Nick Carter Weekly (no. 121) (1899 04 22)

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY issued weekly. Suoscripnon price, $4.00 per year. Antered us second clas matter at the N. ¥. Post Ufice by STREET & SMITH. 2 wv6 rane TEES aes No 321). Price Five Codie ss NICE, PANTING AFTER HIS STRUGGLE, SAT DOWN ON A CHAIR AND CALMLY LOOKED AT HIS PRISONER

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— oe es) : i] Se Av 2s - {Pv 2 a oS. = . NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Entered according to Act of Congress in the sg 4 = st Smith, in the Office of ihe Librarian of Congress, ashington, D. Entered as second class Matter at the New York, N. Y,, Post Office. Tssued weekly. Subscription price, $2.50 per year. STREET & SMITH, Publishers. No 121. NEW YORK. April 22, 1899. 5 Cents 81 Fulton 8t., N. Y. Out of the Devil's Clutches OR, Nick Carter’s New Friend —— By the Author of ‘“NICK CARTER.” CHAPTER I. AN UNLUCKY HOUSE. ‘This must be his residence. It is the number the superintendent gave me, I am sure, although I can’t see to verify it in _ this‘darkness. Well, I'll soon see.”’ _ The speaker mounted the steps and rang the bell, _° He had not long to wait. The door opened and before he had time to make ~the inquiry which was on his lips he was invited by the servant to enter, - _~ Without hesitation he accepted the in- -vitation, Once inside he drew a memoranda from an inside pocket. which he quietly con- _ sulted. Then turning to the servant he ‘said: “Tam not mistaken? Mr. Nick Carter lives here ?”’ a ‘‘He does.” “Can I see © hinr? Is he at home??? “*T?ll find out, sir. namie ?’?’ ‘*Say to him that I come from Superin- tendent Byrnes.’’ “Step this way.”’ The servant ushered him intoa small reception-room or study, where a cheerful open grate fire almost made him forget the fury of the storm raging outside. ‘Be seated, and I’ll see if Mr. Carter 18.3%,"7 The stranger gave a sweeping glance around him at the marks of good taste and comfort which-he saw. “The home of a successful man who knows his business, if half of what one hears about his shrewdness is true,” thought the visitor. ‘In a short time he became aware of a presence. He looked up to find a man standing at his side. Ht was al eee oe man, with Will you give your

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» coat. 4 NICK CABTER WEEKLY. long gray hair and beard, dressed ina coat of generous tails and ill-fitting trou- sers of some checkered stuff. The man’s whole appearance suggested the well-to- - do farmer from the interior. The visitor arose and acknowledged the other man’s presence with a bow, thus disclosing the fact that lle was well bred. **You wish to see me?’’ “T called to see Nicholas Carter. are his——’”’ “T am Nicholas Carter, at your ser- vice.’’ “Not the celebrated detecting de. “If you will have it so, yes.” “I beg you will accept my apology, You -but—really—ah—I expected to see qa. younger man?”’ Nick bowed and smiled, but made no reply save to ask with his eyes. ‘Your business, sir.”’ From beneath his coat the stranger drew a sealed envelope, and while he was in the act the detective’s eyes noted every movement of hand, arm and body. “This will introduce my business with you,’’ handing the envelope to Nick. The latter tore the envelope open and read the brief contents of the note en- closed, which was as follows: ‘“‘Dear Carter: The bearer needs your services. This is a most interesting case. J think it best that no publicity of the affair be made until the crime is unrav- eled. There is no one so fitted to unravel the nrystery as you, and I have sent him to your house. Keep me informed as you _make progress. I'he queer circumstances of the case deeply interest me. “* Byrnes. ’’ ‘Be Be was Nick’s invitation, after reading the note. The stranger was about to comply, when Nick added: ‘*First you had better lay off your heavy It is wet and uncomfortable.” The visitor expressed his thanks, and posit. Nick’s quick glance took in the well- dressed form of a man above the average height and build, with smooth, handsome face, iron gray hair, and all the bearing of a person of wealth and society. After both were comfortably seated, Nick picked up a box of cigars from the table and offered his visitor one, taking one himself. When both cigars were ‘‘going,’? Nick broached the business at hand. “You seek my professional services? | What is the motive of the case ?”’ ‘*Robbery.” “Money ?”? ‘“No; diamonds.” **Value?’’ ‘““T'wo hundred thousand dollars.’ As he named this sum the visitor kept his eyes on Nick’s face. Evidently he expected to see the detec- tive start with astonishment. » Nick, however, never moved a muscle of his face or body except to take several lazy pulls at his cigar. ’*Where were they when stolen?” “In my residence!”’ “*And where is that?”’ *‘On Madison avenue.”’ ‘When did they disappear ?’* “Last night.” ‘Have you any clew to the thief?” S*No. ” = ‘Suspect anyone ?”’ The visitor moved uneasily in his chair, knocked the ashes from his cigar and, hesitated just the slightest before he again aspirated: StNo. ” “You are——”’ ‘‘Pardon me. I should have ‘istpedincdll myself. Here is my card.” Nick read: “Robert Mandeville, No. —— Madison avenue, New York City.”’ ‘Lately returned from Europe,’” drawled Nick. :

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* NICK CARTER WEEKLY. =e ‘*Yes,”? replied Mr. Mandeville, witha look of surprise. ‘‘You know me as ‘*Know of you,’’ smiled the detective. Mr. Mandeville showed some uneasi- ness. “Unlucky house that—the one you live in,’ half yawned Nick. “Tt has certainly been unlucky to me,” groaned Mandeville. «And to a former occupant.”’ . “T had not heard about it.”’ ““Indeed.”’ “No. Robbed also?’’ **Worse.”’ “Murdered? Heavens, not murdered eam “No. Suicide.”’ ‘©Who was he?’’ “It was not he. A Mirk. _ “They were taken from a room which was found under lock and bolt in the ning.” 8 “Where i in the house is the room wits ? uated?” Sac.” oe In the rear on the second floor. %, =F “Humph ag _ “Was it in the same room the suicide ‘What room then?’’ ‘*The third floor front.’’ ‘“My daughter occupies that room, If she discovers what happened within its walls she will be badly frightened.’’ “Let us hope she will not hear of the — suicide,’? said Nick. ‘*‘We will now pro- ceed with the history of this diamond robbery. Suppose you give me all the particulars. I am going to ask you some questions. If you want me to recover your diamonds you will not hesitate to answer them all freely and without re- serve.”’ CHAPTER I. THE THEFT OF THE DIAMONDS. Nick settled himself still more lazily in his easy-chair, and began ‘his cate-— ehism : ‘“‘How long have you lived in that house ?”’ **Since the 28th of February.” ‘*A bout one month ?”” ‘Just four weeks.’’ ‘Do you own it?” ““No. ” **Leased ?”’ “e Yes. ” ‘*Proni whom??? “T do not recollect the name, daughter negotiated the lease.’ Nick’s eyes settled into au expression more sleepy than ever. ‘“‘Why-did your daughter transact the business ?”’ ‘“My wife and I were in Europe. She had it all ready for our occupancy when we returned.’’ “At your request ?”’ ‘*With my approval.”’ “The proposition came from her?’ “What proposition ?”’ “Po lease a furnished residence and . have it seas - ih your occupancy when you returne = “No, there was no proposition. It was My

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é NICK CARTER WEFELY. a surprise. When we landed she met us at the wharf and drove usto our new home, which was all ready to receive us.’’ ‘Aumph!’ “You certainly do not suspect my daughter ?’’ “My dear sir, I suspect no one—yet. I am merely collecting my facts.’’ “‘Because, even if she were capable of such a crime, there would be no reason for her to commit it.’’ “Why?” ‘“The diamonds were her property.” Ah py Ves.” ‘“How did she get them ?”’ ‘*By her mother’s will.”’ “*You just now spoke of your own and wife’s arrival from Europe.’’ ‘*My second wife.”’ There was a perceptible flush on Man- deville’s face, and another uneasy move- ment in his chair, as he made this expla- nation. Nick mentally noted both signs of un- easiness, and followed them up with a question on a new tack. ‘‘Been married long—this second time??? ‘*About five months.”’ ‘*Some one you knew a long time be- fore she became your wife?” ‘No, I can’t say that. Indeed, I never saw her until last summer.”? ‘¢Where did you meet her?’ ‘At Long Branch.’’ ‘¢You—you can trust her??? *T always thought I could.” Nick saw that Mandeville was growing very uneasy, and he once more shifted his line of inquiry. “You are a wealthy man, Mr. Mande- ville???” “Only moderately so. I have an in- ier ~ come of about fifteen thousand dollars a : year. ” _ “Your first wife, then, must have been _ wealthy.” “No. She had nothing except those], diamonds.”’ ~1@ Nick’s steady, unflinching look intoe Mandevilie’s face continued—mutely de-g manding an explanation, and an explana- tion was given. : ‘‘She had a mania for diamonds. When? she married me she had two hundred thousand dollars in her own right. This she gradually transposed into a magnifi- cent collection of diamonds, declaring that she expected full support for herselé and our daughter from me.’’ ; ‘*And at her death she willed the dia- - monds to her daughter ?’’ ‘(Yes.”? ; ‘‘And nothing more ?”’ ‘“There was nothing more which she © possessed. ’? “An only child?” 6Ves, ” ‘*You own no house in New York ?”’ ‘“‘No. My property is all in Chicago.’’ ‘©Where you have lived most bof your life?” ‘‘Ves, Except the last eighteen months. ”’ “Which is since: cso first wife’s death, I suppose ?”’ “Ves, ” ‘Where have you spent those eighteen months ?’’ ‘“‘Last winter and spring in this city. The summer at Long Branch. In Europe since my marriage till one month ago.” ‘When you were here last winter you did not keepehouse ?”” *“No, we boarded. _ 66We Pp? “My daughter and I.” ‘‘Your daughter did not accompany you on your wedding trip?’’. ‘(No ‘Where was she?”’ ‘tVisiting a school friend.” ‘Where???’ “In Cincinnati.’’ ee ee a

