Nick Carter Weekly (no. 113) (1899 02 25)

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CARTER WEEKLY issued weekly. Subscription price, $2.00 per vear, Entered us second clast matter at the N. ¥. vost Uffice by STREET & SmuiTH, No. 113. ‘ Price Five ‘Cents. FOUND AT LOW TIDE TOGETHER NICK AND THE EX-CHIEF HAD LITTLE DIFFICULTY IN GETTING THE BODY TO THE SHORE.

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Butered according to Act of Congress in the year 1 oe Foo ex & Smith, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, ashington Entered as second class Matler at the New York, N. ¥., Post Office. Issued weekly. No 113. STREET & SMITH, Publishers, Subscription price, $2.50 per year, NEW YORK. February 265, 1899. 5 Cents 81 Fulton 8t., N. Y. Found at Low Tide ’ ‘THE BODY IN THE POOL By the Author of ‘NICK CARTER.”’ —— CHAPTER I. THE CRY IN THE NIGHT. The occupant of a room in Miller’s ho- tel on the outskirts of Mount Vernon New York, was awakened from a sound sleep one February night of the present year by a shrill, piercing shriek. It was uttered by a woman, and it was instinct with mortal terror. He sat up in bed, rubbed his eyes, and _ listened intently for a repetition of the 4 cry. y - None came. The average man would have wondered~ awhile, then the warmth-and coziness of the bed, and the selfish disinclination to rise, would probably have induced him to woo the drowsy god again, and allow the explanation of the cry to be deferred un- til morning. ~ But the man whose fener had been - disturbed did not belong to the common of humanity. ind He was curious to know what had hap pened, and he did not let his pliysical comfort stand in the way of the investiga- tion which he intended to make. Arising quickly, he dressed himself and went down stairs. It was after midnight. : No one was stirring in the building, and there were no lights or sounds of voices to indicate that the cry had been | heard by any other inmate of the hotel than himself, There had been a slight fall of snow during the evening, but the moon was now shining clear and bright, and the sky was cloudless. Standing on the porch, the lodger saw foot-prints in the snow, which upon close investigation proved to have been made ~ by some person coming from the road. The prints were peculiarly shaped, and _ were undoubtedly made by a woman. i ‘She must have intended to come upon the porch, and either knock at the do

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or enter,’’ muttered the investigator, ‘‘for the tracks show that she paused when within a few feet of the steps, moved about in a circle, irresolutely, I should say, aud then started off around the build- ing. ” Following the foot-prints, the seeker for information went a considerable dis-- tance before he found a spot where they terminated. This spot was the swimming pool in East Chester Creek. ‘The ledger at Miller’s hotel looked down into the water, but the black depths refused to reveal the dread secret they held. - A-walk up and down the creek showed that no other tracks had come tothe pool, but the ones made by the woman. **A case of suicide, probably,’ said the man to himself; ‘‘but I will have to wait until morning before I can pursne my in- vestigations with any hope of success.’ He returned tothe hotel, but not to _ sleep, for all night long that cry of terror haunted his ears. At daybreak he was up and on his way to the creek, When he arrived at the swimming pool he found a large, portly man withan hon- est, intelligent face, who was endeavoring to drag something out of it. ‘It was low tide, and the lodger at Mil- . ler’s hotel, as he came nearer, saw to his horror that the body of a woman was Saiing upon thersurface of the shallow water. The™ portly individual, who was up to his knees in the mnd, saw the new- ‘omer, aud at once called out: : _ “T have made a ghastly find here. Wo- drowned, and it is hard work to»get ‘body out, for it is weteiiad down a7 a. Race of the weak wo- NICK CARTER WEEKLY. attached to her waist, and at the end two large stones weighing together about twenty-five pounds had been secured. The victim of a cruel fate was young, not more than eighteen years of age, aud with strikingly handsome features. She was of slim build, below the me- dium height, and did not weigh more than ninety pounds. Long, glossy black hair hung loosely about her shoulders, and long silken lashes of the same hue shaded eyes that in life must have been large, luminous, and bewitching. She was attired in a- brown dress of fine material, fine laced slioes, black stockings, and expensive underclothing, She wore neither hat nor cloak. Coroner Downs was notified of the dis- covery, and the body was removed to the morgue to await identification. The portly man, who found the body, was James Waters, ex-chief of the Mount Vernon Fire Department. He remained in the morgue while the coroner was making an examination of the clothing and person of the corpse. **No marks of violence on her person,’’ he said. — The lodger at Miller’s, who was also™ present, suggested that a eae might reveal something. “Prue,” returned the coroner, ‘for she might have ap te poison before cpusigie ing herself to the water.’’ ‘*Or been given po’son, if it is a case of murder and not of suicide,’’ rejoined the lodger. < “Ves, ” “By the way,” maid the coroner, ‘I wish one of you gentlemen would run dawn to Invermere, (that’s the name of the place where the hotel is located,) =e see if Mr. Carter has come.’’ “Nick Carter, the great detective?” queried ex-Chief belie 4 satiety - ‘What Ase you Seeking him?”

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“T am, but not in reference to this case. I wired him yesterday afternoon that I wouid like to see him to-day ou import- ant business. ’’ ‘ ‘“‘And if he has come you think you may induce him to make some investiga- tions for you in this affair? Is that your idea?”’ “It is. The matter I telegraphed him about lias been settled, aud if he has noth- ing else on hand just now, I would like to have him take charge of this case for me. From indications it promises to be as mysterious and sensational as the Jen- nie Cramer business of a few years ago.”’ ‘*You know. Carter, then, of course ?”’ “T do not, strange as it may seem, but Superintendent Byrnes advised me to se- cure his services, if I could, whenever I had any important or perplexing case on hand.”’ _ “All right, Downs. If he’s at the ho- “tel Pll fetch him up here.”? Waters had _ got to the door, when the lodger at Miller’s said, qurictly.c ets) 5 wee” won’t be necessary for you to go to. = Invermere?” az “No? And: why aoe asked the ex. + chief, in surprise, “Because I am Nick Carter.” ; ; ' 5 : i 7 =) me = eee Per ee —) were 1. he eee a (lees Mae tae ae Ae ee ‘ A wi. CHAPTER II. = speneedene FOR CLEWS. ‘so late last evening,” said = > the coroner, “that I concluded not to ‘call | upon you until amorning.?” aay = to the business which had brought the great detective to Mount Vernon, the cor- ‘the death of the young woman whose body was found inthe creek, I cannot epeak. of a reward, nor ‘make you any take charge of -the in- “ _ After a short conversation in relation | “at this early stage in the inquiry into : ~ NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ce ‘‘Say no more,’’ interrupted Nick, - quickly, ‘for I wish to inform you that I will take the case, reward or no reward.” The coroner’s face lighted up with pleas- ure. ‘*T ain interested in the affair,’’ the great detective continued, ‘‘because of my pres- ence here at the very opening of the in- vestigation, and also on account of the mystery.in which it is wrapped.”’ He did not say anything about the cry he had heard in the night, and of his own nlovements immediately thereafter for reasons of his own. Ex-Chief Waters departed shortly after- ward, and the coroner resumed _ his exall- ination of the corpse. In the pocket of the beautiful victim’s dress was found a small portemonnaie with thirty-five cents in change; also a’ note-head of the Marsh House, Tarry- town-on-the-Hudson. : It was dated a montlr previous, aud had written on it the single word ‘‘dear,” as _ “ though the person who had penned it had started to write a letter. A business card of a New York firm © was also found in the pocket, with these — words written on the back: **No. 6—46, Saturday, March 22.” . In the bosom of her dress the coroner discovered a part of an envelope. It was addressed, “Miss Grace Fulton, — care of G. Fulton, Merchant Tailor, No. | 1787 Amsterdam avenue, New York | City.”> The postmark was originally in- ; : distinct, and was rendered almost useless - for the purpose of tracing the letter by, the action of the water. But the discovery which interested N ioe Carter the most was an old rabbit's paw sewed to the lining of the dead gil’s : dress, He gave a start when he saw it, ‘fe recalled a gis qucidene to pe

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ae * 4 NICK CARTER WEFELY. x which is supposed to bring good luck to the wearer. Two months before Nick had seen a tabbit’s paw in the hands ofa stylish young man on the cars between New York and White Plains. Sitting behind the young man, who had as a companion a woman, closely - veiled, the great detective heard him say these words: ‘Now, Grace, as I have been at great pains to get this paw for you, I want you to promise me never to part with it as ie as you live.”’ Si *T promise,’? came the answer, in a _ low, sweet voice. s ‘And on my patt,’’ he lovingly re- _ turned, ‘‘I will promise to be true to you © till death.”’ “That is all I ask,’’ she replied. Nick heard no more, and went on read- pate his paper. _ When the train arrived at White Plains ae pair of lovers got off. | Nick saw the young man’s face, ard noted that it was dark.and handsome, and wore signs of dissipation. _, “Not the sort of fellow an honest man _ would trust. his aevehier with,’’ was his ~ thought. _ Other matters soon engaged his atten- tion, and the affair of the rabbit’s paw had _ slipped from his mind, and was only re- . alled when the coroner of Westchester =H a lar to it, from the dead body of the beau- % ‘tiful young girl, “How long would you say that the body had been in the water?’ asked N ick. _ About five or six hours,” Be “Then it was her cry I heatd,’’ said etective to himself. ia with Nick. makes you think or" number of fac s. First, there : ce ofthe body. 2 tat: =m 4 ey te unty took the same article, or one sim-, 4 b! ban ig. ee ee Secondly, the rope with the weights could easily have been attached by herself; and in the last place, because no other tracks led to the pool but hers, excepting, of course, the tracks you and Mr. Waters made. ’? “‘Might there not be tracks leading to the pool from the other side of the creek.”’ “Perhaps. You will ascertain whether there are any or not, I suppose.”? ‘*T have already done so,’’ said Nick, quietly. **When ??? ‘While you and Mr. Waters were con- veying the body to the Morgue, I waded through the mud and ooze of the pool to a clump of weeds growing in front of a long shed for horses owned by the hotel proprietor. In the mud about the weeds I found the foot-prints of several per- sons.’ ““That’s news, indeed,’’ ejaculated the corouer. - _ “The tracks led to the horses’ shed. “*There I found a paper bag with frag- meuts of cake in it.’” “The girl must have sat does there to take her lunch,’’ put in the coroner. “Would she had done this, think you,’? queried Nick, ‘‘if she had intended in a few minutes to end her life ?’’ **No, she wouldn’t.”’ “There are several summer horse cars stored in the shed,’’ resumed Nick, ‘tand near one of them were evidences of a struggle in the dirt. ~ “TI dia not purse my search for clews any further then, for I looked out and saw that the wagon had started for the morgue, and as I was desirous of ascer- taining as soon as possible what a search of the dead girl’s person would disclose, I hurried on to catch up with you.” After obtaining a promise from the cor- oner that no mention to outsiders should be made of Nick’s discoveries before the holding of the inquest, - great detective weut back to the creek. . i =

