Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 887) (1894 07 24)
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UNIV), NY yo pO ag aml Peer ; err ir Ge a a x Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1894, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, July 24, 1894. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BE ADL E AND ADAMS, Price, No, 887, a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. Vol. XXXV urneny ie the be Dt 5 l T 1s Te] 4 he val ‘ - ne * i | U wall ji yal Mt i Mi tie y I ' { | rw f W)\S \\ ; i | or ) " ' ay /, : ene teesecce of Ax \\\ i ee | \ ; wi! Wi MM | 7 SEUREET ( \'\ brit if ' i; {ff TET | Mitriihig | Ys i it . Coe Pil i he H . } He I \\ } nie HF 4) \ ’ HE AN Wf ae j NN Hf a7) ih | \ 1 } : i] See, Rounding I th Western Sharp BY J. C. COWDRICK, AUTHOR OF THE ‘‘ BROADWAY BILLY,” SERTES. — | ——— a 7 SS . \ \\ \| \ \ | \ Yi hi: \ \\ \\ \ \ ARN H) : : = WP Bar yi] \ | /) } f - Wi Hy 4 / SEs SSeS —— — = Y= SS CHAPTER I. A BATTLE ON THE BATTERY, = |\\\ SS | 7 ‘HOLD on, miss, I wouldn’t do that, if I ———— WN 7 : = ZA ———————~ |} was you.’ = = —— == == *‘Release me, boy! You know not what you are doing! Release me instantly!” ** And let you jump in theriver? Oh, no, » not rah not while Battery Bob is on duty, thank ’e **COME, QUICK, FOR THE POAT 18 GOIN’! I WANT A MAN ARRESTED AND HELD!”
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Tt was.on the sea wall at Battery Park, at a late hour at night. ‘ A. young woman had just stepped over the swinging chains, and was about to cast her- self into the water, when a sturdy boy of eg caught hold of her and detained cr, Struggling desperately, the young woman tried to tear herself away, but the boy held fast to her and it did not take long to prove that he was the stronger of the two. Finding that it was impossible to carry out her intention, the young woman burst into tears. This seemed to disconcert the boy. ‘* There now, don’t blubber like any kid, miss!” he admonished, ‘‘ Couidn’t be think- in’ of allowin’ a purty girl like you to take ap cold bath an’ make a corpus of yer- se Be ‘*Oh, letme go;I beg of you! You force upon mea far worse fate, if you compel me to live. Let me go, I say, and quickly, be- fore some one else comes this way. I must die, I tell you, here and now! [I will not live longer! You must, you shall, release me!” ‘* Oh, no; no, no; you can’t do it this even- in’, miss. Think I'll have to signal Terrence McDougal to come and take care 0’ you.” ‘* Whois he?” ‘One of the finest, with the purtiest mus- tache of.any copper on the force, and he—” ‘No, no! Do not call him, I beg! He would arrest me, and that would only bring disgrace upon my poor mother, Let me go, please; Iam calm now, yousee, and I will go home.”’ ‘* Mebbe you will.” ‘*T promise you faithfully.” ‘* You say you have,a poor mother, miss?” ** 366, ‘*An’ she loves you?” ae Yes.” ‘* An’ you love her?” . ‘Yes, yes; dearly love her—” Choking sobs broke her further utterance, and she leaned against one of the stone posts for support. In this position she covered her face with her hands, sobs shaking her form and tears trickling between her fingers, and dropping to the ground. What was her sorrow? ‘‘/’ma heap sorry for ye, miss,” spoke Bat- tery Bob—as he has introduced himself, ‘‘ but I can’t cry, worth a cent, not knowin’ what’s the matter, But, if you have gota mammy, and she loves you and you love her, you had orter be ’shamed of yerself.” The girl sobbed the more, and her tears sprung forthafresh. _ ‘Yes, you had orter be ’shamed of yer- self, to think of takin’ your own life an’ heap- in’ sorrow upon ber,” the boy coniinued, in a manner in advance of his years. *' Now, the best thing you kin dois to go straight home and tell yer mother all about it, an’ see if she don’t pull ye through. [I ain’t got no mammy m’self, but I have got Betsy Sokup, and Idon’t know what ’d do without her, sometimes,” ~ **Ashamed! As if it were not shame that is driving me to this desperate step. Boy, you do not know, you could not understand were I to tell you.” : “Don’t you go for to discount my un- derstandin’, miss. 1 didn’t cut my eye-teeth on rope’s ends around the docks for noth- ing. Now, what’s goin’to be done "bout your case?” ‘* What do you mean now?” ** Will you go home? or shall I signal fer Terrence?” ** Have I not promised you that I will go | home? 80.” ‘Yes, but there is a look in yer eye that I don’t like. Your plan is to shake me off and then make another run for it and jump in, anyhow. But, you can’t do it while I am around,” “‘Oh! why were you here to hinder me? See, I am calm again now, or almost I might now be out of all my trouble, and | paid no heed, and as each took an epposite where no one wouid ever find me,” ‘“‘And your poor mammy a-lookin’ her eyes sore for ye, and a-cryin’ her heart out, mebby.” a is something I had not thought of!” j ‘* Then it’s time ye did.” **T thought only of the wrong I have done her, and of the shame I have brought upon myself and her. Oh! that I had only lis- tened to her advice, and had not been so self- willed.” ‘‘ Know jest how itis myself, miss. Now there is Betsy Sokup, just as good to me as a mammy could be, and when I don’t listen to her advice I am almost allus sure to be sorry for it. She’s no old fogy, ain’t Betsy, an’ when she says black is black it ain’t no other color.” The girl seemed to forget her errand, and to become interested. ‘‘ And who is Betsy Sokup?” she asked. ** Why, she’s a candy-and-cakes woman that has a stand over there on a corner of the walks by one of the iron pillars. She’s a darling, even if she is old, and I ain’t the only oné who thinks so, either. There’s Jack Tarr, he loves the very ground she stands on; and he’d marry her in a minnit, too, but Betsy she won’t have him. You Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. direction they made good their escape, and there was nothing for the policeman to do. ‘:Too bad you couldn’t ’a’ got here a min- ute sooner, Terrence,” cried Battery Bob, making his appearance. “Ha! isit you, Bobby? Sure, Oi couldn't get here a minute sooner than Oi did.” ‘“‘That’s what I'm sayin’ is too bad, for we'd scooped ’em.” ‘* Who was they, Bobby?” ‘Give it up, Terrence. 1 was takin’ a walk with my best girl, right along here, when they pounced down upon us and I had to stand them off till my girl got away. They was a brace of bad ones, no mistake.” ‘‘ What are ye giving me, Bobby? Your best gurrel, was it? Then it was Ould Betsy Sokup, Oill be bound. But, tell me all about it, and no fooling out av ye. Oi know there was somethin’ up, for you are not the lad to be gettin’ up a scare unless the wolf is around.” Thereupon, Battery Bob related all that had taken place. CHAPTER II. BOB STRIKES A TRAIL, ‘«Tuis is the divil’s own case, Bobby,” | remarked the policeman, when he had heard see, Jack has got a wooden leg, and Betsy | all. draws the line at wooden legs. That's the reason they stand off.” Now the girl smiled in spite of herself, and moved away from the edge of the wall. ** How droll you are,” she remarked, dry- ing her eyes. ‘‘ But, who are these coming this way?” ; ** Give it up; let’s move along the walk.” They started, but the two men—such they were—followed them, approaching at a quick pace. Battery Bob and his companion turned and faced them, and in the same moment the men were at hand and one of them called out to his comrade: | ‘‘ There she is! that’s her!” ‘Then let's hurry with the job.” With that, they sprung forward together to the attack, when Battery Bob put a whis- tle to his lips and blew a sharp, shrill sig- nal, a At the same time the girl gave voice to a cry, and turning, ran with all her speed from the scene, in the direction of the streets, leaving Battery Bob to face the two men alone, One of the men started to pursue the girl, but Bob threw himself in his way on the walk and the man fell over him and sprawled full length, and as he fell a whis- tle was heard in the distance in response to the signal the boy had sounded and Bob knew help was coming. As the first man went down, the other made a dash after the fleeing young woman, but Bob was too quick for him, diving be- tween his legs from behind and bringing him to the ground on his back with a heavy jolt. : Both men were cursing roundly, but not in loud tones. The first having got upon his feet, now made a dart at the boy, but Bob was not to be easily taken. He ran off ‘with a light laugh, dodging around one of the Park benches and making a dive under another, and by the time the second fellow was on his feet the girl was lost to sight. ‘** Curse the luck!” one cried. ‘* Rather curse that infernal boy!” growled the other. ae ‘* Ha! now forit; here’s a copper! Chase the shadows, partner, and lively!” A policeman was seen running to the spot, and the two fellows took to their heels and were off. : The officer ordered them to stop, but they ” | ———— ee ee EE ‘*Nixey, M’Ginnis!” cried Battery Bob, with force of utterance; ‘‘it’s my case, Terry, and don’t you forget it!” ** And it is yerself that’s the divil’s own imp, Oi’ll be bound,” the officer rejoined. ‘*But, what do ye mean to do wid it, Bobby?” ‘“Work it up, of course.” ‘*Bah! go “long wid ye. You think be- cause you have helped the police two or Vree toimes, dhat you are a full-grown de- tective, don't ye?” ‘‘Oh, no, Terry, nothin’ of the kind; but aha kin bet your billy that lam goin’ to pow more about that young woman and them toughs that wanted to doher harm, IL see a nigger in de woodpile.” ‘Well, Oi wish ye luck, me b’y.” ** And you'll nd me, won't you, Terry?” ‘‘Dhat same Oi will, an ye scare up the game.” : “Nuff said, then, Are you goin’ to re- port the case?” *‘Sure Oi am.” ‘* No need for me to make special mention of it to the super, then, Tra-la, Terry.” ‘* And is it off ye are already, Bobby, b’y? Ye little imp, ye, Oi would like to know whin ye find toime to ate and slape, foritis — always on the Battery ye are,” “Plenty of room here to eat and sleep, Terry, and a cool sea breeze all night to keep off the skeeters, when any happen to— stray over from Jersey, You'll find Buttery — Bob on the Battery when he ain’t elsewhere, bet your buttons,” With a light laugh, a wave of the hand, and a cheery good-night, the lad was off and away. ; The officer looked after him for a moment, then sauntered leisurely in the opposite di- — rection, Mt ae his locust and whistling — ‘*The Girl I Left Behind Me.” ‘“‘T wonder if that gal he is whistlin’ about was his. last landlady, and how far behind — he left; her,” muttered Battery Bob, reap- pearing upon the same scene a few moments later. ‘‘ Terry is a good feller, but’ he ain’t in it this hand. He’s goin’ to make mention of the case at the station, and that gal I~ saved from makin’ a coroner’s subject of — herself don’t want her name known. Not that I am ever likely to find out, but ’ve— got an-idee and I didn’t want Terry around when J proceeded t> act on it, for if I found anything he'd mention that, too.” a5 aking sure that nobody was near, Bob returned to the spot where he had hindered the girl from jumping into the water. a ay ee |
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¢ 3 Pricre he got down and eagerly scanned the P ground, ‘Was ’most sure 1 heard somethin’ drop when she was tryin to tear herself awuy ivom me,” he muttered. ‘‘Too bad them two toughs had to put in their appear, for if they hadn’t I bet l’d’a’ found out who she was and all about her. On the other hand it was lucky for her I was here to stand them off while she got away. But, has she only gone and chucked herself into the water'after ali? Guess not, for I seemed to touch a soft spot when I talked about her mammy, an’ I think she changed her mind ’bout feedin’ herself to the fishes. Mighty funny case, all around, fer she was the party the toughs were look- in’ for, ’cordin’ to what they said. She was in a peck of trouble, no gittin’ round that, an’ jest as desperate as a catin a crate of lobsters. Hello! what’s this?” He had found something Picking it up, whatever it was, he leaped to his feet at the same time he uttered the ex- cclamation. ‘‘ What the mischief kin it be?” he asked himself, as he hastened off in the direction of an electric light with his find. ‘It ain't a pocketbook, nor yet a match-box, though it does “pear somethin’ like the last. Some- thin'sinit, anyhow,” giving it a shake by his ear. ‘‘ I'll finda way to get into it, bet my hat. If I can’t, Betsy Sokup, can in the mornin’, It’s purty, tickle me if it isn’t!” The object in question was a pretty card- case inlaid with pearl and turquoise, and Bat- tery Bob, having reached the light, looked upon it admiringly. A line near the top indicated where it was to be opened, and trying it, the hinged lid was casily lifted and some yisiting cards were disclosed. Battery Bob gave an ejacu- lation of delight. It was but the work of a moment to get one of the cards out for inspection. The card was a dainty affair, neatly en- graved. Ea It bore the name— EDITH ALLEN. ‘‘That’s a purty name, as Ill take my af- fydavvy to,” cried Bob, under his breath. «‘ But where does she live? That is to say, if she is still in the land of the living. But, I guess she is. Let’s see, mebbe some of the rest of these tiny shiners will tell the tale.” Battery Bob took them all out of the case, and examined them one by ore, and present- ly found one with a penciled address under the name— No. —— West —— 8t. “Ha! now the veer to flow!” the boy cried joyfully. ‘‘ Reckon I have got busi- ness up in that vicinity o’ neighborhood purty briefly. Nothin’ more to be diskivered here, i guess.” None of the other cards revealed anything, and putting them all back into the case, and the case into his pocket, Bob tightened his hat on his head and struck out at a quick walk for the station of the Elevated Railroad and was soon rolling away in the direction of up-town. Alighting at the station nearest the address on the card, he lost no time’in making his way to the number designated. erung tbe bell. : , Late as it now was, there was a light in - the hall and also inthe front room of the én Battery Bob, the Dock Detecti AS a house, which was a building of no mean style. a The door was promptly opened. * Joes Edith Allen live here?” Bob asked | hurriedly. | ; ** Yes,” the brief answer. ‘Do ey bring -wora from her, sonny?” was added. “| want to see her mammy,” said Bob, ‘‘ Step in, then,” Bob complied, and the servant, closing the door, bade him wait right there a moment. ‘ She was about to go down the hall, when a door opened and a woman’s voice in- quired: ‘Ts it Edith, Martha?” ‘No, ma’m, but a boy asking fur you.” The woman came out immediately, urgent- ly demanding: * What is it, my boy? Speak out quickly, Ibeg. What brings you here?” ‘Don’t crowd me, ma’m,”’ said Bob, in re- sponse. ‘‘ Want tosee my way clear before I slash in,” The woman looked at him wonderingly. She was a fine-looking lady, past mid- dle age, with silvery hair and a sad expres- sion. ‘*Your daughter is out, I take it,” Bob added. “Yes, yes; what do you know about her? If anything has happened, pray tell me quickly.” ** Don’t know nothin’, ma’m, not a thing. That's what I kem here for. No objection to tellin’ me where she has gone to, I s’pose?” ‘* Why, no; she went out toa play, with a gentleman, and I have been expecting her in every moment for the past hour, Even if they took supper, they should have been here ere this.’’ ““ Who was the gentleman?” asked Bob. “John Barr.” ‘And who is John Barr?” : ‘‘Why, boy, your questions are almost impertinent. Idonotknow you. You have all the manner of a cross-examining lawyer. If you bring me any information, let me bear what it is instantly.” ‘‘Keep cool, ma’m; don’t get excited about nothin’,” quietly rejoined the boy. ‘*Tain’t no Jawyer, and as fer bein’ cross, I ain’t the least bit so. The fact of the business is, I wanted to see your daughter, but if she ain’t at hum I'll have to call again.” **- You wanted to see my daughter—you?” ‘*The same, ma’m.” , ‘‘And for goodness’ sake, what did you want to—” But, at that moment a step was heard, a key was thrust into the latch, and the front door swung open, Into the hallway stepped the girl whom Battery Bob had rescued on the Battery, and at sight of Bob she stopped short, her face turning to ashy paleness. For a moment all stood silent and motion- less, as if they were practicing for tableaux, but Battery Bob quickly broke the illusion in order to give the young lady a cue to the situation. CHAPTER III. THE PLOT BEGINS TO THICKEN, “‘T TAKE it this is your darter, ma’m,” the boy from the Battery broke out, ‘‘ Had jest been askin’ yer mammy ’bovt you,” turning immediately to the young lady before any one else could speak. ‘*I found this here thing,” showing the card case, ‘‘and fixdin’ your name and ’¢ress in it I fetched it around thinkin’ mebby it would be wu'th a quarter more or less, the which same would nicely pay fora night’s lodgin’ and give me a break- fast besides. But, it don’t matter; if ye haven’t got it handy I'll leave my name an’ *dress an’ you kin send it around to my office to-mor-row,”’ Bob rattled this off as rapidly as he could speak, almost, at the same time moving to- ward the door. The servant had to laugh outright, more at his manner than at the words he uttered, and even the sad-faced mother smiled, - “Tt is certainly worth that much to me to recover my card-case, young gentleman,” said the young woman graciously, accepting the ee article. ‘* I was not yet aware I had lost it, I suppose you picked it up in ve. front of the theater—but, no matter. Here is the reward you ask. And you say you have an office?” ‘Well, call it a headquarters, then,” Bob modified, laughing, and he took the quarter offered. ‘*A headquarters? Where is it?” “Battery Park, in care of Betsy Sokup, the candy-and-cakes woman.” “Well, accept my thanks, anyhow,” laughing. ‘‘If I ever visit Battery Park I will certainly ask for you.” ‘*Be glad to see you,” rejoined Bob; and having turned the knob he opened the door and passed out, saying a cheery good-night, and would have closed the door after him but the young woman held it, ““You have not told me your name,” she reminded, looking out. ‘* Ha! that’s so; thought everybody know- ed me; forgot I was so far away from my own stampin’ ground. My name is Bob Dickery, called Battery Bob fer short, an’ sometimes Dickery Bob, because I’m allus around the docks, Oh, you can’t help find- in’ meif you find Battery Park.” While Bob was speaking the young wo- man stepped outside the door, ‘‘Have you told anything?” she whisper- ed. ‘* Not a word,” Bob answered. ‘Well, listen: I have lost a valuable paper, and you must find it forme if you can. You will know where to look; follow the way I ran, too,” She explained the course she had taken throughout. ‘“‘T’ll find it if it’s:to be found,” declared Bob. ‘Shall I fetch it bere if I do find it?” ‘‘Not by any means, I will go down to ‘the Battery and see you to-morrow, and if you find it you may give it tome then, Say no more now.” ‘*Changed your mind, then?” «“‘Yea;* With that the young lady gave a light laugh, as if she had been joking with the boy, and drawing back into the house, closed the door, while Bob went off whistling Ter- rence McDougal’s tune, ‘This case beats everythin ae Bets Sokup’s cakes,” he presently declared. ‘‘Never seen anybody git over the suercide blues as quick as that gal did. Guess she must ’a’ made a mistake when she thought that was the right remedy fer her comphint, whatever her ailymint kin be. Lost a paper, has she? Well, I guess I'll have to scout around and see if I can find the dockyment, Hello! Battery Robert, you are out of lattytude here, and the quicker you git back again to your own retreat, the better, You need a sea breeze to keep your buoy a-bob- bin’.” This break was caused by the fact that he had passed the stairs of the Elevated Ruil- road while thinking, and had to turn back — again, In due season he was once more at the Battery Park, The hour was now late indeed, but this was nothing to the young dock-rat detec- tive—as the police had come to call him. Have we fully introduced him? A sturdy boy of fourteen years, with black hair and flashing eyes of the same color, He had grown up along the docks in the vicinity of the Battery. i He himself has given us his rightful name. ’ When he neared the place where the reader first saw him, to begin his hunt for the lost paper, he was suddenly confronted by his friend the policeman, ; ‘‘What, Bobby, is it back again ye are?” cried McDougal. ‘‘And is it back again you are, too, Ter: — ry?” responded Bob.. ‘* Thought you had hdled away for a snooze before this time.” ‘Get out, ye bia’gard, ye! Ye know very well that it is Terrence McDou our that never sl’apes a wink whin he isonduty, By the
