Fame And Fortune Weekly (no. 54) (1906 10 12)
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| & : —_, 7 = i P t af % =a ‘ A masked man, with a re olver in his hand, came do laimed, bi Di smothered imprecation. “I’ve caught you, have I?” Mrs. Tarbox uttered a cry of dismay, while Johnny looked the picture of terror.
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STORIES OF BOYS WHO MAKE MONEY. Issued Weekly—By ee odors $2.50 per year. INA Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1908, in the office af the Librarian ongress, Washington, D. C., by Frank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York, No. 54. NEW YORK, OCTOBER 12, 1906. ° PRICE 5 CENTS. MAKING HIS MARK OR, THE BOY WHO BECAME PRESIDENT ; By A SELF-MADE MAN _ CHAPTER I. THE GHOST OF THE OLD MILL. “T's rainin’, Vic!” exclaimed Johnny Tarbox, a stout, freckle-faced youth of eleven years. “I know’d it would.” His companion, a stalwart, good-looking lad of seventeen, whose name was Victor Bell, held out the back of his hand and a big drop of moisture fell upon it. “Youre right, Johnny; I’m afraid we're in for it after all. I thought we could beat it out, for we only had a mile to walk to reach your house.” At that moment a flash of lightning lit up the land- scape with a whitish glow, and a few seconds later a heavy peal of thunder reverberated behind them. ver since the two hoys: left the home of Johnny Tar- _ box’s aunt, who lived in a small cottage not far from the railroad at the mouth of Spuyten Duyvil Creek, en route for their home, which was in the neighborhood of Kings- bridge, heavy, black clouds, charged with electricity, had "been piling up in the northwest sky at a rapid rate, blotting out the stars in shoals, and threatening the entire firma- ment with an inky pall that contained all the elements of ‘a 1 good old-fashioned thunder-storm. The boys were walk- ing rapidly along the road which followed the windings of M the creek. 3 rege ey and deserted. *\ Victor Bell Was an orphan and boarded with Mrs. Tar- ee J ohnny’s mother, The hour was nine in the evening, and the landscape was | faster ang faster each moment, and the soughing wind gav He was employed by a manufacturing company as ship- ping clerk, and was regarded by the manager as an un- usually smart boy. Vie was very fond of out-door sports, though business prevented him from devoting as much time to athletic ex- ercises as he wished. He was a member of a yacht and rowing club, which had — a club-house on the upper reaches of the Harlem River. He was also a crack boxer, and few of his associates cared to put on the gloves with him, owing to his slugging abil- ities. Among other things, Vic enjoyed a good walk, and that afternoon he had accompanied Johnny Tarbox, who had a message to carry from his mother to her sister, and the boys had stayed to supper at Spuyten Duyvil. When they set out on their return home the reflections of lightning above the distant horizon, ‘and the far-off. mutterings of thunder, warned them of an approaching storm. ee Johnny was sure it would catch them before they had time to cover the distance of about a mile, while Vic was equally positive they would outstrip it. - j They, had a quarter of a mile yet to go when the first raindrops began to fall. ‘Tt was then that Johnny uttered the exclamation with which this chapter opens. “We'll get soaked t’rough and. Vrough if we go on,” te grumbled the small boy, as the drops began to come down
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\ 2 MAKING HIS MARK. signs of developing into a small gale. “Let’s run over to|some astonishment. “It sounds like the rumbling of ma- * the mill and get in out of the wet.” Vie gave a hurried backward glance at the threatening sky and concluded to follow his companion’s suggestion. The mill in question was a@ relict of Revolutionary days, and had long since been abandoned to idleness and the en- - eroachments of time. It is no longer in existence. It was situated on a small watercourse which was as dry | as a salt herring for nine or ten months of the year, but during March and April conveyed a shallow contribution -of the spring rains into the creek. _ The great, ungainly water-wheel still poised itself, all rotten and moss-grown, over this dried up waterway. A small portion of the wooden chute which had’ orig: inally carried the water from the dam to the wheel could yet be seen poking its useless nose out of a mass of rank vegetation that fringed what once had been the edge of the dam. The mill itself, with its foundations of solid stone, and its upper works of good liveroak; had withstood the storms - of more than a century in pretty good shape. , Like many other ancient eélifices it had acquired the rep- utation of being haunted bythe ghost of the original miller, who, tradition said, was a pretty bad sort of fellow. Tradition also asserted that he had disappeared in a most mysterious manner one tempestuous night, after beat- ing his wife and abusing his children. _As he never turned up again it was g generally believed by the farmers who patronized the ‘mill: that Old Nick had'} carried him off. However that may be, his spirit was said to cling to his old workshop, and his punishment was believed to be tha eternal grinding of imaginary grain into invisible flour. Victor Bell was familiar with all these ghostly stories, but took no stock in them; while Johnny Tarbox’s eager- ness to seek shelter in the old, building showed that spook stories had not formed a part of his education: It was a lucky thing for the hoys that the ancient mill was, at hand, for barely had they dashed inside of the door- less opening of the first floor when the thunder-storm swooped down upon them in all its fury. “This is a corker for fair,” said Vie, as he glanced out into the night and saw the rain descending in sheets swished about by the high wind which accompanied the storm. “Bet your life it is,” responded ander ; “but I don’t “care as long as I ain’t out in it.” “This is a fine night for the old Dutch miller to make his rounds of the mill,” grinned Vie. “Ho!” ejaculated Johnny, contemptiously. “I don’t believe no sich stuff.” mS “Hardly were the words out of his mouth before there came up from the foundations of the building the sound ne 8 machinery i in motion, intermingled with a steady thump, | - thump, like that given off by a stamping-mill. “What the dickens i is that i exclaimed Vic, in a tone of } chinery under this floor,” Johnny made no answer. He didn’t seem to be as confident as before. As a matter of fact he was a bit scared. There was no reason at all that there should be such sounds in the old deserted building. What was it caused the mysterious noise ? That’s what Vie wanted to know, and he was not a little puzzled by the monotonous jarring and thumping which was easily distinguishable between the frequent crashes of thunder now directly overhead. A superstitious person would have gone into a blue funk, and possibly might have peshed out into the storm to escape from the place. Vic, however, was blessed with strong nerves, and believed there was always a natural cause for every effect, however unaccountable. “Seems rather mysietious; doesn’t it, J ohnny % ?” he said, ealmly. “Maybe dere’s some one in the cellar poundin’ away at somet’in’,” answered Master Tarbox, edging nearer to the door, as if he thought it would be advantageous to be close to the opening in, case it became necessary for any reason to scoot. “T don’t see why any one should be down in the cellar of this old rookery, nor can I imagine what he could be | pounding at.” “Tt must be somet’in’, don’t you tink, unless dere’s such Vin’s as spookses,” replied Johnny, with an awesome glance _ about the empty floor, lit up as it was every i seconds by the reflection of the lightning. a6 “Don’t you worry about spooks, Johnny. That's pure rot,” said Vic. ; “Wow! Look dere!” cried the boy, pointing his. finger toward a doorless opening as a flash of electricity ilumi- _ nated every corner of the room. Vie looked, and truly it seemed as if some impalpable object, resembling a man, melted away before his eyes, “What did you see, Johnny.2” he asked. ere ’ “T seen a man’s face. An old man wit’ white hair sha goggle eyes, standin’ in dat door,” fluttered the little ae low, now thoroughly frichtened. Vie was willing to believe that the boy had seen some- — thing, for he was conscious of a similar’ impression; but ~ that it was a ghost did not strike him favorably. fg , “T’ll tell you what, Johnny, it’s my ‘opinion there are hs ‘tramps in this old mill. At any rate Pm going to find out for sure.” is “T wouldn’t if T was you,” replied Johnny, nervously. Wes “Dey might kick de stuffin’ out of you.” “T think T see them doing it,” answered Vie, with: a grin, - confident in his museular abilities. = eat would take more than one to handle me.” a “Dere might be a whole mob down below.” Vie was willing to believe there might be several shies in ie cellar, and posiily it oecurned bi him that it was je ;
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iy I Kg mas MAKING HIS MARK. | +. Bg reckless action on his part to disturb them; but his curios- ity was aroused as to the cause of the strange rumbling and thumping which was going on below, and he decided to make a cautious investigation. “You stay here, Johnny, while I go and see what I can see.” “Better take dat piece of wood dere to defend yourself ” wit?,” suggested the youth, pointing at a club-like object which lay against one of the walls. Vic picked it up and started for the door where the ap- parition, if such it was, had appeared. At that moment the sounds below ceased as suddenly ag _. they began, and not a sound was to be heard to disturb the death-like stillness of the place, save the occasional erash of, the thunder without, the wild sweep of the wind, and the rain beating against the sides and roof of the mill. Vie came’to a pause at the door and looked into the dense darkness beyond, . The stoppage of the mysterious noise below, and the in- tense stillness which ensued, rather disconcerted him. He listened for it to go on again; but it didn’t. He wondered if the persons below who had been making the noise, as he figured the matter out, had in some way become aware that he was about to make an investigation into it, and were lying in wait in the darkness to give| moved his face, se him an unexpected and warm reception. That wasn’t a comfortable reflection, and he began. to entertain some doubts as to the wisdom of venturing down into the depths all alone. _ All of a sudden, while he stood there undecided what he had best do, there smote upon his ear, as well as John- ny’s, a most unearthly ery, which seemed to penetrate every **nook and corner of the old building. Tt died away inva solemn wail, and all was silent and _deathlike as before. To say that Vic wasn’t startled would hardly be telling ” He was startled, though not convinced that the ery was the result of any supernatural agency. _ As for Johnny, he leaned up against the wall near the door, a.very badly frightened boy. OA heavy clap of the receding thunder now shook the building. - “As it died away in the distance the unearthly ery rose again, louder than’ before, succeeded by other cries, follow- - ing one another in rapid succession, till the place seemed leware with moans and echoes of strange voices—somie pitiful, as if in the agony of death ; others screeching aloud in fiend- : ‘ish mirth for the blood aid bones of mortal men to be borne down into the depths of the infernal regions. ese various sounds gradually died away and ceased “tor awhile, and all was still again ‘for several minutes. Vie dréw back into the corner ‘away from the door, while i Se ohnny began to shiver as with the ague, and his eyes stuck - out like a lobster’s, as some one began to mount the stairs. clank made by chains, till it reached the door, then it en- tered the room. The “spook” was a large, broad-shouldered man, all ‘cov- ered with dust and flour. He wore a loose, smock-frock, which reached below his ‘waist, but what struck the sharp-eyed Vie was that this chost of a hundred years back wore a modern pair of trou- sers and shoes to match. ; He carried a lantern, modern, too, in one hand, and a lot of chain i in the other, which he clanked as he walked. After he ‘had entered the room he held up the lantern so its light should shine on his face, and a truly horrible countenance it was—ghastly white, with one eye gouged out and blotches of red streaked over it. Tt was enough to send a timorous person into a fit. Swinging the lantern and shaking his chain, the ghost of the miller started direct for Johnny, apparently unaware that Victor Bell stood in the shadows six feet behind him. Master Tarbox didn’t wait for any closer acquaintance, . but with'a yell of fright;/he darted out into the tail end of the storm, and made for the creek as fast as his legs could carry him, iby The “ghost”? went to the door, ive his lantern aloft and shook his chain. Then he turned about with a sardonical laugh and—re- That is, he took off the papier-mache mask which had covered his real human countenance, revealing himself to . be a plain, everyday mortal. Tucking it under his arm, he walked to the door by #hich he had entered, without observing that he had frightened away only one of the two intruders, and Vie soon heard him descending to the cellar beneath. 3 CHAPTER II. IN THE OELUAR OF THE OLD MILL. “That seems to be a very human ghost after all,” chuckled Vic, after the spook had retired to the depths — whence he came. “Poor Johnny! He was horribly scared,” and the boy snickered again. tale to tell his mother when he gets home. If I don’t fol- low him soon, he’ll be willing to swear that I have been carried off by the ghost. How easily some people can bé frightened! That imitation ghost never noticed me at all. I'll bet he thought I had lighted out at the first alarm. Now I wonder what his little game is? He certainly has some object in scaring persons away from this mill. “He'll have a wonderful / He probably has one or more companions with him in the cellar, for I am sure I recognized more than one yoice in those sereeches. I'll bet my spare change that there is something crooked going on below. That fellow didn’t ; look at all like'a tramp. ’ This place He be the hiding- top “ cae sheer a dip aia ee dlank— es rte a a gang 0 of thieves ; “ga aie y ae 4 i 7
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eo MAKING HIS MARK. eg ac a a booty here. I’m going to look into this thing. If my idea is correct it will be a feather in my hat to furnish the in- formation that will lead to the capture of a gang of crooks. I might get a reward out of it. That would suit me all right.” i Vic removed his shoes, and, leaving them near the door, - started to feel his way along the dark passage to the stairs. As soon as he located them he began, with extreme cau- tion, to descend. They were pretty solid steps, considering their age, but the boy found several that were loose and creaked under his tread. _ In a few minutes he reached the foot of the flight. A moldy smell greeted his nostrils, not unlike that from an old vault. He did not dare strike a match, less the momentary glare should betray his presence there. ‘So he felt about till his hand rested on a rough board partition. _ He followed this slowly;along till he came to where: it branched off, then he saw a asia light shining Stig a knothole. aft Applying his eye to ihe opening, Vic looked in upon. an enclosed space in the cellar.: (}. _ Above were the flooring and under beams of the mill, almost completely covered by long, pendant, dirty spiders’ webs, while on one side was the high, stone wall that com- posed the foundation of the building, the other three sides “being constructed of comparatively new boards. In one corner stood a rude kind of machine, like a large grindstone, whose long handle showed that it was worked by hand, Tt was attached to a pulley on a small shaft above, close to the ceiling, by a narrow belt, and belting ran to other wheels on a counter-shaft. ’ Vic, who had a good idea of the uses of machinery in general, examined it narrowly, but could not see what func- tion it was intended to perform, beyond making the wheels on the shaft and counter-shaft go round. _ In another corner was a bunk provided with a pair of blankets and a mattress, which showed that some oie slept in the room. sip Further away was a small cookstove, while several pans hung from nails driven into the wall. - There was also an open cupboard with three shelves in ‘qphich reposed a few plates, a cup and saucer, knives, forks, ‘spoons, and other articles of a similar nature. An ordinary kitchen table stood in the center of the _ enclosure. On it was a lamp, provided with an Argand burner that threw a brilliant light; a black bottle with a whisky Jabel, a small jug and two common glasses, each partly filled with an amber-colored liquor. feel the this table were seated two men—one of whom was np Mts dividual who had just been impersonating the ‘ “mill- |. ; ghost,” while the other was a tall, stalwart man, with |’ a a haw, dark Ment the; upp, Pett of his. face exe hidden by a black. mask similar to those worn by crooks when they wish to conceal their identity. Upon the table in front of him lay several steel plates, one of which he had apparently been examining with a magnifying glass that now stood beside it. Through an open door in the partition beyond the men Vie could see a bench littered with engraving tools used in fine metal work, and various pieces of thin, flat metal. Close to the bench stood a machine that resembled a Washington hand printing press, such as is used in large printing offices for pulling proofs of engravings. “JT wonder what kind of business these chaps are carry- ing on here?” Vie asked himself, as his eyes took in every- thing within his range of vision. “It can’t be anything honest, or the workers wouldn’t carry it on in the seclusion of this dismal cellar, and then work a fake spook business to scare off intruders. Perhaps they are bank-note coun- terfeiters. That man at the table seems to have an en- grayed plate just the size of a bank-note before him. That press yonder may be used to print them. I think the Gov- ernment authorities ought to he notified about this plant on general principles.” While Vie was examining the rooms with his eyes, his ears were also taking in the qpnyersation going on be- tween the men. -“Well,” said the man in the mask, “did you frighten _ those chaps off?” feek “Tl bet I did!” chuckled his companion. “I'l warrant I scared the kid out of a year’s growth. The other chap, I fancy, flew on hearing our patent unearthly screech.” . “You are certain they are both gone?” “Sure as death. Both of them are sure to spread the e news of what they saw, and the old legend of the miller’s ~ ghost will be renewed with sufficient force to keep all diva lies away from here in future. I wouldn’t be sur- prised if an account of this haunted mill got into the oF, ‘Sunday newspapers, with appropriate illustrations. That — machine in the corner gives” first-class imitation of the — rumbling of mill machinery in motion.. ‘Tt was. a great idea of mine, wasn’t it?” “Tt was pretty clever,” nodded the man, who baie! to" be the head and front of whatever enterprise was carried on in the cellar of the mill. “Now, look here,. Bender, as. the object of this plant is now practically accomplished, © you will, of course, see the necessity of getting rid of every Bay: bit of evidence that might subsequently involve either of us in trouble. The plates,” continued the masked man, — tapping those on the table, “are all in good condition, and i it may be advantageous to preserve them, So just fetch that strong-box from the inner room and Pipes ANE) aps it for Be safe-keeping. a AN) right, sir,” replied the other, rspetflly, rising ; from his stool and entering the far room, He presently Seen, dragging an Hate oak oT
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of eo HIS STARK. poo He threw up the cover and took out a number of pieces of chamois skin. Then lifting the plates one by one from the table he wrapped them in the soft chamois and packed them in the bottom of the box. ot “Now,” said the masked individual, reaching down and picking up a good-sized package from the floor at his feet, “here are the original treasury bonds of the Duplex Manu- facturing Company, bearing the real official signatures— the bogus ones, with the counterfeit signatures are now in the company’s safe, and in a day or two will be sent to Wall Street to be sold, in pursuance of the resolution of the board of directors at their last meeting, authorizing the sale of the balance of the $250,000 of Issue A in order to realize $150,000 needed to enlarge their ‘plant and market a newly invented machine, the patent of which _ they have just acquired.” “T suppose you want to place them in this box, too, until you are ready to dispose of them?” said ‘his associate. “Precisely,” replied the other, handing him the package, _ which the man immediately deposited in the box, nearly filling it. “Now,” went on the masked man, taking a small packet from an inside pocket, “I have here $50,000 in good Ameri- can money, which the president of the company deposited in the office safe this afternoon. His intention is to use it to-morrow to pay for a plot of land he bought a month ago. Pm afraid, however, that he will be disappointed,” and something very like a chuckle issued from his bearded ~ mouth. The speaker opened the packet and exhibited several lay- ers of bills just as they had come from the bank. “T am now in a position to pay you the $5,000 I agreed ‘to give you for your skilled labor in this scheme. As, how- . eyer, I don’t wish to lose sight of you for a little while, yet A €; ak have decided to pay you only $1,000 on account at pres- “ent, and hand you the balance later on.” ‘His companion looked disappointed at this announce- api? “You needn’t feel put out, Bender. You know our Ee ntnding was you were not to be ape: until I began to realize on the bonds.” “That's true, sir; but that was because you did not see “your: way toward raising the money any other way. Now _ that you have come unexpectedly into possession of a big sum like $50,000, you can afford to settle up on the nail. . In fact, you ought to act liberal in this matter and double { ie «Why hou 1?” asked the Sai: man, coldly. a - “Because you yourself haye admitted that my work has surpassed your expectations. ” That is true, Bender. TN tell you what T’ll ae. Ti give you a bonus of $2, 7 a pay it now. “The $5,000 vm you later.” it $3, 000, Ks oe the other, smacking his oN at “and I dont see why I didi d humor you. However, un- der the circumstances, I ani disposed to be generous; so Pll make it $3,000.” Thus speaking, the head schemer counted out six $500 bills and passed them over to his companion. “There, now,” he said, rewrapping the packet, “you have $3,000 more than you expected to get.” “But not more than I have earned,” returned the man, quickly. “Practically, I have been taking all the risk and inconvenience of this forgery job. I have lived down in this filthy hole for three months past, working at those plates under artificial light. I have been forced to live on a very meager diet, while you ¥ “Pshaw! What’s the use of kicking nov, Bender. ‘That’ 8 all past. You have more money now in your clothes than you have owned in years. Be happy.” “Tm not kicking, sir. I was merely trying to justify my tight to that extra compensation. I wanted you to un- derstand that I have earned every dollar of it.” “All right,. Bender,” ‘replied the maskéd man, impa- tiently, “we won’t argue the matter. You have the money, — | with $5,000 more to come in the near future.” “Tm satisfied) sit.” <wego “Very well,” said the. other, sSitng down, placing the packet of money in the box and locking it. “Now help me’ to place this out of harm’s way.” The bearded man seized the lamp in one hand, and one of the handles of the box in the other, while Bender grabbed the other handle, then they started for.a door in the parti- tion behind which Vie was concealed. CHAPTER II. yv ONE OF THE WAYS BY WHICH VICTOR BELL EXPECTED TO. MAKE HIS MARK, Vie saw them coming and hastily struck a match in order to find some place where he could conceal himself, Close to the stairs stood a number of empty barrels. Into one of them he popped himself, just in the nick of time. The door in the partition flew open and the two men, with the lamp and box, came out into the wide’ passageway. The man with the mask led the’way to a spot midw: ay between the stone walls, and not dar from the row of. barrels, ! . Here they paused and pal down the box. rus “You have a rope inside, Bender,” said the hearde. man; “eo back and bring it.” . While his associate was gone the masked man put down the lamp, and, running his fingers over the floor, grasped something and lifted a trap-door, which, opened Hap on om hinges. it Then he waited ok his companion to return.
