Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 890) (1894 08 14)
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TES aa ‘ — Ke - 4 =m, \ clolellatalal lA PF BW AVS — WRN Na a Ta aa ‘2 VD iP Vt Hl a | Copyrighted 1894, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office, August 14, 1894 } » 1894. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Prico, YXX No, 890. a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. Val. V. | 3 : Tene | hie fe i ACE HIGH, Bek ia ft ws = THE TRUMP-CARD DETECTIVE: Old Nat Hicks in New York, A STORY OF MESSENGER 999, BY JO PIERCE, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ BOB 0’ THE BOWERY,” ETC. CHAPTER I, THE MESSENGER FINDS HIMSELF IN TROUBLE, “Go to Mulgraft’s and give him this note. If he happens to be out, wait for him. In any case, give him the note in person.” Acting under these instructions, Ace High, Messenger Boy 999, went to Mulgraff’s at once. He had been there before on errands for the HE TURNED AND SAW BELLBAR, THE DETECTIVE! same man, and knew the way well. Ni E W ~s = wT Wo oe } Res
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z As far as the general public knew, Mulgraff’s wus only a saloon, and a very respectable one, too, as such places go, Few persons were ever seen in the bar-room, and there were those who wondered how the place lived. There were others who lost no time in wondering. ‘Messenger 999, baving thought only for busi- ness, passed through the front room and uncere- mouiously opened a small door upon the / i] mental glass of which was marked the word, ** Private.” Once past this he knocked in a peculiar way upon a second door, which was cautiously opened by a man on the other side. He recognized Ace High at once, ‘Hullo, youngsteri” he saluted. ‘‘On busi- ness?’ ** What else do you suppose?” the messenger replied. ‘We couldn’t let you bet.” ‘ ‘*Nobody asked you!” was the sharp retort. ** When you hear of me being so green as to blow in money on the races, just say so plain, will you? 1’m here on the usual business, with a note to be delivered only to Mulgraff, if 1 wait all the Pp. M. for him.” “Ob! all right, my hearty! Don’t take of- fense, but we wouldn’t let any boy bet here, Come in!” Ace High obeyed. He entered.a room well filled with men, and blue with tobacco-smoke. The men were of all sorts and conditions, from the aldermanic- stomacbed ‘‘sport” to the pale-faced, wasp- waisted clerk—wonderful contrast, though sport and clerk were nuw moved by the same ruling impulse, At one side was a long blackboard, and upon this were the names of the starters in all the prominent horse-races of the day. A ‘‘ ticker” was busily recording the resuks, as race after race was finished and reported, and the men were watching the records with interest more or less painful, It need scarcely be added that this was a pool- room, and that the chance was open for the per- sous present to stake their money, Vhis the greater part were doing, as each event was called, and the house was doing a fivurishing business, both in this line and at the inner bar. Ace High looked at the crowd and at the tlackboerd with a skeptical smile, The matter possessed no attraction for him. He had been used to active life, hard life, and ways of life that bad made him shrewd beyond his years, and he bad a@ fixed opinion of borse-racing on the modern plan, Without pretending to know, he did not be- lieve that the running races were ‘‘on the square.” He regarded the whole matter as a conspiracy of a few to defraud the many, and thought that the result of the events was deter- mined in advance so that those in the secret could make money out cf the uninitiated. He had heard others assert the same thing and, too, had heard believers declare that all was done with strictest honor. Not being a bettor, he did not care, personally, how it was; he never won or lost on the results. One thing was certain: Tbere were men in that crowd who had no business to be there— low-salaried clerks, and others, who hardly knew a race-horse from asaw-buck, yet were risking their small earnings week after week, and year after year, lured on by the passion for gambling and the thirst for gains which never came. Ace High was not likely ever to go in with that eager crowd, Naturally sensible and far- secing, he had the advantage of being a New York boy, born and bred, and did not fall into traps easily. ie His real name was Asa High. Years before, some one had made a pun on his name and dubbed him ‘‘ Ace High, the Trump Card,” The name had stuck to him, and many of his public acquaintance had no idea what his actual name was, Asa was looking over the crowd in an idle way, when he gave a sudden start and mut- tered: ‘+ He here!” it was a young man of about eighteen years that had caused ‘he messenger’s abrupt increase _ of interest. He stood in the edge of the group, and was all bound up in the excitement of the hour. fis manner and his face were alike fe- verish, though it was plain that the flush in bis face rose from a cause other than mental feel- ing. He bad been drinking heavily, and by far too much for bis own good, - A man twelve years his senior approached and slapped him on the shoulder. - i Messenger 999. “ How goes it, Tildrake?” he demanded. name of one horse; over another he puta fig- The youth started and wheeled nervously, a | ure ‘*2,” and over yet anotier, the figure ‘ 3,” — ae alarm in his face, whereupon the speaker added: ‘** You act as if you expected to see an officer. That ought not to be, when your old man is a cop. ‘* Hush!” was the reply, and the young man looked around nervously. ‘* What’s up?” ‘¢ Don’t speak of my father.” “Why? You ain’t ashamed because he’s a policeman, are you?” ** The shame is not on him.” **On whom, then?” **On me!” ** Nonsense! Why?” ‘* What would he say, if he saw me here?” ‘“T know what he would say if he didn’t see ou—nvtbing. Come, Harry, take a brace! ‘Don’t let the ghost of the old man haunt you all the time, Palmer Tildrake is old-fashioned and strict, but he’s been a cop twenty years, and it’s grown on him. He means well—’ “My father is all right. Don’t mention his name again, sir!” This was said sharply, and the wily elder man did not fail to profit by the hint. He laid one hand upon his. companion’s shoulder, and deftly changed the subject. ‘* By Jove! that was a good race that Red Bat ran!” se Yes,” ‘‘What’s up next? Oh! the seven furlongs.” eé Yes,” © Who will get it?” ** High Boots.” “Think so?” © Ves,” ‘*T incline to Nokomo. Butsay, I'll go youa tenner that High Boots don’t win.” **T don’t care to bet.” ‘Ou! your faith ain’t so strong, then?” ‘*T; *s, but, to tell the truth, Brown, I’ve backcu High Boots heavily already—so heavily that, if she loses, I shall be dead broke,” ‘*Tbat alters the case. Come over and take something.” rie This was an invitation the young man could not refuse, and he followed Brown to the ar. Ace High shook his head gravely. He knew Harry Tildrake well, and would have been recognized in return if the race-mad youth had chanced to see him. The former was the son of a policeman, and on she whole force there was not a more honesc, worthy man than Palmer Tildrake. Such praise could not be given to Harry. He wassowing wild oats with a ven- geance, and all of his father’s efforts could not keep him out of bad company, ‘* Headstrong as ever!” muttered Ace High, There lay the trouble. Hurry did not intend to do uarm to himself or any one else, but was doing both, and all of his elders’ counsel was thrown away on him, He wanted to see * life,” and was seeing it in full earnest, ~ was going fast. hen he had taken another drink, Herman Brown spoke pleasantly, ‘* Tell you what, Hal, I'll go you twenty toten that High Boots don’t win!” The youth cast a feverish glance at the line of names on the board, He had great confidence in High Boots, and had been given so-called 1n- side information that the mare was sure to win. His courage was good—too good! It was so strong that he had already risked money on the seven furlongs event which be bad no right to risk, and the faint voice of prudence left warned him not to go any deeper. : ‘You can’t expect bigger odds,” Brown added. Harry was not thinking of the odds, but of the money which was in doubt. Unfortunate- ly, his sense of honor was not aroused. Two things, only, occupied his attention—personal risk, and the thirst for gain. “Tl go you,” he answered, in an unsteady voice. After another drink they went back to the crowd. The room had grown quiet. It was announced that the starters were off in the i furlongs, and all anxiously awaited the result, Asa saw that young Tildrake could not keep hiscomposure, The liquor he had poured down his neck served to stupefy, rather than exbilar- ate him, but his niind was clear enough to make the situation plain tohim, His face was pale, ani his eyes had a wild gleam, The ticker began to work, and the marker | mean well, stepped to the board. With a single sweep of the crayon he marked an oval ring around the He was in a whirlpool, and the |, High Boots remained unmarked. She had lost the race, and, also, ‘‘place;’ she had not even come in third. i rry Tildrake drew a quick, sharp breath, and then put out onehand vaguely. The motion was one a blind man might have made, and the policeman’s son was blind then. He bad risked more than his all on High Boots; he had risked what did not belong to him; and the money had gone faster than the mare’s legs. Ruin stared him in the face. CHAPTER IL, RACE-MAD, AND RACE-BROKEN. AT that moment the proprietor of the room came in, and Asa hastened to deliver to him the note with which he had been sent there. He was thus occupied for several minutes, after which he was free to go. He remembered Harry Tildrake, however, and looked for him, The unhappy young man was standing at the bar, and the way he clung to it showed ‘that the liquor he had swallowed was fast overcoming him, Herman Br6éwn, his evil genius, was by his side, and gave the young man a hearty slap on the back, — ‘Brace up, me boy!” he advised, heartily. ‘Youll be out of this in a little while. To- morrow you will undoubtedly call the turn and pocket the stuff!” To-morrow! Tildrake shivered as he thought of the morrow. He wishedit might never come! If it did, be would no® be in Muigraff’s sepul- cher of broken hopes and ruined lives, He might be in prison, but was more likely to bea fugitive from justice, ** Take anotver drink,” Brown advised, The messenger’s indignation could be curved no longer, and he stepped quickly forward and laid hold of Tildrake’s arm. ‘Harry, ain’t you going home?” he asked, Brown turned sharply upon the speaker, ‘¢ Who in perdition are you?” ke demanded, ‘*T know Barry.” “What of it?” “I think he had better go home.” ‘‘Keep your thougtits to yourself, You are not wante1 bere, anyhow, , Get.out /” ‘*T travel on my legs, not on yours!” Asa re- torted. ‘Come, Harry, ain’t you going?” Tildrake was looking at his young friend in a dazed way. ~ ‘* Are you in the whirlpool, too?” he muttered, vaguely. , “TI didn’t bet on High Boots, anyway. you have been here long enough,’ “Tm ruined, Why shoula I go? Why not enditall? Have you a revolver, Brown?” ‘‘ Don’t talk nonsense, Stick under re Be Nho Come; and I will see you through all right, this kid?” ‘¢T live near Harry’s.” “¢ Are you his brother, or guardian?” ‘*No, but I am—” ‘Then get out! I’ve told you twice; now see that you go. If you don’t, I'll report you to your employers, They don’t want you in a saloon.” ‘‘You’re mighty solicitous for the standing between employers and employees, all of a sud- den. How about Harry and his bosses?” Brown’s face flushed with anger, and he half- raised his hand asif to strike the bold boy, but prudently refrained from dcing 80. Tildrake suddenly aroused. “TI can’t go home now, Ace,” he remarked, ** Are you going that way ” ‘¢ When my day is up.’ ‘Will you do mea favor?” ** What is it?” ‘¢ Don’t tell father where you saw me—don’t tell him you saw me at all.” “See here, Harry, this isn’t just the square thing, You are in mischief, and you know it, I’m not avy tell-tale, and don’t inteud to go to your father; but you owe it to yourself to get away from here. There ain’t any good in the place—or in the folks,” Half-unconsciously he looked at Brown as he ' added the jast words, and the latter’s anger rose higher than ever. ee “If you don’t get out of here, Tl pitch you out!” he declared, hotly. , “No, you won't!” retorted Tildrake. ‘‘ No- body is going to lay a hand on the boy while I am bere, Still. you.reinthe wrong, Ace, You but I don’t want you eine ‘ around me. Go about your business, and IL ! come later.” f aoe * ; Sie . Pye BR nila 2 Se opi ee tay ore aa a = a2 Rte . ~
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4 —- This was kindly said, but Ace saw that Parry ‘meant all that he had spoken, ; * Allright; it’s your affair, not mine: !ut I advise you to let whisky anu brtimg alone,” He turned away, but Tildrake *taliea him back, _ * Be sure not to tell any human being about me,” the race mad youth anxiously cautioned, ‘*T won't; ’'m mum.” Feeling that he could do his friend no good, Ace turned and went out of the room, “ Who's that kid, anyhow?” Brown asked, looking after him with a distrustful gaze, ‘* He lives near me,” Harry mechanically re- lied. Pe Probably he'll split on you,” “No, be won’t; but wbat if he does? I’m ruined, as itis, and I reckon the bottom of the North River is the best place for me,” ‘¢Nonsense! Don’t let me hear any more talk like that. True} you missed it on High Boots, but there’s no reason why you should be all split ap the back over it. You'll probably call the ‘turn on to-morrow’s events, and get back all your stuff.” ; Tildrake winked hard and tried to clear his ‘vision as he gazed at Brown. ‘¢ Herm,” he replied, ‘‘ you led me a pretty dance when you got me interested in running races,” ‘* How so?” . ** You started me off on a devil’s chase, I’ve run it well; I’ve blown in my sugar day after -day—and how much have[ won?” “You got a double-X on the gelding, Quiet Tip, and over that figure on—” “Dye won uow and then; a baby would be able to do that if it took as many chances as I’ve done; but I’ve always lost five dollars where I’ve made one. More than that, I’ve one to the dogs at a gallop. When I came here ay I was in a bole, and what I staked was to ull me out or ruin me dead, You know what che result has been!” '*But you can raise a few saw-bucks off your friends and go in to-morrow—” ‘s Will you help me out?” “J would, Tildrake, gladly, but I took the wrong end yesterday, and am about broke my- Belfs?).\, ‘ “ Perhaps, then, you'll see the ‘friends’ you speak of, and help me out atonce?” : - Tbere was sarcasm in Harry’s voice which told how well be knew that he wasin the gra~p of a human shark, but Brown answered with even composure: “A man can always work such a riffle best himself, Go right to the boys and strike them, and you'll beali right, As for me, I owe @ bill of half a century over on the East Side, and I ‘must go and pay it. Ill see you to-morrow, old boy. So-long!’ Ans Mr. Brown waved his band affably and ‘walked out of the place, Young Tildrake looked after him in bitterness -of spirit. j ‘Go to my friends |" he echoed, ‘* How easy it is to give advice!—and what a blood-sucker Brown is! He knew I was dead-broke, and on the verge of ruin, yet hedid not even offer to ‘return what he won by almost forcing me into the last bet on High Boots. What a world of vultures this is!” : The miserable victim of his own reckless ways -stood and meditated in half-drunken bitterness on his hard luck ignoring the fact that bis ‘knowledge of such men bad come after he per- ‘sistently sought their company against the ad- vice, and in defiance of the pleadings of those who had his welfare at heart. A casual acquaintance among the other bet- tors, who had lost but lightly on the seven fur- longs, approached and nade some bantering re- mark, but Tildrake turned from him abruptly and weot out, He had seen enough of Mullgraff’s for that day. tn the meanwhile Asa High had gone back to his duties, and pressure of work crowded thoughts of Tildrake out of his mind for the time, Asa rejoiced in having a good home, and par- -ents to whom he properly gave grepent, for they deserved it, In return he received their fullest approval and confidence. He had always lived at home until a fortnight before the events pre- viously described, when, his mother’s health not heing of the best, all of the family but Asa had gone to the country. That he did not accom- “pany them was due to the fact that he needed to Peat his position, the family being poor, and the latter circumstance had sent the messenger-boy Zor the time being toa boarding-bouse more con- __ | gpicuous for low prices than grandeur. Laon ) : Messenger 999. In fact, it was one of the bumblest of board- | ing-houses, and its patrons were people who were | nearly allin hard luck, or liable to be, ) As far as Ace High had observed none of them were otherwise than law-abiding, but he would not have trusted the motley collection | very confidently. e was on his way toward bis temporary haven, and had nearly reached it on this occa- sion, when be was surprised to encounter young | If What the latter was doing in ! did not object to entering the boarding-house Tildrake again. that locality he could not imagine, but he was tracted no particular attention if ho had not marched along like one ina dream, His trou- bles hung upon and haunted *im, and his mind was 80 busy that Ace found bim a dull compan- ion, They soon reached the boarding-house, CHAPTER ITT. A STRANGE NIGHT OCCURRENCE, HARRY |ILDRAKE reiused to eat supper, but perlor. He sat down by the window and luoked leased to see that ne was not so much under the | out thoughtfully, no one being near to molest influence of drink as before. He approached at once, : ‘* Hallo, Harry!” he exclaimed, in a friendly way. Tildrake started nervously, and then looked relieved when he saw the messenger. ** Oh! it’s you, is it?” ‘* Yes, What are you doing here?” “ Traveling.” ‘* Where to?” aa ‘‘ Ruin, I presume; I don’t know,” ‘* Have you been home?” ‘*No, and I’m not going.” “Why not?” ‘** Tt ain’t any place for me—at least, 1 am not any person for the place.” **Do you really mean that you’re not going home?” **T don’t know.” Tildrake’s gloomy, peculiar manner impressed Ace High strongly, and he laid bis hand on the former's arm, ‘* Now, see here, Harry; this won't do, You areina bad way, and your only hope is to go home, That’s the place for you. You're not fit to take care of yourself, and you want your father’s advice.” It was curious counsel for a fifteen-year-old boy to give to one three years his senior, but Messenger 999 was a peculiar boy. Hard knocks had made him wise before bis time, and he knew far more than Headstrong Harry. The latter hesitated for a moment, and then slowly replied: ** Ace, do you know of a place I can sleep, to- night!” ‘Dol? Why, yes: if you're bent on not go- ing home, though I would advise—-” _ ‘Yes, yes, I know: but I’m not going home,” Tildrake passed his hand nervously acrogs his face, and his uncertain manner showed that he did not have the sate idea of whet he was going to do for two successive minutes. After survey- ing him curiously, Asa ventured to add: ‘*You know your father don't like to bave you out of nights, and you’ve got to go home some time,” ‘There may be a change before another night falls,” answered Harry, impressively. ‘‘ Yes; I am sure there wili bea change. By that time I may be so fixed that 1 shall know just wkat to do, and how to do it.” f His expression and voice alarmed his little friend, ‘* Are you in trouble?” ** Ain’t I always in trouble?” ‘‘T mean, anything serious.” ‘Yes, lam,” “What is it?” ‘Tm not giving my secrets away, at present. By to-morrow night you may know as well as I do, and then you won’t need to ask questions.” ‘‘Harry, [hope you haven’t gone in so deep you cau’t get out,” “Oh! can ‘get out!’ Never fear as to that,” - Thespeaker’sreckless, bitter manner continued, and Ace High was more than ever troubled, but he did not succeed in getting any definite ex- planation. Harry evaded the questions, and the messenger was obliged to be as content as pos- apie. but his mind was uot et ease. He knew that Hairy Tildrake was a thorough- ly ‘twild” young man, His early training, a mixture of careless indifference and disgraceful weakness in the war ot toleration, bad lett him wholly unfit for the battle of life. He had grown up willful and headstrong, and so had taken to dissipation and evil ways ag naturally as a duck to water. What had he done now?_ Asa could not sur- mise. It was nothing for Harry to be penmiless and in debt—that was his natural condition. There was something—-something worse—and the trouble was not apparent on the surface, ‘Tildrake did not refuse the invitation to go with Ace to the boarding-house; on the con- trary, he seemed to like the idea, and went along without much delay. The eftects of the liquor were passing away, and the misguided young man would have at- “ =a im. [t's got to come!” he muttered, darkly, ‘I suppose it will hurt my father wit the world, but his feelings can’t be harrowed up much worse than they haveheen. If ever there was a black sheep, I’ve been one. I’ve gove # head- long road, and ’mattheend, I hope nobody will be so foolish as to put up any money for me after I’m arrested. I’vea good mind to go out and give myself Be now, but I want to write a few letters while I’m free. Time enough for prison life later.” 6 smiled bitterly and tossed tbe dark hair back from his flushed forehead. He was notan ill-looking person, this son of the policeman, but he was one who bad gone wholly wrong, At times the idea of fleeing from the city en- tered his mind, but ona needs money tu travel, openly or secretly, and he was penniless, After awhile Asa High returned to the parlor, acvompanied by three men. One of the latter was a bluff, red-faced man, whose clothes did uot fit him any too well aud whose bands were browned and hardened by labor in the outer au’. ‘*Jntroduce me ter yer friend, Ace!” he re- quested, in his open, sociable way, “Mr. Tildrake, this is Mr. Hicks—” “Nat Hicks, yer Honor, right from the pine woods o’ Mishegaun,” amended the red-faced man, ‘Glad ter meet per, young comrade, I ain’t nospruce New Yorker, but lve got a heart. under my weskit as big as a bar’l—I hev, by Cain!” He smote the *‘ weskit” with his big band, as if to emphasize his assertion, and beamed cor- dially upon the policeman’s son, ; ** Interesting anatomical fact!” returned Har- ry, not without sarcasm, ‘© Jes’ sol Yes, t’mighty! Richt from the pine woods, See them honds? They’ve bewed down a right smart gang o’ pine trees in their time, you bet!” ‘Did it hurt the trees?” ‘Ha! hal They groaned when they went dcwn, so I dare say it did. Good joke, that o’ ourn. Mr, Nat Hicks punched Tildrake io the ribs. and actually found much amusement in what haa been intended for a flippant retort, LU» was too simple-hearted, in bis way, to suspect (hata entlemanly-looking young fellow whom he ad never injured would intentionally sneer at him. ‘* First time I’ve been in New York in nigh twenty years,” be went on, ‘‘ Been backin’ away at the pines ever sence, I’ve seen a bit 0’ wild life, vou bet! Not all angels up in the pineries, they ain’t, you bet! Great crowd for shootin’. Bless you, yes! Don’t you go thar, young feller, The work 1s downright laborious, an’ you see nobody but other choppers, Gets demoralizin’ after a bit. I’ve come out half- bear an’ balf-elefant—I hev, by Cain!” ‘““Why didn’t you stay there?’ peoevishly asked Harry. * Pm done; got through. Goin’ back ter the old land of England, 1 be. Wouldn’t never take me fur a British-born Jack, would yet Wal, wal, over twenty year in thie glorious land has made me all American, I ain’t the same slender lad who crossed the ocean over two decades ago.” Hicks sighed and his jolly face sobered, but as no one spoke, be suddenly rallied, put bis hand in his pocket, and drew opt a big roll of green- | backed bank notes. pie" ‘That is why I didn’t stay in the pine woods!” he added, gleefully. ‘‘Run yer eye over that, yqung feller! See the green daubs sprawled over the paper, an’ the magic figgersin the cor- ners. Them’s mine, an’ I got’em all by drivin’ my ax inter the pines. Yes, by gracious! | Why shouldn't I go home ter see the roof I’s | born under, when I’ve got that roll in my | pocket?” | He flourished the money, but one of the men who had come up-Stairs with him sharply ob- served: ‘« Better put your cash up, Hicks,” | “ Eh?” 5 tae = == =~. pees . ed ee + ew ot -
