Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 918) (1895 02 26)
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Cy " | | a bit eo L, A W. OBR=“Cofa es: = seat li ll el a i a Sa as bhai ¢ Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1895, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, February 26. 18y5. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No, 918. a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. Ta. . AXA. Hh Wi Hh iss ili i A Mite / mn at ie i i ae i Me Y 00 Sharp ome dersey sharper, BY J. C. COWDRICK, AUTHOR OF ““BROADWAY BILLY” NOVELS, ETC. CHAPTER I. SOMETHING PECULIAR. Docx-Boy Dick had never seen anything like it. He did not wonder that the younger man turned pale, and that a look of horror came into his face.
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The Trump Dock-Boy. “The hand the elder man extended was a | ‘*T would not, in truth, have you take skeleton! Or, at any rate, it was so withered | that hand in yours, Philip, for all 1am worth that it looked to be nothing but bones, and | in the world.” even the dock-boy felt something of a shock *Pshaw, uncle! It is mere superstition at sight of it. that the person that grasps that hand will Thescene was on the pier of one of the | die within a year; I do not believe a word of Gulf steamship lines. it. Still, as 1 said, the sight of it was a A steamer had just been warped in, the | shock, for a moment.” passengers were alighting, and ~Dock-boy ‘And you took care not to.take the risk; Dick “was watching for an opportunity to | ha, ha, ha!” turnan honest penny. ‘‘T say, it~ was so sudden, I was not He was a youth of eighteen orso, and was | thinking about your withered hand at tie ‘‘ runner” for one of the down-town hotels, | moment. When you thrust it out at me,the his territory being the docks and ferries | recollection came in upon me with a rush, along the East River, with which he was | and my drawing back was more an involun- thoroughly familiar. tary act than it was an act produced by the Dock-boy Dick had opened his eyes for the | will. I will take it now, if you offer it.” first time in the world in that vicinity, and Dock-boy Dick noticed that their eyes met there had spent his boyhood days, receiving | steadily. the nickname that still clung tohim. He ‘You don’t mean it?” the elder doubted. had been what is commonly called a ‘‘ dock ‘Try me and see!” rat,”—one of the genus gamin of the water- ** You would take the risk of dying within fronts. the year?” He had made his own way thus far in the ‘Pooh! There is nothing in that, Uncle world, and was calculated to make it still | Joseph. Give me your,hand now, and I further. will prove it.” i Dick, that day, was politely accosting the *‘Tll bet you a good cigar that you will passengers, as they passed down the gang- | back down, young man, if I show that hand way, mentioning the name of his hotel, and | again, the same as you did the first time. requesting to carry baggage. You can’t help it, even if it is only super- Among others came a fine-looking young | stition,” man, maybe twenty-six years of age, of dark “Try me.” complexion, with black hair and mustache, They bad drawn aside out of the rush of and faultlessly dressed. He carried a grip | passengers, and no one was observing them in his hand. | save sharp-eyed Dock-boy Dick. Dock-boy Dick was on the point of speak- He pretended not to be paying any atten- ing to him, when he met with the surprise | tion, but was losing nothing of all that was mentioned. said, Scarce a minute had elapsed since the A rather good-looking, portly gentleman, | young man had stepped on shore. maybe fifty-five years of age, well dressed The elder drew the skeleton hand out and ren. well-to-do in worldly goods, | from under his coat, stepped quickly forward and addressed the He did not appear as if he meant to ex- young man. {tend it, but merely to test the younger ‘*My dear Philip!” heexclaimed, and put | man. forth his right hand. With a quick motion, though, the young The expression of the younger man’s face | man reached forward and had hold of it be- changed instantlyfrom one of pleasure to | fore the other could thrust it out of sight, such as we have described. and he held it for a moment. He drew back his own hand, before it} -‘‘Let go!” exclaimed the other, excitedly. could be grasped, and, in the same moment, | ‘‘I did not think you would do that, Phil. I the elder gentleman, realizing what he had | did not mean to let you get hold of it; I done, as Dock-boy Dick read his mind, made | merely wanted to see if you would have the haste to say: nerve to reach forit.” . ‘“Your pardon, Philip, your pardon! ‘‘Well, you have seen,” cried the younger, My joy at seeing you was so great that I | witha light laugh. forgot my deformity, forthe moment. No ** Yes, and I’m sorry for it.” - harm done, and here is my left; take hold of “Don’t let it worry you; I'm sure it shal! that and see how it feels. I don’t blame | not trouble me,” you for refusing the right; would refuse it ‘*But, it does worry me, all the same. myself, if Icould. Ha, ha, ha!” You do not know the fatality of my skeleton e put forth his left hand, which was | hand as I know it— Great heavens! why grasped heartily, and he laughed lightly as | did you do it?” he concluded his remark, ‘‘Just to prove what I said in the first They had moved a few paces from the} place, and that I am no believer in such gangway while speaking. superstitions. Because 2 man happens to Dock-boy Dick still observed them, to the | touch your withered hand, and happens to neglect of business. That skeleton hand in- | die within a year, is no proof that the han terested him. had anything to do with his death.” As said, Dick had never seen anything like ‘‘T don’t know, I don’t know; I am sorry it, and his curiosity was aroused to get an- | it happened.” other glimpse of it. In another moment he | ‘ Think no more about it.” felt an interest in what they said. ** How can I help it?” The elder gentleman had thrust his wither- “By thinking about something else. ed hand inside the breast of his coat, out of | Come, enough of this fol de-rol; what are sight. you going to do with me?” + ‘*And 1 beg your pardon, uncle,” the *‘T wish I could regard it’as lightly as younger man hastened to say, ‘‘for so re- | you do, Philip. But, I can’t. You have minding you of your misfortune, but the | knocked all my pleasure into a cocked hat recollection of all that I have heard in con- | by your rashness,” — nection with your skeleton hand came to my ‘There, there, no more of it. What are mind with a rush, at sight of it, and I could | you going to do with me, I asked you, sir?” not help showing the shock it gave me. The younger man assumed a jaunty, play- | But, there is nothing in the superstition, of | ful air. course.” ‘‘ Why, we must go toa hotel, of course, ‘1 don’t kno soberly; ‘*T ay inclined to think there is a good deal) in it. “Now that Iam over the natural excitement of the moment, I don’t see how I so far forgot myself as to offer. you that hand.” ‘Well, let us say no more about it.” so have not had time to locate; came right here—” \ Ore ox ar ** Carry your grip, sir? Carry your grip?” F voice interrupted, and a youth made an effort vo get hold of the young man’s hand- bay. ‘* Pilot you straight to a good hotel, | wv about that, Philip,” more I have not been in town an hour myself, and |. sir; all the home comforts of life and a good many more.” Dick succeeded in getting hold of the handbag, and held fast while he awaited the decision. The two men looked at each other. ** What hotel is it?” asked the elder, ‘‘The Brimton, sir; best of its class in town, sir. Right near Broadway, and con- venient to all points of interest—” ‘‘ Well, say no more about it; lead the way.” The owner of the handbag released his hold, and Dock-boy Dick turned away with it with a grin on his face. ‘‘Thought I could do it,” he said to him- self, ‘‘ soon’s he said hotel. Didn’t draw a blank, after all, even if I did monkey away time listening to what was none of my business.” He led the way, the two gentlemen fol. lowing him, talking. f ‘‘ Hang me for a fiddler if I wouldn't like to know more ebout that skeleton hand, though,” Dock-boy Dick muttered to, him- self, as he went along. ‘‘ There is some- thing of a mystery about it all. Id like to hear the whole story, and I’d like to know whether that fellow lives the year out. Won- der if I can’t?” CHAPTER II. THE CURTAIN LIFTED A LITTLE. Docx-Boy Dick was a familiar figure around the Hotel Brimton. Not that he spent his time there, but he was a frequent comer, and on every Visit, nearly, he brought guests. ; fle was the direct means of bringing many dollars to the till, and his service was appre- ciated. So much so, that he had been given a humble lodging in the house free of cost. This was besides his regular commission. He had a little room, away up under the roof, but still a comfortable and cozy place. lt was always ready for him, and he made, - use of it quite often. In fact, Dock-boy Dick had come to be looked upon as a regu- lar attache of the house. - When he reached the house, on this oc- casion, with the two men, he conducted them straight to the clerk’s desk. “Two gents that wanted to find a first class, gilt-edge, A-number-one hotel, and I brought them right here,” he rattled rapidly. “ You'll: find this the best house of its size in town, sirs.” | He put down the grip as he spoxe. _ ‘* And how much do we owe you for the service?” asked the younger man. ue ** Oh, anything you please, long as it ain't less’n.a quarter, an’ not more’n five dollars.” ‘« All right; here’s a half, an’ much obliged ~ to you.” He tossed a coin which Dick caught — deftly, and the boy turned away while they registered. When they had done so, and a call-boy : had taken them up to their room, Dick again _ approached the desk and said to the clerk:, ‘* Best I could do, Charlie.” | «Two are better than none, Dick.’ ‘© You noticed that the old fellow kept on hand out of sight, didn’t you?” 3) “Yes: the young one registered for him. What of it? What’s the matter with his hand?” ‘No meat on it.” “What?” , ** It's a skeleton.” “Get out!” - ie “Oh, but it’s the fact; and thereby hangs a tale.” , ** What is it?” | «That's what I’m dyin’ to know, Charlie a ' Wish I bad some way of findin’ out all about & it.” \ he Dick thereupon told what he knew, and the clerk, too, became interested in the matter. It certainly did seem to be a little out of the usual, for strangeness, é j ; i oi \ Rt, Ps rs Lb) nt i % eh gi We , ate +e 4
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“ Well, maybe I'll find out more about it, : Dick, and if IdoI will let you know,” as- - sured the clerk. . “All right; wish you would. But, who an are they, and where from?” ; “The old fellow’s name is Joseph Bel- A chaine, from a big town out in Jersey, and the other is Philip Holland, from New Or- | leans.” ' 4 ‘‘And we can guess a good deal of the : rest, Charlie. The young one called the old H one uncle. His mam must ’a’ married a a Southern man, an that’s how he comes by his oe dark skin.” ” **Maybe you are right.” SM *L'll bet pennies tu buttons I am.” , ‘Hello! here isthe old one back again, : Dick.” True enough; Joseph Belchaine had come down and was approaching the desk. ** Hal” he exclaimed, as he came up, lay- ing a hand on Dick’s shoulder, ** you are the very one I'm looking for, my lad.” ** Me?” said Dick. ‘Yes; have a message I want delivered, and you seem a likely fellow.” “All right, sir; | am your sardine, if there is money in it. Whereis your mes- sage? And where to?” ) “Come up tomy room, My nephew will write it.” ** All right, sir.” ‘ The dock-boy gave the ‘clerk a wink, and followed the elder man to the elevator, E On the second floor the gentleman led the 3 way to the door of an elegant room, opened it with his left hand—he carried the right under the breast of bis coat—and bade Dick enter. The boy did so, with a sort of timidity. It was one of the most elegant rooms the house afforded, of which Dick had only had glimpses heretofore. } The old gentleman followed him in, clos- . ‘ing the door after him. by By a window on the other side of the room i was seated the younger man, examining a 4 aw _ brilliant object which he held in his fingers. ; “Sit down, young man,” Belchaine com- _- manded. 4 Dick dropped on a chair near the door, twirling his cap in his hands. En “IT don’t know about it, uncle,” spoke up ' the younger man, ‘‘I believe I will not run’ the risk.’ ; By, “* Why, of course not, if you are going to ' make a display of it and let the fellow know _ what he is to carry,” cried the uncle, in somewhat of displeasure. ‘‘ What did you pia show it for?” P **Oh, it isn’t that I don’t consider the 5 boy honest, uncle; I believe he would _ take all the more care, knowing the value of _ the thing, and deliver it in perfect safety, barring accideat; but, it is just that risk hat I dare not assume. A four-thousand- eon brilliant is not to be picked on every bush!’ _, He held the diamond 4 to the light,, and its flashes were almost like sparks of or. fire. » ' “You wanted me to carry that thing?” cried Dock-boy Dick. ; . . ‘* That was my plan,” said the uncle, _ ay “Well, count me out of it, if you please, ~~ gir. It wouldn’t ’a’ been fair to ’trust it to -{ me and not let me know what it was, so’s 1 _ could take extra care of it, an’ you couldn’t '. trust me that far, I wouldn’t carry it now if * I was a whole Express company!” _ ‘ Neither would I, in your place, my lad,” said Philip Holland. ‘‘ Uncle, you | made a blunder, and I don’t hesitate in telling _ you so.” + * You are just as blunt as your mother + was, Phil.” i. **Tmean it,” -° . Yes, I know you do, Well, we shall not } want you, my lad, after all.” _. ‘Hold on,” spoke up the younger, motion- ', ing Dick to remain ated, *T like your Hi ; j ait ¥: re yy ng a4) t “a * he blame the man? | The Trump Dock-Boy. | face, my boy, snd I would trust you with a bagful of diamonds.” “Glad to know it, sir. honest,” **T know it. explain why I have decided not to trust this gem to your keeping.” ** That ain’t none of my business, sir.” *« Yes, it is, after what my uncle has said. It is not many years since I was very sensi- tive. place, my boy.” **Just like his mother!’ muttered Bel- chaine, ‘What's my feelin’s got ter do with it?” demanded Dick, civilly. ‘*Everything todo with it. This diamond is worth four thousand dollars,” again hold ing it up. ‘* Were it worth nc more, I would insist upon your taking it to the lapidary for me, but it has an additional value, I mean to be and years.” **T see,” ‘‘] am soon to be married, and my uncle has brought the gem to light and given it to me for my bride. It has decked the fingers of no less than six brides in the family, every one of whom lived to ripe old age, and mine will be the seventh, if the stone be not lost. You will now understand, I trust, how ‘highly I prize it above the mere intrinsic value.” ‘Yes, sir; I see just how it is,” assented Dick. ‘IT hope you do, anyhow. I make this ichiiariation by way of apology for what my uncle has thoughtlessly said to wound your feelings, my boy. I hope you will believe that he did not mean it that way.” “Nonsense, Philip, nonsense!” exclaimed the uncle, testily. ‘‘Why do you stoop to apologize to a boy?” ‘** Because, uncle, I was a boy once myself, and I hope that now I am a gentleman.” “Tut-tut! I hope we are not coming to a variance, Philip.” -“T fear weare likely to, unless we stop short.” : ‘**Then let us stop, by all means.” *‘ Agreed. That is all, my lad; and if we never meet again, just bear in mind that I wish you well,” ** You bet I will!” cried Dick. ‘‘I take to you like gas takes to fire, and if I could ever do you a good turn, I'd like to do it. - Not likely you'll ever want me. but if you do, juet remember that my name is Dock boy me and that I am yours truly, on de- mand. CHAPTER III. MENTIONS RENAUD SERPOLET. Docx-Boy Dick went down to the office in a puzzled state of mind, There seemed to him something peculiar about these two men, and he hardly knew what to think of them. He believed that the younger was strictly right in every way, but he could not think the same of the elder. But, perhaps that was natural now. Dick was a boy of strictly honest inten- tion and purpose, and it had hurt him to have his honesty doubted, even by a stran- ger; yet, when he came to look at it, could He thought not. That, then, was not the cause of his bad opinion of the uncle. Not caring to make explanation to his friend, the clerk, Dick passed out of the hotel at once, Meautime, the uncle and nephew were having some words, which began about as soon as Dick left the room. The uncle was of a choleric temperament; the words of his nephew had to a degree roused him, and he could not help firing out. - LLL LLL LLL LC ttt ttt For that reason I want to | I know just how I would feel in your | It is a | wrong, let it rest so. stone that has been in the family for years | offer my humble apology to you, sir. ‘Well, a pretty state of things!” he ex- claimed. ‘‘A pretty state of things, I must say, sir!” | «What's the matter? asked the young man, “The matter? Why, the idea! A man with Belchaine blood in bis veins, offering apology to an unknown boy of the street!” “ Well, uncle, the Belchaines were gentle men, were they not? And when a gentle- man bas unintentionally wounded the feel- | ings of any one, he tries to make amends for it, does he not?” ** Worse and worse! It was my affair that you took up, young man, and will you say that Iam no gentleman?” pa Now, uncle, don’t make it worse than it ig” “Not easy to do.” ‘* Tt has all beenjdone, and if I am in the As the younger, I Here is my hand; let us begin all over again.” The elder hesitated a moment, made a mo- tion as if to offer his withered hand, but ex- tended his left. ‘*You are right, boy,” he said, heartily. “I'm ashamed of myself for my haste You cannot help what you are; your father was ts a Belchaine. I.am so apt to overlook that,” The young man colored, slightly, but checked himself before speaking. ‘‘No, he was a Holland,” he said. ** And 1 wondered what the issue would be like, when your mother married him. You are a fair sample of what was to be ex- pected.” ‘‘T am aware thut you never liked my father, sir,” spoke the younger man, with forced calmness, ‘‘ but I am ready to defend his memory if you speak further against him. For my mother’s sake, let us be friends,” “That is the right chord, my boy! hand again, please,” Your He put out his hand again, and the young man took it heartily, saying as he did so: “IT think, uncle, that if you will forget that I am my father’s son, and if I bear con- stantly in mind that you are my mother’s brother, that we shall get along well enough.” ** What do you mean by that?” “* 1 will leave it for you to analyze at your leisure. But, here; this diamond; what shall Ido with it?” ‘* Why, keep it, my boy, of course! You know the name and address of that lapidary, now, and you must get it to him as best you can, since you had to 5 ne my plan.” **T had rather have it set just asit is, and never mind the chipped angle.” ** And I want you to have it re-ground and made perfect. It will turn out all the hand- somer for it. Do you know what I said when I got your letter?’ **1 do not, sir.” “‘ Well, I said to myself; ‘ Heigh-ho! the young man is going to marry a Gueret, is he? Noble family. He will redeem his mother’s mistake "—” ‘* Have a care, sir!” “Tam telling yn just what I said, Philip. Said I to myself, ‘ Here is blood werthy to wear the Belchaine diamond; I will give it to him for his bride.’ That was what I said to myself, sir.” ‘Well, I am glad that I happened to please you; but, I suppose I have a good deal of my mother’s blood in me, and, whether you approved or not, I would marry just the same. That was what my mother said, I be- lieve, and, from my point of view, I cannot . see that she made any serious mistake.” ** Bound to bring that up, are you?” “What 1 was going to say, uncle: I ap- reciate the gift.of this diamond, appreciate — t highly; but Thad much rather have it set just as it is, as I said before, than have it touched to the wheel,” Anc [ am sure that —
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negative. The Trump Dock-Boy. my bride will appreciate it all the more, too.” ‘*T insist upon having my way about it, Philip. Itshall be cut and polished anew. Why, another thousand dollars will be added to its value!” **TIts money value is nothing to me, sir.” ‘** Will you allow me to have my way, or will you not?” ‘‘Have your way, certainly, uncle, since you insist upon it.” ‘‘ Very well, then you will have it cut and polished, as 1 have directed, and I know of no better workman than Renaud Ser- polet,” ‘“ Will you go with me to his place, then?” ei ‘‘1f you desire,” “You know I am a stranger here. By leaving it with him now, he ought to have it done by the time Iam ready to return home, even if he does not have it finished in time for setting.” ** Yes, that is true,” “Then let us go immediately.” ‘*] am ready.” The young man dropped the diamond into a pocket, carefully, and tae two left their room and the house. Making their way to the French quarter of the city, they finally applied at a rather dates’: shonin, Meroe where they made in- quiry for one Renaud Serpolet. He no longer lived there. He had moved away a long time before, but perhaps So- and-so could tell something about him, So and so directed them to some one else, until finally they found the right place, To judge by appearances, Serpolet had gone down in the world instead of rising, and Philip Holland expressed his doubts about the fellow. This rather angered the uncle, who claim- te have known the man for years. “Poverty is no crime, is it?” he cried. “French artisans seldom get rich, as you oor to know, for they spend as they go, and this fellow Serpolet has a mighty ex- travagant wife.” ‘*You ought to know, uncle, and if you are willing to risk the Belchaine diamond here, certainly I should be.” ‘*Then come on,” There was no bell to the door of the ' dingy tenement, nor was the door fastened, and they pushed it open and made their way up-stairs, Belchaine led the way—as if he knew it, his nephew thought; but, finally, he stopped and made inquiry, of a girl they met on the stairs, whether one Serpolet lived there or not. t They learned that he did, and that this - girl was one of his numerous progeny, and the door was pointed out to them, _ Belchaine knocked with his cane. The door was opened, after a moment of hurried confusion within, and a woman stood before them, | She was good-looking, despite poverty and numerous children, and had her hair dressed to a faultless nicety; but her dress, of rich material, was sadly soiled and in need of repair.” ‘‘Ig Mr, Serpolet at home?” asked Bel- chaine, ‘No, monsieur, he is not,” was the answer, with a strong French accent. ** And when will he be at home?” ‘* Not beforé eleven o'clock to-night, mes- gsieurs. He has gone to Philadelphia with some finished work.” The uncle and nephew looked at each other, and the uncle shook his head in the He would not trust the Bel- chaine diamond to the keeping of this woman, big ‘‘We will call again, madame,” he said. “Possibly to-night, at the hour of your husband’s arrival. If not, then to-morrow, sand you will please ask him to remain at eS nent home to receive us. My card; he will know the name.” And the two men left the house. CHAPTER IV. DICK TAKES A HAND. Docx-Boy Dirck was out late that night. This did not frequently happen, but it did happen occasionally, yet generally with good reason. As he was all alone in the world, with no one to account to but himself, it made little difference. And yet he was a pretty good guardian of his own conduct, withal. The fact of the business was this: Dock-boy Dick was something of an ama- teur detective in his way, and occasionally he rendered material aid to the police. On this night he had been out with the river police, trying to clear up a little mys- tery that had fallen in their way, and it was after one o'clock in the morning when he reached the hotel. Of course, he knew the night clerk as well as the day clerk. What was his surprise, as be passed along the corridor toward the office, to find there the man with the skeleton hand, pacing up and down! The man stopped and eyed Dick sharply as he entered, but immediately resumed his walking, and Dick passed on to the desk, where the night clerk sat admiring the reflec- tion of his diamond stud in a hand glass, Dick stopped and spoke to him, “* How goes it, Wallie?” ‘* Hello! is it you, Dick?” ‘‘T guess so. But, say, what’s the matter with theold party? Has he got the bats and can’t sleep?” ‘* He is worried xbout his nephew. They are both stopping here, and the young man went out about half-past ten, and hasn't shown up yet. The old fellow is getting flurried.” Dock-boy Dick received this news with much interest. ‘* Hang me, if I don’t feel a little anxious myself,” he declared, ** You?” ‘* Yes, I brought them here this morning, and that young fellow is a real brick, with all his corners on. Think I'll try to hunt him up.” ‘* Oh, he’ll turn up all in good time; he is only sampling the elephant, maybe.” Ao aay maybe the elephant has trampled m.” ‘‘T hardly think so.” ce Why?” ‘* Because he was no country guy; he was square-cut, and I’ll bet he knows the ropes all right.” ‘« What does the old gent think about it?” ‘*Hedon’t know what to think.” ** And what is he going to do?” ‘* He saysif he is not here in ten minutes, he is going to put the police on the case.” ‘‘ What he,ought to have done in the first place.” ' ; ‘« Yes, he knows that but he hasbeen ex- pecting him every minute, He seems to be all cut up.” ‘** Don’t wonder. man set out to go?” ‘To take a diamond somewhere, if I un- derstand it right. Seems like a queer time of night to do that.” “You are right, and the whole affair is queer,” ‘* What more do you know?” Where did the young them?” ‘Not a word.” AO ‘Well, there isa eerie that if any- body touches this old fellow’s skeleton hand, that person will die inside of a year, and his nephew shook hands with him to-day by that hand.” ‘And maybe that is what the old man is worrying about.” \ goat 7 *€ Of course it is! ‘Well, I'd like to see the youn turn up, and put him out of his fret. makes me nervous.” “T’m half afraid that he won’t turn up, Wallie. Guess I will have to sally out and see if I can’t find him, for he used me real white, and I liked him for it. He was no snob.” With that Dick turned away and accosted Mr. Belchaine. ‘‘The clerk here tells me you have lost. your nephew, sir,” he said. ‘Yes, yes, so I have, my boy. By the way, you are the same fellow who brought us here, are you not?” ‘* Yes, sir,” ‘*] thought so. to you.” : ‘“‘ And so did I to him, sir. Iam goin’ to set out and find him, if you will give me a pointer.” Lai You » ‘* Yes; why not?” “What do you suppose you can do?” ‘‘As much as any other feller of my size and weight, every time.” The old gentleman was eying Dick from head to feet, as if trying to make up his mind concerning him. ‘‘You seem to have self-confidence,” he remarked. ‘‘T have got enough to see me through, I think,” was the rejoinder. ‘‘And what kind of.a pointer do you re- quire?” ‘« Where did Phil set out to go?” ‘Phil? It strikes me that you are rather familiar with my nephew’s name, my young gentleman,” ‘There is no time now to put onany frills and trimmings,” declared Dick, im his sprightly manner, ‘‘1f you don’t like my style, say so. But, I am going to find that young man!” ‘“You seem to mean it,” A smile curled the old gentleman’s lip, “You can bet your life I mean it. Are you going to nee me or not?” “Why, I will help you, of course; but I shall not depend on you altogether to find him. I shall call out the police.” ‘Guess you will find them already out, sir. But, that ain’t to the p’int; I want to know where your nephew was going when he left here, what he was going for, and all about it. That will give me somethin’ to work on,” } “‘T will tell you without loss of time. He was going to deliver the diamond that I wanted you'to deliver yesterday. You see, it was to be cut and polished anew. He set out to take it to one Renaud Serpolet, a lapidary, who lives in a tenement at No. fellow He Philip took quite a fancy 4 1} at en BETOOE, “That’s no seraphic quarter of this vil lage, I'll be bound,” commented Dick, “We knew that the people there were ty poor, but that is not to say they are dishon- — est, my lad.” “Oh, not by any means, but maybe some- body got onto the fact that he had that dia- mond with him, and followed him and laid him out. Ihave heard of such things he in New York.” ' v “« How could any one know he had it?” “Give it up.” «You were the only one, besides ourselves, Va who knew anything about it, my lad. But, that signifies nothing.” No, for 1 didn’t breathe a word about it ae, “Did Charlie tell you anything about | to anybody. But it won’t takea good while = to find out whether he reached his destina-— not, and I’ll soon be back here to re- tion or port.” ‘Hal will you go there and find out?” ** You bet!’ “ Excelleat! ou return, then, before troubling the police.” ~ “Just as you please about that, sir.” I will patiently wait til | ( eter ~— Y ro ' «= Va me 9