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_ dence for the present at the hotel. 6 The other man took it from him, wound one end of it twice around the -box, and then they both lowered it into the hole. The masked man flashed the light of the lamp down to see that everything was all right, and then let the trap- door fall back into. place, where it fitted so snugly that no one not aware of its existence would have noticed it. Vie, who was watching the proceedings with due caution over the rim of the barrel, noted the spot, with an. eye to future developments, “Now, Bender,” said the bearded man, “I am going home, Your type cases and printing material, which you purchased as a blind to account for the presence of the press, you had better leave just as they are. Anybody in- vestigating this cellar later on will then surmise that it was utilized by some poor hermit-printer, who carried on a desultory business in this building. To further carry out that idea, don’t fail to leaye your printed samples scat- tered about. You'd better dismantel that grindstone ar- rangement of yours, too, There will be no further need of ghostly manifestations on our part.” “All right, sir. Whatever you say goes,” “You'll carry your tools‘away with you, of course, and bury any tell-tale evidence that*you leave behind. Lock the place up as securely as you can—that will be a bar to any ordinary curiosity-hunters—and take up your resi- I will call or send for you if I want to see you.” “Very well, sir.” “That’s all, I guiess. “Good night, sir.” The bearded man handed the lamp to Bender, ascended the steps and left the mill, while the other returned inside Good night.” ' the enclosure and bolted the door, leaving Victor Bell me, as if I had heard it more than once before. outside in the dark, “Well, if this doesn’t heat the Dutch !” exclaimed Vie, as he climbed out of the barrel. “I seem to have acci- dentally got on to a pretty foxy scheme. I wonder who that masked chap it? His voice sounds a bit familiar to Why did he keep masked in the presence of his companion, who evi- dently knows who he is? There seems to be an element of mystery in this affair. The big fellow has not only de- posited $150,000 worth of bogus bonds of the Duplex Manufacturing Company in the company’s vault in place of a similar amount of genuine ones, but he has also stolen $50,000 in money from the office safe. He must be em- ployed by the company in some capacity to enable him to do this in such a slick manner. Now, what officer or em- - ploye of the company do I know who is in the position to -accompligh such a trick that looks like this chap?” Vie cudgled his recollection, but couldn’t find an answer , to the query. “ey don’t know of any one who wears a pein dark beard. The head bookkeeper is a man of his build, but he has al. smooth face. The cashier is a small man. The vice-presi-| ital is about, the Cease es, ‘but Beas. only a MAKING HIS MARK. mustache. The manager—no, he’s a gentleman and would not be guilty of a crooked act. I'll have to give it up. I can’t place Mr, Masked-beard. I’ll have to leave that cheer- ful duty to the police. Now, let me consider what I'd bet- tey do. The genuine bonds and most of the stolen money are in that box under yonder trap. Why shouldn’t I take possession of the box myself and turn it over to the presi- dent of the company for examination? The police couldn't do much more than that if I laid my information hefore them, and they’d probably get most of the credit that ought — to belong to me. That box contains-at this moment nearly $200,000 worth of the company’s property. It ought to he worth a pretty tidy reward to restore it, If any one is entitled to a reward it should be me. Of course, I couldnt recover that box and carry it away from here alone. Who shall I get to help me? 'That’s the question. somebody I have confidence in, and who will be contented with a resonable compensation out of what I get myself. Johnny is a stout kid, but whether he’ll come back to the mill with me after what has happened is a matter of doubt. Maybe he would if his mother came along, too. She'd do anything for me. Johnny has got a good stout cart that / would be just the thing to carry the box to the house. Vi just hustle home and lay my project before them. I needn’t go into any particulars about what the box contains, Ill just tell them it was stolen from the Duplex Manufacturing Company’s offices, That’s all that is necessary. This will be a chance to distinguish myself in the comp Kind of show my zeal in its interests. r. Blake, the It must be i y's services. — manager, told me the other day that I was a smart boy, and that some day I’d make my mark. Here’s a chance to make it, or at least the first impression of it. I’m in luck. I wonder how much the-board of directors will vote me for saying $200,000 wort! of their property? It ought to he something worth while. Before I go I’ll take a peep at that chap inside and see what he is doing. Id like to get a line on him and see when he’s going to dust out, It won’t do to come back after that box while he is on the premises.” — Vie went to his former peep-hole and looked chron eh the partition, The middle enclosure was shrouded i in ‘gloom. The lamp stood on the bench in the far: room, and ie could see Bender packing up his tools. “Te. ought to be away inside of an hour,” thought ities boy. He couldn’t tell, as he did not carry a watch. _ However, it wasn’t a matter of any great importance. He watched Bender awhile, and, believing he would be — ready to leave the place soon, he crept back to the ground. “T wonder what time it is?” i 5 ie floor of the mill, put on his shoes, and started for a creek road. The night had cleared off as fine as sill, the adn were - out in all their glory; 3 and a cool breeze was blowing from — the northwest. wir Tarbox’s cottage. ! at good wean had tenet her son a day ‘ih (3a Ee iC = SL Sia es Bee In fifteen minutes Victor Bell was at ne door of Mrs. ie
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MAKING HIS: MARK. : ie dy a person of good, common sense, she put little credence, and was trying to persuade Master John to return to the so-called haunted building, with her, in quest of Vic, of whom she thought a great deal, when the subject of. their thoughts opened the door and presented himself before them. - “To, Vie!’ roared Johnny, as soon as he saw our hero, “J thought the ghost had you for sure. How did you get away: gt “Youre dreaming, Fehiing, chuckled Vic. wasn’t any ghost.” “That’s just what I thought,” spoke up Mrs. Tarbox, with a confident shake of her head, “Wasn't any ghost!” cried + Johnny, incredulously. ' “Didw’t I see it wit’ me two eyes?” “What you saw was a man playing off that he was a spook. That horrible looking face was only a mask he had on over his real countenance.” “Aw, get out!” retorted the Tarbox kid. “Dat was the real ghost of the miller. Do you t’ink I ain’t got no eyes? Didn’t I see the flour on his jacket? And den w’at about dem awful yells? You heard the spook machinery goin’, too, didn’t you? Now you say dat dere wasn’t no ghost. _ W’at you take me for ?” 5 “T thought you didn’t believe in spooks, Johnny?” lauged Vic. “When we went into the mill at first, and _ [ remarked that it was fine night for the old Dutch miller to wander about, you said that was all rot,” “Tye changed me mind,” replied the youth, “There “You'd have changed back again if you'd waited and seen what I saw.” py did you sce?” asked Johnny, with great interest. “As soon as you skipped out the spook took off his face——” | “Took off his face!” exclaimed the lad, with a look of horror. : “Tis mask, I mean, and laughed at the fright he had caused you.” He cide? “Te did. That gaye him dead. away, though I was cer- tain anyway that he was, not a real ghost.” “Wat did he do den?” “Went back into the cellar.” “And w’at did you do?” “followed him.” “Tnto the cellar?” ? be “Vag, ” y / “Wat did you see dere?” _“T saw the ghost talking to another man, who had a mask on his face, like a crook.” y _ “Did dey see you?” Vie shook his head, - Mh found out that the man with.the mask was up to a crooked game against the ss eaten I work for.” “The Duplex Oo.” é. “Yes. And that the supposed ghost has been helping varnished account of the ghost of the mill, in which, being ‘the ¥ ark room. him to work the scheme. They played the ghost dodge to _ keep inquisitive persons and stragglers away. from the mill.” “Wat for??? “Because they’ve got a box of stolen stuff belonging to, the Duplex Company hidden there.” “Ts dat a fact?” asked Johnny, with open mouth. “Tt’s a fact. Now, I mean to recover that box for the company, if you and your mother will help me do it.” “Of course, Johnny and I will help you, Victor,” said Mrs. Tarbox. ~ “Wrat you want us to do?” asked the youth, cautiously. “T want you to get that cart of yours, and then we'll all go to the mill——_” . “Nixy. No mill for me,” replied acta in.an em- phatic tone. Vic assured Johnny that he had no cause to be afraid . of revisiting the old mill, as there was not the slightest danger of his seeing a spook of any kind. Mrs. Tarbox also insisted that. her son must go along and help drag the box from the cellar, and the cart afterward. Finally Johnny vielded.a,,reluctant assent after Vic assured him he would give him,a small part of any reward he got from the company... - “Flow much will you give me—a dollar?” “Yes, Vl see you get a dollar, all right.” “Den Tl go along wit? you and ma.” He got his cart from the woodshed, inte which Vic placed a small kerosene lamp to throw light on their labors, and then the party of three set out for the old mill. CHAPTER IV. HOW VIC’s PLANS WERE BLOCKED. The night was so fine that none of the party bothered taking any head-gear along. They followed the creek road, Johnny PR his cart, and thinking about how he vot spend the ves as dollar when he got it. When they turned up toward the mill, which looked rather ghost-like in the starlight, Johnny began falling further and further in the rear, for now that he had reached, | the scene of action his former fears assailed him once more. Vic had to go back and urge him forward. « “T want you two to remain here outside the door until I go down into the cellar and see if the coast is clear,” said Bell, when they reached the mill. He removed his shoes and made his way below like Se. shadow. All was dark and silent down dere for Bender had got ae, through with his work and gone. Satisfied that the place was deserted, Vie returned to | Mrs. Tarbox and Johnny. ey “Come. along,” he said. “Haul your eart jaa Johnny. Johnny obeyed, eae he afc a fearsome Pama around e ee
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> | 8 MAKING HIS MARK. Vic took the lamp out of the cart, lighted it, and led the way to the cellar, followed by Mrs. Tarbox, with the kid ‘bringing up the rear. : “W’at’s behind dat partition?” asked Johnny. _ “Don’t you worry about what’s-in there,” replied Vic, looking for the handle of the trap-door. “There’s no spooks there at any rate.” “Dat suits me if dere ain’t,” grinned the youth, who seemed to have recovered a portion of his courage. “Here it is,” ejaculated Vic, putting down the lamp, grasping an iron ring, and giving a tug lifted the trap. He flashed the light down and there, sure enough, lay the brass-bound oak box, just as the masked man had left it, rope and all. The hole was probably a yard deep. Vie jumped into it, grabbed the rope and tossed the loose end up to the boy. “Now, Johnny, you and your mother, catch hold and haul away, while I shove from down here.” They followed his directions, Vic had just succeeded, with the help of Mrs. Tarbox and Johnny, in landing the heavy box on the floor of the cellar when they were treated to an unpleasant surprise. © A masked man, with a revolver in his hand, came down the steps. “Aha!” he exclaimed, with a smothered: oath, “I’ve - eaught you, have 1?” Mrs. Tarbox uttered a cry of Hern: while Johnny looked the picture of terror. As for Vic, he recognized the intruder in an instant, and his chagrin was intense. ° His brilliant plan for recovering the. company’s property was clearly blocked. “Well, what have you people got to say for ecacues PP ot darenndicd the bearded man. “You ought to answer that question yourself,” replied Vie, fearlessly, leaping from the hole. _ “What do you mean by that?” thundered the man, glar- ing at him through his mask. “T mean that you are a forger and a thief, and the proofs are in this box. _ The rascal was staggered by the boy’s words. He recovered himself almost instantly. “How dare you address such language to me, you young ‘Aisin! ?” he cried, nervously fingering his weapon, as if he had half a mind to use it on the boy. “You know whether you deserve it or not,” replied Vie, who was angry clear through, and perhaps a bit reckless, on account of his failure to get away with the box. “Tve a great mind to shoot you, you young monkey !” i retorted the furious man. ' “And add murder to ines other crimes,” answered Vic, | ‘despemtaly. “Get out-of this cellar, all of you!” ordered the rascal, hreatening them with his revolver. y how far the man’s pete: would last. muttered. There was nothing to do but obey, for it was s impossible ea ' i oe o “Then ne ae down the. trap, drew the striae ound bo ne Mrs. Tarbox and Johnny were only too glad to get away now, but Vic followed them grudgingly. The masked man, however, detained the lad, as he put his foot on the steps. “How did you find out that box was in that hole, and what do you know about its contents?” he hissed. “Tm not telling everything 1 know,” answered Vic, in- dependently. ‘ With a snarl of rage the masked’stranger reversed his re- volver and struck the brave boy a stunning blow on the head with the butt. Vic dropped on the stairs like an ox stricken in the shambles and lay there unconscious. The man looked at him a moment, then catching him in his arms carried him to the opposite side of the cellar and laid him upon the floor. Then he went upstairs and saw that Mrs. Tarbox and Johnny were waiting outside of the mill for Vic. . “Leave that wagon and go home,” he cried, sternly. Johnny dropped the handle of his cart as though it had suddenly become redhot. — “We are waiting for Victor Bell,” said Mrs. Tarbox. “You needn’t wait for him,” replied the man, brusquely. “ Go! 1» They went. The masked man seized the cart and drew it inside. . “Tl have to remove that box from this place now,” he | “T cannot understand how that young Bell managed to find out so much. He called me a forger — and a thief. Evidently he knows something about this — bond scheme of mine. How could he have got hold of his information? I don’t like the looks of this at all. I can see that he has not recognized me, but a premature expose - of the counterfeit bonds would block me at every point, and render all my plotting useless. The false bonds would be destroyed, and an‘ entire new series would be issued to re place them, while those of Series A already sold would be — called in and exchanged for similar bonds of the new series, so that the original blanks now in that box would become absolutely valueless, in spite of the fact that be. were signed by the officers of the company.” i The bearded man swore roundly as he considered. the critical outlook of the situation, i r It was clear to him that something must. ¥e es mid that at once, to prevent his plans going astray. Wid “That boy is sure to go to the president of the com: ie : pany to-morrow morning and tell all he knows. I must — prevent him doing that at any cost. How shall T manage e it? I can’t detain him a prisoner in the mill here, for — when he doesn’t return to Mrs. Tarbox’s, that woman will be sure to go to the police and have this building searched, Tl have to consult with Bender.” The masked man returned to the céllar where the lamp still glowed brightly. He took the rope off the box, and — with it tied the unconscious Vie hand and foot, so that y he could not get away of his own accord. fe:
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- MAKING HIS MARK. ee under the stairs and covered it with one of the empty barrels, He turned the lamp out and left the mill, heading straight for Kingsbridge, after removing the mask from his face and putting it in his pocket. A half-hour’s walk brought him to the Kingsbridge Hotel. Going to the desk of this small hostelerie he asked the night clerk if Adam Bender was stopping there. “Yes. He registered an hour or so ago Bnd was shown to a room on the second floor. “I want to see him on urgent business,” said the bearded man. “Do you wish fo go to his room: 2” “ Yes. ” The clerk called the'night porter and told him to show . the gentleman to room 29 on the second floor. On reaching the room the bearded man rapped loudly on the door. “Who’s there?” demanded Bender. “Duplex, ” was the teply, in tones that the skilled en- -graver and printer recognized at once. He was in bed; but he got up quickly, for he was greatly surprised at this unexpected visit from his employer. Tt seemed to indicate that something was wrong. “Come in,” he ‘said, opening the door. The bearded man entered and closed the door. “Don’t light up, but put on n your clothes and come with me. hee ; : “ Anything wrong ?”’ asked Bender. “Yes, and I want you to help me correct: it,” -Teplied | _ the visitor shortly. CHAPTER V. _ VIC TURNS THE TABLES ON THE MASKED MAN. On their way back to thé old mill the bearded man ex- _ plained to his accomplice what had occurred. ~ “Do you know of any Place 1 in this vicinity where that ' - boy ean be safely kept a prisoner until I shall have dis- _ posed of the bonds in the market?” he asked Bender. “The cellar of the mill is the best place I know ony r | _ plied his companion. | _ “That won’t do. The police will be sure to search the t mill when the boy fails to turn up at his home, for that - Mrs. Tarbox will tell all she knows.” y Hs “Then you'd better get him away from this’ neighborhood _ altogether,” replied Bender. _ “That’s easier proposed than carried out,” said the bearded man, Bender suggested several other ways of keeping Wictes Bell in subjection for a short period of time, none of which wwever, met with his employer’s approbation. impression. \ thing to handle,” said the man with the beard. “That boy fetched a small cart for the purpose of carrying it away and I took possession of it for a like purpose,” . “Where are you going to take it to?” asked Bender. Instead of answering the question, his companion uttered an exclamation of surprise and anger. “What’s thematter?” inquired Bender. a) “The cart is gone.” “ee Gone! 19 ; “Yes. I left it here in the aera 4 and it is ek there now.” tS The speaker flashed a match, but ‘the passage-way was uite empty. “Then somebody has been here while you were ae said Bender. % a The other rushed down-stairs to the eellar and struck, another match. t His worst fears were realized. His prisoner was gone, and not even the rope with which he had been bound was left behind, Theslamp was gone, too. “That woman aud her son must have come back uae released him,” snarled the big rascal. “And have they taken the box?” asked Bender. The bearded man went to the barrel under which‘he had left the brass-bound box and to his rage found that pune also. “T left that eub noes and insensible, and I hid the box undér this barrel. It seems to me that the disappear- ance of the box is more mysterious than that of the boy, for I am sure no one was eee: when I stowed ati that barrel.” “Whoever liberated ‘he boy brought him to his senses, and then he searched the passage here on the chance that — you concealed the box in a new place. That’s my idea ig the way he found the box.” The two men examined the stairs closely and found marks that showed the box had been pushed or dnigeed up ; to the floor above. nity Then they saw where the cart had been brought to ‘the head of the flight for the purpose, of course, of loading _ ae heavy box ‘upon it. The track of the wheels could be plainly seen in the dust. They followed these tracks to the door, and down the grassy lane to the road, for the recent heavy rain had made : the earth soft and yielding, and capable of sera any The weight of the box made a track of the wheels ie: ; a plain, that the two men had no difficulty i in seeing where — it had turned into the creek road in the direction of Kings- bridge. ote They were able to follow the narrow wheel-marks right ser along down the road, till they noted where they turned a off up a side street. ae fol cat arrived at t the mill and ‘entered the| Hide e ; ee. ee: recovered’ the aeW Here they almost lost sight of them,