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Messenger 999. it missing, yet.” ‘Say, d’ye know a man able ter take it away from Old Nat?” ‘* Keep your money out of sight, or you’ll find | sing | the bed | He put forth one bhand—-Harry was not there; was empty. Considerably surprised, Ace sat up and called his companion’s name, There was no an- ‘Many a boy, or girl, of ten could. do the | Swer. trick.” ** Say, you’re jokin’ the old man.” ‘*No joke at all. The man who flourishes money in public, in New York, generally gets relieved of it. Sharpers could spirit it away without your getting on to the trick. Keep your money out of sight, or you'll get robbed.’ ‘* Comrade, [ ain’t above takin’ advice, an’ in ip my cash; it goes, an’ won’t be seen ag’in. n the pine woods I’ve noticed that the green- horn who won't take advice ginerally comes ter grief. They’re green thar; I s’puse mebbe I’m green here. Thankin’ you, I obey; but, b’ gra- cious, it sort o’ hurts my pride ter hev yer inter- mate that Old Nat ain’t able ter keep his money, You bet he means ter keer for it, fur five thou- send dollars ain’t rollin’ ’round on every hoop. ary! j The pine-woodsman jammed his pocket to- gether as if he would shut the bank-notes up be- yond danger, and beamed upon, his companions anew. No unprejudiced person could help liking him, If he was unsophisticated he was ready toaccept advice, and that good trait covered a multitua of sins, if he bad any sins, ; ‘My cash isallin Uncle Sam’s paper, as you see,” he went on, ‘‘ but 1 may change it to the queen’s equivalent. Ain’t jestly decided whether ter quit this land fur good or not; can’t tell on- til 1 see the old home in Kent.” He sighed again, and it became evident that, in spite of his naturally high spirits, he had some trouble upon his mind, ** Better stick to America,” ‘“*T may travel. WhenI first come over the big water, I had a sartain objick in view. [ spenta year,tryin’ ter get at it, but it was a failure—a dead frost! Of late the old feelin’ has come over me, an’I can’t help feelin’ that ef I travel round in these parts, from Boston to Frisco, 1 may make a diskivery an’ set my thoughts at rest.” No one asked what was preying upon the woodsman’s spirits, Those who had known him during tie five days he had been in the house had heard him k in a like manner before, but, communicative as he was on other sub- jects, he had never seen fit to tell what his se- cret was, and they, true to the policy of New Yorkers, had never tried to force or angle for vonfidence. Conversation became more general, but bluff Mr, Hicks continually did more than his share, fer his good-nature bubbled unceasingly. Ace High and Harry Tildrake had but little tosay. The latter sat back in the shadow and seemed to be in deep thought, and the messen- ger watched him anxiously, The boy felt certain that a crisis was at hand in Headstrong Harry’s life. What it was he did not know, but, naturally, with so much evidence to that effect, he surmised that the er course of the policeman’s son had placed him in a dangerous position. Asa wished that the elder Tildrake was there, but it was a fact that he had not been able to control his son, and, having promised to on ti Asa had no idea of breaking h word, Harry, judging by appearances; would have sat there like a Reg Meas the evening, but his young friend got him out fora walk, which he took in the same abstracted manner; and Ace was both perplexed and worried. Later, they returned to the house and retired for the night. Ace’s bed was big and broad, and there was ample room for Harry under the covers, The latter did not grow more sociable after the lay down, so the young host had only his a for company while he remained awake. | This was not a great while. He was weary, and sleep soon overcame him, He slept and dreamed. He dreamed that Old Nat Hicks offered to Mi Phea his money jointly to the dreamer and T e, for them to start in business; that this was done, and, making the venture, they were remarkably suc- cessful; that years passed, and they had grown very wealthy, when, finally, Tildrake sto ery dollar belonging to the firm and ran away, leaving Ace fless. . At this point the dreamer awoke, and was somewhat relieved to find that be had not been ruined in business, but, as he smiled at the idea, he was impressed by silence which existed around him 1 {~ me RR May) oo My Te tall aaah * Te | air’ K BRUSH ea ey- a eee EN - —— _ crowe_wwe—“—_i ——e———_~ i 4 pe ah : i, port led cae he ae ' = ery 2 ay 2 FN Tee oe PAN ed Ss Bi) OE Ny vata batch By ste Ala? Fan dy at, AM oeey ¥ OG ee ee a Then he sprang out of bed and made haste to light the gas. He was alone in the room; there was no sign of Tildrake. ‘* He’s skipped!” Ace exclaimed, This seemed to be the fact, Harry was gone, and his clothes had 6 with him; nothing be- longing to him remained. eclock on the mantel indicated two o'clock, but it did not reveal how long the missing youth had been gone. Asa was both surp) and worried. He could not imagine why his com- panion had gone so unceremoniously. Then, too, where had he gone? He had declared that he woul:| not go home, and he had no money to pay for lodgings. ‘Poor Harry! I'm afraid he is in a very bad way. I’m not sure he was just in his right mind, and I don’t know but I ought to have sent word to his father at once. What am I to do now? I don’t know where to look for him, or I would go out and hunt.” Too anxious to retire again at once, the mes- senger opened the door and looked out. The hall was dark, buta faint sign of light was visible on the floor below. Thinking that Harry might have gone there, he went to the head of the stairs and looked down, Some one, fully dressed, was moving in the lower hall, and carrying a kerosene lamp. The wick, however, was turned low, and the rson’s hand intentionally shielded what little ight was given, so that it was impossible to say who it was. * Lima !” Ace called, as an experiment. The unknown stopped short, ‘*Ts that you, Harry?” The person promptly blew out the light. Ace was perplexed. Whoever it was he could see no reason for such caution, and he decided to investigate at once. Quickly returning to his own room he secured some matches and, returning, lighted the gas in the upper hall, Then he descended to the next floor and lighted it there. The unknown had disappeared ; no one was visible. Ace went patiently on to the lower floor and tried the same experiment there. That hall was vacant, and the front door was locked. A more quiet and peaceable-looking house it would have been hard to find, * The investigator gave it up. Of course, he reasoned, Harry Tildrake would not be prowling around in such a way in a strange house at two o’clock in the morning. No doubt, his late companion had gone away and locked the door after him—the key was not in the lock, inside or out—while the person with the lamp probably had a right to be moving there. Asno lamps had ever been seen by him in the upper part of the building, it was likel that it had been brought up from the basemen This theory was weak in one respect—as far as he knew no man in the house had access to the basement, and it was a man that ho saw in the hall, He returned to his own room, “I'd give a dollar to know where Harry is!” he murmured, gloomily. ‘‘I’ve heard of folks as young as he making way with themselves, and, he certainly hail a good deal upon his mind. He talked strangely about to-morrow. What does it all meen? The question remained unanswered, when, af-- ter waiting for nearly an hour in vain, he again went to bed. It was day when he awoke from the sleep which followed, but he was still alone; Tildrake had not returned, Ace rose in a dissatisfied frame of mind, dressed and went down to break- fast. No one asked after Harry, and the mes- senger was just flattering himself that he was to get away without anything unpleasant when Old Nat H cks abruptly entered the room. e pine-4woodsman’s face bore a peculiar, anxious look, and he at once broke with the wd, anything wrong, Mr. Hicks?” asked the ndiady. ‘Wrong! Well, I should say so. I've been robbed!” Cet what?” “Every dollar o’ my money!” The big woodsman brought bis hands together forcibly, and glared around asif eager to find ' the robber and make him feel the weight of those hands. ‘* A thief came inter my room last night,” he added, ‘‘took my money an’ skipped out with him, I'm dead cleaned out, b’ Cain!” Ace High felt a strange ohill stealing over him. He thought of Harry Tildrake and his. desperate mood of the previous night. A pain- ful fear oppressed him. Where had Harry been when the robbery was committed? CHAPTER IV. A REMARKABLE CASE OF BURGLARY. Marker, Gann & LEIGH were merchants do- ing a slow, sure, old-fashioned business on. Broadway, several blocks below Houston street. On the morning following the events previous- ly described, Mr. Leigh, the junior member of the firm, who was a convivial young bachelor, was in « saloon on an adjacent cross-street whem Peter Reidy, the porter of his house, rushed in out of breath. ‘*Mr, Leigh!” he cried, “burglars have been in thes store!” ts Have they? They don’t seem to have stolem ou *¢ But the safe is forced open,” ** And empty?” ‘*T didn’t look to see.” ‘There was only tbree hundred dollars inside, and I guess we can stand that loss, but I'll go over and see about it, at once.” Mr, Leigh was very cool, partly because it was his nature to be, and partly because he knew that burglars could not ruin the firm, They did a commission business; w):at goods they had in stock were not numerous, or so very valuable; and, as he had said, only three hun- dred dollars had been left in the safe the pre- vious day. ; He and Reidy walked toward the store, si Have you notified the police, Peter!’ Leigh ed. ‘** Not yet, sir.” ‘* Whom did you leave in charge?” ** Great Scott!” ‘*T was not aware we had such an employee.” ‘* Why, I forgot to haveany one leftin charge, and no one was there when I left, I’m very sorry, sir, but I saw you go into that place, and just run to tell you, without rae fa ‘*Probably no one bas carried off the safe,’”” was the philosophical reply. : They reached the Broader building, ascend- ed the stairs and entered their own quarters. ‘There was no sign of burglaricusstrangers. On the contrary, one of the clerks bad arrived and was calmly exchanging bis street-coat for one worn in the office, This clerk was named Harry Tildrake. Mr. ie gave the young man only casual attention, but walked tothe private office. Sure enough, the safe-door was ajar, and bore evi- dence of having been tampered witb, 1t was no modern wonder, proof against almvust everythin human; but a very old-fashioned safe, wit which Mr. Marker, the senior partner, had com- menced business many years before, Plainly, the lock been picked just as an expert burglar could pick the lock of any old- time safe, / Leigh ran his hand ect to where the money had been—and found it stillthere. He took out the package and counted the various bills, Then he turned a puzzled face toward the porter, ‘*Not a dollar gone!” he declared. Reidy drew a breath of deep relief. -** Thank fortune for that!” be exclaimed. ‘Yes, but see here: This money was right where no one could overlook it, and where any one could take it when once the safe was open, Why didn’t the burglar take it?” ‘* Really, I don’t know, sir.” “Nor [. It was the only valuable thing im the safe, and it was left, Did you move those papers, inside?” “a No sir. ” ] . “Then the burglar did. He found them ut- terly worthless to him, and left them. Tite did he leave the money, which was in bills valuable to all, from pauper to millionaire?” *T can’t imagine.” Mr. Leigh was thoroughly puzzled, and, after 8 little hesitation, he added: __ ‘* Call Tildrake!” Keidy ohare, and youtig Mr. Tildrake came By in prompt) ‘and quietly. “ Harry,” said bis employer, ‘‘do you re- member ee you gave me this roll of bills — ‘* Yes, sir,” was the steady reply. ‘Did I ask you the amonnt?’ “ Yes, ”
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allof f ** And you said—what?” ** Three hundred dollars, sir.” * How did you know?” Tildrake looked surprised. ** Why, sir, because I counted it, as usual.” “Did you take the number of any of the bills?” The clerk’s gaze fell and he looked startled, but Leigh was not looking at him, and did not notice the fact. **T did not, sir. wished it done.” ‘*T did not, and did not expect you had done such a thing; but I wanted to make sure, There is a mystery here.” ‘“*TIs anything wrong?” the clerk asked, in a I was not aware that you . low voice. ‘*Do you see the marks on the safe, there?” ‘¢- Yes, sir.” ‘* We have had a burglar here, He came forced open the safe, had all at his mercy and took—nothing! The mystery is, why did he leave three hundred dollars of good money when he had it dead to rights?” A very peculiar expression went over the clerk’s face—came and disappeared like a flash of light. It was not observed by either Leigh or ‘Reidy. Ifit had been they would not have un- derstood it, though it inevitably would have pa that he had a sudden, important idea. Leigh replaced the money and closed the safe, ‘* We will look for further traces of our bur- glar,” headded, ‘‘ Let us see how he first en- tered the building.” The speaker descended to the street-door, ‘and found indications there that the outside lock had been picked and then refastened—for so Reidy had found it. Clearly, an expert house-breaker had made his way in by the shortest, simplest way. All this was perfectly plain, but the t riddle in the case remained unsolyed—why had he not taken the money? “Shall I notify the police, sir?” asked Reidy. “No, We will wait until Mr, Marker comes. In the mean while, say nothing about this af- fair to the other clerks. Let the secret rest with us three—what we know of it—until our senior partner gets ready to act.” The employees promised, and each went about his duties. Harry Tudrake arranged his desk for work, but his movements were mechanical and his eyes had a faraway look. — ‘* Wor once l have done good while engaged in mischief!” é opened a book and dipped bis pen in ink for work, The other clerks came in rapidly, but it was two hours later when Mr, Marker, the venerable head of the house, came laboring up the stairs, making his cane bend under his weight. The story of the mystery was at once told himin the private office, only the partners being present. ‘* Perhaps you can explain why our burglar left the money?” suggested Leigh. Many questions were asked and answered, but arker’s wide experience failed to give himaclew. He did not pretend to have one. ‘* We never have been in the habit of having anything in thesafe except a littleready moaey,” he observed. ‘‘Those who know much about us are aware of this fact, while those who know but little have no reason to suspect that we kept other valuables. We can only infer that the thief came to see what plunder he could find yet he deliberately left the most desirable of all plunder—cash! Can he have been frightened away?” Ad it is not likely,” returned Gane. ‘‘ He took time to relock the outside door.” ‘6T rye,” } “‘T suppose I need not ask,” putin Leigh, ‘if you regard Reidy as above suspicion?” Marker smiled. ‘¢ Reidy has been with me for thirty years, and _ I would stake my life on his strictest honor, He says that be found the outside door locked and ‘the safe open—result, we are to believe every word he has said.” ; The junior partners did not answer, and, after a pause, Marker resumed: * _ “* There is something very odd about this mat- ‘ter; something we may guess upon as long as we will,and never get nearer the mark, lt is work for a detective, True, we have lost nothing but the fact that we have been at the mercy of an unknown makes it imperative that we pro- tect ourselves in future. Mr, Gane, were you and Reidy the last to leave here, last night, as Veg And you, Mr. Leigh—there was no one in eer 3 here this aaening tale yOu came with Reidy?” “rr Only young Tildrake, sir.” he muttered, half-audibly, as he. | you do?” Messenger 999. **T had overlooked him. I think you said he arrived while Reidy was out to call you?” “ Yes.” “* He did not see anything out of the way?” ‘“*No. Why should he?” ‘*There isa possibility, of course—absurd as it seems—that the burglar was still here when Reidy arrived, and that he seized the first chance, when Reidy went out, to run away. This is not hkely, however, and he would hard- ly have left the money, even in the hour of dan- ger. We will dismiss that possibility; it is not worth thought,” The senior partner allowed that he was wholly at loss, and the trio soon decided that they were wasting time by indulging in speculation, It was agreed that Mr. Gane should go to Police Headquarters and lay the matter before a com- petent detective, and he started at once, As he went out of the private office, he was brought near to Harry Tildrake’s desk. That young man was very busy over his books, and did not look up. The fact that he had been the first of the clerks at the office, that morning, trifling as it seemed, caused Mr, Gane to look at him more critically than he had ever done before. ‘‘ An intelligent-looking lad,” he thought, ‘but I’m afraid he is sowing wild oats. He looks as if he had taken more strong drink last ws than was good for him. However, boys will be boys, and Tildrake seens to be a capable and honest fellow.” CHAPTER V. THE WAY OF A YOUNG “MAN ABOUT TOWN.” WHEN Harry Tildrake, clerk, went out to lunch, he met a young friend there whom he at once saluted pleasantly, “T was in hopes f should run upon you, Tom,” he said, ‘I am now able to pay you for your loan, both in thanks and money.’ And he gave Tom a ten-dollar bank-note, ‘* You’re in better luck than I, Til,” observed Tom. ‘1’m broke, and all because I took your advice and backed ai] Boots. Guess you didn’t have the tip, after all.” ‘*T paid for it.” » ‘*Do you know, I have an idea these fellows who give tips don’t know anything more how races are going to end than we do.’ ‘Youre right,” Harry answered, ‘T’vye banked on their say-so, and usually to lose, [ believe they are cut-throats. Hereafter I go on my own judgment,” ‘ ‘I think J shall quit the whole thing.” “Will you be driven out? “hat isn’t my style, I’m going to get the races down fine, if it does hit me hard to lecrn how to play them,” **T thought you went heavy on High Boots?” “ T did.” } ‘* Yet you are flush.” “Oh! I had some sidelines out,” Harry re- plied, evasively, ‘‘ But see here, Tom: Don’t mention that I-paid you, Lama little in pocket, but some of the other fellows will be jumping on me for favoring you, if it gets abroad. As it is, all know I went heavy on High Boots, and they will expect me to be broke. Don’t saya word about that sawbuck.” f “Not I. I'm too glad to get itto give you pe Tildrake had his lunch, and then, after look- ing at the time, made way to a _ jewelry store, one who sees a casual acquaintance. ‘* Fine day, sir.” ‘Huge! By the way, have you sold that dia- mond | was looking at last week?” ‘* No, here it is.” Tho speaker brought out a ring which, while of modest dimensions, was one to excite covet- ousness in almost any mind. The stone was a blue diamond, and it sent bright rays of light shooting out with every change of position, Tildrake looked at it admiringly. ; SE ts there has been no fall in the rice f **We couldn’t possibly sell it for less than a hundred and twenty-five, sir.” “Dll take it, then, Put it up.” When the ring was ready Harry handed over the pay in three bills and Jeft the store, the ring reposing in his pocket. A few yards away he met another young man, ‘*Hallo, Til! You are just the fellow I want- ed to see, Old boy, I’m stranded! “*T owe you twenty,” Harry clibly answered, ‘and I'd like awfully to pay you—you deserve it—but I am ’way down, myself. I played Hig Boots y ay, and I’m dead-broke,” tion, “Do you know, Til, every spare dollar j A clerk behind the counter nodded like: What can bh Curse the races!” was the bitter exclama- | — 0 ERE SRE ER EAE SA AE OS a a Ayre SEP TRAE RR EE LS ETSY Ne MR Oe TU Ce ae I’ve had in three years has gone into that soup- dish. Now I win ona race; more often I lose, and it has literally robbed me. 1’ve eaten a ten- cent lunch a bundred times when I need a twen- Fei just to bet on the races. I wish the Old ick had them—be owns them, anyhow!” “Brace up! You'll win, later.” “A dying man always breathes one gasp just before he goes off. Well, I’m sorry you can’t pay me that double-X.” “I can’t, now, but I'll do my best to get it, I'm sorry you’re down, old fellow, and I'll give you a liftif I can,” ey separated, and Harry walked toward the store, ‘*He shall have it,” the olerk thought. ‘I did intend to go my whole pile on Trip-hammer for the handicap, but I’ve no right to swindlean honest man,” That evening, just after business hours, the debtor was paid in full by Tildrake, and the latter did not have to borrow, himself, to meet the obligation. : Nothing more was said at Marker, Gane & Leigh's, outside the private office, about the mysterious burglar, and neither Tildrake nor Reidy knew what the firm was going to do about the case. The porter told Harry Puig ly, however, that he was pretty sure that Mr, Gane bad notified the police, and they probably would have an explanation of the sooner or later. After this Harry had a period of meditation, and for some time his pen was held idly in his hand. Perhaps he was wondering what the police would discover. The clerk lost no time in going home after he had left the office for the day, and repaid the borrowed money. He did mot go with a very light heart, for he was pretty confident that trouble would occur when he arrived, The occupation of his policeman father, and his own wayward ways, did not agree any better than their views, and all was not pleasant there when they met. arry’s mother had died when he was five years old, and he had been sent to live with his grandparents, Thisproved tobeanerror, The boy’s nature was naturally perverse and rebel- lious, and he had gone where neither would be checked, His grandfather was indifferent; his grand- mother was weak and indulgent. Asa result, the boy had grown up untamed, wild, imperious, and, worst of all, without a proper sense of what was due himself and others, At the age of fifteen he returned to New York and to his father’s roof. Palmer Tildrake ha married again, but he would bave had all of a father’s chance; but the youth, always headstrovg, now ride in Harry if he had been given a © had fresh temptations and opportunities for evil-— doing within bis reach, and there was music of a disagreeable kind in the Tildrake huuse in the years that followed. : Now, when Harry was eighteen, the neighbors said of him that be was ‘‘going to the dogs” at a rapid pace, though no one had ever suspected him of crime. 1n this respect the neighbors were more lenieut than the father. Knowing something of his son’s companions, and suspecting wicrosbs lived in constant dread of a calamity, On this evening when Harry entered the house he found his father alone in the front room, The policeman gave him a kind greeting, and the son, knowing that an explanation must come, plunged into it at once, ; My x didn’t get home, last night.” ‘ No, ‘*] stayed with one of the fellows,” ¥ beg? a “ No; a Nobody you know.” vy ‘*T would like to see him.” “ Why y” “To see if he was a worthy companion.” ‘There you go, again!” cried Harry, angrily. ** You think all my associates are knaves, Fact is, you’ve been watching rascals so long, in your business, that you have a mental case of aah gn t playing th ‘I hope you were not playin 6 races, or drinking,” quietly continued the Policethen, ‘ ‘Neither one; I hada hand ina guiet whist- Ryone went to bed at eleven, sober and | » arry answered, trying to be jocular, ‘ Did you go there right from the office?” — For a moment Harry hesitated, but he decid- ed to take the risk of bold talsehood, ee Yes,” ‘ . 1 The policeman sighed, $ ing to cover up unworthy conduct wit end of mine on Houston street, — ‘*T regret to find that, as usual, you are try- : an ey ht
