Deadwood Dick Library (v. 5) (1900 04 18)

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2 i f 3) “ . ey wn te Py 8) LLIVANS 28h easy age i i SORE RASS Noa Bepsstels Copyright 1883-1893, oy Beadle & Adams, Ent-re.d ar Pox<t Office, New York. N. Y., as second class ma‘rer, Mar. 15, i809, 2 E M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, . Tt oO Si No. 58. Issued Wu eekly. James Sullivan, Proprietor, Price 5 Cents. Vol i] Apr. 18, 1900. 379 Pearl street, New York. $2.50 a Year. i be W \\ BUCK DRAGGED THE BOUND AND GAGGED Mab INTO SMALL, DARK APARTMENT, AND LOCKED THE DOOR.

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EDWARD L. WHEELER'S DEADWOOD DICK, JR, NOVELS IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY. Price 5 Cents per Copy. Deadweod Dick, Jr.; or, The Crimson Crescent Sign. Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. 5 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. 3 Deadwood ick, Jr.’s, Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 539 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoeq. 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr , on His Mettle. $84 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. 561 Deadweod Dick, Jr., in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 599 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. 600 Deadweod Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 630 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood. Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- glers. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango. 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery. 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. "00 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. | 16 Deadwood Dick, 722 Deadwood Dick, 728 Deadwood Dick, 734 Deadwood Dick, 740 Deadwood Dick, 747 Deadwood Dick, 752 Deadwood Dick, 758 Deadwood Dick, 764. Deadwood Dick, 770 Deadwood Dick, 776 Deadwood Dick, 782 Deadwood Dick, "87 Deadwood Dick, 792 Deadwood Dick, "97 Deadwood Dick, 802 Deadwood Dick, 807 Deadwood Dick, 812 Deadwood Dick, 816 Deadwood Dick, 822 Deadwood Dick, 828 Deadwood Dick, 834 Deadwood Dick, 840 Deadwood Dick, 845 Deadwood Dick, 852 Deadwood Dick, 858 Deadwood Dick, 863 Deadwood Dick, 870 Deadwood Dick, 876 Deadwood Dick, 882 Deadwood Dick, 891 Deadwood Dick, 898 Deadwoed Dick, 904 Deadwood Dick, 910 Deadwood Dick, 916 Deadwood Dick, 928 Deadwood Dick, 984 Deadwood Dick, 940 Deadwood Dick, 946 Deadwood Dick, 951 Deadwood Dick, 957 Deadwood Dick, 965 Deadwood Dick, 971 Deadwood Dick, 977 Deadwood Dick, 980 Deadwood Dick, 992 Deadwood Dick, 998 Deadwood Dick, 1005 Deadwood Dick, 1011 Deadwood Dick, 1018 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Still Hunt. Jr.’s, Dominoes. Jr.’s, Disguise. Jr.’s, Double Deal. Jr.’s, Death-Watch. Jr.’s, Doublet. Jr.’s, Death-Blow. Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. Jr.’s, Lone Hand. Jr.’s, Defeat. Jr.’s, Resurrection. Jr.’s, Dark Days. Jr., Defied. Jr.’s, Double Device. Jr.’s, Desperate Venture. Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. Jr.’s, Royal Flush. Jr.’s, Head-Off. Jr.’s, Rival. Jr.’s, Boom. Jr.’s, Scoop. Jr.’s, Proxy. Jr.’s, Clutch. Jr,’s, High Horse. Jr., at Devil’s Gulch. Jr.’s, Death-Hole Hustle. Jr.’s, Bombshell. Jr., in Mexico. Jr.’s, Decoy Duck. Jr., in Siiver Pocket. Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. Jr.’s, Double Drive. Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. Jr., at Tip-Top. Jr.’s, Double-Decker. Jr., at Dollarville. Jr., at Flush Flats. Jr.’s, Shake-Up. Jr.’s, Double Drop. Jr.’s, Right Bower. Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. Jr.’s, Gold Dust. Jr.'s, Oath. Jr.’s, Death-Doom. Jr.’s, Best Card. Jr., at Gold Dust. Jr.’s, Big Play. Jr., Branded. Jr.’s, Dutch Pard. Jr.’s, Big Four. For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, by the publish- ers, M. J. [VERS & CO., 379 Pearn Street, New Yor« Crry.

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Mar, 15, .89% Issued Weekly. Price 56 Cents. Ol \, (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) Apr. 18, 1900. 379 Penvl Street, New York. . $2.50 a Year, eR i | i a | Say ' Ay BUCK DRAGCED TAH BOUND aND Gacewn ust B70 4 SMALL, pang APARTeENT, eae Bae ee ote ee

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8 Buck Hawk, Detective. Buck Hawk, Detective; OR, The Messenger Boy’s Fortune: BY EDWARD L, WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD: DICK” NOVELS, ETC. CHAPTER TI. AN ARTFUL DODGER, “Gan you furnish me with a trusty messen- ger boy for a couple of -hours—one, mind you, who is reliable in every sense of the word, and quick-strung, in the bargain?” : * This question was addressed to the clerk at the feceiving window of a branch office of the Western Union Telegraph Co, in Philadelphia, one morning previous to the opening of the Bi-Centennial celebration in the Quaker City. Tho inquirer was a portly «ian of perhaps fifty years, well-dressed, and the possessor of a short-cropped gray beard, steely-gray eyes, of hawkish intensity, and hair to match his beard. He had theappearance of being a man who was well-to-do, and who had no cause to com- plain at the way the world used him. : * All our messengers are out, but if you will wait a moment, probably some of them will be in, and I can supply your wants,” the clerk said, gazing at the inquirer through a pair of green goggles. n the course'of ten minutes a messenger-boy entered. He was astrong, sturdy lad of fifteen, with an ‘open, honest face, a shrewd peering pair of eyes, and wore an expression of good humor, He was attired in the neat regulation uniform of a W. U. messenger boy, and was rather dashing looking, with his cap cocked a little to one side of bis curly head. “ Hillo, Billy!” he eried, tossing his book to the clerk, ‘‘ What’s the next racket? Madea quarter out o’ last trip. Jest connect me wi’ another sech a job, ef ye please.” __ The clerk looked over at the man who was waiting. ~" “ Here’s a boy that will be likely to suit you, sir,” he said;,whereupoa the gentleman came forward, and gave fhe boy a criticising glance, ‘What's your naéme?” he asked, sharply. “Turk, sir,” was the prompt answer. : “Turk?” the gentleman exclaimed, in sur- prise. ‘‘ Turk what?” “Dunno, Reckon nothin? but Turk, from rn te Alley. Never was called anything else, “Strange name, Well, my boy, I am about to engage your services for a little while, pro- viding you know where Jerome St. Clair lives, on North Seventeenth street.” “Dunno, Give’s‘the number, and I can root out the rest.” ‘Very well, What will be the charges, elerk?” i The clerk named the amount, which was promptly paid, after which Turk and his em- ployer left the office, and proceeded to Wainut street, near Highth. we, se bo J was to wait until Here, numerous rows of houses have for years bean converted into offices, which are oceupied ~~ by perhaps as many different trades and pro- fessions as there are rooms, Tnto the second story front room of one of these buildings, the gentleman ushered Turk, and bade him be seated, until he returned; after which he went down-stairs, The apartment was meagerly furnished, the floor being covered with oilcloth, and a desk, several office chairs, a few pictures on the wall forming the remainder of the furniture. Having nothing else to do, Turk amused hin self with looking at the pictures, which were of me whose faces were anything but to their credit. ‘* Sporters, or I’m a shad!” the boy muttered, “That feller wi’ the eyes cut bias, looks like Skin the Slugger, who got ninety in Moya, for liftin’ pocketbooks, rooster keeps this ranch? Must be quaint wi! the rascals o’ Phila.” Jerome St. Clair, as he had introduced hime self to the boy, soon returned. * Well, I’m ready for you,” he said, handing a sealed letter to Turk. ‘* You are to take that letter to my residence, and deliver it to my daughter, she is not in, you can give it to some one of the servants, who will give you a package, which you are to hasten back with, and deliver to me at the Broad street depot. You will find me there jn the waiting-room. Be spry, now, and f will make you a present on your return,” : “But give us yer directions,’ demanded Turk, ‘Got a number, hain’t ye?” “Certainly. Here is my card, which will enable you to find my residence without trguble. Here is some money for street-car fare. Now, then, be off.” - And Turk needed no second warning, Already gigantean air-castles were building before his mind’s eye in anticipation of the promised. reward for alacrity. The card read; JEROME ST. CLAIR, DIAMOND MERCHANT, No, — N’ra 177H Srreet, (Private House.) Puilad’a, Pa. And it is needless to say that the messenger ey boy was not long in landing in front of the im-— posing mansion which bore the diamond-dealer’s name upon the door-plate, i Accustomed to ringing door-bells, he fare the — knob a tremendous pull, which speedily brought a frowsy-headed ivish-woman, with a red, freckled face, to the door, ; “Phat the loikes of yez m’ane by pullin’ so hard av of the dure-bell?” she cried angrily. ‘Oh, go refri, “T want to see the boss’s darter.” “ Yez can’t see her, ye omadhaun, It’s not in : &, she is, at all.” ‘ Bah! ye can’t stuff me. for her.” > ‘*Let me have it thin.” zi iS ‘Like blazes! ‘The boss sent me, and sal hisgalcamein” = Wonder what sort of a ~ T've gota message rate yourself!” Turk retorted, po 52

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~ elared. _ those costly diamonds, though.” Ne ae Pe ee. oe ee ees “Thin come along wid ye an’ wait on the cheer in the hall till the young miss returns; an’ mind, lad, Pll have an eye kept onto yez.” ‘“Kerect; Biddy. me into the parlor?” “Not a bit of it. Sit yez right forninst the cheer in the hall, and if yez stir an inch I'll send the nagur up to bounce yez.” “ Presuming that Miss St. Clair was in the house, Turk took possession of the proffered chair in the richly-furnisbed hall, and witha parting nod of warning Biddy retired to the domestic quarters, Turk had not waited long when a young woman, or, more appropriately, a girl, of about the boy’s own age, came down the wind- ing stairs, She was ueatly, yet rather plainly attired, but this fact did not detract from Ler exquisite beauty, A perfect mold of face and petite fig- ure, with soft, dreamy, blue eyes, a tempting mouth, and rare health-tinted complexion. made her at once an object for attraction and admiration, She uttered a little cry at sight of Turk, who was staring at ber in wondering admiration. “Great guns! ain’t she a stunner? Ef my bank account were a little larger V’d go fer her, regular Cupid. style,” were his unuttered thoughts as he paused at the foot of the stairs in evident astonishment. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “ Sittin’ down,” Turk replied, with a grin, ‘The Irish stew sed as how I should wait here; didn’t ax me into the parlor.” “Oh! you are a telegraph boy?” - “Not much. Pm a telegraph young man, if you, please,” Turk declared with self-conscious pride. But ain’t you goin’ to ax “Oh, why yes! Pray excuse my mistake,” the young lady-said, amusedly. ‘‘Have you a message to deliver?” , “« Yes, I’ve got a letter here fer Miss Aurelia St. Clair, what her gov’nor sent, and sed I was @ hurry back with a package what you would give. *“T have not the good fortune to be Miss ‘St, Clair,” the girl replied quickly and in a half scornful way, Turk fancied. ‘‘lam Etta Eve- lyn, Mr. St. Clair’s niece, Miss St. Clair bas gone riding in the Park, andjwill not be back for a couple of hours.” Turk scratched his head, Ps: “ Dunno what a feller’s goin’ to do?” he asked. ‘©The boss sed I could deliver the letter to’ one of the servants, who would give me the package to fetch to bim,” “Té that is so, I can pertiars act for my cousin,” Htta said, ‘though I know very little about.uncle’s affairs. Come in here.” She led the way into the grand parlor, and bade Turk be seated while she received from : him the letter, and gave it a hasty perusal, “What kind of a looking man gave you this?” sho asked, as she finished. Turk gave a rapid, minute description of the person ‘in his off-hand way. *That’s uncle, to a dot,” Miss Evelyn de- ““T can’t imagine who is to purchase ¥ “Diamonds!” echoed the messenger lad. 2. six P. M. came, he was invariably pretty red, ‘“Why, of course. Unele has senf; for the hundred-thousand-dollar set of diamonds, which he has tried so long to dispose of. I guess if will be all the same if I give them to you, Wait!” . d : She left the parlor, and Turk heard her trip- © ping up the stairs for the jewels. oS “t's a shame,” he muttered, ** how sum folks can waste their cash on gew-gaws, while therest =. ous have to dig like fun to get enuff ter eat! Wish I were rich as Jay Gould! Vd pop the question to Miss Etta, sure!” Wishing had never made Turk rich yet, and so he knew there was no use for him to consider such a thing. ~ ' Miss Evelyn soon returned and handed Turk a jewel-case, wrapped up:in Yep - ‘There! You are to take that direct to Mr. St. Clair,” she enjoined, “‘and be very careful that you don't lose it, or make a mistake whom roe give it to, for if you should, merey only ows what they would do with us.” ‘Oh, never you fear! He'll get this box all hunky, if I don’t get struck wi lightning,” was his confident assertion. _‘‘ I suppose ye’ll recker- nise a feller, ef I should happen to meet ye, at the Bi-Centen?” 3 “*Of course I shall,” responded the young lady, as she ushered him out. ‘‘ Be carefulof the dia- monds,” “But I will!” Turk replied, as he strode sway down the street, whistling merrily, and wishing he was a millionaire, z At the Broad Street Station of the Pennsyl- ~ yania Hailroad, Turk found the man who had employed him for the errand pacing to and fro: in the waiting-*6om, as if in great impatience. His face lightened, however, ‘when he saw - Turk and the package, ; it “Welfl you’re back at last, eh?” he said, seiz- ing the package, ‘‘ Yow were unreasonably long. Ihave barely time to catch the train,” E And with these reproving words he turned, — and was about to move off, but Turk was notto be bluffed in this way. ; “T say! hold up!” he cried, catching the man’s coat sleeve, ‘‘ You’re kinder forgetful, ain’t ye?” aS “ What do you want?’ i et ‘C Why, ye was goin’ ter whack outa presend — trusted to him, besides errands which frequently took him oyt of his own district;so that when

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ay Buck Hawk, Detective. cs x and not loth to seek his quarters in Black-cat | —nor at all, for that matter,” he mere Alley. Tonight, especially, he found himself nearly fagged out, as with bis dinner basket on his arm, he left the office in company with another messenger, Pat Murphy by name. “There'll be a divil of a row to-morrow,” Pat observed, as they trudged along, ‘ What kind of a row?’ Turk asked, ratber disinterestedly. ‘“Och! sure it’s some one o’ the messenger boys will get bounced.” “Humph! what for?” : “Robbery, be jabers—an’ one of the cutest, too, Jest heard of it up on Seventeenth.” =, “Seventeenth?” Turk echoed, his heart sink- ing witbin him. “Yes; it seems that some chap applied at one © the district offices, and hired a messenger to go an errand, an’ represinted hisself to be Jerome St. Clair, the diamond merchant. He sent the messenger to the St. Clair residence, bearin’ a letter to Miss St. Clair, orderin’ her to deliver the messenger a box of diamonds, Miss St. Clair wasn’t. in, but recognizin’ the writin’, as she supposed, St, Clair’s niece delivered up the diamonds. ; Awhile arter old St. Clair came home and the swindle was ’sploded. Jeminetta! but I bet there was fun!” Turk was white as a sheet, but managed to maintain composure. “*How did you drop onto this? Are the police onto it?” “No; et’s goin’ to be kept mum, and be worked up on.the quiet by Jack Grimes, the de- tective, é told me and paid me fat to learn ef any of the boys at our office went the errand.” This was a stunner to Turk and he at once made up his mind not to let Black-cat Alley know him that night. : CHAPTER IL.- HOW A TRUE GIRL RESENTS AN INSULT, AS:soon ashe could do so without arousing suspicion, Turk left the company of young Murpby, whom he had never liked any too well, and whom he must now necessarily con- sider an enemy. \ Full well the boy realized that he wasin a desperate position, to say the least. A daring’ robbery had been committed, and - he was the.tiool that had been used to secure the plunder. If it were discovered that it was he who had gone on the errand, he would be ar- rested, and like enough be sent up, charged with being 1n the plot. The thought was horrifying to him, for not only was he working himself up to a high stand- ard in the favor of the com also poping that, by steady application, he would ere long be offered an office, as he was already a thorough operator. Any such trouble as promised to result from his unfortunate errand that day would be a se- rious dampener to his prospects for promotion, even\if it did not secure his summary discharge from the employ of the company. ' Itis, therefore, little wonder that he felt de- cidedly blue after what young Murphy had told ' }im, “T can’t go back to Black-cat Alley to-night ‘cause that hawk, Jack Grimes, would durn soon find me out, the hound! I know that fel- ler, Ido; and he knows I know of some of his smart games, it’s me an’ him fer it now, and best one is goin’ to win.” Not knowing what else to do, he wandered down to the Delaware wharves, and watched the stream of people surging in the direction of the ferries, But, though his gaze rested mee them, his mind was upon the trouble which loomed up be- fore him like a grim giant. “Tt reckon about the best thing I kin do is to go and surrender,” he muttered—‘“‘ but I'll be dashed if I'll do that, either! Every one fer hisself; an’ ef I don’t keep an eye peeled fer Turk, durned ef any one else will. Jeremity! I bet that niece of St, Clair’s got a tongue-lash- in’ when the old gent got home and found his diamonds gone! Mechanically, he turned and wended his ules toward his tenement lodgings in Black-cat Al- ley, and succeeded in reaching bis bleak, cheer- less third-story room without any one being the wiser for it, Old Mother McFadden ran the establishment, é ber tenants being bootblacks, newsboys, and the hke, who had no other home, and who were glad to turn in the better share of their earn- ings for the shelter of the McFadden roof and a very meager allowance of provender. Such had been the case with Turk ever since he could first remember; but he realized that he must now bid adieu to the classic precinct of Black-cat Alley, and that without delay. Hastily divesting himself of his regulation messenger attire, he donned a neat new Sunday suit, which he had recently purchased, and a hat in place of his cap; then placing his few ef- fects in a sachel, he quietly took bis departure, | and made his way toward the southern part of the city, where he found a cheap boarding- house in a retired street, and paid his board two weeks in advance, explaining that he was look- » pe Oe a job. ; ; fter being assigned a room, and securing hi supper, he started forth, and mechenically wan- dered toward the district office where he had been employed—-for he now no longer consid- ered himself one of the employeesjof the com- pany. A glance into the office through the glass door satisfied him that there was nothing of excite- a about the place, which gave him a deal of relief. ; / Bill Jones, of the receiving-window, had been relieved by the night-clerk, and, knowing where steps toward them, ; ‘ ‘“‘ There’s barely one chance,” he mused, as he hurried along, |‘ Bill ain’t always exactly honest with the company, and don’t always turn in an account when he sends us fellers out on errands, for which he knocks down the cash. Don’t like a feller to be dishonest; but I ny, but he was! his lodgings were, Turk at once turned his foot- — 7 ¢ hope to gracious he’s made no accounto’my . trip to-day.” Jones occupied a room ina block on Market street, third-story back, and usually got his meals at a restaurant Pa

