Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 889) (1894 08 07)
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te, Uy tgs YLAAZ Oy Sy CS f Vy DB seca aa Te fan lea ae hi eae mas set AUG HL | Ti “iri =n an. & wy) a Entered as Second Plass Mat Matter att the New York, ‘N.} yy » Post Office. a aortas 18%, by BEADL! E AND ADAMS. — Ek le i, 184, $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY - BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, N 0. 880, a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, 5 cents. Wh IY, I lik 4 Dy) beled Lata - +S i hit LAC GA ii i a tu ‘ii or A | iw 1 get ERA i i | ; so ve ny i I! oe Ne. i ne 4 SO : ‘ f Yak : arg iticite Deal ; The Unknown Perel § Snap-not. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. CHAPTER I. AN UNFORGOTTEN FACE, “ OxrvE, do you see that man over there?” | “You refer to that handsome gentleman at the third table, Nat, the one with the beautifnl lady with him?” ‘* Yes, that is the one, but he is no gentle: + saa — . man, Olive WIFH A BITTER OATH FRED RAYFIELD WROTE AS NEW YORK NAT DEMANDED, “Do you know him, Nat?”
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New York Nat’s Deadly Deal, **No; I do not know him, but I never forget a face.” ‘* You have seen him before then?” ‘“Yes; but I cannot now say when or where,” ‘‘Then why decide that he is no gentle- man?” ** Because I never forget a face, be it good or bad, man or woman, and I would stake iny life on it that he is at heart a base vil- lain whatever he may now appear to be.” Well, Nat, “be do read faces and char- acters wonderfully well, and are seldom mistaken; but I would say that the one you denounce is a very handsome magn, refined, elegant and a gentleman, while the lady with him is certainly very beautiful, a most lovable face, one that,is the index of a noble nature.” “ She ig all that, sir; I can swear to that,” **Do you know her?” “e I do,” “Who is she?” ‘Do you rememoer the day I was hurt, stopping a pair of runaway horses in the Park?” ‘* Yes, and it was very nearly a fatal acci- dent to you, Nat.” ‘It was, and yet not so bad as was at first supposed, Sis. ‘*T saw that the coachman had lost con- trol of his horses, and that in the carriage was a young lady, while the driveway was crowded with vehicles. ° ‘But I took big chances and checked the horses, one of them striking me the blow on my head which cut to the bone and stun- ned me. ‘‘There were others to give help then; the es oe got control of the horses, and when I became conscious I was in a luxuri- ously furnished room, and several persons were present, one of them a doctor who was bending over me. : ‘‘T did not wish to be there, so I played possum, watched my chance, and a couple of hours after when the nurse was alone and asleep, I slipped out of the bed, hastily dress- ed and escaped from the house unseen.” ‘* Yes, you wrote me you had a story to tell me of your accident, Nat, and I have been anxious to hear it; but why did you steal out of the house like a thief in the night?” ‘*Because it would never have done for my clothes to have been searched and _ the discovery made that I was New York Nat, the chief of the Unknown Boy Police, the. leader of the mysterious young ferrets, who have so well served the great chief of the Secret Service Bureau of New York, and yet have been to him a mystery he could not fathom, ‘Oh, no, Ihad with me the ge badge of our Secret League, Olive, and my note- book, and papers; all of which would betray me; so I determined to escape and did so, The blow on the head had only stunned me, the doctor had dressed the wound, and though dizzy I was able to go, and did.” ‘* And where had you been taken?” _ * To the home of the young lady whom I had saved, for she had me placed in the car- riage and drove with me straight to her home. “Then she sent for the doctor, and had the servants carry me to one of the best rooms in the house.” ** She was.a noble girl, Nat.” ‘* Yes, and there she sits over there.” ‘“The one with the man you denounced just now?” ‘‘ Yes, the one with the man who I say is a villain,” * And yet, she should not be one to be with such a man,” ‘*« She cannot, does not know him as he is.” ‘« Ah! you think he is sailing under false colors?” a4 ‘* Beyond all doubt.” ‘“‘ And whois she, Nat?” ‘* Miss Maybel Kingdon, the daughter of | Millionaire Kingdon, the banker.” ‘* Yes, [have heard of her, and that she and her brother are the banker’s only heirs.” “Yes, and Craig Kingdon, her brother, lives a very fast life, I have heard, though Il have never seen him.” ‘* But what must they all have thought of your leaving as you did?” ‘*T do not know. I saw inthe papers that Miss Kingdon had driven her rescuer to her home, fearing he was fatally wounded, bnt that he had modestly departed, giving no | clue to his identity. | ‘That was all tbat was said about it, but I | am sorry to see her now with a man who [| am sure is a scoundrel; and more, Sis, | will prove him to be, for I know his face, and yet, when and where I have seen it I cannot now recall,” was New York Nat’s determined re- ply to his sister and ally in Secret Service work, be. 2 9.05 CHAPTER II. CONVICT PALS, **Say, pard; I knows you.” The man who uttered the words spoke in a low tone, and addressed one who sat at the small table with him listening to the Garden Concert which New York Nat and his sister Olive had also attended, and where the for- mer had recognized Maybel Kingdon, whose life he had saved, accompanied by a gentle- man whom Nat had denounced. The man who heard the words that open this chapter, started, turned livid in the glare of the electric lights, and, dropping his hand upon an ugly knife he carried, leant forward and hissed forth: ‘* Waal, ter know me is worth your life, so jist git up and come with me, or [ll knife yer before all this gang. ‘‘T says come, and don’t yer breathe or look suspicious.” ‘*Don't git excited, pal, for I is one o’ your kind,” said the other in an unmoved way. : ‘* What does yer mean?” “I says I knows yer.” “And I says it’s as much as yer life is worth ter do so.” ‘Yer is Killer Bill.” **T want ter know more.” ‘You was in for life for murder, escaped, got into another killin’ scrape and was tuk back, and yer escaped three months ago ag’in, though yer had to kill ther guard ter do so.” ‘Who is you, I asks?” and the man called Killer Bill grasped his knife more firm- ly, OUee about him was a crowd of several thousand people listening tothe playing of the band, He and his comrade sat slightly apart in the shadow of a tree, and before him was a half-finished glass of beer and a sandwich. “‘T war in Cell Twenty-Seven at the prison.” ‘‘ Lordy! you are Zip Ralston.” “e I am, ” 4 The man stretched his hand across the table and said: “Shake! we are Convict Pals, and there is a price on our heads.” ‘* Yes, and a big one.” “‘ How did you git away? ‘*T was watcher over 4 took his place in the coffin. ‘‘When they took me out to bury mel rose from the dead and skipped!” ‘You bet you scared them as was totin’ ou,” ‘‘ They bain’t done runnin’ yit,” and both men laughed. ‘Yes, I recognizes you now, though I think yer is rigged up out o’ yer condition.” ‘As youis, for you is togged out like a ent.” : ““Yas, I has ter be ter throw the’ ferrets off my trail, and you gave me a scare, when you said you know’d me.” EX aN ” dead chum, and LL LLL — — let us git on their track,” an ‘* What are you doing here?” ** Pocket lifting. ‘¢ What is your game, Zip?” ‘* About ther same.” ‘* How’s business?” “é Good. ” ‘*The same with me; but where does you hang.out?” ‘‘[ has a job ina store I intends to strike big some night.” “T’m with you, and you go pards with me?” ‘« What’s yer racket ?” ‘‘Gold and revenge!” was the decided re- sponse. ‘‘ Whose done yer that yer wishes ter knife him?” ‘‘Does yer see that young fellow sittin’ over thar?” ‘‘The one with ther pretty gal?” ‘“Yes, Well, he’s a detective.” ‘‘The deuce you say!” ‘‘'Yas, he’s ther one that kilt my pard, Red Fred, and sent me back to live in a stone rave,” ‘** That boy?” ‘*«The same.” ‘You recognize him then?” ‘« Well, I'll tell you that the papers says I was run down and Fred kilt by some unknown detective, the authorities either did not know, or kept out of sight for reasons, ‘‘But, that’s the one that pinked Red Fred and got me, and now I’m goin’ to git even,’ ‘‘T don’t blame yer, and I'll help yer, for if he works as an Unknown he is more to be dreaded than an out and out detective or cop ” **You bet he is! and, young though he be, he’s got sand and nerve for half a dozen men,” “He and the gal seems ter be keepin’ their eyes on the handsome gent and lady over yonder.” ‘*T know them, too,” ‘*You has stylish acquaintances, Bill.” ‘© You bet I has! and J means ter use ’em. Just bet on that, too!’’ ** Who is they?” ‘The lady is the darter of the rick banker, Kingdon, what lives in a palis on one of the swell streets here, and the gent is her lover, and it is going to cost him sumthin’ now | is out o’ ther grave.” ** You has a pull on him then?” ‘‘Waal I just has! But, see here, Zip; I is gine I met yer, for we can work together and make money.” ; ‘*You bet we can.” a _ “Remember, I has first to track that young ferret, for he’s to be my game for re- venge, and then we kin go into business to- gether,” ; “‘T’m with yer, Killer Bill.” ‘Drop my Christian name, Zip, and jist call me Bill, see? ‘* And more—I must change my make-up a trifle as you recognized me.” ‘Well, I first seen that yer middle finger on yer left hand were gone; and then when you looked straight at me it brought back to my mind Cell No, Thirty-Two at the prison, so I spoke to you and yer actions and voice convinced me,’ **Yes, I must be more careful, and as the finger won’t grow out ag’in, like a crab’s — claw, I’ll jist wear a glove on this hand and stuff the finger out. ‘But the young ferret and gal is goin’, so the two, Con- vict Pals arose and followed New York Nat and Olive away from the Concert Garden, CHAPTER III. TOO FLY FOR THEM. ~ ‘‘OLIvE, we ‘are shadowed,” said New York Nat, before his sister and himself had gone very far from the garden concert. ‘‘Why, Nat, what makes you think so?” .
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Hf iat Fi f 2 i vs UJ 5’ aie ie re 4 = sat, 0 ae 7 a . irs New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. *‘T saw two men watching us at the gar- den, and after telling you that 1 recognized the one with Miss Kingdon, but could not place him, I did ‘not wish tv say the same of another but, such was the case.” ‘““Why, Nat, you will begin to believe youare haunted, after awhile. I fear you are working too thard in your detective busi- ness, and you should do asI did—should run off for a vacation,” said Olive, ‘Oh no, Ido not need a vacation until I have accomplished the aim of my life, by our deeds of Secret Service to “1 (A a place for my Boy Police, and a fortune too, “ But, I tell you, Olive, I saw those two ‘men watching us, and one of them I have seen under some peculiar circumstances, but cannot place him now, ‘“When we left they arose and followed us. Now, when we cross the street look for yourself and see that two men are coming on after us.” “Does that mean we are being shadowed, Nat?” ‘Tn this case it does, Sis.” “Well, Nat, you are seldom wrong,” said Olive, and crossing the street she glanced back at the two men. They passed under a gas light as she look- ed at them, and she said: ‘‘ Yes, Nat, [remember seeing the same two men ata table near us. ‘‘ Are they the inspector’s detectives, do 78 think, trying to find out who the Un- known Ferrets are?” ‘‘Tt may be, for the chief has vowed to our allies, Mr, Vanderlip and Mr. Sherman Canfield, that he will yet track us, and he has a bet with the former of a thousand dollars that he will do so,” ‘** And may win it.” ‘* Not if we can help it, Olive. But, we must throw those fellows off our track, for it would never do to take you home and have those men dog us there.” ** How can we get rid of them?” ‘* We'll go into the ladies’ entrance of the Barrett House. I will then leave you in the parlor, quickly change my disguise in the ante-room, and go to the office and ‘urder a carriage for you .to drive home, while I will 3 those men, for turn about is fair Pp ay.” This plan was adopted, and, as Olive went into the parlors, New York Nat quickly pass- ed into the waiting-room, and with a clever- ness and skill gained hi long practice, in a couple of minutes had completely changed his appearance. In the first place, his coat was turned, and -was of a different color on the other side; his turned-down collar was changed to a stand- ing up one, with a white cravat, and pocket- ing the soft hat he wore, he took out from under his belt a spring opera hat, that with a pair of eyeglasses set upon his nose, and a ‘blond wig, made a totally different person in appearance from the youth whom Killer Bill had recognized, Going down to the office he asked the clerk to order a carriage fora lady in the parlor, ‘whom he could not escort home owing to an engagement he must keep at that hour. Then he passed on out of the hotel within five feet of Killer Bill who had never for an instant recognized him, As he suspected, he passed the other pal ~watching the ladies’ entrance of the hotel, and, apparently waiting foracar, he saw a carriage drive up and a vailed lady come out and enter it, passing the shadower who fail. ed also to recognize that Olive had thrown a black vail over her bonnet and g shaw] about her shoulders, for the fair young Queen of the Ferrets, like her brother, was too clever to go out without being able also to disguise herself in an instant. New York Nat witnessed his sister’s de- parture, and walking toward the watcher as the carriage rolled away he said in a drawl- ‘ing tone: : ‘Say, friend, I take it that you are a de- tective.” Zip Ralston started, but said with as much composure as he could assume: ‘* Well, if you think so, you will know enough not to trifle with me when Iam at work.” ‘Very true; but your comrade, who just went into the hotel, told me to come and say you were not to wait for him, and he’d see you later,” ““No he won’t! He can’t come that game on me, for he knows I don’t know where to find him, and he’s trying to give me the shake, fearing I may squeal, but, that game don’t work,” and the man in his anger, and fearing to be deserted by his fellow convict, forgot that he was saying more than was safe. He was, however, quickly recalled to his senses by having a revolver muzzle thrust into his face and hearing the words: ‘* Well, this game does work, for I am a detective, and I want you, my man,” CHAPTER IV. NAT’S SUSPICION VERIFIED, THE escaped convict was startled beyond resistance or speech. He saw the cell of his prison looming up before him, and where he was to spend the remaining years of his existence, for he was sentenced for life, In his terror and despair he made no resis- tance, and the handcuffs were quickly snap- ped upon his wrists by New York Nat. But there was heard arapid step behind him, a stunning blow of a cane crushed down upon Nat’s head and as he tottered and fell backward against the iron railof the hotel, the one who had struck him made a savage thrust at him with a long-bladed knife, Unable to resist, dazed as he was by the blow, New York Nat saw the thrust mace and turned his body to avoid it, The point struck a hard substance, glanced, and cut the flesh as it slipped from rib to rib, while the intended murderer, believing that he had finished his work, grasped his fellow- convict by the arm and the two fled rapidly up the street as their victim sunk to the pavement, just as a gentleman came out of the hotel, saw him and said: ‘* Sorry liquor has downed you, my friend; but I will call a hack for you, asthe street is not a pleasant sleeping-place.” ‘‘Mr. Canfield, Iam not drunk. I am—” ‘‘New York Nat as I live, and in dis- guise?” cried the gentleman. ‘‘Yes, but do not mind me, sir, for I am only stunned by a blow, See those two men, please follow them, for I can look after myself, thank you.” Sherman Canfield saw the retreating forms ae going around the corner and turn down ifth avenue, He waited no longer, but hastening around in front of the hotel, sprung into a waiting cab and gave the coachman his orders quick- ly, and the vehicle dashed away, while he muttered; “IT have never tried scouting and trailing in the city, but I'll try my hand at it now,’* New York Nat with an effort straightened himself upas Mr, Canfield dashed away, and muttered: ‘“‘ If any one can catch those two fellows, that young Indian-fighter is the one.” : Then he took off his crushed hat and felt his head. There was a large lump where the cane had fallen. ‘‘The springs in this opera hat and my de gla me from a broken skull,” he mut- tered. 4 Then he placed his hand in his coat and found that it was wet. *Sherman Canfield, of Nebraska, and a well- known yourg plainsman, at present the private seo- retary of Colonel W. F. Cody. ~—Tue AUTHOR. ‘ “It’s blood, but I guess I’m not badly urt, ‘Tt was the Boy Police badge I wear that Siggy the blade, and it glanced along my ribs. ‘** Both were close calls, and I'll look up a doctor, for I feel quite ent ‘* Anyhow, I know now that those are bad fellows, who need running down, ‘I must take off my wig before 1 go to the doctor,” and he did so, removing also his glasses, and then making his way to a physi- cian he had before visited, and who knew him simply as a young detective whose injuries he had dressed before, for in his many dar- ing and dangerous encounters with crooks Nat had often received wounds more or less serious. Doctor Bailey answered the ring himself, not having retired, and when he had looked at the wound on the head said: ‘* Well, my young ferret, that opera hat saved you from perhaps death.” *¢ Yes, sir,” ‘* As it is the blow is not serious, and a few applications of this wash will soon re- duce the swelling.” ‘*T’ve got another for you to look at, doc- tor, and | suppose it is worse than this one,” He threw open his vest as he spoke and after a quick examination of the wound the doctor said: ‘Yes, the knife was driven for your heart and glanced on some hard substance,” ‘« Yes, sir, my badge.” ‘*Then cut along the ribs, but fortunately the wounds are slight, ‘You had better remain here all night.” ‘*No, thank you, sir, just patch me up and I will go home.” ‘Who caused these wounds?” ‘*A man whom I had arrested had a pal whose approach I did not see, so he struck me, then knifed me, and both got away.” The doctor asked no more and Nat said; ‘*Please do not report this, doctor, as publicity may thwart work I have on hand.” ‘* As you please,” was the answer of the doctor as his hand closed over the liberal fee given him by New York Nat, who then took his departure. He paused upon reaching the pavement and then said: , ‘Tl risk it,” With this he went to a fashionable street not far away and, seeing a light burning in the hallway ascended the steps and placing a night key in the lock entered. He passed through the hall into a rear room that was a handsome library, luxurious- ly furnished, and where a light burned, eau. | himself in an easy-chair he leant back and and soon dropped to sleep, to awake an hour after as a gentleman entered the room and said: ‘Hello, Nat, you here? “‘Tamindeed glad of it, for I have your man.” The gentleman was Sherman Canfield, and his appearance was that of one who had had a severe struggle. ‘You have my man, sir?’ cried Nat springing to his feet.in delight, and then placing his hand upon his side as his wound — gave him a severe twinge of pain. ‘*'Yes, I took a hack, passed them on Fifth avenue, and then leaving the cab shadowed them, as you call it, and they led me to one of the lowest parts of the city, not very far from the Five Points.” “Then I was right in my suspicion, sir, that they are the worst kind of crooks,” said Nat emphatically, _ CHAPTER Y. THER FRONTIER SHADOWER. ‘“Yus, if they are not the crookedest of crooks, I’ll be greatly mistaken, in fact their aes on you proves thay” said Mr, OCan- eld. é