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TS a a a true statement. Yesterday afternoon you were in Mulgraff’s pool-rooms, g heavily and belting on the races!” The sou’s face fell, ‘* Who says so?” ‘* A detective, who saw you there.” “ Was he beiting, too?” “He was toere in the line of his duty, only; but bis case is not the one under consideration. To get to Mulgraff’s as early as you were there you must have got excused at the office. Todo this, you probably gave some false excuse, In any case, you went among evil associates. The man, Brown, whom you were with, is a profes- sional gambler, and probably worse. He is likely to land in prison one of these days, and his associates may go with him.” ‘* Meaning me?” **T hope it don’t mean you.” *“You have the same as charged me with crime!” cried Harry, hotly. ‘* No,” was the patient answer; ‘ [ have only warned you.” “ You ‘warn’ me every night. Hang it! ain’t [ old enough to take care of myself?” ‘* If you are, you will shake your present as- sociates before they get you into tronole,” * Now, see here: [ don’t want to quarrel, but I’m tired of this sort of talk. Nobody outside this house ever accused me of being under- witted—” ** Has any one within the house?” “ Practically, yes. You think I can’t makea choice of associates without getting done up every time. I’m eighteen years old, and when is a fellow to have discretion, if not at that age? I go with those I know to be all right, and with nobody elise. You don’t know them;I do, I say they’re square.” ‘How abvut over indulgence in liquor on their part and yours?” ** Oh! is that coming up, too?’ * You object to it?” “ I do,” * And to my warning you against Mulgraff’s, and againss Herman Brown?” “Yes. I don’t want along lecture—” ‘* You shall not have one, my son; J am going tosay nomore. These talks of ours bave been going on for years; as you insinuate, it 1s time tostop them. 1 bave counseled and advised— you know myviews, Here I will end, siuce you demand it, but end with the statement that Her- man Brown is a man whose picture is in the Rogues’ Gallery ; who is a professional gambler; who 1s being watched by the detectives, and who will be landed in the Tombs before many years. It will be his last taste of freedom for years to come, I ee he will not drag any one to ruin with him. That is all, my son.” Mr. Tildrake had retained the kindness which had marked his manner from the beginning, and emotion had caused his voice to tremble percep- tibly. If Harry had but known it, he had his best friend before him, but he could not understand ‘that a man who had worn a policeman’s uni- form until he had grown pray. with years was a fit adviser for a young blood who wanted to enjoy life. ** Well, if you’re ready to call the dogs off, I’m glad,” be answered, with a sigh of relief. “‘T hope it will last.” Afraid that it would not last, he arose to leave the room. Palmer Tildrake did not seek tostop him. The boy was ignoring all warn- ings, even then, and probably giving little thought to Brown’s case, but the policeman had no more to say. When Harry reached the hall the front door was open, and the Tildrakes’ single servant was sweeping the dust from the steps. Harry looked that way casually, and was somewhat surprised to see Asa High. The messenger-boy ran up the steps and en- tered the house. ‘*T want to see you!” he exclaimed, There was a troubled, almost frightened look on his face which ought to have suggested some- thing to Harry, but, just then, the latter was all occupied with his Jate victory. **Come to my room,” he answered, carelessly. CHAPTER VI. HEADSTRONG HARRY IS ALARMED, Reacurinea Harry’s sleeping-room, the latter ected Asa to sit down, and then, himself, lighted a cigar, took a chair, crossed his legs and assumed a contented air so different from his mood of the previous night that the High Sere gazed w fy is nen) Bel ata ad sete suppose I ou o apologize for leaving _ ou so abruptly, Ace,” Harry observed. ee eee Messenger 999. “Why did you doit?” Asa quickly asked. ‘*T was nervous, and couldn't sleep.” ‘* Where did you go?” ‘*'To a Lotel.,’ “ But I thought you were broke.” ‘Oh! I had a few dollars,” ‘How did you get out of my boarding- house?” ‘¢ How do you suppose? By the door.” ** But it was locked.” ‘¢ Tt wasn’t much work to unlock it, when the key was right there.” cae you leave it unlocked, when you’d got out? ‘** You seem mighty inquisitive, but I don’t mind saying that I relocked the door, shoved the key under it, and left it there.” ed The key was not on the floor, this morn- ing. ** What’s that to me? Are the folks kicking up a row over a lost brass key? If so, I’m able to buy them a new one!” ‘* Harry, do you know what happened at the house last night?” Knowing Ace ashe did young Tildrake had been stupid not to see by Lis mauner before then that something serious was afloat, but, while he had managed to folluw the conversation close enough to do his share of the talking, he had been so occupied with the significance of his father’s assertion that be would interfere with him po more that he had not been attentive to bys hari else. be last question, and the peculisr way in which it was asked, caused him to start and look sharply at the messenger. ‘* What did happen?” he asked, “Old Nat Hicks was robbed of all his money !” * Robbed?” “i Yer,” ** By whom?” ‘‘That’s the question. It must have been some one who slept in the house last might, for no one broke in!’ There was fear and anxiety in Ace’s mind, and he was watching Tildrake closely. He saw that young man grow pale until be was al- most colorle-s, while bis expression became one of fright. ** How do you know?” he gasped. ‘* Why, Hicks says so.” ‘* Do they know who did it?” “ No ” ‘Do they suspect anybody?” Mabe want to know,” Ace steadily an- nounced, ‘* who the young man was who stayed with me last night, when he went away, and where be is now!’ ' ‘They want to find me?” cried Harry, in alarm. FeVien.? * But I didn’t take the money,” ‘Can you prove that?” eagerly asked Ace. “ Prove it! It’s for them to prove that I[ did, if they chargeit. They can’t prove it.” Tildrake spoke with a good deal of excite- ment, and forgot to puff his cigar. ‘*Why didn’t the old man take care of his money?” he added, sharply. ‘‘ He went around boasting about it; be deserved to lose it, I sa . x Harry, Mr. Hicks is a man getting along in years; that money was his savings of a life- time, and now he is penniless just as he wants to go to his old home once more.” ‘*He may get it back.” Mechanically tbe clerk’s hand strayed to his pocket, Init there was a small paper box, and in the box was a diamond ring. - ** Do you think it could—could have been tak- en by—bv mistake?” asked Ace, hesitatingly. **T don’t know,” ‘*Did you see any one about the house when you c+me out, last night?” “*They want to see you, and ask you-—-” “See me!” cried Harry. ‘ Well, I guess I am not going to turn detective to oblige them. I shall not go near them.” ‘Then they will come to you.” - +4 BA ie you tell them where I was?—where I ve? ‘ ‘*No. I managed to dodge that point, but if I go bach there again, they will go for me—” * Don’t AM go back!” Tildrake exclaimed, eagerly. ‘* You keep away, and they won’t find either of us. 1t will be easy to dodge them.” “Harry, what “ate a have you to going right to them, and talking it all over plainly?” bluntly asked Ace, ‘* And let them accuse me of stealing the money?” ‘They wil! accuse you just the sameif you stay away, and, what is more, your absence will —— NN eee goull against you. They don’t know that you. skipped out at two o’clock at night, but I think they suspect it. Now, you go there and let them see you ain't afraid.” ‘¢T reckon I’in not obliged to help that old wood-ch pper find money that he simply threw away by his bull-headed curelessnes-, 1 sha’n’t go a step!” There was stubborn’ determination in this as- sertion, but, otherwise Harry’s manner was evasive and disingenuous. This Ace plainly saw, and it gave him a sock, From the first he had understood that if he told the officers how Tildrake had lft the house at dead f night it would go strong against the latter, and he had warded «ff the statement un- til he could see Harry. Grave doubts were in the messenger’s mind, but he had tried to force them down. Now, Harry, himself, was doing more t? create # well-defined suspicion than cir- cumstantial evidence could do in any case. ‘*T won't go near them!” repeated tie police- man’s son, after a pause, and quite as resolutely as before. ‘* They will find you.” ‘* 1 won’t go around town until it blows over.” | ‘‘ Blows over! Harry, are you guilty?” | “Am 1%, You talk nonsense; of course I’m: not, Do you take me fer a thief?” “ That's a matter between you and them, but: it seems to me your best way is to go right to the police, or to Hicks’s, possibly; and let them see that you are what you cluim to be—an inno- cent man.” : ‘They might not believe me, and I don’t want to ba locked up. I shall not go!” | There was more than stubborn fe in Til-} drake’s manner, The pallor ha a not deserted | big face wholly, nor had the air of alarm disap-' peared. Ace simply knew that Harry was. frightened and worried, and he could find only one explanation of the fact. “*Do you consider how it will place me?” the. messenger asked, ‘I got away easy, this morn- iag, but I shall be phed with questions when I show up to-night—’ “¢ You mustn’t go!” r4 ‘* What shall I do, then? You may be able to bide, but I can't. They know J am in the tele- graph service, and they can fin me easily—” ‘* Get leave of absence for a few days.” ‘‘And draw suspicion upon myself? What would they think if I should disappear all of a sudden, just after the theft? 1 warded off the explanation until I could see you, but, even if we are neighbors, I can’t sacrifice myself for ou,” wm I should think you might do a little.” “Would you have me brand myself a thief?” Ace made the retort with considerable. warmth. Harry’s selfishness was so complete and so great that tie messenger’s patience be- gan to vanish entirely. As for Tildrake, he had not before realized how easy it was for his companion to become enmeshed in the lines of the web, but it now be- caize Clear that he must consider botk. sides of the question. His selfishness did not disappear, but he was: not quite foolish enough to expect Asa deliber- ately to sacrifice himself to please the vigh-flying- clerk. The latter considered the point, and then sud-. denly said: ‘*We need an older head on this than ours, Come with me, and I'll have a friend cf mine. tackle it.” Ace suggested that Palmer Tildrake be called’ into tne council and all be left to him; but Har-. ry opposed the plan vehemently. Reluctantly enough Ace yielded; they left the house and. went to another several blocks away. When they reached it they found the door open, and a very corpulent man of middle age sitting in a chair close to the entrance trying to: keep cool. 5 “Ah! Til, my boy, so it’s you?” he greeted, cordially. : “Yes, Mr. Ward. Can we see you pri- vately?” . “Of course, my son. This place is private, for no one can overhear us, Speak out!” The location did not please Harry, but he yielded to bis adviser—ne bad cften before yielded to Bartholomew Ward, avd to his sor- row—and began a statement of the offair at the boarding-house. While he talk«d Ace studied Ward. , The latter, in the High Card’s estimvtion, was’ a@ most unprepossessing-looking creature, He: was not tall, yet he bad enough avoirdupois on. his bones to make him a heavy weight to the ex-- tent of at least two hundred and fifty pounds.
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* engagen.ent,” Messenger 999, He was fairly well-dressed, but the front of his coat was smeared and soijed, and his whole as- pect was dirty, greasy and offensive. He hada dissipated look, and a cunning, unscrupulous face. It was not to Harry’s credit that he had such a ‘* friend.” Mr. Ward, however, evidently had a head as long, metaphorically, as his body was deep. ‘My son,” he said, quietly, ‘** you will go to the boarding-house, sce this good Mr. Hicks, and assure him that you, being innocent, are ready to answer all questions ” ** But the way I left the house—” ‘*You left at daybreak, because you had an “ T left at nearer two o’clock—” “ You left at six,’ declared Mr. Ward, witha wave of his fat band, Harry brightened up a good deal, ‘“ But what if they do not believe me?” “They .must believe you. They bave no evidences against you, or,if they have, it will not hold!” As Mr. Ward pronounced these words the door wus suddenly darkened and another man stood before them, Harry Tildrake looked up and grew pale as he recognized Old Nat Hicks. “ Hallo, youn woodsman. ‘ see!” feller!” exclaimed the pine- ou are jest the chap I want ter CHAPTER VII. GIVING FALSE EVIDENCE. THE man from Michigan spoke in a hearty, friendly voice which ought to have proved reas- suring, but it was not so in Harry Tildrake’s case. ; That young man again became strangely pale, and he stared at Old Nat Hicks as if he saw the sword of ruin menacing him, ‘*Wunny how I run on ter you,” added Old Nat. ‘‘L was passin’, an’I happened ter jook this way, an’ byar ye was. Nat’ral consequence, hyar | be, too, Hope I don’t intrude, pard?” The last words were addressed apolugetically | to Mr. Bartholomew Ward, and tiat astute gentleman did not fail to suspect Nat’s identity at the start. f The traveler bore the air, if not the odor, of | the backwoods in his every physical and facial | peculiarity. : ‘“*Make no apology, my dear sir.” returned Ward, very blandiy. ‘All of our Harry’s friends are my friends, too. I did not catch your name.” “Pm Old Nat Hicks.” ‘** Asa, run and get a nice chair for good Mr, Hicks, sonny !” . Of course this was directed to Ace High, but Hicks sbook his head, “Can’t stop,” he declared, ‘‘ All I want is | ter hev a bit o’ talk witn the young ters, The | constables has been tryin’ ter find ’em all day.” Headstrong Harry’s nand trembled as it rest- ed on bis knee. ‘‘Dear me! what for?” asked Mr. Ward. ‘‘ We want ter ask what they know erbout a robbery —” “The unfortunate loss of your money?” a Yes, “Dear young Asa has been telling me nbout . it. Itis sad and infamous, sir—sad for you, and | infamous that there are men in our loved city so evil as to take another's property. My dear sir, you bave wy Geeprst sympathy, and | only wish these boys could help you out, They were ust going to call on you, and ask if they could elp you.” : Mr. Ward’s utterance was rapid, oily, and, as | it were, caressing, and he seemed in strong sym- | pathy, as he bad avowed, wit! the robbed nian, | Hick<, however, Jooked doubtfully at Harry, ‘* Pd kinder like ter know why this lad skipped out so queer an’ said netbin’—” “Our Harry was just coming to see you, and | explain. Unfortunately, be can give you no clew. He had an engagement tois morning | which he bad to keep, and which made it neces- sary for bim to rise early. When he got up Asa | was sleeping soundly. an? he did not awaken him. Harry dressed and l-ft thebouse, Hisen- gagement ws for six-thirty, and it was ju-t six when he left the houxe. He saw nothing out of the way, und no one loitering around, so you will perceive that be can’t mop you anv.” | Ace High was dismaved, He could see thatit was Ward’s purpose tv tell the whole story him- self, so that Tildreke could not make any error 7 of judgment. e story was told, and Ace knew it to be Mere) mee ae | the first, Ward had taken it for granted tiaat ' Harry was guilty, and was acting | he was, be at once stood we false from beginning to end, It was nota pleasant feeling for the messenger to sit there and feel taat he was being made party to a lie, and a lie told to cover—what? If Harry was innocent, why was it necessary to lie, anyhow? Leaving his own fears and suspicions out of consideration, the messenger knew that, from accord- ingly. Hicks looked down-hearted, ‘“*T wasin hopes I could git some crew ter the mean skunks who stole my money,” he ob- served, ** Probably the police will help you out.” ** What ef the thief spends the money?” ‘* At least, he will be imprisoned.” ‘* That won’t pay my bill ter cross ther water. That thar money was the savin’s o’ years of toil —vard, muskelar work with them brown hands hyar—an’ [lowed I would go au’ see the old home. Now, I can’t gol” Nat Hicks was too lig and strong to be un- mauly,and too stout-hearted to repine weakly, but there was patnos and deep regret in his usually bearty voice that touched Ace, The woodsman did not seem to think of doubt- ing Ward or Tildrake for a moment, He accept- ed the bogus explanation quietly, and. after some furtuer talk, went away in a dejected mood. Ward slapped Harry upon the back, You are all right, my hearty!” be declared. Tho policeman’s son started and flushed, ** Do you think he believed it?” ‘* Believed it? Of course he did,” **1’m glad it’s over,” ** You must now go to the boarding-house, mix freely there, and, if you see an officer, talk right up to him Jike a little man.” ** Tmpossible!” ‘* You must—and shall!” s The old man’s voice had grown suddenly harsh and stern, and he showed that he meant all be said by insisting upon the point, * Will you go with me?” Harry asked, Pi aa omew Ward smiled, chuckled, laughed aloud. ‘*[ don’t think so!” he answered, when his mirth bad subsided, ‘* You see, the police area bit down on me because I once complained of a patrolman who was Cori on his post”—here the speaker winked at Harry and chuckled again—‘‘and | don’t think it would help you to be seen in my company.” Ace High thought the same. Ward was a deep, crafty man; Ace suspected that he was corresponding!\ wicked, Tbe very presence of the fat man gave him the shivers, and be was resolved to bave a plain talk with Tildrake at the fir-t opportunity, Ward succevded in instilling some courage in- to Harry, and the two boys took a car and rode to the boarding-house. As chance would have it they there met the detective who had charge of the case, and the clerk faced bim so boldly that the suspicions which bad been arous-d against him were, for the time being, dispelled, The officer kuew Palmer Tildrake, and knew, too, that te was one of the most honest men on the force. He had never beard of bis brotier- officer’s son, and when eh made known who 1 recotamended by bis father’s good reputation, “Pm glad you came,” he remarked, “ for, to be frauk, I had entertained doubts of the un- known young man, Now, !’ll look elsewhere,” eens, started to go away, and Asa followed im, ‘“*T want to talk with you,” the messenger ex- plained. “I got out of that slick,” Tildrake ex- clained, ; g ‘ 4 Ace made uo reply, but managing to shape their course toward Washington Square, was ready to talk when they were seated, “ Harry, whois Bartholomew Ward?” 6 Ward! Eb! he’s a retired merchant, I be- liev«.” “Wi at kind «fa man?” * A heevy-weigbt!” “You know what [ mean.” ‘“‘ Ward is square as a brick.” ‘“* He sent you to teil a lie.” See here, Ace, d» you want me to get myself locked up, when I’m innocent?” “Tf your innocent, what need was there of lying?” ‘¢Ou!l come now, don’t be foolish. Of course I could not say { skipped out at two a,M., for a would lead to a lot of other questions, all use- ess. I ‘ ‘ ae as f bee on ,— +9 ee 7 we Awe ch, clans Capt tL Sa. aga “T can't imagine why you left at that hour.” ) ‘* Didn't I tell you I was nervous, az.d went to a hotel, to be alone?” ‘* Yes; and you said, too, last night, that you were ‘ penniless.? Where did you get the raoney to pay your bill at the hotel?” * You are a greeny, Ace, When a kid is dead-broke, it means he hasn’t a cent in his pockets; with a business man, it’s different, I hud a few stray dollars, and I used them, What of it?” ** What hotel did you go to?” Tilirake bad been growing impatient and ir- ritable, and bis temper now gave way entirely. ** Nove of your business!” he retorted, angrily. “Td thank you to attend to your own attairs, boy! -l’m not guing to sit here and be badgered by you with questions that are-ridiculous and impertinent, Maybe, you think I did take Old Hicks’s money ?” “*T think you know something about it!” Ace firmly answered, Tildrake turned square upon his companion, and gave him a look full of anger and hostility, There was more in it, too—there wus fear, ‘** You are crazy!” he uttered, nervously. ‘* And you are trightened |” ‘* Frightened?” ‘“ Yes,” “What at?” **- You know best.” ‘Now, see here, Ace; Ican bear a good deal from a neighbor, but you are going tuo strong, I’m no thief, and I won’t be called one. See?’ ‘** Understand me, too,” urged Ace, patiently. ‘¢T have not accused you, and don’t mean to—” ** You did the same.” “T said I thought you knew something about the robbery, and 1 think so still, If not, why did you grow pale when I told you about it, and when Hicks came upon us sosuddenly? and why were you 80 anxious not to go to the boarding- house? Wast!—hear me out, You've been a wild boy, Harry, but I always hoped you’d keep out of crime; I hopeso now, Whoever did that robbery, it was a most wicked thing. Nat Hicks is simple, kind and honest. He was basely robbed of all bis savings, If I knew who did it, I shculd tell bim,” ‘ven if twas me?” ce Yes,” ** And bea tell-tale?” ** Better thut than party to crime,” Tildrake looked closely at the speaker for a few minutes, nud then soberly answered: ** Ace, Dll take my oath that I did not steal the money and don’t know who did, but if you advance the same ideas to others that you have to me, and set suspicion at work, you will ruin me and kill my father!” He spoke nervously, brokenly, and Ace was freshly surprised, ‘¢ Why so, if you are innocent?” he asked, ‘* Because 1 am in a most terrible fix!” CHAPTER VIII. THE MYSTERY OF THE BANK-NOTES. AcE Hien’s feelings underwent a sudden change. He bad always liked Harry, in spite of the latter’s weaknesses, and, though they had never been intimate, it had been his opinion that the policeman’s son was weak rather than wick- ed. The way Tildrake now spoke made an im- pression on Ace beyond the ordinary kind, , ‘* What's your ‘ fix?” the messenger asked, “‘T can’t tell you,” Harry answered, ‘tbut I am in the closest corner of my life, If I get out, ll never be in another like it. I repeat, I bave not taken Nat Hicks’s money, or been party to it, but the robbery may ruin me, all the same,” ‘* Then you do know of it?” bss Ask me nothing; [ can’t tell!” groaned the clerk, ; ‘* You must tell one person—your father,” ‘No, no; of all persons, not him.” “ But be may find a way out.” ‘There is no way out!” ‘1 don’t understand —” ‘“Of course you don’t, but to clear myself of this possible charge would only involve me deeper in disgrace. Turn whatever way I may, ruin is before me. Ace, you are three years younger than I; take warning by my situation, Sbun evil company: that is what bas brought me so low down, and into such deadly peril!” Ace regarded bis companion with considerable surprise. It was anew mood for him, but, plaim- ly, one of bis sinverity. Reeklessness is not al- — ways hardibood; it was nut so with Harry Til- drake, He had gone the pace bravely while h had a path comparatively clear, but now it bad bade bd him into danger, it was a very different matter,
