Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 871) (1894 04 03)
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PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. > r f q \ See ae ee eae 7 ‘3 ] ae = pa A Ne oak US es _ _ WE te a OR B The Unknown Ferret's Arizona Ally. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, CHAPTER I. moc from bag streamed a br ight, for the blinds were NEW YORK NAT TO THE RESCUE. / not closed, and what went on witb- YOUTH stood on the curb of a| in was visible from without, fashionable New York street, What the young man beheld gazing with considerable interest up | seemed to rivet bis attention won-
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interest. room Visible. But the youth still lingered, his eyes fastened as before upon the now darkened window. From his position the light of a street lamp fell full) upon him, revealing a face that was a study. It was a handsome face, young in years, yet old in experience,‘ene to observe in any crowd, one to regard with admiration and re- spect, Hie was well dressed, not differently from other youths about town, and yet he had a stamp peculiarly his own. As he stood there regarding the house the door opened and a man came hastily out, The youth followed him down the street toa cab-stand at Tairty-third street and Broadway, and saw him speak to a cabman, spring in and drive away. At once the youth sprung into another cab and said to the driver: ‘* Keep that cab in sight.” The first one stopped at the very house the youth had been watching, and the shadower drove slowly, turned and repassed just as the one between them, and who staggered as though very much under the influence of liquor. *“A bad case of drunk, cabman; but, we must take him home. Drive to the Wall Street Ferry,” ordered one of the men. The cab rolled away and the other followed. At the ferry the three men got out, the worse condition than when he left the house. Pe. The cabman was dismissed with a fee that ot. _ pleased him, one of the men remarking: toalmost drig him along. It was just growing light with the ap- proach of day, and the men dragged their al- end of a pier, but they failed to see that the “other cab had been dismissed and that its occupant Was now shadowing them on foot, dodging from place to place to prevent being seen, derfully, for he stood like a statue, his eyes fixed, his whole face indicative of strongest ie? a Suddenly the blinds were closed with a bang and no longer was the interior of the New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. | ““What has happened?” ssked the man in : picturesque gathering, looking for all the a low tone, speaking with an effort. where you will be well cared for,” there, for they will kill me! ** And, tell me, did I fall over the pier, or was I thrown over?” the man asked eagerly, passing his hand across his face in a way that showed he found it hard to recall what had happened, “ You were thrown over,’’ was the cool re- ply of the youth. | ‘My God! They tried to murder me, and you have saved my life! Who are you, boy?” ‘* My chums call me New York Nat,” was | the quict reply. CHAPTER II. THE BOY POLICE LEAGUE. In a certain part of New York City, not far from the shores of the Hudson, surround- ed by houses and the bustle of business, stands an old mansion that dates back a hun- dred years, and behind it is a burying ground many long years.and left to go to decay until the City Fathers decide what is to be done three men came out, two of them supporting | with this Village of the Dead in the city of | sessed a handsome, youthful form, but the living. The old house is walled in, its grounds overgrown with rank undergrowth and weeds, its halls desetted, its gates padlocked and even in their practical days the neigh- bors living near look with awe upon the once grand mansion and assert that it is haunted. They tell of its past history, of murders one who was intoxicated in a seemingly | committed there, and of dark deeds done | rets referring to her as ‘‘ our Mascot,” *‘ our under its roof, while its former owner was a miser, hiding away his riches there to have them in the end cost him his life, and the ‘Come, brace up, old man, for we'll walk | old place was left for the coming of the heir we are waiting the coming of our captain, you about to sober you up,” and they began | some day, when it would bring her a fortune, | for he will have for the heir was said to be a young girl. That any one would dare invade the gloomy grounds and the old mansion few ve most unconscious companion out upon. the | would believe, and all shunned the adjoining | silence, said: cemetery: as well; but had there been any one on the watch, the night following the rescue by the youth, who called himself New York Nat, of the victim of some one’s hate or greed, they would have seen in the ‘* You fell overboard from the pier, and I pulled you out, and now I am taking you to “Take me to—no! no! do not take me deserted by those whose dead lie there for | At the end of the dock they halted, and as | darkness and rain, forms gliding toward the they did so the young shadower slipped into | old mansion, scaling its surrounding high the water and swam toward the end where | wall, and disappearing in the gloom of the the others stood. dense foliage. He was under the pier, so was not seen by them, and he heard the words; ‘ upon the leaves, the night was intenscly : = Let him go; he fell over himself, you | dark, here and there a sickly glare came now, And over the edge of the pier rolled the | hood, and no sound was heard save the almost unconscious man, falling with a heavy | rumble of wheels inthe busier part of the splash into the river, while on the pier over | city, or the whistle of some boat upon the the head of the bold swimmer beneath, was | river, for the hour was nearing midnight. |The rain was falling with steady patter. from a street-lamp, or house in the neighbor-. heard the sound of rapid footsteps hurrying away from the scene of a tragedy. ‘The youth made no outery of ‘‘ man over- board,” gave no call for help, but hardly had the form sunk beneath the waters when he grasped it in his strong arms, and at once These forms, enveloped in storm-coats, crept through the grounds, as though , familiar with them, and soon formed a group under the roof of a small piazza in the rear, one end of which shelter¢d a basement door, There were half a score in the group, and | ing along the highway be had asked them — swam toward another pier, where, in the | they stood as silent as the spooks with which early light, he saw some men getting a ves-| the superstitious said the mansion was _-scl under way. peopled. ) * He swam welland strong, with his heavy | _ Suddenly there appeared in their midst a burden, reached the dock and called to the | slender form, also closely muffled, and halfa men to lower a ¥ope, saying that his friend | dozen voices whispered: had lost his footing on the other pier and “Tt’s the Queen,” fallen into the river. ; Help was at hand, and the unconscious |; New York Nat, your captain, was detained, man and his young rescuer were drawn safe- | but will soon be here.” ly upon the pier. Then a man ran to the The voice was low and sweet, and at her ferry fora hack, the youth saying that he | words the group raised theirdripping hats in would take his friend home, The cold water had revived the man great- ly, though he still seemed dazed. The men | door the last comer threw it open, entered, polite salute. set it down as a case of drunk and went on | struck a match and lighted a lantern found there, its rays falling upon the group and board their vessel, which at once swung off ; . . causing them to present a strange and. fromthe pier, *“Yes, boys, and I will let you in, for - Thrusting a heavy key into the basement'| {withacheer: — world like a band of spooks. | Through the basement, up to the floor above the leader went with the lantern carry- ing fantastic shadows of the band that fol- lowed, and so on up to a centrally located room in the attic. , The old house had been left furnished, but time had played sad havoe with the fur- ' niture, the heavy curtains, and, in fact, upon all. ! But there were seats enough for the band, | placed in a semicircle around a table, before ‘which were two old-fashioned chairs. | A lamp on the table was lighted, and its | rays revealed those who had assembled there | in that old mansion, They were youths, ranging from twelve years of age up to twenty, and all sizes and conditions, too, as their appearance indicated, They threw off their outer wraps that | Were dripping wet, and their costumes were varied, for there was one in the dress of a | messenger-boy, nnother as a call-bey in a hotel, a third in sailor garb, a youth looked like a well-to-do clerk, a fifth was a boot- | black, and had his box with him, while a | sixth carried a roll of papers as a newsboy. And so they went on through the various Ay. | walks of life that youths are engaged in, ) ae | The one spoken of as ‘‘the Queen” pos- Rae | what her face might be was not revealed, h. | for she was masked. i She wore a slouch hat, underneath which ‘a was visible a wealth of waving hair, but the ee mask revealed every feature of her face, and = had gained for:her the name of the ‘‘ Masked ia Mascot of the Boy Police League,” those f\, | who formed this secret band of young fer- ne Queen,” ‘‘ our Good Luck Genius,” ete. ‘‘Tads, I will call the meeting to order, ‘and youcan make your reports to me, while something important to say te to you when he arrives,” said the ‘‘ Queen,” ih | and she rapped on the table, with a small mallet, and as the bend took their seats in Sees “The council of the Boy Police Leagueis =} now open for business. fe) “Have you any report to make, Keno?” and she addressed the youth at the right of | the line. pe | ‘« Rising, he answered: : ‘‘T wish to report, Queen, that I’m on the ‘track of some counterfeiters, but can make no reliable statement yet.” . et ‘And you, Chub?” and having written || down in a book what Keno had said, the | young Queen turned to the next in the line. : Chub rose and made his report, which was ' in effect that he had seen two men kidnapa | child, a little girl, in the Park, take her ina ~*~ | carriage and drive away. N58 He had follewed, jumped on behind and the carriage had driven out in the country to a farm-house on the East river, and slipping — off from his perch he had seen it go upto — the house, and soon after return, when walk- — for a ride and they had given him a lift, so _ he had seen their faces well, and took note of — where they stopped in the city, so was wait-. — ing tosee something in the papers aboutthe | missing child. . era 5 “You have dane well, Chub; but, here, comes the captain,” and as the Maske ueen spoke the door opened and in stepped the captain of the Secret Ferrets, A long slicker was thrown off and it revealed the youth who had so bravely gone the night before to the rescue of a drowning — man. Fe ahs ena a Ve OHAPTER TGs iyi" 4a “NEW YORK NAT’S'ALLIES. | _ Tue arrival of | ew York Nat was greeted with a salute from all, and he returned it ‘ +> J Ox ree i RPL Theo t.4
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) io a men, ~ eae ug ie ea Ta “Glad to see you, boys.” Then he walked over and took the other seat at the table by the Masked Mascot, and said: ** Are the reports in, Queen?” **Only two of them,” “Well, we will get rid of them first, for there may be something of importance.” ‘*The two who reported, Keno and Chub, have both made important reports, Nat,” and they were read. **You will look over the papers, Queen, for some notice of the kidnapped child, for it will be there beyond doubt, and you, Keno, stop all else and devote yourself to those counterfeiters.” ‘I’m willing, cap’n; but it seems hard that the police are arter us same as though we was all crooks, and we has to dodge ’em all ther time,” said Keno. ‘Yes, | wish we didn’t have to hide our- selves, for we could do better work at ferret- ing,” another remarked. ** See here, boys, and understand our posi- tion once for all,” somewhat sternly said the young captain. ** You all well know that our band was formed that we might give up the lives that some of us lived and turn over a new leaf, ‘* We had lived in a way that made us all acquainted thoroughly with the crooks of New York and their crooked ways. ‘We banded together to earn some claim upon the authorities to acknowledge our good work and to make a living for ourselves by getting rewards. ‘Our Secret League has prospered, and. in spite of our being shadowed by the police we have time and again rendered most valu- able services, and have stored up for our- selves a very handsome sum of money in rewards, *“ You know we would be laughed at if we revealed ourselves and asked to be given positions’on the regular Secret Service force. ** We would not be trusted, but regarded as a lot of wild, crazy boys, driven into our secret work from a desire to be known as detectives. ¥, -. “Now, the chief of Secret Service himself has no suspicion of who it is that gives him the valuable information I have been able to . send in through your good work. “He is trying his best to find out who his unknown secret ally is, but in vain; but he recognizes that we have caught crooks for "him, that we have hunted down criminals, have prevented crimes being committed by the information I secretly send him, ‘*When we have made a name for our- selves that he is compelled to acknowledge, when we have heaped up thousands of dollars to our account in his hands, have shown that we are not a crazy lot of ro- mantic boys, but earnest workers, silent as _ clams, untiring and true on a scent as blood- ~. hounds, he will not be able to set our claim aside, and my word for it that New York will yet have our band of Secret, Boy Police in its service as well as men and wo- «Be patient, avoid the real police, do not get into any trouble, come to our weekly meetings here, where no one else dare come, and all will yet come right, mark my words.” ; ead A murmur of gratified assent ran through | __» the crowd of youths, at this manly statement ot their young captain at their poet, hunted, yet themselves shadowers of crooks, and New York Nat, dismissing the subject i called out: Blow!” _ “at “Tl have a report for next week.” . And so the young chief went through the i s } eee aa A t % ; \ call “Teaser!” “Flip!” ‘* Fatty!” ** Parson!” “ Freckles!” ee Bis The lust one named had a report to make. ‘lm on to a graveyard robbing by medical students, captain, and Ill notify you to-morrow when I know the time set for the body-snatchers to go to work,” ** All right, Doc,” and Queen had written down what each had to say, and the captain continued: ‘* Now, boys, I have a report to make, and I think you will find that I have done well.” All was at once deepest attention to hear the captain’s report, which they felt must be of considerable importance as they had been called together that night for a special meeting, called from their various posts of duty in all parts of the city, and no **special” was ordered unless there was something to communicate and decide upon beyond the average, and what that was they were now to learn. ——y CHAPTER IY. THE PLOT TO KILL, **Boys, I’ve got a strange story to tell you,” said New York Nat, and secing that the band was all attention, he continued: ‘*T was coming to my den here to go to bed, and pretty tired I was, when I happen- ed to overhear the remarks of two men who passed me, while I was waiting for a car, ‘One said that a man, who, it seems, they had never expected to hear of again, had suddenly turned up, and the other re- marked that he must be turned down, *«« You are right; he is at home; so come with me and the thing must be done or we are ruined,’ “That was all I heard ‘«The two men had evidently just met, and they walked off rapidly together. ’ **T decided to follow, did so, saw them enter a fine residence, and I took up my stand opposite, for the window-shades on the parlor floor were not closed. ‘“*T saw the men enter the room, for there was a bright light there, and the only light visible in the house, ‘“A man arose from a lounge and met them, and a quarrel followed, judging from mee actions, for I could not hear what was said. ‘*The streets were deserted, not a police- man was to be seen, and the men did not seem to know that the blinds were not closed or curtains drawn, : **Tsaw the two men take hold of the one that bad been in the house, there was a struggle, then they released him, and it seemed that they became friendly, for one went to the rear of the house and returned with a champagne bottle and glasses, “ They drank together and stood talking, when one reeled and fell, ‘Tt was the man who had been in the house when the others entered it. ‘‘T saw the two then talk hurriedly togeth- er, the blind was suddenly drawn and one /man came out of the house in haste, went toa cab-stand, got into a cab and returned to the house. ‘TI followed him, got a cab, shadowed the other vehicle and saw the two men come out of the house almost dragging the other be- tween them. ‘ cs ‘* They entered and drove rapidly away, stop ing at the Wall Street Ferry. “T had followed, heard one of the men tell the cabman that it was a bad case of drink, and when left alone with the man they had | to hold up, they went to the end of a pier New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. ‘7 knew they meant to doaway with him, so I slipped into the water, swam under the pier, heard their words, and overboard he came, while they ran away. ‘Well, you know I am a water-dog, so I caught the drowning man, swam to another pier with him, called to a crew of a ship that was about moving out and the man was saved, **T told them he was drunk, had fallen off the pier and I would take him home, so a carriage was Called and off we