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} \ agree, ; Buck Hawk, Detective. . Although he bad been in the company’s employ for a long time, he had not yet sown the full measure of his wild oats, and knowing bis failing, Turk was not surprised to find him “half the seas over” on reaching his room, 3 ‘*Hillo! Sultan! jest in time, old feller. Got some prime stomach bitters here,” Jones cried, at sight of the boy. ' “Much obliged, Billy; I don’t drink. You'd ou wouldn’t,” » be better off if ‘* Nonsense. hat’s the harm of a fellow having a little cheer, after getting out of prison? 1 believe in work when you work and smile when you play. What fetched you up from Black- cat, Turk?” A ‘*Oh! I came to see you on business, Bill.” ‘Bah! business be hanged. No more business for me till eight to-morrow morning.” “But L say yes,” Turk declared, firmly. ‘“There’s a big row goin’ to be kicked up, and you're the chap that can stop it. Did you turn in the cash for my errand to-day?” The question seemed to have an electric effect upon Jones, and to dissipate all the effects of the liquor he had imbibed. ‘“To be sure I did,” he flustered, appearing to feel highly indignant at the question, “ at do you take me for, you young Arab?” “Oh! I only wanted to-see if you were pre- pared to prove your part of the transaction, in ‘reiugeaieg trouble,” Turk returned, eying the lerk, Jones flushed and grew fidgety. ‘* What the blazes are you driving at?” he de- manded, sharply. ‘‘ Explain.” ‘There isn’t much to explain, more than that you're liable to get tripped. Ye didn’t turn the cash for that errand to-day.” ‘‘Curse it. Does the company know? you been squealin’ on me, Turk?” “The company knows nothing. I know of several bits of cash that the company never saw. ‘“You sharp-eyed rascal. I’ve always been suspicious of you. Jack told me to look out for you once,” ** Jack Grimes?” “No, Jack Freitcher.” ; “ That’s a lie,” Turk inwardly commented. “ But let it pass. I must work this wire for all it’s worth, since I hold the key.” Aloud, he said: “ Yes, Billy, if I choose, I can cause your dis- ebarge, but I don’t propose to do it if we can No one connected with the office, aside from ourselves, knew of that errand to-day, eh?” ‘Of course not. There was no one about, and so [ made up my mind I might as well make an extra day’s wages as not, and no one would be the wiser for it.” rah : ““Then I am safe so far, thank Heaven!” Turk exclaimed. ‘‘ You dare not now own up the errand, as it would show you up in a dishonest light, and will necessarily force me to expose you. fart ‘ ‘But what's the matter? What danger are yoy in?’ , ‘urk proceeded to relate the circumstances at- tending and resulting from his trip for the bogus St. Clair. ; . Jones listened with hightened interest, for he Have had by this time fully shaken off the effects of the liquor, ; “Well, by thunder, that’s a case, for a fact. But you can rest easy, so far as 1 am concerned, Tl never.give you away.” “Then I will also keep mum about your game; but you’d better drop on it, or some o’ the boys will jump onto you, and won’t-mind their own biz like the Sultan o’ Turkey.” “1 reckon you're right, What! ain’t a-goin’, eh?” “Yes. Do you know, I’m goin’ to nose into this case and recover them diamonds? Goin’ ter turn sort o’ detective, ye see; and see what fer luck LI have at the biz,’ Turk had not long left the operator’s room, when Bill Jones had auother visitor—a tall, well-formed, and rather good-looking young man of six or seven and twenty, dressed in the best of clothes, with the additions of a sik hat, kid gloves, and gold-headed cane, A not over-abundant mustache was waxed out at either end; and the habitual steely glitter in his black eyes indicated the existence of evil in his heart, This man was Jack Grimes, the detective, who was considered one of the most successful pri- vate ere in the city. ‘Hello! is it you?” Billy Jones exclaimed, as good sleep.” “So I see!” Grimes smiled, taking a seat. “New job?” : “Ves, Mighty big one, too, Got it all to Don’t know but I can tell you, if youw’re mum.” ‘¢Humpb! guess you know me?” - . Well, it’s true you never went back on me, so I’ll let you in, You see, old St. Clair the dia- mond dealer, has been skinned out of a valuable lot.o’ diamonds, and this is the bi it happened,” He then narrated practically the same story of the robbery that Turk bad done a short time before. ‘And, now, what I’m after is to find out first — of all, who this messenger was. Ive visited several of the district offices, but obtained no — satistactory clew. How about your office?” ‘““No messenger sent on outside errands, to- day,” Jones declared, deliberately. - ** Are you sure?” BZ ‘ The eyes of the detective were fixed on him, searchingly. “Of eourse I’m sure. Don’t you suppose I know what I’m about?” ‘ “Seems strange that no messenger was sen from any of the offices, and yet one went on that errand!” ‘ “Does look rather queer, I'll admit, but you can search the cash hist of my district, if you choose.” “Perhaps you. didn’t turn in the cash, nor make a memorandum?” Jones flushed angrily. ; “Well, youre welcome to your own opinion,” he said, stiffly. ‘‘ You can probably find by in- > quiry that my reputation is good for hol with the company.”

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6 Buck Hawk, Detective. ** Pooh! honesty is but a convenience at best, There is not a person in the world who wouldn’t look hungeringly at a hundred thousand dollars, before passing it by. We detectives are neces~ sarily the most honest class of people living, but I’m blamed sure if 1 saw a clever chance to rake in a hundred thousand, and get away with it, I'd do it,” “T don’t doubt it, I never quiteset you down a3 a saint.” A silence ensued, during which Grimes seemed to be in deep meditation. : ** Well, I’m bound to make a case out of this, somehow. You know, by the way, that I’ve been paying some considerable attention to St, Clair’s daughter lately, and the old gent fancies my suit. So he sends for me to take charge of this case, and slips a cool thousand dollars into my hands to start on, adding that he will give a bigger sum for the recovery of the diamonds, Oh! the old nut is really worked up about the affair, and if strikes me that there is more im- portance attached to the loss of the diamonds than their simple pecuniary value. Now, Jonesy, if you and I could put our heads to- gether and recover the diamonds, we would be able to command a competency for our efforts,” “Bah! I know nothing in regard to the mat- ter, and will have nothing to do with it—so that ends that!" Jones declared, emphatically. “Then that, also, ends our interview,” and the detective arose and left the room. He also left Billy Jones in rather an unpleas- ’ _ ant frame of mind. Jerome St, Clair, diamond merchant, had re- turned home, about five o’clock that evening, from town, and, fatigued with bis day’s busi- hess, had sought his warm, cozy parlor, where he was soon after joined by his saugelers Aurelia. Mr, St. Clair was.a stout, ruddy Englishman with short-cropped gray beard and hair, and an almost perfect counterpart of the man who had so successfully used Turk, the messenger boy as the tool of a stupendous robbery. He was reputed to be wealthy, and did not ee his business. like other jewelers, in the city, but at his residence. He was well known among the leading families of the city, whom he dealt with almost exclusively. His daughter, Aurelia, was a tall, slender brunette, with dark eyes, and a coldly pretty face, and was, because of her fine dress and educational accomplishments, a favorite in the ~best society. - _ Anything money could procure, that would enbance her chances of winning a desirable “catch,” was always placed at her command by her indulgent parent. Petted and humored, from infancy, it was little wonder she had grown up a spoiled child, with a petulant tyrannical temperament, and a vain conceit that there was no one quite as good as herself, And it might be added that she had also, in a “measure, inherited some of these qualities from her father, who was not without an excellent and unbiased opinion of himself, Miss St. Clair seemed much surprised to seo her parent in the parlor—so much so, that she ‘started back with a cry. _ _ If she lost her home with the St. Clairs, she as ‘Hello! what ails you?” St. Clair ejaculated, looking around, ‘‘AmJ a bear, that you are frightened at me?” “Ob! nol no! no! but I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said, coming forward and kneel- ing a3 his side, ‘*I thought you were in New ork, “New York? What nonsense, child! How came such a thought ever to enter your mind?” “Why, because you sent the messenger boy for the diamonds!” ‘‘The what? Pye sent for no diamondst Which ones? Speak, explain!” “The magnificent ones you have always treasured so highly, in the green satin case. messenger boy came with a note from you, say- ing I was todeliver them to him to fetch to you.” * And you did this!” “No, for I was out riding, Your dear sister’s child, Henriette, performed the work!” The banker was white with passion as he arose and pa to and fro across the carpet. “Send for the girl,” he finally hissed, and - Miss St. Clair seemed nee pede for a servant to dispatch on the errand, - : Miss Evelyn soon made her appearance, but an apprehensive expression came over her face as she saw the merchant, “Young woman, who gave you authority to deliver my diamonds up to other people, open my daughter’s letters and the like of that?” ‘There was no. one at home, except the ger- vants, sir, and seeing it was your writing, and the boy saying he was ordered to come right back, I didu’t suppose but what I would be do- ing pe a favor, sir—” ‘I never sent the letter nor the boy. You are implicated in a conspiracy to defraud me; and you shall suffer the consequences! Han over the letter to me.” me ‘No, sir, I cannot!” the girl said, bravely. “Tf you are disposed to think me so wicked that I could wish to cheat you, or abuse your - confidence in meas your sister's child, I shall keep the letter to defend myself with, before the courts.” - CHAPTER III. THE NEW HOME, Tuo St, Clairs were surprised. Such a sudden outburst of courage from Etta, was something entirely new of her, who was ever quiet and unobtrusive, often beariug many slights at the hands of her relatives without re- sentment. She was now old enough to keenly feel the fact she was a dependent upon her uncle for support, and to know that she must grace- fully uiesce in the wishes of her uncle and cousin; but of late, Miss St. Claix had appeared to Ro constantly jealous of her pretty cousin, and did all in her power to make Btta’s life mis- erable. . e The early life of the latter was shrouded in mystery, and all that she knew was that she was Jerome St, Clair’s niece, and-that she was’ dependent on him for her livelihood. See. But to be suspected of intentivral complicity ina robbery, was more than hef sense of honor would bear, and she resolved toe stand up for her rights, cost what it might, t

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S : Buck Hawk Detective. od a was able to work, and could not well find a more cheerless abode, “What!” Jerome St. Clair cried, angrily, af- ter recovery from his astonisment at her * words. ‘‘Do yon mean to defy me, you saucy chit?” ‘*¥ mean just what I said, and nothing more!” Etta answeréd. ‘* Because I have been depend- ent upon you for my living, it does not follow that 1 will allow any one to make nie outa thief, nor do I care to stand your daughter’s insulting conduct much longer.’ ‘‘Tndeed! Perhaps it would cure you of some of your lofty importance to turn you out on the world fora time? That I shall certainiy do if you do not deliver me up that paper!” “Then, I will consider myself dismissed!” the girl-retorted, with flashing eyes. ‘‘If 1 can see Captain Clyde I ant sure he will help me to find a situation!” a ‘Tf you dare to speak to Captain Clyde, T will have you arrested!” Jerome St, Clair cried, ee his daughter looked the jealous angar she elt, ‘Ob! you are afraid, Mr. St. Clair, that the captain will hear of how you have treated me, aud will not then realize so much pleasure in Rach “epee company. . Perhaps you are right And with a defiant laugh, Etts swept from fos room, and set about preparing to leave the ouse, She had a little money which she had saved from her monthly allotment, but it did not ex ceed ten dollars all told, and she knew she could not exist Jong on that amount without work. It was yet early in the evening, and she was resolved to set forth that very night, but at the same time had no idea where she should go. Packing her not extravagant wardrobe into her sachel, and wrapping herself up, she left the St. Clair residence, a feeling of freedom thrilling her with hope and ambition. As quickly as possible she got out of the neigh- borhood, for she really ‘believed that Jerome St. Clair would send the officers after her, After an hour’s wandering, she found herself at the Broad street railway depot of the Penn- sylvania Railroad, and feeling fatigued, she con- cluded to rest in the spacious waiting-room, un- til she read an evening paper she had purchased, hoping to see a situation advertised that would suit her fancy. There were plenty of calls for girls todo house- work, but having a good education, Etta felt that she was capable of filling some higher posi- tion than being a common servant. As if to gratify her desire, her gazo directly fell upon the following advertisement, which was one of a number of others in the same col- umn: : ‘*Wanrep—A well educated, respectable young lady as secretary and reader, for an old gentleman, Good salary to the right party. Apply at No. — North Tenth street.” . Poor Etta’s heart bounded with joy as she read this, and she made up her mind to put in __ her application at once, _ ber sachel, at a near-by store, for safe-keep- | It could do no harm, at least, to try. _ To think, with her, was to act, and leaving ing, she went in search of the residence of the ashe. found length—a large, in e found it, at length—a large, imposing ~ edifice, with a marble-trimmed front, and as- etree the steps she rung the bell, somewhat timidly, A colored servant in livery answered the sum- mons, **T called in answer to an advertisement, sir,” Etta explained, eagerly. The ‘sir” seemed to banish the servant's chilliness of demeanor, for he opened the door still further, with a gracious bow. ‘Walk right in, miss—walkrightin. De boss is in de parlor ‘xaminin’ a lot ob gals dis berry minute.” And before she was scarcely aware of it, Etta found herself ushered into a grand reception- room, where an old gentleman and several young ladies were seated. : Allof the latter were dressed much more ex- pensively and stylishly than Etta, and she felt — ratber uncomfortable, as she became ‘aware that ~ their eyes were bent upon her, but a spirit of resolution caused her to show no trace of agita- tion or confusion. The old gentleman was a fat, round-faced personage of sixty years, who had a very bald head, and a pair of pleasant eyes which rather agreeably lit up his ruddy, clean-shaven face, _ He was seated in a comfortable chair, witk one foot upon a cushioned stool, wrapped ae with a plenitude of blankets and flannels, whic was plain enough evidence that he was a suf- ferer from the gout. P - He nodded to Etta, as she entered, and mo- tioning her té‘a seat, turned to a haughty-ap- pearing lady, who had previously been speak- in ~ Ze 4 **So ye think you’d fill the bill, do ye?” he queried, surveying her critically.. u “Ido,” was the reply. ‘I am proficient in all branches of study, and would like you to give me a trial.’ ‘Yas, I suppose so,” was the reply. ‘‘ Thats what these other girls want, too, but they’ve all got fellers. I can’t have no gals about my place what has got feller on the brain, S’pose you’re like the rest, eh?” 3 “Certainly. But I don’t think you are do- ‘ing right to interfere in a young lady’s private < affairs.” 3 “Then we don’t agree, I pay a girl good he go to be ready for biz, w in the morning, I expect her to be ready to read it. If I see fit togive my amanuensis ten hours vacation out of twelve, that’s my busi- ness, too. Don’t think any of you girls. will suit me, unless it is the last one, Whatis your — name, miss?” ; : a ‘““Ktta Evelyn, sir.” sae “Dye know how to read aud writ. and fige, ger, correct?” ; ee “ Yes, sir.” : en < want her, should want to bear the news read at two

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“That'll do. Ye kin take off yer things, get yer supper in the dining-room, send Pom for our iuggage, and then come in and write four letters, twixt now and bedtime, You other gals can go.” Etta obeyed, wondering if this could all be true, that she was so lucky, She was a keen reader of human character, and saw from the start that there was no way to get along with her employer, except to humor his whims. ~ In the dining-rooms, she met the housekeeper, a motherly spinster, and the two became friends, from the start, but Molly (as she gave her name), was not one of the communicative sort, and said very little in regard to the master of the house, whose name was Jason Titus. _ After a bounteous supper, Etta dispatched the colored servant for her luggage, and then sought the parlor. Jason Titus was half asleep, but aroused, when she entered. ‘This blasted gout has nigh about worn me out, of late,” he growled, ‘‘ Never had it, did ef” a No, sir,” Etta admitted, amusedly. “S’pose not, Might ’a’ know’d better, Get the paper, yonder, and see what stocks are doing, in New York.” ; Etta complied witl/ his request, and read for an hour, to him, on different subjects. , During the evening, a collector came for a sum of money, and it remained for Etta to wait upon him, she procuring the money from a safe, in the library. ~ : Titus then had her bring forth his books, and in an hour she knew about all his business affairs, how much he was worth, and every- thing that concerned his plans. His money he kept in his safe, at home, not having any faith in banks, “Ets al in yer charge, now, an’ ye can go on an’ do bizness same as tho’ I was able,” the old man announced. ‘I know you’re honest, or I wouldn’t trust ye. Your salary will be five dollars a day, an’ you are to take it out o’ the cash drawer every day. That’sall. You're at liberty for the rest of the evening. Help your- self to the pianner, if you want. Molly will show you your'room, when you want to retire, Get. up early to-morrow, for a morning drive with me.” When Libta retired that night, she was won- dering if it could all be true, ninety it had been a lucky happening for her which had been such a heavy loss to the . 8t. Clairs. _ Turk, the messenger boy, felt greatly relieved, on returning to his lodgings, that night, for he had canse to believe that he could depend upon Billv Jones’s silence, which would insure him against immediate danger. So he resolved to return to work’ the next morning. ; On his arrival at the office, the superintend- ent informed him that he could-take charge of an instrument, during the Bi-Centennial week, during each forenoon, to ‘‘spell” the diCerent operators, and in the afternoons resume his s messenger duties, s ¥ Buck Hawk, Detective. There being more money for him by tke change, Turk went to work. He was pretty well versed in telegraphy, and his first forenoon’s work went off satisfactorily, and he ccntinued in the capacity of an operator the balance of the week. The next week was Bi-Centennial week, and there was an extra amount of messages to be received and transmitted. ? Tuesday noon, just before he was about to yield his instrument to another operator, two messages came, which somewhat surprised him, as he transferred them to paper. The longest one was directed to Jerome St. Clair and read as follows: “Tam coming to you for pratection. There is no room for me, on the sea, any longer. . Besides, I have had grave apprehensions about my child. . Bx- pect me at any time. Ihave no regular schedule. “Urtan Evetyn,” “Must be the purty gal’s dad comin’ back,” Turk muttered. “‘ Thar’s sumthin’ secret ’bout that gal, an’ I wouldn’t mind knowin’ it; Reckon I don't want to take no messages up there, though.” The other message came a few minutes later, and was addres to ‘Fred St. Clair, No. — Market street. up-stairs.” ; It was dated from New York, and ran as fol- ows: “WreD:—Cannot do anything with them here Will bring them back. To-night, at the Social.” There was no signature, but the fact that both messages were for St. Clair; rather aroused the young messenger’s curiosity, **One is to the old hoss, and t’other is to a young St. Clair,” he muttered. ‘‘ Wonder ef the young and the old is related! and what it is the New York chap can’t do anything with, over there. Mebbe the diamonds!” The idea struck him with force enough to leave a lasting impression upon his mind, There was just a possibility, he thought, that he had struck a clew to the robbery, and there would be no harm in making a quiet investiga- tion, clew or no clew. As it was noon, he surrendered the instru- ment to Finch, the other operator, and took the Market street message to the delivery-clerk himself. “Put that in an envelope, Chris,” he said; “I want to deliver that myself.” “ Got asweetheart up there, eh?” Chris smiled, complying with his request, “Oh, no! They don’t trouble me yet,” Turk replied, ‘‘ Time enough for that hereaft¢r.” He took possession of the pt and depart- ed, wondering if he would be able to make a discovery. At last he arrived at the number, and ascended a narrow staircase to the second floor of an old building, the lower floor of which was used as a harness shop. om . There were several doors opening off from the hall, on one of which was a tin plate bearing _ the inseription: ‘Tie SocrAL or SEVEN.” As none of the other doors had door-plates, Turk concluded to try the door of the ‘Social’ in quest of Mr. Fred St, Clair. ,