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Rep ah joinin and flin _ Sava has been here to-night with a “Tf the police get hold of it, it will be in the papers, and that is something I detest —having my name in the papers.” ** Well, I'll be back here in the double hitch of hawser and let you know the worst. You keep a stiff upper lip till you see me again, and we'll yank Philip out of his dilemmer.” With that, and a wave of the hand, Dick was off, In due course of time he entered the wretched tenement, and made his way up the ill-savored stairs. The house was still, and not knowing the location of Serpolet’s rooms, he was un- certain where they were. But, he would find them, if there was auybody alive in the house, Finally he knocked at a door, and after he had knocked two or three times the door was opened on a crack and a volley of the most vociferous French was fired at him, and in the excitement that followed Dick learned ‘the location of the rooms of the Serpolets, and he presented himself at their door, which they had already opened, CHAPTER Y. WHAT DICK HALF SUSPECTS. Docx-Boy Dick was glad to find the right place. Not understanding a word of what the an- gry French couple said to him, he was glad to escape. “« Are you Serpolet?” he demanded. «* Yes,” was the answer. ‘“‘ What do you want with me?” ‘‘fam here on particular business. Will ou let me come in for a minute?” “What is your business?” ** You don’t want the whole house to know, do you?” At that point a woman’s voice said some- thing in French, and Dick was asked to step i n. What he beheld was’a wretched scene, There was a woman, who had thrown on 4 dress loosely, whose hair was done up in rolls and twists with greatest care. Then there were seven children, in all stages of dress and undress imaginable, who had gotten up from bunks here and there around on the floor, and who were rub- bing their eyes. : It was plain that the whole family lived in two rooms, this one and a smaller one ad- ee ‘here, too, Serpolet carried on his trade. | “* Say, what’s the matter with that couple down there?” demanded Dick, ‘‘It’s a ‘wonder the rest of you folks in the house --wouldn’t keep them chained up, or else put out a sign warnin’ people to beware of Jom e Serpolet smiled, and his wife broke out in- to a merry peal of laughter, showing her perfect teeth. ‘It’s a wonder they didn’t rush out at you you down stairs,” said Serpolet, who had a good command of English, and only a slight accent. ‘‘ They are perfect 5 es. But, what do you want with me?” hy, I have come to ask if a Zoung man iamond, to have it cut and polished. Seen him?” — - No one has been here,” the lapida answered, ‘I did not reach home until sey nearly midnight; have been away. Was any: one here to see me, Nannette? I mean be- _ sides the two gentlemen.” *‘ What two gentlemen?” demanded Dick. “Ido not know that it concerns you, young hs ~~“ But, I think it does, Was it anold man and a young Again they looked at each other. one?” “The old man was rather stout, and carried his right hand in the breast of bis cout,” is “Went on. *“The younger one / The Trump Dock-Boy. was good-lookin’ and both of ’em were well- dressed.” ‘* He must know them,” said the woman, aside. ‘The old man’s name was Belchaine,” Dick capped his :ittle climax. ‘* | see you have knowledge of them,” said the lapidary. ‘‘ They were here to see me, but Iwas away, as have said. The old gentleman left his card, and said he would be here about the time of my return, or would come early in the morning.” ‘* And neither one has been here?” “Do you think any one would be so crazy as to come here so late at night? I shall ex- pect them in the morning.” ‘‘ Now we are getting down to it, Mr. Serpolet. That young man left his hotel about half-past ten, to come here -with that diamond, and he has not returned yet. His uncle is greatly worried about him.” Now the couple looked at each other with -something of alarm in their faces, as Dick read their expressions. ‘* He has not been here,” assured the man. ‘* We have not seen him,” supported the woman, “Then it is strange what has become of him,’ declared Dick, ‘‘He must have got lost,” suggested the lapidary. “Well, that may be, for he was a stranger | in the city; still, he had a tongue and there was no excuse for that,” “ ‘* Tt is strange.” “‘Mighty strange. But, I will find him, if I have to take off my coat to it. By the way, Serpolet?” “What is it?” ‘* You know this man Belchaine?” “*Oh, yes.” ** What do you know about him?” *‘Heis a rich gentleman, who used to be in business here in New York, and I used to work for him,” ‘ ‘* What was his business? ** Jewelry. He dealt chiefly in imitation stones.” ‘‘Did he ever put any real diamonds in your hands for cutting or polishing?” **Oh, yes, many a time.” ‘* And be trusted you?” ‘Sir! No man ever had reason to distrust Renaud Serpolet!” ‘Beg your pardon, Mr. Sapolet, I was getting down to facts, that was all. I have no reason to think any other way about you.” ; ** My reputation is ny own capital, and no one must touch that.” ‘Well, I'll keep hands off, of course, What I was going to say, this diamond that Phil Holland had for you was worth about four thousand dollars.’ Yet again the couple looked at each other. But, it was no more than natural they would, perhaps. “That was the name of the young man?” anne Serpolet. 6 es ” ‘« Well, he certainly has not been here, sir.” ‘That settles it, then. I’ll go back and re- port, and then we'll hustle to find him.” “As I hope you will,” Dick took leave, with that, and hurried back to the hotel. Mr. Belchaine had gone up to his room, | but had left word that Dick should come there immediately on his arrival. Dick was soon at the door of the room, ** Come in,” the old gentleman invited. ag opened the door and stepped in- side. —** No luck,” he reported. ** You did not find him!” ‘** Not even his shadow, sir.” ‘‘ Heavens!) What can it mean?” “‘Tt means that he is in a state of gone- ness, I should say, sir, and we must wade in and find him.” ’ places, an “came down, ’ es ; ak : * Ee yaL e 8 Be by Ai pei THF ‘Had he not been to the house of the lapi- dary?” ‘*No, sir. Dick quickly told all the particulars of his visit there. ‘Strange, remarkably strange,” mused the old gentleman. ‘‘I must notify the police without delay.” ‘* That is the next card to play.” ‘* And I cannot wait for daylight. know where the nearest station is?” ‘¢ Like a book, sir.” “Will you come with me there, right away?” ‘Be only glad to do it, sir. Am in this thing to win, now, you bet!” “Then we will set forth immediately.” The old gentleman was soon ready, and to- gether they left the hotel, Dock-boy Dick playing the part of guide. It was not a great distance to the station, and they were soon there, when the old gen- tleman stated the case to the officer in charge, and urged him to do all in his power, As that was all they could do, they re- turned to the hotel. Belchaine repaired to his room, and Dick stopped for a word with the clerk, who was awake and interested. ‘‘Hadn't he been there?” the clerk in- quired. “‘ Not a hair of him, unless they lied, and I don’t think they did.” 99 Do you ‘‘Then what do you think? Come, you | have played detective before, Dick; can’t you find the fellow?” ‘““That is what I am going to do, or bu’st.” “* How are you going to do it?” “Give it up. But, that uncle, and I mean to keep it there.” “That will do you no good,” ‘* Mebby not, Wallie; but I don’t cotton to him worth a cent, and what he says don’t have the genuine ring to it. In fact, I think there is somethin’ crooked about him,” ‘*Pshaw! you are dreaming, boy.” ‘‘ Well, maybe I am; but if I find Bel- chaine has been playing roots on Holland, he will have a nightmare, and I'll be the burden of it, you bet!” ; CHAPTER VI. DICK PLAYS A NEAT DODGE. Docx ‘Boy Drcx was astir bright and eany next mornin He wipped” ‘down to the culinary depart- ment and made his breakfast on a bow! of steaming coffee and some hot rolls and but- ter. When he had done, he felt as good as new, and was none the worse for his loss of sleep. He went up to the reading-room, where he loitered around waiting for Mr. Belchaine to appear. The man could not. go out without being seen, for Dick kept close watch of the office ‘and corridor. Gradually the house began to assume a bg 4 aspect. = : he night and day clerks exchanged the latter. ; ti, hy While they were talking, Mr, Belchaine is band out of sight under the breast of his coat, as usual,and he hada worried look upon his countenance. “You here, young man?” he said to Dick. *“ As you see, sir.” ‘‘T came to ask the clerk if any word has | been had of my nephew.” “There is not a word, sir,” informed Dock-boy Dick. and no one has seen him.” “Well, it is passing strange. most crazed. I must employ a competent detective immediately, and do everything in. my power to find the boy, I hope nothing — serious has happened.” ** No doubt you will have a tive sent to you, sir,” said Dick, have got my eye on Dick went out for a chat with “He has not turned up, T am al- police-detec-
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dom Se yd ep teeas —) 6 The Trump Dock-Boy. “ You think so, my boy?” FY ORT ‘‘ Well, I hope he will come soon, that is all. If he does not, I cannot content myself here, I can tell you.” He turned away from them and paced up and down, ‘* What do you think about him?” asked Dick. ** Seems to take it hard.” ‘Yes, he seems to.” ‘* Ha! what do you mean, Dick?” ‘*Mean? Why, that there isn’t the genuine ring about his grief.” ‘* You are always finding a mare’s nest, Dick.” : ‘* Maybe 1 am, but I can’t help it.” ** You don’t mean to say..he is responsible for his nephew’s disappearance, do you?” ** Don’t know, but I can’t help thinkin’ there is somethin’ that ain’t jest up to the scratch.” ‘* Why should he want to harm the young man?” ** Give it up.” Just then a man came up to the desk with a business-like air. of Joseph Belchaine stopping here?” he ask- ed. ** Yes, sir,” said the clerk. ** What room?” ‘‘ That is the man, sir, right there.” He pointed the old gentleman out, and with a motion of the hand the man moved away. : ‘There is your detective, Dick,” said the clerk. “ You think so?” ¥ Bet you ten cents to a dime that’s what '“ Well, hope ‘so, and I must make it my business to hear what they have to say, if 1 can,” **Don’t-see how you will do it.” ‘*]'ll show you, if they start for Bel- chaine’s room.” With that, Dick moved away from the desk and was on the alert. Meantime, the stranger had approached Belchaine and spoken to him politely, ‘Mr. Belchaine?” “* Yes, sir.” The old gentleman stopped short and looked at the man searchingly. ‘I am a_ detective, sir, sent here from Police Headquarters to find out what I can about your missing nephew.” y “Ha! Iam more than glad to see you, air.’ . He held out his hand, the ieft. “The matter is still fresh, and we may be able to find him,” said the detective, taking the proffered hand. As he spoke, however, he looked ia the direction of the man’s right hand and see- ing this, Mr. Belchaiue drew his hand just a little out from under his coat, ‘* Pardon my left,” be said. “Ha! certainly, sir,” assented the detec- ve, “ Will you come up to my room?” / b Yes, and there we can talk with free- “ This way, then.” : With a motion of the hand, Belchaine led «the way in the direction of tie elevator, and Dock-boy Dick made haste in the direction of . the staifcase. Nothing was said between the two men untir they had entered the room and the door had becn closed upon them, when Belchaine invited the detective to be seated and took a chair himself. i ‘‘ Now, then, to business,” spoke the de- tective. “Exactly, sir; and I want you to put forth every effort to find my nephew. | will handsomely reward you,” ‘* Never mind about that part of it, sir. ~ His name is Philip Holland?” Yes, ‘* Have you a likeness of him?” ‘‘ Unfortunately, 1 have not, sir.” ** Describe him.” This Belchaine did, as well as possible, the detective making notes, ‘* Now, then,” said the detective, further, ‘«] want all the particulars about the matter that you can give me.” ‘‘T am eager to tell all I can. Question me, sir.” ‘‘Had your nephew an enemy here in New York?” ‘* Not to my knowledge.” ** Where is he from?” ‘New Orleans.’ ‘* What brought him here?” ‘* He came to see me.” ‘*Tell me all about it, briefly as pos- sible.” - ‘* Philip is my sister’s child. She is dead. He and J] are the only ones of the family ey Hy sister married a Holland, and ived they in New Orleans. Both are now dead.” ‘Where do you live?” the detective in- terrupted. “Out at , New Jersey. I was in business here in New York, but retired some years ago,” ‘* What business?” “* Jewelry.” ae Go on, ” ‘* Well, Philip wrote to me that he was soon to be married, and I wanted to see him before that event took place. His bride-to-be is a lady of French descent, from one of the finest families of France, and Iam proud of his choice—” «You digress, sir.” ‘No, no; let me tell it my own way. I am the last of the Belchaines, and I desired to arrange some business witb Philip so that he would come into my estate if anything happened to me. Not only that, but I wanted to present a fine old heiroom dia- mond to his bride.” ‘*That diamond has something to do with the present trouble, I believe.” ‘Yes, It was that that took him out last night. I am sorry that I did not attend to the whole business myself.” ‘* Finish your story, for you were leading up to the story of the diamond, I suppose, of course,” ‘*Yes, I was coming to that. The stone had a flaw, aud | wanted to have it recut, for it would then be prettier and more valuable. I met Philip on the arrival of the steamer, **We came here, and 1 gave him the dia- mond, telling him of a man who would be a good one todo the work, We called upon the fellow together, but he was not at home. His wife said he would be at home at eleven o'clock last night, and we decided to wait in the city.” ‘ ** And ai that late hour your nephew went to see him?” . “Yes, You see, his stay with me had to be short, and, if possible, he wanted to have the stone cut and set before he returned. He would not hear of my going with him, but set cut alone, and we were to take an early train out to my place this morning. And that was the last seen or heard of the poor fellow ” Belchaine paused, and the detective was thoughtful, while a third person, who was listening, was deeply interested in all that had been said. A — - CHAPTER VII, THE SKELETON HAND AGAIN. b set rete Dick was the third person men- tioned. ‘He had hastened up the stairs, had reach- | ed the room first, and was concealed under , the sofa, . What his suspicion against Mr. Belchaine was, he could hardly define, but he had an ; ® impression that all was not right, and want-. ed to get at the bottom of the matter; there- fore his interest in this interview. ‘What was tbe value of that. diamond, asked the detective, ‘Four thousand dollars, or about that.” ‘‘ Whew! it was a fine one, then.” ‘* Yes, it certainly was that.” ‘‘Do you think that lapidary perfectly honest?” ‘Oh, yes; I would not suspect him of any crime, least of all of murder.” ‘You think your nephew has been kill- ed?” “T certainly hope he has not, but in what | other way could any one get the diamond?” The detective passed the point. ‘You say your nephew did not reach his destination, according to what the lapidary said. ‘*He did not.” ; ‘Did any one else know that he had that diamond?” ‘*No, no one knew it, sir. That is to say, no one but a boy who brought us to this hotel yesterday.” ‘* Ha! maybe we are coming at it.” * At what?” ‘“ Maybe that boy told some one else, and that may explain the whole mystery.” “*Then you think—” “I think nothing, sir. I say maybe it is so; that the boy told some one, and that some one watched for your nephew to relieve him of the gem.” ‘Then why has he not returned?” ‘“‘He ma Lave got a severe knock-out, Maybe he is in one of the hospitals, uncon~ scious.” 3! ‘Poor Phil! Can’t we find out?” ‘‘Yes, we can easily cover that ground. I will bave it done. I, myself, am going to see Serpolet.” “* You are going to see Serpolet?” ‘* Yes.” ‘* What for?” ‘To satisfy myself that your nephew did not reach there.” } “Well, if you are going there I must go with you, i cannot remain here idle any longer.” — ; _“ You may come along if you want to, | sir.” “*T will go.” “But, before we start, some other points.” * What are they?” ‘ “ ‘Could any one profit by yournephew’s » ~~ death?” iss ‘«No one, sir.” “There is no pobeny involved, with which his marriage would interfere?” ‘‘No, sir— And yet— But, hang the property! Find my nephew, and find him alive, is all I ask of you.” “Then there is property, eh?’ ‘ ‘Yes; but why waste time about that? — It is the boy I want.” ‘‘And you are the one to be benefited should your nephew die before marrying, I take it.” » The old gentleman changed color slightly. re “ Yes, yes, it would stand that way,ifany- iy thing should happen; but, God forbid it A should ever come ‘to me that way. I want. to see Phil married and in happy possession of it all.” ‘Certainly, sir, that is understood. Don’t — imagine that I havethoughts any other way. Men who give away four thousand-dollar diamonds are not seeking to over-reach their eT aor relationsin the matter of property, | should say. Besides, you said you were about to fix = " your own affairs in your nephew’s favor.” an ‘You have it right, sir. But, let us be — - doing something.” : ‘A few minutes will make little difference. What is the name of your nephew’s financee™ ‘«« What bas that got to do wi Re “* You must telegraph to her. “« What for?”