started. ‘* The ducking had revived the man and he soon came to, so I told him just what I had heard and seen, and that I had wished the men to believe that he was dead. ‘“* Then I heard his story, ‘** lis father had married a second time, 2 widow with one son the being the son by his first wife. ‘“The widow and her son had influenced the father against his own child and got him into a scrape that caused him to be sent from home. ‘ ‘‘The father died a year ago, but before dying had learned that his own son was not guilty, and made his will in his favor, ex- cept the third his wife could claim, and or- ders were given to look for the exiled young man, **In case he did not return the widow was to get all, and her son and a friend of his plotted so that nothing was done to find the missing heir. \ ** The widow died, and as the lawyer was bribed, the whole property went to the step- son ‘* Tt was this step-son and his friend that I had seen, . ‘“The real son had returned that very after- noon, been well received by his step-father, who then went out to look up his friend. ‘The result was that they told him he bad no right there, a quarrel followed, the then laughed it off and made offers of friend- ship over a bottle of wine, ‘The wine was drugged, the heir soon felt its effects and, ina stupor, unable to help himself, he: was taken to the dock and thrown into the river. ‘ ‘‘The two murderers, for such they meant to be, returned to their home and they now believe that the heir is at the bottom of the river. ‘* But, I saved him and took him to the cottage where Queen lives. Mrs, Herbert took the best of care of him, and he is all right now. ‘**T told him that I, and my comrades, were a secret league to run down crooks and pre- vent crime, and that the secret must not be known, save that he should go to the chief of the Secret Service, report what had bap-— pened, and that he owed his life to the one who always gave warnings and reports un-~ der the name of ‘ The Unknown Ally." ‘Tle is to go to-morrow, and will not be- tray who and what we are, while he says that he has returned in comfortable circum- stances, and that he will give to the Boy Police League five thousand dollars, in token of his gratitude, and this he will place in m hands to morrow, so you see our treasury is_ full and we are in great, luck. “That is the story I wished to tell you, boys,” and the chief smiled as though he felt that he had done a good deed, . CHAPTER V. THE EXILED HEIR. Tire chief of the Secret Service Bureau of the great City of New York, sat alone in the peas office of his Headquarters, the morn. ng after the meeting of the Secret League of | the Boy Police in the Haunted House, when a card came in to him upon which was written: “THE UNKNOWN ALLY.” He sprung to’ his feet in a manner not usual to him, for seldom was it that he al bi As) B
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lowed anything to disturb the even tenor of iin various ways, and took me into his em- his ways. ploy at forty dollars a month. He was a man in authority, a man of force, ‘‘It seems I had saved him from being will and pluck and showed it in every feu- | robbed of a very large sum of money, by my ture of his face. resistance of the outlaw robbers. The card, however, startled him, and he “*T remained with my good friend until his said to the attendant: death, over a year ago, for he came East for ‘*Show him in in just five minutes.” his health, and when he died he left me his The attendant departed and, pacing up | heir, for he was unmarried. and down, the chief mused: ‘*T learned, also, that he had called upon ‘* At last this mystery is to be solvee, this | my father, had told him my story of the mystery of the Unknown Ally, ' robbery of his home, and believing that I “In vain have I tried to fathom it, my | was innocent my father forgave me and left best detectives could get no clue, and now | his will in my favor. of his own free will the Unknown Ferret, | ‘‘This much I learned through the papers who has so nobly, yet secretly served me, ; of my benefactor, and I concluded that I comes at last to tear off his mask. would return home, ‘Well, I have much to thank him for in- ‘*T arrived, as I said, several days ago, deed, and there is a large bank account here | went to the house and found there my step- in his favor. brother in full control. ‘IT have a great desire to see this most ‘‘He had been the one to rob my father, mysterious Unknown.” and he told me that he was the heir, but So saying the chief assumed his natural | went out to find, as he said, his lawyer to ex- air of calm and dropped into his seat, just as | plain all. the attendant opened the door and admitted ‘* He lived alone in the large house, except- a visitor. ing the servants, and when he returned he The chief's eyes took in his visitor at a | brought his friend with him, and I was told glance, ; by both that I was not the heir. “A quarrel followed and they attacked me; but finding me their master, they laugh- ed it off, and I was willing to take a glass of wine with them, as they said they were only deceiving me for sport. ‘That wine was drugged.” Then followed the story of the attempted murder by the two men, and the belief that they had been successful, with the rescue by the Unknown Ally of the Secret Service Chief, all of which was most attentively list- ened to by the officer, who had not uttered a word while his visitor was talking. CHAPTER VI. BROUGHT TO TERMS. WHEN the young man had told the whole story of the attempt on his life, its discovery by the chief’s Unknown Ally, and his rescue by the same mysterious personage, the officer sat in silent meditation for fulla minute and then suddenly asked; roy ‘* Who did you say your rescuer was?” “I did not say, sir.” ** But you know him?” ‘‘Only as my rescuer.” ‘*You do not care to give me any particu- lars regarding him?” ‘*T am pledged not to do so, sir.” ‘* Nor to describe him to me?” **T cannot.” ‘‘ Why does he maintain such a mysterious secrecy in his movements, Mr. Vanderlip?” ‘‘He has reasons, sir, which he did not make known to me.” ‘* Well, I shall not quarrel with you, as you are under a pledge of secrecy, nor will I cavil at his actions, for he has been most useful to me in many ways, only it is annoying to be in the dark as I am, regard- ing one who is serving me so well.” ‘“« Yes, and others, for what do I not owe to him,” earnestly said Walter Vanderlip. ‘‘Your life, sir, and that means every- thing. ‘* But now to this step-brother of yours?” yea, sir,’ ‘He believes you dead ?” "Ob, yes.” ‘* Write his name and address here?” The Arizonian took the pad and pencil and did as requested. : ‘“‘Now the name of his accomplice, the lawyer.” ' This was also given. ‘‘What is your desire in the matter, Mr. Vanderlip?” ‘‘Chief, I would like to have you ac- company me at night to his home, having both of the men there together, and I remain in He saw a man of twenty-five, well formed, with a handsome face and we!l dressed. He had the unmistakable air of a gentle- man, and bowing courteously, took the seat to which the chief motioned him. ‘* Well, sir, Iam glad indeed to meet you at last, though I have not the honor of ii my Unknown Ally’s name?” said the chief, ‘* My name, sir, is Walter Vanderlip, and oe a me to say that Iam not your Unknown ose In spite of himself a look of disappointment swept over the face of the chief. ‘““ Your card, sir, bore the name.” ‘Pardon me; it bore the words ‘ Unknown Ally’ but no name.” ‘Why, may I ask, did you send in such a card?” ““At the request of your Unknown Ally. In fact, he wrote it himself, and believed that it would give me immediate audience with you.” ‘It certainly would, sir, for I owe much to this person who thus si gns himself. ** You know him, then?’ «1 do,. 8x,” ‘“And have come to make known his identity to me?” **On the contrary, sir, I am pledged to conceal his identity.” ** Ah! you then must be the Unknown!” ‘Again, sir, you are wrong, for I only arrived in your city four days ago; but I came here to tell you, chief, of a plot against me, discovered by the Unknown, and to whom I owe my life.” — ‘*Indecd?” | ‘My name, sir, is as I said, Walter Van- derlip. Years ago, when] was seventeen, I left my home under a cloud, A consider- able sum of money was taken from my father's desk. I was leading a fast life for a boy, and I was accused. “Tn fact, all circumstances pointed to my guilt, and my father exiled me from my home, giving mea thousand dollars to start life with. ‘*T refused the money, for I had a few hundreds of my own, went West, and ina hold-up of a stage-coach by road-agents in Nebraska, I was reckless enough to resist, killed the chief, the other passengers rallied and we beat them off, ‘A gentleman in the coach took a fancy to me for my pluck and asked me where I was yeah “1 told him the truth, how I had left ee and that I was going to seek my for- une, ‘‘He at once made known to me that he ne ee ae = - ee ee ee eee ee ee 1 EN A es Se i ee a a ee ae ee A, > Ha PTA owned a large ranch, wanted some one who the background while you visit them upon could keep his books for him and help him some pretended business, \ New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. Oe ee ‘‘Then I will enter and you will see the effect upon them,” \G ** And then?” Pe ag “Your men can clap the irons upon them, and I can quickly bring them to terms, and get that which is my own,” ‘That means, in case they give up you do not care to prosecute them?” ‘‘T do not, sir, for I loved my step-mother as though she were my own, and so long as my step-brother acknowledges his crime against me, that sent me away from my home under a cloud, I am willing to let him off, on condition that he and his accom- plice leave New York forever,” ‘‘ This is generous in you, sir, but it should not be done, for they are guilty of an attempt to murder you, and should suffer.” ‘‘T prefer to have it my way, sir, and so came to see you and personally make the ex- planation, so that it would not go before the ; courts, as the fact that my father left me his: fs heir, will exonerate me, and I will have my | step-brother’s confession of guilt to reveal to 1 4 any one who may doubt.” ate ** You know best, Mr. Vanderlip, and as you came to me in confidence I can but yield, though those two men should go to prison.’” ‘“The way they have begun, sir, may yet send them there on another charge.” ‘‘T hope so; but I will go with you to- night, and I will take a couple of officers along in case of trouble.” The arrangement being made Walter Van- derlip left the chief, to meet him that night at a certain up-town hotel. The ring of the chief at the door was an- swered by a servant who told him that the master was very busy with his lawyer, and must be excused from seeing any ove, : ‘‘See here, my man, look at this badge and it will tell you who I am, and I wish you to just wait in the hall here with my friends when you direct me where to find your master,” / The servant was frightened half out of his wits, gave the information as to where to find his master, and remained in the halla risoner with the two detectives, while Walter ,Vanderlip slowly followed the chief. Opening the door the chief stepped in with the remark: ** Ah, Mr. Martin, your man said I would find you here, and I have come on a very important errand, for I see that you and your lawyer friend recognize me.” The two men were seated at a table look- ing over a lot of papers, and they both turn- ed pale when they recognized the chief of = the Secret Service. | buat Without waiting for a reply, the chief | continued: ‘‘T learn that a body has been found, a whom a hackman recoguized as a gentleman Be who was very much intoxicated the other i, night, and whom you kindly drove down to ae. the Wall Street Ferry. ee ‘Can you tell me who he was?” : 5 The two men breathed more freely, and Ne Martin replied: By: ‘““Ah, yes, but the gentleman we took ee there was not drowned, so there is some mis- oa take. “3 ‘He lives in Brooklyn, and I saw him to- day, did we not, Jennings?” es, “Yes, we saw him to-day.” ae? ‘*Can this be possible, for the body was really identified as the man you aided, and _ foul play was suspected.” / ) ae ‘‘Nonsense, he is all right, sir, and Iwill = have bim call upon you to-morrow.” Y. “T have brought him to call on youto- | night, gentlemen—bring in the body.” z | ee At the call of the chief; Walter Vanderlip 3 entered the room and both men started up | with a cry of horror, livid in face and trem- bling with fear. ? “Carter, put the bracelets on those men.” The detective named came in and quickly — did as ordered. i 3 es
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New “Now, Carter, wait outside,” and as the detective disappeared the chief continued: **Now, Mr. Martin, you and your lawyer sit right there and hear what Mr. Vanderlip hasto say.” The men sunk into their chairs, while Walter Vanderlip said: “‘What I have to sxy is that I wish a writ- ‘ten confession from you, Martin, that you, and not I, robbed my father; that you are willing now, for the sum of five thousand dollars, to leave New York forever, taking with you that man, your accomplice, and resign to me my own. ‘* Refusing, you both go to jail and your ‘trial will end in a long imprisonment as you know. ‘*T give you just one hour to get out. ‘What do you say?” The generous terms of the wronged man ‘were accepted without an instant’s delay, and the midnight Express to Chicago car- ried the two plotters whose villainy had been unearthed by New York Nat, the captain of the Boys’ Secret Police League, CHAPTER VII. NEW YORK NAT’S ALLY. Lert in full possession of his home, Wal- ter Vanderlip at once took measures to make himself comfortable and look into the busi- ness affairs.of his estate which his step-bro- ther had misnfanaged. _ Proven the legitimate heir he had no diffi- culty in getting full control,and he was about to go back to the Widow Herbert’s cottage and meet New York Nat, telling him how well all had panned out, when he was accosted on the street by a pretty flower girl with the words: ‘* You will buy from me, sir?” He would have passed on, but he saw in the face one he knew, and said quickly: ‘‘ Why, Miss Olive! ‘* You in the disguise of a ‘‘ flower girl?” and he glanced at her short dress and pretty attire in surprise, for when seen at the Widow Ilerbert’s cottage she had worn long dresses, and had the appearance of a young lady, while now she scarcely looked four teen. ‘Yes Mr. Vanderlip, and I am here to “see you,” she said, hastily. ** What can I do for you, Miss Olive, for I was just starting out to the cottage.” “That is just it, for the chief is moving heaven and earth to track Nat, and he has you shadowed now, knowing as he does that you know him. ‘Nat saw your plotters leave last night, and he saw that a man was shadowing you —there is your shadower now on the corner, the one dressed like a dude—and I came to ask you not to come to the cottage, but let Nat visit you at your address, either a hotel or your house,” “He is wise beyond his years, as you are also, Miss Olive, ‘Certainly, I will doas he wishes, so tell him to come to-morrow, for I shall adver- tise in the morning for servants, “These are the prettiest,” he added, taking up three of the bouquets which he had been looking carefully over, and handing Queen the money for them, just as the detective passed In an instant the flower girl darted for the ‘detective in his daudified dress. ‘Say, mister, you want a button-hole, oy know.” **No, I do not.” ‘Why, you are oaly half dressed without a button-hole bouquet.” ‘*T don't want any,” and the shadower was hastening on after Walter Vanderlip. But Queen was not to be shaken off so easily, and called out: _ “No well regulated dude should be with- out one—come, Tl give you one, for I don’t dike to see u dude without a bouquet.” * ly rl 4 i eee ee ‘*T’ll hand you to the police, girl, if you bother me.” ‘* That is just what I would expect a dude to do, call the police to protect them from a little girl—tra-la-la, Charlie,” and Queen bounded away, leaving the shadower to hasten on after Walter Vanderlip, who was walking rapidly, as though anxious to throw the man off his track, for he was convinced that the girl knew what she had told him to be a fact. ‘What a beautiful girl she is,” he mut- tered as he went along. ‘* A child, and yet a woman. ‘‘ And she is an adept at a disguise, too, “There is some deep mystery hanging over that young girl and her brother which I cannot fathom. ‘* Well, Iowe them more than I can ever repay,” and Walter Vanderlip sprung upon a Broadway car, got off on the other side and entered a coupe standing ata stand near by, He thought he had thrown the shadower off his track, but he hadn’t, for the detective took another cab and followed him. But that night he had only to report that Walter Vanderlip had gone to the Herald office and put an advertisement in the paper, then to his lawyer’s office, next to a tailor’s, and afterward to a furniture store, wien he ended up with dinner at the Hoffman and then home. : The shadower had been foiled in tracing him to any one who might appear to be the chief's Unknown Ally. The next morning, in answer to the Her- ald’s ad.,a stream of ‘‘help” began to ar- rive at Walter Vanderlip’s house, cooks, but- lers and house-servants, The woman in charge admitted them, and a cook, butler, who was willing to serve as valet also, and a house-servant were quickly engaged, but still the stream kept coming, and the one in attendance at the door had only to repeat over wearily: ‘Places all filled—too late!” ‘* Willwez take that kiard to the master?” said a handsome-faced young Irish girl. ‘Tt will do not a bit of good, for he’s sup- plied, I tell you.” ‘*That same may be the cuse, but I’m after askin’ yez to take me kiard in, to him,” and the request was emphasized by handing over half a dollar with the