Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 881) (1894 06 12)
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an tL df te ms Ys LE AND ADAMS. i, by BEADI Ene ered as Second Class Matter at the now York, N. Y, Post | Office. Copyrighted 18M, by $2.50. PUBLISHED BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. a Year. ai wi : i Ny Ute . ait < Ss | i | i iin ti M4 i ' ys NON P Mh \ os ih uy a tT ah | ae i ire 1) aR Wr Ht \ x ath | Ha ' il Iv’E GOT JERRY JENKINS, PROFESSIONAL CROOK, UNDER MY EYE NOW, YOU BET!” 1} EXCLAIMED TURKEY BILLY.
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Z Turkey Billy. Turkey Billy, The Shine~’em-up Detective. THE GAMIN GUARDIAN, BY CHARLES MORRIS. CHAPTER I. LOVERS IN DANGER. “Your turn next,sir. Haven'’t got my card- case with me, but my name's Billy Turk, other- wise Turkey Billy, and if you want any recom- mendation justask the President. I gave him a jolly shine the last time he was in New York.” hese words were spoken by a bright-faced boy, whose “ stamping-ground” was in and around Madison Avenue Square, New York City,and whose sparkling eyes and generally wide-awake air told that he was quite able to carry his end of the weight of the world, The box at his feétand the brushin his band were evidence enough of his professicn. The person he addressed was a well-~iressed and good-looking young man. Beside him walked a young lady, of beautiful face and at- tractive figure,and with eyes that seemed to say that she and her companion were more than mere friends. It would have needed little skijiia Duman nature, topronounce them lovers, at sight. “Not now, my Iad, : ou. later,” an- gwered the gentleman, with a smile. ‘I have no time just now to hunt up the President.” “Just wait then. Til call Mr. Vanderbilt. There he goes. lI always‘dohisshinin’. If you don’t say hisskoes are better than two lookin’- | giasses |’]] trade my box to a tin peddler.” ** Ob! don’t bother me,” replied the gentleman, impatiently. ‘‘Some other time.” “*I sce how it is,” cried the boy with a sly wink. ‘You don’t want to comb your hair by Vanderbilt’s shoes, when you’ve got a couple of bright eyes like them to look into.” The daiy looked away with a bright blush. But, there was a laugh on her lips when she tur ned back. “Compliments are not in fashion, my boy,” she said lightly. *‘ You will have to try some other trick of trade.” ** Compliments!” cried Billy, with an air of surprise. ‘“*‘ Anda pairof eyeslikethem! And sucb rosy cheeks and red lips! Why, there aren’t words enough in the Dictionary to com- Jiment them! Every word I said was gospel. P ate Now, sir, just hoist up your canai-boats on this age P ; box, and Pll give you a shine in the kick of a mu ‘* You don’t mean that for a compliment, I hope,” laughed the gentleman. “+ That’s as you choose to takeit. I didn’t say mud-scows. It isn’t always polite to come out | with the plain truth, you Know. Lift them up, now! “) am getting the cream of this business, Harry,” laughed the lady. “You had better take a shine. That’s the best you can hope for.” ‘* It seems so,” he answered with a rueful air. ‘* He hasn't even a word tosay for the handsome shape of my nose, por the beauty of my er- pails, Well, there’s only one way to get rid of Master Impudence.” He lifted his foot to the box. Billy seized up- on it, and briskly opened operations with his brusbes. The young street scout had been shrewd enough to know where bis praise would | pay best. “T reckon you two are spoouin’,” he said, when he had bis customer's foot safe captive. “Sparkin’, 1 mean, Settin’ up o’ nights, an’ | moonin’ under the willow-trees.” The lady turned with an impatient jerk, and walked away. **Pshaw! cried the gentleman. “ It is about time you were learning to mind your own busi- ness, boy.” *“‘T reckon there isn’t any bootblack in York that can discount me at my business,” answered Billy proudly. ‘‘There ain’t a lord comes over ' from England but I his j a ‘“igdeed! And a lord aia you shine up | las" «“ ” The Lord knows who!” “You're 6 smart man,” “You bet lam! Sp oe ieeee 20 thee Come, rig vp your derrick * Harry make hoist * This boy is mach too wide-awake to waste his talents in this business. | before Billy was | ” langhed the lady, who had returned. | You said you needed a smart boy in your office, He might answer.” Billy had evidently got on the right side of | the young lady, im spite of her assumed dislike of compliments. me. You understand? Well, go row. Ve lose sight of them.” Jenkins slouched on without answT- was something very sneaking in his B&anner as | he followed the unconscious pair in ac’ance. “*['m the chap for your money!” cried Billy | enthusiastically. ‘‘I’m getting too old for this trade, and wouldn’t mind being cashier of a bank or treasurer of a gold-mine or sometbing.” ** Well, you’re modest, at any rate. Can you read and write?” **'You ought to see mesling ink! AndI can *most read Latin. I could rattle ié off like Eng- lish if the words weren’t so full of busses !” ** Tf they were just like English, eh? Can you cipher?” **Can I cipher? Fork over your cash for that job and see if I don’t give you the right change out of an X.” ‘*T have no time to talk with you now. Here is your money, and here is my card., Come to my office to-morrow afternoon and I will see what you are good for.” **Good for? I’m good for wheat, you bet!” rejoined Billy, as he replaced the brushes in his box. ‘But I know how itis. Been there my- self. I’m sparkin’a little gal down our way. She’s scrumptious too, [ tell you!” ‘* Then I ain’t scrumptious,” laughed the lady. * Oh, you get out! Take him away, and don’t let him stumble over no stones takin’ your eyes for diamonds.” | the man, Billy, who was now peeping curid@sly from his post, saw the look of spite upon ti¢ face of His bands were clinched, 2nd he stamped violently upon the ground. > **T wil? have her!” he hissed. “I feaPasome- thing like this, but I had no evidence before. So, Harry Weston is the favored one! That I did not dream of. He shall not stam 12 my ath,” he continued with almost flerce @cision. ‘I will ruin him before hesball rob met that girl, Sheis the only woman I ever lovd, and | I fear she despises me. But, she shall h™mineg~ she shall be mine! Harry Weston, wise & you deem yourself, you do not know the danger you are in!” He shook his fist with an aspect of rage after the lovers as he turned and walked angrily away,gnawing his lips with spite as he did so. He had but fairly gone when Billy emerged from behind his tree, placed his box on end,on the ground, seated himself upon it, and dropped | his chin on his two.palms. ‘* Nelly,” said the gentleman, ‘this young | man has first-class taste. Suppose we sit down and—” “T have had enongh of his taste,” she replied, tossing her head roguiskly. “T see; ’cause l’ve nothin’ to say for Mr, | | Harry,” rejoined the bootblack. / reckon he’d pass in a crowd if it was big enough. ‘Hell do. I Good-by! Til toddle down to-morrow. And I | want an invite to the wedding, mind that.” Tossing his box over his shoulder, Turkey Billy walked off, leaving a warm blush on the lady’s cheek and a Jook of hopeful desire in the gentleman’s eyes. ‘* Nelly,” he whispered, seizing and pressing + her hand, ‘‘if even the bootblacks can see our love, it is time we wefe taking this sharp boy’s suggestion. When shall it be, love?” **'You have had my answer already on that,” she replied, walking away with an air of dis- pleasure. ‘* Why will you make me repeat it?” He followed somewhat sheepishly. Evident- ly, for some reason or other, the course of their true love had not run smooth. They had hardly disappeared from the scene, ck again, and now dodg‘ng behind a tree, he looked after them with a sly smile on his intelligent face. ‘*T didn’t plaster it on half thick onough,” he muttered. ‘‘Sugar-house molasses isn’t nothin’ alongside of their sweetness. If there were any bees about, the whole bive would settle down on them for honey. They’re just the jolliest pair of spoons that ever eat their taffy off of one stick,” Further comments from the fun-loving boy ' were prevented by the entrance of two other persons upon the scene. One of these was a tall, slender, well-dredsed man, with thin lips and sharp nose. There was | a sinister expression in his eyes as he looked after the pair of lovers. His companion was marked by a rough dress, which had some pretense to amartness, and an unpleasant face on which the word villain seem- ed written in plain accents. They gazed cautiously around them. The coast seemed clear. Billy had suddenly shrunk from sight, wholly bebind the tree, observing the peculiar aspect of these new-comers, whom his quick senses had ‘spotted” as suspicious characters. “You see them!” remarked the gentleman, pointing to the lovers, wbo were, of course, un- conscious of this espionage. “Ty moyght, if ’'d brung my double-barreled telescopes, growled the other, “I kin jist "bout make ‘em out with a pair of or’nary eyes.” “Su you save your smartness, J for somebody that will appreciate it,” rejoi the other in a tone of anger. “ Listen to me, now, You see that ~ -ol “Them softies! hy, she’s tuk his arm, Reckon they'll be kissin’ next. right out o’ doors.” Jenkins spaton the ground as if hebad an unpleasant taste in his mouth, ‘| want you to follow them. See where and what they d‘o Don’t be too sure Rute lovers. It is net unusual for a lady to take a ‘ssarm,. (f you can find any that they are lovers bring word to ** Here's riches! This And butter on ‘* Well!’ he broke out. is sugar in my coffee, isn’t me bread, too, I reckon.” ie looked first to the right and then to the left. Both parties were stillin sight. The Jast speaker was moving slowly and moodily away as if buried in deep thought. Billy sprung to his feet, folded his arms, and began to stride with a theatrical tread up and down the pavement, while his brows were drawn down in high-tragedy fashion. ‘* Harry Weston !—villain !—you’ve robbed me it? it! | of my sweetheart!” he ejaculated in his deepest tones. ‘* Yourdog’sdead! Your goose’scooked! She shall be mine—mine—mine/ or 1 :] tear a board ofi the cow-shed. Vil-la-in! Be-ware! and Turkey Billy stamped his foot and wrinkled his brows with the airof an Edwin Forrest. The next moment, however, a new fancy seemed to strike him. He flung his cap into the air, burstinto a fit of laughte>, and broke into a lively dance. “This is jolly, rich and gay, and I’m going to see it through,” he declared. ** Which I take after?” he continued, following the differ- ent parties with his eyes. ‘The last one, I reckon. J know where to find Harry Weston. This chap is my game now, If 1 don’t nail him Pll sell out and gobble-gobble-gobble fer a Dime Museum freak.’ He grasped his box and ran after the vanish- ing stranger. But he did not succeed in nailin him as he had threatened, The gentleman ha reached a station of the Elevated, and before Billy conld get up the steirs and gain the plat- form, his quarry was flying away on a train which he had just been in time to catch. “Sold!” cried the boy, seating himself on b box, with a rueful look, ‘* Dished this ti But, I'll come out right side up yet! If I do you can take my commission away as bootbla extraordinary to the President!” CHAPTER II. TURKEY BILLY S NEW SITUATION, Ox the morning of the second day after that of the scene just described, Turkey Billy might have been seen, with box on shoulderauda hig y independent air upon his face, lounging along the down-town streets of New York. As he passed on his way he looked carefully at the numbers over the doors, as if in search of some particular locality, ‘* Number 125. Edward Morton, Commission Merchant. I reckon that’s the shanty. I'll just toddle in without knockin’, and see if the folks of the house are at home.” The observing lad passed into the wide hall, lined on each side with offices, On ome door was inscribed the 2ame ‘*‘ Edward. Morton.” Billy at once opened this door, and found himself in a large room fitted up with desks, typewriting machine, telephone, and all other essentials of a busy business center. An open screen divided off oneend of the room. Behind it were a washstand, s wardrobe, and an iron safe set in the wall. A second door to the left led into an interior room, probably used az ag ng office. ly, who had walked in with all the inde- pendent boldness “ = genuine gatnin, paused visible. my eyes, if don’t queer old hours here he ejaculated. “ A Benen ts and nobody aboard yet! I wonder if they're There . :
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— a rnillionaires? Them’s the only kind of people | tean take life easy.” As he taus soliloguized, he was walking about the office, peering with a boy’s curtos:ty into whatever attracted his attention. Passing be- hind the screen, he looked out of the window in- toa brick-paved area, back of which was an- other wing of the building. As he stood there steps were heard, and some one hastily entered the room. Billy, thinking it washis new-made friend, was about to show him- self, when he paused as the sound of a voice reached his ear. The tones were familiar to him, but they were not those of Harry Weston. Yet he had heard then: somewhere very re- cently, though just where he could not remem- ber. “* Nobody here yet, eh? Weston is not a very early bird. However, it is better so, for I want the coast clear. Come in, Jenkins.” Harry started at this name, He knew the voice now. It was that of the man up in Madi- son Square who had sworn vengeance on Harry Weston! The shrewd boy, who had been on the point of showing himself, drew back. Here was some- thing interesting. He must hear this thing out. The second man, who now entered, was the slouching reprobate who had been put on the track of the lovers. The lurking boy found a smal! break in the screen through which he was able to survey the two persons in the outer office. ““Now,” cried the first speaker, angrily, ** make short work of it. I told you never to come here. [f you show yourself in this office again, I'll have nothing more to do with you.” ** Don’t get rily, boss,” answered Jenkins, with a leer. ‘‘I ginerally go ’most where I want, and I rayther guess you best not git on the highstrikes with me. Ii I’dlet my cat outer the bag, ow mought git scratched.” **T don’t fear you, you rascal!” exclaimed the other, but Billy could see that his face turned a shade pele. “‘ You may save your threats. Come to the point at once. You watched that pair?’ ** Like a cat artera mouse.” ** And what did you learn?” *T didn’t learn enough to build a house on. They were kinder cool and scratchy, it looked to me. They kept in the Park and sot ona bench thar, keepin’ as fur apart as I am from you.” “ Is that so?” “T ain’t much on the lie, Mr. Morton,” ** Was there nothing more?” * Wal, I reckon. bit of a hurrycane. Arter while the wind went down and they sneaked closer together, till oar pos sniggered up all in a heap like.” is) a ” Mr. Morton’s face grew red. An’ jist as they was ‘bout ter leave, they looked round ‘em kinder sly and sheepy; and then—” * What?’ | towin her! Turkey Billy. 3 He started to walk like a caged lion up and down the office, muttering in angry tones: “Oh! ain’t you a precious pair of ducks!” queried the screen spy to himself, as he watcbed the irate merchant. ‘*‘ Who'd ever thought I'd drop Gown on a jub like this? Jenkins knows too much, hey? Wonderif I badn’t best pump Jenkins? 1’d like to know too much as well as him, If I did I bet 'd make you squeal!” **Harry Weston is in my way! He reust be removed!” hissed the irate man. ‘“T)l have thet woman if I have to dare the State Prison Whatshal] Ido? Letmesee.” He walked on, seemingly lost in thought. ‘*‘ Oh!” he cried impatiently. ‘‘I must get out in the air. I cannot think in this close room. He shall be ruined, buc I must do itsafely. Yes, ruined! Thatis the game for me to play and it shall be played!” Thrusting his hat upon his head he left the room. His steps could be heard traversing the hall to the street-door. Assoon as he was fairly gone, Billy left his lurking-place and sprung out into the middle of tke floor, his eyes danc. ing. ** Bully for our side!’ he cried gayly. ‘“‘If I ain’t gettin’ the best beans out of that kettle of soup, there’s no uss talkin’. My eyes, ain’t they a lovely pair! it’s lucky for this chicken they didn’t freeze onto my little game, or they’d salted this Turkey’s watties right on the spot! He's going to ruin Harry | mn, ishe? Not if this chicken can put & spyoanco 12 - and this bird is going te do his leve] best!— gobble—gobble—gobble!” ana the gamin emit- ted so perfect an imitation ot the tom-turkey- gobbler that any one hearing it would have sworn a real gobbler was in the room. Billy seated himself in his favorite attitude on his box, dropped his chin into his hands, and lost himseif so deeply in thought that he failed to hear a coming step. The new-comer entered the outer offce, and gazed with surprise upon its occupant. ‘** Hillo!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Oh, it’s Billy the bootblack !” The boy looked up hastily. ** Good-afternoon, Mr. Weston!” he saluted. ** Good-morning, isn’t it?” ‘*My mornin’ begun siz hours ago! You | folks sort of take it easy.” | laughed Mr. Weston. What I see’d was cnly a/| **So, young man, that’s the way you begin business, by calling me to account, eh?” ** [reckon if I take hold of this enterprise folks have got to be spryer than this.” “Pm afraid.of you, you young martinet!” ployer, next.” **Goin’ for Mr. Morton? Just bet your bot- tom dollar on that. I’m goin’ for him worse than a blizzard fora Kansastown. When I get and I’m going to make the dust fly while it lasts.” At this moment Mr. Morton, wko had re- turned from his walk, entered the room. As he did so he broke into a choking cough, spcttering and swearing. ** What the deuce does this mean? What are you af, boy? Drop that brush, or Ill brain you! He snatched the brush from Billy's hand and flung it angrily across the room. The boy turned and looked at cally. ‘“*I thought maybe folks here couldn't raise the dust,” he said, ‘‘so P’ve been tryin’ to raise it for them.” ‘** Blast ycur eyes, it’s enough to choke an ele- phant! And what's this?” he continued, laying bis hand on the bootblack’s box. ** Don’t you try no montey-shines with that!” warned Billy, hastily seizing it. ‘* I don’t let nobody but me fool with that bank. {[t’s a specially chartered instertution—it is.” ‘* What are you doing here? Who told you to uso that brush? Get ovT!” ** Ain’t you kisd of previous, old Mortuary? I'm left here to run this shanty, and I can’t say as I want any help. If you’re after the job you'd bestslide. You won’t suit.” ** Why, you impudent rascal—-” ‘Take a seat ard a fan, and cool off a bit!” said Billy, seating himself and flinging a palm- leaf over to the now thoroughly incensed mer- chant. “I ain’t got no ice-water handy, but if you’ve come in to talk business, peg away.” Mr. Morten fairly gasped with rage as he looked at the impudent intruder. Overcome for the moment by his emotions, he dropped into a chair and grasped its rouncs flercely with his hands. *“That’s right,” encouraged the lad. what can I do for you, Mr.—” “ What can you do for me?’ The angry man fairly burst into a langh in the stress of his emotions, but if was vn savage laugh, ‘** What can youdofor me? Why, you can get out of here with your box inside of two minutes, or you'll have a crack in your skull that won’t be easy mended,” **Won’t you take a shine?” queried Billy, ** Polish them up nobby fora dime. Hist your continuations on this box, and [ll rattle you off him quizzi- ec Now, ‘ina jiffy” “i'm only a clerk, but I | | suppose you'll be going for Mr. Morton, my em- | done with him you can draw him through a key- hole.” ‘** What do you mean?” asked Weston, struck by sore hidden meaning in the boy’s tone, ** Never you mind what! | here to take that job of cashier that you prom- ** Wal, somethin’ went off like a fire-cracker. | Iswowif he didn’t buss that gal right afore company! Don’t s’pose he’d ’a’ done it if he'd knowed I was thar lyin’ low.” **T wish I'd been there to fling mud in your eyes,” said Turkey Billy, to himself, in disgust. ““You’rea sneaking cur, that’s what you are.” **Did he kiss her? fs that what you mean?” asked Mr, Morton impatiently. ** My Dictionary says buss, but you kin call it kiss if you like. I jedge it’s bout ther same thing.” The man strode angrily up and down the office, with clinched hands and biting his lips. * Anything more?” he asked shortly, “Guess that’s "bout the size of it. That were | cashier,” laughed the young man. a good-by buss. They got up and shot out dif- | ferent ways. That's all I see’d ” “ Very well, Jenkins, That will do, out and don't come back here again. you I'll seek you at the old place, 17 Hazey street.” “Git out? Yes, arter you shell out. What sort er coon are you,takin’ me fur?” “This will pay you, 1 fancy,” putting some money into his hand. ‘“ Hurry out, now; went Weston to see you here.” Now get i he said to himself. If I want | ised.” I just toddled down | **[P’'m afraid we can’t put you on just yet as | ** How would office-boy suit as a beginning?” “Allright. ‘Most anything. lar, What's the emoluments?” ‘*T fear [ shall have to give you a week’s trial first, my lad. We can fix the wages when wesee what you are worth.” “What ’'m worth? Why, I'm worth my weight in gold! Put meon and I'll show you my caliber.” Mr. Weston looked at the handsome and in- I ain’t particu- telligent face and the well-knit form of the lad, | Under the spirit of mischief in Billy’s eyes he could see indications of energy and intelligence. ““The boy bas the making of a man in him,” “Here, Billy,” be remarked, ‘*this room is dusty. Take the brush yonder, and go over it carefully. Iam goin out again, but will be back in half an hour.” “*T reckon I can let you off that long,” an- swered the gamin, looking at the clock, and seizing the brush he began operations witha vim | that soon filled the room with a cloud of dust. don’t | There was not much haste in Jenkins’s move- | ments, as he slouched in his usual manner out of the room. He acted very much asif he had the whip-cand of Mr. Morton. Tae latter watched him with angry im- | tience. *“Confound the hound!” he exclaimed. “I'd ve a cool thousand to be rid of him, He too much!” Mr. Weston hastened out, flying from the vigor of his young lieutenant. Round and round the room went the boy, making the dust fly from many a corner where it had long settled undisturbed. Stumbling over his box, he picked it up and planted it in the center of the table-desk that occupied the middle of the floor. “You stick there,” he said. “ Maybe I'm done with you, and maybe I ain't. I’ve a sneaking notion that I won’t hold this job 2 * You puppy! I] rattle you off!” cried the furious merchant, springing up and seizing the long- handled brush. Billy darted behind the table and stood on the defensive with his box. Mr. Morton made a furious blow at his head, which he deftly par- ried. At this juncture Mr. Weston entered the office, and looked with surprise at the scene be- fore him. ‘* What is the matter?” he demanded, “* What has the boy been doing?” “Taking possession, blast him!” roared the merchant. **‘ What is he doing here? Did you bring him?’ “Yes. He is my new efiice-boy.” *““Ishe? Well, he is a jewel.” “* You bet I’m a jewel,” retorted Billy. “I'm a whole string of diamonds. I’m a bushel bas- ketful of rubies. I’m a sugar-barrel of pearis. But I'm going to throw up my situation. The weather is too sultry ’rourd here for me. I started to raise a dust, but didn’t calculate to kick up such a cloud asthis. Good-by. I’moff. I don’t think I’m cut out for a brush cashier.” The two men looked after him in astonish- ment as the boy sailed independently out of the room. CHAPTER III. THE TURKEY TAKES BED AND BOARD, “You won't mind sayin’ over ag’in how much a week's your tariff?” “Sure, an’ ye can have it fur a dollar the week in advance, or two dollars if ye pay arter- wards.” * Ain't that a big difference, Mrs. Malone?’ “*T'll tell yiz this: Most chaps like you take the two-dollar plan, and pay me wid a sight o’ | their heels afore the week’s out: soif I'd ax tin dollars 'd‘be sorry a ha’porth tbe better off,” The speakers were our friend, Billy Burke, and an ancient Irish lady, mistress of the house, No, 17 Hazey street, New York, out of which she made a living by subletting its rooms, Tho room about which they were chaffering was a narrow cell, hardly wide enough for a shake- down, and with the plaster fallen in large patches from its walls and ceiling. “ Paith, if that’s the way, I'd take the one
