Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 912) (1895 01 15)
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tp os LE LELELE: Vib ib Ve i a a 88S ala oe es! it! fi Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1895, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, January 15, 18y5. | " °-UBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS i O 912. $2.50 I ADLE MS. Price, J Sisety. | a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. Vol. XXXVI. Im Tit OTT) i idininiiine - Mesa m i | Sa = | | ll | li —=- + TTL: Hie | Hey til Wa TH AIN-BOY Trisr'¢ Hot Hustle; | | iE OR Bouncing the Broadway Crock i" BY J. C. COWDRICK, ‘AUTHOR ‘‘ BROADWAY BILLY ” NOVELS, ETO, CHAPTER I. THE “SCRAP” ON THE TRAIN. A tTHRrouGH Express on the Pennsylvania Railroad was bowling rapidly along toward New York, The conductor entered the snmfdking-car and carefully scanned the passengers there, as if in search of some particular individual, In a moment he sighted the person wanted ‘ TRAIN-BOY TRIST, and, advancing straight to him, touched him 1" ee eee
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2 upon the shoulder, causing the passenger to look up quickly, when, seeing who it was, the man fumbled for his ticket. He was a young man, maybe twenty-eight years of age, good-looking and well dressed. He wore a high hat, a fine, black coat, light trowsers, and sported a diamond upon his necktie. He looked the polished gentleman, from top to toe, yet the practiced eye could havetold at a glance that it was only veneer. ‘‘T don’t want your ticket,” said the con- ductor, in a low tone, ‘‘but I'll take that pocketbook, if you please ’ The fellow’s face paled, slightly, but he quickly summoned all the nerve and ef. frontery he could command, assuming a manner of greatest indignation. ‘* Sirrah! what do you mean?” he cried. ‘*] know you, and you know well enough what I mean,” answered the conductor, coolly. ‘‘ Give me the pocketbook you took from that young woman back there in the other car—quick!” The fellow’s exclamation had drawn the attention of the passengers, and nearly every one of those further forward had turned in their seats. One, a youth of eighteen, per- haps, in the far end of the car, had sprung to his feet and was moving down the aisle. “Take that!” the well dressed villain cried, as, leaping up, he dealt the conductor a blow in the face that dropped him to the floor like a log, while the slung-shot the scoundrel had used disappeared up his sleeve before it could be seen by any one, Many of the passengers were upon their feet instantly; but, quicker than the rest, was the youth. Two or three bounds and he was face to face with the rascal who had struck the cowardly plow. The conductor was lying as still asif dead, and blood was running from a spot near one of his temples, where the slung shot had done its dreadfui work. **You infernal blackleg in broadcloth!” cried the youth, boiling over with indigna- tion, shaking his fist in the fellow’s face. ‘‘ What did you do that for? I have a notion to paste you!” “ Better have a care how you meddle,” warned the polished scamp. ‘‘Istruck him because he insulted me, and I would do it again, under the same provocation, He said something that reflected upon my good character. I’m sorry that my ring cut him, though.” ‘Your ring!” cried the youth, disdain fully. ‘It was a slug, that’s what it was!” ‘“Keep away from me, young man, or I will harm you. I am not accountable to you, I guess. If the man had not insulted me J would not have struckhim. Keepoff, I tell’ you!” “You have not only struck him, but maybe killed him. Men, help me to capture this fellow,” appealing to the rest of the pas- sengers. ‘‘ John Lynch was my friend, and even if he wasn’t I would take a hand in this scrap just the same. You can’t get away from Trist Finley, you coward!” The rascal was trying to back away, making his excuses as he did so, but the de. termined youth kept close to him. It was quite probable that the man was afraid to use the ‘‘slug ” a second time. Some of the passengers made a move to re- spond to the younger man’s call. Unquestionably the rascal would have been placed cat arrest, but, just at the critical moment something happened, There was a shock; all who were upon their feet were sent violently headlong in a forward direction, at the sudden slacking of the speed of the train, a succession of jerks and bumps followed, ,until the train soon came toa stop. Among the first to recover was the youth, ‘who immediately looked around to find the man he was determined to detain, but was SS in time to see him crawling out at the oor, ; *‘ Hold on there!” he shouted, ‘‘ Don't you think you are goin’ to get away, for you ain't.” He tried to get at him, but the other passen- gers, all more or less frightened out of their senses, got in his way, and the fellow made good his escape. When, finally, the youth did reach the door, the man was nowhere to be seen, and in the darkness it was as good as useless to look further for him. Besides, there was something else to do Trist Finley, as we have learned the youth's name to be, was a newsboy in the employ of the Union News Company. He was popu- larly known as Train-boy Trist, and was a special, or extra. He could take any run, anywhere, at short notice, aud was just now on his way home after doing such service. Finding it useless to look further for his ‘* blackleg in broadcloth,” he turned back in- to the car to give attention to the conductor, Some of the passengers had lifted him up, and he was just coming to, Trist stooped to pick up his cap, where it was lying on the carpet of the aisle, and as he did so a paper under one of the seats caught his eye. This was the seat the well-dressed rascal had occupied, and the thought’came to Trist immediately on seeing the paper that it was something that had been dropped by him. Nor was he mistaken. That paper, in his hands, was destined to play an important part, CHAPTER II. TRIST GETS A STARTER. Tue place where the sudden stop had been made was Amboy Junction. It was no accident, but a narrow escape from such. There was a freight train in the act of ‘‘ crossing over,” and there had been a delay in displaying the proper signals. ° When the signals were first seen by the engincer of the Express he was only a short distance from them, and it required the promptest kind of action to bring his train to a halt. There was no time to stop gradually; it had to be done at once. But it was only a brief delay; barely sooner had the halt been made than the whistle sounded and one of the trainmen came through in quest of the conductor. Train:boy Trist had just risen from picking up the conductor’s cap. He had shoved the paper into bis pocket. ‘* What's the matter?’ the trainman asked, excitedly, seeing the blood on the conductor's face. ‘‘ Did his head strike a seat?” ‘“No, he got a swat before the shock came,” answered Trist. ‘* A dude in broad- cloth hit him with a slug, and 1 would have had the feller, if it hadn’t been for the sudden stand-up.” ‘‘ What did he hit ’im for? Wish I'd seen him do it!” ‘‘That’s the puzzle of it; 1 don’t know what it was for,” said Trist. ‘* But, John will be able to tell us soon's he pulls to- gether. The conductor had now been placed in one of the seats, and one of the passengers was examining his wound with something of the air of aman who knew what he was about, He shook his head. ‘Ts it bad?” inquired the trainman. ‘¢ Where does he live?” the man asked, in- stead of answering. ‘* He lives at Rahway.” ‘Ha! that is excellent. He must be put off there and taken home, He is dangerous- ly hurt.” , “ Are youa doctor, sir?” uf Tes.) \ “That settles it. I'll signal the engineer to stop there, and we'll put him off and I'll report to headquarters, ‘Trist, will you stay } by him and help in gettin’ him home?” The trainman hurried out, and Trist’ as- sisted the doctor in bandaging the conduc- tor’s head as well as it could be done tem- porarily. The conductor appeared to be partly conscious, opening his eyes now and then, but made no effort to move his head from where the doctor placed it when he had. fin- ished the bandaging. By that time the train rolled into Rahway and stopped. The trainmen and Trist carried the injured man out and gently placed him in a carriage, and Trist anda man employed around the station went home with him. Meantime a doctor had been summoned by telephone from the station, and by the time the carriage reached the house the doctor was on hand there to take charge of the case. It was an hour later before the conductor came to. His wife and Trist were the only ones_in the room at the time, the doctor having taken leave. The conductor suddenly raised himself up- on his elbow and asked: ‘«Ts the train in all right?” ‘* Don’t you worry your head about the train,” said Trist, ‘* The trainis all right, and so are you.” ‘‘ Ha!is it you, Trist? And you, Mary?” asthe wife gently pressed him down upon the pillow. ‘‘ Now I remember; that toney sneak struck me, didn’t he?” ‘* You bet he did!” cried Trist, ‘‘ And I’m dyin’ to know what he done it for. He hit you a swat with a slug that almost fixed you out, I’m tellin’ ye. What did he hit ye for?” ¢ ‘‘Because 1 got on to him, and he was afraid I would give him away or have him arrested. He stole a pocketbook from a young woman in one ofthe passenger cars, and J went for him and demanded it back again, He pretended innocent, and that’s about all { remember,” ‘The sneak! I would ’a’. had him, but just "bout that time Gordon slapped on the air and brought us all up standin’ and stood uson our heads or the next thing to it, and he got away.” ‘* What happened?” Trist explained briefly, and quickly re- turned to the subject in which he had more interest. ‘Did you know the feller?” he asked. ** Yes,” answered the conductor. ‘ His name is Jason Gorman, and heis a Broad- way crook of the first water,” * T’ll crook him, if I can get onto. him for this crack he gave, you, John, I hope I kin find him. But, what about the girl?” ‘*T don’t know, poor child, She was cryin’, and asked me to help her find her pocketbook. She thought she had lost it on the floor, but I knew better than that a once,” / : ‘“‘ How did you get onto Gorman?” ‘“Why, I saw him talking with her, be- | tween Philadelphia and Trenton and I took her then for an ally of his and paid no fur- ther attention at the time; but when she told me of her loss, then I saw she was his vic- tim instead, and] went for him at once,” irl?” ‘Mighty little. She said that she was traveling alone, and that she was on her way to Now York, All the money she had was in her pocketbook, and some valuable papers. She seemed to care more for the papers than for the money. ‘It begins to git interestin’, don’t it, Mrs. Lynch?” “Yes, it certainly does,” the conductor’s wife agreed, — nik aii a Ray ea “What did you find out about the | Funniest part of it, shelet fall the fact that she had runaway from home.” ; *
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ia! / 4] in " money. exclaimed, as soon as he had read it, Train-Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle. ‘‘You didn’t learn her name, did you?” Trist next asked. ft "Yes, I did; she said her name was stamped in her pocketbook—Sarah Sweet- apple,” ‘*T’ll bet she was a rosy gal, with a name like that,” laughing. } **She was a fine looking girl,” the con- ductor declared, ‘‘ as fresh as a flower, and about twenty years old at a guess,” “And no tellin’ what’s become’ of her, now, reachin’ New York without friends or Hang me if I wouldn't like to take a hand in this game, John, and see that she pulls through all right.” **Tt wouldn't be the first piece of detective work you have done, Trist.” ‘« That’s so: but, here is no clue, and I am all at sea. Besides, she is in New York while I am away out here, Guess I'll have to give it up.” ** But, I'm afraid Jason Gorman will work her some injury, if he has got her papers and they are of any value. The case ought to be put in the hands of the police, and you can do that.” ‘*That’s so, sure enough; and I have said I'd get one in on him for this swat he gave you. I'll do it; there’s just time to get the next train to New York, if we only knowed where Gorman hangs out, then it wouldn’t be such trouble to get at him, maybe.” ** All you have got to do is to tell Byrnes, and his men will hunt him out.” ‘« Yes, they are lightnin’, no mistake, when they want to be.” Trist had sprung to his feet, ready to leave the house, with a glance at his watch. He thrust his hand into his pocket for a time-table, and in pulling it outa piece of paper came with it and dropped to the floor. Mrs. Lynch picked it up. ‘‘Here, you dropped something,” she said, handing it to him. Trist took it, but it required a second glance to recognize what it was, and he ex- claimed: **Ha!l now I remember, ane a pointer.” It was the paper he had picked up under the seat in the smoking-car, when he stoop- ed to get Lynch’e cap. ‘* What is it?” the conductor asked. Trist explained while he opened the paper and held it up to the light. It was a half-sheet of note paper, and it had been very closely folded, as if to put in a small space, *“This puts me onto it!” the news-special ** Now I’ve got a clew, and you see if I don’t make things hum! Just listen to this: “*New Yor, Oct, 15th, 94. ** *SaRAn:— ‘** Here is the money, sent as you desired. If what you say is true, and you are de- termined to leave, come straight to my house. You will be of age the 20th of November, and I will then aid you to get Beng tg of the fortune. Do not fail to ring the papers. * “**Samuren RusHKrn, No. —— Amsterdam Ave., N. Y.’” This may give CHAPTER IIL. | SOME FACTS ABOUT THE CASE, | * What do you think of that?” Train-boy ‘Trist demanded, as soon as he had read the letter aloud. | ‘I think itis enough to puta fellow like Jason Gorman, the Broadway Crook, up to a scheme to get a finger in that fortune, if he- can,” said the injured conductor, “and it is for you to block his game, Trist.” “And I'll do it, too, if it is in the wood, you bet!” the youth exclaimed, in determin. ed tone. ‘‘ This gives me a starter, anyhow, and if [ don’t make it lively for Jason Gor- f man it will be’cause I can’t do it, that’s all. And [ll get in an extra lick for you, John.” A few words more, and Trist ‘eft the house and made all haste to the railroad station. He was none too soon to catch the train to the city. His pass was good on any train, and on his way in he was required to tell all about what had happened on the” Express, to eager listeners, Trist did not disclose the whole matter, however, thinking it just as well not to do so, since he meant to try a little detective work upon the case himself, to see what he could do with if, As soonas he reached New York he set out for Amsterdam avenue, late as it was. He knew the young woman had had more than ample time to reach her destination, and that if not there it was quite likely something had happened. Reaching the desired neighborhood, he was not long in finding the number he wanted, and made no hesitation about pull- ing the bell. The house was dark from bottom to top. Presently a window was heard to rise, and a sleepy voice called out: ** Who is there?” ‘*Ts that Mr. Rushkin?” asked Trist. “Yes,” the response. ‘‘ Who are you, and what do you want?” ‘‘T want to see you, sir, on a matter of importance—something that you would not want me to shout,” ** Who are you?” ‘I’m a messenger, sir.” ‘* All right; be down in a minute,” Trist waited, and presently a light ap- peared in the hall and the door was un- locked. The news company’s special found himself face to face with a fierce-looking man about fifty years old, with a bald head and portly paunch, The man looked at him keenly. - ‘*Say, has Sarah Sweetapple got here all right?” Trist made haste to ask. Ir. Rushkin gave a great start, ‘‘““No, she isn’t here,” he answered. ““What do you know about Sarah Sweet- apple, anyhow?” “*T don’t know as much about her as I want to, that’s sure,” was the rejoinder, “for I'm afraid that something has hap- pened to her. She was on the train to-night from Philadelphia.” The man was now alive with interest and somewhat excited. ** Come inside,” he said hurriedly. ‘‘ Tell me all about this, and just what you know about it.” Trist stepped into the hall and the man closed the door. ‘*] don’t know much about it,” he de clared ‘‘I only know that she was on the train, and that she fell in company with a} blackleg ergok who robbed her of her pocket- book and papers—” ‘‘ Good heavens!” *‘That’s what I say, too, Mr. Rushkin, and the sooner we get a move on us to find the young lady, the better for her health.” * Yes, yes, but how did you know that I live here, and that I’m her uncle? I am puzzled to know that. Did you get ac- quainted with the young lady on the train, in some way?” ‘‘Have never seen her in my life,” an- swered Trist. ‘' Wouldn’t know her if I fell over her. As to knowin’. you was her uncle, I didnt,” The man looked at him in a state of be- wilderment. ‘* This is how I knowed where you live,” Trist added, showing the letter be had found, Mr. Rushkin grabbed it eagerly. ‘Yes, yes, it is the note 1 wrote to her,” he cried, ‘‘ Goodness me! but something yay, x ee re tir, Fi ys al ei ae y if S i EO UEN + Piha! Swe Ee |S oy ares Oy VEER ob must be done, and that at once, or she'll be lost. ~I will go straight to the police.” ** Yes, that is what you had better do,” agreed Trist. ‘‘ Maybe they can do some- thing, and meantime I'll be hustling to see what I kin do.” ‘**But, where did you get this?” **Oh, yes, I must tell you that. JI found it on the floor where the fellow sat who robbed her of her pocketbook, and this must ‘a’ dropped out of it when he was lookin’ over its contents,” ** And who was the rascal?” “Yes, you must tell the police that, sure, His name is Jason Gorman, and he is an out- and out crook.” Trist then told the whole story, as briefly as possible, to which Mr. Rushkin listened with intense interest, and as soon as he con- cluded Trist asked: ‘*Now what can young lady?” ‘* What do you want to know?” ‘‘ Anything that will be of use to me in finding her, or in balking that fellow Gorman from cheating her out of her rights,” ‘* Well, she is my niece, my dead sister’s child. Her mother died when she was very young, and her “father gave her into the eeping of his sister to bring up, as he trust- ed her more than me. later. “‘T have kept an eye on her in a quiet way, though, all these years, and once when Iseen her [ told her, privately that if she ever needed a friend she mustn't forget her Uncle Sam. And she didn’t. Not a great while ago I got a letter from her, showin’ that she was in a peck of trouble. “Tt seems her aunt and uncle on that side, Skinner by name, have gota only son just turned of age, and they was bent and de- termined that Sarah should marry him whether or no, and she objected. lt was only to get their clutches onto the girl’s for- tune, you see, for she soon comes of age and then she will come into quite a snug sum that’s awaitin’ her. ‘*She wrote to me, tellin’ me all about it, and sayin’ that she wasn’t allowed any com- pany but Tom Skinner’s, and she didn’t have a penny ot money, for fear she would: write to me or runaway. And she wanted me to send her money so that she could run away and come-to me, tellin’ me to send the letter in name of Sarah C. Smith, and she would fet it at the post-office herself. And that’s what I done, as you see by this.” you tell me about the He died a few years “Bully fer you!” exclaimed Train boy Trist. ‘‘You are the kind of a man to couple up to, every time. It ‘is for you and me to roll up our sleeves and go into this thing, and if we can’t knock some spots off of Jason Gorman and his scheme it will be funny. Give me your fin, uncle!’‘ Trist grabbed the old man’s hand whether he would or not, and gave it a hearty shake. ‘“‘ And what are you going to do now?” the old man asked. “Tam going straight back to the station in Jersey City, and take a start. from there and see if I can get on track of your niece, or of Gorman, Broadway Crook, either one. I only wish I knowed what she looks like—” ‘**Hold on, I have got a pictur’ of her up- Stairs,” **That’s jest the cheese,” ‘* It's a couple of years old, but I reckon it will look enough like her now to be of sone use.” “Yes, an’ it will beat no picture all hol- ler, I kin add a couple of years in my mind and ’magine how she orter look now, you see. Trot it out, Uncle Sam, and then we’ll get down to business.” The man hurried up the stairs, where Trist heard him talking earnestly with a woman for some minutes, and then back he came with a picture in his hand. ‘“‘There she is!” he suid. ‘‘Take a good look at her and fix her face in your salod,