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New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. ‘* But they did not attack me, Mr. Can- field. for | was dogging them, caught them 7 and arrested one, and his pal rescued m, **So you got one of them, sir?” ‘Yes, the man with your steel bracelets on his wrists.” ** You have done splendidly, Mr. Canfield; but where is the other one?” ‘That I don’t know, but this one, I sup- pose, can be made to tell,” ‘* Where is he, sir?” ‘Out in the hack, and the cabman is standing guard over him, for I drove home just to change my rig and then take him to jail as the prisoner of the Unknown Ferrets of the Secret Service Chief, ‘You see I am slightly disfigured, but still in the ring,” and Sherman Canfield laughed as he pointed to his torn collar and clothes, not to speak of a slight cut on his cheek. ‘* He fought you then, sir?” ‘* Like a catamount,” ‘Tam glad | came here, sir, for had you enough about me so that there would be no longer a secret as to who were the inspector’s Unknown Ferrets.” ) ‘*Tam indeed glad then that you-headed me off here, Nat.” ; ‘** But you did splendidly, Mr, Canfield, in running the fellow down, and would make a first class detective.” . ‘Tam glad to know it, if other schemes of mine fail, Nat. ‘**T never took a trail in the city before, but my plains experience helped me.” ‘* How did you do it, sir?” “T just kept the two men in sight without letting them know they were followed. ** At times I took chances by heading them off, but luck came my way and the result ‘was that they led me to a locality where it was most dangerous for a well-dressed man to be seen. ‘* But they halted at a dive, a perfect old rookery, where | had stepped into the shadow to see them go by. , ‘*Butit seemed that one of them lived ‘here, and I overheard the other one ask just where his room was and say that he would Ee to his quarters and get some files and come ack and remove his handcuffs, *** [ll wait here, Bill, and take you up with me,’ said the man in irons, and the other started off at a rapid pace. ' “Then I decided to show my hand, and pretending to be drunk and to have lost my way, I stepped out of my hiding-place, and he, seeing my condition did not step back in- to the shadow. ‘*Tvasked him if he wanted to make a stake by guiding me to where I could get a hack, and he said he would if 1 paid inad- advance. ‘Of course, I divined his motive, to rob me, for he thought I was very drunk, and saw my diamond stud and watch-chain, so I was’ prepared for him when I took out a roll of bills. ‘He, with his manacled hands, grabbed me by the throat, and at once it became a fight for mastery, for he is a very powerful man, ‘*But, I had the advantage, of course, and as I cannot yet get over the habit of carrying a small! revolver, | had him subdued after a fierce fight of it, and Ishowed him to a hack and brought him here, ‘*T ll go and fetch him in, Nat; but tell me, ‘were you much hurt?” ‘‘ Under the circumstances, no, sir, for I to be the master of his home in his absence, and,as you know, to act for him as your ally, and I have done so with real pleasure, and candidly, you and your wonderful Secret Service work has made time pass pleasant- ly with me, ‘**But I heard from Vanderlip to-day, and he writes that he hopes the chief bas not yet been able to find out who his Unknown Fer- ret is, as, in your own good time you will make it known, ‘‘He also says that he hopes to return within a month; but now for the prisoner,” and Sherman Canfield went out to the car- tiage and soon returned with Zip Ralston the escaped convict. The man looked even more used up in ap- pearance than did Sherman Canfield, for he bore the marks of the young Nebraskan’s knuckles in his face, and finger-marks-upon his throat, while in his struggle the. steel manacles had cut his wrists until they bled. ‘*This is your man, is it not, Nat?” asked Sherman Canfield, as he entered the library where New York Nat sat perfectly at home, key to enter at all hours that he found need to do so. ‘* Yes, sir, that is my man, and his life de- pends upon what he knows,” was Nat’s stern reply. CHAPTER VI. THE BOY FERRET’S PRISONER. Tue prisoner taken by Sherman Canfield heard the words of New York Nat with evi- dent terror. He cast a quick glance at the young de- tective, but as the wig and spectacles had been removed and the coat turned again, he did not see in him the one who had arrested him near the Barrett House, But he did recognize the youth whom Killer Bill had pointed out to him at the garden concert, and the two had followed. Still he did not connect Nat at the con- cert, and Nat who arrested him as one and the same, . **So I owes this to you, does I? ‘* Killer Bill said as how he know’d you as the one who had pricked his pal and sent him back to jail,” and the man glared sav- agely at the young detective. Nat laughed and replied: ‘*See here, my man, your tongue runs away with your brains, for you have told me just who the man is whose face, disguised as it was, I could not recall, ‘*So your comrade was Killer Bill, eh?” ‘*No, I was joking,” and the man felt that he had said too much. ‘Well Iam in deadly earnest, and I tell you that the face of your pal comes back to me now, and I remember that he again es- caped from prison, ‘*The next time he will not be so fortu nate,” ‘*T says it wasn’t Bill.” Re oat ‘* Very well, I know that it was; but who are you?” “Nobody you knows,” ‘* Maybe you'll be known at Secret Service Headquarters,” “és Oo I on’t.” ‘‘T’ll wager big money your picture is in the rogues’ gallery, and as Killer Bill was your pal it condemns you.” _**T demands my freedom, for you has no warrant for arrestin’ me.” ‘*T have the warrant of knowing you to be a villain, or'rather this gentleman had. carried with him and forced it invo the man’s. mouth, Sherman Canfield holding the pris- oner secarely in his strong grasp until he was properly gagged. Then his hands were secured, manacled as they were, to his waist, and the young de- tective said: ‘*Now we will go.” **One moment please, Nat,” and Shermar Canfield called the young ferret chief to one side and said. ‘See here, Nat, you are badly off and suffering as I can see, so remain here to-night. and I can take care of your prisoner also.” ** Thank you, Mr. Canfield, but I must go to night.” ‘* Where will you take’ him?” “To my quarters, sir,’ ‘*Then I will go with you, for you shall not go slone with this man injured as you really are.” ‘*Mr. Canfield, Mr. Vanderlip even does not know my quarters, for he has never been there. “Only Olive, our Ferret Queen, and my sister as you know, with the members of our League of Boy Police know the hiding-place of the band.” ‘* Well, Ido not seek to pry, Nat, but I will go with you as far as you care to have me go.” ‘*Mr. Canfield, go all the way, as I see that you are determined, for I trust you, sir, and it is useless for me to say that I consider you bound to secrecy as thoroughly as one of my own allies.” ‘Certainly, and I so pledge myself. ‘** Just wait until I partially change my toilet,” and in five minutes Sherman Canfield. returned to the library, and with Nat and the prisoner left the house. The carriage was wafting outside, and im a whisper Nat told Mr. Canfield where to have the cabman drive, and to push right along. ; When they entered the vehicle Nat ccm- pletely blindfolded his prisoner, and for a long while not a word was spoken by any one, the captured convict being gagged of course kept silent. It was a long drive, and nearly an hour passed before the hackman drew rein in the upper part of the city which was very sparsely settled. Here the trio got out and Sherman Can- field bade the hackman await his return, telling him he could take a nap meanwhile, Then he followed Nat with his still blind- folded prisoner, After quite a walk they came to a wall surrounding a large old mansion built in the last century, and surrounded by extensive grounds completely overgrown with foliage and underbrush. . The prisoner was helped over the wall, Nat leading the way and guiding him by holding to his arm. But Nat led the way without hesitation to the rear of the old mansion so dark, grim and weird in its intense solitude though with- in the city limits, and halted at a rear door leading into the basement. Akey opened the door, and Nat closing it behind them, struck a match and lighted a. lamp that was there. Sherman Canfield, in spite of his nerve, » shuddered at the gloomy surroundings, but silently followed his young leader up two flights of stairs, when for the first time he discovered that they were followed by an enormous dog as savage-looking as a tiger, but which had made no demonstration to- fo off well; but Mr. Vanderlip will be de- ighted to know that he left in his stead, when he was called West, an ally for the Boy ward himself or the prisoner, the presenceof = Nat controlling him perfectly. : ie ‘You and your pal shadowed me from the ' Bs Upon the top floor they entered a room Pat ie Pete and yet were not so clever but that Police League, who can run in New York | I fooled you; but now you are to go with | where there were several cots, and New ee. |, 8 je crooks as well as he can, and I sincerely thank | me.” . York Nat said quietly: Me a you, Mr. Canfield, for the services you have} ‘* Where?” “Now, prisoner: you are in prison again, A and from the sentinel over you there is no eae A nro gi and he looked significantly atthe be Og. ’ « : ‘* Wherever I please to take you, and you | Shall York rendered me.” “Don’t speak of it, my boy, for my old plains pard, Walter Vanderlip, asked me given him up to the chief he might have told | for his Arizona ally had given him a pass- o wholly at my mercy,” and New Nat took from his pocket a gag he
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CHAPTER VII. THE HAUNT OF THE FERRETS. SHERMAN CANFIELD had looked on in silent wonder as they entered the weird met of the Boy Ferret's captain, New York at. He noted that the old house seemed not to have held an occupant for many long years, and though furnished, its furniture was worn, faded and moth-eaten. In the room on the top floor where the cots ; @ were, he saw that there was but one door, ; no windows, only a skylight in the center for light and air. Li As they came through the grounds he had discovered that in the rear of the mansion j was.a cemetcry, a burying-ground long since abandoned, and this added to the gruesome- ness of the old rookery, | & Having taken the blindfold off the prison- m I ers eyes, and removed the gag from his | a mouth, New York Nat said: { *‘Take your choice of a cot, my man, and turn it. “This dog will guard you, and I advise ou not to try any monkey business with ‘fim, for he won’t stand it. ‘*You need not be afraid of ghosts, for I hhave never seen any here, and I shall be : @ within call,” and motioning to Sherman Can- i fleld to follow, and leaving the prisoner in the dark, New York Nat sat: i “This is my house, Mr. Canfield, and I if sleep here alone, the dog my only compan- jon, while I take my meals at the cottage 7 where my sister boards, or wherever else I t happen to be when I get hungry, : ‘*Here we hold our cana the Bo Police assembling on certain nights, and shall call a special meeting for to-morrow night to set my boys on the track of that man’s pal, after we have gotten from him all the information we can force out of him, “* Will you sit down, sir, or are you anx- jous to return?” and Nat ushered Sherman Canfield into his own private room, which 4 was fairly comfortable. 43 ‘No, I will return, for the hackman is ae waiting you know; but you are a plucky 6. ae fellow, Nat, to stay in this dreary place, for though I do not believe in ghosts it is the most gruesome spot I ever saw.” “The folks say it is haunted, sir, and give er ry it a wide berth by day and night, while even eae the detectives and police do not come here, ye but so much the better for me as no one dis- turbs me, ae ies “I will go with you to.your carriage, sir, | toy as you could not find your way out of the Ry, rounds—see, this is our council room, and oe ere we Will bring the prisoner to-morrow night to make him talk,” and Nat opened the door of a large room where a number of Seats were arranged in a semicircle around @ table behind which were two chairs, Sherman Canfield gazed with interest up- . on all he saw and then followed the young IF ie ome ferret back down the stairs to the cellar, The lamp was left burning, but Nat locked 1 a the door behind him and the young Nebras- met kan gave a sigh of relief as fe found him- gelf outin the open air, — ‘«Ts not that a cemetery, Nat?” Ms *« Yes, sir; don’t the tombs look like ghosts prowling about?” ee ‘They do indeed.” — -._ ** No one has been buried there for man way years, and I had my quarters in a vauit ue ‘there, before I took up my home in the old mansion, ‘**I believe you know, Mr, Canfield, that I was under a cloud for a crime I had not _ committed, and of course, boy-like, I long _ Supposed the police were on my track, so ‘Went into hiding, and it was then that I 4 learned so much of criminals and their deeds, and determined some day to turn de- ‘tective and hunt them down. “My sister Olive was my ally, and soI gathered about my boys like myself who } were not intentionally wicked, and we be- ee New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. a | LT eat gan to run crooks down, inform the chief of police of crimes we knew were committed or about to be, and so, from keeping our secret became the Unknown Ferrets that you, through Mr, Vanderlip, knew us as, and many a reward does the chief hold to our credit to-day; but here we are, sir, at the wall, and by following this street you will find your carriage, “IT would go with you, only I do not feel very bright to-night,” ‘‘T should think not after all you have gone through with, Nat; but I have trailed trackless prairies too much to miss my way. ** Good-night, and be sure and come to see me to-morrow, for I shall be most anxious about you,” Nat promised, and then seeing the form of Sherman Canfield disappear in the darkness, started upon his return to the old mansion. He let himself in as before, took up his lamp and ascending to the upper floor looked in upon his prisoner, He was lying upon one of the cots, and the dog was not far from him on duty. ‘See here, young feller, a man would die of horrors in this old ghost nest, and with this devil’s cub a-watchin’ me,” said the prisoner, ‘Ohno, there is no danger. “Tl see you in the morning and bring fe your breakfast, but it will be late, as it is now three o’clock, and I need rest. “Don’t look for ghosts, and if you don’t attempt to walk off, the dog won’t worry you, ‘*Good-night,” and New York Nat went to his own room across the hall, His head pained him and the cut across his ribs felt very sore, so that he was anxious to go to bed, and it was buta few minutes before he was sleeping soundly, no dread of ghosts haunting his dreams, CHAPTER VILL THE CONVICT AT BAY. Tt was after nine o’clock when New York Nat awoke the next morning, and he felt stiff and sore after his rough handling of the night before, ut he congratulated himself in his philo- sophical way that it was no worse, and dress. ing himself went in to see his prisoner. Zip Ralston looked as though he had pass- ed a sleepless night of it, and he lay upon his cot scarcely daring to move, for an at- tempt to get up at daylight had brought a warning growl from his sentinel, and the showing of a double row of very savage- looking teeth, ‘‘For God's sake take that ugly brute away,” said the convict, as Nat entered, ‘Ah, the dog is all right, but how are you this morning ?” ‘* Morning? var about four o’clock in the day is it no Nat looked at his watch and replied: ‘* Just half-past. nine, “T will bring you some breakfast within an hour, and a good one, for I have no wish to starve you or treat you badly.” ' Where am [?” ‘In prison,” ‘*Tt’s a queer prison this.” ‘It is a safe one, as you will find out, ‘*T will leave the dog just outside of the door, to please you; but asI told you last night he is not fond of monkey business.” ‘“‘There’s no monkey in me now, I bet a but this place is haunted or Iam a | liar.” ‘Yes, folks say so, ‘Did you see any ghosts last night?” **No, but Iheard’em, | “They was scared of the dog.” Nat laughed and said: — ** Well, there are a lot of ¢ chosts that haunt: this place, but they are friendly enough to me, and are my allies. ‘*1'll be back as soon as possible,” and he “He the prisoner, taking the dog out with him. But the latter was placed at the outside of the door while Nat went on down-stairs and out into the yard. He went to the wall, watched lris chance, when he saw no one about, and leaped over into the street, Quickly he wended his way for the dis- of half a mile over toward the Lludson River, and there upon the bluff, commanding a fine view, was the cozy cottage of Widow Her- bert, who dwelt there with her two chil- are and Olive, the Ferret Queen, as a boar- er. The cottage was isolated and a pleasant lit- tle home, and New York Nat had a claim up- on the widow as binding as the strongest kin- dred ties, for he had one day saved the lives of her two children, who capsized in a boat on the river. Olive was seated upon the piazza and as Nat approached met him at the gate, while she said: “ T was growing anxious about you, Nat, as I did not know but that you had gotten into trouble with those two men.” ‘*T did, Olive, for I have a knock on the head and a gash on the ribs to show for it; but I went to Doctor Bailey and be dressed me up oll right, and now I am here for breakfast, and I wantit for two for I have a guest.” , ‘* Oh, Nat,who have you brought here?” cried Olivein alarm. ‘*No one here, Sis, but in the Haunted House he is,” “* Who is he?” ‘One of the two gentlemen who were shadowing us last night; and Mr. Vanderlip's western friend, and our new ally, Mr. Sher- man Oanfield, helped me out of a very ugly scrape last night, for they meant to kill me,” and when Olive had told Mrs, Herbert that Nat was there for breakfast, and wished an extra one to take with him, she came back and heard the story of his adventures, Then he said: j “Now, Olive, I am going to be lazy to- day and rest, so I wish you to go the rounds and post the boys of a special meeting to- night, and yon can come over carly with dinner for two.” ' “ That is right, Nat, and take all the rest you can, and I will see the boys and give no- tice for to-night,” answered Olive. : Half an hour after Nat had finished his breakfast and with a basket containing all that was needed for the prisoner be returned to the old rookery. He found the dog as he had left him at the door, and the prisoner much relieved by not having him constantly before his eyes, There was a well in the kitchen, and tak- ing the man a bucket of water for him to make his toilet, Nat then unlocked his hand- cuffs and set his breakfast before him. The moment he left the room Zip Ralston decided upon escape. His arms were free, and he had a fork as & weapon, He would wait at the door for the boy’s return, strike the fork deep into his neck and then be realy for the dog. Hastily he ate his breakfast and then stood ready at the door, just behind it, his face i a determined and merciless, as he stood. at bay, CHAPTER IX. _ CLOSE CALLS FROM DEATH, — As has been stated there was no window in the room, it being an interior ene on the attic, and adjoining the large assembly room referred to where the Boy Police held. their meetings. SAE Se Ye < *, ae a ie
