Fame And Fortune Weekly (no. 147) (1908 07 24)

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STRIKING -IT- RIGH ; or, FROM OFFICE Y To ERC yy “How dare you accuse me of theft?” cried the young woman, flashing an indignant look at the boy. ‘Because you have the goods under your coat, madam,” replied Joe Sturgess, coolly. The lady’s escort raised his cane to strike the boy.

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STORIES OF BOYS WHO MAKE MONEY “a Me Tesued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. . of Congress, Washington, D. C,, NEW YORK, JULY 24, 1908. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1908, in the office of the Librarian by Frank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. = PRICE 5 CENTS. hat, sonny! Do you live around here?” Joe Sturgess, a sturdy, bright-eyed lad, who was sun- ing himself close to the water, on the Charles River side of the city of Boston, one Sunday morning, looked up and saw a fairly well-dressed, man of average build, with a reddish moustache, regarding him attentively. “1 do,” replied Joe. Know a man by the name of Bentley Morse?” oe looked keenly at his questioner. Bentley Morse was his stepfather, and he wasn’t an or- 1a t to the family. ~ He was a lazy, good-for-nothing kind of man, who drank mor Te. than was good for him at times. “Morse had a standing grouch against the world, which he claimed} twas not treating him with the consideration due a a: yi his abilities, and he tried to get square by mak- orld support ‘him without any effort on his wy ducer. mad a see well-to-do people idee in their tomobiles, and living in fine houses sur- by gr n and well-kept | STRIKING IT RICH From Office Boy to Merchant Prince | of some bank, or big store, or factory, or other money-mak- ‘| ington street. P nion the good things of life were not fainly he did not ill-treat his wife, even when intoxicated ; | By A SELF-MADE MAN | : i: ing enterprise, and be able to hold his head mp. with the — best: i in the land. ae As the case stood he was obliged to put up sith a cheap, unpainted two-story dwelling, facing a small dreary-look- — ing yard which he made no effort to improve, on. a shabby. side street. mai The duty of supporting the family conscnante pe volved on his wife, who did dress-making, and his step- son, who was office boy ina large dry goods house on Wash- ee Morse was not ehetned to live off their small earnins - i though he was constantly putting up a big bluff about what he expected to do in the near future. ie When he connécted with a job where his talents would site appreciated, he told his wife, he would go to work; but he — didn’t propose to give his valuable time to anrtody f aaron “i she could ender the perme A ; ot : Her son Joe had sized his step-father up: — al had a very poor opinion of him as a man. " The only thing that could be said in his favor 1 was that -| had a lofty and exasperating way of rial ae a that was not pleasant to the family. th

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i an - boy with some interest and curiosity. _ stepfather ?” Joe nodded as if the fact did not afford him great satis- - faction. er “Eyer hear him speak of Seton Hall?” The boy shook his head. Bot “That's strange,” replied the man. _ your father when he was clerk for the Boylston Bank. We are old chums.” “Are you Seton Hall?” _“That’s my name,” answered the man, as though’he ex- pected that Joe would be greatly impressed by the fact. “J suppose you wish to be canectid to our house ?” said Joe. Se Oi? _ J will show you the way.” “Adi right,” said the man. “How is my friend Morse getting along?” ” he continued as they walked up the street dgpetiiers “Not very well,” replied J oe. -“T’m sorry to heag it. What’s the matter 2” “He doesn’t care to work,” replied the boy, bluntly. . “Why not? Is he living on his money ?” j “No. He’s living on mother and I.” - Seton Hall rubbed his chin and looked hard at his young companion. “Tg he unable to work 2” he asked. _ -“He’s able enough, but he can’t find a situation to suit - him.” A On: I see. He doesn’t want to lower himself in the “eyes of the world. ‘Well, I can’t say that I blame him. T Loos deel care to accept a plebeian position myself.” “So Morse ig your - j J oe, curiously. “Shem! No, I resigned from the bank some time ago. /At present J am a gentleman of leisure.” Mr. Hall said it in a tone intended to convey the im- é felt like it. Joe was not deceived. ‘He was a pretty shrewd boy. He judged that Mr. Hall was suffering” from the same iplaint as his stepfather. 4 ow: long is it since you saw Mr. Morse?” he asked. haven’t seen him in a considerable time. Why do you im Mr. Morse? He’s your father, isn’t he?” e's my stepfather.” hat’s all the same.” 6) roost ets aig adage ; on’t you and he get along walt einer eg ; HT abou say that we didn’t.” stepfather own it?” pay rent every month. About: al that Mr. Morse att killa cd ae STRIKING IT RICH. “T used to work with | “Are you still working for the Boylston Bank?” asked |: ression that it wasn’t qecessary for him to work unless attain the exalted places toy whi fitted.” - ioe rent the house where you live or does HLS | was perfectly sober. - | into a narrow and not over-clear fee j “What~do you do?” “Tm in the office.” “Do you run errands and sweep out? py" K “TY run errands and do other work, but we have ps i to sweep the place out.” =e “TI apprehend that your wages are not large?” “No, I don’t receive as much as the superintendent.” — “You seem inclined to be witty,” replied Seton Hall, diss 2 approvingly. “I answered your question, didn’t 1?” oa » “After a fashion you did. How much do you wet?” Oe “T don’t think you’ve any right to ask that question.” - “Does your mother work, too?” “She does dressmaking. If Mr. Morse did his day: abe would not be obliged to take in work. I think every man ought to support his family.” 5 “T won’t say you’re not right, young man; but no man should be expected to take a position below His rte sta- a Hon in life.” * “Suppose he can’t. get just what suits him, se you tink he should remain idle and starve?” ~ So 5 ators “J think his family ought to come to his rescue.” “That's all right if a man is’sick, or can’t work for some : physical reason, but Mr. Morse can’t fall back on any such » excuse, He’s strong and hearty. If I was in his place Ta : be willing to clean the streets till I could ‘find , something better to do,” said Joe, sturdily. “My ft iend Morse is a gentleman, and gentlemen do not . stoop to cleaning the streets.” net “T suppose you consider yourself a gentleman, too ” 4 r “Undoubtedly, young man. My family was one of the best in Boston at one time,” said Seton Hall, loftily, ; “What happened to your family? Had hard Tuck (oo “My family is non sum qualis cram.” us es “What's that?” asked Joe. “Latin.” ; “What does it mean??? os a “Freely translated it means we are ae “what we were. ees “Why couldn’t you have said so in plain English, then I’d have understood you?” : “Tt was merely a lapsus lingue, that ils, a ee ie the tongue.” ~ “Are you a college graduate! refi “Ahem! Not exactly; but I attended one, of the 2 not : select schools in the State.” a a ie suppose you are well educated, then er . aay “T ought to be Governor of. the State, or even dent of the United States. I flatter myself that I we lend a lustre to either position. Some men, cnet n “You have my sympathy,” pilioes J 06, ay. Mr. Hall looked at him sueploiously, but the bo “This is rather a shabby. street, ay wid Hall, as they ur reside i oe! this ea is

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STRIKING - He was disappointed. _ Being in hard luck himself, owing to circumstances over a which he did not cave to exercise control, he had sought out _ his old friend and boon companion, Bentley Morse, under the i impression that he might be able to, sponge upon him _ for a few days, or perhaps a couple o oe for Seton Hall had no lack of nerve. < He thought Morse was better fixed than he appeaied to e. However, he wouldn’t noe wala Perhaps he could remain all day and over night with his old friend at any rate, Even the smallest favor was never turned down by Mr. Hall. . He found it convenient sometimes to pocket his family _ pride and submit to the inevitable with the best grace he NS sould muster. se CHAPTER IT. ty WHICH SETON HALL SHOWS HE IS A GOOD GRAFTER. Joe led his companion into the front yatd and thence up to the door, which he opened and ushered Mr. Hall into a neat but shabby sitting-room, occupied by Mr. Morse, who Sat by the window, a Sunday paper in his hands, and his é oo feet elevated against the wall at an angle of forty- __ five degrees. _ “Mr, Morse, here is a visitor to see you,” said Joe. “A yisitor to see me!” ejaculated the head of the house in surprise. “Why, if it isn’t my old friend Seton Hall.” _ He dropped his feet to the floor, got up hastily and ad- 7 vatieed with outstretched hand toward his visitor. - Joe didn’t stop to hear any more, but went back to the Kitchen where his patient little nother was preparing din- ner for her unworthy apouse and her own bright son.” “Yes, it’s me all right,” said Hall quite pleased: with the “warm reception he received. “How 3 is the world using you, ‘i ‘Bentley: ce _ Mr. Hall helped himself to a chair without waiting to be asked, “Not very well,” replied ‘Morse sourly. “I’ve ese get- ing the short end of seni in the last few. years. ~ “Tow is that?” _ “Things don’t seem to pan out. AG ourself ?” “Rather wider the weather at present, but that’s between You and me. Understand?” “Then we're in the same boat?” ay quite. How are you making t coon a ia to cee ae you | “What do you wee 2” srowled Mr. Morse, on seek hig | stepson. er en | won't you, old man?” lantist not show undue haste in accepting the inyitat IT RICH Gr pe. banat, i 4 “Hvery man is entitled to: a decent roof over his head, CARE said Morse, mounting hig favorite hobby. aa “That's right, ” chuckled Seton Hall, taking his cue from his friend’s onde: y a “livery man is entitled to a good living even if cireum- ~ stances fail to provide him with suitable work.” “Correct,” agreed Hall. “No man ought to be expected to work at anything bee neath his attainments.” “J agree with you. 4 ig “Tf I was running this country things would be differ- z ent. ? ; } Seton Hall hadn’t the least doubt about it. Mee “T wouldn’t allow a few men ‘to have all the money.” “And all the fat jobs,” grinned Hall. “Exactly. It’s an outrage the way things are. me.” ; Se Mr. Hall was ene at him. ve “T am not getting a square deal. A few iiloated non- producers are living on the fat of the land, like fat pide while I and others have to suffer. There ought to bea change.” “T wouldn’t object to a change,” said Mr. Hall. fact I’d like to have a pocket full of it.” “ “T wonder how long the people are going to stand for om this kind of thing?” “They have the ballot box,” suggested Hall. “Bah! What’s the ballot box? Who can you vote for? 2 An honest and square man like you or me? Not at all. e Men of our stamina do not get a chance to show what i is in- them. The people are so thick-headed that they pass iis by and put up professional politicians, men who suck the available funds of our cities and country dry. Don’t I see — them riding in their autos every day? Is that what we pay them for? Who provides the autos? I am simply dis- gusted with the way things are going.. The idea that a man. of my ability should be compelled to go around with- out a decent pair ‘of shoes when the people’s money is ee ; squandered like water.” pete “Yes, it’s tough,” coincided: Seton Hall, sniffing the’ fragrance of the midday meal from afar and sai it he would be invited to grace the family board. It was a matter of some anxiety to him as he enjoye but a meagre breakfast. » At that moment J oe cameé to the sitting-room door jacked; in. iB eae! _ He was wondering how long Mr. Hall expected to ‘main, and whether his stepfather eocie asking bh ainvier: a eee Look at “In “Nothing,” replied Joe, turning away. gas “Hold on,” cried the head of the house. “Tell mother to put on another plate. Pues remain to di Hall could have cackled with joy, but ‘ felt cea should like pees he sai er atehin

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abs im mae ee STRIKING _ pawnbroker’s. “Well, sceing it’s.you, and we've been so _ long parted, [’ll let the engagement slide and eat with you. ” X ~ “That's right. Make yourself at home.” Seton Hall had no objection to doing that. > “Joe,” said Morse, “tell your mother we have a guest— cS ‘an old friend of inine—for dinner. Tell her to do things up brown. Do you hear?” _ Joe heard, but failed to reply as he vanished in the direc- tion of the iGicken: “TT don’t like that boy,” continued Mr. Morse. independent for me. pletely.” _ “What’s the matter with him ?” asked Hall eomplacently, now assured of a square meal. - “He does not show the deference that a son should a father.” “You can hardly expect a stepson to——” ~ “But I do expect it,” insisted Morse. 4‘I am the head sae: this house. I have rights that should be respected. My Pa “wife is “properly subservient, why shouldn’t her son imitate ~ her example 2” _ Seton Hall replied that he guessed Morse’s, ee was “well taken, “The head of a family ought to be deferred to,” went on Morse. “His comfort ought to be always the first con- sideration. By the way, Seton, are you married?” A SMo, Tam thankful to say. I find it difficult enough to Pe cit myself without the added burden of a wite: and perhaps a family. The only independent men in this world _ jare the single ones. Of course if a man, has plenty of money then he can afford the luxury of a wife, otherwise he is fool- ish to tie himself wp like:a slave.” - . Ina short time Joe returned and announced that dinner was on the table. ‘Seton Hall rose with some: alacrity, as if the chair had “TFle’s too His mother has spoiled him com- hike to “ihe poorly- batted dining-room. _ “Mrs. Esme said her husband an Salto me to ‘The little woman ipeads She was not particularly struck with the visitor, espe-. ly as Joe had not pictured him in glowing colors. ‘Delighted to make your acquaintance, madam,” said all, in his smoothest way. “Itsis a great pleasure to meet an old friend surrounded by his estimable wife and—son.” e meal, which was a plain but substantial one, was ed by Mr. Hall, who permitted his host to force a md helping of meat on him. in fact he made an inroad into everything in, alah as he | is friend’ Morse pressed him to remain: sarshed Hoving, located viene bis: nian to have no had a variety ‘of schemes pe raising owner in view, | big department store inal at eight 0’ jelock on oem wae / ‘sages to various wholesale houses in town. f he had lately been intrusted with more sa Geka er tin force all day. — not doubt but that. fa oe inh oe to jon of the 4 IT RICH. Seton Hall was dite enough to see that, and he meee "| mined to profit by it. Es He had no real friendship for Morse. ‘4 All the interest Hall took in him was to make nse of his a as occasion served. t 3 Although Hall had nothing in view just then he took © Morse out for a walk-after dinner, and then began to throw # out hints about some pr serra venture he had under con- | sideration. ss “Maybe I can let you in on it,” he said confidentially. “T wish you would,” replied Morse, eagerly. “I’m ter- ribly short of funds.” a “Well, ’ see what I can do,, If it is possible to get you in depend on it V’ll do it,” slapping his friend a on | the back. + He worked the imaginary game up so well that Morse in- — sisted that he should stay to deci which Hall obliging] did. i After which, seeing theré was no chance for a bed, h cr reluctantly took his leave. oe CHAPTER III. HOW JOE NABS A SHOPLIFTER AND MAKES A REPUTATIO! FOR HIMSELF. Joe Sturgess was at his post in the office of Henderson 's a morning as usual. He had been working at the store for nearly a year a had never yet been reported late by the time-keeper at ” employees’ entrance. His duties were chiefly connected with the sper dent’s office, but he was also at the beck and call of the cashier, chief stenographer and first bookkeeper. ¢ Oceasionally Mr. Henderson called on him for some bps ee service. | e His chief business so far had been to carry messages t the heads of the different departments in the store whe it was not advisable to use the telephone, and to take m He had acquitted himself so well as to attract the a ter tion of the superintendent, whose name was Harker, ran jnaually fell to the office bo His pay which. had been $4 se week was’ oes to #6 an inbondlant for the prompt ¢ and. efficient manner in which carried out his. orders. . i Monday was bargain day at. Henderson? s, and the Fa was always impressed on the public by large. and entice | advertisements in the Sunday morning papers. ‘ Some bargain sales of especial value lasted only or between certain specified hours ; but the eae cuit ieee As a matter of course the store wag crowd attracted by the vs ona to make c¢ iced » : i

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Some g Bods marked down, for instance, from $1.50 to 98. ) or from $1 to 69 and 79 cents, were not such bargains ‘they appeared to be. . ut that fact was up to the customer to discover. he salesladies had a method of working off slow-selling iff offered on the bargain tables at an apparent reduction to. sharp-eyed bargain hunters that often elicited the ay iration of the floor-walkers. t any rate although hundreds of ladies séched: un- bted bargains at Henderson’ son Monday, the proprietor he store did not as a rule lose any money. lost of the goods offered at bargain rates had been pur- sed by Henderson’s astute buyers ee for these’ s at cut-rate wholesale prices. — The publie got the»benefit of the reduction and Hender- emade a profit as well. Manufacturers in every line of business aT ready cash te badly at times ee pass are for ced to nee sacrifices e ‘Although J oe Shmcaee was cay ‘he office er, and was rt expected to know ‘anythinie outside his actual duties, he oe. picking up: some fresh bit of information about thi i expéctell as grow up. with the recon ne was his| tion that he éouldn’ t learn too much ‘about the house. e@ was a great favorite with the girls, and when he: sionally asked them questions on matters connected ith their éspecial line they. always answered him to the} of their knowledge and never put him off with pert Henélerson employed quite a number of gated per- is, mostly. women, as detectives, and these people had ¥ work cut out for them on Mondays especially, for the essional oe as well as the a maar were ese ate ee were usally’ neai@iciag persons ad yielded to impulse ora solitary temptation, ey were’ et turned over to an ee by after a fs — a special room for the reception’ of the eee ing ieaided over to the police, ird and wonderful were the means and incthdal opt aa by. the oe tae ee the ae an “ half a eleven the Coils calléa J am bel r te he , ee IT ‘RICH. | spicuous way 7 poleible, wary eye on ahs eee in her interest. nes i herself. j in the crowd. ook, -eaught in the act, where’ she was searched j i haughtily, making a sign of distress.to her accom was. the trouble. At that moment the saleslady walked about a yard away and turned her back on the customer to pick a bolt of ale off the shelf. Joe saw the handsome young woman give a quick, quik glance around and then snatch part of a boltvof silk from ° under the pile in front of her and dexterously slip it into — a long, secret pocket on the inside of her coat. : Only an expert shoplifter could have aedomiph Wee the A job with such neatness and despatch. aie The boy was simply paralyzed at the audacious act. He @duld hardly believe that so aristocratic looking a — lady would be guilty of such a deed. Still the evidence of his eyes was before him and his duty to the store was plain. He looked around, but not one of the’store detectives was in sight. ; F Neither vas there a floor-walker within hail. a He felt that he had a delicate matter on his hands, and he argued that the casiest way was the best. Had he known that he was up against one of the ani Viger ae of the town he mieht have been less particular. © “T beg your pardon, madam,” he said, walking up to_ the young lady, who started slightly as he laid his hand on — herarm. “The superintendent would like to see you in his — office, p “Seo me!” exelaimed the shoplifter, whose muspidtions were at once aroused, “Yes madam, ” replied Joe respectfully, who, in his ins experience thought he might induce the young lady to ae company him to the office on the second floor. Had she been merely an‘amateur,thief, or if this was fee ; first essay at lifting a picce of goods on the sly, he might haye succeeded, but with the woman in question he was only : Hiei his words, E She. jumped. to the conclusion that this boy was one of the store detectives, and had caught her in the act, She knew what was teant by a visit to the ame dent’s: Dl ig Cae was ag a by an. smi a iall, powerfl Tt was his place to interfere in case she was caught one of those connected with the store, mane a or ok “T have no business with the supsuttieaijand a ae He understood the signal no advanced to Her answer placed Joe in a ice gee ne +: Before he had decided mer i do ie ads 8 ese ¥ yf

