Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 884) (1894 07 03)
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—— . = =. = > Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 18M, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. No S84 $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, Vol XXXIV . > a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. ‘ i and His Girl Ferret: The Bogus Banker's Dive-Sharks. 4 STORY OF Three New York Detectives. BY DAN DUNNING (oP THE SECRET SERVICE CORPs, CHAPTER I THE DYING DETECTIVES CURSE “Heuzto! Another g l man gone wrong?’ ** Looks like it, Bull “Tura him over so the light will strike his SS Jace—we may know him.” . ae “Right! There you are, my—” BULL PICKED UP WHITEY AND THREW HIM OVERHEAD,
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.-, @f the present one 3 Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. “Good Ged! It’s Mac, Fox! Mac—dadnd murdered, man! Can't you see? Maur- dered!” , The time was about two a. M., the scene in the fighting Fourth Ward—and the speak- ers detectives’ William Bull, official, and Farrel Fox, private. On the sidewalk, between the detectives, lay the body of a man apparently about fifty- five years of age, attired in the well-worn garb of a workingman, but the disarranged gray beard under the chin revealed the fact that he was in disguise. Bull, ‘‘The Fourth Ward Bloodhound,” (as he was termed) had stooped over the man whom they had at first supposed was a ** plain drunk.” ooping, Fox passed his hand under and around the head of the victim, exclaiming: “Yes, it’s Mac, and there’s been foul play. But, he’s not quite gone; so find an officer and call an ambulance—quick!” The last word came like a pistol-shot, but it was the only indicaticn Fox gave of his intense feeling on discovering the body of his friend—the devoted ally of himself and Bull. The latter started off with a rush, and quickly returned with both officer and am- bulance. ‘* You go with him; I'll join you as soon as I re—report,” said Bull. Fox looked sbarply at the speaker, but made no response, signifying his acquiescence by taking a seat beside the surgeon. At the hospital, the surgeons confirmed the unspoken verdict of the detectives, on examining the bead of the victim: Sand- bagged! ‘He will probably dition — they gene marked a surgeon. Fox ground bis teeth. The remark was just what Fox would have expected, had the victim been a stranger. But “‘Mac” was no stranger, and his anxious friend could not give up all hope. ‘*‘Isthere nothing you cando? Can you not restore him to consciousness, at all events!” ‘Nothing more can be done to-night. If he pulls through until morning, there will probably be an operation performed before noon, ch may restore ‘him to conscious- ness—but the chances are all against him. “* Whoever struck the blow, struck to kill! Vengeance, not robbery, was the motive in this case,” added the surgeon, as he walked ae “Ven ? Ay, vengeance nerved the murderous arm, but may mine wither if I do not find its owner!” muttered Fox, as he seated himself beside his friend’s bed. Slowly the minutes passed into hours, and still the anxious watcher saw no sign of re- turning consciousness, nor did Bull appear. The s "s verdict had Pox for the former, but Bull's w i away in that con- y do,” carelessly re- tered, referring to several men whom he had noticed on the opposite corners, close to the spot where “ Mac” had been found. An ambulance nl attracts attention, | and its stoppage im acrowd, yet these men Peel tee inquiring into . direct to the the cause of the call. | Why? Because they slready knew? ‘ox was inclined to answer in the affirma- tive, but at that point he saw a stranger 2 . peerings reporter, ashe rightly surmis- “Must make 8 brand new face for this ve an It won't do death was a fitting fivale to his dramatic de- | what you please. he recognized the paises and knew some- thing of the man’s wonderful powers, the surgeon who accompanied the reporter would have thought a stranger had taken the place of the detective. Farrel Fox was equally well-known as **Parrel the Fox,” and as ‘‘The Man of Many Faces.” “Surely, that man isn’t a detectivet He talks like a lunatic, and looks like a fool!” exclaimed the reporter, as he left after a very brief interview with the Fox. ** Well, I know one of the twe men who summoned the officer, was a detective, but, of course, you can learn all about it at the Oak street station-house.” Before the reporter could make any re- sponse, a sudden cry from the victim of the sandbag brought both to his bedside. **Mac” had suddenly started up to a sit- tin coals of fire; his whole frame shook with look over his papers, to see if I can obtaim a clue to his murderer. ‘His body will come here after dark, and will be taken away about midnight—for I have a plan of my own for ferreting out his murderers, “You must accept me as your boarder— as if 1 were he who is gone—and they will have to kill him again, and yet again, before Mac’s murderers are safe,” - ** And who are you?” ** My name is Fox.” **Ah! The Fox?” ‘* Yes, madam, and he was my sworn friend—mine and the Bloodhound’s.” “The Bloodhound! Isn’t he a regular officer of the name of Bull?” **Yes; why?” ‘* Well, then, you bave two jobs on band —that's all! Bull, too, was nearly killed position. His eyes were blazing like | last night, or this morning!” In an instant came the suspicion regarding passion, and his right hand was raised | the men seen from the ambulance, apd with threateningly. ** Delirious!” muttered the surgeon. ** Dying!” he added, the next moment, as “* Mac” burst forth: “You murderous scoundrels! you have succeeded, but your time, too, is short, for the curse of a dying man rests up- on you! “Doomed, doomed! Every one of you will soon follow me! ow, we were to be married. To-day I die—and it will kill her-—poorLou— _.. * Curse you! You treacherous, cowardly, murderous hounds! You forget that the Fox and the Bloodhound still live—sworn to avenge me—us! “As by treachery I am undone, so may = be your portion—each selling the other! ** Ah, Ralph! Ralph of the Red Hand.” And that was all. With the last word, Mac fell back—dead. Dead just when his talk began to take the form of information. It was a bitter disappointment to the man who closed the dead man’s eyes with tender care, and who mentally vowed: ** Never shall I rest until your murderers are a i—your curse carried out! ** By our bond, Mac, | swear it!” But to the reporter, the detective’s sudden nunciation of his murderers. After the inquest, the body and effects of the murdered man were turned over to Fox, who having removed a}l papers, etc., sent for an undertaker and gave bim instructions for the funeral. Queer instructions they were, too: **Do not remove the body to your shop— although freely announcing that you intend to. Take it, instead, to this address and neh a hearse and carriage there at mid- t. : “ From this moment until you are through, your time must be mine—your bill for it, ** Do not send any message to your people, nor explain what you have been engaged at. Remain constantly with the body until you see me Understand, Arthur?” “Yes, sir, You can depend upon me.” CHAPTER IL. THE FOX'S PLAN, the hospital, the Fox went residence of his friend. “Mr. McVeigh is dead—murdered,” he explained Mrs. Morgan—the motherly woman w sole boarder the dead detec- Ox leavi tive had mY forth by his sonouncement was not bis erms, and uted : “It’s allalie! ee Who'd dare a on him ie caly too true, and I have come to o ry - * fy Me = 4 4 Pee a wer - testes - = Ne a ; This time , fore you arrived. it the explanation of Mrs. Morgan’s startling statement. ‘* You read that?” asked the Fox. “Yes, but here’s paper I bought just be- It says nothing of—” But the detective was not listening, being deep in a sensational account of ‘‘ Another Case of Sandbagging!” ‘‘Ha! Mac’s name unknown! Bull found in the same block, and brought to the police station unconscious, but not so badly injured as to endanger his life. **Good enough! Now for a clue to the case r Mac was working on, and then for his murderers! Bull may be able to throw some light on it—I'll see him after the funeral,” Thus commented the Fox as he read the newspaper article. “Now, Mrs. Morgan,” he continued, ‘‘the first thing to be done is deceive the murderers as to Mac’s having been killed. “From to-night until I’ve been killed, or bave run down the criminals, Mac’s death must be ty a profound secret—” : ‘There is one who must be told, though it will be a terrible blow to her, poor girl,” interrupted Mrs. Morgan. “he i r lady be Loui = young was lo marry—i0Uulse Weston—a distant cousin of poor Mr. Mc- Veigh, as she is to me.” ‘““Ah! Then we may tell her, for she is like you, Bul! and myself—bound by blood to avenge!”. “ Bound by blood?” echoed Mrs. Morgan in inquiring surprise. ** Yes; Bull and I are sworn to avenge him, as he was to avenge either, or both, of us. ** Years ago we made deadly enemies, and swore to stand by each other—the Lion, the Bloodhound and the Fox. **Our oath has been sealed by his blood, forming a bond stronger even than most blood relationship. ** But, I must look over Mac’s papers at once, Mrs. Morgan. His body is liable to ar- rive here at’ any moment and, then, I shall have enough to occupy my time in disposing of that.” satisfied as to the s er's identity, Full as well as his right to examine the dead de- tective’s papers, Mrs. Morgan led the way to | tae 4 a AH the latter’s room, where the Fox thorough search. - Among Mac’s papers was & note-book. Fox had found in this a memorandum—evi- dently an appointment: “Ralph Raymond—Dec. 24th.—10:30.” ‘Ralph Raymond—10s30, last night—be's / / ony SOP 84s Hemet —e SL Ny eS me roa ulti tS Nettie, ee ee oy, us. Se A ep me the man without a doubt whom I must look up, first. ° ** Mac menti Ralph of the Red Hand —once of the ad. - “Mac must have been stricken down ~ i pnts er ay Vera -
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; Pox. The speaker looked curious] is. Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. eee mused the ap aes was stilt ndering the question of treachery, 3 Faith, on “he part of Red Handed Ralph, when the undertaker arrived with the body of McVeigh. ** Bring him up here to this room,” direct- ed Fox, and when this was done, took a cast of his dead friend’s face. * Now be cn hand at midnight witha hearse and carriage. Hire them from some near-by livery stable, and mention incident- ally that they are for my funeral.” The undertaker stared on receiving this order from Fox, and the latter explained: ““ The fact of its being a midnight funeral will cause talk. That’s all right—but it must be about me. “Tam the dead man! My friend Mac is burying me!” *“Ah! I understand your game, Mr. Fox, and you can rely on my part of it being car- ried out to the letter.” “ Thank you, Arthur.” At precisely midnight, a hearse and a carriage stopped in front of Mrs. Morgan’s residence, and a few minutes later four men carried out a coffin—one bearing a striking resemblance to McVeigh, the detective. Nearly opposite the Morgan house was & street lamp, and as the light from this fell upon the men carrying the coffin, a man standing directly under the lamp started as if struck a sudden blow, and hurried away, muttering: ** By the eternal, Mac still lives! Who was the other?” ** Did you notice that man who ran away from under the lamp as we came out?” asked Arthur, as the carriage containing him and the Fox started after the hearse. ** No; for I’m not ashamed to say I was nearly blind with tears.” “ Well, it may be a mistake, but I'd be willing to swear it was Bull—the Central Office man—I suppose you know him!” CHAPTER IIL MISS LOUISE WESTON. ‘Tue morning following the funeral. The Fox has just returned from Police Headquarters and is seated in the apart- ments formerly occupied by his friend Mc- Veigh. For once the Fox is quite upset, and is brooding over the fact that Detective Bull mot having been as seriously injured as was at first supposed, had been sent home; but on inquiring there, it was found that he had remained only an hour. “And we have not seen him since,” con cluded Bull's sister, with whom the Fox and Mac were well acquainted. “Did he say where he was going, or fo. how long?” *“ Yes, he said something about seeing M.. at the detec- tive—who it must be remembered had as- sumed the well-known appearance ot his murdered friend—when the latter was sup- sed to be out of disguise. “I must have forgotten something in the make-up,” thought the Fox, catching the look, and left saying he would call again during the day. Returning home the detective looked care- fully over his disguise, but could discover no defect. and this made him all the more un- easy and dissatisfied tees. Bull's actions. “The undertaker knows Bull well. He swears it was Bull. If it was, why did he run away? “ Then, again, he is away from bome since last night—and not on duty, yet basn’t call- ed either here or at my house.” These thoughts were what was troubling the Fox when shortly after his return home, Mrs. Morgan came to his apartments. ‘Miss Weston—the lady I spoke of last night—has arrived,” she announced. ‘‘Have you informed her about what has occurred?” **T have.” “And of my intention to impersonate him?” “Yes, and she wishes to see you.” ** How did she take the news?” ‘*Very quietly. She did not shed a tear.” **T w'll be down directly, and will not re- turn to my room again, but, of course, if Miss Weston desires to sec, or have, any of poor Mac’s things, you will attend to the | matter.” Descending to the parlor a few minutes later. the detective met Miss Weston—a beautiful girl of about twenty, rather tall and very pale. Although the Fox was startlingly like Mac, Miss Weston greeted him calmly. ‘Mrs. Morgan informs me that yourself, and your friend, Mr. Bull, intend devoting all your time to finding Mr. McVeigh’s mur- derers. If I can give any information, or otherwise assist you, please call on me.” “I will do so. Do you happen to know anything of Mac's business affairs?” “Something, but not much.” “Ever hear him mention anything de- noting his rations with one Ralph Ray- mond?” “Yes; but way do you ask?” “Because Mac had an appointment with this Raymond at 10:30 o'clock of the night, or morning, he was murdered, and just be- fore dying raved about somebody he called Ralph of the Red Hand—” “You, of course, connected the two Ralphs, and the appointment, with the mur- der, and you were correct as faras Ralph Raymond and Ralph of the Red Hand being one, is concerned. ‘*This Raymond and Mr. McVeigh were deadly enemies a few years ago. That I know, but what their recent relations have been, I can only surmise. Mr. Bull can in- form you on that point.” “Bull! Please explain, Miss Weston— what do you mean?” ‘‘ That. Mr. Bull and Mr. McVeigh hunted down, or out of that part of the country, a band of Western desperadoes who combined train rob with counterfeiting and illicit whisky distilling. “Of this band, Ralph Raymond was the leader, but came East, and is nowin New York. “Mr. Bull knew of Raymond's presence here, as it was he who informed Mr. Mc- Veigh, and as the ex-train robber, counter- feiter, etc. has reformed, (or pretends to have,) I imagine the appointment was to secure the si.ence of the men who had broken up his business.” ‘‘Is Raymond his real name?” asked the Fox. To the detective’s astonishment, Miss Wes- ton blushed slightly while answering: ‘“‘It is ‘he name assumed by Ralph on his coming Fast.’ Pretending nut to have noticed the sud- den access of color in the hitherto pale cheeks of his companion, the detective remarked: ‘“*If the silence this Red Hand sought to secure by bribery were refused, he would be ust the style of a ruffian to endeavor to gain is point by force?” Miss Weston nodded assent, and the Fox continued: “Then he is the man I must look for.” Miss Weston looked troubled, but made ~ response until the detective arose say- ng: “*T must secure this man at once.” ‘One moment, Mr. Fox!” she called, and as he stopped, continued: ‘“‘Is it not possible that he—Raymond— was purchasing immunity at the expense of his former friends, and they discovering the fact too late to prevent the communication, took the only other means of preventing its going further?” = ** Quite possible—even probable,” replied ox. **But, I must not allow him to get out of reach, until I’ve been satisfied that some of these former friends were in New York on the night of the murder, and that the ap- pointment was not a trap.” Miss Weston bowed submissively, but when the shutting of the street door an- nounced the Fox's departure, she sprung from her chair muttering: “TI was too hasty! 1 should not have spoken—yet! “But, good heavens! To think of one hounding the other, and goading him to des- peration! **T must take a hand in this game, myself, and the first trick, at all events, must be mine—even at the risk of beating my part- ners (!).” CHAPTER IV. THE BLOODHOUND STRIKES THE SCENT. LEAVING Miss Weston and the Fox, for the present, we will accompany Mr. Bull. After the departure of the ambulance bearing the dying detective, the Bloodhound started toward the Bowery. Passing the corner where the Fox had noticed the suspiciously incurious men stand- ing, the Bloodhound was muttering: “Yes, it's the work of the old gang, who've nosed out what was going on; but they’ve made a mistake—blast em!” e quickened his pace with the last words —like a hound suddenly striking the scent, buteven as he did so, was stricken from be- hind and went down like a log. The loungers had taken him completely off his guard, but had not made as complete a job as they thought, for the Bulldog was able to go about within twenty-four hours after he was brought to the station-house. After leaving home as described by his sister. Bull went to the hospital, where he learned of Mac’s death, and removal of the body. ‘That settles it—now I must resign!” he muttered as he started for the undertaker’s. ‘It’s the old gang sure as fate, and we must look sharp or there'll be some more of us knocked out before we can get back at the bloodhounds! Thus musing, the Bloodhound arrived at the undertaker’s establishment. ‘* Haven't reGeived anybody from any hos- pital to-day,” was the assistant’s reply— truthful though surprising—to Bull’s in- quiry. “But your employer himself removed it, and declared it. was coming here—hours ” rv go. ~** Well, we haven't received it—that’s all I know. Look for yourself.” With the tenacity which gained him his name, the Bloodhound did look, but without success. “Ab! a trick of Fox’s!” he muttered as the idea suddenly occurred to him. Starting off at once, the Bloodhound was in front of Mac’s residence about half an hour before the arrival of the hearse and carriage, but he made no attempt to enter. Although possessing a latch-key, and ac- customed to enter at al] hours when desirors of consulting Mac, the Bloodhound took up a position opposite the house. Then followed the arrival of the hearse and carriage, the carrying out of the coffin, and the startling discovery that one of the bear- ers, apparently, was Mac himself. ‘*Great Lord!” exclaimed the amazed watcher. ‘‘ Whatdoes it mean? It’s some fake—but no, that’s impossible!” After a moment's hesitation he hurried away, muttering: “Tl try the hospital first. Then I'll go for that undetgaker. ** Mac may have pulled through as I did, abd this may bea game to get rid of his sup- ¢ 4 P - 2.038 . ong haa! i ie : . 2 e ie 7 oe mt