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yo i oom * ceeeeapeaeiimatien tena rT: = SAE EE Se — 2. ae es oS SNe . New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. i There were skylights in each room, giv- | for [told you there was no monkeying with ing light and air through the roof, and the ceilings were high; but the convict prisoner had seen a chance to escape if he turned at bay and killed the young detective. He saw that there were three cots in the room, a table and several chairs, and these stood on end would carry him up along the wall to the skylight, and over on the roof there must be some chance of escape, he thought. ‘ By killing Nat-he would get his weapons, and a shot would end the dog. So he argued, and also that he could close the door quick enough to prevent the dog from entering after Nat. The chances of escape seemed in his favor, and he determined to make the attempt. So it was that he stood at bay, wraititg for the youth to enter, his fork in one hand, his manacles, to be used us a weapon in the other. He could hear his heart beating as he waited, for liberty meant everything to him, and he gave a startled cry as suddenly from over his head came the words: ‘So that is your game, is it, my fine fel- low? ‘*T suspected as much,” He uttered a groan as he beheld Nat peer- ing down at him through the open skylight and covering him with a revolver. ‘Curse you, some day I'll get even with you,” growled the man, *‘ All right, when your chance comes take it; but it is my inning now, so drop the irons and fork, and Iie flat on your face.” ‘*T won’t, and you'don’t dare shoot me.” “Well, [ll call the dog to interview you.” ‘* He can’t get in, for the door is bolted,” said the convict triumphantly. ‘*I3 it? let us see,” and New York Nat gave a loud whistle and then.a call. There was a growl, a terrible pawing at the door, a heavy thud and the man cried wildly: ‘* For God’s sake don’t call him any more, or he'll break in the door!” ‘Drop those irons and that fork then!” They were thrown across the room, but just then the door with a terrible shakin went in, for the weight of the huge dog rm torn off the catch of the bolt. Half way across the room reached the dog with the force of his impetus, and the man gave a shriek of fright, but from above came the stern command of Nat to the enraged brute. ; But he was maddened now with the re- sistance of the bolt and glared around for the convict who had sprung to shelter behind the door. That he meant to spring upon the man was beyond all doubt and this New York Nat knew, so, without hesitation he forced himself through the skylight, held a second by his hands and dropped to the floor. . It was along drop, but he was as agile as a cat and caught himself on his feet, though slightly shocked by the fall, He was just in time, for the big brute had ferreted out the hiding-place of his prisoner and was making for him when New York Nat sprung between him and his intended victim. A sharp blow and stern commands barel checked the dog in his onslaught, and wit a low growl he went to the door and lay down there as ordered to do by Nat. ‘* Now, sir, you see that you had a very close call, for had I taken time to come down here by tse of the cupola stairs, as I went up, I would have found only your well-picked bones to greet me, for that dog makes a meal off of a man your size when he is good and hungry.” “T told. you I’d give up and not to call him,” whined the convict. ‘*You were not quite brisk enough, my _driend, and you have only yourself to blame, \ a ———— the sentinel allowed.” ** T’ve had a lesson,” ‘Take it to heart, and see that it does not occur again. ‘*T half suspected you would play a game of that kind, and so went up to inspect, and it was fortunate for myself that I did, though the dog would have chewed you to ribbons had you killed me, or the masked jury would have quickly sentenced you to death.” “‘The masked pene ‘¢That’s what I said.” ‘* What’s that?” ‘You'll find out later, when you have to answer for your double attempt on my life.” ‘€Oh, Lord! «‘ What kind of a place am I at?” ‘‘ Walt and see,” and with a few words of parting advice, having again put the man in irons, and after giving Sentinel his break- fast, left him again on guard, New York Nat went to his room to lie quiet for the day, for his injuries demanded it. CHAPTER X. THE WOMAN IN BLACK. Wun New York Nat had left the cottage on his return to the old mansion, Olive set about her preparations to go down-town noe her mission of calling a special meeting of the Boy Police, Though the Queen of the Ferrets, their secretary and treasurer, Olive was not known to one of them as far as having seen her face went, for she was always masked at the meeting, and her brother alone knew her as she was or her place of abode. Nat was determined that Olive should never be recognized in after years by any of the band as one who had been the Ferret ueen, and hence it was that he always in- sisted that his sister should be masked. Now, as she had to visit the members of the band to warn them, Olive selected as her attire, from among the numerous dresses she wore ag disguises, a deep mourning garb with thick black vail, and such a costume as Fis be worn by a widow, ora woman of orty. She took the Elevated Railroad down to Forty-second street and then left it, going to one of the fashionable hotels near, _ At the ladies’ entrance she asked to see one of the bell-boys who answered to the name of ‘‘ Flip.” The bell-boy, a fine-looking youth, noted for his inquiring mind and “freshness,” came into the parlor greatly surprised at be- ing sent for by a lady. ‘There is a special meeting at the mansion to night, Flip, so post those whom it is your duty to inform,” said Olive, ‘Lordy! it’s the Queen,” ‘Yes, and you understand?” “You bet Ido understand when our Queen speaks, and I’ll post ’em, ; “‘But how you did scare me,” and Flip seemed most anxious to penetrate the thick black vail and see the beautiful face beneath. But he looked in vain, and said: **Can’t I get you'a glass of lemonade from the bar, miss.” —_. “Thank you, no, Flip,” and Olive turned away, reading Flip’s hope that she would ac- cept his offer for a lemonade and have to raise her vail to drink it. ‘* Anything wrong with the chief, miss?” ‘‘ Nothing serious, Flip, as you will dis- cover at the meetivg to-night,” and Olive left the hotel while Flip muttered: ‘‘ Now we are one mystery to the Secret Service chief and the police, but our Queen is just as big a mystery to us boys of the League: but if ghe don’t want to show her face it’s her business, I suppose.” From the hotel Olive made herway to a District Messenger Office, glanced oyer the youths in uniform awaiting there, and said to the clerk: © ¢ x | ried a well- ‘‘There is a boy I wish to send on & message, as he knows just where to go.” The youth in question was called, his time and number taken, and the price paid by i who handed him an envelope and said: “‘Take that to the address and notify those on your beat.” he rae darted out of the door, then glanced at the envelope and read: ‘« TEASER :— ‘‘ A special meeting at Den to-night. ‘« Notify those on your list. ‘« Tmportant, : ‘* QUEEN,” Teaser looked around with surprise, and said: “Tt was the Queen or my name’s not Teaser. ‘¢ Wonder if anything’s wrong with Cap’n Nat. ‘Hope not, for if so, it would bu’st up our band sure.” He looked about for the Ferret Queen but she had disappeared, and his time having been paid for three hours, he went on his rounds of notifying the boys whom it was his duty to post of the meeting. A telegtaph office was next visited by the Ferret Queen, and Parson, an employee there, was notified when he came forward, having been told that a lady wished to speak to. him. Ag with the others, his first query was if accident had befallen their young chief. A news-stand down-town was the fourth place visited by the Queen, and after making. f. purchase of a magazine and. several pa- pers, she said to the young agent: ‘‘There is a special meeting to-night, Freckles,” The youth started, gazed at the mask-like vail and gave a low whistle while ‘he said in an undertone: ‘** You are the Queen?” Fes.” ‘And Cap’n Nat?” . “You will see him to-night. “The meeting is most important, 80 post your men and don’t fail,” and Olive turned away. Soon after she stopped a newsboy on the street selling evening papers, and buying one said: ‘« Fatty, come toa special to-night, for it is important.” “Oh Lordy! how you scart me, Queen—is: et cap'n dead that yer wears black mourn- n’ ‘id “ No, Fatty, Captain Nat is all right; but. tell your boys and be on hand without fail.” “You bet what you says goes, miss— Here’s yer Evenin’ Pos’—Tel’gram— Wur- ruld—las’ edition,” yelled Fatty, and he went on his way, unblushingly selling the first edition for the last, while be made x» mis- take in a patron’schange, in his own favor, however, from keeping his a fixed upon the receding form in black and vailed face of the one whom he knew to be the Queen of the Boy Police. CHAPTER XI. THE MASKED JURY. QUEEN Otrve went rapidly upon her rounds, and informed all of those who were to be readily found, and who had lists of others to post when a special meeting of the Boy Police was called. he returned late in the afternoon to the cottage to find that Mrs. Herbert had a good dinner ready, and after we Ag it she car- ited basket for Nat, the prisoner, and the dog, Sentinel, who was never for- gotten, : It was nearly sunset when she slipped over - the wall into the grounds, and reaching the
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FB k —— ---—— mansion she let herself into the cellar with her own key. Sentinel, as the band had unanimously re- christened the dog, was not there to meet lrer. He had other business up-stairs just then, but when not otherwise engaged always caught the first sound of unlocking the cellar door and down-stairs he would fly to meet whatever was coming into the mansion. He knew each one of the band by sight, if not by name, and woe would it have’ been for one who had attempted to enter under false colors. In his disguises Nat had to be very care ful to speak upon opening the door, Noiselessly up-stairs Queen tripped to the upper floor, the sun's last rays lighting up the interior. As her head was level with the top floor in ascending the stairs, she sawa man’s form creep out of the lodge-room and cross the hall toward Nat’s room, and in his manacled hands he grasped a piece of wood, resem- bling the leg of a chair. She could have called out, but did not, for she feared that Sentinel was only sleep- ing and might rush out and tear the prisoner to pieces. But where was Nat? What did that leg of a chair in the prisoner’s hands mean? Had he killed the dog with it? Was he now going to kill Nat? Or, had he aNready done so and was seek- ing to escape? uch questions flashed like lightning through the brain of the Ferret Queen. When she went to the old mansion, day or night, she always went armed, and quick- ly was the basket set down and her revolver taken from her pocket. ; A moment more and she was on the track of the prisoner. He was in the light from a hall skylight in the roof, she in the shadow, She saw him gently turn the knob and open the door and she closed up the gap be- tween them, He had not dared close the door behind him, for there lay the victim he sought upon his bed fast asleep. . ; A step or two softly taken brought him almost within striking distance, but the club dropped from his hands in terror as he heard behind him in a low, hoarse voice: ‘* Hands up, or I will kill you!” The words and the fall of the leg of the chair from the man’s manacled hands caused Nat to spring from the bed wide awake, and he was one to awaken on the instant and for business. He threw himself upon the prisoner who at once called loudly for mercy. The windows in the room were completely closed at night by heavy curtains, to prevent a ray of light from being seen without, but by day they were partly drawn, so that New York Nat recognized in a second that his risoner had attempted to kill him, and he Pad been saved by the coming of his sister, who stood, still covering the man as he clasped his ironed hands and begged the youth not to hurt him. ‘‘T will not hurt you, no, for you are at “my mercy; but again you have ‘attempted my life and there is another count against you in the trial by the masked jury to- night,” said Nat, and turning to Olive he continued: “Tell me about it, Sis, jend—where is Sentinel?” He gave a call but there was no response of running feet, and the man cried in fright: “He is not dead. : “T did not kill him, only gave him some morphine on a piece of meat left from m breakfast—it was not enough to kill him, swears it.” ; ‘* Woe be unto youif that dog is dead,” New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. and Nat hastened into the prisoner’s room — where he found Sentinel stretched out upon the floor and breathing heavily. ** No, he is not dead, and I hope will come round all right,” he said. ‘* Yes, he’ll be spry ag’in in an hour or so, for I didn’t give him much. ‘*T takes it myself sometimes when I has neuralgy. ‘‘The dog’s all right, Cap.” ‘« Well, he’ll have too much sense to take anything to eat from you again, and if he don’t jump on youinrevenge when he comes round, I'll be surprised.” “Lordy, don’t say that, for he’s a bad mb be aad ’ Not noticing the man Nat turned to Olive and again asked her how she had happened upon the scene, She told him, and bringing the basket the man was told to eat his supper, but he was not hungry and put it aside. ‘*Lie down upon that cot.” The prisoner obeyed, and with a rope brought him by Olive from his room, Nat fastened the man securely to the cot. ‘* Now, sir, we will work on poor Sentinel,” and New York Nat dragged the unconscious dog into his own room, the curtains were closed and the lamps lighted, and the ‘two set to work to see if Sentinel could not be revived, CHAPTER XII. THE MASKED JURY, Ir was nearly an hour before Sentinel was able to look about him with any degree of sense, Then he seemed to realize that he had been a very wicked dog, and rising, tottered, as though he had been drinking hard, across the room, his tail stuck between his legs and in a very shamed-faced way lay down in a corner. ‘* How have the mighty fallen! ‘Just to think that Sentinel would ever look so sheepish,” said Olive laughing. ‘‘-Yes, he could sit for a photograph ofa sheep now from his looks; but I’m so glad have him all right again I'll forgive him, a ‘Yes, for Iam sure he will never do so any more.” ; ** We will see how he regards the prisoner now. **Come, Sentinel!” ) The dog arose with reluctance, but grew steadier on his legs as he walked and follow- ed Nat into the prisoner’s room, Olive carry- ing the luntern, The moment he saw the prisoner he growl- | ed savagely nnd showed his teeth, seeming to realize that he was the author of his woes, ‘* Lie there, Sentinel,” ordered Nat, and he left the man and the dog in the dark, con- scious that he could fully trust his dumb guard once more. - Then, while Olive prepared for the com- ing of the band, Nat went down and lighted the lantern in the cellar,.at the same time unlocking the door, Olive’s toilet in which to meet the band was a black domino nnd a mask. She went into the assembly room and looked over the books of the various meet- ings until Nat returned accompanied by several of the Boy Police who had already put inan appearance, By the names they were down on the register, they were Keno, Blow and Teaser, Soon after Doc, Flip and Fatty arrived, then Parson alone, next came Freckles and Chub, followed’ by Shorty and Slim, and it was not long before each member of the Boy Police League had assembled. The fact that the Ferret Queen had called the special meeting had made all anxious re- garding Nat, and they were glad to see him in his seat as presiding officer and apparently well. They each one ‘saluted the young Queen, and welcomed her home again, for she had a _— n been away with Mrs. Herbert for a rest of a few weeks, so had not attended the last meetings. They saluted her with marked politeness, and she extended her hand to each one, after which New York Nat called the meeting to order, In a few words he spoke of being at the Concert Garden the evening before and hav- ing recognized as one he had seen before, and under disagreeable circumstances he was sure, the gentleman who was the escort of Miss Maybel Kingdon, ‘Here is her address, and the man’s name I cannot give you; but I wish to know who he is, what he is, and all that you can find out about him, and this is work for each and every one of you to go upon at times you can do so, ‘“‘At the garden also was another man whom I recognized, but could not recall, ‘‘He had a companion with him, and the two eyed me closely. . ‘* When I left they shadowed me,” ; Then Nat went on to tell how he had eluded them by going into the Barrett House and changing to his quick disguise, but not referring to Olive’s having been with him, What followed he told, and how Mr. Sher- man Canfield had been the one to come to his aid and run down the prisoner, adding: ‘Now who this man is I do not know, but his companion was Killer Bill, who knows me as the one who thwarted him be- fore, and sent him back to prison. ‘* His pal must know of his whereabouts, and the secret can be forced from him, . | ‘*That he is equally bad with Killer Bill is certain,and my wish is to try him by our Masked Jury to-night and frighten him into all confessions we can get from him, ‘His companion must be hunted down, and that must ulso be the work of each and all of you.” ' The story of the man’s two attempts upon his life, his having been saved by the coming © of their Queen, and how Sentinel had been dosed with morphine was all told, the Boy Police listening in deepest silence, and show- ing the intense interest they felt in all that, they heard, ; With one accord they arose and hurried to their Queen, in admiration of her services to their young captain, and then each one passed along and grasped his hand in token of their appreciation of his escape, ‘* Now, comrades, it is for the prisoner to be brought before you for trial. ‘‘Prepare to face him as the Masked Jury,” ordered Nat. The young ferrets went into another room, and in a short while they re-entered in silence and took their seats, each one of them wear- ing a black domino and a black mask, upon the forehead of the latter being a skull and- cross-bones. a, The Ferret Queen had had no reason to change her garb, but New York Nat had gone to his rogm and returned robed as were the others. ; ‘‘Is the jury ready to try the prisoner?” asked Nat slowly. : } ‘“The jury is ready!” came the answer in chorus, and it reached the ears of the prisoner. ‘ ‘Let the two guards fetch the prisoner before the bar!” — ty Two of the ferrets arose and entering the room adjoining soon returned with the prisoner, close behind whose heels walked the dumb Sentinel. As the lamps on the table revealed the scene the prisoner trembled when he saw that he was in the presence of the Masked Jury. CHAPTER XIII. THE SENTENCE. Zire Rauston was terribly frightened, when he faced that black-robed, masked as semblage. pre > * aa 3
