Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 926) (1895 04 23)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
AMR \ | (MME IN WER ri i Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office, Copyrighted 1895, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, Sn neemeemeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneameeeeeeemenee se _ No 926 $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, * . a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. = “i Gy) i ” \NNre Wi ly ) AND THE TRAITOR FERRE OR, THE rirl Mascot’s Best Score BY COL: PRENTISS INGRAHAM, UTHOR OF ‘‘NEW YORK NAT” NOVELS, ETC, CHAPTER I. NAT VISITS THE JAIL You say that my train is four hours late, 7 man?” '* Yis, str; maybe more,” DOWN INTO A DARK TRAP WENT NEW YORK NAT,
Page 2
. “And Tam to spend four long hours in this little town?” ; “Yes, sur,”’ » “What shall I do to pass the time?” “Do what ivery one ilse is going to do, sur.” * Wihat is that?’ * Go to the hanging, sur.” “To what hanging?” “Sure, sur, an’ Trent Trevor is to be bung.” “Tor what crime?” “ Murther in the first degree, it is.’’ “rent Trevor? It seems that I have heard the name before—I must look it up in my book of crimes,’ and the one who uttered the words spoke rather to himself than to the baggage smasher at the little junction a mile from the town of R—, where he had dropped off to take a westbound train. “ Will you be afther radin’ to me out of ‘thet same book ©’ crimes, young man, fer I haven’t a thing to do fer four hours, though I daren’t lave the joonction.” The youth smiled, for he was only a youth, tall, handsome, well dressed, and with clean-cut, daring and determined features, “Under other circumstances I might you haye excited my interest in this poor ‘fellow who is to be hanged, and I shall walk over into the town. Here is some change for you, and I have a ‘Herald’ in my grip you can look over. Keep my satchel until my return, “Now, tell me what you know of the hanging.’ | “ Will, sur, I will and thankee.” id “You see, sur, Trent Trevor is his name, - and he was a high-flyer of the town some ' ‘years ago, and spent his money free, but | | one day a detective came out from the big city to arrest him for the murder of a rich pawnbroker, and the robbery of ‘him, too. “There was no uss a lyin’ about it, | for carcumstantial ividence told ther » tory, and he were put in jail to be took 7 to the city for trial. “But, Lord love you, young man! He got out o’ jail that night, though to do so he had ter kill ther keeper, and noth- _ ing more was heard of him for years, ~ when he was found running a gambling saloon in the Far West. Then they ar- rested and brought him back here for “trial for the murther of the jail keeper, ffor it had been proved that he had not | kilt the pawnbroker, nor robbed him, | ‘though who did “he murder they- don’t know, but he does, and he won't tell.” * And he is to be hanged to-day for the murder of the keeper?” eye os ON wear,” ; ‘The youth drew from his pocket a _ bunch" of keys, opened his satchel, and, taking a book therefrom, which had a |. padlock and fastening upon it, thus pre- : , 1 venting its being opened, he fitted to this” a key, and began to run over the pages, the Irishman watching him closely. “Prenchard Trevor—here it is,” and he | ‘read what followed the mame he ‘had 8 found. Then relocking the book and his satchel, Drs Bo WAGE oe “Take good care of my grip, My man, and I will bring you some cigars from the veowns” "2\) ; ence PES, SES y Nass ee fit Te you going to the hanging?” i ji “ Yes ” ee ‘ ; " «ips afther being the most entertain- ¥n’ devarshun for yez, and bad luck to ‘mesilf that kapes me frort going, for he'll oe oH “He's ter swing off at noon, sir, and t's some time afore that now, s0 eoom back arly, sur, and be afther tellin’ me all about ther hangin’, av yer plaze.” — a Wat ys , ney he , a : be glad to read to you, my friend, but die game, sur, they all says that knows a "4 ‘. te rs mo , Sse - - » The young fellow smiled at the earnest- ness of the Celt, and walked rapidly away toward the town, visible in the dis- tanee, while a chureh bell tolling for a ' funeral must have sent thrills of an- guish and despair through the heart of the doomed man as he sat in his cell list- | ening to the dismal sound. — | | As he neared the town the youth saw that vehicles of all descriptions were hast- ening in from the country, their occu- pants seeming anxious to satisfy the'r morbid longing for a scene of horror.- The town seemed to be alive, as upon a holiday, and a sneer curled the lip of the youth as he muttered: “And ull this to see an unfortunate man die a death of , Shame. | “Duty demands my pressace, or I i would gladly turn the other way, for with all the scenes I am compelled to witness of sorrow, wrong and death, I am not yet heart-hardened, thank Heay- ) en.” { Oontinuing on inte the town he reached { the stone jail, and, rapping at the iron | gate, a man’s face appeared at a little slide and he said abruptly: ‘No one admitted.” * Pardon me, but I am an exception.” “No exceptions—see!” was the rude response, and the slide was being closed l when the youth threw open his coat and ' said, in imitation of the burly guardian of the gate: | “Look at that—see?” The man’s eyes fell upon a peculiar badge, studded with gems; a diamond eye, to which were suspended two keys crossed, and of massive gold, upon the latter some engraving. “Be kind enough to let me read the engraving, sir,” said the man, speaking politely: “Tt says simply: ADMIT BEARER ANYWHERE, PVERYWHORE, ON DEMAND. “Tt bears the name of the Chief of the United States Secret Service Bureau.”’ “ Walk in, sir; and pardon my abrupt- ness,” and the gate was thrown open to OHAPTER II. THE YOUNG DETECTIVE. The badge shown by the young man Was respected at once by the keeper, as well as the gateman of the jail, though he was looked at with surprise, as one remarkably young to wear such an in- signia of the Secret Service. Not wishing another rebuff, the youth opened his vest and revealed a New York City Detective badge, and several others, while he said politely: - “Tt is necessary that I have a private interview with your prisoner, sir, Tren- chard Trevor, as I desire certain informa- tion which he alone can give.” “You are welcome to see him, friend, but it will do you no good, for neither preacher, sheriff nor any one else can get him to say a word—his lips are sealed.” *Ts he alone?” ‘ “The death watch is with him, and if you wish to see him alone you must be responsible that he does not commit sui- eide, for he is high spirited and would rather die any death than on the gallows.” ~ “T do not wonder, for any other death were preferable. _ “But I will be responsible, sir.” Through the dismal corridors of the jail the youth was led, into the ring where the death cell was, by which | stood a guard, while outside was a clergy- man and several others, whom the pris- | oner stoutly refused to see The ‘ se ‘the youth wearing a badge so important. keeper led the youth to the iron. “you, sir.” grating, the guard put the key in the Io and opened the door, and “the yisi stepped within. P : “A young gentleman to see Trevor,” announced the keeper. : “T do not care to speak to any one, as , I told you, Brandon!” By “This young man has credentials that. admit him anywhere, so L could not re- | fuse him, Mr. Trevor.’’ . ‘Pardon my intrusion wpon you, Mx — Trevor, but I do not come from either idle curiosity or wish to worry you, only to have a few words with you.” The youth spoke kindly, and Trenchard Trevor looked him squarely in the faee, and replied: “Sit down, please.” He was a Striking looking young man, | tall, slender, though athletic in build, in- telligent and refined looking, having the polished manners of a man of the world. He was dressed in deep black, his white shirt collar was open at the neck. He was perfectly calm in the face of his approach- ing fate, with but an hour and a half be- | tween him and an awful doom. Y v4 you, Mro} The keeper was surprised at the re- ception of the young detective, and, with the guard without, withdrew from the cell, leaving the visitor and the prisoner alone together. “Mr. Trevor, I am delayed in this town several hours, while awaiting a train | to my destination, and, hearing at the | station you were doomed to die to-day, the name came back to me as one I had heard before. I looked it up in a book I have and I recalled the circumstances under which it was known to me.” ‘ The prisoner listened quietly and asked: “Have we ever met before?” pM “No, sir; but Jet me tell you that I am a detective, a boy ferret, as I am christened, but one who is acting in se- cret in all that I do. “You see, I am placing “Why not, for T shall be dead within two hours?” “Tt is not for that reason, but because I am interested in you. “Circumstances threw me upon the world in early boyhood, and I became a. sailor, while my sister, older than I, was left as a waif and was, as a little girl, a street singer in New York, and later a flower girth “Fate brought us together again a couple of years ago, and both of us had seen much of life in the slums and else- > where. “We knew that there were many ‘young children good at heart who were drifting to ruin because no helping hand was extended to them, and so we got together a band of youths, of all classes and ages, of which I am chief, and she is known as their Mascot Queen. “ We are devoting our lives to ferreting out crime, and, though hunted by the police ourselyes, we are helping them in their crook catching. “To the police and detectives we are known only as the Unknown Ferrets, and we are doing a world of good. oe | “T am now upon a secret service case, while, through a good friend of influ-— ence, I haye been allowed to wear badges | of office to protect me. =, “With this explanation I will tell you, that one night, some years ago, two inen f { kidnapped my sister when she was a flower girl. bite | “What her fate would have been no _ one knows, had it not been for a brave’ gentleman who saw the act, followed the| men into their dive, and boldly rescued _ her, though he had to kill one of them in| self-defense, and was wounded in doing 80. : ’ ae “Not wishing publicity, he told her not , eonfidence in ———
Page 3
peak of the affair, and left her in re LO you TI will say that I did not know fety at her humble home. “But she begged for his name and he jtold her in confidence. ' “The name was Trent Trevot, and he ‘was a fashionable young man about town.” “T remember the circumstance. She ‘was a beautiful girl of thirteen, and I A ag interested in her, and intended seek- pas her out and befriending her, but was overwhelmed with misfortunes just then myself.” “Yes, and let me tell you that she was passing Blenheim’s pawn shop the night of the murder and robbery.. It was a ‘stormy night, and she saw a man let ‘himself out of the door and he carried two large satchels. “He had a confederate near, who was watching the policeman on that beat, “She saw both men distinctly and | neither man was you.” “‘Very true.” “A couple of days after she saw that | jyou were arrested as the murderer of Pawnbroker Blenheim and the robber of ihis safe. _ “She determined to come out here and / wee you, to offer her testimony, but when she arrived, the next day, you had es- ecaped the night before, and it was said | had killed the keeper in doing so.” | _ “It is for that crime I am to hang, for | I was proven guilty.” a Girl that she was, my sister investi- gated your escape all in her power, and to this day she vows ‘that you are not / guilty of the murder of the keeper any mere than you. were the Slayer of Blen- | heim, fhe pawnbroker.” : “God bless her sweet soul! *But, what is your name, and her's?” \ and the prisoner was deeply moved. ; “Her name is Olive Chandler, sir.” ' “And yours?” | “The ‘boy ferrets call me New York Nat?” | CHAPTER 08 ae ‘WITH SEALED LIPS. The calm exterior of the doomed man was broken for a moment by what the - young detective had said to him, and he replied: ; “Tt was proven that I was not the mur- derer of Blenheim, or the robber, but - who committed the crime could not be dis- covered. . “Thad met with financial reverses jusi then, by aiding a friend; I was driven to my wits’ end for money, and some enemy - = me of the crime, but I proved an alibi “Still, having been accused, I was sup- posed to know who the ilty one was, it even being said that he acted for me. “As to my escape from this prison, I did escape, but how, or by what means, it matters not, for I am to die for the mur- der of the Keeper, and so let it be.” “Will you answer me one question, Mr. ‘Trevor?’ . “What is it?” i “ Will you tell me whether yon are gr 4 or not?” ‘ ; hy do you wish to know? - “T wish to tell my sister the truth, for she has always believed you innocent of ‘both «charges, and it will be a terrible _ shoek to her to learn what I have to tell her.” . _“T will tell you that I escap ef through oad keeper's being killed, but L did not kill ny, AAs But, who sf “Tso felt that you did not. id?” “That secret goes with me to my aie F for my lips are forever sealed.” “This is pias to yourself.” Ga os Right or g. New York Nat, it is ‘aan al rr die aera tunes Ag a ae d hey it the keeper was dead until after I left this jail. I could not return then, for other lives than mine were at stake. I went West to the gold mines, and misfor- tunedoggedme, I becamea gambler,andat once won large sums. Recognized by a man from this town, I was _ arrested, brought here, and you know how soon the end will be. “By neither word nor act will I betray the guilty one, though Heaven knows that, some day, I hope the mystery will be cleared away, that people will know I was murdered by the law, hanged. sole- ly through circumstantial evidence, and the dishonor that will rest upon my grave will be removed, the cloud upon my life will be lifted, not for my own sake, but for the sake of those who love me, but who now, in my, last moments of life, are far away.’ New York Nat heard the words of the doomed man with quivering lips, and for a moment made no reply, but then said, in a low and earnest tone: “Mr, Trevor, you know who and what I am, and I swear to you now, that, though you die upon the gallows, and fill a dishonored grave, I will yet prove to the officers of the law that they hanged an in- nocent man; I will yet make the men who sat in the jury box and pronounced you guilty, feel what it is to be haunted by a great wrong committed, and those who now are crowding here to see you die shall know that the scene they gazed upon was but a judicial murder. © “T swear this, Mr. Trevor, for my sister and for my Boy Ferrets, and I will work to this end.’’. The handsome face of the. prisoner lighted up at this, and he said quickly: “T have something to say to you. In the safe in this jail I have some sealed packages, contents unknown to all save myself. They were to be addressed by me, as my last act, to a certain person. T have changed my mind in regard to them, and if you will call the jailor I will tell him to bring them to me now, and along with them some sealing wax and a can- dle.” The keeper was called, and he soon brought two heavy linen envelopes, sealed, and a candle and sealing wax with them. \Taking a pen, the prisoner wrote, in a bold hand upon the back of each: “To be delivered only to “NATHANIEL NORTON, Detective, when he makes the demand for them.” This he signed in the presence of the waiting clergyman, the jailor, and three other witnesses, while, taking his badge, New York Nat pressed it as a seal upon the sealing wax, firmly securing the pack- ages from being tampered with. “Now, Brandon, you will lock these pa- pers in your safe, to be delivered only to this young man. Pardon me now, if I ask a few more words alone with him.” The others withdrew, wondering how it was that the youth had unsealed the lips of the doomed man, for they did not know the truth, that the seal of silence was still unbroken. ° “Now, my good friend, when you have solved the mystery you have sworn to do, come and get those papers, but not befure, and they will prove to you how much I appreciate that you will lift the dishonor of guilt from my grave, even though I pir an ignominious death upon the gal- ows. “T have a favor to ask of you, though it is one you may find hard to grant.” “Name it!’ “Tn all the crowd who will gather to see to-day, for in this State hanged | executions are public, I will not have one hear.” | her seat, as though to show the man she you “Many k know me.” asta . oA At . - as vi ; “es Me ; oe cy 41 & 4 cy ae % eS " ‘ D yes ott 7 . os, ‘ - ope friend, for good people do not like to acknowledge felons as bound by the ties of friendship, no matter what they may have been in the past. I have no excuses to give for my past, no explanation, no confessions to make. I am no coward, and will face death without a tremor, but I wish you to go with me, yours to be the last hand that I clasp on earth. Will you grant this?” “JT will,” was New York Nat’s firm re- sponse, but made with quivering lips.’ CHAPTER IV. THE QUEEN OF THE FERRETS. Seated in a grove upon a bluff looking over the Hudson River, yet within the limits of New York City, was a young girl, book in hand. She had just come from a cosy cottage a hundred yards distant, one of the very few houses in that sparsely settled dis- trict, for the streets had not yet been cut entirely through from river to river. * Nat said he would be back yesterday, and has not yet returned; but [ will not’ worry about him, for something has de- | tained him he had not expected. “It is hard, though, not to worry when he is behind time, when I know the des- perately dangerous life he is leading, not only as a ferret, but as one whom the po- lice and detectives themselves are as anx- ious to find as they are a wanted crook. ‘**But brother Nat is a born detective, and enjoys the life he is leading, while he is certainly heaping up rewards in the hands of the chief of the Secret Service which will make us and the Boy Ferrets rich when all is divided. “T will not worry, for, somehow, he turns up all right, no matter what the eer and dangers he encounters. a!” The exclamation was caused by a shadow falling upon the book she held, . and, glancing up, she beheld a roughly- dressed, evil-faced man within a few feet of her She was a very beautiful girl, was this ; sister of New York Nat, one whose face and form would command admiration everywhere. She had the same clean-cut features of her brother, the same look of cool daring determination. Her face flushed at sight of the man, as _ he rudely gazed upon her, but, without showing any fear, she asked quietly: “ Well, sir, what do you want here?” “I'm just meandering.” “Well, just meander on, for these are private grounds.” “Well, I’m tired and wants ter rest, — and there’s room enough on that bench fer two.” ‘4 “You are welcome to the bench, and T’ll go to the house; but, as you may feel lonely, I'll send Grip, the bulldog, out to | keep you company,” and Olive rose, with no sign of fear, to walk away, when the man said sternly: 7 “Hold on, itl, fer I came here fer a talk with you!” i) “T generally pick those I choose to con- verse with, so you must excuse me.” “TI picks them, too, that I wants ter talk to, and I has picked you, so just sit down and hear what I has ter say.” “You are welcome to the seat, for I will remain standing.” The man arose from the bench and said: “ Sit down and hear me, for I has some- — thing’ to say that it is to your interest ty: “Be brief, please,”* and Olive resumed | nad BO ‘fear of him. “Now, what have’ to say?” “'Pust, 1'll tell you, that I knows yer.’2