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Near the horses’ shed was a fallen tree. There were tracks leading to it, and Nick, examining them closely, saw that _ they were large and ‘totally unlike those made by the unfortunate girl. The tree had been recently blown over, _and the roots standing up in the air left a _ big hollow. _ Inthis hollow Nick’s eyes fell upon a bundle. He drew it out, and found it to consist of a woman’s cloak and hat. The cloak had been roughly folded, and the hat had in it a white silk iaad- » kerchief. **She never put the things there,’’ was s the great detective’s quick comment. The tracks are not hers in the first _ place, and no woman would rumple up a cloak in that way in tlie second place. But why were they hidden? Why _ didn’t the murderer put them on the per- son of his_victim ed Sere them ta the ‘water ot The answer to tet questions came jeliest Ritak patted out of an inner pocket 4 “of the cloak ee sheet - letter- ~ paper. mY "It bore the Maral House dice like ~ the piece of note-paper found in the pock- i _ tained these words written in a trembling, feminine hand: & “T place these ‘articles 3 in the hollow by 4 ie tebren tree 3 in order that they may be -enth avenue, New York, to whom’ they belong, I having | borrowed them or a day. “T do not wish to have any post- ; “mortem examination of my — body, for I _ hereby declare that I die of my own free and by my own hand. My reasons self-destruction are strong ones, and forever remain a secret to the world, has been so cruel to ~ Baas Furon.” c Carter's | face was a study when — et of the dead girl’s dress, and it con-~ nt to my aunt, Mrs. Fulton, 455 Sev- > HES and ‘father, pt pple ne sat this Ps cnstyah si F _ she q NICK CARTER WEEKLY. _ 5 It expressed not surprise, but ‘amuse- ment and satisfaction combined. ‘*You’re avery cunning fellow,’’ he mused, ‘‘but you would have covered up your tracks the better if you had not writ- ten this letter. “You must have been in an excited frame of mind whien you indited it, for an intelligent person in his sober senses would have kriown that the letter would likely have an effect opposite to that in- tended; that instead of preventing an autopsy it would suggest one; that in- stead of establishing a case of suicide, it would point unerringly to murder. ‘*Yes,’’ ran Nick’s cogitations, ‘‘the murderer must have been ina state of alarm and fear when he wrote it. He had probably committed this foul crime, and the cry that the beautiful and helpless victim sent up as she was about to be plunged into the pool must have harrowed up his guilty soul to such a pitch that for some time afterward he was destitute of either coolness, shrewduess, or foresight.” Nick made no further discoveries about the place, and when he returned to Mount Vernoni in the afternoon. the ingnent was in progress. The: ‘testimony. mystified the moroned, It tended to show that the girl had committed suicide. The body had been identified as that of Grace Fulton, who had lived with her fa- ther and step-mother. at 1787 Amsterdam avenue, New York. Her life here had not beena happy one * and two days before her death she left the house after a family quarrel, and went to the home of her aunt on Seventh ave- nue. ‘ This lady testified that rsa declared that she was tired of the abuse to whic she had been subjected by her st

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5 6 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. time the door-bell rang she started up as if in fear that some one had come to take her home. _ In conclusion, Mrs, Fultou eae that xrace wept bitterly when she left, and said she did not know what would hap- pen to her if she failed to obtain work. J. King, a tailor of Mount Vernon, tes- tified that the girl had applied for work at his shop on the day before the finding - of her dead body iu the creek. He could give her uo encouragement, as slle was too frail for a tailoress, but referred her to au employment agent, who, in turn, sent her to the wife of a real-estate agent wlio was iu need of a nurse. The latter lady found Grace too feeble to do the work about the house, and the - girl returned to the house of King utterly disheartened. then went out into the streets, and no one could be found who had seen her alive after that. _ This was between twelve and one ~~ clock in the afternoon. _ At seven o’clock next morning her body was found floating in the shallow _ water of the creek, with the rps and the __-weiglits attached to it -. _ From the heart of Mount Vernon, where - + King lives, to Invermere, where the swimming pool is located, it is two miles, over a rough country road that is deserted = Se during the cold season. a & 5 was, therefore, not strange that she J should: have walked the distance “without be "meeting | any one. oe The post-mortem examination told one> Nick thought to himself when the doc- tors rendered their report, ‘if she had swallowed more, she would not have been able-to have uttered that piercing cry of terror that roused me from my sleep.” The coroner’s thouglits were something like these: ‘‘There is nothing in tle evi- dence to controvert the theory of suicide. The records show cases almost nuiiber- less of suicides who took double, tripie, and sometimés quadruple measures to cut short their lives, ““As for the tracks of two persons being found on the farther side of the pool, there was nothing to show that they -lad not been made. by.other. persons tlian the deceased, and some one who might have inurdered her.’? Nick saw how the testinony was run- ning, and turned over the letter found in She stayed there a few moments, ‘and the cloak without any comment. At his request the corouer confined the _ great detective’s examination_only to the - thatter ofthe discovery in the hollow by the fallen tree. It was now Nick’s sisi that a verdict of suicide should be rendered, in order that he might the better pursue hissearch - for the murderer, For that pretty Grace Fulton had. met her death at the hand of an assassin the great detective had no doubt. The cloak and hat were identified as the property of Mrs. Alfred Fulton, the aunt, aud the letter, examined carefully ~ by that lady, was stated to be in CHASE! s handwriting. - * Nick, by permission of the coroner, asked her a question or two. . ete to Nick — another to thecor- | of your niece’s penmanship?” _ “Have you ever seen inany specimens « “She wrote sue one letter last year.’? “And you form, your opinion of the letter before yon from what you remem- ber of ule: sens in the letter that "HYes,) eh? aes x Phat's all) .

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. : 7 And Nick walked out satisfied in his mind that Mrs. Fulton, while honest in her opinions, had not proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that Grace Fulton wrote the Jetter. After an adjournment of the inquest had been taken until the following day, Nick took the train to New York. Before attending the inquest ‘at Mount ; Vernon he had sent a telegram. to Chick, ~~ directing that a certain investigation on Reaching his office, he found Chick awaiting him with an important an- nouncenient: ‘“Vou wanted to know if Grace Fulton had any suitors, or had “lately been much in the company of a particular young nian??? ‘Ves. Well?” “She has been keeping company for some time with a young man who lives out of New York.”?. ¢ “Did you aes his name?” LRP f See npie teh to : 2 = What sae 2 3 i Alfred Dixon.?? “His business?” **He is a salesman in a silverware em- _porium on East Fourteenth street.’? ‘‘And doesn’t live in New York?” __.**No. His home is at South Mount Vernon.” Fete Sept: Be) i = oti was described to me as tall, mus- zs ulate and with a dark mustache. ”? Nick nodded his: head understandingly. — This might mean ‘the young man_ _ whom he had met on > the train to White : /, Plains two montlis before, who had pre-— : “eated the old rabbit's” pts to fhe = he _ addressed as Grace. _ “Anything more, Chick" cteet the eat detective, after a pause. $ married man.’? ~ built man with a black mustache, to the same effect.” **Ves, and bad for his wife, if he turns out to be the man I saw in the cars.’ And then Nick told Chick the story of the rabbit’s paw. ss CHAPTER III. THE WRONG MAN SUSPECTED, ‘‘Where did you obtain this informa- tionmabout Dixon?’ asked Nick, after he _ had told Chick of his discoveries. Amsterdam avenue be immediately made, . ““At’several places, but principally at the house of George Fulton, Grace’s fa- ther.” **What sort of a man is he?” ‘fA small, mild-mannered fellow, hon- est and well-intentioned, and evidently ruled. by his wife, who is taller and stronger,’’ ‘Well, what did he say?” “This; That Dixon and his wife lived in the house with him. at two periods. The families were friendly, and when the Dixons moved to Sotith Mount Vernon Grace promised to stay a day or two with them in the near future.” : “It is strange that Mrs. Dixon did uot appear at the inquest,’’ said Nick, acre “Perhaps she was out of town and = knew nothing about it.’’ ‘*Perhaps.’? “But you don’t think it strange that Dixon himself failed to show up?’”” ‘*No; that is, upon the supposition that he is the murderer. But go on. What else did Fulton say?’’ **He said that Grace liked Dixon’s so- ciety, but he had never known her to go out walking with him. Pe se : “A neighbor named Ellis, honever 3 cee continued Chick, “told me that he had seen the ‘girl out Harlem way several times: of an evening, and that she was al- ways accompanied by a tall, powerfully “In Harlem I obtained — “nga: eviden The man she walked w

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8 : NICK CARTER WEEKLY. have been Dixon,’’ said Nick, ‘‘though the presuimption from the evidence now at hand is that he was the man.”’ The next day Nick was back at Mount Vernon. Chick had been directed to look up Dixon, find out where he had been on the night of the murder, and also on the afternoon preceding it. Just before the inquest was resumed, the coroner said to the great detective: ‘‘T have changed my opinion since last nighit.’’ “You think it a case of surder, then ?”’ “Ves, ” ‘Vou must have discovered some new evidence ?”’ “Ves. A teamster has told me a’ strange story. I will put him on the stand the first thing, so that you may hear it from his own lips.’’ ! The teamster, who proved to be a young man of prepossessing appearance, testified that on the morning of the day preceding the finding of the body, he meta short, slight girl, who looked like the deceased, on the road between East Chester a Mount Vernon. He was hauling stone for the town dock at the time, and was, therefore, driv- _. ing so slowly that he had a fine opportu- "4 nity to watch the girl’s movements. t _ She had passed his wagon when a hack 2 ~ Srove up and stopped beside her. ‘The hackman was a_ short, stout man, with a smooth, red face, and little eyes set ~~ close. together, and he had never seen r him before, though he knew all the hack. > men by sight or acquaintance in that part f the country. ae what severed when the hack dl 7 take ke this familiarity?” **She did not seem to like it, though she submitted te it.’’ ‘‘What sort of a man was he? Describe him.’’ F “He was tall, well made, and had a dark complexion, and a black mustache.”’ ‘Had you ever seen him before?’’ “No.” ‘*Proceed.’?’ “‘He took the girl to one side of the road, and began talking to her in earnest tones. I could not hear all that was said, but I caught these words as I drove past the place where they stood: ‘It must be to-night or never.’ ”’ ‘Did she say anything in return » “Ves. ”? “Did you hear it?”’ z **Not all of it.’’ **Repeat what you did hear.”’ ***You have deceived me so often,’ were the words that reached my ears.’’ ‘‘Did they begin or complete a sen- tence?” **They completed it, for she shook her head sadI¥ after speaking them, and started to move away from the dark- faced young man.’’ ‘*How did he take her answer ?’’ ‘‘He seemed to be very angry, and he talked rapidly for some time. I was mov- ing farther away from the pair all the time, and did not catch asyllable. The last Isaw of them, he was getting into — the hack, and she was moving away from it. »” = “Going toward Mount Vernon?” * £fYes, *? ~ It was already in evidence that a short time after thisGrace Fulton had appeared at King’ s tailoring establishment and asked for work. Other testimony went to show that the deceased was a good, obedient girl, who had never been’ known to do a wrong, and whose character in the locality where she lived was above reproach.

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 3 A second adjournment of the inquest was taken at Nick’s request. He was standing outside the morgue in a brown study, when Chick and a tall, handsome young man caine up. “Nick, let me make you acquainted with Alfred Dixon. Mr. Dixon, Mr. Car- ter.’’ The great detective gave the young man the benefit of a keen, searching scrutiny. 2 He was not the companion of the girl, Grace, in the White Plains car, the man who had presented her with the rabbit’s paw. “He’s all right,”’ said Chick. first-class alibi.’’ — ‘‘T am glad to hear it.” “Got a All the same Nick’s countenance was, grave as he waited for the young man to “make his explanation. For the alibi, while it would establish Dixon’s innocence, would also tend to -make the affair of the murder. more com- eae than ueSeE ree * CHAPTER IV. ~ {HE RABBIT’S PAW RE-APPEARS. ~ aie - Alfred Dixon rather nervously began: eye sa shame that ny name sas be dragged into this terrible affair.’ you are innocent of wrong, your be tarnished,’’ said Nick. left her in a very § weak state t to Some: ae - and present my vindicationy ree ing until night on the day that Grace Fulton came to Mount. Vernon. Your ~ are eomnistant, Mr. ce will corroborate me a ue sek a the store was over, for home, a sryes at - health began to’ decline, and I deemed it “y hope it won't, for: my wife’s sake. I — £*To-coime to the point, se will An that. I was at my place of business. from mofn- west was sent. South Mount Vernon in time for supper. The doctor was there, and he remained in the house until after nidnight at my request, as my wife’s condition at the time was exceedingly critical.”’ ‘Did you leave the house.dutring the time of the doctor’s stay ?’’ asked Nick. Now? - '“*T have interviewed the doctor,’’ said Chick, ‘‘and he will swear that Mr. Dixon was by his wife’s bedside all the time.’’ Dixon paused a moment, and then said: “If you want to ask me any questions, Mr. Carter,‘go ahead. Iam willing to an- swer them.” . Nick thought a moment, and then be- ‘gan: ‘*Did you ever go out walking with the deceased during the last six months of her life-time ?”’ “No. v7 The answer camne unhesitatingly and frankly, and the great detective, looking into Dixon’s honest face, believed that the young man spoke the truth. ‘As a matter of fact,’’ said Dixon, knew very little about Grace Fulton. “Three months ago my wife and I lived above Fulton’s tailor shop on Amsterdam avenue. “T saw the girl frequently, as a matter of course, but I paid her no more atten- tion than any of the other neighbors." ~* “When we moved to South Mount Vernon,’ continued Dixon, ‘‘my wife’s > B sha \ advisable to procure a girl to assist herin — the housework. 5 bs: my. suggestion she wrote to Grace -Fulton—as I could think. of no one else) at the time—and asked her t ome and work for us a few weeks. Sake af don’t think she ever received the letter, for we never heard from her after ‘About a month ago I went to Fulto shop and in the PISsea Je