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4 ba plan, and have the dollar down,” laughed ) the in. **] axes both ways for variety, but I only take | one,” explained the shrewd landlady. “* Biddy Malone had her eye-teeth cut before she ever left Ireland. Is it wantin’ the room ye'd be doin’?” “You don’t s’pose I came here to play circus, do you?” *['d soomer see the color of yer money than hear the length of yer tongue, young man. Ye’ve got my price fur the room, an’ ye can | have bed and board fur three dollars the week, being’s ye’re only a boy; and an illigant table, if it's meself that says it.” *“*What kind of folks have you got in your | house, Mrs, Malone?’ “ Paix they're as quiet asmice. They wouldn’t disturb a three-months-old wy & They're jist | miracles of p'acefulness, forby they don’t get an | over-taste of the sperits.” “Who has this room!’ pointing to the right of the sorry cell for which he was dickering. ‘*Nobody in the wurreld but Mr. Patrick | Foherty, who works in the stables beyant.” “And this one?’ pointing to the left-hand ) m. “ That’s occupied at present by Mr. Jenkins, | Esquire, as illigant a gintleman as ye'd care to | see,” Billy’s face lighted up at thisinformation. It was ee what he had been fishing for. ‘You can’t say seventy-five cents a week, Mrs, Malone?” queried he. ‘Sorry a cent will I take off. It’s dog-cheap now. My landlord gits the whole of it, and more to back.” “ Ain't you mighty good to him?” asked Billy, seating himself on his box, and looking quizzical- ly into her face. **Good till him, is it? Faix, he’s a way wid him that there’s no overcomin’. Sorry the thraneen I'd give him if I could helpit, me boy; | but he’s ov in’.” Billy laughed at the old woman’s shrewd philosophy. “ Well, say two and a half for bed and board. I ain’t made of money.” “Ye’d best ax me at once to give you the board, and throwin the bitof aroom. Three dollars or git; them’s my terms. Sure, butter’s half a dollar the pound, and praties cl’ane out 0’ sight. And it’s an illigant table I set, as Mr. Jenkins "1! tell ol “Is he one of your boarders?” ** Indade an’ he is.” “ Well, I don’t mind trying a week with you, Mrs. Malone, And if your table’s as good as you say Ill recommend it to all my friends.” “Fork over the cash. That's the only ricom- mendation as I'd give the weight of a feather fur.” She held out her band signifi eey “I'll take the other plan; two dollars for the room, and pay when the week's up.” **Git out, you omadhoun! Ye’re thinkin’ to y me wid the shine of yer heels, are i! Paix, it’s little ye know Biddy Malone. gone, afore I take the broom to ye! Ye’ve wasted a half-hour of my vallyble time wid yer chatter.” “* Didnt you quote those terms?” “ Quote, is it? I'll quote whatI pl’aze, But quotin’s one thing aud talkin’s another. Ye | cau’t come your comether over me, me boy.” ; ‘* You’rea hard woman, Mrs. Malone,” laughed Billy, thrusting his band into bis pocket and drawing out a bandful of loose silver. ‘* Why, | old lady, ’'ve got money enough to smother ou, if Rane! toshowitall. Do your boarders ve new 4 visitors?” be queried, as he counted | out bis cash. ** Mr, Jenkins has illigant gintlemen to call on him. It's bigh up im the fashionable world he . is.” Billy smiled covertly, as a recollection of the slouching rasval be bad twice seen came to him. | “Sure, wasn’t there a gintleman with a shiny hat aud a velvet coat, and with the purtiest | waxed mustache, called to see him last week; | and they were ther fur a full hour, and to ) the better o’ that they drunk more’n the half of a bottle of whisky.” “Here's your three dollars,” said the boy luughing to himself at Mrs. Malone's idea o gentlemen. ‘That's good for a week's board?” “Ind’ade an’ it is, And I wouldn't thought the likes o’ ye were able for it.” ** There's weeks when I don't make the half of it,” acknowledged Billy, “But there's weeks | ee when I make the double of it. When's dinner ready, Mrs, Malone?” 7 Twelve o'clock and fifteen minutes. An’ them that’s tin minutes late "l] have to take I give ye fair w ed — Hobson's choice. Turkey Billy. With a tossof her head the landlady departed, leaving Billy alone in his room. The boy flung himself on the apology for a bed which vccupied one side of the narrow apart- ment and broke out intoa fit of merry laugh- ter. ** Biddy Malone's a jolly old lady, I'll go high | on that. The chap that comes it over her has got to get up three hours before daylight. It won't do to let her guess what Turkey’s after, | or she might let the cat right out of the bag.” He sprung to his feet as the thought of his errand came to him, and began to explore the m. “That elegant gentleman, Jerry Jenkins, has | And there’s a guy sport | calls on him, with velvet coat and waxed mus- | this room to the left. tache. That’s Morton,foradime. And I'll bet another dime I get the work in on their little game before I’m ry, his pie.” As he soliloquized the boy was closely exam- | ining the left-hand wall of hisroom. Here and there the plaster had scaled off, in one place near | the ceiling revealing the lath and joists be neath. Mounting the little rough table with which this room was ‘‘ furnished,” Billy closely inves- tigated this broken patch, It opened into the ce between the joist, beyond which were the | lath and plastering of the adjoining room. This was sound, but Billy had come prepared. Drawing a long gimlet from his pocket, he in- serted it between the leths and quickly bored a hole through the plaster into the next room. it was a narrow opening, not likely to be no- ticed from the other side, yet it gave him a view of a small patch of the opposite floor. Lookin through this for a minute, heshook his head an —— boring again. He did not cease, in fact, till he had made half a dozen holes, looking in various directions. ** There; I reckon tht little dodge isin shape,” the Ssine’em-up Detective exclaimed, with sat- isfaction. ‘* I’ve got Jerry Jenkins, professional crook, under my eye now, you bet! If he tries any monkeying I'l! go my blackin’-box ag’in’ a postage stamp that I'll fetch him up mighty sud- den. sy Ce lightly from his perch, Billy put away his zimlet, picked up his box, thrust his hat firmly on his head and prepared for the “ve got to make my three dollars before the a out, or say 8 lone ‘Il per went 1 t won’t pay to let the w under my feet while this job’s on hand.” wil In a few minutes more our ragged, self-consti- tuted detective was on the street, actively on the lookout for jobs. And work rolled insomewhat lively that morning. Before the hour of noon he had put the largest end of a dollar to the right side of his bank account, ** That's not so bad,” he said. “ Now I'll go try Mrs. Biddy Malone’s illigant table. I can’t say just how TH get along if she puts on too much style, as [| ain’t used toairs. Bat when it comes toappetite [ reckon this young turkey kin gobble up as much grub as a fu’st-class Dutchman.” Ge at a quarter-past twelve he present- ed himself at the Hazey street mansion, He bad not forgotten Mrs. Malone's warning. The dining-room, which he found without much difficulty, was not a very superbly fur- nished apartment. The only pictures un the walls were those of a dilapidated wall-paper. The tablecloth looked as if it had not seen a | weshtub for six weeks; and the table-ware was past danger of cracking, for it contained about all the cracks it was able to hold. The food was plain, but substantial. Boiled potatoes in plenty, coarse meat, but abundance of it, bread that looked asif base-balls could be made of it, and butter that Silly felt certain could not have cost fifty cents a pound. It looked little and strong enough to serve as the light-weight champion in a boxing-match. The new boarder, after taking all thisin ata lance, took an observation of his fellow-guests. hey were no more promising than the rest of the paraphernalia. There were seven or eight of them in all, and others came in from time to time, rough, be- grimed, un fellows, street and stable workers the most of them, apparently. At the head of the table sat Jenkins. as be had looked in company with Mr. Morton, be was well dressed in contrast with these rag- ged and soiled customers, and Billy could see why Mrs. Malone considered him as her “ gen- tleman” boarder. He's goin’ to play it | | on Harry Weston and Nelly Brown, is he? t him look out he don’t get a raw persimmon in | t ‘* Now, feliers, digin,” cried Jenkins. ‘* Them as ain’t on hand ‘ll have to take pot-luck.” | The guests waited for no second invitation, but plunged in so eagerly and unceremoniously that Billy felt the fuil weight of Mrs. Malone’s warning. Taking a vacant seat, he plun in with the rest, fearing that five minutes’ wait might make a famine in the land, Few words were exchanged. Those people came to eat, not to talk, and time was short, appetite sound; so conversation played but a second part in the game. “*That’s right, young ‘un,” exclaimed Mrs. Malone, looking with approval on Turkey Billy’s efforts todo hisshare. ‘ There’s plenty of it,sodon’tsayve yer bacon, I don’t like fin- niky folks at my table.” **I reckon yer don’t have many on ’em,” cried Jenkins, with a horse laugh. ‘If there’s better feedersin York, I dunno where, Hillo, young gutter-snipe, wbhere’d you come from?” pf ee don’t owe you no rent!” retorted | Billy. ‘‘1 didn’t run away from any of your ns,” | ** Quick on the trigger, ain't yer! Where'd you pit this goslin’ from, Biddy? ‘“*] niver axes my boarders no imperdent questions,” returned Mrs, Malone, ‘“ Pay’s the port here; and don’t-pays gits the door. em's my rules.” **And mighty found ones they are, Then I reckon the gamin has shelled out,” ‘*T judge he has,” returned Billy. “I'l be pretty short before ask you to pay for me!” and he at once got up and left the room with his most independent swagger. | “*That’s a lively little spark. I like him,” | cried Jerry, with aloud laugh. ‘‘ Where'd you | pick him up, Biddy?” | “He flings the brush, that boy does; polishes. | up folks’ brogans. don’t know a ha’porth more bout him. He can be a jailbird or a Con- | greseman: it’s all one to Biddy Malone, so he | pays for his b.” “A jail-bird or a Congressman—ha! ha? That's good!" cried the ‘gentleman.’ “I think | we can use im, ’ ‘Use im, isit? Ye'll havea good toime, 'm a-savin’ a-doin’ that same!” retorted the dame. ‘“‘Um! We'll see! Just the kind for an er- rand boy, you know,” and Jenkins left the room in some haste as if an idea bad struck him. CHAPTER IV. A PAIR OF TURTLE-DOVES. DURING the next two weeks the Turkey kept up a close espionage over Jerry Jenkins, but with no satisfactory result. Of course his busi- ness engaged him during the day, but he had no expectation of Mr. Morton calling on a low- down rogue like Jenkins except under cover of night, so he did his watching in the evenings, whenever the sound of voices came from the ad- joining room. Meanwhile Billy had made himself very freeand familiar at Mrs. Malone's table, and had become quite a favoriteamong her boarders, Jenkins, in rig: - png had,apparently, taken a fancy to him, ut Biily cultivated none of them; he wassauc and independent, which seemed to just suit aE Sate eek began discouraged wo weeks, an e to get di: . He feared that he was on the wrong track, and that Morton was working up some scheme with which Jenkins bad nothing to do. What was next to be dome? Should he give up his present quest, and and discover what orton was at? Heshook his head doubtfully at this idea. He stood an excellent chance of being kicked out if he should show his face in Morton’s office. | ** Hadn’t I best give up the whole job? What's these folks to me, anyhow? A sensible boy would let them fight their own battles, But then, I ain’t a sensible boy, so that don’t count. And Mr, Weston tried todo mea good turn, if it didn’t work. And I don’t like thet Morton for nothing. And they’re just a pair of babes in the wood, that wants somebody that’s up to snuff to look after them,” Billyraised bis bead proudly as hecame tothis conclusion, It was his private opinion that if he was not “‘up to snuff” nobody was, and that there was more wit in his little finger than in the brain of half the men. The Turkey was not wanting in a good opinion of himself, as may be seen. He gave a start of surprise as he lifted his eyes. Before him were two | emg whom be ata glance—no others than Harry Wetkon and Nelle Beown! They were too much absorbed in one another |
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rs A cynical smile. “* Well, if they ain’t a pair of turtle-doves, I'll sell out and charge nothing for good-will,” he said to himself. ‘“‘A sharp chap might scoop their eyes out, and they wouldn’t know that anything was missing.” * Hillo!*he shouted, starting the lovers from their preoccupation. ‘‘ If you don’t look shar there'll be a pair of horses and a big four-wheel- er right over you.” Ularry started hastily and looked around, while Nelly clung to him with a cry of alarm. ““You young rascal!” exclaimed Harry an- grily, a what do you mean? There’s no team Here. ** | didn’t say there was. about what might be,” ** Dear! what a start he gave me!” declared Nelly, still clinging to her lover. ** Oh, you’re all right,” returned the roguish boy. ‘There ain’t nothing he likes better.” The conscious girl released ber lover, and turned away with a rosy blush. ** See here, boy,” cried Harry angrily, ‘* you’ve got entirely too long a tongue.” “Not a bit of it, It’s my stock in trade. I do as much business with my tongue as with my brushes.” “You don’t know when to use it, and when to put a lock on it. For instance, you made a sweet mess of things that day you came to my office. What made you so impudent to Mr. Morton?” “* Ha! ha! ha!” laughed Billy; ‘‘ didn’t I as- tonish thatchap! I never saw anybody in such away. Didn't he prance round lively?” ** You lost a situation by your smartness; 30 I don’t think all the fun was on your side,” “With him? You ain’t supposing I'd take a _ under him?! Not if the court knows herself! fit was all your shanty now, Mr. Weston, I'd have stuck like a leech. But I wouldn't read newspapers for that galoot for fifty dollars a week.” “What makes you take such a dislike to Mr. Morton? Heisa gentleman with whom [ have been engaged for ten years, and I always found bim very kind and obliging.” “ He’s gotan ax to grind, then,” declared the boy stubbornly. ‘He's playing soft on you "cause you're doing big work for little pay.” “That’s just what t I was only talking est to this conversation. ** You did, hey?’ exclaimed Billy, delightedly. “Then I’m on the right track. I knowed it. He couldn’t shut up my optics, nary time.” “You're a very smart young map,” retorted Harry, satirically. ** That’s what folks generally find out before they know me long,” rejoined Billy, with great complacency. ‘[ do my best to hide it, but it peeps out inspite ofme. It’s kind of awkward sometimes to be so smart.” “IT sbould judge so,” rejoined Nelly, with a gay laugh at the irrepressible boy. “ If itshould | strike in it might prove dangerous.” “It generally strikes out, with me. And sometimes it hits the mark. Now If tell you | what I’ve found out by my smartness. Mr. Morton ain’t an angel, and he ain’t within ten | miles of being one. And, what's more, he’s rig- ging up a plot against you two that'll raise Old Nick, if I don’t countermarch on him,” “What do you mean?” cried Nelly, in quick alarm. “*Mean? Le means nothing,” said Harry, dis- dainfully. “Don't It You'd best cry a halt, Mr. Wes- ton, or I'll walk off and drop the job, and then see what becomes of you,” The consequential importance of Billy’s tone | struck his bearersso comically that they burst into simultaneous laughter. “TH tell you what it is,” continued Billy: “you're not able to take care of yourselves, that’s fat. Now I’m going to talk to you like a father, and let you into a thing or two.” They looked into the begrimed face and | ie =" eyes, and laughed more merrily than ever. “*Tt’s fun, isn’t it? cried Billy. ‘‘ Just wait, that’sall. AsIsaid, ’m going to talk to you like a father. Now, see here, Miss Nelly, hasn’t Mr. _Morton been trying to play sweet on ou! * What's that?” cried Harry, with a sudden start. “Hasn't he been courting you; asking for kisses and sweetmeats, and wanting you to say yes, and all that?’ Nelly bad started at the question more violent- ly than her lover. She looked at the boy in told you, Harry,” cried | Nelly, who had been listening with much inter- | Turkey Billy. silent. ** What is this?’ demanded Harry, looking in | surprise at her distress, ‘Is it the truth? And you have never told me a word! By Heav- en—” “Harry! Harry!” she cried in alarm, cling- ing to hisarm. ‘Do nothing rash. It is so; but I was afraid to tell you.” : ‘* He has been seeking to win you; and I knew nothing of it!” ** He had no chance to win me, Harry. You know whom i love too well to think that. I was afraid there might be words between you; you might throw up your situation; I knew not what might happen. I fancy I put an end to his suit,so I thought it might die away in si- lence. But this long-tongued boy! How did he ever find it out?’ ** Find it out? Why, bless you, I’ve only be- gun to empty my bag yet! Wait till I tell you all I’ve found out.” ** You know more, then?” by the arm impatiently. know?” “T know that this darling, kind, sweet Mr. Edward Morton is a rascal from his head to his heels; I know that he hasn’t given it up bya whole jugful; and I know that he’s made up his mind that he’s going to have Nelly Brown whe- ther she says yes or no.” Nelly, her face turning from red to white, seized him by the shoulder with a nervous clutch, and Jooked with half-affright into his meaning face, ** Have me whether I say yes or no! How? What do you mean? Am I to have no voice in the matter?” Harry seized him ** What more do you 5 ee ui es ] ! to notice him. He stood looking at them with a | dismay and confusion, making no effort to an- | | swer him, and seeming as if begging him to be | ing but a wandering orphan these ten years, bunking where I could, and getting grub when- ever I could find it. Mrs. Malone's is a rougb hole, but there’s plenty to eat, of the kind.” ** And you've been at no extra expense?” “Nota cent. She only charges me three dol- lars a week, being’s I’m a boy and sleep in a six- foot room.” ‘Here is some money, at any rate. You may need it for other purposes. If you learn any- thing of value—” “I'll post you. But both of you have got to keep wide-awake for Morton.” ** You can depend on us.” After some further conversation Billy pro- ceeded home, rather satisfied in his own mind with the result of the conference. He had put the lovers on their guard, at all events, and let them know what he had done for them. Night had fallen when he reached Hazey | street. The supper hour was long past, but he ‘* He’s going to squeeze you, Miss Nelly, that’s | all.” ** Squeeze me!” She pushed Billy away with a look of indig- nation. “*Oh, I don’t mean like Mr. Weston here squeezes you! squeezes.” ‘* What then?” cried Harry, angrily, while Nelly turned away with a deep blush. “ Or no; you need say no more. enough from you.” “* I'm going to tell you what kind of a squeeze, and you can’t choke me off,” retorted Billy. ** He's got it laid out to have Miss Nelly kid- | napped; and he'll do it if she ain’t mighty wide awake, That’s one of his dodges. And another is, he’s going to play some ugly game on you, Mister Veston—get you arrested for stealing or something, and send you to the | Island to break stone. If hecan play the con- vict dodge on you, he thinks Miss Nelly’l] drop into his mouth like a ripe peacb.” “Great Heaven, boy! at do you mean? What warrant have you for all this” exclaimed the frightened girl, excitedly, while her face grew deathly pale. “Don’t get skeered. I’m working fo you. I'll take the wind out of Ais sails; only give me time!” Harry looked eagerly into the boy’sintelligent face, his mind full of doubt what to make of all this. Billy’s knowledge of a mystery which bad been concealed from himself went far to shake his doubts. **How do you know all this?” he demanded, ** And, what more do you know? Tell meal. I | must have the facts before I can decide,” Thus requested, Billy proceeded to relate what he had had learned, telling the story of the two occasions in which he had overheard Morton and his villainous associate, and the threats that bad been uttered. The lovers listened to this recital with varied feelings. The lady was full of concern and ** You must leave your situation at once!” she cried. ‘‘ You are in danger every moment you stay there!” “i don’t fear him,” Harry replied. books and my money are all right. hurt me. it is you who are threatened. Great | Heaven! Nelly, if he should—” | “Don’t fear,” she answered, shortly. “I See fall into any of his traps, I promise you **And I'll keep my eyes mighty wide = ; broke in Billy, cid Guinier eA ’ | Cat watches a mouse. going to salt it, sure.” ** You are watching him! You have left home and taken boarding todoso! I must pay all it costs. How much do I owe you, my lad If he’s in the game I’m : I didn’t have no home to leave! ** Left home!” cried Billy. ‘‘ Bless eyes, | to try, and T've been noth: | through? I wasn’t thinking about arm- | | able to make out what was said. I fancy we've heard | “* My | He cannot | enkins like a | was not bungry, and proceeded at once to his room, cogitating with himself on the events of the day. He was about to fling his hat on the bed, when he stood like a statue, listening to sounds that reached him from the next room. Faint as the voice was, Billy recognized some- thing familiar in its tones. His face flashed with intelligence as he seized his chair and placed it noiselessly under his post of observation. CHAPTER V. A SCOUT OFF THE TRACK. THE lookout-holes which the young gamin had made through the wall commanded but a small rtion of the floor beyond. They had been made very small to hide them from observation, and he could not get his eye near enough to command a wide circle of vision. Yet the half-dozen openings enabled him to ob- | serve the room at as many points. It was to hear, rather than to see, that inter- ested him now. When he got his ear to the wall the voice in Jenkins’s room grew louder, and he was easily Its tones, too, grew more familiar. He felt surethatthe voice was that of Edward Morton. **Pve got you nailed this time, old shock,” said the boy gleefully, to himself. *‘I reckon |} you don’t know that walls have ears, and that a little chap called Turkey Bill of the cutest games on you u ” is playing one twas ever got The voice came louder. “At nime o’clock, then, on Friday night, There is no need to say more. You know your partin the game. And, for your life, don’t let out my name. If you havetogive names, Jacob Jones is your man. Don’t forget—Jacob Jones!” “It’s a devilish risky bizness.” growled out the hoarse voice of Jenkins, ‘ Devilish risky. If I was nabbed, it’d be a good five years.” ** You're not afraid?” ** And you, blast yer eyes, are coverin’ up yer track so clean that a ten-hoss power microscope couldn’t see you in it.” “* You're not afraid, are you?” sneered Mor- ton. **T don’t skeer easy. And I don’t sell cheap, neither. Tell yer what,I ain’t goin’to tetch this job under a solid five hundred.” **Come, come, Jenkins, you wouldn’t rob a man!” ** Five hundred, and half down, or you may git somebody else.” Their voices now dropped to a lower tone, and the listener found himself unable to catch more than an occasional word, But he was satisfied that they were still debating the question of money, and that Jenkins held stiffly to his price. Unable to hear, he attempted tosee. One of his peep-holes brought Jenkins’s face clearly in- to view, lit up by the rays of anoil-lamp, A second showed him the shoulder and part of the arm of a second person, whom he could only ess to be Morton. A third and somewhat | larger one revealed a large patch of the surface of a table. | This attracted his attention, for on it were two hands, white and well-formed, on one of the fingersof which gleamed a diamond ring. were ed at that moment in counting a somewhat thick wad of bank-notes. “He’s caved,” said Billy to himself. “ He’s ying Jenkins the two-fifty. What's it for, that’s what I'd e a brass monkey to know. What's this j t's worth a cool five hundred ’s a State’s Prison bizif it falla
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6 One of the two hands now pushed across the table the counted money. The other gathered up the remnant of the notes. Billy could next see a pair of coarse, brown bands thrust forward, which seized the notes and began to count them in a much slower and more awkward fashion than had the diamond- adorned hands. This pantomime fascinated the toy. No words were spoken, but words were not needed. This wasa finger talk that took the place of verbal language. Finally the rough hands gathered up the notes into a bunch, while a hoarse growl of satisfac- tion was audible. “ Bought and sold,” said the listener to him- self. ‘* But it’s Jenkins that’s bought and Mor- ton that’s sold; and ['m the chap he’s sold to. Jenkins is cute, and Morton is cuter; but we’ll see if Billy Turkey isn’t cutest. Just wait till they let a little more of this cat out of the bag.” ‘* Will the e be—” began Jenkins. ‘* Haven’t we settled all that?’ La) Yes. ” ‘* You don’t want to be told all over again?” “T calkerlate I’ve got it down.” **Then we'll os the subject again. In business of this kind it is uot safe to multiply words.” Billy was down again at the bottom of the ladder. All he had learned was that a five-han- dred-dollar crimingl job was to be done on Fri- day night, at nme o'clock, and that a carriage was to be provided. Putting this to what he knew before, he settled in his mind that the ab- duction of Nelly Brown was plotted. What should hedo? Warn Mr. Weston! But he did not know where be lived. and did not care to show himself at Morton's office. Should he put Miss Brown on her rd? He kuew no more where she lived than he did in the case of her lover. Sharp-witted as the boy was there was some important information he had neglected to ob- tain. Nothing remained but to put himself on the track of Jerry Jenkins at the time specified. “If be flings me Friday night he’s got to be spry,” soliloquized Billy. “ He's my meat, and I’m going to stick to him likea burr to a sheep’s tail.” He paused and listenedagain. Some words had struck his ear that seemed significant. “ Take this letter,” bezan the voiceof Morton, “Run upto Harlem inthe Elevated— No,no,I don’t want any more.” The observant lad saw Jenkins’s hand push a tumbler a third full of an amber-hued liquid across the table. “You ain't no temperance crank, are you? You ain't playin’ that on me?” ** Not much: but I haven't a steel-clad throat, like you,” was the laughing reply. ‘‘ No more for me.” “Mighty queer taste you've got,” growled Jenkins, as he drew back the glass and swallow- ed its contents. His retreating fingers were followed across the table by the diamonded band, holding a sealed and stamped letter. “Take this,” continued the visitor. ‘‘ Be sure and keep it clean—I'’m afraid of your hands sometimes, Drop it in any letter-box in Harlem | about nine or ten to-morrow. I can trust you for that?” “lve got to pay my fare and wet my whistle.” ** Here's money for that.” The hand that had passed the letter followed it with a bank-note, * All serene: Piidoit, What's in this biz?’ “That's no affairof yours,Jenkins. I want this mailed in Harlem, and can't go there myself to-morrow, that’s all.” He pusbed back his ebair and rose. ‘“‘There’s nothing more? You understand what's to be done!” “* lve got it as clean as a whistle.” “Then let me out, Friday night, at nine sharp, remember.” “ Ay, ay.” As the visitor stood up his face came opposite to one of the boy's observation-holes. Billy bad his eye to it in an instant, and caughta glimpse of the lower half of the face of the departing visitor. He fell back in amazement. That man with the heavy black whiskers and unbrowned skin was not Edward Morton. Heremembered Mor- ton too well for that. He had a fair complexion and smoothly-shaved chin, and bore no resem- biance to this man. What did this mean? Had he been deceived in the tomes of the voice? It is easy what we expect to hear. Billy knew this, and fancied that expectation had cheated him. All this passed through his mind in a second. to hear | Turkey Billy. Then he glued his eye to the peep-hole again, for another observation of that face. He was too late; it had moved out of the line of vision. The next moment the door opened and steps could be heard outside. Billy would havelooked out of his own door, but it was toorisky. If these men got an idea they were watched his a al ne would be at an end. 6 flung himself back in his chair in a quan- dary. This discovery that the man he had been listening to was not Edward Morton set him all atsea. What to make of it he did not know. Had he missed what he was after and fallen on the track of some bit of rascality with which he had nothing particular to do? He sprung up as a thought came to his mind. Suppose Jenkins should look into his room, as he sometimes did, and fancy he had been play- | The man was suspicious, and | ing the listener. was wise enough to know that his walls were thin. His step was approaching on his return. It was too late to leave the room. Billy, at a mo- ment’s impulse, ee under the bed. There was only space enough between it and the floor to admit his spare figure. He was just in time. Jenkins approached, opened the door of his room, and looked in, ** Nobody at home,” he muttered, with an air of satisfaction. “ We talked sometimes a bit too loud, like fools as we were. But it’s all right; the boy’s out, and there’s nobody bunkin’ in the room on t’other side. A thunderin’ smart bo that youngster is, too. Wouldn't hke him to git on to any job of mine.” He retired, and the ‘‘ thunderin’ smart boy ” crawled from under the bed with a grin of sat- isfaction at his unfished-for praise. ‘*Maybe you'll think I’m smarter before you’re done with me,” he muttered. ‘“ There's something mighty queer about this job, and I'd give a cow to see through it. I’ve a notion that letter would let me in, if I could only get hold of it.” Fancying he could think the mystery out bet- ter in bed, the boy undressed and placed himself under the covers preparatory to a good, long think. What might have come of itif he had stayed awake it is hard to tell, but in five minutes he was sound asleep, and his thoughts tightly locked away in the casket of slumber. When he awoke morning had dawned, the sun was shining into his window, and he knew from past experience that he would have to be on the alert if be wanted to get a reasonable share of breakfast. He concluded to breakfast first and think afterward. At the table Jenkins announced that be had a bit of business in Brooklyn and must be off early. This purpose be put in exe- cution as soon as he left the table, leaving Billy in doubt. That letter was in his pocket—that the boy felt sure of. There was no one to search his room. Jenkins was not in the habit of going out so early, and he was not due at Harlem till nine o’clock, so he couldn’t have gone there yet. | Perhaps he really had something to attend to | Something, it might be, in relation to! first. that Friday night business. Billy had lost interest in the latter since he had found it was a stranger's job; but he want- ed that letter. There was a mystery about the affair which he was eager to clear up. He found no more time to think now than the night before, and ended bis interrupted cogitations by taking the Elevated to Hariem. He felt that he must act now; it was too late to | settle the affair by thinking. He reached the station in Harlem at a little | after eight o'clock, At ten minutes past nine Jerry Jenkins left | the cars at the same station, and walked along the street leading from it with his usual halt- slouching, half-swaggering zait. He looked around him for a letter-box'as he went, and when at length he came in sight of one, he drew a letter from his pocket and held it in his band as he approached the box. At that instant there came an exclamation and a stumbling noise behind him, and some one struck with a surge against his arm, knock- ing the letter from his hand and flinging it ten feet in advance. “* Excuse me; [ stum my toe,” came in a boy’s voice, as a slight form shot past him and picked up the letter. “ Here’s your letter. I didn’t go to knock it— Hillo! if it isn’t Jerry Jenkins! Who'd thought to see you here?” “It’s you, is it, youngster? What the blazes fotches you out here?” *T come to see my uncle. He lives out here. | Didn't expect to ses nobody else I knowed, Here’s your letter, I'll drop it in the box for you.’ Without waiting for a response, Billy lifted the lid to the letter-box slot and thrust the let- ter in before the eyes of his companion. ‘‘That’s right, ain’t it? You wanted it posted?’ ** It’s done now, whether it’s right or wrong. It’s all correct this time, but ye’re a little bit quick on the trigger, Billy.” They walked side by side for some dis- tance, talking. Billy at length excused him- self, as he must go hunt up his uncle, But he was no sooner out of sight of his late compan- | ion than he burst into a boyish laugh of tri- |}umph. He thrust his hand into his pocket and | drew out a letter. ““T come it on Jerry Jenkins, that time,’ he cried. ‘‘ Posted his letter right before his eyes | too; but, somehow, it got in my pocket! | The one that went into the letter-box is for Jonbn | Smith, and I hope John Smith will get it. I had ag 4 of time to write it while I was waiting | for Jerry. Now, who’s this one for?” | He raised his hand with the latter and looked | he letter ropped from "hi fingers, and bh e letter m his , and he started back with surprise, while a loud whistle of astonishment came from his lpg. *** Edward Morton, uire.’ Well, if this soup isn’t getting thick! It’s queer! It’s a let- ter to Edward Morton. What does it all mean, anyhow?’ vering the letter he had dropped, Billy set his brains to work on that long-deferred Fe CHAPTER VI. THE PLAY AT THE BOWERY. It was Friday afternoon. Billy Turk was making his way home efter a successful day's labor, with bis box flung over his shoulder, and his fingers & jingling thesilver in his pocket, while he whistled as gayly as if he had not a care left in the world. “ There’s one more day in,” he said to himself, cheerily, “‘and my pocket jast bursting with cash. Ldon’t believe there’s another bootblack | in New York that’s got as good a run of trade, or can come up to your uncle in putting on a | shine. If this keeps up I'll just buy out Van- derbilt and start a line of steamboats.” He was recalled from his thoughts of wealth | by seeing two figures before him, one of whom | be recognized at sight as Jerry Jenkins, The other a second glance told him was Edward Morton. There was no mistake this time. There was the fair skin, the smooth chin, the well-waxed mustache. It was a retired street, outside the usual track of travel. Billy, at once converted from the successful merchant to the scout, slipped up be- hind them and glided into a neighboring door- way, eager to learn the subject of their con- versation, ‘* The letter didn’t come?” exclaimed Jerry, in a tone of doubt and surprise. “ No.” “Then it's Uncle Sam that’s ter blame. I *beyed orders, right to ther nail. It went into | ther box at Harlem, afore half-past nine that | mornin’, I'll take my blessed affydavy on that.” ‘*No mistake, Jenkins?” “Not a ghost of a mistake, money fair and square.” | “It’s confoundedly queer. There was no money in it to induce any thief to steal it. I | must have a duplicate posted and see how that comes,” * And "bout that other biz? * Hush!" Morton looked around him cautiously, but did not seem to catch sight of the lurking boy. He walked on, Jerry following. What further they said was lost. The boy could not get near enough again tobearthem, After a few min- utes more they parted. Whatever their plot, | the scout was left in the dark. He thrust bis band into the pocket of his coat | and felt with much satisfaction the letter that | repoged there. “Going to send a duplicate, is he? All right, | old ebap, I'll keep the original. It's ag’in’ the law to rob the mail, but this never got into the mail, so that law don’t count. And | ain't opened it, and ain’t going to just now ; so I won"t getinto any scrape that way. 1 said I'd post it, but 1 reckon I didn’t say when.” He walked ou, deeply cogitating. It was Fri- day. On this night the mysterious plot, of which he had heard some of the details, was to be put into effect. Should he try to trace this scheme of rascal ity? So far, he knew it was nothing which con- I ‘arned my You know—” : i : fe 1B I : |
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— a eee Turkey Billy. cerned him; but there was the natural curiosity of the boy, and the natural instinct of the scout. On the whole, he felt strongly inclined to put himself on the track of Jerry Jenkins. The hard-fisted sons of toil who gathered around the supper-table af Mrs, Malone’s that night seemed principally concerned in finding out in how short a time they could put out of sight a liberal allowance of food. Scarce a word was spoken while anything to eat remained; then Jenkius, who as usual occu- pied the head of the table, remarked: business at nine o’clock that night. had already been paid a large sum for the job, whatever it was. Yet here it was past eight, and he was seated in a theater, apparently with nothing on hand but to enjoy the play. This was certainly very odd. What to make of it the boy didn’t know. The play, however, drove all these thoughts from his mind. It had not progressed many minutes before he had lost all recollection of Jenkins’s plot, and was thoroughly wrapped up in the fortunes of the stage bootblack. This ragged boy, with his toru coat, his | smirched face and his sharp tongue, was enough *“* Well, fellers, what’s in the wind for to- night?” ““ There’s a cock-fight down at Peters’s. On | the sly, you twig. But that’s where I’m goin’ to *vest my fifty cents.” “* Cock-fights is ’g'in’ the law,” said Jenkins, reprovingly. **The law be blazed! You're gettin’ mighty delicate *bout the law,” “ Allers was. Couldn’t break ther law on no count,” grinned Jenkins, ‘‘ And yer oughtn’t to be teachin’ sich doctrines fore youngsters like Billy here. Wanter sp’ile his morals, hey g ** Bootblacks don’t have none o’ them things,” ret_rted Foherty, the other speaker. **That’s all you know about it,” cried Billy indignantly. ‘* I don’t know just what morals is, but if it’s worth having we've got it. I reckon a bootblack is as good asa hod-carrier or a millionaire.” “Good for you, little un!” laughed Jenkins. “ How’s bizness ater, Billy?” *“*Prime!” answe the boy, rattling his pocket. ** Ain’t got a five you can lend me?” “ Ain't 1? You haven’t seen my pile. Just fork over a ten for security, and you'll see how soon I fetch up a five.” **Soon’s you kin git the ten changed, eh? I calkerlate I won’t deal.” “You're a prime coon, Billy,” declared Fo- herty, slapping the boy on the shoulder. tion.” “*Sure, an’ yell do nothin’ o’ the sort,” de- clared Mrs. Malone, who was listening. ‘‘The boys now l'arn mischief soon enough, widout the men to t’ache them. I'll niver consint to sich a thing.” “Your boarders don’t belong to you, Mrs, Malone.” . ** You | come with me; I’ll rat you into the cock-fight. | It’s "bout time you were gettin’ your eddica- | “T’ve got a conscience, Paf Foherty, and the | boy’s under my care. Soaway wid your timpta- tions, and say no more,” “Good for you, Biddy Malone,” laughed Jen- | kins. ‘*‘ You come with me, Billy. They're go- in’ to play ‘The Bootblack of New York’ at the old Bowery to-night. I’'Ti take you, and let you pay my way in.” “Oh, ves! when the moon rises at ten o’clock in the morning,” rejoined Billy, with a knowing wink. ‘*I won’t mind going, but it’s got to bea Camptown muster.” An’ what in the wurreld is a Camptown muster?’ asked the landlady. ““It’s where everybody pays his way, and thank ye to nobody.” ‘Paix, but ye’re a deep one, Billy,” cried Mrs, Malone, with alaugh. “Stick till that, my boy, and you'll git along.” ** All right,” rejoined Jenkins. ‘‘ We'll *The Boctblack’ at the Bowery, and everybody paddle his own can e.” There was a sly look on Jerry's face, as rose from the table with those words. What to make of the t : ; know, but be made up his mind to wide open. Did Jenkins sus be made this proposal as a means him from the track? If that was his purpose he was likely to defeat himself, for he had roused the b: uspici and was not likely to get rid of him so easify. Jenkins was in earnest. He renewed hi propos tion, aud the ill-assorted D TO see he eater engagement Billy didn’t Y ke ; eyes him, and had if throwing [ tarowing y’s suspicions, tm of - ++ iif StArted LO- getuer » Bowery at the proper hour. On their w y chattered in a lively tone. He had _ many pl 179, and was full of | ope d for j light the bootblack drama. Jenkins listened with a cynical curl of the lip. If he had laid a trap the boy seemed to have fallen into it. They reached the house and each paid bis way as proposed, taking their seats in the gallery. Soon the orchestra blared through its overtare, | the curtain rose and the actors made their en- | trance upon the stage. Billy ur néary a / He | hundred feet distant when the carriage whirled away at full speed, driving furiously down the | dark treet. like himself to arrest all Billy’s attention. And | he soon became involved in the opening of a series of exciting adventures that made the lis- | tener oblivious to all that was tuking place | around him, Had Jenkins got up and silently left the house | at that moment, Billy would not have missed him. But he took a different course, ‘* How do you like the play?” heasked, looking at the absorbed boy. ‘“*Tt’s bully!” returned the youthful auditor. “ That chap’s just gay.” **T'm goin’ out fur a plug o’ ’baccy. I can’t never set still ‘thout achaw. Ill be back in a minute.” In much less than a minute Billy’s thoughts were turned into a new channel. He had for- gotten the play and was full of the plot. He pursued it at a full run, and in a minute r two more pursuer and pursued alike had vanished from the scene, and only the sound of far-off wheels remained. CHAPTER VII, THE ABDUCTION AND WHAT FOLLOWED, THE newspapers of the next morning, in their columns of local events, contained a startling announcement. A young lady residing on Madi- son avenue had been kidnapped, carried off un- der the very eyes of. the police, at as early an hour as nine o’clock in the evening. A boy, one of New York'scorps of bootblacks, has seen a struggle, heard a woman's cry of dis- ' tress, and seen a person forced into a carriage, which instantly drove off at full speed, The boy had followed as rapidly as possible, | bat had soon lost sight of the fast-driven car- riege. He had given thisinformationto a police- man, and continued the pursuit before the offi- | cer of the law could learn his name and address, “ All right,” he muttered, with seeming indif- | ference, “‘ slide ahead.” Yet Jenkins bad hardly disappeared through the door before the boy was up and after him. This tobacco dodge, he said to himself, was much too thin to discount Biliy Turk. teaching the outer door, he caught a glimpse of Jenkins about ten yards distant. He even heard from him what seemed the sound of a laugh. Billy’s lip curled disdainfullr. ‘* He laughs best who laughs last,” be said to himself. ‘‘ You think you’re smart and [’m dumb, Jerry Jenkins. We'll see if it isn’t t’other way.” The slouching figure in front moved on with some rapidity. Billy followed with much can- tion. It was quickly evident that Jenkins had something else in view than tobacco, for he had already passed two cigar-stores without halting. He continued his journey, through street af- ter street, making for the east side of the city. Billy glided aleng, about fifty paces in the rear, wating bis every movement, F vonsiderably more than a progress continued. They were now quarter of the city, among mo respectable dwellings, where were abroad even at this night. For mile this in a quiet the ‘* Them that are out are off fer Broadway,” said the boy to himself, F S$ ain’t ely ti hang around here, Hello, be qd again!’ Jenkins had turned a sharp corner into an- other street. Billy ran quickly to the corner, | eager to get him In view again: but on reacb- ing that point nobody was insight ‘ He hurried forward. Another street cross-d : ahead. Jenkin not far irned down this to right or ] ng it | Billy was not able to see hini in either dir: | tion. Had Jenkins seen him following and ms naced tw torow h f tre iliwv be gan t think £0, and Ir : 7 Ww st et to the nex rit Hay rned 1 rar Opposite direction. 4 va AO tr f the sloucbir lais Thoroughly myst otter wan- dered round t loc wenty min- utes, but to ‘ ha i ‘disap- peared as thoroug! 1 had swal- to this moment had been lost in a | Jenkins was engaged at some very | lowed him up. “I don’t know that it’s sny aff v,” said the young The grapes were sour now that they yw of bis reach, He was about to give up the quet in dis- rust, when his yes feil upon a ¢ arriage drawn up in a dark place on the street he had just en- tered, and about two hundre yards away Twoor three figures were visible near it, He remembered what had been said about a c riage, and hurried up. Just then there seemed a slight struggle in the group at the carriaze, there came a faint cry in @ woman’s voice, which was instantly suppressed, and the next instant the forms dis- appeared in the carriage. Billy, now thoroughly wide awake, ran to- ferent place and in some very different | ward it with all his speed, but he was yet a Inquiry in the neighborbood which the boy had indicated showed that a young lady had disappeared from No. — Madison avenue, a Miss Ellen Brown, who had hastily left the house shortly before nine in consequence of a note brought by a messenger. This note lay on hertable. It proved to be froma Mr. Harry Weston, stating that his sis- ter would bein town that evening, by the half- past nine train on the New York Central, and requesting her,as he had suddenly been called away On important business, to meet and take care of the young lady for the night. The newspaper report went on to say that Mr. Weston, who was well known as the con- fidential clerk of Mr. Edward Morton, commis- sion broker, had been seen, and declared the note to be a forgery. "His sister was not coming to town, he had not been detaitied by business, and the whole affair was a villainous con- coction. The news had plunged Mr. Weston into the greatest distress; he seemed unable to explain the abduction, and had spent balf the night in distracted wanderings and calls at Police Head- quarters mn forlorn hope of tidings. Such were the leading points in the somewha‘ | sensational reports, with flaring bead-lines, con- ’ tained in several of the Saturday morning pa- | pers. Some of these suggested that there was an engagement of marriage between Weston and the lady, and that the ebduction had been the work of a jilted lover, w violent step to oust his rival, was, however, none of the journal bad taken tiis ¥ ho this lover ) stated. The affair created some excitement. The jawn of the next day had failed to bring the missing lady idings of lice force of the ; okout for apy traces of the abduction, while one cf the most skillful detectives was employed t sork up the cas This mysterious outrage was tal ver at Mrs. M z re st-table next rn ing Billy Turk bad read the story the af- fair in the morning Sun, ar tailed it to bis nteresied at rs *Well, what do you think « ? ; icd W t’s our police for like t know, if they can’t stop that sort of thing?” |. &r : ‘e « Od I r wer growled Jenkins Yer ught arry a off under their eyes, and they ) U = : tail T at k 8 in? a th ~ t’s rvin’ shame, that’s what it ” de- i Mrs. Ma innocent ng lady to be sazed In the open strate rried off ti Pa ts kn s here raix, - ¢ : 10 me good to ha my tw ands the iir of tk ap tuat € it Billy was watching Jenkins keer luring this conversation; but that individual ate 3; treak- fast with his usual calmness eh rs noth : , nr I T ith a cal sa It’s ,0BE =| : te, Dime pig bts our tén. Don’t a rs g1 4 spread ix ther pa rs. that’s all. *T only wish I'd be he boot! that seen them; 1 bet they wouldn't got away from me on the run,” declared Billy, with a great show of excitement. “I’m going to find out who that boy was befcre tte day’s over. Some of the fellows wili know.” ““How did you like ‘The Bootblack’ play at 1 one of the hoorders, 7? the Bowery. Billy?’ aske: ‘It was gay, I[ tell yor excitedly. - } exclaimed the boy, ‘“*Couldn’t have done it better my-
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& self, and I've been there. And that boy did | have a lively time of it; but he come out all | right at the end,” “ They allers do,”remarked Jenkins. ‘* That’s | the beauty of them there plays. Everybody al- | lers comes out happy. maly wish real folks | did the same thing.” “Anyhow you didn’t see much of it,” said ‘‘ It took you a good while to buy a | 2 ,” replied Jenkins, with a laugh. ‘*I went in far a beer, and run ‘cross an old who wouldn't let 1 go. He stood treat for the whiskies.” “Tf there was a whisky-bottle I don’t wonder you were nailed,” exclaimed Foherty. ‘‘ You're death on the critter.” “I calkerlate ther’ ain’t no barm fur a feller | to whet his whistle, if he don’t git soggy,” re- joined Jenkins. ‘* Anyhow, I were nailed, that’s flat, and Idst the play. What was it Billy?’ “T ain’t going to tell you, as long as you did- | n’t stay to see,” retorted Billy, who had no fancy for inventing a play ata minute’s warning. It might be possible that some of those present had | seen it, and as he was as ‘ignorant as Jenkins of thestory, he might put his foot in it by attempt- | ing a description. **No more would I, Billy,” broke in the land- lady. ‘‘He had the whisky, and he wants the play too; that’s too much pork for a sbillin’.” A general laugh followed this shrewd remark, under cover of which the party broke up, most of them to go to their daily labor, Jenkins fora lounge on the sunny side of Hazey street. He was decidedly a gentleman of leisure. Billy shouldered his box and set off on his day’s business, declaring again that he was go- | ing to root out that boy who had seen the car- riage, and pump him dry of all he knew about the kidnapping. He turned as he walked away to look after | Jenkins, who was sauntering along in a decided- ly indolent fashion. **'You’re a deep one, you are,” declared the boy, shaking his fistat him. “And I’ve gota notion that you're on tomesomehow,. You did-| n’t get up that theater-trip last night for noth- ing. I wonder if Morton saw me yesterday | when they were talking, and put Jenkins on my | lay.” This was an idea that occupied his mind for | some time as he saunteredonward. It certainly looked as if Jenkins had some reason for sus- pecting him,and for seeking to throw him off the track, ‘* And I reckon he thinks he’s done it,” laughed the boy. ‘“‘But he win't, nohow, It ain’t him | that’s on my lay,it’s me that’son his, But it was awkward that them hosses threw me last | night. if [ could only have kept to them, the | rest would be easy.” He went on, divided between two opinions, whether he should turn back and watch Jen- kins’s movements, or go on and see Mr, Wes- | ton, whose place of residence the newspapers had | revealed, He concluded to do the latter. Jenkins had finished his work. There was nothing to be | gained by following bim. Weston was his man now. He found Mr. Weston’s place of residence without difficulty, but failed to find that gentle- man in. “There have been six newspaper reporters | after him already this morning,” remarked the landlady. “‘ You aren’t another? You don’t ook like one.” “Why, I shine up people’s understanding§$,” answered Billy, with a grin, *‘ but not just that | way. Thisis myway.” He fluog his box round to bring it into sight. ** You're a bootblack!” cried the lady breath- lessly. ‘‘ You aren't the one that saw that kid- napping?” AT might be able to tell Mr. Weston some- thing about it,” rejoined the boy mysteriously. “T know bim, anyhow, if I don’t know who stole the lady? When will he be back?” “The goodangelsknow! He’s just distracted. I never saw a man inesuch a taking. He'll go out of his head if Miss Brown isn’t found. He walked the floor and the street the live-long night, and he’s off without breakfast this morn- ing.” * He's in love with her, maybe you know. . Deep: dead gone; why, them two's sweeter than sugar-candy.” “ Well, what if he is?” “TI don'tknow. I[t'sallright,Ireckon. Won- der if he’s at the office?” “He may be.” **Tben here goes for him.” crony, hk ike, | | the office. | ing steps in the inner room. | lover in prison as a felon, she released b Turkey Billy. ; Flinging his box over hisshoulder again, Billy | was off like a shot, leaving the landlady looking | after him in ‘some surprise, and a little put out | that she had not pumped him deeper, Morton’s office was the next point sought by the active and wide-awake boy. He wanted to see Weston badly, and though he was a little afraid of falling into Morton’s clutches, it was worth the risk. No one was present, however, when he entered The door of the inner room was He looked around him, 1n doubt whether | His doubt was resolved by hear- There was no time to reach the door, and the intruder shot behind the screen, which had hidden hin: once before. The door opened, and Mr. Morton entered ) from within. ‘‘ Nobody here,” he muttered. ‘I thought I heard somebody comein. I fancied it was Wes- ) ton. Poor devil, if he only knew!” Billy crouched down at the bottom of the | screen. This migkt be interesting. ‘* One-half my game’s played,” continued Mer- ton. ‘“* The other halfisready. If he hunts my , closed. to wait or nct. fair prisoner too closely Pll spring it on him, The letter must come to-day. That will be the last link in my chain of evidence. Then, her me from capsivity to a base kidnapper, she will fall into my hands like an innocent lamb. It can- not fail to work.” He rubbed his hands delightedly, while a laugh of triumph came from his lips. At that moment the outer door opened again. Morton turned sherply, and an oath came from his lips as he saw who had entered. | “You here!" he hissed. “After allI said!” **I’ve done my job and I want my cash,” re- | torted the voice of Jenkins. | ‘‘Meet me at ten to-night at. Will Blake's | restaurant. We’llsettle there. Leave here in- stantly! It might spoil all if Weston should come in and see you.” ‘* He can’t find out nothin’. The gal’s safe in the Thirty-seventh street den. As fer the boy as you see’d and posted me on, he don’t know nothin’. I played it on him the neatest way, and the little rat never smelt a mouse. The whole job—” ‘** There, there! not a word more. instantly. Our track’s covered now, and I’m afraid you'll openit. To-night, at Blake’s.” He pushed Jenkins out as he spoke and closed the door behind him. “The infernal fool!” “PR have to teach him a lesson, or he’ll rnin my plans yet.” Billy, behind the screen, could scarcely re- frain from clapping his hands with delight. In five minutes he had learned more than he Leave here he muttered, | might bave done in a month by ordinary methods. Jenkins had played it on him, eh? | It looked rather asif Jenkins had played it on himself, After a few more words of discontent, Mor- ton was about returning to his private office, when the outer door again opened. He turned once more. ** Harry!” he cried. terrible report about Miss Brown? low, you look distracted! Have you learned nothing?” ** Nothing,” Harry Weston's lips. He staggered across the room, and fell with ‘*You have seen this Poor fel- came in thrilling tones from ** She is lost—lost—lost!” | a heavy weight on a chair by the table, bury- ing bis head in his hands, A SCREENED SCOUT. We need not repeat in full the conversation | that passed between Morton and his victim. The cunning villain expressed the greatest com- miseration with Weston in his distress, and the utmost hope that he would succeed in recover- ing the kidna 1 lady. * Bat — ve been playing a sly game with me, Harry,” he said. ‘‘Itis strange that the newspapers knew that you were engaged to this young lady before I did.” “Perhaps they knew it before I did, also,” with a blush. “The *newspapers, you know, are very enterprising.” “ Well, well; he will be en ag girls, girls —to the end of the chapter. But something must be done to overtake this rascally kidnap- per. Iwill help you as far aslamable. But you should employ « detective.” “T have, One of the sharpest in New York. But what can be done? I have no evidence. Where shall I seek?- What shall I do?” He wrung bis handsin distress, while his voice was full of pathos, CHAPTER VIII. ‘* Stay here and resta while. You are worn out,” rejoined Morton, with a show of feeling in his tones. ‘*I have an errand cut which will occupy perhaps,an hour. Remain here till I return.” ‘** But, can you suggest anything, Mr. Morton? I am quite distracted.” **T will think it over, and give you my opinion on my return.” Getting his hat from the inner office, Mr. Morton set out, after another word of encour- agement to the distracted lover. The latter, as soon as his employer had left, again leaned forward with his face on the table and hidden in his hands, while a deep groan showed the depth of his feeling. ‘* This is too terrible!” he cried. ‘‘ Whatshall Ido? What shall I dof” He was answered by a hearty slap on the shoulder, and the following words in a youthful voice: ‘*Cheer up! Hold your level! It isn’t all lost that’s in danger; and never was,” The distracted man lifted his head hastily, and was surprised to see before him the spark- ling eyes and eager face’of Billy Turk, the boot- black! ** You!” he cried, What do you know?” ‘“* Well, it wasn’t a pair of mules, nor a two- forty trotter that brung me,” rejoined Billy. ** Nor I didn’t come ona bicycle. About what I know, Iknow more than all the newspapers and all the detectives in New York.” ** About Nelly? About Miss Brown? Do you know anything about her?” exclaimed the lover, starting up eagerly. ‘*T tell you what, Mr. Weston, you played it cute on old Morton,” **On Morton! What do you mean?” ‘““ Why, didn’t J tell you that he was makin love to Miss Nelly? And didn’t she tell you? reckon you're sharp enough to put that and that together.” ‘**Morton! Do you mean to say—” “Mean tosay? Why, it’s him that’s done it, and nobody shorter; and he’s just playing it on you fine. There ain't a lamb half as innocent,” ‘‘He! By Heaven, if he bas done this I'll have his heart’s blood !” **No you won't; nor a handful of his hair neither,” declared Billy -resolutely. ‘‘ You'll have to quit acting the fool and the baby, If you want Miss Nelly back you’ve got to bea man, and a wide-awake one. If Morton plays sly you play ely too. I oughtn’t to have told you anything.” ** You can trust me. more? Is this only a suspicion? anything?” “T know that Morton’s the kidnapper; I know who done the kidnapping; and I know where they kidnapped her to, The street, that is: I don’t know the house, yet.” ‘‘Ts this true? Are you playing any boyish trick on me?” He caught Billy by both shboul- ders and looked searchingly into his eyes. The boy bore his gazo without flinching. “True? Of course it’s true! I want to see that detective. You meet meat the City Hall about ten o’clock and takemeto him. Then Ill tell you the whole story.” *T will. Butbush! Here comes Mr. Morton back already.” **Good-by. Hemustn’tsee me. He'd eat me up without salt if he twigged me here,” The alert boy shot behind the screen, which had served him twice before as a convenient lurking-place. Billy had hardly vanished before Mr. Mor- ton entered the room, accompanied by a spectacled young man. ‘Pm back sooner than I intended, Harry,” he said. ‘I didn’t like to detain you, under the circumstances. You may go, if you wish, and spend the day in search.” “T don’t care to go at present,” replied Wes- ton, Shinking of the boy and the danger of his discovery. “I desire you to go,” said Mr, Morton in a decided tone. “Itis not rigbt that you should stay bere. You may do something. Go, my dear fellow, and continue your search.” Harry was about to object again, when he caught sight of the boy’s face, protruded round the corner of the screen, while his band was eagerly motioning him to go. He changed his mind at sight of this. The shrewd gamin might have an object, and was certainly well able to take care of himself. ** Why, if you can spare me, Mr. Morton.” ““Spare you! Of courseIcan! Do not re turn ull you feel that you have done your ut- most. ** What brings you here? But, is there anything Have you seen
