex- tinguishment. As well assured as he could be, then, that his man was safe for the night, he gave up his vigil and went home, where the surpris- ing word left by Billy awaited him, CHAPTER VIII. HARRY'S HOLD-UP. VERA StTaFrorp had retired for the night, or at any rate had gone to her room for that purpose, when the bell rung. Interested, for a call at that hour was quite out of the usval course of things, she opened her door and listened over the railing to learn ‘who the caller was and what was wanted. She heard a man’s voice, and her own name mentioned. The next moment the servant came run- ning up the stairs to tell her what was want- ed, and Vera met her in the hall. ‘*Who is it, Susan?” she asked. ‘‘ What is it?” ‘**You are sent for, Miss Stafford.” was ate as it was and tired as he was Seth | breathlessly explained. ‘* Mr, Conningham set out immediately for the dock his chief’; has been hurt and wants you to come to had named, hoping to reach there before the | him.” ‘* Good heavens! brings this news, Susan? What has happen- ed to Conrad—to Mr, Conningham? It was what I feared, and all my precaution has amounted to nothing.” ‘‘Tt’s the driver of a carriage that’s come for you, ma’m,” the servant explained. ‘‘ He does not say what has happened, ma’m, but by the way he speaks and the hurry he’s in I think it must be serious. Shall I fix to go with you, ma’m? I can be ready in a min- ute.” yacht cast off. Who is the person who Billy had left such information only as might prove useful, and the location of the Gauntlet was one of the points. And now having brought up Seth and his movements, let us turn to see what of the other shadower. His first move had been similar to that made by Silent Seth, but less successful, at first. At the house he had learned where Longdale was supposed to be, but on going to that place found he had gone somewhere Z else. And so it kept on till after dark, when Yes, yes; get ready and we will go. he finally ran his man down and located him The servant ran down stairs again, while in the 2 Pi Gs ae of a popular hotel. Miss Stafford sprung to a closet for a cloak. Longdale was seated at a small table, with | following her the next moment. / another young man of about his own age, of No scheme could have been better than a dissipated, desperate-looking description. | this, for the evil purpose intended, consider- Harry entered the place, being well dress- | ing the state of mind the young woman was ed, and ordered a light lunch, hoping to | in already in her anxiety for her lover's overhear something. safety. That was out of the question, however, The man was still waiting at the door, for the conversation was carried on in tones ‘‘ Did Mr, Conningham send you for me, too low. And finally Longdale rose to go. | sir?” Vera quickly asked. ‘** You'll not disappoint me?” Harry then ‘** Not himself, lady, but. one of bis ser- heard him say. u vants I suppose it was; and I was to fetch ye ““That Vl promise you,’’ was the assur- | in haste.” 4 ance given. ‘I'll attend to it all.” ‘‘Do you know what has hap ened? ‘Then there's nothing more to be said. “No; but it’s somethin awful; I know by The price I offer you is big, so you must not | what was said,’ fail me.” Others in the house were now astir, and Then they parted, and fora moment Harry | Mrs, Stafford, Vera’s mother, called down to was in a quandary. He knew not what todo, | learn what was wrong. a: and had to do some rapid thinking to decide, Vera answered as briefly as possible with It took him but'a few seconds to do that. | clearness, and calling to the servant to hurry, Longdale’s companion had by no means a | followed the man out and to the carriage, the repossessing look, in fact, he was the very | door of which was open. fin of a fellow for a desperate job, and Withouta thought of danger she sprung what Harry had heard was enough to show | in, when instantly strong hands seized her that he had been engaged for something of | and she was forced down upon a seat, unable that. kind. to maka an outcry, and the driver leaping to his place, the carriage was off. It did not seem likely that Longdale : : Harry had debated whether to interfere would undertake any work of a criminal | the othera big price for something, Harry™ eS en ee
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AO 80, In the first place, he might not have suc- ceeded in convincing the young woman of the trap, and then, secondly, it would be to to render any help. servant was making an ado at being thus left astate of excitement, he was going along with the victim of the plot. The snare had been aclever one, but it e or not, and had quickly decided not to expose himself and he would then be unable For these reasons he held his peace, remain- ing in the place he had taken under the | ently he sauntered off, satisfied in his own carriage while it stood there, and while the | mind that all was as it should be. at nek Tees The Bootblack Stowaway. The captain recognized that this officer was just a little suspicious,and knew he must allay his suspicions to avoid trouble. ‘* Where going?” the next question. ‘* Newport.” The ofticer loitered around afew minutes, during which time Captain Trucker hustled about and boldly gave his orders, and pres- He had no reason to think otherwise, behind, and while the household was soon in | really, Trucker cursed him mildly when he had gone, wishing people in general and police officers in particular would mind their own | might have been better set and sprung bad | business, it been done at an earlier hour and with less horrible a decoy to lure the fromthe house. So it*had ie and, suspicions aroused, no time was lost by 1F the servants in going to the residence of Mr, cote Conningham to learn whetherthe report was a true or false. ey Finding it to have been false, the excite- oung woman een, however, ; ment was tenfold increased. Conrad Con- a ningham went to the police as soon as pos- {48 sible, as did also Mr. Stafford, upon the re- turn of the servants with the report, and in less than an hour a general alarm had been i sent out and the police were on the alert; it ; was too late, for what had happened had f taken place before all this could be brought if about. They could not have interfered, Broadway Billy, as said, entered the f mess-room of Smithkin’s boarding-house 4s Sy atid glad that his ruse had succeeded so " well. f Captain Trucker provided a supper, as ‘i promised, to which Billy forced himself to y make at least a show of doing justice, and Ait after it wasover he recognized the captain in the saloon. Others were now with the captain, chief ae among whom were Mark Welch and Tom oy ee aro" ae © = os ae VO AT) Sand, and to them and others Billy was introduced as Jack Roper, the name he had assumed. Takenaltogether, they were quite a crew, though all the old hands had not been found. The engineer had been hunted up, after a ood deal of trouble, since he was the most aoe of all, save the captain; and when Billy joined the group the captain was telling the men what they had need to know concerning the voyage they were about to make; and needless to add, they all fell in with his plans and were ready for the ad- venture. The Gauntlet, as has been ‘shown, had been owned by a man who was nothing less than a rascally gambler, and his crew had been of kindred stripe with himself. Finally all left the saloon and repaired to the dock where the yacht was lying. , _ There would have been a watchman on the nr) yacht, but the man whose duty it was to My watch her was abusing the confidence of his employer and had not been near the yacht at ; all that evening, ’ ii On arriving there, Captain Trucker and his men found her dark and deserted, and they took immediate possession, Fire was started under the boiler, and preparations begun at once for a departure as speedily as pag an pee crite ¥.4 — ue —* fahyemt 7 - Fe > a. a a Db -cike a a | - a 5 a ee en « . Tee eee > “3 = * : pe ee a a . ra ' _ aoe A 4 -_ wy egy ee eet possible. Lanterns were lighted and put in eh ack position as boldly as if nothing was amiss. PEN All the ropes were cast off save one, and everything was in readiness to let go that one at @ moment’s notice and drop away ' with the tide, if necessary. While this was going on a policeman saun- tered out on the dock. “Going to go out, captain?” he asked of Trucker. ‘* Yes, we're off,” the bold reply. ' “Kind of a queer hour to start, ain’t it?” “We are taking the tide, you see. It'll be right in an hour or less,” » ** What yacht is this?” “The Gauntlet.” i a a, In the mean time Billy Junior, imprisoned in the hold of the yacht, had been taking a comfortable sleep, accustomed as he was to sleeping anywhere where chance afforded. Growing drowsy while sitting on his box thinking, he had’ felt around till he ascer- tained the kind of place he was in, and se- lecting a choice spot for his purpose, had lain down and dropped off as peacefully as though reposing upon a king's thrice-blown bed of down, When he awoke he heard men a this way and that, and the clanking of the furnace and other sounds told him plainly what was going on, ‘I’m in fer it, by Jupe!” he exclaimed to himself. ‘‘I won’t squeal now, if I losea leg. If they find me ’fore they cut loose per hy bounce me ashore on the double quick,” Having had the desire, if not indeed the in- tention of stowing away on the yacht, he was not going to back out now, . The expec- tation of making the voyage with Broadway Billy, was what inspired him. Having the ‘*fever” badly, he was ready to run any risks to see the case to the end! ‘*No-sir-ree,” he decided, ‘‘nary a peep outo’me, I’ve got nobody ter mourn fer me, an’ I guess I kin eat an’ sleep jes’ as good in one part of the world as any other.” That decision arrived at, he coolly rolled over and dropped off to sleep again, spite of noise and all, In about an hour sufficient steam had been raised to start with, Captain Trucker was ready to cast off, and only waited for the coming of Elson Long- dale, according to agreement. About that time a shadowy form came down along the side of the dock opposite to where the yacht lay, slowly and cautiously, as if desirous of not being seen by any one on the yacht. It was none other than Silent Seth, the Shadower! Reaching a point directly opposite, the yacht, he advanced to where some bales were piled in the middle of the pier, and there took up his station, He watched those aboard the yacht as well .as he could in the dim light, and afterawhile detected his chief, Broadway Billy, among the others, playing his vole so well as almos\ to deceive bis able ally. Seth hoped for a chance to give him a sig- nal, to let him know he was there, but no chance offered, and while he waited the sound of a carriage was suddenly heard on the land end of the pier, and at the same time a man sprung up from the shadows at the other end of the bales and advanced quickly to the yacht. ‘« Trucker?” he called. ‘Right here,” the response. Longdale?”’ ‘Yes; the carriage is coming, so have our men ready to lend a hand the moment t gets here.” ust then the piercing note of a police- man’s whistle came to their ears, from the direction of the street, and Elson Longdale quickly added: “What does that mean?” “I don't know,” answered Trucker, ‘‘and “That you, don’t care, either. Wecan push off in one minute after you get aboard. Here, Tom, Jack, and the rest of you; stand by to lend a hand!” The carriage was now almost at hand, and Silent Seth was on the alert for whatever might be required of him. Watching sharply, he saw somebody run- ning after the carriage, and that somebody just then sounded again the sharp whistle. signal for police help. ‘he carriage came up and stopped, and as it did so this man or boy—Seth was yet un- able to decide which it was—reached it, and springing to the door faced the man with a revolver in hand, and cried: ‘* Keep off, now, or by the shades of Chris- topher Columbia, if I don't plug lead into ye till you'll die of lead poison! There’s somethin’ crooked about this business, and this lady ain’t goin’ aboard that boat till the phe ave had a hand in the game, you pet!” CHAPTER IX. THE RESCUE—DOUBTS AND FEARS, THe instant Harry ceased speaking, he blew again the whistle-signal, and now it was answered from the end of the dock. “Thunder!” cried Captain Trucker. “The deuce is to pay, now! Aboard with her, for I must cut adrift this minute! Pitch that stripling into the water, boys; he’sa blow-hard!” ‘‘Yes, but there's two of us,” now spoke Silent Seth, who, having sprung under the carriage, now appeared at Harry’s side; weapon in hand, ‘‘ Keep off, or the worse for you.” ‘* At them!” thundered Longdale, ‘‘ There isn’t a second to lose! Fifty dollars to the man who will knock them off the dock! At them, I tell you, or—” ‘*Not any fer me, boss,” declared Jack Roper, decisively. ‘‘I think too much 0’ my health. Here comes the p’lice!’ Vith that he leaped back again aboard the yacht, and some others followed his exam- ple. By this move Broadway Billy threw the victory into the hands of his aides. It had been all a surprise to Billy, of course, but he took in the situatlon at a glance, and tcok action accordingly. Captain Trucker saw how it was going, and acted promptly. ‘*’Board ship!” he shouted. ‘‘ Cast off, there!” He gale | aboard himself as he gave the order, and Elson Longdale was wild almost. All this was taking place in the space of so few seconds that it seems difficult to set it forth aright. Itis quite impossible to quote all, for exclamations and ejaculations were heard on every hand. Meantime Longdale’s accomplice, or tool, seeing how it was going, had leaped out of the carriage on the opposite side, and was making his way with all baste toward the end of the dock, hoping to escape unseen; and, all the chances being in his favor, he succeeded, The sailors responded promptly to Cap- tain Trucker’s command and the last rope was cast off, and by that time the police were near at hand. Seeing himself deserted, and only one way of escape, Longdale took that way, and not a second too soon. The yacht was already droppin away, and he had to run and make a ong leap to get aboard of her, but he landed safely, just as a couple of policemen came rushing up to the spot where the carriage stood. The driver of the carriage, too, was now in great alarm, and was trying to make it appear that he was innocent of all, not knowing anything was wrong; but 'Happy Harry quickly attended to him, having no other foes now to claim his attention, and Seth seconded Harry’s lead, ? : : :
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“ 10. ‘‘ What is the matter here?” demanded the policemen, on reaching the scene. ‘* Matter enough,” answered Harry, with- out hesitation. ‘‘We have just nipped a kidnap game in the bud, There’s a lady in this carriage that some rascals intended to get aboard that yacht, but we got onto their scheme and have punched a hole in it,” ‘““And who are you?” ** We're Broadway Billy’s bowers!” ‘* Ha!’ one of the officers cried. ‘‘I thought everything wasn’t quite right about that craft. when I was here awhile ago.” ‘‘We must stop her,” spoke up the other, ‘‘ Hello, there, the yacht? Come back here!” * The only response was a mocking laugh, **Come back, or we’ll fire!” ‘* Fire and be blowed!” The officer did fire, a couple of shots in the air, but another laugh of defiance was the only result so far as stopping the yacht was concerned, He fired again, this time sending a bullet unpleasantly near, and Captain Trucker broke forth in a tirade of execration, declar- ing ag would make it hot if another shot was red. ‘* Useless,” the officer remarked, putting away his revolver. ‘‘ We can’t bring them back, but we can attend to what we have gothere, You say youare Broadway Billy’s men?” turning to Harry and Seth. “If ek so, I suppose this case belongs to me * Yes, so it does,” Harry answered. ‘‘ And what do you want us to do, then?” ‘* Arrest this driver, and help us in getting this lady back home again,” ‘* Hal! the lady!” In his excitement the officer had for the moment forgotten that important part of the matter, and now he threw open the door of _ the carriage and looked in. The opposite door was wide open, and re- clining on the seat, unconscious, was the form of a woman.» The odor of some dru was plainly detected, proving that she h been by that means rendered Pabaits ‘* Who is she?” the officer asked. ‘*T don’t know, but I know where she lives,” answered Harry. **Get in, then, you two, and I’ll mount the box with the driver and we'll get her home as quickly as possible,” , This was acted upon, and.after a few words privately together, the policemen parted company, one remaining on duty while the other went with his prisoner on the box of the carriage. sited Harry and Seth began immediately trying to restore the woman to consciousness, upon entering the carriage, Harry’s tongue sag away at as lively a rate as the carriage itsel when it sta their destination their efforts were rewarded. The woman gave a gasp, opened her eyes, so aaina y cried out, though but faint- en rd 2 me! Qh! why are you taking—” “We are friends,” interrupted Seth. ‘‘ Do not be alarmed, lady,” ** Friends?” : ‘‘ Bet your life we are!” cried Harry. ‘‘ We have rescued you from that villain who tied to you, and we are taking you back home |, BEA), 3) Cae ea “Oh! this is too good to be true. Who, then, are you?” é “We are Broadway Billy’s . beagles, ma’m.” ' ga he oF ‘“Thank God! It was well I applied, to him for protection, yet little did I dream I needed his protection more for myself than for another person wnom I named; but, of course you know,” “You mean Mr, Conningham?” - _ ‘Yes; and this-is proof that you are in- deed my friends,” They talked on, then, in confidence, until estination was reached, and there was | their ; and before. they reached The Boothlack Stowaway. joy in that household when Vera Stafford was restored to her home alive and well. The good news was sent out, close following upon the call for police help, and as soon as it reached the ears of Conrad Conningham he repaired to the Stafford residence, late as the hour was. Vera Stafford had insisted upon having Harry and Seth remain until he came, being certain he would come as soon as word reach- ed him. When greetings and congratulations had been exchanged, all sat down fora confer- ence, ‘*You say they have stolen my yacht?” the hunchback demanded, as soon as that was made known to’ him. ‘‘ You cannot mean to say they have stolen my yacht!” “That’s the fact of the case, sir,” assured Happy Harry. ‘Tell me, who was it took her?” ‘*T suppose the man whe tried to steal this lady, seeing that he jumped aboard and went with her,” ‘‘Elson Longdale! Can it be possible? But, he had help; he could not manage the yacht alone; this has not been the work of a moment, but has been schemed and. planned ahead.” ‘*T can throw some light upon that,” spoke up Silent Seth. ‘‘ The mex who handled the pee were the captain and crew who had er in charge when you bought her from her last owner, sir.” ‘How did you get this information? What knew you about her former owner or her crew?” Seth could not answer this, since he had otten his points from what Billy had left or him at home, and he would not betray the hand of his chief in the case, ‘‘That I cannot disclose to you, sir,” he said simply. ‘«That’s jes’ like Silent Seth,” Harry here came promptly to his relief. ‘‘ You can’t make him talk and keep him talkin’, nohow, no use tryin’. Now with me it’s different; it ain‘tany trouble to make me talk, but when you come to stoppin’ me, that’s another mat- ter—” ' E A burst of laughter interrupted him, and Harry looked around in pretending amaze, which only caused it to increase, and so he rescued Seth from any further questioning in the same line, ‘¢There is more to this than I can under- stand,” remarked Mr. Conningham, when the talk wasresumed. ‘‘ Whether the yacht was stolen for the purpose of carrying you away in her, Vera, or whether those stolen poetic: Ha! no matter what it was, I must sail just as quickly as possible, now!” He had grown excited in a moment. ‘‘Have you employed a detective to hunt for the papers for you?” the young woman | asked. ‘No, no, I have not done so.” “Then why do you not? This same | Broadway Billy would be a good person to engage. See what he has done for me,” ‘Had you been to see him, then?” . “T had, I will confess; I past ed him to guard you against Longdale, little thinking it was I who needed the protection,” “You did that?” em The hunchback was upon his feet in an in- stant, pacing the floor, ‘Yes, certainly I did it, Conrad, for lov for you, I cannot see that there was dnytitns wrong in that.” Sik a ee ais ‘No, no; nothing wrong, nothing wrong; ‘certainly not; and yet— This uncertaint, is driving me mad, mad! Would to God had never learned the truth, or that I had taken better care of the peas But, who would have thought of their being stolen from there?” _. He paced the floor nervously, the others looking upon him with various thoughts and emotions, . ‘‘ There is but one eetog to do,” he said, | finally. ‘‘I must sail in pursuit, as qs, as possible, for 1 greatly fear— But, T an: ows not mention what I fear. What if my s papers should fall into the hands of that de- tective? My God!” And then he seemed to rouse out of his musings, recollecting that he was speaking his thoughts aloud, and said “ pare, And a little later the conference closed, CHAPTER X. THE OCEAN CHASE. On the following morning, when Harry and Seth came down to the office, their first business was to decide what their business was, And that was not hard to do, for Broad- way Billy’s directions had been too plain to admit of any mistake. They had been told not to meddle with the affairs of Longdale or Conningham further than necessary. They had done the work assigned to them,. and their further service on the case was not required. They had foiled Longdale in his rascally scheme, he had gone out on the yracht, and it did not appear that Conning- iii or Miss Stafford needed any further de- tective protection. So, the matter was dropped, and the two youths turned their whole attention to the management of Broadway Billy’s affairs un- til his return, b Meantime, the hunchback was up bright and early, despite his broken night's rest, and at an early hour appeared on board his yacht, the Peer, greatly to the surprise of the crew who were there. “Has your captain been aboard since T was last here?” he asked hurriedly. ‘No, sir,” the answer. ‘Go and find him immediately and tell _ him to come here. I want to see him on business of the greatest importance.” He referred, of course to the captain of the Peer, and not to Captain Elliott, whom he had engaged for the voyage on board the Gauntlet. At’ The man to whom the order was given set off immediately, and when he had directed another to start a fire and get up steam, the owner repaired to the cabin to wait. In due time the captain of the Peer ar- rived, . ‘* How would you like to take a vacation, your pay to go right on while you are— ri the hunchback asked, after greet- n Py take it you want me to do so, Mr. Conningham, and of course it will be quite agreeable to me,” the captain responded, —_” -“ You are right, Captain Pridmore. You remember what I told you about my inten- tion respecting the Gauntlet?’ " Corea ae “Well, that has head. and—’ “Stolen!” ; ** Yes; and so my plans have all been up- set. I must, in order to carry them out as intended, put Elliott in command of the Peer for this occasion, but you are to have command upon our return,” ‘“‘I’m sorry l'm not to be trusted to handle | my own craft in an emergency, Mr. ningham. When was all right for you to have two captains; but now you have but the one, yet you re- — move me to give place toastranger. Isay — this because I feel it.” ' ; ‘‘T have made an agreement with Captain Elliott which I cannot break, Captain Pridmore, Do not ask for any further ex- give you two months’ Con- you had two yachts, it. been knocked in the A ‘ The Gauntlet was stolen last night, |