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Train-Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle, and if you can bring her to us safe and | that led up to the domain of the dispatchers, sound I'll give you twenty dollars, spot,cash as a reward.” Trist looked at the likeness searchingly. lt was that of a splendid-looking young woman, and he fixed the features well in his | mind. ‘All right, uncle,” he said; then, ‘I’m going for that sawbuck, you bet! I will re- | move my shadder, now, and you get a tall | and reaching the dispatchers’ room, entered. ‘** Know where Baby McKee is?” he asked. “Guess you’ll find him in the ’phone box ” Trist pushed right on, knowing the place meant,’ and came to the closet where the telephone switches were. And, there was ‘‘ Baby.” ‘*Hello, Baby!” Trist greeted. ‘I have hustle onto you and give the facts to the | come to see you.” police. If we don’t kick up a rumpus that ‘‘ All right, Trist; just wait till I give this will make somebody sick then I miss my | feller some guff.” guess, that’s all.” With that Trist took leave, hastening back to the ferry. CHAPTER IV. STRIKING THE ‘TRAIL, Ir would be quite useless, he knew, for him to make any inquiries on the New York side of the river. The passengers pour in and out, and no one is personally noticed by the employees stationed there. Of course, it is the same on the other side, with the difference that there are more em ployees, and there the baggage is looked af- ter, There, too, Trist was well known, and he believed that he might fall in with some one who had noticed the young lady, Anyhow his chances there were better. It was past midnight when he reached the great station. He entered, looked around for some fa- miliar face, and the first one he encountered was that of one of the gatemen. “Hello, Ben!” he greeted. ‘That you, Trist? How are you?” **Ableto sit up, thank you. Say, was you here when the Express arrived?” ‘* You bet,” ‘* Take any notice of the passengers?” *‘ No more’nto see ’em makin’ a line for the ferry-boat. Why?” ‘“You are of no use to me, then. T’ll have to find some-body else, Want to get on track of a certain passenger,” He passed through the doors and out into the shed, where a late train was about start. ing, and employees were running to and fro upon one errand or another. 4 Another train was expected in at the same time, and the baggagemen were getting ytheir trucks in order for the reception of whatever. baggage there might be to handle. Near the gates opposite to the track upon which the train was looked for, was a bag- gage-express runner, with book and pencil in hand. Trist knew him well. ** How do, Mick!” he accosted. ** Hello, Trist,” the response, was?” q ‘**Did you meet the Express when it came, in, Mick?” designating which one. “Yes, [ was here; why?” ** See anything of a nice. lookin’ young lady that seemed to be in a bushel! of trouble about somethin’ ?” “‘That’s what I did; seen her talkin’ to Baby McKee.” ** Where did she 20?” ‘**Don’t know. .. Find Baby, and maybe he can tell you more about her.” * All right; that’s what I'll have to do, for I want to get on track of that pretty damsel, you bet!” ’ *« Crooked?” ‘* Not a bit, but there is a crook after her, and if I don’t put a spoke in his wheel it will be ’cause | can’t spell Abel with a big ‘* How you \ . 4 With a wave of the hand, then, Train-boy Trist was off in quest of Baby McKee, who, by the way, was not the original of that name, but a messenger-boy who had been so «dubbed. Trist went out and around to the stairs KS Se ee ee ee eS eee YS a ee ee ae ee The boy was busy with the plugs, trying to put somebody in communication with somebody else, and finally he got things ad- justed satisfactorily. “There,” he said, ‘“now you can see me all you want to, Trist, till somebody else rings me down. 1 wish I wasa girl, when- ever they put me in this coffin to ’tend the plugs.” ‘* Why, how's that, Baby?” inquired Trist. ***Cause, then the men would be polite. I know how it goes. It would be—Yes, dear, and—No, dear; snd you could almost taste honey while you listened. But, soon asa boy is at the plugs, then it’s—Hustle, you darn monkey, and buckle on that con- nection!” Trist had to laugh at the boy’s earnestness, but got immediately down to business. ‘*T wanted to see you about that young woman that came in on the Express, and spoke-to you,” he said. ‘* Who was she?” ** Wasn't she jest the daisy dame, though!” said Baby. ‘‘ It’s my beauty that draws ‘em to me, Trist. Now, if you was only good- lookin’ like I am, you might stand some show—” “Oh! dry up!” cried Trist. ‘I'm not foolin’. There is a Broadway crook after that young lady, and I’mon the trail to dump his apple-cart.” ‘‘Ha! is that so? Then, he’s the chappie that spoke to her, I bet!” ‘‘Somebody spoke to her? When?” “Just after she left me and was goin’ to the boat.” ‘What sort o’ lookin’ fellow was he, Baby? Maybe he was the very customer I am after.” : ‘Rather good-lookin’ man, with a plug hat, flash pin, and light trowsers, I took him fer a millionaire, or a counter-jumper, or somethin’ like that.” ‘The very fellow!” averred Trist. ‘‘ That was Jason Gorman, Baby, one of the biggest | Broadway crooks in New York—if that is | where he lives, which I don't kuow fer a fact. I want to know, though.” ‘“Then he was the feller what hit John Lynch!” “ The same fellow.” ‘Why didn’t J know that? If I wouldn't had him run in double-quick my name ain't Sam!” ‘But, about the young womun, Baby: what did she say to you?” ‘‘She wanted to know which ferry would take her nearest to Amsterdam avenue, in New York.” “* And what did you tell her?” **T told herit didn’t make much difference, for she would have to take the cars anyhow, and if it was me I'd take the Cortlandt,” “* What did she say to that?’ ‘“Why, she said she was going to walk, and that was the reason she wanted to know the nearest way; and then I told her to take the Desbrosses, Don’t see what in the name of Tut:i Frutti she wanted to walk for.” ‘* Because she had no money to ride, Sam, that’s the reason.” ‘* No mon?” ‘“*Not a cent; that fellow Gorman had robbed her.” ‘“Why didn’t I know that? I would ’a’ give her the price, on her good looks.” ‘* And that was all she said to you?” ** That’s all.” ee if you were here about eleven o'clock.” “And you don’t know which boat she really did take?” **No, but I think she meant to take the Desbrosses, as I told her; but she went with that fellow.” ‘* Just what I expected. He, must have jumped on the rear end of the train and come right in with it, maybe puttin’ on a disguise to do so, after hittin’ Lynch the way he did.” “That must ‘a’ been it.” ‘* Well, that is about all you can tell me, I guess, Baby, and there is a ring fcr you, so I'll slide. Ta-ta!” With that, Trist playfully blew a kiss to the messenger-boy, and withdrew and has- tened away, to puzzle his brain as to how he was going to follow the trail further, He had made some progress, now, that was certain, but there it seemed to end as suddenly as if he had run up against a dead wall. And the worst of it, there appeared to be no outlet anywhere. ‘“‘T’m afraid I’m stuck,” he said to him- self. ‘‘Gorman has got her in New York, and they are just as much lost there as if they had gone and jumped into the Atlan- tic Ocean, almost. Don’t see any way to follow the trail any further, now. But, that was the way it looked once on the Jones case.” Trist, recalled another case on which he had done a clever bit of detective work, ‘* Tt is dollars to cents that they took the Desbrosses Ferry,” he reasoned, ‘‘ for Gor- man would naturally follow the young lady till he got a cinch on her and could make her follow him, and that was the way she would be likely to go, after askin’ Baby about it. That’s the only chance I sce, and I'll go and do likewise and see if 1 can pick up the trail on the other side.” Accordingly, he went on ,board the Des- brosses ferry-boat. CHAPTER V. STILL ON THE TRACK. He looked at his watch as the boat started. His idea was to figure and see if this could have been the boat that had met the Ex- press; but, that was not easy to do, for now the boats were running at longer intervals, and it/ would require more of a mathe- matician than he to figure it out. There was an easier way. Going out on the deck he fell in with one of the deck hands, and put the question to him, No, this was not the boat; it had been on the other side about the time of the arrival of the Express. So, ‘Train-boy Trist ‘was’ blocked, sc faras getting any information there. He kept up a lively thinking all the way across, and had drawn some deductions by the time he reached the other side. lf Gorman had won the young woman’s confidence, he reasoned, the chances were that he had taken her away in a cab. The hour was late, and it might not have required much argument to convince the girl that that would be by far the better plan for her to go to her uncle’s. The rascal might or might not have gone with her, but once in the cab she was in his power and he was smart ehough to carry out his scheme as he saw fit. : Trist believed he bad ‘hit the mark, Going off the boat and out of the house, he stopped and looked around. Presently he saw a policeman loiterin near, and after the passengers had vaanat past, Trist stepped up and spoke to him. ‘‘How long have you been on duty here to-night?” he asked, ‘‘ What do you want to know that for?’”, the counter: question. Trist was not acquainted with the officer. ‘Because, I want to get some information,
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. Train-Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle. “* Well, I was.” “Did you pay any attention to the pas- sengers that came off the boat?” ** A little, about the same as usual. But, what are you driving at, and who are you, anyhow?” **My name is Trist Finley, and I work for the News Company. Just now I am playing detective, and I’m after one of the worst crooks in ten towns the size of New York.” This explanation awakened the officer’s in- terest ‘* Who is the crook you mean?” he asked. ** Jason Gorman,” ** And what has he been up to?” ‘He is trying to work roots to cheat a young woman of fortune.” ‘* What kind of looking fellow is he?” Trist described him the best he could, con- cluding: ‘“There you have him, and now the pres- ent question is—have you seen him?” ‘‘] think I have,” was the response, ‘‘ Can ou describe the young woman, too? Then 1 know.” ‘*I can’t describe her very well, only to say that she’s about twenty years old and mighty good-lookin’. She has a full face, large eyes, and lips that look like they want to be kissed.” ‘‘ Same one, then, I can put you on track of ‘em, young fellow.”. ** Bully!” ‘They got into a cab here, and the young man seemed to be her husband, as I thought. There is the same cab, right over there, and Shorty McShane is thedriver. That's him,” ‘*Heap o’ thanks to you,” cried Trist. “You will be a captain some day, see if you ' ain’t! If I come out on top in this game, I'll set up the cigars for you, sure pop. And I’m comin’ out on top or I won’t come out at all,” he added to himself, ‘‘ for I’m goin’ in to win.” The officer having pointed out the cab and its driver, Trist needed no further help in that direction. The fellow designated as Shorty was a short, thickset fellow with a red face and redder hair, and he seemed to be about giv- ing up his post for the night. ‘Hello, Shorty?” exclaimed Trist, ap- proaching him, ' The cabbie looked at him from head to feet, and responded: ; ‘Well, I'll say hello, ter be perlite, but I be hanged if I know ye.” ** Don’t you know Trist Finley?” ** Guess not.” ‘‘ Well, it’s time you did, then, that’s all,” and Trist smiled in his hearty manner. _** Let me make myself acquainted.” ‘*Seems to me you area purty fresh jig- ger,” remarked Shorty, coldly. ** Have to be, in these days of git up and git. LIreckon you don’t fold your arms and .Say nothin’ when there is a rush of passen- gers comin’ off, do ye? I am the same way.” ‘Well, what do you want with me?” “There; that’s business. I have found a paper that belonged to that last passenger you had, and | want to take it to her, if you will tell me where you left her,” -The cabbie looked at Trist searchingly. as Are you dealin’ in good goods?” he ask- ed. ** You bet; my goods are straight, and not a tinge of green about ’em anywhere. Here is the badge I wear when I’m on duty,” ‘He displayed his news-company cap badge. ** You are anewsboy, then?” ‘“That’s it.” * Well, how did you know that I took a woman away from the ferry?” ‘**] mean the young, good-lookin’ woman, who went off with that well-dressed chap. How do you suppose I would know, if I hadn’t been here, and didn’t see ’’em get into “your cab?” \ $$$ ‘* Well, that’s so; any fool would have knowed you couldn’t know it any other way.” “‘And where did you take ’em to?” ‘Corner of Grand and Bowery.” ‘* Whew!” whistled Trist. ‘‘ Guess they are past findin’, then, if that is the case. Was in hopes you had taken ‘em to some house.” ‘* No; that’s where they got out, and the man paid the fare like a gentleman, too. say what do you know about ’em?” ‘* Not much; what do you know?” ‘*T thought first the gal was his bride, but I found out different.” ‘* How did you find out?” ** When they got out shesaid she was sor- ry he had to pay, but said her uncle would make that all right, and he said somethin’ about it’s bein’ a pleasure to him to serve her.” Trist felt like slapping the cabbie on the back and exclaiming ‘‘ Good boy!” ' Here was proof that he was on the right track. ‘“Then it seems she was dead broke, eh?” he remarked. ‘‘ That was too bad.” ‘* Yes, and that ain’t all of it, either.” ‘* What else?” “Why, I heard her ask him if Grand street was Amsterdam avenue. That struck me as bein’ rather strange.” “ Didn’t it strike you that that feller was a Broadway crook, and that he was givin’ her a wild steer?” asked Trist. ‘‘ That’s jest what he was, and jest what he was doin’, too.” ‘* Well, now, I sort 0’ s’picioned that, after I had left ‘em.”’ ** And, now, it will be impossible to find ’em, of course,” ‘‘1t won't be easy, that I'll bet.” ‘One thing: they must be in that neigh- borhood, or the fellow wouldn't had you take ’em there,” “That stands to réason.” : ‘‘ And, he couldn't walk the young lady very far after leaving the cab, or she would take alarm,” “* That’s so, too.” ‘* And, it ain't the most respectable neigh- borhood in the world, that’s the worst of it. Wish I knew the house he was heading for, then I’d be all hunk.” ‘*And I wish I could give it to you, too, but I can’t.” ‘*Tt ain’t only for the paper 1 want to find her, but to get her out of that sharper’s clutches and restore her to her uncle. There is going to be trouble before long, you bet— big trouble, too.” ** Well, I am sorry for the gal, and wish you luck.” ‘* You could help me, if you are inclined, now that you know everything wasn’t right.” ‘* All right; I'll do it, if it is anything that’s reasonable, for I am straight goods myself and I hate anybody that ain’t. That feller worked me pretty nice, I must say fer him.” ' CHAPTER VI. TRIST TRIES ONCE MORE. THE cabbie put out his hand for a shake. Trist took it readily enough, and their friendship was begun. ‘*This is your chance to him in return,” said Trist. crook in New York.” ‘‘He paid me likea gent, though, But, that’s nothin’ to do with it, for he had to do that, for I’d ‘a’ stove in his shiner if he hadn't, you bet. But, what am I ter do?” ‘* First, hustle me to Police Headquar- ters,” . ‘What fer?” “To report the case, of course; what d’ye s’pose? Then we'll go to the place where you left ’em,.” et in a dig at ** He is the worst ** All right, I'll do it.” ** No charge, you know.” ‘Course not; didn’t I offer?” ‘* Yes; but the book says—Arrange with your cabbie before you get into his trap, you know.” They both laughed at that. ‘*T was goin’ home anyhow, and it won’t take me much longer,” the cabman said. ‘‘I am not goin’ to take you inside, though, but on the seat with me.” ‘‘And I wasn’t goin’ to ride inside, any- how, so we are both suited,” rejoined Trist. “Whip up your bunch o’ bones, now, and we're off. To Police Headquarters the first place.” So they started, and chatted away like old acquaintances, until, arriving at his first destination, Trist sprung down and entered. He asked immediately for the captain in charge. There was no trouble about finding him, and Trist’- came to the point without any parley. ‘Have you had notice from a man named Rushkin, livin’ on Amsterdam avenue, to hunt up a missing niece of his?” he asked. ‘* Yes, but we haven’t found her yet,” the answer, ‘* Didn’t s’pose you had, and that’s what brings me here, have got onto the trail, and I’m willin’ to give you a pointer or two, if you are willin to take ’em, What say?” ** Who are you?” ‘‘I'm Trist Finley, better known as Train- boy Trist among the railroad boys. I was on the train the young woman Came in on to-night.” ‘€ Well; what is it you know ‘‘T know that she is in the hands of Jason Gorman, one of the worst crooks in ten States, or said to be, and I know that he took her in acab to the corner of Grand and 9? ‘Bowery.” “That all you know?” ‘‘That is all, up to date. She is in bad company, and it will be a tall feather in the police cap if you can find her and yank her out of that quarter and put her where she belongs. She’s too nice a gal to let that sneak play fer a sucker, yow bet!” ** And how do you know all this?” Thereupon Trist had to tell the whole story, but he made it as brief as possible, ‘All right,” said the man in charge; ** we'll attend to it, and you needn’t put yourself to any further trouble about it, young man.” ‘* Be sure you get her, Trist. **Oh, we'll do that.” * All right.” Trist took leave and rejoined his friend, the cabbie. ‘* That’s about the most gall I have run up against in a good while,” he complained, as they drove off. ‘* What’s that?” inquired Shorty. “Why, the gallof that police feller. He never thanked me fer the boost I gave ’em, but said I needn’t trouble myself any further aboutit. What do ye think of that fer cold cheek?” ‘‘ Why, I don’t see nothin’ in it.” ‘* Yer don’t? Why, they will profit by all the hard work I have been doin’, even if I ain’t been to much expense faras brain waste goes, and if I drop out and they can find the girl, they will come in forall the glory, don’t you see? But, Iam in it yet, mght up to the chin.” ‘* That’s so; didn’t think of it that way. Hope you find her first.” “So do I. I wouldn't ’a’ told ’em any- how, only for the young lady’s sake, but she — must be rescued jest as soon as possible, no matter who scores the credit for it.” “* Yes, that’s the main thing.” ‘* And the next main thing after that is ta get in a lick at the Broadway Crook.” The cabbie did not spare his horse, and then,” urged Cra ee