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a Sara P ; So much was he alarmed that he felt a pang of the deepest regret that he had ever left the prison and wished himself back again in his cell. He mentally cursed Killer Bill for having been at the garden concert and thus gotten him into trouble. There was but one lamp upon the table, and it revealed objects not too distinctly in the large room. At the table sat New York Nat and Olive, and on the seats fronting it were the Boy Police serving as the Masked Jury. All were as silent as death. With a rapon his table New York Nat ordered the prisoner seated where he could face the Masked Jury, and the man dropped into the chair as though glad to no longer trust his legs, “Prisoner, what is your name?” said the hogs ferret chief, speaking purposely in a ow, deep tone. ‘Zip Ralston,” was the answer and then ‘quickly came the words: ‘No, no, * made a mistake, my name ‘* Zip Ralston .s the name you will be tried under,” broke in Nat, and the Ferret Queen ‘wrote it down, ‘* What is your trade or profession?” “*T’m a—a—a blacksmith.” ‘* Where do you work?” The man with still more hesitancy gave a number, and then came the question: ‘* Where do you live?” The address to which Sherman Canfield had shadowed him was not the one given, but both were entered by Olive, for New York Nat had the street and number given him by the Nebraskan. So the questions went on, and the prison- er’s hesitation and replies showed that he was not telling the truth. Then New York Nat said: ‘* Read the charges against this man.” The Ferret Queen read them in a low, dis- guised voice, to the effect that the prisoner was the pal of Killer Bill, an escaped con- vict in for life, and the two had shadowed a young man from the Concert Garden to a otel, where he had claimed to another per- son who approached him, to be a detective, and, when arrested, had been rescued by his pal, Kier Bill. who had attempted twice the life of the officer of the law who held him as prisoner, The charge of the attack on Sherman Can- field was read, the capture, the effort of the prisoner to escape by killing his keeper, and . the last attempt to get away by dosing the dog with morphine and breaking the leg from a chair in the room where he was con- fined with which to take the life of the one who was guarding him, but who, suffering from the injuries inflicted upon him by his, the prisoner’s, companion, was resting and re: ‘* What have you to say to these charges against you, prisoner?” asked New York Nat. ' “T says that a man has got ter pertect himself when he’s in danger, for how’d I know I wasn’t goin’ ter be kilt?” , ‘* You admit that you are guilty then?” **T is guilty o’ pertectin’ myself.” ' “*The Masked Jury bas heard the charges ¢ pnd the answers of the prisoner. “His fate is in their hands,” said New York Nat. The jury never moved, and not a word ‘was heard, ; They sat in a deathlike silence, a silence that was broken suddenly by a long, dismal howl from Sentinel. It startled all and nothing could have been more impressive just at that moment than | that uncauny howl from the dog, who seemed to feel that he was himself on trial for his sin of yielding to temptation, and ex- pressed his sorrow accordingly. But the prisoner turned livid at the dismal New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. LT howl of Sentinel and gazed appealingly to- ward the jury. ‘* Have the jury decided upon their ver- dict?” asked New York Nat sternly, as soon as the echo of Sentinel’s how! had died away through the old mansion. ‘“*We have,”’ was the answer, ‘* What is the verdict?” ** Guilty!” ‘*Ts there a dissenting voice?” Not a voice replied, showing that the ver- dict was unanimous, and the prisoner moved uneasily in his chair and pressed his man- acled hands hard together. ** What is your sentence upon the prison- er?” asked New York Nat impressively. ** Death!” ‘**T3 there a dissenting voice?” . Again silence followed the question save the low moan of the prisoner. ‘«Prisoner, you have heard, nd death is the sentence upon you, so prepare to die within the next twenty-four hours, ‘Guards, lead the prisoner back and put him in double irons,” ‘My God! don’t kill me as you hope for mercy,”*cried the prisoner as he was led away. CHAPTER XIV. PUT TO THE TEST. New Yorx Nat recovered his mask and gown as soon as the prisoner was led from the room and the others quickly followed his example, Olive alone remaining masked. The faces of the band of Boy Police did not look very serious, like what would be expected of those who had just sentenced a a ow-being to death, and Nat said present- y: ‘‘ Well, boys, we have him thoroughly scared under his death sentence, and now it will be for me to make him confess all that he knows, by promising his life, for of course he does not know that we have no authority to try him and would not dare condemn him to death in earnest. ‘‘The truth is that he doubtless deserves hanging, but that must be for the law to de- cide, and we will have done our share if we can make him betray his pal, Killer Bill, and any other men of that stripe whom he may be associated with. -“T will have a talk with him later to- night, and under the promise of sparing his life if he makes a clean breast of it may learn what we would know. ‘* Now you are dismissed, and do not for- get that you are to hunt up the record of the -man [ described to you and who was with Miss Maybel Kingdon two nights ago at the garden concert ” , The boys arose, and those who had reports to make of any discoveries they had made, or desired any money, came forward and told the Ferret oan who wrote down what they had to say, or paid them the sums ask- ed for, In a short while the room was cleared of all save Nat and Olive and together they looked over the reports of the ferrets, and then Nat said; ‘* Now come, Olive, and we will see what that man has to say for himself.” They entered the room together and found Sentinel on his post at the door. Upon his cot, and ironed hands and feet, . now lay the prisoner, groaning as though in great pain, , **For a man who is a villain by nature that fellow is the greatest coward I ever saw, for men of the criminal class do not Seid whine and tremble,” muttered at, Ry ie Approaching the cot be said, while Olive sat near the open door: _ “I am sorry for you, Zip Ralston, but if for it.” » “J wish to know who it is that has sen. you commit crime you must expect to suffer tenced me to death, for that was no judge and jury.” “¢ tt was a self constituted judge and jury, one that holds life cheap to gain its ends, and would show you mercy only on certain conditions.” ‘‘ What does they want?” ‘** You are sentenced to die, and those who have found you guilty are Man-Hunters; in other words, officers of ’the law who hunt down your kind. “You are a fugitive from justice—” ‘¢ Who says so?” *¢T do.” ‘‘ What does you know?” “ Just what I tell you, and if you wish to save your life you can do so, perhaps, in one way, for I will put it to the vote whether to spare you for a confession that will entrap others,” “*Can you do that?” ‘“T will see what you desire to do first.” ‘‘ What do you wish to know?” ‘‘ The hiding-place of Killer Bill.” ‘*T never was thar.” “Do not lie to me if you wish me to plead for your life.” ‘“Tsay I never was at his place, for I only met him at the concert and recognized him after awhile as a convict at tho same—I means at prison.” _ ‘Yes, you mean the same prisom you were in. ” “‘T didn’t say so.” ‘‘You nearly implied as much; but then you made yourself known to him and at once became pals?” “ec Yes. ” b ‘* And how came you to shadow that young man you saw there?” ‘Bill said as how he was lookin’ for re- venge and money, and he revognized the young fellow as the detective who had kilt is pal, Red Fred, and sent him back to his cell, and he wanted to knife him, and so we followed him.” ‘“ And Bill was going to your home that night?” i Veses ‘But went to his own quarters?” «© 708, : ‘* Where did he live?” ‘He told me he hung out at number —— Bleecker street.” ‘*Under what name?” “Fred Williams,” ‘‘And you were to unite your fortunes, were you?” ‘Yes, that was it, and now you won't let ‘em kill me will you?” ‘Tell me just who you are, and what you are?”’ ; ‘You knows my right name, and I was a prisoner with Bill, but escaped. ‘** Now you knows all, so don’t let em kill \ ‘1 will promise you your life, for that I can do,” was New York Nat’s response, and he continued; ‘* You are to remain here a prisoner until it is decided where you shall he sent; but the guard over you will be one who will see that you do not escape, and Sentinel will be on hand also, while you will be doubly ironed, as you cannot be trusted, “Here is your supper, so eat it and rest contented that your life will be spared,” and Nat left the room. | . Joining Olive the two left the building to- gether and the young ferret chief esco her to her home, when he returned to the old mansion to find the prisoner sleeping soundly and Sentinel on duty just outside of the door, ‘‘ Now to run down Killer Bill,” muttered Nat as he went to his own room and turn in for the night. le CHAPTER XV. KILLER BILL. Tue pal of Zip Ralston had gone to his own room, which was in a better locality °
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= _ _—- i eae Si ey =e [4 Es Tim ey hl Site New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. ‘ 9 than the one where his fellow convict had found lodgings, and in an hour's time had returned as he had promised he would. But he did not find Zip awaiting him, as he had expected. He did not wish to venture by night into the rickety old tenement-house in search of him, and hardly knew what to do, for he reba not understand why Zip had deserted im. *“T’d give a dollar to know what become of him?” muttered Killer Bill as he stood in the shadow of the building. ‘‘ Done, mister, I'll earn that dollar,” said a voice almost within reach of his arm, and out of the shadow of an area stepped a young gamin of about ten years of age. He was ragged, woefully soiled but bright and forward. ** What does you know, kid?” ** Enough to git that dollar yer said yer would give, or was yer lyin’ to yerself, cully?” “Did my pal leave any message with you?” ‘* Not a one.” “Did you see a man here?” ‘Yas, the one you left here and who was to wait for you.” | How do you know?” **I was a-sleepin’ in my bed thar among the boxes, and heerd yer.” “* Where is he?” “*Don’t you wish yer knowed?” “* See here, kid, I'll ring yer neck ef yer don’t tell me.” ‘I tells nothin’ without pay, so put up yer dollar or shut up, see?” Killer Bill make a quick lick at the boy, but it was most cleverly dodged, and then the gamin, from a safe distance called out: *Yer’d not stand palaverin’ here for a dollar if yer know'd what happened him.” “Come, I’ll be good as my word and give you the dollar.” ‘* Let me see the money.” ‘ There it is,” _ ‘That's a silver dollar and it hain’t worth now what it used to was—silver is down.” ** Well, will a paper dollar suit you?” ‘If it hain’t a counterfeit, and you looks like a shover of the queer.” Again the boy dodged, for this time it was a kick Zip suddenly pave. “* Here, stop that fooling and here is your money,” He held out bis hand as he spoke, the dollar between his two fingers, and quick as @ flash the boy bad it But he did not dash away as Ralston ex- pected he would, but said in his impudent way: “Vl write you a receipt in the morning for this dollar; but now ter give you thestory of your pal.” “* Well, be quick about it,” \“* He’s gone to roost.” a his room?” «ac One ** Where then?” . “The clubbers bas got ’em,” “The perlice?” “Yas, ther cops, or leastwise ther crook- catchers,” : : ‘* You mean the detectives?” “*-Y¥6s." ws) ** How was it?” uneasily asked the convict. ‘One feller was a-doggin’ yer, and when you left he comes along playin’ loaded to ther guards. *‘He war a showin’ up his sparkler and chain, and yer pal thought he'd take him in when he axed him ter steer bim to a hack- roost for a fiver. ‘ ‘* But yer pal made the mistake o’ his life- _ time, for quicker than a cat’s jump ther fel- ler had hin’ in his grip and I tell yer he handled him in great shape, and soon had him choked quiet and says to him pleasant ~~ “'< Now V’'ll show you to a hack-stand,’ ¢ | ‘‘ Waal, I guesses he did, fer they went off together, and I jist lay low and was asleep and dreamin’ of my best Sunday gal when you comes along and disturbs me by yer remarks, for I sleeps light, seein’ as ther clubbers moves me on several times during the night.” But Killer Bill waited to hear no more. He had heard already too much for his own comfort and muttered to himself: ‘‘Zip bagged already, and jist as we had become partners, “We war shaddered, war we? ** Well, that means for me to change my quarters, for they may pinch him ter squeal, and he’s got but little sand and would sell me out cheap. “I war a fool to give him my number, but I moves, and quick, too.” He walked rapidly back to his quarters, ! and, after reconnoitering, entered and went to his room, a dingy one on the third floor back of a cheap lodging house. He had only a small grip with him, #nd quickly he gathered his few belongings and stole quietly out of the house, going to a cheap hotel on Canal street and paying for a room for the night. ‘*I’m a fool to live in cheap quarters and be dodgin’ ther cops as a poor man, when I has it in my power ter live rich and play the gent, for ther’s one whom I kin force to pay me big money, and I'll do it, for he’s rich and a blood, while I’m hidin’ and sufferin’,” CHAPTER XVI. AT HIS MERCY, Forp RAyFretp was known as one of fortune’s favorites, and was envied by his fellows for his handsome face and form, his | generous income and a way be had of win- ning hearts. In business circles: he was known as a broker, and had an office near Wall street where he appeared to be thriving, for his atrons were many and his paper was good n the street and taken as ‘‘ gilt edge ” when- ever offered for sale. Broker Rayfield must have had most trust- worthy clerks, for he was wont to come down to his office about noon and leave at three. He drove-in the Park every afternoon, driviag a pair of fast steppers, and owned a small yacht he was wont to take his friends sailing in upon the Hudson, the Sound or the Lower Buy, His quarters were handsomely furnished, and he occupied a flat in a fashionable build a pew, where his out-of-town friends were oftener seen than he was, but then the pastor never scolded him for non-attendance as he was always sO generous in his donations to him and to charity, One afternoon Ford Rayfield sat in his rivate office when a clerk stated that a man wisbed to see him, ** Who is he?” ‘‘Never saw him before, sir, and he’s a rough-looking specimen.” “Tell him [am pusy.” The clerk soon returned and said: ‘* He says he will wait to see you if it is night when you leave, sir, and if he fails to see you then he will know where to find you to-night as he is posted as to where you visit. : ‘** You had better see him, sir, for he seems ugly in humor.” q ‘*Show him in,”’and Ford Rayfield quiet? ly drew a revolver from his pistol-pocket and placed it vnder some papers on his desk within reach of his hand, sistent visitor in, and the face of the hand- , ing. ‘ one of the leading churches he paid for | A moment after the clerk showed the per- The visitor entered with a swagger and said in a loud tone: ““My dear boy Fred, they said you war too busy to see an old friend, but 1 know’d better, for it wasn't like yer, as I know’d: | yer in past days. **] guesses they jumped to it that ’cause 1 wasn’t fixed up fine I was some tramp a-lookin’ fer money, when ther fact is, I'm here ter deposit with yer, for I has struck it yen and has got money ter throw to ther kids, ** Give us yer hand, old pard.” Fred Rayfield’s face was a study as his visitor spoke, in a voice that all in the ad- joining office could hear, but he rose and extending his hand said aloud: ‘Clothes do not make the man, Wil- liams, old friend. and my clerks were wrong to be rude to you, for 1 am more than glad to see you, only I am terribly busy just now, and [ am going to ask you to come up and spend the evening with me at my rooms, and we will have a talk over old times. ‘*Here igs my address, and I shall look for you,” and Ford Rayfield wrote something on a card and handed tt to his visitor, who said: ** Just like you, old pard. “The same fellow I used to know in the mines of New Mexico, for fine clothes, dia- monds and b’iled shirts hain’t spoilt yer. ‘ll be thar, pard, and on time, and don’t you forget it, so now I bids yer adoo,” and the visitor departed, the clerks from {the inner office crowding to the outer door to get a ee of the strange character. hen the door closed upon him Ford Ray- field dropped back in his comfortable chair and covered his face with his hands, as though to shut out some scene that rose be- fore his 2 Ser Then his lips moved and he muttered: *“My God! why has he come here? _ “TY believed him buried alive and out of my life furever, and now he is free and again crosses my path, . ‘*1t can mean but one of two things, my money or my ruin. “Which shall it be?” , For a long while he sat in silence, appa- rently deeply moved by the visit of the strange man, But at last a clerk came in, and he was at once again the calm, courtly gentleman all his people knew him to be. use Seon after he left the office. and taking a cab, drove up-town to his rooms. His valet admitted him and he said: ‘** You can have an afternoon and night off, Ditson, as I shall be out of town until mid- night. ** But be back by then,” ** Yes, Mr. Rayfield,” said the man and he gladly availed himself of the permission yiven him. | Fora long time after the departure of his valet, Ford Rayfield paced to and fro, from one end of his large flat to another, It was luxuriously furnished, and fine paint- ingsand engravings hung on the walls, but | nothing seemed to attract him then as his thoughts were busy, and seemingly of a painful nature. At length he went out to a fashionable ho- tel and ordered a most tempting dinner. But he drank the wine and ate but little. Then he returned to his rooms, lighted the gas and waited, When a ring came at his door he answer- ed it himself, and in walked the visitor of the morning at, his office, It was Killer Bill, and he wore the air of ‘a man who felt himself master of the situa- tion and who held the man he came to see wholly at his mercy. —_—_—_eo__— CHAPTER XVII. A DEMAND. ‘WELL, you have come,” said Rayfield, some broker changed color as he saw him. | doggedly, as his visitor entered, tossed his y