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; va i i , ( Messenger 999. asked. ss I ean't.” ‘* But you ought to tell your father.” ‘*T say no—a thousand times, no!” * What good wili you do by putting it off?” **T won’t tell, at all.” ‘‘ Harry, you can depend upon one thing—the police are hold of this case, and they are going to sift it to the bottom. They will get at all the facts, and, when they do, no mercy will be shown those who are guilty, 1 advise you to speak out, and let your father and your other friends uelp you whiletheycan. Itcan be fixed up now; later, it can’t be, perhaps.” ‘* We have talked enough on this subject, Ace. Of course I can’t expect you to sacrifice your- self for me, and if you fear you will get into trouble you can tell the cops that I left the boarding-house, not in the early morning, but in the middle of the night. As for me, my lips are closed?” ~ ee rose suddenly, and made a movement go. ‘* Harry, I hate to have you leave so,” ** It can’t be helped,” *¢ Let me work dor you,” e You 9 oe Yes,” _ “ What can you do?” ‘¢ Well, I don’t know untilI find out what’s to pe hs abe but I can hustle around and do my es . **No use, Ace, I’ve got to go on the current, and let it carry me where it will, If it’s into harbor, all well and good ; if onto the breakers, good-by! That’s all. ‘*One thing more. If you know where Hicks’s money went to, it is your duty to help him get it back.” ‘*T know nothing about his money!” Tildrake’s mood took another turn, and he spoke so irritably tbat Ace dropped the subject. » saw that the clerk was firm in his purpose, and he determined not to interfere with him any further. They walked together in utter silence as long as their ways were one, and then Ace paused. ‘*]T leave you here, Harry,” te remarked. “Wes, Good-night!” Tildrake spoke mechanically, and kept on his way, apparently half-unconscious of what he was doing. His face was toward his father’s house, and the messenger hoped he would go there at once, As for Ace, he went to the boarding-house, and to his room. There he sat down to think over what had occurred. He could not understand it at all, but one thing appeared to be certain—Headstrong Har- / , knew something about the taking of Nat icks’s money, lf he was not the thief—and - Ace did not believe he was—he knew, or strong- ly suspected, who the guilty person was, Yes, more than that: hohad admitted that he was enmeshed thereby, and this showed that he had kno ledge of the crime, before or after its per- petration, ‘“1%m afraid he’s inan awful fix, and it’s no use to hope that the facts won’t come out, ’m thinking. The police are sharp on the trail, and they will probably learn all about it. Harry is very foolish not to tell what he knows, I don’t see why he don't tell,if he isinnocent. And lm sure he 7s innocent.” Ace tried to believe what he had last) asserted, _ but it was a hard thing to do. For years he had been accustomed to hear goad prophesy evilof young Tildrake, Every- ly knew he was wild, reckless, headstrong, and addicted to the keeping of bad company, aud they bad not been slow to say that he would go from indiscretion to crime. Ace bad never believed this, He thought he knew Harry to be honest, and had expected to seo him turn over a new leaf as he grew older, and get in line with worthy people. But, now, the clerk’s present and future were darkly clouded, and the end could not be seen. Ace was not as confident as be had been. He tuonpht upon the matter for some time, but his fears for Tildrake did not prevent him from going to bed and enjoying a good sleep, The tollowing day, shortly after noon, a gentle- man entered the telegraph~office, hurriedly wrote a message, sealed it in'an envelope and directed: es mS ‘** Let this be delivered as soon as possible, It isa matter concerning the police force, and of grvat importance,” acy ah ‘*1t shall be sent at once.” ’ . Ace High bappened to be the only messenger in at that moment, and the message was given gl ‘* Won’t you tell me what the matter is?” Ace | envelope no new one to bim—it was that of Bellbar, the detective who had charge of Old Nat Hicks’s case. He took-the message at once. It was directed to Bellbar’s house, and he found the latter in. | He had just finished lunch, and had a guest who looked as if he, too, might be a detective, Bellbar recognized Ace at once, and pleas- antly directed him to sit down until he sawif the message required an answer. He tore open the envelope an:l read the contents. Suprise, wonder and indecision at once became visible in his face, and, after studying the note for some time, he turned to his friend, ‘* Well, here is a mystery for you. You remember what I told you about my lost-money case?” “ce Yes.” ‘* Listen to these documents, and see what you make of them, Here is Number One, writ- ten by Clark & Tay, brokers, to Nathaniel Hicks, the man who was robbed,” Bellbar bad drawn a letter from his pocket, and he now read aloud: “*Dear Sin:—We have read in the afternoon pa- ersof y: ur misfortune, and tender our deep regrets. e hope you may be ableto r cover all you have lost, and think we may aid youat ifle. The news.-. aper says you have the number of none of your ost bank-notes. If you number amorg the lost those we levently gave you, we willsav that we have the numbers. We gav; you twenty-five twenties as change for a five huadred, This money we had just made up, with other bills, to send fo Boston by Ex- press. Hence, though wu gave you a part, we still nave all of the numbers. Herewith you will finda list of those you received, the rumber of each, aud the bank which issued it. OLarK & Tay.’ ‘**One member of this firm,” proceeded Bell- bar, ‘‘ was once in Michigan for his health. There he met Nat Hicks. When the latter came to New York, he called upon the firm, and, later, his money being wholly in large bills, went to them to get those of smaller de- nominations in place of a five-hundred. It is to this that the letter refers.” “ I see,” ** Clark & Tay sent this to Hicks last night, thinking it would be of value. It was, of course, for Hicks had spent but little of the money received, and I now had the numbers of over four hundred dollars’ worth,” ‘¢-You are in luck,” ** Wait! There is more.” Bellbar glanced at Ace High. He had been speaking in a voice which he thought so low that the messenger could not overhear what he said, but he wanted to be sure of the fact. Ace looked innocent and absent-minded, but be had sharp hearing, and not a word had es- caped him, “T called on Clark & Tay,” continued Bell- bar,” and the result has been that a-singular fact has been reported to me direct. once more!” Again he read aloud, and in these words: **Dear Srr:—We consider it our duty to inform you of a pecaliar circumstance which has just come to light. Messrs, Marker, Gane & Leigh have been indebted to us to the amount of $300.. To-day the junior member of their film called and paid the bill. While countiag the cash given u I happened to no- tice the number of atwenty-dollar bank-note which went to make up the sum and recoguized it as one we had given Nathaniel Hicks, and, presumably, one of those stolen from him. Investigationshowed that there were seven bills of like denomination in the roll, allo? which, we can testify, were among those we gave Hicks, ‘* Now, Mr. Bellbar, comes the strange part: ‘** Thinking T had made an important discovery I asked Mr, Leigh where and when they had received the money. His reply was peculiar Hestated that he did not know how that was, but when I iosinuat- ed that the date must be recent, he said that the whole $300 had been in their safe since two o'clock P.M. Tyesday, \ *** When we stop to consider that Hicks wasrobbed after midnight, Tuesday, you will see the situation, How could the bills be stolen from Hicks if, even then, they were in Marker, Gane & Leigh’s safe? “““T leave you to solve this riddle, only adding that, when I told Mr. Leizh of the Hicks robbery, he said there was a mystery about the three-bundred- dollar roll, but that he could say nothing until he had taken counsel. “We must leave you in the dark, but Mr, Leighis a most estimable man. Something may be learsed of him. ARK & Tay,’”’ Bellbar turnéd to his friend. ‘* What do you think of that?” ‘© A mistake,” **In what way?” ** Leigh isin error. Theidentical, same bank- ee have been in two places at the same e ch / -* Naturally, not.” it f to him to deliver. He found the name on the! ‘Nothing in it, Bell.” x sten, | rr ‘*Such seems to be the fact, but Pll call on Leigh.” The detective wrote a note of thanks to Clark & Tay, and sent it away by Ace High, The messenger went inatroubled frame of mind. Having heard all that had been read and said, he could not take a dark view of the case, He gave scarcely a thought to the fact that Mr, Leigh declared the money had been locked up in the company’s safe all the while; his whole at- tention was riveted upon the fact that Marker, Gane & Leigh,who had paid the money to Clark & Tay, were Harry Tildrake’s employers. ‘*It looks darker and darker against Harry all the while,” Ace thought, ss he wended his » rob- er to way toward the telegraph-office, ‘He ably changed the stolen money for bills ASS. ; Then a new idea occurred to the boy. “What if this Leigh is not the honorableman he claims to be? Whatif he stole Hicks’s money, and Harry is shielding him from a mistaken motive of friendship? By George! Iam going to turn detective myself and look into this mat- ter. It won’t do any harm to shadow sme of these men, I'll start out this very evening!” CHAPTER IX, NOT FOUND WHEN WANTED. DETECTIVE BELLBAR found all the members of the firm of Marker, Gane & Leigh in when he called at their private office. He explained who he was, and was cordially invited to sit down. ‘¢ We are glad you have come,” observed Mr, Marker, ‘‘for we wished to see you—or, at least some representative of your case. Since Mr. Leigh was at Clark & Tay’s we have seen a detective who, at present, is in our own employ, and he has given us leave to tell plainly what he had asked us before to keep secret,” ‘*T shall be glad to hear you,” Bellbar an- swered, Marker then told plainly of the mysterious visit of the unknown burglar who had forced open their safe, rummaged the interior com- pletely, and yet failed to take away the roll of bank-notes which Mr, Leigh found there, all safe, the next morning. ‘We were owing Clark & Tay,” explained | Marker, ‘ard, as Mr. Leigh intended to go at once to their place of business, he said he would take the money in cash and save the trouble of a check, He counted out three hundred dollars, and sent the rest of our cash to the bank, but was prevented from getting to Clark & Tay’s that day. Asa result, the three hundred dol- lars was left in the safe that night, The next day we held it out of curiosity, but to-day Mr, Leigh took it to Clark & Tay. Twat’s the story in brief.” ‘* Yet, according to Clark & Tay, there were in that package seven twenty-dollar bills which they had given Nathaniel Hicks, and which, ac- cording to him, remained in his possession up to midnight, Tuesday,” ** Wxactly.” ‘‘As bank-notes, unlike men, never have genuine doubles, it follows that, if they were locked in your safe, Hicks did not have them.” ‘¢ Naturally.” ‘‘ Has your detective decided why your bur- glar left the money in the safe?” oO ? ‘* Hag he any theory?” ‘¢ He says he has not?” : ‘* Are Clark & Tay men liable to make mis- takes?” , / ‘That is what makes the matter so Lt wer, ws Leigh interrupted. ‘‘They are wonderfu ly careful and systematic men, and if they say they gave that money to Hicks—and they do say so—I can’t see how they can be in error, Yet, Hicks says that, of the total bo recived, not over thirty dollars had left bis bands until he was robbed of ali. How, then, could seven of his twenty-dollar bills be in our safe, Remem- ber, they were locked up, bere, at five P. M., bobo alder he was robbed eight or ten hours ater. a ‘It can be explained in only two ways,” re- plied the detective. ‘* What are they?” yop ‘Hither some one has made a mistake, or there is more to this burglar episode of yours than we know of, clerk?” ‘* Yes,” returned Leigh, “Your porter came first and found the safe | open. Is hea man given to romancing?” ‘‘1'll swear to his honesty and veracity!” de- clared Mr, Marker. . ** And the clerk?” You say the only persons to arrive ahead of you were the porter and a ”
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. detective did not return. they thought they had ** We believe him to be all right, though he bas not long service to speak for him, as Reidy, the porter, has.” “* The clerk was here that morning, alone for awhile?” * Yes, Reidy went to notify Mr. Lisle, and Tildrake came while Reidy was out.” ** Who came?” ** Tildrake. Tildrake.” Bollbar was silent. It was a singular fact that the young man who had left Hicks’s board- inz-house so suddenly should bea clerk in the office where the other end of the money mystery was located. ‘*Did Tildrake do anything about the safe?” the detective finally asked, slowly. ‘‘He did not discover th Reidy brought me in. None of the clerks are ever in this office, unlees summoned here by us. ‘** Ts Tildrake a steady-going young man?” ‘** We have no evidence to ths contrary.” ** Will you call him in here?” ** Certainly.” Mr, Leigh stepped into the main office, but soon returned with the tidings that Tildrake had been seized suddenly with an aching tooth, and gone out to get the pain relieved. “ Pye left word that he 1s to come in when he returns,” the merchant added. “Pll wait for him. About the burglarious affair here, could it have been a bogus one?” “Who should do it, and why? And whai chance would the party have?” *‘ Really, I can’t answer all these questions,” admitted Bellbar, smiling, ‘Tf you ever can, we will pay you well. Our at admits that it’s too much for him, thus ar, bs The plan of waiting for Harry Tildrake was not a success. An hour passed, and he did not appear. Bellbar had no more time at his dis- posal, and, as he really did not see what he was to gain by questioning the clerk, he took his leave. As he walked down the street he thought: ‘Singular that young Tildrake should be at both ends of thismystery. I shall have to make init about the young man,” he detective was not yet out of sight when the object of his meditation stepped out of a deep doorway—it looked as if he had been in hiding—and went up-stairs quickly, ** ve had a deuce of a time,” be remarked, to Mr. Leigh. ‘‘Had a tooth out, and the nemor- rhage was s0 profuse thatit actually weakened me before it stopped. I hope, sir, that I have not put any one here to great inconvenience,” Mr. as was an easy-going employer, and he assured the clerk tnatit was all right, He did not mention that the detective had wished to see Harry, and the latter went to his desk without any explanation. Hedid not appear to be at ease, however, Everytime tbe door open- ed he looked up with a start, and tis associates joked him upon having been made nervous by the pulling of a tooth. As usual when people judge their fellow-beings e matter down to a fine point; as usual, too, in such cases, they were wide of the mark, Anxiously Harry watched the door, but the The policeman’s son was one of the first to leave the office when the day’s work was over, He was hurrying up Broadway when he was accosted by a friend. ** Hallo, Til!” was the exclamation, ‘‘ you are just the person I want to see, I’ve paid'a good, round doller for a tip on the big race, next Monday. The favorite isn’t in it; the ‘talent’ are going to get left, bad; and I’m going to play the tip and rake ina pile, What say, are you with me?” ‘“* Briggs,” Harry answered, with almost fierce earnestness, ‘‘when | betou another horse-race you may send me to Bloomingdale!” With this declaration the speaker hurried away, leaving Briggs staring after him in open- - dentl - » Unknown to him, be was under espionage. ; It was no agent from Police while he walked. eyed wonder, "Harry did not go home, but went to a restau- rant and had supper. He ate ina mechanical " Afterward, he Avalked about aimlessly for ‘some time, often consulting his watch, and evi- for some certain hour to arrive, Headquarters who was shadowing him, but a aay with a'liberal That’s the clerk’s name—Harry | atit was open until | OS ,¥ Messenger 999. would have taken more than one glance on Headstrong Harry’s part to recognize this rough-looking youth, yet it was none other than Ace High, minus his uniform, and minus all outward signs of respectability, The messenger was keeping his resolution to act as amateur detective, ; After a while Tildrake closed his watch with a snap and started off in a direct line. Ace fol- lowed.” Tho leader went several blocks, and arrived at a quarter of the city not noted for law- abiding residents—in fact, it was a place which honest people generally preferred to avoid at night, for there the thief, the sand-bagger and the ‘‘all~round” law-breaker held sway. ‘* What's coming?’ thought the messenger, ‘* Harry is into it, neck deep, but I’m bound to follow and see the end.” Tildrake turned, opened a door and entered a building witbout any formality, A sign -was over the door, and Ace read the words upon it. ‘** We-Live-Well Assembly:’? Humph! may- be you do, but I'll bet you live tl// Wonder if my life will be safeif I go in?” t was a timely and serious inquiry, but Ace had not gone thus far to give up tamely. He decided to run the risk. Advancing boldly, be opened the door and entered, CHAPTER X, IN HARD COMPANY. Ack HIGH saw only a long hall in front of him when he first opened the door, but knew there was more beyond, He was not so sure of his ability to go far, If the ‘‘ We-Live-Well Assembly ” was at all in fear of the police it was not likely they would admit a boy of his age, Nothing ventured, nothing won, seemed to be the rule of the occasion, however, and he ad- vanced to the door at the furtherend of the hall, Opening it, be sawa scene about like what the sign had prepared him for, There was a good- sized room, with an abundance of tables and chairs, and Newspapers on the tables, Twenty persons were present, and, as nearly all were smoking, the air was blue and decidedly im- ure, 7 Much to his satisfaction there was no door- keeper, and no one seemed to notice his en- trence, Hedid not linger near the door, but, finding that several other boys of his sge were ‘** Not a member?” Lookslike a pigeon such as we pluck, ‘* Good thing there are such,” ‘Bet yer life! Say, l’min de hardest luck, Pete.” Ace saw that the young fellow’s familiar way was due to the fact that he had mistaken him for somebody else. The civarette-smoker showed how great was his confidence in the real Pete by | going on: ‘* Cracked a crib de udder night an’ never got a shiner,” ‘Things work that way, sometimes,” ** Worked dat way dis time. Fiippy Jim an’ me did de job. Flippy, he picked a lock, an’ we entered an office. We found an old tub of a safe, an’ had no trouble ter open it, but never got a dollar, De blamed safe was empty, See?” ‘* Where was this?” “Down on Broadway—Marker, Gane & Leigh’s, You seo, Flippy had seen de old feller | at de head of de firm, an’ he looked to be so rich dat Flippy thought de safe must be full of plunkers. You can’t tell de lay of de land by clothes. Seef” Ace High was interested to the point of ex- ow but managed to remain calm, out- wardly, ‘* Wasn’t there anything in the safe?” ** Only a few business papers,” ake Strange there was no money, Did you look arp? “We did dat,” a ci Maybe the papers hid it.” ‘““Naw. We pulled out every scrap of paper an’ looked at it. See? Ef there had heen a ten- center in it, we'd have got on, Dat’s what w was dere for, But we didn’t get a red!” ‘*They must doa small business,” ‘*Naw. Good-sized 'stablishment,” ‘*Think Pve seen the store. Marker, Gane & Leigh, you say?” ‘Yes, Ought to be Snide & Co. lt’s a shame to git a couple A 1 men to make a break an’ den eucher dem so, Dat’s w’ot hurts a “el- ler’s pride. See?’ : bi course 1 do. When was it you did the job? ‘* Last Tuesday night.” | “Heard from it yet?” ‘*Naw. We thinks de coppers is runnin’ a present--nearly all of the party were under | still-bunt, but dey won’t git us tellers, We ain’t twenty in point of age—be quickly mixed with the crowd and sat down at a table. . Then he looked for Harry Tildrake, no chumps in de biz. Sref” Ace High saw very clearly what his dis- reputable companion wished to convey, but the The latter was not visible, but an open door | hard young citizen bad only added t the mys- at one side revealed a second room, aud Ace was | tery of the robbery at Marker, Gane & Leigh’s, about toriseand saunter that way vhena boy | The firm, and the police, were puzzling over the of fourteen or fifteen came and sat down beside him. It nee.jed only one glance to discover that this interesting person was a ver, hard citizen, ‘* How’s de world usin’ yez?” he asked, amia- bly. of Tolerable,” Ace replied, *¢-Y ow’re in luck,” “ Yes,” ‘“* Things ain't w’ot T wish’t they was wid me, Tt’s a-gittin’in New York so a feller bas got ter hustle de Jiveliest way ter pay de piper w’en he dances. Sre?” * That’s about so,” “Got any lay now?” <¢ No,” ** Hev a smoke?” are i ' The bard young citizen extended a half-con- sume! package of cigarettes. Ace had a vague idea, whether to his credit or otherwise, that he was going to be a smoker some cay, but not of cigarettes. He was wise enough to recognize in them the vilest of all forms of tobacco, and one offensive to taste, smell and health, The present occasion was cut of the common run, bowever, and he a:cepted the libel’ on the name of to- | bacco, “* Hey a liv bt?” This invitation, too, was accepted, but Ace soon managed to drop the cigarette, His com- panion piffed rapidly, and emitted clouds of smoke from tie burning paper. ‘* De boss is here ter-night,” be continued. “13 he?” ‘* Herm Brown, yer kuow,” Ont? Ace did know. It was not bard to remember the wily Brown who had Jed Headstrong Harry on tO bet 80 disastrously on tle race when at ulgraff’s, ** Who’s the dude?” Ace asked, | question: Why bad the burglars not taken the money that wasin the safe? Now, here was a oung person who avowed bimself one of the burglars, and added that not a dollar of money had been in the safe. Yet, three hundred dollars had been locked up in the safe the afternoon before, and the same sum had been there the next morning. W hat did it mean? Au explanation flashed upon Acé—an expla- nation so sudden and startling as to stagger him, metaphorically, and his emotion must have noticed if the self-avowed burglar had not been ba wean in lighting anotber cigarette, his person then arose, ‘‘Pll see you later, Petey,” be observed, “Tm goin’ ter give Growler Joe a_ steer. Bimeby we'll go out for a cruise. See? Keep de locker on yer jaw, Petey, ol’ man!” With an affable gesture he walked away, and | Ace felt very much like doing the same thing. What he had heard had shaken bis faith in \Harry Tildrake, and he felt like giving up the cage in despair, d ‘But I won't leave untill’ve seen what Harry | is about,” he decided, Rising, be went to the door of theinner room, — He saw there a place which was an attempt to imitate a summer “garden,” There was a fountain, and numerous potted shrubs and trees were scattered around in all places, Among these were other chairs, and men and way, and his expression was changeless and dog- : youths seated in conversation, ged, He had something on bis mind, and, it ‘Yes. Hean’ Han’some Herm is indegarden It was not long before Ace discovered Til- - seemed, was actuated by a fixed resolution of ; wid a dude.” drake. He had two companions, and one glance ‘some kind, ‘** Handsome Hern?” questioned Ace, was enough to make their identity Hee to bim, | He recognized Herman Brownand Bartholomew Ward, ; he All three were in earnest conversation. — ** That settles it,” Ace thought. ‘ Warry’s a goner!” he watched. Tildrake might be a “‘ goner,” as His first impression, however, was changed as _ 7 boy in rough and ragged clothes, coating of | ? dirt smeared over his face, It | Don't know. He’sa swell,” he had picturesquely expressed it, but the police- 8 { ; : 1 e : \ y
