Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 860) (1894 01 16)
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“ os Ges WS ; oe oe Wr Per J; 2 isa Bo AO FAIR MPO rT Pe EITM NR yer net WE Se Plage a Sierra Ee ilelalaalelaala) | % % << | a =e a . =a Re 4 . Vi a Dp S LLLLLLLL, Kisii 7 a \ XY Ny \) ; AWS ss A ~~ HH” AMM, VA SER /6 ttyjjjp: il i u ] i | : , vat / re Goel Leet oo eercrririhs Naeeeee mi Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1894, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, January lb, los. No 860 2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, Vol XXXIV . . a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. 01, . Hi M ! ea | Wil I AAA ly t } | | MZ Mig t Wi EpLE ¢ iS y Sah, ie, ey SS peed pe Unjgaiise aise i ‘hi RE! ~~ ee = 22; = On Dan Decker’s Double Deal. BY JO PIZRCEZ. CHAPTER I. WORK FOR A DETECTIVE. “ DISAPPHARED, an’ left 1.0 trace behind!” “Straugely disappeared!” ‘That means a good ’eal in New York, whar folks disappear an’ are never heard of ag’in,” Kit Clipper, shook his head gravely as he eek : : spoke. Well did he know that crime flourished ; + Sp in great Gotham, and that the evil deeds brought ‘* WELL, MASCOT,” SALUTED HAMBLIN, *‘ HOW DO YOU*LIKE IT?” to the notice of the public were not all t ~ — i = Ss =o Ss = ee LS —- = yi VF 1 / \] \ \ \
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—— occurred between the Battery and High Bridge. ‘¢ 1am terribly worried about Charles.” “¢ You hev reason ter be, I should say.” ‘*{ can’t imagine where he should go after he left the boat-house—” ** Did he leave the boat-house, at all?” ‘‘Oh, yes; I told you that he was seen to leive.” ‘*So you cid, but yer witness was open ter doubt. Now, don’t understan’ me as sayin’ pos- itive thatI think Charles went out o’ sight in the boat-house, fur I ain’t a hair o’ reason fer thinkin’ so; but all things must be considered when we're lookin’ up crooked cases. As fur this case, I’ve a good mind ter set right to an’ find Charles.” ‘*Oh, Kit! if you will, ’ll be your friend for- ever!” ‘* B’glory! that’s a prize worth workin’ for, an’ ll do it!” The speakers were a boy and a young lady, who were seated in a front room of a house on Charles street. The latter was named Louise Birdston. She was about twenty years old, and pretty of face and charming of manners, She was not so vivacious as the average New York girl, but, reserved in the presence of casual ac- quaintances, was lively enough when with her friends. Her present companion was Kit Clipper. When John Clipper had occasion to name a son, he thought thata plebeian name like his own was not goodenough for the boy. He called him Christopher, only to see the namecut down to ‘' Kit” by those who knew the boy in later years. Kit was now sixtees years old, but small for his age. He was healthy and strong, however, and accustomed to outdoor life. His face was bright, but not handsome, the features being somewhat irregular. His father had been fairly successful as a gro- cer, but had retired from the business and was living an easy life on his savings. Kit was not yet in business, or, indeed, done with school, He was quick to learn, but indif- ferent as to the application of what he knew. Neither at home nor among his usual associates did he hear the English language spoken with care, and the result was that ne chopped up his words in breezy disregard of grammar and spelling, Ane his latest-made friends had been Charles Birdston, a young brick-mason. They had met casually, but Charles had at once become interested in his companion, and had asked him to the house where he and his sister, Louise, lived, Kit had. confirmed their first good impressions, and, at the end of six months, ranked among their most valued friends. There was troublé in the Birdston house, however—Charles was missing. He had been working at his trade in the boat-house of the Sea-Horse Club, but had not returned home as usual, one evening. Inquiry elicited the statement that he had left there at the usual hour, but that no more was known about him or bis movements. Nearly a week had passed, and Louise was in despair, She had reported the case to the po- lice, but without avy good resalt. How much they had done she could not tell, but they stated that they were unable to find any one who had seen Charles after he left the boat-house. Asthe young mason was temperate, honest, of good habits and devoted to his sister, the case was mysterious. The police suggested that he had eloped, but, though he was twenty- three years old, his sister felt sure that he had no love affair. Her theory was that he had met with foul play, and she had worried over it until nearly ill, Kit Clipper knew something about the Sea- Horse Boat Club, It had been composed, origi- nally, of a number of old 'sea-captains, and had resembled the usual boat-club but little. Later, young men were taken in—some of them the sons of the old captains, but mainly persons picked up at random. Nobody had ever spoken unfavorably of the club in Kit’s hearing, but he knew that the members, individually, had no superfluous respectability. Whatever the old captains were, some of the young men were very “tough,” use the terse expression of the day. When the youth spoke slightingly of the Sea- Horse Club, he did so vaguely, but the words led to the mental inquiry:*If Charles had met with foul play, why was it not as likely to have been in the boat-house as outside? No outsider had seen him leave the place. = ‘* Kit,” said Louise, earnestly, ‘‘if you can find my brother, I will do my best to reward you. our father is richer than I am, and perhaps you have ali the money you can use—” “ Jes’ so; don’t talk abouf that. All I should want would be your good will and Charles’s,” ‘¢ That you shall have.” *‘ T’ll look inter it. I don’t see what more I kin learn than the perleece, but I kin try. PU | do it now!” He arose to go, but Luuise had more to say. She gave him credit for considerable shrewd- ness, and it awakened fresh hope to have him give the promise. She encouraged him all she could, and then he left the house. His own home was on Ninth avenue, so he started up Hudson street in that direction. He had reached the corner of Jane street when his attention was attracted by the sound of excited voices. Looking into the cross-street he saw three men on the sidewalk, one being a cabman who stood by bis vehicle, while the others had the appearance of having been his patrons, These men were engaged in an altercation, Trouble has an attraction for both old and young, and Kit hastened toward the scene. He saw that one of the men was old, white- haired, somewhat feeble and bent, while thé other was scarcely old enough to be called more than a youth. He was, however, a muscular, heavy-built young fellow, and his red face was the index of a rough, turbulent nature. The old man, on the contrary, was refined-looking> Both were respectably dressed. Thefirst distinct wordsthat Kit heard were in the old man’s shrill voice. ‘‘ Don’t you deny a thing!” he exclaimed, “‘ for I know that you are guilty!” ‘*Oh! come off!” the young fellow coarsely re- torted. , ‘Your word is not to be believed, anyhow.” | The younger man looked scowlingly at Kit, and then answered in a more persuasive voice: ‘*Say, Uncle Steve, hush up, will you? You'll have a crowd collected here.” ‘*T don’t care if I do!” *¢ Do you want to advertise all our troubles?” ‘“‘T want to advertise the fact that you tried to rob me.” ; ‘*T did nothing of the kind.” ‘*T say you tried to ‘ bunco’ me,” ** 'You’re a liar!” The young man shot out the retort’ with dis- gusting disregard of his companion’s years, but it appeared to bein keeping with his nature. ‘* ve a good mind to have you arrested,” “You hadn’t dare!” ‘‘Hadn’t I? Here, boy; go for a policeman!” ‘Do it, and I’l] smash you in the face!” Both of the latter speeches were leveled at Kit Clipper. ‘‘Uncle Steve” was angry and excit- ed; the younger man was as coarse and low as those of his nature usually are. Kit stood ina state of uncertainty. ‘+ Hadn’t ye better patch upa truce?” heasked, ‘*No, we hadn’t, and we won't. Wijl you go for an officer, or shall I send some one else?” ~ Allof Kit’s sympatby was with the old man, who kept his gentlemanly air even 1n his trou- ble and anger, and it occurred to him that a blue-coat would be likely to bring about the truce he had suggested. ‘¢Tf you’re bound ter hev one, I’ll go,” he re- lied. Z He started, but the young man caught him by the collar and flung him violently to the pave- ment, : “Lie there, meddler!” he exclaimed; and then he ran away down the street at a rapid ACE, “ The old man did not heed his aaron he was gazing in a bewildered way at Kit Clipper, The latter would not have heeded his fall ordi- narily, but his head had struck against the curb- stone, and be was half-stunned, He arose sJow- ly and, putting his hand to his head, took it away staineg with blood. ) He had a bruise just sufficient to start the red fluid, but not of a nature to worry him, ‘‘What next?’ the old gentleman uttered. ‘The misguided boy is almost a murderer!” ‘*Not on me; I’m all right,” Kit returned, quickly. / ‘But think what might have happened.” “(Im thinkin’ what did happen,” Nica! a an- swered, looking toward the corner around which his date assailant was just vanishing. **- You are bleeding..” ‘An artom,” ‘Your skull may be fractured!” ‘“‘Not a fracture; I’m made o’ tough ma- terial.” ‘Horace shall answer for this—he shall be arrested.” 2 Kit Clipper, the Boat-Club Mascot. * SSS ee ‘“You’re too late for your game,” observed the cabman, phlegmatically. The old gentleman had recovered from his bewilderment, and he saw that it was as the man had said. Horace had made good his es- cape. R Well, well, it may be best so,” he said, with a sigh. ‘‘I should dislike to have my sister’s con arrested, richly as he deservesit. Let him go, for his own deeds will be his worst accuser and ouravenger. But you, my boy—you have been hurt in my service, and must go to my house to be cared for.” Kit Clipper smiled. ‘*Oh! this don’t amount ter nothin’. See! it ain’t bled enough ter fill up a moskeeter, an’ I don’t mind it,” ‘*But you were‘hurt while helping me—” “Not at all. I didn’t get a chance ter hely ye, an’Lain’t hurt, nohow. Let it pass! But you’d better keep an eye on yer nephew, fur he’s bad clear ter his socks.” ‘¢ The Sea-Horse.Boat Club has been the ruin of him.” Kit’s eyes opened widely, ‘* Wot did ther Sea-Horses do ter him?” ‘‘He went among evil associates when he made their acquaintance. The club isn’t com- posed of good men. !| know, for I live near the boat-house, and I know some of the members, personally or otherwise.” ‘‘ What might yer name be, sir?” ‘* Stephen Teachers, I come of a good family, and there was never a black sheep in it until Horace grew up. He is my deceased sis- ter’s son, She married Leander Paulson, and Horace is all that’s Jeft. My poor sister was weak and yielding, and her way of dealing with rough Horace when he was a boy has made him what heis, He had his own way then, and the headstrong boy has become a criminal young man. But we wander from the subject. I real- ly desire you to go to my house, my lad.” ‘¢ Ajl right, sir; jest as you say.’ Kit Clipper’s sudden change of opinion was not without cause. The moment he heard that Mr, Leechmere lived near the Sea-Horse Boat Club, and knew a good deal about its members, Kit decided to accompany him. The chance was presented, he thought, for him to ane a start in investigating Charles Bird- ston’s case. The cab still awaited Leechmere’s commands, and he and Kit entered and were driven away toward the north. Itwas a ride of considerable time to the old gentleman’s house, but they reached it at last. = When they alighted, Kit cast a quick, earnest glance toward the boat+house. It was a notable feature of North River life at that time—though unknown to the dr be decade—and had a good situation on the bank of the stream. Inevery wayit outdid theaverage boat-house. It was larger, more exclusive in its style of architecture, and, though imposing, a place about which outsiders had never been given any chance to get much information. To Kit Clipper it looked particularly imposing on this occasion, and as he viewed the grim, secretive walls, it looked just like the proper place for the commission of crime, CHAPTER II. ALARMING NEWS. STEPHEN LEECHMERE led the way into the house, “*T live here with my sister,” he explained. ‘We arealone except forthe two servants we keep. You will not meet with much form and ceremony, for I am opposed to such things. Ill call my sister and have her attend to your hurt —she’s very skillful in such matters. Remain here, please, until I summon her.” Kit Clipper did not object, and Leechmere left the room, The house was one which would average well in New York, without making undue show, and the interior was fairly furnished and very neat. Leechmere soon returned, accompanied by a lady a few, years younger thanhe, She exam- ined Kit’s hurt and pronounced it trifling, but, at her brother’s request, washed it well in skillful way. While she washed, she talked. xem ‘We may as well let Horace go to ruin if he is to run away with the boat-club boys!” she declared. ; ‘*T believe you, Elvira,” Leechmere sighed. ‘‘ That place is a den of iniquity !” She ceased work, stretched out one arm to ward the boat-house, and looked very dramatic “‘T don’t know what we can do about it,” hey brother admitted. ‘Tf I had my way, the people weuld rise anc
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‘ br be ¥ < Te capcahr enw my TS ood Fs pull the building down, as the French pulled down ue Bastile.” ‘* The men would still remain.” ‘* But not their den.. Next thing we know, Horace will be a member of the club, and you know my opinion of them?” * Yos,” “*The old sea-captains that founded the club were none too good, [can tell you. I’ve heard it whispered that they had out a pirate craft during the last war, but that may be wrong. Now the young roughs have full sway, and tell you that there’s no good in them!” ‘*¢ Boat-clubs ain’t apt ter be,” observed Kit, anxious to lead the lady on to say all that she would, ‘* Some beat-clubs are all right, and composed of honest young fellows, but not so the Sea- Horse, Weare neighbors, and have a chanco to notice more/than some folks. There are strange goings-on there, and it wouldn’t sur- prise me if stolen property could be found there.” ‘* Ahem!” Stephen Leechmere cleared his throat sudden- ye and gave his sister a warning glance. Kit id not fail to see it, and rightly inferred that the old gentleman did not want to get mixed up with the affairs of the Sea-Horse Boat Club. ‘Pd like to know what meant the mason- ‘work done there lately,” Miss Leechmere added, evidently determined to have the last word, ‘* What did they do?” Kit asked, ‘© Who knows? We don’t; but what did they ‘want of vaults and subterranean places?” “Did they make ’em?’ asked the boy, with fast-increasing interest, ‘¢ This talk is idle,” interrupted Leechmere, ** We know positively nothing about the club, and what we suspect is no evidence. Let us not speak of them. They did have some mason- work done, and we saw the mason go in and out—he was a likely young fellow of some twenty-two years—but we never spoke to him; we don’t know who he was; we don’t know what he did, and are not interested in the af- fairs of the Sea-Horse Club, All done, El- vira?” 6s Yes.” Miss Leechmere had finished her work by put- ting a piece of court-plaster on ag rey hurt. The latter had almost forgotten it, but not so the old gentleman. “Tt wes a cowardly thing to do!” he mut- te red, ‘* What shall we hear next of that wretched boy?” added Miss Elvira. ‘* Anything is liable to come. I tell you that he and his associates of the occasion tried to ‘bunco’me. Horace claimed that/he wanted to settle down and go into business, and he de- coyed me in to use my, judgmentin the case, as he termedit. Well, my judgment proved bet- ter than they expected, and when they laid the trap for my feet—and my money—I saw through itatonce. 1 had money about me, and Horace knew it; and he and his knaves were tempted to take it from me by force. I also saw that yey: but my bold stand kept them off. ou heard: me accuse Horace of trying to ‘bunco’ me.” ** And to think that he is the son of our only sister!” sighed Miss Leechmere, Once more Stephen returned to the injury which Kit had received—this seemed to haunt him more than any of Horace’s other misde- meanors. Kit would have tried to have him drop the meg but a new idea had entered the boy’s mind. He wanted to know more about the Sea-Horse Boat-House, and did not fail to perceive that he was in just the proper place for observation. Exclusive as the club was, with the bizgh, tight board fence around its premises, the upper win- dows cf Leechmere’s house were higher. It was a fine place for observation. Could be use it for such a purpose? “ My Jad,” Stephen went on, “I cannot think of letting you Jeave us to-night, Yop may be worse before morning, and i want you where we can care for you.” Kit concealed the twinkle in his eyes. ‘*¥ ain’t used ter sleepin’ in no close room,” he answered, ‘*Kin you give me a high, airy room, facin’ the water?—an atzic, fur in- stance?” ’ it was a bold bid, and he waited eagerly for thereply. : ‘‘ Wecangive you just what you desire. Come an seo the room.” And so Kit followed his new friend, and was led to th, upper room at the west end of the house, Between it and the boat-club property Ce” ae eT te POTN ei ed there was a vacant lot, so there was nothing to interrupt the view, This view was all that could be desired, and he decided not to throw away the chance offer- ed—though what good he was to get out of it he did not know. That the Sea-Horses would parade any of their secrets did not seem likely. Mr. Leechmere was greatiy pleased when his young friend promised to stay, and arrange- ments were made accordingly. The amateur detective knew that the less at- tention he received the more chance he would have to observe, and he acted his part so well that, when he said he was both poor and hum- ble, and would feel more at home in the kitchen than.elsewhere, be was allowed to go there, He found the mistress of that region to be a very black colored woman who rejoiced in the name of Rosebud, and he and she were soon on good terms. ‘ He ate his supper with her, and the evening egan, All this while he had been waiting for a chance to question Rosebud, being well aware that nobody knows more about her neighbors than a female servant, When he bad wholly gained Rosebud’s confi- dence he began operations, ‘* Mighty fine neighborhood ’round hyar,” ‘¢ Pooty fair,” Rosebud areed. ‘¢ Go inter sassiety much?” ‘* Course not, wid my black skin,” ‘‘Wolks pertic’ler round hyar, eh?” “Sorter.” ‘¢Got a boat-house over yender, I see,” ce Yes,” ‘* Wish I b’longed.” ** Don’t yer do it!” ‘¢ Why not?” ‘*- You'd git gobbled up.” ** Ghosts?” ‘“Wu'ss! I ain’t givin’ it away, not even ter my boss; but dar is myst’ries in dat ’ar shebang dat would make de police chieftain turn white *round his gills.” ‘Gosh ter all hemlocks! you don’t say so! What’s up, I’d like ter know?” ““ Tspect thar’s a man been killed!” ‘Who?’ ‘© A mason who worked dar,” The detective’s eyes grew larger. ** How’s that?” ‘* A man worked fur them on mason-work, an’ den he vanished inter blue smoke. Thar ain’t much been done about it, an’ no gineral alarm sent out, I reckon; but he wa’n’t never seen ter leab the boat-house one night, when he was through. Good reason why—he didn’t leab it!” ‘* Be you sure?” ac Yes, ” ‘* How d’ye know?” ‘* Onereason isdat I didn’t see him go, an’ an- other is dat there was strange goin’s-on in dat boat-house, While de mason was workin’ dere days I could often get glimpses ob him, an’ see brick an’ moftar; an’some seb’ral times I heerd de clinkin’ ob his trowel—you'll notice dis am a ie fh ak lg ‘* Well, sab, de night what de mason am said to hab disappeared, I heerd strange sounds in de boat-house, ‘long about seven o’clock, ** All had been quiet dar, but I finally heerd voices in loud talk, an’ dey seemed to be right mad, too, Yes, sah, it was a querril about su’thin’, an’ somebody was a-jawin’, Den I heerd one man say: ‘ Lemme go, scoundrels!” ‘* Bo you sure?” Kit asked, breathlessly. ‘*'Yes,sah, Den thar was de sound ob a scuf- fle, an’ more voices sounded, an’ su’thin’ like a chair was knocked over. Denit stopped,an’ all become quiet.” “Why ain’t you tol’ this afore?” “* Well, de Leechmeres had always tol’ me not ter meddle wid de Sea-Horses, nor hab auyehing to do wid’em; an’ dat is just what I hab been doin’.” ‘‘But that man may hev been murdered,” ‘ Dat’s so, now I think on’t.” ‘“* You ought ter tol’ it, Rosebud.” ‘“‘T never meddle wid my neighbors,” ‘But you say this happened at seven o'clock, Didn’t the mason go’way atsix?” ‘“ Yes; but I s’pect they kep’ bim, some- how,” . **‘ T reckon he’s food fur the fish, fore now.” ‘‘ Don’t think so!”? declared Rogebud, with an emphaticnod, ‘Why not?” : “Thay has walled him up alive!” Kit Clipper gazed at the negress in startled amazement, This assertion was even more re- markable than anything be bad expected, and it almost took his breath away. Ue Dey had him do their work,” Rosebud add- war Tas x Kit Clipper, the Boat-Club Mascot. 3 ed, ‘‘and then, so he couldn’t give any their secrets, bricked bim up from all de world,” ‘* How do you know that?” ‘*Wal, dat same night I speak of, "long about two hours or so arter ce fight, dat trowel got ter goin’ ag’in—clink!/ clink! clink!—an’ it kep’it up for a long time until I dropped asleep. Nex’ mornin’ dere wasn’t no work done in de boat-house, an’ de trowel ain’t sounded sence. Good reason why, The Sea-Horses walled the mason up alive dat night, an’I presume dat he’s starved afore now.” Rosebud took a pinch of snuff, leaned back in her chair and assumed an expression of con- tentment, She had been able to thrilla listener, and pose as the guardian of secrets and trage- dies. pois ve CHAPTER ITI. AMONG THE SWA-HORSES. Kir CLIPPER gazed at the negress for some time in silence, He had a mind far more logical than hers, and he was correspondingly less apt to rush to a conclusion, but he could not he being influenced by the testimony te hat heard. His own vague idea that Charles Birdston’s disappearance might be due to the Sea-Horses had received confirmation, and he became mcre earnest than ever, He questioned Rosebud further, but learned nothing of actual importance. At an early hour he announced his desire to go to bed, and he was soon in the attic room set apart for him, A. few minutes later the room was wrapped in darkness, but the young detec-, tive was not in bed. Instead, he was sitting at the window, fully dressed, with his gaze riveted upon the boat- house. There was but little to be seen there, It was well lighted, but curtains screened every win- dow, and shut off all survey. It was evident, though, that the Sea-Horses were enjoying themselves, for shouts of laughter occasionally arose, F ‘‘ Wish I’s in thar!” muttered Kit, thcught- ully. He looked at the high fence, with its crown of spikes. It would be neither easy nor safe to get over, but it was not that which made the detective the most trouble; he bad been told that, besides the servants, a watchman was al- ways there to patrol the inclosed area, Whatever the Sea- Horses might he in point of honor, they seemed to know how to enjoy them- selves. They had a social club, es well as a nautical one, and the second floor of their main building was used for the aforesaid social pur- pose, Every night they met there, old sailors and young recruits, and passed the time hilari- ously. Te Kit expected them to throw up the window- curtains and parade any of their secrets he was very much disappointed. Noisy as they were, they cid nothing suspieious, and, at eleven o'clock, the lights were put out and they went their several ways toward home, Nobody was left, as far asthe spy could see, except the watchman, He madean occasional ci cuit of the club house, or entered the building where the boats were kept, After some deliberation Kit opened his door. The Leechmere house wag dark and silent. He crept down the stairs, passed out of the rear door, and stood under the clouded sky, He went at once to the gate by which the Sea- Horses entered their inclosure, Itwasfastened, and the detective was not able to get rm points, He next made his way to the water. e boat- house had a more extensive frontage than simi- lar places of the present day, and all was trim and nent, but every Sea-Horse seemed to have sought his stall. There was a possibility that Kit could gain entrance ab that point, but he would not try it. If they were otherwise so secretive, it. fol- lowed that they had some protection there against interlopers, Kis retraced his steps, but had gone only half- way io Leechmere’s house when he suddenly paused, Y ‘¢ What's that?” ho muttered. Sure enough, what wasit? A peculiar sound was borne to his hearing. Clink! clink! clink! His eyes gleamed with sudden excitement, and to his memory came what Rosebud had said about the sound of a trowel. The peculiar noise made by that implement was not new to Kit, He had heard it: before—he heard it now. But where? He looked all around without being able \
