Fame And Fortune Weekly (no. 1184) (1928 06 08)
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No. 1184 NEW oy JUNE 8, 1928 Price 8 Cents STORIES OF BOYS Ug TRA DARNE MALL STRE At the sight of the open safe the old man uttered a cry that startled Dick and his trienda, Jud and Joe. He rushed forward and threw himself on his knees before the safe. “I'm ruined!” he oried, frantically.
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Issued Weekly Subscription price, $4.00 per : Westbur ublishing Co., Dec. No. 1184 f The Brotherhood of Gold OR, A DARING WALL STREET GAME CHAPTER I.—A Remarkable Find. eee ta “That’s a fine looking yacht yonder,” said Dick ~ Duncan to his friend Joe White. “I wonder who’s . the ee She’s been lying thereat anchor all week.” “She’s all to the good. I hope I’ll be wealthy oo some day to own. one like her,” replied ‘Joe. - “When that time comes, if it ever does, your - taste may run to something else.” __ “T wouldn’t be surprised—a fast auto, or some- ‘thing of that kind,” laughed Joe. “As my whole ‘capital at this moment amounts to a dollar and seventeen cents, and I’m only a broker’s mes- -senger, it is likely to be a long time before Pll be financially able to sign my check for a sloop yacht like yonder beauty.” The two boys were seated in a sailboat, near ' the entrance to Manhasett Bay, fishing. They - were both Wall Street messengers, winding up a _ ‘week’s vacation at the end of August. Dick Dun- - €an was employed by an eccentric old trader -_mamed John Overy, who, though he gave no out- - ‘ward evidence of unusual prosperity, was reputed to be so wealthy that he was known in the Street ‘by the sobriquet of “Old Daddy Dollars.” _ Joe White worked for Knight & Co., brokers, _ in the same building. The two were fast friends ~ and “traveled” together. Both lived in modest flats in Harlem, New York—Dick with his wid- owed mother and sister; Joe with his father, - mother and several brothers. - “Tt’s getting mighty rough, and looks squally to the windward,” said Joe, after a pause, during ‘which he hauled in a good-sized fish. “Don’t you _ think we’d better haul up the anchor, hoist sail and return to the village?” .. “As this is the last chance we'll have to fish _ down here, for to-morrow is Sunday, and we must ‘start for New York by the evening train, I vote we stick it out a while longer. What if it is rough? We can stand it, and the fish are*biting first rate. We ought to catch enough to feed the boarders for a couple of days.” “Td like to take a couple of these beauties home,” said Joe. ~ So would I, but I’m afraid that’s out of the question in this weather.” ~ “You think they wouldn’t keep?” é __ “They'd be uather stale, if not worse, like the chap who NEW YORK, JUNE 8, 1928 carried two flounders home from Jamai- {t FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY year Canadian, $4.50; Inc., 140 Cedar Street, N ew N %, 1911, at the Post-Oflice at New York, Foreign, $5.00. Copyright, 1928, by York . X¥. Hntered as Second Class Matter N Y¥., ander the Act of March 3, Price 8 Cents. By A SELF-MADE MAN. ca Bay, spent the night in a saloon, and when he got home found he had three fish.” “How was that?” asked Joe curiously. “Why he had two flounders and one smelt. Catch on?” “Say, that joke is so old it has whiskers on it. Look at that cloud now. It is twice as big as it was a little while ago, and it seems to be full of wind.” “How do you know it’s full of wind?” “Because it’s bearing: down on us so fast. It takes wind to drive it, doesn’t it?” “Don’t you worry about that cloud. Watch your line, you’ve got a bite.” Joe hauled in another fish, the ‘largest he’d caught yet. Then Dick hauled in its mate, and they measured them to see which was the larger, each claiming that“his was the biggest. *“T ‘tell you mine is the biggest,” cried Joe. “Look there.” “Pooh! Mine is the fattest, that makes it big- ger. It’s the weight counts.” “T'll bet mine weighs as much as yours.” “We'll mark them and weigh them when we get ashore. How much do you want to bet on yours?” “T’ll go a quarter.” “AN right. Slit yours open, and I'll do the same with mine, then we'll know them again,” said Dick. Joe performed the operation first and tossed his fish into the tub. Then Dick sliced his up and ~ down, when it occurred to him that both of the fish still looked alike. sae “Tl open mine up and clean it, then it wilh look different from yours,” he said. joe “Good idea,” replied Joe. Dick proceeded to carry his plan out, and dur- ing the operation found a foreign substance in the stomach of his prize. “Hello! What’s this?” he cried. Pulling it out he looked at it. It proved to be 8 peculiar-looking ring—a black enameled ban with a heavy setting of pure virgin gold. ify “Well, here’s a find for fair,” cried Dick, after cleaning the ring. Joe was astonished. “That’s the oddest ring I ever saw,” he said. Rates in thunder did it ever get inside of that “Swallowed it, I suppose.” : HE vases that it did, where did the fish find — ‘ tet Bi : z Sy = ty
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2 THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD “How should I know? I’m not a wizard.” “You’re in great luck,” said Joe, enviously. "You put me in mind of the story in the Arabian Nights of the fisherman who found a valuable rine in a fish, and made his fortune out of it.” “I’m not likely to make my fortune out of this. Ji’s come to me in such a remarkable way that I wouldn’t sell it for a mint,” said Dick, regard- ing the ring with great satisfaction. “See, it fits my finger as if made for it.” “Finding that ring would be a first-rate item for the newspapers.” “And most people who read it would conside it a newspaper yarn.” “T’ll bet they would. Such a thing is not likely to happen twice in a thousand years.” “Oh, I don’t know. Fish have a tendency to swallow anything that comes their way, provided it’s small enough to go down their gullet.” “T suppose you believe that the whale swal- lowed Jonah?” grinned Joe. ; “Certainly. I understand that some whales’ throats are large enough to swallow a fair-sized child or even a man. That story is one of the truest in the Bible.” “Somebody must have lost that ring,” said Joe. “Probably one of the summer boarders in this neighborhood. Better keep the ring out of sight until you leave here or somebody might claim it.” “If they did, and could prove property, I’d return it, of course; but I’d hate to lose it under the circumstances.” “JT wouldn’t take any chances, though it’s hard- ly likely anybody at our boarding-house lost it.” The sky had darkened up considerably since the boys caught the two fish, and the cloud Joe had called attention to had spread out to the very zenith. There was evidently a storm coming up from the scutheast, which was the direction in which the village lay. The shore itself curved out into the Sound for several miles on either side of it, ending in a pair of rocky headlands that formed the mouth of the bay. The yacht lay anchored midway between them, and somewhat out in the Sound. The boys thought it was an odd anchorage, when the craft might have been moored in the bay. Under present atmospheric conditions its anchorage was safer than if in the bay, supposing that its anchor happened to give way after the storm came up, for it had a wide expanse of the Sound in which to maneuver, if necessary. Dick could no longer remain indifferent to the danger that menaced them if they remained where they were, Accordingly they hauled up the anchor, set the mainsail and began to beat up the bay. They had gone perhaps half a mile when the wind swooped down on them with a force they had not looked for. ; “We'll never be able to make the village,”\said Joe, in a tone of concern. ~* “JT guess you’re right,” admitted Dick. “We’ll have to cut across and land wherever we can along shore.” “That’s mighty dangerous. In this blow we ought to keep close-hauled as near the wind’s eye as possible. If we present too much broad- side to the wind we are likely to capsize.” “That’s right, too. making a start.” ben “That’s your fault. I called your attention to a We waited too long before i toa . 4 that cloud when it was small. Now look at it, nearly all over the sky. If we’re drowned the resvonsibility will rest with you.” “That won’t be much consolation for you. You'll have to take it out of me in the nex world.” = The bay was now churned into a mass of white- caps and foam, and if the boys had not been fairly expert young boatmen they would have been swamped in no time. All might have gone — well with them had the wind, strong as it had grown, remained steady. - Unfortunately, how- ever, the wind suddenly veered around a couple of points and swept down on them with such force | that the sa‘lboat was capsized in a twinkling and | both boys flung into the water. They succeeded es in getting hold of the boom, and clung on for dear life while the waves carried them back over _ the stretch they had traversed, and toward the tossing yacht near the entrance of the bay. CHAPTER II.—The Lady of the Yacht. A stout hawser held the sloop-yacht to her moorings, and against this the wreck of the sail- boat was flung. The shock shook Dick into the ~ water, and the next thing he knew he was cling- _ in~ to the taut cable, while Joe and the wreck were borne out into the Sound. To add to their — peril an unusual darkness had settled over the face of nature, occasioned by the dense: black — clouds that now covered the sky from horizon to _ zenith on all sides. . ; a Dick clung to the hawser in a pretty desperate frame of mind, for it looked as if his span of life was a very narrow one. After much trouble he drew himself up out of the reach of the waves, and for a while hung on to the oscillating cable. _ “T won’t last much longer here,” he thought. _ “YT must try and reach the yacht or perish.” 5 So he began to climb upward till he got within a yard of the hawse-hole through which the cable _ shot out into the boiling water. To go any nearer was to invite destruction when the vessel pitched. Nor could he cling very long to his higher perch. His fate appeared to be sealed unless he could attract attention to his situation. He shouted as loud as he could, and the wind carried his voice across the deck of the yacht. He shouted several times and then he was heard, and the person who heard him was a woman who was standing — at the top of the cabin stairs, gazing out on the _ water-scape, and the shore in the near distance. — Physically speaking she was as fine a looking lady as one would wish to see; but the somber- — ness of her attire, the wild glance of her eye, and her somewhat disheveled appearance, proclaimed that there was something wrong about her, The boy’s ery attracted her attention. ite, “Ha! What was that?” she exclaimed. “A ery of distress. Some poor unfortunate, whose boat — has been upset, is struggling in the boiling waters. There it is again, and in the same place, close to our bows. ’Tis no mortal voice, but the spirit of a poor drowned wretch repeating the la cry he uttered before he was ushered into etern- ity. Again I hear it. Oh, Heaven, why torture my ears with this signal of distress? Am I not miserable enough in this floating prison?? — ©, -o
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~ “Help! Help! Oh, help!” shouted Dick at the top of his lungs. 3 : : _. “Hat Perhaps this is no spirit, but someone _‘elinging to a rope, and trying to make his way aboard this yacht. Gracious Heaven! Better _ that‘he perish in the sea than venture here where “his presence would invite destruction on his head,” whispered the woman to herself. » At that moment a rope, blown from its fasten- ‘ing, struck Dick across the shoulder, and he seized it as a drowning man grasps at a straw. Pulling “on it and finding that it was secured aboard the “yacht, he swung himself clear of the cable, hung - dangling over the boiling waves for a moment, and then scrambled over the bows of the vessel. - The forward part of the yacht appeared to be deserted. Her jibs and big mainsail were tied iz “snugly down, and everything quite shipshape aboard of her. The wind howled through her rig- ging, and she rolled and courtesied to the waves _ like a thing of life. 3 Dick lay quite exhausted on the top of the _forecastle for several minutes. Then he recov- ered himself and sat up. : : = “Poor Joe, I’m afraid it’s all_up with him,” _ thought the young messenger. “He was carried “off with the wreck of the sailboat into the Sound. If he managed to hold on he may yet be saved, _ for the boom and boat itself can’t sink. I’m all ‘right now, and the people will doubtless put me ‘ashore after the gale blows itself out.” _. Diek got up and started aft to find somebody to introduce himself to, and explain how he got aboard the yacht. The vessel was as large-as a ‘small schooner, and seemed to be fitted up with - every accommodation. The sliding door into the ~ forecastle was partly open. Dick looked in and saw a lamp swinging from the center of the ceiling. It was lighted and turned. low, but he didn’t see anybody down there. He continued on his way aft to a door he supposed led into the cabin. It was shut and he took the liberty of ‘opening it and walking in. He found himself _ in a short passage, like that he had seen in larger -_-wessels. There was a closed door on either side _ of it, and another at the end. He went to the end door, opened it and stepped into the cabin, eae = ickly and glanced down. He saw in a black gown of rich material, “THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD oe aboard. . The sailboat I was in capsized, and I barely escaped with my life,” replied Dick. The woman uttered a strange cry, turned: around and rushed down toward him. “Hal I was not mistaken, then. My ears did not deceive me. The despairing cry I heard through the shriek of the wind was: yours.” She seized the boy by the wrist and peered into his face with a look so odd and wild that ~ Dick was for a moment a bit disconcerted. “Yes, ma’am, I guess so,’ he answered. “I cried out several times for help while perched on the cable forward.” “Hush, miserable youth, or you are lost,” she said with a kind of frantic impetuosity. “Plunge again into the deep waters rather than seek an asylum here. The waves, raging furiously, are less merciless than the men who are aboard this yacht.” ; Dick looked at her in astonishment. “What-do you mean, madam?” “Mean!” She uttered a sibilant, unearthly laugh that chilled Dick’s blood. “You. are young and prepossessing. Doubtless you have hearts akin to your own in affection. You have friends, parents, whom you love, and who loye you tender- ly. Ah! if you would ever behold them again, summon your strength and quit this vessel.’ There was a pathetic earnestness in her tones that staggered the boy, but he did not take any - stock in her words. i “She’s crazy,” he thought. “As~crazy as a March hare. I can see that in her eyes. They blaze with an unearthly wildness. Who can she be, and what is she doing in her condition aboard this yacht?” r “Go—go!” she cried, seeking to drag him up the stairs. Naturally he resisted. : “Hold on, ma’am. It were death for me to ¢ overboard again. Where are the men who belong to this yacht?” “The men! oh fly before they see you.” “Impossible. It is half a mile to the nearest shore, and even if I had a boat I wouldn’t risk it for I’m played out.” i “Alas, alas! Poor, hapless boy, you are for- ever lost.” ; “Madam, you seem to take a me,” said Dick, trying to soothe her excited feel- ings. ; “You are nothing to me, and yet I cannot see you murdered.” “Murdered!” cried Dick, not at all alarmed. “Who would murder me?” “Have I not said that the people of this vessel are scoundrels—men whose only thought is to ac- cumulate gold—gold, do you understand?” “T understand what you say; but the owner of so handsome yacht, and the persons he surrounds _ himself with, can hardly be scoundrels, ma’am. Why, they say on shore that this vessel is the property of a gentleman who’s at the head of a big Wall Street syndicate. His office is in one of the skyscrapers, and he’s a well known and Rather call them scoundrels. Fly, ~ eat interest in.