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“To ask if she knows of any danger he mightrun into. Whether he had a rival who might desire him harm.” * There is a thought, certainly, sir. Her nameis Olivie Gueret, and she residesin New Orleans, but that is the nearest 1 can come to it. 1 do not know the street address.” “* No matter; the police will find her.” “Then you will put them on the case, there?” le i a ** They will alarm her, and perbaps need- lessly, although I myself have grave—’’ ** You have grave what?” ‘I was merely thinking of an incident of yesterday.” ‘‘Let me have every particuiar that has even the remotest bearing upon the matter, Mr. Belchaine.” “ Well, yes; I willtell you. You see this hand?” He drew the skeleton hand out from under the front of his coat and held it up. Dock-boy Dick felt the same thrill of hor- ror that had seized him on seeing the hand the first time, and he noticed that the detec- tive gave a start at sight of it, although he had partly seen it before. ‘* T see it,” the detective said. ‘‘ Well, it is the hand of death!” “The what?” “* The hand of death.” * Yes, I know what you said; I meant to ask you to explain.” ‘‘The person who touches this hand, sir, dies within a year, and my nephew was rash enough to grasp it yesterday ” _ Mr, Belchaine related the whole occur- rence. “Well, Iwould not lose any sleep over that, sir, if I were you,” commented the hard-headed officer, ‘* For my part, I take no stock in it.” ‘* Because you do not know, sir. It has happened more than once, and under circum- ‘ stances that have convinced me that it is cer- tainly so. I would not have had Phil touch that hand for a fortune.” ** And yet you bantered him to do so—” ‘* No, no, you misunderstand, sir; he was the starter, and I had no intention of letting him touch it,” “* Well, I take no stock in it, nor will I, even though harm has come to the youn man. If you are ready, we will set out, an I will telephone to the chief from the office.” ‘‘T am ready.” Belchaine took up his hat and cane, and together they left the room. pn & few moments thereafter Dock-boy Dick crept from underneath the sofa and ex- ecuted a fancy step on the carpet. ‘**Tam onto him, right or wrong!” he said to himself. ‘‘ Maybe | judge him the wrong -way because he didn’t think me honest, but I hope not. the feelin’ I have got.” He left the room and the hotel. ’ As soon as possible he was in the neigh- borhood of Renaud Serpolet s liumble domi- cile. He arrived upon the ground first, as he aimed to do, and he lost no time in going | ‘up to Serpolet’s room and knocking. e door was vpencd by Mrs. Serpolet. She bad her hair dressed ‘*to the queen's. taste,” but otherwise she was vot very cap- tivating in matter of dress. But, her eyes were bright, sie was good- looking, and she showed her perfect teeth When she smiled a grecting apon Dock-boy Dick, on recognizing him, and she bade him enter, ; “You did not knock at the door of the terribles,” she said, laughing. “You bet I / didn’t,” answered Dick, *‘Has that young man been here yet, Mr. Serpolet?” _* Not a hair of him, my boy.” “ Well, it is mighty funny where he can 1 can’t help it, anyhow; that’s . , Te le Le TRE CF Sra er ahr. CUED NE 8 Se IORT PS SENT * ts bits i. 482 Smee eis . pret oise ie = ws se Bee se = The Trump Dock-Boy. be, that is all. He certainly intended to , come here when he set out.” | “‘*But, he did not carry out his intention, | you see,” | Dick engaged the man and woman in j talk, in which the children took some part, and so he idled away the time while he awaited the arrival of Belchaine and the de- tective, TG CHAPTER VIII. AN INCRIMINATING DISCOVERY. , Dock-Boy Dick had hold upon the right end of the mystery. This was in line with what he suspect- ed, but he had no means to support his theory. And certainly he had no proof. There was work to be done, :f he hoped to come out abead in the matter. But, this is antici- | pating. After a time there came a knock at the oor. The door was opened by Mrs. Serpolet, Seon greeted Mr. Belchaine ard the detec- tive. ‘* Good-morning, Mrs. Serpolet!” greeted Belchnine. ‘* Good-morning!” was the response, ‘I am pleased to see you, sir.” ‘* Ha! and are you here?” catching sight of Dick. “You bet!” was the answer. ‘‘Come to = if that nephew of yours has got here yet, pir.” ** Good for you, my lad. earnest ” ‘*That’s what I am,” * And he has not been here?” to Serpolet. “ONG. Sipe? ‘* Well, it is more than strange, tainly set out to come here.” ‘And it is quite certaiu that he did not reach here,” supported Mrs. Serpolet, with polite firmness, ** At what time did detective. “After midnight, sir.” ‘* And no one came to your door before that time?” “* Not after Mr Belchaine and the young man were here, sir,” answered the woman. ‘“Anud this boy came after you were | asleep?” ** Yes,” said Serpolet. ** Are you aware how it would look, if it could be ‘shown that he had entered this house?” , .The man and wife cast an apprehensive | glance at each other. | It was not lost upon the detective. ‘* But, you could, of course prove what | you assert, that he did not reach your door,” ‘* [hope you do not think that we have eane him harm, do you?” demanded Serpo- et : Just then Mr. Belchaine stooped and pick- ed something up from the floor, using his skeleton hand in his excitement. ‘** Ha! what is this?” he cried. - He held the object up, ‘*T want to know how added, instantly. The thing he held up was a man's kid glove. ‘* Your nephew's glove?” asked the detec- tive. \ ‘** Yes, my nephew’s glove! this came here, Serpolet?” The poor lapidary was pale, and he and his | wife looked at each other in a helpless man- | ner. | Doek-boy Dick was taking it all in, and , Was weighing everything in his own private balance, as it were His first thought was -, becoming more firmly rooted. |“ [know not how it came here, Mr. Bei- chaine,” the old Frenchman s!ammered, ‘You teli me that, Serpolet?” **Tt is true” “What sav you, mad. 9” I see you are in He cer- you retire?” asked the 7 is came here?” he Tel! me how " ' : s We know nothing about it,” was the de- nial, ‘* There is something very funny about i, that is all. Iam bound to get at the bottom of this ” : ‘| hope you can, sir,” said Serpolet. ‘*Tt is possible that he dropped it when he was here,” suggested the woman, ‘ Nonsense,” cried Belchaine. ‘‘I saw him have his gloves after that, madame, There is something crooked here, as sure as you live, Mr, Detective.” ‘* Where did you pick that up?” asked the detective, ‘There, right behind that table leg.” He snatched the glove with his left band, pointing with the skeleton index of his right, For the first time, now, attention was at- tracted to the skeleton hand, and Mrs, Sere polet and the older ones of the children drew back with alarm. ‘It might have iain there some time with- out discovery,” commented the detective. ‘But, it is one of the very gloves he had when he left me last night,” urged the uncle, excitedly. ‘‘Ha! if you are sure of that, it is signifi- cant,” ‘That is what I say.” « ** But, Mr. Belchaine,”: cried Serpolet, in alarm, ‘‘you know me well enough to know that I would net do a wrong, don’t you?” ‘*T thought I did, Serpolet,” ‘We have not seen him, I swear it.” ‘“‘He had a diamond of great value with him,” reminded the detective, ‘‘and here in your room we find one of his gloves.” ** Good heavens, monsieur, do pot suspect us!” cried the woman, her good-looking face wearing an expression of consternation. ‘We truly have not seen the young man, and do not know how his glove came here.” ** You swear to that?” “Yes, yes, we swear it is true,” cried they both. ; ‘*Only for this glove, Serpolet, I would believe you,” assumed Belchaine. .‘* You have been an honest man—or at any rate I have thought you so. But, with this, there is nothing to do but to arrest you,” Mrs. Serpolet and the children began to cry instantly. ‘* You do not mean it?” cried the lapidary. “‘T mean it,” ' ‘There is nothing else to bedone,” de- cided the detective. ‘If you are inno- cent, of course it will be shown in good time.” ‘*« And, this Belchaine. ‘* Mr. Belebaine!” **Can’t help it Serpolet; no chance must be given for the removal of the gem, if you have it here.” ‘*Mr. Belchaine! You, who have trusted many diamonds to my keeping to turn up- on me like this and break down my reputa- tion, which is my only capital in the world. You cannot do it.” ‘*1t must be cleared up, Serpolet.” Serpolet. was perspiring, and his face was the picture of agony. The little ones were clinging to their mother, and altogether it was a scene not to be forgotten. Dock-boy Dick was a quiet spectator, and had taken no part in it whatever, further than to give close attention and store away mental notes. F ‘I have got to do my duty, sir.” spoke’ the detective, grimly, as he produced a pair of handcuffs. ‘‘ You must hold out your hands and quietly surrender, or I shall have to use force. The man sunk down on a chair, overcome, With a quick movement the detective bad. the handcuffs on his wrists, place must be searched,” urged ‘To think that you would do it, Mr. Bel- a chaine, to think that you would do it, sir,” the prisoner muttered, \
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/ “Yes, to think that you could do it!” cried the wife, springing up in great indignation. ‘*We are poor, sir, but we are above crime. Search our room, sir, and search it well!” With her head thrown slightly back, her eyes flashing, and her carefully arranged hair lending an air of dignity, she looked like a tragedienne. Besides, it all added a charm to her natural beauty. She waved her hand as sho spoke, indicat- ing that the search was to include every nook and corner. ‘* Yes, it is our painful duty,” asserted Belchaine. ‘‘It must be done, and if any further evidence is discovered, the law will demand of you an explanation.” ** Which it must do, anyhow,” said the de- tective. They began looking about the room, in every likely place where a valuable of so ori size might be put, but they did not L Keep ou!” the woman urged them, ‘‘ Do not give it up, If it is here you will surcly find it. Search everywhere. Search our persons, if you want to go so far. We want you to be satisfied.” ‘* Yes, yes, look well!’ supported Ser- polet. But they were doing that. into places likely and unlikely, Finally the detective was heard to utter an exclamation, and he held up to the light, be- tween thumb and finger, a sparkling gem, He had picked it out of a tin can that stood on a corner of the frame of one of the wheels used by the lapidary in his work, in which were some odds and ends of one thing or an- other of little value. They looked CHAPTER IX. DOCK-BOY DICK’S SPEECH. Dock-Boy Drek, as said, had been a close observer. Nothing had escaped his eye, and now his eyes flashed with something of the fire of his nature, Madame Serpolet blanched at the maint 6 and Serpolet himself stared like one suddenly confronted by a ghost, It was a striking picture for the moment. ‘Hal it is the very diamond!” cried Bel- chaine, leaping forward and reaching for it with his skeleton hand, as if altogether for- getful of his deformity. in the excitement of the moment. ‘* Hold on!” interposed the detective, wav- ing him back. ** But, I say it is the diamond!” “ Can’ you prove it, sir?” ‘* Yes, yes, if you will let.me ate. it. There isa flaw in it, which it was our inten- tion to—” ‘© A flaw? us to decide.” “Yes, a flaw. Ican show it to youin a Excellent! That will enable “second,” ‘«Ifit is the same diamond,” suggested | Dock-boy Dick, very coolly. The man turned upon him heesgutly: ‘* What do you mean?” he cried. ‘| mean that you are pretty certain about the diamond before you have had it in your fingers.” - * But, I have seen it thousands of times, boy! [recognize the light, its size, and can hardly be mistaken. ut, we shali soon see,’ “*T haven’t any doubt about its being the same one, sir Belchaine looked at him keenly, - ** What do you mani he detaniaed. irately. **T suppose you ou cht ter know it, sir,” ““Well, yes, I think so, But, we ne a means of proving it.” *“You need not show me,” said the detec- ve, now finding chance to fore: *« De- rey the flaw.” Dick. The Trump Dock-Boy. This the old gentleman did, minuteiy, “It is the same diamond, then,” averred the officer. ‘** And how came itthere?” cricd Belchaine. “*Serpolet, I demand of you, how came it there?” ‘‘1 do not know,” was the answer. ‘‘)t is ali a mystery to me, Mr. Belchaine, I will swear that I never saw either the glove or the diamond till this minute.” ‘* You will have to prove it,” said the de- tective. *“Do you think, sirs, that we would put a diamond in such a place as you found this in?” cried the woman. ‘‘ And would we have left a glove on the floor to betray us, if we had dore evil?” “No telling what you would have done. Who would think of looking in such a place for a diamond worth its thousands? You could not have chosen a better spot, all things considered.” ‘* But, the diamond is nothing,” said Bel- chaine, suddenly. I want my nephew, ‘We do not know.’ ‘““What! You still dare to tell this?” ‘*We dare to insist upon the truth, sir,” rejoined the woman. ‘‘ Would you next ac- cuse us of murder?” ‘*Ha! do you note the word she uses?” demanded Belchaine. ‘‘ Madame, you had better make a clean breast of this whole | matter, I tell you.’ ‘*T care nothing for that; ve here is he?” “We had nothing to conceal, and have nothing to tell.” ** See here, Serpolet?” “Well?” ‘‘ Will you still insist that you are inno- cent?” ‘* Yes, to the death!” was the response. ‘“‘T know not how these things came here, Mr. Belchaine,” ‘Nothing remains but to cali a police- man and have the man taken to the station- house,” suggested the detective. ‘‘ We will then continue our investigation further,” “Yes, fcr my nephew must Le found,” urged the uncle, ‘“ Boy, you run down and call an officer, will you?” ‘*You do your own running,” snapped ““Why, what do you mean?” demanded the man, in greatest amaze. ‘‘ Can it be that you are in collusion with these people?” Dick gave a start; this was something that had not occurred to him. It could be made to look suspicious against him, Te if any one pressed that view. ain’t in collusion with anybody,” was the retort, ‘‘ but I’m ’fraid I’m likely ter be in collision with somebody before this thing comes to a wind-up, and if I do there is going to be trouble.” ** What do you mean?” “What I say. i re you shall cuales: young fellow.” ebby you can make me,’ ‘“ This insolence to me, a man of my years! I not only can, but will, ‘make you explain.” ** When are you going to begin?” ‘*Now; at once! You are the only one who knew Philip had that diamond in his possession, and when we came here, here , ou were, talkin & with these people in a very familiar manner,’ “Yes, and I was talkin’ business, too,” retorted Dick. | “I set out to find Phil Hol- land,and I am goin’ to find him or break a trace, and don’t you forget it! clue, too, and I ibink J will good shape if nothin’ breaks The old man looked at the lad in a curious manner, ‘* What do you think about this youth?” he asked the detective. ‘‘T think, there is ground for suspecting him, sir.” “Guess you don't know me, do ye?” cried Dick, ** Now you have got me,’ " was the Mead } I have ot a get there all in der. tensive, among the lower classes,” “ Well, if it ain’t, it orter be,” asserted Dick. When excited, or aroused, he fell into his boyhood manner of speaking, out of which he was gradually lifting himself. ‘* Why had it ought to be, sir?” “Any detective what amounts to much has a purty good spread in that direction. And, what's more, didn’t you come from there yourself?” ‘*No, I did not, Mr. Belchaine, I shall make this arrest ”’ ‘* Yes; I think I would, sir.” A satisfied look came into the uncle’s face, ‘*) think I wouldn’t, if I sigh fs ” Dick demurred. ‘‘Say, ever hear o Dock- boy Dick?” ‘What? You are not Dock-boy Dick?” : ‘‘ Was when | started into this thing, any cw.” ‘This puts anew face upon the matter, Mr, Belchaine.” ‘“‘How’s that? What do you mean?” ‘“ This young fellow is something of a de- tective himself, sir,’ Dock-boy Dick noted that a queer expres- sion came over the face of the old man, and that he scowled, ‘‘A detective? A youth of his years?” “Tf he is the person he claims to be, sir, he has done some excellent work,” ‘* Ha! but he is the person?” ‘‘Hesays so. Ihave never met him be- fore, myself.” “Then I would arrest him anyhow, for he may be lying to you. I mean to take no chance.” **Don’t be in a hurry,” said Dick, “I want to make you a little Speech, fore you go the full limit with me.’ ‘** What have you to say?” ‘“‘T want to tell Serpolet, here, and his wife, that I believe they are innocent in this matter, and that [am going to prove them so if I can.’ Dick was now the central ngs and cs eye was upon him. less you for those words! ‘cried the woman, ‘‘ Whatever our fauiis, we are honest, That is one reason we are poor!” This last she exclaimed, with eyes upon elchaine. man. ‘‘That honest people seldom grow rich, that is all,” ‘Officer, arrest her, too,” cried the old | entleman, ina passion, ‘* T will step down or the police, and we will take them all,” *‘ All but me,” cried Dock-boy Dick. ‘« Keep a stiff 5) head lip, Serpolet, and _ will pull you out of your fix or bu’st. Ihave got my eye focused on the dark spot, an’ I think I'll hit it when I shoot. ‘Tra-la-la, folks; see you later maybe, if the bie boori don't gobble me up. Ta-ta!” He was nearest the door, and he opened it | suddenly and was gone. VOHAPTER X.5.4\ 0 ama . DICK IN A DISGUISE. ra “Boy Dick knew what he was talking about It was with good reason that he told Ser-_ polet and his wife that he believed them in- | nocenh, he had promised. , He made his way out of the house with | haste, for he was afraid to take the chances of arrest. him off the track, although there was no danger to himself. He dodged around the corner and was r ie gone, jays os My acquaintanceship is not very ex- ‘‘What mean you, hussy?” cried the old Hi What that reason was we will not stop here to explain, but it was sufficient, and he be- lieved that he would beable to fulfill all that — % Tf it. came to that it might throw ; ; ‘1 ¥ a 7 pars ee = ste x i Se ae eae oe! SS BSL. et Eee ea a Sasto van = ese