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 5 ‘Why did she take a house without consulting you ?’’ ~ **She has always had her way, and she knew my wife and I had agreed to live ' in New York after our xetira from Eu- i rope. ” = “Why?” ‘Because Mrs. Mandeville has a preju- dice against Chicago and a preference for “-New York.’*: — “What isthe basis of her prejudice _ against Chicago?”’ **T don’t know.’’ **You’ve asked her?’’ ia Yes. »» **Well?’’ “*She imerely gave an evasive reply.’’ “‘Humph! She has lived there ?”’ “No. I think not.’’ **Where then ?”’ 7 **In New Orleans much of her life.” *“How old is she?’’ “About thirty years.”’ ) “anp. P és ~ “Mr. Mandeville once more olteas un- der the detective’s exclamation. Nick’s next question, however, relieved his embarrassment. ‘“The“house was leased by your daugh- ter for a certain length of time?”’ “For only one year.’’ _ ‘*Why not for more?’’ _ “She knew I wanted to buy a home here and took it for the least time the -agent would let it. Meanwhile I will _ have plenty of tinie te look around and “make a satisfactory purchase.’ ‘Who signed the lease ?”” _ “My daughter.” _*‘Who paid the advance ?? : L quarter?” No; only a mannth. e How mucli was it?’ Bote hundred and fifty dollars. She piece “Bnongh t to pay this ‘month's. rent. borrowed it from the father of her friend in Cincinnati. .I gave it back to her soon after my arrival.”’ ‘“Now for the robbery. You say they were taken from the room in the rear r of the second floor?’’ 6 Ves)? When?” “Last night.”’ “‘T mean between what hours?’’ ‘‘Between midnight and morning.’’ ‘‘Was there any one in the room at the time ?’’ ‘Ves. It is my bedchamber.”’ ‘And you were asleep in that room when they were taken?”’ $¢Ves. ” ‘*Anybody else ?’’ ‘My wife.’’ ‘*You heard nothing after retiring— no noise ?”’ ee I slept without waking till morn- ing.’ ‘And your wife ” ‘‘Heard no noise, either. She, was sleepiag soundly, when I arose, and only woke when I discovered the absence of the diamonds and aroused her.’ ‘*She was not simulating sleep ?”’ ‘No. Of that Iam sure. I was care- ful to observe her condition before I spoke to her or touched her, and I just as carefully noted her actions when slie came out of hersleep.”’ ‘You suspected her, then ?”’ “Not of—stealing—of the robbery. But when I missed the diamonds my first impression was that she had concealed them during my sleep for the purpose of playing a practical joke on me.’’ “Go on.» 3 ‘When I went tothe bed where she lay I believed I should find her sham- ming sleep.”’ **You did not then suspect robbery ?”’ “No. ” “But you did when you saw | that her sleep was real ?”’

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6 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “No, even then I thought she had fallen asleep after her plans were laid. I knew she was a good sleeper.”’ “How soon after she awoke did you get the first impression that it was a robbery and not a joke?”’ ‘*As soon as Mrs. Mandeville was fully * awake and begun to understand what I meant.”’ ‘““What did she do or say?’’ “‘She accused me of exactly what I sus- pected her.’’ “‘Of hiding them as a joke on her?’ cc Yes. ” And then?” “*We both made a careful search of the room.” ““VYou said every door and window was found secure and safe ?’’ **VYes. The door leading into the hall was not only locked but bolted on the in- side.’’ ' “And the windows? Had you no ven- tilation ?”’ ‘Oh, yes! One window was down from ‘the top, but there are iron gratings on the outside of the two windows in these rooms, and these gratings were secure and fast.’? ‘“There are no other doors or windows ‘in the room ??’ _**Only the doors leading to a bathroom and a closet.’” _“VYou think, therefore, that no one could have entered, taken the jewels, aud carried them off, leaving the room as it was found by you ?’’ “Utterly impossible.” “Without the aid of some one who re- _ mained inside?” Mandeville turned pale and started to _ rise from his chair. “Now keep calm,”’ said Nick, waving him back into his seat. ‘‘We must look at every possible phase of the case if we expect success in the end.”’ __ **But who could have rendered this as- pene! Who——” “*Your wife, for instance ?’’ ‘No! no! Iam sure she knows noth- ing about it.’’ ‘*She may be a somnambulist.’? “What do you mean ?”’ ‘“May have risen in her sleep, casried them out of the room, hidden them, and then returned without waking.”’ “I thought of that, but she never walked in her sleep in her life to any- one’s kuowledge.”’ ‘‘Might you have done so?”’ | ‘No. Iam no somnambulist.”’ | ‘*How does ‘it come you had the dia- monds in the house ?”’ ‘They had just arrived from Chicago in the afternoon, too — to be sent to the safe deposit company.’ : “*They had been on Sect in Chie cago??? Ves?” | ‘“‘“At whose suggestion were they { brought to New York ?”’ ‘Well, my daughter talked so much about them that Mrs. Mandeville ex-' pressed a great desire to see them.’’ ‘‘And she proposed that you send for | them ?”’ ‘“No. My daughter made the request. Besides, as New York was to be our fu- ture home, I concluded it would be _ bet- ter to have them here.’ ‘*How old is your daughter ?”’ ‘‘She was eighteen the day we arrived from Europe.’’ F “Not yet of age? Who is her aE jan?’’ , ai i ee ‘Then you really had the diamonds in your charge?”’ ‘‘Yes- That is what gave me additional worry over the theft.’’ ‘‘When your daughter became of ag the jewels were to be her own outright?’ ‘*Well, no. There were conditions te the bequest.’’ “Indeed! And those conditions what?” :

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ee ‘““That she should become the wife of a man worth in his own right as much as the diamonds cost.”’ ‘““T wo hundred thousand dollars?’’ 6 Ves, bs Se. “*A4 queer bequest. ”’ “No. I think not. Her mother was providing against a necessity for her ~ daughter to ever sell the diamonds or any "part of them.” ‘What if the devisee should marry a man worth less than two hundred thou- _ sand dollars ?”? “Then the diamonds were to be held by a trustee for the eldest daughter—the issue of such marriage—who should take them under similar conditions. ”* “And meantime ?’’ “They were to remain in charge of the trustee.”’ “Who was?’’ “Myself. ” -- “Did your wife—the present Mrs, Man- Ne Koow of eae facts a . *€Ves,”” “What members of the boksehatd are there besides yourself, your wife and your daughter ?”’ ‘My servants.”’ “*How many and who are they ?”” _ “John Jenkins, my valet and butler, Jennie Boyd, maid to my wife and my daughter, the cook and the chambermaid.”? - “All new servants ?’’ “‘No, sir. Jenkins and the maid were in my family before my first wife died.’’ **You can trust them?” “T think I can.”’ _ ‘That is about all I have to ask by way of information. For the rest I must ake up the case personally.”” - ™ “saan with a sigh of relief from his ‘oss amination. e *It-is what I should like,’’ exclaimed | NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 7 ‘‘A member of your family, I said—~ one who would naturally be on near, con- fidential terms with you and your wife and daughter, and have some liberties in the house.’ **A—some one in disguise ?”’ “Exactly. A relative if it can be ar- tanged.’’ ‘*But how? I don’t understand.”’ ‘Have you no relative whom “I could personate??? ‘‘Why—no! None who resembles you in the least.’ - Nick smiled. ; ‘tA resemblance, except in size, does not matter. But it should be some one who lives at-a distance, and who would not be likely to turn up in person or by letter.’’ ‘“*T have very few relatives. There is one whom I have not seen in years and with whom I’ve not been on good terms. But you couldn’t well take that iden- tity.’ . “Why?” “It isa woman. My sister.”’ ‘“Where does she live ?”’ “In California.’’ “Her husband ?”’ » ““She has none. She isa widow with one son.’’ ‘*A son? How old is the son?”’ ‘*A bout twenty-one*or two, I believe.”’ ‘*He will do.”’ ‘*But you’re too old.’’ “‘P]] arrange all that,’’ smiled Nick, *fonce I know how he looks. Do you?’’ ‘Only from a photograph taken two years ago.”” ‘*Sent to you ?’’ ‘Sent to my daughter.” ‘*By, himself ?’” ‘No; by his mother. It was an at- tempt to reconcile me, and get my in- fluence to aid her son in business. ”’ “*You did so?”’ “I refused. I found it utterly i impossi- = is to oe: uy mage gh = ba se

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threw herself away on a man who wasa gambler.”’ “Can you get that photograph for MOP ow “Luckily, I have it in my pocket nowe?=:, 5 Mandeville produced it and handed it to Nick. ‘He will do,’? was Nick’s verdict, after caréfully examining the picture. “What! Surely you cannot make your- self look like that?’ - “Yes, only as this. was taken two years ago, we will have to make some allow- ances. That is not hard to do, however.”’ *‘Astonishing! I will only believe it when I see it.’’ ‘Then if you will wait eee half | an hour you shall see. I'l] introduce you to your nephew from California, who will become your guest in your Madison ave- - nue house to-morrow. Interest yourself in these etchings while I change my iden- tity to—by the way, the young man’s name is——’? — “Larry Blake.’ - _ Nick bowed and left the room. Twenty minutes later he appeared once ‘more before My, Mandeville as a young nian twenty-two years old, bearing a strik- ing reseniblance to si face i in the photo- — graph. ““Marvelous!”? was, ; Mandeville’s ver- dict. “Behold your nephew liye Blake, from California,” said Nick. do??? ; _ “Excellently well.” “About his size, physically ?”’ “T know nothing about it—whether he = is large or small.’?. _ “Does your daughter ?”” _ That’s good. Size, therefore, does Ay iene Sater into ane case.” 8 = NIOK CARTER WEEKLY. “Will I = “She knows no more about it vee 1 ‘*Nor your daughter, either ?”’ “*No.”” “Phat is well. Tell me all you or your daughter know about Larry Blake and his nother, so I may make no mistake.” Mr. Mandeville complied with this re- quest, and in five minutes had posted the” detective on all that was known by the Mandevilles of the Blakes, as Mr. Mande- ville supposed. g There was some further conversation’ between the two, in which Nick rehearsed Mr. Mandeville in the part he was to play, and then the latter arose to take hi leave. ‘‘One moment,’’ said Nick, as Mande~ ville had reached the door. ‘‘If you can induce your daughter in some way to give up that front room to me I should like-to” occupy it while I remain your guest.’’ Mandeville looked as if he would like to ask the detective’s reasons’ for the re-— quest, but he only replied: ae ae *‘T will try to arrange it. But Julia is quite headstrong, and she may refusé.”’ . “T hope she will not. Expect Larry Blake about four o’clock to-morrow after- noon.’? ir! CHAPTER U1. =. °* & ‘WHERE CHICK AND IDA COME IN. ~ As the street door closed upon Mr. Mandeville, Chick and Ida stepped ou into the study from behind a heavy — of portieres. They were standing before the erated when Nick came in from seeing his “ie out, on ‘*Well ?””. said Nick, sacle at his two: assistants. a ‘‘Queer case,’? was Chick’s answer. e ‘ ‘**You remember the suicide ?”” ees - Mrs, Montremy, tlie mysterious widow 4 about whom so nat was cern § 7»? a “Yes, ” : te, ty see He 2