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4 THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD I not his prisoner and slave at this moment? Boy, boy, why ‘willyou not listen to me? You have a good honest face. It appeals to me. I cannot bear to see harm overtake you. If you value your life leave—leave this vessel at once.” “And perish in the waters of the Sound? Madam, I cannot understand the meaning of your warning. You appear to wish me well, but you have a strange way of showing it. I do value my life as much as anybody, and for that reason I’m not such a fool as to throw it away in a fruitless attempt to reach the shore by swimming. The best swimmer who ever drew: breath couldn’t do it except through a miracle. So, madam, I - will take the liberty of staying aboard. If you will call the owner of the yacht, if he be aboard, or somebody else, I’ll satisfy him that my pres- ence here is necessary until the gale goes down.” “Foolish—foolish boy. The moment you are found aboard you are lost.” “That’s something new,” chuckled Dick to him- self. “The moment I’m found; I’m lost. This lady is certainly off her block very badly. I wonder if she’s the unfortunate wife of the owner, who prefers to shelter her aboard his vessel to sending her to a sanitarium? I may have unin- tentionally stumbled on to his family skeleton, but I won’t give it away, if he requests me to keep the matter secret. Why should I? Maybe this explains why the yacht is kept anchored outside the harbor.” “Will nothing convince you, stubborn boy, that veh are in imminent peril here?” she asked fever- ishly. “It doesn’t seem natural, ma’am. If these peo- ple are such scoundrels as you affirm, why do you remain with them?” asked Dick, soothingly. “Have I not said I am a prisoner?” “That’s true, but you could manage to find means of communication with some passing craft.” “No, no; that opportunity is denied me.” “Is it? Why are you free. What is to prevent you from running to the side of the vessel and calling for help?” “I’m watched at all times. but is under surveillance.” “You don’t appear to be watched at this mo- ment.” : “Because there is no boat near. Because this storm is as good a jailer as all the bolts and bars of a prison cell. Oh, Heaven, how often have I prayed for death to end my wrongs in oblivion!” Dick was now more than ever convinced of her insanity. Apparently though she said she longed for death her mania was not of a suicidal order, for nothing would have been easier than for her to have leaped into the wind-swept Sound at that moment and ended her life in brief space. “Well, ma’am——_” “Hear me, foolish, luckless youth! A moment only is left me ere you will be found here, and Not a move I make then your life will’ pay the forfeit of your stub-~ borness. Here, in this vessel’s cabin, amid the roaring storm and the howling waters—hear me relate the story of my maddening woes. Hear it, and if you will not fly to save yourself, perhaps _ you will make an effort to escape that you may “expose my wrongs, and perhaps save me. My m Fe yobs! : <aee: ’ fly. my misery will appeal to your ak nature and” At that moment the door of a statéroom close — by opened noiselessly and a tall, well-dressed gentleman of perhaps forty years of age, ap- peared in the opening. If looks went for any- thing his wealth and social standing appeared beyond question. He was handsome, with strong features, that carried the impression of a com- manding will, but still there was a look in his» eyes, and an expression about his mouth, that was not pleasant, or invited confidence. Cod “How now, Ethel,” he said, -with a peculiar cold inflection to his tones. “To whom are you — talking?” Pe a ae | The woman gave a suppressed scream, and cowered back toward the stairs. a kas } oe CHAPTER Il.—“You Are One of Us, I See.” The gentleman advanced into the cabin and fixed his piercing eye on Dick. ee “Young man, how come you aboard?” he asked | sharply. fen “The boat in which I and a friend were fishing at the mouth of the bay was overtaken and upset | by the storm. My companion, with the wreck of the boat, was blown out into the Sound. I was so fortunate as to catch hold of the hawser of this yacht where I hung for awhile and then managed to make my way to the deck. I came into this . cabin looking for someone to report my presence to. If you! will, under the circumstances, favor me with your hospitality until——” semi “You shall have it, young man,” replied the — peutletaay whom Dick took to be the owner of — e yacht. ees pathetically. ' “Believe him not. He lies. I am not mad . he would make you believe. No, no, I am_ no’ mad, I tell you, though Heaven knows how long reason will retain its seat. Mark that smile on — his treacherous countenance. He would lull y suspicions to rest, while he considers how he 1 dispose of a troublesome witness of the secre’ of this vessel. Oh, boy, boy, fly before he thro his net around you. See, the stairs are wi your reach—the way to escape is yet open. . I will stand between you and him, and shall reach you only over my dead body.” ‘ She pointed to the companion steps, urging him by. her manner to leave the cabin at once. ; however, made no move to avail himself « invitation. He glanced at th Y the other side of the
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of seeming pity on his finely-chiseled countenance. His attitude toward the boy was one of courteous hospitality, why, therefore, should the boat- wrecked lad suspect that his intentions toward -him was other than friendly. The woman was evidently crazy.. Her words, manner and appear- _ ance all conspired to prove that. “You see,” said the gentleman, in even, gentle- manly tones, “it is the grief of my life that this terrible malady rests upon my pocr wife. You will understand why I am trying to keep her secluded from the world as much as possible. For that reason we anchor in unusual spots. The less _ she sees of life the better.” “I understand, sir,” replied Dick, respectfully. _ As I suppose you desire her condition to remain a secret I promise, after you have put me ashore, ri not——’’ The woman interrupted him with another of her sibilant laughs. “Unfortunate boy, and do you think yeu will ever be -put ashore now that you have learned of my presence here? ~ You want hospitality—seek it then in the waves from which you so recently escaped rather than here. He who dashes bravely - down the foaming cataract may. escape with life; but he who confides in the perjured assurance of a heartless villain 2 : ~~ “Fithel, you forget yourself,” said the gentle- jan, and Dick this time thought he detected a - Note of menace in his tone. “Ts that wonderful, when Heaven seems to for- get me?” she replied, flashing a half defiant - glance at him. The gentleman walked up to the table and pressed the top of a-small silver-plated bell that stood in the center of it. Presently the door of a far room opened.and a middle-aged wo- ‘man of a stern and immobile countenance came forth. , “Mrs. Wilks, will you take charge of your - mistress?” said the yacht owner. : _ The woman glided across the cabin and gripped a5, the unfortunate lady by the wrist. ~ *' “Come,” she said, with the air of a jailer, “you ee be in your stateroom in such*weather as Sanis:”” : “The lady bowed her head submissively and fol- - lowed her into one of the rooms off the cabin. | : “Now, young man,” said the, gentleman, “will you introduce yourself. You belong in the vil- at age, I suppose?” ~ "No, sir. I live in New York.” “Indeed. Pray be seated on that lounge. You ‘will find it easier than standing while the yacht pitches this way. What is your name?” — “Dick Duncan.” name is—-George Conway. As you have “My d dbdbiless concluded I am owner of this yacht. I am cruising around mainly on account of my wife. 4 May I inquire what brought you to this vicinity?” dias | ub} ek ‘and my chum, Joe White, came down here to spend our week’s vacation. We are due back ‘at our offices Monday morning. Poor Joe is either _ drowned at this moment, or tossing about on the ‘surface of the Sound in imminent peril of his ife. It was mere luck that favored my escape. Tam very thankful to be here instead of food for the fishes, but still I can’t help worrying about the uncertain fate of my companion.” _ “He saw you come aboard here, I suppose?” “No. He must have known that I parted from ‘sleur le capitaine has the boom, but it is doubtful if he saw me catch ; ay THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD ~ 5 on to the cable of this yacht. If he is still alive he has probably given me up as lost.’ The gentleman nodded. “Pardon me for overlooking your drenched condition. My wife’s paroxysm quite upset me. Come, let me lead you into one of the staterooms where you will be supplied with dry clothing.” He rang the bell three times. A small, dark- featured man, with a rather sinister look, ap- peared at the door at the end of the cabin. “Pierre, this young man has sought shelter aboard the vessel after being upset in the gale. Bring some suitable garments for his. temporary use. He will be in stateroom D.” “Oui, monsieur,” replied Pierre, who occupied the position of steward on board the yacht, favor- ing Dick with a searching and peculiar look. Then he disappeared as quietly as he had appeared. “This way, Duncan,” said the gentleman, courteously. Dick followed him into a splendidly fitted-up statercom. “You will find everything here that you require to make yourself presentable,” said the gentle- man. ‘Pierre will bring you a complete change presently. Avail yourself of them while your own clothes are being dried at the galley fire.” Thus speaking Mr. Conway left the room, and Dick began to slowly disrobe. He could not help thinking about the poor mad woman. Apparently her mind was afflicted with the strangest kind of a mania—that of associating her husband and his friends with deeds of rascality. “Tt must be pretty hard on Mr. Conway,” thought the boy. “I don’t wonder that he finds it necessary to seclude her as much as possible. She’s a fine looking woman—stately and .hand- some. I feel dead sorry for her, and for her husband, too.” j After partially undressing he looked around the state-room, admiring the white and gilt wood- work, the pictured panels, and the many con- veniences for comfort afloat that the» place afforded. é ; “I'd like to: take a long cruise in this craft. I’d have the time of my life. But I’d want to have Joe with me. Poor Joe! Is still alive? I hope he has managed to hold on, then he stands a chance of being carried ashore on the coast. of Connecticut. He’s a plucky chap, that’s one sat- isfaction. If anybody could escape under the circumstances I’ll gamble on it he will.” At that juncture the door opened and Pierre walked in with his arms full of clothes. : “Here you are, monsieur. Leave your wet clothes on ze floor. I vill take zem avay later.’ “All right,” replied Dick. A “How came you in ze wataire? Your boat up- set in ze gale, oui?” “That’s right.” “You luckee zat you escape wiz your life. Mon- promise zat he put you ashore, oui?” ¢ “That is understood, when the gale is over.” “Ah if eet ees understood, zen———” He paused abruptly as his eyes rested on the ring Dick had found in the belly of the fish. “Oui, oui; Je comprehend. You are one of us, I see,” he said, with a great change in his man: ner: - <
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v CHAPTER IV.—The Hospitality of the Yacht. Dick looked at him im surprise. “What do you mean?’ he said, quickly. The’ Frenchman winked in a luminous Way. “You are from Wall Street.” “T am. How do you know?” The steward winked again. “You are ze messengaire confidential. You come from the citee wiz somesing of importance from—zat ees no mattaire to me—to le capitaine. Am I not ze good guess? I can see ze hole when ze stone ees around eet. You come in Ze pantry _ by and by and I vill treat you ze whisky cock- atailer, or ze what you call highball.” With a self-complacent smile Pierre bobbed his head and left the room, leaving Dick not a little astonished. “Well, upon my word, that chap has become extraordinarily friendly all at once,” the boy mused. “What did he mean by saying ‘You are one of us’? Who did he mean by us? He’s a pretty shrewd guesser to hit on the fact that I came from Wall Street. He must be familiar - with the financial district, and can tell a mes- senger when he sees one. Ah, now I understand. Mr. Conway does business in Wall Street, for I heard that the owner of this yacht was connected with some syndicate operating there. The French- man sized me up as a messenger. In-his opinion everybody connected with Wall Street are joined together in a business sense. Being a part of * this yacht owned by a Wall Street man he con- siders himself also identified with the Street. That’s why he said you are one of us. Us stands for Wall Street.” ‘Having accounted for the steward’s phrase and sudden friendliness to his satisfaction, Dick fin- ished dressing, washed his face, brushed his hair and then opened the door and walked out into the cabin. yr. Conway was pacing up and down the floor with knitted brow, as if evolving some problem in his brain. He came to a stop on see- ing Dick. : “I hope you are feeling more comfortable, ~\ young man,” he said. “Very much more so, thank you. I sha’n’t for- get your kindness, sir.” ~~ “Don’t mention it: Sit down. what business you are in?” “Certainly. Um a Wall Street messenger.” The gentleman gave a slight start. “Indeed. By whom are you employed?” “John Overy, broker, in the Franklin building.” Mr. Conway uttered a slight ejaculation. : “A very wealthy broker, I believe?” he said, with a keen soo at the boy. Sag “So they say, but you wouldn’t think it to look at him.” “He has the reputation of having a large bank account. A pretty shrewd old man, isn’t he?” . “J imagine he is.” “How long have you been with him?” - “About a year. I formerly worked for Hooker & Carleton, on Exchange Place. The firm went up the spout owing, it was said at the time, to some double-dealing on the part of Hooker. Soon after I went to work for Mr. Overy I met Hooker on the street and he offered me inducements to return to-him, but I didn’t think it quite right to leave my new job so I turned May I inquire Shir his business.” his offer down.” wk 6 THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD At that moment Dick happened to look at Mr. — Conway’s little finger and he almost gasped. Upon it was a ring the fac simile of the one he+ found in the fish. mM _On the spur of the moment he hastily pulled his own ring off and shoved it into his pocket. By this time night had fallen, and it seemed to — Dick that the storm was not as heavy as it was. The Frenchman came in,.got the boys clothes | from the stateroom and passed out again, but — not without observing that the owner of the yacht and Dick appeared to be on a friendly footing, Mr. Conway asked Dick a great many questions — about his employer. The boy thought he was un- usually inquisitive, and deemed it his duty to be — cautious in his replies. He had been long enough — in the Street to know that all Wall Street men — liked to learn, if they could, the business secrets — of their associates. ’ ig It was common report in the Street that John — Overy, though often importuned, would never go — into any pool or syndicate deal. In the course. — of their conversation Mr. Conway alluded to this. iat et he se die it was true. ee very has a good man culiarities, hasn’t he?” asked Mr. Conway. ney are e “T admit he has.” . oa, “They say hemade the bulk of his fortune in — the days when gold was at a premium and the — chief article*of speculation.” se “T believe so.” : “For that reason they say he has a particular fondness for gold to this day. That he keeps a considerable quantity of it in his office safe.” _ “He keeps some, I know. He always pays off — in gold instead of in bills,” said Dick, une’ Conway’s eyes glittered. _ ert oes “Did you ever hear him say that he had little — confidence in the banks?” See Dick had heard his boss say so often, but ha — didn’t think it prudent to admit that to the owner of the yacht, knowing -him to be a Wall Street — man. ef “Doesn’t he look upon modern high finance as — the harbinger of a coming panic?” went on the ~ yacht owner, in a soft, persuasive tone. see “He doesn’t regard some of the big financial deals with a favorable eye, I should judge from — what I’ve heard him say,” admitted Dick. = “Just so. “They say he’s accumulating gold against a possible panic with the view of secur- — ing himself from having his funds tied up.” “He may be for all I know. He doesn’t tell me t ee tS), While they were talking the steward came in and laid the table for supper. A Shortly afterward he announced that the meal was ready, rae “This young man and I will eat first, then you may call Mrs. Wilks and—you understand,” said the yacht owner. : rare “Oui monsieur,” replied the steward deferenti- ally, hastening away to bring in the cooked food. “Mr. Conway invited Dick to the table, and the boy found an excellent meal before him, to which he did ample justice. When they were through the yacht owner invited him on deck. The storm had exhausted its strength by this time, but th wind still blew strong from the Long Island shore, — and the Sound was very rough. The night was dark and somber, and the entrance to the bay was lost in the gloom.. Three lights burned on
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lips, stopped midway and listened again. THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD 2 t the yacht—one fore, another aft, and the third at the top of the mast, in the form of a large triangle. There were lights to be seen dimly along the Connecticut shore; and also the green and red lamps of an approaching steamer. Dick looked over the side to try and see whether it was too rough for a boat to take him ashore. Although he had not seen a sign of the crew, he supposed they were forward. / “How about putting me ashore, Mr. Conway? I don’t ask to be carried clear to the village. . If ay will have me landed inside the eastern head- and I can find my way to the village all right,” said Dick. “Not to-night, Duncan. It’s too rough and too dark. You shall occupy the stateroom in which you ‘changed your clothes, and in the morning my men will row you to the village,” said the yacht owner. “You are very kind, sir.” -“Not at all. You are quite welcome to my hospitality,’ replied Mr. Conway in a genial tone. They paced the deck for a while and when they went below the table had been cleared away. “Seat yourself and make yourself at home. I have a little business to transact and will return shortly. Yonder are several of the current maga- zines. Help yourself.” ; _ Thus speaking Mr. Conway left the cabin by way of the forward passage. Dick got one of the magazines and was glancing over it when the door of a room nearly opposite was cautiously opened and the head of the demented lady ap- peared. Dick did not notice her at the moment. After listening intently, the lady glided out of her room and made straight for the boy, who looked up and saw her. She put her finger us pet en she hastily coverted the rest of the space, forced ‘a paper into Dick’s hand, and retired to her room in some precipitation, closing the door after her. Dick looked at the paper and this is what he read: Z 5 “Be on your guard—drink and you are lost— seem to sleep.” ‘That was all. The writing was clear and dis- = tinct, the work of an educated hand, and hardly didn’t know that her husband was a Wall Street _ myself with her ravings? looked like the product of a diseased mind. “That’s a strange woman,” thought Dick. “If I man, and have his assurance that she is demented, I would be inclined to suspect there was some- ‘thing like method in her madness, and that per- haps there was something significane in her odd conduct after all. She seems to imagine that I am in danger of my life. Just as if I was, here aboard a gentleman’s yacht. Pshaw! Why bother She’s out of her head, and to pay any attention to her warning is sim- ply absurd.” i Dick crushed the paper in his hand, and not wishing to litter the floor with the paper put it in his pocket. In a short time Mr. Conway re- turned and suggested a game of whist to pass away the evening. They played for an hour or more, talking on subjects quite foreign to Wall _ Street, when Pierre made his appearance and mo- _ tioned to the yacht owner. - down his cards, excused himself and joined the _ steward. The Frenchman said something to him in a low tone. é started for the door and disappeared into the The gentleman laid Mr. Conway made no answer but _ young guest. passage, followed by the steward. The moment Dick was alone, the demented woman, who must have been on the watch, suddenly appeared at her door again, and after listening approached the table on the opposite side of which Dick sat, idly fingering his cards. “You think me crazy, because the owner of this yacht has deluded you into that belief,” she said, in a low, mournful tone. “He calls himself my husband, and you believe that falsehood, too. I am not his wife but his victim—the victim of a secret organization called the Brotherhood of Gold, of which that man, who poses as a Wall Street operator, is the controlling power. Be- lieve me or not, it is the fact. Several members * of this organization are brokers, who in that guise are working for but one object—the accu- mulation of gold by any means, no matter how criminal. One of the members has just arrived, and the boat in which he came is floating along- side now. It is the purpose of the master of this vessel to offer you coffee before you retire for the night. That coffee will be drugged, and should you partake of it you will fall into’a death-like sleep, and durino the night you will be launched overboard to find death in the Sound. Take heed, then, that you drink it not. He will drink with you. Manage somehow to exchange the cups and then watch what effect it has on him. The evi- dence of the truthfulness of my words will then be conclusive. Your life will be saved, and to- gether we will fly this vessel. Then will I be able to defeat the purposes of this villain, and return to my home and my child, who is surely heart-broken over my mysterious disappearance. Hist! I hear him returning. Forget not my warning, for your own sake as well as mine.” In another moment she had vanished like a shedow into her room, while Dick stared after her, more astonished than ever. CHAPTER. V.—The Drugged Coffee. Hardly had she disappeared before Mr. Conway reentered the cabin. “You are tired, doubtless, after your rough experience this afternoon, Duncan,” he said, stavely, “so we will not continue our game. A cup of coffee will make you feel better, and in the morning we will be put ashore as I promised.” He tapped the bell and began to gather up the cards. At the mention of the coffee Dick gave a slight start. ‘Although the woman’s words and earnest manner had this time greatly impressed him, owing to her quietness, and the absence of her previous dramatic intensity, he was hardly prepared to give much credence to her warning. Now it struck him as strange that she ‘should know that Mr. Conway intended to offer him cof- fee, and for the first time he had misgivings and a suspicion that after all things might not be quite right on board of the yacht. Pierre entered the cabin with a tray on which were two cups of , smoking hot coffee, a sugar bowl and a small jug of cream. He placed it on the table in front of Mr. Conway. Dick looked at the coffee and then at the yacht owner. The gentleman looked suave as he passed one of the cups over to his the slightest sign of - ‘ There wasn’t treachery about him. 4 oes Be, te nee . ee) oS Qe ee es ee
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o THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD “Pshaw! what motive could he have in my death,” thought Dick, the very idea apparently quite absurd. Then aloud he said; “Thank you, sir; you are very good.” “Not at all. I always treat my visitors to cof- fee before they retire for the night,” replied the gentleman, with a friendly smile. “So,” thought the boy, “that accounts for the poor lady knowing that: her husband would treat aH to coffee. There is nothing in her warning at all. Perfectly satisfied that everything was all right he started to sip the beverage when, happening to look up, he saw the lady leoking out of her door and making frantic signs to him not to drink. Dick. was about to disregard her motions when she uttered a low shriek that immediately attract- ed Mr. Conway’s attention. He turned around and discovered her presence. “Wthel, return to your room,” he said sternly. “No, no, no!” she cried, her gaze fixed on Dick. who put down the cup he was on the point of carrying to his lips. “Bthel, do as I say,” he added, with more em- phasis than before, turning his back on the table and facing her. Diek, suddenly thinking that there could be no harm in humoring the poor lady’s wishes, made a quick exchange of the cups so that she could see what he did, “Wa, ha, ha!” laughed the lady, hysterically, returning to her room and shutting the door be- hind her. Mr. Conway immediately turned the key on her and returned to the table. : “She is very bad to-night,” he remarked. “The storm has evidently affected her for the worse. However, she will not disturb us again.” He picked up the cup of coffee, which he had originally handed to Dick, and drank it off in two ' swallows. Dick followed suit, and he noticed that the Wall Street man’s eyes were fixed upon him - +as he did so. The look in his eyes was glittering - and steely, altogether different from his custom- "ary friendly glance. It was almost tigerish in its intensity, and gave Dick quite a chill. s “Ym glad I changed the cups,” he thought. “I am beginning to believe that there was something ” significant in the lady’s warning,” Only for a moment did that look rest upon the ~ boy’s face, and then Mr. Conway seemed to recol- lect himself and smiled almost benignly upon his guest At that moment Pierre entered with Dick’s clothes, dried and pressed, ready for him to put on. He passed into stateroom D and left them there. When he came out he looked hard at Dick as he made his exit from the cabin. “You may retire when you feel disposed, Dun- ean,” said the yacht owner. ; “Thank you, I will do so in a few minutes,” re- plied Dick, who was curious to see if the coffee would have any effect on his host. : Mr. Conway went to the pile of magazines, se- lected one and returned to the table. Hardly had he opened it when he looked up, passed his hand across his eyes, and seemed ill at ease. Dick watch- - ed him intently without appearing to do so. Pres- ently the gentleman turned abruptly, took up his coffee cup and looked into it, Then it was that ~ Dick noticed the ring on his little finger again. _- “That's the very duplicate of the one I found in the fish,” he thought. “I remarked that fact before. A broad black enameled band with a pure — setting of gold. A most unusual kind of ring, and one would hardly expect to meet with its counter- part. Such a ring would only be made to order. As I found it in the vicinity of the yacht, maybe © Mr. Conway lost it overboard when he first an- - chored here, and then had a duplicate made to replace it. : é Fees That supposition seemed. reasonable, and fo want of a better explanation the boy accepted it as the truth. But his attention was now en- _ grossed by the peculiar behavior of his host. He seemed to have beconie dopey all at once. When | he turned his eyes on the boy Dick saw they were _ dull and fishy. Suddenly he pulled himself to- gether, reached out his arm and struck the bell, His intention was apparently to ring it more than. once, but he was unable to accomplish the effort, Instead of a clear, ringing tap, the bell gave out a dull and muffled sound, owing to the fact that — his hand rested heavily on the striking-attach- ment ,which prevented the clapper from rebound= ing. He seemed unable to remove his hand from the bell either, and his head sank forward on his neck, and then toppled over on one side. “By George!” exclaimed Dick, rising and look+ ing across at 'the man. “The coffee was drugged, and the lady’s warning no idle one. Her state- ment that Mr. Conway is a villain begins to have some foundation in fact, otherwise why should he ~ attempt to drug me? She denied that she was his | wife, and asserted that she was his victim and prisoner. May not that be true, too? And his ~— assertion that she was of unsound mind might — be merely a blind to throw dust into my eyes. and prevent me from suspecting the truth. Gracious! If all that be so I’m in a rather strenuous situa- tion. Although the main rascal is out of busi- ness I must count on his aeccomplices—+that Frenchman and the crew, for assuredly there | must be a crew though I haven’t seen them—in- _ terfering to stop me from leaving the yacht with — the lady, who expects me to help her to escape.” At that juncture there sounded a tapping on — the door of the lady’s room. Dick sprang up, un- locked the stateroom door and the lady came out. — » “Are you convinced?” she whispered, pointing — at the unconscious yacht owner, zi “T am, but I can’t understand his object,” re- plied Dick. 1e “You are a dangerous witness.” “Of what?” fo N oe “My presence on board this vessel.” i “But he must have seen that I suspected noth« ~ ing.” a at could not afford to take chances, when you could be so easily disposed of.” et “Still I don’t understand. Why should a rich Wall Street man——” ‘ eae “He is rich only in villainy as yet; but the - daring game that he and his associates are work-— ing will, unless exposed, make millionaires of all — _ef them?” — epi “And what is this game?” ee “J will explain all to you as soon as we have made our escape. Come, there is no time to be lost. The boat that brought one of his partners in guilt aboard is probably still alongside. Our only chance is to reach it without observation sie off for the shore.” ip: Aras _ “Hadn’t I better drag him out of sight?”