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man’s son was not finding auy pleasure in his present company. His expression was grave— almost desperate—and he appeared to be mak- ing an app al to his companions, Ward and Brown evidently had minds moved by happier feelings. They did not look serious; they were very much at their esse; and now and then an amuse:! smile crossed the face of one of them, gs if be enjoved Harry’s vain struggles. ‘* He’s pot enough of such company,” was the High Card’s second verdict, ‘* but he’s too late to buck out. It’s just as everybody has propbesied for years; he’s kept bad company until he’s got into a fix.” Messenger 999 was eager to overhear what adi were saying, and circumstances favored im. Just behind Harry there was a potted shrub, and back of it a table. He went there and sat down, He was partially screene! from notice, and even if Ward and Brown should chance to look at him, his old clothes, disheveled hair and patches of dirt were enough to make a very fair disguise, He proceeded to listen. ‘© You bave always professed to be my friends,” observed Tildrake, bitterly. ‘* So we are, dear boy,” answered Ward. “¢-You act like it!” ‘1s that sarcasm?” o What else can it be? Youare bound to ruin me! S Now, my dear boy, you ought not to talk ‘‘Let’ the blamed fool talk!” interrupted Brown. ‘* What did yon call me?” demanded Harry, hotly. ‘* A fool!” ‘Be careful! 1 won’t bear that.” “What will you do?” ‘¢1ll tell what I know about the robbery—” ‘¢ Informers usually get fifty per cent. off; you would get out of it with three years, possibly. But that would not heal your lacerated feelings. Your father. and the whole world would know you as the thief—” “T am not tre thief.” ‘¢ You are anaccomplice. Come, Til, there is no use of your squirming. You arein the swim, and you know as well asIdo that it means a long jaunt ‘up the river’to be nabbed. You and I don’t wantto be railroaded, just yet.” ‘‘Our dear boy is not so foolish as that,” re- marked Ward, in his oily way. ‘‘ When he has thought this matter all over he will see wherein he is wrong, and do us justice.” _“ Birst, do me justice!” Harryexclaimed. ‘I cannot, will not, be party to this infamy.” ‘‘Whatare you going to do?” Brown asked, with a sneer, ‘Tt is for you to do—to do justice,” ‘Til, we’ve had quite enough of this. You have my answer, and | shall stick toit. Now, you have your choice between keeping your mouth shut and going to prison. That’s all!” CHAPTER XI. THE HARD YOUNG CITIZEN MAKES TROUBLE. TILDRAKE sat in gloomy silence. The sobri- quet of ‘*‘ Headstrong Harry” fitted bim no lon- ger. Hehad run the race of fast life bravely, and had brougbt up at the usual point. Step by step he had gonefrom perversity to rebellion, to fast life, dissipation, evil company and crime, At last, he had the inevitable reward, He had never meant any barm, and his natu- ral bent was not that of a criminal, yet he sat that night surrounded by law-breakers of all es, and was hopelessly in the power of two of the lot. For a moment the degradation of the situa- tion overcame fear and remorse, and he looked around at his companions. Nearly all were coarse, brutal, ignorant and low. He would bave been ashamed to be seen with them on the street, yet his own beadlong course bad forced him into their company. | He was truly repentant then, but repentance had come too Jate, ‘*Confess, dear boy, that you were hasty,” gently advised Ward, ‘‘ You should not speak severely of your friends—” “Friends!” echoed Harry, bitterly. Herman Brown touched his arm, “* Tf you don’t like our company, get out!” the ae cy od angrily directed, A wn, if you will grant my request—” _ That will do. I won't make the idiot of my- self that you ask, and you may as well under- stand | it. Drop the subject, now and for- ever! All of the pleasant and bland ways with which ti ©. - 7 P oat ( oar eek ae ae Messenger 999. Brown had lured Harry on in the montbs past had disappeared. . He at last had the victim in the toils, and did not care whit he thought or how much he writhed under the lash, Ward, however, was more cautious and far eving. Before then he bad known micn to sac- rifice themselves in order to accomplish a certain end, and, though Brown thought he had Til- drake where the latter would not dare to say a word, the wily elder man was not so certain, He gave Brown a secret, warning touch, and then addressed Harry in his usual way: ‘* Dear boy, don’t be downcast. This matter is not so. serious as it seems, What matter whether a man loses his money thus, or in Wall street, or in a fire, or some other way? Gone, it is useless, anyhow. Now, Harry,me boy cheer up! We willloas you what you need, und you can play the races next week for all you’re worth.” ‘* Curse the races!” Tildrake exclaimed. ve Bb 7 ‘* Pve put my last dollar in the morgue of hap- > 7? . ‘¢ My downfall begins from the hour t began to bet. A millionaire is excusable for risking money on a horse’s legs; a poor manis not, I[t is like a race between blind men and those who cansee. The blind never win, or, if toey do, they next time drop more than they have won. The running races i eep thousands of men, born in my rank of life, in constant poverty. They arerace-mad. Better for themif the world had no horses,” Brown’s lips curled contemptuously as he heard this bitter speech. He managed to make a good thing out of the races, and did it at the expanse of just such innocents as Harry Til- drake, ** Maybe you don’t get your ‘ tips’ of the right party me boy,” suggested Ward. ‘“Asa rule l’ve gone on my own judgment, but I’ve paid two different persons for tips. Brown recommended one of them,” “ Haven’t you won on his tips?” Brown asked. ‘* Tn small chances, yes; in big ones, no.” ‘‘Bven an expert can’t hit ’em up every time.” ‘*T can suggest a very reliable man to buy tips of,” continued Ward, ‘]’ve made my last bet on a race!” Tildrake spoke with resolution, and deep disap- pointment becawe pictured in Ward's face, Ace High began to suspect that these men had fleaced Harry systematically. He had heard that there were sharks, who, making a business of giving ‘‘ tips,” conducted their business, with the aid of confederates, so that they literally were able to rob t»ose who patronized them, With thousands of foolish men race-mad, it was a wide field and easy to work, Ward showed his cunning by not pressing the subject, but devoted all his efforts to getting Harry into a mere contented frame of mind, Hedid not succeed. The policewan’s son had come there that night to accomplish a certain object. He bud faile!, and the failure left bim gloomy and wretched, The messenger decided that he had remained long enough in hix present company, His trip bad bourne fruit. He knew that Til- drake bad been :oolish enough to get on good terms with two consummate scoundrels, and, as a natural consequence, had become mixed ap in crooked work, Tiat he bad engage: as anally of either Brown or Ward was not likely, but now that be wisted to sever all connection with them, he found himself in their power, Plainly, Ace could net belp bim by remain- ing, and, as they were not likely to tell all their secrets in public, it » ould be useless to linger in hopes of learning more. -“DI} scoot while I can,” the messenger thought. ‘*Thesir hereisn’t the kind un honest person likes to breathe, I[1’s full of robbery, frsud and all kinds of Jawlessness.” He rose ond started for the exit, but bad gone only a few steps when he encountered his late acquaintance, the cigarette fiend, and a big man who bad an air of authority. The fcrmer’s face lighted up at sight of Ace. ** Dere’s de blokey!"’ be exclaimed, with bis usnal elesant form of speech. “ You kin see fur verself,? a tried to pass on, but the two blocked his ** See yere!” began the man, ‘‘ who be you?” * Ain’t got no card with me,” returned Ace, assuming a manner and choice of words fit for the company. ‘“* W’ot yer doin’ yere?” £ * Nothing.” © {2 ee aE 9 OTE ee ANB Nee I SAR LS I GIS Se ha Sa 9 in ncaa ele aed SRE RSMO ‘You've got ter do somet’ing—you’s got ter explain w’ot you’s doin’ yere. See?” **De blokey played off he was Petey Cray, but he’s no more Petey dan [ be, He’s a spy; dat’s w’ot he is, an’ be’s in yere to pipe on some chip. See?’ Ace had been troubled at first sight of the cigarette fiend, for be was afraid the latter might have discovered that he bad poured his confidence into wrong ears. Now he foynd his fears confirmed, anc actual danger menaced him, The language, the appearance and the manner of the two persons confronting him showed thatthey were genuine New York roughs. ‘¢ You'll bev ter explain,” the man declared. “Rd, here, says you’s ain’t a member of de club, an’ we don’t want dis place infested wid outsiders. See? Move your jaw an’ let us know who you’s be, an’ by what right you are in here,” ‘¢ isn’t this a public place?’ Ace asked, assum- ing an air of innocence, ** Naw; it ain’t a public place.” ‘Then It apologize for coming in, Sorry I intruded, but I saw others come, and nobody objected when J came, Begging your pardon, Pu leave,” ‘““Dat won't go down!” declared the hard youth who rejoiced in the brief sobriquet of ‘‘ Red.” Sbaking his fist in Ace’s face headded: ‘¢You’s a spy; dat’s w’ot you be!” ‘‘Nonsense!” returned Ace, managing to laugh. ‘‘I don’t care anything about other tolks’ affairs.” ** Cail Ward!” the unknown man directed, ‘¢ Red hastened to obey this order. Acs was tempted to make a dash for freedom, but even if he could pass the man, there seemed to be too many others in the way, One word from the former would cause a score of persons to seek to catch him, Clearly, flight would be folly. ; ‘‘This is a great go!” he remarked, still pre- tending t» be amused, ‘* What’s up, anyhow?” His companion vouchsafed no reply, but ‘*Red” came up, followed by Bartholomew Ward. The latter looked sharply at Asa, but did not recognize bim. ‘* Dat’s de feller,” Red explained, ‘¢ Bless me! [ see no harm in this small lad,” admitted Ward, who could tell something about. a person’s nature, if not about his intentions, ‘* But he pretended to be Petey,” urged Red. ‘¢ No, I didn’t!” stoutly answered Ace. ‘‘ He called me Pete, this young man did; but I never claimed the name, and don’t know any Pete.” ‘* Who are you?” ‘‘ Andy Jenkins. I live over by Robens’s grocery-store, I just come in because | thought th:s a public place. Me, want to harm you? Come off!” His easy, frank outward manner impressed Ward, but Red saw the result and changed his tactics: : “ Fact is, Cap, I thought he was Petey, an’ I ° talker too free. [let him on ter certain secrets, an’ some of de members of dis club will get de sack ef you’s let de feller go. See?” ** Red, you're a fool!” Ward declared. ‘* Boss, [’s dead sorry, but | was mistaken. Pll leave it ter any of de fellersef he ain’t a d ringer for Petey. wa3 two fellers dat looked jest alike? Naw!” Mr. Red seemed to feel that he had made an eloquent defense, and he threw himself into an attitude and extended one arm like the handle to a pump. ‘‘1f you have no brains,” went on Mr. Ward, with warmth, ‘“‘ you had better quit New York, What did you tell bim?”’ ‘Come aside, an’ Jet me tell you’s private. I don’t want ter spread de facks auy more. See?” The tough young citizen was a good deal burabled by Ward’s severe rebuke, ana bis man- ner was meek and crestfallen, He and Ward ba! a talk which lasted for some time, and the latter did not appear to grow any more amiable, When they returned Ace read ill news in his face. “* You'll have to stay here, boy!” he curtly de- red, “ Thought T wasn’t wanted here.” — ‘* We can’t let you go out until we investigate your case, and see if you are to be trusted, It won’t hurt you to sleep here to-night. If you prove harmless you shall go free; it I decide tbat you area spy, I'll see to it that you don’t go out to give our secrects away. Boys, lock him up!” CHAPTER XIi. THE HEAD AT THE DOOR. “ WELL, I’m in for it, sure- ts This comment came from Asa High in a rue- See? Could I tell dat there —
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ful voice. All of his arguments bad been disre- garded, and be was locked in a room which ad- joined those where the members of the so-called club were having an enjoyable time in each | others’ select company. He oad refrained from making himself known, | or calling upon Harry Tildrake for aid, because | he was strongly of tne opinion that this would only result in getting Harry into trouble. very high, and any opposition on his part to the lee of the ruling powers would be worse than nseless, Tse High Card’s prison-room was about as bare and grim as it could be. One table and two chairs were there, but only because they had been Cciscarded after being broken in the otber room, A second door, which probably had led to the yard, bad been stoutly boarded up, and the soli- tary window being in like condition, they evi- dently considered it a safe prison. ‘Asa G. High,” grimly observed the owner of that name, ‘‘your cognomen ought to be Dennis Mud. Thisisa bad scrape. ou ain’t ‘init,’ bat you are in it—deepand bad. How are you to get out?” He surveyed the room carefully, but found no answer to his question. He seemed to be a helpless prisoner. The situation was vexatiousin the extreme. Since coming to the alleged club-rooms he had learned who the burglars had been at Marker, Gane & Leigh's, If he could get away, this would be valuable information for the police, ' He also had other strong suspicions—but they, aud he, were locked up in the old room. Several times he repeated the tour of investi- gation around the Ta with which to work, he could see no way of breaking out, Two hours or more passed in this helpless fashion. Then there was a peculiar change in the situation, He heard the clicking of a key in a lock, and the sound seemed to come from the rear door. Then a breath of fresh air touched his face, and he knew that the door behind the cross-boards had been opened. : j oe had done this, and what was the ob- ect He advanced and stood close to the point of interest, There was a grinding, grating sound on the other side, and one end of a narrow board was forced back out of place, and toward him, He could see the stars through the aperture, but that was not what interested him the most. A human hand gras the loosened board and removed it entirely; a human head ap- peers In the space thus left, It was a rough- ooking head, with a forest of tangled bair and beard. 1ts owner fixed his gaze upon the pris- oner, ‘* Hullo, youngster!” he exclaimed. Hullo!” Asa answered, doubtfully. “*Got things all ter yerself, ain’t yer?” “Yes, but [ want to get out. Can you help ‘*Get out? Pe for?” ‘sD n't you belong to the gang?” ** Don’t belong Fay eae” ss ‘* Speak low!” the messenger cautioned, quick- ly. ‘*For your lite, don’t let the men in there hear you!” He pointed to the door of the front room. **Men in there, eh? Reckon 1’ll skip, then.” ‘Wait! Help me get cff these boards.” Tue Trump Card’s hopes had gone up fast and high, Appearances indicated that thestranger was a burglar. Better any company for him than that of Ward and his gang ar ruffians. If he could get out of the prison-room, he thought that escape would be easy, The unknown reg»rded him with an appear- ance of slow- witted wonder, ‘* Be you shut up?” he asked, “ Yes.” ang “Wal, hang me ef I don't let yerout! I don’t approve o’ no sech work. Lay holt o’ that board, an’ pull slow an’ gentle, We mustn’t make no noise.” ! Higher rose the messenger’s hope, and he gave hisaidat the board. Itwa-not long before the opening had bren enlarged so that Ace could “crawl through, and, when this was done, he lost ‘no time in going. Once more he stood free un“er the open sky. “Stranger,” be said, earnestly, “I’m very much obliged to you. You've got’ me out of a bad fix.” es Don't mention if, sonny.” . Tt mean’s a heap to me.” “Who be the fellers inthar?” i * The | latter’s standing ia his present society was not | ce, noe lacking all tools ! { | Came along just in time, | as they make ’em, ' couldn't find it alone. Messenger 999. Ob! it’s a club.” *€ Crooks?” Prudence came to Ace’s aid; he resolved not to say too much, “Ou! I guess not, but they’re down on me,” ** Know any on ’em by name?” “c No. ” ‘*'W'ot do they do fur a livin’?” “IT don’t even knowthat. They are strangers to me, but they got down on me without any good reason, and shut me up; go you see you I’m about as thankful Now, what chance is there for me to g >t to the street!” ‘* There’schance enough, though you probab’ly Come erlong, an’ J’ll show ye out, Reckon I ain’t got no errand ’round here, nohow.” : Ace was careful not to inquire why his com- pation was there, The evidence that be was a urglar seemed too strong to be disputed, but that did not interest the messenger-boy. He was Willing the man should go back and steal the whole house, Bartholomew Ward and all. The stranger led the way, and they entered a dark and narrow alley. ‘*This leads ter the street, after makin’ a bit of a bend,” the leader remarked, ‘* You pass me, an’ go ahead, an’ I'll kinder cover our re- treat.” Asa could see no use for such a precaution, but be set out to obey his companion. He started to pass the latter, but, as he did so, the supposed burglar suddenly seized him, and his broad hand was clasped over the High Card’s mouth, Although taken wholly by surprise, it flashed upon the ae that he had been entrapped, The motive for the act and the identity of the trap- per he did not stop to consider, but at once de- voted all bis attention to an effort to break his captor’s hold, This attempt was wholly useless. The man whistled softly and a second person came to hisaid. They lifted Asa and bore him out of tue passage, A blind alley lay beyond, and in this stood a carriage. The men thrust their prisoner into the vehicle, entered after him, and then the out- fit was started by a third man who had remained on the box, : The messenger-boy was surprised and con- fused, He did not understand this move at all, though one thing was very evideut: he was in the power of enemies, and the abduction did not portend anything tavorsble to him, He renewed his struggles, but his strength availed nothing against the force opposed to him, Evidently it was the intention of the driver to go as fast as he could and not get arrested for fast driving. Now and then be gave the horses a clip with the whip, and they bewled along over the rough pavement until che passengers danced like rubber balls, The prisoner could not tell in what direction they were going, but their course was always on one street, At length they came to a halt, and Asa’s chief captor looked out of the window, ‘** Here we are!” be observed. He threw open the door, aud was about to lift Ace out when second thought caused him to pause. With the aid of handkerchieis the cap- tive’s hands were bound and bis mcuth bandaged, Thus be was incapacitated from giving any alarm, an’ from m:iking resistance, All left the carriage, s Ace saw a pier, a river, and twinkling lights far beyond, He knew then where they were, He was forced to walk out on the pier, A vessel of considerable size lay there, but the ac- tivity which existed on her deck at once suggest- ed to the messenger that she was about to be started on an ocean voyage. Without any cere- mony Ace was marched upon the deck, and then to a retired point where his feet were bound, The last move rendered bim wholly helpless, and he was rolled over in a retired place like a mere piece of cargo. i ‘* Boy,” then spoke his chief captor, ‘‘do you know where you are bound for?” Naturally, the bandage prevented any reply. “This ship 1s bound for India,” the speaker added, ‘and sbe will be gone just three years, You will goas a passenger—unless they drop you overboard in mid-ocean!” | CHAPTER XIII. PRISONERS UNDER DECKS, THIs was not pleasant news for Ace High, but he saw no reason to doubtit. He had been along the wharves in the a9 often enough to get a pretty clear idea of the various vessels ' ; * f -_ . > ° jam . eA An) PF » n$ + 6 ad De. Wee ge ene ee a Te een a ee, EE We ees _——]—]$—$_—$—_————_——_—_—_———— —— ———— ——————————— eee ‘+ in ce 13 that lay there at different times, and was ready to believe he was ona cratt bound for a. voyage on the open sea. Although he could not answer, his captor con- tinued to give information. ‘*“You have made yourself obnoxious in New York by meddliug with what don't concern you, and thi» is the result. We are men of honest and peaceable minds, and will not do you any harm—here/ Wo have arranged with Captain Tribbs, however, to manage you, and his power is absolute, He can take you the three years’ cruise, or toss you overboard for the sharks, as he sees fit!” One of the captors had gone away, evidently to see some one in authority, He now re- turned, and, after a few low words with the aes speaker, they lifted Ace and carried him. elow. He was taken to the forecastle, and stowed away in the most retired place. ‘* Here we leave you,” was the parting com- ment, ‘If you live to see India, rememb “ By George! my lad, I mean to stand by you, +7 2 wo, —- <Se oe n Ms ai Lae ou Pied 5 pa Ty “ = § 4 oe ec ac he Sy ~ an tel y eee a 55 ey x. Ja Sees