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‘ed death, Fox knows all about it. 4 Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. threateningly, and speaking in an angry tone. “You wretch!” cried Raymond, raising his voice. ‘‘If ever you come to this door again, my servants will hand you over tothe police, and I will repeat what you have dared to re- veal tome of your murderous deeds! Be- gone!” Warned by the last word, the Bloodhound jumped over the stoop-rail into the basement just in time to avoid the one-eyed ruffian posed body, thus throwing them off the scent.” Thus reasoned Bull, as he poeeed his way to Chambers Street Hospital. **TTl have to be careful,” be muttered on entering the hospital. “‘ If icisa game, Fox is surely in it, and it won't do for me to spoil it. Accordingly, on meeting the surgeon who had attended McVeigh, and witnessed his death, the Bloodhound carelessly asked: ** Is there any truth in that newspaper re- ttof the ravings of the man brought in ere about.2:15 a. M. yesterday?” . al “ Just a trifle overdrawn—that’s Otherwise perfectly correct.” . ** He was supposed to be dying, wasn’t e?” * He was dying! stoop as if his miserable life was at stake. if he started in chase of the fleeing ruffian. ‘*He looked as if he meant every word, and they were red-hot, square words, but who can this fellow be, and who set him on me? who rushed through the door, and down the, “« Well, I'll be hanged if it doesn't look as | not supposed to know every detective on the force—and you were acting suspicious.” ** Yes, I suppose I was,” promptly ac- knowledged Bull. ‘“‘Excuse my French, please, and set it down to my disappoint- ment.” Then, bidding the officers ‘‘ good-night,” | he resumed his course toward Water street, being informed as he departed that there were a number of men in plain clothes on the lookout for the sandbaggers—the two he met being among them. ° ‘Tl visit every den in the district!” he muttered between his teeth. It was a reckless resolution, for he was not in disgui#é.,and knew but one man, while the whole ang undoubtedly knew him. But Bull was as much bull-dog as blood- ) hound, and never thought of turning back “Oh! I supposed that was some of the “ Well, I'll locate him to-night, and call | when once started. * overdrawn ” part of the report.” on Ralph with some fairy tale to-morrow.” Enteriug the first place he came upon, the “No, sir. Isaw at once—and saidso—| In pursuance of this, the Bloodhound | detective called for a hot drink. that he was dying, and he was dead within | shadowed his man over the same course, un- It was long past the legal closing hour—in two minutes after he began talking.” til they were again in the neighborhood of | fact approaching the opening hour—but “Ah, indeed? That was quick work. Anybody claim his body?’ ** Yes; an undertaker of the name of “Ar- thur was authorized to take charge of it by the man who accompanied him here.” That was enough for the Bloodhound. the attack upon Mac and himself, and then came a startling discovery. The cne-eyed ruffian had suddenly increas- ed his pace to a dog-trot, and the shadow followed suit just as he was passing under a lamp. An instant later, two long shadows shct there was a convenient ‘‘ side door,” and the den was in fuil blast. Bull was in an ugly mood, and his. sharp demand for a drink caused many curious, questioning glances to be directed at him from every part of the room save one—the “There is some game going on, and | ahead showing that there was a man right at | corner furthest from the detective. whether Mac is really dead, or merely feign- | Bull's heels. There was no noise—not a sound but the . “ Ill see him to-morrow morning, instead | pattering of Bull's own feet, for ‘* his man,” of this tricky undertaker.” (also running lightly,) was too far away to When attacked the previous night, Bull ) be heard. had escaped Mac’s fate by an instinctive! Yet there was the second shadow, and in pluoge forward, which Caused the blow to | another moment came a third. strike almost on his shoulder. _ | “Running in felt, eh?” muttered the The plunge and half-turn combined, saved | Bloodhound, and with a grim smile: his life, and the half-turn gave hima glimpse | ‘‘ Well, gentlemen, I’m ready!” of one of his assailants. And wheeling, and pulling his revolver, Shortly after leaving the hospital, the | the detective faced his shadows. Bloodbound caught sight of the face of this | —— particular assailant—easily recognizable be- CHAPTER V. cause of his slender, but wiry, figure, and DANGEROUS WORK. , his having but one eye. | _.WueEN the Bloodhound wheeled and’ faced The murderous ruffian was passing under | his pursuers, it was with the full expectation a street lamp, with bis blind side to the de- | of meeting two of the sandbagging gang. tective, and so failed to recognize the latter. It was for this reason that his revolver was “ Phe-ew! This is luck!” softly exclaimed . leveled and fired as he turned, but fortunate- the delighted detective, and wheeling drop- | ly for the man at whom it was aimed, the ped in behind his man, sudden whirl round spoiled the accuracy of Chuckling gleefully as he spoke—Bull | the shot. jumped on the rear platform ofacar, follow-| Both of the “‘Sandbaggers” showed shin- g his man who had got on in front. | ing revolvers, and the one at whom Bull had After a twenty-minutes’ ride, shadowed | fired was about to return the shot, when his and shadower left the car, and proceeded | companion shouted: across town toward the most fushionable " Don't cheat the hangman! Don’t kill quarter of the city—to the shadow’s deligbt. | him, Ned!” The Bloodhound’s second shot was ready —another instant would have sent it on a ** Come, come!” be muttered on perceiving the > eensg his game was heading for. | ill, my. boy, you made a pretty good | now certainly deadly mission—when these strange words fell upon his ear, and he re- cas Br guess. . ** Yes, it’s the old gang, but this gentle- | served his fire, as did ‘“ Ned.” man’s a brand new member. “Now, my boy, we've got you!” coolly “Tt-don't matter, however. I reckon I | declared ‘* Ned’s” companion. can coax an introduction from friend Ralph.’ The Bloodbound laughed grimly. This last seemed to amuse the shadow|, ‘“‘Come now! What's the use of being hugely, but suddenly ceasing his chuckling, | ugly?” coaxed ‘‘ Ned,” adding: be drew closer to the game, and was at the “We've got to take you, you know, and it latter's heels when he ascended the stoop of | depends on yourself—" a splendid house. ‘What in blazes are you talking about? man-bunier passed right by at a | Who are you, anyhow ?” savagely interrupt- hurried gait, but when the closing of a heavy | ed Bull, a suspicion of the truth breaking door announced the admission of the one- | upon him, eyed visitor, turned back and walked tothe} “ We're officers, and—” house. ** Blockheads! Confound you, blockheads!” _ “* Strange that such a shrewd fellow as | roared the furiously angry detective. Ralph is, should bave such « suspicious/ Thrusting his pistol into his pocket as he character as my friend visit him!” soliloquiz- | spoke, Bull threw open his coat thus expos- ed Ball. ing his shieldy and continued: Looking up “Through your wonderful sagecity. I've lost my man! Now, perhaps, you'd lik = anaes just entered, and Pm going | see my certificate, and official ap- to Be moll he decided, om pointment, beforé believing yourselves idi- qu stoop. os!” . ne ee ee eee Ball peeped| His rage was so great that he could hardly os os pe er ore h Raymond, the | speak tenant of the mansion, stand’ one side | when “ Ned” meekly replied ing on . of the center-table, his right hand raised | “‘ It’s too bad you lost your man, but we're " bs au St J ee , but he was wrong, and realized it, | Bull picked up Whitey and threw him head with a force that rendered any pretense about his fall quite unnecessary. ‘ Se In the corner referred to five men were sit- ting at a table drinking, and conversing much less noisily than their neighbors. “Holy Smoker! Pike, there’s your man!” exclaimed one of this group, causing the in- dividual addressed to turn and look toward the bar, revealing the fact that the one eyed thug’s name (at present) was Pike. The Bloodhound had accidentally stumbled upon his game! Unsuspicious of his man’s proximity, the detective was not likely to perceive Pike as the latter was sitting with his back to the bar. . “* What’s the programme, Whitey?” de- manded Pike of the man who had addressed im, ** Why, finish the job of course!” was the savage response, * Now?” “‘Of course! The streets are full o' fly cops, ’n’ we kin ‘do’ him quicker ‘n’ safer here.” **But Morris (the proprietor) won’t stand anny racket—’specially wud so many coppers round,” objected one. ** Can’t help himself if you don’t spoil it,” retorted Whitey. “Why, dont ye see?” he continued, ‘** when the scrap starts one o’ ye kin sit stil] ‘n” turn out the gas assoon as the rest ‘r’ near enough to jump in, 'n’ then it'll be a free fight all around. ** When it’s over ’n’ he’s picked up a stiff, nobody kin tellanythin’ about it. I won't be in it, for you mustn't make a move til] I make him knock me insensible. See?” They “‘ saw”—and agreed that the scheme was & goodone. | After again cautioning his confederates as to the timing of their movements, Whitey arose and staggered to the bar. . * Hello, Pete!” he exclaimed, addressing Bull, who was sipping his drink, and sur- veying the crowd. ‘‘ Goin’ t’ treat?” ull glanced at him sharply, but made no response. j “ Well, tell us what time it is, anyhow—if e have gota clock?” continued f trying to get even by sneering at chain. ; “Time for you to be in jail!” was the e to | prompt reply. This was the ruffian’s opening, and he took advantage of it. “Ye lie!” he cried with a horrible oath. A tap would have'served the purpose, but over- Pa SS ret ’ ae age ee wf eh Shs » a8 ull’s
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’ —— oe wens ae + ee ee t Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. An instant after pandemonium reigned in the den—men cursing and yelling, and all fighting to get at the dcor. The gas had been turned off as arranged; “the place was in darkness, and there was a general feeling of alarm. Whitey had received a crushing fall, but he was not senseless, foras the light went out, Bull’s legs were jerked from under him, As the detective struck the floor, Pike and the others of the murderous gang having waited close at hand, jumped forward to per- form their part in the work of finishing the ~job. CHAPTER VI. HOW THE BLOODHOUND FARED, Wuen Whitey first addressed the Blood- “hound, the latter did not fora moment sus- pect him to be one of the sandbsgging gang; but, as he struck the floor, the Bloodhound guessed the truth. “The one-eyed fellow is here, and set the ng onto me!” As this thought flashed through his mind, Bull’s outstretched right hand came into con- tact with the leg of a man who was endeav- oring to get up from the floor. It was Whitey’s. The ruffian’s fall was no fight one, and he had been barely able to carry out his part. Bull seized the leg and jerked down “Whitey alongside of himself; and it was at this instant Pike and the others rushed for- ward to “‘finish the job.” Instead, they all but finished Whitey, who soon became unconscious from kicks and blows dealt by the roughs. “Meant for me!” muttered the dauntless Bull, smiling grimly as he rolled away from his antagonist. It was all over within a very few minutes, for, as Whitey had observed, the streets were **full o’ fly cops,” and fearing to attract their attention (too openly) the proprietor of the den hastened to get the gas turned on and lighted—thus quelling the row. So suddenly was the gas turned on and lighted, that Pike and his companions were caught standing over—and some kicking— the body of their insensible confederate. “Thunder'n blazes!” cried Pike, while the others stared in silent astonishment, which was increased by the sight of Bull standing near the street door, leaning -care- lessly against the counter, puffing a cigar. The Bloodhound was the coolest person in the room—and like ice in the dog-days, his coolness appeared the greater because of the excitement of the others. Knowing that Pike, at all events, was aware of bis identity, and careless of the consequences, he answered the inquiringly astonished stare of the confederates by say- ing: S Much obliged to you, gentlemen, but I could have handled , myself. Was the doing up intended for me?” e hardly knew what to do cr say. To all appearances, the presence of the detective in that particular place at that time was wth accidental, Should he let the affair drop for the pre- sent, or attempt to ‘‘finish the job ” outside? While Pike debated this question with himself, several others were unavailingly endeavoring to restore Whitey to conscious- ness. Noticing this, the Bloodhound determined on a bold more. “Landlord!” he called. ja * Well, what's eatin’ you selon had better call an am- there were some startled looks and exclama- tions among the listeners—not that any one ee —— Oe of them cared two straws about the uncon- scious man. But a violent death means a coroner's in- quest, and that means—police! To the landlord, it meant the loss of his license, and he growled: ‘* Get out—you’re crazy! How d’ye know he’s dyin’? An’ who’n in blazes are ye, any- how? Come, spit it out!” “Tf that man dies without medical aid, I shall see to it that you are held responsible. “The fellow is a thief, of course, but that’s no good reason why he should die for want of medical attendance. **You are afraid of your license—these people of the House of Detention! “Now, to show you how much your license is worth, I'll show you who I am!” Flinging open his clothing, and displaying his shield, Bull uttered the electric words: * Central Office!” Instinctively the crowd fell back, and he continued: ** Now, you call an ambulance, quick, and I'll make your license safe.” ° ‘*Sure?” eagerly asked the landlord. ** Certainly!” *“Rigbt! Here. you, Sam—began the landlord, when Pike interrupted: “Tl go!” He started f r the door while speaking, but the Bloodhound had him by the neck in an instant, exclaiming: ** No one leaves here except the landlord, until the ambulance surgeon gives his opin- lon! ‘‘If it’s death, then I'll want a couple Witnesses as to my part in it.” Bull was playing a deep game. He had marked Whitey’s four confederates, and in- tended to bag the lot through the surgeon. **He can pretend to go out for some in- strument, and send the driver for a few policemen, Then, when thefive are safe un der lock and key, it will be queer if we can't screw the truth out of some of them.” The excuse given was a g one. It looked as if Bull was concerned about his own part in the affair, only, and but one person was not deceived. “That’s all right!” **Go ahead, Morris!” “We don’t mind a few days t’ help ye out!” These, and similar exclamations, showed how completely the excuse had hoodwinked the crowd, and Morris started immediately. As the landlord passed through the side door, Pike whispered to one of his confeder- ates, who rushed out, but Bull was after him like lightning. It was only a p aR trap, baited by the fellow who had rushed out—but it worked like a charm. Asthe detective jumped through the door, Whitey thrust out his foot, and Bull struck head foremost against the wall. The blow was a stunning one, and when he recovered consciousness the detective found himself locked in a dark cell! CHAPTER ViL RED RALPH'S VISITORS. WE must leave the Bloodhound, for the present, and accompany the Fox on his visit to Ralph Raymond—about six hours sub- sequent to the events narrated, in the pre- vious chapter. 7 ** There’s something about that girl,” muttered the Fox, ashe slowly walked down- town—having ascertained from a Directory that Mr. Raymond was a banker and broker at No.— Wall street. _ “She’s holding back something—knows more than she has told about this Hand- ed gentleman,” he continued. ‘ox proceeded slowly, musing over the | work before him. He was iv no hurry; for the head of a banking and brokerage concern is not apt te be at his office much before ten o’clock, and Fox had left Miss Weston a little after nine. 4: Leaving the Fox for the moment, we will call on Mr. Raymond before that gentieman starts down-town. About 9:30, having breakfasted and looked over a few letters, the banker and broker was about leaving his library, when a ser- vant announced ‘‘a gentleman to see you, sir!” *““Won’t give any name, sir,” continued the servant, “but says it’s about ‘a matter of vital importance’ to you! Them’s the words he told me to use.” ** Well, send in this important individual.” The visitor proved to be aslender, hand- some young man, with black hair and mus- tache—and blue eyes. “Mr. Raymond,” he began, ‘‘I’ve some- thing of importance to tell you, but before doing so must know the result of your inter- view with McVeigh!” The ex-highwayman was a man of iron nerve, but this ccol demand both angered and alarmed him. ‘* What do you mean?” he exclaimed. ‘‘I don’t know what you are talking about!” **Oh, yes you do; ahd unless you tell me —and te]l meon your oath—the result of the interview had with McVeigh, the detective, on the 24th, at 10:30, I will keep my in- formation to myself.” Involuntarily. unconsciously, the banker's hand sought his hip, while his eyes blazed like a lion at bay. The visitor shook Lis head warningly, and in a tone that was almost sad, remarked: ‘No, no, Mr. Raymond! You are in New York—now, and that would simply seal your fate!” Ralph Raymond’s face now assumed some of its old-time ferocious expression. The mask dropped, and the genial, benevolent- looking banker became the Western despe- rado. Striding to the door, he closed and locked it, and then fiercely demanded- **Who and what are you?’ ‘Again, Mr. Raymond, let me remind you that this is neither Montana nor Mis- souri, Kentucky nor Kansas—but enough of this! ‘* Will you tell me what I wish to know, or must I leave without fulfilling the friendly mission upon which I came?” | The confident tone, and undaunted de- meanor of the young man, appeared to puz- zle as well as alarm the banker. **You will not tell who you are?—what you are?” he asked. “‘No, except that Iam your friend, until I Jeave this house.” ; The banker paced the library—not hur- riedly, like one alarmed, but calmly and thoughtfully, as if debating some important uestion. Suddenly, as if having decided upon a course of action, Raymond paused at the door, unlocked it, and quietly remarked: “You may go, sir, or stay and say your sy aS YOu p-ease.” Notwithstanding his quiet demeanor, there was a dangerous glitter in the banker's eyes. There was an equally dangerous look in Ss visitor’s as he arose from his chair, say- ng: ; “ Remember—'tis your own decision!” Before the speaker had reached the hall door, sy called: “Quick, Manuel! After that fellow, and do not leave him until you have him safe in ? * Be careful of bim—do not hurt him until — we know what he knows.” . The Mexican nodded si and hurried ; away. He bed seen the ‘visttog =