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“Because you haye the goods under your coat, madam,” - feplied Joe Sturgess, coolly. The lady’s escort raised his cane to strike the boy. ‘His purpose in doing so was to create the necessary ex- t Athen that would give his companion the chance to ag away in the confusion. It happened, however, that. the floor-walker of that sdetion ‘eame upon the scene at that mome Seeing trouble ahead he seized t and arrested the blow. At the same moment the shoplifter started to move hur- _Tiedly away. - Joe was too quick for her, and grabbed her by the arm. “Horr tare you !’? she cried, striking at him. Jor ht her other arm. ale uéleslady at the counter uttered an exclamation of _ surprige, while the cash girl above, who was a nervous little thing, uttered a shrill scream that alarmed the whole floor, and brought a detective and two other floor-walkers to the - spot. The lady customers in that vicinity were greatly startled, and many of them crowded forward to ascertain what had ~ happened, The shoplifter struggled desperately to escape frbmn Joe; _ kicking him in the shins and trying to throw him. Finding ‘that he was getting the worst of the matter, Joe, the man’s Ba devils arm. ns how that the woman must be a professional thief, -dexterously tripped her up and she fell to the floor., ' “What’s the trouble here?” demanded the detective, - pushing his way forward, as the shoplifter fell back on that last of feminine resorts, a succession of screams. " i “Tye caught a thief, ? replied Joe. “She took a bolt of silk off that counter and shoved it under her coat:” “J think I know you, madam,” said the detective. We? ve been trying to catch you for a long time.” He lifted the flap of her coat and saw the top of the silk aot just peeping out of a deep pocket we expressly to _ hold such things. “Hal I see we’ye ret edu “with the goods a last,” he said, in a tone of satisfaction. “Just get up, please, and come with me ‘quietly, or I'll place the handcuffs on you. Stand back, ladies,” to the crowd, “Stand back. Hold that man, Stebbins, ” to the. floor-walker, “and. bring him along, too. Give him a hand,. Brown,” _ to anonher: “floor- walker. The accomplice adi hie got away oe the crowd was so dense that he couldn’t make his way through it, though he tried desperately to do so, thrusting iekuoe women customers Lobe grij young Tady ‘screamed and ae a terrible soene,, but as up hes it ple and knew it, STRIKING nee a {ing her escape. shoplifter by Joe Sturgess he was very much pleased. eagerly. pple: 8 property. — ‘| hand retired to thé sitting-room to read the story agai TP RICH, Be the private room and searched while he bag 7 the police. A while lot of valley stuff was found on the woman, though it did not all beiong to Henderson’s store, for she had been working other shops before coming there. She and the man were turned over to a couple of officers, and the detective who had come to Joe’s relief went along. : to press the charge. The superintendent called Joe into his room. “Young man,” he said, “you have done the store a re- markably fine service in detecting that woman and: "prevent She is Nance Goodwin, the queen of the, shoplifters. One of the “cutest women in the business. She has eluded detection for a long time, though the detec- tives of every department store in the city have been econ= stantly on the lookout for her. Mr. Henderson is bound to reward you for what you've done. For myself I will say that you’re an ornament to our establishment, and this ser-" vice will be the making of you. I will also see = you are taken care of.” Then he dismissed Joe, whose brilliant adhiovemaate was already being circulated all over the store, and he was raised to the highest Lai of Setaik regard, ae CHAPTER ive ¢ JOE RECEIVES A SMALL REWARD, When Mr. Henderson appeared about nootl and the sus perintendent told him about the capture of the notoriou He sent for the boy, complimented him highly: for his conduct in the matter, and handed him’$100 in bills, He also told the superintendettt to raise Joe’s wages an other dollar a week. Of course the incident was printed in all the Boston af ternoon papers, and Joe’s name rua aaa for the first time | in cold type. i ‘Long before the boy reached home ‘his stepfather “hd read the story in the paper and had called his wife’s atten- tion to it. : “Te ought to get some reward for that,” se Mr. Mo . He pictured to himself the handling of that ew: which, a8 the boy’s guardian by marriage, he considere had the right to do. _ Joe’s mother saw through his motive, and she hope hi son, if he got a monetary “ance would put it in a savi bank in his own name. She had learned by sxpenictiog that her second hhusbam was not the ight kind of man to take shinee of other She made no answer to Mr. Morse’s. ardae and he think the matter up. _ Supper was ready when Toe entered the Beube “T see you've got yourself in the newspaper,” § soon after they sat down to the table. a asked Joe. “Did ‘to the only

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srtkve 1 ieee oh IT r RICH, oe hastened to give her the full le to which Wr. Morse listened attentiv ely. The boy wound up by stating that his wages had been ed another dollar, and that Mr. Henderson had given him $100 in money. “One hundred dollars, eh?” exclaimed Mr. Morse, prick- p his ears. Mrs. Morse regretted that Joe had rimiioned the matter he table. _ That $100 would be a great temptation to her worthless ‘husband, and she doubted not that he would leave no stone ured to get hold of it. . “You brought the money home, I presume?” went on . Morse, licking his chops. Why do you ask?” asked Joe, shortly. “Because as your father you will no doubt wish me to e charge of it for you,” replied Mr. Morse. “I will be d te accommodate you.” — “Thank you,” replied Joe, dryly; “but I think TV’m old mough to look after*iny own money.” “You aro not my guardian. is mother is the only one Tacknowledge as such.” ~My. Morse bit his lips with some disappointment. : then a brilliant idea struck him. He knew he could bulldoze his wife very easily. ery well, Joe,” he said in a resigned tone, “if you e t your mother to keep your money I have nothing to She is your’ ‘mother, of course, and it. is natural you d think of her first. It would give me great pleasure enjoy your confidence and do you a little service, but as ong as you would rather trust your mother, why it’s all She will take as good care of the $100 as I would.” RL think J will keep it and put it in a bank to-morrow,” Joe. “I don’t. eds mother cares for the respon- y: 1e a iknow that. his stepfather oi an's give his wife til she turned it over to him, and he did not intend that 1 nother should be harassed i in the matter. -éhother brilliant idea decureed to him. intended keeping the money till the next day Mr. saw. the chance of abstracting. it from his ee e had gone to bed and was cd Auch the: ‘boy’ Ikicked about it. He e said nothing, and chuckled quietly to himself. g further was said upon the subject, and after elf to the corner saloon. jacket back on. the chair. noment’s peace if she had the money in her possession | soleen tone. ould assert his paint as his stepfather and hold ead of trying to influence Je oe against banking the] ‘the } bottle of drops and left the attic. ‘Mr. Morse borrowed ten cents om his witl and | that you. mentioned the money that vir,| ir Ary ifte ‘ “Tf he does he’s weleoine to it,” grinned the boy: “Fave you got it about you?” oY ars 3} ' “Then you'd better let me fare it. Vu hide it till you go to the store to-morrow morning. ‘It will be safer with me as long as Mr. Morse does not suspéct’I have it.” “All right, mother, here ‘it 1s,” and J oe tossed her five $20 bills. * When Mr. Morse ee from the saloon that evening D after eleven o'clock Joe was fast asleep in his bed in the front attic. Mrs. Morse was also asleep, a fact that her husband was very careful to ascertain. é Then he removed his shoes, took the lamp, which was | turned down, from the’small table, stole out onto the land- My ing and softly mounted the stairs to the attic. ss "he attic door was open and he shaded the lamp with hig ee hand and listened. a He heard Joe’s regular breathing and was satisfied all was right, fee Entering the room he looked around for the boy’s clothes ae and saw them on a chair. Z Putting the lamp on the floor he took up Joe’s deri % first and examined all the pockets. Is. There was perhaps forty cents in change which he did not disturb. Bs _ Then he turned his attention to Joe’s vest, but without A result, Finally he tackled the boy’s jacket. BS “What the dickens did he do with that $100?” mniteeia i Mr. Morse in a tone of disappointment, as he tossed ee : He scratched his head and looked around the poorytir= 5 nished room. i: He took up the pants and vest and went over : them again, i but with no better luck, o After consideri ing a moment he went over to. the small th cheap bureau, where Joe kept his few poem: and OX- amined itjthoroughly.. ; While he was thus engaged Joe suddenly woke up aad h discovered his stepfather in his room and crigdeet in os rather questionable occupation. “What are you looking = Mr. Morse?” ‘e att in uae of his voice and slammed the drawer shut. “Pre gota toothache,” fluttered Mr. sige x ipgieitg for your bottle of drops.” ug Joe knew that he wasn’t telling the truth.’ ; “You will find the drops on the shelf over th basin,” ' replied the boy. “ ‘T don’t keep bottles in my ers.” E Mr. Morse hastily. walked over to the shelf, single Joe chuckled as he looked after his retreating fi re. Bea = Ko didn’t come up. here for Sa se drops,’ aid to ear $11 0

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STRT KING appointed at the results’ of ‘his hunt. Ile wouldn't have found that money up here if he’d looltd for it all night. » He'd like to have the pleasure of spending thet $100. *It _ would be a regular windfall for him. But ‘ guess he'll have to continue to get along on the small amounts he begs from mother. Fora Hiealthy, able%bodied man he’s mighty small potatoes in‘my estimation.” Thus pees Joe lay down and went to sleep again. - | CHAPTER V. i 1 + DESCRIBES HOW SETON HALL TURNED THE SCREWS ON HOMER CARROLL. _ Next morning Joe had to appear in court at the examina- tion ot Nance Goodwin, the shoplifter. and her confederate. Both were held for trial—Nance on the charge of grand i larceny and her associate, who gave his name as Howard _ Sands, as accessory. \ The man’s bail was placed at $1,000, and.a lawyer came forward and qualified for that amount, which gave Sands ha his freedom until he had to appear for his trial. _ On his way back to the store Joe saw Seton Hall talking to the special messenger of Henderson’s establishment, a ; young man by the name of Homer Carroll. _ Every morning Carroll carried the preceding ders re- ceipts of the store to the Tradesmen’s Bank. He also collected the regular running accounts from _ Henderson’s influential customers at the end of thirty, sixty or ninety days, as the case might be. _ When one of these eudiorkeas wanted to select from a new line of goods at her home, Carroll always carried an ssortment of the stuff for her to examine, and his services was always included in the price charged. by Sometimes he carried $200 or $300 worth of small mer- ‘g chandise in a suit case or two, and on some occasions even | t ‘more than that when sterling silver or gold mounted. ar- ticles were sent for. : Only a man who enjoyed the complete confidence of Mr. "possess perfect manners, » persuasive tongue and other irre- proachable qualifications, & In all thesg: respects Homer Carroll filled the ae and “his utward person corresponded with his talents as an eXx- “pert salesman. Le was a high roller in a sail way, and his salary didn't begin o satisfy his numerous wants. iclency. Fora ee time luek Sook ia his hands, and he had lenty of money to cut a splurge with. — Late the fickle’ goddess Fortune. had turned her back yn him. pieks he found ébimneelt i in ee ae finasicial embar- money the worst way, and is calling in all his loans and due. bills. ‘money within g day or two.” - Henderson could hold the job; and in addition he had to. Carroll, however, had drawbacks: of ‘aide his een : result was he took to gambling to try to, yynake up the |. that he use his influence i 5 you to settle’ it? | words. i? RICH. . me Boor —— 3 When Sands was arrested with the shoplifter he seul for — Seton Hall, had a quiet talk with him about Homer Carroll, s and sent him to hunt up the messenger with a request for immediately payment of his gambling claim. Hall was instructed to press the matter with threats of exposure in case Homer Carroll failed to show ‘cause. i The actual payment of his claim was not really what the is gambler was aiming at. He had a deeper purpose in view. He believed, with good reason, that he had Carroll wheres the shoe pinches, and he meant to make capital out of oe fact. Seton Hall was willing to do ’most anything to raise the ~ ;wind, and as the gambler knew his character like a book, he — sized the man up as a valuable accomplice . as oceasion ’ served. Mi Hall had just. met Somer Carroll on the corner of the street and introduced himself as an envoy from Howard © Sands, when Joe Sturgess came along and saw them os gether. The boy immediately jumped to the conclusion hot” Seton Hall was on friendly terms with Carroll, and he was » rather surprised, for he believed that Hall was not a desir-~ able associate for such a smart‘and gentlemanly young fel- low as the messenger of Henderson’s department store. However, it was none of his business, so he passed on © and soon forgot all about the circumstance. In the meantime Hall broached the object of od inter view to Homer Carroll, \ : - He produced Carroll’s I O U for $600, made out in ies of Howard Sands, and suggested that immediate payment would be considered as a favor. » “T am sorry,” answered Carroll, “but it isn’t possible for me to “pay just now. Besides, Mr. Sands told me I could take my time.” By “That's all right,” replied Hall glibly ; “that was: Naan Sands got into this difficulty at your store. Now he needs He instructed me to tell you that he mmust. have the “But T can’t pay within a day or two, 4 ‘plied Carra ce ‘irritably. <Wiby mot 2” caid Hall in a igeetelnee bani “Because I can't,” returned the messenger eer, -*You get a nee, salaty, don’t you?” “ «That's my: “business, e “When can you pay this LOU? _“T don’t know,” replied Carroll shortly. “Ts that the answer I’m to take back to Sands! o” : ~ “You ean take back any answer you please to him. iy ch eX ery vet Mr. Carroll Don’t blame Sands then 4 Homer Carroll gave a gasp of Konstan Ay He hadn't eiberted any sae development. 4 as She Howard Sands carried ont that plan, a d. ¢ i : ; d

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ie strongly objectéd to these failings i in his Lie “T am a trusted employee, but as the receipts of the store . and’ several persons attached. to. the store had been dis- ry - charged for indulging i in one or the other of these vices. A gambling debt for so large an amount as $600 would be : regarded by Mr. Henderson as an extremely serious mat- _ ter, and Carroll felt certain it would cause his instant dis- : » missal from his position. ' » No other responsible house would hire him without a ~ reference from Henderson, and it would be ont of the ques tion to expect the merchant to give him one under the cir- Eee Renee of the case. All these facts flashed through Carroll’s brain. in the a ciding of an eye after Seton Hall had ‘uttered his veiled teh reat, + “Oh, I say, Mr. Hall, it wore do for, Mr, Sands to do “ “that, ate he palpitated in a funk. “Why, man, it would ruin “me.”” “Well, you ought to know,” returned Hall, carelessly. vit such a course is going to put you in a bad hole I should imagine that it would be to your interest to make an effort ‘0 Satisfy Sands’s claim.” : “But it is utterly impossible for 1 me to raise so large a sum as $600 in a few days. I must have time,” “T have no doubt that Sands wouldn’t press you if he asn’t in the deuce of a hole himself. He must have money to pay a lawyer to defend both Miss Goodwin and himself “when their trial comes on. As money isn’t to be picked up at haphazard he is. compelled.to eall upon all his available resources, of which this I 0.U is one. He will give you two ‘or three days to turn around in before proceeding to ex-! tremes, which he will regret to have to do in case you fail _tocome to time. You really mustn't, blame Sands, my dear af; _ fellow, Self-preservation is the first law of nature,” ei “But I don’t know where I could raise over $100 to save » my life, almost groanéd Carroll. oe “Well, now, that’s ee? replied Hall in a purring tone. at “How is’ it se ” tience. _ “Tt seems to mé if T was in your position I should have] » little ¢ difficulty in raising $600 in'‘a case of emergency.” n’t talk nonsense.” asked Carroll, with. some impa- enger for ‘Henderson, aren’t you: a a m. ” ; hat we carry the. day’s ty of the ae every to the bank?” * hoa if I do? cy aN ease the cashier puts ae money, checks and bank-| e _ STRIKING ain (wen. sengers. I believe the bank furnished this bag originally. m not talkin nonsen You’ re the cone tial mes-| 4 i Bs a <j world to find a duplicate of that bag you carry to the bank. _ Among sdthas Pe i aiegs you fold os small Sees bag which he locks and ee be-} ae ad hap} mi Lg wa : ane, the rund oe for one day even amount to many thousands of dollars, Mr. Henderson no doubt considers that some precaution is necessary.” “Oh, I see. But what is to prevent you aiid the person. carrying the key coming together by prearrangement—I. mean in case you two were that way inclined—and then: a Carroll: laughed. | “One very important thing prevents such an ss ment as you mention.” : “What is it?” asked Seton Hall, curiously. | “The cashier doesn’t send the key by another mes- senger.” ’ “Flow does he send it, then?” “He doesn’t send it at all.” “No? Then how does the receiving teller get at tthe cons tents of the bag when you Teaaeen it at the aa ies : “Rasily.” “Perhaps you don’t mind telling me.” “T hayen’t any objection. I should think your sola would already have grasped the solution to the problem. The bank has a duplicate key to the bag.” “Oh!” exclaimed Hall, feeling rather flat. “By the way, Mr. Hall, Pd like to ask you a question.” ASK It? “What were you aiming at wie ‘you ‘brought up the subject of the bag?” 3 “T was thinking that it afforded you an easy and con- venient way of raising $600 in an saya like the one you're in.” 3 “You mean by appropriating that amount toate ie funds of the store, eh? ee you, I don’t care to go to | the State prison.” “Oh, there are more ways’ than one of lilling a cat i chineklea Seton Hall. “What do you mean by that?” As “What kind of looking bag does the cashier use in which ‘to'send the money by you to the bank?” “A small leather one similar to that carried by gn mes= 3 4 TE seems to me it would. be the simplest thing in the jai a duplicate 2” ; “Exactly.. One that looks so like it that you cab’ a them apart. It could be filled with cabbage leaves, or any- thing in fact that would correspond with the weight of the bag you carry yourself. Now, after you started fo bank with your bag, I could come along with the other ba and meet you. We'd be so glad to see'each other that we’ | drop our bags and shake hands., Whileswe. were ta _ | friend of mine steps up, changes the two bags, : and t ee a man around the corner is anxious to see m rab the exchanged bag and [walk rey a ned, You go to th babe, leay