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10 MAKING HIS MARK. * ——~ = “Well, we’ve got the box located at any rate,” said the bearded man. “The next thing will be to recover it. There’s $47,000 cold cash in it, besides those bonds. If this bond scheme is going to be a failure after all, I can’t afford to lose that money, too.” “You ought to have carried the money home with you that time,” said Bender. “T thought it was perfectly safe in the box. I had not the slightest suspicion that a third party would discover any of our secrets.” “Tt seems funny how-that boy came to get on to you.” “Tt does that. I don’t understand it.” “Well; what are you going to do now? The box is prob- ably in that cottage. How are you going to recover it?” “We must wait for an hour or two and then force an‘en- trance.” “That will be burglary,” said Bender. “What of it? I must get possession of that box at all hazards.” ) “How about the boy? He'll spoil the bond scheme in any case.” “Maybe not, if I work quick. I can perhaps succeed in hypothecating a large part of the bonds before the news leaks out.” ’ “Tt would be better if we could think of some scheme to entice him from the house before morning. In order to prevent ithe failure of the bond matter, you must keep him from telling what he knows about it.” - Bender’s suggestion struck his companion ag being a good one, and they put their heads together to think out a plan to accomplish their purpose. While they are thus engaged, we will explain how Vie got away from the mill during the absence of the chief schemer, _and how it happened that the box vanished with him. The crack that the boy got on his head from the butt of the bearded man’s revolver was a heavy one, and it send his brains wool-gathering for awhile. He was not unconscious as long as his enemy imagined, for when the masked man began binding his arms and legs ~ he was coming to. While the rascal was putting the box under the barrel, Vic had revived sufficiently to see, in a dreamy kind of way, _ what the man was doing. Then he saw the villain blow out the light, and heard _ his heavy steps as he ascended the stairs to go to Kings- bridge after Bender. Fiye minutes later bey: was once more in full eases of his senses. It was then that he realized that he was wail hand and foot. The rope, however, was too large to oemubica accom _ plish the purpose it had been put to, and in a few minutes Be ne boy was able to wriggle out of his bonds. ‘Then he stood up and began to consider the situation. The hiding of the box under the barrel, the blowing out of the lamp and the retreat of the miSeEd man now all : came sack to his inind, ; “By George! He left that box under one of those bar- rels unless I dreamed that he did. Il soon find out.” He struck a match, lit the lamp and then started to ex- amine the barrels. He remembered they had all stood mouth upward. Now one of them was reversed, Lifting that barrel up the brass-bound box stood revealed. “That chap isn’t as smart as he thought he was. I’ll just steal a march on him while he’s away. When he gets back he’ll find that not only have I flown the coop, but the box has gone, too. I'll drag it up the stairs and conceal it somewhere in the bushes until to-morrow. I must do it without leaving any tell-tale tracks if I can.” He tied the rope around the box once more and dragged it to the foot of the steps. Then the thought occurred to him to replace the barrel in the same position in which it had been left by the masked man. After doing that he, with much labor, hauled the box bi step by step until he reached the passage above. He then went back for. the lamp. As he placed it on the floor its light revealed Johnny’s cart drawn up against the wall. “Well, who would have-thought of finding that here. Master Johnny must have abandoned it in his hurry to get away. It, is just the thing I want. Instead of hiding the box around the outside of the mill as I intended, I can now carry it right,home along the road. ‘Talk about Inck! Things couldn’t have turned out better.” So Vic loaded the box on the cart and started for Kings- bridge. 3 He had only a third of a mile to go to reach the Tarbox cottage, and it didn’t take him long to cover that distance. He found the widow and her son waiting for him to re- turn, and great was their astonishment when ‘they found that he had not only brought back the cart, but the box itself as well. “However did you do it?” asked Mrs. Tarbox, “while Johnny gazed at the box and wagon with distended eyes. Vie told his story briefly. “What do you suppose that man will do salen he rebar to the mill and finds that you have escaped and carried her off with you?” asked the widow. “T don’t see that he can do anything now,” replied the boy, with a grin. “Te looks like a ‘dgentues kind of man. trace you to this cottage.” “That’s right. He might. I didn’t think of that,” said Vie. “I believe he went to get his friend to help him — dispose of the box. They won’t give the matter up with- He might out a struggle, for the contents of that box is too valuable _ to the masked rascal, at any rate.” “What's in it?” asked Johnny curiously. “Money fey ac “Yes. There’s a considerable sum of money in the box, — but there’s paeeihine more valuable to that eee Bec se Ithan sage cf iS
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MAKING HIS MARK. : 11 —aaaaooeawananaeaea=~=S$q$200$_0—0—0—0—~—~“~—eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesSsSsSsSsS$SsSsSSS808080000 me “What can be more yaluable than money?” Johnny wanted to know. . “There are $150,000 worth of bonds that can be turned }. into money by a person who knows how to do it.” “You don’t say,” gaped the Tarbox boy. “T yeally don’t think it is safe to keep this box in the house,” went on Vie. “It is possible those chaps may be able to track me here. In that case the masked man is desperate enough to break in and try to recover the box, with the assistance of his partner. He’s got a revolver, you know, and I wouldn’t like to run against it.” “He might murder us all in our beds,” said Mie widow, fearsomely. “T don’t think he’d go as far as that,” replied Vie; “but one of us might get badly hurt, just the same, for I wouldn’t let him get away with the box if I could help it.” “You might put the Vox in the cellar and cover it wp,” said Mrs. Tarbox “That chap would search the house from cellar to garret to find it.” . “Then what do you think of doing with it?” “There’s an old dry well-at the end of your lot. It is almost entirely filled wp with earth’ and rock. I thought _ Vd hide it there until the morning, when Johnny and I could hail it out again and whiel is over to the company’s |: offices.”” “Dat would be a fine place,” said Johnny omaha ‘eally. “No one ever goes down dere.” - “Get the peaks said Vic, “and we'll take it to the old well.” Johnny got tis lantern tat lighted it, then Vic opened ‘the kitchen door and they both got hold of the wagon tongue and drew the cart into the yard. _ Across the yard they went, and thence through a gate that lud into the rear of the lot which was used as a pasture _ for the widow’s cow. The dry well was at the extreme end of this, and toward it the two hoys walked, dragging the cart, quite unconscious that they were watched and followed in the gloom by the _ very inen they were trying to circumvent. ‘ CHAPTER VI. IN WHICH DAME FORTUNE SIDES AGAINST VIC. The bearded man and his companion were leaning over _ the corner of the front fence of Mrs. Tarbox’s little prop- _ erty, figuring on how they could manage'to entice Victor - Bell from the cottage, when Bendér’s sharp eyes detected the flash of light on the flagging of the yard facing the _ kitehen when Vic opened the door so that he and Johnny could drag the cart outside on the way to the dried-up well. “Look! !” whispered Bender, “there’s something going e on over there.” _ The bearded han retojmize’ + the two boys ee the cart | ees the ets closed Ae door behind them. i “They’re up to something, those boys,” he said. “We must follow them.” They jumped the fence into the adjoining lot and parsed boys, and then they kept pace with them. “JT wonder if they’ve got the box in the cart?” said the chief rascal. them.” “What can they be doing with it out here?” replied Ben- der. “One would think they’d keep it in the house.” “Well, they're dragging something in that cart, that’s certain. And it is a eee load, too. Maybe they in- fend to hide the box out here somewhere.” “Seems kind of foolish for them to do that,” replied Bender. “You can never tell what a boy will do,” replied the other. “However, one thing is certain, that Victor Bell is walking right into our hands. _ I'll warrant he won't get away from me as easily as he did before. If they haven’t the box in that cart I'll be much surprised. | It would be great luck if we recover both the box and the boy at oné sweep, and without all the trouble we anticipated.” “They've stopped by a pile of stones near the corner of the fence,” said Bender. The two men.crept cautiously towards Vie and Johnny. Vic flashed the lantern down the dry well and saw that it was about seven feet deep. “Now, Johnny,” he said; “we'll lower the box into this hole, cover it with those old boards and then return to the house.” Placing the lantern on the ground, Vie grabbed hold Wf | forward till they got in line with the shadowy forms of the - “They seem to be dragging a load between 7 one end of the box and the Tarbox boy the other, and stafted - to lift it from the eart. Then it was that the two meni sprang over'the fenee and rushed upon them. The arch-rascal had resumed his mask again, and it was he that shoved his revolver into Vie’s face and ordered him to give in, while Bender attended to the frightened Johnny Tarbox. Then the rascal jumped ‘pie him, turned the dazed ‘boy. over and bound his wrists together with his handkerchief. Bender tied Johnny in a similar way, dropped him into the. dry well and placed the boards over the top to crore his cries. * Taking the loose end of the rope that was attached to. the box, Bender tied it around Vie’s body so that he couldn’t get away. “Now, young man,” said the masked man, sternly, “ie you utter a sound to attract any notiee Tl knoek the Whole Tdon’t top of your head in with the butt of my revolver. intend that you shall escape me this time.” Then he told Bender to take a section of thé fence iy so they could drag the cart through. | As soon as this was accomplished, they started to move ve on, and Vic was obliged to accompany them. He would have ae up a babs kick against ma
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‘12 would come down there when they failed to return to the : MAKING HIS MARK. i SM Ge ee ee me cg ce eng eee After securing the rowboat astern, Bender took the stops house within a reasonable time, and she would be sure to | off the sail and hoisted it. hear her son’s muffled cries for help. Pushing the boom out to the leeward, Bender called the In ten minutes they reached the creek road and followed | other to assist him in getting up the anchor. it toward the mill. It was now after midnight, and the late moon had risen in the sky. Its light illuminated the banks of ihe creek, and brought out many objects that before had been invisible. Among’ others, a good-sized rowboat that was tied to a stake in the bank. The sight of the boat suggested something to Bender, and he took his companion aside and held a consultation with him in tones too low to reach Vic’s ears. The masked man agreed with whatever proposal it was that he advanced. Bender then stepped down to the edge of the creek, and, laying hold of the boat’s painter, drew her close in. Vic judged that they intended to embark in the gy craft. He was not wrong in this surmise, for Bender and the bearded man took hold of the brass-hound box, carried it down to the water’s edge and put it on board of the boat; Vic, of course, being obliged to follow them as the rope dragged him along. “Get in!” commanded the masked man to’ the By and Vie, seeing no way of avoiding the issue, got in the boat. The two men followed him, and shoved off into the creck. | __ » 'Phey seized the two pairs of oars that lay in the bottom _ of the boat and began rowing up toward the Hudson River. __- They took things easy, and.the boat went along slowly. _ In three-quarters of an hour théy reached and passed under the railroad bridge which spanned the mouth of the -ereek, and soon came out on the broad Hudson. - They beaded down stream, and, as the tide was on the ebb, the boat made very fair progress. _ Vie wondered where they were aiming for. ; _ He could. gather no information from their conversation, which was carried on in a desultory sort of way, and in low \ tones. They might have covered a mile in this way, keeping _ within the shadows of the shore, when a small sailboat at anchor loomed up ahead. - They were quite close to her before either of: the men noticed her presence, though Vie had had his eye on her for. some time. Bender stopped rowing and are ha ea to his com- panion. =) . The bearded man seen whereupon Bender headed for aes ‘the sailboat. a Rowing alongside of ws the engraver stepped on tebe. _ He saw that the slide which covered the entrance to the little ceabin was padlocked. tt was clear to Vic that his captor intended to take pos- ion of the cathoat. af! They did 80 by: lifting the box into the cock-pit and or- - tis Me: ae rascals » ae hentia down the ri As soon as it was clear of the bottom, the boat began to move off shore. When the anchor had been secured on deck, Bender, who appeared to be perfectly familiar with the management of a sailboat, took the tiller and steered for the center of the river . CHAPTER VII. THE KEY OF THE BRASS-BOUND BOX, There was a very fair breeze on the river, and the ecat- boat glided along as if on greased ‘ways. | _ After a little while the masked man spied a short boat- — hook under the seat. He picked it up and smashed the ie which secured: the cabin door. Opening the slide, heawent sol oa looked around. He lighted a lantern:-that chung from a hook in the for- ward end. There were two bunks’ in: ithe cabin—one ‘on cither side. The lockers contained various odds and ends, and among» other things a bottle of whiskey, some glasses, and a box of crackers. N The bearded man brought the bottle and two of the glasses out into the cock-pit, filled out a good drink for himself and his accomplice, and the two drank to the sue- cess of their enterprise. Then the chief rascal removed the rope from the, box, and, ordering Vie to hold the tiller steady, he and his asso~ ciate carried the box into the cabin. “Now, now, young man,” he said to the tah when they returned, “get into the cabin and stay there. If you hioaers to turn in on one of the bunks, you are at liberty to do so.” “Aren’t you going to take that rope off me?” asked Vie, Without a word, the masked man relieved him of the rope. “How about my hands?” continued the boy. “Tf you'll promise to be reasonable, and not make anys: fuss, ll untie your wrists,” he replied. “What can I do against you two and a Disses ? was” Vic’s answer. “Not much,” retorted the man, with a short eter os Then he released the boy, pushed him into si vom and s closed the slide upon him. “This is pretty fierce,” a tiiiiedk Vic, as he sa down on the edge of one of the bunks and began to consider the ara ation. “Just to think, after getting hold of this box for the second time, those rascals should be hovering around” ss at the very moment Johnny and I started out to conceal — it in the dry well. It’s a regular diamond-cut-diamon game between us. At the present moment the other 98. oF on ¥ 1" af 4 aks
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‘A rea Manning, MAKING HIS MARK. 13 the lower part of the island. I suppose their plan is’ to} keep me aboard of this sailboat. Well, we'll see if they can do it.” Vie, now that he had nothin to ‘do, began to feel a bit }4 tired from the exertions he had undergone in connection with the brass-bound box. ’ He stretched himself out on the bunk, to ease his limbs and to figure out some plan by which he might overreach his captors. Before he had accomplished much in the latter line, ide overcame him, and he was soon lost in deep slumber. - He was in this condition when the hearded man entered the cabin half an hour later. “He is safe enough for the balance of the night,” thought the bigwraseal, regarding the boy with a look of satisfaction. “T oness I'll have no great trouble, now, holding on to him until I have disposed of those bonds. I must begin oper- ations at once. The Seaboard National Bank has agreed to market for the Duplex Company the entire $150,000 of the treasury bonds, and to advance $100,000 on receipt of the securities, I must now avail myself of this opportunity to get rid of the bonds in. bulk, instead of following up my original plan of disposing of the securities hy degrees at in- tervals, as I saw the chance to do so. This course is now rendered necessary by the complications caused by this boy who has, in some mysterious manner, become more or less acquainted with the/fact that the company’s reserve bonds have been forged, and he either knows or suspects that the - contents of the box will prove that the Duplex Company is the. victim of a crooked game.: Fortunately, I have a few of the company’s letter-heads in the bond package. I can use one of them to provide myself with a proper authoriza- _tion, signed by the president, to complete the arrangement with the bank and get the $100,000 in cash, Rat of by check. 4 The bearded man opened the box and got one . the ~ letter-heads in question. . / Under the Jantern there was a shelf which worked on hinges, The rascal raised it and secured it in a a position to use as a writing-table. Then, with a fountain-pen’ which he took from his vest- ye pocket, he ‘wrote a letter addressed to the president of the Seaboard National Bank, which authorized the bearer, to receive from the bank an advance pay- ment of $100, 000 in cash on delivery of $150,000 worth of ; _ treasury stock, Series A, of the Duplex Manufacturing | - Sees said stock to be marketed at par by the bank, and the balance due the eompany, less commission, interest ‘on the $100,000, and other expenses connected with the 2 seaclaiotion, to be held on deposit by the bank, subject to othe company’s order.» The bearded man then forged the signature, of Harley NM decoets president of the Duplex Manufactuting —- “pany, at the bottom of the writing. He then folded the letter, placed it in one vr the com- a Ss es ead peoledond Aasocet si t9 the bank, “That will do the business all right,” he said, with a. look of satisfaction, dropping the envelope into the box, on ~ top of the package of bonds, closing the lid down, and lock- ing it. As he was about to remove the brass key from the lock, he heard his companion outside give a loud shout, and he became aware that the sailboat was bobbing up and down on © a heavy surge. A Springing to his feet, he fell over on the bunk where Vic lay asleep, and the impact of his body awoke the boy. Recovering himself, the masked man rushed into the eock-pit; to find out what was the cause of the trouble. He discovered that the sailboat had got caught between a Fort Lee ferry-boat, which had just left her slip at One Hundred and Thirtieth Street, Manhattan, and a string of canal-boats coming down the river, close in shore. The ferry-boat stopped and backed just in the nick of time to avoid a collision with the catboat. The wobbling of the sailboat dumped Vie out on the floor, his face coming within a narrow margin of striking the brass-bound box, As he sat up, wondering what had happened, his eye lighted on the key that still remained in the lock. Glancing out into the cock4pit, he saw that both his cap-. tors were looking toward the ferry-hoat. Here was an opportunity to get possession of the ey of the box and hide it. That would put a difficulty in the rascal’s way of open- ing it, causing delay that might possibly lead to some ad- vantage on Vic’s side of the game. So the boy snatched out the key, hid it under the inner corner of the bunk’s mattress, then lay down and awaited possible. developments. In a little while the bearded man, resuming his mask, re- entered the cabin and went to the box for the key. Not finding it in the lock, he looked on the floor, then felt, in his pockets, and then all over the cabin deck. Not seeing any trace if it, he regarded the motionless boy: with some suspicion. He watched Vie for several minutes, and thie seemed satisfied that his prisoner was still asleep. “Where could that key have gone?” he muttered, with an impatient oath. “I thought I left it in the lock, but it must have been in my fingers when the boat commenced to jump up and down, and it flew somewhere.” ee a ‘He looked all over the bunk where Vie lay quietly enough in his assumed sleep, and then transferred his attention i the opposite bunk. There was no sign of the missing key. After that there wasn’t a nook or corner the masked x man didn’t look into in his search, but without success. — j Vie heard him swear a good bit as he fumbled around with the lantern: Finally he gave the rather up, for the present at jac and went out into. the aerkay to ata of his associate in, vipa: . ey ai 5 ay 4%)