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6 Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. | ee EES 5 5 0 OOOO eees=SOeeee through a peep-hole in the door opening into a small room adjoining the library, and was in time to catch sight of the latter as he turned into Fifth avenue. **T wonder who, and what, that fellow is muttered Raymond after Manuel’s departure, “. would have answered his question, but that Manuel was luckily, within reach. He will certainly trap him, and then there will be little trouble about the rest.” The strange visitor had delayed banker much beyond his usual time, and he was barely in his office when a clerk an- nounced: ‘* Gentleman outside, sir, wishes to see you—name of Smith?” 9” the ‘‘Smith—what Smith? Do you know him?’ “ No, sir. He looks like a hod-carrier in his Sunday clothes, and says his business—” “ Send him in!” hurriedly interrupted the banker, looking strangely agitated. ‘“*Mr. Smith,” of course, was the Fox, disguised in the every-day disguise of Mc- Veigh. But the clerk’s description had spoiled the scheme, and when the Fox entered the private office, Raymond exclaimed: “Ah! Up to your old tricks, eh? Could- n’t for the life of me make out who Mr. Smith wes. ** Well, Mac, how have you decided?” The banker's tone, on seeing Fox, was that of pleasant oe uming Mac’s peculiar toneand man- ner, Fox half-closed his eyes, but kept keen watch of the banker's face, while answering: “« Faith, it’s puzzled I am what t’ do.” The banker's eyes gleamed, but whether with anger or pleasure the watcher could not decide, for the next instant Raymond was oes saying: *« Well, it’s all I can do, and certainly a fair offer. You could do no better by going to law, though of course, it would ruin me— ——- makes it mr ~~ blackmail!” speaker paused as if expecting areply, but the Fox condual diet tar Gioia reasons—and the banker asked: ** What does my niece say? You have heard from her, of course?” This was worse than the first question, and, moreover, was a double-barreled one. Fox's knowledge of McVeigh’s way of an- swering one question bd | another, en- abled to keep up his end of the conver- sational fencing-match. * Just guess, now. What d’ye think she mid?’ he counterquestioncd. ** Oh, bang it! 5 don’t ate answer me? 1 sn iy she left it in your hands?” “ Yes, faith, ye struck it!” “ Well, I'm really glad, Mac!” heartily de- clared the banker. “ For you and I will soon reach a settlement, whereas, if my niece had to be consulted, we might never do so. “« Now, I’m very busy this morning, and would like to meet you and talk it over to- night, say about nine o'clock ” “Tl be there,” answered Fox, and de- CHAPTER VIIL “*RayYMOND & 00.”—MISS WESTON. Rarmoxp & Co.'s banking snd brokerage office occupied the basement and first floor of one of the few small, old-fashioned buildings still remaining in West street. The firm was quite a new ong in the street, and its members com tivel¥ unknown in the financial world, but it did some business, had well-furnished offices, and a respectable pumber of clerks. Adjoining the dingy building, nearly half of which was occupied by Raymond & Co was the palatial structure of the —— National Bank, which did a tremendous business. Fox had hardly left Mr. Raymond, when Mr. Jones—the * Co.”— office, and asked: the private ** Who the deuce was that?” **He’s a man whom I'd give five thousand to see dead!” ‘* Why in thunder don’t ye give it out?” **T did—and it was botched!” **Who handled it?” ‘See here, Mason!” exclaimed Raymond rather excitedly, ‘‘do you want to handle it for half as much more? “* There was another man in it, but he was done for this morning!” ‘Certainly! Let me havea couple hun- dred, and I'll see people to-night who won't botch it.” “To-night won’t do! Go now! That is the most dangerous man I’ve ever met, and must be silenced immediately! Sit down, and Il post you.” And these very queer heads of a banking- house conversed for fully a half hour; after which ‘‘ Mr. Jones” transferred a roll of bills to his pockets, and arose from his chair, say- ing: ‘“* Very well, I'll attend to this fellow, but explain my absence to Adams and the others, for I shall be badly wanted.” ** Are we nearly through, then?” ** Yes, we'll be into the vault within two or three nights!” “ But we are to wait until sure of a heavy haul—some Saturday?” “That's the agreement.” “Yes, curse the luck! Otherwise might let this fellow go. “But, no! He knows me—too much of me—and must go!” “*Don’t you worry about him,” remarked Mr. Jones as he left the office. Fox meantime had started homeward, in tending to ascertain whether Miss Weston knew anything of Raymond’s niece which would help him to play his part during the evening interview, wea suddenly an idea occurred to him, and he exclaimed: ** By Jove, it’s the girl herself! Now, I understand her coloring this arenas “I'm a stranger and she’s naturally bash- ful about_revealing her relationship to Red Handed Ralph, though willing enough to as- sist in punishing him, if guilty.” He had sought the banker, half satisfied that the latter was the cause of Mac’s death. Now, he was inclined to think that his dead friend had discovered sume fraud in connec- tion with property belonging to Miss Weston, and, acting for her, was pressing Raymond for settlement. Arriving home, or what he now called home, the detective inquired for Miss Weston. “She went out right after you,” replied Mrs. Morgan. It struck Fox that this was a favorable op- oqo for making some inquiries, which “9 not care to put to Miss Weston her- self. *“Do you know if Miss Weston has any wees A or property coming to her?” ** Not that I ever heard of—or she eithcr,” replied Mrs. Morgan, adding: ** Her nts were quite poor, and both died while she was an infant.” * And then?” “ Then an aunt took care of her until—un- til she was able to take care of herself.” “Tl ask the girl herself,” Fox thought, and requesting the landlady to let him know as soon as Miss Weston returned, proceeded to his rooms. As he never knew how long he would have to go without rest when once on foot, Fox e ita rule to take rest whenever op portunity offered, and on reaching epee pot ments threw himself upon a lounge, five minutes later he was asleep. Mrs. Morgan had been trained to obey Mac’s instructions to the letter, and would not have aroused Fox until next wapen had he slept that long. As it was, the c was striking four when the detective jumped up. we With an angry exclamation, Fox descend- ed to. the parlor floor, intending to scold Mrs. Morgan for her forgetfulness, but was fore- stalled by the latter’s: “Oh, I thought you would never waken up!” ‘‘Why, what do you mean?” “‘Ohb, I’m afraid something’s happened, Louise, but didn’t dare disturb you.” ‘“‘ Why, is it possible she hasn't returned?” ‘*No, sir, and—oh, dear! what cap have happened her?” Anxious to relieve the distressed woman, Fox remarked that Miss Weston might have called on some friends. ‘“* No, no!” exclaimed Mrs Morgan. “ She said she would be back within an hour, and besides—” “Besides what?’ asked the detective, wondering what had caused the landlady to stop in such confusion as she exhibited. The question only served to increase Mrs. Morgan's confusion, and Fox said: ‘‘Come, madam! If not an old friend, I am at least no stranger. You are keeping something back. Without knowing what it is, I cannot properly advise you.” Thus urged and encouraged, the landlady answered : “You are right, sir, no doubt, and I will tell you. Louise went out dressed as man!” «Where to?” asked the Fox, repressing ® strong inclination to indulge in a whistle. ** Oh, if I only knew! If I bad only asked her!” exclaimed the distressed woman. CHAPTER 1X. THE BANKER AND THE FOX, At nine o'clock, as per appointment, Fox “ane the door-bell of Mr. Ralph Raymond's handsome residence, and was admitted by the banker himself. The detective was not feeling particularly happy. He had been unable to find any trace of Miss Weston, eee all the police stations in New York, Brooklyn and Jersey City had been communicated with. Bull, too, was still missing from home, and nothing had been heard from him at Police Headquarters, which worried the Fox more than the other disappearance. “The Fox, the Fox!” muttered the detec- tive as he pulled the banker's bell, “‘I feek more like a fool! The banker reccived the detective warmly, and invited him into the library, saying: “We can discuss matters there -without being disturbed, or overheard.” Entering the luxuriously furnished library, Fox saw a box of cigars and a tray with bot- tles and glasses upon the center-table. The conversation opened dangerously: ‘‘Did you learn all you wanted, where I age? 2X. the cther night?” asked Raymond. oe No.” “Indeed? You surprise me!” exclaimed the banker, but he overdid the ‘* surprise act,” and like lightning came the suspicion to the lynx-eyed detective: “] was right at first! This fellow is con- cerned in Mac's death, though he thinks the r fellow escaped.” “ What was wrong?” continued Raymond. “Oh, I got into a bit of a row that med me put it off for a while.” “oy vem smiled slightly, and in Mo- Veigh’s true style, Fox r : “Faith ye needn’t laugh! Be jabers, me head waz nearly smashed in—an’ be the same token, it looked quarely like as if I wuz sint there for that pur F ‘*Why, you do not believe—” began Ray- mond, ‘‘No, I don’t believe anythin’,” iuter- rupted ‘‘ Mac,” in his usual style, ** but I'm thinkin’ it’s mighty quare—that’s all!” “That’s all” meant a great deal in Mac's mouth, as Raymond well knew, and the keen observer quickly saw that be was getting his man “rattled "—as it is termed. Raymond was quick to perceive the dised- — <a =
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Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. 7 vantage he was fighting at, and, moreover, hada wholesome dread of McVeigh’s pow- ers, both mental and physical. “Why dont you give him his dose when he calls at the house to-night?’ Mason had asked during the conversation in Raymond & Co.'s private office. “Bah! Why, Mason, every man Jack of us would be under lock and key within twenty-four hours, if he failed to return from my house within a stated time! ** You don’t know him! He’s a fiend! ** Before coming to me to-night, he will have left complete details of where he is go- ing, for what purpose, who I am, and all about me—and enough to spoil the game it has cost us so much time, trouble and cash to through almost to success.” * Then how can we dare touch him atall?”’ wonderingly asked Mason, ** That's one of his peculiarities. He’s the soul of honor, and the moment he is out of my house, will send a telegram to burn the letter he has left as a safeguard—if he is go- ing elsewhere himself.” ** But how can we be sure of that?” ques- tioned Mason. ‘‘ It will never do to endan- ger the big job.” “T know what I’m talking about. Twice he bas held press copies of his ‘ safeguard’ ‘as he calls it) in my face, and defied me to ya _— on him—though he walked right into our headquarters, and was armed only with a derringer. ** Each time he promised destruction of the * safe ” We watched him, and being delayed the first time, he went as if his life depended upon if, to wire its destruction.” ** By the Eternal! I'd have to keep faith with such a man!” admiringly exclaimed Ma- son. *“* | can’t afford to!” coolly returned Ray- mond. ‘‘ It might endanger the big job.” That settled the question. Heart and soul Mason was wrapped up in the “‘ big job,” which was nothing more or less than robbing the —— National Bank! As we have stated, the Fox saw that he was getting his man “‘ rattled,” and improv- ed the opportunity by saying: _ “It'll be a purty dangerous piece o’ work for all concerned, if you an’ me don’t come t’some sort uv an undherstandin’ t’night,” “See here Mac! You're a square man— make your own terms.” “No, make yer best offer—go over the whole matther, an’ I'll judge of it ez ye go along—miss nothin’, favor nothin’.” Slowly, and asif weighing every word, the banker spoke for fully fifteen minutes, and when he finished the listener was fairly zed with astonishment. “Well, what do you think of it now?” asked Raymond, seeing “‘ Mac” apparently buried in thought. “I dunno but I'll take yer offer,” replied the detective, pulling himself together. **Good!”’ exclaimed the banker. “I'll have the papers ready to-morrow evening, and if you will call then, we can close the matter.” “* All right,” returned the detective as he prepared to depart, “ I'll call about nine.” ‘Shall you go there, or home first?” asked Raymond, referring to 8 visit, (which ‘‘ Mac ” would naturally be anxious to make as soon ot par pean to @ man supposed to be posses- of valuable information concerning Miss Weston. : ** Home—no, ru go see this man,” replied Fox. hardly know.ng what reply to make. “Still follow your custom of sending word home?” carelessly questioned the banker. “Yes,” was the absent response, and the detective departed. ° Raymond lighted a cigar after the detec- tive’s ure, and seating himself in a chair before the grate calmly remarked: “* Well, I guess that bl hound will trou- ble me po more. Now, what of Manuel and his man?’ Fox, meantime, had started down-town, thinking over the strange Story he had heard. He was heading for the abode, or resort, of the supposed man with the information, partly because he had said he would go that night, and partly because the place was in | the neighborhood of the murder of his friend. It was nearly eleven o’clock when the Fox jumped off the car, and started through New | Chambers street for Water, moving at a} leisurely gait, thinking over what he had just heard, and of what was before him. Had he the slightest suspicion of the latter —of what he was about to encounter—the Fox would have exercised some of the cun- ning to which he was indebted for the name. But the Fox—for once—had had the wool pulled over his eyes, and walked plump into a trap prepared for him by ‘“‘Raymond & hed - CHAPTER X. A TRAP AND HOW IT WORKED. Tuer den to which Mac bad been original] directed, was the same into which the lood- hound had strayed. In accordance with the second plan of dis- posing of ‘* Mac,” the detective was allowed to reach this den unmolested. Once inside the detective’s fate was sealed. ** He must never leave there alive!” That was the order—the on)y instructions given by Mason to the leader of the murder- ous gang he had employed. A description of ‘‘Mac” was, of course, furnished, and he was not more than within the dive before he was recognized, ‘** Well, cully, w’ot sort o’ trouble are ye lookin’ for?” demanded the bartender. ** It’s not a b’y—it’s a man I’m lookin’ for?” His name is ig Quare sort uv & name, isn’t it? but it’s the wan I’m t’ ask for.” **Who’s lookin’ for me?’ demanded a voice from behind the grinning group gather- ed about the detective. The latter noted. the wondering looks of the others, as the man claiming the name of Mudd, pushed forward the bar. ‘** Well, what d'ye want?’ asked Mr. Mudd as he stood before Fox. “To have a private conversation wud ye, if you’re the Misther Mudd that knew a Colonel Scott,” replied the detective. ** I’m the man—the Mudd!” ‘* Thin, if you’re the Mudd, I hope ye’ll excuse me for sayin’ ye look a thrifle dusty —just dhry. So, we'll all have somethin’ liquid.” he general invitation to drink helped to increase the fun caused by the detective’s speech, Mr. Mudd appearing to enjoy it as much as any of the others. ** Now, for business! What can I do for you?” exclaimed Mudd after the drinks were disposed of. * Where can we talk privately?” counter- questioned Fox, as he sized up the other. Mr. Mudd was simply a decoy, and he was selected because of his education, and his knowledge of legal affairs. In response to the detective’s request for privacy, the decoy led the way through thé long. hall-like back room, and passing out at the rear, entered another house. This second house was a dismal-looking, two-story-and-a-half structure, which the Fox viewed with suspicion, and stopping as they entered the narrow space between the buildings, asked: ** Where the divil are ye l’adin’ me?” ‘** This is where circumstances compel me to live—to exist! Miserable as it is, it is the only privacy I have to offer you.” It was well worded, and acted, and de- ceived even the cunning Fox, who thinking he had hurt his companion’s feelings, re- plied: ** Poverty’s no crime! Goahead!”’ Mudd promptly obeyed, leading the way into a small room on the ground floor. Mason evidently knew his men, when guaranteeing that they would not botch the job. Everything had been foreseen, and | everything was in readiness when Fox en- tered the room—the death-trap! There was a small table in the center of | the apartment, on one side of which was a | chair, and on the board in front of it the re- | mains of a frugal meal—a couple of crusts of bread, and the rind of a piece cf cheese. *““My dinner!” said Mudd, nodding to- | ward the fragments with a deprecating smile, at the same time waving his visitor to the chair—the only one in the room. | Besides the chair and table, there wasa | Mattress lying on the floor in one cornerof the room, and a soap-box in the other. And all this theatrical display was be- cause of the impression made upon Mason by Raymond’s repeated warnings of the al- most superhuman shrewdness and acuteness of the man to be disposed of, as well as of the desperate nature of the weapons he was liable to resort to, should he detect the slightest sign of treachery. A bright idea struck one of the pair who had undertaken the job—Mudd being merely their decoy—their tool, as they were Ma- son’s, “See here, Mike! What's the matter with makin’ ten—yes, fifteen thousand out o’ this job? A party that’s so anxious as to pay five t’ get this detective out o’ the way can pay more—an’ we can make him, if we work right!” ** How?” asked the other in astonishment. “Easy enough! Find out who Mason’s party is, and then threaten to let ‘ our man’ loose on him if he don’t come down with the dust.” “You’ve a big head, Jake,” ironically re- marked Mike. ‘* But did ye ever hear about catchin’ yer rabbit before ye cook him?” ** That's all right—I can fix that, too! First thing to be done is get our man in- of Morris’s, and then drop him through the trap—” “Guess you're forgettin’ somethin’ ain't ye? What about that dynamite?” ‘‘Don’t interrupt me! I know what I’m talking about,” warmly retorted Jake. ** Go ahead!” ** Well, once we have him over the trap, it’s ‘ all day ’ with him, ‘* The fall to the floor of the cellar is about twenty feet. Well, we'll set to work, build a tank under the trap, fill it with very thin mortar, and, when he’s just ready to come through, mix in plenty of plaster of Paris! ““ When he drops, we can see that he goes down as far as his neck—and, then if he ad a ton of dynamite, we can laugh at bim!” Seizing his confederate’s hand, Mike | wrung it, while in murderous admiration he exclaimed: a SS ** You have got a big head, Jake. I ain't in it with ye!” The trap and tank were duly prepared and tested, Mudd was secured and instructed as to the part he wasto play, and then came the victim. So well a ccncocted story had Raymond told in connection with property of which Miss Weston had been defrauded, that, like McVeigh, the Fox was unsuspicious of any trap in visiting the place given as the resort of the man possessing valuable information, | —and where that man could be found only at } bight. ; Now, seated over tbe trap that was intend- ed to end his earthly career, Fox asked- ‘* You are possessed of some information regarding property belonging to Miss Wes- ton, are you not, Mr. Mudd? The latter nodded assent. He had seated himself on the soap-box near the corner, and had twice given the signal that the victim was op the trap---a stamp of the foot * Will you sell it--and for,how much?” continued the detective. > See Eh A to that little room we've used so often, back ~
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**T don’t know---that depends on who you Tepresent.” Fearing the signal had not been heard, the decoy arose while speaking, and stamped vi- | lers,” replied the bartender. ‘‘He ain’t olently on the floor. | come back since he went into de Vault wid At best the room was a very small one, and | ye.” when the decoy gave the signal for thethird | ‘‘Must've got a pretty bad scare,” remark- time, he took afew steps forward to avoid | ed Mike, grinning at his confederate, but the suspicion, and was almost at the edge of the | latter did not respond in kind. bai when it was sprung. Instead, Jake looked troubled, and calling ested two hours before, the trap had | his confederate aside, asked: worked noiselessly and instantaneously, but | ‘How do we know that it wasn’t Flood when the first and second signals were given | went down, instead o’ the other one?” it refused to budge, and when it obeyed the “Aw, don’t be an ijit!” ejaculated Mike. third, it was with a slight warning creaking | “‘ D’ye tink Flood’d be fool enough t’ git that, in connection with Mudd’s stamping, | onter de trap, an’ give de office t’ drop him- was sufficient for the quick-witted Fox. | self?” ** You treacherous hound!” he cried, bound- ** No; it don’t look likely.” ing from his seat toward Mudd. ** An’ even if he did, ain’t ther’ a man in At that moment the trap sprung down- | de tank—an’ who's goin’ t’ say it ain’t de ward, and both men fell backward into the right one?” yawning pit prepared for the detective! ** That's so,” agreed Jake. ‘‘ We've got to i show Mason the body, but the plaster’s set by this time, and he'll be satisfied with the foot—he'll have t’ be!” *“ Of course! Will I go for him?” NOTWITHSTANDING the ruffian Jake’s boast- ** No; you stay round and look out for ed faith in the tank of mortar, asa preven- | Flood. He must have gone out through the tive of danger from the dynamite “‘ Mac ” was | alley.” said to carry, he deemed it prudent to adopt! Fully an hour elapsed before Jake return- a suggestion made by his confederate while | ed to the den. in the cellar, awaiting the intended victim. | The murderer was accompanied by two **See here,” said Mike, *‘ what’s the mat- | men, one of whom—Mason—was known to ter with hitchin’ a rope onto the bolt spring? ; most of the *‘ crooks” in the den at the time Then, we can pull the trap from the other ; asa superior sort of a being. end o” the cellar, an’ if anythin’ does go off, Accompanying this distinzuished individ- we won't get the worst of it, anyhow.” ' ual was a heavily bearded stranger—bearded This was agreeable to Jake, and the idea | so much, in fact, that hardly anything more was adopted. ; | than the tip of the nose, and a pair of pierc- When the first and second signals were | ing brilliant black eyes were visible. given, the murderous scoundrels were dis- ) The three walked through the den, follow- mayed by finding t the trap refused to | ed by Mike who joined the party in the rear answer to the tugs on rope. house, where Mason suggested: Then came Mudd's third, loudest and most **Guess we had better have some drinks impatient, signal, but this time the already | and cigars to cover our business here? It'll eased bolt shot back, the trap was sprung, | look like a consultation.” and the thin mortar splashed all over the He looked inquiringly at his companion— = ; : the stranger—and when the latter nodded as- - A dull, heavy noise, as of a body striking | sent continued: the wall of the tank, accompanied the splash- ‘‘Here. Mike! You order some drinks— ing of the mortar, and the watchers shrunk anything—and cigars, and three chairs.” back in terror, expecting an explosion. This order was promptly fulfilled and then Jumpin’ Jerusalem!” excluimed Mike, locking the door. Mason asked: finding that no explosion followed. “Ill | “New where's your proof?” be hanged if that wasn't touch ‘n’ go!” ‘In the cellar Pathe Jake ““Yes—he must have struck on oneside.| « Very well, show a light there—and you It’s a miracle the stuff didn’t go off,” re- PB - ae ‘ you, ; : F Mike, stay here to be certain that we have no turned the other, wiping the sweat from his | (yp ajeton-ke spectators, or listeners.” brow. ‘Let's go see how it worked?” Mik naded d ‘i ki th eid Jake assented, and together they cautious- |, 7" ak led the _ ty rat np di oi - ly approached the deadly tank, picking their | #™P Jake @ way intoan adjoining i room, and thence to the cellar, where, hold- ‘way in the darkness, through fear of usin , the Jantera they had brought for the at et light over the edge of the tank, he pose. “I can't see him!” whispered Jake, as — stood peering over the edge of the tank. **Where’s Flood?” inquired Mike, giving the decoy’s real name. “Why, I thought he wuz wid youse fel- CHAPTER XI, A PERILOUS POSITION. ‘*There’s your proof, gentlemen!” The “‘ gentlemen” stared in astonishment. They to stand on tip-toe to see the proof at all, forthe tank was nearly six feet in ag and the foot only just over the sur- ace. After feeling the already stiff crust of the mortar, and plaster of , Mason wonder- ingly inquired: * What in thunder does this mean? It’s as hard as a brick!” Jake explained the combination that the tank contained, adding: “Wee him to go in feet first.” Mason looked inquiringly at the stranger, bn A nape his head dubiously, but said nothing. . ; “Curious way you took to do the job.” “There was nothing said about how it was to be done!” “No, that’s so; but how in thunder do we —do I know that’s my man?” It was Jake’s own question of an hour be- fore, but now he was. prepared for it, answer- ing by using the same arguments Mike had used 1 Sim, reinforced by an offer to prove by the others, that a “Neither can). Strike a match!” Jake obeyed, and by the dim, flickering light of the match, a foot was seen sticking above the surface of the fast stiffening mortar. ** Head-foremost!” muttered Mike. “Yes; that kills my plan. You'd better ge at once to tell Mason, for I'm anxious to ger the rest o’ the dust—and I'm goin’ to ; skip when I do!” ““So’m I!" declared Mike, as they started to ascend the ladder. hopped,” -thengh tha, socd axpuey. was ikipped,” though | -money was paid as agreed—that is, on proof of death. “© Where the deuce is Mudd?” exclaimed Jake when, on reaching the trap room, it was found deserted. “*Guess he must ‘ve heard us talkin’ of the bloody dynamite ‘n’ took a sneak out t’ the bar as soon as the trap was pulled.” Ls OS. ga = =. but it was t to see anythin ow, 80, closing it, they entered the Aman. Bicry oo “- , a . gE Vu eriee ot a ee - ~(e ¥ . 4 i, — © Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. ee SSS —ee—————e—e—E—E—Eee ee ——————— eee ,good enough pay for digging out that body?” mati of Mac’s description had entered “ The Vault,” but had not returned from it. When Jake finished his argument, Mason again looked inquiringly at the stranger. Evidently the latter was the man to be suited—the real employer—Raymond! The latter did not respond for several minutes, being apparently engaged in de- bating the question. Then he said: ‘*It’s unnecessary. The story isevidently a straight one.” Mason nodded and turned toward the ladder, when the other suddenly asked: ** Where is the third man—the decoy?” ‘Off on another job—we paid him,” promptly lied Jake. ‘‘Hum. Well, I suppose it’s all right; but you must get this body out, and be ready to show up by to-morrow night.” ‘* But we were to get our ‘ stuff ’ to-night.” **And you will. Isn’t a hundred more “* Oh, yes! Certainly!” ‘* Very well; then do as I say, get it out!” ** Right you are, sir! I'll have it ready for ye any time ye say to-morrow night.” ** At twelve o’clock—midnight. You may expect us then,” “* Very good. I'll be on hand.” “ And I,” warned Mason. ** And I,” muttered a man lying on the i opposite side of the tank. There was a grim humor about the third~ speech, inasmuch as the speaker was unable ; to move, and had every prospect of being : killed, and buried right where he was, if ; discovered. The discovery was not thade, however— not at that time at all events—the murderer, his employer, and the go between, all quit- ting the cellar without the slightest sus- picion that the man they supposed to be dead—smotbered in the tank— had overheard all that passed! But the detective’s situation was a most dangerous one. He had escaped the mortar through striking the edge of the tank, but at the cost of a sprained ankle, and a right arm that felt as if it was broken—useless at all events. Discovery now meant unresisting death, and yet how could he hope to escape the search certain to follow the other diseovery— that it was the decoy who had been killed? The situation was one of deadly peril. CHAPTER XIL THE CURSE—THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER. WHEN the three men returned to the room above, the balance of the blocd-money was paid over. * And, I'd give half as much more to have seen the face belonging to the foot,” uneasi- ly declared the stranger, thus revealing the fact already apparent—that he was theactu- al employer. Both the murderous tools looked astonish- ed at this declaration—proving, as it did, the truth of Jake’s assertion—that there was more money than had been offered to be made out of the “ job.” . “ We'll start to dig him out right off, if ye like!” offered Mike. He was eager for the money, and had BO doubt of the identity of the victim, but Jake did not feel so sure, and was relieved when the stranger nnswered: Be sure to have it “No, I can’t Lo ready to-morrow night.” Torming to Mason, the speaker —— his readiness to leave the place, and the same uneasy manner added: : “ T’'ll never rest contented until I see that man’s grave—and him in it!” “Gad! You're getting nervous in your old age,” observed Socom sarcastically. “ ve been so ever since reading of that scene in the hospital—that curse. So Ges “ But, confound it! the fellow didntdiest all! It was some fake of his.” 3) - : ae a i at _.. : ; J 4 ; 4 ase | Me 7, hg ot oN ae mS Pe = Le > ie ©
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Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. ** So it seems—must be—yet I can’t get rid of that uneasy feeling.” “Come, have a drink! You'll hoodoo the job, if ye get talking that way.” “T can’t help it! Itseems as if there was something hanging over us—as if the job it- self was to be a failure.” Raymond, for, of course he was the stran- The new-comers were Whitey and Pike, and the listener chuckled, notwithstanding his danger, on hearing them disputing. “Tell ye wot it is, Pike—you're gittin’ too ‘light’ for this business!” declared Whitey, as they entered the cellar. ‘‘No more’n you are! You're too thick t’ see the danger o’ holdin’ this chap—'speci- ger, spoke in a half hearted way that seemed | ally when he’s supposed to be dead, an’ we toirritate his confederate. “Oh, blast your forebodings!” Mason. much like Ralph of the Red Hand!” They had left the two tools dividing the blood-money, and were standing in the nar- row space separating the houses while talk- ing. The conversation was unguardedly loud —especially so on Mason’s part, and it was overheard both within and without. Within the “‘ Vault,” the two ruffians ex- changed significant glances on hearing the name, and the reference to the “ job—the big job.” Without—in the alley through which the decoy was supposed to have fled, and not five feet from the confederates, was another listener. Little dreaming of the deadly fruit soon to grow from their words, Raymond and his companion left the yard, and, acting on the latter's suggestion, entered the saloon. “Look here, Mike!” whispered Jake, as he saw the cthers leaving. ‘“‘ We gota big thing in this, if we work it right.” ** Weil?” “Well, we must find out what this job is, and then, even if the tank don't pan out all right—and somehow I feel shaky over it— we'll be safe to keep the dust we got to- night, and mebbe squeeze out a Jittle more.” ** How’s the game t’ be worked?” **You shadow Mason, and I'll follow the other one. Then we'll find out what their game is, and locate this Ralph as well— See?” **T ll bet it’s some bank!” **Shouldn’t wonder a bit. You look after Mason until you're sure, and when you are, come back. If I’m not here, wait for “The curse is beginning to work,” mut- tered the man in fhe alley, for instead of profiting by the eXample of the superior ruffians, Jake and Mike spoke in ordinarily loud tones. “Yes, the curse is beginning to work. ‘The leaders are ready to find fault with each other, and the tools are trying to get a grip on them. «Now, to find out who it is that is to be dug out! , **Can it be possible that the Fox, too, has been murdered? That his cunning has been overmatched by these villains?” Jake and his confederate were passing out while the stranger was thus soliloquizing, — with the last word the latter entered the vault. : A quick, searching glance revealed the trap-door, and picking up the lamp still burning on the table, the stranger sought and soon found the ladder leading to the cel- lar. The discovery of the tank, and of the foot sticking out of it, revealed the subject of the conversation overheard, and the stranger's teeth gritted at the sight. “ Ha! can it be that he missed that point?” muttered the searcher, holding the lamp .. close to the Projecting limb. “No,‘no! His e-up was too perfect to miss such an important point! The shoes themselves are ordinary ones!” = = * As the searcher uttered this in tones of in- tense relief, the noise of footsteps above reached him, and ay ye pp the Fight, he secreted himself behind a of In a few moments, two men descended— talking rather loudly and somewhat angrily. ‘4 to Cae. a * ‘ anne * ve \ CS é it. ¥4 bk. Sih pea. 35 aitin’ for the rest o’ the dust!” wr exclaimed . “Well, ye kin wait a day longer, I guess. “That sort of talk don’t sound | If that duck don’t talk to-night, he'll bea stiff before mornin’!” “Good enough! That's the talk!” “Glad ye'r’ satisfied,” growled Whitey, and as they moved toward the other end of the cellar asked: “‘ Remember, now, if this duck gives away what he’s wanted out o’ the way for, you ain’t goin’ t’ let on t’ the rest o’ the gang?” ““Of course, not! If there’s anythin’ in it, we kin take care of it.” ‘‘More treachery!” chuckled the stranger as he stole after the ruffians. The cellar was long, and of course dark, but the light from the lantern carried by Pike, served to guide the unknown until an inner vault was reached, and here the ruffians stopped before an iron-barred door. Whatever the original purpose of this strong room was, now it was being used as aprison, as the silent watcher saw by the lantern light, and this was quickly confirm- ed by Whitey’s hoarse command to somebody within: ‘“*Get up, blast ye, get up There was no response, and shaking the door, Whitey repeated the order even more fiercely, but still