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UdDe et Such the substance of their talk, and the captain left the cabin to carry out his orders, **A good fellow, a persue ey good fel- low,” the yacht-owner mused, when he had gone, ‘‘ but not to be trusted in a business of this kind. Besides, he hasn’t been out of sight of land for years,” n due time the yacht was moved to the desired place, and there Captain Pridmore took leave of her. The owner had already given orders re- specting the provisioning of the yacht for a voyage, and by the time the yacht reached the deck, some of the orders were there awaiting. While this order was going on, Captain Elliott put in his appearance, in response to word that had been sent him, and plowing his coming, just as soon as the yacht coulc be made ready, the lines were cast off and she dropped down the bay and put out to sea. A close watch was kept for the Gauntlet, but nothing was seen of her, and the Peer laid her course direct for the island to which the hunchback had called the attention of his captain. To return to the Gauntlet. While Captain Trucker was still swearing, after the policeman had fired at him, he got the yacht under way and was quickly speed- ing down the river. is signal lamps were in place and burn- ing, and once started, everything was favora- ble for his unhindered progress, and ere long he was steaming down the bay with every prospect for getting safely away. In fact, there was nothing short of an acci- dent to hinder his doing so, and no accident peep lson Longdale was pacing the deck in a savage mood, He had not once spoken, so far, but had left Captain Trucker to his swearing and the savage ordering of his men. Finally, when everything was in order and the | sete was steaming steadily on her way, and the captain had exhausted his vo- cabulary of ‘‘cuss-words” several times, Longdale spoke to him, ‘That was a nice fiasco, wasn’t it?’ he growled. ‘Tt was a warm climate of . failure, if that's what you mean,” the captain snarled back at him, ** And that’s just what I did mean, What puzzles me is, how the detectives and the police got onto the racket. That is some- thing I can’t understand.” ‘*And what puzzles me is, what todo with you,” the captain rejoined, ‘What to do with me?” ea ‘“What do you mean?” “* Just what I said, what to do with you, You don’t want to be aboard this craft with- out the woman, and I don’t want you aboard, either.” ‘* What are you going to do about it?” ‘‘T was thinking about touching some- where and inviting you to step ashore,” ‘That isn’t to be thought of. I was seen there on the dock, and the woman and her lover will know I was at the bottom of the matter,” ‘* But, you have got no business here, and I don't want you, either, 80, what is going to be done with you?” “There is only one thing for me to do, and that is take a prolonged vacation in some distant land till this affair blows over, when rl return, and woe to Conrad Conningham en!” “What will you do with him?” ‘“‘T’]l speak no threats, but I'll marry his widow, sooner or later, or know the reason O you'l take her second-handed, eh, if fatever you command, my business is to iw - - “ae The Bootblack Stowaway. **Curse you! do you want me to knock you down?” ‘Don’t try it, for your own sake.” “Then don’t make merry over a serious matter. I have told you pei of this affair for you to have a full understanding of it. I love the: woman, yet she has dis- graced me by ‘choosing that miserable hunchback instead of me. Think of it! It is more than flesh and blood can stand.” ‘‘And yet you'll have to grin and bear it all the same.” ‘Yes, till, the time comes when I can have sweet revenge. No, you can’t put me ashore, Captain Trucker; I must go with ou.” ‘“Well, as I was going to take you any- how, as it was planned, I suppose I can do it, but you have got toswear you'll never reveal anything you may find out, same as I intended making you do.” ‘«T can readily ‘take that pledge, I guess.” ** But, will oe keep it?” ‘Yes, I will.” ‘* All right, then, you can remain aboard. Let’s go to the cabin for a talk over the situation.” The captain led the way down into the cabin, where the pair took seats at the table. ‘““Now, Longdale,” he proceeded to ex- plain, ‘*I have got hold of the biggest thing on ice, a mystery, or secret, that has been ner. 11 Used as he was to sleeping anywhere, with the noises of a great city’s streets hanging and buzzing around him, it was no trouble for him to sleep in his new and strange quarters in spite of the sounds there. His dreams were chiefly about water. He: saw a new kind of street sprinklers, for one thing, upon which a man with a dipper half as big as a barrel was dipping the water out. of a great tank and throwing it en the ground, and he could plainly hear it splash when it fell. Then he dreamed of riding in a carriage set with springs so flexible that it was almost. like switging in a hammock. At first he thought the sensation delightful, but finally it began to be disagreeable, and at last he found he would have to get. out or he was. going to be sick. He called to the driver to stop, but the more he called the more furious- ly the carriage was hurried, and finally he: awoke. The motion was real enough, he found, but he was in anything but a soft-springed carriage. It was some moments before he could realize where he was, or what was the matter, but it soon all came back to him and he knew the yacht was at sea. The little engine was clanking away at a. lively rate, fairly spinning occasionally when the screw lifted out of the water for a mo- buried for forty years, and I’m going now | ment, and the water was splashing and dash- to bury it a good deal deeper.” ‘“ What are you talking about?” “I'm talking about the object of this voyage, of course. It was one Conrad Con- ningham was going to make, but I got the secret away from him and now he will have to whistle for it, I’m telling you.” ‘“ What is it?” “That’s teliing—or rather, not to be told.” ‘« Still, if you are going to take me with om you can’t expect to keep me ignorgnt of bee ‘“‘T know that; part of it you are bound to know, if you go with me, but the rest you can never know unless I see fit to tell you; and that is what I want to talk about.” ** Talk away, then.” ‘*You have sworn not to give me away, but that’s not saying you wouldn't, when you got safe ashore and it suited your pur- pose—” ‘*No, no; I mean—” ‘* Neyer mind telling me, I know you well enough, The thing is just here: 1 can put in your hands the very choicest bit of re- venge you could possibly have against this man Conningham,” ** What the deuce do you mean, anyhow? What are you coming at?” ‘It is something which, if known to this sweet young thing he is going to marry, would probably turn her against him for all time, and might throw the field open to you--” ‘«Then why in the name of wonders didn’t you tell me before? I would have given you five thousand dollars, willingly, for such a hold on bim,” ‘‘We don't think of things till too late, sometimes, and you had your own plan all laid out, you remember.” ‘¢ Yes, that’s true; but, tell me now, and don’t delay another minute.” © ‘‘That is just the point, now, I will tell ou, and then you'll be that much under ob- eaiion to me, and will owe mea favor in return,” Followed then a talk at some length in low tones, at the end of which Elson Long- dale sprung to his feet, his face beaming, and grasping the hand of Captain Trucker he gave it a hearty shaking. What he had learned was greatly to his delight. CHAPTER XI. FIRST AT THE ISLAND, Brty Junror slept soundly all night, ex. cept that he had some unusual dreams of a you can’t have her brand new; ha, ha, ha!” | strange nature. ing furiously. It was now daylight, and light found its ‘way down into the hold here and there where an opening pero tiem and Billy Junior could see the kind of place he was. in. It might have been worse, he realized quickly. There were Some water-casks, and. a great quantity of packed provisions, “he young Arab got up on his feet, or tried to, but he was thrown down before he had madea success of it, and it was them he realized that he was deathly seasick. He had been on the point of commentin upon his situation in his droll way, but alt nonsense was taken out of him now. And while he was nein only how miserably sick he felt, the hatch above was opened. ‘‘ Hello!” exclaimed a voice. ‘‘Blow me if here ain’t a stowaway!” It was Tom Sand who made the dis- covery. f Others quickly ran to the spot, and whem Billy Junior looked up several faces were over the open hatch looking down at him. “It’s a New York bootblack, sure’s you're born!” cried Jack Roper, and as he spoke in his natural voice Billy Junior re- cognized him at once as his patron, “Vl bootblack him!” next thundered the tones of Captain Trucker. ‘Fish the rat up here, and I'll throw him overboard!” ‘How did you come there, sonny ?”; de- manded Jack Roper, ‘*T wag put down here and locked in,” the Arab answered, ‘‘A big Irishman on the dock done it,” The little Arab was so sick he could hard- ly hold his head up, aad as he leg them had to render his account to Father Nep- tune, the sailors had a good laugh at his ex- pense. One of the sailors descended into the hold, and the boy was taken out and laid on the deck, unable to hold up his head. ‘Seems like a shame to throw him over, if he has told the truth, don’t it, mates?’” observed Jack Roper, loud enough for Cap- tain Trucker to overhear. ‘‘ He couldn’t help it.” ‘Yes, that’s so,” agreed Mark Welch. ‘*Well, ye needn't do it,” the captain re- lented, and perhaps he would not have. done it, anyhow. ‘ We'll make-him useful when he gets his sea legs.” “Tl put the little bunch o’ rags in my bunk, if the rest of ye don’t want him,” su - gested Billy—or Jack Roper. ‘‘ He ‘min 5 ee .