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tions at tlie time that she did -not die at prove that some one helped her out of the world.” .*‘As yet?’ _ **That’s what I said. Ever since she died I’ve been waiting for this chance.’’ ~ °**What chance?” 3 ‘“To get into that house and that room for a quiet, mcg ma hao unsuspected in- vestigation.’ » **And now?”’ - "And now I think I will kill two birds _ with one stone.” eet? ‘“But I want you to go to New Orleans ahd find out all you can- about Mrs. Man- deville’s life before she met her present ‘husband. On your way down to the Cres- cent City, stop at Cincinnati.”’ ___**What for?” = ~~ ‘To find out what you can about Miss ~ Julia’s school friend, whom she is said to have visited last winter, and all the other Circumstances of the visit there which ~ may he of interest to know.”’ / “When will I start ?”’ _ **In a day or so. As soon as I get some data for you to work upon. The name of 5 Miss Julia’s friend, for-instance, and Mrs. _ Mandeville’s naine before her recent mar- _ “YH hold myself in readiness.’ — _ “Have you anything for me to do,” ‘modestly inquired Ida. Nick looked at her a few moments, nd then said: “After ail, Chick, I think I’ 11 pas Ida 40 Cincinnati and New Orleann instead of “She ought to be able to work on the ‘there more a easily than a man, for NICK CARTER WEEKLY. e 3 ; **Vet [’ve never been able as yet to_ ‘‘Besides, I may have work for you here which she couldn’t do.”’ *fAll right.’’ ‘Then, Ida, hold yourself in feadiness, and start as soon as you receive from me yout memoranda.”’ . **T will be ready.”’ ———— CHAPTER IV. ‘¢WHAT DOES THIS MEAN??? The morning after Nick Carter heard the story of the diamond robbery, the Mandeville family came down to break- fast somewhat late. Mr. Mandeville found a telegram lying unopened upon his plate. As he opened it and read its contents he was aware that both of the other occu- pants of the table were watching him. ~ It was, therefore, natural that he ex- hibited some nervousness. Clearing his throat, he said, in a tone intended to be indifferent: ‘My dears, we are to Sate a visitor. ’’ ‘A visitor!’’ exclaimed Miss Mande- ville. ‘‘Oh, dear; and at this time above all others. Who is it?”’ ‘‘He is my nephew—Larry Blake”’ There was a crash. Miss Julia’s coffee cup, which she had just raised to her lips, fell, and was shattered into bits upon ae plate. A deep flush suffused her face. The ac- cident appeared to annoy her. She arose from her seat murmuring something * about her awkwardness, and busied her- + self wiping drops of the coffee from her ? gown. Grr ‘‘But, my dear, you have ale “one De: nephew, have you not?’ inquired Mrs. = Mandeville, when the Pe dare of the — broken cup had passed. “Ves, only this one.’’. : Sard 2 “Hei is the he at your only sister? ;

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*‘So I did until recently. I have, how- ever, relented, and will give him some assistance, if, after an acquaintance, I find him worthy.”’ ‘*When will he be here?’’ ‘‘Some time to-day. This dispatch is dated Cleveland, where it was filed last evening.’’ “*Will he stay long ?”’ “T really.don’t know. Everything de- pends on circumstances. I shall try to get him a situation of some kind.” ‘But you are not well known in New York. Youcould do better for him in Chicago.”’ Mr. Mandeville coughed. ‘*That is true, and I may have to send him there. However, I want to get well acquainted with him first.” Julia arose and asked to be excused. ‘Before you go, Julia, tell me: Would you object to changing rooms while your cousin is here ?’’ Julia looked at her father sharply be- fore she replied: “Change rooms! I—give—up my room to this—cousin? Is that what you mean ?”’’ “Why, yes. He will bea guest, you know, and the scenes from the street will interest him. I should like to have him in a front room.”’ - “Tf you wish it. Why, certainly.”’ “That’s a good girl, The rear room above our own is very pleasant. Will you get the chambermaid and Jennie to make the change this forenoon ?”’ ~ “Certainly.’’ ‘She passed out of the dining-room and went straight to her own room. Locking the door, she threw herself into an easy chair, clasped her hands over her heart, and exclaimed, in an undertone: ‘““My God! What does this mean?’ Then she sat mutely gazing out of the —— into space until the chambermaid knocked at the nah: and said she was NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Mandeville went from the dining-room to the library. Jenkins, his valet, soon joined him there, and closed the door when he en- tered. low voice, ‘‘what have you to report?” ‘“Well, Jenkins,’’ said Mandeville, in a — : : ‘“The missus went out last evening <= you left the house.’’ **In all that storm ?’’ **Ves, sir.’? “Who went with hse 72 ‘*She went alone.’ “*Did she say where she was Sea 2 **No, sir. go or come.’ ‘*How long was she gone ?’’ **About two hours.”’ “Tt might have been Julia. muffled ?”’ ; ‘‘Ves, sir; but it was not Miss Julia.’’ ‘*Y6u are sure ?”’ ““Ves, sir; ’cause Miss Tilia went out ten minutes after the missus.”’ ““What?”’ ‘“‘T knowed it would s’prise you, but it is the truth. charged me, and saw both of ’em leave.”’ “Vou didn’t see their faces?’’ S No site “Might one of them not have been Jen- nie the cook, or the chambermaid ?’’ “No, sir. Them three was in the kitchen; an’ I was with them while both the ladies was out.”’ ; “How long was Julia gone?’’ She thinks no one saw her Was she | I was on watch as you “She came in half an hour before the missus. ’? ‘“Thank you, Jenkins. Here’sa five dol- lar bill to help you keep your eyes open — and your lips shut—to others.” “‘Much obliged. - and mum at the same time.’’ Let me know if you © ‘That will do. discover anything else.”’ I’m sure I’m all eyes j | 1 d ’ : 4 3 a 3 ii

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CHAPTER V. THE MYSTERY OF THE LEASE. About four o’clock in the afternoon a ‘eab drove up to the Mandeville residence ‘bearing the counterfeit Larry Blake. _- Mr. Mandeville received him, and after 3 formal greeting, sent him in Jenkins’ charge, to his room, where his trunks . were also deposited. Much to Nick’s satisfaction, he was - conducted to the third story front room. - ‘In luck from the start!’’ was his men- tal comment. \ As soon as Jenkins went out he locked the door and Sspeis an inspection. of the . room. ‘There were two front windows. A hall room adjoined this chamber on the east, but there was uo connecting _ door between, as is found in most houses _ of that build. Instead of the usual closet . and wash-room in the rear, a solid wall 4 livided it from the middle room. “3 Opposite the door against the division wall, stood the grate flues and mantel. _ Between the mantel and the rear of the _ room was a deep, long chest, built for a sg _ Nick’s wandering eyes soon fixed them- _ selves upon this closet. - Ina minute he had the door open. : amination. - “7]] give it a more careful feiicnli aiane her time,”” he muttered. ‘ow, I’ll make my toilet and go n to get acquainted with the ladies.” en minutes later he walked into’ the ¢ reception room on the first floor. ‘A young lady rose at his entrance—a ly girl, w with a rather haughty: mien Lighting a match, he made a ae * ex-) NICK CARTER WEEKLY. hh Advancing with a smile, Nick bowed and said: ‘‘Am I right when I suppose I see my charming cousin ?’’ A scornful smile curled the girl’s lips as she replied: ‘‘T think you are mistaken.”’ “You are Miss Mandeville, are you not ?”? She inclined her head in linughty but silent assent. 4 “sThen Iam your cousin, Larry Blake.’’ ““Indeed.’? The word was half sneered, snapped. “T fear I am not welcome. ’’ ‘©You are very observant.’’ _“T hoped for a warmer reception.” “Tt is a pity you are disappointed.”’ “You will like me better when yon shall have known me longer.”’ ‘“Possibly. I could not well like you less.” She swept past him and left the room. Nick stood for some moments staring at the open door through which she had disappeared. Then he shook his head and said to himself: half ~ “T don’t much like the way she has re- ceived me.’’ He started to leave the room, but Man- deville met him on the threshold and motioned him back. Mr. Mandeville then closed the door and led the way to the opposite side of the room where he asked Nick to take. a seat. Then he spoke in a low tone of voice. “I have some information which, - much as I dislike to disclose it to you, I feel it my duty todoso.” = “Thank you. I nies you are acting wisely.’” i “T feel I can trust you | implicitly.” eee “Thank you again. ot mis-