card. This had the desired effect, for that ser- vant carried in the card, and glancing at it Walter Vanderlip read: ‘Miss Brrparr O’Tooxn, ‘* Herbert Cottage.” ‘*Ah! he cannot come, so has sent the ser- vant, I suppose,” muttered Walter Vander- lip, and he said: ‘Show her in.” A moment after Miss Bridget O’Toole en- ar and looking up, Walter Vanderlip said: ‘You are from the Herbert Cottage?” “¢Yis,.enr.” ‘From my friend, Mr. Nat Norton?” ‘* No, sur, I'm after bein’ New York Nat mesilf,” was the answer, and the pretended ‘*Miss O'Toole” gazed smilingly at the young man, who cried excitedly: ‘By Jove, but you ave New York Nat in reality.” CHAPTER VIII. THE WARNING, ‘?Sh! Mr, Vanderlip, don’t speak my name too loud even here, for I am Miss Bridget O’Toole,” said Nat with a merry twinkle in his eyes. ‘* You are certainly a very fine looking girl, Nat, and you fooled me completely.” ‘‘T can’t take any chances of discovery, sir, and my sister rigged me out as you see me.” ** She isan artist, yet had good material for a model. \ York Nat and the Grave Ghouls, aie —— OO a oo Ne ‘*Tam glad she stopped me from going to the cottage yesterday, for I was shadowed as I afterward discovered, though just why I cannot tell.” ‘* To track me, sir, for I have mystified the chief so that he is determined to ferret me out, and I am equally as determined that he shall not know me until I get good and ready for him to do so.” ‘You certainly assumed a disguise to throw him off the scent, for I have had a couple of hundred visitors to day, all look- ing for places: cooks, butlers, and bouse. girls,” ‘* Are you suited, sir?” ** Yes, I think so.” ‘* Let me warn you that it is a trick here for burglars and sneak thieves to answer ad- vertisements also, to get the lay of a house and prepare for their work of deviltry.” “Ah! Tam glad to know this, for I will be on my guard, and then [ will be prepared, for having lived in Arizona a number of years I know what it is to protect one’s life” ‘*T would call a messenger, sir, or go your: self to the parties those people gave as refer. ences, so that you can see that they are all right.” . af I will go myself, for I have no desire to harbor an assassin or a thief in my house. ‘But 1 have your money for you, the five — thousand dollars'I promised you, and when you need more you know where to find me, at,” “Thank you, sir. ‘ ‘* But I havea favor to ask of you, sir,” _ Granted before known, Nat.” “You are most kind, sir.” * Out with it.” ‘* You know enough about me, sir. to un- derstand my reason for keeping unknown to the Chief of the Secret Service, and how de- termined I am that he shall not find me out?” sc Yea! Mat? ye" “‘T have told you, sir, that 1am the captain of a band of Boy Police, as we call ourselves, or Secret League.” : ae Yes.” ‘ ‘*Now I find it hard at times to always communicate with the chief as I would wish, for it is dangerous to our league, from the danger of being tracked, and you have seen him, and he knows that you are aware of who his Unknown Ferret is.” **T told him I was pledged not to tell,” “T knew that I could trust you, sir, and I will yet place more confidence in you, but, what I now wish to ask is that you will be our ally.” ‘Your ally ?” “Yes, sir, that is as far as being our go. between.” ‘I think I understand you, Nat: that you wish to make your communications to the chief through me?” ‘* That is just it, sir.” ‘‘Tam more than willing, in fact will be glad to serve you.” ‘‘T thought that you would consent, sir, and told Queen so, or rather Olive, for the League call her Queen, sir.” ‘You will have to be careful in visiting me, as the same person seen coming often will be shadowed, I fear, for I know how anxious the chief is to find you out.” ‘‘The same person will not call twice, sir, at least near together, for one day you will receive a letter by mail, again by Express, then by messenger, and through odd visitors at various times.” ‘©All right, you know how to hie it, Nat, and I'll leave it to you, and act prompt- ly whenever I hear from you, so count me as your Arizona Ally, Nat.” “T thank you, sir, and for this most gen. erous present of money, too, which I shall at once turn over to Queen, our treasurer,” ‘**It would be asmart thief that could rob her, sir, for she is onto them and all their ways. beret ' “ : een . 4 r Bx 5 STATS: Web rae * ya) eee i eee. 4 ~~ elhenick ia SR ; Heo Si “ ey
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* oe ‘SEIR 8 ale? \ mm ‘yw ‘Now, Mr. Vanderlip, as you do not wish to hire Miss O’Toole, she will take her de- arture, but don’t forget the warning I gave you about the references, especially the butler, for he may be a sneak thief, perhaps worse.” ‘T'll go at once, Nat, and thank you,” and Walter Vanderlip laughed as Nat made a courtesy and left the room. Ten minutes after he sprung into a car- riage and drove up to the fashionable house given as a reference by the butler. The family were in Europe and the man in charge said they had been away for a year. Asked about the butler, he remembered aman answering his description who had once served the family for a week and then disappeared with jewelry and silver plate. Going to a telephone office Walter Van derlip called up the chief and asked to have two detectives, acquainted with crooks sent to his house at four o’clock. Then he went to the references of the other servants and found them all right. At four the detectives were there, and they were taken out and shown the new butler. The recognition was mutual and the man attempted to escape but was captured and ironed. : ‘‘He is a wicked fellow, sir, and would kill to rob; we have been on the watch for him for a year,” said one of the detectives, and they took the butler away, while Walter Vanderlip muttered: ‘* Again saved by that brave boy.” CHAPTER IX. TO CATCH THE BODY-SNATCHERS. Havine gained in Walter Vanderlip a strong ally, and been able to do him an. other service in the warnipg against the butler, New York Nat turned his attention to the three reports of his Boy Police de. manding attention. The first.in order of, action came that. of Doe, who had reported an intended “ body- snatching ” affair to be held im a cemetery above the city some distance, Looking over Doc’s report, as he sat in his dismal quarters in the old Haunted Mansion, Nat noted the hour set, and the supposed number there would be in the raid on the dead, He saw too that the intention was to rob the grave of a young gitl who had just died, and Doc’s report indicated that the ghouls would be medical students, But Queen had been reading over the papers, as was her wont, and posted by the name of the dead girl, she had discovered that she was the only child of rich parents, and that her disease had simply been an ordinary one. This set New York Nat’s mind to cogi- tating and he mused aloud as he sat there as follows; : ** Doc’s medical student tale don’t go. “It's a clear case of rob to sell the body _ back again, to my way of thinking. “T guess Il) take the band with me and camp out there to catch these body-snatchers ourselves, Let me see, I'll send Queen out to get the locality of the grave, and I'll then go and look around for position and an entering lace. ; “ Yes, that goes,” and he at once left his quarters. slipped out of the walled-in grounds of the mansion and made his way to the Her- bert Cottage. There he saw Queen and sent her off on her errand, while he made a round among his Boy Police, visiting the hctels, messenger - office and other points where he knew where to find them. © Visiting four of the band, he left. them to notify the others, that the League would geet after dark at the Haunted Mansion, and ‘“You bet I don’t—I goes with the gang, ant, sere ti aber, aint iN rs iain ¥ ha Wp ae ade alka cha a aed . CES Pek aA Re eG SM then he went on out to the cemetery to find Queen. She saw him coming and they met out of the cemetery gates, and she at once said: ‘‘T have been to the grave, Nat, and it is literally covered with beautiful flowers. ‘Only the blackest-hearted men could dis- turb that poor girl after death.” ‘There are men who will do anything for aN Queen,” ‘* Well, I hope none of those who rob that grave will escape you. ‘*But here are all the particulars for you to as it, without making inquiry asI had to do.” “‘T will take in the situation, Queen, and come to the cottage for supper with you,” and New York Nat passed on into the ceme- tery. So explicit had been Queen’s directions that he had no difficulty in finding the grave. It was situated not far from the high wall that guarded* the cemetery and ina newly improved plot. ust beyond the wall wasa grove of trees, and houses were few and far between at that point. Nat took his bearings well, noted the points of vantage and disadvantage for a night am- bush, and then, watching his chance scaled the wall antdropped over outside. There was a road running near, but it looked as though it was seldom traveled, and certainly would not be at night. There was no house within several hun- dred yards, and a valley led down toward the railroad that ran five-hundred feet away. Having taken in the situation perfectly, and noted how he could reach the spot from a highway, he walked back in that direction, reached a little station near the cemetery gate and was soon back in the city and at the Herbert Cottage. As Mrs. Herbert owed the lives of her two children to Nat, he having saved them from drowning, she had been more than happy to take his sister as a boarder in her house, when he had asked it of her, and Queen found her like a dear mother to her, while the youth always received a warm welcome in the cottage. He was now welcomed to supper, and dis- appointed them when he said that he must leave right early, as he hada most impor- tant engagement on hand, That engagement was to meet the boys at the Haunted House, and he was on time to the minute, Each one of the boys was armed with a stout stick, several of them carrying dark lanterns and Doc, Parson snd Keno Nat allowed to carry a revolver, well knowing that they could be trusted in their use, for they were cool-headed_ fellows and would fire no shots at random. When the Boy Police had all assembled Nat told them that the rendezvous would be at the timber outside of the cemetery wall, and directed them just how to get there. They were to go by twos and threes, so as not to attract attention, and accompanied by Keno and Doc he set off for the point of rendezvous, going up to take a train and be first or the spot. ee CHAPTER X. THE GHOULS OF THE GRAVE, New York Nat and his two companions were first on the ficld, and leaving Keno to wait for the others, he and Doc went up to ward the cemetery wall for the latter was to lead one of the parties of Ghoul-catchers. Returning to the place where they were to meet the others they had not very long to wait before all had arrived, Chub remark- i ig: q {- “‘T don't like this graveyard business a a little bit, Cap’n Nat.” ‘*You can remain here or go back if you wish, Chub.” AA t oni Fe Po th si ure Panay Sued | Selah eee Tin ee hd 'e New York Nat and the Glave Ghouls. . 3 4 i ieee mami Be 4e) for I hain’t one to back down, only I don’t. ‘ ay! like spooky work. ‘‘T hope we will do good by it anyhow. ** Are all ready?” All answered that they were and Nat led the way up the hill to the other edge of the timber near the wall of the cemetery. As they reached the old road referred to he stopped suddenly and all crouched down in the gloom of the timber. The leader heard the sound of a voice. It was soon repeated and they distinctly heard the words: ‘* Keep still, won’t yer? ‘‘T doesn’t wonder yer is scared at bein” here, for I is too; but then it’s oats fer you, and wittles for me, for ther money is big we gits.” The speaker was a negro beyond all doubt. He was not fifty feet away from the crouch- ing Boy Police, and indistinctly *could be seen a horse and wagon standing in the old road close up against the cemetery wall, “‘ Boys, the Ghouls are already at theix work, **PDoc!” whispered Nat. “Yes, captain.” ‘«Take'three boys with you, and scale the wall above here, going to where the Ghouls are at work, and waiting for my signal and then you know what to do,” Yes." ‘‘Remember none of our seen, and no blow is to be struck if it can be helped. ‘All right, captain,” and Doc and his men crept away as silent as ghosts, ** Keno,” “Yes, cap’n.” ‘You remain here with three of the boys, and when you hear my signal from within» the cemetery, for the grave is not two hun- dred feet from the wall, just catch that. darkie and his horse.” — * All right, we'll catch him.” ‘And you come with me,” and designating: those he wished to accompany him, New York Nat slipped away back through the timber, made a flank movement to a point. some distance below the waiting wagon, and. here scaled the wall into the cemetery, He led the way around until he knew the grave lay between him and the wall, and then spreading his men out, he began to slowly advance. He knew that Doc and his men were in position, and that all was ready for the ad- vance, 7 As noiselessly as spooks the line advanced — in a semicircle, gliding in and out among the tombs and graves, untila dark group loomed up ahead. Tt was the Ghouls at work.’ — . They talked in low tones, and two of them were working hard with shovels throwing | out tbe fresh earth, and they had reached — the box, for one said: “Now we have it.” rey oe They had no idea that a living being, other than the negro outside of the wall, was within a quarter of a mile of them, until suddenly in their ears came the words: ‘* And we have you! “Hands up, for you are surrounded!” At the same time a shrill whistle was heard and eight dark forms suddenly glided around the Grave Ghouls. The two in the grave ducked down, as though fearing shots,. but the one who was not at work, had recovered quickly and at- — tempted a show of resistance. In an instant Nat had leapdéd to his side and thrust a revolver in his face, while he — darkie and his PN i wagon are ours, and we are a dozen against cried; — ‘Don’t be a fool, for your you.” *« We was only robbin’ ther grave medical college,” growled the man: handcuffs on the man and then he said: Nat did not reply until he had a air of er ces must be — for ther
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**Don’t lie, for I know what your game was, ‘Come out of that hole, unless you wish to stay in with a bullet in your breast.” Thus urged the two men scrambled out with ludicrous haste, and ironing the two others Nat led the way tothe wall, There were two ladders against it, so the coffin could be lifted up in a level position, and ascending one of these Nat gave a whistle. “ All right, Cap, we has the nigger and tke aa, mule,” said Keno. me | ‘“And he’s scared that white we can see him in the dark,” said another. ** Silence! “‘ Let no one speak without orders. ‘‘ Keno, take these men over and put them in the wagon.” A short ladder was on the other side of the wall, so that the prisoners were made to go over, and then they were blindfolded and placed in the wagon. The Boy Police followed, leaving the lad- ders on the inside of the wall where they had been found. ‘*Now, sir, drive to where youintended to take that body, if you value your life,” said Nat to the negro. , CHAPTER XI. A FORCED CONFESSION. “ Berrer gag the prisoners, cap'n,” whis- pered Keno, ‘*Yes, as they might give an alarm, should there be others in the scheme,” and a halt was ordered while the three prisoners were then securely gagged, and their hands bound to a rope about their waists. The negro was terribly scared, his teeth chattered as though he had a chill, for he had mistaken Keno and his men at first for ghosts, and then when caught, saw the gal- lows staring him in the face, for he feared he would be hanged. In response to New York Nat’s order, he _ said with chattering jaws: ; ‘Yas, sah, boss, I does jist what yer tells me.” He then started up his wagon, the three risoners, stretched out in it, while Nat, with oc, Parson, Keno and Chub followed, ‘the others: having been told to make their way back, so as not to attract attention by a large «crowd, The negro turned into the highway, fol- lowed it for a short distance, then left it by a road that led down to the river. Halting on the bank he said: ‘*T was to fetch it here, sah, and if any- thing scared them gents away while comin’, I was jist to whistle three times, and a boat ~ would come ashore for de remnants, sah— ~ dat’s de truf ‘fore de Lord, ’tis boss.” Nat gave three whistles, and immedi- ately from a small sloop lying at anchor off-shore, but with her mainsail up, came a _ boat. : *‘ Be ready three of you to jump in with me, when we catch him, and go off to the _ sloop, for there may be more to rope in i) there. “Chub, you remain and guard the prison- ” The boat reached the shore as Nat ceased ro) speaking, and the, man who was rowing found a revolver shoved against his head and heard the stern command: ‘“¢ Surrender or you die!” - The man had told the truth, there was no @neonboard ie Returning to the shore Nat asked the ’ ps wy New York Nat and the GraveGhouls “We did it.” ‘Caught the men?” ‘Yes, more than we expected, four white men, a negro, a sloop, a mule and a wagon.” ‘*And the body?” ‘‘We caught them before they got it out of the grave.” “ia ‘“‘T am so glad; the fiends deserve the severest punishment,” They will get it, never fear. * “But, Queen, I tell you what I wish you to do.” negro where he lived, and being told, he said: ~. ‘*Chub, you drive this man’s wagon to his home and leave it there, and that ends the night’s work for you, ‘“ We will run the sloop down to the city and deliver over these prisoners.” Having whispered this to Chub, who at once droveaway, Nat ordered the four white men and the negro into the boat, and with his comrades rowed off to the sloop. The white men were at once locked in the little