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: ae 10 “Tt doesn’t strike me: ai all.” = “Why not? Prh _ “Because I'd be sure to get the short end of the deal.” _ “How would you?” “When the duplicate bag was opened at the bank, and - the teller found only cabbage leaves or some other rot. in it, _ what would happen to me?” “Nothing. ze es othing |” “What could happen? You could swear that the cashier handed you the bag as usual and you carried it to the bank. ‘That's all you know, and all you’re expected to know. You couldn't have opened the bag en route and changed the con- tents because you didn’t have the key. » You could swear , that you never let go of the bag from the time the cashier e handed it to you locked. and strapped until you presented it to the receiving teller. You see there wouldn’t. be a bit of - evidence against you.” | “Henderson would put a smart detective on the case and he might find the necessary evidence.” Sey “The best detective in the world couldn’t find a thing gainst you.” 7 i “Well, I’d be fired for carelessness. 2 ‘could happen to me,” said Carrolf, “What need you care? Your share of the spoil would amount to a good sum, I should imagine, if the job was “pulled off on a Tuesday after the bargain day sales of the ‘day before. You could afford to get discharged for that amount of ready money, couldn’t you?” eae sd might, if the job was thoroughly safe,” ‘replied Car- ' roll, who was interested in the scheme in. spite of any qualms. of conscience, _ That’s Bae least that thing through as slick as a greased whistle. way for you to settle thaf I 0 U and seeure a money besides.” ‘Honier Carroll, however, hemmed and hawed, and seemed ' skittish about embarking in the ticklish enterprise. Finally Seton Hall grew impatient, “Do you know of any better way by which you can settle this 1 0 U2” he asked. Carroll confessed that he did aie “Well, it’s got to be settled, if Sands has" to apts Wihcake ith Mr. Henderson. I’ve suggested how you can get out f your hole with money to boot. — It’s up to you.” Driven into-a bad corner Carroll consented to stand in. ith Hall. / Tt’s an easy good haul of 4 again on Bentley Morse. d a new suit on, with hat and shoes complete and ed an a dude compared with his Seis es the eter or ‘STRIKING “Well, if you're willing to stand in with me ll put the}, - fl “present. looking like a gentleman, with*a wad in my pocket, 0 ae ese Sunday aftemoon Seton Hall call ¥ not over particular concerning the character of the '| view: if*there is wo a in it?” asked soe Hall, ns ae ‘What do you mean aoe It RICH. Hall entered the house and Joe saw eohine more ca him. for half an hour. Joe was sitting against the back of the woodshed reading an interesting book when he heard voices. The voices belonged to.Hall and Mr. Morse, who had entered the woodshed. There was a knothole close to Joe’s head and he heard Hall say: “T suppose there is no danger of aivbale overhearing us 2 here, Morse?” Wy “Not the least,” replied Mr. Morse. ‘Nobody comes here on Sunday except Joe to get an armful of wood for the suelo in the morning.” ‘3 “Where is your stepson now ?”” €3 “T couldn’t tell you. He gener ally goes down to the river on Sunday afternoon, so I s’pose he’s there now.” “Well, as long ag he’s not around here it’s all right. cies “What have you got to tell me that you’ Te so alee ak. about ?”” “You remember I told you last Sunday that I had. some-- ; thing in the money-making line ‘in view ?” said Hall. * Yes, and you said you'd try and let me in on it if you could manage to do so.” i “That’s right. Well, since ‘hen the matter has rounded out and I find that I can offer you the chance to make $500. for a few hours’ work.” 5 “ive hundred dollars for a few hours’ work !” ejaculated Mr. Morse, hardly believing his ears, e Joe was almost as much interested in such a remagkable: j proposition as was his stepfather, and he stuck his ear close to the knothole in order to learn if possible the details ol what seemed to be a regular snap. Bey Pr ecisely $500, as fociad Seton Hall. oe tee “What will I have to do to earn that amount! on asked Mr. Morse. . Ste » “Nothing of any great importance,” “Will I really get $500?” asked Joe’s stepfather noe “Undoubtedly.” “Tell me all about it, then. That sum of money would be a god-send to me. It would raise me a thousand “per cent. in the estimation of Mrs. Morse. I have a hard job raising a quarter a day from her to spend on Bhs, and a quarter doesn’t go very far.” “Not very far,” chuckled Hall. would put you on your feet.” — es “T should say it would. 1 need new clothes, and hoes and a hat; in fact a whole lot of things which I can’t get ai I should like to walk into the house some ay ant “Five hundred dollar surprise Mrs. Morse, and ed young cub of Said said Morse unctuously. : “Meaning your sepion?? “Of course—who else?” “ ; “Well, Bentley, am I to take it for ee that. ingly. oo dutly

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bigots > | STRIKING “Do Von mean. to say it’s een ? If it is, I don’t know ‘that I could afford to go into it. It would aun me if I was sent to prison.” ~ “PY admit that it isn’t as straight as a die, but it’s per- fectly safe, or I shouldn’t go into it myself. There isn’t the ‘slightest danger of either of us going to prison for it.” “Tet me hear what it is,” said Mr.. Morse, to whom the ‘promised $500 was a great temptation, » He was not really overburdened with conscientious scru- ‘ples, but he had a great respect for the law. _ He would not hesitate to engage in some things that were not strictly regular provided he had a reasonable assurance of immunity from the consequences connected. therewith. . “Twill tell you if you will promise me that I can depend on you,” said Hall. 3 “T promise. ” _ “All right. A friend of mine, named Howard Sands, is engineering this enterprise, * proceeded Hall. » Joe, listening at the knothole, started.on hearing Hall say that Howard Sands, the confederate of the notorious ‘shoplifter, Nance Goodwin, was a friend of his. ‘Sands had*been shown up in the magistrate’s court as a gambler and suspected erook, and it did not speak well for ‘Seton Hall to be on friendly terms with such a person. “The little that Joe had so far overheard impressed him ewith the idea that Hall was trying to inveigle Mr. Morse into some disreputable enterprise, and the boy felt that it Was his duty to learn as much as he could about it so as to ‘Save his stepfather from geting himself into serious trouble. kd Sands, owing to the position in which he happens to be placed, is unable to take an active part in the job, which’ re- quires the services of two persons, and therefore he left it to pig to select an assistant to help me out,” went on Hall. i ~ Mr. Morse nodded and waited for further particulars. _ “There’s a good haul in the monetary line to be made on Tuesday morning,” said Hall, watching Mr. Morse nar- Towly to see how he would take the suggestion. _ “A good haul,” answered Joe’s stepfather slowly and doubtfully. “Do you mean to say that you want me to help ‘you steal——” “That's a very vulgar word, Mr. Morse,” inter upted “Hall glibly. “Just listen to me and I think youl agree that the affair is rather different from a commdn theft.” Go on,” said Mr, Morse, not feeling quite easy in his : ind about Hall’s proposition. — “The matter is just this: Every business morning a yyoung man, named Homer Carroll, carries the previous esmen’s Bank. Are you following me?” said Hall. » Yes,” answered Mr. Morse. Good gracious!” breathed Joe at the knothole:’ « Is this ; Scheme to hold up Carroll and rob him. on the street?” He carries the money in a leather bag, locked and Strapped,” went on Hal. “Now, Howard Sands has-a ‘sh ong hold on Carroll, so strong, in fact, that Carroll has ad to be a party to our little game. -That fact makes enterprise: absolutely safe and sure. bag that is a perfect facsimile of the one carried by seul eeeipts of Henderson’s department, store to the Trade: cashier to explain how the paper got there. You see. every~ T have secured a thing: has been thought of and arranged so as to throw su have filled it with a few ‘cheap books and news- a and I we won't figure | in the affair at all. “How can ‘we? Nobody but Carr ds will know : ir ‘RIOH, aE y doorway he the ‘Anchor Building, now undergoing repairs, on Elm Street a little below. Washington. I wish you to be at the Anchor Building a few minutes before Carrol] makes his appearance. I will have my bag and Henderson’s mes- senger will have his. According to prearrangement both of us will drop our bags and shake hands. That will be your cue. You step forward, change the positionof the two bags, then tap me on the arm and say that a man by the name of Johnson wishes to see me around the corner in Dock Square. That’s all you have todo to earn the $500. I will attend to the rest. What do you a Are you in on it?” “Suppose somebody sees me change te bags?” said Mr. Morse apprehensivel y- * “You must do it in an off-hand way, as if it was a joke, and then walk around to the square, where T’ll meet you. We'll go around to Sands’s room, and after he has exam- ined the bag to see that you’ve made no mistake he’ll hand you the $500 and then you are through, and may go where you choose, Am I not offering you a regular snap? Why,’ man, if you were not an old chum of mine, and T know that you need: money badly, T wouldn’t think of making you this — offer. Talk about easy money, Bentley, why it’s just like finding it.” ; “You are sure that the messenger is in with you?” said Mx. Morse anxiously. “He is sure to notice me change the bags.” “He's in all right. We’re going to whack up with him.” “But he'll be arrested when he reaches the bank with ‘the wrong bag, won't he? Then he would give us away to te! : and save himself.” “He'll not be arrested, don’t, you fear. He doesn’t carry the key of the bag, so that it is utterly impossible for him to open it and monkey with the contents, That will remove ‘suspicion from him.” “But the people at the bank will be sure to know that the bag was changed oa the way from the store.” % “How can they tell that? The bags are exactly alike, Carroll and T have attended to that during the week. In — fact Carroll has been carrying the new bag since Thursday _ as a test. Neither Henderson’s cashier nor the receiving _ teller at the bank has noticed any difference. He will carry the new bag with the money in it on Tuesday morning, and _ after you have made the excMarige he will actually deliver the original bag at the bank. Carroll will be prepared to swear that the bag never left his hand en route. That will: throw the matter up to the cashier of Henderson’s. He will _ be equally liable to suspicion, What is to prevent the im- pression from gaining ground that he is the guilty man himself? Carroll will leave a part of the newspapers I have put in the bag in the cashier’s waste paper | basket on Tues day morning, and when Henderson calls in a detective to. investigate the matter the messenger will manage to convey a hint to him so that he will look into the basket, where he» will find the tell-tale evidence. “Then it will be up ‘to the ; picion in the wrong quarter and away 4 from Carroll. As for

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STRIKING IT RICH. Mr. Henderson read truthfulness and conviction in He | boy’s face, as well as in the tones of his voice. 4 “Proceed, my boy,” he said kindly, “I have perfect ¢ ie - fidence in your veracity.” “Hyery morning, except Sundays and legal holidays, you send a large sum of money to the Trademen’s Bank for de- posit, by Homer Carroll,” began. Joe. As this was strietly an office secret the proprietor of the store was both astonished and disturbed to find that his office boy was aware of the nature of Carroll's abi errand. “Tow came you to learn that fact, Sturgess?” he asked a a bit sharply. “I overheard two men yesterday afletndon talking shout Uae “Two men! Are they connected with the store?” No Saute 5 “They were strangers. to you, then?” “Hardly, sir. One of them is a man, hamed Seton ‘Hall, once a clerk in the Boylston Bank; the other is—my step father.” © “Indeed. What was the nature of their conversation ? Se “Seton Hall called at:our house yesterday afternoon. and persuaded: my stepfather to assist him in a scheme to get possession,ef-that bag. He assured my stepfather that | Homer Carroll was a party to the plot, and that the project.” f was bound to: paynecd without the least trouble or danger we |any one concerned. To say that Mr. Henderson was amazed at this sarin? : tion on. the part of his office boy would be stating the _ mild] re matter of fact he was positively dhundarsteieke He looked at Joe for some minutes without speaking. Then he took off his hat, laid iton the top of iis closed desk and seated himself | in his pivot chairs)! 5. bees “Sit down, Sturgess,” he said, pointing to the sie be- 5 side his desk. “Now tell me, as near as you can remember, what you overheard and how you came to be ina posit to do so.” Joe began at the beginning, by saying that he was $ ting atthe back of the woodshed in his yard reading when. Seton Hall and Mr. Morse, his stepfather, entered the shed He described how Hall had gradually led up to ‘the sub- ject in hand, and then he repeated. the words of Hal a well as he could recall them. Mr. Henderson gave him the closest, attention, “and did | not interrupt him once. x . He saw, as far as any man eould see, that hi f was telling the truth. I wish. a see you on. a sesh of signa! tance,” vwplie | After Joe had finished his story the ee: doe “ect pee } him closely on several points, chiefly those referrin, | Homer Carroll, but. the boy’s replies only conti od 4 ‘| facts as he had stated them. \ | “This is a very serious matter, Setingae’ st as. his setter was = pet At, Harker ‘to step i in here,” said Mr, Henderson. i _ Joe obeyed orders and returtied with the superintende "The proprietor briefly explained to his astonish the ent to ty away with that a a eceipts on _ Mr. Morse that he consented to take part in the enterprise, much to his friend’s-satisfaction. _ A number of unimportant particulars were gone over by - Hall, and the scheme finally arranged in all its details. _ Mr. Morse promised faithfully to:meet’ Seton Hall at a certain hour in Dock Square on Tuesday morning, and then the two men left the woodshed and walked off wp the street, leaving Joe Sturgess alone to digest the particulars of the _well-laid project which he had overheard, “Well, if that thing doesn’t beat the Dutch for owas right raseality I’m no judge of a piece of crooked work,” - mused the boy. “Of course it’s up to me to prevent the job going throug® and I shall do it; but how will I set to work? I’m afraid that it won’t do to tell Mr. Morse that een on to the scheme, for he’d be sure to inform Hall, and “ Hall would put Carroll wise in his turn, Carroll has a _ whole lot of influence with Mr, Henderson, and he’d use it t st6 get me digcharged out of revenge, and if that particular scheme was abandoned I couldn’t show him up as a faith- ~ less employee, for there would beno evidence against him. Tl have to tell my story to Mr. Henderson himself, and let ~ him act as he thinks best, requesting him, as a special ea not to push matters against, my stepfather. *Y Having decided on his course of action Joe lett wee rear of ihe shed and walked into ne house. ty) , hi ) i TE aay CHAPTER VIL. oat WHICH JOE DISCLOSES THE PLOT TO THE HEAD OF THE POREE: ' ee Mondoy morning Joe was in the sonmtenger oom-when 1e cashier handed Homer Carroll the leather bag to take ay the bank as usual.’ ' He wondered if that was to be the last seat trip he would ever make in the employ of Mr. Henderson. ' Joe intended to have his interview with the proprietor _just as soon.as the gentleman made his appearance, which ‘he usually did about eleven o’clock. Tt happened that Joe was out on an errand when “Mr, Henderson arrived at the store, and as the proprictor was ery busy thereafter, while. Joe was very busy, too, the boy . ad no opportunity to talk to the boss — he was prepar- ee to go home. » Then Joe seized the chance'to enter his ivatsonee : What is it, okies vt asked ‘Mr. Henderson: in a idles the boy stood ene in the aibilntion of the inca Or; as, in fact, he. did with the be ee ae and | eR hey Tem

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j Fe ite is a Aba RICH. te . said Mr. ~ guilty ones in the act. If Homer Carroll is really & party . to this piece of rascality the fact can be easily proved by . having him followed and a sharp watch kept on his actions. _ The scheme is certainly a clever one, and had it not. been Henderson. -“We must take means to catch the. overheard and reported to us by this boy the chances were all in favor of it going through successfully. Whether a yschemers down is another matter altogether. I shall leave this affair in your hands, Mr. Harker. Use your own judg- ment, but-do not take any chances with the money.” “Very well, sir. I will make it my business.to get at the bottom of the plot. By the way, Joe,” turning to the boy, “T think you said that the substitute bag is now being used by the cashier unknowingly for the original ies es “That is what Seton Hall told my See answered Ped0e. “Tn which case the original bag is in possession of the ie rascals. I will,have Mr. Brown, the cashier, bring the bag . In here now, examine it thoroughly in our presence to see if he can detect whether it is the original or a substitute.” “Do so,” said Mr. Henderson. The superintendent went into the counting-room and in _ afew minutes returned with the cashier and the leather bag. i: “Mr, Brown,” said Harker, “will you please examine that bag with great care and tell us whether that is the same bag that you have always been “using' to send our "money i the bank.” The cashier looked surprised, but proceeded to obey in- structions. “Tt must be the same bag unless the bank has returned usa duplicate,” he’ said as he began looking it over. Finally he announced that it was not the original bag. “By a mark, a small star, that was on the bottom of the original. It does not, appear on this bag.” . “Perhaps it might have been rubbed out.” -“T do not believe that it could be removed without some vidence remaining of that fact.” “Then in your opinion this is not the same bag that 9 we _ originally got from the bank?” “Tt is not the same bag.” ba noticed before that a change had been made i in them?” _ ¢Xes, sir.” 23 “Very well: That is all. Please do ae mention’ this » matter to any one, Mr. Brown. Do you understand ? 272 ; “Yes, sir.” ‘You may go,” said. the superintendent. o eet pot 8b; Y hoaded the ae Sie veut prety I will use yout desk tele- Ne opened and the eae called ap sharp sleuth would afterward be successful in running the | “How do you know it is not?” asked the mperiuendent. And the two bags are so much alike that you never | and [assure you that your future will be well taken care of. He asked the cashier if the bag originally sent to the store to carry its funds in hed ever been changed at the: Ss bank. ae “Hold the wire and I will bey and find out,” replied the 3 bank cashier. f¢ * a Tn less than five minutes he replied that the bag had never been changed by the bank. Renee: “Are you, positive of that fact?” asked Harker. a “T have the assurance of the receiving teller, and he is the i. only man who handles your bag.” ahr “Thank you, that is all,” replied the superintendent,ring! ing off. “Well, Mr. Henderson, we now have an added con- firmation of this boy’s story. I think we need no longer doubt that the plot is a ‘real one, and that Homer Carroll is implicated in it. The bag could not very well have been changed without his knowledge and conhivance.” “T. agree with you. It is certainly a tremendous surprise to me to find that a young man of excellent family, who" - seems to have heretofore given us every reason to believe | ve him above suspicion, should at last yield to temptation that can only end in his disgrace, if not ultimate ruin: It grieves me, Mr. Harker, more than I can say. I have always re- garded him as the brightest and smartest employee in my service. Really it shakes one’s confidence in human nature. A man running any large business like this store is com- pelled to rely to a considerable extent on the faithfulness of his people. It is a sad thing when even one of them abuses’ the trust reposed in his honor.” per “Tt is, indeed, sir,’ replied the superintendent; “but the newspapers are continually reporting instances of men_ who have gone wrong and foolishly killed all their chances’ — in life. I’m afraid that as long as the world wags these unfortunate things will happen. There must be a fatality attaching to some people, for it is a true saying that ‘he whom the gods would destroy they first make mad,’ and surely a young man with such talents and prospects as Homer Carroll has must be made to sacrifice them’ on n the altar of money-lust.” “Well, make your arrangements, Mr. Harker, for catch- ing these conspirators in such a way that there canbe no — question as to their guilt,” said Mr. Henderson; rising and putting on his hat. “As for you, Sturgess, I thank you for the interest you show in the welfare of this establishment, eu a ay re £ i “Well, Mr. lerson, ”? he eauep as soon as the door’ had aa: on the. both. next thing in order will be to communicate rill shall not be prosecuted. See to it, Mr. Harker, that he is aD Hots arrested with: the other two. Te they iniplicate | T have never. yet failed to RepOg aS ds aia: and met in my employees. a ne ie Thank you, sir. I did what I considera to be my at Now I hope you will for my mother’s sake at least be ent with Mr. Morse. If he is artested and prosecuted f this matter it will bring trouble on her and disgrace on us T have done my duty to you, sir, » Without, T erve. ‘Please think of my mother.” _ ‘There were tears in Joe’s eyes and an earneee: appeal. his yoice that went straight to the hearts oe both Mr He derson and his superintendent. 2 “My boy,” said the proprietor, “TI promise you that he matter ised ae ee