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12 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. - Iwant you to make me one promise. Nay, I demand it?’ **State tlre nature of the promise.’’ “If it transpires that my wife or my daughter is in the slightest manner in- volved or implicated in the disappearance of the diamonds, I must have your word that no publicity whatever shall be made of whatever discoveries you may make.’’ ‘“That is an extraordinary request to nrake.”? ‘“Yet a natural one to come from a man who loves his wife and daughter more than all the diamonds in the ‘world.”’ “IT fear I cannot give you the promise.’’ ‘Then I will refuse to prosecute fur- ther inquiry into the mystery.” “But you cannot stop my investiga- tion.” ‘Probably not; but without my co. operation you cannot possibly succeed.’’ **T am not sure of that.” ‘Unless you promise what I ask you must leave this house at once.”’ Nick remained in deep meditation for a few seconds, and then replied: ‘Will it be sufficient if I promise to use any discoveries I may make in this investigation in such a manner as to com- pletely shield your wife and daughter from publicity as to any connection they may have had with the disappearance of the diamonds ?”’ “Yes, If you will swear to do that, and will further swear that you can do it— that there will be no danger of the case getting beyond your control]—I will con- sent to go aliead in the investigation with you.” “Very well. I will promise—will even swear to what you ask.”’ ‘*T am satisfied and trust you fully.”’ -**Now for your information. You sus- ct that your wife or your daughter had xe 2S = sou auger « ever a oi plain. Before I left the house last night to visit Superintendent Byrnes, and after- ward vou, I supposed my wife and daugh- - ter were both in bed.”’ ‘*Well ?”? ‘*Not long after I left the house Mrs. Mandeville also went out—unobserved, as she thought.”* “*Stay long ?”’ **T wo hours.’’ **Well?”” “Ten minutes after Mrs. Mandeville left, Julia also slipped out.’ ‘“Humph! Stay long?’’ “She returned half an hour before my wife.’’ : “Might have been shadowing Mrs. Mandeville.’’ “*T thought of that.’’ ‘“Who gave you this information ?”’ “Jenkins, myvalet.’’ ‘*Watching?’’. ‘*Before I went out I told him to keep his eyes open around the house without being seen himself.” ‘*Now that I have agreed to what you requested, you must give me a few fur- ther facts.”’ ‘‘What are they ?’’ “T want the name and address of the school friend your daughter visited in Cincinnati during your absence in Eu- vope.”’ “Miss Inez de Garvelli.” ‘““The address ?” “Cincinnati.” “*T mean the street and number?”’ ~ “*T never asked.”’ . “Then I want —_ ‘wife’s name before you married her.’ ae “Her name was Potter —-Aggiata Pot- — ter.”’ “Her maiden name ?”’ ‘*No; she was a widow.’’ “A a hand in the mystery <i «on! i “Yes.” . ; si you said ?”” 3 Pate bat ate . “Yes, 1 & ign a) -O Her home was in New Orleans, 3

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el | 2d Vv i 2 = “her to keep the photograph. <P = NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 13 you a dislike for her cousin, Larry Blake?” ‘On the contrary, she always seemed interested in him, though they never met?» “*Did they ever correspond ?”’ “No. The only communication she ever held with her California relatives was a few letters which passed between herself and her aunt two years ago, when she received the photograph of Blake which you have.”’ “‘Why was the correspondence discon- + tinued ?”’ “‘] forbade it. I would not even permit She wasa mere child.’ ‘She has since then partaken some- what of your dislike, evidently.’’ “Why ?” ‘She snubbed me most delightfully just before you came into the room.”’ ‘‘How does that suit you ?”’ “Tt does not suit me I hoped to get ‘on intimate terms with—ahem!—my fair cousin.’?’ x “might suspect.”? =. Very well.” ‘‘T am sorry she titate you so. It is not her way of acting. Shall I intercede for *you?”’ “No! no! Not for the world. She **] want to see the lease for this house your duplicate.” _“T have none,”” ‘*Who has it??? ‘“There is none but the original.’’ = ‘‘Where is that?’ » ' “The agent has it.” Who i is he?’ “T don’t know.” - f ‘*Who does??? a “My daughter.” Re “Why don’t you find out???” “She refuses to tell. Says it is her se- cret, and laughs at my curiosity.” _ “But you pay your rent??? ; i B -~ Lge ne first- month. in advanee, * as I told you, and I paid the sum back to her.” ‘*And then ?’? ‘““Then? We are still on the first month. Another month will begin to- morrow.’’ ““And_ another due ?”’ “Ves.?? ‘To whom will you pay it?’’ €©Po Julia.”’ ‘*And she will turn it over to—’’ ‘““The agent, whoever he is.’ month’s rent will be **T will look up the owner to-morrow.” _ ‘*T have already done so.” **Who is he?”’ “A Mr. Fitch.” ‘*Where does he live?”’ ‘‘He is traveling abroad somewhere.” ‘*Has he no relatives who might give the information ?’’ “No; he is an old bachelor, almost alone in the world, and very eccentric, they say. He had this house and the ad- joining one built or rebuilt under his - own directions, some four years ago.’’ “Ah! house, too ??’ + Ve. “‘And the same agent has the renting of it ?”? ‘*] presume so, ’’ ‘That house seems to be unoceupied— closed up.” “It is in charge of aservant—an old colored man. : ‘*How do you know?” “ve seen him go. in and oat fre- quently. * ‘Is the house furnished. as this was when you leased it?’’ “*T presume it is.’” “I must get sg = the old colored servant.”’ What for?’’ : Ps ; “T may—well, Tr might | "ee the agent who scape ox Ganghter the hewee. ” x F " ‘ then he owns the adjoining 7

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14 ‘“*What good would that do?”’ » Nick looked sleepily through the win- dow, but mentally he was exclaiming: ‘*Well, the general stupidity of the or- dinary man is marvelous.’’ To Mr. Mandeville he replied: **T want to know the reason for her se- -cret in the matter of the lease, that is all.”? CHAPTER VIL NICK MAKES A NEW FRIEND. After dinner that same evening Nick left the house with the expressed purpose of seeing something of New York city by gaslight. *‘Don’t get lost,’’? said Miss Julia, as he was about to leave. The tone of voice and smile which ac- conipanied the admonition’ gave Nick _ something to think about as he started down the street. It was the first word she had addressed to him since she left him so unceremoni- ously in the parlor soon after his arrival. Half an hour later he was in his own house, in the presence of Chick and Ida. To the latter he gave the Cincinnati and New Orleans data, and instructed her to start on her mission by the next train, and rush it through. Turning to Chick, he said: ~* ‘*T want you to watch the Mandeville house and the vacant house-next door every night after eight o’clock till day- light,.and shadow any one whi leaves either building.’”’ “All right.” “Better start at once.”’ **T’ll be off in ten minutes. ’’ When he returned to the Mandeville : residence he found Jnlia in the parlor alone. Feit, Instead of ebestitig her chilling man- ners of the afternoon, she advanced, held out her a to ei08 oe a smile, and NICK CARTER WEEKLY, “‘Will you not forgive me, cousin, for the impolite way in which I oes you to-day ?”’ - ‘‘Willingly,’? he said, taking her hand and looking steadily and unflinchingly into her deep, black eyes. ‘But will you tell me why I was received with so much disfavor ?”’ ‘T was not myself.” “But you are yourself now.”’ ‘*Yes, We all- dissimulate at times; pretend to be what we are not.”’ Nick imagined the black eyes snapped with unusual fire as she spoke. ‘“Then I am to be welcome ?”’ ‘That depends on how you Setaye while you are here.’’ ‘*T will try to do my best.”’ ‘*And be my friend as well as cousin?” _ Nick imagined there was an unusual depth to the plea, “Certainly.” “Tl want you to be my friend, one very much.’’ “*T shall be delighted.’’ ‘‘We are all but strangers now. ought to be confidantes. ’’ ‘*With all my heart I am omnia “You and I must become better ac-. I need We “quainted. Our near relationship might be the bond to bring us close together.’ - **You have but to command me.’’ ‘*We shall get on together famously then.’’ ‘*T hope so.”’ ‘*'Till to-inorrow, au revoir.’’ **Good-night.”’ She glided out of the room, giving him another puzzling, smiling glance. “She may not know Iam not Larry Blake, but she suspects,’’ thought Nick. ‘Can it be, after all, that she has corre- : sponded with the Blakes without her fa- ther’s knowledge? If so, I will have to change my plans somewhat.’ “After meditating a ssa foes 3: he : added, Oe ee See

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NICK CAR'LER WEEKLY. ub “Not, however, till I find out more about that third floor front room.’’_ '* Then he went upstairs to his apart- ment. Locking the door, and turning up the gas, he began a careful scrutiny of the rooui. First he went into the closet and re- moved a few pieces of miscellaneous clothing which hung there. Then he closed the door and remained in the dark for several minutes, “If there is a corresponding closet in ‘the other house it is unocceupied,’’ was his conclusion, as he re-entered his room. Going to his trunk, Nick unlocked it and took therefrom a bull’s-eye lantern, which he lighted and carried back into the closet. = Then he began a minute search. The wainscoting was three feet higher than that which ran around the room on _ the outside. He noted this fact with evident satis- faction. But a look of Seapeointnent’ finally> overspread his face. ‘It is there, I’d stake my life, but it must bea Jim Dandy,’’ he muttered. - Tt is so well concealed that no one can locate it on this side without a sounding . €xamiination, and that might attract at- _ i tention in the other house. “7m not ready for such work yet. So Tl just lay low till I get more informa- tion and know just exactiy what I’m after when I strike.” He locked up his lantern in his trunk and went to take some rest. Before he laid himself down he did something very mysterious, which we sure hear about Jater. _—— — rae . —_ iS fe | CHAPTER VII. “NICK SETS HIS TRAP. When Nick rose in the morning he hastened to make his toilet, for he haa <eime himself. ane ; While brushing his hair his comb fell behind the dresser. - He pulled the dresser away “from the wall to recover the comb. A piece of paper fluttered to the floor from the place where it had lodged. He picked it up. ‘Piece of a _ letter,’’ ‘*Probably hers.”’ It was about one-quarter of a sheet of note paper. One side was blank. The other was written upon. Nick saw that the writing was in the hand of a lady. The signature at the bottom was con- firmation. It was signed ‘‘Inez.’? ‘‘Her Cincinnati friend,’? was Nick’s teady observation. The date ‘March r1th”’ the letter opposite the signature. fragment was as follows: ‘*____and I hope all will turn out as planned, Your money order for two hun- dred and fifty dollars came yesterday. I cashed it and turned it over to him in the afternoon, I can’t tell you how delighted he was. Will leave that for him to do personally some other time. Inez. **March 11th.”’ Nick carefully folded the bit of paper with the blank side out, and laid it away in his pocketbook, Late as he was, he found only Mr. Mandeville in the dining-room. ““The ladies have sent down word that we shall not wait for them,’® said Mr. Mandeville. — While they sat at the table, and during the absence of the servants Nick hurriedly asked: ‘‘What was the date of your payment to Miss Julia of the first month’s rent which her friend’s father advanced?” __ “I don’t remember. But I can tell by ~ he muttered. was also on The examiuing my check stubs,’’ ‘About what date was it?” ‘The first week in March.”