without effect. ‘*Mebbe the bloke’s croaked!” suggested Pike. “* Shammin’! good ’n’ hard!” Thereswere plenty of river-thieves among those who made use of the vault, and a boat- hook was hanging close by. Seizing this with fiendish pleasure, Pike thrust it between the bars, driving the point into one of the prisoner's legs, and calling forth a surprised cry of pain. “*It wuz wood he was expectin’!” chuckled the ruffian noting the surprised tone. “* Give him another prod!” Ever ready—eager for any cowardly, cruel work, Pike made another thrust, but the prisoner avoided it, and demanded: ** You cowardly hounds! why don’t you kill me at once?” re ‘** Because we've better use for ye!” retort- ed Whitey, with a hoarse laugh. ** What is it you want?” “Information, We got everythin’ else ye had, except yer clothes.” ““ Well?” “Well, ye kin have a drink ’n’ a bite, if you'll talk. If ye don’t, you'll get that boat- hook till ye’r’ on’y fit forthe sewer.” ‘Give me the drink!” eagerly exclaimed the prisoner. ‘*Go up for that bottle,” directed Whitey, but Pike feared treachery, and refused, say- ing: é. Let him talk, first.” The other understood him, but laughed in- stead of being offended. , “ All right!” he said, and turning to the prisoner asked: : “What was your game in comin’ here, ’n’ why is a certain party anxious t’ get rid o’ , ” Git a stick ’n’ poke him— er % Where’s that drink?” demanded the pris- oner in a hoarse voice—dry and thick. ‘““My partner says you've got t’ talk first, *n’ drink after.” : ** Give mea drink at once, or say you won't! Don’t torture me!” “ You talk, ’n’ you'll get all you want.” Something in the speaker's tone partly re- vealed the ominous meaning of the words, and the prisoner exclaimed: ** There is no faith in such cowardly dogs : goin’ on.” ‘ 2 But the fury of murder was raging within scott nici as you! You've come here simply to torture me—begone!” . hs Holy murder! He’s looney!” exclaimed ike, **Give him a jab with the pole! Then, git him a good stiff horn, ’n’ then we'll give him a drink out o’ the bottle—if he comes around all right ’n’ talks. Understand?” ** Yes—-more delay,danger,’n’ want o’ dust growled Pike. ** You do as I tell ye!” ordered Whitey, in @ menacing tone, and his confederate hurried away—almost stumbling over the mysterious stranger. *<Tt’s Bull, and he’s delirious!” muttered the latter, as lying flat on the ground, he watched the scene with the prisoner. © In a few minutes, Pike returned with a glass of whisky and water in one hand, and a black bottle in the other. **Here! Now, pull yerself together, ‘n I'll give ye another drink if you'll talk,” said Whitey, passing the glass to the prisoner. The latter seized the drink, swallowed it eagerly, and then cried: : ** Now, do your worst!” vy? . ,? TWO GRAND SURPRISES. CHAPTER XIII. Wurrry responded to the prisoner's de- fiance with a horrible oath, while his con- federate made a thrust with the boat-hook, crying: . 7 ** Let’s finish him!” *“©No! Give him a chance t’ know what’s Pike, and instead of obeying he made an- other desperate thrust at Bull. * As the thrust was made, the lantern was tumbled over and extinguished. “* Now, you bloody idiot!” yelled Whitey. * You go ’n’ get that filled ’n’ lighted inside of three minutes, or I'll break yer thick head!” . **T didn't do it!” protested Pike. “Ye lie! Get, now— quick!” The leader's tone was menacing, and his confederate, grumbling and stumbling, made for the ladder. Whitey heard him ascending the ladder, (still grumbling,) and smiled to himself as he muttered: ‘«The skunk’d go back on me if he dared! I'll have a look at this chap while he’s away —mebbe he'll say somethin’ now.” Producing a dark lantern as he spoke, the ruffian turned the light upon the prisoner, but the latter appeared to be delirious—rav- ing and muttering as he sat in the corner of his cell. “He is out of his head, ’n’ we can’t risk keepin’ him any longer. I'll have to give it up, an’ give him his dose—” A light footstep sounded behind the cold- blooded scoundrel, causing him to say: ** Get yer bottle ready, Pike! t give him his medicine t’-night, after all.” Lo next instant the ae of a na volver was pressing against Whitey's temple, while the mysterious prose Hest: , ‘* Not a murmur, as you value your life!” The surprised, startled ruffian obeyed, and the other continued: : “ Keep that light on the door. Where is the key?” : ; Hoping, and expecting Pike to return every moment, Whitey eno reply, and, oak Seer the reason the stranger “Your companion can’t get down! I've taken away the ladder. “* Make no mistake! If he tries to come down, I'l kill you as I would a mad-dog! I'd do it anyhow, but that I'm saving you for the hangmar’ The new-made prisoner shuddered. Th awful feracity of the speaker’s voice a e (a him,and for the next few ardbtog ele 5 mo . 7 We'll have ©
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vail hae 7. ~ © et - ai ’ as the 10 Farrel Fox and His Girl F erret. ; . the slightest sound, fearing it might indicate and with a yell of terror the prisoner disap- ** What'll I do with him?” the return of his confederate. “Stand perfectly still! Ha! These are | | peared from view! The ruffian never finished the sentence, keys!” exclaimed the stranger, touching a | for as the flagging opened, Whitey was com- jingling bunch in *- Now open that door The rufian did not hesitate when the cap- tor added: ** This is a self-cocking six shooter, and my fingers are just itching to pull the trig- ger! Don't delay; it’s liable to go off at any Whitey’s trowsers. ed |ing to, and his yell called attention to who | he was. | Fora minute, the murcerer was speechless, | Then, he cried: | “Good Lord! Did ye see him? | Whitey! Can we do anythin’?” ““No! And I guess the less you have t’ It wuz ‘instant, and then I'd have to open the door | say, the better for yerself!” sharply answered myself.” The words were spoken in a quiet, mock- ing way that terrified the listener more than | the fiercest of threats, and the door was promptly unlocked. As the bolt shot back, the man within sprung forward, throwing open the door. At the same moment the stranger ordered: *« Jump in there!” A push with the pistol accompanied the words, but it was unnecessary, for the escap- ing prisoner caught his late jailer by the throat, and with the strength of a man hurled him against the stone wall at the fur- ther end of the cell. Footsteps above, at this point, warned rescued and rescuer that foes were approach- ing, and picking up the lantern dropped by Whitey when forced into the cell, the stran- er motioned his companion to follow him behin d some bales and boxes scattered along one side of the wall. , ‘Who are you, and how did you manage to arrive so opportunely?” whispered Bull, for as the stranger had guessed, he had been = prisoner, though the delirium was feign- “«Hush—not so loud! Iam your friend— our comrade in avenging the death of the — You are the Bloodhound, I am ed the speaker, and after severs] calls for Whitey 2 rope was thrown down, and three men descended. The new arrivals were Mike, Jake and Pike—the latter ing a lantern swun from a string wont ie neck. “ The two former had come to dig out their victim, and the latter to finish bis. Seeing nothing of his partner, Pike grew angry and suspicious, swearing that Whitey had | managed to get the desired information and then disappeared to make use of it— throwing down the ladder to prevent him (Pike) from interfering with the prisoner. ‘He must think I'm a kid, t’ let twenty- five foot stop me! But, Tllshow him he ’ can't play me!” ““What'll ye do about it?” asked Mike, who knew the other pair had something on hand—as did Jake. “Do? IT finish the job as we agreed— and that will stop his game!” “ How?” inquired Jake. That was a puzzler for Pike. He was eager to an end to the prisoner's exist - ence, but to undertake the murderous work alone—especially since finding that the latter was “‘ looney.” “1 don’t know how t’ tackle him.” ** You've got him in the cage, baven't ye?” asked Jake. *" Yea.” “Well, if you'll give us a hand, and keep your trap closed, I'll show you something. ”° Stepping forward as he spoke, Jake looked into “ cage.” and saw Whitey lying in a against the wall at the further side. “It's all right,” he said. and touching a knob alongside the door. “Give this a yank him into the sewer—but he “Shammin’!” fiercely declared Pike, — fatal knob gave it a tremen- us pt Now, I'm square—” he began tly solid flagging opened, | Jake. “Sure! We might've guessed there wuz ths and curses on the stupidity of who- | Flood, anc both came down! ever had knocked down the ladder interrupt **Come, Mike! Search the cellar—he’s Jake. ‘But the other feller must’ve got away?” “‘That’s got nothing t’ do with it. Whitey’s gone, too—through your acting against orders—so, you'd better keep mum! ‘“*The other fellow must have thrown down the ladder to keep you out,” continued somethin’ wrong when we saw that,” de- clared Mike. The trio then went to the tank, where an- other surprise was in store for two of them, in particular. The work of digging out the mortar-cov- ered body was a by no means easy task, but the sight cf the decoy’s face drove away every feeling except amazement—and fear. “Great Cesar! How did this happen?” cried Pike. “Two gone! I knew there was some- thing wrong!” muttered Jake. , “Thy why’n thunder didn’t you look into t?” **But, how could he have escaped? It’s impossible! down!” Then, recollecting the noise of a heavy pia td striking the side of the tank, Jake ex- c , The two must have come ed: “That's what it was! He caught hold of around somewhere—and would be there in- = of Flood, if it wasn’t for your rope idea!” ** Yes; an’ if it wasn’t for your tank ideas, _ be dead Jong ago!” angrily retorted ce. ‘“‘The curse works like a charm!” mut- tered Bull’s rescuer. ‘“* Two dead, and wo more ready to fight!” “Have ye an extra pistol?” asked Bull. “Yes; quick—take it! Here they come!” CHAPTER XIV. IN THE VAULT. As the trio of ruffians turned toward the hiding-place of Bull and his rescuer, gleam- ing steel could be seen in the hands of each. “There'll be some fur flying round here in a couple minutes,” muttered the Blood- hound. * **Why not search all around the tank be- fore tryin’ anywhere else?” suggested Pike, and the idea was promptly adopted. A half hour’s search in the immediate vicinity of the tank having resulted in noth- ing, the searchers decided to wait until day- light, when, with lanterns all around, the search would be rertewed. “He must be here, and can’t get away if we keep guard up-stairs!” declared Jake. Mike made a sneering remark regarding his partner's shrewdness, but before the lat- ter could reply, a cry from Pike brought them to his GEM “Tt must be the Fox!” hissed the stranger, and leveling his revolver, fired—smashing the lantern in Pike's hand. The next instant another shot rung out. and the roffian fell back with a how! of “Hold him up while I light a match,” growled Mike. ; “ What? D’ye want t make = of us? Not much! I'm going up that ladder. 4 ‘ ad ” ‘* Whatever you like! This place is too small for all that’s in it to-night, and if he can’t get up the ladder that’s his funeral!” ‘*T s’pose that’s how you'd use me!” ex- claimed Mike. Jake made no reply, beginning to ascend the ladder without further delay. When his partner was almost at the open- ing in the floor above, Mike (still supporting Pike) saw a dim, spectral figure gliding noiselessly across the gloomy cellar toward the ladder. Although guessing what was going to hap- pen, Mike uttered no warning—he was too angry and the next moment Jake was pitched headlong to the floor. “* Ain’t nothin’ ghostly about the arm that jerked that ladder!” muttered Mike. **Hello! Up she goes again,” he con- tinued, seeing the ladder immediately re- placed. As he spoke, a low, peculiar whistle came from the other side of the cellar, and was answered by some person very close to Mike. ‘“‘ The bloody place is full of people!” the ruffian mers ft While still standing undecided and alarm- ed, Mike saw a second figure—a very giant in the darkness—approaching, and dropping Pike, whipped out his revolver. “Drop that gun!” thundered a voice almost beside him, and turning quickly be found himself facing a shining revolver in the hand of a man lying on the ground. A moment later, a similar order from the man approaching discovered to Mike that the giant had him covered, also, and down went his “* gun.” ‘‘Now, walk—into that cell!” directed Bull, and at the point of a pistol, and. forced along by the collar, the ruffian entered the death-trap cell. Having locked in the frightened ruffian, Bul! sought and found the man who bad an- swered his whistle—the Fox! It was a joyful meeting, but there was no time for talking, and though sore, and lame, and weak, Fox promptly assented to the proposition to leave the cellar at once. ‘“* Who is that?” he asked as they appreach- ed the ladder—the Bloodhound almost carry- ing him. : ** We've had no time to talk, but I know that he is your friend and mine, and that but for him we both would probably be dead by this time,” answered Bull. They were, now, at the foot of the ladder, and with the assistance of his friends the Fox managed to climb to the top. Day was dawning when the trio entered the room where the Fox was trapped, and both detectives looked curiously at their new and strangely found friend. ‘What are your plans?” the stranger ask- ed. ‘Don’t you think that it will be as well to leave these tools as they are—to get out, or be brought out by their friends?” ** Why not bag those three in the cellar,” put in Bull, ‘‘and such others as I may be able to pick out in this dive in front? Wed be pretty sure of a confession from some one —if not all of them.” Fox made no response. He was closely watching the stranger, who replied: ** Instead of arresting the tools, by qrne . watching the employers you can ta whole question, and the latter ago remarked: re | think Miss Weston ts right!”. ans Not for a moment did the Gay eNed girt lose. her self-possession, and both ber com- nions showed their admiration as she smil- nghy sont: “We must pk in away from here—at once, and unnoticed. “ creatures below will invent some story to cover their failure. and thus the real rascals will be thrown off their guard!” . ng.” : Bull looked at his comrade to decide the | «so & fe eee ee
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Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret: 1Ll 0 re a SS ee Se ee + The men listened in amazed admiration, and when the speaker ceased, the Fox nod- ded approvingly. “You go ahead,” he said to Bull. ‘‘ Miss Weston will follow within a minute or two, and I'll bring up the rear.” The Bloodhound looked dubiously at the Fox’s injured ankle, then examined his re- volver, and with a nod to the others quitted the vault. CHAPTER XV. EXPLANATIONS THAT DIDN'T EXPLAIN. Two hours after the departure of the three detectives from the vault, they were closeted in Bull’s home, where Miss Weston was telling the story of her adventures since leaving Mrs. Morgan’s. “For certain reasons, purely personal, I felt it my daty to ascertain to my satisfaction if Ralph Raymond was innocent of our friend’s death. “The only way I could be satisfied as to Ralph’s innocence or guilt was to talk to him—to ask him point-blank how he parted with Mr. McVeigh.” “ That’s a new way of working it—asking the criminal if he’s guilty!” dryly comment- ed the Bloodhound. “It would not answer in other cases, per- haps,” replied Weston, ‘‘bvt I know Ralph Raymond—and had I judged him innocent, would have warned him that you were sus- pecting him of the murder!” “That makes no difference—it was wrong!” declared Fox, sternly. ‘‘ Our work is too dangerous to be wasted for any senti- mental whims!” Tte Bloodhound had been staring very hard at Weston for the last couple minutes, and evidently not unobserved, for in response to the Fox’s rebuke, the female detective turned to him and inquired: “You are beginning to remember me, | see. Do you believe ‘the Hawk’ likely to spoil or waste any of your dangerous work?” Paying no heed to the sarcastic reference to the dangerous work, Bull answered by jumping up and grasping Weston’s Nenad: exclaimed: “* By the eternal! I never suspected who it was came so luckily to my rescue, until you began to fight Fox. **Fox, Weston was our right-hand man in breaking up Red Ralph's gang! *« And, now, for the balance of your story!” eagerly exclaimed Bull. “ Well, I decided that Ralph Raymond earns the murdér, and left for Mrs. Morgan’s intending to await your return, Mr. Fox, and to tell you so—and something more. ** Tt was not to be, however. I had not gone three blocks when I found I had ‘ com- pany,’ and guessing who it was, and why, ed him a tively and lengthy dance. Then, tiring of the sport, 1 ‘lost’ him, and, tHen, shadowed him back to Mr. Raymond’s residence.” The female detective then went on, and related how, beginning to shadow Raymond the previous yt she had followed him to the dive, and after waiting some time out- side, had luckily entered the alley in time to everhear the conversation between the ‘**banker” and his partner. What followed the reader already knows, The information that ‘Mr. Jones” of Reymond & Co. was Mason, the notorious bank burglar, was 8 surprise to the Fox, but not to the Bloodhtund, “Oh, yes; I knew it!” declared the latter, “and that was one reason why I mentioned it to r Mac, and why.we both were donbtful of the protests of reformation— though Mason disappeared, and at about the same time Raymond to prove the truth of his offered to make good as far as possible certain property of which he had assisted to defraud a Miss Louise Watson— or, as we know the lady—Weston, whose uncle he is, or claims to be.” “Ah!” exclaimed the Fox, and looking significantly at Weston, asked: ** Does that explain your reluctance to tell all concerning Ralph of the Red Hand?” ‘* Partly,” was the laconic answer. ** And you intend to remain silent?” ‘* For the present—yes. But I have no re- luctance about saying that the name I have adopted—the Tigress—exactly expresses my feeling toward Red Ralph! ‘*You may, therefore, rest assured that nothing is being kept back to help him—the treacherous murderer of his own—” The speaker stopped short. In her fury she almost reveaied the secret. “‘What is the programme?” she