Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 922) (1895 03 26)
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| GX pS \ B55 7 = AX Pe eletalalal) 7 \ a \\ \ fs \ | \ ANY \ LW LU Pa soe "haa Sea mare naeS s eD e ; CLP enn meer ll) nt Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1895, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, March 26, 1895, eS ae ce Uh BE ~~ q a | ~ Pe + | i 1 | | | AWN \ nt t ‘ ih uy A \' | ¢ ‘ : 3 : ay Ul Wid * : ‘ = 2 ANY == : = =) =) “i AS HE GLANCED OVER WHAT WAS PENCILED UPON THE PAPER, HI§ INTEREST QUICKENED,
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/ wo Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk, du +—- Sol Sharpe, THE NEW YORK NIGHT-HAWK; OR, Piping the Hayden Case. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘SOL SHARPE, DETECTIVE.” CHAPTER I. SOL SHARPE TO THE RESCUE. ‘*AevP! help! Murder!” Clear and distinct rung forth the cry in ac- | cents of terror and anguish, ‘ A lone traveler, leisurely riding along a shady and lonely mountain-road about sunset of a pleasant day in June, heard the cry, and in- stantly brought the handsome nickel - plated | bicyele he bestrode to a standstill and dis- mounted. He was a young man, not past twenty-one or | two years of age, a trifle above medium height, slim, wiry, and muscular, and evidently pos- sessed of unusual quickness of motion and strength. His features were well cast, and their habitual expression, together with th:» of his flashing eyes, betokened keen intelligence. His face was clean-shaven, his brown hair close-cut, and in his regulation bicycle suit he made a rather | dashing appearance. The sun was just sliding below the borizon line, and all. nature seemed pervaded with si- lence, when the piercing scream for help attract- ed his attention. The road he was following was shaded on either side by forest, and it had been over a half- hour since he had passed a habitation, Naturally, then, the cry was somewhat start- ling, coming as it did, from only a few yards away. ** Well, ’ll be blamed if I don’t have tod inves- tigate this cry for help!” the young bicycler ex- claimed, ‘*Some one is being foully dealt with, judging by the words.” 8 ape | wheeled his machine to one side of the road and leaned it against a tree. Then he plunged into the forest. He directed his course toward the spot from whence came the cry for help, and his flying leaps soon brought him to a place where the dis- turbed leaves under foot gave evidence that a struggle had taken place there. Pausing, he listened intently. Some [little distance ahead he heard a loud | thrashing in the underbrush, but the sound | gradually receded rather than drew nearer. Waiting no longer, he plunged swiftly ahead, and in almost less time thanit takes to tell it, reached an open glade, across which a burly man was running, carrying in his arms the body of a struggling girl. Increasing his speed, the pursuer bounded on, at the same time drawing a revolver. ‘* Halt!” he yelled, sternly, ‘‘or by the jump- in’ Jericho I'll put a bullet through you!” A defiant laugh was the only answer as the fugitive sped on, He was a large, powerfully-proportioned per- | son, with a shaggy ‘black beard, hair to match, and a complexion swarthy as that of a half- | reed, But although a swift runner, he was no match for the agile young knight of the bicycle, who gained upon him at every leap, and was fast | closing in on him, At last seeing that he was sure to be over- | taken, unless he ridded himself of his incum- brance, the ruffian dropped the girl to the | round, and then bounded on, faster than be- | ore, SOOR pips gaye among the trees at the further side of the glade. Not, however, until he had received a bullet from the’ pursuer’s revolver that caused him to | go lame. By the time the bicycler reached where the girl had been dropped, she had regained her feet, and he beheld a most charming girl of some seventeen years, attiredinan airy dressof white, | that co nded well with her creamy com- | plexion and golden hair. / | ‘¢ Oh, sir!’ she cried, as her rescuer drew near, ** how shall I ever be able to thank you for com- to my rescue!” in R No thanks are necessary, miss,” was the re- ply. ‘‘! am only glad that I chanced to be near enough at band to overbear your cry of distress, Who was the brute attempting to carry you off, and what was his object?’ / ‘* However, 1 ‘‘ His narhe is Dave Dolan, sir, and he is a dis- | wif been so happy. Of course the farm i} solute wretch who haunts the mountains around | rugyed and will not bring very much, but ny Pottsville. Some years ago he belonged to the Molly Maguires, and since that time he don’t | dare to show himself in any of the coal-mining | towns, fora reward is offered for his capture, | and he is wanted for a number of crimes, Iwas hunting wild flowers in the woods when be sud- denly pounced upon me, and was carrying me off, as you have seen, His object 1 donot know, Oh! sir, lam very grateful to you—very grate- ful, indeed, for Heaven only knows what would have been my fate had you not come to my res- cus,” ‘Don’t mention it, miss—don’t mention it. As I said before, lam only too glad I came in the nick of time, May I ask your name?” “ Certainly. 1 am Capitola Carlisle—or, ra- | ther, Capitola Hayden, that having been my poor father’s name, sir. 1 am the adopted daughter of Chet Carlisle, who was papa’s bosom friend, and hence I bear his name.” ‘*Ah! Lam glad to know you, Miss Carlisle, My name is Sharpe—Solomon Sharpe, of the New York detective force, at your service. I am now taking a summer ‘ outing’ through the country on my bicycle for the benefit of my health. I have got rather out of my course, however, [ fear, and if you can direct me so that I can reach Pottsville to-night I shall be under many obligations to you.” ‘* Why, sir, you are on the mountains, and by the irregular course of the highway, it is over fifteen miles to Pottsville, and the road is very lonely and unsafe at this time of year, especially at night. You know there are so many tramps and toughs around. Really you must not think of attempting to reach Pottsville to-night, sir, for I shall insist upon your coming to our home and spending the > ap Guardy will be pleased to see you, and will reward you for rescuing e, : ‘* Not if I know myself, he won't!” Sol smiled. Miss Carlisle, being somewhat fatigued, if you are sure I will not discommods you in any way, | will accept your kind invita- tion,” They left the glade and returned to the high- way at the point where Soi had left his bicycle. e did not mount the machine, but wheeled it along beside him, as he accompanied Capitola toward her home. As they proceeded they chatted pleasantly, and Capitola related something concerning her own life. ; Her father had been, all his life, a sea-faring man, while her mother, up to the time of her death seven years before, had resided with her only child at Black Diamond Villa, some twenty i from the flourishing coal city of Pottsville, a, A few weeks before the death of Mrs. Hayden, her husband had returned from a voyage, bringing with him a large sum of. money, the profits of a three years’ phenomenally success- ful cruise. After Mrs, Hayden’s death, however, ths old longing for the sea again possessed him, and nothing could deter him from going back to his old life. é : But, before going, he made provision for his child in case he never returned. : An old bosom friend of his, Chetwynd Carlisle, was placed in charge of Black Diamond Villa and the farm that surrounded it, and was made Capitola’s guardian. E : Mr. Hayden also placed under Carlisle's con- trol, twenty thousand dollars in money, to be invested in paying securities, the interest there- of to go toward the support of Capitola, Chet Carlisle and his maiden sister, Matilda, and to give Capitola a good education. Provisions were also made, that when Cap, as she was familiarly known, should reach the age of seventeen and one-half years, the villa and farm was to be sold to the highest bidder, aud the proceeds to be equally divided between Cap, her guardian, and his sister, at which time the former was to be free to do as she pleased, ex- cept that she was not to come Into posses- sion of her twenty thousand dollars until she was of legal twenty-one. i Papers making the sale of the Black Diamond estate positive had been drawn up and signed, and then Mr, Hayden bade his child good-by and departed. He bad never since returned. Two years before our story, news had come of the foundering of the Mermaid, Mr. Hayden’s vessel, off the Bahamas, and the loss of the whole crew, ** And, oh! sir,” the pretty heiress added in conclusion, ‘‘ Guardy tells me the old farm must be sold—the dear old home in which I have al- words can ever express how dear it is to me.” & ‘* That is too bad!” Sol returned, touched Fy the sadness of her tone. ‘‘Is it to be sold vel” soon?” **Oh! yes, sir. The papers have been circ!” lated for over a week, and the place will be sol, to-morrow!” | ‘*Indeed? But, is there no way you’ can hav Bs bid in, so that it will still be yours, Miss Hay” en?” 3 ‘*How canI? Guardy has the management of it all, and being yet a minor I cannot act in) the matter. Besides, 1 have no money.” f ‘* Why, you have twenty thousand dollars!” **T cannot touch it until ofage. I have never\! seen only a little of the interest of it. Guardy has had the whole matter in charge, and he says; the money is all in bonds that mature shortly¢ after I am of age; though for that matter, I’ don’t know much about. bonds and such things,” ‘* Does your guardian want the farm sold?” ‘*No, I don’t think he does, if he would tell the truth, but taat old spitfire of a sister of his — says it must be sold, as she is bound to have her share; and she just bosses her brother around as she pleases, and he dares not say his life is his own scarcely.” ‘*Indeed? Well,truly, 1 am sorry that you are in trouble, dear lady,” Sol said, thought- fully. ‘‘Haven’t you some friends who would help you out?” ‘*Friends! Alas, I have but few, and they are too poor to help me out, Those who have any means, sir, are hard, grasping, avaricious people, who have no mercy for the beipless, but rather seek to take advantage of one’s helpless- ness,” ‘‘That’s so, the world over,” Sol said, grim- ly. ‘*‘How much do you expect the homestead will bring?” | “I've no idea. You know it has for years been imagined that thefe was coal and iro) under our farm; and now that every one is aware it must be sold, there may be considerab!e competition no doubt. But, there is one man who will bave the place if he has to pay a for- tune for it!” ‘* Who is he?” ‘*Colonel Cook—a man I loathe and despise. — For the last two years he has sought to win my 7 favor, and induce me to marry his son, who isa” New York broker—at least, so the father claims, ~ Then seeing there was nu use in that, he pro- posed himself, and has persecuted me with his~ attentions ever since, until he has fairly driven ~ me wild. 5 ‘*He is a bold, bad man—a scheming villain, cloaked in the garb of a gentleman, ar’. i really? abhor him, or years, I am satisfied, he has! been laying plans to get hold of Black Diamond ~ Barm and my money, and Heaven only knows, ! I fear he will yet lay a snare and succeed!” “ ‘*Not while I’m outside of my pine box!” Sol” Sharpe declared, earnestly. ‘‘1’m.a detective, — Miss Capitola, and when in the metropolis, ss known as the New York Night-Hawk. You've. interested me in your case, and I'll tarry in this” neighborhood a few days, and, if I can, will pre’ ~ vent your losing your homestead!” **Oh! will you, sir? May Heaven reward you for your kindness then, for I feel that you wil), be my friend in this hour of trouble!” ‘**- You can bet I will!’ Sol hastened to assurel= clasping the hand she extended to him warmly Just then they rounded a turn in the ruggeq) mountaia road, and came in sight of Black Dias” mond Villa. om a iy wi, CHAPTER IL. THE COLONEL, Biack DiamMonpD VuiLLA, as Capitola had” called her mountain home, was situated on a great bluff overlooking the famous Schuylkill Valley, and the city of Pottsville and adjoining hanilets, far, far below. The view was a grand one, indeed. The villa itself was a roomy structure, sur- rounded by pretty grounds and plenty of shade, and back of these grounds across the highway, were perhaps fifty acres of rugged farm land, plentifully dotted with stumps and rocks, Beyond was a wild, bushy landscape, not par-_ ticularly pleasing to theeye; but from the front” of the house which faced toward the valley, the scene was most magnificent, either in winter o: summer, = Besides the villa and well-kept ds, there was a good carriage house and other build’ ings, and the whole was surrounded by a nicer fence. ‘‘ There! that is where I live!” Capitola ex ~ claimed, wher she and Sol Sharpe came in sighs : @ <
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ho , but which, I fear, I must soon leave.” rly. ‘If T can’t nag Og outof your diffi” \ty, Miss Hayden, it wil st dismiss all worriment from your mind ani fst easy, for if the farm is sold to-morrow, you ill be tae owner!” W'**Oh! sir, do not give me false hope! How n you save the old homestead?” ‘Wait dnd see,” Sol replied, with a smile. '}+ But-do not mention to your guardian having laid anything to me of your affairs,” “Oh! certainly not.” When they reached the grounds, Capitola .jopened the gate and led the way up the grav- ‘eled walk to the piazza, Sol and his bicycle \bringing up the rear, E Seated upon the piazza in a great easy rocker, \Jhet Carlisle was engaged in smoking his pipe, while, near by, his sister was engaged in bulling some strawberries for supper, Carlisle was a man of sixty years, with a Harge round face and head and snowy hair, while his lower proportions were decidedly aldermanic, His face was red, denoting an ex- cess of blood in his system, but the blossom on the end of his nose probably suggested that he was a man who was not in the habit of going / thirsty. } His habitual expression was pleasant, and gaz- ing at him, one would have formed the opinion that he was a person who believed in taking things easy instead of borrowing trouble. '.. Matilda, his sister, was forty-six and right om reverse of Old Chet, as he was best known i by name. { She was tall, large-boned, and thin asa rail, } with a sharp-featured, vinegary visage, snap- \pish black eyes, and black hair, the latter, how- bever, being a wig; for to tell the truth, Matilda Snd claiming to be only thirty-five and bavin 44 bald spot on top of her head, she was oblige wo resort to artificial covering. }, Both Old Chet and Matilda viewed the ap- proach of Cap and her guest in considerable surprise, especially as neither of them had ever 32en such a contrivance as a bicycle, and won- “ered what kind of an infernal machine was be- ing brought into their midst. » “Capitola!” Matilda spoke up, in a shrill, dis- -cordant voice, as the twain drew near the ve- Banda, ‘* who is that you’ve brought here?” ‘*A gentleman from New York, aunty,” Cap replied, running up the steps, ‘This is Mr, ‘Sharpe, from New York, who, having become “belated, would like to get a night's lodging.” ‘From New York, hey?” And Matilda pursed “per thin lips and surveyed Sharpe disapproving- fy. ‘*That’s where blacklegs and borgiate “tome from. So, miss, you can tell the man he “tan’t get lodging here!” **But I sha’n’t!” Cap said, stamping her foot. ‘Mr. Sharpe saved ay life, and isa gentleman, nd heis my guest. So, now! I’m mistress of 1y home for this once, if I never was before, nd may not be hereafter!” or glared at the girl in angry amaze- ent. | ‘‘ Capitola Carlisle!” she cried, ‘‘ how dare you > ass me in this manner? How dare you? Chet- Yynd, do you hear that girl” \‘*Yas, [ hear her!” Carlisle replied, with a wn, ‘and she’s right, too. It’s the last night ne'll stayin the old home, andI don’t blame era bit for assertin’ ker rights. Come here, fap; an’ you, too, stranger, an’ take a seat. owerfully glad to see you if you saved Cap’s sfe, and I want to hear all about it.” ‘* Excuse me, sir,” Sol said, ‘but I would pre- er to retire if my A mpe is objectionable to helady. Miss Carlisle extended me an invita- on to spend the night here, or else [ should ave gone on to Pottsville.” \ “Never mind Matilda!” Old Chet said, « ]'m xin’ ye, not her. Come right along and take a “heer and never mind her. She’sallus had her "vay, an’ now it’s time for me to have a gay, ome along, stranger |” a Of course you will,” Capitola added, run- gging down the steps and taking Sol by the arm. ‘I'd not think of letting my brave rescuer be cared away. Come right along with me, and Ul tell Guardy all about my adventure!” a Ache you might as weil come in!” Matilda s, the aipembly: ‘since they’ve both asked you. >, “38 silverware is all gone in the morning it fr be my fault!” | beg your pardon, madam, but I’m not a oP OK Sol retorted, f , Ge, there! Don’t mind her, for my e!” Cap said, coaxingly, and she led Sol to Bon't fret about that,” Sol replied, reassur | the house in high dudgeon, Shad not yet given up matrimonial aspirations, | ree Bel Sha be something queer | a Ee ee =" PP Sage? pe, the New 2 3 use. “That’stheold homewhereljwas a seat on the long settee near the corpulent Mr, Carlisle. Matilda immediately arose and flounced into That her authority should be ignored was gall- ing in the extreme. “* Now then, Cap, tell us all about what’s hap- pened,” Mr, Carlisle requested. “ All right, Guardy,” and Capitola took a seat beside the detective. ‘‘ Yousee, it was like this: After you went into Pottsville to-day, I took it | into my head to go out in the woods and see if I couldn’t find some wild. flowers. Weill, { wan- dered a good ways without finding anything I wanted, and finally getting tired, was return- ing home, when | was suddenly pounced upon by Dave Dolan, who picked me up, and ran away. deeper into the forest!” ** Dave Dolan!” the old man gasped. ** Yes, Dave Dolan, the outlaw. I screamed for help, and this gentleman came to my res- cue. _ When Dolan found he was pursued, he dropped me, and made his escape!” ‘‘But not until [ put a bullet in his leg!” Sol added, with a smile, ‘‘ just to blase him, you ee,” ‘* Well! well! This beats the Old Harry!” Mr, Carlisle said. ‘‘ What Dolen could want with you, Cap,is more than I can understand, However, stranger, I'm mighty thankful you were near at hand, for the Lord only knows , what Cap’s fate would ‘a’ been had Dolan suc- ceeded in carrying her’off.” They chatted pleasantly for awhile, and then Old Chet was forced to give vent to his curiosity concerning Sol’s two-wheeled vehicle, ‘“*) dunno as it’s any of my business, stranger, but what in thunder d’ye call that air machine you brought along with you?” ‘* That?’ and Sol gave the polished ‘‘ machine” a loving glance, ‘‘ Why, that, sir, is my bi- cycle,” ** Your bicycle? Now, blast me ifI know any more about it than 1 did before,” ‘“ Why, you see, it’s my horse. It never eats nor drinks, and yet is always ready to go. Do you want to see me ride him?” ‘“ What! ride that thing?” “Certainly. Dllshow you how.” And, leaving the piazza, Sol mounted the cycle and proceeded to ride around about the lawn, at the same time riding in several differ- ent positions, hile he was thus occupied, Pat Murphy, the man-of-all-work about the place, made his ap- pearance on the piazza, For a couple of minutes he stood watching the spectacle in open-mouthed amazement, and then suddenly broke out: “Be jabers! an’ phwat the divil d’yez call that, now?” ‘* Why, Pat, that’s a horse!” Capitola laughed. ‘* A horse, is it? Well, by me sow], that’s the sthrangest sortay a horseliversaw, An’phat’s that a-ridin’ the horse?” . ** ‘Why, that’s a man, of course, you stupid!” ‘IVs a mon, is it?” quoth Pat, relapsing into silence, and leaving the piazza to get a closer view of the wonderful machine and rider, Mesa Pes d bc apes his evolutions and dis- unted [rom the cycle; then Pat approached and roceeded to feel of his arms and roe egorra! an’ it’s alive yez are, afther all!” he exclaimed. ‘* Why, Irish, did you think I was dead?” _“* Howly cats! I tho’t you was the divil, him- silf, I did. Phat you call that?” ** A bicycle, of course,” “A bisookle, is it? Now, phat in the Vargin’s name is a bisookle?” ‘* Why, a machine to ride on, ride?” “Do I want to ride? Well, I should say I do not want anything av the kind. Phat yez take me for, anyhow? But, say, mon, whin did it hap. n?” ** When did what happen?” ‘“* The foight yez had wid the dog, to be shure?” ‘Why, I’ve had no fight witn a dog,” ** You have not?” “ee No. ” Do you want a “Thin, by me sowl, how did yez git the inds of the breeches chawed off from yer!" Faith, an’ yez look like a Sligo jig-dancer.’ Sol explained the convenience of the abbrevi- ated trowsers, and then leaning the machine sqnined & tree, rejoined Mr. Carlisle and Capi- ‘Well! well! That aire masheen beats all I ever hear tell of !" the old gentleman asseverated. é I wonder what next they Nig 83 up? When wile sen Sf Soot neato es ok Neto Gist welioae ord a horse were ’ccunt- Prervis o> ork Night-Hawk: ee eee daphne lop apc ede emcee ern res th ol i ot ec i tn a Sh igh tg x aptamer ennai inns lca ] After a while supper was announced, and af- ter it was partaken of, Sol was conducted to the parlor by bis young hostess, who entertained him with a few selections upon the piano, after which they took seats by an alcove window, overlooking the valley, and engaged in conver- sation. ; They were thus engaged, when a horseman came cantering along the highway, drew rein at the lawn gate, and beckoned to Pat, who was still preoccupied in inspecting the bicyele, to him an incomprehensible curiosity. The horseman was a tall, powerfully-built man, of military bearing, and was fashionably attired. His face was large and stern in expression, his eyes of gray color, and rather sinister in their glance, while his hair and bushy side- whiskers were liberally streaked with gray. A shiver passed over Capitola as she saw the man. ‘* That is Colonel Cook—the man I so fear and abhor,” she said. ‘Oh! I do wonder what can bring him here to-night?” ‘**Do not fear him, Miss Capitola,” Sol en- joined, reassuringly. ‘‘ Remember you havea friend inSol Sharpe. Does this Colonel Cook reside and own property around here?” ‘*No!—that is, he owns no landed property that 1 know of, Hespends a great deal of his time in Pottsville and adjacent mining-towns, you see, and is reputed to be worth over half a niillion of dollars in money.” ‘* Indeed?” and Sol smiled significantly. is reputed to be, eb?” ‘Yes, Why do you ask?” ‘Oh, for no reason in particular, except a I fancy 1 have seen the man before, in New fork |’ ‘*Ou! that is not unlikely, sir. He goes there quite frequently, I believe.” ‘* How about your Irish servant, Miss Hay- den? 1s he honest?” ‘*Indeed he is, sir! I'd trust him with any amount of money, or anything else, Pat is rough and unpolished, but he is a real diamond for all that, and is my true friend. He would stick to me till the last.” ‘*T have to congratulate you, then, on pos- pesca ety trusty a friend. Ah! I see your guardian has joined the colonel at the gate.” ‘* Yes, and they are in earnest conversation. I cannot imagine what brings the colonel here to-night. Something connected with the sale to-morrow, no doubt.” Sol Sharpe arose and put on his hat. “Tf you will excuse me a little while, Miss Hayden,” he said, ‘‘ I think I will take a little spin up the road. WhénI return, I shall have some plans,and mayhap some news fof you, Avoid seeing the colonel, if possible, and, above all, sign no papers until I see you. “Tell me this, Incase my return oy pint any unforeseen accident, be indefinitely delayed, and should it become necessary for you to fly from here tosafer quarters, have you the money to defray your expenses?” “Oh! sir, you frighten me. What do you mean?” Capitola demanded in alarm, ‘‘Don’t befrightened! J only say if anything should happen, not expecting anything will hap- pen, you understand.” ‘*No, Mr. Sharpe, I have no money. Guardy has been very careful not to give me more than a couple of dollars at a time, tbe last few months,” ‘*Ah! Well, we'll see about that!” Here, Miss Capitola, is my New York address, in case any unforeseen circumstances should prevent my return here, and here is sufficient a | for your needs until you get to New York. Now, pray accept it, and if I don’t, sooner or later, get you out of all your trouble, my name is not Sol Sharpe!” He tossed both the money and the card’ into her lap; then catching her hand, and raising it to his fips, he turned abruptly and left the room, leaving poor Capitola both astonished and larmed, “On! what terrible thing is going to happen?” she murmured. ‘‘ Surely, something, or ies he would not so suddenly take his departure, Oh! why has he so dese me, when I had just be- gun to take so much interest in him? He is so noble and so kind, and he said he would be my friend. But, his sudden going seems very strange to me—very strange, indeed!” CHAPTER III. SOL PLAYS EAVESDROPPER, Waen Sol Sh left the villa and roached his bicycle he found Pat Murphy fapecting the machine, He : it Se t ,
