New York Detective Library (v. 1) (1890 11 15)
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THE NEW YORK ye PRICK TEN CENTS. LUE: Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1890, by FRANK TOUSEY, in the Office of tha Librartan of Congress Washington D. C. Entered at the Post Office, at New York, N. Y¥., as Second Class Matter. FRANK TOUSEY. PusrisHEr, 34 & 36 NORTH Moore Street, N.Y. {f PRICE Vol 1 s +s No. 416, | COMPLETE, } New Yorx, November 15, 1390. IssugD EV&RY SATURDAY. (10 CENTS. The Subseription Price of Tae New York Derecrive Lisrary by the year is $5.00; $2.50 per six months, post-paid. Address FRANK ‘TOUSEY, PosuisHer, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. Box 2730, Frank Reade, MEE Jomes Bo WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. A THRILLING STORY FROM A LOST DIARY. +t
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THE NEW YORK C Entered according to Act of Congress, im the Year 390, ty #RANK TOBSEY, in the oftce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. € Batered at the Post Office, at New York, N. ¥., as Second Class Matter. & fens hy ; x FRANK TOUSKY. Pnblisher, 34 & 36 NorTH MOORE STREET. N. Y. PRICK | No. Al6, com PLETE, { NEw YorK, November 15, 1890. IsSUED EVERY SATURDAY. t10 CENTS, Vol. I The Subscription price of Tae New York Detective Lrerary by the vear is $5.00, $2.50 per 6 months, post-paid. Address FRANK ‘TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. Box 3730, , FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, Chasing the James Boys With His Steam Team A THRILLING STORY FROM A LOST DIARY, PROLOGUE. A WONDERFUL FIND. Two men were walking throngh a dense wood in the western part of Missouri. The heavy foresis there a few years ago were more com- mon than at present, though there are even yet forests and praries in which @ person could be . lost for whole days. | 4 these men: carried guns on their shoul- deevons one had a dead turkey in his hand, the result of the forenoon’s hunt. “Ben,” said the man who kad the turkey, © were you ever here before.” # “J don’t know. The woods look strange, ‘They are strange.” «I believe we nig lost.” “ Well, I know it.” Then the two stopped and gazed for 2 moment at each other. a. “Things have come to a pretty pass, Bob, said the man called Ben. “* Why?” “That we can’t go out for a hunt without getting lost.” y “It is a little hard on us, that’s all true, b answered. ‘It willbe harder if we can’t tind our way out. I’m getting hungry.” “* We can eat the turkey.” = both looked at the turkey. At last Ben ‘* Eat turkey without bread or salt, bah!” “Oh, Ben, you may turn up your fine aristo- ic nose at the turkey in that way, but let me just tell you right now, afew days on nothing will make even turkey without salt or bread good. ; They both looked up atthe sky, but it was so cloudy they could not see the sun. The woods had very little uaderbrash, and f. the trees were scattering, so that a team could have traveled through it without much trouble. ‘Hello, what’s this—a road, isn’t it?’ said Ben, ‘I's where there has been a road years ago,” Bob answered. **T don’t believe it has been used for ten yeers.” ‘‘T wonder where it goes?” ‘It goes to Specter Bend.” Then both paused and looked aghast at each other. People in the West still have some su- perstition, and Specter Bend is a place where once stood a small village. It was destroyed by the James Boys, every honse burned down, and a report having got out that the Bend was haunted, since the last terrible crime it went by the name of Specter Bend. The expression on the faces of the two men ind:eated that they had a wholesome ctead of Spectre Bend. ‘* Bob, which end of the road goes to the bend?” Ben asked. **T don’t know, Ben.” “ Which end shall we take?” “T don't know.” **T tell you what let's do.” *¢ What?” ‘* Take neither.” ‘‘ And go off in the woods again?” 5 Le * And be lost?” . Yes ” After a few moments Bob grew bolder, and with a laugh, said: “‘Pshaw! I'm not afraid of ghosts,” ‘* Neither am 1.” **Come on.” ‘* Which end are you goin’ to take?” “ The right.” “The night might be the wrong.” **T don’t beiieve it leads to Specter Bend.” They trudged along for half an hour, and the road seemed to lend them constantly into a wilder and more dreary part of the wood. At last Bob, who was before, stopped, and, turaing to his companion, said: “The day seems to grow darker every mo- ment, and I be hanged if I believe this road hag been traveled since Frank Reed drove his steam team along it when he drove out the James boys.” **I don’t either, and I believe we are going right toward Specter Bend.” ** Well, we've got to go somewhere.” **So we have ” “Let's go ahead.” The winds had drifted the dead leaves of sev- era! autumns over the road, until it was so dim that they scarce conid make out that there had ever been a road there. They waded through the dry leaves, kicking them about in showers. : At last Ben’s boot struck something which had a metallic ring about it. : oe “ Hello,” he cried. R ‘* What's the matter?” ““Pve stubbed my toe.” “ Are you hurt?” ** Well, it don’t feel very food,” Ben answer- ed, sitting down on the road side. “What did you stub it against?” **I don’t know.” “May be it was a stump?” **No, it wasn’t wood.” ‘May be a stone?” “Tt sounded and felt like tin or iron.” “* Where is it?” ‘There among the leaves.” *« Among the leaves?"
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It stubbornly time, until Bobin his. 4 FRANK READE THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. ** Yes; hunt it out and see what it is for your- self,” growled Ben, who was caressing his in- jured toe. ‘* Ha, ha, ha! I will see.” And Bob began raking away the dry leaves. They heaped up about him, almost hiding him. At last he felt something. It was a hard, smooth substance evidently several inches square. _ “Hello!” he cried. “Have yon got it?” “oe Yes.” “What is it?” An iron box.” “Tron box?” “ As sure as you live.” “Pull it out.” . «Here it is,” and Bob held aloft an iron box about twelve inches long, eight inches wide and six inches deep. «Great guns, what can it be?” cried Ben. ‘It’s a box.” ‘« But what can it be for?” “To hold things.” ‘Rats! You know what I mean, anything in it?” Ben had forgotien his injured toe in his anxie- ty to understand all about the box, and was now at the side of his companion examining it. ** Yes, it’s got something in it,” Bob answered, shaking the box. ** The outside is rusty.” “ Yes. ” *Can’t you open it?” * No, it’s locked.” ** Hello, what are those?” « Where?” **On the top lid. Letters, as I live.” “So they are letters.” * Can’t you make them ont.” *« No, too dim and rusty.” “ Wait, I'll fix it.” Ben went a little farther down the road to where there was a small round stone, which he took up and brought to Bob. «* Rub off the rust.” Bob took up the sand stone and did so. In a few moments the letters came out. “Gan you see ’em now?” Ben asked. “oe Yes.” id ** What do they spell?” “ F-r-a-n-k Frank—R-e-a-d-e, Reade.” * Frank Reade,” cried Ben. ** Thav’s it.” *“‘Then byJove! this is his box.” * You can depend on it.” “« Ha, ha, ha, he lost it when he was here years ago and P’li—I’l! wager it’s full o’ money.” **T shouldn’t wonder.” Then the two men became jolly, and despite rd _ that they were lost, they laughed and o : + Let’s have it open.” : «We must get to a house, where we can get a hammer to break the lock.” ~ * All right; come on,” and laughing and jok- i they went, without any fear now of the Specter Bend. «It's been a long time since Frank Reade wes in this country with his steam team, chasing the James Boys, and he lost this box then,” Ben reasoned. ‘I’ll warrant that it’s fall of money. Frank Reade made millions out of his steam team, this box is atuffed full of greenbacks.” wo feeding each other's fancies, they con- tin to journey and talk about. their prospects of a speedy fortune and whet they would do with Is there _ the money when they got it. At last they came to a ys by and with a meat ax, a.pair of tongs, and @ hatchet assailed the esisted their efforts 9% some rash an struck. it-a blow with the ax which. shattered’ the padlock | and the lid flew open. . T amazement and chagrin, not a dollar FRANK READE’S DIARY. CoNTAINING A FULL ACCOUNT OF CHASING THE James Boys with HIs STEAM TEAM. — - The closely written pages of the last diary were a8 follows: ROMA 25 CHAPTER I. THE AGENT OF THREE RAILROADS. My name is Frank Reade and my home is in ‘York. By nature I am an inventor. % wi . I once invented a steam man with which my- self und a party of friends traversed the piains and had a world of adventures and hairbreadth escapes. I gave the steam man to a cousin named Charley Garse and he became careless with it and it blew up, nearly killing him and a negro named Pomp. My next invention was a steam horse which likewise proved a wonderful success, The third invention was a steam team with which [ traversed the West and had just returned home. I now found myself growing famous. I could scarce pick up a newspaper anywhere that I did not see some mention of my wonder- ful invention, though 1 did all in my power to keep the public from knowlng anything about it. Had I seen fit to have put my inventions on exhibition I could, I believe, have made more money than Barnum ever made. But I kept them in my workshop under lock and key and but very few friends ever saw them. I should have stated that I am a practical machinist, and have devoted my life to inven- tions. But it will be necessary here to describe my steam team as they stood in the shed. They are two steeds of metal, united by a metallic harness. They are harnessed to a large wagon, greatly resembling an oblong box, The wagon bcx was spacious, capable of holding a number of people and a large quantity of bag- gage. The wheels were large and set far apart to give firmness to the vehicle when in motion. A thorongh trial had proved that my team could go in double harness. They were connected on the same plan as my steam horse. Each belly contained a boiler and steam chest, the valves for examination and regulation were on the haunches, the furnaces in the advance of the bellies, the doors being in their: chests and the flues run up through the ears while the steam escaped by means of the nostrils.” It required great skill and practice to drive them, for as the power was equally divided, it had to be equally let on to gega uniform mo- tion. Ifthe reins which controlled the levers were not pulled evenly, then more power would be let on ib one horse than in the other, and the unequal motion would rack the machinery to pieces, The steam power being independent gave one the ability to run around in a cirele, by putting on more power in one animal than in the other, which of course did not matter for a few seconds, although to do that required some very nice skill, and practice alone could acquire it. I could by reversing the power make the horses back, and as each iron hoof was provided with steel spikes, there was no danger of their slip- ping, The body of the wagon was high, and when one would kneel in it, the sides, which were of iron, formed a bullet-proof breastwork. At the rear I had mounted a small four pound rifled cannon. If also had some rifles of my own in- vention, with globe sights, capable in the hands of an expert marksman of hitting a man’s hat two miles away. One, dy reading this accurate description of my machinery, will at once discover that my steam team and armament was formidable. One night I was sitting in my library reading an evening paper. On the desk at my side were some drawings and plans of my own, for Iam never long idle. I : There came a rap at my door. ** Come in,” I said. { ts eons door opened and a gentleman of fifty er- _ His evenly trimmed beard, dress and manner at once indicated that he was a business man. “T beg pardon,” he said, *‘ but [ wanted to see Mr. Reade.” ““Prank Reade?” J asked. “Yes, sir.” ‘lam Frank Reade.” - “But Frank Reade, the inventor.” “Lam Frank Reade, the inventor.” “ What!” . ‘*T assure you I am Frank Reade.” {But I expected to see a much older man.” smiled, for I. now understood why he was so slow in believing me. ‘*One does not have to live to be a hundred years old to make a good invention in this fast age,” Ianswered. * Fearing : was only one of those bores who pene to see'my iaventione and aaete them, I was slow to ask him to be “Tam Nathan | of Chicago,” he began slowly and pre ae though 2p measur- — ing and weighing every word before he uttered it, ‘Oh, Mr..Nathan Bristoe, I am very glad to have met you!” But I wasn’t. One has to tell a fib sometimes in order to be potite, ‘*Leame to see you on a matter of business, Mr, Reade.” ‘Oh, well, if that is it, pray be seated,” I inter- rupted. Mr. Bristoe, slow of speech as he was, was quick in his perception, and I thought @ smile flitted over his face as he took the proffered seat. “1 am from Chicago,” he said. * Yes, sir.” “‘T am agent for three great railroads.” ‘Ts it possible?” ‘*The Chicago and Alton, the Missouri Pa- citic and the Illinois Central.” U-Yes.—sir.” * All three of these roads rur through Mis- souri.” +s Yos,: air.” ** And all three roads have been more or less injured by the great banditti known as the James Boys.” ‘*] have heard of them.” ‘*So has everybody. In fact, a more desper- ate band of ruftians never lived.” ‘] presume you are right, Mr. Bristoe.” ‘* Well, we have determined to exterminate the banditti. ‘That is a good motive,” I said, beginning to wonder how I could personally be interested in the matter. ‘*We have tried detectives and sheriffs, Mr. Reade, until we tind them of no avail. Timber- lake has «done his best, Wicher lost his life and Carl Greene, one of Pinkerton’s best and shrewd. est detectives, a man who has never failed in any other undertaking, has failed in this.” “Yes, sir.” All this I had read in the papers. “ as Mr. Reade, we want to engage you.” oe e ? “Yes, yor and your steam team. We want to engage you to take your steam team and hunt down the James Boys. Jesse James rides a black horse called Siroc, with supernatural pow. ers. Frank’s bay, Jim Malone, is equally as swift and untiring. Your steel horses propelied by steam, may run them down, but no other horses can.” —— ‘“‘Tam quite sure that my steam team will out- Tun even Siroc.and Jim Malone,” I answered, ‘*T am too.” ** And I think I can capture or at least break up the band.” ‘Well, sir, Lam here to make a bargain with you.” * What do you propose to pay?” “* What will you take?” . One question was thus answered by another make the matter more evasive. I saw at once that in order to succeed I must come right down to business; I said: ‘« Mr. Bristoe, I will not work for 4 reward.” “ How then will you work?” *« By the month.’ ‘ “The month?” “ Yes,” ; t42 ; “* How much?” ~ o Di. wit ; ‘For one thousand dollars per month and two assistants ‘whont I shall select, J will under- take it.” : af 6 “* Two,” bois “* Yes, I want two New York detectives.” ‘* Well, will you pay them?” © =>» *« Not much.” “* What will they cost?” a ‘* Pethaps another thousand.” ~~ ‘* Will you agree that the entire salary shall! not exceed two thousand?” ; **T will not exceed two thousand, but remem- ber it must be two thousand dollars for any month or part of a month. If we only work one day in the month and capture or break up the gang we must have a full ménvh’s pay.” ** And how about expenses?” I laughed as I noticed how caréful and close the agent was. ¥ : ‘‘Mr. Bristoe, you represent three wealthy corporations. Three powerful ‘railroads, all with millions at their back, and there is no need in er parsimonius. I am risking my life and a machine which represents my life’s work. You should pay expenses.” m3 He soon saw that it was no use to endeavor to beat me down, and he finally conserted. * All right, consider the contract made, and here is one month’s pay in advance.” “That is ” T casually remarkei, as he counted out the money. After I had counted it he shook hands with
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FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. 5 me and “hoped I would get through all rizht, Mr. Reade. You are a man of wonderful nerve, I have heard, but all your former adventures are but babies compared to this. The James Boys are desperate men in a desperate cause.” *‘ And will come to a desperate end,” I inter- rupted. He laughed and replied: “T hope so. Well, I have to catch the early morning train, so I must go. Good-by.” “Good-by, Mr. Bristoe, and I will be on my way in a week’s time.” He was gone. I knew my men, and next day secured two of the best detectives in New York. One was the well known George Brass, ‘and the other a no less personage than Bob Buttons. Both were personal acquaintances and friends, jolly, good natured fellows, and brave as lions. With them, I felt quite sure that I should at least make it quite warm for the James Boys. CHAPTER IL. A SAD STORY—DISOOVERED. Two weeks later found us in Missouri. I secured George and Bob, whom I sometimes jok- ingly called my Brass Buttons. Notwithstand- ing their rather odd names, they were genial whose souled fellows and just the men I wanted. The steam team was flying down a road. Peo- ple crowded the doors and windows of the farm- houses we passed—though there were very few of them—as if they thought a demon from the lower region had escaped. I don’t know how many poor negroes we fright- ened, but I never saw poor black fellows run so in my iife. And who can blame them, for those 'Mettled steeds flying along the road were cer- and cracked on more tainly a very scarey object? “* Hello! what’s that?” asked George Brass. “* Where?” I asked. : He pointed across a t of timber which came down a ex! ing far into the ravine. “Why, that’s smoke,” Buttons answered. “Of course it’s smoke, but what I would like to know is what is’ burning.” “The prairie?” ~ ** Not at this time of the year, Bob.” “ Weill, then, what is it?” “ Houses.” ‘‘Houses! Why do you say houses?” _ “Simply because there is too much smoke for ure house.” I was sitting in the seat and had the reins in my hands. + ; “ Boys,” I said, ‘‘ I am going to tind out.” “That's right.” “Go ahead, Reade.” «Crush On more steam.” I did so. The metal horses gave fearful snorts, emitting tire and smoke from ears and nostrils, weill-regulated and their machinery began to lay. itt : ost and faster we flew, The clatter of heavy iron hoofs on the road, and the cloud of dust which rolled behind us was simply terrible. Onward and onward we flew, like the wind. The wagon jostled and jolted and bounced. . I looked back and saw that my companions had about all they could do to hold their places in their seats. “Talk about jolting,” yelled Brass, ‘if this doesn’t beat any I ever heard of, I don’t know the meaning of the word.” I lau and shouted back to him: “It’s nothing, Brass, after you get used to it,” ** About the time I get used to it I'll be dead,” roared Brass. Bat we were rounding the bit of timber, and I could see a long distance down the valley. There was a level stretch of road for sev- eral miles, and I put on more steam, and my Vehiele flew over the ground. Away we sped like the wind. The the grand sizht, the at the speed of steam team flying along the a lightning express. Tass. : Ad ” a3 O, cried B: gave forth ear splitting screans, as we darted into the ruined village. The whistles were the first the horritied people had of our approach, and not Knowing what those strange monsters could be, some of them took fright and fled away from the spot. We slackened our speed as we approached. A few dark bodies could be seen lying oa the grass up among the hills, which we afterward learned were bodies of those slain or badly hurt in the fight which took plack a short while before our arrival. I halted my Steam Team near the ruins and called to a woman who stood near gazing at us as if she thought we had come from another world. Surely the ships of Columbus caused no more wonder among the natives of the West Indies than did my Steam Team. **Come here!” I cried. She screamed and fled. ‘¢ They are afraid of us,” said Brass. *¢] shouldn’t wonder,” said Buttons. I sprang to the ground and advanced toward an old white-haired man. He hada slight wound on the side 2f his head which had probably been received during the skirmish. The old fellow was rather shy at first, but after a few moments he grew more talkative. “Who did this?” I asked, pointing to the ruins. “The James Boys.” “Could you not defend yourselves?” ** We did, but see.” He pointed to the hillside, on which stretclied several dark and silent forms, the fruits of re- sistance. “How many were they?” ‘The James Boys?” ‘s' Yea.” “«Twenty.” “So many!” “Yes, the band is greatly recruited. You might say that every one of Quantrell’s old guard has joined them.” ‘* Well, what caused this terrible attack on you?” I asked. The work had evidently been one of revenge rather than plunder. What could thoye poor people have to excite the cupidity of Frank and Jesse James. Those gentlemen seldom bothered with people of low degree. It was a fat bank vault or a railway train which they preferred to rob. “The old man rabbed his band over his wounded forehead, as if he was in great pain, and answered: *« They hate us.” ** You mean Jesse and Frank?” “Yes, and the whole band.” “* Why do they hate you?” “ Well, you see, we refased to shelter Jesse. Only a few weeks ago Jesse ventured to ride out on some other horse besides Siroc. Well, Tim- berlake ge after him, and he was easily ran down. e abandoned his horse about a mile above here and came in the town on foot. We suspected him, and that night all gathered around him and took him in, and handed him over to Timberlake. “They vever forgave us.” ** And Jesse was a prisoner?” a Yes.” Is he yet?” **No—they could not hold him. He got away from them, and then the band swore vengeance onus. To-day while we were not thinkin’ at all about ’em, they all at once swooped right down onus. We fought’em, fought like men and they fought like furies. But we were surprised and what could we do? Nothin’,” and the old man pressed a handkerchief to his bleeding head. Which way did the James Boys go?” I ask- He silentl ; Pointed to a road leading westward. dehag : “<ici “In that course?” He nodded. “And how many did you say there were of them?” “Twenty. I counted ’em.” I said no more, but went back to my steam team, where Brass and Buttons. were waiting in no little anxiety, eg «Well, what did you learn?” Brass asked, his eyes flashing with excitement. I never saw just another such a fellow as Gvorge Brass. I believe he loved a fight of any kind more dearly than he loved the best-cooked } dinner when he was hungry. ti “Tt is the Jumes Boys.” “ Are they near?” he cried. “ Yes.” . : ** Hooray!” We were about to take our places and start, when a curly-haired young fellow came up. He was bare headed and his face flushed with ex- citement. *«Say mister,” he called. * What will you have?” I asked. ‘Are you going after ‘em?” ‘¢ The James boys?” “se Yes.” “Tam.” ‘Can I go?” I hesitated and he hegan to plead: “Oh do let me go. Isaw you coming when you were away off aud [ know that you fellows can outrun even Siroc and Jim Malone.” Then he pointed upon the hill where we could see some dark, mangled objects lying in the grass under the trees. **Just look up there,” he added, ‘‘I have a brother and a father lyin’ in the grass there, and —oh, I want to go.” -* Jump in.” “* He did so.” *«Clear the track,” I cried. The whistle blew and the steam turned on. Slowly a: first the strong, iron-limbed steeds began to move. Slowly at first, and then faster and faster. The wheels whizzed over the ground, and the people whom we passed gazed at us im amaze- ment and wonder. : A herd of cattle were grazing in the valley be- low. I touched the valve rein. Toot, went the whistle, and away scampered the cattle in every direction, giving vent to snorts of terror. Along the road we flew at an even, yet a ter- rible pace, for I was determined to overtake the villains and make them pay for their atrocious work. ** Crack on more steam,” said Brass. ** Brass is anxious for a fight,” said Buttons. “ You are right, Iam.” “So am I,” cried the man whom we had taken with us. I made no answer for my whole attention was given to the steam Leam which was speeding like a whirl wind. There was not a moment to lose I knew, and I saw that to drive the steam team would re- quire a skill which I flatter myself I alone Down a road we thundered and up a grade, « What is your name?” asked Buttons, «« My name’s Jack Cravens.” “ You look as if you were craving a little vengeance,” began Buttons, when Brass inter- rupted him with a how! of revenge. “On, Buttons, don’t—this is serious enough now, without any of your wretched puns.” ‘*Well, what’s a fellow to do before we come up with ’em?”’ **Look to you rifles.” “*They’re in trim.” **Say, you men,” put in Jack Cravens. ** What?” asked Brass. “You've got such a wonderful running ma- chine as this is, 1 would think you ought to have some extra good guns.” “* We have one that will hit the bull’s eye every Pup at two miles.” “ Wiil it?” “ Yes.” ** Let me have it.” “ Are ycu a shot?” “VI not miss with that gun.” ** But it has a globe or telescope sight.” **So much the better. . Please let me have i*.” “What do you say, Frank?” ** He can try it,” I answered. “ee All right.” At this moment I caught sight of a score of mounted men riding away across the hill. “Look! look! look! the game is sighted,” 1 cried. ; “Where?” ; * On our right.” ‘ “Col ” answered Brass. ‘Now Jack rrect, FA take a look st them and see if we are %” Jack stood up in the wagon as we sped along “Yes, yes, it is they.” : , “* Harrah—harrah—huor——,” began Brass: a nee * aps degre OG * Do you want to let them know we are right en their heels.” : “ Oho, = pn know by the snort of the meta) horses,” and Brass ej Pte Brass always when going into a fight. I never saw a more fellow. I sometimes or ‘ht he: lack is the gun” said Jack. =f
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6 + Here it is.” ** Is it loaded?” ¥en.” ** Show him how to use it,” 1 said to Brass. Brass then explained to the young mun the peculiarities of tne gun. I now gave my whole attention to the James Boys and their band of outlaws. Jesse and Frank James had heard of my won- derful machine, for I had been all through Kan- sas with it only the summer before, and broken ap a fearful nest of outlaws. I could not hear them, but by aid of the fleld- glass, which I raised to my eyes, I saw their faces. Jesse and Frank turned deathly white. Here were a pair of horses which even Siroc and Jim Malone cowd pot outrun. Jesse pointed to the hill across on their right. I knew that he was announcing that they were discovered. They galloped across the valley to the left to head us off, and began to ascend a hill. I was not quite sure what their plan was, whether they intended to fight or ran. But a few moments elapsed, during which time I put on a littke more power, and we went thundering along toward them. Then Jack Cravens cried: **I see him—I see the man who killed my brother.” “Where?” asked Brass. **On one of the horses. “Then bring him down.” “+ Ave we near enough?” ** Yes, we are less than two miles.” ** Will the gan hold up?” **Yes. Put on the globe-sight, und with it hold her on the spot.” «Pll do it.” Brass showed him, and he put up the globe- sights of the gun. The James Boys and their band having dis- ~ Hage us, all were flying like the wind up the hi **Ha, ha, ha, ha!” roared Jack Cravens, ‘* now brother, you'll be revenged,” and he had his gun leveled on one of the fiying horsemen. CHAPTER III. SIROC MEETS HIS MATCH. Crack! . Sharp and keen rang out the report of the rifle on the air. A little puff of smoke, but I was watching the result. Would Young Cravens know how to — the gun? es. “. _ Leould not have made a better shot myself. One of the horsemen reeled and fell from the saddle and the others fled for life. Being near the brow of the hill they disappear- ed very quickly. «« Now crack on all power, Frank Reade, and bring us up alongside them,” cried the anxious Brass. ‘Oh, do so, I want to get to close quar- - tera.” You may be made to cry for quarters.” * Buttons, if you don’t stop your puns you'll unfit me for daty.” “Ha, ba, ba, old fellow, you will see the time ou fer puns to grins. 3 ry seta 's got rhyming now, what other misfortune will befall us'” é 1 was paying but little heed to their sallies of wit, | was glad to hear it though, for one who can keep his wits on such trying circumstan greg o peat yrs As we reached the top of the hill we once more came in sight of them. P , We were much nearer than before, and I * Have you got the rifle loaded again?” “No. ‘ “ Hog) “Hand it to me,” said Brass. : Brass heard me, but at the moment rel he whan Seals sneak \neen, bare tus- so common on western prai- tremendous jolt. ant hills, i FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. ‘They are going to fight,” said Buttons. Buttons was as brave a detective as lives, but he had learned enough of the James Boys to know that they were expert shots, and that we would have a slim show against twenty of them. I was not slow of comprehending the situation myself, and hoiding the team well in hand by one of those graceful curves which I always pride myself in, brought them about in a half circle before the James Boys was aware of my intent, and was in full flight. ‘« Forward!” roared Jesse James. We could even hear his hoarse voice shoutin every word of command to his men. I have hea many a voice that was terrible, but Iam sure that I never heard such a voice as Jesse James’. I have met many desperadoes, but never such as the t Missouri bandits. «Tl fix him!” roared Brass, and he sprang to the small swivel or cannon. ** Brass!” I screamed. ** Well, what?” ‘‘What are you going to do?” ‘ Fire the cannon,” ‘It’s no use.” “ Why b aid “The ground is too rough, and the wagon jolts too much.” **T can bit his horse, if I don’t hit Jesse.” ‘+ Hit Siroc!’ 