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| i oe Turkey Billy. g *} am obliged to you, sir. Good-day!” And Harry put on his hat and left the room. Morton stood looking after him for some mo- — with a peculiarly cynical look upon his ace, “What is your impression of that young | man?” be asked of the person who had accom- | panied him. **He looks honest and capable.” *“T always thought him so,” replied Morton. “*T fear that I have been too confiding. A ras- cal sometimes hides under a smootif face. I fully trusted him: yet I received a letter yester- day that makes me think I have been too trust- ing.” ** Ah! I should have trusted his face.” ** Read this.” He placed a letter in the hands of his com- ion. The latter read it carefully, running it twice | over. “This accuses him of extravagance, and of | spending mucb more than his salary; and sug- | gests that he must have some dishonest way of | obtaining money. Do you know the writer?” “No. Writer and handwriting are alike strange to me.” ** Well, sir, what do you propose todo? For | what purpose have you asked me to come to | your office?” ** You are an expert in bookkeeping?” **T have some skill in that direction.” “That is why I sent Weston away. I wish you to examine my books, and see if there is | anything crooked in them. I will see that he is kept out of the way till you have time to do | it ’ : ; | “Very well, Mr. Morton, That is my busi- ness. I shall make as thorough an examination as you desire. I hope they will prove straight.” **T am afraid they won't,” answered Morton. | “Since receiving this letter [ have made some | inquiries into Weston’s habits, and find them | rather questionable. But you are only con- | cerned with the books. I will get them for you. | Tam sorry for the young man. He has been | with me for years. But [ must knowif I have | been robbed.” The concealed scout behind the screen had listened to this conversation with no small de- gree of interest. A new phase of the plot was | opening before him, But the next instant found him in a decidedly awkward situation. Mr. Morton started round | the screen to the fireproof safe in which his | books were kept, and which was set into the wail in that part of the room. Billy was between two fires. Morton was | coming behind the screen. The bookkeeping expert was before it, Discovery seened : : ) : evitable. Not knowing what to do, he crouched to the floor at the foot of the screen, his eyes keen'y watching for developments. Fortunately for hire, Mr. Morton did not look in that direction. On the contrary he walked straight to the safe, unlocked it, threw open the door, and thrust his head and the upper part of his body into the opening while reaching for the books. Now was Billy’s opportunity. But if he | should dart for the door, the bookkeeper would | see him and give the alarm. He did not want Morton to know that he had been watched. | The window behind him was lifted. He re- membered that it opemed on a space between | the front and rear buildings. ere was his most promising route of escape. All this had passed through the boy’s mind | with the speed of thought, and no sooner had Morton buried his head in the safe than Billy | sprung up and darted for the window, out ot which he leaped like a squirrel. He caught the sill with his hands, lowered himself to the length of his arms, and dropped into the area | below. The fall was only four or five feet. “ What is that?’ cried Morton, withdrawing | from the safe so hastily as to drop the account- book he held. “ What?’ asked the gentleman outside, ‘I heard a slight noise, but I thought it was | 2] “No, [did not move.” He looked curiously | around him, “Strange! I certainly heard “So did I, But there is nobody here,” said the bookkeeper, coming bebind the screen. “ It is queer, then, that we both heard it,” Mr. Morton looked out of the window, but saw nothing suspicious. “It may have been the wind blowing the window-curtain.” ** Possibly.” Mr. Morton got the rest of the books and closed the safe, still somewhat exercised in his mind about that noise. show his companion the books, and the man- | ner in which they had been kept. While this was doing, Turkey Billy, who had been crouched in a corner of the building, rose and looked around him. A door led from the | area into the rear rooms. This he made for. | It opened to his hand, and he found himself in & passage, which joined the main hall of the building, Passing between rows of offices, he made his way easily to the street, meeting no one in his course, The boy walked onward, lost in deep thought, During his half-hour in that office he had gained much valuable information, and put himself on | the track of more than one rascally plot. He felt his pocket carefully. The letter which he had put there was safe, **1 don’t know what’s in this letter. I ain't going to rob the mail. But when I post it, I reckon it’s going to do good. I shouldn’t won- | der if it had iv it the key to the whole busi- | ness.” He walked on toward the City Hall. It was near the hour uf his engagement with Mr. Weston, He suddenly stopped and struck his knee with his closed fist. A look of perplexity came upon his face. ‘* Jolly, if I haven't gone and done it!” he ex- claimed, with a sound between a laugh and a groan, ‘‘I’ve left my box and brushes in Mor- ton’s office, Jupiter, but that’s awkward! If he finds them, what will he think? I’ve done it, sure as shooting, and there ain’t no taking it over,” He walked on, deeply cogitating; What would Morton think if he should find that box, and connect it with the noise he had heard? Would it put him on his guard? ** Well, there ain’t no helping it,” said Bilty, philosophically, ‘‘And _ tbere’s Mr. Weston waiting. That’s the next job, to go and see the ” | detective.” W nat followed we need not repeat in detail. It will suffice to say that Mr. Weston and his young friend had aninterview with the detec- tive, in which Billy told the whole story of his researches, much to the interest of the officer and the surprise and gratitude of Weston. “*By Jove, you’re not a bad detective your- self, young man,” declared the officer, ‘“* This is first-class mmformation. Miss Brown is as good asfound. Isthere more? Have you told me all?” ** Do you know where Will Blake’s restaurant is?” “Yes, What of that?” ““T want you to go there with me to-night.” CHAPTER IX. A DOUBLE DISGUISE, WE must go forward to the hour of ten o’clock in the evening, and to the scene of Will | Blake’s restaurant. This was not a wholly reputable place of business, though a veryactive one, _At_ this hour, however, it was occupied prin- cipally by customers at the bar, the eating- tables round the room having few occupants. Two of these were seated at a table in a sort | of alcove somewhat removed from the other tables. Of these men, who were busily talking in low | tones as they leisurely discussed an evening lunch, one presented the ill-favored face and rude smartness in dress of Jerry Jenkins. The other was a black-whiskered, brown-com- plexioned personage, who wore a slouch hat drawn down well over his eyes and a rough coat | with turned-up collar. Just as the restaurant clock struck ten, two other persons entered the room, to all appear- ance a farmer and his boy who were in town to see the sights. The manner in which the red-faced man | ordered a snack bespoke bis rural habits. The boy was burned as brown as a berry, and walked in a slouching, wide-stepping manner, as if he had been more used to plowed fields than to city pavements. hey seated themselves at a table at a small distance from the two men before described. The latter checked themselves in their conversa- | tion, and looked with an air of annoyance at the new-comers. ** Lawsee, but this York’s a tiresome place,” yawned the farmer. ‘I'm jeest about pegged out wi’ the pavements.” ’ | ** And ain’t I tired—gosh!” answered the boy, | with a groan. He forgot it, however, as he proceeded to | He spoke with a thick, hoarse utterance. They continued to talk in a loud tone about the wonders and the weariments of New York, until a waiter brought the food they had ordered. ‘*My, but I’m proper hungry,” declared the boy. ‘* And them looks good,” ** Then stop your jabber and stow your jaw!” rejoined the man. ‘‘We’ve got to get outside that provender.” The two men at the neighboring table seemed quickly to decide that they had nothing to fear from these new-comers, and resumed their con- versation without further attention to them. The low tones in which they spoke were quite drownei in the blatant talk of the country- men. W hen the-latterstopped talking, however, and began to eat in a somewhat ravenous manner, the voices of the others were more apparent, and some of their words reached to the table occu- pied by the farmers. ‘* My, that beef’s good!” exclaimed the boy, loudly, cutting off a huge slice, which he thrust in his mouth, ‘‘They are the ones,” he con- tinued, in a very low tone. ‘‘The rough one’s Jenkins; the other’s the black-whiskered chap I teld you of.” “Good! It’s good and tough; a fellow could sharpen his teeth on it,” rejoined the farmer. ** You're sure?” his voice fell almost toa whis- per. es Yes.” ** There’s money passing between them.” “That’s the balance of the five hundred. Them’s the kidnappers. You ain’t goin’ to eat all them pertaters?” he continued, in a loud and injured tone, ** Here; you can have the balance,’ the dish across, Their conversation during the rest of the meal consisted in similar remarks about the food, while there was no sign that they were paying the slightest attention to their neighbors, The latter, reassured, continued their conver- sation with no further attention to the countri- fied individuals. “TT can’t make it out,” remarked the black- whiskered person. ‘“ There were certainly behind the screen, and I found there the box of a bootblack.” ** You've got the box?” Yes.” ‘“*T'll take a squint at it to-morrow. [ll know if it’s Billy’s box.” “If that young rascal is watching us, and overheard what passed—” ** Blast his eyes! he'll have to be dealt with. I’ve been watchin’ bim, and I’m afeard the young rat smells cheese somewhere,” “No open violence, Jenkins?” ** | ain’t no fool now, you bet!” All this had been spoken very low. Onl sharp ears could have heard it three yards off. There was nothing to show that the ravenously- eating countrymen had heard a word, : The conversation of the two men now chan to indifferent subjects. After a few minutes more the countrymen rose, ** Reckon I’m full,” said the man. ‘**I kin hold out till mornin’,” answered the boy, “‘if ther’ ain’t no more grub,” ‘“* Then let’s pay our shot and git.” They walked to the bar, paid for their meal, and left the room. Feaching the street, however, they quickly drew under the shelter of a neighboring door- way. “Td give something to-bave been there ten minutes sooner,” said the man. “‘ We missed the best of it.” “I don’t know about that. You heard what they said about the box, and what Jenkins is going to do if it’s Billy’s box?” “He is a dangerous rascal. You must be wide-awake.” ‘*T ain't afeard of him, nary time! But, I'd like to dish him on that box. And Id like to know who Mr. Black-whiskersis. He’s the chap that sent the letter, and that made the bargain for the kidnapping; so it looks as if there was somebody in it besides Morton.” A laugh came from the seeming farmer. “Come, my boy,” he said; “‘ that man has tricked you, sharp as you are. You should have looked closer at bis whiskers. And I fancy you didn’t notice anything odd about his hands. “ Nothing, except the diamond ring; that was odd for a rough-dressed fellow like him,” “They were whiter than his face.” ** They were a good deal whiter the other time ’ shoving \tesw han”
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10 *“*T thought so. The man isin disguise.” ‘**Ah! I never thought of that. And he is about the size of Morton. Do you think—” ‘** | think nothing, my boy. think till they have finished seeing. We must track this man. Hush! here they come!” Tre two men left the saloon at this moment. hey walked together to the corner of the next T 4 Turkey Billy. made his appearance at Morton's office. He was met by that gentleman with a very angry | face, Detectives never | street, and paused there for a few words, It | t vas pot more than six feet from the deep door- way in which the seeming countfymen were lurking. * You must be on the watch,” said the black- | whiskered incividual. ‘“‘If anything is suspect- ed there may be some one lurking in Thirty- seventh street. end. If you catch sight of Weston or the boy, and if you find them warm on the track, send word at once by messenger-boy to my office. I'llspring the trap on him if [ find him hunting me too close.” “Ay,ay! And if I find that the box belongs ohn young hound I'll deal with bim, now you er ** Be careful.” “ Won't 1? I’ve got my wisdom-teeth.” They parted, each going their separate ways. ** His office?” cried the boy. Morton!” “ Betting won’t work. We must be sure,” re- joined the detective. “TI bet high it’s Watch that street from end to | ) ‘* How is this?’ he exclaimed. ‘* Have I not told you—” “Stow that, Mr. Morton! comin’ ’round to take a squint at that box.’ **Oh, yes! I forgot. Here itis.” He walked round the screen, stooped down— and an exclamation of rageand perplexity came from his lips. ‘* What’s bu’sted?” cried Jenkins. ‘The box 1s gone, and this is what I find in its place.” He emerged, bearing an envelope-box, on the top of which were drawn some rude outlines with a pen. Looking closer, Jenkins saw tbat it wus the figure of a boy, holding his thumb to his | nose and with extended fingers. Coming from the mouth were the words: “‘ Ain’t you climbing up the wrong tree, old chap?” ** What in the world does this mean, Jenkins?” ‘Tt means that the boy’s got the innings on you. He’s seen your ante and gone one better.” CHAPTER X. A CRY FROM ABOVE. WE must gaze for a moment into the prison of Nelly Brown, It is at the instant in which the fair captive, in astate of distraction from He left his lurking-place and put himself on | grief and fear, tried, as she bad tried fifty times the track of the man in front, the boy following closely. Their journey was by Elevated Road, down- town, and ended at length at a bigh building, which the man in advance entered. ** Morton’s office is in there,” remarked the y. “IT thought so. Which room is it?” “This is the window of the outside office. Fang one, I reckon, belongs to the inside of- ce.” The detective looked at the building. The windows stood about five feet from the ground. After a minute or two a light shone through the upper half of the inner office window. The lower panes were frosted. “That is too high for me. Jump on my shoulders, Billy, and look carefully into that window. I must know what is going on inside there.—Hillo! what's become of the boy?” He looked around him. Billy had disap- peared. With a vexed exclamation, the officer continued his observations. on the pavement in front of the adjoining building. This he hastily obtained, placed it | A wooden box lay | under the lighted window, sprung lightly upon | it, and found himself just able to see through the lower edge of the unfrosted paues. What he saw interested him greatly. The pefore in desperation, tbe door of the room whieo served for her prison. To her surprise and joy it yielded toherband. Her jailer, on the last visit, bad neglected to lock it. Excited beyond measure, the suddenly-freed prisoner hurried from the room into the hall on which it opened. This was a narrow passage, crossing the building to a window which looked out upon the street. Midway it opened into a larger passage which formed the landing at the head of a flight of stairs. Hardly knowing what she did in her excited state, the distracted woman failed to take the opportunity of escape which the stairs offered, but ran hastily to the window, and looked out upon the street which lay far below. Few persons were visible, but among them was one the sight of whom sent a great swell of hope and bliss to her heart. 1t was Harry Wes- ton, who was walking along the street ina de- jected attitude, : On seeing him there broke from her lips a cry that rung far up and down the street: “ Harry! belp! help! Harry!” The sad-faced lover stopped asif he had been shot as these well known accents reached his ears. He looked with eager eyes around him, | and up at the fronts of the surrounding houses. man he had followed was visible, but his whis- | kers, instead of being on his face, lay on a chair beside him. He was engaged in washing his face, which rapidly lost its brown hue, and lefta clear, licht-colored visage. This done, he took off his coat and hat, hung them in a closet, and locked the false whiskers | in the drawer of a desk. With a knowing smile on his face, he put on a frock coat and tock from the tablea silk hat, At this moment the detective sprung frum his perch, and carried the box back to where he had got it. “ T have seen enough, a lurking-piace. He had hardly done so when the man reap peared, now presenting a very different appear- ance, and walked rapidly away, utterly oblivious of the fact that be was under espionage. ‘* Now where's that boy!’ exclaimedt ina vexed tone. “Here,” cried Billy, sight. “And that’s bim! can bet your pile on that I “*But where were you! *“ And I wanted this,’ umphantiy, as be showed his lost box. I've got it.” ‘* What do you mean? “* Wasn't J, though! there the worst way. box.” ** You should not have done so.” *‘Why not! I guess it’s mine.” “ Itmay rouse suspicion.” “| reckon it will. I tell you, I left something for Morton that'll make him as mad asa bull af- ter a red rag.” “* What was that?’ What Billy told him, however, we will leave to tell itself. "he said, as he sunk into e officer, sudden}y shooting into that’s Morton! You I wanted you.” answered the boy, tri- * And Were you im there?” I was ratting ‘round in I was bound to have my i the key turned viciously in the lock. “‘ Help! help! Harry!” came again that thrill- ing ery for aid, Then a dooropened sharply behind the escaped prisoner, She was seized with a grip of iron and hurried along the passage to the room from which she had escaped, into which she was forcibly thrust, The suddenness of the assault had deprived her of all taougbt of resistance, “Stay there!” cried the strong, loud voice of an angry woman. ‘“‘How you got out I don’t know, bat you'll not get out again.” The door,was closed with a vigorous slam, and The ¢s- caped prisoner was once morein bercell. She had failed to take advantage of her opportunity for escape. Yet her voice bad reached the street in one appeal from the imprisoned bird. Harry Weston bad beard her wild cry for help, and recoguized the voice which had called his name in sach piteous accents He had been walking disconsolately and hope- lessly along Thirty-seventh street, in which he had reason to believe the young woman of his love was_ imprisoned, when that thrilling cry rung out on the morning air. His depression was at once at an end. He ran his eyes in eager haste along the front of the row of houses before him, noting every win- dow, in excited expectation of seeing at some of them the beloved face. This proved in vain, No person was visible. Opposite him was a row of tall houses, much alike in appearance, from some one of which the cry he had heard must have come, From which he conld not tell. The sound bad seemed tohimin tbe air, and he could not locate it at vas fixed point. festoodand gazed like one distracted, now at one house, now at another. He started across the street, determined to invade the house in frontof tim, and to try them all in succes- The next morning, about ten o'clock, Jenkins ' sion. TS I told you I was | | lezal right of search, the prisoner might be Who had given that wild cry? Where was she now? All wasasstillasdeath. Nota sign of life was visible. Had his imagination de- ceived him? No, no! it was too real—too earn- est. She was—she must be—in one of those houses, The distracted lover paused on the doorstep of the houseto which he had crossed, while a new thought ran through bis mind, What war- rant had he to search this, or any house? ii search was refused, as it very likely would be, could he force his way withoutauthority intothe building? Would he not simply put the villains on their guard, so that, while he was seeking the removed? He checked himself as this thought came into his mind. It would be safest to get a search- warrant first. He would go see the detective he bad engaged, tell him of what had occurred, and return with him at once to the suspected point. An hour would suffice, and it would be an hour well spent. This resolution was at once put into effect. Carefully noting the number of the house on whose doorstep he stood, he left the spot with a quick and resolute step, bis course of action thoroughly determined upon. There was a very different look upon Wes- ton’s face now from that which it had worn ten minutes before. All its weary dejection was gone, and it was full of earnest, hopeful en- ergy. “Fhis change was noted by a man who sat ina lounging attitude on a carriage-block close by, and who looked with an observing gaze into Weston’s face as he passed. ‘Now shoot me fur a monkey if that ain’t queer,” drawledthis personage. * Five minutes ago he lookedasif he wascomin’ from his grand- dad’s funeral: and now you'd think somebody’d jist left him a cool million. He’s twigged the crib, sure as shootin’, for he was on the step, and he looked asif he was goin’ to bounce the den. Where's be goin’no\, and what put him on the track, them’s what I'd like ter know? And them’s whet I’m bound to find out.” It was Jerry Jenkins who spoke these words, and who had been on the watch, as agreed upon with Morton the night before. ‘His watch had led him to an important dis covery. Instead of further following Weston, as he had been doing for the last hour, he start- ed hastily for the house which the latter had just left. Entering this building boldly, Jenkins was lost to view for some ten minutes, when he again appeared in the street with a look of new knowledge upon his face. ‘* Jnpeeter! but our cat come mighty near to gettin’ cuter the bag!” be said, energetically. “ So she got to ther winder and yelled fur help, and that chap beerd her! If that fool of aw man that left the door open hadn’t been quick as a flash, the game’d all been up, Weston wasn’t sure, or he’d dug in and raised Cain. And he ain't guy it up yet, by no means, He's off after help. That gal’s got to be fotched away, or his guns has got to be spiked. I must send word square awsy to Morton, All I kin do is ter keep on the watch till I git orders from headquarters.” Seeking a place in which he could write a note, the alert reprobate penned a brief descrip- | tion of what bad happened, ending with: lallsup. H en ee — * You've got to spring yer trap on him, or slide the galto anew crib, and that mighty sudden; or yw he nailed the spot so ciose gits m but he's done it fur sure.” Sealing this, he addressed it to ‘‘ Mr, Edward Morton,” with street and number, and sought a district messenger station. in teu minutes more a messenger-boy was off down-town with the important note, while Jenkins, satisfied that he haa taken the best step he could under tbecuir- cumstances, returned to his post of observation Meanwhile Harry Weston had been making his way to the detective’s office in a very differ- ent frame of mind from that which he bad lately borne. Reaching the locality, he sought the room of “Mr. Plum, Detective,” but to his disappoint- ment found it closed and locked, with a notice on the door stating that the occupant would be ab- sent for two hours. This threw Harry into a quandary. Should he engage another detective, or await the re- turnof Mr. Plam? Could heafford to wait, that was the question? After some reflection, be concluded to go to Mr. Morton's office, attend to some slight mat- ters of business there, and then return in seareb of the detective. If he was still absent then an- other one must be engaged. Miss Brown must : ;