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same token, how is it that you ore still out av your rat-hole?” ““T have beén playing detective, as you know.” ‘* Been playing the divil somewhere would be more loike it, Oi guess. Oi will have to be telling Betsy Sokup to have an eye out fur ye, me b'y.’ ** Don’t trouble yourself, Terry.” “Or tell Jack Tarr to take ye in hand.” ‘‘He has got more in hand now than he kin manage, old feller. Say, Terry, 1 am oin’ to make a match between him an’ etsy Sokup, see if I don’t.” ‘*Ha, ha! Dhat same can’t be done, Bobby. The wooden leg is in the way, you know, and it is not yourself that can be afther giv- ing Jack a leg of any other sort, Oi venture ' to . “Well, you just wait and see, that’s all.” “Oi guess it will be a long wuit.” ‘* Not as long as you might think. "I have got anidee, There is somethin’ in my head besides mush, Terry.” “Oi am glad to hear it, on me word. Oi would never have suspicted it, Bobby. It is not overabundancy of brain that ye are af- flicted with, Oi’ll be bound.” ‘** Don’t you be too hasty about namin’ my ailymint by your symptoms, Terry, for you might make a mistake, don’t vou see. Well, good night to you: try to keep awake till the roundsman comes.” **Get out with ye!” The officer made a feint as if to chase the aie und the latter ran laughing away. hese little tilts were quite common be- tween Battery Bob and his policeman friend, and McDougal rather enjoyed them. He now strolled on his way, whistling his fa- vorite tune, ‘*T wish he’d go back and get that girl, or else give us something else,” muttered the boy. ‘‘It has got to be rather tiresome, now, and it is.away out of date. Think I'll have to write him a letter and tell him the girl he left behind has died of old age, and see if that won’t wean him off. Now, soon as he gets far enough away Ill begin my hunt.” Bob was walking quietly back in the di- rection of the place where he had had the struggle with the girl, and whére he had found the card-case. It was light enough for him to discern a paper, so he did not have to get down upon his knees this time. Reaching the starting point, he looked carefully around. No paper was to be seen, That being so, he moved in the direction of where the struggle with the two toughs bad taken place, and thence on in the course the girl had taken when she ran away, All the time he kept a careful lookout in evory direction for a glimpse of anything white that might appear. He found it not, however, and finally he came to the street, _ “ Well, that settles it,” he said to himself. **Don’t believe I'll find it, but I’ll go on the rest of the way to where she took the car, anyhow, and then if it aint to be diskivered it won’t be any fault o’ mine, This has been a night of hustle, I be chewed if it ain’t, an’ I'll be— Hello! there’s somethin’ looks like paper!” He was crossing the street, when some- thing in the gutter caught his eye. ‘ 4 Running to it, he picked it up. Sure enough, it was a paper, and it was folded and clean, proof that it had been lost rather than thrown away, and the boy ran with it to the nearest light. ‘ Battery Bob could read and write, thanks to his own efforts and Betsy Sokup’s assist- ance, and so needed no help in making out what the paper might be provided only that ic was in English. _ Reaching the light, he opened the paper _ immediately, and the very first words it con: tained caused him to whistle. ee ee oa Battery Bob, the Dook Detective The words were these: CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE. ‘*The plot begins to thicken,” the boy muttered. ‘I'll bet my Edith Allen is a Mrs. Somehody-or-other, and her mammy don’t know anything about it— Sure enough, here it is, and married this very date, too—rather yesterday, now, for we have passed over into to-morrow, by the clock, Yes, here itis, plain as day: ‘Edith Alien made the lawful wife of John Barr, this so-an’-so day in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-four. Barr, old boy, you are at the bottom of that girl's trouble, but I’m onto you as big as a fire-horse, you bet!” CHAPTER IY. BOB IS RIGHT IN IT. ‘¢ Yus, and we are onto you.” These words were hissed into the boy’s ear, At the same instant rough hands made him a prisoner, and his struggles were useless, Struggle he did, nevertheless, as long as he could, but that was not many seconds, for he was in the grasp of two powerful men, _ Battery Bob had quickly thrust the mar- riage-certificate out of sight, and had made the effort to place his police whistle to his lips, but was prevented from doing the lat- ter. ‘* No ye don’t!” hissed one of his captors. ‘* We'll see that ye don’t do nothin’ like that, sonny.” He clapped his hand over the boy’s mouth as he spoke, and next proceeded to gag him effectually with a handkerchief, which was quickly accomplished. “There, you young rat!” cried the other, ina whisper. ‘‘I guess we'll see to it that ou don’t do any further mischief. You cauke too blasted much to be let off, I can tell ye,” ‘* You are right he does,” the other agreed. This worthy had searched for and found the paper, which he transferred to his own pocket. ; ‘* What’s to be done with him?’ ‘* We'll pitch him into the river.” ‘* Let’s be about it, then,” ‘‘ Come along.” Together they seized their victim anew, and bore him quickly out of the circle of the electric light. It was. now so late that the Park was almost entirely deserted, and there was every cliance that they would be able to carry out their heinous scheme unseen. Not many paces had they taken, though, when they caught sight of a man moving toward them, not far away, and they sprung aside and dropped to the ground in a spot where the shadows were deepest and black- est. Battery Bob felt a knife at his throat. ““If you so much as move a finger,” was the warning given, ‘‘Ill slit your neck for you!” Bob was in no condition to answer, though he undoubtedly would have done so had it ; not been for the gag that had been applied to him, spite of the threat that had been made, The man came on, and as he drew nearer it could be made out that he was a police- ‘man, Battery Bob knew who he was, if the others did not. R Bob was in no situation to draw his atten- tion, however, for, besides the awful threat shat had been made, the men were holding him so that he could not move, and he was helpless, he officer moved on, not quite near enough to observe the men crouching in ahs sliadows, and Bob shared the fate of the girl he was whistling! about. SSeS “‘Danged if I didn’t think we wur if it,” growled one of the men, when the office had gone. ‘*Me too,” chimed in the other, relaxing his hold on Bob. a Fg anybody else in sight?” oe Cs Sacks ‘‘Then let’s do this job and get out of here.” Both had greatly loosened their grip upon the boy, and now, with a sudden move, Bob was on his feet. He essayed to run, but the men were too quick for him and pounced upon him like a pair of cats upon a helpless mouse, and he was again taken prisoner. ‘“No ye don’t!” cried one. ** And if you try it again you'll git a taste of steel,” the other. They now hurried him in the direction of the river, taking the darkest route they could pick out. No further obstacle came in their way, and it certainly looked asif Battery Bob must meet the Pate they had laid out for him. They came to the sea wall, and there they lifted the boy clear from the ground, one: taking him by the arms and the other by his. feet, and so they swung him. Two or three times thus, and one of the fellows whispered—‘‘ Gol” And Battery Bob went. With a tremendous swing, they sent him flying outward over the waves, and he drop- ped into the rolling water with a loud splash. Immediately the two fellows ran back again into the shadows, and nothing further was seen of them inthe Battery Park that night. Like shadows they had come, like shadows gone. For some moments nothing was seen of Battery Bob. In fact, he was not seen at all, but he might. have been had there been any one at hand to observe. . Presently his head appeared above the waves, and he shook it much as a water-do would have done, after which he treade water while he proceeded to untie the gag and free his mouth. He was at home in the water. “Well, them’s the softest guys 1 have rur up against in a long time,” he said to him- self, without the least show of excitement. ‘‘And there is one clue I have picked up ’bout ’em, too. They ar’ strangers in New York, or they would know they couldn’t drown a dock-rat without a stone to his neck, They would have tied my hands, I uess, if they’d knowed I kin swim to Staten sland an’ back again. And they got that dockyment, hang ’em! That was what they was after the first time, no doubt, an’ the have been playin’ the detective on me, an’ was such a gilly that [ didn’t tumble to their game. But, then, never s’pected it,” He ceased treading water now, and swam easily and leisurely back again to the wall, and presently found a place where he could climb out. 5 The night was a warm one, otherwise he might have shivered worse than he did, He Gid not tarry long there, however. Making his way in the direction of the dock under which he had his bunk, he bad almost reached his destination when he came face to face with Terrence’ McDougal once again, ‘May the divil fly away with ye, Bobby,” the officer cried. ‘‘Is it still out and a-prowling around ye are? It is a foine notion to run ye in Oi have.” ‘Don’t go to that trouble, Terry,” re- sponded Bob, cheerfully. ‘‘I am running in myself, as you can see.” ‘* And bless me if it isn’t all wet ye are!” © That’s what’s the matter, Terry.. Don’t touch me, or you will get spots on your fine indigo.” — “But, what the old mischief have yebeen = up to, anyhow?”
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**T’ve been clear over my head, Terry.” ** Oi should say ye had.” ‘Tl tell you how it was, Terry. You #ee, | needed a bath, and my clothes needed ‘washin’, and to make one job of the whole matter I jumped in and did it that way.” **Begob! but it is the boss liar ye are, fur a chip av yer size and weight,” cried the officer, ‘Don’t ye believe me, Terry?” ‘* Oi don’t.” ‘Well, didn’t hardly suppose ye would, anyhow. I'lltryitagain. The fact of the , business is two toughs got hold of me and chucked me in, which they wouldn’t done if you had been wide awake.” “Now it is lying again ye are, Bobby.” “‘There, what is the use of trying to be a George Washington, anyhow? Can’t you Ae the difference between the truth anda e?” *‘Not when it comes from you, Oi'll be bound,” ‘Then it’s no use my telling you anything else. If you can’t pick the truth out of two stories, what would you do with three? ‘There’s one thing sure enough about it, any. how.” ‘* That you are wet,” “Yeu” ‘‘And do ye mean, fur honest, that ye ‘was t’rowed in?” “That was the situation, Terry, true as news in the Sun. When you see it in the Sun, it’s so.” “* And who was it t’rowed ye in?” ‘The same toughs I told you about “awhile ago:” “‘Then, begob, it was revenge they were after taking out av ye.” ‘That was about the size of it, Terry, I guess. If you seethem, pull them in,” ‘**Oi will that same, Bobby, and don’t you forget it. This has been a night av ex- citement on the Battery, and Terrence Mc- Dougal has not been in it worth a cint, But, my turn is coming, Bobby, b’y.” Presently they parted, and Terrence went on bis way. — \7 CHAPTER VY. JACK TARR HEARS SOMETHING, On the following morning Battery Park awoke bright, green and sunny. And so cheerful and pleasant did it look, ‘that one could hardly believe the night had witnessed such events, Gradually the city awoke to another day of bustle and commotion, and in due time Battery Purk had its share of what was go- ing on, though here was less activity than at: some other points. Battery Bob was around, with his face wright and his clothes dry, and was on hand at one of the docks to try to earn his break- fast by carrying the baggage of some in- coming passenger, or by piloting such a ‘ one to the place he desired to find, if a stran- ay ger, ee, Bob’s income was chiefly derived from this source. On this particular morning he did not ap- 5 ta to be very fortunate; but, leaving him or a time, let us form a new acquaintance. The vy, alee was well advanced when an old man, wearing a semi-sailor garb and Sporting a wooden leg, came walking stiffly __ down one of the paths to the Park in the di- _ rection of the séa wall. Finally he reached a bench that faced the water, and there sat down. - Taking from his pocket a telescope of ‘medium size, he’ carefully wiped the lenses _ and as carefully adjusted it. Having done these two things to his evi- dent satisfaction, he applied the telescope _tohis eye and took a searching survey of the harbor and bay, as if m quest of some ‘particular craft. . a Not a vessel escaped his observation, and \ ; ' ae ohigt ‘ee! j va 5 : ry ¥ oi J oh keg at Neate hey while he looked he kept muttering to him- self various exclamations, such as—‘ Ah! "Um! Ha! Ho-ho! Sure enough!’ and the like, And his survey was not a brief one, but one which he kept up, evidently having pleasure in it. Many of the benches were occupied, and by the time this old man had been there half an hour most of them were full. His own was the only exception. Presently three men came along and dropped down upon this bench, as far from the old sailor as the length of the seat would allow. One of the trio wore a slouch hat, and was a man to draw attention in an Eastern city, having long hair that rested upon his shoulders and gave him the smack of the far West. - He was not bad-looking, had a pair of keen, black eyes, and was well dressed. He wore a chin whisker and mustache, something after the style of a Southerner, and an expert in types would have set him down for a sport, perchance gambler, of the Mississippi. The other two were ordinary fellows, but who did not appear to be residents in the metropolis, They, too, had the savor of the West, but not in so striking a degree as the first mentioned. . They fell immediately into conversation, At first the old atl did not pay any attention to what they were saying, but finally his eye wandered from the telescope and seemed to be rolling in quest of nothing, and his ear to cock up in the attitude of lis- tening to what was passing. ** And you say you dumped him?” asked he of the long hair. “So we did,” answered one of the others, ‘*He’s food for the sharks long before this time, you bet!” ‘*Served him right, too, but take care how you talk, for that old cock there ma have sharp ears. Wait a minute, and 1’ll see whether he is keen on the hear or not, “‘ITsay, Uncle?” . The old salt had heard every word, for his ears were unusually good. He made never a move to answer, but wiped his glass preparatory to another sur- vey of the harbor. ‘I say, Uncle?” this time in quite a loud ke . J ! The old sailor turned his head and looked at the speaker inquiringly, and after a mo- mentary pause, asked: ** Did you speak to me?” . He put his hand behind his ear, very much as a deaf man would. ‘Yes, I spoke to you. We were won- dering which way the tideis moving. Can you settle the question?” ee ‘The tide?” ** Yes,” “Well, it is nigh about flood, now, I take it, sir,” was the information given. “Thank you, sir,” ‘You are jest as welcome as kin be, sir.” The old salt finished wiping his glass and applied it to his eye again. “As deaf as a badger,” sneered the Westerner, in a tone of disgust, and in a slightly louder tone than he had used before. ‘Yes, nothin’ to fear from him, that’s sure. But, ’bout the paper; was it the one you wanted?” “Yes, that was the one, Joe.” *«Then we have done our work.” “You have, and well.” _ «Then our pay is due.” “You shall have it. But, first, there is another matter I want to talk'to you about.” ‘*You won't never have a better chance, pardner, Talk right out, an’ if it is any- thing in the way of business, you kin ’pend on us, every time.” | “Well, it is something in the way of busi- ness, and there is money in it, too, Dan, But, here, you may as well be paid for what | riety ~~ catia: enemas 21 ee A RT een a nm Senne RT Re + "3 : bps agi ate “ + - ad = ‘ J 4 ‘ P) fe TEP Apa ea ot AT AN eee PCM fel ED >) er esr gL an eer wide. oA J Nadotieg S Mon nt fags Ct ——— _ Sag + et ee) se mre Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. 3 5 you have done already, Isuppose. Ideal on the square,” He of the long hair drew out a wad of bills and counted out a sum fer each of the men. They received it with all eagerness, and were then more than eager for his further scheme, ** Now T’ll tell you what it is,” continued the Westerner, putting away his money, managing to display the butt of a revolver in doing so. ‘‘Thereis a certain man in this town who must be removed, some way or other ” ‘“You have only got to say who and how, Gibson,” . ‘* Hist! take care how you mention my name. Iam not going to say how it is to be done. Jf you could ship him for Australia, that would do pretty well.” ‘*He would come back,” ‘‘He must be sent in such a manner that there will be no come back.” ‘*That’s more to the p’int. Now we know jest what you mean. You have only to name the man and the figger,” “The figure will be a hundred each for you, and the name of the man is John Barr. Can you remember that name? “At present he is a prisoner, and will reinain such till we deliver him to you.” ‘*Who is We?” . ‘*No matter, so long as you get your money.” “Well, that’s so, But, you know we =e quite to home here in this big city, pard,” “What has that to do with it?” | ‘Tt will bea ticklish job, for we may fetch ys up against a police snag.” “‘That is your lookout.” “Then, we don’t know the man,” ‘**'You have seen him,” } ae When 9’? ’ ¢ ‘Last night, He was with the girl.” ‘*Oh! that feller? Well, we kin take keer of him, I ruther opine.” | ‘* Then I shall look no further, Take this card, and be at this address at one o’clock in the morning.” ‘** Number —, ——— street,’” the fellow read aloud, ‘Yes; but, don’t lose the card, for your memory may ed you false. You wil. not fail to be on hand?” ; ‘i ‘“‘Nary a fail, pardner. When Joe Fink an’ Dan Huston says they'll be at a place, by Larry they’re goin’ to be thar or bu’st their biler a-tryin’!” ‘That is all for the present. to keep straight to-day, or you will be of no use for the undertaking. If you turn up with a jag on, you will not get the job, that’s all.” ; **Don’t you worry about that, pardner,” ‘And take care that the ice don't get onto you for your last night’s bit of usiness.”’ “We dodged the police all right, you ‘| bet. If one had mounted us, he would have got the same dose, you kin bet.” ‘Well, so-long. he is going to buy the harbor, the way he is in- specting it. Tla! ha!” And with a jerk of his thurf> toward | the old salt, the villainous Westerner went away, The others took their departure a few min- utes later. CHAPTER VI. BATTERY BOB POSTED, : ‘“‘CARRY away my jib-top#1,” muttered tha old sailor, as he closed up his telescope with a snap, ‘‘if thare ain’t a nigger stow- away aboard this craft som’rs; I kin swear. to it, Wonder who the lubber was they cast overboard? I kalkylate this here is a ‘ease fer Bobby.” Ya ited He braced his wooden leg and got up, — «. ay ‘4 BS 2, 4 / PORE FA od: a i tiie Keaviye A * \ L Baits mit % You want . guess our uncle here