1 cried, and although I knew that my whole attention was required to watch the team, I cou!d not but look back at the noble animal. “ Yes.” * Not for worlds.” “Why, Frank Reade?” ‘Because I am going to capture that horse.” ‘Oh, well, if that’s your plan, we can’t use an uncertain gun.” «Oh, 1 want to fight!” roared Buttons. “So do 1,” roared Jack Cravens. ‘« Why not stop, Frank, and let ’em come up close enough,’’ said George Brass. Tie James Boys were in the lead, and the others coming on like the wind at their heels, They showed no fear nor indication of halting, but pressed on like madmen. They were enraged at the loss of one of their number, and seeing we were only four, were de- termined to overhaul and kill and scalp us, as they sometimes did people whom they hated. **Stop, Frank, and let us give them a fight. This wagon is yullet proof.” **T have a better plan,” said L. “What is it?” «Keep out of their range and use our long range rifle.” * Good.” *« Now don’t shoot at Frank or Jesse James.” “Why?” Brass asked. } “You might hit Siroc or Jim Malone, and I want to capture those horses alive ana unharm- ed.” . ‘Very well.” I then slowed up a little while Jack Cravens pulled away at one of the bandits with the rifle, and brought him down. Three or foar like shots began to open the eyes of our pursuers, and they came to a halt. “They have stopped,” cried Brass. “All right, we'll stop too,” 1 said, and I bronght the steam team to a standstill. ‘Brass, you might throw more coal in the fur- naces, and you Buttons see that we have an abundance cf water. Both sprang out and proceeded to follow my directions. Buttons succeeded and Brass h only a few more shovels full to put in when Cra- vens looking back at the pursuers cried: « They come, they come!” «* What?” “See, they come.” I looked back and saw the James Boys with all their terrible band at their heels coming down at us-at full speed. “Brass.” I cried. ie me nick. “ nsi * All whe let me shut this door.” $3 , they are coming. Tho Jesses Bows had seen two get out of the wagon, and supposing that something was wrong ” “1 don’t know.” a The James Boys were now so near that I could hear the roar of their horses’ hoofs, and knowing how well those horsemen rode, and what des- perate fighters they were, I understood that there was no Lime te be lost, Quick as a flash I sprang from my seat to the ground and ran with all speed to the furnace. The catch had sprung a little owing to the heat, and I struck it a blow with my hammer, sending the door closed with a crash. * Jnside—quick!” The cracking of the rifles and pistols of But- tons and Cravens now made the air resound with echoes. I sprang upon the seat, and seizing the reins, threw on the power. The stesm team sprang forward at a bound. Bat the James Boys were on us. ** Down—down!” I cried. **T have you now!” roared Jesse. Brass and Buttons understood me and dropped beneath the iron side, but Cravens either did not comprehend or was too rash to obey. The steam team could not bound away at fall speed, and the excellent horses of the James Boys kept up with us for some time. * Down, down,” I roared to the rash young fellow. I should state, perhaps that I was no longer in the seat, but down in the great bullet-proof box where from a pair of holes I could wateh the road ahead and guide the steam team. The James Boys were pouring in a perfect rain of bullets, and poor Cravens who, in his to be revenge, bad leaped upon the side of the box, went over, as I aft: rward learned, pierced by a score of bullets. Their bullets rattled like hail against the sides of our vehicle and the metal steeds. Neither of us dared show our heads, but Brass and Buttons both fired at random ané their shots went wild. I now had the steam team going at a rate of speed which soon began to distance all the horses save one. That horse was Jesse Ja‘! es’ famous Siroc. Like a meteor that dark wonder flew along over the ground, keeping well abreast of the steam team. Jesse had emptied his pistols, and 80 great was the rate of speed at which he flew over the ground that even that veteran rider had not an opportunity to reload his revolver. I cculd see him from a narrow opening uider the sea:. I conld see ihe noble animal strain- ing every nerve to outstrip the steam horses. Jesse James had, perhaps, never ridden even Siroc at such a wonderfal rate of speed. I doubt if he had ever known before the wonder- ful powers of that very wonderful horse. Siroc had met his match. Never before had the gallant steed found a horse he could not distance, but lo, here was an iron horse that was proving entirely too much for him. : Down the long level stretch of prairie we flew. « Frank,” cried Brass. ** What?” I asked. ‘« There is Jesse James on Siroc.” +s Yeu.” “ Right alongside.” **T see him. * Hadn’t I better shoot him?” “Can you do so withou. endangering the horse?” “ Yes.” i Then do it.” «My gun’s not loaded.” * Use a pistol.” * Allempty. Hand me one of yours.” — have already given you my pistols,” I I now saw that Jesse’s weapons were empty, too, and resolved to again mount the seat and drive side by side with him. In a moment I had climbed to my place. We were far ahead of the other pursuers. “Surrender, Jesse,” I cried on regaining my ++ Never,” was the defiant answer. “Then you will be ran down.” **Fool, you have come West with your infam- ous machine to capture the James Boys, take — ns. with the machinery, determined: to charge down | that for your pai nie eevee us all captives. ~ . He aimed a blow at me with the butt of his “ Harry, Brass, hurry.” pistol, but I was quick enough to catch the blow “The confounéed won’t catch.” on an iron rod that I by the seat in front Crack! went Craven's of me. It was the only available at ** Close it, quick!” E that time, and I seized it and turned the 1 Bhp Tange nee ig ot am “ON sary he great mae erwe 9 7 she ne ig seizing a enone opening ‘Look out Jesse!” cried a | ** Hurry, Brass ga + WEEN downward blow at his head. The rod, which : 8 th gba pein peag erro head, he dodged, and a . matter?” on hia arm. pistol was knocked from his hand. ‘
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‘« Furies seize you,” he roared. ** Surrender!” cried I. ** Never!” ** Whack!" I struck at him again, and this he partially dodged. The blow orly fell on his hip, but pro- duced a roar of pain. Jesse snatched one of his empty revolvers — from bis belt, snapped it at me, and then hurled the pistol at my ead. I tried to dodge it, but did not altogether suc- ceed, as it struck me a severe blow on the shoul- der ard bounced off aga‘nst the side of my head, and stunned me so that I reeled and for a moment or two came near falling. As I clung to the side of the seat, I heard Brass ery: “ Buttons.” And Buttons yelled: “* Brass.” ** He’s killed Frank.” ** No, he has:.’t.” ** Yes, he has.” ** No, he hasn’t.” « Yes, he has.” ’ ** Catch him or he will fall off.” Then It occurred to Brass to save me from a fall which, beneath one of the iron wheels, would have been like plunging beneath the grinding car of jaugernaut. Brass caught me, ‘and as he shook me up in my seat again he shouted: ‘* Frank! Frank!” * What?” I answered, “Are you dead? Speak. Tell me if you are dead.” “If L were dead I could not speak,” I an- swvered. “Then you are not dead.” No.” ** Bad hurt?” “*1 think not.” ‘* Where did he hit you.” «On my head, I guess. That very important n ember faels about as large as an ordinary sized hogshead,” | answered. **But you are all right.” » Brass was evincing great anxiety. * Yes, Lam all right.” “Good! I would not have you killed or hurt for anything. We want to never give up until = have cleaned up the gang of infamous out- we. Ye ~** Where is he?” I asked, looking about. ** Who,” «* Jesse James.” “« By Jove he’s fallen back.” Thad not been giving much attention to the steam team for the last few moments and it had been speeding along at a tremendous rate. In fact my hands as I fell having jerked the reins put on full power and we were now going at a dangerous rate. Siroc had met his match and Jesse James finding it was useless to follow further, slackened his speed and waited for his band which was far behind. CHAPTER IV. - PROFESSOR DRYDUST. ‘“Waew! Well this has been a pretty good heat,” said Brass, as the steam team came to a standstill and we all stood looking back at the pe re now so far in = rear be would be m idle for them to do us any . Sire you seriously burt, Frank?” asked But- tons. - No. ” “ Your head is bleeding.” “* Where?” “ Ow the left side, I now put my hand up to the left side of my head, and just behind the ear the blood was flow- ing See weekye: vba” 6 ai [ never dreamed of this.” ‘© Wait a moment,” said Brass, ‘and I'll stop it. I always carry court plaster and everything foran accident.” 9° Brass was sort of a rude surgeon, and in a Short time had my wound very well dressed. What are they doing now?” Buttons asked. FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. T ‘* Buttons, it’s a shame we haven’t got a dozen fellows.” ‘Half a dozen more would answer.” “ss Yes.” ** But why not turn the cannon on them?” ‘‘The very thing. We can hit one or two, or maye more with our cannon.” Both turned toward the gun, but I, seeing their intention, cried: “ Hold!” “Why?” ** Don’t use the cannon.” They looked sad and disappointed. ‘+ We must not hurt either Siroe or Jim Ma- lone,” I answered. “I am more determined now than ever to capture the horses unharmed, if such a thing is at all possible.” **J don’t know that it is.” “*] think it is.” “We can outrun ’em, that’s sure, but then they can turn quicker.” Brass was a little disappointed. ‘*Do you know if Cravens was mortally wounded?” I asked, for I did not at this time know that he was dead. «1 guess he is,” said Brass, ‘* He was foolish,” added Buttons. “ Yes, it was rank folly for him to stand up on the side of the wagon as he did when they were blazing away at us like so many million tiends. ** Of course it was, but I guess Jack was ex- cited.” « We'll excite the James Boys yet,” I said. ‘* Let us try a shot with the cannon, Frank.” “Not now. The time for the use of heavy ord- rance has not yet come.” I had turned about in the sea, for I had fixed my seat so it would revolve and was watching the James Boys. * Aha, see, they are retiring,” cried Brass. ‘Yea, they go back sadder but wiser men,” answered Buttons. “‘They won’t want to ran afoul of Frank Reade’s steam team soon again.” ‘©No, they’ll not try to run the team down any way. The James Boys were all huddled together talking very earnestly, and really they made sach a tempting shot for our cannon that I could hardly refrain from trying them one. But I resolved to adhere to my original plan, which was if possible to capture the two horses alive. ** Where is the long range rifle?” I asked. ‘* Lost,” said Brass. ** Lost!” I cried. - Yes.” “ Where?” ** Jack had it when he fell.” A$ pe it’s out there on the prairie,” said I. - so. “« Well, we must find it.” May be they have picked it up,” suggested Buttons. **if they have not, we must’ not'allow a stone to go unturned until we have found it.” “You are right, we won’t.” The James Boys held a conference for a few moments, and then all wheeled about and re- treated at @ brisn trot. **On the retreat, ha, ha, ha,” laughed Brass. ‘They don't. find it very comfortable pursuing the Steam Team.” ‘TL knew they’d get enough of it,” answered Buttons. 1 now seized the reins, put on a small part of the power, and the vehicle began to move. Slowly at first, the metal steeds snorting fire and smoke at every step, and the wheels crush- ing and killing the green grass and wild butter- cups and daisies. ‘* What are you going to do now, Frank, asked Brass. * Follow.” ‘* Follow them?” “Yes, we will harass them, cut them off, and run therm down, one at a time, until we have the last one of them, and then will quit.” “A good idea.” $ ; d ‘*But 1t won’t do to stop to fire up when we are so close to them,” said Buttons. ‘ Espe- “Who” | cially it won’t doto send Brass to do the firing.” “The Boys.” ‘: Firing,” growled Brass. ‘It was the old We all looked 3 } door that wouldn’t close.”’ . ' a are | ng.” i sant - + , ** Frank closed it.” Yes” 7 EL: Pr “Yes, with a sledge hammer.” “Its aboutus” Weg fally rounded to, and came up direct- “What are they to do about us?” ly in the wake of the James Boys, and not over “Well, | know 7 | two milesaway. 9) © ant rass putin. © : : They saw our maneuver, and clapping spurs "So do 1. said Batons sey Ree est ee rn ee , and were - ing to the two ind rub- | soon out Bi Dt tie <n tae SLOe r sh rig wieris (bare ' my DB Sain < i s ney ee Ak ey a oe ; x : “ “ele see bs ane eal ta eer ee ‘* Only for the time being,” I answered. ‘ Let them go for awhile.” ‘« You won't give them up, Frank.” “* No,” and I laughed. ’ We went at a lively rate over the prairie draw- ing nearer and nearer to the spot where we had first encountered the James Boys. ‘‘ Brass, Buttons,” I cried, “look for him. Keep your eyes on the ground.” ** Look for who?” asked Brass, ‘“« For Jack, of course.” “Oh, yes, you want the rifle,” “We do, and we want to give him decent bariul.” ‘That’s so.” Away we clatlered over the prairie startling the Jack rabbits and coyotes from their lairs and crushing many av unfortunate prairie rattle- snake beneath the wheels of our velicle. “There he is,” cried Brass. “* Where!” ** There!” He pointed toward ar object on our left. I ran the Steamn Team close up to it and came to a halt. Both Brass and Buttons sprang out but I thought it better to remain in the seat and keep iny eyes opened for the James Boys or some of their myrmidons might be lurking near. I had a great dread of some of them getting possession of the team, for we would have been as helpless without the Steam Team as a tor- toise without his shell. The detective went to the body and raised it from the ground. ‘Do you see the gun?” I asked. “ No.” ‘Ts it gone?” - Yes. . “Then they took it.” ‘Great suds!” groaned Brass, ‘‘ now they will be raking us two miles away.” ‘*No, they can’t!” cried Buttons. ‘©Why not? They’ve got the gun, and I'd like to know why they can’t, when they are among the best marksmen in the world,” Brass re- turned. ‘« Because they have no cartridges for it.” ‘* Was the gon loaded when he fell?” I asked. ‘*No,” said Buttons. ‘* Are you quite sure?” ‘*T am, because he had just fired it before he | ” . * And he had no cartridges?” ‘No. He only fired cartridges just as I hand- ed ’em to him.” “Then we are safe,” I said. the gun.” We had some shovels and spades and spare boards. So we made a grave and buried the brave young fellow. ‘* Now to avenge him,” said Brass, “*That’s the ticket,” roared Buttons, as the Jast shovel of earth had been thrown over our late acquaintance. ‘Come every one and get aboard,” I said, ‘for we must be moving.” ** All right, here we are.” The tools were put away and the men sprang to their places. Ouce more I mounted the box and seizing the rein, gave it a steady pull. With a snort, the steam horses stepped for- werd with that fearless, tireless, firm gait, whica only a steed of iron can go. As the wagon went skimming over the prairie “They can’t use “atarate of speed that was wonderfal, we all kept a sharp look ont for the James Boys. They had disappeared in the woods. The timber was their safety, for we could not pursue them where the trees grew very close together, and it seemed as if those trees in the forest where they had escap- ed could not have grown closer togetiier. ee are you going to do, Frank?” Brass as “ Skirt along the woods until we find they. have left them. : “Let’s throw a few shots from the gun into them.” “ Oh, no.” . “We might drive ‘em out.” Pi “ And we might kill either Siroc or Jim Ma- ‘‘Confound the horses. I believe they'll be the salvation of the James Boys yet.” : sig have been many times,” I answered. . let Frank have -his way,” said But- tons. We had run along within about five hundred yards of the woods for about three miles, when suddenly we saw a sight that was both thrilling and ridiculous. " ' - To our surprise we saw a man mounted on a
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- of 8 FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. ——= I mule, spur out from a cluster of trees, and dash away as though pursued by Old Nick. And though the latter personage was not after him, half a dozen of the outlaws were, which cer- tainly made it about as bad. Tlie mule, fort unately for the rider, had a good start, for though he might have been a very sure- footed, sweet-tempered, patient animal, he was not noted for his speed. «*See, he comes,” cried Brass. “They come.” ‘ «They all come.” “Here goes to help the party on the mule,” cried Brass, and raising his Winchester, he hit one of the pursuers. **T guess he’s a little sick after that.” ‘“‘Now for another.” Buttons tlazed away and missed. ** What’s the matter, Buttons?” asked Brass. “«T don’t know ” “ Try another shot.” Crack! He missed again. ‘ ‘* Keep cool, all of you, and you'll have your hands full yet.” The pursuers were gaining on the mule every moment. The shintal wan about a quarter of a mile away from the grove when the foremost of the pursuers caught up with it, and grasped the briale rein. With a scream such as only a frightened or enraged mule can utter, that animal sent his heels out with such force as to hurl the horse and rider ten or twenty feet away, and flung his own rider over his head. At this very momeut of victory the mule ran away, leaving his rider prostrate on the ground. “Hurrah!” yelled Brass. : “ Hurrah!’ cried Buttons, “* Hurrah!” we al! three roared. ' And with a united cheer from those who rode behind, the steam team came dashing up to the spot, Brass and Buttons firing their rifles as rap- idly as they could all the time. The James boys saw us coming, and, having had a taste of our skill, they wheeled their horses about and fied like the wind. Brass got in one shot, however. He hit his man too, for we could see him hanging to the saddle as his horse thun- dered away as though he was bad hurt. The man whose horse bad been kicked down by the mule managed to get up with the beast, and they rode away as rapidly as they could go. I brought the steam team to a standstill. “« Brass!” I called. ‘Have I lost it, if I have J am a ruined man.” ‘ “ What is it, your pocket-book?” ‘*Oh no, money can be replaced but that never,” ‘* A letter of introduction?” “ No. ” *« Instructions?” * No, I could get new ones, but this—oh this could not be replaced. Ah, here it is,” and a smile which was positively hideous came over the professor’s face. “ What is it?” ** My journal.” He drew forth from an iuside pocket an old book, one which had been considerably worn by long wear and use. ** What is that?” I asked. “My journal, sir, the most important docu- ment in the world, I beg your pardon, your ten thousand pardons my dear young friend, but don’t you keep a journal?” “Yes, I keep a diary.” ‘‘Oh, the same thing, sir, the same thing.” Notwithstanding we were in momentary dan- ger of being atracked by the very men who had come so nearly takiug his life, he whipped out his pencil and asked: «What is your name?” “Frank Reade.” ‘‘ Frank Reade,” he repeated, writing it down. “Where are you from?” “New York.” ‘Well, well,” and he wrote, reading as he wrote: ‘‘On this day I met Mr. Frank Reade, of New York, under very peculiar circumstances, which are as follows.” **Hold on,” said I. “ Wait--wait until I write the circumstances in my journal.” ‘““We have no time for the circumstances, Professor Drydust.” “ Why?” ‘The James Boys are not——” “The James Boys—oh, yes, I must not forget to write that down in my journal.” ** Look here, Professor Drydust, if you want to get away with your scalp on your head you had better come aboard this wagon.” ‘¢ Bat, Mr. Reade—Mr. Reade, I have just now abrilliant thougit. Please let me jot it down be- fore it escapes iny memory.” “The James Boys will be jotting you down.” **Go off and ieave him.” ‘Inside, quick!” I cried. “We are going to * Yes, sir.” get under way.” : - “Get out.” He realized his danger at last, and wilh his © All right.” precious journal in his hand, climbed into the He sprang to the ground. w. agon. I applied the power and away we went skim- ming over the prairie as a swift sailing yacht might over a smooth sea with a favorable breeze. “ Well, well, I must remark that you certain- ly have a very wonderful invention,” cried Pro- fessor Drydust, watching the steam team as it thundered along over the ground. ‘I believe I will write a fuli description of it in my journal.” “Find the man who rode the mule.” “«T will if I can.” “ Hadn't I better help?” “No, we'll but one out this time.” I sounded my whistle, tested the steam cocks, and satisfied myself that we had an abundance steam. “* Here he is,” cried Brass. «© Hurt?” ‘I believe the old chap’s neck’s broke,” Brass arswered. He was lifting the fallen man to his feet when pea oe a : hos lh r purdon, gentlemen, your pardon, ae quite comfortable here?” “* Are you?” ‘*Oh, yes, but— apy heppesa? a said, as tho puzzled. e was on his now, and I —_ saw a more laughable-looking He was tall, thin and cadaverous. forty-five or fifty years of age. and a very sober, sedate-looking fellow, with a body like a jath, a face like a hatchet, and a mouth like a slit eut across the face, while his iron-gray hair reached down below his shoul- de! rs. His clothes were what might ve called clerical cut. and very much worn. ‘+ Who are you,” I asked, as this tall ungainly looking personage was marched up to the wagon. Tab, I beg your pardon, sit, but I am Prof. Roderick Drydust, and my mission in this part of the moral vineyard is to teach the young how to shoot.” . ** Well, my friend,” said Buttons in his quaint dry humorons way. ‘I don’t know but that you teaching some CHAPTER V. THE STEAM TEAM TO THE, RESCUE. I AM a very patient sort of a fellow generally. T can stand an ordinary bore, but that Professor Drydust made me very tired about his journal. He was the most complete monomaniac on the subject of keeping a journal it has ever been my painful duty to see. **] want to talk to youabout my journal,” he said, climbing up on the seat by my side. ‘«What do you want to say?” I answered. “T am glad to know you keep one.” “Yes, I do, but in these troublesome times, I find very little time to talk about it.” ‘* Weil, perhaps youdo. Yet what a pleasure it is to have it to refer to in after years.” *T suppose so.” “ And mine—oh, what a journal mine is! It contains my brightest thonght. Did you never have a brilliant idea flashing in your brain in the still watches of the night? I do and then I rise atonce and record them in my jonrnal. Many aman, who is too lazy to get out of bed, would just lay there and aliow those brilliant ideas to effervesce——” “There they are again,” cried Brass, cutting aioe the long-winded lecture of Professor Dry- ust, ”y were of the James Boys to -ghoot.” Crack! wretche. pun,” put in Brass, The distant report of a rifle rang out on the " t carefully brushed his almost | air, and a ball came whizzing through the aur, garments ond loo at me said: It passed a few inches above our heads, and am Prof. Drydust, sir, and—and—let me} Professor Drydust shrinking back cried: lost it?” He began feeling about in| “Why, what was that?” “A bullet.” -_—_—_—_— «* Now do you suppose they shot at me®”’ ‘*T don’t know, it looks very much like it.” His face grew more grave, more serious and cadaverous than before, and clutching my arm he said: “Mr. Reade, Mr. Reade!” «« Well, sir, don’t hold my arms, because I have these steam horses to hold and they are about all J can manage,” I said. ‘« Well, [ have a request to make of you.” ‘What is it.” «Should I fall I want you to——” ‘Look after your wife and children?” I asked. “No, I have never burdened myself with a wife and chidren.” *-Then what is your request?” “ That you save my journal.” There was no time for all this nonsense and I knew it. The James Boys and band, now to the num- ber of forty or more, hung like a cloud on our left, and some of them had long range guns. As every man on the frontier is a marksman these fellows,.of course, were dangerous slots. «Frank, they have been reinforced,” called Brass. * How many do you make out!” I asked, now giving my attention to the steam team which was galloping away beautifully over the prairie. «There are forty at least.” ** Crack!” “ Orack!” ** Crack!” Three shots came whizzing through the air, ond one struck against the tail gate of the wagon, with a ring. ““That’s cutting close,” cried Drydust. “« You had better get down in there.” ‘* Where?” ‘* Where the others are.” **But you?” “Tam usedtoit. [have totake my chances,” I answered. I did not tell him so, but realiy I would about as soon be e to the raking shot of the enemy as to his harangue about his journal. “Frank, crack on more steam.” “ Are they coming after us?” I asked. ‘ Yes—keep to the right well up the slo} for, see, they are trying to head usoff. Tod us down into that diteh.” I turned the powerful heads of my steeds up a sloping hill, and put on full speed. Away we flew. The iron hoofs, armed with steel spikes, cut the turf, and sent it flying into our wagon. ** Hold on to your places,” [ cried. ‘* We are going to run at full power now.” The motive of the enemy was quite plain. They had only to make a short cut around a hill so as to get to the bridge ahead of us, and then we would be at their merey. : But I had a pilav which | believed would work. ic We could outrun them, [ knew, and the steam team did bravely. The roar and thunder of the river ahead of us could be heard, and now we are in full view of the great covered bridge. I saw the James Boys, Jesse and Frank, ahead only five or six hundred yards away. They gave us a volley. ** Don’t fire back,” I cried, “ Why?” «¢ Wait until they are closer.” * Can we make it?” ** With ease.” “ ih they pursue us beyond the bridge?” “oe oO. “ Why?” “Wait and you will learn.” i And they did learn what my plan was. Like a tremendous whirlwind we sped along tue ground toward the bridge, and as we went over it with a rumbling like thunder, making every timber of the covered bridge strain, I sud- denly pulled open an under and let two great heaps of blazing coals fall upon the bridge. They ignited in a moment. “« What did you do that for,” cried Brass, as we thundered across the bridge and began climbing the hill on the other side, “ Look back and see.” ** Why, the bridge is on fire.” ** So it is.” “They can’t follow us. I have burned the brid moore path co wplendid iden, ‘Ha, that’s a a one worthy of preservation, and I will put that down in my journal,” cried Professor Drydust. * Where are you going now, Frank?” asked Tass, “T don’t know.” : We ran up on the hill, and then, making a ve
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graceful curve, 1 brought the steam team like a four-in-hand around, and we all gazed back at the burning bridge. The wood was very dry, and it ignited like a tinder box. In a moment the whole thing was in a blaze. -* What a smoke,” said Brass. “a Yes ” -- Po you see the James Boys, Buttons?” Brass asked. ae Nog: *s What’s that moving on the other side the river?” ** 4 man on a horse.” “* You can’t see it plain.” **No, the smoke is too thick.” *€ Don’t it burn!” «Looks as if the blaze would touch the sky.” ** So it does.” “How high they leap!” *¢ They do.” “There goes the bridge.” Oh, what a crash!” “The water has swallowed up the smoking Tuins.” While they were talking of the burning bridge Professor Drydust was busily engaged writing in his journal, ““Whai are you writing?” Brass asked. “Tam writing a description of the burning.” ** Are yon?” rade & RL ‘How fur have you got.” To the erash.” “** Well, go on.” : *‘T gueas we will all go on,” I remarked. **Why not wait and watch it awhile Jonger?” asked Brass. **Look at the sun and you will see that it is time for us io be hunting a camping-place.” I turned to the team and opened the valves. We went rapidly over the hill and struck a large, well-traveled road. For an hour we sped alang. When I became assured we were at a safe distance frem the James Boys I began to look about for a suitable place for camping. _ The sun had nearly set, and the night would soon be upon us. 4 ; Suddenly we came in sight of some plowed _flels, and a little further on was a house. It had now grown dusk, and as the steam team thundered along the road, stamping and puffing great volumes of smoke and sparks, it looked very much like a demon escaped from the lower Ha I have no doubt. ‘Suddenly we heard a seream ahead. The scream came from the h@use to which we were approaching. It was from a girl. “What's the matter?” we heard the mother ask. “The steam mill has broke loose, and is com- ing rigat up the road.” “Oh, what nonsense!” - “ Iv’s so.” ? 4 ug. =i d see for youreelf.” «Come and see for y C “PI box your ears, Katy, for saying anything Of the kind.” At this I touched the whistle cord, and the ‘Steam horses gave forth a scream, which would to the woman in the house seem to confim the . own helpless in the door. ick, madame,” I answered, : “Oh, LW, self!” cata i A is Dn to lid. so, see Jin the | ‘ er . FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. -9 I appreciated his joke and laughed as I an- swered, * No but we will run the team into your lot.” ‘All right—I’ll open the big gate.” ** He did so and we ran the Steam Team into the house lot and left it with the heads of the steam horses toward the gate. We remained ail night at the farm house and next morning were al breakfast when a man on horseback galloped up to the door gate and called out: ** Hello, Grierson?” “ Hello, Shoemaker!” Grierson, our farmer, got up from the table and went out to the front gate. “ What’s the matter?” he asked. No doubt he then saw by the face of his friend and neighbor that something had gone wrong. We were near enough to hear even at the table, for in this house, like many houses on the frontier, the front room answered for both kit- chen and parlor. “The James Boys, fully forty strong, have crossed the river,” said the man on horseback. ‘* Have they?” They have.” * When?” * «This morning at sunrise.” ««T thought the bridge was burned?” ‘*¢So it was,” answered the man on horseback, ‘but they forded the river. Swam their horses over.” “ What are they going to do?” « They intend to attack Raytown. doubt about it.” “Do you think so?” “TI know it. They were moving that way, and I have rode everywhere to rouse all the peo- ple I can. We don’t want another scene like Shopville was yesterday.” ‘* No, we don’t. “ Grierson, have you a gun?” “ec Yes.” * A good one?” ‘¢ Pretty fair.” * Rifle?” oe Yes.” ** Pistols?” **One revolver.” “© Won’t you fight?” «‘T never backed out yet,” cried the brave farmer. ‘* Well, mount your horse and ride to Ray- town. Take your gun and all the pistols ye’ve got. We won’t have a minute to lose.” “Where are you goin’?” ‘Goin’ up here to git old man Lutes and his four sons and three sons-in-law, with their guns and dogs and horses, and we will just naturally make it so hot for the James Boys they won't cross over into Kansas again soon.’”” I did not Know until this assertion was made that we were in the State of Kansas, but it seems that we had entered the prairie state on crossing the river. The horseman galloped away and Grierson turned aboat and started to the house. -** Brass, you and Buttons fire up,” I cried. ‘*What are we to do?” ‘The steam team goes to the rescue.” *< Hurrah.” “ Aye, vor. enthusiastic, I will put that down in my journal.” Brass and Buttons were out in a moment and had the fires started anew in the furnaces of the steam team. “Now, sir, are you town?” I asked of the . Yes.” ° “So am L? “Shake,” ‘*Have you arms?” “‘ Here they are.” He took down ar old army rifle and a revol- ver. “T'll saddle up.” ‘No, get in the wagon.” ** Ah, yes, sir, the w: it is a wonderful wagon,” interposed Drydust, ‘*and I have here a fine description of it in my journal.” “© Never mind that now,” I said, ‘‘ come on.” He took up his weapons and followed me to the barn, but where we found everything in readiness. | ; The hiss of escaping steam a good head of that. article. There’s no going to the rescue of that . ———— . told that we had on | »| “Iw all ready, Brass?” I asked. ss ead " oe Everybody climbed upon the wagon. The farmer's boy opened the gate. As 1 took my place on the driver’s seat, I heard a voice say behind me; “This will be a wonderful day of adventure, all of which I shall recordin my journal.” I glanced back behind me and beheld Profes- for Drydust sitting with others in the wagon. ‘*f wish we could leave that old fool and:his journal, too, behind,” said Brass, who had taken a dislike to Drydust. “The gate’s open,” said the small boy, who Was anxious to see the steam team go thunder- ing down the road. ‘+ All ready, clear the track!” I cried, and put on the power. The steam team bolted out into the road, and we went thundering along at a speed unknown to living horses, “The steam Leam to the rescue!” cried Brass, growing enthusiastic. CHAPTER VI. THE STEAM TRAM CAPTURED. WE saw men and boys everywhere, armed with alinost every kind of a conceivable weapon, has- tening toward the threatened village. Never since the first shots tired at Leexington roused the sons of liberty in North America has bere been such a turn out. to fight a foe. : We stopped two or threetimes and picked up some fellows along the way who were armed with rifles and double-barreled shotguns, «Great gosh!” I heard one boy cry as we came thundering up tke road, *‘jist look thar!” ** What ist it?” asked another. “A train o’ kears broke loose and running through the country!” “It’s old Nick!” cried another. “Frank,” cried Brass,- “do you see the town?” I was sitting higher than the others, being on the seat. sé No.” “«We can’t be far.” ‘* How far are we?” I asked of one of the farm ers. “Bout four milds.” “Which way is it?” ** Don’t yer see thet air hill?” He pointed to a hill covered with trees and un- derbrush. ** Yes,” J answered. “‘ Wall, it’s erround that. Now look whar the big road bends erround that, and when we git er- round it we'll be in sight o’ ther town.” “Will we?” ‘ * Yes.” Then I cracked on more steam. We could hear a noise off to the right three or four miles. Men could be seen everywhere on horseback and on foot, running toward the threatened ‘town, Partly from excitement and partly to escape the ceaseless hurangue of Prof. Dry dust ex- poussine on the virtues of his great journal, rass stood up behind me clinging to the seat. “* Frank,” he said. ‘ ae —— ” “ ” “If we get in a scrimm and any one has to go under I do hope it will be him.” “ Who?” ‘ Why?" I asked laughing. ‘*T am tired being bored with his journal.” “Well, Brass, the chanes for a lively skirmish are quite flattering.” pif wg “Do you think so?” “1 do.” ‘* These fellows mean fight.” tp sie ok “Yes, and the James Boys are not to be backed down. Where did they get so many men?” _ “Their ranks are always recruited,” the de- teclive answered. ‘I have heard it said that — Jesse and Frank James could almost av any time muster a hundred men to batule.” See; «Markt What that? ark! 3 $ Prop ey tt ee “The village church bells are ringing,” I an~ oe right,” Reet os “Yes, you are. yi fad trots) dbnt eb ‘What does it mean?” UEk ust.” - ‘Tile Tamed Boys have been sighted.” «Agee as you hear the 0 Bae a i