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detective. Turkey Billy. ii not be ieft in detention a minute more than could be avoided. ‘*T charge this gentleman, Mr. Weston, my ) confidential bookkeeper, with robbery, and On his way to get the cars Harry passed the | ask for his arrest. Have you brought the uare which Billy Turk made the center point | of his business range. There was that young | gentleman just putting the finishing touches on ) a shine. Pocketing bis nickel, he struck across to Mr. | Weston with the cry: “Shine "em up! Want a shine?—Hello! it’s you! And you've had good luck?’ The shrewd youngster bad read the meaning of Harry's expression at a glance. “I think so. I believe I’ve hit the spot. Be | at Mr. Plum’s office in an hour or so and 1’ll tell you all about it. I must go now.” “Tl be there; you beton tbat. Plum and I did some neat work last night. We've got our bull by the horns. Tell you all about it when I see you at Plum’s. Got no time now Shine ‘em! Shine’em up! Who wants a shine?” The boy walked away, calling out his business ery loudly, and leaving Harry amazed by his independence. Continuing his journey, he at length reached the office of Mr. Morton, He found that geptle- man there, in company with a second personage, a slender, spectacied individual, with whom he was in earnest conversation. He ceased in- stantly on seeing Harry, and gave a sign to the other. “TI did not — to see you these two days yet,” he said to Harry, rather coldly. ‘* IT may be ready for work again to-morrow,” rejoined Harry, as he unlocked his desk. ‘““Why? Have you learned anything?” “I have concluded to leave the search to the Iam not fit for that kind of work.” He had ed his desk, and was looking care- fully in one of its drawers. At this moment a messenger-boy entered the office and handed a note to Mr. Morton, This he opened and read hastily, while a marked change of expression came upon his face, “Hal” he cried involuntarily, crushing the note in his hand. He was lost for a momentin thought, and then turned to the boy: “Can you take a message for me?” “ Yes, sir.” “Wait a minute then.” He seated himself and dashed off a note rapidly, sealed it.and gave it to the boy. “* Make haste,” he remarked. The boy shot away, while Morton turned to Harry, who had evidently obtained what he came for and was closing his desk. ““One moment,” he said in a somewhat stern tone. “Read this letter, Mr. Weston, and tell me whatit means?” He took a letter from the table and handed it to Harry. The latter examined it carefully, and then looked up. ; : : “* Wellf asked Morton. ‘‘ How doyouexplain this? There is no entry of the amount on your books.” “He is mistaken, that is ali. The bill is not pa:d.” * Are you sure of that?’ in a very significant tone. “Not to my knowledge, at any rate. The oney did not reach my hands.” “* Then how do you explain this—and this?” He opened the cash-book, which lay on the table, and pointed to certain entries. ‘‘ What do these mean, Mr. Weston?’ Harry fixed his eyes closely upon the last item pointed out and exa mined it carefully for some time. Then he raised himself with a puzzled ex- | pression on bis face, *“*T donot know, Mr. Morton. That entry is I never madeit, Some- n notin my handwriting. body bas tampered with these books. “Yes. Ibelievethatthoroughly. Thisgentle- | man bas been examining them for the last two | jays, and they have certainly been tampered with, by—yourself.’ ; ** What do yu mean, sir?” cried Harry indig- nantly. ‘Do you dare accuse—” “I accuse you of improper use of my funds,” retorted Morton. ‘“‘ Your books show a defieit | of four thousand dollars wituim the last three | saontha— Heaven knows how much before! No | one but yourself has had access to those books, or bas bandled my money.” “No one!” cried Harry. ‘“‘ Yes; one person ” ‘“* Who?” “ Yourself.” At this moment an official-looking personage entered the room. “ You sent for me, Mr. Morton?’ “Yes.” “Por what purpose!” warrant?” “IT have. Mr. Weston, you are my prisoner.” The hand of the officer fell heavily on Harry’s shoulder, CHAPTER XI. BILLY MAKES HIS MARK. BILLy did not fail to obey orders, He pre- sented himself, as directed by Mr. Weston, at the office of the detective about an hour after the time of their encounter. Mr. Plum was now present, and listened with a great deal of interest to what the boy had to say. It was but little,indeed. He could only ak of the cheerful and hopeful expression of r. Weston, and of his remark that he believed he had found the spot in which the abducted lady was held prisoner. But this was news of importance, and the de- tective and his visitor waited with some im- patience for the advent of Weston. In this they were destined to disappointment. An hour passed and hecame not. Another half- hour was added to this, and then the detective began to grow uneasy. “I don’t like this,” said Plum. “Something must have happened to detain him. A manin his state of mind is not held back by trifles. This must be looked into, You say he probably was bound for Mr. Morton’s office on leaving youf ‘* That's what I believe.” ‘““A bad move. Morton is shrewd and un- scrupulous; Weston confiding and innocent. That man, I fear, bas found out Weston’s secret and ployed that robbery trick upon him. He bas put him out of the way until he can remove Miss Brownesg$o a new hiding-place, This must be looked into.” ‘‘1]] strike out for Morton’s and find out,” declared the boy.” ** Can you?” ‘‘T can try,” answered Billy confidently. ‘1 don’t often get left when I set out for a job.” ‘I wish you would, then, I cannot weil leave hers for an hour yet.” Billy lost no time in putting his design into execution. Just how he was to manage was not very clear. His former relations with Mr. Mor- ton were not of a kind to invite confidence on the part of that gentleman. But the shrewd gamin had confidence in his star, and started on his mission without a doubt of success, Finally entering the building, he walked boid- ly into Mr. Morton’s office, with as much assur- ance asif it were hisown place of business, The merchant was present, and started up with an oath on seeing his youthful visitor. ** You impudent young rascal!” he cried, “‘do you dare—” ** Now, don’t get excited!” interrupted Billy, waving his band in token of amity. “ It ain’t good for the nerves to get in such a flutter, I ain’t going to hurt you.” ‘You youngcur! Dllkick you out! brings you here?” ‘*If you kick all fhe curs you run across, I reckon you'll have a busy time of it,” answered the boy, coolly. “if 1 was you, I'd begin by kicking myself first. What brings me here is to see Mr. Weston.” “Take yourself away, ther. He isn’t here,” **T see he isn’t, [ll wait,” and the Shine- ’ern-up Detective coolly helped himself to a chair, and as coolly deposited his bootblack’s box upon the table. Mr. Morton was red as a beet in the face, and seemed on the point of attempting some deed of violence. What | checked himself, while a look of perplexity came upon his face. “That box! By Heaven, boy, where did you | get that box?” ‘“S Traded off with Jem Jones for an old one and ten cents to boot.” ** That box was in my office last night! did you get it?” ‘‘That’s my secret,” answered Turkey Billy. “Tm coming out for a sleight-of-band man, How and ain't going to give away any of my | tricks.” **You were here yesterday morning, listen- ing, and left that box behind you? Tel! me the truth this instant, you young hound, or I'll band you_over to the police.” **T wouldn't, if I was you! It mightn’t be healthy. If I was to to tell all I know about you, old chap, you’d go to State’s Prison a-kit- ing. So you’d best hold your level! Tell me what you've done with Mr. Weston, and I'll tell you all about the box.” But on seeing this box he suddenly | ‘““Mr. Weston? What have you to do with | Mr. Weston?” | Despite his presence of mind, Billy’s boldness | and mysterious threats had brought a shade of | pallor to Morton’s face. ‘ | ‘*] want to have a little chat with that gentle- man, that’s all,” ‘* Pm afraid you won't get it, then,” answered Morton, sourly. ‘“‘ Mr. Weston is in prison as a thief. He has been robbing me these six | years, and I have had him arrested and locked up. You can see him ten years from now, af- | ter he has served his term at Sing Sing.” | “Whew!” cried the boy, as the merchant gazed at him with wicked triumph. ‘‘ That’s | kind of rough on Weston! Tell you what, Pll | bet you this box I don’t have to wait no ten | years to see him; and Vil bet you all my ' saree that you go to Sing Sing before he does —gobble—gobble—gobble!” “You insolent young hound!” cried Morton, with new rage. ‘‘ Leave my office this minute, or—” Heseized and brandished a heavy cane. ‘“* But I haven’t told you about the box yet?” ‘‘Tell me about it, and at once,” roared the merchant, his curiosity for the moment getting the better of his anger. “*T left you a little drawing of mine to take its place,” rejoined Billy, coolly adjusting his box and walking toward the door. and-ink sketch. ness.” “You rascal! then it was you? I'll break every bone in your body!” screamed Morton, rushing toward him with the heavy cane trem- bling in his hand. It looked for the momentas if the aggravating boy was in serious danger of a cracked skull or broken bones. But the Turkey was equal to the occasion. ‘*T haven’t told you how I got the box yet,” he insisted, stopping in the doorway. “Tell me!” yeiled the irate merchant, brand- ishing the cane over the head of the unmoved boy. . ** Quick, you rascal, or Pil have you sent to jail for house-breaking and robbery.” “Don’t!” rejoined Billy. “It wouldn’t be healthy, as I said before. I comein and got my box last night, Mr. Morton, whilo you were tak- ing off them false whiskers and washing that brown stuff off your face. And,if you want to send me to prison you can always find me round Madison Square. Here’s my card.” He flung a blacking-box hd on the floor, Morton fell back with ma white face at this home - thrust, and the uplifted cane feli from his nerveless grasp, while the gamin with a comical wink, walked with an unconcerned He had decidedly spiked : “Only a pen- I hope you recognized the like- air out of the office. Morton’s guns! Billy gave way to laughter as he walked along the street. ‘‘ Wasn’t that rich and gay!” he said. “I couldn’t helpit,nohow! But, maybe I’ve piayed the fool. He’sscared badly, that’s sure, and the minute he comes to he'll be up to some new game. We must get in our work ahead of him, I’ve got to see Mr. Weston instanter, and find out what he knows.” Obtaining a sheet of paper and an envelope, Billy wrote a few lines to Mr. Plum, telling of what he had learned. This note be gave to a brother bootblack, getting his promise that he would deliver it at once.. He then proceeded toward the Tombs, to obtain the desired inter- view with Mr. Weston. In this, however, he was doomed to dis- appointment. Morton bad been abead of him. CHAPTER XII. A HOT CHASE. THe scheming merchant had sent Weston te | prison simply to prevent his releasing the ab- ducted women. He had not intended to spring the trap so soon, but b ud been forced to it by circumstances. It was now his game to prevent Weston obtaining bail, or communicating what he had learned to any one else until the captive could be removed to another hiding-place. He | bad therefore sent hasty instructions to the prison warden to admit no boy to Weston’s cell, nor to permit sucha person to hold communi- cation of any kind with him, for important rea- sons. | Billy, in comsequence, found himself somewhat : rudely repulsed, on his apphcation for an inter- view with the prisoner. | “I'd liketo know why,” he demanded. “It | ain’t t hours yet, and I reckon I’m a respect- | able fellow-citizen.” | You bave po order for admittance, and you can’t go in. That’s enough,” was the gate- keeper's surly answer. “*Come, make, tracks now; I’ve got no time to waste in talk.”
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12 Turkey Billy. * You ain’t, eh? mister? and won't And it'll take a good deal to polish you up.” **Slide while your skin’s whole—yovu and your polish.” ‘* You'll get a shine, then, Mister Man, free gratis for nothing, for I'm going to take the shine out of you the worst way. to see Mr, Weston, and don’t you forget it.” He turned and walked away, leaving the gate- keeper wondering what his impudent visitor meant. What Billy meant was precisely what be had said, and he was the boy to carryit out. He proceeded directly to Mr. Plum’s office, and ob- tained an interview with that gentleman, who had already received his note. e told him in few words what had happened. I'll give you a jolly one for half price, **1t’s Morton that’s blocked up the jail ag‘in’ | me, I'll bet a cow on that,” declared Billy, af- ter he had completed the story of his late ex- perience. ‘‘And I’ve got a notion J why.” ** What is your notion?” * Just this: Mr. Weston has found out some- thing, and he’s let the cat out of the bag to Morton. In consequence that robbery trap’s been sprung, and he’s been yanked off to prison, and an order’s been given that nobody’s to see bim, What Morton wants is to stave us off till | night, so as he can have 8 chance to work.” ** Well, and what do you propose?” “For you and me to go to the Tombs to- gether, They can’t block you out, and I want that smart coon to see me walk in before his squint eyes.” “*Good,” cried the detective, with a laugh of | amusement. And it may be that you've hit the mark. rate, it is important to see Mr. Weston at once,’ Taking his hat, and exchanging his office coat for a street coat, Mr. Plum led the way, bidding Billy to follow. Half an hour brought them to the Tombs. Here Mr, Plum met with a very different recep- tion from that lately given to his companion. He was well known, and no objection was made to bis entrance. ** But this boy can’t go in.” “Why?” ** Orders.” “ Whose orders?” **‘The prosecutor’s, given to the warden.” **Does Ae control the city prison’ What right has he to send such orders! I want this boy. He must goin with me.” “That isa different matter, Mr. Plum. But we don’t open our doors to every bootblack.” **Not for a shine, hey?’ demanded Billy, thrusting his tongue into his cheek as he passed the gatekeeper. “I told you I was guing to take the shine out of you, and I reckon I hove /” ** Maybe you have, boy; but, don’t brag. It won't pay.” “* You're no fool, my boy. Turkey Billy looked up in the face of the | sturdy gatekeeper with a change of expression. “Maybe it won't,” he admitted. “It’s the dogs that bark and bite both that’s worth money. Them that's all bark ain't of much ac- count,” ** And the best dogs are them that bite before they bark,” rejoined the keeper. Billy walked on after the detective, thinking over this bit of worldly wisdom. Every door of the prison opened readily before the ‘‘Open Sesame” of the detective, and very goon they were in the cell occupied by Harry Weston. high state of excitement. “T am bere on a villainous charge,"he de- clared hotly to the detective. ‘‘ Morton bas done it. the books; and why? to put me out of bis way; to rob me of my betrothed, the infamous scoundrel !” ‘*This is easily said, Mr. Weston. prove it?” “That may be difficult,” admitted Harry, with a show of dejection. “He has laid his trap well. And I have been too careless and trusting, or I would have discovered long ago that the books were being meddled with.” “You have been too full of love to attend to business, I fear. Nocareful bookkeeper should bave let such a thing escape him. The affair looks awkward, Mr. Weston.” “{ fear it does,” answered Harry dejectedly. * But is there any reason why you have been arrested y? Billy bere thinks there is.” “ Yes, yes,” exclaimed the prisoner, with a Don't you want a shine, | ‘harge nothing extra for polish. | I'm going in | know | At aby ; He bas tampered with and changed | Can you | ; sudden renewal of excitement. ‘“‘I have dis- | covered where Miss Brown is imprisoned. That | The villain somehow knew | is why Iam here, of it, and bad me sent here. My lawyer is out seeking bail. I must get out before night. I | fear she may be removed.” “That is why we are here,” rejoined the de- tective calmly. ‘‘ Leave that matter tome. I am better fitted to deal withit than you. Tell me what you have learned and I will take your place in the work of rescue.” “We will,” corrected the Turkey. a finger in that pie.” ‘* Yes; we wili,” rejoined Mr. Plom, with a laugh. “Let us bave your story, Mr. Weston.” Harry proceeded to describe his adventure of the morning, and to give his reasons for being sure that be bac discovered the location of the missing girl. He was not sure of the exact house, it is true, but gave the location of the one which seemed to him most suspicious, ** This is importantinformation, Mr. Weston,” “ve got And I have the best of hopes, from what you | say, of the speedy release of the kidnapped pris- oner.” ** And just you keep a stiff upper lip,” broke in Billy. ‘‘ Morton thinks he’s got you railed, but maybe I’ve got an eye-opener for him. Wait till they bring you up before the judge. then.’ That work was necessary was very evident. | Four or five hours bad passed from the time | when Weston had heard the call for help from | the Thirty-seventh street window to that in which the detective and the boy left the prison with this information. two hours to work in since the arrest of hisclerk, and an alert villain might have done much in that time. = ** We must get to work at once,” declared Mr. Plum. “There is no time to be lost. Do you | take the Elevated and hurry up to the spot | Keep a sharp lookout | I must get a search-warrant | named by Mr. Weston. there till I come. to prevent trouble.” e hurried away in one direction, Billy in an- | other. Less than half an hour found the alert boy in Thirty-seventh street. As he descended | | the stepsof the Elevated Road a carriage dashed | across the street right im front. He looke* at it } casually, when, what was his surprise to see the well-known face of Jerry Jenkins on the box be- side the driver! To see was to act. In a moment the Shine- ‘em-up Detective was plunging down the street a‘ his utmost speed, in full pursuit of the car- riage. Seeking the sidewalk for better footing, he kept up his pursuit, darting in and out among the promenaders with the agility of an eel. More than one hasty exclamation was made, as the gamin brushed hastily past some quiet walker, but it was all lost on him, That car- riage was in his mind, and he bad no room for thoughts of anything else. | Just what was in the carriage he had not stopped tothink. It was coming from the di- rection which Mr. Westop bad indicated, and Jerry Jenkins was on the box. That was enough for him, carriage was bound. It would be time enough then to learn what it contained, Billy was a fast runner, and therefore the | carriage gained but litile on him, though the horses were kept at good speed. Block after block was passed in the flight and pursuit. The pursuer’s strength began to fisg and he | ran now with distress, while the carriage was | They found him full of indignation and in a | slowly gaining. One block, a block and a half, two blocks ahead! pace for a hundred yards more. eager as he was, he felt impelled to give up the chase, aud dropped suddenly to a walk, utterly broken in wind. Discouraged and out of spirits, he looked | abead. A sudden hope dawned in his heart. | The carriage had eee also! <A street car with a balky horse jammed the street. An altercation seemed to be going on, but at length the jam was broken, making a passage | for the carriage. | Itdrovecn. But it had ee an extra pas- | senger in the interval! Billy had taken instant d run up with re- | advantage of this stoppage, | : breath, and was pow clinging desperate- on, his feet on the springs, bis bands firmly | clutching the rim of the top. This was no easy position. It needed all his to bold on as the rapidly-driven car- strength riage plunged and bounded over the rough sur- said the detective. ‘‘I shall act upon it at once. | I'm going to be thereand have something to say | Morton had had at least |} He must find ovt where that | And the ardent boy was worn out. It | was impossible that be should keep up that | Earnest and | | face of the street. of life and death, and he set his teeth desperate- ly as he clung on with all the strength in his flesh and bones. Fully a mile was passed in this difficult posi- tion. Then the carriage turned the corner ofa street so abruptly that the boy’s hold gave way and he was flung violently to the pavement. He was bruised by the fall, yet in an instant he wasupand in pursuitagain. He was wearied, sore, nearly worn out, yet with unyielding grit he held on to the pursuit. And progress was now more difficult,as the pavement here was more crowded. They had now reached a much less aristocratic part of the city. As the carriage swung round a corner into | another street a block in advance, a sense of | despair canie upon the boy’s beart. Should he give up? No, not while he could move one foot after another! When be could run no longer he would walk on the track of that carriage. He would win or die in the traces, He gained the corner of the street into which the carriage bad last turned. As he looked quickly down it a sudden gush of hope replaced the despair in his beart. The carriage had | drawn up. There it stood, about half a block | down the street, while the two men were carry- ing what seemed a heavy package from it into | an adjoining house. This package was long and slender, and close- | ly swathed in a covering of dark cloth, It was : of the shape of, but larger than an ordinary woman, but its extra size might be due to the | enveloping cloths, That it was the form of Nelly Brown the youthful ‘pursuer had not a moment’s doubt, Yet he had lost sight of the carriage for a | mmute ortwo. Was it possible that this was | thesame? One of those men looked like Jerry Jenkins, but he could not be sure at that dis- tance. He hurried up, therefore,and made a | closer examination. Yes, there could be no doubt: there were the marks and scratches of his muddy shoes on the freshly-painted springs. Billy, with the instinct of the detective, looked at the number of the carriage, and took it down | on a slip of paper, preferring not to trust to his | memory. He then withdrew into a lurking-place and waited developments. Presently the driver | came from the house, took a large bundle from the carriage, and returned with it, He quickly reappeared, and mounted the box, but did not drive away. He sat thus, with reins in hand, for five minutes more. Then Jerry Jenkins made his appearance, apd entered the carriage, which was instantly driven off. The young shadower was jubilant, He bad done a splendid piece of work. He bad no doubt in his mind that the abducted girl had been removed under the influence of some sleep- ing potion from the Thirty-seventh street house and brought to this new den for imprisonment. What would Mr. Plum say when he heard of it? Tois brought the remembrance of the de- tective to Billy’s mind. He had agreed to wait for him at the other den. What would be think? ** Well, let him think what — ee | the boy to himself. ‘I'll soon make bim think different, I bet high.” THE DODGER’S ARTFUL TODGE. WHAT was next to be done? There was no use to wait there anylonger. Nelly Brown was | there, and would stay there tili wanted. Yet | Billy bung round, with a vague fancy that Morton would make his appearance, and a ) | ) CHAPTER XIII. strong desire to satisfy himself that there was | no mistake, that it was really Nelly Brown be | had seen carried into the house. | A half-hour passed: then a woman left the house and walked down thestreet. Billy looked at her with a startof surprise. He recognized the form of that old Irish lady at sight. She ) was a laundrywoman with whom he bad long | had an acquaintance, and she bore with her a bundle of what probably were soiled clothes. He followed with a new idea. Her residence was not far distant, and, as she entered, Billy followed ber. . ‘The top of the morning to ye, Mother Ca- bill,” he greeted. | ““ Why, bless me two eyes, if it isn’t the boy Billy!" she ejaculated. “‘ Sure, an’ it’s glad to see ye I am; furl thought ye'd quite desarted yer old friends,” fi “Not quite, Mrs. Cabill. You see ['m bere now. Isaw you come out of a house up the street, and followed you.” I wash for many of them big folks, whether ye'd bel’ave it or no, and it’s an illigant custom Bat it was to him a matter *