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12 me of alittle chip of a brother I had once, and I kind o’ cotton to him,” **'You’re welcome to him,” said Tom Sand. “*He don’t ’mind me of any of my kin, I’m ‘glad to say.” The others laughed, while Billy took his namesake up and carried him away. *“‘T know you're too sick to talk now, Billy Junior,” he said to him gently, ‘‘so ‘don’t try to, I won’t ask youany questions. ‘There’s plenty of time for that. You will get over this ina few days at most. Only remember this: You are not to let out that you ever saw me before, and you must say your name is Chips. That’s all for now; just lie here and be quiet.” Billy Junior showed that he understood, but was too ill to do more, and so Broadway Billy left him. Three days after that Chips was on deck all right. Captain Trucker made him a sort of handy monkey about the yacht, and gave him a sharp taste of a rope’s end the first day. Jack Roper did not pay any attention to that accident, and took but very little notice of Chips anyhow, but finally he found a — opportunity for.a quiet chat with m. “‘What made you stow away here, “Ticket?” he asked. ‘*T didn’t, boss,” the truthful answer. “*Tt was jest as I said.” And he gave the facts of the case, “Well,” said Billy, when he had heard all, **you evidently would have stowed away if syou hadn’t been imprisoned, so it’s all the ‘same, and here you are. You may be useful yet, before we get done, for there is fun ‘ahead, I’m thinking. Play well your part, and work yourself into the captain’s good will all you can.” The weather was for the most part good, and everything went well on board the yacht, and the days came and went, for the xoynee was by no means a short one, Japtain Trucker and Elson Longdale had come to be very intimate, and spent a good share of their time playing at cards in the cabin. And so passed the time until finally their voyage came to an end, and they dropped anchor in an apology for a harbor ed ‘barren, desolate and forbidding island, ‘“Well, where are we at, anyhow?” de- manded Chips, in his manner inimitable. He put the question to no less a personage than the caphath himself, with whom he had ‘come to be on familiar terms by this time. The boy was wae full of jokes, and could sing any number of comic songs to perfection, and all in all had served to ‘liven the voyage not a little, and he stood well in ‘Trucker’s good graces. The captain named the island, in answer, and turned to speak to Longdale, who just then appeared. “It’s a hard-looking spot,” the Stowaway commented. ‘‘Guess there don’t nobody live here. 1 wouldn't like to play Robinson Crusoe on that island, ~~ bet.” With that he was quiet, taking in what the captain and Longdale had to say to each other, ‘** This is the place, Longdale,” the captain spoke first. “ Thisis the island, eh? It looks like the right. kind of a place for such a purpose,” “You are r dee Now, if I only had those papers I might be able to do the work in a day and get away before the other party could possibly get here,” ‘**Too bad you had to lose them,” ‘*T never lost them; they were stolen from me, I’m sure of that.” ; * Small difference. But, how much can “din aa of the directions they contain- Phe, hae little. It began by saying the seeker had to range the highest two crags, looking from the south, and proceed on the eS pth NS eh SS ne ce The Bootblack Stowaway. line, keeping to the right, for a certain speci- fied distance.” “ And you have forgotten the distance?” “Yes, curse the luck. I did not try to fix it in mind, having the papers in my pos- session,” * And after that what was to follow?” “Why, turn to the right and walk due east to a stone marked X on one side, and after that it wasa regular puzzle of paces and directions till the right spot was arrived at.” ‘*And how were you to know the right spot when you found it?” “Only by its location from the stone marked X on one side, and the fact that a stone would turn when pried in a certain manner and reveal a cavity underneath.” ‘‘ Then there is only one thing to be done, and that is, to search the whole island, in that neighborhood and test every stone on every side till we come to the right one. Something of a task.” ‘* And likely to take us a month to accom- plish.” + ‘‘ That’s true.” Both were silent and thoughtful for a me, Billy Junior was taking it all in, Broad- way Billy leaving it all to him, baving his duties to perform, It was forenoon when the yacht entered the harbor, and when everything had been made shipshape, and the midday mess had been served, the captain announced his in- tention of going on shore. The small boat was lowered and a couple of sailors were chosen to row, one of whom happened to be Jack Roper. These got down to their places, and the a tain followed, succeeded in turn by Long- ale. ‘*Can’t I go too, boss?” sung out the Arab. ‘*T’m dyin’ to git my feet on the ground once more to see how it will feel. Il dance a double shuffle for you if you'll let me go.” “Well, tumble in with you; I don't care.” And Chips tumbled accordingly, with all alacrity. Trucker steered the boat, and watching the higher points of the island, landed in what he considered the proper place of beginning. Pulling the boat up on the beach, and leav- ing Chips to watch her, the others made their way up the rocks, guided by the cap- tain, who followed the directions of the lost papers as closely as he could remember. t was not aneasy climb, but finally a comparative level was reached, and there things had the appearance of having never been finished. All was one sik pe mass of rock; all sorts and sizes of blocks and sliv- erswere on every hand. There was simply nothing else. **We may as well give it up,” remarked Longdale, at the first look be took around. ** Not by a good deal,” said Trucker, dog- gedly. ‘We'll find it if we have to spend a whole year here. Wealth untold is within a stone’s throw of us, and we must have it.” He directed, then, that every effort should be made to find the rock marked on one side, and when that was discovered a circle of search could be marked around it; but, though they hunted till nearly dark, that particular stone was not discovered, and they returned to the yacht discouraged. CHAPTER XII. BEGINNING THE STRUGGLE, In the meanwhile the steam yacht Peer had not been losing any time, and on the morn- ing following the arrival of the Gauntlet she steamed into the same harbor. The hunchback was on deck with Captain Elliott, eager to get on shore as soon as_pos- sible, and it was he who first, espied the Gauntlet riding at anchor in the comparative- ly smooth water. ‘* Ha! there is the Gauntlet!” he cried, at sight of her. . . ‘True enough, agreed the captain, Jod ing where Conningham indicated. ‘*And the question is; are we toc late?” ‘‘Impossible for me to answer it, sir, but at a guess 1 venture to say we are not.” “You give me hope; but, on what do you base supposition?” ‘If they had gained what they came for they would probably not be here yet, I rea- son.” ‘* That is true, unless they intended sailing to-day.” **Do you want to run near enough to hail them ?” ‘* No, that is useless, and I do not care to anchor within rifle-shot of them, either, I pina that my life would not be safe if we ‘*Then we'll beat to the east and take that side of the bay, so to call it.” The course was laid accordingly, and in due time the Peer, too, was riding at anchor. On board the Gauntlet the first to dis- cover the new-comer was Chips, and he immediately called the attention of the cap- tain to her. q Captain Trucker’s first proceeding was to swear roundly, and while he was so en- gaged Elson Longdale came up from the cabin, suspecting what was wrong and wanting to see for himself. “*What do you think of that?” roared Trucker, pointing. . ‘‘It proves they have not been far behind 4 us all the way, that’t sure. What is going } to be done?” ; “Tf 1 had a cannon I'd sink ’em, I swear | I would! It’s going to be a fight for the treasure, now, and the best side wins. We'll cheat them yet, somehow.” ** Certainly, we must do that; but, how?” ‘* We must lay a plan.” ; ** Do youthink they have your lost papers, and so can find the treasure without tron- ble?” ‘*T don’t see how they ran have them; and yet it is possible, for I have no idea who took them out of my pocket. We'll let them make the first move.” As soon as the Peer was at anchor, the hunchback called the captain into the cabin for a consultation. ‘* Captain Elliott,” he said, ‘‘ circumstan- ces force me to change my plan with regard to this secret voyage. You know I told you you were never to know what the secret was,” ‘Yes, Mr. Conningham,” “Well, that was oth the truth, for T knew | would have to depend on you to ae get the treasure aboard—” BS ‘* Treasure ?” 4) Sota ‘“A sum that would almostmake Monte Sf Cristo envious, sir. art ‘‘Suspicion pointed that way, sir, but I eS hardly thought it possible that such could be the case.” ‘**T intended letting you into this much of the metter, upon our arrival here, Captain 4 Eltiott, but that is all I can ever tell you. Where this treasure came from, and how it has fallen to me, are points which I can never reveal to any living soul, I trust you will never ask me,” The captain bowed his head. **But now the crew, as things are, cannot | help learning something We may be com- } pelled to fight for the treasure, and if so, we : shall need their help. If it comes to that, I must buy their silence, as 1 have bought vour own, You see how I am placed, and a that I cain do nothing clse. But, without Se the papers, how are we to find it? I cannot “yy remember the directions.” ** Our chances will be as good as theirs.” ‘True: but if we go ashore to search, they will follow and spy upon us, and 1a if they take the lead, we must do the same.” ‘‘Then there is no use holding back for them to move first, and the finder will have to be prepared to fight for his rights, 4 Pee ae t-te oe > = ett ee aie ey es a —J