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ere long he was at the point where he had set down his passengers, ** Now, this is the very place,” he said, **and that was the way they went, right up the street in that direction, and that was the last I seen of ’em.”’ “Then that is all you can tell me, hey?” * That’s about all, [ guess.” “Well, then, I won't bothcr you any lon- ger, Shorty. And I’m a big heap obliged to you for what you have done already,” “Oh, that’s all right.” “Well, good-night, Shorty.” ** Good -night.” And so they parted company, the cabbie gathering up his lines and driving away, while Train-boy Trist went off up the street. “‘ Now, what’s to be done?” the news com- pany’s special asked himself. ‘‘ Here I am again, plumb up against another snag, and I’m afraid this one is going to swamp me, if I don’t look out sharp.” He thought hard, but he could not see the way out of the woods. ‘** But,” he reasoned, “it ain’t no darker than it was before, and I pulled along till I got this far. Never give up, Tristy. Never say die as long as you kin wiggle a little bit. You are on the right track, even if you can’t smell the scent jest now, or sight the game.” The cabbie had left hie passenger on the north-west corner of Bowery and Grand street. TLey had started to walk west along the north side of Grand. That was the last Shorty saw of them, Only a moment’s Walk brought the Train- boy Trist to the corner of Elizabeth street, and there he stopped and scratched his head. “‘I’m floored; no use denyin’ that!’ he complained. ‘‘How am I going to tell in what direction they went here? What is the use of a puddin’-headed foo, like me tryin’ to play detective? Guess I had better give it up and get back to peddlin’ candy and papers on the cars. ‘But, if I do that, what will become of Sarah Sweetapple? And then that police mogul will come in fer all the glory, if there is any to be had, buildin’ on the foundation I have laid fer him— No, by hokus, I won't ere up till I bave ter, and that settles it! 4et’s see, Gorman is a crook, and there is plenty o’ crooked places around here; 1'll be- gin and inquire for him.” But, it was now in the small hours of the morning, and most of the buildings were closed and dark. He looked around on every hand. A little distance up Elizabeth street was a nent in front of a door, and Trist started for that, He sprung up the steps and tried the door, but it was fast, and as that was what he had expected to find he had the other hand on the bell and gave that a jerk. In a few moments the door was opeved by @ young woman, “Say, do you know Jason Gorman?” Trist immediately asked. ** No, but I know who does,” was the an- swer, as promptly given, ) “Who?” ‘The Duchess,” ** And who the deuce is the Duchess?” de- manded Trist. **Her name is Emma Bigbie, I believe, but she is better known by that other name.” ** And where does she hang out?” ** At No. — —— street.” ~ ' 7 Good enough, and a heap obliged to ou. **Who are you, and what do you want ‘with Jason Gorman?” “I’m a messenger, and ] have important ber for his private ear; that’s all, so good- ight.’ And with that Trist turned away, with a A I | broad grin upon his face and a feeling of lightness about the heart. Again he had picked up the clue, or thread, where it had seemed to be lost completely. CHAPTER VII. ANOTHER HAND IN THE GAME, +Leavine Train-boy Trist for the time be- ing, let us here take up another part of our romance, A short time after Trist had left the house of Samuel Rushkin, on Amsterdam avenue, that gentleman came forth from his domicile and hastened to the nearest police station. There he reported the case, giving all the information in his possession. That done, he burried off in another direction, finally taking a car, as if he had a considerable distance to go, Coming down-town some distance below Fourteenth street, he there got out and hurried on foot again in another direction, stopping finally before a house and looking to make sure of the number. There was a dim light in the hall, and a brighter one at one of the upper windows. He mounted the steps and rung the bell, “ There was no response, and he rang again, this time with more vim. Now a window was raised, on the first floor, and a feminine voice made inquiry who was there, ‘*Are you the landlady?” asked Rushkin. ‘Yes. What's wanted?” **T must see Mr. Jack Minnie, at once, if he is in,” ** Well, this isa nice hour to be making a call, I must say, sir; couldn’t you wait till morning?” ‘*Do you suppose I would come around at this hour of the night, if it was not of the greatest importance? Please be as quick as you possibly can, madam.” ** Well, who are you?” ‘Tell him it’s Mr. Rushkin,” The head was withdrawn and the window slymmed. It was plain enough that the landlady was not in the very best temper, and that she did not like being called out at that hour. There was some delay, and then the door was opened by a young man, in only trow- sers and. gown, and the two men recognized each other at once, ‘Come right in!” the younger invited, “ What the deuce is up?” ‘* Let’s go to your room, and I'll tell you. We must have a talk, and this is no place for it.” The young man closed the door and led the way. They were soon in his room, on the third floor, and as soon as the door had been shut fushkin explained: ‘*The mischief is to pay, Jack, and I need your help at once, Sarah started for New York yesterday, and she was on the eleven o’clock train last night. She was robbed, and reached New York without a penny.” ** Whew!” ‘“Thit is not all. 4). and thatis all we can do. Henry Skinner and his boy Tom come to town?” ** They will come right to your house, I suppose,” ‘* Yes, sure.” “Well, you won’t have to lie to them to say you haven’t seen the girl.” ‘They may think I am lying, however, and they will make me all the trouble they can, for there is no love lost between the two families, I tell you.” fr ‘*T’'ll tell you how I would work that.” ** How?” pe ‘Pretend to fall right in with them to — find her.” ‘‘- Yes, but suppose we do find her, that way, they wil! claim her and I will have te show my hand, then.” tection?” ! > ify a Le atk ao og a ; at, § he oe TX Wasik! “f ey i be ae Malls ? \ 7 " ror ry ie Pipl sy , " \ of Sa {sa Wey) ' ts ne tf i ny x ‘ ya 2 ve rh " x Py 4 BAY 1 i ia Ae ‘ ( 5 Vie ) r \ a it i e eh ‘ * ; ay wa? 2 e ¥ rey Si ian is ® " i 4 hi ef Me ‘ “Won't the girl naturally clkim your pro- ti Be
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7 Train-Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle. ¥ **Ha! that’s so.” ** And you can give it. Let them do what they can, and in the mean time the young woman can hide herself, as I said.” ‘‘T don’t know but what you are about right.” **Or, another way, provided it could be worked, and if.she is found to-night you can still pretend that she has not been found, and then we can all enter heart and soul into the work of looking for her.” “Yes, but the police would know, and there ‘s the spoke in that wheel.” ‘* Well, the first thing is to learn where she is now, and then begin our play when we sce what hand we have got.” ‘‘That’s the only thing we can do, I guess.” , ‘““ But, we have a bad fellow to buck against, if what they say of that crook, Gor- man, is true,” ‘You are right there,” assented the old man. ‘I tell you, Jack, we haven’t as sure a thing as we had, not by any means. ell you what you had better do, my boy, I think.” ** What is it?” **Come home with me, Then, whatever turns up, you will be right on hand to do your little part, whatever it may be. Don’t you think so?” ‘¢*T guess you are right, old man,” was the assenting response. ‘‘I’ll dothat. There istoo much at stake not to take some trou- ble in the matter, and besides, Sarah Sweet- apple is too fine a girl to be left in the hands of that rascal.” »CHAPTER VIII. SARAH IN THE TOILS. MEANTIME, What had become Sweetapple? But, before--proceeding to that, just a few words concerning the young woman. She was an orphan, as we have learned from the conversation of Samuel Rushkin with Train-boy Trist, Prudence Rusbkin, her mother, bad mar- ried one Hiram Sweetapple, and he, upon the death of his wife, gave the baby Sarah into the keeping of his sister,.who had married one Henry Skinner. Hiram Sweetapple died a few years later, as. we have already stated, leaving a con- siderable fortune in such a way that. it would fali into the bands of his child on her coming of age, but which no one elsg could touch, in any manner in the mean time, not even the interest, ; The Skinners were country people, own: ing and working alarge farm near one of the biggest towns in central Pennsylvania, und were considered well-to-do, in fact, they were, They had but one child, a son about twenty-four years of age. He was in Jove with Sarah, and his parents had favored the suit and had tried to induce Sarah to accept him. She, however, had refused, though she would give no reason for her refusal, further than that she did not like Tom, It was suspected, however, that there was another lover in the case, one Joe Wemple, a@ young man of the town,.who, the Skinners ' declared, was no fit match for her, and they ‘forbade him the house and kept Sarah pretty closely at home so that she could not meet him secretly, This restraint galled the young woman, though she really cared nothing for Joe Wemple, and it served to set her all the moie 4 ena piee 3 Skinner, who, as she intimated, eared nothing for her further than for the fortune she was to inherit when she came to age. SNOW this raised the indignation of the Skinners, and it pained them, as they de- clared, that such a suspicion should have entered the young woman’s head. It was, _ they believed, the work of that unclein New of Sarah as, a a - 7 York, of wham they had never thought a great deal anyhow, and they went so far as almost to forbid any further correspondence with him on Sarah’s part. The girl's spirit rebelled still more, at this, for she rather liked her New York uncle, whom she had seen two or three times, and who had written to her occasionally ever since she was old enough to write in response, She wrote to him, telling him a rather high- colored story of her wrongs and persecutions, and asked him for the money with which to run away and go to New York, as we have heard Rushkin explain in full, The money reached her, in due time, and one fine day Sarah Sweetapple was missing in the Skinner household, She reached-Philadelphia without adven- ture or mishap, and was on her way to New York, in the same car and train, before any- thing occurred worthy of mention, A young man had entered the car at Philadelphia, a good-looking, well-dressed stranger, and Sarah had looked at him a little more than propriety warranted, yet it was with honest admiration on her part. It did not escape the notice of the stranger, and presently he made the opportunity to speak to her, In a few minutes he was shar- ing her seat, and was making himself so agreeable that Sarah forgot that he was a stranger, or if not that, believed that she had found in him a true friend. In a short time she had told him her story, in which be took the friendliest interest, sympathizing with her and promising to aid her all he could, if there was anything he could do. Finally he begged to be excused, desiring to smoke, as he said, and retired to the smoking car, where he was immediately busy examining some papers, It was some time later when Sarah missed her pocketbook, and what followed has been told. After the train had started on from Rah- way, succeeding the incidents related, she | looked for the reappearance of the conductor, not knowing the particulars of the stop at that place, And, while she still waited, although she ought to have realized that another was per- forming his duties on the train, her journey was completed and the train came toa stand- still in the immense train shed at Jersey City, and what immediately followed then | has been seen, She now thought of her friend and new acquaintance, Mr, Green, as he had given her his name, and looked around for hin, | but at first he was not to be seen. Just as she was Jeaving the shed, however, in the direction of the ferry, he suddenly | appeared and spoke to her. ‘‘A thousand pardons for my neglect, Miss Sweetapple!” he apologized. tainly expected to see you again before the train reached the end of its run, but I was detained, A fellow in the smoker struck the conductor, giving him a bad, hurt, and I have been helping take care of him.” While, speaking, rapidly, he reached and | gently took her handbag from her hand, with the utmost politeness, and carried it for her, *T was looking around to see if I could see you,” the young woman admitted, ‘‘ for I have not forgotten your offer of assist- ance,”’ “Ha! thenyou have thought of some way in which I can be of service to you. Lam greatly pleased to hear that,” / ‘Tt is something I would not think of ask- ing of a stranger, but you have been so po- lite and kind to me that I dareask you, Will you Jerd me sufficient car fare to carry me to my uncle’s?” : “Why, with pleasure. happened ?” ‘“*T have been robbed!” ** Robbed?” ; But, what has ‘*T cer- | ee Yes.” ‘* Ha! then that explains it. the conductor about it?” ‘“* Yes, and he said he thought he could re- cover my pocketbook, though I am sure I don’t know how he was going to do it.” ‘* Did he say he knew who had taken it ‘* No; he simply told me to wait.” ‘«'That was it, then; he must have known that fellow took it, and when he went to him about it, that was what he struck him for. Too bad that I did not know this at the | time.” | ‘« Yes, indeed, for then you might have saved the blow, and recovered my pocketbook | and papers at the same time. I would not care so much for the money, but the papers can never be replaced. And you will put me | | / ] Did you tell 9?) on the right car, too, when we get to New York?” ‘*T can suggest a better way than that, and it will be a pleasure to me to be of ser- vice to you in that way, orany other. I hope to have the pleasure of your further acquain- tance, 100.” ** What do. you mean?” ‘‘ Why, the hour is late, too late for you to attempt to go to your uncle’s alone, and | will get a cab and take you there.” | ‘But, that ‘will be a great trouble to you—” “It will be a pleasure, I tell you. Do not raise a single objection, now, for 1. bave taken you under my protection and I’m sure your uncle will thank me forit. And then we'll see about the lost papers.” ‘‘ Well, if you insist, sir, but, uncle will pay the expense.” ‘* All right, if he wants to, and all the same if he don’t. Don’t trouble your pretty head about anything; leave it all to me.” And there she was, the innocent, trusting fly in the toils of the spider. On reaching New York they todk a cab, as shown, and dismissed it at the spot where the driver afterward left Train-boy Trist. There the Broadway Crook paid the driver, | the girl offering a remark about as quoted | afterward by Shorty, and as they turned | away she asked if that were Amsterdam avenue, to which Gorman answered: | “Tt is right.near by, now. The driver | { could not take us to the door, owing to the fact that the pavement is up. Itis only a few steps.” ‘it isa good deal shorter distance than I supposed, sir,” ‘That is because the cab brought us | quickly, I wish it were only as far again, and we had to walk the rest of the way.” | This was said gallantly and softly, and the fellow kept upa steady flow of small talk from that time on, until he reached the desti- nation he had in mind, and the girl was up the steps before she knew it. Gorman rung the bell, and it was soon an- | Swered, | The door was swung open at sight of him, ; and he gave a signal with his eyes that was understood. “Tg Mr. Rushkin at home? “Yes, come right in, sir,” was the re- | Sponse, ‘* What name, please?” ‘¢Mr. Green,” with another wink, ‘ bring- ing his niece, Miss Sarah Sweetapple. Tell him I wanf to see him,” | ‘* You see,” turning to Sarah, as they were shown into a room, ‘‘I want to make sure that you are put right into your uncle's hands, as it were, before I leave you, and you can introduce me.” . CHAPTER IX. MIGHT HAVE WORKED, BUT— Or course, the rascal had ascertained pre- viously that the young woman had never visited heruncle in New York! Had that been the case, that she bad visit- ed him, and knew the house and the way to it, he would have lad more trouble in de- ceiving her than he did, wee