Page 4
“They knows yer only as Miss Olive | Chandler, a artist, but I knows who you be.” “You just said Olive Chandler, an ar- tist,”” and the young girl somehow began to dread the ordeal she felt was coming. “T knows what else you is.” “What am 1? may I ask?” *““A detective.” “Indeed! What makes you think so?’’’ “7 knows so fer sure, miss!” “ Well, what of it?” “Tt was the gang of which you is ther mascot, or queen, as they calls yer, that run down me and my pals, and sent one of ‘em ter ther gallows and two more of us ter prison. I was one of them as went ter prison, but escaped, and, with one 0’ my pals hanged, and t’other in jail for life, Ym friendless, poor, ahd in need, so I comes to you for help.” The girl never flinched, but replied: ‘Had you come to me as a poor man in distress, I would have helped you, but to come as a self-confessed convict, and an escaped felon, and demand help, let me tell you plainly that you have made a mistake in thinking you can frighten me.” “Has 1? Let us see if | has. I knows yer and yer brother. I knows yer as a girl who, with yer brother, got together a lot o’ young jail-birds and made ’em re- form, turning ’em inter detectives, and havin’ been crooks themselves, they makes good crook hunters; so yer helps ther per- lice, but fools ’em, and they don’t know ‘yer, or whar yer layout is; but I knows, and it’s wuth money ter me ter keep my mouth shut, I guesses.’ * And how did you learn so much about me and mine?” “T knows more.” “Out with it!” “T knows that you boards in that cot- tage with a widow woman, and yer brother has his dive elsewhere, and the \ Ferrets meet there. Yer used ter meet members ther crooks got onter ther secret ‘and was goin’ ter down yer, but yer downed them. I were one yer didn’t down jist then, though yer brother run me in }. arter that and I went up ter Sing Sing ' fer my health. “T kept my own council; I told nobody what I knowed, and determined ter es- cape some, day and live off of your gang. I has shaddered yer like a bloodhound; / I knows you is ther Queen, and I has seen / what none of yer gang has, yer face, for yer goes masked afore them, and is un- known save as ther Queen. “YT knows that yer brother is chief, that he is as clever as Satan, and fine as silk— soft as velvet, but hard as brass. He's a dandy, and his name is New York Nat. “TIL tell yer more if yer “wishes, but I thinks I has said enough fer yer ter see thet yer hed better strike a bargain with a poor man—one who is deep in sorrow _ser-day, fer I has a friend who was hanged yesterday. I tried ter git out in time ter go to his hanging, and see how he’d die, ‘but I didn’t have ther price ter take ther ears, and so didn’t go. But I’ve come to ’ you, for I wants money—a reg’lar. monthly salary, ter help me ter a honest life, and ter live like a gent. ; i “Now, what terms do you offer, Queen o’ ther Unknown Ferrets?” “J. suppose money alone will buy you off, but [ have not much with me now, 80 _ you will have to come again. What I have will keep you safe until you come again. _ And, putting her book down, the Ferret Queen placed her hand in her pocket, and | when she withdrew it a cocked revolver _ aras leveled full at the head of the con- my t, who heard the words: Vag he =. ‘ slg Sit down on that bench, or I will kill your? RN pene —tnastaemaenceeiciaspasitilin: rt ela: CPUS rT Pee ea oe CHAPTER Y. CAUGHT IN HIS OWN TRAP. “Oh, wrap me up and sell me cheap fer a durned fool!” Such was the expressive remark of the conviet, when, after looking into the muz- ale of the revolver, then at the little hand that held it, and which was as firm as a rocky and, last, into the eyes of the girl, he sat down upon the bench as she had ordered. Still keeping him ‘covered, Olive plaaed two of the fingers of her left hand into her mouth, using them as a whistle, and gave three sharp blasts. They were answered by a loud bark, and a moment after a huge bulldog sprang over the gate leading into the little cottage and came tearing toward the grove like mad. The man uttered an exclamation of terror, and seemed for an instant about to fly, then, as though he would spring upon the girl and wrest the weapon from her to protect himself from the dog, but obeyed her stern command: “TXeep your seat! If you obey me you are safe.” The man did keep his seat, his face livid, his form quivering, for the bulldog was about the size of a flour barrel, and had a head on him like a buffalo. As for his teeth, a shark might have envied him on that point: Reaching the point he seemed to de- sire at once to chew the convict up; but, obeying the command of Olive, he laid down to await further developments. He kept his eyes on the convict, how- ever, and uttered a low, droning growl as though giving advice—at least the man so considered it, and did not dare move. “Now we can come to more satisfac- tory terms,” Olive quietly remarked. in ther miser’s haunted house, but yer re- | “ Give me what money yer has and I'll git, for I doesn’t like that catfish.” “Don’t insult Tiger, for he is a good dog, and will obey me if I tell him to take you by the throat.” “T hain’t sayin’ a word. Only I has a engagement and wishes to keep it.” “A man just escaped from prison ean have no engagements; besides, you came here especially to see me, and I will not let you leave so soon.” , ‘What does yer want?’ “J wish to ask you a few questions, with Tiger as a witness,” “What has yer got ter say?” “How did you escape from prison?” “T was helped out by a friend.” “Was your friend inside or out?” ‘** Outside.” , “On the contrary, he was on the in- side, one of the guards. You gained a good name by your perfect behavior, and by once betraying an intention of your comrades to make a break for liberty. “You pretended that there were men who would kill you if you ever got out of prison, and said that you preferred to remain there. In this way you deceived the keepers, and were trusted. You were working your cards to escape, all the time—” “That dog is crawlin’ closer to me, miss!” . é ‘He hears my story and knows how wicked you are. You escaped by getting a guard off to one side, pretending you had to tell him something, and so you killed him and made your escape. I have read the papers to-day and know the whole story, for the guard told all be- fore he died. You found a boatman not far away, but he did not recognize your garb in the darkness, and was seen to row off on the river with you. The boat was found at Jersey City yesterday after- noon, and there were blood stains in it, so you must have killed the poor fellow and taken his clothes. - 4 7 . ¥ Girl Mascot’s Best Score ttst=~s : : } 4, oe TT on ~} : EET wt eS “On the police books you are known ag Fatal Fred, the burglar, as you always take a human life when you commit your robberies. trial, was repeated in this morning’s pa- pers, with the added information that you would have been hanged with one of your pals, only the one who knew there was no escape for him, confessed that you had not been the one who had mur- dered men, as had been reported of you. “This saved your neck and you got a life sentence, but you are out again, and having the secret of my brother’s life and mine, came here to force money from me, perhaps kill me, or betray the Unknown Ferrets. But just now I have you at my mercy.” The man realized this fully. The young girl had lowered her pistol, but the dog’s eye was still upon the man, and that was enough. She had, the moment he had spoken of escaping from prison the night before, known his as the man whose escape she bad read the-account of. It had been a cause of some worry to her, as she knew, that New York Nat had brought him and his pards to justice. k “T'll tell yer, miss, if yer gives me a couple of hundred dollars I'll call it quits The whole story, told at your’ and bother yer no more, and if yer has . another suit of clothes and a man’s hat,’ with a pair 0’ spectacles in the cottage, I'll be obliged.” “No, you shall not go free, for I will not risk the secret we have so tried to keep, and which you would betray if you are captured.” “Yer don’t intend ter kill me, yet?” asked the man, in real alarm. “Oh, no; but I intend to keep you safe—ah! There is Nat, now,’ does CHAPTER VI. A WOLF IN SHDEP’S CLOTHING. The one who approached was the same youth whose secret badges had gained him ready admission into the jail to see Trent Treyor two days before, His eyes were upon the convict as he approached, and he said, pleasantly: “You have company, I see, sir.” “ There hain’t no law ter make her have it ef she'll let me go, young feller,” snarled the felon. ; aoe laughed and, greeting her brother, said: “T am glad to see you back, Nat, for I was a little anxious at your delay, but 6 ane to know about my _ visitor, ere 2” “T do, for if he is not Fatal Fred, the burglar, I am greatly miStaken.’”’ “No, I hain’t.” “You have named him, Nat!” “ But he was in prison for life.” “Yes, but he escaped. Have you seen: the, papers this morning?” ; “No; Ihave not had time to read any- thing.” “The whole story is there, of how he killed a guard in escaping; it is supposed, also, that he killed a boatman and got his clothes, and the whole detective force. are on the lookout for him and I am fearful they may find him.” “Why fearful, sis?” asked Nat, in sur-_ prise. “You know you sent him up?’ “ Yes.” ed “Well, he had been shadowing us, and never told a word he knew of the Ferrets at his trial, but kept his secret for his escape,” Wien “Ah! ‘I see!’ ix’ pe “He has shadowed us well; he knows: me as the Maseot and you as New York it Nat, chief of the Unknown Ferrets, and — ‘ says he knows your retreat. “He came here to. demand money, but, 2
Page 5
“I Lt or } though I knew when he said he had es- ¥ caped from prison that he was Fatal Fred, * I could not have him arrested, knowing |. the seeret he does, as he would betray , ‘ fae We a bal “You are right, sis.” | “$0 I called Tiger to help-me, and eovered him with my revolver, intending - to hold him a prisoner here until night, | | and then, with Tiger, escort him to your retreat and make sure of him.” / “You are a brave little woman, sis, ) and always do just right. Fortunately, | it is getting dark now, so I will walk him to my retreat; but we must disguise him better than he is, or some sharp-eyed detective will recognize him; and, ar- rested, his first act would be to betray ” / “Does yer intend ter take me to your | retreat to kill me, young feller?’ ‘““T have not decided.” “Tt is meeting night, you know, Nat?” “So much the better, sis. And now as I cannot leaye the man, you go in, please, and bring out a disguise for him, and we will go together.” “What shall it be, Nat?” “ He is clean shaven, or nearly so, and has cropped hair, so I’ll try and make a priest out of him. Get the black clerical ‘suit, high hat and a pair of spectacles.” “All right,” and Olive turned away, Jeaving Nat and Tiger still guarding the felon. “So-you thought you would frighten the Queen of the Ferrets into buying you ~off, did you?” “T wants money, and if you gives me ‘some I'll git so far you'll never hear of ame agin.” “1 do not wish to lose sight of you, ‘Fatal Fred, but keep you for future ref- erence, when it can do us no harm for -you to betray us. What my Ferrets have done has gained them pardon, a dozen times over, for any sins they were guilty of in the past, but we are not yet ready to be known and we do not intend that -you shall betray us.” “That sounds as if you was “me.” “No, we take no life on our hands and «consciences which we are not compelled to do, but I do not intend you shall harm us, and your future liberty depends upon your behavior and what you can do to help us,” said Nat, who did not recall just then what Olive had told him of how the conviet had escaped by taking a life, “perhaps. In a short while Olive returned to the grove with a satchel, in which was the wlisguise, and said: ‘ : “T will get ready to go with you, Nat,” -and she went back to the cottage just as night came on. \ Nat took the suit and ordered the con- -yict to put it on, along with the white collar and black stock and the spectacles, The hat was not a good fit, but would -do, and, placing the other suit in the ssatchel, Nat said: / “You make a very ‘wicked looking “preacher, but you will do in the dark. You carry the satchel and let me tell you that I do not intend to take the dog along, but if you make an attempt to es- cape, I'll simply kill you and report that you are Fatal Fred, that I had captured “you, and trying to escape from me'I shot -you. Do you understand?” — “TT does, fer a certainty!” h “Then come on!” y ts i going to do SS LL — They went side by side to the gate ‘leading into the cottage, and Olive was awaiting them. — ; ‘Tiger, to his great regret, was sent into /* the yard, and the three set off on foot up - the steen hill to where they could cateh a “ar which would take them to the retreat Eat New York Nat, the Unknown Ferret. re te . te ‘i v T OHAPTER VII. TURNING THE TABLES. New York Nat fully realized his danger in taking the convict with him as he did, for at any moment he might make a break for liberty, the moment he got into a erowd or on a car. But the young detective was up to all kinds of tricks, utterly fearless, and accus- tomed to dealing with desperate men. He determined to take no greater chances than he had to, and as a glance at the prisoner’s face when they passed un- der the first lamp post, revealed that he was planning some act of desperation, he halted and said: “See here, Fatal Fred, I do not intend to stand any nonsense with you. I shall kill you as I would a snake, if you at- tempt any trickery, and remember, if you should get the best of me, my sister here is a dead shot and quick as lightning to ‘act. Now, there are the cars we are to take, Olive will get on first, you follow, ahd I will be close behind you.” “The car was hailed; it was not half full, and the three entered, the supposed priest: taking a seat in between Nat and his sis- ter. / te One glance along’the line of passengers, and. the convict becd#me as pale as death, for the look revealed to him, almost oppo- site to him, a well known detective officer. Both Nat and Olive recognized him also, and saw that the detective had caught sight of them, and regarded the: “priest” with a peculiar look. The car stopped, and Nat said, coolly: “T suppose everything is strange to you in the city, Father Gray, coming, as you do, from an inland village?” The conviet understood why the words were uttered, and he tried to speak. He tried hard to put on a pious expres- sion, to appear what his dress indicated, but those bright eyes opposite fascinated him, and he seemed under a spell. He could not reply, and was growing nervous, when Olive said quickly: “We are coming to my street, brother, but you and Father Gray need not get off with me, for it is only a few steps.” “Yes, indeed, we'll escort you there, sis. Come, Father Gray.” And Nat sig- naled to the conductor, the car drew up, and the three left it. Nat saw that the detective continued on with it, as far as they could see it, and then he turned to his prisoner, to look sud- denly into the muzzle of a revolver, and | hear the words: “ Now it’s my turn, and I'd kill a wom- an quick as I would a