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Be? 5 os vos « _ 10 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth street station of the Harlem read, on the next afternoon, “*¥ gave her the card of the firm, which was afterward found in her pocket, with the indorsement ‘6—46, Saturday, March 22.’ ” “What did the indorsement questioned Nick. “The time for the departure of the train, simply. “She did not keep this appointment,”’ Dixon proceeded, ‘fand when I went.to see her afterward and asked her why she had not come to tle train, she said she had forgotten the hour. ‘Her further conversation at the time convinced me that she did not want to "enter my service. less, and I could perceive that she had something on her mind that was troubling her greatly.’’ mean ?”? Dixon had nothing further to say, and- the next day he was on the stand at thie - inquest and told the same story. The verdict rendered was that Grace Fulton had come to her death at the hands of some Peron or persons un- known. ¥ “Chick,” said the Little Giant, when ~ Pa had gone, ‘we have got to find the “young mau with the black mustache who took those walks with Grace’ Fulton out ~ Harlem way, and wlio also gave her the © -rabbit’s paw. Suppose you try Harlem and vicinity, while I run up to Tarry- town,”’ n - a. $ “Very well,’? “And while you are looking for the ‘murderer, keep an eye out fora short, te aa is little eyes set close 2,” Nick es “1 shall Her manner was list-’ The two detectives separated at the Mount Vernon railway station. Chick went on to Harlem while Nick waited twenty minutes for the up train, aud was a passenger for White Plains. He was followed into the smoker by a smooth-faced young man, who wore smoked glasses, and whose dark hair had been shaved close to his head. Taking a seat in the corner, he re- mained with his head bowed on his breast and in an apparent doze until the train stopped at White Plains. Then hesprang up suddenly and turned his head in Nick’s direction. The great detective was then on his feet and moving toward the door. ~~ On leaving the train he proceeded to a livery stable and engaged a rig to take him to Tarrytown, He of the smoked glasses followed the disguised detective to within a short dis- tance of the livery stable. Waiting ata corner under a tall elm, he saw Nick drive off in a buggy along the Tarrytown road, and then he went quickly to the telegraph office and sent off this dispatch: ‘William Brink, No, 18—— _ street, Tarrytown: L. G. on his way. Watch him. Will be over to-night. BOoxKr.’’ Nick went along at aslcow pace, ex- pecting that the man with the smoked glasses would hirea horse or a rig like his own and follow him. -But after going a few miles and seeing’ nothing of the fellow, the great detective concluded to make a change in his plaus. He stopped at a‘tieat cottage in a hol. low, the owner of which he knew by rep- Utation, and left the horse and buggy there, with instructions to return the same to White Plains early the next morning. Half an hour after this business had

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ih He encountered no one on the way. Arrived at White Plains, he began a systeinatic round of the saloons. At only one did lie stop and call fora drink It was in the vicinity of the livery sta- ble whete Nick. Catter had hired the horse and the bugey. When the tramp entered, the barkeeper was engaged im earnest conversation with a young man who wore smoked glasses. “Whiskey !”? called out the tramp ina hoarse voice, as lre came slouching up to the bar, ‘fan’ gimme ther best you've got in yer joint. See?” The barkeeper, a pale-faced, necked young man, scowled at the tramp, but did net make a move to nll the or- slim- ~ ders *: “Ver t’ink I’m broke, dat’s wat yer Pink,’’ continued the tramp, calmly, “but I ain’t. I’ve got more boodle dan any mug here. Betcher cartwheel I have. See?" . “Show yer boodle and quit chinnin’,”’ - said the barkeeper. i The tramp produced an oiJ-skin purse, which he opeied before the barkeeper and - the young man with smoked glasses. ~ ~ Tt contained a thick roll of bank-notes and some sinall article wrapped in a black silk handkerchief. ers up. the latter, the tramp said, a) % 7 5 “What is itp? asked. the 5 ow curious 2 eR, « ee _— *Jt’s er mascot.” es Chee What?” see ?”? seat es I see.”’ . = : “Glad yer does, An’ maybe eae mug rid der smoked lamps is, ec aled wuss fix ; é, eh?” pes edie addressed quickly replied ST wold take a Byreced polars fer. A meee — cer opbeey toa hoodoo “Don’t get too funny, pede or I might ting the bell on you.” “Ill see yer later about dat, mister.’ “‘I hope you will.” **Nothin’ ’ud please me better.” ‘“*Say,’’ put in tle barkeeper, ‘‘cheese this Side racket and come to business. -Show us the mascot.’ ‘Will yer treat if I do?”’ “ Yes. ” ‘‘Better hear how I got it first, hadn’t yer?” “Just as you say.”” “Den I says yes.’? “All right, then; tell us how you got hold of it.”’ “*] foun’ it in der road.”’ “Along witl: the purse and the money ?’’ ‘Naw; *thout anythin’.’’ “Silk handkerchief around it?’’ ‘Correct aud w’en I flashed dem peep- ers o’ mineon de find 1 knowed I- was fixed.”’ ““Fixed? How?’ **Dat I’d collared de boss mascot in der world; dat it ’ud bring me good hick frum de word go; see ?’’ “\T see,”? ‘ eo “Au? it aid bring me good luck, fer t’warn’t more’n au hour after w’en I Put nly clamhooks onter dis purse. ”? - “Did you find that in the road, too?”? ‘“Naw.”? “Where did you find it, then?” ‘The young man with the smoked glasses asked the last question. ae ‘Right in der town.”? ' ‘There was a pause, during whieh the tramp opened and closed his hand several times over the article was 5 in ‘the hand- kerchief. - ‘Come,’ said dia -barkecper, sharply, | “open that ‘silk tects and trot out the mascot.’”* *“Dat’s w’ atP ih do. i The tramp opened the handkerebief « the counter and disclosed <n the view of the two s “s

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12 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. caused one of them—the young man with smoked glasses—to give a start of sur- prise. _ The something was a rabbit’s paw. \ CHAPTER V. NICK CARTER’S RUSE. The tramp was Nick Carter, and he had obtained the rabbit’s paw from the coroner at Mount Vernon. He observed the start made by the man with smoked glasses with an inward thrill of satisfaction. The man; to his mind, was in some "way connected with the murder of pretty Grace Fulton. He might even he the murderer him- - SeHS ‘tTet me see the mascot,’’ said he of the glasses, with assumed composure. Nick passed over the article. The man took it up and placed it close against his glasses and looked at it long and carefully, turning it over many times during the operation. His hand trembled when he put it down. on the counter. “Can it be possible that he recognizes it as the identical rabbit’s paw that was - 2 given to the dead girl?’ thought Nick. - “And if he does, he must either be the “a "murderer or very close to that mysterious a individual. ” “The great detective had not counted on looked like an ordinary tabbit’s paw, and. after a close inspection, he could discover ivate marks upon it.. the man with the packs glasses a recognition of the charm; for to him it, © spoke again, this time ima sneering man- ner. “‘T suppose you expect to find another - roll of bills before night comes.’? “T don’t expect to, but I won’t be as- tonished if I do.’’ ‘*Let me see those bills,.if you please.” Nick tossed the purse to the man, who took out the roll, smoothed the bills care- fully, and began to count them. ‘‘Seven hundred and fifty dollars—a pretty good haul for a tramp.’’ *‘Pl] be able ter booze fer a year on the find,’’ said the disguised detective, as he smacked his lips. The man with the smoked glasses _re- placed the notes in the purse, and then looked the pseudo ouip over from head to foot. “You won’t booze if you go to jail,”’ he said, in a meaning tone. “Then J won’t go ter jail; see??? Nick grinned as he said this, and nudged the barkeeper. “This story of yours is too gauzy, ” con- tinued the man with the smoked glasses. ‘*Maybe-you t’ink I swiped der boodle,”’ said Nick, with a quick assumption of anger. “‘T know you did,’’ was the cool re- sponse. pe “Ver does, does yer??’ 6SVes, ” ‘Den perhaps yer know der name of | der patty wot owns der papers.’’ “CT -do.”? hse ‘“‘Wot’s his name?” “‘James Mitchell.’? ‘I'd like to see James ’bout a pair of seconds.’’ “What for?” ‘Ter ax him a question.” ‘‘What would you ask him?” “If dis is his purse ’n money.”? ~ *’There’s nothing to prevent you ask- ing the question-now. a4 “Dat’s good; — cunnin’. But who’ll si BSitOFP" 6 oop: PAR? aes . : ”

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 413 “Me. - ati??? **Yes, me.’? “Den you mus’ be James Mitchell.’’ “That is my name,’’ replied the man with the smoked glasses, calmly, ‘‘and now you may ask ‘your question with positive. assuatnce that it will be an- swered,”’ Nick looked ugly when this ieee was delivered. “Ts dat your purse ?’’ hesaid, ina harsh voice. aes, **An’ your money 2”? ‘“My money.’’ “Yer a liarl” As the disguised detective spoke, he ‘made a grab for the purse. ° But Mitchell was too quick for him. Putting the purse in his pocket, he squared off and prepared to knock out the audacious tramp who had dared to give him the He. Nick Carter smiled grimly as he noted the other’s war-like ‘denionstration. = ‘He intended to give Mr. Mitchell a lit- _ tle surprise. The latter was built like a pugilist, and handled himself like one. “And now ensued a game of fisticuffs that made the ene spectator—the barkeeper— 2. open his mouth in wonder and adinira- | led off with a right-hander Ww e landed on Nick’s jaw if Nick had “not Mivined . the: move and dodged. ing against the walk + uy where he was accustomed to store his under the ear. =o e man with the smoked glasses went so ee if het Be been struck by light- A terrific upper-cut ‘sent Mitchell reel Before he could recover pny Nick : fetched him a powerful blow in the spot. wind, and followed it up with another While he lay upon the floor in a dazed condition, Nick quickly repossessed him- self of the purse and bank-notes. Thrusting them, with the rabbit’s paw, into his pocket, he waved his hand at the barkeeper and went quickly out, Mitchell recovered his senses in a few moments, and staggering up tothe bar, called for whiskey. When he had pourd a stiff horn of the fiery liquid down his gullet, he said, with a look of fear: ‘“That fellow was a detective.”’ _ **Who is he after 2’? “The man who put Grace Fulton to sleep.’’ The barkeeper turned pale. ‘*Better let Jack know at once how the land lays,’’? said Mitchell, “for he may give himself dead away before he kuows | Pe ‘*Jack’s over in Harlem.’” ‘Too near. He ought to be a thousand miles away. ‘‘I’ll go over to-night and see him.” **See who?’? These last words were uttered by a short, stout man with little eyes set close together, who stood in the door. Jack!’ cried the barkeeper in sur- prise. ‘‘Just the man we were talking about.’ “Ves???” - ‘‘Say, did you passa tramp when you came up the street?’ asked Mitchell, *tNo.? “Then he is in hiding outside some- where,’’ remarked the barkeeptts nerv- ously. e3 ‘Who's afraid of a tramp?” “sneered — Jack, who had a deep bass voice, and an aggressive manner. _ “T am,’’ returned Mitchell, with a pale face, ‘‘and you’d be afraid, too, Ja Sprat, if you Se what shat knows.”’