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4 ' po Chance for us to get clear,” 12 Messenger 999. an’ fight for yer, if it comes ter that. We go tergether, or git nabbed in pairs.” Old Nat spoke with the hearty kindness to be expected from him, but Ace remained pru- ent. ‘* We shall run less risk by going one at a time, Of course you ean go openly, but I must come the soft-and-easy act. But I shall not ob- _ ject to having you sail in and give me a lift if [ get into trouble.” ** You bet, I’li do it.” * TfL be no fool of a job ter run the gantilet,” observed sailor Jack Smith. ‘* It’s got ter be done,” ‘* Let me reconnoiter,” Smith went away, while Ace gave Hicks a partial idea of how he was brought there a pris- oner, though he did not pause to refer to the circumstances which had led up to it. They were still talking when two men ap- eared. They expected to see Jack Smith, but ld Nat was not a little startled when he per- ceived that one was Tribbs, the captain of the vessel. The latter looked at Ace in angry sur- prise. ‘* Who has dared to release this boy?” be de- manded, “1m the chap that did it,” Hicks boldly re- turned, ‘Did you know he was my runaway cabin- boy rind b ‘* T knowed he was not,” ‘* What?’ “*T know this boy myself—knowed him afore ever you set eyes on him, Hang it alll’ what do you mean, sir, hier a child like him? It’s a low an’ dastardly piece o’ business, by Cain!” Captain Tribbs had thought to overawe Old Nat by assuming a bullying manner, but was so far from doing it that the w man was facing him belligerently, and giving back word for word. ‘*Who are you who meddles on my vessel?” “Don’t know. Kin youswim?” “cc Yes. ” ‘*So kin I, like a fish. Let’em drop us not over fifty mile from shore an’ we kin git back.” Asa’s faith in Old Nat’s veracity was some- what shaken by this wonderful claim, but he did not argue the point. Both were silent as they listened to the sounds above which indicated that the vessel would soon be under way, Whether they were to go with her became a most important question. They watched for Jack Smith, but he did not appear. ** Here we go!” Hicks observed, suddenly. Sure enough, they were working away from the pier, and the messenger’s face grew longer. | Although there was a popular belief that the day of sea-tyrants and sea-outrages was past, the High Card knew that many an abuse was still committed on vessels,and they would cer- tainly be at the mercy of a man who had shown himself a ruffian. They began to move down the East River, and were off on a voyage the end of which nei- ther could foresee. Their imagination painted nothing pleasant, CHAPTER XIV. ADVENTURES AFLOAT. THE vessel was fairly under way, and moving toward the open salt water, though still on the East River. ‘‘It’s a long time since I’ve been on a ship afore,” observed Old Nat, thoughtfully, ‘ Not sence I first crossed the big pond an’ landed on Yankee soil.” ‘*'You were probably happier then than now,” replied Ace High. ‘Happier? Wal, no; can’t say I was. I had trouble on my mind.” 3 ** But you were not kidnapped?” ‘*No, Iwas lookin’ fur my sister,” Did you find her?” “ec No ” the sea-villain blustered. “Never?” ** Your equal, mister!” “* Never!” *“My equal?” There was deep melancholy in the pine-woods- ‘* Every inch, both as ter weight, statoo, mus- kle an’ grit, whileasfur manhood—wal, a rattler would put you ter blush for decency, ef you was knowin’ ter the plot ter abduck this Jad. Ef you’s ter stay in port I’d poe: on ye ter the constables, by Cain! As’tis, I leave yer ter jes- tice above man’s, Asa, we'll go!” Tribbs had been eying the fearless speaker curiously. He now stepped back and called for help, and three sailors came in immediately. WE that man!” he commanded, pointing to ab. ** W bat?” cried the woodsman, ** At hin!” Evidently the sailors were accustomed to obey all kinds of orders. They took the present one as a matter of course, and at once meved upon Old Nat. They were warmly received, Hicks bad not been through rough life for a score of years for nothing. Re knocked down the first man, and followed up the stroke by piling the second on top of bis leader, The sailors, nowever, were old hands at such affrays, and the four went at Nat as soon as the fallen ones c. ‘uld regain their feet. When two more men came at Tribbs’s call, both Hicks and Ace High were soon overcome and bound. ; ** Tumble them down there!” directed the cap- tain, pointing. ‘‘When we have leisure we'll stow them away where coe f will be out of the race; just now I want all of you ondeck. Leave them tere!” And the captors went away in a body. ** Ace!” spoke Old Nat, soberly. ** Yes!” j “lve been in all sorts o’ measly fixes, but _ never one that took the starch out o’ me like this. Biameit! I didu’ts’ rates in the City o’ York.’ “If there is a species of rascal we haven't got, 1 don’t know wacre or what he is,” ** It's melancholy!” Mf “Mr, Hicks, where is Jack Smith?” _ “Dunno, Gilad he ain’t tied up.” ** Will | e desert us?” 3 “Who? Jack?” “*Of course.” ; *) “Not much! You 'bet he won’t! Jack ain't that sortjof a biped critter. No, sir; he will stan’ by us through the war, but I ain’t sure he will bave any great chance. The cap’n has called all han’s, an’ it might ge hard with Jack if he made a bulge jestnow.” . * But if he waits until we get under way—and they seem to be doing that now—there will be thar was real pi- ’ i man’s voice which forcibly recalled the touch of that mood when he was at the boarding- house. He gave himself up to thought for a moment, and then added; - ‘*T an’ that sister was brought up together in Old England, Except another brother, we was the only children. The brother was a good ’eal younger—he an’ his fam’ly lives in Liverpool, now—an’ so he had a different place in our bearts from what we had fur one another, We was poor, an’ my sister took a place as maid to a rich Indy who, bein’in poor health, set out on a voyage ter America, ; ‘*Of course my sister went along. ‘* They got hyar, an’ then begun ter travel in a slow way, betittin’ an invalid. They went ter Saratoga, Niagara an’ them places, but never stayed long in one piace, 80 we never knowed where ter expect the next letter from, ‘This kep’ up fur some time, an’ all seemed oin’ wal, but we finally got a letter that rightened us, The rich lady had took sick an’ died o’ fever, an’ my sister had nursed ber all through iv. |“ What skeered us was this: When my sister wrote, she "lowed she was bad worn out, an’ ad- mitted she was a bit afeerd she was goin’ ter be sick, too. _ * After that we got no news. We wrote, an’ waited, an’ watched, but allin vain. No more news ever come. We finally decided that she bai died, an’I pulled up stakes an’ started fur here ter find out. ‘*T went ter Injeanny, whar the mistress had died. I found the folks she had been with, but no sister. Tbey tol’ me she had left an’ gone back ter New York. \ ‘* Back here I come, too, but, ter make a long story short, I never found her nor got any news. From the minute she left the Injeanny town she. vanished like dew in the mornin’ asked, ‘Dead! Thar ain’t no doubt on’t. She left ‘the Western town three-quarters sick; beyond ‘doubt, she give out somewhar by the way, an’ jest laid down ina stranger’s house an’ died.” Hicks repeatell the big sigh which was so characteristic of his nature and his deep chest, and, after a brief pause, added: “This thing has preyed on me many a year. Of course we give her up right away, but it she laid buried,” “Tm sorry for you, sir,” returned Asa. : ‘*I know ye be, lad, fur you’ve got a heart What do you think became of her?” Ace. was melancholy ter fee! that I didn’t know whar like an ox, an’ { take to Phe mightily. But this ain’t ter the p’int. Lad, we’re goin’ fast out toward old ocean.” **1’m afraid we are booked for the voyage.” Old Nat shook his head. - *¢ We'll never live ter finish it, Cap’n Tribbs knows a thing or two, an’ he ain’t took this pi- ratikel step only ter let us go free bime-by. He will— The woodsman Pe em short, suddenly re- membering that he ought not to add to his com- panion’s fears, Ace knew by divers signs that they bad left the East River behind. After that it would not bea long voyage to the open ocean, and when the shore of: Staten Island faded away, they would be wholly at the modern pirate’s mercy. What he would do with them was not certain, but the messenger’s views were not more hope- ful than Nat’s, While both were indulging in these gloomy forebodings, another form appeared in the fore- castle, aul their spirits took an upwerd turn as they recognized Jack Smith, He came to them quickly. ‘* The time has come to make a break!” he de- clared. ‘‘ We are getting close to the Narrows, and it’s now or never. Can you swim ashore?” “ Ves. ” Both Nat and Ace answered promptly. DO you want life-preservers?” “6 No. ? Smith had bee: busy with his knife while he talked, and be now made the final stroke. Both were free from their bonds, ‘Yes, Tribbs hasn’t had time to investigate and see whom you came on board to visit. When be does it would put suspicion on me, any- how, and, after setting you frew, it would be madness for me to stay here and dare his anger. Now, are you ready to go?” Both Ace and Hicks answered io the affirm- ative. **Tben here we go.” It was an undertaking full of doubt and dan- ger, and only rendered possible by the fact that Tribbs would not expect an attempt at escape, — would be giving all his attention to his ves- sel, ; After a few more words of caution and ad- vice they made the start. Once on deck they separated, so as to make as little notice as pos- sible, and then it was each for himself. Acesauntered over abe thestarboard side, assuming a careless air and taking care to keep away from all other persons, The friendly shore of Staten Island had never looked so pleas- ant, covered though it was with darkness, No one challenged or opposed him, and he crossed the doubtful space insafety. After that he felt sure of victory. If the worst came he could jump for liberty, though he preferred to re out the policy of caution outlined by Smit mith. : : Shortly after this the captain heard a slight splash in the water on the starboard side, but gave the matter no thought at that time. It was, however, his last knowledge of the- persons he supposed helpless prisoners below. At that moment all three were swimming for shore, and to those as much at bome in the wa- ter as they, this was an easy matter, In a short time they were stunding on the isl- and, watching the vessel recede. Old Nat laughed heartily. ‘*That’s what I call doin’’em up slick!” he de- clared. / ‘« They're out of it,” Ace added, *¢ An? whar be we?” ““Safeasa fly. All we’ve got to do is tomake our way to pny aie take tre ferry-boat and go back to New York, Simple as you please.” ‘¢ {ead the way. Thisis your native heath, [ spose, but if ain’ mine.” They proceeded on their way, feeling that they had been in great good luck to get out of their predicament so safely and surely. As their thoughts turned away from the receding vessels, Hicks naturally became curious as to how Ace had fallen into so much trouble, He asked the question, and it brought the ‘High Card’s own thoughts back to the robbery at the boarding-house. ; He believed that he could tell Hicks just about who had taken his money, but it was a statement he sbrunk from making. It would bea terrible blow to Palmer Tildrake to hav his son arrested on such a charge. ‘ ‘ Meee ¥ ‘ ye < ‘ Una! ‘ 7 ; Eee Un a . nae, EG oi Whee Ni aa Jan Sct ib * 2 Neri agg
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- the store. He took the Elevated _ bree: - And De ee ee per ige t ais cay cee cave die Te Gre Harry might yet free bim- seit from the taint of; actual yg ap in the work, doubtful as the possib lity seemed Anxious to give the policeman’s son every possible chance, his loyal neighbor put Hicks off with av evasion which let him know only that a young desperado had taken offense at minor he had yearn and hired others to kid- na St Ge George was reached in due time, and the jae ori journey made to New York as soon as hen that city was reached all went to the Sp abit Aa and Jack Smith, having some money, agreed to pay Old Nat’s bills until the latter could find out just how his case was to terminate. ives end was near at hand, and full of sur- prises. CHAPTER XV. THE WAG8S OF A RECKLESS LIFE. Mr, BELLBAR, detective, entered a jewelry store and nodded affably to the proprietor, ‘* Allow me to ask, sir, if you have sold the diamond ring which’ you lately had from the Allenton collection?” Belibar began, politel y. ** You are too late, sir; we have sold it,” the jeweler answered. “I’m sorry to hear that. May 1 ask who bought it?” ‘A young man named Tildrake.” ** Recently ? *On W aE **T suppose he a cash?” “ Certainly.” “I don’t suppose you have the numbers of the bills he gave you?” The i looked surprised. an ve y, I don’t understand why you ask t. **Tt’s because I am a detective,” ‘Great Scott! is anything wrong?” ‘* Perhaps so; perbaps not, Hereis proof that Iam what I claim. ow, tell meif you have the numbers of the bills Tildrake gave you.” “T have better than that; I have the bills themselves.” ‘* Se you can identify them?” **'Yes. I have stated that the Allenton collec- tion was purchased byme, Really, I am selling it on commission, and, consequently, I have pre- served the very bills L have received in each case, He took a blank-book from the safe, i pan it at a certain point he showed three ban loose between the pages, and upon one page several lines of writing. “When the collection was sent me,” he con- tinued, ‘tthe owner wrote a description of each ine , with such comments as he saw fit to make; ist blank-book and its original contents was his vf) idea, and, as I have said, when I make ewsale I put the exact money received into the ae occupied by the article disposed of. ence, I on able to make oath that this is the exact money I took from Harry Tildrake.” He spread out the three bills. One was for one hundred dollars, another for twenty, and the third for five dollars. Bellbar ignored the first and last, but took the twenty and looked at the number. The faintest possible trace of satisfaction ap- peared in his a ‘*T presume, sir, you will allow me to replace this ball with another of like denomination?” he inqul a Certainly.” *““And you will swear that you received it ron on young Tildrake? “That is sufficient,” **T hope the young man is notin trouble?” ‘This bank-note has a history which must be inquired into more fully, Asa representative of “the law I must ask you not to mention this matter to any one, most of all, not to Til- omer’ will comply with your request, fully.” ‘¢Thank you, Bellbar made a few more remarks,and then left d called at the residence of th head nt p and ca e the arm of gna Gane & bleh, That gen- tleman was in, and seemed to the asenatve. The latter came hy business A a ve ane moving jeep her + tages fe re 6Vv oy Thee a aioety r of the twenty-dollar bills.” **Where did you find it?” Where young Tildrake passed it.” x Dea he Jealt do that?” ee RR Tenneson tse. en RTD 999. and he went and bought a diamond ring he’ had before desired, but could not afford to buy. The a of vhe purchase was, too, the same on which Hicks lost his money.” “i I did not think this of Tildrake,” remarked Marker, with a sigh. He has been a fast young man’round town. He has indulged in wine, light gambling, bettin on horse-races, and kindred amusements. youtb who does that is liable to take the final step, and become a criminal at any time,” You believe that he stole Hicks’s money?” ** Tt cannot be doubted,” ‘* But what about the mystery of our safe?” Bellbar hesitated. “Pll say frankly that I do not understand that yet. I cano bres that Tildrake had a lurking suspicion that Hicks might bave the numbers of the stolen bank-notes, and when he— your clerk—came in that morning and found the safe open and unguarded, he exchanged the harmless money in it for an equal amount of his stolen plunder,” ** That does not look reasonable, for he would thereby throw out a dange er-line, hooked and baited, which might catch him,” ‘‘ Criminals are noted for making falee steps,” And it don’t explain why the parsers 108 left the money.” “True,” ‘*T feel that there is yet more to learn.” * There is, and I am going to work to learn it. Tildrake is guilty—of that there is not a shadow of doubt—and I will bave bim behind the bars very soon; but I shall look for more evidence before I spring the ek I shall set a snare for his feet; he will probably walk into it. The detective rose to leave. Marker did not detain him, and the latter was soon alone, “This is a most unba py affair!” he mur- mured. ‘I am exceeding y sorry to see the boy come to such an end, but it is the usual result of a fast life.” Bellbar went home, produced writing-pa and penned the following letter: “AH, TrupRAKE:— ‘Dar Str:—I am a gent who js in need of kash, being down on my Luck. Ire wren ably ask a joan from you. I am honist, and will pay a with In- terest, a9 soon as I Win on the Races, reason why { come to you is that I am On to kant You was tho gent that Done Up the old cove from Mishi- aun and got his Boodle, Hate to use severe frudgwidge but Biznis Iz Biznis, so I will clothes by eaying that if you do not Meat me at Houaton and Crosby, to-night, at 8.80, I ahall Blow on You, This is right from the card. You've got a G.od thing and are Our of Sight-I want to beIn It, Diy- vy, or (squeat! You will know me when We Meat by a Diamon in my Nek-tigh. 8:80, p. m.; Houston & Crosby. Don't fale! Ok OF THE Boys,”’ When Mr. Bellbar had read this over it seemed to amuse him, for he smiled and chuckled, “That'll fetch him!” he remarked, He addressed this remarkable epistle to Harry, and then went out to a telegraph-office and sent it bya messenger, There was just time enough to catch Tildrake before he left the office for the day. The result proved 9 he had tired the mod- ern Mercury well, Hea be ap Pere. Egy “Of received the message just as he was leaving the office for Me) day, and tore the envelope open in tue hall Blow, The contents made the color desert his face, He did not suspect the trap, but took the letter for what it purported to be—the threat of some unscrupulous sporting man who had learned a part, if not all, of a dangerous secret, As soon as he could recover bis coolness in a measure he went home, ‘Lhe plea of a headache prevented unpleasant commen!s upon the light- ness of the supper he we He then retired to his room with a fixed purpos He bad no intention er going to the corner of Houston aud Crosby s'reets. Instead heintend- ed to be miles eth before midnight, and, un- less he was brought back by force, he expec ih car haa to be a last, long farewell to y Mew As he hurried] cked in a valise the few oder he wished take in his flight he was ruly a penitent youn “After eigh ht, be ai one was fully completed, he put his v ‘in acorner of the room, and turn- ed his steps into the hal! for bis hat, He hav ed but a few feet 'when he re: halted, and a beavy hand was laid upon shoulder. He turned and saw Bellbar, the detective! CHAPTER 3 XVI. HE BOY IN paper, 13 might escape pan anotber commission, until the following day, when a man entered the tele- gfark office and wrote a brief message. The igh Card was called upon to deliver it, eread the name and address, beginning with sis indifference, and ending with uncommon in- The name was Herman Brown, For a moment Ace besitated. The standing betweem him and Brown was of a precarious nature, and, after what had occurred the night before, it was clear that Brown must know there was danger to him and his associates. When disgui in dirt and rags Ace had not been recognized as Messenger 999 by Brown, but was. it certain, now, that 999 would not be recog- nized as the ragged object of ‘‘ Red’s” ill-will? Tbe High Card’s hesitation was soon over. He did not believe that Brown could capture or injure him, and, as for Limself, he wanted every possible chance to neo the law-breaker. He took the eand went to deliver it, The house which the doubtful honor of sheltering Mr, Brown was not ill-looking, On the contrary, it was : neat brick edifice, and would have been fair prepossessing iu Asa’s eyes if it had not bon rowa's home, Ace rung the door-bell. ‘Mr. Brown in?” he asked, when a languid- appearing woman, with bleached hair, ap- ‘“* I presume so; third floor, rear.” With this careless response she retreated‘ to et parlor, moving as if existence meant hard abor, ‘* Guess she ain’t the boss, or she would have more interest in what’s goin’ on here,” thought. Ace, as he wended his way up-stairs to “t floor, rear.” Arri iving in that vicinity he knocked on the door, but without receiving any reply. When he had twice repeated the summons he decided that Brown was not in, The temptation to see the place was so strong that, under the impulse of the moment, Asa. yielded and opened the door, He saw an ordi- nary-appearing room, though es ee good he "he street, and various articles about told that Herman had luxurious tastes. and was able to satisfy them. Au envelope and a sheet of paper, evidently notes, lay upon the table, and tempted the boy anew. Ho advanced and looked at tho letter. Addressed to Brown, its few outlines were right. to the point: “Have you given avy of the bondle to a clerk named Tildrake? A friend of mine who knows a detective tells me there is an investigation on; that Se were bills with known number+; and that this Tildrake is under suspicion, It may be a useless. warning, but I thoughs I would give you a tip,” The signature was a name unknown,to Ace, but the note itaelf was so peculiar that he deter- mined to have ion of it, Ina moment. more it was in his pocket, and he had turned to- ward thedoor, when hesoddenly heard se in the hall, A sense of danger flashed bret the open door of a closet was a t > Me. ing, Just then, that he stepped inside to io the result, It was a fresh shock when the hall-door opened and two men entered. Through baci crevice he had left, Ace High saw and nized them ; the we were Herman Brown and Bar- tholomew Brown ” Diced pext and somewhat viciously, it ed a chair for Ward. “Sit own,” he directed, ‘‘and let us come right to business. Prove ‘your claim to the Cteatety.” of a long head by marking out a road of safety. pha ait guard against the xd, ” answered Ward, ‘' He has gone to sea,” “von ha bey tof that y f es; and all on account of that young ruf- flan, ‘Red’ Tribbs. He had no faith in m judgment at the club-rooms, and, being a that High would escape and divulge the secrets bhe—Red—had so idioticully told, he Brig ys scheme of his.own with success, uncle, Captain Tribbs, who was Wace sll a vessel about to sail for Calcutta, and Red made a rush, saw the captain and gained his consent to take the telegraph messenger fig the vo Then Red sent friends to High, an pach they who broke into our tem- y eet and took High out. He was car- ied te essel, and is now out on the ocean, This I eve be! ped ee Hah smled, The statement was Vv: from one: of the fellows who a ————————E The day after your Joss he was flush, Ace thaw, thal Clay, oa 4st fonliee that he! able to him, and, also, he was amnsed to see 4 apt “ y Yes.