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4 K 1a | a a Hi a3 it 4 ‘ he ee ca ane An VE oe “y ar he By? 02 eh: 7) Gai > md ttt ae N fl lower the boat at once if you so di- rect,” ‘¢ Yes, do so, and youand I together will go on shore,” ** It shall be done, sir.” They went to the deck, and in ashort time were in the small boat and pulling from the yacht, This move was seen by those aboard the Gauntlet immediately, and Captain Trucker manned his own boat and headed for the shore, seeing which, Captain Elliott stopped, ‘*They are two to one against us,” he said, ‘“‘Willit be prudent for us to put ourselves in their way!” ** Tt will not,” decided the hunchback, prompt- ly. ‘*Pull back again and takeiv twoof the crew, and we will also arm ourselves,” The boat was turned and headed for the yacht, and seeing this, the other boat stopped, There was a consultation, evidently, for it stood still for some minutes, and at last, when the other bad about reached the Peer, this, too, pulled in the same direction. When it came near Captain Trucker hailed: ** Ahoy! the Peer?” ‘““ What is wanted?’ demanded Captain EI- liot. ey We want to talk with Conrad Conning- am. ** Tell them to pull nearer and I will talk with them,” the hunchback directed. This was shouted back to those in the boat, and immediately they pulled about a cable's length nearer und again rested their oars, ‘What do nee want?” the hunchback him- self now asked, Elson Longdale stood up to answer bim, ‘*We want you to leave here at once, for one thing,” he announced. ** And we refuse to do it,” ** Tt will be worse for you if you do not.” ‘* We are prepared to take all the chances of that, Sir Rasca).” “ Have a care, Conrad Conningham, I know your secret, sir, and a word from me will bring you low.” , The face of the hunchback paled, spite of his éfforts against it, *T defy you,” he cried, “You may think you know something, but I do not believe you. Be that as it may, we do not intend being Erened away from here by you or any one else. “The captain of the Gauntlet bids me speak for bim.” “ Well?” ; ‘He warns you that no good can come of your remaining here; that you shall never carry away what you have come for; that unless you heed his warning you may never sail out of this harbor.” : ** We defy him, and you, and all of you,” “You do, eh? Well, hear me for myself then: Go away, Conrad Conningham and will keep your secret; remain, and | will publish it broadcast, and the woman you love will then despise you—” “Knave and coward!” the hunchback cried out, interrupting. ‘ You are false to the core! Your oath would not be accepted by me for the simplest fact, and your promises are light asair. Go! and doyour worst. I defy you. If it is to te a Aight, we will fight it to the end,” “ So be it,” thundered Captain Trucker, and Longdale sitting down, they pulled away, head- iog now for the Gauntlet, soe we go to the island?’ Captain Elliott asked, ‘* Had we not better let them move first, now?” questioned the hunchback. ‘We know they have discovered nothing,” “It might be just as well to remain idle the rest of the day, and maybe by to-morrow we will have thought of some plan of action that will give us the advantage,’ So it was decidei, and the small boat was ag up on deck again as a measure of precau- on. No one from either yacht went on shore that * and night came on. a in board the Peer a strict watch was order- Nothing happened during the night, but at anearly hour next morning the boat of the Gauntlet was seen to put in to the shore, loaded with six men, and it was plain they meant to search. Their boat landed, two men remained in charge of it, and the other four ascended the rocks and disappeared from view. Captain Elliott and the hunchback were con- sulting what was best to be done, when a voice failed the Peer, The Bootblack Stowaway. 13 All who heard it looked reoudarinaty about, but nothing was discovered until the hail was heard again, seeming to come this time from somewhere nnder the stern of the yacht, Looking, Captain Elliott discovered there a boy, swimming. ** Hello!” he called, from?” ‘“* T have deserted the other yacht,” the answer, ‘* Will you take me aboard?” “You have deserted? What was that for? Here, caich hold, and we'll take you up and hear what you have to say.” He threw a rope, and Billy Junior caught it and was pulled up to to the deck, The distance between the two yachts was not a short one, but the Arab did net appear to be greatly fatigued. There he stood, dripping, his bare skin shinin here and there throngs the holes in his ragge garments, and while he smiled upon all around him he drew a sheet of cork from under his jacket, ‘*Tell us, why have you deserted?” the captain again questioned, ‘Cause they’re a bad lot over there, and ‘cause I had somethin’ to tell the owner of this yacht,” ‘*T am the owner,” ke - the hunchback, ** What bave you to tell me? If I cantrustyou, you shall have our protection, my boy,” ** Well, sir, there is a plot to kill you and not let you ever get back to New York alive, I wanted to tell you to look out fer that, ’cause I don’t like murder, nohow,” * A plot to kill me, eh?” ‘Yes; then that rival of yours will go back and marry the gal what’s sweet on you, and they’ll live happy ever after, and all the rest of it, you know. They talk about sinkin’ this yacht to-night, if they kin doit, and I thougbt you'd ought ter know about it; that was all, sir. Needless to say, Billy Junior was warmly wel- comed aboard the Peer, ‘““Where did you come CHAPTER XIII, TRYING A MURDEROUS SCHEME, THE remainder of that day was passed quietly on board the Peer, Before night the boat of the Gauntlet returned to that yacht, but it brought nothing, as those on the Peer could plainly see by watching through the glass. Night came on and settled down, and on board the Peer the whole crew was kept on deck. Some were allowed to nap while others watched, but all were ready at a moment’s call to defend their yacht. It was after midnight when the boat from the Gauntiet was eapied drawing near as silently > a shadow, and as silent remained those on the eer. : The boat was allowed to come within pistol range, when Captain Elliott thundered a chal- lenge: EA hoy, there, the boat!” hagried, The rowers, whose oars were mufiled, ceased their gentle pulling, and seeing that further caution was useless, no further effort at silence was made, but the voice of Captain Trucker came back in response; ““Have you seen anything of a deserter from the Gauntlet?” be demanded, ‘¢ We have no men aboard here but our own,” the return, ** But, this deserter was a boy.” ‘* Have you just missed Lim?” ‘‘We have just come to see if he is here, no matter when we missed him,” ** And a strange manner of pla you made of it, I must say. What need to come here with muftled oars?” “That is our business, Have you seen the vi) “Well, it was a poor business, and I warn you to get yourselves off out of rifle range just a8 quickly as you can or we'll open fire on you. There was some low talking aboard the boat for a moment, when the rowers plied their oars with a will and the boat disappeared in the dark- ness off in the direction of the Gauntlet, ‘“What do you suppose was their intention?” asked the hunchback. “IT don’t know,” answered the captain, “ un- less they meant to blow us up. We shall have to watch them every minute,” Vigilance was not relaxed all night, but noth- ing more was seen of the boat, and mornin dawned clear and bright. The boy Chips undoubtedly saved the Peer, It was not to be supposed for a moment that Billy Junior had left the Gauntlet without being: directed by Broadway Billy, nor without having; a thorough understanding with him concerning: some plan of action in which they were to act im concert, At an early hour again the boat put off from the Gauntlet, with six men as before two remaining in charge of the boat when it landed, Broadway Billy was one of the four who climbed the rocks in search of the hidden treas-- ure. He had made a careful study of the papers im his ssion, aving committed to memory the directions iven in the documents, he began bis part of: he search in a systematic manner without: the appearance of so doing, and in due time was. rewarded. The discovery he made was that of the rock: bearing the X on one side, Saying nothing, be continued, seemingly im an hogs manner, following the directions ex-- actly, The ond brought bim to a stone that had beer. examined forty times at the very least since the search bad begun, the least suspicious-looking of any that lay around. Remembering the minute directions given,, Billy applied the test, taking a moment when no one was looking his way, and to bis delight he found that the great stone could be moved easily: in that one particular manner, It was a secret that might be found out, but. the chances were al! agaixst its being discovered without the key as a guide, Leaving the spot immediately, he searched: elsewhere as diligently as the rest, And so this dav passed like the other. On board the Peer no move bad been made tm discover the treasure, They were sadly handi- capped there, and could not act as freely as could. the pirates on the Gauntlet. Pirates they were, and nothin he me not stolen the yacht D short of it, for’ hey were bold- hose on the Peer scarcely dared leave their: craft, fearful that she would be blown up if they: did so, a thought which did pot trouble those of. the Gauntlet, as they knew, or at any rate thought, the owner would not care to destroy his property so recklessly. Another night of vigilance, and on the follow- ing morning Mr, Conningham said to Captain Elliott that something bad got to be done; des- perate means must be used if no other availed, ‘*T have a plan,” said the captain, immediate- ly. “I have been thinking, even while follow- ing your policy of patience, When they g° ashore to-day we will capture the Gauntlet, take risoners the few men on her, and anchor right side her and refuse to let them come on board again.” ** And what then?” ‘* Starve them ioto submission,” ‘Your plan is a good one, and rough asthe measure is, we'll undertake it, ‘*Kverything is fair in war, and this is war om asmall scale, sir, Have they not stolen your yacht?” *‘And came here to blow us up, perhaps. You are right, Captain Elliott, and no mercy can be shown them. We will undertake the plan, and make them prisoners when they sur- render,” Everything was arranged for the carrying out of the scheme, Steam was gotten up \ ated ly, and they waited for the search party to leave the Gauntlet and go on shore, when they would steam over alongside the otber yachtand take possession of her, But, they waited in vain. All that day not a soul left the Gauntlet, ** What do you make of it!” asked the hunch+ back, as the day waned, “*T believe they have a scheme in mind similar to our own,” Captain Elliott answered, “If so, they are not likely to hold out, for their eagerness to find the hidden treasure will not allow them to do so, unless they suspect. what we purpose doing.” “That is just it. They may have come to their senses respecting the danger they have been running, and I'm sorry I did not urge this thing upon you before. We could have; made the capture yesterday, easily.” * You are right: wo baye made a mistake,” Late in the afternoon men were seen to be at work on the bow of the Gauntlet, and the glass rovoaled the fact that they were putting a peculiar outrigging in place. ‘What do you suppose they are up to?” asked the bunchback. , “I hardly know,” his captain,answered, “ but 1 consider it fortunate that. we are under. ™