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10_ FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. level, we flew along at arate of speed which al- most took our breath away. -I cast a glance behind me at the farmers in the wagon, and I never saw a more terrified-looking set of wretches iv ali my life. **Gosh! we'll be capsized and slung across the State!” roared one fellow. Don’t be afraid,” Buttons answered. ‘He knows how fast to ran it.” “ Yes, yes, gentlemen, a very remarkable ma- chine indeed—a remarkable machine,” said Pro- fessor Drydust. ‘I have a full account of it in my journal, which I will read to you by and by, a3 soon as we get a little leisure.” We sped like lightning around the tree-cov- ered mound, and in a few moments were in full view of a pretty little village, all frame houses, neat, clean, white, and pretty. The excited populace were running hither and thither in every direction. Women were screaming, men were seizing guns. A body of horsemen, forty or fifty in number, were approaching the village from Ue west, while we were comirg in from the north. I saw at once that we would not have time to reach the village before tne horsemen, as they were fully a quarter of a mile nearer, and | wagon, struggled to his feet and mounted on the side of the wagon-box. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, quite pertinent to the issue indeed are those ringing cheers, and I will write that down in my journal.” ** Oh, sit down,” roared Brass. “« Very appropriate,” ** Don’t you hear?” “A good word, yes. I'll just jot down that thought in my journal also.” Brass was so exasperated at the old fellow that he seized the tails of his faded coat and pulled him back into his seat. «‘Now sit down.” Everybody laughed. I joined them. I could not help it. As for Professor Drydust, he was so intent on catching some brilliant thougnt on the fly and jot ting it down in his journal that he never ceas- ed to write. The villagers were very grateful to us for having saved their pretty little town, and would insist on giving us a banquet, which they did. Everything that one could wish for was brought to us, and we feasted like kings. Next day ‘we took our departure. Nothing more had been seen of the Jaines Boys, and the villagers hoped they would never hear of them cried: again but we cautioned them to beware of the ‘* Brass, Buttons!” outlaws and under no circumstances to allow * What?’ themselves to be taken uoawares. ** What?” both cried. ‘* Work the gun.” “The cannon?” Yes,” and I began swinging the team around 80 as Lo bring the tail-end of the wagon to the Our steam team was hissing and impatient 0 g0. , I climbed to my seat and Brass and Buttons were in places, the former crying: “Go ahead, Frank,” when suddenly a tall, _ Village. sngalar looking figure at this moment appeared * Why, do you mean to fire it?” and jeaped on the vehicle. Yes,” Under his left arm he carried a book and had “You might hit Siroc or Jim Malone,” said Brass somewhat sarcasticaliy, for the reader will remember that this had all along been my excuse for not using the cannon. ‘¢ Never mind that now,” I answered. ‘ Bet- ter loge both Siroc and Jim Malone than a single human life,” ; Having brought the steam team about stera i6 the town, I reversed the engines and we bes; ‘Ohno, I could not. I say, friend, do you gun backing into the town. keep a journal?” We could back almost as rapidly, though not “No.” quite, as we could go forward, and it required «* Well, you should, you will tind it wonderful much more skill to ran backward than forward. | convenient. Now your friend there. Mr. Reade, “Hurry up!” I cried, as I heard another yell | keeps an excellent diary; I saw him writing in from the banditti, and @ sprinkle of shots began | it last night and I know that it is a good one.” to sing out on the air. , ’ I had the reins and opened the valves. .“* Slow up a little, Frank!” cried Brass, who The steam team started up. Then the crowds was sighting the gun. shouted, I blew the whistle and away we went I did 80. F ; like the wind. “‘Take sure aim.” ; The forenoon was passed without any adven- The steam team was almost stopped and Brass, | ture worth narrating. Professor Drydust had at last baving sighted it, cried: been very quiet. ‘“ Fire!” ’ We noticed that he had brought an excellent Buttons jerked the cord. rifle with him and a brace of revolvers. I bad tarned about to watch the effect of the} When asked! why be had brought them he shot. ‘answered: ; The two pound ball went whizzing across the | ‘Verily, a man must needs defend himself. west end of the village, clipped off a top rai, | Now, that’s a good maxim, a golden text for a from a fence, and down went one of the bandittil | Sunday school lesson. [T must write that down horse and ail rolling in the road. in my journal,” and he hastily wrote. ** Reload quick!” I shouted. 4 We were on a vast prairie. The James Boys ‘Then I suddenly changed the power. The | having crossed over the line into Kansas, would sas ‘steam team bounded forward with a suddenness | be easy chasing for us, we thought. But had - which almost unseated everybody and again ! _ wheeled them about, and we were thundering a pencil in his hand. ** Are you going with us?” cried Brass. ‘* Why yes, why not, my dear anxious friend. You are unsophisticated.” «* Well, why ure you going?” ne To pick up incidents of travel, I assure you.’ % You had better stay behind.” a o they gone back into Missouri, or would we find’ them still in Kansas? : down on the village. The sharp boom of the swivel gun caused | terspersed with vast tape of trees everywhere, 4 and in some places the groves were large and them, The team was halted near a lovely spring of clear cold water, and we all got out. “Ov, what a delightful spot,” remarked Pro- fessor Drydust, opening his journal and looking ; ‘At least we thought so then, but we were, ere | about in admiration. ‘I really must write a “Jong, to learn that as far as Frank and Jessie | description of it.” ; «* Frank,” said Brass, “* Well, what, Brass?” sy ¥ there no way to get rid of this old crank?” “No. “Then I almost wish for another attack from ——— Boys.” ‘ . “ In the hope he might be killed.” Buttons laughed and remarked: i! ee no Brass.” “ : ittons ' ‘ we That old fellow can’t be killed by a ballet.” eel then, let’s turn the cannon on him.” , to shoot some game. get off a few 1 “And then we'll all get in t The prairie in this part of the country is ins} - be But our blood was up, and we determined to have that stag. ** Come this way,” I cried. “To the left?” asked Brass. ** Yes. Keep well under the hill and out of sight. Keep low, 80 he can’t see you.” “Frank!” * What, Brass?” -“* We are out of sight of the Team.” ss 'Yo,?2 “* We ought to keep it in sigat.” “Tt won’t rup away,” Buttens laughed. ** And we can’t take it with us,” I added. oe No.” ** We'll not be gone long.” : ** Now, be careful,” “ Yos. ” ‘ & ‘* We're not far.” = ran around the hbifll, holding our guns ready. “ : ** We will come up to windward and tumble right in on the deer,” said L~ “? + Yes, yes.” were al] eagerness. e f eeryoody wanted to be first to see the deer, With rifles cocked, and at our shoulders, we ran up the hill, and reached the spot where the deer had last beerseen. ¥ b Here a sight met oar gaze that might hate appalled stouter hearts than ours. ©" °)— * What was it?” methinks I hear the redders of this diary ask. ‘= It a deer’s head and ein ginek ona pole ~ and nd of the pole in the ground. “So Matuval and life-like did it appear, that — Brass came very nearly to firing atit before he discovered that it was not a deer, and onlyan — efligy of one. «+ What does this mean?” J asked. “Frank,” said Brass, panting so he could hardly talk. Oe What!” “T's atrick—a blamed mean trick.” * All is not right,” pat in Buttons. “Tam convinced of that myself,” I retarned. ~ _ “ASP right.” _ We all ran and tore our way through the bushes over the brow of the hill, until we were in sight of the valley below where we had left the steam team. Here a sight met our gaze that almost froze our blood and filled us with chagrin. The steam team was smoking and snorting. Two horses were tied behind it, and the steam team was going, leading the horses behind. “Who is that?” cried Brass. ‘‘I see \wo men in the wagon,” ‘TV’ Frank and Jesse James!” I cried, paus- ing for a single moment to level my field glass: on them, - “They have stolen the steam team,” roared Brass. nan Bn: our team!” and poor Buttons wrung his hands in egony as he saw them going and . et aaly the Horend tiedioe bekiod head togo ln a gallop to keep up with the steam horses. “ Why, really Unat is a very extraordinary oc- — ce,” said a familiar voice, and Prof. Dry- demu rove to Jeet Gale an extaor is . ane The steam team captares:! SY ; i ee ee
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FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. CHAPTER Vi. JESSE AND FRANK. Axtmost beside himself at losing our steam team, Brass could stand no more from the taunt- ing professor, and he yelled: “Pl put you out of the way.” Click, click! hs He had actually raised his rifle, and though he afterward declared it was only his intention to frighten him, I have always been of the opinion that he really would have shot him. But old the professor was really too busily en- gaged on his journal! to realize any danger. “ Brass, come on,” I cried, ‘‘ we have no time to waste with him.” “T half believe he is in with them,” roared Brass. «See, there are only two men near the steam team. The other members of the band are gone away, I am now quite certain.” ** Those two are Frank and Jesse James.” Tee.” «Have you ever seen them?” **T have,” I answered. *“ And you know them?” Wes," We were all three running. toward the steam ti as rapidly as we could. dese James’ portly form could be seen sitting the seat, and he had the reins in his hands. He had hardly got the bang of the thing yet, and was running it badly. “Come on, boys,” I cried, ‘‘he won't run it far until we shall have them.” * Why,” roared Brass, ‘‘they are going faster” than we can.” ** But he don’t kuow how to manage it.” “No, he don’t.” : A whistle sounded. “It was blown by mistake,” I cried. don't know how anage it.” “See, he lets more power on one horse than the other”... * “Ha, Urere will be a balk.” ‘They are slowing up.” ' We were greatly encouraged at this. Some- how we had no thought of danger, save the dan- oor losing our steam bean, and we ran at the of our was certainly run . Sirec and Jim aeaehes no trouble in keep- He Jesse and I was thi ery strongly about trying a shot at higp when a wreath of white smoke sud- denly curled up from the wagon, and a, two- d@annon ball came whizzing so close to" ead that for a moment I staggered and knew whether my head was blown off ay aF » my side. , ‘Frank, are you hit?” he eried. ane as ze struck?” Buttons asked. : ‘enbaat ono iy: pS Be my head. ‘Look, Brass, where is he hit?” “On the head.” jis ‘shook my head. y “No, his head’s whole.” “Then where did it strike him?” SDM *Didn’t e ie tt nad ia be “ 00 7 ny oa “* How about Siroc?” owl n . “‘Never mind Siroc.” pial Sia .my way around until I got on the opposite side ‘| enterprise, and I dropped it, beckoning them to t the moat rf ‘nil wo do with it, now that we have “ ‘* Trust us,” put in Buttons. My position, I knew, was a very dangerous one, but I resolved to do my very best. I have ran many varrow risks in my life, and have at last come to the conclusion that the safest plan is always the boldest. I did on this occasion what might seem rash. I ran right toward the Steam Team. Jesse and Frank James were both within that metal-sided wagon, both cool, and both aesper- ate shots. I knew this, and I knew that I was unprotected out on the prairie. But [ had two faithful marksmen. ‘‘Shoot at every head that peeps over the side!” had been my order, and { knew that or- der would be fulfilled to the letter, Iran nearer and nearer. Soon something dark began to appear over the rim‘of the wagon bed. Crack! A shot rung out behind, Down went the dark something, and I could have sworn the bullet had bored it through. But a few paces were between me and my coveted steam team. But what means this? The team suddenly quickens its pace. Can it be that Jesse James had found out the secret of running the steam team, and keep- ing tis head below the bed. i : Tran at the top of my speed, and by putting forth my utmost strength was soon near enough to lay my hand on the side of the wagon above one of the wheels. «Frank Reade—Frank Reade,” cried a chuck- ling, exulting voice inside. “ Jesse James, I'll have you yet.” «* Ha, ha, this a splendid invention of yours, Frank Reade.” “Villain, give it up.” ** We are in no hurry. Then I tried to get a sight of one of them, but both kept close. I looked back at my companions. Brass and Buttons were running their best to catch up with the vehicle. A wild and desperate plan now entered my mind. f The situation was desperate, and it required a desperate remedy. My wagon was so constructed that the top of the bed came out over the wheels. The hubs were protected by flat picces of steel extending out over them, and my plan was to cling to the underside of the wagon and work ” where the horses were, mount one of them; cut both loose, and sLoot dowa both of the James Boys. The steam team was now going at a rate of speed which reqaired all my strength and speed to keep up with them, Iran as [had neverrun before nor since, I had no way to communicate my plans and designs Lo my companions. They were both coming after us as rapidly as they could. I bheld to the wagon with oue hand and turning, I waved my rifle in the air and dropped it. Of course I could not use it in this pick it up and bring it with them. A wild shout was my only answer, I was now ready fcr my very deperate adven- ture. I leaped upon the side of the wagon, clinging under the sides by small handles which I had placed under there, It was as much as my life was worth, for a single slip or misstep and I would fall to the — and be crushed to death beneath those erous wheels. ppnt I have always been noted as an athlete. I have a steady nerve, a crue eye and very sure footed. ; a 5 I clung or like grim death, for the(s was increasing every moment, and now and Jim Malone had all they could do to keep up | to the steam team. vi ap Aye Frank call. a“ Ay, Jesse answered. «Are you getimg the hang of it La e8. “ What PELs ee : AW Jet) 11 * We can’t do it, Jess.” “NG.” ; aa think the thing will be almost useless to u **T tell you what we can do.” ‘What?’ ‘«Pake it to our rendezvous,” ‘« Our hicing-place?” “<vos **Could we get it in?” “«The cavern?” pie Aas “Of course.” ‘I's larger than our horses.” ** We can take it to pieces.” So we can.” “Oho! so this is your’ plan,” thought I, as I clung to the underneath side of the wagon, hold- ing on for dear life. ‘+I will, in all probability, spoil your very neat little game.” Then I glanced back at'my companions. We were leaving them so far behind that they looked like specks on the prairie. Jesse James at this moment said: ‘Frank, look over the side and gee if you can see them.” Frank was in a moment gazing over the very side of the wagon under which I was clinging for dear life. , **Do you see them?” ‘* T see two.” **Only two?” *'That’s all.” **Where is Frank Reade?” ** He is not one of them.” ** Been thrown down or run over.” ‘‘T guess that’s so, for one man carries two gans.” ** Are they still running this way?” ** Yes.” ** But we are out of range, are we not?” pte «Then I’ll mount the seat.” «Jess, can you manage it down there?”. ‘Yes. He’s got a pair cf windows here through which I can see.” **He fixed that to screen himself from our bullets.” ss You? “« Ha, ha, ba, and we’ve got it.” ‘* Fools build houses, and wise men live in them.” : ** And you also to say that fools invent machinery, men use it.” * That’s it, on “ Ha, ha, hal? I felt no little chagrin at this. Jesse and Frank James were adding insult to my injury, and I was almost furious with rage. But I did not lose my presence of mind. Itry to manage, whatever may happen, to keep my senses about me, I made several efforts to get around on the other side, but found it utterly impossible. A bat gifted with the powers of flying and stick- ing to nothing, could not have performed that quite impossible feat while the vebicle was plunging along over tle uneven ground at a rate of speed that was amazing, « Jess,” said Frank. “ Weill.” * Cap you see from where you are?” ah **Can you see the horses?” ‘*No.” “ Well, you'd better slow up.” “. es i Aare Sige and Jim Malone. * Poor ows, they can’t kee ace w Frank Reade’s metal steeds.” . ae ae No.” The team began to slow up, and as it did so, began to have some hope. If they would only come to a standstill but for a moment, I might slip around on the other side and mount one of the horses. Oh, to be once astride of Siroc, many a horse jockey would give a fortune for that preteas, and no horse ey ever more strongly desir that aspera than “ I at that moment, _ @ your seat, Jesse, te **The coast is clear.”
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12 FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM, Then came a short silence, and Jesse said: ‘The train we are to rob?” aoe ‘Frank, we can use this after all.” ews? “Well, why not?” “ How?” « Well, let’s do it.” After a few moments’ silence Jesse James “To bring off Louisa.” ‘«Can’t we with this machine?” . said: . * —_—— yl ee ee ee begs. eRe
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FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. 13 ** So could I.” «But what can’t be cured must be endured.” Then a short silence ensued, broken at last by Jesse saying: . “* Maybe those fellows have sume grub in this car?” ‘*That’sit. Frank Reade is too good a traveler to go without an ample supply of grub.” “T know it.” . “ Jess, light your lantern and make search.” In a few moments I could catch the occasional gleam of a lantern as it flashed over the sides of the car. “Now is my time,” I thought. ‘ While they are engaged in hunting for something to eat I will get out of here.” I began crawling as noiseless as a shadow over the ground. Slowly and cautiously, fearing that an acci- dental dip or splash in the water would betroy me, or that an unlucky flash of Jesse's Jantern might make me the target for the anerring aim of the James Boys. It seemed that I had gone miles before 1 reached the solid shore, but at last I made it. Then I rose to my feet and looked back. Whereas I had before been horrified at the great distance, I was now alarmed at the steam team being so near. It seemed that I cnoawi pd out my hand, and almost touch the captured machine. {sighed as I thought that my property and my pride was now in possession of an enemy, and made a mental resolution that I would have if it was in the power of human kind to tit back. I did not wait long by the brink of the marsh, but crept a up the hillside as rapidly as I dared in the jon of the horses. Then as I went toward them another fear came to my heart. This fear was produced by hearing an uneasy sniff of the air. Siroe and Jim Maloue had winded me, and in order to succeed I must get, as the sailors say, to leeward, or where the wind blew from them to me. I made a short half circuit, and thus came to the proper point, when I began again to ad- vance, There was danger yet. Siroe and Jim Malone owned but one master each, and a stranger might be resented with bites, kicks and squeals. I was rightin my,conjectures, for when I sud- denly came along, 3 famous horse began neig Habs de kicking like a mad beast. . do you hear that, Jess?” cried Frank. «Yes, there’s trouble there.” “They don’t neigh for nothing.” ** Come on.” There was not a moment to lose. Iam a skilled horseman, and, despite Siroc’s wild squeals and kicks, I leaped on his back and went speeding away like the wind. I took the trouble to cut Jim Malone’s halter, and the poor beast, frightened and confused, fol- lowed Siroc for two miles before he digcovered his mistake, and then, suddenly stopping, he turned about and trotted back to the James Boys. Mine was an unwilling steed, but by my superior management I managed to keep him in the right course, and went thundering over the prairie more rapidly than I ever rode before on the back of 4 horse. It was nearly midnight when a light in the attracted my attentiou. I rode cautiously toward it. I was not long in making it out to be a camp-fire, and 1 could see One or more tall figures moving about sometimes between me and the light. I cautiously approached the light, and when I Was near enough to see distinctly, 1 made out three men sitting, standing or walking about the cam One was Brass, one was Buttons, and the third tall, angular, ungainly personage, with long hair and hatchet face, there could be no doubt about being the professor. . A mule was ing near. A sheepskin saddle and a rope bridie were near the tall, lean, cadav- erous man. I recognized the mule-as the very animal Indeed, it is very sad. Ihave been very much over t] taking off of Mr. Reade, ) is a very ‘young man, aud I have writtea my wo in my ‘Mr. pope ning ge ualiies and among his bests ; e°ps a ee cn “don’t believe Frank is dead,” said Brass. “, ‘* Chances are against him,” sighed Buttons. ** What mad freak possessed him *o cling as he did to the side of the wagon in which the James Boys were. ’ I wanted to hear no more, but urging Siroc into the circle of the camp-fire light, I cried: ‘* Well, here I am!” They all started Lo their feet, each with an ex- clamation cf wonder, and Brass came very near to shooting me before he made out who I was. “I's, my real self,” I explained. ‘Don’t be alarmed. I will not harm you.” ‘‘ Where have you been?” asked Brass. “Taking a ride with the James Boys.” ‘* Where is the steam team?” “Tn the mud.” CHAPTER IX. A FRIENDLY FLASH. THEN I explained in as few words as possible the condition in which I had left the steam team. «* And they captured it and ran it in the mud,” said Professor Drydust, slowly, writing the event in his journal. ‘+ Yes.” ‘ “Well, Frank, if they know of your escape we'll either not find them there or they will be waiting for a fight,” said Buttons. “«T think you are right.” « We want a fight,” put in Brass. ‘Well, boys, what shall we do?” I asked. “ Let’s go on to-night.” * To-night?” “ Yes.” ‘“« Well, I am willing.” «“ How far is it?’ asked Buttons. ‘*T think twenty miles.” « Great guns—a twenty mile tramp.” ‘*We have the horse and can take it time about riding.” «“ And my mule, gentlemen, my mule, remem- ber.” ‘Professor Drydast, how did you get your mule?” “Oh, Jerry is a most noble animal, and I knew he would follow me. You could hardly lose him from me.” * And has he followed you all the time?” ‘Yes, sir. He’s been ever near.” “What say you to making an immediate move on the enemy,” I asked. ** All right—we’ll do it.” In a moment we were all ready for breaking camp.. ene somewhat rested and off horse while Buttons mounted the wall. ‘« Now we'll move rapidly as Napoleon always did, and strike them in a mass.” We hurried over the ground as rapidly as we could, and for two hours traveled in silence. Then we changed. It was lohg after daylight before we came in full view of the steam team, There it still stood stuck in the mud. “How are we to get it out,” said Brass. At this moment there came a shot from a_dis- tant grove, and a builet grazed my cheek. ‘« The James Boys,” I cried. I was mounted on Siroe when the shot was a and that animal became almost ungovern- able. **Hold him steady,” said the professor. ‘Frank, get down,” cried Braas, ‘* Yes, you make too good a shot up there.” I realized what was said, when a moment later two bullets passed through my hat and another cut a round hole through the collar of my coat. After a fourth had plowed a little furrow in my shoulder [ dismounted. A wil. shrill whistle rang out on the air, The whistle is far beyond my powers of description. It was half whistle and half cry, and had a most peculiar effect on firoc. .Before we could comprehend that it was the call of a beloved master for his horse, Siroe had squatted. to the earth, given one tremendous bound which snapped the rein I held in my hand and was away. Tossing his head and kicking up his heels, he Brass my squealed with delight and flew at the speed of. the wind to the grove where his master was. ‘* Ha, ha, ha, ha!” rang out a wild demoniac laugh. ** You thought to steal my Siroc from me, did you?” ** Well, did you ever?” ‘Not in my day.” “ 1 sacral = . ag any ever saw. These were some of the expressions uttered by Buttons and Brass. Even Professor Drydust - was for a moment held spechless and silent in wonder. At last, however, he regained his ~~ — speech, and, dipping his pencil between his lips, he said: ‘A wonderful horse, truly a very wonderful horse. I must write that down in my journal.” * Down, all of you, and be ready for a charge,” I cried, as soon as Icould speak. My brave lads obeyed me, and with cocked rifles we all three crouched on the grass ready to send death to the James Boys. I should have stated that Brass had secured my rifle which I had dropped ané brought it to the camp for me. The professor finished recording some gem of thought which had come to his my aud then putting the precious document carefully away in a capacious inside pocket he seized his long bar- reled rifie and lay down on the grass by the side of us. But the James Boys had no notion of fighting us it seemed. They knew perhaps that our long range guns gave us an advantage, for Jesse and Frank seldom burdened themselves with rifles. They were too large and clumsy to suit their purposes. ‘** There they come!” cried Brass. They rode out on the tep of the hill and way- ing their hats at us galloped away. * Well, now may I be hung for a traitor for treason and spoils, if [ don’t think that a shabby trick,” cried Brass. “‘ They are gone,” said I. Yes, and left us in the mud.” ‘* Stuck fast.” I arose and watched them as they galloped away until they became two specks in the hori- zon. Then we turned to the Steam Team. ‘« How are we going to get out of the swamp,” Buttons asked. ‘That’s a question.” « Boys let’s fire up, get up steam and try to pull through,” I suggested. We went down to the machine and found the metal steeds in mud and water far above their knees and the wheels bad sunk several inches in the soft earth. «Now, lada, I'll try to put on steam enough to move it, but I am afraid that it is useless.” I built a fire in each furnace and in a few mo- ments we had the steam hissing. When the boilers bad about all they could bear I turned it on. Slow at first, but more and more until the legs and feet of the metal horses began to move. I put on more power. The vehicle moved, but only deeper in the mud. The feet and legs spashed and kicked and kicked and floundered until I was convinced that it was useless to pvt any more power on and turned off the steam. ** We'll never get out that way,” I said. At this moment we heard a shout or a report like a pistol on the hill. **Get up, buck, woa, haw, yer blamed rascal.” The shout was the yell of a driver of a long team of oxen, and the report his whip. ‘*There’s a bull whacker,” cried Brass, “ How many yoke of cattle has he?” * Eight.” A new thought came to my mind. ‘‘He must pull us out,” | cried, and leaping from the wagon I ran up the hill, shouting: Fee mister. Say, stop your team, won’t you “ Woa there, Bright’n Ned. Woa, Buck ’n Beny. Why, howdy mister, wots ther matter?” asked the bull whacker. “* We are stuck.” “ Stalled?” as Yes.” “ What kind av a blamed rig ‘av yer got, any way,” he asked, as he fixed his amaze] eyes on the steam team. ** That is a steam team,” I explained. “A what?’ “* A steam team.” “* Great Scott, yer don’t tellme. Why, it’s er smokin’. Looks like er ditched locomotive.” “It is stuck in the mud; we want to engage your eight yoke of steers to pull it out.” He scratched his head and said; ** Well, I don’t believe I kin.” yes, try. I'll give you twenty-five “Taint money as iz botherin’ uv me, mistur, but I’m afeerd my oxen ain’t strong ernuff, but there’s two more teams er commin’ an” with them we'll hev twenty four yoke, then mebbe we kin make it.” “How far are they away?” . ‘* Be hyar iu ‘a hour ef yer kin wait “We will have to wait, and I will give all three of you twenty-five dollars each to get us out. The fellow gave utterance to a loud whistle,