cabin, the negro being kept on, deck, “Yes, Nat?” and then the Boy Police got up the anchor, ‘‘T'll tell you the whole story, and then the jib was set and the craft put away.down | do you rig out in clothes that will make you the river before a fair breeze, Nat at the | pass for a nurse, or a lady’s maid, and go a helm, ® down to Mr, Vanderlip’s house,” . ‘em did, and axes me ter hire out my mule and wagon fer a leetle night work. : ‘*T agreed, as thay said the price would be big, and so I holds myself ready for der com- in’. “Tt were to-night they come, and when I seen what ther work was I struck.” ‘“* For higher wages, I suppose?” ** Jes’ so, boss, and dey agreed ter give me fifty dollars.” “A good price, surely. ** And what did you hear them say ?” ‘“* Waal, sah, dey was talkin’ among dem- selves, and said as how dey would. git big money for a body, as de old folks would pay to git it back whatever price dey sot on iv,” “That tells the whole story, my man,” and soon after Nat ran the sloop in to an an- chorage, rounded to, let fall the anchor, low. ered sailand then led the negro into the cabin. The men were more securely ironed then and left alone, the negro having been also gagged, and the four Boy Police got into the boat and rowed ashore. It was ncarly dawn now, and the four fer- rets parted, Nat going at once to the home of Walter Vanderlip, where he was admitted after a second ringing of the bell, by the Ari zona Ally himself. : “Why Nat, what brings you here at this hour? : ae Aything gone’ wrong?” asked Walter Vanderlip. ‘You must pardon me, sir, for calling you up at this hour, only it is most impor- tant, but 1 will try and not do so again.” ** Never mind, if I can help you I don't care at what hour you come.” ‘*T have no time to explain, sir, but call up your man and send him with a note to the chief’s house; here is his address, sir, and I have written here what you are to tell him to do. . ‘Just say that after the prisoners are secured, and some one sent to notify the keeper of the cemetery, you will call later and give full particulars, for you shall know all by ten o'clock, sir,” and with no other explanation then, New York Nat left the house and started homeward. — those body-snatchers?” asked Nat of the ne: ‘‘Then tell him the whole racket as you gro. get it from me.” could be seen, at the masked faces of his cap- | known to the chief. tors and the scrape he had got himself in, board the sloop, before, by any chance they could get away, and also to have word sent cut to the cemetery keeper, so that he would know the raid was known, 2ourse,” then you know there is another game to lay.” hungry as a bear, : When he had finished he slipped away and ‘* Now, my man, what do you know about oes,’ ‘* Next to nuffin’, boss!” was the answer, | ~ ‘I will.” and the darkie was terribly frightened, it ‘And ask him then to go and make it ‘‘Tcalled there and told him enough to ‘«Tell me what you do know!” have the chief send after the prisoners, on “Waal, sah, dey comes to me, or two of ‘Mr, Vanderlip can tell the chief the whole affair, except not to give our gang away of ‘* Which he won't do.” “Oh, no, he’s O. K. and true as steel; but now hurry up breakfast for I’m as hungry as a bear, and then skip out for Vanderlip’s, while I crawlin my roostand get some sleep, and come back this evening to see you, and Pp nal : - “Yes, to find that kidnapped girl Chub | reported?” ‘*That is it, and the boys are to, mect to- morrow night and talk it over, for | will know by shadowing the place to-morrow just what to do.” ‘ . Breakfast was soon ready, and Nat’s appetite carried out his words that he was as going up to his quarters in the old Haunted Flouse was soon fast asleep. In the mean time Queen had rigged out as Nat had requested, in a simple dress, and looked like a pretty nurse girl going on an errand, ; al She took the car down to the home of Walter Vanderlip, and a new butler, just arrived that morning, admitted her, nnvd carried her name to the master. He came into the parlor, saw that ‘the butler and no other servant was about, unl / erceting her pleasantly led the way into his "4 libbary, while he said: ; Pe aunt «You came from Nat, Miss Olive?” ae ‘Yes, sir.” : ‘“‘T sent the chief a letter, as he asked, and received response that he would at once ut- tend to the matter. Be ‘Then I returned to bed to finish my in- — terrupted sleep and have only just had break- fast . . ‘Now what have you to tell me, Miss _ Oliver": : ‘* As fiendish a piece of work, sir, as was ever perpetrated,” said Queen, as T will ale ways call her in spenking of her as the fair ‘Mascot of the Boy Police League, 9 | ‘“‘T have no doubt of it, and also that Nat bas once more rendered valuable service.” ‘““He has, sit, as you will know,” and | Queen then told the whole story as she had gotten it from the lips of New York Nat, » - CHAPTER XII. THE MASCOT TELLS THE STORY, UEEN had/been so anxious regarding the raid of the Boy Police upon the Graveyard Ghouls, that she had not slept well, and she was up bright and early the next morning, ane Nat told her he would come to break- ast. The sun was just rising when she saw him | coming. and she met him at the gate, and ‘said anxiously: ta “Well, Nat?” . . ~ Walter Vanderlip listened with the deepest — attention to the strange, grucsome story of the raid of the Graveyard Ghouls, and when he had heard all said carnestly: ean ean “Flow happy will those parents not be — when they know all, and what will they not owe to your brave brother and his band of =~ young ferrets.” Paes | Z ‘ <i P ~ ; y ela y *s “* evar ae sa" : y yt Ase yi t, mr ane * eats helt ae ey RNR aes } prenliy yS S te eis ef
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x 2s, ae. Coin arate 5 a a ‘roe te <4 ee ‘ ve ale New York “This was not a money consideration, Mr. Vanderlip.” ‘*T can understand that, Miss Olive—” ‘“Oall me Queen, for I am one of the boys, you know, or rather their mascot, for Nat toid you,” said Queen. ‘All right, Queen it is; but, as I was saying that, as those parents would have been terribly pained at the theft of their daughter's body, and would have paid any sum asked to have gotten it restored to them, they will gladly give a reward for the saving of it; but I will go at once to the chief and place all the particulars before him, and he will understand just what to do. ** Will you await my return here?” “‘Oh, no, I must at once return home, and you know Nat’s work in the matter is done, so there will be no report to make to him,” ‘‘Did he tell you that I was now to be the go-between between the Boy Police and the chief?” “He did not put it that way, Mr. Vander- lip; but said you were kind enough to be our ally, and I was so glad to hear it, for you are the very one to help us when we need you,” and Queen took her departure, rp butler muttering as he let her out of the oor: ‘*The master is in no need of nurse girls, I take it, not after being a man of family.” Ten minutes after Queen left, Walter Van- derlip departed on his errand to see the chief of the Secret Service. CHAPTER XIII. - WALTER VANDERLIP HAS SOMETHING TO SAY. “Wet, Mr. Vanderlip, I congratulate you upon having escaped perhaps death at the hands of that pretended butler you en- gaged—at any rate, robbery.” So said the Secret Service chief to Walter Vanderlip as he entered his office at noon of the day following the capture of the Grave- yard Ghouls. The chief referred, however, to the escape of the young Arizonian from the intended attempt of the butler to secure a place in which he could rob his employer, In answer, the Arizona ranchman said: ‘*T was fortunate, sir, for that man, it seems, was a perfect devil.” ‘‘Indeed he was, for my men recognized him as one of the worst crooks in the city, and a desperate fellow in gaining his ends, for human life was nothing to him when he eould escape by taking it, or gain gold through murder. ** But how came you to suspect him?” “I did not do so,” ‘You were warned by some one?” ‘Yes, by your Unknown Ally, for he gave me the information that in employing a ser- vant I might be entertaining a devil un- awares, to slightly change the quotation.” - “So my Unknown Ferret posted you, did e?” { “‘ He did, sir. ‘*He told me that crooks often took ad- vantage of advertisements for servants to report and look over a field for robbery.” ‘“* He is right, they do.” ‘He advised that I see the references given, and the result was the capture of that alleged butler by your men.” _ “And the reward which was offered’ for him, for you know there was one of a thou- sand dollars, and it goes to you.” ‘“* Keep half of it, sir, for your Unknown Ferret, for he really was the captor, and divide the balance between the two detec- tives you sent me.” ‘You are generous, Mr, Vanderlip, and I will do as you say. ‘“‘ But you have no desire to yet inform me as to the identity of this Unknown Shad- ower?” “A desire, pie but no intention of doing so, chief, until released from my pledge; but Iam here in regard to the arrests you made _ this morning.” . ‘Yes, I found the men, four whites and one black, on board a sloop as you reported, anchored off Forty-third street. “They were in irons and packed in the cabin of the sloop. ‘*]T interviewed them an hour ago, sepa- rately, and they tell different stories, the negro implying that they were, the white men, robbing the grave to hold the body for gold, they stating they were ordered to do so by students of a medical college.” ‘* Which latter is the truth.” ‘*T suspected it, but do you know it ‘‘T do, for Ihave the full particulars of the affair from your Unknown Ferret.” “Ah, again the Secret Shadower who 9” knows so well how to thwart criminals and catch crooks.” ‘* Yes, sir, for it was he, and those he has aiding him—” “Who are they?” quickly asked the chief. *‘T cannot tell you, for I am ignorant of just who he employs to aid him. ‘*But he learned of the plotin some way, to rob the grave of Miss Sturdevale, and it was to get from her parents a rich reward for the return of the body ‘*To do this they secured a sloop, intend- ing to use her as a trading craft of some kind, to avoid suspicion, keeping the coffin concealed inthe hold, until arrangements could be made for selling it back to Mr. Sturdevale. “The price demanded would be a very large one, for the dead girl was an only child and her parents are reported million- aires, so that it would have been given glad- ly by the afflicted father.” ** Beyond doubt. ‘* It was a bold scheme, cleverly arranged, yet fell throtigh by the act of this mysterious Unknown Shadower of crime.” “Tt did, sir, and it was successfully pre- vented without any idea of money being taken into consideration.”’ ‘*I can believe that, and yet Mr, Sturde- vale will doubtless be glad to pay aliberal sum for the prevention of the robbery.” “He should do so, sir, and if so, retain the amount with other sums you hold to the order of the Unknown, ‘‘T-am not authorized to tell you this, for as I said that money has not been thought of in the matter, yet still it should be,” ‘By all means; but these prisoners told me that their captors were a dozen in num ber and all masked.” ‘*T am also told so, sir.” ‘*T made no comment, allowing them to believe that they were my men, masked for & purpose,” ‘*It seems that they were, and the pur- pose was well served.) ‘They caught each man engaged in the heinous crime, though the negro is not as guilty as the others. They cleverly got hold of the sloop and the man on board of it also, and it reveals the partition made between the cabin and the freight hold, all ready to put up when the coffin had been placed there, and which ee have looked like the regular cabin wall, ‘*They miscarried, and that is what I was to tell you, so that you could jot down an- other mark in favor of your Unknown In- former.” “T shall do so, and gladly, Mr. Vanderlip, and though he has now reported to me through you, 1 confess I am still as much in the dark as ever as to who I am to thank.” ‘*And must await his time to discover, sir, for I can tell you no more.” ‘Tam not so sure of that, Mr. Vanderlip, for I have hopes of making the discovery myself, for it annoys me not to be able to fathom the mystery.” ‘* You will not find out through shadowing me, chief, as you have been doing,” said Walter Vanderlip with a smile. / ** Ah! you suspect that you are?” ‘ a ‘*T know it.” ‘*How so?” ‘Well, the Unknown warned me that you had me shadowed, and I watched and found my shadow; but it is no use, ‘“When I have news for you I will bring it, and any communication you have to make to the Unknown, I will see that it is delivered, but Iam interested now in keep- ing his secret and will,” and Mr. Vanderlip left the room, CHAPTER XIV. TRACKING THE KIDNAPPERS, In her duty of searching the papers each day, for New York Nat had all the dailies, morning and evening, delivered at the Herbert Cottage, for Queen was wont to cut out items that were of a nature to inter- : est her in the Boy Police League’s secret e work, and paste them in scrap books, with dates and comments. After Chub had reported the kidnapping of a litle girlin Central Park by two men, who had driven away with her in a carriage, the following day Queen had discovered a reward offered for any information that would lead to the recovery of the lost child. Said child, the paper stated, had left her home, near Central Park, to spend the morn- ing playing with some friends, and she had NS not been since heard of, It was feared that she might have been run over and taken toan hospital, have got- ten lost, or perhaps stolen. That was about all the first advertisement stated, but a later one did not escape the rt Queen’s keen eyes, and it read: es “$1000 Rewarp, ‘*The above sum will be paid to any one giving information leading to the restoration to her friends of a young girl who has been missing since the tenth of this month. ‘‘She is nine years of age, is known by the name of Eloise Archer, is well grown for her years, has golden hair, blue eyes and is very pretty. ‘* At the time of her leaving home she had on a blue woolen dress, slouch hat with pose and a gold ring with a small diamond n it. ‘* Any information will be thankfully re- ceived, and the reward paidif it leads to her being found, by Ingersoll Lockwood, Attor- ney at Law, Stewart Building, Chambers Street, New York.” This advertisement was pasted away and shown to New York Nat, who at once said: ‘“That is Chub’s girl, Queen, and we'll find her.” ‘““Tf she has not been taken away from where he saw them have her.” “Tf so we will find her,” was the confident reply of the young King of Shadowers, as Nat’s boy comrades had nicknamed him. Nat set out on his track of the missing girl by hiring a horse and a light spring wa- gon, buying a lot of chickens, eggs and but- . ter, putting them in it and starting for the country. His horse was not of the best, and he drove hard purposely, so that by the time he had made a flank movement and come around so as to approach the place where Chub had seen the men go with the girl, the animal was broken down, ‘« That’s the place, Nat,” said Chub, as the house came in sight, and into the gate they turned, : : Driving up to the house. Nat was met by a woman whom he asked if he could hire a horse to go on with, as his animal was un- able to do so, He was told that the boss was absent and the one horse in the stable she could not al-- low to go. Then Nat asked if they could get dinner and feed their horse, when they would leave their wagon there and go on after another ‘a eee rw S . roe ee ae — : Caw ee ae ’ — bpp ait PP oO RE NS Fo ae je -atel ee