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SS a Spree hae BE Dee TE ae oy Py? ‘yes ? Aalto it . aa - AY ean im = zs i] aca i Ny other way, ! “be innocent.” The eg eo FO Er etn DpORBOy Po Dock-Boy. But, it was not for iong. He was soon back again where he could watch the house, A change had taken place in his ap- pearance, however, and noone would take him for the same youth, unless it might be after a close scrutiny. He had put on a neat mustache, Not only so, but he had put his soft batin his pocket, and now wore a cap. These changes he oftén made, both to puzzle his friendsand to serve for a disguise when that was needed. He now had on a steamship. cap that he had picked up somewhere, and it gave him the aspect of a natty young middy ashore for a little while to see the sights. ‘‘Tam gettin’ there,” he said to himself. *‘There is a nigger in the hedge as big as @ barrel, and Iam _goin’ to have him out of there. Some crooked job has been put up against Phil Holland, and I knowit. He was a brick, and I’ll show him that I don’t forget a good word,” Meantime, no sooner had he left the room than Belchaine said: ‘**T believe that scamp had somethin do with it, and that he is not the la he claimed to be!” elt looks bad for him, considering every- thing else,” answered the detective. ‘‘ But, if he is really Dock;boy Dick, make up your mind that he is ‘all right, ‘and if it is ae to find your nephew he will find m ** But, qT don’t believe in him. Too bad he got Wolk} ‘Well, he got away.” “True enough. I'll get the policeman, if you will raphe the prisoners.” ‘‘And I can do that. Go ahead!” Belchaine left the réom, and the detective said to Serpolet: *‘Now, the best thing you can do is to make a clean breast of this whole business, my man.’ ‘There is nothing to make clean,” the prisoner protested. '“ You still insist that you are innocent?” “*T swear it.” “Yes, we swear it!” echoed the wife. “And that boy had nothing to do with you. Did he not inform you about the dia- mond?” ‘He did not,” “* Well, you can see how it looks for you. There is nothing to be done but to arrest you, but if what you say is true, see may be able to prove it and get clear all £.” ee We don’t blame. you, sir.” “‘T am glad of that.” > “Tt ain't your fault; yor have to do your ut Patna ou see it as it is, and if that fel- low was Dock-boy Dick, you need not worry a great deal, if you are indeed innocent.” ‘‘And we have sworn that we are.” ** Yes.” “And why are we not to worry ?” ‘* Because, I will find that Jad and will out of him what he knows, and with that “4 formation I may be able to get you out of your bad situation.” ' “Tf you can find the lad,” # ; “Yes, if I can.” “And must we both go to prison?” asked _ the woman, crying. * Yes, under the circumstances there is no But, your o:dest child here can look after the little ones.’ They talked on in this manner until the return of Belchaine, who brought with him a ne couple of policemen. _ The detective showed them his badge. ‘* What charge?” was asked. _. ‘Suspected of having had something to do wit oe disappearance of aman by name a of Holland.” ** All right.” } Use them weal understand. They may / ? ** May be innocent?” demanded Belchaine. ** Certainly.” ‘With all the proof we have against them!” *« They certainly are not guilty until proven so, sir, ’ rejoined the detective. ** Oh, cer tainly not!” ‘And that is what I mean,’ “Then take good care that they do not es- cape,” urged the old gentleman. ‘ If they have any knowledge of what has become of my dear nephew, they must be made to dis- close it,” Mrs. Serpolet was allowed to touch up her hair a little, after which she put on the best she had, which was bad enough, and was ready. The pair kissed their children all around, and left the room in the keeping of the offi- cers. There was a great crying among the several children, of course When the prisoners had been taken, the detective and Belchaine questioned the chil- dren clesely, but nothing could be learned, They had slept soundly, for the most part, and not one dropped a word that was in any manner incriminating against their parents. Nor did further search of the rooms reveal anything. Finally Belchaine and his man took leave. The other tenants of the crowded tene- ment were all agog, and eyed them as they passed out, * Well, it is passing strange,” declared Belchaine. “I know not what to make of it. Here we have found Philip's glove, and the diamond, and still the couple say they have not seen him.” » * They are innocent, or mighty good liars, : that is certain.” ** And which do you think?” **I shall not decide for or against till I have ‘heii I am after the facts in the case,’ ‘“*And a “good plan. Whatever you do, sir, make sure that you find the boy. I am almost crazed with the thought that he may have been murdered. “*T hope such is not the case.” ** I fear the worst.” ce Why 9” ‘** Have we not found that he was robbed? And he has not returned, which is a proof Paae that something has happened to ‘* We will be able to hear from the hospi- Is, soon,” e Yes, that must be seen to at once.” They went along, and a shadower was up- on their track. That shadower was no other than Dock-boy Dick, ‘* Well, he has done his little worst,” said Dick to himself, when he set out to follow them. ‘‘ I have pretty good eyes and ears, and I use ’em, too, Bet a red herrin’ I land my man ‘fore we get done.” e followed them to the police station, and thence to the hotel. Seeing they were about to enter, Dick dodged af ahead of them by another en- trance. When they approached the clerk’s desk he was on hand to hear what was said, and so well did he play his part that he was not de- tected, or even suspected, “Has my nephew returned ok eaked Belchaine. ‘* No, sir,’’ the response. ** And no word from him?” ** Not a word.” ** What are we to do?” turning to the de- tective. “Ido not see that you can do anything further, sir,” was the answer. ‘* You may as well remain right here. I will get down to work on the case, and will rep as soon as I have anythin g to repo ‘* Well, I suppose I must accept it so, but it is trying to have to remain idle when the fate of my nephew is unknown, I Lage to you would give all, I am worth in the world, had he not touched this fatal hand yester- day.” As he spoke, he held up to sight his skeleton hand. CHAPTER XI. DICK DISAPPOINTED, Docx-Boy Dricx fe.t the same thrill of horror as on the other occasions upon which he had seen the skeleton hand, And, no wonder. for it was a sight to shock any one. It looked, indeed, like a veritable hand of death. Dick was not the only one who experienced a feeling of hor- ror. The detective recoiled a step, clerk of the house paled. ‘‘For heaven’s sake put that hand out of sight, sir!” the latter exclaimed. ‘‘It gives me the creeps.’ ‘‘T would that I could put it away from me altogether,” sighed the old gentleman, as he thrust it again under the breast of his coat. “lf I were you I would have it cut off,’’ declared the detective, emphatically. “ Never had anything to give me such a turn in my life, as that hand of yours does, sir. A dead man, or a skeleton in fact, would not affect me half so much.” ‘“You would have it cut off?” cried Belchaine, ‘* Oh, no, you would jnot, for I have the use of it nearly as well as the other. You see, the muscles—” ‘*No, no! Keep it out of sight, sir!” Others around were interested, but with a smile Belchaine thrust it further out of sight and did not expose it again. “But, why do you call it a fatal hand, sir?” asked the clerk. sd Because, the man who grasps it dies with- in a year.’ ** Get out!” **T have known it to tg (em more than once, and that’s why 1 said I would give all I am worth if my nephew had not touched it yesterday.” “Then, he did touch it?” ** Not only touched it, but clasped it heart- ily and shook it. Poor Phil)” “Why did you Jet him do that?” ‘‘He did it without my oo, 3 It was sheer rashness on his part, for he knew well enough the story of the skeleton hand.” With that Mr. Belchaine walked away. He had said enough, as he evidently thought. And he had, enough to draw a re- porter after him. The detective followed him as he moved away, and Dick went after them, but in a manner not to draw attention to himself. and the The reporter, however, noticed him, and © spoke to him. ‘‘ Know that party?” he asked. Reporters have worn the word * party” « teeetilidee: by the way. **Do you know him?” ‘repeated Dick. ‘* No, that's the reason I asked you.” ‘* Well, who are you?” “Who are you?” “A boy around town, that’s all.” eee I'm another, so give us your hand on it,” The fellow’s manner was so frank that Dick couid not refuse with te grace, so he gave his hand, ‘Know anything about the man and his hand?” the reporter grinned. “Yes, some, and I am going to know more. Say, I will Pre. you a tip, if eat won 't give me away at is it?” “You won't tell?” ‘* Honor bright, asthe urchins say.” ‘* Well, there isa mystery about that man, and I suspect that the police are after him.” ‘* Hal is that so?” “Tam guessing at it, but there is som2e~ unt thing wrong some wheres,” 4
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“room?” “‘ How do you know there is?” Dick told him just enough, then, awaken his interest, and to put him on the scent of news. He had dropped to Dick the fact of his being a reporter, Meantime the the two men were talking earnestly. Presently the detective took his leave, and as soon as the coast was clear the reporter rushed up to Mr. Belchaine. Dick had mentioned to the reporter that he wanted to hear the story, too, if he could, and the newsgatherer had promised to give him the opportunity if it could be worked around that way. *‘ Mr. Belchaine?’ the rep rter asked. “ Yes, sir; and who are you?” | ‘Here is my card, sir. lam a reporter to the Morning Moon,” “ ‘* Ah! then it is news you are after?” “Yes, I have heard something about your missing nephew—” “* Al! what have you beard?” ** No, no; you misunderstand, sir. I meant _ to say that Ihave beard something about his strange disappearance, and I would like to have the whole story from your own lips for my paper.” “IT hoped that you had information for me,” sadly. ‘No, not that; wish I had.” ‘* And the more so do I.” ‘*Shall we sit down just here?” indicating a settee in an out-of-the-way corner.” Belchaine had no objections, and there they sat down. In ten seconds Dick was behind them, on oo ane of the settee, hidden by its high ck, ‘Yes, it isa fatal hand,” he heard Bel- chaine saying. ‘1 don’t mind telling you something about it, but not for publication, of course, You can believe that it is pain- ful,to me,” **] can appreciate that, sir.” ‘*No less than half a dozen instances can I mention where death has followed the touching of this hand, It looks just what it is, And now, to think that my well-beloved nephew would meet the same fate——” “Then you have little hope that he will be found alive?” ‘*Scarcely any, sir. My belief is that the Serpolets murdered him for that diamond, and the money he had with him. But, you have heard the story?’ i fe & mere outline, from the police.” “T will tell you in full, then,” And so he did, and Dock-boy Dick was as much interested as the young newspaper re- | presentative, if not, indeed, more so, In one or two little points there were de- partures from the facts as he knew them, and this strengthened the suspicion he already had against Belchaine. But, per- haps he had a short memory. While they were talking, another man passed along in front of the settee several times. : 5 Dick heard him, but could noi see him. At last this man passed around on Dick’s side, and looked at him, . Dick was pretending to be asleep, witli his cap well down over his eyes, but he was far from being so. ; He saw the man, saw him Jook at him, and watched him as he passed on, though he did not stir. And the thought came to him that the man would bear watching. He did not know why he thought so. Undoubtedly it was because the man had - taken such a keen look at him. _ Presently the reporter took bis leave, and Dick saw his suspect coming that way, now with more briskness in his step. Dick remained the same, and heard the » Man speak to Belchaine, ** Weather?” he said, simply. _ “* Clear.” was the response, “Good!” the rejoinder, “Go to your “If you desire, but better talk right here; / the stamp of the ward ‘‘ heeler” about him to | not attract attention, then,” Dock-boy Dick pricked up his ears, at this, as can be imagined, What meant such talk as this? But, be was destined to disappointment. ** Ears close by!” informed the stranger, in lower tone. ‘‘Let’s move to another seat.” ‘* Where are ears?” asked Belchaine. ** Just behind us,” f ‘* All right; we'll move,” ** Seems to be asleep, but{may not, be. Can- not take any chances, now.” Together they got up and walked to an- other settee some distance away, where they sat down again. Dock-boy Dick was not ‘‘in it” now. And so great was bis chagrin that he felt l‘ke kicking himself all around the corridor, as if that would do him any good. He remained where he was for some time, and then eggs ge up, as if just awaking out of a nap, and stretching himself, saun- tered away out of sight from where the two men sat, CHAPTER XII, TOUCHING BOTTOM. Dock-Boy Dicx was not pleased with his progress. Still, he felt that he had hold on the right end of the matter, and that he was on the winning side, ‘* True, there was little to encourage him, save the fact that he had all confidence in his Neen to cope with the difficulty. There abe! much to be done, if he hoped to suc- ceed, ‘*Too bad that a feller can’t have it all his own way,” he muttered to himself. ‘* What you read in stories, about the detective hap- pening to be in the right place.at the right time to hear the right thing said, don’t hold good inmy case. But, maybe 1 am no de- tective.” He agreed with himself that that was pro- bably the fact. ‘*Or if 1 am, I ain’t one of that kind,” he reflected further. ‘‘ Here these two men are no doubt talkin’ the most important part o the whole business, and I cant get a word of what they are saying. It is enough to make a stone statue shed briny weeps, hang me ifitisn’t, But, it will be your inning after a while, Dock-boy, maybe. Keep a stiff upper lip.” He made a change in his disguise. Having done that, he took up his station where he could watch the two men at a dis- tance. Finally they got up and shook hands, Belchaine using his left hand for the service, of course, and they parted company and the stranger passed out of the hotel and went away. 8 ithe § Dick went after him, cautiously. Dick had practiced long enough to become a perfect sbadower, and there was little risk of discovery. He observed good distance, and his mind was fully made up that he would not lose sight of his suspect, He meant to know who this man was, and as much about him as possible. articularly, what business he and Bel- chaine had with each other. Dick was, as said, disguised. The man passed up the cross street to Broadway, thence north for a little distance, when he turned over toward the east side of town. Certain portions of the city, in that direc- tion, are not savory. Particularly was this true of the one into which this stranger penetrated, as Dock-boy Dick knew. The man, by the way, was not a bad-look- ing fellow, and was well dressed, but had | money count in a way not to be mistaken. He was not a high society man by any means. Finally, in a low quarter, this man met two others. These were a pair of veritable toughs, as the dock-boy detective knew the moment he saw them, They were roughly clad, and had the swagger of viliains of their class, Stopping, some words were exchanged among the trio, when the pair of rascals wheeled around and went the other way, the stranger following him. A stranger he was, to Dick, but not to these men or to the city. At last, they entered the open doors of & livery stable, Dock boy Dick was on hand in a jiffy, as he might have expressed it, and slipped in by another door, No one observed him. Dick saw at a glance that he had a clear field, with an advantage over the others, They had entered by what was undoubt- edly the business entrance of the place. The door by which Dick had entered was on the opposite side of two,main doors, by which carriages passed out and in. The dcor by which Dick had entered was one little used. : In the center of the low, wide kg = was a line of carriages; a double line, in fact. On the other side were a number of men, some at work, but the most of them idle and talking, and they were too busy to take notice of Dick. But, then, he had entered silently, Of the men mentioned, the three who had. just entered were a part. Dick saw at once that the well-dressed man was no stranger here, but that he was on friendly terms with all. They called him ‘ Boss,” Dick dodged under one of the garriages, and was between the two lines, where dis- covery was not likey to happen. The ‘‘ Boss” talked for a few minutes with all the men, about matters of interest to them, but of no moment to the reader, and then the trio passed along further into the stable. Back there it was semi-darkness, a gas-jet burning only here and there, at long dis- tances apart. lt was daylight without, but it would have been total darkness, or nearly so, here, with- out the gas, ‘‘ Well, Boss, what is ther word?” asked one of the men. ‘‘I have got your money for you, Hop,” was the answer. ; ‘* Then he came down, did he, Boss?” ob- . served the other, ~ . ‘* Well, you can bet he came down, Bat!” was the assurance. ~ ‘‘And he will come down more?” Hop want: d to know, ~) ‘‘ Tf nothing happens.” The two fellows laughed, and the ‘‘ Boss * clapped them both on the shoulders, ‘ Have you fed the caged rat?” he asked. ‘* Oh, yes; he has been fed,” was assured. ‘*He isa iittle wild, yet, but he will come around all right, you bet!” “Bound to be a little wild at first in every such case, Rats don’t like to be cor- nered, youkncw. But, you have not let him get a hint as to where he is, and of what it means, have you?” . ‘* Well, rather not.” “ That is right. I will attend to that.” ‘* But, our money?” “Yes, here it is, Bat. You are not the one to overlook that.” Dock-boy Dick, having now gained a posi- — tion as near \s? he dared to approach, saw d out, ifs An equal amount was paid to each of the | two rascals and they pocketed it,