man!” . Both Nat and Olive had been so atten- tively watching the detective in the re- ceding car they “had not observed that the moment they arose to get out at the cross- ing the conviet had regained his nerve, and, slipping his hand into Olive’s pocket as he crowded her on the platform, he had recovered her revolver. “Well, you are a clever one, and no mistake. A moment ago, scared to death, and now got the drop on both of us!” Nat spoke coolly, and his words and manner slightly disconcerted the convict, but only for an instant, and then he re- plied: | “T wants what valuables and money you both has, and then I goes my way until—another time.” ; Nat was fairly caught, and knew it. Olive was also sure of the fact, but sud- denly glancing around, cried: “Why, Tiger has followed us! Tiger!” The convict turned with an oath, to face ‘the bulldog he so feared. _ ) The act was fatal to his escape, for, Here, arm a severe blow, the revolver dropped * . he Girl Mascot’s Best Score. quick as a flash, New York Nat dealt his to the ground, and his own weapon was thrust into the face of the desperate man, who cried: “I gives in! Don’t shoot, and don’t let thet dog tackle me, nuther.” “There is no dog, except in your imag- ination, Fatal Fred, but it served the pur- pose, so all is well,” remarked Olive, and the felon muttered a bitter curse upon her. “Tt was clever of you, sis, so don’t mind him, for his curses, like chickens, will ! come home to roost. Now we'll catch the next car, which appears to be empty. “Come, Fatal Fred, but remember, if | you are taken by the police you hang, and | your revenge upon us, in betraying us, ‘will hardly compensate for your dance of death at the end of the rope. Get on, and .no nonsense.” They got upon the car, took seats as — before, and rode undisturbed to the street where they left the car to go to the re- treat, though there then were three police officers upon the car. ; The retreat was uptown, not far from Central Park, and a handsome mansion, in which, it was currently reported, sev- eral murders had been committed, and ~ hence it had an unsavory record, and for — a long time had remained vaeated, until — Nat, as an alleged professor of music, un- heeding the tales told of its being haunted, had rented it furnished. There was no house opposite, few near by, and no one was near when Nat as- cended the steps with his prisoner, and, taking a key from his pocket, entered the door, Olive following soon after, for she had delayed for a moment to place a flesh like mask upon her face, CHAPTER VIII. A PRICE ON HIS HEAD. The mansion which had been turned inte the Ferrets’ retreat, was a large and sub- stantial one, double width and four stories high. Once it had been an elegant home of @ foreigner—a Spaniard, who had mysteri- ously vacated it, and furnished as it was, it was seemingly left to go to ruin. After long neglect, however, it was rented by a down-town agency. Nat had had his eye on the place for some time, and quick- ly answered the placard “For Rent” by securing it as an “academy” for a German professor of music, and no one doubted but that the sign in the front window told ~ the truth, and that the well-disguised man who passed in and out was the “profes- sor,” and the Ferrets, in all manners of — disguises, were the ‘“‘pupils.” There was a piano in the house, and other musical instruments had been pur- chased and taken there, while the billiard . room on the third floor had been fitted up — as a “music room,” but in reality was where the band of Unknown Ferrets held their weekly meetings at night. | There were seats there for the band, | and a table, with two arm-chairs behind it for the Ferret captain and the Queen, | who was also the secretary and treasurer of the mysterious league—a lot of youths banded together for Secret Service work, | true as steel to each other, and to their loved chief and Queen—though, as their. mascot, they only knew the latter. ci In the building Nat had his own quar- ters and in a raid upon the premises de-~ teetives would have had to admit that it seemed no more than the home of a music teacher, © tre
Page 6
— ‘The Guard, or, in other words, make them- ’ gelves known to him. He had the run of the house from cel- Jar to attic, never barked, and moved about so quietly. that his presence was only known by his appearance at Nat’s or Olive’s call. Each member of the band had his own pass-key, and when entering would go to the “Lodge Room,” if it was meeting night, or to Nat’s room if they wished to see him particularly. . When Nat and the convict entered, a gas-jet in the hall gave a dim light, but sufficient for the prisoner to behold the dog, several sizes larger than was the bulldog, Tiger. What is that?” gasped the “My Lord! convict. “ Oniy my dog.” “He looks like a bear.” “He is a good dog. and knows his busi- ness. I’ve known him to kill men.” “Oh, Lord! don’t let him get at me.’ Nat turned the gas up, and just then Olive came in, her face masked; but the dog seemed more interested just then in _ the prisoner, and sniffed him all over in a _ -yery alarming way. ¢ “Come, Fatal Fred, I'll be hospitable, and take you jo your room, But, first, are you hungry 7" . “Starved!” | 4. “Then 4 get you some supper, 8001, No Grodked dodging, now, for Guard will jump you at the first break you make.” With this Nat ordered the prisoner to go ahead of him upstairs, and as they reached the third floor, he said: “Some of the boys are there, sis, so go jn, and I'll soon be down; but send Keno up to me, please,” He took a match from his pocket, light- ‘ed the hall gas, opened a door in the mid- dle of the house, revealing what appeared to be a large closet. But a door was be- ; yond, and opening this an inside room , was revealed. There was no window, no other door ; opening into it, but a skylight in the roof |; above. WA A table, easy-chair and cot were the room’s only furniture, and,a lamp was « upon the table. This Nat lighted, and, stepping to the . eot, he threw up the mattress and lifted , out a long steel chain, with rings and a , padlock at each end. Then taking from j his pocket a pair of steel manacles, con- nected by a chain, Nat said: } “Here, Fatal Fred, you must put these on.” The felon started, his eyes glittered, he glanced at the youth as though about to ‘spring upon him, but heard the quiet words: L ; “I’m armed, you know, and, besides, Guard has his eye upon you.” The convict saw the dog, as_ though ready for a spring, groaned, and made no. ‘resistance to Nat’s slipping the manacles upon his ankles. Then the young detective locked one end of the long chain about the short one which connected the manacles, and the other around the iron bed. “The chain allows you to move about, ‘but the bed is too large to get through _ that door without taking it apart, and you - have not the tools to do that. ‘That skylight will give you air and _ light by day, and Guard will be your - Keeper, for the door cannot be closed from « “the inside, you see; but, in fact, he sleeps. _ in this room. — ct. nt bring you some supper soon, and _ your meals each day. Ah, Keno, glad to sae Aer you.” And Nat turned as a tall, slen- rer routh entered t) e room. , f You have a prisoner, —_ a cr er es was going out, New Work Nat: called to him: “T am a little suspicious of Rip, and have been of late from several things he has said_and done. : “Get Doc, Teaser and Flip to help you, and shadow him close, and if you see any-- thing that makes you suspect him, sendi. him to me hereon a message.” Keno looked surprised,. but responded! promptly: All right, Cap’n Nat,. E will. “We cannot afford. to take: any; After taking a close look at tlie prisoner. each one of the youths: filed. out of. the: room and left the house by twos and, threes, except Rip, who went alone. But he was shadowed from the moment: | he left the retreat. , , CHAPTER X., THE CASE OF TRENT TREVOR. When the Ferrets had left the mansion, Guard escorting each one of them to the door, as though counting them, New York Nat was left alone with Olive, who | was all ready to start for her home, waiting for her, brother to accompany — her, as he always did. ja, umed is by bes v i. SI oh Fi
Page 7
The Girl Mascot’s Best Score. “T fear I have got to cause you sor- tow, sis, for I am going to tell you of the fleath of one whom you regarded most ighly.” “Ah, Nat! Who can it be?” “You remember the gentleman who res- ued you one night, years ago, when you vere a flower girl, and two men kid- mapped you?” “Yes, indeed; I can never forget him, or that he was accused of having killed and robbed Blenheim, the pawnbroker, and he was arrested, but escaped from ‘prison, it was said, by killing the jailer; but I never believed that he was guilty in either ease, and all the search I made in the matter showed that he was as inno- cent of one crime as he was found to be of the other. _ “Ts he dead, brother?" thick tl * “YT am very, very sorry, and he has died with a cloud upon his name.” “ Knowing that he was innocent of rob- bing and killing Blenheim, sis, it does not seem to me that he would have killed the keeper to escape, even before he had been tried,” -“*Trne!”. : “But he went West, after his escape, and no one could trace him, I believe.” “Yes, eis; he was traced, after several years, or, rather, recognized by a man who knew him, in the town where he lived, and, failing in business, had gone West, : “ Wishing to replenish his purse with the reward offered for Mr. Trevor, the man betrayed his whereabouts and he Was arrested at his gambling saloon, for he had taken to gambling, and was brought Bast, tried, found guilty of the keeper’s murder and—” é “Oh, Nat! Did they hang him?” cried Olive, excitedly. “Yes, and I wish to tell you a strange coincidence of how I discovered the fact.” Then New York Nat told the story of how he had been delayed at the railway junction, and thus had heard of the hang- ing of Trent Trevor, and had gone to visit him in the jail, and what had fol- lowed. Continuing, ‘he said: “Now, when he asked me, as his only friend, to go with him to the gallows, I could not refuse.’ “No, you did right, brother, for I even would not have refused had I been there and could have added one comfort to him in his last hours, for what must his thoughts have been—hanged for a crime of which he was innocent, for I believe that he told you the truth.” “T. feel sure of it, sis. _. “IT went with him to the gallows, walk- ing side by side with him, | _ “Byvery one was astounded at his ut- terly fearless bearing, for a soldier could not have gone into battle with the hope of winning fame with less dread of death than he showed. Once only his face flushed, and he said then it was at the ‘shame of his ignominious death. - “But he ascended the gallows with the same firm step, thanked the officials for their kindness to him, and, grasping my hand, said: “Remember your pledge. Give my re- - gards to your little sister, and—good-by.’ “His grasp of the hand was firm, he submitted to being bound in silence, did not flinch. _ “I claimed his body, which otherwise Would have filled a nameless graye, and . I placed it in the hands of an undertaker {for burial, paying him to furnish a hand- some coffin, and ordering ‘a small marble column to be placed above him, with his name, date of death and the words: eae he A Ti ait REO hee ot, of course, go on My way ed to see him buried as = aN, sity aes i ee f a yea abe 7h { bid TAIT ———— ee ee at sunset, in a lot I bought for him, and the kind minister who had tried to con- sole him in his last hours read the fun- eral services over him, no one else being present save the undertaker and his as- sistants, and one lady, dressed in black, and deeply vailed. “Who she was no one knew, but I heard her sobbing and saw her form quivering with emotion.’ “Who can she have been?” **Some one, the clergyman and under- taker thought, in the cemetery at the time visiting loved ones’ graves, and came to the funeral, but such was not the case.” “You shadowed her, then?” ** Yes, to ‘her home, and she lives in a neighboring town, and is the wife of a rich man. Some day I may visit her to get certain information, for I intend to prove to the world that Trent Trevor was innocent.”* “ And I will help you all in my power, brother,’ was the earnest response of the Girl Queen of the Ferrets, CHAPTER XI. } THBHB SAME SECRET. “Say, young feller, don’t you want to git into a deal for dust?’ The speaker Was a young man dressed like a dude, with his hair curled, His hat set back on his head, eye-glasses, a cane and a flushed face, ; The one he addressed was a very hard- faced youth, roughly dressed and appar- ently ready for anything from a fight to a foot race, though he looked very nery- ous just then and was standing half a block away from Police Headquarters, ap- parently watching the entrance as though interested in the going in or coming out of some one. “What's in it, dude?” he asked, in a sly way, answering the question of the young man. a snug pile for you.” \ “What’s the game?’ “Do I look like a fool?” “You looks like a dude, and all dudes is fools!” “You have cut your eye teeth, I see, and I want a shrewd, sharp youngster to help me.” “ What's yer bis?” “Making money.” “Then I’m in it with both feet.’’ “What do you do?” : “ Anything, everything, nothing,” *“ Good!’ “T want just sueh a fellow to help me.” : “Sing your song and I'll catch on to ther tune.”’ “First, I’m a detective.” The youth started visibly, his face paled and he gasped as he looked at the young man, who said: “Don't get seared, for, though you have no doubt done enough to hang you, I'm not shadowing you. “T’m a deteetive, as I said, and I’ve got on to a great secret. It is one that will pay big money, but if I get a Ferret pard to help me, he will demand half of the gain—see!” » “IT hain’t blind. ° “So you wants to pay me what you choose, and you git it all?’ “No, I will pay you twenty-five per cent of the gross earnings.” “Will there be much?’ “TI know that there is in sight live thousand in jone pile, three thousand in another and one thousand in another,” : , Ge nill! What's it all about?” ,, That isn’t all, for in another lot . everyting froin five to fifteen t rh i“ And me twenty-five per i 9 ; vor ee phe ieee re, i ‘te "ier a ; a a ) Fie) “There’s a great deal in it for me, and_ | hoodlum pulling the oars. — A Rae ae | the detective said: ae Yes,” “T’m yer game?” “Where do you live?’ { “ Anywhere night catches onto me,” ““No home?’ “Not a photograph of any.” -* Any parents?” “Don’t know him if I has. inherited from the home pile.” “Any friends?” ae One.”’ “ Who?’ “ Here,” and the youth took a roll off bills out of his pocket. “T see you are a sharp one.” “Oh, I’m all right. Now, what’s to be done?” “Get the rewards out for a man who is wanted, for that is what I need you Tier" “See here, you i$ a detective.” ae Yes.” ““Well, I has a leetle game ter play, too, and I were jist layin’ here to catch some detective I knows by sight ter run me in ter see the chief, for I has some- thing to tell there’s money in, too. You . j can help me, and I goes you twenty-five — per cent., as you does me, if you fix it so I. don’t get jailed and gets my dust. What does yer say?” “It’s a bargiin, but to my game first, for we can’t delay.” ; ** Shout?’ “Have you ever heard of Fatal Fred, the burglar?’ : The young hoodlum started and an-— pwered: “Yes, I have heard of him.” , “Do you know what ‘he has been up to lately ?”’ “Well, the poliee and Secret Ser- , vice foree are on a blind trail, and think | he has been drowned or been killed, * _ since they can get no clew to him. But they are away off.” “ They. is?’ : “Yes, and he is the one that the chief of police offers five thousand for, dead or alive, the prison authorities two thou- sand and the family of the boatman he murdered a thousand more. “Then he made money by his bur- glaries and has it hidden away, confessing _ nothing when he went to prison, intends| ing to escape and enjoy it.” ' “T see, said the blind man.” “Now, I know where he is, and with’ your aid we ¢an run him into the chief's quarters and: get our rewards.” “Ts he in this city?” “He is, in a house IT saw him enter, | disguised as a priest, and accompanied — by a young man and a girl.” ies “See here, cully, I guess you knows, — and.I knows, too, for it were Fatal Fred — that IT had im my mind ter tell to ther — thief for what I could get out-of it. Yes, we is onto ther same racket, and ’'m with ~ you, so now “we knows each other A toe — etcetera, sO Say your say and I'll say, — mine and: we'll add up ther figgers— © see?’ eS “T do see, and we will make a good — thing out of this affair,” and they, | walked off together. eae CHAPTER. XII, tyr aes LED ASTRAY. eek. The two, apparently so ill-matched, — walked along until they came to a placa | where boats could be hired. =) Here they halted, the detective paid the _ price, and entering a neat skiff they start ed for an hour’s row upon the river, huckleberry. ‘Whai’s the Been: dis- gers ( 3 When out of all fear of beit ah 5, ry ay “Now I'll give you my ga 3 UU full.” te ae te <6 . Ke ise 7 { y Pe eee
Page 8