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Messenger 999. far Ward was wide of the truth as to the pres- ent whereabouts of the aforesaid ** High.” Clearly, however, the wily Bartholomew knew too much avout bim. ' “ Well, the kid is out of the way, then,” Brown replied. ** For the time being, but it wasa stupid move. If he returns alivé-—what then?” **He may not. Let us speak of Tildrake. ’m afraid he means mischief,” i“. But { thought you had him fully in your wer.’ ; ‘* So I have, but he is not the plastic creature I thought him. To put it plainly, Tildraks is weak and ro kless, but not wicked—excuse my choice of words, but I speak in the way of theso- called respectable part of thecommunity. In- stead of going lower, now he is down, Head- strong Harry bas made a brace, forsaken the evil gods, reformed, etc., and is all up in arms.” ‘* That’s a pity.” “You ought not to have let Tildrake get you in his grip, at all.” af What could I do?’ Brown asked, irritably. ““Old Nat Hicks exhibited his money in the boardinz-house. My friend, Collins, sat near andsawit. Collins came to me, told me about it, and we laid our plan. I went to the house a little after midnight. Collins let me in, and I entered Hicks’s room and gobbled the cash!” Ace Hign could bardly restrain his excite- ment. Here was a confession, open and piain, and it was valuable beyond 5 ‘*T was leaving the hou-o, and Hicks’s money was safe in my pocket,” continued. Brown, ‘*when { encountered ‘Vildreke. {t was a mu- ‘tual surprise, for neither knew that the other was there and I became rattled.” ‘** Foolish man!” Ward commented, ** W ben the robbery was made put lic Tildrake “would know in the twinkling of an eye who the robber was, 1 determined to make him my ac- complice. ‘* 1 knew he was dead broke, and, once on the street, I told him [ had been drumming up his sporting frieuds,and that we had made up a purse of four hundred and fifty dollars for him. Isbould have limited the amount to less than a hundred, but, as I said before, | was rattled, ‘‘ He took the money without a suspicion— took it greedily. He became my accomplice— the sharer of my spoils; but you know how it has worked. As soun as be knew the money was stolen money he kicked Jike a steer. “Tf ne gives me away | ehali swear that he was with me from start to finish, but I think he ds bound to +queal, even ifit sends him to prison for years. Now, what’s to be done?” Ward rubbed his fat chin in a perplexed way. “To contrive a way to head the young fool off requis iaspiration,” be finally responded, “and inspiration comes only through a suitable tonic. Bring me whisky!” Brown rose with alacrity, The getting of ‘the whisky ought not to have been a matter of interest to Ace High, but it proved to be of vast interest. Straight toward the closet came Handsome Herm. He opened the door. ‘The High Card had foreseen the danger, even if only fur a moment; ard his wits proved quick - enough to meet the emergency. He knew that only one thing would save him, and was pre- pared to act accordingly. As Brown swung the door back Ace made a headlong dive, threw all of his weight against the sharper’s stomach, and then, as the latter went over like a tenpin, rushed past Ward, and out of the room and bouse. As good luck would have it, he almost ran into three policemen as he emerged from the atreet door, tn “Stop!” he cried, in joyful excitement. ** You’re wanted up-stairs!” CHAPTER XVII. ‘ ACE STEMS THE TIDE. F WaHen Harry Tildiake saw Bellbar at his side he felt sure that the hour of disgrace had come, and his face became very pale. “© ‘*Woither so fast, young sir?’ the detective asked, quieily, ‘ Sulky defiance came to Harry’s aid. ‘That's my business,” he returned, quickly. ‘* Perhaps \ou were going out of town?” ‘*W hat of it?” “T must request you to stay here.” i “You have nothing to do with my movements, wr. “The daw has!” “The law?” 4 £\," Yes, In brief, lam under the necessity of arresting you, young man, For Palmer Til- drake’s sake I regret it, but I have no choice, The charge is that yu robbed Oid Nat Hicks.” ‘*T am innocent,” Harry sullenly responded, “‘T hope you can proveit. Shall we go back and teil your father?’ The prisoner looked at the old home, and then | broke down entirely. ‘“*T would rather die than have him know of Hicks’s money; but, as he must know of my arrest, anybow, it may as well be revealed now, | when [ can aver my innocence under my own home-roof,” Even the time-hardened detective looked in pity at the speaker. [6 was hard to see the son of honest parents go wrong, but it was an old, i old story, pee still hesitated, and Bellbar gently said: ‘*Come!” They had gone but a block when a voice caused the detective to turn quickly, Then he exclaimed; **Ohb! it’s you, Mr. Inspector!” He had reccgnized an cfficer high in detective circles. But wonder followed the discovery when he saw with the latter the well-known face of Ace High and Ojd Nat Hicks. | ‘What are you doing oflicer?” the inspector | asked. | Bellbar glanced at Hicks. ‘* Speak freely.” ‘*{ have just arrested this young man for robbing Nat Hicks, yonder,” Belibar explained. The inspector smiled. ** You are on the wrong track, Bell. He did not rob him; it was another man, ‘That man, one Herman Brown, is now in custody.” Selibar looked astunisbed, but Harry’s somber face did not lighten up in the leust, ** Impossible!” the detective muttered. “Shall we go over and tell your father all about it?” ‘*Not there!” Harry cried, ‘‘ Protect my fa- ther, if not me! Save him from knowing what wu disgraceful son be has.” **So be it,” the inspector anawered, with un- expected kindness, ‘‘ Come to the hotel!” tie pointed to a building a few rods away. All went, there; a private room was engaged, | and they sat down to give mutual explanations. ‘You lose the honor of having caugbt the stealer of Mr. Hicks’s money,” continued the in- { spector, ‘‘ bub 1f is not for me to wear the omg The glory belongs to this youth, Ace igh! “Tt was allin the way of business, sir,” replied Ace, modestly. ‘** Kemarkable good business it was. This boy, Belibar, should henceforth be called The Mes- sengr Trump! He has done some of the neat e-t detective work outside professional ranks. On information given by him we have arrested Herman Grown and his ally in crime, Bartholo- mew Ward, and the former is the real robber, More than that, enough money was found on him to make Hicks’s losses good, Nearly all of it was undoubtedly the same that was taken from Hicks,” | ‘LT reckon that’s so,” added Old Nat. ‘** This is not all that our Messenger Trump has done, Having overheard a fellow called ‘ Red’ Tribbs confess that it was he and a confederate who broke into Marker, Gane & Leigh’s store, he gave us tidings, and that gang is locked up. Honors fall thick upon Asa!” | ** He desarves them, too!” Old Nat declared, ‘*Gentlemen,” Ace returned, ‘‘ lowe a good deal to luck, but, since you will praise me, Vl admit I am very glad I’ve done these jobs.” The inspector turned to Bellbar. ** You will see by this that there is no charge against Tildrake. Of course he goesfree,” . ‘* I’m not sorry, if I do lose a case,” the detec- tive declared. - The inspector took his ye bei he and Bellbar then congratulated Harry formally. “Say nothing!” young Tildrake cried, ‘I am as bad off as ever. I willcarry my secret no longer. Though innocent in one case, I am guiltyin another. I ama thief!” ‘* Gracious Peter!” muttered Hicks, ‘‘ For a long time,” Harry went on, rapidly, ‘*T have been betting on the races, aud mad to win. Last Tuesday : had a tip which I thought a dead sare thing, but had no money to wager. I stoleit! Unknown to the firm of Marker, Gane & Leigh, I took from their safe the three hundred dollars they had left there. 1 wagered it, and lost. That night I met Herman Brown at the boarding house, and he offered to loan me asum of money which he said my friends had made up as a purse for me—a general, friendly ¥ : ae meal PRT Ck cae Th aut ‘sity, is % <j oF: shemale Tag coe pe O(a s "SA i iets " pn rage loan. Fool that I was; I did not suspect that he bad just stolen it from Nat Hicks.” No one broke the silence which followed, and Harry svon went on: ** The next morning,when I went to the store, I found the safe open. 1 knew the combmation anyway —the firm were not aware of,the fact— and was prepared toreplace the mouey, I did so, This explains why the burglars there got my disgrace, innocent though lam of taking | no money, and why mvuney was found there after their visit. Imagine my despair later, when I learned that the money given me b Brown was stclen from Hicks. . In my case had covered one theft with anctber! Yes; I took mouey from. my employers, Fool that I was, | thought I would surely win on the races and returnit. Yet lam just as much a thief, Bellbur, arrest me!” . The unhappy young man broke down entirely, but Nat Hicks leaped to his feet. ‘*No, no!” hecried. “It shall not be! Tl die, first !’’ Despite his own misery, Harry looked at the old woodsman, surprised at bis emotion, ‘*Boy,” Nat added, ‘‘who was your mother before she married yer father?” ** Alice Maynard,” ‘*She was my own sister!” ‘* Your sister?” ‘* Yes, I only learned it this evenin’, when Ace happened ter mention the fack. 1 was born a Maynard, buttook the name o’ Hicks ter oblige an uncle o’mine. Boy, I’m yer uncle! See you go ter prison? Never! never!” Ace moved to Bellbar’s side, ‘*Can’t it be tixed?’ asked the young mes- senger. ‘© How can it?” ‘¢ Varker, Gane & Leigh are no money out. Why not let Harry resign ais situation and leave them? Mr, Hicksis the only loser, and I know he won’t mind the loss of the three hundred. Why not save Palmer Tildrake all knowledge of this? Why not save Harry, when he is at a point to reform wholly ?” Asa spoke eloquently. Bellbar was a kind man at heart, and was mucu interested in this case, He meditated, and then answered: ‘(li agree on condition tbat Mr, Marker is told of this. [f owe something to my profession- al office. But Mr. Marker isa Kind man; he will overlook the fault and let Harry resign. As for Brown and Ward, they dare not sey a word against Tildrake. I know a secret of theirs they will not want revealed. Brown must do time for robbing Hicks, but, in order to have his other crimes held back by me, he will refrain from mentioning Harry’s name.’ ‘* This is immense |” **] believe it is. I think Harry is really peni- tent. We'll give him a chance to save his honor —pray Heaven he will forsake bis evil compan- ions and evil ways. Wewill speak to him.” They went to the other side of the room, where Old Nat was still clasping Harry’s band fondly in the joy of having found a nephew. Bellbar did not fail to gain his point. Mr, Marker was glad to give Harry another chance inlife. The clerk resigned and went away, not with a recommendation, but with no taint on his character, ‘*Red” Tribbs and his fellow-burglar went to Sing Sing. Captain Tribbs died in India, so he was never tried for abducting Asa 2nd Oli Nat. Brown and Ward were tried, convicted and sentenced heavily, Bellbar bad seen Brown, and the latter did not speak the name of Til- drake during his trial. Harry secured a new position, and surprised every one by a complete reform, His delighted father became very proud of him, and in the years that have passed has never since had his faith shaken. Harry is living an upright, hon- orable, succeseful life, From Brown’s accumulated funds Nat Hicks received every dollar of his lost gg he He did not go to Ergland, but settled in New York, near his relatives. ' Why his sister, the first Mrs. Palmer Tildrake, dropped the old folks in England so abruptly could never be known, but, as she developed some mental oddities after her marriage, and never spoke of relatives, it is believed she had the fever severely and never fully recovered, Asa High did no more detective work, but ap- plied himself so energetically and conscientious- ly to his chosen line of business that, though still young, be bas a high position in the telegraph service. Old Nat remains his warm friend,and refers to him always as his Trump-Card Detec- tive, THE END. » ey eGR A en eg
Page 15
aad a Be b A f- BY OLL COOMES. 246 iit Bandy, Detective; or, Silver Star, the Boy Knight, 168 knit Bandy in Texas; or, The Young Mustanger. 208 Kir thandy’s Catch; or, The Boy Hercules, 422 Kit Bandy’s Right Bower; or, Buby San,the Boy Giant 444 Kit Bandy’s Swoop; or, Little Buckskin, tne Centaur, 78 Kit Bandy’s Slick Scheme; or, Old Tom Rattler. 661 Kit Bandy’s Deliverance; or, Banner Bsn. 680 Kit Bandy’s Parag or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelance. Z91 Kit Bandy Rattled; or, The Intant Giant, 79S Kit Bandy in Red Ruin; or, he Young Whirlwind, @99 Kit Bandy’s Big Ruatie; or, Saddle K:ng Sam, 804 Kit Band ’s Brigade; or, Dan, the Mountain Guide. 458 Jack Drew, the Nemesis, or, Eagle Kit the Boy Demon. 4282 Jack Drew's Drop; or, Littie Hurricane, the Boy Captain. 202 Jack Drew In Deadwood; or, Prospect Pete. 2% Keen Knife on Guard; or, Antelope Abv, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knlfe, the Prince of the Praines. & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 ‘The Dumb &py. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger, 58 Vhe Bordor King; or, The Secret Foe. 171 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranser Spy. 4 HMaw'-eyo Harry the Young Tapper Ranger. $8 Rollo, the Boy Ranger; or, The Heiress. AB4 Suave Shot Meth, the Boy Rifleman, 248 Sear-favce Saul, the Silent Hunter 175 did Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. R18 Viger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Cnatle, 2W2BS Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guide x or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkakin Vike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy; or, Old Culeb Arbuckle. 800 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. B84 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. A409 Mercules; vr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. al? Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 457 Wingedfoot Fred 3 or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Camarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 4°22 “tonewull Bob, the Boy Trojan, Z 12 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. 652 Don Barr, the ’lains Freelance. 670 Norway Nels, the Biz Boy Mountaineer. 7S UWighland Harry, the Wizard Rifleman, 23 Poker Jack, the Detective Sport. BY T. co. HARBAUGH. 2% Nick o? the Night; or, Th» Bey Spy of 76, 87 The Widden Lodge; or The Littl Hunter, 4? Nightingale Nat; 1, ‘Ine Forest Captuins, 64 Dandy Jacky or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Tralt. R2 Kit Marefoot, the Wood-Hawk; +, Old Powder-face, 94 Vidnight Jack yor, The Boy Trappe-. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 92% Kiowa Charley the Whit Mustanger. 189 Judge Lyach Jerez or, The Boy Viviiante. 155 (iold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger, 149 Tornado Vom or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 18S Ned Lemple, the Border Boy; or, The Mad Hunter. BYR Arkansaw ¢ or, The Que n ot Kate’s Revenge, ROT Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hanter. 215 Captain Bullets or, Little Topknot’s Crusade. Wi Plaocky Phil; or, Rosn, se Re! Jezebel, V4l LUI Bravos; or, Tre Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli , mo King-Pin of Bowie. R67 The Buckskin Detectlye; or, The King of Road-ngents. 279 Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, 294 Dynamite Dany or, The Bowie Bladeof Cochetopa. B02 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully, B16 Ola Kelipac, Tramp Curd of Arizona, B26 The Ten Pardssg or. The Terror ot Take-Notice, BS6 Vie Benson; or, The Queen of the La-so. BAS Pitiless Matt; or, Ked Thunderhol ’s Secret. Bot Ove! na © Par gor The Lerrible Six. B66 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. BRG Captain Cutlaasas or, he B ccenneer’s Girl Foe. B96 Rough Rob; or. The win Champions of Blne Blazes. {A411 The Stiken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter; or, The Gold Gang of New York. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. A86 Phil Mlaxh, the New York Fox; or, The Mystery of Room 21, 445 The City Vamoptres; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pizeon. AG1 One Against Fifty; or, 'Uhe Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox's Hunt. ATT The Exceisior sports; or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Sinele Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 02 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. H12 Dodrer Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 21 Dodger Dick's Best Dodge; or, Tie Gotham Gold Gang, 528 Fox and Faicon, the howery Shadows, HRS Vodger Plek, the Dock Ferret, BARK Vodwer Dick’s Doubles: or, The Rival Boy Detectives, HH8 Dodeer Dick's Deaperate Case, HER Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidoeg, or, The Gang of Three, S78 The Two Shadows; or, Dodger Dick’s Stop Game. S82 Dodger Dick's Drop; or, The Mun from Jersey, G94 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective, 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. G26 The Champlon Pards; or, The Lucifer of Silver Bar, ‘ERT Pick Monn, the Dock Bov Detective, '€45 KT, the Pavement Sharp, | B58 ‘Buty La bopeiy ite yd aes rh 1 Jersey de), the Koy Hustler: or, Shadowing the Sha , ean Wapvy Hugh, the Boy Mua cian Detective. ae 201 Photogranh Fred, the Camera Sharp, Rb nie gato Hem the ag arp Feats 2 Dat« ell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping B) $D Rille Winks, the Bell Boy Detective, ee ew 54 Willy Winks, the Poss Roy Shadow, ’ 268 Karle Ned, the Boy on Guard: or, The Camp Spiders, RO Tonkaway Tom, the Red Wizard, 27 The Rantam Sport. : 848 Clip, the Battery Ferret; or, Jack Jeffers’ Foul Play, hy BUOKSKIN 8AM (Major Sam. 8 Hall.) | 844 Old LNocky a ** Royeess or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker, B46 Glant Georges or, The Ang’l of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack ¢ or, Giant George’s Pard. BOT The Tarantula of Taor; or, Giant George’s Revenge, ~ £07 The Strange Pard: or, Little Bon’s Death Hunt. B18 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo; or, The Tarantula of Taos, 827 Oreeping Ont, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, BS2 Frio Fred: or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. B44 The Fighting Tries or, Rattleanake, the Tonkaway. 849 Wild Wolf: or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front, BS? The Raneh Ralderss or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. B61 Snan-Shot, the Boy Kanger. B72 Chita, the Creeks or, The Three Thunderbolts. BSi Randera Bills or Frio Frank to the Front. B92 Romeo and the Redag or, The Beleaguered Ranch, 404 Little Lartats or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 The Dalay from Denver. 427 ‘The Three Tratierss or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, ty Blof Bills or, The Lynx of the Leona. Bh Litile Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo, 684 COnehe Oarl, the Chico Giant ES, eH BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. @% Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 288 Joe buck of Angels and His Boy Pard, ; 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Nicks or, The Fortunes of a Foundling, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective. 618 Cool Colorado in New Yorks 1, The Cowboy’s Fight. BY GEORGE ©, JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor; or, Deadholi, the Kid Detective. 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. Svs Flute, the Singer Detective; or, Owney in a New Role, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Koll; or, Dan's Double Play, 616 The Ocean Detectives or. The Last Cruise of the Black Bear, GSI The Pitcher Detective’s, Toughest Tussle. 786 Larry the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every Side. 79 Lron Hand, the Charmed Detective 854 Uncle Sam’s Detective in Chicago. BY CHARLES MOKRis. 8S WIL Somers, the Boy Detective. 2 Phil Mardy, the Boss Boy. 6 Pleayune Vete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. Detective Dicky; or, The Hero in Rags, itandsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, W tll Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. Will Wildfire in the Wooda, Billy Baggage, the Railroad Bom A eet Jard 3 or, Will Wildfire Wine and Loses Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. Lob Rockett, the Bank Runner, The Iidden rf and or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. ¥red Malyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 180 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed } or, Bob Kockott’s Fight for Lite. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Wave, the Dandy Detective, 220 ‘Tom ‘fanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy, 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, 252 Dick Dashaway ¢ or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago, 262 The Young Sharpss or, ollicking Mike’s Ho Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jin’s Joy; or, The Young Detective, 208 The Water-Hound; or, The Youn, Thoroughored, 805 Dashaway, of Daketay or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 8141 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detectives or, Fred Flyers Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 8B7Y Larry, the Levelers or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 403 Firelly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 423 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective, 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret, 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagaoond. : A66 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or Entombed Alive, A79 Detective Dodge} or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty, 48s Wild Dick Racket; or, How He Fought for Honor, 501 Boota, the Boy Fireman; or, Too Sharp tor the Sharper, bé6 The Secret *ervice Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves, 627 Tom. Bruce of Arkananat or, The Woll in the Fold, 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 607 Mob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 709 The Ourbatone Detectives or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat, 7h? Detective Frank’s Sweep-stakea, 869 Ned Norman, the Gamin Broker, BY J0 PIEROE, BT Hob o” the Bowery 3 or, The Prince of Mulberry Street, 415 The Vagabond Detectives or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 Hotspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective, 460 The Lawyer’s Shadowy or Luke's Legaty. 472 Jaunty Jog, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. \ 504 Five Potnta Phil, the Pavement Prince, 609 Jack Jaggera, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil's Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 6388 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. 541 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. 651 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mystery, 559 Warlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 669 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective. / 5677 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, ! 688 Jack-o-Lantern, the Under-Soa Prospector, Wide-Awake Bert, the Strect-Steerer, 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer. rts uexiee Set a ha lg Ferret. 49 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a Slippery Set, 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. on eit d 688 Naltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator 694 Spicy Sim, the Only One of Hie Kind, 706 Tom Thiatle, the Road-House Detective. Z1T Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin. Dennia Puff the Brown Sport's Kid, Dick of the Docka, the Night-Watch, Flipper Flynn, the Street Patrol. Foxy Fred’« Odd Pards or, The Keener’s Huge Hustle, Cast-Off Cale, the Scapegoat Detectives Rowery Billy, the Beoco Bouncer, The Bir Four of the Bowery. , Ruck, the New Vork Sharper. 