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— SSS Battery with an effort, and that accomplished, wen" stepping and stumping away. ‘*T must find that boy,” he said to himself, further. ‘‘ Heisas keen as anybody I know fer sech work, and Ill bet he will find out what is at the bottom of all this. The way he has helped the police already makes me believe he is goin’ to be the makin’ of a great detective, some of these days, and if I kin help him along I'll do it, true’s my name is Jack Parr.” From one waik the old man_ turned into another, and finally he approached a stand near one of the pillars of the Elevated Road, behind which sat an elderly woman of con- siderable avoirdupois. - **Good-morning, Betsy Sokup!” he greeted her, with a semi-salute. ‘*Good-morning, to you, Jack Tarr!” was the response. ‘‘I hope you are well to- day.” ‘‘Tam quite well, I thank you,” the re- joinder. ‘‘I hope it is the same with you. .Have you seen Bobby this morning?” ‘There, now, Jack Tarr, you take the words right out of my mouth, I was just going toask youif you had seen him. I wonder where he has gone off to now?” “That is hard to say, Betsy Sokup. He is a lively boy, is Bobby, and you can’t bet on his bein’ in one place more’n one minute at one time, I vow. But, I want to see him bad, just now.” ** And what for?” ‘*To put detective work in his hands,” ** Poo-foo!” disdainfully. ‘‘ Are youcrazy, Jack Tarr?” “‘T should hope not, Betsy Sokup, You won’t deny that Bobby is smart?” ‘* No, tlat’s so; but I’m afraid he isn’t half as smart as he thinks he is, betwixt you an’ me an’ the post.” ‘*Don’t you go for to run him down to me, Betsy Sokup, for I won't listen to it if you do, not one word. 1’d sooner trust Bobby na policeman, any day.” ‘* But, he is only a boy.” ‘With the makin’ of a big man in him.” *«If he don’t get killed runnin’ his nose in- to danger.” . ‘*Oh—ho! that is where it is, I guess; you are afeerd for him, Betsy.” ‘Well, I won’t deny; an’ you had orter be ashamed, to come here to run him into more,” , ** He'll be in it anyhow, Betsy Sokup, so what's the difference? But, layin’ that aside for ne have you changed your mind “Not a bit, Jack Tarr. I tell you plain as I’ve said afore—I don’t object to you, but to marry a wooden leg I never have an’ I never will if you are the last man on earth.” The old salt heaved a sigh that sent his head to nodding. ‘‘Now, then, what’s the! matter here?” chimed in a cheery young voice at tbat mo- ment, and Battery Bob bobbed into view. ‘«T know by your puckered lips, Betsy, and by your sad face an’ noddin’ head, Jack, that pot have been bringing up the old question . again.’ ort wasn’t meas done it,” declared the . candy-and-cakes woman, earnestly. ‘No, but it is you that keeps holdin’ off, though,” reminded the old sailor. ‘‘ You know that I arn willin’ enough, Betsy.” ‘« Yes, I know you are, Jack; you are only too willin’; but, there is your wooden leg, and marry a wooden leg I never will as long as the world stands, so that is all there is—” ‘* Here, now, cut it short, you two!” or- dered Battery Bob. ‘‘I’m goin’ to take this thing in hand myself.” ** You?” You?” From each otf them, “Yes, me. You only keep on higglin’ about it, and you won’t never come any near- -. ertoa bargain. Now. don’t you mention it Bob, the Dock Detective.. again, neither of. you, till I give you leave, an’ you see if I can’t make a match of it.” ** Not with a wood—” “Cork right up, now, Betsy, and not an- other word out of you about-a wooden leg. I am down on my luck this mornin’, and have- n’t had a thing to eat so far. If you would lend meacake or two till the bank opens you will do mea favor that won't soon be forgot—” ‘Land of goodness, hold your tongue! Here, take ’em, and eat your fill. Lallus tell you you are welcome,” ' ‘Yes, I know; but you know I’d never think of takin’ a single one without askin’ first. You are the best woman on earth, Betsy Sokup, and Jack Tarr knows it.” ‘‘As trim acraft as I ever set eyes on,” the old salt heartily coincided at once. ‘‘ Jest about old enough to be stanch and firm in every j’int an’ timber, an’ as steady as the stars.” The old sailor did not know how to pay any higher compiiment. ‘Go along, the both of ye!” the candy- and-cakes woman cried, actually blushing. ‘‘T don’t want to hear another word out of ‘* Yes, we'll go, Betsy,” said Jack Tarr. ‘Come along, Bobby, fer I want to see you very p’tic’lar. I have got a case of villain as black as a pirate flag fer you to elt ‘Hello! if that’s the case, Jack, I am with you to the boots. Come along, and we'll have a chatter over it. But, 1 have got my hands and hair about. as full of de- tective business now as they kin hold, No matter, a p’int or two more won't kill, I guess.” Bidding good-by to the candy-and-cakes woman, they walked off together and found a seat. e a ow, Jack, what is it?” asked Battery ob. ‘First, what is far more important to me, lad, do you mean what you said?” ‘“* What I said?” ‘***Bout me an’ Betsy.” “Oh! Why, yes, sure; you just leave it to me, Jack, and see if I don’t fetch it out all right for you. Now, what is the case you have got for me to work out?” ‘‘ Villainy, lad, villainy as deep as the roll- in’ sea.” . ‘‘That’s the stuff; that’s what I was born for, I guess, to pitch into villainy of every sort, kind, an’ condition.” ‘‘T know it, lad, an’ there is the makin’ of a great man in you, I am sure, if you sail by chart an’ compass all your young days. There’s a murder goin’ to be done this night.” “ Whew!” ‘ “‘-Yes, lad, a cold, horrible murder.” “Well, mebby there won’t, if you can give me some p’ints to work on.” ** And I likely can do that, lad.” “You say it is to come off this night, ’cordin’ to programme?” ‘*This very night.” “What time, Jack?” ‘** When the clock p’ints about nor’east by nor’, lad.” ** What time’s that?” ‘‘'Two bells, second watch, Bobby.” ‘“‘ Well, if that ain’t one way to tell time!” “That is to say, about one o’clock, lad.” “Then why didn’t you say one o'clock an’ be done with it?” ‘Force o’ Habit, Bobby. A old salt like me can’t be expected to gabble landlubber lingo like men as never sniffed the briny spray.” ‘No, I s’pose not; but, s’pose you try keepin’ on one tack, now, fer a brief while an let me into this great mystery that is startin’ the sweat on your wooden leg an’ makin’ your burden heavy.” ‘‘Bobby, Bobby! Was there ever such a boy?” “T don’t know, Jack, not havin’ lived only this once: but, what is this case? I’m dyin’ to know all about it.” ‘“Then I’ll make haste to tell ye, lad.” And this the old salt proceeded to do, in the most roundabout manner that can be imagined. It would weary the reader to quote him, Suddenly Battery Bob leaped to his feet, ‘You say they chucked somebody in the water last night?” he cried. ‘“That was what I said, lad. They took & paper from him, an’ then into the river he went.” ‘** Jack Tarr, that somebody was me, yours truly, Battery Bob, Bob Dickery, Dieker Dock, or whatever you please; me, indyvid- ually, an’ nobody else!” ‘You don’t mean it, lad!” ‘Bet your wooden stumper I do, though, Jack! Oh! kawhoop! but you have got jest what I’m after, Jack, the clue to all this p’izen villainy, and if I don’t marry you to Betsy Sokup it will be funny!” CHAPTER VII. BOB PLANTS THE SEED OF A SCHEME. _ - Barrery Bos had leaped to his feet, and was executing a dance on the broad walk. The face of the old sailor had become more serious immediately, if possible, at the mention of the possibility of his union witb the woman of his desire. ‘Bobby, set ye down here,” he chided, ‘and don’t be makin’ a monkey of yourself. You are makin’ tert seg look this way, and if there is one thin hate more’n an- other it is to be made a object of.” “You'll have to ‘scuse me this time, Jack,” the boy declared. ‘‘I am _ almost: overcome with delerious delight at the pros: peck of bringin’ these rantankerous rascals: up with a round turn in the sweet by and by. Bet your wooden prop there will be a. time in the near henceward!” “Yes, yes, I hope so, too; but, do you think it will ever be possible, Bobby, iad?” ‘« Possible? Bless your old soul, Jack, it. is as good as done already! If I don’t run them into a trap and capture the whole b’ilin’ of ’em, you can put me up at auction fer a smoked herrin’ an’—” ‘‘No, no, no; I am talkin’ about Betsy Sokup. Doyou—” ‘‘Oh! I see. Why, yes, that’s possible, Jack. 1’m goin’ to make it work, you bet. I'll have you prancin’ around in matrimonial barness before you know it. All1 ask of ou is to stand off from Betsy awhile and ave little to say to her; bea little coldish as. it were, and—” ‘*T couldn’t do that, Bobby, really—” ‘You have got to, that’s all. That's a. part of my plan. See? You do asI say, and J’ll fetch you outallright. But, that must be put on the shelf for the present, for I have more weighty business on band jest: now than match-makin’, you bet! Goahead, now, and tell me that whole business over again, only cut out the ands and so forths,” “Well, I moe you will, Bobby, I hope ou will, and I’ll do as you say, if I must. t’s see, where did I leave off?” _ ‘‘Where they took a paper from me an’ fired me into the river. But, I want it al? over again, right from thestart. Seef This. is the trail I am on, and I don’t want to lose a single pint.” So the old salt went over the story again, but this time more briefly and to the point, and in due time Battery Bob was in posses- sion of all the facts in the case so far as the old man knew them, And, adding this to what he knew before, Bob began to see day-. light. ; , . et was a daylight with a good deal of mist. and fog, however, as yet. ** Jack, I’ll be there, you can bet your tel- escope!” the boy cried, when the old sailor had done. ‘‘I’]l be there, or lose a button | tryin’, and if there ain’t a dose o’ physic im —
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-- you never will jand as you are determined to / : wneir little game it will be ’cause I can’t put it there. See? Tll be the dose, too, and don’t you forget it. 1 have got it in for them fellers, big as a fire-hoss.” *“They deserve jt, Bobby, they deserve it.” ‘*And they'll get it, yes, they'll get it, where the chicken got the ax,” the young dock-rat sung, merrily, as he moved away. Bob returned to the stand of the cakes- and-candy woman, to find her in something akin to a towering rage. ‘‘Why, what’s the matter, Betsy?” he asked. “Matter enough, matter enough,” was the snapped response. ‘‘I’m bein’ robbed, that’s what’s the matter.” “* Robbed?” ‘Yes, robbed! andrthat right before my very facean’ eyes, too. Do ye see this bro- ken cookie, Bobby? Do you see it? What kin I do; with half a oookie, I would ask ye?” ** Give it to me, Betsy.” “« Well, take it, an’ welcome; but that don’t mend the fact that I’m bein’ robbed, al I have stood it as long as I’m a-goin’ to, 00.” ‘*Who is the robber, Betsy? Ill try my detective talent—” ‘‘'You are a goose, that’s what you are, a good-for-nothing, silly goose! ho would the robber be, but the policemen, hang ’em— that there Terrence McDougal in p’tic’lar.” ‘What? Terry around this mornin’?” ** Yes; he ison split-trick to-day. And this makes pe seventy nine cents the police owes me, and never a penny of it will I receive, and Terrence McDougal is the worst of the lot. Every time he comes along he must take a cake or a candy, ora piece of one, and what kinI do?” ** You need a protector, Betsy, that’s what’s the matter. Nowif you only had Jack Tarr for your husband—” ‘*Don’t you mention no Jack Tarr to me just now, I warn ye, ferIam in no mood to ear it. And with a wooden leg—never, no, never! 1’llgo unprotected all my days first!” ‘But, Betsy, that wooden leg would come into play. Jack could remove it in a jiffy and lambaste a copper over the head in a way that would make him wish he belonged to the street-sweepin’ brigade, and they would- n’t long monkey with your cakes and candy, Tl bet,” * You are a worse goose than I took you to be, Bobby, really. You are almost as bad as Jack Tarr himself,” ‘*He’s no goose, you bet, Betsy. He's a man of brain, is Jack Tarr, and I won’t hear him run down, evenif itis you. He’s my friend, is Jack, every time, an’ I will stand up fer him.” ‘Yes, yes, I know he is, Bobby; I didn’t mean it.” . “But, Terry has got to leave your cakes alone, if I have to take a fall out of him my- self, You don’t like him a bit, do you, Betsy?” ‘Like him? Ihate the very buttons on his coat! Anybody that will steal a cookie from a poor widdy-woman is nothin’ but a common thief, an’ if I dared I’d like to tell him so to his face.” ‘But you do like mea little, Betsy?” ** Well, well, you are the worst goose I ever did see! Of course I like you, Bobby.” ‘And you wouldn’t want to see Terry Mc Dougal beat me at anything, now would you?” : “Bobby Dickery, I'd give every candy and cake I’ve got in stock before I'd see any. thing like that.” “T thought so; but, I have gota bet on with Terry, and Iam afraid he is goin’ to win in spite of everything. Guess I’m done up, this time.” i ce A bet?” p ‘ “Yes, I bet him that you and Jack Tarr would get married, some day, an’ he bets Batt i ia eh ips es: ‘ Ce a ES Ber eS eas na eg at ee res ee RN IN SO eet eommmNeT “eet > cee TT TT, Se ER PTT aa = a1 2 é stand off the way you do, it looks as if he would beat me.” “Serves you right, that’s all. Serves you jest right. Haven’t I said many’s the time that [ wouldn’t never marry no wooden leg? What was you thinkin’ about, anyhow, Bob Dickery ?” ‘‘T thought maybe you would get over your ’bjection—” “Never, long as the world stands. If Jack hadn’t no wooden leg, then I’d marry him for the askin’; but as it is—” She shook her head, ““Then it is allup with my bet, and Terry wins,” ‘* it serves you right, for you knowed he was bettin’ on a sure thing, But, if Jack hadn’t no wooden leg—” “No use talkin, about it any further, Betsy; my bet is in the soup, you bet, and the policeman that steals your cakes is going to win and I am going to lose. No use cryin—” ‘<6 if only wish—” ‘Don’t mention it, Betsy, I beg of ye. It was my own fault, an’ I don’t blame you. Say no more about it. Say, has any young lady been here askin’ for me this mornin’?” ‘Young lady?” ‘Nice young lady, good-lookin’ an’ right up to date.” ‘‘No, there ain’t been none sich here, Bobby. What in the world do youhave to do with a young lady?” ‘“‘ And there ain’t none sech to come, like this one, you bet, Betsy. Gave her m ‘dress last night. and she said she’d call around and see me some time. If she does come, put her on my track, will pal ‘Of course I will, if you tell me where you will be.” ‘Tl be “long the docks all day, and if she don’t sight me at one she will at another;” ‘‘ All right, Bobby; Ill tell her, if. she comes; but I’m ’clined to believe it is only some of your fooling; there is so much.non- sense ’bout you.” ‘* No foolin’ this time, Betsy; I mean business, from boots to hat. She’ll be here, sure as shootin’, an’ when she comes you just put her on my track and I'll be a heap obliged to you.” CHAPTER VIII. BOW DIVES STILL DEEPER. Battery Bon went off whistling in the direction Terrence McDouga: had gone, and presently sighted that gentleman. ‘Hello, Terry, what are you doin’ around this time o’ day?’ he demanded, in his cheery way. ‘‘ You are a night owl, and you ought to be in bed sleeping at the rate of ’steen knots an hour.” ‘Ha! is it you, Bobby? Bad luck to it all, my vy: it is the dirty split-trick Oi am doing, and Oi wish the divil might 7 away wid it.” It breaks a man all up, to lose his rest loike this and have his meals all mixed up so that he don’t know where he’s at.” ‘“'That’s so, 1s'pose. Have'a bite o’ cake, Terry?” He offered the half he had just received at the hands of Betsy Sokup. ‘“‘ Yes, Oi don’t mind, Bobby, b’y. Where did ye get it? From Betsy Sokup, Oi be bound.” “You are right. I lifted if as I came along, seein’ it was only a half, but I don’t care for it. If I did you wouldn’t get it.” “Oi bel’ave ye, Bobby. Oi'll bet it is the half of one Oi took meself as Oi came along there a few minutes ago. The old woman has good cakes, on me soul she does. Oi like ’em.” ‘**And she ain't stingy about ’em, nota bit, either, I think it pleases her to have ’em sampled by the finest, Terry,” : ‘She never says a wurred whin Oi take wan, anyhow, if thatis a sign.” ‘What more do you want?” nO aaa LLL s Battery Bob joked with the officer for a time, and then parting company with him, went on his way to one of the docks where a boat was about due to land, ‘Ha, ha, ha!” he went laughing to bim- self. ‘‘] have got my scheme working in great shape now, sure enough. Didn't know there was so much plannin’ in my punkin, I bet there will be a weddin’ before the moon wanes.” And he laughed again, very plainly tickled over something he considered to be a huge joke. It was an hour later when a young woman accosted him, as he was loitering on the dock of the Long Branch beats. ‘Is this Robert Dickery?” she asked, lay- ing a hand on his shoulder, **Robert Dickery, Esquire; yes, ma’m, that’s me, every day in the week an’ all day Sunday,” Bob answered. * You know me?” ; ‘‘Funny if I wouldn’t; you are Edit Allen that was—Mrs. John Barr that is, Oh, yes, I know you fast enough.” ‘Ha! that is proof that you found what you set out to look for. Where is the paper? Give it to me, and 1 will reward you, my little man.” Bob drew a rather wry face at this in- tended compliment—calling him a little man, There was pate me about that phrase that sounded babyish to his plebeian ears, and he did not relish it. ‘*Please don’t call me that again, if you want to pull stroke with me, ma’m,” he gave notice. ‘‘Idon’t like to be little-man- ned by any poey: Had rather you would call me Battery Bob, straight from the shoulder. That's the name I am floatin’ to the breeze,” The parva woman laughed. *‘ All right, Battery Bob; I’m glad you told me,” she said. ‘‘I won't offend you again in like manner. But, the paper?’ ‘Thereby hangs a tale.” ** What?” ‘‘T want to chin with yea little ’bout that very dockyment, ma’m,” said Bob, serious- ly. ‘‘I want to see where the light-house stands, before I go a sailin’ too far out from shore.” ** What in the world can you mean?” ‘‘ Let’s go over here an’ sit down, an’ I'll tell you, ‘Folks will think you are waitin’ for friends by the boat, so it will be all right. Needn't be ’shamed to be seen in my com- any.” Bob led the way with all confidence to a baggage truck that was standing idle, and the young woman had nothing to do but follow. She joined him and there was nothing out of the usual about her condrct; so no one noticed her particularly. ‘* Now, tell me,” she requested. ‘* Well, I got the paper.” “TT knew that, when you called me Mrs. Barr. That is now my name.” ‘« And I knowed it when I got the paper. That is all straight, so far. Now, who is this John Barr?” ‘*My husband, of course,” te rh score one to your credit,. a’m. What I mean is, what kind of a man jis he?” driving at, Battery Bob, You can’t expect me to answer your questions unlesss you do.” ; ‘We'll come to an understandin’ by ’n’ by. I take it you don’t know where your hubby is. 1s that straight? Have I got the right hawser over the right post this throw?” ° A ‘Mercy, but 1 dont know what you are talking about. where Mr. Barr is, know?” ' «That's jest what I’m ta.kin’ about; yes, I know where heis,” ‘Then tell me.” ** And what will you do?” howeyer. Do you iy , / ‘ : of ‘ F Rol edad i® ee Ae Sha Nt 1 ark eo ap a el ‘* Really, ge must tell me what you are It is true that Ido not know.