The Girl Mascot’s Best Se 5 vg Tre, ** Spout!” “You see, I wish to make all I can, and ~ to get out of this business.” see - td “If I called in the aideof a fellow-detec- tive, he would get an equal divvy, while to you a quarter of the sum will be big money.” * You bet; but she goes at a quarter; no “more, no less.” “ That is understood, “Now, the rewards say ‘dead or alive.’ ” bse fo Se . “The man is safe in a house I know, ~and I don’t believe but one person lives there; but we may have to make a fight to get him, and maybe.-will have to put ~ the man himself to sleep.” That's easy.” “Now, I want you to go to the house “with my keys, for we'll watch and see when the one who dwells there goes out; youcan enter, for I’ve a key that will fit any lock, and there igs no one near to see, and you can find the man. You must go ready to put him to sleep if you have to, and then call me in, for I'll have a carriage Rear, and we'll get the body and carry it uo ty Police Headquarters. See?’ wilted “ Yes.” “I'll state that you recognized the pris- oner and knew me, and we dogged him there and caught him, ‘together, but I had ' to kill him, as he attacked us.” “ We'll run him in, either dead or alive, as circumstances may happen.” ' “Take him dead is safest, for he may _tell something that will knock me out of some dust.” , “You will haye to put him to sleep, then.” “I kin do it, and never blink an eye.” “ How?” _ “Why, we'll take him to cross the river . after we get his dust, and let him fall ~ overboard, with a rope to him, and we ‘ kin say he jumped over, preferrin’ ter die than be hanged. See?’ “A good idea.” “And we kin git all his dust.” ini Yes.”’ - me.” vo Well?” “T knows where Fatal Fred is.” “Tell me.” “Now, there is a gang-o’ Hooditm, or Gamin Ferrets, in this city, who has been playin’ a dead sure game on ther police j and detectives. I guesses nigh abot all of ’em is pickled.” - ' “ Pickled?” hair f . % “Well, salted down as jail-birds, fer ‘ _they was tough citizens until a missionary - young man and a gal got ’em to reform. They didn’t give no Salvation Army lay- out on that, but they, hevin’ been crooks themselves, they laid out to catch ’em, and organized a band o ’ferrets. ; “They has worked diligent for two things—pardon fer their own sins and _ ther rewards for catchin’ crooks, “ee I do.”s “They hopes to spring themselves some day from thet ther Secret Service chief, with a halo around their heads, and git pardon fer what they has done, and ther money to their credit fer rewards.” See?" | et en > i a ae “Go on!” * “Now, they is reformed in my eye, Betty Martin.” “They are not honest, then, in their ’ reformation?” ‘tou ae ie " ¥ a “ Nary. | Pm one of ’em, and does yer see any . Balo around my gourd, does yer hear me i hy a a - ~ singin’ psalms?” acs? tO BOL ie “Now, if ther Secret Service Mogul pays for it, I can hand over this gang to iy) eae must get my money and my , re" ins ot ier TOMMY bo * wih . 5)9 . | z : - Now, pal, I wants yér ter listen see?” dog around!” pardon, you getting your twenty-five per cent. o’ ther cash, and of ther pardon, too, if yer needs it.” * Good!” “Ther chief wants ter find ’em, fer he can’t place ’em ter save him, no matter how hard he tries. “ Now, does you play this game with me, pal?” ‘** Indeed, I will.’ “You can work it for my pardon and all?” * Ves.” “Then we is in it fer keeps, and I'll tell you that ther place whar Fatal Fred is in hiding is the retreat of them young Ferrets, for he is a prisoner there, and they intended ter give him up themselves some day, C. O. D. * Now, you knows it all, as I does, and we can work the racket for all there is in at,” “ We will!” was the eager response, and the boat’s prow was turned back toward, the starting-point, while the detective asked: “What is your name?” “Rips CHAPTER XIII; PUT TO SLEEP. “There is the mansion—is it the one you meant?” asked the detective, as late in the afternoon he had gone past the Ferrets’ retreat, (‘accompanied by the youth with whom he had entered into a compaet. , ‘That's ther dive.” “Well, the young man is not there, for I saw him go out before you came here to meet me.” “Then I’ll go and see how things lay for a talk with ther prisoner.” ' *¥es,” “When I gits things down fine I'll come out and tell yer, and we kin go and walk off with ther cove to where we has our boat waitin’.” “T guess I'd better give him ther sleep- in’ potion arter he gives it "way whar his boodle is hid, for he drowns easier— “All right, we'll decide on that when we know where his plunder is. “Now go.” The youth walked off toward the man- sion, It was just twilight, and there was no. street lamp within half a block of the house. No one seemed to be about the streets just then and the youth ascended the steps, opened the door with a pass-key he had with him and entered. Guard heard the key enter the léck, and was on hand to welcome the visitor. He recognized him, greeted him with a wag of the tail and followed him in his going over the house to see if any one was there, Going up to the top floor the youth lighted the gas in the upper hall and made his way into the prison room. Striking a match he lighted the lamp and revealed the prisoner lying upon his cot, Some dishes were on the table, showing that he had just had supper, and the man gazed at him with some surprise, remarking: * , ip? sy * You is one of the gang?” es.’ t “a “T has only seen ther captain ther two days I has been here.” iis Where is he?” t “Gone out.” ““Did he say where?” “He told thet durned dog thar ter | ter nrison again.” Fen watch o’ me, as he'd be gone some’ on?” iJ There is uo chance for you with dat | ri “No; he watches me all ther ti me and I is afraid he’ll jump onter me if 1 moves.” : ‘‘ He is a bad one, but he knows me.” “He seems to.” ' “See here, pal, hain’t you gettin’ sort aut hs 9 thought they is goin’ ter han yer?”’ “Does yer think I has no feelin’s?”’ “Well, I has, and good ones, and don’t want ter see you hang if I kin hel Ne q The prisoner sat up so quickly in be that Guard came into the room on _ jump. “Go out, Guard. I’m on duty now, commanded ‘the youth, and the dog obeyed, “Did I hear you jist right, young fel ler,” eagerly said the man. “T said I didn’t want ter see yer hung I hain’t no hard-hearted feller, as lon as I kim help you, and git dust fer th job.” “Young feller, you built me up i#r pul me all down agin, fer I hain’t got a dol lar in ther world. My pal as got hangeé knew whar ther dust was we had laid np but he wouldn’t tell nobody, and so I'v got nothin’, so if yer were goin’ ter save me this minit for five dollars § cud nol give it to yer.” The youth's face underwent a changé for he seemed to feel that the man wa telling the truth. ; For a moment he was silent, and thet he said: “Pal, I wants money and I wants f bad, but I intends ter help you.” The prisoner grew intensely excited, and the youth continued: “Keep cool, now, and I'll arrange t help yer out o’ here. I has a pard as has a boat, and he hain’t far away, so kin send him to ther river ter wait fet — us, and he can put you on the Jersey shore, and you kin tramp it throug ther country in thet disguise, while I has a little money I’ll give ver.” “Why do you do this?’ é “Ter squar’ myself with ther gang.” “T'll go, now, and see thet friend o mine ter hey ther boat ready fur us.” “ But kin you git these bracelets off of me?” “Yes, I has keys as will unlock ’em but say, pal, would yer like ter hey drink ter steady yer naryes?” “Would a cat catch a rat? “Tt would make a new man 0’ me, sd fetch me some.” ; “T has a flask with me,” and the youth took a flask from his pocket and handed x to the prisoner, who placed it to his ips. Then the youth put the flask to his lips after which he left the room and th house, Guard escorting him to the door. The detective was waiting for him, and asked, anxiously: “Did you see him?” “You bet!’ Y “ Well?” i “He, hain’t got a dollar on earth!” “ Are you sure?” The youth related the conversation be tween the prisoner and himself, and the detective seemed satisfied. Then the young hoodlum continued: ; “Yer see, if we tuk him in alive, he'd) squeal ter save himself, and give ther hul: ~ | thing o’ ther Ferrets’ retreat away and » knock us out. see) “ Now, I hain’t no lawyer, but my idea is that a man under life sentence can't. be punished no more, so they’d get alll they could from him and send him back) +m 7 “Well?” - “But we'd lose ther Ferrets.” ‘ “That is so.” + 4 i
Page 9
“So we has goth ter take him in dead, and I kin do the squealin’ on ‘ther Fer- _ -‘Tets, and git dust fer it.” poate And you will kill him?’ asked ‘the de- ‘tective, in a whisper. | “Pal, git yer carriage and you do ther drivin’, fer ther corpse is ready.” The detective started, but said: _“ What do you mean?” “When I found he had no boodle, I jist put him ter sleep with that!” and he held up the flask. OHAPTER XIV. THE TRAITOR FRRRET. . That the detective was deeply moved ‘by the cool confession of Rip, of how he had “put the prisoner to sleep,” his ac- tions proved, for he made no reply and walked up and dowr an instant as though in deep thought. “Don't git scart, pal, for it hain’t noth- in’ ter help 2 man out o’ life. j * Besides, I did it, so you go and git ther vehicle, fer we hain't no time ter lose, as thet New York Nat may come or any time and he be a dandy, he e “What will you do?” | “Vl go back and git ther bracelets off ‘Of him and tote him ‘down to ther door. “Then we kin git on each side of him and take him to the earriage to where our boat is. “We kin git him inter it, and I'll take him fer a boat ride on the river, while Sd takes the carriage back to ther sta- ble. , and drive “When you comes ter join me, we'll give him the bath, so as ter make him look drowned, put ‘ther bracelets on him agin, and row him down as neat ther Headquarters as we kin and you send fer. ther patrol waggin ter take his remains up to ther chief, and we kin tell how you got on his trail, I helpin’ yer, and he jumped overboard from ther boat and drowned, ‘but we got his valuable re- mains. “Then I kin sell out ther gang o’ Un- knowns fur what ther chief will give me, and we has done a fairly good night's Ww ork—see ? 49 “Yes, I do see, and I also see ‘that you hig ‘about the hardest nut I ever saw, - Rip’ “TI consider that a compliment.” The detective muttered something, to himself and then said: ** Are you sure you gave him enough | to kill him?” “Yes, ter kill half a dpzen, for he took _ two swigs at ther flask, and one was enough. oe “Go back and get all ready, then, while I go after a carriage.” _ “Drive yourself, mind, for we don’t want no questions axed, or long division in ther reward.” “T will see to that,” and the detective walked rapidly away, while the young traitor; returned to the retreat of New York Nat and entered as before. But. the detective did not go far before he turned around and started back for the house. He did not ascend the steps, but went in by the basement door, having keys that admitted him He had hardly entered before several muffled forms came along and turned into the basement door, being promptly admitted by the detective. _ “He has gone up-stairs,”” whispered the “detective, and he led the way through. _the dark rooms with the aid of a dark lantern. =- Going to the first floor they heard Guard coming down-stairs, but as he ap- | proached the detective seized him by the collar and Jed him to the cellar, locking th e goer: upon him, The a a had remoyed their shoes, and now moved slowly and noiselessly up-stairs. The halls were dimly lighted, only from the first floor and fourth, where there was a single gas jet burning. They seemed to constantly expect to meet some one coming down, but reached the top floor without doing so. They heard a rattle of chains in the prison room, and ‘the impatiently ut- tered words: “T must find a key ter fit these irons, or I ean’t git him away.” “There is no need of removing the body, Rip. I will attend to that!” Rip uttered a ery of terror and sprang to his feet, but sank back upon the cot again as the light of three bull’s eye lan- terns blazed into his eyes and he saw his an ally with a revolver leveled at 1im. “Yer is a cop, was playin’ me and has got me dead, but I'll turn State’s evidence and let yer onter a big thing,” cried Rip, nervously. “No need of it, Rip, for we are on to the big thing, which is to betray your comrades. “See here, without my eye-glasses, this rough and tumble rig, and the red paint taken from my face, the plumpers out of my cheeks to make me look fat, and the stain off of my white teeth, you'll find that I am New York Nat, for the time be- ing Detective Cobb, to entrap you. ‘*T grew suspicious of you, Rip, and set Keno and several others to shadow you. They felt I was right, for you were hang- ing about the police and detective quar- ters trying to get up courage to betray us. I then took a hand in the game as Detec- tive Cobb, and trapped you. ae | little dreamed you intended to kill that man, but you ‘did so the moment you found you could not bleed him for money. You were determined that he should net betray us, for that was your pleasing duty. Now, Rip, you have got- ten us into a fix with that dead body in the house, but I will carry out the plan of getting rid of it as you intended, by the carriage and the boat. “ Ass for you, I have the key of those irons, and will unlock them, and you are to wear them, but first, Keno, go down and release Guard, that he may under- stand that Rip is the prisoner he is to watch now, and he will do it.” Keno went after the dog, while the young traitor sat like one dazed at his discovery, for he did not utter a word. Keno soon returned with the dog, and New York Nat said: “Here, Guard, watch this fellow!” Guard growled and kept his eye upon Rip, while Nat unlocked the manacles from tbe ankles of the corpse and placed them upon the traitor Ferret. “See, Guard, he is the one to watch— see?” - Again Guard growled and seemed to unaerstand the situation perfectly, for he lay dewn by the sice of the iron cot. “Now, Keno, you must get a carriag» and play driver, while you, Doc, remain here to help me, and Foxey, you must go at once to see our ally, Mr. Sher- man Canfield, and ask him to go to the chief of the Secret Service, get a patrol Wagon, and go to the foot of West Sey- emty street. “We will bring the boat in there, and when we see the patrol wagon commMg will put the body ashore and row away.” “Yes, sir,” said Foxey. “And should Mr. Canfield not be at home, though I think he will be, as I telegraphed him I would be there to see him, simply go into the district messen- ger office, write a note to the chief? tell- | ing him to — to where the. boat _ and ‘The Girl Mascot’s s Best: eiciinee ‘haye Teazer take it to him, for he is on 2 nn = a’ duty there to-night.” Keno and Foxey at once departed on their errands, while Doc remained to aid New York Nat get the body of the con- vict down to the lower floor to await the coming of the carriage. CHAPTER XV. THE ALLY. “Tn! a handsome residence upon one of the cross streets of New York, not very far from Herald Square, a2 young man was seated, enjoying his after-dinner cigar, when a servant entered and in- formed him that there was a youth who wished to see him. “Show him in, Bottles,’ he said, and then murmured: “New York Nat in some disguise, or one of my young Ferret pards.” He was a handsome man, with a strong face, yet one who saw him in New York would neyer suspect that he had won a name as a border boy of daring and skill, had followed many a dangerous trail, and been in many a deadly encounter with redskins, His name was Sherman Canfield, and, detained in New York for some time on business, he had met New York Nat, and ~ owed him his life, the man and the boy thus becoming Sworn friends, that ended in an alliance between them in which all dealings of the Unknown Ferrets with the . chief of the Secret Service were trans- acted through Mr. Canfield, thus keeping the youthful detectives still a mystery. _ It was Foxey who entered the hand- some library where Sherman Canfield sat, for New York Nat had been given a pass- key to the house, and went and came at — any time. Several of the band of Werréts were known to Mr. Canfield, the fair young Girl Queen, Keno, Doc and Foxey being the ones, so that at a glance the messenger was recognized. “Ah, Foxey, you are my visitor, are you? “T expected New York Nat, as he said he would come on an important matter this evening.” “It’s a trifle more important, Mr. Can- field, than Cap’n Nat expected, so he was detained, and sent me,” answered Foxey, and he delivered the message New York Nat had sent. *T will go at once to see the chief, and will accompany the patrol wagon to the spot you mention. “ But am I to make no other report?’ “That is all, sir, fot Cap'n Nat will see you upon your return home and explain.” “ All right; and the body to be deliv- ered, you tell me, is that of the escaped eonvict known as Fatal Fred?’ “Yes, sir.” “The chief will be glad to get Fatal Fred, dead or alive. ay Now, I'll be off.” Foxey left the house with Sherman Can- field, and the two parted at Broadway, where the latter took a hack for the head- quarters of the Secret Service chief, the latter making his way to the rendezvous | on the river, to see if New York Nat had | arrived. Reaching headquarters, Sherman Cant field was A em by the officer in charge, and at once admitted to the chief's private ofiice. " “Ah, Mr. Canfield, glad to see you, and of course you bring me some more news of work done by my ed lies,” said the chief, plessanily. “Tf you would like to captur caped convict, sir, known as Fatal can tell you about him.” “By great Caesar’s ghost! deed = news,, sins eK Revs =
Page 10