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= tides a a> The hackiman looked cautiously about, as if afraid of being overlieard and. then said, in a hoarse whisper: : ‘It’s something that happened in Har- mad fee ne ee lem to-day. You afraid!’’—with a con- tem:ptuous sniff. ‘Wait till you hear my gentle bazoo squeak, and then you'll have something to be afraid of.”’ # Mitchell’s face grew paler. 5 The barkeeper went to the door and looked out. No one could be seen in thie vicinity. Coming back to where Jack Sprat and for the former’s revelation. * **l was in a beer juint this forenoon,’’ began the hackman, ‘‘when a mug comes in that I knew at once as a detective.”’ Mitchell and the barkeeper exchanged ee. ee ee ee a eee ee eS CUS Sa ala ee el | glances. ; ‘The same thought had occurred to | both. if The detective bore some relation to the | — tranrp. ij “J knew him—though he had togged _ to fool people—for he used fo live at - Hellion City, Nevada, where I ‘was _ brought up; and he’s gota trick of his eyes that I used to notice when he was on the pipe; see??? « Mitchell nodded his head. phe | can guess who the fellow is;”* said the latter. “Tt was Nick Carter’s S assist- ” ‘ “Chick ae gasped the harkeeper in alarm. “You peu Tebiviied the kockner e mug — Chick, sure ate al himself ont and monkeyed with his face as ance atightty. “Tam in a corner, aud that’s a fact.’’ < 6 aes © see a ae Mitchell. Mitchell stood, he waited in some anxiety - 14 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. When he put his lamps on me, I held the paper before me so that I could watcl: his face without his seeing mine again unless he waltzed up close.’’ ‘Ves, yes; aud what then ?”’ Mitchell’s nervousness was so pro- nounced that he took off his smoked glasses, put them in a case, and placed the case in his pocket. His eyes, dark and piercing, were with- ‘out infirmity. The glasses had been used for purposes of disguise. At the moment he took them off a green-looking countryman passed the door, looking carelessly in as le did so. Mitchell’s eyes were on Jack, the hack- man, and he did not see the countryman. The latter stopped in front of a large empty box on one side of the door. It rested on the ground with the open side underneath. After a minute’s consideration the coun- tryman crawled under the box. -He had barely done so, before Gus, the barkeeper, came to the door for the sec- ond time. - At that moment a man was just turn- ing the corner above the saloon, whose figure, in the distance, looked like that of the countryman. Satisfied that the latter had goue by, Gus went indoors again. ‘©You needn’t whisper amy more,’’ he said to Jack, ‘‘for there’s no one about.’ ‘tT et’s all stand by the door so we can ‘see whoever passes,’’ suggested Mitchell. _ “Good idea,’’ said Gus. To the door they went, and the conver- sation continued, with the countryman under the box but a few feet away. Jack now proceeded to answer Mitcliell’s last question. . “When Chick saw me put the paper in front of my face, he must have guessed that I was onto him, for he stayed in the see but a minute longer.

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NICK CARIER WEEKLY. 5 “When he went ont I jumped up and west witha feather when he said these made for the door.” words."’ **Back door?’’ queried Gus. ‘But you didn’t give me away, did © ‘No, front door. I wanted to see which ~you?’? interrogated Mitchell, hoarsely, way the detective went.”’ and grasping the hackman fiercely by the ‘*Did you see??? arm. “That's what I did. He had just Jack Sprat gave a grunt of disgust. stepped off the stoop to the side of the ‘What do you take me for?’’ he snorte saloon building when I pared Outepast eg? q'5 “cive you away would mean to +] . him. give myself away, too.’’ : “| ” “Without seeing him? ‘ **So it would,’ assented the other, in a ‘That’s what. But ‘I saw him when tous bt cele Gon.” he spoke.’’ ay oe F : : Na ys to him, innocent-like, ‘Ain’t “What did he say? ” asked Mitchell, you made a mistake? ° ~. im nervous impatience. *€ *No,’ says he, ‘nary a mistake,’ ‘“« ‘Hello, Jack,’ says he, ‘and how are * “Ves, you have,’ says J, ‘if you think ~ . you making it, now-a-days?’ I was out of New York three days ago,’ “ ‘So-so,’ says I» trying to be indiffer- ent. ‘Sometimes I’ve got a stake, but mostly Iam broke. ‘Haven’t seen a split- ter for a week,’ I goes on, ‘and not five minutes ago I had to shove up my shoul- der for a beer.” ~ ‘‘Chick smiled at this, and then stg- gested that we go inside again and hit the — whiskey a lick or two for old times’ sake. s “Pm your huckleberry,’ says I, “promptly, and making a big brace to keep my courage up. . ‘After we’d thrown ourselves on the outside of some of the worst rotgut I ever tackled, Chick takes me toa corner of Se a aud sets me down, quiet, but digek xe « Tenteare oes secs :éNow, Jack;? says he, eA eS abtean ‘‘Tv’e got nothing tosay,’ I chips back, Pd: t a “his eyes that made me think of jail,‘there’s ae tea that ee in to pompes to be no funny Deaieke between veiaad lick grinned in my face at this. “Then he’ looks at me hard and he ~ bears down on his voice when he speaks again. , *¢ ‘Tack,’ says he, and I can hear. the voice now, ‘I remarked a few momeuts . ago that we wouldn’t have any funny business. You went out of town threé © days ago, and you went to Mount Ver- non. Don’t deny it, for Ill have to prove you’re a liar, if you do,’ ‘“Maybe you think I ought to have tackled him then and there for calling me a liar, but if you’d been knocked out _ a couple o’ times by the bloke, as I was at Hellion City, then you’d have been as - me to-day, is there?) ‘¢ ‘Well,’ says he, after a minute, ‘if — a & sT don’t knows why there should be,’ you won’t talk, ll havetotake youalong - says I, with a bold face, but a quaking with me and let the inspector have ahack — a gizzard. geyene ans ai% : : “Because funny busitiess ey pay.” © ‘Steers ?? says I. ee rings ‘What do you want ? Fiske seieV ea” + want to know,’ says he, as cool_as_ Then I weakened,” continued. xg cucumber, “the name of the party you hackman, as he s)iut one eye on Mite! took i ina hack out to Mount Vernon and ‘‘and I up and told him that I had | Bast Chester way three days ago.’ down to Mount Vernon that day, x 2 could have knocked me ete: the party that cae = ‘to ee

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2 | f i f | as & cs 2 x be: 4 ae = says. Chick, bland-like.’’ i t ; q had given mea tenner not to give his snap away. “* “What was his snap?” asks Chick, pointedly. «¢ “To meet a young girl he’d made a ~ mash on.’ ‘* *Aha!’ says my man from Helion City, ‘now we’re coming to it, Jack. And did you meet the young girl?’ he says. ‘¢ We did.’ ‘© ‘Near Mount Vernon?’ baa = ot ‘¢ ¢Well, what then ?’ ‘« ‘My fare talked to her awhile, then left her, and I drove. him back to New York.’ ‘© You are sure he went to New York that forenoon, are you?’ ¢ Sure,’ says I. ‘€ ‘Where did you drop him, Jack?’ At his place of business.’ *¢ tAnd where’s that?’ 4 ‘In East Fourteenth street.’ ‘**And now you may tell me his name,’ The hhackman began to chuckle. Mitchell looked at him, dubiously. “Well?” demanded Gus, the —bar- Aes, ‘tand what. name did you give him?’ “The name of a mug that I saw the 2 girl talking with at her home mace. or | = -twice.”’ - “And who is he?”’ “Alfred Dixon.”’ Mitchell slapped Jack Sprat on the shoulder in hearty appreciation of the lie he had told in his favor. _ > “How did Chick take the game you "gave him?" queried Gus. ~ “He looked at me curious like fora ent, and then he says slowly: 4 n anuch obliged to you, Jack, and il go tight up to East Fourteenth street . c have | a talk with Mr. Dixon.” : 0?” asked Mitchell. That is, he waltzed of and left ein the join” 16 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Something in the expression of the hackmwan’s face induced Gus to ask: ‘“‘What’s your idea of the racket? Did you fool him, or didn’t you?”’ “I’m afraid he was onto me.’’ ‘*Why did he leave, tnen ?”’ ‘*Well, he must have known that he couldn’t worm anything out of me, and concluded—that’s the way I put it up— to make believe he’d got the straight business from me, and then go away so he could have a fine chance to pipe off my movements afterward.”’ “What did you do when he went away?’ interrogated Mitchell. ‘I dived into one place and then into another so.as to get him off the track ig he was shadowing me, and finally, when I thought I had. mixed him upa bit, I chased over here to see you and pat you on your guard.”’ _ Mitchell thanked him, and then told the story of the tramp. Jack Sprat trembled like a leaf, hard- ened villain though he was, when Mitchel] mentioned the exhibition of the rabbit’s “paw. ‘It’s Nick Catnes himself,” » was his hoarse comment. “So I think.” ‘““Then we must skip out at. once, for he has prghebly gone to the police. office to get help.”’ “JI~don’t think so,’’ said Gus, with some confidence, ‘‘for he is not the man to make an arrest until he has secured an abundance of evidence.” “That’s so,’’ returned Jack, “and the evidence, so far, is all i in his eye.” ‘He may suspect me,’ conceded. Mitch- - ell, with reviving spirits, ‘but he has no proof that I ever met the girl. And he’ll never get that proof, unless——’* ‘ He stopped, as a sudden thought oc- curred to him—a thought which madé his cheeks turn.an ashen gray. Aealess what?’ said 3 Sora, anx- jously. —

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “‘Uniless he finds it at Tarrytown.” The countryman under the box heard these words, and smiled in satisfaction. “T must get over there and qneer the business,’’ continued Mitchell, nervously, “no matter at what risk to myself.’’ ‘‘Where is this proof?’’ asked Gus. ‘*At the hotel.” “111 gowith yon,’’ said Jaci ‘‘No, you must remain here.’”” — “Why ??? . Mitchell whispered a few rapid words into the hhackman’s ear. ; Two citizens were coming up, or he would have spoken in his ordinary voice, _ as before. : __ Five minutes later Mitchell left the ies and walked rapidly out of town in the direction of Tarrytown. He dared not go toa livery stable to procure a horse, but he knew a man liv. _ing on the outskirts, who peddled vege- tables, from whom he hoped to obtain an animal, or better still, ‘the man’s services. ‘to drive him to the river. 4 mT reso = s ry i bunco steerer i in his young days, | but who had taken the advice of the then Inspector __ Byrnes to leave New York and turn over = amew leaf, was at home- when Mitchell Pes knocked at the door, The young than had discarded akcked glasses for good. The vegetable man knew him at once n apt pupil o! his when he and Hun- ee Seeeee Dunco. ings: a the great A a are! his Rates as he grasped the cies ps doe - “What b brings you el ie way??? “Cheese it, Pat,’’ said the other, nerv- ashy. “My name’s Mitchell, eet es #8 | Mitchell.” ap ; ‘Well, Jin Boke or Ni Mitchell, iw Pe same to me, as long as you don’t i n Come right in and— "og soe The old woman ~The ve: etable dealer, who had been a Ae +B | aed «Hello, “Boke,” he ‘ried, with: tee : friend as” tel ta it doesn’t Spe 7 has croaked since I last saw you and I’m now baching it here alone.’ ““Can’t come in, Pat. I’m in a “hurry, I want to ask a favor.”’ “Spit it out’’—looking at-the young man keenly—‘‘and Pll help you if Ican.”? “Can you drive me over to Tarrytown this afternoon ?”’ S¥eg.77 “Then hitch up and let’s start at once,’? ‘‘What’s the racket?” “T’ll tell’ you when you get on tlie road.” © Pat Moran’s cold blue eyes looked - searchingly into Boke’s. He shook his head slowly but emphati- cally, **You must open your budget now, Jim, I don’t want to put my head in a hornet’s nest, if I can help it.”’ “You'll ruu-no risk whatever. All you’ve got to do is to take me to Tarry- town. Once there, you can Aura | about an’ drive home.’? . “So you won't open up?” _ ‘Uf you insist, I. will. 2 rr insist.” “Well, then, there’s a page in the reg- | ister of a hole! 3 in Tarrytown that I want to fix.”’ “Ts that,all ?”’ “Anda ssa that I want to whisper a few words to.’ — j ‘‘What about? <A’ heifer » 3 “Yes”? E. “Nothing serious in the game?’ TE. le ae ere “Because Pm out of eivodke basiness now, and respectability is is nude sot << ves see? Pig eee. Se «But. Vm always. willing os ety: a ag me. »”