quietly asked. “That, we must now decide upon,” thoughtfully answered the Fox. ‘«T will look after the connection between Raymond and Mason, and ascertain the rea- son for this pretended banking business, if you will leave it to me,” offered Weston. ‘* Mac had discovered something suspicious about that business,” remarked Bull. “‘ And that was the reason of his removal,” positively asserted Fox, adding: “‘We must lay our plans carefully before making another move.” CHAPTER XVI. THIEVES FALLING OUT. Axout the time appointed for the produc- tion of the proof—the body of “‘ McVeigh” —there were three men anxiously discussing how to account for their inability to do so. Mike and Jake were troubled about Fox, but not so much worried as Pike was over Bull’s disappearance, for he had received half the promised reward. The three ruffians suspected that the em- ployer was the same in each case, and Jake consolingly remarked: “Ten to one you'll not get a copper! We were smart enough to get all our ‘stuff’ last night, and I’ve half a mind to skip out; for Mason's a holy terror.” “But s’ he wants the ‘ proof,’ or the money back—what'll ye do?” asked Mike. ‘* Yes, what'll ye say become o’ the body they saw?” added Pike—thinking a similar excuse might serve him. “Say? Why somethin’ like what did hap- pen in that cell; that the bocy was put in there after we dug it out, and that it fell through by accident—same as that partner o’ yours did.” “By gum! claimed Mike, “« You bet yer life, it’s a good one!” agreed Pike. ‘‘ We kin let on the twoo’ them wuz in there at the same time, eh?” ‘** Yes, the more of us swear to it, the bet- ter,” assented Jake. So it was arranged—and thus the treach- ery prayed for by the murdered detective grew apace. Shortly afterward the employer and the go-between arrived, the working of the trap in the cell was explored, and the lie sworn to so strongly that it was believed. “Though you'd have got aged five bun- dred more for a sight of his face!” declared mond, as he paid the price agreed for difging out the man in the tank. ‘Tt leaves me just as uneasy and uncer- tain as ever,” he continued, addressing Ma- son. “ Oh, hang it! Don't be so childish!” “You never met a man who dared say that of me, much less to me!” angrily retort- ed Raymond. Mason muttered something about ingrati- tude, but his confederate retorted that the death of Bull and McVeigh was necessary to insure the success of the scheme to rob the — so that one was as interested as the er. That’s a good plant!” ex- 7 ee ** But it wouldn’t have been necessary, if you'd been left out,” grumbled Mason. They were passing out of the alley into the: street as this was going on when Pike over- took them and asked: **Say, boss! Don’t] get my stuff?” ““ What for? What have I to pay you for?” demanded Raymond angrily. ‘* For the other bloke—Bull.” “Go to the man who hired ye! nothing about it!” The banker spoke’savagely. He had node- sire to deal direct with his tools, and felt’ se- cure enough in his disguise to defy this par- ticular ruffian. But Raymond was mistaken about the se- curity of his disguise. His very anger be- trayed his identity to Pike who, as the others moved off, vengefully muttered: ‘* All right, Mr. Banker Raymond! You just wait till I get onto yer game, ’n’ you'll find out that ye can’t monkey wud me!” The ‘‘ bankers,” meantime, were proceed- ing in the direction of Broadway. Neither spoke—each feeling angry with the other— until the Bowery was reached. ‘Well, good-night,” said Raymond stop- ping at this thoroughfare. “Good-night?” sarcastically echoed his. confederate. ‘‘ What d’ye mean?” “What do you mean?” sternly_counter- questioned Raymond. * Just this. You’re having all the fun out. o’ this thing, and the gang’s beginning to- kick about it. You'll have to take your turn at the work like the rest of us.” “Indeed? Who says all this? Who is in command of the job? Who planned it? Who organized the gang and furnished the funds?” As Raymond hurled this storm of angry interrogations at his confederate, a man who had followed them from the entrance to the alley passed within earshot and laugh- ed as he noted the tone of the speaker. Raymond caught the sound of the laugh, and started as if struck a sudden blow. **Good Lord! Mason, did you hear that?” he cried looking at the stranger. ‘It’s Mc- Veigh’s laugh! Those hounds of yours have been lying!” ; *“Oh, you’ve got McVeigh on the brain!” “ Be careful, Mason! Be careful of what you say. And be careful, too, that near as. you are to success the job isn’t spoiled!” Before the burglar could reply, the speaker jumped on a passing car, leaving the former staring after him in anger and doubt as to the meaning of the threat regarding the bank robbery. ‘* By all the fiends you had better be care- ful!” muttered Mason as he turned down- town. ‘‘ Were you twenty Red Ralphs you shall be looked after—and sharply, too!” Thus musing, Mason purs his course- toward Wall street, to observe whether the- tunneling being done by the gang was liable to attract attention. This tunneling was laborious work, and was shared in by all the gang except Ray- mond, but there had been no objection to t latter's freedom from toil, because his was the brain that had planned everything, and bis the money that paid the large expenses. Mason, however, having made the state- ment, intended to stir up a protest from the gang on the strength of Raymond's suspi- cious talk. Had the burglar been Icss absorbed in planning this malicious move against his leader, he might have noticed that he was being shadowed, but, as it was, he entered Raymond s office utterly unsuspicious of that dangerous fact. Before entering his own office, Mason stopped and looked into the bank, causing a suspicion of the truth to flash across the keen-witted shadow— Weston, “* They’re working something with regaré to the bank,” muttered the female detective. ‘““T must put the Pox and the Bloodhound I know Fe FETT
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2 le 4 ll See ase aang. diecwlt ae yo « ~ " — crs as "aay eas 4 ~ - lh re 12 Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. Te an’ the trail of the others employed in this queer banking concern. Once we've ‘lo- sated’ them, it will be easy to guess the mature of their game— Ah! Who is this?” The cause of this question was the appear- ance of a man—one of the gang—leaving Raymond & Co.’s basement office. As he was to be gone but a few minutes, the man did not deem it necessary to fasten the door other than by the ordinary spring latch, and after a moment’s hesitation, Weston crossed the street, and with hardly any difficulty entered Raymond & Co.’s offices, muttering: “I can find the man at any time, but this opportunity might be lost forever.” Moving cautiously toward the rear of the ‘office, and listening intently, the daring de- tective soon heard faint noises coming from Ddelow. At the extreme end of the office there was adoor. On opening this door the noises be- came louder, and still louder as the detective descended the stairs upon which the door opened. As the Tigress began the descent of the Stairs, Mr. Raymond, the banker; came hur- rying down to his offices. The banker made no attempt to escape notice, and to the watchman of —— National Bank, who came tothe docr as he passed, addressed a pleasant ‘‘ Good-morning.” Mr. Raymond entered his upper office, but immediately descended to the basement, and then fully as cautiously as Weston began to ‘descend to the cellar. CHAPTER XVII. RED RALPH ON HIS GUARD. Waren Weston reached the foot+of the cellar stairs, the noise of the tunneling came, as expected, from the wal] next the —— National Bank, and glancing in that direction the detective discovered three men at work with pick and shoved and crowbar. The men were conversing as they worked, but they were too far away to catch what was said, so Weston cautiously crept toward them. Mason was beginning to talk so as to stir up feeling against Raymond, and just as the detective got within ear-shot suggested: “Suppose we quit fer a few minutes, boys? The work has gone pretty near far enough for to-night—and, anyhow, I'm tired of doing another man’s share of it!” “Why Frank’s not gone more than five minutes,” remonstrated one of the others, as adopting the suggestion they came out in- to the cellar. “Oh, I don’t mean McCoy’s share.” ex- plained Mason, “I mean the re of the man ~who hasn't dirtied his hands so far.” As this was uttered, Weston became aware of the fact that there was another unseen listener, and that the latter was creep- ‘ing nearer. The new-comer was Red Ralph—coming just in time to catch Mason. Not being aware of what had passed be- tween Raymond and his “* partner.” Weston bad no suspicion as to who was the second Py and so drew back out of the path of the tter. As there was but one of the seven forming the gang who had joined in the laborious work, Mason’s reference to Raymond was, of course, thoroughly “Well, I s’pose the ‘boss’ thinks he’s done his share in layin" out the job ‘n’ fur- ‘nishin’ the ‘stuff’ for it.” ed one of the trio. “Do you think so?” Mason spoke sharply. He did not like the indifferent tone of the remark. “Ob, I don’t know,” was the still more wareless res “TI reckon none of us ‘d be so close t's million if ‘twarn’t fur The speaker was one of Red Ralph's old a3, toge stood by his captain. “*Do you think the same as Matt?” Mason, turning to the third man. ‘* Not much! I ain’t achin’ t' do more’n my share,” was the prompt reply. Footsteps on the stairs—audible despite all efforts to render them noiseless—interrupted | Fire a shot if necessary to do so. the conversation at this point. “*It's McCoy—Big Frank—coming back!” though Weston retreating still further. A couple seconds later the man who had gone out re-entered the cellar. ‘Hello! Gone on strike?” asked McCoy, on seeing the others idle. ‘Somethin’ like it,” responded Matt, ** Mason's kickin’ because the boss ain’t put- tin’ in a few licks on the job.” ** Oh, he’s all right!” cheerfully exclaimed Big Frank. ‘‘Somebody’s got t’ do the gentleman, and I'm satisfied it should be bim.” * But suppose he should take a notion to drop the job— get scared, and rather than let us go on without him, give the business to the police?” asked Mason. ‘Oh, come off!” contemptuously exclaim- ed Matt. ‘‘Ain’t his style!” declared the giant burglar. ‘“ I'd throttle him before he could speak if I thought it!” **Ah! I'm glad to hear you're. fools alto- gether!” exclaimed Mason. He then went on to describe the scene at the parting between himself and Raymond, dwelling on the latter’s fearof McVeigh, and on his threatening words, and ended with: “That is my principal reason for demand- ing that he should share in the work, for as yet he could claim that he was unaware of what is going on, never having been in the cellar as we would all have to admit.” Weston could hear the other spy gritting his teeth, and it flashed upon him that Ray- mond had been doubtful of Mason’s friend- ship and dogged him. Mason had barely ceased speaking when Red Ralph was upon him. With one tiger-like spring, the ex-high- wayman had cleared the intervening distance, and, before the amazed burglars could inter- fere, had caught his “partner” by the throat, yelling: : ‘*Now, you treacherous, lying hound! why shouldn’t I get rid of you?” A gleaming bowie flashed in the dim light of the single lantern near which Mason was now lying prostrate, pinned to the earth by the vise-like grip of Raymond. Big Frank was the first to recover him- self, and jumped forward in time to stay the biow. ** Hold on!” tried the big burglar. ‘‘Give him a show to speak!” ** Yes, give him a show!” seconded another, springing to McCoy’s assistance. “You go easy there'l” growled Matt, whipping out a revolver, jumping to where the others were struggling with Raymond. Matt was going to the assistance of bis old captain! " or a few moments it looked as if there would be a free fight. * You'll soon ‘enin to believe in the curse!’ chuckled Weston, watching the struggling group, but it ceased at that point. Seeing that Mason was recovering, McQoy released his pon Raymond, saying: ** Keep for a while! Weall havea gay in this, and though you're boss, you must stand by the agreement.” ** You, McCoy, speak of our agreement,” said Raymond, “ Inaccordance with that, I, as ¢aptain, place this man in your charge un- till all can be present to try him. Keep him here, and keep bim carefully!” “Why, what's be done?” asked the as- of guard.” “Inciting trouble is next to treachery, the worst offense,” was the significant response. ** Matt will help you tc take care of him.” ee ee oe ee eee ee | your strictest “Come, now! What sort of a bluff are you tryin’ to work?” demanded Mason, be asked | ginning to realize that he had got himself in to a scrape. ‘* You'll soon know, my friend,” q-uetly replied Raymond, and to Matt: ‘‘Ifanything goes crooked, let me know. ** One of j duties is to obey—without talk!” This sharply spoken rebuke did not tend to relieve the giant’s ill-humor, but paying no more heed to him, Raymond took Mason's supporter in hand. ‘*You, Dobbs, notify Moore and Howard tocome an hour earlier to-night. ** Another thing before you go. here to obey orders—not to criticise! “* Don’t forget that! a You are Now go! Dobbs obeyed, but like McCoy, looked very sullen over it. CHAPTER XVIII AN EVENTFUL NIGHT. Aw hourafter the departure of Dobbs, Weston, Fox and Bull met by appointment to report progress. The Tigress’s reportexcited the admiration of _ others, and commenting on it, the Fox said: ‘*Tt’s evident Mason was mistaken. Ray- mond’s words referred only to the danger to be apprebendea from Mac.” ‘‘ And, by the way, who the deuce could he have mistaken for poor Mac?” asked Bull. ** Yes, it’s queer he should make such a mis- take, knowing McVeigh as well as he did,” declared Fox. **Is the job near completion, and shall we arrange to bag the Jot to-night?” “The job is probably nearly completed,” replied Weston, “‘but they are no doubt waiting for some heavy Saturday.” ‘* Yes: that’s the usual rule,” assented both Fox and Bull. ‘* Then we risk very little by simply over- hearing them to-night, and | will look for that,” spoke the female detective. ‘1 sha.! go home and rest until evening, and will meet you before going down-town.” “ She’s a wonder—but I'm not going to trust her—a weak woman—alone among a gang of ruffians,” declared Fox. «As faras the ‘weak woman’ goes, you need not worry about her,” replied the Blood hound. ‘‘ Why, when we knew her as the Hawk, I got « bullet in my leg one night, and she carried me a full quarier of a mile!” “What the deuce was Mac doing?” “By Jove! Say, do you know it never struck me before that it was always she and I that hunted together!” “That's curious!” : “Yes. Funny, too, that twas him she fell in love with, eh?” ‘““ Why, yes; but were you, also, a suitor?” ‘I never said so.” ‘Ab! I understand.” | ‘‘ May be you do—but it’s more than I can say!” rather roughly exclaimed Bull. The subject was evidently an unpleasant one, so Fox dropped it, saying he was going down-town to keep an eye on Raymo ‘“* Hanged if I know what to do with my- self! There don’t seem to be anything left for me to do,” exclaimed the Bloodhound. “Your friend, the Hawk—or rather the Tigress, has left very little for either of us,” returned Fox. Why vot see how the Curse is working among the lower ruffians? You know we must hang Pike, if he is the tool, and if not, ascertain who is the actual assas- sin.” “* Thaf’s true, and I’m glad there is some- thing worth while yet to be done.” A few minutes later the friends parted, the Fox returning in Weston. Raymond had acted as usual d the day so Fox informed the Tigress, and the latter & the evening to weet