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4. Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk., “ Well, Pat, what do you think of it?” he asked, pleasantly. ** Begorra! it’s the divil’s own contrivance,” Pat replied. ‘*But, it’s as handy as a pocket in a shirt, Now, Pat, I want to say a few words to you. Do you know there's the dickens goin’ to be to pay here to-morrow?” ‘**Paith an’ 1 know it only too well, sor, an’ | it’s sorry I am for the young iady!” ‘Sol presume. Capitola tells me you aroa true friend to her!” ‘* Did she say that?” “She did!” ‘* May the Lord bless her purthy face, and may the divil sthapemein bad whiskyef she ain’t right,sir. 1l’d cut off me own big toe, ifit would | be doin’ her any pleasure.” ‘* Exactly. Now, see here: This place is to be sold to-morro7.” ‘Yes. The ould place is got to go, so the old mon says.” ‘* Perhaps not. I must go away and may not be here at the sale. You must buy the place!” ‘*T must buy the place? Phat the divil yez talkin’ about, to beshure? Have ye gonecrazy, ontirely?” ‘*Not a bit of it. You must buy the place, no matter what is bid for it!” Pat burst into a roar of laughter. “ Arrah! an’ I know’d it!’ he said. ‘‘The bisookle have turned your head, so it has! Why, ye bloody spalpeen, if holy wather was oe ad a cint a barrel, shure I couldn’t buy a rop! ** Nonsense! I do not expect to use your own resources. Here isa package of money—more than enough to buy two such places. Spend every cent of it, but what you get the farm, Do you hear?” ‘* Begorra! an’ I do,” ** Well, when the farm is sold to you, see that you get a clear deed; then you and Miss Cap are to come direct to New York, She has my ad- dress, and you will have no trouble in finding me, Now,in casel do not get back, can you attend to this for me?” ** Begorra, sor, I can, and I will! An’ it’s thankin’ ye | am for the young misthress, too. Shure, l’ll do iverything just as you say, sor, for, though I have the looks av a Corkonian bog- trotter, | have a dacent bit o’ common since for a’ that, an’ it’s a could day when Pat Murphy ets left.” ‘*All right! I sincerely trust so. And, an- other thing:—keep a close watch over your mis- tress, and see that no harm comes to,her, 1 be- lieve that yonder man, Colonel Cook, means her evil. So keep a close watch on everything that goes on. If you fail in this, you may see great ill come to the young lady.” ‘*Sure’s my name is Pat Murphy, Ill be the sl’apeless sintry over her. I have an illigant pair of fists, and, begorra! I’ll knock smither- eens out 0’ ther first spalpeen as dares to try to harm the young mistress. Hi! hi! before vez go!” for Sol was preparing to mount his bicycle —‘*T want to know what your name is,” ‘“*Sol Sharps, detective!” was the reply, as Sol took his seatand sent the bicycle rolling away. The gate was open, and he rode out of the grounds rapidly. As he passed the colonel he gave him an in- quiring stare, which was returned with inter- est, the colonel evincing some surprise and con- sternation, Striking the main road, the detective took the route leading away from Pottsville, instead of toward it. He did not ride rapidly now, but seemed in- clined to proceed at his leisure, and, although his face wore a puzzled, anxious expression, his lips gave no explanation of what were his thoughts, Darkness was now beginning to settle over the mountain landscape, and when he was about a mile from the vilia he dismounted and lit the lantern in front of his wheel so that he could see the road better. He had hardly finished this operation when a woman wo §E ban a basket came along the road and passed him. He saw her face distinctly, and, involuntarily, an exclamation broke from his lips. ** Mott Street Mag, as I live!” She gave him a startled glance at the mention of her name, and then took to her heels and ran as fast as her feet would carry her. Sol Sharpe gazed after her a moment in great astonishment, !” he ejaculated, ‘if Well, Pll be thum this ain’t a surprise! That’s New York’s most sneak-thief and confidence womap, Mott Street Mag, who broke jail last winter. | I wonder what the dickens she’s doing up in this wild region?” He sprung to his seat on the bicycle, and pro- | pelled it along rapidly, but failed to overtake | the woman who had disappeared in the thicken- ing gloom. A little further down the road he saw a shan- ty standing in a clearing some distance away with a light burning in the single window, ‘* Perhaps she lives over there,” Sol muttered, “and I’m going to find out. But not now, I'll ride down the road .a half-mile further, se- crete my wheel, and return in a roundabout way. That will throw off suspicion that I have any intentions of trying to find her, in case she is watching for me.” He struck up whistling, and rode on past the clearing, without giving more than a passing glance at the light in the shanty window, He fancied, bowever, as he passed, that he heard a crackling in the bushes by the roadside; but he kept straight on, neither looking right nor left, and was soon out of sight. When he had proceeded a good half-mile from the clearing, he got off his wheel and secreted it in a thicket of bushes, several rods from the out the light, ‘* There, old hoss, you stay there!” Sol said, “ while I go and rh he a peep at Mott Street Mag. I'm curious what the fly gal is doing so far from the scene of her accustomed labors. That she’s here for a purpose, I well know,” Plunging into tho woods, he made a circuit | that eventually brought him out at the rear of the clearing wherein stood the shanty. By this time it was quite dark, and he could scarcely make out the exact location of the shanty, but he stole stealthily forward, and at last reached it, and paused. There was no dour in the rear of the abode, nor were there windows; but there was a good- sized crevice that opened direct into the single room of the shanty, and commanded a good view of the interior—for the inner walls were of a age boards, the same as the outer. ith great curiosity, Sol applied his gaze to the hole, and proceeded to view the scene within, The room was supplied with a meager amount | of furniture, including a bed, and the floor was uncarpeted, A woman was flitting to and fro, engaged in preparing some supper, and the watching de- tective had no difficulty in recognizing her as the same one who had passed him on the high- way—Mott Street Mag. Although attired in a rather shabby dress, she did not look like a woman who was out- lawed and an outcast from society, She was some twenty-five or six years of age, of good form, and really bad a bright face, keen gray eyes, and brown hair. In other surround- ings, and under other circumstauces, she might have been pronounced rather pretty. Tipped back in an easy-chair, near the door, engaged in smoking a clay pipe, was a dark- visaged, bewhiskered man, of ruffianly aspect and large physique, Sol recognized him as the fellow who had at- tempted to carry Capitola off, and whom she had said was Dave Dolan. ‘*T wonder what this precious pair are doin here together?” Sol mused. ‘‘One would thin by the looks of pone that they were man and wife, Imnever heard of Mag having a spouse, however. Ha! a knock at the door! They’re going to have visitors, Who,J wonder? Mat- road, puttin ters are getting to be interesting, and I reckon I'll lounge at this place of observation, and learn what I can!” It was true, A peremptory knock had sound- ed on the door, and, ceasing her work, Mag hastened to answer the summons, She opened the door without any apparent hesitation, and admitted—Colonel Cook! Sol Sharpe came near giving vent to an ex- clamation of surprise as he saw the man, ‘*Great Cesar!” he mused. ‘Colonel Cook here among these black-sheep? Blazes! Am I - the eve of animportant discovery{ It looks ike it!’ Mag handed Cook a chair, and he sat down and removed his gloves. ‘‘Well,” the colonel said, as he removed his gloves, ‘‘ I see you are both on hand,” ‘We're here, of course!’ Dolan replied. “Where'd ye expect we'd be!” | ‘**] didn’t know but you had both skinned out, and left me in the lurch.” ‘‘Not while there’s any money in ye!” Dolan declared bluntly, ‘' We ain’t particular who we work fer so long as we get the scads, are we, Mag? ‘Not a bit!” Mag agreed, ‘*S6 you failed this afternoon,” the colonel ob- served, adcressing Dolan. ** Carse the luck, yes! I had the gal all right and was making off with her, when a fellow heard her scream and give me chase, He had a pop, and so, to save my own bacon, I had to drop her and run for liberty. As it was, I got a slight wound in the calf of my leg!” **So I learned at the villa. ‘if bios? Sige pursuer was?’ ‘*No. Inever saw him before.” **] presume I can tell ae !” Mott Street Mag spoke up. ‘It was Sol Sharpe, the New York detective. Isaw him coming up the road less thananhourago. As I passed him he recog- nized me and called me by name,” ; ‘“‘The same, Isaw him at the villa. Where did he go?” ‘* I fled, and when I reached the edge of the clearing, I secreted myself in the edge of the bushes and waited. Pretty soon he cameriding along on his bicycle and went on up the high- way. I followed him a ways, but, as he still kept on his journey I returned here.’ ‘colonel Cook scowled. ‘* Why didn’t you shoot him?” he growled, ‘*T didn’t dare to. IfI had missed my aim it would bave only made matters worse. i don’t believe he will bother us, however, for he 5 gh straight on toward S——,” ‘* Well, maybe you are right, but it is devil- ish unfortunate that he should turn up around here, at this of all times, and I shall feel il] at ease until satisfied that he is out of the neigh- borhood !” ‘* You know him then?” ‘* Well, I should presume, and he knows me too! He and l ry (ee to know each other a little too well, and if ever I get a good chance at him, I shall not hesitate to silence him, yow can bet. If he comes around here you are to do the same. Perhaps, however, he won’t trouble © you know ‘** Tf he comes around here when I’m about, I’l? knock him on the head!” Dolan grunted. ‘ But how is everything working, colonel?” * Splendidly, except your failure to corral the girl. That don’t matter so much, for I bave another plan on tap that will answer as weil.” ** The sale is goin’ to take place, then?” ‘* Positively! ‘*Does any one suspect that we have discov-. ered the big vein outcrop on the place?” ‘Sb! hold your infernal tongue! Walls sometimes have ears! No; noone suspects any- thing of the sort. Nor has any particular inter- est been taken in the sale, for the farm itself is considered an almost worthless tract of land. I on if a score of people will be present at the sale, ‘* But supposing there should be? Supposing Capitola should have employed some one to run. the bidding up to a big figure?) **Bah!” and thecolonel laughed loudly. ‘* She is not smart enough to do that, and besides, there is no one fool enough to bid much, In case of emergency, however, I shall be on hand with eight thousand dollarsin my pocket, and as the terms are spot cash at the time of sale, I will besure to win, as no One will come equipped with such an amount. Oh! Black Diamond | farm is mine beyond the shadow of a doubt!” ‘* Waal, boss, hope so, How about Old Chet. and his sister? ; “Oh! ve fixed that nicely. In fact I've fixe? | everything so it will work likeacharm. Listen | and [ will explain: “When the sale is over, and Carlisle and his’ sister receive their, Money, they’ll start imme- | diately for their former home in Maine. Thus, | I will bave rid myself of them, you see!” "iy ‘Yes, But how about the girl?” ‘* }ve fixed that, Capitola is a minor, and as the Carlisles give up guardianship of her, it is necessary that another guardian be appointed. Carlisle and I went before the Orphans’ Court, and brought infiuence to bear to show that Capitola Hayden was not capable of taking care of herself, or of managing her own affairs, and, as a result, I have been duly qualified as her guardian until she is of age, and the man- ager of her business. I shall assume charge to- morr>)w, * To-night I shall see the girl, explain matters, and endeavor to get her toconsent to marry me, | When she finds 1 am her guardian and have wer over her, I have no doubt she will be horrified and rebellent. Seimg a high-strung | and proud-spirited girl, she will, rather than re- main under the same roof with me, make her 5 escape, leaving me monarch of all I survey. _ Understand?” é ) +I do, and again I don’t!” Dolan repiied. a Well, [jl further enlighten you!” theccIoned,
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\ ;1dded, witha chuckle. ‘“‘ Capitola has but one - ving relative, a maiden aunt, living in New | York—a kind old fossil, rich as Croesus, Natur- ally the girl will go to the metropolis and seek , to find this aunt.” ‘ Ah! I begin to see your game now,” Dolan ‘emarked. ‘* Perhaps; but not all of it. I shall not at- cempt to prevent Capitola leaving the villa; in- ‘deed, I presume she will leave before daybreak. You, Mag, must go at once to Pottsville, rigged put in your best attire, and hang around the P. -& R. depot and await the girl's coming. When 3he takes the train for New York, which lam positive she will do, you are to go also. Dolan and I will follow later. é , ‘On the train you must make the acquaint- yance and gain the confidence of the girl. She /has never been away 0D such a journey, and if you work your game well you can soon win her over and secure her friendship, You are to of- fer to assist her to find her aunt, and are to ex- tend her the hospitality of your room until ihe aunt can be found. Of course the aunt will be hard tofind. | : ‘‘ Capitola will lose what money she has in some mysterious way, and will have to seek em- ployment. You, Good Samaritan that you are, will get a job for both her and yourself in the house of a bachelor gentleman—myself, you see —and then she will be lost to the world! The coal-vein on this farm will be opened, and I will sell it fora big sum, and be out of that job. Then, when four years have elapsed, I will pro- duce a bogus Capitola, get possession of the twenty thousand dollars on the bonds and, skip for Europe. Ha! ha! What do you think of that for a daisy game?” ‘¢ You’re a cuss On wheels!” Dolan declared, enthusiastically. ‘‘ But, what are I an’ Mag to et?” ‘¢- You shall be well-paid, never fear. Here is a hundred dollars apiece for you now. More will follow later. ou, Mag, are to prepare yourself at once and set out for Pottsville, so as to be there in time,. My horse outside is at your disposal.” ‘* My clothes and other things are all in Potts- ville, so I will have no need to make any pre- parations here. But, colonel, are you quite sure this game will work right? I’ve no hanker- ing for a place behind prison-bars again.” ‘““Of course it will work all right! There’s not the least danger but what it will,” ‘** But the detective?” ‘ “Oh, hang him! He knows nothing about the affair, and I have no fear of him,” ‘*There’s one thing I'd like to ask,” Dolan said. ‘‘If the place is sold, who can give a legul deed to the property?” “* Why, Carlisle, of course. Besides others pro- ‘visions made by Hubert Hayden before he went to sea, he made Carlisle a power of attorney to sell the property and execute a deed, Oh, no fear about ~hat. Once the place is sold, it is sold for good,” Detective Sol Sharpe had listened to the fore- going conversation with no little interest, ‘*So,so! You bave indeed laid a diabolical scheme to entrap and cheat a poor orphan, have you, Levi Cook?” he mused. ‘‘ Well, Ill see how you succeed. I’ll—” What else he would have uttered remains only to be surmised, A heavy. blow upon thé side of the head stretched him out upon the ground, where he Jay like one dead! CHAPTER IV. A HUNTED GIRS DEFIANCE, Poor Cap! i As she saw the New York detective ride out from tae lawn at Black Diamond Villa, her heart sunk within her and a senge of unutter- able loneliness came over her. It seemed to her that, with his going, Sol Sharpe had taken with bim all her hope and courage, and naught was left her but de- ‘Spair, / MT o-monrow the old home was to be sold—the only abiding-place she had known frominfancy, dearer to her by far than gold, with its¢ memories—,memories of her mother and father ‘and of her childhood’s early days. _ It was to be sold—for a mere pittance, no -doubt—and she would thén be turned out on ‘the pitiless world, to a destiny that had in store perils and sorrows uncounted. Young and inexperienced as she was, how could she through such an ordeal? ** Oh, if oe Sharpe had not gone away!” she snurmured, as she watched her guardian and ‘Colonel Cook in conversation at the gate. “I had set great confidence in his befriending me, . < ea ; ve ' ey but, now that he is gone, something tells me he will not return. hy was it he appeared so startled when he saw this man Cook, and almost immediately after took his departure? It is something [ cannot understand. It looks suspi- cious, to say the least, for when Mr, Sharpe rode out the gate I saw him look at Colonel Cook very sharply, and the colonel! returned the stare with interest. Can it be that this Mr. Sharpe is, after all, an adventurer, and, finding the colonel here, made the best of the opportuni- ty to escape before he was exposed? ** No, no! I cannot, wiil not believe it of him, in whom set so much trust. If be did not mean to return, why did he give me this money? Ob, that I could understand it all!” She counted the money over. There was an even fifty dollars. The address on the card was: ‘* Sol Sharpe, Detective, ‘* Number —-— Macdougal street, New York,” ‘* What a strange name for a street,” Capitola commented. ‘'In a great city like Ne York, how could Linquire my way around? Oh, if I could find my Aunt Sarah, I know she would betriend me, for she is very rich and kind. I'd he tempted to run away and go to her at once if —if I only had the courage! But then I do not know where sbe lives, and I might not be able to findher, Then what in the world would I do? ‘Oh, the thought of being turned out of house and home almost drives me desperate! But no! I must be brave, I do wish that loathsome col- onel would goaway. If he thinks to see me to- night, he will get left. Dll go to my room and lock myself in,” And this she did, without further deliber- ation. Soon after she had the satisfaction of seeing the colonel gallop away. ‘*Thank Heaven, he has gone!” she mur- mured, ‘‘No words can express how I detest that man.” She sat at the window, watching eagerly for Sol Sharpe’sreturn, but the minutes dragged on and he did not come, Feeling assured now that he would not come that night, she grew wearied and threw herself down upon the bed in despair. She soon fell into a doze, and was oblivious of all troubls until, later in the evening, she was suddenly awakened by a loud rapping on the door of her room. ‘*Who is there?’ she demanded, springing from the bed. ‘* It’s me,” responded the voice of Chetwynd Carlisle. ‘*Come down to the parlor. I have something to tell you,” “Very well. I will be down in a minute, sir,” Capitela replied. While, to herself, she said: **It can't be that the colonel is here at this late hour. Perhaps Mr. Sharpe has returned?” She gave a few rearranging touches to her hair, then, unlocking the door, she descended to the parlor. As she entered the room she perceived that her worst fears were confirmed. Colonel Cook was there seated in an easy-chair engaged in smoking a fragrant cigar. ey Chet and Matilda were seated near at band. “Come in and sit down,” Chet called out, commandingly, as Capitola paused on the thres- hold, ‘‘ We have something to say to you of importance.” ‘* Indeed?” and Capitola’s eyes flashed with ee **Whom am I to understand by we _“ All three of us. This is probably the last time all of us will have an opportunity *to chat together, and it is of importance that we should improve the chance. So come right in and sit down, for you are the one most concern- ed in what we have to say.” With a face pale with fear and anxiety, Cap- itola sunk upon a seat near the door, ‘Go on,” she said, faintly. ‘‘I am sure I eannot see in what way I should be interested in your schemes,” ‘Our schemes? Tut! tut! You donot know what you are talking about nor when you are well off. Noone has any schemes, as you term it, except they be for your own welfare. ‘What I have to se” ‘ny child, is this: You are aware that to-mon.wvis the day set for the sale of the Black Diamond Farm, according to the stipulations made by your father before he went tosea. Of course it will be hard for you 4 see the old place sold, but there is no help for ‘" Well, as soon as Matilda and I receive our Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk. | ~~ 7 EET, 5 money out of the sale, we shall start immediately for our former home in Maine, and, naturally, we must resign our guardianship over you. This fact having become knuwn to the Orphan’s Court of Schuylkill couprty, it has, after careful deliberation, coacluded that it was nec appoint another guardian to manage your af- fairs, until you become legally of age,” ‘* Another guardian?” Capitola gasped. ; ‘* Exactly! A canvass was made for a proper person, and finally such a person was found, and a number of responsible business-men went on his bond; so that matter was all fixed up and set- tled in a legal manner.” ‘* And, pray, who is this man who has been appointed my guardian without my consent?” the heiress demandéd, haughtily. “Your very dear friend, Colonel Cook.” Capitola gave a gasp of horror, ‘* That man my guardian!” she cried. “* Never! I’d sooner dié first, than have him for a guard- ian! I will not haveit thus! I am old enough to oe my own guardian, and I will ap- eal!” ‘Tut! tut! That will do no good, my dear. Everything is already fixed all right. The colo- nelis.an honorable geutleman, and will serve you well. Your attempting to appeal would be utterly ridiculous. Colonel Cook is in good standing with the gentlemen of the court, and, as i¢ is understood by them that you are willful and headstrong, and utterly incapacitated for managing your own business, they will pay no attention to your appeal. So be sensible for once, and you will find the colonel your warm- est friend.” ‘* He my friend? I’d sooner have the friend- ship of the vilest thing in existence. I loathe and despise the man, and he shallnever be my guardian!” “Tut! tut! You insult the colonel, child—in- sult your benefactor!—ay! your lover—an hon- orable, upright gentleman, who loves you de- votedly, and desires to make you his wife,” ‘He my benefactor ? Bah! Do not waste your breath, Cbetwynd Carlisle, in making such absurd assertions, And as for my ever be- coming his wife, he knows well I would die a thousand horrible deaths before I would marry him, the old schemer!” ‘« Nonsense! nonsense! Colonel, you love her, do you not?” \ ‘“ With all my heart!” the colonel replied, suavely. ‘‘And you intend to be her benefactor, as well as her guardian?” P ‘*Certainly. Isball buy in the farm to-mor- row, and then turn around and present it to Miss Capitola, in hopes that it may be ‘the means of changing her undeservedly hard opin- ion of me to such an extent that she will accept my marriage offer!” Capitola arose to her feet, her face very pale, her eyes glistening like diamonds. ‘** Colonel Cook!’ she said, haughtily, ‘‘ Iam well aware you intend to buy my father’s place, and have been scheming to obtain possession of it for along time, because that it is rich, both in mineral ore and coal. Far from intending to present it to me, you expect to realize a for- tune out of it yourself. If you could get me to marry you, in hopes of securing the twenty ~ thousand dollars papa left me—then your plans would be complete indeed. ‘* But let me dispel all your hopes in this di- rection. You can buy the farm, most likely, providing you have money enough, but you cannot buy me! So set your heart at rest that, if you want a wife, you will have to look else- where. I should advise you to go to some lace where there are plenty of old maids. Perhaps there you might find some one better suited to you, for surely no sensible girl would marry an old scarecrow like you!” And, with this parting shot, Cap swept from the room. Ounce in her own apartment, an expression of resolution came over her face, ‘*My path of duty is clear before me now,” she murmured. ‘‘I must pack up a few things, and leave this place forever, while I have time. le f° to New York, and try to find Aunt a CHAPTER V. CAPITOLA’S FLIGHT,—SALE OF BLACK DIAMOND FARM, THE next day dawned over Black Diamond Farm most disagreeably. The sky was overcast with cold-gray clouds; the rain was driven downward by a piercing wind; and altogether it was more like an autumn day than one in summer. i e folks at the villa were early astir, making j t qe By 1 \ 5s bs + Jot meen | ey aad pct Pm * Tek SEE Tae hh s ee. ner ¢ a +e Se , ¥ ae ve Ss CAP “<
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6 preparations to vacate the premises as soon as the sale took place. All the furnishings of the place were to go with the farm, so that the Carlisles would have nothing to move except their own personal effects. The sale was to take place at ten o’clock, an auctioneer from Pottsville having been engaged to cry off the property. Matilda, attired in her best, had breakfast fFeady by daybreak, and asit was the last meal they were to eat in the old home, she had conde- scended to bring forth all the little luxuries the house afforded. “Faith an’ be jabers!” quoth Pat Marphy, as he took a seat at the table, ‘shure it’s a f’aste good enough for the Pope himself. Butit’s loike all other things in this life—too good to last long!” And without further comment, Pat proceeded to ‘“pitch into” the delicacies in a surprising manner, * Well, I should say the grub won’t last long, if you make a glutton of yourself,” Carlisle nted. ‘‘Because Matilda has opened her eart once and given us a few delicacies, don’t make a hog of yourself, Pat, Get up from the table and go and call Capitola,” - Ind’ade, sor, but I don’t know where she is, sor. “Don’t know where she is? Mike & ou block- head, where do you suppose she is but in her room? Start yourself, or I'll assist you.” ** But, yer Honor, I don’t bel’ave she is in her room, sor, at all,” ‘Not in her room? that?” ** Because, sor, her horse is gone from the stable, an’ so is her saddle, too,” ‘“* The deuce you say! Has the little spitfire run away?” the irate guardian cried. . He quickly left the room ‘and hurried up- stairs, followed by Matilda and Pat. When the door of Capitola’sroom was reached it was found to be locked, **Come! O ‘* Breakfast is all ready and wait- What makes you think ** Kick in the door, Pat!” Carlisle commanded, ** We'll soon see if the girl is gone.” Pat planted one of his huge brogans against the door heavily and it flew open. Capitola was not in the room! Upon the bed, however, was a note addressed to Chetwynd Carlisle, which ran as follows, and which the old gentleman read aloud, after he had wiped and.adjusted his spectacles: **Mr. CARLISLE:~ By the time you receive this, I shall be far away and out of the clutches of the two vilest conspirators God’s sun ever shone upcn— yourself and Colonel Cook. Of courseI shall lose my rights for a time, but I will have them back when Iam of age, or you two arcb-plotters will suffer the consequences. Iam going where I will find a friend and protector. Give my regards to the unselfish and pious colonel, and tell Matilda not to forget her wig and false teeth when she leaves Black Diamond illa. CAPITOLA HAYDEN,” ‘* Hooray!” yelled Pat, ‘‘ Bully for the young misthress! Yez wanted to make her marry the colonel, so yez did, an’ she’s give yez the slip, 'so she has, Begorra! an’ ig ad of it 1 &m!” ‘* What! you dare to tell me that, you infer- nal bog-trotter?’ Carlisle roared in his rage. “*Get out of this house, you Irish loafer, or Dll put a bullet through you!” ‘*Niver a step! Yezhaven’t nary a revolver, Sed Honor!” i a ap in high glee. ‘* You're big a coward to shoot one off, begorra, if yez did have one. But, don’t git into an illegant passion, eddy some for it’s goin’ I am} to hunt up an’ sthand by me young misthress, shure I am! Bog-trotter tho’ I may be, I don’t carry a whisky-sign on me nose, nor divil a bit do.I rub ' snuff, nor wear awig. Arrah! bad luck to yez ® green-eyed ons! May I be appoin Reseda o’ the Sorahece in which yez git cra- meated, bedad!” and with en exasperating laugh, the Irishman skurried away down the stairs, two steps at a time, and that was the last that was seen of him. Colonel Cook arrived at the villa soon after- ward, and was told of Capitola’s flight, but took the matter very cvolly indeed. “Oh! let her go!” he urged. ‘Ill hunt her up when I want her. She has no doubt gone to ot Gory likely? oc ik ly!” Carlisl ted ery y! very likely!” Carlisle assented, end there the maiter dropped. e people soon began to arrive, and by nine o'clock quite a delegation of neighbors and val- ley citizens were on the ground, Bob Hines, championauctioneer of the Schuy]- kill Valley, was on hand, ready to knock down the property to the highest bidder, and George Glen, the attorney of tha late Hubert Hayden, was also present to execute a deed to the pur- chaser, Among those last to arrive wasa very clerical- looking individual attired in a broadcloth suit and silk hat. His face was heavily bearded, anda pair of greenish glasses partly shaded his eyes. His hands were gloved, and in his hand he carried a gold-headed cane, The arrival of this personage caused Colonel Cook considerable uneasiness, but he took good care not to betray his trepidation, Promptly at ten o’clock Hines, the auctioneer, |} mounted @ box upon tiie lawn ready for busi- ness, **Gentlemen!” he began, ‘‘ we will now pro- ceed to business. The property Iam about to offer for sale to-day is known as the Black Dia- mond estate, and consists of the land belonging thereto, the house, the outbuildings, the furni- ture, stock and implements—everything com- plete. This is to bea bona fide sale for spot- cash, and a deed will be immediately executed to the purchaser. ** You all probably are aware what the prop- erty is, and therefore there is no necessity of explanation or description. The whole thing will be sold in a lump to the highest bidder, irre- spective of persons. Now, how much am I of- fered for the estate?” ‘*Rive hundred dollars!” Cook, from the piazza, ‘* Five hundred dollars I’m offered. at five hundred—who'll make it six?” ‘One thousand dollars!” bid the clerical stranger. ‘*One thousand I’m offered—who’ll make it two? Keep the ball a-rolling, gents. Don’t be skeered of a few paltry dollars. Remember, I’m a poor lone orphan, with a wife, nine chil- dren, and a mother-in-law to support, and as I get ten cents commission on every dollar you id, you are in duty bound to help me to swell my exchequer!” **One thousand and one dollars!” bid a wea- zen-faced little man, who was sanguine that his munificent offer would win the prize. ‘“*Three thousand!” shouted the colonel. ‘Three thousand is offered—three thousand —going at three! Who'll makeit four? Three —three—three-~-who’il make it four?” “Five thousand dollars!” called out the cler- ical gentleman, quietly. Colonel Cook uttered an oath and leaped down off the piazza, “* See here, stranger!” he cried, strutting up to the bidder, ‘‘ who are you?’ ‘*My name is Timothy Trainor, sir!” was the quiet answer, “Timothy Trainor, eh? Where from?” **f don’t know as that concerns you, sir, How- ever, ifit willdo you any good to know, I am from New York!” ““Oh, you are! Now, look here. There’s no useof your bidding for this property. You've al- ready runit up to twice its value; and, more than that, / intend to buy the place, and you might as well drop out,” ‘*T shall suit myself about that,” was the re- ply. ‘‘ This isa public sale, and I have a right to bid whatever and whenever I please.” **Ob! indeed!” and the colonel grew even rhore wrathful, ‘Perhaps you are uot aware that whoever this place is sold to must pay down t-cash,” ‘*T understand that, sir.” “* Then let’s see if you've got any money before you fo to monkeyin’ in this sale any more.” ** If the property is sold to me, I shall pay for it before leaving the grounds. That is all that is required by the terms of the sale.” ‘sit? Well, we'll see. You’re amadventurer, and I’li have you De off the place. You haven't five thousand cents to your name, let alone five thousand dollars,” “You are mistaken, I have five thousand dollars, and as much more as may be required to secure this place, as against any bid you can make,” ‘““ You are a liar /” hissed the colonel, agate his fist in the stranger's face. ‘I’ve a min onal Just what he hada mina o do, the enraged conspirator did nct make piin at that cu- lar minute, for he receivea 1 quick blow from Mr. Trainor’s gloved fist that laid him neatly on his back, Cook lay a moment before he attempted to re- ain his feet, and when he did, there was a evilish gleam in his sinister eyes, shouted Coijonel Going are you Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk. — “Pil fix you for that!” he hissed, but walked a a few paces away, evidently not caring to sample} Trainor’s muscle again, Vi **Come, come! Time is money!” cried Hines, ‘* I'm offered! five thousand dollars by Trainor, Who makes it six?’ ‘* Six!” yelled the colonel. , ‘* Six is offered! Six—six—six—going at six, Who will make it seven? Remember, gents, bid no more than what you have got the cash to pay down, as this sale is positive,and the money must be forthcoming immediately after the property is knocked down to the highest bidder, Six thousand I’m offered. Who will make it seven?” ‘*Seven thousand dollars!” quickly put in Timothy Trainor. ‘* Hight thousand!” roared Cook, now in a state of frantic excitement. ‘* Nine thousand!” returned Trainor, ‘* Nine thousand I’m offered!” sung out Hines, ** Make it ten, colonel?’ ‘* T have no more money with me,” Cook said, with an oath. ‘‘However, I will raise that man’s bid, by giving my horse and gold watch |” . ‘* Sorry, colonel, but we are selling property, not buying it, Nine thousand dollars I’m of- fered for the Black Diamond property—nine thousand I hear. Who will raise the bid? Go- ing at nine thousand—do I hear ten? Nine thousand, once!—nie thousand, twice /—nine thousand, THREE times !—and-—sold, to Timothy Trainor, for nine thousand dollars!” Pen can hardly describe the scene of exciie- ment that followed, Those who had come to attend the sale had expected Cook would getthe property, just as much as Cook had expected to get it himself; but when the auctioneer knocked the property down to the stranger, a murmur of applause went up, for the prompt manner in which Trainor had retaliated for the insult Cook had given him, had won the sympathies of all present. As for the colonel, he tore around like a mad bull, and made the air fairly echo with‘his male- dictions, But as no one paid any attention to him, be gradually quieted down, and watched proceedings, his face clearly expressing the dis- appointment and hate that stirred within his evil heart. He had been defeated in his scheme, but that did not signify, by any means, that he was con- quered. As for Timothy Trainor, he promptly paid in- to Lawyer Glen’s hands the nine thousand dol- lars, and received a deed to the property, and the keys to the villa and out-buildings—a full clear title that no court would question. He then placed u man who had accompanied him to the sale in charge of the premises. _ After he had executed tbe deed and paid the auctioneer his fees, Lawyer Glen remarked: “* According to the stipulations left behind by the late Hubert Hayden, one-third of the money Ihavein my possession goes to Chetwynd Car- lisle, another third to his sister, Matilda, and the remaining third to Capitola Hayden. She bein absent, I shall place her third in the hands o the Orphans’ Court, to await her return!” ‘*[T have been appointed her guardian,” Col- onel Cook announced, stepping quickly forward, ‘and therefore demand that you surrender my ward’s money to me!”’ ““T shall pay it to the court!” Glen said, de- cisively. ‘‘ If it chooses to give it to you, it can —but at its peril!” The Carlisies received their money, and, 800n after, the crowd dispersed, While Timothy Trainor was returning toward Pottsville, Colonel Cook was saying to Daye Dolan at the clearing shanty: ‘* Here are five hundred dollars, Follow this man, Trainor, until you trace him to his lair, Then find me in New York. I’ve suffered de- feat, but [am not conquered. My turn comes next! It’s Cook against the ficld now, and don’t you forget it, Davy!” CHAPTER VI, . MISS ARAMINTA ARLINGTON, Wuat of Capitola? No sooner was her mind made up to fly from Black Diamond Villa, than she, set about pre- parations for departure. he Carlisles been very close with her in money matters, and consequently she did not: have a very extensive wardrobe. She arrayed herself in as good as she Do ewig however, and bundling up a change of clothing, together with, a few pictures and trinkets that were especially” dear to her, she was ready to go. _ But she did not venture from the villa then, f ie ONE Van me
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- s ia —--~|——--- Sol Sharpe, the ‘New York Night-Hawk. 7 Breck. Rati _ She waited until the hands of the little ¢lock | | turn in their reports, about thirty percent, more on her mantel pointed’ out the hour of twelye. The house was silent, and its inmates with,ex- aio of herself, were sound asleep ere this. aving the note she had written on her bed, | she left the room, locked the door, and stole | cautiously down-stairs. To get out of the house then without arousing any ones was an easy matter, and she soon stood | out of doors in the darkness of the night;—for | the sky had clouded over; and a storm evidently was impending. Making her way to the stable, she saddled her own horse, and in a few minutes more was dash- ing away toward Pottsville. ** Good- by, old home!” shemurmured, glancing | back at the villa with tearfuleyes, ‘‘ Itis hard to leave you, but I feelitis my duty. To escape that villain, Colonel Cook, I must dare anything. I may have trials before me, but | will meet them bravely. With God to guide me I shall not be entirely friendless, ‘““Tf Mr, Sbarpe returns to tbe villa, he naturally will learn of my flight, and supposing I have gone to New York, will follow aud seek to find me, If I can’t find him, oz my Aunt Sarah, surely I will not starve, for I have heard said that there is plenty of work for girls in New York!” So she rode on her way, courageous and lrope- ful, She knew there was an early morning train | jeaving Pottsville for ‘Philadelphia, and calcu- lated she could cover the distance between Black Diamond’Farm and the station in time to catch it, Just at daybreak she rode into Pottsville, and stabling the horse at one of the hotels, she bur- ried to the depot. Here she learned, to her joy, that she would have only a few minutes to wait before the train started; but even these minutes seemetl to drag by on ‘leaden wings, so eager was she to de- part. At last she was comfortably seated in one of | the cars, and felt an intense sense of relief. She had at least, thus far, escaped the persecutions of Colonel Cook, The train was crowded with passengers, and when a lady came along and asked to sbare the seat with Capitola, she assented with pleasure. The lady was neatly attired, quite: «ttractive of feature, and did not look much over twenty | years of age, though possibly she was older, Naturally, she and Capitola fell into conver- sation ; for it would be impossible for two women to travel side by side without having something to say. “‘T suppose you are going to Philadelphia? | the woman said, by way of introduction, | ‘* Phily is such a love of a city, I think,” “Tam going to New York,” Capitola replied, ‘Indeed? Why, that is nice. Tom going to New York also. We can be company to each | other allthe way. I think it is so much nicer to have some one to talk to, when one is travel- ing.” f I suppose itis, I have never traveled any, | and so | am sure [ don’t know,” Capitola re- | plied, with a faint smile, ‘*Oh, indeed? Then you have never been in New York before?” ‘¢ No, phe ** Ah! I see. ou are going on a visit to friends, eh?” wae ‘*T am goimg in search of an aunt who lives there, but whose address I do not know.” **Indeed? Why, my dear child, it will be a hard task for you to find her, will it not? There | are so many people in New York, you know, | and so many different persons of thesame name. Is your aunt a person of prominence?” **T don’t know, I’m sure. She used to be quite well off.” . **Oh, no doubt she is an Upper-Senner. then, and it may not be such a h matter to find her. What is her name?” ‘Sarah Smith, ma’am!” ‘For the land o’ goodness! Sarah Smith ?” ** Yes, ma’am, Do you know her?” Cap asked, eagerly, it never having occurred to her that there could be more than one Sarah Smith in the metropolis. Her a lay back and gave vent to a | merry laugh, “Know her?” she exclaimed. ‘Why, my | food child, I know at least a dozen Sarah miths |” | * (A dozen!” Cert. Why, there’s no end to the Smith | family in New York you can believe, and as for | the they’re ‘a legion, Why, do you know, that every time they take a census of the population, they start out a party of men to | cept I had some one to protect me. | shape. | one room, and not ver there’s plenty of room hunt up all the Smitti family, and when the men } of Smiths is added, to be sure that the whole ter- ritory has been covered!” Capitola didn’t know this, and was rather in- clined to think that her new acquaintance was tic. She didn’t say so, however. ‘*My name is Miss Araminta’ Arlington,” the voluble lady said, aftera brief silence. ‘* What’s yours?” ‘* Capitola\Hayden, ma’am.” “My, what an odii name! Now, do you know I am quite anxious about you, Miss Hayden?” **'W hy so?” | prone to stretch the truth, or to be very sarcas- | ‘‘Because you are young and inexperienced, and unfit to visita great wicked city like New York unaccompanied by some friead. Now, as for me, l’ve always lived there and know the ropes, but with you it is different. You evi- | dently know nothing about city life, and the many traps and pitfalls that lie in the path of strangers. Why,if l was you,and had never been in the place, I’d never dare to visit it ex- | Why, dear, | you may not be able to find your aunt in a | month’s time. Then, what would you do, pray?” ‘*Dear me, I’m sure I don’t know,” Capitola replied, beginning togetalarmed, ‘‘'You ought- n’t to discourage me, thought.” ‘* Very true, and Iyam nottrying to. I am only telling you that New York is a very bad, wicked place, anda dangerous place fora girl without friends or acquaintances, In case of your not finding your aunt as soon as you hope, miss, how much money have you got to keep ! you?” ‘*T have a trifle over fifty. dollars, ma’am.” ‘‘Hifty dollars, eh? Weil, now, let’s see. I think possible you may be able to get a pretty fair room and board at the Fifth Avenue Hotel for fifty a week, though 1]’m not sure.” ‘“Rifty dollars a week?” astonisument, ‘‘ Why, su must be places one can get accommodations cheaper than that?’ ‘Oh! yes, there are a few. But then, you know, they ain’t par excellence. For that mat- apitola echoed in | ly, ma’am, there | ter, one can get lodgin’ down in the Bowery for | ten centsa bunk, an’ if you can live on soup, you can get t at for five cents a plate!” Poor Capitola looked horrified, Finally they reached the Quaker City, changed cars, and were speedily hurried along toward New York. When they reached the big city, it was moraing, and Miss Araminta Arlington took the crowded West street cars,so managed to avoid meeting policemen face to face. After awhile they took another car, and ere long got out and walked toa narrow street, where the houses were dingy, and everything went to in- dicate the poverty and wretchedness of the residents, Entering one of the tenements, Araminta conducted her guest to a room on the fourth floor, which she announced was her “ hang out.” The place was furnished only with a bed, stove, a couple of chairs, a table and a few dishes and cooking utensils, and when poor Capitola looked back and thought of the pleasant home she had left, her heart sunk within her, But she was in New York, and must do the best she could, until she could find her aunt, or So] Sharpe. And Sol Sharpe—where was he? CHAPTER VII. IN A BARREL, As may be supposed, the blow Sol Sharpe re- ceived upon the head, when spying at the cabin, instantly deprived him of his senses, and he did not know what had struck him. When he awoke to consciousness, he found himself in utter darkness, and until his eyes be- came somewhat more accustomed to the gloom, he ceuld not form much of an idea of his whereabouts. He was painfully aware that his head was very sore, and that he had been knocked down. His hands and feet were not bound, but be was confined in a cramped position, and finally came to the conclusion that he was nothing more nor less than imprisoned in a barrel! And not only imprisoned in a barrel, but the barrel had been headed up! It was a startling discovery, and a decided] unenviable one, not only owing to his cramped- up position, but because the breathing air with- in the place was very meager, a single auger- hole in the top head of the barrel admitting all | the air there was, At which Araminta Arlington laughed rather | boisterously. ‘Ob! come! now, don’t get discouraged,” she | encouraged, ‘‘1I’!l see you through, in prime home with me. won't cost you a cent. Then if you want to live on what I do, you can getalong cheap. I have three changes of feed a day, beef-stew and coffea for breakfast, coffee and beef-stew for dinner, and hbeef-stew and coffee for supper. Then, for a change, on Sundays I have hash, Oh! we'll get along famous. [| ain’t a million- airess, but I do live.” , ‘**[ am very grateful for your kind invitation, ) miss, and if—if you would help me to find my aunt, I ed you for it,” **Bosh! Do you s’pose ’d take your money? Ob, no! Til do all l can to help you find your Aunt Sarah, andif we can’t find her, I'll hunt you up a job of some sort,” ‘*On, you are very kind, miss.” ‘* Yes, I ought to be, I’ve been kicked around a bit, and I know how to pity one who doesn’t know the ropes. Ob, I tell you, if any one can take care of you in New York, that girl is Miss Araminta Arlington.” ‘¢ Then, truly, 1 am glad to have met so good a friend,” Capitola declared, beginning to feel hopeful again, ‘Pray, what do you do fora living?” ““Oh, whatever I can. Sometimes I sew, sometimes I clerk it, and sometimes 1 work at house service on special occasions, There’s a rich old bach I work for up on Seventh avenue, when he isn’t traveling. I expect he'll be back in the city soon, and when he does come, I’m solid for a good job. If you haven’t found our aunt by that time, perhaps I can work you n there as up-stairs maid.” Once more Capitola was forced to express her gratitude toward her new-found friend, Araminta continued to chat on, volubly, and by the time the train reached Philadelphia, she had thoroughly impressed Capitola that New York was the very wickedest place on the face of the whole earth, and that she, Araminta, herd = "rae the world could not get along W hen we get in New York I'll take you | It ain’t much of a home—only | well furnished, but, | or both of us and it | | ‘‘ Well, I hope I may never see daylight if I ain't in a daisy fix!’ the detective mused, when he had decided just where be was. ‘* I’m done up in a package, ready for shipment, sure enough, and the prospects of getting out of this scrape are mighty thin. I wonder where I am, and how long I’ve been cooped up here, any- how? From the aching of my limbs, I should judge for a week or two, at the least. ‘* Let me see: I was standing in the rear of | the shanty in the clearing, after listening to what Colonel Cook had been saying to Dave Dolan and Mott Street Mag. Then, first I knew, 1 got a thump on the head, and i forgot alll ever did know. lt wasn’t a slight blow, either, for my head’s as sore as an Irishman’s after a Donnybrook fair. ‘*T reckon that, whoever laid me out, took me for dead, and barreled me up, so my corpse wouldn't be found. But I’m still alive, and it behooves me to get out of this coop at once, for Heaven only knows what fate poor Capitola Hayden may be suffering, long ere this, at the hands of these execrable villains. Poor dove, be bunted by such buzzards!” All he bad heard, while playing eavesdropper at the clearing shanty, and which he now re- called vividly, rendered bis anxiety for the wel- fare of Capitola intense, for, brief as had been their acquaintance, his admiration for her was more than that of a friend, as he had to confess | to himself, Cee SS EEE Gathering all his strength, he made an at- tempt to burst from his prison. But in vain, He might as well have tried to burst from a prison-wa]l of iron. ‘* No use of trying in that way,” he muttered, ‘Tf I bad a head like a negro, I might butt the head out of the barrel, but, unfortunately, my head isn’t in butting condition. Wonder how I’m going to work the racket, anyhow?” The barrel was standing up on end, and he found, by swaying backward and forward, that it would not be a hard matter to tip it over on its side. ‘*T wonder where I'd go to, if I were to it?’ be mused. ‘‘ The chances are that I'd roH somewhere, providing there’s any descending land hereabouts, Ill try it, anyhow.” So he began to pitch tojand fro, and, after two or three attempts, succeeded in ne the barrel over on its side, and greatly to fi ~
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~y oe surprise and satisfaction, the barrel began to roll rapidly and he found himself going over and over, faster and faster, until his novel convey- ance had attained ano almost alarming speed. Evidently it was rolling down a steep and long bill, and every few yards the barrel would | strike some obstruction with fearful force, bound into theair, and then go tearing on'down the inclines with increased velocity. The imprisoned detective, of course, grew | dizzy, and when at length the barrel c-ased to revolve, he was so mixed up tbat he hterally did not know whether he was afoot or on horse- | back. Making asecond attempt to break from his | confinement, Sol found that he was just as badly off as he was before his descent of the hill. By a deal of twisting he got his bead around in such a position that he could peer out of the hole above him, He was not able to see much, but perceived that his strong prison was lying in a dusty road at the foot of a steep bill, This discovery gave him a degree of hope, at | least: Perhaps some one would come along the higb- | Way soon whom he could get to release him, ® was nourishing this hope and cogitating over his novel experience in the last few hours, when he heard the rumble of a heavy wagon ap- proaching. Nearer and nearer it came, until it was but a few feet from the barrel. Then the wagon stopped, and two men sprung out and approached the barrel. ‘* Why, it’s a bar’! o’ sugar!” one of them ex- claimed, lifting the barrel on end. ‘* No, it ain’t. It’s a bar’lo’ ’taters, an’ I know whose it is,” declared the second man. bar’l o’ new ’taters to market: to-day. He’s lost the bar’! out o’ his wagon.” ** What shall we do with it?” ‘* Why, chuck it on the wagon, wiser for it,” ‘** Allright. This will be gittin’ square with Gorham for shootin’ our dog.” Overhearing all this, and greatly amused atit, a spirit of mischief entered the detective’s brain, ‘*Oh, won’t I give them a scare!” hoe mut- tered. The next minute the barrel was lifted from the ground by the two men and carried toward the wagon. ‘* By thunder! "pears to me these are mighty heavy ’taters!” growled one man. ** New ‘taters are alius heavier than old ones,” declared the other. ‘* Now, then, heave-ob !” Just as he felt them give the extra effort, Sol Sharpe gave vent to an uneartbly yell, As a result the farmers dropped the barrel in horror, and looked about them to see whence | had come the astounding sound, **Come! come! Break open this barrel, and let me out!” roared Sol. ‘*?m shut up in here!” This was literally the straw that broke the eamel’s back, for the farmers made a rush for the wagon, clambered into it, and the cumber- some velicle rumbled away at a great speed. **No more ill-gotten ’taters for them!” Sol “muttered, grimly. ‘‘ Confound it, I'm as bad off as ever!” In this tumble from the wagon, the barrel- head beneath his feet evidently was sprung, for he plainly felt it give way to bis pressure, Joy! The accident bad been his salvation! In a few moments the head fell outward under his pressure, and soon he wascrawling out of the barrel, once more free! After stretching his cramped limbs, and tak- ing a little exercise to get his blood in circula- tion, be searched bis person, and found that his watch, money and other pocket possessions were gone, Then trying to determine his whereabouts, after some dsfficulty he got his bearings, and re- traced his way to the clearing, But the shanty was empty and locked. Making a tour through the woods, he finally came to where he had previously left his bicycle, and finding the macbine all right, just as he had left it. he mounted and rode slowly toward Black Diamond Villa. There he’ discovered that everything was closed up, and only’one man was about the eer ce same left in charge by Timothy rainor, Qnesticning this man, who answered to the name Connor, Sol learned that the property had nye; ete oe ee ie Sol Sharpe, the New York N 4s I | heerd Jim Gorham say he was goin’ to take a | Weill crop it. | off at old Toby’s tavern, sell it to him for a | gallon of whisky, and no one will ever be the | 4 ay r a al sbamanchhC Se been sold two days before toa Mr. Trainor of | New York, who, after installing Connor to look aftey things, had taken his departure without | saying when he would return. Chetwynd Carlisle and Matilda had departed for Maine, and Capitola had fled from the villa | prior to the sale; this much the detective ascer- ) tained, and no more, D Of Colonel Cook, or his whereabouts, Connor knew nothing; nor of Pat Murphy. So Solomon bade his informal adieu, and, mounting bis bicycle, sped away toward Potts- ville, | T must lose no time now,” he decided, ‘*Capitola has gone to seek either me or this |} aunt of hers in New York.. If Cook’s plans worked, the poor girl isno doubt in the power | of Mott Street Mag. Very likely Cook and Dolan are also in New York by this time, while I am nearly three days behind my game. | ‘*} wonder who Timotby Trainor is? And as for the infernal scoundre] Pat Murphy, it’s plain he ran off with the big sumI gave him. | | was a fool not to have given it to Capitola. However, I will win yet. I know this man | Cook, and he knows me; s9 it is Sol Sharpe against the crook and ail his host, and Lil bet | my grandfather's watch that the crook don’t win!’ As soon as he reached Pottsville, hesucceeded in getting a respectable loau on his bicycle, | which was one of the most expensive machines of its kind, and with this ‘‘ lift? he purchased a ticket for New York,and took tke first avail- able train for the metropolis, CHAPTER VIII. ON HIS OLD TRAMPING GROUND, Oncr in New York City again, Sol Sharpe proceeded to his combined office and lodging- | room, in an apartment house on Great Jones street, | Jt was a cheerful, well-furnished room, and the best of it was, everything in it belonged to | the tenant. | After a bath and making a complete change | of clothing, the detective sat down at his desk | with a City Directory in his hand, | In the ‘*C” columns he came to the following | entry: **Cook, Levi P., — Seventh ave, !”’ | ‘*That’s where this same Colonel Cook used | to hang out, and he possibly does so still. My | dear uncle Levi, I am afraid your dutiful ' nephew will be under the painful ‘necessity of | investigating your case, ere long?!” The Star Shadower now took from his wall book-shelf anotber large volume in manuscript, and proceeded to pore over its contents, This was a complete record of the names of all the criminals who had been sent from New | York to Aubarn, Sing Sing and Blackwell’s Isl- } and prisons during the previous five years, to- | gether with the date of their commitment, ; and the length and time of expiration of sen- | tence, ) | lt was all in his own handwriting, and had cost Sharpe many an hour’s labor and much inquiry and search to perfect the work, up to within a few weeks of that date. ** Mott Street Mag’s name ought to be down here,” he mused, as he turned over the leaves. ‘If Iremember correctly she was sent to the 1 Island,” | But he was mistaken as to that, for ke found her name on the Sing Sing list: “ Margaret Meeks (Mott Street Mag), professional thief and confidenve woman, r. sidence No. — Mott street; age twenty-sx, height five fert twp, hair dark brown, eyes blue; knife-scaron back of neck; | sent to prison at Sing Sing, Jan. 2, 188-, for two years, for complicity ia a burglary.” This paragraph Sol copied in bis note-book. | ‘*Itis strange that nothing of her escape trom Sing Sing has been reported. Probably the matter has been mysteriously hushed up, as others have in the past. Well, I want to find Mag and my royal uncle Levi, then most likely I will be able to find my fair friend Capitola. | ‘Tl begin work at once, for no doubt the | poor gir! is in dire distress ere this.” Leaving the house, Sol wended his way to- ward Mott street.» He was well acquainted with that disreputable thoroughfare, but not having had occasion to visit it for some time, had httle fear that he would be spotted as a danger-signal to the crooks that haunt it. He cocked his bat over his left eyd, thrust his hands into his pants pocket, and with a cigar held in his mouth in the most approved ‘' bum” style, looked the beau ideal of a tough of the ng the suit he wore being of a “loud” pat- rn, ae ‘ tien S “he . Ae ye ae) r » ae «/' oy has tre ! - ight-Hawk. —$—$—— ————— nn e did not go to the number where Mott Street Mag had lived, but drop into a sa" loon, where half a dozen vicious-looking chap, were shaking dice at the bar. rt They gave the new-comer a sharp glance, and then wert on shaking, Walking up to the bar, Sol gave a_ sleepy stare at the bartender, a red-headed Irishman of gigantic proportions, and demanded: ‘Say, pal, is the parsou in?’ * The big chap behind the bar flashed a keen glance at the interrogator, and then set out the bottle and glasses. ‘*The parson's gone to a weddin’,” he an- swered, ‘but the dominie is in, Just arrived in town?’ “ce Yes.” ‘* Been off for a vacation, eh?” ‘““Yes—up along the Hudson. scenery up that way.” ‘*T suppose so. Are we in?” ‘** Cert. 1” and Sol laid a five-dollar bill on the counter, having replenished bis finances before leaving bis room. ‘*‘ Who’s the tads?” ‘This one here is Scroochy, next is Horner, and the rest are Smiley’s. Who are you?” Sol looked cautiously about him, as if he did not care about letting his name be generally known, ‘t You’ve heard of Handsome Hennessey, eh?” he queried, The others all nodded, and put out their hands, ‘*Good boy, Handsome!” was Scroochy’s wel- come. ‘‘Glad you're out, and in trim, Let's all drink!” And drink they did, to the future health and prosperity of Handsome Hennessey, who, it hap- pened, was then in Sing Sing Prison, serving out a two-year term, Hennessey, before being sent up, had been one of New York’s most noted pickpockets; but he had been nabbed in the act, finally, and sent up the river. He was known all over town, by repute, but only the east-siders saw much of him; hence, Sol Sharpe had dared to play the réle. Indeed, he bore a striking resemblance to the crook, what with his loud dress and rowdyish manners, After the drinks, Sol fell into an easy, ram- bling conversation with the ‘‘ gang,” and some- what surprised them with his knowledge of the crooks aud the, ‘t covers” of Gotham, and the result was that the listeners united in pronounc- ing him a dandy. “Ob, I know ’em all!” Sol assured, ‘‘so I thought ’'d come over this way,and see if I couldn’t locate an old-time friend of mine.” ‘*Who’s that?’ queried Blodgett, the bar- tender. ** Oh, one o’ yer people over this ide Stay | Meeks, She wasup at Sing Sing same time was, but I heard she got out someway.” **So she did, tho’ I reckon no one knows ex- actly how!” Blodgett responded, ‘‘1 saw her only yesterday.” ‘“Ts that so? Then I’m in luck, for I want to seo her bad, Is she hangin’ out at the old place?” ‘‘Not she. Mag’s too fly a bird to return toa cage she is once caught in.” ‘*T reckon sheis. Then you don’t know where she is, eh?” ce No.” ‘‘ Well, if you see her, tell her an old friend has. important news for her, and to leave her address with you. I'll drop in again in a day or ” Beautiful ‘* Allright. Doso, If I see Mag 1’ll give her the tip.” Then Sol ‘‘set em up” once more, and after bidding his new-made acquaintances good-day, took his departure. ‘¢ So Mag is not at the old base, eh?” he mut- tered. ‘‘l was afraid of that,and it may puzzle me to get on to her trail now.” Leaving Mott street, he made his way to an Fast-side pawn-shop, which he knew was a place where thieves were wont to dispose of stolen goods—a ** fence,” in }olice parlance. Unlike many otber places of its kind in Goth- am, this particular ‘‘ fence” was not kept by a gentleman of the Jewish persuasion, but bya ‘*‘reformed” American, named Newton, who * This query is said to be in vogue with all jail- birds, who, on being released from prison, seek some known baunt of the **profesh,” and desire a drink. It is understood as 2 letter of introduction, and a token that the inquirer has just got« ut and is hunting up his old friends. The bartencer sizes up his man, and if the query is put in a certain peculiar tone of voice, the bottle is set forth, anc the new- comer is thereby apprised that he is welcome,