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MAKING HIS MARK. CHAPTER VIII. FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED. Vie chuckled to himself over the masked rascal’s disap- pointment. “He'll make another and more thorough search by-and- by, when he finds me awake, so I’ll just hide that key in my shoe.” The boy glanced out into the cock-pit, dg seeing that the two men were conversing together, he cautiously re- moved the brass key from the spot where he had hidden it and shoved it into his shoe, where, as it was small and flat, like a Yale-lock key, it did not inconvenience him very much. Then he turned over and went to sleep again, It was broad daylight when he woke up, much refreshed. The bearded man was asleep on the opposite bunk, with his mask still oyer the upper half of his face. Vie was curious about that mask which, as far as his experience went, the rascal wore continuously. _-“T wonder when he takes, that thing off,” the boy asked himself. “Hé certainly can’t go about in the daylight, where people cati see him with that mask on. Id’ like tc get 4 good, square look at his facé, to see if I have ever seen him before. At times his voice seems fantiliar to me, but that may be my imagination, or because it resembles the voice of some one I know.” Vie got tip and stuck his head out of thé cabin entiance. The sailboat was lying at nee in the neighborhood of Pier 1, North River. "Adam Bender was realning in the cock-pit, smoking a cigars He saw the boy at once. “Ga back!” he said, curtly, motioning hii back, at the samd¢ time significantly tapping the butt of his employer’s revolver, which reposed in ‘his pocket. Vie didn’t fear that the man had any intention of using tle weapon in daylight and in that néighborhood, where any such demonstration would have been sure to attract attention. . : It flashed through his mind that; by a bold effort, he would be able to make his escape; but if he succéeded in _ doing so he would probably lose sight of the rascals and’ the box; maybe for good, and that did not fit in with his plans, which were to recover the box and, if possible, have the two men arrested. - So he drew in his head and returned to his btink. He wanted to impress the man with the idea that he was more or less cowed, and thus fool them into the — that he was not dangerous, In a little while the feanded’s man awoke and got up. “So you're awake, young man, are you?” he reniarked. “Well, it’s daylight now, and I’ll have to restrict your moveé- ments, otherwise you might give us a good deal of trouble. _» Tf all goes well, I shall let you go.this afternoon, so don’t ae ay aepeticn yet a few pene confinement.” _ t 5 on eal t hey at Pure 4 sat) hy ord Sa 8 ms ai eae yt te a oe he Pe | ed ay od He called Bender inside, and between them they bound Vie’s hands behind his back and tied a handkerchtef bh his eyes and mouth. Then, after the bearded man had made a close seareh of the bunk for the missing key—not finding it, of course— Vie was pushed down on it, and the red curtains drawn in front, entirely concealing his presence there. The boss rascal then removed his mask and put it in his -| pocket. Then he and Bender went all over the cabin, in an effort to find the lost key. The bearded man indulged in a good deal of ee when they finally gave up the job in disgust. “I can’t see where it could have got to,” he said; sdissely “You might have dropped it out in the cock+pity’ sug- gested Bender. “J don’t think so, but there is no harm in looking.” The two men left the cabin, and drew the slide after them. Their search ottside for the key was equally vain. “T s’pose Vl have to get’ a locksnith to open it,”. said the bearded man, at length, testily. “I want td take those bonds up to Wall Street at: eleven o’clock.” . “You can’t bring avlocksmith aboard with that ey in the cabin.” “Tl fix him, You’d better go ashore and get your break- fast at a restaurant. Take that small tin-pail with you and © bring off some coffee and a couple of sandwiches for his breakfast. First go to a drug+store and get a sinall vial of tincture of opium and some cotton—to relieve a toothache, understand? Ill dose his coffee with the laudanum. That will send him into a deep sleep for the rest of the day. By the time he awakes, the both of us ought to be-out of the reach of danger.” 7 “That’s a good idea. I was wondering how you expected — to keep him quiet, unless you meant to keep him bound and gagged as he is now.” Vie had heard every word they said; for he had crawled out of the bunk as soon as he heard the slide close. to. ) “So that rascal is going to get a locksmith to open the © box, and, before he does that, he is going to drug me. Per- haps he will, but I rather fancy; now that I am onto his little game, that he won’t. I wish I could get my atms free—I would try to work a little surprise on those villains. Vie heard Bender draw the rowboat oe ee into her and shove off. “He'll be gone probably three-quarters of an wine. thought the boy. “What can I do in that time?” » ‘ He determined to employ the time in trying to ‘free his hands, if he was not interfered with. He soon found that they had denn him too securely a admit of that.- “Tl have to give it tip,” he said, in a diseouraged tiie. “They've got me dead to rights this time. I must fall back on strategy—that is, I must spill that drugged. coffee somehow while pretending to drink it, and then. simulate 7 unconsciousness. If the eee. works, i mia be ve ey
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MAKING HIS MARK. 15 something ; if it fails, I can’t be any worse off than’ I amjin on that bunk,” he added, “and lie quiet, and I won't “now.” tie your hands.” ; - He crawled into the bunk again, and was only just in| Vic, with a thrill of hope, obeyed with apparent meek- time to avoid being discovered by the bearded man, who |ness, and his captor drew the red curtains in front of him. opened the slide and entered the cabin. “His idea is to give the drug time to work. He thinks Vie heard him moving about the place a little while, and |I will be in a sound stupor shortly. I wonder if I can give then he went into the cock-pit again, leaving the slide open. |a successful imitation of such a thing.” : Something over Half an hour elapsed, and then Bender] He heard the chief rascal talking to his companion returned, through the cabin opening, and he listened with all his He brought the tin-pail half-full of coffee, a couple of | ears, meat sandwiches, and the vial of landanum. They were ‘speaking in too low a tone for him to make The bearded man. took the things from him, and entered | out what they said. the cabin alone. At length he heard the bearded man say: He removed the cover of the can, tasted the coffee, and,| “He ought to be off by this time. I'll take a look at seeing that it was properly sweetened, he emptied half of | him.” the contents of the vial into it, stirring it well with a spoon| The boy was now face to face with the ticklish operation. he found in the locker underneath the bunk. of simulating a heavy slumber, and he succeeded in per- Then he pushed back the curtain, after resuming his|forming his part well enough to deceive the rascal. mask, took the handkerchief from Vic’s eyes, and untied} The man, feeling quite sure that Vic was helpless for his hands, several hours, removed his mask and announced to his com- “There’s your breakfast,” he said, grimly. “You see, |panion ‘his intention of going ashore for his own breakfast. we're not going to starve yous Hatiit wp, and if you con-| “I’ll return in about an hour,” he said, “and will bring — tinue to behave yourself you’ll get some dinner later on.” Ja locksmith with me.” : He handed the boy the sandwiches and the tin-pail of| “All right,” answered Bender. coffee. The bearded man then left the catboat in the rowboat, Then he sat down on the oppesite bunk, apparently in-|after shutting the slide of the cabin, leaving Vic entirely pending to watch Vic fall into the trap. to himself. c “Now for action !” cried the boy, resolutely, sitting wp on . the bunk. “T’ve got about an hour to do something, and I, ~ guess I shan’t need half of that time.” F He slipped over to the slide and pulled it open a trifle. Bender was in the act of lighting a fresh cigar, and seemed to be taking matters pretty easy in the morning sunshine. ! “T'll cive that bearded chap time atid to get away CHAPTER IX. _ VIC ON TOP ONCE MORE, AND WHAT HE FINDS ON THE RIVER. _ ** Vie began to eat one of the sandwiches, while he held the tin of. coffee in his other hand. from the dock,” mused the boy, “then I’ll work a surprise | He stole a glance across at the bearded man, who sat a|party on Mr, Bender. TI can handle him easily enough, and few feet away, and the man’s presence and evident watch- | I'll bet T’ll have him in jail before he’s many hours older. fulness disconcerted him. As for the chief conspirator, I’ll have to let the police at- Under present conditions it wasn’t possible to fool him,|tend to him. T can’t do everything single-handed. If I and the boy began to feel desperate. recover the company’s property, and catch one of the crimi- — ~ He determined not to drink the coffee under any circum-|{nals, I think I am doing pretty well under the circum- stanees. : stances.” Ri He had about concluded to let it slip, as if by accident,| While waiting for the moment to act aggressively, Vic out of his fingers, and thus go to waste on the floor, whet took the key from his shoe, and unlocked the brass-bound a piece of good luck Siatriended him. box. ve - Bender suddenly called his employer out nto the cock-| He wanted to make sure that the money, as well as the pit and Vie took instant advantage of his temporary ab- z _ sence to empty the entire contents of the tin can under the * mattress of the opposite bunk. _, He was finishing his second sandwich when the bearded e Raee returned and noted, with satisfaction, the boy drain apparently the last of the drugged coffee. ‘Vie put. down the empty can and isa his lips with the back of his hand: , a “That. ‘was good coffee,” he yertieneked: with a forced grin. “Pm balers you ket it, ” cts the aie ats «Tam bonds, was still in the box. He found that it was, and then decided to remove it, . stowing the bills away in the inner pockets of his jacket, lest anything should happen to go wrong with his plan of operations. + ; By the time this was accomplished, he. a ae , it was safe to get busy. ; His first idea’ was to fling back the slide ee rash out and overpower Bender in the cock+pit. Ass is . He did not aia his’ ees to de* thie sees ve) 7 | ae. Is ity
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16 but he was afraid the act would attract notice, and his scheme was to avoid such a thing, if possible. “Strategy is always a winner,” he said to himself, think- ing how artfully he had befooled the head rascal into the belief that he had swallowed the drugged coffee and was, for a while, dead to the world. “If I can only get him to enter the cabin I’ll have him dead to rights. Now, how can I manage it?” He peered out at the man as he lay sprawled off in the sunshine, smoking his cigar. Bender hadn’t had any sleep the preceding night, and he looked heavy about the eyes. This fact attracted Vic’s notice, “That chap looks half-asleep,” said Vie to himself. “I’m going to attract his attention and see how it works.” He grabbed a blanket from the bunk, picked up the tin- can and threw it against the roof of the cabin, and then crouched down in a corner near the sliding-door, ' The can made a great racket when it fell back on the floor and rolled about. The ruse produced the desired effect. Bender jumped up, opened the slide and looked in, to see what had made the noise. This was what Vic was waiting for. He rose up suddenly, enveloped the man’s headin the blanket, and yanked him bodily into the cabin. Then he sat upon him and proceeded to stifle him into _insensibility with the folds of the blanket. _ Bender struggled as well as he could under the disad- vantageous circumstances in which he was placed, but the advantage was all with the boy, who could not be dislodged. The result was that the engraver soon succumbed, and lay quite still. Vie lifted the ends of the blanket slowly and cautiously. The man was unconscious, “T'll treat you to a dose of the same medicine you helped to deal ont to me,” said Vic, proceeding to bind Bender’s arms securely behind his back, and then to gag him with a handkerchief. “Now, you can take a good rest in that bunk. You look as though you needed it,” he grinned, picking the man up and placing him in the bunk he him- self had only lately vacated. “Now, I’ll get the boat under _ way for Spuyten Duyvil Creek and Kingsbridge.” _ What Vie didn’t know about sailing a catboat, or even a small yacht, wasn’t worth mentioning. It was one of his hobbies, and constant practice on the Harlem River, and sometimes on the Hudson, had made him an expert. Having’ disposed of Bender to his satishacdion, Vie left the cabin, and, throwing off his jacket, hauled up the boat’s ‘broad-sail. The anchor was light, and he soon had it.on board, and the boat headed up the Hudson under a smacking breeze _ which pret to: bring her to her destination in a few hours. epi fy { Mt: ii MAKING HIS MARK. boats, lighters, sloops, schooners, and goodness knows what not in the way of boats—so that it required considerable skill for the boy to work his way. through this maze of marine architecture. He was equal to the ordeal, however, and gradually left the worst of it behind him. When opposite Forty-second Street, well out in the cen- ter of the river, he observd a piece of wood floating toward him. As he steered, so as to avoid contact with it, he saw a brilliant sparkle of light flashing from the center of it. “T wonder what that can be?” he asked himself. He guided the boat close to the bit of log and threw her up into the wind, stopping her progress. The log floated alongside. Vic reached over and pieked up a lady’s pocketbook, to which was attached a handsome diamond ring with a large stone. “Gee whiz!” he exclaimed. “This is a find for fair.” He put the catboat on her course again, and then pro- ceeded to examine the ring and pocketbook. The former seemed to be of considerable value, though Vie had not the slightest idea what it was really worth. ' The pocketbook contained a lundred-dollar bill and some smaller notes, amounting, in all, to $124. There were also a number of newspaper clippings, an eyegliss with gold settings and a variety of odds and ends, . but not the slightest clue to the name or identity of the © owner, other than a pair of initials on the flap—J. B. “Funny how this purse and ring came to be floating © down ,the river on an old log. It’s a wonder it wasn’t dumped overboard. Seems as if it was intended that T jshould find it. The owner shall have them hack if I ever ean locate her, otherwise T suppose they become my prop- — erty.” Shortly after noon Vie passed under the railroad bridge — at Spuyten Duyvil, and headed up the creek in the direc- tion of Kingsbridge. CHAPTER X) VIC ASTONISHES THE PRESIDENT OF THE DUPLEX MANUFAC- _ TURING COMPANY. Tt was about one o’clock when Vie hauled up alongside \ - one of the landings in the neighborhood of Kingsbridge. He'saw several young lads playing near the creek, one of whom he knew, and he sent him over to Widow Tarbox’ 's cottage, to inform her that he had got hack, and to ask * Johnny, if he was around, to bring his cart’ Boge ig ee landing. 4 Tn fifteen minutes’ Johnny came 2 chain to the ae creek with his cart. ek ea “Hello, Vic! he shouted. “Whee aid dose men take e At ca hour i in the morning the lower reach of fie Hud- you off to?” iy! son was ees with a oe es Hon igre 04 all “Til tell you, vall at +4 ler on. “Pre got oy of = . aT ey mh Rye oy bins
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MAKING HIS MARK. Nee cage ee “What do you wish to see me about, young man?” he : asked, a bit sharply. “Two matters of great importance, sir,” replier Vie, in this catboat now, and I want you to run to the ‘police- station and fetch a cop back with you to take charge of him.”, “Tl do-dat, Vic. Where did you get dat boat?” eagerly. “Don’t ask questions, Johnny, but run along. I’m wait-| . “Name them, and make your sodintamieion as brief as_ ing.” possible.” “Yes, sir,” said the boy, respectfully. “I wish to know, : in the first place, if you have missed a large sum tos ein from your safe?” F President Sherwood sat back in his chair and stared at the boy in considerable surprise. “Why do you ask that question?” he inquired, with a keen glance at Vic. ie ™ “Because I have good reason to believe that the sum of $50,000 was taken from the office-safe late yesterday after- noon, or, maybe, early in the evening, sir.” “What has led you to form that belief?” ue: “A conversation that T overhead in the cellar of the ol mill on the creek road last evening between two meh, one of whom now is in the Kingsbridge Police Station on a - very serious charge which I have brought against him.” “Indeed,” replied Mr. Sherwood, knitting his brows. “May I-ask you what you were doing in that desertad building last night?” r “T took refuge there with a young friend of mine, named — Johnny Tarbox, from the thunderstorm.” The Tarbox youngster started off at once. In a short time he returned with an officer. Vie told the policeman the character of the man he had in the cabin. “You must come to the station fa make a charge _ against him,” said the officer. “You take him along, and the Duplex Manufacturing Company will make the charge.” The policeman said that the sergeant wouldn’t hold the man unless a definite charge was made when he was brought to the station. “All right, officer. I'll go with you. I’ve got the evi- dence of his erime in a brass-bound box aboard the boat. I want you to give me a lift with it.” The policeman consented to help Vie carry the box ashore and place it in Johnny's cart. Then ‘he went back and got his prisoner, who was now fully conscious. The procession took up its line of march for the station, accompanied by a number of idle and curious people, in addition to all the boys in the vicinity. “I see. How came you to overhear the conversation — At the station Vic charged the prisoner with the crime! which, I should imagine, was not intended for your ears?” of forgery—that is, the reproduction of facsimile platés,|asked Mr. Sherwood, with some interest. and printing from same a certain number of duplicate} “TI think you will understand the matter better if I be- copies of the First Mortgage Bonds, Series A, of the Duplex| gin at the beginning and tell you all I have been through - Manufacturing Company, with intent to defraud both the} and discovered. I think you will find. that it affects this company and the public. company to a very serious extent.” “This man,” said Vic, “is not the chief offender in this} “Tt certainly affects us to the extent of $50, 000, % an- crime, but he is just as guilty as his principal, who is still] swered the president. at large. The genuine bonds of the Duplex Company are} “It concerns the company much more than that, sir, Ho i. ~in that box, which I turn over to your charge, sergeant.|said Vic, with such a serious expression that Mr. Stier woe: i? ‘So, also, are the spurious plates. The forged bands are in| became deeply interested. vs _ the company’s safe.” “T am teady to hear your story, young man,” he said. _ The prisoner had no statement to make, so his chi “Ag for the $50,000,” continued Vic, “I can relieve yout , f was taken, and he was locked-up in a cell. mind as to most of it. T have recovered $47,000 of the Vie sent Johnny home and started for the plant of the| amount, and you ought to find the balance in the possession ye Duplex Company, where he. was eaipeyes as shipping-| of the prisoner, whose name is Bender, at the station-housé, a Be l a eon eee x clerk. ‘for T saw him receive’ $3,000 from the man who admitted _ He went direct to the offices, and asked if he could see] that he had taken the money from the safe.” e _ President Harley Sherwood. Thus speaking, to Mr, Sherwood’s ‘great amazement, Vie Being asked to mention the nature of his business with| placed up on the president’s desk the notes he had taken . the head of the company, he stated that it was a matter of} from thebrass-hound box.. ) - the utmost importance. “How did you recover this money ?” asked Mr. sticeeuec 3 he After some delay he was admitted to the syaeane ~ “Tt will all come out in my story, sir,” replied Wie’ office, | “Very well. Proceed.” That ee looked very much worried. - Whereupon ‘Vie told the complete story of his adventures ES ve during the last twelve hours, commencing from the moment a of the envelope coutathe the $50, 000 shi re ae? placed he : and Johnny Tarbox took refuge in the old mill from the in the ¢ office-safe the previous afternoon, and he was’ not thunderstorm until he returned to Kingsbridge a short time pleased ed to be disturbed, oes ad y one of be minor ae ago and handed his prisoner over to the police. ? oyees of the cag . | ‘The oka of the safe of the $50,000, hon
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18 MAKING HIS MARK. into insignificance beside the bond forgery, of which Presi- dent Sherwood had not the slightest suspicion, and Vic’s statement of which thoroughly staggered him. He sent at once for the package of Treasury First Mort- gage Bonds that were in the vault—the ones that the bearded man had told his accomplice, in Vic’s hearing, he had substituted for the genuine bonds—and a close exami- nation of these. securities bore out the truth of the boy’s _ story, for there was every evidence, under a microscope, that « they were forgeries. This discovery greatly agitated Harley Shervond, and he used some very strong language on the subject, “Victor Bell,” he said, turning to the boy, “you have tendered the company an extremely valuable service, and I ean assure you that your zeal in our interest shall be re- warded as it deserves. I shall want you to write down the most accurate description of the bearded and masked man you are able to do, and I will send it to the Headquarters of. the Manhattan police. I have no doubt that they will be able to run the man down.” - Vie was permitted to go off for the rest of the day. ‘He went home.at once to get something to eat, for he felt uncommonly hungry, having had nothing to eat that day but the two sandwiches furnished 1 him by his eap- tors that morning. A special meeting of the Boaré of Tirole of the Duplex Manufacturing Company was called for that evening, and the forgery of the treasury bonds was laid before them. Vie had been notified to be in attendance, together with Mrs. Tarbox and her son, Johnny. The Board was astounded by the revelation. Vie was called into the room, and told his story in a clear and concise way. His statement did not vary in the least from the narra- “tive he laid before the president that afternoon. Mrs. Tarbox and Johnny were called upon to corrobo- tate such parts of Vic’s story as they figured in, and they did no without hesitation, though somewhat awed in the presence of the gentlemen who composed the Board. “Madam,” said Harley Sherwood, “we shall expect you to appear at the examination, to-morrow morning, of the prisoner, Bender. I presume you will have no hesitation in repeating your stery under oath.” “No, sir,” replied Mrs, Tarbox. “Why should 1?” “Thank you, madam. We are very much obliged to you for coming before us this evening, to substantiate Victor Bell’s story.. You and your son may go now, as we have heard all that is necessary.” - Vie went home with them, and the Board then summoned before them the cashier and bookkeepers of the establish- ment, j They were subjected to a rigid examination, but not the yeaa thing could be found against them. The only other person who had access to the sete and ie ne 8a including, of course, the president, was Ralph Roundtree, the vice-president, and he was out of town vee his family on his annual vacation. — *, As neither he nor the president were suspected of hav- ing any hand in forging the company’s bonds, the whole matter seemed to be involved in the deepest mystery. It was unanimously decided to authorize Mr, Sherwood to employ a shrewd detective to undertake the unravelment of the tangle. : The Board then adjourned, to meet at the president’s pleasure. CHAPTER XI. VIC’s REWARD. President Sherwood telegraphed that night for a Pinker- ton detective, and one of the best men attached to the New York agehey responded next morning to the call. Victor Bell, who had resumed his duties in the shipping department, was called to the president’s office, and re- - peated his story to the detective. “You could identify this rascal if you saw him again, I suppose ?” said the detective. “Not if I saw him without his mask. I have since thought that his beard might also have been a false one.” “Well, I can help you some in case | make an arrest. What kind of a beard did the man wear?” . “A dark-brown one—about so long,” and the boy indi- _ cated the length. “T will procure such a beard and a black mask, in order to decorate any person we may have reason to suspect in this matter,” said the detective, “It may help you to iden- tify the right man. Describe this individual as fully as it is possible for you to do under the circumstances.” Vie did.so, and the detective made some notes in his book. On leaving the president’s office Vic met the manager. '“May I ask your advice on a little matter that has hap- — pened to me?” asked the boy. “Certainly, Vic,” replied Manager Brown, pleasantly. He had taken a great fancy to the lad, and it was he who had told Vie that he was sure some day he would make his mark in life. The boy drew from his pocket the ring and pockethook he had found floating down the Hudson on the log. » He handed both to Mr. Brown to look at, at the same _ time detailing the circumstances under which they had come into his possession, “T suppose I ought to ek to find the owner, don’t you — think, sir?” said Vie. “The ring seems to be a valuable — one, and there is $124 in money in the pocketbook.” “Well, it is only right you should make some effort to discover the person to whom they belong,” replied the man- ager. “I am not an expert judge of diamonds, Vic, but, — comparing it with one my wife owns, I should think this A ring was worth every cent of $500 or $600.” eg. “That’s a lot of money, sir, to'put intoa ring” = - &That’s nothing. loess are rings whose value runs: Wes “Fe