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Buck. Hawk, Detective. 9 His rap was unavswered; and after waiting a moment, he turned the knob of the door, and entered the room, which was handsomely fur- nished, There was no one in it, however, with whom to leave the message, and so he concluded to wait a few minutes, The room was fitted up as a parlor, with a fine carpet, sofa, furniture, and costly pictures, and other ornaments of an expensive nature. \ A door opened from this into another room in the rear, but this was closed. After about half an hour’s wait, the rear dgor opened and a man entered the parlor, He was about thirty years of age, well built, richly dressed, and bore marks of dissipation upon his otherwise rather attractive face, He seemed much surprised at sight of Turk, and not over-pleased. ; ‘* What d'ye want here?” he growled, looking at Turk sharply. . “Got a message fer Fred St. Clair. Know such a chap around here?” Turk replied care- - lessly, producing his book, “Yes; that’smy name. Let’s have the mes- sage, and then you skin out of, here. We don’t allow boys bere.” “Don’t, eh? What kind of a ranch is it, ye’re so fraid?” “ None of your business, yourascal. Give me the message.” “Jest affix your handle to this book first, Frederick,” the ferret said coolly, ‘“‘and pan out a quarter—then the message is yourn,” t. Clair growlingly obeyed. ‘*Wait—see if there’s an answer!” he said, tearing open the envelope. ‘No; you can go. Turk left the room and descended into the busy street, with its swarms of sight-seers, Passing around the new public buildings, past the Pennsylvania depot, from which hundreds of people were pouring as fast as they-were ushered into the city by huge train-loads, he suddenly felt a hand placed upon his shoulder, and faced about to find himself in the presence of a tall, lank individual, with thin, sharp feat- ures, a hook nose, bead-like black eyes, and a decidedly Frenchy mustache of a like color, waxed out at the ends. His dress, however, was of the shabby-genteel order, and among almost any crowd he would have been classed a bummer. ‘*Hello! what d’ye want?” Turk demanded, as he critically surveyed the man. ‘‘ Don’t try a ; o’ your confidence dodges on me—I’m too walt: ; The bhawkish.man laughed. - **T just reckoned $0,” he said, witha strange chuckle, ‘And you're just the very chap [ want.” And as he spoke he turned aside his vest- callay, and exhibited a glittering gold detective BABS. CHAPTER IV, F TURK ON THE BEAT, SURPRISED and alarmed, Turk instantly con- cluded that this detective had discovered him to be the same person who had procured the dia- monds from the St. Clair Mansion, “ Don’ scared, ” the officer said, reading the boy’s thoughts. ‘It isn’t you I’m after, bya long shot. I’m wanting a wide-awake lad as am apprentice, and, judging by your physiog, you're the boy I want. So come along with me,” He did not say it invitingly, but authorita- tively, and Turk hardly knew what tosay or do, He had always longed to become a detective by profession, and here was a chance when he least expected it. Yet, he knew that he would be losing his ition in the office, and might not be able to do,as well, should he not prove an expert in the detective line, “T guess you’ll have to strike some other fel- ler,” he demurred, shaking his head. — ‘‘ I’ve pot a pretty good snap with the Western Union.” *Pshaw! you can’t make your living at that. Tl pay he good wages, and guarantee you a badge after a short trial. Socomealong. You ean hand in your resignation to the company | later.” , “ What'll the mare go. “Ten dollars a week, and more when you earn it. Hurry along now. I’ve got some work ahead.” ‘ “Guess Pll try you a whack, anyhow,” Turk muttered, ‘‘Ten’s six bigger than totin’ mes- sages around. Sail ahedd. : he detective was evidently nostranger in the city, for he led the way up Thirteenth street until they came to a quiet two-story brick dwelling the door of which he unlocked, and they entered a rnd furnished front room which boreunmis- takable indications of being a bachelor’s head- quarters. “This is my abode when I’m home,” the de- tective announced, motioning Turk to a seat. — you give? Money is wHat makes cy M rae is Buck Hawk. hat’s yours?” “"Purk!” bar: ‘Turk? IS‘ that all?’ Hawk asked, with a grin. ‘‘ All Tknow of,” was the answer. ‘“ Guess it’s all required fer natural purposes.” : “Funny name. Know any of the city detec- tives?” i “Once in a while one. Know Hulfish, Gray, Grimes and Mack.” : ‘‘Humph! Know any of the suspects?” “Nuts, you mean—hard cases?” “ Yes.” “You bet! I’ve got a heap of them chaps down fine, and know some of their hang-outs and fence-posts like a book.” “Glad to hear it. It will help usalong. I'm from New York, and not known to the profes- sionals over here generally. But, as it happens, I’m looking for a chap—in fact several c’ as but one in ticular. A visit to some of these dens may put me afloat. T’ll fix you up asa, countryman, and we'll take a turn in at Joe Burns's.” : “The blazes! Ketch mein there. It’s a reg- ular cut-throat den,” ; : ‘Don’t tellime whatitis. Butaslongas?’m — with you, you’re all right. All you’ve gotto do is to put on ‘country jist come tew town to — see the sights,’ and ll fence you about. ma thoroughbred, you understand, who is showing wt Tar haa misgivings Buck Hawk : ad any v’ ; soon talked them away, aes At a <5 \ ~

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~ other drink,” : took a message to the room after a while. et guise, and look to it you don’tget trapped 10 Buck Hawk, Detective. Out of alarge stock of disguises which he hauled from a trunk he soon had ‘Turk charac- teristically arrayed as a clumsy, loutish country boy from the back woods, and no ene could have suspected that he was other than what he repre- sented, . The detective thén giving some slight change to his own make-up, the pairset out. Joe Burns's notorious ‘* Club House” was soon reached and entered, Its proprietor eyed them suspiciously. Advancing to the bar, Hawk ordered beer, and having drank it, set down his glass and glanced about the room, **Polly been about town lately?” he finally asked, meaning oneof the gang who had long been ono of the expert pickpockets of the city, * Not lately,” Burns replied, appearing a trifle less suspicious, ‘‘ He’s been very busy of late.” ‘*S’pose so, Td like to see him. Don’t seem to meet any faces [ know. Saw Scrogger up the street, tho’.” “No? Didn’t know he was out. Got ninety ~ awhile ago, Who’re you?” *¢ Scriver!” *Humph! Heard Scrogger speak of you. Know Mike Kerrig, don’t you?” - Yes,” , ** He's doing well over on Market, fencin* fcra ‘Social!’ Rather hurting me—still I like to see tho boy prosper.” : “What's the number?” . “No. — Market street—up-stairs. Social of Seven. Nice place to play a game of cards—no one about.” *“Have to look it ee Think T’ve struck a ‘liner,’ but ain’t sure. How’s peelers ‘long here?” “Solid, Per cent,—ten. No trouble,” *“ Allright. Tlleall again. Let's all have an- -_ The drink was had and paid for; then Hawk and his apprentice left, and returned to the house on Thirteenth street. “Tve struck one desirable point,” the detect- ive declared. ‘‘I’ve found out where this ‘ So- vad of Seven’ is, aud my man isa member of “So do I know where it is,” Turk added, “TI just before I met ou.” a * Who to?” “Bred St, Clair.” : : With a low exclamation the detective became ‘suddenly réflective and silent. ‘He was something of a conundrum to Turk who had taken to watching him keenly. When they arrived at the detective’s abode they entered, and Hawk proudced some dried beef and cheese, and a bottle of wine, as he re- marked: “We'll have some better grub at the. hotel I'm going to leave you to do as you please fora time, while I skylark about for points, By all means retain your rural ee y. of sharks, In my desk yonder you'll find a roll ' dirty, greasy money, which ten out of a thou- ‘sand would not take as being counterfeit; yet it is, You can take some of that with you, and if any sharks try to fleece you load’em up with that stuff. ‘Kin ye play eards?” ; | PM introduce you to.some of the ‘*Bet I can; kin beat the feller what put the spots on ’em!” “All right, You’re not to know me if we meet.” : And with this injunction the lean man took his departure, it, “Durn me if I don’t ruther wish I was back a-totin’ m es,” Turk muttered, after Hawk’s departure, ‘* Dunno how he expects to make a detective outen me, ’thout he tells me what the racket is he’s on. S'pose I might tackle the diamond case, Might stir up’ some sort of a sensation, and git in jail in the bargain.” Toward night he tired of pia a ‘the house, so arming himself with a pair of Hawk’s revol- vers which he found in the desk, and pocketing the roll of the counterfeit money, he set forth and made his way to the depot of the P. R, R., at Broad and Filbert streets, where he longed about the waiting-room for several hours, watching the crowds of people who were tlock- ing in by every train. About dark he saw Fred St, Clairin the de- pot, strolling about, and occasionally accosting some of the strangers. : Turk was seated in one corner of the apart- ment, staring in the most gawky manner im- aginable at the surroundings, ' “Good-evening, Johnny!” St. Clair accosted, familiarly. ‘‘ Come down to take in the glori- ous Bi-Centennial?” _“T reckon, ef I don’t got tuk in myself,” Turk replied. ‘Kinder tired travelin’ around, an’ thort I’d take a rest.” “Right. Excess of sight-seeing makes it tire- some pleasure just now. Let me see, your face seems familiar,. You’re from Perryville, are you not?” “Lordy Jerusha! how’d ye ever guess that ?” Turk ejaculated, with a grin of surprise. ‘Oh! I’ve been through there, traveling for pleasure, and it somehow struck me Id seen your face somewheres,” “Yas, me an’ ded runs the Schoonover cheese factory there, an’ turns out the best cheese in the State, Dad he kicked like thunder when I set sail fur heer; but, durn it, [ cum on my own hook, I couldn’t borry no stamps from him, so I jest sold my interest in the last makin’ o° cheese, an’ heer I am. Since dad jined the church I’m gol-darned ef he don’t git tighter an’ tighter every day.” f ‘“*Gome down to seo the sights, I suppose?” . “ Waal, I judge. Don’t know much about the city, but I guess I kin git my money’s wu’th. Didn’t cost a heap to cum, Got in wi’ a feller as was fetchin’ over a car-load o’ sheep.” “Well, you want to take care of yourself. There’s a great abundance of rogues in the ae laying for fat pocket-books, and any one’s liable to get robbed,” * Bet they won't soap me! Carry all my spondulics in my shirt-pocket, ’cept ’bout a hun: dred. dollars pin-money, The old woman posted me. “What a comfort itis to have some one to advise one,” St. Clair said. ‘But I guess Pl ~ journey up to the club,” he added. “Go along, f you’ye nothing more important eee and

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Buck Hawk, Detective. fellows about town, and we'll have a quiet game of eucher,” “Waal, I might go ‘long, sence we've met, but I don’t play much at keerds, ’cept now an’ then a game 0’ eucher.” They then set out, and in due time arrived in the hallway outside the room occupied by the Social Seven. Here the handsome sharp paused and said: “Til just explain to you what otherwise might seem strange. This Social of ours was gotten up for mutual enjoyment, and we adopt- ed several rules and regulations, among which was one that noone should enter the council- |- chamber, except in mask. No one of us knows the other. Membersbip is obtained thus: A rson wishing to join, visits the room, during he day, and leaves a note stating that under the nom de plume of so-or-so, he will be present for initiation, that night. Among the mem- bers, now are Seven—The Murderer, The Smug- ers The Ghoul, The Blackmailer, The Burglar, ‘he Kidnapper, and The Pickpocket!” “Lord! Jerusha! Um goin? hum!” Turk gasped, in pretended alarm, **No! no! You don’t understand, This is all fun, you know. Each member is of the best families, and perfectly honest and honorable, Just put on this mask, and I'll introduce you as The hs feat rh Fearing that he would arouse suspicion if he disobeyed, Turk put on the half-mask, St. Clair also masking himself, and then giving five pecu- liar taps on the door, A cough was heard, whereupon St, Clair opened the door and they entered, The place was lit by a chandélier, and bad undergone no little change, since Turk’s visit, earlier in the day, for in the center of the room was an elegant faro-table, about which were grouped six men, engaged at the game, while others were lounging about the room, smoking, chat- ting, and drinking, the refreshments being pass- ed around by a negro. St, Clair and Turk became seated, and main- tained a silence, About half an hour passed, when the six men at the faro-table arose and left the room, The door was then locked by the negro, who retired to an adjoining apartment, 2 St, Clair then arose. ‘Gents, in my heart rankles a spirit of re- venge, since you cleaned me out of so much ash, last night. I propose to get even with Fem, by opening a little game of faro. Will you make it interesting?” The otbers agreed, and all hands gathered around the table, : Turk stood near at hand, and looked on, The negro came from the adjoining room, and took the position of banker, and sold the checks to his masked confederates, as Turk knew they were, i Too old a Jad he was, in the ways ‘and wiles of city life, not to know that the faro game was only started in the hopes of attracting his money, of which he had purposely hinted to St. Clair that he had a considerable. _ _ “A fine gang of sharks, and I'll bet they re- present the different professions that my friend ‘ ed—in tru of in fun, If the: ei 11 catch me, I'm destined to be sleepier than I am now. The game proceeded, and the betting ran high, in consequence of which St. Clair Jost about fifty dollars, ‘That breaks my bank,” he growled. ‘‘Curse me, if T only had an even fifty more, ’d scoop” the crowd.” A thought flashed across Turk’s mind, “Tell ye what, boss. Give me sum’thin’ fer security, an’ I'll put up fifty fer ye,” he said, riage forward. 3 t. Clair caught readily at the bait. “Thank you. Here’s my gold watch, "Will that do?” ‘©Of course. Here’s your sponds.” - And he took the roll ef money from his pocket, and counted out three of the tims-worn — ills—two twenties and a ten. The Social Seven exchanged glances, and the darky shoved the notes into the cash drawer, giving St, Clair checks in return, The others also invested, and the game was run, Of course St. Clair won heavily, as Turk — had expected, and redeemed bis watch by pay- ing fifty dolffrs from the gold which the banker had shoved over to him, and which Turk pock- eted with quiet satisfaction. : ‘“*T believe Pll try my luck on the consarned thing,” be said, giving the darky fifty dollarsin — greenbacks. - ‘* Neyer did hev much luck, tho’.” He played and scoo in the checks, * aa * Again he ventured, and again he was suc- cessful, : : “Waal, Dll go ye one more, “an? make that the last. Heer’s the last o* the cheese money— three hundred dollars. Pl bet the hull pile agin’ the backin’ of it.” The men divided their moneys, and the stakes were put up aud wou—by St. Clair, Turk was not disappointed, but pretended to be, boisterously. ; z ““You’re a gol-durned set o’ skinners!” he © growled. ‘‘I won’é play nomore. I feel sick, Let me out 0’ here.” Atasignal from one of the men, the negro opened the door. nea. Turk staggered toward it, acting as though he were somewhat intoxicated. . “ Tm ner,” : 2 ‘Better go with him!” one of the gamblers — said to St. Clair, and that individual nodded, - and followed Turk down-stairs, both taking o their masks in the hall. ; To the sharper’s offer to accompany him to his stopping-place, Turk made no resistance, — and feigned to be half stupid until they reached the house in Thirteenth street. shee “BEF ye don’t mind, come in, No one’s up, I guess, an’ I know whar uncle keeps his bottle,” Turk declared. 3 He opened the door and entered, St. Clair fol- — lowing him, } * Turk then lit a lamp, and at the same instant, Buck Hawk stepped into the room fromthe street, 9 ae A startled cry escaped him as he saw St. ~ Clair, who started back with an oath. Sr y goin’ up to uncle’s; Come ‘long, pard- Turk seeing a crisis instantly drew hisreyork covered the gambler, = vers, and x Ss et “s

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12 “Buck Hawk, Detective. “Boy, what is the meaning of this?” Hawk demanded, ‘' How comes this rascal here, of all places in the world?” “Ob! him and. bis set were trying to tap me, but I war too foxy for ’em, an’ lured this feller here, so you could hev a look at him!” Hawk whistled. “Tm mighty glad. This is Slippery Fred, one of Murrell’s gang—a nabob sort of rascal, you_know—big relations, you know—allus gets - off Scot free,” Hawk taking a pair of handcuffs from his big coat pocket, put them on the gambler’s wrists, without resistance, He next bound his feet together, and then gagged him so system- atically, that he could utter no sound above a ee This done fe dragged him into.a small rk apartment off the front room. _,.“* There! You stay there for the present, and if you make any noise, I’ll break your head, You know the sort of a hairpin I am, and I a you’ve got sense enough to behave your- He then locked the door and turned to Turk, “So far so good!” he said, triumphantly. “That catch is worth five thousand dollars, if you want to know it.” Y Just then there came a rap at the door. Hawk looked at Turk to enjoin silence, The rap came again. Hawk crept toward the door, For the third time the rap came! Turk was wondering what was next on the a Dat ad fer the evening’s entertainment, he show was becoming very interesting. CHAPTER V. TURK CUTS LOOSE. Erta EvEiyn was well pleased with her new home, the louger she remained init, Her duties were light, and she had much of the time to her- self, as old Jason Titus snored away the better part of each day, in the easy-chair, Titus had a large daily income from a down- town manufacturing place, which it was one of her duties to collect, every afternoon, at three, rain ur shine, and she always had a coupe at her command, Then, there was the early morning drive whenever it was pleasant ir the Park, and all taken into consideration, Etta was rather doubt- ful if she could have ever found a more desirable situation. 7 ; The Titus turn-out was one of the nobbiest equipages seen in the Park, and Etta could not help feeling a little pete! when one morning they met: Miss Aurelia St, Clair, who was out fora als The start and stare, when she saw her,cousin in the barouche with old Jason, plainly express- ed her astonishment. After one of these morning drives, as Titus was examining his mail, he looked up at Etta rather ausert - 3 “Better put oy some extra frizzes to your hair, to-day, gal,’ he observed, ‘for I’m going break my usual rule and have a friend to dinner, Smart young fellow too—about thirty, and got brilliant prospects, since he quit the ocean, zs ie ie say it, Carl Clyde is a man, ch Oo} k « \ Poor Etta’s heart sunk within her, Captain Clyde coming here to dinner! What in the world should she do—how could she face him, Aurelia St, Clair’s lover? She had met him frequently at the St. Clair Mansion, and he had treated her with full as much cordiality as he had Aurelia, whom Dame Rumor said was to become his bride, somewhere along about the holidays. ; If he came here, and saw and recognized her, he would likely inform Jason Titus of her former surroundings, and there was no telling how things would turn, “Tam sure you will kindly excuse me, Mr. Titus,” she said, blushing. ‘‘I had rather not meet your company, if you can spare me. I had rather not make oe acquaintances,” ** Pooh! Nonsense! say yes, and that set~ tles it, So, now, run down to town, and inquire at Drexels if the Panama is in port yet, and then return.” Seeing there was no way te-get out of the di- lemma, without offending him, Etta determined to ‘face the music,” and make the bess of the situation. ; So she ordered the hack, and was driven down- town, where she made inquiries concerning the ‘ship, Panama, and then stopped at Strawbridge and Clothiers to.do some shopping. While there, a man ertered the store, and tapped her on the shoulder, It was Jack Grimes, the detective! Etta had seen him eel nen at her uncle’s house, but further than knowing his professional ealling, knew nothing about him. She turned and gazed at him, haughtily. “Sir!” she said, inquiringly. “Excuse me,” he said, ‘‘ May I speak to you, privately, a moment?” . “No, sir,” Etta replied. ‘‘I do not know you!” And she turned to the counter. : “But I insist!” he said. ‘*I donot want to make you trouble, here!” She understood, then. His words implied a threat, He was a detective. Had he come to arrest her, at the instance of Jerome St. Clair? “My carriage is at the door. I shall be out directly,” she said, oe He bowed, lifted his hat, politely, and made his way out of the store, by the Market street entrance / : Etta’s mind had been suddenly made up, on one thing, She must dodge this mai, no mat- ter what the results might be! She quickly made a purchase, and left the store by the rear entrance, and hurried up Fil- bert street as far as Tenth street, thence down Tenth to Walnut. ° " She knew that the carriage would go home in ase she did not return within a reasonable ength of time; but what was she to do? She took a Chestnut street ear, and rode into West Philadelpbia and back, her mind in a state of great anxiety. . hat was she to do? , She had no place to xo 40, S

