Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 935) (1895 06 25)
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EX alalNaall ofall NY \ — wa il 4 i UMMA NANI, UND: -DRSB= Fo Js. int i i i ts i al! ll No. 935. ae a Year. Ora. Hy) lip Rang e Oriel mit He | iH i A : f , : SERS TAA a AVANT RATATAT HAI WS 9 So ~~ a \ a N . | : —> SA. ‘ ! . q “sh \iHI] Ni \ \ \ \ ws = = > » M. ? | | BID ty \\ "57 S a i | ' HN Hl Wil | | \\ : my gh ; HII MAMTA RH | | With it) | | | | ) 1} i} "A \\ \\ VI Hh ) Y » | | } 1H | AN a hy) ( AS || ah i! MN de \\ | . HA ( ceil | # | hj Lh : | HH | Hi}! Ky {|| iit HHH 1 a kee i || MH lina nay i| i] i ee hh! tt f \ BS i / Hy ' ‘ thee / iI / | /} ~ — , \ > THE YOUNG DETECTIVE STOOD ON HIS RIGHT EAGER TO GET A SIGHT OF THE ROOM AS BOON AS THE DOOR OPENED. _- PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, Yi 4 BY J. C. COWDRICK, AUTHOR OF ‘‘BROADWAY BILLY” NOVELS, ETC. CHAHTER I. PECULIAR STEALING, ‘Goin’ near or goin’ far, Git on board de trolley car; If de car run off de track, Yo’ do’n’ git vo’ money back!” So sang a jolly young darky, as with thumbs thrust into the armholes of his vest and cap’ set well back upon his head, he sauntered np Fulton Street, and his voice was full of melody.
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The He was about fifteen years of age, as ‘black as coal and as shiny as a coat of varnish, almost, and he was as fat as a coon and as keen-looking as a Virginia *possum. Added to that, he was good- looking as darkies go, and altogether a fine»specimen of his race. “When yo’ git upon d'e ear, Tell d’e ’ductor who yo’ are; If he asks yo' ——” He broke off suddenly, his good-natured face expanded with a smile, as he ex- claimed: “ Hello, Bob! d’at you? Anybody would think yo’ was goin’ fo’ d’e doctor, d’e way - yo’ am pacin’ it off. Can't yo’ stop long *nuff to ketch yo’ breff and tell a feller what's up?” “ Hello, Glossy! is it you?” exclaimed the other, coming to a stop and putting out his hand. ‘Thought I heard your warble, and was looking around to find you. Yes, I am in a hurry, but not goin’ for a doctor; wheel about and come along.” The darky obeyed, and they hurried off in company. Bob was a white boy, two or three years older than the darky, and a head taller. He was of good build, with fine muscular development, and had a frank, intelligent face, with regular features and keen eyes. He was well clad, and looked to be every inch a young gentleman. His correct name was Bob Buckle, but was familiarly ealled Business Bob. The darky’s was Pete Rice, but was better known as Glossy Pete. Bob Buckle had formerly been a news- boy, as Pete still was, and the two lads had been, to a degree, chums. Bob, bustling and active, and full of business every minute, had come to be called Business Bob, as said. For this he had attracted the notice of a private detective. This detective, Joe ‘Phillips by name, widely known in Brooklyn, gave Bob some work to do in his line, and was so well pleased with the result that. he employed him permanently to act as office boy and to assist in detective work where a boy could be of service. In accepting the new position Bob had transferred to Pete every possible “‘good will and interest” of the business he was leaving, which had materially helped his colored chum along in the world; so much so, that Pete expected to stock up and open a stand upon a busy corner in the near future, having saved enough money for the purpose. : “What is all your rush about, d’en?”’ queried the darky. ; ‘Why, we have got a curious case on hand as tall as a steeple, and I am going to get the boss.” ; “Ho! d’at.am d’e fack, hey?” “'That’s it, Glossy.” “ What am it like?” * Guess.” “What's d’e use ob d’at?” ‘ -“ Well, no use, that’s so; you couldn't guess it in a month of Sundays. We have got to find a stolen corpse.”’ “Whew!” whistled the darky. “ What fo’ de lan’ ob Goshun anybody want to go an’ steal a stiff fo’, Bob?” “That is what we have got to find out, Glossy.” “ Nebber all my bo'n days. stear?” . “No: I’m in dead earnest.” “Tell me all "bout ‘it, fo’ d’e lub’ ob goodness, fore I turn pale from press ob curiosity.” 5 ‘ “Turn pale; ha, ha, ha! Nothing short of a coat of whitewash would ever turn you pale, Glossy. Why, chalk wouldn't make a brown mark on you. But, I'll tell D you, of course.” hear’n’ tell ob sech a thing in Ain’t yo’ givin’ me a i 4, | SSS SS swsboy Detective’s Chum. | “Go.’head, d’en, quick.” “A woman came tearing into the office a while ago, crying and wringing her hands, and asked for Mr. Phillips. I told her he was out, and she went on so that I told her I would dodge out and hunt him up, if possible; and I asked her what was the matter.” * An’ d'at was what she told yo’?” * You let me tell it, my midnight-com- plexioned friend, if you please,” said Bob. “She said that her daughter had died, and the body had been laid out in the parlor on a table. The funeral was to take place to-morrow, but some time in the night the body was taken, in some mysterious man- ner, and it looks as if there would be no funeral.” ‘* Well, d’at beats d'e mischief, d’at do!” “Yes, I should say so, Glossy; but I bet my hat Joe Phillips can solve the mys- tery if he gets a fair chance at it, and I will back him up for all Iam worth. If necessary, we will call on you, too, to take a hand in the game, for the body of that young lady has got to be produeed. I have spoken. They call me Business Bob, and I mean business this time, you bet. It was awful to see the way that poor woman went on about it,’ That was the story, but the boys talked on until they had to part. when Bob con- tinued on his way and Pete went in an- other direction, singing: “When yo’ git upon 4@’e car, Tell d’e ’ductor who yo’ are; If he ask yo’ fo’ yo’ fare, Fork it over an’ don’t swear!” CHAPTER II. JOE PHILLIPS, DETHCTIVE. Business Bob found his employer where he had expected he should. Joe Phillips was a man of method. When he said he would be at a certain place at a certain time he was generally there. Bob, therefore, knew where to look for him, for, when possible, the detective gave the boy an outline of his programme be- fore going out, so as to give a clew by whieh to find him. ** Hullo!” the detective exclaimed, as Bob entered the place. ‘“ What is wanted, Bob?” . {) “You are wanted, sir, and that right away,” answered the apprentice, and he hurriedly explained the nature of the new case. “Well, that is something peculiar, at any rate,” the detective remarked, on hearing the story, “Do not recall that I ever heard of anything of the kind: You say she wants me to come to the house?” “Yes; and I would give a week’s pay if you would let me go with you, too. I would like to hear more about it.” “Well, come on with you, since it is nearer there than to the office.” ; Business Bob was highly elated at hear- ing this. In due time they were at their destina- tion, a handsome residence on one of the principal streets. The insignia of death was seen by the side of the door, white, showing that the deceased was a person in the morning of life when the grim reaper laid his hand upon her. ; A servant answered the door-call—a woman, whose pale, frightened face showed that she shared the distress of her mistress. \ i 4 “Mrs, Achtetson?” asked the detective. “ What name, please?” “ Joseph Phillips.” f “Come right this way, sir.” — She led the way down the hall, the de tective and his assistant following. t, opening a door, spoke the | tr Ap Aer eee, pene asian the two | play? This may have an important bearing i _J upon the present case.” a name, and stepped aside to callers to enter. Jed . a ag? oie Py ead ep PREP PY ibe yee ‘peared mysteriously more A woman was there, the one who had called at the detective’s office. She was pacing the floor and wringing her hands, while tears streamed from her eyes. “ Oh, sir!” she cried, immediately; “find and restore the body of my child, or I shall go mad—mad. Who can have been so cruel as to steal it from me? And what can have been the motive? My poor Luella.” “Try and be calm, madam,” spoke the detective, gently. ‘We must make @ careful study of the matter together, to come at the truth, and nothing is to be gained by any other means. Pray sit down—pardon me, but you are too weak to stand; we will talk it over.” The woman sank upon a chair, motion- ing the detective to be seated himself. “When did your daughter die?” the de- teetive inquired. “Yesterday, sir,” was the broken re- sponse. “ Had she been sick very long?” “She had not been, sick at all, sir; it was very sudden.” “Ah! that is the case, eh? To what was her death attributed, then, I must in- quire?” “The physician said it must have been heart failure.” “Had your daughter been subject to heart trouble, then?” Me “Not that I was aware of. why these questions?’ * “T can do nothing until I haye gathered all the particulars.” “That is true, of course. Pardon my impatience; but you cannot know how IL feel.” “T can imagine your feelings, madam, and I heartily sympathize with you in your affliction. I will do everything in my power to recover your daughter’s body for you.” “Your words givé me hope, sir. There is one great dread I have, that the body may have been stolen by miscreants, who have sold it to some medical institution. Oh! that thought nearly drives me wild! You do not think it is true, do you, Mr. Phillips?” “No, madam, no; do not let that thought be entertained for a moment, So the detective answered, whether he believed what he said or not, and it was better so. ® “Why, then, was it taken ?” the woman urged. A “phat is for us to ascertain, madam. I must question closely into your private af- fairs, and, to aid me, you must give me all the information you possibly can.” “71 answer anything you ask, sir—any- thing, If you can only get at the bottom of the mystery and restore my child to me. You must do that, sir! You must, a must! I have often seen your name ee - papers, and T thought of you when I sa tier i madam, but that is of no “Your pardon, moment. I take it for granted that you are a widow, since your husband does not appear in the matter.” A cloud came over her face at once. “YT suppose I am a widow, sir, she answered. siden “How is tha 0 “T am not certain. My husband heara * But, sir, Do you not know?” disap- twelve years ago, and I have never of him @ * Andrew A: n ’ “Tell me all you can about that, mad- am.” oe ce/ 2i Nae i: “There is little to tell, sir. ‘He disap-_ red, and that was all.” er men Do you suspect that he met with foul
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ae oe uy i i i y x 1 4 \B } ; € LY & al ‘vs a ““No. Tho poliee searched for him, but no trace of him was ever found.” “You have informed the police of this ase.” se Yes.” “How old was your daughter af that time—the time of Mr. Achterson’s disap- pearance?” “She was nine years old, sir.” “And now twenty-one?” “Very nearly, when she died.” “Your only child?” sé Yes ” ef Your husband was fond of her?’ “Yes, very; and she was more like him than me—more quiet and studious.” “To direct your thoughts into another channel, was there any financial advan- tage to any one in your daughter’s death?” “No, not the— Ah! T ‘had not thought of that before. Her life ‘was insured for a large sum—ten thousand dollars—and that will come 'to me. In my grief I had not once thought of that, :sir, believe me.” The detective pulled at his mustache and was thoughtful. “That is a large sum on the life of so young a person, madain,” he observed. “T must ask you to explain something about it. I need not remind you how a eold, cruel world will look upon the mat- ter—your daughter’s sudden déath and. this mysterious disappearance.” “Good Heavens! Do you imagine that I have been concerned in a scheme, in a plot that called for the death of my only child? No, no! And, supposing I had been base enough to kill her, what could I hope to gain by the disappearance of the body? Without the body, I cannat hope to recover a cent of the insurance money. But I assure you that I am inno-- cent of every thought of that kind.” “T am willing to believe you, madam. Explain something about it, please. How came your daughter to be insured for so large an amount?” “It was a matter of mutual benefit be- tween her and me,” was the response to that. “I desired to Msure my own life for her benefit, and she would not hear of my doing that unless T allowed her to do the same for me. I considered it a waste of money, she being young and healthful, but in order to carry my point, I made it that way. That is all there is about it, sir, believe me, and, as IT have told you, not a thought of the matter came to me until this hour.” — ‘CHAPTER IIL. PIOKING FOR PARTICULARS. Business Bob could see that his employ- er was puzzled. Bob had been with him long enough to learn something about the man, and he could tell that much easily. The boy himself was interested in the matter, greatly interested, and listened to all that was said, and watched the speak- ers intently while doing so, trying to form a theory of his own. “ Have you an enemy, madam?” the de- tective suddenly asked. “Why, not to my knowledge, sir. Why do. you ask that?’ in some surprise. our daughter being dead, an enemy might desire to cheat you out. of the insur-— ance.” “And would take this means of doing it. But, sir, we have mentioned the mat- ter to no one, and [ do not know that it is known.” “Tf that is the case, the mystery deep- ens. By the way, had your daughter a lover, or lovers? Was there anything of that nature that might have bearing upon the matter?” “Yes, she had a lover, sir, an accepted lover, and admirers many; but, how that fact can have had aaythiag to do with this “ Ex-Ne* sewsboy Detect. cr Chum. sad matter is beyond my comprehension. The only thing I can think of is the one horrible thing I have suggested to you, sir, and that thought haunts me continual- ly.” “Tt is something unheard-of, madam. You must not give any weight to that. But this lover, who is he?” ‘‘His name is Robert Wellstone.” “ Where does he reside?” “His home is in the West, but he lives in Brooklyn now, at the Hotel.” “Does he know of your daughter’s death?” “T have sent him word, sir.” ‘‘He has called, of course.” “No; he has not.” Bob saw that Phillips attached import- ance to that. “Ts not that strange, madam?’ “Tt begins to appear strange to me, L must admit, sir. He must have received my note last night when he returned from business.” “ Where is his business?” “In New York.” “Do you know what it is, and the place?” These particulars were promptly given, the woman having the knowledge re- quired. Then followed a great many more ques- tions and answers, which may be omitted, since they would only weary the reader and not advance the story, yet in which particulars were drawn out. “Now, to .come down to the case proper,” said the detective, when he had satisfied himself along those lines. “At what hour last night did you last see the body. in the room where you have told me it was laid out preparatory for the funeral, madam?” * About midnight, sir.” ~“ And everything was all right at that hour?” “ Yes.” “ You had no sittersup?” “No; that is something I have always considered folly. Would that I had em- ployed some one to watch.” * Regrets are useless now; we have to take the matter just as it is. Did you look well to the fastenings of the house on re- tiring?” “No more so than usual, save to the parlor, where the body lay. ‘There I did examine the windows, to see that the catches Were on, and on coming out I turned the key in the lock.” = ae “The windows were then secured?’ “'Yes:7 “And this morning?” “They were the same, and the door was left locked.” “And yet you tell me that the body of your daughter was missing. Here is a mystery, truly.” “ But you can solve it, can you not, sir? Do not tell me that you cannot, or I shall go erazy, I know I shall! It is almost maddening!” “T will do the best I can, madam, be- lieve me, and it is seldom that I am baf: fled; others might tell you never, but I will modify that. I will do the best of which I am capable.” “Certainly you can do no more. But, | sir, you will not keep me long in suspense? You will report early and often, whether you have diseovered anything or not? Perhaps you can understand the yearnings of my heart, but it is hard to believe that you can realize its intensity.” “T will do that, if you desire it, madam. a (SE docd, dor? “How many servants have you, iid: am?” ; ay “Only two, sir; the woman you saw, and another who is employed in the kitchen.” _“ And these know no more of the matter | than you do yourself, of course? Did you sleep soundly when you retired, after your Visit to the parlor?’ “I searcely seemed to sleep at all, so great was my grief, but I suppose I must have done so, toward morning. I heard no noise during the night, and suspected nothing until I made the discovery this morning.” “Nor the servants?” “They say they heard nothing, sir.” “ What was your first thought when you found the body gone?” “Heavens! I did not think. I was paralyzed, and it was some moments be- fore I could call out. When I did, the servants came, and our amazement knew no bounds.” “Could any one have gained admission into the house without your knowledze after you have retired, as you have said? Whose business was it to see that the front door was secured?’ ““Martha’s—the woman you saw. No; no one could have gained admittance. We looked to the front door immediately, and it was locked, just as she had left it. Oh! it is enough to drive me mad!—mad! I cannot stand it, sir! I cannot stand it! You must do something quiekly!” “Let us see that room, madam, if you please.”* “Yes, yes; anything! sir!” She rose hurriedly, ainda the floor to where double doors opened into the ad- joining parlors, and threw one of these open. They followed her in, and the first thing noticeable was the table on which the dead young woman had been laid, and from which she had so mysteriously disap- peared during the night. Phillips went around the room carefully. letting nothing escape his notice, but there was nothing of importance to at- tract his attention. The windows were se- cure, and, as he remembered them from Without, it would have been difficult to have removed the body that way. When he came around to the double doors, he stopped there. “How about these doors, madam?” he asked. “What about them, sir? They were locked, if you mean that, with the key on this side, as you see it now.” “That is what I meant. Madam, the further I go the more mysterious this mat- | ter appears. If I am frank with you, and | give you the view of a practical man of the world, pardon me.” * What do you mean, sir?’ “T mean this: When the police have come to investigate the affair, I am very much afraid that suspicion must fall upon you,” ; “On me? folly—” She stopped, evidently seeing the force of what he had said. > ““T am afraid that it will be so,”’ he re- peated. “ But I ean give you. the assur- ance that I hold you innocent.” ' “As they all must do sir, for innocent I am. Surely they could not be so base as to think that I would kill my only Come this way, Why, sir, that will be child, whom I loved so well— My God! - They cannot think that!’ “Tt remains to be seen, madam. In any event, I hold you innocent, for I have studied you well during the time I have been here. Then, as I have said, your | success would have depended upon your retaining possession of the body. You would be the last one in the world to | ye it away.” , am dazed, Mr. Phillips, bewildered. x scarcely know what you are saying to Pray leave me, for the present, but | again soon, as you have promised to ene