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a 16 “That will answer. It is near enough. , Now tell me whether Miss Julia or Mrs. * Mandeville received any letter on the day before yesterday ? od “Pll find out for you after breakfast,” Jenkins came in at this moment and the conversation was changed. Half an hour after they left the table Mandeville called Nick into the parlor and said: ‘*Jenkins tells me the postman left two letters on the four o’clock delivery day before yesterday.’’ “Ror whom ?”’ “One for Mrs. Mandeville and the other for Julia.”? ‘*Who delivered the letters .to Soom owners ?’’ ‘Jennie, the maid, who took them from Jenkins.’’ “When is the second month’s rent due??? — “Tn a few days.’’ “Can you pay it to your daughter to- . day?” = “Ves. ” ‘“T'hen please do so.’’ “All right.’’ “At noon.’’ “Not before ?”’ - No, at twelve o’clock.”’ - “7 shall remeniber.’’ “*T am going out. Do not expect ime till dinner time.’’ When Julia Mandeville left her fa- ther’s house, that afternoon, she thought she had assured herself that no one no- ticed where she went. She was not aware of the fact that the same old farmer-like looking man whom her father had visited two nights before never lost sight of her till she entered a Broadway bank. — ¢ He came up on the outside in time to gee her indorse a check ata public desk and present it to tle paying-teller. He further saw her give the teller a je and Sige orig es sare Saye oe NICK CARTER WEEKLY. = é was known to him and needed no identi- fication. She got the money and went direct to the nearest post-office station. Nick Carter never lost sight of her. He saw her get not only one money order application, but a number, which she proceeded to fill out and present to the clerk." 4% It took some time for the latter to make out the orders. Nick only entered the post office area when he saw Julia get the money orders and go to a table to inclose them in a let- ter which was ready to mail. Having inclosed the orders she sealed the envelope and turued it face up to wax the stamps. As she did so, Nick came up behind her. Z > He read the address: “Inez de Garvelli, ‘““New Orleans, led Fah He had not time to note the street and - nuinber before she snatched the letter up and turned with a fierce look upon the person who had presumed to look over her shoulder. ‘‘Gol darn these here city post-offices! Why can’t they have pens and ink handy to direct letters, as we have at Elmville!”? — muttered the apparently old countryman, gazing all over the table. ‘Here is a pen, sir,’’ she said, picking one up from before his eyes and handing — it to him. = . He brought it close up to his face be-— late he exclaimed: ‘*Blowed if it ain’t. Guess Id a been a mighty sight better off if I hadn’t forgot: es my specks when I left home.” Julia smiled at the old. man’s efforts to — direct his letter, and mailing her own, — labor. ae ieee gee ge g rat eve

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: = * NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ~~. ‘nounced that he had secured ticketsdrom the theatre, and hoped his uncle, cousin and aunt would go with him. ; To his utter disappointment Mrs. Man- deville pleaded headache and asked to be ~ excused. . He was equally surprised when Julia accepted the invitation. / Mr. Mandeville was shrewd enough to | accept also. Jenkins let them in on their return | from the theatre. | “Nick noticed a quick, intelligent jook » exchanged by master and man, and sus- pected its import. | He went directly to his room. > Half an hour later Mr. Mandeville } knocked softly at his door and was admit- ted. «, . “She was out again.”” Your wife?’ | ) **Yes. Slipped out, as she thought un- observed, soon after we left.’’ ‘SP tell you to-morrow where she ri |, went— perhaps.» ‘Why, how can you??? “Can’t yott guess??? — : ~ “Someone else followed her?” Nick nodded. 5 is Is this keeping your promise to me??? ~- “Oh, yes. My assistant is my second self. Have no fear.”’ “One word more. Did you lay the trap? Did you expect her to stay at home from the theatre to-night to go out after- - yey asshedid?? — ‘*No—not her,” ‘. $*Not her??? ~ Ah trap was for your daughter.” _ “Ah, Julia?” Yes, I expected her to do exactly , aa your wife did.” — And was disappointed ?”” “Tn one sense, yes. You had better go ewe ® 5; ‘now, sit. If you stay too long it may —— suspicion.’’ ““Good-night.”” 3 get ate ee es 17 ““Wish I could see Chick to-night. But I dare not leave the house—or this toom. Sol must wait till morning,’’ so- liloquized Nick. ; *‘Now I'll turn in. This sleeping with one eye and both ears open is not as re- freshing as sleep unincumbered with busi- ness, ’’ Going to his trunk he took out a wig of women’s hair, went to the bed, and after some manipulation stepped back to view his work. Any one entering the room at that mo- ment would have been certain that a wo- man’s form was under the covers and a woman’s head, half concealed by her float- ing loosened hair, was on the pillow. In the next place he took a woman’s outfit from his trunk and threw some of them over the arms and back of his easy- chair, and the rest'up in a closet. Then he put out the gas and threw himself, fully dressed, upon a lounge, which was partly concealed by the wash- stand, pulled a blanket over him and dropped into what he called a ‘‘half- cocked sleep.’’ This ceremony had been gone through _ the night before, and he intended to re- peat it each night so long as_he occupied the room. _ “The trap may never be sprung,’’ he told himself, ‘‘but if it is, there will be big game caught.’’ CHAPTER VIII. CHICK’S DISCOVERIES—A LUNCHEON WITH JULIA. . Next day Nick lost no time in meeting Chick. * ‘Make your report,’’ was 8 Nick’s busi- ness-like order. ““T followed her.” “Ves,” **She went down to Madison Square.’’ “Well?” ‘‘Hired a carriage and drove off.’’ [+

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£ = 18 “Vou hired another and chased her.”’ ‘*Exactly, anda long chase it was. She brought up finally at the Astor House.”’ “*Go on.”’ “She went toa reception-room and. sent a card to one of the guests.”’ **Who answered it ?”’ ‘fA persou. They talked earnestly for half an hour.”’ : ‘*You saw thein both ?’’ **T never saw her face. She was closely veiled all the time.’’ ‘But you saw the man ?’’ 66 Ves.” ‘And would know pingRaT “Tike a book,”’ ‘We'll visit the Astor House together this afternoon and try to spot him.”’ ‘**] have a surer plan yet.’’ ‘*What is it?’ - “T saw the boy who carried her card to him. Why not use him ?”’ “We will. I'll go down with you to- night.’’ ‘*After following this woman and see- ing her safe home I resumed my watch.’’ “Ves, Isaw you when we came from the theatre.”’ “‘Well, half an hour after you went in the old darky came out of the adjoining house and went down to Fourth avenue to a drug store.’’ ‘“What did he get there ?”’ : “I couldn’t find out without risking too much.”’ ‘Vou followed him back id ‘*Yes, and saw him go in at the area pitts, Ft “Well?” ; “‘He didu’t come out again.’’ “No. ” “But at one o’clock he went in again. % “What?” ‘*At least a perfect double of the old darky went in just as he had done an hour and a half before.”’ - “Chick, you have made a discovery.’” NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘But there’s more to tell.”” **Go on!” ‘‘He remained half an hour only.”’ ‘*Well, you of course shadowed him when he went away ?”’ S¢Ves, ” ‘*Where did he fetch up?”’ ‘On the Bowery below Canal street. He has a room there “on the first flight up, over a hat store.”’ “But he didn’t remain there.” “The old nigger did.’’ ‘And who came out of the room after- ward ?”’ : Chick smiled. “Vou couldn’t gness.”? ‘Well, we’ll say the gentleman who Mrs. Mandeville met at the Astor House.”? ‘“VYou've hit it exactly.”’ ““Oh, it wasn’t as hard to guess as you supposed.”’ “Of course I don’t know all you do.”” ‘You shall in good time. I want to find out more about the.man at the Astor House. Meet me at the Twenty-third street L, station at eight o’clock to-night.”’ “That will take me off my watch on Madison avenue.”’ ‘All right.. I think Ican relieve you _of that hereafter.”’ When Nick returned to the Mandeville residence about twelve o’clock he met Julia in the hall on the point of going out. She greeted him with a smile. ‘Going shopping?’ asked Nick, “‘No. I’m going out to luncheon. bedi ~ you not go with me ?’’ Then, having looked hastily around to see if anyone was near, she added, in an undertone: ‘‘T ‘have something to say to you Ca which I prefer to say outside the house.’’ sg Nick kept his eyes on her face, but ss said nothing. They passed out upon the street. ‘They soon reached a fashionable a fle aia

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> * way testaurant and entered, choosing a a ox table i in one corner. Nick called the head waiter, and put- . ting a five dollar bill in his hand, said: a a _ “T see there are not cement people here - just now.’ ~ “Tt is early yet—just past twelve o'clock, ”” was the reply. ~ Then hold the two adjoinng tables for me for an hour.. Some friends of ours may come in. Understand?” The head waiter bowed and said, “It - ae shall be as you wish.’ y ae After the waiter had gone away with the order Nick. said: "We shall not be atmoyed by persons _ getting within hearing distance, I think.”’ _ ‘Very thoughtful of you, I’m sure. _ But I suppose it isthe nature of your business to "be cautious.’ **T don’t understand you.”’ :: -=Oh, yes you do, You understand that " - Tknow you are not Larry Blake.’ “You think, I am not.”? **T Eniow you are not.’’ - ae. Your proof. a 233 2 ‘**T have-seen Larry Blake.”’ ee when?’ _ **Recently.”’ ie Where??? ; ee “hat i is not necessary to state.’’ » you have met two men Eg a who a claim to be Larry Blake, your usin.” - SF sagas - oe Ves.” ta, : “One is an imposto. ee ; - “Bxactly. ta i ie ‘How ¢ do you a that the impostor the other man?” ‘Phere are a score of ‘reasons why I cnOW he is not an impostor. ’? Oeic a ie ay ‘Wh 0 do 3 you think I am?” f a 2 ‘A detective.” bathe . — “You are not positiver® a 23 “Nos, only reasonably, certain. ; ee 1 bei in your: pees if, = he oo “Ves,” NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 19, **Because there is work for a detective to do in that house.’’ ‘“Would I be more welcome to you in your father’s house as a detective than as your cousin?’ «ec Yes. ”» Wh y > ’ ‘‘T would help you all I could in your efforts to recover the diamonds, ’’ ‘Vou would ?”? **T would, in spite of the fact that you entered my father’s louse believing I knew whiere they had gone.”’ **] will not admit that charge.”’ **You will not deny it.”’ “I deny that I bélieve any such guilt on your part.’’ **Yes, you do now. You have obtained clews since your arrival.”’ ““How do you know?’’ ‘‘T don’t. I merely surmise.” ‘And who do you think the clews’ point to?’’ “My father’s wife.”’ **You suspect her ??’ “1 did from: the first.’’ ‘“‘And have you any proof?” “Very little’? ““Well, give me that little.’ “Not as Larry Blake.’’ “Then as your father’s detective.’’ *“Now you are a sensible man. Ill do all I can, honorably, to help you.”’ ‘Then what proof have you against your father’s wife?” ‘‘She shammed sickness the night after . the robbery.’’ * ec Yes. ” “‘And went out into the storm when she supposed no one saw her.’’ “‘So did you,’’ Julia flushed scarlet. “Ves; I saw her from my aiaaie go _ down the stoop and Jennie, my maid, ~ confirmed the fact that it was she.” _ “ie “AL. You tried to aioe bent: its ee