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_— = , 2 a “256 Ss ee m3 s s C= chs z. er 5S <= 10 SSS ssa ee \ hat upon asofa and took the best seat in the room. ** Of course. ‘* You didn’t think I was such a fool as to stay away after I’d found you.” ‘* Well, what do you want?” ** Money.” ‘‘T have paid you for your services threo times over.” ‘* Yes, and you'll pay me again.” “* Not a dollar.” Killer Biller laughed and Ford Rayfield re- peated: ** Not a dollar.” **- You say so.” ‘*T mean it.” ‘* Well, we'll see if you does.” ‘* See here,2Williams, our compacts are all at an end. ‘‘ When we were in the mines together ou andI were partners in an affair that seg oe money to both of us. ** You got your pay and left, promising never to cross my path again. ‘You broke your word and came to me in Frisco, and again you bled me. ‘* T left the Pacific Slope and went to Tex- as and you turned up there, and again you got money from me, ‘*T came to New York and one day saw your ugly face in the paper and referred to as one who was suspected of having commit- ted a murder years ago and escaped, ‘“* The ep sals stated afterwards that your guilt had been proven and your sentence was to the Penitentiary for life. ‘* Now you appear before me again and demand money, and the only wonder to me is that you, an escaped convict as you must be, dare risk yourself as you do in the streets of New York.” ‘*Bah! risk nothing gain nothing, Ford, old boy. ‘1’m here, and I want money,” ‘You can get none from me.” ‘* Suppose I peach about that affair in the mines, eh?” ‘You have no proof, and if youhad it would only prove your guilt,” * Would it?” “e Yes.” ‘* We shall see, for suppose I have kept proofslyou supposed were destroyed. ‘*T’m no fool, pard, and I looks ahead, and I tells yer dead on ther level that I kin make yer pay me ther money I wants,” “You cannot.” *‘ Let us see if I can’t, when I tells yer that I knows who ther lady is yeris sparkin’, for I seen yer at ther garden concert some nights ago, and I learns she is worth a couple o’ million in hard cash, or her daddy will give her that much, ‘* Now, you loves her, and her gold, and she is dead gone on you I hears; but when she hears my story, then your last card is played, and I winsther game.” ** You would not dare go to Miss Kingdon with your lies.” ‘* No, I'd tell her the truth.” ‘* And she would not believe you.” ‘‘ She would believe truth when I has ther proofs,” ‘* William, why do you hound me as you do, for I have paid you three fold every dol- lar I promised you I would?” Killer Bill sprung to his feet, his face livid, his eyes ablaze, while he hissed forth: ‘Why does I hound you, Ford Rayfield? “‘T’ll tell yer, and it won't be pleasant hearin’. ; i “IT came wack to this city with a little money, determined to lead a new life. ** | was recognized as the murderer of old Norcross, or at least I was suspected, and though I shared the plunder I did not give the blow that kilt him. _**T told you all about it in the mines, for I trusted you with my life, and that gave you power over mo, New York Nat’s Deadly Dea ‘“Then you had a game to win, and know- ing my story you got me to help yer. **T did, and you took the trick. “You paid me, yes, and again and again, for my conscience hurt me and I lived high to drown it. ‘“Then I came here, was accused of hav- ing murdered old Norcross and robbed him, and yet there was no proof and I would have been set free but for you.” ‘“What do you mean?” ‘‘T means that you wanted me hanged to hide your own act, and so you paid a man to swear that I was with him the night old Nor- cross was kilt, and that I helped in the mur- der and robbery. “In my baggage a pin that had belonged to the old man was found and recognized, and that settled it for me and I was sent up for life, while the fellow who had pretended to turn state’s evidence, was set ‘free. ‘‘But he was a bad one and soon after CN ec a crime, and he was sent up for ife. 4 ‘‘ At first we were put inthe same celi and with nothing to gain or lose, he told me how he had been paid by you to put that pin in my baggage, for it was one ] had given you and told you then how I got it. ‘‘ He told me you had paid him big money to pretend to be guilty and swear my life wen ‘«T took a solemn vow to escape and make you pay for your crime ag’in’ me, Ford Ray- field, and here I is, and I demand big money, or I ruins you, so take your choice atween them,” CHAPTER XVIII. THE DEATH-SHOT. 'Forp Rayrrevp had paced to and fro, while Killer Bill was talking, and his brow was clouded, his lips set. At jlast, when the demand was made he turned and faced the man and said: ‘So you believe that I paid a man to testi- fy against you?” “uy do.” “ What proof have you?” “His word.” ** Where is the man?” ‘« Why does yer wish to know?” ‘*T have my reasons.” “Hfe’s not in prison,” “* Where is he?” | ‘He escaped, as I did.” **T do not believe you.” “Tt’s a®fact, for be'’was with me at the Concert Garden the other night, we was des had gents, yer see, and I seen you there and {recognized yer, and I seen yer pretty lady love, too, and thinks I to myself, it’s a bad deal ‘for her to marry a man I knows ys ther black heart you does, Ford Ray- eld. ‘* Silence, or I will knife you!” and with the words Ford Rayfield whipped out a long- bladed knife and stepped toward his enemy. ‘*Oh, don’t play that game, for I were no fool to come here without my gun, and be- sides I has friends waitin’ for me outside, and I tells’em ef I doesn’t come outina given time ter come in and see if I has been dealt with foul, for I knows you from ’way back, Pard Ford, so put up yer knife.” With a low-uttered imprecation the broker obeyed, and the convict went on to say: ** Yes, you has got to Pay me what I de- mands, and it is big money I wants. ‘Tis tired dodgin’ ther perleece, and hid- in’ from ferrets and livin’ in fear o’ goin’ back to thet life in a tomb. , ‘I wants ba aot to g° away from here to seek some land where I kin live in comfort without fear and try and be as honest in my later years as I has ;been bad in them that has gone by.” “h 7 hat do you call big ‘money, I ask ou Ld f ‘ ‘* What is you worth?” Be ee ‘“‘ Apparently a great deal, but in reality not much,” ; ‘‘ Well, yer credit is good so you can raise it, and I wants fifty thousand dollars,” ‘« Fifty thousand devils!” ‘‘No, one like you is enough for me to deal with. ‘‘But that.is the sum I wants and will have.” ‘‘T am not worth over that amount.” ‘‘ Well, you is goin’ ter marry millions, and soon, too, 1 hears, and yer notes are gilt edge I learns, so you kin raise it.” ‘“Call it half the sum and I will try, on condition that you never again cross my ‘‘T’ll make the condition for fifty thousand and not a dollar less.” ‘‘- You must lower your figure.” , “Pay it, or I'll ask the lady to give that. much to save her from you.” ‘‘Curse you, I'll pay it, but you must give me time.” ‘* How long?” ‘¢ A month in which to raise it, for [ have some notes coming in that must be met, and this done I can raise money again on my paper.” ‘‘Give me a couple of hundred to live on and J’ll give you the time you ask; but, I siiniacel no nonsense and it will be pay me within a month or go down with a crash. “Does yer understand now I accepts your compromise ?” ‘“Yes, I understand. Now be off.” ‘‘The two hundred and fifty, please, for living expenses,” ‘You said two hundred just now.” ‘‘Then you’d have saved fifty by not mak- ing me ask a second time.” ‘“‘A man of your stripe should live on fifty dollars.” ‘Don’t mention anything about a stripe, for it makes me shudder; but, you are as wicked as I am and you get the best there is, while I suffer,” ; ‘« Here is the money.” «Good! and don’t fail about the other, for you know what my threats mean. ‘‘Good-night, pard, and luck to you, for on your fortune depends mine—tra-la-la,” and the man backed to the door, as though suspicious of an attack, and not without cause, for as he opened it the right hand of Ford Rayfield was suddenly thrust forward and a flash and report followed, and ming- | ling with the sound came a cry of agony and a heavy fall. But it was not Killer Dick who had fallen, for he had sprung to one side, seeing the act of Rayfield, and the bullet had crashed into the body of poor Ditson, the valet, who was just entering the door. Ford Rayfield saw his fatal mistake, saw that Killer Bill wus in full flight, and in- stantly he turned and fired severa] shots rapidly at different parts of the room open- ing with folding-doors into the hall,shat- tering a mirror and doing other dama e, Then he sprung out into the hall and shouted loudly: ‘* Below stairs, there! ; ‘*Stop that man, for he has killed my valet,” But he took good care not to call out until he was sure that Killer Bill had escaped from the house. P CHAPTER XIX, NEW YORK NAT FINDS A CLUE. Tnoven in double irons, New York Nat felt that he must keep an eye upon his pris- oner, and also upon Sentinel, who had once fallen from grace by accepting food from one he had been put to guard carefully. There was, of course, a bare possibility that the police might some time happen in upon the old mansion, and yet they, as the neighbors did, seemed most anxious to shum it, and as long as there was no complaint . }
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oe = 2 a — ~ om. ram “ - Sir hele Pe oes > a pNP a Fn as Ph oe - New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. ps made of any disturbance there, Nat did not dread a raid. When he returned in the morning after the meeting of the young ferrets, bringing the prisoner’s breakfast, Nat said: ‘‘Remember, Ralston, if you make any outcry you will have to be gagged as wellas ironed, and as I shall leave you no food, sit- ting by you to see you eat your breakfast, you will have no chance to again tempt the dog, who will be kept on guard outside. **T will be on hand when wanted, and your telling your story as you did last night has saved your life at least, and it remains for your future conduct to show what other kindness you deserve.” Leaving the man some books to look over, and placing Sentinel on guard outside, Nat left the old mansion dressed as a young dude, wearing eye-glasses, a high hat and carrying & cane. He wended his way to the home of Walter Vanderlip, where Sherman Canfield was staying as master in the miner’s absence, and representing him as the ally of the Boy Ferrets, and entering the house with his pass-key he found the Nebraskan reading his papers and smoking. ‘Well, Nat, how are you, for I felt anxious as you did not put in an appearance yesterday ?” . ‘*T’'m all right, sir, thank you, though my side is still sore and my head a little rocky; but I’ve hada pic-nic since 1 saw you, Mr. Canfield,” and Nat told of his adventures with the prisoner, and the mock-trial. oe You are indeed fortunate to have escap- ed. ‘But you frightened the fellow into a confession?” ‘Yes, sir, I promised him that which the law cannot take now, as he is a condemned convict for life; but then he was frightened into telling who he was and I'll get you, sir, to look up his record to-day, for the chief will give it to you.” “‘T'll go down this morning and doso; but about that other fellow, his pal?’ “IT will go to see one of my boys, who works in a messenger office, and send him there and see if he can be found. *‘If not he must be tracked to where he has moved, and then 1’ll set a trap for him, as he is too dangerous a man to be at large, and has nerve and daring, which Ralston has not.” : After some further conversation together Sherman Canfield walked out with Nat, Bo ing to see the inspector, while the young fer- ia to put Teaser on the track of Killer His card promptly admitted Sherman Canfield to the private office of the great Se- eret Service Chief, who greeted him cordially and said: — “* Have you heard from our friend, Vander- lip, lately ?” * Yes, sir, he will return within a month, for he has about settled the troubles that call- ed him out to the mine.” ‘*Tam glad to hear it; but he left a most able representative in you, Mr. Canfield. ‘* Now tell me if there is any news of my Unknown and most respected detectives, whose identity you so carefully guard from me?” ‘“‘ Yes, sir, I have news of him and of his allies, for he is now upon an important ser- vice. ‘“‘ Will you kindly give me the record of this man?” ‘ Zip Ralston,” and the inspector rung a bell and handing the slipof paper to aclerk, said bluntly: “ Bring his record.” It was soon placed before the inspector, on a slip of paper, as follows: _ ‘Zip Ralston, convict at ——, life sen- tence. ; ‘« See photograph page 400, for description, age, height, weight, etc. ‘A born crook, and sentenced ag an ac- complice in Benham murder case. ‘* Escaped from prison August ist, 16—.” ‘“ Thank you, chief,” and Sherman Canfield took his leave armed with the paper giving the record of Nat’s prisoner. Later in the afternoon Nat called and was given the paper and said: ‘Teaser found my man had slipped out of his room the night you saw him, taking all his things with him, though his room rent was paid for a week yet. “You doubtless frightened him when he found his pal captured. ‘Teaser then went to the neighboring lodging-houses to see if he had not put up at one of these until morning, and found him registered at the first one he visited.” “That was lucky.” ‘Yes, sir, and I shall shadow him myself now, with the aid of some of my boys, forI have decided upon a plan to trap him.” ‘*May I ask what it is?” “Yes, sir, certainly. Ishall have Ralston write for him that he is in hiding, and to come to him.” ‘* He is a bold fellow to bring to bay, Nat, so you had better let me help you.” “Thanks, Mr. Canfield, I will callon you, sir, if I have to do so, but I have no right to risk your life in my ferret work,” and Nat soon after took his departure, going to the Herbert cottage, and well satisfied with his day’s work and the clue he had found of Killer Bill. CHAPTER XX, WHAT NAT SAW AND HEARD, Wuen New York Nat set out to work to run a crook down, he went at it ina way that meant success. He had Ralston a prisoner, and had de. tailed two of his League to take turns in being in the mansion to keep guard over him in his absence, for he was on the track of Killer Bill. In tracking the convict at large he did not neglect other duties, and having had the ‘report given him by Parson regarding the gentleman at the concert with Miss Maybel Kingdon, he decided to have a look in upon him and strive to recall just when and where he had seen him. Having his name and address written down in his note-book, Nat went to the number given to try and invent some way to get to see and talk with the gentleman whose face haunted him, He stepped into the handsome entrance to the flat-house and glanced over the names on the cards above the letter-boxes. He saw that the name he looked for was the right-hand flat on the top floor, and that the left-hand flat was unoccupied, for the card bore the words: ‘« Not for rent.” As he was looking over the names a man renteed, and seeing him, said politely: ‘Ts there any one you are looking for, gir, that I can help you to find?” Nat gave a name not on the cards, and the man said: ‘*T know of no one in the-house by that name; sir, and in fact ’most all the people living here are away for the summer.” ‘¢ You live here then?’ “Yes, I am valet for Mr, Ford Rayfield,” *« Ah, indeed, I have met Mr, Rayfield. “Ts he in?” “Yes, sir, he gave me an afternoon and evening off as he was going to the country, but I was disappointed in. meeting a friend, so returned home early, but finding he had company, and a rough looking chap he was, I went out again.” ‘*T have heard that Mr, Rayfield had some rare paintings and statuary in his rooms, and I do not know him well enough to call and ask him to show them to me; but, perhaps: you could arrange it in some way for me, as I am an artist in my line, and I would make it to your interest to do so,” “Thank you, sir, I guess I can let you see them, for Mr. Rayfield is always out be- tween twelve and four, except Sundays; but, I wish I knew who the chap is up there, for I don’t like his looks.” ‘*T will call to-morrow, then, and here is & card so you will not forget me,” and Nat slipped a two-dollar bill into the valet’s hands and departed. — ? But he watched from across tho street and saw that there was o bright light in the rooms of Ford Rayfield, and certainly the valet had not had time to get up-stairs and light the gas. . Rayfield must have returned then, he decided. As he turned away slowly recrossing the street, he heard a shot distinctly, and a min. ute after, as he stood wondering at it, the door of the flat opened suddenly and out dashed o man apparently fleeing for his life, while other shots, one two, three, were also heard, followed by a voice calling out to stop the murderer: © | But the man was already*half a square away and was walking leisurely along. ew York Nat’s first resolve was to dash P to see the cause of the shots, and it struck him‘then as strange that the three following the ffirst one had been so long after, while: the cry had come later still. But there was that in the eipeeraes of the man who dashed out of the flat-house- that at once riveted his gaze and caused him to take no heed of the shots or the call, but. to follow him, apparently not doing so. ‘*« Ah! I recognize that face and form, and: Tam in luck. ‘«Tt is Killer Bill,” said Nat to himself, and he at once decided to stick to his man,. come what might, This he did and saw him go to the lodg- ing-house where he had been tracked before, ‘“‘ He has been in some deviltry in that flat- house and will not stay here. ‘‘T remember the valet said that he re- turned to find a man visiting his master, whose appearance he did not like, and it was. none other than Killer Bill. ‘** Now to see if I am not right.” Nat had not long to wait before out came Killer Bill, carrying his grip. He was dressed in a pea-jacket, blue pants. and sea-cap, affecting the sailor-look and eee as he walked. ith no thought of being shadowed he went to another part of town nd found a hotel of a better class, 'registering as ‘*WitLiaAM BILLups, “Portland, Maine.” Nat at once registered also and paid for his: room for three days, and was shown to one adjoining that of Killer Bill, whom he heard talking to himself as he walked excitedly up and down his room. The words were muttered rather than spoken, but he caught now and then enough to give him a clue to the firing he had heard; for they were: ‘Tricky as Satan—he tried to kill me, and the man coming in as I went out got it— ** How will he get out of the scrape? ‘But he meant to kill me, and he shall pay double now, or bane man of fashion and influence that—yes, Ford Rayfield, my old mining pard, half you have must come my way—no chance again at my life—hope the killing won’t get him into trouble— papers will tell.” o much did Nat catch and then he left. the room, for the convict had thrown him. self upon his bed to sleep. CHAPTER XXI. THE BROKER'S STORY, New York Nat left his room noiselessly, not wishing the occupant next door to hear him and feel that he had a neighbor, \ 9° S22 2! re A ie el oe ol : >, u —_* a PAS. a oe See > 2 7 * a = fa fila —. 7 > FE a, BE pee TT a Sa e - ~ _ “ Be 6 soe: Jet oe eee ct .! = {