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14 -and said it was ’most a month’s wages right slap down. Then he unyoked his cattle and allowed them to rest and feed on the grass. We passed the time as well as we could until the other teams came up. A few minutes were given them to let their ‘cattle rest. A bountifal supply of log chains were among the teams, and they soon had a long string of twenty-four yoke of oxen hitched to the Steam Team. Foriy-eight great, stout, sturdy beasts, were ready to pull the massive vehicle. Frank, they may break it,” suggested Brass. “*T think not, and besides it is our only hope.” “ Hadn’t you better get up steam and help back it out?” It was a good idea. This would prevent the steam horses having legs broken. They bad the oxen hitched to the rear end of the car or wagon, and the lohg string of cattle extended up over the top of the hill. When all were ready, I took my place on the seat, and reversing the power, set the machinery in motion. ‘ « Get up!” ** Hoo ay!” *¢ Whack!” ** Crack!” * Crack!” It was a lively seene. The drivers were crack- ing their whips, and Brass, Buttons and the pro- fessor, each with a stick, was belaboring the oxen. Never had I seen such a sight. Forty-eight stout oxen, straining every nerve, and the log chains creaking to their utmost. “Go on, get up!* * Get up!” Some of the cattle were down on their knees and others had their toes stuck in the ground, es The legs aad feet of the steam horses were moving, and, to my great joy, I saw the great wheels begin to roll. «She comes! she comes!” yelled Brass, almost beside bMmself in his transports of joy. Hooray!” cried Buttons, equally elated, while the professor, in his joy, proceeded to write it down in his journal.” There were great clods of mud hanging to the wheels, showing how deeply they had been im- bedded. “Get up!” **Go on!” “« Heave to it, my beauties!” yelled the bull- whackers, making the air resound with reverber- wi | echoes of whips. @ were now out on solid ground, and I sig- naled the men to stop. “Come, get here quick and clean off the mud a wecan travel,” I called out to my compan- jons. By the time I had counted out the money to each of the happy teamsters, the wheels and feet of the metal steeds were scraped clean of mud. “Ts anything broken?” Brass asked. ‘*No, I believe not. Ican’t tell until we try it. All aboard!” ; In a moment every one was on board. Then 1 seized the reins and threw open the valves. ; With shouts the metal horses began to step ty) ’ * Allis right,” I cried, and in a few moments we were flying away across the prairie at bs “ch ning speed, leaving the three amazed teamsters pes F after us. “Have you noticed how late it is?” asked ie he right audei’s going to rain.” ou are right, an n sd I took out my watch, and dheavered to my amazement it was five o’clock. ‘« What, is it possible we have spent the entire day here at this?’ I asked. «J guess itis.” ~ Wall, where wilt we camp?” That was a question we found it not easy to setile. We allowed our horses to run on, hop- ing to come to some house. But night came on, and we had reached no place yet. The James Boys had destroyed our provisions, and we were hungry. ««Y'}] turn on the electric headlights,” I said, + and we'll travel, even if it is night.” - ‘Then I touched the spring, but to my amaze- ment all was darkness yet. The team was rushing on in the darkness at a endous rate. : , way don't you turn it on?” Brass cried. “Tt won't turn.” oe : + _ Out of order some way.” a 4 amen ied agatn with some effect. **How dark it is,” cried Buttons. “Yeas” The thunder rolled above us, and the lightning at this moment flashed. Great Heaven! how I started. There right before us was a precipice fully two hundred feet deep, revealed by the friendly flash. I reversed my engine, put on the brakes, and stopped when on the very verge of the preci- pice. CHAPTER X. PROFESSOR DRYDUST HAS SOME DIVERSION. TuE lightning’s flash was gone, and we were enveloped in total darknesg, save the dull glow from the furnace. For a moment a horrified silence held us all dumb. So near to death—and such an awful death it would have been!--was enough to freeze us to silence. . The first to regain his speech was Brass, and he, in a tone that was as calm and unconcerned as if he had not been on the brink of an awful death, said: ; “| wonder if you couldn’t back out of this, Frank? I don’t believe { would try to go any further.” I laughed. I could not help it, for he was so droll and cool that it was impossible for me to restrain my risibles. “J don’t believe Pll try it, Brass.” “« Well, I wonder if we can back?” put in But- tons. At this moment another voice put in, which I recognized full well. It said: “Most extraordinary affair indeed! A very thrilling adventure, and but for the friendly flash of lightning we might all have been dashed to death. I regret that it is too dark to record the event in my journal.” I put on the power with reversed engines, and in a few moments the great iron legs of the horses began pushing backward. _ Oh, horror! I felt one slip. Something was loosened, and a moment later I heard.a great booming sound like a‘clap of thunder, as a bowlder, joosened from its base, went rolling with a peal like thunder down to the awfal black- ness and depths below. But the engines were working, and the metal steed made a tremendous effort and righted him- self. One inclined to be superstitious would almost think that the steam team was gifted with powers of reason, - We were in a few moments at a safe distance, and then I stopped. “ What are you going to do now, Frank?” ask- ed Brass. ‘* Brass, light a lantern.” ‘By George, why haven’t I thought of this before?” “Yes, and I can finish journal.” “Confound your journal «Oh, dear—ob, dear! Now Mr. Reade wouldn’t Say that.” e lantern was lighted, and I climbed out of the car. By the aid of the powerful lantern, I could see how nearly we had been on the brink of destruction, and I shuddered. Where one iron foot had been the embank- ment was broken away and pone. ? It was my policy to treat the matter as lightly as possible, so 1 said nothing and assum the jocose air of Brass. “Tf we had gone any farther we would have reine a flying machine,” I said to my compan- ons, “We would have taken a tumble in lieu of one,” answered Brass. I went to the front rigging, and opening some of the head gearing of the metal horses discover- ed ‘that the wire by which the electric head lights were attached had slipped and failed to make any connection. In a moment's time I had it back in place and we were all right. The wire had no doubt slipped while we were backing and pulling out of the mud. “ Have you got it all right?” asked Brass. ‘© Ves.” “Suppose I turn on the head light?” “You may.” — “Well, here goes.” And the two powerful lights which steamed far out into the darkness lighting up the awfui te d bagtero sa erie noe us.” a ‘Allright, it works t now,” cried Brass, “ Ah, ivs all right.” ; bas att FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS W1TH HIS STEAM TEAM. Then I ran back and climbed aboard, taking the reins in my hands. ““Ah, it is beautiful, beautiful indeed,” cried the eccentric professor. ‘‘Please hold the lantern 80 I can see, Mr. Brass, and I'll give a decription of it in my journal.” *Can’s you find some other diversion?” asked Brass. “ Diversion, Mr. Brass, why yes, that’s a good word and now I’ll write that down in my book.” “Oh never mind, I think you might have some other amusement.” «Yes, so do J, and now as I come to think of it, diversion is what I want most; I am sadly in need of diversion.” ‘« That is what we are seeking ourselves.” “T trust we will find it.” ‘‘The James Boys are our chief diversion, and I believe we can spare some of it with you.” ‘* Quite generous.” I had backed the team several rods away from the dangerous precipice and starting out in a circuit we was soon turned out of the dan- leew path thundering through grass and hazel ushes. There was no danger now of running down a precipice for our powerful head lights threw out a light, far, far ahead of us. At last we came into a sort of a dim road but it was sufficient to suit our purposes and we went. thundering along it at a rapid rate of speed, Along we sped, the metal steeds tireless and no doubt looking terrible to one who was unac- quainted with them. © sip * As we were being whirled. along at such a tremendous rate of speed, I could not help thinking of the conversation I had overheard between Frank and Jesse James, and to myself I kept asking: ‘Who is Louisa Allen, the daughter of Bob Allen, and. who is this Annie Ralston?” Brass and Buttons were really both as much in, the dark in regard to the matter as I, I kuew, es neither had ever been in Missouri or Kansas efore. Suddenly a lucky thought entered my head. Maybe the professor knew. Slowing up the team a little, I called: * “« Professor!” No answer. ‘Professor Drydust!” I thought I heard him snore. ‘<The old chap’s asleep,” Answered Brass. “Wake him.” ‘No, let him sleep, for now we have some peace from his abominable journal.” “But I want to ask him some important ques- tions!” ** All right, if you say it.” ; Then he shook the professor, saying: “« Wake up, you old rascal.” Z “Oh, ah, eh! What’ll you have, gentlemen— anew thought——” ‘‘No—the boss wants to talk with you.” “Talk with me?” ‘t Yea,” «What does he want to say?” “ Are you awake?” I called. « Yes, sir.” “‘Gome over here in the seat at my side.” ««Oh, yes, I guess he wante me to read my journal to while away the tedious hours as we ~ glide along. Quite an intelligent young man, and he knows how to pass the time to an advan- too. “eT pardon,” I said. “ a ««We won't need that.” “What?” «The journal.” “Won't need the journal?” “T assure you not.” “< may be mistaken.” “T simply want to ask you a few questiot that is all.” . , : A few questions? Well, I may need my jour- nal “You will not.” “What do you want to ask?” ‘* Have you lived long in Missouri?” “Twelve years, sir. I can tell the very day I came there by referring to——” ‘*No, you need not,” I interrupted, as he be- gar. turning over the leaves in his journal. “I only want you to approximate, you need not go to the trouble of ascertaining the very day. Have you been much in Kansas?” «Yes, sir. My duty as a teacher of the young has taken me in many places in the country.” ae raga piney Pe in both States?” — oe 4 “Tam.” as # f=
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FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING: THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. —____ —___. Sik I want to ask you about some peo- i) ie.” “* Who?” * Do you know Ralston?” * Colonel Ralston?” ‘IT suppose so. Has he a daughter?” ‘Oh, ves.” ** What's her name?” *€ Annie, Annie Ralston.” ‘¢ Annie Ralston is one of the people I am in- quirmg about,” ‘* Well, she is the romantic young girl who has fallen in love with Frank James, Her father has driven Frank from the heuse, and threatens to arrest him if he comes near the house again.” ** Does she know he is a robber?” ac Yes.” * Well, then, we'll let her go. If she will go to destruction there is no help for her.” “That’s just what I say. I’ve got it in my--—” ‘«But there is another person I want to in- quire about.” “Who?” ** Allen.” **J know a number of Allens,” **Do you know Bob Allen?” «* Of Kansas?” ’ *T don’t know which State he lives in, but it must be either in Missouri or Kansas.” “Guess it is Kansas.” **Do you know a Bob Allen?” “ Yes.” “ Has he a daughter?” ae Three.” - «Do you know their names?” “‘Well, I should. They all three were my pupils. Yes, sir, all three attended school to me and I know them.” _ “ Well, give me their names.” * Tsai Araminta and Louisa.” “* Which is youngest?” oe Louisa ” ** How old is she?” ; _“ Not over seventeen.” “‘Ts Bob Allen very rich?” * Rich?” o Yes.” “ Why, he is worth millions. cattle king of the West.” : “Then I am on the right track.” “ What do you mean?” nee near does Allen live (o the Missouri ** Within a dozen miles.” “oe It’s he.” “* Who?” “T-mean she,” ** What do you mean, Mr. Reade?” sie 4 the Allens your friends?” o es.” . He is the great ‘Well, they are in great danger, especially the young girl Louisa.” it “Why, my dear sir, thatis alarming. What— what do you mean. Pray, let me reccrd the fact in my journal, so it will not be forgotten.” ‘No, it will not be forgotten.” “Then what are we to do?” “This isa very delicate matter, Professor Drydust, and you must leave the matter some- what in my hands.” “ What isit?”” . “Well, to begin with, you see Miss Louisa has been wofully deceived.” **Deceived?” Yes.” - « By whom?” «Jesse W. James.” “Ob, you mistake. She has not the honor of that gentleman's acquaintance.” «} beg your pardon. She has, She knows him no: by bis real name, but by an assumed name.” “Ts that so?” “Tr certainly is.” “« Who is your informant?” “« Jesse W. James himself.” : “What, have you been talking to him?” oN Fis “ How did he tell you, then?” _ - © He did not tell me, While I was clinging to the side of the wagon, when the steam team was captured by the James Boys, I heard him - tell Frank James that he was going to marry Louisa.” What?’ 2 «Why, oe don’t kn bim.” _ * Why, she. now him.” — , 4! No, noe a esse James, for he has done all ; Seung ler another name.” “‘ Well, he’s a villain, that’s what I have to T shall write him down as such.” rect us to Allen’s house?” I in- * _ gay of him, an oa ‘you "a . , 16 terrupted, for I did not care to hear any further harangue about his abominable journal. ‘‘T am, as soon as itis daylight.” «That will do then, you may go back to your nap. Idon’t care to talk with you any more for awhile.” He went back to his place and was soon asleep. He was puzzled what to do. It had begun to rain and we were in the.open country. We came at last to a wooded road. : Ere long our head lights showed us a field. A little farther and we came to an old log house which had been abandoned. The fences had been taken down from around it and it had been occupied by hogs. The swine were sneaking away as we came in sight. There was a long high porch or shed, for it was built on the old Virginia style of houses, and@ we ran in under this to pass the night. As we stopped Professor Drydust yawned, and looking about, rubbed his eyes and growled: “Qh, ob, I wish I could have some kind of diversion.” “ Diversion?” cried Brass. “ Yes.” « What kind of diversion?” “ Anything to stir up my stagnant blood.” « This cold rain makes you chilly.” “Slightly.” ‘« Tf the James Boys gang should be near, you might have some diversion. “Oh, would I?” “Very likely.” «‘T wish they: were.” The worés were scarce out of his mouth ere: Crack! went a pistol, and a ball whizzed close to the professor’s head. «* Hello!” yelled the professor. , A wild yell put an end to anything further he might have uttered. ««The James Boys!” I cried, and turned off the electric headlights. Crack! Crack! The shots were poured in on us. : “Out with the lights, Brass! Put out the lantern!” I shouted. ‘See, we are being made the target for their broadside,” ‘ All right.” In a moment the lights were put out, and then commenced one of the most stubborn fights I have ever witnessed. __ , The banditti in full force char us so close that we could see their faces by the flash of their pistols. We had some double-barreled shotguns and poured our fire in on them. Then went at them with revolvers and drove them back. During atemporary lull in the fight Brass, who even in the midst of danger seemed bubbling over with mischief, turned to Professor Drydust and asked: «Are you getting all the diversion you want?” CHAPTER XI. THE STEAM TEAM LOST. THE storm raged with the fight. The rain poured in torrents, and the pistol balls of the banditti rained all about us hike hail. It was so dark that we couid scarcely see. I was crouching behind the corner of the house when, from the whiz of bullets from behind, I was convinced that they had outflanked us. “¢ Brass!’ I called. : ** Here!” ** Are you hit?” “No.” “* Where is Buttons?” ‘* Here.” It was too dark to see my companions and I could only ascertain that they were living by calling to them. I was about to ask for Pro- fessor Drydust when a voice which could not be mistaken, said: “Quite an extraordinary conflict, indeed. Now, if it was only light enough for ore to see I would record the memorable events which are now transpiring, in my journal.” Soon after, the flash of a rifle, followed by a yell from one of oar enemies, convinced us that Prof. Drydust was doing anything else than writing. Drydust was a study for me, I never met with a more pazzling character in all my life. ‘He seemed a fool at times, but he was far from being an idiot. He was brave as a lion, comical as a clown, and shrewd as the shrewdest. For some time I had come to entertain a suspi- cion that his journal business was alla humbug, done for effect. : “ Frank!” a voice Line malt : It was Brass. I recognized his voice. ‘““ What is it, Brass?” ‘* I—I have discovered something.” *< What?” ‘*They are making an attack on the Steam Team.” “ Are they?” we Yoo. ** Well, Brags, I’ve got a new plan now.” ‘¢ What is that?” * Watch from this corner;” I’m going to turn the lights on.” ** He understood what I meant. ‘“* All right, Frank, I'll load both barrels of the shotgun almost fit to burst.” I then crept away in the darkness. It was 30 dark that we could see nothing, and fired only at the flash of pistols or sounds, Several builets had whizzed from tiie backs and sides of the metal steeds, and I knew that the James Boys were under the impression that we were in the wagon. To approach the steam team was dangerous. Bat I managed to reach the step, and quick as lightning I leaped up into the wagon. I lay down just ag a volley of shots fired at very close quarters flew over and against the wagon. Then I began feeling about for the knob to throw on the headlights. 1 found it, and touched it. : Tn a moment a brilliant light was thrown out far across the fleld, over the fence and into the road. We could see the James Boys band in consid- erable numbers massed to ch upon us. The dazzling light thrown so suddenly in their faces blinded them, and they threw their hands up to their eyes. ‘*Now, boys, let them have it,” I cried. Oli, what a yell, and oh, what a volley. We all fired, and poured in a deadly rain of bullets until they were glad Lo get out of our way and run for their lives. They mounted horses, and flew for life. We knew that some of them were hit, and Buttons, who was of a very sanguihe as well as enthusiastic temperament, vowed that he saw some of them lying on the ground badly hurt. “Frank,” said Brass, coming over to my side, ** Well, what, Brass?” “«Hadn’t we better be going?” “J don’t know.” “They have retreated, but it will not be far. How is the steam?” “Low.” “Tl fire up.” At this moment we heard the voices of Jesse and Frank James rallying their men in the dis- tance. ‘‘ Hurry, Brass.” ** Aye, aye.” Brass was an excellent firemar, and he soon had the steam hissing from the boilers. “All aboard,” I whispered, turning off the the light and seizing the reins. ** Aye aye,” Brass whispered. * Are we all aboard?” “Yes.” It was too dark to see, and I was so intently listening to the rallying bandits that I did not hear them as they came aboard. ‘* All here,” Buttons answered. I reversed and put on a little steam, « Brass,” I called. “Aye, aye, sir.” ‘Light the lantern and hold it over the back part of the wagon.” ; “All right.” He did so. ‘Now keep a close watch, und if you see dan- ger ahead, or rather behind, let me know,” for we were backing out of our dangerous position. “ All right.” : ‘*Won't they see the light,” whispered But- ons. ‘No, the steam team is between them and the light.” It had ceased raining, but the roads were muddy and slippery. The steam horses were so skillfully made that they raised and put down their feet softly when moving slow. Backward, slowly backward step by step, we moved every moment, increasing the distance between our enemies, and they knowing nothing about it. ; In this way we moved backward over a hill and came to a small level bit of ground covered with grass only. . ret i d Here I ally swun wy: bd tues and throwing on the electric fie! t, which lit up the orn ahead of us, went flying away from our en- emies. We ran about ten miles and: then Hanis ‘to a
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FRANK READE, THE INVEN 16 halt. We concluded that it would be best to re- main on the prairie all night. So we left one on guard and the others asleep. We were very tired and hungry. When morning came we saw a little town | about five miles away and put our metal horses | in motion heading for it. It was not long until we reached it, when we bought and stored away provisions enough to last us several days, per- haps a week or two. | Everybody turned out to see the wonderful | steam team. Ali bad heard of it, and everybody wanted to see it. We remained only an hour in town, and then i fell there was a stream of fine cold water boiling out of the stones near. What a lovely place to camp it was, ** Boys, get out; we will all stretch our limbs on the ground,” J] said. ‘Allright. J am glad of that, ” cried Brass. ‘My legs are growing round like barrel hoops,” growled the professor, as he leaped out on the ground. **Come, be lively, Brass, spread the cloth,” iil ei y ail aa ea Fx f Le i TOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. ** Well, don’t put on any more coal. Let the | calculated to fill any one with amazement if not | steam die down a little.” fear. ‘I will.” The Steam Team was acting strangely. We had halted near a lonely little grove, and It seemed that Buttons had made a mistake, and instead of opening the escape valve, he had started the machinery. Tue horses had lunged forward under the powerful pressure of steam and Buttons who was standing witli one foot on the hub guard of tke fore wheel, and leaning forward for the purpose of opening the valve lost his hold and fell back upon the ground. The steam team leaped forward at incredible speed. I saw the danger and shouted: ‘* Brass, Brass, stop them!” Jesse sat on the seat a conspicuous figure, and I was thinking very strongly about trying a shot at him, when suddenly & two-pound cannon ball came whizzing close to my head. accurding to the opinion of Professor Drydust, an opinion which he took great pains to record in his journal, we started of in a south eastern —— as the most direct course to Bob Al- ens. When it grew late, we came to a halt for dinner. I had been sleeping, and the driving had been intrusted to Buttons. Butions, perhaps, knew less about the machine than any one in our party. Even Professor Drydust, who would insist on being with us, had some idea of machinery, and he soon learned how to manage the steam team, as the management of it was quite easy, for it was not at all complicated. When we stopped, Buttons had steam up to the very highest pitch. oe Buttons, what do you mean?" I asked. *“*T don’t know why you ask me tbat,” he answered. ** Why have you got the fire up so strong?” “To keep the machine going.” ‘* Well, you’ve got entirely too much steam on.” **T thought it was about right.” “ You'll blow us up one of these days.” “Well, 1 don’t know much about it,” he answered, He need not have said that, for any one could ee at a glance that he didn’t. said I. “TI will go up on the hill and take a look about to see if the enemy are in sight.” * All right.” ‘‘T'll help you,” said Drydust. “ Come on, old fellow.” “ You'll think f'm not such a bad fellow after all,” remarked Drydust, with an effort to con- ciliate Brass, whom he had come to look upon as a sort of general enemy. ‘* No, if you would quit talking about your journal.” Now Mr. Brass, let me argue the point with you. Don’t you think that a journal is a pretty good thing after all?” ** Yes, but when one makes it a hobby, it be- comes a bore.” I had gone but a few paces up the hill when [ saw that the steam was pretty high and turning to Buttons, I said: ‘*Go and raise the gage and let the steam es- cape, Buttons. We have too much on.” ** All right, I will,” he answered. Then I turned about and went on up the hill. Reaching the crest I raised my field glasses and swept the horizon far around, but could see 00 one save a few hunters away to the south about six miles from us. I was still gazing around in every direction when suddenly T heard a wild yell in the direc- tion of our little camp accompanied by a sudden hissing and snorting. I wheeled about and the sight was one well! Brass was kneeling down spreading outa cloth on which to put our dinner, and Prof. Drydust was at his side. ‘*Be quick!” I yelled. They both started to their feet in a moment, and Brass ran away after the runaways, while Prof. Drydust put his hands to his side, and with his old plug hat well on the back of his head, leaned backward and cried: ** Woa!” Notwithstanding our position was a decidedly critical one the professor cut such a comical fig- st that I roared with laughter. I could not help it. Brass was running at full speed, could he do against steam legs and Steel? “It’s no use, Brass!” I called, for I saw he could not catch them. 1 ran down to where Buttons lay, just where he had been thrown. Traised him in my arms and asked: “ Are you hurt?” There was no answer. ‘* Buttons—Buttons, can’t you speak? you speak?” But Buttons was still silent. I raised him higher and laid him on the grags. Drydust, who had not as completely lost his presence of mind as [ thought, now came up with a tin cap of water, which he dashed on the face of the insensible ma”. bat what muscles of Won't
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FR He had only had the breath knocked out of bis body, and really had no very severe injuries. Tn a few moments he was all right again. ** Well, he’s alive, Mr. Reade; he’s not dead!” cried Drydust. I was now giving all my attention to the run- | the column of smoke rising. aways. Like the wind they were speeding across tne prairie, anc I expected every moment to see them fall and kick themselves to pieces. But they kept on. Sometimes one horse struck an ant knoll, Which caused it to halt a little, shoving the Other ahead, and this caused the machine to turn a little. Iwas glad of this, for I saw that they were ANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. Li | | ] * Veg . “Well, Mr. team?” “It has run away,” I said, pointing across the prairie, where, far in the distance, could be seen xy. “There is where the steam team disappeared,” I said. ‘On, Lam so sorry,” began Buttons. “That wort do any good,” said the fessor, who seemed to have suddenly changed into quite a different man. “ What are we to do?’ ‘* Why, follow it up. Even a steam horse will run itself down after a while.” Brass, who was not a little astonished at the Reade, what about your steam pro- been | ———__— ** A hundred hopes.” ** But the steam team whicli ran away—disap- ppeared over the bill and is now ovt of sight. Not even the smoke can be seen,” sighed But- tuns. ** There are a thousand ways if might stop.” «Tell me one.” * Stick in the mad.” & You? * Upset.” ** Not probable.” **Run against a tree.” “That's probuble.” “Tt might be ditched.” “Yee.” l inl ¢ a ia “T iI ] Sy I brought the steam team about with the rear of the wagon toward the house, and began slowly backing. “« They see us now.” ‘Ay, they do, and by jingo they are all getting on their feet. We have them all round now.’ earnest manner of the professor, and who had] “Or stick in a badger hole.” liable soon to get turned apart, and might come - tha ra not believed him capable of anything save writ- ‘That's true, toward ns again or run around in a circle. “Tt’s no use,” said Brass, returning to us and Shaking his head ruefully; ‘‘ the thing is run- bing away, and there is not a man or beast able to keep up with or overtake it.” “Tt has on a full head of steam.” “ Yes.” **Maybe it will get stuck again,” said Profes- sor Drydust. **No danger of such good luck,” said Brass, Who was very angry at Buttons, **Tt was all Buttons’ fault,” he growled. * Never mind——” I began. “But I do mind.” it a Never mind, I say. Buttons could not help it.” ‘**F tell you he could. If Buttons had given the attention to the steam team he oaghtto have one be would not have allowed it to have on Such a bursting head of steam as it did, and then an idiot who doesn’t know the distance be- tween an escape valve and 2 power valve ought to never be allowed to run an engine.” ““No; bush. He was hurt, and is just coming to his senses,” I said. _ We could see the steam team like a speck fly- ing over the prairie. Now it disappears, and we See it no more, but above tle horizon a cloud of smoke tells us where it is. ‘There, he’s all right now, Ain’t you all right, Mr. Buttons?” we heard the professor say. ing in his journal, turned to the quaint old fellow and said: ‘* Had n’t you better write it down in your journal, or did you leave that vaiuable document ip the wagon.” The professor smiled and said: ‘‘T never intrust so precious a document as my journal out of my sight.” ** Don’t you?” ‘« No, but we have not time now even fo record thé thcughts that breathe and words that burn within us. Let us after the wild fiery horses.” In a few moments we had shouldered our rifles and were hurrying away over the prairie. ‘How far witl it go before the steam gives out?” asked Brass. “That is owing to circumstances.” ** Well, about how far?” ‘*A hundred miles,” I answered and we hurried on in our hopeless, search after the lost steam team. Even the smoke had now dissap- peared, CHAPTER XII. PROF, DRYDUST AS A MARKSMAN. “ Aut hope is;gone,” sighed Buttons, who was in deep despair over the loss of the steam team. “No, it's not,” urged the professor. ‘* What hope have we?” “Now, Mr. Buttons, I have suggested some of the thousand ways, but my breath is entirely too precious for me to give all of them. You must yourself think of the others.” ‘* Well, I haven’t time.” “Neither have IL” ‘‘It was lucky we put the guns out on the grass,” said Brass. ** Yes, we may be run down by the banditti at any moment,” I answered. We traveled on for some time, eating the cold provisions which we had spread out for a lunch- eon, and we walked. Prof. Drydust’s long legs stood him in good need, as with his old battered hat on bis head he took tre lead. “Mr, Reade,” he suddenly said. ** Well, professor?” ‘ T see the smoke again.” ** So do I,” said Brags. ** And I,” put in Buttons. ** She has stopped,” added Brass. ‘ I now raised my field glass and took a long and careful survey of the prairie. Yes, there, far in the distance, could be seen the smoke of the vanished steam team. “«What do you beheve about it, Mr. Reade?” asked the professor. “Tt is not going away from us,” I answered. * T fear ‘t has upset, burst the- boiler. or——”