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‘Buck Hawk, Detective. \ ’ 13 well meet any charges brought against her at first as at last. So she returned to Eighth and Market, and found’ the hack still waiting for her, but Jack | Grithes was not to be seen. Getting into the conveyance, she gave the order to drive home, which she soon reached, and she made her way to her room to take off her wraps, ae going down-stairs, she met Molly, who Said; ‘* TF you please, miss, the master wishes to see you in the parlor.” Presuming that he desired to hear from the Panama, Etta accordingly hastened to the par- lor, and entered, She gave a faint gasp of surprise as she did so, for she beheld Jack Grimes seated there, in com- pavy witb Mr, Titus, her employer. The latter lookei up with a nod, but the de- tective gave her only a passing glance, appear- ing not to recognize her. vi “Gal,” old Jason said, in his bluff but hearty manner, ‘ this is Carl Clyde, whom I was'speak- in’ about, years, and he bas changed somewhat in that time.” ~ Etta acknowledged the vintroduction as-best she could, and then escaped to another portion of the parlor, in order that Titus might not no- * tice the astonishment that was expressed upon her face. : ; , What was Jack Grimes doing here, masque- rading in the nom de plume of Carl Clyde? What villainous scheme had he on foot? « - Poor Etta trembled. ‘ Sbe was well satisfied that he had some plot to further, and calculated to use her as the tool, depending upon his knowledge of her former circumstances to keep her quiet, The very thought of such a thing made her so nervous, that she was heartily glad when Jason asked her to play something upon the piano, She played several pieces, and then excused herself on the plea of a headache, and went to her room, where she threw herself upon the bed, ‘and lay there, wondering what the result of Jack Grimes’s interview with Jason Titus would ie. . i “When dinner-hour came she did not go down, but told Molly to take down the @xcuse of a headache. ~ - > ‘ - The idea of facing Grimes, with the knowl- edge of the lie he was palming off on Jason Titus, was too repugnant to bear, and so she made up her mind to run the risk of meriting her employer's displeasure, Toward dusk, Molly brought her up a stig letter, which she opened and read when the Ser- vant was gone, : It was from Grimes, and, read: i. ‘“‘Drar Miss Evenyn:—Your gererous employer has granted me the permission to escort you to the performance of Loita a3 ‘Sob’ this evening, if = | you will kindly honor me with the pleasure of your jeompany. Tt will also afford me an opportunity to explain much to you which may be puzzling you. Trusting you will believe I mean for your own wel- fare, I am, Yours truly, Carn CruypE.”” ‘*The base impostor,” Etta murmured, tear- | nig the missive into shreds,“ means at is Haven’t seen him before in three | to use me as the stumbling-block to others, — What shall I do? If I refuse to hear bis ex planation, he may influence my immediate dis. charge, if he does not work me greater harm, If I hear whathe bas to say, I may be better able to defend myself.” . Further deliberation strengthened her belief that she had better humor his request, and so procuring a slip of paper, she addressed it to im, and added: \ ‘ I will be ready at half-past seven.” =" / Let us return to Buck Hawk and his apprene tice. The third rap.upon the door of their quarters in Thirteenth street was given loud and per- emptory. ‘*The devil!” escaped from Hawk’s lips, and - eocking his revolver, he flung open the door, — and there entered a woman some sixty years ot age, who hobbled along with a cane, and was dressed in old and ragged attire. Herbair was unkempt and white, and her face wrinkled and __ withered, but ber eyes, black as jet, had the fire and sparkle of youth, 5 She helped herself to a seat while Hawk was closing the dodr, and took a keen survey of — Turk, who was standing in the center of the room. c fe . ** Who have you got here, Buck?” she queried ‘in a pleasant voice, which was-hard at contrast with her appearance, and betrayed the fact thafi ~ she ue not always been in her present position in life. Bea >: “Oh, he’s a young rat I’ve picked uptohelp - me,” Hawk replied. ‘‘Turk, this is’ my, — mother.” ee Turk looked in surprise, and acknowledged — the introduction. with a bob of his head, . =z Hawk then lit a: pipe, and seated himself, and gazed through the clouds of smoke at his mother, i +5 nee brought you back from Boston?” he _ asked, ‘A good reason. Thereis nothing we want — there,” was the answer. ‘I’ve learned more. — * 2 fei) since I came back than we've both found out in a year.” : } ““Humph! What? “T met Jerome St. Clair to day.” Hawk whistled. i ‘ “ Did he know you?” 3 2 SIF “Not he. 1 was watching him unknown to — him. When he walked on he-dropped this, and I picked it up.” p/n She handed a telegraph message to Buck, who © read it aloud. —. ee = ‘ It was the one from Uriah Evelyn to Jerome St. Clair, which Turk had received from the wire y rior to his meeting with Hawk... se Buck scowled when he read it. es es “Tt will be a question Lise wins the game’ now,” he said. ‘St. Clair has no longer pos- — ropes of the girl. I learned to-night that she — ipa kinned out, and her whereabouts are not nown, id Bieter I, “The old wor an groaned. More Tikal she's been foully dealt ° 0) ‘ : — St, Clair,” Buck criet feresty.

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i4 has too much value for his own safety to do anything like that, although | dare say he would vot care if sha were to die from natural causes.” ** Who's that yer talkin’ bout?” Turk asked, curiously. ‘‘ Not Etta Evelyn?” “ Certainly. What do you know *bout her?” “Oh, not much, Met her up at St. Clair’s, an’ made a mash wi’ her, *Spect to hitch on to her when I git promoted.” Buck and his mother exchanged amused glances. So the gal ain’t at St. Clair’s, eh?’ Turk went on, eagerly. ; “No. Why do you ask? Do you know any- thing about her whereabouts?” Turk scratched his head, **No, I can’t say as I do, but you jest bet ef St. Clair has hurt that gal [ll fix him, sure’s I'm elected governorin 1890, Bet I know what's -*Tndeed> You are cute, ain’t you? But I sup- - pose you might as well know, as you are likely vo be of use.’ And Hawk gave the old woman an inquiring glance. i ee . ‘No! no!” she cried angrily; ‘‘tell the young “monkey nothing. Boys can’t be depended on. If you'll please me, you'll send that fellow away, Back; I don’t like him!” = : Pe * But, mother—” » “Send him away I say! Have nothing to do with him. Do you hear? Am I boss, or you?” 3 “You are unquestionably boss,” Buck said, ~. meekly, ‘‘As my mother wills that I shall not keep you, I suppose you'll have to go.” “Kerect! Ef f{ ain’t wanted, you bet I won't stay,” Turk declared, independently. ‘Kinder suspicioned I’d lose my job, through doublin’ up ~ wi’ you, but if don’t matter. Reckon I'll hang to the detective biz—set up an opposition shop. . like. Ef you want,any p’ints, jest call aroun ~~ and I’lrsell out fer ten dollars per p’int.”. : And with this, the boy moved toward the door. : _— *Ffold on!” Hawk cried. -‘‘ Before yougo you “had better turn over the counterfeit money I gaye you.” _ “Oh, I guess not!” with a cool laugh. ‘If you ~ want that, ap sly to the Social Seven. They were ‘0 accommodating as to give me gold for the _ better part of it, The gold I shall keep fer luck. Ta! tal’ Tra-la-loo! The next time you employ - @ monkey, beware of the chimpanzee order, ~ which know how to skin out of ordinary games. Good-by, Granny. Hi! hi! Buck!” And with this mocking salute, Turk darted _ from the house and down the street. Tt was quite late at_ night, and so he made bis way to a cheap lodging-house on Market street, near the Schuylkill, and secured accommodations for the night. . 4 _ Bright and early tbe next morning he repaired to a down-town clotbing-house, and hy expend- ing fifty dollars, soon had himself arrayed in at- ee nobby, tosay the least. ‘ wing the alance of the money i ~ raae 7 753 geet would. Buck Hawk, Detective. San ast 1 keep him for along time, be made no effort to secure work, but spent his time about town, dodging in an out the various resorts of crimi-| nals in hopes of meeting the diamond thief. | He also made it a point to saunter past the Sé, - Clair dwelling, on Seventeenth street, each day; © but the place was invariably closed, and thera were no signs of life about it—a peculiarity con | nected with numerous Quaker City residences. _ On the same Tuesday evening that Jack Grimes was to escort Etta Evelyn to the theater, Turk chanced to be passing the Titus residence ~ at about balf-past seven o’clock, A close carriage had just drawn up at the door, and a man leaped out, almost against Turk, as he was passing. Hastily excusing himself, he ascended the steps and rung the bell, and then it was that Turk saw for the first time that it was Jack Grimes. ‘“‘Humph! I wonder what racket that son-of- a-gun is up to?” he mused. ‘‘ Bet a cent he’s up to some mischief!” Curiosity impelled him to stop at the corner, a few steps further on, and wait tosee what turned up. In ~the course of ten minutes the door Spened and Grimes and Etta came out of the - ouse. As they did so, Turk made it his business to pass them; and his astonishment knew no bounds when he perceived who the young lady was, Old Jason Titus stood in the doorway, and called out, as Jack was about helping her into thé carriage: “Take good care o’ her, Captain Clyde, or ’'ll never trust her in your care ag’in!” © All right!” Grimes ee : Then he sprung in, and the carriage was driven away. Turk bad paused again, a short distance away, a decidedly puzzled expression upon his ‘ace, ra “Well, here’s a go!” he muttered, ‘ Wonder what the girl is doing here? And Jack Grimes is known as Captain Clyde, eh? Pew! there’s a bib of mystery all around.” He took a turn about the block, and” camo back to the Titus Mansion. ‘ His brain had not been idle during bis walk, “Pm jest goin’ to find ont- ce they’re bound fer, Vll ask fer the captain, and likely tS tell where he is gone to,” : e ascended the steps and rung the bell, aud the summons was answered by tho negro ser- vant, Pompey. shea “Is Captain Clyde in?” Turk asked, : “No, sah}. De capting done jest gone away ~ wid de young leddy to de Ches’nut Street Opera Hoag sah, to see Lotta,” he said. ‘Jes’ gone, © sah.”

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pases" Captiin Clyde, not?” - Exactly!” 5 Buck Hawk, Detective. 15 get up and periods of-a tta, and madea motion of caution wit hand, She evidently neither understood it, or recog- nized him, for-she turned her head and gazed haughtily away. : At last Lotta bad romped and amused the audience to the time for closing, and the cur- fain xen down, while the orchestra struck up a march, At the first tap of the curtain bell, Turk made a step for the door, and was among the first ont of the th ater. The carriage Grimes had come in, was among the long line in front of the theater, and Turk saw him and Miss Evelyn getin, and watched them drive off, down-town.” Goin’ the wrong way,” he mused. “That don’t look right. Mebbe goin’ arter a supper, tho’, in true nabob style. I’ve a notion that Vil see what time they return bum.” He accordivgly hurried to the vicinity of the Titus residence, where he secreted himself in a dark alley between two houses across the street. o hours passed. No carriage had yet come, ¢ “Durn my cats if I ain’t afeard that. shark has run the gal off whar she won’t be found soon,” the boy muttered, dubiously, ‘*Some- thin’ seemed to tell me that all wasn’t right.” After a neighboring clock had chimed three, the door across the way opened, Turk glided from the alley, and across the street, ’ Jason Titus, in his dressing-gown, stood upon the steps, ‘Are you the gentleman of the house?” Turk asked, tipping his hat. “Yas, am. What d’ye want?” growled, gruffly. “T just wanted to ask if home safe, sir?” “No, she hasn’t, What do you know about her, and what are you hangin’ around for, at this time o’ night?” “ Beg pardon, sir, but if youll bear me, Tl explain. I am afraid you let Miss Etta go out with the wrong customer. Shall I come in, sir?” ‘““Thunderation, yes, and mighty quick, too, if you know anything about this confounded business. I’ve been in a sweat these four hours!” Turk followed theold gent into the cozy par- lor, and he bade him be seated. Then taking his own big chair, he said: “Now go ahead, boy, and tell what ye know. Where’s Clyde and the girl?” \ go out, and during one of these sence Turk caught tho e gee is Jason your gal had yot CHAPTER VI. ; TURK TOUCHES BOTTOM, Tne young ferret scratched his head a mo- ment. and then answered: “ Well, I don’t know as I orter give it away, because ye see I’m in the detective bizness, and my tellin’ you might upset some of my plans, But [ reckon you can be depended on.” “Most assuredly. Goon.” ei ; _ “ Well, yer gal went out to the theater with and then his voice was husky. ‘* An’ hasn’t returned?” “No! that’s what’s worrying me.” “Well. the worriment, and take it easy, The gal is a goner, for the present, but jest leave it to me and I'll ferret out her whereabouts. ’Spect ye know this Captain Clyde?” * “Indeed, yes. His father used to be in part~ nership with -me, but died,and Carl went to sea. Used to get letters from him, Finally, three years ago, he left the sea and set up in New York, and this is his first visit to me.” _ Turk whistled, and then screwed his face into’ a comical grin. . Ireckon you might as well drop on” “Carl Clyde didn’t. come to’ see you at all. - The feller what's been. closin’ yer eye up, is a regular thoroughbred ripscallion, named Jack Grimes, an’ ye can bet yer bottle on it. I know that chap like a cross-eyed herring.” **Ye don’t tell me, Curse my ignorance. } thought he didn’t look just like Carl.” “Von thought right. The girl—what was she to you, boss?” ~ “*My amanuensis, I advertised, and she come, Mighty! I wouldn’t lose the girl for her weight in gold, She’s as honest and punc- tual as ever a gal could be.” “Yas, she’s a squar’ gal, “But, twixt you an’ me, boss, there’s a mystery, about the gal’s life, and out of pure interest in her, I’ve undertaken to ferret if out, There’s several persons that’s interested in thé“case, and several of the lot, if not all, mean the girl evil.” Jason arose and looked furious. “‘ Why curse it, boy, ef they dare'to harm a hair of that girl’s head, I'll fetch the law on ’em in full strength!” “Yes, but youve got to work up the case, first, an’ strike afterward, Jack Grimes has - run that girl off.. Jack Grimes is also a detec- tive. Go tell the authorities that Grimes was concerned in such a scrape, and they’d laugh at ye, and you couldn’t prove nothin’.” Jason Titus looked at his visitor admiringly. “You've got a smart head on you, boy. What's your name?” : “ Only got one that I know of, and that is ok Turk. pose that answers all purposes, how- — ever,” “Strange name—probably not your own. Have you parents or relatives living?” “ Nary a one that I know. of. Been a mes- senger boy till lately, when I concluded I could live by my wits. Goin’ to find out this abduc- tion case, if I bu’st.” ’ “How do you propose to do it?” . “Oh! I'll root around till I strike a trail.” “What do you know of the girl’s past?” “ Not much, Jerome St. Clair—” “ What!” the old man interrupted, excitedly, § “ Where did you say?” Saw her first at the house of “ At-the house of Jerome St. Clair, where I took a message.” “Great God! That is the first that I ever =, ‘knew that man was in the city. Whatis bis — business?” Turk explained, so far as he knew, and then - also narrated the facts of the diamond robbery, Jason Titus did not speak for: several minutes —

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ié ‘Where does this St. Clair live?” he finally asked. a “On Seventeenth street, No. —,” Turk re- plied, ‘ ‘¢- You are sure this girl lived there?” ** Reckon so, sea bd there, anyhow. _ Reckon she left, cause they kicked up the diamond _biz- ness into a fuss,” “Noes this man Grimes know them?” ‘Yes, He’s the feller they’ye employed to hunt up the diamond thief.” ~ “Then perhaps it is on some such an account shat he has abducted the girl?” “Praps. J’ quicker think some other way, though I don’t ‘take no stock in Grimes. What do you know about the St. Clairs and Etta Eve- lyn, now?” - “T prefer to keep my own counsel yet, not be- ing prepared to give an explicit answer, You pe to work and find the girl, and fetch Her safe- ly back to me, and I'll make yourich. Youcan go now, Iam tired and sleepy.” The invitation to go was decidedly pointed, and so Turk took his departure, if anythin® more mystified than before, : The following morning he made a round of the /vavious livery stables in the heart of the city, and instituted some cautious inquiries among the hands in regard to whether any of the rigs -had taken parties to and from the Opera House the previous night. In none of the stables could he see a man re- sembling the driver of Grimes’s conveyance, who had red whiskers. ' ‘Toward evening he dropped into a saloon near Call when necessary. - the building where the quarters of the Social tip os * oe 7. : 4, : :. ; 5 ag L re. j ing, to-night. Wonder if I couldn’t attend?” Seven was located, and purchased a cigar, Several well-dressed, but otherwise rowdy- appearing fellows were lounging about the room and another was about leaving the saloon, as . Turk entered. .“ Did you, say there was no one up in the room, Jim?” he asked of one of the others: “No; nothing going on,” the other grunted. “Well, then, I guess [1 jump into town,” ** Bo back in time. Important business.” “ All right. I may run across Fred.” Then he took his departure, A Turk’s ears had been wide open. ; To make an excuse fora longer tarry in the saloon, he ordered a lemonade, - ‘* Cussed: queer why Fred fails to show up,” he of the loungers growled. ‘Can't be he’s sick. ** Likely,” another responded, in a-tone that seemed have the instant effect of silencing conversation—which Turk judged was owing to bis presence. ; So, as soon as he got his lemonade, he took his ‘departure, } “There’s a part of the Social Seven—thorough- bred rascals, every one of them,” he mused, “and they’ré going to have an important meet- 6 crossed the street and gazed back over at _ the windows of th club-room, The curtains - were down, and no sign of life visible about the Pear part of the building. boarded un eastern bound car. Buck Hawk, Detective. of esently, the negro came down-stairs, and | =) “Reckon the coast is clear now,” Turk mut» tered, “‘an’ I’m goin’ to visit them rooms, and e if I can’t find a nest where I can hide, and overhear the important business, to-night.” * Re-crossing the street, he dodged up the stair. way, into the hall, above. Then: he listened at; the first door, only to find that silence reigned within, 5 %: f Turning the knob, he cautiously opened the door, and after entering the club-room, closed it behind him. ~ All was dark, owing to the curtains being | down, ; {t took but a glance to assure him that there was no place that he could conceal himself in the front room, so he proceeded to find out what show there was for him in the apartment adjoining. t proved. to be a much larger room, and was literally choked up with stored goods, including furniture, and packing-boxes, The faro-table was also there, and a shelf contained a number of bottles of Peace and glasses, He discovered also, in one corner, a full kit of burglar’s tools—bars, jimmies, picks, and other articles necessary to a rascal’s perigee includ- ing various suits of clothes, all of which were pretty well worn, : ; There were several places behind boxes where Turk perce that he could hide without much fear of discovery, one place in particular, where was a hole through the wainscoting from which a knot had fallen out. } By application of his ear to this hole, he could hear pretty plainly what wag said in the next — room, So he turned off the gas, and settled himself into a watching position behind the buge pack-. ing-box. He had full two hours to wait, ere any one ~ entered the club-room, and then it was the darky, who immediately entered the rear Sect and began sampling the drinks on the Saelt, f Half an hour later six masked men entered the front room, became seated and called for drinks, which the negro served, afterward re- - turning to the rear room, apd closing the door. The men in the front room then lit cigars, and were ready for business. x Turk, through the knot-hole, had an unob- pot Lea view of them, and could hear as we His only fear was that the negro might desire to utilize the knot-hole too, in which case there was likely to be a row. But Pompey evidently had too bright an eye for the row of bottles on the shelf to care for what was said in the next room, “Well, let’s get to business,” one of the masked men said, ‘It’s soue days since we compared notes, I believe. Have yct learned nothing concerning ‘The Blackmaiicr, Kidnap- per > “Nothing,” Kidnapper replied. “ics my opinion he’s been nabbed, and they’re holdin him on account of expectation that he'll squ Ea quicker think you'd squeal, Murderer, than e. aps “Think what you like, it cannot injure my : | reputation,” Murderer re “My opinion ~ 1