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receiving and di . | me weary, Ss M Yad spent the better portion of his life behind * the bars. Newton had several times been “‘ pulled * for sposing of stolen goods, but, as he was solid with a certain political ‘* boss” in his precinct, he always managed to get out of his rouble by payment of cosis, and having his | case placed on file, never to be called. Although Newton did not personally know Sol | Sharpe, Sol knew Newton by sight, and when he | entered the shop, nodded familiarly. ‘¢How are you, boss?” he saluted. biz?” ‘¢ Business is very bad,” was the reply, ‘‘ Have you got something to sell?” “Not thiseve, Has my old chum beenaround within a day or two?” “Your chum? Howthe deuce do I know who ‘* How is is! ‘* You don’t, eh? Don’t recognize me neither, I presume?” ‘* No, I don’t.” . ‘Well, I’m Handsorie Hennessey, just down from Sing Sing. D’ye know me now?” ‘‘Not personally, though I’ve heard of you. Who is the chum you had reference to?” ** Mott Street Mag!” ‘The deuce you say! Do you know her?” ¢¢ Well 1 should shiver! I presume to suppose that when I and her ladyship kin find one an- other we will go in seareh of a preacher!” ‘What! You two don’t intend to marry each other?” “Yas; we're goin’ to get spliced. It’s an old “sayin’ ‘in union there is strength,’ an’ when | Mag an’ J git hitched up, we'll make the strong- ! est team in the biz. The trouble is 1 can’t find the gal, She said I was to fin herin New York, but Pll be cracked wi’ a jimmy if I know where she hangs out.” “Why, she paid me a call not three hours ago,” Newton said, confidentially. ‘* But she didn’t say where her hang-out was,” ‘¢ Ah! she was here, was she? Did she deposit anything with you?” “Ves, You ought to see the daisy watch she brought me, Wait, and I'll show it to you.” He stepped into an adjoining room, soon re- turning with the watch in question, It was a fine oe time-piece, with heavy hunting-case, and handsome gold chain at- tached. Sol received it, and proceeded to examine it leisurely, his face betraying none of the surprise he felt—for the watch was bis own, being the very one he wore at the time he was assaulted near Black Diamond Villa! There was no mistake about this, for his name Was engraved on tie outside case. “This is a very fine watch,” Sol said, while examining it. ‘*How much did you loan on it?” ‘Well, watches are a great drug on the market,” Newton said, ‘‘and so I could only give her about one-sixth of the real value,” ‘Or, in other words, about fifteen dollars, eh? Oh, weil, you’re not so much out of pocket, as though you had made an advance of twenty-five or thirty,” Sol said, Pooketing the time-piece, and attaching the chain to his vest. ‘*Here! here! What do you mean?” Newton demanded. excitedly. ‘“‘Give me back that watch!” “Not if I know myself!” Sol replied, coolly.’ “Tt so happens, friend Newton, that this watch belongs to me /” “To you, sit!” ‘Tome, Did you notice the name engraved upon the case?” ‘*T did—it is Solomon Sharpe!” ‘Exactly, And ZJ am Solomon Sharpe, at your service, or, for short, Sol Sharpe, the New ‘York Night-Hawk Detectiveand sneak-snatcher! Ha! ha! Isee you recognize the name, You see, my dear Newt, I was robbed of this watch by Mott Street Mag, and knowing you were a purchaser of stolen goods, I presumed Maggie might have been here to see you.” Newton had grown pale with alarm, ‘For God’s sake, take the watch, then, and let the matter drop!” he urged. “I did not know it had been stolen, or | would, not have bought it. I am not handling crooked goods any more. I have reformed, and am leading an honest, Christain life.” : “Ob! of conrse you are!” Sol replied. “I can see a meetin’-bouse buggin’ right out of your eyes, you’re so pious and honest! But, Newt, ou must shell out something more. I want to now where I can find Mott Street Mag!” ** Upon my word of honor, I do not know,” ** Your word of honor! Humph! you make You tell me where the woman is, our chum is? I don’t know who your chum | yo % > i \ t Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk. o \ { \ | or I'll go and make a complaint against you, as | returned with a stack of papers, which Murphy sure as my name is Sharpe!” | sorted over until he came to the one in which he ‘©Good Heavens, man, how can I tell you ; had advertised the previous night. when Ido not know!” ejaculated the fence. | Hesoon found the sought-for notice, which he “If I knew I’d tell you, and go with you and | had paid the desk-clerk a dollar to write up for try to make Mag give up the money I advanced | him, and had paid two dollars a line for its in- her. But as sure as my name is Newton, she | sertion as reading matter. gave me no intimation as to where she was stay- It was in the reading columns, and ran thus: ing!” | <The Honorable Timothy Trainor, who owns a Sol did not take much stock in this assertion, | farm near Pottsville, on which there are valuable but as he had regained his watch, he concluded | deposits of coal, isin the city, and will start for the | not to bother any longer with the broker. | old country soon, baving fallen heir to a fortune : + hi | a@ross the waters, Before going, he will offer his It would be a loss of time now to arrest him, | coal lands for sale. He assures us, however, that and he would get no reward for his pains in the | pothing short of fifty thousand dollars will purchase | bargain. So, with a few words of admonition, | them.” he departed, ‘“ FE : Before starting home he took a turn through | « Phy the “aivil did't be pat’ a OME. alba some of the small thoroughfares on the East | wiq me name, asI told him to? Well, it don’t side in hopes that he might run across either | ,..tter much anyhow. If I can get the fifty Mag or Dave Dolan. Se thousan’ dollars, that’s ivery bit I care. Then t was while passing through a.dark, deserted | })) },9 goin’ back to the ould counthry, and live street, flanked on either side by great grim | 5+ mo ase “ warehouses, that an urchin, ragged and dirty, és Begorra! phat a fool that Sol Sharpe was'to ran up to him and pulled vigorously at his give me the money,indade, He might’a’ know- coat, , Pm AB Peet R ies ed twilve thousan’ dollars would timpt the divil Say, Inieten, he said, “dye know where | himself to drink howly wather. Faith, an’ he'll there’s a Wh f Kk?” d Sol, | Bow betther the next time. 2 ic y a Na ask?” demanded Sol. | «Bad luck to me, tho’; I don’t feel hardly W by ieee anys etnies h nl | right *bout sellin’ the place ag’in, whin I was to Cause there’sa man lying up here all cov- | buy it in for the young misthress. An’ thin, too, ered with blood, a-callin’ for help. Some one’s | if Sharpe was to foind me, shure he'd raise the sa tea pate blazes out — Ny goat a1) civilwid me. So I must sell the place and skip ‘11 er eine VOR APR Se ee pees ae out, before he foinds out that Pat Murphy and Lets at rf a nee mee ge Tim Trainor are one and the same person, hn nO Wane & COP. ‘*The more I think av it, the onaisier I get, hea yer pat e, and will do as well. so I think I'll go out an’ take a stroll for the on, All one stan’ ; + benefit av me health. An’ shure, how the gurls And heb ’ “ted of ‘ eS IS: willstare and say, ‘ Ah, there, medear!’ But, | seit te Spent 2 heh depen faith, I'll not notice ’em af all. An’ the boys— : Lead In order to keep him in sight Sol was obliged | j¢ one o’ them far Pa ne re young omadhauns shies a potato to run, and that, too, briskly. at me, I'll have ’em arrested and git me pe act in the papers as the Honorable Mister Trainor, M. P., from Tipperary.” But Pat did not get the opportunity to take the walk as he bad calculated on. CHAPTER IX, A SHORT-LIVED TRIUMPH, ** ARRAH! I’m a daisy, I am, an’ divil a wan I care who knows it, at all. What an illegant gintleman I am, to be sure! Begorra! if I was over in the ould counthry, shure they’d take me for a mimber av Parliament, so they would! It’s not flatherin’ mysilf I would be doin’, but by the howly saints, I look like a regular | dude!” The speaker was the most conspicuous object = a in a handsomely-furnished room at one of Goth- Colorado, | am’s nee: hotels. He was attired in a de- ‘* A sinator,is it?’ muttered Pat. ‘Go ahead, cidedly flashy suit of gray clothes, wore a white | nagur, an’ show him up!” high hat, patent-leather,shoes, white shirt, au fait he servant disappeared, while Pat took a neckwear, and kid gloves; be varried a gold- | seat in an easy-chair, elevated his feet to the headed cane and wore a heavy gold watch-chain | top of a table, and lighted a cigar. stretched across his vest-front. r. Black, of Colorado, was directly ushered Surely, in point of personal appearance, | into the room, Broadway could not produce a more pronounced | He was a Jarge-built man, had sandy hair, and swell, but Pat Murphy’s freckled and decidedly | heavy beard of the same color. Hibernian visage illy corresponded with his He wore a rough kersey suit, felt hat and dandy rig-out. | boots, and looked more like a Western ranchman For Pat Murphy the mau was, though his face | than a senator, was now Cleanly sborn of the “‘sluggers” he The new-comer took a seat without giving wore when a servant at Black Diamond Villa. Pat any chance to extend an invitation to do so, A broad smile of satisfaction irradiated his | and proceeded to size up the self-styled M. P. ruddy face as he surveyed himself in a glass. i iri ‘‘Phwat a dandy I am, to be shure!” he com- mented, tipping bis hat a little to the right side of his head. “Only to think! I’m now tbe Honorable Timothy Trainor, M. P.—tho’ the divil only knows what M., P, sthands for, onless it’s milk punch, Timothy Trainor, M. P. “Let me see, Ahi 1 have it, Timothy Trainor, M. P., from Tipperary ; mimber o’ Par- liament from Tipperary, bedad! Shure, that’s the very thing. The folks’ll think I’m second cousin to a duke, ** A wee bit ago I was plain Pat. Murphy, a poor, hard-wurrkin’ mon; now I’m Trainor, the vintleman av leisure. Phat\a wurruld this is gettin’ to be, to be shure. One day a manisa beg ar, begorra, an’ the nixt he’s a nabob, ust to think av it! Here I am ata big foive-dollar-a-day hotel, livin’ loike a king, Faith, what a gossoon I was to buy in that farm atall. I'd thin have, in all, nigh twelve | colored waiter knocked at the door. ‘*Gen’man to see you, sir!” he said, when Pat | answered the summons. ‘ Here’s his card, sir.” Pat received the cardand glanced atthe name, which was written in a large, bold hand: *SENATOR BLACK, ly. “ How dye do, sor?” Pat said, not favorably impressed with th **So you’re a sinator, hey?’ ‘“‘ Yas, I’m Ben Black, senator from Colorado,” was the gruff response. ‘‘ You’re Timothy Trainor, I s’pose.” ““T am thet same, sor—Timothy Trainor, M. P., from Tipperary !” ‘I understand you have a tract of Pennsyl- vania coal land to sell.” ** Vis, I have,” ** How long have you had it?” “Only a short time, sor. I bought it on speckellation |” ‘* Who did you buy it of?” ‘¢*T bought it at auction, sor.” “Who formerly owned it?” ** A man who went to sea, yer Honor, an’niver came back again.” ‘* What was bis name?” ‘Shure, an’I belave it was Hubert Hayden.” 5 2 2 i] = = | 5 wR thousand dollars. ‘ Bad luck to me! phat a fool I ‘‘Hayden, eh? So you purchased the land at was! | auction?” af “No. 1 wasn’t no fool,nayther. I happen to “Vis, There was another son-of-a-sea-cook know there is coal on the farm as well as Mister Cook, the son-av-a-sea-cook! An’ that reminds me: it’s nigh time me advertisement come out in by the name of Cook, who wanted to buy it, but j outbid him.” y “ y How much did you a gig the place? the paper.” ‘* Nine thousand do He rung for a waiter, who soon answered the ‘‘Did you know there was a valuable coal dex summons, posit on the land when you bougbt it?” ‘‘Get me all the mornin’ papers,” Pat said, “*To be shure i did, Is there any more ques: tossing him a dollar, ‘‘an’ give the change to | tions ye’d be askin’?” the cook, if she’s Irish.” For Pat was really ing to feel a little The sable waiter skurried away, and directly ' inquisitive at the man’s inquisitiveness. He was about to leave the room, when the * @ appearance of his visitor. -
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SE a, cw t.¥ iP: +, es 10 rado, assured, ‘‘and you will find it to your ad- vantage to answer my queries. Where did you get this large amount of money with which to purchased this place?” © That’s my business!” “Take care, sir. Remember you're talkin’ with Ben Black of Colorado now—the map who ! never takes bluff. You answer my questions, sir, or Pll blow your skull in two!” And as evidence that he ‘‘ meant business,” the senator drew a revolver from his pocket, | and laid it on the table, close at hand, thereby | in no way tessening Pat’s alarm, for if there was | one taing he had a horror of, more than another, it was deadly weapons, ** Begorra, yez wouldn’t dare to shoot me!” he said, endeavoring toretain courage. ‘‘ The po- lacé would arrest yez!”’ **To the blazes with the police! Why, I'd as lief shoot you as look at you. And hil do it, too, if you don’t answer me. D’ye know who I am? ‘*Shure, you said your name was Black!” ** Waal, it ain’t. My name is Hubert Hay- den!” ** Hubert Hayden!” gasped Pat. ‘* That’s what I said.” te Thin, are you the daddy av me young mis- thr—’ Here Pat stopped short, in confusion at the blunder he had made, “Yes, I’m the daddy of your young mis- thress!” the Westerner repeated, with a grim laugh, ‘‘ Pat Murphy, your rascally game won't work. l’m up to your Trainor game. Now, then, tell me who gave you the money with which to purchase my farm, or, as sure as the sun shines, J’ll put a bullet through your thick head!” and be worked the revolver menacingly. “Yes, yes. Don’t shoot, and I'll tell you. A feller by the uame of Sol Sharpe give me the money.’ ** Ah! he did, eh?” AP Of, 0K. ** How much did he ere you? Tell the truth, now, and save yourself from going to prison.” **16 was twilve thousand dollars, sor,” ** You paid nine for the place?” Vis) aor,” ** Did Sharpe tell you to bid in the place?” ** Yes, he did.” ** For my daughter?’ “Shure, be didn’t say. He give me the money, sor, an’ told me to buy in the place, that’s all.” ‘* And, now, when he intended to bid in the place for my daughter, you were going to try and sell it again, pocket the proceeds and quit the country. But your scheme has failed, Patrick. Whereis my daughter, Capitola?” ‘Shure I don’t know, sor. She run away from home before the sale,” ** And you are positive you don’t know where she is?” * Faith, an’ shure, sor.” ‘* Where is the restof the money, left over from the purchase of the Black Diamond Farm?” - ¢: have only twenty-five hundred of it left, “* Give it to me!” ** Begorra! phat shall I give it to you, for?” ** Because I demand it. Refuse, and Tl have you in jail within an hour!” With a crestfallen countenance, Pat produced the money, @nd paid it over to the last dollar. ** Now, then,” the rough visitor said, ‘‘ be kind one. to produce the deed to Black Diamond ‘arm Pat obeyed be po His only thought now was for his personal safety. When the visitor had received the document, and examined it, he produced from his pocket a fountain-pen and wrote on the back of the document: “eT hereby assign all rights, titles and interests I may have acquired by virtue of this deed.” “There, Patrick, is the first thing for you to do to save you from a railroad ride 4 3 to Sing Sing,” said the other, decisively. ‘‘ Put your ture there!” “* An’ what the divil does if all m’ane?” de- manded the frightened Irishman, but at the same time oe the proffered pen. “means tution of stolen property, and lucky you are to escape the grip of the law for trying to defraud mv daughter, and stealing Sol Sharpe’s money. Sign, or take the conse- quences!” and again bis right hand seized the revolver. Pat hesitated no longer, but ‘scratched his name to the assignment in a bold, rough hand, as if he, too, ‘* meant 1 ** Of course there are!” Mr. Black, of Colo- Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Haw A ‘*There, Pat, that saves you wearing a con- vict’s garb instead of the fine suit you are masquerading in,” remarked the visitor, pocket- ing the paper. ‘* My advice to you is to leave the city at once and to keep out of Sol Sharpe’s way, for he’ll run you in, sure, if he gets his eyes on you.” And with this parting injunction, the man arose and left the room. As for Pat, he sat staring at the floor, his face most gloomy indeéd. His air-castle had been suddenly demolished, and he was alone in the great metropolis, with very little cash in his pocket! Truly he had reaped the reward of sin for his contemplated dishonesty ! But, for ali that bad happened, the Irishman could not disabuse his.mind of the impression that he had been ‘‘ sold”—that some one else than Hubert Hayden had been his unwelcome visitor. CHAPTER X, HUBERT HAYDEN. THE narrow street in which Sol Sharpe had been accosted by the urchin, was lined on either side by big storage warehouses, and as these establishments closed their doors before six o'clock, there was no travel on the thoroughfare after that, except now and then by a policeman, or some belated straggler. Sol followed his guide for afiout half a block, and then came to where a man was stretched out on the sidewalk. Kneeling beside him, the detective perceived that he was a large, powerfully-built person, with a smooth face and iron-gray hair, and was probably about fii ty years of age, His attire was that of an ordinary sailor, and his sunburnt face begpoke the fact that he had only recently left the sea, There was an ugly.cut on the back of his head, which had bled freely, both over his clothing and op the sidewalk, He was insensible when Sol reached him, and all efforts to arouse him proved futile. ‘*He’s unconscious,” Sol said, addressing the urchin, ‘‘ What’s your name, bub?” ‘‘ Sandy Myers, sir.” ‘*Do you know where there’s a hack-stand around here?” ** No, sir.” “Then go geta policeman and have him fetch anambulance, ‘This fellow is badly hurt!” The boy skurried away, and Sol once more tried to arouse the man, but it was no use, he remained as insensible as a log. It was’while Sol was pursuing his investiga- tion, that a policeman came running up, club,in band, from the opposite direction in which the boy had gone, ‘** Aha! Pve caught you at it, have 1?” he roar- ed, grabbing Sol by the shoulder. ‘‘Ob! ye bloody highway robber, ye! J’li make an ex- ample of ye now, soI will! Ill teach ye to as- sault and rob men on the dark streets, you mur- derin’ imp!” ‘*Take your hand off my shoulder!” Sol or- dered, promptly, ‘‘or I'll show you whether you’ve got me ornot, I’ve nothing to do with this man’s plight.” “Oh! ye‘hav’n’t, eh?” **No! IT haven’t. I was summoned here a few minutes ago by a boy who found the man » ‘‘Bah! That won’t godown! You've got the wrong chap to handle ye now, I'll just walk ye off to the station in great shape.” **T command you to release me, sir! Lama detective, and not responsible for this man’s in- juries. Let me go, or it will be the worse for you!” ‘*Ho! ho! ‘Listen to you now!” grinned the officer, increasing his grip. ‘‘If you're a detec- tive, where’s your badge?” “* There !” replied So), exvosing it. ** Bah! You picked it up somewhere! Where’s the boy you spoke about?’ ‘*f sent him for an officer and an ambulance.” ‘*Hoot! That’s a likely story. Come along ra wb The judge will settle with ye to-mor- row And he made an attempt to an Sol along with him, but, with one sweep of his left hand, Sol struck the officer a blow between the eyes, that no doubt made him see stars, for he re- leased his grip and tumbled to the ground. Presuming that it would not be well for him to remain longer in that locality, Sol then took to his heels and ran off. The next morning the papers contained a ga accoant of how one Policeman McNally found a man rifling the pockets of his in- os ’ 5 lek ys ; pinup iit ic 2s oiails " ty. @S-mer a a ~ ft in # “seer! ans sensible victim, whom he had knocked down how the noble policeman had come to the res-* cue and endeavored to arrest the footpad, bu” Had also been knocked down by the ruffian, wh then made good his escape, The policeman had not been injured seriously, stated the account, but the other man had an ugly scalp wound on top of the head, and hay- ing been removed to the —— Hospital, wasstill in a comatose condition there, His dress was that of agsailor, and in a pocket in his undershirt he carried a large sum of money; but, aside from the initials ‘‘H. H.” oa collar, no clew to his identity was obtain- apie, Sol purchased the different papers, and read the accounts in them, but they were all about alike, and none of them made,any reference to himself, which was greatly to his‘satisfaction. During the forenoon he called at the hospital, and obtuined admittance to the ward where the sailor had been placed. When Sol arrived, he was sitting up in an easy-chair, with his head done up in bandages, He was rigged out in a wrapper, and did not look particularly the worse for his injury, ex- cept that he was a trifle pale. y good luck, Sol got a chance to speak to him when there were no other attendants close at hand. “You're the gentleman who was found in B—— street, last night, are you not?” Sol asked, **So I am told,” was the reply, ‘* How came you to be going through such a dismal stree(? and who assaulted you?” ; “IT had got rather bewildered, sir,and did not know which way I was going, when some one came up bebind me and struck me on the head. Ido not know who it was, for [ lost my rames, and knew no more until 1 fuund myself ere,” ‘* Were you robbed of anything?” ** Only of a wallet containing a small amount of money. Therestof my money was secreted in a pocket in my undershirt.” ‘* Lucky for you. Have you been long in town?” . ‘“*{ just returned here yesterday, from Aus- tralia, by the way of San Francisco.” ‘* Had you n in Australia long?” ** Yes, for a number of years, working in the mines,” ‘“‘Ah! The paperg state that the initials ‘H,. H.’ are marked upon’ your coller,” ‘*' Yes, ‘They are the initials of my name,” ‘Indeed? Can it be possible that my sus- picion may be true?” Bol exclaimed. “If so, you are Captain Hubert Hayden!” “Correct. [ am Hubert Hayden, and for years was a sea-captain, before landing in Aus- tralia. But how comes it you should guess my name? I do not know that I ever saw you be- fore.” “Nor did you,” Sol replied. ‘If you will listen, however, I will relate to you how I came to know anything of you, or your affairs,” The captain signified his readiness to listen; so Sol took a seat and narrs ted all about his adven- tures up around Black Diamond farm, and what had occurred, even to Capitola’s probable flight to New York. “My poor child!” the md when Sol bad finished. ‘This is bad news you have brought me, sir. And you say you have as yet found no trace of her?” ‘No, Lonly returned to the city last night, and have not had much time to look for her!” ‘“ Well, no time must be lost now. She must be found, if we have to move heaven and earth. I did not suppose so much promptness would be made rding .the sale of Black Diamond farm, or i should have left ’Frisco a few days earlier than I did. Lintended to give my daugh- ter a gla‘lsurprise, else I should have telegraphed of my coming.” * You wear have saved the loss of your farm if you had come sooner, and I would be twelve thousand dollars in pocket!” Sol declared. ‘“{ » care not so much about the loss of the money, however, if we can only find your daughter, be- fore she falls into the clutches of that man Cook, whom I know to bea villain,” ‘*Never fear; you shall have your money back!” Hubert i tcey replied. ‘‘ And if you help me find my child, you shall be well paid, It is also necessary to find this man Trainor, who purchased my farm, for 1 mean to have the farm back at all hazards.” ‘Very well. I mean to devote the balance of | to-day in searching for the two men. Once I strike the trail, it will not take me long to fol- low it. How long are you booked here at the hospital?” tain said, gravely, Wren