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~ _ andthe br solve that mystery. It was distinct enough, in wae sense, yet it seemed strangely muffled. It sounded as though rising from the ground! When he arrived at this decision he found himself with a good-sized idea, Rosebud had declared that the Sea-Horses had walled the mason up alive. This was only a theory with seh but the detective did not feel like laughing abit. Certainly, the clinking which he heard rose from the ground, unless be was greatly in error. Who was usingatrowelthere? What was being done? lt wasa fascinating subject upon which to meditate, and he hovered over the spot, al- most bolding his breath in order to hear the more clearly. Clink! clink! ‘*Tt’s a trowel, sure a he muttered, ‘‘ but who in time is usin’ it? Kf Charles Birdston is walled up alive, he can’t be.the one, an’ef they hev got another mason, what do they want 0’ Charles, anyhow?” It was easy to ask the question, but hard to answer it, So, too, it was hard to understand the present case. Where was the trowel being used? Kit could not tell whether it was be- ad him, under the sidewalk, or inside the ence, The whole matter puzzled him, The Sea- Horses had ceased to work, idle and visit for the evening, yet the clinking of the trowel was go- ing on just the same, Or was it his nod Willing to take a matter-of-fact view of the case, he tried to believe that the latter was the fact, but found it impossible, “fit I ever heerd a trowel, tuat’s one!” he muttered. ‘‘Kinit be that Charles is in thar now?!” It was a question whica interested him a good deal, Birdston had been his friend, and, if he was in trouble, now was the time to prove his loyalty. ‘I'll git inter this ranch ef I kin!” the youth decided, and then he moved toward the river again. A large-sized sail-boat lay rocking by the pier. Kit decided on two points at once. First, it did not belong to the Sea-Horses; secondly, it was not occupied. Where could ha find a better place from which to observe the boxt-house? Acting promptly, he boarded the crait with- out trouble, [twasnot in ‘‘ship-shape;’ a good deal of stuff was scattered about the deck, and, among other things, a large pile of old weather- beaten canvas, ; This was just what he wanted, and he crawled under so that only bis head protruded. From there he could keep his vigil to his satis- faction, he thought, Several minutes without developments. All continued quiet, and his impatience suggested that he had made a vain move, ** Reckon thar ain’t no chance but ter climb over the fence, an’that 1 can’t do. Even if I could, the watchman would gobble me up. He would— Hullo! thar ho is now!” A man had come out of the boat-house, and, stopping, was looking around as though to see that all was right. The detective did not doubt that it was the watchman, but further developments were in order, After a careful survey, the man turned and spoke in a low tone; then other men emerg- ed from the boat-house until seven stood on the ier. ! Tho last six did not stop, but walked quickly forward in a group directly toward Kit. The latter kept a under the canvas. ** Lucky this ain’t their boat,” he thought. Even as the idea took form one of the men sprung to the boat, and the others promptly followed, Clipper began to feel uncasy. Was he discovered? ‘‘Get her under way at once, but be quiet about it,” said a commanding Voice. The men moved with the celerity of good sailors, and, almost before Kit could realize the situation, the boat was out in the stream isk wind was fanning the unusually broad sail. The detective saw that he had made a mistake, The boat was the property o reat the . Sea-Horses; they were off on a voyage; and he was an uninvited passenger! They headed _ down the stream, and the wind moved them along merril, "Ki Clipper wished himself back ‘in Stephen Leechmere’s house, True, his presence was not’ suspected, thus far, but that he would escape . seemed impossible. The canvas which concealed him was there for some particular purpose, he hought, and, when it was moved, discovery Ney not but follow, ‘And when he was tound—what then! Kit Clipper, the Boat-Club - oe a my eh db L0re ties ita - any * Nektar © ty RELI e ae, ite ine i | He had made up his mind that the Sea-Horses were hard characters, and he expected no gen- tle usage at their hands. Luckily, he was a good swimmer, and if, when the crisis came, he was able to leap overboard, he would not be without hope. He peered out of his peculiar refuge at his fellow-voyagers. All were young men, rough of dress and of general appearance, but the darkness would not allow him to discover much of anything else. One, who seemed to be the leader, stood near the spy. ‘‘Tt’s a good night for the job,” he remarked. ‘‘Dark as we could wisn,” replied one of his companions. ; ‘¢ Hope there won’t be any beaks cut.” ‘‘No fear; they love their nests too well,” ‘* Pity the canal ain’t done,” ‘*Tt will be, soon.” “T always feel nervous when unloading.” ‘¢ Oh! there’s no danger,” ‘¢ But a police-boat might stop us.” «cc Yes,” . ‘* It’s well that the Sea-Horses stand well.” ‘I’m not sure that they do,” answered the leader, slowly. ‘‘Some ef our boys are not as wise as they might be, and whatever they do has a bearing on the club. I wish we were more exclusive, but the Board of Directors are easy, and they argue that what we need is bold spirits. That’s all right, but no man who arin ks whisky and beer too freely is fit for any use. I’m notasaint, butit’s{a fact that a hard drinker is of no use in this world, whether he’s in honest business or delicate work.” ‘That's a fact.” ‘* Now, there was Ginger George. He was a darling, but he got to oe too hard, was useless to us,and is now in Sing Sing. All such cases hurt the Sea-Horses, and if too many of them come up, the club will get a bad name.” ** Pact, cup’n.” The boat was Ae aca at good speed, the breeze being all that could be desired. They kept near the middle of the stream, and the captain watched with unflagging care. At rare intervals some other craft was seen, and then they headed away so as to avoid notice. This remarkable caution added force to what Kit Clipper had seen and heard, Plainly, the Sea-Horses would not be so anxious to preserve secrecy if they had no fear of the Jaw. Nobody was more interested in their trip than the chance passeriger. Sticking his head out of the canvas, like a turtle in its shell, he specu- lated on the chances. What was the errand of the Sea-Horses? What would be done with him when he was found? Resistance would probably be out of the ques- tion, for they were six to one, and each person was larger and older than he, Their course indicated that they were going on below New York, but when welldown, their course was changed and they swiftly approach- ed the Jersey Coast. As they drew near, their watchfuiness increased. ‘Have you all got your weapons ready?” the captain asked. ' here was a general affirmative response, ** Don’t use them unless I give the word. We don’t want to shed blood if we can help it!” Kit Clipper drew a long breath, Truly, he was in hard company when they so coolly re- ferred to such lawless matters. CHAPTER IV. A MASCOT APPEARS, ‘In’s some robbery,” decided Kit Clipper, as he looked at the dark shore ahead of him. ‘*Mebbe some vessel is ter be gone through. Ef that’s the case, I reckon somebody about my size will waltz out o’ danger as soon as I kin, Don’t want ter be gobbled as one o’ the river- pirates!” Somewhat to his relief, the boat avoided all the larger vessels, and was finally brought up at an old pier which did not seem to be used for anything. \ be captain looked sharply toward the land, anda man came out of the darkness and ap- | proached them, ‘* Ahoy !” called the captain. ** Aho, all!” was the reply. ‘* How blows the wind? ** Nor’, nor’y est.” ‘* How rolls the water?” $ ** From bow to stern.” After this preliminary the man advanced briskly. | S SS ‘* So it’s you, Hamblin?” he asked, ‘* Yes,” *« You can go back.” “ Bh?” a ‘* No cargo for you.” ‘* How’s that?” ‘* The net has come up empty, or, rather, was never cast, The beaks were too lively.” ‘¢‘he blazes! Were they ‘ on?” ‘*Can’t say, but they blocked our game. We didn’t dare run the risk, and we were wise in so deciding; but the gameisn't up yet. We want that haul, and we'll have it, if you'll give us time.” ‘* Let it alone, if there’s danger. don’t want to get into trouble.” ‘¢ No fear; I won’t make a move unless all is safe. Isee you brought canvas to cover be the goods, but you'll have to go back with as little as you brought under it.” it Clipper smiled grimly; there was more under the canvas than any of the lawless gang suspected, “Tt’s all right,” replied Captain Hamblin, ‘*but we won’t come out again until we are notified that you’ve made a haul. Word may go out that the Sea-Horses are given to night- voyages, and that won’t do.” ““T see. Well, lay low until you get word from. me. Next time, we won’t disappoint you. A little more conversation took place, but it was all on commonplace subjects. Then the man on the pier retreated, the boat was shoved off, and they were soon moving along on the homeward course. The Sea-Horses were not pleased, and th growled persistently over their ill-luck, thoug cautious Captain Hamblin was inclined to. re- gard their ally’s course with approval. They did not mention the nature of the articles of which they had been disappointed, and the de- tective was not sure whether the Jerseymen had aimed to rob house, store, bank or vessel. Straight toward the boat-house they went, and Kit realized that he had an interest in their future movements, The canvas which had thus far concealed him had been put in the craft to cover the illegal goods. These had not been se- cured, but it was not likely that things would be left as he had found them. Probably the boat would be housed for the night, and, if it was not, be felt sure that the canvas would not be left in such a dangerous place, Even thieves must take precautions against other thieves. This matter became one of vital interest to Kit. If the boat was put away, or the canvas moved, discovery was inevitable. How was he to save himself? He had plenty of time to consider this point, and the result was inevitable: the only plan which gave any hope was for him to leave the boat before it touched the pier, This did not give much promise, but it was the only thing he could do, ay / Having reached this conclusion, he moved at once, but with the utmost care. Slowly, and as far as was possible, noiselessly, he crawl out from undertbe canvas, He expected every moment that he would be discovered, but the Sea-Horses were busy with their conversation. The first step was successfully taken. He did not see how he could possibly leave the boat undetected, but chance favored him. As they were making the final run for the pier, the craft struck a floating log. As it proved, no injury was thereby sustained, but it sent the Sea-Horses fying about; and, before they had recovered their balance, Kit Clipper whisked over the edge of the boat and dropped lightly into the water. You nor we They righted without trouble, and, uncon- sciousof the fact that they had lost a passenger, reached the pier soon after. While they were stowing the boat away, they had a watcher in the person of a very wet boy who sat on the adjoining pier and looked and meditated, ‘* Sea-Sharks cushy ter be yer name, by gra- cious!” be muttered, ‘“‘fur youare a tough pi | Reg’lar robbers, ef not pirates, hey? Hum! That's a pretty go fur my natyve city. New . York must blush ter hey sech critters, An’ the pee ain’t onter the dodge. Wonder ef I'd 3 b’lieved ef I tol’ ’em, or ef they’d be sharp enough ter git proof o’ yer iniquities?” He considered the last possibilit time, but without acquiring much faith in the blue-coats. Another idea was strong in nie Wis I could git in thar penl ho could | op somehow, Don’t s’pose tneyFiet me jine, as. Pd like it, for some
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) | +-¢% Kit Clipper, the Boat-Club Mascot. I could git at their secrets, an’, b’jinks! I could find out what means that myster’us clinkiv’! —Hev they got Charles Birdston,' or ain’t they?’ It was a question of great interest to him, but one which be could not answer, *‘ Now, ef I only could j’ine—but I can’t. I’m younger than their members, an’ I’m sma)l fur my age. Then, agin, I don’t look half tough enough. Ef 1 could only git myself up as a rough—but how could I gitin then? Tharmust be some way, an’1’ll go back ter Stephen Leech- mere’s an’ think it over.” The following day one of the members of the Sea-Horse Boat Club was sitting idly on the pier. He was a stout fellow of twenty years, ‘with a coarse, ignorant, brutal face, and lookec like a typical MA Reps tg of a city which con- tained too many of his kind, Footsteps sounded bebind him, and he looked around. A boy wasapproaching who wassuper- latively ragged and dirty. He looked to be fourteen years old, anda child of the streets. If he had emerged. from a mud-puddle, or a -rag-bag no one would have been surprised, ** Hullo, mister!” began this forlorn object. ** Hullo!” growled the Sea-Horse, “¢Fishin’?’ =P “* Can’t you see I ain’t?” “*Blong ter them?” The portable rag-bag pointed to the boat- house. ** What s'pose I do?” ** Wish I did. too,” ‘Hum! Pretty figure you would cut thar.” ‘*T kin swim an’ row a boat,” ‘‘ Mebbe you own one,” quoth the Sea-Horse, with asarcastic attempt tobe humorous, ‘‘Son ©’ some millionaire, mebbe?” 44 Ain’t got no dad.” “* Sorry fur him /” “*Say, kin I j’ine?” “* Pine wot?” ** Yer boatin’-club.” *¢ Lord, Lord! the likes of you j’ine!” ‘But I’m a mascot.” **Oh! you be!” “at Yes. ” ** You look it.” “‘I be, 1 bring good luck ter everybody I hitch up wid. [’ve been mascot fura bearers an’ they won nineteen out o’ twenty. Then was mascot fur the runnin’-hoss, ty Jim, an’ he got the bhvodle ev'ry send-off. Then Mike ‘Kingoran, the Daisy One—he’s a prize-fighter— engaged me, an’ he won five fights, knockin’ out Timborazo Sam, Owney Patch, an’ others. ‘Oh, I tell yer I’m a ginerine mascot!” The speaker thrust his hands ind down in his eekett, puffed out his cheeks, and looked like a ard citizen, generally. ‘‘ Kin you use yer dukes, yerself?” ‘*Tiry me!” ‘I'd break ye intwo.” ‘Not afore | broke you in three!” “Why, you ain’t bigger than a mouse,” “ A hornet ain’t, but he kin knock out a man bi "hag nor three like you.” } 8 Sea-Horse had become decidedly interest- ed. He was a hard citizen, himself, and the alleged mascot had hit him hard when he spoke of prize-fighting. It was the Sea-Horse’s great- est pleasure in life to hang around the boat- house, read sporting papers of the worst kind, admire their bogus pictures, talk like one well- informed as to ‘the ring,” and be considered tough, it inns e could not help admiring one who had been mascot for such a great pugilist as Mike Kingo- ran, the Daisy One. “Wot yer name?” he asked, “ Kit Clipper.” ** Where d’ye live?” ‘In the streets,” ‘A mascot hadn’t ought ter need do that.” ‘*A mascot who takes bigger pay than “keep ’ loses his charm,” oc h 1” The Soa-Horse looked attentively at the rag- ed boy. He was impressed with the idea that e had met some one who knew his business. “So you want ter j’ine the Boat Club as a mascot?” he added, after a thoughtful pause, re 80, * Wal, you look O. K., an’ I'll try ter git ye rene job. Come with me! 3 CHAPTER V. spam MASCOT ap AN ENEMY, 7} sv Cuarper expefienced a feeling of ex- ‘hilaration, He had played his part well and | assumed a charactor whi ch ‘he would have de- spised, naturally, and his efforts were well re- warded, thusfar. NoSunday-school boy would have found favor in the eyes of the redoubtable Sea-Horse,if he had been the greatest ‘* mas- cot” that evertrod the soil orstreetsof Gotham, but a ‘tough citizen” was just what the fellow admired, ‘**Cap'n Hamblin is inside,” the Sea-Horse ob- served, ‘‘ Youshall see him at once. Don’t let on that mean’ you are new friends, but let me say what I will,” ‘ All right,” the boy detective agreed. ‘‘“My name is Bat Brogan. ont forgit that!” **) won't.” Brogan led the way inside, At first the quar- ters of the Sea-Horses was plain enough, and like the ordinary boat-house, but this soon changed. Leaving the building where the boats and their belongings were stored, they came to a yard of considerable size which was arranged in a neat lawn over its greater part. The high, tight fence before mentioned shut it in from view, In the center of the inclosure was a good-sized building known as the ‘‘club-house,” There it a that the Sea-Horses passed their leisure ours, Brogan conducted Kit there at once. Youthful Captain Hamblin and two other men were found lounging in a large, pleasant room, which was made agreeable to their taste bya supply of sporting papers, pictures repre- senting nautical scenes upon the walls, a quan- tity of oars, small anchors and other parapher- nalia of the sea. A fine miniature full-rigged ship rested on the table. Brogan walked up confidently. “Cap,” said he, “‘here’sa f end o’ mine, Kit Wiis. a by name,” “0m !? muttered Hamblin, ungraciously. ‘* He’s a mascot!” “Indeed!” quoth the captain, looking at the panes ri rags. ‘‘He must be on the down- grade.” ‘**Not much; but he believes that a mascot loses his ‘ pull’ if he takes more than bis keep,” “A comfortable theory for those who want a mascot.” **He’s served for Mike Kingoran, the Daisy One.” r ** Has he?” Hamblin showed interest at last, and Bat Brogan braced up anew. ‘* Yes; but he’s done with Mike, an’ now he’s lookin’ for another job, J’d heard the boys say they wanted a mascot, and I bra my frien’ a ; just what was needed. I'll vouch for im! In his zeal to carry his point Mr. Brogan was oing further than he intended, and was making is statement strong. ‘‘ We had been thinking of a mascot,” Hamib- lin admitted. ‘¢ Well, here he is,” : ‘¢ Boy, are you a New Yorker?” the captain asked, with all the importance of twenty-one years of life. ‘Live with 3 tai” ive with your paren’ * Ain’t got Pikson pa “ Are you honest?” Boss,” quoth Kit, shutting one eye, ‘lm true ter my friends, A mascot don’t need no ore. All of the tough young men smiled. The re- ply pleased them more t a certificate of character. Their own natures were so dwarfed that honesty and they were not on good terms, and the mascot, while not overdoing the mattég, gave out very skillfully the impression that he was as bad as they liked to see people. Hamblin kept up the questioning for some time. If Brogan was reckless, such was not the case with the captain. He would not have con- sidered the matter at all had it not been for Brogan’s false assertion that he knew the appli- cant, and, as it was, Hamblin tried to be careful before taking in a stranger. ~ ! A mascot the club mast have. Some of the younger members really believed in the powers of a ‘“‘mascot,” and others had decided that some ragged, quick-witted young rascal who could amuse them would be a desirable feature of their life. : ‘* But I suppose the old sea-dogs will kick,” finally observed the captain, thoughtfully. This referred to the old ex-salt-water sailors who still belonged to that club, ‘* Let them wl!” returned Brogan. “T guess we ban smooth it over, and we'll take the kid in if he will mind his own busi- “ness,” ‘You'll find me all-wool and a yard wide,” Kit declared, ‘‘ All l ask is my grub, a chance ter snooze, an’ the rest o’time I'll spend in ‘ root- in’? fur you an’ the club.” ‘‘ All this is satisfactory, and the boys will expect a good deal from your ‘rooting.’ We don't row so very many raves”—here Hamblin looked at hisfriends in a peculiar way—‘‘ but we have interests to further. ‘Root’ for our success! During the day you will be around here for the boys to draw inspiration from, or out in one of our boats, as circumstances de- mand.” ‘ ‘tT kin sleep on the bottom of a boat.” ‘¢ You won't sleep bere!” Hamblin made this statement quickly but quietly, Kit Clipper’s face fell, but the captain went on in a matter-of-fact way: ** Before night some one of us will have quar- ters engaged for you near at band,” **Kerect!” anes the mascot, coolly, but, real- ly, a good deal disappointed. ‘Now, Bat Brogan,” resumed Hamblin, “‘ give rp friendin charge of Levi Adonis, and have im shown over the place.” Just as this order was given a negro appeared at one cf the side-doors—a very black, plump- looking person of about twenty-five years, Hamblin called him, ‘* Levi Adonis, this is Kit Clipper,” the cap- tain announced, — Levi elevated his nose and looked supercilious- ly at the boy in rags. ‘ He’sa mascot.” Levi's operon changed suddenly, He bowed very low to Kit, ‘‘I’s happy ter meet you, sah,” he asserted, with respect and awe, “Take bim with you, and show him over all of the club-house which is open to you.” ‘Yes, sah,” agreed Levi; and then he once more @ dressed Kit: ‘Please, sah, ter foller The boy detective was amused. He saw that the sleek negro was one of those superstitious pee who believed implicitly in the humbug Hem of mascots, and his great respect was laugh- able. Levi Adonis did his duty well; he could not have done it better if be kad the mayor of New York in charge. He showed all the rooms to Kit, and explained the purpose of each, In tbe kitchen a Cerberus was encountered. This was Wash Adams, the cook, a white-headed negro of great age end corresponding bad temper. Wash was a crank whose ugliness made Levi's life a burden, and for whom, as a man, the younger colored person felt as much awe us he did toward Kit as a mascot, ‘*T doan’ know whether he will use you wir de et tg due ver or not,” Levi re- marked, when they bad left his fellow-African, ‘*He’sa powerful snappish chap, is Wash; an’ he may speak sharp to yer.” ‘* Let him wiggle,” Kit answered. — . ‘De boys humor him ’cause he’s always been yere, an’ cooks he hh a Levi paused, looked thoughtfully at bis com- panion, and then added: i ‘*Kin you hoodoo folks, too?” . ‘*T hev done sich,” the detective responded, barely repressing a smile. ‘Ef you could hoodoo Wash, it’d be a pow- erful sight pleasanter fur us all—'specially me,” ‘Pll think it over.” ‘Well, sah, you’s seen all ob de place.” ‘*We ain’t been down-suller,” Kit was not forgetful of the object which had brought him there, He had seen no sign that a mason had been at work above ground lately, so he inferred that Charles Birdston must have labored below. He hoped to get sight of that region, but Levi Adonis shook bishead. = ¥ peur take ye down there.” 0 “Nobody goes dar except de Sea-Hosses.” ‘*Private, hey?” ‘“-Yes, sah.” ‘* What sort 0’ a place is it?” ‘Doan’ know, ’cause I was never down dar, Wash, he never was, neither. De Sea-Hosses has ter have some privacy, an’dat are am de lace. I s’pect dar am some wine-sullers, an’ Xe like, but I doan’ know. Dar is only a few keys, an’ none ob dem goes inter de hands ob de servants,” The opportunity. was at hand to ask for in- formation in regard to themason-work recently — done, but the detective was too shrewd to do 80 then, Haste might ruin all.» He had gained Levi’s good-will, and,indeed, the colored man seemed to be an honest, simple- = minded fellow. By using him well enough to gain his good-will, and by keeping up the awe ) | : se
