Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 864) (1894 02 13)
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A) mann nnn ‘2 Ye mh NN ere a AY Os oR \ AN By \S } WS fa el aa ore SOT RTSTOTSTSTET OTE TES Es Gober ee 2 ae ae rin it Vt i! TiC il SS, HSS Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office, C opyrighted 1891, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, February 14, 1894, 2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE “AND ADAMS. i No. 864, a Wear, : Price, No. 98 WILLIAM ST REET, NEW ¥ a od OO: PI mh CO Bis THE UNION oQURRE a ae Or, Kris Chatterbox, the Pavement vet Mee Vy z eS as y ily ni ‘ 7 a ay . ? ey aes 4 we ; . : a ; wile, . ‘'s x ge ee ae sf “a, oe era Ae & it Rast i ae ei ati i | o ‘WANT YER BAGGAGE DE vane a ASKED KRIS CHATTERBOX, BRISKLY,
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coming here, Now I don’t see anybody to meet “ap and don’t know where they live, or where °, E that time Kris had arrived at a decision. “Wal, see here,” he made reply, “it may be I kin help ye. Jest at present 1 ain’t no time fur the - , fur, as I tol’ ye afore, I'm agent fur Rusbton’s Baggage Express, an’ won't oby Bragg howl because I’m keepin’ him waitin’! George Adolphus, foller me, an’ J‘Jl help ye out, Soon’s we d’liver two or threo trunks I’!1 be free fur the day, an’ then we’ll go ter my pariental CHAPTER I, roof an’ take an account 0’ stock—an’ deficits.” ie 3 A WAYFARBR IN GOTHAM, Nothing could be more cheerful than Kris roe ‘Bae Grand Central Depot! Chatterbox's voice and manner, and the travel- “ ew York has many features of interest, of | er caught at the offer. imposing novelty, of bustling activity, but none} If he had known more about the ways of her tit can eclipse the buge building whieh stands | New York, he would not have trusted himself Ye iw its heart like a lighthouse to the land- | to an entire stranger so freely, but it was a fact : vayager, and receives such a multitude of | that he was perfectly safe with Kris. podple every day. The young New Yorker was as honest as any Its bustle on the arrival or departure of a| lad in Herkimer county. n is remarkable, and thousands of men, The boys left the station. Outside, a red- welmen and children hasten in and out of the | faced man sat on the seat of an Express-wagon _ gyeat edifice. with two trunks just back of him, This was ’ Such was the scene oue afternoon when a long; Toby Bragg, driver for Rushton’s Express, tain was discharging a small army of human Tob glared at Kris fiercely. , F gs it had brought to swell New York’s 6c Ea) be you alive, or not?’ he snarled. ulation temporarily or permanently, ‘All alive, gentle pard,” Kris blandly re- e crowd soon dwindled away and only those | plied. oe reajsined who, judging by their expression, | ** Been takin’a nap seefned uncertain what to do. * No’p. ee. Among these was a boy, of, perhaps, fourteen} {' Been delayed by an anti-veme fit?” ysirs. There was a crowd of persons who bad} | 10 P. ' caific to meet the travelers; aseach found the}, | - ben what in thunder do ye mean by keep- Gabred traveler and went away, the fact dawned | in’ me waitin’ bere? Is time of any vally, or n the boy that no one was there to meet him, | ain’t it? DoT work fur money or fun? Ef I is face grew serious, and he appeared like | work for fun, how much ont do I get? Boss is Sat at a loss what to-do, He was stil! ysme poor wages, an’ nobody bas any feelin The Union Square Baggage Boy: KRIS CHATTERBOX, THE PAVEMENT GUIDE. BY JO PIERCE. \ ; w w b me! Iicarrya trunk to a house, an’a wo- ‘pout t “wd hg pond ak ataecacbed ite sad man says: ‘Takeit up-stairs!’ ‘How fur? says atWant yor baggage d'livered?” asked the lat-| I. ‘Three fiight,’says she. ‘I ain't an sleva- * ortekly. tor,’ says]. ‘Ain't you got yer pay?’ says she. ‘No, LT ain’t,’ says 1; ‘my boss has got the royal sum o’ twenty-five cents. What hey J got? | Nothin’!’” - } ‘S | Baggage ; Kris Chatterbox, agent, Union Square Alby Pavers Guide. That's me!” } “Do you know Mr, Dickinson!” ; ae don’t b’long ter our company.” *“alo lives ia New York.” **Pcob'ly severial Dickimsons de,” uncle,” } fiercely than he had glared before. “Then trains will be late, jest ter annoy me,” he added, ‘‘an’ now th keep me waitin’!” |. By this time the Express-wagon was under | way. Toby was whipping the forlorm-looking in his eagerness to grow] at Kris, He Wiig ; i var Was a confirm owler, and nothing suited * ome ter visit him,eh?” Slams but bis Sriente 1 og = ele zi n’ he olp't on time, eh?” oid Rensr a him to make a mountain ouf of a ; didn’t know I was coming, ers were | mole-hill. Rs ¢ me—I’m not sure be would be glad te ae pscothed him as much as possible, and " ; Pr [a re ‘ ided; S Pas rire does he live?” : | ‘This boy is goin’ with us.” s : cet ee ee tr “Blow be ye goin’ ter find him ae EON Pe Sad oe Pee ae - rat in Juss what I don’t know.” me. Wit ieee ‘Prob'ly the Directory will tell ye, am’ if it | Nobody keers:fur me/” Wwe eat t mt you Lis find a hotel,” te vin? home with me, Toby.” — pike. 8 But I haven’t any money.” Let im gol? ea Ln Evil tiese meets dating s h 2 b Fe BitNoh tte fe sa oes “ho, ae fk hw : ; : tk j d are : . 4 a A brief silence ensued, during which the bey ek elapse hoe ab oe able to carry the day, for 'Toby was not bad- tivel hi ion, ox looked attentively at bis companion. hearted, but it saved time to get rid of argu- a rao given the peculiar name of KrisChat- ' ‘Phere was a widedifference in the personal Kris Chatterbox, the Pavement Guide. ‘but while he Jay on his death-bed he called ie | “Ap he said this bluntly, I looked Mr. Toby Bragg glared at Kris even more 1 “«'Then why did you tell me otherwise? or. ae is not always age? teen 4 ef ou, you remember my wife a | ree yen. sald ie | 4 | horse which drew them, and giving no heed to baby. No one kere knew her. ‘board in my family,,my mother then being | | I bad heard her , appearance of the two, are RS e traveler showed the most refinement, but ae 80 much energy. He was a neat, plain- ee My bressed lad who wou'd be set down by allas a very good kind of a boy, and if he did not show h resolution, it was owing to his past life, i ris Chatterbox was every incha city boy. “ Little did he know about the country, but the, ways and by ways of New York he bad been| aecustomed to from his infancy. Coarsely dres-e1 he was neat and clean, His face was bright, frank and honest, and its natural plain- mess was offset by an abundance of black, 4+ f ist hair, - ru se? It was Kris who broke the silence, © Si ** Wovs ver name?” he asked, . “*George Stoughton,” ) Rie ** Whar from?” eee ** Herkimer county.” pate ** How did ye bappen ter come down here?” at . “bam trying to find out something about myself, I have always supposed I bad no rela- tions, and now I think there is something very | queer that I don’t kifow,” 7x * That so?” : Ba Kris somehow forgot that he was there on NG Se business, and felt very much interested in this a le tside case, Parry Reick ie lived with old Stephen Mat- ss eek,” George went on, “ but, teld me things [did not know before. ment. ‘ | he trunks were duly delivered, though not satisfied to increase his pay and let him use his “money. o, Now,” said Kri., when he had left the without more grumbling from Mr. Bragg, and then Kris was at liberty. 0 at He was never bound down to work. He had entered the service of Rushton at his own re- quest,and had a special contract by which he used his wits to get work for them, “At first he had been employed because he asked for but small pay, but he bad been retained because he was useful, and the Express managers had been own judgment as to bow he would earn the wagon, ‘‘foller me, an’ we'll go ter the home- roost.” ‘* Do you live far away?” George asked. ‘¢ Down on Twelfth street.” ** Will your folks be willing?” ‘* Bet yer jife. The fam’ly is small, anyhow,” Kris smiled grimly as he spoke, indicating that he saw something humorousin the situa- tion, What that was became evident when they arrived at Twellth street, ee In a certain house lived Oliver Chatterton. | Be was only a shoemaker, and poor in every- thing except children, Of them ke had an pbundance—indeed, when asked how many when he died, he | **ers were, he invarixbly replied that he did ben, as Rae I'm all} sot know. His neighbors cov!d count nine, | near, he began to have serious doubts, — ima _baze, but 1 hoped to find out aboutit by ' and as the father could rarely move without why bh j ‘knew, only that the woman got a few va { _ falling over some of them, he never tried to taki eof thé hopeful lot was Ch her, AH were bright and ambitious, and Christopher was not @ rear guard. He had started in life, and made a name for bimself in a double sense, Where one person knew bis real name, a score knew him as Kris Chatterbox, and he almost °° ways gave that namo himself. When George was taken into the Chatt house, he was at once impressed by the ¢ dance of small Chattertons, but none of proved obnoxious, Kris told George's story, and the latte. made welcome. The shoemaker was r, he was also inclined to avoid oedditns \ other persons’ effairs, but he was ready to g. food and lodging to any one in distress. Supper was caten, and then Kris conducte his young friend toa private room. ‘ ‘“Now fur a talk!” he observed, ‘Tell me yer story, an’le’s seo ef I kin help ye.” The late traveler was notreluctant, He felt the need cf help, and Kris’s quiet air of confi: dency impressed him deeply. Jt was as though Kris was several years his senior, ‘*T can’t tell as much as I wish I could, but the facts are these: My name is Georve Stoughton, and I always bavelived in Herkimer F county with old Stephen Matlock sinceI can re- member, ‘*He was.a widower, but I can just remem- ber when his. wifo was alive. He always usect me well enough, though he never took rauch 45- terest in me. He gave me enough to cairn: ) wear, and sent me to school, but never seems i to care whether I eat or learned, or didam - thing else for my good. “A few weeks ago he was taken sick an‘! died, “One ot the number, to him one day when nobody elze was around, _*** Boy,’ said he, ‘you think you are withcut relations, don’t you? ; a 5 *** You've always told me so,’ said I. ¥e “1 eo) aanied,’” oe at bim im — S “wonder, but he soom went on sh : - ** You've gotan uncle in New York City!’ “The first time I ever saw her,’ he explained, 4 ‘she came to this town carrying you, ny : © came te alive, The first story sh were her sister’s child, for your health, oh. ** Tn course of time I asked her to marry me, nd she said she ee me ren Temerge ° 6 to ) ay said you were a child who was not wanted im New York, though ske had no idea who you were; you had been handed over to her by per- sons strangers to her, who had hired her to eare — for you. ; a ee ed Well, after I had talked with her she wrote — ¥ to ber employers, and, telling them she was te» marry, asked what was to be done with you; The answer was that she would be given a cer- tain sum,in cash, to bring you up and never Were meddle with the matter further. : ae *** Webad no idea whosyan were, £0 we ae- cepted the offer, and that’s how we happened to: ae bave charge of you,’” aa “A reg'lar game o’ villainy!” interrupted — Kris Chatterbox, as George paused. - roma ‘* Do you think so?” pe sae S “Think! I knowit, New York is jest full — o’ sech cases, Villainy is thicker hyar than mud, an’ it’s clear you've got yer shareo’the — effecks, But go on!” Ag, CHAPTER II. es GEORGE CLAIMS AN UNCLE, ee ‘* MATLOCK and his wife used me as well eabke > could expect,” George resumed, ‘‘and [ never suspected that there was any secret. Once, be- fore Mrs, Matlock died, the man who had paid — them came to see her and me—though careful that I did not see him—and he came twice after — she died, Aare Se ‘*He was always very close-mouthed, and especially so after Mrs, Matlock’s death, and — they’d never got as much out of bim as they e told was that yew sent out in the country — ae oA + ow oy before ever she took me away from : YOPK, a4 -. Rea) Pig ska _ \“*Matlock told me he had always felt easy in his mind about what he had dono until shortly before he spoke to me; then, as death drew is ai her ti ir aan a tama a Sah Sea Rot NOM SMM F
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Kris “First of ali, my name might, or might not, »e correct. Anyhow, [ had an uncie in New York whose name was Dickinson, and ths man who had always done business with the Mat- locks was name! Albert Grafton. Who the second man—the companion of Graftcu—was, Matioek otd nos know, “He wivied me to writ) st o cs to Grafton i tet vim that J was ready io « sim my ‘ot, nud was yoipg to do so; anu, it Grafton sed, i should Jike to bave him help me along, was the way Matlock told me to write, P: was a hint that | was bound to have my whatever it might be, and the safest Sor Grafton was to turn in and help me. yuatlock died, and I wrote to Grafton. I x letter back right away, in which I was si tocome on to the city by acertain train, 1d he would meet me atthe depdt. I came, at you’ve seen that he didn’t meet me.” Kris Chatterbox rubbed his nose and medi- vated. It occurred to him that, under the cir- cumstances, they had been too hasty in leaving the Grand Central. “ Whar does Grafton live?” he asked. .**T don’t know,” George answered. ~wtoted. © t - **Whar’boute did ye direck yer letter?” ** Only to ‘ General Delivery, New York.’” ** Hum!” Kris shook his head. The address told neeOg: 4 ~ ould you know Grafton if you seen bim?!” o. ‘© Wal, about this uncle o’ yourn. 1 know one or two Dickinsons—though it’s dollars to dougb- nuts, mebbe, that Dickinson wa'n’t his correck mame, W’ot was the first part?” “ Union—Union Dickinson.” Kris whistled. ‘Say, [ know of that chap!” he exclaimed. “You do?” “Yes, He lives only two blocks from hyar.” ‘*Then take me there at once.” 4 a! Young Stoughton was in a state of erness iA and triumph, but Kris did not follow his lead. , wa ‘* How d’ye know he’ll be glad ter see ye?” **¥ don’t know it.” ‘“‘Ef he’s given ye the cold shoulder fur four- teen years, or sech a matter, he won't rush an’ hug be first-off, now.” re) ‘* Better go slow!’ | “Why?” ' ‘‘He may prove an inemy.” ** Anyhow, I must go there, see him, and learn just wiio and what I am.” ‘* Better take a perleeceman pong. ni ‘‘My uncle wouldn’t thank me for bringing ‘an outsider into the case.” vs ** Likely be wouldn't.” “Union Dickinson is a peculiar name, and * this man must be my uncle. My proper way is clear; 1 must call upon him without delay.” . “The past proves that he ain't no friend 0’ : eurn. What ef, once he got his hand on ae e should snuff out yer candle, so ter speak!” “Tm not afraid of that,” Foolish as this reply was, it was not that of a boaster, George was not of the over-confident kind, but he was ignorant of the wavs of the world, It was just the reverse with Kris, and, well aware that danger may be met. at any turn in New York, he did not wish to see any such recklessness go on, ») He proceeded to give George an accurate pic- - ture of some of the dangers of the town, These he might not encounter at Union Dickinson’s, but, though the boy’s past was a clouded book o him, it was clear that something must lie in the past of unusual interest. ; If, as Kris suspected, it was a crime, another crime might be done to bide the first, As for Dickinson, Kris knew too little about ; him to form auy theory., He knew the man by { sight, and where be lived, but that was about all, He was nearly sixty years old, tall and slender, ad not ill-looking, Whether or not he was rich wasa problem. He dressed in black : garments which were out of fashion and a trifle seedy, ont he did not work. - Tf he bad an ill-gotten fortune—that was : Yris's natural surmise—and George was the rie btful owner, it was not likely that he would _ |. gtard idleand see it wrested away. Ali this Kris tried to make plain, but he met with nozuccess. George was painfully eager to see hia alleged uncle, and was not to be shaken ' in his decision. When Kris saw this, he no longer urged the point. He had enough curiosity to wish to see how George would be received by Dickinson— 4, indeed, the man was really the Herkimer county lad’s uncle—and he did not oppose a aS _ George's next idea. See os = a ’ ‘et ae ue Se ae NE ngs Chatterbox, the Pavement Guide, “* Can’t we call upon him, to-night?” ** We might,” admitted the Pavement Guide “ J'd like to have it over with.” . oe I see, ” ‘* Will you take me there?” Kris hesitated only a moment, ** Ef you say so.” “Then let’s go.” Kris aroge, ‘**7’ll lead the way.” They left the house and walked toward Union Dickinson’s, On the way the New York boy’s apprehensions returned. “Yd advise you not ter stay there, ter- night,” not?” “Wh ‘* Ef the old Bent ain’t friendly, you want ter mind yer eye. ‘* Of course I sha’n’t stay if he’s not friendly; but there’s no use of hollering before we're hurt,” , He spoke with impatience, and Kris let the matter drop with the dry comment: “‘°Twouldn’t do much good ter holler after we're hurt.” They soon reached Dickinson’s house, and Kris rung the bell. He was somewhat annoyed to see that George exhibited much the same eagerness that he would have shown had he been sure of a friendly reception. The door was soon opened by a rusty-looking servant whe bau only one leg, “The boss in?’ Kris asked, briskly, “ Yer,” ‘* We want ter see him on bis.” ** Come in |” All this was apathetic on the part of the one- legged man, He did not regard them suspicious- ly, as Kris thought the servant of a villain ought to do, and the matter was beginning in an every-day fashion. They were conducted to » parlor which was pei but comfortably, ed, and there niom Dickinson soon joined them.’ Kris saw nothing new in his appsearance—he was a tall, slender, intelligent -looking person in seedy black yam he looked at the boys quietly enough. ; re what am I indebted for the honor of this visit?’ he aaked, Joo : se are gen ently pointed eorge with his b. Mow that the crisis had come, the youth from Herkimer county evinced some embarrassment. He spoke in a faint voice: ‘* How do you do, uncle?” Dickinson looked puauled. ‘*T don’t know P ieac he answered. “Tam e Stoughton.” ‘** And who is George Stoughton?” ‘Why, I—I am your nephew!” “The dickens you are!” The master of the house looked at the boy in what seemed to be profound surprise. Nothing like alarm or anger was visible in bis manner, and George could not find words to answer. ** You will have to explain,” Dickinson added. ** ve been told that you are my uncle,” timid- ly observed the claimant, **Do you believe it?” “ Yes,” ae Why ” This was a conundrum, and George did not know how to answer it, ‘*Do you know Albert Grafton?” he finally in- quired. ‘§Ne.”