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er eerie ince pas ty jae ge A as aPC Train-Boy Trist’s Hot Hustl e. 3 —— Even as it was, the young woman looked around the room into which they had been shown, with something of an air of suspicion, as the rascal could not fail to see, plainly enough. He made some passing remarks while they waited, such observations as a stranger in a strange house might offer. Presently the door opened and a woman entered the room. “ There was a mistake,” she said, with a bow ‘‘ The girl thought Mr. Rushkin was in, but he is not. He will not be home till to-morrow, ” ‘* Well, it will make no difference,” spoke Gorman, quickly. ‘‘ This young lady is his niece, Miss Sarah Sweetapple, and lie was ex- pecting her, although he did not know just when she woucd arrive, I have no doubt he left some word with you concerning ber, in event of her arrival during his absence?” ‘* Miss Sweetupple, indeed,” with a pleased exclamation, and the woman stepped quickly forward and gave herhand. ‘ Yes, your uncle mentioned you, and we havea room all ready to receive you. If you are tired, I will show you to it immediately, and I will see that you have some light refreshment be- fore you retire. It is late, and I know you have had a long and tiresome journey.” ‘‘You are my uncle’s housekeeper?” asked Sarah. “Yes, my dear.” hy “Well, can you repay this gentleman for the expense he was put to in bringing me here?. I know my uncle would do so, if he were here,” : ‘*Why, certainly. ; you to,your room, have done that?” “ Yes, although it is not necessary.” “Yes, wait,” said the young lady. ‘* And, will you got call to-morrow and let my uncle thank you?” ‘‘Tf you desire me to do so.” sc es, do,””, ay She gave him her hand, and the woman * then led her from the room. As soon as the door closed after them, Jason Gorman hugged himself, laughing heartily but silently, and then he slapped his leg, “By Jove!” he exclaimed. ‘‘I never saw a game worked prettier than that in oy my life. The Duchess has done herself proud this Lime, no mistake, and I must compliment ee her on it.” in He paced the floor till the woman return ed. She entered with a smile, and he caught her hand with a familiar slap. 4 ‘*That was bang-up, Em.,” he declared. “You caught on in the best way in the world.” **Tt would be funny if we couldn’t work well together, by this time, Jason,” was the response, ‘‘ But, who is the hollyhock?” ‘* Just who I said, and there is big money in her for us, if we can only work it right. We will make that uncle of hers come down handsome, you bet, if he wants her.” ‘*Maybe he won’t want her?” ** Oh, but he will.” ‘* What makes you so sure?” ‘* Because, there is a big fortune at stake.” ‘* Hal” ‘“This young woman is an heiress, as soon as she comes of age, and that will be in a rs short time.” ‘*Yes, but there is danger in it for us, isn’t there? What if the police come swoop- ing down upon us and scoop usin, then it { will not pay so well. I’m half sorry you E brought her here.” ‘*] have never got you into trouble with the police yet, have I?” . ** That’s so.” ‘*And I won’t this timé, No police or q auy one else could possibly follow her here. She is as much lost as if she had been taken up to the moon, All you have got to dois to : ‘ But, first let me show You can wait, sir, till I fs take care that she don’t get away, and I will do the rest.” ** And where does my share come in?” ‘‘T will take care of that, too. Ill pay you well, my fair Duchess.” ‘* Well, all right, Pll take care of her, but lL suppose the fun will begin early in the morning.” ‘* What do you mean?” “When she wakes up and finds herself locked in, and I have to tell her something of the truth.” ‘* Yes, I suppose so; but, that don’t mat- ter. See that no harm comes to her, and that she does not escape, and if we don't reap a nice harvest it will be funny, that’s all.” ‘Well, tell me all about it.” ‘*And so the Broadway Crook did, and they seemed to find considerable to amuse them in the matter. It was considerably later when Train-boy Trist rung the bell, There was a little delay, and the door was opened, ‘‘T want to see the Duchess,” said Trist, in a matter-of-fact way. ‘‘ Want to see her bad, too.” ‘But, she has retired.” ‘No matter, got to see her, It is about the young woman brought here less’n a couple of hours ago,” This was a feeler. ‘*Then Gorman has sent you?” asked the woman who had opened the door. That was enough for Trist; he knew he had struck the nail this crack, and that the girl was in the house. * Of course,” he answered. ‘‘ Nobody else knows the girl is here, or so he said when he sent me. You needn’t call the Duchess, though, if you will iet me speak to the girl.” ‘*Can’t do that, nohow.” “That’s what Gorman said; said I’d have to see the Duchess first.” ‘* Well, I spose I’ll have to call her.” **T guess you will.” Trist had entered the hall, and now the door was closed and the woman told him to wait there till she returned. She went up-stairs, somewhere, and it was a considerable time before sie reappeared, and during her absence Trist was trying his best to invent some plan of action. would probably find it impossible to get the young woman out of the house without police help. world he wanted, How would he work it? He was just as far from any definite idea when the Duchess put in her appearance, having thrown on a loose wrap. have got to say,” she demanded, in no gentle temper. ’ t me here,” lied Trist. ** Are you the Duchess?” ‘* Well, he said I was to come hereand tell you to let me sleep right outside that girl’s door, This came to Trist like an inspiration. ‘**He told you thct?” hadn’t? I’ma pal of his, and he is goin’ to pay me fine fer this soft snap.” ‘* And you are to sleep in the hall?” do it to perfection, too.” when he was here, is all I have got to\ say. I have a notion to refuse,” course, but if you do, and he said mebby you yourself—there or inside the room, jest as ou please.” ** He said that?” [ It had begun to dawn upon him that he And that was the very last thing in the ‘Speak right out, now, whatever you ‘* Juson Gorman gen ‘* Yes, vubat’s what I’m called.” Said he didn’t feel quite safe.” “Think I’d take all this trouble, if he ‘‘That’s the programme, and [ think I kin ‘lt isa wonder he did not think of this ‘‘ Well, if you do that I can’t help it, of would, then be wants you to sleep there y Y Any Es * ae i. & hey re tye ve a pene Pe a ‘*You seem to be mightly s’picious. If you don’t want me here, say so; I have told you what I have to say.” Trist moved toward the door, as if he did not care a cent whether he remained or not, and in fact he had about made up his mind that he wanted to get out and bring in the police, ‘“You can stay,” said the woman. ‘‘It is plain that you couldn’t have come here with such a story if Gorman hadn't sent you, so it must be all right. Come with me and I will fix a bunk for you, and I’ll—” There was a click at the latch, the door opened, and Jason Gorman stepped into the hall! CHAPTER X, TRIST HAS A ‘‘ SCRAP.” TRAIN BOY TRisT felt himself turn pale, His heart gave a great leap, and it seemed as if it intended to jump out, Sut, that was only for the moment. He saw he was in for it, and by the time Jason recovered from his surprise Trist had done the same. There had been a momentary tableau. The Broadway Crook looked in amazement at Train-boy Trist, and questioningly at the Duchess, ; She, on her part, looked as inquiringly at him, but read easily enough that the youth had come to her with a lie, and that Jason had not sent him. ‘You here?” Jason expioded. ** You bet!” cried Trist, deiiantly. “And you did not send him?” asked the woman, ** | send him?” in surprise, ‘* He said you did.” “What brought you here with that lie?” cried Gorman, fiercely. ‘*Business!” was the retort. ‘‘I would have carried it out, too, if you hadn't poked your nose in.” Trist had edged toward the door, but Gor- man placed his back aguingt it, ‘* And what is your business here?” ‘You know well enough!” ‘ How should | know?” ‘* You know the swat you gave Conductor Lynch last night, don’t you? And you know that I said you couldn't get away from me, don’t you?” ‘* And you mean to say that you followed me here?” ‘« That is just the size of it.” ‘* And you want to settle with me for that ‘little matter with the conductor, do you?” “ That’s what I’m here for.” ‘¢ He lies again,” here put in the woman. ‘‘He said you had sent him to guard the young woman all night, and he told such a straight story, that I had to believe him.” The crook fairly turned green, for the mo- ment, ‘* What young woman?” he demanded, “ T don’t know anything about any young wo- man.” ‘ Of course not,” chimed in the woman, taking upthe cue, .‘*I meant to fool him and let him stay here till you came in, when you could deal with him. He couldn’t de- ceive me.” Train-boy Trist had to laugh. ‘* Well, if that ain’t the thinnest I ever heard!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ Of course, there is no young woman here; I was only fooling, too. Sarah Sweetapple wasn’t brought here; oh, no, Do you think I'am 80 blind that I couldn’t follow a plain track like you left, Gorry?” The rascal looked puzzled, and he was puzzled, too, to know how this youth had — been able to shadow him, for he was well aware that he had remained at’ Rahway to take the conductor home. Gorman, in disguise, bad been on the train, having boarded it again in the way Trist had. — suspected, and he had seen the whole mat. ter, j ade aw ere r ¥ ak Boa, ere
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Train-Bov Trist’s Hot Hustle. ‘*Well, supposing she was here, what would you do about it?” the fellow de- manded, ‘“‘T have come to take her to her uncle,” declared Trist, fearlessly. He was far from seeing his way out of the terrible dilemma, however, and as for the rescue, that appeared to be knocked into a cocked hat, But, nevertheless, he was determined to keep his upper lip just as stiff as possible, as he ssid to himself, for he believed there would be some way out of the woodsif he did. Jason laughed, much amused. ‘‘] don’t know how you would go about it,” he said. ‘«No, nor I,” added the Duchess, ‘‘ for he does not appear to be able to take himself away?” ‘You are right, and he won’t get away in a hurry, either. Young man, you have put your head into a trap, do you know it?” ‘*] knew I was doin’ that when I came here.” 2 * The more fool you to come, then.” ‘Well, what are you going to do with me?” ‘‘Consider yourself my prisoner, and if you resist you will get a dose of the same medicine that conductor got.” ‘Yes, and. if you try it on you may get somethin’ worse, so be careful and go slow, old hoss. You will find that I’m a hornet, if you go to corner me toorclose, and don’t you forget it!” If anything, Trist was the largef of .the two, and he certainly did look as if he could make a good showing in a fight. But, then, they were three to one against him, counting the Duchess and the servant who had first come to the door, and they no doubt had other help within call. jorman had produced his ‘‘life-pre- server” out of his sleeve, and had it in hand with afirm grip. « Trist. had his back to the wall, and was watching closely. Suddenly the rascal sprung forward. Trist dodged; the blow struck the wall, “‘plunking’”’a hole in the plaster, and in the same instant Trist’s fist ‘‘ plunked ” Gorman in the eye. This caused the Broadway Crook to reel backward, and Trist following up his advan- tage gave him another blow with the other fist that carried him to the floor. The woman, too, had sprung at him, and he now gave her a shove that sent her to the floor on her back, And in the same moment he sprung for tlie door. But,sthe servant was making for him, before b& could quite touch the door she reached hit, throwing her arms around him, Trist struggled, but the woman was strong and held on with a will, at the same time calling for help, and Gorman and the Duch- ss were already getting upon their feet. The young detective knew that if he re- ceived a blow from the jack now, it would be his death-blow, angered as the man was, and he had that to look out for, Wheeling suddenly, carrying the woman with him, he lifted bis foot and planted his heel sqnarely on the man’s breast. Down he went, and Trist called “ police!” with all the power of his lungs. Twisting around in the embrace of the woman who was holding him, he got hold of her neck, and in a moment he had forced her to let go her hold, when he flung her from him, But, there was the Duchess again, now with a wicked-looking knife in her grasp, rushing at him, and without any ceremony or compunction he served her the same as if she had been a man, giving her a blow that knocked her out of the fight for some time to come, And still he was keeping up his call for police assistance, with a double purpose, ‘ \ In the first place, the police are not de- sired in such resorts, and in the second place he wanted help if possible to get it. He ad now a moment of respite, and he rap upon it from the outside, and he knew he had help. It took him but a moment to open it, when in came three policemen, but as they entered, the hall was suddenly plunged in- to darkness, the servant turning off the lights. She had been trained, and knew the proper thing to do at such a critical moment. ‘*What’s the row here?” demanded the first of the officers, ‘Are yow looking for a missing young woman?” asked Trist. ** Yes; who are you and what do you know about her?” ‘*] am a detective, and I have run her to this den. She must be found before they get away with her. But, get these prisoners, first.” *¢ Where are they?” **On the floor.” Trist had been feeling now having it, he struck light upon the scene. Gorman and the Duchess were gone, and the servant, too, was von est as it were. There was no time to lose, for they might spirit away the girl before they could be found, ‘** Here, light this before your match goes out,” ordered one of the policeman, as he presented a small pocket lantern. ‘‘ We'll have a hand in this thing yet, I guess, if nothing breaks, There, now we are all right. Where is the young woman? Do you know, young man?” ; ‘‘She’s in one of the rooms up-stairs,” answered Trist. ‘‘Two of you come; the other remain here on guard at the door.” for a match, and it and cast a little CHAPTER XI. A STRANGE REQUEST MADE. THE moment the three officers appeared, Trist knew what it meant, They were there in search of the missing young woman, probably searching the whole neighborhood for some trace of her. Hence the question he had put to them so promptly and now he led the way up the stairs at a run, the officer with the bull’s-eye right at his heels, aud another following. eclaring himself a detective, which he had done for the purpose of stopping idle questions, he had assumed the leadership with something of authority, and it was not questioned, One of the policemen remained at the door, as he had directed, to be on guard. Doors were heard opening and shutting, on the floors above, and there were curses and exclamations commingled, When they reached the landing and looked !along the hall, there was a woman with a | bedspread wrapped around her, her face the | picture of terror, and Trist recognized her at | | ! tried the door. Just as he did so there came a thundering once. It was Sarah Sweetapple, and Trist knew her by the picture he had seen of her at her uncle’s. ‘“Mercy!” she cried, in terror. house afire?” ** Not a bit,” answered Trist. Sarah Sweetapple, ain’t you?” ‘s Yoo.) ‘Then you are the gal we are after.” “What do you mean?” asked the girl, with new affright. ‘‘ What do you want with me?” ‘“We have come to take you to your uncle,” “Take me to my uncle! house?” . ‘‘ Not by'a hatfulit ain’t. That Broadway blackleg in broadcloth swelled your head in an awful way, miss, but we have circum- ““TIs the “You are ¢ ¢ Isn’t this his | | | Se | navigated him and his little game ends right » here.” ‘* Who do you mean?” ‘That sleek chap that you met on the train.” ‘* Not Mr. Green!” “The same fellow, if that. was the name he went by. But, dress yourself, and we will get you out of here in a hurry.” ‘*Then whose house is this?” ‘* Don’t know, and that don’t matter. It it the very best place in the world for you to get out of, and the sooner you make yourself seldom here, the better.” ‘* But, the lady said my uncle lives here, and that he is »way—” ‘‘ She lied like ruin. Your uncle lives on Amsterdam avenue, No, ——, and that is more’n a mile away.” ‘* He is telling you the truth, young lady,” spoke up the leading one of the policemen. ‘*Get on your things as soon as you can and come with us, and we will see to it that you get safely home.” ‘Mercy! and he appeared such a gentle- man!” ‘« That was his game,” said Trist. ‘* But, no more lingo. Get on your duds and let's hustle,” ‘« All right; I will be ready in five minutes, and now I can see some things that I did not see before—that is, in the right light. I will be ready just as soonas 1 possibly can.” She disappeared into the first room on the right. ‘* But, are we goin’ to let that fellow get away?” reminded one of the policemen. ‘* Hello, that’s so!” cried Train-boy Trist. ** Youstay by that door till the young wo. man is ready,” he directed one, ‘* and you come with me,” to the other with the lan- tern, He stillspoke with his tone of authority, and, youth though he was, they obeyed him. He and the officer with the lantern went down stairs again, and a brief search reveal- ing the gas turn-off, they turned it on again, and lighted up the hall.- This done, they began their search. They descended to the basement floor, but no one was there, and an open rear door was suggestive of flight. ‘They have got away from us,” said the officer, ‘* I guess you are right,’ answered Trist, ‘but we'll search the house, all the same.” “Yes, we can dothat. Who are you?” ‘** I’m a special.” ‘* What's your name?” ‘* Finley,” ‘« One of Byrnes’s men?” ‘* Just now Lam, or one of his boys, just as you please.” Trist’s answers were short and to the point, and he was so full of business that there was no room for doubt. Beginning on the next floor, they went to every room in the house, and where they were denied admittance, they ccmpelled it un der threat of bursting in the doors if it was not granted. q No matter what they discovered; they did not find the person for whom they looked--, Jason Gorman, He had made good his escape, and Emma Bigbie, or the ‘‘ Duch- ess,” with him. And, by the time their search was completed, Sarah Sweetapple was dressed and ready to go. “Now,” said Trist, to the policemen, “one of you come with me to the Grand street station of the Elevated, and the others go and report the girl found. Just say to Headquarters that Finley got on the track and that you got there in time to tend a hand. They will know who Finley is, for I was there not an hcur ago and told them I was coming bere.” ‘‘And you'll speak a word for us to-mor- row to Byrnes?” ** You can bet I will.”