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The do. In the mean time I will make every effort to compose myself so as to be able ito answer your questions more rationally. If you have nothing more to ask, pray leave me at once. I must be alone.” ¢ “Very well, madam, I respect your wishes. Come, Robert,” and the detective bowed and left the room, Business Bob following him. CHAPTER IV. ANOTHER CASE APPEARS. Business Bob, as soon as they were outside, could keep still no longer. “Great Gowanus!” he exclaimed, ex- citedly; “what kind of a case is it, boss, anyhow?” “That is just what I am trying to figure out, Bob,” was the answer. “It is about the most curious case that ever under my notice. I hardly know what to - think about it?’ “Don’t you think the woman is trying to work a racket on the insurance com- pany?” ae No,” “Then I am all at sea, sure enough. That was the only thing I could get hold of, and I thought maybe it was that. There is a nice sum of money to be had.” “Can’t help it, Bob; that is not the se- cret this time. I studied her well while I was talking with her, and’ am sure she was not acting. We'll go to the office, and there L will smoke a cigar while I think hard upon the matter, and I'll be able to fix upon a theory.” 4. So to the office they went. ' The detective’s office was in a fine build- ing on a busy street. When they entered and mounted the main staircase of the building they heard a musical voice singing: “Go inside an’. take yo’ seat; But yo’ mus’n’ cross yo’ feet; Sot right down an’ hold yo’ pref; You be tickled ’mos to deff!’ “That's Glossy!” cried Bob. ‘“ What can he be doing here, I wonder? There must be a thousand verses to that song he sings; I have never heard the end of it yet. There he goes again!” “When d'e car come to a curb, Tighten» up yo’ eb’ ry nerb; Grit yo’ teeth an’ hol’ hard fast, Vill d’at curb am safely pass’d!”’ “Hello, Glossy! What are you doing here?” cried Bob, as he and the detec- tive came to the door of the latter’s room, where the darky was waiting. “ Waitin’ fo’ yous,” was the response. “ What do you want?” “JT wan’ yo’, boss, d’ar’ and in d'e mightiest hurry eber was, too.” “You want me?” asked Phillips. . “ec ‘Yes. ” “What for, my piece of polished char- .e@oal?” “You are wanted to come ‘to d’e —— Hotel, sah, jes’ as soon as yo’ can git d’ar’.” “ How long | have you been waiting here?” “Not more’n a minute, sah. ‘Af “T thought you hadn’t been here long, Vi Glossy, ”* observed Bob Buckle. “ What made you fink d’at? How could | yo’ tell whether I had been here long or short or otherwise ot “Becatse we would have found, you’ - dead if you had been here very long.” “How yo’ make d’at out?” " “Some one would have killed you for ng that endless song of yours.” ou min’ yo" own. ‘business, Business sty am what. yo’ kin: do,” mgs came | turn the inside. “ Somefin’ wrong in one ob d’e rooms, sah.” * What is it?’ “Don’t know; guess d’ey fink de feller in room No. 21 am takin’ his eberlastin’ sleep.” “Then why didn’t they tell the police? What do they want to bother me for? I guess there must be something more to it than you knaw, Glossy. Bob, I'll have to go and see what is wanted.” “Can't I go, too?” asked Bob. “Wha te@or ?” “Well, that is the hotel where the woman said Robert Wellstone is stop- ping, you know, and—” “ By Jupiter! soitis. Yes, come along, if you wish to, for it is possible that I may want you on hand.” The detective did not open the door of his office, but turned and descended. the stairs, the boys following him. “ Are you going with us, Glossy?” Bob. “"Deed I's not. asked I picks my company, I does. My singin’ might diskumfuddle yo’ finer thinkin’.” “Ha, ha! Well, it might, that is the fact, Glossy. Take care of yourself, my lily-white pard, and I'll see you later, if nothing breaks. Ta, ta!” So they parted, on reaching the side- walk, Bob and the detective going in one direction and the darky in the opposite, and in a moment the darky broke out into song again, like this: “May run ober boy or man, Keep from faintin’ if yo’ can; Woman, child, or dog, or cat, You will soon git use’ to d’at!” The detective and his assistant laughed, and hurried on their way to the hotel. * Arriving there, Phillips went at once to the clerk, whom he knew. + Ww hat is wrong, Jones?” he asked. “That is what we want you to find out, Joe.” “Why didn’t you call in a policeman?” “ Meant to, if you hadn’t got here soon. Knowing you, you were the first one I thought of.” “Well, what is it?’ i There fS something wr ong in room No. a “So the darky said. Who is the oceu- pant of that room?” “A young man named Wellstone—” “Robert Wellstone?” “ Yes; know him?” pa. | have heard of him.” “A fine young fellow. A man came to ‘gee him, said he had called first at his place of business in New York, but found he wasn’t there. This is the gentleman. Mr. Ambler, Mr. Phillips.” . A young man approached, and the clerk introduced him. The detective gave his hand, while his eyes met those of the young man in a. momentarily steady gaze. Ambler was twenty-eight or thirty years of age, good looking and well dressed. He was spare, and ap- parently of nervous temperament. “Yes, I am sure, ‘something must be wrong with Bob,” he said; “They said at the office that he had sent no word, and that was taken as evidence that he must - | be sick or that something had happened to prevent his coming to the office. I had ve Se ee with him for this morn- nn ‘At his office?" a “Yes.” ve you tried to unlock the door?” et ing to the clerk. — ‘es, but the key ‘is in the lock on the Emerane is inside.” i Ewsboy Detective’s Chun. | this desperate deed.” r He was dark complexioned, and wore a | black mustache. | tom of the letter seem to be proof of it: That .makes it seem plain that ones etd babe go. we immediately, It that ts ae ail? ait Sa — r eS the Case, there certainly must be some- bi thing wrong, Sure énough. Will you come along with me?” to-the young mam to whom he had just been introduced. “ Assuredly, sir,’ was the response. The clerk called some one to take his place, and led the way up to the room ° in question. Coming to door No. 21, they stopped, and the detective produced a _ peculiar looking tool having a handle like a large key, and inserted it into the lock, while the others watched eagerly. Bob Buckle stood on his right, eager to get a sight of the room as soon as the door opened, the others on the left and a little further back, and it was a moment of almost breathless suspense, while the detective turned the little instrument in the lock. ‘Presently there was a click, and the door swung open, when a horrible sight met their expectant gaze—a sight more horrible than had been anticipated. On the floor lay the body of Robert Well- stone, with a cord around his neck, a cord that was wound around each hand sey- eral times, indicating at a glance that he had taken his own life in the most fright- ao | ful manner imaginable. ie , 7) ae r ys Oa oe Bae = 6h er d = a ae ies s : aCe nae i < » eer te . ao ——" ji s —— ee ee : - = — ae ee ne uty a4 Stat rs, at ames are on ated A CHAPTER. V. MURDER OR SUICIDE? Ambler was the first to speak. “Great Heavens!” he eried. taken his life!” “And in a way unheard of!” exclaimed the clerk. “I'd never ’a’ thought he’d do a thing like that.” - The detective had said nothing, but had advanced into the room and was looking carefully around, and had picked up a folded sheet of paper from the floor, which he read. ‘What have you there?’ asked Ambler. “A note which the poor fellow evidently received last night,” was the answer. “ER OTG anything that can throw. light upon his reason for taking his life in this horrible manner, Mr. Phillips?” eet “T hardly know. This is what it says!’ “Mr, Wellstone—This brings you the saddest news, which will be almost as | much a blow to you as it was tome. My y heart is broken, and I have nothing to live for. My child—our Luella—is dead. “‘ANN ACHTERSON.’” Even before the detective had finished — reading George Ambler had clapped | a hand to his forehead and staggered back, “He has ve Fey se ee nt and now he cried: BY: “Luella Achterson dead? Sra God! can cK it be possible?” eo “You knew her, then?” é ad “se Yes, yes. ” : “But you had not heard of her. death, he dt is evident.” Mis “No, no, I had not heard. Poor Bob! a It was this sad news that made him do “Tt would seem so,” remarked the detec: “These words in pencil at the bot- ( ‘Nor have I anything to aye for,’ algae R: Ww oi) é “Those words are there?” = never “ Certainly.” OSA SF wet oe stepped up to the detective and looked, immediately adding: : “ And itis poor Bob's writing. Poor fel- : low, it was i ‘sad, blow for him, but this £ is almost as sad for me.’ “He was’ Sm vara then?” ay i“ Yes; or had 7 YM gad “Then he was par friendly to you’ nov “ Well, it was nothing; a little mist My appointment wit morning | was to talk th
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EN SD at) RRR *. Lao e Mes ec ban, oe eS een epee ~ os ees i. ae ore - young man, excitedly. decided. ir. aid - lating, but not enough so. - ‘leave the pencil with which he wrote these “Tt is past making up now, that is cer- ¥ be) “‘And yet I can hardly believe it, in spite of the fact that it is here before my very eyes,” observed the clerk. “Wellstone ‘was not the sort of fellow to do such a thing as this.” “5 He must have been out of his mind,’ said Ambler. “Yes, he certainly must, with this thing so handy,’ spoke the detective. He held up to view a revolver. “ Where was it?” asked Ambler. “ Here in this drawer.” “Then you think—” *“T am puzzled why he should choose such a painful means of death, with this thing so near to hand. <A toueh of the trigger, and all would have been over with him in this world.” “It is strange, truly.” * Yes, it is more than strange. Another strange thing is, that there is no pencil to be found around. Are you quite sure that this is Mr. Wellstone’s writing, Mr. Ambler?’ “Why, yes; | am quite sure it is his.” “Then what did he write it with? It - owas a black pencil, medium soft, I know, ut where is it?’ “No telling where he has put it, sir. “Maybe the words were not written in this xvoom. But there is little use pondering over trifles; this terrible discovery must be made known.” “They are not trifles, to my way of thinking, Mr. Ambler.” “ And yet they are such, when compared with this gigantic horror here at our feet.” The detective now stooped and removed “the cord from the dead man‘s hands and from around his neck, and examined it «closely. dead man, then the hands. “Tt was not a suicide,” he deeided. ‘‘Not suicide?’ cried Ambler. ae {} No.” . “What then?’ “* A murder!” * Good Heavens!” “7 would sooner believe that than the |. other,” spoke the clerk. - “But what proof have you that it was a murder?” cried Ambler. “If you are right ithe murderer must be caught!” “He shall be caught, never fear,” said the detective, grimly. ‘Joe Phillips is not go easily fooled, and this fellow is not a deep enough calculator to escape me, once I get upon his track.” “But, the proof, the proof,” urged the “Convince me that } Bob Wellstone was murdered, and I will go into this thing with you and devote all - there is of me to ‘*inging the murderer to the fate he deserves. But, surely you are |. mistaken, sir.” “ Why am I mistaken?” “ The snes was pened. on the inside—one thing.” “Plenty of room for escape by the tran- som over the door, or by the windows, The young man stepped to a window and looked out. Ambler. This fellow was deep and caleu- He forgot to words on the bottom of this letter. He would have taken this revolver, had the ‘known it was where I found it—” Hight, ya the Bob and that Was murdered vont “alg tei § Mr. oo Next he looked at the neck of the “No one would risk his neck here,” he | “And what murderer would be : —-s0 foolhardy as to run the risk of discoy-. very by trying to get out of the room by the, i nents 5 “A murderer is a man of risks, Mr. Can it be true that — are sae tad is is our business to find the murderer and : bring | him to the fate he richly deserves.” “ But, is there no room for mistake, Mr. Phillips?” * None.” “But the points you have mentioned are weak, sir. Have you nothing stronger to back up your assertion?” * Yes, I have more.” “What is it?” * Look at that mark on the’dead man’s throat.” “1 see it.” “Made by: pulling the cord as tight as two human hands could pull it, you will admit.” “Yes; as if the owner of the hands were ‘desperately in earnest, and Bob was a fellow of great muscular strength.” ““Well, look at the hands. Do you see any marks where the cord was drawn hard around either of them? In one hand the eord was wound from the palm over the back, too.’’ The young man was thoughtful. ‘I believe you must be right; been murdered,’ he admitted. ‘“Yes; I feel sure that I am right. No one intending to pull a cord with all his might would wind it thar way.” * “There is reason in what you say, sir.” “But, what was the motive?’ queried the clerk. “That remains to be discovered,” said Phillips. “Can you throw any light upon it, Mr. Ambler?” “Tam trying my brain now, sir, to think of some one who could have a motive in killing poor Bob, but I fail to find him. If it was murder, it must be a deep and mys- terious one, and I am afraid that I can be of little use to you, sir, when I could see none of these things which now seem so plain.’ ‘I shall need little assistance, I think, Mr. Ambler, but I may call on you to get particulars concerning Mr. Wellstone’s ac- he has } Quaintances.” * And I shall be only too glad to give you every aid in my power.” “YT believe you will, sir.” CHAPTER VI. WHAT WAS THE MOTIVE? Bob Buckle was a close observer. What was more, he was quick to learn, and was fast profiting by his association with a detective like Joe Phillips. He felt a glow of satisfaction when the detective drew attention to the manner in which the cord was wound around the dead man’s hands, for he had observed that himself. : It was not the way he would have taken hold of a string to pull. Bob had innate detective talent, and he had ambition to become his employer's equal some day. - All ready for anything that was required detective and the dark young man had been talking, and now Phillips asked him:. “ Well, Bob, what do you think of it?” “Ttis a great case, sir, and we have got to wipe our Specks: and brush the dust out of our eyes.’ “Do you observe anything?” “Yes, sir.” . “What is it?’ “This chair. You see how close it stands behind the door—just lets the door open, and no mor ey”? fot ieee “Well, see those nail scratches hae some one has st Eh 8 “Yes, I haye noticed them, Bob. what | more? Mr. Ambler, T have a youthful as- sistant here of. whom T am proud.” “As I think you have reason to’ be, it /when I have done so you ean let from what I see," Resa ane es cen ris of him, he had stood silently by while the | the young man had been paying close até tention to all that Bob bad said. “There is some dust just by the door, sir, as if it had been pushed off from where it had collected. I think it is plain enough that somebody got out of the room by climbing through the transom,” “You are awake, Bob, sure enough. I[ noticed some of the same dust on the out- side when I was opening the door. Let us see.” The detective stepped up on the chair’ and examined the transom. “Yes, the dust is from here,’”’ he said. “Then you have proof enough to con-! vince you that it was a murder, and nog suicide,’ remarked Ambler. “* More than enough, sir.”2 “And what is to be done?” “Find the murderer, of course.” “Certainly. But I mean at once, or first tell the police?’ *“ Why, I shall notify the police and the coroner, and let the law be set in mo- tion.” “And I can be of no immediate service, then?” “ No.”’ “Then I must go and call upon Mrs. Achterson. Poor woman! It has been a sad blow for her, for the death must have been sudden. I saw Luella—Miss Achter- son—only a few days ago, and she was then in good health,” “ Yes, it was a sad blow, indeed, and it has been made doubly sad.” “ By this occurrence—” ‘*No; I refer to something else.”’ “What? What more has happened to give her sorrow?” “ Why, the body of her daughter is mys- teriously missing, sir.” “ Missing?’ Ves," Phillips stated the particulars briefly? “Great mercies!” exclaimed Ambler. “What do you make of that, sir%’ “Nothing as yet. I have merely given you the facts as they are. The lady is nearly crazed, as you can imagine.” “Indeed, the wonder is that she is not crazed quite. But your theory, sir. You surely must have a theory in respect to the matter, have you not? Who can have | done so dastardly a thing?” “T have no theory yet, and I cannot answer your question. Can you suggest anything?” \ “ Mrs. Achterson is wealthy?’ “* Moderately so, I believe.” “Some desperate villains may have stolen the body to force money from her.” “Great Gowanus!” exclaimed Bob Buc- kle. “I wonder if that ain’t the secret of the whole business, boss?” “It is possible, Bob.” “ Well, I must go,” said Ambler, step- ping to the door. this! at the dead man, “to meet a fate like Ss ” ““ Your address, before wot go?” request- ed the detective. ** Ah, yes,’ ’ and it was given. _ “ Do you know anything about that man?” asked the detective of the clerk, as soon as Ambler had gone out. ‘Not a thing, sir.” of Ever seen him here before?” - “ec No.” “Did any one call on Wellstone last night?” 4S Impossible for me to. sa £i% night, clerk might be able to t a po Pare ate “Who is he, He was told. “Well, you aay now leave me and my boy here alone for a time,” said Philli “T want to investigate thoroug ! police and set things in motion.” ar wan iz ; * ——w,,,' “Poor Bob!” with a last , and where can I find him?” é , and the .