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a “ar os pe ——> = _ €:4"% — —o* i a et tel hess / - = ICRI Sate pane 4 . Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferre set off, after informing him that in the event of anything happening to her, he would find a letter at Mrs. Morgan’s for both Bull and himself. * That's funny, too!” muttered Fox, as he proceeded in a leisurely manner to shadow his comrade. : He had only that morning heard of Mc- Veigh’s habit of leaving a ledtor whenever bent on a secret mission which he deemed are | dangerous. “‘And 1 sup she knew of this habit,” he mused, ‘‘ and feeling that this is unusual- ly hazardous, takes the same method of re- vealing what she knows of this Red Ralph.” Thus musing, and careless whether he kept his “ man” in sight or lost him—since he knew where the latter was bound for, the Fox had missed the Tigress ,long before reaching the vicinity of Wall street. It was about eight o'clock when the Fox reached Wall street, aud passed Raymond & Co.'s offices. He was not particularly anxious to run across Weston, but was somewhat surprised at not seeing the latter. “* It was his plan to wait until the last of the gang passed in and then follow him, but it may be that seeing a good opportunity, he has taken advantage of it.” Having arrived at this conclusion, Fox took up his position nearly opposite the bank where, after an hour's patient watching, he saw three men enter Raymond & Cos office. Two or three men came together, and en- tered within a minute of each other. The third man followed a short distance behind the others, and might have been sus- pected of shadowing them, but that he ap- red tohave no difficulty in opening the oor, and entered so confidently. “« Three—that makes six at all events, and the whole gang, if Raymond remained in the office instead of going home ” Just as the Fox finished uttering-this, two men more entered the bogus. banking establishment—much to Fox’s astonishment. “ Hang it ull! Unless Raymond's orders were altered that makes eight,” he muttered. Again the last man might be suspected of ag ers and this caused the watcher to believe it was Weston. ** So it’s high time for me to join the family discussion which soon will be started,” he soliloquized, and making sure that his revol- vers were handy. proceeded to play burglar on the burglars by picking the lock of the basement door. ** Very odd about those five men,” mutter- ed the Fox as he cautiously waiked toward the door described ay the Tigress. — And something still more strange occurred just as he reached the rear door. Fox’s hand was on the knob when a sharp one indicating the throwing back of the of the front lock, attracted his atten- tion. A moment later the amazed detective was ‘crouching behind a chair standing near the rear door, and watching a man who had just ered. ~ “ Six to-night, and two or three below—” began the watcher, and then stopped short, for the new-comer after reaching the center of the office produced a dark-lantern, by the light of which he commenced looking ‘ri ght and left at the walls, as he slowly advanced toward the detective’s hiding-place. “This fellow’s a stranger, and looking for a door,” was the Fox's reading of the signs, and be was still wondering who the stran could be, when a st.dden flash of the bull's- eye revealed him to the latter. There was one will yell of terror following the discovery of Fox’s presence, and then came a crash as the stranger fell fainting to the floor. “ Pike!” He had not long to wait. In less than 4 minute after Pike’s fall, the door was cautiously opened, and though Fox could see nothing, he knew somebody was peeping into the office—reconnoitering. ‘* Now for it!” muttered Fox as he heard a low whistle, and almost as he spoke a half-dozen men poured into the office from the cellar. Among the gang was Mason. He had been tried and acquitted of any intentional inciting of trouble, but that only served to widen the breach between him and Raymond and on seeing Pike he exclaimed: ‘*Ha! Here’s some of your work! Your tools are dogging you—the job must be done to-night!” ‘* Better make sure there isn’t more of *em about,” suggested one of the others. a Right! Search the place!” ordered Red ph. Discovery was inevitable, and fully realiz- ing the danger of the situation the detective suddenly arose and, revolver in hand, faced the gang. Like Pike, Raymond seemed terrified, and shrunk back with an inarticulate cry; but the shining revolvers were sufficient for the others, who saw only a stranger whose pres- | alarmed tone ence threatened the success of their job, and in a moment they rushed at the detective. The whole affair had occupied such a short time, that the rough had only just recovered from the fainting-ft following his seeing Fox —as McVeigh. Attracted by the order, Bull turned from Mac, asking: “What's wrong?” “Good Lord! Are you all ghosts?” cried the terror-stricken wretch as he looked and saw the real McVeigh being supported by | his double, another supposed to be—dead man. He was ready tosink with terror, but there was nothing ghostly, or unreal, about the grim assurance, ** You'll find me a lively ghost, and your- self a real one, if you attempt to stir from. that spot!” Pike did not move. ‘Now sit down—right where you stand!” ordered Fox, and having helped to see the order obeyed Bull returned to Mac. ; The latter was just recovering conscious- ness—the Bloodhound's pocket flask assisting materially in the reviving process. “Now, old fellow, we must see about. | stopping the blood,” said Bull. “No, no!” exclaimed Mac in a hurried, ** Never mind! Get me | home! You will, Bill, won’t you? And let | no one but the doctor and Mrs. Morgan touch. The Fox’s revolvers spoke twice and two | the wound?” added Mac in a curiously plead- men went down, but the others came on, and | ing, womanish way. before he could fire again they were upon him. A blow from a short club on the head, and y. “ Certainly, Mac!” assured the wondering Bull A tremendous thunder-storm, which had another from the butt of a pistol, combined | been raging for the previous half-hour, had. to send the detective to the floor, but even as ceased a few minutes before this, and a po- he fell help arrived—and such help as | liceman just resuming patrol, finding Ray- amazed even him. mond & Co.’s door open, now entered. From the front door rushed the Blood-! An ambulance was brought very quietly hound, and through the rear door burst | to the door, and the wounded removed tothe’ McVeigh! CHAPTER XIX. MYSTERY. Tue appearance of the second McVeigh proved too much for the nerves of the gang. It was too much for the rascals, and headed by Raymond they dashed by Bull through the office to the street. hospital, Bull accompanying them, whiie the- officer took charge of Pike. The latter was the only prisoner’ Death had forestalled justice waathe second bur-- giar. At the hospital, despite the entreaties of his friends, Mac refused to be treated, insist- ing on being removed to Mrs. Morgan's be- fore receiving medical attendance. Bull quickly procured a carriage, and the three detectives were deposited at Mrs. Mor- ; . Of the gang, Mason was the hardest-headed, | gan’s about daylight. ** You, too, are hurt,” he murmured to the ‘and, though he joined in the rush, he made a desperate thrust at McVeigh. “‘That’s for your interference!” he hissed, : and leaving the knife in the wound fled, after his confederates. The ‘‘ big job” was ruined, but the burg- lar bad partly revenged himself, he felt sure, for Mac had fallen like a log. Had the burglars known that there were only three of the detectives, (and two of them wounded,) they might have attempted | to finish their so pearly completed work, but | the Fox’s two shots had so alarmed them | that they fled when Bull and Mac appeared, thinking it was a descent by the regular | force. The two burglars hit by Fox were lying | and. the other | dying, while Fox, himself, was barely able | to stagger to his feet and as Bull turned up; “It is wonderful,” close to the latter—one dead the gas, hoarsely exclaimed: “i's Mac, Bull! He fell—over there!” For a moment the Bloodhound stared as if he thought the speaker was raving; then looked in the direction indicated, and, then, with a cry of astonishment and alarm, jumped to the side of the unconscious detec- tive. “By the Great Eternal!” he cried, “‘ you are right—'tis Mac!” At that moment, the Fox cau figure creeping behind the des wall. and ordered: ‘«Come here! Quick, or I'll fire!” ht sight of a slong the | his comrade. Fox; ‘‘ go for Doctor Draper.” Early as it was, the eminent pbysician answered the summons promptly, and on arriving, and having had a word , with Mrs. Morgan, quietly invited the two Mac had not been taken to his former room, and on leaving him Fox and Bult sought that apartment. Both detectives were a little yore By Mac's conduct regarding his wound, and failure to inform them of his recovery. “I suppose the blow must have affected. his brain,” remarked the Fox. “ But what. puzzles me_ is the fact of his being alive at: assented Bull, and letter on the mantel, addressed to. ) -raewin 3 8 | himself and Fox, asked: * What's this?” ‘* What? Oh, yes, I had forgotten. That's a letter from our friend, the Tigress, to be opened in case anything happened her last night— : ** And, by Jove! Where was she?” Like Bull, the ~ “oo ae by 8 handwriting on the envelope ad- dressed to both, and oe inquiringly at ** You see it?” Yes, it’s the same as Mac’s,” Fox replied in private - | detectives to leave the sick chamber fora ~ } half-hour. * . One glance had revealed the identity of | In response to this fiercely uttered threat, | in a perplexed way: . i x fas ent Yaber, and then the detective sought | the ik Pike, arose and shaking like an Exactly! There’s something strange ¥ refuge bebind the nearest desk. aspen advanced toward Fox. about this Fox: Macdies—Weston >
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14° Lt Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. ‘turns up! Mac comes to life—Weston dis- appears!” ull paused for a moment, and then reach- ing for the letter, said: “*T’ve a mind to open that, Fox?” ‘**Better wait until we can talk to Mac about it,” answered Fox, adding: * And this Red Ralph and his gang?” “That’s true! I didn’t give that officer ** What's to prevent me?” . with some loose planks, the Mexican describ- “This!” yelled Red Ralph, leaping at his | ed what he had seen and heard in the library, confederate. Matt, like the Mexican, became enraged at He had been gathering himself ‘for the | Red Ralph’s treachery. spring, and came on Mason like a tiger, and, gripping his victim by the throat, he deali a deadly blow with a knife. ‘“There! Stop me, now, if you can!” he | fiercely exclaimed as Mason fell on the many points, and the whole gang will be | floor. out of reach if something isn’t done at | We must not let that scoundrel, | and Matt retreated to opposite corners of the once. Ralph, escape!” **The doctor will be through pretty soon —shall we wait and learn if Mac can be con- sulted?” Before Bull could reply Dr. Draper look- ing very grave, entered the room: ** Your friend has been seriously injured, and must not be disturbed,” the doctor ex- plained. **Then, we had better go for that gang at once!” exclaimed Bull. “TI am going to read that letter, first,” quietly declared Fox. “‘ It may—probably will—shed some light cn the subject.” “Right, you are! Bull. ** Hold on!” interposed the doctor. ‘“‘ Your friend knows of that letter, and directs that, before opening it, you ascertain the whereabouts of a Mr. Raymond.” Bull looked inquiringly at his comrade, feeling both surprised and annoyed at this | Red Hand for nothin’. interference, but Fox promptly agreed, say- | ing: ** All right, sir! Let’s get away, Bill!” We will precede the detectives to Ray- _ Mond’s residence—for which they immediate- ly started. —_———_ — CHAPTER XX. THE FINAL WORKING OF THE CURSE. AFTER leaving tfeir offices Red Ralph and his gang of frightened, disappointed cracks- men divi ‘amon and Matt hurrying up- town while the others started to leave the wm at once. n reaching home Raymond immediately began preparing for the flight which he knew must be made without delay. The bogus banker was in an ugly mood, and full of rage against his ‘“* partner,” whom he blamed to a great extent for the lure of their plot against the bank,) re- turned only the shortest and surliest answers = Mason's few remarks on the way up- wn. ** Where shall we head for?’ asked Mason as ly understood his danger; that the man fore him bad thrown off the yoke, and would shoot—and shoot to kill. ‘* Get that gun, Manuel!” directed Matt, seeing how Ralph was chafing at being re- strained from using the weapon. Still holding his bowie in his right band the Mexican advanced with his left extended to disarm Ralph, and then rage got the bet- ter of the latter. With a lightning-like movement, Ralph caught Manuel’s extended band and palléd him between Matt and bim- self. Simultaneously a shot rung out and the Mexican fe)l forward with a groan, but even as he did, struck a deadly blow at Ralph, with his knife, quickly followed by Matt flying from the room. Thus was the prayer granted—the dying detective’s Curse fulfilled. Disappointment, treachery, and destruc- tion had been the lot of Ralph of the Red Hand from the day of the Curse. CHAPTER XXL 4 THE ENDING. Bur little remains to be told. The Bloodhound and the Fox arrived at the residence of Raymond, the 7. banker, shortly after the end of the Kilkenny-cat- like tragedy which finished the career of Red Ralph and his gang. The police were already on“*e-cene, and the coroner had been notifier. u. “he two _- wy —_— y 2 a, c. peor aren Car ere ny Ve" oa he Shah. tS et 2 . F Pe ae eee RP ee eae « > oo — _
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eg WE Aae ——, . — 8 . Pee Fe A we « SF Pe i . ~ " yy “s A et » ga og tet, ae a a ere ge and the ward detective. ~ « innocent colored servants knew nothing of Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. ** No, I don’t see any use in waiting—not their employer's affairs, and had not heard | now, at all events.” replied Bull. any disturbance the previous night. “*So it looks as if we’d another mystery on our hands,” observed the ward detective who had been sent to investigate the affair. **Yes—though it’s pretty evident they’ve a having a free-for-all fight,” replied ull. As Raymond and most of his confederates ‘were dead, Bull thought it wisest to say nothing more until McVeigh could be con- sulted and Fox’s silence showed that he agreed with this idea. But nothing was to be said or done until the arrival of the coroner, and curious to hear the result of his investigations, the de- tectives decided to await the inquest. “The news of the affair down-town will bave spread by that time,” whispered Fox, ** We will see what effect it has on this.” Bull nodded and the other continued: Take your official friend outside. I want some of the liquor in those glasses.” The Bloodhound quickly understood the object, and having a slight acquaintance with the ward detective, had ‘no difficulty in persuading the latter to accompany him toa saloon two blocks away. **My friend will remain in the library, and the officer at the door can look after any- thing else,” Bull explained. As the latter was quite somebody in Official eyes, and as the ward man was quite seedy that particular morning, the invitation was eagerly accepted. While the official detectives were absent, Fox secured a portion of the contents of each of the glasses, and then throwing open the blinds and drawing back the curtains, got down on his knees and producing a micro- scope, began to examine the rather light- colored carpet. Luck favored the Fox; for, beginning his examination where the bodies were lying, he discovered the blood were Mason had fallen and the trail from it to and through the ante-room to the cellar. The fresh earth on the shovel used in dig- ng was sufficient to show the keen-witted etective what had been done with the body, and in less than a minute after he bad dis- covered the identity of the victim through finding an emblem “presented to George n.”” Maso “ Knocked off when dragging him to the grave,” muttered the Fox, who, by the light of his bull’s-eye, could plainly see where the murdered burglar had been laid down by two men, and then dragged to the grave by one. “ They did not trust Raymond, and one ‘went back to watch him while the other did the digging,” concluded the detective—read- ‘ing the signs as correctly as if he had been present. “« There isn’t a doubt of it,” he mused, fol- lowing the earthy trail back to the door’ g into the library, “‘and there, by Jove! is where the spy stood, and the hole he looked through.” Stepping to the here well-defined tracks of the Mexican, Fox found himself facing the ‘** You’ve found something?” he continued as they passed out into the street. “Yes—something. Mason is buried inthe celiar. That liquor was meant for those sent to bury him, and was, I believe, poisoned by Raymond. The others caught him at it and then came the fight in which two were -killed.” ** Where are you heading for?” *‘A chemist’s—to have what I got an- alyzed.” *“Why? We have no further interest in the case—now that Raymond’s dead.” “Very true; but Mac may like to, and it would be a satisfaction to me to know I’m right.” . **Of course! Let’s find a chemist, and then you go tell Mac—if it’s safe—while I go down- town. That officer’s story of the Wall street affair must be confirmed.” A chemist was quickly found, and after a hasty examination of the contents of the bottle brought by Fox, pronounced the liquor poisoned. “* Prussic acid!” he declared, and then the detectives separated as arranged, At the Old Slip station-house Bull as an Official of “the Central Office received full credit for the story that the discovery of the burglars by himself and a friend was purely accidental! The ffiocer on post was saved by the as- sertion that the burglars had been dis- covered only a few minutes before he arrived on the scene, and that they fled on his ap- pearance! Bull’s reason for the first story was his knowledge of Mac’s aversion to in any way injuring Red Ralph while there was a possi- bility of avoiding it. The man was dead. Why injure his memory? It was generous of Bull, for the truth could have gained him great credit. But the truth, too, he felt would have hurt, if not displeased his friend—and that was enough for the Bloodhound. The sheltering, or rather glorifying, df the derelict policeman was, also, generous, and the latter could scarcely express his gratitude when they met outside the ‘‘ House.” But, Bull wanted no thanks; ‘““he didn’t think he had done much anyhow;” and, tearing himself away from the grateful of- ficer, i hurried off to ascertain how Mac was pro ng. be He had no idea of what was in store for him—not the slightest. For that reason the surprise he received was the greatest of hig life. ‘Ah! Got through, eh?” ” “Yes. How is Mac?” ‘‘Fairly—that is; the doctor can’t speak either way just yet.” “What! as bad as that?” ‘Yes; but sit, Bull; I’ve got some strange news for you,” and Fox pushed his excited comrade into a chair. “T've opened that letter since leaving you,” peep-hole, which commanded a view of the | continued Fox, “‘and in it found another ad- - table and glasses. “That's enough! This liquor is doctor- ed!" he decided. ‘“‘ This fellow caught him at it and told the grave-digger. Then came the fight.” _ As the detective uttered these words—for he was thinking aloud—he heard the voice of Bull talking ina argon: | elevated tone to warn bim (Fox) o Te another minute the official detective en- tered, and found Fox resting in an easy- _ hair apparently about half 4 “TIT guess I’m too eves to wait, Bill,” he -** Are you going to stay?” fo The significant po accompanying the {\. . - t * + dressed to you personally.” é ecareay is it?” impatiently demanded Bull, ‘“*Come, come, Bull! You must not get excited,” was the smiling response. “T have the letter, but cannot deliver it until ordered by Doctor Draper. “ When I returned and informed M— Mac the return of himself | of what we had learned, he bade me open the letter anderead what was addressed to both, but to await Doctor Draper's orders regard- ing the one meant for you—not to deliver it until ordered. Bull, now, grew wonderfully quiet. “* What is in our letter?” be asked. ** Well, my boy, ring must ——— Bn . d surprise. M fast night are one and the same! ** Mac’s mother’s name was McWeston. He adopted the name and character of an old detective, who took him in hand when he came to New York years ago, at the age of sixteen. ** Louise, now up-stairs, was then but eleven, and when Mac left her she had been adopted by a wealthy old lady who died a year afterward. “* Now, comes in our friend Ralph. ** Ralph’s real name is Weston! He is the uncle of the girl up-stairs, and, of course, of our poor Mac. ‘* Ralph Weston heard of the death of Louise’s benefactress, and that the latter, be- ing without relations, had left her immense property to her adopted daughter, so he came forward, had himself appointed guardi- un of his niece, and took charge of the es- tate. ** Except Louise, no one knew where the boy—the ‘brother—our Mac, had gone, and soon it became an undoubted thing that he was dead. * Ralph evidently believed that he was next of kin to the heiress, for he induced a small circus proprietor to train the little niece for trapeze performances—pretending the child had a craze for that kind of life. ** Well, in time, Louise did like—even love, so she says—the life she was leading, and soon became an expert in the business. Not only that, but from a weakling, she had be- come a strong, healthy woman. ** This state of affairs did not suit Ralph. The ‘girl had failed to die, or to break her neck, so he resolved to have it done for her, and one night in St. Louis the trapeze rope broke—understand?