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‘of Buck Hawk, Detective. i? is the same as yours, however, in regard to our missing member. Something’s up, and I reckon the sooner we wind up our meetings here the better we will be off.” The others gave a grunt of approval, showing unanimity of sentiment. : “T was about to suggest the same thing my- self,” Kidnapper remarked. ‘‘But where will we go, and what will we do with the goods?” And he gave a glance toward the back room. “Tecan arrange witha young Jew to take them off our hands,” Murderer declared, ‘‘ and work them off in the country. I’ve struck a new meeting-place, too, more safe than this.” ‘CAt Maderhoiselle Stael’s?” “Yes, She is a warm friend of mine, and an adroit ‘fence,’in the bargain. None but well- recommended professionals’ can hide under her protection.” ‘* She'll give us cover, then?” “Oh! yes. I made arrangements all right to- day. So that, after to-night, we'll adjourn to meet next at Stael’s, using letters instead of our present titles, For instance, I, the captain, will use the letter Z;, you, Kidnapper, the letter Y, and the others in rotation backward. We will then be as a new organization. Now let’s hear what news there is before we adjourn. Is there anything new in your line, Kidnapper?” “Yes, I madea capture of the girl I was telling you there was.a mystery about, and shall hold her till I can get a good ransom.” ‘*Blackmailer knows something about what the mystery is about the girl, does he not?” “T guess he don’t know anything for a cer- tainty. Anyhow the girl is the one who gave up the St, Clair diamonds, and she’s better out pt the way, until we get them disposed of.” ‘You are right, She may bea mint to us yet. Found anything of that messenger boy?” ‘“‘No—not for certain, although I have heard im, and suspect that he is both watching and Uodging me, He’s left the telegraph offices and is said to be in the street every day.” The other members were questioned, and gave reports of dull business. = Well, if there’s nothing of special import- ance, we'd better adjourn, Tl turn the goods over to the Jew pawnbroker to-morrow, and our next meeting will be at Stael’s,.” The following instant there were sounds of a scuffle and angry words. The captain sprung tothe door of the inner room, whence the sounds emanated, and opened » captain cursed, { the door quickly. ‘Help, boss! Dis nigger done gone cotched a burglar!” é In an instant all the members sprung to the rescue, and Turk was yanked out into the coun- cil chamber, where he stood puffing and panting from his struggle, but still defiant. ‘* A spy!” exclaimed Kidnapper, “*Yes, and the infernal messenger rat!” the **Didn’t I warn you we'd best look bright or we'd have a grate in front of us? This little devil is more dangerous than a dozen older sleuths, and we've got to put him out of the way this very night.” ; ‘Of course!” the others assented. ‘The best way 2 to sink him in the bottom of the Dela- ware : any harm?” | “Git out! And the rascals gathered around the prisoner threateningly, rie looked as if it were all up with him just en. CHAPTER VII. TURK INVESTIGATES A NEW LEAD. GAME ‘to the last, however, was Turk, when threatened by danger, and although his present situation was manifestly dubious, his grit was ample to cope with great odds, ‘* What d’ye mean by sneakin’ into our rooms and playin’ eavesdropper?” the captain demand- ed, sternly, giving the young ferret a shake by the shoulder, “None of yer bizness!” Turk responded, ahr stl “Reckon I know what [ am about.’ “Oh! you do? Well, maybe you won’t know quite so much about it directly. Did you pe posely come here to overhear our interview ‘Bet your faro chipsI did! Didn’t get left on. it, neither.” ‘«That remains to be told! Do you know what we're going to do with you?” : <ONix: ven’t any idea more’n the dog that eouldn’t ketch his tail.” “Well, Pl try to impress if on your mind, — then, that we’re * You don’t off that easy. me off by?” “The Delaware river route. \Drowned kids never bleat!” ‘Don’t fool yourself. They sometimes change inter mernfaids, and cum back to life. Bet a jack-knife ag’in’ seven cents there ain’t a stun in Lila’ w’ot kin keep me under water.” _ “We'll see about that, hand at doin’ jobs of the kind,” the captain chuckled. ‘Dead men tell no tales arter I get through with ’em,” and at that instant Turk re- going te got rid of you.” __ got idn’t suppose you’d let me &t routeare you going tosend Tm a pretty good : ceive a stunning blow beside the head, and all — consciousness left him. When he recovered his senses the scene had entirely changed. Instead of being in the rooms of the Social Seven he found himself lying upon his back in the bottom of a small row-boat, which was being propelled upon the water by a roughly-dressed, grim-looking man, some forty- five years of age. 3 h Turk instantl He was bound hand and foot and being rowed out upon the Delaware River, the bottom of which was designed by the Seven to be his grave. comprehended the situation, — With a slight effort he gained a sitting posi- tion and took in his surroundings. ' The nigbt was dark, and the river was com-. paratively free from shipping, except along the docks, and from their location Turk judged that the skiff had started out from the vicinity of Federal street docks. es He had time only to make these observations | Fe when his captor growled out: ‘Lie down, there, you young monkey, before — I club you over the head,” ‘Say, now, lookee here, Cap,” said Turk, lean- ing forward, and peering irito the man’sbeardéd cay ea face, ‘‘surely you ain’t mean enough totake a young feller’s life, like me, what never did you deuce course Tam, What the

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is do TL keer, so long as the shekels come in? The world kicks me, an’ hain’t I a right to kick back?” “But, if you can make more money doin’ a good turn, why not do it?” It will pay you just as much to let me live, Now, you just put me ashore, and come along with me, an’ I'll give you two hundred dollars!” ‘¢ Show up yer cash, or shet up!” “Can't show a red, now, ’cause it’s all in my room at the hotel, It’s solid fer you, tho’! Heerd of Turk, the boy shadow, ain’t ye?” “No!” contemptuously. “Oh! you’re a stranger, then. My name is as notorious as Mayor King’s. Got a ripe old ease on hand, too, Girl abducted. Savy? Stolen by same gang as hired you to spill me. Big reward, when I find the gal. Sev’ril par- ties want her. Sort o’ mystery about her, Fetch a fat price, you bet!” ; The man only gave vent to a grunt of indiffer- ence, and rowed on, Turk’s heart sunk within him, It was appar- ent that he had no mercy to expect from the ruftian, Must he then submit to the fate the Social Seven had prepared for him? The thought was horrible! : A moment of silence ensued—then the man suddenly asked: : * * What's the gal’s name, boy?” * Htta Evelyn!” Turk replied, a faint hope budding afresh, in his heart, And his words resulted in causing him no little astonishment, for the man at the oars ab- ruptly ceased rowing, and uttered an oath! ** What !” he gasped, leaning forward, his eyes glowing like coals of fire—‘* Etta Hvelyn, did -— you say?” - * Jest exactly what I said!” Turk declared, excitedly. ‘‘ And I bet a cent you are Uriah Evelyn!” **Cuss my skin! how in blazes do you know that?” Tho man’s surprise was great, “Waal, I jestsurmised,” Turk replied. ‘‘See’d yer message, when it cum fer Jerome St. air. “* And you tell me the girl has been stolen from | ' St. Clair! . -and deliver ' will you swear to do this, an ~_ cause my arrest?” “Well, I reckon I hain’t at all particular about passin’ under tho river, so I’ll agree to de- liver up the girl to whoever she belongs to, pro- _vidin’ it’s you.” “Then Pll spare you.”, He drew a knife, severed the cords that bound Turk, and then changed the course of the boat back toward Federal street wharf. e As they neared the wharf, Evelyn said: _. *Tam an old ocean pirate, and there’s a man ~ here who is after me, with a warrant for my ‘arrest. All I now desire is to get possession of ~my child, and seek some quiet acs to pass the rest of my days in peace, ind! you are to And will you attempt to find her, her up to me, if I uae your life?— 1, more—to not tell no one that I am here, but when you want me, you'll find me hanging around the vicinity f Tenth and Callowhill streets.” “Correct. I'll set to work at once, in my at- _ tempts to find the girl,” Turk said, i" ‘*and report 355 * ¢ Buck Hawk, Detective. ee Se Bl to you, any time I have news. Tell me ono thing—do you consider the St. Clairs enemies or friends?” ‘* Enemies!” “ And a woman—a Mrs, Hawk?” Evelyn shuddered. “The same,” he gasped. Turk was tempted to question him concerning Mr. Titus, but something seemed to tell him not to do so, They landed at the wharf, and Evelyn left the boat to drift whither it would. Evidently ho had previously stolen it from some other dock, They then walked up Federalto Fifth, and north on Fifth to Market street, where they sep- arated, Turk going to the American Hotel and turning in for the night, The boy’s brain had little rest, however, for he lay awake nearly the balance of the night in perplexed thought, = At length morning came, and ke was not sorry, for he felt. wide awake and eager to get to work, rather than sleepy. After a hearty breakfast he dropped over on Walnut street to a certain detective office, which he knew Jack Grimes occasionally fre- quented, and made inquiry for that worthy, but his whereabouts were not known. He did not belong to the regulars of the city, and there- fore little track was kept of his movements. A visit to the city agency brought the same result, and thus far Turk found himself baffled. He was resolved, however, to let no amount of failure discourage him, and accordingly did not feel disappointed. During the forenoon he met Pat Murphy, the messenger-boy who had first apprised him of the diamond robbery. é “ Hello!” Pat saluted, ‘‘ phat the divil is the ailin’ av ye%, Tuurk? Why yez V’ave the offis so suddint? “Oh, I_ met an old pard, who took a fancy to my mug,” Turk replied; ‘ and so I don’t have op work any more. Everything lovely with the joys? UB jabers, it is! Am it’s a foine feller that detective is I was tellin’ yez of.” , ‘*Tndeed!” _ “*Yis. Ivery time I giv’ him a whist o’ news he stips a dollar into me hand.” “That's good. How you getting on with that case about the diamonds?” ‘ Divil a bit at all; but I manage to invint a bit ay a sthory tomake his nibs thenk it’s on the trail I am.” ; “Humph! Better look out or he'll nab you at it. He’s a snoozer, is Grimes, Where does he hang out?” “ No. — Walnut street, up-stairs.” Turk started, but did not betray it, The number Pat had mentioned was the num- ber of the building in which the young shadow had waited for the pseudo-Jerome St. Clair be- fore making the trip for the diamonds, : Could this diamond-procuring gent and Jack — Grimes be one and the same? a looked to Turk as if it were more than pos- sible, 1 oe As soon Be posse, Turk left the young Hi- — bernian, while he, himself, sauntered about — town, finally bringing up at the front of the

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‘ Huck Hawk, Detestivae= 62 19 building on Walnut street, which Jack Grimes frequented, according to Pat’s testimony. Remembering that the room he had once visited had a glass door, through which one could look, from the hall, he went up-stairs, A glance satisfied him that Grinjes was not in the office, and so he entered, and found a young man seated at a table, engaged in counting over ® number of packages of money. He was rather a blear-eyed, disagreeable look- ing person, and Turk at once judged that he belonged to the class which was composed of Grimes and his pals, ‘* Hillo!” he saluted, as the young ferret en- tered. ‘‘ Anything I can do for you?” ‘‘Porhaps,” Turk replied, with a good-natured smile, ‘1 just called to see if Y was in.” The clerk, for such he evidently was, looked at the ferret, suspiciously. “T do not know who you mean,” he said. “There's no such a party here.” ‘*So I perceive, but he was here, not long ago, and you know who I mean.” ‘¢ Well, he’s not in, if I do,” was the answer, “ Started ont something like an hour ago!” **Mo the den?” * Reckon not—to Stael’s, most likely.” ‘‘Humph! Guess Pll wait in the neighbor- hood until he returns.” : And with this declaration, Turk took his de- parture. He did not remain in the vicinity, however, but wandered about, wondering where Stael’s could be. If the Seven were to use Stael’s place asa. “fence,” might not Etta Evelyn be confined there, too? Later bye couple of heurs he chanced to drop into the Devil’s Den, on South 17th street—a tumble-down rookery, for the sale of vile rum, which basin years past gained a notoriety as a place of curiosity, from the fact that in one corner of the small pen used as a@ bar-room, stands a full-sized and grotesque statue supposed to resemble Satan. : Turk knew that the proprietor, who is known as Old Mummy, was well posted on the various known and unknown resorts about town, for he had often carri2d cipher messages to him, from different parties who had a pretty tough erimi- nal record. Therefore, he resolved to try and one out of the old fellow the secret of Stael’s place. ty Entering, he ealled for a glass of whisky, which he madea feint of drinking, but instead tossed upon the floor. Taking out his former message book, he turned over several blank envelopes. In the operation he managed to direct one, with a pencil, to ‘‘ Mademoiselle Stael,” after which he handed it to the old man, saying: __ “ Know of such a crook, Mum? Dash me if I |- can find her, and it’s important, too.” » The old man adjusted his glasses, and looked at tho name, E ‘*Where’s your uniform?” he asked, next, re- garding Turk and his attire, keenly. Bs. ‘Hum, gettin’ sewed an’ washed,” Turk fib-° bed, well knowing that the old sinner was sus- picious of him, “Whydoyouask@” = “Best to be sure,” was the reply. ‘“‘Stael’s is No, —, Lombard St.” : é “Thanks, Might have searched an age if I hadn’t thought of you.” And with this bit of praise, the boy took his departure, A trip to Lombard street acquainted him with _ the location of Stael’s place, which locked like a * fs house; but as it bore the appearance of § + eing closed, he concluded not to per @ visit, un- til he had time to arrange careful plans, On his return down-town, he passed the house of one of his former message mates, and saw a funeral just entering the carriages, which, on inquiry, he found was of his former companion. — here being one vacant carriage, he accepted an invitation to ride to the ea The place of burial was West Laurel Hill. and the cortege reached that beautiful city of 3 the dead in due time, and the interment took place, Turk was about re-entering the conveyance: that bad brought him, when he caught a glimpse of Hawk, the detective, in another part of the cemetery. , The sleuth’s movements were so sly and dodg» ing, that it instantly struck Turk that be was trailing some one, or something, and the boy re- solved to try and Jearn what it was, knowing be- could return to town by street cars, or Schuyl- — kill steamers, So he sauntered away in pursuit of Hawk, keeping monuments and bushes as much before him as possible, to avoid being discovered. ie So sleuth-like and irregular were the detec- _ tive’s movements, that Turk found it difficult to —— keep ae in sight; but at last the chase came to an end. Ahead of him he saw Hawk standing’ in the concealment afforded by a large monument, around which he was peering. : Frogs Still further ahead Turk saw the door of a — vault, which a young lady was either trying to lock, or unlock—the latter, evidently, for the door soon opened, and she entered, and closed is bebind her, es She was richly attired, and it was she that -Hawk was ee si ee “ Wonder what kind of a racket this is?” Turk muttered. ‘‘Somethin’ in it, or Hawky — wouldn’t be after it, She must be fond o’ roam- in’ about in the dark, among a lot o’ stiffs, sence she has shet herself in. ~Mebbe she’s a snatcher, Jinks! jest strikes me she’s mebbe connected wY the Seven!” : = The thought aroused in him a greater in- terest in the case, and he watched the door of the vault, which was built in the side of the hill overlooking the river, full as eagerly as: Hawk did. par eyes An hour passed by, but no one came from the vault, ¢ Hawk maintained his vigil rather uneasily. Turk had more patience. ee ae ore Still another hour passed, but without bring- if , ‘| ing forth the visitor to the tomb, eee Hawk then manifested his disgust by sneak- Be Serene as cautiously ashehad come. = * _ Not so with the young shadow, He was bent on seeiiig the thing through before he left. _ What. man could be doing in wo te a = Fe Mee oN 1 So = if 2 Fie: Bir gp aa tl Pk ae he