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The me Renee) Detective’ Ss Chum. , «“ All right, Joe. Just as you say.” So the clerk went out, and Bob and_his employer were left alone together in the room. Phillips closed the door and turned the key in the lock, after which he knelt be- side the body on the floor and proceeded to make a close examination. He opened the vest first, and felt to make sure that the man was indeed dead, for, although the hands and face were cold to the touch, he had uot been fully satis- fied upon that point. Of this he had said nothing. He could not seem to satisfy himself, even after some **oments, but shook his head. ** What's the matter?” asked Bob. “There is warmth there,” was the an- swer. “I believe if we could have been here an hour earlier ~ve would have been in time to save his life.” “Too bad we wasn't, then.” a“ Yes,’’ Phillips then examined the man’s pock- ets. There was nothing there, however, to throw any light upon the matter. He had not been robbed, evidently, so that could not have been the motive for the deed. Speaking to Bob, they together took the | body up from the floor and laid it upon the bed Phillips then made a thorough inspec- tion of the room. With keys he had taken from the dead man’s pockets, he could open all the locked drawers and the trunks without difficul- ty, although he could, no doubt, have opened them anyhow. Nothing of importance was found mi the drawers, but in one of the trunks were letters and papers, which the detective _ looked over, eager to find some clew to the mystery, but while they gave him a great deal of information concerning the dead man, they did not point out his! slayer. resently he opened a letter that inter- ested him. It was of recent date, very brief, and. it read as follows: “Dearest Robert—Do you think it wise to keep our marriage longer a secret? I must see you soon for a talk. Take care not to lose the certificate. Your loving “WIFIE.” “Ha! More complications,” said the detective, to Bob. “Our friend here was a married man, and we must oe who his wife was, Bob.” ‘s “And I’ll bet a sixpence to a kick be- hind that it was Luella,’ declared Bob, promptly. ‘‘ His face don't look like a feller’s that would play false with a lady.” “T am of the same opinion myself,” agreed Phillips. ‘But we have got to prove it, for there is no name signed here. Now, where is that certificate? It is gone, it seems, and I might not have found this letter had I not made my search so thor- ough, for it was not with the rest.” -—-e—— CHAPTER VII. ANOTHER DISAPPEARANCR. Business Bob assisted in the search for the certificate. , very nook in the room was explored, but without. discovery of the object sought for. “Well, it is not here,” the detective decided. ~ “ And hence it is gone,” added Bob. “I have an idea, boss.” “You generally have good ones; what is _ your idea in this connection?” “That the man who killed Wellstone Pao ‘took the certificate away with him.” | | “What more?’ “Maybe that was what he did the mur- der for.” “JT have thought of that; but there is another view to take of the matter at the same time.’ “ What's that?’ ““ Maybe the certificate was not here.” “You always like to throw cold water over my pet thinks, seems to me, boss.” “T want to train you in the habit of looking at the other side of everything that comes to your mind, thatis all. Well, we are done here.” “What next?’ “We'll go ‘to the office, after I have telephoned to the police.” They started to leave the room, but Phillips turned back to take one more look at the dead man before doing so. He examined the body again as he had done in the first instance, carefully, thor- oughly, but shook his head when done, and having done, hurried from the room, locking the door and removing the key. They passed down to the office. “What did you discover more?” asked the clerk, “ Very, little,”” answered Phillips. is the key. I locked the door.” “And shall I now telephone to the po- lice and have them come here and take up the case?” “Yes; and perhaps they will not like it because I have been here first, but that was your fault. However, they are wel- come to all they can make ‘of it; Iam all at sea.” “You don’t mean that, Joe.” “Why not?” “T know you too well. idea about it.” ; “Yes, a hundred, for that matter, and little they amount to. Just a word with you privately, Jones,” WAH right.” The clerk stepped nearer, and the de- tective whispered to him. Business Bob could not hear what was said, of course, but he watched the clerk’s face. He saw him start, saw a look of sur- prise come over his features, and when the detective had done speaking he nodded his head in the affirmative in an earnest manner. — vie! | depend on you,” said Phillips. “T won't fail you,’’ was the assurance. So they parted, and Phillips and Bob passed out and boarded a car. The nearest police station was on their direct route, and when they reached it they left the car and entered. ‘* Here You have some “ Hello, here you are yourself, eh?” the captain greeted him. “ You are bound to be the early worm if you can, I find. The clerk at the —— Hotel has ‘phoned to us.’ “Have your men set out?’ “ Tust a moment ago.” “ All right, then. I left the door locked, and everything is just as I found it, save sey I lifted the body from the floor to the ed.”’ “ And took away the clew, if there was one?” “Which T’ll share with you. Step this way a moment.” Here, again, Phillips yhispered, and Boh wondered what it was about. He noticed that the captain looked sur- prised, as had the clerk, and that he nodded in the same way. when he had heard all. ; “You see, it may work,” said the de- tertive, “Yos, IT think it will, if it is as you think.’ was the response. “T depend on you, cantain.” “You know you can do that. Joe.” They saluted, with a wave of the hand, and Phillips passed out, Bob following, Z : ae : and as soon as they were: outside, Bob. said: * Boss, I can’t stand the press.” ‘““What press, Bob?” “Press of curiosity, that’s what.” “Ha, ha! You want to know what L said to the captain, eh?” “ And to the clerk, too, for it was the- same thing, I take it. Have you got a sure enough clew, after all, boss?” “T’ll tell you the little joker in the case, Bob, and let you think what you please about it. As I said to the others, I depend on you, too, Bob, and I think you will be of big help to me.” “T’ll do my level best, you bet. What: is it?” Thereupon, in low tones, the detective told Bob what he had already told the: hotel clerk and the police captain, Bob was surprised at what he heard, and an exclamation escaped him. “Great Gowanus!” he cried. “‘ Who would ’a’ thought it?” “Tt may not be so, but I hope it is.” ““Me, too, you bet!” Just at that moment singing broke- upon their ears. “Trolley cars am all d’e Bet yo’ life d’at d’ey ain low; Horses d’ey not in d’e fight *Lectric lines am out ob sight!’ “That’s Glossy!” cried Bob. “ Where > isihe?’- . “There he comes, on that car,’ an- swered the detective. : “Sure enough, there he is, as big as: life and as grand as Cuffy!” A car was coming abreast with them, and the darky was in front with the mo-- torman. The latter was grinning from ear to ear, - well pleased with the song, no doubt, but. just then Bob called out to Glossy and the singing stopped instantly, and the singer bolted. He hurried through the car to the rear and alighted safely while the car was im | motion. “Hello!” he then responded to Bob's: greeting. “ Still singing, are you?” asked Bob. ““Haven’t you come to the end of that song yet, Glossy?” “ Goodness! no; an’ ain’ likely to, either, I reckon.” ‘“How is that?’ “T make up a new verse about every” five minutes, d’at’s how it am, an’ it is. soon gwine to take me all day to sing ’em all.” “You had Better take a vacation, then, and go down to some barren sand beach and sing it out. If you keep it up here in Brooklyn you will be deelaredi a pub- lic nuisance.” “Oh, you git out. But hol” ou Mr, Phillips, it is you I want, and’ don tol” me to fotch yo’ double quick.” - “Who did?’ asked the detective, stop- — ping short. “D’e clerk at d’e hotel.” “Wy, we just came <o there.”” “ Can’t help d’at, sah.” “What's wanted?” , “D’e mischief am to pay, d’e clerk say. Yo’ see, I went d’ar’ to se what was up, an’ got d’ar’ after yo’ had gone, an’ de clerk tell me to git a gait om an’ find yo* instanter.” “Yes, yes; that’s all right; but what has happened?” “He said tell you de body hab’ misap- peared—"” “The body has disappeared ? ak “D’at’s d’e word, sah.” “What, the deuce can this mean?” eried the detective. ‘Come. Bob, we'll have to take, a car and go back and find out about this. It is getting so thick that it will stick, if we don’t icc! it. eae
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, The bis aciabe bind Detective’s Chum. 7 _._...— — —— ——— disappearance—what are we coming to, anyhow?” ‘Guess I will hab’ to go with yo’,” ob- served Glossy. ‘I am beginnin’ to git interested in d’is fing myself, Heah comes a ear, boss, an’ ef yo’ don’t ‘ject to my color, I'll ride along. And he broke out singing: “Oh! d’e‘trolley car it run on wheels, Nebber know how good it feels; Git aboard an’ come along, While I sing my little song!’’ CHAPTER VIII. STARTLING STATEMENT. Business Bob caught hold of Glossy, in play. “ Choke off, Glossy!” he cried. “If you want to ride with us, you ‘hhaye got to drop that.” “Can’t do it, nohow, Bob. You go "long on dis car; I will wait for d’e nex’. T'll git d’ar’ ’mos’ as soon as you, anyhow. Yeu don’t know a good song when you hear it.” “'That’s what's the matter, I guess, Glossy. I know I have heard a good deal of that one, and it gets worse all the time.” “ Diat am all right, Bobbsey; to yo’ business an’ I'll see to mine. The detective had signaled the coming yo’ “tend ” -ear, and Bob followed him and got on board, and as the car started off they left Glossy singing: ; “ Trolley ride am mighty nice, "Bout d’e biggest thing ou ice; Turn de crank an’ let ‘er run, Bet yo’ nebber had sech fun!” And from that he rolled off into an- other yerse, but his words could not be caught, and the detective and Business: Bob enjoyed a laugh as their car rolled away with a hum and a buzz. In a brief time they were back again at the hotel. A good deal of excitement of a quiet kind was now noticeable, and policemen were seen about. The clerk was engaged im conversation with a police detective, and their faces brightened as they saw Joe Phillips ap- proaching. “What is this I hear?’ demanded Joe. “The body is gone,” said the clerk. “How did it go?” “That is for you to say, you were the last one in the room.” “And I locked the door when I came out and left the key with you. My boy here will bear me out in that.” “That’s straight,” spoke up Bob. | “Well, I went up right after you had gone, with one of the proprietors, and there was no dead .nan in the room then,” declared the clerk. “Not a sign of a dead man,” agreed the proprietor, who was’ standing near. ““T would like to have this thing cleared up, gentlemen, for it is not good for my house. ” “We'll do our best, of course,” said the police detective. “Certainly we will,” echoed Phillips. “But, Jones, are you doubly certain of what you say? You saw the body on the floor; I told you I had put it on the bed when I handed you the key. look on the bed?” “Yes, we looked on the bed.” “Well, here will be a sensation for the papers, sure enough. Was the. door - locked the same as T left ic?” _ “Tt was locked, yes 4 “That is the way T left it. Hello! here ire some reporters. How fast news does vel! Come, let’s all go up to the room and see what we can see.” So they did, reporters and all, but their “yisit amounted to nothing. The body of ‘Robert Wellstone was gone, and there > Did you Pgs ee ae eo ee ee was no clew to dota to its recovery, that is, no clew that they could discover. The reporters, needless to say, kept their tongues and pencils busy, and made much of the mystery. The body was gone; found. ‘What is your opinion?’ asked the po- lice detective, as he and Joe Phillips left the room together and went down. “ Suppose we sit down in the reading- room and talk it over for a few minutes, and put our heads together, as it were,” the private detective suggested. “Nothing would suit me better.” “Come on, then.” “T’ll wait for you in the lobby, boss,” said Bob. “All right, wait for me there, Bob; I won't be a great while here,’ was the re- sponse. So the two detectives entered the read- ing-room, while Business Bob passed on through to the lobby, where he heard a voice humming: “When d'e car goes down a grade, - D’en yo’ mus’n' be afraid; Have a trolley to yo’ hat, So d’e win' won't capture d’at!” There was Pete, with a pleased au- dience of two or three of the hotel porters standing around him, and all were grinning from ear to ear at the nonsensi- cal jingles he was reeling off by the yard. “Great Gowanus!” cried Bob. ‘Still at it, are you, Glossy?” “Seems to me yo’ is allu’s boun’ to inter- it was not to be rupt me, Bob,” the darky complained, stopping short. ‘What am d’e news?” “Come over here, and I'll tell you. Seems to me you are taking a day off, to- day, ain’t you?” “Yes, I am gittin’ ready to open on d@at corner I tole yo’ about.” “T see: ° Well; I wish? touauck, course.” “ An’ I'll hab’ it, I ’pine. But, what is all d’e rumpus "bout d’at body bein’ clean gone?” Bob stated the matter as it ‘was known to the public generally, or soon would be, and continued talking with the darky till the detectives made their appearance. “Come on, Bob,” said Phillips. “Right with you, sir. So long, Glossy, till I see you again.” “So long, Bobbsey. Come an’ see me when I git open fo’ Susiness, and I'll sing @at whole song—” “No, thank you; I guess I'll stay away,” laughing. And Bob followed his em- ployer out, leaving the jolly darky render- ing another verse of his never-ending song. something like this: » Goes up hill d'e same as down, Take yo ‘all around d’e town; Horses now all out ob use; Run d'e cars by lightnin’ juice!” “ Well, where to now, bows?” asked Bob. “To see Mrs. Achterson again. Hope Ambler is still there, too.” “So do 1.” “Why?” “Want to see how he will take this new bit of news.” “Yes, and I may want you to shadow him for me. I am not sure on that score yet.” “Well, I guess I can do it. That is right in my line of business, and I am all business, from tuc ground up to my hat. I think I can do k*m up brown if I set my eyes on him.” “Maybe you have got them on him al- ready, Bob.” “Yes, maybe I have, and I want to ‘know all about him before I take ’em off again, too.” They continued their conversation until they boarded a car, but let the matter drop and said no more until they ee | of | again, when they were soon at Mrs. Ach- terson’s door. The same woman admitted them. It could be seen that she had ‘been weep- ing, the same as her mistress. “Has Mrs. Achterson company?’ asked Phillips. ‘ “Yes, sit’? “It is Mr. Ambler?’ “ae Yes,”’ “Very well; announce me.” They were soon shown into the sitting- room we have seen before. Mrs. Achterson was all but prostrated with grief, and Phillips saw that the call- ing of Ambler had not helped her. “There is new and terrible news, Mr, Ambler tells me,’ the woman said, as soon as the detective entered the room. “Do you think it possible that it has been a murder, Mr. Phillips?” “IT feel certain of it.’’ “But where was the motive? was a slight excuse for suicide.” “No, there is never a justifiable excuse for the latter, madam, nor for the former, save in a villainous mind.” ~ “T agree with you there,’ spoke up -Am- bler, immediately. “ And that is not all the mystery, either,” said the detective. ““Not all?” ae No.” “What is there more?’ asked Ambler. “Why, the body of Wellstone, too, is mysteriously missing, and can’t be dis- covered.” , Ambler gave a great start, made a mo- tion as if he would spring to his feet, but restrained himself, and a slight pale- ness appeared for an instant upon his swart face. There CHAPTER. IX, SOME PROOFS HERE. Phillips and his assistant both noted these things. They exchanged no glance, however, for the reason that the detective did not look in Bob's direction. “Heavens!” the young man exclaimed. Yas it not bad enough? And, what mean all these mysteries? See how it af- fects Mrs. Achterson, sir. You should not have mentioned it.” Mrs. Achterson was trembling, and there was a wild expression. in her eyes. “It is frightful!” she cried. “First, the death of my daughter; then’ ‘the disappear- ance of her body. Then the murder of Robert, and now the news that his body, too, is sonnei I shall go raving, distract- ed, if something is not done speedily!” “And you have still no clew?’ asked Ambler. “No definite clew,” the detective an- swered. “I shall devote the rest of the day to finding one.” “And what brings you here now?” asked the woman. “You bade me come again soon.” “T did not look for you quite se soon, however.” “Pardon my intrusion then, madam; but I have some business besides, “i “ What is it?” “Can you show me a specimen of your daughter’s handwriting?” “Yes, certainly.” - The woman rose and stepped to a writ- ing desk in the room. “What can'you want with a specimen of the poor young lady’s handwriting, Mr. Phillips?” queried Ambler. - oT. compare with other writing, of course, sir. I have a specimen which I think is Rers, but of which I am not quite sure. It can be easily decided when I see what is known to be hers.” “Why, sir, it is more oe decided than that,”