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les gua ‘*Go to him.” “Then you have got over the suicide blues?” ** Yes, yes.” ‘‘ That's right; a person ought to stop a week an’ think about it before goin’ an’ doin’ it right off on the jump.” ‘** But, that paper?” ** You have told your mammy all about it, I take it, eh?” ignoring her question still further. ‘‘ And she has forgive ye and tooken ye to her heart and loved ye same as ever, eh?” ‘* How could you guess so much?” ‘*By addin’ up the sum an’ strikin’ the balance,” declared Bob, carelessly. ‘What gig fellow you are. But, now, are you ready to give me the paper you have found?” { Sica “I'd never be more ready in my life, ma’m, and jest as willin’ as ready, too; but the fact of the business is, I haven’t got it,” ** What, not got it?” ** Jes’ so.” ‘Then where is it?” ; ‘‘ Give it up—same as I did the docky- ment.” ‘** You gave it up?” ‘*That’s what I done—’cause why, couldn't help myself. Two men pounced down on- to me and swiped it, and then they took me an’ pitched me into the river, Oh, we hada lively time, and I was right in it while the fun lasted ” ‘‘Good heavens! Then it has fallen into the hands of Charles Turney.” ‘‘ Hello, that’s a new name, Who is he?” ** My cousin.” ‘Feller with long hair, chin whiskers and mustache—not both on his chin, though.” ‘* No, no; but, I have seen that man; who is he?” ‘*Thought he might be your cousin under a false name, They call him Gibson, if I have got it straight, an’ I s’pose I have. You can bet your life that I'll Gib him, when I get him on my trolley.” The young woman laughed outright, at the boy’s earnest manner and his quaint ex- pression, “You kin laugh,” Bob declared, ‘‘ but I mean it,” “I don’t doubt but you do, It seems reg oe you should get so concerned in air." ‘Does it? Well, it don’t tome. When I rescue beauty in distress, 1 want to know somethin’ ’bout the p’tic’lars; an’ when two ‘wen peppers pitches me into the river, you bet your—your pockethandkerchief that Iam goin’ to get concerned in their affairs might lively.” e young woman laughed again. “But, can’t you tell me more about the matter?” Bob asked, ‘‘ Want to know the whole story, now that I have got some of it, and if I don’t make them fellers dance to my tune it will be ’cause I can’t whistle, that’s all. They are figgerin’ on throwin’ John Basr mto the river to-night, and I am goin’ to put a spoke in their wheel in that game, you bet!” t ‘* Heavens! you must tell the police what you know! This must not happen! I will -Yeward you well, if you will only tell me whewe he is, And that paper—you must get n and restore it tome. I will give you twenty dollars if you can do it, o you think yon can? But, tell me where John Barr !:, please,” / CHAPTER IX, A NEW CHARACTER APPEARS, Barrery Bos took off his hat and scratch- ed his head, *Vll go fer that sawbuck,” he declared, _ “like a hungry bass after a bait; but I don’t hardly please to tell you where Barr is. We'll bar that for the present, if it is all the game to you—or whether it is or not.” . Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. $i a eset a PORELI AS ent Sy 8 ta BES IMA LEM Me, EDS SY TOOLS a rey ‘‘ What do you mean by sawbuck?” ““The twenty dollars—the double-X, of | see,”-she explained. course,” ** Yes, you must find the paper. But, why will you not tell me where Mr. Barr is?” ‘*'You would go to the police, or rush to the place, and you might get into some such a fix yourself, or they might spirit the man away and that would be the last of him.” “The police could stop them.” “*Mebby so, but the finest don’t ailus hit the mark they aim at, either. An‘ then, too, it would give the rascals warnin’ and then they would pick up and dust out fore any- thing could be done to stop ’em.” ** You think so?” ‘‘Sure as tar an’ pitch. You let me play them, an’ if I don’t land ’em it will be ’cause my name ain’t spelt right, that’s all.” ‘* Well, if you will not tell, that settles it, I suppose. But you must get the paper and rescue the man at all hazard. You seem like asmart boy, and I have no doubt you see your way clear.” ‘*Oh, yes, jest as clear as mud.” ‘Then, if you are not sure of the way, why don’t you tell the police what you know?” } ‘The police are too smart for me, ’cept- in’ Terry McDougal. On the other hand, why don’t you tell me what you know? That would brush the clouds away a good deal, I’m bettin’.” ‘*] cannot tell.” ae Why ig ‘‘We are going to keep it a secret, if that be possible. And, maybe we can do it if you can restore that lost paper to me. Did [ say I would give you fifty dollars?” “‘T kin get it jest as quick fer fifty as I kin fer twenty.” ‘Well, get it, and it shall be fifty dollars instead of twenty. The record of my mar- riage must be destroyed, utterly.” ‘* Whew! all I have run up ot in a spell of while, Till eat my hat. hoever heard tell of a new-mace bride like you payin’ fifty dollars fer a certiffyket jest to destroy it.” ‘That is what must be done in this case, and it must be done by my own hand. It is a strange case, you have well said.” “ Should wi it was. Beats Betsy Sokup’s cookies all holler.” ; “‘ Are they strange cases?” ‘* You are gettin’ too smart fer me, now, ma’m, an’ mebby we had better part pom: t any! pany fera time. When I find ou ming portant I’ll drop around an’ see you. If you want me, you know where to come.” “Yes, but that old woman may not always know where you are,” ‘* If she don’t nobody else will, that is sure, so that’s the best ’dress I kin furnish,” ‘* Very well, I will trust you. I have great confidence in you, after the manner in which you saved my life last night, and so quickly. found out whol was.” ! “That was nothin’, a blind man could have done all that. But, did you really mean to let ’er go when you made that run fer the river? Was you goin’ todo the sui- cide act fer fair?” ‘*T certainly mean it, Battery Bob,” ‘** You have changed your mind.” ‘Yes; I must live.” “Then it couldn’t ’a’ been a very serious case, I take it, Wish you would tell me all about it.” **Which I cannot do. That is a secret that must be kept, for the present at any rate, and I trust to you to help me in the keeping of it.” ss ot Well, now, if this don’t beat |} the secret that I tried to take my life, ¥™ “Oh! I’m doin’ that, ma’m. There was Terry McDougal, he wanted to get onto it, but I told him it wouldn’t work that way.” ‘‘That was right. You keep the secret, and aid me all you can, and you will lose nothing by it in the end, Above all, get hold of that paper, and quickly.” ‘‘T’m after it, you bet! Meantime don’t you get no more suercide blues, for mebby Battery Bob won’t be around to perform the grand rescue act, and you will be a sure- enough goner.” ‘* Have no fear, Bob. Iwas almost crazed and beside myself at what I had done, and that was my first thought and the only escape I saw. It was wild, foolish, but I was not myself; my mind was not my own at the time— But, there, you can’t under stand,” ‘‘Bound to discount my understandin’, are you?” ‘‘Oh, no; but—” ? There came an interruption at that mo- ment.) ‘ The expected boat had arrived while they were talking, and had made fast and was dis- charging her passengers, Neither Bob nor the young woman had paid any attention, Bob being too eager to learn more of the mystery to care whether he earned his dinner or not, and the young woman being deeply interested. Among the landing passengers was a young man, who, chancing to glance at the young lady on the truck, stopped short with a look of surprise. He looked for a moment, as if to make sure, then advanced quickly and exclaimed; ‘* Miss Allen!” This was the interruption. The young woman looked up quickly, and her face flushed. “Oh! it is you, Mr. Alexander?” she said. “You quite startled me, speaking so sud-— pee ‘“Yes, it is I, ~ returned from Long Branch, Edith. ut, pray, what are you doing here and in such company as this?” with a look at Battery Bob. ‘* Reckon that refers to me,” spoke up Bob, spiritedly, . ‘“‘ Well, yes,” the young man admitted, **Tts all right,” Bob mildly added. ‘‘ The lady won’t make any improvement if. she changes me for you, that’s sure,” ** What’s that, you young scamp? Do you mean to say you are my = owes Why, I have a strong notion to pull your nose for you. I would, but it would soil my glove, you imp!” ‘*T guess you’d have a stronger notion to let go, if you tried it on,” declared Bob, ina grim way. ‘‘If I’m not good enough company for you, you just trot right along; me an’ the lady was gettin’ on all right, and hat need none of your help to entertain er.” The young lady laughed merrily. ‘* You had better give it up, Harvey,” she said. ‘This boy isan honest lad who has done me a real service, and I am much in-' debted to him. You must not quarrel with Battery Bob, or you will have to answer to “ Oh, if that is the case, I beg your pardon, young sir,” said the dude, addressing Bob, ‘* A service to this lady is one to me,and I, too, must thank you.” “You needn’t go to no trouble to do it,” rejoined Bob. | iy ** But, Edith, what are you doing’ here?” ‘‘Bushel basket! how kin I keep what I | asked the young man, paying no further at- haven’t got? You tell me all about it, and then I'll help you keep it hard and fast enough, you bet your—your bangs on that, fair lady.” The young woman had to laugh again in | case and restored it to me. spite of herself at Bob’s inimitable manner. “No, no; I meant that you should keep; ‘‘ And you have seen your friend?” J Et, tention to Bob. ** Why, I came here to meet a friend, and have been talking with this boy, after thank- ing him for thé service. He is good com- pany.” ¢ j He found my card- _
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came out of the house—a man with long hair Aa _ walked down the street. —ettentennm ‘Yes, and was about to return home. Are ‘you going up-town?” “Yes, and will be delighted if I may accompany you. I am really glad to have met you.” “Don't mentionit. Weli, good-by, Battery Bob,” **Good-by, Miss Allen,” Bob responded. He called her by that name, having noticed that she did not correct the young man for so Qoing. They went off together, and Battery Bob stood looking after them with his hands in his pockets and his lips ready pursed for a whistle, The whistle, however, did not come, though Bob watched the couple till they were out of sight. Then he unpuckered, winked his eye, and set forth to earn his promised reward. CHAPTER X. BOB HOT ON THE SCENT. HARVEY ALEXANDER, hey?" said Bob to himse!f, as he walked away. ‘‘ I have froze tu that name, evenfif it isa hot day, and I will hold fast to it, too, you bet. Mister Alexander, I don’t know jest where you fig- ger in this game, yet, but, I don’t like the set of ha sail and I wouldn’t stand Yong ’bout tellin’ you so either, if it came to that. I have got my awful eye on you.” Battery Bob shook his head emphatically, just as if talking to some other person, ‘** Don’t jest know where your part comes in,” he wenton, ‘‘ Strikes me mebby youain’t got no business inthe play, but have got on the stage by accident, somehow, I hope you willkindly somehow get off again, if that is the case; don’t want any more on my hands *n I have to have, certain. What with savin’ suercides, and findin’ lost Rroperty, and huntin’ out rogues, and makin’ matter-o’- money-al matches, don’t know where I'll - fetch up.” ‘“ Bob still had the address he had learned from Jack Tarr. In fact, he never lost anything that he Ng am away in his rememberer—as he called t This was the place where John Barr was held a prisoner, and it was here the chief _ villain was likely to be found, sooner or later, and he was the man Bob wanted to tackle. Not that the boy saw his way clear, for he didn’t; it was all a puzzle. The place to which the address called him ‘was not the most clegant quarter of the great nig by any means, n truth, it was a street that was not held ‘in good repute, and on his arrival the Dock Detective found that the number did not dis- cover a house which one might feel proud or anxious to enter, ‘«That’s a hard hole, and I know it,” Bob said to himself. ‘* Know it jest as well as if I was a, prisoner there myself, If that is where you are, Juhn Barr, I bet you are in a bad fix, sy all around, ho is John Barr? Is he a villain? or is he straight goods?” Bob scratched his head, and evidently gave it up. e While he was looking and thinking, a man and a slouch hat. ‘*Hillo! I know you, Mister Gibson,” Bob_ immediately exclaimed under his breath, at sight of him. dark, by that hair and hat, from what Jack ‘Tarr said.” 4 ' ‘The man paused on the step fora moment, looking up and down the street: but, as there ‘were other boys on the street at the time, no notice was taken of the dock-delegate. After looking, the man left the house and He had been gone but a moment when Bob ‘tried the door of the house, and finding it _ fast, set forward to follow the man. “Would know you in the_ ~ Battery Bob, the Dock D -_ natin So a ee nt oO T_T a aA Me pareaniie LAMP: MEN Le RS SR Mee: hi aoa te te ee 4 4 . a 5 5 a T 7 a a : etective. ‘“*Didn’t s’pose I would get in,” he said to himself, ‘‘ but no harmtryin’. I would have let the rooster gone, if I'd found that door unfastened, and tried my hand at gettin’ John Barr out of his state of tribbylashun, That’s all right, though, and as this rooster is my game I'll go gunnin’ for him,” So, he kept the long-haired man in sight. The Bowery was not a great distance off, and the man was soon on that great thor oughfare, t is noticeable that when a Westerner comes to town, that is to say, one of the type of the men here under consideration, the Bowery is pretty certain to be one of his haunts—in fact, is likely to become his fa- vorite resort. There is something homo- geneous, and there is something abcut the Bowery, generally, that réminds him of home. It is something like the main thor- oughfare of a successful miving-camp, only on a grander scale, The Bowery had already caught Owen Gibson, He turned into a popular garden, with the casy swagger of his native wilds, and look- ed arouae tes Bob was not far away, piping im, ae & vacant table, the man walked over to it and gave an order for something to. drink and some cigars. These were furnished and paid for, and with his broad hat set back from his. fore- head the man lighted a cigar and proceeded to make himself comfortable, Here it was cool and refreshing, a band was Playing, at intervals a girl or man would appear and sing some popular ditty of the day, and the gambler-sport was in high delight—for gambler-sport he was, attery Bob, had, meantime, edged into the room, and at last had worked his way out of sight behind a growing cedar in a huge tub directly behind this man’s chair, n hour and more passed. The man drank only lightly, but he smoked continuously, and occasionally he applauded. a song. Finally, at the end of that time, another man came and joined him, having looked around on entering until he caught sight of the Westerner in his corner, The new-comer was a man younger in years than the other, but he had a look of oars tion that made him look older than he really was, and his clothing had a rather gone-to- seed look, | : He dropped upon a chair in a tired way. ‘* Well?” he demanded, As he made the demand, he filled a glass— two had been provided—and drained it at one draught. “Everything works nicely,” was the re- sponse, little life into yourself. You look down in the mouth, to-day, fand you want to brace ‘Enough to make anybody look that way, ain’t it?” , Ae took another{drink thefsame as the first, after which he shoved the glass and bottle back out of reach, almost, ‘Why, my boy,” cried the gambler sport, ‘we are on the high road to success, now. Only a few weeks more and that fair cousin of yours will be of age, and then you will step into a handsome fortune.” ‘‘ Have my doubts about it.” “Why?” “Well, since Barr has flunked like he has.” ; “‘T am going to take care of Barr, and don't you forget it,” was whispered, ‘ You will hear of a widow in the land before the moon is old.” “That will be your own doings, then; I am not into anything like that, and I want it un- derstood so,” and with clinched fist, the younger man spoke with somewhat of force. “You have no part in that, nor have I,” ‘the marriage. “‘Take another, Charley, and put a was the rejoinder. ‘‘That is another dea altogether.” ‘* And what then?” ™** Well, to fasten the proof of that mar- riage,” ** And yon can do that?” ** You bet!” ‘* How, since you have lost the certificate?” “‘Ha, ha! That has been my work of the morning, to get that Roper back again, or to © get hold of it, since [ did not lose it myself.” “* And you got it?” For answer, the gambler took the paper from his pocket and displayed it, aps ie the delight of the watchful Battery Bob. » ‘*You see for yourself,” Gibson said, ‘* Now, all that remains is to establish this proof in the right way while the thing is still warm, but very quietly, and that will be all,” ‘*But, you won't have Barr, if he must be put out of the way,” ; ‘* He will meet with an accident, and will be found and identified, and that will be the more proof,” ‘* Suppose the girl denies it, though?” ‘*She can’t, when there were witnesses to Then, here is the biggest bit of proof of all. She can’t get over this docu- ment, you see, and it will be a big stroke to have it found in Barr’s pocket!” “Why?” ‘*Can’t you see? The reporters will get hold of it, and the newspapers will be full of the sensation, Then, that will place the matter right, and Barr will be taken home to the residence of his bride and let her deny it if she can. Oh, Iam a thinker.” “Should say you was, Then where do I come in?” “You will come in from the West, put in your claim, and will come in for all the wealth; that’s where you’ll come in,” ‘* I'd rather see it than hear tell of it.” “You'll never see it, if I kin prevent,” de- clared Battery Bob to himself, in his place of hiding. ‘Bob Dickery is in this game, eh fine fellows, right up to his chin, you | ll P ‘ CHAPTER VI. BATTERY BOB GETS NABBED, Battery Bos had now heard enough to convince him of one thing—that the young woman he was trying to serve was in the right in the game—whatever it was. Then, too, he had now heard enough else to give him some idea of the nature of the scheme on foot. A fortune was at stake, and these men were playing for it. Of course, he could not grasp the whole situation yet, but he now knew he was on the right side, and he meant to make it the winning side if possible. ae still had some doubts about John arr. : . It was his intention to save the man’s life, if that layin his power, but whether he de- served his sympathy or not remained to be | seen, ‘There could be no doubt but he had en- tered the scheme with these fellows in the beginning, but now, from what they said, he appeared to have changed his mind and wanted to draw out of their combine. And this was to cost him his life. But, not if Battery Bob could slip in hig | little joker, and he thought he could, ; He was in it, ashe declared himself, ‘‘ right up to his chin,” and he considered that deep enough’ for his purpose. If not—well, he was not afraid of plunging in head and ears, ‘You ‘will see it, never fear,” the sport made rejoinder to the last quoted remark of his companion, ‘We hold the winning hand, and nothing cau hinder us from raking the pile. us to locate,” sé h 9” “Jt will be better for us to be out of the vit . TI have been thinking of a place for i .