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4 wee a q ate 5 n ee ee New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. liberally. The woman answered in the affirmative, and an hour after the two youths started off on foot, leaving the horse and wagon in the woman's care until they returned for it, “Well, Chub, what did you find out?” *‘ The girl is there.” ‘* Sure,”’ “ 1 heard the woman talking to her, for I heard her whisper to her that if she calied out she would beat her black and blue.” “* Yes, and I saw her.” ** Where?” “* At the window of the second story, and she was trying to raise it to speak to me, when I saw the woman come out of the house to go to the well, and the girl dodged back.” ‘** Well, what’s to be done, Cap'n Nat?” “Why, we will come with the gang at night and get her.” ** It will raise a row.” **No, for I will come with afresh horse at night, you following with the boys.” Yes.’ “‘The man will go with me to the stable ‘to get my horse, and then you can slip in with the boys, and we'll hold him up and get into the house and hold the fort.” ‘*T see; but the kidnappers won’t be in it.” * Yes, for you know their address and one - of the boys can pretend to be a messenger from their accomplice out here, and send ‘word for them to come out at once, as trouble is feared, and the chief can nave some of his men there to bag them,” ‘* But where is the proof against them, Nat?” “The girl.” **Cap’n, you are a dandy from Wayback, yes the King Shadower of ’em all,” and Chub stopped in the road, removed his hat and made a low bow, ‘*Stop your nonsense, Chub, and tell me if we are not in it?” ‘With both feet, up to the neck, over head and ears—you bet we are,” was Chub’s enthusiastic reply, and going to the nearest railway station the two yonng ferrets were soon back in the city. When Nat saw Queen that night she had another advertisement to show him, and which read: “FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS. TIneERSOLL Lockwoop, Att'y, Stewart Building, New York City. “Will pay. for information leading to dis- covery Of Eloise Archer, a girl of nine, blond hair, blue eyes, pretty; and well reared, ‘*‘ She disappeared from her home on the 10th inst. under circumstances that lead to the suspicion of foul play, for she stands in the way of one who seeks a fortune that willcome to him if she is not discovered within a certain time. ‘‘ Remember the reward!” , CHAPTER XY. THE SHADOWERS AT WORK, *‘ We get the boodle offered there, Queen,” said Nat cheerily, when he had read the in- creased reward offered for the kidnapped irl. ye I hope so; but do you go to-night?” ** Yes, and we'll make no mistake I’m thinking.” ) ‘* Will you bring her back with you?” ‘* No, that would not be wise.” ae Why ee ; ; “She is young, and might be prevailed upon to talk, you know.” «‘‘ How will you arrange about her then?” __. Nat was silent a moment and then said; “Pll bring her inte town, put her in a - arriage and send her to Mr. Vanderlip, and he will take her to Lawyer Lockwood’s B _ office, or to the chief, and have him come animal, for allof which he offered to pay | there after her, for they will naturally wish to know all she can tell about those kid- nappers.”’ “Nat.” ‘* Yes, Queen.” ‘* You said the girl saw you?” “Yes, from the window.” ‘“Now if she sees you again, she will know you, and can tell the chief that it was a youth who rescued her,” ‘* Whew! you are right. ‘* What shall I do?” “Go disguised to the place, and let the boys all be masked as usual, while Doc, who is the oldest, or Parson, can escort her to the city.” ‘*By Jove, but what a head you have, Queen,” and Nat decided to act upon her advice, % It was just an hour after that Nat, most faithfully disguised as a country lad, with a reddish wig and even freckles artificially stained upon his face, entered a house on Bleecker street and asked for the room of two men who put up there, saying that he had forgotten their names, but knew them by sight. He was directed to a room on the top floor where two men lived, and he knocked at the door, heard shuffling feet within, low voices and then a man appeared. He had the stamp of villain upon his face, there was no mistaking that, and asked gruffly: ‘* Well, what do you want, Hayseed?” “Mr. Weinberg sent me to you, said he didn’t want to write, but I could tell yer.” ‘** Are you his son?” ‘*No, I’m his farm help,” ** Well, what is it?” ‘‘He said as how you was to come out to the place to-night, not before twelve, though, and take the baggage you left there away with you, for he had to move next day for reasons you would understand,” **Do you hear that, Jake?” asked the man, of one in the room, “I hears, and there is something up, so tell him we’ll be thar on time.” The man at the door repeated this to the youth and asked; f “Do you know if anything has gone wrong?” * ‘‘The one over this up-stairs; but she is asleep.” “TY shall not frighten her,” and Nat went up-stairs, knocked at tue door and called out: are your friends, police officers, come to take you away.” . There was a sound of running feet within, then the words: y \ ‘Oh, I’m so happy! I'll be ready in a minute.” In little more than that time, Nat having unlocked the door, she opened it, and he said: ‘‘Don’t be frightened because we are masked, for, being detectives, we do not wish to be seen by these wicked people,” The girl half drew back in dread, and said: ~ ‘You are not afraid for me to see your face, for I do not know who to trust, and will not go unless I see you and know if L can believe you?” “You will not tell any one, no matter eho may ask you, if Ishow you my face?” ut: , ‘ ‘*Don't be frightened, little girl, for we
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neste < $2352 eX ** Not a soul.” **Nor tell whether I am young or old, or anything?” **No, but I must see who I am to trust,” “How can you teh?” ‘*T will know when I see your face,” was the simple answer, : “Then look, Eloise.” ‘** You know my name?” ** Yes, you are Eloise Archer.” “Yes, and now—” and she gazed fixedly into the face revealed to her by the remov- ‘ing of the mask, viewing it by the lamp which Nat held in his hand so as to throw the light full upon his features. ae gazed steadily for half a minute, and said: ‘“You are not bad—I can trust you.” “Then come with me, and wrap up well. ae man and the woman are both prisomiers, and—” ‘*She has been kind to me, and Mr. Wein- berg has also; but it was those two horrid men whom I hate—the two who brought me here—and they told me such lies.” ‘*T will have them safe in a couple of hours more; but now, come with us, and you shall be taken home to morrow.” **T have no home, for lam an orphan, and live with a cousin who is paid to care for me, for some day I'll be rich.” “I hope so,” and Nat led the girl down- stairs, where at sight of her, the woman broke out crying, and said: ‘Don’t tell them, child, that I treated you bad, for I didn’t mean to, though it was wrong to keep you here, I know.” ** No, fe were kind to me, and Ill kiss you good-by, though you did threaten once to beat me, “Tam going away, and I won’t feel sorry if I never see you again. Good-by,” and the girl did kiss the woman, feeling sorry to see her in tears, : **Chub,” whispered Nat, ‘‘ you take her with you in our provision wagon, and lead my riding horse behind! “*Go to where the vehicles are and wait for us there, for we will remain to catch the kidnappers.” pe ‘* All right, boss,” Then Nat told the young girl to go with Chub, and he and the others would wait to capture her two kidnappers, who were al- ready on their way there. ‘1 must see his face.” * All right, but you are not to tell, for it’s a secret you may some day know.” Calling Chub, Nat raised his mask, and Eloise took a good look, and laughingly said: -* He’s too fat and good-natured to be a bad boy.” ‘ Remember, you are not to say that he is a bo Nit “YT will doas you tell me; but what is your name?” — “* Call me Nat.” So Chub went out with fhe girl and Nat, got into the wagon left there, with the broken- own horse again hitched to it, and drove ' off in the darkness, Nat's riding horse in lead _ behind. The rest of the boys then were placed in osition by Nat, whorhad the prisoner Wein- erg brought into the house, where, though _ with regret, he said to the woman: ‘“*If you help us, Mrs. Weinberg, it will be better for you.” ““T’ll do all T can.” _ “'Phose kidnappers are coming here sogn, and when they arrive tell them to come in.” “ They will kill me.” — S72 “No, they will not beable to do so, I'll promise you,” AU Might! (4. hg 4 you fail us, then bloodshed will fol- : low, for those men shall not escape, and what you do to aid us isin your favor,” “Vil help you and be glad to, for I want } ry . Y : to get out of this scrape, ; “My husband was tempted by the oe of " ie fh : } Te Ghouls | — i iMod oe seam BA big money, for he is grasping in his way, though he owns this place, and is making good money trucking; but I suppose now it’s all up with us,” ‘*T expect he will be punished, but your helping me will be in your favor, and you can hire help and run the place until he gets out.” ‘*Gets out of what?” “Jail,” was the significant remark, and the woman groaned, It was just midnight when the keen ears of the young detectives caught the sound of wheels coming down the lane, and soon after a buggy drew up before the house and a man called out: ‘“* Hello.” **Qome in both of you, hitch your horse,” said the woman appearing at the door, and one man sprung out of the buggy and walk- ed toward the house, the other going to fasten the horse, for Nat had had the wo-, man shut the dogs up in the barn. As he crossed the threshold the man was enveloped ina blanket, tripped up ironed and gagged in an instant, and as his compan- ion entered five minutes after he shared the same fate. The three prisoners were then manacled more securely, and with regret Nat was forced to put the bracelets upon the woman and secure her so that she could render no aid to the men. ‘‘IT am sorry, Mrs. Weinberg, but I can only leave one man outside to guard the place, and I want no monkey business, and you'll be set free when day comes,” said Nat. But the ‘‘one man” was not left, as sug- gested, for Nat went off with his Boy Police, back to the place where the others were waiting with the rescued girl and the vehicles, and all were soon on their way back to the city, Eloise in the buggy with the young captain of ferrets, whose night’s work had been such a clean sweep of the crooks into the net set to catch them. ¢ CHAPTER XVII. THE REPORTS OF THE YOUNG FERRET CHIEF, As he had unmasked to the young girl, Nat saw no reason why he should place her under the charge of Doc to take to Walter Vanderlip's.” He did not care to go himself, as he was sure the place would be shadowed by the chief, and he did not care to put himself ina hod to be known and have his steps dogged. hat he could trust Eloise, young as ghe was, he felt assured, and yet it would be taking a great risk which he cared not to chance, So he said to heras they neared the city, just us day was drawing near; *‘ Floise, I am going to take you to a hotel and get you a room, so you can go to sleep until your lawyer comes after you.” «Yes, you know best, Nat,” she said frankly, — “You know your lawyer?” “Yes, Mr. Lockwood who comes up to see me once a month and pays my boardjand | for my schooling and clothes,” ‘*Well, I will send him to you,” ** And where will you go?” “To my home.” ‘““Won't I see you again?” - “TL hope so,” : ‘*My cousin lives on West. Fifty-eighth | street, near the Park in the Overlook Flats, and her name is Mrs. Mark Denton, but I don’t like her much, or Mr, Denton either.” “All right, I'll see you some time,” was the answer, and soon after Nat stopped the buggy near an up-town hotel, went in with Eloise and told the clerk she had just come | in from the country to meet friends, and to ee her a room until they came for her, and then he registered her name on the book as, “Miss Evoisk ATKINS,” purposely writing it wrong, as he knew her real one was well-known. Telling her to have nothing to say to any one, until her lawyer came he bade her good-night and drove the buggy back to the stable where he had hired it, after which he went to his quarters in the old Haunted House and tired though he was wrote out a full statement of the affair to the Secret Service Chief, addressing it to Walter Vanderlip, and stating that he would send Lawyer Lockwood to call upon him at an early hour, when he could tell him where to find his little client, Eloise Archer. In the letter to Mr. Vanderlip Nat also: stated that the prisoners would be found in the house of Weinberg, and he directed them how to find it, and get there with greater speed by catching a train. Walter Vanderlip had told him that he was generally an early riser, being always up by seven, so with an apology for again disturbing his rest, Nat decided to go send Flip at once with it, for several of the boys had gone to the old mausion to get a few hours’ rest before going down-town. Flip’ worked in a messenger-boys’ office, so had his uniform on, and when roused by Nat at once started upon his errand to leave the letter at the home of Walter Vanderlip, while Teaser, who was a bell-boy in a hotel, * carried a note to Lawyer Lockwood, whose house address Nat had looked up in the Directory, Walter Vanderlip was dressing when the messenger-boy was ushered up to his room, and at a glance at the address he recognized who it was from, and said: ‘* Where did you get this?” ‘‘A gent left it at the oflice, sir, with word that there was no answer, ‘but IL thought I'd better be certain,” said Flip. ‘* Here is your money.” ** Charges paid, sir.” “Take it,” and Flip turned away, While Walter Vanderlip called out: ‘*Hold! I may need you.” Flip hesitated and Walter Vanderlip, not suspecting that the boy was one of Nat’s band, hastily read the letter, and* then said: ‘Here, take this to the home of the chief of the Secret Service; it is not far from here,” and he took outa card and wrote a request that the chief would call upon him before going to his office as time was impor- tant, ‘If he has gone to his office take it there, and here isadollarforyou.” |. Flip departed on’ the jump, delighted at: ipa he had received, and saying to him- self; i! ‘* He’s a reg’lar gent from Gentville and. no mistake,” . E He delivered the message in person to the chief, who was just going to breakfast, and then went on his way to the office where he was employed, serving simply to pick up what news he could for the information of the band of Boy Police. | Just as Walter Vanderlip came down from his room, the butler announced a visitor, © and glancing at the card he saw that it~ was that of the lawyer, Mr. Lockwood. Entering the library Walter Vanderlip — saw rise to mect hima gentleman who tow- ered considerably over six feet in height, possessed a handsome face, with dark earn- — est eyes,a dark mustache and imperial and ~ waring masses of snow-white hair, certainly a most striking looking personage. priest: Fs Ina courtly way he introduced himself, | and then said; cant ‘Tam directed, Mr. Vanderlip, by a mys: _ terious note I received before I had risen this morning,’ to apply to you for information of — the whereabouts of a little client of mine,a young girl who lately disappeared from her _ home.” Me “TI have also received a communication . : just now, Mr, Lockwood, that enables me to
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net ® give you the information; but have you breakiasted ?” _‘“‘T confess I did not delay for breakfast, sir,” ae ‘Then breakfast with me and we will Wak talk the matter over,” politely said Walter - -Vanderlip. > CHAPTER XVIII. | oe THE LAWYER'S STORY. ie Tue attorney of the kidnapped girl im- Ne, pressed Walter Vanderlip most favorably, : ie and he said: “The truth is, Mr. Lockwood, a great a a service was rendered me a short while since ea by one who acts most mysteriously, and gleans information in a way that is unfathom- \ bial able. in ie «For reasons best known to said party, he | . i 5 prefers to communicate with the authorities through me, and this morning he has writ- ten me a letter which I will read to you in mid part, and then you will understand fully the P' situation. ‘‘T have written to the Chief of the Secret Service, whom I claim as a friend, to come here before going to his Headquarters, and Ba} expect him to do so, ** Now to this story of your little client, Eloise Archer,” and Walter Vanderlip read New York Nat’s letter of the discovery of the kidnapping, the tracking of the carriage to the truck farmer’s home, and the plot to rescue the girl, which had been successfully carried out. The information was also given that the two kidnappers had been lured into the trap set for them, and were then in irons at the truck-farmer’s home, along with the man and his wife who were also prisoners, while ‘Eloise Archer was then in Room 47 of an up- town hotel the name of which was given, yet was registered as Eloise Atkins, on ac- count of her own name being so well known through her having been stolen. — Ingersoll Lockwood listened with the deep- est attention to the letter, but before he could make any comment the chief was announced | and the three left the breakfast room for the _. library. The chief and Lawyer Lockwood were known to each other, and at the request of the latter Walter Vanderlip again read the letter he had received, closely concealing the . identity of the writer, ‘* Well, Mr. Lockwood, I congratulate you upon finding your little client, though not through my agency, yet through one whose ways are most mysterious and who has rendered me services of a most important nature. : I will at once telephone, with your per- mission, Mr. Vanderlip, for a police ambu- lance and three of my men to send after those prisoners, and meanwhile Mr. Lockwood might go after his client,” and, as there was ‘a telephone in the house the chief called up the Harlem Headquarters and gave the necessary orders, telling just where they would find the prisoners out in the country and to go with all speed. i. “Let me make known-the story of this child, gentlemen, before I go after her, as - ghe is doubtless fast asleep after the ex- citing night she has had of it,” said Ingersoll Lockwood, and he continued, as both the _ chief and Walter Vanderlip seemed anxious «to hear the story: hae “The girl is an orphan, and her parents left little property, as it then was estimated, but enough to educate and care for her it was supposed, until she was of age, when | she would have to earn her own living. _ * Her family is an old one, was once very | rich, but the father of little Eloise owed a | ousin of his a few thousand dollars, which | e was also to get out of the little estate he | or, on condition that he would care for | ull, and. to be the heir in case of poten ARE - Tt 1 ced are ab a ‘, ha ‘ay ‘ rie bh barbies bah wis ob eM tS a ? New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. _ jpaiahe ee aut “‘T was named in the will as one of the girl’s guardivns, and for the child’s sake, for she came here to live with a distant rela- tive, with whom she boarded so that she could attend school, I looked most closely into the matter. ‘‘The property left was in Kansas City, and the town was on a boom, so I discovered that the cousin named, and who was execu- tor, had decided, to take the property, set- ting aside a certain sum for the girl’s liv- ing. “‘T at once determined to thwart this scheme, which, looking fair on the surface, was a fraud, as the property, worth at the death of her parents say seven thousand dollars, had more than quintupled in value, ‘The sum set aside for her by the execu- tor -was just eight thousand dollars; but find- ing that the property was rising rapidly in value, I returned the amount to the execu- tor two years ago, and now offered him the sum owed him with interest to date. ‘He refused it, and now the property is worth at public sale even, over a hundred thousand dollars. ‘‘ Failing to get control as he wished, I believe the man has sought to gain the property as the heir in case of the child’s death, and I place her disappearance as his work, and shall see that he is now forced to take his pay, and thus cancel his debt, which, by the terms of the will, will no longer leave him the heir in case of her death, ‘‘Such is the story, gentlemen, and your mysterious ferret and rescuer of little Eloise, Mr. Vanderlip, has done a most valuable ser- vice as you see. ‘* Now will you accompany me to see the little girl, and then I must look up a board- ing-school for her, as 1 will no longer trust her with those kinsfolk, who may, or may not bein league withthe man who has cer tainly tried to get rid of her to inherit her fortune. ‘*The reward, Mr. Vanderlip, I will be glad to pay into your hands, as I have the money in my keeping which her kinsman refused in payment of his debt. ‘* By a talk with these kidnappers we will gain a clue to force that man to terms, and cause the court to oust him from his posi- tion if he refuses to resign it,” and interested in the story ofjIngersoll Lockwood about his fair client, the chief and Walter Vanderlip accompanied him to the hotel where New York Nat had left her. , CHAPTER XIX. FORCED TO TERMS. LittLe Eloise Archer was found at her breakfast when her three visitors arrived, and she had ordered it up to her room, not caring to go to the table without being better dressed, She received her attorney with a glad cry, and .his friends were greeted in her sweet way, for she was a little lady. Then Lawyer Lockwood sought to draw from Eloise the story of her kidnapping, and what had followed. She told all in a frank way, how the men had told her that Lawyer Lockwood had sent them to bring her to him, and she had gone without suspicion, they saying he was go- ing to have her visit in the country. ~ Once at the house of the truck farmer, and ‘she had soon discovered that she had been de- ceived, and she was told she was to be kept in hiding for fear her uncle might steal her beck _ Weinberg and his wife had made her a prisoner, and the woman though not kind was not unkind to her. - left, ‘‘ Now about your rescue, Eloise?" asked the child through life, would leave him the | Mr. Lockwood, “*-Wies, “sir? | ‘ Who rescued you and how was it done?” Te ets Bah Sirhan i eee - i. + y: » fans 4p Ry. Laat Wa gee eT ea ai be a thought for a moment and them said: ‘* My rescuers came to the house, captur- ed Mr. Weinberg and his wife, then waited. and caught my kidnappers.” ‘Then what?” “They put them inirons and left them. there and brought me to the hotel.” “* At what time?” ** About three o’clock in the night, sir.” ‘* Who were they?” ** 1 cannot tell you, sir.” ** You do not know, you mean?” ‘‘Well, sir, they were detectives, I guess.”’ ‘Con you tell us no more about them?” ‘‘T will not doso,.sir, for they did not. wish to be known, and I would not tell what they were not willing to have me,” was the firm response. ‘* Whether they were young or old, men or women, or anything about them?” asked Mr, Lockwood with a smile. ‘Nothing, sir; I will say no more,” was. the determined reply. Walter Vanderlip laughed, Lawyer Lock- wood looked surprised and the chief was: Aye doubt very much annoyed, and said: ‘‘You know itis for your good, and the: good of the law-abiding people of the City we wish to know, Eloise, so tell me who your rescueys are.” ‘The men who took me away, the man, and his wife who, took me a prisoner are all in irons, so why wish to know who my good: friends are, for they didn’t ask for money, and treated me so kindly?” Further argument and entreaty failed to- move the girl’s determination and Walter Vanderlip said: hike) ‘** You have learned your lesson well, little lady, and I congratulate you upon the way you recite it.” ‘‘T say, Vanderlip, you are certainly in league with my Unknown Ferret, and now here is another ally for him, or her, as the case may be; but I have nothing to complain of, as long as they work in my interest as they do, in fact as all of you do,” said the chief. , ‘‘ Well, whoever it was that befriended Miss Eloise, chief, she seems inclined not to give the fact away,” Mr. Vanderlip replied, while Ingersoll Lockwood remarked: fidence and she is doing no wrong in con-— cealing the fact.” # fs Eloise smiled at the remark. of her lawyer in whom she had most implicit faith, and then said: ; ‘Am I to go back to the home of my cousin?” . Nae ta ‘*Do you wish to Go so?” ‘No, sir, Ido not,” was the prompt re- ply. a ‘Well, Eloise, you can go honfe with me, and ‘a can soon be fitted up and go to boarding-school, while I will see to this. possession of your property,” and soon after ; situated in the lawyer’s home. lip went down to the chief’s quarters to in-— terview the prisoners. Wak one They were all there, having been brought. in by the officers, and one by one they told their stories. . yf be implicated as was her husband, she was. allowed to go under a bond, which Lawyer Lockwood. arranged for herand Walter Van-— derlip went security for, at the request of Eloise, and take charge of her place, Her husband was guilty of the knowledge: 6 i ea el ee a i a a EE EE ——— eee ee EEE EE Ee ee ee. ee eee | knew not what to say or do, Ss Ladi gia 2 _ In the midst of the conversation & mes~ eat 3 ‘Nor should she, if it isa matter of con- cousin of yours, who seems anxious to get | ‘ the little heiress found, herself comfortably Then Mr, Lockwood with Walter Vander- As the woman was not, or seemed not to that the child had been kidnapped, so went to jail, while the wo kidnappers lost heart. — at the position they found themselves in, and
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pales ee Aer enn 5 pe res Em a ne My ee rere . a —. Se carey ra wey + ante eats Sak a : j ati Gy a > aoe, ongeroennraR emer eeu Corea et 2 genger arrived with a package for Mr. Van- derlip, and departed before he could be de- tained, That package was from ‘‘ The Unknown” and there was a letter inclosing papers. The letter stated that a search of the kid- pappers’ rooms revealed letters that might cast some light upon their act, and they were read and turned over to Lawyer Lockwood, who said. “This is a clear case against that man, and unless he turns over full authority for me to act, I shall send him to prison, for I start to Kansas City to-night. ‘Your Unknown Ferret is a wonder, chief, and leaves nothing undone to aid us.” The kidnappers and Weinberg were sent to jail and that night Lawyer Lockwood started for Kansas City. He was gone just ten days and returned with full powers to act for Eloise Archer as her guardian and executor, for the guilty cousin had yielded all claims and surrender- ed her fortune, —- CHAPTER XX. A MURDER MYSTERY TO UNEARTH. TRUE as steel the little Eloise could not ‘be induced to betray the secret of who her vescuer had been, or to make one compro- mising statement of who her allies had been, She was well fitted up in a wardrobe, and upon the return of Lawyer Lockwood had been placed at Madam L——'s fashion- sable boarding-school. But before going she had learned from Mr. Lockwood that he had, with the papers in his possession, quickly brought her cousin to terms, and forced him to relinquish all claim as executor and heir, upon the pay- ment of the sum owed him by her father. The lawyer furthermore stated that the ‘property was now worth about two hundred thousand, and for fear of a drop in the value of real estate in Kansas City, he would ‘soon dispose of it and invest in New York paying property for her. _ The kidnappers were not aware of who chad been the one to hire them, but this the lawyer had traced through his letters to them, which, aa signed by a fictitious name, came from Kansas City, and were in his handwriting. All that could be done with them was to try them as kidnappers of Eloise for the hope of gain, and send them to prison for the full limit of the law for such a crime, while Weinberg, as an accomplice, would also receive punishment in a lesser degree. The reward offered by Ingersoll Lockwood was eeuahat f paid over to Walter Vander- lip for New York Nat, who transferred it to the keeping of Queen, while a special council of the Boy Police was called in the old Haunted Mansion and the good news re- ported to tiem, Where they had looked for nothing from that night's work they were rejoiced at the fortune, to them, they had secured, and the King of the Ferrets rose still higher in their estimation; when Queen, as treasurer, report- - upon the finances of the League as fol- lows ‘We have received in cash two sums of five-thonsand dollars each, with numerous other sums from the members amounting to some four thousand doliars. '** We have paid out for expenses, salaries and other things sixteen-hundred dollars up to date, and have in cash now above all claims, twelve thousand four hundred dollars, which is reaily about a thousand for each member. ; ‘Besides we have in the keeping of the Secret Service chief, subject to the order of the Unknown Ferrets, all of twenty thousand dollars, with more to hear from. ‘* You see by this statement that the Boy Police League are flourishing financially, as well as gaining a name for ourselves,” The Boy Police were wild with delight at this statement and regarded themselves as almost millionaires, while they pledged them- selves over again to cling to each other with the tenacity of death and devote themselves more than ever to their work of shadowing the crooks, The reports were then asked for, and Keno’s statement regarding the counterfeiters was to be taken up and acted upon, us he had he thought, tracked them to their lair, and New York Nat stated that he would start upon their track in the morning. Then Blow had a strange case to report. It was known that a poor woman in the outskirts of town, a widow, had been arrest- ed for the murder of a wealthy bachelor liv- ing near her, or rather as an accomplice of the murderer. A man of the tramp kind had been seen to enter her house one night, and leave it the next morning wei dressed in some clothing belonging to her late husband, She had gone out with him toward the town, and there they had parted, he disap- pearing, while she had made anmumber of purchases, paying out in two instances a one hundred dollar bill. The bacbelor living near her had been found murdered in his house, and a blood- stained knife was discovered in the clothes of the tramp left in the woman's house. She had been lodged in jail to be tried for murder, though the strange man had not been found, The woman's story was that the man had come to her house and demanded food. She had given it to him, he killing a chicken himself which he had insisted should be cooked for him. Afraid of him she knew not what to do, and she had allowed him to remain all night, and at dawn he had demanded clothing of her, and she had given him shoes, hat and a suit belonging to her dead husband, Ip return he had given hér some money and demanded that she go to town with him and make some purchases for him, ee had done so, and then they had part ed.., The money she had spent for herselt was her own, she said. No one had believed her story, but sus- pected her of having been in league with the tramp, who had murdered the bachelor, robbed him and shared the money with her. But Blow had a report to make which was in effect that he had a room in a tenement In the Bowery. It was on the upper floor, and there were many others in the building. The night before it was raining ana he had gone to bis room early, and heard two men come into the next room, oR: He heard the clink of money, got out on the fire-escape and looking into the room heard and saw all that was said and done. They were counting money out of a tin box which they had just dug up, it havin been buried for some time, and on the li when it was open he had seen the name of the murdered bachelor— ~ ‘“*Lucas DunNN.”. There were papers in the box, some jewelry, gold, silver and paper money, and the men seemed to have made a rich haul. “One of the men was called both ‘* Caleb ” and ‘‘ Dunn,” by his companion, who was addressed by the other as Denny. There was some trouble about the money being divided, and Denny had said: “You ought not to touch this, for you'll get it all.’” - “*Yes, and you'll strike me regularly for more, I suppose.’ : - ***T won't go broke, Caleb, as long as you have boodle; but we must get the other box and then divide.’ ‘** All right, we'll go on Sunday night, for the box of silver, then divide.’” New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. ooo @ Such was the conversation Blow had over- heard, and New York Nat said: ‘‘ Boys, we'll unearth the mystery,” CHAPTER XXI. AT BAY, YET MERCILESS IN THEIR GRIP. TuE Boy Police League was at bay, there was no denying that fact. They had to fight the crook, solve mys- teries, prevent crime, and yet it was a con- stant struggle to hold their own against dis- covery and betrayal. They dreaded the police of the city and the detectives, who they knew would sus- pect them of harm rather than good. They felt that though they were shadow- ers, they were shadowed. P ‘ They knew how anxious the Secret Service chief was to solve the mystery of his Un- known Ferrets. They were well aware that he was deter- mined to find out how it was they received their valuablé information, and how it was they could elude detection by his very best agents, Their grip was merciless when fastened upon the crooks. This he had discovered. New York Nat was likea phantom detec- tive to him, and yet he was as sure as death, when he and his Boy Ferrets undertook to unearth « mystery, “We'll stand at bay and fight off discov- ry. of We'll do our work, and do it well, show- ing no mercy. “(In our own good time, when our king of them all sees fit to let the chief know who and what we are, we will take off our masks, and not before, for we can dodge the chief and his detectives as surely as we can catch the crooks.” Such was the decision of the Boy Police, and after the discussion of the affair, they dispersed with more confidence than ever in themselves, and in their young captain and Masked Mascot, for still to them did Queen remain unknown. The question had come up regarding Keno’s *‘ find.*’ That is, his tracking of counterfeiters. Keno was as sbrewd as could be, a good shadower, but not a planner or plotter, and many of the rest of the band were of the same kind. They could find out anything, could track down one they wished, but could not origi- nate a plot or execute it. This was the work of New York Nut, who was good at plotting and planning, and had in the Masked Mascot of the Boy Police League a most valuable assistant. henever he was at a loss for an idea or a plot, Queen came in with a suggestion. Tren, too, Nat had an able adviser in Walier Vanderlip. The young Arizonian had become tho-ough- ly domesticated in his new home. He lived luxuriously, yet was not extrav- agant. With two fortunes at his command, that of his father and the one left him by the ranchero who had made him his adopted son, he could live as he pleased, He had made acquaintances, and had joined a club. He had his cook, house-girl and butler, so lived in comfort. He was fond of ,his books, and enjoyed hours in his library. Then there was the theater to go to when he pleased, and he had a nice pair of trotters and a riding horse fora turn in the Park, and he kept them at a stable. 4 Walter Vanderlip was not a dissipated or ‘a fast man, yet enjoyed life to its full hent. | He had taken a wonderful interest in New York Nat and Queen, and he was glad toaid them, for he felt they were striving for a good purpose I t | q 4% He was anxious to pick up as much infor- so z3