. The boy’s courage fell lower than ever. “Pve been living in Herkimer county with Mr. Stepben Matlock,” was his next remark, ‘¢ You had better return to him.” ‘* He is dead.” **T am sorry, for T should advise him to place ou in an insane asylum, if he were living. As tis, I shall hold you responsible for your words, let them be whatthey may” . CHAPTER IIT, THE SHADOWY HANDS. On one side of Union Dickinson’s house was an alley. It led to an area not uncommon in New York. Pass the brick walls of the houses which bordered on the alley and one would see several modern structures. Men, women and children lived in them—people who laughed at their fellow-beings who hved in country places as greenhorns; yet these same ruralisis stabled their cattle in barns better than the houses back of the alley. Low, weather-beaten, tumble-downstructures they were, yet they gave quarters to persons 80 poor that they were glad to get even such shel- ter, Poverty knows no choice, and its sharpest extremes are to Le seen in large cities, 3 Lazarus Square some one had named the little space where the houses clustered. ‘The sarcastic name was unknown to City Directories, and, perhaps, to the police, for, to tho credit of the residents be it said, there was no occasion for the law to turn its eye upon the vicinity. In one hLoux—T77, rear, s0-called—dwelt a family named Rollm, Thohead cf the family was a sallor-on an ocean steamer, and rarely at home, The other members were bes wife, their daughter, Tuna; andan cid cok red man, On the same evening before noticed, tho daughter and the negro were the only occupants of the dwelling, Mrs. Rollin beiug away and en- gaged in her daily work of washing, una Rollin was twelve years old, but she might have passed for nine, She was very small, but not fragile; on the contrary, she en- oyed the rare good bealib which is often the lessiv g of the poor. Nature bad given her golden hair, blue eyes anda bright, arch face, and she was certainly a pretty child. When one saw hew small she was, it seemed absurd that her real name was Neptura—an odd name created by ber sailor- father’s fancy. There was nothing fanciful about the negro’s name; it wes plein Jack, He was old enoug to have white hair, and, as he was tall an strong, this head-covering gave him a certain air of dignity. Both these persons were clad im the coarsest of ap ae and that they carried no rags was ue to the fact thet abundant*patching and darging had been done, Yet, im every way, they bad the stamp of poverty upon them un- mistakably, Dh Ever since Tuna could remember old Jack had been a member of the family. Ue had eome directly after saving Tons frem drowning io the East River one eventful day, and grateful Themas Rollin had thereupon opened bis heart and home to the black man. But Jack had never been a dead. weight; he had paid his way by working over the wash-tub, aud had become a valued friend. in Lagarus Square night was always gloomy. No lights broke the darkness exeept those in the four little houses, and these were dim. a wnt looking cut of the window. “No sign ob de missus?’ asked Jack, as he looked into the tea-kettle, ** Not yet !” Tuna returned. “She'll eome presumply.” ‘*T wish Union Dick the way, 80 | could see.” ‘Pity it ain’t, wid him in it!” ‘“ Why do you dislike him so, Jack?’ ‘* Who said I dia?” “The evening after Kris Chatterbox was here, you said Dickinson was the meanest man alive, yet [never heard any one else speak 11 of him,” “Who else has knowed him long’s I hey? I lived in Lazarus Square afore your folks ever lived byor, an’ I knowed Union Diekineom, Ha kin now afford ter be decent, after he’s—” ‘* What?” ‘‘ Done what he did.” ‘What was that?” “Oh! wal, chil’, you ain’t old enough fur ter understan’ business ways, but I be, an’I know our neigbbor, too. Precious quiet, he is; but de wu’st road adjutants kin afford ter reform arter they bas robbcd enough stages ter make dermselves rich,” “Has Mr, Dickinson robhed anybody?” **T didn’t say so; | don’t know’s he ever did.” Jack evinced a desire to avoid speaking out on the point, but when his non-committal rep] was followed by silence on Tuna’s part, te finel- ly added; ‘* Dickinson, he had a brother once, an’ he didn’t use bim noways right. &f dat brother was a-mind ter turn ghost—- he’s dead— an’ walk, he could make it right lively fur Union,” ‘+ What was done to him?” “T don’t jestly know, sn’ 'tain’t no use ter rake up ol’ scores,” returned Jack, cautiously. ‘+ One thing I kin say, though; I'd hate ter bea chap Union was down (np, au’ git inter his wer, l’s bcerd stories to? ob cla houses be- ongin’ ter murderous purscus wlat bad Bie doors aw slidin’ panels in dem: an’ de folks would get their enemies insidc on? den.put dem cut ob de way. | don’ts’pose yonder bouse has: sech contrivances, Lut L wouldn't sleep in it, ef Dickinson bated ne, fur ali de gold an’ silver in New York. No, sah!” The old negro warmed to his subject as he spoke the last words and gave Tuna the idea that their neighbor wasa terrible man. This was news to her, for, cold-blooded as he seemed, she had never known him to do anything w0.3s¢ n’s hense was ent of
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than to ignore every one who lived in Lazarus uare, joe she was ready to believe him capable of anything, and would have sbrunk back in Sh fear from the window if h» had oppeared in the ard. - Some one did appear there, but it was Mrs. Rollin, and the little family waz scon at supper. Tuna retired at the usual hoor that night. She slept alone on the second floor of the low | structure,in a room where she could almost | touch the ceiling when she stood erect, and | iq where, in stormy weather, the rain pattered on | “ dJarger, and then both sunk down and the sha- | eagerly for him to reappear, but | Several minutes he ds gl : saw nothing. : a to burn as before, but it} “ light had continued x Perbaps twenty minutes passed, and then the pis a . °° murderer is going to hide it somewhere the board roof so close to her thatit played a | tune tat seemed to bo for her speciul benefit. Humb!e and poor the place was, but it was home to ber, Usuelly tae girl waxa sound sleeper, but on this night sometbiag occurred to break her rest. Some hours bad passed, when she had a dream, She thougtt tuat she was in Union Dickinson’s ' house; that be frightened her and she fled in terror; but her fest touched upon a trap-door like what old Jack had mentioned, and she fell down a pil, only to be caught and held suspend- ed upon a hovk; and then Dickinson bent over | her, knife in band, and was about to strike ber | when fear caused ber to awake, She sprung to her feet, but soon felt ashamed ; of her emotion and lay down again, Sbe D lal thoroughly awake, however, and her thoughts | } would not turn away from the subject fia! At last she arose, went to the window and : looked out, She had felt sure ‘nothing but | darkness would reward Ler, for the hour must be very late, but she wis: i@aken, | - One room in Union D. chiss 2's house was all ablaze with light. ea. The curtain was lowere®,end she could not | see the interior, but, as shé guzed, something unexpected and startling occurred, A black shadow was suddenly thrown upon the curtain, which was of just the kind to show shadows distinctly. This was very distinct,and it appeared to be that of a boy—a strange fact, Tuna thought, for she had never seen any boy in the house, ap One moment the w remained alone, and } _ then a second—taller, and, beyond question, _ that of a man—was thrown beside it. The lesser shadow recoiled; its maker seemed about to flee, but arms shot out from the taller shadow ; and grasped the sup) boy by the throat. i Tuna uttered as ed cry. The shadows were so plain that she felt as sure of what was going on in the room as though the tell-tale barrier had been removed, and ber theory was enough tostartle her, surely. Y Only for amoment was there anything to see, The lesser figure struggled in the arin o the | ‘dows vanished. She watched was at last turned low by unseen hands. sab No shadow showed who had done it, “ Tuna was in a state of nervous excitement. creaking of some moving object drew ber atten- tion to the yard of Dickinson’shouse, The back door stood ajar, as was revealed bya faint light then burning within. A moment later and a man appeared in the opening, and upon his back ne poree heavy burden. c. Tuna had seen enough tomake her face grow pallid. “Some one the huskily. ‘‘ That is the body of a boy, afin Mer. ciful Heaven! what can I do?” | \ OHAPTER IV, had taken his advice and put in his claim more long been ignored friendship was to be er, 108 osed the door and stood in the yard, but | has been killed!” she whispered, | | ranted hold of ft 16 to. | say; ou are & stranger here?” | philanth af bright, etait Prien aes Goth | lain or get him to admit that he was in error.” _ apa ““ You say,” Dickinson added, “that you are my nephew. I never had a nephew, but I will hear What you bavetosay. Proceed!” ‘*What—what shall I say?” George faltered. ‘** Tell me who you are.” f As the country lad bad already explained once, he did not comprehend what was wanted of him, but Kris Chatterbox came to the rescue, when he saw that George could not find words, and distinctly responded: ‘He bas always s’posed his name ter be George Stoughton; he has lived in Herkimer county with a sartain Stephen Matlock, now dead; an’ the rest o’ his hist’ry is w’ot he’s look- in’ up, ye see.” ies : ‘So you're in it,” muttered Dickinson, giving Kris a sharp look. ‘In wot?” ‘* This game—whatever it may be,” ‘“*T ain't in no game!” retorted Kris, witb some warmth, ‘‘I’m only hyar in pursoot 0’ my callin’, my business vocation bein’ baggage- agent an’ Pavement Guide. Furder than that, you'll hev ter deal with my companion; it’s his picnic, not mine.” ‘*1s he weak-minded?” George flushed with anger. ‘* We'll find out before the affair is over,” he replied, , ‘I’ve been told that you are my uncle nd Um going to find out all about it before let the matter drop.” _ ‘“Who told you all this?” ** Matlock,’ ; _ ‘Why should he tell such an infamous lie?” “*T believed him,” ‘*But I never even heard of theman, How could be know anything about my affairs? In- tentionally or not, he deceived you ridicu- lously.” > er ‘You never had a nephew?” “s No,” wr he ; ‘* Did you have a sister{” ‘** Not one,” Sy yt, “Or a brother?” ve y ‘*Yes, I had a brother who was named Ralph, but he never married, Such being the case, perhaps you can tell me how you can be my nephew.” pe . The speaker had dropped his looking at the claimant thro’ asit were, Itstruck Kris C regard was not friendly, that Dickinson appesre? he penta 5 ha en. » Guide was in error, Unie feature of George’s face atier As for the : ; id he noticed, too, pretgseae than ‘the Pavement ying every dazed and to a certain n Ne , and I didso; he would help me.” rr @ ‘¢ But he’s the man who had charge of .me be- | fore I ever went to the Matlocks,” **Oh! he was, eh? Boy, tell me all you know about the case!” = George obeyed. Puzzling as the case was, it was a short story, and he had soon laid all the facts before Dickinson. : _ The latter shook his head gravely. . “There is a mistake somewhere,” he de- clared. | ie eHow do you know?” y Matlock may have been sincere, but be was deceived. That'scertain. Somebody, from an evil motive, or by mistake, has made an unwar- : use of my name, However, I will take the case and sift it to the bottom. You ( ’ es, sir ail “And penniless!” 6 Yes,’ : i ! }< ‘ ** Then you shall not suffer. Lam nota mere but this accusation must be dis- pelled. Boy, you shall remain here to-night, and to-morrow Pil be my nephew.” — Ahem!” — a warning note, He was more suspicious of Union pence over night near ‘ . “Ris warning was not heeded. “Thank you, sir,” returned growing more and Die , and felt George, his face you ae tes ar/ peal 11 convince you that you can’t be safe for George to remain vile Sena had more substantial grounds now. | strance from’ George, but d to Kris cleared his throat vigorously, and with | | Kris Chatterbox, the Pavement Guide. **'You are kind, sir,” ‘*¢ Allo’a sudden!” muttered Kris, suspiciously. ‘* Very well; let it be settled that way, I'l give you a comfortable bed which shall cost you nothing.” P eam he’s goin’ ter stop with me,” put in Kris. ‘Are you a relative?” asked Union, turning g oes gaze upon the Pavement Guide. cee e No. ’ ‘*T met him at the depot,” explained Geor- ‘*Then he has no claim upon you, and I che where you will be at band whenever J eisure to take up the case,” **T kin bring him over ’arly in the mo, persisted Kris. : ** You are kind, my lad, but we’ll not pu, to the trouble.” 4 “Tt’s kind in you, sir,,to offer me quarter: affirmed innocent George, Kris tried to give him the hint with a wink When they were coming to the house he hav. warned the country boy that prudence forbade his sleeping there unless ke was sure that he would be welcome, and, also, regarded as a friend, but George was hot on the trail, any anxious to make an impression on the man b- hoped to claim as an uncle. The fact that Dickinson had declared. that such a relationship could not exist possibly was lost sight of forthetime, . Finding that he could not alarm George by panona Kris again had recourse to words, ut Union blandly overruled him, and the ex- traveler agreed to all that the man suggested. The result was that George remained, and, battling with great reluctance and not a little fear, the Guide finally found himself alone out- side the house, politely dismissed. fy He looked back and shook his head. iW “ ‘* Fools an’ villains abound in this yere world o’ ourn,” he observed, aloud. ‘‘I’ve left oneo’? the first sort in that Bluebeard’s den, an’ I reck-. on thar’s one o’ the second sort, too, Ht George Adolpbus lives ter see ter-morrer’s sun tip Trin- ity steeple with yaller, be’ll be lucky. Darned sy ef I don’t b’lieve the old gent is goin’ ter get away wid him!” The New York boy was fully in earnest. It _ had been a rash accusation when he spoke ill of Dickinson before they reached the house— though based upon his knowledge that a Pores \ must look out for himself in the city—but he | Ying arama sudden change of base was suspi- cious. ea ‘*Wants George Adolphus ter stay in the G. A, was a mighty fool- Them’s my sentiments!” Again Kris shook his head, -he sont *; 7 ' Ouse he AuOugh of speaking to a pollcemna; nce he thought o : a policeman. he's polite a ae idea ns absurd, ¥ ans nson passed as a ectable man, the mere fact that he had ren a homeless boy shelter for the night was not enough to make an officer investigate the subject. oe “Sartainly not!” Kris decided, “AU I kim — do is ter go home an’let the game go on. It may be I’m foolish, an’ that George will really _ De hev good usage there—though I can’tsee it im” that light. Wal, I only hope the boy will 1s ; out on’t with a whole hide, ter-morrer!” | | _ The Pavement Guide went home and retired The next morning he did not report to go om the baggage-wagon with Tob rage but, as _— soon as he thought it would be sable, he went to Dickinson’s house. eee He rung the bell, and the one-legged servant: made his appearance.. Stk ine ‘*T want ter see the boy,” observed Kris. i ‘here ain’t no boy here!” was the ready ply. | ; : vie % CHAPTER Vie Ame ; SUSPICIOUSLY MISSING. Kris looked at the servant in surprise. _“T mean George Stoughton,” he explained, ‘*Nosech person here.” = = “ Didn’t a boy stay here last night?” — ‘¢ Veg,” 3 het Wah ‘He's the one.” __ jaro? . a Well, he’s gone.” itrate whee deta! 6 oi 3 2 Da tt said,” Pays HA ; e Pavement Guide regarded the 0 man with all of bis Toate Saath aCe MDE kage oul Hey ten) : [ 4 . xe q 1 P At ‘that moment Union. Dic TE Le sy NES ENT ey | Ree he Pind ah Te 4 ae ee Pu r 4 | ka i) tn Vl Musirure ¢
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~wereeds ‘ ‘ ats pesos Veo ro 4 Kris Chatterbox, the Pavement Guide, 5 os into the hall, He nodded calmly at sight of 8. **So it’s you?” **Yes. DPve come ter see George.” “The boy has gone away,” Dickinson com- posetly announced. ‘ A man called this morn- ing and asked for bim; they talked for a while at the door; and then the youngster went off ith the man, never offermg any explanation. * \ether he intends to return I can’t say, but 1 W! -ct that be does not. Say, isn’t there some- ~ queer about this case? spac dr .? si ext I’ve been looking to see if anything is fosng, not having the highest opinion of yung Stoughton’s honesty ; but have thus kr failed to find any signs of light-fingered work.” Tne master of the house spoke calmly and to the point, and if he was acting a part, he was doing it well; his manner seemed sincere enough. But Kris remained an unbeliever, and the | idea was strong in his mind that there had been harm done to the Herkimer county lad. . “Why should he go away?” was the mechani- , eal question, ‘i don’t know.” *¢ He didn’t know a soul in New York.” ‘Such was hisclaim, What proof have we of it? Certainly, he would not go away witha stranger. Whoever the caller was, he knew that Stoughton was here and asked for him by mame. I think the boy played a game to get a night’s lodging.” ** T don’t!” es No?” ‘¢ He was square, George was; an’ef he has vanished myster’us, thar has been foul play done; that’s all!” ‘¢ He went willingly.” ** Mebbe!” Kris looked more closely at Dickinson’s face, and, despite the man’s bland manner, that face seemed to grow evil and forbidding. The Guide had been afraid that harm would come to George, and if that very thing had not come to pass, he was greatly mistaken. ‘* That is all,” Dickinson added, after a pause, ** Stoughton way return here, in which case, if he can convince me of bis honesty, I stand ready to fulfill my promise and help him all I ean, On the other hand, my impression is that heisa fraud, and that you and I commit an act of folly in placing confidence in him. Good-day !” The speaker stepped back and closed the door, and Kris was left alone on the steps. He stared hard at the door. The interview had ended unsatisfuctorily, but he had as soon look at the door as at Dickinson. ‘+ Lot him go--no useo’ wastin’ words, What- ever he’s done, it’s over with, now, an’I can’t it no light by harpin’on the subjick. Pll go ome an’ think it over.” He descended to the sidewalk, and then stopped and looked at the alley. “Guess Pil look in at Lazarus Square,” he added, Several years before he had made the ac- quaintance Thomas Rollin, and the sailor had taken such a fancy to him that Kris had been taken to No, 77, rear, and an intimacy had been begun which was pleasant on both sides. He now passed through the alley, went to the Rollin house and opened the door without stop- , ing for ceremony. Tuna, the only occupant of the kitchen, greet- ed him with a bright smile. ‘*On! isit you, Kris?” she cried, ane a ‘*T ain’t any reason ter s’pose it’s an y elso,” returned the Pavement Guide, seriously. “Bf im peramberlatin’ in any other chap’s shoes an’ hide, I ain’t heerd on’t.” ** How absurd you are, Kris.” * You don’t say!” “t No wonder they call you ‘ Chatterbox.’” ‘Now, see yere, Miss Rollin, don’t cast no aspersions on my pet name, A man without plenty o’ words ain’t 0’ no use in this yere world. Patrick Henry, Dan’l Webster an’ John Jefferson all was ready speakers, an’ they all got ter be Presidents, d’ye mind?” “No, I don’t mind; for they dido’t. Only Thomas Jefferson was President,” é a that any sign I sha’n’t be one?” fe) “ Course not;” and Kris swung his right hend in a dignified circle. ‘‘ But that ain’t ter the ‘ ied ve jest called on yer neighbor, U. Dick- Aen bey E assumed a startled expression, “You don’t mean it!” “*Why not?” ee S5 ee ee De ee SS es **- You're lucky to get away alive!” “Am I? Wal,I never got away any other fashion, yet, from nowhere. But what d’ye mean, Tuna? What do you know about Union Dickinson?” The girl looked around to make sure that no other ears would overhear what she said, ‘‘ Kris, there was something terrible happened there, last night—but mother and Jack won't believeit. They said I dreamed it all.” The Guide's eyes sparkled with eager interest, ‘* What did happen thar, last night?” ‘*T hada bad dream and woke up,” explained Tuna, rapidly, and with great excitement, *‘ and then I went and looked out; and I saw a light in an upper window of Dickinson’s, The shade was down, and pretty soona shadow was thrown upon it by scme one inside, and Isaw that it must be a boy—” ‘¢ That was George!” cried Kris, ‘‘And then another shadow appeared —a man’s—and I saw his arms shoot out, and he grabbed the boy by the throat—” ‘*Great Scott!” *‘ And then both disappeared. They seemed to drop down on the floor, and | didn’t see any more of them. Pretty soon the light was turned low, Then, after awhile, { saw the back door open and a man came out carrying a boy on his shoulder” “That was them]” ‘‘ But [ only saw them a moment, The man went behind the high board fence of the yard, and thut was the last of it, I watched a long time, but not a sign did [ see; if the man cane back, I didn’t see him. I knelt at the window too frightened to move, and actually fell asleep on my knees. When J] woke up it was day- light. Itold mother, and Jack about it this morning, but they said it was all a dream—” ‘“*T¢ wa'n’t. ’Twas