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so long, with the door shut, was a puzzler to him, “T wouldn’t be afeard to bet my name ag’in, Mayor King’s, that there’s a gum game on fut, about that aire cadaver pen,” he mused, ‘*No gal would stand the smells an’ grins o’ a lot o’ stiffs, ef thar wasn’t some peculiar inducement fer it. Ah! thar she is!” As he was speaking the young woman left the vault, closed and locked the door, and came to- ward where he was crouching, rendering some quick dodging necessary. As she passed near him he looked at her keen- ly, and studied her features shrewdly. * Bot a stew that’s Jerome St, Clair’s daugh- ter,” the boy mused when she was gone, ‘She fuks suthin’ like the feller as hired me, Durned if I wouldn’t like to know what's the rumble in- side of that vault.” When ha considered it was safe for him to do so he approached the door of the vault, but it was securely fastened with a padlock. ‘‘No use of hangin’ around here, I guess,” Turk concluded, as he noted that the day was well advanced. ‘‘ Maybe 1 might make a fur- ther discovery’ by night, but f£ ain’t werry partial to wras'lin’ wi’ spooks. Think Pll call again.” é Remembering the location of the vault, he caught a car on leaving the cemetery, and reached Sixth and Arch before dusk, where he _left the car, and_hurried away to the hotel for ‘ supper, for he meant to investigate Mile. Stael’s place. during the evening, if possible. CHAPTER VIII. A BAFFLED WOMAN. In his parlor sat Jerome St, Clair, a little later that evening, in an easy-chair, drawn up to the grate, wherein crackled a cheery hickory fire. His chin rested in the palms of his hands, and his eyes watched the flames with a stony sort of stare, His brows were also contracted, and it was apparent by his general aspect that his thoughts were not of a pleasant nature. They were presently interrupted) however, by the entrance of his stately daughter, Miss Au- relia, who was attired for the street. An expression of displeasure came over the diamond merchants face as he saw her. “ Where now, pray?” he said, snarlingly. ‘I am not in favor of these frequent nocturnal ex- eursions of yours, girl.” . “Oh! you're not?’ Aurelia retorted; rather haughtily. ‘“* And why? Am I not capable of taking care of myself?” “Tam not sure about it. Tell me, why does not Captain Clyde call for the last few days?” « “Oh! we hada lover's spat, He will come to - time after a bit,” : “Carse it, did I not command you not to let him escape your net?” * Did you? Oh! well, I don’t know as T am obliged to be commanded. I don’t think he cares for me, and am not sure I care enough for him _ to tie myself to him,” ‘Nonsense! You must—you shall{ It is all important you should.” ~~ "1 fail to see why.” ; ‘* Because you do not understand everything.” “Then, it’s a good reason why I should know 5 Buck Hawk, Detective. land Yard, London. movements that they are hunting for some one.” ~ rbaps,” and the diamond mer- x nsec all, before I join in your schemes. . In fact, I ana pared. Bah! don’t look horror-struck. ou know there’sa secret between the lives of Hen- rietta Evelyn and myself, and a deep secret, too, that might not be pleasant for you, were it re- vealed. I half believe that you and Jack Grimes know where the girl is!” ‘*Nonsense. You are wild. There is a secret. but if can never concern you, if you go back on me, Tame down that infernal temper of yours, or it may be the worse for you.” Aurelia laughed mockingly and swept from the room. Jerome St, Clair gritted his teeth as. he heard her jeave the house. “A terrible change has come over her ina few days!” he muttered. ‘‘ ’ve half a notion seamp! I don’t half trust him, even though he works well forme, Hgad! if—” He stopped abruptly, as Jack Grimes sauntered into the room. Grimes laughed. R “Tf what?” he interrogated. “Tf you have been successful, you’re a thou sand dollars in!” St. Clair answered. : Eas I’m out, for I have not been success- ul. No clew?” “None, Pll wager the diamonds are not in America.” ‘You are not sanguine enough. Something tells me they are still in America—in—this very city. How’s the girl?” ; “ Gritty as a restive ghost.” privat signs that she knows where the jewels are? ' “No, Take my word, she’s as innocent asa lamb.” . ‘“ Well, keep her comfortable awhile longer, as I may want touse her. By the way, have you seen Titus since the abduction?” , “No. He keeps close in-doors, and it wouldn’t do for me to call. It keeps me pretty busy codes the detectives he sent after me.” ++ Have seen Clyde?” “No. I wrote him, under an assumed name, to lie low, as he was suspicioned of a crime, Was that right?” “Yes, I didn’t want the fellow troubled, He’s a catch, only he don’t know it,” ‘Well, Lreckon he'll keep shady. Miss Au- relia’s betrothed?” ° “No! Not yet, but I desire to see them mar- ried. By the way, Grimes, did you find out anything about Fred?” “No. There’y no two ways about it, he is locked up somewhere for some caper, but not in Philadelphia, I take it.” “T fancy not myself, unless theo Hawks know thing about them? I am positive they know me of old.” far as I can learn, are not long over from Scot- I should judge by their “Hor me, chant uttered a reckless laugh, a5 not so'sure but what I may be ousted out of a, home at any minute, and it is well to be pre- - something about him, Have you learned any-. “They are both ‘shadows,’ I take it, and, so- Jack Grimes is at the bottom of it—the infernal | -

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3 ; Buck Hawk, Detective. at’ once guess, though, I’m exactly the kind of game de- » tectives hunt after.” “Big-bugs sometimes come in for a grated dungeon,” Grimes suggested, arising. “Tl bid you good-evening now, as I have some pressing usiness on hand,” “Well, call again. In the mean time keep an eye out.” 3 “Of course,” Grimes assented, and then bow- ed himself out. : He made his way direct to Lombard street, and to the house occupied by Stael. Admitting himself by a latch-key, he as- cended a flight of stairs and entered a front room, which was furnished magnificently as a parlor. The gas was turned low, leaving the room but dimly lighted; yet Grimes perceived that a young woman was seated in a luxurious easy- chair, while a guitar lay in her lap. Turning on the gas, Grimes approached her, and seated himself on an ottoman at her feet. “ ANI alone, eh?” he said. ‘* Why thus?” .“Because wearied with my work,” she re- plied in good~ English, her voice sweet and pleasing to the ear, “ Monsieur’s friends have gone to the council-room,.” “Thanks. 1 will join them Jater. There is nothing much todo, Where is Pierre?” “Out, I guess. My brother Pierre is very nervous, He is afraid, and says we shall go back to Paris.” “Pshaw. He must be crazy. You are in no flanger here.” - Grimés arose and paced the floor. ‘t Did you hear ever of the St. Clair diamonds, worth half a million francs nearly?” he sudden- ly asked, turning upon her. ‘‘No,” she said, her eyes betraying eagerness in their expression. ‘Well, these diamonds were stolen recently, and are held in the anticipation of a fat reward, How would you like to have them?”. He took a large envelope from his pocket, and emptied its contents into her lap. There was a magnificent diamond necklace and brooch, a diamond-set bracelet, and four diamond rings, the settings of all of which were large and of great value. i Stael was a connoisseur of diamonds, and she uttered a cry of admiration at sight of the beautiful treasure. ‘“Oh, monsieur! what a prize!” she uttered, handling them nervously. ‘They are for me, are they not, my lover?” A keen grimace from Grimes. / ‘*Oh, yes; they are yours—hbut. not until you are mine, my beauty. Go array yourself, and be waiting here within half an hour, when I will return with a priest, and we will be mar- ried. When we are one, I will have the pleasure’ of presenting you with the diamonds, and you, I, and Pierre will start. at once for la belle France.” : return—in half an hour, monsieur.” She then arose and glided from the parlor 1y) the ceremony directly.” As he hurried past an alleyway adjoinin; Stael’s house, a head popped out and a pair o! eyes, as sharp as a lynx’s, peered after him, “Wonder what’s the rip?” the owner of the head muttered, who was none other than Turk, the Ferret. ‘*Bet there's sumthin’ high goin ou in the shebang to-night, and ’m goin’ to take in the soiree, if 1 get my head bu’sted. Mys- terious place, an’ needs inwestigatin’.” : He passed back through the alley, which opened: into a little yard in the rear of Stael’s place. The gate was open, and he gained en- trance without difficulty. Much to his satisfac- tion, he perceived that the rear portion of the house was darkened, but the shutters were not closed. It was possible he might get into the house. He stood in the shadows for some minutes, making calculations as to how he covld best ef- fect an entrance, and what risk he would run of being discovered, captured, and handed over to the law. ne A sort of summer kitchen was built against the rear portion of the dwelling, and from the roof of this the second-story windows could be reached, the curtains of which were up, show- Seer there was no light in the rear rooms, he curtains of the third-story windows were down closely. “Reckon a feller might get in, ef the win- dows ain’t locked,” Turk muttered, “and I might as well sail in and try, as to be cogitatin’. Jerimity! wouldn’t I ketch it ef them gallus coves should catch me!” ; He was thoroughly set. upon exploring the place, come what might, so it was not many, rainutes ere he succeeded in gaining the roof, © There were three windows that looked out upon it, and after pausing to judge whether he had been distovered or no, he crept toward the windows and cautiously peered through them. The first opened into a room which was wholly unfurnished, the second into a hall, and the third into a bedroom, which at the time, apparently had no occupant. } n each instance darkness reigned supreme. . The windows of the ball end bedroom were fastened on the inside, but that of the unfur-- nished room yielded to Turk’s attempt to raise it, and be gained access without trouble. Here he paused to listen once more, and still he found no reason to suspect that he had been discovered. Groping about, he found a door that opened readily into the hall-* Along this he stole cau- tiously to the front of the house, until he came % . to the parlor, which a glance convinced him was not occupied. Hearing a door o into the parlor, an a large book-case that s the room. Here he was in no present danger of being hastily took refuge behind tool across one corner of discovered, and might be able to play the eaves- dropper to some interesting conversation, He was hardly ensconced in a comfortable po- sition, when he heard two persons enter the room, and the voice of Jack Grimes said: é “Be seated, sir. My lady will be ready for Then silence reigned, = ‘ Ee RR, nm down-stairs, be dodged — x

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an a puckered his mouth, and almost whis- tled. “ Hello!” he mused, ** I'll eat my shirt of ther ain’t goin’ to be a splicin’ set-to! Lucky I come, by jingot Wonderif it’s Etta Evelyn goin’ to marry Grimesy?. PU just yelp out and inter- rupt the banns. I'll sp’ile Grimesy’s little game, ef he tries to force the gal to marry him,” Unfortunately, the book-case was so high that Turk could not see over the top of it; so he had to content himself with his acute sense of hear- ing. “Wish they’d go ahead with the lark,” he muttered: ‘fer et it’s Etta, I'll make a racket, "if I bu’st!” Soon the rustling of a woman’s dress was heard by him, and then Grimes’s voice spoke up; “ Ab, at last, my dear! Brother Haley, this is my betrothed—Madennoiselie Stael—and we will be married at once. Are you realy, ma’n’- selle?” There was a Jow murmur of assent, and the pair took their position. Turk’s curiosity was now at fever-heat, and he could no longer stand the agony of being able to hear without seeing. So off came his shoes in a jiffy, and catching hold of the broad edge of the top of the book- case, he drew himself up noiselessly to a seat on top. _* A high molding ornamented the front of the : _ @ase, and the young ferret was able. to make takin _ pense of your life!” Te this screen him from view when necessary. Grimes and Stael had taken their positions, and the minister was reading the ceremony—a seedy-looking minister he was, too! ** Bet that feller ain’t no more a minister than old Maginniss’s dorg,” was Turk’s instant con- clusion. ‘‘ Looks like a put-up job to trick the gal. Pm a notion to squeal out, and warn her— : What he might have dono is not certain, for just at that juncture, when the ceremony was near concluded, a man, in a sweeping stepped into the parlor, and leveled a revolver at the bridal couple, ** Hold!” he cried. ‘I forbid this union!” ** Furies! What do youmean?” Grimes cried, astep forward, ‘*T’ll—” “Hold!” the other ordered, sternly. ‘I for- bid the banns. That woman is only marrying Se for the diamonds, which are not. yours. and them over to me, or Til shoot you down in your tracks!” _ “Ze diamonds! They are mine—they are cae Stael aried, frantically, clinging to rimes, ; “ Hand them over tome!” the stranger roared, menacing with his pistol. ‘‘ Hesitate at the ex- Grimes was white as a sheet. He drew the envelope from an inner pocket, 7 _ and cast it at the stranger’s feet, that poxsonage picking it up with a quiet laugh, “You can have Madam Pierre Sta, now, if you want her, and thank me you hava not made a fool of yourself.” ; He then backed from the room, and a mo- sees J was heard descending the stairs, two é my See SAAS * = = : Buck Hawk, Detective. ard, Se turned to Stael, but she hurled him away : “‘Go! coward, go!” she hissed, ‘Leave the house instantly !” **Stop!” he cried. ‘‘ Explain one thing—have you been deceiving me?” ‘* OF course, you fool!” Pierre is my husband. Go! take your priest along!” Giying her a terrible look, the baffled de- tective seized his hat and left the room, followed by the map he had brought, to perform the marriage, In his concealment Turk -was literally tearin: his hair, because he could not break loose to fol- - low either Grimes or the long-whiskered robber. He was not armed, or he would have made the attempt, as it was; for he was well satisfied that these diamonds, to-night, were the same that he had furnished the pseudo-Jerome St. Clair, at the Penn’a depot. Furthermore, there could now be no doubt that Grimes it was who had personated the diamond merchant. After Grimes was gone, Stael trod the floor with impatient step, for .some moments, her manner extremely nervous, and her face flushed with passion. ““} will have revenge on him,’ now—I will strike him a blow, for offering meso magnificent a prize, and then daring to hand it over to an- other?!’ She touched a bell, in the wall, and directly afterward a dapper little man of French phy- sique and flashy attire, made his appearance, * Well? he said, surveying her. *¢ Tt is not well!” she hissed. ‘* Ze devil is to pay. Is any of ze Seven in ze house?” : “No!” he replied, anxiously. ~ z ie Then we must fly, at once, and find another place. “Why?” “Tt have quarreled with ze detective. Ze jig isup. We shall have to lie low, until Ihave revenge, and then go back to Paris,” * But ze Seven!” * Bah! oy Wee all treacherous, and: ze tools of Grimes, is furious. Soaml. We fly— now!” “ As you will. I willed it long ago!” A few moments later, they left the parlor, and ~ Turk heard them ascend to the third floor. *Reckon this is a furnished house, kept by these rogues, and they’re going toskip. Won- der if I hadn’t better follow ’em?” To escape to the street, now, by the front way, required no special effort, and he waited in the alley, for them to come out. : CHAPTER IX. A BRACE OF VULTURES. SHortxy after the visit of Jack Grimes, that evening, Jerome St. Clair had still another caller, who rather unceremoniously made his and took a seat near the latter, »vho was en- saged in writing. Te his feson was the rough-looking customer who had given his name to Turk the Ferret, as Uriah tae and he looked even more rough na dilapidated now than when Turk had seen im, > > a “i St Eee ct appearance in the diamond merchant’s parlor, _

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. Jerome St. Clair looked up from his writing With an exclamation of astonishment, and sur- yeyed his visitor, mck if ‘* What the deuce—” he began; but Uriah in- terrupted Lim, * Oh} gees about the deuce, Jerome,” he protested, blandly. ‘* We'll leave that out of pe per area secre The question is, do you now m ‘How should I know you? My acquaintance does not extend far among such characters as you. “Oh! it don’t! Getting mighty high-toned, I suppose, livin’in a big mansion, and’slingin’ on airs. Couldn’s make a gentleman out of you, tho’, ef ye had a million dollars.” “What do you mean, man, by your insulting presence, Ill have you know I’m master here, Leave my premises, sir, at once, or I will make it the worse for you!” “Oh, I guess not!, I ain’t much on the skeer myself, and besides, I allow that you won't go back on an old pard. Ha! ha! I’m rather salu- brious thet ye wouldn’t dare go back on Uriah Evelyn!” ; St. Clair feaped to his feet. “ You I he gasped, whitening. “You bet!” the other Jlaconicall replied. *S)prised ye didn’t reckegnize me at furst. ‘“‘You have changed greatly. What in the name of furies brings yoy back to America?” “Oh, pecooliar inducements, over which I have no control,” x “T can’t imagine why. I thought we settled up years ago.” _ t “Ye did, ch? Oh, no! I was not so extreme- ly green as that. If a feller don’t look out fora rainy day he’s watt to get a soakin’; anyhow, that's my legic. Where's the gals?” ‘The deuce only knows where yowrs is; she - ran away the other day, and hasn’t turned up since.” f “The deuce you say! So you was abusin’ her, eh?” He spoke angrily. : “By no means!” St. Clair hastily assured. ** She has had some sulky spells of late, because T could not afford to dress her as well as Au- relia, and she idee 3 concluded to try to geta living on ber own hook,” ; “Humpht If I knew for sure that you ever spoke a cross word to her, I’d mop the floor with you. Where is the other gal?” < ‘“« My danghter is at the opera.” s “Indeed! You are bringing her up in style, T see. Nothin’ like that when one’s rich, with the prospect of being richer, Glad you are well heeled too, for I’m dead broke.” * And calculate you can make me your bank, I suppose?” ‘Well, to a certain extent, yes. I know what a liberal heart you’ve got, so I’ve no fears but what you'll come down, should I call upon you. “You are quite liable to be deceived in that respect, I have no intentions of aiding you a, cent’s worth!” “Oh, well, time will show! { lease to hand over the diamonds. I can live like a prince on the worth of them,” _* You'll not get them. Mia, and I sha? keep them for ber, of = 2 er ahs By the way, They belong to Aure- Tk oe! hold a secret of mine, Uriah Evelyn, but I do not fear you. Old Sir Page is near to death’s door, and the estate comes into my bands, d’ye hear—mine/ You never had any wit, Evelyn, or you would not have sold the lost heir to me for a song fe * Wonldn’t I?” the pirate sneered, his peering rey glowing greenishly. ‘‘ You think I am an idiot then?” ; jf z * Nothing more nor less.” z e tee) I — yer frankness, Me they ca = you at a is not necessarily a fool. ou’ll find this out sooner or Jeter, The dia- monds will never do Aurelia any good.” “Why not?” “ Because they are not in your possession, nor are he likely ever to recover them.” “How know. you this?” ‘Tt matters not, Leave a Gypsy fool to find out such things. Another thing, your European correspondent has been literally sucking your blood—very naturally, through my instigation. He has kept you informed about Sir Page, who has not been,in Europe for the last five years, but has been residing in this self-same city.” ** You lie!” “Say so, if you like; I know the truth. I suppose you are aware that Iam not your only acquaintance in this country?” “You refer to the Hawks!” “Yes, to be.sure. They came over from Scotland Yard, London, in search of a notorious murderer named—well, no need to mention Gerald Hawk as being the man, St. Clair, I suppose, sounds more protective to you!” e diamond merchant gnashed bis teeth. “ Curse you, man, ol Your presence is hateful to me!” he cried. “Lightly—lightly, Jerome! Don’t let yer angry passious rise. 1 don’t care a durn how mad ye git, ’cause I know I’ve got the clutch on the helm and can puta reef in yer canvas when- everI like. All I've got to dois to go whisper in the ear of Nancy Hawk that you are here, and — she and Buckingham will make it interesting for you, and don’t forget it!” k -* Tf you dare, [ will murder you!” “Hat bal hal I'll take my chances. TI don’t propose to be hard on you, providin’ you don’t git too penurious. leave off hard work and speckilate like a gentle- man. Ef you have got more sand to heave into my bank than Sir Page, bali Ses ha my man. If not, vice versa, Plain as Scripter, the logic o’ that, not?” f ; Jerome St. Clair, as we shall still continue to eall him, looked as though he could haye mur- — dsred his enemy with good heart just then, His face was white and red by turns, and his eyes had a snakish glitter that spoke of the bi ter venom which rankled in his : “May the furies seize you!” he hissed.. “If you think to bleed me, you will reckon without your host. Iam not worth a cent, and, besides, — Sir Page is where you will never find him, if, in« deed, he is not in England.” ; You.are wrong. this time, even though a wild Gypsy and you, a scheming bailiff. _ know it, Sir Page resides in this very city, a know where to lay my bands on him at x It’s this way—I’m goin’ to - eart, be T have not been a fool alt f you are particular tc and J