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\FAMe ME, ca ™ « * ‘ 18 FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. «But, Mr. Reade,” interraptee the professor, “ifthe boiler had burst, would there be any smoke?” «There are two boilers,” I answered. ‘‘ One might explode and the other remain intact, in which case there might be smoke.” «« Yes, so I see.” We traveled on for a few moments, when Brass said: ‘It seems to me that that smoke is getting plainer.” ‘* Seems to me that way,” said Buttons. «« Yes, and nearer.” “ Of course it’s nearer, Brass, for we are go- ing toward it.” * But we are not going rapid enough to make it get so much nearer——” “ By jovel” cried Buttons, “ she’s coming this Way.” “ Ob, impossible,” said Brass. ‘‘ Coming this ‘Way, nonsense.” « But see for yourself; that smoke and steam is a great deal nearer than it was.” «+ Of- course.” ‘*Hold!” cried the professor. theory.” <3 What is it?” Brass asked. : «« By some means the machine, and a wonder- ful machine it is, has got turned around, and is coming back on the back track. «« But that machine, when not guided by some hand, will go right ahead in one straight direc- tion,” answered Brass. “Sure enough, such is the tendency if it has no outward opposition. But who can say what obstractions the steam team has met with in its mad career. Something may have turned i: completely about and is sending it this way, or rather it is sending iteelf this way.” _ «There is no doubt,” I now said, “ but that it is coming back this way, though what is the oceasion of its coming, I can’t pretend to say. It is possible that it might have got turned aronnd.” On in its wild flight came the steam team. “T have a The smoke grew plainer, and at lest a speck ap- | peared on the plain. w larger. “Tt is the “Well——”- Buttons raised his hand and scratched his head. When a man gets led for an answer, he usually resorts to scratehing his head, as though scratching his head would help bim to think. “Yes,” I put in at this moment. ‘I want to ss you, Buttons, how you are going to stop “As it is coming this way, gentlemen,” said Drydust, “and as it will certainly be Professor here before long, I see no occasion why we should go to meet it. Let us save our strength.” “He is wise,” I “Let us sit down and wait.” We sat down. a We won't have to wait long, I am thinking,” Brass. is ‘No, she’s coming at a two-forty rate,” put in Battons. “Mr. Reade,” said Professor Drydust, ee bis journal from his capacious coat pocket, ‘* di yon save your diary?” * Yes. Ms “Hadn't we better record the brilliant thoughts which flit through our minds?” “Tam thinking we had as well.” “ All right.” Ihad my diary in my pocket, for a wonder, for I usually keep it in a sheet iron box which is water-tight, so thut in case it should get lost, it will be as dry and in as good condition fifty years hence as when first completed. “Tt is coming fast,” Ih Brass say. I looked up, and now saw the steam team coming directly toward us. « Battons, did you ever hear the story of the were ship?” Brass asked. *¢ No.” - “That thing pats me ep of it” oo “What is @ phantom ship #4 ghost ship. - 38h I don’t believe it.” 4? ~CNener do 1, batit’s a nice little story “Ob, you don’t want to hear it.” “Yes, Ido.” - 7 ! 1 Said you didn’t believe in ghosts.” ‘Maybe I don’t, but that don’t prevent me from wanting to hear something about them.” ~ **Do you want to hear real bad?” ‘ Yes.” ‘Well, let me see. I'll tell you.” ‘* Go ahead. ‘*The phantom ship was a ship called the Fly- ing Dutchman, and the captain, who was a man somewhat addicted to hot punch and swearing, got mad at the wind one day because it wouldn’t blow to suit him and carry -his vessel around Cape of Good Hope; afd it is said he used some pretty strong language. He talked in such strong terms and used such adjectives that the atmosphere grew blue, and was’ a very strong odor of brimstone——" ‘He was using brimstone talk, 1 guess.” “ Well, the bards report that about the case.” “Goon. I don’t want to iuterrupt you.” | ‘Are you interested?” ‘‘T am not quite asleep.” “ Well the captain said he would go around the cape or weather the cape if he beat about those seas until the day of judgment.” «Did he do it.” ia No. ” ‘* What did he do.” : “ Why, he bad no sooner made that terrible oath than he saw in the skies great red letters which said, **Doomed!’ Then they all turned to ghosts.” “Who?” “The captain and crew.” «Captain and crew.” “Yes, from that moment they were only shadows.” ** And the ship?” «Jt turned to a ghost too.” **Oh, nonsense.” *Tt’s a fact.” “Why, before you commenced you said the story wasn’t true.” «It's a fact, as a part of the story: Aceord- ing to the way the story is told, it turned to a shadow, and it’s never seen except just before a storm. Then the wind whistles through its hostly rigging, and whatever ship sees it sinks. ivs always trying to round the cape but it never does.” “Why don’t it?” * Tt can’t.” **Why can't it?” - “The punishment on captain and crew is that it must beat about those seas until the day of judgment. safe «*So she still beats?” “ce Yes.” ‘Well, here comes our gallant bark.” The steam team was now so near we could hear the loud puffing and snorting of the horses of metal. I rose to my feet and cried: “Professor, put up your journal, here she comes.” The steam team thundered on like a pair of mad chargers. **Woa, won, woa!l” yelled the professor wav- ing his journal before them. ‘*Head ’em off, ‘em. In his excitement the old fellow could hardly believe the metal horses were not alive and would not obey him to stop. I laughed. ; “ You can’t stop the machine!” I cried. ‘It’s no use to try.” ‘* Why, what ails the fools?” ** Steam is up.” He was directly before them, and for fear the steam team might ran over him, I pulled him relay and the wonderful machine went thunder - ng on. rass made a leap at the wagon as it passed, but failed to catch on. ° Tie steam was' going ata very rapid rate, but I was convinced from the manner in which it puffed along up the hill, that the steam was run- ning low. Brass, who had an excellent idea of machinery‘ | was of the same opinion. «The steam is getting low,” he said, “though she runs at a pretty good rate yet.” oe Yes.” ‘« How long can she keep that up?” **T can’t Say.” ° ‘*Not many hours?” : “No, but they may ran many miles yet.” “¢ Oh, for another mud hole!” sighed Buttons, But the steam team disappeared in the south, and we followed on after it. I was more hopeful now, for if it merely run itself down without any accident, we could fol- culty. I took the lead and the others followed. / ’ t i low on its track and find it without any diffi- | - Going over the hill we saw before us three sol- itary trees standing on the plain. Those lone trees were like so many solitary sentinels. Scarce had we discovered them ere we heard a yell on our left. “Look!” cried Buttons. “The James Boys!” There were seven horsemen armed with rifles and revolvers, and all came galloping down to- ward us. I saw at a glance that our only hope of escape lay in reaching cover of the lone trees, “To the trees!” I shouted. “a Aye, aye!” Away we flew. Again did the professor's long legs stand him in good play. He flew along at some distance ahead of me, and gaining the trees first sprang bebind one of them. Crack t Crack! A pair of rifles rang out in our rear. Whiz! Zip! Bullets came frightfully close to my ears. One struck the ground just at my side and sent the dust in my face. ‘“*Shoot, Drydust. Why don’t you shoot?” erled Brass. “Tam an accurate marksman,” said Drydust, ‘‘and I never draw trigger until I am sure of my game.” «Well, here we are,” said I as we all reached the lone trees and came to a halt. A bullet ripped off a piece of bark just above mon, how I wish I long ““Qh, how I w had m -range rifle that we lost,” I said. 7 ni «7 do too,” put in Brass Buttons was too badly blown to shoot accu- rately, but he was quick and nervous and would not wait. He blazed away and missed. «There, Buttons, you are a shot gone,” said Brass. w Well, gontlowen, lead is pleuaiidl, very “« Well, tlemen, is plenti Jen- tifal,” put in Professor eaten et texing matters quite cool. ‘It is more plentiful than the reputation of a good marksman.” **So you are not going to play the part of a bad marksman, eh?” said Brass, whe was ex- sre ne his gun to assure himself it was all right. ue Re... Now ye never saw me shoot, did you?” o oO. “ Well, when eo—” “What then.” ‘*When you do, you'll hear something drop.” hs ae te d the old fellow compressed rass lau , and the o his lips and winked a humorous wink. Brass blazed away and missed. I fired and wounded a man, though the dis- tance was too great yet to make shooting accu- rate. : «« Now just watch some one do it scientifical- ly,” cried the professor. He laid his gun against the side of a tree and took a deliberate aim. For a few moments all was silence. Then his fi touched the trigger. ! k Sharp and keen rang out the report. Then without shout or groan one of the horsemen fell limp and. lifeless to the ground, and lay welter- ing his dlood. © That’s the way to do; now the next thing !s to record it in my journal. Now, boys, let me give you a bit of advice, and that is ab re- cord all important incidents in your journal.” ** Yes. it’s a good idea,” I answered. Then you have them for future reference.” : ‘« Hello, they are going off,” cried Brass, “ Got enongh of this.” ~ So it seems.” They are picking up the fellow the professor hit and are carrying him away.” ‘* By the way he lies across the horse I guess he is done fur.” ** So it seems.” ‘'Tney are going.” - “ What does it mean?” 2 It means they bave got of my skill. They don’t care to risk another shot from Prof. Drydust the marksman,” and with a quiet chuckle the old man reloaded his rifle. -
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EK . cried B FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. } Eee Aa ee 19 CHAPTER XIII. UNHINGED. ** WELL, that little event is over,” said Brass; “suppose we be moving. *« No. iv’s not over,” cried the professor. ‘* Not over.” No.” “* Why not? They are in full flight.” “Yes, but it is not over until the principal events have been recorded in my——” «Go ahead.” Brass threw himse!f on the ground at the foot of the tree very much like a man who is resigned to his fate. : The professor then began to carefully write down the chief incidents in the conflict. When he had finished and I had also. recorded them in my diary, I called all to come on. “ We'll be going now,” I said. * All right. All day we traveled in the track of the steam team, and when night came had seen nothing of it. But we camped for the night, and after partaking of some cold provisions which we had had the foresight to put in our pockets, placed a guard, and the others went to sleep on the ground. Buttons was the first guard. We had scarce got to sleep, when he came to me and whispered: « ‘ Wake up.” I am not a heavy sleeper, and ina moment my eyes were open. “What is it?” I asked. “**T don’t know.” “ Is there danger?” **T don't know.” “€ What did you wake me for?” **T think it would be better for us if we were all awake.” Bes ; “* Well—wake the others—but no, hold——” * Well?” ‘* Have you seen anything?” os Yes.” 4 * A ghost?” **T don’t know,” ~ “ What was it like?” i “There was something moving through the grass, and it had eyes like fire.” : Buttons had never been on the prairie before, for I had engaged him © raw New Yorker unac- customed to prairie life. Fi * Well, Buttons, don’t be alarmed.” **T want to shoot it.” **You may.” “Thought I’d better wake you first.” “That's all right.” “Hadn’t I better wake the others?” *« Your gun will wake them. Where was it?” He pointed off to the south where the ground was a little higher. “Ts your gun loaded?” Pe te poems What f Soeigon. as if I did D ways keep my gun lo “* Well, I didn’t know.” ‘Well, I do.” Then he took two or three steps and sat down on the ground, his gun across his knees. I threw on a few more buffalo chips to make the fire brighter, for I had an idea what it was tbat had alarmed him. It blazed up and from the hill above I saw a something creeping, cau- tiously creeping along the ground. It didn’t make any noise and shadow. seemed like a From the position I had I saw a pair of bright }. and shining orbs. They gleamed like living coals of fire and I knew what it was. Slowly and cautiously it advanced. Sometimes it dipped down below the grass so that it could not be seen ac all. _ At last I saw Buttons raise his rifle to his shoulder. ‘ His eye glanced along the barrel a moment, and then— ; Crack! A flash of fire, ringing echoes, and something very like a whine wes heard. then a spasmodic in the grass. ¢ “<What—what—what’s the matter?” roared “What's up?” shouted the professor.” ‘Nothing is up. Something went down!” attons. oc taP up ina dozen places. 7em, I ever seed. 0’ the evenin’, mister. down to eat our supper w’en [ heerd a kind uva screechin’ an’ jinglin’ uv chains. Then I looked at wife, an’ wife she jist looked turns kinder white, an’ so did I. an’ went ter the winder an’ looked out.” corp side an’ went snortin’ on, him we co! “Tt was a coyote—a prairie wolf—sneaking up heré to steal some food.” This proved to be correct, for we found the wolf with a bullet through his brain. ‘*That’s a wretched poor excuse for waking a fellow!” growled Brass. “T had no wish to wake you,” Buttons re- sponded. ‘All I wanted was to shoot the wolf.” * Couldn’t you do it without making so much noise?” “Blame the gun, not me,” ‘* Well, you’ve killed your coyote; now let us have no more disturbance.” “Go to sleep, all of you,” said I. ** I will re- main on guard for two or three hours.” The night passed without any other adventure worthy of note. Next morning, at early dawn, we were again on our jonrney after the steam team. The trail was easily followed, for the grass and weeds were broken down, and the road cut , I was now pretty confi- dent that we should come on to the machine be- fore nightfall. We came to some houses where a small settle- ment had pushed its way out on the frontier, and found a plowed fleld across which the team had sped, tearing its way through a wire fence. I saw a man gazing ruefully at the trail made by the passage of my great invention. He was an ignorant frontier farmer, and when I asked: ‘*Did you see a steam ‘team pass this way?’ actually did not know to what I allnded. «IT saw suthin’ strange,” he growled, ‘but I guess it war old nick.” ** What was it like?” A *« A pair o’ the biggest hosses, with silver on They snorted fire, an’ jist look wot they done.” And he pointed to his shattered fence and newly hoed corn trampled down by the steam m. ““When did you see them?” The old fellow looked up at the sun, and turned his eyes first in one direction and then the other. At last he said: ‘*Wall, guess it war wall on inter the shank Wife an’ I hed jist sot at me. She Wall, I got up “**Great Scott!’ sez I. ««* Wot's ther matter?’ sez she. *<Tt air Old Nick? ‘¢ + Where?’ «*Comin’ right across the prairie.’ *«*Lem me see.’ *€*Come ter the door.’ “ Well; we both ran ter ‘the door an’ looked |° out. “ Blest ef thar didn’t come them air fire snortin’ horses and jist plunge whack through the fence as though them air wires what u’d turn 2 Texas steer war rotten twine. An’ they went across my corn a-slingin’ the dirt on young right an’ left. They smashed out on Uother Thar war some dry 3 On Vother side an’ it sot it all on fire, and sich a burnin’ and sich a time yer never seed. ** Well, stranger, the thing, wotever it war, war gone,” and he pointed oz the trail, which was now plain enough to be seen. We had got about al! the information from and pressed on. Next we met a boy. «« Did yousee horses of fire,” Iasked, “ pulling a wagon?” “* Wall, I did.” “« When?” -¢ Last night.” « Did they scare you?” ‘““Skeer me. Wall now, mister, I'll say this ere much ter you. I’m not usually very easy skeered, yer know.» I’ve fi't Injuns and all them things. Shot a painter once down on Painter crick, and fit more rattle snakes ’n ye could shakea stick at in er week, but I'm biamed if that air thing didn’t jist take the starch out o” 2. ‘What did you do?” asked Brass. f * Do! goodness! why I jist ran and ran.” a ae “ee i) till Soe ees - “You didn’t <¢ Nany, t0ts't 4.x) ee AR a len na tenga 7 oO. 5 “ Where are you going now?” no; I didn’t know whar I war goin’ | es “* Wall, I thort I’d jist sneak back hum, yer know, an’ see if the blamed thing war gone.” . We went on, and the boy, I suppose, went home. From all we could learn, in answer to our in- quiries, the Steam Team ran down into some low lands, and we would probably find it fast in the mud, or, what I most feared, in some creek. Fortunately for the safety of my wonderful in- vention there were few creeks in this part of the country, and it was possible that it might run until the steam was exhausted before it would run into one. It was nearly dusk when we came upon a par- ty of farmers who were armed with rifles and pistols. ‘*Hold on thar, stranger,” said one of them. ** Who are you?” I asked. **T am the constable in this ’ere deestrict.” Oh, are you?” “Guess Iam. I war elected the constable.” **What do you want with us, Mr. Constable?” “Guess we’re goin’ to hev a scrimmage.” “A fight?” “That's it.” * With whom?” “Don know ’em, stranger, but they air hoss- thieves.” I turned to Brass'and whispered: ‘* Maybe it’s the James Boys.” “PH bet it is.” “ — they want us to help them.” “ ves,” Then I turned to the constable and said: ‘Well, my friend, what do you want with us?” **T want you ter help us.” ‘Capture the horse-thieves?” “Captar’ or kill ’em, it’s erbout all ther same thing ter us. Ye look like fellers wot ain’t afeered 0’ powder.” *“*We have all been in conflicts, and are not afraid of powder,” I answered. ‘‘ Where are your horse-thieves?” ** Down in the old stun’ house.” «© Where?” ‘* Down under the bill.” ** How far away?” ***Bout a mile.” And he pointed off to our left. I discovered by the course indicated by his finger that the house would not take us a great dis‘ance ont of our way. e ’ ** Boys, we'll go,” I said. ** All right,” all assented. “Now how do you know they are in that old stone house?” “Oh, bekase we've got ’em hemmed up thar.” “Have you?” “e Yes.” ** How long since?” ** Since mornin’.” ‘* And have you a guard around the house?” “ Yes.” “You are quite sure?” «JT know it.” ** And they have not got out?” “No, an’ we can’t git in. Ef it warn’t fur ther big door, yer know, we mought git in, but we can’t unhinge that.’’ * We'll agree to unhinge it for you.” “Good. Come on.” Then we hurried down to the hill. “Now look out, you fellers wot don’t know anything erbout it. see that ar place whar ther road turns down tke bili an’ yer kin see some white clay and dust?” «Yes, we see it.” *€ Wall, sir, right thar’s whar ye’ll hev trouble.” “How?” “They’ve got their ae yer git thar they'll begin ter pour in hot shot.” ** How’ll we do to avoid their raking fire?” ‘* Rakin’ fire—yas, that’s what I it. Why, run. *Tain’t twenty jumps, yer know, until yer out 0’ sight 0’ them in the bushes, an’ ef a feller’s — erouff he’ll git out o’ danger afore he kin it.” ‘« Bear that in mind,” said I to the men. “Wait a moment, Mr. Reade, I deem it neces- sary to record this in my journal.” _ *“Oh, wait antil we get over,” said Brass. ‘* Well now, Mr. Brass, that might all do very well if I ever got over, but perhaps 1 might never. ns sighted on it, an’
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20 FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM THAM. that I can write any more’in this journal until I _ get over that bald spot of ground, and then I may not feel like it.” ‘* Well, have you done?” I asked. _ I’ve finished,” he said. “* Who will be first to make the jump?” ** J will,” said Brass. ‘*Goin a hurry when you start.” *«T will—good-bye!” He turned about and shook hands with all of us, and then holding his rifle in his hand ran at full speed up the barren spot and made a tre- mendous leap. He touched the ground only to make another spripg and was quickly over. Crack! Crack! Two shots cut up the dust behind him. It would be more dangerous for the next and the next. So T called on a volunteer. Prof. Drydust, with his face as solemn as_ever, said he would try it. Holding his rifle, he ran up the barren spot and leaped half way across at one bound. Half a dozen shots rang out as be fled, and one of them chipped a corner off his beloved journal, which so enraged the professor that he vowed he would be revenged. I went next and a bullet cut a small place on the stock of my rifle. It was not long before we all got over, and beyond a small scratch on one of the farmer’s shoulders no man was hurt. «« How many are in the house?” I asked. There was a difference of opinion on that. “T doubt thar air but five,” the constable an- swered, ‘‘ though some on’em say thar air ten.” “Ten?” “ Yes.” ‘ ‘¢ Well, how many men have you here?” ‘* Sixteen now’n all, besides you ’uns,” We four would make twenty. _ I then informed the farmer that we had tray- eled all day without food, and he sent a boy off to the house for some food for us. We sat down among some bushes and waited for tke boy to bring us our food, It came at last, and we made a hearty meal. By this time the gun had set, and it was growe ing quite dark. ** Now, boys, the first thing to do is to un- hinge the door.” «Can it be done?” asked Brass. “I think so.” '* How?” Weill, [am not prepared just yet to state how, but I am going to reconnoiter just as soon as it is a little darker.” “* Don’t do it, Frank,” said Brass. “ Why?’ “ It's too dangerous.” * Ha, ha, old boy, nothing is too- dangerous when it comes Lo capturing the James Boys.” ‘Oh, yes, if you want to die, you know, you couldn’t die in a better cause,” said the profes- sor. ‘* Now,” he added. a moment later, “ that is a brilliant thought, and I will just record it in my journal.” And then he wrote it down. As soon as it was quite dark I began crawling up to the door. The house was up on the hillside, and the hill- side was covered with bushes and trees and stones. Slowly and cautiously I wound my way epee eee about among the bushes and stones trees nnotil I was at the front great porch and halted. ~ I could now hear the men inside talking. I crawled up to the great door and began feel- ing in my et for a steel bit and small brace. Being an inventor and machinist as well, I have formed the habit of carrying some small tools . in my pocket. These tools which I carried were exceedingly inate they never heard it, for they were talklng and erin Sag little noise, ~ As y as was possible I scooped out some ge. Then 1 slipped the chisel under it and pushed up the wire wh the two hinges to- er unlil I had actually drawn it out. t bang sia btm gy was yt tage to stand ost against door. sus- pected I waa outside there, they would have poure’l a volley on me. a ated and by all odds the most . It task ever attempted, was accom. fell. There was a v How was I to get it down? CHAPTER XIV. THE STEAM TEAM FOUND. A Lucky thought at last came to me. I hail, among other things in my pocket, a screw witha ring on the end, and I Sored the screw into the door. Then [ fastened a strong bit of twine- cord to the ring and crawled away with the string, unwinding as { went. Slowly and cavtiously down the slope, and ev- ery moment exposed to a shot from within. A voice speaking within the house now at- tracted my at.ention, and I came to a halt and listened. “Tt won’t be long,” said one, ‘« Are they coming?” 56 You.” ‘* How do you know?” “T's time.” “«Time for them to come?” ab fo “Ay : You can’t set a time for Jesse James to come.” ‘Well, we can cut our way out just whenever we want to.” : “‘They have reinforcements.” *«T know it.” «IT wonder who they are?” **T don’t know.” “Tt can’t be that terrible Frank Reade?” ‘Frank Reade! No; he travels around in a steam wagon.” ** But did you hear about his steam team?” ** No—what of it?” “It was seen running away.” “ When?” - **Didn’t Dick Little tell you of it?” “No. Is Dick here?” “ Yes, down in the cellar making hand gre- es. ** What cid Dick say?” ** Dick said he saw a great smoke coming orer the prairie yesterday, snd soon saw it was the steam team. Then he rode his horse into a thick- et to hide, for Frank Reade and his two detect- ives are dead shots.” “Yes, and that old long haired professor sends a bullet entirely too straight to be comfortable.” ‘He can.” : = But go on, and tell us all about what he ** Well, you see, the thicket in which Dick was hiding was a sort of upland, you know, and he could see down into the wagon as it passed un- der him,” “And did he?” “ ? ‘* What did he see?” ‘There wasn’t a soulin or about the steam team. It was just running away of itsown ac- cord.” Then I heard a prolonged whistle, and some one asked: «What had become of ail of them?” ‘That no one knows,” was the answer. ‘“ They had all gone. Dick is certain they were not in the steam wagon nor about it.” 1 waited to hear no more, but crept on down the bill, playing out the cord until I reached my companions under the hill. ** Frank, Frank, is it vou%’ asked Braas. ay Yes.” ‘ ** All right?” “Tam all right,” [ answered. ** What have you done?” ‘Unhinged door,” I answered, ‘‘ Now get all the men ready for a charge, and I will pull it down, and we will go in on them at a me “All right; we will have them ready in a few moments. While Brass and Buttons, assisted by the con- stable, were getting the storming party ready for a charge, I heard in the distance the thunder of horses’ feet. «What does that mean?” I asked of Professor Drydusi, who was at my side. “Tt means horsemen are coming.” “Yes, and a few of them at that,” I answered. _ Then I remembered the conversation I had overheard in the house, and I knew now what it meant. . ‘Tt is the James Boys coming with reinforce- ments, professor,” I said. “ Maybe.” Then there was no time for delay. “H up! everybody be ready to storm be- fore reinforcements come!” I shouted. ‘ Now, ready! One—two—three!” ; with a crash the door , & rush, another volley, fire and smoke, groans and falling bocles. fee ont 5h 0 Sa 2 ee ae ew ee a ee | eee a a Men scattered in every direction, seeking shelter from the rain of death about them. I tried to rally them and partly succeeded, when suddenly there burst on us, like a mighty ava- lanche, a body of horsemen. Shooting right aud left and yelling like de- mons. Men were knocked down and trampled on by the horses. I saw in a moment that all was lost, and seizing Brass by the hand [ ran with him back down the hill. When I reached the foot of the hill I looked back. Some one was coming. se ee comes there?’ I cried. oe e.” The voice was familiar, and I had no trouble in recognizing the tall, lank form of the profes- sor, who was dragging after him a no less per- sonage that Buttons. “Ts Buttons hurt?” I asked. «No,” he answered. ‘*Is Brass hurt?” asked Buttons, ‘*No,” Brass answered. ‘Well, boys, the jig is up, so far as storming that stone house is concerned,” I said. “Yes, and the jig is almost up with us,” cried Buttens. “T would suggest, Mr. Reade,” said the pro- fessor, ‘that we are not as safe here as sheep in the fold.” ‘No, and we will get out of here just as soon as we can,” I answered. ‘«The sooner the better,” returned Brass. “1 would like to kill a dozen or two of those Zellows before I go,” said Buttons. “Yes, but they might object,” returned Brass. ‘*Very well put in,” returned the professor. «¢Suppose we put out,” added Buttons. We ran down the creek bank for a few rods and were about to cross on the other side, when on looking up I discovered a sentry sitting there on his horss with a Winchester rifle. “Tt won’t do,” I whispered. Then we ran through the thicket trying to make our way back up to the house. We gained a grassy mound about a fourth of a mile from the stone house and here paused to look back. Ah, what a scene of desolation and destruction was behind us. The constant cracking of fire-arms was accom- panied by the yells of victims. ‘Oh, how they are shooting down the poor wretches,” sighed Brass. ‘ ** So they are,” answered Buttons. ‘*It would have been our fate but for the won- derfual forethought and sagacity of Mr. Reade,” put in Professor Drydust. ‘ Really [ must de- vote a whole page of my journal to him.” ‘We are not out of the woods yet,” [ return- ed. ‘Let us go to the house back on the road.” “The litthe farm-house we passed?” asked Brass. ‘Yes, it can’t be far from kere.” ‘No, ivs not, The house is just over the hill.” We again started running over the hill, and had Le the crest, when Buttons cried: “Stop!” ‘¢ Whavs the matter, Buttons?” ** Look there.” We all paused and gazed in the direction in- dicated by the finger of Buttons. It certainly was a sight well caiculated to curdle the blood of the beholder. The bright flames were leap- ing up the sides of the house, and licking the roof. ‘* They ore ahead of us, boys,” I said. ““ Yes.” ** What’'ll we do?” “There’s but one way left.” “ What is that?” “Let us get down to the wheat field and craw! through it.” ‘All right, Frank, lead the way,” answered Brass. ‘«We must all keep Logether.” ** We know that.” *¢Come on, then.” ' Down the hill we descended, and burried into the wheat field. Then we began crawling through it. The wheat was tall, and concealed us. At last we were on the other side. “Here is a hill,” said Brass. “So much the better,” I answered. “ Why?” ‘-On the other side we will be out of sight of them.” “That's so.” *¢Then let’s on the other side of it just ag quickly as ble.” We were not long in getting over the bill into the ravine below, and were quite sure we had not been discovered by any of the James Boys.