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eae ** How ?” ** Let Mrs. Achterson say.” “Why, certainly; I would know, sir, the lady declared. “I did not want to trouble you in that way. madam, and Cause you a pang of pain if it did happen to be hers.” “Yet you gave her more trouble,” as- sumed Ambler. “My object would have remained hid- den but for your question.” ** Ah, true; pardon me.” Mrs. Achterson had by this time found a letter in her’ daughter’s writing, and, first looking at it, she handed it to the detective. Phillips saw at a glance that the writer of the note he had found in Wellstone’s trunk and the writer of this letter were the same person, and he handed the letter back, “JT see it is not the same, in order to avoid further comment the matter. “Then may we ask what it was you found?’ inquired Ambler. “Tt is of no importance now, sir.” “Pardon me.” There was a pause, then, and there was only one thing for Mr. Ambler to do, which was (pardon so execrable a pun) to amble. “ Well, I will take leave, Mrs. Achtem son,” he said, rising. ‘Needless for me to assure you that my heart bleeds for you in your trouble. I shall be eager to hear of the recovery of the body—” “You shall hear, sir; you shall hear,” was eagerly interrupted. “And you, Mr. Phillips, do your very best in the matter, and leave no stone un- turned—not only in this case, but in the other as well. I shall be eager to have you call on me.” “4 will do so, shortly,” the promised. Ambler bowed then, and left the room and the house. No sooner had he gone out than Phillips said to Bob: ““T will excuse you, Bob. You get what information you can in another direction and report to me when you find there is nothing more to be had, Be off with you now.” “ All right, boss, I understand,” and Bob lost no time in making his exit. He understood that he was to watch Mr. George Ambler, and learn what was pos- sible in that particular direction. He quickly caught sight of his suspect. “ Now, madam,” remarked the detective, as soon as Bob had gone; “have you been holding something back from me?’ The woman started. . “Why, no, sir,” she amswered. “You told me that Mr. Wellstone was your daughter’s accepted lover.” “Yes; so he was, sir.” “Then you were not aware that he was a married man, of course.” “A married man! Heavens! no!’ “Such he was, none the less.” “T cannot believe it, Mr. Phillips. He seemed the soul of honor.” “This will prove it to you, then, madam,” taking the letter from his pocket and handing it to her. It was the letter he had found in Well- stone’s trunk. ‘My daughter's writing!’ the woman exclaimed, the moment her eyes fell upon se “You reeognize it. Well, read it.” “ Merey! she was his wife already!” * So it appears, madam, and for some reason Wellstone had desired it kept a secret.”’ * “What mystery is here?” “That remains to be discovered, madam. It is no trifling one, be assured of that. ” ” he observed, upon detective hk id seins TO Ae PTT BA oe ad a2 mS MRL There is some powerful motive some- where.” ‘But you are unable to discover it?” “TT have not had time yet to work upon the ease. I have searcely begun.” “Then, in merey, to work and clear the matter up! This suspense is more than |] can bear! My daughter married? I can- not realize that it was so.” “Yet you hold the proof of it in your hand.” ‘No doubting it.” “That is the proof I wanted, madam.” “What is?” “The proof that your daughter was the writer of that note. I recognized the writ- ing the moment you showed it to me—” “Yet you declared that you did not.” “Wor a purpose. Will you keep this knowledge secret for a time?” “If you desire so; it shall not be made known to a living soul.” “TIT know I can trust you, or I would not have let you into if with me. Now, does this suggest anything to your mind?” * — do not understand, sir.”’ “What I mean, then, this may possibly open to your mind some new theory in re gard to a motive.” “Tt does not, sir. it more complicated than ever. the body of my child stolen? Robert Wellstone murdered? than I can grasp.” * Was there any property at stake?” “None, saye that insurance.”’ “But, you have some wealth?” “Only enough to keep up a moderate appearance, sir.” “Then we must look to Mr. Wellstone’s side of the house for the explanation, I think.” “ ‘But, sir, my daughter’s body? Where can that be? What have they done with the dear form? Oh, sir, you must recover it, or I cannot long retain my reason!” “Tf it is to be found, madam, believe me I will restore it to you. Now I will taRe my leaye, in order not to excite you need- lessly. You must force a calmness if pos- sible.” **T have tried, but it is impossible. You are my only hope, sir, and if you fail me, then all is lost!” “T will not fail you!” Joe Phillips prom- ised. If anything, it makes Why was Why was It.is more CHAPTER X. BOB GETS IN A LICK. Business Bob was equipped with some changes for disguise. When be set out to follow George Am- bler one of the first things he did was to spring a false mustache fast to his lip. These things had been provided for him by Phillips, whose apprentice he really was, and from him he ad taken more lessons than one during the time he had been in his employ. Bob knew many a “wrinkle” well worth knowing, in connection with the profes- sion. Ambler had set forward at a lively pace. The address he had given the detectivé was in New York, but Bob soon made up his mind that he was not going in the direction of New York now. Or, if he was, then he did not know much about Brooklyn, and did not know the nearest route from the part of the city he was now in. But, that was not it, as Bob wad to admit presently. From one street to another the. man went, and once or twice he looked back, as if to make sure that he was not. being followed. Finally, he reduced his pace, and at last aseended the steps of a house. Bob noticed that he did not ring, but let himself in with a key, which was proof in itself that he was no stranger there, ” himseif. “What is up now? If he is at home here and has a place in New York besides, he must be a sort of double, I sus- pect.” He sauntered past the house, and noted its number without appearing to give it attention. When he had gone a little distance past he stopped. A doctor’s gig was standing by the eurb, and passing around that he made a change in his disguise in that brief time. On the opposite side of the street, and nearly opposite the house into which Am- bler had disappeared, was a house without a tenant, and crossing over to that, Bob sat down on the steps. * Now,” he said to himself, “come what may, I am prepared for it. I have seored one point, if I don’t get any more.’ He had been there only a little time when he heard: “On d’ese cars you need no fan, D’ey run on d’e air line plan; Jes’ lay back, as on she go, Let the win’ fr’u’ yo’ whiskers blow.”’ “Great Gowanus!” cried Bob, straight- ening up and looking. ‘That song is the hightmare of my existence, and I see’ no way to get rid of it except to kill the nig, and I hate to do that. Here he comes, right this way, and who ever heard such stuff as that?” “When a lady git aboard, Give yo’ seat up like a lord; Bo’ de car might give er flap, An’ seat de lady, on yo’ lap.’ “Worse and worse!’ exclaimed Bob. “I'd like to heave a payin’ block at his head, but it wouldn't do, for he would holler out my name, and that might upset the sgup. I'd holler at him and tell him to shut his black face up, but that would be as bad. Guess I'll have to grin and bear it until he passes out of hearing, and I hope he won’t be long about it.” “Et yo’ don’ t yor Carty it iene Gsewieske Pi i f yo’ wear a diamon’ pin, Don’ set whar’ d'e sun come in!” Bob was looking around for a loose stone, a brick, or something, but just as that verse was finished the darky came to his destination. He mounted the steps of the same honse into which Ambler had gone! “ Great Gowanus!” again exclaimed the apprentice, with more, than his usual vigor. “What is takin’ him there, I wonder? If this pudding ain't gettin’ thick, then I'd like to know it!” Pete pulled the bell, and Bob dropped his head and watched the door out from under the brim of his hat. Little or nothing of his face could be seen. Some one opened the door, and Pete de livered a note. The person said something and closed the door again, and the darky waited, breaking out into song and reeling off three or four more verses. The door presently reopened, the same person gave a note into Pete’s hand, to- gether with something that had the glint of a silver coin. The darky grinned and doffed his hat as he accepted it, descend- ing the steps and hastening off at once, the person at the door looking after him for a moment. Pete went singing with even more vim than ever, and Bob did not stir while the door was held open. Even after it had been closed he waited a little longer. When he got up he sauntered off lazily and leisurely, as if he had nothing to do, and all day to do it in, Once away from the house, however, he quickened his pace, and ere long came up with his darky friend, who was still sing-
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ee La . haat + The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Chum. ing away as if his life depended on it, and Bob gave him a thump on the baek. That particular verse was not finished. “What yo’ doin’?”’ cried Pete, looking around with fire in his eyes, but on see- ing who it was he grinned. “I’m trying to knock some of the sing out of you, that is all,” answered Bob, “an’ I'll do it, too, if you worry me much longer with that song of nonsense you are harping on.” “It will nebber get out ob me in any vtuacr way, Bobbsey, d’at am sure,”’ was the rejoinder. “ Verses come to me faster d’an I kin sing ’em, d’at am d’e fack, an’ Some ob d’e best ones git away "fore I kin git fast holt onto ’em. Say, Bob, know what I fink?” “No, I don’t; didn’t know you thought at all.’ *T think I am born to make a poet—”’ “Great Gowanus! that is worse than ever. JWll speak for a place for you in the asylum. But, say, what took you to that house?” “What house?’ “Why, the one you just came from, of course.” “What yo’ know ’bout d’at?”’ “I’m trying to find out something now. Come, no fooling out of you, but answer my question.” *“ Beats all how you know eberything, Bob Buckle. I believe you jes’ spend yo’ whole time watchin’ me, and I bet I knows what yo’ am up to; yo’ can’t fool me a whole lot.” “What do you mean now?” “You am tryin’ to steal my song away from me to—” “Bother your song! I have got some- thing of more importance on hand than that. Answer my question.” ys “Well, I took a note d’ar’, d’at was all.” ; “Who was it for?” “ Look heah, Bob, d’is am my game—” “Oh! your head is thicker than your tongue, a good deal. I haye been shadow- ing that house, and—” “Ho! Why didn’t yo’ say so in d'e f'us’ place, d’en? If d’at am d’e case, I be glad ‘nuff to do all I kin to ’lighten yo’ mind on any subjeck what come wid’in d’e wide range ob—” - “Oh! shut up! Who was that note for?” “Samuel Kerner.” “ And who is the answer directed to?” “Richard Wardhouse, over in —— street, No. 242.” “Let me see it.” — “Can't do d’at, Bob.” _“ Why not?” “’Oa’se I was told bery p’tic’lar not to let it go out ob my hands, and I have got a dollar out ob d’e t’ing.” “Well, you needn’t let it go out of your hands, but I have got to see it all the ror same, if I have to throw you down and take it away from you. I mean business, you bet!” “ turning the letter | ell. don’ open it, or been tampered } CHAPTER XL. PART FOR BOB TO PLAY. jj. Some other things are all wrong. ‘“Wardhouse—Yes, it is all right, but Don't Glossy Pete could not have helped it if |’ worry me now, but have a little patience, the the he would; Business Bob was boss of Situation; and they set forward for detective’s office. As Bob forbade Pete’s singing, darky had to content himself with next best thing, which was to whistle the air of his never-ending song, running the verses over in his mind as he did so. Bob carried the letter. When they came to their destination they found Phillips there. « He had just come in, and was looking over his mail, this being his first oppor- tunity that day. “ Hello!’ he exclaimed, on seeing Bob. “Same to you, boss,’”’ was the response. *“ And you, too, Lampblack!” “Better call him Stove-polish,” gested Bob. “What's the difference?” : “The shine. But this ain’t no time for foolin’, boss; jest cast your weather eye at this letter.” He surrendered it as he spoke. “What about it?’ *T s’pose the insides will tell that.” “Yes, but let me hear about the out- side, first; that is, where did you get it?” “ Bobbsey took it off'n me,” spoke up Glossy, “and I done got it off'n d’e man what writ’ it, who was sendin’ it to, t’other feller.” “You make it very clear. about it?” “Well, I followed our man to his desti- nation, which was to a house on —— street,” giving the number. ‘“ While I was shadowing the house, shadow came along—" “You. ’ludin’ to me?” Glossy. “Yes, I'm alluding to you. Hold your tongue while I tell the boss. Came along’ and stopped there with the note, as I was going to say, boss, and he waited for answer, the which same I have gobbled up and brought here to you. Question is, did our man write it?” “Who was the other note for, boy?’ | ‘to Glossy. 7 “ Wo’ Samuel Kerner.” — “That certainly is not George Am- bler.” DSN “Not by name,” agreed Bob, “but it may be in fact, you see.” : “You are right. As there is no stamp on this missive, I will investigate, I think.” “Te Td thought you wouldn't, I'd a’ done it myself, sure pop,” declared Bus- | ‘iness Bob. ‘The key to the whole mat- ‘ter may be inside that envelope, and I'm more than eager to see what it is.” The letter was deftly opened, in a man- ner which would defy after detection. “Tf there is nothing in it to concern us, no harm done,’ observed the detec- tive, “and nobody will ever be the wiser. | the sug- Bob, what interrupted | If it does concern this case, it may be | all that you say of it, Bob. Hold your breath, now, while I take a survey of the inside.” The detective drew forth the sheet as | he spoke, and deftly opened it, while Glossy softly whistled his happy tune. ‘| It proved a double find. 4 A original message as well. eu . een penciled on the same the | this deeper | Not only was the answer there, but the | are going to for I have got to go very slow. Be there to-night at nine. “KERNER.” “ What is it, boss, what is it?’ eagerly inquired Bob, as the detective sat mus- ing after he had read it. - “Something we have got to gate,” informed Phillips, and: he aloud what the sheet contained. “Should think we would have to in- vestigate!’ cried Bob. ‘‘ Maybe it is just what I said—the key to the whole crib of mystery. It is certain that these two have beep up to some kind of didos, anyhow.” “Well, am yo’ done with it?’ asked Glossy. “Yes, I am done with it, my boy, seal it and you can deliver it.’ * An’ what d’en?” “Why, nothing further, unless another note shoulé be fired back again, in which case bring it here before you deliver it.” “T see, sah.” * And here you are.” The envelope was sealed anew and handecéto the darky. Glossy took it, passed out of the room, and went down the stairs singing: “Ef yo's readin’ while yo’ ride, | Don’ hol’ yo’ paper two yards wide; ; Yo’s cuttin’ off de others’ view, An’ d'ey may rise an’ go fo’ you!” The detective and his apprentice could not help smiling. as they listened, and they smiled more at a part of the next verse. “Well, now asked Bob. “T have an idea.¥ “That's nothing new. ‘What, the idea?” “No, that you have got it; you are full of ’em.” \ ; . “Well, I will accept the amendment, Bob. I have a notion to play a little game on these two fellows.” * What is it?” “Why, send a note to each of them, making it appear that it is from the other, investi- read Til what’s on the docket?” ” | and appoint a meeting. Each would go, — and I could be on hand to hear what would come of it.” : “Do it, boss, doit!” : ; “There is one thing in the way, Bob.” . “What is it?” | “Think for yourself, That is one thing I am trying to train you in, looking at the other side of every situation.” “Well, let’s see, then. In the first place, it would show them both that a third party was playing a fine Italian hand somewhere, and that would put them on their x gua '“ You have struck it the first fire! That is just it; I think I had better hold back that card just a little before I play it.” “Mebby you are right; you ’most al- ways are, boss.” — “T think Iam. We will hold that in reserve, anyway, in case it comes into play anywhere. How is your nerve to- da " : : : so & a hy } “Do you think you could house where you left Ambler “T can make a try for it, anyhow. You oy . know I have a way of getting there when — I set out to do a thing.” i “That is the reason I want you to un- dertake this. I,don’t clearly see how you are gO! do it, for I don’t want you to mention Wardhouse; that would give away the thing.” pi9 “As bad as the other card. But Am- bler will know me, boss “You won't go till he has left ther | house.” LD iti eM ot be > Vf gets get into that» 4! ¥ 2 oe