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THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD 9 ~ “Tt might be as well. Yonder is his room,” and she pointed to stateroom A. ~ Dick removed Mr. Conway’s hand from the bell, ~ and then taking the man in his arms carried him across the cabin and into the room, where a lamp _ burned low. He threw him on a handsomely _- fiitted-up berth, and was turning away when he = Md a revolver hanging in a holster against the wall. Bi “Tt may come in handy,” he thought, hastily - gecuring the weapon, -- Then he rejoined the lady who was impatiently waiting for him near the steps. “will you tell me your name, madam?” he asked, as they mounted the companionway to- gether. = “Mrs. Ethel Ward,” she replied; “and yours, I believe, is Dick Duncan?” ~. “*¥es, madam.” Reaching the small. quarter-deck of the yacht they looked around and particularly forward. The darkness of the night was so intense that even the outline of the yacht could not be dis- tinguished a few feet in advance. The position of - the mast and the bows could only be fixed by the bright gleam of the two lamps, the glow of which ‘looked as if suspended in the air. ~ _. The stern light, however, threw a slight radi- ance about. their figures, noticing which Dick _ dragged his fair companion forward. 4 “There is a watcher, no doubt, somewhere about the deck,’ said Dick, “but he is not likely to see us in this pitch darkness. The boat is probably tied somewhere about midships, if there is a boat ‘alongside at all. The man you spoke about might “have been brought out in a cat-boat by a village ~jboatman. In fact, the chances are he was. In ‘that case the boatman has gone back unless he ‘was instructed to wait to take back his fare, You had better wait till I investigate.” é Dick pushed forward, keeping one hand on the rail that he might feel a boat’s mooring line if _ it was there. He went all the way to the rise of the forecastle deck without his fingers encounter- ing the slightest obstruction. - “There’s no boat on this side—I must try the other,” he muttered. ~ He crossed the deck cautiously, passing under the heavy boom close to where it was secured by a steel hoop to the mast. Reaching the other ‘side he examined the rail there, but apparently there was no boat moored there. _ “It’s just as I supposed. ‘brought off by a boatman who went away after _ putting him aboard. Now how is the lady and myself to make our escape from this craft with half a mile of water between us and the Long Island shore?” ‘ It was certainly a serious problem. CHAPTER VI.—Beset by Difficulties. ‘The wind had subsided to a fresh breeze, and the waves had gone down so that the yacht’s motion was no longer unpleasant. Dick started awkward state of affairs, when a man suddenly - came out of the forecastle entrance with a lantern dn his hand. He was ib fu The visitor was to rejoin the lady and acquaint her with the attired in a natty sailor vig, and was accompanied by a well-dressed gentle- man wearing a stylish straw hat. Dick caught a good view of his face in the flash of the lan- tern and to his surprise recognized him as his former boss, Edward Hooper. Notwithstanding that fact the boy was not anx- | ious to meet him now, for the broker’s presence on board the yacht showed that he was hand-in- glove with the Conway crowd,:or the Brother- hood of Gold, as the lady called them. , As Dick was right in the path of the two men on their way to the cabin entrance the chances of discovery was good. He tried to prevent it by slipping up alongside of the mast. The pair advanced in that direction, the sailor swinging the lantern by hig side. “Everything seems to be going on fine,” said Hooper. . “Sure,” replied the sailor. ‘We haven’t been asleep since we came down here.” “T’m glad to hear it. I shall have a good re- Bony, te make to the boys when I return to the city. Dick was not able to distinguish anything more, as they passed him without noticing his presence, and made straight for the cabin. Thé sailor parted with Hooper at the door of the passage and then turning around started back for the bows. Dick remained as still as a mouse, hug- © ging the mast as close as he could. The sailor passed him by and disappeared into the forecastle. The moment he was out of the way the boy returned to the spot where he had left Mrs. Ward. She was crouching down in the darkness in eager expectation of, his return. ; “JT have bad ‘news to tell you, ma’am,” said Dick. “Bad news!” she ejaculated. “Yes; there is no boat on either side of the yacht, so I don’t see how we are to leave the. vessel,” he replied. “How unfortunate!” she exclaimed. “Very. What are we to do?” “Are you a good swimmer?” ‘ “Yes, ma’am; but it’s a considerable distance to the shore. Besides I couldn’t take you.” “Never mind me. If you can reach the shore ourself you can bring the police off in the morn- ing and rescue me. You could also get. out a warrant for the arrest of George Conway for his — attempt to drug you. That would be the first step toward his exposure ‘and the breaking up of the Brotherhood of Gold,” said the lady. “Ym afraid I couldn’t prove that ah intended to do me up.” e 1 “T will sweat that such was his intention.” PR “He would probably bring witnesses to swear that you are crazy.” ‘ “Do you believe I am crazy?” “T do not—now.” : “I am not afraid of anything he may do, once 5 I am free, for I have friends in New York who would soon put him to rout. They and my daughter have been looking for me, as a matter of course, ever since I suddenly disappeared from my home, which happened a month ago when I — was enticed aboard this yacht by Conway.” ; “You knew this man in New York, then?” — “IT was introduced to him by a broker with whom I did business in Wall Street. The broker, I am now satisfied, is a member of the Brother- ”
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10 hood. I have made a good deal of money in the stock market within the last year, and in addi- tion have a considerable private fortune. Con- -way’s purpose was to rob me of it all, just as he and his associates have planned to rob as many of Wall Street’s rich men as they can catch in their net.” “Well, ma’am, if I had a life-preserver, or any- thing buoyant that would help me keep afloat, I corld make the shore all right.” “There is a life-preserver attached to the cabin wall on either side of the stairs facing the wheel, where we came up. We will return there and, if you have a knife, you could cut one loose.” “Why not cut both loose and put one around yourself, then I could manage to get you ashore, too? The lady hesitated. It seemed a great risk for her to undertake. The darkness of the night, and the roughness of the Sound, intimidated her. “T dare not attempt it,” she replied. “You can’t sink with a life-preserver around you, and I will see that you get ashore all right.” “But now that it is so dark, and the yacht has probably changed her position since you came aboard, can you tell in what direction the shore lies?” “Why, it lies——” Dick paused and looked into the gloom that ap- peared thick enorgh to be cut up into chunks. To save his life he couldn’t guess in which direction the Long Island shore lay. When he came aboard the yacht lay with her head point- ing southeast, or directly toward the easterly headland at the mouth of the bay. The turn of the tide, with a possible change in the wind, would swing her about in the opposite direction. Or she might, at that moment, lie midway be- tween either point, with her head looking up or / down the Sound. While puzzled by this dilemma he suddenly thought of the compass card in the pinnacle. No matter how the yacht lay that would show him the direction of the shore. “T can tell, ma’am,” he said. “How can you?” “By the compass in that brass hood facing the wheel. That will give me the bearings of Long Island. The vessel may swing in any direction, but the compass needle always points in the same direction. It is pointing toward Connecticut, con- sequently the Long Island shore lies in the op- posite direction.” “That is quite true. I did not think of that. You will be able to start m the right direction; but once afloat in this fearful darkness will you mot be all at sea? The waves will turn you around and around so that you will no longer have any idea of the right direction. If the tide is going out it will bear you down the Sound toward the ocean. If coming in it will carry you in the other direction. You will be like a boat withceit a sail or rudder, and must drift about till morning comes to show you where you are. Still your case is a desperate one. To remain on board this vessel after what has happened will bring destructiqn on your head. As for my- self, I am not in immediate danger, and can re- turn to my room and wait till you take measures to effect my release. To trust myself to the water, even supported by a life-preserver, would add THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD largely to your own difficulties, and might prove — fatal to me. It is best, therefore, that you go alone, and without delay.” They slipped back to the vicinity of the com- panionway, and then Dick remembered that he didn’t have his own clothes on, consequently he had no knife with him. He mentioned the diffi- — culty to the lady, at the same time taking the ring he had found in the fish out of his pocket — and slipping it on his finger again. 4 “T can’t return to the stateroom for my own clothes because the visitor to the yacht, whom I recognized as a Wall Street broker, and a former — boss of mine, has gone into the cabin, and is prob- ably there now, unless he has retired to a state- — room, so I don’t see how I’m going to detach one — of these life-preservers,” said Dick. ree “We seem to meet obstacles on every hand,” sh ni much disconcerted by this fresh diffi- culty. ° ; “Well, as something has got to be done I’m ~ going to slip down the stairs and see if the new- comer is in the cabin or not.” “Better let me go. It’s safer.” iis “All right. If the cabin is empty make a sign to that effect, and I will run the risk of — going back to the room where my clothes are.” She nodded and slipped down the stairs. Looking into the cabin she saw that there was no one in it, so she signalled the fact to Dick. She went down and they entered together. BoP: “Return to your room, Mrs. Ward, and leave me to look after myself,” said Dick. ean Without waiting to see whether she did so or not, the young messenger entered stateroom D — and locked the door. He stripped to the skin, put on all his own garments, shoved the revolver into — his pocket, and unlocking the door peered into the cabin before entering it again. The lady was — sitting on one of the divans, with a magazine in her hands, apparently on the watch. Dick showed himself at once. iG “Good-by for the present,” he said, pausing before her. “I’ll be off inside of five minutes.” — “Good-by. Here is my city address. Call there — and tell my daughter that you have met me, but — do not startle her with the true facts. Say that I will be home soon,” she said. ae “T will do so,” answered Dick. “And now take — this revolver and hide it where you can cosy et it if you should need it to protect yourself. ood-by again.” erties Dick slipped up the stairs, cut the nearest life- preserver from its fastenings, secured it under his arms and, taking a look at the compass, let him- self down over the stern of the yacht into the — water, and struck out for the shore. oN ae ne : * 4 Although Dick was an excellent swimmer it was no easy job he had undertaken. In fact he would not have attempted the feat under less atresia circumstances. He hadn’t gone very far before he heard a commotion on the yacht, and saw lights flashing along her deck. He judged that his disappearance from the vessel had been dis- covered, probably by the men who had received instructions to launch him into the Sound at Cn) oe 4 CHAPTER VII.—Dick Gets Ashore.
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THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD : 1 @ertain time, and that he was being hunted for. - “J wish them luck trying to find me,” he thought, as he continued to strike out in long, gearsy strokes, somewhat handicapped by the life- ey which insured his safety if it imter- fered with his speed. Presently a brilliant white light sprang up on the sloop’s deck, bringing out the vessel’s outline as clear as day, while it light- ed up the water for some distance around. 5“ wonder if they suspect I’ve tried to swim - for the shore and are scanning the water for me - with a night-glass?” Dick asked himself. The conjecture didn’t worry him any, as he was beyond the circle of light cast by the burning emicals, and he knew he could not be seen jf . Tooked for on the surface of the water. =.$0 he kept steadily on his way, confident he ‘was going in the right direction, and after a short time the light went out as suddenly as it ~ burst forth, leaving only the triangular lanterns - to indicate the spot where the yacht lay. Alter- nately resting and swimming the plucky boy made his way shoreward. hat he feared most was that he would miss either bluff and pass straight into the bay. To prevent such a contin- gency he altered his course somewhat, trusting to luck to come out all right: ~- He guided himself by the lights of the yacht, for he had a pretty clear idea from the compass _ Show the vessel bore from the shore. The tide appeared to ‘be about slack, which was a great Fentage to him, and prevented him from being carried either up or down the Sound. f : * By following the shore line he made certain that he would not go astray, though it compelled shim to walk a longer distance than he-would have had to cover in the broad daylight. It was after midnight when he reached the village, and 4t took all of twenty minutes more to find the poarding-place where he and Joe had put up at. An hour passed away and he judged by the close in shore. As a matter of fact he was, and fifteen minutes later he touched bottom. “Hurrah! I’m all right,” he cried, as‘he waded out of the water on to the beach. E ~ A look at the yacht’s lights satisfied him that he ‘was on the western spur of the bay. He removad his clothes, wrung the water out of them and - put them on again. As the night was warm he did not, feel any great inconvenience from their ‘dampness, and losing no more time he started for the village, which lay at the head of the bay. The uncertainty of his friend’s fate made him feel somewhat depressed now that the ,night’s ‘adventure was nearly over. He pounded on the _ front door for admission, and soon aroused the _ landlady, who came downstairs and let him in. _ “Why, Mr. Duncan, where have you been, and - where is your friend?” asked the lady of the house. “My gracious! You look as if you’d been fn the water.” : I’ve been in the water all right, Mrs. Simms. re just swum ashore from the yacht at the entrance to the bay, where I took refuge when the boat in which my friend and I went, fishing heh position of the yacht’s lights that he must be picked up by some vessel, or was carried across to the coast of Connecticut, or lost his life in the storm, I am unable to say at this moment.” “My goodness! I trust he was not drowned,” she said, looking startled at the idea of such a calamity. 3 “J trust so, too; but it is impossible to guess how he came out of the unfortunate disaster, if he came out of it at all.” : : ~ Dick went to bed with his mind full of his friend’s fate, the lady of the yacht, and the or- ganization that went by the name of the Brother- hood of Gold. He was the first at the breakfast table, hurried through the meal and hastened away to call on the village justice to see about the rescue of the lady and the arrest of Mr. Conway, if possible. He also wanted to see what could be done about his friend Joe. The iustice heard his story in no little amazement, and was hardly disposed to credit it. He wouldn’t take the responsibility of issuing a warrant for the arrest of the. yachtsman, even on the boy’s positive statement that Conway had given him drugged: coffee for the purpose of doing him up. 4 ; “Why should he want to do you up?” asked the justice, incredulously. “That will come out at his examination be- fore you. Mrs. Ward will testify to all the facts that have come within her knowledge since she became a prisoner on the yacht,” replied Dick. The justice looked dubious. © “T have heard that the gentleman who owns that yacht is a wealthy Wall Street man, whose wife, who is aboard, is. suffering from. some mental .malady—a hallucination that she is some- body other: than herself, and that those around her, including her husband, are her enemies. I’m afraid, young man, that you are laboring under a misapprehension of the facts. This lady you call Mrs. Ward is doubtless the gentleman’s wife, ae you have been impressed by her irresponsible alk”? | “T admit that at first I was of your opinion, but when her warning turned out to be true, why——”’ “Young man, you only imagine it to be true.” “Imagine it!” exclaimed Dick. ‘Why, ’ the proof of the pudding lies in the fact that when Mr. Conway drank the coffee intended for me he became unconscious himself.” i ae “How do you know, but he was tired after some unusual exertion, and fell asleep of his own accord?” asked the justice. “I am sure he didn’t. He looked too dopey for that. Besides he would have woke up when I dragged him into his stateroom afterward,’ as- serted. Dick. : Still the justice was by no means convinced. “Well, sir, if you won’t issue the warrant, will you give me an order compelling Mr. Conway to produce Mrs. Ward before you? Then you can _ question the lady yourself.” . “What! Question a crazy woman!” “She’s not crazy.” — : “T see no ground for asking the gentleman to produce his wife in my office. Why, he could put me in a very unpleasant position—perhaps sue me for damages.” Eee ._ “But she isn’t his wife.” Sear eue “You have no evidence but the lady’s word that she isn’t. If she’s not in her right mind—— re
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12 “Then you won’t do anything?” said Dick, dis- pusted with the outeome of his avplication. “Not without you can submit some real evi- dence that the lady is perfectly sane, and is un- lawfully being deprived of her liberty.” “T’ve told you all I can.” “Then I am sorry, but I can’t oblige you..” “You are doing the lady a terrible injustice. It may cost her her life yet.” The justice shrugged his shoulders. Finding that he could not be moved, Dick took up the matter of his friend Joe. “Perhaps you will advise me what steps to take to find out what became of him after the wrecked sailboat was swept out into the Sound?” “You had better communicate the faets to his family and let his father make inquiries about him. If your friend escaped from the storm, either by being picked up by some craft, or cast ashore somewhere on the other side of the Sound, he will return home as soon as he can get there. If he was drowned, his body will be found as soon as the tide throws it up.” . a his body isn’t carried out to sea,” said Dick. “Of course. There’s a possibility of that,” ad- mitted the justice. ; Dick left the home of the village justice very much dissatisfied. As he walked along he deter- mined to hire a cat-boat and visit the yacht. His object, of course, was to rescue Mrs. Ward with- out legal authority if it could be managed. He had his doubts about the success of this maneu- ver, for it was probable that the lady would be kept locked up in her stateroom, and he would not be permitted to see her. However, he felt that it was his duty to make the attempt at any rate. Accordingly he went down to the wharf to _ engage a boatman. He also had another duty to erform and that was to explain to the boatman, rom whom Joe had hired the sailboat the after- noon before, how the craft was lost in the storm, and how his companion was missing under cir- cumstances that made it doubtful if he ever would be seen again alive. He eee that the boatman would give him Hail Columbia, and perhaps make a demand on him for some money to help make his loss good. The latter possibility did not worry Dick much, for he had heard that all the boatmen had their boats insured, and in case of total loss would be entitled to recover at least eighty per cent. of their appraised value. When Dick reached the wharf he learned that the boatman in question had gone off in another craft looking for the two boys and his property. He hired a boat to take him out to the mouth of the bay. About half way there he got a good view of the entrance, and to his surprise saw no sign of the anchored yacht. They went clear out, put the sloop was nowhere in sight. Her com- mander, for reasons, had pulled up his anchor and slipped away, and so Dick returned to the village much disappointed and full of sympathy for the lady. CHAPTER VIII.—Back in Wall Street. Dick didn’t wait for the last train of the day out of the village, but took the afternoon one | v Long Island depot, with m, at o'clock. He which landed him at the 3. FO’ l hi five 0 THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD ‘turned the suitcase over to a transfer company for delivery and then started for his friend Joe’s — flat to break the unhappy intelligence of Joe’s: possible loss to-his father. Nearly an hour later he rang the Simmons bell, and as scon as he heard the answering click he opened the door and ran ; j eer aes upstairs. He was not prepared for the surprise — that awaited him, and was quite staggered when who should he see out on the landing but Joe — himself, looking none the worse after his strenu- _ ous experience. And Joe was just as staggered ~ himself, for he had given Dick up for dead, and ~ was on the point of starting for the Duncan flat — to break the sad news to his chum’s mother and _ sister. eS “Ts that really you, Joe?” cried Dick. Se The same exclamation escaped Joe’s lips. Both vis admitted that there could be no mistake about — their identity. ne “How did you escape, Joe?” asked Dick, eager- — ly, delighted that he had been relieved of the dis- conte duty of breaking the news to his chum’s — olks. Ms . “I was picked up by a small sloop and taken into New London,” replied Joe. “I spent the ~ night on board, and took the early afternoon train for this city, feeling sure that you were ur among the angels. I have been trying to summo up courage enough to go over to your flat an break the news to your folks.” ie, : “T am glad you didn’t.” a “So am I. How did you save yourself?” : “When: I was swept off the boom I caught the ~ cable of the yacht, which was right on top of ~ bret I managed to make my way to her deck — and—— ; eae “Received a warm welcome,” said Joe. HENS “Yes, it was pretty warm. If I told you all — { went through on that craft it would make your hair curl.” es _“Why, what do you mean? They couldn’t have kicked because yo took refuge aboard in the storm. No one that.” “It’s too long a story to tell you now. I mus get over home. I'll say this much, I was treated all right. I got a royal meal, and the gentleman _ who owns or has chartered the yacht, was as nice as pie to me.” ‘Een “Then why did you say that if I knew what te went through on board it would make my air curl?” asked the mystified Joe. 2 “Because it would. You’ll understand all about ~ it after.I have told you my story. Perhaps Pl get the chance to do so to-morrow.” sea “T guess you’re jollying me,” laughed Joe. “By the way, where are our suitcases?” { a “In the hands of the transfer coripany. They will be delivered, charges C. O. D., this evening some time. Well, I must be off. Give my Yre-— ean to your folk. You told them, I suppose, that you guessed I was lost. They'll be glad to learn that you were premature in making the — announcement of my untimely demise.” ad Thus speaking Dick started downstairs, and hurried over home. Next morning Dick was. his office at the regular time, looking browner and healthier than when he started on his va Loh ut an unfeeling hog would do Ra Sa hile v