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SoS PEON 6048 et re Re cee > 7s ra ee -_~ >> a 2 * . . 10 city, as soon as our work is.done and in shape, while we wait for the time to act,” Well?” “LT think we'll go to Long Branch. There is a game there, I hear, and Iam anxious to tackle it for pastime.” **And what of me?” ‘*You needa place to brace up in, and I must see that you do it.” ‘You are generous, you are, after seeing to it that I have come almost to rags. But, go ahead,” ” ‘* Now, now, that is hard talk, Charley. You never had a better friend than I have been to you, in spite of the big sum you are in my debt. And am I not paving the way for you to pay it?” hile speaking thus, Gibson had folded the paper he had in his hand and returned it to his pocket. He did not, however, replace it in the pocket from which he had taken it, but thrust it in his hip pocket, which was the more con- veniently reached in the position he was sit- ting. ee this, a thrill passed through Bat- we Bob. e meant to make an effort to get that pa- per, even if he got into trouble by so doing! It would be a serious situation for him, if caught in the act, but he was fully convinced that the end justified the means, though he would not have expressed it in the same words. When Gibson withdrew his hand, still talking, his coat caught over the butt ofa revolver which he carried in the same pocket, and was there held, leaving the pocket ex- posed and the tip of the paper visible over the top! Still, is would be risky for Bob. The dock-rat detective immediately reach- ed forth his hand, from the cover of the tree te which he crouched, leaning over the tub. It was a corner of the room, as has been explained, and the table and the chairs had . an excellent place, “And when are you going to Long . Branch?” asked Turney. “Tm going to run down this afternoon and look at the place,” was the response given. ‘** But you will be back to-night?” “Possibly.” . “And if you like it we'll go down to- morrow to stay?” ‘* Yes, till your cousin comes of age, and then the fun will begin; or, a few days after.” “You must pre me some money, though.” “Not a dollar, Charley. now your weakness, and if I give you money you will drink yourself into such shape that there will be norighting you. Remember, now, that you have promised to be guided by me in this.” | “No, I won’t drink a drop—” “IL know you too well, my boy. Not to be trusted, You havea Pee to stay, and everything has been paid for, so you are all right. As soon as the work is done you can go and drown yourself in jig-water, if you want to, but not now. You are under train- ing, you see,” ** And mighty rough training it is.” “Rough training is necessary, when you expect to win, no matter what kind of a match— Whatthe— Ha!” With a sudden break, Gibson had made a grab behind, at the same time half turning, and had seized the arm of Battery Bob, with the paper in his fingers, ¢. Battery Bob was entirely unversed in the art of pocket-picking, and with all his care he had not been cunning enough to remove the marriage-certificate without betraying himself in the act. , Gibson had felt him at his work. The gambler jerked the boy out over the tub, snatched the paper away from him, and his face was like a thunder-cloud. ee a ‘* What do you mean by such work?” he hissed, but not loudly. what did you try to take that paper for? Answer me, before I wring your neck for r 1? you! ‘*T guess I made a mistake,” said Bob, simply. Seems to me I have heard of you before, my fine fellow, and I think you will have to be taken care of, Ihave a place for you, and I'll take you toit, and if you kick I'll hand you over to the police for the pickpocket you are.” ‘*Wish you would,” said Bob, ‘‘ They would send me up Salt Creek and I wouldn't haye to worry about grub for a spell.” ‘* What’s the matter here?” asked a waiter, seeing what avas taking place, : ‘*Thave a little account to settle with this lad, that’s all,” answered the gambler-sport. ‘*What’s he been doing?” ‘“¢ That don’t matter; he knows and I know, and I’ll see to him.” Gibson had risen from the table, still hold- ing Bob by the wrist, and of course the lad was no match in strength for him. In fact, he made: no effort to struggle or oe away. He had a hope that had sprung rom certain words the gambler had uttered, and was willing to go with him to the place he had suggested. Bob thought it might be the house where Barr was imprisoned, He was taking the risk of his life, but he was a lad who had almost unlimited confi dence in himself. ‘* Oh, it’s all right, mister,” he said, to the waiter, ‘‘This gent is my legal guardian, an’ he is goin’ to rake me over the coals, that’s all. I’min fer a-lickin’ an’ you will be in fer a bat in the eye if you interfere.” The gambler looked at Bob in surprise. ‘‘That’s about it,” he fell in with the story. ‘‘I can take care of him, and there will be no disturbance here, sir.” “Oh, all right. Thought maybe he had been trying to rob you, or something.” ‘“‘T'd deal with him in a different way if he had.” “No doubt of it, sir.” ‘“« Want any help?” here put in Turney, “No, I can manage him, Take care of yourself till I see you again,” “Yes, I'll do that, seeing that I can’t do anything else,” was the rather sullen re- sponse, Gibson did not rejoin, but marched Bat- tery Bob out of the place, keeping a tight rip upon his arm so that it was impossible or Bob to break away. ‘* What did you tell that lie for?” he de- manded, as soon as they were outside. ‘*To keep out of the hands of the p’lice,” answered Bob. ‘‘If they knowed the facts there, they’d call ’em, and I’d be a goner, I reckon you only mean to "ply a dose of foot- gear to me an’ let me go.” ‘“What gives you that idea, you young whelp?” ‘Well, reckon you don’t want to git too sociable with the police jest about this time, and if you interdoose me to ’em you'll have to, you bet! Shouldn’t wonder if the best thing you kin do, Mister Man, would be to ’ply yer boot to mean’ let me take a run,” ‘ CHAPTER XII. IN WHICH THEY TALK SHARP, Tue Western sharp looked at the boy keenly, as if h@ would like to kill him on the spot. Say ‘*) ought to wring your neck for you,” he grated. ‘‘ You will come with me, and T’ll show you what will happen to you, Who gives you the idea that I care tor the police?” ; He led Bob rapidly along as he spoke. ‘“That’s a gen’ral impression that’s got ‘* Who are you, and | ‘Yes, I should say you did, dast you! | SS ee fixed in my mind,” Bob made a.swer, in} fearless manner. ‘‘If you git intimate with ‘em, they might go to askin’ p’inted ques- tions. See?’ ‘“You will see something curse you!” **T see somethin’ now.” ‘‘T’'ll show you something more, What. did you want with that paper you took out, of my pocket, anyhow?” ‘Was in need of readin’ matter, and thought I’d take a read out o’ that while I waited, You wasn’t usin’ it just then, an’ I didn't s’pose you would care. See? Lama. great reader,” ‘* And a great liar, too, by Judas!” ‘‘Well, say, what’s goin’ to happen to me? I’m somewhat interested in this thing. myself, now.” ‘*- You will see what’s going to happen, be- fore you know it. Iam going to know more; about you and why you wanted that paper. There is something back of all this.” ‘‘Don’t see how you are goin’ to get any further back of it ’n me, anyhow,” the boy’ retorted. ‘‘ You have got my story, and if you won't believe that there won’t be any use in your lookin’ fer proof.” «We'll see about that.” ‘But, that don’t answer my question.” ‘What question?” “Bout what you are goin’ to do with me, You want to speak up, now, or I am going to yell perlice in a way that will split the welkin at both ends an’ make it bulge out in the middle,” ‘** You call the police if you dare, and—” “That’s what I am goin’ to do, if you dor.t say quick. I’ll have ’em down orto you like: a host of cabmen.” “‘Don’t you try it on, or by Judas I'll wring your neck for you! Don’t think I am a man to be frightened by a snip of a boy, for Iam not. The first yaup out of you will be your last,” “‘T give ye fair warnin’, a ’fore [ tet ’er go,” warned Bob, ‘‘It is daylight an’ we are in plain sight, an’ you daresn’t do anything to me here. I’m not to be scared by a long-haired gorilla like you, either, and pretty soon, don’t you think so, Now, then, let go, quick!” ) . Bob had the best of the situation, and knew it. He had been thinking the matter over, and and had decided that it would never do ta allow himself to be taken into that house. Instead of making him a prisoner, as he had at first reasoned they would do, they ren, murder him at once and dispose of his: , body, and that would end for all time his chances, The man dropped his arm, “IT thought you would,” Bob quietly ob- served, still walking along with the fellow. The man had been on the point of stop-— ping, thinking no doubt that Bob would run mmediately away, and this action rather amazed him. ‘* What do you mean by still coming with me?” he demanded. ser want to have a chin with you, that’s a Pid ‘*A chin?” “A pow-wow, Savvy?” *‘Then why did you object to my holding your arm?” ; ‘* Neyer seen a Texas steer get away in the seri; of this little village, did ye, mister?” ae 0. si ‘Well, I’m like a Texas steer. I’m jest- as willin’ to go as kin be, but you can’t drive me worth a cent. When I kin goas I please I'll amble along without any trouble.” “You are a customer, you are!” “Bet your hat on that!” ‘‘What do you want to talk about?” ‘‘T want to.know what this game is against. Miss Allen.” ‘‘ Who is Miss Allen? What are youtalk- ing about? Are you clean daft?”
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whatever you are called at home. Iam onto you as big as a fire-hoss.” “What won’t work?” “Your playin’ off the innocent. You can’t doit with me, that’s sure as you carry a pistol. ‘I know a thing or two, and you had better let me in with you, if you don’t want me to squeal.” ‘“‘Hal now you are beginning to talk sense,” _ ‘Never talk anything else, when my mill is runnin’,” ‘What do you know ?” ‘That there is some bit of p’izen deviltry afoot.” ‘*] don’t admit it, but how much do you pretend to know of it, supposing there is,” *‘T heard all you and that bum Turney had to say.” “The deuce you did!” “Sure.” ‘“‘ Then one thing or the other has got to be done in your case. You have got to come in with us, or be put so far out that you will never reach us.” ‘ That's the way it looks, but fore I de- cide I want to knowall about it.” ** You know too much already.” **Oh, no; I can carry a good deal more an’ never lay a hair. What will ye do with me if I come in?” “We'll find work for you to do.” ** And if I won't?” ‘‘T have nothing to say. enough to understan guess,” “Can’t understand it unless somebody puts me on toit, that isa surething. There must be big money in it, from what I heard you an’ Turney sayin’, an’ will 1 come in for a share of that?” “Why, you confounded little imp! you talk as big as aman, weighing two hundred!” “Wouldn't be in it, if I couldn’t talk these days.” ‘“* Well, let's go where we can talk,” ‘“‘ This suits me.” ‘Tt don’t suit me, not worth a cent, Come to the place where I lodge, and I will deal with you.” “No, thank ye, boss, I think I better hadn’t. Don’t believe it would be good fer my health if I did. Guess you an’ me had better say good-by an’ part company.” “Then you mean to work against me?” “Don’t know enough to work for nor *gainst ye. If you are ’fraid to trust me, I am ’fraid to trust you, and I don’t think we could pull worth a cent in harness, I bid you at 8 ; With a dignified wave of the hand, which seemed ridiculous and really was so and so intended, Battery Bob turned in another direction. “But, hold on, boy!” the Western sharp You have sense the situation, I called out. ‘Well, what’s wanted?” ‘Tf I do want you, where can I find you?” ‘*You won't want me, though.” ‘*T don’t know about that.” | ** Well, I do.” “It is very likely that 1 shall want you, and to-night. Where can I find you at ten o’clock ?” “ Shouldn’t wonder if you would find it a purty hard job to find me at that time,” answered Bob. ‘The fact of the business is, boss, I have cut my eye-teeth, and they are sharp.” ““Then yoware against me?” “That’s straight, may as well tell you right out. I’m against you, tooth an’ tongs, straight from the word Go. I am in this thing on the side of Miss Atlen, and if I find you tryin’ any more funny work with her, there will be trouble somewheres around, and you will be right in the middle of it,” ‘**Aii right; we'll see where you will be, then, my fine fellow,” “Tra-la-la, Sport Gibby! See you later. s j “That won’t work, Mister Texas Jack, or ~ Battery Bob, the Dock Detective, LO ER TE TE HTN HOR ST EAE 4) aL They are makin’ a fine striped suit for you up the river. 'Tra-la-la-loo, old boy!” The gambler’s face was black with rage, ind his hand moved toward his hip as Bob ran laughingly away. Had he been in some Western gulch, where the crime would have been unknown, Battery Bob would have got a bullet. CHAPTER XITI. BOB AND TERRY MAKE A MISS, ** GREAT ginger-snaps!” exclaimed Battery Bob to himself, as he drew up around the next corner. ‘‘That was about as hard a rub as I have had in a day ortwo. But, I bluffed him by talkin’ big— Ha, ha, ha!” The boy had to laugh to himself at the thought of it, " him for a change of programme, Bet I come out on. top when the smoke clears away, Jerusha! I1’m after that certiffyket of; Edith Allen’s, and I’m goin’ to have it if have to go through fire an’ water to get it.” He waited a few moments, just long enough to let the Westerner get ahead of him, and then started after him. . It took him but a few moments to get the man in sight again, and by using care he could then follow him without much danger of detection. The man returned to the house from which he had emerged some time before, and Bob waited patiently for him to come forth again, which he did in about twenty minutes. He now carried a grip in his hand. | ‘* Hillo!” exclaimed Bob to himself, ‘‘ he is off for Long Branch, sure as the tides! If I had the wherewith I’d go to the same resort, but, as I haven’t, I'll have to stay at home, I eer But, he ain’t goin’ to get off with that paper if I kin help it, an’ he has fair warnin’ of it by due notice—in my mind,” The man had glanced around, on comin out of the house, but Bob was then out o sight. ~ : As soon as the sport started down the street, Bob was after him. The Bowery was the nearest thoroughfare, a as has been mentioned, and the man went in. that direction. Arriving there, he boarded a car going southward, and Bob boarded another that came along immediately behind the first, both being open cars, At thé Post Office the man got off. Likewise Bob, The man crossed Broadway and walked toward the Battery until he came to Rector street, into. which he turned and bent his steps toward the North River. Battery Bob was after him like a shadow, and had not taken much pains, now, to keep very faraway. He had made up his mind to have the fellow arrested and bring the matter to a head at once. That was to say conditionally,—if he could fall in with Terrence McDougal or some other officer he knew. Applying to a strange policeman he might get the worst of it, for the man might accuse Bob himself of something and there would be a difficulty. f The sport continued straight on, crossed West street, and went out upon the old Long Branch pier, from which the boat was near- ly, if not quite, due to start. In fact the last bell rung the same minute. : The man ran, and so did Bob, keeping a sharp look-out for Terrence, for he certainly expected to find him here at this hour, Presently he espied him, but the officer was at the far end of the dock, while the boat lay alongside, and the gang-plank was about mid way. The man wert on the boat, while Bob, dodging along on the other side of the busy trucks and baggage-wagons, ran to where Terry was idly walking about and swinging his locust. **Terry?” he cried. ‘‘'Terry?” ** Now, I'll get onto his gait and shadow’ cordingly, to rouse a feelin ‘* Hillo! is it you, Bobby? And what is: the matter?” “Come, quick, for the boat is goin’! I want a man arrested and held!” * “ What’s the charge, boy?” ‘* Stealin’. But, come! don’t stand and ask questions; I'll be responsible and back up: every word I say. Come, quick!” Bob started, urgently motioning the officer to follow him. Terrence followed, alive to the fact that something important was in the wind or Battery Bob would not act as he did. ‘* What has ‘the stolen?” he demanded, as: they ran. ‘* A paper belongin’ to a lady, and he is the man that had me pitched in the river last night.” : ‘** The omadhoun!” Terry was now as eager as Bob, for he liked the boy and if he could arrest the man ye had tried to take his life he meant to do. t. Bob well knew how to play on Terry’s: bump of combativeness, and had played ac- for revenge in the breast of the sturdy member of the ‘‘ finest. in the world,” Any man that struck Bob hit Terry at the: same time, The boat was already casting off, and be- fore they could get to the gangway the plank: was drawn in, The Westerner was standing a few feet. from the railing, and now he saw what was. going on and his dark face was darker rie ia passion and his fist was clinched! ard, He realized that Battery Bob had shad- owed him. A feeling of hate, commingled with fear, was surging in his breast, though he was. safe from arrest, He was aware that this boy knew the- house from which he had just come, and if that house should be visited and searched,. — there would be found a prisoner, and that. prisoner had a tale to tell. ; ‘‘That’s him, Terry!” the dock-rat detec- tive was crying. ‘‘ Get onto him and yank: him put of there!” ; ‘‘Come here, ye spalpeen!” cried the Irish officer. ‘‘ Av ye don’t, begob it’s runnin’ av iS in Oi’ll be doin’; Do ye hear me, ye long- aired bla’g’ard, 7 a It was too late for the arrest; the boat was: a dozen feet out in the water, and it was as: impossible for the officer to reach the man as: it was for the man to obey the urgent invita. tion that had been extended. ‘““What do you mean?” demanded the Western sharp. ‘‘ Are you speaking tome?” “Oi am speakin’ to no wan else,” cried. Terry, ‘‘And ye don’t come here, by hiv- vins it’s fetchin’ av ye Oi'll be!” ‘*'You are on the wrong track, Mr, Officer.. I couldn’t get there if I would, and it is cers tain that I wouldn’t if I could. When I re+ turn, I'll be at your service.” Battery Bob felt a good deal put out, that: this thing should have missed fire as it had. Now, he had rather he had not made the- effort. lt was too late, however, for him to regret: it, and it would have to pass into the history of the case. There was one satisfaction, if the man had the paper and was out of reach, he was also where he could not interfere with Battery Bob and his doings for some hours at least, ‘‘“There was no mistake about it,” Bob: called out, ‘‘I know you, and | am the one. that ordered your arrest.” ‘‘Ha, ha! Why, you little sand-fly, what. are you talking about?” “Tm talkin’ about what I know, thav’s all. Hope you have a pleasant trip, and while you are away lll nose around a little and see what's to be seen. Ta-ta, my third- rate Bufller Willyum; I won’t give you away: in public yet.” 5