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oo - out of town till the matter blows over. save him from the consequences of his foolishness. must do this at all costs in justice to ie and for his mother.” _ “Thank you, Mr. Henderson,” said Joe gratefully CHAPTER VIII. HOW MESSRS. SANDS AND HALL ARE BROUGHT UP WITH A ; ROUND TURN. _ Long before the cashier called Homer Carroll to his desk to fake the bag as usual to the bank Mr. Harker, the super- intendent, ha” made his arrangements for protecting the _ Money in transit and for the arrest of the two principals in _ the conspiracy. _ He had two lynx-eyed men in his office for an hour sea! were given a chance to size up Carroll. The duty of one was to proceed to the Anchor Building and lie in wait for the meeting between Carroll and Hall to take place as arranged; the business of the other was to shadow the messenger to the rendezvous and assist his brother detectives in making the arrest. __ They were instructed to pay no attention to the man who _ changed the bags, but to make a note of his face and aes for future use if necessary, of the rascality so as to be able to swear against the guilty ones. _ At length Carroll was handed the bag containing the previous day’s receipts and he started for the bank. _ _One.of the sleuths was already on the ground, and the other followed Carroll. My. Harker also started for the Anchor Building. - As Carroll had no reason. to suspect that his duplicity was kmown and the scheme on the eve of a collapse, he _ walked along in, his usually confident way. _.. In due time he reached Elm Street and walked down fi _ the Anchor Building. « i Coming toward him he saw Seton Hall, bag in hand. “How dye do, old man?” said Hall, dropping his bag “and putting out his hand -ccording to the prearranged pro- Y, L eeomie, Carroll dropped his bag and shook hands with Hall, and both turning half away from the bags began to talk. Mr. Morse at this point issued from the door of the An- “chor Building, and_ ‘alter a cautious glance around ap- ee them.. He seized: the two bags and changed them in a rather _ elumsy way, and then tapped Hall on the shoulder. see you down if Dock Square,” he said. “That so, Bentley? Well, you go down there and tell him Till be there right away,” replied Hall, Thereupon Joe’s stepfather ambled off down Elm Street; glad that he had satisfactorily earned the $500 that he fondly expected to handle soon. A moment later Hall and Carroll shook ae again, : Beeeranted, his changed Pe and detects in different diree- tions. Spare no expense to We| men in front of the Anchor Building. The superintendent himself intended to be at the scene} , fable to live like a gentleman for a while. _ “Say, Mr. Hall, party by the name of J ohnson wants to |. : of the detectives followed Hall oy Eln Street, 3 Harker close’ while the STRIKING IT RICH. The original arrangements included the arrest of the two This was changed at the request vat the chief detective; i who wished to capture Howard Sands, who, from Joe’s — story, appeared to be the originator of the crooked game. Mr. Morse was waiting for Hall in Dock Square. | | When the men came together they started over toward Faneuil Hall Square, thence through to North Market, past the Quiney Market and around the corner into Commercial — Street, which, they followed to Atlantic Ave., and entered . the South Ferry Building. Here they took a boat for Hast Boston, lending 6 near the | foot of Lewis Street, which they followed into Summer, and along the latter thoroughfare into Liverpool Street, where they entered a three-story building. | The detective and Superintendent Harker kept right be- hind them all this time, the former following them Ups stairs to the top floor, where he saw them enter a room, A minute later. the officer was joined by the supe | tendent, 2 Removing his shoes he asked Harker, who was something : of an athlete, to boost him up to the fanlight. The officer, much to his satisfaction, found that the fan- light was not secured on the inside and he cautiously cree | it about an inch. “ Hall and Mr. Morse were standing beside a small table at | which Howard Sands was seated in-the act of opening the . leather bag with a key that fitted the lock. ce A bank-book, stuffed with checks, was taken out of ihe bag, and then one bundle of money labeled $500. MY “Here’s the reward for your services, Mr, Morse,” said Sands, tossing the bundle to him. “You never eamed | money easier in your life, eh?” : “That's right,” replied Joe’s stepfather. “If you have | any. more jobs like this one I’m on if you can use me.” ; “Then your conscience doesn’t worry you a particle, does : it?” laughed Sands. : & “Not a bit. I believe that people who have a lot of ‘ ‘money ought to be made to divide it with those who are hard up,” replied Morse. “Then everybody would be happy and things wouldn’t be like they are now—a few-hay- ing all the coin and living on the fat of the land, while the mhajority are hustling around to get half enough to eat. — It’s an outrage, and any ‘scheme tending to make the ‘rich shell out meets with my approval every time. Thanks for the $500. It will comegin mighty handy for me. I'll be. Good-day, une a tlemen. You always know where to find nie, Hall, in case _ you should need my valuable services again.” . rae oe While he was speaking the detective descended from his perch, and after telling Harker to hide in the corridor he ~ slipped down to the landing below where he lay in wait for “A Mr. Morse. is In a few minutes Mr. Morse, feeling like a fighting cock and mentally congratulating himself on thé possession. of $500, which was a fortune to him, descended the stairs, As he ‘turned toward the lower flight the detective co fronted him. ff Mr. Bentley hss, T believe,” said the peer: ‘Joe’s stepfather stopped, utterly confounded J addressed by his own name bya Setagtc way * dj ts

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. STRIKING Then he regarded the detective with not a little anxiety. -. “Your name. is Morse, I think?” repeated the officer, this «time sharply. “Y-e-s,” fluttered the owner of that name neryously, “You have just received a bundle of bills amounting to eo in return .for services rendered. Hand it over, |’ please.” “Do you mean to rob me?” gasped Mr. Morse, in a tone ‘of consternation. | “Not at all, Mr. Morse. I simply wish to take charge of tin the interest of Mr. William a whose property 40 is.”? ie “Oh, Jor!” gurgled Mr. Mores, who was a coward at * heart, ‘and immediately jumped to the conclusion ee he had been pinched by the police. “Are you a—a _ “Detective?” chuckled the officer, much ae at the man’s evident fright. “Yes, you’ve hit it at the first guess,” and he threw open the flap of his coat, displayi ing his badge.’ _ “Tm done f6f,” groaned Morse, grasping. the railing for 7 support. “T knew something would happen. Don’t hand- _ cuff me, Mr. Officer. I'll go “quietly.” i “The money, please!” replied the detective curtly, _ “Here it is. I haven’t touched it. I never thought ’d - have to go to jail. I wish I'd never listened to my friend “Hall, He has ruined me. M. The officer glanced at the package of money and put it into his pocket. _ “Now, Mr. Morse, you can go,” he said. “Go! I thought” een caught with the goods, but my instructions are not to arrest you. Now go and thank your stars that you’ve got off so easily. If you got ‘what’s coming to you as accessory: in this case you’d go up for five years at least. Now, then, just make yourself scarce.” The detective pushed the. dazed man toward the lower Stairs and returned to the landing above. ice more he mounted on the superintendent’s shoulders d glanced into the room, ‘ ~ table and Howard ‘Sands was counting the packages of ills and:loose money, while Seton Hall was keeping tab n he amount. ‘in a tone of satisfaction, ag rs and forty cents,” answered Hall, eomplacently. ‘a fine haul, How much do I get? ‘Remember V’ve done the real work and taken all the risk.” eens hink we agreed on $5,000,” replied Sands, auavely.” uldn’t you raise it three more, Sands?) I think | Pm dito that much. a A bargain. is'a pargain, Hall,” returned the. vorbis 1ere’s your’ money,” and he pushed a pile of bills toward companion. “Tell young Carroll to meet me in the i ee Cafe at: eight to-night and I will pay him, his es on ‘the table. », Sands, and you : le ‘IT RICH. “Go home and keep quiet, do you chdesiiogd? You've he contents of the leather bag had been dumped on the | ‘ “There, now, “how HEN does it, “foot up 2” asked Sands, this way?” he demanded in a tone of assumed indignation. 'wenty-cight thousand, three hundred aed sixty-two ‘soon be keeping him epenpenyy Rik t ma gent the three of you. Sands. Ani on ‘that table. Thi is sutiteattal hee 0: ae ‘ all to the State prison without the jury leaving the You'll find it a pretty § serious case of grand: larceny,” ‘replied | Hall, looking longingly ee the pile| ‘talkin; a i “You re mak-. : Sands. “You see, I need the coin badly. $5,000 bail, and I promised to get her out. that five thou. again.” “Why won’t you? You'll get it hack when she appears ; for trial.” “She won’t “appear, for she’s sure to be convicted. — They’ve got her dead this time. As soon. as aes out.on- bail she’ll skip for parts unknown.” “And so will you, I suppose?” omnis “Of course. Where Nance goes I go. The city will make $6,000 out of us,)while the State will be’ saved the — cost of keeping Nance for a number of years, and maybe myself, too.” w “Well, I guess I'll go. This $5,000 will keep me in — clover for awhile. I hope to see you agaifi before you quit the town for good.” # “Yowll find me at the Pilgrim Rock for the rest of the we week, at any rate,” said Sands, rising from his chair. “rll ce let you out.” The detective dropped to the floor and whispered some- _ thing hurriedly into the superintendent’s ear, Both drew revolvers and stood at the door. ee _As the key was Heard to turn in the lock the detective and 5 Harker pushed the door in and rushed into the room, upset- Ae ting both Hall and Sands. Me “You re pinched, both of you!” cried the officer in a loud - Nance is held on Tl never see % i t voice. “Throw up your hands!” CHAPTER IX. eae THE CONSPIRATORS GET WHAT 1S COMING ‘TO THEM. The two rascals were paralyzed by the suddenness of their : capture. ftw Tt was as if a thunderbolt frém a clear sky had laid them BS out without the slightest warning. rE: They sat up and gazed at the detective and Super inten. =~ dent Harker in the greatest consternation, The officer stepped forward and with pre cnee anil ness handcuffed them together. Then he thrust his hand into Hall’s pocket and Shoal 4 out the package of $5,000, which he tossed on the table, following it with the $500 he had relieved Mr. Morse of. — ‘By that time Sands had recovered his sang froid. . . “What do you mean by breaking into a man’s offic “Out it out, Sands,” replied the detective curt and your friend are nailed with the goods. B eet up, for anything you may say will. be used. agains Henderson’s messenger is in jail by this time, and you. bid ve. ago a clear a *d like/to know what sam oerge us with es is While the deteetiv ng H ome

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gegen ay 6 aad Pegs fe ioe g _ STRIKING IT _ In due time they arrived at the central office, where Hall and Sands were charged with grand larceny and locked up. The Sbperintendent learned that Homer Carroll was also under lock and key, havihg been arrested at the bank as ~ soon as the bag was opened and found to contain only a collection of paper-eovered books and old newspapers. _ He had put upia big protest and sent word to Mr. Hen- * derson to come to his relief. No attention, however, was paid to his appeal. ; Phen he sent word to his father, who was general man- - ager of an insurance agency. Mr. Carroll responded at once, ery troubled over his only son’s predicament. _ Homer posed as a much injured person, so his father 4 lost no time in calling on Mr. Henderson. The merchant received Mr. Carroll, told him the story of _ his son’s faithlessness, and assured him that the evidence aici the young man was conclusive and could not but “result in his conviction. ~ Mr. Carroll would not believe that his boy was guilty, so he hired a first-class lawyer to protect his interests. When the superintendent got back to the store he called Joe into his office and told’him how the scheme had been D pednittod to go through and the rascals, with the exception ‘of his stepfather, arrested afterward. «Tg you find Mr. Morse at home to-night, Joe, tell him to leave the city for a seas oe at least. se is $100 to cover his expenses.” re Thank you, sir,” veplied Joe. _ When Joe reached home there was no sign of his step- Sin about the house. _ “Where is Mr. Morse, mother?” he asked» _“He’s left town for a short time,” replied his mother, who did not seem to be greatly concerned over her husband’s hasty departure. ; “Left home, did he?” “Yes. He came in about two o’elock and told me a man had | offered him work ‘in the country. He said he had ac- ‘ cepted the job and was going away at once. He asked me for $5 to pay his fare, but I could only let him have $2. He took it, packed his valise and left ina great hurry to catch a train, he said. The whole thing took me so by surprise that I haven’t recovered from it yet. It’s the first'time in three ae Tt must be something astonishingly easy to strike his fancy. ‘something, even if you and I get no benefit from it.” Joe did not think it best to undeceive his mother, for he knew that it would grieve her greatly to learn that her hus- ba d had been iniplicated i in a criminal act. . Morse had evidently taken ma by the forelock in anxiety to elude the police. oe that the nates who hed taken the money Mite with the ieather eh affair, e judged th Bes ithe ene Mae be after ss as Ags as years that Mr. Morse ever showed any disposition to work. |. At any rate it’s a great relief to me to have him doing | sentenced ra as tot i ; cad Se RICH. puekeee a as he had to work in order to live he accepted the opening, — and was soon earning an honest living for the first time in years. Thus his one guilty act turned out to be a kind of the ing, for it relieved Joe and his mother of a burden on their slender resources, and ‘made a lazy loafer get down to hard work and be of some use in the world. Ge The story of the crime was in all the itiernodik papers, - but Mr. Morse’ s name did not appear in print. i In fact there was no mention of a fourth man in the case. At the examination of the prisoners next morning before — a magistrate the charge was pushed by the occ of the store. "He stated that information of the sdlieiaies had been cons” : veyed to Mr. Henderson by a person whose name must re- main unknown for good >and sufficient reasons, and bee measures were at once taken to frustrate the bia ec ant eapture the guilty ones. He told how he and one of the detectites had foitciert the ’ messenger to the Anchor Building; described what’ too place in front of that buildirig, and then went on to tell . how, after the exchange of leather bags had been effected, » 2 he and the detective had followed Hall and his confederate — io the building in Liverpool Street, East Boston, where - Hall and Sands were arrested with the bag and the hapelh in their possession. The detective who had made the arrest in Liverpool Street corroborated Harker’s story. - “What about this confederate who changed the as and whom you and Mr. Harker followed to the Liverpool 4 Street house?” asked the magistrate. “He got away somehow,” replied the dace: “Well, Ill issue a | warrant for his arrest. I suppose. you have no Aden of his identity ?” : “Not the slightest,’ replied the detective, unblushingly, fingering the $100 bill in his pocket which*was er cause he his aEDetet siesta magistrate to his clerk. The warrant was duly made out, signed by the trate and handed to the detective to execute. _ The magistrate might have saved ehh the ‘troul The lawyer retained to eAeed Homer Carro big fight to have his client discharged on the gro there wasn’t evidence enough against the we warrant his being held for trial. The magistrate disagreed with the lovyer and J had to go back to a shoplifting affair, © They were easily roi victed: BEX ci ; ‘The woman got.five years and Sands one ye In due time an indictment was found agait b | and Carroll, and the two latter were tr