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FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. 21 “Oh, if we only had the steam team,” sighed Brass, ‘‘ we could then defy them.” “Yes, but we haven’t got it,” I answered. « And they haven’t got it,” put in the profes- sor. ‘That’s a mite of consolation to our poor aching hearts.” : «They wouldn’t have sense enough to run it, even if they had it,” said Brass. “Tdon’t know. Jesse James was making a good stagger at it,” returned Buttons. “He ran it in the mud.” ; © That was because he did not know how to turn on the electric light, and was not able to see his way without it,” I returned. «Suppose he would learn the next time.” « Yes, he would. We all profit by our mis- takes,” I answered. « Now that’s a good word—an excellent word. 1 will just write that down in my journal——” «Not now,” returned Brass. * Well, then, just as soon as an occasion pre- sents itself I will.” ; We had not gone far before I discovered a dark object sweaping over the prairie. My eyes are very keen, and I can see an object a long distance away, even in the night. «“T see something,” I said. «« What is it?” asked the professor. « Yes. your eyes are keen as a hawk’s. Look again, Frank, and tell us what it is that you ” Thad my field glass, but unfortunately it was nota night glass, and did me but very little ‘ood. *‘T can’t make it out just now,” I answered, ** but we will soon know.” “« Why?” a is coming this way, and coming very rap- **Can’t you guess what it is?” *«T would hardly dare venture a guess,” I an- swered, ‘‘ but if I was to do so, I would say that it was a man on horseback.” ; “*4 man on horseback?” oe Yes.” ‘* Then, boys, let’s lay for Lim.” **Hold on, Brass.” x ** Why hold on, are there more?” ‘* No, but-——” Z “Then what harm can it be in shooting down one of the James Boys’ banditti?” « None, if it was one.” ‘‘Tsn’t it one?” « We don't exactly know yet,” I answered. - « We'll find out soor, for | am itching to leave one of them on the grass,” “Tt will be too dark to tell, so let us lay low and capture him.” ’ This plan was agreed upon by all, and we con- sequently Jay down in the grass until the horse- man came up. He was riding from an opposite direction from the stone house, but I believed, nevertheless, that he was one of the James Boys’ gang. He came up until he was almost on, us, and then I sprang up from the grass and caught his _ bridle rein. : In a moment the others were all around him » and had dragged him from the saddle. . But he proved to be only a belated farmer, and he was frightened almost out of his wits by our sudden assault. From him we learned that a wonderful team of horses had run into a wood not over twenty miles away, and that they had not been seen to come out. ; . . He said the horses agi fire and drew a w heavy wagon a! em. des you think the team isin that wood yet?” € T asked. » . . *T believe so.” «It’s ours,” said Brass. + Yes.” ; “Yer team?” cried the am farmer. yer hosses snort fire like that a “Yes. er ~ Great gosh! Please lem me go hum, won't Cer : ‘ fe Sk We let him go and set out to find the steam oe Do forest und then we pursaed our way into it, fol- s : na tae steam team was about half way in the : This was strange, « = “Why don’t they come?” I mentally asked “ You are not enough for a breakfast seuflle for ¢ Se ge ae ae
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22 FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM.” ‘ Perhaps not, but you know the battle is not always for the strong uor the race for the swift.” “T'll be strong and swift enough for you. I will teach you not to come meddling with my affairs, you infernal interloper.” * You thief.” ‘* Thief Iam, but not a meddler.” s “‘T meddle only when in the protection of so- ciety.” It was my design to delay the struggle as long as possible, for if I could only hold out a few moments longer, I was quite sure that some one of my three companions would come Lo my aid. ‘* What’s society to you away back there in New York?” growled Jesse James. ‘+ What do you care fer us here?” * Everything.” “It’s a lie. The railroads and express com- panies care, and you come because they hire youtocome. That's all there is to it.” I made no answer, and Jesse, after waiting for a few moments, added: ** Yes, it’s blood money that brings you here. Ivs blood money—you are hired to kill me just as men are hired to shoot wolves,” and his face grew blacker and ke gnashed his teeth mure fiercely as he glared at me. “« Jesse James, you are not a suitable judge of such matters.” “Tam not?” “ No.” 2 ‘« T have been hounded and bunted year after year for the last fifteen years, Every man’s and is against me. Everybody hates me and I hate everybody for hating me.” * Who began this?” ** Who began it?” be cried, hoarse with rage. “« Yes, who began it but you? Had you never offended any law, no law's minions would ever have been on your trail,” F ** Weil, there is no need to delay this longer,” he cried. ‘‘ Your companions will be returning soon and then I will be at a disadvantage. There will be two to one; let us get to it at once. Let us fight to the death, for I tell you that I am go- ge os kill you. Yes, kill you sure, ha, ba, ha!” ith demoniacal fury be harled himself on me. He had a decided advantage in weight and strength, but I was most. agile of the two, though Jesse James was as active as an acrobat. I managed to keep him at bay for a few mo- ments, and but for an unforeseen event I would have conquered him. Bat at the most interesting momeot of the proceedings I accidentally stepped on the wrench which lay on the ground at my feet, and my foot slipped. : ’ [Thad been clutching-at his throat, and it was telling on his strength, ws aN him, but in vain. Jesse’s face grew black and his knees were tottering. Only a few seconds longer and I would have triumphed over hi:a, but at this un- lucky moment, just on the verge of victory, so slight an incident as the slipping of my foot a single inch caused me to lose my hold on his throat, and in a second he had recovered. cee Ww me. He had turned the tables now, and had me by the throat, and oh, hew wildly, how furiously I tor the advantage I had over ‘ “© Pili kill you now—I'll kill you!” hissed Jesse ‘ames. ‘Everything swam about me, and my eyes dim, and I knew that consciousness was At this moment I heard the ing very slowly, or seemed to I , and talki me to be . Dg. to arma to prevent bis. using was going so fast that be over. A - ‘Frank, it was a close rub.” ‘Yes, very.” ‘* But you are all right?” ‘*Yes. Buttons?” ** What?” ** Where is Brass?” ‘*Hasn’t come with the wood yet.” ** Well, you are the slowest fellows I ever saw.” ‘*No, we are not.” **T have had what to me seemed a seven years fight with Jesse James.” ** Jesse James?” “Yes, Jesse James.” “That man wasn’t Jesse James.” * He was.” **Great guns. I would have shot him dead in his tracks if I had known that.” * “Did you have a’chance?” “Could have done it easily, old boy. I came righ. up behind him while you and he were fight- ing, and [struck him a whack that broke the charm, and sent him flying away through the woods. Had I known it was Jesse James I would have pulled out my revolver and shot him dead in his tracks.” ** Buttons?” ** Yes,” “You have lost the gulden opportunity of your life.” “IT guess I have.” Brass came up a few moments later with the wood. He was amazed to learn that Jesse James had been here during his absence. * Well, if that fellow is lurking around here we can’t get away any too soon,” he said. ** Fire up, Brass. Put in the water, Buttons. Where is Drydust?” ** Here J am.” * Did you catch up with him?” «No, verily, he runs as if he was all springs.” In a few moments we had the steam up. By this time I was fully recovered, and cried: ** All get in.” *““Aye aye,” aud the three faithful fellows climbed into the wagon, and I took my place on the seat. ? ‘* Now, away!” “Up and — cried Brass, as the Steam Team began moving through the wood. CHAPTER XVI. BTORMING THE STONE HOUSE. ‘ {3 it all right?” asked Brass. . ‘ Yes. ” “ Nothing broken?” sO.” , “Nothing lost?” \ ** Not a thing, as I have yet discovered.” ‘Try the headlights and see if they are all O. K. We don’t want to ran into another such a scrape as we did that night.” “ We didn’t run into it, Brass,” putin Buttons, “we only got on the edge of it.” “ Hello!” *¢ What’s the matter, Brass?’ I asked, ‘* Buttons is recovering his wit. The sign isa good one.” ** Rather.” “There isa better sign,” suid Buttons. “ What?” ‘* Recovering the Steam Team.” «Yes, we will all agree with you in that.” ‘Well, Frank, where are you going now?” asked Brass, a8 we ran out of the wood and emerged on the prairie. “*F don’t know exactly,” 1 answered. “I want to find Jesse James now.” “ You found him a bit ago.” . « Yes—but under unfavorable circumstances.” ‘Frank, you have a black eye.” I had been conscious all the while of one of “my eyes growing Jesse larger. had struck me several blows on the face, and they were nearly all telling, as well as swell- ing, blows. My chief satisfaction was that I had given him a few. I stopped the steam team and turning about raised the lid of a small box which I used asa medicine chest. : eS ear * What are you going to do Brass. “I need some repairs,” I answered. ‘‘1 am at be my own surgeon.” Sr by the way, Mr. Reade, I have just fin- the principa, events in my jour- sound- nal, eghl wish patho Four surges: I—I am skill- “ ; . surgeon. » —— said a be excruciating,” put in was his object in doing When he had got my wounds all bound up he “Now, sir, I'll warrant that you will be able for duty. Let me advise you, however, tefore we proceed to any new adventures to have in your diary everytaing recorded that has trans- pired, for chere have been some very remarkable adventures this day.” ‘*We had better discuss what we are to do,” said I. ‘*Well, we will. Now, gentlemen, the meet- ing is culled to order, and we are open for bus- iness. said Professor Drydust. What is the pleasure of this meeting?” **To capture or kill the James Boys,” answer- ed Brass. ‘Do you put that as a motion?” + Yea* **A second to it.” ‘¢ We all second it and it’s carried without a vote,” interrupted Buttons. I laughed at the coolness and drollness_of my companions, and said: “Tt’s all well enough, my friends, to make motions and pass resolutions about the James Boys, bnt they Con’t care a tig for all the resolu- tions we may pass.” “ No.” ‘* What will we do? What plan will we adopt to capture them?” I asked. ‘Let's see. Better find them the first thing,” put in Buttons. ‘The humor of that fellow Is just getting to Brass. For a few moments a silence reigned over the group. At last it was broken by myself. ** Boys,” I said, ‘‘I believe we had as well go back to the stone house.” **Do you think so?” ** Yes.” “Why?” : *“T don’t know, but I have an impression that the James Boys are lingering about it yet.” ‘* Well, we were there,” growleG Prof. Drydust, **and we couldn't effeet anything.” “ We didn’t have that,” said L. “* What?” J pointed to the cannon. “Oh, yes. 1 see now.” “Thats the very thing,” said Brass. ‘We can blow the old stone house down,” * We'll batter down the walls,” put in’Buttons. “T wish we were there now.” “T don’t care to be there unless the James Boys are there. Then we can just play about on the prairie and send balls into the old house at long range. They may charge on us. If they do we can retreat.” “ Yes, faster than their horses can come.” * Let’s go at once.” “‘ Well, Mr. Reade, what assurance have we that we will find the James Boys there when we get there?” asked Professor Drydust. ‘* None.” “Then why go?” ‘‘ What assurance have we of finding them allywhere we may go?” I asked. “None.” ‘¢ Well, then, we might as well go there as anywhere.” “That's so.” “ Then let's go.” ‘* Hold on a moment, let us consider.” “+ What?” «“ How did Jesse omio bere, and what 80 * Well, that’s worthy of considering.” ‘« Did yon see bis horse?” asked Buttons. “T did not,” L answered. «Did you, professort” be ou, professor { dia” ** Where—when?” ** Well, you know where we came upoa you fighting for life?” ** Yes—well, no, I don’t know much about it; fact is, I have a faint es Scag of clmost go- ing under about that time.” “+ Well, I guess you did,” said Dry dust. “You. had a decidedly gone under look. ; “Did I” at “ Yes.” $ - ; y “Well, go ahead.” ’ F “Well, Mr. Buttons here struck blow, a part of which landed on Jesse’s head and sent him spiuning away twenty steps and made him drop his knife, which he was going to | stick in you. Then he ran--—” Ay sie ete me Pee k aid qe? a Come down horse,” mpatiently. “‘Phere wasn’t any need of back to the — rass, Bat heck
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On, I’ve got it all written down in my journal. Now let me turn to it anu read it to you in order to avoid all mistakes. Ah, I tell you, my friends, there is nothing like keepingajournal. Keepa journal and record every event that——” **Please spare us a lecture, professor,” I said, ** Read or tell us about the horse.” “Here, P’ve got it. This is the very page.” And he read: ** And when I had chased him three hundred and twenty-two steps—by exact measurement, for being a very accurate man I counted them off myself—I came in sight of ahorse. It wasa large, black horse, and the stranger so pngilistic- ally inclined was mounting. * «Hold,’said I. ‘Hold, will you. know your name.’ «But he kept on mounting until he mounted. . ** Leave your,card if you haven’t time to give your. name,’ was my next suggestion, all of which was scrupulously unheeded, and wheeling his black horse about, the stranger of pugilistic tendencies galloped away, disappearing from sight over the brow of a most romantically situ- ated hill, down which the tawny blue vault of heaven kissed the verdant earth——” ** Hold!” yelled Brass, ‘that will do! We _ know now that Jesse James had Siroe with him, mounted him and rodeawny. That wasenough, professor. You might have spared us the ' tawny blue vault of heaven kissing the verdant earth.” The professor gazed at him with an injured _air and slowly put up his journal. ‘Well, boys, we had as well go back to the old stone bonse anyway,” said I. ‘It can’t be Stop untill “Then here goes. I drew the reins opening the valves and away we went. The steam horses galloped over the prairie as merrily as if they were real living steeds and out for exercise. l could see a long distance ahead of me and no one was in t. The sun went down with us a few miles from the river on which the stone house was situ- “Let us camp until morning,” said Brass, *¢The moon will rise at midnight,” I answer- ed, ‘‘and we will take advantage of the moon- light to get near the acer ; - ee “That’s a good thou and as go ts are liable to be lost, I will record it in my journal.” We had scarcely got settled in camp before two horsemen rode upto us. On inquiring as to who they were, they answered that they were farmers. ** Do you live near Wolf Branch?” I asked. “ Yes.” “Where?” & Sust a little beyond it.”” _ “ Well, what are ther people doing?" “They are all hidin’ or lookin’ for the James Boys. Where are you fellers goin’?” he asked. “ We are on var way to New York.” Goin’ all the way in that air machine?” Ty Yes.” * “* How lone will it take yer?” “Pour or five days.” _ ~ Will ye git there so soon?” “‘T mean if we were to ran right through. We May have to stop on the way.” “ Yes, I see.” ; They hung about for an hour and went off. 4 “don’t those fellows,” said Brass to me. oF “You didn’t fool ’em one bit.” ' I know I didn’t.” going FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. 23 * Runnin’ away.” “From whom?” ** The James Boysl” ‘The James Boys! Where are they?” I asked. ‘Back at the old stun house. They air all there.” ‘‘What have they been doing?” * Killin’, burnin’ and stealin’,” he answered. “Oh, sir, ye ort ter see that country. Whata country it is! All tore up everywhere. Houses burnt, country ruined, people running away.” ‘* What is about the old stone house that they stay there?” “* What! didn’t ye never hear erbout it?’ “* About what?” “The gold.” **No.” “ Wall, then, yer can’t understand anything at all about it, kin yer?” ‘*T guess not.” ** Til tell yer.” “Do so. . Please lighten my understanding.” . “All right, here goes. Durin’ the war—or rather before the war, a rich old feller came out here, yer know, trom France ur some sich a place and he was as rich as all git out. “They say’t he bad barrels o’ money, and when Quantrell’s band found it out, they deter- mined to come and take his gold. _ He found it out and buried his gold somewhar, every cant on it, and po un knew but hisself an’ son. ‘*Then Quantrell came, and with him came Jesse and Frank James, who war guerrillas then, and guerrillas war just as bad as the robbers air now. Wall, they killed the old man and his bull family, and uo one war ever able ter find the gold, go it’s not been found to this day.” ‘* Ts that what Jesse and Frank James are here for now?” “Yes. They came and took up their abode in the old house, and air diggin’ the old yard all ter pieces ter find it.” ‘* Have they succeeded?” ‘Guess not. They air thar yit.” “*When did you see them last?” “ Jist at daylight. I am runnin’ away from ’em now.” * Are your” “ Yes, **Come and go dack with us.” “ And be killed? Oh, nol” «*But you will not be killed.” ‘‘Jesse and Frank both hate me and would like ter shoot me.” “They can’t catch us. This is my steam m “Oh, air it? Is it what ran through here bustin’ down fences and houses other day? Some thort it war Old Nick broke loose and snortin’ erround. Some said it must be a comet got loose.” **It was only my steam team get in now, and we'll be going. He climbed in the wagon and we set off. As we went flying over the ridge, the roof of the stone house could be seen. We could see a score of men about it, Some were standing, some sitting and some lying on-the ground. Some held horses and some were seated in their saddles. There was no question about their being the James Boys. « Brass —Buttons!” “ Yes.” « Yes,” both answered. «Get the cannon ready.” * All right.” “We are going to storm the old stone house.” « Hurrah for that!” I brough: the steam team about with the rear of the wagon toware the house, and began slowly backing. got loose. Come, Ay, hoe saameag i they are all getting “Ay, 0, y ey are all get on their feet. Ta hans thees-all reent ons? “ We'll rouse them a little better soon.” * Are you ready, Brass?” ** Yes. “Let them have it.” ** Send the bullet at the crowd?” he asked. No—the house.” : us, and continued slowly bagking and{storming: the old stone house with two-pound balls. CHAPTER XVIL DELUSION. One shot struck the tall brick chimney of the stone house near the roof with such force as to send the bricks flying in every directian. “That's afine shot,” I cried, watching the , effect the flying bricks bad on the crowd below. ‘* Remarkable, very remarkable, indeed,” said the professor. ‘‘I will just record that in my journal.” **No need of that,” said Brass. But the old fellow was writing away. “I say, mister, yer going ter hev all ye kin do,” cried the constable. “* Why?” “*Don’t yer see it’s boots and saddles?” an- swered the constable, who had been a cavalry man during the late war. * You mean they are mounting?” * That's just it.” ** Well, we all know jast what that means. So, »oys, look out.” ** You look out for us,” answered Brass. **| will. Can’t you give the old house another shot?” * Better aim at them.” * No, the house.” ‘* But there-isn’t a soul in the house.” ** Aim at the house anyway,” said I, And they leveled the cannon and once more trained it on the house and fired. Boom went the shot andI could see that a bole was knocked right throagh the wall of the old building. Jesse Jumes could be seen mounted on Siroc giving orders to his men. Al:hough I could not hear a word he uttered I could read his designs and knew exactly what he was saying. He was directing his men to deploy ina long tine, to go in two parties to try to flank us. n All were to ride slowly until they were almost upon us and then to cli at full speed right upon us and not stop until they had brought us down, no matter how many of their men fell. All this was as clear as daylight to me and f resolved not to be caught in the net Mr. Jesse James was so carefully spreading for me. “* Boys, load all the guns,” said I. “They are loaded,” said Brass, “* And revolvers, too?” ‘“* Yes.” “ Pat every one at the back part of the np.” **Why, Frank, you are not going to fight at close quarters, are you?” “No.” ‘Then why small arms?” ** Keep them by in case we should need them.” * All right.” **T say, Mr. Reade,” said the constable. “ What?” : ‘I's oue o’ two thiggs now.” _ Explain yourself.” “IV's ran or Aght.” “T think it will be boch.” é ‘Frank, don’t let ’em get too close,” said russ. ot? ev to me, Brass,” sQremet if . “ Here they come.” ‘* They ride slow, though.” “ Very slow.” **How many are they, Brass?” | counted twenty-six.” ery near! w ** Do you mean recruits?” ** Yes.” 0 much recording the very
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24 . thoughts which go? like so many race horses, **Look ont, Frank!” cried Brass. ‘* Go care- coursing through my brain. Aye, Mr. Brass, if fully, for they are not all gone away from there Icould ‘only convert you into keeping a journal, yet.” I would be delighted.” “ How'do you know?” I asked. “* Well, it wouldn't delight me at all.” **T can see them.” © Why? ” “© Where?” “T don’t want nothing to do with keeping - One just now poked his head out of the win- sige We'll have enough to-day to do to 7 dow.” eep out Of the way of the James Boys.” “ Allright. If they are going to make thata “ Brass.” fort, we'll soon make them sick of it.” “ Well, sir?” We ran up to within a quarter of a mile of the * You might try, another shot.” house and then I brought the steam team around, “ At the house?” stern to the old building, and backed up a few “‘No, the men. You have punished the old | rods nearer to the top of the hill. house enough for a while.” “What are you going to do, Frank?” asked “All right.” Brass. Is the cannon loaded?” “ We'll lay siege.” “It is.” “«€annonade them?” “Train it, and-as soon as you fire, we'll start “That's it. Goin now” up.” All right.” He trained the gun a moment and cried: They swabbed the little cannon, put in a cast “ Fire!” iron ball, and sent it crashing into the stone Buttons pulled the cord. wall. *« Boom!" We had both leaden and iron balls for our can- non, but against a stone wall the iron bullets would be moat effective. For the next half hour we cantinued to blaze away at the old stone house. A corner fell out, and we poured in a few leaden shots into the breach thus made. “‘They can’t stand it. out.” Half a dozen men, among whom we had little trouble in making out Frank and Jesse James, come out of the house last and went to their horses, We had by this time backed up to the edge of the blaff, and reloading the cannon sent a bali whizzing at them, killing a horse. Then we opened with small arms, and hit one fellow in the jaw. ‘‘Frank Reade,” roared Jesse James, shaking his fist at me, ‘‘I will be even with you yet for this.” Great as the distance was, hig strong, terrible voice could be distinctly heard by every one of The smoke fera second hid them from view, but when it cleared away we Sawa man and horse struggling down on the ground. I now started the team. Jesse saw that their only show was to press right on at once, and I heard him shout: me Charg: et”? $s Hore es come,” cried Brass. “ Get your gans.” 3 * We are running slow yet.” ** We'll go faster | soon.” The steam team was not going faster than a swift trotjand the banditti were coming at full See, they are coming I knew that in a moment I could outstrip them, for what could horses of flesh and blood. do against horses of iron and steel? Get your guns,” I cried. «« We have got them.” “ Be ready to give them a broadside when I give-the word.” * What? You ain’t going to stop?” “ Yes.” “Why?” «* You can shoot better at a standstill.” *« Yes, but see hey are separating. intend to flack ua.” “ They'll be very sick of that.” Jesse at the head of one squad came up at a run, and Frank with the other half on our right. * Fire!” A volley of shots answered the command, and I was quite sure I saw some men dropping ‘from their saddles as leaves falling in autumn, Frank James and the other half of the band were coming down on our right like the wind. I saw that there was no time for dallying, and quickly clapped on all the steam necessary, and we flew away amid a shower of balls. we Down! down!” I shouted, on seeing that we were going to be exposed to a raking fire from the enemy. Immediately everybody was dovn in the bot- tom of the wagon. I managed the team and 8. The wind set toward us, however, which no doubt accounted for us hearing it. He wheeled about with his men at his heels and galloped away. We fired another shot at them, but by this time they were sofar away that the ball only dug up the dirt behind them. ” Well, what now, Frank?” asked Brass. “« We'll go down to the old stone house.” All right.” We had to run up the ridge almost two miles before we found a place where we could descend with the team. Here we found a gentle slope, and the road wound down the hill sc-as to make the descent or ascent quite easy, “‘T don’t suppose, Mr. Reade, that there is a possibility of us getting down in bs place here where we can’t get out.” “ Hardly possible,” I answered. ‘TI can drive the steam team almost anywhere that any kind They kepi below the seat. of a team can go.” ; Pra tis § of bateth against the iron rim and| We ran down to the house and halted. The ‘ essengers above us made | steam team was left with a guard of two, under us vg oe gate gid that that Pg were out of reach of them. | some oaks, while the others began skirmishin, hen reach of their shots I yes pere Amc ena i ga ey their gang Not one could could be f found, either dead or living. Two dead horses, one below the house, and one on the hill above, were all we could find that gave any proof that they had ever been there. We found some blood among the stones and ai aswe fabs to the seat gow looked back at the banditti. They had halted and were gathered together in pam +E New is Your tints, Brass,” I said. “Why, what to do?” by = they are thas grouped let us have a | debris in the house, but nothing to show whether from your long tom. we had killed any of their All right. Come, Buttons.” **T wonder what they did with their dead?” . * The gun is not loaded, is ist” asked Brass. “*No.” ** G@ness they didn’t have any.” “« Wel., foad it.” ** If they didn’t I was one of the most deluded “They drew out from the iron chest beneath the heavy a package of ammunition, and pro- said Brass. = to reloai the cannon. -.**{ guess it was a delusion,” said Buttons. v ene! bos a few moments they had it ready and sent a | « T believe you trained the artillery.” ; catering into the group. "Tea," 5 ng and dismay can better be im- ‘* Well, that accounts for it.” . “For what?” “There being no dead.” ; “Why, you needn’t boast, I can beat you ite ae best foregone described. Frank Jomes wring ed » but all in vain. They under PhFee eee ia t mortals that ever walked this mundane earth,” 1,” added FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. saohege Ok _—- We left the team and all save the old professor engaged in going abont the premises to see what they had been doing. Never was Gardner's Island so completely dug to pieces by men seeking after the buried treas- ures of Captain Kidd than were the grounds about the old stone house. Holes of every depth were found, and the place had the appearance of a newly plowed field. They had at last given over finding the treas- ure, and, as we afterward learned, were on the point of leaving the stone house when we came upon them. ‘They didn’t find it,” said Brass. “«] guess not,” pul in Buttons. “1 don’t see why they didn’t, Lhough, for it seems to me as if every available part of the ground has been dug up.” a D’yer see that air tree?” asked the constable, pointing to an old oak. <* Yon? “Wall, on that air limb which comes out a bit war bung the cld man an’ boy.” ‘« Where were they buried?” * At foot of it fast, but some o’ their friends came an’ dug ’em up.” ** Perhaps they dug up the treasure, too?” I said. “ No, didn’t.” ** How do you know?” *€ They said ihey didn’t.” «that may have heen done to throw you all off your guard.” ** Why?” “They might have had some fears at the time of going across the country with the treas- ** Wall, I dun koow erbout that, but them fel- lers war putty clusly watched, lemme tell yer, and ef they tuk erway any treasure novody ever knowed 1.” ‘“What woukl have been done if it had been known they had the treasure?” ** Boys talked o’ a divvy.” ** Perhaps that was | the reason they smuggled it out of the country.” *« But they dida’t do no diggin’.” “Didn't do any digging?” Lad No. tJ ** Not a bit?” * None, except ter dig up them bodies, an’ come across ther country ter the depot.” We had been half an hour searching about among the ruins of the old house, and Professor Drydust had been sitting busily engaged in writing his journal. “1 want to find that treasure,” said Brass. **So do I,” pat in Brttons. * Well, you can’t,” I answered. ; “We haven't tried,” said Brass. “ Now, my theory about such things is just this. It will be much more easy to find it now than it was be- fore.” * Why?” «Simply because they have dug over more than one-half of the ground, and we'll have have to do will be to finish up the work.” =" 4 Well, boys, [ don’t believe we can spare the me.” ‘* Why, there is a big treasure here. It would be ae poem haga us than all a reward = three rai ever pay us for captur- ng the James Boys.” ". But the treasure is not sure.” “Capturing the James Boys don’t seem a dead certainty.” ‘*1 know that, but you forget——” “ Forget what?” *“« We are not working on a contingency. We are paid a poag ** Well, yes, I guess that is certain,” sai? 83 “Quite certain.” *¢ But the treasure would be more.” “Of course it would, but while we are w: our time here We are neglecting the very vess-on which we came, and doing an injustice voore ay loyers.” jooked nee for a few moments, and Bit said: ~1Wfetl, what wil T Beer” ies “i Fa o pie ou coos alia.” seus eons cy aim Me Pe S dears Sera i a. a