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The Trump Dock-Boy. Bates 5 | Dick could hardly contain himself, “*If Lain’t onto you, it’s funny!” he said tohimself, ‘‘And if 1 don’t get onto you still harder, it will be funnier still. I will get my knee on your wishbone and my fip- gers in your gullick before you know it, speakin’ figuratively.” He certainly believed that he was on the right track now. hat the person referred to as the ‘‘ rat ” was the missing Holland, he felt no doubt. ** Now,” said the one called ‘* Boss,” ‘‘ you are to take care that the prisoner does not get out of your hands, and I wil attend to the rest.’ ‘*There has got to be more money, you understand, Boss Gluker,” insisted the fel- low called ‘ Bat.” ‘Certainly, Bat; that is understood.” ‘Bat is right,” put in the other, ‘‘ We only agreed to do one job for this sum, you know.” “*I say that is understood, Hop Keelough,” the ringleader urged. ‘‘ You do what Isay, ‘and you will not lose anything by it.” “ All right.” “‘And now I will leave you. Not likely T'll want you right away, but keep under touch in case I do want you.” “Yes, one of us will be here or at the other Piece all the time. But, what is the racket you are goin’ to work for more of the good, Boss?” “That does not concern you; you will get a share of it all right.” ‘Then you can’t trust us?” ““Why, i can trust you, of course, but what’s the use? You can’t work it without me, that’s certain.” “And could you work it at all if it hadn't been for us?” **Oh, I know lots of other men.” ‘But, none who have served ye more faithful, I'll be bound,” declared Bat. ** Well, maybe not. All there is of it, it can be played on the old fellow that the rat is alive and likely to escape, and we can do what we please with him.” “ Bully!” exclaimed Hop. through with it, Boss!” ~ “That's all I want, boys.” al Goin’?” “Yes, will be off, now. See you later.” And with that the ringleader shook hands with the evil pair and went away. No sooner had he gone than they looked at each other, grinned, and took their money out of their pockets to look at it. They counted it, looked at each other and aye again, and shook hands, as if they ad such a good thing between themselves that they found it hard to contain their ex- uberance of joy. “« We'll see you CHAPTER XIN. IN THE HANDS OF THE FOE. Docx-Boy Dick had his curiosity fully awakened, now. . As suid, ie believed firmly that he was upon the right track, and that the prisoner was Holland. ‘ For the same reason that he had dropped Belchaine to follow ‘‘ Boss” Gluker, he now dropped that worthy to keep an eye upon his tools for a time. He felt that he was getiing where the scent was warm, and he did not mean to lose the trail if possible to prevent it. He wasa -_-Veritable sleuth, with a geod deal of bulldog tenacity. Just now he was eager to know what was _ between these two. “* We are top-side up with care, eh, Hop?” spoke Bat. ‘ You kin bet we are!” exclaimed Hop. “* An’ we mean to stuy there, too.” ~ “T think we do, if the wheels stay on.” “* And the Boss will dance to our tune,” Tg You have bit it right.” _"* That what you was thinkin’ about?” joinder. who ‘* Yes; and you?” ** Sure.” ‘*Funny the same thing came to us bothat once,” ‘** Nothin’ funny about it. It was a thing we wasn’t likely to let slip by not thinkin’ about et.” ‘* Well, mebby not.” Dock-boy Dick was eager for them to say more than this, What he wanted was to get right down to the meat of the matter, and.learn the inner secrets, “Wish they would spit it right out,” he said to himself. ‘‘ But, that is the way it happens ip stories. It ain’t so in real life, I guess. But, mebby I ain’t one of the lucky detectives,” ‘*I say, Bat?” After a moment of silence. ‘* Well, Hop?” ‘* How do you mean to work it, Bat?” ** Same as the Boss, only more so.” ‘* And what plan has he got?” ‘“* Where’s your head?” ‘* Here,” He indicated where, and the other laughed. ‘*]T mean, where’s what’s in it?” “Well, I s’pose it is in it yet, fer all I know.” “Then, why can’t you remember what the Boss’s planis? Plain enough.” ‘** Well, tell me again, then.” ‘He will keep the fellow alive, and will threaten the old party with him, and so get more money.” ‘* Yes, that is what I wanted to get at. And our scheme?” : ‘We will lose the fellow, accidentally on purpose, and will demand about a cool thousand to find him again.” ‘Ha, ha, ba! That is about the size of it, and I take it that it is a cute game.” ‘Yes, take it all around, it is.” ** And I am in it,” said Dock-boy Dick, in thought. ‘*Count me right there, my pair of beauties, and if I don’t make it interest- ing for you I will eat my hat. You are my mice, you bet!” “Well, shall we go?” asked Bat, ** Yes,” agreed Hop. They had put their money carefully away, = each had a very satisfied look upon his ace, Turning, they made as if to go straight to the door, but their eyes met, they under- stood, and immediately they dodged under cne of the vehicles in the row and made for the other side. On that side their exit was not likely to be noticed. Dock-boy Dick was just in the act of turning, to follow them down to the doors and thence out, wien they made the move described. The young detective knew instantly what. to expect, There was no chance of turning, however, and less for getting out of the st Before | m. his he could escape they were upon h ‘** Hello!” exclaimed Hop, under breath. ‘* What the mischief!" exclaimed Bat. Even as they spoke they seized hold upon / Bob, and he was helpless in their hands, ‘© Who are you?” demanded Bat. “* What's that to you, hard nut?” the re- “T'll show ou’re callin’ names,” ‘You -have been {asleep here?” repeated Hop. ae Yes.” ‘* T don’t believe it” **Can’t help that.” “* An’ I don’t believe it, either,” declared Bat. ‘‘ He was listenin’; that’s what he was. up to.” “* Must think I have got nothin’ better to do,” sneered Dick. ‘‘ When I take to listen- in’, it will be where I will hear somethin’. What do I care what fellers like you say?” But, that did not lessen their ho.d upon im. - They had a tight grip, and he knew it would be useless to struggle, which would only add to their suspicions against him. ** How long was you asleep?” asked Hop. ‘You mean, how long has he been awake?” corrected Bat, “ Yes.” ‘« Just woke up,” asseverated Dick. ; Perhaps he had, to the fact that he was im a fix. ** And you didn’t hear anything we said?” **T heard you laffin’ and talkin’, an’ mebby that was what wakened me, but I didn’t. waste no time listenin’.” Dick had to talk to suit the occasion, and he — not hesitate to stretch the trutha little. It was just light enough there for him to see the faces of the two men, and he saw them look at each other as they held him fast. . ‘* What say?” demanded Bat, “There is a risk.” ** You are right.” “* Shall we take it?” ‘*T say not.” ‘* That settles it,” ‘What then?” “‘T’ll show you.” With that, the last speaker clapped a hand | over Dick's mouth. He also tightened his grip upon him with the other hand, and his pal in durk deeds did the same, ‘‘Now, fetch him this way,” whispered ) Hop, hoarsely. He indicated with a jerk of the head the rear part of the stable, and together they dragged their prisoner along that way. Dick now struggled all he could, but to no use, for he would have been no match for one of these fellows alone, and he had both of them to oppose. In spite of his struggles he was taken along down the narrow passage between the | two rows of wagons of divers sorts, until they came to an open space pear the extrem rear. Here they stopped. ‘Kin ye hold him?” demanded Hop. ‘Should smile ef I couldn’t. But, better gag him so’s he can’t let outa yell, hadn't This suggestion was accepted and carried into effect, and when Dick had been'gagged, Hop left him for the moment in the hands of his, accomplice, and turned and opened a. trap in the floor. CHAPTER XIV. DICK’S CLEVER DEAL. Docx-Boy Dicx felt a thrill of horror. It was not the same feeling he had ex- perienced upon seeing the skeleton hand, but. ou, if you don’t watch out | one of a different sort, And, strange as it seemed to him, for the | * You are no goody-goody, I'll be bound.” | mind can doa wonderful lot of thinking in a ** Look hcre, was you listenin’ to us?” ** What do ye take me fer?” ** What are you doin’ here, anyhow?” ‘* You won't give a feller away?” “* We'll see about that.” ‘““T have been asleep in here, and meant | to sneak out,” few brief seconds, when imminent danger threatens, he cast about in mind to recall whether he had touched the skeleton hand. He could not remember that he hud done 0, i : | 7 a To touch that hand, as he had heard its owner say, was death within the year, and ee They had spoken in low tones, allofthem, hence the thought. and Dick thought the others bad as lief not be heard. Pa There was, however, little time far Teflec- tion. ie’ he
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Mat, Pr Ota a OOO 12 As soon as the trap-door had been epened, Hop Keelough turned back again and seized Dick by the feet ** Now,” he said to Dugan. They lifted him and carried him to the open, ** Goin’ to throw him in?” Dugan asked in guarded tone, glancing around. * Yes, and quick about it, before we are seen,” answered Keelough, ‘‘Steady, now, and let him go.” They stooped, and for one brief second Dick was suspended over the darksome hole. The next moment they let go their hold of him, and down he went, into a pit of utter darkness, The next instant they bad closed the trap door. Looking about them, to see if any one had observed their crime, and feeling assured that they had not been seen, they left the spot. Taking that side of the double row of vehicles that was darkest, and where the employees of the stables had little call, they made their way to the front, and as it hap- pened, left the stable unseen. “Well, that was neat done,” said Dugan. “You bet,” agreed’ Keelough. ‘‘Almcst as neat as the other,” And thus talking: they made their way off, and Dock-boy Dick was effectually dis- posed of. , - To return to him. When he felt the men let go, he certainly ec that fit was all up with Dock-boy ck. Then the awful feeling of falling, and the terrible sensation of the result, in anticipa- tion, for, brief as the time was, he had time enough to consider it all, and to spare. It seemed a long time to him, the time he was going down, down! Really; it was but a moment. He had struck the bottom long before the trap was closed overhead, and, as we have seen, that was closed immediately. He struck without a sound. Somehow he had turned so that he came down on his feet, and striking upon some- _ thing soft, he toppled over and rolled to the bottom of a sloping pile. He understood it all in a moment, He wasina pit used for the disposal of the ma- ‘nure of the stables, which, from time to time, ty as he afterward learned, could be removed at the rear of the stables. “Well, here is a pretty mess,” he said to himself. ‘‘If there is anything in hero de- ny tective stories like this, 1 would ‘ike to see it. They always fell into the right place at the right time, but I be hanged if that is my luck, Phil Holland can be dead and buried *fore I can do him any good.” He gathered himself up and looked around, - At first all was total darkness, but pres- his left hand, ' He had taken the gag out of his mouth, having the use of his hands, and he ex- pressed his disgust and indignation aloud in _ words of no nice choosing, for he was in no _ mood for delicacy. — ‘*Tam a confounded lunkhead!” he cried. **A feller with a grain of sense would never . bave got into such a fix as this. I orter ’a’ cut an’ run fer it, before they got hold of me; and 1 could ’a’ done it, too, if I had when he crept under the coach.” . What he said was something of a play - upon the fe:low’s name, But, this was what he thought now; at the time of it he had been taken without warn- fey | and did not think — . He moved over to where the ray of light _ Shonethrough, : It came through a crack, and that crack | asort of dugway ‘ ‘ind the building. ‘ ently he thought he saw a streak of light at_ fortune, if possible, an wf kicked that feller ee a bat in the gob | ‘was where a biog it door opened out upon } $$ — ~ The Trump Dock-Boy. No one was in sight, but there were a couple of carts, showing how the manure was taken out. He tried the door, but it was fast, and when he had felt all around he discovered that this door was the only outlet. To this time he had not thought to try his lungs. He now shouted a call for help. * T’underashun!” he heard an exclamation close at hand. ‘* Who dhe divil is thot?” The voice came from the direction of the door that opened upon the dugway. ‘* Hello! is that you, Mike?” asked Dick. He guessed at the name. ‘* No, it isn’t me Mike, but it’s me, Pat,” was the response. **Well, let me out of here, will you, Pat?” ** And who are ye, Oi’m askin’?” ‘* A friend in a fix,” ** Oi should say ye was dhe last, an’ ye are in dhat swate place.” ‘* Let me out.” ‘‘How came ye dhere?” ‘© Was thrown in.” ‘Bah! go ‘long wid yez.” “That is just what 1 want to do, Pat, if you will only open this trap and let me out.” ‘* Well, it isno fool ye are, anyhow, Oi’ll be bound. Dhat same Oi will, an’ me name is Pat Reilley.” Dick waited silently. He heard the man fumbling at the door on the outside, and then of a sudden the door was lifted and the light poured in. The Irishman was a pleasant-faced fellow of forty years or so. . He looked at Dick with even more interest than Dick looked at him, and his face showed his surprise, ‘* Ye don’t m’ane to be tellin’ me dhat ye was t’rowed in dhis hole, do ye?” he de- manded. : ‘**T wouldn't lie about it, Pat.” ** An’ who t’rowed ye in?” ‘* Two of the stable-boys,” ‘*Bad sis to dhem! Phwat did dhey do dhat fur?” ‘** For a joke, I suppose.” ‘*A dhirty joke, Oi should say.” “Well, yes, rather,” and Dick brushed his clothes as best he could. ‘*It must been dhat ye was pokin’ y’ure nose phwere ye had no business to be pokin’ av it,” Pat suggested. ‘* Well, maybe they thought so, but I was lookin’ for two friends of mine,” ‘«Two friends?” ' “ec Yes.” ** And who were dhey?” **Do you know Boss Gluker?” *©Oi should smoile an’ Oi didn’t.” ‘* Well, he sent me hereto find these friends, and I am the boss’s friend from the word go.” **Oh-ho! Oi see.” ** And when I asked for them some of the ie thougat I was fooling.” ick had a ready flow of fiction, when occasion demanded, aud he had it on tap just now. But, there was an object behind it all, He meant to make G9 ng out of his mis- he hoped it would be possible. _ "Did ye teli dhem dhe boss sent ye?” asked the Irishman. ‘‘They didn’t give me time. They said they would put me in the cooler till Dugan and Keelough came.” ‘* And they wur dhe wans ye wanted to see?” / ' ** Exactly.” ; ‘You have a ready tongue, me lad, and Oi am inclined to think that it got away wid etoa a ii and dhat was phwat got ye nto throuble. lf it is Dugan and Keelough ye do be wantin’, Oi can tell ye phwere ye will foind thim ” ! Eureka! The very point Dick bad been working to altuin, Sees eager pI SEEPS. He te ae sla Se hae > ’ C 4 r. i » the. v ¢ Fe fin | pretty presently thereafter; selah! He treat- ed me like a human being, and Iam going to CHAPTER XV. DICK IN A DARK TEN, ‘ Dock-Boy Dtcx felt like dancing with de- ht. “He could have hugged the Irishman, but prudence constrained him, It would not do to let his exultation be noticed. ‘Well, maybe you are right, Pat,” he said. ‘‘I know I am a little quick with my lip sometimes, and I guess I did talk a little more than was good for me. But, it was all in fun.” ‘Av coorse, but some foiks don’t loike ee fun av thot sort, me b’y.” wes “I will know better next time.” oe **Oi hope ye will.” ' ‘*But where will I after?” The Irishman named an address, which Cite. Dick stored away in his memory box with . ee the determination not to lose it. “A **Good enough, and much obliged to you,” he said. “If they shou.d come here ; ; before I find them, you just tell ’em the bogs ee wants to see ’em soon as possible, will you?” **Thot same Oi will, me b’y.” ‘‘ And now, what is the way out of here?” ‘et “ Come along, and Oi'll show ye.” The Irishman passed along up the side of the dug-out, and pointed to a door at the end of analley. | ‘nae “Ye go roight through dhere,” he said. be ** Ye will foind yersel’ dhen on a strate not oS oe much bigger nor dhis alley, which leads to VE Se dhe t’oroughfare,” ea ts Dick thanked the man, making some witty remark that caused the Irishman to ney laugh, and made baste to get out of the ees | ace, baie . He was soon on the narrow street, and ere long out upon the main streets once more, ‘* Well, here I am again,” he said to him- self, ‘Bet my hair has turned gray, for I never had such a shock in my life as when I was dropped into that bole. But, it will be my drop next, I’m thinkin’.” , He said this ina grim manner. uh If the Irishman had given him a straight tip, he was still on the trail, and he meant to make all haste to find the two rascals again. He went to the address he had received, “It was a rattletrap old house, 1n one of © the very worst sections of the city, and its Ba: ive exterior was suggestive of manyadark crime witbin. ; = Dick had altered his disguise. _ He walked past the house, looking at it critically, but in a way not to draw attention to himself. The front door was ajar, as he noted, . In fact, it had the a ogg of being impossible to close, and by the looks of the den it mattered little whether it was closed _ or not. Ke ‘That is a hard-lookin’ hole, hang me for, a kitten if itain’t!” muttered the young de-— tective, in his former dock-rat parlance. ‘It will be all a feller’s life is worth to venture in there.” “eh! He went on, crossed the streetyandstop- ped to reflect. ; shade “Ithas got to be done,” he decided. ‘I bet copper to brass that Philisin there,and if he is he has got to come out forthwith,or find the two men I am fe pay him back for it, or losea leg a-tryin’.” here was a look of determination on | Dick's face. " Le | He was now on the same side of the ies: iri 2: the house was on, and he retraced his steps) toward it. . ee The door was within reach from the side walk, only two short steps leading to the sill, and Le stepped up these and gently _ pushed the door open, ae iae A hall was disclosed, foul and grim with — iy, * dirt, : 4 : ; By the looks of things, every room in the - Ved \ chef hey