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he had inspired, he might yet find a valuable ally in his new acquaintance, ‘hey returned to the general room, Of course it was advisable to report to Cap- tain Hamblin, but the mascot had a shock as he walked up to that dignitary. By his side sat a young man who had not been there before, and it recognized Horace Paulson. If the meeting could have been avoided, Kit would not have faced him, but there was no choice. Would Horace remember the hoy he had met during his trouble with Stephen Leech- mere? “ The detective bad thought of all this before venturing there, Horace was not a member of the club, but he wasa friend of several of the members, and liable to be there at any time, The boy had hoped that chance would keep them apart, but it was not so to be. Would his rags prove a sufficient disguise? ‘* Well, mascot,” saluted Hamblin, ** how do you like it?” ** Prime,” Clipper replied. ‘‘ Luxurious enough for you?” ** Couldn’t be beat.” ‘*D’m glad you approve of it. our mascot,” ‘* T should say he needs one, himself,” Horace replied, superciliously. ‘‘ He saysa mascot in fine clothes loses his charm.” ‘*'Then advise your kid to wearrags, If he were to lose any fraction of his charming ap- pearance he’d be a Sahara desert.” ** Oh, he’s all right—new pick-up of ours, and a quick-witted lad.” **]’ve seen him before.” The mascot’s heart went down into his boots, metaphorically speaking. ‘* Where?” Hamblin asked. ** Where was it, boy?” Horace inquired. ‘* Dunno,” Kit replied, nonchalantly. een out o’ Sing Sing over three year.” The retort made Paulson’s companions laugh, but angered him for a moment. Then he smiled, . ‘* Sharp tongue your kid has, Well, I reckon I must have seen him picking ‘ snipes’ out of the tter, somewhere. Now were square, boy. unt me in as your protector.” Paulson, this is ‘* Ive CHAPTER VI. AN ANGRY WOMAN TELLS SECRETS. Ong more danger had been passed, Horace had abandoned tie effort to remember where he had seen Kit Clipper asa matter too trivial to study upon, Unless future events broughtit up afresh he might never know that the young de- tective was a vouth who, having heen prostrated by his rough hand, was his natural enemy. Captain Hamblin turned away trom the mas- cot, and some of the otber members began to banter the latter. He had been engaged for that partignlar purpose and because he was ex- pected to Be quick-witted and bright. Those who now tried to have sport at his ex- pense found him amply quick-witted, but bis re- torts were so good-natured that their cut had no ‘venom, The ragamuffin was voted a great acquisi- ti on. After Horace Paulson had gone, Hamblin ealled Kit to him. ** We will ee you board androom near here,” he said, ‘*‘ You are to stay there nights only, and bs at our disposal from ten o’clock, a, M., tu midnight. How does that suit?” ** All correct,” “* hen Levi Adonis shall go with you and ar- range matters.” Levi was called, te 4 instructed, given some money and sent off with the mascot, Kit improved the chance to impress the color- ed gentleman even more favorably, and found no trouble in dving so, Levi was very good- natured and simple, and, feeling flattered at being treated so well by a mascot, he became Kit’s firm friend, ; _ They brought up at a smal! brick house, and were soon in conversation with the landlady. It proved to be a boarding-house of a lowgrade, but without signs visible to the casual observer that honesty was Jacking. Neither Mrs. Brown, the landlady, nor her daughter, Sarah, seemed to be opposed to Kit Ciipper’s rags, end he was soon the tenant of a decent room on the third floor, Hamblin had told him that he need not report at the club until the next day, and he was soon left alone in his room, He looked it over, and _ then surveyed Lis rags in the glass with grim humor, : : : St ee SS ee ee ae ee ee eee ee ee Bie “A “ie ey, i), Soe, lage ~ t ‘ ay . Art ei Kit Clipper, the Boat-Club Mascot. Never before in his life had he cut such a figure, and he had a good supply of clothes at home, but he enjoyed his situation. Rags car- ried no disgrace, and he had made his assumed character a& success, Thos far he had learned no more about Charles Birdston or his fate, and the chances did not presage immediate success. With the basement region of the club-house locked up, and Wash there as a guard, he did not see how he ane to explore it unless he could play some trick. This he meant to do, for he was more than ever convinced that the Sea-Horses had done violence to the missing mason, This opinion received confirmation before he slept that night. During the rest of the day he heard Mrs, Brown and her daughter moving around the house, but no one came near him until he was summoned to supper. There he met several other boarders, but all were laboring men, and they made no comments on his rags. An hour later he was about to go out when the door-bell rung and a caller entered, He looked down and was surprised to see Horace Paulson, but Sarah met him with an air of old acquaintance and conducted bim up-stairs, Kit retreated to his room, and they entered that next to it. Their manner was peculiar, indicating that something unusual was afoot, and the self-constituted detective became anx- ious to overhear what they said. Between the two rooms was a transom, and, though this was covered over with a cloth, he made an attack upon itatonce, The cloth was merely nailed down, and when one nail had been removed, he gained both view and hearing. Evidently, he\had accomplished his work at just the right time. ‘* Well,” said Horace, abruptly, ‘‘ you sent for me and J have come.” ‘¢ Yes; I wanted to see you on business.” Neither spoke in an amiable tone; Horace was surly, and Sareh was sharp of voice. ‘* Fire away,” Paulson coarsely added. ‘* You use nice language for a gentleman!” **T always did.” ** Money don’t make the man.” ‘* No, but it makes the woman love him.” ‘*T don’t waste any love on you /” ‘ Tarned over a new leaf, eh?” ‘*Tt’s time I did. Horace Paulson, you thought you were doing something big whea abe came around and put on airs because you ada rich uncle, Old Leechmere’s money was back of you, and | was only a poor girl, and you gave out the impression, by your manner, that it was very kind of you to notice me.” ** Wasn’t it?” “No; for I’m your superior in all things but money—so there, now!” Sarah’s eyes flashed, but Kit Clipper began to think he had been decoyed into li ning to a mere lovers’ quarrel, Horace answered, lazi- ly: Vi All right, Sarah,” “Tt ainv’t all right!” “ Ni (9? | ‘You think you can cast me off, now that you are tired of me, but you car’t; not by a long shot!” , ‘* What's to hinder?” . ‘*T know too much.” ‘Or too little,” **Too much, J say—too much for your safety !” ‘ ‘*Ob! come, now, don’t fy. so high, You don’t know anything that can hurt me,” Don’t I? 1 can tell some things about your hi¢h-and-lofty club, the Sea-Horses, that would make good reading in the police reports.” Horace opened his lips to speak, but checked the impulse. It had always been his ambition to belong to the Sea-Horses, but, twice, when his name was _presepted, he had been black- balled. His friends in the club enabled him to visit there, but be was offensive to so many members that he had but little hope of ever be- ing permitted to join. He had, however, always led Sarah to believe that he was a member, and, though she knew several of the Sea Horses, and occasionally went there as a visitor, she had not learned the truth, He decided not to deny it now, but seek for information. he do you know about our chaps?” he asked. ‘* Where's Birdston, the mason?: Kit Clipper started, but Horace remained im- passive. ‘* Don’t know,” he replied. ce NE do.” ‘¢ Then why do you ask?” ‘* The Sea-Horses have murdered him!” Kit shivered, but Horace remained cunning. ‘““That’s a serious charge to make without: proof,” he gravely returned, “‘ Ab! but I have proof!” “ What is it?” ‘¢'There’s talk about Charles Birdston being missing, and I guess some one could turn a re penny by giving some point about him, ell, I might earn that penny if I saw fit.” *“* How?” ** By telling the police that the mason never left the boat-house.” ‘*Oh! but he did.” ‘* He did not!” “The boys say he did,” “The boys lie, and you know it!” snapped Sarah, impolitely. ‘‘I happened to be in the boat-house, that evening, and nobody can fool me. I went there with Mike Nelligan and John Jenkins, that time. I'd been there about an hour when they excused themselves and left the room where we'd been sitting. I don’t believe they had any hand in the ‘funny ’ business, but. they left meas J said.” ‘*Go on,” urged Horace. ‘‘They left the door open, and I soon heard: loud voices, At first I was pu2Zzled, for they sounded muffled. like, but I soon caught on that. they came from the basement—a place, by the way, which the Sea-Horses were always very careful I shouldn’t gointo. What I heard said was this: ‘**T refuse to accept your offer!’ called out a man, in an angry voice. ‘** We'll make it worth your while,’ said an- other voice. ‘*¢T won’t be the ally of anybody in crooked business!’ ‘** Who is in crooked business ?’ ‘¢¢ T make no charges, but I have my opinion. I'm dove work here. I’m not the man to Lo running around and tell all that I know, and your secrets are safe, though.’ ‘** We think they are, We don’t depend om “Led promise, however, You won't tell on us. because you won't be allowed to leave here!’ ‘66 What? *¢VYou know too much, and must pay the penalty of having pried into our secrets.’ ‘** It was an accident.’ ‘**No matter; you knowtoomuch, We hired’ you as @ mason, not as a spy.’ ‘***T tell you your secrets are safe.’ , “*We will make them so by keeping you here!’ ‘¢* You won't keep me here!’ ‘¢* We shall!’ “ ¢ How can you do it? ***By force. You can’t, and sha’n’t, leave here!’ . Sarah had repeated this conversation with more dramatic force than was to be expected from one of her limited intelligence. She spoke. rapidly, and Kit Clipper found himself listening | with almost breathless attention. Seeing no cause to doubt her word, he believed that he was getting a veracious leaf out of Charles Birdston’s: experience with the Sea-Horses, After a pause for breath, Sarah continued: ** Just then advor was closed down below, and Ibeard no further distinct words. There was’ an angry yourmur of voices, though, and, final- ly, a crash as though a chair, or table, had been broken to pieces, Then a voice arose in a loud shout, aud one terrible word reached my ears: eee Murder! » ; ree Serah paused, and the color came and ‘ wen in her face in a way which betrayed a good deal of agitation. Horace Paulson faced her in rapt silence, hiseyesand mouth wideopen. Kit Clipper was not less excited and interested. ‘* After that,”Sarah went on, ‘‘there was a sound as though of a struggle, but no more- cries. Soon all became quiet, and that was the last of it,as far as{ heard or saw. Melligan and Jenkins soon came back to me, but I don’t believe they knew about the racket, The didn’t mention it, and I didn’t, either. Well, sir, that was the afternoon that Charles Bird- ston disappeared.” Horace remained silent. ‘The Sea-Horses have always said that the mason left the place the same as usual that day, | but you can’t stuff that lie down me.” ‘What do you think?” asked Paulson, in a. careless manner, Sarah’s eyes glittered in hostility. **1 don't think; [ know! Birdston met with foul play there that day, and was killed by the members of the boat-club to which you be-~ long!” - ete Brn - ory , aes
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* vee Pia fal The CHAPTER VII. NEED OF MORE DETECTIVE WORK. THE story was told, and Kit Clipper felt that he had been well rewarded for eieare § Sarah spoke without a sign of doubt, and her belief and her narrative only confirmed the amateur detective’s ownopinion. Charles Birdston bad met with foul play at the hands of the Sea-Horses, after accidentally learning secrets of theirs, and was still in the limits of the boat-house, Whether he was dead or alive was another question, Sarah believed that he was dead, but the mascot remembered the clinking of the trowel, and did not overlook the strong possi- bility that the missing man was still alive. Tf living, how was he situated ? This was a question which Dick found as puz- zling as it was interesting. Horace Paulson laughed lightly. ‘¢ Well, what does all this lead up to?” he in- uired. “T want you to know I’m not to be thrown over!’ Sarah declared. ‘* Ob! you ain’t, eh?” ‘¢ No, sir. When.a rich man seeks a poor girl he only means to amuse himself, but if the girl is at all fly, she will beat him out, I’m going to beat you out! You think you can drop me, now you're tired of me, but you can’t. If you try it, I'll give away all the secrets of the Sea- Horses.” ‘*That’s just what you’ve done already, dame!” sneered Horace, ‘‘ Instead of hurting me, you’ve done mea favor. I’ve always told you I belonged to the Ssa-Horses, but that wan't so, Friends I had there let me in as a visitor, but my enemies there wouldn’t let me join. Now I have them foul. With what you've told me, they won’t dare say no to me,” “«T don’t believe you!” ‘“Itsa fact.” se Anyhow, you dassent go back on me,” *¢ You don’t know my nerve, old lady, What youwe told about the Sea-Horses don’t affect me in the least, for their jobs ain’t mine, and [ had just as soon drop you as not, for all you know. But, look ye Nadine gr pel wrong me. [I have no more intention of shaking you than I have of flying.” Sarah looked at him doubtfully. She knew very well that he had contemplated casting her off, and, if he had changed his mind, that it was due to her recent revelation. But was he really inclined to yield, or did he contemplate more treachery ? This was a point which did not interest Kit Clipper, and he was compelled to listen to a lon sparring-match of words between the two, It was evident that Sarah was off of about the same piece as Horace, and aschemer devoid of principle. Whether sho held Horace fast or not was a matter of interest only to themselves, Paulson, however, made no more vicious re- marks, but avowing his loyalty to the girl soothed her as much as possible. All signs of - doubt on her part did not vanish, but a recon- ciliation was effected. , One thing Horace took pains to impress upon the girl, and that was that be was not rich, ¢ True, he was the nephew of Stepben Leech- mere, but he was on about as bad terms with that gentleman as he could be, and the chances were that he would be cut off entirely in Ste- phen’s will, If this was done, Horace would remain as he was then—hard-up, and without prospects of anything better. ny Sarah did not seem to believe this, but Kit had reason to believe that it was true, Why Horace was 80 anxious to make the gra if he really intended to become reconciled to Sarah, was not clear, and Kit had a vague suspicion that the uascrupulous young man hac some scheme in his mind, There was nothing more of ipterest to be heard, so the detective rearranged the cloth and the transom and sat down in his room. He soon heard Horace go away. Inactivity did not please the hoy mascot, and when the clock struck ten he left the house. He was not certain what he ought to do in the mat- ter of Charles Birdston, The story told by Sarah Brown made it seent almost certain that ‘the mason had met with violence at the hands of the Sea-Horses. | What would the police say to the story? - When tis question had been fully considered the mascot decided that it would be useless to i tothem. They would not be likely to believe + the tale of a jealous woman and what he had’ considered theclinking of a trowel would not be more convincing. : rarer to “yy ee a fie ‘Fact is,” muttered the young philosopher, “the perleece kin beas wild as Baron Munchau- sen, the big liar, when workin’ up a theory o’ their own, but they don’t take much stock in a kid’s guess-work, On the whole, I reckon V’ll work tinis case alone. Ef luck comes on’t, who gits the glory? Why, K. Clipper, Esquire, to be sure!” While meditating he had been walking on, and he now reached the neighborhood of the Sea-Horses’ quarters, The high fence shut off observation, but he did not doubt that they were making merry inside. He walked to the north side and listened at- tentively for the clinking of the trowel, but failed to hear either that or any other suspicious sound, Finding a suitable place of concealment, he sat down to await the arrival of a later hour. A little before midnight several men left the boat-house, and this indicated that their meet- ing of the evening was at anend. Kit wished to prowl around the inclosure again, but cir- cumstances prevented. Before be was ready to “rib three men advanced and stopped near m. He was crouching behind a pile of boards, and was not seen at all. ‘¢ There ain’t any light,” observed one, ‘¢Ob! the old folks were in bed hours ago,” answered a second man. ‘* Are they sound sleepers?” “ Yes.” ‘¢-You ar: sure of the plan of the house?” ‘JT ought to be.” ‘Time was when he didn’t need to go there on the sly,” put in the third man. Tne second speaker muttered a few emphatic words. By that time the detective knew him well; it was Horace Paulson, ‘«Tf I had rich folks,” remarked Number One, ‘*T wouldn’t get ‘ ont’ with them.” ‘Did you ever try?” ‘* Never had the chance.” ‘You don’t know how the old folks goaded me. They are like some others who are past their own younger days; they don't realize that oung bloods must sow their wild oats. Old ‘Leech is rich, and I’d like his money, but I wouldn’t sell my manhood for it.” This speech, made with a swagger, came from Horace. He was trying to make capital for himself, but succeeded poorly, ; The fact was, he had heen a vicious boy, and had gone along the path of evil-doing at a steady pace all his life, ‘This ain’t to the point,” observed Nuu:ber Three, ‘*‘ Weare here to crack a crib.” ‘Tm all ready.” answered Number One, ‘¢ Understand,” said Horace, somewhat ner- vously, ‘* there is to be no violence done,” ‘¢So you love the old folks sti!!?’ “T love my neck too wel) to put it in jeopardy.” vf ‘No fear; luck always goes with me. I’ cracked many a crib, and never made a slump So declared Number One, whose somewhat domineering manner stamped him as an im- portant figure in the case, He was handling some implement which Kit could not make out clearly, but he suspected that it was a con- trivance fcr lock-picking. The mascot did not fail to understand the situation. Horace had taken another step on the road of crime, and had gathered experi- enced knaves to help him rob Stephen Leech- mere’s house. \ i Hero was something of marked interest, and ‘Kit felt that his duty was plain; he must pre- vent the robbery. He looked up and down the street for a policeman, but failed to see any. The burglars moved toward Leechmere’s house, “Shall I hunt for a gavus?” soliloqnized Kit, “Like as not I’d be half eu hour in tindin’ one, an’ while I was at it, Horace an’ his gang would git in their fine work. No, sif; po wild- goose chase fur me; I'll foller close ter the eracksmen’s heels, an’ 1’] bet dollars agin’ doughnuts that I upset their p'ans!” Acting upon this idea, he followed where the trio led, and was soon near the rear door of Leechmere’s house, The cracksmen gathered there, while Kit ensconced himself behind the ash-barrel. Number One applied himself to the task of picking the lock, and it was not long before he succeeded, That he was an old hand at bur- glarious work was evident. ‘ He then turned to his companions in crime, “ All ready?” he asked. Both replied affirmatively. i Kit Clipper, the Boat-Club Mascot. => ‘Got your revolvers at hand?” ‘* Yes,” answered Number Three, Horace remained silent. ‘Don’t get ina panic and let them go off by accident.” P With this caution, the speaker opened the oor, Kit Clipper’s heart beat faster than usual, Despite all that the veteran cracksman had said, it was clear that a tragedy might follow. They carried revolvers, and the criminal records of New York showed only too plainly that a cornered burglar usually tried to save himself at any cost, Perhaps Stephen Leechmere would be a victim of this night’s work. The door had been closed behind the trio. Kit waited a little while, and then stole forward. He tried the door, and found that it was unlock- ed. He entered. The hall was dark, but a light in advance showed that the cracksmen bad ascended to the pan floor. He crept up the stairs, The trio ad entered the parlor, and had gone to work with remarkable celerity. Leechmere’s house could not boast of luxurious or expensive furnishing, but they were finding enough there worth taking to occupy their attention. Various portable articles were bein stuffed into a black bag. The old burglar ac as packer, and put all into the smallest possible space, ‘No great haul!” he grumbled, as he stowed them away. ** Remember that the real treasures areabove, Horace reminded, ‘‘ Steve’s money is worth a hundred cents on the dol'ar,” ‘* How about his revolver?” ‘*] told you he had none,” ‘‘ He may have purchased one recently.” “I don't think so, Anyhow, we are armed, too. Don’tload yourself down with this trash, gents.” ‘* Youre anxious to get the cold cash.” ‘“That’s what I’m here for, A pawnbroker would hardly give you enough for this stuff to buy whisky, but money goes, every time. we can find the old man’s boodle, and he don’t wake up, we shall ‘have a fat scoop.” Kit Clipper had an opinion of his own in the case, He did not intend to remain idle and see Leechmere cleaned out, but how he was to pro- - ceed he did not yet know. If he exposed him- self to Horace’s gaze plainly enough to be recog- nized as the Sea-Horses’ mascot his usefulness in that line would be ended, and he could work secretly for Birdston no longer. ; He must foil the burglars without being a prominent actur in the foreground of what occurred, at CHAPTER VIII. A LIFE IN DANGER, “THAT is enough!” . The old cracksman pronounced the vords af- ter a glance around the parlor, and then gath- ered up the bag and tied the neck, He had rarely packed stolen plunder of less valu, , and the haul gave bim but httle pleasure, He bad entered into the rcbbery only when Horace had urged bim persistently, and he was sorry now that he hed yielded, “ Are you ready to go up-stairs?” Horace asked the question nervously, His conscience did not trouble him, but his brav: do was not proof against the fear of discovery, “Yes, Lead on!” ‘*Can’t you go first?” Thecracksman gave hisally ascornful glance, ‘¢You know the house, and [ don’t. If you want the job done, remember, it is your job, If you wish to back out, do it at once.” ‘*7)1 lead,” muttered Horace. ‘ He took his revolver from his pocket and started. Jt had been arranged that one ‘man should remain on guard, and the third burglar returned to the basement without any idle talk. Paulson and the old cracksman ascended the stairs. Kit Clipper was thankful for the darkness which concealed his movements, and he crept up the stairs after the evil pair. \ When they reached the second floor they made a balt and listened. Of course Horace knew where all of the household slept, and the first thing was to satisfy themselves that no one was astir, ; While they were settling this point, and lis- tening at the doors, Kit executed a strategic movement. Next to Leechmere’ssleeping-room was a second apartment which he used as a s SiN . of library. Double doors connected it With hig Cae