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FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. 25 old fellow has over his journal,” and he gave a | know for certain, but it must be seventy-five Significant nud toward the professor. I laughed, and said I thought there was really no danger. “T don’t know. It breaks out bad sometimes, you know.” I went away and left them. Brass, Buttons some picks and shovels, and went to work dig- ging away in the places which the others had failed to touch, ‘* Well, professor, how are you getting along with your jouroal?”’ I asked. “ Very well,” he answered. ‘‘I have recorded almost everything. True, a few briiliant thoughts which were born of danger and excitement have escaped me, but they are few. Most of them have been recorded in my journal.” **T think I will bring up my diary while those fellows are digging.” “For what are they digging, Mr. Reade?” “For the gold and treasure.” “‘What gold and treasure?” “The gold and treasure of the rich old man who was murdered about here during the war by Quantrell.” as Le digging for that treasure?” oe es i “T's a delusion.” * What?” “* A delusion, sir. I t and reiterate most forcibly and emphatically, sir, that the whole thing is a delusion.” “A delusion?” «Yes, a delusion and a snare. The treasure - is u delusion.” -CHAPTER XVIIL CONFUSION. I wap been so long led to believe that there had been a buried treasure there about that house that I was bard to convince there was “ ioe a i his affair?” i ou know anything of this affair a. Ube | id eng of ** Were you a relative?” “ No.” * A friend of the deceased?” oe No.” “Then how did you learn?” ‘By means I do not care to reveal,” he an- swered. ** What became of the treasure?” The thin, cadaverous face brightened into a smile as he said: _ «here never was any.” *- Wuat!” « Never was any.” “Never any treasure?” No.” « But why was he killed?” _ “Tt was reported that the old man had run off from his country to defraud his creditors, and — he had brought millions of dollars with niin. “But it wasn’t so. They ha@ only money enough to build that big stone house. It was all they had.” ** And why were they killed for their treasure, which you say they never had?” “They were killed because it was believed by all that they had an abundance of treasure. It was all a false report,” said the professor. “Well, there is no need of having those fel- lows Mapes their energies!” _** Not the least, 1t’s not there.” “Did you ever investigate the matter?” o es. “Thoroughly?” ’ “Thoroughly, quite thoroughly.” “And you plas Senna “ Yes.” ge “ Well, if you ure fully convinced on the mat- ter, we will ae up any-further thought of buried gold. they had as well continue to _ amase ns as not while-we are finishing _ our : at! Yess it won't hurt them very badly.” **Not at “ Well, I want to ask you a questions, professor, in regard to Mr. pit and his ti a a apie one you will make an attempt to rescue eb brio ive t iiea . CART: ae = 4 Timuse beet me ee—I don’ and the constable had gathered up some tools, miles from iere there.” ** So far?” “ Yes.” ‘Well, we can make it in a day easily enough.” **Bat, Mr. Reade, that’s a very delicate mis- sion you are going on, do you know it?” ** Yes.” ‘«How are you going to manage it?’ ‘Don’t know.” ** Any plans?” «Only a general outline.” *¢ What is it?” “It is that we must, at all hazards, warn them.’’ ‘“* Yes, you are right.” “ And we must save the girl.” ** Yau.” *« Will they believe us?” “IT don’t know.” ** How is Allen?” “* Rich.” ‘* But his disposition?” ** Quick-tempered,” ‘«« Reasonable?” “Yea,” « We can manage him—but the girl?” * She is pretty.” “* Very?” “Yes.” ** Reasonable?” ** Quite a sensible girl.” “Then I think we will have but little trouble in convincing her,” 1 said. Then I proceeded to write out my dairy and completed everything in a few moments. ‘Now I'll ge and teil the boys to come on.” “ All right, Mr. Reade. I will just get in the ‘on and finish my journa!.” e went to the wagon while I went ty where they were still hard at work. * Boys,” I said. “Yes,” said Brass. ** We'll be going now. You have been playing here long enough.” Brass leaned on his spade and wiped the per- 8piration from his face. * We haven’t found it yet, Frank,” he said. “You haven’t and you won't.” “Oh, yes; we've only got a litle more dig- ging to do, and we'll huve the entire yard dug up. ‘*Then you won’t find it.” **Oh, yes, we're bound to.” “ec No.” “Is here somewhere.” **No, it’s not.” ‘“*Why? Has it been taken away?” «Tt never was here,” I answered. ‘* What do you mean, Frank?” “Just whatI say. The treasure which you are seeking was never buried here.” ‘* Where was it buried?” **« Nowhere.” ' ‘*Then where is it?” «« There never was any treasure. The old man whom Quantreil murdered for his money never had any money.” **Oh, how do you know that?” «The professor there know’ all about it. He has investigated everything, and assures me there was not a cent of money. The old fellow was insolvent, and came out to these backwoods to avoid his credizors, so you see it is utterly use- less for you to dig any loager.” *«] guess you are right if that’s the state of affairs,” and Brass threw down the shovel in disgust. I called Buttons and told him the same thing. his pick, Ww Buttons looked aghast as he dropped and turning to Brass, said: « Brass, you’re a fool.” TI guess so,” said Brass. «(And Iam too,” aided Buttons. They then gave up the idea of any farther search for the treasure, and decided to go to the wagon. ‘Guess I won’t go any furder,” said the con- stable. ‘‘Reckon the James Boys won’t come er botherin’ around here any more. an’ I'll jist- gather up some o’ ther boys wot'’s erround here, and make things hot for ’em if they come back. Seems ter me that most of our fellers nev run iif water at my si We were of oe when a suddenly climbed over “« Frank, I want to talk with you,” he said, in alow tone. In fact he spoke so low that | could scarcely hear him, as the wagon and steam horses made considerable noise. : Of haa what dv vou want to talk about?” “Him.” A nod backward accompanied his answer. *“You mean the professor?” ca Yes.” “What about him?” “T've been studying him a long time, and I've finally come to the conclusion that he isn’t what he pretends to be “That he is not a processor?” + No.” « Then you think be is deceiving us?” “« [Us just possible, Frank.” “ Well, he is a shrewd fellow.” ** Yes, and brave.” “* Well, what do you think he is, Brass?” He answered my question by asking another: ‘* Did you ever see his journal?” r “No.” : ** Well, I haven’t, either.” * But we have heard him read exiracts.” ‘* Maybe they were what was in the journal and maybe they were not.” “That might all be true, I admit that the professur has never submitted his journal to ine, as much as he has read it, and as much as he has talked about it.” _‘* Well, there is something mysterious about him. He shoots too well and has too good a knowledge of criminals and things to be a pro- fessor.” “7 have thought that.” “ Did you ever tuink? “Think what?” ‘That he might be fooling us.” ++ Yen.” “ That he.might be a ——” I didn’t catch the last word, so I said: ‘Please repeat? I didn’t get that last word.” “That he might be a detective.” ** Well, I have thought almost everything pos- sible to think about him.” y 2% a you have thought that, of course?” « Yes. ** Well, 1 wish I only knew it for certain.” “We will have to wait and let time deter- mine,” I answered. ‘‘Ho is a shrewd one, and we must not Jet him outwit us. That wonder- ful journal of his may afcer ail be an elaborate note-book.” “Just what I thought.” * And now, Brass? “ Well?” “There is another thing about tbis to con- sider.” ** What is that?” “ After all, he may be deceiving us about the treasure.” ** That is just what I had thought.” **]t may be that there is a buried treasure there, and he is employed to find it. And it may - re he bas been all these years looking for it.” 2 ‘“Yes, that is true.” “Well, now, go back and say nothing that will lead him to suspect us.” “T won't.” * And say nothing to Buttons.” «T won't, but Buttons has his suspicions, Plt warrant.” «T hope he won’t give the professor reason to suppose he has any suspicions.” “No, he won't. “7 And then Brass went back, leaving me alone. We had not run many miles ere night came on us, We reached a small village shortly after dark, and almost ran the people out of the town as we came puffing and rolling into the village. “ Great goodness, it’s a horse on fire,” scream- ed one woman. ; ‘Look at that now. Ef thar bain’t a wagon pulled by steam horses.” “Oh, it must be the chariot o’ fire come fur a that w sn Eg tat ar no harm. e WO ao} ; b When they were owe we were only ordinary mortals, they became more pacified and gather- crowds about us to inspect our won- which they pronounced mar-
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Brass. at ~ not quite so plentifal.” - No, Ty not. What capacity did you 26 “* Ain’t you'ns the fellers wot chased the James | Eoys out o’ the country?’ said one old man. “ ” « Wall, we thort so. We’ve been up in arms here for three or four days on account o’ ’em. Blame ’em. They burnt Micasia and robbed so many towns that we're a leetle mite skittish about ’em.” ** We will drive them away if they come while we are here. They won’t dare tackle the steam team,” I asserted. “‘That’s all right, an’ now yer kin hev any- thing yer want here thet we’ns hev got.” We remained until morning and once more set out on our journey. ; The roads in this part of the country, the ex- treme eastern part of Kansas, are very fine. Trees grew along them in abundance, and there were beantifal farms. I found more civil- ization here than I had expected. Only a few years before I had come to this part of the country on a tour of adventure ard found it a wilderness, but now it was nearly all cultivated. ; The plowman in the field paused and leaned on his plow as he watched the strange phenom- enon speeding along the road at the speed of a lightning express. Then next the housewife stood in the door looking at us as she shaded herjeyes with her hands. The watch dog barked until overcome by fright and ran under the house, where he continued to growl and bark most furiously. We ere on, and at evening were in sight of a great farm and an immense catt!e ranch. It was | Exceedingly large. There were hundreds of acres in the farm, and thou- sands in the cattle ranch or range, as it is some- times called. 3 Great fields of wild grass had been fenced off, on which cattle were grazing in herds of hun- dreds and thousands. , ‘The large farm-house or home residence of the owner ded $roprcor of this t range stood upon a hill. It wasa large substantial building of stone. The Kansas gray stone is of a very fine quality and I was struck with the beauty of the house. -» Who lives there?” 1 asked of Prof. Drydust when we were a mile or so away. “*Mr. Allen.” “Mr. Robert Aller?” + Yes, sir, Bob Allen.” “' The father of Louisa Allen?” ‘+ You, sit.? «There is where we are going?” I asked. I thonght I saw a shade of confusion come over the face of Prof. Drydust. “Yes, yes—but to be sure, let me examine my journal.” ~ He turned the leaves of his journal, and his pale, thin, hat seemed alternately to flush aad pale as though he were at a loss what to do. + Yes—ahem—here it is. This is the place where we were to find the Mr. Allen.” Yes, and it was his daughter——” “ Yes, yes, yes—his daughter.” “She was the young lady whom you used to teach?” “Ah, yes, yes—let me see. Let me look at ' my journal. Now I really do believe I made a mistake—yes, sir, a very serious mistake.” . What” **T was not her preceptor.” ‘« Not her preceptor?” ae No.” “ But I thought you said you were?” _ ‘*T—I was mistaken. Iwas at the house sev- eral times, but not in the capacity of a precep- pe What then?” _ Let me consult m y journal.” ‘antes * pomcmag ho dt Perit sore and more I could not understand the cause of his con- fusion, and 1 glancedat Brass, who winked. seemed to say: “*Iv’s just as I suspected.” Andi it was all just as I suspected. “Well, , well, what a singular affair. Why, l have called there in a dozen different : once a8 a book-agent.” “It’s a wonder they did not kill you,” growled k. You see they are FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. ‘* A likely looking cowbov you would make, I am thinking,” Brass growled, I gave Brass a look that silenced him. ‘“*Then I went there as a farm-hand, as a sur- veyor, local preacher, music teacher, hunting stray cattle, peddling lightning rods, and carry- ing the mail. In fact, Mr. Reade, I have traveled over this-country in so many different capacities 1 that I find it almost impossible for me to at- tempt to enumerate all of them.” “Then they know you?” “ The ple?” «The people at the house.” “ Yes.” ‘* Well, you must introduce us.” ae Yes.” ‘‘Now we must get on the right side of the farmer and cattle king, and the first stroke of policy will be completed,” said I. “< ¥es.” Bat I fancied that all through I could see that the professor wav covered with confusion, Two cowboys in the employ of Mr. Ailen came galloping up toward us, and seeing the steam team, drew rein. We came on cautiously, for we noticed that they carried pistols in their belts, and looked very much as if they would as soon shoot the strange animal as nut. Their ponies snorted and turned aside, buck- ing as only a professional mustang can buck. We rode leisurely on, paying no heed whatever to them. At last one of them yelled; ‘**Say, what air you, anyway?” We all laughed at his odd manner, but Buttons, whose ready wit came to his aid, answered: “« We are a little Kansas cyclone killer.” **T believe ye, yes, I believe ye.” As he evinced a disposition to be talkative, I checked the steam team, snd allowed him to spur his frightened pony alongside. ‘‘ Wall,.stranger, yer got the slickest way o’ travelin’ I’ve seed in a long time,” ** Rather convenient.” “Whar yer goin’?” ** To Mr. Allen's.” * Ah, the boss?” “Do you work for Mr. Allen?” La Yes.” **Js he at home?” ; Yes.” ** Well, we want to see him.” **Guess ye’ll find him at the house.” - ‘* Much obliged to you; good-day, boys - good- lay.’ J -*Good-bye ter yer, and I guess ye’ll stun ther oss." We ran down the road to the great old house, which, in that country, was a palace in ele- gance. The cattle king came to the front gate to see what it was. ** Are you Mr. Allen?” I asked, alighting. “Yes, sir.” ** We have come to see you.” ** Whom have I the pleasure of seeing?’ “You, perhaps, know Professor Drydust?” “*No, I don’t.” By this time Professor Drydust, very ill at ease and covered with confusion, had alighted. “Oh! ah, perhaps you remember me,” he be- gan. **No, I don’t,” answered Mr. Allen. **T wasat your house.” . ** When?” ** Several times.” “‘T must a been away.” ** | was a book agent.” Mr. Allen fixed his sharp, keen eyes on the con- fused professor for a momen: and said: **I don’t remember you.” *T—I—didn’t I teach your daughter?” ** No.” ** Your daughter, Miss Louisa?” *« Never.” ‘ ** Well, then [helped the cowboys. No, no! I sold here. Hang it, I was here in some capacity, and I know it,” cried the confused pro- fessor. ; ‘*Perhaps you was, but I have no recollec- tion in the matter,” said Mr. Allen politely. CHAPTER XIX. MISCONSTRUCTION. mays come to see you on a matter of t brats ps it is Cow. i et te a O — — ever, that I defer explanation until we are alone.” The face of the cattle king grew a little pale, and he said: ‘Very well; come in, gentlemen. Won't you run your steam team inside the barn, or do you prefer to leave it there?” I told Brass to run it in the barn, and he did 80, while I entered the house with Mr. Allen. ‘If you wish it, we will go to my room right at once,” said Mr. Allen, “and we'll talk on the matter about which you wished to converse.” “Very well, Mr. Allen.” He conducted me up to his room, and when we were alone he said: ** Now you can proceed, for we are alone.” “‘ Well, Mr. Allen, ta begin with, I am in the West on a strange mission, one attended with great danger. It is nothing more or less than the capture of the James Boys.” ‘‘Itisa mission full of danger, I have no doubt. I never saw one of the gang that 1 know of, but they are terrible.” ‘‘T beg your pardon, Mr. Allen, for unless I ee mistake you have been one.” o 7 “Yes you.” ‘When, where and who?” ‘*T can’t give you the time. The place was at your own house, and the person whom you saw was tke chief of the banditti, Jesse James himself.” ** Impossible.” “It’s true.” * How do you know?” “* Wait and I will tell you. I came west wita my steam team, for as I have stated, the pur- pose of capturing the James Boys. One day they captured the steam team, when we were but a few rods away from it, and I ran and caught the wagon without their seeing me. I clung on the underneath side of the wagon and while there I heard a conversation between Jesse James and his brother Frank. It was to this purport. Jesse James had gone under an as- sumed name—I am not quite certain of the name he gave though I know it was assumed —been a frequent visitor at your bouse, was quite intimate with your daughter and was en- gaged to her.” ‘“‘Why—why, there must be some mistake. You have misconstrued what he said.” ‘“‘Thave not. You have misconstrued your daughter’s lover.” * Has she one?” E You.” ‘* What is his name?” * Charley Howard.” “« Where does he live?” ‘* At Independence, Missouri.” “« Well, do you know he lives there?” pas ffi *« How do you know it?” * He says so.” «* No one else?” ** No.” «Mr. Allen, I will wager my life that he is a fraud. He is Jesse James himself.” ** Well, I—I—1 ean’t believe it.” * Will you do.me the favor to send for your daughter? This is a delicate matter, I know, batd think it best to come to an. understand- ing.” * All right.” Mr. Allen was very reasonable, after all, and under the circumstances quite easy ‘o man More easily managed than I had at first ex- pected, In a few moments he brought Miss Louisa Allen, who was a beautiful brunette, of about eizhteea, with large dark eyes and a beautifal face and form. “This is Mr. Frank Reade, Louisa, and he has come with a ‘se ‘+ What is it?’ she asked, growing pale. I felt that it was almost cruel to tell her, but there was no other Help for it, and I began and told her all. «It must be Charley, papa,” she said. “Do you know him? Do you know any his people, were he lives, and what he does for se Ouly what he says.” “On Ww e says. ** What does he say?” g when he comes = * When ¢ ye him?” I asked. “To-morrow uy ——
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FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAM. 27 ‘*Please don’t do that, Miss Allen,” said I. **Let ug be near. Let us see him, and if you have no objection we will take him in custody.” *sT will. I will be glad to aid you to bring such a scoundrel as Jesse James to justice.” * Louisa,” said her father. ++ Well?” “Do you care nothing for him?” i ** Nothing, father. Now that he has deceived me J hate him.” + Let meexplain, Miss Allen,” I said. -? Proceed, sir.” “« Jesse James is a very bad, bold, desperate man, and we may have to resort to desperate means in effecting his arrest.” “* Do it then.” * Are you very brave?” “Tam.” « Will you dare risk it?” “Arrest him right in my presence, and I will know then that it is done,” she answered. My plans were quickly arranged. I deter- mined to send the steam team away, and con- sequently when we had had supper I called all aboard, and we ran away a few miles, leaving our wonderful machine in charge of Buttons at the ranch of a cattleman whom Mr. Allen assured us we couki trust. Then the professor, Brass and I returned after dark on foot, and reached the house of Mr. Al- len about an hour before daylight. The cattle king was waiting for us, and ad- mitted us himself. « None of the servants know a thing about it. No one but myself and daughter will know that you are here.” «Brass, that girl is brave,” I whispered when we were alone. **She has the grit, and she is as pretty as a picture,” he answered. “You are right; she is very pret.y.” ** Well, we've got nothing to do but wait here,” said the professor when we had reached our room, ‘until night. We might employ our me on our journals.” 2 eh grea and eee minke. = age Ags he vad an Opportun e took me asi and in a whisper said: me 7 3 “He don't write as much as he pretends in ” that journal. * He is a great mystery to me, Brass.” “To me, too.” as I believe more than ever that be is a detec- tive. «Did you ever see his journal?” ” “Or ask him to let you see iu?” . *<T'll wager a dinner at Delmonico’s when we go back that he won’t let you.” ‘I believe you, but I'll try.” So I approached the professor and said: “* Professor Drydust, 1 would like to look over your journal.” He raised his eyes and gdve me an astonished glance, while a confused flush ewept over his face, : After a moment he said: “I—I beg pardon, really I—but you see, you ninst know that you will place a wrong con- struction upon it. Don’t you know.” “I think not.” : “T ean’t show you my journal just yet. Wait until I have it filled out, then there ean be no misconstruction.” I saiu no more. I was now more than ever Nga that we had put a misconstruction on m. ; é We slept most of the day, and when evening came were conducted to the rear parlor, where, through a crack in the folding doors, we could See any one in the parlor. At sundown Mr. Allen reported to us a horse- man coming, whom he avowed to be none other than Mr. Gharey Howard ‘Ltold the boys to be patient, keep cool, and would soon have the great bandit king, Jesse James, in our power. jd Miss Allen was in the_parlor to receive him, apd the Delilah who betrayed Samson was not __ We heard p of horse’s feet, and knew ’ was at the front gate. firm step told that Jesse James was It was a well-laid plan, and with ary other man would have been a success. But Jesse James ears unusually keen, and when I gave the signal to throw open the doors he heard me. One door caught for a single fatal instant, and the bandit was on his feet, a pistol in each hand. **You have betrayed me, girl!” he roared, und one cocked revulver was aimed at Miss Allen’s breast and the other at me. ‘** Hold!” he shouted. ‘ A single step, a single movement, and [ will send the girl and you, Frank Reade, to eternity.” I would not have hesitated a single morrent on my own account, but how dared I endanger the life of Miss Allen? “Stop!” I eried. ‘I see through your game,” said Jesse James. “This is a very cleverly-laid trap to catch me, but you haven’t done it yet. You know I will never be taken alive; I have sworn to that. Why should I be taken alive to be hanged—yes, slowly hanged—choked to death by slow torture? I—I wold much prefer to die. Now if you will let me go out unharmed from the house I will spare you and the girl, for though I hate aJtraitoress as she has proved, I can’t kill her.” «Don’t anybody hesitate on my account,” said Louisa, “ Brave girl,” said Jesse. ‘‘I honor you.” At this moment Drydust, evidently seeing an opportunity, with a yell made a leap at Jesse. “ Bang!" A cloud of smoke. Crash! window-sash, glass and all went as the bandit leaped through it. ‘““Who is hit?’ cried I, as I heard a groan. The smoke lay too thick forme to make out who had been struck down. But in a moment it cleared away. * Brass, are you hurt?” “No.” “Go quick—shoot him down!” Brass ran out, and a few moments later there came the rapid discharge of fire-arms. The whole family, servants and all, came rush- ing in the parior. I ran to Miss Allen and asked: . * Are you burt?” **No,” she answered. *¢ Look at him.” It was Prof. Drydust. He was sinking, and before I conld catch him had fallen to the floor. Brass came in to report that Jesse had mounted Siroe and made his escape. “What! is Drydust hit?” he cried, seeing me holding the dying man in my arms. “Yes,” he gasped, “Iam killed. In a few minutes I'll be a dead man. But I want to say something,” “‘What? Speak quick, for you haven't many minutes.” “You have put a misccnstruction on me.” **T know it,” I said. ‘* You are not Prof. Dry- dust.” ; “No.” “You are a detective?” “T am not.” ** What are you?” “The only relative of the men who were hanged by Quantrell at the stone house,” he gasped. ° His breath came bard, and I knew the strug- gle would soon be over. CHAPTER XX. CONCLUSION, ‘Lay him on the sofa,” said Mr. Allen. ‘He will be better there.” Brass and I took him up gently and laid him down upon the sofa, As soon as we had Inid him down the servant brought the wounded man some water, ané Mr. Allen got him a glass of wine. Then he revived a little, and I asked: **Why are you here, if you are a relative of that man?” “* Seeking the treasure.” ““The treasure?” “ Yes.” “‘T thought you said there was none.” * But there was—there is, and I feared your men would find it. The key to tae treasure was is sight bya we were bap. r out oO e@ ground, an some of you might discover it, purrs Be to get you all away you saw the key. I have spent vears here gar Aye treasure. aa they von a ed, coin all, and— ‘were me and I triedto find it. Jast as the key was found I—I—well, it makes no His breatii came quick, and his sentences thick and voice almost marticulate. At last he said: “IVs all over now. I give and bequeath the treasure to Frank Reade——” ** Where is it? How can I find it?’ I asked. He turned tis dying eyes,~already grown glassy, upon me, and in a tone of voice that was sinking, scarce above a whisper, gasped: «Read my journal.” He was gone. Dead. For a long time we stood gazing on the mys- terious man, who, despite his odd ways, was brave and geverous at the end. ** Well, it’s all over,” said Mr. Allen, at last. I now bent over him and took from his pocket his journal, in which be had kept a record of his past events. It was not a regular diary, as daily incidents were not recorded, but more like a note-bock of events, and without dates. **Can you find what he meaat by the key?” asked Brass. ** There must be an explavation in there some- where?’ “No doubt.” * Well, read it through. That treasure will be our fortune.” ** You don’t feel, after all, that you are such a fool, do you, Brass?” ‘* No, and I knew it all the time.” I continued turning page after page, reading strangely disconnected accounts of the profes- sor, who had been living a peculiar sort of life. His journal was by no means an autobiography. Iv was merely notes, sometaing like this: “‘T went in sight of the stone house to-day, and looked all over it. I went down and ex- amined the ground, but I could not find the key stone.” Another page: **T have almost a notion to go to digging any- way, although I was cantioned not to try it un- ul the stone had been found.” A little further and I read: ‘*This is the twelfth vear I have looked for that keystone and not been able to find it.” ‘“Then we are as far at sea as he was,” said Brass, when I had read this. ‘No, we are not.” “Why are we not?” “He told me the key stone was found, and said, read the journal.” **Who found the keystone?” “*T don’t know. He said it had been turned up, and by reading the journal and the cypher in it it sige readily be found.” “* Well, read it.” I turned page after paze as quickly as I could, and at last said: * Here it is.” % os = cypher?” 2 **No; that’s on the first page.” 4 «“ What, then?” sire “* About the key stone.” “Who found iv?” “4 man named Brass.” “ What?” roared Brass. ** Listen and I will read.” And I read: “Now, having driven the James Boys away, Frank Reade approached the old stone house which he had been storming. I trembled when I saw that the James Boys had been digging all over the yard for the treasure. Then Brass and Buttons, with the constable, decided to finish digging up the yard. Though I never believed the treasure was buried in the yard, I never knew to a certainty, and consequently I fear it might be. 1 was anxious ’to away, but dared not evince my anxiety. While sitting at the root of a tree I saw the fellow named Brass throw out a stone, It was a stone with a smooth gurface on which were some letters cut. ‘* He threw it right at the foot of the blasted oak and without pretending to see it | saw that the stone had the key cut on it for finding the treasure which my uncle had buried. “IT wembled now for'fear it would be discov- ered. Butit was not. They did not see that Stra letters and nnmbers were on the stone, | © me