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THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD since he went to work for Broker Overy. He was always on the lookout for a chance to increase his capital, for he had ambitious plans concern- ing a nice little home in the suburbs for his mother and sister. The rent problem had always bothered his mother, and Dick determined to make an end to it by establishing her in her own house. This happy event, however, was still a fairy tale of the future, but Dick did not doubt that eventually it would be realized. Pretty soon the head bookkeeper, who was the ¢ashier, a couple of clerks and’ the stenographer came in one after another, and each asked Dick how he had enjoyed his vacation, complimenting him on his improved looks. Shortly afterward -~ Mr. Overy came in, looking as old, and as angu- -. lar, and as grouchy as was his custom. Although he was presumed to be rolling in dollars, and ‘had no wife or children to leave his wealth to, he stuck to his business with even greater vim than any one of his employees. He never lost a chance to turn a profit, and he had not been known to treat himself to a vacation in years. He didn’t believe in his employees taking vacaticns either, but as it was the custom in Wall Street for them to do so, he grumblingly permitted the privilege, like a man who felt that he was being robbed out of time he paid for and therefore was justly entitled to reap the benefit of. He attended to his own buying and selling at the boardroom, and was a familiar figure on the floor. * “Here comes Old Daddy Dollars,” was a fa- miliar cry among the young traders when he made his appearance in the morning about ten, and he never left the Exchange till three if there was anything doing. Dick was known all over the district as “Old Daddy Dollars’ boy,” and he ~ enjoyed the appellation amazingly. After Mr. Overy had gone over his mail, which was light that morning, he rang for Dick. Dick knew what he wanted, but he had to respond just the same. - ©Tell Miss Murray- ” began the broker. _ : “That you want her? All right, sir,” and Dick ' started for the door. : -< “Hold on a moment, young man,” said Mr. Overy, severely. “Yes, Sir,” replied the young messenger, stop- ping abruptly. ~ ; - “Come back here,” said the trader, sharply. ~ Dick returned to his desk. ~ *You’ve been away on a week’s vacation.” “Yes, sir. Had a hang-up time, but nearly casted in my chips yesterday afternoon,” replied Dick, in his chipper way. ‘ mh??? _ “Met with an accident, sir. My chum and I ‘went out fishing in a sailboat. We got caught in astorm. Boat capsized, and we just escaped by _ the skin of our teeth.” ; “Humph!” and the broker favored Dick with a “You’vye been away a week and - grouchy look. - you’ve been paid for it. up by greater attention to business.” ~ “Yon’t I always attend to business right up to ‘the handle?” “T have no fault to find with you, but the - smarter you are the better I shall like it. That’s - all. Tell Miss Murray to come in,” and the broker turned to his desk and took up a typewrit- ten letter to read over a second time. cf in ae marched out to the stenographer’s corner ounting-room, I expect you will make it . “You’re wanted, Miss Murray,” he said. “All right, Dick,” she said. Then her eye caught sight of his ring. “What an odd ring? Where did you get it?” “If I were to tell you you’d call it a fish story,” . laughed the boy. “A fish story! _What do you mean?” “A fish brought this ring to me.” “You mean somebody by the name*ef Fish pre- sented it to you?” “Not at all. I mean a He or she, I don’t know what gender it was, did me the honor of bringing it to me from the bot- tom of Long Island Sound.” | “Now you’re jollying me.” “Hope I may eat snowballs this winter if that isn’t the solemn truth. friend Joe White, who was present when the ring turned up.” “Perhaps you’ll explain to me how the fish brought you the ring?” “He or she didn’t bring it of their own accord. I cougit the fish, and found the ring in its stom- ach. “That’s. pretty good. If I were you I'd sell that story to some newspaper,” laughed the girl. “That’s as much as to say you don’t believe it. Well, I didn’t expect that you would, so we'll let it go at that. It is a peculiar ring, isn’t it?” real fish, about so big: I can prove it by my © . 4 fo “Very. YIl wager there isn’t another like it.” “Then you'd lose, for I know a man who has‘its | mate.” “Indeed.” “Yes. Now run along—Mr. Overy is waiting for you.” On his way back to gis post the head bookkeep- ‘er ealled Dick and sent him out on an errand. It was a message to a broker named Caxtcr, whose office was on Broad street. Dick was there in about ten minutes, and he was shown into the gentleman’s private room. He was a smart, dark- complexioned little man, who sported a heavy black mustache. Dick had never called on him be- fore. As the boy handed him the envelope the trad- er’s eyes lighted on the ring with the pure ‘gold setting. He seemed surprised and shot a swift look at the lad. Dick didn’t notice the look for he was staring at the gentleman’s little finger on which shone another duplicate of his own ring. “You are one of us, I see,’ remarked the broker, with a peculiar smile. ; CHAPTER IX.—Dick Gets Hold of a tip. Dick almost gasped at the words. The broke. was now reading the note he had brought and did not notice his manner. “The very words the steward said,” breathed Dick. hopelessly bewildered by the singular coin- cidence, “Working for Overy, eh?” with a shrewd smile. “Yes, sir,” blurted Dick. : “Well, I wish you luck. Good-by.” Dick walked out of the office like one in a dream. - “Gee! said Broker Caxton, I never had any broker wish me luck before because I’m working for Old Daddy Dol- The boys all sympathize with me en to which is © * lars. Mr. Overy’s reputation for stinginess, {
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14 _ ‘SHE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD only equalled by the size of his supposed bank account. ‘You are one of us, I see.’ That’s what Mr. Caxton said. Now what did he mean by that? Was it just a playful remark, or was there some significance to it? What significance could there be? I’m only a messenger, and don’t amount to a hill of beans so far as the gentle- men of Wall Street are concerned. How could I be one of them? It’s funny he should get off the same thing that the Frenchman did. And that reminds me that I didn’t call on him in the pantry to sample that highball, as he called it,” chuckled the boy. “It’s just as well for I don’t drink such creations. of the bar. Say, if it doesn’t get my goat how three of us should possess the same odd ring. It’s a wonder he didn’t notice the ring on my finger and ask all about it. Id like to know if I shall run across any more dupli- cates, This can’t be a specially made ring after all, but some new design that is having a run on ‘the market. I guess I needn’t be surprised if I see more like. it.” i * Dick returned to the office and reported to the “head bookkeeper. As he was turning away from the window he noticed an envelope on the floor, He picked it up and saw that it was addressed to John /Smith, and that it had been opened. “Belongs to one of our customers, perhaps,” he thought. He sat down, took out the enclosure and read : it. This is what it contained: x _ “Dear SmirH—The melon I spoke about is M. & C. It will soon be opened to the tune of an advance of twenty points or more. A nod is as good as a wink to a blind“forse. Go in and win. Your cousin, Tom,” “uh!” exclaimed Dick. “Looks like a first- class tip from Cousin Tom to Smith advising him to buy M.:& C. for a raise of twenty points, The ~ date is Saturday. I wonder if a man named Smith left an order with us for some M. & C. I must ask his giblets,”? meaning the head book- keeper, “and if he has, that will be a line for me to follow and go in and win, too.” _ Dick stood well with the boss of the counting- yoom and he knew“it. In fact, Dick stood well ‘ with everyone in the office, including Old Daddy Dollars, and, for that matter, everybody outside the office who knew him, for he was a lad who made friends easily, and, what was more to the point, kept them, too. So he made no bones about going: up to the head bookkeeper, whose name was Morrison, and- asking him if a man named John Smith had bought some M. & C. shares through the house that morning. “Really, I couldn’t tell you, Dick. Ask New- comb. I can’t remember everything that hap- pens here,” replied Morrison. ; Newcomb was one of the clerks and to him Dick immediately applied for the information Te wanted. a “John Smith, eh?” said Newcomb, Boitog at Dick, quizzically. “Is Mr. Smith a friend of “yours, or have you taken a sudden interest in his affairs?” “John Smith is a particular—very particular . friend of mine at this minute,” smiled Dick. “And you £0 i Be eas lt SO Se bee desk had another occupant. want to find out if he’s in on M, : nti eae aren . private room with two handsomely dressed meing, a +> “You couldn’t have made a closer guess if you “were a wizard,” chuckled Dick. ; : “Don’t you know that our customers’ affair are matters not to be divulged to——” “Outsiders. Of course; but I’m not an out sider.” + “Not to be told to anybody except the boss,” — continued Newcomb. ; ; t “Oh, come on, Mr. Newcomb, do you want me to have an attack of heart failure?” ¢ “T hope not; but I guess there’s no danger of that. ~ You look as fit as a fiddle since you’ye been in’ the conntry.” sae “Looks are not to be depended on. Get a hustle on, and let me know what I asked you about.” “Really, Dick, you order me about as though you were the boss,” 485 “Tf I was the boss I’d raise your wages, and ~~ give you two weeks’ vacation instead of oné.” “TI believe you would. Well, let me see what — I can do for you.” Q me A minute later Dick had acquired the infor- — mation he wanted. John Smith:had bought 1,000 — shares of M. & C. at the market, about 80, on — the usual ten per cent margin. Pe a “Thank you, Mr. Newcomb, that’s all I wanted — to know,” said Dick. : Sy 1 “Mind you keep the matter to yourself. If © Mr. Overy heard I had told you this he’d read — me the riot act.” “Don’t you worry. He won’t find it out through me,” and Dick walked away, satisfied — that the tip was a bona fide one, and fully dew") termined to get in on/the good thing himself i without delay. ; There wasn’t a whole lot doing thatday in Wall — Street, for business hadn’t commenced to pick ~ up yet after a very dull summer. Most of the. — brokers were out of town enjoying life at the sea~ shore, or the mountains, where their familits, — if they had any, were rusticating over the hot — spell. The financial district was sizzling under — a hot sun, and everybody who could get away from business was glad to do so. There was one ~ big office, away up in a tall skyscraper, which — had the appearance of considerable activity. The — sign on the door read “George Conway & Co.” — There were four rooms to the suite. The first — was a reception-room, which was in charge of a | shrewd-looking, red-haired boy. He had a desk, — which he occupied between half-past nine and a four, barring an interval for lunch, when. the, — All visitors not known to him had to pass hig’ - scrutiny, and answer satisfactorily such ques-— tions as he asked them, before they got any furs — ther. He was well dressed, and on the little fins — ger of his right hand shone a ring the exact coun-"_ terpart of the one Dick found in the belly of the fish. That style of ring seemed to be very pop- — ular with many ‘of the persons who called at, © George Conway & Co’s, and of itself appeared to — be an “open sesame” to the offices beyond, for those who wore the ring did not have to under- — go any inspection, nor answer any questions ag to their business. They passed in and out with- out hindrance, though sometimes they had to wait their turn. About the time that Dick Duncan was asking John Smith’s business relations with, his office, Mr. George Conway was closeted in his ;
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each of whom ‘sported the ring with the gold set- ting: hs I was saying,’ he said, “the boy made his escape; but that dcesn’t greatly matter, I guess, for he learned nothing of any importance. I don’t know what our prisoner may have told him before I caught them together, but she - spoiled its effect by her crazy behavior, and I had no trouble in persuading him that she was ‘men- tally unbalanced.” ? ; “His escape, however, is a sign that his sus- _ picions were aroused,” said one of the other ~ gentlemen. - “T grant that; but I have taken measures to de- feat any action he might have taken yesterday * morning i: Mrs. Ward’s behalf by changing, the anchorage of the yacht. We are now lying in ' Great South Bay.” 4 “How came you to help yourself to the dosed _ eoffee instead of giving it to him? You are not ‘the man to make so serious a blunder.” ; “T can’t understand that myself. I am _ posi- tive that I handed him the drugged cup.” “And yet you became the victim.” _ “Unfortunately, yes, It’s a great mystery to me. I could understand the matter if Mrs. Ward had got the chance to change the cups, but she -didn’t.” ; : . “She must have managed to give the tip to the boy somehow, and he changed the cups while your back was turned for a few moments. It is possible that) when he did the trick he was not sure there was anything in it; but on perceiv- ing the effect the changed coffee had on you he gaw that things were not right and lost no time “in quitting the yacht.” ; “Well, it’s unfortunate, but, as I said before, he knows nothing that would lead to our detec- ‘pion In any case we know where to lay our ‘hands on him in case anything should transpire to show us that he is dangerous to our interests. He works for Old Daddy Dollars.” ~ “The man we are laying a trap for? The _ dickens he is.” ‘ : . “T tried to pump him, but if he knows any of - the old man’s business secrets he wouldn’t give them away. He’s an uncommon lad, and used to ‘work for Hopper.” 2 ; : “Well, what progress have we made in getting near the old man’s gold?” : “Y’ve secured a plan of his private room, and - the combination of his private safe. I shall send Wilcox to him this afternoon with a bunch of our ' bogus bonds, on which I hope he will be able to borrow $60,000. If matters run right we will lean out his safe tomorrow. All that is neces {sary will be to get him out of the room long enough to give us time to’ cpen the safe and transfer whatever gold and securities he has in it to our bags, and depart by way of the corri- dor door.” : “It’s a daring game to pull off in broad day- light and during office hours.” . “We did it twice last week with such success _ that in neither case has the discovery yet been made.” “That’s because the brokers are out of town.” That’s true. Neither of them panned out near we THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD 15 “Tm afraid we'll shatter that confidence,” smiled the gentleman who had taken little part in the conversation. “We certainly will,” returned Conway. “Will you have a drink, gentlemen? I have a new brand of whisky I can recommend to ycur pal- ates.” He produced a decanter and glasses from a compartment in his desk. “Here’s to the continued success of the Broth- erho:d of Gold,” he said. “Amen to that,” replied his visitors as they drained their glassés, and then arose to take their departure. CHAPTER X.—“I’m Ruined!” On his way home that afternoon Dick stopped in at the little bank on Nassau street, which had a brokerage department that kept open til] four o’clock, and left his order for 100 shares of M: & C. stock at the market, now 81, depositing his certificate of deposit fcr $1,200 as security. After supper his friend Joe White dropped in .to see him, and learn about his experience on the yacht. ee told him. the story, and Joe was quite aston- ished. “Do you really think there’s anything in that Brotherhood of Gold business?” he asked, appar- ently incredulous. : “Well, the lady maintains that there is such a combination of Wall Street men who are en- gaged in a secret conspiracy to rob certain wealthy people of the Street.” “J should imagine that was a pretty daring game.” “It is certainly a risky one.” “How does the lady figure in the matter?” “She told me that she not only had a fortune of her own, but had recently made a lot of money out of the market. She hasbeen operating through a broker who she believes is a member of this Brotherhood. At any rate, he introduced her to Conway, who appears to be the head muck- amuck, and soon afterward she was induced to visit the yacht, when she was made a prisoner. The object of her captors is to get all her money away from her.” “It seems to me that this rascally scheme is bound to be exposed sooner or later, and all the members of the Brotherhood will find themselves in trouble.” Sane : “The fact that they are brokers going about their ordinary business relieves them of suspi+ cion. In case the game is discovered it will be hard to find out ED the men are who are con- nected with it.” “Well, you know that Conway is the head gazabo. Why don’t you go to the police and tell what you know?” ‘ Bis phase any real evidence to bring against im. : “But you say he tried to drug you?” “T am sure he did, but I can’t prove it with- out Mrs. ‘Ward’s testimony.” “Get the police to visit the yacht and release _ the lady.” “That’s easier said than done. The yacht has _ changed her anchorage. Besides, after the expe- rience I had with the village justice I’m afraid, aa,
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him. When the jeans started back for _ thi 16 ‘THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD even the city detectives would hesitate to invade the yacht unless they had better evidence of crooked work than I can give them.” “ft should think that your statement that she is a prisoner’ on the vessel would be enough to lead to an investigation.” “Well, you see Conway is supposed to be repu- table and rich Wall Street operator. It is no silly thing for the police to butt into his private affairs unless they are sure of their ground. In case a detective did visit the yacht he would claim that: Mrs. Ward was his wife, and every- ° body would back him up.” “But she would deny the fact. as good as his?” “No,. because he has surrounded her with the reputation of an unbalanced mind. Why, the vil- Isn’t her word " lage justice told me he had heard about the lady —that she was afflicted with the hallucination that her husband and those around her were enemies bent on doing her harm and robbing hér of her money.” “That’s kind of fierce for her.” “She has a daughter in this city, however. If I could find her I might be able to do something. _ She gave me her address, written in lead pencil on a piece of paper, and told me to cal on her; but the water, when I swam ashore, made the: writing illegible, and I can’t read a word of it.” “That's unfortunate.” “T should say so.” “Put an advertisement in the paper. Do you ‘know her first name?” “Yes, it’s Edith.” 2 “Then advertise for her. Lf she doesn’t see the notice, one of her friends might, and so you’d get in touch with her.” “T was thinking about, doing that.” “J haven’t read about the mysterious robbery of any wealthy Wall Street man of late, so the “Brotherhood you mentioned can’t have got down to real business yet. When such a thing hap- pens I would adyise you to communicate your suspicions to the police, and that will put the matter up to them,” said Joe. “That’s a good idea. I’ make a note of it,” replied Dick. - Shortly afterward he and Joe walked around to a newspaper branch office in One Hundred and Twenty-fifth street, and Dick inserted a personal in the paper, which stated that Edith Ward, daughter of Mrs. Ethel Ward, would learn some- thing to her advantage by communicating with the advertiser, care of John Overy, broker, No. Wall Street. : “That ought to fetch her,” said Joe, as they left the place. ee _~ About eleven o’clock next morning three well- dressed gentlemen called at Mr. Overy’s office ‘and aaked to see him on business of rr taker Dick was in at the time and he took thelr names ‘inside. All three of the visitors wore heavy beards, which left very little of their faces visi- ble; and each of them displayed a similar ring to - Dick’s on his little finger. ever, Dick did ~ to admit the callers, and the The latter fact, how- not notice. The broker told him private room. In a little while Mr, Overy came out and went into his counting-room. Then one ‘of the visitors came out, closing the door after the room walked into the. you left the room?” asked the boy. conversation. The bearded man showed some document, the contents of which he seem: very anxious to impress on his attention. Mr. — Overy several times attempted to go on to his — office, but the man detained him by various skil- — ful maneuvers, while he continued to talk like a | house afire. Had Dick been in his chair he prob-— ably would have recognized the ring on the gén- — tleman’s little finger, for the man’s hand was al-° — most continually on the old broker’s arm; but > ; him Dick was talking to Joe White and another friend — of his named Jud Havens, each of whom had — called with a note for Mr. Overy. Suddenly a — eculiar bird-like call sounded out in the corri- or. ang “I wonder what that was?” exclaimed Dick, - “Some kid messenger, I guess, in the corridor,” replied Joe. 3 “He’s quite a warbler, then,” said Dick, think- ing nothing more about it. a At that moment the visitor who had been talking with the broker, concluded his arguments — and released Mr. Overy’s arm. ES “What do you think about it?” he said. 3 “[’]l consider the matter. Call tomorrow and — T’ll give you my answer,’ answered Old Daddy Dollars. 2 T’ll be here about three o’clock. — “All right. Good-day.” ie The caller started for the door in a brisk ~ way, while Mr. Overy re-entered his room, fol< — lowed by Dick, with Jud and Joe behind him. The broker was surprised when he saw no sign - of the other two visitors whom he had left there. He was still more surprised when his eyes rested on his private safe, the door of which stood wide — open, though it was closed and locked when he left the room. At the sight of the open safe the ~— old man uttered a cry that startled Dick and his “4 friends, Jud and Joe. He rushed forward and threw himself down on his knees before the safe, “T’m ruined!” he cried, frantically. oa Thousand. ae “What’s the matter, Mr. Overy?” cried Dick, — rushing forward. : tae “P’m ruined—ruined!” cried the old man again, “Ruined!” exclaimed Dick, astonished. - - “Robbed—robbed of thousands of dollars in gold. That compartment was full of double — eagles, now not a coin is left. Where are those — men who were in here? They are thieves. Call ~ the police at once. ‘Call the police.” x Dick ran out to the telephone booth in the counting-room, and looking up the number of — a CHAPTER XI.—Robbed of One Hundred Overy’s safe had just been robbed by two me who had paid him a business visit, and asked — that a detective be sent at once to investigate the — matter. Then he returned to the inner. 3 aes the broker was going on like mad over his” Oss. ; "4 2 “How came you.to leave your safe open whe a