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20 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “*Yes, She had too much start.” ‘*T will now ask you one question more, : Miss Mandeville. I know you will answer it and answer it truly.”’ **Ask it.”? “Do you know where the diamonds are?”’ ‘ST do not.”’ ‘*Nor have any idea of their location ?’’ ‘“That makes two questions instead of oue.’’ ‘“But you will answer it, too?’’ **And you’ll believe me?”’ **T said so.’? ‘“‘Then my word for it, I have no knowl- edge or even suspicion of where they are;?” “Thank you. Here comes our lunch- eon, and if you are willing we will re- sume our cousinly relations.’’ “Ror a time, yes.”’ At eight o’clock Nick met Chick as per agreement and the two rode down to Park Place. They went direct to the Astor House. Nick waited downstairs while Chick went up to the office to find the bell boy he wanted to see. ; He had to wait ten minutes before he had a chance to call the boy into one of the reading-rooms, out of sight of the clerks. Then the lad easily succumbed to the offer of money. He didn’t know ‘‘de gent’s name,”’ but it was ‘‘de man in 47. See?” Yes, he was there vet. © Chick went down and reported to Nick. Then Nick went back to the office. He began to turn over the leaves of the register, searching backward in the col- umn where the number of - rooms were marked. He found 47 under date of a wae pre- vious. ‘ ~~ Opposite the number was the name, pon “Leon Gabriel, Chicago.” ; as I see Epes ae “3 _ Nick made a mental note of it, Just as he was about to turn away from the desk somebody jostled against him rather roughly. He looked up quickly. It was Chick. ' The latter said, politely, as’if address- | ing a stranger: ‘*] beg.ten thousand pardons, but I was watching the gentleman just going down- | stairs. I thought at first I knew him.” Nick bowed with the utmost deference, and turning around, also went down stairs. He didn’t lose sight of the man who had preceded him down. The latter went into the bar and ordered a drink. j - While he drank Nick studied him care- | _ fully. ] “A rascal of the first water,’’ was Nick’s silent comment. -(f Of course it was Leon Gabriel, of Chi- | cago, Mrs..Mandeville’s tete-a-tete of the | night before, and the double of the old ' negro in the empty house. ; He was not more than forty years a " age, and was-about Nick’s height and ' build. His face was dark and handsome, suggesting the creole or Italian. Nick watched him until he went up- stairs again. Then he joined Chick, and the two started uptown. Once fairly away from the hotel, Nick said; ‘“That man has the diamonds.’’’ “T thought so,’’ was Chick’s quiet re- mark. “<Don’t lose sight of him for the next few days, Chick.”’ ‘All right. Ill cover r him. e “If anything ‘happens let me know. A chalk line on'the lamp-post opposite Man- _ deville’s iiouse will inform me you have | news. I'll join you at the house as soon a r

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CHAPTER“IX. IDA BRINGS NEWS FROM NEW ORLEANS, | More than a week passed by before any- _ thing of any importance developed in the case, despite the alertness of Nick and Chick. ~ Meanwhile Nick kept as close as possi- ble to the Mandeville residence. He was carefully watching Mrs. Man- deville by day and the closet in the third story front room by night. _ And now he was_ growing anxious for _ Ida’s return. ‘Twelve days after he took up the case, the long-expected chalk mark appeared on the lamp-post. He hastened to his own residence. Chick was waiting for him. “Well ??? ‘It was Nick’s ‘usual way, of breaking into business. — : . ‘“Tirere’s news. ”’ «¢ Ves??? = “He met her to-day.’’ “Mrs. Mandeville?”’ ea “No; the girl.” a “Not Julia?’ as : “Ves,” Sas Es oo a "At the Gilsey.’? 3 _ “You're sure??? . Go 2" ~“T saw them. What's more, he has a 3 ‘oom there, too.” Registered tae Snes “Ves. Leon Martinelli, New Orleans.’ _ ‘Where did they meet.” ee “Ta the parlor.” ts tee called on him ?”” ae Ves, ‘He went there this morning and — ise ‘girl came in and sent up hercard. He came down and joined ‘her in the parlor. “They had a long, confidential seg ae did bas $ pate Semen asked for his key. About two o "clock the = shat is his Lasso ‘Now NICK CARTER WEEKLY. . 21 hands with him, and smiled in his face on taking her leave.”’ Nick’s brows knit, and a look came in- to his face which boded no good for Miss Mandeville. Chick’s next words aroused him: ‘*Ida has returned.’’ “Send her in at once,’’ Chick went out and Ida soon after en- tered. Nick greeted her pleasantly. ‘(Make your report without delay.’’ “(I stopped at Cincinnati,’’ began Ida.” “‘And did not find Inez de Garvelli?”’ “No; she was in New Orleans.”’ This was not news to Nick. The ad. dress of Julia’s letter a week before told him that. It, however, made him the more anxious for the rest of Ida’s news. ‘“How long has she been there?” “Three months.’ “Ah! who went with her?’ ‘You know.’’ ‘(Miss Mandeville ?’’ Tyas, Where did they stay? Where is the De Garvelli gir] ?”’ ‘At the house of another schoolmate of the two girls.”’ ‘What name???’ “Martinelli.” “What?” “(T said Martinelli. ‘Her father living ?”’ “Ves. » ‘*His name ?’’ “Leon Martinelli.’” ‘*‘Did you see him ?”’ ‘‘No; he was not at home. = ‘‘Where was he?’’ “J don’t know. He travels, and is gone sometimes for months. He is very little at home.’’ ‘(Was he there while Miss Mundevitis was in his house?” _ «©Ves, for a month or more.”’ Lolo Martinelli.”

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2 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘Out with it.” **He is a lapidary.”” ““Humph!”? After a brief pause, Nick asked: “‘Have you any idea what the Mande- ville girl went to New Orleans for???’ ‘‘No. But I know she would have an object if she went back.”’ “What ?? ‘SA lover.”’ “Met him there?”* 6€Ves.?? ‘In business ?”? ‘He is now.”’ “*Explain.’’ ‘*He bought out a smal] business about the first of March on the installment plan.”’ : “Go on.”” ‘*Pays two hundred and fifty dollars a month for one year.’’ ‘That all??? ‘‘No, He then must pay five thousand ~ dollars more in cash.?? ** \ poor young man?” © j “Yes. Wasa clerk in a drug store at a salary of fifty dollars a month.”? **How did he meet Miss Mandeville?’ _ ‘Through Lolo Martinelli and——”’ “Well ?? % a ‘‘Relationship.”’ **T thought so. Ves, ” “The skies are brightening. He is Larry Blake?” _ about Mrs. Mandeville.” “She has not lived there for years; _ not since she was a little girl.” ‘*How did you learn that?’ “There are people down there now _ who remember little ‘Gussie Potter.’ ” Potter was her widowed name.’? ‘It was also her maiden name when ; ° her family moved to Chicago.” . “To Chicago?” 2 =) Hi te! About eighteen years ago. Shall Now - “No; I think I can manage the rest from here.’’ ' oe ne CHAPTER X., ONE WOMAN’S CONFESSION. ‘In all probability,’’ said Nick to his wife before he left the house, ‘a young lady will call here this evening and ask for me. If she comes, invite her into my study and ask her to wait for me.”’ Then he called Chick into his presence and said: ““Keep yourself in shape to shadow Mrs. Mandeville if she attempts to leave the house any time fo-night. And let her know that she is being followed.”’ He left his house and went straight back to Madison avenue. " To his great relief, Jenkins told him — Mr. Mandeville had gone down town, — and would not return till late. ‘Where is Miss Julia ?’’ **In her room, I think.’’ ] “Go tell her iit I would like to see her a few moments here in the parlor.’’ ‘*Yes;-sir..”” “‘Oh, Jenkins! ‘Phen find out ~ where | Mrs. Mandeville is, and remain. within | call.’’ ‘*Ves, sir.’’ Nick had not long to wait for Miss | Julia. There was an eager look on nee face as she came in. Nick held out his hand and smiled pleasantly. Then he said: ‘(We are to trust each other implicitly, { are we not ?’’ ‘*] believe so.”’ : “Well, I have something to say to you, but it will not do to say it in this house. Walls have ears.”’ ‘What do you want me to do?” | “Go to a house of a friend of mine at eight o’clock shieconaglite and wait there till I come.’? oper 3 = ce = “that i. strange seus. oF