true.” ** How do you know?” ** He's killed George.” Tuna uttered a startled cry. ‘* Oh! Kris!” ‘“‘ At least, I b’lieve so,” added the Guide, taught caution by her alarm, ‘* But whois George?” ‘*+ A comrade 0’ mine. Come down from Her- kimer county, ye know. Yes, sir; old Dick has got away with him, sure!” Tuna was more frightened than ever, but ber questions were to the point, and she soon suc- ceeded in getting the whole story. Then she quite agreed with Kris in his view of the case, and spoke of the vaguo hints given by Jack. ‘+ T must see that colored gent!” declared the Guide, with emphasis, At that moment old Jack, entered the yard, and he was soon in the hands of the young peo- ple. Both ee anxious to talk, and both did talk, and be n them they soon had the negro so confused that he could find no coherent words himself, ¥ Finally, however, he was made to understand that they wanted all the information he could give about Dickinson and bis past, ' ‘* Wal, my young frien’s,” be made reply, “I ain’t a gentle’um dat b’lieves in spreadin’ scandal, rumors, conspiracies or infamies, but I kin tell you-’uns something about dat man, ‘He had a brother, Union Dickinson did; an’ his name was Ralph. There was a right smart difference in their ages, Ralph bein’ de youngermost by some considerable. *‘ He was a nice, lively sort o’ a chap, an’ when he was erbout twenty-two year ol’, ebery one was surprised ter hear dathe bad turned in- inter a ray-close,” ; ‘“Wot’sa ray-close?” Kris asked, in wonder. “A harmit,” Jack explained, with great dignity. ‘ He means a recluse,” added Tuna, ‘Dat was perzackly de word I used, an’ Dan’l Webster’s dictionary sanctions ’um—I gone, Anyhow, Ralph Dickinson disappoared rom public view al] ob a suddint!” CHAPTER VI. DANGER FOR KRIS. OLD Jack paused and wagged his head with an air of extreme wisdom, as though to convey a good deal more than his words revealed. MF ai he disappear?” Kris Chatterbox asked, ‘**into de house. Nobody seen him abroad, so dey inquired fur him. Said Union Dickinson: ‘My brother has tooken an odd fancy fur close applecation ter study, an’ he spends all ob his time poring ober vollums in his room, an’ won't see nobody but de sarvint.’” ‘‘Gammon!” commented the Pavement Guide. ‘* Jes’ w’ot de folks said, after a bit, an’ de ijee got abroad dat Ralph was ‘off’ in his upper a Qu story. He’d been too gay a lad ter turn stu- dent an’ hermit, an’ no thought it on bim.” ** Wasn’t there wu’ss s’picions afoot?” ‘*Not until it was knowed dat Ralph was dead, but when folks was invited ter bis funeral, gd all said it was mighty queer, Dere was talk ob an investigation, but it never was made. I’ve heerd it said dat Union hushed it u “Jack, wot do you think?” Kris asked, gravely. _ : " ‘‘Tt’s my ideo Cat Union shet his brother up, an’ let him die there!” ‘Why? Money?” ‘‘No, Dere wa’n’t enough ter fight over.” ‘“Why, then?” ( “A woman!” ‘¢ Ah! how’s that, my frien’?” ‘There wasa gal named Elziza/Cook, She was a shop-girl, poor an’ pretty. Once, Union, he had a fancy fur her, an’ it seemed she did fur him, Blessed few knowed on’t, fur whatever fancy she did hev, was short-lived, Union didn’t court her open enough ter hab it giner- ally knowed, Good reason why-—-she wouldn't let him.” ‘* Showed her good sense,” ‘¢ Prezackly. ‘ Wal,;sah, next thing, ‘long come young Mr. Ralpb., He seen her, an’ sur- rendered his heart, too, I’s seen ’em tergether, myself, but I reckon dey was afeerd ob Union, fur they always had a secret sort ob a way, an she seemed troubled an’ skeered, ** When Ralph wanished into de house, Elzina she wanished elsewhere. Went right out ob sight myster’us—but she wa’n’t killed, Oh! no; she was seen around both afore an’ after Ralph ied, ‘“ Whar she’d been was oncertain, an’ I kin only give ye de facks as aforesaid.” ‘But you've got a theory?” questioned Kris. ‘Ralph got ahead o’ his brother in de race fur Elzina’s *fections, an’? Union jest clapped a heavy hand on both an’ got ’em susperated cre from another.”’ ‘ “Dye s’pose they was married?” * Prob’ly not,” Kris did not agree with this view of the case, To him it looked that Ralph and jHizina had been married, and that Union's anger when he knew the facts had led to his crime, or crimes. As for George Stoughton, Kris thought there could be no doubt that he was the child of that marriage. This did not necessarily mean that Union knew of his existence. Possibly when Ejzina disappeared she had gone of her own free will to escape Union, and that he had never bearc of a child until George so rasbly claimed re- lationship, ‘* Wot finally become o’ E!zina?” the boy asked. seh don’t know; she drifted out o’ sight. I ain’t seen her fur a dozen years, an’don’t know whar she went.” “Did ye ever know a Albert Grafton?” «e No.’ ‘Or Roxanna Gray?” That had been the name of the woman who had carried George Stoughton to Herkimer county, when he was an infant, and who bad subsequently married Stephen Matlock; but Jack answered without hesitation that he had never heard of her, It seemed to be a blind trail. There was now abundant ground for sus- picion, but how was it to be verified? As much as Jack knew about the affair, he could not suggest any person to whom Kris could apply for information. He had but a vague idea of who had once been the associates of the Dickin- sons, and the lapse of years had made chauges, Union had left his old neighborhood, and had for some time lived a very retired life, Jack was not inclined to fall in with Kris’s theory that George Stoughton was Ralph’s son, or even that harm had come to the boy, As much as he disliked Union, he thought that it was more than likely that George had been a at FB and had gone away.as the old man had said. b! Tuna, however, accepted the Guide’s theory readily, and was sure that she had seen a part of a tragedy—or its shadows. One question was not easy to answer. If Union had carried George out into the yard on his back, what had been the object? And if the boy bad then been lifeless, what-had been done with his body Kris run the risk of placing a box next ‘io the fence and looking over into Dickinson’s yard, but could find no explanation of ths puzzle, ty jf
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Lina ee POT TN A ee ge oD Rae wt ye ooo: as be sas Sey core . = = " _ = = gf AP Wi Py) ; - 5 I i ec ee a a = OO an aa NIM ea re at | ‘ &, Oy Ca tate Kris Chatterbox, the Pavement Guide. _ There was no visible meee where a body could P be secreted above, or ped into a recess be- low the ground, “ An’ he wouldn’t never hey put evidence o his crime over inter another yard,” Kris decid- ed, very reasonably, ‘Then what did he do with it?” Tuna resked the question, but neither Jack nor it from its neigbbors. It was of brick, and was old and rusty, but rusty brick houses are pumer- ous in the metropolis. True, this particular house showed neglect—one corner had sunk the fraction of a foot, causing the bricks to heave a trifle and get out of line. This, however, was another common thing, and there was positively nothing to tell the and then wrapped his arms once more around® the Guide and carried him up the stairs. As he was twice Kris’s weight, it was an unequal struggle. In a short time he found himself deposited ina rear room on the third floor. ** Here we be!’ Tim observed, less brutally. “As far as I know you ain’t ter be hurt, but the Guide answered. They were wholly unable | Pavement Guide that he was going into danger. stay here you must.’ * pel to arrive at a conclusion, An aged woman of respectable appearance| ‘* Why?” —_- However. Kris was not content to let the | opened the door. ‘* That’s orders.” ae matter rest. He determined to allow Tony ‘*Ma’am,” said Kris, ‘allow me ter ask ef ** from whom?” 1 4 Bragg to runthe Express wagon alone, that day, gi kook further into George Stoughton’s ease, His next step was to find some one on the street whom he could question, and this he suc- ceeded in dving in the person of an Italian who had a fruit-stand nearly opposite Dickinson's, Kris began work at once, “How’s biz?” he asked, after making a pur- chase, : ** Poor,” was the dolorous reply. ‘Have ter git on duty early?” ; ** Yes, Theearly bird-a ketches the worm-a.” ‘‘Correck! D’ye see that house ’cross the way?” ‘*' Yas. Want-a to buy?’ ‘*Nary! But did Hg see a boy come out o’ thar early this mornin’? : A boy, he stand aon the steps an’ talk-a with a man—” ‘* What fur a looker was the boy?” ‘* He was about-a your size, an’ he have-a on some coarse gray clothes and asoft brown-a hat. He look-a like a country boy.” 5 ‘Hum! Sure ’twas this mornin’ you seen thar is a boy here named George Stoughton?” ‘There ain't,” sho replied; then, seeming to have an idea, she added: ‘‘Do you mean to ask ef he lives here?” ‘* No, fur he don’t live here; but has he come in the last few hours?” “There is a boy here wid Mr. Snow, but. I ain’t heerd his name. ‘‘Jim,” and here she raised her voice, ‘‘ who’s de boy wid de lawyer?” ‘* George Stoughton.” as Vis ‘‘That’s the gent!” declared Kris. ‘‘Ma’am will ye be so kind aster say ter George that want ter see him a jiffy?’ ‘*He’s busy wid Lawyer Snow, a-drawin’ u some law papers. You jest step in where he is — it’s the front room here—an’ you can talk all you please when he’s ready.” It sounded like a frank and friendly invita- tion, but Kris was wary. He did not want to _put his head into any trap, and he bad no proof thai the house was a safe place for him. ‘* Tl] wait hyar,” he replied. es Nonsense! Don’t be bashful; come in wid ‘* Never mind; it’s somebody Ishall obe the letter. Got ye neat, didn’t we? Thelt was set ter act as decoy, an’ he got awa ‘ ye n’ately. You walked inter the trap like ‘¢ { didn’t!” flashed Kris, quickly. ‘‘I didn’t intend ter come inter this house, an’ I couldn’t hey been lured in; but you gobbled me from be- hind. It was a cowardly thing to do,an’ I'll, live ter be square with ye!” Tim surveyed the captive thoughtfully. ** You did show caution,” he admitted, ‘‘ an’ I reckon you are a fly lad. All the more reason fur holdin’ on ter you now. This is your prison. ‘ Well, I'm off. 5, Food an’ water you shall . have, but you'll find you can’t get out, So . ‘* Ts there another boy here?” ‘* Ain’t seen or heard o’ any.” ‘* Know a boy named George?” “ No.” s Tim spoke the last words on the threshold, and him?” ‘The street is good enough fur me, an’ George | then went out, closed the door and locked it. Yea," kin find me when he comes out,” Kris was alone in his prison-room. ‘* How did the man look?” The Guide was determined to stick to his reso- | What the room looked like he did not yet ‘‘ He was a tall man, with a brown suit of | lution, but it was through prudence rather than | know, vor did he at once turn to look; his mind clothes, and-a he had a scar on his right cheek,” ‘Don't know him. W’ot did they do arter talkin’?” al ‘‘ They came over here a, and the man bought some fruit; then they went-a away down that way. They were going to-a Stanton street.” “Did san say sof” ‘“Yes, The boy, he say-a; ‘Let me goanda see Kris first’; but theman-a, he say: ‘ [tis only a short ways we have-a to go; let us go-a there first, and then come back.’ The place was a —— Stanton street. I heard quite-a ain, , Kris was exultant. What seemed to be chance suspicion. The old woman was not the person one would connect with crime, and her face bore a good-natured smile, , As the boy made his answer, however, there was a sudden change in the situation, He haa been careful to keep his face toward the door and to watch that place for danger, but he had not seen an ill-looking fellow who had comealong the sidewalk and loitered behind bim. This fellow had listened carefully, and, when Kris made bis last statement, the stranger roe forward, swung his arms around the 1 hy i him aud dartedintothe house, ~~ | All this had been done too suddenly for the -hardly to was too ag ‘¢This is Union Dickinson's work!’ he mut- tered, indignantly. ‘ He lied when he said that George went away with a man, an’ got the Italian ter back him up in the lie, Why? What fur, unlesshe has made way with my poor Herkimer county pard, an’ wants me out o’ the way 80 1 can't tellonkim! By jinks! that cha is a bad one, an’ he’s got me in hock, sure pop!” He turned to survey the prison by the light of the gas: Originally it had been a room of very ordinary kind, but in the hands of its present possessors. the scene had c ed, The single window was words spoken by George and an unknown com- | Guide to have a chance to resist—hardly covered with planks, and these, in turn, had panion had given him a clew,and he deter-| think—and when such a chance was Pe bim | been fixed in place with spikes, the heads of mined toimprove it, In his excitement, he ne- | he found himself in the hal the doorclosed | which were large erough to certify to the lected to inform Tuna and oldJack, but set out and locked. ae “9 length and von Sey for Stanton street atonce. — He looked blankly atthe rufflan who hadcap-} A secure-l rison it was, and Kris Ho was barely out of i when a man came | tured him, and then, after a moment, his face | shook his head as he looked it over. out of the house back of thw It e flushed ¥ “*No snap, the job o’ gettin’ out. They ain’t ‘*See here!” he cried, “‘ what a en mean by setting-up a stand on my sidewalk?” - ** Me sell a fruit.” , ‘ “You won't sell it here, You've got tohave. a permit, and that you haven't gor and ae i et! I won't have you loafing around on my Sidewalk, Now, you get out immediately!” | He was angry, but the Italian remained “a ed anger. oti “Say, wot’s the meanin’ 0’ that?!” he de- manded, : PAS 2 de meanin’ 0’ wot?” was the surly rep WwW Te all W’ot d’ye mean by yankin’ me in hyar!” | * You're Wanted.” sheik By your” “ ‘*No, I won’t see. You jest stand out o’ the done their pb by halves, an’ it would take a right earthquake ter shake down the walls, Oh! Jurusha K. Jackson, ain’t you in the measliest kind o’a fix, Mr, K, Chatterbox!” Misfortune could not overwhelm his usual h spirite, and he continued in a humorous. vein; ‘* Ef they sn me hyar I won’t never hey my en. humble. ecetigrert writ ead-stones ain’t often set: “Tam a poor man—” way an’ Jet me " up whar nobody is buried, while, au fur the daily “Nomatter. Get o <!” advanced toward the door, but the man | papers—well, it ain’t facks that they publish, Meekly the son taly obeyed. His goods | barred his way. -| nohow, Chatterbox, you may as w throw up: were on wheels, and he moved the whole affair | ‘‘ No, yedon’t, younker! You're in ter ey. the sponge, right off!’ ) to the street proper and then trundled it away totheenst. After going three blocks, and turn- ing a corner, he came upon another Italian who was lounging on the sidewalk, “Here is your property,” said the first man, Now, don’t ruffle up yer feathers an’ look so li a bantam, fur it won’t do any good. prisoner! Understand dat?” “* Why should | be a prisoner?” ‘¢ Because you’rea sneak, You come here ter You're a Instead of doing as he said, he set to work to © make a minute examination of theroom, The window and door certainly ap be as firm as they could be made, and they could not be forced without suitable tools to do it with; in his native tongue. kick up a row, an’ you shall hev all you want | and he had neither brought any such imple- ** Are you one $0 soon?” on’t, lieved the Italian, did ye? Wal, you | ments, nor did the aintente of the room furnish. *¢ All done.” may as wal know, right away, that he was sent a . ‘* Did you sell anything?” there to decoy ye here!” nly the wallsremained. __ ‘* Not a thing. bat dol caret Lam not a| ‘ Don’t tell too much, Tim,” cautioned the old | He studied them for some time, but was of fruit-vender, if I have passed for one for a few hours, Here is five dollars for the use of your prods, as agreed upopv. Now I leave you, for Ii Kris Chatterbox had seen and heard all this, he might bave seen something suspicious -jn it—-seen evidence that be was the victim of a plot, and was being lured into danger. Having no clew to the scheme, he was with- sab a doubt, and was even then en route to tanton str eet. - Reaching tbe number which had been given him, he rung the —_—— __ in d to the u layer, he drew his knife. _ CHAPTER VII, tried to get in a blow on Tim’s whisky-colored | ‘‘I'll try it!” he decided. ‘‘ Union has made — / SHE FT IN THE RE , but not because he really hoped for suc- | way with George, an’ I’m wanted fur evidence. AR, was nothing about the house where distinguish THERE Kris Chatterbox made application tod woman, whose face no longer wore a friendly expression, eWiots the odds? The kid can't get out ter was trapped, but there was still a good deal of mystery about it. Why any one should want him was a problem he could not solve. ‘* Now, younker,”the man Tim pursued, ‘* you come up-stairs wid me,” “*T won’t go a step!” ‘*Then I'll carry ye!” ‘a stout the opinion that, even if he succeeded in pass- ing out, be would not be much better off. ‘ Ef I’s only on the roof, now!” have work to do on Stanton street, Fare- ae He muttered the words wishfully. Nothing well!” _Kris was silent for several seconds, The truth | but the roof lay between him and py ee And he hastened away. had become apparent to Uim, and he sawthathe | nothing but the roof, but that signified a good deal, lt wasabarrierhardtopass, he sat down and fell into thought. He carried Kris was a boy of ideas and stratagems, and ae 4 pocket-knife. Was that sufficient for ‘s him to cut bis way out with? é He had no very clear idea of how strong the : i ad roof would be. Certainly, an ordinary ceiling _ could be ent through in time. Despite the fact that he hud serious doubts I won't stay penned up like a rat; Pl cut my way out, ef sech a thing is possible!” i Tere Vee 2