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10 th TI gyn UT pret Santa Em Ls aig meee ee TA eer oy Train-Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle. ' “ All right.” and safely landed beneath his roof? Had he | asked. ‘‘ You will have to, lay the plans, fer ¥ And so the news company's special car- | not applied to the police for aid? Did he | Iam no good at that kind of thing.” ay ried his point, and scored one against the | want them to continue the search?” ‘‘Oh, no, we know youare not. Howdid Ry police, with their help. These things popped into the young) de- | you hunt me out the way you did?” cy fe Two of the officers set off together, while | tective’s mind instantly. ‘* Well, 1 have a keen scent, you see, : the other went with Trist in the direction ‘Much obliged for the reward,” he said, | and—” : F of the Grand street station of the Elevated | ‘‘but. you can’t keep thisa secret, for the ‘“Bosh! I don’t know how you did it, Railway, as Trist had directed. police know of the rescue.” but the fact remains that you did it, all the “T'll be glad when 1 see my uncle face ‘Oh! tbat is the case, eh?” in something | same.” Ki to face,” spoke the young woman, as they | of a tone of displeasure, or at any rate so ‘Yes, I guess that’s right,” acquiesced a went along. ‘‘ This is enough to drive one | Trist imagined. ‘** Well, it. don’t matter, | Trist, with quiet exultation. ee crazy, almost,” then,” carelessly said. ‘‘ Keep the extra five, ‘* Well, now tothe point: That girl will oy “You can thank your stars that this | anyhow.” not do old Rushkin a bit of good, without 7 young man was smart enough to find you,” ‘‘ All right, uncle, and much obliged,” | the papers she has lost, and there is no way ae said the officer. and with a click of the heels and something | he can get them except through you.” ‘ “Yes, but what purpose had that other | of a military salute, Trist left the house and ‘‘Through me? Just tell me what I’ve Es man in deceiving me?” the door was closed upon him, ¢ got to do with them?” 8 “Only to get at that fortune that’s com- As he turned away he took off his hat and “You are going to him, and say you know i ing to you, that’s all,” explained Trist. * But, | gave a vigorous scratch. where they are and how to get them.” fy IT am not done with him yet.” “That is something that I can’t get “And what good will that do you?” | ‘** How could he get at the fortune?” through my thick head,” he said to himself. “You will go ina carriage, and you will gs “He holds your papers, and he can make | ‘* After puttin’ all the police of New York on | say that the girl must come with you to tie: sae uncle pay well for them, anyhow. | the track, then he wants the discovery kept | identify them.” a ut, I will get another crack at him before | secret. That beats my time.” ‘And what,if the old codger wants to Pig we close the game, you bet!’ And it continued to beat his time, too. come to?’ ty So ran their conversation until they reach- ‘*J'll be hanged if I know what to make ‘‘Tet him come. In: fact, invite him, so. oy, ed the station, and when they were safely on | of it,” he finally declared, stopping short. | that he will not suspect.” G? board the train the policeman left them. ‘It strikes me that maybe I have placed “ And you expect me to play into your DN They had quite a long ride, up Sixth ave- | that young woman out of the fryin’-pan into | hands, do you?”, i nue, thence continuing up Ninth, and so on | the fire. 1 wonder if that uncleis altogether ‘Take your choice, that or death.” as far as Highty first street, where they got | straight himself? But, he must ‘be, or she ‘« And what if I deceive you?” { out, Trist knowing that station to be the would never ‘a’ run away to come to him.” ‘*You’ll never doit butonce. You will be Ny nearest to the desired number over on the He had been tempted to turn back again, | watched.” ar next avenue. for the moment, but having no good sound “Why didn’t youtake somebody youcould ee All the way Trist had kept a keen lookout | reason for doing so, he continued on his way. | trust? : Br for their enemy. He had not gone far when he was seized ‘‘Because, you are the only one Rushkin ese He did not know but that Gorman would | from behind by strong hands, and before he | and the girl will trust, don’t you see ?” ‘2 be cunning enough to follow them, and he | could uttera cry a hand was clapped over ‘‘And when is the experiment to be Ai might attempt the rescue before they reach: | his mouth In almost the same moment he | tried?” ' ae ed their destination. was lifted from the ground, ‘‘In the morning. There will be no iy When they left the train Trist made as Louking, as quickly as he had the chance | suspicion by dayligit, and you will be able 1 i much haste as possible in the direction of |'to do so, he found that he was in the custody | to work it,” 4 their objective point, with a suspicious eye | of two powerful men. ‘And where is the young woman to be Be upon every man who came any where near In a minute or less he had been hustled | taken?’ a. them. into a carriage. ‘That don’t concern you; the driver will Mey Now that he had rescued the heiress, he Both men got in with him, and the driver | take care of that, All you have got to dois ha had no intention of having her taken away | started off at once, without the need of being | to get the girl into the carriage.” Bh from him if he could hinder it. directed. “ And if I won't do it—” ae: But, his fears were groundless and his pre- The interior of the vebicle was dimly “Tf youdon’t you will die!” ee cautions useless. lighted, by the lamps on the carriage itself ‘* And what are you going todo with me bE There was a light burning, now, and as | and by the lamps of the street, and Trist re- | in the mean time?” a goon as he rung the bell, the door was open- | cognized one of the captors as no other than ‘* Keep you prisoner, for you have done , ed by Rusbkin. Gorman, the blackleg and all around crook. | enough mischief for one night.” if ai ‘‘Uncie!’ exclaimed the young woman, Gorman now took a pistol from bis pocket, ‘ Well, all right; you have got the bulge : as with a glad cry, recognizing him immediate- | cocked it, und leveled it at the young detec- | on me, and I s’pose I'll have to do as you +g a ly, and she sprung forward, sobbing, and } tive’s head. ‘ say.” : threw herself into his arms. ‘‘Now, you utter a sound, when your ‘“T guess you will.” ? } ‘My poor child!” he greeted her, giving | mouth is relcased, and see what will happen,” ‘And then, when the job is done, what's her an embrace, ‘‘But you are safe now, | he threatened. ' up?” ; f and no need to cry about it. You have done The other man took his hand from over ‘Why, you will be allowed to go free, of a PR well, young man, mighty well,” turning to'| Trist’s mouth. course, and that will settle it.” ~ ya Bet A Trist. ‘*T want you to answer a question or two,” ut Trist was not deceived; it would be 4 a ‘Yes, I guess I have earned the reward,” the crook then went on to say. ‘* Did you settled, no doubt, but not that way—not *7 54 Trist answered. turn that young woman over to her uncle?” | much! ee, “and ‘*And you shall have it, too. Run right, ‘« Yes, 1 did!” Trist answered, emphatical- Let him play into their hands, and they ¥, MY up-stairs, there Sary, and I'll be up as soon | ly. : would settle him when they had no further a as I pay this young gentleman for his ser- ‘Well, we thought that would be what | use for him. eae Vices,”’ you would do, but we were too late to inter- Trist knew that perfectly well. Gorman ota. The girl first thanked Trist herself, and | cept you, Now, we will give you your would then take his revenge upon him, and es MM, then obeyed, when the old man turned again | choice of two things, and you have got to would still his tongué so that he could never As fee! to the news company’s special, extending | make up your mind quick.” cross his path to upset his plans again. ef, “ae some money as he did so,at the same time ‘« Name ’em.” “Then I'm your pippin,” the youth hee awa saying: ‘You have got to pledge us your help, or | avowed. ined + ‘‘Here’s your reward, and five dollars , die.” “ Allright, then. You have played against a: ar more, young man. The five is for your | “T]i pledge you my help, then, every | meonce, and now you must play for me to ‘ silence in-this matter. You see, this girl | time, I’m in no hurry to shuffle off the | win. I'll not only give you your life, but oi: had to run away from folks that were trying | coil.” reward you as’ well.” a; ro to rob her of her fortune, and if they can’t “Tt is easy to say that, but we'll see ‘Don't say any more aboutit,” said Trist. eid find her it will be all the better; do you | whether you mean it or not when it comes to | ‘ All I want now. is a place to lie down hie my see?” the test. We want to get that girl back | and take a little shut-eye.” ee aaa é again into our hands, and you have got to ‘And I'll give you that pretty shortly, $ e CHAPTER XIL. help us.” now,” Wale Om oh paebiae reais ‘* Help you or die, eh?” The carriage rattled along, at a moderate — Pea ie bingy aR RIES “Exactly.” : ! gait, for they wanted no police interference — . ee goat: Tur old man thrust the money into Trist’s Trist was forcing himself to coolness, but | and made no attempt at speed, and Gorman | Len. wae * <<. y hand as he spoke. he did not deel cool by any means. held his pistol still in hand, “a8 it ; ae Trist took it, but in a thoughtful manner, He knew that he was in a bad situation, It was evident that he would not trust) = 7 _ ae for now there was something else for him to | and he did not see his way out of it. In| Train-boy Trist for a moment, untilhehad La ae think about. \ fact, it did not look as if he was likely to get ) landed him safely in some place of confine = i Se he What reason had this man for not wanting | out. ¢ ment. 1 a aan ene’ ah it known that the girl had been recovere “Well, what is going to be done?” he| At last they -reached their destination, = = 3 q ‘4 ' t : ! y ; : v) poe NT ’ r me! nie ar * a
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Train-Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle. 11 which was pretty well down-town, com- paratively, and Trist had lost his bearings of age, which I have not, and he will have | the best of me. He will call on the police by’ that time, although he had tried to | to help him.” keep the. streets in mind. The carriage drew up before a dingy house, in a dark street, and the youth was hurried out and up the steps, with the pistol pressed against his head and Gorman hissing a threat into hisear. It certainly looked, now, as if Trist would fare pretty badly. The Broadway Crook opened the door himself, and they entered, and the youth was taken immediately to a room at the rear of the hall, into which he was shoved and the door was closed upon him, ‘Now, you stay there,” commanded the crook, ‘‘ When we want your help we will let you know.” CHAPTER XIII SARAH SAFE AT LAST, LET us now return to Sarah Sweetapple. * Have we mentioned that Rushkin’s living- rooms were over a store? Such was the fact, and the hallway opened on the street, after the common fashion, The building, by the way, belonged to Rushkin, and he was the proprietor of the store in question. When Sarah ran up-stairs, as her. uncle had directed, she saw light coming out of an . open door in the front, and entered that room, to find herself in the presence of a young man, He was a stranger to her. As soon as she entered he rose and bowed, saying: ‘“* Let me introduce myself. My name is Jack Minnie, and Mr. Rushkin is my best friend.” The young woman bowed, in an embar- rassed manner, as the stranger politely ten- dered her a chair, and he added further: “* Your uncle has been nearly crazed con- cerning you, and we have been doing all in our power to rescue you out of the hands of our captors. I am glad you are safe at ast.” “Thank you!” spoke Sarah, Rushkin was heard coming, then, and no more was said. **My dear child!” he exclaimed, as he burst into the room. ‘‘ How glad lam that you are safe! Let me introduce my friend, Mr. Jack Minnie, who has been aiding in the search for you. Mr. Minnie, my niece, ’ Sarah Sweetapple.” The young man made his very best bow. **T had already introduced myself,” he said, ‘‘I was just saying how anxious we— that is, how anxious you have been.” * You had it right in the first place, Jack, for you, have been as anxious asI. But, Sarah, don’t remove your things, for you are not altogether safe here, Let me ex- plain.” The girl looked at him with wonderment depicted on her face. ‘* Why, what is the matter?” she asked. “You know you can be too easily found here.” ‘Who will find me?” ‘“Why, old Skinner, of course.” The girl paled. * You do not think he will follow me, do you?” **Of course he will follow you.’ Wouldn’t wonder if he landed in New York this very morning,” ** But, he will not know that I have come to New York; | paid my fare on the cars, and he can’t find out.” “‘No matter; he will suspect that you have come here to me, and he will come here the very first place to find you, don’t you see,” “But, you will not let them take me back, will you?” » . “That is just where the rub is, my dear be jpiece; he has a claim upon you till you are | from “Mercy!” ** You see just how it is; and now that I have gone so far to help you, I am willing to take the risk of going a little further. If you will be guided by me I will plan things so that you can keep out of his grasp till after you are of age, and then you can do as you please.” ‘“ Why, I will do what you say, of course, uncle.” ‘* Well, then, I will take you house right away, where you will remain un- til this thing cools off.” ‘* But, what will you say to the Skinners?” ‘*) will tell them that you bave run away me, because I said I would send you right back to them.” ‘‘And then they will begin a search for me.” ‘* Let them.” ‘But, where do you intend to take me?” ‘*To the house of a married sister of Mr. Minnie bere, who will take care of you,” ‘** You couldn’t ask a better place, I assure you,” spoke up the young man. “I am deeply interested in your troubles with those people, Miss Sweetapple, and will lend you all the aid I can.” ‘‘ Well, let us go at once, then, for lam about tired out. Think of it! what a time I have been having!” ‘«Tt is too bad, my poor child.” p ‘* Tlow far is it?” ‘Not a great way.” ** Does the lady expect me?” “Well, no; but that does not matter,” as- sured Minnie. ‘*Then, uncle, could I not remain here until morning? The Skinners are not likely to get here early.” ‘“We don't want to take the risk, child, for they may be nearing the city even now, and may come here at once on their arrival. I will go with you, and Jack can go ahead and tell his sister.” ‘Tf you think it is for the best, I'll go at once.” ‘‘And it certainly is the safest thing to do,” ‘But, I had better bring a’cab,” said Min- nie. ‘‘I know where there isa stable not far far from here—” ** You can stop and send the cab, my boy, and we will come right on just as soon as it gets here. I tell you, Sarah, when Samuel Rushkin undertakes a thing he means busi- ness.” , The little details were quickly arranged, and Minnie left the house. Rushkin then prepared for the street again, talking with his niece while doing so, He was the same as she remembered him the few times she had scen him, and_ his manner was as kindly as the tone of his oc- casional letters had ever been, She had no reason to mistrust him. to another | sure enough,” he said to himself. light was to be seen in any house on the block, save the one before which the cab had stopped; and there the door was immediate- ly opened. Jack Minnie appeared, and opened the door of the cab, ‘‘Tt is all right,” he announced. ‘“ My sister will take care of your niece, Mr. Rush- kin, and all trouble is at an end.” “¢ Of course she vill take care of her, Jack; we didn’t look for anything else. Get right out, Sary, and Jack’s sister will stow you away in bed and you can sleep till noon.” ‘* Won't you comein with me, uncle?” ““ Why, certainly, if you want me to; did- n't think of it.” i They both got out and went up the steps, Jack accompanying them, having told the driver to wait. In the hall was a motherly looking wo- man, who greeted Sarah with a kiss the minute she was introduced, and Jack said to her: ‘*Now, Mary, remember that Miss Sweet- apple is not at home to anybody except her uncle or me, for those Skinners might find her hiding-place by some chance or other.” ‘Oh, I will take the best of care of her, never fear!” the assurance. * Allright. She needs rest now,” ** And she shall have it.” Another word or two, and the young maw and Rushkin took leave, getting into the cab together, he moment they were within and the door closed, they grasped hands, laughing hearti- ly, and Jack Minnie remarked: ‘* Well, old man, how was that for high?” I think it will puzzle the Skinners, or any- body else, to get the young lady out of your hands now, don’t you?” ‘*' Yes, | should think so,” the response. ‘*Tt was very well done, Jack. Now, we have only to recover the papers, somehow, and the young lady will be secure in her for- tune.” CHAPTER XIV. TRIST IN A NEW ROLE. Train-Boy Trist found himself in utter _ darkness. He heard the door locked, heard the part- ing words of Gorman, and realized that he was in a fix, ‘Well, here is a measley state of things, “*T guess T will have to take down my sign and give up playing detective. Ud make a better driver foran ash-cart.” - He stood where he had stopped, not'car- ing to blunder around too much till he saw where he was, Feeling in his pockets for matches, he soon discovered some, and lighting one, he was able to take a survey of his prison quarters. The roomin which he found himself was entirely bare, destitute of even asingle arti- cle of furniture, and there was not a sign of a window to be seen on any side. , There was one other door, or such ther had been, but row a wainscoting extended all around the room and across the lower half Presently a ring at the bell announced the coming of the cab, ‘« There it is!” said the old man. ‘‘ Come, now, my dear, and you will soon be where you can throw all care aside and rest.” They left the room and went down, and a | misfortune to behold in his life before. cab was in waiting at the door. ‘* You were sent.here from the stables?” asked Ruskin, ‘s Vis; sor.” ** All right, then. You know where to go to now?” ¥ Yis, sor,” “Very well. away we go.”’ The young woman obeyed, the old man Get right in, Sary, and following her, and the next moment they | were off, Their destination was a house of the ordi- nary, king, on a street that could lay no claim to style or greatness at its best. It, tue house, was now deserted, and nota of that door, thus effectually closing it up. Such a barren hole it had never been Trist’s ‘‘T’m in for it,” he said to himself. ‘* No use trying to get out of here, that is a dead dog. Might jest as well take it easy, I s’pose.” He threw himself on the floor, folding his arms under his head fora pillow, and gave himself up to thinking. This new turn was something he had. | never dreamed of. There was only one thing for him to do, and that was, to pretend to fallin with the desires of the blackleg crook till chance of- . fered to throw him over and escape. i He knew the kind of man he had to deal with, and that his life would be held lightly. He might be put out of the way here, and no