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ae ola HIS MARK. 19 the thousands. lor instance, I have a friend who wears a | secretary of the Board; second, to place in your hands this large ruby which cost him $2,000. Flawless rubies are worth almost as much as diamonds similar in weight.” “Well, what shall I do? Advertise the ring and pocket- book ?”. “I think you had better. It wants to be carefully done, so as not to give a hint that an unscrupulous person could avail himself of to make a claim to the property. If you will leave the matter with me I will attend to it.” “T shall be much obliged to you if you will, sir.” “In the meatitime I will wrap the articles up in a pack- age, and place it in the office-safe.” “Thank you, sir.” ; That settled the matter for the present, and Vic returned to the shipping-room and resumed his work, which was somewhat behind, owing to his having been away the day before. He hadn’t more than got things in shape again, before the detective made his appearance and said he would have to accompany him to the police-court and give such evi- dence as would be required of him, to ensure that the pris- - onier be held for subsequent trial. - At the examination before the magistrate the prisoner de- nied everything, but cotild not account for the $3,000 found on his person when searched the day before at the police- station immediately after his arrest. Nor would he offer any explanation about the kit of fine engtaving tools found in the room he had engaged at the hotel. . He also refused to disclose the identity of his associate of the night before, and was silent as to why he partici- pated in the assault on Vic, and afterward took part in that lad’s abduction. ; After all the testimony was in, the justice decided to re- mand him for trial on the charge of abduction, as there was not sufficient evidence to. show that he had actually en- graved the plates found in fe brass-bouhd box. So the’ charge of forgery was temporarily abandoned pending the efforts of the Pinkerton man to capture the principal in the case. At a subsequent meeting of the directors of the Duplex Manufacturing Company a resolution was introduced by the president tendering Victor Bell a vote of thanks and a reward of $5,000 for his successful efforts in saving the company from a very great financial loss. The manager was also instructed to increase his pay from a. $10 to $15 per week, and to advance him in the company’s employ as fast as circumstances permitted. | “J told you that you were botind to make your mark, _ Vie,” said Manager Brown after he had called the hoy into his office, to acquaint him with his good fortune. seem to have succeeded in that direction much faster than I - supposed you would with all your smartness. great pleastire to carry out the instructions of President “Sherwood, which are, first, to present you with this letter” “You Tt gives me check for $5,000, in acknowledgment of your valuable ser- 5: vices in the company’s interest; and,. third, to inform you that, beginning with this week, your wages will be $15 in- stead of $10, as heretofore.” Vie had hoped to receive something from the company in the way of a present, but he spc not expected to be so liber- ally dealt with. As he accepted the envelope and check he could hardly find words to express his thanks for the company’s gener- osity, “Don’t say a word, Vic,” said the manager, checking him. “You deserve all you have received. It isn’t neces- sary to express any thanks.” “Still I should like the company to understand that I appreciate this evidence of its consideration.” “That's all right. I will inform Mr. Sherwood as a your feelings on the ee Now, that you have made yourself solid with the company, which, I may say, is in- creasing in importance every day, it is up to you to make the most of your opportunities. There is no reason that I can see why you should not, in time, rise to the very post I fill at present.’ When I was your age my chances were not half as bright-as'yours are now.” “Well, sir,” replied Vic, confidently. to do my best. ager of this plant eventually, but I hope to go a step higher and become president of the company.” “It is not impossible, Vie,” replied Mr. Brown, rather “T certainly mean amused at the lad’s ambitious expectations; “but, in order to reach the presidency, you will have to save your money and buy a block of the stock. It is generally the man who holds the controlling interest, either in person or through his friends, that gets himself elected president of a cor- poration. If you are serious in your purpose I advise you to try and invest the amount of your check in Duplex stock, if you can find any one willing to part with his holdings, or a part thereof. You can’t get in any too quick, as this is a close corporation—that, the shares are held by probably not over a dozen men, and you would have to pay a good pre- mium if you found a stockholder willing to let you have any shares, which, I think, is very doubtful. The chances — that any of the shares of this company will ever go on the open market is exceedingly slim. The prospects of the com- ~ pany are too brilliant.” “Then my chances of ever becoming ‘president are i too, I suppose,” replied Vic, regretfully. “Ordinarily considered, I may say yes; but a diouseadl things happen every day in this world that are unlooked - for. In fact, it has come to be a saying that ‘it is the un- expected which always happens.’ I believe in a boy aiming high. | Tf, in the end, he be not fortunate enough to hit - the bull’s-eye, he is almost sure to come within close rela- tionship to it. If you go ahead with the resolve that some ;day you hope to become president of this company, and, me It is my ambition not only to become man- © ~ handing Vic an unsealed envelope—“which contains a vote }the end, you wind up as general manager, you will at least ; es from the com signed by the A peacica and have the pike a ee of knowing ve a abi accom
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20 MAI NM G praea MARK. pated as much as Was possible within your sphere of ac- * Pion.” When Vic returned to the shipping-room he could not help pondering over the manager’s words. “Well,” he said to himself, “if I can’t become the presi- dent of this' company, in the long run, I mean to become manager, anyway. However, I’m going to make the big- gest kind of fight to reach the presidency, whether I ever get there or not.” CHAPTER XII. VIC’S REAL ESTATE DEAL, The days passed away, pleasantly enough for Vic, after that, and the time set for the trial of Adam Bender drew hear, _A strong effort had been brought to bear on the man to _ induce him to confess the identity of his principal, who was recognized by the company as a very astute and dan- gerous man, but Bender seemed resigned to, taking his medicine sooner than “peach” on his employer. ; It seemed to be a case of honor among-thieves. Somebody hired a distinguished lawyer to defend Ben- der at his trial—who this person was the Pinkerton Agency could not discover. The best efforts of the detectives failed to bring to light the man behind the attempted forgery, so Bender was tried for abducting Victor Bell from his home, as the District- _ Attorney decided that the charge of forgery could not be proved. He was convicted and sentenced to three years in Sing Sing. The Pinkerton man visited him in his cell just before he was taken away, and assured him of a pardon, and com- plete immunity from prosecution in the forgery matter, if he would agree to furnish the evidence that would lead to _ the arrest and conviction of the “man behind”; but he re- _ fused. All right,” replied the detective, “you are the doctor; - but don’t think you are out of the woods yet, in respect to ; the forgery of those bonds. I know where to reach you for a matter of two years and three months. We are satisfied that you are guilty, but we can’t prove it to the satisfaction of a jury yet. Maybe the missing links will turn up before your present term is out. In which case you will be re- arrested the moment you step outside of Sing Sing a free man. You can avoid all this unpleasantness by opening your mouth, and then taking the stand against the man _ who is enjoying immunity at your expense. I advise you to think again.” | bi Bender, however, would not speak, and the detective left wih “That afternoon the satked man’s accomplice began his * hs ea canneaeee mhiGe oe behavior would reduce to In the meantime Vic had been building a few air-castles on the foundation of his dream of the presidency in the sweet by-and-by of the Duplex Manufacturing Company. After pondering more than once on the words of Mr. Brown, the manager, he finally approached Mr. Sherwood one afternoon when that gentleman was inspecting the shipping-room, and asked him if there was any chance of his investing the proceeds of.the company’s check in Duplex stock. “Tm afraid not, Bell,” replied the president, with a smile, “None of the stock is for sale, nor is it likely to be.” Then, noting the boy’s look of disappointment, he added: “TI can get you five of our $1,000 five per cent. First Mortgage Bonds, Series Ay at par. They form a first lien on all the property of the company, and are a gilt-edge investment, especially for a young man of your age.” “Thank you, sir; I will think about it,” replied Vie.” “All right; but you will need to think quick if you de- cide to take them, for the Seaboard National Bank, which is handling them in our interest, reports that they are going fast.” Vie, however, knew that it was stock, not bonds, that _|had the power to elect the company’s president, and he won-. dered if he couldn’t find some better investment than five per cent. bonds to give his little capital a chance to grow. . He thought this matter over very earnestly during the next week. As While considering the subject he asked Mr. Brown, when the manager stepped into the shipping-room one morning, what kind of an investment was better than five per cent. gilt-edge bonds. ; “Improved property in a good locality, or even unim- proved real estate where the chances point to a rise in values within a reasonable period.” ie “This neighborhood is a good locality, isn’t it?” asked — ; Vie. Hii “First-class. The Undergféund Road will be up this way within a few years, while the New York & Putnam — Railroad will soon carry passengers from Yonkers to the _ Battery by electric power at a nickel ahead. That will bring | an influx of hotise-dwellers to this amma and tte’ ; will go up with a bound.” jo A few days afterward Vie heard of a hatidsome piece, of ‘ property that was about to be put on the market, owing ‘sath | the sudden death of the owner. He went to the manager and told him about it. } “T’d like to get hold of that if I could,” said Vic. “I heard that it cah be bought for $12,000, and am sure itis worth much more than that from what I know of property in the same neighborhood. Do you think I could get it for. $5,000 down, by giving a mortgage for the balance?” “Tn the first place, Vic, you, being a minor, cannot aa nor hold real property.” ie ag Tm out of it,” nie the boy, sappy. ‘to tas proper court ‘for a guaran to be aeebis carry ers this tide through | for you. Peal zis oui some tig
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worries HIS 1 MARK. a1 "> trust company. If you. wish me to look into this matter _ for you I will do so.” _. “Thank you, Mr, Brown, I wish you would. But it must _ be done right away, or I shall lose the chance of getting hold of that property.” “Tl tell you what Pll do. Il go and look the property over, and if I think it is a bargain P’ll secure a thirty-day option on it for you. Then Ill go before the court and _ make application to have a certain trust company which I can recommend to you appointed your guardian. I can ‘have the matter rushed through, and within the time-limit you will become the owner of the property.” “Vl be much obliged to you, sir, if you will do this for me,” replied Vic, in a tone that showed he meant business. Mr. Brown was as good as his word. _ He found that the widow of the man who had owned the _ property had, as sole executrix of his will, made application to the probate court for permission to sell the property in _ question. a Oe Se She was willing to sell the property lower than its actual value, if she could get $12,000 spot cash right away. Mr. Brown found, on investigation, tha} the property - ought to be worth all of $16,000, so he decided to take an option of thirty days, pending examination of title. He reported the facts to Vic, and the boy drew $1,000 from a Yonkers savings bank, to make good the option. Mr. Brown then lost no time in making application for a _ guardian for Vic. a Ah ~ In two weeks a judge signed the necessary order appoint- ing the Title Guarantee & Trust Company Vic's guardian, and the trust company, in anticipation of the order, had} in the meantime, been having its lawyers search the title of the property it was to purchase for its ward. 'When the thirty days expired, the trust company took title for Vic, itself advancing the $7,000 balance and tak-| ing a mortgage therefor on the property. _ The deed had hardly been signed before the company re- ceived an offer of $15,000 for the property, which was sub- sequently increased to $17,000. Vie, however, on nes consulted, pee to sell at that z; figure. oe “Ts worth as much to me as to’any one else,” he re- marked to Mr. Brown, one day. “The trust company has a tenant! ready to take it as soon as certain’ repairs are made, and the property promises to yield six per cent. on im 18000. So, you see, my judgment in this case wasn’t so bad. T have really doubled my capital in this deal, besides having the prospect’ of clearing six per cent. on $11,000 and ‘one per cent. on the $7,000 mortgage for which the us trust company is charging me five per cent. For this good luck I am indebted to you interesting yourself in my af- : fairs, Mr, Brown, and I am very grateful to you. You are certainly helping me to make my mark.” » ig vhat se contin’ do sppcts Tam shed of the chance to “Don’t mention it, Vic. I have merély done for you “Well,” mused Vie that night when he was preparing for bed, “if I don’t make my mark so plain that it can’t be rubbed out, it won't be for want of trying.” CHAPTER XIII. VIC PERFORMS A GALLANT ACTION. The. advertisement which Mr. Brown had inserted in the Herald and other papers, in the “Lost and Found” column, having reference to the pocketbook and ring Vic found — floating on the Hudson River, was productive of no results, although the notice was repeated several times. “What shall we do about them, Mr: Brown?” Vic asked, — one morning. “Advertising is expensive, and it doesn’t do’ any good, as far as I can see.” f “T don’t know that we can do any better than to keep on advertising. There is money enough in the pocketbook to repay you for considerable outlay in that direction,” r Te- plied the marfager:* ~ “All right,” answered the boy. “I’m willing to be guided by whatever you say; sir.” The next day wa8'Saturday, and the last half-holiday of the season for the employees of the Duplex Manufacturing Company. Vic went down to the Yacht and Boat Club, on the Har- lem River, peeled off his clothes and arrayed himself in the light and ‘airy costume adopted by the members when they went out for an afternoon spin in a shell. Then he and another member grabbed one of the light boats, carried it out of the building and deposited it in “the water. There is a knack, of course, in getting into a shell in a graceful and apparently careless manner. 5; Vic and his companion were adepts at this, acquired hy Ga long practice. They started off up the river at a swinging pace that sent — the shell spinning along like a gull skimming the water. _ It was a lovely afternoon, and the two boys were over- flowing with health and spirits. They had gone a mile when they saw a good-sized lating oat approaching at a swift rate. Between them and the launch was a small rowboat, polled by a coatless gentleman. He had two passengers—a middle-aged lady, who sat face ing him, atid a young girl who sat in the stern ane, steer- ing the boat. The gentleman’ s back was toward the ‘approaching launch. ; Vie and his companion had stopped for a breathing spell, x9 and both turned to look in the direction their iva was gliding now at reduced speed. ais At that moment, when the launch was close upon the row- boat, the young girl at the helm ei peace) ee — irae wrong at iat
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_ the writer’s niece, and a pressing-invitation to the wnknown _ rescuer to call at Saunders’ home at his carliest conveni- ‘the clubhouse, an attendant asked if one of them hadn’t ' spilled out of a rowboat in a collision with a launch. ; bile, and Mr. Saunders left this note for the person who velope with the club’s stamp on it. the Duplex Manufacturing Company, and a man of wealth and of some influence in the Kingsbridge district. say YP) ‘note. “Of course you call, ” gen the ons after reading the | tage The gentleman was pulling a lusty stroke at the time, and the consequence was the boat shot suddenly across the course of the launch. } It was impossible to stop the latter in time to avoid a collision. She struck the boat just ahead of the rower and passed on with her power cut off, the helmsman trying to bring her around in a circle. The bow of the rowboat was cut off as by a knife, and she sank at once, leaving her passengers in the water. The women. screamed, and the young girl went down like a stone, “Good gracious!” exclaimed Vic. drowned. Pull like fun!” They pulled like good fellows, and presently Vic saw the girl come to the pont close by, wave her arms wildly and sink again, In & moment he was'on his feet, and; dropping his oars, he dived to her rescue. The red sash on her white dress guided him to her, and he grabbed her a yard'under the water. Kicking out, he rose to the surface with his now almost unconscious burden. The gentleman was supporting the lady and trying to keep afloat until the launch got near enough to take them aboard. Vie was like a duck in the water, and it was no 10 difficulty for him to hold the girl out’ of further peril till the launch picked up the other two, and then came toward them. The girl was lifted on board the latinch, which waited a moment until the hoy resumed his seat in the shell, none “That girl will be the worse for his ducking, then it darted off down the river. Two hourse later, when. Vie and his companion arrived at saved a young lady from drowning up the river. “Well, I went overboard after a young girl that was What about it?” i “The party. was landed here by the launch. - It was Mr. Saunders, his wife, and niece, Miss Butterick. They were using one of our boats. They went home in their automo- - rescued Miss Butterick”—and the man handed Vic an en- Vie opened and read it. » Tt was a brief note of thanks for the service rendered to ence. Vie knew that Mr. Saunders was one of the directors of “Well,” asked his companion, curiously, “what — he ~ “Read it for yourself,” replied “Vic, handing fii the 5 SS SS TS “MAKIN G HIS MARK. note. “Saunders is a big-bug in this locality. It’s well worth while making a friend of him.” “Tl think about it,” answered Vic, who was thinking about the lovely miss he had been so fortunate as to save from a possibly watery grave. “You don’t want to think about it,” said his friend. “You want to call right away. If I was in Mag shoes I'd go there to-night.” “What's the use of rushing things?” laughed Mae “Won't to-morrow do as well?” “T wouldn’t leave it later than to-morrow. That was a pretty girl you saved, and *most any fellow would be just crazy to improve the opportunity to make himself solid . with her.” Vie did not make any reply to that speech. In his heart he was anxious to make Miss Butterick’s ac- quaintance, but he did not want his companion to guess his feelings on the subject. So he changed the topic, and soon afterward they left the clubhouse for theit homes. On the following afternoon Vic dressed himself with ex: tra care, and sef out for the Saunders’ home. lawns, about a mile from the Tarbox cottage. When he reached the front gate, where a graveled walk led up to the broad piazza, Vic’s courage failed him and he kept on down the road at express speed, as though hurrying for a doctor. After walking two blocks he came to a pause, So he turned about, and went back. of a white dress on the piazza; he got another attack of he realized what he was doing. Then he metaphorically kicked himself, burned around and retraced his steps. For the third time he chafged aéseh on the gate, nd Company coming up theroad toward him... “(ood afternoon, Bell,” het said, laying his hand on the grounds, “are you out for a stroll?” replied Vie, desperately. “Tndeed ! him.” “Tm not, sir; but—the fact of the matter is fin: his water: noon and met with an accident. I was fortunate enough to rowing-club for me to call on him. If you are going to render them ‘a service, and Mr. Saunders left a note at the call « on ue perhaps you will not ae osetia te % It was a fine mansion, surrounded by spacious velvety. — “What a chump I’m making of myself,’ he muttered. “|“What am I afraid of ?” When he came to the gate again, and noticed the flutter : stage fright, and sailed on two blocks the other way before t would probably have continued on again but that he saw — Mr. Sherwood, president of the Duplex Ee odbine bg Saunders’ gate, as though he were about to enter the | “Well, sir, I was just about to call on Mr. Saunder®,”” : T was not aware you were acquainted. with : and niece wete out on the Harlem River yesterday. dfters