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j : ~waeded, - CHAPTER VIII. THE GUIDE GETS A TUMBLE. Nie@art had fallen, but Kris Chatterbox had no means of knowing .that such was the fact. In his prison-room all'times of day and night were alike; the place would have been in utter darkness had it not been for the gas his jailers had allowed to burn. For hours he had worked as steadily as pos- sible, and not without result. Selecting a point where the ceiling and wall met, he bad used his pocket-knife until, at last, he found an open space througli the former, and a gap above. The fact that this was higher than he had expected was not in keeping with the theory that the roof was just above, but when he had put his head through, he’‘learned why this was sO. The roof was not pertecty flat, but sloped back slightly from the street. Thus, while it met the ceiling of the prison-room at the rear, there was a space above where Kris stood large enough to admit of his passage. Anxious to see what was beyond, he ignited a splinter and held it out as far as he could. The result filled him with exultation. A rough, unfinished passage was revealed, and at the further end a ladder, which plainly led up to the top of the building. ‘*Hi-yil’the Pavement Guide muttered, in delight. ‘Ef I ain’t out o’ thisin a jiffy, it’s %cause I'll git interrupted.” The possibility of such a thing spurred him on to renewed action. During the day he had not heard a sound in the house, and he suspected that whoever was supposed to take care of him was absent; certainly, no food had been brought him. The table which he had used as a footstool a part of the time brought him up high enough so that he could get a fair hold above. He now es- sayed to raise himself, and, after considerable struggling, succeeded in gaining position above. After that it was only a moment’s work to drop to the passage. © was then in total darkness, but he felt his way to the ladder and mounted its rungs. He soon reached the trap-door, and was delighted to find that it was secured with a simple hook, Unclasping the latter be raised on the door, and with a rattling of tbe attached chain, he pushed the obstacle upward. pana this was done, he easily reached the roo . He was then far less of a prisoner than be- fore, but immediate flight was out of the ques- tion. He wason a high building, and investiga- tion showed that thare was no fire-escape, or ether means of descent, People were passing in the street, and in an emergency he might call for help, but experi- ence with tricks and traps led him to fear that, if he did this, bis enemies would turn the tables upon him and make him outa Lo “cb Mh pgs ro told him to fight his own way, e. if possi ‘An’ it’s ter the other trap-doors I’ll look,” he decided. ‘It’s hot weather, an’ some on 'em may be open ter let in air. lee I kin find sech an instance, I'll go down an’ try ter convince folks that I ain’s no measly ef; while ef I ean’t find one open, J must go ter the end o’ the block an’ then sing out fur help.” e to the next house and tried the trap-door. It was fastened: A second and a third proved equally obstinate, but at the next house he had better luck, The door was open, and, though all was darkness below, he prompt- ly descended the ladder, Reaching tbe floor, he felt his way along a this was alarming and painful, but he was fortunate enough to eacape serious injury, and when he finally came to a stop he was not much the worse for his experience. . He had hardly regained his feet, however, when a door at one side was flung open, andout into the hall rushed a man anda woman. Both were emaciated and ragged, and looked as though they had nota dollar in the world, but the ruling idea was strong in their minds, “Thieves!” cried the woman, in a shrill 80 0. Ri Robbers!” exclaimed the man, ina rambling i] ‘ ** We shall all killed!” wailed the first er. “* Stand by me!” requested the man. _ Kris Chatterbox, the Pavem PS AS ET Ss TE ORT EE A SS SEE AE LOLI MT eae ae eS be “Call the police! Fire! Murder!” Kris was unable tocheck this flow of language. but he was laughing by that time, and the sight of half a dozen children in the room, and the terror of the old folks, convinced him that he had come among very simple-minded persons, ‘Now, you hol’ on!” he persuasively directed. “Tain’t half so much 0’ a holy terror as ye think fur. Jain’t no robber, but a castaway orphin!” l **Don’t let him shoot you!” continued the woman, who, being of a nervous nature, was wholly deaf to reason, Fortunately, another actor appeared on the scene in time to prevent the nervous woman from precipitating a riot. Out of the room came a lady, who at once asked a question in direct words: ‘* What is the trouble, my friends?” Peace was at once established. ‘The voice and manner of the lady bad a magical effect, and Kris felt almost as though be had found one of another manner of human being. ‘The lady was tall, slender, graceful, intelligent and refined and her garments, though plain, hada fit and finish which gave her a very aristocratic air. Nevertheless, her voice was low and gentle, and there was a shade of sadness in her face which rendered it all the more striking. Kris had first lost, then picked up his hat, but he now removed it politely, ‘*T bopes as how you'll excuse me, ma'am,” he replied, ** but I tumbled down-stairs,” . He don’t belong in this house—” angrily be- gan the soprano-voiced woman, but the Guide grimly interrupted: ** It hurt me jest as much ter fall down them stairs. Now, give a feller a show; I ain’t no burglar, an’ I kin perdooce recommends 0’ so- briety an’ t’other things. I’ve been in a con- demn’d scrape—ef, you'll allow sech p’inted language—an’ wag tryin’ ter git out,” Both of his first acquaintances were eager to express want of belief, but the lady took charge of the affair in aiquiet way of authority which did not seem at qi! domineering. ‘*T believe thisYad, Mr. Weber, for be has an honest face. Enter the room again, and let us hear his story.” “‘Thank ye, ma’am,” gitar ets returned the Guide, whose heart went out to the lady more and more every moment. “T shall not be disappointed in you, shall I?” “That you won't!” She met his emphatic answer with a gentle smile, and they entered the room, 1t was one of poverty. The floor was bareand but little furniture was to beseen, Evidence of the lack of the necemaries of life was on every side, yet they wero not wholly absent. On the table were several packagea—one of flour, an- other of rice, a third of tea, a fourth of sugar, and all the others were in the same line. All, too, seemed to have just arrived. It needed no explanation for Kris to see that the occupants of the room were very poor and that the lady was a benevwlent person who had undertaken to relieve their wie, ‘Now for your story,” she added, whon the door was closed. Kris felt like pouring out the complete ac- count to one so gracious and kind, but prudence did not desert him, ° He began his story by stating that he was mysteriously kidnapped by persons to him un- known and for reasons even more uncertain, and then gave all the later facts; but he careful- ly refrained from making any mention of Union Dickinson, He did not fail to observe that, with one ex- ception, his hearers looked doubtful. The ex- ception was the lady. She watched him closely, and was ready with a response when he had fin- ished. ‘* Your story is not to be doubted, and I am sure our friends will no longer wish to make chargeagainst you,” Both the woman and the man hastened to sa that she was quite right; they were not rash enough to disagree with her. ‘* Then,” abe continued, ‘‘I sball be pleased to have you keep mecompanyfurther, It is near- ly nine o’clock; the streets here are not so safe > they might be, and my carriage is at the oor, Kris was so pleased with the lady that he did not offer any objection to the plan—thougb he would have preferred to go alone—and they Asti s00n in the vehicle and moving toward the owery. **T bope you don't object to kecping my com- ere for a while?’ inquired the lady, with a smile, ‘* Not by ary means; it jest suits me,” ent Guide, Se ees ee ee — “Your adventure has interested me in you, In fact,”sbe added, ‘I never see any one in trouble without becoming interested.” She sighed as she spoke, and Kris, looking at her careworn, but still handsome face, felt = tain that she bad not gone thus far through without seeing Ler share of trouble. CHAPTER IX. KRIS GIVES AN ALARM. True did not hang heartily on the Pavement Guide’s hands, The lady, who had introduoed herself as Mrs. Ormsby, talked pleasantly, amd Kris felt willing to keep her company as long as she wished. Finally she asked him Mts delicately if he was poor. He confessed that he was. She them asked if he wished her to secure a situation for him, *T am not really rich,” she added, ‘‘ but I have some money, and more influence. I like te ‘help deserving boys get a start in life!” Kris was prepared to say that if everybody was like ber the world would be a good deal better kind of a world; but as for her offer, he would like to postpone action for a few days, as he had other very important work on hand. She graciously agreed to this, and, the car- rage having reached the corner of Third avenwe and Fifteenth street, she inquired where he lived. Finding that sbe was taking him away from home, she gave him her card, gained bis romise to visit her soon, and then allowed Jian 0 leave the vebicle. Asit was driven away he noticed that a rdlee- like article of some kind was danghng out et one side, and in danger of being lost, and ke started after to give the driver warning, The carriage turned the corner, and then, jest before Kris reached that point, two men steppetl from a doorway and looked after it. ‘* That’s our game!” observed one, ** Almost too pretty ter molest,” answered the second, ‘* Don’t get sentimental!” ‘Sentimental! NotI. We get our living by our wils, an’ it’s mesilf ain’t goin’ back on me trade. » A cool fitty for the job, eh? You'll fed me around ter night—an’ so will she, You crack the crib, an’ { foller your leaa inter nea- dam’s mansion.” ‘ ‘* Correct,” ‘* Unleas she’ll pay us more ter let up.” Come off, Tim! You can’t blow two at once, and if you should go to deal with Widow Ormsby, you'd find yourself im a mt, Stick to our backer!” **Dm wid ye.” The speakers returned to the doorway, Mrs. Ormsby’s carriage went on unhailed ' Kris Chatterbox. He had forgotten the dan robe in the pressure of more important mat fies, Firet of all his steps had been checked at of the man called ‘* Tim.” y In that person he had recognized the f who had kidnapped him on Stanton street, é while he stood in surprise, his acute hearing. taken in all that the two men said. He was wise cnough to ree the trouble whieh might follow if Tim saw him, end, before ae men turned, he had dodged into a second Coper- way. The men paused only for a mom then, turning, they walked away down the avenue, “Wal,” murmured Kris, ‘‘here’s a bornets’ nest as sure’s I'm alive. Tho pestiferous cyit- ters ain’t satisfied with goin’ fur me, but bein «ther villainy. Wonder ef they reen me? But o’ conrse they didn’t; they wouldn't 2a? been so oblivious o’ me arterwards, Now, then, what new scheme hev they in inind?” It was not easy to answer this questi Their conversation’ had revealed merely | fact that they intended to break into Mis. Ormsbvy’s house for some lawless purpose, and that come perscn, casually mentiored as ‘*backer,” was to give them fifty collars the job. What the peace of the contemplated werk was had not bern made clear, ‘There ain't but one thing fur me ter de)” the Guide decided ,‘*I must see Mrs, Orm right cff, an’ let her know o’ the danger!” e started for the lady’s house, and bad soon reached the door and rung the bell, She an- swered the summons herself, with ber outdoor garments stillon. Her face expressed surprise when she saw Kris, ‘‘*Scuse me, ma’m,” he began, ‘but kim I see ye privately?” _pomialy,’ she returned. “ Come inte the or. Tke Guide obeyed,
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Pe ee Bik Bikes EB 8 their ob; pects pay. wh oS Res a Bi on aoe ere oy ‘Mrs, Ormsby, Said goin’ ter be raided ter-night,” he then added. ‘** Raided!” ae Yes, ” ‘* What do you mean?” ‘* Some measly scamps are goin’ ter break inter yer house, an’ what else they’re goin’ ter dv I don’t know; but it ain’t no good,” Mrs, Ormsby looked puzzled, ‘« Ex olain!” she directed, { Kris obsy ed, and told the story in brief terms. Ho noticed that the lad y changed as he progressed, ‘* Whether they’re mere robbers I can’t say,” he concluded, ‘* but the fack that they spoke | clear color of a ‘backer’ makes me suspect thar’s more’n robbery to it.” . Robbery i is not the motive!” ‘se No?” ‘*No—at least, I think, I have lived in fear of this for years!” Mrs. Ormsby clasped and unclasped her slender white hands nervously, and the boy an- swered quickly: ‘*Don’t be skeered, ma’m; you’ve got due warnin’ o’ the game, an’ we kin beat ’em off.” “It isn’t so much the fact that two roffians are coming here, as that my enemy is again active.” ‘** So you’ve gotan enemy?” **'’\ eruel, remorseless enemy.” “oy jinks! let me help ye fight him!” cried |. Kris, his admiration for Mrs. Ormsby making him full of zeal. “Yl stan’ by. ye, an’ I may do a heap o’ good ef I be small.” ~ “76 seems that I have gained a true friend in | {a éy You bet!—ef you'll excuse tho ’ spression. Jest give me leave, an’ Vil help ye beat ‘yer enemy.’ ** Are you willing to remain here to-night?” The Guide thought of George Stoughton, and remembered that he had done nothing to aid that youth since morning, but he did not hesi- tate with his reply. ‘*{ shall be right glad ter.” ‘*Then I accept your offer, for, for certain reasons, I am reluctant to call in outside aid. I think you and I, with the servants, can defend | the house, Besides the driver, whom you have | seen, [ have a strong woman who is housekee cs er. ‘We ought to be able to beat off tho | ner) ni AM es; ef you think that the best way.” — “Don't you?” “My; idee would be ter hev the scamps ar- | than ever what was the secret in. this worthy | drawn a weapon, but rested,” ‘* Tf they were mere house-breakers and thieves I should be of the same mind, but I feel sure that | they are not, They mentioned a ‘ backer ? who was ? ive them fifty dollars for their work. Now, [ keep little or no money here, and you | can see that the house is furnished very plain- | Obviously, gain in dollars and cents fs not ! ly. h he fifty dollars would be too much | enemy 11 have cause to fear!” The speaker’s nervousness increased, and Kris began to feel very curious as to the trouble to which she so indefinitely alluded, but he would not ask her for any confidence sho was not ~ inclined to give. oe respected her secret, and let it rest at _ hos Mrs, Ormsby suddenly aroused, **We are losing valuable time,” she added, 4 We a to make our preparations while the evening is yet with us, If we show too much light a a inte hour, and the would-be house- os are werebink, they may 1 hed suspi- 0 4 That's logic. ” j OF, ollow me, and we will see the sisteenian ” They descended to the basement. The driver had just mie a Ko was in conversation with the thik their Kris had been inclined to think their oree a ee ipa but sight of the housekeeper encouraged him, ‘She was as muscular as a man, and, when the situation had been made nahn x she showed a ei years that very satisfacto wt Picking up a rolling-pin, she d jared that if “any intruder appeared she would guarantee the al doctors a “neat case” the next day, - he driver was equally fearless and he An understanding having pro reac hed, pre- Yeoman bs Baste va el It was Tot wn w that enemy y tea basement door was the Facet | parlor, and at Boys: second floor, was left burn male xp agane Bay! re con of i the Se bat nthe this belief, the it Levey .T see in this a fresh blow from an | ite Hi me pts Kris Chatterbox, the Pavrerient Guide, It was thought that this would not alarm the intruders, while it would enable the inmates to get a light quickly whenever desired. As for weapons, they were not well supplied. Mrs. Ormsby surprised her servants by produc- ing a revolver from her room, but the others had to rely upon extemporized clubs, the house- | keeper holding fast to the r yan? pin. When all was ready they went through the form of turning off the gas, and the house be- came dark, was unknown, for thus far they had not ven- tured to make any investigation. By Mrs, Ormsby’s direction they|took positiors on the second floor, and there settled down to await the crisis, An bour pussed—two hours—tkree hours, Kris had crouched down by a window where he could look through the carefully-poiuted slats of the blinds, and, at about one o'clock, his patience was rewarded, Two men who had come earelessly down the street turned sudden- ly into the area, and one, sliding his arm through the gate, opened it, Both stood under the stoop. ay 1t’s them!” announced Kris, in a cautious whisper, ‘‘ Brace up, feller-citizens, fur the fun is about ter Aig i CHAPTER x, THE NIGHT INTRUDERS, "Tam window had been left up a trifla at the bottom, and it was not Jong before Kris Chatter- box distinguished aslight clicking whieh pro- ceeded from the basemex nt door. e can e pickin’ the lock!” he announced. Mrs, Ormsby drew a quick, broken breath. «Tt must come!” she murmured. ‘* Yes; unless we skeer them away.” “¢ We will not do that; | want them to enter, I want to see what they : are after.” ‘* Who shall go for the perlecoet? Kris wish- fully asked. ** Nobody.” ‘*Hey? Be you still inclined that way?” gal gt they are here on the errand which, I be- lieve, brings them, itis far from nry purpose to have them arrested, | thieves, you may go for the police if we succeed in subduing them. On the other hand,if my . suspicion is sersrerg all I desire is proof. Then | f —we will order them out!” | There was no time toargue tiie case though the Pavement Guide was left to wond more | lady’s life, and as to who’ her enemy was; but | her secret was” caer and 3 was ‘not dis- posed to meddle w The man-servant | 43 beat at feo head of the stairs, and he soon came to his. mi The: re. inside. the | nounc \ | Apaaod Very well, ” Mrs. rans steadily returned ; ** keep silent, and Jet them operate.” Kris was of the impression that she had a sus- picion of what the men would attempt, but, as the moment of trial dew near, he was not so sure that their little force could ever the intruders saw fit todo. If t a armed, the pay would certai ual. “the Guide could hear Mrs, Ormsby breathing heavily, and it was evident that she was under severe mental strain, but her courage did not waver. All of her primary) theories bade fair to be verified. The robbers began the ascent of the various stairs, No halt was made on the parlor ys and they moved toward that above, The defenders of the house remained silent, In the hall the robbers paused and whispered for @ moment, and then moved toward Mrs. s heard a whisper sement!” He “he an- ly be un- “*T thou ght 60!” e What Price tothe ball. aia not explain, but she | led the way to the h The intruders had opened the room and closed the door behind them, but she ey. opened it a little, so that she could see and hear. The little tongue of flame caught the men’s eyes, and oa pom: =“ gas up. Both glance | to- wa Se ain’t home, yet,” remarked the mats Tim, | “So much the better. ‘Got to work. at or once, ” Pt Se ae | Now saan er? curious-lookin sets it, rhs Bieber its purpose she had | ‘ Sa aoa avy ove was watching | cents there’s mouey iu de racket— why shouldn’t erend inthe key-hole tere aeok and begun to twist gen peril © eeeeg rere ene " ‘ ““We git fifty fur this job, Ben?” observed im. ae Yes. » ‘“Phats the value o’ the papers we're to get here?” ‘* Don’t know.” “Tt may be ’way up in de thousanids,” Yes,” ‘* Why can’t wo raise the stake? De old man would give anny sum rather than have them go astray, ef they *re worth stealin’, It’s dollars to we get cash for cash?” Tim, you’rea glutton. Are we to demand over fiity fur robving a lone widder woman? Shauieon you! Be generous! W idders deserve our compassion. As for these papers, the old man told me they had no money value, but that they referred to a little affair of the past which he felt delicate about. He wants to rob a de- signing woman of her claws— Aha! theregoes — ' the bolt!” ’ He raised the cover of the desk. ‘*Now for the papers!” he added. He raised his hand to make the first movement y toward a search, but, suddenly, another voice, louder and clearer than their husky whispers, rung cut in the room. “ Stop ! m The robbers wheeled, Before them stood Mrs, Orinaby, revolver in hand, and the weapon covered the leader of the robbers in silent but ominous menace. ‘*You can end your work right here,” she added. The fellow tried to rally his wavering cool- ness, ‘** Who in perdition are you?” he asked, in mo- mentary confusion, *T am the owner of the papers you would | steal.” if they are common | Pe ropems what- | e latter | instrament $ ket. Mrs. Ormsby tard never se F for a moment, i looked , ** What papers?” ‘*Hneuzgh, Do not act’ the innocent réle. I | bave heard your conversation. Youcan go back to your employer and tell him that the papers | are not for him,” A gleam of rebellion appeared in the robber’s eyes, mM Do you run this whole caboodle?” he de- /manded,. ‘*T am mistress of this house.” “ But not of me, by Judas! I'll have you v sy ‘derstand—” * ‘“*Srop!” ; His hand had souighs his pocket and half- er voice rung out sharply and authoritatively. Something about it com- pelled him unwillingly to obey. “Tf you attempt resistance I will shoot like the dug you are!” the brave woman ad beg ‘* Your miserable lives are something that I do notcrave, but [want you to understand that you are beaten in this ganie,” The man tricd to laugu—to put on an air of bravado—bot all of Mrs. Ormsby’s little army were by that time visible, and he knew that he could not ride rough-shod over the opposition. “What do you want?” he demanded, sul- os want you to go to that his plot has fail “*T'li go!” Ben eage ly agreed. “Wait! Do not put on an expression as if you were hoodwinking us by means of wondér- ,your employer and say tul wit; I know perfectly well what 1 am doing. © I do not see fit to have you arrested, for which word to your master!” i y ‘* 11 deliver it, ma’am.” ivan “Tell him* here her voice grew far more imperious and stern than Kris would have thought instance of his infamous work I will not only have him arrested, but reveal his secret to the whole world, Understand?” | (ec2 ‘** You bet; and I’ll tell him.” “Then, the sooner the better. Go!” ** Thanks!” Strong disapproval was sabhabacde Me" * the none of them spoke, The baffled house- sloucbed toward the door, and their oppon step dtoonesidetoletthém pass, = ris Chatterton was by no means sure that tronble was over. He noticed a cunning g in Ben’s eyes, and watched bene vie ot like vigilance. It was well that he did so, _ eres Ormsby had lowered her revolv ms mes Ha oF Ben | ae open ees en, sidewise ap and § same motion turned the | you may thank your lucky stars, Another possible—' that if I know of another — faces of all of Mrs, Ormsby’s iter, but you get out of the house bers