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12 person save his murderer would ever know what had become of him. ,. That one thing, then, was settled: The next move, what was he todo when 24 went to Rushkin with the story he was to tell? He was turning it over in his mind, look- ing at in in various ways, and finally his ideas became more or less grotesque, and then he slept. When he awoke he was being rudely shaken. He sprung up quickly. ** Come,” cried the Broadway Crook, for it was he, ‘‘ get a move on you, for we have some’ business ahead of us now.” ** All right; I’m ready for business, you bet!” asserted Trist, ‘Come with me,” and he at once led the way out of the room. Trist following, was conducted up-stairs and into a room that was well furnished. ‘* Now, sir, there is the bath-room; go in and slick yourself up,” Gorman ordered, in- dicating a partly open door. ‘‘ After that I'll breakfast you.” ‘‘There is nothin’ mean about you, any- how,” commented Trist. ‘‘Tam going to do the square thing by you, and expect you to do the same thing by me. ‘*That is the only kind of business 1 ever do,” rejoined Trist, and he meant it to be understood, ‘‘I have got to obey orders, anyhow, 1 suppose.” ‘You will, ordare the worse.” ‘« And the first order is a wash, and the next order will be breakfast. Good enough. I’m in on that run! Youcan put my box aboard, and I’ll work the cars, you bet!” With that Trist dodged into the bath- room, where he did full justice to himself, coming forth as fresh as a daisy. ** There, now, you look something like,” commented the rogue. ‘‘ Now the old man and the girl will haye confidence in you, and you will have no trouble in carrying out what 1 want done.” ‘* Yes, but the breakfast first, you know.” ** Certainly.” The crook touched a bell, and when it was answered he ordered breakfast for two brought to the room. ‘* Now,” he said, while they waited, ‘‘ let me give you a lesson on what you are to do, for there must be no half-way business about 5 ed | ‘* Certainly.” ‘In the first”place, you will go to the house, in a carriage, and ask for Mr. Rush- kin. There is no doubt but you will find him at home. Then tell him you are on track of the papers.” ** Jes’,'so.”” ‘You will tell him there is one way for him to secure them, and only one way. If he does not ‘accept, they will be destroyed, and that will settle the whole transaction, He must bring five taousand dollars casb and come straight to this house with you.”, “* Exactly!” ‘* And he will come fast enough, for that sum is only a percentage on the whole for- tune at stake, you see. But, he may be in- clined to play some trick. 1n that event tbe papers will be desiroyed anyhow, and he will not find me here when he comes. In fact, Lam going to follow and watch, and if I see anything crouked, that will cut the business at once,” ** Why don't you come right along, and have the papers ready to hand over?” **Oh, no, thank you, I am notrunning my hiead into any trap. He might make a scene, you know. If he comes here I will be boss of the show, you see.” ‘*Then you have changed your mind about wanting the girl to come?” “Yes, I give that up, now; couldn’t handle that, now that she has got away from mene. You see, I am not afraid tojtalk to you, . \ Train-Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle. ee eee « for you are in my power, and I do not mean to let you get out of my hands until this thing is finished.” Trist failed to see clear through the villain’s scheme, LEither he had something back which he did not reveal, or else he was mak- ing a mistake. Once let Trist get out of the house, and it would be as he said, to a certain degree. The next words of the crook, however, threw more light upon the matter, and made ita littie more clear. ‘*Of course,” he added, ‘‘I mean to re- ward you, as I said. If we pull through all right, ’il give you a hundred dollars. If not, I can swear that you had part in the affair with me, and you will go up the river, You can see that I have got a double grip on you.” **T guess you are about right.” The breakfast was served, and Trist did full justice to it, When they had done, Gorman looked at his watch, and noting the time, arose from the table, The carriage had been ordered for nine o’clock, sharp, and it was ten minutes to the hour now; whereat the Broadway Crook got his hat and coat and made ready. ‘You are not goin’in the carriage, are you?” Trist asked’in exclamation. ** Why not?” with a smile. ** But, do you suppose he will come if he sees you?” ‘“T have been doing some more thinking, my young friend, and I’m going along.” ‘But, couldn’t we drive right to Police Headquarters with you?” ‘*T did not admit that Iam going in the carriage, Ishall follow right behind in a cab, however.” **Oh!? * And then if all is right, 1 will follow you back here and come in after the old man has entered. See? If not all right, that is the last you will see of me, and good-by to the papers and your hundred dollars,” ‘“T savvy. Vm goin’ for that hundred, you bet.” ‘“ Well, come right along.” They went down, and ina moment a‘car- riage pulled up before the door. Right behind it came a cab, and when Gorman had put Trist safely into the first, he got into the latter. He had directed the driver of the carriage, and the two vehicles started off, the one in the lead and the other not far in the rear, and Trist’s mind was busy with a coun- terplot. The crook had taken arisk, but he did not know the extent of it. He had not been abie fully to calculate the caliber of the youth he had to deal with, . Trist had no intention of playing into his hands, though it was better for the suc- cess of a counterplot that he should pretend to do so, He thought hard, looking at the matter from every point of view possible, and by the time the destination was reached he had a scheme in mind which he thought would carry the point for him. When he got out of the carriage he no- ticed that the cab had stopped not far away, and he saw Mr. Rushkin in the door of his store. : CHAPTER XV. , THE SKINNERS 'PUT IN AN APPEARANCE. ‘* Aa! good-morning, young man,” Trist was greeted. ‘ ** Good-mcrning, sir!” the cheery response. “‘T have got some news for you.” “Yes? Well, I hope it is good news, and I can see your face has no bad news stamped on it.” ‘‘It is good news, sure enough,” declared Trist. ‘‘I have holed those papers, and you have only got to go and get them.” if e A oh \ Nii ee ix am Fp AD Neal aes hes 69 maak eerie felis ¢ aie: —— a ‘Why didn’t you bring them?” **Couldn’t do it. You have got to put up a little money for them, if you desire to get them.” : “*T won’t do it!” ‘* Then they will be destroyed, that’s all.” ‘*But, who has got them? How much money does he want for them?” ‘The fellow is Gorman, the man who got away with the young lady last night, and he demands five thousand dollars or no papers.” , The old man turned the color of chalk, almost, for a moment, ‘Great heavens!” he gasped. he take me for?” Trist had noticed that. the driver of the carriage was watching him, and his sus- picion that he was a pal of Gorman was con- firmed, Bis ‘*He knows the papers are worth that ‘* What does ; much to the young lady,” Trist rejoined. ‘* He has set his figure, and if you dont want to buy, all you have got to do is to say so. See?”’ But he immediately added, in whispers: “Ask mein! Driver watching. I’m with you, every time!” i The old man was sharp, and he *‘ caught on” instantly, giving Trist the tip. ‘‘Five thousad!” he cried. ‘‘ What» is he thinking about? I wouldn't give ten cents for them.” , ‘¢ Well, that’s your business.” Trist made the move as if to return to the carriage. “Hold on, though!” the o!d man called. ‘Come in here a minute till we talk ” out. this thing over. He turned back into his store, motioning. Trist to follow, and the young detective did so, giving a wink to the driver as if to say: ‘It’s all right now, partner,” No sooner had he disappeared than the driver made a signal that was seen by the occupant of the cab. The scheme was working, and apparently all right for the pretty clique who had ar- rayed themselves against the orphan girl and her fortune. But, how would it terminate? “You see,” whispered Trist, as soon as they were inside, ‘‘that fellow got the bulge on me, and he has forced me to come here on this business. But, I’m playing against him, every time, though you will bave to fall in line as I tell you in order to win.” “What do you mean?” **You will have to come with me, just as’ if you meant to pay over the money.” ‘But, I might be walking into a trap. Maybe they would threaten my life if I didn’t pay twice that amount.” ‘Tl take care of that part of it, if you will do just what I tell you.” ‘*And what is your plan?” ‘“«T'll give it to you in few words, for we must chin heap fast. You come with me, and give directions to drive to your banker’s, It isn't to be supposed that you carry five thousand dollars around in your vest pocket, and the only way.to get it isto go to the bank,” : ‘¢T see, I see.” ‘« You needn’t draw the money there—in fact, I would advise you not to do so, but just make believe,” Trist said this in order to give Mr. Rush- kin full confidence in him. And it was a plan that succeeded, too. ** Yes, yes, now I see that you are in ear. nest in siding with me, and that you are not in league with the rascals. I'll do just what you say. We must have those papers at any cost. And then what should we do?” ‘* Pay close attention now: You tell your banker if any one comes in after you go out and wants to know how much money you have drawn, to tell the person five thousand dollars. That will show that you mean busi- at the same time,” ness, But, you will tell him more than that, | \ : <i ‘ Ry *
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ie | ~-S 13 Train-Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle. “* What can I tell him further?” “Tell him to send the bank-detective to follow you on the quiet, to No.— —— street. Your enemy will get out of a cab and en- ter the house afteryou. Then, when we give the alarm, help must rushin, See?” ** Yes, yes, | grasp it all, my young friend; it shall be done just as you have said.” ‘* And you have pistols for sale, here?” Pee. ‘** Get one for each of us, and we'll have them out of sight till they are wanted,” * Good! good! Young man you helped me last night, and now youare bound to help me again, in the interest of my niece. You shall lose nothing by it, that I promise.” ** How is the young lady this morning?” ‘* She is all right.” Rushkin took a couple of revolvers out of a showcase, and, loading them, handed one to Trist. “Tl go right out, now,” said Trist, ‘‘and wait for you. It won't do for us to remain in here together any longer, or they may suspect. When you come out don’t look up or down the street, but pay attention only to the driver.” ‘* All right! all right!” ‘** And, call your clerk to the door and tell him where you are going, so it will appear all the more straight.” * ‘‘Gcod point. «Yes, I’ll do that.” So, Trist went out, giving a wink to the driver, and in a few moments Mr. Rushkin appeared, ‘* Driver, do you know where the —-— Bank is?” he asked. ** Yes, sir.” ‘* Well, drive me straight there.” Tee. Trist had already got in, and now the old man did the same, but before he had ciosed the door a man came running up. Hie caught hold of Rushkin by the arm, telling the driver to hoid on, and ina loud voice, with something of a country twang to it, demanded: ‘*Sam Rushkip, haye you seen Sweetapple?” The man was an honest-looking farmer, judged by his appearance, a man about fifty- five years old, with a slouch hat and a coat a size too big for him, and a fringe of whiskers around his face, Before answer could be made a younger man joined him, arather good-looking young countryman, with a light mustache and clear blue eyes, looking a little more spruce than the other, but by their resemblance it was easy to guess that they were father and son ** Joe Skinner!” exclaimed Rushkin. ‘Yes, it’s me. Have you seen her? swer up quick. ’ “Tam glad you have come, Joe,” and Rushkin gave his hand. ‘I want your aid just now.” “Yes, but have you seen Sary?” “I save, She reached my house during the night, and when I found she had run away you can believe that I gave her a talk- ing to. I threatened to send her right back to you, and this morning she was missing!” Train-boy Trist was amazed at such talk as this, ** You mean that she has run away?” ‘* That is just it.” “See here, Sam Rushkin, are you talkin’ me fair?” “Tam telling you the truth just as it is, Joe Skinner, and you can believe it or not, just as 70% please.” ‘‘And what is goin’ to be done about it?” ‘Have you notified the police?” asked the younger man. “Not yet; but Iam going to do so soon as I get back from this business I have on hand.” Is it somethin’ more important than find- in’ Sary Sweetapple?” demanded the older of the two men, “Is there anything more Sary An- important than that, I would like to know?” O_O — ‘Maybe not, to you, but I have other | paper, and hurriedly got into the carridge, business as well. You just stay here till I return, and then we'll put our heads to- gether and see what is going to be done. | Ho! Harry?” calling to a young man who stood in the door of the store. ‘‘ Give these gentlemen chairs till L return. the bank to draw some money, and then 1] have a little matter of business to attend to. I'll be back in about half an hour, I guess, Go on, driver.” CHAPTER XYVI. DOING A DOUBLE DEAL, Wirtn that, Rushkin shut the door of the carriage and the driver started. Train-boy Trist looked back through the rear window, and saw the two men staring after the vehicle wonderingly. The next moment they turned and entered the store, and Trist looked for the cab, to see if that was following, and it was, at about the same distance, Trist’s mind was busy, for he knew not what to make of what he had just heard. He connected it with the strange request Rushkin had made of him at the time of the girl’s rescue. ‘*Have they gone in?” Rushkin asked. ,‘' Yes, sir, they have gone into the store.” **That is good. No doubt you thought strange of what I said to them, after the tone of that letter you found last night.” ‘Well, yes, rather, that’s so. If you helped the young woman to run away from them, why should you want to scold her and threaten to send her back, and so make her run away from you?” ‘*Don’t you see the point, young man? You are a pretty bright chap, and you ought to see through it.” ‘** Yes, but I don’t, unless you are lying to them ” ‘*Ha, ha! Well, that is it.” ‘Then I begin to see through it. You are really hiding the girl, but you want them to think she has run away.” “That is it. Mind, 1 trust you to say nothing.” **Oh! you can trust me. Iam onthe side of right, every time, you bet.” ‘“That is the way to be. It pays in the long run, They are only after her fortune, that’s all.” Trist picked these things over in his mind, though, as they rode along, and there rose up a great big doubt as to which was the Honest party. It struck him that there was just about an even chance that Rushkin was working a similar scheme in his own interests, and that this was one reason why he was so interested in the girl. To Trist’s mind, the Skinners, father and son, did not look like a bad pair, even if their name was somewhat against them, for it. cast the reflection that they might be ‘‘ skinners ” by nature, too, He made up his mind that he would know more about the matter. When they reached the bank, Rushkin got out and entered. The cab came up the next moment, on the opposite side of the coach, and stopped there, close by the door, The crook put out his head and motioned to Trist. Trist opened the door on that side, slight- Jy. ‘“*Ts it all right?” Gorman asked. ** Yes, it’s all hunk,’ ' ** And he has come here for the money ?” “You bet!” “ A'l right; steer him straight, and we’ll come out on top with the game ” ‘He is biting hard,” declared Trist, ‘‘ and it won't be much trouble to land him,” He closed the door, and when Gorman had spoken to the driver, in lower tone, the cab went on, Some minutes later Rushkin came out of the bank, carrying a packet wrapped in news- , afraid, though, that he has’em in his pocket.”” I am going to | which immediately drove on. ‘*You can see it is a scheme, “The driver don’t have to. be , ” said Trist. directed | now.’ ‘We'll scheme them,” declared Rushkin. ‘* The bank detective, with another man with | him, will be at the house as soon as we are, | and they will ask for Gorman and come right in.” | ‘That is good, but we must make sure of la sight of the papers the very first thing.” ‘“T'll manage that, I think.” After that they were for the most part silent till they came to their final destina- tion, There they got out, Rushkin bade the driver wait for him, and without looking in any direction he and Trist mounted the steps and rung the bell. The servant, if such she was, having been given her instructions, directed Trist to lead the gentleman right up to Mr. Gor- man’s room, saying he would be in in a few moments, This Trist did, Rushkin willingly follow- ing, as if he suspected nothing. The door of the room was open, and they entered and sat down. They had not long to wait, when Gorman came in, He looked at Trist, who was seated in a big chairin a lazy fashion, and who said: ‘This is the gentleman, sir, and he has: got the goods with him, as you sce. But, let him speak for himself; I’m too fresh, I guess,” But, Trist gave a wink, indicating the newspaper packet the old man had under his arm as being the money which had just been taken out of the bank for the purpose of making the transaction. ‘Yes, sir, 1 am here on business,” said Rushkin. ‘If you have got what I want, hand it right over and take the money. No questions asked. It’s a pretty stiff price, but I must have those papers.” ‘*Then you have brought the amount?” ‘* Yes; just taken out of the bank. Show me the papers.” ‘‘They are right here, sir,” and the man turned and raised his hand toward a shelf. At that instant, though, there came a ring at the bell, and, at the same time, a shrill whistle was heard in the street. Gorman’s hand dropped, and he turned pale, for the instant undecided what to do, as it seemed. The whistle was a warning from his pal without. : With a quick motion the fellow snatched the newspaper packet from under the old man's arm, and darted through a door into an adjoining apartment, Rushkin after him. Train-boy, Trist sprung for the shelf to- ward which Gorman had reached only the instant before, and in another instant his hand came in contact with a small pocket- book. In a second it was in Trist’s pocket, ‘This is all right, anyhow,” he said to himself. ‘I'll wait, now, until they prove up, and then I'll know who has the best right to ‘em. Not likely either of ’em has a better right than the girl herself,” and tak- ing his pistol from his pocket he followed Rushkin, He found the old gentleman at the end of the adjoining hall, trying in vain to open a door that was fastened on the other side, ‘* Did he get away?” Trist asked. “Yes, curse him, he has got clear off and away !” ‘* And he took your money with him?” This put the old fellow in a better hu- mor, ‘Ha, ha!” he laughed. ‘‘ He is welcome to that; that was a pretty good trick. Noth- ing but paper!” ‘* Well, if he left the other papers behind we are all right. We'll make a search of the room, and maybe we'll find: them. I am