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tor pie Ie sleeping-room, and Kit thought these were | never fastened, Moreover, the library, he be- lieved, had nothing of value but books. Cer- tainly, these would not tempt the thieves, Arguing thus, he glided into the room, and, finding a table he remembered well, concealed himseif behind it, ‘The moon was just right to act a part in the scene, and it threw a long, silvery bar of light on the carpet, one end extending almost to the do. dle doors, These doors, as Kit could see, were open, but all was dark and silent in Stephen’s room, What would happen next? The young detective asked the question men- tally, and with a good deal of anxiety. His ef- forts to form a pian of procedure had not re- sulted in anything more definite than to alarm Leechmere, This he might do at any moment, but he preferred to let the burglars go on for awhile and envelop themselves hopelessly in their web of crime. Faint whispers came from the hall and showed the burglarsin consultation Then one of them entered the library. It was Horace Paulson. No noise betrayed his movements, but, with quick, light steps he moved to the old-fashioned ‘secretary ” which stood near the window, The old cracksman did not fo!low, and it appeared that he had remained in the hall, either per- manently or temporurily, to watch for possible breakers, Horace reached the secretary, but turned his face toward the double doors and stood like a statue. Kit read the pause well; the fellow had been astonished to discover that the doors were open, and the fact alarmed him, No doubt, he realized that no active work could be done until they were closed. After a long pause, he turned and retraced his steps, Across the carpet he went softly, al- most to the hall door. Then he stopped as short as though checked by a heavy hand. The door was closed ! The fact which startled him was as much of a surprise to Kit Clipper. Horace had left the door open; the mascot had not seen it close, yet closed it was. y Paulson gave every evidence of alarm, but after that involuntary recoil, he started for- Mean again as though an enemy was at his eels, 3 Only two steps did he go. In bis path rose a figure clad in white, and a hand was stretched out in a pantomimic command, The face was in darkness, but it was not hard to comprehend that the new actor in the scene was Stephen hmere, ‘* Stop!” the old gentleman ordered, in a voice which, though low, was eloquent in its wa . Hobace stood speechless with prey ve ** You are foiled!” Leechmere added, Still the profligate and thief had no reply to make, bad ‘* You have entered this house to robme,” the uncle went on, ‘‘ Nobody knows better than co that money and valuable papers have been ept in yonder secretary. You came here hop- ing to steal them, but you will fail. You cannot have them, even though you and the ruffian in the hall may murder me!” **T did not mean—we do not want—we came to—to—” Horace stammered like one bereft of coherent speech, and then came to a halt. ‘* Proceed |” Leechmere ordered, tersely. ** You are wrong.” ** In what?” \ ** As to why we are here,” “You may say why you came,” ‘* Because—” — The burglar made a desperate attempt to fin an excuse, but failed. What explanation could be regarded as likely in the face of the fact that they had broken in? ‘** Well?” questioned Stephen, souaenoete ‘‘Hang it all! you’re tough on a feller!” growled the young reprobate. | _ ‘*Whatdo you deserve?” ‘* Decent treatment.” ° ‘* Have you accorded me that?” ‘* Well, hang it! a young feller must sow his wild oats!” ** Misguided boy! To-night sees the fruit of our early rearing. The ‘Don'ts!’ which you heard from parental lips were either uttered Pp tin poe or, if authoritative, were not en- | ced, You were well started on the road to the gallows, and you have done your best to ve up the pace. Do you take the final step night?’ ‘*What do you mean?” . (/ Kit © ~ ~ ah ie eal eed lipper, the Boat- ‘ ‘*T have detected youin an attempt at rob- peas and intend to hand you over to the po- ice Horace’s eyes flashed. ** Don’t you dare try it!” he exclaimed. . “ Why not?” ‘* Because, if you do; ’i—” ‘< What?” calmly asked Leechmere, as the hot-tempered man paused. **Don’t ask me!” Paulson growled. : ‘*T cansurmise, With your ruffians at your back you think you can rule here, and, rather than be arrested—perhaps, rather than be baf- fled in your attempt at robbery—you would murder me!” ‘* Then let me alone!” ‘*] insist upon seeing you arrested!” Leech- mere returned, in an inexorable voice. There was a pause, and Kit Clipper scarcely ventured tobreathe, He realized that the old gentleman was immovable, and, having seen so much of the burglars, he knew that they were dangerous men, Woe be to Stephen Leeci- mere in the collision which must come, un- less chance was unexpectedly on his side, Paulson was in a dangerous mood. Perhups he meditated an attack upon his uncle, but it the not destined to come as he would naturally plan, There was a clicking of the lock of the door, and all realized that the old cracksman was bt hate to force back the bolt, enter and join his a 4 Leechmere sprung toward the door, but he thereby left himself unguarded, Horace, too, lea forward, and he caught his uncle’s arm before the latter could reach the door. Realizing that his one hope of escape was to get help from his alJy, he lost all control over his evil passions, and made a long stride toward attaining the infam that had attached to burglars befure then by adding murder to the lesser crime of housebreaking. ; He pulled the old man violently back. ‘‘ Perdition seize you!” he hissed, ‘‘ you want to look out for yourself!” ‘*Scoundrel, unhand me!” Leechmere ex- claimed, “To let ae send me up? Never! You're bound to ruin me if you can, and you shall take the consequences!” So saying he flung his uncle to the floor, and then, standing over him with his face distorted with fury, raised his hand to strike a blow. CHAPTER IX. FIGHTING THE BURGLARS, Tus far Kit Clipper had been an idle, but not a disinterested spectator. Events had press- ed so rapidly upon each other that he had not moved, but now he realized that Stephen Leech- mere’s life was in danger. Young Paulson’s hand was empty, but the pt blow see. be followed by others, and the tective had ample proof that. the desperate housebreaker was armed, With a few quick steps he had left his place of hiding, and, when Horace’s hand was drawn back for the blow, he caught it and spoiled the ruffian’s Pint ‘*Stop!” Kit uttered,in a voice which sounded strange even to himself, Horace turned, The light merely revealed the fact that another figure was there, but did not enable him to recognize the interferer, It showed, however, that his own danger was even gwd than be had thougbt, and he wrenched his arm away and plunged his hand into his pocket. It came out grasping a revol- ver, and his purpose was strong to use it. Leechmere sounded a startled warning, but Kit was Sea Ba ag to the task he had under- taken. He struck Paulson’s arm a heavy blow, and the revolver went rolling across the floor, But this step was not enough, Horace was much the stronger of the two, and only ready action could avert a tragedy. Kit remembered the fall his enemy had once given him, and did not hesitate to return it now. He struck Paul- son with all the force he could command, and the would-be n measured his length on the floor, But the danger was not over. The clicking at the door had continued, and the latter now swung open. The old cracksman entered, and the moonlight, falling upon his hand, revealed a revolver there, ; He was ready to back up his younger ally at a it Clipper had gained fresh confidence since his first victory, and he darted Pa the cracks- man, The latter’s gaze had first fallen upon Leechmere, and an attack from another source was not to be expected, { ag tates aS su Club Mascot. _The mascot did two things in rapid succes- | siou, ei First, he wrested the revolver away. Next, he flung his arms around the cracks- man’s neck and tripped bim neatly, falling heavily upon him intentionally. ‘**Qaick !” be then cried, to Leechmere, ‘‘ don’t let him get away!” The master of the house responded commend- ably t»thecall. He threw his weight upon the burglar’s neck and held him so that he was not able to put out his strength to advantage. Yot, the intruder did not yield tamely. His courage was good, and abundant gray hairs did not prove that his strength was all gone. He struggled, and Leechmere and Kit had their hands full to keep him down, As it was he whirled them around in various wild circles and angles, and Kit expected every moment that he would get the advantage. Another thing was upon the mascot’s mind, Where was Horace Paulson? Every one of the aforesaid moments he ex- pected to feel Horace’s heavy hand, but the dreaded interruption did not come, Kit saw ttat Leechmere was growing ,weak, but, just as the fight grew more critical, the boy saw something else. Glittering in the bar of moonlight was the revolver he had wrested from the intruder, and which had dropped to the floor. It was only a moment’s work to catch it up raise the hammer and turn it upon the old cracksmap, ‘* Yield!” exclaimed Kit, in a voice low but intense, ‘Surrender, or I’ll shoot!” The burglar at once ceased struggling. os ie e mean business?” he coolly asked. “i oO, ‘* But you wouldn’t shoot a man, eh?” ** Pd shoot a wretch like you!” ‘* Sonny, don’t do it; you’d be sorry in after years, For your sake—to keep you out of crimc—Il’l] do as ycu say. I’m too old to kick about here all night, anyhow. I'll yield, and do you bear witness that I do it gracefully.” “Don’t turn the revolver away!” ordered Leechimere, pantingly. *-T certainly shall not.” “Oh! I guess the young chicken is fly enough,” added the cracksman, calmly. ‘ He impresses me as a fellow of wit and nerve. Wish I could say as much for—” He po. and looked around the room, It was plain that his thoughts were dwelling upon his confederate, Horace was not forgotten by the others, and Leechmers bastened to light the gas. Young Paulson was not visible. The old cracksman’s lips curled scornfully. ** The cowardly cur!” he muttered, Kit threw up the bac window, and saw the other two burglars hastening away, Neither carried, a pack, and it appeared that they had gone in such haste as to abandon what had been gathered before, \ The mascot Gey made known the situa- tion and asked L.echmere’s advice, ‘* Let them go,’ was thereply. ‘‘ We should lose them if we did give an alarm, and we ma as well keep quiet. I think my wretched nephew can be located afterward.” **T, for one, will help you,” growled the old burglar. ‘‘ He coaxed me into this—not that I was too good, but I thought the game too small for the hunting—and now he’s abandoned me, Destruction take the coward! I could wring his neck with P senso ” There could be no doubt that his expressed disgust was sincere. He made no claim for himself, and accepted his lot piiteopht ay: but the treachery of the man who had enticed him into the burglary filled him with anger. Kit noticed that Leechmere was regarding the cracksman in a strangely attentive way. eat kid and I are done!” the housebreaker added, ‘Man, who are you?” Leechmere demanded. *“*Me? Oh! I’m John Smith,” ‘© You have another name.” “* Have 1?” ‘ ** ve heard of a burglar in days past.” .* Such things are/possible.” ‘¢ His name was Dan Decker.” ** A good name!” ‘*Youare Dan Decker!” _ The cracksman laughed lightly. hed “Perhaps you know me better than I do my- “T know you well, and it brings the past back vividly. Another robbery comes to my mind, and you were the central figure in it— you and a wretcbed servant-girl whose weak mind was not proof against your arts. Shewas trusted by her employers; by undermining her vi : 4 a ie 1 Sct ee | RTM Pa At ‘a Ee, y PREY STE ss ob a elite ed NEY
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ee eS ar . i honesty, you made therobbery possible—you ac- complished it!” Be Old gent, you’re on the wrong tack,” “Tam nt aed ‘Oh! well, it ain’t worth talking about,” the cracksman answered, shrugging his shoulders. ‘Tt ds worth it, for you owe the law a good deal, sir.” ** Tne debt won’t be paid.” “6 Why not?” “You forget that if you haul me into court, your amiable nephew must suffer, also.” ‘* Nothing would please me more, Ever since Horace Paulson was a mere child he bas been a ‘source of trouble to me. I have worked for him, paid money to get him out of scrapes, tried to lead him in wiser ways, and forgiven count- less sins. Some time since I abandoned bim en- tirely, as one out of salvation’s reach. To-night he drew a revolver upon me, and now I hopethat he will soon be under arrest,” ** At all events, I shall save my own neck,” Decker boldly declared, ** How?” ** Pll show yu, later,” “* Wmpty talk!” “IT may yet convince you that I know more about your family than you think, The mere fact that I have been out of your sight for a score of years proves nothing; it isn’t always thosenearest the throne that knows a monarch’s secrets best!” Decker chuckled, Leechmere looked at him critically, Did the man really hold a secret, or was all this said merely to influence him! He could not see what the old cracksman should know that was of importance, and shaking his head, he turned away, “We'll make a quiet survey here,” he. ob- served, to Kit Clipper, ‘and then, as I don’t want to awaken my sister, lead the prisoner out and deliver him to a policeman.” CHAPTER X, THE SEA-HORSES HAVE WORK TO DO, Dan DECKER was the calmest person there. He sat on the floor in a careless fashion, as though the progress of events did not concern him in the least. The revolver still menaced him, but it caused him no apprehension. If it occurred to him that it might be dis- charged accidentally, and thereby wind up his career, the fact did not seem to trouble him. “In the closet, yonder,” added Leechmere, ‘there are some stout packing-cords, They are just as good to bind our man as ropes, and we will use them.” j ; He walked to the closet and secured the cords, Returning, he prepared to apply them, ‘Keep the revolver bearing upon him,” was the next direction. ‘** You bet!” Kit Clipper answered, All this was well.enough, but they had to deal 4 ith a man quite as shrewd as themselves, and .al more experienced in ways of cunning, Quiet as Decker was, he was only waiting for a chance to move, and the chance was soon given. As Leechmere knelt down to begin his work he thoughtlessly brought himself be- tween the cracksman and the revolver, That was Dan’s chance, and he moved with surpris- ing agility. linging out his hands he met Leechmere’s body and flung him forcibly back—so forcibly that the burglar’s twoenemiescollided, and then fell over like well-bowled ten-pins, ; The Mascot was alarmed, but he managed to cling to the revolver,and mado a great effort to get upon his feet, This was not at oncesuccess- : Leechinere’s whole Welany. was upon him, and it was not easy to get rid of it. When be had “ riggled out he sprung up and looked for Dan Decker, but the cracksman was motto beseen. Kit ran to the hall and listened; he could barely hear the man’s footsteps in re- ‘treat. Then a door opened and shut, and it was clear that be had reached the open air, Leechmere came to Kit’s side. “We can catch him yet!” the latter ex- claimed, / “ Let him go.” ** But that ain't right.” ** What do we care?” ‘*He may come again.” s ** Let him come!” The old gentleman spoke gloomily ; then, no- -‘ticing the boy’s wandering gaze, he added: _ “You are young, and cannot understand how _ Sorrow and misery crushes the human heart. Ny it the time ever comes when you hail death as a : from unsupportable trouble, you will un- nf derstand better God pity whoever sees eve «Bite hope blasted!” eh ri mn $44 ping his nands, the speaker was walking Kit. Cli Hoa Nee! Lieu and forth ina mood in keeping with his words, Kit looked wishfully dewn the stairs. He disliked vee much to see the whole gang es- cape after all he had done to baffle and capture them. ** This is » miserable state of affairs,” pursued Leechmere, ‘‘ Knave that Horace Paulson is, he is the son of my sister. You cannot surmise how much that means. Blood is thicker than water, ruus the old saying, and though I would gladly see the man in prison, I cannot forget that he is her son!” “You must forgit.” ‘* Jrpossible!” ‘* Bear in mind he drawed a revolver on ye!” ** Ay, ay; 1 am well aware of that, but if he had killed me, the tie of relationship would have remained, Let it pass, though. Tell me, my lad, how you chanced again to become my helper.” Kit told the story. He had no intention of going into details which would bring the Sea- orse Boat Club into prominence, but, com- mencing with the statement that he chanced to be on the street, he told how he had over- heard the conversation of the burglarsand taken measures to baffle them. He was thanked warmly, for Stephen Leech- mere was quick to appreciate any favor. Kit’s rags then caught his attention. _** You seem to have fallen into hard luck since I saw you,” “ee Wh ” ** You were comfortably dressed then, Now En are in a state of aanacors dilapidation. Why is this?” Kit had not anticipated this question, and he found it hard to make a reply suitable to the occasion, but he managed to quiet Leechmere’s rising pity. He was asked to remain in the house, but when ho said that he had comfort- able quarters at his disposal, be was not urged. The master of the house wished to keep the hey of the night from the knowledge of his sister, After a short delay the mascot left the house and returned to Mrs, Brown’s. He saw nothing of the baffled burglars on the way. The remainder of the night passed peace- fully, and Kt did not fail to get a due share of sleep. He had barely finished breakfast, the next morning, when he received notice to ap- ar at the boat-house at ten o'clock. The call naturally started the mental inquiry: Could it be that etn knew who had made the trouble the previous night? Had he be- trayed the mascot to the Sea-Horses? Did a trap await the boy detective there? , Ail these things were possible, but Kit Clip- per was not to be frightened off. He deter- mined to obey the call, let come what might. 6 went, but found no verification of his fears. Captain Hamblin and his fellow-roughs were there, and so were several of the old sea- dogs—the founders of the club, These men were aged ani gray,and as loud-voiced and rough ascould be imagined, but they did not differ greatly in appearance from other sailors, Several times during the forenoon, Kit suspected that he was under analysis. A good many questions were axked him in a very sly fashion which seemed calculated to draw him “out, In plain words, he believed that the Sea- Horses wanted to know just how big a rascal he was, and he did not disappointthem, Cunning- ly avoiding the danger he might meet by going to an extreme, he contrived to give out the impression that he was not troubled with a con- science, Kit was well entertained that forenoon, All kinds of fruit were at his disposal, and in vari- ous other ways he was made to feel the Sea- Horses’ kindness, Finally, Captain Hamblin took him in hand. ‘** How do you like here?” he asked, : ** Prime!” ! ** As well as your former places?” ‘* Better! Reckon boatin’ is jest the biz fur a. ‘* Would you like to go out on a cruise?” ** You bet!” : ‘ We want all men to be true.” ‘** You kin depend on me.” ‘* To keep our secrets?” “*Ev’ry one, cap’n,” ** We'll test you!” Kit locked innocent and unsuspicious, ‘* Tm yer buckleberry,” be asserted. “Well, what if there was more money to be made by going proent us?” ‘*Cap, my perfesh’nal character is at stake pper, the Boat-Club Mascot. when I ketch on any whar usa mascot, an’ Pd sooner hev my toe-nails pulled out than go back on my bosses; an’ no mascot kin hold his charm if ye pull out bis toe-nails!” This information wes given with a very seri- ous air, aud Hamblin smiled. ‘Allright, my boy; you sball go with us on the trip. I think you are true-blue,” ‘** Bet yer life, cap’n!” ‘ No further points were given the mascot, an he found the remainder ot the day far from in- clined to pass rapidly. He did not like the idea of going with the Sea-Horses, for he felt next to positive that some Jawless deed was contem- plated. True, it might end in his having the band completely in his power—if he came out all right. If there was a general capture, and he was in- cluded in it, it would be hard to prove that he was there as an amateur detective, Much to Kiv’s relief, Horace Paulson did not i, 97 at the club-house during the day. That evening the Sea-Horses assumed a new air, and one that presaged events of import- ance, Men talked with each other in low voices, and an occasional burst of gayety did not throw off the sober demeanor which would occasionally seutle upon them, Evidently, they were going to take some un usual, risk, CHAPTER XI, THE MASCOT CLIMBS, TWELVE o’clock found Kit Clipper nodding in his chair like one asleep. Really, he was never further from that condition, and was watching and listening to the extent of his gine The Sea-Horses little suspected how keenly they were being spied upon, but their Mascot was rot satisfied with the progress he was making. As the clock told the midnight hour Bat Bro- gan advanced and shook Kit by the arm, ‘* All alive, mascot!” he exclaimed, The detective started up, rubbing bis eyes. ‘* Eh?” he replied, “We're off, my hearty. Follow me, and we'll soon be afloat. Hooray for a life on the ocean aay fo y K da “ec Ww h ay!” Kit responded, hoop her w Eliza Pre Nis = ' . m **Come on!” Brogan led the way to the boat-house, and Clipper found a large sailing-craft rocking be- side the pier. A dozen men stood ready to go aboard, and this was done without delay. Very little was said, but Brogan pushed the ah along and sat down beside ins in the a ° Five minutes later they were moving up the North River before a brisk breeze, The night was favorable for whatever scheme they had in mind. The sky was overcast, and fog hung over the river sufficiently to vail their movements toa great extent. From the first these movements were stealthy. They made for the middle of the stream, and then con- tinued there except when another craft was sighted, Then they dodged cleverly, and in all ways took pains not to have it known they were abroad, Kit Clipper was glad that he was no longer addressed and expected to reply in a humorous way befitting a mascot; he realized that the ad- venture was a serious one, and was glad to be left alone. He could not ek thinking how surprised the Sea-Horses would be if be made it known that the voyage was not the first he had taken in their company ’ He hoped the present one would end as tame-_ ly as the first. ' a For a comparatively long time they sailed north. The city was left behind, and human habitations grew fewer i the way. At last they came to astop at a bluff on the castern bank, There the boat was left in chargeof two men, and the others continued their way, B Kit had been afraid that he migbt be left in the boat, but such was not the intention of the Sea-Horses; they wanted to so connect their mascot with some one criminal operation that he would not dare to betray them evenif he was so inclined, They ascended the bank, and Kit saw a small village of scattered houses and otber buildings. They moved along the southern edge of the place, but finally oe in a small grove. ' Each man fixed his gaze upon the nearest busing. was a large, low, long structpre, and the pensar a Wags mars kin acturing es ment, No light was visi ** All quiet,” observed Hamblin, sie d of manw | i