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New York Nat and the Gr ave Ghouls. 13 mation as he could that would serve Nat, and read the papers thoroughly to see if he could help him. Between Walter Vanderlip and Lawyer Ingersoll Lockwood a strong friendship had sprung up, and, in fact, the Arizonian had confided in the attorney, and told him his story, and how the chief's Unknown Ferrets had aided him. ‘*Callon me, Vanderlip, for any question of law, and I'll give it gratis, for am anx. ious to aid your Secret Ferret whoever he be,’ Ingersoll Lockwood had said. nd he had added: ‘*He must be some remarkable person in- deed, for my little ward Eloise is devoted to him, and constantly asks me if 1 have heard of her rescuer, and how it is that the great Secret Service chief of New York cannot find him out.” ‘He is a wonder, yes, and so are those he has connected with him, one and ali,” had replicd Walter Vanderlip. And so it was that New York Nat and his Boy Police had, outside of their band, and their Mascot Queen, strong allies and friends in Walter Vanderlip, Lawyer Lockwood and Eloise Archer. : With such allies they were sure of suc- cess, in spite of their being at bay constant- ly to avoid detection, and they daily made their secret influence felt with those in au- thority, while their grip upon the crooks be- came more and more merciless. New York Nat enjoyed greatly the mys- tery he was under, and it was to his interest and pleasure to keep it up. Queen also was pleased at their success in holding the legitimate police and detective force at bay, making discoveries which they could not, and accomplishing triumphs which were enriching the band, The fortune which she had cast aside, from the reason that she would not accept the money of Miser Max of the Haunted House, given to her as an atonement for a crime against her parents, she cared nothing for. : She believed that the Boy Police League would enrich her as one of them, and she entered heart and soul into their every work, while she felt that Nat'sambition was to one day make a name for himself, matters stood in the Secret League of the Haunted House, when New York Nat decided to act upon the discoveries made by Keno of the gang of counterfeiters, Acting upon the information of Keno,. New York Nat set out to put his merciless grip upon the law-breakers, who were coun- terfeiting the money of ‘‘ Uncle Sam.” CHAPTER XXII. THE YOUNG PEDDLER. « A MILE or more above the cottage of the Widow Herbert, where Queen made her home, and New York Nat -was. often wont to take his meals, was a pretty little house not far from’ the Hudson, It stood slightly apart from the other houses near, had half an acre in grounds, and it was said that there lived there a man and his wife who had once been very rich, but had come down in the world, They had a horse and cow, and seemed fairly comfortable; but they would have nothing to do with their neighbors and were spoken of as: F “Those stuck-up Massey folks. Sundays they went to church, and so were not looked upon as bad, from that fact. They bought all their groceries down-town, and had the butcher and baker call at their door, ; } At first they were objects of interest to their “neighbors, but were soon almost unnoticed, _ when they returned no neighborly calls and _ seemed only anxious to live alone, and re- main unmolested. - One day Mrs. Massey was seated on the little piazza of her house, engaged in sewing, when a peddler approached the gate. She was a woman of handsome appear- ance, not over thirty, and had a haughty, severe air about her. ‘“Go away, or I will call the dog,” she said as the peddler was about to come in the gate. ‘*Dogs don’t mind me,” was the smiling reply, and the peddler entered. ‘*Go away, I tell you.” ‘‘Don’t you. wants to buy somedings?” asked the peddler with a pleasant smile. He was youthful in looks, had a cheery face and carricd.a large pack. ‘No, I don’t want to buy somedings,” “T vas so sorry, for I has my mudder and fader to support and dey vas old peo- ples.” ‘‘That is in your favor if you are telling the truth, but you peddlers are such liars, and the last one I bought from cheated me terribly.” gs He vas a very bad man; but I vas hon- est.” ‘They all say that.” ‘* Let me show you somedings.” ** No, you have nothing that I want.” ' “ Maybe so, maybe not,” and he held out a tray of jewelry. ‘‘Brass and glass,” said Mrs Massey with a toss of her nose, Bhan vas a goot judge; but I show you gold.” **Tt’s all brass.” * Vell, [show you some laces,” ** Cheap.” ‘*T bave some fine laces, so look at dot.” ‘* That is real lace,” said Mrs. Massey with interest. ** You vas know it already.” ‘* What would you ask for that?” ‘**You pay big money in t’e town,” ** How much?” ‘** Vell, you would pay three dollars a yard, won't you?” ‘‘ Yes, and cheap at that,” muttered Mrs. Massey. “Vell, I gif you dis lace at two dollars a yard.” ‘ ' ‘* How can you sell it at that price?” ‘* Because I buy it so cheap,” and the man took up a shawl and laid it to one side. The eye of the woman saw it and she said quickly: ‘* { will take the lace, all that you have in that piece, if you will sell me that shawl cheap.” ‘« Tt was very fine.” “‘T know that.” : ‘Tt was very oxpensive.” ** How much?” “Vat you gif for dat shawls at Arnold & Constable's?” The woman looked up the street, saw some neighbors watching and said: ‘*Come in.” The peddler did so. , She led him into the parlor, raised the blinds and looked at the shawl critically. ‘“‘T will give youa hundred dollars for it. ” - The peddler smiled. ‘Well, half a hundred more.” ‘Tt was worth three times so much.” ss Granted; but you did not pay that for it.” ; ‘‘T pays one hundred and seventy.” “‘ Well, I'lbgive you two hundred.” ‘*T take him.” ‘‘lam surprised to see a peddler with such valuable goods.” . ‘Vell, you see I don’t sell em in t’e city, but go to t’e country. **T vas see you, and you look like you vas know goot t’ings, so I ask you.” ‘How did you get these things, that you can sell them so cheap?” The peddler looked about him cautiously and then said: “You vas buy dem?” “Oh, yes.” ‘‘Suppose they vas smuggled?” ‘*T have nothing to do with that. ** Suppose dey vas stolen?” ‘*That is your lookout, not mine.” ‘Vell, I tell you, dey never pay duties, maybe, and maybe dey vas stolen. ** You vant some more?” ’ The woman looked at some other things, purchased half a dozen silk stockings, some fine gloves and two silk patterns, all at half their value. Then she went to get her money, for she had to pay the peddler for her purchases some: four hundred dollars, As she left the room he sprung to the door between, and placed his eye to the key-hole, then his ear, Voices were heard within and what was. said he caught evidently, for he smiled in a. peculiar way. In a short while the woman returned and in her hand she beld a roll of bills, and from this she counted out the sum due the peddler. ‘‘T was so much obliged,” he said, and promising to come again he shouldered his pack and took his leave, both the woman and himself apparently pleased that he had come, ‘a _ CHAPTER XXII. THE BELL-BOY FERRET, ‘Boys, we have got them dead to rights.’” So said New York Nat to his faithful band of young ferrets, as they met in the Haunted. Mansion at night, prepared to to make a. move of some kind, * “You went there then, Cap’n Nat?” said Keno eagerly. MrYes,..L plisyeo the game of a German peddler, and took the booty with me we: found on board the sloop the other night, and which I reserved for just such work as: teens in for, as I thought it might some: ay.” ‘You saw the men?" ‘No, but I saw the woman, and heard the men.” ‘Then you are sure I was right?” , “Oh, yes, Keno, you had them down fine, and we will bag our game to-night. *“The woman’s name is Massey, and she is. said to have been rich once, and holds her-. self above her neighbors, with whom she: willhave nothing to do; but that is for a pur-. pose. for they don’t want visitors in that ouse you bet. ‘IT sold her about four hundred dollars’ worth of goods and I’ve got the money for them too, which is the best of it.” The band had assembled upon call in the: old mansion, and they sat in their ‘ council- chamber ” ina semicircle around the table, at which were seated New York Nat and ueen, The lamp shed its light in the faces of the- young ferrets, cansing a strange and picturesque scene, with their varied attire- and expressions. It was what many would have said was & gathers of hoodlums, and yet to study the aces of those young detectives, dodging the. police themselves, yet rendering most valu- able services, hunters yet hunted, it would: be seen that there were those among them who would make their way well in the- world. fi The masked face of the young Queen of the Ferrets was a mystery to all of them save Nat. ’ Not once had her face been revealed to them, and this one fact added to the strength of the girl with them, and the mystery, _ They regarded her as some being above them, and yet she was kindness itself to all. Baring tid of his trip to the cottage as a peddier, New York Nat said: ‘‘Now we must go slow in this work, but. I wish the whole force of the band to beon. - |band, | eae ce Pane reer ee PN A . .
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ng the letter before I wrote on the envelope: — Ey ‘ _ “* Will see you on Sunday night—will es os ea aN aa Or ON mie Nt a a New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. —=$————— ee oEoEoSeoaeeaeaoaaoaooaoaoaoamamaeaEaoaoaoaoaaoayIaaaaaoaaaaEea=E=E=a=aEaE=aaeaEaaeaeaeaeaeaeaEaeoaeaeaeaoaEaEaEeEeEeEeEeEeEEEEEeeeeeeee ee “We will get there after midnight, and we will quietly surround the house. “‘T will then knock and tell the woman who I am, Dutch Dick the Peddler, I said was the name they gave me. ‘ T’ll tell her that I have reason to believe ‘that the cops are on my track, and having been seen at her house, the to question her as to what I told her. ‘*T can thus win her confidence, and once ‘she opens the door, all will be plain sailing, for T’ll ask her to take my pack and keep it until the row blows over. “You boys will be all around the house, ‘and you, Doc, and Parson and Keno, must rig out as police, and be-ready to push right in with me. ‘There are, I think, three men there, and ‘they'll show fight, I guess; but we will be ready for them and win the game, and my idea is that we'll make a haul worth going after ‘“Now, boys, what reports are there to make?” The Ferrets made their reports, none of which were important that night save one, and that was what Flip had to say, which ‘was as follows: . **You know, Cap’n Nat, the cashier that is held for robbing the safe of Leech & Gor- man?” “ Yes, Flip.” ' Well, Abe Nong thinks he’s guilty, and yet I've got aclue to who is the guilty one.” ‘‘Go ahead, Flip, for if we can save a guilty man and catch a sinner, we are only too glad,” ' “ Well, you see, Bolton, that was the cash- jer’s name, invested quite largely in stocks, and lost his money, and it was said he used the firm’s cash, and to hide his losses opened the safe one night, making all appear as though it was a burglary.” ‘* Yes, [ remember.” ‘‘A policeman said he saw Mr. Bolton near the banking-house that night, for he always wears a light slouch hat, long coat and glasses, and the cop swore to its being ‘the cashier. ‘“But I was sent on an errand the other. day from the messenger office, by a young man, and told to wait for an answer, and if the party was not in, to bring the letter back tome.” — “*T see.” “The man was awfully nervous, and in. his flurry he forgot to seal the letter, so I read it,” ' “You are sure that it was not sealed Filip?” ‘*You bet I'm sure, for I hain’t taking nochances with my liberty, ~ ‘It was open and I read it.” ‘* Well, what was it?” ‘‘Tt was a demand for pay, for his share of a game played on the night of the twenty-seventh, it read, and there was a threat that unless an appointment was made and the thing squared, an innocent man should not suffer for a guilty one’s act.” ‘‘Ah, Flip, you are getting there,” ‘You bet 1 am, and the letter set me to thinking, so I studied the name of the man in it, and the writer, ‘“The names were ‘George Leech’ and * Mark,’ Ths ; , ‘“‘Now I remembered that I had seen those names mentioned in the Leech & ‘Gorman robbery, as being clerks there, or rather George Leech and Ben Markham, and so I put things together and it struck me that the game referred to was robbing the safe, and the innocent man was Bolton |” the cashier, who said that it was his money he used in speculating, some he had made — in former speculations. ‘‘T took the letter, saw Mr. Leech, seal- may come there gave it to him, and he | come to your room at Hotel ,V—— at ten o’clock.’’” ‘ i That is the hotel where you are working, “ip?” “Yes, that is where the man came and | wrote the note, sending me with it; he | stops there.” ae “Was nothing more said?” ‘‘He told me to say to Mr. Markham | that he would bring what he asked for, that was all,” ‘‘That looks like the boodle was going to be divided.” ‘‘That is just what it does look like, Cap’n Nat, and my idea is that if there was some one to break in upon them when they are there, it would show up their game. ‘There is a room adjoining Markham’s, leading into a bathroom, and that might be engaged a day before and a gimlet hole bored to see through.” “We'll do it, Flip, for I guess you are right about that Leech & Gorman, matter, that the law has got the wrong pig by the ear,”’ said Nat, and he added: % ‘* But now for the counterfeiters,” and like spooks the Boy Police slipped away from the old mansion, CHAPTER XXIV. THE COUNTERFEITERS. Tue little cottage was dark when New York Nat approached it, as though the occu- pants were absent or had retired. But the Boy Police slipped around it in their quiet way, and Nat went to the front door, while Parson, Doe and Keno, dressed as public men, for they had thrown off their outer coats upon arriving, stood in the shad- ows close at hand, Nat rung the bell and almost instantly there was a voice from the window above that asked: ‘* Who is there?” | It was the voice of Mrs. Massey, and Nat replied in broken English: . “Tt vas me, Dutch Dick t’e Peddlers.” ‘What do you want?” ‘*T vants to told you somedings.” ‘Come to-morrow.” ‘Maybe it vas too late dot time. ‘“*T vant to give you my pack to keep, for T vas in troubles.” There was a silence of a minute and then came the words: ‘*Wait, I will come down and talk to ou,” The door opened a few inches, after bolts had been shot back and a bar removed, and the woman asked: : ‘* Well, what is it, for I don’t like your coming here at night to get me into trou- ble.” ‘*Maybe it was more trouble if I didn’t come, for t’e cops was after me and I want to leave my pack here with you for some time.” ‘“ Where is it?” ‘*Right here,” and Nat dragged a heavy India Aa cmpnile ea pack into sight. ** You are sure no one saw you come here?” ‘No one saw me; but a friend told met’e cops was after me,andI can get avay if I don’t have t’e packs.” ‘‘ Well, I will keep it for you, only I want no trouble, and if they catch you you must not tell where it is.” . ‘**T von’t tell nottings.” ‘* Well, bring it in, and “Where I take him?” | “This way,” and the woman grasped his = in the dafkness and drew him along the a But three other forms stole in behind them, the door was closed and dark lanterns were sprung and light flashed upon the scene, while Nat said sternly: ‘* You are my prisoner, madam! ** Make ‘no: outcry.” 96 gees But outery she did make, for she called hen Jiurry away.” Out . **Ob, Jack! the law-hounds are upon us.” “Yes, your house is entirely surrounded —resistance will be your death,” cried Nat, and he threw open the door leading into the rear room, There was a bright light there, though none shone without, and three men were seated at a table eating supper. They had attemped a show of resistance, but had no weapons and the words of New York Nat checked them. t **Come out one by one!” ordered Nat, as he slipped the steel bracelets. upon the wo- man, and the men obeying they were also quickly ironed, one of them growling forth: **Curse you, Mollie! see what your love of dress has done for us,” The Boy Police hung back in the dark hall, keeping their bull’s-eyes turned upon the gang, and to make matters more sure, Nat ordered the men.to be manacled around the feet also. They were cool fellows and though very pale, took their surprise quietly, one of them remarking: **See what it is to leave our weapons be- hind when we came to supper, for I be- lieve a bold dash would have saved us.” ‘* Yes, and that is a flesh mask that fellow wears.” ** And the others are also masked. ‘Who are you?” **Cops,” was Nat’s reply, and he went up-stairs with Keno, leaving Doc and Par- son to guard the prisoners, The discovery they made was a valuable one, for a wooden partition in the wall was let down like a table, and it revealed a secret receptacle, in which were various utensils of the counterfeiters’ trade. On the table was a press and plates; there were molds, coins, a furnace, bars of metal, and pads of paper. The whole revealed a complete outfit of counterfeiters, and Nat said dryly: ‘“They make good money, and I’ve got four hundred dollars and it’s hard to tell it from the real. 2 ‘* Now to get back the thirgs I sold her, for they may be needed again.” A short search in the woman’s room re- vealed the purchases she had made from Nat as a peddler, and they were quickly bundled up. Then the prisoners were ironed to. the chairs they were made to sit in, and with the lamp burning the Boy Police left the cottage, leaving the impression, however that they were still on guard. The door was locked, Nat taking the key and Doc and Keno were left on guard out- side until the real officers should arrive, when they would quietly get away. Then the Boy Police made their way to . their respective haunts, New York Nat go- ing downtown with all baste. He went at once to the home of Walter bh eacin and at his ring the door was open e ‘*T was expecting you, Nat, having receiv- ed your letter. ‘*Come in,” said Walter Vanderlip. In Nat went and handing the key of the counterfeiters’ cottage to Mr. Vanderlip, he asked if he could sit down and write a state- _ ment. ‘f This he did, and armed with it Mr. Van- at once went to the nearest Police | derlij Headquarters and from there sent officers u to the cottage to gee the prisoners and get the proofs of t went to bed. CHAPTER XXV. THE NIGHT-WATCH. | _ WHEN the chief of the Secret Service — | Bureau went down to his Headquarters, the _ after the raid upon the counter- — mornin ; feiters, he was surprised at the news await-— eir crime, while Nat hastened back to his lonely quarters and Pe ey > taint, =~ +e aie a ae ‘ Pe aoe — Site