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ee —— SS - their heads together. ~ more firmly, her eyes to burn with a pecu-. _ diar light, and he knew she was as much op- | 12 Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. ‘I’m sorry I can’t step ashore, you little | posed to the schemeas she was to Jack Tarr's rat! If I could, we’d see this thing out, I warn you.” ‘* Bet your life we would,’’ retorted Bob. “Me an’ Terry would run you in so quick it would make your head swim, I have got my awful eye on you, Mister Texas, an’ I am goin’ to keep it there till Trun you to your hole, you bet. Battery Bob is in it, you bet!” The boat was rapidly swinging around, and the man bad only time to shake his fist at the boy ere he was out of sight. ‘*Now, tell me all about it,” demanded Terry, leading Bob away. ‘You have got the whole facts, Terry, in few words. That feller has stolen a pa- per that belonged to a fine young lady, and was after that paper, red-hot. If there is a black sheep astray in this village, he is the sheep aforesaid, to wit.” *“See here, Bobby, b’y, you have got onto a bigger case than ye are willing to tell me about, and Oi have a notion to make ye tell all about it.” ‘Don’t see how you would go about it, ‘Terry.” **Oi’d run ye in.” ‘That would do you a heap of good, now wouldn't it? What charge would you make “against me? You couldn’t make any.” ‘Oi could class ye as a suspicious charac- ter around the docks, and hint that the best place fur 7 would be a home on the island fur a spell, more or less,” “Get out with ye! Couldn’t I brin wooden leg. ** Never, Bobby, never!” she declared, em- phatically, when she had heard all. ‘‘ Well, I knowed it, aunty, so Lain’t a bit surprised,” said Bob. eye fore I’d got half done.” ‘Do you for one minnit think that I would give youthe means to carry you down to Long Branch to hunt down a great hairy villyain, and maybe git killed? Never! It ain’t no use your askin’ it of me, Bobby Dickery. ‘* Nuff said, then, aunty. If I can’t foller him I kin deal with his partners right here to a waltz tune before I git done with ’em. Think Dll go an’ pay my respects to the young lady, too, while Iam outcallin’. Ta- ta!” Bob had an object in all this. Tifose who knew him knew of his friendly relation with the old candy-and-cakes wo- man. Should he get into trouble, and not put in his appearance, the police could, by inquir- him, Long Branch, ; The old lady, though, would not further his scheme, though she did not see its deeper depths, as explained. He blewed a kiss to her from his fingers, and was off. She called out to him, but he knew it was only to read a lecture to him and warn him Betsy Sokup to prove that I’m all wool aad | to keep out of danger, so Bob went on, two yards and a quarter wide? And Jack ‘Tarr to swear that Iam a clean clipper in full rig, with fresh paint? I should grin if I couldn’t.” “Well, well, it’s not a-runnin’ av ye in Oi would be, but ye moight let me onto this ‘thing Wid ye, and we’ll work it together.” * " Just what we are doing, Terry, you vbet!” CHAPTER XIV BATTERY BOB RAISES THE WIND. TERRENCE McDovucau could not see it in just that light, however. ; - It appeared to him that} if he was ‘‘ init” at all, he was not in far enough to sight the game. He argued the thing with Battery Bob, ‘but to no purpose, Bob getting the better of ‘him fe almost every point, and finally they ‘parted, That something was going on, the police- snan knew full well, but he could not tell ‘how great the case was, having little to guide bim, If they had tried to murder Battery Bob, however, it must be no trifling affair, Then, too, Bob had told him that another life wasin danger, and if that was the case, ‘the game must be big. ‘* Begob,” said Terry to himself, after Bob had left him, ‘*Oi think Oi will be after puttin’ Billy McNeil onto your track, me b’y, f you are bound to run your head into dan- ger, ye nade some wan-to look afther ye. <aipe® | Now, this: mentioned Billy McNeil was a detective on the force, and as Terry left the dock, swinging his club, he had it in mind to ‘telephone for this Secret Service gentleman without delay, And that was what he did, and an hour later he and McNeil put But, in the mean time, Battery Bob was getting right down to business, in the strange matter. When he left his officer friend he went at once to the stand kept by Betsy Sokup, ‘where he had a talk withthe old woman who had been his friend ever since he could re- ‘member. Betsy listened to what he had to say with os aga and interest, but, as he proceeded, Bob noted that her lips began to set together ee as He now had no money, but, meeting a bootblack whom he knew, he asked the fa- vor of the loan of a nickel, and receiving: it, was soon on board an Elevated train and on his way up-town. A little later he was at the doorjof the dwelling of Edith Allen, ‘** ‘Want ter see Miss Allen,” he said to the servant. ‘*Come right in,” he was invited, ‘‘I will take you right to her.” The servant closed the door and led the way to a room where she knocked and en- tered, \ ‘The boy,” she said, ‘*Let him come right in,” Bob entered, and the door closed. ‘‘Have you got it?” the young woman asked eagerly. ‘‘Had it,” answered Bob, ‘‘ but I didn’t keep it long.” “How was that?” \ ‘*Got caught in the act.” “Then it is now lost forever, I fear.” “*T don’t.” ‘* What brings you here?” ‘Fact is, I’m bu’sted, and can’t do any- thing without the scads.” “What in the world are’ you talkin’ bout?” ‘You'll have to toss thechink, or I can’t do anything.” ** Werse and worse, you, Bob.” ! ‘*Then you can’t understand plain United States lingo, that’s sure, I mean”] want money.” **Oh! Why didn’t you say so right out? then I would have known,’ I never before heard such ridiculous words applied to money.” “Don’t know nothin’ ’bout that, ma’m, but you will have to ’ply money to me or I won't be in it ’g'inst these rascals. I want to take a run down to Long Branch by train,” ‘* And what takes you to Long Branch?” ** The train will, if you'll ante the glitter.” , “If I'll do what?” ‘Toss up ‘the chink, as I said before. Furnish the needful.”” _ ‘*Give you the money, you mean? Cer- tainly P11 do that. How much do you re- quire?” T can’t understand ‘Seen it in your to home, and | bet I’li make ’em dance square. ‘Don’t know the fare, but a ten-case note orter drag me through, I should think. Give me a fiver, if you ain’t got a tenner,” ‘‘Here is the full amount, my boy. I know I can trust you,” “This is ten of the promised fifty,” said Bob, as he pocketed the bill. ‘‘If 1 don’t corral that certiffykit I’11 make good my | *spenses to you.” { ‘ You will do nothing of the kind. I will | bear all your expenses, and if you are suc- cessful you shall have the fifty besides. But, bas that paper been taken to Long Branch?” **Tt has.” “Who has got it?” ““The same feller, Texas Long-bair.” ** And you tell me you had_it in your hand again?” ‘*That’s what I had, but they got onto me, Pickin’ pockets is out of my line, an [ ain’t up in the art.” ; ‘‘The wonder is that thay did not have you arrested, then.” ** No wonder ’bout it, ma’m, fer they didn’t dare to! I bluffed ’em on that, I tell ye. ing of her, get on his track and perhaps find ; Suy, who was that dude that met you on It was his intention to go by train to , the dock? I know his name, but Lam after his peddygree.” “That was Mr. Harvey Alexander, an ac- quaintance of mine.” ‘‘T knowed all that; tell me somethin’ about him that I don’t know. It is infer- mation I am after.” ‘*So I recognize,” with a light laugh. ‘* Well, he is a well-to-do young man, and one who has been paying attention to me—if i ene speak out plainly. Why do you ask?” ‘*A well-to-do young man, is he? You kin set it down fer fine that he aiu’t a to-do- well young man, allee samec, and I am bet- ting on it. I don’t like the cut of that fel- ler’s nose nor the squint of his off eye—not a bit. , Better sail clear of him, I’m tellin’ oul: “* What do you know about him?” ‘‘Not a thing. But, I read faces, and I don’t miss the mark one time out o’ ten, that’s all.” 4 ‘*You greatly interest me, What do you | read in this young man that does not impress you as being all right? Come, tell me every- th 4 ‘* Wish I could sling the lingo like you kin, ma’m, then mebby you could under- stand me when my chix is waggin’, That word impress is good, and I'll store that anaes s’prise Jack Tarr with.” “What a boy you are! But, you must be entirely mistaken about Mr, Alexander.” _ ‘“Mebby I am, but I’m bettin’ I ain't. But, I must be off, fer I ain’t got none too much time ter ketch that train.” ‘You must tell me, though, what your suspicion against him is, Bob, 1 will con- fess to you that he is a person I do not really admire, but he has forced himself upon me.” ‘‘That’s his game, I’m bettin’! You are \ coming in fer a fortune, if we kin bu’st up this skeem’ o’ matterymony, an’ Harvey wants to come in fer a share of it—but he don’t know. nothin’ ’bout your marriage; thinks the field is all clear an’ that he has the inside track.” : “To you think it possible?” ‘‘Sure as shootin’. Long Branch, hada sort o’ sleepy look in his squinters, an’ they have gamblin’ places down there that run all night—that is what’s takin’ Texas down there this afternoon. But, tra-la; must be goin’, You kin think over the p’inter I have dropped till we meet again.” — CHAPTER XV. BOB TAKES IN A PARTNER. 9») Tur young woman tried to detain the boy longer, but Bob had no time to spare, © now, ‘ (ere OE - rah % a rN ihe Sie i BR He jest came from He knew more or less about the time of irae)
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AL breaking his neck to get it. wih _ tery Park. Pand trains, and that he had only |“ Guess you an’ me can’t pull. If you are Psufficient time to catch a train with- oe crooks you can’t be in with me, that’s | as the man turned to the operator’s window ' $0, cutting everything short, with the - promise to talk longer when his time was | off before you are lighted, you do! I am | the platform. *. fh proportion, he beat his retreat and set out tt on his return to the docks, but not to Bat- £ Getting the bill changed was little trou- ble, and that done, he took the Elevated train | tive?” a 508 an ch ae r ™ srecsiv eat Elite nae =—-s ~ Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. Jack went into the room, idly, and as soom ‘ with his finished message, secured the blank. ‘*Who said I was in with’em? You go] he had thrown away and rejoined Bob on after this feller because I am goin’ to run him in or bu’st a button a-tryin’. See the p’int?” ’ ‘* Don’t mean to say that you are a detec- CHAPTER XVI. JACK AND BOB ON THE TRATL. “Gor it?” demanded Bob. ** You bet!” answered Jack, showing it. down-town. “Oh, no; but [like to give the police a ‘Good enough. But, say, lend me your “d His destination was the Central Railroad | boost when the chance offers.” hat, will ye?” a Ferry. ‘*Give me your fin. If you are that sort, | ‘‘‘Sure. But, what do you want of it? Bt He was just in time for the boat to catch | you av’ me is chums fer fair. That is my | Ain’tas good as yourn.” Fy the train, and was soon crossing the river. lay-out, exactly,” : ‘“‘He won’t know me so quick in it, an” p> wed Once on the other side he was soon bowl- ‘*Good fer you! That’s proof again that | he won't ’spect to see me here.” ie ing along on his journey, and in less than | I know a face when I see it. Was sure you ‘*That’s the ticket; I'll take yours. But, } an hour’s time was at his destination. was my kind the minnit I set. eyes on you. | get at what he's put on that paper.” Ea The train was a heavy one, by the way, | Lei’s dig fer that pier, and I’)l talk as we go The exchange having been made, Bob oe: as were nearly all the trains at that season | along.” * |} ofthe year and that hour of the day, and when it stopped at Long Branch a great - . crowd of people alighted, among whom } told him enough of his errand there to excite | and ran thus: ‘ Battery Bob was but an atom, No one took | his interest and win his aid, notice of him. thing else, Bob made off across the open the sea. some one, and so he was. -meeting him. ** Say!” hailed Bob. pointing, _ fore he responded, A ‘* New York.” your name?” J ina brief vacation.’ axter.” Lippy Jack.” do they call you that for?” ai of git up an’ git,” as - eys. Pies, ** Where do you want to go?” — that left New York 26 three.” wn KAY gen That was what I sa’ ” There was a long line of howling hack- | paper with him, eh?” demande men just across the covered platform, and | Bob ended his story, ‘‘ And that is what | spoiling the blank, or nearly so, showing with their cries and the hissing of the en- | you came here to get? All right, we'll git | clearly the reason why it had been dis- gine it was almost impossible to hear any- | it,” ward the line of buildingsin the direction of He was looking around as if in search of | their destination, where a boat was trying to Not that he expected to find Owen Gibson so easily—in fact, he knew he could not have yet arrived; but he was looking for some | Bob, one from whom he could draw information. Presently he espied the right person—a bluff. _ ~ The boy took an extra squint at Bob be- “ Where are you from?” he then asked. one ‘What ye doin’ down here? _” ‘My name’s Bob Dickery, called Battery _ Bob fer short, and I’ve come down to blow _ ‘What do they call you fer short?” '“That’s a name and a half, that is. What “Cause Ihave got too much lip, they say, | can’t get any more wind, and then it won't | but it pays to have plenty of it in these days : Bet your life it does, Jack! are jest the feller I was lookin’ fer, nd I think you an’ me kin pull together) i double harness like a pair of dock don- | windows, where he stood writing at the 4% ‘Ought to be here now, Want to go to But, he mustn’t see me, or I'll be in the } | _ the pier I s’pose. Lookin’ for some friends | Soup,” fs) ” se I’m lookin’ for the worst crook that ever | and pitched it under the desk.” a, ‘ vet i. opened the blank. ‘Work your legs in this direction, then. It was addressed to Dan Huston, at the Lippy Jack led the way, and Battery Bob | house in which John Barr was a prisoner, ‘‘House is known. Take care. Look out “And you say that man has ye the stolen] that boy. Be back very first—” Jack, when And that was all, a bad sputter of the pen carded, “«'That’s what 1 want, and if it can be got “Plain as day,” said Bob. ‘‘I have given round to-.| without his knowin’ it, so much the better.” | hima bad scare, and he will dig out of this ‘* We'll try a hack at it, anyhow.” and ‘get back to Gotham as soon as possible Thus they rattled away, till they came to | to see that I don’t spoil his game there.” “And you will dig after him.” make fast. “ Some,” *“* There she is,” cried Jack. The lads were at a distance from the door, ‘No, I'll be hanged if she is,” declared | and Bob was standing behind Jack when the man came out. ‘« What's the matter?” Gibson looked around for a rig, and seeing ‘*T don’t ketch on, Bob.” The driver stopped, the man ran to the “Why, that other boat was the Sandy | cab, and after a word or two got in and was Hook line, now that I come to think of it, | wheeled rapidly off, leaving Bob and Jack Ne ‘Say on,” said the other, stopping short | and anybody but a puddin’-headed gilly | to stare after him, with no means of follow: and looking at Bob, hands in his pockets. __ ** Would you mind showin’ a chap around | out once thinkin’.” _ this.place a bit? I’m a stranger here, and --wouldn’t know east from west, if it wasn’t fer the roar of theold ocean over that way,” | this mornin’ when the other boat got in, and | short cut, and we'll get to the other station would have remembered that long ago with- | ing save their legs. ** We'll know more as we git older, I hope,” said Bob, with a dry grin. ‘* How did you get ’em mixed?” “‘T should hope so. But, come, I know &. ‘*Had ’em both in mind. Was at the dock got another feller in my mind mixed in this | soon’s he kin,” There was a heavy surf on, and the ocean | same case, and that has got the two boats ‘All pyc have got to do is to lead the — was letting its voice be heard, in spite of the | tangled.” way, and I'll be right with you. If your ‘I see, Well, we'll have to scratch sand | wind is longer than mine, it is extra long, to get to the station, now. Don’t believe we | that’s all.” kin do it, unless we take a rig, an’ Lain’t got | They started, and talked as they ran, the sugar to salt for that; couldn’t hire the Should the man take the train, Bob would hind wheel of a two-wheel cart—” do the same, and he promised Jack to let ‘Well, I have; you find the rig and I’ll | him know how the matter ended. flip up the sparkle.” ** All right, here comes one.” What’s I ruther | and the driver rattled away with them. © The cab was not to be seen. In a little time they were at their destina- tion. ' yet the cab did not appear. The train had arrived, had discharged her ‘* Well, what do you make of it?” demand- passengers, and had gone on, and Bob had | ed Jack. missed his man! ‘Just my luck,” the dock-rat detective | Bob, ‘Seems to me I don’t know enough complained. ‘“ But, never say die till you | to peddie peanuts,” “Why?” be necessary to say it. We'll ask some one “We ought to guessed it.” if he has been seen.” **Guessed what?” Come, |‘ There he is now!” cried Lippy Jack. **Sure us you live!” Jack had espied him through one of the ‘He spoiled that blank on ort made that sputter ‘cause he was mad!” “You think so?” ‘ /. “ Sure of it, now. He changed his mind, / | telegraph desk. as he was writin’, and jabbed in the pen, ‘ ; “* Now we are onto him, big asa fire-hoss!” | hard, and started off new. No tellin’ what. ‘« Want to khow when the boat will be in | cried Battery Bob. ‘I'll bet he don’t get | word he sent.” / away from me again till I get that paper. ‘ Believe you are right, by sand!” r . r “ Let me think hard a minnit, What did ‘See! he has dust crumpled up a blank | sayin* last?” c s : He brought out the spoiled blank. : “Bure enough. We must have that, ck. ‘+71 get it.” Say aap ~ rb ty ied aE 5 ‘‘T’m the worst lunk out of the lunytic| the one by which the lads had come to the , ‘Jad of about his own years, bright in face | ’sylum, that’s all. Lucky fer me the fool-| station just driving off, called out to the and bearing alike, barefooted and happy- | killer has gone out of business,” driver. looking, and Bob put himself in the way of They reached their destination before the train, and with plenty of wind to spare, — A cab came along just then, the boys | for both were rugged boys and well accus- — hailed it, and after a moment’s parley and | tomed to hard exercise; but the man was not, “Well. you don’t look like a son of a | the paying of a fee in advance, they got in | there, ; millionaire, I'm hanged if you do, like your looks, though, and don’t mind ; They waited, the train came and went, and. gettin’ better ’quainted. My name is Jack ‘*GQuess we have been dished,” answered. he change his mind about? What was he ‘‘ Why, changed his mind ’bout bein’ back by very first train, of course. Why did he change his mind? Had just said look out. —