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‘24 "dwelling, and found the old speculator in the stant’s notice. He will pay a round sum for the real heir, if you will not!” ‘* But possession is three points of any law!” St. Clair sneered. * And you have not even that!” It was Eve- lyn’s tern to chuckle. ‘ You have not the real child you stole from Sir Page!” ‘What? are you mad, man?” “Nota bit. Just consider. Do you suppose I would have given you my child to abuse and knock about? Ha! ha! no! Knowing of the immense wealth of your kinsman, Sir Page, you one night attempted to burglarize his resi- dence, using me as a sort of tool, You were un- successful—were recognized—and in escaping took refuge in our Gypsy camp, where you were kept in hiding for weeks, Mind, in escaping from the mansion, you murdered Lady Page, and this set the country wild. Finally, through our queen, Stael, and miyself, you escaped to Liverpool, and thence to America, leaving be- hind your wife and son. Later ye wrote me, an’ proposed that I rob Sir Page of his diamonds and his child and bring them to you, when you would set me up in business and make me rich, I obeyed. I brought the diamonds and two children—one Sir Page’s and the other mine— and put them in your charge, The two at the time were very much alike in appearance, and 80, looking out for the interest of my own child, I gave her to you as being Sir Page’s, while you knew Sir Page’s as mine!” “You lie, you rascal, you lie like Satan,” the diamond merchant cried, savagely, making a move as though he would strike the pirate. ““No, I don’t, While you have made a lady of my daughter, Sir Page’s child you have al- lowed to escape!” An evil glitter entered the merchant's eyes at this, which Evelyn did not notice. “So you see,” the latter went, on, “if you don’t_ whack up. Pll set the dogs at. you, and eventually win Sir Page’s favor by restoring to him his long-lost daughter!” "And I defy you to do your worst!” St. Clair cried, furiously. CHAPTER X, A TRIANGULAR CONFAB. Our young ferret, Turk, could not really have explained his motive for dodging the movements of the Staels; but follow them he did, nevertheless, to a boarding-house in Barker street, 8 They were admitted by the landlady, and as they did not reappear within half an hour, he concluded that they ‘had taken up quarters there, and he might as well seek his own, **Pm shot ef I wouldn’t like to know who the loot was who roped in the jewels,” he muttered. ‘Looks likethere’ll be a rye old time recoverin’ em, now. Jehosephat! Didn't Grimesy nigh git took in, eh? Bet he won't go fishin’ fer beau- ties again! I must get after him now, fer he hain’t got the gal, Etta, shet up in the Lombard street den, which, ’pears like to me, was a _ counterfeiter’s crib, Several things I’ve got to investigate ter-morrer.” The next morning he paid a visit to the Titus Buck Hawk, Detective, ed parlor, in company with another gentleman, at the sight of whom Turk started. : He was a handsome person, who in many respects strikingly resembled Jack Grimes, the ote, it ly pleased t r, Titus was greatly pleased to see our young ferret, and at’ once introduced his visitor as Captain Clyde, : “ Glad ter meet you, fTurk said, ‘ Youre the feller as looks like Grimesy?” “Ah! yes. My friend, Uncle Titug, has been telling me how he was taken in by ait impostor, and the serious results that have attended the et Think I look like this fellow, Grimes, e And the captain Jaughed good-naturedly, ‘“Yes—'bout as much as an oyster luks like a oy ! Turk declared. ‘Shook the fair Aurelia, eh? : “What do ou.” “No! Oh! well, I was jist surmisin’, that’s Been up past Saint’s, but couldn’t get an eye on you.” ‘*You mustn’t be so inquisitive, boy,” Uncle Titus said, a little severely. ‘It’s not becoming in-one so young.” ; ‘“*Humph! how d’ye’spect a feller’s goin’ to be a detective ef he don’t ax questions?” Turk. re- torted, ‘*That’s a part o’ the perfesh.” “The boy is right,” Clyde observed, approv- ingly. ‘* That is one strong point in the trade.” ‘Yas, mebbe,” Mr. Titus allowed. ‘* When I was a boy, I never was allowed to speak, except at proper times.” ‘* Guess that’s why you're no detective,” Turk said so dryly that the others laughed. e “* Perhaps you are right, lad—perhaps you are right, Anyhow, let us hear what success you have had, Captain Clyde, here, is aeaely inter- ested in the case of my late amanuensis, too,” - “What! not cultivatin’ another mash?’ de- manded Turk, quizzically. “Well, yes. If you refer to any knowledge of my visits to the St. Clair Mansion, I'll ex- plain that the prime attraction was Miss Evelyn, Naturally [ had to play the agreeable to the fair Aurelia, in order to getachance to see Miss Evelyn,” : “Ob! I savy. Well, I haven’t found out— where she’s concealed yet, but I’m thinkin’ I ain’t fur off. Got onto a racket last night. Found out that Grimes and bis pals had got a new hang-out ata place kept by a woman named Stael. Know her?” <i And the moe keen gaze sought Clyde’s face in time to see him flush rather confusedly. “Yes—that is, I have met her once,” he re- plied, evasively. “Well, I wormed around till I spotted her residence, and last night I took a notion to pay a gue visit. So, it bein’ the servant gal’s night off, I hel ees in by a rear entrance, and ensconced myself behind a bookcase in the par- lor. Byme-by, in cums Jack Grimes and a pregetiers and the bossess, Stael, is trotted out e fined to Grimes, The minister had got the knot ’most yanked tight when ia waltzes a big- bearded, swell-head of a chap, an’ forbids banns, and invites Grimes to pony over the diamonds,” ‘ Ed % P you mean? I do not understand \

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Buck Hawk, Detective. **'The diamonds!” Jason Titus cried. ** The diamonds!” echoed Capt. Clyde. “The diamonds, you bet!” Turk repeated, *‘an’ as the bewhiskered cbap flushed bis hand wi’ a loaded club containing severial bullets, her ean bet Grimesy ‘passed’ over the spark- ers, an’ the stranger ‘went it alone down the stairs,’ two steps atatime. ‘Fore goin’ he told Grimesy as how the gal Stael was married, which made his jiblets mad, and he sailed out. ‘Pears he was goin’ to give Stael the diamonds. After Grimes skipped, Stael called in another feller named Pierre, and they voted things were too numerous, and concluded to skip, also, which they did.” ‘Did you follow them?” ‘Yas. Run’em inter a boardin’-house an’ ‘left’em, Allow they’ll stay there till they get even wi’ Grimes, when they’re goin’ to scoot for Paris!” ; «You say you have seen this woman, Stael; ica old is she?” Mr, Titus asked, addressing ly de. u She claims to be thirty, but looks even younger, There is large chances that she is older than she claims, as women rarely give their real ages,” “Bet on it she’s good fer thirty. There's Maggie McGilligan, down in Black-cat Alley. She’s forty, luks like a Maryland free-stone prach, an’ allows sho can mash any feller in hila, at the tender age of sixteen—soft gloves, Queensbury rules!” ‘‘This Stael must be the same I once saw!” Mr. Titus averred. queen of a roving band of Gypsies that camped upon the moor. Jack Evelyn was one of these same!” ‘Hello! d’ye know Jack?” Turk asked, prick- ing up his ears?” “To my-sorrow, I know of him!” was the sad reply. ‘‘Do you know him?” ‘*T should cough up a cat, if Idon’t! Why, he tuk me out ina boat, the other night, an’ was goin’ to send me down tew carry a message to Neptune. Social o’ Seven hired him to git rid 0’ me, ye see, but afore he got ready to chuck me over, I got tellin’ him about the in- consistency of the thing, ’ea’se how I had a job o’ rescuin’ a gal named Evelyn, which must be done, an’ so forth, an’so forth, Well, the re- sult was be pricked up bis ears, sed the gal was his’n, an’ consented to led me breathe for an in- definite period, if I would find and deliver the galto him. So I promised, and got free!’ “You promised that?’ Clyde cried. “You bet—but sech promises don’t count, no more’n when an old maid promises to give her billy-goat oats, and he turns around and butts her for her kindness.” “You're a young rascal, ’pon my word,” Clyde said, laughing. ‘ By the way, this Evelyn is a sea pirate, and'I have a warrant for kim. Do you know where he can be found?” “T might, but ’m a sea cook ef I do,” Turk declared. ‘Don’t s’pose I’m goin? to waste brains in workin’ up a case, an’ payin’ big fish- bills, do ve, only togive everything away? The boss, heer, engaged my perfessional services, an’ I never tac ene is myself,” les two employers at once, ‘cep 4 ‘She was then the child- |* y;my only ¢ 25 “Perhaps,” Mr, Titus suggested, turning to_ Clyde, ‘‘it will be nothing to my detriment to let the boy into the story, as he seems to be a worth y young fellow, and has both energy and shrewdness beyond his years.” **You are right. I would recommend that you lay the matter before him, and his gamin wit may enable him to make more out of it than we could,” ; ‘*Lookee here! don’t git’so fresh and flatterin’ —it don’t agree wi’ my constitution,” Turk de- murred, with mock seriousness, ‘ Besides, flat- tery knocks the spots off’n ennything. Once owned a hen, down in Black-cat Alley, what ee ok two eggs a day, an’I got pettin’ her, and tellin’ her what a layer she was, an’ dashed if she didn’t—” = “Well, never mind the hen,” Mr. Titus in- terposed. ‘I will tell you about my case, of which you have not yet bad a full outline. In the first. place, Iam not Jason Titus, in truth,. but Sir-Donald Page, an English gentleman!” Turk puckered up his mouth into whistling shape, and looked his surprise, “T used to reside in Surry, England,” Sir Page went on, ‘‘ with my wife and child, upon my estate, which was large and valuable, and which I atill own. I had a princely income, and also had an euemy—a kinsman whom I retained as my bailiff. He was jealous of my prosperity and happiness, aud in an unguarded moment at- — tempted to rob me, but was discovered and fled, eee however, murdering my young wife, Lady age! “You may know that I spared neither mone nor pains to bave him apprehended, but throug! the agency of a band of Gypsies, he evaded every attempt to capture him, and escaped to this aap sat & Later, by a couple of mouths, ild was stolen from ine, together with a mostevaluable collection of diamonds. « Through the agency of detectives, I learned that the perpetrator of the deed was the same Gypsy Evelyn who assisted Hawk, my bailiff, — to escape, but again was an attempt to capture frustrated by Evelyn’s escape to this country, where, I am now well-satisfied, he pare my child ‘in the charge of Hawk, as I have since learned, through my friend here, and also that $ he had been an ocean pirate, for.a number of years!” : Turk’s eyes were literally as big as saucers, when the narrator paused, ** Yehosephat John Rodgers!” he ejaculated. “That's like a meller-drama—ef it ain't ’m a shad! Didn’t lose another kid, did ye, what might look like me?” “Well, no!” Sir Page smiled. ‘* Fortune never favored me with more than one child, — which, until recently, I have given up all hopes of finding. Shortly after the kidnapping, I ~ came to America, and through the aid of private detectives, prosecuted a thorough search—as I abhor publicity, more than anything else, Failure greeted every attempt, and I at last gave up in despair. But for the accidental coming of Etta Evelyn to my house and the developments that have sincefollowed, [should — probably never have expected or hoped to have — my child restored to me.” ; “ Thon you think Etta is yer gal, eh?”

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_. “My heart seems to. tell me so. While she remained a member of my household, I studied her narrowly, and the more I did so, the more my heart yearned toward her. Then, the very fact that she was a member of St. Clair’s house- hold, is evidence in itself.” F “Dunno. ve bin tryin’ to git some o’ these pints thru my noddle, an’ I can’t jest ’spress my opinion as clear as I may be able to do, hereafter. Are ye sure St. Clair and Hawk are one and the same?” “T am wellsatisfied on that point. My friend Clyde has givén me a description of St. Clair that so corresponds with Gerald Hawk, I have no doubt he is the same. ‘Descriptions don’t go very fur. Feller once hired me to carry a note to a certain number, while I was on the messenger force. Said she was tall, slim, wore good togs, and had a bright angelic smile, I tuk the message, and the one that answered the bell corresponded to the de- scription—so .I guv it to her, Met the feller, after, and he threatened to give me six 30’s at Moya. Sed I’d given the message to the cham- ber-maid instead of, the young lady he had mashed in the Walnut street cars. Then, there’s another pint. There’s an extra gal. This Evelyn isa smart Aleck—mebbe no don’t kuow which is which ’twixt them gals, Did a >a or Hawk have a gal when he left dng. (No! He left a wife and son in London— the same that are in this city now!” ““T savy! Must look after’em to-day. Well, ef ng hadn’t no gal, did Hvelyn, the Gyp, have one “Tam of the impression that he did have a ebild, but am not certain.” “Bad, That rooster’s got a head as long as a Jersey watermelon. He could have easily mixed things up in leavin’ the kids with St. Clair.” Sir Page looked somewhat startled. “How do you mean? Do you think he would give my child to St. Clair and claim that the other one was his, then afterward try to extort »money from mo by claiming that he had changed the children, and that Etta was bis own child?” “ Well, a feller can’t tell how fur a frog can jnmp, you know. There’s blamed few things here ain’t a dig Cian erie of to-day, when rascals has got the tiller-rope.” : * However that may be, there is one way I “can prove my own child, unless—” _ * Uniess the birth-mark has been counter- feited?” Captain Clyde interrogated. “Hxactly! She had a birth-mark, which I remember plainly, and I will not be convinced that Etta Byelya is not my daughter until it is proven to me that she does not bear the mark, which it would be next to impossible’to copy.” : “ What is this mark?” Turk asked. _ T prefer to keep that a secret until I see the girl and find out the truth.” _ * Well, boss, ’'ll go yea hundred eyesters fer news when | report ag’in. Got a kind o’ salu- _ brious idea, ye know, that T kin find out where the gal is, ye know, an’ef any electric light ‘eonclusions bit me, ’Jk run into this dock and ‘transfer ther cargo, as the sailors say. There’s one thing to consider; though,” ; ? ‘ elicit news concerning Buck Hawk, Detective. *¢ And what is that?” ‘This, IfI should happen to scoop in ther affections of the gal you'll not let the captain here interfere?” ** Consider that said, with a smile. After a little further conversation, Turk took his departure and went back to the hotel, where he sat down at a table, lit a cigar, and gave bimself up to thought. There were several things that must needs be attended to, First, the graveyard m: Aurelia St. Clair and the old vaul Then Turk desired to get on track of what game the Hawks were after, also to get an in terview with Jack Grimes, and most of all, to find out where Etta Evelyn was concealed. All that he had heard at the Titus place had not served to throw any more light upon the whereabouts of Etta’s place: of concealment, and just how he was to go to work to find it out was @ sorry puzzle to him, - The cemetery matter, he was aware, must needs be investigated at night, as dbring the day it was visited by large numbers of people, What was the attraction within the vault for Miss Aurelia St. Clair was also a mystery, the exposure of which might bring a sudden revela- tion. E _ After dinner he donned a disguise, and carry: ing another one in a bundle, wrapped in a news paper, he set outon a visit to the numerous thieves’ dens in hopes of finding some tidings of Jack Grimes, He was disappointed, however, and next mae the establishment of the noted pugilist, Arthur Chambers, on Ridgé avenue, but could find nothing of Uriah Cha yn, nor did inquiries im, Satisfied that he might as well strike some other tack, the young ferret then roamed around town, waiting for night to approach, when it was his intention to visit the cemetery. Soon after the last words of St. Clair, Uriah” Evelyn took leave of the diamond-merchant, leaving that person in no enviable frame of mind, as may be supposed. The following afternoon, as St. Clair was going to the Park in his open barouche, he saw a woman upon the street coming toward him, and his face expressed great astonishment. **Stael, as I live!” he ejaculated, under his breath. ‘ The very one I wanted to see.” The‘next minute he ordered the driver to stop, and when the barouche was balted he sprung to the pavement, just as the ex-Gypsy queen was passing. ‘ “ Mademoiselle Stael!” he exclaimed, stepping toward her, ; coe She gave him a startled look at first, then_an expression of recognition beamed upon her countenance, { ‘Monsieur Hawk—can it e possible)” “Most assuredly, and of all persons ¥ want to ‘ou are the one!” r “What for, monsieur?* ; “On important business, for which, *> hath part of it settled,” Sir Page concerning of us, there is a fortune.” The mademoiselle’s eyes glitteved,

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‘Ze monsieur is not laying ze snare?” *“Byno means, You should judge better of me than that, for you know I was once your ardent admirer” “Well?” ‘* Where can I see you?” “Tf you wish, I will come to your place,” ‘Good! Get into my barouche and I will drive you there!” ‘*Many thanks, ning.” “Very well. Here is my present name and address,” and he gave her his card, Do not fail me,” T will not!” And with a winning smile, which made her look years Ps eh than she was, she swept on, while St. Clair entered his barouche and drove on his way. “The key to victory is now within my grasp!” he chuckled, and he returned to his residence, to eagerly await the coming of Stael. It was nearly nine o’clock ere she was ushered into the parlor, where the diamond merchant was waiting for her, He helped her to a seat ina luxurious arm- chair, and then seated himself opposite her. ‘* Well, mademoiselle, at last we have met,” he said. ‘ You, of all women, did Iever ex- pect to meet in America!” ** Indeed?” “Yes. I often thought of you asthe bonny Gypsy queen, who aided me to escape from England. How has the world been using you, mademoiselle?” ‘Oh! very hard, sir. I have drifted about foes there for several years, literally home- less.” . ** Married?” ‘Ah! no! I never yet met the man_ that could appreciate my talents or my beauty.” “Except me, Stael. You know you had an ardent admirer inme. Times have changed, though, now. I am rich, where I once was or. ts Yes?” “Oh! certainly. But ’tis said a man is never satisfied with wealth until he wins love and re- venge. Icrave for both now. Once I get the revenge, I believe I can win the love. I have a bitter enemy, and I shall never rest easy until he*is out of the way. Then, with my great wealth and a fair wife, methinks I would be content. I want you for my wife, Stael—I likewise want you to do the job!” She looked at bim angrily. “What! I—commit murder, sir?” _ “Well, not exactly; you see, you would only have to put a little poison in a cup of tea!” “You do me a terrible wrong, sir. I never think of such a thing!” ** Not if I would marry you?” “No! no!” ‘“ What would hire you?” , ‘Five hundred thousand dollars would not!” The merchant uttered a curse. ; ‘“You can go, then. greatly. The woman who would not become the lady of Page Priory must be, indeed, mad!” “Would gou have me kill old Sir Donald I will come around this eve- could’ Page?” Buck Hawk, Detective. You must have changed | “Yes!” : ““Then marry me first, and I will do the work you are too much of a coward to do!” CHAPTER XI. THE BOY FERRET’S GRAVEYARD SCENE. WHEN night had fallen over the-city, Turk the Ferret jumped aboard a Ridge avenue car, and in due time was landed at Laurel Hill Cemetery, to which he was not long in gaining an entrance, without discovery, It was certainly a spectral place to enter, with the dim moonlight gleaming over its thousands of marble slabs and monuments; but Turk had made up his mind not to allow any silly superstition to dissuade him from investi- gating the vault mystery. : ‘“Never heerd o’ any one gittin’ burt by spooks yet,” he peat ee te as he kept a war eye around him, ©‘? ler’s hair rise, tho’, ef he was to, git hugged by one 0’ them.” He was not long in reaching the vicinity of the vault, but found if locked, as usual, and no one in the vicinity. Tbis did not discourage Turk, for he was re- solved to make a night of it, believing it would bring something of importance to light. Concealing himself within easy range of vis- ion from the vault, yet in aiplace where he was not likely to be discovered, be lita cigar, and waited. Hours iereecd by, and barring the mournful rustle of the leaves and shrubs, a sepulchral si- lence reigned throughout the city of the dead. So intense and lonely was this silence that it could but hay@ had a weird effect upon any one seated within the cemetery, and Turk’s hair be- utes rolled by. ‘¢ Jeminetty !” he finall to blazes something wou monotony. come, during this blasted silence.” His wish was destined to be gratified. Soon after, away ahead, he saw a white ob- ject in flowing robes, moving toward him, with majesti> mien, The nearer it came, the ferret perceived that muttered. “I wish happen to stir up the pect et would make a fel- og .gan to feel_more light at the ends as the min- | 3 An ordinary ghost would be wel- it was marvelously tall, and that the flowing ~ robe enveloped bot! it had any. * Jerimity! ghost, fer sure,” the ferret mused, huggin closer to his concealment, ‘‘ Hanged ef I don’t tickle its ribs with a bullet, ef it comes fer me!” _ re, however, did not. its course toward the The spectral-looking fi approach him, but turn vault, at the door of which it paused. Like a spectral sentinel it stood there, before Turk's eyes, for a few moments; then unlockin the padlocked door the ghastly visitor pushe open the heavy door, and gazed backward as if — in suspicion or fear. A moment thus it stood then abruptly disappeared within the vault and the door was closed behind it. © ~ ; After waiting several minutes, to see if there — was to be any more ghostly visitants, Turk stole — cautiously toward the arched receptacle of thé — dead. .. ; : . “ Jest bu’st me, ef I believe that was a ghost head and body, providing Reckon that’s a bonny-fied