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A woman and three men had been taken during the night and locked up, and a search of their home had revealed that they were a band of counterfeiters of paper, gold and silver money. They were unknown to the police as such, save one, who had eluded arrest as a crook, and upon whose head there was a reward of a thousand dollars. The chief was delighted with this capture, and when asked what lucky officer had made the capture, he was referred to a com- munication on his desk. “The Unknown Ferret again, by all that’s good!” he cried, and breaking the seal he read: «Getting word of a counterfeiters’ nest, I decided to robit. . ** By a trick, playing peddler, I got at the truth and the situation, the woman paying me in counterfeit money for the purchases she made. : ‘“Those purchases [ took back for future use; but all else was left as I found it. ‘«There is a reward for one of the counter- feiters, so please add it to the bank account of Yours, “Tue UNKNOWN.” ‘Who brought this?” asked the chief. ‘Tt was sent by a messenger, sir, along witha note from your friend Mr. Vander- lip.” M Ah!” and the chief took up the note and read: -* **My Dear Curer:— “T send the Unknown’s report beneath. **T will drop in on you and shed what other light I can upon the affair, which was a clean sweep for my mysterious Ferret friend. Yours, Way Walter Vanderlip did drop in on the chief, ' #” and they talked over the matter together, all the details being gone into as New York Nat had made them known, ‘Of course, Vanderlip, these captures of my Unknown Ferret are wonderfully clever, _ and he is deserving of all praise; but still T must say that I do not like his secrecy with me,’ said the chief. _ ‘He has,’ as I said before, his own rea- ‘sons for remaining unknown, but in time all will be made clear to you,” answered Van- derlip, and then he added: **] have some more news for you.” ‘* Well?” *“ You have a woman in jail as an accom- plice a8 the murderer of a Mr. Dunn?” oo es, , ‘© You deem her guilty?” “Circumstantial evidence surely points that way.” , “ Well,.I am going to ask you if you will remain here at your office on Sunday night until you hear from me, and mind you, chief, that does not mean that I am to be shadowed, for, by trying to find out who the Secret Ferret is, you may prevent good work | _. from being done.” . . % ““My word for it, I will not have you shadowed on Sunday night, Mr, Vanderlip.”. +, “Thank you, and let me say that there -will be two cases of interest for you, both widely different, and, from what I learn, they will surprise you greatly.” “7 like surprises.” “You have Bolton, the cashier of Leech a _ * And no shadowing of me.” . _ “You have my word,” was the answer, and Walter Vanderlip left the Headquarters Pat went. for a horseback ride ir Central ark, : a secluded part of the Equestrian Path t tiy + New York Nat, and the two held a } long conversation together, after which they went their separate ways. It was Friday, and New York Nat was plotting for double work to be done on Sun- day night. Blow’s report of the two men in his tene- ment-house, and the work they intended to do, must be attended to, and there was also the meeting at the Hotel V——'of Flip’s two friends to be looked after, A special meeting of the Boys’ League was called for Saturday night in the old man- sion, and there it was arranged that Blow should shadow his two men to the spot they were going after the* box spoken of, and as it was doubtless in the neighborhood of the murdered bachelor’s house, Nat and others of the band would be on hand three to wait and watch for their coming. Then Flip and a couple of his pals were to be on duty for the hotel catch. Flip was to go on duty in the hotel that night, taking the place of one of the night bell-boys, and Doc and Parson had engaged the room adjoining the one appointed as the rendezvous between George Leech and Mark- ham, ' They had gone there on Saturday, and had bored a couple of gimlet holes high up in the door, so as to command a view of the room, and watching when the occupant was out, for Flip posted them, they had tried keys they had until they found one to unlock the door between, so that wasall arranged. With these arrangements all made, New York Nat patiently awaited the time to act. Mr. Vanderlip had been notified of the moves on hand, and had promised that he would remain in his house and not retire un- til he heard from New York Nat. _Hle had been posted as to the room in the Hotel V—— and also of the address of the tenement-house where Blow’s two plotters stayed, so all that he would have to do would be to call up the chief, when he heard from New York Nat, and notify him to send officers to the two places and secure their men, . Sunday. night came in darkand misty, and when the two plotters left their room, Blow was not far behind, He was a good shadower and taking the same car that they did was of course not suspected by the two, One of the men carried a basket, and the two talked together in a low tone. They were hard-looking toughs, and Blow thought that he would not like to be caught out with them in the dark, They left the car at a street far up-town and Blow did not get off until he felt that he would not be seen by them. He soon caught up near enough to see them indistinctly in the distance ahead, and there he hung until the house of the mur- dered buchelor, Dunn, loomed up. He saw the men leave the lane by getting over a fence on the right and going into a field, Then he stood at the fence and watched them, and he nearly gave a cry aloud as a voice said at his side: “They are at it, Blow.” , 4 ‘Oh, Cap’n Nat! you scared the wits out | of me.” ‘‘T saw them come and you also, “The boys are scattered about, two of them are lying in the field where those men | are.” ‘ tae are digging up the box.” ** Yes.” ‘* But they have a basket to put the things in, and you had better go back on the car | with them, for they saw me coming out.” “Tl be with them, Blow. while you now | go back to your room and be there when | they return, for we can do nothing with them here, and I can send the chief's detec- tives to catch them at their work of dividing the spoils.” aa! . ‘‘That’s just the idea, for those men } AY ae Ce. . - > Dare A det OOo ear : * Na tae ie dd RM iw. Ris! BD Pn 15 would fight here and get us all ina scrape, for they are armed, as I saw them put on their revolvers,” and Blow retraced his way back to the city, leaving New York Nat and the others on guard. CHAPTER XXY1. THE GUILTY ONES. Nor one of New York Nat's well-trained boys moved from the position in which they had been placed, to await the signal to act. They saw the men at work digging in the field, and they were ready to close in upon them. : But they did not get the signal, and so would not make a move. The box was put back in the hole and covered up again, and with the basket on their arms they started back the way they had come. The moment they did so, New York Nat had gone to one of his boys and told him to wait there and tell the others that a change of plan had been mnde, and they could return to the city and disperse for the night. We've got them, tell the boys, but will make no move heré,” and Nat hastened away up the lane. ' A car passed as he got to the avenue, but he let it go by and when five minutes after the men came up they saw him running to- ward the car from another direction, But he stopped and waited for the next and the three got on it together. The basket, Nat noticed, appeared to be full of vegetables, as he could see under the lids, but this he knew was a blind to hide what it really did contain, As they waited, Slim, another of Nat’s boys came up, but gave no sign of recogni- tion, and the pair got on the next car, As they neared the Hotel V—— Nat got. up and went on the front platform, and Slim, having seen his sign, followed soon af- ter, and heard the whispered words: “Tl get off at the Hotel V——, you shadow them and go to Blow’s room, | ‘The chief’s men will soon be there.”’ Then Nat swung off of the car and saun- tered into the hotel. — F ‘ It was just ten o’clock, and he congratu- ‘lated himself that he was on time for the ap- pointment there, He saw Flip in his bell-boy going near him heard the words: ‘ ‘*He hasn’t come yet. ‘““The boys are QO. K.”, Nat was dressed like a youth fora Sunda outing. and having gotten his boots blacked, for they needed it after his walk in the edge — of the city, he walked up to the telephone, uniform, and ¥ ug va 4 paid his fee of ten cents and asked for Num- — ber 1001, He soon got it, and the following passed — over the wires: ** Hello!” ; “Yes, Hello!” pa ‘ ‘*TIs that 1001?” 4 “<T e497” ‘Who are you?” ‘* Walter Vanderlip, and I recognize ‘your ; voice Nat.” ‘Yes, sir, and I called if your friends will go to the tenement num ber we spoke of, they will find the two gen — tlemen at home, they having just arrived from the country with their baggage.” you up tosay that : - “All right, my friends will call at once, — for they are anxious to meet those they have — been expecting to arrive to-night, “Je -that eller ee ih “For the present it is, sir; you up again before long, I hope.” ‘*T will be on hand near the _ “Good-night, sir.” HS re “ Good night. ”» n ; Hotel V—— and the chief's Headquarters men called up. 14 oF 5d Waa “fei f 4 meee hers phone.’ CEL Then the telegram was rung off from the re aly yh J era ty A raz er ‘ ee (7 7 aik AY 4 Mal but Twill call |
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tes tee tees 16 “*Hello, Vanderlip, that is your dulcet voice | hear?” ‘* Yes, sir, and I wished to say that the gentlemen you were expecting have just ar- rived from the country, and if ou will send there, to the address and room i sent you to- night, you will find them at home.” “Thank you. ‘Will send at once; but how about the others?” ‘‘No word yet, but expected each mo- ment.” ‘* A}l right, call me up, for I'll be here.” ‘* Better go there yourself, for itis on your way home.”’ ** I will do'so- but will I find my Unknown friend there awaiting me?” ‘That I will not answer for—good-by for the present,” was Walter Vanderlip’s laugh- ing reply, when he realized how anxious he was to catch the Unknown Ferret. It was justa quarter of an hour after he had telephoned that Nat heard Flip whisper: ‘*He has just come and has gone up to the room!” ‘“‘Did the gentleman say he would see me?’’ asked Nat aloud of Flip. ‘* Yes, sir, he said walk up,” and Flip led the way tothe room in which Doc, Parson and Keno were there in ambush. A knock at the door. It was opened by Keno, and Nat went in, while Flip remain- ed outside, to be on watch. ‘*He has come, and they are talking to. ether. Doc has his eye at one gimlet hole, arson his ear at another,” whispered Keno. ‘* And the door between?” * Is unlocked, but bolted on our side,”’ ‘All right,” and Nat passed on into the bath-room, when Parson at once yielded his place to him, He looked through the gimlet hole, then a his ear to it, and what be then saw and eard seemed to please him. Gettiag down off the chair he slippeda mask, the same which only a close observer would observe was not the real face, with a mustache on it Then he put on a wig, and telling Doc and Parson to be ready, he left the room and went cut in the hall. Knocking at the doorof the next room, while Flip watched in the corridor, a voice asked - “ Well, what is it?’ ‘* A telegram for you, Mr. Markham,” The door was opened. by the man for whom Flip had taken the note to George Leech, : Grasping the telegram he tore it open, turning to the light as he did so, At once slipping into the room Nat closed and locked the door behind him! There sat George Leech at the table, he having hastily thrown a silk handkerchief over something that was upon it. ‘‘Mr, Markham, that telegram is a blank, , but I want you and your friend there.” ** Great God!’ cried Markham, while Leech uttered an oath as he sprung to his feet. But, the door of the adjoining room opened and in stepped Doc, Parson and Keno, also wearing the flesh masks which Nat had had so skillfully made as to look real. ‘ There is no use, gentlemen, for you have the proof of your guilt before you, that you robbed Leech & Gorman’s safe, and put the apparent proof of guilt upon the ‘cashier. ~ ‘** There is the money as proof, which you are dividing to-night between you; and more you, Markham, have in your room here white slouch hat, coat and spectacles, whic you wore so that you might be mistaken for the cashier. ‘* Hold out your hands, gents, for I’m going to make you a present.” The two young men had sunk down upon the nearest seats, white-faced and dismayed. Their crime had found them out, and they were utterly powerless to resist if they had __» Chosen to do so. - ein oe ae Pe ie cut bd een Nie ante ssh eral aoe io Soe ee Biase eet Tes | 67 FaesE errs feet Nie? BN oi q si aeons Now York Nat and the Grave Ghouls ‘*T will leave you here for the present, un- | jail, one of them being his own brother, til further orders, but in the next room,” and Nat here bundled all the money up in the silk handkerchief, tied it securely and wrote on a slip of paper a name. Then he placed it upon the table in the next room, and, with other manacles ironed the two men together and to the table as well, leaving the money between them. Locking the other room door on the inside he passed out through Markham’s room with the words: ‘*My men willawait in here the coming of the chief of detectives.” Then the Boy Ferrets slipped out quietly, locking the door after them. = + Nat went at once to the office, while Doc and Parsons descended in the elevator, Keno waiting for another trip of it with Flip, who had been told to watch for the chief's comng. Going tothe telephone again Nat called up Mr. Vanderlip and said: ‘* Ask your friends to come to the Hotel V—— Room 46 They will find those they expect awaiting them there,” ‘‘Ay ay; you have done well,” answered Walter Vanderlip, and he once again called up the chief and repeated Nat's words. “T’ll go myself” was the answer. “Then I will drop in and see you, if you wish.” ‘* I do wish it.” “‘T have something to tell you of the other visit,” said the chief, and the ’phone was rung off. CONCLUSION, It was just half-past one when the chief rung the door-bell at Walter Vanderlip’s house, He was met by Mr. Vanderlip, who had allowed his butler a night off, and the two went into the library together for a smoke and talk. ‘“ Well, chief, did all pass out as we had hoped?” ; ‘** Better; for in each case, besides catching the worst kind of crooks, we have saved in- nocent parties from the brand of guilt rest- ing upon them.” **Tell me about it.” ‘Well, my men went to the number of ‘the room in the tenement, as directed, and broke in the door without knocking, for they felt sure of their game, : ‘There they found two men, both of them old offenders, one a burglar, the other an escaped convict, “They had all the proof of their guilt be- fore them, for they had a basket of silver plate and other things engraved with the name of Dunn, ‘« They had also a tin box with his name on it, containing jewelry, and paper, gold and silver money. ‘‘What was more, they had the very knife that they had killed the poor fellow with, his blood still upon it! ‘‘ Brought with their booty to Headquar- ters, the burglar broke down and said he was not sorry they had been caught, for the thought that a poor woman had been accused of the crime and might hang for it had tor- tured him greatly. ‘‘T at once sent for the poor woman, had her brought before me, and then she told that the supposed tramp who had visited her was her own son, who, years before, had fled, believing he had killed a man. ‘He had gone West and made money, and then came back to see his mother, and since her arrest only, had she learned that the man was not dead whom her son supposed he had killed, but it was to protect him from arrest she had not told the truth, for all evidence seemed against him. His knife had been stained by cutting off the head of the chicken she had cooked for him. “T had her sent to other quarters until the court sets ber free, and the real murderers and rebbers of the old bachelor were sent to i ‘A A a PUN Ia A Se RE tc ONS LMI MEET his aan icea a Caleb Dunn, who expected to get the pro- perty as the next heir, when he dared come forward to claim it.” ‘*And so, your Unknown still does good work?” said Walter Vanderlip with a smile. “Yes indeed! And more, he has saved the cashier of Leech & Gorman from prison, for he has most cleverly shown that the rob- bery was by a nephew of Mr. Leech, aided by another clerk in the bank, while they purposely fastened the guilt upon my poor friend,” ‘‘IT am glad indeed that he escapes.” ‘* Yes, and that the guilty must suffer, ‘‘T found them in Markham’s room at the hovel, ironed together and to the table as, well, ‘There, between them, was their plunder which they had not time to divide, ‘*A more pitiable looking pair I never saw; and oh, how they begged, offering their stealings to be allowed to go free! ‘*T sent them to the lock-up, and then came: to see you,” . ‘“You found no trace of the Unknown Ferret then?” ‘* Only his game, the boodle in a silk hand- kerchief, and on‘it the words: ‘‘ With the compliments of “THe UNKNOWN.” ‘Well, chief, he seems to work to throw light in dark places, and to do so with suc- cess, while he alsosuccessfully eludes you.’” ‘“See here, Vanderlip, I believe I shall give up trying to track down my Unknown Ferrets, for these two murderers could tell me nothing of how they had been tracked, and Markham and Leech simply said that they had been surprised by several of m officers entering their room from the one ad- joining and the hall, and making them pris- oners. ‘‘They were too much frightened to de- scribe ‘my officers,’ as they called them, and there was not a photograph of an Unknown Ferret about that I could see when I got there, though they were doubtless around, laughing at me. ‘*No, I shall let them have their way at working secretly, until in their own time and way they choose to Jet me know whoand what they are, and their reason for deceiving. me as they have done ” ‘*A wise decision, chief, for I assure you that only when the Unknown Ferrets get ready to make themselves known will you learn who they are. Save one, the leader doubtless, I do not even know who they are.” “Well, they shall have their own way,” sighed the chief. Then he continued: aE, ‘‘They have done splendid work. Their act in putting their grip upon the fiendish Grave Ghouls who have been robbing graves so frequently of late, is worthy of the high- est praise, and I would be glad to take them cne and all upon my force unquestioned, for evidently no one knows the haunts of criminals in this city better than they. ‘Yes, they shall have their own way, and Tll not ask you, their Arizona Ally, to be- tray them. Keep your faith with them and all will be right in the end, I amsure.” And have their way they did, rendering services again and again of the greatest value, and steadily building up fame and fortune for themselves under the leadership of their Masked Queen and their dauntless captain, New York Nat. 4 THE END. BEADLE’S HALF-DIME LIBRARY. 872 Two Showmen Detectives in C olorades or, Pete Parmeiee, the Vagabond Tramp. 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