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ° 93 “But an honest one. Remember your father trusts me. Cannot you?” ““Whom does this concern—what you have to tell me?” . “Your step-mother and——’ *“Well?”? ““Trust me and go, will you not ?”’ She hesitated a moment, during which time she looked him unflinchingly in the eyes. Then she said, ‘‘Yes,’’ so decisive- ly that Nick knew he could depend on her. “Here is the address,’ he said, hand- ing her a written memoranda. ‘‘Remem- ber, eight o’clock and wait for meif I’m not there.’’ She returned to her room. Nick sum- ~ moned Jenkins and sent him to Mrs. Mandeville to say that Mr. Blake was anxious to see her in the parior. “And, Jenkins! When she enters this room, keep just cut of the way, but see _that no one enters or approaches until she | leaves.”? _- _ “Depend on it, sir.. It will be as you wish,” | 4 Mrs. Mandeville came down from her sitting-room on the second floor promptly _ to the sumuivons. Nick noticed that she was growing paler and paler every day. Something ? was troubling her. /. “My dear abla what can I do for you? . “ “Grant me half an Bost private in- terview.’ “Why, certainly.’ . _ “No objection if I close the door?” ‘ “Why, certainly not, if you wish it,” “Mrs, Mandeville,” said Nick, placing in easy-chair near the window, ‘‘you had better sit down. sd ape to say may disturb you.” | “How strangely you talk, ‘Larry. es “Vou need not call 1 me by that name ‘“*Not yours! Net——”’ “T am not Larry Blake.’’ “Then, in Heaven’s name, who are you ?”? ‘‘Nicholas Carter; a detective in the employ of your husband.”’ Ah }? It was a half-smothered scream. She made an effort as if to arise, and then sank back again in her chair. Her face was piteously pale asshe gave him a | pleading look. “I came into this house to try to re- cover those stolen diamonds. ’” “Oh hed Her perturbation partly left her. **T have located the thieves.’’ The expression on her face changed to one of absolute relief. Nick, who was watching her, was ‘deeply puzzled. “Tam glad to hear that,’’ she said. _ "Where are they? Who has them?’ ‘“The man you susreptitiously met at the Astor House last night.” eee With a muffled shriek she was down on her knees before him, clinging to his coat skirts. ‘*Ror God’s sake, have you told my husband ?”’ “T have told him nothing yet.”’ ‘“Then, for the love of Heaven, do not. He is more than my life to me.”’ ‘“‘And yet you would rob him and his daughter.”’ ‘“‘Rob them. No; as God is my judge, I have not robbed him nor her. I have deceived him, but only Bexaeee I could not bear to lose his love.’ “Do you dare deny your complicity in the diamond robbery ?”’ She arose to her feet with earnest mien: ; : ‘‘Yes; I swear by my hopes of salva- tion that I know nothing about those dia- ey) S aa ‘ ii eae

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~~ ee at : : \NICK CARTER WEEKLY. night BORE the robbery, and last night again.’ **You mean Lisi Gabriel ?”’ S6'Ves.”? “*Ts he the thief?’ “Do you not know it?’’ ‘*No. On a woman’s honor, I do not.’’ “Then why did you meet him at the Astor House ?’’ She wrung her hands and looked an object of misery. **7"]] tell you all, and trust to your sense of manly honor.’’ ‘That is right. If you are innocent you shall not regret it.’’ ‘“Then listen. When I was twenty- three years old Iran away from home—~ eloped with this man Leon Gabriel. ‘After living with him a year we had a quarrel. In his rage he disclosed the fact that we were never legally married; that he had a wife and child living, and our marriage had been a mock ceremony by a man who was disguised as a minis- ter. “T investigated and discovered that he told the truth. “Phen I left him and threw myself _ upon my brother’s mercy. Under his ad- vice, I claimed to have obtained a Dakota divorce and resumed my maiden name. “Then I met Mr. Mandeville, and— you don’t know how much I love him.” She began to shob. ‘Why did you meet Gabriel?’ asked _ Nick. ‘‘He found me out and followed me up with threats.. I met lim to prevent his going to my husband.” ‘*How did you placate him ?”’ “He finally agreed to remain silent as long as we remain in this house.” _ “Why, what was his reason for that?’ “T don’t know. I didn’t ask. It was some subterfuge. Oh, sir, if you could only help-meas ay Mrs. Mandevill : ise ees ae the “there, and we paid her a visit. you. Now, sleep soundly to-night. Your deliverance is near.’? She caught up his hand with a_ great sob, kissed it, and fled from the room. CHAPTER XI. ANOTHER WOMAN’S CONFESSION. It was half-past eight o'clock that | evening when Nick Carter entered his | own house. Julia Mandeville was waiting for him, — true to her promise. we. He did not keep her long in suspense. “= ‘““Miss Mandeville,’’ said Nick, after | they were comfortably seated and ‘assured | from interruption, ‘‘what I shall say to/ you may tend to make you doubt my sin-) cerity of friendship toward you and your. interests—at first. But if you are frank with me and attempt no further conceal-— ment, I swear to you that it will be for. _ your future happiness.” She was all eagerness, and exclaimed: | “Co on. ” a “You spent two months in New Or-, leans last winter, while aed father | thought you were in Cincinnati.’’ She flushed, but answered readily: ‘. ‘Ves, I. did.’’- “Tell me what your object was in that secret visit to New Orleans.’’ ‘‘J_there were some things about m father’s second wife which I didn’t lik I thought there was some mystery _ her past life.’’ “And you went to New Orleans to in- vestigate ?”” : & “Yes, Inez and I had a friend livin ‘Jnez’s mother, meantime, acted as medium at Cincinnati to receive and for ward my correspondence with father.’’ “What did you discover ?’” ‘Nothing. I believe she never lived i i New Orleans. She probably deceived u: in that.” _ oa = No, she did not.’”

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. - “What do you know about it?” Much more than you found out. Dil tell you later. Now, what nee you there so long ?”? Nick was looking at her deals: blushed violently and replied: ‘<I suppose you know.” “T know enough to want to know -Inore.’? ‘“How much do you know?”’ “7 know why you were so sure I was not Larry Blake.’’ In spite of her perturbation she smiled. ‘*How far has this—affair gone between ~ you and your cousin ?”’ Ee far as it can go ensciigoe \ She “You are married ?’’ “Ves.” “You have ‘several times, during the last ten days, met the-father of your friend Lolo Martinelli at the Gilsey House.”’ , ~~ Julia. gave. a gent start. “Then she asked: — oats SM Eg there = I can tell you~ which you don’t know already?” “Yes; we'll come to that soon. Mean- while, I'l] tell you some things you do not know.”’ = Sot well?’ “House i is registered at the Astor House as Jee Gabriel, of Chicago.” = “Why —what i is his object in that? ts “Not too fast. The night you followed ‘Mrs. Mandeville? from the house ae didn’t overtake her.” . ' * No. ” - Bat. ‘you made a call at the Gilsey 7% “hod Idid? ; I att keep- Sais 2 aecteg ge an- ‘The same man you met at the Gilsey ‘“Then I was not mistaken.’’ “Tn what?’ ‘That she is not what she Pay oo “She is the victim of a scoundrel—so are you, and of the same one, under an- other name.’’ Julia now turned pale and sat speech- less. “You told me you had no idea who had the diamonds.”’ -] told you the truth.’’ ““T know it. I can tell you where they ” are. **You can ?”’ “Yes, They are in the tperperoge of that man Martinelli, alias Gabriel.’ “‘And how did he get them—my step- mother——’’ “Knows no more how he got them than you.” **Do you?’ “Yes. At least I think I do. You can confirm my theory.”’ ~ How ?”? Ny gr telling me of all a relations” with this nan.’ “SF will-z) 7 S Ther; fo begin, you rec the Madi- 7 son avenue house from him ?’’ **Ves, ”» “At his suggestion ie 6¢Ves, ” : “Good. Now, how did he succeed in persuading you to take the house? Through your love for Larry Blake tifa "Ves, ) ‘““Tell me the whole sto : sta - «Well, I met Larry at th Br sefia % He» ae living” there, or rather, board- ing.’ ae ‘‘He was a sort of protege of Mr. Mar- ~ tinelli’s. The latter took great interest in the young Californian—brought him to of | New Orleans and secured him a clerkship in a drug house.’’ “Well, go on.”’ : 75 ae! loved each piles babe the ay a ;

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26 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. first. Larry wauted to marry me before I left for the North.”’ ‘“Then you disclosed your dilemma— the possible loss of the diamonds if you married him without his producing their worth in his own right.”’ “Yes. Besides, I knew papa’s dislike of him on his mother’s account, and I knew I would never get the diamonds or any aid whatever from my father, if I married Larry.’’ “And then aid ?”’ “‘VYes. Larry had a chance to buy outa drug store in New Orleans, but had no money. Mr. Martinelli was unable to help him. But he made arrangements with the owner to accept twelve monthly pay- ments of two hundred and fifty dollars a mouth, and five thousand dollars cash at the end of one year.”’ ‘‘And provided for this money.”’ ‘*Ves; he persuaded ine that the terms -of iny mother’s will were unjust, and = that after I was eigteen I hada moral right to take the diamonds and do with them what I saw fit, in defiance of the unreasonable bequest.’* ‘“*Humphi !”’ “He was agent for a house in New York. The owner was away. It was va- Martinelli came to your cant, but elegantly furnished. He need | not account for the rent fora year. I could get the rent from papa and turn it over to Larry, to be paid on the drug store.’’ Le | see. ” - “Once we were in the house I should have the diamonds brought on from Chi- cago.”’ : : “Certainly.” ‘‘I must keep them around the house as long as possible, and_ watching my op- portunity, catry them. ers away and give them into his keeping.’’ “Oh! 19 72" He. bias give me a receipt for them. / Then he would gradually re-cut them ASS g ‘‘Being a professional lapidary.”’ **Ves, and as his business is trading in ; diamonds, he could gradually turn them — into money and pay it over to Larry, | who, on his part, would be able to pay back the rent for that house in time for a. . settlenient with the owner.’’ | ‘‘And you went to the Gilsey House — the night after the robbery to tell him m about it.’’ ) §€Ves, ” “You met him there some days atter- | ! ward ??? ‘““Ves, by appointment.”’ ‘‘And told him about the stolen dia- monds.”’ **] did.” ‘‘What did he say ?”’ ‘*He tried to console me, and promised | to aid Larry. all he could in some other way. I offered to leave tle house.” ‘What did he say to that ?’’ “*He wouldn’t hear of it. Said he’d try © some way to raise the rent for the owner when it was called for.”’ - “And all the time he had the dia- mounds. ’” . ‘In the name of mystery how did he get them ?’’ _ ‘You shall know all in good time. We must now trap our game.”’ ‘‘Good heaven! what ~ will become of me,?’’ “Miss Julia, trust me. I have asked you to do that before. Dosoto the end and you’ll not regret it.’’ “7 will, And will you not tell me your naine ??? ‘¢‘Nicholas Carter.’’ . . “The greatest detective in New York! I have read of you.”’ “Nothing bad, I hope ?”’ “Enough of good to assure me that I need have no further cause to not myself wholly in your hands.” ‘“Thank you. Now prove it.” a gy