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den contained a family, and by the babel of voices, Dick concluded that every family was foreign. In the narrow hallway sacks of old rags were piled nearly to the ceiling, leaving a space barely wide enough to crowd through, as #2 and the smell! that emanated from the whole a 7 was not savory, XM ** Gee-whizz!” exclaimed Dick, under his sat breath, ‘‘ This is no palace, I’ll be bound. ao About the worst hole I ever got intoin my life. The nest I used to have under the docks would be a lady’s boo-doo: alongside ey o’ this, Wonder if that Irishman was givin’ , Seles, me a steer?” 10 ae on doubted whether he had been directed ce i ar ht. a he hile he was thinking what move to Nie RY make, and how to proceed, the sound of a ; man’s yoice in loud laughter came to his the words: =f ** Pretty good, Hop; pretty good!” a Dock-boy Dick felt a thrill of delight. . He was on the right track; he had found fp his game! 2 “Now for it,” he said to himself. ‘‘ Two bah to one, and only half a one at that, but what rap I lack in size I make up in grit, an’ I don't Wire) (ote scare off worth a flip. here will be fun on ; the carpet soonly, 1 imagine, an’ mebby I'll be right in the middle of it,” The sound of the voices had come from j below stairs. ad Dick cast about to find the door. He made his way on through the narrow passage to the rear of the hall. ee There he came toa narrow offset; on the oe el right, not more than three feet in the square, Si ogee and there was the door. ee, ' _ It was closed, o> Ha pik tried it carefully. t was not fastened, and he cautiously fr: _ epened it. A flight of heavy, common steps was re- orale below was a flickering, unsteady : ht. ew Le oices were heard plainly. _ _ Dick descended a couple. of steps, with epee ~ tread of a cat, and closed the door after | ae hin. He would have to go down two or three Bea: ams steps more before his feet could be seen from ) ‘below, and he stopped where he had to alae listen, before taking any further risk. a “Find him?’ he heard a man saying. ‘* He might as well look for adrop of water in a bucketful.” { _-—__. ** But he will know where to find us.” eat et him.” ie ‘* And if he goes to nosing around—” ** We'll attend to that, if he tries it on. This is our ranch, ain’t it?” ** Well, yes.” - ‘* And we are boss, ain’t we?” Yes; but -he could come and force a search, and there we would be.” “Don’t you worry about that, old boy. But, if we have to, wecan move the boarder _ to another place.” “That is what Iam gettin’ at,” Dick took it all in, and needless to quote all that was said. - ' _ Not daring to risk his legs where uy - might be seen, Dick got down and put his head down first. Pe _|-He had to cling to the steps with all his _ Strength, but he was equal to the feat, and vel of the boards that marked the edge of the opening. FS gt two men seated on either side of a ihe’: Be FAL SS On the tab e was a candle, and a current Ria rs air from sey: where was causing it to re and flicker, . face, and he recognized him at once as the - man Called Bat Dugan. ae i's SOA sie att ne gory he brought his eyes below the baie The Trump Dock-Boy. Dick knew it would be taking a great risk, but he resolved to go down. If discovered, it would no doubt mean his ‘death, this time, They would know for a certainty that he was after them. With the silence of a shadow, almost, he regained his upright position, and that done, began to go down, step by step, without a sound. He was ready to retreat at the first alarm, The thing he feared was that a step might creak. The men did not look up, and there was no reason why they should, hearing no noise. It had been noted, and Dick had heard, that the mere presence of a person in 9 room with another, even though no sound be made, will sometimes be enough to apprise the one of the presence of the other. This was what Dick feared, too, and he rs, Immediately following the laugh came | was watchful. Not for a second did he remove his eyes from tie two men. But, in this case the saying did not hold good, and the young detective gained the bottom without discovery. He stopped for a moment, crouching close to the steps. He was looking around for a place of con- cealment, and in a moment or two be hea‘) dis- covered one which he thought would do. Before he could reach it, however, one of the men got up. t CHAPTER XVI. DICK’S. LITERAL DROP. Dock-Boy Dicx felt his heart stop beat- ing. Fie could not move, for the moment, and it was the most fortunate thing in the world that he did not do so. As the man got up, his body cast a shadow over that part of the dismal cellar where Dick stood, and with the glare and flicker of the candle still in his eyes, the man did not see the young detective. What he bad got up for wasa bottle that stood on a shelf hard by. This he secured and sat down again. While he was on his feet, though, Dick had recovered himself and taken advantage of the moment. . With a quick movement he placed himself behind a couple of barrels which were stand- ing a little further back, just by the side of the flight of steps, snd here he felt se- cure. | “Gee -whizz!” he said to himself in ex- claim, ‘‘ but that made my hair stand on end. Here I am, in the lions’,den, as it were, and not a weapon as big as a popgun with which to defend myself. If I am going to play detective, I think I had better get myself a un.” But, Dick had ever been modest about his detective exploits, He did not consider that a revolver at the hip and a pocketful of handcuffs made any one a detective. The two men sampled the contents of the bottle, while they continued their conversa- sation, and their daring young shadower drank in what they had to say while they drank something else. ' Finally they prepared to leave the den. ‘* Better take a look at the pig in the pen before we go, hadn't we?’ suggested Keelough. ‘* Maybe we had,” assented Dugan, “Fetch along the light, then.” This was the point Dock-boy Dick had been desiring to reach. He wanted to learn where the prisoner was confined, and the way to get at him, and he paid close attention. Dugan picked up the candle and followed Keelou h to the — end of the cellar, where Dick saw Keelough open a door, and both passed from sight. ! Dick hardly knew what to do. j He did ‘not like the idea of risking the leaving of his place of concealment, If discovered, they would make short work of him, and the prisoner would be left helpless in their hands, He stood up, stretched his neck as far as possible over the barrels, trying to look into the place into which the two men had gone, but be could not do that, as the door was not open wide. By the light, however, he could tell that they had stopped. He heard them talking, but could not catch what was said. Presently a sound was heard as of the dull dropping of a heavy door, and the light moved, Dick dropped down just in time. The two men came out, and the candle was replaced on the table. ‘* No need to worry about him, Bat,” as- sured Hop. ‘He isall right. Put out the light.” ‘Yes, he is all right, you bet, Got the key?” “en Yes ” Dugan put out the light, then, and felt his way to the steps, which his comrade had already reached. They went up, and Dick heard the door closed and locked, and heard them pass along the hallto the front and go out. And disma: den. But, he did not feel like a prisoner. He got out from his place of concealment, and, had there been light enough, he would have danced a jig, perhaps. He felt like it, anyhow. ‘*Gee-lorious!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Seems to me a little bit of detective luck hascome my way at last. Maybe I am a smarter feller than I think Iam, I hope so, anyhow. Now fer business,” What he wanted first was a light. He felt in his pockets for a match, and at. last found one, and one only. Making his way to the table, he secured the candle before the match might fail him. . - the wick was still warm, it lighted eas to himself. ‘‘ I have dropped to the racket, I guess, and now the next thing will be to find the prisonerand drop out of this un- wholesome hole.” With the candle in band, he took a survey of the place. It was a bole, and little more. There were a couple of bunks, some bar- rels, and a lot of rifled boxes and papers on the floor showing that it was the hiding- place of a brace of thieves. In fact, Dick found some stolen goods: stored away, ashe made the round of the ee knew a reward had been offered some time before. He seemed to be right in luck. Satisfied that he was alone, and that there was no danger near at hand which he must guard against, he went to the door. at the end. of the cellar. He opened it, and found himself in a. place about six feet square. He had no iden. what the hole had been made for, but right- ly guessed that it was to accommodate the- oor he found in the floor, Putting down his light, he tried to lift this. oor, There was a ringin it, but the very ap- pearance of the trap proved that it was regs and Dick doubted whether he could ift it.. ‘aw He had to exert his last ounce of strength, shpat, before he could budge it, but finally e ha ee eels aati It had been c with considerable >». which had stuck it fast. } nis he was Jeft alone like a rat in a trap, in their e lighted the match, lest. as os, this is something like,” said Dick . place, and recognized some for which he the satisfaction of feeling it move, 7 de j 1 .
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The Trump Dock-Boy. Raising it, he laid it over backward and looked down, shading the light of the candle with his hands so that it might not be put out, Beneath was a hole, about the size of the space, or maybe a little bigger, which was walled up with stone. And at one side, lying on the damp floor, Dick saw a man, The candle flickered so that Dick could not get a good look at the man’s face, but he ap- peared to be asleep. Near him, on the floor, was a jug. Dick spoke, but got no answer, and he be- gan to fear that the man might be dead. The thought alarmed him. There were no steps, or other means of getting down, and how to do it, and still keep the candle ligted, was a puzzle to Dick for some moments, but soon an idea came to him. He remembered a frame of a lantern he had seen while making the rourd of the cellar, and if he could fix the candle in that, the chances were that he could secure the frame tv his waist in such a manner as to in- sure its safety while he let himself down. Returning to the larger part of the cellar, he quickly had the lantern in his possession. It was just what he wanted. There was a place in the bottom for the reception of a candle, and when he put the candle in it, and closed the slide, he had nearly as much again light as before, ‘*That is all hunk,” he said, cheerfully. “* Now for a string to tie it with, and I shall be all hunker, Philip, old boy, if that is you, I will have you out of there in a brief space of while, you bet!” There was plenty of string to be picked up around the cellar, and Dick soon had the Jantern attached to his waist. He returned then tothe hole in the floor of the adjoining apartment. , The hole was of good size, maybe three _ feet square, and the distance to the bottom = the space below looked to be about seven eet. Dick put his feet down, sitting on the edge of the hole at one side, and then reach- ing over he took a firm hold upon tbe oppo- site side with his hands and swung loose, and as he hung there for a moment before dropping he looked at the prisoner. It was Phil Holland, sure enough. Dick dropped carefully, and his light withstood the shock. Taking the lantern from his waist, the rescuer immediately gave his attention to the prisoner, Listening, he made up his mind that the man was only asleep, so he gave him a shak- ing to rouse him up, and in a moment. suc- ceeded in doing so. “ Wretches!” cried the prisoner, jerking away from Dick’s touch. ‘‘Are you not satisfied yet? You have robbed me; what more do you want? Must you also torture 5, ut Dick made him recognize who he “was, oe CHAPTER XVII. DOING A BIG DASH, Docx-Boy Dricx felf immensely elated. The chance had come for him to do his dae a good turn sooner than he had looked ‘or it. The consideration and kiadness with which _ Phil Holland bad treated the boy had won ‘his regard, and Dick would have waded unoug fire and water to accomplish this end, ; ** Not you?” the prisoner eried. “ Bet your life it’s me!” exclaimed Dick. -** But, how did you find me? How could you find me?” - “By fixin’ my terrible eye upon the rascal that put ye here,” ; “God bless you, my boy! You will lose _ nothing by this favor, I promise you that.” _| wound up. **Tain’t lookin’ fer pay,” averred Dick. ‘“That was all settled ‘fore I commenced, Hold out your hands, now, and let me set ye free. Feet tied too? Yes, I thought so.” Ins moment the prisoner had the use of his limbs, and Dick helped him to stand up. A shiver passed over the man. ‘** Ugh! 1 am chilled to the bone,” he said. “T fought off sleep as long as I could, and when it came it must have been sound, I heard nothing till you shook me to awaken me.” ** And then you would have choked me if you had not been tied up; ha, ha!” ‘Far from it. now, though, Dick, my boy,” taking his hand and wringing it most heartily. ‘But, my uncle: he must be nearly crazed.” ‘* Not half as near as he will be,” snapped Dick. * Why, what do you mean, boy?” ‘‘T mean that he is the rankest old sinner this side of the warm clime, and that he is the man that put you where you are.” “My uncle?” in mild amaze. ‘Yes, your uncle. Pity he wasn’t a mummy all over, same as his hand!” ‘‘ Dick, have a. care. You must be sure of your ground before you make a charge like that. What has put this into your head?” ‘**Say, do I look crazy?” “No.” ‘It’s a fact that you was a prisoner here, ain’t it?” ** Yes.” ** And it is another fact that I am here to get you out, ain’t it?” ‘* Yes.” ‘“Well, the way that I found you was by watchin’ your rascal of an uncle and shadowin’ the tools that he had hired to put you here.” Holland looked at Dick in a dazed sort of way. ** Tell me all about it,” he requested. ‘You tell me all about how you came here, first,” Dick demanded. ‘“Why, simple enough. I was set upon by some fellows, knocked half-senseless, robbed, and thrown into this hole.” ‘* And you had that diamond with you?” “To be sure!” ‘ ** Jes’ so; and Renaud Serpolet has been arrested for murdering you, because that diamond was found in his possession this morning!” “The rascal! Then he was one—” **Oh, no; the rascal was E ga uncle, whose heart is about as shriveled as his right hand is: I was watchin’ him, and I saw him put the diamond in the place where it was found.” ‘**This passes all belief, boy.” *Can’t help it; them’s grim fax, sure va 8 i ag his gamin parlance, hereupon Dick told the whole story, to which the young man listened with the keenest interest, hardly able to believe that he was awake. “Nice old gentleman, ain’t he?” Dick ‘** And he my mother’s brother!” **Not meanin’ any disrespect to your mother, but I would say he is first-cousin to the Old Boy.” any you can prove what