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+ > ‘ x Train-Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle. i al *“t No, I think not, for he was going to take something from a shelfe”’ * Ha!lso he was.” They returned to the other room, where two men were ready to meet them, the one the bank detective, ‘* He escaped you?” that worthy asked. “Yes, he got away,” growled Rushkin. ** And took your money?” ‘‘ Ha, ha! Yes, he took that!” “* Then you see I was right, about sugges ing that you should carry such a package.” ‘* Sure enough, so you were. But, Il was not such a fool as to bring the real goods here. Now, we want to search this room for the papers, and that shelf in particular.”’ The search was made, but no papers were found, * Never mind,” said Train-boy Trist, ‘“ I am in this race yet, and I’ll have ‘em or bu’st. Iam going to have that fellow before I give up, you bet!” ‘*] don’t see how you can do it now,” complained Rushkin, ‘*] haven’t seen a thing ahead, Is’pose all the way?” was the bantering rejoinder. ** Well, if you get them there is a good, stiff reward awaiting you.” ** All right; T’il remember that, sir. Iam ae stay tothe end, now, if I lose my job.” ** Well, let’s get back. Much obliged to you, gentlemen, for your trouble?’ to the bank detective and his aide. ‘“ The same offer of reward is open to you, if those ‘papers can be recovered from that rascal.” 9”? CHAPTER XVIL SPREADING THE NET. TseEy left the house immediately, the others following. Mr, Rushkin looked to find the coach, for- etting for the moment the character of the driver who had brought them there, but neither coach nor cab was to be seen any- where. ‘** Might ’a’ known it, if I had thought,” ‘said the old gentleman, with a light laugh. ‘*You can bet. they had business else- where,” averred Trist. ‘‘ But, the cars are not far away, and we'll get there all fhe same,” They made haste to the nearest cars that ran in the direction in which they desired to go, and in due time were again in the neigh- borhood of their starting point. Leaving the car, they walked on toward the store, but, before they reached there, they were met by Jack Minnie, who stopped Rushkin, ‘* Well, I see the jays have arrived,” he remarked. ‘* Yes, they are here, and now Iam going with them to report the case to the police.” ‘Good enough, I think I had better keep in the background, don’t you? Just as well not to be seen in it, maybe.” ‘Yes, just as well. And, look out for— you know what.” ‘* Certainly; trust me for that.” ‘Minnie cast a sharp look at Trist. ‘*You are trusting this youngster?” he asked of Rushkin, ‘*Ob, yes; be has served me well, thus far, ‘and will serve me still better.” In a few words, then, the old man gave an saccount of what had taken place, and Minnie was convinced. ** Bully for you, young man!” the latter exclaimed. ‘* re hale get those papers for the young lady, and you will have done a good thing for a persecuted young woman.” ** You can count mein, you bet!’ assured ‘Trist. .‘‘ But, say, Mr, Rushkin, there is no ‘use my goin’ home with you; I may as well get out and hustle and try to get on track of that crook again, don’t you think so?” ** Well, I don't know but you are right.” ** You,can go to the police, you know, and report the missing young woman, with the Skinners, and at the same time you can tell what has taken*place and put the police on track of the crook. And in the mean time maybe I will get on his shadow.” ** That is right,” spoke up Minnie. do just that, young fellow.” “And don’t forget that you are working for areward,” added-Rushkin. ‘‘ You won't be forgot, when we get done.” ‘Allright! Don't believe anybody would take me fer a great detective, do you? I should reckon not, But, maybe [ can stums ble into some more fool luck for you,” With that Trist hurried away, and disap- peared around the nearest corner. On that corner happened to be a bake. shop, with a door on each street, and Trist entered this shop by the side street door. ‘*Give me acouple of buns, please,” he said to one of the girls at the counter. Bat, even as he asked, he had an eye out upon Rushkin and his companion, for Jack Minnie was his game just now. The buns were forthcoming, and paying for them, Trist stopped just inside the front doors and began to munch one of them leisurely while he kept watch. Rushkin and his companion talked earn- estly for some minutes, and then parted, Rushkin continuing on-his way and Minnie going up the avenue at an easy pace, witha look of satisfaction on his face, Trist allowed him to gain a little distance, and then set forth to follow him to learn where he was going. ‘“‘ Yes, sir,” the young news detective said to himself, ‘‘I am in it, right up to my ears. And I smell somethin’ like mice, now, too, I have gota corner on the papers, and if I can get a corner on the girl I will be all hunk. Then we'll see who is honest and who isn't. ‘‘ And I must’t forget to corner that crook, too, while I am about it, for 1 have got to get square with him for that clip he gave John Lynch. Ha, ha! but I would like to have seen his face when he opened that newspaper and found the five thousand dol lars! I'll bet he swore in a fashion to make a pirate look pea-green all over with envy. This is more fun’n I have had in a year.” Trist had now a suspicion against Rush- kin. He believed that he and Minnie, and not the Skinners, were the real foes of the young woman. ; The whole thing, he decided, had been the pretty scheme of that pretty clique, and he meant to know which was right before he went much further in the game, The talk between Rushkin and Minnie was almost proof enough. f He shadowed his suspect with care. Minnie went straight ahead, without any suspicion of being followed, and walked all the way to his destination.. Trist noted the street and the number, and pulling up bis coat collar and pulling down his hat, walked past the house, taking a care- ful but necessarily brief survey of it. What was his delight, to see at one of pie upper windows Sarah Sweetapple her- self! - She turned away, even while he was look- ing, and he knew that word had been car- ried to her of Jack Minnie’s call, or at any rate that was what he thought. ‘* Now Iam happy!” Trist exclaimed to himself. “If 1 don’t spring the joker on them now it will be because I don’t know how, that’s all. Sarah, my dear, [ am in the ring yet, you can bet your pet rooster at home!” Trist now set forth straight for Police Headquarters, by the shortest and quickest route. He had his plans all iaid out, and needed only the help of the police in order to carry them forward in fine shape, ce You es Fy f rr My. ak Ss ee), ia aay by See 0% ia el 2 ROE AY a re) nS s ion a we And that was not the best of it. He could play into the hands of the police in sucha way that they would think they were do- ing it themselves. But, he cared nothing for that. In due time he was at his destination. ‘‘] want to see the mogul,” he hurriedly announced. There was a little parley, but Trist car- | ried his point and was shown into the office of the chief, ‘Well, who are you and what do you want?’ he was asked. ‘‘I'm Train-boy Trist, the news com- pany’s special, the game chicken that help- ed your men rescue that lost young lady last night,” was the brief statement, ‘I have got somethin’ a good deal bigger on hand now,” ‘* What is it?” ‘That young woman is lost again.” ‘‘ Well, that is rather remarkable, isn’t it, young man?” ‘You'll say so, when you hear the tale I have to tell, I guess. You know all about last night's racket, of course.” “Yes.” ‘* Well, there is a three-cornered game going on, now, and I’m one corner of the combination. I want you to take my cor- ner and bring things out straight. See? I have got it all down fine for you,” ‘Let me hear your story.” So, Trist went ahead and rattled off the affair at length, telling all he knew and.all that he suspected. As he proceeded the interest of the police wakened up, and by the time the youth had done that interest was at highest pitch, and the chief exclaimed: ‘* Young man, you have done well! have handled this case in a way that you may well feel proud of: No doubt these fel. lows will be here soon to report the matter to me, and then we’ll see what we'll see.” ‘** And may I stay here and see the fun?” “Yes, When they are announced you may step right into that cabinet and take in all that is said. You may hear something that will be of further use to you.” The chief then called an officer, gave him some whispered instructions, and the man hastened away. Trist spent the time looking around the rooms, and was ea interested in the Rogues’ Gallery, the little museum of curios, etc, In about half an hour Mr. Samuel Rush- kin was announced, and the young detective made haste to get into the cabinet, from which he could see and hear all that was done and said. 7 Mr. Rushkin and Mr. Skinner and his son entered, Rusbkin told their story, in a plain and straightforward manner, and ‘asked for po- lice aid in recovering the lost papers and re- storing the missing. young lady to her right- ful guardian, Mr. Skinner, ‘‘T think very likely your case can be at- tended to, gentlemen,” they were informed, ‘‘T think we can assist you both in the re- covery of the papers and in the finding of the missing young woman.” CHAPTER XVIII. EXPOSE AND ENDING, THE Official touched a bell. It was promptly answered, and the attend- — ant received some instructions in a low tone. “ Just remain a few minutes, gentlemen,” the official invited, ‘‘ and I think I will have news for you. I believe we shall be able to help you without much delay.” ‘ You. And he proceeded to entertain them in a _ Pe: clever manner while they waited, They had not a great while to wait, when " the attendant returned, saluted, and deliv. — ered a message to his chief, ca ! t } ‘ ' "SOL 1
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SE a a es ‘| “« Tell them to come in,” was the order. | The attendant withdrew, and in a few mo- ments the door opened again. This time a detective entered, bringing with him no other than Sarah Sweetapple herself, her face full of alarm. At sight of her, Rushkin partly sprung to his feet, his face pale, and an exclamation escaped him; nothing of which escaped the eyes of the chief. He, however, pretended not to see The Skinners looked greatly relieved, especially the young man, ‘*“You see, gentlemen, we have been able to serve you very promptly, in this in- stance,” the chief remarked, proudly. ‘‘ This is the right person, as I can see by your faces. Sit down, young woman, and do not feel anxious, you have nothing to fear, for here are your friends,” The young woman was abashed, and knew not what to say or how to act. ‘‘And now for the papers,” said the chief, further, ‘‘I have sent for them, and I think they ought to be here by this time. I will just look here in the cabinet and see if they have come up in the pneumatic tube. I think my man understands that I want them that way. And if they are here, then we can settle matters in a brief time, no doubt.” He stepped to the cabinet and opened the door a little, and Trist, having taken the cue, put the papers, or rather the pocketbook, in- to his hand. “This is your pocketbook, young lady?” he asked, turning to Sarah, ** Yes, sir.” ‘‘Then the papers are no doubt still in it, if you had them there, Let us see about it.” And, in the presence of the wondering visi- tors, he proceeded to examine the contents of the purse. The papers were there, sure enough! ‘*‘ Now, there remains only one question to be settled,” said the chief, and he looked at Skinner and Rushkin, ‘‘and that is, which of you is this young woman’s true friend? And how are we going to come at the truth of the matter? Suppose both of you are after her wealth.” ‘“‘T know plaguey well Sam Rushkin has been,” cried Skinner, indignantly. “It is false!” cried Rushkin. ‘It is you, you old sinner, wanting her to marry your son so that you cuuld get at it.” “ That is where you lie!” cried the youn- ger man, leaping to his feet and shaking his fist at Rushkin, ‘7 only wish there hadn't been any money in the matter at all!’’ Train-boy Trist stepped out of the cabinet unseen, ‘“And what good do you suppose her money would do me?” demanded Rushkin, “‘T only wanted to save the young lady from Neg clutches, that is all. If she was a penniless orphan I'd like to know who would take her in the soonest, you or me? I guess she could starve, for all you would care.” ‘‘T have got the answer, sir,” spoke Trist, in a loud voice. He had given a sign to the chief, They all turned and looked at him in as- tonishment, particularly Rushkin, who grew pale and looked uneasy. ‘*And what is the answer?” asked the chief, himself wondering what could be com- ing now. “Why, they tell me that the young lady's entire fortune was lost in that last fail- ure, and that there is not a cent of it left,” Sarah Sweetapple gave a slight scream and fainted; Rushkin turned pale as death; Skin- ner looked at him with a smile on his lips, while Skinner the younger sprung to the aid of the girl. __ “I'm by-gosh glad of it!” he cried. ‘‘ Now I can prove that I love her for herself, I didn’t want her pees. 0, - ‘IT agree with ye, boy,” approved his RR 5 . 4 id sad ‘F - Train-Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle. father. ‘‘ What do you say, Sam Rush- kin?” ‘If there is all this soft love in the mat- ter,” that gentleman stammered, ‘‘I am go ing to wash my hands of the whole busi- ness. You can take her back with you, for all of me. And as for you—” He sbook his fist at Train-boy Trist. ** But, maybe the young lady will want to remain with you,” Trist reminded. ‘I wouldn’t go off in a hurry, if I was you.” ‘No, don’t bein a hurry, sir,” echoed the the chief, rising, and laying a hand on his shoulder, ‘I am not done with you yet, quite. There is a little more to be explained here.” He touched the bell again. A detective entered, bringing Jack Min- nie, handcuffed. . At sight of him, in that plight, Rusbkin dropped upon a chair, trembling. ‘““The little game is up, sir,” said the chief. ‘‘ You played it well, but you have been overreached, thanks to this young de- tective here,” and he indicated Trist, who blushed with modesty. Just then Sarah Sweetapple began to come to, and Tom Skinner was overheard in ear- nest addressing her. ‘‘I love ye jest the same, Sary, even if your fortune has all gone upin smoke. I don't care a burnt ’tater fer your money; it was youl wanted. I love you, Sary, and I don’t care if all New York knowsit. You say the word, Sary, and we’ll get marfied right away!” He helped the young woman to sit up, and she covered her face with her hands and wept, : ‘‘T—I did it all in good faith,” whined Rushkin. ‘‘ The girl wrote to me that she was being urged to marry young Skinner, and that she was kept from having other Oey: and I helped her to come to New York.” ‘« Yes, I know ye did,” retorted Skinner. ‘‘You poisoned her mind, first, and then you laid a trap to get possession of her when she was about to come of age. -If the truth could be got at, I bet you intended to cheat her, somehow, I have known you in the past, Sam Rushkin.”’ The old farmer was fearless, and he spoke with the indignation he felt. ‘‘ We'll see if we can’t get a little nearer the bottom of it,” said the chief. ‘You will be ailowed the benefit of making a clean breast of this matter, Jack Minnie, and I think you can thr3w some light on it.” ** You'll let me down easy if I do?” 924. he ‘* All right, then. Itis all up, Rush, and it is every dog for himself, when it comes to the pinch, It was all so, chief, that the old man and me laid a scheme to get this young lady here to New York to get a slice of her fortune—” *“You lie! you lie!” cried Rushkin. ‘* What is the use of your lying like that, just to get clear?” ** You old fool, do you think 1 would ad- mit such a thing if it wasn’t so?” ** But, it isn’t so, and I can prove it isn’t so. Just produce the letters I have written to the young lady, and see—” ‘It was all a part of the scheme,” asserted Minnie. ‘‘She was to be brought here; I was to court and marry her, then I was to pay Rushkin a certain sum for getting me the snap. See?” ‘““What did I say?” demanded Skinner. ‘*Sary, I hope you can see who your true friends are, now.” “If you only can forgive me, you and Tom,” the girl sobbed. ‘It is plain who is to be believed in this case,” spoke up the chief. ‘‘ Your King Solomon act, young man,” to Trist, ** has solved that problem. Now that the young woman is penniless, her true friends are still true to her.” f 15) **T thought that would fetch it around,” said Trist, grinning. “We will stay here and try it in court, if you want that,” suggested Skinner the elder ‘Tt won't be.necessary,” assumed the chief, ‘‘ Young lady, are you willing to re- — turn home with your friends?” ‘* She is willin’ to do more than that, sir,’ spoke up Tom Skinner, with a happy smile. ‘* She is willin’ to marry me, here an’ now!” ‘All right; we'll have that done, if you say so. Wecan get hold of a ministerin a few minutes, and that will be the right way to settle the difficulty, I guess.” And this was done. A minister was sent for, he came, and the pair were made man and wife. When that had been done, then the chief announced that it was only a trick, the re port that the ycung woman’s fortune had been swept away. They were then told of the good work Train boy Trist had been doing on the case; whereas Skinner gave him a handsome re- ward, then and there, and as they left the room the happy bridegroom urged him to come and see them some time. That ended that part of the matter. Rushkin was allowed to depart, after he had been lectured, and Jack Minnie was dis- missed with a warning. They were not seen or heard from again, by the Skinners, and it was not likely that they would attempt to carry their pretty scheme further, now that they had been shown up so well. Trist then gave all his attention to the finding of Gorman, the crook, He played the shadow over the house where the blackleg had last been seen, be- lieving he would return there to get the’ pocketbook. : And, sure enough: that very night he came to the house, in a disguise, but Trist recognized him, and when he was coming away the young detective laid hold on him. The Broadway Crook tried to give ‘Trist a clip with his slug, but the special held fast to him, using his new revolver as a_per- suader, and the result was that the ‘‘ black- leg in broadcloth ” was run ‘into the nearest police station and handed over. He tried his. best to get out of it, but Trist had too strong a case against him, and the gentleman crook finally got what he richly eserved, Trist had accomplished his object in re- venging the blow Jason Gorman had given the conductor, which had been the starting point of the whole matter, so far as the news- boy was concerned. Young Skinner and his bride remained in New York for some days on their honey- moon, and Sarah found that she had made no mistake—that the old people had been her friends, after all, and hed known best what was good for her, When she finally came into her fortune they were happy indeed. Train-bey Trist returned to his duties im- mediately. and his excuse for absence was accepted. This was the third or fourth piece of detective work he had performed, and he now became the company’s special in anoth- er sense. Whenever they bave occasion for the services of a detective or shadower, Trist Finley is put on the case, and it is not often that he fails. THE END. Next Haur-Dime Lrerary, No, 913! Kid Keith, the Revenue Spotter; THE BIG BAG AT DARK RUN. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER.