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Pye got. Set down an’ I'll have a bit of a chat wid ye over old times.” “*Are these the clothes you brought from theref” asked Billy, overturning her basket and rummaging among its contents, Will you Pave them duds alone?” “T like to look at nice clothes,” answered the boy, who had already gained his purpose. He had seen several pieces bearing the in- itials “E. B.” Brown ” he had not the shadow of a doubt. ““Toem things belong to a young lady that’s ] there on a visit,” explained Mrs. Cahill, ‘‘ and I’ve got to bave’em back this blessed evenin’, for she’s got no change wid her.” ** Did you see the lady?” “She was asl’ape when I got the things, A sw'ate-faced cr’ature she was, too,avick. But | | | | : ’ That this stood for ‘‘ Ellen | Turkey Billy. He had completed his work, and lifted the basket on his arm. ‘* Third floor back?” he queried. “Yes. But you can l’ave them wid the lady. She'll *tend to that. And be sure and fetch “* What in the wurreld aro you afther theer? | back the basket.” Billy, however, had no intention to “‘l’ave them wid the lady,” if he could help it. He wanted badly to get into that third flour back. Fortunately for him, when he boldly entered the house with his basket, no person was insight. | He did not trouble himself to look far, but : | ’ | 4 tired cut and as pale as a whitewashed fence, thing!” Pe What room was she in, Mrs. Cahill?’ ‘The third floor back. But what is that to : you, Master Impudence?” : ** You know I always like to know things,” hed the gamin. ** Paix, and that’s a fact. But much as I like to see you, me boy, I wish you’d l’ave me alone for the prisent. I’ve got to wash and iron these duds and bave them back by nine o’clock. And the time’s cruel short.” “I'm going. Good-by!” shouted the boy. ** Bat come back. And soon.” “Tl be back at nine o’clock to-night,” he shouted, as he left the door. “ Sure, you're a quare one, Billy,” she laughed. | : ’ | mounted the stairs without hesitation. He continued up the second flight, still meeting no one, There before him was the door of that “ third floor back.” Hetried thedoor. It was locked. But the key stood in the lock outside. Without losing an instant in thought he turned the key, opened the door, and entered. A young lady was seated disconsolately ina chair by the window. ‘* Mrs, Cahill sent me up wid the clothes,” he remarked, putting on his best brogue. The lady turned hastily at his accents, looked wildly round, and sprung to her feet with a bound. ‘Billy! Billy Turk!” she exclaimed. ‘‘ Oh, are you come—” ‘“* Whist!” he said, as he gazed into the sud- denly hopeful eyes of Nelly Brown. “If you give the alarm you may spoil all. I’ve found you, and all’s right. Keep up your spirits. Mor- ton can’t burt you.” “Morton! Was it he—” *“‘Hush! there are steps.—Sure, Mrs, Cahill “But come when ye will, ye’ll be as welcome as | tould me to bring ye the clothes, and here they the flowers of May.” successful scout, with an elate | are. heart and| The door burst open, and a hard-faced woman a rapid step, rode back to the Thirty-seventh | entered like a storm. street locality,in bopeof meeting with Detective Plum, Bat no such person was visible, and no evi- dence that he had been there. Billy waited out- side for epee an bour, thinking that he might be within, and hoping to see him emerge. At the end of that time he gave it up, took the Elevated again and gn down-town to Mr, Plum’s office. It been a day of many events, and was now growing late. The hallsof the ing were dusky with the shades of ap- proaching evening as the boy passed along them toward the detective’s cflice. As he feared, the « ffice was locked and its oc- cupant absent. There was only one thing fur- ther he could do. He obtained from the janitor of the building Mr. Plum’s home address, to be used in case it should be necessary to seek him that evening. Billy’s next movement was to go home for i He bad been too busy to eat that day, and hunger was now making itself felt. J Jenkins as usual presided at the table, and wi bis usual rough attempt at wit. There was noth- ing to show that he bad been engaged in a crim- inal en that day. And Billy was more than usually lively and animated. He felt good, for various reasons, one of the chief of which was the surprise he was ing for thesmart Mr. Jenkins. He pel on tae that gentleman down a peg or two very sbortly. Billy was moved by a double impulse when he left the house about seven o’clock that evening. Should be go for Mr. Plum and get his aid to raid the den of the kidnappers? Or should he out the plan he had formed to obtain an in- terview with Nelly Brown? Boy-like he decided on the latter. He wanted to show all concerned that he knew a thing or twoabout the art of the detective. Eight o'clock found bim at Mrs. Cahill’s resi- dence, moch to the surprise of that excellent lady, who bad not the smallest expectation of his k his word. She had already washed and fire-<dried the clothes, and was now busily iron- 5 no boy made the next hour pass merrily with her by his quips and jokes. * Paix, I’m tired enough to go to bed, instead of bearin’ this heavy load to Mrs. Carpenter’s the night,” she declared, as she finished ironing the last piece, and fell back wearily in her “TI shoald think so, I'll carry them for you,” volunteered Ey 5 “Nonsense! You!” "s to hinder?’ He was already busily engaged in re g the laundered clothes in the basket. “‘ I’m your boy, you know.” be a blessing, indade,” she uttered, “Of course I'll do it! You've done as much for me many a day.” ee ‘What brings you here, boy? How dare ou—” ‘* Mother Cahill was clean petered out,” ex- plained Billy, as he emptied the basket, *‘ so she sent me wid the clothes,” “Then why didn’t you leave them down- stairs?” ‘* Sure, and 1 would, but I saw nobody, and she tould me the lady was in the third floor back.” **Fool!” cried the woman. eg your basket and get out!” ‘* Paix, if 'd thought there was any harm, I'd never have done it,” submissively answered the boy, as he picked up his empty basket and made for the stairs, without venturing a look at the fair captive. “Come, now! CHAPTER XIV. JUST IN TIME. WE must go on to a time two hours later in the history of that eventful night. They had not been wasted hours. Bill k, after re- turning the basket to Mrs, Cabill, had busied himself on scme matters of importance, What these were will be shown later, flis visit had given a new life to the fair pris- oner, Nelly Brown. Plunged before in the depths of despair, she had become suddenly in- spired with hope, and sat, as the minutes grew into hours, in her contracted prison-room, wait- ing with nervous but hopeful expectation for the coming of a deliverer. She bad the warm- est confidence in her boy visitor. It was approaching the hour of eleven. She still sat by the window looking out into the night. No thought of sleep had come to her. It seemed to her that she must be oe and waiting for the deliverance she earnestly ex- ted. There came a ee catlike. It was followed x! a low ta door. She started to her feet, while burned like stars as she fixed them on the door. ** Come in!” she breathed faintly. Tne click of the lock sounded, the dour opened, and a form appeared in the passage, in the full light of her a Nelly fell back with a cry of dismay, clutch- ing her chair with nervous fingers. ere, be- fore her burning eyes, stood the hated and dis- trusted form of Edward Morton! “Great Heaven! you?” she cried faintly, her lips with fright and dismay. “It is I, Miss Brown,” he replied, enteri and closing the door. “Do not be frigh 4 You bave naturally beer e ting the wretch who has had you abduc and locked up in this miserable den, Fortunately I have pene- trated his plots, forced him to acknowledge the lace of your imprisonment, and bave hastened co to release you from this vile place,” “You!” she repeated, her eyes distended, ber heart beating as if it would burst its bonds, in the passage, light and on the er eyes | is ** Yes, I, who have not ceased to love nor to seek for you. I have not slept day nor night since your abduction,” He advanced into the room toward her. She | retreated involuntarily to the window. ‘“*T do not believe you!” she cried, with a sudden burst of indignation. ‘‘ It was you who had me brought here! I feel it! It is not two hours since the boy—” “*The boy? What boy?’ he exclaimed, hastily, | the blood flushing his face. ‘*The boy that— But I will not teil you. I have told too much already.” ‘You can tell me nothing [ do not know al- ready, Miss Brown,” he continued, with a smile, | Her hasty words had led him to an instant grasp | of the situation, ‘* It wasonly an hour ago since our mutual friend, the little bootblack, told me I know it! that you had been removed from your former ra and where you might now be found. t I flew here with all need not be told. I would not for a world have lost a min- ute.” She looked at him in dread and doubt. His voice seemed earnest and sincere. His eyes were full of a warm light. His knowledge of the bey’s visit— “Then who was it brought me here?’ she broke out. ‘“‘ What base wretch was it that had me stolen from my home and locked in this prison cell?” “You need fear him no longer, my dear Miss Brown,” he replied, advancing and seeking to take her hand, which she nervously withdrew, from him. e bas met is crimes. He is now locked still shrinking ewer’ ys with the reward of upin a felon’scell to answer the criminal charges of robbery and abduction.” “But who—who—who?” she reiterated. “What harm have J done to any one to be treated thus?” ** Whof” be answered, with a show of indig- nation, *‘ Who wasit lured you into the street on that fatal night with a lying note, that he migbt bring you within reach of his villainous confederates? ‘Whom do you mean?’ she exclaimed. “Harry Weston? It is false! Itis the basest of lies! Ob, this is too cruel!” She crouched back against the wall, covering her face with her bands. ** Heaven knows 1 am sorry enougb to have to give you such pain,” he answered, “‘ But what under Heaven can I say or do, Miss Brown, but tell what I believe tobetrue? You have been deceived, that is all. The man has been a concealed villainfor years. He has been robb: me, who confided inhim. I have just found it out amd bad him arrested for theft. The villain, thus caught in bis crimes, confessed all his evil deeds atonce. It was thus I learned that he bad been your abductor, and hastened to your release.” he kad sunk almost to the floor while listen- ing to these cruel words, sobs breaking from her lips, her face still covered with her hands. But now she sprung up, ran wildly toward him, clutcbed him by both shoulders, and looked w'th burning eyes into his face. “It isa lie! a base, infamous LI£!’ she cried, ** You dare not repeat it! You dare not look me in the eyes and say such words!” In this critical moment Edward Morton proved himself a man of nerve. Not a muscle of his facequivered, His eyes retained their sorrowful expression as they gazed into hers. “I bave burt you too much already, Nelly,” he said, gravely. ‘‘It has torn my heart to it; but what could I do? Do not ask me to re- t those cruel words, I am here for your re ease. Comewithme. You shall have one pro- tector if all the world besides deserts you.” She listened to his words as if she had not half ; heard them, and continued to gaze with hot eyes } upon his face. ) “It is false! Iwill not believe it!” she sud- denly cried, thrusting him from r wxtth more force than seemed to reside in he 4licate fin- gers. “‘He loved me,and I retu id his love, ) We were ed to marry. W ; should he : | have me kidnapped? What bad ue to n b that? Your story has a lie on the face fit Ed ward Morton.” ““ My dear Miss Brown, you can have no con- | ception of the mental movements of a man of this kind,” he replied, quietly and calmly. “‘ Nor coukl I bave if he not confessed all his villainy. Let me tell you what I have learned: He felt himself in a net from which there was no escape except by flight, He wanted you for the companion of flight, but knew t he could never obtain your consent to this. It was for this he bad you abducted. It was part of bis plan to appear as your rescuer, hurry you to:
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z you out of | : a train under the plea of takin reach of your enemy, and be off far away with you before you could recover from the excite- ment of theescape. It was a deeply-laid plot. Fortunately his arrest prevented it. I have his confession, written and signed, which you sball see when you will.” She had fallen back into her chair, and was gazing at him with distended and frightened eyes, in which doubt struggled with belief. Hecaught her hand passionately and drew her | unresisting!y to ber feet. ** Little you know of the perils of orphan girls in this great and wicked city,” he cried. ‘* We must fly at once. There is no safety for you or mein this building. You are surrounded here with enemies, Put yourself under my protec- | tion, dear one. Suffer me tocal] you mine. It is your only safety. Come with me. I will be your friend, protector and husband m one.” He drew her toward the door. She followed | in a dazed manner, asif not half knowing what she did. ~It seemed as if the wolf had got the lambin his toils and would entangle her in the net of a marriage before she could recover her calm judgment. Fortunately for her, others were working in her behalf. As they neared the door it was flung open from outside, and the youthful fig- | ure of Billy Turk filled the opening! **No you don’t, Mr. Morton,” he said. “I’ve bean listening, and I tell you it was a pretty lay, but it won't work, Let go that rascal’s and, Nelly Brown. It’shim, the big thief, that brung you here, and not Harry Weston, who is chucked in prison by this big thief jist to keep bim cut of the way.” Her eyes dilated with hope and fear as she tore her hand from Morton's grasp. “* You did not tell this man that I was here?” she demanded. ‘Me? Tell hin? Much I did! I reckon he knowed it himeelf ten times better than I did. Oh, he’s a rum scamp, you bet!” During the minute in which these words were being spoken, Morton’s face bad turned from red to pale, his eyes blazed with a baleful light, his lips were compressed with irrepressible fury. He sprung upon the boy, who had not time to escape from his clutch, and ped him by the throat with the deadly force of batred and re- venge. Billy had only time to give vent to a low | whistle, which rung through the house. “You young cur! you have escaped me twice before; I'l do for you now!” hissed the infuri- | ated wretch, as he cumpressed the boy’s throat | with murderous energy. Nelly ran to his rescue, and strove to tear | away those fury-strengthened bands, but in vain. it seemed asif the boy would die in the choking grasp of his assailant. But, his whistle had taken effect, and rapid | steps were now heard rushing toward the room. | Two men entered, the foremost De- — Plum, who sprung to the relief of the ) vy. Morton's fingers were clutched like vise-clasps | round his throat. One vain effort to loosen | them was made by the officer, and then, step- | ving back, he struck the villain a powerful | low in the throat, that felled him like a log to the floor. His unnerved fingers released the | half-strangled boy as be fell. The second person who had entered spru witha cry of joy toward the fair captive, —— : her 1m his arms, : “Nelly! My darling!” he whispered. “ You are saved, you are free at last, thank Heaven!” | It was Harry Weston, who had been released | from prison on bail. ** You didn’t come much too soon,” cried the | boy, ruefully rubbing his throat. “A minute | more and I'd bave been done for; and then what would have become of New York, Id like to Morton by this time was rising gloomily and surlily to his feet. “ You aremy prisoner, Edward Morton,” said the detective, “for the crime of abduction. Your confederate has been taken and has con- fessed, and your career of crime is at an end.” CHAPTER XV. BROUGHT fO BaY. Justice for once had trium ous abductor had been es PR neds ean very mo- all Bat, the villain had aot yet ecard. Turkey Billy. should not triumph. Over Harry Weston there still hung the darkcharge of breach of trust and robbery, and his late employer was determined to hunt him to a felon’s cell. One week after the date of the events just narrated the case of Harry Weston was called at the bar, for preliminary examination. This cdse, together: with that against his ac- euser, for abduction, had excited much atten- tion, and there was a considerable audience present in the court, among them nearly all those whom we have met in these pages, with the exception of Jerry Jenkins, who, being un- able to obtain bail, was in prison on a charge of aiding in the abduction of Nelly Brown. There was a look of satirical triumph or Mor- ton’s face, as he sat beside his counsel. He had woven his net of evidence strong and wide, and had no fear of his victim escaping its meshes. | Revenge seemed yet in bis hands. The case was opened by the plaintiff's lawyer ina short but strong speech, which left the de- fendant without a virtue upon the earth. He was everything vile, base, deceitful, and treach- erous, of which the legal] orator could think. Such an instance of ungrateful treachery had | never been known before, if one could believe this limb of the law. Edward Morton was called as the first witness for the prosecution. After the preliminary | questions as to name, age, residence, etc., the lawyer remarked to him: prove by numerous witnesses. His opening was %*% weak, however, and it was evident that he con- sidered the case shaky. It looked decidedly black for Harry Weston. This gentleman was first called upon to give his statement of the affair. His strongest point was that the books had been tampered with, that the false entries had been made by other hands than his, and that his employer was his enemy and had been seeking toruin him. He was going on to state why, when he was checked by the op- posite lawyer. ‘*This evidence cannot be admitted. It has no bearing on the case before the court,” he de- clared, strongly. ‘* As you please, sir. It is fortunate that the court knows it already,” answered Harry, with a home-thrust, Morton’s connection with the abduction was indeed well-known to the court, ‘* You are a practical and skillful accountant, Mr. Weston, I believe?” asked the prosecuting attoruey. ‘*T bave had some experience, sir.” “* How is it, then, that false entries could be made by other hands in your books and you not discover the fact?” ‘*] am unabie tosay,” answered Harry, doubt- fully. *‘ I must confess that for several months | past my mind has been somewhat distracted ‘Will you please, Mr, Morton, tell your story | briefly to the court? What do you know con- cerning the charge against the prisoner at the bar?” from my work.” “* That is a lame answer, Mr. Weston.” ‘* He fell in love, and she said she’d have him. That's what’s the matter,” broke in Billy Turk. | “ And I reckon the judge will say that’s enough ** Henry Weston has been in my employment | for the past eigat years,” he began in a quiet and decided tone. ‘* For three years past be bas bad full charge of my