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Veer Tae: = es > =~ ors + Ss =— % _.. aa aaa . ‘ 4 “ Judging by the time, I should say the watch- man had just made his round,” a second Sea- Horse added. ‘¢ Then we'll move at once, Come on!” They advanced in a body until they stood un- der tha south wall of thebuilding. Oug of the party then shook out something he had carried ina compact bundle, and Kit saw thatit waza rope-ladder, To one end was at- tuchbed a small cord, and this Hamblin proceed- ed to tio around th» mascot’s waist. *¢ Wot’s that fur?” Rit esked. ** You'll seo directly.” The Sea-Horse finished his work, and then laid bis band vpon a lightning-rod which rose by the building’s side. “‘ Climb that!” be directed. ‘¢ Bh?’ the mascot repeated. ‘Climb that rod!” ‘What fur?” “JT want you to reach the upper-story win- dow, pull up the ladder, fasten one end there, and so give usa chance to get up. See?” Kit Clipper understood pe too éplainly. Principally because he was the lightest weight there, a task had been laid out for him which would make the rest easy, and make him an ac- complice. The idea startled him, and he saw himself in the closest of close corners, Either he must give actual aid to the gang, or, by backing down aparely betray himself. at was he to do? One plan occurred to him, That was to ascend as they wished, end thereby secure his own safety, and then give the alarm and baffle them; but, if ho did this, farewell to his con- nection with the club, and his hopes of solving Charles Birdston’s fate. Truly, he was in a dilemma. How could he get out of it? “¢ Climb!” Hamblin ordered, ’¢ Don’t b’lieve I kin, cap’n.” ** Nonsense !”” . **T ain’t no great o’a climber.” ** Any boy could do it,” ** Wal, what one boy kin do, I kin!” This declaration, resolutely made, brought a neral wes of approval from the Sea- orses, but the mascot was not of their mind. Come what might, he was resolved not to be a party to their crimes. He could see but one way out of it, and that one way appeared to him like the star of hope. He grasped the rod and tested its strength skillfully ; then he began to climb, From the first he made awkward work of it. He was careful not to make any sound, and thereby arouse the Sea-Horses’ suspicions; but if he bad weighed three times as much as he did, be could not have had more trouble, in appearance, than he now did to draw himself up. He progressed for some time, however, and rose five feet from the ground. The Sea-Horkes stood looking on in mingled doubt end dissatis- faction. Their mascot was not showing the erty een they had expected, but all might end well, Suddenly, though, Kit was seen to slip, and then he fell unchecked to the ground, grasping wildly for support he did not gain. ane nen in a heap, and then groaned lugu- ously. es Whats the matter?” Hamblin asked. i wee broke,” ° . * Yes, ’tis—ouch/ don't tech me!” The wily mascot groaned again and caressed his alleged injury gingerly. Of course it was alla sham, but that was his scheme for getting out of tl responsibie part of the robbery. ot ata why were you soclumsy?” slipped. ‘¢ You had no business to slip.” “Dye think that rod is easy ter hold on ter?” ‘6 Well, well, let it pass. Is your arm hurt so you can’t go up?” Kit stretched out the member indicated, and then uttered an exclamation of pain. Couldn't lift a muskeeter with it,” he re- plied. 44 It ain’t broke, but it’s sprained the wuss’ way. oy Ee ait it. Brogan, you may go up.” ‘¢ Wouldn’t it be a good idea to surround the building?” Bat asked. ‘Perhaps so—at least, we might throw out pickets to see that allisright, Peters, go to the east end, and you, Deegan, to the west. Kit Clipper, you may have the north side.” It was clear that the Sea-Horses intended to draw their mascot into the case,sprained arm or no sprained arm, and that astute youth did not object, Indeed, if he must be concerned in the Kit eel STS“{V_[_—_w_eesw—— woes ‘ hah: eShinvects OR Sage cto oe SANS Nain ; Clipper, the Boat-Club Mascot. <M ALA LALLA LLL LLL A A matter, he knew of no place more to his taste than to be a picket. He was still caressing the arm which he claimed to have injured, and he held the elbow up with the other hand and readily agreed to the last direction. Obediently enough, he passed around the building. When he reached the front he made a discov- ery. The door was open, and two persons, both of whom were men, stood there in conversation. Ho realized that one was the watchman, while the other seemed to bo a caller, Here waga chance to give the alarm without necessarily betraying himself to the Sea-Horses, and he was aout to hurry forward when he heard a step behind him. He turved and saw the man Deegan. Evidently, he had a spy upon his own move- ments, but the was equal to the emergency. Promptly he beckoned to the Sea-Horse, and the latter came forward. Again Kit looked at the men by the door, and a surprising discovery followed. One of them was Dan Decker, the cracks- en! —————_-- CHAPTER XII. » UNDER FIRE. ‘ Tur last discovery bewildered Kit Clipper. It was not strange that the old burglar should be in that town, for any one engaged in hislaw- less calling was liable to be anywhere; but what ‘My mother died when I was an infant; my father died three years ago.” ‘¢T knew them both, though my acquaintance ' with John Bease was only casual, Ann, his wife, 1 knew well previous to her marriage.. Possibly you’ve been taught to revere her, | Trad, but I must say that Ann wasa hard lot, She never was worthy of poor old John Bease, | and she proved it by duping him the worst way. You were no child of theirs!” ‘*Proveit!” “T can, when I get ready. I can produce Ann’s son—a fit offspring of the mother, and a | kid for whom you were swapped when your | teeth could hardly win ina competition with a hen’s.” ‘¢ Why Should such a swap have been made?” Trad Bease asked the question with more in- terest than he had yet shown, and Dan showed | corresponding gratification. ‘ve told vou,” he answered, ‘‘that there was money in the case,” “You are putting in a claim which sounds like a fairy tale, }ut | remember it was always said that I did not resemble John Bease.”’ | ‘Naturally, you didn’t.” ‘¢Tf he was not my father, who was?” ‘¢{¢ will cost you five thousand dollars to know!” «1 can’t produce one-twentieth part of it,” ** You need not pay a red until you get your money, though I shall take good care to protect myself. Vll arrange all that, and advance you some money, if you want. You can’t be gettin any big boodle here as night-watchman, wad meant the fact that he was in conversation with | may not berich. Well, just you stray down to the watchman? No good ever kept Dan Decker company, and it did not seem likely that he had any good errand there. What did it mean? ‘¢ Was he an ally of the watchman? Or was he trying to hoodwink that person? Was another robbery intended? Deegan touched Kit’s arm. ‘* We've got to wait,” he announced, ‘‘ Times ain’t ripe for no move cn our part, so we must lay low fur awhile, You stay here, an’ I'll go an’ tell the cap’n ter call off his war-dogs fur awhile.” All right!” Kit answered mechanically, for he had dis- covered that he could overhear what Decker and the watchinan were saying, and, when Deegan retreated, the mascot sunk down by the corner of the building and lay as quietly as the foundation. The first distinct words he heard were from Decker’s lips. ‘‘No; I won't mention any name,” the old cracksman was saying, ‘‘butI can do all I claim, You tickle me, and I’litickle you.” ‘+ T can’t believe what you allege,” the watch- man replied, slowly. “Why not? AintI—” ._. ‘“‘)Why should any rooney be due me?” “© Why shouldn't it be?” ‘*Because all my relations are, and were, oor.”? Sure?” | “ Yes.” Decker chuckled, ‘*You mean that you thin: you are sure. There aré lots of things in this world that we don’t know, though, and you are liable to b surprised, In fact, I promise to surprise you if I am paid for it.” ‘‘How are you going to prove all this?” the watchman asked, doubtfully. ‘¢ Trust me for that. All you have to do is to agree to give me five thousand dollars if I get fifty, or more, thousand for you—this, and keep your promise,” “Do you claim that I am heir to this amount?” ‘¢] claim that it’s yours,” *¢ Who holds it now?” “A secret told is worth no gold, If I give myself all eg f there would be no use for me inthe game. I tell you frankly that I am the only one who has any knowledge of the affair, and the only one who can get you any boodle. Query: Are you willing to pay me for it?” *¢ { won’t make eny bargain in the dark.” ‘*You’re as stubborn asa mule!” Decker ex- claimed, in, disgust. Well, V1 give you a clew, but don’t you taink you can beet me out, Now, then, suppose that you are not Irad Bease, son of John end Avn Bease, but a cat of entire- ly different color?” ; ‘¢ You start off wildly, stranger.” “Then you think you are Irad Bease?” “T know Iam.” Pa your father or mother to prove New York and I'll fix you all right!” \ “Pl do it.” ‘Good! Another fellow is now in your shoes, but be don’t fill them; and it won’t be hard to fire him ont. He’s got his nearest rela- tives—or, to be more exact, your nearest rela- tives—down on him, and a recent attempt to rob the old man has fixed his mind so he would biosty t the chance to swap nephews.” “‘ What old man is this you refer to?” «Don’t you wish you knew?” laughed Decker. “ Well, it must be a secret fornow; l’m theonly person who can tell.” Kit Clipper was not so sure of that. He recognized certain points which agreed with the Leechmere case, and also remembered that Stephen had spoken to Decker about a servant- girl toward whom he seemed to feel no kind- ness. ‘‘ Reckon I will take a shy at Irad Bease!” muttered the young detective. ° At that moment something drew his attention toa point beyond the two men. A dark figure was creeping along close to the building, steadi- ly drawing nearer to Bease and Decker. Then a hand was laid on Kit’s shoulder, He turned and saw Deegan. ‘*Come back, mascot!” the Sea-Horse di- rected. Other men were there, and Kit did not fail to compreherd the situation; the Sea-Horses ae decided to risk allin a rush for the open oor. Unfortunately for them, they had one person | to deal with who was just as sharp as them- selves. Dan Decker lived a life where he was obliged at all times to watch closely, and be saw the skulking figure. © ‘Ware hawks!” he suddenly exclaimed. “* Look out for Number One!” ' So saying he darted away at full speed, his” legs playing in a fashion that showed them in good light when it was remembered that trey had already carried Daniel nearly threescore of ef ¢ rad Bease did not follow him. He sprung back into the building, and the door clanged to as soon as he could fling it into place. Exclamations arose from the Sea - Horses which were not in keeping with church rules, and they rushed to the attack like hungry wolves. That door must be forced betore it could be secured, or the chances were decidedly in favor of defeat, Bang !—bang !—bang! , One after another, they hurled themselves against the door, and each shock brought en audible sound, but they might as well have spared their labor. The agile watchman had ery the door, and it did not yield in the east. . '“ Done up!” growled Deegan, savagely “By my life! Pll have him yet!” Captain Hamblin cried. ‘‘ Bring a log—stone-—any- thing with which we can hatter down the door, — We'll silence the watchman before he can give the alarm. Quick!” The plan was good, but it did not work, An a Sas ee Se ee *
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CEES EEE, SAIN Kit Clipper, the Boat-Club Mascot. upper window was raised, and, before the’ startled Sea-Horses realized what was intended, a revolver began to work rapidly, Shot after shot was fired, end no bullet went far from the target. One passed so near Kit Clipper’s head that its whistle was very plain to him, and a second cut through Bat Brogan’s arm, It seemed almost impossible that one man was doing all the ag ge ae That fusilade settled the matter as far as any robbery was concerned; it not only showed that a stout-hearted defender was inside, but the sound would inevitably bring assistance in a short time. ‘Break away!” Hamblin called out; and at the command the Sea-Horses took to their heels willingly and ran at full speed. Kit Clipper was not a rear guard. As he was mixed up in the affair, his safest course was to get back to New York as soon as possible, It was not far to where their boat had been left, and they went tumbling, scrambling and rattling down the bluff in a way which almost frightened their waiting comrades out of their wits. Never before had the Sea-Horses got under way as expeditiously as they didthen, Sounds of alarm in the rear gave them an impetus, as it were, and they were soon afloat and making away from land, But they were not to escape tamely. They were near the middle of the stream when a hoarse bail drew their attention. to one side, and they saw two other boats ridg out of the fog, ** Boat ahoy !” added the man who had hailed before. Not a word answered the Sea-Horses. A brisk breeze was fanning their sail, and they were as anxious to leave those waters as was Coleridge’s ‘‘ Ancient Mariner.” The noise in the village and the silent flight of the boat, told a story to the other crews, and in short order their crafts were pointed in’ pur- suit, Down the river went the three at full speed, Bat Brogan shook Kit by the arm, ‘‘Now, mascot,” he cried, “show us your arts. If you are what you claim, bring us luck an’ get us out o’ this danger!” The mascot started nervously, for he saw cap- ture and disgrace staring hiriin theface, buthe rallied nobly to meet the crisi. He sent back a joke, and a cheerful assuran.¢ that all would end well. ¢ But soon another danger menaced them, The pursuers were armed, and they took re- venge for their disregarded hails by opening fire mee the fugitives, Bullets splashed the water all around the foremost craft, and one Jump of lead found lodging-place in a Sea-Horse’s leg. onit Clipper plainly saw that cruising with the modern pirates was no joking matter, and he vowed that if he escaped arrest for the present offense, he would never risk his liberty and poate another voyage. captured with them, nothing could save him from being regarded as one of the band, and as guilty as they were. In such a case, amateur detective-craft would meet with a downfall. The pursuers evidently exhausted their am- munition in a short time, and their revolvers were put away, but the race did»not end, Fathom after fathom they raced down the Hudson, but the Sea-Horses were not yet at the end of their rope. Little by little they gained on the pursuers— so slowly that the advantage in each minute was imperceptible—but so surely that, at last, running in deeper fog, they shook the enemy off and made good their escape. CHAPTER XIII. THE UNDERGROUND REGIONS, - Ir was the following evening, and Kit Clip- er was in the Sea-Horse Club-House. The day ad been very quiet and uneventful, and the persons who had participated in the adventure of the previous night had kept close to their quarters. i As far as Kit knew, there was no reason to suppose that suspicion was directed toward the Sea-Horses. They had made the return trip successfully after shaking off the pursuers, and if cheir luck was in keeping with that of the past, they had no cause forfear. © For years the gang bad been at work, and most wonderful fortune bad attended their we pat no great shadow having been cast upon _ theclub, ' As for Kit Clipper, there were some who SE LE SS SS Ss ee spoke skeptically of his powers as a mascot, but no one who doubted him. He redoubled his efforts to make himself agreeable, and was uni- versally regarded as a very ‘‘ good fellow.” Despite this, he would not have been there that night had it not been for an unexpected circumstance. He was tired of mixing with burglars and thieves, but he saw bis way, at last, to sever the connection ina manner which would please him better than to step out with- out further adventure, During the day he noticed Wash, the old col- ored cook, come out of the mysterious base- ment, lock the door and secrete the key in a place which seemed to be perfectly safe. This was contrary to Levi Adonis’s understanding of the arrangement, for the second colored man had plainly stated that the cook was not allowed down there; but Kit was not surprised to learn that Wash was villain enough so that the Sca- Horses were willing to trust him. Having learned where the key was kept, Kit resolved to remain awhile longer and make a bold attempt to see the basement. It was a risky piece of work, but his courage was good. One other incident should be mentioned. Levi Adonis came to grief during theday. He incurred the anger of a leading Sea-Horse, and was rewarded by the application of a cane in chastisement. He appealed to the old sailors and Hamblin, but the matter ended in his dis- charge, This seemed a risky step to take, but he really knew but little about their misdeeds, and they trusted to bis inferior position in life to save them from trouble if he went to the police. Trouble came of it, but notin the way most to be expected. Kit Clipper had selected eleven o’clock as the hour most favorable for his visit to the base- ment, By that time the Sea-Horses would, asa rule, be more or less under the influence of liquor, and less attentive to him, while he would be able, if successful, to get away before they would leave for the night, When he moved, he found a factor in the game that he bad not expected, j He had devoted considerable time to looking the scene over, to make sure that he was not being watched, and then he slipped away and strolled to where he had seen Wash hide the k ey. It was still there, and he drew it out with a feeling of triumph, but, as he did so,a hand was laid upon bis ar He started with dis- may, turned quickly and saw—Levi Adonis, The latter, though discharged, did not end his services until the Sea-Horses disbanded for the night. For a moment the two looked in silence, but when Kit remembered that Levi was no longer in his employers’ good graces, he grew hopeful suddenly, : “ Wal,” he said, carelessly, ‘‘ w’ot is it?” ‘* It’s a key,” Levi answered, “cc He ” ‘¢-You’s got de key to de basement!” ‘“* Nonsense!” ‘*No use denyin’ it, Massa Mascot. I’s got eyes in my head,an’ I’s usin’ ob dem these days, Now, doan’ you think dat I’s off-color, fur [ ain’t. ‘¢ Mister Adonis, you'll obleege me greatly by eloocidatin’. W’ot be yer drivin’ at!” ‘* You want ter sce de basement,” the negro returned,clearly. ‘* Don’t change yer mind fur me, furl ain’t no telltale. You's seen how I was discharged hyar, an’ I don’t like de Sea- Hosses no moah, Jes’ you tuke me into comp’ny wid you, an’ you won’t be sorry fur it, Massa Mascot.” ‘* Wot d’ye want terdo?” ¥ ee down dar,”4nd Levi pointed to the base- ment, * OCan’t re go alone?” “No. | ain’t got no key.” ‘*Can’t magine w’ot thar is down thar te interest me,” ‘*Come, now, doan’ le’s us pull ag’in’ each other no moah,” urged Levi.‘ ‘‘ You know I's done bhyar, an’I kin see you ain’t friendly to de Sea-Hosses, Now, J’ll bet my last dollar dar is suthin’ in dat basement dat will interest both of us. Why can’t we go into comp’ny, an’ visit de place, an’ see w’ot we kin diskiber? Two is better dan one, Mister Mascot; an’ won't, you take me as a partner?” r : Kit had been analyzing Levi Adonis’ as carey fully as possible, and he bad arrived at a con- clusion, From the first be had regarded the negro as a man far superior to his employers in honesty, and it looked as though events had shaped themselves to make him a natural ally. / Meigs a jaa Kit responded. ‘I'll take you in ef you'll stick by me,” **T will, fo’ suah,” ; ‘* W’ot’s down below, anyhow?” ‘Dunno, but thar may be goods not got law- fully. That’s fur we-’uns to see,” ** An’ you're ready ter go dead ag*in’ the Sea- Hosses?” “T am; ‘* Then foller me!” P Fully decided, Kit wmlocked the basement oor. A flight of stone steps was revealed below, He locked the door after them, and then they descended. This took them toa subterranean hall, the walls of which were evenly built and the floor cemented... There was nothing, thus. far, to tell of unlawful secrets, ‘* Be you armed, Levi?” ** 1's got a revolver,” “So hev I, Hang ter fur we may need ’em yit,” io Dar'll eanawful upheaval ef dey ketches yer weepon, partner, ““T b’lieve you! Now fur diskiveries.” They swent on, but discoveries were not as common as they had hoped. The doors which opened out of the corridor were locked, and there was no sign of any key until they bad gone some distance, Then they found a closed. door in which a key remained, Kit was inclined to be cautious, thinking that, rhaps, some one of the Sea-Horses was inside, ut the negro was positive it was not so, The decided that the key of\ the door bad been left. there by accident, The door proved to be unlocked, and, after Sppro riating the key, they entered. At that polnt there was no light, but lamps were abund- ant and they soon had one lighted. The ex- ploration continued. The room, which was large, proved to be a store-house, and almost everything was there. One glance was enough to reveal the fact that it was a depository of stolen goods, but the variety astonished even Kit. In no way could the extensive operations of the gang have been more clearly shown—evi- dently everything that came to their net bad been fish, and they had taken, about all they had been able to lay their hands on, The greater part seemed to have come from d welling-houses, and included scores of urticles with which the rich fit up their homes. There was to be found the exnlanation of many a mysterious robbery. Besides these articles there were many that bad undoubtedly come from stores, and whole pieces of rich goods met the explorers’ astonished. eyes. ‘* Gosh all hemlocks!” the mascot muttered. ** Dat’s a fack,” Levi agreed, incoherently. * Wot a boodle!”’ ‘* All de rich men ob New York couldn’t pay’ fur dem.” . * Wal, it would test a common pocketbook. ie these Sea-Hosses has been trottin’ a fast. gait.” ‘* Dey’s bad, cl’ar fru’.” ‘* This don’t answer one question I had in my mind, Levi, whar was the mason-work done. down here?” ‘* S*pect it was ober yar to de norf.” ‘Then we want to go north; but how do we ‘Must be a passage, som’ers, I ain’t seen it, but it may be layin’ around loose. All this stolen property ain’t o’much interest ter me but thar is one thing I’m bound ter find out ef t ain’t sot down on,” He referred to missing Charles Birdston, and. his interest in that line never wavered. CHAPTER XIV. A CREATURE ON ALL FOURS. Nor long did the explorers linger in the store-- room. Leaving it, they begen the search for another passage, but were not successful for some time. No passage could be found, and no evidence that masou-work had been done there recently. Kit and Levi were perplexed, but the secret was finally discovered by chance. As the mas- cot stood by the wall he reached out, half-un- consciously, and struck what seemed to be the solid partition of rock, Tt proved to be nothing of the kind, but a curtain eight feet square, so skillfully painted to represent stone blocks, laid and cemented, that the explorers had been wholly deceived, Back of this curtain was anothercorridor, and’ they followed it with fresh confidence. Kit led: the way, lamp in hand. ** Mebbe it goes a mile,” Levi suggested.