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dany pa ticular le Jt Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk. - «6 The surgeon said that the cut on my head Hid not necessitate my being confined here \for th of time, but that he shohid advise me to remain a day or so, until I regained some of my lost strength; for] am quite weak from an excessive loss of blood.” ‘The surgeon is right. You remain here, and keep _—, If [ should need you for any- thing, I will either come in person, or will send for you.” ‘Then you will try to find my child?” ** Rest assured of that. »[ will make a diligent search, and if she is in Gotham, you can bet I will find her,” ** God bless you! { I am glad I have secured so | il Uttering a startled cry, she looked around, expecting of course to see that Araminta had | stolen in upon her unawares. Her heart sunk within her, however, when she perceived a man standing in her presence—a tall, well-formed person, of middle age, with dark curling hair, a full beard of the same hue, and pleasant eyes that smiled down upon the alarmed girl admiringly. He was attired in a handsome svit, silk hat, and patent-leather shoes, and wore jewels of great value upon his person. ‘Be not alarmed, young lady,” he said, pleasantly, ‘‘ and 1 trust you will excuse me, for until I beheld your face I took you for Miss warm a friend, and you shall be well paid for | Arlington, I must have made a mistake, and all your trouble!” the captain said, gratefully. Sol left the hospital. **So far, so good!” be mused. find one of four persons—Colonel Cook, Mott Street Mag, Timothy Trainor, and Pat Murphy. I think I'll try to find my royal Uncle Levi first. He may be able to accommodate his beloved nephew with a handful of information!” CHAPTER XI. AY ROCKY HALL, Let us return to Capitola. It is now two weeks since she left her home to come to the great metropolis, and we find her still an inmate of Miss Araminta Arlington’s room. ~.It was late at night, and a candle upon the _ gave the cheerless place the only light it 1ad, Capitola sat by the one window, gazing de- spondently down into the street below, where a gas-lamp gave but a feebie light, The only sounds were the discordant cries of a lot of children playing ‘‘ tag” on the side- walk, Capitola was alone, and traces of tears upon her cheeks showed that she had been weeping. Late as was the hour, she had only recentiy come in from the street. All day long she had wandered about the city in search of employment, but without any sat- isfactory result, No one wanted any help, nor did she meet with the least encouragement wherever she ap- plied. To make matters still worse, she had the day previous, in some mysterious manner, lost her pocket-book. On retiring, the night of her loss, she had counted over her money and put the pocket-book securely away in her pocket, 4 The next day, she and Araminta started out together to look for work, but became separated, and it was not until Capitola began to think of getting some dinner that she felt for the book and made the alarming discovery that she had lost it. Of course, she never suspected for n moment that it had been stolen from her by Araminta, for Araminta had been exceedingly kind to her, the two having searched for Mrs. Sarah Smith until it seemed useless to search any longer, as every Sarah Smith they found had proven to be not the one sought for. So Capitola had become discouraged and given up the search. When she found that her little sum of money was gone, she became nearly distracted; but that night Araminta had cheered her up some- what and encouraged her to try for work again to-day, which she had done, but with no success. Araminta had not yet returned, and as the forlorn girl sat alone in the cheerless’ room, she was indeed disconsolate and unhappy, Not only had she searched for her aunt, but “se eoeied to the chief of police for aid in ‘find- ng her. d, as for So! Sharpe, she had lost bis card and forgotten bis address, and therefore did not know where to look for him. “*Oh! if I were only dead!” sbe murmured, as she gazed at the flickering ah tele far below; “how much better off I would be. Lshould then befree from all the disappointments and suffer- ings of this wicked world. I have no one to live for; I am all alone, friendless and penniless, and God only knows what I shall do. I cannot stay here on Araminta’s hospitality, for she is poor herself, and has hard pinching to get along. Ob! what shall I dof—what shail I do” It was indeed a blank outlook, and tears once more filled Capitola’s pretty eyes. apg te peas softly to herseif, when she felt 4 hand laid upon her shoulders, er opened the wrong door,” ‘* This is Miss Arlington’s room, sir!” Capitola ‘* Now then, to | said, as soon as she could command her voice. ‘‘T am simply staying with her.” “Ah! I see! Miss Arlington is not in, then?” ‘* No, sir. She went out in search of employ- ment, and has not yet returned. I do not know what can keep her so long.” ‘*T trust she will soon come,” the man said, helping himself to a chair, ‘‘ and if wisbing will do any good, I shail hope that she has not suc- ceeded in getting employment.” ** Indeed?” Capitola said, in surprise. ‘‘ Why should you wish that, sir?’ ‘* For the very good.reason that I have a situ- ation open for her myself,” was the smiling re- ply of the bearded stranger. ‘** Araminta has been in my employ on several different,occasions, and always on my return to the metropolis, I re-employ her, to take charge of my house. She is a model young woman.” *Sbe has been a very good friend to me, Capitola replied, not knowing what else to ” Ys ** Oh. she’s always kind,” declared the visitor. “You may have beard her mention.me. My name is Major Montford Moss,” ‘* Yes, sir, I have heard her speak of you.” “Just so. Araminta always speaks well of me, you see, because ( pay her good wages, and am always prompt on pay-day, Then, too, I have had kind of an idéa that Araminta has cherished a hope that she might some day be- come Mrs, Moss, But, bless me, I’ve been an old bachelor so long, that I should not know how to get along with a wife. Ab! that’s Araminta’s step, now. I’d know it among a hundred!” Footsteps were indeed heard coming up the stairs, and an instant later Araminta came into the room. She uttered a glad cry as she saw the major, and roshed forward and greetec him effusively. ‘Why, major, how delighted I am to see you!” she exclaimed. ‘‘ I've been wishing to see you ever since I came back to the city. When did you arrive in towu?” ‘Only yesterday. Ireturned from Saratoga last week, but haye been out on Long Island, where | have rented a fine old country-seat, overlooking the Sound. There I intend to make my future home,” ‘Ob! that will be ever so nice! And you will give up your New York residence?” ‘*T have already done so, and, Araminta, [ have come for you to take the position of house- keeper for my new abode. It’s a fine old place, romantically situated, and I am sure you will like it.” ** But I can’t go!” Araminta declared. ‘**Can’t go?’ echoed the major. ‘‘ And why not? Ihave depended much on getting you to take charge of my household, Surely, you have not obtained a situation you prefer to the one I can offer you?” ‘* Well, no, major, but, you see, I can’t leave the city. I have got a newresponsibility to look after. This young lady, Miss Hayden, is my protegée, and I can’t go off and leave her. Oh! no; you'll have to look up another housekeeper, major.” *“Ob! Miss Arlington!” Capitola spoke up quickly, ‘* do not think of refusing the situation on my account, Indeed you must acceptit! I can get along somehow, and really you must not let me deter you!” _ “Oh, you dry up!” Araminta said, command- ingly. “You are under my wing, Cap, and it’s acold day when I go back on you. So. Major Moss, if you.want me topreside Over your home, just understand that you've got to take my com- nion too! She can sweep, make beds, play he piano, and attend to the canary birds, and Pl) do the rest!’ ** Why, nothing in the world will suit me bet- ter!” the ret a astened to say. ‘I’ve been wondering where I could get a second girl, and without a doubt your friend will be just the ! | person. So it’s all settled, without any further parley. Pack up your traps in a hurry, and we will start for Rocky Hall as soon as may be.” ‘“ What! not to-night?’ Araminta exclaimed. ** Yes, to-night. Ihave a hack waiting near at hand to carry us, and we will reach Rocky Hall by midnight. So get ready and 1 will wait for you down-stairs.”” And so saying, the major bowed himself out of the room, ‘*Oh! Miss Arlington!” Capitola said, when he had gone, ‘‘ really I do not feel as if 1 ought to accompany you to this man’s house. I do not know very much about housework, and then— then—” “Then what?’ demanded Araminta, hustling about, ‘¢ J—T—don’t know, miss, only ’m afraid.” ‘* Afraid of what? What\in the world’s got into you? Why, there’s nothing to be afraid of. You'll get four dollars a week for doing literally nothing. And what better do you want, to be sure? So, of course, you’re going along. Youd be a weak one to let such a chanceslip, I'll see that you live like a lady, and there’s no telling that the major will not get struck on you and marry you!” ‘**T presume Ishould bave something to sa about that!” Capitolaretorted. ‘‘If 1 go, I shall do the work assigned me, but shall expect to be treated with the respect due me,” “Of course you will. The major is a perfect gentleman, aad-son need have no fear but what everything will be allright. So now hurry up and pack up your things.” Not without considerable anxiety lest she was not doing right, Capitola obeyed. She had but few preparations to make, and it was the same with Araminta. Accordingly, the two were soon ready, and descended to the street, where they found the major waiting. He escorted them to a neighboring corner, where they entered a hack drawn by two horses and manned by a colored driver, and were whirled away rapidly through the city. Brooklyn Bridge was crossed, and still they kept on until the Tights of the City of Churches had been left far behind and they were away out in the country. Araminta and the major occupied the same seat and kept uparambling conversation for awhile; then they became quiet, On, on went the hack swiftly, and with her face pressed against the window-pane Capitola peered out whenever they passed through some quiet little hamlet where the people were all in bed. At last, after miles had been traversed, and it seemed as if the lonely journey would never end, day began to dawn, and by the time it was quite light the hack drew.up before a quaint old stone farm-house which stood upon a high bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. The house was. evidently untenanted, for the shutters were closed and there was no one to be seen about the premises. ‘*Here we are at our future home,” Major Moss said, as he got out of the hack. ‘* Get out, ladies, and tell me if you don’t think this a dar- ling place.” Both Capitola and Araminta agreed with the major, when they got a better view of the place. The house was surrounded by sbade and a te ae rn and the view of the Sound was beau- tiful. After the ladies had viewed the fine surround- ings the major dismissed the hack, unlocked the house, and they entered. It was a well-furnished dwelling, old though its exterior proclaimed it, and boasted of many modern improvements. “Ob! It’s a grand place,” the major announc- ed, Scmas igi pink “with only one draw- back.’ ‘* What is that?” queried Araminta, * Well, it’s kind of lonely, that’s all, You see, it’s some distance off the main , and there are no neighbors within sight. However, we'll get along all right. Ay! ay! we will get along famously. If you will step up-stairs. ladies, I will show you the rooms [ have «ssi you for your own occupancy.” So they went up stairs, Opening a door near the head of the stairs, Moss said: : ‘“* This will be your room, Miss Hayden. Step inside and see how yon like it,” Not suspecting the surprise that was in store for her, Capitola obeyed, and as she did so the door was shut behind her and she heard the key turn in the lock, : Then she became aware that she was en- trapped and a prisuner! ee
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Sol Sharpe, the New York Night CHAPTER XII, WAS IT A DECOY? Sou SHARPE satin his room, in Great yvones ‘street, looking decidedly in an uncomfortable frame of mind, Nearly three weeks had now elapsed since his return to the city, and in that time he had ac- complished literally nothing toward finding Capitola Hayden, although his search had been constant and determined. Mr. Hayden, now in citizen’s attire, sat near the detective, his face buried moodily in his bands, for Sharpe had but recently come in with the announcement that it was his opinion that neither Colonel Cook nor Capitola was in the city. “Then is all hope of ever finding them for- ever lost?” the grief-stricken captain demandedy “Tt kind o’ looks that way,” Sol confessed, ““You know we've about exhausted every means in our power to find them, quietly, and the only course I can now see is to put the mat- ter into the hands of the metropolitan force, and let them figure on it!” ** No! no! I do not want my child’s name on every tongue!” Hayden protested, *‘ Once a girl gets her name into the newspapers she loses more than she gains by the notoriety. No! we must find her!” ** Humph! But if we can’t find her, we can’t!” Sol exclaimed, impatiently. ‘‘ It isn’t often I give in, but I’m notashamed to own that I’ve tackled a sticker at last, Not only has my uncle carefully covered up his trail, but also that of bis victim and his coadjutors. If Cook were in the city, I’ should surely have spotted him at some of his old-time resorts—and the same with Mott Street Mag. My idea is they have learned that l am on their track, and have departed to some other city.” ‘* But how could they force my daughter to go with them, without attracting attention?” “Ah! there are more ways than one for ar- ranging such matters, Ha!” The detective, who was seated by the window, suddenly sprung to his feet. ** What’s the matter?” Hayden demanded. ** Come here, quick! Do you see that man?” He pointed down to the street, where a rough- ly dressed man had paused to light his pipe—a burly individual, with dark hair and beard, and ruffianly aspect, “1 see him!” Hayden replied. ‘' What of it? Who is he?” ‘* He is Dave Dolan, the chap who is in league with Cook and Mott Street Mag, and the same who attempted to carry off your daughter, near Black Diamond Villa!’ ** The deuce you sey! Then we must nab bim at once, for no doubt he knows where Capitola is! ** Easy now!” Sol warned. “If I am not greatly mistaken, that fellow has not stopped there for nothing, He has lit his pipe, but don’t appear to be of any particular inclination to ammove on. Let’s see what he’s up to, anyhow!” Dave Dolan, for it was indeed he, had lit his ipe, and then proceeded to Jean up against a amp-post and enjoy a smoke, while his gaze leisurely took in bis surroundings, He surveyed the houses on either side of the street, rather inquiringly, all except the one in which Sol and Hayden were domiciled. Never once did he cast a glance up toward the window where the detective and ex-captain were eager “observers of his movemeuts. As the minutes passed Dolan continued to draw away at hi: pipe, taking keen notice of whoever ed him, When his tobacco was exhausted, he knocked the ashes from the pipe, restored it to his pocket, and then motioned to a bootblack, who came alung, and had his boots polished, Whilo the boy was engaged in this perform- ance, Dojan 1ppeared to be conversing with him; but what passed between them, of course Sol or Hayden had no means of knowing, After paying for his shine, Dolan once more leaned up against the lamp-post; as before, and took to watching the people who passed by. *“ Well, Pll be blamed if I can understand his game!” Sol declared to Hayden. ‘*That he is down there for a purpose is evident, and I am satisfied also that he knows I live up bere, from the fact that he does not look up this way.” ** Perhaps he bas been set to watch us?” ‘Maybe so, but I fail to see what the object -ecan be!” About all they could do was to surmise, until Dolan should make some definite move; so they relapsed into silence, If Dolan had been a d sentinel, he could mot have kept closer to 6 lamp- A policeman came along an gave him a 4 J a t Ad ea wee a 4 ae ton, ; ? ‘ > eee are oem es SF ee © SIP? dal ae glance, but passed on without molesting im, . Finally a man came along the street, and pausing, tapped Dolan on the shoulder, It was Pat Murphy, in his dudish attire! Changed though was bis appearance from what it was when Sol had last seen him, he had no difficulty in recognizing him. ‘It’s Pat Murphy!” he cried—‘“ the infernal scamp I gave the twelve thousand dollars to. Keep watch of them, captain, while I disguise myself.” erhaps no hawkshaw in New York had a better outfit of disguises than Sol Sharpe, and | being quick of movement, he soon had himself made up as a rough-looking laboring man of German nationality. “There! Wie gahts! How you vas some- dimes all der v’ile?’ he demanded, when he had | finished, ‘‘ Now, then, here is a suit to fix you out, Hayden. Hurry and prepare yourself,” The captain obeyed, while Sol took a position where he could command a view of the sidewalk below. Dave Dolan and Pat appeared to be engaged | in au interesting discussion of some sort, for | both stood closely face to face. ‘*T begin to see into the whole affair!’ Sol | said, grimly. ‘‘ That infernal Irisher was bought over, and is now in Cook’s employ. And, judging by his present rig-out, be’s been using some of my money to make a swell of himself. So sure’s my name is Sol Sharpe, I'll swell his | head for him! Td like to know what the two rascals are planning.” The consultation between the two soon ended, by Dolan’s giving Pata slip of paper, and then | turning, he started off down the street. “There! there! he goes!” Captain Hayden said, excitedly. ‘Surely you’re not going to let him escape, Sharpe?” ( -Hawk, a a ‘*You keep still!’ Sol commanded, quickly. “T want to see what Irish is up to. If we find your daughter, we must depend on him!” When Dolan was gone, Pat Murphy proceeded to examine the paper that had been given him, and thus occupied séveral minutes, He then motioned to an urchin that was play- ing in the street. When the boy approached, he gave him the paper and some silver and said something to him: after which the boy crossed the street, and entered the hall-door that led up to Sol Sharpe’s room, ‘*The kid is coming up here with a message, I'll bet,” the detective decided, ’ And, sure enough, soon came a rap on the door, Both Sol and Hayden hastened to answer the summons, Is Mister Sharpe live heer?” the urchin ask- ed, when the door was opened. “Yes, boy,” Sol replied) ‘‘What do you want?” ** Heer’s a paper for you, sir,” And having delivered the message, the gamin skurried away to invest his money in cigarettes, Sol quickly unfolded the sheet of ordinary note-paper, and he and Hayden together read the following: “Mister Son SHARPE!— ‘* These is er few lines ter let yer no thet iam go- in’ tew do yea goodturn, Myname is Dave Dolan, an’ihave bin apurty bard putin my time, but ain’t goin’to beenny moar. Ihevreforumd an’ am goin’ to bea betterman. Wot I wanter tel you iz that I kno wherthegalis. ImeanCapitola Hayden, She is shet up in an oald house, way outin the country, a gud ways from eny place, an’is a prizner, * Ounnel Cook has got her, an’ heiz goin’ ter make hermarry him er Kilt hy r,as he kin get oald of her money. I hév tuk pity on thegirl, an’if you will pay me sumthin’ for my trouble, I'll take you to wher’ she be, If thisis.allright, an’ you'll treat me white, I'll be white. If correck, come to Denny Dullon’s saloon—Flushing aveaoo, Brooklyn, at six o’clock to-night, an’ I'll sho’ ye wher’ the gal is. Better fetch yer pop witn ye, fer Mag an’ the cunnel may sho’ fite. “Yours truly, ‘“Dave Donan.” Sol Sharpe and Captain Hayden having fin- ished readivg the message, looked at each other | inquiriogly. “Well, what do you think of that?” Hayden | demanded, eagerly. **T think it’s a cleverly-conceived plot to get | us into a trap!” Sol replied promptly, ‘“‘ Pshaw! you're suspicious of everything.” “Tt’s a part of my business to beso, Never- theless, [ think I can see through this game, One part of this message may be true, Colonel Cook may have taken refuge in some out-of-the- mis place in the country; very likely he has, and hopes by keeping Capitola shut up, to coerce her into marrying him, i> 1 & ‘However, youcan bet the colonel pays D ole ell enough to insure his fidelity. The whij.e thing is a scheme to lure us into atrap, Al- though he has Capitola in his power, Cook does not feel safe while I am nosing around in search of him. His plan is to get me, and shut me up until he has succeeded in his plans.” ‘* Still you may be wrong,” Hayden insisted. “*The worst criminals are often conscience- stricken and try to reform, and doa good turn by way of atonement for their past sins.” “Yes, but that kind of sinners are mighty searce here in New York, Oh! it’splain enough to me that Dolan was sent here for the very pur- pose [ have outlined.” ** And what shall we do in that case?” ‘* Why, take in the picnic, to besure! You stay here whileI go down and interview the Irishman, Heis in the plot no doubt, and I'll scare the life out of him, but what Til find out what I want to know.” So saying, he hurriedly left the room, When he reached the street, however, he found, to his disappointment, that Pat Murphy was vowhere in sight, He hastily rushed from one corner to another, hoping to catch sight of him, but all to no use; the Irishman had disappeared as completely as ong the earth had opened up and swaliowed im, Sol returned to his room, where the captain was anxiously waiting for him, ** You didn’t find him, eh?’ **No, He evidently skinned out after givin the boy the message, Blame his picture, 11 aay jit for him the next time I lay eyes on im!’ ‘* Very likely he will be smart enough to keep out of your way,” the captain replied, ‘If you had taken my advice and arrested the man, we'd have gained one point at least.” ‘*Humph. We've gained more than that al- arnt as you will find out.” “Then you intend to meet this man Dolan in Brooklyn?” ‘‘T certainly do. I’d be a fool to back out, We will neet him, and allow him to lead us al- most into the trap set for us; then we'll turn on bin and make him serve our purpose still fur- ther.’ ‘** But, are you not afraid that we may get ourselves into a fix we can’t so easily get out of? ‘“*Bah! no, We will go well armed, and if it becomes necessary, we will do some tall shoot- ing but what we will win the day. When we meet Dolan, we are not to let on, you see, but what we are perfectly confident that he is acting on the square. When he sees this he will be less on his guard, and we can handle him all the easier. ‘* Asitis getting nearly time for us to start for Brooklyn, we had better get rid of these dis- guises and prepare for the work before us.” And this they accordingly did. . An bour later they were en route for Dennis Dullon’s saloon, Both were armed with self-cocking revolvers and cords, in addition to which, Sol had brought along a couple of pairs of handcuffs. He felt sure of victory now, and if he succeed- ed in capturing the colonel and MottStreet Mag he meant to secure them beyond a possibility of escape, CHAPTER XIII. CAPITOLA AND HER CAPTOR, Poor Capitola, Words can hardly describe the feeling of hor- ror that swept over her, as she heard the door bang shut behind her, and the key turn in the lock, while, at the same time, a mockin rap sounded from the hall outside, followed by the sound of retreating footsteps, **My God! I arm: imprisoned!” she gasped, sinking down upon the nearest chair, ‘I haye been lured to this lonely place for no good pur- pose, and by the very person I most abhor! Oh! I see itallnow. It has been a bold scheme to entrap me from the beginving. This Major Moss is really Colonel Cook, and Araminta is bis accomplice. How blind I have been not to see this before! Ob, Heaven protect me, for I am indeed at the mercy of a human fiend!” The room she had entered was a spacious apartment, with two windows that over- looked the valley, and was handsomely fur- nished. Among other things, there were easy-chairs, pictures, a piano, and a stand of blooming flowers, ge every appointment was excellent. ut co guard against escape from the win- dows, strong iron bars had been imbedded into h n ¥ -— At 0.0 FO —