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THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD - open it in the short time you were out talking to the other visitor?” #7 don’t know. I don’t know. somehow.” “It couldn’t have been locked. You only thought it was.” “say it was locked,” roared Mr. Overy. Dick felt that there was no use of disputing his.word. He examined the door of the safe, but it showed no signs of having been tampered with. Seeing something glistening on the floor, he picked it up. It was a small piece of pure gold, just the size of the setting of his ring, and just the same shape, too. Dick wondered how it came * to be there. He dropped it in his vest pocket while he continued his inspection of the safe. Joe White and Jud Havens did not see how they could present their notes to Mr. Overy in the state he was ‘in, and stood back watching Dick and talking about the singularity of the robbery. Suddenly turning on them, the old man ordered them out of the room in a fierce tone. “Yve got a note for you,” said Joe, offering it. “So have I,” said Jud, offering his. Mr. Overy snatched them both, and read them » with a shaking hand. He searcely grasped the nature of their contents, but he roared “No an- swer,” and threw them on his desk. “Come, Jud, let’s sneak,” said Joe, and the two ‘boys left. “There is no sign of any tool having been used on the safe,” said Dick, when alone with his em- +. ployer. 2 f he broker glared at him. “Get out of here,” he howled, and Dick lost no time in obeying the order. He did not communicate the news to anyone in the counting-room, but took his seat and, pulling out the piece of gold, looked at it critically, com- paring it with the setting of his rimg. “By George! That must have fallen out of one of this make of ring,” he said to himself. “One of these thieves maybe wore such a ring, They opened it and the setting was so loose that it fell out while - he was at the safe. My gracious! Ever since that ring of mine came into my possession in such a remarkable way, that kind of ring has - been turning up all around me. Funny that I -mever noticed the design before. very latest novelty‘in rings. Everybody seems to be buying one. I am right in the style. The old man seems mighty sure that the safe was locked, but I’m just’ as certain it wasn’t. He isn’t in- fallible. He went to his safe for something, then _ shut the door and thought he turned the handle, - otherwise nobody but a person acquainted with the combination could haye opened that safe in the short time those visitors were in there, and without leaving a mark on it, either.” : The head bookkeeper called Dick and sent him out. When he got back there was a detective in - the private room with Old Daddy Dollars. The old man declared that his loss amounted to ‘$50,000 in gold, and a bunch of valuable securities worth $50,000 more, _. He described his visitors to the detective, and said two had remained in his room while the ‘third came outside and engaged his attention for - # matter of ten minutes. : He said there was nothing about them that “struck him as suspicious. It must be the ~ They talked about a— 17, loan they wanted to raise, and acted just like well-to-do brokers. The detective, after a thor- ough examination of the safe, came to the same conclusion that Dick had arrived at—that it could not have been locked at the time. of the robbery. Mr. Overy insisted that it was locked. He said that owing to the amount of value it contained he never failed to see that it was locked when he shut it up. r : . “Did you open it this morning?” the sleuth asked. “T did, soon after I came here, and I locked it after I took a paper from it,” replied the broker, The detective was satisfied he had not locked it, but he kept his thoughts to himself. After securing a description of the alleged thieves he went away. Dick followed him outside and handed him the piece of gold, telling him where he had found it. and when. He showed the. sleuth his ring, and how the piece of gold was an exact counterpart of its setting. The detective believed that one of the thieves had worn a ring’ like the boy’s, and that its setting came out while he was working at the safe. He took the piece off gold away with him as a clue to workon. During — the rest of the day Mr. Overy was in a ed humor. Dick didn’t blame him for being out sorts if he had lost $100,000. = The employees in the counting-room remained in ignorance of the robbery, as neither Dick nor the old man said anything about it. They sus- ected that something was wrong from the bro- er’s manner, and Morrison tried to learn some- thing from Dick, thinking he might have an idea what was in the wind. Y He was disappointed, because Dick wasn’t giv- ing out any information on the subject. Dick and Joe came together after business hours. ay “Got any clue to that robbery?” Joe asked.» “No, not to my knowledge.” “T suppose the detectives are on the job?” “One is, I know.” i “What did he have to say about it?” “He and I agree that the safe was not locked, or the robbery could not have been committed in the short time the visitors pulled it off.” “You saw the alleged crooks. What did they Took like?” \ Be “They looked like gentlemen of means.” “What do you think about it?” “{ haven’t any opinion as yet.” “Hasn’t it struck you that this might be one of the daring acts of that Brotherhood of Gold you told me about?” : “By George! You may be right. I never con- nected them with such a piece of business.’ “You had better call at Police Headquarters — and tell the story you told me. The authorities — ment consider the matter well worth investiga- jon. $ ae: “T’'m afraid they’d consider my story ratheg — fishy,” said Dick, after a moment’s thought., — “They might, but that’s nothing to. you.” ~ “T’d hate to have them size me up as a fool,” ' “What do you care if you think the Brothers hood of Gold is a fact, and that it has some con<— nection with the robbery of your boss?” SR ee “Well, you see I\have only Mrs, Ward’s word — for it that such an organization really exists, Suppose she was wrong?” i Shoes “But you belieye she was right, don’t you?
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. "J believe that’ she possesses knowledge about fome kind of a crooked game that is being work- ed here in Wall Street. She herself appears to be one of the victims.” ; “If you believe that much, it’s your duty, isn’t it, to tell the police? It may give them the very clue they need to work on.” EP ~“T would first like to find the lady’s daughter _. and make sure that she really is what she claims tobe. Then I’d have some real evidence to fur- - nish the police. As the case stands I can’t swear that Mrs. Ward was abducted from this city.” hy don’t you look into that?” “] will,” replied Dick. “Ill stop in at Head- quarters on my way uptown. Will you go with 9) “Sure I will,” answered Joe. The two boys left the quick-lunch house, where they had been taking a bite, and caught a Broad- way car bound north. CHAPTER XII.—Edith Ward. When they reached Police Headquarters, Dick was directed to the room where a record was kept of people who had been reported as missing from their homes. He inquired if a lady by the name of Mrs. Ethel Ward had been reported as having _ disappeared suddenly and unaccountably from the city. : "When did the lady disappear?” asked the of- ficer. ; The book was consulted, but no entry about -. Mrs. Ward appeared in it about the time in- dicated. The olficer went back a week without result, and also ran over the list for two weeks within the month. a “J don’t see any mention about that person,” he said. . ‘ : Dick was disappointed. - : : ; -.“The lady has a daughter and friends in this city,” he said. : reported her disappearance to the police the first hing.” “That is generally the case,” replied the officer. “Lots of people are reported missing when they e really not missing at all. They go off some- ‘where on a visit without leaving word behind hem, or they miss their connections somehow on ‘their way home and fail to arrive when expected. As a result their near relatives become alarmed, ind jthe police are immediately asked to look for em. This missing people business is a great nuisance.”’. ; “Well, if you haven’t any record of this lady, moo hasn’t been reported, I suppose,” said : hat’s about the size of it.” r ou have a city directory here, I presume?” ‘es. Want to look at it?” ‘If you please,” said Dick. There were several Wards in it, but they were men. The boy made.a list of them anyway, on chance that one of them might prove a rela- of the lady he was interested in, ace “J should think her daughter would have re-. yep ted the fact that she is missing to the police. “About a month ago, I believe,” replied Dick. “J should think they would have’ her from a bad fall Le THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD “Well, are you going to tell that story of yours in the proper quarter?” asked Joe. “No. I’m going to wait till I can learn some- thing more about Mrs. Ward.” : “Then come on. Let’s go home.” Before he went home he went to the office of the + newspaper in which he had inserted the advertise- ment and paid for two more insertions. There was nothing in the afternoon papers about the robbery at his office, which convinced him that the police were keeping the matter quiet. Next morning when Dick consulted the market reper he saw that M. & C. had advanced half a point. “That’s good,” he told himself. “Every little helps. It shows that somebody is taking an inter- est in it.” Things went on as usual that day. The market continued dull as a whole, and very little business was done at the different exchanges. Dick and his fellow messengers had a comparatively easy time of it, which, as the weather was hot, they duly appreciated. Old Daddy Dollars was in his grouchiest mood, and the office force found things correspondingly unpleasant. Dick admit- ted the detective to his room about noon, but the ‘ sleuth did not stay long, from which fact the boy concluded that he, had nothing of importance to communicate on the subject of the robbery. As Dick was passing the Manhattan Building on his way up Wall Street, he saw Conway and another gentleman come out and proceed at a leisurely pace toward Broadway. He followed on behind 4, them and saw them enter a big cafe on Broadway. He waited a whilé, and when they didn’t come out he went in and looked around. They were standing at the bar drinking and talking. Dick went outside and waited fifteen minutes longer. Then they came out and jumped on a Broadway northbound car. a Dick caught the same car, sat down near the door and pulled his hat down over his forehead. — The car went up to Twenty-third street and . then turned off eastward, which was a sign that { it was going up Lexington avenue. At Madison avenue, however, the two men got off, and so did Dick. They took a Madison avenue car and Dick got aboard, too. When the car reached a certain block well uptown the gentlemen alighted, and Dick followed them to the sidewalk. Half way up the block the men stopped in front of a high- class bachelor apartment-house. Here Conway arted from his companions and went into the aes - 7 “J guess he lives there when he’s in town,” thought the boy, making a note of the number. Dick continued up the avenue, intending to catch the next uptown car that came along, and go on up to One Hundred and_ Twenty-fourth street. As he was passing a high-stoop res- idence, a very pretty young girl came out and tripped down the steps. Some thoughtless person had dropped or thrown a banana peel on the fourth step from the sidewalk. The girl stepped on it, slipped and pitched forward. She would have landed head first on the walk but for Dick, who jumped forward and caught her in his arms, — Her frightened look changed to one of confusion, — and she hastily extricated herself from Dick’s em- brace, at the same time thanking him for saving __
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“You’re welcome, miss,” he said, lifting his hat. Then seeing she had dropped her pocketbook, he picked it up. Several cards fell out of it, and he recovered them. Across the uppermost one he saw, printed in card text, “Miss Edith Ward.” He stared at the name in surprise, for Mrs. Ward’s daughter’s name was Edith. “T beg your pardon, miss, but is your name Edith Ward?” he said as he handed the girl the wallet and the.cards. “Thank you,” she said, as she took her prop- erty from him, then in answer to his question she said “Yes.” - ¢ “Your mother—is her name Mrs. Ethel Ward?” . “Why, yes.” E “May I ask if she has been away from home for about a month?” _ “She has.” : Dick looked at Miss Ward, and it was apparent she showed no anxiety about her mother. The boy began to wonder if this was the right young “Jad : y. “You will excuse me if I ask a rather strange “question, but will you tell me if-you haye any Zz idea where your mother is?” = “Why, certainly I have,” she answered, in a tone of surprise. “She went offion a yachting trip with some friends.” ; 5 “A yachting trip!” said Dick. “Have you heard from Nae since she started?” é “No, and I’m beginning to get a little worried,” - gaid the girl. “I ought to have received a letter + from her before this, for the yacht. I was told, - ‘was only going for a summer cruise in the Carib- pean Sea, and she would doubtless stop at many _ places whence a letter could be mailed by my _ mother.” “Do you know the name of the yacht?” “The Ocean Wave.” a “Did you see your mother off?” : sr “No. I was out of town visiting friends at the ; time.” “She wrote you saying she was going on this trip?” “% i No, but I found a letter awaiting me at the’ ‘ house, written by the owner of the yacht, explain- ing that my mother had gone on the trip at such - short notice that she was unable to write me about it, but that I would hear from her as soon as the vessel reached Nassau.” “You are acquainted with the owner of the yacht?” “I was introduced to him by my mother on one ~~ eccasion when he called at our house. His name YA r “Well, Miss. -~ is George Conway.” ss # That settles it,” thought Dick. -. Ward,” he added aloud, “I had the pleasure of > meeting the lady lately who I believe is your - mother. She is a tall, handsome lady of fine ap- _. pearance.” ; ; “You have described my mother exactly. You have just comé from the West Indies, then?” said _~ the girl, eagerly. “And you met her at some port there?” Dick felt and looked embarrassed. How was _ Her mother had told him not to alarm her; but ‘then Mrs, Ward supposed that her daughter was Evidently the lady was ignorant that Conway had THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD he to tell the girl the truth without startling her? © worrying over her unexplained. disappearance. - ; ‘sent Edith Ward word that he had taken her — mother on a pleasure trip. It was clear to Dick that he had done that to make it appear that the © lady had left the city in a bonafide way, and:to allay any fears the young lady might have that anything had happened to her mother. That was — why the police had not. been notified that Mrs. - Ward had disappeared in a mysterious ways While Miss Ward was looking at him pains he was trying.to think of some’ way to let ev know the actual facts without giving her a shock, “No, I haven’t come from the West Indies. I met your mother a few days ago on board a yacht, owned or chartered by George Conway,’ which at the time was anchored in the Sound within half a mile of the Long Island shore,” he said, watching the effect of his words on the | young lady. * Miss rd looked incredulous. If her mother was so close to home, surely she would haye written to her. : “Ym afraid it was not. my mother you met,” she replied with a smile, 2 pee “T am sure it was, Miss Ward. The fact that — George Conway, a Wall Street man, was in au» — tpety on board ought to be pretty good evie — ence.’ =e ~~ The young lady had to admit that fact. “Tf the yacht has returned from her cruise it is very strange that my mother has not written me,” she said, with a perplexed look. : SEF m she hasn’t,” said = _ “Well, there are reasons why Dick. Bi; ; “What reasons?” asked the girl quickly. “Is she ill?” Of ets as “No. She gave me her home address and told — me to call on you and tell you that she would be home soon. I should have called before this only I lost the address, and it is quite by accident—you * slipping and me catching you—that we came to- gether now,” said Dick. eis “But why didn’t she write me a note? JT never knew mother to act’so strangely before. Are ‘you’ sure there is nothing wrong with her?” she added anxiously. “Are you not keeping something back?” — “T have delivered your mother’s mesons to you just as she instructed me to, Miss Ward.- I only. ad the opportunity of speaking to her a short | time, under unusual conditions. You see I and a — friend weré spending a week’s vacation down at Manhasset village, and last Saturday, at the end of our stay, we went fishing in a sailboat. A’ storm came up, our boat was upset, and I only saved my life by getting hold of the cable of the | Conway yacht. I got aboard after some difficulty, and while availing myself of Mr. Conway’s hos- | pitality for two or three hours I met your mother - and she asked me to call on you and deliver her short message,” said Dick. ere there is something the matter.” = " She looked down. at the sidewalk fo: . . =
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20 _ pr two, then suddenly seizing Dick by the arm, - phe said: “You have not told me all. Is there anything the matter with my mother? Or are you deceiving me altogether?” . “Deceiving you, Miss Ward! What object could I have in doing that?” % “T don’t know; but your message is so strange 3 and unsatisfactory—so unlike what I might ex- pect from my mother, that I can hardly credit your words.” “T have told you the truth.” _ _ “And have kept nothing back that I ought to know?” she said earnestly. Dick looked at the girl somewhat embarrassed. He saw that she was not satisfied with the brief message from her mother, and he could not blame her. He debated whether or not he Had better tell her the whole truth so far as he knew it. It was clear that she felt sure he was keeping some- thing from her. To leave her in such suspense was as bad, if not worse, than putting her in pos- ' session of allthe facts. At any rate his hesitation only made the matter worse. Her eyes were searching his face in an anxious way. He felt that he must tell her the truth. “Miss Ward, I admit I have not told you every- thing.” ' “I thought so.. But you will tell me, won’t you?” she said appealingly. : “T’d rather not do it on the sidewalk here.” “Then it is something serious,” she said, her _ face going white. “My mother is ill—very ill. I must re : “She is not ill, at least not when I left her on — Saturday night.” ‘ “Then what is the matter with her?” _. “The matter is she is being detained on board the yacht by Mr. Conway against her will. There, now you have the truth.” : “Detained against her will!” cried the girl, with a Jook of astonishment. ~“Yes. She is a prisoner on board.” friend——” “Your mother regards him in quite a different light. If you will take me into the parlor of your house I will explain’ all that I know about the case.” “Come, then. I am anxious to know what you have to say,” said Miss Ward. She led the way up the steps, and they entered the house together. , ‘ " 3 ri CHAPTER XIII.—Dick and Edith Visit Police i Headquarters. _. Reaching the parlor the young lady pointed to - @ chair beside one of the windows overlooking the avenue, and, seating herself opposite Dick, waited \with not a little anxiety for him to go on. “J will first introduce myself,” began Dick, “for _|you ought to know who you have invited into rour house. My name is Dick Duncan. I live at hs, — West One Hundred and Twenty-fourth street, and I work for John Overy, stockbroker, of the Wheeler Building, Wall Street. Now I will --go ahead.” > He began his story from the moment when he ') “Why, that seems ridiculous. Mr. Conway is a THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD was brushed off the wreck of the sailboat and caught the yacht’s hawser. Then he went on to tell how he made his way aboard the sloop, en- tered the cabin, vacant at the time, and saw the lady, who subsequently told him her name was Ward, and whom he heard addressed as Ethel by Conway, standing at the head of the campanion stairs looking out at the storm. “ He described the lady more minutely than be- fore, and the girl admitted that the picture fitted her mother in every way. Dick told her every- thing he went through on board the yacht with which her mother had a connection, explaining such facts about the Brotherhood of Gold as Mrs. Ward had imparted to him, not forgetting the incident of the drugged coffee. To say that Edith Ward was astonished at his recital would be put- ting it quite mildly. Indeed it is doubtful if she would have believed it but for the unaccountable , silence of her mother, from whom she had re- ceived no communication, but Dick’s meager and unsatisfactory message, in a month. Dick’s earnest way of telling his story helped to conyinée her, also, and when he finished she sat- with hands clasped in her lap, looking straight at him. ‘ “My mother must be rescued,” she said. “That’s right,” nodded the boy. “That will be work for the police. I will go with you to Head- quarters, and, now that I have fully established your mother’s identity beyond the shadow of a doubt, tell my story to the chief of the detectives. Your testimony concerning your mother’s absence from home, and her extraordinary silence toward you, as well as the note you received from Mr. Conway- ie “I am afraid I destroyed the note at the time I received it,” Edith said. “That’s too bad, as it would be a very material bit of evidence showing that Conway admitted the presence of your mother aboard of his yacht.” “I am very sorry, but I had no idea at the time that everything was not all right,” said the girl. “You needn’t blame yourself, for it was natural that you should attach no vital importance to it. It was merely a friendly notification, apparently, that your mother had started unexpectedly on a short summer cruise with friends.” : “Yes,” she replied ; “At any rate, you can state that you received the note in question, and it is hardly likely that your word will be doubted. You will be able to tell enough to bear out the truthfulness of my. statement that I know your mother is detained on board Conway’ss yacht aginst her will. That is the point we want to establish in order to get the police to move in her behalf.” There was a telephone in the house which Dick availed himself of to call up Police Headquarters and make an appointment with the chief of detec- tives for that evening. Edith promised to be ready when he called for her, and*the boy took his leave. Shortly after supper he started for Mrs. Ward’s residence, and he and Edith took a car for downtown. At the time of which we write the headquarters of the police was situated at 300 Mulberry street, a locality inhabited by | foreigners. It was not the nicest neighborhood - in the world for a young lady like Edith Ward to visit. SAL On their arrival they were shown into the —