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18 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. *fAll right; hitch up.”’ But before the twain had left the place, Nick Carter had passed the house. He was tle countryman who had_hid- den under the box by the side of the sa- loon in White Plains, and he still wore ‘that disguise, which differed materially from that of Old Thunderbolt. He had seen Jim Boke go boldly up to Pat Moran’s door, and he at once divined his mission. ; And the great detective also knew all about the occupant of the house. Ever since he had ceased to be a bunco man, Moran had been under police sur- veillance, though he was uuaware of the fact. Night was coming on, and Nick hur- ried over the road until lre reached the farin where, a few hours before, he had left the horse and buggy. ’ Inquiry of a boy standing at the gate elicited the information that the farmer had taken the rig back to the livery stable about an hour before. | Dad had business in town,”’ said the lad, ‘and so he concluded to take the liv. ery outfit in while he was about it.’’ ‘‘Has he any horses in the stable now ?”’ “asked Nick. — n **No. p i The rattle of wheels up the road made hin turn round. . - Jim Bloke and Pat Moran were coming _, along ina buggy ata rattling pace, Nick Carter bit his lips in angry vexa- tion. 522 : If Boke ‘Slaghed Tarrytown in advance = ~ of him he would likely be able to destroy _ the evidence’the great Hepectie’ was anxs I’}l take your word and ee that evening. ois a few. nents. the team with his quarry ee by) De. was Eee, ° An inspiration seized him. Stepping behind a bushy cedar on ‘the side of the gate, he took out his note- book, tore outa leaf, and wrote a few lines uporit,. * He had the leaf in his hand when the ex-bunco steerer drove up. “‘Stop a minute,’ cried Nick, in the nasal tone of a countryman from New | England, ‘‘I want pesky bad ter speak ter ye.” Moran reined up his horse and looked at the disguised detective curiously. “What do you want?’ he asked,” brusquely. “Ef yer air goin’ ter Tarrytown, I guess you kin dewa heap fer ine, mis- ter." **Come, come,’’ said Moran, impatient- ly, ‘tell me what it is you require.’ ‘fA ride tew the river, jest that, mister, an’ nothin’ more, I dew guess.” “Cant? take you,” “Tl give yew a dollar.” “Ten dollars wouldn’t induce me)” Moran was about to drive on; Nick cried out in piteous entreaty: “Vew wotldn’t beat a feller citizen aout of ten dollyers, would yew?” “What are you giving us?’ sternly demanded Jim Boke. wis ‘The trew business. A man hired me ter go ter Tarrytown, an’ told me tew come tew this haouse and get a team.’” **Well?” ‘There ain’t no team here.’’ ; “That’s your lookout. Drive on, Pat.”’ ‘‘Hold on there, mister ; IT think yew'll let me tide when yew see this ere ont of handwrite. —~ Nick held up the leaf torn ei his note-book. — _ “Twas told not tew Brow it tewa liv- when y in’ soul *cept the man that lives in that there haouse, but bein’ ez I’ve got tew get tew Tarrytown, 1’ll oy it tew yew, vaiaterte Re disguised detective handed the pa

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ig per to Jim Boke, who was in the seat nearest him. - The villain, in great astonishment, read thesé lines: ‘Dear Mr. Billings:—Let the bearer have the livery rig. Have changed my mind about sending it back to town. The -bearer will drive it to Tarrytown, where “I will meet lim to-morrow. WICK.’’ — — — CHAPTER VI. NICK CARTER’S- EXCITING ADVENTURE. Boke debated with hitiself a moment and then passed the note to the ex-bunco steerer. The latter read brow. ‘‘You haven’t been square with me,’ he said, ina low voice, so as not to be heard by the pretended countryinan. a CS; F RAVE) as far as I went,’ re- ~ turned Boke. ‘*This note was written by Nick Car- ter. ” “T aim sure of it.” “J am dead sure of it for I know his _ handwriting.” “Well, mister men, what dew yew say? Dew I ride, or must I depend on Shank’s mare tew see me threw??? - “Get in behind,’’ said Moran, quickly. The buggy was an open, piano-box affair, ax Nick scrambled in behind and sat down in the bed of the vehicle and let it with a wrinkled : “his legs dangle over the edge of the box. As the horse started up, Moran began to pump the disguised man-hunter with questions. ‘Do you know the man who gave you _ this note?” . "He's a detective.’ dew, mister, and I know him fer a bad man tew fule with.”’ “His name—what is it?’ **Nick Carter.”’ ‘That settles it,’? whispered Boke. **What does he want you to go to Tar- tytown for??? continued Moran. ““Tew see the head perliceman there and tell him tew arrest a party with _-smoked glasses the minute the sid en- ters the taown.”’ Boke whistled softly. ‘Did he tell you?”? asked the latter, ‘why he wanted the man arrested ?”’ “No. ” “But he wanted you to hurry over to Tarrytown as quick as you could, eh ?”’ &¢Ves,?? ~ *“Why couldn’t he go over himself ?’’ ‘*He said he had tew keep an eye on tew aman daownin asaloon in White Plains.”’ ‘“What sort of a man?’ “A hackman from New York.”’ “What had the hackiman done?”’ ‘*Give it up, mister.”’ *‘Wasn’t you curious to know ?’’ “Mebbe I was, but I had sense ernuft tew ask uo questions uv Nick Carter. What he wanted tew tell me, he told, and what he wanted tew keep tew himself, ¥e jest naterally kept.” Boke breathed more freely. If Nick Carter stayed at White Plains expceting that this Yankee friend of his would transact his Tarrytown business for him, or put it in a shape to be transacted by somebody else, then the chances were © good that the great detective would get beautifully left. There was silence for a moment. Then Boke said: _ “Got any other business in Tarry- town ?”’ *tNo. 3%, ‘“Where is your home ?”? “I Jive jest aout o’ ee Pl other side, now.’ ie 3 “Do you know his name?’ e “Dén't I, though? Ain’t he the feller that saved me from bein’ skyugled by the - green- -goods men daown in Connecticut ast cee ele him? I - guess I

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20 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “*Married’?”” ‘*Ves, siree.”’ ‘‘Rather be at home than running over to ‘Tarrytown, hadn’t you?’ **Guess I would, mister.”’ “Then jump out and go home. We'll deliver your message to the chief of po- lice.” “Will yew naow, trewly?’’ Nick put on a pleased expression. *Vess!? *€Yew’ll gin it intew the hands uv _ the head perliceman, an’ no one else??? **No one else shall receive it.”’ “Nick Carter ’d give mea _ roastin’ ef this air matter went and failed tew con- nect, mister,’’ said the false countryman, earnestly. ‘‘We’re friends of Nick, and wouldn’t have him disappointed for the world,’’ | asserted Jim Bloke, with equal earnest- ness. ‘Dew tell!” “Ves. We used to know Nick in New Vork. But, come, we’re wasting time. Jump off and leave the rest to us.’” About five miles: of the distance had al- ready been traversed. . Nick resolved on a bold move. Jim Boke must not be permitted to’ _ proceed astep farther on his journey. Although the great detective had not that the man who had worn tiie smoked glasses was the murderer, he now resolved to place Boke under arrest. _ Under different circumstances Nick - would have waited longer before making easures must be adopted. he would arrest Boke, have. him at the nearest farm-house until Tartytown evidence had been secured, : on Saeien. eee “eet i it yet obtained any direct evidence to prove — = such a move, but the case had now as- sumed such a critical phase that desperate — tion bad, mister, and dassent jump. off while we air a-travelin’.’’ Pat Moran brought the horse to a stand. still. 4 Nick got off slowly, and with a succes- sion of painful grunts. ‘‘Wa-al, mister,’’ he said, witha pe- culiar smile, ‘‘I’m everlastin’ly obleeged - tew yew fer takin’ the job off’m my hands, I swum to pucker ef I ain’t.’’ ‘*That’s all right,’? responded Boke, pleasantly. ‘‘Wa-al, good-by tew yew, and I hope ye’ll see the: head perliceman soon’s yew get tew Tarrytown.”’ Nick held out his hand. Boke grasped it unsuspiciously. The next instant he found himself lying on his back in the dust. Nick; with a quick, powerful jerk, had brought him from his seat to the ground, The moment this was done, out came two pistols. One was pointed at the pros- trate Boke, the other at the duinfounded Pat Moran. “You don’t want any of this,’ said Nick, sternly, and in his natural tones, addressing the ex-bunco steerer, ‘‘for - there’s Sing Sing in front of it.’” ‘The deuce you say,”’ gasped Moran. “You've been walking straight lately, and you’re getting along all right, Pat. Isn’t that so??? SVég."9 a) ae ee ‘Then don’t mix yourself up in an affair like this.” “You're Nick Carter, yourself,’ said Moran, with a keen look at the disguised detective. ay am. ” “What's Boke been doing?” : “Something that will give the elec- tricians.4 job.Z ee Si “Great Scott!” f fBiS “Drive home, Pat, og ask ‘no more questions. "” 5 LE e9,"" entreated I Boke, hoarsely.

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 21 «<] will be all right if we can knock this fellow out.’? ‘< “Tf? is a troublesome word, Jim,’ *re- joined Nick, coolly. ‘“Good-by, Boke,’’ said Moran, as he turned his vehicle and pointed for home. ‘T don’t think I want any of this pie.”” - “Are you going to desert me like this?’ ‘Ves; I’m looking out for number one, now.”’ is As he drove off Boke turned to Nick. ‘What are you going to do with me?” . *Put you in jail assoon as I can.”’ ‘*Ror whiat?”’ “*Murder.”” .: **Whose?’’ ‘Grace Fulton’s.’? “You've got no proof.’’ “Jack Sprat, the hackman, will turn State’s evidence whien lie hears that you’re + ina hole.’ ~ You'll have to cateh Jack first.’ ~ “Chick has got him by this time.’’ _ Boke was silent for a moment. Then he said: crime has a motive, and where would be ~ the motive in my_case?”’ ‘The villain was ‘now sitting up in the . a but Nick still had him covered. 5 “P]] find the motive in good time. _ Perhaps” —with a keen glance at Boke— ‘ aoe shall find it at Tarrytown. a ~ ‘Whe shot was an experimental one, but it hit the mark. _ Boke’s face turned siedilg pale. ‘You shall never go there,’’ he fiercely cried, and made a quick move to get at _ his pistol. -Nitk promptly gave him a kick Chick made him sete his tid —- pes sition. — After vee the villain’s meepousi the great detective handcuffed him, and then Jed him Sreme a sn ences a short 2, ee "4 Why should Imurder the girl? Every The house was an old, unpainted affair, and stood near the road. When Nick got close to it he saw that nearly all the windows were broken, that the front door was gone, and that there were no signs of habitation. Pushing back a half-open gate which had but one hinge, he conducted Boke up to the door-way and entered. The house was one of two stories. All the rooms on the first floor were bare, and the dust was thick on the floor and window sills. = But one room was provided with a lock and bolt. This was the bath-room, opening out of the kitchen. = _ Nick took his prisoner into the bath- room, aud sat down on the edge of the bathtub for a moment to consider the situation and decide upon his next course of action. It was more than!a mile to the next house, and the afternoon was well nigh spent. Nick desired to get to Becton with- out any unnecessary delay, for Boke had a friend there, the person to whom he had sent the dispatch—one William — Brink—and there was the possibility that he might be in the secret of Boke’s do- ings at Tarrytown, and that he might take it upon himself, knowing or suspect- ing Boke’s connection with the murder, to destroy the incriminating evidence at the hotel, which Nick was anxious to get possession of. ‘Shall I leave the villain here, bound hand and foot, and locked up inthis bath- “room,’’ mused the great detective, ‘‘or shall I go on to the next town and put him in charge of some person who will-. watch him closely till I come back ?”” While he was deliberating the a his quick ear caught the sound of soft footsteps in one of the rooms in the ond story. ‘ The house was not tuntenanted i