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MAKING HiS MARK. “Oh, I see how it is,” laughed Mr. Sherwood. “Come ] right along with me, and I will see you through.” He linked his arm in Vic’s, and together they passed _ through the gate. Two minutes later the boy was being introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Saunders and Miss Jennie Butterick. CHAPTER XIV. MIss JENNIE BUTTERICK. Jennie Butterick was a pretty girl. Vie had discovered that fact at their first meeting, while holding her up in the water, in a partly unconscious state, waiting for the launch to bear down on them and. take her on board. At that time, being drenched and limp, she naturally was not looking her bes. @ Now, however, arrayed in her best, and appearing serene and comfortable, she presented an altogether different pic- ture, : ES Her age was fifteen, and ahs looked as bright as a dollar fresh from the mint. “Whatever may have been Miss Butterick’s shortcomings, a _ bashfulness was not one of them, Vie hadn’t exchanged a dozen words with her before he _ realized that the advantage was all on her side. Mr, and Mrs. Saunders, after expressing their gratitude to Vie for the service he had rendered their niece, and hop- _ ing that they and the lad would become better acquainted, 4 had turned him over to the young lady. 4 found some difficulty in expressing their sentiments. Not so Miss Butterick. - Most girls would have felt embarrassed in the presence of ‘a good-looking boy who had saved their life, and have Vie was somewhat taken aback by her words, for he could not decide whether her remarks were intended as a comipli- ment, or whether she was making fun at him. He cast a single, furtive glance at hér, but without solv- ing the problem. As he did not exactly know how to make a suitable reply, he kept silent. “TJ suppose,” she continued, after a brief pause, “that you have been longing, for years, for an opportunity to rescue’ . some unfortunate young lady from a watery grave, or from a runaway horse, or some such ridiculous situation? Your patience has at last been rewarded, and I am the victim.” Yie was sure now she was making sport of him, and the idea nettled him. “No, Miss Butterick,” he replied, coolly. “TI assure you, not being in the habit of reading novels, I have not given the subject any thought. If you feel that fate has treated you unkindly in giving me the chance to pull you out of an unpleasant situation, it will give me great pleasure to try and correct the mistake.” “Why, what do you mean?” asked the pretty miss, star- ing hard at the speaker, as if she didn’t grasp the meaning of his words. ; “JT mean, Miss Butterick,” replied Vie, with a slight grin, “that having been so unfortunate as to save you—in your. own language—from a watéry grave, I am ready to repair my blunder.” “Repair your blunder !” gasped the girl, in hewilderment. “Dxaetly. Tf you will permit me the pléasure, T will take you out in a boat this very afternoon, or next Sunday if you” prefer, and drop you overboard in nearly the exact spot T found you yesterday. I can’t offer to do a fairer thing than that, can I?” “Well!” exclaimed the girl, almost paralyzed at his cool proposal, though she undentood that he was merely getting back at her for her sauciness, “you are certainly the most remarkable young man I ever have met!” . “T hope you understand, Mr. Bell,” she said, in well- _ chosen words, at the same time stealing a glance at his face }—— ‘and mentally deciding that he was a handsome boy, “that I] “As a compliment, by all means,” she teplied. “So you am very me to you for saving my life yestrday after-)are sorry. after all, that you rescued me from———” noon.” “ A Gvatery grave,” he interrupted. “Oh, no; it was you: : “Thats all ie Miss Butterick, ” replied Vic, cheer- | who seemed to regret the fact that fate had made you a vie- e fully. “Iam very glad I happened to be at hand to help|tim. As far as T was concerned, that fate had honored me you out of your scrape.” in selecting me as the instrument to rescue an exceedingly “TJ might have been drowned but that you bravely came pretty girl.” to my rescue,” she continued, with another sly look. “Really,” replied Miss Butterick, with a vivid blush. “You might, that is true, for the Harlem River has no espect even for a pretty girl when she falls ‘overboard and \ ome swim.” The implied sahiataratieh in , Vies words stirred up the aucy side of the girl’s nature. “Isn't it ridiculous that I should become the heroine of PGi ses T to take that as a compliment?” he grinned. Or , lead me to believe that you carry a “small edition of the Standard ey ricco in your pocket for consultation as occasion requires.” “T have no doubt that a ariicnay is an excellent book to have within reach at all times, Miss Butterick,” replied Vie, politely ; “but, all the same, T do not possess a portable me. ” i The @ young lay was ging to realize ‘that she as “You said that very nice, indeed. Your language would ~ ‘| edition. Probably that is where you have ae cpp r see
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MET 24 getting back as good as she gave, and it was rather a new sensation for her. She did not mean to give up the battle, however, for she was a plucky girl. “T presume you think you are an uncommonly smart young man,” she said, saucily. “It was you, wasn’t it, who saved the Duplex Manufacturing Company from a heavy financial loss some weeks ago? Strange that I didn’t recall the fact until this moment. I now wish to apologize for saying that I thought fate had treated me unkindly in mak- ing me a victim yesterday afternoon. I have decided that I ought to be truly thankful that the opportunity was mine to have been rescued from a perilous situation by the smart- est young man in Kingsbridge.” “Thank you, Miss Butterick,” grinned Vic, who had now lost all his reserve in the presence of the prettiest girl in the neighborhood, “you can. say some very nice things yourself when you’ve the mind to.” “T hope you understand how highly I appreciate the honor which has been conferred on me,” she replied, de- murely. “I remember now that I have been just dying to make your acquaintance ever since papa spoke about your brilliant feat of saving the money and the bonds of the company, and actually capturing one of the men all by yourself. Do you know, I think you are quite a prodigy.” Vie grinned. “Don’t you think you are a prodigy ?” she persisted, with a winsome glance. “T haven’t thonght about the matter at all, Miss But- - tertok,? “Haven’t you? What a modest young man you are,” she retorted. ; ; “We all have our failings,” he snickered. “Certainly, bashfulness isn’t one of them,” she retorted. | “T couldn’t be bashful in the presence of such a witty and - lovely-——” “Come, now, Mr. Bell,” she protested, with a rosy blush, “T think it’s time to siahise the subject, don’t you?” “T agree with you, Miss Butterick.” “Then I'll tell you a most remarkable incident that hap- pened to auntie and I up the river some weeks since,” she continued, vivaciously. “You see, we were spending the summer at West Point. to the landing to meet some friends we expected by the Al- bany day boat. They did not come; and, after the boat went on her way, we walked some little distance down the river, and finally sat down to rest on a log close to the | water’s edge. I took from my finger a valuable diamond ring ' that belonged to my mother, and attached it to the rubber- band around my pocketbook, laying the wallet beside me on the log.” At this point Vie grew uncommonly interested in her story. “The reason I did this ‘was because I saw what T took MAKING HIS MARK. One day auntie and I went down} -she asked, in. astonishment. . to be a very curious shell sticking out of the bank about a}, foot under the surface of the river, and T wanted to get it| far a ates the ae: I got the shell, a it was a nen interesting specimen. Collecting shells is a hobby of mine. ; I have a cabinet full of them, and it will give me great pleasure to show them to you when we go into the house. The shell took up my attention so much that when auntie and I rose to leave the spot I forgot all about. the ring and the pocketbook.” “And the log got loose and floated off down the river with your property,” said Vic, in some little excitement. “Why, yes; that is just what it did do,” she answered, in surprise. “How did you guess?” “Oh, that was easy. Go on and tell me the rest.” “We had walked up the banks beyond the railroad some little distance before I missed my ring and pocketbook. Then I remembered the circumstances of the case and rushed back to get them. To my dismay I saw the log float- ing off quite a distance from the shore. I wag greatly dis« , tressed, There was over $100 in money in my wallet, though I did not care so much for that as I did-for my ring, which was priceless to me, because it came to me from my mother when she died.” And Vic saw #he girl’s handsome. eyes fill with tears. “What did you do to try to recover it?” he asked. “T couldn’t do*anything. There wasn’t a man nor a boat in sight. We followed the river for nearly a mile, when we were blocked by a rocky projection behind which my lovely ring and wallet vanished, and I have never heard of them since.” “Tt was a great loss to you, wasn’t it ?”” said Vie, ; “T could hardly have suffered a more severe one!” she replied. “Now, what would you give to have that ring and ‘estes book come back to, you in the same condition you lost them ?”” “What would I give?” she exclaimed. “fiyerything aes possess in this world!” she cried, earnestly. “But they — never will! . Uncle has advertised a reward of $1,000 for them, but I’m afraid they lie at the bottom of the river!” she concluded, mournfully. _ “Don’t be so sure of that, Miss Butterick,” said Views aiik in sparkling eyes. “Do you know that I am something of a — magician ?” “A magician!” she ejaculated, wonderingly. “Yes, I have the ability sometimes to recover lost prop- erty.” FS “You are joking, aren’t you n she said, looking him straight in the face. Ae “Not in this instance. Now, Miss Butterick, some day ees might want you to bestaw a favor on me, Will you promise to do it, or at least consider the matter favorably, if I put on my magical cap, and whistle back your ring and pocket- — book ?” he asked, eagerly. 2 “Why, Mr, Bell, how could you do such a thing as ae Bes eee “Don’t you worry about how I'm yank to do it, 80 long een. us te promjse anything to get my ring bacl ? eae “ ‘ut I ee that i is. Aste out of the Sees Wes eet ae
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MAKING HIS MARK. 25 ~ “We'll see if it is. _ now, please.” “In a trance! Why, you foolish boy “Hush!” whispered Vic, mysteriously, as he closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. “Answer my questions. - Describe the pocketbook, please.” Miss Butterick described it, and its contents exactly. “T see it!” exclaimed Vic, solemnly. “And the ring, too. They are not at the bottom of the river, but done up in a _ package that. lies in the office-safe of the Duplex Manufac- - turing Company.” “Mr. Bell!” cried the girl, quivering with excitement. _ “What do you mean?” “T mean, Miss Butterick, that your ring and pocketbook are quite safe, and shall be returned to you to-morrow. I found them myself floating down the Hudson on the identi- % cal log on which you placed them. They are, at this mo- ~ ment, in our office-safe.” : Just imagine that I am in a,trance wa / CHAPTER XV. VIC’S SUCCESS IN THE REAL ESTATE FIELD. Jennie Butterick uttered a scream of delight and clasped her hands together. _ Her aunt, who, in company with her husband and Mr. Sherwood, was sitting a short distance away, looked around at her, wondering what had occasioned her excitement. _ “Oh, auntie, what do you think?” the girl called out to er. “Mr. Bell found my diamond ring and pocketbook oating down the Hudson on that log.” “Ts it possible?” ejaculated Mrs. Saunders, rising and coming over to them. /& Yes,” answered Vie. : And he explained fag the incident transpired on the morning he was returning from the Battery to Kingsbridge in the cathoat with his prisoner and the se Scat property on board. es Rie never would have ss any attention to that log but bo ‘Vil tell you how it happened.” “Mr. Brown, our manager, nie the isles “several times in the Herald and World, but no one put in a daim for them.” : “T never thought of looking in the pépeds for neti an ad- _ van 4 replied the girl. “T gave them up, for I : thought they had fallen off the log into the river.” % Well,” laughed Vie, “you see that I am something of a “magician, after 1, ei “YT can’t tell you how grateful T am to you for recover- ing my ring especially,” Miss Butterick said, earnestly. tee “And, on top of that, you saved my life. I eertainly will f a forget you as long as I live.” 3 ‘hen hig are e willing to admit that T did not do wrong | ‘room. — ‘i sae AS ike wis “Why, of course you didn’t. should have been drowned !” “T am to understand, then, that you do not wish me to alter matters by taking you out in a boat and “Now, aren’t you just too horrid for anything!” she pouted. “All right. We'll let it stand as it is,” he laughed. “Auntie, you must tell uncle to give Mr. Bell the reward he offered for my ring and pocketbook.” “Don’t do anything of the kind, Mrs. Saunders!” cried Vic, quickly. “Why not, Mr. Bell?” asked the girl. “Uncle is my guardian, and I can easily afford a thousand dollars for such a service, without considering the matter of my life, which is something I would not think of offering you pay — for.” “T think we made a bargain about t that ring and pocket- book. You promised to grant me a small favor some day if I should ask it of you. That covers the whole business.” . “Well, I certainly will grant you any favor you ever ask of me,” she replied, energetically. “Don’t be rash, Miss Butterick,” smiled Vic. might want to draw out at the critical moment.” “No, I won’t. I never go back on my word.” “All right. I’ll remember that.” “Come in and see my cabinet of shells,” the pretty miss said, suddenly. Vie accompanied her inside, and was much interested in her collection, which was both wnique and valuable. The boy was easily induced to remain to tea, and when he left he was pressed to call again soon. Next day Jennie Butterick called at the Duplex estab- lishment, and, at her own ‘request, she was shown to the | shipping-room, where she found Vie up to his eyes in busi- ness. , “This visit is quite an honor, Miss Bublatick: ” said the boy, gallantly. “The girl smiled and blushed a little. “I thought I’d look in to see what you were doing,” she said. Vie hastened to Bzplata to her the mysteries of the ship- If you hadn’t done it, I “You | ping department, and showed her around the place. He also took her into the engine-room, and one or two other sections of the establishment, and she expressed. her- self very. much entertained by what she saw. | ' Then Vie took her to the manager’s office and introduced her to Mr. Brown. aN ; S Mr. Brown, this is the owner of the ring and pocketbook: | which you deposited in the office-safe. Will you kindly get them for heres The manager said he would, and they were soon in 1 her " hands. “T have a little bill of advertising against you,” ie said. “Or rather Vie has. He put np for the ; i She settled the amount. and soon afterward left. i Be, Late that puesto, a ie was shown into the chipping
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- figure, too. Tt’s a wonder the detectives were never success- 26 MAKING HIS MARK. He handed Vic a small package, asking him to sign for; Just the same they were hoggish in the matter, because it. \ they thought they had the inside track. When our hero opened the packet he found an elegant} Vie went and looked the property over, and then offered - gold watch and chain, and an enameled diamond-encrusted | the owner his price. question. _ business, so Vie dismissed the matter from his mind. portance, and Vic’s wages had been raised to $18 per week. Soe | called to a tract of land which some speculators were nego- _ tiating for. charm, together with a short note from Jennie Butterick,; “Whom do you represent ; 2” asked the man, eager to close in which she expressed her gratitude all over again in writ-}the deal. ing, and begged him .to accept the enclosed articles as a} . “How does the Title Guarantee & Trust Company strike slight testimonial of her appreciation of what she owed} you?” asked Vic. him. | “They're good cnough for anybody,” said the man. Of course Vic accepted the present, and wrote the pretty] “All hag 34 cell the boy. “I'll give you a note to miss a letter of acknowledgment and thanks. the president. ‘Take it down to their offices on Broadway After that Vie became a regular caller at the Saunders’ | to-morrow morning and the company will make arrange- home, and it was understood that Jennie Butterick was the| ments with you.” magnet which drew him there. Vie wrote a letter telling the company that he wanted to _ One afternoon Mr. Ralph Roundtree, the vice-president | invest the proceeds of the sale of his present property in of the company, walked into the shipping-room to look} the new deal, which involved a matter of $35,000. around, He wanted the company to advance him the amount nee- Vie had: seen him once or twice before, though not for] essary to secure an option on the new property, while they some weeks. \ investigated the title, and closed out his other realty. - He was a fine-looking, stalwart, man, with a black mous-| His $13,000 interest in his present property was security tache and piercing black eyes. enough for the company to comply with his wishes, and the He walked about the room, examining the system Vic|new deal was arranged. used for sending off the ‘goods. When the speculators found out that they were dished Finally he stopped Peters the boy, and asked him a trivial |out of the land they had intended to cut up into building lots, improve and sell at a good price, they were madder ” than hornets. But they couldn’t do a thing, except make a higher offer to the trust company, which was refused. In due time Vie sold his first real-estate investment and At the sound of his’voiee' Wie looked at him sharply be- fore he made any reply. “Ah,” he barge ae “now I know whose yoice it was that the masked man’s resembled. Mr. Roundtree has just his ful in rounding that rascal up!” Then he answered the vice-president’s question politely. ' After that he furtiyely watched Mr. Roundtree while he remained in the shipping department, and the longer he Jooked at him the more the gentleman reminded him of the rascal who had engineered the scheme for defranding the company out of $150,000 worth of honds, besides stealing $50,000 outright from the office-safe. Of course it was preposterous to even think that Mr. Roundtree had any connection with such a piece of crooked mortgage. This deal was ae ain in character, as there terest to face, besides taxes and possible assessments. Jennie Butterick promised to see him through the deal to do so, if he could help it. He understood that the trust company would carry him. His plan was to hold the land a year or so, by which time — he expected all property in that neighborhood would make a big advance, Before long he got an offer of $42,000 for it, which showed him that he had made no mistake in buying it. Taking the ahove figures as a fair indication of its pres A whole year passed away, and summer came around once more. The Duplex Manufacturing Company had grown in im- Tt was about this time that he ran across a great bargain in real estate. The trust ‘company that acted as guardian for the boy’ had received an offer of $20,000 for his property, and wrote. to him advising him by all means to accept it. _ Vie wrote back that they could sell it for him. The day that he did so his attention was decidentally pany had, in one year, increased to $20,000 through shrewd judgment in realty values. _ —— CHAPTER XVI _ s CONCLUSION: / ef As Jennie Butterick had taken Vie under her vee + a “They were anxious to buy the land, but were sdcerhate ; _ _ over the ie sya was eae dirt cheap, and they knew|to speak, he-had entree into the best pie of upper rr ; it ; Wea ; York. Rakes i ph ae 7 j mess ‘ P " 4 \ ) ned Vat ] ALE ee ‘ ? Ae it: : eo 4 oi : ee “oh ‘ 2h ieee mi 7 a a - , _ -“ ¥ , » ff > “ _, became owner of the $35,000 plot of land, on which the trust company advanced the necessary $22,000 on a first was no income from it, and Vie had $550 semi-annual in- — if necessary, though he had no intention of calling on her ies ent value, he allowed that his $5,000 check from the! com- Pic