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U . l. ae name of John Doe, but it was pigeon-holed in the district attorney’s office, and nothing ever came of it. _/ Inthe meantime, on the afternoon of the day that Sands, - Hall and Carroll. were examined before the magistrate, Mr. Henderson called Joe into his private office and, after “ thanking him again for the service he had poutleted the ~ establishment, presented him with $1,000 as a substantial evidence of his appreciation of the boy’s conduct in the ~ affair, Joe thanked him and said that he would ‘endeavor to prove worthy of his employer’s good opinion. . Next morning the superintendent called him into his office and told him that his wages was raised to $10 a week. “Ten dollars!” exclaimed ‘Jos, to whom such @ sum seemed munificent. “Ten dollars,” repeated Mr Tee “You see, you are to assume a more responsible duty in connection with your other work. Hereafter you will carry the day’s re- ~ ceipts to the bank in Homer Carroll’s place. Mr. Hender- - gon considers you one of the most trustworthy of sea em- ployees and well adapted for that job.” ‘Joe was overjoyed at this further evidence of aia’ em- a ie on IS es ployer’s appreciation, and told Mr, Harker that he would], Stays and fill the bill right up to the handle. _ Since Henderson’s ‘tnathod of sending the money to the _ Tradesmen’s Bank by a messenger on foot had been adver- tised in the newspapers, it was not deemed prudent to con- “tinue the plan any longer. / _ Accordingly, as soon as Mr. Henderon reached the store in the morning his automobile was placed at Joe’s service for the trip to the bank. as Any morning that Mr. Henderson did not come denn _ town a cab was hired for the same purpose, and the boy = was platy with a small revolver as an additional pro- tection. , ge His. Antashe wages, together with the absence of Mr. Morse, had heretofore been accustomed to. The little woman was no longer obliged to hustle hard to cit ends meet, and it was a great relief to her not to have a worthless man hanging around the house, worrying her for the price of at occasional drink,. which was the most she had been able to provide him with. 0f course she could not tell, at what moment she might up again, ete she felt that she was now better able to he ait to worry about the matter. [ have réason to believe. that he won't be ack in a mother, he assured her. 2 . Morse did not press her son to explain ‘hinisett ae " STRIKING | eu RICH. An indictment was found against Mr. Norse, under the} enabled Joe. and his sbties to live much better than they. Je hades seen her once before and knew she was the big merchant’s niece, whom he had adopted on the sudden . death of both her parents.some year's -before. i As Mr. Henderson had no children it was genczally. be= lieved that his niece, whose name was Elsie Grant, would - become his heiress, Joe was just coming out of the ‘ eeciaee office » when the gir] entered the outer room, and it was to him she - put her query. ny “No, Miss Grant,” he Pee “Mr. Henderson went to a business meeting of a manufacturing establishment — and I could not tell you when he’ll return.” a ~ “It’s too had,” she pouted, “I wanted to see him before — he gets home.” . - Joe bowed politely, but could not suggest anything Tole: relieve her evident impatience. “Are you J oseph Sturgess ? 2” she said suddenly, looking — at the boy curiously. i “Yes, miss; that’s my name.” “Yon’ re a griert boy, aren’t you?” Joe blushed and looked embarrassed. “Unele William says you’re the smartest and bite boy he ever had.” “T’m much obliged to him for saying so,” returned Te 02, ‘Ke not feeling quite at ease. 5 “Well, you look smart, and bright, and-— handsome, too,” x she said with perfect frankngss, lookin’ him in the face, Joe blushed again, and looked away from her. “You're the boy who caught that woman chopltin f aren’t you! 2” Joe confessed that tie was the identical boy. i “Then you were smarter than all the store detectives. begee “No, miss, I guess not,” replied Joe, modestly. “T just happened to be looking at her when she took the se, of silk.” Sy - “Youn must have sharp eyes, for uncle said she was (80-5; clever at her business that she could steal lots of things — : right under the eyes of the store detectives when they were watching her and escape detection.” “Probably I wouldn’t have caught her if she had taken a small article; but a bolt of silk is of some size,, and she, . couldn’t get aed with it as quick as she might i of other things.” mate. _ “That’s true,” admitted Miss Grant; “but, you were e titled to the credit of capturing ia just the same.” Me eyery day, Ton tania out all aac and told my uncle in time to defeat th d that his view of the situation would | mraye, trae, ‘men caught. They’ve just been sent to: prison.” a 8.2, ee of fact, it aides ra "CHAPTER Xx. IN wine Bi On. PROVES HUMSELF. A Lee rer RY “STt just: happened to be: my ludk to overhear ' | persons talking the matter over, and of course I ‘onde : my duty to ‘inform. Mr. Henderson.” reeeniae yoae carrying the. bag. to the ok esse: i

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“He believes in encouraging his employees and doing “them justice; but I know he regards you with special “favor.” “Well, I try to do the best I can all the time.” 4p m sure you do, for uncle sdys so. Wouldn’t you like to call at our house and see mé some evening? I should be glad to have you come.” _ “T’m much obliged to you for inviting me, Miss Grant, _ but I’m afraid Mr. Henderson won’t care for me to do so.” “Why not?” she exclaimed, opening her pretty eyes. “Well, it wouldn’t be just the thing, I’m afraid, for an employee of the store to pay a visit at the boss’s home. _ He’d think I had a big nerve.” _ “Why should he when I have invited you?” “He might think that you ought not to have invited me.’ ” ~», “He never Breet: to anybody that I invite, and I ‘am BiG he wouldn’t object to you, anyway.” “Vd like to come, for you, are A ai good to invite an _ ordinary store boy like me, but— ~ *“¥ou are not an ordinary store boy, Mr. Sturgess. You are far from that. You are not only a smart boy, but one _ of the most gentlemanly boys I have ever met.” “Thank you for saying so, Miss Grant. f not trying to spoil me.” “Tam sure I couldn’t do that. You are not one of those _ kind of boys.” “You seem to have a very good opinion of me,” he said laughingly. - ' *“T have,” she answered with emphasis. “me you will call.” ; a «Tf you insist I will.” » “J don’t insist. I haye no right | fo @ that, But it would give me a great deal of pleasure if you would call.” “Then I will ‘do so.” a “When ?”? “Whenever you say.” “Ni ext Wednesday evening’ then. & “Now promise Wall that be convenient “Any eyening will be convenient for me that suits you.” z “It’s very nice of you to say that. Well, I will look for you next Wednesday evening. Have you ouraddress?” “TJ haven’t the number, but I know Mr. Henderson lives somewhere on Commonwealth Avenue.” Miss Grant mentioned the number and Joe made-a wb ee a “ST think T will make a purchase or two on the next fii ind then go home, as I am afraid I can’t wait any longer or uncle. Goodbye. es ks “Goodbye, Miss Grant,” said Joe, taking the baie hand she extended to him. Then she walked out of the Bice i “You seem to be pretty thick with, Mr. eederay 8 iece,” 5 said the cashier with a prov oking pails, as Joe was STRIKING IT RICH. Sa I hope you rre “Yes, sir.” “Mr, Henderson. thinks there isn’t another girl like a B in the world.” “You don’t blame bim for thinks that, do you?” “Qertainly not. J guess there isn’t any doubt but she'll come in for all he’s worth when he dies. In that case she’s — bound to be a wealthy heiress. She'll make a fine catch for 5 some of our young aristocrats.” Joe thought the young man who got her for his wife # would be uncommonly lucky, c “By the way, Joe, you'might as well take this check over _ to the New England Bank and see if it’s all right. Ihave ~ my doubts about it. It may save time if I can get a tine |on it right off,” said the cashier. S “Adl right, sir, It won't take me but’ a few minutes for the bank is only three blocks away.” Joe took the check, got his hat and left the office. He didn’t get out of the building as soon as he thought x he would. One of the floor-walkers held him to tell him a funnygag. Then two of the pretty salesladies with whom he was a great favorite beckoned him to their counter OR just a | minute to tell him a great secret. fe Tt took them thre minutes to tell it, and he couldn’ t Beh away. i Then another salesgirl wanted him to take a note to a * friend of hers at the stationery counter. ‘It was very important, she said, and she had been won- dering how she could get it to her friend till she spied. F oe, and of course she knew he’d oblige her just this once. Naturally he couldn’t resist her appeal. Altogether he was ten minutes ~— to the sidewall from the office. ‘ As events proved it’ was a fortunate tite that oe was delayed. Starting to cross the street he saw Elsie Grant Jat ahead of him, An electric car was coming dk the street’ while te cabs’ were coming down. Concealed’ by them an automobile was following. . Rite The girl stepped into an open Space to avoid the cabs just as the auto swung around into view at a quick pace. Elsie saw that she wes caught iu a trap and she uttere ce a scream of terror. . Joe was close behind her and saw her perilous prodien. Ps ment, too, : He jumped forward, caught her in his arms,. at was struck and flung a dozen’ feet by the machine, i: “ayits om He landed in an unconscious heap in the street wit “the = girl in his arms right before one of the ‘cabs which the — driver gl halted in time to avoid: running them. down. ; ee f ; ; Oe Ses ca - CHAPTER XL hol hh esac gies WHEREIN JOR I8 OBLIGED TO GO TO A HOSPITAL, Of course great excitement followed the accident, whi sn a ON He seen by dozens of people, een oes Henderso oes had: rhe come to the store.

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STRIKING ee OO ee gee jected to a critical overhauling by the house surgeon before a definite opinion could be passed on his case. So Joe, still unconscious, was put into the ambulance and driven away. Mr. Henderson, as soon as he reached his private room, st told Elsie what the ambulance surgeon had said. ‘ “Poor boy!” she cried sympathetically. “Oh, uncle, I shall be dreadfully unhappy if he should die. You don’t think he will, do you?” % “TY should feel deeply grieved myself if he did,” replied the merchant earnestly. ‘‘‘We must hope for the best. He is a brave, chivalrous lad. I will spend thousands of dole _ lars, if necessary, to save him.” Res ~ “Of course you will, uncle, for ns saved my life,” she - said, sobbingly. Mr. Henderson called the ED & up on the *phone and asked for the head surgeon. A As soon as he, got the doctor on the wire he told las ‘ about the accident and requested that everything that his, skill could suggest must be done for the boy. fe “Spare no expense whatever,” said the merchant. “The 4 boy must be saved at any cost, for he saved my niece’s life and I am deeply grateful to him.” | “The ambulance hasn’t reached here yet, Mr. Houten: a4 son,”’ replied the surgeon, “but as soon as it does I will give the ease my special attention and let you know. just how | badly injured the boy is, and what the ahaprer are for his recovery.” “T will make’ you a handsome present if you pull bin around all right.” “Thank you, sir; but that isn’t necessary. As ie as ; you, guarantee to meet all extra expenses we will put him in 5 a room by himself, and T will detail ‘special nurses 8 to look 5 after him.” ~ “T have told you.to spare no expense. Don’t let money stand in the way. . Let him have the very best treatment: the hospital can afford and have the bill sent to me.” “All right, Mr. Henderson. You may depend that sabak or thing will be done for him.” a An hour later, after Elsie had been sent: home ina cab the merchant was called up by the hospital. “J have given the patient a thorough examination. ; an : am oe "report that he has not. sustained any vital in- Mr. Henderson had recognized both F oe ona his. niece at the moment they were hurled aside by the machine, and he rushed forward in a fever of anxiety. _ He was, of course, chiefly concerned about his niece, hom he regarded as his greatest earthly treasure. _ He reached the spot as the chauffeur was lifting both the victims of the accident together, for Joe’s grasp on the girl “was so tight that it was only with much difficulty that Elsie Grant could be taken from his convulsive grip. The side of his head was covered with blood where it had “struck the hard stones and his face was deathly white. : “Unele,? ” gasped Elsie faintly, as the merehant claspe her in his arms. “My darling,” he cried tremulously, “are you much hurt?” - “T don’t know. I don’t think so.” He placed her on her feet and she stood up. without dif- -fieulty, having really suffered no injury beyond the smash- ing of her hat and the partial wrecking of her gown. At that ‘moment her eyes lighted on Joe as he was car- ried to the sidewalk and she uttered a suppressed scream. 5, doe Shiner | 1” she cried. “He saved ee see Is he dead ?” “T hope not, my dear. Come with me.” “Oh, uncle, never mind me. Do look after Mr. Sturgess, “please do,” she begged with tears in her eyes and deep : anxiety j in her tones. _“T will see that everything is done for him, never fear, Elsie. | I saw him grab you and swing you.away from the} automobile, and then the machine struc k him, and you were both hurled many feet away. sincerely trust that he may not be seriously injured. I’d rather lose $50,000 than that he should die.” ORY he mustn’t die, unele ; ‘indeed, he mustn't,” she 5 “quivered tearfully. . Abig. crowd gathered about the senseless and apparently badly injured boy as he was laid op the edge of the side- walk by the chauffeur, Falls policeman came up and drove the curious onlookers a as well as he could, | , The owner of the “mackie: was deeply epee and con- a over the accident. - There was no doubt that the ghaciens ould be arrested, | and all kinds of ‘trouble was baci to follow, especially if} the boy should die. 7 The capitalist had a vision of heavy damages whether he boy died or not. | ee a a ale. room, with a special nurse mm aitehdadie most serious hurts are a fractured rib and a broken | arm. He has suffered many contusions, the worst. of whi Elsie wanted to go to Joe and help him, bat Mr. Hender-| is a deep cut in the skull. There is no fracture, howeyer, — objected on the ground that she could: be of no use. ~jand he is bound to come ont all right in a nee mM He took her into the store, where the report of the acci-| There is no necheion for you to worry about him, 2 ee ent was already being circulated, though noboay. knew | 10 the victims were. alling’a floor-walker he directed Tee to take ee niece up 0 his private room, where she was told to wait until. he had | surgeon. d out just how serious Joe’s injuries were. == = == == |_- Blsie awaited her uncle’ $ return home in a, oat bulance was summoned, ‘and arrived i in unusually | anxious impatience. _ She could not bear the pos that her brave eon esaniibed: site boy. and announced that aa Mf ; ny were geet aa that

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ce ia BE SoS or, SERINE BT TRECH, — He then told: his mother that Miss Grane was Mr. Hea. | derson’s. niece. 4 ‘Elsie and Mrs. Morse took quite a faney to each other ‘ and Joe was glad to see them on a friendly footing. | Finally Elsie left, saying she would call every day to see him. y After she had gone the boy often glanced with pleasure at 4 the bouquét of roses the girl had brought to him. Elsie kept her word and called every: day, bringing | flowers each time. 4g Mr. Henderson also called several times, assured the hoy } of his gratitude and warm friendship and promised him a- higher position in the joffice when he was up and doing atte more, > _ On the following Wednesday ee Elsie called Joe was’ much better. “Yos, I’m feeling quite chipper to-day,” he told her. “E, believe I promised to call on you this evening. I’m afraid you'll have to excuse me,” he added with a smile. “The — doctor wouldn’t think of letting me out of bed yet awhile.” - “Of course he wouldn’t,” she laughed. “Your excuse — is accepted. I shall expect to see you at our house when you are fully recovered. I guess you .haven’t any doubts — now about your welcome. I told uncle that. I invited you, 4 and he said he be glad to have you, call whenever it a és convenient to you.” ra Although his mother called every day, Elsie’s aes were just as gic looked forward to -by Joe. 8 She was like a ray of sunshine coming into the room, and ‘the boy always looked brighter for her coming. - % He thought her the loveliest girl he had ever met in ie life, and he began to think more of her than was really good for him, considering the wide difference of their alo a conte: ‘i He found it far from pleasant to ays his Boa sansa in a plaster-of-paris, jacket while his fractured rib was. knitting, and his broken arm also pained pit a good bit. at 4 times. The cut in his ‘Head pradnedly healed up, as the other bruises disappeared before he was able to leave his bed, At length he was allowed to walk about with his arm, in a dling. a ry Whee it hove in sight she flew rete sha met him ~ in the hall. “T have good news for you, nes ” Mr: Henderson said, noting her anxious look. “Phen Joe Sturgess won't die” she cried joyfully. “he head surgeon assured me that he would come around all right in a short time.” ‘Elsie threw her arms around her unele’s neck and eried eEsoih very joy. “I’m so glad! I’m’so glad!” she cried. “Of course you are, ay dear, and so am I. He isa fine lad—a mighty fine lad.” - Before Mr. Henderson left the store he decristolicd a Aes - to Joe’s mother, briefly explaining the accident her son had met with. He told her what hospital he had been taken to and — assured her that he would be all right again in due time. He wound up with a flattering comment on the boy’s ” braver y, and told her that he would take special care of her ~ son’s future, not only because he had a fine opinion of Joe as ,a smart and faithful employee, but because he was gratetul to him for saving the life of his niece. Mrs. Morse was greatly startled by the receipt of this “etter and hurried to the hospital at once. _ She was not permitted to see her son, as it was after’ A ae hours, but the attendant who saw her in the office told her that the boy was in no danger of losing his life. _ She had to be satisfied with this and returned home aftet aecertaining when she would be allowed to see Joe next day. _ The papers printed an account of the accident and stated that the chauffeur had been arrested and admitted to bail, ‘which was furnished by his employer. |, _ Next day the ‘capitalist ealled-on Mr. Henderson and ‘offered to pay all of Joe’s expenses while at the hospital and present him with any reasonable sum of money as compen- sation in order to save his chauffeur from prosecution and himself from a suit for damages. » Mr. Henderson said that he himself had guaranteed the boy's expenses, and that no compromise would be enter- ined until an investigation in court had established, to what extent the chauffeur was responsible for the accident. Elsie Grant called at the hospital as soon as the rules of the institution permitted her admission. “She found Joe’s mother by his bedside, and Joe looking and feeling as well as could be expected under ie cireum- stances, ; ~The boy was pleased to see the charming niece ‘of his em- lover show so much interest in his welfare and told her so. }. f Why. shouldn’t I take. an interest in you?” she asked. |- You saved me from being run down by that automobile, d Lam very, very grateful to you. How brave you were risk your life to save me!” as sain pares I could stand by and see you hurt He now spent most of his time;in the hospital garden, tor the weather was fine, and there he rece his daily visi tors. A Finally he was declared well enough to tees! the hospital for good, and wee was a happy day for him. fysdas . CHAPTER XI IN WHICH. ELSIE GRANT “ENTERDAINS | JOE AT HER HO When Joe - reported again at the store he ve chim a hero for fair, 2 : Everybody had long since “read i in. ‘the: sibwepeuate “abou his gallant rescue of Hlsie Grant, ‘the merchant’s niece, [| there were lots of the salesgirls who felt real jedloua the. matter...) qari They would much havé preferred being eicused by hint, | pte 01 many of the girls were smitten by J oes. good looks nd ae eh Lae by hig gentlemanly. manners, } q like the idea that an us gir bs yall ues fetes ihe you did ‘e me as sent 3 ihe a sole wie let it Pe at that,” peel oe with a