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for that boy would his life I am!” ** You are a dandy thinker,” cried Jack in compliment. ‘** Yes; a dandy mush-head, I knowit. If I hadn’t: been that, 1 would seen all this sooner,” ‘You couldn’t think of it till we found he didn’t take the train; no use your sayin’ ” . Knowed mighty well that looking out fer him—can bet ania. boy with brains would have thought» of it right off to once.” _ ‘Then I ain’t got no brains, either.” “**Bout like mine.” “* What’s to be done?” “That's what I’m tryin’ to pump out of my think-box. TI’ll tell ye, Jack, we have got to see the message he did send, or we won't get on his track to-night.” ‘* Ha! that’s just the cheese. Let’s get back there, and I'l} work that all right fer ye. I know that operator, and we'll patch up a story that will win him over into our trap, you bet.” ; “No time to lose. Sight a rig, if you can,” ln a moment more a cab was seen and the two boys hailed it and engaged it as they had the first. They were soon on their way, and present- ly reached their destination. They bade their driver wait, this time. Entering the main room, Jack ‘went straight to the window and asked: ‘*Say, has Mr. Gibson’s message gone yet?” ‘*No, haven’t got it off yet; the wire is open.” _ “That’s bully. He sent us here in haste to tell you to stop it and send it back to him by us. We came ina cab and got here in a dead rush,” “Ts this straight?” “* Do we look like millionaires, with boodle ‘to spend on cabs?” The argument was convincing, and the asa handed out the blank that had been eft. Battery Bob read it with al! the quickness with which his eyes could follow the words, for he hardly hoped to be able to carry it away with him. ‘He didn’t tell us to fetch it back unless _ we couldn’t fix it, Jack,” he said, soon as he had read it. . ‘“ That’s so; but kin ye do it?” “* The operator can.” ; ‘‘What’s wanted?” the operator asked. “I’ve changed my mind about letting the message go out of my hands, unless he comes for it himself. I can hold it til: you zo tell him, though.” ‘Not necessary; he only wants two words put in, right there.” ‘‘ What are the words?” ** Do not.” * All right; if you are quite sure of the place.” ** Know it like a book. How much will it ‘be? Was told to pay you spot cash, and then get back and !et him know quick.” ‘* Four cents,” “Here it is.” ’ Bob paid the money, and he and Jack went out and’ got into the cab again, Jack ‘telling the driver where to go.” “ We'll be in for it, if the law gits anto us fer this,” said Jack, rather regretfully. ‘The Jaw is going to get hold of Gibson first, though, Jack, and don’t you forget it. Tam after him, big as a fire-hoss and a half.’’ ‘* What was the message?” **Couldn’t tell ye exactly word fer word, cause I had to read it in double quick time, but I put the spoke in in the right spot, you bet.” ‘* Where was that?” ‘‘He told Dan Huston to carry on the work as planned, and I slipped in the little “words do not. See?” may 9 Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. “That will change things. But, that don’t find your man.” ‘*Bet it does, then. He’s gone to the —— Hotel, where answeris to besent. He won’t go to New York till mornin’.” ‘‘Then we are onto him, fine.” ‘*¥You bet we are!” The direction to the driver was changed immediately, and when they were set down they were in a short distance of the hotel in question. There Bob got sight of his man, and did not lose him again ‘ntil he had finally ac- complished his purpose. Bob changed the expression of his face every time he came in sight of his suspect, and having on Jack’s hat, escaped recog- nition. Finally a messenger was seen with a mes- sage, and ere long that message was put in Gibson’s hand. He broke the seal in haste and read it. As he read his face lighted up, and when he had done he crushed the message up and threw it from him, the same as he had done with the blank at the station. And that done, he lighted a cigar and be- gan pacing the piazza, giving Jack anexcel- lent opportunity\to secure the coveted prize. That message might mean much, and Bat- tery Bob must sec it. When he got itand read it, the dock-rat detective found that his scheme had worked nicely CHAPTER XVII. HURRAH, BOB!—ANGRY GIBSON. ‘Wat's he say?” eageriy demanded Jack. “Tt has worked bu!ly,” answered Bob, with great delight. ‘‘ Huston answers all right, that he will bey orders.” ‘And that means that everything is safe in New York for that other feller what they have got locked up. Now all you have got to do is to get that paper and go home.” ‘* Yes, that’s all; but it is a sizable job.” ‘* No matter, we’ll get there.” ** How?” ‘* Somehow.” That was the rubber, now, how they were to accomplish their work. Battéry Bob knew he could rely upon his new-made friend, for he had seen enough of , him to convince him of that. : ‘They got something to eat while they waited around the neighborhood, keeping watch upon their man, and so the time passed till night came on and the place began to assume a new aspect. It seemed as if a new class of persons had come with the darkness, men and women, and many of these had one destination. ‘* What place is that?” asked Battery Bob, drawing Jack’s attention. ‘‘That? That’s the biggest game-house at the Branch.” **So? Then that’s the place will ketch Texas purty soon, you see if it don’t, Hello! if there ain’t Dude Alexander,” ** Who?” ‘A feller I have got carded on my little ist. ** What ’bout him?” ‘In love with the lady I am workin’ this racket fer, and wants to marry her to git her fortune. But, he can’t do it while Battery ate is on deck, you bet your last nickel on that.” Harvey it was, true enough, and he head- ed straight for the gambling establishment. and entered. **T’'d give a dollar if I could walk Edith in onto him,” declared Bob. ; ** Here comes Texas,” whispered Jack. ** Sure ’nuff.” The Western sharp sauntered out of the hotel, smoking a fresh cigar, and made his way to the gambling establishment in the company of a man whose acquaintance he had formed. ‘ . ‘* How kin we git the paper?” asked Jack. “Knock him down with a club and’ it away from him.” ‘*Oh, yes, we are full of that, that would work fine, wouldn’t it?” ‘(Then don’t ask foolish. questions. Set your think-mill to runnin’, and find out a way.” ‘<1f we only knowed whether he has it with him or not.” ‘‘Where would it be if it ain’t with him?” **Mebby inhis grip.” Bob drew a long whistle, and scratched his head. ‘“Wonder if that’s possible?” he asked himself. ‘‘ Don’t hardly believe it is, but it’s worth seein’ about, anyhow.” ‘* What will you do?” ‘Play the same game we played at the station.” “Ha! just the thing. Mebby it will work. Go ahead, and I’ll back ye.” ‘‘No, [ll do it myself. You live here, and you would git into trouble, mebby.” Bob waited until the Western sharp had entered the gaming-palace, when he left Jack and boldly entered the kotel. He marched straight to the desk. ‘‘This is the ranch where Mr. Owen Gib- son is stoppin’, ain’t it?” he said, full of confidence. ‘Yes, he is registered here, but he isn’t in just now—” ‘“‘I know all about. that,” interrupted Bob. ‘He’s gone overto the card shebang to show your folks how to wina pile. He sert me here—” ‘* For the papers he left on the case—” ‘* Prezack.” . Bob’s heart had given a great leap at the word papers, but he was quick as a wink with his answer, though ke had been on the point of saying gripsack. ‘‘T thought he would send for them,” the clerk rattled on, taking some papers from somewhere under the desk. ‘‘ He took them out of his pocket v:hile he stood here getting some cigars, and walked off and left ’em.” “‘'That’s what he said,” agreed Bob, eager- ly taking them. ‘‘He’ll have ’em in a double jiffy, though, and no harm dune,” | ‘‘They were safe enough here; tell him that.” : é ‘And they are safe enough now, too; he knows me, you bet. I’m Battery Bob, the sleekest rat that prowls the docks round Battery Park. Gibby knows me, you bet, an’ he knows his papers wiil be safe in my keepin’.” / Bob was off, with that, and ran straight across to the gaming-place and entered, This he did for the benefit of the clerk, should he watch. : He went no further than just inside the door, however, where he remained for sev- eral minutes, finally coming out and signal- ing to Lippy back. ‘““What ’n world you up to?” Jack de- manded. ; : ‘*Oh! ka-whoo! ka-whoop!” cried Bob, as loudly as he dared, ‘‘I fell into the soft- est puddin’ you ever heard of in all your life Ha, ha, ha!” } And he danced and pranced asif he had taken leave of his senses. “You have got ’em bad, no mistake,” observed Jack, without a smile. ‘**So would you have, if you was me,” Bob answered. Battery Bob told his partner of his suc- cess, and it was then Jack’s turn to express his glee. He was almost as wild over the - easy Victory as was Bob himself. They fair- ly hugged each other. “ And you say you ain’t got no brains,” sheered Jack. “ Ain’t got much, anyhow,” declared Bob. ‘‘T’other feller does it all, not havin’ any. Ha, ha, ha!’ we are; ‘*Yes, but you got in your fine work » pickin’ him up 80 quick like you did. Iam proud of you, Battery Bob, and if ever I go -
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= a \ FS + a oe rs 4 4 x * ¥ hy Bi 4 4 x 4 a ‘Yes, you must, sure. But, speakin’ "bout home ’minds me that I must git there withadouble hump, What’s the next train? If there ain’t none I'll hire a enjun, if I kin et it fer seven dollars more or less, mebbe ess, an’ run it myself.” ‘“You have got jest enough time to ketch the train now, and not a second to spare, Bob.” ‘‘ Lead the way, then, Jack, an’ see if you kin beat me runnin’.” They were off with a rush at once. Reaching the station with time to spare, Bob bought his ticket, and as the train drew up he shook hands with Jack, ** Good-by, Jack,” he said. ‘‘I won’t for- git you in a hurry, you kin bet, and you Kin look fer a letter to your address inside of a week, with a bill in it that will buy you a new outfit from top to toe, I’m bettin’. Don’t fail to call on me if you come to the cit.” *“You bet I won't. 1]'ll remember where you have told me—Battery Park, care of etsy Sokup, candy and-cakes woman, or Jack Tarr, ex-sailor. Oh, I’ll find you, you bet. Now you're off, Bob!” ** Good-by, Jack!” ‘*Good-by, Bob!” *’Rah fer us!” ** You bet!” And waving their hats at each other, thus they parted. It was a late hour when the Western sharp left the gambling place and returned to the hotel, and he was going straight to his room when the clerk spoke to him and he stopped. ‘*Got your papers all right, I s’pose?’”’ the clerk remarked. Gibson clapped his hand to his breast pocket, and his face paled in an instant. ‘‘My papers!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Never thought of them, I remember, now, I took them out while getting some cigars of you— But, where are they?” ““What? Mean to say the boy didn’t bring them to you? He came here not five minutes after you had gone out and said you had sent him for them, and I saw him carry them straight to the Carlo,” . *‘T sent nobody for them—didn’t think of them till this minute. Who was the boy? Did you know him?” : ** No, didn’t know him, but he said he’d come from you, and his story straight to doubt. This beats the mischief, Called himself Battery Bob—” ‘¢ Thunderation! Tost ruined!” CHAPTER XVIII. BATTERY BOB'S BIG ROUND-UP, WueEn Battery Bob reached New York, he madeall haste to go to the home of Edith Allen—to give her that name still, though she now had another of right and of certainty. He found her at home, and placed the marriage-certificate in her hands, to her al- most unbounded delight. Her mother was present, and insisted that Bob’s reward should not be less than a hundred dollars—not a single penny less, as she emphatically put it. * Tell vou what you do then,” said Bob, “* You just send half of it by mail to Jack Baxter, called Lippy Jack, Long Branch, continent of New Jersey, and I'll be satis- fied. If it hadn’t been fer him you wouldn’t got no paper, and he has got to be rewarded somehow. And now! must be off.” — ‘* And Imust burn this paper this minute.” declared Edith,” ' ‘Do it, Edith,” urged the mother, *‘Every proof of that marriage will then have been re- moved, Burn it instantly, my daughter.” **Well, I reckon you know,” said Bob, ** but it is all the blankest kind of a mystery to me.” The certificate was burned, then and there, and Bob took his leave, was too, Battery Bo well his part, exercising his subtle art, the Py to Noo York you bet I’m going to hunt you He went straight to the police station to | Pup.” which Terrence McDougal belonged, and there, the moment he entered the door, a hand fell upon his shoulder. Looking up quickly, he expected to see the face of Terry, but, instead, he encounter- ed the grim countenance of Detective McNeil, who had been looking for him everywhere since his interview with Mc- Dougal. : ‘Hal I’ve got you, have I?” he demanded, ‘* Looks like it,” answered Bob, promptly. ‘*But, you don’t want to detain me, for I am onto one of the crookedest pieces of rascally biz that ever took place in New York Cit,” ‘What do you mean?” Bob reeled off the story’as fast as he cofild, ‘‘And we want to have Terry in it,” he wound up. ‘‘I promised him, and he has got to be there.” ‘Oi will be there, you can bet, me b’y!” called out a familiar voice at that moment, and the gallant Irish member of the finest put in his appearance for duty—the second half of his split-trick. “Bully fer you, Terry!” cried Bob. ‘‘ We are onto ‘em now, you bet!” A number of policemen were detailed for the work, and under the command of Detec- tive McNeil they set out. | At the same time a telegram, was sent to Long Branch, putting the authorities there on track of Owen Gibson, for, among the papers recovered by Battery Bob, was evidence against him of a grave nature, Battery Bob led the way to the house where the prisoner was held. A ring at the bell caused the door to be opened, and the moment it was opened the detective and some of his men entered. Battery Bob was still to the fore, along- side of the Irish member, and they entrapped the rascals before they knew what had hap- pened, almost. The officers who had been stationed outside found nothing to do, The prisoner was discovered, and as soon as released he exposed the whole plot, de- nouncing Owen Gibson and Charles Turney in most bitter terms, He was most emphatic in declaring that no marriage had taken place. This was not true; he had a reason, He was held as a witness, and on the fol- lowing morning Owen Gibson was sent on from Long Branch in the keeping of an officer. At his hearing in the police court the whole matter was made public, and the rascally scheme was held up to the light. Charles Turney was a prisoner, as were also Dan Huston and Joe Fink. Edith Allen was an heiress, conditionally, If she married before coming of age, she would lose all, according to her grandfather's will. In that event, her cousin, Charles Turney, would come into possession of the fortune, and she would be left penniless. The reader can readily grasp the rest. Charles Turney was a worthless rascal who had been some yearsin the West, and now was in the power of Owen Gibson, a gambler and sharper generally, and together they concocted a scheme to have the young lady marry before she came of age. In order to do this, it was necessary to se- lect some one to marry her, and whom she would marry, and the man selected to play ‘this part was John Barr, a handsome fellow, himself also another of Gibson’s victims, Now, as Barr was a hypnotizer, their suc- cess was a foregone conclusion, Gibson supplied Barr with money, and Gibson and Turney came cn to New York to see that he carried out his part of the agreement. After the marriage it was the plan of Gibson and Turney to get hold of the certificate and pub- lish it to the world, but there a cog slipped, Barr fell in with their plans, and playing b, the Dock Detecti ve. \ Te 15 marriage took place; but, in the mean time, Barr fell desperately in love with the young woman and finally resolved to denounce his accomplices, This led to the intention of doing away with him, and as we have nar- rated, to the righting of the whcle matter, through the work of Battery Bob, who had done it all,really. Mrs. Allen had repeatedly warned her daughter not to marry until she had come of age, und Edith had certainly no intention of doing so; but, hypnotism was too much for her. Immediately after the marriage, to which Gibson and Turney had been secret witnesses, they, together with the two toughs we have seen, pounced upon Barr and dragged him away, telling, or remind- ing, Edith of whatshe had now done, She, immediately realizing, and almost crazed at the thought, sought suicide, and the toughs had followed her for the purpose of securing the certificate, Battery Bob, however, took a hand in the game just here, and a spoke was put in the Villains’ wheel. The whole four, upon this and other charges, were sent to Sing Sing fora term of ears that will do them much good, if they live to get out again, ‘Turney, through a rascally Jawyer, tried to prove that a marriage bad taken place, and that be was the rightful heir, but not a bit of proof could be found. When Edith came of age, she married John Barr again, this time openly, and thus was Harvey Alexander put out of the race for all time. He was now known for what he was, 'and Edith despised him more than ever. He did not trouble ber with his pres- ence after one interview. The fortune came to Edith, and she and her husband enjoy it. Barr was of good family, and became a worthy man from the time when his love for Edith awakened his nobler nature. Battery Bob was handsomely rewarded, and fifty dollars was sent to Jack Baxter, as Bob had requested. Neither was Terrence McDougal forgot- ten, nor Detective McNeil, . POP g We must not forget to mention, ere clos- ing, that Battery Bob won the wager he had laid with his officer friend, Jack Tarr and Betsy Sokup became man and wife—all through Bob’s masterly strategy! Terrence continued moms Betsy's cakes till she would have done anything to avenge herself upon him,and the only chance she ay was to lend herself to the winning of Bob’s bet! But, in the way was a wooden leg, and she could never abide a wooden leg— never! Battery Bob fixed that all right, when the proper time came. He put Jack Tarr up to the scheme of laying aside his wooden . leg and appearing before the object of his devotion on a crutch, with the leg of his trowsers pinned up behind, showing him for just what he was—a one-legged man, And this scheme worked like a charm and Betsy succumbed. ‘“‘T never could abear anything that was like a sham, Jack Tarr,” she said, ‘‘and a wooden leg is about the worst sham that I kin think of. I'll be yourn, dear Jack, if you have bid good-by to that sham for- ever.” ‘Betsy, 1 have,” was the old salt’s gal- lant answer, ‘‘ For non’s mouth and lay-off the other leg, too, if need be—” ‘‘Good heavens, no! What would I do with a no-legged man?” “Well, just as you say.” So it was arranged, to the satisfaction of all concerned, save maybe Terrence the cop; but he paid the bet without a murmur and — proposed a cheer for Battery Bob, THE END. re you, I'd face the can-°