—and she was ae to the hospital, not ‘quite dead, and Mac—” ** Hold on!” interrupted Bull. ‘‘ I know the rest. Mac and myself were in St. Lonis at the timeand there was an appeal in the newspapers for somebody to give up enough blood to save the unfortunate actress.” ** Exactly! And he found his sister,” said the Fox, adding: “‘And, then. began your. work against Red Ralph and his gang?” “Yes. Mac had been hurt a few days before and the doctors refused to accept blooc from him, so I gave a little in his stead.” _ “And what do you think of the engage- ment between Mac and his own sister?” smilingly asked the Fox. Bull's face brightened wonderfully. ‘Hanged if I can make it out!” he an- swered. “I think that letter for you contains glad tidings, and I trust it not be both — glad and sorry,” a returned Fox, He was right. A few minutes later the doctor entered and said: *‘Tam going to violate the confidence of my patient for her benefit, The letter you opened told you who she is. The letter oe have not opened tells you—Mr. Bull—that, through shame of hsr rascafly uncle, she spoke of a pretended ——,, to prevent you from making what she feared ske could not resist, a declaration of love. “* Now, she is dangerously ill, but perfect- ly sensible. Desperate cases rquire desper- ate remedies. You gotoher. Say nothing of this, but tell your story.” dat ' Half an hour after Bull bad eagerly obeyed the doctor’s order, the latter knocked at the tient’s door—and on entering found a won- Nerfully recovered woman. No longer the ‘ png hh: + 90 bi 1 . smiling an : ng, aw g th pee “‘how do you feel?” But this time, the doctor himself, answered the question, **You feel very good! You will be bet- | ter, and entirely recove he quietly declared, and significantly added: “And if I were you, I would not refuse Ti d bl ‘tbe patient blushed red within a month,” — hi se
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: ee a ea a 16 ing an unfair advantage, but the lover push- ed the question. “There!” he exclaimed. ‘‘The doctor, himself, backs me! Say you'll agree to it as soon as you can stand?” All woman now, Miss Weston would have protested, but the old doctor settled the question for both. ‘Miss Weston is too weak to argue. To | save her the bother, I'll agree to your pro position. 7 Now, clear out! Exactly a month later the doctor's word was fulfilled, and the Fox gave away the bride. It was a very quiet wedding, for though Mac had been avenged, his Joss still made all sad, and the fulfillment of the Dying Detec- tive's Curse simply “ wiped out” a danger- ous lot of ruffians. Pike, the only prisoner, confessed to hav- ing undertaken the murder of Bull, but had nothing to do with McVeigh—that was Whitey’s job—and at Bull’s suggestion, he was let off with a comparatively light sen tence, THE END. Next Hatr-Dowe Lrerary, No. 885! Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike; | Marlo, the Gold Ghouls’ Chief. | BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM A very strange story, indeed. The outlaw and renegade Marlo “ plays his cards,” in this last desperate scheme, with astonishing ef- frontery—he makes away, as he supposes, with the Chief of the Gold Ghouls and uses the band for his own daring purposes, In the gallant Dead-Shot Ralph he finds his foil; and the struggle between these two utterly unlike young men—the struggle to the death—makes a mighty interesting and exciting narrative. As a romance of rea] life on the California coast and the coast ranches, i: is vividly true; while in its aside interest, of love and jealousy and the fierce an- tagonisms the “ grand passion ™ creates, it evolves a powerfal personal drama. So, all in all, it is an issue of the Lrprary that none should miss, BY J. C. COWPRICE. Breadway Biliy Nevel« 2 Brostwas peas. the Boatach Bravo. 5 readw ay '* Beedle; or, Clearing a Strange Cas 586 Kreadway Tilly's * DI@ikilty.” 557 Broadway Billy's Peath Recket. 579 Hreadway Billy's Surprise Party. 60% Breadwuy Billy; ox, The Sey Devective’s Big Inning. 635 Broadwey Bilis’s Dead Acts «, Te Leage y Billy Abroad; o, The Betblekis Free, | 675 Broadway Billy’s Beat; or, Beating Sen Francisco's Finest. | 687 Broadway Billy tn Clever. 696 Breadway Billy tn Texas or, The River Restlers, 708 Breadway Billy's Brand. Til & wey Billy at Santa Fe; oe Th Clever Deal. T2760 & way Billy’s Pell Waed: or, The Gamla Detective. | 735 Rroadway Billy's Business, TSS Hreadway Rilly’s Certeus Case. } 758 Breadway Billy te Deewer. 762 Broadway Willy's Bargata; o, The Three Detectiv 768 way Rlilly, the Retriewer Detects. TTS Breadway Rilly’s Shadew Chase. bh Broadway Billy's Beagles; or, The Tries Quest. i | : of Seven Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. | 86 Broadway Billy’ Tena: oc, The Combine’s Big Pall. its bit: Miter way ty" west. 800 Rroadeay Rill ‘nome, Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Deflance; or, Double Daggers 28 Deadweeod Dick in Diaguise; or, Buia), ten 25 Deadweed Dick in Hi« Castile. 42 Deadwood Dick's Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omans 0). 57 Deadweoed Diek’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. Calamity < ne, the Heroine TT Deadwood Dick’s Last Acti or. Corduroy Charlie. 100 Deadwood Dick tn Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick's Devlee; or, The Double Cross Sign. Dick as Detective. 128 Deadweeod Dick’« Double: or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadweed Dick's Meme Hasse; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadweed Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadweed Dick's Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Bleck Hill's Jezebel. Dick's Doom: or, Calamity Jane's Adventure. 21T Deadwood Dick's Dead Deal. S21 Deadwood Dick's Death-Plant. S32 Geld-Dust Wieck. A Romance of Rough- and Toughs, 2648 Deadwood Dick's Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. | $68 Peadweoed Dick’s Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’« Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. B21 Deadwood Dick's Dozen: or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats S47 Deadwoed Dick's Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta £62 Deadwood Dick's Claim. Dick In Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick's Diamonds. 421 Deadwood Dick in New V orks or, A “Cute Care.” Deadweoed Dick’« Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 443 Deadwood Dick, Ir4 or, The Crimson Crescent Sign. 44% Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Deflunce. 452% Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadweoed Dick, Jr.'s. Racket at Claim 10, 4T1L Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’«, Corral; or, Boeeman Bill. T6 Deadweeod Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. 451 Deadweod Dick. Jr., In Deady ood. 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s. Inheritance. 800 Deadweea Dick, Jr.'s, Diggings. 505 Deadweo Dick, Jr.'s, Deliverance. Dick, dr. Protegee. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.*«, Danger Ducks | 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death Hunt. 539 Peadwoeod Dick, Jr.. in Texas. S44 Deadweed Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoeg 549 Deadweooa Drek, Jr., on Nie Wettle. 5654 Deadweoed Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 561 Deadweed Dick, Jr., in Boaton. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadeiphta. S72 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. Jr. + res Im nver. 590 Deadwood Dick. Jro«, Decree. 595 Beadweee en 5 ge In pocedad’s Badin, 500 wood » dr., at Cc ° 606 Deadwood Dick. Jr.«, Leadville Lay. G12 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Sob Packwood BM Sc, be Nevaia, « « dr., In Nevada. 630 Deadwood Dick, ga Pans —. Land, Fey i er the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick. Jr., In Buffalo. = 645 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Chase Across the Continent Sab Preteeed Wich, n's Feleoeetae a ‘ ce Case. 666 Deadweed Dick, Sr, Rack in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., ta Durango: or,‘ Gathered In.” 4] peadweee +g b stg Peecoverss ©, Found a Fortune. wood Dick, a . 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s. Dollars. : ~ : $72 at Danger Divide. r.*, Drop. $04 Deadwood Dick, Jr-, ut Jack-Pot. Dick Jr., In San Francisco. 716 Deadweoed Dick, Jr.’«, Still Hunt. T22 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Dominoes. T2S Deadwood Piek, Jr.’«, Diagul«c. TS34 Peadwoed Dick. Jr.'s, Double Deal 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Deathwateh. TAI Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s, DPeathblow. TSS Deadwood Pick, Jr.’«, Desperate Strait. T64 Deadwood Dick, Jr.*«, Lone Hand, TT@ Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Defeat. TT Deadweed Dick, Jr.’«, Resurrcetion. TS Deadwood Dick, Jr. Dark Day«. TST Deadwoed Dick, Jr., Defied. T92 Peadweed Dick, Jr."«, Double Device. T9T Deadwood Pick, Jr’.«. Desperate Venture. Dick, Jr.*, Diamond Dice. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Koyal Flush. S12 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Head-off, Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. S22 Deadwoed Dirk, Jr. Beom. §34 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Sat G =i S45 Deadwood Dick, Jr.*, High Horse. S52 Deadweed Pick Jr., at vil’s Gulch. S55 Deadweed Dick, Jr.'s, Reath-Hole Hustle.{ 868 Deadwood Dick, Jr."s Bombshell. STO Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Mextee. 33 . : 3 BY WM. G. PATTEN. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown. 663 Vielet Vane’s Victory; or, The Jasper City Cleac Ont. 98 Vielet and Daisy, the Pory Pardes. @5 Vielet Vane’s Vow: or, The Cratty Detective’s Cratt. 4 Violet Vane Ve ance: or, The WipeDnt. © Vielet Vane'’* V erdiet: +r, The Game at Coffin City. 41 Violet Vane, the Venisiloguict Videos: or, Sport va, Sport. Strugg'e. 519 Ca iT a yetery 3 or, Five in One. Sal Mare the Sport from Denver. GAT Old bshell, the Ranger Detective. 6064 Iron Pern, the Man of Fire: or, Among the Valtores. 619 The Bey Tramp Detectives or. The Double Grip Witness ei Diemal Dave's nay Pards or, The Cloc to Capt. Claw 651 Reund Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 14 Old Misery the Mee from Miesowt. 4 Clear-Grtt Cal, the Never Say-Die Detective. ” 89 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special. 804 Cowboy Steve the Rasch Mascot. 220 Nobby N the Tenderfeot Detective. S86 Sh r ke’s Double Deal. SST Spotter bin New Vork. Spetter Beb’s Bowery Racket. BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG. a Stunt or, The Pet of the Family. + of the Club; or The Rival Atbletes. 1 eek away In New Vork. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, STS Deck-Hawk Roy's Big Scoop. STL New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. S65 New York Nat's Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. S47 Dick Doom'’s Ten Strike. S42 Dick Doom’s Flush Nand. 72 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny- TZ Dick Doom's Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. 84 Dick Doom; or. 1 he Sharps and Sharks of New York. SS Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Maske. 79S Dick Doom tn Chicago. 79S Dick Doom In the Wild West. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in « Clee. 808 Dick Doom’« Death Clue. S13 Dick Doom’s Diamend Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Masecet. S20 Dick Deom’s Shadow Hunt. 835 Dick Doom'’s Big Neul. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentocky Tenderfoot’s First Trali. 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; o, The Renecade’s Ceptive- 760 Dashing Charlle’s Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Reeever. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylors Boys; «t, The Red Risers of the Rio Grands. 56¢ Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. 8 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 9 Pawnee Bill’« Pledge: or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Bills or, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’« Curious. Case; o, The Rive! Sharps. 697 Redfern at Devil's Ranch; or, The Sharp from Texas. Te2@ Redfern’s High Mand; or, Blue Jacket. T07 Redfern’« Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Ranges. 668 Red Ralph’« Ruse; or, The Buccancet Miushipman. 674 Red Ralph's Bold Game; or, The W izerd Sailer. 679 Red Kalphy the Shadower, or, The Freebooter's Legacy. 644 Butterfly Billy's Disguise. 650 Rutterfly Billy, the Pony Express Rider. 656 Butterfly Billy’« Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy's Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon: ©”, Tbe Owls of the Or 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadewer ; ort 575 Kent Kingdon’s Duel; cr, The Seoat. 556 Kent Kingdon’s Doom; or, The Se in Avenger. 545 Lafitte Run Down; or, The Rowaceers of Barrataria. 550 Lafitte’« Legacy: or. The Avenging Soo 5SS Lafitte’«s Confession; or, The Creole Corsair. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow S25 The Buckskin Brethers in Texas. 580 The Buckskin Bowers; or. The Cowbo, Pirates. 585 The Buckskin Movers: or, The Prairie Fogwive. 640 The Buckskin Pards’ Quest: or, Captain Ko-Klex. 508 The Royal Widdy : or. The Shark end we Sea Cat. 507 The Royal Middy’s Luck; or, The Hantea Midshipman, &1l The Reyal Middy’« Foe. 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret o: New York. 454 Wizard W tll’« Street Scouts. 474 Wizard WHll’s bard; or. Ficra, the Flower Girl 458 Wizard Will’« Last Caxet or, The Ferrets Afcat. 429 Duncan Pare, the Boy Refogee. 488 Duncan Dare’s Plot; or, A Cabin Boy's Lock. 487 Duncan Pare’s Prize; or. The Sea elder 441 Duncan Dare’s Fecret: or. The Green Firefiv. 402 Isodor, the Young Con«pirator: or, The Fata) Leagoe. 407 Isodor's ble Chase; or. The Bey [neorgest 412 Isodor’« War-Cloud Crulee; ot, The Wild Yachteman. 216 Risen Hill. the Prince of the Reins. 222 Bison Bill's Clwe; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport. 804 Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma. — B08 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Kero Kir. 814 Dead Shot Dandy’s Defiancet ©, The bev Boeler. G07 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chict; or, The River Detective. 245 Merle Mente’s Leap for Life. 250 Merle Monte’s Mutiny ¢ or, Brendt, be Baccaneer. 264 Merle Monte’s Treasure Irland. 269 Merle Monte the Condemned. — Fa 276 Merie Monte’s Cruise; or, “ The Gold Shin” Chon. 250 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, The Pirate's Price 284 Merle Monte’« Pledge: or. The Ses Merander. 197 The Kid Glove Sport ; or. Little Grit, the Wild River. 204 The Kid Glove Sport’s Doom; «, Buffalo Bi, De Poor Express Kider. 86T Dead Shet Ralph's Prop. “25 Mario, the Cowboy Coaster, 7B1 Ruth Redmond, th- Git! Shadower. 626 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout. 602 The Vagabend of the Mines. f 5YT The Texan Detectives or, The Back Braves. 591 Delmeonte, the Young Ses Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor. BRO The Outcast Cadet; or. The False Detective. 495 Arizona doe; «1, The Bey Pard of Texas Jack. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger 468 Neptune Ned, the hey Coaster; or, Pirate in Spite. 462 The Satler Hoy Wanderer: or. The Bore Guide. 446 Haphazard Warry 1 or, The Ses Scapecrsee S98 The Red Claw Wands; or, The Boy Lieutenant. B8T Worgath WI, the Traitor Guide. d. ard Queen. t PH Crimson Kate, the Girl Truiler; or, The Cowboy's Triampe. 116 The Musser Captain: or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. 181 The Sea-Bevll ¢ or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. s 102 Dick Dend-Eye, the Srouggier . or, The Crue of the Vines. 75 The Boy Pmeliat; or, The Croisee { the Sea-Woll. 62 The Shadow ®hip; or, The Rive! Liewtooants. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. it Kalph Roy, the Roy Bucean-er, or The Fugitive Yacht, Tt The Flying Vankee; or, The Ocean Outens LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr's, Decoy Duck: or, The Cowboy Chief's Tenderfoot-Tangle. By Faward L. Wheeler. STT New York Nat's Trump Card; or, The Dare Devil Detectives Draw. By Col. Prenties Ingraher &T8 The Street Arab’s Blind; or, Scooping the Swindier Sanne By Jo Plerce. STS Kine-light Bill, the Saprbire Sport; or, The Denwer Detec- tive’s Lone Hand. By Kiag Keene. 880 broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwerss ©, The Detective Queen of Parts. By J. C. Cowdrick. P S81 Turkey Billy, the Shine-'em-ap Detective; or, The Gamin Geardias. By Charles Morris. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Silver Pocket; o, Th Gambler Queen’s High Stake, By Ed. L. Wheeler. 8883 New York Nat's Oreok-Chase: o, The King of Diamonds’ pe. By Col. Preotios Ingraham 884 Ferrel Fox and His Girl Ferret: ot, The Bogue Banker's Dive-Sharks. By Dan Dunsing- S85 Dead-Shot Ralph's Ten-Strike; ot, Marie, (he Goa Ghouls’ Chief. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam. - 886 The Five Peotuts Lodging House Boy Janitor; Monk Merry and the Italian. By Jo Pierce. A New Isewe Every Tuesday The Half-Pime Library ‘s for sale by sl! sewedes)ers, fre ents por copy, oF sent by mall on recerpt ot sx conte each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 196 William Street, New York.