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10 The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Chum. ‘And how am I to know?” every move, you must plan for yourself. Perhaps this is a little difficult, however. Be I think I will disguise you in a clever ‘i manner, on second thought.” “Go ahead.” “TI will freckle you pretty plentifully, and you can change your clothes and put on another hat, and then if you do meet Ambler he will not be likely to know you.” > “Good enough; put on the freckles, Bc boss. I will go and ask for Kerner, and if F he is there I will go right off and leave no explanation, only thing I can do, un- less you want me to wade right in.” “That will do, I think.” _“ And if he isn’t there, I'll declare that I have got to wait and see him, no matter what breaks, and will get into the house on that ’scuse. It is no small task you have set for me, boss, sure enough.” “‘'That is the reason I inquired about your nerve. You will get there somehow, I have every confidence of that, and be- Bis ing a boy, you ean do it better than I rt could do it myself. Now for the dis- guise, and I’ll make such a change in you a that your own mother, would stumble *: over you and never know you.” . a _. CHAPTER XII. ; BOB BUCKLE IN HOT WATER. Apprentice Bob hardly knew himself ‘when he looked in the glass. . The ehange in his appearance was re- markable, and the freckles in themselves were 2 perfect disguise. “Great Gowanus!” he exclaimed. ‘“ In- troduce me to myself, won’t you, boss?” | ‘The detective laughed, while he ad- mired his handiwork. “You will pass, that is certain,” he averred. ‘‘Make ready, now, and be { off with you, and be back again in two Wes hours.” > ay “ All right; I will be here, if nothing ; breaks. If I’m not, you will know ‘where to take up the trail to find me, and you want to make a smoke in their «amp if they do any damage to me.” “JT will, you bet. But you must take care that they do not get a chance to do you damage, as you express it.” “I'll try to, boss. Well, so long; no- tice of funeral hereafter.” " Phillips laughed, and Bob hastened off. In due time he was in the neighborhood of his destination, and he slackened his pace while he thought. Here he was on the ground, but how Was he to proceed? He had been trying to figure it out as he came along, but thus far without success, and it seemed a hard nut to crack. | daylight on the matter,” he said to him- self. “‘“Maybe he was stuck himself and couldn’t—but no, they don’t stick Joe Phillips as easy as that; he only wants me to do my, own thinking, that is all, and I will have to do it.” : He ran different schemes over in his mind. sis ne There was something to act as a draw- back to every one of them. If he asked ‘for Kerner he might be taken right in to see him, and what could he say. He decided to act upon the plan that seemed the most feasible of any, and so he continued on, mounted the steps and rang the bell, and when the door Bape was opened, he inquired: 4 “Who lives ‘here, please?” yf _ This was a set-back for the apprentice, _ but he met it promptly. y - “Wish the boss had shed some more | “Mr. Howson Carper,” was the answer. “That isn’t the name I was lookin’. { | t “Tt won’t do for me to be telling you | tor,” he said, musingly, ‘‘ Any boarders kept here?” ‘““What name do you want?” “Don't know; I have forgot.” Bob was acting as if not very bright. “Well, there are no boarders here, but Mr. Carper has friends who come and see him on business more or less.” ‘* Mebby it’s one of them.” “There is a Mr. Kerner for one; that the name?” * Sounds like it. “Has gone out.” ‘““Then Mr. Carper is at home?” “No; he is absent at present. what do you want?” “JY must see Mr. Kerner without fail. That is the name, I, guess. I must come in and wait for him.” ‘“But I don’t know when he will be back.” “That don’t make any difference; I will wait till he does come, or until Mr. Carper comes.” “You will have a long wait, my lad, You had better tell me the business, and maybe I can do what is wanted. Who sent you here, anyhow?” “That is something I can’t tell. The only thing I can do is to come in and wait, and I'll keep right on waiting, if you will give me something to eat and let me sleep on the floor.” “Your errand must “Of course it is.” “Well, come in, for this is no place to talk so long.” The man stepped back from the door to allow Bob to enter, and the detective’s apprentice stepped in. As soon as the door had closed, the man seized Bob’s arm roughly and hur- ried him into the nearest room, where he took a good look at him without saying a «word. “Think you will know me next time?” Bob asked. “YT want to know you this time,” was the fierce response. + want to know what you are nosing around here for.’ “What I'm nosing around here for?” “Yes, just that.” “JT am not nosing, sir; I came right open and told you what I wanted. Seems to me you are the one that’s prying.” “And I want to know the whole bus- iness, too. I want to know who you are, who sent you, and what you want to see Mr. Kerner for, and the whole business. Come, now, speak right up.” “Who the mischief are you?’ Bob de- manded, ; He bad at first taken the man to be a servant, when he had spoken so meekly at the door. Now he decided in his mind that he was the master of the house, if anything, and he believed that it was Carper himself, if the man had given his right name, or whether he had or not. “ You will find out who I am if you don’t speak up.” . “That’s what I want to do. But, you are taking the wrong course with me, for I won’t tell now, if I die for it!” “You won't, eh?” “No, I wouldn't even tell Carper.” “We'll have to see about that, my gen- tleman. Who sent you here?” “T'll never tell you. The man I want to is Is he here now?” But be important.” 9 | see is Kerner, and I mean to see him if I have to stay all night.” “You will remain, have no doubts on that score. You will stay here, and maybe a good deal longer than you are figuring on staying. That is, unless you are more reasonable,” Bob saw that he was in for it. He had invaded a place where there was danger, and there was suspicion against him. : On entering the room, the man had re- leased his hold upon him, and stood with his back to the door, and there was an expression upon his face which Bob did not like to see. Bob looked around. There was another door to the room, and two windows in front. The latter could not do him any good, but the door might, if he could make a bolt and get through it before the man caught him, He hadi¢ome there for the purpose of learningwhat he could about the interior of the house, its inmates, and what not, but if he allowed himself to be made a prisoner he would fail. He decided to bolt, and lead the man a race from the top to the bottom of the house if he could. “What do you mean?” he asked, while thinking. .“* JY mean that I am going to hold you a prisoner if you don’t tell me what has brought you here,” the man growled. “You do, eh?” Bob had noticed that the other door was ajar, and he knew it would be a queer house if there was not still another door leading out of that room. “Yes, I do.” “Well, you-will have to catch me first, boas, now that you have let go of me. I’m off!” Bob wheeled and made a dart for the door, and was through before the man hardly realized what had taken place, but with an oath the man was after him in the next instant. Bob had slammed the door shut, and was looking around for the other as he ran, which he espied immediately, and for which he made with no loss of time. There was a key in the lock, which he jerked out, with the thought that he would lock the man in. f He had no time for that, however, for by the time he opened this door the man had opened the other, and was leaping after him, With the key in his hand Bob made a dash along the hall toward the front, and could have escaped undoubtedly, unless the front door was locked, and he felt sure it was not. To do that, however, would be to make him there, and he had no intention of do- ing that, even if he did have to run some big risks to accomplish it. So, instead of making for the doors, he turned and dart- ed up the stairs. CHAPTER XIII. , ANOTHER DISAPPEARANCE STILL. ‘Ha! now I have got you!” So cried the man exultingly, as he ran after him. “I told you I had come to stay, but not as a prisoner.” ; “You may stay as worse than a prisoner if you don’t stop instantly. Stop, or I will shoot you, and bring you to a stop in a way that you won’t relish! Do you hear me?” . : Bob had just reached the top, having taken two or three steps at a stride; now he glanced back. sad Sure enough, the man had a pistol in his hand, and Bob jerked back out of Spee quicker than a wink, while he shout- “Pwo can play at that game, and you commenced it, so look out for yourself if as you are!” The fact of pistol at all! a failure of the business that had brought “TI expeet you have,” answered Bob. you poke your nose where you hadn’t ought to! , Maybe I am just as good a shot the matter was, Bob had no |
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» c | The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Chum. —~-—— His words caused the man to slacken his pace, nevertheless, for he had good re- gard for health. “ I tell you to surrender!” he cried. “You ean’t escape me, and I will make it all the worse for you when I do get you, mind that! Come right down here, or I will blaze away at you!” '* And I'll blaze baek again,’ cried Bob. “Don't you dare to put your head in sight, for if you do I will knock some of the orna- ments off of it, sure as you are born!” The man stormed, but he had_ stopped, and Bob crept silently to the nearest door, which he tried. It opened, and he passed in, and there being a key ‘n the lock, he locked it after him. No one was in the room, which looked like a private sitting-room. Bob thought it strange that no one had come to the man’s aid, for they had made a great deal of noise and had spoken in loud tones. ; He was forced to believe that there were no others in the house, or that they were all deaf, if there were others about. Hé wondered what kind of a place he had got into. » The man had heard the key turn. Bob heard him bound up the remaining steps, and the man threw himself against the door. This room looked like the one below— there was a door leading into another, and Bob believed that another door connected that room with the hall. No sooner the ‘cheerfully invited. thought than he ran to see, He was right, and he was only just in time, for just as he turned the key and made it fast, the man tried it. “*No you don’t!” cried Bob. . “Curse you! I have got you there any- how!” “Yes, and I have got you there. * Look out for bullets!” Bob was amused as well as excited, for he had nerves that hardly admitted of fear. ; * He looked around the apartment, and tried to determine what kind of a house- hold it was by so doing. The room showed a woman’s care, but there were DO woman's effects lying around. The man was thundering at the door with his fists. “Open this door, I tell you!” he was or- dering. “Open it, or I will break it in!” “Break away, if you want to,” Bob “You will have to stand the damage and take the risk of a bullet as soon as you show yourself. I am all right, and I hope you are.” “T’ll make you all right, curse you!” Bob was making a closer inspection of the room now. — The closets were empty of clothes, which _ indicated that the room was not at. pres- ent occupied.’ In the end of one closet was a erack, and a door opened and disclosed a flight of narrow stairs tending upward, and without hesitation Bob ascended, si- lently, to explore the region above, what- ever it might be. ~The door closed after, him. , It was about as peculiar a staircase as “he had ever seen. It was barely wide enough for a person to pass, certainly not a bit more, and it was built in between the front and rear closets. Reaching the top, he found there a door that seemed to have no knob or other means by which to open it, but when he pushed it opened, rather stiffly, yet al- most silently. : Here was another handsomely furnished room. Bob looked in cautiously, and saw that it was occupied, there being two women ates . One, an old ecrone, or almost such, was listening intently at the hall door, to learn what was going on in the halls below, while the other was sitting up in bed, a look of fright upon her face. The latter was a young, handsome wom- an, with a pale face. She had her eyes upon the old woman at the door. Neither had seen Bob. Softly Bob let the door close again, until there was only a crack for him to look through. There he stood and watched, listening. The man below was storming louder than ever, but now began to throw himself against the door with all his force, and the young woman in the bed wrung her hands in; very terror. “What does it mean?” Bob heard her gasp. “*Sh!” cautioned the old woman, hold- ing up a finger. “Some drunken wretch must have entered.” “T believe you are not telling me the truth, but that some friends are coming to my aid. Oh! why will you not accept my offers and assist me to escape from this horrible place?” “Hold your tongue, fool!” The old woman shook her fist savagely, angry at being interrupted at her listening, it seemed. “But—” “Shut up, I tell you!” This time it was so savagely spoken that the young woman lay down and covered her face with her hands. Just then came a crash below, as the door went in under the man’s strong as- sault, and Bob heard his voice plainer than before, demanding his (Bob’s) sur- render, at once. Bob thought that he was in a 4rap now certainly. Below was the man, who, he believed, would not hesitate to shcot, and here in this other room was the old woman who looked like a veritable wildcat. Bob was between two fires, as it were, | but decided upon taking his chances in a scrap with the old woman the moment the man showed his head below. But, odd it seemed, the man did not appear. Bob looked down, but no ray of light was to be seen. The door in the closet had closed after him, and he was in total darkness, for he had closed the door at hand. He heard the man running this way and that in the room below, heard him open and shut the closet doors, and heard him swearing like a pirate because the object of his search was not to be found. “Great Gowanus!” exclaimed Bob, “is it possible that he don’t know about this secret stairs?” ; ; It certainly appeared so. The man made a thorough search, even raising the windows to look out, as the hiding prisoner could hear. But the detective apprentice was not to be found, and it was only too plain that the man did not know about the staircase, or he would long ere this have explored it to see if he was hiding there. Presently a door slammed, and, running steps were heard on the stairs. There came a knock at the door of the room where the women were, and Bob opened the secret door just a little. He hoped that it was a secret door, since it was not known to the man, and he was not mistaken, for such it was. When closed, it fitted tightly into the panels of. the room, The old woman opened the door, and the man appeared, his face fairly distorted with rage. “Where can that boy be?” he cried. « What boy?” : 11 “Fool! Idiot! To pretend that you have not heard it all! A boy entered the roams: under these and locked himself in, and I eannot find him. Where can he have con- cealed himself?’ CHAPTER XIV. BOB’S NEXT DODGE. The old hag looked as amazed as the man. “I'm sure I don’t know,” she declared, “He must have got out without your see- ing him.” “You know of no secret place in the rooms where he ean be hiding’ You know the old house better than any one else. L have looked everywhere, but he is not to be found.” “No. There is no secret place, to my knowledge, sir. He must have got out, as I said.” ce “ Well, I am forced to believe that you are right.” Bob, of eourse, felt highly elated as he listened to this. It was certain that the man did not know anything about the secret stairway! And it seemed equally’ as certain that the woman had no knowledge of it, unless. she was lying to the man. Bob waited silently, knowing fhat devel- opments would show whether she was. lying or telling the truth. If the farmer, she desired to keep the secret from the man. “He must have slipped out at the mo- ment when you broke in the door,” the woman suggested. “T see no other way, and yet I could al- most swear that you are mistaken in that.”” “T must be right, if you are sure he is not in the room.” “ And I am sure of that part of it.” “Who was he?” “That is what troubles me; I don’t: know.” “Do you think he was a spy, and that. we are likely to get into trouble?” “Not half as likely as he is, if he comes. poking his nose around here again, be sure: of that! I guess I gave him a scare that will last.” “T only hope it was a friend seeking: me,” sighed the young woman in the bed. “ You do not know who your real friends. are, or you would be content to remain where you are;” the man returned. “Your real friend is the man you saw here an hour ago.” “He is a vile wretch! I despise him!’ “You have heard what he had to say; he offers you marriage; otherwise you will have to creep to him like a dog and beg his favor. The choice is open to you, and your answer must be given at ten o’clock to-night.” € ‘Never! never! I will die first!” She covered her face with her hands and buried both in the pillow. The man turned ‘to leave the room. “Keep your eye on her,” he said to the old woman. “I will make another good search below, and then I'll lock the doors tight, so if he is in there somewhere he will have to stay.” With that he left the room, closing the door after him. “You had better take it easy,” said the old woman to the young one, then. “It | js no use for you to take on so, for you have got to do as they say, and the sooner it is agreed to tle better. You can’t help yourself, and I am not going to help you.” “You would take pity on me if you were human.” “T am altogether too human, that’s what's the matter, my dear.” The young woman again buried her face, and the old hag went pottering about the room. MAT s