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a) Curious to know who the person over- head was, Nick secured Boke’s ankles with cords, and then locking the door on him, made his way with as little noise as possible to the stairway. He reaclied it just as the mysterious in- dividual, who proved to bea large man with a scrubby brown beard, a shrewd face, and a pair of keen, blue eyes, began to desceid the stairs. When his eyes fell on Nick, his brow darkened and he growled out these words: “Who are you, and what are you do- ing here?’ ‘* The owner of the place, sure enough,’ thought the detective. _ *T want to see you,’’ he replied, pleas- antly. **VYou do, eh ?”’ “ce Yes.”? **Well, spit itout. Whatdo vou want?”’ The man was now at the bottom of the h stairs.-_ As he spoke he stepped into the room, Nick standing aside to permit him to do - $0. ” “YT want the assistance of an lionest ; man,’’ said the detective, gravely. —s- *§ That’s me,’? said the other, quickly. “Are you the owner of this house ?”’ “Tf T-ain’t, who is?” looking at Nick, suspiciously. ; “T-don’t know.” Then put me down as the. owner,”? ASSAY. right.”? And now what is your ‘buseeel with me?’ Nick sao amoiment before answer- eet to “te tates. “Tm no tramp,’’ he said, for the pur- e of gaining time. W poe was??? Pins NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Jim Boke, in the bathroom bevond, heard the voice and put all of his lung powe? into the one yell: “Kill him, Bill. It’s Nick Carter!” The man quickly drew his pistol, when—— Bang! anda bullet from Nick’s revol- ver struck him in the wrist. Dropping the pistol with a scream of pain, he flung himself, upon the detective. A struggle for life and death followed. CHAPTER VII. BILL BRINK MEETS WITH A SURPRISE. While the struggle between Nick Car- ter and the ian Bill was going on, Jim Boke gave vent toa series of yells: “Lay him out, Bill! He’ll do me up if he gets away with you. Give him a taste of your Muldoon business. Hug the life out of him. Butt his brains out,’’ and- so forth Nick had engaged in many hand-to- hand contests, but he had never met a mai who possessed this Bill’s combative strength and skill. He was a superb wrestler tin boxer, and his muscles were like steel. It was a battle between giants that took place on the dining-room floor of the old. house. Not a word was said as they rolled over and over, eacli one straining every nerve to obtain the mastery. At last Nick got the hold he wanted. Exerting all his strength—and it was Herculean—he rolled his adversary over on his back and planted his knees upon his chest. At that moment some one entered the front door. Jim Boke’s voice was heard at the same time: “Use your teeth, Bill! Bite his neck Of Ps Nick heard the ii ll and turned his - 1

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. head just as the dining-room door was flung open. The newcomer was Jack Sprat, hackman, Leaping forward, he jumped on Nick before the Jatter could rise, and struck the brave detective over the head witha revolver. When the Little Giant regained his senses, he found himself inthe bathroom, bound hand and foot, and the man calied Bill sitting in a chair and grimly contem- plating*him. It was night, and-a lanes was burning in the room, “What “time is 11??? asked Nick, after he had his thinking*apparatus-in good working order. “Ten o’clock.”? The great detective groaned. He had been uncenscious three hours. Time enough for Jim Boke to have got ‘to Tarrytown and destroyed the evidence which the place had held. “Who are’ you ?”? he asked, Lon aca My nanie is Brink.” William Brink?” the - “Yes, Ever heard of me?” “« “T know you have been at Tarrytown lately.”’ : _ “live there.”’ _ Then you don’t own this place?” ie “Yes, I do.” | sei “How came you to be here to-day?” ihe ae behind when I moved out a month ago. Went back to get it.” ~ You had no idea of meeting Boke “here, then ?”’ = “No” a Nick. looked at Brink for some time : without speaking. , _ At last he said: =o wert + You're ‘not an old resident of New ~ York, are you??? oF Soe tc 14 S*J-was: Sete I know pavers: driving at,’’ Brink went on; ae << - a 7 ie a —— a getgeh and ast you y can’t place me. Well, you’re dead wrong. T was never in jail in my life.’ “‘Why do you assist Boke, then, and in so doing commit an offense. against the law?’ “Best reason in the world: he’s my son-in-law.’’ Nick stared hard at the speaker. “Is your daughter living?’ he asked. “ Yes. ” “Where?” “With me, at Tarrytown.”’ “Do you know of what your son-in- law is accused ??” (Veg)? Brink spoke coolly and unconcernedly. “I don’t think you do,’’ said Nick, positively. “It’s murder, isn’t it?”’ “Ves, ”» “T know all about it. .Jim told me.” “Then you must believe him to be in- nocent?’?? ° Brink said nothing in reply to this question. : Nick waited a moment, and then con- tinued: es ““You wouldn’t assist a cold-blooded murderer to escape, would you??? “Tf he were my son-in-law, yes.’’ ‘*You act as if you upheld Jim Boke in his foul crime.”’ thF do. ” ‘©What?” = “T-do uphold him.” ““Then you are as bad as he is,” said : Nick, in righteous indignation. ; **Not quite.’’ “You know he killed ‘pretty Grace Fulton, and you say that she ought to “have been killed. Is that what you mean?’ . “Ves,’? Nick gazed up into the composed fea- tures of the man, and doubted see had heard aright. ee What manner of a man -

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24 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. could give utterance to such monstrous sentiments? ‘“*Are you willing to 3: your reasons for saying this?’’ interrogated Nick. ‘*Certainly. I told Boke before he left that I intended to tell you, and he said he . ha@ no objection, considering that it would be the last story of. any kind you would be likely to hear in this world.’’ Coldly, remorselessly were the words uttered. Nick, brave man though he was, felt his heart sink. **You mean to kill me, then, do you ?”’ he said, as quietly as he could. 6€Ves. ”? “Ts it possible that you, who have never committed a crime before to-day, are about to stain your hands with the foulest of crimes?”’ - “**Look here,’ said Brink, roughly. Lhd 9 don’t want you to put: me up for what I am not. I said I had never been in jail. -I didn’t say I had never committed a crime. See?’’ ‘ALD “It is only the fool 4 allows himself to get nabbed.” ‘The wise crooks are few.”’ “Tam one of them.”? _ » Beware lest you make the one mistake ‘of your life.” ; ‘*T have no fear of that. No one but « Boke, Jack Sprat, and myself know that you entered this unoccupied house. You will disappear, and no one will ever dis- cover what has become of you.” __ ¥ z ‘of my death ?”’ asked Nick, calmly. - an Certainly. You won’t suffer cia ” “his. eyes, on for some mo- ie, was Sanat ie either of ' “Have you determined on the a oa tective, but he resolved to put off the dread moment as long as possible by mak- ing his executioner talk. ‘*You said,’? Nick began, ‘‘that you would give me the reasons for asserting that Grace Fulton ought to have been killed.’ “So I did.”’ “T am waiting to hear them.” - “She claimed to be Jim’s wife.”’ ‘*Wasn’t she?” ‘“‘Well, there was a doubt about it. Maybe if she’d gone into court, as she threatened, she would have made outa case.”’ “Well?” ‘“‘When Kate, my daughter, found out that this Fulton girl claimed to be Jim’s wife, sheswore she’d kill Jim, murder the baby, and drown herself, if it proved true. **Jim told her she was alittle fool; that she was his wife, and that Grace Fulton had no legal claim on him. ‘‘Kate affected to believe him, but she ‘wasn’t quite satisfied with what he said. After h@ had gone she told me that she intended to run down to New York and interview the girl, and find out what proofs of her marriage she had if any;.in short, to worm the whole business out of her. nes “‘Now, Kate has got money of her own- —I didn’t give it to her; she got it asa legacy from a rich aunt—and I knew if she went back on Jim I’d suffer as well as he, for it’s only on Jim’s account that she’ll stand the sight of me. I ain’t her real father, you must, know, only step- father. See?” : Nick nodded his head. —_ Bill Brink stroked his stubby chin and went on with his story: ‘When she made her threat, off I goes to Jim, and posts him. ‘Any woman,’ says I to him, ‘who stands in the way of your enjoying a fortune, as you’re now doing, ought to die.” . “Then you=you fiend—you Bs Se

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oo eo _ the murder?’ exclaimed Nick, in hot in- dignation. “Y expect I did,’’ said the villain, coolly. : “Then you ought to hang as well as he.’”? . “Which I never will.’’ ‘*Don’t be too sure of that.”’ Brink gave utterance to a low, jeering chuckle. “‘You can’t scare me, Nicky, my boy, not a little bit. My tracks are covered up, and Jim’s will be when he gets through this night’s work at Tarrytown.”’ The great detective had nothing to say to this. ‘‘Want to hear the rest of the story ?’’ asked Brink, after a short pause. 6€ Ves, ” ‘Jim went down to New York, saw the girl, and tried to induce her to give upa certain paper she had, and which she claimed was a certificate of marriage. Jim told mé there had been a mock marriage and nothing more, and that the paper gives to her did not amount to anything. Jied to me or not.” “But you know he killed the girl, though.’’ "Wait; you’re getting too previous. Jim asked her for the paper, and she said _- she had left it at Mount Vernon at a Mrs. - Strong’s. ‘Get it for me to-night,’ Jim = said, ‘and pat make > you a monthly ele me ance and never cross your path again. She promised- to do this, for she had st ceased to love him, and started that day for Mount Vernon. “Part of the way she walked, and ba. = tween East Chester and Mount Vernon = jim met her in a hack. He told her that it must be that night or never, and he S said he’d meet her at the long sheds back of the hotel at Invermere. “ (P'm coming up from the Sound i ina boat,” he explained, ‘and after I’ve got the pre: Pu ot = to po: with me “per. I don’t know to this si whether Jim | NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 2b and let you off at Harlem. We'll havea beautiful all night ride on the water.’ . “The prospect of the sail did not seem to please her, but she said she’d be at the place appointed, if she failed to get work at Mount Vernon. ‘If ido, and my em- ployer insists on my going to work, you’ll have to wait a bit,’ she said. “Well, luck was against her. She didn’t get any work, and when night came she was at the sheds. “Jim had bought some cakes, knowing she would be hungry as well as dog tired. “Into one of ’em he had put an arsenic wafer, but she had not swallowed more than half of it, when she spit the rest out. ‘‘ “What are you trying to do, Jim Boke?’ she says. ‘* ‘Nothing,’ says he, and he looked so surprised that she came to the conclusion that the baker must have allowed some nasty foreign substance to slip into the cake unawares. Bakers do such things sométimes, you know. ‘*Before this she had given up the pa- Well, they talked and talked, Jack Sprat waiting in a boat a little way off, but it was not until along about mid- night, I think, that the poison began to work on her. She hadn’t taken enough to lay her out, only to put her into a little : pain. ‘The minute the pain struck her good, she accused Jim of poisoning her, and when he denied it, she laid hands on him, and tried to get the paper back which she had given him. “Jim wasn’t going to allow anything of that kind to happen, you know, and so he struggled with her, and they had quite a scrap then in the dirt of the shed. ‘‘How it would have terminated I don’t — know, for she seemed possessed with the fury of a tigress, Jim:said, if Jock Spit. had not come up.’’ Brink paused, and looked at t Nick : an evil smile.