850 The Grand Street Arab. “ 855 The West Broadway Gamin. 860 The Reat-Club Mascot; or, Dan Decker’s Double Deal, 864 The Union Square Baggage Boy. RY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 6% Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Uaprnin Arizonays or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask or, Patent-Leether Joe's Defeat. 219 Deapard, the Pueliat; cr, The Moantain Vompires, 888 A Tough Boy} or, The Dwarf's Revenge. 868 Little Nepauda ¢ or, The Ontcasts of the Glen, 87K Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. BSS Little Oh-my ¢ or, Caught in His Own Trap. 401 Litt}> Shoo-Fly: or, A Race for a Ranch, 408 Little Leather-Breeches 3 or, Old Jumbo’s Curae, 481 Vittle Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood. : 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale ofthe fines 480 Three Jolly Parda; or, The Pets of Paddy’s Flat. 517 Jim Gladden’s Reputy; or, The Jolly Pard’s Campatgn. K2Q7T The Jolly Pardato the Rescues or, Tio Jack of Hearts, B47 Sandy Andy or, A Good Man Down, BSE Lariat Lil; or. The Onst fora Life, B74 Od Wenacl-top, the Man with the Dogs. BON Keen Slem, the Ranch imp. 599 Fim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618K Rilly Rinzess or, The Skeleton’s Legacy, gee Pada mM ee Pl lat pat BeaMtaht Zedaaek S Nappy Warry’a Big Find; or, The Beaw exe 66” Cheeky Charley the Special. uo ~ pk pk pt pak ph eh pk LEANNA Se we Se Nel SSWMENVENwS pees 7 \ , eee ee eT Ty ee, LET a sss...) SSS _o= BEADLE’S« H ALF-[DIME*« | IBRARY. Sublished Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm, F. Cody), 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand, 19 ‘The Phantom Spy: or, ‘ibe Pilot of the Prairie, 65 Deadly-Lye, the Gakuen Scent; or, The banded Brotherhood 68 Border Kobin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover, 158 fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trappers Trust, ‘ h BY COL, A. F. MOLT. S17 Wideawake, the Train-boy Detective, . Sti Mondlight Werr,’s Flyer; or, Duke Derby, 678 Meadlight hiiorry’s Hazard, 691 Headlight Harry's Maul; or, The Railroad Pards, 27% Weadlight hiarry’s Siren; or, Mad Madge. %59 Mendlight karry’s Heritage. 794 Headlight Rarry’s sf or, The Cache of Gold, Svy iack Buckahin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King; or, The Doomed Six. 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot ot the Woonr. G88 The Dandy Sport; or, The King Pin Conspirator, BY JOSEPH LE. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone duch 5s or, The Trappers 48 Black John, the Koad-Agent; or, Tho Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Uurricane ills or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 M ustans ty ag Ala King 0! the Plains. 186 et ody awk Kits or, The Daughter 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 Daan or, Fighting Fire with Fire, 184 The Roy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 203 The Boy Parday or, Dainty Lance Unmaska, f 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban or Celestial City, 810 The Rarranca Wolf’; or, The Beautiful Decoy, 819 The Black Rider}; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. 885 Old Double Fats or, Whe Strange Guide B55 The King of the Woods: or Danie) Boone’s Laat Trall. 419 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective 625 Chineapin Dan, the Boy Traltler. 677 Chineapin Dan's Second Trall, 688 Chincapin Dan’s ome &tretch, 698 Old Crazy, vie Man Without a lead, 7ZOR Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. Léghe-Heert Lute’s Last Trail. 728 Silverblade, the Bhoshone. 729 Silverblade, the Hall-blood, or, The Bordor Beagle at Bay. TBO Kilverblade, the Hostile, or, The Border Beagle’s Trall, T4858 Silverblade the Friendly; or, The Border Beagio’s Boy Pard BY J. W. OS BON. 469 The Rival Glants of Nowlar « 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Lueck, BST Old Ruckeye, tho Sierra Shadow, B64 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner; or, The Man Without a Past, 609 Bolly Dorrit, the \ eteran Detective. ¥ 620 Little Li htning’s Lenpgwet or, The Mystery of tne Island 688 Plucky Paul, the Boy Prospector, 751 Gold-Dust Dan, the Trail Patrol. Tbb Gold Dust Dan's Oath; or, Reckless Roy, the Regulator, WY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR OU, 8, A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 104 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or, The Gamblor Guide, BY EDWARD 8&8, ELLIS. 6 BULL Biddon, ere § Seth Jonea; or, ‘he Captives of the Frontier, 10 Nat Todd or, The Fate of the Sloux Captive, $s ‘xno Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners: or, The Enchanted Island, 182 The Wunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horsoman, 254 ‘The Walf-Blood ¢ or, The Panther of the Plaine, 271 Vhe liuge Hunters ¢r, The Steam Prairie Man, MISOELLANEOUS AUTHOR, 4 The Wild-Morse Hunters. By Ce. Mayne Rete and oe plies Fi ? Adventures o y RF 19 Ghulliver’s arava. ohne Seth, 14 Aladdin or, The Wonde here 16 Robinson Orunoe, . (47 Minsti 8.) 18 Sindbad the Satlor, His Seven Vo Se 22 The Sca Serpents or, The Boy Robinson Crasoe, By Juan owls, 68 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribens, By 8, W, Pierce, 86 The Roy Clowns or, The Arena Quoon, By # 9, Pim. BN Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 51 The Boy Rifesy or The Underground Camp. By A.C. Irons, 95 The Rival Rovera; or, The Freebooters of the Miestesippt By Lient.-Col, Haseltine, 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Ear); or, The Merry Men of Groene wood.. By Prof. Gildersleeve, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter, or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Wunter; or, 124 AR the Texans or, The Young Champion. By George epson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate's Stronghold, By Harry Cavendish, ' } 148 Bharp Samy or, The Adventures ora Friendiess Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. F @27 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowatone. ros poe. woe vine eka 261 Ferrus Fearnaught the Now ¥ irk Boy, . L, Alken, 266 Killb’ar. the Guide; +r, Davy Crockett's Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D, Warren, 298 ed Claw, the One-Eved Trapper; or, The Maid ot the Clif, By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete. the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Liew | tenant Alfred Thorne. f BH Boke sky, petective or, A Boy's Fight tor Life and Honot, aior Mickey Free. . 850 Hed Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother's Ree £65 Talti ie. a ear thlack Dotective > 4 n the Bootbine 0 on Bt%4 aahont woes or, Ben’a Donble Match, By G H. Morse, 8TH Dalifornia Joe's Firat Trati, By Colonel Thomas over Vonstery. ais Bitly Rombahell, the Clif Climber. By F. §, Winthrop. 75 The Black Ship, By John 8 Warner. 484 Comanche Mok and Hix Three invincibles. By Henrv J. Thomas. ; BS2 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forreat, BS2 Artel the Athlete, By David Drutds \ BRS WIT Waters, the Bov Ferret. By 11. Enton. 682 The Dead Petective’« Touble. By Gernld Carlton. 221 Maverick Mone, the Arizona Detertive; or, The Wizard of Urkos Pass, By Will Lisenbee, 809 Don Panton, the Gent from Denver, By King Keene, of the U.S, Seeret Service Corns, 814 Ace Migh, the Frisco Petective. Ry C.K. Trin. 830 The Grim Lodrera In Per Alley; or, Citizen Usibe of Number Seven. By Ben D. Haut ve) R21 The Ohieare Rramme ts Peet, Ry '. G, Rethure. 841 Deluge Oharile, the Cat?’s-Paw Sport. By Marma- duke Dav, 848 Pan, the River Snorts or, Molling the Frisco Sharp, By Pareld Payne, 861 Billy Brine, the Swamp Fox, Ry Chas. F. Welles, The Malf-Dime Library ww tor «1 cy rll Newndealers, five een ts per copy, or sent by mall op rarerpt 0! 61x Cente ene” 1 ° BEADLF Ae AA MS, Publishers, 98 William Bireet, New York, he Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe.’ By A. P. Morris, |
Page 16
BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. Diok, the Prince of the Road. Dick’s Deflance; or, Louble Daggers. Dick tn Disguise; or, Build, Ben. Dick In His Caatle, Dick’s Bonanzay o:, The Phantom Miner. Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. BT Deadwoud Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards et Floed Bar. 7B Deadwood Dick on Deok; or, Calamity é :ne, the Heroine $56 Masaweed Wisk in tavavilin’ Se aid woo eckim Leadville. he] ponarecs tne rey sans of The Double Cross Sign. eadwoo ek as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big ae, or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jeaebel. Bee puna weed ip poems 2° veegnid Jane’s Adventure, ead woo ck’s Dea eal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 283 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tougha, bor pene wees teas piss So 1 Spirit of Swamp Lake. ead woo ch’a Dew rail, 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; vor, The Gold Brick of Oregon, 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. Foe rae plese] eek wenseneesy or, The Terrible Vendetta, ead woo ek’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick tn Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Dinmonda, 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Duat; or, The Chained Hand. birt pend woes A si eee Crimson Crescent Sign, eadwoo ek, Jdr.’s, Deflance, 459 Deadwood Dick, Sr. itt Iound.U eadwo ek, Jr.’a, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Olsim 10. A71L Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a,. Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. at Bastiecd Bick, $5 Be Rect ck. Jr., in Deadwood, A491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. 5608 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. 622 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’a, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Danger Ducka, eae pentwone oad pe cer Itunt, end woo ck, Jr, in Texas. 5644 Dendwood Dick, Jr., the Wild Weat Vidocg 549 Deadwooa Dick, Jr., on His Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Gotham, 561 Deadwooa Jr., in Boston, aes Teen wood a 7 Disdelphia. cadwoo r., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood I Jr., Afloat. 584 Deadwooa 690 Deadwood 595 Deadwood 600 Deadwood 606 Deadwood 612 Deadwood 618 Deadwood 624 Deadwood 680 Deadwood 686 Deadwood 642 Deadwood 648 Deadwood 654 Deadwood 660 Dead vood 666 Deadwood 672 Deadwood 678 Deadwood 684 Deadwood 690 Deadwood 695 Deadwood 700 Deadwood TOA Deadwood 710 Deadwood 716 Deadwood 722 Deadwood 728 Deadwood 784 Deadwood 740 Deadwood 7 Deadwood 752 Deadwood 758 Deadwood 764 Deadwood 770 Deadwood 776 Deadwood TS32 Deadwood TST Deadwood 7Z92 Deadwood T9T Deadwood 802 Deadwood 807 Deadwood 812 Deadwood 6 Deadwood 822 Deadwood 1 Deadwood 20 Deadwood 28 Deadwood 85 Doadwood Deadwood 49 Deadwood Jdr., In Denver, Jr.s, Decree, Jr., in Beelxebub’s Basin. Jr., at Coney Island. Jr.%*% Leadville Lay. Jr., in Detroit. Jr., in Cincinaatl. Jr., in Nevada. Jr., lw No Mau’s Land. Jr., After the Queer. Jr., In Buffalo. Jr.’s, Chase Acroas the Continent Jr., Among the Smugglers. Jr.’a, Iresuronce Case. Jr, Rack in the Mines. dr., {n Durango; or, Gathered In.” Jr.’a, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune, Jr.’a. Dansle. Jr.'s. Dollara. Jr. af Danger Divide, Fey Jr.’s, Still Hunt. >» dr.’s, Dominoes, Jr.’a, Disguine, Jr.'s, Double DeaL Dick, arte, Dark D Picks q* : er aye. e r.» Defled, Dick, Jr.’«, Double Device. Dick, Jr’.«, Deaperate Venture.) Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice, Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flush, pink, ae enaom ek, dr.’ val. Dick, Jr.’a, Boom. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Scoop. 884 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Proxy. $40 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Clutch. 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, High Horse. 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devil’« Guich. 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Neath-Hole Hustle, 868 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Bombshell, S70 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexteo, S76 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Decoy Duck, eadwoo eck, Jr., in ver Pocke 882 Dead d Dick, Jr., in Sil Pocket BY WM. G. PATTEN. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown, 66% Violet Vane’« Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out, 698 Violet and Datsy, the a 4 Parda. 705 Violet Vane’s Vow; or, The Crafty Detective’s Crait. 724 Violet Vane’s Vengeance; or, The, Wipe-Out, TBO Violet Vange’s Verdict; or, The Game af Coffin City. 1 Violet Vane, the Ventriloguist Vidocq; or, Sport vs, Sport. 0 Violet Vane, the Vanquished. or, The Life Strugg'e. 68 Violet Vane’s Vislony or, The Fiery Hand of Kate. 4 The Diamond bla golg or, The Doubla Face of Bed Rock, 19 Captain mystery ; or, Five in One. 681 Dalsay ware the Sport from Denver. GST Old Kombshell, tho Ranger Detootive. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire; or, Among the Vultures. 619 The Bey. eamp Detertret ot, The Double Grip Witness andy Pard; or, The Clue to Capt, Claw e Young Amateur Detective ‘1 ild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, : old y the Man fron Missouri. 39 Bam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special. BEADLE’S«H ALF- DIME« | IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Hach 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, Loy], the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 2TZ Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee's Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones. 255 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 896 Denver Dell’s Drift; or. The Road Queen. 865 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gutherers or, The Life Lottery, 87% Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up, 885 Yreka Jjm’s meksrs or, The Rivals of Red Nose. 889 Yreka Jim’s New Role; or, Bicycle ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front 3 or/The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister's Devotion. 248 Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprinta, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard yj or, The Angel of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven} or, The Stolen Bride, 884 Kangaroe Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 69 The Boy Detective; or, Guid Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arvba and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the pore Detective 145 Oaptaiu Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Deteetive : or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 201 Turk the Boy Ferret. $25 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat 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, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Billg or, The Red Rifle Team. 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Lill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator, or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol: or, The Rival Heirs, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. © 808 ’Liza Jane, the Jirl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 880 Little Qu! ck-Shot 3 or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville, 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. B78 Nabob Ned3 or, The Srcret of Slub City. B88 Cool Kit, the Kirg of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkier, or The Tribunal of Ten. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 623 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affuir at Tombatone. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumphs or, Black Dan’s Gieat Combine. 646 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 5668 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions, 576 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Wana, the Dutch Vidocg; or, Hot Times at Round-Up 61L Bildnd Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective, 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy; or, The Mealy of Two Lives. 699 Biraple Sim, the Broncho Buster: or, For Big Stakes. 712 The Meamertat Sport; or, The Mystified Detective, 788 Toltee Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kansas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective, 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective, 778 The Ruatler of Rolling Stone. 785 Lone Hand Joe, the Committee ot One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck, 882 The Doctor Detective in Texas. / 872 Two Showmen Detectives in Colorado. BY J. ©. COWDRICK, 669 Broadway B 675 Broadway Billy’« Beat; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. 687 Broadway 696 Broadway B 708 Broadway ewe? Billy’s area 0 Snap. 506 Hedlight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 4 The re pad Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve ve. 548 Mart, the Expres D ott 5T1 Alr-Line uke the Toute Read tess or, The Donble Case 592 Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Ont. The 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyelone. 640 eback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, oat ES hed thoy: Tilly, the Merchant's Ward. 65 comlight Morgan the‘ Pizenest’’ Maw of Ante Bas. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 888 New York Nat’s Crook-Chaso. 8S%T7 New York Nat’s Tramp Card. 87i New Yerk Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Naw’s Masked Muscet. 859 New Yerk Nat, the Gumip Detective. 858 Dick Deem’s Kidnapper Kueck-Out. 847 Dick Deom’s Ton Strike. $42 Dick Doewm’s Flush Hand. Diek Deem’s Death-Grip; er, The Detective by Destiny, %7T Dick Deeom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. 784 Dick Doem; or, the Sharps and Sharks of New York. Dick Deem in Bostom; or, A Man of Many Masks. Dick Deem tu Chicngo. Dick Deem in the Wild West. Dick Doem’s Cleun Sweep; ¢r, Five Links in a Clue. 808 Dick Deom’s Death Clue, Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. Dick Doem’a Girl Mascot. Dick Deom’s Shadow Hunt. Dick Deem’s Big Neul. Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captives. 760 Dashing Charlic’s Pawmee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 72T Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; r, The Bed Riders of the Rio Grande. 560 Pawnee Billy the Prairie Shadower, Pawnee Bill; ory Curl, the Mud Cowboy. Pawnee Bills Pledge} or, The Cowboy's Doom, 2awnee Bills or, Daring Dick, Redfern’s Curious Case; m, The Rival Sharps. | Redfern at Devil’s Ranch; or, The Sharp from Texas, Redtern’s High Hand; or, Blue Jacket, Redfern’s Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, Red Ralph’s Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Miashipman, Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailor. Red Ralph, the Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy, 644 Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. : 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Express Rider. » 656 Butterfly Biliy’s Maw» Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; or, ‘he Owls of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower ; or, the Card Queen, 575 Kent Kingdon’s Wuel3 cr, The Surgeon Scout, 586 Kent Kingdon’s Voom; or, The Buckskin Avenger. 645 Lafitte Run Dow n; or, The Pucaneers of Barrataria, 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 5655 Lafitte’s Confessl ony or, The Creole Corsair, 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. 95625 The Buckskin Brothers In Texas. 580 The Buckekin Bowers; or. The Cowbuy Pirates, 585 The Buckskin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive. 5640 The Buckskin Pardws#’ Quest; or, Captain Ku-Klux, 508 The Royal Middy; or, The Shark anv tne Sea Cat. 507 The Royal Middy’s Luck ; or, The Hunted Midshipman 511 The Royal Middy’s Foe. 450 Wizard Will; or, The Boy Ferret or New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. 474 Wizard Will's Pard; or, Flvra, the Flower Girl. 488 Wizard Will’s Last Case; or, The Ferrets Afloat. 429 Duncan Dare, she Boy Refugee. 488 Duncan Dare’s Plot; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. 487 Duncan Dare’s Prize; or, The Sea Raider. 441 Duncan Dare’s Secret: or, The Ocoan Firefly. 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirater; or, The Fatal League, 407 Isodor’s Double Chase; or, The Boy Insurgent. 12 Isodor’s War-Cloud Cruise; or, The Wild Yachtsman. 216 Bison Bill, the Prines of the Reins. 222 Bison Bill’s Clue; or, Grit, the Bravo Sport, 804 Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma, 808 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Keno Kit. 814 Dead Shet Dandy’s Defiancet or, The Boy Bugler. 607 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chic; or, The River Detective. 245 Merle Monte’s Leap for Life. 250 Merle Monte’s Mutiny : or, Brandt, the Buc aneer, 264 Merle Monte’s Treasure Island. 269 Merle Monte the Condemned, 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or,“ The Gold Ship” Chase, 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, The Pirate's Pride. 284 Merle Monte’s Pledge: or. The 5ea Marauder. 197 The Kid Glove Sport; or. Little Grit, the Wild Rider, 204 The Kid Glove Sport’s. Doems; or, Buffalo Bill, Pony Exprees Rider, 885 Dead-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike, > the 867 Dead Shot Ralph’s Prep. S878 Deck-Hawk HNoy’s Big coop. ouster, $25 Marlo, the Cowboy € 781 Ruth Redmond, the Gir) Shadower. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flay. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 597 The Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor. 5680 The Outcast Cadets or, The False Detective, 495 Arizona Joe or, The Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger 468 Neptune Ned, the boy Conster; or, Pirate in Spite, 462 The Sailor Boy Wanderer; or, The Born Guide. 446 Haphazard ore A or, The Sea Scapegrace. 898 The Red Olaspe tandsay or, The Boy Lieutenant, 887 Warpath WII, the Traitor Guide. 888 The Indian Pilots; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover; or, The Fingless Schooner. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, 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, 111 The Sea-Devil 3 or, The Midshipman’s Legacy, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Smuggier , or, The Cruise of the Vixen,. %5& The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea- Wolf. 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 1% Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccanver; or, The Fugitive Yacht, ? The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Ontcast. LATEST AND NFW ISSUES. 886 The Five Potuts Lodging House Janitor; or, Monk Merry and the Italien. By Jo Plerce. 887 Battery Bob, the Dock Detective; or, Rounding-up the Western Sharps. By J. C. Cowdrick, 888 Monte Saul, the Sport; or, High Hustling at Dead Latch. By Wm, R. Eyster. 889 New York Nat’s Deadl Ferret’s Snap Shot, By Col, P. Ingraham. 890 Ace itigh, the Tramp Card Detective; or, Old Nat Hicks in New York. By Jo Plerce, 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Clean Sweep}; or, Pistol Polly of Nuggetyille. By E. L. Wheeler. 892 Bowery Bob in Chinatown; or, 5am Sing, tlie East Side Sport. By Harold Payne. 808 Farrel Fox’s Sweep Stakes; or, The Boss Counter- fetter’s Round-ap. By Dan Dunning. $94 Arizona Dick’s Wipe-Qut; or, Dare Devil Dave’s Death- Trap. By J.C. Oowdridk. Deal; or, The Unknown A New lssne"Every Tuesday. Half.Dime Library is for sale by all newsdenlers, five. Ty pany meer f mpeed yk Bi debe pap Phy tar Boe TREADS SR ADA, CORT,