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aE **T bet I know what they are goin’ to do, sir,” here put in Chips. ‘You think so?” ** Yes, sir; I bet they are goin’ to rig a fender ot there and steam over here and plunk a hole n us, ‘*How did you guess that?” demanded the ‘captain. ‘ That is precisely what they are go- ing todo, Mr, Conningham, turning to the ‘aoa ena “How did you guess it, my Oy **T didn’t guess it, sir; I heard it talked about before I left,” ** You should have told us before. But, then, gg did tell us their intention of sinking us. 6 are prepared for them,” Buoys were attached to the anchor cables, and everything was made ready to slip them at & moment’s notice, and that done, the Peer patiently awaited the coming of the attack. Things had not worked to suit the plans ar- ranged between Broadway Billy and Billy Junior, Needless to dwell upon them, since they were of no avail, The work on the Gauntlet was presently finished, and all remained quiet till nearly dark, when she was seen bearing down upon the Peer under full steam, Captain Eiliott took the wheel, gave his orders quietly, and as the Gauntlet drew near the Peer suddenly took life and glided out of her way in the very neatest manner imagin- able, ber crew sending up a yell of defiance, ae h iy have you yet,” roared Captain Trucker, * You will not’ find us asleep, anyhow,” re- torted Captain Ellictt, The Gauntlet had veered, seeing the Peer about to escape her, determined to strike if possible, and when she passed astern there was not much room to spare between the two yachts, The Peer stopped at once, and backed to her former position, ready to escape another attack in the same manner if one was made, About this time a dripping form appeared upon the deck, a sailor who certainly was not one of her crew. No one noticed him till he appeared before Captain Elliott at the wheel, “* Do I address the captain of this yacht, sir?’ he asked, “* Who the deuce are you?’ the surprised captain demanded, ‘* Yes, I’m captain of this craft.” ‘“‘And I’m a deserter from the Gauntlet, [ ‘want to see — and the owner of this yacht privately. I have something to disclose to you.” ‘“What’s your name? How do I know but there is a trick in this?” ‘*My name is Jack Roper, sir, Is that bo Chips with you? If he is, ask him who h friend was on the Gauntlet,” Chips was right there, by this time. ‘* Hello, Jack!” he cried, rushing up and ing Billy’s hand, ‘I know him, Cap’n Elliott; he was the only one,of the Gauntlet that s by me; only fer him they would throwed me overboard,” * But, sir, what do you want?” the captain asked, **T have told you, sir,” ‘** You come to us as a friend” “ I do,” “Then why did you not come sooner and warn us of what the Gauntlet was going to do?” ‘*T had a plan to save you. ‘* Nothing could bave saved us, had we not been under steam.” **I knew you were under steam, and you mis- ‘take, sir, I stood near the wheel, and it was my intention to knock down the captain and change the course of the yacht and miss you, and leap overboard; but when I saw you moving out of the way, that was needless, sol dropped quietly Over the stern as we passed, and’here lam, Had I carried out my plan, that would have been m letter of introduction, Yousee I haveona cork jacket, proof that I did not leap into the water cere for a long, hard swim if necessary, sir. ** And I have no proof that you are not here to scuttle us, Can you satisfled us on that point?” “T can, sir, if you will grant me the inter- view I seek.” b CHAPTER XIV. SECURING THE TREASURE, THE bunchback owner joined them in time to hear the Jast few remarks, and he now put a question. The Bootblack Stowaway. “What do you know of the intention of those on the Gauntlet?’ he asked. ‘Do they mean to run us down if they can do it?” “Their action is proof enough for it, air, They will try it again immediately. My plan woulki be to put out to sea a little distance, and 80 be out of their reach for the time be- ing. ** Play the coward, eh?” cried Captain Elliott. “Can you dodge them, sir, if they attack again?” ‘* That is what I purpose risking, anyhow.” ** There is risk in it, and I told you we could not afford to take risks, eee Elliott,” re- minded the bunchback. ‘‘Stand out to sea for a little way, until we have heard tiis young man’s story, at least.” ‘*That is different, sir; your order shall be obeyed.” Toe Gauntlet had turned, and was now bear- ing down again, but the Peer started and glided gracefully out of the little bay to the broad, blue water beyond. It was, as said, about night. The Gauntlet did not give chase, and when they were safely outside the captain of the Peer put another man at the wheel and he and the bunchback took the new arrival down into the cabin, ‘*Now, my man, what have you to say?” Conningham demanded, ‘*T have made a discovery, sir.” * And what is it?” ‘“ The captain of the Gauntlet, and bis friend, with some of us sailors, have been hunting for a treasure on the island, sir.” “ Ha ” ** And I, sir, have found it,” ‘* What! Do you mean to say you have found a hidden treasure there?” ‘**T have, sir, and I have not mentioned it to a soul, From their talk, I know you_are the rightful claimant, and I have come to put it into your hands,” The huncbback and his captain looked at each otber, and then at the sailor who had brought such an important bit of news, Was ita trick? And if so, what was its hidden significance? ** Do you mean this?” the captain asked, “'T stand ready to prove it, sir,” Ti How?” “ By putting you in possession of the treasure this very night, ** You cannot do that, I know,” disputed the hunchback. ‘It would be hard enough to find the aie by daylight.” “T have already found it, though, sir, and have so fixed it in my mind that I could find it by night without the necessity of much search, Are you willing to hear my plan?” ** Let's hear it,” the captain invited. ** Well, it is this: On the other side of this island is another harbor, not so large or so good as this, but’ still good enough for the purpose, I have noticed it from the top of the rocks, We can steam around and enter that, and from that side secure the treasure and have it all on board before daylight.” » ** And what then?” asked the hunchback, ‘Whatever you please, sir, All I ask is the privilege of passage back to New York with ou ‘* Your language does not appear to be that of a common sailor,” ‘*A common sailor is what I am, now, sir, nevertheless,” é; ‘* And what if we do not agree to your plan?” ,asked the captain, ‘*Suppose you play us false? Suppose you have atrap laid for us in this other harbor of which you speak?” “‘Tcan say nothing more, sir; if you do not care to believe me and act upon my suggestion, do not,” ‘* And what will you do in that case?” ** Keep the secret I hold.” ‘*' Then you would not reveal it to those on the other yacht?” **T would not, Once Jet it be found, and there will bea fight to the death among them,” “Captain Elliott, what shall we do?” the hanchback appealed to his captain, ‘‘ If this young man tells the truth, it is our chance.” ‘*There is only one way to learn whether he is true or false,” the captain responded, ‘‘ and that is to pit it to the.test. If you say so, we will sail around to that harbor and see,” “ Do it,” ‘- The course of the yacht was laid according- ly, and iv due time she entered another and porte harbor on the south side of the little and, Broadway Billy stood by the captain at the wheel, as did the hunchback also, but Billy offered no suggestions, merely replying to ques- a iS. EE A RE TE ET SATE cee tee ny od tions asked him. He had to guard severé,,,, inst arousing suspicion against himself, Finally the anchor was dropped, and there being no lights aboard the yacht, she was invisi- ble from the shore in the darkness, ** Now, what do you propose, Jack Roper?” Captain Elliott asked, **T propose nvutbing, sir,” the prompt answer. **My part is to guide to the spot one man or many men, just as you please; that part of it is nothing to me.” ‘Ts it further from here than from the other barbor?”’ ‘¢ Yes, a considerable distance further.” ‘* Ought we to take lights?” ‘* By no means, sir; they would be seen by the Gauntlet, and there would be an attack before the work could be finished,” ‘*Mr, Conningham,” and the captain turned to the owner, ‘‘ I am satisfied witb this young man’s honest intention. How many men shall we send with him? Or who sball go?” ‘* What is your opinion?” ‘**] consider the yacht perfectly safe here, and would suggest taking all our men save two, whom we will leave on guard. The idea of keepin the matter secret is no longer to be thought of. Let the main thing be to get the treasure safely on board.” ** So be it.” The boat was lowered, and al] save two of the yacht’s company, excepting Chips, crowded into it and pulled away for the shore. - ** Now,” said Jack Roper, when they had landed, ‘‘I would say leave one man here with tbe boat, so that we cannot miss her on our return, and all the rest go for the treasure,” ‘This will be a wise move,” agreed the cap- tain, ‘* And as I bave never been here before,” Billy went on to say, ‘‘I do not pretend to act as guide until we come to the place where I can as- sume that role, ‘The general direction is there,” pointing, ‘‘ but we may have to take a round- about course to get to the place, A brief discussion, and they set forward, and after something more than an hounand a half of pretty severe traveling, arrived on ground that was familiar to the disguised detective, ‘*Here we are!” he cried. ‘*Now I know where I am, and can guide you to the spot in a few minutes,” And he did, He went to the stone which he had fixed so well in mind, and when the others had gathered around him, rolled it over and disc] a dark hole beneath, ‘*Now we will need light, surely,” remarked the hunchback, excitedly. ‘‘T am prepared for the emergency,” said Billy, ‘*1 have a number of ae of candles in my pocket; who has a match Several had matches, and after a little trying, the candles having been wet, one was lighted, and holding it down in the hole, Billy took a survey of the interior, as did as many more as could crowd around, It was several feet in depth, and extended toward the north in something of a miniature cavern further than could be seen from the opening, Rope had been brought, and this was now brought into use, One by one they descended, Billy first, then Captain Elliott, and then the hunchback and one other, the rest remaining without, The cavern was found to be smaller than they had thought at first, It was not more than twenty feet in length. At the’ further end were piled some heavy, brass-bound boxes, each with handles, ‘*It is here, itis here!” cried the hunchback, excitedly. ‘* Are your men to be trusted thoroughly?” Billy asked, ‘*T think so, sir.” “There will he a great {temptation, once this is on board the yacht,” This was spoken in whisper, almost, ‘*Then what do you advise?” ‘* Let them all come down and see, and pro- mise them a liberal reward if they remain faith- ful and serve you well,” It was done, and as soon as that was over the work of taking the cases out of the hole began, and ae stop was made till it had been accom- lished, r There were nine of the boxes in all, about of the same weight, and heavy enough they were, too; and when the Jast had been taken out the men i. the hole climbed out to the surface, ‘“‘May I offer one suggostion more?’ asked Broadway Billy. ase i rl ’