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« that the fortunate young lady was so far above Joe’s sta- ~ tion that nothing serious was Lely, | in their opinion, to re- “ ‘sult from it. - Mr. Henderson had decided to advance Joe in the office, 0 the boy was made general assistant to the cashier. The position was practically created for him, and his Wages Were advanced to $15 a week. _ “The wages began on the week he was ‘injured and he received back salary for all the time he was away. Many of his former duties were attached to the position, and among other things’ he continued to carry the leather bag with the day’s receipts to the bank. The case against the capitalist’s chauffeur had been soe - poned until Joe was able to go into court. _ He and Elsie appeared and testified concerning the un- expected appearance of the auto from behind the cabs, and both declared that, in their opinion, the man was going] ~The chauffeur 4 of course, denied that he had been going fast at all, and his employer naturally backed him up. oy diagram of the street at the point where the accident eS shown, was submitted in evidence. ' Peeps object of this was to show that had the chauffeur : : seiiised proper caution he. would have turned out at so “slow a speed that he could have stopped his ee before reaching Joe and the girl. Each side was represented by a legal luminary " reputa=| tion, and considerable eloquence ead argument Sapended on the magistrate. As some. doubt remained-in the judge’s mind as to the kact ea of the chauffeur he simply assessed him si ‘0e ‘and late! however, still had the Ae of bringing ‘ suit against the capitalist, ka ace their uae, for a apadestle amount. — ‘The gentleman was advised by his Jawyer to compromise “a matter out of court if he could do so. _ Accordingly he approached Mr. Henderson on the sub- geet. oe The merchant ‘aid that he thought J oe was entitled to: compensation for the injuries he had suffered in saving si ms Grant from being run down by. the machine. Ce tas : in a very ser 1OUS position, Mr. Drew. Joe Sturgess | 8 aved you | from that, and that act alone, even if-he had not s eae My niece, however, is eae | it waive. a it Ca tee if FoR do eae 6 eae by y ee cae? STRIKING ‘faster than he should have done in a crowded thoroughfare. happened, on which the positions of the car, “cabs and auto}, “Tf {hat boy had not been on hand at the critical moment your auto would in all likelihood have killed or fatally in-| ed my niece. In that case you would have found your-| hart, would have merited your consideration. As for ece, although she was not actually, hurt, still she suf- thave to face the music, ‘eae the sik and have heen’ ndvised, Py omy lawyer i no fault af his, and the fact that your chauffeur ohh off. with a $100 fine would not greatly prejudice his ease if he applied to a civil court for damages, in fact I think it~ would strengthen it.” “Tam willing to give the young man my check for: $5,000. It is probably as much"as a jury would award — if he were successful,” said the capitalist. + » Mr. Henderson agreed to settle the matter for wes = amount, and so after a paper to that effect had been drawn — i up and signed by Joe, the money was paid over to him, and’ Be he deposited it in a savings bank. . He was now worth $6,000 in his own name, and he felt pretty independent. The first hundred dollars he received from Mr, Heder son he presented to his mother at the time he received the $1,000 from his cia pede in connection with. the leather: bag affair. Joe bought a new up-to-date ‘suit of clothes, na other things to match, in order to look as well as he could on the occasion of his first visit to) Hlsie Grant at her uncle’ $ swell, residence on Commonwealth Averiue. We are bound to say that after he had got all ticked 08 he compared: very favorably with any of the young lady’ ‘male acquaintances. : Tt, was so unusual for Joe to make a call on any girl, let alone such a wealthy connected miss as Elsie Grant, that the boy felt decidedly nervous over his ‘first appearance what might he called Boston society. : When he alighted from a car a block below his destination and started toward Mr. Henderson’s house he began to be conscious that a cy et of stage ite was bcm ta over him. z The nearer he bee to the house the worse he got. When. he finally reached it he walked right on till he came to the next corner, for he could not muster Upipaen courage to enter the gate and ring the bell. : He turned around, mentally Kicked himself, and start back for the house. — = But his funk came on again aud once more he passe the house, 4 “Hello, Sturgess, hate are you going?” iad a wat Wice. Sees ‘stopped and was, ee iia ‘intently. aes boy recognized Mr. Henderson. “Just goitig to your louse, sir,’ he replied. “Why, you My passed it. You’ re vba out of -eall nd am lt going back.” Week He took the boy by the arm, and J oe knew now t iat Mr, Henderson entered with h his 1 up to the sitting-room, where they fo : own, wee for’ cae maid to. annow ce) 6, ae ay

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oA STRIKING IT RICH. - ae He rubbed his eyes once or twice to take a better look around, but it did not materially improve his vision. “Tf this is a dream it’s a pretty realistic one,” he kaka . tered. What other remarks his surroundings might have con- jured up itis impossible to say, but at that point the attack, made upon him in the cab suddenly unrolled itself before his mind’s eye. Eh “Great Scott!” he exclaimed. “This thing is no.dream after all but the real thing. Ive been robbed of the bank — bag by a couple of crooks and then brought to this hole to be “kept a. prisoner until they consider it safe to release me. What will Mr. Henderson say when he learns that I failell’ to successfully defend his property even with a revolver in my possession, in the broad daylight and on a crowded q thoroughfare ?” . He got on his feet and palkad around the room. He found an iron door in one of the walls, but it was securely locked. There seemed to be no other mode of entrance or eft. He gave himself up to gloomy reflections, As soon as he failed to return to the store within a rea~ sonable time the cashier would undoubtedly communicate with the bank, and when it was learned that neither he nor — the bag had turned up at the bank the matter would be at once reported to the superintendent, and Mr, Harker would ; in turn call Mr. Henderson’s attention to the fact. | Of course a detective or two would be called in to inves- tigate, but by that time the thieves would have skipped the — city with the contents of the bag, and the money asighit : never be recovered. Thus half an hour elapsed, though it pate is, more thon . twice that long to Joe. ne Then. there was a sound at the door. i The bolt outside was drawn back, the big key elicked i in. the lock, and the door was opened with some caution by; the © man with the death’s head. He carried'a lantern in one hand, and in the other a. tray with some dishes on it. Joe turned around and surveyed the newcomer with a look not unmixed with fear, for the fellow looked terribly grotesque in the ghostly light of the lantern. “So yer ’ve come to yer senses, have yer?” chuckled Jud, pausing near the door, . ssi “I have,” replied Joe, regarding the horrible loo c visitor nervously. Speke “Where am 1? asked Joe, curiously. Dt “You're in a.cellar.” ice Tn a few Pleas the bogus cabby abies to the side-| “I know that. I mean, whereabouts in en a cua ee his Seat, and drove away. , . “TE can’t put you up to that, Itvain’s safe, You'll be- ote ~ | allowed to go in a day or two, and we don’t want the perlice | iy ‘to know nothin’ about this crib if we kin help it, see?” _“T was drugged and robbed in a cab, wasn’t I ? : ¥ “h don’t know nothin’ about it. An I know is te: _ “Get to the bank as soon as you can,” he said to the man a the box, and then entered the cab. _ The vehicle started off at a smart, rate, but slowed up at the first corner and took another man on ‘the box. - Two blocks further on it got tangled up with sundry other vehicles and had to stop. The man who had been taken up got down and opened door of the cab. “What do you want?” asked Joe, », placing his hand in his ocket where he carried his revolver. ' The man half stepped in and grabbed his arm just as the opposite door was opened and Jim Brady got in, leaned orward and placed. a. handkerchief containing some drug ar the boy’s face, The first man then got fully in and slammed the door. - Joe made a desperate struggle against the two men, but he drug was a powerful one and he became unconscious tbout' the time the cab started up again. The cab continued on at a hot speed, turning into dther treets until it finally drew up in front of a three-story red brick dwelling, much in vogue thirty or more years since. _ One of'the men in the cab got out, glanced up. and down he street and around in a -wary way, and then, walking to the basement door, pulled an old-fashioned bell handle. The tinkle of a bell somewhere at the end of an entry ched his ears, and presently the door was opened by a rd-looking man of perhaps thirty-five. Nothing more repulsive in the shape of a human being uild be imagined than this individual. : He was thin, era and pony, like the animated skeleton. of a sideshow. is face was long and had very high cheek bones, after h the flesh receded spatlenty, leaving two Hollow cav~ beneath, . is peculiarity, added : a heavy protruding jaw, full ge teeth, which he could rattle like a pair of castanets, a pair of eyes deeply sunken in their sockets, gave him a \-like appearance that was truly horrible. “Hold the door open, J ud, ” said the man. from the cab, " y ve got a visitor to fetch into the house.” “All right, Jim,” rpnae the aniniajed, skeleton, with a astly grin. m returned to the cab where he assisted his companion he inside to lift out the unconscious Joe Sturgess and arry him into the house. e driver, descended from his pereh and followed. them the bag containing the day’s ra ‘a the department CHAPTER XIV. ‘ in WHICH THE UNEXPEOTED HAPPENS. till. 4 got one to let yer go.” Je oe reghined his senses he soume cpu aat ina aa | you won’t tell me enything?” ” y ) ye (oy like place, ee oe’s first impression. of his agin ase ae up ‘and i

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t i STRIKING IT RICH. ft * For the first time Joe thought of the small revolver he always carried with him when he went to the bank. He instinctively put his hand in his pocket where he kept it during the trip. ‘He didn’ t expect to find it there, for ig supposed that the _ thieves had relieved him of it. ‘To his surprise and satisfaction his fingers closed upon y . The rascals had not ever taken the trouble to search him. Immediately a daring idea occurred to him. The door was partly openand nothing stood between him | and the outside of the cellar but the hideous rascal with the skull’s head. B Whether the fellow was armed or not Joe believed he ~ could overawe him with his loaded weapon. 7 At any rate the plucky boy speci nhgeet to cr a break | for freedom. Perhaps he. would not be too late to ‘put the police on the track of the thieves and the money, which they had no _ doubt long since taken from the bag. _ The mere chance that-he might be able to do something _ to retri ieve his reputation appealed thrillingly to the boy. His interrupted sentence and the sudden look in Joe’s I “eyes were not without their effect on the man with the death head. Suspecting that the prisoner was contemplating a sudden ; move, the man whirled about and started for the door. ! ie “Stop ! !” cried Joe, drawing his revolver and covering the > rascal. “Another step and I’ll shoot!” —~ Joe stopped in an undecided way and glanced over his _ shoulder. ' He didn’t really expect to gee a weapon in the prisoner’s | hand. When he did see the light of the lantern glistening from _ the barrel of Joe’s revolver he uttered a gasp and stood 2 transfixed. 5 ——— CHAPTER. xv. mie cae How JOR i MAIS AN EPRORT TO ee rite STOLEN MONEY. “Throw 3 up your hands and step back here,” ordered Joe in a resolute toné, _ The grotesque looking rascal hesitated and seemed on the point of making a dash.out through the door.. Le Had it been wide open he might have chanced it, but the few seconds he would need to pull the iron door open so e could pass through would easily give time enough for the oy to put a couple of balls into his body if he chose. . £ attention of his pals who were upstairs at the time, and they ould probably be able to prevent the prisoner’s escape ; but Jud had a whole lot of respect for his own life, and he didn’t eare to sacrifice it for the benefit of his associates. Re ey the man’s Bis: Joe ei ae behind Sauk, ae inegs, a : Hang aaa sna: ed 1e bat a, “Whe re aid y 1? “It was true the report of the weapon would attract. the} pee: “You daren’t fire,” said Jud, doggedly.. “There’s three chaps upstairs who'd hear the report and they’d be down on you like a load of bricks.” “Yl chance that. Dve got six bullets in this gun. One’ is enough to settle you, the other five will stand off your friends, Pll bet. Vl give you half a minute to make up your mind whether you'll do as I have told you or take the consequences. I’m going to get out of here if I have 00 shoot every man in the house.” Joe spoke as if he meant what he said, and Jud con- cluded it would be wise to give in to: wha appeared to be the inevitable. He shuffled over to the bed and sat down on it. . “Lie down!” commanded the boy. Much against his will the death’s head complies “Not Rin est but across it,” said J oe. “What dif. “Do as I tell you.” Jud obeyed. “Turn over on your face.” ~The man turned over. Joe quickly seized a piece of cord he saw inate from a nail and knelt on the fellow’s back, ° / Laying down his revolver he seized Jud’s wrists and drew f them behind him. es : | The raseal began to struggle. i “Stop that or Be 11 shoot a hole through you!” er see eee iu The man subsided and the boy tied his wrists tightly to- gether. aa As a further precaution he tied his ankles also. The man with the death’s head was now helpless. Joe rose, took up his weapon, also-took possession of the lantern and wrileed out of the cellar, closing and rebolting, the door after him,. He found himself in an open space with a shea lila Jead- | ing to the first floor. : ‘He walked up with due caution aed reached an entry. ner Then he paused and listened. The man with the death’s head had seated! ne the were three men up above. Two of them, Joe argued, must be ie ifiseens who had attacked and done him up. | Jf they were in the house feet a no > doubt had the money with them. Joe wondered why they ye not skipped the town with He didn’t know that they were waiting for ‘date was coming on before venturing to take a. train for Their faces were ‘well. known. to every detective in city, and though they had sent out and purchased ta their ill-gotten booty. * “ork City. beards and whiskers, fee ‘determined to make ae escape oe. ; doubly sure.” At the end of the pee was the door leading: to ite a walle and poor i as the boy had been Pena into the : 2» ‘fit ce ae eee and bolted 4 in two se is Ae the i was in the fook, the bolts ‘open an’

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STRIKING evidently a residential section, They brought me here in the cab, of course. Well, it won't take me many minutes fo find out where I am as soon as I leave this house, and re’s nothing to prevent me doing that as far as I can Still, if Mr. Henderson’s money is here I ought to e a try to recover it. With my revolver I think I can my own against the three seamps if I can take them eir guard. It’s pretty near sundown I see. I'll, bet ; ne sevens detectives ‘out ae for me by ens time, room was furnished as a ah eh hed on. a cheap ay here was nobody in there. e found a lot of dirty dishes on a plain deal table waiting be washed. There was the remains of a “fire in the stove, and he cae that the man with the death’s head looked after _the cooking arrangement. : ‘Taking off his shoes, Joe walked up to the next floor. 7 _, Here he heard plenty of evidences of GCon ation proceed- ng from the front’ room. by ‘He distinguished at least three men laughing and talking tn there, and smelt the odor of burning tobacco. He-also heard the clinking of glasses which showed that the men were dri king. ng tb: ‘the ey ee the eau he baw pikes g cards for money. be e And the stakes were not small ete, for each, man a : O° be well supplied with cash. ne oor in one corner a the ‘enther ag, vith slit in it made by a knife, seen such luck as you're havin’, a im the men with an imprecation, as the man med aa stakes that had been deposite I thor antly took another hand. foe passed on to the back room, which was a kitchen, and} out of the back parlor and followed him. olor Brady will come down hunting for him Ill give him a nen gathered around a centre table eras smoking aad: IT RICH. “How much have you won so: far?” ‘asked the stout man, named Bill. “Five thou., more or less,” replied Brady carelessly. oes “Which means that Chick and me are out that much, Beg said Bill. i: _ “T reckon,” grinned Jim. . hth seas “Well, as I want a few thousands to sport on when we - get there I think I'll quit: And I guess if Chick don’t want you to cotton on his share of to-day’ s job hell drop out, too,” said Bill. We've got an hour or two to put in before train time, so we might as’ well keep on,” said Brady persuasively. “Luek is liable to turn your way nay, time, and you may both recover all Pye won from you.” : As Chick was willing to continue the game Bill reluet~ Joe Sturgess looked at the three men and wondered how’ he was going to get the better of them. a At that moment Brady picked up the whiskey bottle and ~ found it empty. ace _“There’s another bottle downstairs. Who’s going for : it?” he said. hg “What's the matter with makin’ J ud fetch it up ?? ‘kos Pak: Bill. ns, “Then go out in the hall and yell for him,” said Jim, Billgot up and going to the head of the stairs shouted to Jud; but as the man with the death’s head was hound — and locked up, in the cellar he couldn’t very well answer. — The crook yelled several times, and getting no response a he grumblingly went down into the basement after the whiskey himself. | ; A sudden idea fecusiad to J oe Sturgess, and he clipped He heard Bill in the dining-room and cautiously looked in at that room, ee Bill was drawing the es of the w hiskey bottle fats ak , back to the door. — Joe grabbed a small rolling pin, slipped up behind Bil and with one blow laid him out senseless on the HOOT i Fat “'That’s one disposed of” breathed the boy. “If Chick ‘| dose of the same medicine, and then Pl have only one le ft : to handle.” Babs ike reflection i in his mind Joe, after reliving CHAPTER XV ny _ STRIKING IT RICH, py, ; Bive minutes passed and ther Jo oe heard one of th men me to the head of the stairs and Bae ie Bill, asking yi 6 keeping him so long below. ama tter of course. he ae n anes fo Bi

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~ 26 . saat STRIKING <1 RICH. : “That‘s number two,” chuckled Joe. “Brady is sure tendent, who immediately notified the police. Several de- to come down also when they fail to return, and I guess it’s| tectives have been looking for you and the cab all afternoon, safer to meet him here than upstairs. That rolling-pin is|and rei still on the scent. Let me know what happened to safer and surer than a revolver. I must hunt spe a bag to| you.” put the money in.” Theteupon Joe told his story to the astonished merchant _ He found a ‘clothes bag and had just finished ofisine the | and his niece. notes into it when Jim Brady came to: the head of the stairs} ‘Upon my word, you are a wonderful boy,” cried Mr. “and roared out: Henderson. “You may have been easy for the thieves at the j “What in thunder is keeping you chaps downstairs?” start because they took you off your guard, but you’ve more Receiving no Jeply, he yelled again, but with no better than redeemed yourself by capturing them and recovering ~ result. the money.” Then he also came downstairs, swearing like a trooper. | Elsie couldn’t compliment Joe enough, and declared he | Joe lay in wait for him and laid him out as stiff as the | was the greatest boy on earth. _ others, The story was in all the papers next day, and Joe was _ “Gee! But this has been easy,” he laughed. “Always| well praised for his courage and skill in the matter. take the enemy in sections and you can beat him every} Eyentually the four crooks were tried and sent up for ten ” time.” years each, except the man with the death’s head, and he, He took about $16,000 out of Brady’s pockets, and then] only got three years. : with some clothes line he not only tied the crooks hand. and| Mr. Henderson insisted on giving Joe $5,000 as an evi | foot, but tied them together as well. a -| dence of his appreciation. . 3 s Retirning upstairs he examined the leather bag’ 6 From that time Joe’s advancement was rapid until he : Moana the bankbook and the checks in it. was-finally made assistant superintendent of the store, _ ; _ He decided to put the money back in the bag and tie] Two years later he was promoted . the post of superin- : up the opening with a piece of cloth. tendent.. if ~ After doing that he left the house. Before he assumed his duties a was a quiet wodding _ He made a note of the number of the house, and on|at the Henderson homé, the principals of which were J oe _ reaching the corner saw the name of the street, and then} and Elsie, iy knew. that he was in South Boston. ij After their medaiie tour they took up their home wale He went to a telephone station, found out the number of Mr. Henderson. the nearest police station and got the officer in char ee 6n| For ten years Joe filled the post of superintendent at the the wire. store, and then the death of Mr. Henderson made Mrs. Joe 4 He told him the story of the robbery of the leather bag ;| Sturgess, nee Elsie Grant, sole owner of the establishment, y 2 how he had been earried to a certain house in a certain | and ioe stepped into the ite Mr. Henderson’s private office - street in South Boston by the crooks and locked up a pris-|as the gener ral manager of his wife’s interests. - _ oner in the cellar, and how he had managed to turn the] Practically he was the owner of the big store, ant ead a 8S ek <a _ tables on the rascals and recover the stolen money. regarded as such by the employees and all he had dealings. : _. “Send a patrol wagon with officers to this telephone sta- |. ith. tion and I'll guide them to the ne where the crooks are| ‘T'hus Joe Sturgess rose from the humble capacity of oie i ad up,” concluded Joe. boy in the store to that of merchant prince, another in Ina short time the wagon vith se a Hokies policemen | stance of an ambitious and smart American. boy Cah aie. it Rich, : Joe gotin the wagon and it was ieee to the house. ; ' vs The three senseless crooks in the dining-room, and the THE END. weer man with the death’s head in the cellar were loaded on the aie wagon, taken to the station and locked up. \ Ce As the police insisted on retaining the leather bag and its contents Joe had to give it up. * Then he took a car for his bonte, aac he reached in good time for supper. e'told his surprised mother about his pitnnese with = the crooks and she could hardly caret him, it seemed go strange. — Hurriedly dressing irinsalet in ii best clothes he started for Mr. Henderson’s home on Commonwealth Avenue. He reached there just as the merchant ant Pe niece were finishing dinner. \. ee Why, Sturgess, ” eried Mr. ieudisan, iis have you | a = Non. since you left the store with the money bag? ol nenuaidless send ‘oe paid i in ney ot postage eee / d rive ‘of the cab. you enga ed came ‘into the oreo ates mi ail FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 4. UNI depart re and raised a —