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12 New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. LS ef oy He made his way at once to the scene of the flat-house tragedy and found a crowd gathered there, From a bystander he heard that the rich broker, Ford Rayfield, had been attacked in his room by a robber, and that a number of shots had been fired, and the valet had been killed. Picking up what information he could from the various reports cf the bystanders, he .heard that the body of the unfortunate valet had been taken to the undertaker’s, and the chief of police was then up-stairs with Mr. Rayfield. To the undertaker’s Nat went, and show- ing a badge as a reporter for a Boston paper, he asked to see the body, anda glance showed him that it was his acquaintance of a couple of hours before, Then Nat went to his uncanny quarters, arriving after midnight, but finding his guard on duty, and Sentinel at the door of the prisoner. “* He is all safe, Chub, so go, to bed and I think the morning will reveal something to us,” said Nat, and he was soon fast asleep as was Chub also. Nat was up at seven and went to break- fast at the cottage, and to make known to Olive the discoveries he had made the night ‘before. He kept Chub on guard, and took him and the prisoner an excellent breakfast from the cottage, not forgetting Sentinel. The prisoner ate with a relish, and when Abe meal was concluded Nat said to him: ‘*‘T have found your friend, Bill.” “ You has?” ** Yes, I can op my clutches on him at any time; but I want your written state- ment of what you told me about him and yourself as well.” **) hain’t much of a writer.” - * But you do write?” ‘‘T kin sling ink, but my spellin’ is away off, and my writin’ looks drunk,” ‘* Well, write as I tell you, and have you any paper?” ‘** Yes, I has a note-book what Bill give me to do some figurin’ in.” ‘* That will do, ‘© T will get you pen and ink.” This was done, and the convict wrote the story as he had told it, of what he knew of Killer Bill and his own record. Then Nat took the paper into the assembly room, and seating himself at a table, began to study the writing. He was an expert penman and possessed ‘the dangerous accomplishment of imitating handwriting. After a while he sgt to work, upon the leaves from the note-book which he had torn out with those Ralston had written upon, and this was the result, the writing being a perfect imitation of Ralston’s cramp- ed hand, and the spelling and composition likewise: “Parp BILL ‘** | takes my penin han to tell you i was run in by a perleese, but I bort him to let me go fer a twenty-doller note. ‘*i then comed hear whar I hed bin hid- in befour, an hes lay low ever sinse. wants ter see you bad, fer i hes a big thing on han fer makin money, so i sends this by a ‘boy who will bring you ter me safe, an dont fale to come for my sake an your own, for you goes in with me. ** No more till i see you ** From your troo pal, “e Zire Ren” ‘‘p s. isends this to ther place whar -you tole me you fed, an tells the boy to wait an see you, for the boss of the hash house iter show you to him.” This letter was put intoa soiled envelope, -and addressed in the same crude style to the _wonvict at the number where Ralston told Mote ryt Sere a eS eae Sot “we. Pap as ne ad Les ae **T has a letter for yer.” ‘* Who from.” “*T guess it tells.” ‘* Who gave it to you?” ‘‘A man as said he was your pal and give me two dollars ter find yer, so 1 has waited all day.” ** Who is he?” ‘Read yer letter an’ find out, for I isn’t paid ter tell yer what's in it.” The convict opened the letter and reading it asked: ‘Where is Zip?” ‘*]'ll take you there; but you better not go until dark, so I’ll come back for yer,” ‘* All right, I'll bave my dinner and a smoke, and be ready.” Chub departed and going to Freckles’s news-stand at once gave him word to have the three youths Nat had ordered, and who were in waiting, to go with all haste up to the Haunted Mansion. Then he returned for Killer Bill and found him ready to go with him, it being almost twilight. “The Murderer Escapes ! They took the Elevated Road, Killer Bill ‘pouy WED¥YIBLD’é eToORy! playing the gentleman and telling Chub to keep away from him, but he would watch ‘* While seated in his handsome down- and follow him. town office yesterday a rough-looking man, When Chub got out so did the convict, clad in soiled attire, demanded to see Mr. | and it way dark when the young ferret led Ford Rayfield, the popular broker, and was | the was to the old mansion. admitted. ‘‘T guess Zip is rusticatin’ to come MP ‘Mr, Rayfield was some years ago a miner ; here,” said the man as he now closely fol- in New Mexico, and. there met one whom | lowed after Chub. the man claimed to be, and not caring to go ‘‘He's in a mighty spooky place, but I back on an old pard, now that he is a man of | hain’t scared when anybody is along and he wealth and position, he invited his visitor | stays thar all alone by himself night and up to see him at his home. day.” “The visitor came, and Mr. Rayfield’s ‘I don’t like spooky places,” said Killer valet being out, he admitted him himself. Bill with a shudder, but he scaled the wall ‘‘1t was not long before Mr. Rayfield saw | after Chub, who led him to the cellar door that the man was a fraud, and then a tragedy | of the mansion and opened it with his writ quickly followed, for the fellow said that he All was silent and dark within, but Chub had come there to rob him, and he leveled a | said: : revolver full at the broker. | Jist catch ‘hold of my coat and I'll lead ‘*Mr. Rayfield is no coward, but he was | ther way. Nat that Killer Bill had said he always took his meals, Chub was then given the decoy letter and his instructions and departed on his mission to bring Killer Bill to the Haunted House, telling him also to appoint atime after night- fall, and tosend there ahead of him Teaser, Doc and Parson. Chub having departed upon his errand, New York Nat opened the morning papers and sat down to read the accounts of the tragedy at the Rayfield flat the night before, for he had seen the ever-encrgetic reporters there getting items. The affair was noticed in large headlines, and Nat read as follows: “A TRAGEDY IN A FASHIONABLE FLAT! ‘© AN ATTEMPT TO KILL MR. RAYFIELD! ‘“« A Pretended Friend Proves to be a Robber / “A BRAVE VALET KILLEpD! at the man’s mercy, and would have been ** Has yer a gun?” ‘You bet I hain’t no durned fool to come without one.” ‘* Well, don’t use it even if yer sees a ghost, for ther cops would hear it and come a-run- nin’, but it’s all safe if yer don’t shoot ter let ’em hear it.” ‘‘P’ve made ghosts, boy, I don’t shoot ’em,” way§ the grimy remark, and Chub led the was up-stairs, asking again: ‘‘Has yera match?” ‘* Here is my match-box.” Chub felt for it and taking out a match robbed but for the return of the valet, who entered with his pass-key and turned the attention of the robber to him, ‘*Coward as he was, the desperate fellow fired upon Ditson, the valet, killing him in- stantly, and as Mr. Rayfield rushed upon him, fired three shots at him, breaking the large mirror, shattering a costly statue, and sending the third: bullet into the rosewood iano. In the smoke Mr. Rayfield did not see the man dart out of the door, and having secured his own pistol, he followed him, but too late to catch him, and the alarm given was too late to capture the man.” once more moved on in the intense darkness, while Killer Bill growled: New York Nat read over the other ac- ‘This is the spookiest old rookery I ever counts of the affair, pasted all in his book, | seen, and then said: ** Whar is Zip?” ‘On ther top floor. “ He ain t jist well, so is a-layin’ down,” ** All right, push ahead, so long as you don’t go through some hole into the cellar.” , **T won't,” . Reaching the top floor, with Killer Bill still holding to his coat-tails, Chub opened a door and said: ‘* He’s in thar, ‘*Say, mister I has brung him.” “ All right, git out until I calls yer,” came in the voice of Zip Ralston, and he contin- ued: E ‘‘Now 1 will hear what Killer Bill's story CHAPTER XXII. THE TRAP. Cuus did his work well, for he waited around the restaurant where Killer Bill always took his meais, with the patience of an Indian, The landlord promised to point out the man to him whom he knew as William Bill- ups, when he came in. It was late in the afternoon when the land- lord called to Chub, who had been a very good customer himself while waiting, filled up on pie, ice-cream and melons, and said: ‘‘That's Mr. Billups over yonder at the table in the corner. ** He has just come in.” Chub went over to the table and said: “ Be you Mr. William Billups?” He saw the man start, and glancing hard at the youth he answered: , “Tam,” Padig, it?” “ You bet it is, and I recognizes yer voice, Zip, though why is yer in such darkness?” ‘*T hain’t got a lamp, and I tole ther boy ter get me one, so I guess he’s gone after it. ‘Sit down, Bill, for there’s a chair right here by me, and I got hurt in ther scrap with ther detective, so is takin’ it easy.” ‘ And Killer Bill shuffled around in the dark, cursing himself for not having gotten his match-box back from Chub, V9% lit it, and apparently getting his bearings ‘« There’s no mistake, Pard Bill, it’s you is _ iy e
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oe ¢ a» that she’ coul _ gee the characters. New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. 13 aaa to him and getting no reply, he said: ‘Blame ther boy, he has run off with my match-box,” ** He’s gone to buy some candles, Bill, and will soon be back.” “‘What are you doing here, Zip?” “é Hidin’,”’ ** Well, it’s ther place you wants for that; but, why didn’t yer wait for me?” “T’m goin’ ter tell yer, pard, and more, I’ve got a leetle game to play that will bring me in a good thing, and you're goin’ ter git right in it.” ‘*)’m yer man, but I wish I could see, for I hates ther dark,” growled Killer Bill, as he drew his chair nearer and listened to the story of his pal. CHAPTER XXIII. TOLD IN THE DARK. what the boys called lazy and a great ‘‘ feed- er,” but he was true as steel, bright, clever and would do all that could be done in de- coying Killer Bill into the trap he was setting for him. So he made his arrangements accordingly, and moved a cot and a chair into 2 roem on the top floor, Then he sat down to have a talk with his prisoner and just see how far he could trust him in aiding to entrap Killer Bill, f he promised him his liberty for doing so he would again turn loose upon the public a convict and a vety bad man. This he did not wish to do. To secure his aid he would have to free him of his irons, and then the two men might resist and have to be killed, or kill some of the Boy Police, and this Nat wished to avoid above all things, unselfishly forgetting him- self in thinking of his fellow ferrets, and be- sides not wishing to attract attention to the old mansion, So he decided to try his own way to get what information he could out of Killer Bill and to capture him. Zip Ralston was ready to betray his friend for terms, but Nat decided not to call on him until he saw that he had to do so, ‘*You have a very strange voice, Ralston,” he said. “T was always fond of ventriloquism and my friends say 1 can imitate perfectly, but T don’t know how it would be with your ‘ voice,” ‘Dry it.” Nat did try it and kept on trying it, and the result was that he struck the exact key in the tone of the convict’s voice and soon could imitate it perfectly. Satisfied on this point he asked no more and then arranged the cot and chair in an- other room, Chub had his orders just what to do, and the plan was to lead Killer Bill up in the dark, and usher him into the room where Nat was to be lying upon the cot, a false beard and wig, and the coat of the prisoner covering him to resemble Ralston, should a match be lighted. It has been seen how well Chub played his part, and got the match-box away from the convict, leading him into the room where his supposed pal lay on the cot, Chub had slipped out then, and with the other three boys and sentinel waited outgide for the signal, Nor was this all, for crouched in one cor- ner of the room was the masked Ferret Queen, with a pad and pencil in her hands, ready to take down as well as she could in, short hand, all that was said, for she was an expert stenographer and had assured Nat write without being able to So you has a good thing of it, Zip?” story of how Zip had started to rob the sup- posed drunken gentleman, Sherman Can- field, and found out his mistake too late when he‘discovered that he had played into a detective’s hands, as he had believed. * But I bought him, Bill, as I writ you, and then I comed here whar I has hid more than once, ‘It's a spooky old place, but safe as a church, and ther boy, whom I has befriend- ed, brings me grub, as J is laid up a trifle.” ‘*T wishes thet durned bey would return with a light,” growled Killer Bill. ‘“Stores is scarce about this neighbor- hood and he bed to go a long way, I s’pose,” ‘* Waal, what is the good thing yer has on hand that I’m inter with yer.” ‘It’s jist this, thet this old house belonged to a old miser, who hed lots of money. * “IT know’d him, and he buried his money in ther cellar, and—” “Ther gold is thar and plenty of it, and you can dig for it, as my arm is near broke, and we'll go shares,” ‘* Done! it’s as good as made, if ther money is thar.” ; ‘It’s thar, for the place hain’t been dis- turbed since © seen it last, and the miser was murdered, so nobody found the money, sec?” ‘“¢ Yes, an’ I’m with yer, and it will come in great if I fails on a racket I has on hand,” ‘« What's that?’ ‘‘Did you hear anything?’ asked Killer Bill in alarm, ‘* No, I meant what was the racket you was onto,” ‘* Oh, you scared me at first. “* Darn thet boy.” ‘* Well, I'min it with yer, hain’t I?” ‘* Yas, of course, and I'll give it to yer straight, and when thet snail of a boy comes with a light, 1’ll read yer what ther papers said, and yer can see jist how my man lied about it; but ['lldo him, as soon as I gits his money,” said Killer Bill emphatically. CHAPTER XXIV. _ KILLER BILL TELLS HOW IT WA8.. KILLER Brur being assured of aninterest with Zip Ralston in the supposed miser’s treasure in the house, after a few prelimi- nary remarks about Chub's long absence, the dark, and hating to talk when he could not see, went on to say: ‘“‘Thas a chacce, as I said, of making big money, and I guess you kin help me in it. ** Yer knows, I has told yer, that I was a gold-miner in New Mexico,” sé Yes,” “Well, one meets all kinds o’ people out there and I met one diggin’ for gold who was sich a gent clean through thet we all tuck to him and him and me become pards, though he hed one partic’lar friend who hed gone out thar with him, ‘*Somehow thar was a coldness atween them, and they parted company, and then the one whowas my pard come to me one day and tells me thet be hed struck it rich, if I’d only help him. ‘*T did help him, and his strikin’ it rich was no more than thet his old pard had done so, and my help was- to be in gittin’ rid of him, . ‘Is yer listening?” ‘* You bet I be.” -**Tt’s so dark, owin’ to thet durned kid’s not comin’ thet I can’t see ter talk.” ‘He'll be back soon, 80 tell meyer game, ‘All right, I’ll continue. say “ Well, we got away with the young man, and my pard he paid me well and skipped out from the mines, timesand I struck him each time for money and got it, ‘* Ther next time I seen him was when you was with me at ther concert t’other evening, ‘* Well, I concluded, after I had lost you, to strike him ag’in, sol went down to his office and give a bluff, and he told meter come up to his house and I went, ‘He was cowed, after hearin’ me threaten ter tell his girl all I know’d, and promised me the money I asked, which were only fifty thousand,” ry whistle of surprise came from the re- cumbent form onthe cot, and Killer Bill went on to say: “T struck him big, for he’s rich and I know’d I could get it as he is courtin’ a lady who has got millions, or will have, “At last he agreed to my terms, when I told him how he had tried to get rid of me in New York here, by havin’ a man he paid big money to, turn state’s evidence ag’in’ me, and pretend -he was my accomplice in that murder of ther old man, ‘* Well, you knows now the man, and you bet I intends ter git ther fifty thousand, for I has o bigger claim than before on him now.” ‘Yes, I knows, but what away has yer got on him, Bill?” ‘*He sent his man servant away when he expected me, intending te do me, and I jist escaped, as I was going out, not suspecting him, by dodgin’ when I see him whip out @ revolver. ‘*As luck would have it ther man servant. had jist come back and let himself in with his key, and he got ther bullet aimed at me, and you bet I lighted down them stairs like I was goin’ fera doctor. ‘*T heerd him fire more shots and wondered, and as I got into the lower hall he called out to stop the murderer, but he gave me time, seeing as I had not been kilt, and he didn't. wart me to be took and appear ag’in, him. ‘* Well, ther papers tells the story as he gave it-to the reporters, and I jist laughed all to myself to see how cunning he was, ‘* But his story goes, and so I don’t trouble with it, bein’ as I hain’t hurt; but I intends: ter make him pay more money now thet I has this new hold on him, : “Why, does yer know, he give me two hundred and fifty dollars ter live on, all. friendly-like, until he could get his notes, — cashed at the banks and pass me what I de-. manded. ‘But he’s got ter pay !more now, and’ we'll go to a foreign land, Zip, and live like: gents in it,” i * You bet we will; but has you a gun? for I'll go down stairs and sce if I don’t find that, Chub asleep in the cellar, and I jist wants ter scare him good,” ‘Yes, I'd do it.” “You lend me your gun and jist wait here,| for I won’t be gone long.” ( ‘*T hates ter part with one o’ my best. friends, Zip, for vother is my money: but: here it is, and don’t stay long, or I’ll get ther jim-jams in this black hole,” : ‘**T'll be back sooner than you think,” and the revolver was taken from the hand of Killer Bill, the form on the cot arose and suddenly there was heard a shrill whistle. At once the door was thrown open and the full glare of a couple of lamps revealed four forms in the doorway, and between them a. huge dog, while with his disgnise thrown off, aa his revolver leveled at Killer Bill, stood New York Nat, master of the situation, ' other give- CHAPTER XXV, NAT MAKES A VISIT, ‘You asked tp see me, sir?” The speuker was Maybel Kingdon the beauty and the heiress, and she swept into the parlor of her palatial home like a queen ** How does yer know?” ‘**T seen him, only I got jailed and never New York Nar knew that Chub was | had a chance ter come back fer it. asked Killer Bill, when he had heard the} “het man I seen afterward a couple of | in response to acard sent up to her anda ane Paes , 3 Hd
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ee —— 0 . —— a = rr a eee SS 14 | New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. ‘particular request to grant the visitor a few minutes of her time. ‘* Yes, Miss Kingdon, but I see that you fail to recognize one to whom you were so kind the day I was hurt in the Park in stop- ping your runaway team.” “Ah! I recognize you now, and glad am I ‘that you have come, for long have I wished to reward you in some way for your great service to me on that day, and also to prove to me that you were not guilty of a crime of which I alone believe you innocent,” and Maybel Kingdon spoke earnestly as she gazed into the fine face of her young rescuer. ‘“‘T guilty of a crime, Miss Kingdon?” *““There, your words, your looks prove that you were not.” ‘“*T left your house without thanking you, stole away ke a thief, but I did no wrong, Miss Kingdon, acting only as my duty, un- ‘der the circumstances, prompted me to, ‘*May I make a confession to you’ that you will hold as a sacred secret?” “You may.” ‘‘Then know that I am an amateur detec- ‘tive, unknown to even the Secret Service chief, ‘*T was on a duty the day of my accident that I felt I must not be known in, and so I crept away from your house,” ‘*May I ask your name, sir?”