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TET IP a, Mi Kit Clipper, the Boat-Club Mascot. Pe | Rr: ‘*Not unless they’ve tunneled under other -folks’s property,” Kit returned, practically. ‘*Hey! Look a-dar!” This exclamation was caused by a change in circumstances. |Evidence of mason-work late- ly done suddenly met their view. Bricks, stones, mortar, and other things, were there by the on “We're on the track!” Kit muttered. ‘ Mister Mascot,” answered Levi, ‘‘ you want ‘ter find dat missin’ magon,” “ce Do I re } ‘¢- Yes, an’ I spect dat’s why you are here. Ef \ «so, doan’ you hesitate ter speak right out, an’ Vl : help you all f kin.” ‘* Levi, you're right,” **Good! We'll hunt tergether.” ** Kin you give me any p’inters?” ** Nothin’ reliable, but I kin tell you dat the “man wa'n't dead a day or two back, He’s shut “up here, an’ dey kept him at work. I could hear his trowel late at night, a-goin’ clink! clink! clink |” Kit grew hopeful, If Birdston had not been ‘killed at the time of his disappearance, there was ~strong hope that he was still alive. They went on, but only a few yards away y ‘reached a door which barred their further pro- ess, It was locked, but not so elaborately as those they had seen before. A padlock was the only visible means. The basement had been found perplexing, but Kit Clipper felt sure that if Birdston was there A he mus tbe on the other side of this last door. et me | ‘Their key would not unlock it, and no other key Bh was found, but the mascot was not ati loss for a ‘way of procedure, Spee found a Ane strip of esi which pares ‘his purpose, and after properly adjusting it, he ade Levi threw their weight upon ft and wrenched the padlock open. The road to further discoveries was before 1 ‘them. Carefully Kit openéd the door, The light re- ~vealed a perfect desert of building material “Be -jammed into a smal! room—bricks, stones, mor- . ‘tar, lime and the like, but it was about as desti- iy tute of signs of life as it could be, The investigation went on, and the explorers i found that some mason had been busy there, a 1 ‘number of small rooms having been constructed. aes ‘* Look like cells!” Kit muttered. ’ ** Dat’s a fack.” ‘** Do they ever have prisoners here?” ‘* Never heerd ob any.” Ni . se Can't see what else they could use sech dens ‘Some o’ this work has been done lately.” Ld ** Looks like it.” Bae) ; ‘Den whar am de mason?” ' ve ‘* We'll look fur him.” f “Gea SR They started, but had gone only a few steps a ‘when Levi Adonis caught his companion’s arm. “* Hark!” he directed, Bn 2 Kit obeyed, but quickly broke the silence, Be ‘*Say!” he exclaimed, ‘‘it’s the sound o’ a naa ‘trowel!” ae ** Right ae be.” | ‘*Then Charles Birdston is nigh, Come on, , an’ we'll find him!” | ee The clinking sound was soon located, and ind ‘found to proceed from an aperture in the earth, ay beyond where the mason-work had been done. Levi showed some signs of timidity, and argued against entering the hole, but the young detec- ‘tive was not made of such weak material, ‘With his revolver in one band and the lamp in the other he was about to invade the place Hy? when his movements were brought toa sudden Ls human tunnel, and Pay upon him. : es Levi started beck in terror, and, indeed, the ‘sight was not one calculated to be reassuring at that time, The object was a man, but his hair and beard were in wild confusion, his garments were in rags, and his face was so pale as to be startling, figure appeared in the mouth of the Kit saw a pair of wild eyes glaring f The creature of the tunnel glared at Kit Clip- +} per as though about tospring uponhim, =~ : of ) **Tt's de Evil One!” gasped Levi. of 2s Not a word said the unknown, but, resting on Be) yr his hands and knees like a mere animal, he kept up his steady stare. “Say,” finally spoke Kit Clipper, ‘‘ who in thunder be you, anyhow?” The unknown’s eyes a ag suddenly, the gang?” he de- \ **Don’t you belon -mandea. : . anded ** What geng?” ‘‘ The Sea -Horses,” **'No, we don’t,” “* Then, in Heaven’s name, help me to escape.” ie ‘ 3 ian 4 ies a if 4 st eee Pa tidks eb lit a Nd ge cd a ae agai ania ae Sot ? **'Who be you?” ‘* My name is Charles Birdston—” Kit uttered an exclamation and stopped the speaker, ‘** You Uharles Birdston!” he exclaimed. ‘* Yes, Have you heard of me?’ ‘* Well, I should smile! Did you ever hear of Kit Clipper?” The man rubbed his eyes. ‘*T can’t see well, and am not sureof what I think. Are you Kit? If so, what means your rags?” ‘Well, I be sort o’ in disguise, now I think ont, Say, Charles, old chap, come out o’ thar. We're here ter rescue you.” He held out his hand, and Birdston quickly emerged from the tunnel. ‘* By my life!” he exclaimed, ‘‘I can hardly credit this, Wherein the world did you come from?” ** Come ter iescue you.” ‘* Did you dig in?” ** Come right down through the boat-house.” ‘* How did you pass the men?” ‘*Tt’sa long story—let’s git ter importanter affairs first. Say, I wouldn’t skeercely know ye, Charles!” : ‘* Hard work and misuse have made a great change in me,” ‘* Should say so, b’ gracious!” ) The statements were well founded. Charles had lost flesh rapidly; his hair and beard were in confusion; his face was pale; his garments were strangely ragged; and mortar was plas- tered and smeare‘l over him until it was not strange that oven Kit’s eyes had been at fault. Levi Adonis ventured to advance, ‘Ts it the dead man?” ke asked, curiously. *Tt’s Charles,” Kit explained, ** Does he pretend dat he ain’t dead?” ** J reckon so.” ‘* Dat’s hard ter b’lieve.” ‘*No wonder you hesitate, but I! still live,” Birdston answered. ‘‘If you doubt it, feel of what little flesh 13 left on my bones.” ‘* We lose time,” the mascot interrupted. ‘* We must git outo’hyar. Reckon there’s no way down here. Eh, Charles?” ‘*T have been at work on this tunnel for some time, unknown to the Sea-Horses, for I conceal all signs of it when they are around. It’sa big undertaking, for I am so seldom able to do any- thing on it—much of the time I have been un- der lock and key—that my progress has been slow. I believe that a few hours’ work would take us up to the open world, if we could all work, and—if we were left alone.” ‘* Levi, w’ot’s the chances o’ slippin’ past the Sea-Horses after club hours?” ‘*T’m afeerd the doahs will be locked on us, an’ ou dar’s the watchman.” *¢ Small chance.” 4 ‘*Can’t we go up now, an’ make a dash f’r’u’ them, an’ holler fur the peleece?” “IT guess our best way is ter all go fur the tunnel, an’ dig until we get ter terror firma. Can’t be fur up.’ ‘*T am worried for fear my captors ma ‘come down again,” interrupted Birdston, ‘It was an vere that I was not locked up, for such is usually the case when I am left un- guarded, and my jailer may remember his error and return to right it,” ‘* Hev you tools so we kin all dig?” **-Yes; but you will see that my tunnel will admit only one manat once, We can work in unison, however, and two of us pass back what earth the foremost dislodges,” ** Before we begin, I want ter go back up, open the door an’ take a squint through the club-house, The chances are dead ag'in’ it, but we may be able ter slip past the Sea-Hosses. It’s worth investigatin’,” Birdston agreed with this, and Kit made the ar. The result was a disappointment, owever; he found the Sea-Horses so scattered through the place that it was out of the ques- tion for the mason to pass them unseen. He relocked the door, returned to his friends | and made thts report. Then work was resumed on the tunnel. Levi was the strongest physically of the trio, so he Lar the forward position and began to dig reso- lutely. _ None of the ag expected to be left alone, but they had the will and the courage to resist stoutly if discovered, and the two revolvers which they possessed would be no mean factors inthe fight. © By taking refuge in the tunnel, they would makeit hard tocapturethem. | While they worked, the mason talked, ‘* When I began work here,” he explained, ‘* did not suspect for some time that I was at eee eacee eee eee eee working for crooks. All of the older portion of the basement was kept locked up, and they ex- plained plausibly what [ had to, do. 1 know now that the small rooms 1 made were intend- ed for cells where rich men could be impris- oned, after being kidnapped, and held for ran- som, ‘‘This was a new industry which the Sea- Horses intended to add to their criminal work, ‘*One day they carelessly left open a door which had always been kept locked. Not sus- pecting anything, I entered the room, and there . pe, proof that they were robbers on a big scale. ‘“* A general row followed, and 1 was prevent- ed from leaving the place. They offered to give me my freedom if | would join them, and swear eternal silence—though [ doubt their sin- cerity in making the offer, 7 ‘*] refused, and was set upon and overpow- ered. I called for help, and shouted ‘Murder! but, as I was down in the basement, it was all in vain, ‘¢T was overcome and kept bere. ‘*Since then I have been their slave, and obliged to work at the revolver’s muzzle, This I did to prolong my life, though sure that they meant to kill me in the end. * As a rule [ have always been locked up when not at work under watch, but in the little time given me as a free man I have n yap ip on this tunnel, hiding it by placing barre}s in front when they were around. “That is the history of a period of time which has mado me the wretched object that I am. CHAPTER XV. ANOTHER MAN IN TAE TOILS, THE mason’s story explained a good deal that had caused Kit Clipper to wonder before. When he heard the clinking of a trowel, it had been in Birdston’s hands, and he had been working at night under guard. arah Brown’s story was also proved correct, The digging went on, and at a very satisfac- tory rate, too, Levi Adonis labored with a will, and threw back the earth at a rate which | kept Birdston and Kit busy taking it away. The tunnel was conducted on what appeared to be the best principles. larly was out of the question. Even with such a course open, they would emerge only to find themselves in the inclosed court which sur- rounded the club-house, and all wereagreed that they probably would be captured while trying to escape from that place. Accordingly, the tunnel was made at an angle which brought them gradually nearer the sur- face, and, unless they erred in their calcula- tions, would bring them out at a point beyond the Sea-Horses’ inclosure. That they would make good their escape be- i morning seemed certain—if they were left one. “Bot I’m afeerd we sha’n’t be,” admitted Kit Clipper. “They may be down ter lock you up, an’ then, ag’in, Levi an’me hev disap- eared mysterious, an’ the key ain’t in its place, f some o’ these sev’ral things don’t \stir up a ruction, we kin think ourselves lucky—most consarned lucky!” Nobody could deny this, but there was no wer out of the dunger; all they could do was to d Vs and trust to luck. But the dreaded interruption came just the same. ' Kit Clipper was at the rear, it being his duty to take the earth from Birdston, where it was flung clear of the tunnel, and throw 1tin a bar- rel, He was busy at his end of the line when the mason was startled to see him hurried] dodge into the tunnel. ‘* What is it?” Birdston demanded. ‘Voices an’ a light!” | “Then our enemies are coming!” “Sure!” The mason sprung to the mouth of the tunnel and dragged up a barrel so that it would hide the aperture, ie “Tt seems a useless precaution to take,” he admitted, ‘‘but we won’t throw away any chance. ‘There isone hope in a hundred that some ordinary errand brings them here,” ‘Got yer revolver ready?” Kit asked. . 66 Yes. ” ’ “So hewI, W’ot shall we do?” ‘** Resist to the last!” ceived abundant abuse at the hands of the Sea- Horses, and was resolved not to be taken again alive, ‘ Levi Adonis said nothing, but he grasped his spade with grim determination. — To dig perpendicu- | pi I —— e — Serge. ee i eee \ ; tr Birdston spoke with emphasis. He had re- —
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_ Peering over the barrel, the trio saw their enemies advance, t came two men with lamps, and, next, Captain Hamblin. After him were three men in a bunch, and Kit touched Birdston’s arm. he One's a prisoner,” he whispered. “ce Yes,’ in |" The statement was correct. A bold-faced intelligent, good-looking young fellow marched along with his wrists firm] Horse hold of each arm. brought up the rear. | Contrary to the expectationsof the menin the tunnel, no critical survey was taken of the vicinity, but, reaching the middle of the largest room Hamnb in turned and faced the prisoner, “Well, { bound, and a Sea- wo other members ” he said, harshly, ‘‘here we are!” The captive remained silent. ‘*T hope you're satisfied,” the captain added. The, prisoner’s lips curled scornfully. *¢- You talk childishly!” he retorted. ; **DoI? You shall see that I do not act that ; way. Do you know where You are?” **Tn the den of outlaws.” ‘*'Then you know what to expect.” . ‘*Yes—air contaminated by their presence,” ‘You talk well, my bantam!” Hamblin angrily exclaimed, ‘‘ but we’ll tame your proud { heart and reduce your pert crowing to doleful pleadings.” ** Never!” ** We shall teach you not to pry and spy into ! our Peete affairs.’ ‘That’s another matter.” ‘In brief, your life is forfeit to us.” **T thought I had 1 eon eval you correctly,” the prisoner answered, dauntilessly. “‘Thope you’re satisfied?” ‘* As to that, I. may be when the race is run. You need not flatter yourself that you are out of danger when you dispose of me,’ ‘* What more danger is there?” ‘* The police,” ‘They don’t know of us,” iy **Wrong—I have told them.” “You lie!” Hamblin retorted, bluntly, ‘‘ You _ came down from the country town where you have the doubtful honor of being a night- watchman—” , ‘* Having recognized some of the Sea-Horses i in the recent attack on the manufactory,” in- st sed the captive. ie ** So 4 allege, but we deny it; the Sea- it Horses did not try to commit the robbery.” ‘* You are a fine man to give another the lie!” ‘* Let that pass, You came down here to spy upon us, but were not half sharp enough; we detected and captured you, and you are now our prisoner. Let me tell you what is to follow: } Yonder you will see some small rooms made of brick and stone. They are dungeons, built | strong enough to defy the efforts of even an } elephant. You will be shut up in one of them, locked in without food or water, and left to the ie, end which should overtake all spies!” ee This was a fate which might well have ap- tp palled the stoutest heart, but there was no sign | _ of wavering on the prisoner’s part, aaa ‘“*T’m not surprised,” he responded. Sieh» ‘* Shall we put your name on a shingle for a ‘Ai hs head-stone when ali’s over?