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" Saat ope Ta = a ae re eae ke PE ae eee ay pak dane DR 2k hy peer st nat a SR? a Ae rs oe 12 The apprentice came to realize that he was in a pretty tight box. He had made some excellent and im- ‘portant discoveries, but he was a pris- oner and his discoveries were not likely to amount to anything. Here in this room was the old hag, who would give the alarm if he ventured forth, and below was the man, who had leclared his intention of securing the pare so that escape would be impossi- e. But Bob did not give up by any means. He set his mind at work to devise ‘some “plan of escape, when the time came, for he had another purpose to carry out ‘first. If possible, he wanted to get an oppor- tunity to speak to this fair prisoner, to dearn who she was and why she was there, although he had already learned something of that from what he had heard, “Tf I can only do that and earry the “news to the boss,’ he said to himself, “he will knight me, most likely, and put a dog’s- collar on me, or somethirg like that. But I am not out of the woods -yet, and I must look out that I don’t get collared and have a cellar of a different sort put on me.” Letting the door close tight witkout a sound, he crept silently down the narrow stairs, Reaching the bottom, he listened. He heard the man moving around in ‘the room, searching everywhere, and he even entered the closet into which the secret door opened. The boy pressed against the door, in order that it might not be discovered by _ the crack which had revealed its pres- ‘ence to him, and the man left the closet and went on, till finaNy Bob heard him ‘leave the rooms and close and lock the’ door. / The boy waited, and next heard him ‘busy with the door he had broken but at ast all was quiet. The latter door he had nailed shut, as ‘the sound of a hammer told. Bob now ventured forth. He took care to make no sound, and salso took eare to leave the secret door ‘tightly closed after him. © Looking around the room, he found that “everything had been pulled out of its former place, even to stands and bureaus, ‘behind which it would have been impossi- ‘ble for even a cat to hide. ’ Bob had to smile. | “A wonder he didn’t take up the carpet ‘and look for me there,” he said to him- self. “Well, I got the bulge on him in good shape, no mistake; and now he has got the bulge on me. that, I reckon!” : He stepped to the door and: tried it appy. ret, you bet!” i a by sc PUR But we'll see about | ing darky with pat, a a Ae ee it es He slipped out into the hall, closed and locked the door, and, removing the key, listened. Nothing was to be heard, and the hall . ; work holes about midway down the bacic was not very light. There were places, too, behind chairs and curtains, where he could find tem- porary concealment if need be—places which no doubt had been well searched. With the stealth of a cat, he advanced to the stairs and began to descend, at the same time on the alert for the least sign of danger, and ready to bolt in either direction, as circumstances might require. He reached the bottom safely. There he noted that the, parlor door was ajar, and he doubted not that the man was in there, alert for any sound that might be made. With back to the wall, he moved cau- tiously along, anxious to pass the range of vision from the room. without being seen, if possible, and in any event to reach the protection of a high-backed settee. This settee stood a little out from the wall, leaving just about enough room for him to squeeze behind it. Bob reached this point safely. Once there, the temptation to look into the parlor was great, so he lifted his head over the back of the settee and looked. Sure enough, there sat the man, with his face toward the door, reading, and there was nothing to hinder him from seeing Bob’s feet under the settee if he happened to look. The other end of the settee, however, was just out of his range of ‘sight, so Bob moved along to that end with silent haste, and for the moment felt compara- tively safe. He took a careful look at the front door, to see, if possible, to what extent it was secured. At that moment a voice broke upon his ears: ‘Goes without a push or polls Whether it am light or full; *"Lectrie power don’ git tired, ‘Gause if am so neatly wired!’’ —— CHAPTER XV. ¢ PLAYING THE JOKER. Business Bob’s heart gave a bound. It was the yoice of his colored chum, Glossy Pete} >, et And with the last word of the verse came a tug at the bell, and the man in the room dropped his paper and hastened out. [es teqae re! ‘Bob feared instant discovery, but it did not happen, for, standing, the man could not see Bob’s feet on the floor under the settee when he came as far as the door, |. and he had no thought of looking. — He stepped to the front door, and un- locked and unbolted it. Needless to say, Bob profited by this, for he saw just how the door was se- cured. ) tye The door opened; there stood the smil- another note to deliver, which the man took and opened and hur- it read, Wy leaks look came over his face. — _“ Any answer, boss?” the darky asked. “No, no answer.” ‘ The man closed the door, and the darky went off singing: “Don 'yo’ spit upoh de floor, 1) Else. Wey fire yo’ out d’e door; Don’ yo’ teteh de ring-up draw, Blse yo’ ketch it on d’e jaw!” — Evidently the man forgot to put on the fastenings again, for he turned im- flight, but | ‘hesitated, for now he had a desire to know what was contained in the message | fel Glossy — had brought. That, however, mediately back into the parlor. ob thought of immediate +) ays er A And, as he read, a pleased The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Chum. a _ able. He watched the man from behind the settee, having discovered a row of fret- of it, and saw him read again the mes- sage, and that he still smiled as he read. Then he tossed the paper upon the table and turned and came out. Bob held himself ready to spring in either direction, either toward the door or up the stairs, but he was not called upon ‘to do either, The man advanced to the stairs and ran lightly up them. No sooner was he out of sight than Bob was out from behind the settee and into the parlor, where he caught up the mes- sage the man had thrown upon the table. It took him but a moment to master its contents: “ Carper—I have reason to think that you were right, and I have made sure of the fellow. Have him in my New York rooms, where he will be safe until after the steamer sails, at four a. m. Will be here to carry out the programme at ten to-night, as arranged. “KERNER,” The apprentice read it through twice in order to fix it upon his mind, and haying done so, tossed it down on fhe table’ again and glided from the room. He _ glanced cautiously up the stairs, and seeing no one, stepped to the front door. This he opened aoiselessly, and made his exit. No one had seen or heard him, and he ran lightly down the steps and away, looking out sharp for Glossy. Knowing the direction the darky had probably taken, he went in the same di- rection, and ere long espied the young scion of Ethiopia just ahead, his hands in his pockets and his head thrown back; and, as he came nearer, caught: aT Wh th . , 7 Fa ae dae fx ae fue But don’ git off 'fo’ she stop, : Else yo’ may hear somethin’ drop!" “Great Gowanus!” cried Bob, rushing up. “Still at it? Is that the end of the song, Glossy ?’”’ : . “Goodness! How yo’ skart me!” ex- claimed the darky. ‘Don’ yo’ know bet- — ter ’an to holler at a feller like d’at, when he ain’ ’spectin’ it? No, d’at ain’t d’e end of d’e song, Bobbsey.”’ + is “How near the end is it, then?” “T dun’no’; d’e verses d’ey keep right i on a comin’ an’ a comin’, an’ dt seem like d’'ey nebber would end.” “Then I think I will somewhere till the fever runs its full course and you recover your right mind. | You are a public nuisance, that’s what — _you are.” iy 4 “Don’ yo’ like my style, Bobbsey ?” oh “Not a bit.” + “D’en yo’ had better cut my company, _ Yo’ is only jealous ’cause, _ dat am all. yo’ can’t sing, d’at am all.” “Well, drop it. Where \ ay i am more than a little bit interested in most as clouded as your skin. But, come, «Gan Nites have you shut up _ ok ? did you get — ‘that note you just took to that house? . : Hy j ie 'S 4
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_ and, seein’ me, he called to’ me an’ tol’ ~)me to take it to same place.” eS » “Then he had been over to New York? “Sure, Mike.” “Now I begin to see! He wasn’t will- ing to wait until nine to-night to see Kerner—so to eall him, so he went over to his New York place and laid for him.” **How do you know he did?” “T am guessing at it, that’s all. But you took it to the office first?” “Yes, shua; but d’e boss wasn't d’ar’, so I trotted right along wi'd it and ’liv- ered it to d’e man what it war’ fo’.” “Well, you come along with me. You _» have sung yourself into this case some- -how, and may as. well see it to the end. -. We have got to find the boss, for I sus- “ pect that he is in trouble.” ** ¥.o0’ don’. gay!” “Yes, [ do say. If he isn't at the of- . fice, you and I have got to hustle,” * All right, Bobbsey; but what fo’ d’e lob’ ob goodness hab’ done happened to yo’? Whar’ yo’ git d’em freckles?” “Oh! that is a disguise, that is all. Come, now, move yourself, for we have got no time to waste, you bet! We have got to find the boss and rescue beauty in distress.” Who am dat?” “Don't know; mighty pretty girl, all | the same, and a prisoner in that house where you took the notes.” Shot “ Fact; know.” So they talked while they hurried along, and in due season they were at the office. Bob let himself in with his key, and looked immediately in the place where ' "Phillips always left a line for him when going out, and this was what he found: “| és Going to see Ambler. hour.” } “This was timed, and by glancing at the |. dock Bob saw that nearer two hours had @lapsed since the detective had set out, and this gave him all the more reason for ' suspecting that.-he was the man referred ' ‘to by Kerner. |. He had told Glossy Pete all about it, | coming along, until the darky’s eyes had - bulged out like black and white electric ‘buttons. fi ‘e-¥o’ am. right, Bobbsey,”” the darky cried, as soon as he heard where the de- tective had gone. “And the question is, how to get at him,” said Bob. “ Make yo’ think hard, Bobbsey-” “J am going to make use of you.” “ How'm tte SA “You have got to go there and find out whether Ambler is in or not. If he is, tell him Wardhouse wants to see him quick, and get him out. See?” bah? Yet “Yes, IT see; an’ ef he ask me whar’ I “geen him, I kin tell him at d’e ferry, which am d’e fack. But what ef he ain’ dar’, what d’en?” ' “Take off your hat, as a signal to me, 7 * but mum‘is the word, you ; i id and T will hurry to the front and we will | - work the racket together.” Goal (of eae All right; Tam yo’ TueKleee ont | Bey wap ei say pilberry.” y Ci sal pene that is black.” ae | Oh! you go kick yo'self, won't yo"? _ Bob laug ed, and they left the er seri eet out has ‘their mission. 4 xvi. “ROBERT. TO. Sah RESCUE. Ph 1 a rentice knew Ambler’s address. ae a L given it to Phillips, as will be remember ‘The. ope took the ‘most. aireet Rxwaiisine es house. | Back in one— | swered, Ain : ‘sey’ ” The Ex- aches ds Detective’ Ss Chum, route, and in as short a time as possible were at their destination. On the way they had laid their plans fully, and knew just the part each was to play, and on coming near the house Bob held back, while Glossy went on to the number, singing: “Ef yo’ want to go to sleep, Don’ stretch out upon d’e seat; Lay bac k yo’ head an’ view d’e skies, An’ "muse yo ‘se’f by snappin’ flies!’ And he sang right on, till he had mounted the steps and rung the bell. Bob was where he could watch, and in a moment he saw Glossy doff his hat, as if about to take leave, but yet had more to say. Bob took the cue and ran forward. He dashed up the steps and excitedly inquired: -“ This where Mr. George Ambler lives?’ And then to Glossy, in the same sentence, almost: ‘Hello! what are you doing here?” “Yes, he lives here,” at the door. : ‘““Well, show’ me to his room, quick,” said Bob. ‘‘ He left something important, and sent me to fetch it. Wait for’ me, Pete, I will be with-you in a second—or, better still, come in with me.’ Bob had already pushed his: way into the hall, with all the assurance the owner of the premises might have assumed, and Glossy followed him, the girl power- less to prevent them, had she felt a de- sire to do. so, which she evidently did not, to any extent. Bob’s assurance was such that it gave her confidence in him, and that it was all right. “Come, where is the room ? 2” asked Bob. “We is waiting for me.’ “But, how do I_know—” “You don't know, and that is the rea- son I am telling you. He will make a row if you keep us fooling here all day, be sure of that... I have got his key; all I want is to find the right door.” Bob still had the key he had put in his pocket in the Brooklyn house. This statement was all that was needed, and the girl led the way immediately. If Ambler himself had_ entrusted the youth with the key to his room, there was | no good reason why she should hesitate answered the girl about showing him where the room was; it stood to reason. She led the way to the door and indi- eated it. Bob whipped out the key and tried it in the lock, but it would not work; it would have been a wonder if it had. “ Great Gowanus!” he exclaimed, waite loudly, with a double purpose. “He has given me the wrong key, sure as T am born, But-you have other keys in ‘the house that will fit this door, of course.” “Yes, the mistress has a key.” “Trot it up here, then, double quick.” The girl hastened off to obey. under the spell of Bob's assurance, and Bob listened attentively at the door. He gave a couple of raps, and then one. It was an understood signal between him, and his employer. ‘To his delight, he heard it faintly an-— e said to Glossy: - “He is here, my patent-leather pard, and we will have him out if it takes all a shine. off of you and a hind leg off "ae to get him.” RSS be ‘bet yo’ life!” agreed Glossy. st you sing?’ asked Bob. s too ’cited to sing now, Bobb- | two females.came hastening up. One was S ehe the: ert who had admittec them, and the other: re evidently. th In the wardrobe. Not. there. ey don’t stand ere — 13 The latter was ahead, and she was a positive woman, to judge ler by appear- ance, and there was fire in her eye as she confronted Bob. and his midnight-hued partner. “What do you mean? sharply. “ Business, madam,” answered Bob. * But you lied to this girl; you said that Mr. Ambler had given you his key, when I happen to know that he did nothing of the kind.” “ How do you know he didn’t?” “Because he has gone for good, and he gave up his key to me before he started. Now, I demand to know just what you want here, and what you are up to, and if you don’t look out I shall hand you over to the police.” Bob saw that she meant business, too. “Well, I'll come right down to the meat of the matter, madam,’ he said, “as things are as they are. My employer is a.prisoner in this room, and I am going to have him out of there if I have to take a wheel off to get him. See? The best. thing you ean do is to unlock the door.” “ Laws a merey!"’. the woman exclaimed. “ Are you crazy, boy? Sally, I think you had better call in a policeman.” “Yes, I think you had, too, Sally,” Bob encouraged. “‘ We ean then get down to business in earnest. You will find that I don’t scare that way, madam.” * Are you really in earnest, that there is: a man in this room?’ “Of course I am in earnest. Do you suppose I would be wasting time and nerve force in this lavish manner if IT wasn’t? You open the door, and VIL prove it to you before you can say seat!” “Well, I will open the door, and if there is no one here—which I am sure there “eo be—I shall hand you over to the po- ice.” “ That’s a bargain; open up.” “Tt must be the gentleman who called,” said the girl, timidly. “What ge ntleman 7 7’ asked the abana “One who called to see Mr. Ambler. T did not see him go away, and I wondered when he went.” “You are too easy for the place you hold, Sally, too easy altogether,’ the mis- tress declared, as she searched for the right key. “I think I must make @ change. Now we'll see!” She had found the key, and she thrust it into the lock and threw open the door. Bob bounded in instantly. He looked around, as did the others, but no one was to be seen there. . A closet was in the room, and Bob threw that open, but, no one was there, and it began to look*as if the landlady was right. But Bob knew what he was about, ana he had heard the signal. He knew that Joe Phillips was somewhere there, and he began investigation in earnest, resolved to have him out. He looked under the bed. * she demanded, . And it seemed as if there was no other ‘place to look for him. Ha! the lounge. There was a low sofa by the ‘wall, with a covering of ehintz that touched the | floor all around. It did not look as\if a man could lie under it, but Bob looked. And. he was rewarded. There lay Joe Phillips, “ What did I tell you?” eried Bob. “You “But I had neta: to do with ee “That remains to be seen. mys a Pet, Euan 2. sha se: peed Not there. | bound ark Me | gagged, so that it was almost impossible <<; | for him to moye a finger. | talk about police, madam; I think you oe ‘They now heard ‘excited talk below, and | will hear of all the police you want an __ | in the near by and by. Age