. ‘‘Chandler, but it is as a secret I tell you, for lam performing a duty that keeps me unknown until it is accomplished.” *‘T shall so regard what you tell me, Mr. ‘Chandler; but let me speak of the crime of which others accused yen I defending you. ‘The day you left I had placed a pale of diamond earrings, my bracelet and ringa, all of great value, worth some thousands of dol- lars, upon the mantel in the parlor. ‘« When you had departed search was made for them and yn were gone.” ‘To whom did you speak of their loss?” ‘*T spoke of your mysterious departure to # gentleman friend, who came in to congratu- late me upon my escape, and he made the unkind remark that i had doubtlees car- ried off something of value with you. ‘‘ When I dressed for dinner I missed my jewely and sent to my maid to get them, but they were not to be found, and Mr. Rayfield, who remained tofdinner, laughed at me and said that his words had come true.” ‘*Miss Kingdon, it is of Mr. Rayfield that I would speak, in fact came to see you about, and it is from the interest I feel in you, “‘Thave told you that I was a detective and now I beg of you to hear all that I say, patiently and without anger, for I assure you that every charge I make I can give you the full proof of. If [ fail, you may have me arrested for stealing your chan ‘Will you hear me?” “T will, for your words impress me strangely.” ‘*] saw you some evenings since with Mr. Rayfield at a garden concert, and I then re- tari him as one whom I had met be- ore. ‘*T could not then place where I had then met him, but 1 have since done so, and it was in a pawnbroker’s shop, where he was pawning some jewelry, a bracelet of dia- monds, three finger rings, one a beautiful solitaire, another a ruby and emerald set to gether, and a thirda ruby, diamond and emerald, ‘There was also a pairjof solitaire diamond ear-rings. ‘‘T was inthe next box to him, saw the things on the counter and his face in the mirror opposite, and heard him say that he had bought them for his wife, but had to part with them. — ‘He received a loan of threejthousand on the jewelry, and I have since learned that |. Mr. Rayfield is in financial embarrassment.” ** Indeed! and the jewelry you describe is ’ just such as mine that was stolen, i Go on I beg of you, if you have more to tell.” 5 “This but a beginning, Miss Kingdon, for the stolen ane, I knew nothing about un- til you told me that I was suspected of being the thief.” ‘* You have more to te)l then, sir?” “*T have all to tell, Miss Kingdon, for nav- ing heard that it was thought that you were engaged to Mr. Rayfield, he having so re- it, I wished to save you from one I new to be a villain. ‘* As proof of what I say my sister took down in shorthand the confession of an es- caped convict who made demands upon Mr. Rayfield, and it is here, all written by type- writer, with the whole story of Mr. Ray- field’s guilty life as I have unraveled it page by page. **You will find that in the rear of his broker’s office he runs a lottery dive and gambling room, doing banking business in the front part of the building. ‘‘He has met with heavy losses of late, and is expecting to save himself by marrying ou. at He is pledged to pay fifty thousand dol- lars to his old mining companion, the es- caped convict known as Killer Bill, and who with another escaped convict who knows Mr. Rayfield, is my prisoner. ‘*T ask you to read that type-written copy of his life carefully, and then I desire to give you proof that I tell you only the truth by sending for Mr. Rayfield to come to a cer- tain residence, for I can get him there, and you can be concealed behind the curtains of a window opening into another room, and hear all that I say to him and what he says to me. ** Will you do this, Miss Kingdon?” ‘«T will,” was the firm reply of the beauti- ful girl. CHAPTER XXVI. THE PROOF. SLtow.y and weighing each word Maybel Kingdon read the type-written copy, unfold- ing Ford Mayfield’s guilty life. hen she had finished she said: “‘T cannot doubt this, sir, but I want the proof you spoke of, for my father and bro- ther might refuse to believe this, for it is not I that wishes to marry Mr. Rayfield, they urging it.” **Miss Kingdon, your brother owes con- siderable money to Mr. Rayfield, which he keeps his father from knowing of, and that shows his motive.” ‘*My father likes Mr. Rayfield, and though ‘I have regarded him as a friend I have never loved him. ‘*T wish the proof you’ offer, and more, I would like to know if those are really my diamonds that he pawned.” « **You can ascertain, Miss Kingdon, by visiting the pawnbroker’s, giving the date, bahia the jewelry and demanding to see them. ‘* But to-morrow afternoon come to this address at |two o’clock, and I will show you a place of concealment where you can see and overhear all that passes within the room, and I will be there and Mr. Rayfield, too.” ‘*T will be there,” was the firm reply, and promptly at the hour Maybei Kingdon drove up to the address given, the office of a law- yer friend, which Sherman Canfield had se- cured for the purpose. In the adjoining room, behind the curtains of a window, Maybel Kingdon took her stand, while Nat awaited outside in another part of the building. Soon Rayfield’came, and was ushered into the office by Teaser, who said the party to meet him there would soon arrive. Ford Rayfield’s face was pale and wore a troubled look, and seating himself at a table, he began to write, while waiting, Then the door opened and New York Nat \ i entered, showing no sign that he beheld the face of Maybel Kingdon peering through the curtains behind Ford Rayfield. * ‘*You are Mr. Rayfield?” asked Nat. ‘Yes, Where is the man who was to meet me here?” was demanded. ‘* He was too sharp to be caught a second time, so sent me.” ‘Ah! a boy?” with supreme contempt. ‘Yes, a boy! but one who knows enough to hang you, you convict!” The man staggered under the blow, and Nat continued: “Oh, I know it all, for Killer Bill told me, and he says he enjoys the story you told about a man trying to rob you, and of the killing of your valet, when you shot him yourself in aiming at the other, and then, to carry out the deception, shot your mirror, piano and statuary full of holes. ‘*You see I know it all, and that you and Killer Bill killed a man in the mines and got his gold, and how you afterwards paid Bill to keep quiet, and then tried to hang him by having another man swear his life away. ‘Now don’t look dazed, for I can keep a secret, only Bill was afraid to trust you after all that had happened, and so sent me, for I am in it with him for all the money that can be got out of you. ‘« Bill wants me to say that you could have got off with the fifty thousand you pledged yourself to give, but having tried to kill him, and his having to take me into part- nership, you have got to pay sixty thousand or I go to the inspector and give the whole snap away about you. ‘So write down there your note to Bill for sixty thousand, due in thirty days, and if you do not pay it, then you know the re- sult, and a silk cravat looks better on you than a hemp one, and that’s what you'll get. ‘* Write the note, Mr. Rayfield, for time is short.” ‘lf I refuse?” said the man speakin for the first time and with a face that h turned to the bue of death. ‘* Let me tell you before I answer, that if you expect to kill me, Killer Bill is on hand waiting, and he will go straight to the inspec- tor with the whole story.” **- You have me in your power, you acqurs- ai and 1 must submit to be rob- bed, ‘* T will have the money for you within the time named, for I can arrange it withina couple of weeks. © ‘Then, if either of fa cross ait path again, I will kill youas I would amad-d ‘* Write that note, Mr, Rayfield, or Killer Bill may think you have done me up.” With a bitter oath, Ford Rayfield wrote as New York Nat demanded, Maybel Kingdon silently witnessing the act that was proof of his guilt. As New York Nat tock the note in onefhand with the other he leveled a revolver and said: ‘* Ford Rayfield, you are my prisoner!’ With the words Sherman Canfield and sev- eral of the Boy Police stepped into the room, Maybel Kingdon disappearing quickly from the curtained window. Crushed, Ford Rayfield was beyond the power of resistance, and sinking into a chair he uttered not a word, while New York Nat and Sherman Canfield, one on each side of him, led him from the house to a carriage in waiting. He entered it silently, and they were driven to his home. Once in his luxurious quarters he began to gasp for breath, and New York Nat, leaving Sherman Canfield with him, for he saw that it was no feigned attack, hastened for the nearest doctor. ; ‘ The physician soon arrived but too late to render any service, for the man gasped out; ‘** Tt is my heart, doctor—I have had these attacks before—this is the last one, and it is better so.” og.” ? oo < ; = 2 . A. Be tw tie ees ee re vr Bd a Be a
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+ y } ‘he * a ee. Paae Ee > <_ eee , a re oe a) New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. 15 The next day the papers spoke of the sud- den death from heart failure, of Mr. Rayfield, while his friend; Mr. Sherman Canfield, of Nebraska, was visiting him, and that Doctor Polk had arrived quickly when sent for, but too late to save him, The estate of Ford Rayfield was left for Craig Kingdon to settle up, and to the sur- prise of all, he left no more than to pay off his clerks, and the secret nature of his busi- ness was hushed up. Many wondered why Maybel Kingdon did not attend the funeral, and others were glad to see that the death of his friend had made a new man of Craig Kingdon, for he at once gave up his wild life and settled down to business and endeavored to win back the respect and love of his fatherand beautiful sister, who, the day of Rayfield’s death had a long talk with her erring brother, and which talk was the corner-stone of his refor- mation, CHAPTER XXXVI. CONCLUSION. The part played by New York Nat and his ferrets in the death of Rayfield was known only to Maybel Kingdon, the chief of the Secret Service and the band of Unknowns. Try as she did, Maybel Kingdon could not find Nat, or get any clue to him, but she kept his secret as she had pledged to do. She also had gotten her jewelry, or had ther brother do so from the pawnbroker, for the ticket was found by Craig Kingdon among Rayfield’s papers. Thus the world did not know the story, and as Maybel had never acknowledged her engagement it was not believed by her friends when she showed no grief for the broker’s death. The inspector, through Sherman Canfield, some days after the burial of Rayfield, re- ceived two prisoners with the compliments of his unknown ally in Secret Service work, : Those two were Killer Bill and Zip Ral- ston, who were returned to their cells in the prison from which they had escaped, and, a reward having been offered for them, the chief deposited it with the many others he -was holding subject to the order of his un- known allies. “Yes, Mr. Canfield, this has been a most clever piece of work, unmasking Rayfield and running down those two escaped ccn- victs, and in it I see as before the hidden hand of my unknown ally, a hand I hope ‘some day to grasp in friendship, and thank ‘as he deserves for all that he has done to crush crime and uphold the law.” So said the chief of the Secret Service to Sherman Canfield, who replied: ‘“Yes, chief, some day the Unknown will unmask themselves, the Hidden Hand will materialize.” THE END. Next Haur-Dme Lrerary, No. 890! The Race-Track Sport's Shake-up ; Western Union Messenger 999, BY JO PIERCE, A most stirring and effective story, with a big -moral—a vivid illumination of pool-rooms and crooks’ haunts, and the sin that lurks in the high- ways of the Great City. Don’t fail to read, and mark, and inwardly digest - this admirable City-Life Expose. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY J0 PIERCE, S78 The Street Arab’s Blind. BYT Bob vo’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street, 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom. 452 prentpar Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer's Shadowy}; or Luke’s Legacy. 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. 604 Five Points Phil, the Pavement Prince. 509 Jack J era, the Butcher Boy Detective, 616 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 626 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 688 Wrestling Kex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. 641 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. 5651 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mystery. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, 577 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, 588 dJack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. GOR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detoctive’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer. byt Fale tg ie Exprean-Train by a ait amin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Seooping a Set, 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. ache a i 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator. 694 &picy Jim, the Only One of Hie Kind. 706 Tom Thistle, the Road-House Detectives T17 Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin. 726 Dennia Duff the Brown Sport's Kid, 744 Dick of the Docka, the Night-W atch. 765 Flipper Flynn, the Street Patrol. 771 Foxy Fred's Odd Pard; or, The Keener’s Huge Huatle, TS1 Cast-Off Cale, the Scapegoat Detective, 824 Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer, 887 The Big Four of the Bowery. 846 Buck, the New Vork Sharper. 850 The Grand Street Arab. 855 The West Broadway Gamin. 860 The Boat-Club Mascot; or, Dan Docker’s Double Deal 864 The Union Square Baggage Boy. BY GEORGE C, JENKS, 455 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owncy’a Pledge. 5618 The Demon Doctor; or, Deadhold, the Kid Detective. 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 5S Flute, the Singer Detective; or, Owney in a Now Role, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Fol]; or, Dan's Double Play. 616 The Ocean Detectives or. The Last Cruise ofthe Black Bear, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussle. 786 Larry the Thoroughbred; 5r, Beaten on Every Side, 779 Lron Hand, the Charmed Datective 854 Uncle Sam’s Detective in Chicago. BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS,.? 6 Bill Biddon, big ey: 8 Beth Jones; or, The Captives of tne Frontier, © Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sloux Captive. 4 Tne Frontier Angel. 8 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 1823 The iunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horsoman, 854 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man, RY WILLIAM Rk. EYSTER, 190 Pandy Darke}; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’n Go-Down Pards, 818 The Hustler Rogue-Catcher. S88 Poker Pete’a Double Dodge, 851 The Tile-To Sport; or, High Hustling at Sinners’ Flat, BY OLL COOMES. 146 Kit Bandy, Detective; or, Silver Star, the Boy Knight, 168 Kit Bandy in Texas; or, The Young Mustanger. 208 Kic Bandy’s Catchy or, The Boy Hercules. 493 Kit Bandy’s Right Bower; or, Baby Sam,the Boy Giant 444 Kit Bandy’s Swoop; or, Little Buckskin, the Centaur, 8 Kit Bandy’s Slick Scheme; or, Old Tom Rattler. 1 Kit Bandy’s Deliverance; or, Banner Ben. ® Kit Bandy’s Pard; or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelance, 1 Kit Bandy Pasties: or, The Intant Giant, y 795 Kit Bandy in Red Ruin; or, The Young Whirlwind, 799 Kit Bandy’s BS Ruatle; or, Saddle King Sam. 804 Kit Bandy’s Brigade; or, Dan, the Mountain Guide. 158 Jack Drew, the Nemosis, ot, Eagle Kit. the Boy Demon, 182% Jack Drew’s Drop; or, Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. 2023 Jack Drew in Deadwood; or, Prospect Pete. 7% Keen Knife on Guard; or, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide, 1 Keen-Knilfe, the Prince of tho Prairies. & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jow. 18 The Dumb Spy. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Wawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger. 88 Rollo, the Bo eager). or, The Heiress, 184 Sure Shot Aecth, the iy Ifeman, 148 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 234 Pashing Dicks or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 9238 Little Wild@re, the Young Prairie Nomad, $88 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guide ; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 260 DPare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 273 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the ing AL 2-0 or, Old Caleb Arbuckle, 800 The mi Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Herculesy vr, Dick, the Boy Rangen A1T Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 457 Wingedfoot Fred ; or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. $23 Eerie Nata eet bn undering Basll, the Hermit Bo: ’ 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, AE 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. 778 Highland Harry, the Wizard Rifleman. 828 Poker Jack, the Detective Sport. / BY J. W. OSBON, : ival Giants of Nowhar’ 405 Danie Burr, the Man from Hard Luck. Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. } 7 bea Od eae bil, the Boy Miner, or, The Man Without » Past, 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detéctive, 620 Little Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery of tne Island 688 Plucky Paul, the Boy Proapector, - t Dan, the Trail Patrol. +4 Sola Dust Dan's Oath; or, Reckless Roy, the Regulator RY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR U. 8. A. 9 Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, iba Buftale Bills Bets or, The Gambler Guide, | BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The meapyere 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Hurricane wi $ or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Mustang Sam 3 or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-lHawk Kit; or, The Dauglter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, 168 Deadly ashi or, Fighting Fire with Fire, 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmaska. 21. Crooked Cule, the Caliban of Celestial City. 10 The Barranca W olf; or, The Beautiful Decoy, 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fist or, The Strange Guide 855 The King of the Wooda: or. Daniel Boono’s Last Trail, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. 625 Chincaptn Dan, the Roy Tratler. 677 Chincapin Dan’s Second Trail. 688 Chincapin Dan's Home Stretch. 698 Old Craxy, the Man Without a Head, TO8 Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. 718 Light-Heart Lute’s Last Trall. 728 Silverblade, the Shoshone. 729 Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beagle at Bay, 789 Milverblade, the Hostile; or, The.Border Beagle’s Trall. 748 Silverblade the Friendly; or, The Border Beagie’s Boy Pard BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 6T Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer 175 Captatn Arizona; or, Patent-Loather Joe's Big Game. 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joo’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Iueliat; or, The Mountain Vempires, B88 A Tou h Boy}; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. 868 Little Wernsdo ¢ or, The Outcasts of the Glen. BTE Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. 8885 Little i apt or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly a or, A Race for a Ranch. 408 Little Leather- Breeches; or, Old Jumbo’s Cure. 481 Little Ah Sinj or, The Curse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the olines. 480 Three Jolly Parda; or. The Pots of Paddy's Flat. 517 Jim Gladden’« Deputy; or, The Jolly Pard’s Campaign. 52? The Jolly Pardas to the Rescue; or, The Jack of Hourta, 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down, 656 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for» Life. 5674 Old Wenscl-top, the Man with the Dogs, 598 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blagen; or, The Skeleton’s Logacy. 685 Oklahoma Hi the Blue-Coat Scout. 648 Happy Harry’s Big Find; or, Tho Beautifal Jezebel 664 Cheeky Charley the Special. RY COL. A. F, HOLT, 817 Wideawake, the Train-boy Detective. S11 Weadlight Harry’sa Flyer; or, Duke Derby. 678 Headlight Warry’s Hazard. 691 Headlight Harry’s Hau); or, The Rallroad Parda, W727 Hendlight Harry’s Miren; or, Mad Madge. { 759 Headlight Warry’sa Heritage. 794 Hendlight Harry’s Hunt; or, The Cache of Gold, 89” Black Buckaktn: or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Kuife-King: or, The Doomed Six, 485 Ulitie Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, | 625 The Dandy Sport; or, Tho King Pin Conspirator. | MISCELLANEOUS AUTHOKS. 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Rela and Frederick Whittaker. ® Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 123 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe, (27 Lilustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the s porcine. ri pe w, vt. A Q nivalis 6 The Roy Clown: or o Arena Queen. By 4 BH Ned Wylde. the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. BL The Roy Rifles: or, The Underground Camp. By A. C. Trona, 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Froabooters of the Misstes!ppt By Lieus.-Col, Haseltine, ( 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- ‘ood. By Prof. Gilderaleeve. ° i» 4} 105 Ota Rube, the Hanter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Wonters or, TheCave of Death. By Burton Saxe, 194 Tippy, the Texans or, The Young Champion. By George ereon. 138 The ¥ ouns Privateer; or, The Pirate's Stronghold, By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Sams or, The Adventures ot « Friendloss Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. @8T Dusky Darrell, Tr lowstone. By Edward erson. 261 Fergus a « ay ught the Now Y irk Boy, By@. L, Alken, 966 Killb’ar, the Guide; »r, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail, By Ensign C. D. Warren, 298 Red Claw. the One-Kyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff, By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lien- tenant Alfred Thorne. 888 The &ky Detectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honor. By Major Mickey Free. ; 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover}; or, The Brother's Re- venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Raltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective, By A. P. Morria, 874 Gold-Dust Tom: or, Ben’s Doubla Match, @ H. Moree, 876 California Joe’s First Trall. By Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monastery. 18 Billy Bombshell, tho Cliff Climber. By F. 8. Winthrop. 75 The Black oe” By John 8 Warner. Comanche Dick and His Three Invineibles. By Henry J. Thomas. 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest, B52 Ariel the Athlete. By David Droid. 585 Will Watern, the Bov Forret. By H. Enton. 682 The Dead Peteative’s Double. By Gerald Carlton, 721 Maverick Moxe, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard of Urkos Pass. By Will Lisenbee. 809 Don Danton, the Gent from Denver. By King Keone, of the U, S. Secret Service Corps. 814 Ace High, the Frisco Detective. By C. E, Tripp. 880 The Grim Lodgers In Rag Alley; or, Citlzen Rube asi The ahi Beven. By Ben vag ata oI. hak j e Chicago Drummer’s Deal, By /.G. ure. 841 Prince Charlie, the Cat’s-Paw Sport, By Marma- nke ve | 848 Pan, the River Sport; ¥ Foiling the Frisco Bhar, By arold Payne, 861 Billy Brine, the Swamp Fox, By Chas. F. Welles, S79 Blue-light Bill, the Sapphire Sport; or, The Denver Detee- tive’s Lone Hand. By King Keene. , A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library 1s tor sale py all Newsdoalors, five per: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- ents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six sents oacd. BEADLE AND ADAMB, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,