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THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD chief’s room, and that official presently appeared Dick told his story in as few words as possible, and Edith hadvher say. The chief smiled at the mention of such an organization as “The Brother- hood of Gold.” _ It sounded rather queer to him. He was still more incredulous when Dick asserted that it was composed of Wall Street men, headed by George Conway. ‘ . “You doubt the existence of such a combine?” said Dick. ; “Tt doesn’t s@em reasonable,” said the chief.. “T don’t believe such a thing could be organized in Wall Street.” ‘ “There are lots of combinations organized in Wall Street, and some of them are not over honest, either, though they manage to plunder: the public in what.is considered a legitimate way,” said Dick. “T dare say,” replied the chief, dryly; “but as long as they keep within the limits of the law their actions can only be revived through the civil courts.” ck “Well, this Brotherhood of Gold is a criminal combine, and unless its methods are exposed soon ou are liable to have a bunch of mysterious rob- tah in the financial district to employ. the at- tention of your men.” The chief smiled incredulously. “Ag a matter of fact, you have one already,” went on Dick. “I refer to the case of Broker Overy, whose messenger I am. Three men, ap- “parently gentlemen, visited his office yesterday morning, and, inside of ten minutes, got away with $50,000 in gold and a like amount in gilt- edge securities. If this Brotherhood of Gold isn’t at the bottom of this robbery I shall be much surprised.” : i The chief easy smile faded. He looked hard at Dick. . “T have two men working on that case,” he said. "J expect to discover the thieves in a few days.” “T hope you will, for Mr. Overy has a grouch on a mile long, and everybody in the office suffers from it. But to return to Mrs. Ward. Are you going to make a move in her behalf?” “Ts the yacht still at Manhasset?” , “Not unless she returned there after I left the place. I don’t believe that she returned. She is probably in some secluded anchorage within easy reach of this city.” “You say that Mr. Conway, whom you assert is the leading spirit of this alleged criminal or- ganization, is on board of her?” i “Not at present, he isn’t. I saw him come out of the Manhattan Building on Wall Street this afternoon with a well-dressed man, and I followed them uptown as far as Madison avenue, and,” Dick mentioned the cross street, “Mr. Conway entered a tony-looking apartment house for gen- tlemen, so I imagine he stops there when he is in the city.” _ -“Noing a little detective work on ;your own ~ account?” said the chief with a covert smile. “Well, I thought I’d try and find out where he was going.” " _ “T doubt the existence of this Brotherhood of Gold, but the situation of your mother, young lady, is quite a different matter,” said the chief. ee 4 “At any rate, the testimony that you two have submitted to me warrants an investigation. I ots will put a man on the job. His first business will be to locate-the yacht, after which he will proceed as his judgment dictates. I will send the officer in here now and you will tell him what you have told me, but you need not go into the Brother- hood matter with him. His instructions will con-,- fine his efforts entirely to Mrs. Ward. If he finds that the lady is prevented from leaving through es a of Mr. Conway, he will know what ‘to 0. ; The chief left the room and his place was pres-. ently taken by a small; weazel-faced man, who in- troduced himself as Brown. Dick went over his “story again for his benefit, and Edith added what she had already told the chief. The sleuth asked — Dick many questions, to which the boy gave frank replies. Finally the man said that he would not detain them longer, so they left the building and ~ took a Madison avenue car uptown. Dick had already satisfied himself that Edith Ward was a, very pretty girl, and gave promise of developing into, as handsome a woman as her mother. As Dick had a weakness for pretty girls, and par- ticularly girls of refinement, he madé himself as agreeable as he could to his fair companion, Dick himself was a good-looking, manly young fellow, and his personal advantage were not alto-, gether lost on Edith. The fact that he worked in Wall Street was a. recommendation, and the added fact that he had saved her form a nasty fall, that might have- broken a limb or two, and otherwise disfigured her, appealed to her gratitude. Altogether, she’ was pleased to have made his acquaintance, and when they reached her home, and he asked if he might call in case he had any encouraging news for her, she told him that she would be pleased. to have him call whether he had any information to communicate or not. : “Thank you, Miss Ward, I will avail myself of your kind permission,” he said. ; Ae Then he wished her good-night and went home, CHAPTER XIV.—Dick Takes a Desperate Risk, The rest of the week passed away without_any- thing of special interest happening to Dick ex- cept the advance of M. & C. stock to’ 85. That meant he was about $400 better off in prospect. Sunday evening he called on Edith Ward, and received a warm reception. He told her what he had learned from Headquarters, which was not’ very encouraging, and the rest of the evening was spent in getting better acquainted with each other. But there was a sensation coming in Wall Street. Two wealthy brokers reached their offices for the first time in two weeks, and it wasn’t: long before each discovered that his safe had been” cleaned out of all articles of value amounting in each instance to a considerable sum in the ag- gregate. Neither safe showed any evidence of having been tampered with by crooks. on John Overy, and the. chief: of detectives was of the opinion that all three had been executed. ~ by the same thieves. were printed under scare headings. ie ae oN es ~~ Both rob- ep beries were fully as mysterious as that committed: —
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bina ® gave Wall Street quite a shock, and the brokers could talk of nothing else. The shock was. in- tensified when the report was printed in later editions that “Old Daddy Dollars” had been - cleaned out of $100,000 a few days before in just as mysterious a way. Of course Dick and Joe heard the news almost as soon as it got ‘around, “What do you think now about that Brother- _ hood of Gold?” said Dick when he met his friend at the Exchange. _ “I think such a combine really exists, and that - these three robberies are only a part of the dar- ing game. they are working in this district. We ‘»shall hear of.more in a few days. The chief of {police ought to put some credence now in the _ story you told him.” ' “T told him he was liable to have his hands full of robberies similar to the one pulled off at our office,” said Dick. ‘Next morning’s paper were full of the three mysterious. Wall Street robberies, and the topic - tontinued the main subject of attention until _ moon, when a sudden rise in M. & C, attracted “notice. In an hour it jumped ten points. The brokers forgot all about the robberies in their eagerness to buy the stock either for themselves or their customers. When the news of the rise got uptown, a small army of lamb speculators ¢ame rushing down to get in on the bottom. At two o’clock the price reached par, and at halt- i ata two it was going at 106 1-2. Dick, who had ~ een in a fever of excitement since the boom started,.thought that price to Bet out on. It would give him a profit of ; $2. 00, and make him worth nearly $4,000. As : re was no telling when the tide would’ turn, the asked permission of the head bookkeeper to out to attend to some private business, and ‘then hurried around to the little bank on Nassau ‘Street and gave in his order to sell his shares. ‘ood enough for him s mind. As he was leaving for the day the _ head bookkeeper handed him a note to deliver - et a business. house on the waterfront above the _ Brooklyn Bridge. He reached the place about four o’clock and handed in the note. Having mothing particular on hand, he walked out on one of the wharves. A sloop was loading on one - gide and Dick leaned up against one of the big ‘piles and watched the operation. While he was ‘Stand there an auto stopped at the head of the - wharf and.a couple of gentlemen got out of it ~ and walked down to the sloop. They stopped on le ether side of the pile within easy earshot of he boy. “Do you think it’s safe to trust the boxes ‘aboard of this sloop, Conway?” said one of the “newcomers. - At the mention of Conway, Dick peeped around the pile and beheld the Wall Street man, whom the believed was at the head of the Brotherhood of Gold, standing so close to him that he could ave touched him arm if he had wanted to. “Safe! Why not? They’re just plain soap boxes. Not a soul will suspect what is in them. _ Besides, Caxton is going on the sloop to keep his eye on t eplied Conway. ae ea Bis" to the office feeling as if a load was off ct THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD _. His order was attended to at once, and he re-— hem and see that they don’t go astray,” bah r _“All right. .You’re thé doctor, We look to you to see that things come out all right,” said the other. .s “I’ve done. pretty well so far, haven’t 1?” “Yes. You’ve got a pretty clever head. I al- ways thought that scheme of are each mem- ber of our crowd wear a ring for identification purposes was a good one. The design you orig- inated—a black enameled band with a pure gold setting—is first-class. And the pass-word, ‘You are one of us, I see,’ hits the nail on the head. By the way, it seems to me you’re a long time work- | ing that woman for her money. “When do you expect to get her signature to the papers?” “To-night, I. hope,”’ replied Conway. “And then what will you do with her? Marry her to keep her mouth shut?” nee “That was my intention, but it doesn’t seem to work with her. I’m afraid she'll have to go the way of all inconvenient people who know too much.” ; ; “Here comes the wagon with the boxes, and Caxton in charge.” : The wagon in question rattled we and stopped, Dick recognized Broker Caxton, of Broad street, and he would have been surprised to see him there but for the conversation he had overheard. He now knew that Broker Caxton was a member of the Brotherhood of Gold. He also knew that every man who wore a duplicate of the ring he found in the belly of the fish was connected with the Brotherhood, either directly or indirectly. The meaning of those words which had puzzled him— “You are one of us, I see’—was quite clear now. The French steward on board of the yacht, and Broker Caxton had noticed the emblem of the Brotherhood on. his finger, and both supposed he was connected with the organization in some capacity. E Nak He had a strong suspicion that the boxes in the wagon contained the plunder of the two: recent robberies. He was wrong in this supposition and the fruits of those thefts was already in the hold of the yacht. These boxes contained $150,000 in gold, which had been adroitly obtained from the Mi of a well-known bank that day: on a forged order. ‘ The boxes were stowed in the hold on top of the last of the regular cargo, and then the hatches were put on. Conway and his companion turned _ away, returned to their auto and started up the _ street. Caxton took a seat aft, drew a cigar from his pocket and began to smoke. Prepara- — tions were begun to get the sloop under way. Then it was that Dick determined to go in her’ if he could. He believed that by so doing he — would be able to discover the new mooring ground of the yacht. Judging from the ominous way Conway had referred to Mrs. Ward, he believed that she could not be rescued any too soon to save her life. There was no time to seek the aid of the police. Whatever was done in the lady’s behalf must be done by him right away. The problem was, how was he to obtain passage on the fas At that moment his eye alighted. on a small boiler lying near by which he had heard the captain say was — to be secured on the deck of the sloop after the hatches were put If he could op ;
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\ "4 age n THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD ‘and crawl into that he would be able to secure free transportation on the vessel. But how was he going to do that in broad daylight? The pile- head would in a measure hide his movements from the sight of the captain and his two sailors who were engaged in rigging the sling and hauling line with which they proposed to hoist the boiler ‘aboard. He would have to take his chances of ‘being seen by ary one on the wharf. He had little time to consider the matter. As he was a boy accustomed to act with promptness, he stooped down and opened the door of the boiler. After a swift look around the wharf he crawled inside and pulled the door to. In a few minutes the tackle was attached to the boiler and it was hoisted on board with its unsuspected stowaway crouching inside. It was secured to the deck under the boom of the mainsail, and close to the hatchway by means of cleats and a pair of heavy pieces of rope. Fifteen minutes later the sloop was unmoored from the wharf and was slipping out into the East river, whither bound Dick Duncan knew not, nor did he care so long as he was brought in reach of the Conway yacht. CHAPTER XV.—Conclusion. Although the destination of the sloop was un- -known to Dick, he believed she was bound to some Long Island town. Some time passed before he ventured to lift the door of the boiler to look out, for he could not tell but one of the sailors might be standing close to it, or even leaning on it. Fle looked around the deck. The two sailors were forward smoking. As smoke was issuing from a pipe that rose out of the deck the boy concluded there must be another man below in the place called the galley. The captain was steering and talking to Broker Caxton. The sloop passed through the Narrows, skirted Graves- end Bay, skimmed out on the lower bay, and was now practically on the edge of the broad Atlantic Ocean. Instead of continuing on down the Staten Island shore her skipper headed her in the direc- tion of Coney Island. It was now six o’clock, and the sun was low down in the western sky. Dick was growing pretty tired by this time of his cramped quarters in the boiler, but he had to put ‘up with it. The sloop appeared to be a fast sailer, for she made good time. It was after sundown, and one of the sailors had taken the skipper’s place at the tiller, when the vessel swept like a -seabird past the attractions of Coney Island, which lay about a mile away. When she was opposite Manhattan Beach the electric lights of ‘the island began to glisten like a myriad of fire- flies in the gathering dusk. Darkness, under a cloudy sky, had set in before the sloop got abreast of Rockaway Beach. In the meantime the cap- tain and Broker Caxton had gone into the small cabin and eaten supper, served to them by a mulatto cook, who also stood on watch and did a spell at the helm later on. It was now so dark that Dick ventured to vet out of the boiler and stretch his aching limbs. against it, keeping his legs out of the way of any one who might step that way. He was beginning to feel mighty hungry by this time, for he had SA, f The mast was close to- the boiler, and Dick sat down and leaned his back. 23 eaten nothing but a beef stew and a cup of coffee since morning. : He knew that he was not likely to get any- thing to eat for some hours to come, so he re- signed himself to the situation. The skipper and Caxton came on deck for a smoke after their meal, and they paced up and down the weather side of the slanting deck: “When do you expect to reach Jones’ Inlet cap’n?” asked the broker. t “Tf this wind holds, and I reckon it will, we ought to fetch it about ten o’clock,” replied the skipper. “The yacht lies just inside, I believe,” said Caxton. : “She’s anchored behind one of the islands.” “So, that’s where she is,” thought Dick, who’ had easily heard what passed between the two men. “Rather an out-of-the-way place. I am not surprised that the detective who is looking for her failed to find her anchorage.” : More than two hours dragged away, and then the sloop was headed in toward the shore. tie Twenty minutes later she passed through the inlet into the western arm of Great, South Bay, and soon shot into a passage between two of the § many islands in that vicinity. Behind the larger : one on the left appeared the triangular lights of the Conway yacht. She was anchored-close in to the shore. ay “Yacht aboy!” shouted the skipper as they ap- proached. : : “Ahoy!” came back from the yacht. “Is that 2 the sloop Foam?” ; ee “Ay, ay. We have some freight for you.” | In a few moments the sloop ran up alongside of her and made fast. ; “Hello, Caxton,” cried the voice of Conway i. from the yacht. ¢ 4 - “Hello,” replied the broker; “we’ve got here.” “JT see you have. I beat you by a couple of hours.” Re The sailors were already removing the hatch, and inside of five minutes were carrying the boxes to the deck of the yacht. Dick had taken advantage of the darkness, and the fact that all hands were gathered amidships on both craft, to craw] around the edge of the sloop’s deck and board the yacht at the stern. Then he ran down the companionway stairs and — looked into the lighted cabin. It was empty. He remembered that the stateroom occupied by Mrs. _ Ward was marked B. He darted over to itand found it locked, with the key on the outside. He quickly turned the key and opened the door. The — lady. who was seated on her berth, apparently thinking, looked up and uttered an exclamation as she recognized him. Removing the key, he stepped inside and closed the door as she sprang p. “You have come to save me,” she said, eagerly. “J have. Where is the revolver I left with you?” e, “Here it is,” she replied, taking it from under the end of the berth. “Tl take it now, for we may have trouble before we can leave.” “Did you come by that vessel that is along- — side?” she asked. ae “TJ did. And I expect you and I will lea meat