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ame and Fortune Weekly "New ‘York, Juny 24, 1908. Terms to Subscribers. Single BOS... 3! Pays Nia a One Cope Three fionths,.... | One Copy Six Months........ a One Copy One Yeat - How To Senp Month; j a; _At our risk send P, 0, Money Order, Check, or Registered Letter; re- | mittances in any other rage at your risk. € accept Postage Stamps the same ascash. When sending silver w wapP the coih in a bo eats ne BieCe of paper to avoid cutting the envelo Write your address plainly. Address letters to 5 | Fram Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union Sq., New York. GOOD STORIES. Ration ‘the hawkbill turtle of the Carribean Sea comes the tortoise shell of commérce. i 5 ‘The great dancing expert, My Fancy, who is doing the Moss & Stoll tour, has danced on gold dust. “When starring with harles Godfrey’s,company in Western Australia,” she told me, “Ho. sand Was procurable for my dance, so the people in the place said they would get me some gold dust, and accordingly they brought quite a quantity of the precious stuff along, and 1 ; ound that it answered the purpose very well. I reckon that. fas about the queerest, use gold has ever been put to. Of ' course it was mixed with quartz, but when I put it in water I could see the gold grains shining ever so prettily.” r) “I have heard a lot of stories about singular happenings in New York,’ said one who hag lived in the metropolis many _years, “but nothing more singular than my experience at 4 acne last week. It wag itt a big flathouse. After the ser- rice I heard a scream in an adjoining apartment, I learned : later that a nervous woman was having a tooth pulled, Phat was. ‘a good mixup for one floor, As we passed to the floor below I heard a woman Singing. I was informed that it was er hour for taking a musie lesson. Across the hall an after- “0 arriving. When we got to the first floor a bridal couple were |) ust coming out.” ee ee 4 Acting upon the técOriméhdation of the telegraph committee, the ndian Government has just authorized the employment of operators. The candidates must be between 18 and 30 of age, and they must be unmarried or widows. They ; ng classes, during which time they will receive $6.65 a no h, the same allowatice that is drawn by male learners, Se- | d candidates on leaving the training classes will be on ation for one year. Upon appointment they will receive alaries varying from $10 to $26.65, which are very large upon the scale of living expenses in India. There will be pensions, | ok ‘no liability to tratsfer; but resignation will be compul- ¥ ae the event of marriage. 4 Few people khow that the number of hairs in the human ad varies largely according to color. Taking four heads’ of air of different colors, but of equal weight, it has been 3 number of hairs to the’ head varies as follow . 7 saa | and nine thou air is usually the B FAME AND FORTUNE. WEEKLY. ° j were the yellow precious stones; on reception was under full swing. The invited guests were | dergo a training of twelve months in the telegraph | OF. SS hundred and sea -eight,. and dark brown; eight hundred and- seven. Four hundred and fifty hairs of average thickness, laid side by side, would cover one inch in width. € ® : Consul William Bardel, of Bamberg, advises that about forty artificial precious stones were recently submitted to the Mu- seum of Natural History at Berlin by an association which» — claimed to haye made these stones, based on the process which | recently created so much attention. Several official experts, among whom was the professor having knowledge of gems in. the Museum of Natural History, two practical experts, and the chief master of the gold and silversmiths’ guild of Germany, were,requested to make a careful examination of the merits of the “so-called” new discoveries. The report submitted by this committee of experts read as follows: “Of the variety of stones we examined we were favorably impressed only by the artificial rifbies. Among these were some of great beauty and © worthy of consideration. The white sapphires were of no a” count at all; they appeared dull and washed out. Well imitated they really resembled the topaz very closely; but this invention carries with it only very little value, since the real topaz is found in such large quanti- ties that they sell at from two to three marks (47.6 ta. 714. — cents) a gramme. ‘Therefore it would seem of little impor. tance/to imitate common stones. Of all the stones we exam- ‘ined, We can only call the artificial rubies a direct success; but > the imitation of this latter species of precious stones is no new invention, We therefore declare that there is nothing new or — sensational in the claimed invention.” JOKES AND JESTS. ren McCall—Have you still got that rar girl you had’ last week? Miss Hiram Le ond ddan 9 day last week? at Knicker—I save twenty cents every time I shave myself. Mrs. Knicker—Then why don’t you shave five times a day — and save more? - * a Mother-in-law—Has the young man who jsaved my life yes: terday ¢alled upon you yet? Son-in-law—Yes, indeed. He has already made his apologies. : : t “My husband tells me everything he does.” ‘Do you believe him?” “Certainly. ” “Well, I would hate to believe that my be ca does everything he tells me.” EV: “Yes, sir,” said the man in Cell 711, “time was when I was ; admitted to the very best houses.” “And what brought you, ¥ here?” “They caught me coming out.” a ay, Caller—That’s a nice little dog you haves Tommy. I suppost he has a fancy: pedigree? Tommy—No’m; not yet. But I'm goin’ to build one for him as soon as paw gives mp-the saree ak? “ A “Hello! Is this the ticket office es the X., Y.: and 2. ” Yes," “When does to-day’s overland fly er leave for San Francisco?’ “Who is it talking?” “Mrs. de Trayne.” “That's right, ma aa You miss it. It's just pulling out. Good-by. ar

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THE CAPTAIN'S SURPRISE. 9 By aca Appleton. is ‘He shipped on board the brig Psyche as “John Smith,” and when he signed the shipping papers he wrote the name in & 4 FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY, nnn like clockwork. “I was doing some vittliie in the main rig- ging. % “You're off your course there!” I heard the captain sing out from the cabin, where he used to lievon a lounge and watch the “tell-talé’ compass that was hung in the skylight over-- head. “No, sir,” Jack answered respectfully. “She’s_ exactly on F. _ hand like copper-plate. Of course, we fellows in the forecastle | the point. S.S.B.” u } : - knew that the name didn’t belong to him by right, but it was . Rone of our business, anyway, and sq we simply called him “Jack,” and let it go at that. A. splendid shipmate was Jack—every inch a sailor, and ‘ready to do any of us a favor. , Before we had got up with Hatteras he had given away half the underclothing in his sea-chest to three or four of ‘the fellows, who, with the usual reckless improvidence of the | sailor, had squandered their money in “riotous living,” and : come away from port with empty clothes-bags, or nearly so, Of*course we all liked him—that is, we who were his ship- mates, * ' But from the very first Captain Granger got down on him, though it was impossible to say why. Jack was the first man on’ deck when the wateh was called. He was, active, obedient, and respectful. I never remember hearing einen the first or second officer find the slightest fault iS _ with ‘his seamanship, and they were both Tartars, I can tell you. We used to say, however, _ any one but himself. He was a youngish man—somewhere about thirty, I think— very ‘good- looking, and tremendously self-important. He even = that Gaptain Granger didn’t like haying anything to say to them, except in ee direct Hay of . duty. * Y, There was something else that was peculiar about him—a{ - yery unpleasant peculiarity, too. o We had not been‘at sea three days before it began. to be “talked about in’ the forecastle; , He drank far more than was good for him, and used to come on deck when it was very -evident that he had been indulging pretty freely, though he was shrewd enough not to attempt to give any orders, except _ when actually necessary, and then in the briefest possible man- ner, the second mate being, of course, his mout! piece. Jack used to watch the captain rather curiously; but he “was a very reticent sort of fellow, and said but little. about: the matter, except to me, for whom he seemed to have rather age, and, the also knew that I was. ‘before the mast simply as a preliminary to some day reaching the quarter-deck. He himself was a thorough navigator, as I soon discovered, and aorine an old Pe a - my sea- chest, Jack began talaed, T had eS in many a watch-below, ae went on till we oe fairly a Hatters, and matt : eS See a ( nick r run to the Florida Straits, within eapinien! j of i weather, and Captain Granger aes ey geass this | 2 held himself aloof from the mate and second mate, seldonr |, a liking; perhaps for the reason that we were nearly the same Captain Granger came flying up the companionway steps, his face fairly purple with rage—and whisky. “Do you dare contradict me, you-—” And he added an epithet which no true man can hear saa not resent, in any place, excepting on shipboard. And to do a it there is called mutiny. ree Jack’s face was perfectly white. I noticed that he set his © teeth together pretty firmly, and: his small, muscular hands gripped the spokes of the wheel a little harder, but he sald nothing. : “"Why don’t you answer?” roared Captain Granger, with : an oath, and at the same time he struck the young man a heavy blow full in the face. - ey . Well, he got his answer, for Jack sent his arm and fist out — very suddenly, and Captain Granger went down as ptee a cannon ball had struek him. Cite Then there was a how-do-you-do! Of course the second mate : rushed aft; and when the captain picked himself up he began : 1 ¥ shouting to Mr. Barrett to put the mutinous scoundrel | in irons. : ie Oh, how wild Captain Granger was, as he held on to hi nose, ‘and began to dance round the deck! But all the same, he kept at a proper distance from the man at the wheel, ou The second mate got the irons, and was coming along iia” - gangway with them in his hand, the mate, Mr. Sere 3.) who’ had just turned out, following him, rubbing his eyes, All at once Jack-sang out, short and sharp: ; “There’s an ‘ox-eye!’ vowed better shorten sail pr etty aulek, Mr. Marline!y ; ‘ eke Gavonien lonteind cloud, the only one in: Be clear sky, but ah was coming toward us at a ‘vate of speed almost incredible” | to any one who-has never witnessed an “ox-eye”’ ee and increasing as it ady: anced. , Oh, then there was “hurrying, in hot haste!” came tumbling out, half dressed; everything was/lett go: fore | i and aft; but before the sails were half clewed up the “tial, Was: on us. i I really, thought the istaunch little te was gone, for brief moment. The force of the aes Pe her oo) three typhoons—two in the South nee one in the'Chi Seas, j : ‘The ‘mainsail ‘plew out of the bolt-ropes petore one coul ‘say “Jack Robinson!” and the a and staysail were ae a Cones Saket ; id ana }

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t + Well, we bent the new mainsail and a couple of jibs, Jack 7 eing all the time at the wheel, while pares Granger was j opping his eye in the cabin. Whether he thought that it would hardly do to lessen the . watch by one man in a squally latitude, or whether he had 8o0me other punishment in view, I cannot now say, but certain it was that aa more was said about putting Jack in rons, * and nearly all that day were running down the dastern shore, in. company with the usual fleet of fishermen, sponge hunters, | turtle catchers, wreckers, and small merchant vessels, with which the Caribbean Sea abounds., Jack was sent up to the foreroyal yard to make up a gasket. v hile. thus employed, Captain, eles came on deck with a usket in his hand. Supposing that he was going to toss a bottle overboard, to ‘ as a floating target, as he often aid, no one paid any atten- tion to him. i “{ was at the wheel, and as I glanced up from the compass card I remember thinking to myself that Captain Granger ooked like a shipmate of mine who, went crazy from being xposed to the hot) sun in an open boat in which five of us, rom the foundered schooner A. B. Williams, drifted about on he: line for nearly a week, with just enough food and vater to keep us alive. s face was swollen and distorted; his lips dry and livid, ile. his eyes—woell, they had a sort of glare in them that on¢ never sees in a perfectly sane. person. 3 "The old man will be’ mad DREGE soon, at this rate,” I ought to myself, when all at ‘once Captain Granger, after ing about him a bit, sang out: iere’s that fellow Jack?” ft on the foreroyal yard, sir,” answered the second . nd. then W baal doés Captain Granger do but ap the cocked Sn his cabin, ateniie d he ‘hadn't. ; * evening, we eO0% a Biot off the mouth of the harbor, | Uo FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY. On the following'morning we sighted the Island of Cuba, | .| self what sort of a shipmaster Captain Granger could be. paven’t done bie vou yet, my fine. fellow!” while the ne | ‘| gold ingpt, or “ool,” of Anam, a French colony in Wastérn | Asia. ‘It igs a flat, round gold piece, and on it is. written in. He was perfectly sober, and though adorned with a black. eye, looked quite gentlemanly, as he” was expecting the brig*s Cuban agent and consignee on board. : Three gentlemen camé down the quay just as we, the crew, were getting ready to put our things over the rail, Two of them were strangers; the other was our shipmate, Jack. Of course, we lingered a little, to see what would be the result, e The party came directly on board. Captain Granger scowled at Jack, who, rather to our sur- prise, wore a remarkably nice suit of white flannel, and an , xpensive Panama hat. 2 \ Jack smiled, but said nothing. Captain Granger extended his hand to Senor Pepito, the agent, who coolly declined it. “Captain Granger,” said the senor, turning to Jack, “I s’all have the honor to you introduce my very good friend, Captain ’ John Radford, whose father it is that does own the Psyche.” Talk of a man being completely taken aback! Why, Cap- tain Granger was literally paralyzed, and before he could — command himself to speak, Captain John Radford stepped ~ forward. aes “J will trouble you to take your things ashore as soon as possible, Captain Granger,” he said, very quietly, but in the coldest, iciest way imaginable, “for I propose relieving you of command and taking'the brig back to Boston myself.” fae Captain Granger’s florid face changed io an unhealthy white. — Twice he tried to speak, but no words came from his ie ig: lips. Oy Turning on his heel, he disappeared in the cabin, and an i Xe ‘hour later the Psyche knew Captain Samuel Granger no more. : I need hardly say that the Psyche’s crew stayed by her. And that evening “Captain Jack”—as we termed him among i i ourselves—called me aft, where, under the awning spread | over the quarter, he told me the whole story. poe He himself had been away at sea, master of the ship Shake- ys speare, for three years, when Captain Granger took charge of : os his father’s brig, and, by artful misrepresentations, ‘contrived — to win the affections of old Mr. Radford’s daughter, a young. and confiding girl. ; ; On his, return; Captain Radford, who haa heard intimations yas that Captain Granger’ $ private habits were not above reproach, though he knew nothing personally of the man himself, found i that both his father and sister would listen to nothing that he y could say, and thérefore Captain Jack resolved’ to see for him- So it was that he shipped before the mast in the Psyche, “with the results that I have narrated, and it is to his. friend- Ey shi p that I owe my own advancement in the merchant, sere : vice. Vo It is said that the largest gold coin now in circulation ia thes’ Indian ink its value, which is about forty-five pounds. I Pd ie beets) oes meee awkward on