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‘\ 600 Deadwood 606 “ye : peeaik oe a ta BY EDWARD L. WITEELER, Deadwood Dick Novels, 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Rond. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Deflance; or, Louble Daggers. +3 ane wees Pick » Pisgulacs, or, Buff, Ben. cadwoo « a « Caatle. Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; o,, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Dangor; or, Omana Oll, BT Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards ot Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity ¢ ‘ne, the Heroine abe spend weed bien s Last aan or, Corduroy Charlie, eal woo ck in Leadville, hey em fear eee Des fee; Pi The Double Cross Sign, ead woo ¢k as Detective. 129 Deadwood Disks Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home HLase; 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 Bluck Hill’s Jezebel. +t pesaweed bake eons Wer corenaey Jane’s Adventure. eadwoo ck’s Dea eal, 221 Dendwood Dick's Death-Plant. 82 Gold-Dusat Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, $94 ene wore Dick a bg nots The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 4 Deadwood ek’a Den rall, 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, B21 Deadwood Dick’sa Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flate 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. pall peageeed ee weerenees t or, The Terrible Vendetta, end wood ek’a Clatm, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Dendwood Dick’s Dinamonda. 421 Dendwood Dick In New Yorky3 or, A “Cute Case,” 480 Dendwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. yr Pengweed Dick, 3 ; ee Crimson Crescent Sign. . ecnadwooe r."My ellunce, 458 Deadwood drs Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Drea, Rig Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Jrs, Racket at Claim 10, A471 Deadwood Jr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. rity pasa weed or" Dos map a end woot ry in Deadwood, A9L Deadwood ‘Jr.'s, Compact. Peed hep hadi Ban hte haan end woo r.' My nga, ee et Lah} Jr.’a, Ieliv erances 5 Deadwood 522 Deadwood 529 Deadwooa 584 Deadwood 539 Deadwood 544 Deadwood 549 Deadwooa 554 Deadwood 561 Deadwooa 567 Dendwood 572 Deadwood S75 Deadwood 584 Deadwooa 690 Deadwood 595 Deadwood Jr.'s, Protegee. Jr,.’«, Three, dr.’a, Danger Ducka, Jrvs, Death Hunt, Jr., in Texas, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog Jr., on His Mettle. Jr., in Gotham, Jr., in Boston, Jr., in Philadeciphia, Jr., in Chicago. Jr., Afloat. Jr., In Denver. Jr.'s, Decree. Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, dr., at Coney Island. Jdr.’a, Leadville Lay, Jr., In Detroit. Jr., in Cincinuatl, Jr., in Nevada, . Jr., in No Mau’s Land, r., After the Queer. Jr., in Buffalo, | Jr.’a, Chase Across the Continent Jr., Among the Smugglers. Jr.'s, Ivsurance Case. Jr., Back in the Mines. dr., (a Durango; or, * Gathered In.” Jr.'s, Discovery; or, Found « Fortune, Jra. Dazzle. r.’s. Dollars, ry at Danger Divide, Jr.'s, Drop. Jdr., at Jack-Pot. Deadwood 6123 Deadwood €18 Deadwood 634 Deadwood 680 Deadwood I 86 Deadwood Deadwood 648 Deadwood 654 Deadwood 660 78 Deadwood 84 Deadwood D 690 Deadwood I 695 Deadwood 1} 700 Deadwood 704 Deadwood D 710 Deadwood J Bey in ar Franclsce, Bo Penlwood Dick, Jrvx, Domi woo ok, Jr.’s, Dominocs, 28 Deadwood rey Reine 734 Deadwood rs, Double Deal, 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deathwatch, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Doublet. eadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deathblow. pap heb Dick, Jr.'s, Deaperate Stralt, 64 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Lone Hand. 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. a Fae Per Ye y Hie ry at Devils Gulch. Tey fatal natin Hustle. rs Bombshell. Jr., in Mexico. dr’a, Decoy Duck, dr., in Silver Pocket 76 Deadwood Bick, Jr.’s, Resurrecetion. eadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. ; 87 Deadwood Dic r.y Defled. : 92 Dendwood Dick, Jr,’*, Double Device. 9 ey hee Pieks ray perperast entared endwo ¢ re amon Ces S07 Dendwood Disk, Irtx, Royal Flash. 812 poaawoed Dick, Jr.’«, Head-off, 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom, 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Scoop. a4 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Bick, Jr.'s, Clutch, Sco Deadwood Dick, Torse. Deadwood Dic 858 Deadwood Dick, +74 Dendwood Dick, $8 Neadwood Dick, 876 Deadwood Dick, $82 Deadwood Dick, BY WM. G. PATTEN. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown, 66% Violet Vane’s Victory; or, The Jaspor City Clean Out, _ 698 Violet and Daisy, the Posy Pards. Ne ey 05 Violet Vane’s Vow; or, The Cratty Detective’s Craft, 24 Violet Vane’s Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Out. 80 Violet Vane’s Verdict; or, The Game at Coffin City. 41 Violet Vane, the MS Vidoeq; or, Sport vs. Sport. 750 Violet Vane, the Vanquished, or, The Life Struggte. 768 Violet Vane’a Vislon; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. 489 The Hiamond ports or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, oie certaie aM yatery ; or, Five in One. : \ 681 Daisy ware the Sport from Denver. 687 Old Hombshell, the Banger Detective. 0 gor Tron Ferny, the Man re: or, Among the Vultures, 19 The Bo Trap Detective: or. The Double Grip Witness 641 Dismal Dave's raney i or, The Clue to Capt. Claw Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 51 Boun 4 iid q Rox F the Lone-Range ta Grit Onl, the Never Say-Die Detective, 06 Qewhey Stove the Ranch Mascot. “aoe BREADLE’S* H ALF- DIME*]_IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idyl, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee's Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones, 25 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or, The Road Queen. 86S ¥ reka dim, the GoldeGat herer$ or, The Life Lottery. 87% Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up, B85 Yreka Jim's Sokeri or, The Rivals of Red Nose. 889 Yreka Jim’s New Role; or, Bicycle ten, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front} or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, tho Fronticr Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion, 248 Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Saw’s Pardy or, The Angel ot Big Vista, a 258 Sierra Sam’s Sevens; or, The Stolen Bride, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. $89 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Fuace, Detective; or, Life in New York. 69 The Boy Detective; or, Gold Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Aribe and Angels, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the aot Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ¢ or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 201 Turk the Boy Ferret, ~ ‘ 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co.,, the Detectives of Philadelphia. 48 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective, 416 Wigh Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private 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 Bludasoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bills or, The Red Rifle Team. 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s.Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. : 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; oy The Branded Brows, . 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scampa. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo BAI, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator, or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patro}; or, The Rival Heirs, 99 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. ~ 08 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 80 Little ulck-Shot or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. ‘ 58 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned; or The Secret of Slab City. B82 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 456 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkier, or The Tribunal of Ten. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMRB&, 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, he Affair at Tombstone, 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Padua Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Bleck Dan’s Great Combine. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral! Cock; or, Josh’s Tom Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions, 576 The Silver Sporty; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee, 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Ha by Hans, the Dutch Videcg; or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules, 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling Willtam, the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahy the Plains Detective, 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy the Gypsy Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 Biraple Sim, the Broncho Buster; or, For Big Stakes. 712 The Meamerlet Sport; or, The Mystified Detective, 788 pete Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kansas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective, 761 Marmaduke, the Mostanger Detective. 778 The Rustler of Rolling Stone, 7S L Joe, the Committee of One, 801 Kent Kirby, the Hieh-Kicker from*Killbuek. 8% The Doctor Deteetive In Texan, 72 Two Showmen Detectives in Colorade, . BY J. 0. COWDRICK, Brondway Billy Novels, 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootbiack Bravo. £14 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Cleaing aStrange Case, 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘Difikilty.” 657 Broadway Ms Peath Racket. 579 Broadway y’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Ble Inning. ber] Broadway Billy’s Dead Act: or, The League of Seven, 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy’s Beasts or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 696 Broadway Billy. tn Texas; or, The River Rustlers, 08 Broadway Billy’s Brand, | 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. 720 Brondway Billy’s Full Hand: or, The Gamin Detctive, 85 Rronadway Billy’sa Rusiness. oa belt Billy’« Curious Case. 5. roadway Billy in Denver. 762 Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectiv 769 Brondway Billy, the Retriever Detective, Billy’s Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Rilly’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’« Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. Broadway Billy’« Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, roadway lly’a Queer Bequest, { sroadway Billy Batfled, ; } 805 Broadway Rilly’s Signal Seoop, 810 Broadway Billy's Wipe Out. 15 Broadway y’a Bank Racket. ull, , Ammons Jersey Thugs. al r ig Boom, 849 Broadway lily? Bion ose. Sn ily’s Blind: or, The Bootblack Stowaway. Keys. _ 869 Shasta, the Gold King or, For Seven Years Danas _ 420 The Detective’a Apprentice + or, A Boy Wighout s Name, ‘ or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, @ Street Scout, he neer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve Mart, the Night Express Detective. 4 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case | 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the ale Out. 615 Fightin ag 4 the Chief of Chained Cyclone, bar Bareb: ek Keth, the Centanr of the Circle, 6 ; ‘Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. ; 659 Moonlight Morgan the * Pixenest’ Man of Ante Bas, : BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 888 New York Nat’s Crook-Chase. St@ New York Nat’s Trump Card. S8T7i New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Natv’» Masked Maxcot. 859 New York Nat, the Gunin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. $47 Dick Doowm’s Ten Strike. $42 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand. T7Z Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny. @7T Dick Doow’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. 784 Dick Doom; or, ‘Ihe Sharps and Sharks of New York, 788 Dick Doom In Boston; or, A Man of Many Maske, 798 Dick Doom in Chicngo. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild West. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; er, 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’sa Big Haul. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trali. 756 Dashing Charlic’s Treatiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. 760 Dashing Charlie’« Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. uck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 72F Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grandes 560 Pawnee Ril, the Prairie Shadower, 718 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee Billa Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’s Curlous Case; o, The Rival Sharps. 697 Redfern at Devil’s Ranch; or, The Sharp from Texas, TO2Z Redfern’s High Mand; or, Blue Jucket. TOT Redfern’s Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, 668 Red Ralph’s Ruse; or, The Buccunee: Miasiipman. 674 Red Ralph's Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailor. 679 Red Ralph, the Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 644 Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. é 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony xpress Rider. 656 Butterfly Biliy’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; 07, ‘he Owls of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower} or, the Card Queen, 575 Kent Kingdon’s Buel}; or, The Surgeon Scout. 586 Kent Kingdon’s Doom or, The Buckskin Avenger, 545 Lafitte Run Dow nz; or, The Pow aneers of Barrataria, 5650 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 555 Lafitte’s Confcasions or, The Creole Corsair, 520 Buckskin Bill, ee Comanche Shadow. The Buckskin Brothers in Texas, 580 The Buckskin Bowers; or. The Cowboy Pirates, 585 The Buckskin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive. 5640 The Buckskin Pardes’ Quest; or, Captain Ku-Klax, 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark anu tre Sea Cat, 507 The Royal Middy’s Luck ; or, The Hunted Midshipmaxy 511 The Royal Middy’s Foe. 450 Wizard WIL or, The Boy Ferret o1 Now York, 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. 474 Wizard Will's Fard} or, Flora, the Flower Girl, 488 Wizard WIIl’s Laat Casey or, The Ferrets Afloat, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 Duncan Dare’s Plot; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. 487 Duncan DPare’s Prise; or, The Sea Raider. 441 Duncan Dare’s fecret: or, The Ocean Firefly, 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal Lengue, 407 Isodor’s Double Chase; or, The Boy Insurgent. 412 Isodor’s War-Cloud Orulee; or, Tho Wild Yacktoman, 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins. 1a Bison Bills Clue; or, Grit, the Bravo Sport, 804 Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma, 808 Dead Shot Randy’s Fouble; or, Keno Kit, 814 Dead Shot Dandy'’s Deflances or, The Boy Bugler, 607 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chicf; or, The River Detective. Merle Monte’s Leap for Life. erle Monte’s Mutiny ¢ or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, Monte’s Treasure Island. : 269 Merle Monte the Condemned, 276 Merie Monte’s Crutse; or," The Gold Ship” Chase. 2RO Merle Monte’s Fate; or, The Pirate’s Pride. 284 Merle Monte’s Vledge: or. The Sen Marauder, 197 The ia Glove Sport ¢ or, Little Grit, the Wild River, 204 The Kid Glove Sport’s Dooms or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider, 885 Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike. 867 Dead Shot Ralph’s Lag 878 Deck-Hawk Roy’s Big Scoop. S25 Harvie, the Cowboy Coaster, ; f 781 Ruth Redmond, the Gir! Shadower, 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free 617 Ralph, he Dend-Shot Scout. i 602 The Vagabond of the Mines, byt The Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos, 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea. Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor, 5680 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective. — 95 Arizona og: or, The Boy Pard of Texas Jack. S87 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster; or, Pirate In Spite. A62 The Sailor Boy Wanderer: or, The Born Guide. 446 Haphazard Harry ¢ or, The Sea Scapegrace. 898 The Red Clasped Wands; or, The 887 Warpath Will, the Troitor Guide. 888 The Indian P3lot;¢ or, The Search for Pirate Island. 877 Bonodel, the Bey Rover}; or, The Fingless Schooner. 2x7 Billy Bilne-Fyes, of the Rio Grande, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 229 Crimson Kate, the Girl Trailer; or, The Cowboy's Triumph, 116 The Hussar Captain: or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. 11 The Sea-Devi) ; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy, Flag. e joy Lieutenant, ~~ f 19 Neg Dead-Eye, the Smuggier , or, The Cruise of the Vixen, he Boy Pnellat; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Woll. 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 17 Ralph Roys the Boy Buccanver; or. The Fugitive Yacht. _ @ The Flying Yankees or, The Ocean Outcast, LATEST AND NFW ISSUES. House Janitor; or, Monk Latch. By We Fyster. 889 New York Nat's mendly T 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Clean Sweep; or, Pistol Poll of Nuggetville, By E. L. Wheeler. “aie ; A Sing, the East 892 Bowery Bob in Chinatown; or, >» Side Sport. By Harold Payne. 7 898 Farrel: Fox’s Sweep Stakes; or. The Boss Counter- feiter’s Round-up, Dan Dunning. ’ 894 Arizona Dick's Wipe-Outs or, Dare Devil Dave’s Death= — Trap. By J. C, Cowdrick, a maT. New lsaue va esday- vee ene ; The “Dime Library is for ‘dy all newsdealers, five @ents per copy, or sent by mail on recerpt ot slxcentsesch, — 4 BEADLE ASR ADA NS Conk, 4 he Vi one ‘5. ie a ud ay arte Sf