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24 ~ igboard of her. Come, we have no time to lose, for as soon as a few boxes and stores are put aboard the yacht the sloop will haul off and con- tinue on to her destination.” Mrs. Ward was ready to leave at a moment’s notice, so she followed Dick into the cabin, and fup the stairs to the quarter deck. “Tt’s lucky for us the night is cloudy and dark,” ‘whispered Dick. “Now step aboard the sloop and run down into her cabin through that opening acing the helm. I'll cover your movements and then will follow you.” ; : The lady obeyed and was out of sight in a min- mte. As Dick stepped on to the sloop after her, ‘he sailors, having finished their work, were put- “ing on the hatch again. He slipped down the ‘few steps and rejoined Mr. Conway’s late pris- voner. ' “The skipper will probably not come down here ‘till we are out of sight of the yacht. If he starts _ to kick up any fuss on discovering us this revolver will keep him quiet, I guess.” : Inside of a few minutes the sloop parted from tthe yacht and continued on her way toward a ghore village on the bay about twenty-five miles further on. “There are three men beside the skipper aboard this craft,” said Dick; ‘‘but I hardly think they’ll give us any trouble. I doubt if the skipper has any connection with the crowd on the yacht. He - "was probably only hired to bring the small batch of freight down to the Conway boat. I dare say ‘we shall have no great trouble with the man for ‘coming aboard without his permission.” The skipper did not make his appearance in the cabin for half an hour, and then his astonish- ment may be imagined when he found a fine 3 ee woman and a well-dressed boy seated there. _ “Well, well, where did you people come from?” he asked. “From the yacht,’’ replied Dick. “The dickens!. What brought you aboard?” “We want to get ashore.” : “Get ashore, eh? Couldn’t you have gone to Long Beach in the yacht’s launch?” : - “Not very well at this hour.” : “But I’m going to Bayville, and that’s all of twenty-five miles east.” “That’s all right, captain—Bayville suits us.” ___ *T won’t get there afore three in the morning. . ‘You'll have to stay aboard till things are stir- “AI right. We are satisfied. I suppose our presence aboard is going to inconvenience you, ; but we will make it all right with you. When will you be in New York again?” “Friday, I reckon.” After some further conversation the captain withdrew to the deck, leaving Dick and Mrs. ‘Ward together. The boy seized the opportunity to tell the lady how he had met her daughter, and all that had happened since he last saw her. _. The sloop hauled in at a small wharf at Bay- (Ville about three and made fast. The skipper did met reappear in the cabin, but passed the rest of “the night with his crew forward. Dick and Mrs. {Ward left the sloop about six and got a con- weyance to take them to Bayport, on the Long land Railroad. From there Dick got into com- — THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOLD munication with Police Headquarters over the long distance ’phone, and as a result of his con- versation a batch of detectives was presently sailing toward Jones’ Inlet in a fast police boat. When they reached the place where the yacht was anchored they went aboard without ceremony and put everybody under arrest. The yacht was searched, and not only was all the plunder of the Brotherhood found on her, but a complete print- ing plant in the hold for manufacturing spurious railroad bonds. By this time Dick and Mrs. Ward were back in New York, and they went directly to their homes. The late editions of the afternoon papers had a full account of the capture of the yacht, ” and the plunder that had been stolen from Wall Street, and Dick’s name figured prominently in it. His full connection with the affffair did not come out till Conway, Caxton and the crew of the yacht were brought up for examination in the Tombs. Then Mrs. Ward appeared as a star witness against them, exposing all the business of the Brotherhood of Gold. She gave all the credit for her rescue to Dick, and said that only for his plucky conduct the Brotherhood would probably not have been discovered. Next day Conway committed suicide in his cell. Caxton secured his liberty under heavy bonds and dis- appeared. The small fry were tried and sent to the State prison, though vigorously defended by able counsel, but the other principals eluded de- tection. John Overy, the other brokers, and the bank recovered all their losses. They expressed their gratitude to Dick by making up a $50,000 ats and presenting it to him. The first thing — ck did was to hand his mother a substantial sum to buy the cozy house in the Bronx he had had in his mind’s eye for some time. A few months later “Ola Daddy Dollars” re- tired from Wall Street, and Dick secured a fine position in the bank whose funds he had been the means of saving. Mrs. Ward never forgot the obligation she was under to-him, and he became a steady caller at her home. In the course of time he and Edith decided that they were in- tended for each other, and Mrs. Ward offered no objection when Dick asked her for her daughter’s hand. Eventually the young people were ma ried and went to live with Mrs. Ward. : “You’ve got a fine wife,” said Joe to Dick one day after he had returned from the hone Next week’s issue will contain “ED, THE BX- PRESS BOY; OR, HIS OWN ROUTE TO FORTUNE.” LOVE LURE DARING. This mysterious perfume attracts and fascinates. Its rare and exotic fragrance surrounds you with charm and enticement that few are able to resist. Tantaliz- ing and lingering as one’s first a.*kiss, Young and old gladly sur- A render to its seductive charm. Pay 7 postman only $1.85 plus postage. sr * Secret Directions FREE. Senb- sealed. WINEHOLT CO., L-87, Wi & oon. “Bet your life I have, and 1 owe that blessing -to the Brotherhood of Gold.” :
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TRUTHFUL JAMES The Boy Who Would Not Drink By GASTON GARN. (A Serial Story.) CHAPTER XX.—(Continued) In, the meantime the election was held in the - county; the temperance party triumphed, and no more licenses were granted in that county to sell _ liquors at retail. : The temperance people were so jubilant over their success that they held a great. jubilee, and meetings were called at almost every village in the county, and everywhere Jimmy was called for as the most prominent speaker. In fact, meet- ings were held on different days to enable him to attend them and be the principal orator. Of course Sally Holmes and his mother were present at each of the meetings. : George was out on bail at the time, which had been furnished by friends of his mother, and at one of the meetings he was persuaded by one of* his friends who had gone on his bail bond to be present and hear Jimmy’s speech. ‘ — By this time Jimmy had become an experienced and very eloquent speaker. He had always had a -_-yoluble flow of language, and the practice he had & had caused him to be almost perfect. George was sitting beside one of the gentlemen e who had gone on his bond, listening attentively on 3 (Sor Ee eae i, OMS Le PERO RP AR pee ee ge ee Re ewe ee < f Binh, VL Pee ee _ to what Jimmy was saying. s Bee a te Jimmy was describing several harrowing inci- dents in George’s life without calling his name; - but hundreds of people in the great audience rec- - ognized the fact that Jimmy was ingeniously holding George up as an example. George’s face was pale as he listened, and many of his friends were watching him. ae AL Re Suddenly Jimmy paused in his speech, and, looking George straight in the face, asked the S question: : “Now, isn’t that so, George?” - George sat rigid, however, staring at him and his eyes fairly blazed for a few moments. ; “Don’t be afraid to speak out, George,” said Jimmy. “You and I have been friends ever since we were babies. I know you, and you know me. ~ I know that you have’a good heart and manly in- stincts. You are honest, but wayward, and I SS “know that you would give your good right arm -. 4f you could wipe out the last three years of your a ‘life and stand in the clear light of an honest man- hood before the community and the world.” A most intense excitement prevailed in the - great audience. _- George was conscious of the fact that every eye in that vast crowd was centered upon him. - Suddenly he sprang to.his feet and exclaimed: “Yes, yes, yes!” and then dropped back into ‘fe arms of his friend who was sitting beside FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY my would speak. - Lknew it!” exclaimed Jimmy, “My i whole heart goes out to you, and I believe that better days are in store for you.” : The effect was magical. There was not a dry eye among all the two thousand people who were present. f George was sitting plonsaie of his friend, whose arms were around him, with his face buried in his hands, while sobs were audible all through the vast audience. Jimmy was so overcome by his own emotion that he turned and sat down, and Judge Wilson sprang up and began finishing his speech for him. It was the most affecting scene ever witnessed outside of an old-fashioned religious revival meet- - ing. When the meeting was dismissed scores and scores of spectators stood around conversing over the incident, and quite a number of prominent citizens gathered around Jimmy and begged him to agree to speak for George in the court-house — at the time of his trial. , Ss Jimmy told them that it was impossible for — the reason that he was no lawyer. : “Oh, that difficulty can be easily overcome,” said several lawyers, ‘for the bar can get the consent of the judge. Of course you need not be recognized as a member of the bar, and it can be _ done with the consent of the judge and the other lawyers present.” ? “Well,” said Jimmy, “I would be more than pleased to speak a good word for George if the. court will permit it.” ? It was then lacking but a few weeks until the time when George’s trial was to take place. The wounded man had recoyered from his desperate em and was walking about the streets at the Ime, Friends had taken him to George’s home on several occasions, and he and George had become friends‘once more. The fellow admitted that he was nearly as drunk as George was on the oc. casion of the fight and probably had contributed largely to the cause of the combat. oe Jimmy cailed on the young man and had sey- eral conversations with him, and he promised him he would make certain admissions on the witness _—~ stand that lawyers believed would contribute — largely to making it easier for George. eek Judge Wilson heard of it, and said he believed” that would save George from the State prison; but the only thing in George’s way was his break- ing the pledge he had made in open court on a~ former occasion when Lawyer Huckberry had — given bond for him. as Huckberry had refused to act as counsel for - him because George’s father had failed to reim-— burse him for the money he had paid out on his son’s bond. : : On the day of the trial the largest crowd ever seen in the little village came into attend court, It was estimated that fully five thousand citizens of the county, the largest erowd ever seen on any court day in that county, were present that day. Of course fully one-tenth of that number couldn’t find even standing-room in the court — house. Everybody wanted to hear Jimmy’s speech. 5 ane For two days the crowd remained in the village and the vicinity waiting for the time when Jime ae and | ‘to them; but all this Lawyers for and against George spoke, packed audience listened to it a pach
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26 time Jimmy sat in the midst of the lawyers, lis- tening to everything that was said on either side. i Finally, when all the lawyers engaged on the case had. spoken, an old lawyer rose to his feet and addressed the court, in the name of all the lawyers present, relating the facts that had oc- ~ curred at the temperance meeting where Jimmy _- had created such a scene, and presented the re- quest of the bar that an old schoolmate of the i be permitted to say something in his be- alf. ‘The judge listened quietly and remarked that the proceedings would be very irregular, but at the unanimous.request of the bar he would grant it; then Jimmy rose to his feet, made a pro- found bow to the judge and: all the lawyers pres- ent and began? '-“May it please the court and gentlemen of the jury,” like a regular professional member _ of the bar, and began one of the most profound and eloquent orations ever heard in that court- room, which the judge afterward declared to _ be one of the most brilliant speeches of the kind he had ever listened to. ' Jimmy praised every lawyer who had taken part in the trial and had not a single word of abuse for one of them. | In a few minutes George’s mother’s sobs could be heard all over the big court-room. “Stop!” ordered the judge, and Jimmy turned and looked straight at him, and the judge said: “The lady must be removed, for she interrupts the proceedings.” Quick as a flash Jimmy explained: “Your honor, let the lady remain, for the . sobs and the tears of a loving, faithful mother . ¢annot interrupt any argument.” i“Very well,” said the judge, and Jimmy turn- ed'to resume his speech; but such was the effect of his reply to the judge that his voice was actually drowned by the sobs that came from the audience. : Tears were seen trickling down the cheeks of the judge himself. ¥ Again Jimmy stopped, and stood silent for ' several minutes. Suddenly he turned and said: “Your honor, all this great audience in sighs and tears speaks more: eloquently for the prisoner than I can; so thanking your honor for the per- P mission granted me to plead for the misguided young man who is a prisoner, I will cease,” and oe again to the court and the jury, he sat own. ; charge to the jury. His long experience on the bench — for he was rather an aged man — told him plainly that it was a useless duty he was erforming, as Jimmy’s eloquent speech and - kindness of heart displayed all through it had carried the jury with him. . -He knew that the prisoner was deserving of ‘the punishment that naturally the law would in- - flict upon him. He entered minutely into the _. evidence for and against the prisoner, and -had the jurors followed his charge strictly they would thave pronounced the prisoner guilty; but as it ‘was, they acquitted him without leaving their - seats contrary to all precedent and court rules, gnd the spectators loudly appkeuded the verdict. - Jimmy’s mother rushed through the crowd of et 3 After wiping his eyes, the judge began his _ FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY lawyers that had gathered around her son, threw her arms around his neck and gave a scream and swooned. _ Lawyers took charge of her and a most affect- ing scene ensued. f “That,” said the judge to an old lawyer, “is the result of letting an outsider, not a member of the bar, speak to a jury.” “Well, your honor,” returned the lawyer, “I never saw anything like it in all my experience at the bar; but it is but natural for jurors to lean toward the side of mercy. It was the most affecting speech to which I ever listened in my life, and as simple as language could make it. Young Watson was certainly speaking for his childhood’s friend, and it may have a lasting effect on young Williams, for the prisoner was as much affected as any one else who listened to him.” Every lawyer in the court-room went up to! Jimmy and shook his hand.. Many old ladies who had known him from infancy threw their arms around his neck and kissed him. He hardly knew wie they were, his own eyes being dimmed with ears. When his mother let go of him Sally Holmes extended her hand to him, and there were those present who were watching to see what she would | do. They expected another affecting scene, but the girl had magnificent control over herself. She seized his hand and only said: “My Jimmy,” and then simply turned away, stepping back among a crowd of her friends and’ saying nothing more. “Well, well, well!” ejaculated several ladies. “Sally Holmes has the most perfect control over herself of any girl that I know.” Sally had been shedding tears of sympathy and admiration all through the speech, and every- body expected a scene when she went up to con- gratulate her sweetheart, Jimmy alone thoroughly understood her. Judge Wilson, who was, of course a member of the bar, simply said: “Heaven bless you, my boy. That was a grand effort.” “Thank you, judge. I loved George when we were little playmates together.” As Jimmy tried to, reach his mother, after — she had recovered “from her swoon, George rush- ed at him and extended his hand, saying: “Thank you, Jimmy. You are worth more to me than all the lawyers.” “Thank you, George, old man,” he replied. “While it was a pleasant duty to me, I hope I will never have cause to repeat it.” “Jimmy,” said George, “I have taken my last drink of intoxicants.” “Well, I hope the future will verify your reso- lution, George; but once before, you know, you — failed.” “Well, Jimmy, watch me. The man who saved me from State prison stripes will never have a reason to regret it.” As Jimmy and his mother went downstairs from the court-room his arm was around her’ waist, and Mrs. Watson was smiling through her tears. 4 (To be continued) ‘
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a Fame, and Fortune Weekly pre ener ee ee NEW YORK, JUNE 8, 1928 TERMS TO SUBSCRIBERS “ HOW TO SEND MONEY—At our risk send P. O. ; Money Order, Check or Registered Letter; remittances in any other wav are at your risk. We accept Postage Stamps the same as cash. When sending silver wrap the Coin-in a separate piece of paper to avoid cutting the envelope. rite your name and address plainly. ingle Copies......... Maia oe bog ee Postage Free 8 cents Fy Gopy Three Months . ¥ = 00 One Co Six Months... ae aa), — One Sony One Near: oooh. tee. sn “4.00 ‘ Canada, $4.50; Foreign, $5.00 Address letters to : WESTBURY PUBLISHING CO., Ine. r 140 Cedar Street, New York City. FRED KNIGHT, Pres. and Treas. BR. W. MARR, Vice-Pres. and See. - INTERESTING ARTICLES ee INDIA WEEKLY AIR SERVICE TO | LONDON uae se 2 Z A regular weekly aerial service between Eng- land and India was laid down as a certainty re- cently by Sir Samuel Hoare, the Secretary of State for Air, in opening the new Croydon air- ort here. , : Rearrain political difficulties being now definitely yemoved, we can see travelers leaving Croyden and descending in a little more than a week from their magic carpet at Karachi or Delhi.” Among the spectators at the opening was for- mer Grown Prince Carol, of Rumania, who made no comment until he was chased off a no-parking space, when he said: “Really! Really! Really!” bn U. S. PENSIONS SINCE 1790 TOTAL a $7,663,900,000 The Pension Bureau figured recently that the ~ United States had paid $7,668,900,000 on account of its pensioners between 1790 and March 31, 1928. The figures do not include compensation paid to World War veterans through the Veter- ans’ Bureau. ne ‘Pensioners of the Revolution receive ,000,- 000, those of the War of 1812 $46,179,364 and of the Indian War $34,380,363. Pensioners of the war with Mexico received $58,471;636. Civil War ~ pensioners received $7,065,442,194. Those of the . ‘war with Spain were paid $291,807,321, and World War pensioners have been paid $232,177. - LAZINESS CALLED REASON FOR MECHAN- . ICAL PROGRESS Lecturing to the Universities Congress, Profes- - sor Burstall, of Birmingham University, told his - hearers that “science is going to put into our -. hands the possibility of a heaven on earth. “The only limits to what we can do lie within ourselves,” he said, “but I venture to think that mess ie After a few weeks, Sir Samuel said,” he human being makes up his mind which — FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY - in the papers.”—Chicago Phoenix. ian Jester. 27, way he wants to go this science, instead of being a blessing will be a curse. z ied “Science is cutting down the hours of labor. The work of the future will be done in the most comfortable conditions for about five hours each day. Laziness is the reason for all the mechaniw cal developments. The human frame as we see if: to-day is incapable of any serious labor.” : , KEEN SNIFF BETRAYS PRESENCE OB GIANT SNIFTER ABOARD STEAMER © The largest punchbow] in the world, age twelve feet high, made of galvanized metal an containing a delightful mixture of rare old Ba-« cardi rum, Scotch whisky and Burgundy wine. was discovered recently by Government officers - on the steamship Munamar, at the foot of Coen | ties Slip on the East River. : It was only by accident that the special service squad from the Custom House found the “bowl,” in reality a huge water container. a John McAdams, R. Ennis and T. Lanning, the’ “Three Musketeers” of the squad detailed to look’ ~ for evidence of Prohibition law violation, had’ — just about finished their examination. when Mc-'! Adams happened to sniff. 5 3 He sniffed again, a prolonged sniff sharpened « by years of sleuthing along the waterfront. He: followed the old-factory trail. He saw a fluid trickling from the bottom of the tank in the: fo’e’sle of the Munamar. McAdams tasted a drop. “Delicious!” he remarked. : “Excellent!” agreed Lanning, “I used to like a little drink myself before Prohibition came in.” The trio looked farther. They drained out eight feet of water from the tank. Im the bot. tom were 416 bags containing 2,800 bottles, pr@e. sumably stored there when the steamer was ab Nassau in the West Indies—“where the real... liquor comes from,” Ennis explained. rt Carefully the three officers took the 2,800 bote. . tles to the Custom House where later the ship’s - men will be interrogated. So far the mariners know nothing about it, they say. wiht Fe See SHAE <¥ ——— 96 a 0 VLL BE LOVING HER—IN HALLWAYS ~ . Revised version: I’ve got a gal, seven feet tall, sleeps in the kitchen with her neck in the hall.—«,— Texas Ranger. ‘ Mage ‘ COLLEGE DRIVERS. case “We've knocked a man down. Aren’t you going to stop?” ; # “Oh, that’s all right. We'll read all about it = OC rest et ' LETTER BE au “I don’t love you, I hate you—shall I return'® — your letters?” IRF = “No, start fires with them. I have the originals. at home.”—Texas Ranger. ues SPRAINED RELATIONS Lovey: He sprained my wrist when he was petting me. pli. Seapeery a monkey wrench.—Columbis ub a 3 ines Doyey:. Oh,