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Kris Chatterbox, the Pavement yals | eee CRB TCENOS, BR Tamers Sle 2) ei ec ea his way, but he had not counted the cos Kris was on the alert, and at that critical in- stant he swung bis club with good aim and force. It fell with a thump on Ben’s head, and the latter relaxed his hold on Mrs. Ormsby’s wrist and staggered back, But another person was on the alert. Tim had looked for something of the kind, and had sprung to his comrade’s aid. His courage was good, and trouble might have fol- lowed, but the moment that he saw the Pave- ment Guide's face he paused, recoiled, and stood staring in blank wonder, CHAPTER XI. SEEKING TO SOLVE THE SECRET. AT any other time Tim’s manner would have been amusing. It was fullof bewilderment— almost, of fear. Previously, he had only no- ticed vaguely that one of the opposing party was a boy, but closer view caused him to recog- nize the aforesaid boy as one whom he supposed to be imprisoned in the Stanton street house, Ho was startled to meet him again thus. “Wal, old chap, how d’ye like the looks?” Kris asked, with a grim smile, Tim, however, baeked off and said nothing. . By that time Ben had recovered from his , blow, and he spoke in a surly voice: “We're downed, and we throw up the sponge. We will go now,” ‘* Bless the Evil One, your master, that you ain’t to be arrested |” cried the housekeeper. Not a word replied the would-be robbers, but, as Tim regained his own wits, they commenced by the retreat, The man-servant ventured to take i} Mrs. Ormsby’s revolver without asking leave, and, headed by him, the defenders followed Ben and Tim to the basement door, The latter hurried out to the street, and . walked away, and then the gate and the door were firmly closed and secured. They were not t] left until it was certain that no house-breaker : ~eheted, could force them again. While this was being done Mrs, Ormsby dis- appeared, but when her companions went up- ) Roirs they found her in her own room, where ti hea had put everything to rights. ; ~ Kris thought that he could detect traces of ; tears on her face, but she was as composed as ever. ‘“*T want to thank which yowhave behave ing the men to enter here I proved my sus- | picions correct, and know that my enemy is again tryin to persecute me—but forewarned is forearmed. I thank you al] heartily, my friends, especially this brave lad!” : ‘* Don’t mention it,” Kris replied. ‘ ** Later, I shall do more than to give you mere words. Will you remain here to-night? I shall be glad to have you.” ‘* Thank you, ma’am; I will,” ‘Then you shall be accommodated.” L ask a question?” it all for the way in "shesaid, ‘* By allow- **- You've ee RS a sartain enemy several times, but not his name. See?” **I see, but”—here Mrs. Ormsby paused and meditated for several moments—* IL must keep back the name forthe present. You are kind to be interested, though,” Her manner was too gracious to make the rebuff vexatious, and Kris recognized the fact that she hada — to keep her own secrets to herself. He said no more in regard to her un- known enemy. The man-servant volunteered to watch during the rest of the night, and the remainder of the party retired. The Pavement Guide could not answer for any one else, but he slept soundly un- tilmorning. . The breakfast-hour tones to be later than was agreeable to him, but he used patience and conformed to the ways of the house. After eat- ing he ouly paused to have a short conversation b Mrs. Ormsby, who made him promise to call again, and then he went away, His first step was to go home and let bis par- ents know tbat he was all right. There he learned that George Stoughton had aa made his appearance. had no intention of going, out on the baggake -express wagon again until he had ape effort to solve the mystery of the lost lefmant’s fate, and he next went to Lazarus ‘Square, na Rollin greeted him joyfully. _ “I was afraid something had happened to you ” she explained. 41. ee inrtig Ghti tate ete ten ee ae ‘*T’ve been busy, Mad swohiageaach thy | i*Tiie heen bine ® cabana Uatatliakbioten: 1 7 S-Wkkia Ascend A aca, eka young Chatterton, in a manner as matter-of-fact as though he had not been in peril more than once since since they last met. ‘‘ Any news?” “e No. ” ** Nothin’ more erbout Union Dickinson?” ‘*T haven’t even seen him.” * All quiet erround the house?” Seu,” Kris meditated. Somebody knew what had become of George Stoughton, and the signs pointed straight to Union Dickinson. Tuna was not a gir] to imagine things that never occurred, and be had nodoubt that she had seen just what she claimed, And if the big shadow and the small shadow she had seen onthe window-shades had not been cast by Dickinson and the missing claimant, Kris was wide of the facts. Union had carried his hody—living or dead—out into the back yard, what had been the object, and what had become of it? The proof he had received, as he believed, of Union’s dangerous enmity did not frighten him, and he ended his meditations by walking around to Dickinson’s door and ringing the bell. Union, himself, answered the ring, and his composed maoner showed that, if guilty of the Guide’s abduction, he had before learned of the escape " “ Hullo!” quoth Kris, coolly. ‘t How are you?” was the ungracious reply. ‘* Any news?” ** News of what?” ‘* George Stoughton.” “cc No, ” * Queer, ain’t it?” **1 don’t know. I still hold to the opinion that the boy was a fraud,’ **T don’t,” ‘*Of course you can hold to your own opinion,” **T should reckon! Be you quite sure, mister, af he went out o’ your house in the way you said?” ‘* Certainly.” **No ‘funny ’ biz?” *‘ What do you mean?” ‘I presoom you went ter bed that nt an an’ slept soundly, as an honist citizen should nothin’ couldn’t’a’ happened ter George Her kimer County, durin’ the night, could there? Hey?” “Absurd! Didn’t I tell you he was around, all right, in the morning?” **{ believe yer did,” ‘*That issufficient, -L.am notinterested in the boy, whom I have set down as an undoubted fraud. I have no more to say on the sub- ect!” With this curt dismissal he closed the door in the Guide’s face, and Kris was left alone on the stoop. The latter nodded as though maing a farewell bow, ‘*Kerrect, Union D., Esq.—you mean fight! Got right on ter yer high hoss, an’ mean ter bluff it out, hey? i'll see yer later! I reckon I ain’t got evidence enough ter call in the per- leece, fur Union’s word would go a good bit furder than mine an’ Tuna’s; but I kin fight it out alone, can’t I? I reckon} an’, b’jinks, I’m goin’ ter do it!” He turned away and was walking mechanical- ly back to Lazarus Square when old Jack came own the street, and they met at the entrance to the alley. ‘¢ Comin’ in?” the negro asked. ‘s Yes; I thought I would.” “T want fur ter see you,” * Jes’ s0, my frien’,” There was a trace of eagerness in Jack’s man- ner, and Kris hoped to get news. of George. They went to the home of the Rollins’, and the neaxe set down the market-ba: ket he had car- ri ‘‘Dar’s de wharwitbal fur seb’ral good dishes,” he observed, to Tuna; ‘‘an’J hope ter see a good stew nie ‘plenty ob ‘inyons and car- rits in it, Ef I hev a weakness, ‘ie it’s fur inyons an’ carrits,’ a You kit hev them; I don’t Lehker fur sech wild an ’ woolly fodder. W'ot was yer goin’ ter tell me, Jack?” ‘* You was a-askin’ about de Dickinsong bro- thers, an’ dat Elzina Cook what Ralph was in love sinh eee when he’s a young man,” 8. “Wal, I V's pa heerd erbout somebody who kin most likely tell ye a Rope bit—a Mrs, Nelson, She was a sarvint in de Cookfamily afore Ralph died, an’ must’a’ known # good.’eal about her oung mistress an’ de love-affair. I hadn't but I'did ter-day,’ cn “ ’ ; é ante Bowe you’d call again, and I expected heerd ob Mrs. Nelson fur a good many years, Peat NRE ie SO . But it, ‘after overpowering young Stoughton, | Ee tS hi ee ** Where does she hang out?” **On Bleecker street,’ ‘*Good! I’m goin’ ter see her.” The Guide did not see how he could spend his time any more wisely. He had no way of fol- lowing up the clew to George Stoughton, and if he could get a chapter out of the events of the past it would be a great step forward. He ascertained at what number Mrs, Nelson was to be found, and then took prompt leave of Lazarus Square ‘and went to Bleecker street. The designated house was easily found, and his ring brought an elderly woman to the door, ** Does Mrs, Nelson live here?” he asked. ‘¢ That’s me,” ‘Kin I see ye, ma’am, on a bit 0’ business?” She was an unsuspicious, meek-looking person, and his politeness won her heart, He was in- vited in, and they were soon seated in tho front room. ‘* [Pll come right ter the pint,” Kris proceeded. ** Did you ever know a man named Ralph Dick- inson?” “Yes, Or, at least, I used to see him, I wa’n’t of his circle in society. zs ‘* You worked fur the Cook fam’ly, then, eh?” Mrs, Nelson looked surprised, ‘*T can’t imagine how you know so much about me. But you ain’t got the last part right, I didn’t work for the Cooks. They were | too poor. to, hire anybody, I had a room of them, and did a searak ine there until the old folks died. After that I kept the room, biring it from the new fe arties—the Cooks never owned the house—and Miss Elzina, the only one of the family left, she went away to some other place; a house on West HKleventh street, I remember, She was a shop-girl.” ‘Where is she now?” ‘*T don’t know; I wish I did, from her in a ¢ good many years.” 2 Did she ever git married?” No.’ The Guide's face foll. ** At least,” added the woman, ‘‘ she never had up ter the time when I seen her last.” ‘© Ain’t I heerd some talk about her an’ Ralph Dickinson havin’ been sweet on each other?” “ Possibly you have, but it’s all gammon, if you did. They were good friends, she and alph were; but that wasall, I’ve heard Elzina say that she owed a debt of gratitude to Ralph, and that he was a right good man, but I know she didn’t care for him,” ; ne Perbaps they married after you lost track o’ er,” ‘Land alive! Ralph had been dead for months, and he died unmarried!” CHAPTER XII. THE MAN WHO WAS TO MEET GEORGE, KRIs was a good deal discouraged by hearing this assertion from one who was said to know so much about the facts, He had set bis heart upon the theory that Ralph Dickinson end El- zina Cook had married, and that George Stough- ton was the offspring of that union, but the pos- sibility now became an improbability. ‘‘ Ralph died a single man; Pll swear to that,” added Mrs, Nelson. ‘* Was he out o' his head?” ‘Don’t ask me!” was the hurried reply, “There was something about his shutting him- self up in the house so, and refusing to see any one—if, indeed, he did refuse—that I could never understand, Idon’t want to! Well, well, how times do change! Since then I was mar- ried to my second husband—I was a widow with I ain’t heard one child at the time that Ralph died. Possibly you know my son, Albert Grafton?” “ Who?” ‘¢ Albert Grafton.” Kris sat silent with amazement, We did not know the man, but the name was familiar to a startling degree, Albert Grafton was the man who promised to meet George § Stoughton at the Grand Central upon his arrival) in New York, and, also. the man who had paid money to Stephen Matlock for taking care of George up in Herkimer county. Despite Mrs. Nelson’s positive denials—and he did not doubt her desire to tell the truth—be felt that he was getting into the inner circle of the mystery. The old lady’s gaze was fixed questioningly upon him, and, anxious.to hide the fact that he was interested he innocently returned: ‘‘@h! Grafton,is it? You didn’tsey Grabam No; I never met Mr. Grafton, to wy knowledge, Does he live in New York?” ‘*No, but he does business here, He’s a broker.” . ‘* Where's his office?”
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Oe i be nha STN mae ie eae ‘*] don’t exactly know. He sometimes changes it so as to be near his customers,” (bis was a peculiar reply, ard it aroused the inquiry 10 toe Guide’s mind, Was there not suusothing in the man’s life which he did not let his aged waother know about? Just at taat moment the door-bell rung again. Mrs. Nelson went to answer it, and soon re- taroal accompanied by a man of about forty years, ** Luis is my son, of whom I’ve just been tell- ing you,” she ex) lained. Grafton gave Kris a careless glance, ** lfow dye do, young feller?’ he condescended to say, and then "he sat down and swung one leg ever the otner. ‘‘ Well, old lady,” he added, ** how are you, anyhow?” Kris saw that he was mistaken for somo boy ef the immediate vicinity, and wa3 glad that it was so, He had a chance to vant r, Grafton alittle, The latter was not an ill-looking man, but he had certain traits that did not impress the Guide well. Briefly expressed, Mr. Grafton had a rakish oc ad convenient term which means a ) Conversation ran vpon trivial matters for ti awhile, and then Mrs, Nelson observed: ** Albert, this isa poy who has been inquiring about Elzina Cook.” Grafton flashed a quick glance toward Kris, ‘* The dickens he has!” **- Yes; he wants to learn about her. < = Do you ne ' know, he’s heard a rumor that Elzina married Shee le m } “Boy who are you?” he deman ed. ir: ; ‘* Never heard of her,” was the calm r , me we tatty at meet the man half-way. He was positive that ee Ey Btls | net r’s youn een le friend had. yet learn at ht come of it, —) faced him on the sidewalk i. ts “Feat w'ot I want Mtge slgt train of D., Ralph Dickinson!” bert looked worried and an I as Christopher Columbus Chatterton,” Having given his ponderous name in full, Kris waited to see the result. Had Grafton feat heard of him? No change of countenance be- wayed thathehad. | ‘* What do you care about the persons mn OB aah know but what I could be useful ter cris looked his questioner boldly in the face Hi as ho spoke, determined to make the most of the p matter. oe “ Usetull How?” he ‘* Et I kin find Elsina Cook, I'll tell her.” ° 4. PI gu ” and Grafton turned to Mrs. Nel- ‘de do you know where Elzina is?’ 7 ‘No. “Nor L Ve ew A she’s dead,” bit the Guide looked at Albert steadily, i she have any children?” the boy re atte n made an unmistakable start 6s Children! !” he erie 3 Why, she she vie not ind. Be You know that, you must ’a’ kept track @’ her, ‘*T mean, she was not married when I saw . her last, a ouen years, OF 80, ago.’ ‘*T don’t s’pose you knew Roxanna Gray, who Mved up in Herkimer county and ma ®tephen Matlock!” F y. apf ‘By the way, can I get you to do an erran for mo, a little later?” ker had changed his position so that \'@ n could not see his face, and he now pee ci 2 a3 very suggestive way and laid his er on ris unders , and was not reluctant to he had found the person who had agreed to see @oeorge at the Grand Central, and, though Graf- ton wasa ee open to sus icion, he did not ae ae impress the Guide as being in league with Dick- inson; while it was only fair to infer that he knew a good deal more about George than win the féllow’s confidence, much was not long before Grafton made an ex- cuse to go outside, and the amateur detective took the hint and rang A His companion teh i then, what do you mean?” he de- manded. Noe I naven't, Where is he?” know. You didn’t meet him at the Grand Central?” **T was out ot town; started to come in on a L. & Wes ; Was colayed by ap acci- dent, and was three hours late ‘** Dickinson denies that he’s his uncle.” “Yen” has the boy been to see him?” OW ‘foe rried | more reserved, di byt’ the | pele iat f sponse, ete wa = found George Stoughton Sdurigcty' other hand, I recogn Te see that you | | ae know the boy. | Tell me all about him!” ‘** He put his life in jeopardy bil ‘“*T ain’t sure but he did.” ‘* W here is be, anyhow?” ** Disappeared in Union’s house,” Grafton looked disappointed and angry. ‘* By Judas! if the old man has beat me out Pll never show my head in public again!” Graf- ton declared, viciously. “I'm afeerd you'll hev ter take ter kiver, then.” ‘Tell mo all about it.” The Guide was not yet sure of Grafton’s posi- tion in the case, but he could see no harm in giving his companion an outline of what had occurred, Accordingly, he told of George’s ar- | rival in the city, the visit to Dickiason’s house, and the claimant’s disappearance, Grafton’ 8 expression betrayed deep annoyance, “Tt was the most reckless marr in the wort’ to go to the old man’s,” he asserted. ‘*Do you suppose he’s really done harm ter | George?” as "Perhaps; though he wouldn’t be likely to if he knew—” ‘* Knew what?” Kris asked, as Grafton came to a sudden stop. ‘* Never mind, ‘* Is George Salis his nephew? ‘* So runs the story,” the man replied, with a * then he muét be Ralph Dickinson’s son, on "You want to know too much, Now, I’m at a loss what to do, Union has given you his little yarn; it is not a bad one on the face, and he will stick toit. L[couldn’tshake him b by anf upon him. By the fiends! if that boy is go, and it falls heaviest on a third party—a woman!” Hardly had he spoken the last words when Grafton caught Kris’sarm and drew him into the cover of the area. ‘* By heavens!” he added, ‘* there’s the woman, herself, now!” Kris’ looked and saw his new friend, Mrs. Ormsby, riding past in her carriage. CHAPTER XIII, IN THB ENEMY’S CAMP, THs Pavement Guide was bewildered. The assertion came suddenly, and he could not see in what way Mrs. Ormsby was connected with the case of the miasing claimant, or realize that | she really had any connection with it, e The widow's carriage was moving quietly lon the street, and as she did Meer Fs her , but sat like one in side Sosy as bribe they “were ” not discovered. . Al drew a me of relief as tho vies receded, close call!” he comm hy?” Kris asked. «“ I didn’t want her to recognize me.” The boy remembered: the widow’s mysterious Has she reason ter hate ye!” he asked. Grafton gave him a quick glance and became more ae Not oy at eee S pambibpntsoy sare we can’t up on the house-tops, clap our wings pedal tll attention of Tom, a Wie ald Harry Oy a vociferous crowing.” ‘‘ Bot what's she got ter do with George Stow ton?” othing. ‘ You mi o blow would fall heaviest on her ef he’s dead ou misunderstood me. I only meant that if he had been killed ct Dickinson, and Union got into trouble, it would im a blow to her.” ‘‘ What is Union ter her?’ ‘See here!” cried Grattoh, anno “pa by this uestio ‘fare you all tongue, or not} whey ‘hy in have you to su I'm going to tell all [ know?” “Gently, my frien’; I ain’t tried ter pump ye at all; but it strikes me that I am an important actor in George Herkimer County’s case.” ‘You're right,” was the more moderate re- _ “Excuse me for running off on a high horse. All | wish to convey is that there are certain things which I do not feel justified in | making public at this stage of affairs. On the ize in you a boy of unusual shrewdness, and [ Shall be glad to take you asa partner and have your help right along.” PeThe speaker’s manner betrayed a desire to win the Guide's good-will, and Kris was shrewd gpenee to suspect, t at fear entered intothe mo- ves, If Grafton could bind the boy to bin, it would cut off any side issues oie might oy to somebody else winning 1 the laurels, to _Gratton’s sorrow and defeat. Clearly as Kris: realized E this trick, he did not ° eae looking hed m Kris Chatterbox, the Pavement Guide. —— reveal the fact that he had detected it. The case was not promising enough so that he could - afford to be too independent; he determined to kee re in Grafton’s favor for a while longer. e latter appeared to be uncertain what to do, and asked Kris to walk wita bim down the street. "This the Guide did. Grafton went slowly, and acted like one in deep thought. ‘¢ This disappearance of young Stoughton is not only alarming, but puzzling,” he finally re- marked, ‘* Withcut him at hand 1 don’t know what to do.” **Can’t ye find him?” ‘* Where shall I look?” ‘¢ Umion Dickinson kin tell you.” ‘* He can, but will be?” Ee Likely not, especially ef he’s killed the nf Second thought convinces me that the boy 7 alive. Union is a rascal, but that he would uilty of deliberate murder does not seem ike y—though he treated his own brother bad- ly enough. Egad! I believe Pll go and see Union!” ‘¢ That ain’t a bad scheme.” ‘*T}]1 do it. You come with me, for I shall want a witness.’’» This was said in a half-hearted way, which satisfied Kris that his companion would gladly have sent him adrift if be dared, but, plainly, the man was afraid the Guide might work him hee if he allowed bim to go, 18 was not reluctant, and they went te Dickinson's at once, Peter May, the one-legged servant, opened the door. Grafton civilly explained that he wanted. ead it’s a bad | to see the master of the house, but Peter’s gaze was upon Kris, and he curtly declared that his. master would see no one that day. Grafton was prepared for such a reception, and he forci- bly entered, shoving Peter aside. ‘Tell old Dick,” he airily directed, ‘‘ that we are waiting for him in the parlor.” And then he marched into the room with a show of confidence that dumfounded Peter, The latter looked as though be would like to throw the bold intruder out, but his missing leg was a barrier to athletic efforts, nstead, be went for Dickinson. The old’ man soon & , and he came with his face figuratively” black ‘with anger, His eyes ‘signs of a storm when he saw Kris, but Grafton changed the whole current of events, by rising and confronting the new-comer, ‘* How d'ye do, Union?” he coolly saluted, Dickinson’s pve turned upon the 8 er—he hesitated—and then his color chang \“* You here!” he exclaimed, « Even 0.’ t ‘Have you come with him?” and Dickinson. pointed to ‘* T have.” om a I order you out of the house!” was the hot retort, “ Softly, Union! Be sure you're right before. you §° ahead, ae “You don’t come here as my friend.” — “Right! I don’t,” I will tolerate—” “Then you sup 4: Pradauos iso the parentofaction. Yow know me well enough to be sure that I will not give way an inch to you or any other man.” “*T always 5 gee de you of being my fe ir past, and I know it now!” bitterly Goclared nio} ground. pposed to you, and yet have mo desire to ao "yon ipsary. mi, Kris thought that ‘Albert ve their host a jmeaning elatise; but the latter, frowning on vacancy, only sat down and sullenly asked: **What do you want ‘“*T want George Stoughton!” ‘* Have you been led here by that boy’s lies?” and Union pointed to Kris in fresh anger. ‘I tell you I have no ag eof Stoughton, If dbetter takycare | uae precisely as | have: te t be is a ward of yours him, He left this stated he did, going with a stranger. and with- outa word of explanation tome. Who /s that boy? I never heard of him before,” ‘Did he claim to be your nephew?” Union looked at Kris a hibiiee and eullenly ; replied: m He made that claim,” the so rother, of your late Dic asker was never enone a he erled. “How ahout Elzina Cook?” ‘*He never even cared enemy nson hes his hand furiously down a glance around, and there were — " amity ie word that covers a good deal of tae | { ‘*He couldn’t be a nephew without being: a: ” , es |
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{- »were circumstances which made it utterly im- possible for them to marry.” “What circumstances?’ rou must learn for yourself; I shall not A peculiar smile crossed Albert's face, 1+; Then whose son is George?” 2048 Why do you harp upon that subject? Ac- ¥% ing to the youngster’s own account it was 2B yAlbert Grafton, who induced him to come i). ; #3°.n’ you vowed you'd never even heerd of Eilipt Grafton,” interrupted Kris, 29 silence! IfI did deny the fact, it was be- je I had no desire to help along an infamous 4%. Wheat was Stoughton to me, anyhow? A ‘ature put forward by designing men to work yruin. Yes; I denied the acquaintance, and m4 properly, too!” econtinued angry and violent, but Grafton lid not lose his calmness, ** Union,” he returned, ‘‘ you and I have never met in the last twelve years, and it’s possible that you thought me dead; but I’ve had an eye on you, and have bided my time.” » ** So you confess that you’re in the plot.” “There is no plot. If you had received Stougaton as you ought, the matter would have been settled in short order. Now,I call upon you to account for the boy.” Dickinson seemed almost beside himself with * rage. i I tell you I have no knowledge of the | # ** He was made way with in this house.” “Tt is false as perdition!” oy ‘Whether you killed him or not I don’t know, ia but it is certain that you got him out of sight. } If he is alive, your best way is to tell where he is, Should you t in your denial it will 2% be taken as evidence that you've slain the > boy. Ns Cand then?” questioned Dickinson, harshly. & ay **T shall notify the police!” ** Enough!” was the determined reply. ‘‘If I have got to fight you, fight itshallbe. I ama persecuted man, but my knowledge of you shows how useless remonstrances would be, I know you, and so do the police, as a life-lon blackleg and swindler. I'll show you how deal with such men!” . and Tim, the two ruffians of whom he had pre- _ ~- wious umpleasant knowledge. CHAPTER XIV. SOMB ONE ELSH IS PUZELED, Ir was the ovening following the events last described, Tuna Rollin was homeward bound with ar- coe piebered atagrocerystore, There-were several pac the whole being neatly ar- passed a corner and essayed to cross a side-street, she suddenly found herself directly in front of a rapidly-driven horse. She tried to avoid it, but was so signally unsuccessful that a _ ghaft caught her arm, in a moment more . she was gi ag on the crossing. Luckily, rolled clear of the horse, and, Jess se poo than frightened, she hurriedly re- _. gained her feet. I The horse had been checked and was standin _ gtill, so the danger was over, but the contents o ‘the ‘basket were scattered widely, and at least two of the packages had broken and allowed A } Si ere ate i mentioned de sarcumstance, Se 8 ‘*Perbaps,I can help youa little in arriving | ;but why! What connection could he have the matter! He surely could not be atar’is decorreck prognosticatum ob de.
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Ph a, ») A The coming of Mrs, Rollin at this moment | Jack saw thatshe was very much excited, and ‘freed Jack’s mind of one trouble, and showed | that was about all he did see. The rest was as ‘that the potatoes would not spoil. The little | bad as Greek to him, and he had to ask for an ‘family was soon engaged in eating the frugal | explanation. It was given; he saw the matter a supper. Mrs, Rollin, however, did not remain | as Tuna did; and then, with one voice, they de- } ‘home long. There was sickness in the family | clared that Kris must be rescued, where she had been working during the day,| Buthow? . Bee / _and she had been offered a desirable sum to act |. How could they accomplish it? ~~, ¥ [? _ as nurse during the night. Having accepted The police were mentioned, but neither had this offer, she soon left Lazarus Square again. faith in that source of relief. They felt that H An hour passed, Old Jack sat dozing in the | they must rely upon their own efforts, but could corner, bis white head bobbing up and down | not see their way clear. eccentrically. Tuna felt lonesome, and went Investigation showed that the string, led to a out into the so-called square. third story window. They pulled the string, There was little to beseen there. The other | and were answered by a similar signal at the ere residents were all in-doors, and only the walls | other end. They thought, too, that they saw | ae | of the front houses met Tuna’s view. They | something white waved insidesthe room, but ! were about as monotonous as a desert of sand. that was not certain, Union Dickinson’ house was more than mouo- Nothing was to be seen at the window, proper- ‘tonous; it was grim, forbidding and suggestive. | ly speaking, and this led Jack to suspect that , W hat secrets its walls held theigirl had no means | the window was barred. of knowing, but she was glad that she did not ‘“Dunno how we kin get at ’um,” Jack ad- live there. mitted, shaking his head gravely. / She waslooking up at the building when some- ‘We must, somehow.” { thing shot past her head, struck the wall of her ‘* How kin it be done?” sah own home with a sharp sound, and fell to the ‘+ Kris is in there, and we must get him out!” -ground, She could not see what it was, or | Tuna declared, with'emphasis. whence it had come, but it was not unlike a peb- |~ ‘* Ye-es, but how—” ble, she thought--possibly a little lighter as to| Jack paused, shook his head, and, overcome weight. by the magnitude of the question, relapsed into Believing that some one was making a target | silence, ; of her, for an unknown purpose, she stood still. Tuna was equally at fault, but more deter- There was only a brief pause, and then a second | mined. How it happened that Kris was in the missile strugk almost as the first had done. house at all she did not see, for it wasin a local- That time she made two discoveries: it had | ity which, he well knew, was pregnant wich -come from the direction of Union Dickinson’s sore nih but there he was, and he must be liber- house, and from a considerable height. a Considerably puzzled, she scanned the top windows, but the darkness prevented any dis- | had a vague idea-that if she were a_ boy she covery that might otherwise have been made, | could make use of the window-sills and blinds, A third time, however, a small object passed | and climb to her friend, but, being a girl, she her and struck her own house. very wisely decided that this scheme was not All this must bave some meaning, and she | practicable, — turned to see what the missiles had been. She Considerable time was consumed in discussing ae found the remains of what had lately been | the matter. Both she and Jack looked for some a, lumps of wall-paper, evidently torn from Jaths, | way which would be strategic, but they were at for it had considerable shape left when not obliged to fall back on the belief that the only ee crushed. way was to enter the house in an ordinary man-. \ _ Some one in the upper part of Dickinson’s | ner. 4 But how? It was an ugly question. Tuna ‘house was thus making ber a target. Who?| ‘An’ dat’s out ob de quess’on,” commented ' With wkat object? Jack, She overcame ber fear and walked to the| ‘No, it ain’t; I’m going in!” the girl de- ae ‘thigh board fence, on the other side of which | clared | 2 ; hat she had seen the unknown man disappear with | ‘* How?” ; his strange burden on the night of the window-| ‘‘The house isn’t fastened; I’m going toslip in Batis ‘shade shadow pantomime, — by the back door, and then go upto Kris.” tbe Then she met with a fresh surprise. Some-| ‘‘ But think ob de danger—” , ct ‘thing began to serape the fence slightly, and ‘*{¢ makes no difference. Kris is my friend, era _ gshe-sawa small w tte’ object moving up and | and J ain't going tosee him suffer, I’m going ‘ down in an eccentric fashion, in, and going atonce!” And the brave girl started for the door. Ss © “CHAPTER XVI. "HIS BRAVE YOUNG FRIEND, Op Jack was in a panic, and he proceeded to w $ s She had grown nervous, but natural courage “held her to the spot. She reached out and caught the dancing thing of white. - 5 A 4 onder of wonders!—it was a slip of paper fastened to a string, and weighted down with a bal large lump’of the plaster; and tbe further end | argue with ail the 6 Rei ke at his command, FA of the string led away toward the upper part of | but he talked in vain. Tuna Rollin had decided ny “Union Dickinson’s house! to enter Union Dickinson’s house, and she went . ey Tuna’'s cheeks flushed and her breath came | about her preparations with calm determina- pee quickly. She saw great possibilities in thisaf-| tion. ~ 0 ee ait. : res. A barrel was set up against the high fence Pear ‘¢ What if the Stoughton boy is up there?” she | which separated Lazarus Square from Dickin- , * whispered, ss ef Nai son’s yard, aud, with the aid of that and Jack’s Easily recognizing the fact that the slip of | arms, Tuna gained the top and then dropped paper might be a note, she tore it loose and bur- | over the otner side. _ yied into her own house with it. She bad only | Once there ber own boldness startled her, and to hold it to the light to see that there was | her heart beat rapidly, but she rallied and writing upon it, and then she uttered a little | started for the basement door, — i pate ' RO he | Asshe had expected, that door proved to be ‘“* Why, it’s from Kris!” she cried, — -unfastened, and she opened it and envered, The Suro enough, the Pavement Guide’s name was | gas was burning inthe hall, but only just Sh -signed_to it. The communication was a rough | to break the darkness. No one appeared to one. It was written in pencil,and in such er-| near, ratic style that it washardtoread, Tuna,how-| She did not pause there, but ascended the ever, made it out a little at a time, and this is | stairs with steps that were almost noiseless. On what she read: THA aah)" | the parlor floor the gas burned brightly, but ‘ Know all men hy these presents, tbat I want to get | careful reconnoitering convinced her that no out. Being a youthful citizen of New York, and | one was situated so as to observe her, and she having all my debts paid, {’m entitled to liverty— | saw with relief that all was dim above. ‘but Taiu't got it: Dm held here in captivity, boud: |" ‘She started up the next flight of stairs by ahmphet A and quod, sbut in by a mean skunk;} 7, ‘Seemed str j a and he is Union Dickinson, Get me out, somebody, The way seemed strangely open and unpro- or I shall soon be a white-robed spook, ” | tected, but when she reached the floor where she Sein ary cy “©, ©. Cuarrertoy,” | supposed Kris to be, she encountered an unsur- Queerly as it was expressed, Tuna had no | mountable barrier, In one room the gas was difficulty in understanding, and she ran to the | burning, and two nien sat there playing cards. sleeping negro andarousedhim. == st ft + 4h ly Jack, Jack!” she cried, “ Kris is a ny Ni ee Y r!’ ; + ; ad ; Vf ph ate "Hey? What, what? Where'sdefiah?” Jack dem ed, in confusion, var Ric _ “WYnion Dickinson has got Kris a prisoner, FG ICONS ei We ill aban Lge ged thrown typ paren ~weight and strin; now Wwe m tb and Tim, but, as she did not know them, she But this was not the worst of it. knew that it was a barrier to ber progress, Kris Chatterbox, the Pavement Guide. Aco a cea Really, they were Union Dickinson’s tools, Ben ; saw only two very disreputable looking’ fellows, - The moment that Tuna saw the room she Looking toward the further end shesaw another | ‘door, with the key in the lock, Plainly, it was the way to Kris Chatterton’s prison, and the “ ‘ ; oe uy P ; y, ‘ V e fact that the men were so near explained whyould the boy had relied wholly upon signals, and notd to ventured to call, Tuna stood in silent dismay. i to What was she to do? __. the She had a horror of drunken men at ar’ went time, and it was clear that these particular at. were dangerous in the extreme, She ighton is close to the wall, where they would not sedually re- and stood in silence while she studied thesn’t know tiou. Tho voices of the men sounded in con tion. ; ‘* Yes,” Ben was saying, in drunken ¢ dence, ‘‘ Diekinson is a fine fellow; as fil they make them.” ed the ‘*He has paid us well so fur.” ** He has, that.” he boy “ Bat the question is, stall we get de extra Would | has promised us when his enemies are all roun seem ed up?’ bad- ‘‘T haven’t a doubt of it.” see ‘* Because we are takin’ some risk, ye know.” ‘On, ivll all come out right, Union ain’t going to makeany slip this time, and the Chatnall terton kid won’t be running around again,” ‘“1 don’t see what’s de matter, annyhow, drhich Dickinson is so scared—that is, ef he tells dedly truth in saying dat Stoughton ain’t higly, nephew.” es im ‘Ah! but he is really afraid he is his nephew,” ‘¢ Suppose he is. You say that Union holds his money by such rights that no one could take it away from bim, So phat does hecare wheth- — er the kid is his nephew or not?” td ‘¢ Tim, can you keep a secret?” 4 **T kin, that.” MRA SE, : ‘Well, the trouble is right here: Money don't . ai figure in it, but fear does. Once Union hada ~ Wiad brother, Ralph. They quarreled—what about, ? I dun’t know—and Union drew arevolver on, he Ralph. The latter grabbed it; they had a - struggle ; the revolver went off, and Ralph was ot shot.’ } ** Dead?” ‘‘He might as well have been. He took to 5 4 % his bed, laid there some weeks with only poor 7, medical attendance, and then died. He acted +» | right square by Union. They had quarreled,. and Ralph thought Union was doing mean bya = certain party, but the younger brotierwouldn’t, have it known that be was shot. Rather than) ~— out.” xe ‘* More fool, he!’ declared Tim. | 1 aN ‘*The result proved it so. When he saw he ~ was going to die he gave’ Union choice between being arrested and making a certain p romise,- Naturally, Union gave the promise.’ Ralph made him swear ona Bible—then Ralph die oe ia “‘What did the promise amount ter?” ae ‘‘Nothing, with Union, Once Ralph was mre the danger was over, and that was the last — of it, ra) Remoide, , * What was dat promise?” ¢ t ‘¢1 don’t know, but itreferred toa girlnamed Elzina Cook.” ; eran ng ‘* Ef that promise was so badly kept, kin we trust Union, now?” ae ae ‘Don’t have a fear; he hadn't dare betray us. He'll pay.” MAY let ; ‘* Bet yer life, or Pll make it lively for de fel- er, . J r 1 ‘¢ Tir, heave away the cards and let as brace. We've got so rauch liquor down we ure half- lifeless, and if the prisoners are to be carted away we want clear heads and strong legs.” Acting on this theory, the men urose and be- — gan to move around the room. Tuna stood in — uncertainty; did she bave any hopeof success _ by remaining there? She had overheard some- thing of importance, but that did not help her to get Kris out of hisyprison, | i ey. ame he ringing of the door-bell startled her,and = __ moved the two men into actiow.. Fe Aue: ‘The fellows have come!” exclaimed Ben, * Let's go down.” ot Th ee Re They started, and Tuna only had suffici oS to sb inches the pakoet beri yibalcon yo e was in a panic for fear they would « cover her, but their eyesight was dil d a AP passed on to the closed Satie Wobe epee he ldeke? Flin ing the door open she od and Kris promptly appeared, “Great Casear 1 you here?” he Le, yee