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* We know now we can trust you, so say on,” *T would sug. est leaving a note here, by this open cavern, letting Captain Trucker and his friend know you have foiled them and taken the treasure out from under their noses,” “ Excellent!” cried the hunchback sg 889 together. uch a message was written, by ligbt of the candle, and left conspicuously exposed to view, The light was then put out, care having been taken thatit should not be seen from the harbor, and dividing the boxes, then, according to the strength of the men who had tocarry them, they set out to return to the boat, Slow progress was made, and they were more than two hours in reaching the shore. They arrived in safety, however, at last, and ‘without accident. A part of the men went out tothe yacht first, with some of the treasure, one man then return- ing with the boat and the rest following th the remainder of the boxes they had found. A consultation was held, in which Jack Roper ‘was allowed to have a voice, and the yacht stood out to sea, intending to return to the har- bor on the other side of the island next morning a8 though they bad been sailing around all nigbt. Another act in the drama was to be undertaken, CHAPTER XV. AMAZING SURPRISE, MEANWHILE, what of matters aboard the Gauntlet, There was disappointment when, upon wearing around to descend upon the Peer a second time, ‘they saw that yacht steam away in the direction of the breakwater. “Ha!” cried Captain Trucker, ‘‘we have scared them out] They are putting to sea, as sure as you’ro born, Longdale. It’s too accursed bad we couldn’t’a’ sunk them,” ‘You are right it is; but, if they are going for good, we won't kick. Too many’s a crowd in this business, I wanted to settle my score with that infernal hunchback, but I will deal with him another timeif he is to escape me now, Curse him! he cannot escape me,” There was no mistake about the intention of the Peer; she did put out to sea, as we know, end she was not seen that night, The sailor, Jack Roper, was not missed until the Gauntlet was again at anchor, after the at- tack; then he wa; searched for, but not found, and there was but one conclusion ‘to be arrived at, and that was that he must have fallen over- and been drowned. There was not a thought that he had deserted. At da light the bay was scanned for a sight of the rival yacht, but she was not there, and the company on the Gaunilet greatly rejoiced thera, 6's gone, sure enough,” cried the rascal! Longdale, eat 4 “Not to be doubted,” agreed the captain. ** Now we can leave tbe yacht and go in search of the treasure without anything to fear.” “And we'll put in a full day of it, too. If that gold is there we must have it, avd from what you have told me there can be no doubt = the truth of the story. We have got to find f, ; and the After an early and hearty mess they went ashore, taking food with them, leaving only two men on the yacht and none with the boat where they left it on the beach, Jack Roper was missed, for he had been the life of the party on other occasions, and his fate was much regretted. So well had Bully played his part that there Was never a suspicion, The searchers went up the rocks to the same general neighborhood where search had been made on the other occasions, » From what Captain Trucker could remember of the papers he had read, he knew this to be the place where the treasure was hid, and this time he was destined to make a discovery he little looked for. They had been there an hour, maybe, when a shout from one of the sailors drew all attention to him, ; Captain Trucker and the others ran quickly ‘ to learn what he had found, “ What is it?” the captain eagerly asked, The man only stood and pointed to the open cavern, andat a sheet of paper which lay on top of the rock, held in place by small stones. ‘They haye beat. us!” the sailor declared, *©They have been here in the nightan’ got away with it all!” “ What? ..What. do .you say?” cried Long- dale, running up. _ Captain Trucker could only point at the no- ‘ Certainly, sir,” answered the hunchback, The Bootblack Stowawav. tice, while he swore at a rate that was perfectly terrific, unable to find words of any other sort to give vent to his rage and disappointment. The notice was worded thus: CREW OF THE GAUNTLET :— “You are too late. We have been at work while you slept. What you sought is no longer here, but cn board the Peer. This is the reward you baye well merited. THE PEER,” ‘* How was it done?” cried Longdale, white with anger at his defeat. ‘* f believe they have sailed around the island to the other bay,” guessed the captain, ‘‘ and come ashore from there.” ** And they must have had the papers,” ** Yes, curse them!” ** And have sailed for New York,” ** Tndoubtedly.” ** Can’t we overtake them? Can’t werun them down and sink them? If we can’t have the treas- ure, we can at Jeast have revenge.” ‘“They have ths start of us, and we can’t be sure of their course. But, we can try; we'll crowd the time all we can, and if we can come first off Sandy Hook we'll run them down if we hang for it!” They examined the cavern, finding all the oroof they needed and more that the treasure had indeed been there, after which they set out for the beach, every man of them swearing. Greater reason than this they were soon to have for swearing, could they only have fore- seen it. Meantime the Peer had steamed into the har- or. Through the glass the situation was revealed to them, The absence of men on the Gauntlet, and the boat lying on the beach, told the pare “The yacht is ours!” exclaimed Captain Elliott, joyfully. ‘‘ Now we are masters of the situation, We'll steal the boat from the beach, and then we shall have them at our mercy,” Very quietly they steamed alongside the other yacht, andthe two men being asleep, the first they knew of the presence of the Peer in the harbor was when she struck the Gauntlet with a slight shock and made fast to ber, The men of the Peer were upon the deck of the Gauntlet in a moment, and before the twor men could make a move they were prisoners, It had been a speedy and easy victory, The boat of the Peer was immediately lowered and sent off to the beach to bring the boat be- lon; nyo the Gauntlet, and in a very little while that purpose had been accomplished, ‘Now we have them,” remarked Jack Roper, ‘They will have to yield themselves prisoners, or stay here on the island.” “ But I couldn’t leave’ them here,” said Mr. Conningham, ‘*1¢ won’t be necessary,” the rejoinder, ‘No, it won’t be necessary,” agreed Captain Elliott. ‘They will surrender fast enough when they find we mean business,” When the men from the Gauntlet came down to the beach and took in the situation, their faces blanched to a man, And well they might, for they were in a des- perate situation now, if ever, Captain Trucker 1aved and swore ina man- ner to put away in the shade any previous effort of the kind he had ever undertaken. ** What in blue, bluer and bluest are we go- ing to do now?” he screamed, ‘They have captured the Gauntlet and have stolen our boat, and here we are, without provisions and with no means of escape!” When he bad exhausted all the shades of blue, he turned to red for further inspiration. The first outburst over, they looked their situ- ation squarely in the face, *‘ Longdale, what are we going todo?” Truck- er asked, **1]] be hanged if I know,” was the answer. “We arein a bad box,” ‘There is only one thing to do, and that is to make the best terms with them we can.” * And the only terms they, will offer will be that we surrender unconditionally and come on board as prisoners.” ‘And that we'll never do! We'll die here ** And they’ll let us die,” “But, is there nothing we can do? What of the secret we hold? Can’t we turn that to ac- count against them?” ‘‘ Ha! there is some hope in that, Maybe by promising Conningham never to mention that, and by givin him my check for the value of the Gauntlet, fe we have todo that, he will let us off,” “Good! Try it, anyhow, and see what we can do,” 15 “ But once let us get afloat and we'll sink them as sure as the heavens arch above us!” Captain Trucker having the strongest voice of any, shouted to those on the Peer, but it was some time before he could bring back any re- sponse, Finally it came, in the stentorian tones of Captain Elliott, ‘* What do you want?” he demanded, ‘*We want to be taken off,” the answer, ‘* And we have no use*for you bere, sir.” ‘*Do you mean to leave us to starve?” ‘““ We will take you off on one condition, and one ouly.” ** And what is that?” ‘‘That you surrender unconditionally and come on board the Peer as prisoners,” ** What did I tell youf’ observed Longdale to Trucker, upon hearing this, ** Never!” Trucker shouted back defiantly. ‘* We'll stay here and starve before we will go back as prisoners.” ‘* Very well, if that is your choice; we sail out from here at nine o'clock to-morrow morning, Make up your minds between now and that bour, And, if you value your worthless lives, do not attempt to get on board during the night,” here was a hurried consultation between Trucker and Longdale, at‘ the end of which Trucker again shouted, * We have something to a neg he said, ‘* Well, be quick about it then,” the careless response, ** Tf you will sell us the Gauntlet, Mr. Long- dale will give bis check for her value, and we will forever keep secret what we know,” ‘* We will not héar to i} You haveheard the only terms we will make you, and we steam out from here to-morrow morning at nine, Be sure you make up your minds before that hour,” It could be s-en that men were busy on the two yachts while this was being seid, and as Captain Elliott concluded, the anchor of the Gauntlet was lifted, Steam was then seen from the Peer and slow- ly the two yachts moved out in the direction of the breakwater, where they finally anchored again, entirely out of hailing distance, and al- most, if not quite, out of swimming reuch, * We are in for it, sure,” growled Trucker, edly, “* Yes, there is only one thing for us to do, an’l that is to surrender as they propose.” ‘* And if you don’t,” bere spoke up one of the sailors—they had been consulting apart—we’ll make you doit, We'll make you prisoners and hand you over, They ain't going to leave us here, ‘That will do, sir,” thundered Trucker. ** Do you su I would run you jnto such a situation? ell surrender, since we must, but we'll capture the Peer and her prize before she reaches New York, or we'll die in the attempt. How many of you arein for that, share and shire alike?” It was a proposal which brought forth an im- mediate cheer of approval, CHAPTER XVI. BILLY THE WINNER, DURING the afternoon those on the yacht saw the men on shore signaling desperately, but no attention was paid to them, After dark, the treasure was transferred from the Peer to the Gauntlet, where Mr, Conning- ham had had secret places arranged for its re- ception, and he and Captain Elliott demanded to know whether they had made up their minds to accept his terms, ‘Yes, we accept your terms,” answered Trucker, ‘There is no chance for men to live on a barren rock like this, and little chance of one being taken cff in a hurry, as it is out of the usual way of vessels, so there is nothing else for us todo and we surrender. All we ask is passage on the Peer, and fair treatment until we reach New York,” “Very well; we willtake you off, then, and you shall have what you ask for, Two of you walk a quarter of a mile up the beach, and two more a quarter of a mile down, and we'll pull in and take you offi» that way, The rest remain where you are until we come back again, We do not intend to allow you any chance for treachery.” This wasagreed to and promptly acted upon and in due time the men were allbsafely on \;oar the Peer, every one securely bound or manacled, It was right in accord with their programme, being put on the Peer, for they bad every reason to believe the treasure was there, and jit was likewise according to the programme of Captain Elliott and the hunchback,