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BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers., BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffal, Ben. 85 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; o:, The Phantom Miner. 49 Dendweod Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. zs Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 4 ne, the Heroine SEB Dealvana Metin teen, ¢ ville. 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick aa Detective. 129 Deadwood Diek’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreams or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. 20e peadwees ria he seers Ge areca Jane’s Adventure. 217 Deadwoo ck’s Dea eal. 221 Deadwood Diek’s Death-Plant. 282 Geld-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughe and Tougha, aon Renew aes Cree tn ; i hy Spirit of Swamp Lake. ead woot ck’s Dea rail, B09 Deadwood Dick’« Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducatss or, Days in the Diggings. rad peadw eve wick Sentesced $ or, The Terrible Vendetta. , enadwoo ¢ s alm. 405 Deadwood Dick tn Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diam ude’ 421 Deadwood Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Duaty; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.; or, The Crimson Creacent Sign, eR Deadwood Dick? Seve Full Hand b endwood ck, Jr.e Fu and, 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Racket at Claim 10, ATL Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill, aie Peaeweood piers : he Dow rh endwoor ek. Jr., in Deady ood, 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Diggings. 5608 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee, 522 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Danger Ducka. ana noneweod he 5 the trios Hunt, ? Deadwoo ek re, In Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, JIr., the Wild West Vidoog t+ pcodwoed iene ares = Jie Mastie, o> eadwoo ¢ r-, In Gotham, 561 Deadwooa Dick, Jr., in Boston, 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. Ait berfessd Bice: tr: toes cudwo ek. Fres oat. BSA Dendweoa Dick, Jr., in Denver, 5690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. eee hestced aie: ge wegen eadw ek, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. In Cincinnati. 624 Deadwoed Dick. Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadweod Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. San Deadhead Diek, av. mle ecadwoo ek, Jr., In Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers, 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, I: suranee Case, 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, dr., tn Durangos or, * Gathered In.” +44 fosqcere oer 5 ing psi Pg a Found « Fortune. eadw oc ck, Jr.’a, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide, FO4 Denlvoed Dick, It at Jack-Pot eadwoo ek, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick Jr., in San Francisco. 216 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Still Hunt, 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dominoes, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disgulse,« pesewnen rene weel eadwoos eathwatch, Deadwood Doublet. Deadwood Deathblow. Deadwood » Desperate Strait, peetwesa es by pope wemies lend woo ck, efeat. Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection, poate ney ek? gr. Mark Days. cadw oo CK, Pes cned. Peadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device, Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«, Desperate Venture Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. ts peeerone ie? Eb hag tne de tas enawoo0e Cy re Ms end-ous 816 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom, S28 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Scoop. 884 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’a, Proxy. S40 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Clutch. 845 Dendwood Dick, Jr.'s, sy Horse, 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devil’s Gulch, R54 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Meath-Hole Hustle. Ret endw oes pick, To cceebenell. STO Deadwoor ck, Jr., In Mexico, S76 Deadwood Dick, Jr's, Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Silver Pocket. SCF LINAS OH rele telele tote lete totale ial NONWOVOS Oe LONSeEE =P =~ ——- BY WM, G. PATTEN. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown. 66% Violet Vane’sa Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out. 698 Violet and Dalay, the Posy Pards, 70% Violet Vane'’s Vows; or, The Cratty Detective’s Cratt, 724 Violet Vane’s Vengennee; or, The Wipe-Oat, 7230 Violet Vane’s Verdiet; or, The Game at Coffin City. ZAl Violet Vane, the Ventriloqaist Vidocq; or, Sport vs. Sport. 250 Violet Vane, the Vanquished. or, The Life Strngg!e. 768 Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. 489 The Ofamond Sport; or, The. Double Face of Bed Rock, B19 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One, 681 Daley ware the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire; or, Among the Vultures. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Doubie Grip Witness 641 Dismal Pave’« Dandy Pard; or, The Clue to Capt. Claw 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 714 Old Misery the Man from Missouri. T74 Clear-Grit Cal, the NeverSav-Die Detective. 739 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 806 Cowboy Steve the Ranch Mascot. 820 Nobby Naty, the Tenderfoot Detective. 886 Sharper Stoke’s Double Deal. 857 Spotter Bob in New York. 866 Spotter Bob’s Bowery Racket. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. . 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Kk ob on Mand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. 88 Resebud Rob's rm ramedintgeg or, hoe Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Cha RTT Denver Doll, the Detwctive lenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. uwen; or, The Yankoe'’s Surround 281 Denver Doll's Vietory; or, Skull and Crossbones, 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 296 Denver Doll's Drift or, The Road Queen. 868 Yreku Jim, the Geld-Gatherery or, The Life Lottery, 878 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. B85 Yreka Jim's sy pond Boel The Rivals of Red Nose. 889 Yreka Jim's New ole; or, Bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 20 Frits, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sicrra Sam, the Fronti«r Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 24% Sierra Sams Sceret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Slerro Sam’s Purdy; or, The Angel of Big Vista. 25% Sierra Sam’s Seven or, The Stolen Bride, $84 Kangarove Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. $89 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; er, Life in New York. 69 The Boy Detective; or, Guild Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels, 17 Gilt-Edged 1 ior Captuin Ferret, the Dick, the Sport Detective ew York Detective. 61 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. B25 Kelley, Hickey & Oo., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat Harry, the Base Bull Detective, 426 Sam Slabsald 484 Jim Beak and I en, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 2al, Rrivate Detectives, 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche: or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 68 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix, 61 Buckhorn BIll; or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jacek Hoyle 25 Bay 1 Wild the Young Speculator. nanzaea Bill, Minerg or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 88 Boas Bob the King of Bootb} 41 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 7 Nobby Nick ef Nevaday or, The Sierras Scampa. 8 rank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’a Love. acks, 2K6 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol: or, The Rival Heirs. 299 A No. 1, the Reshing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Gir 880 Little Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport, ufck-Shoty, or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City, 888 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Venceance, 486 Sealekin Saua, the Sparkier; or The Tribunal of Ten, BY LIEUT. A. K, SIMA, 589 Tom-Cat and Pardy or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s 681 Tom Cat's 688 Tom-Cat’s Trium phy or, Bleek Triad; or, The Affuir at Tombstone. Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective, Dan's Great Combine. 546 Captain Cactus, thse Chaparral Cock; or, Josh's Ten Strike 6568 The Dandy ef Dedge; or, Rustling for Millions, 576 The Silver Spert; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 588 Saffron Sel » the Man With a Shadow 601 Ha Dy Wana, the Duteb Vidocg; or, Hot Times at Round-Up 611 Bilda Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowher Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. » 657 Warbl gz William, the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahy the Plains Detective, 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gyps le Sim, the 699 Birnnp Kpy: or, The 24 of Two Livea. roncho Buster: or, For Big Stakes, 712 The Meameriat Sport; or, The Mystified Detective, 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector. 745 Kansaa Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective, 778 The Ruatler of Rolling Stone, 785 Lone Han d Joe, the Committee of One, 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck, 882 The Doctor Detective in Texas. 872 Two Showmen Detectives in Colorado. B Y J, ©. COWDRICK, Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Broadway 514 Broadway 5686 Broadway 557 Broadway 579 Broadway 605 Broadway 628 Broadway 669 Broadway 675 Broadway 687 Broadway 6096 Broadway TOB Broadway T11 Broadway 720 Broadway 785 Broadway 788 Broadway 758 Broadway 762 Broadway 769 Broadway 775 Broadway 788 Broadway 786 Broadway 790 Broadway 796 Broadway 800 Broadway 805 Broadway 810 Broadway 815 Broadway S21 Broadway 826 Broadway S883 Broadway 889 Brondway 844 Broadway 849 Broadway 856 Brondway 862 Broadway S68 Broadway ST4 Broadway 880 Broadway B60 Aliver-Mus 8609 Shasta, the 420 The Delective’s Appren 424 Cibuia Jonn; or, Billy, the Bootbiack Bravo. Billy’s Boodle; or, Cleming a Strange Case Billy’s ‘Diftikiity.” Billy’s Peath Racket. Billy’s Surprise Party. Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, Billy’s Dead Act; or, The League of Seven Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. Billy’« Best; or, Beating San Franciaco’s Finest, Billy in Clover. Billy in Texas; or, The River Rustlers, Billy’s Brand. Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal, Billy’s Full Wand; or, The Gamin Detective. Billy’s Business. Billy’s Curious Case. Billy in Denver. Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectiv Billy, the Retriever Detective. Billy’s Bhadow Chase. Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest, Billy’s Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, Billy’s Queer Bequest, Billy Baffled, Billy’s Signal Scoop. Billy’ Wipe Out, Billy’s Bank Racket. Biliy’s Bluff. Bully Among Jersey Thugs. Billy’« Raid. ‘ Billy’s Big Boom, Billy’« Big Bulge. Billy’s #100,000 Snap. Billy’« Blinds or, The Bootblack Stowaway. Billy in London. Billy Shadows London’ Slums. Billy’s French Game. Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. _ the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. r, For Seven Years Dead, ce; or, A Boy Without a Name, ed-Hot Times at Ante Bar, sold King} 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, 506 Redlight Ralph t B24 The Fi the Dery Dude. e Prince of the Road. nglneer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 5648 Mart, the Night Feaen Detective. S71 Alr-Line Luke t e Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Ruscals Out. 615 Fighting wayey the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Tyrewrlter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the ‘‘ Pizenest’”’ Man of Ante Bas, ~ BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 888 New York Nat’s Crook-Chase, S77 New York Nat’s Trump Card, 871 New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Nat’s Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Kuock-Out, $47 Dick Doow’s Ten Strike, 842 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand, 772 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny- T7277 Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. 784 Dick Doomy or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York, 788 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks. 798 Dick Doom tn Chicago. 79S Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. S18 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. S29 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt. 885 Dick Doom’s Big Haul. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. 756 Dashing Charlie's Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captives. 760 Dashing Charlie’s Pawnee Pard, 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor's Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande,. 560 Pawnee BUI, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee BUV« Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom, 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’« Curious Case; 0, The Rival Sharpe. 697 Redfern at Devil's Raneit or, The Sharp from Texag,. TOR Redfern’« High Hand; or, Blue Jacket. ZO? Redfern’s Last Tratl; or, The Red Sombrero Rangets.. 668 Red Kalph’s Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Midshipman. 674 Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailor, 679 Red Ralph, the Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy, 644 Rutterfly Billy’s Disguise. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Express Rider. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. 662 away 2 Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; or, The Owls of the Overland, Kent Kingdon’s Shadower } or, the Card Queen,. ent Kingdon’s Duel}; cr, The Surgeon Scout, 586 Kent Kingdon’s Voom; or, The Buckskin Avenger. 545 Lafitte Kun Dow n;: or, The Bucsaneers of Barrataria, 550 Lalfitte’a Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 555 Lafitte’s Confesal on; or, The Creole Corsair, 620 Buckskin Bil, the Comanche Shadow. 525 The Buckskin Brothers in Texas, 580 The Buckskin Bowers; or, The Cowboy Pirates, 585 The Ruckaskin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive. 5640 The Buckskin Pardes’ Quest; or, Captain Ku-Klux. 508 The Royal Middy + or, The Shark and the Sua Cat. 507 The Royal Middy’s Luck; or, The Hunted Midshipman, 611 The Royal Middy’s Foe. 4560 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret o1 New York, 454 Wizard Will's Ktreet Scouts. 474 Wivard WILI'’s Pard3 or, Flere, the Flower GirL 488 Wizard Will’s Last Case; or, The Ferrets Afloat. 429 Duncarm Dare, the Boy we We 488 Duncan Dare’s Plot; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck, 487 Duncan Dare’s Prize; or, The Sea Raider. 441 Duncan Dare’s Keeret; or, The Ocean Firefly, 402 Isodor, the You "E Censpirator; or, The Fatal League, 407 Isodor’s Double Chase; er, The Boy Insurgent. 412 Isedor’s War-Cloud Cruise; er, The Wild Yachteman. 216 Bison Bill, the Prinee of the Reins. BWV Vinson Bill’s Clue; or, Grit, the Bravo Sport, 804 Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma, 808 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Kene Kit, 814 Dead Shot Dandy’s Defiances or, The Boy Bugler. 607 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chicf; or, The River Detective, 245 Merle Monte’s Leap fer Life. 250 Merle Monte’s utiny ¢ or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 Merle Monte’s Treasure Island. 26 Merle Mente the Condemned, 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, “ The Gold Ship” Chase, 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, The Pirate's Pride. 284 Merle Monte’s Pledzet or, The Sea Marauder, 197 The Kid Glove Kport; or, Little Grit, the Wild Rider, 204:The Kid Glove Fport’s Doem; or, Buialo\ Bill, the Pony Express Rider. ' 885 Dead-Fhot Ralph's Ten-Strike. 867 Dead RBhot Ralph’s tag 878 Deck-Hawk Roy’s Big Scoop. 425 parle. the Cowboy Coaster, 781 Ruth Redmond, the Gir) Shadower, 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 59% The Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos. 5Y1 Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rover; or, The Avenging Sallor,. 680 The Outcast Codet; or, The False Detective, 495 Arizona Joe; or, The Bo Pard of Texas Jack. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster; or, Pirate in Spite. 462 ‘The Sallor Boy Wanderer; or. The Born Guide. 446 Haphazard Harry 5 or, The Sea Scapegrace. 898 The Red Clasped Hands; or, The Boy Lieutenant, BST Warpath WILL, the Traitor Guide. BRS The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rover or, The Flegless Schooner, 287 Billy Blue-Fyes, of the Rio Grande. 287 Lone Atar, the Cowboy Captain. 229 Crimson Kate, the Girl Trailer; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 116 The Hussar Captain: or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. 111 Fhe Sea-Devil ; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 102 Dick Dend-Eye, the Smuggier , or, The Crufse of the Vixen, 75 The Boy Duellats or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. ? The Flying Yankees or, The Ocean Outcast, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 8&6 The Five Points Lodging House Janitor; or, Monk Merry and the Itali.n, By Jo Pierce. 887 Battery Bob, the Dock Detective; ‘or, Rounding-op the Western Sharps, By J. C. Cowdrick. 888 Monte Saul, the Sports or, High Hustling at Dead Latch. By Wm. R. Eyster. 889 New York Nat’. Snap Shot. By Col, P. Ingraham, 890 The Race Track Pyaxtis Shake-up; or, Western Union Messenger 999, By Jo Pierce, A New lssue Every Tuesday. The Half.Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five tents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, {BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, ' 98 William Street, New York:. vores: ass