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‘Oh! Kris, Kris! come out quick; they'll be back in a moment!” Tuna was so excited she could hardly find words, but the truth flashed upon Kris. ** Yow’re a hero, by jingo!” he cried. ‘‘ Talk sbout yer great women of old times! Why, you t4vat them—” £88 | Don’t stop to talk! They'll come back.” 22 hWhar be they?’ 44 Fone down-stairs to let in some of the gang, “| 1 how are we going to get out past them?” .a#* T bev it! We’llgo part o’ the way down, an’ § shen they come back up we'll dodge ’em on the $99 ddle floor. Wemust! I’ve had quite a taste 04 oaptivity, an’ I tell ye I’ve got my fill on’t. ome on!” ? Hand in hand they ran lightly down the first tairs. Then taey could see Ben and Tim on cne parlor floor, with Union Dickinson by their tide. He had on his street garm nts,and it was evidently he who had rung the bell. The young peoplo paused and listened, ‘¢ We will bring down the boy, first,” observed Dickinson, ‘* There will be less difficulty about it, and we want to bustle away as soon as we get the man into the carriage.” .. Kris touched Tuna’s arm. }» ‘‘ Just the figure!” he whispered. ‘Come in * here!” "A door near them was ajar, and they entered : and found themselves in darkness, The three men ascended the stairs. For the time danger was imminent, but the evil trio went to the ‘ floor above. -. Then Kris and Tuna ran down the remaining two flights and were in the basement. The girl ile would have hastened out, but Kit paused. * Albert Grafton is locked up hyar. We want him! Wemust hey bim!” Turning the gas higher, he located the kitchen door. He tried to open it—it was fast, He saw an ax near at hand, and did not hesitate to use it, Swinging it aloft be dealt three heavy blows in succession, and the door flew open, by He peered inside. } ** Be you there?” he asked, Grafton appeared. ** Out o’ this in quick order!” the Guide com- manded. ‘* Don’t stop to talk. Come!” Loud voices sounded in the upper part of the house, and Grafton was shrewd enough to com- prehend the critical state of affairs and act rudently. AJl three hurried intothe yard,and Kris locked the door behindthem, ThenGraf- * ton helped Tuna over the fence into Lazarus + © Square, and he and Kris scrambled after. -«)). “They'll follow us!” cried the girl, in alarm, \f . “Not much, they won’t!” declared Grafton. | “lve had enough of this, and, though it may , end in my being sent ‘up,’ too, I'll have them > At that moment he saw the blue uniform of a policeman at the entrance to the alley. Hehur- ried to the street, and saw a patrolman and a roundsmap. He began a hurried explanation, and called upon the officers to make the arrest, but he was still talking when Tuna, who had remained in Lazarus Square, ran out. “Theyre escaping by the rear!” she ex- claimed. The officers had heard enough to become in- | terested, and they followed willingly when Grafton and Kris hastened back. They were just in time to see the last of the trio go over the fence into the yard exactly back of that be- longing to Dickinson’s house, ‘after them!” cried Kris; ‘‘ they can’t get ] . out!” CHAPTER XVII, THE SECRET MADE PLAIN, Tr chase became exciting. Noone could see clearly why the fugitives should take their course, for there was no alley there, and it seemed that they must be hemmed in by the limits of the block, but all except Tuna fol- lowed. Some light was obtained when the fugitives led by Dickinson, rushed into the basement o the other house. The pursuers, who were al- most on their heels, followed, and when Dickin- son tried to close the door in their faces, the of- ficers flung themselves against it with a force » Which dashed the leading villain to the floor. ~~ He did not rise, but lay senseless, Ben and Tim, finding themselves menaced by the revolvers of the officers, promptly begged tor vino Down the stairs came a gray-haired stranger. He changed color when he saw the scene, hesi- tated, and then came forward quickly. re emen,” he said, ‘‘ I see that Dickinson has come to grief, and I am not sorry, But I = ag have a confession tc make; I have been his ac- | had come to hate Union, 1 planned revenge: complice in a crime. He held a mortgage on | The epee of the marriage were in my hands my property, and, by means of threats, he | and [ determined tosecure the infant and hold forced me to harbor and act as jailer of a boy | him over Union's head as a rod of terror, Cir- against whom he had some grudge. I want to ; cumstances favored me, and I stole the child deliver that toy to you now, and wash my ) and gave him in charge of a woman named hands of the whole affair,” Roxanna Gray. You were very ill, and, when Kris turned a triumphant glance upon Graf- | ou recovered, it was not hard to make you be- lees that your child bad died, **Butit didnot die! Still in charge of Rox- anna [ sent it to the country, where it was adopted by a farmer and reared. As time passed I kept postponing my contemplated re- —_— ton, “Tl bet a million that George Stoughton is found!” he exclaimed. ‘*Thatis the boy’s name,” added the master | of the house. ‘‘ Dickinson awakened me late | one night by ringing my door-bell, and, when | venge; to be plain, I was afraid to carry it out. he had forced me into agreeing to take the lad| ‘J never took anystep until, a sbort time in as a prisoner, he brought him over the fence | ago, I loarned that the protectors of the child from his yard to mine,” now a boy of fourteen years, were all dead, and What luna had seen the night in question | that they had told him enough to make the case was no longer a mystery. | dangerous, ‘*Leaa the way ter the aforesaid George,” ‘*In this dilemma I consulted a friend of Kris requested. mine—who need not be mentioned here, as none: “© Pll bring him,” of you know him—and he braced up my waver- The officers did not hesitate to put Dickinson, | ing courage until [ decided to send for the boy, Ben and Tim under arrest, and, by the time they | and use him to extort money from Union Dick- had settled this matter, the owner of the house | inson, returned with the once missing claimant in **The boy came, but I was prevented from. charge. Gecrge was pale, but otherwise looked | meeting him at the Grand Centrai, as I intended, none the worse for his experience, and his joy | and the progress of events has rendered my was unbounded at seeing Krisage plans hopeless. Dickinson recovered. bis’ sensi ** In conclusion ”—here he produced a package how matters were ita ‘papers—‘‘here are the proofs that you are pion Dickinson’s lawful wife. For my crime: steat our child, and keeping him away these years, [can offer no excuse. was one of villainy, and I can only m your mercy and—present your e he is!” d revelation, Grafton pointed n,” Bere seiged the chance eagerly, and Kris did t. Seat a oat the prisoners started | ‘Oe e Stoug ‘ not objec There Wasa short pause, George was bewil-. for the st ~~ ee the trio entered a vebicle | dered but eos was filled with wonder; and set off On their journey. Kris did not hear | while Mrs, Ormsby, pale and red by turns, the orde® given the driver, but when they | looked at the boy from Herkimer county with inally came to a balt he bad a surprise. a world of emotion im her face—too much to be: bey “were at the door {of Mrs, Ormsby’s | painted on paper. ~ bo cS Grafton touched 1 use he Pavement Guide’s arm. Ali hall, and leave them alone added. have me arrested,” Grafton He floor, ‘tI shall remain and rned inside, and Grafton gave ‘* Let us go to th nervous ring which brought ’ for a little while,” mnt in haste, And they went. mistress,” Grafton directed,| ‘If she sees fit ‘to, see her on must important | then said, pacing face the music, T deserve punishment!” ared, ** Nobody but bas knowed that George a rst, and a smile lighted | was obo olen kid, eb ?” asked Kris. mopree short atsig¢ht of ‘*No len standing, with the ‘‘ Didn’t Union know he ever had a son?” ‘The start| ‘*No, I deceived even Roxanna Gray, and od proved | she really thought Union was the uncle, not the elie hoe ‘Asfor Union’s fear of George, he saw _ | the ly {0 ahead Ot. ANCE _mervo €88, od hats likeness and really did think the boy 8 been Ralph's son; and as he was re- je for Ralph’s death, he feared.a som might seek revenge,” | “Great Scott! I never thought Mrs, Ormsby was Elzina Cook!” im +) rand brought crime and throw myself up: Her gaze wandered, reste then she changed color, ‘“‘She took the name she now bears when her ‘* A crime?” she repeated. own uncle, Amos Ormsby, died and left her a _ “Yes, To-night your husband, Union Dick- | comfortable sum. By the be & oo 6 she ought inson, has been arrested—” | to do well by you. To ‘you, directly and indi- ‘* Do not call him my husband!” Mrs. Ormsby | rectly, she owes the recovery of her son, for cried. = your activity in the case has rendered my plans ** Ho was, at one time.” and Union’s, futile, Yes; Mrs. Ormsby ought ‘¢ Unfortunatley for me, yes /” to feel grateful to you,” Kris Chatterton sat amazed. Notonce hadhe es Before Kris left the house, that night, he bad. suspected that he was to hear this, } ‘* Your past is, of course, known to me,” Graf- | proof that Mrs, Ormsby was grateful. She ton continued, quickly. ‘‘I know tbat when | fully believed that George Stoughton was her ou were young and poor you married Union | son, and when ske knew how much Kris had ickinson, You were then Elzina Cook, ashop- | done for him, and remembered what the Pave- girl, You were unjustly accused of stealing | ment Guide bad done for her, she declared that money which your employer bad carelessly left | one of the most sacred duties she had in the around, Dickinson appeared; worked hard for | world was to reward their brave champion. you; pption yourinnocence, You thought him And the result? a noble man, and, when he esked you to marry him, you, in your gratitude, consented, Grafton was not forgiven, but was allowed ‘*He gavea plausible excuse for keeping the | to go without being arrested. He left New marriage secret, and you, foolishly consented, | York, and was believed to have gone to Chi- Several months passed, and he showed himself | cago, Union Dickinson dared not face his ac- a villain, He was brutal to an extreme, and, | cusers, but committed suicide, only abi! to having managed to put the proofs of the mar- | admit the legality of his marriage to Mrs. riege out of sight, denied that you were his | Ormsby, Ben and Tim were sent to prison, ife. Mrs. Ormshy proved generous, eee ‘ His brother, Ralph, became interested, was | acquired the Dickinson property. she gave ai often with you, encouraged you, and tried to. to all who had telped her. To Kris she gave a get the lost proofs. He also reasoned with | lift in business which makes his future look nion, but that cost him his life, Union drew | bright. All realized his great service to her in- & revolver on him, and, in the struggle that fol- | terests. lowed, it was evga Ni and gave Ralph a George is the pride of his mother’s heart. wound of which he di The Rollin family and old Jack were freed “You ceased to see Union, whom you now | from want. In the midst of their plenty they abhorred, but, a few months later, ac ild was | are proud to see Kris, and there f a strong rn. It was yoursand Union’s, probability that he and Tuna.may not be long: ‘* Now I reach my crime, separated, ‘*T was but little more more than a boy, but I | THE END,
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—— PBADLE'S*HALF-DIME*LIBRARY. back in a Tuna wad words, but ‘ > ‘Youre gy @L. CooMEs. obout yer foia Kit Bandy, Detective. lavat thenrdy, Devsetive; or, Sliver Star, ae a Knight, : ’ y in Vexar; or, The Young Mustangor. 208 ee t ay ,4 Catch; i The Boy Hereules. e2 Whar dy’s Right Bower; or, Baby Sam,the Boy Giant 44 Kitone cdy’a Swoeps or, Little Buckskin, tne Centaur, z b dly’s Blick Scheme; or, Old Tom Rattler, 1 OW lays Deliverance; or, Banner Bsn. é vat? T bev idy’s Pard; or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelance, 29h 0 they Rattledy or, The Intant Giant, TPL e + y in Red Ruin; or, The Young Whirlwind, 344 Jdle flo.ay’s Big Ruatle; or, Saddle King Sam. 04 captivi'4y % Brigade; or, Dan, the Meuntala Guide. yme On iw Jack Drew, Detective. ? Hand Dey; the Nemesis, or, le Kit, the Boy Demen, ‘tee * ew's Drep; cr, Littieo Hurricane, the Bey Captain, tairs. Trew in Deadwood; or, Prospect Pots. coo parlo Keen-Knifo. tide. 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Ber is Fob party the ouon 3798 - Ranger. r ie Be anger}; er 6 Heiress. ‘lm 66 Jusshet Reth, the f. ki ‘ | cing fy care Raul, me Bie Hunter ik elitary, the Hermit Trapper. r *Teom the Toxas Rave 4 doy Dilek; or, Trapper Tom's Castle + and for Waar, the Young Frairle Nomsed, a:Parsen Dedective; or o Little ' See 3 Dingwulsed Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, WAS \e.Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. floor rkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpsheoter. ney tle Foxfire, the Boy Spy; or, Old Caleb Arduckle. tied: fleman. i¢ Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger, hip-King Jee, the Bcy Ranehere. worercalers »r, Dick, the Fey Ranger. 7 Vebfeot Messe, the igen Detective. any bapa 7 Fred rah a ld Ryne fesite ‘amarac Tom, the Sig Trapper . i ttomow all Reb, the Bey Trovas. of Blundering Baall, the Hermit Bey Trapper. (é Den Barr, the Plaine Freelanes, ,© Norway Nels, the Big Bey Meountalnecr. & Highland Harry, the Wiserd Bifeman. KY T. O, HARBAUGH, £2 Nick o’ the Night; er, Thy Spy of "16. ‘tf The Hiddew Ledge; or The Little Munter, LT? Nighti le Nat} o Tae Forest Captains, RA Log aeok; or, The Outlaws of the Srogen Traf\, 32 Kit Marefeet, the Woed-Hawk; er, Old Powder-face, ¥ a4 §) t Jmekj er, The 2 Trapper. 96 Old Froaty, the vide; or, The White @eeen. SE Kiowa Charley the Waite Mestengar. 9 Judge Lymoh Jr.i or, The ante. ‘aS Geld ort; er, :89 Tornaie T Navajo eke tho Bey @old Menter. opine Be et; oz, Little Tophnet’s Creede. Pioeky i]; or, Resa, the Ket Jencbe!. Bill Brave; or, Tee Rengas of the Reekies. Captain Apoll.., we King-Pis of Bowls. The Beekskin I stoowty a or, The King of Rond-sgents, 9 Old Winch} er, The Suokerin Desporadocs. or, ‘he B coancgr’s Girl Foe. 396 Rough Reb; or, The !win Champions of Blue Blazes. 4 saBe01 OF, The Rose of Ranch Rebin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter; or, The Gold Gang of Now York. He HF ala pd nae Ratiler. ash, the New York Fex; or, The Myster~ of Reem 1, 145 The City Varepires; or, Red Relfe’s Piseon.” 461 One Agatuat Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, ane mee Hey shadew 3 or, Wells You's Hunt. e Excelsior Sporty; or, The Washin " 49 Sincle Sight, the One-Fvai Spor, erop- Spotter S02 Branded Ken, the Night ferret. Se 21 Dodrer ck’s Beat Dodge; or, The @etha Gang. H*@S Pox and Falcon, the Bower ahitwe: mt SS Gang S88 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret, 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, S58 Dodeer Dick's Desperate Cane. $65 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq; or, The Gang of Three, 678 The Two Shadows; or, Dodger Diek’s Stop Game. GSR2 Podger Dick’s Drop; or, The Man from Joraey, O94 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective, 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard, $26 The Champion Pards; or, The Lucifer of Silver Bar, 887 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective, 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. £58 KRilly Bantam, the Boy Beagle. G71 Jersey Jed, the Boy Huatler; or, Shadowing the Shadower. 685 Happy Hugh, tie Boy Musician Detective, To Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp. 15 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret. TER Daisy Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Gamo, 5 Billy Winks, the Bell Boy Detective, 54 Billy Winks, the Boss Boy Shadow, 768 Eagle Ned, the Boy on Guard; or, The Camp Spiders, 780 Tonkaway Tom, the Red Wizard. EY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 Ol Rocky « ** Boyees; or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker 246 Giant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. R27 Arizona Jack ¢ or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taon; or, Ginnt George’s Revenge, BOT The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo}; or, The Tarantula of Taos, oy Creeping Sa olf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the F 357 The Ranch Ratders: or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory, 861 Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger. 875 Chiota, the Creek or, The Three Thunderbolts. $81 Bandera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. 892 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch, 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 482 Ane Patsy fromt openvere i e ree Trallers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 4 Peer RNs Paes Lax of the pve © Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibola 4 Onache Carl, the Chico Giant. ‘ BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Sewery Girl, 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79 Bel Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 2ES Joe Kuck of Angels and His Buy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham. 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Feundling. 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince, 498 Taon Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Ceol Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective. 618 Ceol Colorade in New York; er, The Cowbey’s Fight, BY GEORGE 0, JENKS, 456 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demen Doctor; or, Deadhold, the Kid Detective, 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 598 Flute, the Singer Detective; or, Owney in a New Rele, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foil; or, Dan's Double Play, 616 The Ocean Detectives or, The Last Cruise ofthe Black Bear, 681 The Piteher Detective’s Toughest Tusale. 86 Larry the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every 79 lren Hand, the Charmed Detective “bY CHARLES MORRIS. 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 198 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 186 Pleayaue Pote ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Diek; or, The Hero in Rags, 148 Haudseme Harry, the Bootblack Detestive, 14T Will W dfire, the Thoroughbred. 158 Black Bees, Wi!) Wildfire’s Racer. 187 Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. 168 Will Wildfire t= the Woeda. 168 Billy B mare, vie Railroad Boy. 170 4 Tram ards or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses 174 Bob Reckett; or, Mysteries of New York. 1T9 Beb Ty aep the Bank Runner, 188 The Hidden tands or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 18T Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smaggiers. 189 Heb Reekett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockott’s Fight for Life, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. B18 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. Tem Tammer; er, The Biack Sheep of the Flesk, eseess ests = BY J0 PIEECK, SOT Keb o’ the Bowery ier The Prinee of Mulberry Street. 415 The Vagabond levecti Bowery Bob's Beem. ABA Hotspur Bo ius Bice Eay Delevan © sawyer’s Shadow; or Luke's Legacy. 478 Jauaty Joe, the Youn se ieee rt furly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 04 Five Potuts Phil, the Pavement Prince. BO9 Jook Jaggern, the Butcher Boy Detective, 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Pointe Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 688 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. 641 Jef Flicker, the Stable Boy Detective. BSL Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mysteny. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detestive. 5T7 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter. 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, ROR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling dacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer, 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a Silppery Set, 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Tlte-Racer 688 Maltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator 694 Rpicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. 706 Tom Thistle, the Rond-House Detective, 7 Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin, 726 Dennis Duff the Brown Sport's Kid. 744 Dick of the Docks, the Night- Watch, 765 Flipper Flynn, the Street Patrol. a 1 Fexy Fred’s Odd Pard; or, The Keener’s Huge"Huatle. S81 Cast-O1f Cale, the Scapegout Detective. - QV PITILIP 8. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattleanake, the Charmer. 