a’ ee ae ee ee ee i j out constantly on the search, and without | and clear up the mystery of the killing of | he had done, you delivered him over ag results, in spite of the very liberal re- wards offered for him, dead or alive.” “Well, you are to get him dead, chief,” “Ah, he has been killed, then?’ “TI can tell you nothing more, sir, than if you send a patrol wagon to this place” —and Sherman Canfield handed a slip of paper on which was an address—‘“‘you will find there the body of Fatal Fred,” “Ts there any, one there to tell me more ?”’ “Not to-night, sir; but to-morrow I will call and give you full information, as that is as much as your Unknown Ferrets deem it necessary for you to know,” “All right. I shall be glad to know all that I can, but if I don’t find out who those Unknown Ferrets are, I shall be a candidate for the asylum,” said the chief, with a laugh. Then he added: “T will take a carriage and go myself, Will you accompany me?” “T have a carriage at the door, and will go with you.” f “Then I will order a patrol wagon from an up-town station, Come on!” They entered the carriage and drove rapidly away. Before turning toward the river the chief stopped in an up-town hotel and wired to a station to send a patrol wagon to the spot indicated, and then. drove on. He was anxious to reach the spot before the patrol did. But Foxey had already arrived at the lonely place, and which was dark and de- serted, and had seen a boat coming slowly toward where he stood, ae Cap’ p ha ‘ “ Ay, ay, Foxey,” * “I told him, sir, and the patrol will - ¥ soon be here.” “Then help us out with the body, and well be off.” _ This was done, the body being laid out decently on the ground, the hands folded eg the breast, and a blanket spread over ts “Now come into the boat, Foxey, and we'll row out upon the river to watch for the patrol wagon,” said Nat. Woxey was soon in the boat, which rowed off shore a hundred feet and waited. ! CHAPTER XVI, INTPRYIDW WITH THE CHIEF. The carriage dashed up to the rendez- yous and halted, the chief and Sherman Canfield springing out ane dismissing the hackman, who drove away, most curious to know what the two gentlemen could want at that lonely place at night. A short search by. the chief revealed - the blanket-covered body, and his ear de- tected the sound of oars out upon the ‘Fiver... “There are your friends, Canfield. “They waited until they saw us arrive, and are now off for their haunt, wherever ' itis, ; “Vd give a cool thousand to cateh _ them.” 3 “You might kill the goose that lays the. » golden egg, chief, for if you found out who your unknown allies are, you would _ fail to discover many crimes they discover ‘for you, and perhaps could not employ _ them in your service,” said Sherman Can- L Th Mascot’s Bes Sco e Girl this man?’ “Yes, sir; I'll come with all the infor- mation I can get for you.” : “‘T will have to report the affair to-mor- row, and those curious young newspaper men will wish to know the whole story.” “ Yes, sir; but here comes the patrol.” “ Now we will know if this is really the body of Fatal Fred.” “The Unknown makes few mistakes, sir.”’ “True; but nine thousand dollars re- ward is enough to tempt some people to kill a man and dress him up to represent the convict, though, of course, I do not make that charge against your men, as their information sent me has always been thorough and truthful.” The patrol wagon now drew up, half a dozen police, led by a sergeant, sprang ‘out, and, recognizing the ehief, saluted. “ Sergeant, there is a body there to be taken to headquarters. “See if any of your men recognize the man.” The sergeant walked over to the body, the men following, and, throwing back the blanket, flashed a bull’seye lantern in the face. ; “Why, it’s—” “Sh! Do not eall the name if you know him, but let each man see if he recognizes the body, and come here to me and say who he is.” * The men all looked at the body closely. Two of them beside the sergeant said they knew him, and approaching the chief the sergeant said: "It is the escaped convict, sir, Fatal Fred.” One of the men came up and said: “Tt’s the man who eseaped, sir, Fatal Fred.” The other man remarked in a whisper, as had the others: “T’m pretty sure it’s the man every- body is looking for, sir, Fatal Fred, the escaped convict.” “All right. Remove the body, ser- geant. “Mr. Canfield, I guess your men have won the prize; but ride up in the wagon as far as Broadway.” : This they did, and leaying the patrol wagon, Sherman Cantield dropped into a theater, bought an orchestra seat, went in, remained a short while, and, coming out, took a cab and drove rapidly home. He was fearful that the chief might dog him to see if he had any visitor at home awaiting him, and thus be able to shadow New York Nat. When he entered his library, Sherman Canfield found New York Nat, disguised ‘as the “professor,’* awaiting him, * Ah, Nat, you are ahead of me, I see?’ “Yes, sir; I landed a few blocks above, . after the carriage arrived, and came here. “Some one was in the carriage with you, sir?’ “Yes; the chief. Now, tell me, Nat, how did you manage to catch that es- caped convict?” New York Nat told his story, from be- ginning to end, and how Rip had turned traitor and been entrapped. “I could only send to you, sir, to help us out, as we had the body on our hands, you know.” é “Yes; but what am I to tell the chief to-morrow ?” “Tell him, sir, that Fatal Fred was cor- nered by the Unknowns, and while a prisoner, waiting to be delivered up, he took poison, thus ending his own life.” “That is the truth, and a_ plausible story, for he would expect no mercy, and preferred to die by his own hand than to be hanged. | “Tl state nee i ore. { he firmly believed in the innocence of th in the ‘ Book of Crimes” a history of th case, but I would like for you to find ou from the chief all that he can tell yot about the affair.” whole band of the Unknown on the ease:). so I hope to make some discovery soon.” | oner?”’ and have got to keep him until we ca get rid of him in some way—just how, I do not now know.” leave, and hastened back to his retrea for he felt a little anxious regarding hi traitor prisoner. told him that there was some one there, himself some day caused him to be particu- larly friendly with Guard or not I do no know, but he had always played with the dog when he went to the retreat, had seldom forgotten to take him some little luxur had thus made himself ‘solid’? with him. New York Nat in his act of treachery to- ward the squelched. in the murder of Fatal Fred—for that did not disturb him in the slightest degree—but he realized that he had broken faith with his comrades, and he did not know what might be the consequences to himself. cess he had seen a small fortune fade from his grasp. share of the “Reward Fund,” when di- vided, some two thousand dollars; but, | tricky himself, he could not’ believe that’ New York Nat would keep faith with him, but expected him to bolt with amount. for himself and skip. was the Ferret Captain, so had added mur- der to his crime of treachery and had got- + ‘ten himself in irons and a prisoner, with — chances of some dire fate, as he regarded — it, being the result, ; ‘did not have a doubt that the band would | decide to kill him, and he already felt that he would haye a stone tied around his. neck and be dropped in the river like a} eat to drown. . “4 to rally from the shock of being caugh tossed restlessly upon the cot, denly he turned his: Fath that when you found what | was lying upon the Lif at . 4 ' ay die fa Syed a Bal MNT 4 ghetto e I hy Oo Wa ee PTV NEY Lag Rn on ee ee 7 " ee c — best you could. ' “Yes; that is a plain story, and the pub- li¢ need only know that Fatal Fred, en trapped by the chief’s detectives; took hi own life.” “Yes, sir; and you know how I appre ciate your kindness in the matter. Bu this being settled, I will now tell you what I intended to eall and see you aboul. to-night.” And New York Naé told hig” ally the story of Trent Trevor's hanging and all that he had discovered, and tha “* Now, Mr. Canfield, ““T will, Nat, to-morrow.” ; “Thank you, sir; and I have put th “I hope so. But what about yeur pris. ae Rip?’ “ Yes.” “ Well, sir, we've got him upon our hands,. “We will think of a plan.” “All right, sir.’ And Nat took his: As he entered the door, voices up-stairs CHAPTER XVII, _ THE TRAITOR PRISONDR. Whether Rip’s premonition of evil to in the way of canine edibles, and When he had been caught so cleverly by band, Rip was_ positively} He acted as though dazed by the blow. | It was not that he had been found out Just in the moment of his supposed suc- It was true that he would have, as a tie entire So he had planned to make a large haul But he had not been half so clever as. As he had shown what he would do, he i / As this thought grew upon him he beg un. A cold sweat broke out: ee floor wat Sp > 4 ea « Pee PU,
Page 11
The Girl Mascot’s Be / aes Then Rip bethought him of something. . It was of eseape. | ‘He recalled that he had put a tempting morsel in his pocket for Guard, in case he hould have any trouble getting out with Fatal Fred. He felt for it and took it out. But Guard growled as he moved. | $o Rip began to play the indifferent. _ He began to sing, and he had a good Voice, . Guard seemed to like it, at least. Then Rip raised one foot after the other, pulled off his shoes, and slipped those irons eff with only a iittle trouble, for the boy had remarkably small hands and feet. Then he replaced his socks and shoes, and b to whistle. Suddenly he called out; “ Here, Guard, catch!’ Guard did catch, and he was pleased with the bun, and was thus tempted. _ Rip sat up and Guard caught another mouthful. Then Rip walked across to the table. Guard was surprised. He thought that he was ironed. He felt that he had made a mistake, or, at least, excused his neglect of duty in that way, for he could not fully under- stand the situation, Guard was given another mouthful, this time eating from Rip’s hand. * Come, Guard,” said the youth, careless ly, and the two left the prison room But Rip felt that he was an outcast. He dared not venture to go in person to betray the band, for he would be hanged for murder, he thought. But he would have his revenge and be- i, them. till, he had no desire ta become a fugi- tive empty-handed. . He would have to leave New York, and Ait the money he had in his pocket was forty dollars. - He knew that New York Nat kept a strong box in the retreat, with a few hun- dreds in ready funds, perhaps more. _ It must be in Nat's own room, So there he went, and a search revealed the box, hiddena way in the furnace register. A key on Rip’s bunch opened the box, and the youth was delighted with his find. He was so pleased that he stopped to count it. - Guard was watching him and trying to eonvince himself that it was all right. “Seyen hundred and sixty dollars here, and with the forty [ have will give me eight hundred. “T guess I'm no poor kid, and I'll travel. “But lll write ther chief 0’ ther Seeret Service this very night, and send it by a messenger, telling him ter pull this place, and he'll get his grip on New York Nat, and if he’ll hev’ his men lay low they'll gobble ther whole band, “Ym not ther kind ter fool with and do an injury to,’ and Rip seemed to feel that he was the injured one. ‘When he entered Nat's room he had closed the door behind him, shutting him- self and Guard in. Now, as he turned to go, tossing the rifled box on the bed, the door suddenly Geanea and he gave a ery of terror as he beheld a reyolyer leveled at him, if G - GHAPTER XVII. “HPRE, GUARD, AT HER!” It seemed a startling surprise to Guard as well as to Rip, to feel that some one ‘Had entered the house and now con- ; fr onted pg 3 ng clo with bi Guard was still interested in any other have for him and of his duty. 4 at Rip might 1 3Ppasaniatead It seemed to fill the dog with pride to feel that never a key went into the door . down-stairs that he did not go down to | greet the visitor. But now he was fairly caught and at sight of the intruder lus tail drooped and for the first time in his life Guard looked’ sheepish, and felt as he looked. And the youth? So confident was he that New York Nat was out for half the night and he had the house to himself for several hours, that he had not busied himself. There were weapons of different kinds in the house, and he had intended to well arm himself before going by making a choice seleetion. In fact, Rip knew that Nat had a very extensive wardrobe, and he meant to fit | himself out with clothes, underwear and shoes, picking up ~vhat else of value he could find and packing all in a large satchel he saw in the room. Rip intended to start upon his travels as well prepared as he possibly could. Brut there before him stood one whose eyes were upon him with a look he did not like. “Well, Rip, you are a thief as well as a traitor,” were the words he heard. “T guess I has a share in ther money,” he growled. “You have a share in the common treas- ury, yes, or did have until you forfeited it by your treachery. J “What you are taking now is money belonging personally to Captain Nat.” “Well, what yer going ter do about it, Girl Mascot?” _Unheeding the question, Olive said: “T arrived just in time to eateh you, and I am glad, for you were a prisoner, but in some way freed yourself of your irons and won the friendship of that dog—Guard, I am ashamed of you—come here, sir!” : The dog started toward her in a skulk- ing way, when Rip called out: “ere, Guard! Come here, sir!” Guard half turned, and Olive stamped her foot and cried: “Do you hear me, sir? “Lie down there!” “Don't you do it, Guard, _ “Here, good dog.” Guard looked ten years older. His face was full of misery, and not knowing just what to do, he compromised matters by lying down halfway between the Girl Queen and the youth. Rip smiled viciously and said, with a sneer: “ Well, I axed yer what yer was going ter do about it?” “T am going to make you return to your prison room, and give up the money you have taken.” “How yer going ter make me?” “YT stand between you and liberty. If you attempt to pass out, I will kill you.” “Yer hain’t got ther nerve.” “Try me!’ But, though he could not read the ex- pression on that masked face of ‘the Girl Queen, Rip did not make the attempt to accept her invitation, but said: “You don’t scare me a little bit.” “Do you intend to obey me?” ‘* No, I don’t.” “Then you do not leave this house alive.” ; ~“T has got shootin’ irons, too.” \ DAW them and try to drive me if you ean!” , “ Attempt to draw a. krife and I break hey yer don’t let me. pass Tl knife. yer, if yer. is a gal!” \y your arm with a bullet, for you know I am a dead shot, for you have heard it.” “If I gives up ther boodle will you let y a "J and New York Nat stepped st Score. lowing close with Guard by “ What does yer say I has got ter do%”’ * Hold on! Lf you go near that gas to. turn it out, I will fire.” The youth halted quickly, and agaim said: : “What must I do?” “Go to your prison again!” ; “ Well, step back and let me pass out.’”” “J will not. You must walk in front of me and I will keep my revolver upon your back.” The youth seemed driven to desperation. His face grew very ugly in its wickel-- ness, and he said, savagely: “Yer won't let me go, and, durn yer,, yer has got ter take ther consequences. Here, Guard} At her! At her!” The huge dog sprang to his feet with a. vicious growl, and Olive saw her danger and met it bravely. “Down, Guard!” she cried, sternly, and. with a light umbrella she oarried she struck the dog a heavy blow, breaking: the umbrella to pieces. The act mastered the dog, and he: crouched with a whine at her feet. CHAPTER XIX: THE MASOOT QUEEN ON: GUARD, Rip bad expected the dog would. obey;~ him. He had intended to call him. off: after’ frightening the girl, and then make his. break for liberty by putting. out the gas. and in the darkness making his escape. But the brave act of Q@live in facing: the danger by striking the dog discon- certed him completely, and. he stood im: the half-<dazed manner that had over-- whelmed him when his treachery was: discovered by New York Nat. “T know now how low, despicable and! cruel you can be, so don’t drive. me to’ take your life. I have no fear of yout now, for I know my power and can make this dog tear you to death if you drive me to it. Here, Guard!” . The dog ¢rouched closer at her feet and whined. Regaining his composure, Rip called also. — to the dog. . But Guard turned a deaf ear to him» — now. f | ‘*Guard, come up here!’ ' The dog obeyed the command of Olive... and she laid her left hand upon his head,. — still grasping the revolver with her right,. | and keeping her eyes upon the youth. “Guard, do you cee that bad fellow?”” The dog glanced around at Rip, | growled and showed his teeth. hy Guard was redeeming himself, and Rip: — turned deadly pale, for he saw that there: was no chance longer for him. ; “Now, sir; I’ll stand no nonsense from: — you after your attempt to make this dog’ spring upon me, and if you do not obey k me I'll show you that Guard will obey _ me. Go back to your prison, I say!” : “T'll go, fer yer has hoodoo’d ther blamed dog, and I don,t want ter be eat | up, but some time I'll git even, see if I | don’t.” 3 ‘ " “ Obey me, sir; and no threats!” sternly, said Olive, and the youth did so, she fol- — er side, Back to the prison room’ went muttering savage curses, and not, evem a hearing the coming of New York: a) at. ¢ . ; f ! ' “How you got those irons off I do not | know, but. you will sit.on that cot until Captain Nat comes, and then he will seey that you do not escape again.” RoR TES ‘““What'll you do?” LF Ne “Stand right here with Guard andi | wateh you!”” i The youth looked about him as th meditating some desperate act, but ee started as Guard gave a yelp of A threshold into the room, re ts ' vt ry Vita Py Sut tes! Ft