financial affairs, and has enjoyed my utmost confidence. { hadno reason to suspect him of any lack of honesty until a | week or two ago, when | received a letter warn- ing me against bim, and informing me that he was engaged in speculation, and had been losing | to. ** Is that letter in evidence?” asked the judge. “Tt is here, your Honor,” replied the lawyer, passing it up to the bench. The judge ran his eyes over it. ** This writer, Jacob Jones, do you know bim?” he asked. “‘No, sir. He has not revealed himself. The letter is anonymous.” “Ah! Well, proceed, sir.” “There was but one thing for me to do,” con- tinued Morton. ‘‘ A defalcation could not well be carried out without showing itself on my books. I engaged a skillful accountant, put my books in his bands and bade him make a thor- ough examination, What he found there, your Honor, he can best state. I need but further re- mark that I had Mr. Weston arrested on the strength of his report.” “That will do, Mr. Morton; you may step down.” “One moment,” broke in Weston’s counsel. *T have some questions to ask you, sir.” much more money than his salary amounted ” : | “and a powerful one, too. The cross-examination, however, brought out | nothing of importance. Morton kept firmly to his story, and his evidence continued unshaken. ‘William Harvey,” the accountant, was next called. We need not give his evidence in detail. will suffice to say that it sustained the charges which Mr. Morton bad made. He had subjected the account-books of that gentleman to a thor- ough examination, and bad found certain glar- ing ivaccuracies. six thousand and some odd dollars were missing, It | A flual balance showed that | which were unaccounted for in the cash entries. | ** How far back do these errors or false entries run?” asked Weston’s lawyer, after the other at- torney had finished his questions. ** About three months.” ** You found no error of an earlier date?” “No, sir. I did not examine closely further back.” * You did not? Why not?” ‘Mr. Morton did not consider it necessary.” “ Ah! and why?” “ He gave no reasons, sir.” “It was because—” began Morton. “* That will do, Mr. Morton. You are not on the witness-stand now,” remarked the justice, severely. A few more questions and the witness was re- leased. Some minor witnesses were examined, whose evidence was of no importance, and the case for the ation closed. The case for the defense was next opened, the lawyer dwelling strongly on his client's character and reputation, which he off to to twist any man’s brains.” The roar of laughter that broke out in the court at this exclamation could not be stilled for several minutes. ‘*And, what’s more, judge,” cried Billy, as soon as his yoice could be heard, ‘*‘ Morton kid- napped his girl and doctored the books while he was hunting her up. Anybody knows that ain’t a square deal,” **Silence that dreadful boy!” exclaimed the justice, angrily. ‘* Take him out of court.” “Tm a witness, judge,” continued Billy, You can’t do with- out me,” ‘‘ Keep still, there! If you intermupt again I will jock you up. Remember.” Billy subsided. This was more than he cared to undergo. The prosecution next declared that there was no perceptible difference in the handwriting, and called the accountant again to testify to that fact. He was somewhat doubtful, how- ever. He thought so, but could not be sure. The books were placed before the judge, at his request, and the questionable entries ~ointed out to him. The next witnesses called by the defense were to prove the good character of ibe defendant. “ William Turk,” was now called. “Tm glad ee took me off that muzzle, judge,” remarked the irrepressible boy, “ fer I’ve been bursting to talk. And I reckon when Pm done you won’t want po more witnesses.” ‘* Silence!” again efclaimed the judge. ** What do you know about the case?” asked the lawyer, retaining his gravity with an ef- fort. ‘*T know Morton's a sneak and that this is a put-up job of the worst sort,” began Billy. ‘* Hush, boy! Thisis notevidence. Tell what you know. Not what you think.” Judge,” continued Billy, turning to the bench. ‘‘Itain’t out of order to hand up a let- ter for you to read, is itt T’other side banded up one, you know,” “Not if it has any bearing on the case.” ‘‘ Well, I reckon it has! the biggest kind of a bearing,” returned Billy, as he thrust his band into an inner pocket and drew out a much-soiled envelope. CHAPTER XVI. THE FINISHING SHINE-EM-UP. ALL looked on curiously. This was an unex- ted mode of procedure. Weston raised his Bead with hopeful expectation, while a look of nervous doubt came into Morton’s eyes. “ This letter has not been opened,” remarked the judge. - ir. It was given me to post, and I was- NO, SIF. n’t going to rob the mail by opening it. But I didn’t say when I'd post it. “Then what do you know about its contents?” “Nothing at all, judge. Buti can guess a powerful lot.” ** It is addressed to Edward Morton.” “To me?” cried that individual “Then I claim it. A sealed letter, addressed 40 ~ n - -
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Turkey Billy. ne, not even a judge upon the bench, open.” ime there was an excited feeling in court. Billy had awakened the sleepers with a 2as not passed through the mail,” retort- ed the judge. “* No law, therefore, would pre- rent my opening it as a matter of evidence. However, I will notinterfere with your claimed right. Hereis the letter. But I demand thatit be opened on the spot.” Morton received and opened the letter, himself seemingly as anxious as the rest. His face, how- ever, grew red and white by turns on reading its contents * Thecou in evidenc : rt demands that that letter be placed ,” commanded the judge. Morton hesitated a moment, and then handed | si itto hislawyer. His face was flushed as he did “Tt is another letter informing me of Mr. 's extravagance,” said. teoftheformer. I don’t know how that ossession of it.” ne -_« =| lt / 7 7 | y I know And if t judge wants to know I won't mind letting him into it.” ck 1 ortant to know who wrote those letters. Can you that point!” asked the justice, “Yes,” rejoined Bully. ** Who wrote them, then?” ** Mr. Edward Morton, Esquire!” This answer took the court utterly by sur- prise. A flush of hope came into Harry Wes- ton’s face. Mortor grew red with anger. ““I demand that the court shall protect me against the insolent lies of this vagabond of the streets!” he roared. “[ swore on the Book, Mr. torted Billy. ‘* Don’t you say I’m a-lying. ** This is an extraordinary assertion,” remark- give us any information on can, ju Pll tell you the whole story. out teat kidnapping. He gave it > me to post, but I didn’t post it just then, I em he 7 4 ' 4 iz | I saw him hand it to * mh = ts ~~ | cried Morton, startingup again, ‘I There was no one—” Yo paused in confusion. out 7a his haste. “No one there? Oh, yes, there was! I was looking through a hole I had made in the wall, and saw you hand it over, and heard you tell him to post it at Harlem. That took me to He had let toomuch Harlem the next morning, for I wanted that letter. And I got it,” he concluded, in a tone of triumph. ** Are you sure that this is the man you saw hand the letter to Jenkins?” ‘“*T wasn kers, and his face was stained. But I’m sure now, cause I saw him,since, the same way— lowed him to his office and saw him take off bis his wash off the paint. And it was forton, Esquire, that came out! If of affairs. The case, which bad looked so dark for Harry Weston, had suddenly changed its aspect. That the prisoner was the victim of a conspiracy seemed now evident, and all who knew the story of the abduction felt sure that Edward Morton bad done the thing from rivalry in love. “This is highly important,” declared the jus- tice, writing rapidly. Officer, take this or- der, and bring the man mentioned into court.” The police officer in attendance took the order and departed. ‘em-up Detective was further questioned, and the whole story of how be obtained the letter was elicited. Nor could the sharp cross-exam- ination to which he was subjected shake his evidence. He kept to the letter of what he had said. Mrs. Malone was next put on the stand, and testified to the visits of a black-whiskered gen- tleman to Jerry Jenkins, who, only for the whiskers and the dark complexion, was the born | image of Edward Morton. Mr, Plum was the next witness, He testified to seeing this same disguised person pay money to Jerry Jenkins, to having followed him to Edward Morton's office, and seen him through the window take off the whiskers and wash off the stain. The man that emerged from this dis- guise was Edward Morton. ** Almost a ; | lowed by ancther,in v Morton,” re- | Can you prove what you have | hat letter from Jerry Jenkins, who's in | nd Jerry Jenkins got | sure then, for, he had on false whis- | During his absence the Shine- | }; ro" into tbpe Morton by this time was in a pitiable state of nervous trembling and bloodless pallor. But when Jenkins was put upon the stand, and, with the hope of saving himself from the re- ward of his crimes, told the whole story of the Villainous plot so far as he was conversant with it, Morton see with fear and shame. ‘**There is no need to pursue this investigation further,” declared the judge. ‘* No doubt re- mains that the accused person at the bar has f a criminal conspiracy ed been made the victim of to ruin him; and itis equally evident to whom this conspiracy is due, and what was his pur- pose in forming it. Henry Weston is discharged trom the custody of thelaw. His character f n0nesty and integrity stands untainted. Ed- ward Morton is ordered into custédy on the charge of criminal conspiracy, in addition to the charge on which he is already held, that of abduction. The court is dismissed.” It need not be said that the report of this case made a considerable sensation in New York,and | that Harry Weston, Nelly Brown, and above all ** But | were the heroes of the hour. Billy Turk, ¥ Ere long tt Edward Morton was the accused and Harry We the accugers, while the witnesses were the same as in the former case, It will suffice tosay that this trial ended in tho sentence of Edward Morton to ten years’ im- prisonment on the two indictments on which he was tried. As for his confederate, Jerry Jen- kins, he was let off, in view of bis turning State’s evidence, with two years at Sing Sing. | it but remains to state that Edward Morton’s | business was seized upon by his creditors, for fear of a total loss, By order of the court it was put up for sale and purchased by a wealthy | friend of Harry Weston, who placed it in charge it, It was to become the property of Harry Wes- ton, he engaging to repay the advance of his friend in a series of easy payments. On the day he became proprietor of the busi- ness in which he had long been a paid employé, another event of interest took place, a marriage between the two lovers whose course of true love bad run in so crooked a channel, It was a happy wedding, that led to a very happy mar- ried life. As for Billy Turk, we hate to part with him in a paragraph, but we have told all of his story that we set out to tell. He has long since dis- carded his box and brushes, Mr. Plum wanted bim to take up the business of a detective, for which be seemed so well-fitted, but he preferred | to accept the offer of Harry Weston of a place } in his business, and now that years have elapsed he occupies the same position Weston formerly | | held under Edward Morton—that of confiden- One year from | now he is to be admitted asa partner, for Billy | Turk has shown the same energy and ability as ) | a merchant’s clerk that he formerly showed as a | | bootblack, and continued to ‘‘shine 'em up” in | tial clerk and man of business, the one as in the other. THE END. The Redoubtable Richard Again} Lrprary, No. 882! Deadwood Dick, Jn, in Silver Pocket OR, THE Next Hatr-DmeE BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. The Great Detective and his queer pard, Pete Par- : breach” of a mining-camp triple ry of murder, imposture and rivalry among 8 for a dead man’s money. A Fraud Deadweod Dick! works the As- myste rogue 1 the camp—a humbug double, yet a very zood substitute, as the veritable Dick and | Pete Parrot have to admit after the * comes to the front out of sumed to only original ” remarkable ciagruise, as- Strike for High Game in the leading citizens of Silver Pocket. Itjis astart- ler of a story, overfuil of excitement and the inter est of the two rogue rivals and two women rival impostors, and the deovement is a great surprise— A Sweepstake for the Invincible! Don't fail to be in with him and jolly Old Pete! ready to sink into the floor | the trial we have described was fol- | stonand Nelly Brown | 498 Cactus Burr, the 5 Hard Luck. | 5ST Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, t M 609 Bolly Dorrit, run Detect 620 Little Lichtuirg’s League: or Mystery e Island. 638 Pimeky Paul, Prospector f the latter, as the person best able to conduct 588 Saffron Sol, Man Wit Shadow 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or. T ead Set at Silver City. 601 Happy Mana, Vid 611 Bildad Barnacle, etective H 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad. 681 Tem Cat’« Terrible Task. 688 Tem-Cat’« Triumph; or, Black I ’s Great Combine. 646 Cowbey Gid,. t : ge : | 657 Warbling W tillam, the M t Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiah, Piains Detectiv : S2T Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, 7 GAMBLER QUEEN'S HIGH PLAY. Beatle's Half-Dime BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHI 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Dar 29 The Dumb Page: or, Th ge’s I 48 Dick Darling. Express R ice Lance and La««o; +r, T rer e 154 The Sword ilunters; or, The Le the 159 The Lost Captain; or, 5 er Jabez Cofi 200 The Boy Bedoutna; or Brot : 214 W olfgang, the! er of the Phine 249 Mile Romer 4 King F i the The Ticer Tamer; or, The League of the Jungle. £81 Black Nick, the D n Rider 895 California Joe’s War Trall. BY W. J. MAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, 7 fand; or, Al f : " = : ene VW estern, the bger e Twelve Avengers. ‘+ Miad . 7 Ben Bird, t sve King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop. BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or ef ~Alpper. BY LIFUT. H. D. PERRY, TU. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; E uneer e Bay. 180 The Sea Trailer: vw . 192 Captain hit; or Myster M k Point. BY HARRY HAZARD. 823 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. S29 Red-Skin Tom; or e De str $42 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow k, the Outlaw. BY COL. A. FP. NOLT. 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Desth Canyon. 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King es 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the W BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King Rifle-Shots. 478 Tangemund, Desert Detective. 542 The Canyon Pards. BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. 440 Little Poxfoot, the G wie Kid 558 The Sure-Shot Parda 621 Truthful James, ¢ : . Man BY LIECT. A. KE. SIMS. 546 Captain Cactus, aparra ck. 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Hoerse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and kW Freder ttaker ® Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels By Deas owitt. 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderfe Lamp. 16 Rebineon Crusce. 27 strations.) yages. 18 Sindbad the Sallor. z neocons Crusoe. 22 The Seca Serpent; oz By Juan Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By S. W. Pierce. be Arena Queen By Texas Jack ndergrou amp. By A. C. Irons. he Freebooters of the Mississippi. 86 The Boy Clown; er, By F S. Finn. 8% Ned Wylde, the Boy 5 51 The Boy Rites: or. The 95 Tue Rival Revers; Re Lieut.-( Hazeltine. oR KRebin Mood. e Uctiawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- “ By Prof. Gildersieeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Ha a Holmes 112 The Mad Hunter; or, be Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Tippy. the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George Glermn. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish 148 Sharp Sam; ot, The Adventures of a Friendless Bor. By J. Alexander Patten The Green Ranger of the Ye wetone award By G. L. Alken. ckett's Crooked Trai. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New Y irk Bov 266 Killb’ar. the Guide; ~r, Devy Cr By Ensign C. I W arret ‘ 298 Ked Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper By Captain Cometoc’s BIT Peacock Pete, the Live!) tenant Alired Thorne B28 The Sky Detective; or By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Hed Ralph, the River Rover; veoge. By Ned Bastline. 865 Baltimore Ren the Bootvlack Detective. 874 Gold-DPust Tom; or, Ben’s Dowhl> Match. 76 Callfornia Jee’s First Trail. By Hover Monsters 418 Billy Bomb«hell, the Clif Climter. By F.S. Winthrop 475 The Black oti By John S Warner, 454 Comanche Dick and Hix Three Invinelbles, By Hearv J. Thomas BOs W izard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. Holt. 582 The Cowboy Duke. Sy Edwin Brooke Forrest. S52 Ariel the Athlete. By David Druid. 585 Will Waters, the Row Ferret. By H. Entor. 682 The Dead Detective’s Double. By Gerald Cariten t, The Maid ot the Clif. By Liee- y's Fight for Life and Hones. Lad from Leadville AB t, The Brother’s Re- By A. P. Morris. By G. BL Morre. Colonel Themes A New Iseue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by al! newsdealers, five eeu per copy, of sent by mai) on recerps o!: atx comta ened. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.
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see W ARD L. WHEELER. S had fauer y at bim eadwood Dick Novels. eves, in Whicled Dick, eof the R “ea ver The Freedooter’s Legacy. 644 Hatterfly Billy's Dinguise. 650 Butterfly Filly, th sprees K 656 Rutterfly Billy's Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy's Benanza. 565 hent Kingdon; he Ow ls of the Overland 570 kent Kingden’s Shadewer; or.) ard Queen. 575 Kent Kingdeon’s Duel; «1, The Surgeon Scost. S56 Kent Kingdeon’« Doom or, The Becks Avenger 545 Lafitte Run Down; or, The ar s of Barrataria 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenzing Sx 5SS Lafitte’s Confession ; ; Cre salir. akin Bill, the anche Shadow : Buckskin Brothers tx Texas. 580 The Buckeki« Rowers; or. 7 ” Pirates. 525 The Buckskin Kovere; or, Tt ra Fagitive. 540 The Backskin Pards’ Quest: or, Captsin Ko-Kicx 508 The Royal Middy; or, The Shark and me Sea Cat 507 The Royal Middy’s Lueck; or, The Huntea Midshipman, &l1l The Royal Middy’s Foe. 450 Wizard Wii: or, The! Ferret ot New York. 454 Wizard WIL" Street Scout«. 474 Wizard Wills Pard; or, Flees, the Flower Gir 408 Wizard Will's Last Case: or, The Ferrets Afloat. 429 Duncan Dare. w Boy Refogve 488 Duncan DParc’s Plot; or, A Cabin Boy's Lock i167 Puncan Dare’s Prize; or, The Sea Raider 441 Dunean Dare’s Seeret: or. The Ocean Firefiv. 102 Inedor,. the Young C cuspirater r, The Fatal League 407 leodor’s Double Fnnse er, The Boy Insurgeot. 112 leedor’« War-Cloud ¢ runes. or, The Wild Yachtamaz 214 Bison BI), the Prince of the Re 222 Rises Bill's Clwe: or. Grit, the * save Sport. £04 Dead Shot 808 Dead Shot Pandy'’s Double; or, Feeo Kis 214 Dead Bhet Pandy’s Defiance: or, The boy Bogier G07 Dead Bhot Dandy’s Chicis or, The River Detective 245 Merle Mente’s Leap fer Life. 250 Merle Monte’s Mutiny ¢ or, Brandt, the Deccaneer 264 Merle Moate’s Treasure Island. 269 Merle Monte the Coudemucd. 276 Merle Monte’s Crulect or, “ The Gold Ship 250 Merle Moute’s Fate; er, The Pirate's Pride 284 Merle Meute’s Pledge: or. The Sea Marander. 19T The Kid Glove Sport; r. Little Grit, ihe Wild Rider, 204 The Kid Glove Sport’s Doom; o, Buffalc Bill, the : Ex: ress der RET Dead Shot Ralph's Prop. 825 Maric, the Cowboy Coaster, TS1 Ruth Redmond, tbe Gir! Shadewer. @86 Orlande, the Ooean Free Flag 617 Ralph, the Dead-®hot Scout. 602 The Vagabond ofthe Mines. SY? The Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos. 591 Delmonute,. toe Y g Sea-Rever; or, The Avenging Sailor 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective. 49% Artrown Joe; ot, The Bey Pard of Texas Jack. the Revolver Ranger 468% Neptune Ned, the Key Cosster; or, Pirate in Spite. 442 The ®allor Boy W enderers or. The Born Gulde. 446 Maphazard Uarry : or, The Ses Seapecrace 898 The Red Clasped Vands; or, The Boy Licutenant. S87 Warpath Wii. Traitor Guide ESR The Indian Pilot; or, The Sear fur Pirate Island 8TT BRonodel, the Bey Rover; or, The Figgiess Schooner. 257 Billy Blwe-Eyes, of the Rio Grande. 237 Leone Star. the Cowbor Capte!s 229 Crimson Kate, the Girl Trailer: or. 7 whoy’s Triempd. 116 The Hussar Captain: . e He Hell Gate. 111 The Sen-Devtl; or. 7 Mids an’s Legacy. é 102 Dick Dead-Fyve, the 5 ggier a, 3 ' se of the Vizee. TS The Bey Drellet ; or. 7 : ° » Sen- We 62 The Shadow Ship t or. The Rive tenanta 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Myster » Yellowstone. IT Ralph Roy, the B B aneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. T The Flying Yankee; or, The Oceen Uuteast, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. S76 Deadw ood Dle k, Jr's, Decoy Dux kes : wt 5 d ‘ STT New York Nat's ‘Trump Card: he Dare Devil . . Re « Prent! ae STS The Street Arab’s Blinds «, 5 ng the Swindler STO Kiwe ~ebt Bill, ; Sa re 5 ; oF Denver Dete Kieg Keene s<0 Broad ay Billy and the Bomb-Throwers © babe d | Turkey Billy, « Shine-’em-ap Det r, The Gamis (-oard\a aries Morris . Jr., im Silver, Pocket; er, t5e s8g De adw ood pi ‘raat 7 ae '¢a S's tie Kd Wwe aS8 New ; ork Nat’ « Creok-¢ hase : King of - Ry c Prenties | raher ssi Farrel Fox and Wis Girl Ferret t *, The Boges Panker’s Dive-Sharke. By Dan Dar g A New lesue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library ‘s for sale by all newsdeaers, Sve BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pablishers, 98 William Street, New York.