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shRNA RE EE TE Er RR te ag Pn A ABS § Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffals Ben 85 Deadwood Dick in Hi« Caatle. Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. Dick's Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. Dick on Deck; or. Calamity é ine, the Heroine Dick’s Last Acts or, Corduroy Charlie. Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood 77 Deadwood 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 120 Deadwood Dick’« Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Kase; or, Blonde Bill.’ 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. Deadwood > Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Gold-Duat Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Diek of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road. Diek’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel, Dick’s Doom: or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure, Dick’sa Dead Decal. Dick’s Death-Plant. Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, HS poh By a ee Fhe Spirit of Swamp Lake. ¢ck’a Death Trail. Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, Dick’s Dozens: or, Th. Fakir of Phantom Flats Dick’s Duenta; or, Days in the Diggings. mine tienes or, The Terrible Vendetta. ck’a Claim, Dick in Dead City. Dick’s Diamonds. ., Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case.” Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand Dick, Jr.3 or, The Crimson Crescent Sign, paeke 5 him a ae ek, Jr.’s Fu and, Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Racket at Claim 10, | erp | picks 5 hn Loreals ore rece Bill. eadwoo ek, Jr.’«, Do etective. Deadwood Dick. Jr., in Toad ood, evens omy ore pepe. eadweoo ck, Jr.'s. Inheritance, ponences ren? Aa pig ings. eadwoo ick, Jr.’s, Deliverance, Bestresd pik: drt drrice™> end woo ck, Jr.'s hree. Veadwood Dick, dr.’a, Danger Ducks Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 26 Sectreed wt Se ges eadwood Dick, Jr., the Wil Jest Vidoo 549 Deadwooa Diek, Jr., on Hila Mettle. . 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, Bectrare Bice: gre Ee Psttciapa ead woo: ek, Jdr., in ade Qe 2 Deadwood Dick, dr., in OMienea. mendes Dick. Jr., piost, end woo ck. or.. in Denver. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deerce, 5 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Beclzebub’« Basin, Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. Deadwood Dick, Jr., In No Man’s Land.. Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer, Deadwood Dick. Jr.. In Buffalo. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Acrosathe Continent Buea weed my hae Azeone: the Camnagiors. end wood cy Jr.'s, Inauronce Case, Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, Deadwood Dick, dr., tn Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” ee bp te ore pessuverys or, Found a Fortune. ead woo ek, Jr.’s. Dazzle. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s. Dollars. > Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide. ponerse Le Ses Proms a endwoo ek, Jr., at Jack-Pot. Peadwood Dick Jr., In San_Franeiaco. Deadwood Dick, Still Wont. Deadwood Dick, J Dominoes, Peadwood Dick, Disgulae, Deadwood Dick. Double Beal. Deadwood Dick, Deathwatch, Deadwood Dick, Poublet. Deadwood Wick, Deathblow. peadced picks Eh presucrete Strait. enilwoo lek, Jone Hand, Deadwood Dick, Detent. Deadwood Dick, dr.’«, Resurrection, Reee wens Bick ge. Dark Days. eadwoot eck dr.» Defied. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. Peadwood Dick, Jr’.s, Desperate Venture. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice, 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flush, 4 mongerces iets at paren ead woot ek, Jra, Rival. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Scoop. Dendwood Dick, Jr.'s, Proxy. Deadwood Vick, Jr’«, Clutch. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Nigh Horse. Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devils Guich, pead weed Pick a.m | See Hustle.! endwoor ck, Jr.’s Bombshell. Peet ncod Wek: Sem Mecay Deck eadwoo ck, Jr's, Decoy ek. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Silver Pocket. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dead-Sure Game. ¢ 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr’«, Double Drive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. 589 Tom-Cat and Pardy; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone, 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Dan’s Great Combine. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions, B76 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 5S8 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocg; of, Hot Times at Round-Up 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules, 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective, 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahy the Plains Detective. ‘ 676 Sienal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives 699 Bliraple Sim, the Broncho Buster; or, For Big Stakes. 212 The Meameri«t Sports or, The Mystified Detective. 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector. %45 Kansas Jim, the Crose-Cut Detective. 761 Marmadnke, the Mustanger Detective. 78 The Rustler _of Rolling Stone. 785 Lone Hand Joe, the Committee of One. 1 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 882 The Doctor Detective in Tomes 5 872 Two Showmen Detectives In Colorado. Vee Dedesederededededededed SCSFENIIS BAGNCASHEKNS) wird Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Kob on Hand; or. Idy!,the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob's Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll's Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones, 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or. The Road Queen. B68 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, BIZ Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. * ~ BS5 Yreka Jim’s Joker}; 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; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 2414 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion, 248 Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sawm’s Pard; or, The Ange! of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sain’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out. $9 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 69 The Boy Detective; or, Goid Rifle, the Sharpebooter, 96 Wateh-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the § port Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Gir! Detective. 226 The Arab Detective 3 or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective. 426 Sam Slabaldes, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 OCloven Hoof, the Buifalo 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 Bills; or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miners; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Bossa Hob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild eank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love. 286;Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or. Rowdy Kate, 24@ Cyclone Kit, the Young G)adiator, 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 Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. B80 Little Qufck-Shot; or, Nhe Dead Face of Daggersville. B58 First-Clasa Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. B82 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 Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten, BY J. ©. COWDPRICK, Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Brondway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Cleming a Strange Case B86 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Difftkilty.” Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 5 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, Broadway Billy’s Dead Act: or, The League ot Seven Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack In Frisco. Broadway Billy’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. Broadway Billy tn Clover. Broadway Billy. In_ Texas; or, 7 be River Rustlers. 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. Broadway Billy’« Full Hand: or, The Gamin Detective, Broadway Billy’« Business. Broadway Billy’s Curious Case. Broadway Billy tn Denver. Broadway Billy’s Bargain: or, The Three Detectiv Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective. Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. Broadway Billy’s Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. Broadway Rilly’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, Broadway Rilly’« Queer Bequest. Broadway Billy Baffled. Broadway Pilly’s Signal Scoop. Broadway Billy's Wipe Out. Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket- Broadway Billy’s Bluff. 4 Broadway Billy Among Jersey Thuga«. Broadway Billy’s Raid. - Broadway Billy's Big Boom. Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. Broadway Billy’« $100,000 Snap. Brondway Billy’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway. Broadway Billy tn London. Broadway Billy Shadows London Sluma. Broadway Billy’a French Game. Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers, Safety Sam, the Cvele Sport Jumping Jack’s Jubilee. Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. Milver-Maak, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. Shaata, the Gold King} or, ForSeven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta Jonn; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 806 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Roa... 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Beth, the Centavr of the Circle. 647 Tynewrlter Tilly, the Merchant's Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the * Pizenest’’ Man of Ante Bas. 894 Arizona Dick’s Wipe-Out. BY WILLIAM RK, EYSTER. 190 Dandy Darke; or. The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pard+, .2 818 The Hustler Rogue-Catcher. 888 Poker Pete’s Double Dodge, 851 The Tie-To Sport 3 or, High Hustling a. Sinners’ Flat, 888 Monte Saul, the Sport. 901' Diamond Dave, the Gilt-Edge Shooter, BY BUFFALO BILL (ifon. Wm. F.. Cody,. 8 Kansas King; or, The/Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom &py: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, ty Deadly-Eye. the Gaknown Ser ut; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robtn Mood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado: or, The Trapper’s Trust. BY HAROLD PAYNE. 848 Dan, the River Sport; or, Foiling the Frisco Sharp. 892 Bowery Ben in Chinatown, 4 IME*|_IBRARY.' Un ores Eide of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers. » ——— ed ae SE PE eS eee a — *~ BY 908 New 902 New 896 New S89 New S88 New S77 New STL New COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM. York Nat’s Double. York Nat’s in Colorado. York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. York Nat’s Deadly Deal. York Nat's Crook-Chase. York Nat’s Trump Card. York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Nat’« Masked Mascot, 859 New York Nat, the Gumin Detective. < Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. 842 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand. 772 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, Z7TZ Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. 784 Dick Doom; or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York, 788 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, 798 Dirk Doom tn Chicago. 7298 Dick Doom In the Wild West. < Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Lin's ina Clue < Doom’s Death Clue. 818 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Iunt. 885 Dick Doom’s Big Moul. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. 756 Dashing Charlic’s Nestiny; or, The Renegade’s Capt-vr~ 760 Dashing Charliec’s Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the (oman¢ he’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor's Boys « r, The Red Riders of the Rio Gran 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower, 718 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee Bill’s Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom, 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’s Curtous Case: o, The Rival Sharps. 69% Kedtern at Bevil’s Ranch; or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Redfern’s High Handy or, Blue Jacket. 707 Redfern’s Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers. 68 Red Kalph’s Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Miashipmen. A Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailer. 4 Red Ralph, the Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy 0 de. ie hed - Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. Rutterfly Billy, the Pony Express Rider. 56 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt, 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; o:, ‘Ihe Ow Is of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower} or, the Card Queen, 575 Kent Kingdon’s Buel; <r, Tne Surgeon Scout. 586 Kent Kingdon’s Loom} «r, The buckskin Avenger. 545 Lafitte Run Downy; or, The Futaneers of Barrataria. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: The Avenging Son. 56S Lafitte’s Contcrsions or, The Creole Corsair, 520 Buckskin BID, the Comanche Shadow. 525 The Buckskin Brothers tn Texas, B80 The Buckskin Bowers; or. The Cowboy Pirates, 585 The Buckskin Rovere: or, The Prairie Fugitive. 540 The Buckskin Pards’ Quest; or, Captuin Ku-Kicx. 508 The Royal Middy ¢ or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Royal Middy’s Luck; or, ‘lhe Huntea Midshipz.av. 611 The Royal Middy’s Foe. d 450 Wizard Will: or, T!.¢ Boy Ferret ot New York, 454 Wizard Wills Street Scouts. ? 474 Wizard WI1's } ard; or, Flcra, the Flower Girl. 4858 Wizard WIILl's I anat Case; or, The Ferrets Afloat. 429 Duncan Pare, the Boy Refugee. f 488 Duncan Dare’s FV lots or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. Danean Dare’s Prize; or, The Sea Raider. Duncan Dare’s Seerct: or. The Ocean Firefly. Inodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League, 7 Isodor’s Double Chase; or, The Boy Insurgent. Isodor’s War-Cloud Cruise: or. The Wild Yachtsman, Islaon BIll, the Prince of the Reins. Bisov BUl’s Clue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, Dead Shot Pandy’s Dilemmas — ? Dead Shot. }' andy’s Double; cr, Keno Kit. Dead Shot Randy’s Defiancet or, The Boy Bugler. Dead Shot Dandy’s Chic fs or, The River Detective, Merle Monte’s Leap for Life. Merle Monte’s Mutiny ¢ or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. ) Merle Monte’s Treasure Island, Merle Monte the Condemned, Merle Monte’a Cruise; or, “'The Gold Ship” Chase, Merle Monte’s Fate} or, The Pirate’s Pride. Merle Monte’s Pledge: or, The Sea Mnrauder. The Kid Glove Sport; or, Little Grit, the Wild Rider. The Kid Glove Sport’s Doom; or, Buffalo Bill, Pony Express Rider. Denad-Shot Ralph’s Ten-Strike. Dead Shot Katph’s Brop. Deck-Hawk Roy’s Big Scoop. Marlo, the Cowboy Coaster, Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower. Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag. Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout. The Vagabond ofthe Mines, The Vexan Detective; or, The Black Bravos, . Pelmonte, the Young Sea-Rover; or, The Ayenging Sailor.) The Outenxt Cadets or, The False Detective, Arizona Joe or, The Boy Pard of Texas Jack, Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 468 Neptune Ned, the Bey Coaster; or, Pirate in Spite. 462 The Sailor Boy Wanderers or, The Born Guide. « 446 Haphazard Marry: or, The Sea Scapegrace. 898 The Red Clasped Wands; or, The Boy Lieutenant. , B87 Warpath WIIl, the Traitor Guide- 888 The Tadian Pilot ¢ or, The Search for Pirate Island. 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rover? or, The Flagless Schooner. 2R7 Billy Blue-Kyes, of the Rio Grande. 287 Lone &tar, the Cowboy Captain. ; - 229 Crimeon Kate, the Girl Trailer; or, The Cowboy's Triumph, 116 The Mussar Captain: or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. 111 The Sea-Devt) ¢ or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Smuggier , or, The Cruise of the Vixen, 75 The Boy Duellats or, The Cruise of the Sea-Woll. 62 The Shadow Ship¢ or, The Rival Lieutenants. : 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 17 Ralph Roy, the Roy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 7 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES, 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher; or, Sea Rovers of 98. By 'T. J. Flanagan. | 910 Deadwood Dick, Tr.» at Tip-Top; or, Gold Guns, the Bullet-proof sport. By Edward L. Wheeler, 911 Bowery Bob, the East-side Detective; or, Spotting the Shady Sharpers, By Harold Payne. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Mot stle; or, Bouncing the Broadway Crook. + ¥ J+ Cc. Cowdrie é 918 Kit Keith, t ¢ Révenue Spotter; or, The Big Bag at Dark Run, By Ed. L. Wheeler. 914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kind. Ingraham. 915 Flip Flasher, Pierce. say A New leaue Every Tuesday. , The Malf-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five gt RARARH the "he By Col. Prenties Ferret; or, Firing the Fire-bugs. Ey Jo sents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. Per Py) CKADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, fey ,88 William Strect, New York. tea