Page 12
rat p gone I did not understand it, but would 9 ‘ : , ; — ag $ 5 cw oe ee 4 Po, ty Ves: ~The Girl Mascot’s Best Score. “Oh, Nat!’ and with the words Olive ‘sprang toward her. brother, while Rip dropped upon the cot once again, dazed by utter despair. “So he got away, Queen?” Yes, he had freed himself in some way “of his irons, and was robbing you in your room when I found him.” “Where was Guard?” , “He had made friends with him and -was also in the room, the door of which “was closed.” “How did you get those irons off, Rip and New York Nat stepped forward and saw that they were neither broken nor “unlocked. Rip made no reply. Then Nat drev off the shoes, several izes too large for him, and he saw how _wasmall the feet were. * Ah, I see. Queen, go to the strong- box in the lodge room and bring me a “pair of steel wristlets, large size, and with an eighteen-inch chain between.” Olive obeyed, and these were clasped upon the’ Traitor Ferret, fitting him snugly, and he was again securely chained to the iron cot. Then New York Nat asked: “Did he threaten you, Queen “Yes, to knife me, and he tried to set Guard upon me—for an instant I expected T’d have to shoot—the dog and Rip, too.” Guard hung his head as New York Nat turned upon him. But the face of the Ferret captain was white, now, and, catching the dog by his collar he took his cane, a wiry one, and “punished the dog. “Now lie there, sir! There!” and Nat “pointed to the feet of Olive. Guard went to the designated spot with -a rush, He knew that he had been led astray “by Rip, that he had been tempted by a few mouthfuls of food, and he had re- «ceived his*punishment. New York Nat was his master and he “knew it. With humble looks he glanced at Nat and Olive, and then gave Rip a look that plainly said: “T’d like to eat, you up!” “Now, Rip, you are to/remain a pris- ‘oner here until we decide what shall be done with you. Guard shall still remain on watch, but I will see that one of the ' ‘hand is on duty here all the time, so es- cape is impossible. The convict whom - -you killed is in the chief's headquarters, and you see the Ferrets are still un- ‘known. “Naw, Queen, we will leave him,” and, leaving the repentant Guard on duty as sentinel, and taking the money which Rip had pocketed, New York Nat went -with Olive to his own room and asked: | _ “Now, sis, what lucky thought brought you here to-night *o prevent that traitor’s e?’ ' “Tt was, to tell you something, Nat, that I remember to have heard the con- -yict say, and which I had forgotten. * But did I understand aright when you _waid to Rip that he had killed the con- Dba 9) = viot 7’ “Yes, sis, he did, to-night.” “J know that you told me this morn- ing that you knew Rip was a traitor, and would have him trapped. and in irons ‘by noon, so when I saw ‘him to-night ‘slip from the prison room with Guard, ‘cand enter your room, and heard him - taking out the register, I felt that he had -egeaped and was robbing you, intending to get away. , “Then I acted, and oh! What an or- deal I passed through with him. “When I saw that the convict was 10t let him think so, and I determined itch him until you came, time, \ ly ** Need I tell you how glad I was when you appeared?” ‘You are a brave girl, sis, and I am sorry you had such an ordeal to face, but you saved us from being betrayed, and that will repay you. ‘‘Now I will tell you how we trapped Rip, and how it was he killed Fatal Fred.” And Nat told the whole story, which Olive listened to with deepest attention. CHAPTER XX. THE BOOK OF MYSTERY. * So careful was New York Nat not to allow his sister's identity to be known, that he never spoke of her to any of the Ferrets by her name, nor did they know that she was his sister. Thus, even in the excitement of the mo- ment with the traitor Rip, be had not let a word slip to show that she was other to. him than the Girl Queen of the Unknown Ferrets. When they reached Nat’s room, and Olive had heard the story of how Rip had been trapped, she felt much pleased that her pluck and determination had prevent- ed him from escaping to make known the secret they had striven so hard to keep. ~ “Now, sis, you have something to tell me, and which, fortunately, brought you here to-night,’ said Nat. “ Brother, I fear it will do no good now.” * And why not now?” “ Because it was about the convict.” * And his death makes it useless?’ Well, it was just this: When he came to me in the grove that day, he made a remark that struck me as strange at the but which I afterward recalled when you told me of going to see Mr, Trent Trevor.” “Well?” ‘“‘He said, I think, that he felt blue, as he had an old friend who was hanged the day before.” * Indeed?” “Yes, Nat, and that he had hoped tu escape from prison in time to see him hanged, but he had not been able to do so, and had not the price of a ticket out to the town where the hanging took place.” “This is strange, for there was certain- no one else hanged anywhere in the country that I know of about that time.” “No. And let me tell you, Nat, in re- calling this remark, it brought back to me the memory of that night when Pawn- broker Blenheim was killed, and, like a flash, the face of one of the men came back to me, and the convict, Fatal Fred, was the one I then saw.” “©an it be possible?” “Yes, Nat; for I now recall his face and form perfectly, and he was the man, But it is too late now, he is dead; but I hoped that through him something might be found out in the search for the guilty ones, and so I started over here at once to see you.” “Well, sis, it turned out all right as it is; but let me tell you that I found on the body of the convict this little memoran- dum-book. “Tt is old, as you see, has been worn Ly long use and carrying, and he must have had it in prison with him, though how he managed to hide it from the offi- cials I cannot understand.’ “TI merely glanced at it, but we will look it-over now, and see what secret it . may tell, for the book was kept for a pur- pose, I am sure.” New York Nat held in his hand the lit- tle memorandum, ; A f It was a couple of inches long by on in width, and many of the leayes were a missing. i But the writing was read without diffi- culty. “Here is his name, I suppose, though © what it really was they were unable to — find out at,his triak “This is ‘Hart Chester,’ and I say it was his, as you see following is alias Fatal Fred, and below is the name of his native place, doubtless, ‘Portsmouth,’ but whether in this country or in England it does not say. , “Here are the addresses of some of New York's rich people, evidently put down as places to rob, and then come a score of country banks, and several jew- elry stores, and—here is * Blenheim—Pa wnbroker!”’ This discovery surprised both Nat and Olive, and continuing to glance over the book, the Ferret Captain safa: - “You see, sis, that some of the names are scratched off, with the letter R after them. “R may stand for raided, but I will get Mr. Canfield to take these addresses to-mor- row and see if the houses and banks men- tioned were ever robbed. “Ah! See here!” Olive’ leant over and looked where Nat’s finger rested. ; / “Tt is Ahe name of Trent Trevor,” she said, in a whisper. “It is, and was written some time ago, while the words following have been -erased, but you see freshly written here is the letter D and the date.” “ The very date Mr. Treyor was hanged on.”’ MY CB “This is conclusive proof that it was he to whom he referred when he said he had a friend hanged that day.’ _ “No doubt of it now; but what can they have held in common, those two men?" “TI do not yet know, but shall some day, “But that he knew Mr. Trevor is cer- tain, and that he was connected with the Blenheim murder is also certain, while our friend’s being accused, first of the murder, and then haying it said that he was inno- cent, but knew who the guilty one was, shows to me that the two were in some way connected.” a “T fear so; but I still stand firm in my belief that Trent Trevor was innocent of all: crime.” “So do I, sis.” “ But here is.a name and address T must investigate. You see, it was written long ago in the book, and scratched out, but here it is written again, and lately.” * Yes—Douglas Delafield,’ .and * Olive read the name aloud, while Nat continued, reading from the book: “Douglas Delafield. Office, No. Worth street, New York City; residence, No. One Hundred and Fifty ——t street, Washington Heights.’ f —- “Olive, 1 will find out who he is to- — morrow.” . cere is something on the other page, Nat.” ' . *4 Turning over the page, Nat read: “‘Oakvale Hall, Ramapo Valley. Jun to September” ¢ — “This must go with the name of Dela- field, and was put down for some purpose a of gain. ““We will see who he is, and what cén- | nection he can have had/with Fatal Fred; — but come, it is after midnight, and I must — | see you home,” and New York Nat escort- ed Olive to her cottage home, returning to the retreat very tired, after his hard day and night’s work, to find Guard tr | ing hard to redeem himself by good) ‘havior, for he was diligently keeping | guard over the prisoner. — SES 7 eer LF
Page 13
. CHAPTER XXI. : ‘NAT MAKES SOME DISCOVERIES. ‘It was the afternoonof the third day after - the trapping of Rip, the Traitor lerret, tage to see his sister, and the two walked out into the grove on the Hudson, where they always were wont to go when they had anything of an important nature to communicate to each other. “Well, Nat, if you had not come this afternoon, I was going to see what had x iF happened,” said Olive. ie “T have been very busy, sis.’’ i e ret “You must tell me all you have done. Set | ee “ But is Rip safe?” * \ ) “Indeed he is.” E ) ‘fg y “And Guard ?” “\.. . “Is the best dog I ever saw. Why, he Gites -¢ seems fairly to hate his prisoner now.” } ‘, “You have seen Mr. Canfield?’ “Oh, yes; and the rewards for the con- Wy viet’s body, dead or alive, foot up to nine 3 thousand dollars, and the Secret Service U chief has placed them to the credit of his i unknown allies.” “We are getting rich, Nat, and glad will I be when we no longer have to lead i” the lives we do as shadowers,” oon “So will I, sister.’ a “Well, did you-find out about the ad- Bit dresses in the convict's book?” Mr. Canfield found out for me.” mat “Yes; ih: “Well?” “The names scratched out were those of houses that had been robbed by Fatal ¥red and his pals before they were tried.” “The banks, 1 suppose, had shared the same fate?’ “Yes; they were banks, and had been robbed. all ‘small ” country ‘Now about that Mr. Douglas Dela- ~~ field?” bod “TIl tell you, sis. He is a very rich man, and his place of business is No. — Worth street, though he does not seem to haye much other business than in collect- ing his rents, His residence is the num- ber given in the memorandum, and Oak- yale Hall, Ramapo Valley, is a fancy farm he owns out of the city.” “Do you know anything about him?” “Only that he used to be a fast man about town, with little money, but married ya very vich oer by the name of Mari- i gold.” i, “ Anything blse?” ‘Well, I had set Mr. Delafield down as one of the convict’s intended victims to - rob, until I read the notes Mr. Canfield had secured for me of this man Fatal Fred’s record.” “Then you found “The Girl ‘Mascot’s Best § Score for him, as he had intended going on a hunting trip that day, but had given it up and attended an entertainment in the country, arriving early and remaining all night. * But, though innocent, he escaped from jail, and the keeper was killed by him, it was said—at least, he was hanged for the crime. “Now, the man that Blenheim’s dying confession asserted was Trevor, was sup- posed to be a younger brother, who had left home several years before, under a cloud, and who was never heard of again, and it was he whom Blenheim had wounded, or said he had, though who his accomplice was, was never known.” “But we now know, Nat, that it was Fatal Fred.” * Beyond a doubt, sis. “There followed a description of Trev- or’s brother, whose name was Tracey Trevor. “The description was thorough, and stated that he had a bullet-wound on the left side of his head, the collar bone bro- ken on the right side, two broken ribs ou the same side, the little finger of his left hand missing, his left arm broken between the shoulder and elbow, and his second toe on the right foot gone. “It seems that he had been in half a dozen shooting and cutting scrapes, and had been very badly used up, and the po- lice got their identifying marks from the surgeons in the hospitals where he had been taken when injured.” “ But they never found him?” ‘““No; but I made a discovery, consider important.” “What is it, Nat?” “That memorandum of the convict has considerable written in it with invisible ink!” “Can you make it out?’ eagerly asked Olive. ‘*Every word of it,” came the earnest reply, and the words followed: * And if I am not very much mistaken, it will hang some one.” sis, 1 CHAPTER XXII, THE CONVICT’S BOOK. New York Nat took the dead convict’s memorandum book from his pocket, where he had it carefully wrapped up and put away, and, opening it, said: ‘You see, there are some of the pages written ©, some are not, Olive.” “ Yes. ”” “ Now, here is a page that apparently had no writing upon it, but Mr. Canfield was looking over the book, and something caught his eye which caused him to get a very powerful microscope. “With this he saw that lines had been traced on the pages. But he could not miuke them out, so sent to the druggist’s and procured an acid. This we put on the page you see here with a sponge, and it brought the writing out quite plain. “As Mr. Canfield had a telegram to meet Buffalo Bill at the station, he left me to'go on with the work of deciphering the writing in the memorandum. “I brought out two of the three pages thus written over with invisible ink, and just hear how they read, Then we will fetch out the other page, for I have the acid and sponge with me.” He took the little book and held it up,so that he could see the faintly- traced lines,. and read: “Blenheim; K, March 17th. “*Proceeds worth $40,000, taken by D. D.. Oakvale, to divide between T. T. and me. ““B. put T. T. to sleep with lead pipe, and D. D. took him to Oakvale, where he serie and was buried recently with B.’s boo **That made me heir to all boodle, but: got nipped two days for another ‘count. and served two years. “Got out, but D. D. in Europe, so wrote him. ‘Six months before letter came, saying: he was coming home soon, “Came in six months, day I was nipped. again.’ “ Now, Olive, we'll see what the other page says.’ tert F ‘hese Say enough to work upon easily,. at.” “Yes, indeed.” And New York Nat sat-- urated a little sponge he carried in a tin box with some acid, and rubbed it several. times gently over the page of the memo- randum on which the invisible writing. was. ‘ In a little while faint lines began to ap- pear, and after a few minutes, with sev- eral more applications of the sponge, the writing was distinctly seen. “Now,” said Nat, and he read aloud as. before: “Tried to save me, but couldn’t. “Got life sentence. “I bribed guard to let me have this; book and few extras in cell, so don't suf+ fer much. ““D. D. swears to get me out some day, and will give me B.'s boodle when I’m free. “TI jot down these notes so I won’t for- get, and D. D. must not, for if boodle don’t materialize, T. T.’s body will, and both are buried together, in stable D. D. told me. “ ‘Wonder if he is lying, or intends to play me false. ae 80, he hangs, with him, for T. T. and D. D. killed the not let his victim be tried.’ ** ‘Now, sis, you have it all, so what do you think?” “In the first place, if F atal Fred wrote this, he was not the ignorant man he pro- fessed to be.” “No, he was playing a part, for he wrote it, and see, the writing is the same as the other in real ink. “He, in some way, smuggled these things into prison with him, and to make no mistake, as a man is often said to lose his memory in confinement, he wrote these tell-tale lines in this’ book.’ ‘Whom do you make T. T., Nat?’ “ Why, Tracey Trevor, before spoken of in the record of Blenheim’s murder.” * And this says that he was killed by Blenheim?” “Yes; you remember Blenheim said he fired on the robbers, and wounded one; you told me you heard the sho. as you. were passing that night.” ' $3 dia.’ : “Well, I make out that Tracey Trevor and Fatal Fred got away with their plun- der, though the former was wounded, and had all arranged to go to Oakvale. “Tre Trevor died of his wound, Fatak Fred kept dark until the affair blew over, but was arrested on another charge and put in prison, leaving the plunder at Oak- vale until he could get out.” : “Oakvale is the country home of Mr. — Douglas Delafield.” “Yes; and D. D. is Douglas Delafield.’ oh “But what motive had he for such mur- derous work, and robbery, as you said he f was a gentleman of wealth and refine- ; ment?” “ He is all that, pe eye / but his mo- — tive we must find out. “ Well, it is a most thysterious ease, but I am sure you can unravel it, Nat.” ‘*T hope so, for I must. keep my pledge to Trent Trevor, who now I feel was a) ee victim of a most cruel plot.” * Aol “Which his brother oe £- gaan Agse ee if I have to hang and I acted for. him, , for he dared.