—I believe the name " ae watt aghn hae but a smy name, but you need not defile it 9 i by touching hand to it, or meetin it.” ool! I won't waste we ie “As you will, stubborn ; poe (pa time upon you. Men, put him in the ce f The order was obeyed. The prisoner saw the folly of resistance, and did not attempt to o mame their will. He was placed in bite of the turned upon him, 0 perish all spies,” added Hamblin. sis * Wre’re going at a hard gallop, lads, but I hae eae slow trotter. We will return to the ’ ¢ clu room,” “~ __ The party retreated, and, a few moments later, the door which led to the upper floor was _ » heard to close with a clang. __ Levi Adonis brought out the lamp which he hhad been hiding carefully under his coat, to _ shutin the light, and the trio of the tunnel looked at each other in surprise ond relief. y own good luck was almost beyond belief, “a pe We ain’t found out yit!” remarked Kit. _ °**No,” the mason agreed, “Har bia, he must hev used his own key,” mu itered Levi. Rey . ( know the man they shut up,” continued Kit. They called him Irad Bease. Who is he?” me Tike Son Hoasen tried ter rob te Hace, rer. ‘The Sea-Hosses rob the |; an’ it seems that Irad got cts 4b vaults, the iron door was closed, and the key Kit Clipper, the Boat-Club Mascot. “Is he trustworthy?” ‘*Should say so, though I don’t know him much,” ‘* We will liberate him at once. Every arm helps in an emergency.” They emerged from the tunnel and forced open the cell-door. Bease ee that this meant the return of the Sea-Horses, but when he saw a ragged man, a ragged boy and a col- ored man, he looked bewildered. His bonds were cut promptly. ‘* Friend,” said Birdston, ‘tif you are an hon- est man we ought to train in company. We, too, are prisoners here.” ‘*Then let me join you, and we'll force our way out!” Bease exclaimed, wae is manner was impressive. He had a good deal of refinement, but was manly and frank of appearance, and they felt that a worthy ally had been found. “We expect fighting,” the mason reminded. ‘* Let it come!” Bease returned. ‘I’m not a fighter by taste or practice, but in this emer- gency all must show that side of nature. Let the fighting come!” ; CHAPTER XVI. DISCOVERED! As Bease stood there in the lamp-light and uttered these words, something about him re- called Stephen Leechmere to Kit Clipper’s mind, and the mascot could but remember the vague ideas to which Dan Decker’s words had given rise, Could it be that Irad had the blood of the Leechmeres in his veins? *¢ Our position grows more hopeful,” remarked Birdston. ‘* We now number four, all-told,and can give the Sea-Horses quite a fight if it comes to that.” ‘“* Pity we’uns can’t all work in de tunnel,” said Levi. ‘* What is to hinder us from makin’ a break through the club-house arter the Sea Hosses begin ter fall off an’ go home?” asked Kit Clip- r. a There’s something in that,” the mason ad- mitted. ‘Don’t they all go but the watchman, Levi?” ‘They used ter do so, but I heerd de cap’n say, only dis mawnin’, dat henceafter there best be a guard left hyar ter watch.” ‘* Bad!” Kit admitted. ‘“ Perhaps we had better trust to the tunnel,” said Charles, thoughtfully. “Pm in favor o’ keepin’ at work on’t, an’ so lose no time. Then ef we don’t get out, an’a better way shows up, we kin go the better way.” o, As usual your head is level, Kit. Let’s go to work imm sdiately.” This was «one, and Levi Adonis was seen scooping out vhe earth and throwing it back to his allies, The other people of New York who were go- ing their way in the course of every-day life would have been surprised to knéw that, at that moment, four persons were below the surface of the earth and trying to d’g their way to free- dom, but only the Master >of Life knows all the secrets which exist in a great city. Half an hour passed, and then there was an- other interruption. Kit Clipper had former occasion, and he did not fail to be equal- ly vigilant. Again he announced the approach of a light, and again the diggers retreated to = — el and covered the entrance with the arrel, Captain Hamblin and several of his men ap- re . ‘*T don’t more than half believe the report,” he was saying “but we can’t afford to run any risk. We will hustle the prisoners over to Jer- sey. 7 ‘“*T wouldn’t believe Horace Paulson under oath,” grumbled a second Sea-Horse. ‘lt may be all ascheme of his to t favor with us, but it will go hard with him if it proves so, 1 have ordered Brogan to see that he don’t leave the boat-house, and we have him on the ae Bring out the prisoners!” he men in the tunel were startled. A ‘““We are gone coons!” whispered Levi Adonis, $ “T ain’t a coon, an’I ain’t gone—wish I was gone!” Kit Clipper muttered. ; t was apparent to all that the crash must come, and they listened and wa erly. The Sea-Horses advanced to the where they had so lately left Irad Bease, and then con- tion followed. “The door is open!” the same position as on the P si chpaegnit Seband ries Zi: x iy Aba Taree ** Open?” ‘* Yes; and the lock is broken.” A! By heavens! the cell is empty !” ‘* W here’s the prisoner?” ‘‘Scatter, men, and search!” Hamblin or-. dered, when this volley of exclamations had! ended. ‘‘He has had outside help. Yes, the: magon’s cell is vacant, too, He is responsible: for the other fellow's escape, but it’s only a tem- poeeey check tous. They must be right here... k behind every barrel, and we'll pull them out like snakes from their den!” His followers responded, and the search be- gan. ‘* Better give ry revolver to Bease,” Charles. whispered to Kit Clipper, The latter was not reluctant, and the ex- change was made, The prospect of a warm encounter was of the best, but the quartette did not feel wholly with- out hope. The mouth of their tunnel was small and it would be hard to get at them; indeed, it. seemed as if they ought to be able to hold the. place against all comers, as long as their ammu- nition lasted, Birdaton realized, however, that. if direct attack failed they would try other methods, and it would not be hard to find some "ey, to overwhelm the smaller party, it had imitated Levi and taken a spade for a weapon, and he was in a warlike mood. Nat- urally brave, he was now sufficiently excited to. forget all danger. e Sea-Horses were not long in reaching the point of discovery, and when the barrel was re- moved, the mouth ot the tunnel became visible to all. Nor was this all, The pale face of Charles Birdston appeared as in a frame, and a revolver bore upon the gang. “Stand back!” the mason distinctly com- manded, ‘‘ or you are dead men!” There was a pause. Anarmed man was just what the Sea-Horses did not expect to encoun- ter, and they were taken aback for a moment, Then Hamblin’s voice arose sharply : ‘**Come out of that!’ he ordered. “Thank you, but we decline!” Charles re-. torted, , ‘* We will shoot you if you don’t.” ‘* That’s a game two can play at.” ‘* Fool! do you seek your own destruction?” ‘* We don’t seek captivity.” fs poms you know we are twenty men to your: one y Tite ‘*I know we can defend this place.” **Tf you don’t yield at once we shall il your life as forfeit, and kill you without pity.” ‘*We neither ask nor expect your pity. Go ahead with your circus!” 3 siuerge upon them, men!” Hamblin or- er’ The Sea-Horses did not move, The revolver in Birdston’s hand looked ominous, and they could see Irad Bease just back of him. At that moment Bat Brogan and Horace Paulson made their appearance, ib Say, cap’n,” the former cried, ‘‘ where’s our mascot?” ; ‘*T neither know nor care.” ‘But I'm afraid somethin’ is wrong. Paul- son will hev it that the mascot is a snea’, an’ bas been workin’ ag’in’ us; an’ 1 can’t find him any where,” “The feller is a fraud,” put in Horace, ex- citedly. ‘*‘ WhenI first saw him bere, I knew I'd seen him before, but I couldn’t tell wh Pve studied it out, now. He’sa feller who hb lenty of money to use, and he never came ere clothed in regs without some strong reason, More than that, I’ve heard that he was a ticular friend of Charles Birdston, Perhaps you’ve heard of Charles?” ** Perdition!” —n ei penal the word tremblingly, almost: upset by sudden anger, ‘** Can it be we have been betrayed?” he asked after a pause, a“ that way.” ; * ae mascot is missing, you say?” es, ‘ ‘‘Then we may as well set it down that all this is due to him. When we found the key missing, 1 made an explanation of it which [ hoped would prove correct, but I can see now. that Clipper was a spy; that he stole the key and came down here, and it was he who re- leased our prisoners. No doubt he is in that ex- cavation now!” ‘** Here I be, boss!’ came the cheerful voice of the ex-mascot, from the tunnel. “You dog!” Hamblin shouted; ‘you shall rly for this!” Pay send a yer bill!” It was not idle bravado which led Kit to an- swer as he did, but, knowing that peacefu” “ os ak eA ae ony wy im " t we ee
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: te - EF Say Ie my ee Pe < quae Se er oo ~~ Me re Pe tes ai" Pigs oto SE pre eas Se a 6 RR a saa _ door; they rushed into the club-room. a big way oo. searreny seg as ” pe yh a ince! Be Soo aly cae a Peas, RG NE ee Rael % Be ao ae Sees. aa a 8 oe ; S 44 | Kit Clipper, t measures were out of the question, he allowed his natural high —— to have full sway. **Men,” added the Sea-Horse, ‘‘ fire a volley into that tunnel!” ‘** Hold!” cried Charles. ‘‘ The first man who raises a hand, dies, We have you covered, and asit’s our lives or yours, we shall stand on no ceremony. Keep off!” Hamblin looked perplexed. “Say, Cap,” poe in Brogan, ‘* why can’t we smoke ’erm out? Pile these barrels ag’in’ the mouth of their den an’set ’em afire, an’ you kin bet that Davy Crockett’s coon will come down out o’ the tree, so ter speak.” ‘* A capital idea!” the robber leader agreed. ** Break a the barrels and boxes, and we will ‘soon have live prisoners or defunct bacon!” CHAPTER XVII. THE LAST STRUGGLE, THERE was @ hurried consultation in the tun- nel. Noone knew just how much they had to fear from the Sea-Horses’ latest scheme, for it was uncertain how much smoke would enter the excavation. As there was no outlet, there would be no suction, butit seemed probable that enough smoke would enter there to make their quarters uninhabitable. ‘* But, why can’t we throw up a wall o’ dirt, an’ keep the smoke out?” asked Kit. ‘*Golly !”? we’d smother fur want ob any air!” declared Adonis, ‘* Not right away, you bet!” Charles and young Bease seemed at a loss what to do, ' “Say,” added Kit, ‘‘ jest you let me get ter the front with my spade, an’ [ll agree ter smash out all the fire they kin make.” ‘¢*There’s another idea,” suggested Bease. **They have only twolamps. Now, if we could break them, the place would be in darkness, and I’d risk our luck in arush through the place for liberty.” ‘*A capital idea,” Charles agreed, ‘‘ but how can wé break the lamps? Can we shoot—” ‘j Leave it ter me!” requested the ex-mascot. ** A boy who can’t throwa stone ain’t no boy at all, an’ /’m pooty nigh as skillful as David was, Give me room, an’ out go them lights!” The Sea-Horses were thinking only of getting their kindling material together. ‘hey did not seem to fear any attack, so the dark cavity was watched only casually, and Kit’s movements passed unseen or unheeded, He had secured several stones of just the size he wanted, and he took careful aim and threw tho first. Crash! One of the lamps went to pieces in a twinkling. But his work did not endthere. Well aware that this peculiar attack must be followed up, he flung a second stone, It missed the remain- ing lamp, but struck equare in the stomach of the Sea-Horse who carried it, A yell followed, and the man and lamp drop- ped together. Then a third stone crossed the intervening space, the lamp broke in many . Pieces, and the place became perfectly dark. | It was the chanco the quartet, desired and they made a rush. One after another they sreue out of the tunnel and started to run the antlet. ar Stop the prisoners!” yelled Hamblin. A pair of arms was flung around Kit, but he tripped the owner deftly, squirmed away and continued his flight. He was aware that his friends were meeting with trouble, Thesound ' of blows, of shouts and of angry exclamations rung in his ears, but it was out of the question to give any aid, In the darkness he could not tell friend from ‘oe. He reached the passage and hurried along. He could hear others near him, “ Are we together?” demanded a voice,which, pia was sete om é gratityin ere were three responses—most gra’ evidence that all of the little party had pasnot the first danger, : It was not difficult toreach the main corridor, and from there they had the best of footing and no one to trouble them, The shouts of the Sea-Horses sounded in the rear, but they were not half as dangerous as their allies would be = many of the gang remained on the floor above. The great problem of the occasion was—How many men must they face on the next floor? Up the stairs they went; they flung open the The first view of the place was disheartening in the extreme; the room was crowded! \ Butasecond and more careful survey brought: discovery—at least a dozen of those * © a 4 RN ¥ ea resent were large men in the blue uniforms of ew York police! A brief, eloquent pause follow- ed, during which the blue-coats looked in wonder at the quartet from below. All were covered with fresh earth, and Birdston and Kit were very ragged. It was the ex-mascot who first realized the situation. What Sea-Horses were there had a downcast appearance, and two or three were ironed. Unless appearances were very deceptive, the den had been raided by the police. The rush of Hamblin and his companions broke the pause. Up the stairs they came with arush,and triumph gleamed in their eyes as they saw before them their coveted prey. But the latter had recovered from their sur- prise, and Birdston sprung toward the police- men. ‘* Officers,” he cried, ‘‘we ask for your pro- tection. Weare prisoners escaped from these outlaws.” No one answered him, but a large man in citizen’s dress advanced with extended hand. ‘* Captain Hamblin,” he announced, ‘‘ we de- mand your surrender in the name of the law!” ; The once-arrogant Sea-Horse stood speech- ess. “You are all under arrest,” the stranger added. ‘* Under what charge?” Hamblin faltered. ‘* Robbery, abduction, and other crimes.” ‘*Tt is false. Who dares accuse us?” Another man advanced. It was Dan Decker, the cracksman, And Kit was surprised to see Stephen Leechmere close behind him, ‘*T reckon I have had a share in the job,” Decker admitted. ‘I gos valuable points from one Sarah Brown, a girl thrown over by one Horace Paulson; and these points, and other things, enabled me to give the police the bs ‘Ruined by a woman!” groaned Hamblin, bitterly. Decker saw Horace Paulson, and a trium- phant smile crossed his face, **-You’re in the soup, traitor!” he exclaimed. OWAce.® oiue Seta ieey te ie ¢ ita ae Bac * e Boat-Club Mascot. Charles Birdston. ‘‘He has trailed them for days as an amateur detective, and bas saved my life. To his noble devotion and unflagging courage we owe all!” ‘*Go a leetle bit light, Charles!” laughed Kit, ‘Take the honor due you, my lad,” answered the police leader. ‘‘ Particulars we'll get later; just now our duty isto take the Sea-Horses to jail. I think we shall have no trouble in con- victing them.” The last prediction was verified. The revela- tion concerning the boat-club astonished New York, and, hemmed in by the weight of many crimes, Hamblin, Brogan and the other Sea- Horses went to Sing Sing under heavy sen- tences, Horace Paulson, as we have known him, was tried for robbing the Leechmere residence, and accompanied his Sea-Horse friends to prison. Decker was so useful that he received a light sentence. When hf ‘‘ time” expired, he left the East and was heard of no more. Sarah Brown ran away’at the first alarm. Her after-life is not recorded, The so-called Irad Bease was fully proved to be Mr, Leechmere’s nephew, and, as he was an excellent young man, there was rejoicin among his newly-found relatives. At the ol racmang de request he assumed the name of tephen Leechmere, and, a few years later, was known as the head of the building firm of Leecbmere, Birdston & Clipper. Such was the ex-mascot’s after-life. Loaded with praise for his efforts against the Sea- Horses, he remained modest and worthy, and his friends were giad to have him as a partner. Asa business man he has been shrewd, honest and successful; as a citizen, he is one of the est. THE END. ‘*Tt’s false!” Horace hurriedly answered; ‘‘I |. don’t belong to the Sea-Horses,” ‘* Maybe you’re not a burglar?” “I'm not afraid of being prosecuted for that,” the young rough answered, looking at Leechmere. “‘I am that man’s nephew, and he hadn’t dare—” ‘*It is faise!’’ Leechmere interrupted. ‘‘ You are no nephew of mine.” , ‘Oh! you may deny it, and cast me off, but you'll weaken in the end,” ‘* Fool!” pronounced Dan Decker, ‘‘ you don’t know half so muchas youthink youdo, You are not the child of Stephen Leechmere’s sister at all. Once there was a servant-girl in the house of Abram Leechmere, now dead, This girl robbed the house. I have been accused, re- cently, of having aided her, but I swear that I was innocent, She had an ally, but it was a crook now dead; a fellow named Works. ‘When this pokes. te Ann, was at Leech- mere’s she was suppo to boa single woman, but, really, she had entrapped in marriage a worthy, but dull-witted mannamed John Bease, ‘¢ The above-mentioned robbery being discov- ered, Ann was.ordered to leave the city or be arrested. Such clemency should have aroused her gratitude, but it made her furiously angry, and a few months later, when she and Abram Leechmere’s married daughter gave birth to sons at about the same time, she seized upon a train of strangely favorable circumstances— what they were [ will tell in full later, but need ot tell now—and swapped her child for that of the other woman, ‘The cheat was not discovered, and the son of John and Ann Bease was reared as Horace Paulson, nephew of Stephen Leechmere; while the real young Paulson grew up as Irad Bease!” Another. silence followed, Irad, the watch- man, looked astonished, while Horace gradually grew pale. ‘*Tt’s false!” he shouted. ‘Tt is true,” solemnly answered Stephen Leechmere, ‘‘and Decker has advanced abun- dant proof.” : **That’s the line i’m in,” laughed Decker. * Arrested for crime, I am going to do all I can to geta light sentence.” “As for the Sea-Horses,” interrupted the leader of the police, ‘tall are under arrest, charged with long-continued burgiaries. That we have at last found them out is due to yonder young man, Bease, the night-watchman, who oti us the clew to-day. I have reason to be- lieve, also, that we owe a good deal to the boy, Kit Clipper.” ‘You owe an immense sight to him!” cried Next Half-Dime Library, No, 861. Billy Brine, THE SWAMP FOX; OR, Shadowing the Smuggler Schooner. ee BY CHAS. F. WELLES. ( This ig an intensely interesting story of Smuggler Life on the Florida Coast, when | Sam Garth and his lawless gang held high carnival. Billy Brine, a blue coat on board the U. 8, Revenue Cutter ‘‘ Watch-dog,” performs shrewd detective work, as does also Ebony, Billy’s plucky darky com- | panion. Two spies on board the “Watch- | dog,” block for a time the detective’s work , before Smuggler Garth and his outlaw | gang submit to Uncle Sam’s authority.