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AS a te a ape ‘“Nice little story I am telling you, isn’t it?” Nick made no reply. “Want to hear the end, don’t you?’ Ves.ot do.’ “Cant you guess it?’’ Tonight.” err “Jack Sprat knocked the poor girl on | the head, and the pair of: villains went to the boat, got the anchor stones, aud the rope, which had. been provided for the murderous occasion, and, attaching them to the victim’s waist, bore her to the swimming pool and dropped her in.”’ “Straight as a string. Whata mighty good gtiesser you are. But tliere’s one thing you can’t tell me.”’ “What is.it?” ‘Whether the girl was conscious or unconscious when she struck the water.’’ “She was conscious.” *<How do you know that?’ exclaimed Brink, in amazement. “TY heard her dying cry.’? . “Where were you?’’ “Tn the hotel. Didn’t you hear what ~ my testimony at the inquest was??? GE ee ee OP re ARI Se oD ate Hel Oe en piles ot ee + A Be ord : ft =. “No.” Pe A aight noise was heard outside the : honse. J Brink did not appear to notice it. Nick resolved to try an experiment. Raising his Voice, he said: “Can you hear well?” “Why do you ask?” with a start. Because you have acted once or twice ote you did not catch elas I said. s S, a “little.” ort pause, Then Nick sas ; peees acon your story, have d = eee ‘a curious sort of a rather enjoy the telling of NICK CARTER WEEKLY. the story to you under the circumstances.’? _ A satanic chuckle followed this utter- ace. RD: The noise outside was heard again. Nick tried not ‘to show any nervous- ness? as he endeavored to make Brink talk a while longer. ‘How about the cloak and hat found in the hollow by the fallen tree??? ‘Jim put them there.”? “Did he write the letterpsigned Grace Fulton, which was found in the pocket of the cloak?” **No. ” **He didn’t? Who did, then?” “Your humble servant,’’ said Brink, coolly. “You? Why, how could you imitate her handwriting?” _ **Jinr gave ine-a letter, which she wrote to him in answer to one of his a week be- fore she croaked.”” 66 A hy $9 **I’m pretty good at the business—in fact, between you and me, and seeing we © are going to part so soon, I will say that _I have been a successful forger for years.” « ‘Perhaps you’ve got tlie poor girl’s let- ter on your person now,”’ stiggested Nick, as he glanced furtively at the open door neat which he lay. £*Ehave.”” “And Jim’s, too, the one which brought her answer ?”’ “Ves, I have them both.” ‘“Then if I had those letters there would be no need of making any investigations at Tarrytown.’’ **None in the world.’’ “The letters tell the whole story, — then 7 © : ‘ Veg.) 2 “Does Jim’s de of the spointment at Invermere ?”’ _ : “Ves. E20 cwdnted her to ge "ehvare a long time before he came down to see her, but she wouldn’t consent.”” — Weirte S53

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 27 “I'd like to read those letters,’’ said Nick, slowly. “Pll bet you would.”’ ‘‘Why not let me read them? I am go- ing to die soon, so what harm can there be in showing me the best proof yet of Jin Boke’s guilt?” “No harm as I know of.’’ «’Phen produce them.’? “‘Danged if I don’t. I wouldn’t be con- sistent if I withheld them.” ‘And cousisteicy is a jewel, so I’ve " freard,”’ said Nick, witha queer twinkle n his eye. Ves indeed; I started out to tell you everything, and it wouldn’t be according to Hoyle to keep back a part.” Brink took out his pocketbook, opened > it, and found two letters. Holding them up, he said with an air of savage pride: Only think! Here are the documents that the prosecuting attorney would give half his yearly salary to see.” : “Dh take thei to him.” > = ic 2 came from the door-way. The” ‘next instant the letters were = agibtched. from Brink’s hand. : Before the burly villain could nigle an Z =: ‘liand of Nick Carter’s faithful assistant, ~ Chick. F CHAPTER VIL. “NICK CARTER CLOSES IN. rhe SES “and eet be ‘all pages SUGSENG either.” pees “Bill Brink did not ahee the edad after the revelations he had made. — ~ =f eaten? he shouted, and ,forgetting ith, botir iendy pieced! to seize ‘the in- 3) Se by the throat. offensive move, lle was looking down the - “© Witrzzle of a six-shooter held in the steady ~ with fierce tenacity by the wrist. ; oa ES -**Hands up? eepbanensed Youing~Her- tective planted a blow that would have felled all OX between the big villain’s = BYES.” a Better death, he thought, ‘than an arrest” Another” bullet: from Chick’s pisto’ shattered one of his ims but did not stay his progress. Raising the weapon high in air, Chick sought to bring it down on the desperate ruffian’s lead at the moment when one of Brink’s hands touched his shoulder. Jim Boke’s burly father-in-law dodged - and the pistol cut the empty air. The momentum of the blow sent Chick staggering against Brink’s broad breast. The villain’s atms instantly closed about Young Hercules’ waist like a vise. Nick Carter, lying on the floor of the bathroom a few feet away, looked up with emotions that were painful in the extreme, when he saw Brink’s brawny arins close about the faithful Chick, and saw the expression of murderous delight that looked forth from his eyes. The next instant hope éntered Nick’s heart, for Brink uttered a cry of pain. It was succeeded by another and an- othier, ‘Chick had all his wits about him when “the muscular villain seized him. Qne hand was free, and that hand at ‘once reached back aud grasped Brink’s wounded wrist, and gave it such a squeeze as made the villain yell with pain. Chick followed up his advantage unti Brink dropped his hand. Then it was that the great physical force of Nick Carter’s assistant came into superb play. Brink’s one useful hand still held him * Jerking himself loose, the young de- Brink Riaineren back against the wall, close by the-bathroom door, but did. not! ie fall. : “Curse you!” he hissed betwe ne clenched teeth, ae H eut you n for this.’

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28 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Quick as a flash he drew an ugly-look- ing knife from his bosom. But it never reaclied the body of Chick, for in that instant the young detective had had time to pick up his revolver, which had been dropped at the time Brink grasped him about the waist, and had it cocked in his hand when the knife flashed into sight. Bang! A yell from Brink and the knife dropped to the floor. Both wrists were now useless. For one moment the wounded and _ter- tibly suffering wretch glared at Chick like a wild beast. Then his eye suddenly lighted on the lantern, which stood in front of the bathtub and ona line with the doorway. ae Giving it a kick, he smashed the glass and both rooms were instantly in dark- - ness. At the same moment Brink fell on his knees. What his design was he hardly knew himself, but he must have had some vague hope that the darkness might favor _ his wicked desires. His heels touched Nick Carter’s side, ~ but he gave no heed to this circumstance, It took all the villain’s power of self- control to keep from crying out, so great was the pain he was undergoing, but grit- - ting his teeth fiercely he kept silence. : For a few moments nothing was heard oe but the deep breathing of the three men. oa ‘Chick presently heard a low sigh of mo satisfaction from the direction of the én- = emy, and rightly guessed that he pat re- covered the Ate 220 va bright tight Meu suddenly flashed had eeegie out his bull ee ee siete —_ ¢ a aed ‘““Hadn’t counted on. that, had you?’’ remarked the young detective, quietly. Brink blinked his eyes, and swore a frightful oath. **T’]l take that knife, if you please,’’ Chick quietly continued. ‘‘No, you won’t,’’ exclaimed Brink, resolutely. : ‘Ves, I-will.”’ The young detective stepped forward to relieve the wounded ruffian of his only weapon, when Brink made a quick and surprising demonstration. Pressing the poiut of the sharp blade against his left breast, he threw all lis weight against it, and fell forward with his face to the floor. ; One groan and he was dead. The point of the blade had pierced his wicked heart. Nick Carter was released from his bonds, when Chick became assured that” his ferocious enemy had ceased to exist. What the great detective said to his brave assistant may be imagined. ‘“‘Now,’’ said. Nick, when the body of Brink had been searched, and further evi- dence had been discovered in a small en- velope coutaining arsenic wafers, ‘‘we must hurry in to Tarrytown.”’ “You won’t find Jack Sprat there..’’ “Why won’t we?’ ‘*Because he’s tied to a tree outside this house. ’’ ’ Nick looked his surprise and gratifica-~ tion at this piece of news. Chick then told the greaf detective that © he had followed Sprat to White Plains, -- and had reached Gus’s saloon soon after the hackman had departed for Tarrytown. Gus was Jack’s brother, and had had no share in the murder other than. being | a confidant of Jack and Jim.Boke after the awful crime had been committed. Terrified by Chick’s words he had made a full confession and was now in jail at White Plains. einitie’ over to Sat on hate. ik 2 oe a

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back, the young detective found no traces of either Jack Sprat or Boke, and was about to give up the quest and return to White Plains, when he thought he would drop into a saloon near the river, which in days gone by had borne a shady repu- tation. — There he found Jack Sprat. The hackman had shortly before this parted with Jim Boke forthe night, but Chick did not know it. Placing Sprat under arrest, he was _ about to take him to the Tarrytown lock- ~ up, when the hackman weakened and told Chick where Nick Carter was. Taking the rascal along as a guide, the young detective procured a horse and ~ buggy—leaving his saddle horse at Tarry- - town—and drove back toward White Plains. - On reaching the unoccupied house, he had secured the horse at the gate, and then tied the hackmay to a tree. ; . mn: 4 AP Le ee me es re nt wR ee ix _ been an interested listener to the latter part of the conversation between Nick and - Brink, in which Boke’s confederate had ‘elated the story of the murder of pretty _- Grace Fulton. Before morning the two detectives with “the captured hackman were in Tarrytown. Atriving at the police office Nick was furnished with a startling piece of news. The officer in charge informed him that the murderers of Grace Fulton had - been arrested ‘the afternoon before at ” New Rochelle by two. private detectives. “2 ‘What are their names??? asked Chick. “Joseph Johnsen and Walter Brown, ¥ mokes, and James ‘Morgan, white, the od ie A A ee i hl ld | Mount Mernon.” a the evidence Se ceiek tiie late ; querie the great detective, quietly. = SIt’s all circumstantial, but I guess “they're the men. They were seen lurking . teade ae in pectin that the NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Entering the building softly, he had_ latter the son of a real-estate oaent: ing ] drunk the day after let, out to some friends of his in a saloon it would be a big feather in his cap if he told all he knew about the case.’’ *“And is that all the case against these three men?” ‘All, as far as I know.”’ Nick looked at Chick and smiled. Jack Sprat was locked up, and the two detectives found themselves on the de- setted street in front of the police office at an hour before daybreak. “Those suspects will be free men be- fore night,’? said Chick, ‘“‘whether we capture Jim Boke or not.’’ “Sure. ” . “It’s a good thing for us that they’ve been arrested, though.’’ ‘“‘Ves, I think so, for Jim Boke has ptobably heard of it, and will feel doubly safe now. We’re sure, I think, to find him in Tarrytown.’’ ‘“‘Ves, That’s my opinion.”’ “Y]] bet he is at his wifé’s house now.” - “You meau the house of Brink’s daugh- ter. Grace Fulton was his wife.’’ “I stand corrected, Nick.” “What do you say to going there now ?”? **T say yes. In fact, it was what I was going to suggest.’’ Without further words the two detec- tives set out for the louse. Jack Sprat had tots him where it was located. ¢ . It was a block from. the river, and formed one of a row of tenements. A light in a front window induced the two man-hunters to believe that some one was up. They crept noiselessly up the steps, and listened at the door. The sound of voices reached their ears, They could hear what was said, for the parties were engaged in a domestic quar- rel, i A woman was speaking in as angry voice as they caine a .