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28 Buck Hawk, Detective. rr at all,” he muttered, ‘tan’ I’m goin’ to sift the matter through, if there’s sech a thing in the almanac. ’Spect mebbe Vl have to use my re- volver, but i’m goin’ to investigate, hit or miss,” : As he neared the vault, he drew and cocked his revolver, and held it ready for use, not knowing what emergency a moment might bring forth. The door was not fastened ‘on the inside, and stood a trifle open, and so Turk applied first his eye and then his ear to the crack, to learn if any one was moying about, within, But all was silence, and darkness, Not a sound was heard. “Jest. like to know ef a’ feller’s liable to git his census taken, ef he should poke his head in there. Strikes me that there’s two rooms to the vault.” . His nerves drawn to their firmest tension, he }-ut forth his hand and carefully pulled the door open, keeping out of sight himself. If any one was within the vault proper, he felt sure he or sha would come forward and shut the door, But no such a move was made, : Satisfied on that point, the young ferret stepped stealtbily into the vault, and gazed around him, his eyes bulging out in anticipation of seeing some startling sight. All he saw was on either side, brackets that supported a couple oi tiers of coffins and caskets, in which probably reposed the bones of some of those who had formerly owned the vault. No grinning skeletons, or spectral apparitions ' were visible, much to the ferret’s relief, In the rear part of the vault, however; he saw a door, which evidently opened into some near underground apartment. With cat-like tread, Turk approached this door, and examined it, and was satisfied that there were no fastenings to it, unless they were on the other side, R Holding his revolver ready for instant use, he laid his hand on the latch ofthe door, cautiously raised it, and flung the portal open. * The sight that met his gaze was something entirely unexpected. The inner vault was like the first, except that it was larger, and furnished with a. couple of iron ornamental Chairs, a rough table, and a Centennial cot bed, A lighted candle burned upon the table, and upon one of the chairs sat Jack Grimes, partly wrapped in the robe of white. / Upon the other chair, bound, hand and foot, aat no one less than lost Etta Evelyn! There were tears upon her cheek, and she ~ looked the picture of misery. The moment the door flew open, Jack Grimes sprung to his feet, with an oath, but Turk stood triumphantly on the threshold, his gleaming _ weapon bearing full upon the detective. “Stand where you are, Jack Grimes, or I'll puta bullet through you, Turx’s ringing voice eried out sternly. “I’ve got the drop on you, aud I’d rather shoot you than not!” For a moment Grimes was too enraged to speak, “What do you mean?’ he finally gasped, hoarsely. ‘‘ Put away that pistol, or it Will be _ the worse for you!” = * “Nary a time, Grimesy! TPve got you just where I want you, and if you attempt to escape, T'l bore a hole in your noddle, what'll take away what few brains you have got, Mind, I’m not fooling. You had no mercy on me, did ye, Mister Kidnapper? nor I won’t have any on ou. I jest want ye to understand that ’m pak of this byar situation, an’ am goin’ to be obeyed. Take yer knife and cut Miss Evelyn’s bonds. Dare to disobey, or hurt her, and I will perforate ye!” “ Shoot and be—!” Grimes cursed, furiously. “T ‘never yet was known to take water from a 7 10 a You'll find it’s the law as talks, now!” Turk cried, firmly, a determined glitter im hiseyes, ‘I shall count one, two, three. One/” , An expression of bulldog defiance was upon the detective’s face. He evidently did not believe Turk would be courageous enough to put his threat into effect, ce Two yy Turk’s voice had a steely ring. Grimes looked less confident, “ Three!” Perhaps a couple of seconds elapsed, ther craek went Turk’s weapon, and Grimes clutched at bis breast, and fell back upon the ground floor in a faint, Turk quickly sprung forward, and examined the nature of the wound, and found that it was as he had meaut it to be, merely a flesh wound, the bullet having passed nowhere near a vital rt. Pe He'll be all right directly,” Turk said, look- ing at Etta, who appeared terrified at what she had seen, ‘Ill release you, and then bind him!* This he was not slow in doing, and Miss Evelyn was soon free, while Jack Grimes lay bound hand and foot. ‘* Now [ll look him up in here, and hurry you to a safe place, while I return with a cop, and have him taken to the station-house,” Turk said, and the poor girl was glad enough to let. him be her director, Securing the ve from Grimes’s pocket, they ae the vault, and Turk locked the door behind em. They then made their escape from the ceme tery. Putting her aboard a car, he directed her to go to the Titus Mansion, and he would follow her asso0n as he had secured the Arrest of Jack Grimes, He next sought a policeman, and made known to him the necessary particulars of Grimes’s offense, and of his capture, whereupon the two peered, the cemetery, and proceeded to the vau On arrival there, what was their astonish- ment to find the door open, and the rascally detective gone! ; PNG, It was at once evident that he had received rejief from some of his outside confederates, and the escape had been made by the Schuylkill. Turk was much disappointed, and arranging with the officer to keep an eye upon the ceme tery, he boarded a car, and rode into town. In due time he arrived at the Titus Mansion, aud rung the bell. It was auswered by the servant, and without J entering, Turk asked:

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: Quaker City, Euck Hawk, Detective. ; a “ ¥fas Miss Etta arrived safely?” We acs sah; just done come, a few minutes ago! ike All right, Iwill call around in the morn- ing. He tken sought his hotel lodgings, and rest for the night, pretty well satisfied that he bad been in luck in finding and releasing Miss Evelyn, but the end was not yet. Shortly after Turk and Etta escaped from the cemetery vault, Aurelia St. Clair stood within the vault and before Jack Grimes, who had re- covered consciousness, and narrated what had just happened, “Can it be possible that if has been diseover- |- ed that I have been connected with you in this secret?” Miss St. Clair said, cutting his bonds, “Of course!” Grimes lied. ‘SI learned from the boy that everything has been exploded, and both yourself and your father will be arrested. It remains for us to let the old man look out for himself, while we make a break for cover until the wind blows over. We must, however, if possible, secure the girl.” ** No! no! let us escape from the city by the midnight train.” Being searcely able to walk, Grimes saw the necessity of obeying her suggestion, and ere an hour more, they were aboard the train, speeding for New York. That was the last ever seen of them in the CHAPTER XIE, THE HAWK’S SWOOP. A man had been prowling about the Titus residence, at-the time Etta Evelyn had arrived and entered, and this man was none other tan the old sea pirate, Mvelyn, who bad »reviously learned that Sir Page dwelt there. When finally the house became cuiet, and time enough had elapsed for its occupants to get asleep, he gained access to the rear yard, and producing a slender bar of iron, was not long in prying open a shutter, It was nearly two in the morning, and he had ‘little fear of being discovered. Yet he had iv oe hardly got the shutter open, when he felt some- thing cold touch his cheek, and wheeling around, saw that the cold article was a revolver, held in ti e hands of Jerome St. Clair, who was also ac- eompanied by Stael. Evelyn recognized them both, and uttered an oath, “ What the devil do you want?’ ‘he growled. “What do you want, in there?” Jerome St. lair demanded, sternly, “Money!” Evelyn growled, again, “T believe you lie! Has the girl returned?” “* No—not as I knows on.” 5 ‘* Don’t lie to me. Now, lookee here, Evelyn, =v go into that house, chloroform the girl, and oring ber to me, and I will give you a thousand donars.” f “ Jew. see yer swag.” “ Bring the girl, and help me to take her to "y house, and [ will give you the money!” ** Dye swear to this?” * T swear to it!” 29° 4 “ Give us yer chloroform.” ‘ The diamund merchant produced a bottle and a sponge, and handed them to the old pirate. ‘Be lively, now, for | want to get out of the city, before morning.” : ‘Out of the city?” : “Yes, I met anold friend, to-night, andhave - hired bim to take us down the bay in his steam tug. Once beyond the breakwater, we will land at some southern port, and I will send an envoy to collect a ransom from Sir Page. If he pays a, big price, he can have ber, "Dye ‘spect me to go al ng?” “ Yes Aid ** An’ yell whack up the ransom?” “Ves. I’ve been preparing for this, and it roue lively, we'll leave South street, Schuyl- ill River, before daybreak!” “ All right. You'll find me an ugly custom.’ to deal with, if you don’t keep yer promises.” This conversation was not conducted in an un-- dertone, for owing to the lateness of the hour, it was not deemed Byes Just outside the back yard fence, in the alley, a roughly dressed pers had been crouching, in a listesing atti- tude. Dressed in overalls, slouch hat, shaggy beard, and bair, no one would ever have suspected thi.t this cleverly disguised eavesdropper was Turk the Ferret. To explain his presence here, he had been in the hotel an hour, when something seemed to tell him that danger was menacing Etta Evelyn. So strong® did the matter tee upon his mind, that he arose and disguised himself, and left the ~ hotel, with the resolve to spend the nigbt in the vicinity of the mansion, : He had arrived in the alley about the same in- stant that St. Clare and Stael had arrested Eve- lyn, in his burglarious act. ; Consequently, be bad overbeard the conver- sation between the conspirators, * Here’s a go,” he muttered. ‘‘ Now it isfor | me to play my cards, and take the game. Ef T call the perlice, they'll get the credit, an’ I none, Vl just get passage on this ship, and rescue Etta in true style. Reckon old Sir Donald will come down handsome.” His mind was rade up. Gliding from the alley by its rear course, be set out rapidly for South street, Schuylkill River —for rapidity was now essential. Several times he passed policemen who eyed him suspiciously, but none of them offered to stop him, P Gee, ‘ In due time he reached the docks along the river, and found a s*eamer, such as is generally ~ used for towing purposes, alongside the wharf, below the South street bridge, This craft, how- ever, had an upper cabin, and was rigged for sailing in case of the engine giving out. The steam ‘7as already up, anda man sat pon the rail smoking a pipe—a bowhiskered indi — vidual, dressed in sailor’s attire, : Turk passed along, paying no particular at-~ tention to the boat, rather expecting that he would be accosted —and he was not ROD ‘Hello, there!” the sailor sung out. ‘‘ Wheres bound?” 4 A na “vhat of it? Turk demanded, stopping ia _ | looking back, :

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20 “Oh, nothing much! Don’t wanta fat job for @ couple of weeks, eh?” af What doin??” ; “Oh, helpin’ on board, Gwine to take a party on a trip, and want some one as knows how to mind their business and keep their mouth shet.” Struck the right man, then, What's the .- Salary?’ of Two dollars a day. Come on board, and Pil explain.” Turk obeyed, and the two descended into the angine-room and took a seat on the tool-boxes. » Turk took a good look at the sailor then, and that worthy took a good look at Turk, ~ =! “T-reckon you're to be trusted,” he said; ‘ “your mug says so, Dye know who I am? **No,”Turk replied, ** Well, ’'m Buck Hawk, detective. Directly a party will come on board who desires to escape from the city. He is an old English eriminal— moreover, my father. He—” ‘‘ xpeets to bring a prisoner aboard?” * Flow do you know? “IT overheard the plot.” } “The deuce! Well, to make a long story short, I’m going to English vessel, and take him back to England to expiate bis crime,” _ ‘And what of me?” _'_ * You are to bring this tug back to this wharf. Tchartered it only.” * And the girl?” *“You are also to bring her back She is a stolen child, and my father has hoped to reap a fortune out of her possession, bugmother and I ; Baye devoted years to the thwarting of his plans. -'*_ Then followed an explanation that Jerome St. Clair, alias Gerald Hawk, was Mrs. Hawk’s hus- band, and so forth, and so forth; and also the capture of gambler Fred St. Clare, who, naviog “given away” all that was necessary for Buc to know about the whole conspiracy, had been permitted to leave for parts unknown, bout half an hour later, three persons ap- proached the dock, and carried a bundled-up eed between them, which Turk knew was Etta, / They were assisted aboard, and took posses- - -sion of the cabin, where Mother Hawk, in dis- _ guise, arranged for their comfort and conye- Bee mence. 2s 7 : a As soon as possible, the tug was got under ' way, and steamed down the Schuylkill, the dis- ~ guised Turk acting as fireman, and Buck Hawk “as engineer, he instructing Turk how to manage ého craft on ee . Toward daybreak Mother Hawk appeared in _ the engine-room, _ “Did you get the wine he ordered?” she asked. ; ; _ * Yes; open the bottle lying on top of the case —-it’s fixed,” Buck said. . _ About half an hour later he left the engine- room for a few minutes, and directed Turk how also to work the pilot-wheel. - Pye got three jail-birds in one bunch,” he said. ‘Uriah Evelyn, the pirate, the Gypsy, _ and the scoundrel; Gerald Hawk, the murderer ot Lady Page, and Stael, the oncé-famous queen Buck Hawk, Detective. ee RN Bled SEG EEE Sy uf this man aboard an. ab _ ror a en ae OE ee of English forgers. All bound and gagged, and ready to ship aboard the English vessel!” me During the remainder of the trip very little owas said. Buck Hawk had released Etta Evelyn who directly came and threw her arms affectionately around Turk, and thanked him heartily for what he had done, Turk was surprised that she knew him, for he still wore his disguise, ““What ye mean?” he ejaculated. ‘Guess you're mistaken.” “Not a bit of it!” Buck Hawk exclaimed. ‘I recognized you, Master Turk, the moment you_ came aboard, and from what I can hear, you will get the rich reward you deserve, when you restore this estimable young lady to her father. My reward, I trust, will come from the English Government when I deliver up my inhuman father.” In due time daylight came, and shortly after- ward they were alongside the English bomeward- bound vessel, which was anchored in the Dela- . ware, near the outlet of the Schu Tkill, Buck Hawk boarded her, and shortly after he a his prisoners transferred to the English ves: sel. The manner in which he had made the cap- ture made extradition papers unnecessary, and thus was the law of the United States baffled for once. ss As soon as the transfer was made, Turk and his fair charge set out on their trip back to Phil- adelphia, which was made in good time and without incident. Ee What remains to be told can be told in a*very few minutes, and equally few words, Turk, our youthful ferret, gained all the honor of restoring Etta to her father, and a glad res- toration it was, in which Sir Page, Etta, Captain Clyde and Turk figured, urk received a goodly sum of money for his brave deeds; but that was not all, Sir Page, a couple of weeks later, received a cablegram from England charging him to ap- pear against one Gerald Hawk, and Tork was offered a happy home if he would accompany the party. So he naturally consent; Before departure from America there was a Hoe wedding, and Captain Clyde and Lady enrietta Page were the happy couple, Turk, in a handsome suit, acting as first groomsman. After the ceremony Captain Clyde produced and adorned his bride with the magnificent Page diamonds, much to the surprise of all, for it was he who had demanded them from Jack Grimes that night in Stael’s residence. “Kinder ‘curred to me it might be them dia- monds would turn up,” Turk said, with a grin, — “Tell ye what. As fur as my ’sperience goes © villainy will allus get left, sooner or later, and right will prevail like skippers on a yaller poodle, An’ ef ye want everything to come out ge-lorious, thar ain’t no antidcte so good as %o employ a young feller about the diagram. o° the Sultan o’ Turk—eh?” : : i THE END,

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Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest %xtracts from the New York Evening Sun, TWO REMARKABLE HEROES. in only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a aovel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- jure has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps more than one reader will have to think a moment over this remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit atrikes home, But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement shat will be news to many when it is added that litera- jure, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam was a mere child down to the present day, would show ut few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be oven judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest Reroes known to American Hterature, or, to promptly re- real them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwoud Dick, Jr. * « * The modern heroes of fiction for young Americ: who are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and o whom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important » * * it is but natural that their * * * should bear away the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left ‘ay “ahind in the race. «6 can be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks ee so firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature boys and young men, that their position is assured » * amd that they stand to-day head and shoulders above all rivals in the eyes of the puolic for which theg have lived, and for which one of them has died. American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor im the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beai bet ter than it knows its catechism, and millions of young minds absorb the thrilling incidents of his career in hie everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of impenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the victims are thoroughly undone, the millions wait hungrily for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears with the certainty of the Wednesday itself, and a new set oF eelie nese thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Calt- ‘ornia, There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills and heart-tugs that it were madness to hope to do justice te them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be tween them, To abandon the idea of giving a few extracts causes im finite pain, but if once a start were made in that direo tion, it would be cruel to The Hvening Sun's readers te stop, and it is therefore better not to relate one single adventure. Suffice it to say that the stories are clean and weil written, DEADWOOD DICE LIBRARY. Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick's Defiasce 3 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol § Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 3 Death-Face, the Detective 7 Tks Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick's Bomansa § Ow Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 3 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian §@ Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger iP | sa Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to eat’ 2 2 Demonoe Dick’s EKagles; or, The Pards of Flood ar \8 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 44 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 1& Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 1% Santee Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gule i8 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil: or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 30 Watch-Eye, the Shadow mn Mair oe Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double TOSS ®@ Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief % Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty ™ Deadwood Dick as Detective 3% Gilt-"dge Dick % Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve 8% Chip, the Girl Sport 38 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune % Boss Bob. the King of Bootblacks % Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gule 1 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base R® Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 33 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job 84 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 36 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 39 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure # Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues “4 Sy ncoki Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiater's ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorade 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ves 51 ai ee Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anch 32 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Ruckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune _. 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz: or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa fras City 64 re Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattte ings M. J. LIVERS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 879 Pearl Street, NEW YORK.

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Copyright 1883 1859, oy Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York. N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899, T 6 THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. V7, T N 0. 58 Cleveland, Ohio V ol. V ttt m~==~tAGGED THE BOUND AND GaGGED Mar

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Y., as second class matter. Mar, 15, ,898 is Ww \ \ AWA BUCK PRAGGED THE BOUND 4ND GAGGED Maw Bt

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Deadwood Dick e Library e LATEST AND BEST. - HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS, 82 Pages. Buy One and You Will suy the Rest? For Sample Cover See Othe Bide. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road 2 The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective 7 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 10 Omaha Oli, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger ” M1 Jim Bindaee, Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to Deat! 12 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood ; oar 13 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck: or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 eaucivens Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Lie, 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappearance 20 Watch-Evye, the Shadow = 21 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 28 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Edged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker ; or, The Secret Twelve 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 80 osreb se Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ule’ 31 Blonde Bill; or. Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Job 84 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Parts 86 New York Nell, the Koy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Las’ Adventure 40 Deat.wo.d Dick’s Dreare; or, The Rivals of the Roac 41 Deadwood Dick’s ki, o., The Black Hills Jezeoet 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 7 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogue: 44 Detective Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator’: Game 4 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claix- 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bili, the Road-Agent Bs 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ives 51 pene anus Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anc: a 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, ‘The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partver; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 87 Deadwood Dick Tra). ped 68 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy a Fortune * 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60°Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Sac Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sasse- { fras Cit; 64 Coleriee Uharlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Catt}: ings a “