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BY OLL COOMES. Old Kit Bandy, Detective. 246 Kit Bandy, Detective; or, Silver Star, the Boy Knight, 168 Kit Bandy In Texas; or, The Young Mustanger, 208 Kic Bandy’s Catch; or, The Boy Hercules. | 444 Kit Bandy’s Swoop; or, Little Buckskin, tne Centaur, 478 Kit Bandy’s Slick Scheme; or, Old Tom Rattler. 661 et Bandy’s Deliverance; or, Banner Ban. 680 Kit Bandy’s Pard; or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelance. 91 Kit Bandy Rattled; or, The Iniant Giant. 95 Kit Bandy in Red Ruin; or, The Young Whirlwind, 799 Kit Bandy’s Big Ruatle; or, Saddle King Sam. 804 Kit Bandy’s Brigade; or, Dan, the Mountain Guide. Jack Drew, Detective, 158 Jack Drew, the Nemesis, or, Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon, 182 Jack Drew's Drep; or, Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain, 202 Jack Drew in Deadwood; or, Prospect Pete. Keen-Knife. 27 Keen Knife on Guard; or, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keent-Knitfe, the Prince of the Prairies. Other Novels by O11 Coomes, 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. Al Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Hawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger. 88 Rollo, the Boy Kanger; or, The Heiress, 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, 248 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 218 Viger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Toin’s Castle. 228 Little Wildtire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disgulsed Guide}; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. RTZ Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy; or, Old Culeb Arbuckle, 800 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ravger. Bsx4 Whip-King Joe, the Bey Ranchero. 409 Nhercules; wr, Dick, the Poy Ranger. A1T Webtoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 457 Wingedtfoot Fred 3 or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan, 662 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. S78 Highland Marry, the Wizard Rifleman. BY T. 0. HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of ’76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Little Hunter. 47 Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dand ack 3 or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trats. 82 Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk; or, Old Powder-face, 94 Midnight Jack; or, The Boy Trapper, 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 428 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch Jr.¢ or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Toms; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy; or, The Mad Hunter. ann arkansas or, sre Qa desta Revenge. 0 avajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. RidS Onin Bullet ; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade. 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Rei Jezebel, 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apolis, the King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective; or, The King of Rond-ngents. RT Old Wineh; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. ‘294 Dynamilie Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa, B02 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bally. 216 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 626 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take-Notice. $86 Big Benson; or, Tie Queen of the Lasso. $45 Pitiless Matt; or, Ked Thunderbolt’s Secret. S56 Cool sam and Pards or The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. if 8S6 Captain Cutlass; or, | he Brccuneer’s Girl Foe, 896 Rough cen or, The |! win Champions of Blue Blazes. 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. A1S Fellx Fox, the Boy Spotter; or, The Gold Gang of New York. 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the Now York Fox; or, The Myster~ of Room 21, 445 The City Vamotres; or, Kod Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, he Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. ATT eee Parculst oy Sport; or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. ‘ 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 521 Dodger Dick's Best Dodge; or, The Gotham Gold Gang. 528 Tox aud Fao, CF power sha ows. ats Dodger Dick's Doubles or, The Rival Boy Detectives. 558 Dodger Dick's Desperate Cane, S68 Dodger Dick. the Boy Vidocq; or, The Gang of Three. 578 The Two Shadows; or, Dodger Dick’s Stop Game. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop; or, The Man from Jersey, 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective, 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sherp on Guard. 626 The Champton Pards; or, The Lucifer of Silver Bar, 687 Dick Bonne the vp! 4 Detective. = 645 Kit, the Pavemen arp. 3 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle, — 871 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadower. 685 Happy Hugi, the Boy Musician Detective. 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp. _%15 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret. ; ZRZ Daisy Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Game, 742 Billy Winks, the Bell Boy Detective, 754 Billy Winks, the Poss Boy Shadow, 768 Pagis Ned, the Boy on Guard; or, The Camp Spiders, 780 Tonkaway Tom, the Red Wizard, BY BUOKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 Ol Roeky s ‘* Boyees; or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker 246 Glant George; or, The Ang’l of the Range, 275 Arizona Jack ¢ or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. B07 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’e Death Hunt. B18 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo ; or, The Tarantula of Taos, B2T Creeping Bat, the Caddo}; or, The Red and White Pardes, 82 Frio Fred: or, The Tonkaway’s Trust, $44 The Fighting Trios or, Rattleanake, the Tonkaway. 349 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 357 The Ranch Raldersa?; or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. 4 &Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger. BTS Chiota, the Creek 3 or, The Three Thunderbolts. 881 Randera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front, 892 Komeeo and the Reda; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. oi} aus Daisy from A paket Old Rocky on e Three Traflers; or, on the Rampage, uff Bill; oe The Lvnx of the Leona. vee ' an5 Tittle sone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibola _ 684 Onache Carl, the Chico Giant. j t , 422 Kit Bandy’s Right Bower; or, Baby Sam,the Boy Giant | i ~ BEADLE’S* H ALF-DIME*LIBRARY. — Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Pr ice of Five Cents. oa No Double Numbers. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl, 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 9 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard. New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham. New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling. Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince, ‘Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective. Cool Colorado in New York; or, The Cowboy's Fight. Bi GEORGE 0. JENKRSA, & Git Thar Owney the Unknown, Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. The Demon Doctor; or, Deadhold, the Kid Detective. Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective, $ Flute, the Singer Detective; or, Owney in a New Role, The Pitcher Detective’s Foil; or, Dan’s Double Play. The Ocean Detectivet or, The Last Cruise ofthe Black Bear. The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussle, Larry the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every Side. lron Hand, the Charmed Detective BY CHARLES MORRIS. WHI! Somers, the Boy Detective, Phil Mardy, the Boss Boy. Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. Mandsaome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, Black Beas, Wil) Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy, Will Wildtire in the Wooda, Billy Bagrage, the Railroad Boy. A ‘Trump Card 3 or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, The Hidden Viand: or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. Fred Malyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers. Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. $} Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Lite, Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. ‘Yom Tanner} or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, > Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 2835 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps; or, Rollicking Mike's Tot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored, 805 Dashaway, of Daketay or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, $24 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective, 841 ‘Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detectives or, Fred Flyers Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Blooda of the Boulevard, 4038 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 425 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 2 Invinelble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagaoond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 485 Wild Dick Racket; or, How He Fonght for Honor, Boots, the Boy Fireman ; or, ‘Too Sharp for the Sharper, 566 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kids or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolfin the Fold. / 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 709 The Curbstone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat. 757 Detective Frank’s Sweep-stakes. BY J. W. OSBON, 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck. 587 Old Buckeye, tho Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner; or, The Man Without a Past. y+ Pe Dorrit, the A padi Detective. © Lightning’s Lengue; or, The Mystery oftne Island 688 Plucky’ Paul, she Boy Pcsnectas * 751 Gold-Dust Dan, the Trail Patrol. 755 Gold Dust Dan's Oath; or, Reckless Roy, the Regulator. BY JO PLEROR, B9T Bob o’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street, 416 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 Motapur Bob, the Street-Bay Detective. : 460 The Lawyer’sa Shadow; or Luke’s Legacy, 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King, 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 504 Five Pointa Phil, the Pavement Prince, 509 Jack Joggers, the Butcher Boy Detective, 616 Tartar Timmy or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie. 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 688 Wreatling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward, 541 Jef Flicker, the Stable Boy Detective. B51 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mystery. 659 Marlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, B77 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, BSS Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, ROR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, tne Harlem Hummer, 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret, 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooptng a Silppery Set. 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator 694 Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind 706 Tom Thistle, the Road-House Detective, T1T Mosguito Jack, the Hustler Gamin, 726 Dennis Duff the Brown Sport's Kid. 744 Dick of the Docks, the Night-Wateh. 765 Flipper Flynn, the Street Patrol. s 271 Foxy Fred's Odd Pard; or, The Keener’s Huge Hustle. 781 Cast-Off Cale, the Scapegoat Detective, RY PIITLIP 8. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer, 175 Gaptain Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-LeatherNoe’s Defeat. 219 Deapard, the Dueliat; or, The Mountain Vempires, 888 A Tough Roy; or, The Dwari’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. 878 Little Jingo or, the Queer Pard, 888 Little Oh-my 3 or, Caught In His Own Trap, 401 Littlé Shoo- Fy : or, A Race fora Ranch, 4208 Little Leasher- Breeches ¢ or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, 481 Little Ab Sing or, The Corse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate, A Tale of the linen. Three Jolly Pards; or, The Pets of Paddy's Flat, 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy; or, The Jolly Pard’s Campaign. 527 The Jolly Pards to the Rescues or, The Jack of Hearts, $47 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down, 6 Larint Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. 574 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs, 598 Keen Clem, the Ranch bap. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. sos Oklshoms ™m ste, Blow-Cnat Both pitt at appy Harry’s nd or, The 664 Oheeky Charley the Special. 4 228 Q82 BY JOSEPH KL. BADGER, JR, f : 2 Yellowstone duck; or, The Trapper, 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 UWurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 M pens Sam 3 or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-tlawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, | 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. ; 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Glant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmaske, 211 Orooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. > 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy, 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fist}; or, Tho Strange Guide 855 The King of the Woods: or. Daniel Boone’s Laat Trall, 419 Kit Fox, the Border Soy Detective. 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Traller. 677 Chineapin Dan's Second Trall. 688 Chincapin Dan’s Home Stretch. 698 Old Crazy,Mie Man Without a Head, 70S Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. 718 Light-Heart Lute’s Last Trall, 728 Silverblade, the Shoshone. 729 Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beagle at Bay, TBP Silverblade, the Hvstile; or, The Border Beag!e’s Tratl, 748 Silverblade the Friendly; or, The Border Beagle’s Boy Paré BY EDWARD WILLETT. Aan Scott, the Steamboat Boy; or, The Mississipp! Pirates, Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum, Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Among thy Outlaws. The Typo Detective ; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp, 295 Fearless Phil; or, Tho King of Quarteville. 811 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp. B22 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta, 840 Clip the Contortioniat: or, The Montana Vigilantes BY JAOK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Hoy; or, The Witch of the Fort, | 820 The Sen Sorceress; or, ‘The Boy Skipper, BY LIEUT. Hi. D. PERRY, U. 8. N, 176 The Boy Runaway; or, ‘The Buccaneer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. RY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 78 Blue Dick: pr, The Yellow Chiefs Vengeance, 87 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil's leland, 187 The Helpleas Hands or, Backwoods Retyibution, i 289 The Gold-secker Guidet or, The Lost Mountain, f BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR UU. 8. A j 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, ; 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, BY CAPT. MARK WILTON, 256 Young Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso, 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tendertvot. BY MAJOR E. L. ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. - 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Lrimatone , Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arfzona Boy of “Sand,” 859 Durango Dave, the Youny Cham ion Wreatlers B71 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective, 880 Avalanche AJf, the Foothills Guide, 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line, BY EDWARD &, ELLIS. Bill Biddon, Tapper » Seth Jones; or, 6 Captives of tne Frontier. 230 Nat ‘Todd ¢ or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. 'Sc ‘cne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Minera; or, The Enchanted Island, 182 The Munted Wuntery; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains. 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORA, 4 The Wild-Iorse Ilunters, By Capt. Mayne Rela Froderick Whittaker. Fe, and ® Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gullivér’s Travels. By Dean Swift, 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Orusoc. (21 Iilustyations,) 18 Sindbad the Sallor. His Seven el dey 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crosoe, By Juan Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By 8, W, Pierce, 86 The Boy Clowns or, The Arena Queen, By # 8, Finn, 84% Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. B1 The Boy Wives; or, The Underground Camp, By A. C, Irons, 95 ‘The Rival Rovers ;\or, Tho Freebooters of the Misslasippts By Lieut.-Col, Haxeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Eer); or, The Merry Men of Greene wood. Prof. Gildersleeve, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain lton H. . / Sa tad Sant jhe Cave of Death, By B Saxe. jon. George 167 199 112 The Mad Hunter; or 124 ‘Tippy, the Texan} or, The Young Champ’ opson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate's Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures ora Friendless Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- — lowstone. By capes so ae ae alae ats 261 Fergus Fenrnaught the Now ¥Y irk Boy. » L, Aiken, 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; »r, Davy Crockett’s ed Trail. By Ensign ©, D. Warren, 298 Red Olaw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid ot the Cliff, By Captain Comstock. B17 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lieu- tenant Alfred Thorne. B28 The Sky Detective; or, A Boy's Fight for Life and Honos, By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother's Re . venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detactive, y A. P, Morrie, B74 Gold-Duat Tomy} or, Bon’s Double Match, ¥ 6 HM 876 Callfornta Joe’s First Trail, By Cofone) Thomas A18 Pilly Hombchel!, the Clit Climber. By F, 8. Whath sil, the /imber. y B85. t l. 425 The Binck Ship. By John 8 Warner. ia Comanche Dick and His Three Invinelbles, By Henry J. Thomas. , 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest, B52 Artel the Athlete. By David Drald, 585 Will Waters, the Bov Ferret. By 11. Enton. 682 The Dead Wetective’a Double, By Gerald Carlton, 721 Maverick Mone, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard of goo aah ah By Ae apes Svitiiate ices on nton, the Gent from Denver, eone, U.S. Seeret Serviee Corps. , . ; A New issue Every Tuesday. — 2 The Half-Dime Lib is f : “Goh cotinpar sop) oraost by ma eng ca antecee ee BEADLE AND ADAMA, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York
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a Tn se : at + ry . i< oe Sires: BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 De ood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. Si Dantward Dick iatie casio e astle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. 67 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; er, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity é ine, the Heroine #87 ott palin picks East | or, Corduroy Charlie, woo ek in Leadville, 183 penaweed aa was meet ae The Double Cross Sign. eadwoo ck as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’« Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood or, The Picked Patt 4 e Wood? or he Picke arty. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel: ace spemawees pick 6 eon we ner Jane’s Adventure, endwoo ck’s Dead Deal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Tougha, 335 Beadrecd Biebs Bicdehetgs om onan tae £09 Deadwood Dick’s Deals or, The Gold Britk of Oregon. B21 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flate 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. bats peng wood om Sa a ath or, The Terrible Vendetta, woo ek’s Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonda, 421 Deadwood Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. bits peadweot pick ort ghey Crimson Crescent Sign, enawoo0t CK, rr.’ enhance, 458 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Racket at Claim 10, a3 pret fade ent picks orm Serres or, Bozeman Bill. endwoo ¢ r.’% Dog Detective. 481 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. 515 Deadwood, Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. 522 Deadwo Dick, Jr.’a, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Danger Ducka, ) 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick, Jdr., tn Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocg 549 Deadwooa Dick, dr., on Mia Mettle. 5654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 678 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. 5S4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Decree, 5695 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, 4 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. i €06 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cin¢ginnati. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada, 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’a Land, | 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Buffalo. gee peadweod sieks wee; ene marcas the peutinesh enadwo ck, Jr.» Among the Smugglers. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s. Dicurenee Caste 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, dr., (un Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” { 44 peadweod pieks + r.Piy piscexers: or, Found « Fortune, end wo: ck, Jr.’s. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide, bi 94 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 04 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick Jr., In San Franclaco, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’a, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, Disguise, 784 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double DeaL ( 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch, 47 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Doublet. 4 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. 75S Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Desperate Strait, 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand, 770 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’*) Deteat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’4 Dark Days. . TST Dendwood Dick, Jr.» Defled. : 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Double Device, ; 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«, Deaperate Venture, 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice, | 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Royal Flush, 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Head-off, 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. 884 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’#, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, drs, Clutch, 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, High Horse, 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devil’s Gulch, BY WM. G. PATTEN. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Spor; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown. See en kel ike tare olet an ay, ‘ da. 705 Violet Vanes Vowy3j or, The dig Detective’s Craft. AV ane Tongeances or, T y ) BRS Violet Vanek Vengrances 0°) Gane af Cotta lly, aah Violet Vane, the Venutioges Vidoeq; or, Sport vs. Sport. z 50 Violet Vane, the Vanquished; or, The Life Strugg'e. 68 Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. 449 ‘The tMamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 519 Captain A yatery ; or, Five in One. 681 Datay Ware the Sport from Denver. B87 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective, 604 Tron Fern, the Man of Fire; or, Among the Vultures, 619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Double Grip Witness 641 Dismal Pave’s Dandy Pardy; or, The Clue to Capt, Claw 651 Round Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 tld Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 714 Old Misery the Man from Missouri. 774 Clear-Grit Cal, the Never Say-Die Detective, 789 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 806 Cowboy Steve the Ranch Mascot, 820 Nobby Nat, the TenJerfoot Detective, 886 Sharper Stoke’s Double Deal. BV O7,. A. F. MOLT, 817 Wideawake, the Tram-hoy Detective. ; 811 Headlight Warry’s Flyer: or, Duke Derby. yh ' €@78 VWeadlicht Narry’s Wazard. : 691 Weadlieht Warry’« Mant; or, The Railroad Pards, 727 Weadlight Warry’s Stren; or, Mad Madge. 759 Weadlieht Varry’« Heritacc. 794 Weuadlicht Narry’« Hunts or, The Cache of Gold. yr 890 Black Buckakin? or, The Masked Mon of Death Canyon, a 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King: or, The Doomed Six, * 485 Liitie Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, rN B28 The Dandy Sport; or, The King Pin Conspirator, NS): . / ‘ ‘h - oe yk tos Ty trees Other Novela by. E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or; Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee'’s Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skull and Crossbones, 255 Denver Doll’s Decoy ¢ or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or, The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, 87% Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up, | B85 Yreka Jjm’s poker’ or, The Rivals of Red Nose. 889 Yreka Jim’s New Role; or, Bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 248 Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard}¢ or, The Angel of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sam’a Seven or, The Stolen Bride. 834 Kangaroo Kits or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 69 The Boy Detective; or, Gold Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective, 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Gir)] Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ¢ or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp, 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. $25 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch ‘Detective. : 416 Wigh Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaldes, the Beggar-Boy, Detective, 434 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Butfulo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bills or, The Red Rifle Team, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger, 188 Bose Bob the King of Bootblacka, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Rond-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 4 Hosby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scampa. 1 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love. 6 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 40 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator, or, The Locked Valley, 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 209 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Sir) Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 880 Little Qu! ok-Shot$ or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 878 Nabob Neds or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the Kirg of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance, 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten. BY J, ©. COWDRIOK, Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Brondway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodl& or, Clearing a Strange Case, 5686 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Diftkilty.” 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Acts or, The League of Seven. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; o1, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy’s Beat; or, Beating San Francisco's Fineat. 687 Broadway Billy tin Clover. 696 Broadway Billy tn Texas; or, The River Ruatlers, 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Wand: or, The Gamin Detective, 785 Broadway Billy’s Business, 788 Broadway Billy’« Curtous Case. 758 Broadway Billy In Denver. 762 Rroadway Billy’« Bargain; or, The Three Detectives, 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective, 775 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’« Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. 790 Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive. 796 Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest. 800 Broadway Billy Bafled. 805 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy’s Wipe Out. 815 Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket. $21 Broadway Billy’s Bluff, 826 Brondway Billy simone Jersey Thugs. S88 Broadway Billy’s Raid. 889 Broadway Billy's Big Boom. 844 Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. $49 Broadway Billy’« $100,000 Snap. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without s Name, 424 Cibuta John} or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 4389 Sandy Sam, the Street Scovt, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 806 Redlight Ralph_ the Prince of the Road, 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Exprese Detective. 571 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Harry ihe Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the ** Pizenest ” Man of Ante Bas. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F, Cody). 8 Kansas King: or, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Peadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hoody; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 589 Tom-Cat and Pards; or, The Dead Sat at Silver City. 822 Tom-Cat’s Triads or, The Affair at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph: or, Bleck Dan’s Great Combine 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh's Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge: or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sports or. Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 588 Saffren Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Wana, the Dutch Videca: or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Metective Hercules. 646 Cowhoy Gid, the Catile-Range Detective, 657 Warbliug Wiliam, the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jereminhs the Plains Detective. 676 Mienal Sam, the Lookont Seout @89 Rilly, the Gyvay Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 Rimple Stim, the Rroncho Buster; or. For Big Stakes. 712 The Meameriat Sport: or, The Mystified Detective, 788 Taltee Tom, the Mad Prospector. TAB Kanana Jin, the Crovs-Cnt Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Moetanger Detective. iss The Rustler of Rolling Stone. ener San 85 Lone Wand Joe, the Commitee of One, 01 Kent Kirby, the Hich-Kicker from Killbuck, The Doctor Detective in Texas, a) a cada A wt i at a eR TE ia ns A Je ~ D raap I R AORN INIT tHE RY TORRE RA aE, READLE’'S*HALF-DIME*] JBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. ud 1 264 M Th 446 287 + en ca ; BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out, 847 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. 842 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand, Dick Doom’s Death-G@rip; or, The Detective by Destiny, Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, Dick Doom; or, ‘the Sharps and Sharks of New York, Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Maaks, Dick Doom tn Chicago. Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. Pick Doom’s Clenn Sweep; or, Five Links in a Cloe, Dick Doom’s Beath Clue, Dick Doow’s IMamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. Dick Doom’s Shacow Hunt, Dick Doom’s Big Msul. Dashing Charlie: or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trai, Dashing Charlic’s Beatiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive, Dashing Charlte’« Pawnee Pard, 6 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. %87 Buck Taylor, the Comariche’s Captive. Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. Pawnee Biils or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. Pawnee Bill’s Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick. Redfern’s Curlous Case; 0, The Rival Sharps. @ Redfern at Devil’s Ranch; or, The Sharp from Texas. Redfern’s High Hand; or, Blue Jacket, ge bt Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangets. Red Ralph’s Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Midshipman. Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailr. Red Ralphy the Shadower, or, The Freebooter’s Legacy, Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. x Butterfly Billy, the Pony Express Rider, Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. Kent Kingdon; or, Ube Ow!s of the Overland. Kent Kingdon’s Shadower 3 or, the Card Queen. Kent Kingdon’s Buel; or, The Surgeon Scout, Kent Kingdon’s Doom} or, The Buckskin Avenger. Lafitte Run Downs: or, The Bue aneers of Barrataria. Lalfitte’a Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. Lalitte’s Confession; or, The Creole, Corsair. Buckskin BAL, the Comanche Shadow, The Buckskin Brothers In Texas, The Buckskin Bowers} or. The Cowboy Pirates, The Buckakin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive. 640 The Buckskin Pardes’ Quest; or, Captain Ku-Klux. 5608 The Royal Middy 3 or, The Shark and tne Sen Car. 507 The Royal Middy’s Luck ; or, The Hunted Midshipman $11 The Royal Middy’s Foe. 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret or New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. 474 Wizard Will's Pard; or, Flera, the Flower Girl. 488 Wizard Will's Laat Case; or, The Ferrets Afi: at. Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. Duncan Pare’s Plot; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck, Duncan Dare’s Prize; or, The Sea Ruider Duncan Dare’s Secret: or, The Ocean Viretly. Isodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatn! Lesgue, 7 Isodor’s Double Enanes or, The Boy Insurgent. Ixodor’a War-Cloud Cruise; or, The Wild Yachteman, Rison Bl, the Prince of the Reins. Bison Bills Clue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport. Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma, $ Dead Shot Dandy’s Pouble; or, Kero Kit. Dead Shot Dandy’s Defiances or, The Boy Bugler. Dead Shot Dandy’sa Chis f; or, The River Detective. Merle Monte’s Is ap for Life. Merle Monte’s Mutiny ; or, Brandt, the Buc: a eer. Merle Monte’s Ircasure Island, Merle Monte the Condemned. Merle Monte’sa Cruise; or, * The Gold Ship” Chase. Merle Monte’s Fate + or, The Pirate’s Pride Merle Monte’s Pledge: or. The Sea Murander. The Kid Glove Sport 3 or, Little Grit, the Wild Rider, The Kid Glove Sport’s Doom or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider, Marlo, the Cowboy Coaster, Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower. Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag. Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout. fhe Vagabond of the Mines. The Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos. Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor. The Outcast Cadets; or, The False Detective. Arizona Joe} or, The Boy Pard of Texas Jack. Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger Neptune Ned, the Bey Conster; or, Pirate in Spite. The Sailor Roy Wanderer? or, The Born Guide. Waphazard Harry ¢ or, The Sea Scapegrace The Red Clasped Wands; or, The Boy Lieutenant. Warpath WILl, the Triitor Guide. 888 The Indian Pilot ¢_«r, The Search for Pirate Malena 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rovers or, The Flegiess Schooner. 287 Billy Blue-EFyes, of the Rio Grande. Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 229 Crimson Kate, the Girl Trailer; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 116 The Hussar Captain: or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. 111 The Sean-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Smuggier , or, The Cruise of the Vixen. %& The Boy Dnellat; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Woll, 62 The Shadow Ship}; or, The Rival Lieutenants. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 1? Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht, ? The Flying Yankee}; or, The Ocean Outcast. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 856 The Bootblack Stowaway; or, Broadway Billy’s Blind. By J. ©, Cowdrick, ° 857 Spotter Bob tn New York; or, The Man from "Way B ack. By Wm. G, Patten. 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Neath-Hole Hustle ; or, The Doom of Satan's Seven. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective; or, The Girl Qneew of the Boy Police League. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam., 860 The Roat-Club Mascot; or, Dan Decker’s Double Deal. By Jo Pierce, 861 Billy Brine, the Swamp Fox, or, Shadowing the Smuggler Schooner, By Chas. F. Welles. 862 Broadway Billy tn London; or, The New York Specint at Seotland Yards, By J. C. Cowdrick. A New Isaue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdea,ers, five gontn per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents cach, BEADLE AN ADAMS, Pablishers, 98 William Street, New York