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; 28 cor.—house—42 rods=+and 6 links to a stone. Dig 3 ft. We had a surveyors chain and measured the distance, dug three feet and un- earthed three millions of dollars in gold, which I will divide with my companions. decided to set out to-night fom New York. Epitor’s Note: The Diary ends with the above | Brass, were very rich from money found out and we have no information of Frank Reade’s | West. FRANK READE, THE INVENTOR, CHASING THE JAMES BOYS WITH HIS STEAM TEAY. We have | further attempt to capture the James Boys. We learned that he and two detectives, Buttons and [THE END.] Useful and Instructive Books. SOW TO BECOME A SOIENTIST.—A useful and instructive book, gtv. ing a complete treatise on chemistry; also, experiments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and directions for making flre- works, colored fires, and gas balloons. This book cannot be equaled, Price 10 cents. 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tind THE NEW YORK DETECTIVE LIBRARY CONTAINS The Most Thrilling and Exciting Detective Stories Published. 82 Pages for 10 Cents. 1 Old Stealthy the Government Detective......... by Police Captain Howard 2 Old Snap, tie Postal Service Detective. . a Allan Arnold 3 Young cigins, the Treasury Detec by Tom Fox rie ‘adelpnia, Detective) 4 Sam Sly 2nd His Dog Detective... . by Police Captain Howard 6 Tracked to China; or, A Detective’s Is... By U.S. Detective 6 Old Reliable, the Western Detective............-- by A New York Detective 1 The Marked Finger; or, The S:ightest of Clews. by Alexander vouglas (Scotland Yard Detective) 9 In Deep Disguise; or, the Trials — Irish Heir- .-by D. O'Sullivan sseicesececeees DY F. M. Cobb C88 .... 06 ll The N: ibilist’s Daughter. _ 12 Old Rufe, the Secret Service Detective; or, A 12,000 Mile Chase 18 The Miasing Ring; or, Plotting for a Fortune.. by Allan Arnoia 14 The Priest's Crime...... ies by: BH. OFS 16 Jack ames the Convict; or, Guiity or = Guil- ~ AS G. G. 8. 17 * Number 1763,"7....----..by W. Howard Van Orden 18 ra Old Photograph; ‘or. eset xe a Terrible «s.ee--Dy Harry Hammond MYSLETY...cccccecrccsccees U. 8. Detective 19 A Piece of Pa Tsccccece-DY Police Captain Howard = Allen Dane, the Detective...... by Harry Hammond 21 Trapped; or, Tony and the Banker’s ees Sm 22 The Broken Blackthorn; or, ——— Pg Race Course Robbe’ $ oe Allan Arnold . = ane me = 27 The. Mysterious ena by Alexander Doug! 28 Was He Murdered by Morgan mtr Ye 29 Dick Danget, the 30 A Terrible Ending 81 The Dandy Detectiy 32 ae: © or, The B. G. 5 as (Scotland ‘Yara Detective) masons; or, the Great by J. T. Brougham 34 The Young Mounted Policeman.by Horace Apes, Yankee Jed, the Down East Detective.. The The The sesees by A. F, Hull Old by Allan Arnow The Old Hut of Demon's Guich.......by A. F, Hill Nameless; or, No. 108, the Mysterious Prisoner of Mount Zeeha.............+ .....by J. T. Brougham 42 Branded; or, The Detective's yo es by Allan Arnola 43 The Young Amateur Detective............+++ by Police Capta' see eeeere ee eneeee ESSens & in Williams 44 No Man’s Mone: A. FP. Hill 45 Stories of Wo: 46 The Young Nihilist; or, A Y: 49 Dick Dare, the &@ Bullet. i 50 Sy Joe; or, The York... sccetne SEDOre ae Granville, U.S. A. 61 Branded With a . F. a Lost Number “by Oia Cap Lee xouig Beak Clerk; or, The Mystery of the Sreastialhs «on hones H. A. or, ou bay a Sinasen a Po. P.O. W. os C. G. G. awkabaw, the ¥ e D 4 G. G, Small ile Jack, the Game Cock of the gi oe 2 s0 Domovaii} of, ‘The Unknown Champice.. 4 = he pmieck Doctor; or, The Secret of the os, een¥ebeolig c6seive) ‘om Fox lelphia Detective 109 kia! Detactive's by ton om or, A M M Solv- OU. wee cccccccccccesssessD¥ PONCE piain Howard 110 The Case = Dr. Tanzy; or, Mystery of Bul- tinch Row..... o02 ccccvece cecscece: Wm. S. Hall 111 The Braided Hair; or, The Voiceress Seam 112 On His Own Case; or, Convicted and Pardoned. by Old Cap Lee 113 The Girl Ferret; or, Doubly Sevtenced...... .. Police Captain Howard 114 A Strange M: ; age Shadowing a Phantom. iv Fox pag ere Detective) 115 yng fora Foreune; or, The Detective’s Last Death... by 118 The ‘Stone Man; or, The Mystery of — Man's SER cnc ak eveidtncte«cocntateseee m. S. Hall 119 Followed Around the Worid.......by ua Cap Lee 120 The Satin Hat Band; or, The > Caristinss Mystery a n How: 121 A Compton tee Case; or, aes eu Inch of His : 122 Number Sixteen or. ‘A Wysterious Detective... #; y Tom Fox hia Detective! 12 A Yong Ghana Potng Agana Hee 'y 124 The New Orleans Detective; or, The Traged the Exposition......... -b¥ Police Cai + Bh 125 Joe Jingle, the Musical Beteotines sess. enna York Detective 126 Oscar Slick, the Marvelous Detective; or Expos- ing a Number of Crimes............ Ch se Hawk 127 The Drifting Clew; or, The Secret of the Surf.. ‘— Wm. 8. ‘Hall 128 The Gold-Beater’s Secret; or, The Matter of the Diamonds...............by Old vip Lee in New. ‘Yorkzor, The French tive’s Triamph...by Police’ Captain Howard 130 Old Cap Darrell, Detective; tow’ Pape ee Deane My: seedy Ex. fof Pollan Mansing 181 The aey ite Detective: or, oe Secret of the Chest.... Pe ot Bom Tom Fox’ yt na a ge Detective) 132 The Renegade Detective; or, Playing a Double a Te «++.++-by Hal Hawk 133 A Tongh' Case: or, The Detective’s Blunder...... y A New York Detective 134 The [-T Boy Detective; oF The Hotel Diamond Ro ray Ore by Harry Rockwood 1385 A ands Bites; - i penis my Mis- Ne ne Po eT a eee Allan Arnold a Crim y Old ‘cap Da Darrell or, The Ps Oy Ex-Chief of Polloe Man: Mansing . A Case Almost Lost.......... fy Fox (Philadelphia Detective) Twistleton Affair..... by A New York Detective 141 The Poisoned ‘eialisind or. Trafling a Shadow.. ty Police Caprain Howard Each Story is Complete in Itself, and is Full.of Interest trom 142 go Beautiful MONEE or, A Detective'’s Life Work...... eseeecesee ee DY Allan Arnold 143 he Fatal Telegram; or, ‘Five Words and a by Harry Rockwood 144 Tag No. 3; or, The Forgotten Clew......-......- by Old Cap Darrell 145 The Dattered Bullets; or, Was it Murder or a DUONs i caicuder ested cvupedesdies«ad by Old Cap Lee 146 ae _ 1e Man-Trailer; or, eyed Complica- teeter eenee Accideat....by Tom Fox (Philadelphia Detective) 149 Working Double; or, Two Great Detectives on the Trail.....esese. -» .-by A New York Detective 150 $200,000 in Bonds; or, The Crime ofan Emigrant by Allan Arneld 151 Done in the Dark; or, The Secret of Grave No.9 vy Old Cap Darrell 152 Nita, the Female Ferret..by Police Captain Howard 153 The Broken Handenff......... edevcee by Old onpeee 154 Old King Brady, the Detective..............s+++ by A New Yerk Detective 155 Cld Neversleep, the Government Detective...... by Walter Fenton 156 A Government Detective’s Adventures.......... by Allan Arneld 157 Old King eae Damee. .By A New York Detective 168 Slender Saul, the Keenest of Detectives......... by Police Captain Howara 159 The Silver Coin; or, The Date -ee* Cost Life.. by Old Cap Darreli 160 The Skull in the Well; or, A Detective’s Dilemma by Old Cap Lee 161 The Lost Ruby; or, A Three Months’ Chase..... by Allan Arnoid 162 Old King Brady’s Great Reward: or, The Hasei- burst Secret.............by A New York Detective 163 Silent, the Harbor Detective; or, Tracking a Gang of Thieves........by Police Captain Howard 164 The Mountain Detective; be Tae Deerhorn BOAY ecw vncdsectvcccceccee y AU. S. Detective 165 A Black Pin; or, are Very ‘Smaii Giew, ee. v J. z! 166 The Old Horseshoe; or, A Detectine's Luck...... by Old Cap Darre?! 167 A Loaded Cane; or, The Millionaire’s Compact.. by ‘Alexander Douglas (Scotland Yaru Detectiv e) 168 Shoving the Queer; or Old ly on the Scen of the Counterfeiters............. by A New York Detective 169 An Oyster Shell; or, The Clew Found on the he...eeee wee eeeee- DY Police Captain Howard 170 The Hotel of Mystery; or, The Landlord’s Oath. . by Adan Arnold 171 The Broadway ees A Mid-Day Rob- SVcacs sodtagecseve oseeeeeeeDy Old Cap Lee 172 The Idaho Detective; jor, The Wolves =. West by A U. S. Detective 173 Old Dude the Detective; or, Working for a Life. by Tom Fox (Philadelphia Detective} 174 Wade Weston, the “* Upper Ten ” Detective; or, The Mystery of No. .by Police — Howard 175 The ree Detective; or, Unearthing a Great Fraud.......by Tom Fox ‘Philadel iphia Detective) 176 a =i Detective; or, Working with the Great a H. K. Shackleford 1i7 ola King Brady in Australia............ by A New York Derective 178 Parnell’s Double; or, A Detective s Struggle in Treland.... ..0..esews eee rhe: Cap Lee 179 The Molly Maguire Detective; or, A Vidocq’s Ad- ventures Among the Miners... by A U. S. Detective 180 Chasing a Penny; or, Convicted by a Coin..... bv Hal Hawk 181 be Diamond Cnff-Button; or, The Mystery at @ Bank...... eotee easy Bait Allan Arnold 182 ow Safety. the Denver Detective; or, Piping the Mail Robbers, . ......-by Police Captain Howard 183 “Number 16;’’ or, Detective Without a Name. cs cedelOW. Tom Fox (Philade i Detective 184 “ Uoknown”; or, The Mystery of E: Shaft. . Cap Darrell by 185 In Doubie Trouble; or, The Soldier’ decane. by Old Cap Lee 186 Bribed; or, A Detective’s bier yr PCE by U. S. Detective 187 Old King Bredy and the Scotland Yard Detect- IVOsccccvccssveeee..+----D¥ A New York Detective 188 A Desperate Deal; or, A Detective’s Fight the World.seces.ss+s-se.by Allan Arnel.) 189 wi a Cloud; or, A Detective’s Werk for a Poor Boy.. 190 His Own Detect ay or, ting ‘om Fox (Philadelphia Detectives Jol Tae Fan of alee or, Old King Brady and issing W' et re ER AS 3 Detective 192 rhe hed Flag; or, nare o cago... ~~ A. K. Shackiefora 193 Young Fearless, the Detective of y Disguises by Police Captain Howard 194 The Opal Ring; or, The Curse of a Century...... by Allan Arnoid 195 Masks and Mystery; or, The Eine * ‘Percy Dare AT. sD ag 196 The Cracked Billiard Ball; or. z Ve <7 aes Case...... -+.by Tom Fox (Philadelphia Detective) 197 Twice Rescued; or, The Fortunes of a Dumb Boy pong Holland 198 The Tattoo Clew; or, Betrayed by a rk.. or, Phe Mysterio Ml fe 199 3 Yards ot Ro or, jous nt We ae ca tie EE I Brad ystery ef the ~~ “ A New York Detective 201 Twenty-Seven Minutes to Ten....by Old Cap aa 202 The Shoe With Three Pegs; or, Convicted b IMPFiNt, ....000-+ scree -oeeee- BY A U.S, ve
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~Saeee. = “aur rove - 266 Moute, the Prenc Detective, in A“. wy ol oe SF Ve ), ee ae 975 The Detectives’ - BO. Box 2780, Latest Issues cf THE NEW YORK DETECTIVE LIBRARY: 209 The Torn Umbrella; or, Working a Strange Clew by Old Cap Darreli 210 The Leaf of a Book; or, The Page That Was Tiss. ing.. steeeeses- DY Police Captain Howard 211 Pinkerton’s Youn! Prpil.....by H. K. Shackletord 212 The Night Before Christmas; or, The Mystery of Bedloe’s Island........- ..by ‘A New York Detective 213 The Three-Cornered House; or, The League of the Jungie...by Tom Fox’ EY nia Detective) 214 In Search of Himself. . S. Detective 215 = Unclaimed Letter; or, Seed Thrboge the oP a rea ree by Allan Arnold 216 A Bag of Diamonds. A Christmas seeiaty by Alexander Douglas (Scotland Yard tective) 217 The Point of a Needle; or, A Very Small Clew.. by Police Captain Howard 218 Phantom, the Resgous French Detective.. y Tom Fox (Philadel hia, Detective) 219 = pardocires or, The Old Maniac’s Se- ssedpedecges re a Enton 220 A ase Without a Glew; or, A Detective’s Fight For Victory.... by AU. S. Detective 221 A Meerschanm Pipe; ‘or, oa Kin: Brady and the Yonkers as Root Jawa wes by a New York Detective 222 —, om ners and the Secret Service Detec- Wines sevens debccccescedeces by Howard De Vere 223 The’ Twisted BIGGG. d60\-..400 00000 by A New ayo Detective Who Killea Roger see Cigar Holder. ..by A U. S. Detective = Mente the pe oe or, The Man of Disguises. . -by Police ree Howard in the Night; or, The Myste i the Marsh 254A Cry ght; ystery Old Cap Lee a . 8. Detective by Police Captain Howard 257 The Bronze Statue; or, The Great Warren Case.. by a Cap Darrell 258 The Veiled Portrait. per paiee ‘ ty Old Cap Lee 2n0 ” the shite by Harrigan 261 The Midnight Men,.........by A New York Detective 262 The Shadow on the Blind....... by Police Cnr Howard n From Blarney .....--++-++++ Old Cap Lee Half ofa Five Dollar Bil E 5 Allan Arnold F 225 bi Lag Footstool; = sis tno of the Hud- 228 Robbed ofa anion; oF ner King Brady and the pees meg? & (Phiiadeiviia by George G. Small Piece of Satin 236 The Door Without a Lock; or, The Mystery of a 238 Old 10s) Baler, or, The Mystery in eeeeceecscces Old Cap Lee ‘old King Brad in Trelana..by #New York Detective Ww Man; Work oa the Border... . by Police Captain Howard pase § New Orleahs....b Be A Darrell by A U. S. Detective 253 The Gloved Hand...........-..+-++ y Allan Arnold ew York... os y Old Cap Lee 259 Sentenced for Life... 263 Monte, the French Detective, in Chicago........ ; or, Two Great aeeires ona 3 Tre The _ i» Sal Sak Police tain Howard 267 The it B .-by A pA Denotes 268 Monte, the ich and His Two New York Bo Brus. bY Police Page is of 100 3 OF, are Vv ees : by Old Cap Lee 270 Faro House on pee a ase Ve alia Arnold enty-! ur Dollars venteen Cents...... pies Stories. by A New Yo x Detective eer seawie ew Yor' v een the French sii Rl, -S Stree enon iiskoey Sick: « “The Luck usenet or, it ofa eae ane 2 by Old Cap Lee A New ork Detective be Saag . by G. Small oe am Old King Brady and the Telephone Myster Red Ri and His Twen Rejoubie Fiver or The Fat to "280 The Other Man; or, A Hard Case to 80 aang er icies 5 eh |. Ge st pac Fay by Old Cap Sep |: REMI Shek cian Onn : 285 Pawn Ticket No. WT. by ver Poe eee ‘Howard : : == 286 The Clew in the Closet........... by Old Cap Darreii 287 Young Weasel, the Baltimore Detective......... by ee ae Howard 288 The Silver Bracelet... U. S. Detective 289 Room Number 117. A fhviting | Detectina Mys . ee OR a ee by Allan Arnold 290 Life and Adventures of Mole the Detective...... by Pohce Captain Howard 291 Safe Deposit Box 12; or, A Great Money Vault Us eee ee by Old Cap Darrell 292 The Piece of a Handkerchief.. .by Old Cap Lee 293 Partners; or, fwo New York Detectives Among WG TIAMICOS, S2Es cad cte cise ccc oe ee by R. T. Emmet 294 The Brapded Arm; or, Monte the French Detec- tive on a Strange Case....by Police Capt. Howard 295 The Broken Chessboard; or, Old Cap Lee’s Strange Clew ... . Written by Himself 296 Reynard; or, Tne Cunning French Detective... Rea gate Morgan Rat: ler 297 Billy Bones, the Negro Minstrel Detective; or. A Mystery of the Footlignts.. - by Old Cap Darrell 298 A a Ear-ring; or, Nina. the Female De- ee RS eh ee Cee by Allan Arnold 299 Little Parret the Boy Detective............. by Police Captain. Howard 300 The Mystery of a Mummy; or, Old King Brady and the Cartright Case. by a New York Detective 301 A Man by the Name of Brown....... by Old Cap Lee 302 Old Double Face the Veteran Detective.......... by Police Captain Howard 303 The Prisoner of Killarney; or, 7 Twin Myster- fes of the Lake...............-- by Old Cap Darrell 304 Monte, the French Detective. in Cuba .......... by Police Captain lloward 305 Detective Davis; or, The Seer Terror.. A U.S. Detective 306 Old Cap Bradley and The Miystery of a Night.. by Allan Arnold 307 Cab 117 by Old Cap Lee 308 Pinkerton’s Little Detectiv The Dread of the Williams Brothers............. by Robert Maynard 809 Two White Powders; or, A Detective’s Piot..... by Police Captain Howard 310 The Mystery of the Mill by Old Cap Darrell 311 Little Dick, the Boy Detective..by Po). Capt Howard 312 Two Mysterious Skulls; or, A Detective’s Fata: Mistake. .... by A U.S. Detective 313 The Mystery ofa Book: {Case ...-by Old Cap Lee 314 Jerry Owens, the Young Western Detective... . by Robert Maynard 315 Five Out of Ten; or, A New York Detective's Wonderful Struggies............2. by Old Cap Lee 316 The Boot-Black Detective; or The Youngest Man- Hunter on the Force........... .. by Allan Arnold 317 Ola Bullion, the Banker Detective...... by Police Captain “Howard 318 For Ten Hours Dead, The Strange Case of Dr. James and Detective Larkin..by A U. S. Detective 319 The S. P. Q. R.: or, Old King Brady and the Mystery of the Palisades.by A New York Detective 320 No. 75, the Messenger Boy Detective. .... by Police Captain Howard $21 John Fay, Detective; or, The Renegade’s Plot.. by Old Cap Lee 822 The Head in the Jar; or, Mystic the Man-Hunter by Police Captain Howard 823 The Ten Doctors; or, Twenty Years in Search of dl + sees -eeeeee-bDy Allan Arnold . or. Caraveline a a Ce eee Se Se a 7 Alexander Douglas $25 Old King Brady and the Red Leather Bag. A Weird Story of Land and Sea... ............ by A New York > agi 326 A Night's Dark Work; or The Strangest Case o' Record....... . by Alexander Sonia 327 What? or, Fo’ rty-Bight | Hours of Mystery... OF Old ‘Cap Lee $28 The White Terror; or, The Haunted House on | BS a Dick Blake the Insurance tive; or, Shad- owing the * Corpse Trust’’....by J. T. Brougham 330 A Secret of the Sewers; or, Piping a Dark Mys+ tery of New York...... by Police Captain lloward 381 Farnell’s Irish-American Detective; or, The Fight for Ireland's Freedom.....-. by “ Noname ” 332 A Bag of Short; or, Old King Brady Out West... by A New York Detective #33 Centershot, the Scout Detective; or The Secret of the Indian Graves... .. 334 $1,900 a Day; or, A Detec Old Cap Detective, and the White ps.. Vv Police Captain Howard 336 A Drop of ink; or, “Widder: ‘ueneath a Klot...... by Paul braddon 837 rs Ome I Den Detective; or, ar Cg of T. Brongham “a Mystery ++-.by Allan Arnold 338 The Taanned. ‘Detective; or, Soiving by Dreams.........1....s..+.++s+sby Allan Arnold $39 The Dumb Boy Detective; or, The Shadow on the Felon’s Path................. by D. W. Stevens 340 Young Vidocq; or, Shadowing the Crooks of Gotham............. . by Police Captain Howard 341 Who Killed Doctor Gronin; or, At Work on the Great Chicago Mystery............by Old Cap Lee 342,Shasing the James pays: or, A Detectivets Dan- WOUS CUM. Joc vedees coccnsg sa y D. W. Stevens 343 a Masked Mystery: or, Tracking a Wied of Prey. by J. T. Brougham 344 An American Detective in Egypt; or, Exciting Work Among the Pyramids.......by Allan Arnold 345 A Pile of Bricks; or, Old King Brady and the Box of Rubi by a New York Detective 346 “ 3-4-6-9;"" or. The Bank Burgiars* League. by 4. F. H. 247 The Johnstown Detective: or. Tracking the Rob- bers of the Dead....... .by Police Captain Howard 348 The James Buys and the Detectives. by D. W. Stevens 349 Young Royal the “* Always on Time” and His Horse of Many Disguises..by Old Cap Lee 350 The Padded Room; or, pe ees Search for an Heiress. . Robert Maynard 361 The Li ting Change Detective. 7 by allan Arnold 352 U. O. D.; or, The Mangers: ofa Trank........... vy Police Captain Howard 358 1001; or, The Detective’s bf rc Foes,....-. by J. T. Brougham 44 & 36 354 The Belt of Gold; or, Old Sees) Brady in Peru... by A New York Detective 355 1 Against 100; or, Working a Clew in the Dark. by Allan Arnold 356 igre James Boys; or, The Bandit oe gd Last ) arr, W. Stevens 357 An Iron Bound Keg; or, The Error that Cost a Life. +. «--. hy Old Cap Lee 358 Sam Sixkilier “the” Cherokee Detective; or, The James Boys Most Dangerous Foe,by D. W. Stevens 359 Old King Brady and the James Boys...........- by A New York Detective 369 Nix; or, The Boy Without a Mind......by A. F. Hill 361 Nick Neverseen; or, The Invisible Detective. A Startling Story of Two Great Cities........... by Police Captain Howard 362 Tre Man in the Blact: Cloak; or. In Search of the John Street Jewels......... by P. T. Raymond 363 The Hidden Witness; or, Detective Dane «nd His Dog “ Ferret”’..........-..-06 by Allan Arnold 364 The Man From Nowhere, and His Adventures With the James Boys, A Story of a Detective’s Shrewdest Work....... .-by D. W. Stevens 365 Ward Wendel. the Mail Carrier Detective; or, Working on the Banker May Mystery, by Police Captain Howard 366 The sari Square; or, Tracing a liidden ORT P55 58 5k 0 cddbi ine Rb eee by A. F. Hil 367 Seat Cheek No, 492---L; or, Tracking a Double, by Robert Maynaré 368 The ommes Boys as Guerrillas and The Train MOMOEES. kccasdyacevwovyioseesoe i. W. Stevens 369 1000 Miles ina Second; or, The Lightning Clew, by Allan Arnold 370 The Secret League of Nine; or, A Re te | Detec- tive’s Still Hunt..... by P. T. Raymone 371 The Haunted Churchyard; or, Old King Brady, 2 h DROGTTG, and the ery of the Iron by A New York Detective 372 me ordhee Razor; or, The Strange Story of a Mysterious Crime......by Police Captain Howard 373 Old Saddle-Bags. the Preacher Detective: or, The James Boys ina Fix.. ..-by D. W. Stevens 374 The Youngest Detective in New York; or, Work- ing for a Milijon by A. F. Him 375 The Churciyard Bde ~ The Old Sexton's PR eee y A New York Detective 376 An Endiess Chase. A ies Story of the Will- iams Brothers.......... Rica by Robert Maynard 877 The James Boys in New York: or, Fighting Old King Brad A New York Detective 878 Old Lightning, the Prince of Detectives; or, The Strange Case of Seagirt Hall..............-... by Police Captain _— ard 379 Six Scraps of Paper; or. Tie Mysterious |. by P. T. sag wily 380 The Torn Cartoon; or, The Myatery as aes. Ww 881 A Piece of Blotting Paper; or, pee King brady in Philadelphia......... by A New York Detective 382 ~ Double Shadow; or, The James Boys Bal- cecsedeccastoscsosdesdeces .by D, W, Stevens 383 Suserigtion, No. 500; or, The Doctor's Mistake by Police Captain Howard 384 The Broken Scarfpin; or, Murcer Will Out.. oy Old Cap Lee 385 The Treasure Trunk; or Shadowing u New York Diamond Salesman...... by P. T. Raymond 386 Jesse James and Siroc; or, A De For a Horse. « «by 3&7 The James Boys in ld King Bracy and the Car of Goid..... by A A New York Detective e; or, The Crime of the GOUT UROEY «620 Susadacige nose settee A. 389 The James Boys in Texas; or, A Detective’s Thrilling Adventures in tle Lone ow State.. by D. W. Stevens 390 Hunted Down; or, The Fate re the Williams GTOtMges. ....h6. sess. y Robert Maynard 391 Dan Denton’s Grip; or, The upeley 7 an Old Well y A. F. Hin Hilt tective’a Cuase 392 The Murder of Dr. Burdell: ‘or, Old Kin brady and the Bond Street Mystery.by A New York Detective 393 The James Boys and the Vigilantes, by D. W, Stevens 394 The Mine Detective; or, Rapley | an Under- ground Trail. ....... a ’ by pore or Captain Howard 395 P. 0. Box 44; or, Tracking a Strange Mystery . by Old Cap Lee 396 The James Boys and Papeete or, Frank aud Jesse as Detectives... ss sees eeby D. W, Stevens 397 The Bicycle Detective; or, Tracking a Crime * on the Wheel. .........--+ssse00+ by P. T. Raymonaé 308 Weslgy West, The Californian Detective; or, A Mystery se Mines..............by " Nowame,’? 399 Down A the Dead Men; or, A Detective’s Thrilling Adventures Among rate Coun- terfeiters. ....s..8..0+-. Police ays Hewara 400 The James Boys Lost, 4 "rhe Detective’s Cu- WMOMMIIG, ons 5c i0 cs iospcccsBeees by D, W, Stevens 401 The Man in Gray; or, Running a Hany Round FRG WOU oso vs vunsipicovabees ne ic Cap Lee | 4u2 A Million in Diamonds; or, oid king. Beaty n Africa by A New York Detective 403 Fiery Florry, ‘the Rushing Irish Detective....... by Old Cap Lee 404 Jesse James’ Last ets . Tracked by the Ford Boys .-by Db. w. ome ———— ee ee __|___ a e Frank pe Fee ase by 3S aan 410 The James prared....---+- . We 411 Old K meer and “Billy the Kid;" or, The Great Detective’s pag oh -by AD setae hones”? nger 3; OT, nds Oo! r 412 The You Boys; Or, a bem james ked; or, A Detective 's Cun- ate og ethene : ««+by D. W, Stevens eee eneeeneeeeee For sale by all newsdealers in the United States or Canada, or sent to your address, post-paid, on receipt of price, 10 cents per copy. Address PRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 44 North Moore Street, New York.
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a all TRUE STORIES OF HE JAMES BOYS PUBLISHED IN The New York Uetective Library. Read the list of ee already Geibitlabad: Ae winite and new ones are following in rapid order: No. $42 Chasing the James were or, A Detective’s Danger- ous Case x by D. W. “Stevens 348 The James Boys aad the Betueiyes by D. W. Stevens $56 The James Boys; or, The Bandit King's Last Shot by D. W. Stevens $58 Sam Sixkiller, the Cherokee Detective; or, The James Boys’ Most Dangerous Foe by D. W. Stevens 859 Old King Brady and the James Boys ‘ by A New York Detective at The Man From Nowhere and His Adventures With . the James Boys by D. W. Stevens 868 ‘The James Boys as Guer ites and the Train Robbers by D. pa Stevens 373 Old Saddlebags, the Preacher Doteniines . The James Boys in a Fix g by D. W. Stevens 377 The James Boys in New York; or, Fighting Old King Brady a by a New York Detective | No, 382 The Double Shadow; or, The James Boys Baffled y D. W. Stevens 386 Jesse James and Siroc; or, A Detective’s Chase for a Horse . ‘ by D. W. Stevens 387 The James Boys in Boston; or, Old King Brady and the Car of Gold by A New York Detective 389 The James Boys in Texas; or, A Detective’s. Thrill- ing Adventures in the Lone Star State : by D.. W. Stevens 393 The James Boys and the Vigilantes and the James Boys and the Ku Klux y D. W. Stevens 396 The James Boys and Pinkerton; or, Frank and Jesse as Detectives 4 by D. W. Stevens 400 The James Boys Lost; or, A Detective’s Curious Case by D. W Stevens 404 Jesse James Last Shot; or, Tracked by the Ford Boy by D. W. Sreveuaae 409 The Last of the Band; ‘or, The Surrender of Frank James * : by D. W. Stovall! Pesala an The Greatest Detective Ever Known OLD KING BRADY. ‘Read all About His Exciting, Thrilling and Wonderful Adventures as Told in the Following Stories, by A NEW YORK DETECTIVE, Published in THE NEW YORK DETECTIVE LIBRARY. PRICE 10 CEN'TS PER COPY.- No, 154 Olid King Brady, the Detective. 157 Olid King Brady’s Triumph. 162 Old King Braiy’s Great Reward ; or, the Haselhurst Secret. 168 Shoving the Queer; cr, Old King Brady on the Scent of the Counter- feiters, 177 Old King Brady in Australia. 187 Old King Brady and the Scotland Yard Detective. 191 Two Flights of Stairs; or, Old King Brady and the Missing Will. 2C0 Old King Brady and the Mystery of the Bath. 208 The Last Stroke; or, Old King Brady and tne Broken Bell. 221 A Meerschaum Pipe; or, Old King Brady and the Yonkers Mystery. 228 Robbed of a Million; or, Old King Brady ata Laas ii) 243 Old King Brady in Treland. 277 Old King Brady and the Telephone Mystery. 300 The Mystery of a Mummy; | or, Old King Brady and the Cartright Case, 819 The 8. P. Q. R.; or, Old? Brady and the Mystery of the Palisades. No, 325 Old King Brady and the Red Leather Bag. A Weird Story of Land and Sea. $32 A Bag of Shot; or, Cld King Brady Out West. $45 A Pile of Bricks; or, Old King Brady and the Box of Rubies. 354 The Belt of Gold; or, Old King Brady in Peru. $59 Old King Brady and the James Boys. $71 The Haunted Churchyard; or, Old King Brady, the Detective, and the Mystery of the Iron Vault. 377 The James Boys in New York; or, Fighting Old King Brady. 381 A Piece of Blotting Paper; or, Old King Brady in Philadelphia. $87 The James Boys in Boston; or. Old King Brady and the Car of Gold, 392 The Murder of Dr. Burdell; or, Old King. Bendy. and the Bons Street Mystery. . 402 A Million in Diamonds; or, Old King Brady in Africa. 408 Old King Brady in Siberia; or, ‘The Secret of the Wooden God. For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Cunada, or sent to your address, post-paid, on receipt of price, 10 cents. Address Box 2730. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 834 and 36 North Moore Street. N. Y.