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She wouldn’t have anybody else for an escort when she could get. Vie to accompany her, © Everybody said they made a very handsome couple, and _ not a few wise ones predicted a marriage in the future, in _ which they would figure as the principals. When the Christmas holidays came around again, Vic had passed his eighteenth birthday hy a lap, while Jennie had arriyed at sweet sixteen. Vie still boarded at the humble cottage of Mrs. Tarbox. She was as good as a mother to him, and the boy wouldn’t haye shaken her for the world. He was invited to eat his Christmas dinner with the Saunderses and Miss Jennie, and he wouldn’t have missed it for a farm. __, Jennie had come to exercise a sort of proprietorship over him, and he enjoyed the sensation. - -“T have an invitation to attend a masquerade ball at Mr. _ Sherwood’s on New Year’s night,” she remarked to Vic on Christmas evening after dinner. The pair were sitting by themselves in the conservatory of the mansion, and the gas was turned down quite low. “Have you?” answered Vic, thinking that his fair com- - panion had never looked quite so pretty as she did that evening. “Yes. Of course you’re going with me,” she said, | i that decided tone she always addressed him, as if what she said went every time, is “You seem to take the matter for granted, Jennie,” he answered, smilingly. ‘They always called each other Jennie and Vic now. - “Certainly I do,” she answered, with a little wilful shake of her head. “Haven't I got anything to say in the matter?” he asked. “Well, 11 permit you to say—yes.” “Thank you; you’re getting liberal. Now, do you know, ‘Tre been thinking of asserting my independence,” he said, ce 2 oper - -“T haye no objection to you being as independent as you wish, as long as you do everything I ask,’ she laughed. ““Come, now, I like that,” he protested. ~“T am very glad, indeed, that you like it.” “T like something better than that though,” he said, get- ting an inch closer to her. “What is that?” _ “Why, you, of course.” Jennie blushed and was silent. me “Do you know, Jennie, I’ve been thinking of realizing ih some of my investments.” - “Are you thinking of selling your land ak this time?” she asked, in surprise, » “No. J mean my other investments.” “J didn’t know you had any other,” she replied, ‘Oh, ¥9s T’ve got a very sas At one.” What is it?” a1 ’ eo: ThtG Se bon MAKING HIS MARK. Y J you in the future. N| not ‘help it, Jennie. + promise you made me a year. and a half ago when ed back ; yout a ring a ion that yee yi aaies eet asst i ee a eee Oe “Oh!” she exclaimed, somewhat wonderingly. “Are you prepared to redeem that promise now ?” “What was it?” “You promised to grant any little.request I might ask Don’t you remember ?” “Oh, yes. Have you a request you want me to grant? If yow have, consider it granted,” she said, with a smile. “Don’t get reckless, Jennie. Better wait and hear what it is first.” eh “T’m listening.” “Tow much do you like me, Jennie?” “How much? Why, a great deal, of course.” Better than any one else?” She blushed and looked down at the carpet. “Jennie,” he continued, earnestly, “you and I are good friends, but I am always worrying about, how long it may be before you'll find somebody else that you will learn to like better than me. I hope you won’t get angry with me for saying that the whole world is nothing to me beside you. I have learned to love you with all my heart. I want to_ prove worthy of winning you some day for my wife, Per- haps I oughtn’t to talk this\way,to you, because of the difference in our social standing; and because we are both rather young to consider so serious a subject. But I can- T must know.ahether you really care for me as I care for you. The request I make of you, and I do not insist on you keeping your promise to grant it, is that you tell me frankly if there is any hope for me to look forward to the realization of my fondest dream—that of winning your love and your hand eventually, . That is all I have to say. I have opened my heart to you, If I have offended you I shall regret it, but I could not haye acted otherwise.” The girl sat trembling beside him. She had not expected such an issue to their conversation, but she did not look as if she was displeased at his bold ness. Girls a are always pleased to feel that they hold an ascend ancy over the young man they like best, Jennie’s color came and went, and her bosom rose and fell with the emotion she was experiencing. “What do you wish me to say eh Be asked at length, in Ja low tone. “Ts there any hope for me to expect that some day you Will become my wife?” he asked, with quivering lips, i the stake he was playing for was high. — “Yes,” she whispered, and then she let her head fp on his shoulder. eg They went to the masquerade ball together 3 in the Saun- ras ders’ automobile on New Years’ night, Daag [ ‘There was a big crowd present at the Sherwood mansion. Se Every one was expected to be masked during the first ‘Sh pert of the evening, and: seed were there in, Nesta cos+ tumes. ore Vie had just finished a waltz with ola, who oes ‘e poet to Sedna: aes Red ‘Budinahosd, Si he was
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28 MAKING HIS MARK. leading her back to her seat when he came face to face with |‘man behind’ the forgery. a masked man, who also wore a heavy brown beard. The boy gazed in bewilderment at the man, for he was the counterpart of the masked forger of months before. Not only that, but he had on what Vie was willing to swear was the identical mask that rascal had worn. He identified it by a peculiar mark at one cerner. “What’s the matter, Vic?” asked Jennie. “Nothing,” he answered quickly, leading her to her seat. Then, excusing himself, he hurried off to find Mr. Sher- wood. After some difficulty he located that gentleman, and told him what he had seen. “You must be mistaken in your idea that that is the mask you saw on the rascal who put the forgery almost through. - No one is present here to-night but those I should be able to identify as upright people if their masks were removed. My guests are all my personal friends.” “AML right, sir,’’ replied, Vic, respectfully. “You ought to know; but how can you:determine that it was not a close fiend of yours who engineered that forgery? The man has never been caught? Who could have had access to your yaults and safe but a man who knew the ins and outs of the Duplex Company’s offices? Who would have under- taken such a scheme, with prospects of success, but a man closely identified with the business of the company? With your permission I am going to find out the identity of this man who wears the suspicious mask.” ~ “You may do so, of course, but be careful how you man- age it, Bell. I cannot have one of my guests offended.” lt, Sherwood walked off, leaving Vie to consider how _ he was going to accomplish his purpose. As he turned away he raw into a small man ina lisa suit and a purple mask. The mask became dislodged, and Vie AS the ; Pinkerton detective. & rd like to talk with you, Mr. Hawkshaw,” said the boy. They went downstairs to the deserted dining-room, where Vie took off his mask, so the detective could identify him, and then told him his suspicions. ' “Will you swear to that mask in court, Bell? 2” asked the detective, “T will,” replied the boy. “All right. You have furnished me with the cluesl have ty wanted. Who do you suppose that gentleman is?” _ “I think I can guess, Mr. Hawkshaw. It is Mr. Round- ; » tree, lneaences of the Duplex pirat ee Com- pany. 2H at A 4 ef “You's are ght § ‘i have ee) spt os ee ties Poy SQUARE, NEW YORK, and you will receive ape cop Now I am sure of it. In his fancied security, he is wearing to-night the identical mask he wore when you were up against him. Also the same beard. a man’s life when he makes a grievous mistake. It was.a fool’s trick, but there is always a time in Round- tree has made his, and it shall land him in Sing Sing.” — An hour later a telegram was delivered to Ralph Sain tree summoning him to his home, As he stepped out of his automobile at his door, the Pinkerton man, followed by Vie, stepped up and arrested him. “What do you mean?’ he demanded, furiously. “Forgery!” replied. the detective, laconically, shpping bracelets on his wrists. He was taken to the Tombs and locked up. Next day Hawkshaw visited Sing Sing and had an in- terview with Adam Bender. When the conyict heard that Roundtree was in the Tombs he wilted and was induced to make a full confession, _ At the trial of Roundtree, Bender was permitted to turn State’s evidence, and his testimony, in addition to Vic’s evidence, sent the vice-president of the Duplex Manufactur- ing Company to Sing Sing for ten years. His wife felt the disgrace so keenly that she sold out everything and left the neighborhood. Mr. Saunders, at Jennie’s request, loaned Vie the funds necessary to purchase Roundtree’s block of Duplex stock, and the boy found himself in line for the presidency of the 2 company. That was ten. years ago, and to-day Victor Bell, the as proud and handsome husband of Jennie Butterick, is presi- {dent of the Duplex Manufacturing Company, the biggest concern in its line of business in the United States. Who, then, shall say that Victor Bell hasn’t made his raark in life? THE END. Read “HEIR TO A MILLION; OR, THE BOY, — WHO WAS BORN LUCKY,” which will be the next number (55) of “Fame and Fortune Weekly.” "SPECIAL NOTICH: All back numbers of this weekly are always in print. If you cannot obtain them from an; newsdealer, send the price in money or postage stamps by. mail to FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 24 UNION 1 age order wating: mail. pe pens:
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y 32 PAGES WILD WEST WEEKLY A Magazine Containing Stories, Sketehes, ete. of Western life. BY AN OLD SCOUT. | PRICE 5 CENTS. 32 PAGES. EACH NUMBER IN A HANDSOME COLORED COVER. All of these exciting stories are founded on facts. His daring deeds and thrilling adventures have never been surpassed. Young Wild West is a hero with whom the author was acquainted. They form the base of the most dashing stories — 4 ever published. Read the following numbers of this most interesting magazine and. be convinced: { ; } Name... ee esseesessesscaees + Brose and NO. eee eeeeeeeeeeeees ‘Town... cee of WORK AND WIN, Nos....... “ WIDE AWAKE WEEKLY, Be Be ee FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY, ain ig Vignes heptornte De dak as GMs aE a etd sna ota WELTY Wire Wana Ye CMe e etc wia's 53 'AU DK aA SARA rae on ao Ean Rae Mica bs oem THE LIBERTY BOYS OF 776, NOB. ewe ee eee een ise ee ee center ee ernest tte tena een eaee ; PLUCK AND LUCK, Nog... 1. cece e cee tee ete te ee teen seen tt ttt eter eee erles cena LATEST ISSUES: 146 Yoon Wild West’s Lively Time; or, The Dandy Duck of the ted Bits West at Hold-Up Canyon; or, Arietta’s Great Victory. Youhg Wild West’s Square Deal; or, Making the “Bad’’ Men Good. none lpg West Cowing the Cowboys; or, Arietta and the rairie Fire. Young Wild West and Navajo Ned; or, The Hunt for the Half- Breed Hermit. Young Wild West's Virgin Vein; or, Arietta and the Cave-in. ot Wild West's Cowboy Champions; or, The Trip to Kansas J: 158 Young Wild West’s Hven Chance; or, Arietta’s Presence of Mind. 154 Young Wild West and the Flattened Bullet ; or, The Man Who Would not Dro op. 155 Young Wild West’s Gold Game; or, Arietta’s Full Hand. 156 Penne me West's Cowboy Scrimmage ; or, Cooking a Crowd of: rooks 157 cane Wild West and the Arizona Athlete; or, The Duel that Lasted a Week. 158 si pk Wa West and the Kansas Cowboys ; or, Arietta’s Clean Sco. Young W “wild West Doubling His Luck; or, The Mine that Made a young Wild West and the Loop of Death; or, Arietta's Gold bh vier? oe West at Boiling Butte; or, Hop Wah and the High- Young” ‘Wit West Paying the Pawnees; or, Arietta Held for Young. Wild West's Shooting Match; or, The “Show-Down” at Young Wild West at Death Divide; or, Arietta’s Great Fight. aa Wild West and the Scarlet Seven; or, Arietta’s Daring Lea; onuer ‘Wild West’s Mirror Shot; or, Rattling the secede ren Young Wild West and the Greaser Gang; or, Arietta as a SPY. Young Wild West losing a Million ; or, How Arietta Helped Him Youn Wild West and the Railroad Robbers ; or, Lively Work in Young mae West Corraling the Cow-Punchers; or, Arietta’s Swim for Young Wid West “Facing the Music”; or, The Mistake fis Lynch- ers - jae ig Mite Wild West and “Montana Mose”; or, Arietta’s Messenger 178 pee wild West at Grizzly Gulch; or, The Shot that Saved the 174 a “wita West on the Warpath; or, Arietta Among the Ara- 175 Young, Wild West and “Nebraska Nick"; or, The Cattle Thieves of the Platte. 176 re Wild West and the Magic Mine; or, How Arietta Solved a 8 177 Shane Wid West as a Cavalry Scout; or, Saving the Settlers. 178 Young Wild West Beating the Bandit 8; or, Arietta’s Best Shot. 179 Young Wild West and “Crazy Hawk’; or, The Redskins’ Last Raid. j}180 Young Wild West Chasing the Cowboys; or, Arietta the Lariat 181 “Young Waa bh and the Treacherous Trapper; or, Lost in the Great 182 oe iadenern West’s Dash to Deadwood; or, Arietta and the 183 Xone 2 ae ‘West's Cleaning Up a Hundred 184 fest Wild West and ‘the Oregon Outlaws; or, Arietta as a 185 oan Wa West and “Mexican Matt’; or, Routing the Rawhide 186 saps! ae West and the Comanche Queen; or, Arietta as an 187 Young Waa ¥ West and the “Gold Ring's or, The Flashy Five of 188 oun. Wild West’s Double Restiie or, Arietta’s Race With 189 Young Wild West and the Texas’Rangers; or, Crooked Work on 190 Young Wild Wesi's Branding Beegiior, Arietta and the Cow nehers, 191 Young Wile West and His Partter’s; Pile, and How Arietta Ve! ts 1938 Soutia Wenn West’s Buckhorn Bowie, and How It Saved His 194 bah ease Wild West in the Haunted Hills; or, Arietta and the Aztec 195 ig wild West's Cowboy Dance; or, Arletta’s Annoying Ad- 196 Youn "Wild West’s Double Shot; or, Cheyenne Charlle’s Life 197 Young,” ¥ Wild West at Gold Gorge; or, Arietta and the Drop of 198 Young Wild West and the Gulf Gang ; or, Arietta’s Three Shots. Silver Scoop; or, 199 Young ae West's Treasure Trove; or, The Wonderful Luck of . the Girls, 200 Young Wild West’s Leap in the Dark; or, Arietta and the Under- ground Stream 201 Young Wild West and the Silver Queen; or, The Fate of the Mystic Ten. 202 Young Wild West Striking it Rie! i OF. "Arietta and the Cave of Gogd. 208 Young Wild West’s Relay Race; or, The Highta at Fort Feather. 204 Youn: oo eg and the “Crooked Cowboys”; or, Arietta and the Cati 205 Young wala la West: at Sizzling Fork; or, A Hot Time with the Claim 206 you via West and Big “Buffalo”; or, Arietta at the Stake. 207 Youn; ce West Raiding the Raiders; or, The Vengeance of the Vigilan 208 Young Wild West’s Royal Flush; or, Arietta and the Gamblers, 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, by FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, IF YOU WANT AN Y BACK NUMBERS of our Libraries and cannot procure themfrom newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. 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These Books Tell You Everything! A COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! Hach book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, in clear tyne and neatly bound in an attractiye, illustrated cover. Most of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that any ehild can thoroughly understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subjecks mentioned. ; ; THESE BOOKS ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS O FROM THIS OFFICE ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, TEN CENTS EACH, OR ANY THREE BOOKS FOR WILL PE SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ApDERnsS WENTY-FIVH CENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y. MESMERISM. _No,. 81, HOW TO MESMERIZE.—Containing the most ap- proyed methods of mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of diseases by animal magnetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prof. Leo Hugo Koch, A. ©. S., author of “How to Hypnotize,” ete. PALMISTRY:. No. 82. HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most ap- proved methods of reading the lines on the hand, together with a full explanation of their meaning, Also explaining phrenology, aud the key for telling character by the bumps on the head. By Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. S, Fully illustrated. HYPNOTISM. “No. 83. HOW TO HYPNOTIZE.—Containing valuable and in- structive information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also explaining the most approved methods which are employed by the leading hypnotists of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S8. 3 : SPORTING. ‘No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete hunting and fishing guide ever published. It contains full in- structions about guns) hinting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, togéther with descriptions ofgame and fish. No, 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully illustrated.. Every boy should know how to row and sail a boat, Full instructions are given ‘in’ this little book, together with in- structions on swimming andsriding, companion sports to boating. No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSHE.— A complete treatise onthe 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 TO BUILD AND: SAIL CANOES.—A handy book for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes and i: most popular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated. By C. Stansfield Hicks. ‘ FORTUNE TELLING. No. 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.— Containing the great oracle of human destiny; also the true mean- ing of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and curious games of cards. A complete book. No. 23. HOW TO HXPLAIN DREAMS.—Hverybody dreams, from the little child to the aged man and woman. ‘This little book gives the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky and unlucky days, and “Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate. No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES.—Hyeryone is desirous of knowing what his 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 TELL FORTUNES. BY THE 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 eyents by aid of moles, marks, scars, etc. Illustrated, By A, Anderson. ae ATHLETIC. if No. 6 HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETY.—Giving full in- 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. Every boy.can become strong and healthy by following the instructions contained in this little book. No. 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self-defense made easy. Containing over thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the ditfer- ent positions of a good boxer. Every boy should obtain one of these useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to box without an instructor. No. 25. HOW TO BECOME A GYMNAST.—Containing full instructions for all kinds of gymnastie sports and athletic exercises. Bmbracing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald. A handy and useful book. ; \ ._ No. 34. HOW TO FENCE.—Containing full instruction for fencing and the use of the breadsword; also instruction in archery. Described with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best nositions in fencing. A complete book. — s Se TRICKS WITH CARDS. No. 51. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing explanations of the general principles of sleight-of-hand applicable © ecard tricks; of card tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring _ gleight-of-hand; of tricks inyolving sleight-of-hand, or the use of gpecially prepared cards, By Professor Haffner. Illustrated. » if \ / 3 a a t >, er ¢ La - Wyat . ; \lustrations. . By A. Anderso: No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Em- bracing all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with il- n. No. 77. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.— Containing deceptive Card Tricks as performed by leading conjurors and magicians. Arranged for home amusement, Tully illustrated, MAGIC. No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and card tricks, containing full instruction on all the leading card tricks’ of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed by our leading magicians; every boy should obtain a copy of this book, as it will both amuse and instruct. No, 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining how the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and the boy on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals, The only authentic explanation of second sight. No. 43. HOW TO BHCOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing the grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the public. Also tricks with cards, incantations, ete. ) oa No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS.—Containing over one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals, By A. Anderson. -Handsomely illustrated. one No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing over fifty of the latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also pend ail aes secret of second sight. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson. _No. 70. HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—-Containing full, directions for making Magic Toys and deyices of many kinds. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. See al No. 73. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Showing — many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. By A. Anderson, Fully illustrated. : : No, 75. HOW TO BECOME A CONJUROR. — Containing — tricks with Dominos, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, ete. Embracing - thirty-six illustrations. By A. Anderson. : Ns No. 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART.—Containing a com. plete description of the mysteries of Magie and Sleight of Hand, together with many wonderful experiments. By y Anderson, Illustrated. MECHANICAL. No. 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.—Eyery boy should know how inyentions originated, This book explains them — all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, optics, — pneumatics, mechanics, ete. The most instructive book published, — _ No. 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEDR.—Containing full instructions how to proceed in order to become a* locomotive en- gineer; also directions for building a model locomotive; together with a full description of everything an engineer should know. —_— No. 57. HOW TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.—Full © directions how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zither, Molian Harp, Xylo- phene and other musical instruments; together with a brief de- scription of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient or modern times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon §. Fitzgerald, — for twenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines. No. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTHRN.—Containing a description of the lantern, together with its history and invention, — Also full directions for its use and for painting slides. Handsomely — illustrated. By John Allen. 1 ; Pe i 1 aa po ROA NAG AT Jee sais ee eomplete instructions for performing over sixty Mechanic Ticks. — By A. Anderson. Fully Riceerateg: ; - fl LETTER WRITING. er No. ay, HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS.—A most com- ~ plete little book, containing full directions for writing love-letters, ‘and when to use them, giving specimen letters for pauns and old. No. 12. HOW TO. WRITE LETTERS TO LADINS.—Giving | complete instructions for writing letters to ladies on all subjects; also letters of introduction, notes and requests. eo No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GENTLEMEN.— 5 ' Containing full directions for writing to gentlemen-on all subjects; — also giving sample letters for instruction. aN No. 538. HOW TO WRITE LETTHRS.—A wonderful little book, telling you how to write to your sweetheart, your father, | mother, sister, brother, employer; and, in fact, everybody and any- body you wish to write to. Every young man and eyery young | lady in the land should have this book. i ; RET ‘No. 74. HOW TO WRITE. LETTERS CORRECTLY.—Con- taining full instructions for writing letters on almost any subject; also rules for punctuation and composition, with specimen let