Page 14
** Perhaps not intentionally. “We, Tracey Trevor, seems to have been ‘the greatest sufferer, for he lost his life.” “Yes, and from the wounds you de- weribe him as having received, he seemed to always get hit if a gun went off any- where in his neighborhood.” Nat laughed, and replied: “Well, with the scars he received, as deseribed in the police record, his body certainly can be identified.” ‘“ Without doubt; but what will be your first move, Nat?’ ‘**T shall go out to R— and learn all I can of Trent Trevor’s history, while I also ywish to see the little monument I ordered placed over his grave.” “And .I would like to go with you.” “Certainly; and from there I will go and smake a. call. upon Oakvale, and see what I ean find out there, for there I feel the amystery is to be unearthed, and Douglas. ‘Delafield, I found out, is now at his coun- ‘try house.” CHAPTER XXIII. THE .UNKNOWN MOURNER. Toward the pretty little cemetery of ' R— New York Nat and Olive wended ittheir way,.after being set down at the junction, a. mile away, one morning two days after the reading of the convict’s invisible writing. The day before they had gone to see Mr. Sherman Canfield by appointment, wand there had the honor of meeting the renowned scout of whom. they bad heard and read so much. Buffalo Bill was the hero of every boy in the Unknown Ferret League, and when their captain had told them at the meeting the night before he was to meet the great plainsman, each one envied him the honor. Sherman Canfield introduced his young allies as\two partieular friends of his, and Buffalo Bill greeted them in the JAxindly, cordial mianner natural to him, .and they were charmed. It was the next day they started for R-~, Keno being left in charge of the a “Tt was said that Trent Trevor was to marry a very beautiful New York girl, and an heiress to a large fortune, but this Blenheim affair came, and then his killing the keeper and escaping, so, .of course, she went back on him.” ““Who was she, sir?” “‘T believe her name was Kate Wyn- hurst.”’ ‘ ‘Has she since married?” “Yes, she married a rich man in the city by the name of Delafield, I have heard.”’ When Nat had gotten all the informa- tion he could glean from the jailer, he went out and got into the phaeton, where Olive was awaiting him. “To the cemetery,” he said to the boy, and they were rapidly driven there. Leaving the phaeton at the gate the brother and sister entered, and, after a short walk, neared the grave of the man who had died on the gallows. “There is a lady there, if it is the "ave apart from the others,” said Olive “So there is!” ‘ “We will remain about here.” They saw a slender form, robed. in black and wearing a heavy vail, bending over the graye and placing flowers upon it. In a short while she arose and left the spot, Nat and his sister strolling along so as to meet her, and having apparently visited the cemetery with no special aim in view. : As they passed her they could not but note her elegant black silk dress and handsome bonnet, while the heavy vail seemed to be brought along for the par- ticular purpose of hiding her face, though, not seeing others near, she had removed it as she left the grave. “What a beautiful face!” said Nat, as she passed on. “ How exquisitely she is dressed,” Olive said. “A lovely, sad face, figure. “She had been weeping.” “Yes, who can she be, Nat?” ““T am going to find out, for she! has walked to the cemetery, as there is no carriage awaiting her. We will go to the grave, then overtake her, and, as your train to the city leaves first, I will take you to the junction station and then drive into town to go by the other road to Oakvale.” / They reached the grave and found beautiful flowers upon it, placed there by the lady who had just left it. There were faded flowers scattered about, which had been renewed. The little monument was all that they could wish, but Nat started as he saw that something had been painted be- neath the name, in red lettering. | It was: ; ; “The victim of a legal murder.” “Oh, Nat! Could she have done that?” “Tam sure that she did, Olive, for why does she come to the grave of a man who was hanged?” “T must know who she is, and, really, T half suspect.” . CHAPTER XXIV. NAT SHOWS HIS HAND. and a splendid Taking from a paper she carried a bou-. quet of choice flowers, Olive placed them , tenderly upon the grave of Trent Trevor, Then the brother and sister turned away ‘and were soon driving rapidly toward the junction. : On the way they passed the lady they had seen in the cemetery, and she was going to the other depot, not to the June- oY aa . : Leaving Olive in the care of the Irish watchman, Nat drove hastily to the other | end of the town and reached | one, for T knew poor my valet at one time; but why do ascot’s Best Score. ther time for the train he wished to take. -: As he had expected, he saw the fair un- > known there, and she took the same train, mal for the boy said that he had twice driven from that depot to the cemetery and back. Nat took a seat in the same car that sfie vi did, and at last, when the station called where he intended to get out, he saw ber rise also. A handsome carriage, with eoachman in livery, met her at the station, and she’ was driven rapidly away. Nat concluded that he would walk, but asked the station agent how far it was te i Oakvale Hall. 12 ae “It’s five mile, all of it; but if you'd ae spoke sooner, that was Mrs. Delatield’s earriage just drove off.’ Nat said that he preferred to walk; his business was not with Mrs. Delafiéld, and . asked if her husband was at home. ‘‘He comes out on the three o'clock ‘ean ox “Thank you.” And Nat went up in the village, where there was a summer hotel, and had dinner. é Then he set out over a beautiful country road for Oakvale Hall. It was a beautiful home of a hundred acres, the house large and elegant, and the ‘ outbuildings, fencing and grounds all kept eae in the finest style. As he neared the gate a buggy passed him, then drew up. In it was a gentleman of fine appear- ance, with Burnside whiskers and dressed in the height of fashion. He was driving a fine horse, and as he drew rein he said: “T was told at the station that a young man had started to walk out to my house. “Are you the one?” Nat wished that the agent had held his tongue, but answered politely: 1 aay Sine **T am Mr. Delafield,’ “ And my name is Chandler, sir.” “Were you going to see me?’ “Yes, sir; upon a matter of considerable importance to you.” : ‘Get in and drive with me.” “Thank you,” and Nat obeyed. “Ah, there goes my carriage how, with if my wife; but she will be back for dinner,” said Mr. Delafield, as he saw the same _ handsome turnout Nat had seen at the station turn from the gate and drive in if the opposite direction. wea For some reason Mr. Delafield did not ~~ ask New York Nat his business with him until they were seated in the library. ' “TY always drive in to the station my- =| self, leaving my horse at the stable, forI | am short of help just now, having only a coachman, where I. generally keep two men,” explained Mr. Delafield. Nat bowed in silence, and he saw that Mr. Delafield was anxious to hear the . “{mportant business’ that had brought him there, so he said: “ Are we alone, sir?” * Perfectly. beg “ What is your business with me?” “T wished to see you about four dead men, Mr. Delafield—Trent Trevor, Tracey Trevor, Fatal Fred and Blenheim, the pawnbroker.” pos: The reply was so sudden, so startling, — that Douglas Delafield uttered a cry dnd ~ turned white. | : et Si Ree “What is there to shock you so, Mr. Delafield?” asked Nat, quietly. Py “ Why—why. it is enough to startle . oor Trent Trevor wel his brother I did not know, and Blenhe T had business Phy ada with, whil the man you speak of as Fatal Fred wa ’ a speak of them, sir?” _ “Vl tell you frankly, that I. : : el
Page 15
erage that may prove Trent Trevor guilt- - Jess of the murder for which he was hanged, and I wish your help in the mat- ter.” : * Certainly, certainly. Poor Trevor! But who are you, sir?” ‘“T am an amateur detective, sir. “You see, I am very fond of the work, only I dare not let any of my friends know what I am doing, as they would be dow ohn me. “So I thought I would ferret out some great case, say nothing to a soul about it, get the whole mystery solved, and then spring it upon the public to show what I “or could do.” ne “T gee. But how did you get upon this ae case?” ce. ¥ “J found a note that had been written » ‘ to some one by the murderer, Fatal Fred, © and in it saw written: “Tf anything happens to me, see Mr. Douglas Delatield, of Oakvale Hall, and he will help those depending upon me? ‘‘¢Tf he refuses, ask him to clear up the mystery about Trent and:Tracey Trevor and Blenheim, ‘the pawnbroker.’ “You see, the letter must have been thrown down by this Fatal Fred when he was captured, for I found it just where the detectives had caught him, and it was addressed to a man in the Bowery. . “JT went to the address, but found that the man had died the day before. “Then I came to you.” “You did perfectly right, my young _ friend, and I predict that you will make a name for yourself some day as a detec- ‘tive. “But is no one in the secret with you?” “Tf I gave my secret awajy, others would get the credit.’ “T see. You are right.” “No one, then, Knew of your coming here?” “Not a man, sir.” “Nor of this letter you found?” , “No one eyer saw it, sir.” “Where is it?” “T Have it here.” And Nat took out a letter he had already prepared himself with, for he had mapped out his plan of action, . *“We will go where we can talk this matter over quietly. . Mr, Delafield left the room. foe CHAPTER XXV. Pee", _ THE TBLL-TALE SKELETON. Nat sprang to the door and listened. eto He heard Mr, Delafield pass out to the ‘eas rear of the house. a a Following to the dining room, he heard the cook tell him that Mrs. Delafield and her maid had gone for a drive to “S—, but would return to a late dinner, and also that the house servant was sick abed. Then the cook added: By) “T didn’t know you was ‘home, sir.” ; In ten minutes the master returned, ‘put from the window Nat had seen him go out to the stable. “Now ‘we will take a walk. Come this way, so I can show you the grounds.” Nat took notice that he was led by a way through the grounds so that he could poe be seen from the mansion by the cook. He was at once upon his guard, and more so when Mr. Delafield led him fnto the stables to show him his fine ack at is a thoroughbred. Stand over there where you can get a good view of for there is no man about to lead | ait 5 . Dé eld pointed out the exact spot ee was to stand t “Twill join you in a few minutes.” And the young: deteotive stepped there | t's Best Scor he felt the floor beneath him give way, and he nerved himself for a fall! Down into a dark trap went New York Nat, but he caught sight of the malig- nant triumph upon Delafield’s faee as he fell. Nat had expected a trap of some kind; a quick glance had shown him the well- concealed door in the floor, and he’ had expected it might be a trap; but, for all that, down he went,and hard,too. He had fallen, however, on his feet. and received only a shock, yet he fell over on his side and lay quiet as though badly hurt. A moment after, by a small trap door elsewhere, Delafield came down, lantern in hand, descending by a ladder. He gave only a glance at the young de- tective, but, running to a corner, seized a rope and drew the trap up into place again, where it caught firmly by 4 spring. Then he turned toward New York Nat, -a hatchet in his hand, and said, in a say- age tone: . “ Again I will bury the accursed secret, for no one saw him here. Yes—” ‘Hands up, or I will kill you!” The man staggered backward as though Nat had struck him a hard blow, the hatchet fell from his hands and he seemed about to fall. ‘ Quick as a flash Nat was by his side, grasping his hands, and the click, click! told that a pair of manacles had been snapped upon the man. Then down upon his knees went Douglas Delafield, and lustily he begged for mercy, offering a small fortune if Nat would spare him. But the young detective merely said: ‘‘No, sir; I will know the truth, now, and remove the cloud of dishonor from Trent Trevor's grave! ‘ “Ah! This is a secret den of yours, is it?—why, here is a strong box, and it is heavy with plunder, no doubt—what? A skeleton, too, all neatly wired to- gether! A *“Yos, I remember you were a doctor, so knew your business well. Let me see,” and Nat was looking over the skeleton with the aid of the lantern. “Why, I know this skeleton—a broken - arm, smashed ribs, missing little finger, missing toe, and a bullet mark along the side of the head—it is Tracey Trevor's Skeleton. Well, well. I must go, now, so come!” The man could hardly climb the ladder that led up into the stable wall, where there was a secret door. Nat closed it after them, saw that the trap in the floor was well concealed again, and led the way to the mansion. As they entered the library the carriage rolled up and Mrs. Delafield got out. Nat was in a quandary, but made a bold face of it, and, meeting the lady at the door, while her now utterly crushed husband sank into a chair, he said: “Pardon me, madam, but I am a de- tective. I have arrested your husband, who, if he can prove his innocence, will be all right.’’ ; The beautiful woman turned pale, but’ said, calmly: “T will hear the charges you have to make, sir.” She called +o her maid that they were not to be disturbed, and, entering: the library, closed the door behind her. “Now, madam, allow me to tell the story in my own way.” and then, as Mrs. Delafield bowed assent, New York ‘Nat went on to tell the story as he had made it known to ber husband,~not in any way committing himself or his Fer- Trets. ‘ To his surprise and delight Mrs, Dela- field was perfectly calm, asking a ques- tion here and there, and then saying: oe thank you, sir, for clearing up a most remarkable mystery. Mr. Delafield I never loved, but I promised to be his — wife if he would free the man from prison whom I did love. He did so, and only of late did I find out that in freeing him he killed the guard. This Trent Trevor did not know until too late. * At the time Mr, Trevor was hanged for the murder he, Douglas Delafield, had committed, be told the secret in his delirium, and I heard all. More, I know now that Delafield, to crush Mr. Trevor in my eyes, got Tracey Trevor, a brother of Trent’s, but a worthless fel- low, and a rough from New York, to rob Blenheim, the pawnbroker. “¥rom his resemblance to his brother, Trent. Trevor was to be accused of the crime. “Wounded by Blenheim, who was killed, as you know, Delafield brought: Tracey here, where he died of the wound, and the doctor afterward accounted for the body by saying it had been sent from a hospital in New York for him to ar- range. “Now the whole story comes out, for by his own hand, in a fit of delirium, this man betrayed himself, for he got out of bed before me and wrote what he called his confession of crime. I have it safe, and to-day I received my papers, giving me a full divorce from Douglas Delafield, which I forced him to give me. : ' Thus, sir, you know the story of his crimes, and how I have. been cruelly ' wronged, though what are my wrongs \ compared with poor Trent Trevor's, ly- ing in a dishonored graye, for bh? would not betray the man who had aided him to escape from prison, which, without thought of the consequences, I urged him if do, and wrong me; he died with sealed ips. : “You will remove Mr. Delafield sir, to prison, I suppose?” ; ‘“T wish to prevent publicity for the present, madam, and so will await untjl dark to take him into the city, with ’ your permission,” , ‘ “Do as you deem best,” was the an- swer. ‘Remember, I am not now his wife. All of his own property ‘he has + squandered, but mine, by my father’s will, he could not touch.” Tt was just dark when Nat left Oakvale | ‘with his prisoner. CONCLUSION, It was through Sherman Canfield that New York Nat delivered his prisoner over © to the chief of the Secret Service, and was — not known in the affair save as the “Un- known Ferret.” : aie he The memorandum was given up, also, b and as the skeleton in the Oakvale secret chamber was pronounced undoubtedly that =| of Tracey Trevor, and the booty taken — from Blenheim was discovered there in- tact, there was no doubt of Douglas Dela- field’s guilt. , sii eae The night he was put in prison he asked to be allowed to write a note, and the re- 4 quest was granted. m In the morning it was found to he a confession of his crimes, and of the mur- der of the jail-keeper in particular, to aid Trent Trevor in his escape. Tt was his dying confession, for he had _ taken a poison he had with him, and so | had joined the great majority. ee a Going out to R—, Nat was given the papers by the jailer, as agreed, and he — found in them a will leaving to him twelve _ thousand dollars in cash, the contents of ~ ty a at once, 7 the two large linen envelopes. Tt was New York Nat’s legacy. ts He had kept his pledge phe, “oe of poor Tren’ ‘the dishonor from the grave ‘| Trevor, a victim indeed of a 1 Sul keeping their seeret