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| doubt e 8O — casing, and so secured that they could not as ly be removed. “I hese bars’ had evidently only recently been oO ed, - ‘For several minutes Capitola sat gazing about her, pale and sick at heart. Then she sum- moned up courage, and arose and removed her wraps. lt won’t do me any good to give way to grief,” she mused, quite sensibly, ‘‘ It will be- come me far better to be brave, and meet this demon I have to deal with fearlessly. He ; probably thinks that, by shutting me up, he can gain my consent to marry him, but he shall find out how great is his mistake. I will live and die in this place before I will come to any terms he may try to make,” When she had laid off her wraps, she set about making a more thorough investigation of her quarters, She found that the door was indeed firmly | locked, and the iron bars so firmly placed at the windows that her slender hands could not re- move them, ‘ No one came near her all day long, nor did she hear any stir about other portions of the house, When darkness approached, tired and dispirit- ed, she threw herself down upon the sofa with- out undressing, and fell asleep. It was broad daylight when she awakened with a start. She was still in her parlor prison, and things looked just the same as when she laid down, ex- cept that upon a table, drawn near at hand, was a large tray, upon which was a steaming meal; - sufficient in quantity to satisfy several persons ng. There was a large plate of juicy roast meat, with several varieties of vegetables, fresh bread, butter and milk, berries, and a pot of fragrant coffee and a pitcher of cool water. Before partaking of the food, Capitola sub- jected it to a careful examination, suspicious that it might have been drugged; but deciding that it could not be so ‘* doctored,” she ate a hearty breakfast, and had enough left to.do her for the remaining two meals of the day. That day passed, the same as had the pre- vious one; and the next day was a repetition of the first and second. Each morning, on awakening, she found a tempting meal awaiting ber; but no one came within her sight or hearing. It was all very strange, for she had natural- ly expected to receive a visit from her captor, lonel Cook, or at least from Araminta; but + mene’ a thus far, shown any disposition to er, There was some consolation in this, at least, During the fourth day of her imprisonment, however, Capitola h a key turn in the lock the door was opened, and Colonel Cook entered the room. Locking the door after him, and putting the key in his pocket, he then advanced toward his prisoner, his arms folded across bis breast, and a smile of triumph upon his sinister face. Capitola had been seated near the window, but she quickly arose and seized a heavy iron poker, which had inadvertently been left in the room, and which she made it a point to keep near at hand. There was a flash of firm resolve in her eyes that did not escape the colonel, and caused him to pause at a respectful distance, “You had better stop right where you are, ou villain!” Capitola cried, “| am not de- enseless, as you see, and if you dare but to approach nearer, 1 will kill you if I can.” “Indeed? Why, you rise me!” Cook re- lied. ‘‘ Instead of this sort of a reception, my ear, I expected you would welcome me as a end,” 3 *““Wretch! You succeeded in getting me into your trap, but that does not signify that I fear ou y” me Fear me? Why, of course you don’t, nor do I want youto, my dear. Fear and love don’t travel in the same boat, you see, so you could not love me, and yet fear me, at thesame time!” “ Love you, inhuman monster? Why, I loathe and hate you! : “Oh, pshaw! There’s no use of such non- sense, for J know well to the contrary. And even if you didn’t love me, it could not pos- sibly any difference, because I love you. I own I had to use a little strategy to get you into my power, but then that’s nothing, for no know the adage—‘ All's fair in Jove or in war!” “You'll find ail’s not fair in this case!” Cap of voracious appetites, to do with as ; And to Capitola the repast looked most tempt- ‘*Now, lam not a bad man naturally, but I I'll give you twenty-four hours after six o’clock | replied. ‘‘I’d die by my own hand before I'd yield to persuasion or force from such a reptile as you. So thereis no use of keeping me shut up here. You are laying yourself liable to the law, and when I get free you shall receive the punishment you so richly deserve, you detestable scoundrel!” ‘*That may all be, my dear—that may all be!” and the villain ity es sarcastically, ‘‘ When | you get free, why I shall be willing to answer for any wrong I may be guilty of. But, you ; must bear in mind that there is not the least | likelihood of your ever getting free, until you become Mrs. Levi Cook!” “*T tell you £ will never marry you!” ‘*Bah! You'll change your mind allin good time. If you don't, why, it will be all the*worse for you, and you will bave no one to blame but ) yourself, If you don’t believe this, listen: “* Here you are, shut up in, this old farm-house, without friends, or any one toeven know that you are here, The nearest habitation is fully a mile away, and no one ever comes here during the summer, as the owner and his family are then in Europe. Even did any one come this way, they would never suspect that I had a pris- oner shut up here. ‘*You see I’ve‘managed everything nicely in regard to yourself, Every clew to your where- abouts is positively covered up. All that is known rip, A is simply a supposition _ that you fled to New York. our friend, Sol Sharpe, has searched Gotham bigh and low for you, and, failing to find you, has given up the search in disgust like a sensible man. ‘*There’s not the least possibility of your mak- ing your ign a You are wholly in my power, please. love you devotedly, and, long ago, set my heart on winning you for my wife. After my repeat- ed protestations of love had been repulsed by you, my love became tenfold stronger, and I re- solved at all hazards to win you, no matter whether by fair means or foul. **So, seeing that I was in no Jikelihood of win- ning you at Black Diamond Villa, I laid plans that have resulted in bringin you here, 5 Capitola, once more I solemnly assure you that ow, I love you, and my fondest hope and desire is to honorably make you my wife. Marry me, and I will be a true and devoted husband to you. We will then go back to Black Diamond Villa, and dwell in peace and happiness. ** Do not refuse me again, I beg of you, for it now liesin your power to make mea good and honorable man, or the opposite—a very devil! Iam dead in earnest, and you alone can guide me into the path I shall pursue in the future!” Capitola listened, her face pale, cold and im- passive of expression, **' You have no need toappeal to me!” she said when he haddone. ‘‘ As I havetold you at least a dozen times before, I'd die sooner than marry you, My dislike for you is positive and un- changeable, and no pleading on reo’ part can ever move mein the least. I will, however, do this: If you will set me at liberty, { will make no ee to have you prosecuted for this mat- ter Cook laughed derisively. ‘** Why, you silly fool!” he cried, ‘‘ I gave you credit for better sense than that, Do you for an instant suppose I would relinquish the prize I have worked so hard to possess myself of? If you do, you have made the greatest mistake of your life, I can assure you, ‘* You refuse my love, do you? Your dislike for me is positive and unchangeable? Well, so let it be! ‘*P)1 tell you now what you can depend on. to-night to consent to marry me, If by that time you have not concluded to be so sensible, ou die, and all trace of you will be forever ost, so far as this world is concerned, Close to this house is an old abandoned well. Once your body is at the bottom of this well, no one will ever find it, and I shall effectually have of you. Then I shall marry a New York girl, who very much resembles you, and, after a time, go back to Black Diamond Villa, where she come into your twenty origr og urg and no one will ever suspec e chea Ha, ha! You seel’ve got everything planned out to perfection, don’t vou!” ** Ob, you monster!” Capitola gasped. “‘ Sure- ly God will not let you live to carry out your Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk, 13 ent, and anxious to have an embrace with grim death, why, I will turn you over to the not very tender mercies of Dave Dolan, and what be- comes of you thereafter I of course shall be en— tirely ignorant of. So now, adieu, my dear, until I come for your final answer,” He turned, and, unlocking the door, left the room, and Capitola heard the key revolve in the lock on the outside. He was gone, and she was glad of it. But what hope had his going left her? None at all! In plain terms, the villain had told her what would be her fate, 1f she still refused to marry him, when he came for her answer. And could she doubt but what he would carry out his threat? No, indeed! His was a heart that knew no mercy !|—tbe heart of a hardened villain. Dropping upon her knees, she uttered a silent: prayer to her Maker for her preservation. Would it be answered? CHAPTER XIV, TRAPPED! Hayden came in sight of Dennis Dullon’s saloom on Flushing avenue, It was a comparatively respectable-looking place on the outside, and judging from the empty beer-kegs that stood on the sidewalk, did a rs de trade in the German’s favorite beverage. ‘*Now then, you remember that we are to show no signs that wedoubt Dolan’s good faith,” Sol said before they reached the saloon, ‘If I find it necessary to cover him with our weapons, I’ll give the signa] by blowing my-nose vigorously,” “Allright, Go ahead.” They entered the saloon and found the place vacant of customers, while the landlord was tip- ped back in an arm-chair fast asleep, ‘** Hello! whorunsthis place” Sol cried, pound- ing on the bar. ‘*‘ Wake up, old man, and give us some Dutch disturbance!” “All right! all right!” replied Dullan, spring- ing up and rubbing his eyes. ‘‘ Faith, I guess I was purty near asleep. What is it, gents— whisky?” ‘“* None of that stuff; give ussome good lager!” den sat down at one of the tables with which the: room was liberally supplied. “*Dolan don’t seem to bearound,” Sol remark- ed. ‘' We'll wait awhile, however, before we make any inquiries for him.” They had not long to wait, for the ruffian soom entered the saloon. He espied Sol immediately and motioned him to come out of doors, This the detective did, directing Hayden te remain behind, ‘* Who's that you’ve got with ye?” Dolan de manded, when they were outside the saloon, ‘*'That is Capitola’s father!” Sol replied. ** Bah! be’s dead!” ‘“*By no means, He has recently returned from Australia!” “Tf I thought you were lying to me, I’d throw the whole job up!” “Tm not. ou do as you promised in the letter, and you have nothing to fear from us,” “* Well, L intend to do just as I said!” ‘Then we are ready to accompany P jpaast ‘*But I want some money first. can’t af- ford to do this job for nothin’, as I’m runnin a big risk. You see, if the colonel getsa shot at me, after he finds I’ve give him away, it’s all up with me.” m yell see he don’t hurt you. Whatis yout rice? “Well, I’ve got to hire a team to take ye ont, an’ spend my own time, and I allow it ought te be worth fifty dollars,” ‘Very well. Go get your team, and the fifty dollars shall be yours when you return.” **Correct, [ll be back in ten minutes,” and Dolan hurried away. In less than ten minutes he drove up in front of the saloon, with a pair of bays hitched before a two-seated surrey, “Pile in!” he said to Sol and Hayden, whe were waiting on the steps, and when they had coors he drove away at a lively rate toward the limits of the city, When they had proceeded a ways, Mr. Hay- den took a fifty-~dollar note from his pocket and handed it to Dolan, who acknowledged the re- murderous designs.’ ceipt with a grim * you!” “Oh, yes, he will!” Cook replied, with a hard “How far have we got to go?” Sol queried, as laugh. “So you can think over the prospects, | the vehicle whirled along. ° and I guess by the time I call to see ycu again “Oh! quite a ways, We'll git thar about you will have reconsidered your decision, and come to my terms, But, if you are st midnight, if nothing happens. e gal’s cone fined in an old favectousealt the Sound.” -_-—— It was quite six o’clock when Sol Sharpe and” The beers were served, and then Sol and Hay-
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a i4 Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-H “Ah! And Cook and Mott there. eh?” ‘ y ~ 9? **See here, Dolan; there’s a couple of ques- tions I want to ask, Who knocked me on the head and barreled me up some three weeks ago?” ‘*The colonel!” ** Are you sure it wasn’t you?” ** Well, mebbe I did have a hand in it,” was the grim reply. “I’m outo’ that sort o’ business now, however.” “That’s right. You'll find it much better to jead a good life than a bad one. The other question is—where is the Irishman to whont you gave the note for me?” “Oh! he’s gone on ahead to the farm-house to recounoiter, and will be handy by in case we need help!” Sol refrained from asking any more questions, but Dolan appeared to be in a communicative mood: ‘The young lady will be mighty glad to git free!” he said, ‘I felt sorry for her every time when [ took the wittles to her, and when she y got down on her knees, an’ begged me to ' help her to escape, it was too much fer me, an’ I told her I'd do it, Shing 1’ll allus do it!” “That is noble of you!” Mr. Hayden said, who now fully believed in the fellow’s honest inten- tions." ‘* You assist me to release my child and Pll further reward you.” * All right, boss, Youcan bet you'll have yer gal as soon as we get to Rocky Hall!” *“How will Cook account for your absence from the farm-house?” queried Sol, who was still suspicious of the man, ““Why, you see, it was this way,” Dolan an- swered: ‘ The colonel was suspicious that you might be nosing too close on his trail, and so he sent me to New York to spy on you, and see what you were upto. It war just ther chance i wanted, an’ so [— Well, heer you are, an’ you know the rest, We'll have the gal afore many hours,” The answer was made so promptly, and with so much pyyarene candor, that Sol was almost tem to believe that Dolan meant to carry out bis promises after all. The horses driven by Dolan were good travel- ers,and as the mcon came up early, the drive eae the picturesque rural districts of Long Island was decidedly enjoyable, During the latter part of the journey Dolan maintained a grim silence, except when he chirped to the horses; and at precisely twelve o'clock, by Sol’s watch, he drew rein, The place where he stopped was where a little- traveled wood-road branched off into a body of forest land. “Ye kin git out here,” he said, turning and addressing Sol and Hayden. **T'll drive the team a bit into the woods out 0’ sight, an’ then we'll finish the journey on foot. Et ain’t fur we've got to go.” Accordingly Sol and the captain got out, and Dolan drove away up the fork road, “IT ain’t sure but what the fellow wants to keep his word after all!” Sol remarked, ‘' He appears honest enough at any rate, but, I’m on guard all the same, ‘*Oh! Lam perfectly satisfied that he means all right, and have been ever since you received the message,” Mr, Hayden a with enthu- siasm. ** Well, here he comes. It won’t be long now until we know whether he is cream or sour miik.” Dolan came up, saying: “ve hitched the bosses, an’ they’ll be ready whe we want ’em, We must approach the house like cats, for the colonel is not a sound siseper and is liable to awaken at a slight noise, Now, you foller an’ do as I do,” Dolan ordered, ** First, though, tell me, do you want to capture the colone) and Mag, or simply release the girl ” ‘*We want to capture them, of course!” Sol replied. olan scratched his head a moment as if re- fiecting, and then, with a grunt, led off, Sol and Hayden bringing up the rear. They proceeded cautiously toward the farm- house, and in five minutes © stood upon the front piazza, Wait ——— I make a piesa omega Dolan sai y getting up a er at the rear of the house, I can tell the colonel is in bed or not!” He stole was 5 but speedily returned, ‘*All correct!” he announced, ‘* Now, follow MGis then lifted a trap-door in the floor of tb 6 then a e floor of the piazza, and a stairway descending into the cellar » Was revealed, An’, when I sez T’ll do a Se See Street Mag are ! rey “Careful, now,” he cautioned, as he took the | chuckled, when they had gone. ‘1 don’t ¢ lead. ‘‘ A misstep may spoil all!” They followed. Sol Sharpe keeping bis hand on his revolver, ready at an instant’s warning, In a moment the trio stood in the darkness of the cellar, ) “* Stand still, now!” Dolan whispered, ‘‘’til I | find a lantern, If you’ve got any revolvers with ye you'd better grip ’em, so in case we're surprised ye can shute!” Dolan was heard groping around in the dark- ness and muttering anathemas against the lan- | tern, which it appeared he could not find. Suddenly, to his great astonishment, Sol felt the revolvers snatched from his grasp! At the same instant the light of a ae bull’s- eye lantern illumined the scene, Then the detective saw that he had not mis- trusted Dolan without cause, for they were trapped! Dolan stood a few feet in front of the detect- ive, covering him with his own weapons, while Colonel Cook performed the same service in front of Captain Hayden, Near at band stood Mott Street Mag, holding the lantern. ‘** Move an inch, and you're dead men!” the | colonel cried, sternly, ‘‘ We've got you dead to rights now, and your cop d show is to cave! Dolan, shoot the infernal detective down if he attempts to move a muscle! You, Mag, put down the lantern, and bind the precious pair hand and foot!” Mag hastened to obey, andina few minutes had elptedcge the job according to directions, and Sol and the captain were prisoners, indeed, They offered no resistance, well knowing that they would be shot down if they did, So, both maintained a grim silence, until Mag had finished binding them. CHAPTER XV. CONCLUSION, WHEN Mag had finished her work, Colonel Cook said: ‘* Now, then, my fine pair of hounds, you see the trouble You have brought ge yourselves by trying to ap oo a game with a thorough- bred. Ha, ha! You would come here, and at- tempt to wrest my prize from me, would you? You thought you had a soft snap, didn’t you, when my noble coadjutor, Dolan, offered to help you do what you couldn’t do yourselves? You, sir "—to Sol— you, sir, are a detective, but a disgrace to the profession. Despite your name, you are not sharp in the least, and, as it chances that you and I are slightly related, I truly am ashamed of you, Why, you really don’t know pc, to keep your head out of the fire, It would have pleased me much better if you had exhibited a little intelligence in your search for me! ‘*Perhaps I may get the chance to hire in- structions from you!” Sol retorted, grimly. **So? Well, I don’t know about that. I’ve come to the conclusion that you’re no good, anyhow, and sol am going to put you where you will be likely to stay, until the resurrection day. And as you may be lonely, I shall send your companion along with you. “As for you, Hayden, you got back from Australia just in time to find a tomb beneath our native Northern skies, Now, there’s one th I want to particularly impress upon your mind: Don’t wo about the welfare of your lovely daughter. Don’t worry about ber in the least, sir. **Capitola and I have got everything satis- factorily arranged, and we shall be married to- morrow afternoon. We shall then go direct to Black Diamondville and live at our ease, The twenty thousand dollars coming to Capitola when she is of age, will keep us nicely. I men- tion these facts lest you havesome qualms about leaving this earthly sphere on her account!” “You inferna) wretch! If I ever get free Vl murder you!” Hayden cried. ** Oh! no fear of gig I getting free!’ Cook retorted, confidently. ‘* There’s a deep well on these premises, and the bottom of this well will be the future abode of youand your detective friend. You can live there until you get tired of it, and then you can do the next best thin you can think of, The well will be boarded an sodded over, and there is little likelihood that any One may come to your rescue!” “Dolan!” be ordered, “yo poy an!” he o you go a 8 windlass, ] rope to the you go and rm him what assistance you can,” *“ All right, boss! Ill Come on, gal!” and be and Mag left the cellar. **Oh! you'll find yourself in a barrel you can’t break out of this time, Solomon!” the colonel ’ re re ere Ug mee pr A awl —— Tite. G f sy ~>-.. ES . Rie ick : aw ks, eee pose you and I will meet soon again, but if ya encounter any of-my friends where you are gor. » ; ing, give’em my regards. I am— “Throw up yer hands, ye murderin’ son av a sea-cook, or youre a dead man !” Clear and stern sounded the order, and the colonel wheeled with an oath, coming face to face with Pat Murphy! And in Pat’s hands were clutched a pair of eocked six-shooters, leveled full at the crook. ‘* Drop them pops!” ordered Pat, ‘‘ an’ throw up your hands, or Pll plug yez so full o’ holes you’ll answer fer a sieve. An’ mind yez, nota squawk, or I'll shoot an eye out 0’ yez, ye thafe of Satan!” Cook obeyed, sullenly. Then, still keeping him covered, Pat drew a knife and severed the cords that bound Sol’s wrists, after which Sol took the knife and set both himself and Captain Hayden at liberty, The colonel was then bound, and, when a few minutes later Dolan and Mag returned to the cellar, they were gathered in. Thus the evil trio were in the toils at last, thanks to Pat; and, a few minutes later, Capi- tole was released from her parlor prison and re- stored to the arms of her father whom she had not seen for so many years, And it may be added that the young lady was 80 overjoyed, that she actually kissed both Sol and Pat, which act put Pat, mf least for the mo- ment, in a trance, as if an angel’s wing had touched him in passing. What followed can be briefly told, Pat had never seen Dolan; hence, when tke rascal stopped him in New York and hired him to deliver the letter, Pat read it, and discovered that it was a plan to entrap the Night Hawk Detective; so he got the sa, fo deliver the mes- sage, and hurried away on Dolan’s trail. Later in the day he had seen the trio leave the Brooklyn saloon, and had followed, which ac- counted for his being in at the rescue. Pat made a full confession of how he had been tem , and how he had lost the deed to Black Diamond farm, and was fully forgiven, but when Colonel Cook was searched, the docu- ment was found on his person. So Ben Black was the arrant crook himself— the wily colonel. Cook, Dolan and Mott Street Mag were taken back to New York, and in due time, were tried and sentenced to State’s Prison, Mag being sent back to the convict institution from which she bad escaped. As soon as Dolan serves his time, he is ‘“wanted” by Pennsylvania authorities, and will get another dose of justice. par Yb and Capitola went home, accom- panied by Pat. That their affairs were all straightened out, is a matter of course, Then the old farm was sold for a very large sum, which it was richly worth. Sol received back his money with interest, and he and Captain Hayden formed a partnership, and went into business in the metropolis, Pat is with them, and declares he will never entertain a dishonest thought again to the lon- gest day he lives. When Capitola finished her term at Vassar, there was a brilliant wedding, she becoming the happy wife of Solomon Sharpe, ex detective and junior partner in the well-known shipping house of Hayden and Sharpe. THE END, DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL HXHIBITIONS AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS. Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 38 inclusive, 15 to 25 popu: lar dialogues and dramas in each book, Each vole ume 100 pages 12mo. ; Speakers, Nos. 1 to 5 inclusive. Each speaker 100 pages 12mo, containing from 50.to 75 pieces. YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERIES, Dime Ladies’ Letter Writer, Dime Gents’ Letter Writer. Dime Book of Etiquette. Dime Book of Verses. Dime Fortune Teller. Dime Chess Instructor Dime Book of Winter Sports. 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J ATEST ISSUES of BEADL THE MOST POPULAR STORIES PUBLISHED. \ R'S HALF-DIME LIBRAR a 886 The Five Points Lodging House Janitor; or, 0a Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport; or, High Hustling Monk Merry and the Italian. By Jo Pierce. 887 Battery Bob the Dock Detective; or. Rounding- up the Vesterp Sharps. By J. C. Cowdrick. : at Sitver City. By J. C, Cowdrick. 9867 Reddy Rusher, the Rell-Boy Detective; or, Chow- der Johnny's Surprise. .By Jo Pierce. 888 Monte Saul, the Sport: or, High Hustling at 1908 New York Nat’s Double; or, The Unknown Three. Dead Laich. By Wm. R. Eyster. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 889 New York Nat’s D adly Deal; or, The Unknown | 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher. By T. C. Ferret's Snap Shot. By Col. P. Ingraham. Flanagan. 890 Ace Hizh, the Trump Card Deteéctive;-or, Old {910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top; or. Gold Guns, Nat’ Hicks in New York. By Jo Pierce. 891 Dea iwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead Sure Game; or, Pis- j 911 tol Potly of Nuggetviile. By E. L. Wheeler. 832 Bowery Ben in Chinatown; or, Sam Sing, the} 912 Train B>y Trist’s Hot Hustl-; East Sile Sport. By Harold Payne. the Bull-t-proof Sport. By E, L, Wheeter. 3owery Bob’s Lone Hand; or, Spotting the Shady Sharpers.. By Harold Payne, or, Bou: cing the Broadway Crooks. By J. C. Cowdrick. 893 Farrel Fox’s Sweep Stakes; or, The Boss Coun-!913 Kit Keith, the Revenue Spotter; or, The Big Beg 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 G-ld Nugget Camp; or, The} 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr's, Double Decker; or, Center- Wild All-around Sport. By Col. P. Ingraham, 897 Davy Doon’s Big Bounces; or, Nickel Nell, the Boy Spotter’s Mascot. By T. C. Harbaugh. 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drive; or, The Rival Mayors of Hardscrabble. By E. L. Wheeler, 899 Basemen’ Bert, the Boy Cobbler Detective. Jo Pierce. Fire, the Self-Cocker. By Edward L, Wheeler. 917 Flash Lightning, the Mountain Mascot; or, Jerry Jacobs’ Doom. By Charles Morris. 918 The Trump Dock-Boy; or, Too Sharp for the Jersey Sharper. By J. C. Cowdrick. By {919 Crack-Shot Daisy’s Drop; or, Bronco Billy’s Big Brush. By Wm. R. Eyster. 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee; or, The.Circus Queen’s j920 New York Nat Trapped; or, The Texan Tencer- Shadower. By J. C. Cowdrick. foot Crook-Tracker. By Col. P, Ingraham, 901 Diamond Dave, the Gilt-Edge Shooter; or, Daddy 1921 The Boy from Denver; or, Fighting the Toughs Grimes’ Deadly Grip. By Wm. R. Eyster. 902 New York Nat in Colorado; or, Gentleman Jack's R-surrection, By Col. P. lugraham. 903 Billv Blue Blazes, the Dedger of the Docks. By Jo Pierce. of Deadset. By T. C Harbaugh. A new issue every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail, 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade Mark; or, Deuce-|on receipt of six cents each, Trey, the Five-Spot Sport. By E. L. Wheeler. 905 Dandy Nugget, the Boy Shadow; or, Captain Mascot, the Nabob King. By T. C. Harbaugh. Mp RR Na, SRK, Sees San Foor EE SSIS?” NORE NON i ee CELE S CGE LES, ONAN BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers. 98 William street, New York, ASIANS ey NESS BHADLELS IME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS, TS MS lie ues SYS Mier eur Me ges aS SS Tp © GEE GEESE SEMEL GLEE SGD, ‘SHOHLOV LSAA AHL IO SHHOM LSAG IHL Ny G3 ENTS , FOR . \ Exhibitions and Home Entertainments. THESE DIALOGUES, Minor Dramas Scenic and Dress Pieces, and Rostrur . Hach Volume 100 12mo Pages. Divertisements have now a national recogni tion and reputation; for their excellence, availability and singularly varied character bave sent the little volumes into Schools, Homes and Associations throughout every State and Section of this Country and the Dominion. DIALOGUES Nos, 1 to 41. 15 to 20 Pieces in Each Book. ° SPEAKERS Nos. 1 to 25. 60 to 70 Pieces in Each Book. THESE BOOKS have no equal F avail- ability and merit of matter, and have a wider popularity among teachers, scholars, schools and amateurs than any series or single volumes yet published, at any price, in this country. ; THE SPEAKERS run the whole range ef oratory, recitation and declamation, giving what is best in eloquence, argument, humor, vernacular and dialect—prose and verse—thus making the series a perfect mine of good things, not only for declamation and recitation but for School and Family Readings, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William St., New York. MICHAEL SERDY; | te fs Ta vivian Mayr x i rmactood Py. 4 f
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SIMS, 5859 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat's Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective, Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Dan's Great Combine. 646 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peppermint's Jubilee. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Duteh Videcg; or, Hot Times at Round-Up 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowboy Gld, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahy the Plains Detective, 676 Sienal Sam, the Lookout Scoat. 689 Billy, the Gyps Spy; or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 99 Biraple Sim, the Fromebe Buater: or, For Big Stakes. The Mesameriat Sport: or, The Mystified Detective. Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, Kanaaae Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective. he Ruatler of Rolling Stone. me Hand Jee, the Committee of One. Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck, The Doctor Detective in Texas, 872 Two Showmen Detectives in Colorado, eteiaraie Sanennee 1 ee thi ie BEaDLE’S*H ALF. *JIME+] IBR wach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of ‘Five Cents, by all Newsdea Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. | [80 Rosebud Roby or, Nugget Ned, the Knight, &4 Rosebud Keb on Mand; or, Idy), the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. | 121 Rosebud Rob's ¢ Galtahaes or, Cinnamon Chip. : 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surrovind | 281 Denver Doll's Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones. 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; e Road Queen, / 863 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gutherer; or, The Life Lottery, | 872 Yreka Jdim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up, : : 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker}; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Yreka Jim’s New Role; or, Bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front}; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Slerra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister's Devotion. 2458 Slerra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints. 2558 Slerra Sam’s Pards or, The Ange! ot Big Vista. 255 Sierra Sainm’s Seven} or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miser. $89 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. — 6” The Boy Detectives or, Guild Rifle, the Sharpehooter. 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Aribe and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Gir! Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. BVS Kelley, Hickey & Co,, the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Narry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Moof, the Buifilo Demon; or, The Border Vultures. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot 45 Old Avalanche ; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. Jim Bludsoe, JIr., the Boy Phenix. Buckhorn Bills or, The Red Rifle Team Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda tu Sitting Bull’s Camp. Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Bose Bob the King of Bootblacks. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nubby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scampa. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young G)adiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Koy Patro); or. The Rival Heirs, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. Sen 808 ’Liza Jane, the Gir! Miner; or. the Iron-Nerved Sport. 880 Little Quick-Shotj; or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville, 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trem Gopher. 878 Nabob Neds or, The Secret of Slab City. BS2 Cool Kit, the Kirg of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 458 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance, 486 Sealaskin Sam, the Sparkier; or The Tribunal of Ten. BY J. ©. COWDRIOCK, Broadway Billy Novela. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’s« Beodle; or, Cleasing aStranze Case Broadway Billy’a ‘*Dimkilty.” Broadway Billy’« Peath Racket. Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. Broadway Billy} er, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. Broadway Billy's Dead Acts or, The League of Seven Broadway Billy Abroady or, The Bootblack in Frisco. Broadway Billy’s Beat; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. Broadway Billy in Clover. Broadway Billy tn Texas; or, The River Rustlers. Broadway Billy’s Brand. Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal, Broadway Billy's Full Hand; or, The Gamin Detective, Broadway Bllly’a Business, Broadway Billy’s Curious Case. Broadway Billy In Denver. Broadway Bily’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectiv Broadway Bililly, the Retriever Detective. 5% Broadway Bully’s Shadow Chase. Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. Brondway Billy’« Tenm}_ or, The Combines Big Pull. Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, Broadway Billy’« Queer Bequest. Broadway Billy Baffled. Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. Broadway Billy’« Wipe Out. Brondway Billy’« Bank Racket. Broadway Billy’s Bluff. Broadway Billy Among Jersey Thugs. Broadway Billy’s Raid. Broadway Billy's Big Boom, Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. Broadway Billy’« #100,000 Snap. Broadway Billy's Blind: or, The Bootblack Stowaway, Broadway Billy tn Londen. Broadway Billy Shadows Lohdon Slama. Broadway Billy’s French Game. roadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. Safety Sam, the Cvele Sport. Jumping Jack's Jubilec. Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. Silver-Maak, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys, Shasta, the Gold King} or, ForSeven Years Dead, 420 The Delective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without » Name, 424 OCibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude 506 LT eg te Ralph the Prince of the Road. ¢ 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 648 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 671 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Ont. 615 Fighting Uarry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Tynewrlter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward, 659 Moonlight Morgnn the “ Pizenest ’? Man of Ante Bas, 894 Arizona Dick's W ipe-Out. BY WILLIAW RK, EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke} or, The Tigers of High Pine, 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pard+ 818 The Huatler Rogue-Catcher, 888 Poker Pete’« Double Dodge, 851 The Tie-To Sport; or, High Hustling at Sinners’ Flat. 888 Monte Saul, the &pert. 901 Diamond Dave, the Gilt-Edge Shooter, BY HMAROLD PAYNE. 848 Dan, the River Sport; or, Foiling the Friseo Sharp? 892 Bowery Ben In Chinatewn,. 911 Bowery Bob, the East-side Detective, BY BUFFALO BILL (ion. Wm. F. Cody). Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand, The Phantom &pyt or, The Pilot of the Prairie. Deadly-Eye. the Sekuacn Secnt, or, The Banded Brotherhood Border Robin Heods: or, The Prairie Rover. 8 19 55 68 : 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado} or, The Trapper’s Trast. a | ARY. ers... BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, York Nat’s Double. vor ments in Colorado. ork Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. York Nat’s Deadly Deal. ‘ York Nat’s Crook-Chase. York Nat’s Trump Card, York Nat ard the Grave Ghouls, York Nat’« Masked Mascot. York Nat, the Gamin Detective. Doom’ Doom Doom’s Flueh Hand, Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny; Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, Doomy or, Ihe Sharps and Sharks of New York. Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Maske, Doom tn Chicago. Doom in the Wild Weat. Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue, Dick Doom’s Death Clue. Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt. Dick Doom’s Big Maul. Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trai. Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captives Dashing Charlie’*s Pawnee Pard. ‘ Dashing Charlie, the Rescner, Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. i New New New New New New New New New Dick Dick 2 Dick 2 Dick 7 Diek 1 = Dick ’ Dick Dick Dick Dick TST Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor's Koyst or, The Red Riders ot the Rio Grande 560 Pawnee SILL, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Billy or, Carl, the Mad Cow boy. 719 Pawnee Bila Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Billy or, Daring Dick, 692 Redferw’s Curious Case? 0, The Rival Sharps. 697 Kedtern at Devil's Ranch}; or, The Sharp from Texas 702 Redfern’s High Mand; or, Blue Jacket. TOT Redfern’« Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers. 668 Red Ralph's Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Miushipman. 674 Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailor. 679 Red Ralphy the Shadower, or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 644 Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Fony Ixprese Rider. 656 Butterfly Biliy’s Man Hunt. 662 Lutterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; or, ‘ihe Owls of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower; or. the Card Queen. 575 Kent Kingdon’s Duels cr, The Surgeon Scout. 586 Kent Kingdon’s Doom +r, The Buckskin Avenger. 545 Lafitte Kun Downy; or, The Bua aneers of Barrataria. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Sov. 555 Latitte’s Confessions: or, The Creole Corsair, And Fifty Others, BY JO PIERCE, Rob o’ the Bowery ¢ or, The Prince of Mulberry Street- The Vagabond Detective; tr, Bowery Bob's Boom. Hotspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective, The Lawyer's Shadow; or Luke's Legacy, Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, Five Pointa Vhil, the Pavement Prince, dInek Jagrera, the Butcher Boy Detective. Tartar Tim; or, Five Pointe Phil’s Menagerie. North River Naty, the Pier Detective Wreatling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward: Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mystery. HMarlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. a Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Preapector. Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. Buck Bumblebee, the Harlen Hammer. Sunrise Saul, the Expreas-Tratn Ferret. ] Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a Slippery Set, Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind. Tom Thistle, the Road-House Detective. Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin. Denni« Duff the Brown Sport's Kid, Dick of the Docks, the Night-W ateh. Flipper Flynn, the Street Patro}. Foxy Fred’« Odd Pardy or, The Keever’s Huge Hustle, Cast-Off Cale, the Scapegoat Detective. Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer. The Big Four of the Bowery. Buck, the New York Sharper. The Grand Street Arab. The West Broadway Camin, 860 The Boat-Club Mascot; or, Dan Decker’s Double Deal 864 The Union Square Baggage Boy. S78 The Street Arab’s Bund. 886 The Five Points Lodging Hourc Janitor. Ace Wigh, the Tromp Card fective, Fifth Avenue Fred, the Valet Detective. Basement Bert, the Boy Cobbler Detective, Billy Blue-RBlazes, the Dodger of the Docks. Reddy Rusher, Bell-Boy 4-11-44, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. Train Boy Trist’« Hot Mustle; or, Bouncing the Broadway Crook. y J. C. Cowdrick. Kit Keith, t ¢ Revenne Spotter; or, The Big Run. By Ed. L. Wheeler. New York Nat's Three of a Kind; or, Nick Norton's Close Call. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Flip Flasher, Ferret, of East Broadway; or, Firing the Fire-bugs, iy Jo Pierce. eedededed Na pom =a { Bag at Dark Fire, the SelfCocker. By Eaward L. Wheeler, Flash Lightning, the Mountain Mascot; or, Jerry Jacobs’ Joon. By Charles Morris, Sharpera, By J, C. Cowdrick.’ Crack-Shot Dalay’s Drop: or. Bronco Billy’s Big (Brush, By Wm. R. Eyster. New York Nat Trapped; or, The Texan Tenderfoot Crook-Tracker. By Col. P. Ingraham The Boy from Denver} or, Fighting the Toughs of Dead- set. By T.C. Harbaugh. Sol Sharpe, Detectives or, Hayseed Ramsey’s Double Find. By Edward L. Wheeier. Gold-Dust Dan's Snap-Shots or. The Deadwood Speci. Intor’s Blind, By John W, Osbon. A New leane Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library ‘* for sale by all newsdealers, five gents per copy, or sent by mail on rscoipt of alx cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, farm E Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Double Decker; or, Centet- | The Trump Dock-Boy} or, Too Sharp for the Jersey Bat 1 2 %