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re “1 A : > Kt] : f 4 taining coils, dynamos, and man 4 = _ money a and w dial © gith many standard readings. | ; nee BRICE 10 CENTS EACH, FO! address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New THE STAGE. : No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK BND MEN’S JOKB BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the ost famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without this wonderful little book. 5 No. 42. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKDR.— Containing a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch nd Irish. Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amuse- ent and amateur shows. OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE "| No, 45. THE BOYS AND JOKE BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. Hyery boy should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- ganizing an amateur minstrel troupe. ’ No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It contains a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, ete., of Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of the day. Every boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should obtain a copy immediately. No. 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—Containing com- plete instructions howto make up for various characters on the ‘stage; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, “Scenic Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager. No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKE BOOK.—Containing the lat- est jokes, anecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and ever populat German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome colored cover containing a haif-tone photo of the author. HOUSEKEEPING. No. 16. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing full instruetions for constructing a window garden either in town or country, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful “ead at home. The most complete book of the kind ever pub- lished. \ ' No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books -on cooking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, - fish, game; and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of pastry, and a grand ‘collection of recipes by one of our most popular cooks. ~ No. 87. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE.—It contains information for everybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to make almost anything around the honse, such as parlor ornaments, brackets, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. $ ELECTRICAL: - No. 46. HOW TO MAKE AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A de- scription of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; “together with full instructions for making Electric Toys, Batteries, ee By George Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty il-. _lustrations. No. 64. HOW TO MAKB ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- full directions for making electrical machines, induction novel toys to be worked by electricity. y R. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated. (a8 "No. 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a large collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, together with illustrations. By A. Anderson. A ENTERTAINMENT. ‘No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry Kennedy. thio book Y ‘tudes every nigh art, and create an of instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multi- t with his wonderful imitations), can master the y ee ‘ie ee ep ba mai renee. ai is the - greatest book ever published, an ere’s millions (of fun) in it. ro. 50, HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A -yery valuable little book just published, A complete compendium of games, sports, ¢ i for parlor or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the than any book published. . No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little ook, containing the ses and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, yackgammon, croquet. dominoes, etc. ee. 36. HOW LO SOLVE. CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all the leading conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches itty sayings. . No. 52. HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little pook, giving the rules and fx, “‘irections for playing Euchre, Crib- page, Casino, Forty-Five, Re, ce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker, ‘uction Pitch, All Fours, and frany other popular games of cards. "No. 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hun- puzzles and conundrums, with key to same. A Fully illustrated. By A, Anderson. ‘ é . ETIQUETTE. No. 13. HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTH.—It is a great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know all about. . There’s happiness in it. Aye Sige No, 33. HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and etiquette ‘of good society and the easiest and most. approved methods of ap- pearing to good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, chureh, and n the drawing-room. / ‘4 _ PDECLAMATION. “No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS, Jontaining the most popular selections in use, comprising Dutch ect, French dialect, agkes and Irish dialect pieces, together ‘dred interesting complete book. + ai a J SVB wg The secret given away. Hvery intelligent boy reading | card diversions, comi¢ recitations, etc., suitable |. : ———-———— ooo 2 No, 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEHAKER.—Containing four teen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to become a good speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems from all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the most simple and concis? manner possible. No. 49. HOW TO DEBATE»—Giving rules for conducting de- bates, outlines for debater, questions for discussion, and the best sources for procuring infomation on the questions given. SOCIETY. No. 3. HOW TO FLIRY.—The arts and wiles of flirtation are fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of handkerchief, fan, glove. parasol, window and hat flirtation, it con- tains a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is interesting to everyboay, both old and young. You cannot be happy withvut one. _No. 4, HOW 'TO DANCH is the title of a new and handsome. littie book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instruec- tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, How to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular square ances. No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to love, courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be observed, with many curious and intéresting things not gen- erally known. No. 17. HOW ‘TO DRUESS.—Containing full instruction in the art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up, No. 18 HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world, lverybody wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male and female. The secret is simple, and almost costless. Read this book and be conyineced how to become beautiful. BIRDS AND ANIMALS. No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Wandsomely illustrated and containing full instructions for the management and training of the canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, paroquet, arrot, ete. . No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND RABBITS.—A useful and instructive book. Handsomely illus- trited. By Ira Drofraw. eg UA No. 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including hints on how-to catch moles, weasels, otters srats, squirrels _and birds, “hee: how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington Keene, PBT Sa : No, 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS::AND ANIMALS.—A valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting and preserving bitds, animals and insects. : No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving ecom- plete information as to the manner and method of raising, keeping, taming, breeding, and managing all kinds of pets; also giving full instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty-eight illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kind ever publishea. ‘ MISCELLANEOUS. Bite bs No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and in- structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also ex- periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, eg rections for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. is book cannot be equale No. 14. HOW TO ny MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book for making all kinds of candy, ice-cream, syrups, essences, etc. etc, No. $4. HOW £0 BECOME AN AUTHOR,—Containing full information regarding choice of subjects, the use of words and the manner of preparing and submitting manuscript. Also containing valuable information as to the neatness, legibility and general com- position of manuscript, essential to a successful author. By Prinee nd, Sap raeh yt Hipndys. 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. _ y No. 55. HOW. TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Con- taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated. vi No. 58. HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE—By Old King Brady, the world-known detective. In which he lays down some valuable and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures and experiences of well-known detectives. } Aw No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER. Contain- ing useful information regarding the Camera and how to work :t; also how to make Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and othe: Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W Abney. . q pate No. 62. HOW TO BECOME A WHET POINT MINITARY CADET.—Containing full expianations how to gain admiltunce, course of Study, Hxaminations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Tost Guard, Police Regnlations, Fire Department, and all a boy shoud know to be a Cadet. Compiled and written by Lu Scrarens, euthor of “How to Become a Nayal Cadet.” 4 No. 63. HOW TO BECOMB A NAVAL CADET.— Complete iz- structions of how to gain admission to the Annapolis Naval Academy. Also containing the course of instruction. description of grounds and buildings, historiv‘al sketch, and everything a boy — shonld know to become an officer in the United Stutes Navy. Com- piled and written by fa Senarens, author of “How to Become @ West Point Military Cadet.” E she OR 3 FOR 25 CENTS. > Nigtei i i Kfe4 oS 1 ee : ae hdr oe Aa + oe ead eel rane? mA: ma
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TAS A COMPLETE STORY EVERY WEEK Price 5 Cents f0@ WANDSOME ILLUSTRATED COVERS BY THE BEST AUTHORS $2-PAGES OF READING MATTER ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY “3% Interesting Stories of Adventure in All Parts of the World ue TAKE NOTICE! “Sg This handsome weekly contains intensely interesting stories of adventure on a great variety of subjects. Each number is replete with rousing situations and lively incidents, The heroes are bright, maniy fellows, who overcome all obstacles by sheer force of brains and grit and win well- merited success. this one of the best weeklies ever published. We have secured a-staff of new authors, whd write these stories in a manner which will be a source of pleasure and profit to the reader, ored illustration made by the most expert artists. Each number has a handsome eol- Large sums of money are being spent to make tere is a List of Some of the Titles..... at § Smashing the Aute Record; or, Bart Wilson at the Speed Lever. By Edward N. Fox. 2 Off the Ticker; or, Fate at a Moment’s Notice. By Tom Dawsi 3 From Cadet to Captain, or, Dick -Danford’s West Point Nerve. By Lieut. on J. Barry. 4 The Get-There Boys; or, Making Things Hum in Hon- duras. By Fred ‘Warburton. § Written in Cipher; or, The Skein Jack Barry Unravelled. By Prof. Oliver Owens. 6 The No-Good Boys; _. Howard De Witt. Bp Kicked off the Earth; or, Ted Trim’s Hard Luck Cure. By Rob Roy. 8 Doing it Quick; or, Ike ae Hustle at Panama. By . Captain Hawthorn, U.S. -9In ths ‘Frisco Earthquake; mes Bob Brag’s Day of Ter- ror. By Prof. Oliver Owens. 10 We, Us & Co.; or, Seeing Life with a Vaudeville Show. By Edward N. Fox. # Cut Out for an Officer; or, Corporal Ted in the Philip- pines. By Lieut. J. J. Barry. 12 A Fool for Luck; or, The Boy Who Turned Boss. By Fred Warburton, or, Downing a Tough Name. By A. 13 The, Great Gaul “Beat”; or, Phil Winston’s Start in Re- porting. By A. Howard De Witt. 14 Out for Gold; or, The Boy Who Knew the Difference. By Tom Dawson. 15 The Boy Who Balked; or, Bob Brisbane’s Big Kick. By Frank Irving. 16 Slicker than Silk; or, The Smoothest Boy Alive. By Rob Roy. 17 The Keg of Diamonds; or, After the Treasure of the, Caliphs. By Tom Dawson. 18 Sandow, Junior; or, The Boy Who Looked Puny. By Prof. Oliver Owens. 19 Won by Bluff; or, Jack Mason’s Marble Face, By Frank Irving. 20 On the Lobster Shift; or, The Herald’s Star Reporter. By A. Howard De Witt. 21 Under the Vendetta’s Steel; or, A Yankee Boy in Corsica. By Lieut, J. J. Barry. 22 Too Green to Burn; or, The Luck of Being a Boy. By- Rob Roy. 23 A Fool’s Paradise; or, The Boy Who Had Things. sy By Fred Warburton. 24 One Boy in a Million; or, The Trick That Paid. By Edward N. Fox. 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, by FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS f our libraries, and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. he F the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you by re- urn mail, Ce ee a i i ae eer ir POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. ee ee ee er ee ee ee FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. helene. atblace daresre fre Ath d tials OO Dear Str— Enclosed find...:.. cents for which, please send me: © “ 6c “ “ a selageray ane Books, Nos Price 5 Cents 24 Union Square, New York. IDE AWAKE WEEKLY Best ry Cut out and fll, » +. copies of FAME SND: VORTUNE. WHEE LY, NOW. Goscc putea < Wot seam vuphcea she ears odes eae eee VLD; AV AER SWVC: INOS i, ares a's ‘cieie a'e'sinsis:01a'dsje/uivis.ve-cleapaia'a\e scare winw a abeipresaalacsie Race ai gaan WORK AND: WIN, Noe. co Tee oe Ri Pa ins dwn camer ads oF ether ae bee Pawade oa Semis ma eee OED. WAST WHERIIN, NOW. ud Gusts cesens Caves tabs loseeaaweus'et saw he Caw wa auies cel Manrenen Be PU TOK, ANY GREE Wants s\. 6 hs ales a Goaiesaca.s i & nip\o.sinta Gipaiveatecnivep ie Ws Arie ae aN UINicin. 070°e ee ean ee EE Hie SECRET. SERVICE, N08... sce esceescsinds cee sdsee ceases ase adcicicesedeeedsoscebvedeeesedewe | Sat “ THE LIBERTY BOYS OF 76, mann MuAe CRRLIECHR KER EE AGC ec iy
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Fame and Fortune Weekly STORIES OF BOYS WHO MAKE MONEY By A SELF-MADE MAN 32 Pages of Reading Matter hee Handsome Colored Covers ern ea ener me NEW ONE ISSUED KVSRY FRIDAY - PRICK 6 CENTS A COPY « This Weekly contains interesting stories of smart boys, who win fame and fortune by their ability to take advantage of passing opportunities. ‘some of these stories are founded on true incidents in the lives of our most successful self-made men, and show how a boy of pluck, perseverance and brains can become famous and wealthy. Every one of this series contains a good moral tone which makes “Fame and Fortune Weekly” a magazine for the home, although each number is replete with exciting adventures. The stories are the very best obtainable, the illustrations are by expert artists, and every effort is constantly being made to make it the best wcekly on the news stands. Tell your friends about it. ALREADY PUBLISIIED. 1 A Lucky Deal; or, The Cutest Boy in Wall Street. 29 A Sure Winner: or, The Boy Who Went Out With a Circus. 2 Born to Good Luck; or, The Boy Who Succeeded. 30 Golden Fleece; or, The Boy Brokers of Wall Street. 8 A.Corner in Corn; or, How a Chicago Boy Did the Trick. 81 A Mad Cap Scheme; or, The Boy Treasure Hunters of Cocos Island. 4 A Game of Chance; or, The Boy Who Won Out. 82 Adrift on the World; or, Working His Way to Fortune. 5 Hard to Beat; or, The Cleverest Boy in Wall Street. 33 Playing to Win; or, The Foxiest ‘Boy in Wall Street. 6 Building a Railroad; or, The Young Contractors of Lakeview. 34 Tatters; or, A Boy from Rie Slums. 7 Winning His Way; or, The Youngest Editor in Green River. 385 A Young Monte Cristo; or, The Richest Boy in the World. 8 The Wheel of Fortune; or, The Record of a Self-Made Boy. 86 Won by Pluck; or, The ae Who Ran a Railroad, 9 Nip and Tuck; or, The Young Brokers of Wall Street. 37 Beating the Brokers; or, The Boy Who “Couldn't be Done.” 10 A Copper Harvest; or, The Boys Who Worked a Deserted Mine. | 88 A Rolling Stone; or, The Brightest Boy on Record. 11 A Lucky Penny; or, The Fortunes of a Boston Boy. 39 Never Say Die; or, The Young Surveyor of Happy Valley. 12 A Diamond in the Rough; or, A Brave Boy’s Start in Life. 40 Almost a Man; or, Winning His Way to the Top. 138 Baiting the Bears; or, The Nerviest Boy in Wall Street. 41 Boss of the Market; or, The Greatest Boy in Wall Street. 14 A Gold Brick; or, The Boy Who Could Not be Downed. 42 The Chance of His Life: or, The Young Pilot of Crystal Lake. 15 A Streak of Luck; or, The Boy Who Feathered His Nest. 43 Striving for Fortune; or, From Bell-Boy to Millionaire. 16 A Good Thing; or, The Boy Who Made a Fortune. 44 Out for Business; or, The Smartest Boy in Town. 17 King of the Market; or, The Young Trader in Wall Street. 45 A Favorite of Fortune; or, Striking It Rich in Wall Streer. 18 Pure Grit; or, One Boy in a Thousand. 46 Through Thick and Thin; or, The Adventures of a Smart Foy. 19 A Rise in Life; or, The Career of a Factory Boy. 47 Doing His Level Best: or, Working His Way Up. 20 A Barrel of Money; or, A Bright Boy in Wall Street. 48 Always on Deck; or, The Boy Who Made His Mark, 21 All to the Good; or, From Call Boy to Manager. 49 A Mint of Money; or, The Young Wall Street Broker. 22 How He Got There; or, The Pluckiest Boy of Them All. 50 The Ladder of Fame; or, From Office Boy to Senator. 23 Bound to Win; or, The Boy Who Got Rich. 51 On the Square; or, The Success of an Honest Boy. 24 Pushing It Through; or, The Fate of a Lucky Boy. 42 After a Fortune; or, The Pluckiest Boy in the West. . 25 A Born Speculator; ar, The Young Sphinx, of Wall Street. 53 Winning the Dollars; or, The Young Wonder of Wall Street. 26 he Way to Success; or, The Boy Who Got There. 54 Making His Mark; or, The Boy Who Became. President. 27 Struck Oil; or. The Boy Who Made a Million, 28 A Golden Risk; or, The Young Miners of Della Cruz, ’ ’ 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, by FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Libraries 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 books you want and we will send them to you by re- turn mail. : POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. ai agave cecal sip onmcahe ayo Sa Nos, Senate Dear Str—Enclosed find......cents for which please send me: -copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos. .........0edceeeese cee c eee ce ete eeeetsecesee cen es secs st ease esas ecis C6 UTD Hy ADV AUGEY MVEA EVO LUNG, INOS es 12a che: aia,c ov etdvsraralacs(eta «scala amr" e's ‘state elanubalaty cl a aemAth is ous e Se GLAD SOV OD WilSIS IR DNG.” NOSi5.0)4 ai oleis aia, eal oie arerssatureutlal so a1 ols agen nlelahsne eanMtaratat~ eed le alee eee eee Soy se PE LIBDR TY, BOY'S OF 776, NOs! .7.. 600s sedis sjaisistejsieteis a/67%, 616 abe aa. e/a) « V\«iehalzve ¥ “oral subatlias 9 Sala eiece OSA PLUG AND TUCKS NOS: gis oct s sa usec 01ers wo aleual’s Shayeee aepneishal «-eymiala'ialara.cisl« sass alaialae tS peanut Ghee wit SEORE I SERV LC, JNOS. 7 5: les." * ahs Gh tha W wi Rlbe SOIE MaMa 7a dane «Pearman ke 5 cra sta oft eke meee “« « FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY, | ee aia a eepati -y pe ae erie, eee’ (te: Mane Gant: Pland: “BG0KS ipo NOdic.sto.s-c-<casa'ardia 4.019 BeSooyaie «(ober Shale! spelelsime.aye, #\0/e sielolr arerere Stelea\atenn afta eames Neer. ao. wcdeal'n hd Lino gv 0:0 lel do SAEPROD ORIG ING si c\d o-aSin-5 Shim <a eke pare RRO Shu ciate wis BU UMINON 4 ie lot 70 Nala ee