175 Gapentn Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-LeatherJoe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duelist; cr, The Mountain Vempires. 888 A Tough Boy} or, The Dwart’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. 878 Little Jingo? or, the Queer Pard. 888 Little Oh-my + or, Causht in His Own Trap, yd pitete pees iy or, ane for a Ranch. 4 ¢ Leather-Brevches +t or, Old Jambo's " 481 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood, Curse rts Pelerade ‘ an, 4 Tale of the Tinea ree Jolly Parda; or, The Pets of Paddy's Plat, 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy; or, The Jolly Pard's Campaign. 527 The Jolly Pards to the Rescues or, The Jack of Heurts, 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down, BS6 Lariat Ll; ‘or, The Cast for a Life. 574 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs, 598 Keen Clem, the Ranch Trp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport, 618 Rilly Blazes; or, The Skeletons Legacy. os Chlahoms mi the Blye-Coat Seont. appy Harry’a Big Finds or, The Beantifal 664 Cheeky Charley the Special ” rv Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbore. BY JOSEPH L. BADGER, JR, ( 8 Vellowatone duck; or, The yg 4% Black John, the Road-Ayent; or, The Outlaw’s Retveat, & Maurricane BILL; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, ? Mustang Sam; or, The King of the Plains. 6 Night-thawk ity or, Ihe Daughter of the Raseh, Delnty Lamco the Boy Sport. 561 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Resews. 60 The Klack Glunt; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 68 Deadly Pash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trallera; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 206 The Bey Parda; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks, M11 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 816 Tho Harranca W elf; or, The Beautiful Dosey, B19 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ Leagne, 885 Wld Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide 855 The King of the Woods; er. Danie! Boone's Last Tralt, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Traller. 677 Chineapin Dan's Kecond Trail. 688 Chinenpin Dan's Home Atretch, 6BS Old Crazy, the Man Without a Hond. TO8 Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. TiS Light-lHeart Lute’s Last Trail. 738 Bifverblade, the Shoshone. 729 Allverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beagle th Por 789 Bilverbiade, the Hostile; or, The Berder Beng!e’s Tra! 748 Blilverblade te Friendly; or, The Berder Beagie’n Bey Vard BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Anam Reett, the Steamboat Boy; or, The Misslestppl Pivates, 190 Foatherwelght the Boy Champlon ef the Muskingum. BOE Orark Alf; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws, 889 The Typo Detective; er, Weare), the Boy Tramp, 995 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartaville. 811 The Reving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckalack Camp, £88 Neve, tho be ectlve; or, Kit Kenyen's Vendetta, 840 Olip the Contertioniet; or, The Montaun Vigilantes, BY JAOK FARRAGUT. as Ned, the Cabin Hey; or, The Wited of the Por, 630 The Sea Sorceress; or, ‘he Bey Shipper. BY .LIEUT. H. D. PERRY, U. &, B. 1T6 The Bey Ramaway; or, The Buecancer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Trailer: or, A Yow Well Kept. 198 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point, BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID, TA Blue Dtek; or, The Yellow Chief's Vengenace, BT The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil's Bind, St Nelpleas Mand; or, Backwoods Retibutlep. 1 SBS The Geld-scoker Guide} or, The Lest Moan RY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR UW, & A. 191 Bufale Billy, the Bey Bullwhasker. 194 Bufale Bills Ret: cr, The @embier Guide, BY CAPT. MARK WILTON, S84 Young Kentuok; or, The Rod Lew. @ Bitaward Bew; or, The Rict at Keane Camp. 6 Josh, the Bey Tendeorfeet. BY MAJOR KB. L. ST. VRABA 908 Sasche Podre Besdlt - @1 Leadville the Boy Bpert, te mrime Bote, doi Mic Lightaing Howe © Bob, ss a Lightning om boteone ker 4 the asian y of — Pera Pave, the Young Jnempion W 'e Ki it Chris, the Young Hard-Bhell valamehe Alf, the Poothiiie Guide, aguar dee, of the Meuntain Mail-ltme, BY BPWARD &. BELLIS. iil Biddem, Trapper. th Jomon; er @ Capilves of tue Frontlan, t Tedd; er, The Fate of the Bions Captive. yr Angel. h H ted Weweer he The pees > eevee: eo Kan unter; er, ageape (4 ae @ Maulf-Bleed; or, The Panther of the Plains 1 The Buge Bunter; or, The Steam Praisie Man, MILOBLLABBOUS AUTHORS, 4 Tho Wild-Merse Mun Capt. Mayne Reid and Frederick roared Lomas Me ston 9 Advemtures of Baren Muncha y 18 Gulliver’s Travels. By Deas Sw 14 Aladdim; or, The Wendorful Lamp. 16 Mebinsen Orusee. (91 [|)notratioas.) 18 Bindbad the Galler, His Seven Vo 20 The Sea Gerpont; ox, The Bey Rebiacen Ovunes. By Jose w 88 The Oeoan Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribeos, By 8S. W, Pierce. B6 Tho Boy Clewny; or, The Arona Queen. By £ 8, Finn. BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Toxns Jack. 61 The Boy Rives: or, The Under, 4 Camp. By PA. arg 96 ‘The Rival Rovers; or, The Preabaciers ofthe M By Lieut.-Col. Haseltine, 98 Hobtin Hoed, the Ustiawed Kar); or, The Merry Men of Green wood. By Prof. Gilderaleeve. 105 Old Rabe, the Hunter; er, The Crew Captive. By Captate Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Humter; or, ) heCave of Death. By Burton Bam. 124 Tippy, the Texan} or, The Young Champion. By George jeveon. 128 The Young Privateers or, The Pirate's St-enghold, By Harry Cavendish, 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendiess Bey, By J. Alexander Patten. @27 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The @reem Ranger ef the Yol- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New Y irk Boy. By @, L, Alben. 266 Killb’ar. the Guides or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail, By Enalgn C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trappor; or, The Maid of the Clift, By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lieu- tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The &ky Detectives or, A Boy's Fight for Life and Hones, By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother’s Re venge. By Ned Buntline. . 865 Baltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective, By A. P, Morris, 874 Gold-Dnat Tom: or, Ben's Double Mateb. B @ H. Morse, 876 Caltfornin Joe's First Trail, By Colone) Thomas Hoyer Monastery, 418 Billy Bombahell, the CliffClimbor. By B.S. Winthrop, 475 The Black Ship. By John 8 Warner, 484 Comanche Dick aud Hin Three Invinelbles, By Honry J. Thomaa. B82 The Cowboy Puke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest, G52 Artel the Athlete. By David Druid, BRS Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By 11. Enton. G82 The Dead Petective’s Double, By Gerald Carlton, 721 Maverick Mose, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wisasd of Orkos Pass. By Wl) Lisenbee. 809 Don Danton, the Gent from Denver, By King Keene, of the U.S, Seeret Service Corps, A New iasue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for aale by all newsdealers, five eonts por oopy, or sent by mail on receipt of aix conts cach, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, Now York up 3 een : es . tJ ~~ <=
Page 16
BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Dellance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Dinguise; or, Buffel, Ben. 85 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. 42 Dendwood 49 Dendwood 57 Deadwood 78 Deadwood : TZ Deadwood 100 Deadwood 104 Deadwood 109 Deadwood 129 Deadwood 188 Deadwood 149 Deadwood 156 Deadwood 195 Dendwood 201 Deadwood 205 Deadwood 217 Deadwood RVtL Deadwood 282 Gold-Duat 268 Deadwood B68 Deadwood 809 Deadwood B21 Deadwood 847 Deadwood 851 Deadwood $62 Dendwood 405 Dendwood 410 Deadwood 421 Deadwood P 480 Deadwood t 445 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 458 Dendwood 459 Deadwood 465 Deadwood ATL Deadwood j 476 Deadwood wood 491 Deadwood 496 Deadwood 600 Deadwooa 608 Dendwood 515 Deadwood 622 Dendwood 529 Deadwood 544 Deadwood 539 Peadwood 544 Deadwood 649 Dealwooa 554 Deadwood 561 Deadwood 567 Deadwood 572 Deadwood 578 Deadwood e? 6584 Deadwood 590 Deadwood 595 Deadwood 600 Deadwood > oe 606 Deadwood D | 612 Deadwood 618 Deadw : 624 Deadwood 680 Deadwood y 686 Deadwood 642 Deadwood F 648 Deadwood 654 Deadwood 660 Dead wood 5 666 Dendwood } 672 Dendwood 678 Deadwood ‘ 684 Deadwooa D 04 Deadwood 10 Deadwood 716 Deadwoo 722 Deadwoo eFeIed & x - - e = = = 2 S = 40 Deadwood $55 Deadwoo 52 Deadwood T5S Deadwood 64 Dendwood 70 Deadwood 82 Deadwood ST Deadwoo 92 Deadwood h +f Deadwood 02 Deadwood 6 Deadw aan Dendwood 834 Deadwood 8409 Dendwood 845 Deadwood 852 Deadwood 6 8 TOS 724 %8 Tat 70% ane & a Old The Boy Vesoxr _ 886 Shar BD d Dick, 76 Dendwood D d Dick, J \ 807 Deadwood Dick, 12 Deadwood Dick, Dick, 8 Deadwood Di Dick’s Bonanzay o , The Phantom Miner, Dick in Dangers or, Omana OL. Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bay. Dick on Decks or, Calamity ¢ ‘ne, the Heroine Dick’s Last Acts or, Cordurvy Cuarlie. Dick tn Leadville Dick’s Device; or, Dick as Detective. Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. Dick’s Home axe; or, Blonde Bill. Dick’s Big Strikes or, A Game of Gold. Diek of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Rond, Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel, Dick’s Doom: or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. Dick’s Dead Deal. Dick’s Death-llant. Dick. A Ronimnce of Rough: and Tougha, Dick’a Divide ¢ or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. Dick’s Death Trall. Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats Diek’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. Diek Sentenced; or, ‘the Terrible Vendetta. Dick’s Claim, Dick in Dead City. Dick’s Dinmonda, Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Care.” Dick’s Duats or, The Chained Hand. Pick, dv or, The Crinson Crescent Sign, Dick, Jr.'s, Defiance. IMck, Jr.’a Full Wand, — Dick, Jr.'s, Big Round-Up. Dick, Jr’, Racket at Claim 10, Dick, Jr.’*, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill, Dick, dr.’*) Doge Detective. Dick, dr., in Dendw ood, Dick, Jr.’ Compnet, Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, Dick, Jr.’a, Hf ngs. Dick, Jr.’a, Deliverance, Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. Dick, Jr.’s, Three. Dick, Jr.'s, Danger Ducka. Dick, Jr.’*, Death Hunt. Jr., in Texaa, dr., the Wild West Vidoog Jr., on Hila Mettle. Jr., in Gotham, r., In Boston, Jr., in Philadeiphia, Jr., in Chicago. Jr., Afloat. Jr., In Denver. Jdr.«, Decree, ‘ Jr., In Beelzebub’s Basin, Jr., at Coney Island, Jr.'s, Leadville Lay. dr., in Detroit. Jr.y in Oincinnatl, dr., in Nevada... Jr., in No Maun’s Land, Jr., After the Queer. re, In Buffalo, ra, Chase Acresvane Continent Jr., Among the Smugglers, Ke, Ira, Inaurance © Jr., Back in the | cn, Mey {n Durango or, * Gathered In.” Jr.'s, Discovery; or, Found 4 Fortune, dra, Dazzle. Jr.'s. Dollars, Jr., at Danger Divide, Dick, Jr.’a, Drop. ' Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. " i Dick dr. in San_Franclsco, e Diek, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. " *)he Double Cross Sign. Dick, Dick, Dick, Dick, Dick, CK, Mp Detent, Dick "ny Defeat. ick, Jr.'s, Resurrection, Dick, Jr.’ art Days. ry Defied, Dick, Jr.'s, Double Device. Dick, Jv’.«, Desperate Venture, Dick, Jrs, Diamon fee. vs, Royal Flush, We"Hy cad-off, Dik, ect) Woom. ck, dr.’s, Scoop. Dick, Jr.’a, Proxy. Vick, Jr.'s, Clutch, Dick, Jr.'s, Uigh Worse, Dick Jr, at Devil's Gulch. y BY WM. G, PATTEN, 829 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport: or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown: fe tain Mystery ; or, Five in One, ombshell, the Ranger Detective. Iron Fern Tramp Detectives or, The Dondie Grip Witness Dismal Dave's Db 1 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective Wild Vulcans, the Love-Range Rider, Old Misery the Man from Missonri, 4 Clear-Grit Cal, the Never-Sav-Die Detective, 89 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 806 Cowboy Steve the 820 Nobby Nat, th per Stoke’sa Double Deal. BY COL, A. F. WOLT, Lf 817 Teethers: the Train-hey Nght Warry’a Flyer; or. Duke Derby. 678 Weadlicht Narry’s Wazard, | 4 Weadiieht Warry’a aut; or, The Railroad Pards, Headlight Warry’s Stren; or, Mad 09 Penditens Harry’s e the Mun of Fire: or, Among the Valtures. andy Pardys or, The Clue to Capt. Claw Ranch Mascot. e Tenderfoot Detective, tentive, Madge. has - obtener. $ f Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Kosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idyl, the Girl Miner, 88 Rosebud Rob’«s Reappearance; or, Photograph Pbil. 321 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 3 or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or. The Road Queen. BES B72 Y BSS Y¥ BY ¥ 804 Y 209 F 218 hr s 145 0 161 N reka dim, the Gold-Gioy heres; or, The reka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. reka Jdm’s res or, The Rivals of Red Nose, reka Jdim’s New Role; or, bicycle ben. reka Jim of Yuba Dam, 4 vltz, the Buund-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, ritz te the Prout; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter lerra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister's Devotfon, Slerra Sams Seeret; or, The Bloody Footprints, Slerra Savcds Pard; or, i 4 Sierra Saim’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride, Kangaroy Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, lhe Pride of Played-Out. he Angel of Big Vista. enth-Mace, Detective; or, Life in New York. 69 The Boy Detective; or, Gold Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 6 W atch-Eye, the Detective; or, Ar. bs and Acgels, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective aptain Ferret, the New York Detective, Yew York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ¢ or, Snoozer, thu BowSharp, 291 T urk the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Mickey & Co,, the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400. Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 1 igh Hat Marry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsidea, the Beggar-Doy Detective, 454 J 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, $2 BR im Benak and Pal, Private Detectives. ob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 45 Old Avalanche: or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 68 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phevix. 61 B uckhorn Billy or. The Red Ritle Team 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Old Anaconda In Sitting Bull’s Camp. 185 3 ack Hoyle the Young Speculator, 3 B B IAl Be 177 N 181 Wild 286 A 240 © 278 J R299 A 808" onanza Will, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger, ose Sob the King of Bootblatks, plid Sam, the Boy Rond-Agent; ov, The Branded Browa, oboe N lek etsy ndny or, The Sierras Scampe. rank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love. polle Bill, the Trai! Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate, yelone Kit, the Young Gladiator, or, The Locked Valley bo Joes the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, o, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. Iza Jane, the Girl Miner; or. the Tron-Nerved Sport. 0 tle GulskeBRoty or, The Dead Face of Daggersyille. rN Irst-Olase Fred, the Gent from Gopher, abob Ned or, The Secret of Slab City. Cool Kit, the Kirg of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 8 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 6 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkier; or The Tribunal of Ten, BY J, ©. COWDRIOK, Broadway Billy Novels. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal, 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand; or, The Gamin Detective, 85 5 Business, rondway Billy’s 88 Broadway Billy’« Curious Case, 58 E rondway Billy tn Denver, the Retriever Detective, rondway Billy's ean The Three Detectives, " rondway Billy, ' ucer Bequest, y fi } 805. nal Scoop, fr 810 mat. 815’ Bro N ket. $21 Brondway $26 B nity n 888 Broadway Billy’« Rald,. 889 1 #49 B B6O M1 Broadway Billy's roadway B rondway Billy’« Big Boom, dway Billys #100080 6 roadwa ** na ama) A the Man ol Meeiary or, Tie Golden Keys. aan Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead. > The Delective’sa Apprentice; or, A Boy Without n Name, Cibuta Jonny or, od-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 9 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 506 R 524 T 648 Mart, the Night Expresa Detective. 571 Alr-Line Luke the Young Enctneer; or, The Double Case ediight Ralph. the Prince of the Road, he Engineer Detective; or, 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Marry the Chief of Chained Cvyelone. 640 B 647 7 659 areback Reth, the Centaur of the Circle. pewrlter Tilly, the Merehnant’s Ward, oonlight Morgan, the ' Plzenest’’ Man of Ante Bas, RY LIEVT. A. K. SIMA, BSP Tom-Cat and Pords or. The Dend Sot at Silver City R22 Dom-Cat’a Triod: or, The Affein at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat's Terrible Tnak: or, The Cowhoy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’« Trium 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparre! Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike he or. Bleck Don's Great Combine 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rurtiing for Milliona. Swe T he Flilver Sport; or. Josh Pepper mint’s Jubilee. 588 Saffron Sol, tle Man With a Shadow 601 Wanpy Wana, the Dutch Vidocd: or, Hot Times at Round-Up Rarnacle, the Detective Hercules. ot Rilda G48 Cowhoy Gid, the Cattle-Range Letective. 57 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeoreminhs the Plains Detective. , 676 SI 6A9 Rilly, the 99 Atrapl mnal Sam, the Lookout Scont. yay Spy? or, The Mystery of Two Lives, ron e Sim, the cho Buster; or, For Big Stakes. i The Meamertat Sport: or, The Myastifled Detective, 8 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, ansas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 61 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective. v ths i ie 18 an Lone Tan Ken 882 The ansas King}; or, Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Pratrie. The Phanton, Bisows Scout; or, The Banded Br e F 188 Faney Waka Wega 8 The Rustler of Rolling ®tone. Joe, the Committee of One, Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck, octor Detective In Texaa. Y BUFFALO BILL (lon. Wm. F. Cody) The Red Right Hand, ¥ Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. rank of Colorado} or, The Tranper’s Life Lottery, ing aStrange Case Redlight Ralph's Resolve otherhood BEADLE’S«H ALF-DIME* IE Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Fi SAAMI AANMeISTN « ia) BY 858 Dick S47 Dick Dick Dick Dick AMIS LE Ferien Pawn Pawns Pawne Pawn Redfe Redte) Redfe) Redfes Rei R Red R Red kh Butter Hutter Butter Butter! Kent k Kent Kent hk Kent K Lafitte Lafitte’ TF afitte’ Bucksk The Ba The Bu i= =» FRwBRSusees MINIS poe 4 Wizard 74 Wizard 88 Wizard 429 Dunc 488 Dunc 4867 Duncan Duncan odor, t 7 Isxodor’s 412 Taodor’s 216 eo ri 222 Bison Fi 04 Trend Sh Dead She : dad She 0 Pony Expres 25 Marlo, th, $1 Ruth Red R6 Orlando, t 17 Ralph, t « 02 The Vaga) 9? The Texa) 91 Delmonte, 80 The Outes 95 Arizona Jc 487 Nevada Ne 468 Neptune 462 The Sallo 446 Waphazard BOR The Red ¢ B87 pA al age Vv BIZ Ronodel, th RT Billy Blue- 7 Lone Star, ( xz ePVATASAa9 mnis Ralph Roy, The Flying LATES' 856 The Rootblr By 7. G, Cowdr! 857 Reotter Vol Rack. Py Wm. 858 Deadweed Deon of Saton's 859 New Verk ¥ the Bow Police T R60 The Foent-Ch Ry Jo Pieree. 861 Billy Brine, Schooner. By @ 862 Broadway B York Speelul 868 Dendwood IM heard’s Girl Cat's. 864 The Union terbox, the Pavem 865 New Vork Ni Ingraham, 866 Rpotter Bob’s« from Mexico, By A New The Half-Dime L ents por copy, or sent by BEADL