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16 These had a well-founded suspicion of what might be attempted, and it was only good judg- ment on their part keeping the treasure and the rascals thus far separated at least. The second officer of the Peer was left in command of that yacht, but Jack Roper and Chips were taken on the Gauntlet. The two yachts were short-handed, and were to keep close company during the voyage, Everything went well until they were eleven days out Fian the islanac from which they bad started, when a startling thing happened on board the Peer. One of tho prisoners bad man- ed to escape, be had liberated all the rest, and of a sudden they captured the yacht! The first that was known of this on the Gauut- let was when a ringing cheer came rolling across the intervening space, and the prisoners were seen waving their hats, prisoners no longer; while just set adrift was seen the yacht’s boat, with those men who had been handling the Peer now prisoners instead, so far as being bound was concerned, The Gauntlet turned and picked these up, and seeing the uselessness of chasing the Peer, which was the faster of tke two yachts, they con- tinued on their{way to port. Broadway Billy did not make his identity known until theygyacht had safely entered, had passed the customs inspectors, and was moored at her dock. Then he ‘entered the cabin where the owner and the samasinarers having a final talk, Billy Junior had been sent on shore upon an important errand, * Whet do you want here, sir?” the hunch- back demanded, severely.‘ ‘‘ You have entered without even knocking for permission,” There was something new in the face of this sprarentt humble sailor, as both men saw ata glance. There was a sternnessabout the mouth and bis eyes had a glint that was suggestive of vr ye and authority, “*T have stepped in, sir, to let you know that I am now in charge of this yacht, and that you are my prisoners,” Billy promptly answered, and he drew a revolver as he said it, ‘‘ Keep your seats, gentlemen, and we will taik it over oy a while we await the coming of the po- ce Captain Elliott and the hunchback looked at him in amaze. ‘*What can you mean? the hunchback de- manded,. ‘‘ Who and what are ae that you dare to take action such as this ‘*My name, sir, is William Weston, better known as Broadway Billy. I sailed on this yacht for the purpose of securing the treasure ty have now on board, and of restoring_it to ts rightful owners,” He displayed his detective’s badge. ‘* Lost! lost!” gasped Conningham, as he sunk back in bis chair. ‘* Let me, at least, ask one favor,” “Name it,” “That you will allow Captain Elliott, here, to go free. He has had nothing to do with this matter, further than to manage the yacht for me. Let me pay him what is due him, and do not detain hica to fall under disgrace jwith me, **T will grant what you ask, Pay him, and let him depart.” ** But,” the captain protested, ‘I cannot ac- oes further pay, Mr. Conningham, ifit is to be @ failure for you after all,” You shall accept what I pecenient you, sir. You have done your part and have fully earned it, It has been through no fault of yours that the scheme has miscarried. God knowsI meant to be honest in the matter—as honest as I could be and at the same time save my name,” ‘*What was your intention concerning the treasure, sir?’ asked Broadway Billy. **] intended devoting every penny of it to charity, secretly, and by so doing, in some measure make right the great wrong that has been done in the past,” **' You mean that?’ ** 7 swear it!” ‘*Then ic is possible that I can yet save your name, for I believe you. I am aware what Sl character bas been, sir; that it bas been lameless in the past, and I am satisfied that you have spoken the truth,” You give me hope, I bave spoken only. the truth,” ‘Enough, Pay your captainand let him go.” ** Consider me paid, Mr, Conningham.” The captain would not listen to protests, but left the cabin and the yacht, and was seen no more, hai what must I do?” the hunchback - Suen The Bootblack Stowaway. ‘*You must leave this treasure in my hands, together with the papers—” ‘**T haye no papers, sir—” ** But I have; how else could I have found the treasure? Leave these papersin my hands, and 1 will cut your father’s name from them be- fore I give them to the public, and so your honor will be saved,” **T will do it, willingly, gladly. I did not think of that, or I could have done it myself— that is, could have made that my plan.» How you came to know about this matter is a mystery; I will not try to penetrate it; only let me go free ani save my good name, and I leave it all to you.” ** Then, arrive,” The hunchback departed immediately. In due time Billy Junior returned, bringing with bim Harry andSilent Seth, together with some policemen. Billy put the policemen to guard the yacht, he reg. that authority. All remained on the Gauntlet, that night, the sailors having been taken away by the hunchback, who bought their secrecy at a liberal price to each, and thus further protected his own name, Needless to say, Harry and Seth were greatly interested in the story Billy had to tel), The next morning the Italian consul was sent for, and he came wonderingly on board the yacht to learn what was wanted, Police officials and reporters were there, to- gether with many others who had interest in the matter, direct and indirect. And when all were assembled, Broadway Billy made known the business for which they bad been called, Forty eg prior to the time of our story, a remarkable bank robbery had taken place in Italy. One of the richest banks of that country was completely rifled and its treasure put on board a vessel, openly and in broad daylight, and that vessel cleared and sailed before the truth was guessed. One of the looters was Abelard Conningham, father of the Conrad Conningham of our story (but mames were withheld by Broadway Billy). He, with an officer of the bank, hatcbed and carried out the scheme, The treasure was to be taken to a certain island and there buried, and the vessel destroyed near enough to some port for the commander to have a vhance for escape, This was done, but the commander (the lead- ing spirit of the scheme, being the official of the bank as mentioned) was injured, and he had a Sane to send papers to Conninghama before he died. So the secret became the sole property of Conningham, but he did not dare useit, For two years the detectives of the world were on the alert for the vessel, but she was never heard of after leaving the Italian port. Conningham was ostensibly a rich merchant, retired, but undoubtedly he had been something worse, His wife, the mother of Conrad, had died early, of a broken heart, Conrad had in- herited all of bis mother’s good qualities, and few or none of his father’s bad ones, At his death, Abelard revealed the secret to his son, giving him full directions in writing how od! where to find the hidden ‘treasure, Conrad became eager to recover the treasure for the purpose he named, and proceeded itt the manner we have here shown, Being de- formed, and consequently not strong, it was necessary for him to have an able captain in whom he could phe confide, and he had chosen Captain Elliott, Broadway Billy told his story in detail ss far as needful, and the treasure was officially turned over to the Italian Government, Billy eventually receiving a liberal reward. Courad Conningham married the Jady who had chosen him in preference to his more bandsome rival, and Longdale never returned to mar their bappiness.. The only clew to the fate of the steam yacht Peer, was the finding of a portion of her bull, with the name partly burned, on a Southern beach, Broadway Billy regretted that bis own plans, as arranged with Billy Junior, could not have been carried out; but it really mattered little, as he declared, since they ‘‘ got there just the same,” Billy Junior was the happiest boy in New York, it may safely be said, and when he re- appeared in his old baunts, sun-browned and hearty, his chums wondered where he had been, and listened with delight to the wondrous tale the Stowaway bad to unfold to them, THE END, | ee | $50 The Grand Street Arab. = THE FAKIR DODGER! Next Half-Dime Library, No. 857.. Spotter Bob in New York; THE MAN FROM’ WAYBACK. BY WM. G, PATIEN. The story of a man without the power of speech, sir, go at once before the police | from "Wayback in Idaho, who isin New York fora terrible purpose. Spotter Bob, from PhiladclIphia— Willis Steele, the ** fast cashier— Anson, the young spotter’s ally Jessic,the much-wanted man’s victim, these are the plaintiffsin the exciting and momen- tous case, in which the arch villain, Black Dirk. the Sport from Idaho, and his ex-convict pal, Budge Farrel, are the defendants, Spotter Bob is the Rogue Catcher and Crusher, and does his work in such masterly style that every chapter of the story isa sensation, Nobody should miss the treat. It is a spinner! Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY J. C. COWDRIOK, Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 614 Broadway Billy’« Boodle; or, Cleming aStranze Case. 586 Broadway Billy’a_ *Dimkilty.” 557 Broadway pol Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detoctive’s Big Inning 628 Broadway Biily’s Dead Act; or, The League oS: ven 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootb!ack in Fiiaco. 675 Broadway Billy’s Beat; or, Beating San Francisco's t nest. 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. , 696 roadway Billy in Texas; or, The River Rustlors. T08 Broadway Billy’s Brand. : 711 Broundway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Den, 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand: or, The Gawin Detective, 785 Broadway Billy’s Business. 788 Broadway Billy’« Curiona Canc. 58 Brondway Billy in Denver. 62 Broadway Bfiily’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectives. ere rel 69 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective. 75 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Tric’s Quest, 236 Brondway Billy’« Team; or, The Comblue's Big Cull illy Among Jersey Thugs. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys, 86) Shasta, the Gold King} or; For Seven Years Deaa 420 The Delective’s Apprentices or, A Boy Without » Name. 424 Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dade. £06 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road, 524 The Engineer Detectives or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 5648 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Outs 615 Fighting Marry tho Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle. ‘ 7% Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the * Pizenest ” Man of Ante Ba. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 841 yeanes Charlle, the Cat’s-Paw Sport. By Marma- duke ve 842 The Actor Detective In Chicago; or, Dick Doom’s Flush Hand. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 848 Dan, the River Sport; or, Foiling the Frisco Sharp, By Havld Payne, 844 Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. _ By J. C. Cowdrick, 845 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, High Horse.. By Edward L. heeler, R46 Buck, the New Vork Sharper. By Jo Pierce. 847 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike, By Col, Prentiss Incraham, 848 Clip, the Battery Ferret}; or, Juck Jeffers’ Foul Vlay, By T. ©, Harbaugh. 849 Broadway Billy’s 8100,000 Snap. By Cowdren. By Jo Mierce. $51 The Tie-To Sport; o1, High Hustling at Sinners’ Flint, By Wm. R. Eyater. 852 Deadwood Dick, Ir., ut Devil’s Gulch. By Kaward + Wheeler, : 858 Dick Doom’a Kidnapper Knock-Out, By Colonel! Prentiss Ingraham. 854 Uncle Sam’s Detective In Chicagos or, The Country Postmaster Among Bunco-Men, By George C. Jenks 855 The Weat Brondway Gamin; or, Toddles, the Tramp, in Clover, By Jo Pierce. 856 The Bootblack Stowaway; or, Broadway Billy’s Pili, By J. C. Cowdrick, 857 Rpotter Rob in New Yorks or, The Man from ’Way- Back. By Wm. G. Patten, 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Reath-Hole Huatle ; or, The Doom of Satan’s Seven. By Ed. L.. Wheeler, A Now lesue Every Tuesday- The Walf.Dimo Library ie for sale by all sewsdealers, five eonta por eopy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 08 William Street, New York i