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20 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “This is a pretty time of night, James Boke,’’ they heard her say, ‘‘to be com- ing home to your wife, isn’t it? And es- pecially after what you’ve done, and all the fine promises you’ve made, ”’ “Tve been trying to clear my skirts of the killing of that girl,’? he surlily re- , plied, ‘‘and I’ve succeeded, though it took me nearly all night to do it.’’ “What. have you done?’’? she asked, in a doubtful tone. “T have assisted three men who did kill her. now in jail at Mount Vernon,” Bill Brink’s daughter had not eas of tle arrest of the negroes and the white man, and her manner becanre more gra- cious as she listened to the made-up story / ~~ which he told her. Their further conversation, which re- lated principally to the murdered girl, convinced Nick and Chick that the wo- man inside now believed that Grace Ful- ton liad been Jim Boke’s mistress and not his wife. “Well, I think Ill turn in and get a -snooze,”? Boke said, after a long pause. “Pin dog tired, and that’s a fact.” “T shall sit up and wait for the morn- ing papers,’ said Brink’s daughter, in the arrest of thie They are “All tight. You'll find the full part- ticulars of the arrest in them.’’ Pretty soon Boke arose, and went into the hall, and then out of it. Nick and ‘Chick waited fifteen minutes, and then the former tried the door. Secs N zat beside a. table, reading. a ick * aay aE the door open, and re her le ~~ Fee into. A room opening © To his great secant it was un-_ _ Nick went toward the door of the room apes. ae a aggie to be in, while. »<Chi _ tive came in bringing Jim Bgke, hand- her lips when she saw the young detec- tive’s. uplifted finger-and_ the look of warning in his eyes. “Tam your friend,’? he whispered, ‘‘and am come to do you a favor.’? ‘What is it??? she asked, faimtly, and staring at him blankly. ; Coming closer to her, he said, with magnetic earnestuess; “Jim Boke has lied to you. -He killed Grace Fulton, and he did it for the pur- pose of securing a firmer hold on you. He wants your fortune, and——”’ He said no more, for the sound of a struggle in the room which now held Jim Boke and Nick Carter made him pause. ““What’s that?’ Brink’s daughter asked, with a face as pale as death, and with her hand pressed tightly against her heart. ‘All right,” came the clear voice of the great detective, as if in answer to her question, ‘I’ve got him safe.” ‘““Got who safe?”? . _- She, looked wildly -to Chick, and rose unsteadily to her feet. ‘Jim Boke,’’ replied Chick, gravely, ‘tand it’s Nick Carter who has him,” — “Nick Carter! Then it’s true what you said?’ she despairingly uttered. ‘*VYes. He’s a murderer, and he las de- - ceived you from beginiing to end.”’ “Then Pm not his wife?’’ ‘No. ” “IT don’t believe you,”’ Nie on after a moment, as her cheek alternately flushed and paled. “Tam his. wife.”’ ‘Wait and i'll convince you that Dve told the truth,’’ returned Chick, gently, “painful as the duty will be.”” He called to Nick, and the great eteei - cuffed, and his head bowed on his breast. “Have ‘you. searched him?” asked Young Hercules. a “VesiE aes Pay es “What did you find? : aS Sievers thine « a cj es ee

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“Name them for the benefit of this dy.” 7 found a leaf torn from the register ‘it, and also that of Grace Fulton under- “neath it.” ; Brink’s daughter uttered a faint cry, and sank down in her cliair. ‘What else??? asked Chick. “J found a certificate of marriage.’ - **Whose???’ = 3 3 ‘James Boke’s ed Grace Fulton’s.” “No. more, no more,’’ moaned the des ved woman, piteously, ‘‘I know enough w. Take him out of my sight. a P When daylight came he was a prisoner aa the same jail that held Jack Sprat. Before night they were quartered in the ED at ee Plains. - . of the Marsh House, with his name upon Weekly will contain r Di as Beat; or, The New Member of the Force. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. « - 31 : The two negroes and James Morgan were discharged from custody without an examination when -Nick and Chick’s great capture became known to the prose- -cuting attorney of Westchester Cotnty. Boke and Sprat have not yet been tried, but their conviction is certain. The evidence contained in the letters Chick snatched from Bill Brink’s hand is most damaging. Not only did. Boke refer in the one he wrote to Grace Fulton to the appointment at the open sheds at Invermere, but he made mention of an article he had once given her, which he feared she had lost. That artiele was the rabbit’s paw. (THE END.) The next number of the Nick Carter ‘Officer Dugan’s

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High Prices Are On Vacation —acmmm THE MEDAL LIBRARY. FA Money Saving Criumph. Oliver Optics Books for Ten Gents. There is a line of classics for youth—the books your fathers read—the books you want to read—the books the boys and girls will read and like as long as the English language endures. of American boys for the last fift Edward S. Ellis, J. G. Holland, American flag floats. years than any others. ieut. Lounsberry, Harry They have done more to shape the mind e refer to the writings of Oliver Optic, Horatio Alger, Castlemon, etc. These ames are familiar wherever the Unfortunately, they have heretofore been procurable only in expensive binding at from $1.00 to $1.50 each, The average boy has not got $1.50 to throw away. the leader with the elder readers Ten cents is nearer his Now we are going to do the same thing for the boys, and give them their favorites rice. We have made the ten cent book in.a form in every respect equal to cur well-known Eagle and Magnet Libraries, at the uniform price of ten cents. Thousands of boys have asked us to issue this line. story that the boys have not approved as a “‘ standard.’? wards, and now they can get them for TEN CENTS A No, 1—The Boat Club, - - No, 2—Cadet Kid Carey, - No, 3—All Aboard, - - J No. 4—Lieutenant Carey’s Luck, - Thousands more are ready to buy it on sight, like it in the world. We can justly call it the Medal series, as every book will be a prizé winner. MEDAL LIBRARY... There is no line It will contain no They have bought them by thousands at $1.00 and up- COPY. Oliver Optic. Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry. - Oliver Optic. - Lieut, Lionel Lounsberry, Others Equally Good to Follow No, 1 will be ready the latter part of January, and the succeeding numbers will follow weekly. once, If you cannot get them send to us. Order them at Remember these are 12mo books, printed from new plates, with elegant covers, and are the “ real thing,” and only TEN CENTS A COPY. STREET & SMITH, Publishers AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY, Many people imagine that a photographer's camera is a diMicult machine to handle, and that the work Isdirty aud disagreeable. All this tsa mistake. Photography is a clean, light, und pleasant ac- cou:plishment, within the reach of all. The canera will prove a friend, reporter, and helper. With a very Inexpensive camera any boy or girl can now learn not only to take good pictures, but pictures that there Is everywhere a demand for at renimerative prices. A complete guide to this fascinating art, entitled AMATEUK MaNuaL or PHoTroeRat Wy Will he sent on receipt of ten cents, Address MANUAL LIBRARY 25 Rose St., N. Y. _ WRESTLING. ‘History tells us that wrestling was the first form of athletic “pastime. Without doubt itgives strength and firmness, combined with quickness und pliability, to the limbs, vigor to the body, ~ eoolness and discrimination to the head and elasticity to the tem- - per, the whole forming an energetic combination ef the greatest power tobe found in man, The book is entivied PROVEssOR - MULDOON'’s Wrestirne. It is folly illustrated and will be sent , postpaid on receipt of ten cents. Address ;, : MANUAL. LIBRARY, ‘ 25 Rose Street, New York. _ OUT-DOOR SPORTS. bh Eeeaip hate inet? for playing » the 1 ee ariel ee Sriieira cout Address _\ MANUAL LIBRARY, c | 25 Rose Street, New York. res | Diamond Dick, Jr., Quarterly. The earlier issues of Diamond Dick, Jr. are now on sale in the form of Quarterlies, each including 13 consecutive issues of this favorite weekly, together with the 18 original fliaminated flustra- tions, and an elegaut cover in colors. The price is 50 Cents per volume, for which sum they will be sent by mail post-paid to any address in the United States. = = NOW READY. = «= Nos. 1 to 13 of Diamond Dick, Jr. Nos. 14 to 2% of Diamond Dick, Jr, Nos, 2° to 89 of Diamond Dick, Jr, Nos. 40 to 52 of Diamond Dicl. Jr, If your Newsdealer has not got the Quarteriies. remit direct to the publishers, STREET & SMITH, &1 Fulton st., N. ¥. No. 1, including No. 2, +6 No. 3, No. 4, Tip Top Quarterly. © The earlier issues of Tip Top Weekly are vow on sale in the form of Quarterties, each including 13 consecutive issnes of this favorite weekly, together with the 13 original illuminated itostra- tions, and au elegaut cover in colors, The price is 50 Cents per volume, for which sum. they will be sent by mail post-panl to any address in the United States. = - NOW READY. = - No. Nos. 1 to 13 of Tip Top Weekly. - No.2 | & Nos. 14 to 296 of Tip Top Weekly. No.3 # Nos. 27 to 39 of Tip Top Weekly, No. 4. se Nos, 40 to 52 of ‘Tip Top Weekly. No. 5. Nos. 53 to 65 of Tip Top Weekly. » ‘0. 6. Nos. 66 to 78 of Tip Top Weekly, P 0.7. Nos. 79 to 91 ot Tip Top Weekly. Tf your Newsdenler has not'got the Quarterlies, remit direct to the pubilshers, ry STREET & SMITH, 81 Fulton St., N, ¥. bi

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a Nick Carter Weekly — Price, Five Cents. Illuminated Cover. ) THE BEST LIBRARY OF DETECTIVE STORIES. ob eee eee eee ete eer etE rte Back Numbers always on hand. Price, post-paid, Five cents each. One een eet eee coneteete 62—The Tin Foil Clue; or, Told by the Phono- | 88—Bob Ferret’s Government Message; or, The graph. King Spy of the Out t. a 63—Nick Carter’s Strongest Team; or, The Glass | 89—Nick Carter’s Poker Game; or, A Play For Face of a Coffin. More Than Money 64—A Fight for a Boot Heel; or, The New Mem- | 90—Nick Carter In Devil's Hole; or, More Than ber of the Ready Iandlers Four Aces in a Pack, : 65—Caught by the Lightning Mail; or, Bob Ferret’s | 91—Nick Carter In Harness; or, The Stolen Safe Alliance Wit a Peruvian Mesmerist. Combination. 66—Figitins Electric Fiends; or, Bob Ferret daa ornng “Aare pg a Nick Carter; or, Barking: Among the Wire Tappers. pthe Wrong tree - 67—Money ‘lo Burn; or, Handling a Million Dol- ee the act; or, In Training for State 94—Accused of Shop-Lifting; or, Nick’s Secret Signals and a Piece of Court Plaster. 95—Forced to S.eep; or, How Nick Carter Turned the Tables on the Doctor. ’ 96 Nick Carter Near Death; or, The Escape From the Bridge of Sighs 97—At Nick Carter’s Call; or, The Whole Gang Taken ut One ‘lime. 98—Five Dollirs for a Nickle; or, Why Nick Made™ the Purchase. ¢) 99—Seen Through a Window; or, 4 Snare That Was Set for Tough Birds. 100—Nick Assists a body natcher and Saves the Life of an Innocent Man. 101—Nick Carter Arrested at the. Box-Office; or, An Act Not on the Programme. 102—Nick Uarter Shows His Nerve and Winds Up the Case tthe Freight Honse. 103—Burned to Death; or, Tie Great Insurance Swindle. - 104—Nick Carter's Prophecy; or, A Case That Was lar Case, - 68—The Mask of Glass; or, Little Roxy in a Double Role, 69—The Man From Texas; or, Bob Ferret and Jack Burton in Double Harness. -70—Shadowing A shadow; or, A Ghost in Nick Carter’s Detective School. -71—Green Goods; or, A Catch in Bob Ferret’s Rat 4 Trap. -72—Bob Ferret's Password; or, The Chase of the i Gold Ship. 73—Roxy’s Golden Decoy; or, The Girl Detective Plays a Lone Hand. t. 74The Great Detective Si or, Nick Uarter’s Boys in a New School. F. 75—The Human Fly; or, Roxy’s Message to the : Wide Awake School Boys. 76—Bob Ferret's Trolle Trail ; or, The School Pa Detectives Patchedup Quarry 77-—Roxy’s Talking Clew; or, The. “Mystery of the Magic Maze. We . orked in the Park. B The Living Target; or, Jack Burton’s Friend 105—A Lightning Change Crook; or, A Cateh That For Life. Pleased the Inspector. ne § ‘79—Burrs ne For Life; or, The Man Who Planted | 106—Killed a tne Batlis; or, Nick Carter Right ‘on Mone Han 80—On be ‘Back of a Turtle; or, Bob Ferret and the ‘big Mitt Men 3 —Tue Silver-Plated Man; or, The Young Tramp Detective. rast Roxy’s Mid Air Reseue; or, A Diamond Mine in a Mummy’s Head. y No. 433; or, The Face on the Prison 107—Among the Express Thieves; or, Released from Jail for Good Behavior. 108—After the Policy Svarps; or, The Game That Rob ed the Poor. 109-—Held Up in Chicago; or, A New System of Keeping Books. " 110 The Spider and The Fly; or, The Battle of — i ‘Cell Wall. His Life. ‘The Skeleton Hand; or, The Dum) Shadowers | 111—A Scientifie Forger; or, The Great Bank of Nick Carter’s Detective School. Swindie. ick Carter In Charge; or, A Murder in Broad | 112—The High Power Burglars; 0r, Bebind the Daylgilt. Broken Wall. Postman No 45; or, Nick Carter’s Pupils | 113—Found at Low Tide; or, The Body in the _ After the Post-oftice Robbers. Pool. Nick Carter’s Ten-Thousand-Dollar Bill; or, | 114 —Officer Dugan’s Beat; or, The New Member _ ‘The Hold-Up of the Bank President. | of the Force. ‘eR EtE HEE EHE EE EENEEEEHE STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK. & 4