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The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Chum. sticking out like pot legs; lend me ua hand!” Pete sprang to obey, and’ the sofa was lifted up and set aside, when Kob una his colored partner quickly cut the cords that held the Brooklyn detective so close a prisoner. It was some moments before Joe could move or speak, for he had been bound <ruelly tight, and the gag had almost dislocated his jaws. Bob rubbed him, Pete assisting, and presently he could get up. -“ How did you find me?’ he asked. “By looking for you, of course,” an- swered Bob. “No time now to parley, for we have got to git up and hustle, I tell you.” “You say you are innocent of any part jin this business, madam?’ to the land- dady. ° “Yes, yes, sir; I candidly assure you that I knew nothing about it.” “Well, I am inclined to believe .you, Dut all the same I shall have the police give some attention to your house for a little while, and any attempt on your part to warn Ambler will get you into serious trouble.” “ He has gone for good, sir,” the woman hastened to declare. ‘He gave up his key before he started, and I have no idea where he can be.” “JT guess that is straight,” said Bob. “Come on, boss, for I have got the butt end of the business in hand now, you bet!” CHAPTER XVII. SETTING THE SNARES. Joe Phillips made certain of the woman first, however, by giving her a good scare. More than that, he telephoned to head- quarters and had a man set to watch the house for a time, and that done, set out upon his return to Brooklyn. On the way Bob related his own ad- venture, and all that he had learned, and needless to say his employer was highly pleased. He was more than pleased with the prompt way in which Bob had rescued him. “But how came you in such a fix asked Bob. “Why, the rascal mesmerized me, some- thing I had never experienced before, and for which I was not looking.” “ Great Gowanus! Then mebby he mes- merized Miss Achterson, too, and mebby she wasn’t dead at all, and mebby she is the gal I saw in that house. Great Go- wanus! but it is a whoppin’ case!” “Not a doubt in my mind but that is correct, Bob,” agreed the detective. “I am now almost positive that it was he, 9°? too, who mesmerized Wellstone, but in a. different fashion, and this night we will prove the case against him and give him a shock that will try his nerves.” “You bet we will!” cried Bob. “Now, the first thing tie to find what steamship he has engaged passage on, S80 aaat he enn give us the slip if anything iscarries.” ee That's so, and it will be easy to find, out, for her time of sailing is down for four o'clock in the morning. All you have got to do is to look in the papers, and that will settle it.” “ Right you are, Bob.” “ And what then, boss?” “Prepare our programme.” “ And keep out of sight.” “Yes; I must not be seen now. I will adopt a suitable disguise as soon as we ~ reach the office.” at “ An’ whar’ does I come in?” bee ge Glossy. “ Yo’ hab’ ’cited my curiosity to a wondrous sogres hoot . Es Pg: i @e fing out or bu’st. Aim't yo’. : b2 a som’rs d’at I kim pinay?” “We'll have to find one, and count you in somehow,” said Joe. So they chatted until they had crossed the ferry, where Glossy decided to stop for the present, and as Joe and Bob went on they left him singing: *Do not watch d’e ductor close, To see ef he or d’e co. git mos’; He will f’ink yo’s on d’e spot, - And go fo’ yo’ in manner hot!” Arriving at the office, Bob and his em- ployer sat down for a further talk, when the detective required him to go over again all that he had already told, and he list- ened with close attention. “Tt is one of the strangest oases I ever had anything to do with, or ever heard of, Bob,” the detective declared. “We have not got at the secret of it, even yet, but we are in a fair way to do so now. Wé will force a confession out of that fellow.” “Or scare it out of him, one or the other.” “You are right.” “ And what now, boss?” “My disguise, first, and while I am fix- ing up that, you go and bring that darky pard of yours here.” ‘Ha! you want Glossy?” “Yes; and I had no business to let him stay behind at the ferry. I have a little work for him and you to do. I will tell you what it is when you get back. Off with you,” “ All right, boss. goes.” Bob grabbed his hat and threw open the door, but at that moment music fell upon his ears: Whatever you say “Bf yo’ got a gal in town, Tell her dress in her bes’ gown; ‘Take her out in weather fine, For a scoot along d’e line!’ “Here he comes, boss!” cried Bob. ‘“ Yes, I hear him,’ responded the detec- tive, “ Buy a pound of tooty-froo’, : Ride by aayigus an’. by dark, Ha'f a bushel peanuts, too; Court yo’ gal by ‘lectric spark!" ‘Cork up, Glossy!" eried Bob. “That is plenty. We don’t want folks here to think we are running a lunatic asylum.” “Yo’ boss had better git rid ob yo’, den, is all I hab’ to say,’ the darky fired back at him. ‘Might jes’ as well hang out a sign ef he don’t, d’at am dead straight.” “Better leave him alone, Bob,” said Phillips, laughing. ‘Come in, Pete, for I want to see you. Was just sending Bob to bring you here. Do you bring me any news, secing that you are here rathet sooner than I was looking for you?” “Yes, d’at’s what I do, boss. D’at feller Kerner, or Ambler, hab’ jes’ come ober from New York, and, gettin’ my eye on him, I follered him to de house ob d’at other feller Wardhouse, where I done lef’ him, an’ kem’ straight here to let yo’ know it, so you could scoop him.” “You have done right, but I am not ready to scoop him just yet. I want him to think he has got it all his own way till ten o'clock to-night.” “Oh! all right, if d’at am’ de ease, I'll mosey right ‘erlong—” “No; I want you.” “Sure ‘nuff, so yo’ did say.” “T want you to shadow that house and see that those men do not leave town. I will give you a note to the police general- ly, and if you suspect that they are on the wing, have them arrested.” “Ve herr”, 7 “ But don’t do it unless as a last resort; be sure of it before you make the move.” “ T see, boss.” “T am going to arm Bob in the same manner, and he will watch the other house to see that the young woman is not taken away, for what bag happened there may give them alarm and cause them to take ; flight, though I hardly look for that, now that they think they have fixed me out,” “That is just the thing!” cried Bob. “You are the one to lay plans, boss, and if we don’t make a grand scoop it will be funny.” “1 think we shall.” “And what are you going to do?” “T am going first to the hotel, to seé what farther can be learned about the missing body there,’ with a drooping of his left eyelid as he said it, “and then I shall pay a visit to Mrs. Achterson. After that I will go to the house where the girl is, and make dead sure of that fellow Carper. thus lay my trap.” “Bully!” eried Bob, dancing around. I will make a tool of him, and © ‘“Let’s do a waltz, Glossy, while the boss — writes out our commissions! And he caught hold of his darky pard | and whirled nim around. The detective was only a few moments writing the notes, and when he had done so he gave each definite instructions and dismissed them. They set out immediately, and when Bob parted from Glossy he left the jolly black boy gayly singing as he set off in another direction, his voice rising above the hum of the street: ‘** De-trolley car am mighty slick, Scums eriong so lightnin’ quick; Ef you don’t get out d’e way, Et wull put yo ’whar’ yo’ll stay!’’ Joe Phillips set out for the hotel. He was in disguise, as stated, and had to introduce himself to his friend, the clerk, With him he had quite a conversation, | paid a visit to the room up-stairs in which the awful crime had been committed, and finally took his leave, with a well-defined idea in his mind, T’rom there he went to the home of Mrs. Achterson. He .was not known, of course, and had some difficulty in getting an audience with the lady under an assumed name, ; That was accomplished, however, and | as soon as he was alone,.in her presence | he made himself known, and explained his reason for coming in that way—that he desired to remain unknown. “But, what news do you bring me?” was asked. ‘‘That is most important to me, Mr. Phillips.” “T think I bring you the best of news, madam.” “Then you have found the body of my poor Luella?” “ Well, yes, I can safely assure you of that, I think. I will bring her to you not ; later than midnight to-night, unless 1 am very much mistaken.” CHAPTER XVIII. CLOSING THE CIRCLE. The detective was afraid to tell her the truth at once. ! He prepared her for it, however, and finally took his leave, after cautioning her against revealing who had called. From there he went straight to the house where the unknown young woman was being held a prisoner, and when the door was opened to his ring he asked for Mr. Carper. ' “T am he, sir,” said the man who had. opened the door. “Then you are the man I want to see, sir,” said Phillips. Ambler.” “Mr. Ambler?” “‘ Otherwise Mr. Kerner.” “Where did you see him, then, sir?’ “At his room, York. He has come over to Brooklyn, and is now at No. —,—— street.” “That is enough, sir. Oome right in. I can see that you are “T am here from Mr. j jv No. —, —— ‘Street, New | on "oae all right, and that the —
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ee gentleman you name has sent you to me. _ Now,” as they entered the parlor, “I will rv ), hear you.” », | doe Phillips drew a pistol and leveled it jf at the man’s forehead. : be |. Sit down,” he commanded, “and you shall hear me, indeed! The little game is up, my man, but I am going to give you a chance.” ea The fellow was as pale as death; he he trembled violently, and he dropped rather ot than sat. I “T cave,” he gasped. “Who are you?” er “T am Joe Phillips.” irl “'That’s enough! For God's sake, give w ome a chance!” — na “T will do it, if you swear that you will work against the others and in my favor.” a “Tl! do it; I swear I will!” ee “Step here to the window.” The man obeyed. eat “Do you see those two policemen over there? Well, they have been detailed to t watch this house, and there are more of tS them around. There is no escape, and if - you try to double on me you will be hd scooped.” “J won't try it; all I ask is a show.” en = « Well, you shall have it. The fact that iy “J am here ought to be proof enough that . there is no help for you.” | “7 know it; there is only one man in Brooklyn that I stood afraid of, and that js you. Tell me what you want of me, and I swear I will fill the bill right up to the seratch.” 5 ‘“‘ Ambler is to come here at ten o’clock ad to-night.” he =“ Yes, that is the plan.” And he is going to try to force a mar- mM, ziage with a young woman who is now a ch | prisoner in this house.” nd “Thunder! Is there anything that you ed) don’t know?” | “Not much, in regard to this case, I Is.“ guess.” ‘ /“ How did you find it out?” ad ..~ “By the boy who paid you a visit, the ith same fellow who read the message you - received from Ambler, and who came at nd once to my rescue.” , ce “Curse him! Where was he? How. did ed he hide from me? He would never have at | carried any report to anybody if I had got another sight of him! I ean tell you that! flow did he escape?” “Do not trouble yourself about those de- tails now, but attend to what I have to say.’ “Well, you have got me in a fix.” ny * And will keep you there, too. Do not imagine there is any outlet for you, for of / there is not. The whole matter is known, iot |) as you ought to be satisfied now, and there is only one chance for you.” “And that is?” “To play into my hands, as I have ‘said.” ‘ * *“ And I have said that I will do it.” “That is enough, then. I will give you the t ee eal are you armed?” — sg es.” ; te ) i nd “Surrender your pistol to me.” eT = s-'The fellow obeyed, seeing that it was ‘aa useless to resist. Phillips then unfolded his plan, and told ras I the fellow of the part he had to play. _ “T take the offer gladly,” the rascal ac- cepted. — ! “All right; I will trust you, because I am going to be on hand to watch you, and you cannot fail me. By aiding me and trapping the chief rascal, you will be _ let down easy; by trying to throw me over you nominate yourself for State’s Prison AM DOR MOP Oo 7 __ “Say no more; I am not a candidate __ | for that, thank you. I know when my sw | cart is upset as well as anybody.” bed i “Then lead ony te eae Babi eae that _\ young woman is. No, second thought, you at) pe not do that,” os mm) _ hee _— a Prin eee ' Ti } The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Chum. es Se 15 “Till do it, if you say so.” “No, I will not let her know, for that will make the surprise all the greater for my friend, Ambier.”’ “T will tell you all you want to know, then, which will be just as well, and I wil} give it to you straight, too. I have noth- ing to gain by dealing crooked with Joe Phillips!” ‘But everything to lose. One question will suffice: Is that young woman the missing Luella Achterson?’”’ “ Yeos.”’ The day was about spent. Just about dusk Ambler paid a call to the house to see that everything was all right. Phillips heard the interview from his place of hiding, and was satisfied that the man Carper was not going to try to deal double with him, but was in earnest in his promise. Oarper went away, and in the course of another hour other persons came to the door and were admitted, One of these was Bob Buckle; another was a man who wore his hat pulled down so that his face could not be seen, and who had the collar of his coat turned up for further concealment. Finally another appeared, who came singing: “De motorman, he hab’ d’e fun, D’e ‘ductor he scoop all d’e mun’; D'e passenger, he hab’ d'e best, "Cause he jes’ set still an’ rest!’’ Needless to say who the singer was. He was admitted and shown up to the rooms on the next floor with the others. Finally, later on, came the villains in the play, who proceeded at once up-stairs, Carper accompanying them, having first secured the front door to the satisfaction of Ambler. They entered the room where the old hag guarded her fair prisoner, and where the grand denouement was to take place. CHAPTER XIX. CONCLUSION. In the space of the secret staircase stood Bob Buckle and the man who had come into the house with his collar turned up and hat pulled down, as stated. The detective and ail the others were in the hall without, where they awaited the right time to enter. Carper, within, was to open the door to them at the proper moment. Ambler had come there with the inten- tion of forcing a marriage with Luella, and had a villain with him, in the guise of a preacher, to perform the ceremony. He urged gently at first, but soon began to threaten, until, finally, the young woman cried out in despair: “T could not do your bidding if I would, George Ambler, for I am married already. Iam the wife of Robert Wellstone!” “You were his wife, I know. He killed himself last night, at his room in the hotel. Here is your marriage certificate, which I intend to burn, and then where will Your good name be?” “Mercy! mercy! Spare me! spare me!” “That is what I want todo! Marry me, and all will be well!” ‘“* Murderer!” It was another voice, strangely hollow, and all looked in the direction whence it eame. There, against a dark background like an open door in the solid wall, stood Robert Wellstone, pale like death, a pur- ple mark around his throat, and with in- dex pointed straight at Ambler.” The conspirator started, and appeared as if about to fall to the floor from sheer umiaveer? ther appabttion’ wepegtesl Oo See “Are you not satisfied with your work al-| Sai RSNA SEERA CERES RARER Re TN TRE ESAT Tt ready done? Would you ¢arry your mis- deeds further? Heaven forbid!” With a shriek the young woman in the bed fainted dead away; the old hag ap- peared as if ready to drop dead, so great was her terror, and the rest were no less disturbed by what they saw and heard. A moment of this; then the door was thrown open, and Joe Phillips and police- men and the others stalked into the room, Wellstone, alive and well, sprang to the aid of his wife, while the others took care of their prisoners. It had been a surprise complete, and Ambler had no room to get out of the fix’ he was in. They were all taken care of; the young woman was borne home to her mother as soon as possible, and great was Mrs, Ach- terson’s joy. The prisoners, save Carper, were shown no mercy. The case was this: Andrew Achterson, husband of Mrs. Achterson and father of Luella, had died very rich, and had left everything to Luella. Ambler was in the employ of the firm of lawyers who had the matter in hand, or were supposed to have, but he had kept all knowldege of it from them. It was his determination to marry the heiress first, to make sure of his own good fortune. But his suit was rejected, and he came into the secret that the young woman was already the wife of Wellstone. This en- raged him, and he resolved that he would stop at nothing to gain his ends. He gave the young woman a sleeping potion, in a way she could not suspect—a drug that would make her appear as if dead. Then, with the aid of Wardhouse and Carper, he stole the body, having made a key that would admit him into the house. More. than thaty he murdered Wellstone, as he supposed, and stole the marriage certifi- cate: His intention was to marry the young woman, sail immediately, and as no other marriage was known, it could be made to appear that it had been an elopement, and all would be well. He believed that he could force the young woman into playing that role, when she came to realize the desperate situation she was in. But it did not work that way, as. we have seen. They had not figured on Joe Phillips, of Brooklyn, and his able appren- tice, Bob Buckle. Wellstone’s body had not been stolen, of course, but it had been removed to an- other room, the detective having discov- ered that the man was not dead. Prompt medical aid had brought him out all right. His testimony against Ambler was enough. He told how Ambler had called upon him, and how, during their conversa- tion, Ambler had mesmerized him, and sought to kill him by a silken cord when he had rendered him helpless. | Little more can be said. The reader who has followed our romance to the end can understand all the finer plays that have been made here and there along the way, in the light of the revelation that has now been made, and can appreciate them, No small share of the eredit for the out- come of the matter fell upon Bob Buckle, who took it all as matter of fact, and did not allow his elation to be manifest. And Glossy Pete, too, came in for a share of the praise that was being freely bestowed, but he could not stand it, and went off singing: *«T’d like a ride d’at’s good an’ long, — ‘Bout as long as dis heah song; T’d git up in d’e early mo An’ ride till Gabriel blow his horn!’") THE END. ay Dat oad Next Hawr-Dimn Liprary, No. 936. {