you have told me?” r “Tt is our business to go to work and prove it as soon as we get out of here, and a mustn't monkey another minute about t Nike / ‘** No, for the ras¢als may return.” ‘* Do you feel strong?” “‘Tndignation lends me strength.” | ** All gh no matter where you get it so long as itis there. We have got to climb out of here.” ** We can do it.” * And are you armed?” “<< No.” cos ner P ‘‘Neither am I; haven't even a putty- — blower. But, we'll try to give them some fun if they tackle us, you bet.” They quickly arranged their plan. Dick got upon Holland’s back, the young man leaning over with his hands on bis knees, and easily got out through the open- ing. ‘As soon as he was out he tan into the main part of the celiar and got a box which he threw down into the whole, and with the aid of that Holland soon clambered up and out. The door was closed down, and they also closed the door leading into the little six-by- six apartment. ‘*1t may fool them when they come back, if we can leave the other door locked as it is,” said Dick. ‘‘ But, that is doubtful.” ‘* Let them be thankful if we leave it on the hinges!” cried Holland. They looked around in the cellar, and found an old hatchet and a short bar of iron, Armed with these chey mounted the stairs to the door that opened upon the hall, and they found the door locked, as Dick knew they would, *T'll mighty soon land. With aswing, he brought the hatchet down upon the lock with all his might, breaking it at the first blow, The door swung open, and they stepped out into the hall,,where a couple of Italians, standing near the front door, eyed them sus- piciously and with dark looks. Catching the grim expression on the faces of the prisoners, though, and seeing the weapons in their hands, they fell back out of the way. Dock boy Dick and the man he had rescued passed out free. ‘Good bless you fervently. ‘* Never mind that,” demanded Dick, ‘‘ but send a message to that girl of yours that you are safe and sound, or she will have a fix that,” avowed Hol- y? ejaculated Holland, “What know youabout her?” , ‘* Well, not much; only that she is there, and the police wit be bothering her to get | on track of you, which is a part of your dear uncle’s plan.” ‘*Then I must seek a telegraph office without delay, and after that we will take hold of the rest of the business and try to push it to a clearing up. you assert, Belcbaine ought to hang!” “ And it is true, bet your life.” ‘‘Yes, and now 1 can see through it, I think.” “That's what I want to do, What is the secret of it all?” me: big property at stake.” “Yes, all that I am worth in the world. If I die before I marry, all of my mother’s half of the French estate will go to my uncle, and if all this is true, that is what he is after.” * That’s it, I bet a herring! But, we will see to his case, you bet! Why, he would have allowed Serpolet to swing, I believe!” ‘If capable of one crime, equal to any.” ‘Tell you what would be fun, and what would knock him silly.” “What's that?” : "Dr “Play the ghost racket on him!” “ Excellent! But, I must have witnesses — y. **We can fix it all up brown. We'll go to Police Headquarters soon’s you send that pag & ; And so they did. ¢ There they told the matter in full, in private to the chief. Plans were quickly laid, and when they took their leave it was witb an understanding = with the police. ; Phil Holland and Dick went to a hotel, If all is true that . — WAS RaGe coat as Oe Tea 94 ¢ uy 7 e
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rest, and meantime the police successfully **scooped in” Boss Gluker, Hop Keelough and Bat Dugan. CHAPTER XVIIL TERRIBLE DENOUEMENT. ‘Dock-Boy Dick was in high feather the rest of the day. He found in Phil Holland his ideal of a manly man, and loved him with ail the ardor of his youthful nature. : And his regard was returned, not only be- cause be had rendered such signal service to the young man, but because Phil had taken aliking to him from the very first meet- ing. Preparations were quietly made for the denouement, Early in the evening Joseph Belchaine was pacing up and down the corridor of the Hotel Brimton, He appeared to be in anything but an easy frame of mind, but that was to be accounted for on the score of his grief and anxiety for his missing nephew, for the young man had not been heard from. While he was thus engaged, a plain-look- ing man with drooping mustache entered the hotel and inquired for him at the clerk’s desk, The clerk pointed the man out. “Mr. Joseph Belchaine?” stranger, apdressing him. “Yes, sir,” the response. “I desire an interview with you, sir. I am the superintendent of metropolitan ‘police.”’ Belchaine gave a start. “‘Then you have word of my missing nephew ?” he asked. ** Yes, his body has been found,” was the sober response, ‘‘Shall we go up to your room?” : Belchaine turned pale to the lips, and caught hold of the back of a settee for sup- port. This was news that he was not pre- pared for, evidently. r ‘‘Then he is dead!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ My poor boy, my poor boy!” ‘*Let us go to your room, sir, where we can talk the matter over in private.” ** Yes, yes; anywhere but here, sir. I can hardly hold back my tears. Where was he found?” ‘*It is quite a story, sir, let us wait until we reach your room,” They stepped to the elevator. In a few moments they entered Belchaine’s room, where the chief placed a chair for the old gentlemen, and took one himself. “Sit down, sir,’ he said, ‘for I can see you are quite overcome, I take the liberty to help you to a chair in your own room, but that matters not, under the circumstances ” _ ‘*No, no, don’t mention it; tell me about the boy ” ‘‘ Well, it is something of astory, sir. I may as well begin at the beginning, I sup- ose.” Be!lchaine cast a sharp, quick glance at him. “‘ Your family inherited a princely fortune in France,” spoke the cool, calm voice, Finaily, yourself and an only sister were the last remaining heirs. At her marriage _ the estate was divided between you.” _ The old man looked even more searchingly at the chief, and demanded: _ * What has that got to do with the pres- ent?’ Everything, sir, as I will show you im- mediately, You have about run through witli your own fortune. There was no hope for you but to get a hold upon that of your dead sister, Sal fa order to do. that your nephew would have to be removed from your path, and that before he married. Belchaine was sitting bolt upright, now, asked the The Trump Dock-Boy. self, **Wh—what do you mean?” he gasped. 15 where they refreshed themselves and took a | his hands gripped upon the arm of his chair, claw-like hand; but, Dock-boy Dick was on his eyes dilated and his face like death it- | the alert and in his way. “No you don’t!” the young shadower | cried. ‘‘If you want to touch anybody, ** You learned that your nephew wasabout | touch me, and I will take all the chances of to marry,” went on the hard, steady tone, *‘and you taid a trap to put him out of the way. You lured him here—” **Tt is false—false!” ‘*T know it to be true, sir. seat and hear me to the end. Keep your You had a pretty plan, and you hoped to carry it out and fool us all, but, thanks to a young de- tective called Dock-boy Dick, you have been | dying! Pity you wasn’t withered all over, | you heartless old villain!” ; Others had hold of him instantly, and he | was rendered powerless to do harm to any one. Finally the old scoundrel confessed. He declared, however, that it had not keen | his intention,to kill his nephew. He merely | meant to keep him prisoner until he had come brought up with a rqund turn, and your | into the estate, and had made good his es- little scheme has miscarried. You—” | ‘* I say it is false!” cried the terrified man, leaping up. ‘‘ What great mistake have you made? Was it not enough to bear the loss of the boy I loved, without being charged—” ‘*That will do, now,” said the chief, forcing him down upon the chair again. “Remain quiet, or I will handcuff you.” “* But, it is false!—as false as—” ‘**It is true.” Tt was the voice of Phil Holland! A strange light filled the room, and be- fore the door of the wardrobe was seen the form of the missing man! He looked strangeiy white and death-like in the white glare of the new light, and he pointed with his finger straight at the cower- ing old man, whose face assumed an expres- sion of greatest terror. - Belchaine sunk back, and _ perspiration started upon his forehead. The chief of police stepped before him and snapped a pair of handcuffs upon him, and while he was doing that the strange light went out, When he stepped back the ghostly form had disappeared, though the door of the wardrobe was still open, and the old, man stared in blank amaze in that direction, fair- ly paralyzed. : ¢ Will you still deny your guilt?” asked the cold, hard tone. ‘‘ You are responsible for the death of your nephew, wretch that you are! and you would have put the crime upon an innocent man! It was you who put his g.ovein the room of the lapidary, you that put the diamond in the—” ‘*You cannot prove it! I defy you to prove a thing!” The chief snapped his fingers. ‘“*Can’t prove it, hey, you old sinner?” cried a merry voice, and Dock-boy Dick danced into the room, ‘‘ We'll show you about that, I guess!” ‘He entered from an adjoining room, and immediately after him came a policeman with Boss Gluker, Hop Keelough, Bat Dugan, and others, all prisoners, and Belchaine saw tbat it was all up. He sunk back with a moan. Renaud Serpolet, and his wife Nannette, were among those who confronted him. ‘“*T could not understand how a man could be so heartless as to fasten such a crime upon another,” said the chief, ‘‘ but I have learned that, too, In time past you loved this handsome woman, and wanted her for our wife, but she preferred Serpolet the apidary, poor though he was, and you swore that some day you would bring him to grief for robbing you, as you put it. And this was your revenge.” Belchaine had nothing to say. His very silence was an acknowledgment of his guilt, even without the proof, Suddenly he leaped to his feet, jerking his withered hand out of the handcuff—which could not hold it, and sprung upon Nan- nette. ‘This I can do!’ he cried.» ‘‘T can mar your beauty! I can cause you to wither as a flower, and die within a year! Whatever the skeleton hand touches, dies, and you shall die!? | ; He reached for her face with his withered, cape, when he would order his release. But, that was not believed. He was com- | mitted to prison, but he died there in less | than ten days, broken-hearted under the | blight of his own infamy. Dock-boy Dick received great praise for what he had done, But for him the heinous scheme might have been carried out successfully, although Dick tried to disclaim any of the honors. Hol:and did not forget the debt of grati- tude he owed the iad, by any means.» He took pains to find out what Dick liked best, in the lines of life-work, and fully equipped him for that field. ) The Serpolets, too, he éstablished anew in | life, hoping as he did so that it would be of | lasting benefit, but at the same time fear- ing it would soon be the old story with them Holland returned home, where he married the lady of his choice, but the wonderful Belchaine diamond was not allowed to dis- grace the finger of his bride. The gem was sold, and the price was given to charity. THE END. Next Hatr-Dme Lrprary, No. 919. ‘Hustlers, Rustlers and Ranch Runners A regular wake-’em-up story of ranch, cattle- range, and on-the-plains life from the hand of Ranchero William R. Eyster, who has “ been thar,” in the Wild West, for many a year, and is a hustler himself; so In his Crack-Shot Daisy's Drop; Broncho Billy’s Big Brush, A STORY OF The Rustlers of Double 0 Ranch, we have a “yarn” fit for a campaigner’s feast. — * Dashing Daisy ” the daughter of the ranch isa revolver crack shot, a heroine, a pet of the cowboys, a beauty of the best type; and her hustiing of the rustler cattle-thieves, range-rogues and outlaws, who are Led by Her Own Step-Mother! is a lively record of lively times. | Between her and the little imp of mischief and lover of dare-devi! adventure, Broncho Billy it is all a Big Brush; and the grand round-up of the. bandits and | bad men of the great ranch comes in like a rea! | western cyclone to make everybody wonder, So Go for Daisy and Billy! and throw up your hat to the author for turning out such a wide awake story of real life on the Wild, _ West “ open.”
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—_— 7 rr oe em peer tt i ae «EMR enema si EIN HOI RR RAE ETD Re ean Ba 886 The Five Points Lodging House Janitor; or,|906 Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport; or, High Hustling Monk Merry and the Italian. By Jo Pierce. at Silver City. By J. C, Cowdrick, 887 Battery Bob, the Dock Detective; or, Rounding- | 907 Reddy Rusher, the Bell-Boy Detective; or, Chow- up the Western Sharps. By J. C. Cowdrick. der Johnny's Surprise. By Jo Pierce. 888 Monte’ Saul, the Sport: or, High Bustling at}908 New York Nat's Double; or, The Unknown Three, Dead Latch. By Wm. R. Eyster. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 889 New York Nat’s D adly Deal; or, The Unknown] 909 Midsbipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher, By T. C. Ferret’s Snap Shot. By Col. P. Ingraham. Flanagan. 890 Ace Hizh, the Trump Card Detective; or, Old ]910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top; or. Gold Guns, Nat Hicks in New York. By Jo Pierce. the Bullet-proof Sport. By E, L. Wheeser. 891 Dea lwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead Sure Game; or, Pis-]911 Bowery Bob's Lone Hand; or, Spotting the tol Polly of Nuggetville. By E,. L. Wheeler. Shady Sharpers. By Harold Payne. 892 Bowery Ben in Chinatown; or, Sam Sing, the ]912 Train By Trist’s Hot Hustle; or, Bour cing the East Side Sport. By Harold Payne. Broadway Crooks, By J. C. Cowdrick. 893 Farrel Fox’s Sweep Stskes; or, The Boss Coun-| 913 Kit Keith, the Revenue Spotter; or, The Big Bag terf iter’s Round-up. By Dan Dunning. at Dark Run, By £d. L. Wheeler, 894 Arizona Dick’s Wipe-Out; or, Dare Devil Dave’s]914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kind; or, Nick Nor- Death-Trap. By J. C. Cowdrick. ton’s Close Call. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 895 Fifth Avenue Fred; or, The Valet Detective. By ]915 Flip Flasher, Ferret, of East Broadway; or, Fir- Jo Pierce. ing the Fire-bugs. By Jo. Pierce. 896 New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp; or, The] 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Double Decker; or, Center- Wild All-around Sport. By Col. P. Ingraham. Fire, the Self-Cocker. By Edward L. Wheeler. 897 Davy Doon’s Big Bounce; or, Nickel Nell, the ]917 Flash Lightning, the Mountain Mascot; or, Jerry Boy Spotter’s Mascot, By L en Harbaugh. Jacabs’ Doom, By Charles Morris. 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drive; or, The ]918 The Trump Dock Boy; or,.Too Sharp for the Rival Mayors of Hardscrabble. By E. L. Wheeler. Jersey Sharper. By J. C. Cowdrick. 899 Basement Bert, the Boy Cobbler Detective. By |919 Crack-Shot Daisy’s Drop; or, Bronco Billy’s Big Jo Pierce. Brush, By Wm. R. Eyster. 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee; or, The Circus Queen's |920 New York Nat’s Fatal Find; or, The Desperado Shadower, By J. C. Cowdrick, Detective’s Decoy. By Col. P. Ingraham. 901 Diamond Dave, the Gilt Edge Shooter; or, Daddy |921 The Boy from Denver; or, Fighting the Toughs Grimes’ Deadly Grip. By Wm. R. Eyster. of Deadset. By T. C Harbaugh. 902 New York Nat in Colorado; or, Gentleman Jack’s A new issue every Tuesday. R:surrection. By Col. P. Ingraham. j 903 Billy Blue Blazes, the Dodger of the Docks. By| Whe Malf-Dime Library is for sale by all Jo Pierce. Newsde: , five cents per copy, or sent by mail, 904 ne spy ee hoor rm beg. is e. egg on receipt of six cents each, cey, the Five-Spot Sport. .L. eeler. ‘ 905 Dandy Nugget, the Boy Shadow; or, Captain BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers. Mascot, the Nabob King. By T. C. Harbaugh, 98 William street, New York, THE MOST POPULAR STORIES PUBLISHED. ‘SHOHLOV LSAA FHL JO SHHOM LSAG IHL sss ttl tess pgs lle Maly. teas ls aes Tus ls es Ns lg O Ip as lg SS gS UGS GSS SS MSGS RUE LAS! MBS GS Us open LOE COCO GGG BEGET GEE GEL ME ME SMES ©. GEG E GE GEGEVD “eA BEADLE'S IME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS, FOR \ Exhibitions and Home Entertainments, ~ THESE DIALOGUES, minor Dramas ie Hach Volume 100 12mo Pages, Scenic and Dress Pieces, and Rostrur Divertisements have now a national recogni — tion and reputation; for their excellence, DIALOGUES Nos, 1 to 41, availability and singularly varied character : ach i have sent the little volumes into Schools, Homes cantonbatee eicnsto aA ahs and Associations throughout every State and Section of this Country and the Dominion. THE SPE AKERS run the whole range Si , of oratory, recitation and declamation, | giving what is best in eloquence, argument, SPEAKERS Nos, 1 to 20. humor, vernacular and dialect—prose and 60 to 70 Pieces in Each Book. | verse—thus making the series a perfect mine bate of good things, not only for declamation and recitation but for School and Family Readings. THESE BOOKS have no equal for avail- ability and merit of matter, and have a rider oraurity among tacors, solar BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, schools and amateurs than any series or single volumes yet published, at any price, in this 2a i ry 98 William St,, New York. country.