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These Books Tell You Everything! — 4 COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR EN CYCLOPEDIA! Each book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper,in clear type and neatly bound in Qn attractive, illustrated cover, tt of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated upon are explained in such a simple mannef oe ild can thoroughly understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subj rautioncd, THESE BOOKS ARE FOR ‘SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL PE SHNT BY MAIL TO ANY ae FROM THIS OFFICE ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, TEN CENTS BACH, OR ANY THREH BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIY, GENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAM AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y, = , ‘ MESMERISM. No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.— yg No. 81, HOW TO MESMERIZE.—Containing the most ap-| bracing all of the latest and most deceptive card trick with roved methods of mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of | /UStrations. By A, Anderson. iseases by animal magnetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prot. Leo No. 77. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS=— otis Uontaining deceptive Card Tricks as performed by leading conjurops Hugo Koch, A. G S., Spatial less Hypnotize,” ete and magicians, Arranged for home amusement. Fully illustra ‘] « | No. 82. HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most ap- MAGIC. proved methods of reading the lines on ihe hand, together with} No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of indi. tae & full explanation of their meaning. Also explaining “phrenology, card tricks, containing full instruction onal! the leading card tricks and the key for telling character by the bumps on the head. By | of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as per id Leo Hugo Koch, A. C, 8. Fully illustrated. ‘our leading magicians: every boy should obtain a copy of this boo! ‘ - HYPNOTISM eee wae both amuse and fasting id West pas bat No. 838. HOW TO HYPNOTIZH.—Containing valuable and in- hea ey hes pee oe Fillets in atructive information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also] the secret dialogues were Cirvied On between the magician an explaining the most approved pares which are employed by the | hoy on the stage; also giving all the codes’ and signals. The keading hypnotists of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.8. authentic explanation of second sig ; Caaurc. No, 43. HOW TO BECOME - ‘MAGICIAN.—Containin ‘No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete grandest assortment of magical illusions. Eh placed be hunting and fishing guide ever published. It contains full “in- public, Also tricks with eards. incantations, e structions about guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL IRIOKS, —Containing bes a ws Bere oEs of game and fish. By See ise si beg at le Paras rerigs tricks with, chemi 7 ats y nderson andsomely illustrate ee ee a ee ea eee eee ea vats No Oo; HOW TO DO SLIGHT Of HAND: —Containing ver fifty of the latest and best tricks used” by magicians. yee contain ma. aa secret of second sight. Fully illustrated. ' By \ HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS. "By A; Ander i roi for making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. — A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. se No. 73. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Shoy many Curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. ‘By Anderson, Fully illustrated. No. 75. HOW TO BECOME A CONJUROR, — Conta ih tents ary boy should know how te row and sail a boaty Full instructions are given in this little book, together with in- gtructions on swimming afid riding, companion sports to boating. No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSE.— A complete treatise on the horse. Describing the most useful horses for business, the best horses for the road ; also valuable recipes for » diseases peculiar to the horse. No. 48. HOW I'O BUILD AND SAIL CANODS.—A handy peak fo boys, bad ata full enone fos ally il er the most popular manner of sailing them. ully illustrate trioks sith Dommds-Dice & ‘ , Cups and aces Hats, ete. By C. St eld Hicks, thirty-six she at as By ‘AL Ante ei ; FORTUNE TELLING. No. 78. HOW TO DO TH BLACK ART.—Containin ie 1, NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.— | plete description of the mysteries of Magic and Sleight Containing the great oracle of human destiny; also the true mean-| together. with many wonderful experiments. ‘By é ing of almost any uae of bean ab souetter with charms, ceremonies, | Illustrated. > and curious games of cards. complete boo ‘ No 238 HOW LO EXPLAIN DREAMS. -Everybody. dreams, MECHANICAL. — from ‘a little child to the aged man and woman, ‘This little book gives. the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky and unlucky save and “Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate. No. 28. HOW TO THLL FORTUNES.—Everyone is desirous of ad knowing what vie future life will bring forth, whether happiness or! misery, wealth or poverty. You can tell by a glance at this little, book. Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell _ the fortune of your friends. No. 76. HOW TO THLE PORTUNES BY. THR HAND—} * Containing rules for telling fortunes by the aid of lines of the hand, or the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future events 2 by aid of moles, marks, scars, etc. Illustrated, By A: Anderson. modetn times. Profuaély ilustratad. By Algernon f ATHLETIC. for Pwenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Ma SENG 6 BOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETH.—Giving full in-} -No. 9. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTHR struction for the use of dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, “horizontal bars and various other methods)of developing a good, healthy muscle; containing over sixty illustrations. MWvyery boy can | illustrated. become strong, and healthy by following the instructions contained} No. 71. HOW . in this little book. eomplete instructions for performing over sixty ae I No. 10. HOW TO BOX. _—The ant of self. defenge made easy. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. 1lons of guar ows, an diiter- : - Containing over thirty illystrati g s, 8. the diife LETTER WRITING. ent positions of a good boxer. very boy should obtain one of| % se useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to box] No. 11. HOW TO WRITE LOVE- LUTTERS. —A ‘Plete little book, containing full directions for’ writiDg et peer eae ‘and when to use them, givin, s ecimen letters for : 2) tee - i u No. 25. HOW TO BECOME ‘4 GYMNASP.— Containing full "No. 12. HOW 'TO WRI ee TO LA ‘ADI aoe thletic exercises. Be oO Bre aa. 0: Syaaeaetiy sports ae tee cae complete instructions for waiting ret ias to eae on also letters of introduction, notes and pete ' No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LHTTORS TO GENTLI Containing full directions for writing to gentlem AL ‘also giving sample ae for instruction. : . 58. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS. — book, telling you how to write to your swee otter sister, brother, a ght ie wish to By eeted ous how to proceed in order to “hart a lo gineer; also directions for building a model locomotiv¥ with a full description of everything an engineer shou No, 57. HOW TO MAEH MUSICAL INSTRUM Airections how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zither, Aoli phene and other musical instruments; together with. scription of nearly: every musical instrumént used in a ing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald. ‘and useful book, ‘ HOW ‘TO FENCH.—Containing full drtstrction’ ‘$6r' » fencing and the use of the broadsword; also instruction in gt Described) with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the pos i g A complete pook,

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x He = 4 a THE STAGE. | No. $1. HOW TO BECOME A SPHAKER.—Containing fours = : 7 een illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to become S OF NEW YORK END MEN'S JOKE eco pian pa reat proce ae Alsé plated prs from 2 : * . all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranger in the mont Oe ee nt : we amateur minstrels is complete without simple and concise manner possible, ’ : OTD. THE OYS OF NEW YORK STUMP spHaKkuR—|, No 49. HOW TO DEBATE. Giving rules for ¢ ducting de €ontaining a varied assortment of stump spéeches, Negro, Dutch bates, outlines for debater, questions for discussion, ‘and the bess and Irish. Also end men’s jokes. - Just the thing for home amuse- sources for procuring information on the questions given. ent and amateur show SOCIETY. No. 8. HOW TO FLIRT.The arts and wiles of flirtation ar fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods ef ~ handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it con- tains’a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is pyre to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy withuut one. Terre No. 4. HOW TO DANCH is the title of a new and handsome the littie book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instruc ga tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, ae to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular square ances, No. 5. HOW TO MAKB LOVE.—A complete guide to love, courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to a Praiptboi with many curious and interesting things not gen- erally. known. ‘ . : : : Yo. 17. HOW TO DRESS.—Containing full instruction in the opular German comedian, Sixty-four pages; handsome No. 17, EH : ae ; : + % art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the eA cover containing a half-tone photo of the ba aa del ections of 2 nlors material ae d how te dave the m made uD. a | “HOUSEKEEPING } SS a fread Saree te en a oe ; ~ = by ee brightest and most valuable little bookS ever given, to the world. h 0. 16. HOW TO KHWEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing | Hyerybody wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male and ‘Y#yll instructions forYconstructing a eer ee either in town} female. The secret is simple, and almost costless: Read this book he most approved methods for raising beautiful} and be convinced how to become beautiful. bales @ most complete book of the kind ever pub- : q . BIRDS AND ANIMALS. 1 s ! Pa “No. 80. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books} No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated and oking ever published. It contains recipes for bed Meats, | eontaining full instructions for the management and training of the and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of | canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, paroquet, parrot, ete. grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular| ~ No, 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PLGHONS AND 4, HOw 10 KUMP HOUSM=It contains information for| FASE a te Dnt ee dy, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to] No, 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including hints _ house, such as parlor ornaments, {on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds. an harps, and bird lime for catching birds, | Also how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington’ Keene. : f ELECTRICAL. No, 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS—A_ valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting © and preserving birds, animals and insects. No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGD PETS,—Giving com- plete information a8 to the manner and method of raising, keeping, \ taming, breeding, and managing all kinds of pets; also giving full instructions for making cages, ¢te. Fully explained by twenty-eight Up iynamos, and man illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kind ever " blished. 1 A ully illustrated. pu “a a ECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a MISCELLANEOUS. d highly amusing electrical tricks,| No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and ine structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also ex- periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and di- rections for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. This. book cannot be equaled. No, 14, HOW TO MAK CANDY.—A complete hand-book for mabing on kinds of candy, ice-cream, syrups, essences, ete. etc. No. $4. HOW TO BECOME AN AU! HOR.—Containing full — information regarding choice of subjects, the use of words andthe’ manner of preparing and submitting aria se Also containing. valuable information as to the neatness, legibility and general com- position of manuscript, essential to a successful author. By Prince Hiland, f 2 ex - No. 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A won: | derful book, containing useful and practical information in the treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to every * family. Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general com- laints. ; eee P No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Con- — taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated. x pele No. 58. HOW TO BH A DETECTIVE.— AR Old King ieee wt the world-known detective. In which he lays | own some valuable’ oat ‘sensible eee Nbr ant also relates some adventures — and experiences of well-known detectives. Cac ne No. BO. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOCR APAHR.-Ooutale ih ing useful information regarding the Camera and how to work it; — nlso how to make Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and other \ Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated, By Captain W. De We. ‘No. 41. THE BOY BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the s. ; OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE oe Abney. a Be Peo ag 4 wow TO No 62. HOW. TO BECOME A WEST POINT MILITARY e secret, CADET.—Containing full expianations \how to gain admittance, - *s happin : course of Study, Examinations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Post — “re FHA VE.—Con ‘Guard,. Police, Regulations, Fire Department, and all a boy should _ cae to be ae Complied end ween by Lu Senarens, author — of “How to Become a Naval Cadet.”: ; PRR ; OME A NAVAL C

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we Latest Issues “Bi on “a mie AWAKE WEEKLY” P Containine Stores oF Boy Firemen ead i CoLorep Covers = 32 Paass Pricz 5 Cuyns 410 Young Wide Awake and the Old Vet; or, Working Shoulder 115 Young Wide Awake and the Wreckers; or, Saving the \ to Shoulder. Government Mail. F 2 a a 111 Young Wide Awake’s Dangerous Deal; or, The Only Chance | 116 Young Wide Awake’s Plucky Drive; or, Bridging a for Life, Chasm of Fire. te 112 Young Wide Awake and the Factory Boys; or, The Feat 117 Young Wide Awake and the Briber; or, The Test that that Made Him Famous, : Makes a Man. f ) 118 Young Wide Awake’s- Secret eee: or, The Plot to|118 Young Wide Awake’s Artful Dodge; or, Placing Bnemtes \ Destroy a City. on the Defense. 114 Young Wide Awake’s Sudden Fear: or The Fireman’s | 119 Young Wide Awake Solving a Mystery; or, Hubtde Down Trick that Won the Day. the Fire Thieves. “THE LIBERTY BOYS OF 76” | Conrarntne Rrvonurionary StTortes CotorED Covers 32 Paars pane Price 5 Cane t 386 The Liberty Boys at Savannah; or, Attacked on All Sides,} 3891 The Liberty Boys in Prison; or, The Bscape from the Old 387 The Liberty Boys and De Kalb; or, Dick Slater's Last Sugar House. Bae Bullet, 392 The Liberty Boys Flanking the Enemy; or, Tae ; . ; f , i : Clever Ruse. ee eae Battles; or, Fighting in the 398 The Liberty Boys and the Night Watch; or, When ‘the ; fl ype ype British Held New York. 389 The Liberty Boys and the Press Gang; or, The Raid on | 394 The Liberty Boys on King’s Mountain; or, A Hot "rime Fraunces’ Tavern. for the British. “i 390. The Liberty Boys at the Death Line; or, Saving. “the Pris- 395 The Liberty Boys and the Blind Boy; or, The Strangest oners of Logtown. @ Spy of All. ' OS ERORET SERVICE _Oxp AND Young Kina Brapy, Derrecrivzs CotorEp Covers 82 Paqaus ' Price 5 Cun ’ 487 The Bradys and the Chinese Secret Society: or, After the 492 The Bradys’ Gold Vault Clew; or, Who Killed Treasur ae Band of Five. Black? , 488 Thé Bradys and Mr. Midnight: or, The Mystery of the| 493 The Bradys and the Factory Fiends; or, The Clew un f House of ‘Mirrors. in the Dark. 489 The Bradys After the ‘Frisco _ Dips”; or, The Sharpest} 494 The Bradys on a Death/Ship; or, The Secret of the Sey \ Crooks in the West. Sisters.” i 490 The Bradys and the Yellow Boy; on, The Mystery of a| 495 The Bradys and Little Ah Chin; or, The Secret i Night Hawk, Cab. : Chinatown. _ 491 The Bradys and the Queen of Pell Street; or, The Hidden} 496 The Bradys Chasing a Convict; or, wibinic fa 2 By a pict Hut in Chinatown. 4 ! graph. 1+ For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage stamps PRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union es dani pe IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Weekliés and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the weeklies you want and we will send them to’ ‘yo rs return mail. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. : Z a ( ’ ‘ ie gales 6. a0 6 + eC Ce ee ee ty -PRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. Cais ocala 6 haiti om Dear Strr—Enclosed find. .... -cents for which please send me: sae Se ; ee ee ee Nos.. bWigt ay sete 7 Reb alae aay othe wteneCaeenaecviegetsee carbons baat, “ WIDE AWAKE WEEKLY, Nos. wig dtc likes feed gtNie se eeiou neal Nn + arena eee spelt) * WILD: WEST WEEKLY, Noaioii.,.e.cere ss Fide Sind halle Moassteishat Cena cate eyo OM ae “THE LIBERTY BOYS OF 76, Ln ee ca _ “ PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos....1.... pe Ba os ae ci

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Fame and For STORIES OF BOYS WHO MAKE MONEY , By A SELF-MADE MAN ne Week COLORED COVERS PRICE 5 Ots. ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY SAIS CUR ONMHOS SeoO16 81 An Eye to Business: This Weekly contains interesting stories of smart boys, who win fame and fortune by their ability to take Some of these stories are founded on true incidents in the lives of uccessful self-made men, and show how a boy of pluck, perseverance and brains can become fam- advanta, our mos of passing opportunities. ous and wealthy. On to Success; or, The Boy Who Got Ahead, A Bid for a Fortune; or, A Country Boy in Wall Street. Bound to Rise; Out for On the Wing; or, or, Fighting His Way to Suce ess. ALREADY or, The Boy Who Was Not Asleep. Tipped by the Ticker; or, An Ambitious Boy in Wall Street. the Dollars ; or, A Smart Boy in Wall Street. lor fame and Fortune; or, The Boy Who Won Both. A Wall Street Winner; or, Making a Mint of Money. The Road to Wealth; or, The Boy Who I’ound It Out. Street. The Young Mercury of Wall A Chase for a Fortune; or, The Boy Who Hustled. Juggling With the Market; or, The Bboy Who Made it Pay. Cast Adrift; or, The Luck of a Homeless Loy. Playing the Market; or, A Keen Boy in Wall Street. A Pot of Money; or, From Rags to Riches; or, 85 On His Merits; or, The Smartest oy Alive. The Legacy of a Lucky Boy. A Lucky Wall Street Messenger, 86 Trapping the Brokers; or, A Game Wall Street Boy. 90 Making Money, or, A Wall Street Messenger’s Luck. The Buried Treasure of Coral Island. Street Brokers, reak of Fortune; or, The Boy Who Struck 94 The Prince of Wall Street; 95 Starting His Own Business; or, in. Stock; or, 91 A Harvest of Gold: or, 92 bagi teres Curb; or, Beating the Wali A FF 96 A Corner 7 A Million in Gold; or, The Treasure of Santa Cruz. Bound to Make Money; or, I'rom the West to Wall Street. 89 The Boy Magnate; or, Making Baseball Vay. 97 First in the Field; or, Doing Business for Himself. 08 A Broker at HKighteen: or. Roy Gilbert's Wall Street Career. or, From lrrand Boy to Owner. or, The Young Traders of Wall Street, 99 Only a Dollar; Price & Co., Boy Brokers; For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage stamp “i : A Winning Risk: or, ‘The 20y Who Made Good 2 From a Dime to a Million: Luck. or, A Big Deal for Big Money. The Boy Who Caught On. The Wall Street Boy Who Won. ot, A Wide-Awake Wall Street Boy, The Path to Good Luck: or, The Boy Miner of Death Valley. Mart Morton's Money: or, A Corner in Wall Street Stocks. Famous at Fourteen: Tips to Fortune: or, A Lucky Wall Street Deal. Striking His Gait; or, The Verils of a Boy Engineer, From Messenger to Millionaire: or, A Boy's Luck in Wall Street. The Boy Gold Hunters: or, After a-Pirate’s Treasure. Tricking the Traders: or, A Wall Street Boy's Game of Chance. Merry’s Grit: or, Making a Man of Himself. or, The Boy Banker of Wall Street. or, The Luck of a Working Boy. Jack A Golden Shower; Making a Record: FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, return mail. or, The Boy Who Made a Great Name. PUBLISHED, ne & IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS : ‘ 2 bo of our Weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers. they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill ~ in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the weeklies you want and we will send them to you by POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAM# AS MONEY. Cr ee a rs FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. “cc (73 “ “ “ “ DEAR ah sigatohe es ..copies of WORK AND WIN,-Nos... er WIDE AWAKE WEEKLY, Nos....... WILD WEST WEEKLY; THE LIBERTY BOYS PLUCK AND LUCK. Ten-Cent Hand Books. OF Nos.. SECRET SERVICE..Nos:.....: FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY, Nos.. NOB: 5:2) .0.< cee “16, INOS Hee em em ew ee were eee ere ee eaneeeseeeeeeereeeeee .cents for which please send me: , see eee eee INOS:. .’. INVA TING Fl husi she onerop, «lara sls. 6. Mei eT e SET COU PaO SIN Gts i %.- 5 2 From Newsboy to Banker; or, Rob Lake's Rise in Wall Street, : 2 The Young Money Magnate; or, The Wall Street Boy Who A Fight for Money; or, From School to Wall Street. 5 Stranded Out West: or, The Boy Who Found a Silver Mine. Ben Bassford'’s Luck; or, Working on Wall Street Tips. A Young Gold King; or, The Treasure of the Secret Caves. Bound to Get Rich; or, How a Wall Street Boy Made Mohey. Vriendless Frank: or, The Boy Who Became Ifamous. A $30,000 Tip; or, The Young Weazel of Wall Street. Plucky Bob; or, "The Boy Who Won Success. A Golden Stake; or, Ihe Treasure of the Indies. a A Grip on the Market; or, A Hot Time in Wall Street. i. Watching His Chance; or, From Ferry Boy to Captain. A Game for Gold; or, The Young King of Wall Street, A Wizard for Luck; or, Getting Ahead in the World. A lTortune at Stake; or, A Wall Street_ Messenger’s Deal. His Last Nickel: or, What It Did for Jack Rand, | Nat Noble, the Little Broker: or, The Boy Who Started a Wal Street Panic. ¥ A Struggle for fame: or, The Gamest Boy in the World. Broke the Market. A Lucky Contract: or, The Boy Who Made a Raft of Money. A Big Risk: or, The Game that Won. On Pjrate*’s Isle; or, The Treasure of the Seven Craters. * A Wall Street Mystery; or, The Boy Who Beat the Syndicate. “i Dick Hadley’s Mine: or, The Boy Gold Diggers of Mexico. x A Boy Stockbroker; or, From Errand Boy to Millionaire, (ie Wail Street Story.) + Facing the World; or, A Poor Boy's Fight for Fortune. ree Worth a Million; or, How a Boy Worked It in Wall treet. Billy the Cabin Boy; or, The Treasure of Skeleton Island. ~ Just His Luck; or, Climbing the Ladder of Fame and Fortun Out with His Own’ Cireus ; or, The Success of a Young Barnum. Playing for Money: or, The Boy Trader of Wall Street. The Boy Copper Miner; or, Ted Brown's Rise to Riches. P32 Tips off the Tape: or, The Boy Who Startled Wall Street. * Striking it Rich; or, From Office Boy to Merchant Vrince. Lucky in Wall Street; or, The Boy Who Trimmed the Brokers. _ 24 Union Aquare, New Yo . 190 CC es Cee Ce whe RSS SSeS ica en, re uabeemes