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t + _ BEADLE’S*HALF-DIME*LIBRARY. ~~ Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. {| BY 1 Deadwood 20 Deadwood } 28 Deadwood 85 Deadwood 42 Deadwood | 49 Deadwood 1&7 Deadwood 78 Deadwood "77 Deadwood 100 Deadwood 104 Deadwoed 109 Deadwoed 129 Deadwood 188 Deadwood 149 Deadwood 156 Deadwood 195 Deadwood 201 Deadwood 205 Deadwoe 217 Deadwoo 221 Deadwood 282 Gold-Dust 268 Deadwood 268 Deadwood 809 Deadwood $21 Deadwood 847 Deadwood 851 Deadwood 362 Deadwood 405 Deadwood 410 Deadwood 421 Deadwood 480 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 445 Deadwood 458 Deadwood 459 Deadwood 465 Deadwood 471 Deadwood A776 Deadwood 481 Deadwood 49L Deadwood 496 Deadwood 500 Deaawooa 508 Deadwood 515 Deadwood 522 Deadwood 529 Deadwood 584 Deadwood 539 Deadwood 544 Deadwood 549 Deadwooa 554 Deadwood 561 Deadweooa 567 Deadwood 572 Deadwood 578 Deadwood 584 Deadwooe 590 Deadwood 595 Deadwood 600 Deadwood 606 Deadwood 612 Deadwood 618 Deadwood 624 Deadwood 680 Deadwood 686 Deadwood 642 Deadwood 648 Deadwood 654 Deadwood 660 Deadwood 666 Deadwood 672 Deadwood 678 Deadwood 684 Deadwood 690 Deadwood 695 Deadwood 700 Deadwood TOA Deadwood 710 Deadwood 716 Deadwood 722 Deadwood 728 Deadwood 784 Deadwood 740 Deadwood T47 Deadwood 752 Deadwood 75S Deadwood 764 Deadwood 770 Deadwood 776 Deadwood TS2 Dead wooa TST Deadwood 792 Deadwood 7Z9T Deadwood 802 Deadwood 82 884 Dendwood 840 Deadwood 845 Deadwood 852 Deadwood 858 Deadwood 868 Deadwood 870 Deadwood 876 Deadwood S82 Deadwood S91 Deadw S98 Deadwood 904 Deadwood 910 Deadwood Di 916 Deadwood ood Diek, J EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novela Dick, the Prince of the Road. Dick's Defiance; or, Double Daggers. ined ae rig ine A or, Buffal. Ben ek la « Castle. Dick’s Bouanzay or, The Phantom Miner. Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. Piek on Deck; or, Calamity 4 me, the Heroine art Fast Acts or, Corduroy Charlie. ick in Leadville, op ny Read or, The Double Cross Sign. ek as Detective, Dick's Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghoat. Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bil). Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. Dick's Dreams or, The Rivals of the Road. Dick’a Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. oat meet or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure, vick’sa Dead Deal. Dick’s Death-Piant. Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, piek's Divides, or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. ck’s Death Trall, Dick’a Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. Dick’sa Dozen or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats Dick’sa Ducate; or, Days in the Diggings. eke cheeees or, The Terrible Vendetta. ck’s Claim, Diek in Dead Clty. Dick’s Diamonds. Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case,” Dick’s Duats¢ or, The Chained Hand. Dick, Jr.3 or, The Crimson Crescent Sign. Dick, Jr.'s, Definnee. Dick, Jra Full Hand. Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. Dick, Jr.’s Racket at Claim 10, Dick, Jr.’*, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Dick, dr.’«, Dog Detective, Dick, Jr., In Deadwood, Dick, Jr.'s, Compact. Dick. Jr.'s, Inheritance, Dick, drs pie ings. Dick, Jr.’ Deliverance, rg ens tid ck, Jdr.’a, ree. Dick, Jr.'s, Danger Ducks, Dies. qf yi eats Ilunt, ck, Jr, in Texas. Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog Dick, Jr., on Hila Mettle. Dick, dr., in Gotham, Dick, Jr., In Boston, Dick, Jr., in Philadeiphia. pice? ee 1 her ge ck. Jr. oat. Dick. vr... in Denver. Dick, dr.’s, Decree, Dick Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. Dick, dra, Leadville Lay. Dick, Jr., in Detrolt. Dick, Jr. in Olacinuati. Dick, Jr., In Nevada, Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. Dick, Jr., After the Queer. Dick. Jr.. in Buffalo. Diek, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case, Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, Dick, Jr., tau Durango} or, ‘ Gathered In.” Dick, Jr.’ Discovery; or, Found a Fortune, Diek, Jr.'s. Dazzle. Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars, ick, Jr., at Danger Divide. ek, Jr.’a, Drop. Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. Dick Jr., in San Francisco, Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes, Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise, Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. Diek, Jr.’#, Deathwatch. Dick, Jr.’«, Doublet. Diek, Jr.’«, Deathblow. Diek, Jr.'s, Desperate Stralt, Dick, Jr.’«, Lone Mand. . Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection, pow oi ae Days. ck res ened, Dick, Jr.’a, Double Device, Dick, Jr’.«, Desperate Venture. Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice, pies, £ Lge ore! aaa ek, Jr.’*, Head-off. Bee see Beam Dick, Jr.’*, Scoop. Dick, Jr.’«, Proxy. Dick, Jr’s, Clutch, Dick, Jr.’s, High Iforse. Dick Jr., at Devil's Gulch. ven 7 rey Bose nae Huatle.' ck, Jr.’s Bom ell. Dick, Jr., In Mexico. Dick, Jr's Decoy Duck. Dick, Jr., in Silver Pocket. rs, Dead-Sure Game, Dick, Jr’a, Double Drive. Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. ek, Jr., at Ti Dep Dick, Jr.'s Double-Decker. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 589 Tom-Cat and Pardy or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triads or, The Affair at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’s 546 Captain Cactua,t 568 The Dandy of 576 T haparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike coampes or, Black Dan's Groat Combine. e Age; or, Rustiing for Millions, he Silver Sporty; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 588 Saffron Sol + the Man With a Shadow 601 Ha py Hana, the Dutch Vidocg; or, Hot Timeeat Round-Up 611 Bilda Baruacde, the Detective Hercules. Cowher Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. n 646 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, & Jolly Jeremiahy the Plains Detective, 68 al & Sao Bills, the eamertat & — the Lookout Scont. ay Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, ke Bronco Buster; or, For iz Stakes. ti or, The Myatified' Detective, ad Prospector, 761M uke, the Muatanger Detective, 78 The Ruatler of Rolling Stone, 85 Lone Han h 1 Keut itd Sore ‘High-Kicker. fram Killbpok, e oH iS: Committee of One, teetive In Texas. howmen Detectives in Colorado, Other Novela by E. L. Wheeler. ‘SO Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, [dy], the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Reb’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll's Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones, 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, S72 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up, 885 Yreka Jim's Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose. $89 Yreka Jim’s New Kole; or, Bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 248 Sierra Sam Seeret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel ot Big Vista. 25S Sterra Saim’s Seveny or, The Stolen Bride. $84 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. $89 Kangaroo Kit’s Rackets or, The Pride of Played-Out. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 69 The Boy Detective; or, Guid Rifle, the Sharpshooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. 17 Gllt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 45 Captain Ferret, the 1 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective § or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Bal) Detective. 426 Sam Slabaldes. the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buekhorn Billy or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Ball’s Camp. 18 Jacek Hoyle the Yourg Speculator, 5 Bonanza Kill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 8 Bose Bob the King of Bootblacks. 1 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded. Brows, 7 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scamps. 1 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily's Love. New York Detective. 1 12 18 14 17 18 286 Apollo BIll, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. ~ 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or. The Rival Heirs, 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza J 880 Little ane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. *k«Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 858 Firat-Clasa Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 878 Nabob Neds? or, The Secret of Slab City. BS2 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealakin Sam. the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten. 918 Kit Keith, BY J. 490 Broadway 514 Broadway 586 Broadway 557 Broadway 579 Broadway 605 Brondway G28 Broadway 669 Broadway 675 Broadway 687 Broadway 696 Broadway 708 Broadway 711 Broadway 720 Broadway 785 Broadway 788 Broadway 758 Broadway 762 Broadway 769 Broadway 775 Broadway 788 Broadway 786 Broadway B 790 Broadway 796 Broadway 800 Broadway 805 Broadway 810 Broadway S15 Broadway S21L Broadway 826 Brondway S88 Broadway 889 Broadway 844 Broadway 840 Broadway 856 Broadway S62 Broadway 868 Broadway S74 Broadway 880 Broadway t @ Revenue Spotter. ©, COWDRIOK, Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case Billy’s ‘Diffikiity.” ; Billy’s Peath Racket. Billy’« Surprise Party. Billys or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. Billy’s Dead Acts or, The League of Seven, Billy Abroads or, The Bootblack in Frisco. Billy’s Beasts or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. Billy in Clover. Billy {tn Texas; or, The River Rustlers, Billy’s, Brand. Billy at Santa Fes or, The Clever Deal. Billy’« Full Hands: or, The Gamin Detective. Billy’s Business, Billy’s Curtous Case. Billy in Denver, Biily’s Bargain; or, The Three Detective. Billy, the Retriever Detective. Billy’« Shadow Chase, y’« Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. ra Tenmiy or, The Combine’s Big Pull. y’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, Eilly’« Queer Bequest. Billy Batled, ly’s a Scoop. Blilly’« Wipe Out. Billy’«s Bank Racket. His meng 3 Thugs, 9 y. Amon ersey uga. Billy's Raid, Billy's Big Boom, Billy’« Big Bulge. Billy’s #100,000 Snap. Billy’s Blinds or, The Bootblack Stowaway. Billy in London, Billy Shadows London Sluma. Billy’s French Game. Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. 918 The Trump Dock-Boy. } 912 Train Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle, 906 Ratety Sam, the 900 Jumping Jack's Cyele Sport. ublilee, S87 Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. PY 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The D etective’sa Apprentice; or, A Boy Without , Name, 424 Cibuta John; or, ed-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 506 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 524 The “ngineer Detectives or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective, 571 pir-Line 592 “rhe Boy 615 Fighting Uarr areback 64 659 Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case inkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out, the Chief of Chained Cyclone. Reth, the Centaur of the Circle. 5 writer Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. comllght Mor ae the * Plzenest ’? Man of Ante Bar. 894 Arizona Dick's ipe-Out. BY WILLIAM R, EYSTER. 190 Dandy Darkes or. The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Parde S818 The Hustler Rogue-Catcher. 888 Poker Pete's Double Dodg 851 The T le-Te 8 tS rt; or, High Hustling at Sinners’ Flat, 888 Monte Saul, the Sport. 901 Diamond Dave, the Gilt-Edge Shooter, 919 Crack-Shot Dalsy’s Drop, BY MAROLD PAYNE. 848 Dan, the River Sport; or. Folling the Frisco Sharp. 8 owery Ben tn Chinatown, 911 Bowery Bob, the East-side Detective, 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 pendly- Eve. the uknown Scout, or, The Banded Brotherhood order Rebin Hood: od Sh Prairle Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Color @{ or, The Trapper’s Trust, Cee ee ee ee eee ee BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 920 New York Nat Trapped. 914 New York Nat's Three of a Kind, 908 New York Nat’« Double. 902 New York Nat's in Colorado, 896 New Yerk Nat tn Gold Nugget @amp. S89 New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. S88 New York Nat’s Croek-Chase. S77 New York Nat’s Trump Card. STL New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls, 865 New York Nat’« Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. 847 Dick Doom’s Ten S&trike. “S 842 Dick Deoom’s Flush Hand. T72 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny. T7277 Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Biackleg’s Terror, 784 Dick Doom; or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York, * 78S Dick Doom In Reston; or, A Man of Many Masks, 798 Dick Doom tn Chicago. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild Weat, 808 Dick Doom'’s Clean Sweep}; or, Five Links in a Clue, 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. S18 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt. 885 Lick Deom’s Big Haul. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. 756 Dashing Charlie’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. 760 Dashing Charlie’« Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor's Boya; or, The Red Riders ot the Rio Grande, 560 Pawnee Bil, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy, 710 Pawnee Bills Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick, 692 Redfern’« Curtous Case: o, The Rival Sharpe. 69% Kedfern at Devil’s Ranch; or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Redfern’s High Mand; or, Blue Jacket. TOT Redfern’s Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangere. 668 Red Ralph’s Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Midshipman, 674 Red Ratph’s Bold Gamez; or, The Wizard Salflor. 679 Red Ralph, the Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 644 Butterfly Billy's Disgulee. : 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Express Rider, 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. 662 Lutterfly Billv’s Bonanza. And Fifty Others, BY JO PIERCE, 897 Bob o’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob's Boom, 452 Motsapur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Vawsers Shadow; or Luke’s Legacy, 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. 5604 Five Pointa Phil, the Pavement Prince, 509 Jacek Jaggera, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tia: or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective, 588 Wrestling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward. 541 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. 551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mystery. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the Ou-His-Own-Hook Detective, 577 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, 588 Jack-o-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, GOR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer, 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Seooping a Silppery Set, 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator 694 Spicy Jim, the Only One of Hie Kind. 706 Tom Thiatle, the Rond-House Detective, 717 Moaquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin. 726 Dennis Duff the Brown Sport's Kid. 744 Diek of the Docka, the Night-Watch. 765 Flipper Flynn, the Street Patrol. 771 Foxy Fred's Odd Pard; or, The Keener’s Huge Hustle, , TRL Cast-O Cale, the Scapegoat Detective. 824 Bowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer, 887 The B 4 Four of the Bowery. R46 Buck, the New York #harper. 850 The Grand Street Arab. 855 The West Broadway Gamin. 860 The Boat-Club Maacot; or, Dan Decker’s Double Deal 864 The Union Square Baggage Boy. 87S The Street Arab’s Blind. &86 The Five Pointa Lodging House Janitor, 890 Ace Highy the Trump Card Detective. 895 Fifth Avenue Fred, the Valet Detective. 899 Basement Gert, the Bow Cobbler Detective. 908 Billy Blue-Blazes, the Dodger ofthe Docks, 907 Reddy Rusher, Kell-Boy 4-11-44. 915 Flip Flasher, Ferret, of East Broadway. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 921 The poy from Denverj or, Fighting the Toughs ot Dead- set. By T. C. Harbaugh. 922 Sol Ghar pes Detective; or, Hayseed Ramsey’s Double Find. By Edward L. Wheeier. 923 Gold-Duet Dan's Snap-Shot; or. The Deadwood Speca- Intor’s Blind,. By John W. Osbon. 924 Big Boota Bob, the Fire-Laddle; or, The Dandy De- tective’s Doable-up. By J. C, Cowarick, 925 The Young. Cowboy Captain; or, Rounding-ap, the Greasers. By T. J, Flanagan. 926 New York Nat and the Traitor ‘Ferret; or, The Girl Mascot’s Beat Score. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 927 Kid Bandy’s Brigede in Arizonay or, Black Vulean’s Redwood Terrors, By Oll mes. 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Dollarville; or, The Irish- mau’s Sweepstakes, By i, L. Wheeler. 929 Buffalo Bill’s Crack-shot Pard; or, The Tenderfoot in the Wild West. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 980 Ruetler Ralph the Boy Spotters or, Jigger’s Grand Bulge. By J.C. Cowdrick. 981 The Sport in Velvet; or, Big Burk’s Blof, By Wm, BR. Eyster. 982 New York Nat’s Drop? or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game. By Col, P. an TPP 988 The Twe ‘Midshipmens or, The Corsair-Chaser's First ne. ~J. Flang 984 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Flush Flats; or, The Girt Sport Pard, By Ed. L. Wheeler. 985 The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Apprentices or, Bob 986 Datsle Bill's Buckle’s Big ie By J. C. Cowdrick, fall oy Mascots or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-ap, By ‘ol. P. Ingrabam. 987 The Texan Firebrands or, Brazos Billy’s Snap.Shot By oss Lient. A. K. Sim .. ‘Tae Spare of Two Cities; or, Jingo Jim’s Jamboree. Kit Bandy’s Star Enga oe, ‘Dele Danae 009 SE Peck: bydlGua A Now lesue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library {« for sale by all newsdealers, kre Qeuts por copy, or sent by mai! on receipt o: alx conts each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William/Street, New York,