Page 16
16 York Nat and his Ferrets continued on in their good work, and though they received a great scare when it was found that Rip had eseaped, in spite of all watchfulness, they soon found out that he had not dared betray them on account of the dread of being hanged for the murder of the con- vict, Fatal Fred. As for Mrs. Delafield, she still lives at | Oakvale, a beautiful recluse, loved by all who know her, and with the only love of | her life buried in the grave of Trent Trev- or, but over which the shadow of dishonor no longer rests. Anxious to find out the detective who had run her wicked husband to earth, she had tried hard to do so, but all her efforts were baffled, for though ‘directed by the Secret Service chief to Sherman Canfield, she could learn nothing. She nevertheless ‘insisted in placing in Mr. Canfield’s hands a bar lsome sum of money as a token of her appreciation of the one who proved Trent Trevor innocent, and the amount was turned over to the Girl Queen, to go into the treasury of the Unkhown Ferrets. THE END. led Next Hatr-Dime Lisrary, No. 927, Kit Bandy's Brigade in Arizona : P -ck Vulcan’s Redwood Terrors. BY OLL COOMES. Beatles Half-Dime Library. BY J. ©. COWDRICK, 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’ Boodle; or, Cleaiing a Strange Case 536 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Dittikilty.” 557 Broadway mys Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Acts or, The League of Seven 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Friseo. 675 Broadway BUilly’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. 687 Broadway Billy in Clover, 696 Broadway Billy in Texan; or, The River Rustlers. 708 Broadway RBilly’s Brand. Z1il Broadway Billy at Santa Fe: or, The Clever Deal. 720 Broadway Billy’s« Biull Wands: ¢., The Gamin Detective. 785 Broadway Billy’s Business. 788 Broadway Billy’a Curloua Case. 758 Broadway Billy in Denver. 762 Broadway Billy's Bargain; or, The Three Detective, 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective. 775 Broadway Ruilly’s Shadow Chase. Broadway Billy’« Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’s Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. 790 Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive. 796 Broadway Billy’« Queer Bequest. 800 Broadway Rilly Baflled, 805 Broadway Billy’« Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway. Billy’ Wipe Out. S15 Broadway Billy’«s Bank Racket. S21 Broadway Billy’s Bluff. 826 Urondway Billy Apeng Jersey Thugs. S88 Broadway, Billy’s Raid. Broadway’ Billy’« Big Boom, 844 Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. 849 Broadway Billy’« #100,000 Snap. Broadway Billy’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway. S62 Kroadway jilly tn London. S68 Broadway Pilly Shadows London Sluma,. S74 Broadway RBilly’s French Game. 880 Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy. { 912 Train Boy Tist’s Hot Hustle, 906 Rafety Sam, the Cyele Sport. 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee. SST Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. 860 stiver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Aporentice s or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta John; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude 606 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The soy Pinkerton; or, Running the Raacala Out. 615 Fighting Warr the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 640 Vareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Tyrewrlter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the “ Pizenest’’ Man of Ante Bar, 894 Arizona Dick’s W Ipe-Out. RY WILLIAM R. EYSTER. 190 Dandy Parkes or. The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Franky or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pard* 818 The Hustler Rogue-Cateber. 888 Poker Pete’s Double Dodge, $51 The Tie-To Sport ; or, High Hustling at Sinners’ Flat, SSS Monte Saul, the Sport. 901 Diamend Dave, the Gilt-Edge Shooter, 919 Crack-Shot Daisy's Drop, The Girl Masco ee “) 0” BY EDWARD L, WHEELER, ya Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick In Disguise; or, Buffal» Ben. 85 Deadwood Dick tn His Caatle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanzay or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick tu Danger; or, Omaba Oll. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar, 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 4 me, the Heroine Bi 4 2 j teeny beta ped 2 hee at or, Corduroy Charlie. r ek veadyille. aoe pesawess om mes lee; ie ‘The Double Cross Sign, endwoo ek aa Detective, 44 yt: eee At he args Sed The Cre Gulch Ghost. eadwoo ek’s Home Base; or, Blondé Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’« Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. Lie oagweed ft ot una w ee : pe te Picked bef S& Deadwoor ¢ek’s Dreams or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel, rtd nye ed te ory a | tee Ml gc Jane’s Adventure. ? Deadwoo ck’s Dea cal, "221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Duat Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, Sit Sscdvecd Bes ptcico wena & ecadwoo ck’s beathn Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’s« Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, 821 Deadwood Dick's Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Dendwood Dick 's Ducata; or, Days in the Di zgings. oe pope weed sptek Boutenced t or, The Terrible Vendetta, eadw ck’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick tn Deana City, 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamwonda. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick's Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 445 Deadwood Dick, Jr.¢ cor, The Crimson Creacent Sign. 448% Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Detinnec. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Bie Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s. Racket at Claim 10, 471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill, 476 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Dog Detective, 451 Deadwood Bick. Jr., In Deadwood. 49L Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Compact, 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'« Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, belts erance, 515 Deadweod Dick, Jr.'s Protegee. 5622 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Three. 5629 Veadwood Dick, Jr.'a, Danger Ducka 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death Hunt. 539 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas, 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog 549 Deadweeoa Dick, Jr., on His Mettle. 5654 Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 661 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Boston, 667 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. Afloat. 554 Deadwood. Dick. vr... In Denver, 5690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Decree, 595 Deadwood dr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney I«land, 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. In Detroit, 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinuattl, 624 Deadwood Bick, Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Desdwood Dick Jr.. In Buffalo. ate pena wons ae he Exess a tahoe Continent endwoo ek, Jr., Among the Smugglers. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr«, Lusurnnee Caeser 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back In the Mines. 672 Dendwood Dick, dr., to Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” eco posewecs Dick, Jr.'s, et ghig or, Found a Fortane, s endwood Dick, Jr.'s. Dazzle, 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide. 700 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Pick, Jr., at Jack-Paby 710 Deadwood Dick Jr., in San Franclaco, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dominoes, TZS Deadwood Vick, IJr.’s«, Diasgulae. 784 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Double Deal 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch, 747 Deadwood Hick, Jr.'s, Doublet. 752 Dendwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deathblow. T5R Deadwood Dick, Jr.’#, Despernte Strait, 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand, 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Detcat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Resurrection, TS2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dark Daya, 7ST Dendwood Dick Jr., Defied. TH2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. T9T Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«#, Desperate Venture. 802 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’*, Diamond Dice. 807 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’«, Royal Flush. 812 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Hend-off. $16 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’«, Rival. 822 Deudwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom, 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Scoop, 884 Deandwoed Dick, Jr.’#, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Clutch. 845 Dendwood Dick, dr.’s, High Horse. 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devil's Guich. 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Veath-Hole Hustle 868 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Bombshell, 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Mexico. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr's, Decoy Duck, S82 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Silver Pocket. S91 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a, Dend.Sure Game, 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr's, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at. Tip-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Double-Decker,~ BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. 5689 Tom-Cat an” Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s ‘ .ad} or, The Affair at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat’s YVerrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective, 688 Tom-Cat’« Triumph; or, Black Dan's Great Combine. 5646 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions, 576 The Silver Sporty or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 688 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocqg; or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Biland Barnaele, the Detective Hercules. 3 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremlahy the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout 689 Billy, the Gypay Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, le Sim, the sca Buster; or, For Big Stakes, 882 The Doctor Detective In Texas. wo Showmen Detectives in Colorado, ste T t's Best Score. oe , 2 Se Sa. 2 a ng BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, Si 914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kind. = 908 New York Nat's Double. gee” 902 New York Nat’s in Colorade. ¢ m’s duapper Knock-Out, i 847 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. 842 Dick Deom’s Flush Hand. Z72 Dick Doom’s Denth-Grip; or, The Detective by Dest ZtT Dick Doom’s Veatiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terron 784 Dick Doom; or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York, k Doom In Boston; or, A Man of Many Maske, 798 Dick Doom ta Chicago. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild West. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep: or, Five Links in a Clue, 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. k Doom’s Diamoud Deal. 819 Dick Boom’« Girl Mascot. S829 Dick Doom’s« Shadow Hunt. 885 Dick Doom’s Big Houl, 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Tra 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Capt? 760 Dashing Charlte’« Pawnec Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Back Taylpr, King of the Cowboys. 78Tz Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck:Taylor’* Boyas on, The Red Riders ot the Rio Grant 560 Pawnee BIII, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee BIll« Pledie; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Paring Dick, * 692 Redfern’s Curtous Case? o:, The Rival Sharpe. 69% Kedtern at Devil's Ranehs or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Redfern’s High H 3 or, Blue Jacket, TOT Redfern’s Last ‘I # or, The Red Sombrero Rangers. 668 Red Ralph's ie or, The Buctanee? Midshipman, 674 Red Ralph’« Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailor. 679 Red Kaliph, the Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 644 Butterfly Billy’s Disgulse. : 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony xpress Rider. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man itunt, 662 Lsutterfly Billy’s nanze, 565 Kent Kingdon}. or, The Owls of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower} or, the Card Queen, by 575 Kent Kingdon’s Duel; <r, The Surgeon Scout, fF 586 Kent Kingdon’s Room ps The Buckskin Avenger. 545 Lafitte Run Down; or, The Buaneers of Barrataria, }* 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. ? 555. Latitte’s Confession ; or, The Creole Corsair, Ve And Fifty Others... e 1 Pa ’ BY JO PIERCE,” 7) 9 B9T Bob o° the Bowery ¢ or, The Princeol Mulberry Street, 415 The Vagabond Detectives or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 Motapur Bob, the Strect-Boy Detective. i 460 The Lawyer’s« Shadow; cr Luke's Legacy, 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Feérryman Detective, 504 Five Pointa Phil, the Pavement Prince, 609 Jack Jaggera, the Butcher Boy Detective, 516 Tartar ran or, Five Pointe Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective — 5688 Wrestling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward 541 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. é 651 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mystery. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective, 95 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Deféesive. ae so 577 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, re mA 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, —) | 8OR Wide-Awake Bert, the StreetsSteerer. rac pert 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective's Aid. ie el 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer, * 689 Sunrise Saul, the Expreés-Train Ferret. P yr 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping 8 Slippery fps 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. “— 688 Baltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator Ae eae 694 Rpley Aim, the Only One of Hie Kind. Saga) 706 Tom Thiatle, the Ros House Detective, ~ n 717 Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin. —— UU 726 Denuni« Duff the Brown Sport's Kid, oe r 744 Dick ef the Docka, the Night-V atehb. = X 765 Fitpper Flynn, the Street Patrol. = ve 771 Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard; or, The Keener’s HogéFust! 7TR1 Cast-Off Cale, the Seapegont Detective, tp 824 Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer, vee ¥ 887 The Big Four of the Bowery. 47 846 Buck, the New 850 The Grand Street Arab, 855 The West Broadway Gamin, na see pee penny ot wancot or, - Decker’s DoubleQhead 864 The Union Square Bag e Bey. rat STS The Street Arab’s Blind. = - S86 The Five Points Lodging House Janitor, S90 Ace High, the Tromp Card Detective. 895 Fifth Avenue Fred, the Valet Detectiva. 899 Basement Bert, the Boy Cobbler Detective. 908 Billy Blue-Blazes, the Dodger of the Docks. 907 Reddy Rusher, Bell-Boy 4-11-44. 915 Filip Flasher, Ferret, of ;|East Broadway. BY BUFFALO BILL (lon. Wm, F. Cody) 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout, or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood: or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Coloradet or, The Trapper’e Trust. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 920 New York Nat Trapped; or, The Texan Tenderfoot Crook-Tracker. By Cot. P. Ingraham 921 The Boy from Denver; or, Fighting the Toughs of Dead. set. By T, C, Harbaugh. 922 Sol Sharpe, Detective; or, Hayseed Ramsey's Double, Find. By Edward L. Wheeier. 928 Gold-Dust Dan's Snap-Shot; or. The Deadwood Specu- lator’s Blind, By Jolin W. Osbon. 924 Big Roota Bob, the Ftre-Laddle; or, The Dandy De- tective’s Double-up, By J. C. Cowarick. 925 The Young Cowboy Captain; or, Rounding-ip the Greasers. By T. J. Flanagan. 926 New Vork Nat and the Traitor ‘Ferret; or, The Girl Mascot’s Best Score, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 927 Kid Bandy’s, Brigade In Arizona; or, Black Vulcan’s Redwood Terroré By Oll Coomes 928 Dendwood Ick, Jr., at Dollarville; or, The Trish- mau’s Sweepstakes. By E. L. Wheeler. p29 f ta § fort of Two Cities; or, Jingo Jim's Jangle. bv Jo Pieter, A New leaue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by al] newsdealers, five genta per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, York Sharper. Ge)? a 4 iy t } 4 _— a