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4 BB Z The Mysterious Valise i; eM By Col. Ralph Fenton “Sentry, will you kindly keep your eye on my bag for a few minutes? I am going to have a plunge in the Serpentine,” said a well-dressed, middle-aged gentleman to me, one warm Summer morning, a few years ago, as I was on duty at the park gate of Knightsbridge Cavalry Barracks. ! “All right, sir,” I replied. “If I am relieved * before you return, I shall hand it over to the next sentry.” _ “Oh, I shan’t be more than half an hour, at the latest, as I must be in the city by nine. I prefer leaving my valise with you. There are so many - vagabonds always swarming about Hyde Park _ that it is quite possible one of them takes a fancy - to it while I am bathing. It doesn’t contain very valuable property—only a suit of clothes and a few documents of no use to any one but the Owner, as the saying is. All the same, however, I have no desire to lose it.” So saying, the gentle- man turned away, and walked briskly across the . park in the direction of the Serpentine. : About half-past eight I perceived a great com- motion in the park. Men were rushing from all | quarters in the direction of the Serpentine, and | goon afterward I ascertained from a passerby that __, the excitement was caused by one of the numerous -bathers having been drowned. An uneasy suspi- cion was at once excited within me that the per- son who had come to such a sad end was the gentleman who had left his valise in my charge, which suspicion was intensified when 1 was re- ~ lieved at nine, with the article still unclaimed. I reflected, however, that its owner might have ig bee chained to the scene of the disaster by that ' mdrbid curiosity which induces people to linger about the spot where any calamity of the kind has recently occurred, and then, finding that he was pressed for time, and knowing that his property would be perfectly safe, had gone direct to the city. 4 sy p handed over the bag to the sentry who re- lieved me, without mentioning to him anything of the circumstances of the case; and when he re- turned from duty at eleven I eagerly asked him if the valise had been called for. “No,” he replied. “It is still lying behind the wall.” I went on sentry again at one o’clock, and no ‘one had come for it. It was the height of the : = * ‘London season, and Hyde Park presented its cus- ¥ tomary gay appearance; but the imposing array of splendidly appointed equipages, dashing eques- _ trians, and fashionably dressed ladies and gen- tlemen, which at other times was to me a most interesting spectacle, that afternoon passed by ii? jundeeded, as all my thoughts were centered on Pe. ‘speculations regarding the fate of the owner of Be the bag. Before being relieved at three, I had it pie jeonveyed to my room in the barracks, and after ' ‘coming off guard, placed it, for greater security, fn ‘the troop store. That evening, before “sta- bles,” when the orderly corporal had read out the _iduties for the succeeding day, he said, addressing es M ri « FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY aa “Jones, you have to attend the orderly room to- morrow.” ‘ “Why?” 1 mquired. - y “You have been reported for neglecting to salute Captain Sir Carnaby Jinks as he passed you while on sentry this afternoon,” was the cor- poral’s answer. After stables I left barracks for my customary walk, and purchasing a copy of the Echo from a juvenile news vender, I read the particulars of the fatality of the morning. Friends had identi- fied the body, which was that of a gentleman named Nixon, who had resided at Bayswater. “Nixon! That corresponds with the initial ‘N.’ on the bag,” I thought to myself, now perfectly convinced that the deceased was the person I had seen in the morning. I also ascertained from the newspaper report that a man had been ap- prehended on suspicion. of having attempted to rifle the pockets of the clothes of the drowned man, and who had’ been roughly handled- by the crowd before a policeman could be procured to take him into custody. After a moment’s reflec- tion I decided to call at the address given in the paper in order to arrange about the restoration of the bag to the relatives of the deceased. Reaching the house, I knocked softly at the door, and stated my business to the domestic who appeared, by whom I was shown into a room, and immediately afterward was waited upon by a young lady, the daughter of the deceased, who, naturally enough, was perfectly overcome with grief. I explained to her in a few words the ob- ject of my visit. “JT am uncertain whether poor papa had a valise of that description when he left this morn- ing,” she said, “but possibly you may recognize him from this photograph,” submitting one she took from the table for my inspection. ° The young lady thanked me heartily for the trouble I had taken in the matter, and I left the house of mourning and returned to the barracks in a very mystified state of mind. Next day I attended the orderly room and re- ceived a severe admonition from the commanding f officer. Fortunately for me, as it happened, Sir Carnaby had been in plain clothes, so my offense, in the eye of martial law, was of a comparatively venial character. Immediately afterward I con- sidered it my duty to report the circumstances ‘ attending the valise to the adjutant, who in turn j communicated with the police authorities at Scot+ land Yard, and that evening, pursuant to instruc- tions received, I had the bag conveyed to that establishment. After I had explained how it was placed in my charge it was opened in, my pre- sence by an official, and was found to contain just a suit of old clothes and a few newspapers, but - no documents of any kind, as stated by its owner. Some time afterward I was on Queen’s Guard, Westminster. I had just mounted my horse, and taken up position in one of the two boxes facing Parliament Street, when a gentleman stopped op- = posite me and scanned me curiously. Addressing * ' me, he said: “Don’t you remember me?” There was no mistaking the voice. It was that of the owner of the bag. Otherwise he was great- ly altered, as he had denuded himself of the lux- uriant whiskers and mustache which he wore when I saw him previously. : “4 :
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' FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY “What has been wrong?” I asked. “Oh, I was seized with a fit that morning when I came out of the water, and was taken home in an unconscious state. I have been very unwell ever since, and have left my house for the first time today. I made inquiries at barracks about you, and as the soldier I spoke to seemed to know about the bag I left with you, he directed me here.” “Well, sir,” I said, “I had quite made up my mind that. you were the gentleman who was drowned that morning, and when I discovered my mistake I am almost ashamed to own that I took you for the man who was apprehended on the charge of trying to plunder the drowned man’s clothes.” The gentleman smiled pleasantly, and said: “Ah! I read about that.. And now to business. I wish to get my bag at once. I presume you have it in safe keeping at the barracks?” “It’s much nearer at hand,’ I replied. “Just across the street from here.” And then I told him that it was in the custody of the police authorities at Scotland Yard. “Tt is very awkward, indeed,” he said. “I have to catch the six train for Liverpool, as I wish to sail by the steamer that leaves to-morrow morn- ing for New York. Couldn’t you come across with me to get it?” “You forget that I am on sentry,” I replied. “You should go at once to the captain of the guard and present the case to him, and perhaps under the circumstances, he will permit me to accompany you.” “J will try,” he said. I received permission and one of the corporals on guard received orders to accompany me; so to- gether with the gentleman, we started, and, crossing the street, reached the police headquar- ters in a minute or two, and on making inquiries were directed to the “Lost Property’ Aepartment. - We stated our business, and an official, after re- ceiving an assurance from me that the applicant was the right person, speedily produced the valise. The gentleman then signed a book, certifying © that his property had been restored to him, giv- ing, as he did so, the name of Nobbs. Having thanked the official, Mr. Nobbs caught up his property and we left the office. “Here is something for your trouble,” he said, slipping a sovereign into my hand. I thanked him heartily for his douceur. Declining the offer of the driver to place his bag on the top, he put it inside the vehicle; then shaking hands with the corporal and myself, he said to the driver “Euston, as fast as you can!” The driver released the brake from the wheel, and was whipping up his scraggy horse with a view to starting, when the poor animal slipped _and fell. The men belonging to Scotland Yard, who had followed us into the street, at once rushed to the driver’s assistance,- unbuckled the traces, and after pushing back the cab, got the horse on its _-¥eet. All the while Mr. Nobbs was watching the one of the men was surveying him very atten- __ tively eas * operations from the window, and I noticed that Se e673 29° “Your name is Judd, isn’t it?” the man asked, “No, it isn’t! What do you mean by addressing me, sir?’ indignantly replied Mr. Nobbs. “Well,” said the man—whom I at once sur-_ mised was a member of the detective force— “that’s the name you gave, anyhow, when you ‘were up on the charge of feeling the pockets of the gent’s clothes who was drowned in the Ser oe a week ago. I know you, although you ave had a clean shave.” : “You’ve no right to detain me,” said Nobbs. “I was discharged this morning.” ‘ “Because nothing was known against you. But, look here, old man, what have you got in that bag?” sats “Only some old clothes,’ said Nobbs. “Come inside, and we’ll see,” said the detec- tive. “Out of the cab—quick! Come with me to the office.” hee We entered a room in the interior, and the ba was opened, but it apparently contained nothing. but the clothes. Sua Mr. Nobbs at once brightened up and cried: «- “You see I have told you the truth, and now be good enough to let me go.” “All right,” said-the detective. traps and clear out!” Mr. Nobbs this time commutes with exceedin alacrity, and began to replace the articles of clothing, when. the detective, seemingly acting on — “Pack up your a sudden impulse, caught up the valise and gaye — it a vigorous shake. A slight rustling sound was audible. “Hello! What’s this?” cried the officer. ae Emptying the clothes out of the bag, he pro- duced a pocket-knife, and in a trice ripped open a false bottom, and found—about two dozen valuable diamond rings and a magnificent emerald necklet carefully packed in wadding, besides some unset stones. The jubilant detective at once com-. pared them with a list which he took from a file, and pronounced them to be the entire proceeds of a daring robbery that had recently been com- mitted in the shop of a West End jeweler, and which amounted in value to fifteen hundred i ‘ pounds. Nobbs, alias Judd, was duly convicted and sentenced for his nefarious work. : ———_0¢—a o Ea 0 i SHE CONFESSES te, “Oh, George,” the new bride wailed, “I just know you'll never forgive me. I—I oh, George! Tears fell in abundance. George did what he was supposed to do under the circumstances. Ri “S’ll right, dear. Tell me all about it.” PEERS: ‘Oh, vou’ll hate me, I’m sure. I—I’m afraid'to tell you, George.” t Pree ee George, now a little suspicious, began. to fidget. “Well, goon, go on. I won’t bite you, honey.» ” More. sniffles. “The—the ice man—” sobbed. “What!” he shouted. -“So that’s it!” gon bum. she ~ ce managed to melt and the dinner is seciled nd
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* “FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY BRIEF BUT POINTED fe 3 ~~ EXPLOSIVES : ae INJURY IN 1927 More than 500,000,000 pounds of explosives ‘were transported in the United States last year without loss of life or injury to any one and a monetary loss of only $45 when some fireworks exploded, it was reported recently by the Insti- tute of Makers of Explosives. .; TO DREDGE HEMPSTEAD HARBOR TRANSPORTED WITHOUT ‘on. pact five years has averaged 5,513,500 tons a year, ‘with an average annual value of $7,355,600. ‘'N. J., was seriously injured and her husband, Ep eorge, was slightly hurt recently when their - (Ford coupe plunged through the guard rail of | {Hubbard’s Bridge over the Shrewsbury River, - @onnecting River Plaza with Red Bank, and land- ‘ed in about four feet of water. : - Both were taken to the Woodley Hospital at Red Bank, N. J. Seana SCHOOLBOOKS APE PAPERS _ yoONewspaper methods are invading the public - péhools. Not only’ will California’s new series of lan- guage books ni ae emt suggestive of comic strips to enliven the pages, but the text matter ftself will have a distinct newspaper flavor. ssThere will be “lead” paragraphs such as are J ; bes in newspaper stories and blackface type will generously employed. Slogans will be intro- uced frequently and rules of speech and writing ‘will be impressed on youthful minds by headline ' tiaethod. _ YOUTH IMPERILS ceny OF TEN TO SINK ITO ; .. Jean Angevin, a Marseilles youth, recently con- _ fessed that he had deliberately scuttled the coast- Ba ship Vinicolo in the harbor of Marseilles to : ‘ollect the insurance of $24,000. _.-Angevin and his accomplices, a captain and _. opened the seacock and then sent the ship to sea. . |The vessel got out in Marseilles harbor one _ eyening, then anchored a little way off shore. _ ‘Angevin and his accomplices rowed off, leaving the unsuspecting crew of ten men in danger of frowning. - The Vinicolo sank before morning. Fortunate- ly the sailors were able to swim and as the sea twas calm they made their way to shore, — ae revin.told the police that he bought the ; i i vQE then insured a wate hired for the occasion, weakened the plates, ~ CITY MUSEUM GETS LOCK OF WASHING- TON’S HAIR te Stuyvesant Fish recently presented to the Mu- seum of the City of New York a lock of hair from the head of George Washington, presented by the — first President to Hamilton Fish in 1781. ; The Museum is conducting a drive for *$2,- 000,000 to build and endow a structure on Fifth Avenue between 103d and 104th Streets, to which $1,340,000 has been subscribed. fs The lock is sandy with several strands of gray. It was clipped when Washington was forty-nine, eight years before he became President. It is encased in a plain breastpin of gold with a heavy glass front. Until the new building is ready, the memento will be kept in a vault. | WATCH STILL TICKING FOUND INSIDE *— A chronometrical croaker was hauled in recent- ly by Captain Francis Holmes, of the Reeds Beach fishing fleet, along the Delaware. Bay shore. The captain was dangling his line over the side of his boat when the croaker, a fish which noses among the clam beds for dainty morsels, bit and as he was brought up his captor could hear a distinct tick, tick, tick. ss : The four-pound fish was opened and inside of him was a watch, which one of the party with Captain Holmes had dropped over the side a lit- tle while before. Despite a plunge of several fathoms and its incarceration inside the croaker, the timepiece had not missed a tick. Eanaeats 7 STAR BOY SCOUTS ARRIVE FOR TEST _ THAT WILL SEND 2 ON AFRICAN HUNT ~~ Seven Boy Scouts, who by outstanding achieve- ments as scouts and for qualities of excellence — have been selected as the group from which two will be chosen to accompany the Martin John- — sons on a camera expedition through the big game country of Tanganyika, Africa, during the sum- mer, presented themselves recently before the committee which will make the selections at the National Boy Scout Headquarters here. | Fst fac The boys will go to Africa as guests of Honor- : ary Scout George Palmer Putnam and his son, ' David Binney Putnam, although neither ‘of the ert latter will accompany the expedition. The seven boys arrived recently from various towns in the United States. They are : reeks Robert D. Douglas, Jr., Greensboro, N. C.; Carl Zapffe, Brainerd, Minny; Bernard Queneau, __ New Rochelle; Mark N. Hughes, Joliet, Tl; — David R. Martin, Jr., Austin, Minn.; Douglas L. Oliver, Atlanta, Ga., and Edward Pratt, Fairfield, — Conn.’ All hold the Eagle Rank, the highest in — scouting, with the exception of Pratt, who is a first-class scout. The boys passed physical tests fs Announcement and will return to their homes. of the two selected will be made soon. The committee consists of Col. Th velt, Mr. Putnam and James E. West, Sco Executive. The lucky boys will sail for Fra oe
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“ FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY 31 a, CURRENT NEWS WOMEN FIGHT POLICE TO SEE SEX FILM Five theusand women waited several hours re- cently outside of a motion picture theater in Bradford, England, to view a sex film called “The Dangers of Ignorance” and those who couldn’t get in started a melee which police reinforce- ments had to check. When the house was full and it was announced no more could enter, the crowd, already blocking the roadways and holding up traffic, got out of hand, knocked the policemen about, tore their tunics and knocked off their helmets. When the tumult was quelled a score of women had to be treated for bruises. BOY HELD TWO MONTHS IN JAIL After nearly two months in jail Robert Lewis of Buffalo is to be released because the case in which he was to appear as a material witness has been postponed indefinitely. — Lewis, who is sixteen, was arrested with James ” Martinello, also of this city, when the latter was accused of bringing an alien into this country. Bail for Lewis was fixed at $2,000. He said he had no money and went to jail. “It was simply routine matter,” United States Commissioner Charles E. Doane, who interceded in Lewis’s behalf, said, “but I am surprised he is | still in jail.” CHILD HEALTH DAY BACKED BY SENATE A resolution giving Federal recognition to the observance of Child Health Day on May 1, each year, was passed recently by the United States Senate. The child Health Day movement has _ been stimulated nationally for the past five years by the American Child Health Association, No. 870 Seventh Avenue. The resolution, originally introduced into Con- gress by the American Federation of Labor, was assed by the House of Representatives recently. + was supported by John F.. Tigert, United States Commissioner of Education; Jay Elmer Morgan, editor of the Journal of. the National Education Association, and Frank W. Ballou, Su- erintendent of Schools of the District of Colum- ia. State Boards of Health, schools, churches, national organizations and service clubs have joined in working out and putting into operation year-around child health programs, which will be officially celebrated on May Day each year. % SEAMAN CLAIMS ESTATE OF $5,000,000 AFTER SEEING NAME IN NEWSPAPER AD A three-line notice in a discarded newspaper found on the docks of Copenhagen has resulted in a fight for a $5,000,000 fortune. Bruce Thorborn, twenty-year-old sailor, has enlisted the aid of Max J. Moskow, Boston law- yer, to obtain the money believed due’ him through his father’s will. 7 The newspaper notice told of the death, in Perth, Australia, of James D. I. Thorborn. It said he left a $5,000,000 estate and that his nearest of ki mwas sought. ~ gE eon onl eros at Diane aga : _ , PR cute as SUP ay eS, Set Sr -with education” Thorborn has a small photograph of his moth- er, which she presented to him just before she died at Seattle, Wash., about seven years ago. On the back of the picture the mother had written: Bruce, “God forgive me. Born Aug. 5, 1908, Perth, Aus., of Ena Hopkins and James D. I. Thorborn.” ‘ Thorborn told Moskow his mother never ex- plained the photograph message, but he believed the James D. I. Thorborn mentioned in the news- paper notice was his father. The lawyer| is seeking additional information from Australian authorities in the hope of sup- porting Thorborn’s claim. : $33,723,734.17 CHECK SAFE IN CITY’S © COFFER _ When the State of New York bites its pen and sits down to pay its bills, it makes out some checks that are checks. Witness, for.instance, the one. for $38,723,734.17 that City Comptroller — Charles W. Berry received recently from the State Department of Taxation and Finance. ~ This small piece of paper with the big figure on it represents the State’s contribution toward the teachers’ salaries in the common schools for the year extending from Aug. 1, 1927 to July 31, 1928, and is the largest check ever paid the city ~ by the State. The city already has paid out about $21,000,000 of this amount, raised as need- ed by the issue of short-term bonds, and will pay the rest before Aug. 1. sf By way of returning the compliment, Comp- troller Berry later in the day delivered to State officials the city’s check for $14,364,190.08, coy- ering the direct tax levied upon the city for the support of common schools and $237,343.07 for stenogrdphers’ salaries and court fees in the five boroughs of the city. : INDIANS LEARN TO READ AS AID CAST- ING VOTE ¥ Even the older Indians of the Glacier National Park reservation are ambitious to learn to read and write English. A great many of the tribe are showing a keen interest in the night classes — conducted under the auspices of the National Illiteracy Crusade. A class organized by Mrs. Otto Thompson, chairman of the Indian work for the Montana Federation of Women’s Clubs, is doing splendid work. It includes the veteran Big Springs, a fine type of the older generation of American Indian now passing, who is seventy years old and can-.- not speak a word of English. A friend of Big Springs told him that he was a fool to begin studying at his age, that he was not such a fool that he could not Barret the value of knowing how to read and write. iy Mrs. Thompson says that the Indians all are eager to learn the words they find'on their ballot at election time in order that they may cast it — ‘without the aid of an interpreter. 2 ian : problem,” Mrs. Thompson says, “begins and e “The Indian a but Big Springs retorted .
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ie oe ; 1148 sf “1142 1144 1145 “1152 1158 > 4156 Fame and Fortune Weekly — Latest Issues — 1134 The Missing Box of Bullion; or, The Boy Who Solved a Wall Street Mystery. 1185 Claim No. 7; or, A Fortune from a Gold Mine. 1186 Out for Big Money; or, Touching Up the Wail Street Traders. 1187 The Boy Ice King; or, Coining Money From the River. 1188 Four of a Kind; or, The Combination that Made Wall Street Hum. 1139 Bob Brandon, Contractor; or The Treasure That Led To Fame. 1140 A Boy From the South; or, Cleaning Out a Wall Street Crowd. Hal. the Hustler; or, The Feat That Made Him Famous. A Mad Broker’s Scheme; or, The Corner that Couldn’t Be Worked. Dollars From Dust; or, The Boys Who Worked a Silver Mine. Billy Black, the Broker’s Son; or, The Worst Boy in Wall Street.’ Adrift In the Sea; or, The Treasure of Lone Reef. The Young Wall Street Jonah; or, The Boy Who Puzzled the Brokers. Wireless Will; or, The Success of a sore Telegraph Operator. Wall Street Jones;or Trimming the Tricky Traders. Fred the Faker; or, The Success of a Young Street Merchant. The Lad From ie or, Pushing the “Big Bonanza.” The Lure of Gold; or, The Treasure of Coffin Rock. Money Maker Mack; or, The Boy Who Smashed a Wall Street “Ring,” Missing For a Year; or, Making a Fortune in Diamonds. Phil, the Plunger, or; A Nervy Boy’s Game of Chance. -Samson, the Boy Blacksmith; or, From the Anvil to Fortune. Bob’s Big Risk; or, The Chance That Came But Once. Stranded in the Gold Fields; or, The Treas- ure of Van Dieman’s Land. 1141 1143 1146 1147 1149 1150 1151 1154 1155 1157 3 For sate by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any money or postage stamps. 1181 Up To Him; or, Running His Father's 1158 “Old Mystery,” the Broker; or,» Playing a Daring Game. 1159 Capital, One Dime; or, Boring His Way to Fortune. 1160 Up Against a Hot Game; or, Two College. : Chums in Vall Street. 1161 A Big Contract; or, The Poor Boy Who Won, 1162 Benson’s New Boy; or, Whooping u the sé: Wall Street Market, ” ade. se 1163 Driven to Work; or, A Fortune From a Shoestring. 1164 The \,ay to Make Mone or, Takin Chances in Wall Street. mi ? e ; 1165 Making His Fortune; or, The Deal of a Plucky Boy. ; 1166 The Stock Exchange Boys; or, Speculators of Wall Street. 1167 Seven Pegs of Gold; or, How a Plucky Boy Got Rich. 3 1167 Dick, The Wall Street Waif; or, From ie Newsboy to Stockbroker. ; 1169 Adrift on the Orinoco; or, The Treasure of the Desert. 1170 Silent Sam of Wall Street; or, A Wonderful : Run of Luck. 1171 Always on the Move; or, The Luck of Mes- senger 99. 1172 Hap) ucky Jack; or, The Boy Who Fooled the Wall Street Brokers. : The Young 1178 ae a Trade; or, On the Road to For- Beis tune. 1174 pee ‘Margin; or, The Boy Who Won the Money. Z 1175 Joe Darcy’s Treasure Hunt; or, The Secret of the Island Cave. 1176 A “Live” Boy; or, Quick to Get the Dollars, 1177 “A Barrel of Coin; or, The L-:ck of a Boy | Trader.” 1178 “Driven to the Wall; Wall Street Boy.” 1179 “Johnny the Parcel Boy; or, The Lad Who Saved the Firm.” “ 1180 Going to the Limit; or, A Big Risk For Big : - Money. ; or, The Neive of. a Business. No. 1182 “Back-Number Bixby”; or, The Boy, - Who Was Up to the Minute. 1188 A Young Barnum; or, Striking It Rich in the Show Business. address on receipt of price, 8 cents per copy, WESTBURY PUBLISHING CO., Inc. _