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= ae ~ NIOK CARTER WEEKLY. 27 » “Prove what?’’ _ “Your implicit trust in me, I want you to write a letter.”’ They left Nick’s house together and went direct to the Madison avenue resi- dence. © Nick sent Julia for her writing material, and then went into the deserted parlor to wait for her. She re-appeared very quickly with the material required, and sat down ata ta- ble, prepared to proceed. Nick began to dictate: **My Dear Mr. Martinelli: I have such good news I hardly know how I can tell it to you. Papa—dear papa—sold a house in Chicago this afternoon for $50,000 cash, and has given me the mouey for my own, to compensate me»for mniy lost diamonds. He says I may buy another set, which, though they will not be half so valuable as those which I lost, will be my very own to do with as I please. “Tris too late for the bauks to-day, and I will have takeep the money till _to-morrow, when I will be expected to “deposit it. But I want to meet you first and- give you the $8,000 for Larry’s drug store. Then you can buy my diamonds from time to time with the other $42,- ooo, in such form that they will be con- vertibble into money most readily when- ever Larry needs further financial aid. In _ashort time I will be able to snap my fingers at poor, good-hearted, indulging papa, and join Larry in New Orleans. __ “T want to meet you at the Gilsey and give you the. $8,000 to-morrow ‘forenoon. _ But I don’t want to go there unless I am sure to meet you. If you get this in time _this evening, walk up opposite our house at. nine o’clock sharp. Stop at the gas lamp directly across the street and light _acigar. I will be at the window of my bedroom in the third story front, to let you know fs you. “Tf you fail to get it. to-night, but it teaches you before nine oPalotk to-mor- : Without objection, Julia wrote every . . word as dictated. At the conclusion, she merely said: ‘*And now?”’ i ‘“‘Now direct and sealit. Ill do the mailing.’’ CHAPTER XII. NICK SPRINGS HIS TRAP. At precisely nine o’clock next night as per instructions, Julia stood at one of the windows in the third story front room of her father’s residence fully outlined against the light of the gas on the inside. She stood there until ten minutes past the hour was marked on the face of her watch. Then Nick Carter came in and said: ‘*Pull down the shades and prepare for bed. Do this so that your shadow on the shade can be seen from the outside. Then put out the light and retire to your room.”? When the shadow pantomime came off according to arrangenient, two men saw it from places of concealment on the op- posite side of the street- One was Nick Carter, and he also had his eye on the other watcher. The latter waited till the light went out and a white-robed figure came to the window and disappeared. Then he emerged from his hiding-place and mut- tered: ’ ‘The little fool,’’ and passed rapidly down the street. As soon as he was out of sight Nick entered the house and went direct to his room. y He struck no light, but proceeded to rig out his dummy inthe bed by the light which came in from the window. ‘Then he threw himself down upon the lounge, but not to sleep, ; "He scarcely moved until two o'clock, when the sharp whistle of a late pedes- trian passing noisily up the street bore to "y 4 sie ate im > ; = it aoe ws / oa ‘—— S he -@

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. 28 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. him the tune of ‘‘The Last Rose of Sum- mier.”” ‘““That’s Chick,’? muttered Nick. ‘‘He is telling me that the old darky’s double has just passed in through the area gate next door,’’ He lay still about five minutes. Then he arose, pulled the closet door slightly ajar, and crouched behind a large chair not two feet away from the closet en- trance. For half an hour the silence of the tomb reigned in that room, ’ Then the closet door moved slowly un- til the opening was increased half a foot. A head was slowly thrust through. Nick knew that the dummy in the bed was indistinctly visible to the man in the closet. With no more noise than a cat would make the man passed out into the room, and slowly moved toward the bed. He had got about three feet inside the room when Nick sprang upon him. There was a short,’ brief struggle. Then Nick rose and struck a light. The intruder lay on his back, on the floor, securely bound. Nick, panting a little after his strug- gle, sat down on a chair and calmly looked at his prisoner. The latter | returned | finally growled: ‘Prapped !”" ~ ‘*As slick as a rat,’’ said Nick. ‘‘Who are you? The devil?” “T have not the honor, -I am only a poor detective.”’ ‘Well, now that you’ve got me, what are you going to do with me?” “That depends.”’ “On what?” ‘On yourself.’’ Se, { “Do you mean that there is a chance his. stare ‘and . for me to be set free?’’ _ “Exactly. Maybe a very slim Soames ag “What is it?” ing himself Burton Fitch.” ‘Well, first, you would have to prove that there is no murder existing to your credit.’’ “That is easy. I am no murderer, whatever else I may be.” *‘Then perhaps you can prove that the woman who died in this room two years ago did not die at your hands, or by your! machinations. ’’ “T can. She was my sister, and~I am | luckily able to prove my innocence.”? **So much the better. ’’ ‘‘What else must I do to get out of the | scrape ?”’ **Restore the Mandeville diamonds. ’’ : ‘‘What if I'say I know BOERNE about them ?”” “Then you would Te and I’d have to send you up for burglary, or worse,’’ ‘‘Well, what else?’’ . ‘*Explain your mysterious relationship ! to these two houses, and make several | other shady things clear.’’ ‘What guarantee would I have eat, after I did all that, 1 would get my free- dom?’ “The word of Nick Carter, the detec-' tive. ‘‘Are you Nick Carter?”’ 4 “am.” A ‘Then there is but one thing for me to, do. ” ss Sara that?” ‘‘Make a clean breast of it, and depend on your solemnly pledged promise.’ io ‘Are you ready to turn over your latest , ‘loot,’ and make a full confession ?”” } “On condition that I be allowed to go. free.” “Tf you leave the United States at once, and never ree under penalty of arrest and prosecution. ’’ “Well, I'll do it. What do you want to know ?”’ ised “The story of ‘idee two houses, and your connection with them.’” ‘Well, they were built by a man calle

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“T know that.’ “But Burton Fitch was an assumed ame,’? “Indeed.” “His real name was Orlando Blake.’’ “‘What relation to Larry Blake?’’ “His father.’’ “Then he was a scoundrel, and his rother-in-law’s estimation of his charac- €r was a true one. Go on.” “He ran away with Lucy Mandeville, nd took her to California. There he ade a great deal of money gambling. Finally he met my sister and fell in love ith her, and she fell in love with him, though both were married. My sister’s ausband was a paor clerk. She longed for ealth and luxury, but her husband touldn’t give it to her. Blake found out er weakuess and played on it. _ She had j|-daughter ten years old whom slie loved -early. For the child’s sake, she refused ‘elope and go publicly with Blake. He Jevised a plan which she agreed to. I vas at that time dealing .faro ina gam- ling house which Blake was running in 5an Francisco. It was through ime he met ny sister. I was their go-between. There- jore he brougitt me with him when he aine to New York. Here he'spent lay- shly of his money in rebuilding these wo houses and furnishing them most uxuriously. Then he employed a skilled ittisan and paid him a very large sum of oated to put in three secret doors be- ween the two houses and keep the knowl- ge to himself.’’ fae Sera One to this room, one to the ing-room, and one to the room in - e “Peta yon floor. ee i eee NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 29 ter, with her child, came on under as- sumed names and occupied this house. She thus carefully guarded her secret _ from her little daughter. It was the one condition on which she agreed to share Blake’s life in private. They were to- ° gether wherever the little girl and ser- vants were well out of the way. In this manner she kept her secret from every- one, even from her daughter. Mean- while Blake fairly showered diamonds upon her. Blake lived in the other house with no one but his old deaf and dumb faithful negro servant. One night my sis- ter sent Sampson for me where I was boarding. It was about one o'clock. When I reached her she was much ex- cited. Blake was helpless—dying. Samp- son and I-carried him through the secret passage back to the other ‘house. He-died before morning. Then we hit upon a plan to avoid publicity which might lead to my sister’s exposure. We buried him in the cellar and I personated him. It was I, dressed to look like him, who left the house next evening ‘with trunks marked for a European port. It was given ~ out that old Fitch had gone to Europe and left his houses in the hands of an ~ agent. Soon afterward my sister left this ‘house and went back to California to effect a reconciliation with her husband. He was dead; had died of grief and shame. The daughter took diphtheria and also died. Broken-hearted, my sister came back to eiate York and moved into this house again.” ‘And died here?” “Ves. ” ‘ : = ‘“How?”’ «*A suicide.” ‘¢And the diamonds?” “J got them.” “Explain.” “On the night she killed heriialf I went to her room, this room, where I knew she slept and kept her diamonds—I .

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20 ceding—for the purpose of robbing her while she slept.’? ‘*And found her dead ?”? e Yes. ) **You couldn’t prove it.”? ‘ “Oh, yes, I could,’? «e How ?»? ‘‘Old Sampson, the negro, went with me to the opposite room when I entered here. I went right back as soon as I saw she was dead, and brought him over. In this manner I provided a witness as to my innocence.’” - ‘*Your confederate.”’ “Yes. I admit Sampson has been my confederate, and I have paid him well for it. But his testimony, with my own, un- contradicted would acquit me- of the charge of murdering my sister.’ Nick was forced to admit as much to himself. **T took the diamonds and went away. Next day she was found dead by -her maid,”’ ‘*What else ?’’ “Well, I took the keys to this house and left Sampson in charge of the other.”’ “And never used it till this last rob- » bery was planned ?”’ **No. ” Nick now cut the cords which bound Martinelli. ~ ‘the two men then entered the closet where Nick found a panel in the wains- coting missing. They stooped and went through into a corresponding closet beyond. Nick had his bull’s-eye lantern which he kept on ‘the man before him constantly. In the adjoining room they found Sampson waiting for Martinelli’s return. The old negro was frightened to see a stranger come back with his confederate. _ By use of the deaf and dumb sign manual Martinelli soon explained the hesi- tation. oe negro was badly scared: and NICK CARTER WEEKLY. , signified a willingness to leave at once for { parts unknown. They then passed out through the area gate. Under Nick’s instruction Sampson locked the gate and turned over the key to him. Chick and Patsy were watching out- side. To them Sampson was delivered, with instructions that they were to see him safe across the North River to the Jersey side. This was explained to the negro. He started off with Chick and Patsy. ‘*Now we will transact our little busi- ness,’’ said Nick, turning to Martinelli. ‘All right; Iam ready.’’ ‘*Where do we go?’’ ‘*To a room on the Bowery.”’ ‘*Over a hat store. I am ready.. Lead on. ” Martinelli gave Nick a look of adiniiee tion. ‘Tf you are not the devil, you must be his brother.”? ‘“Then the quicker you put those dia- monds into my hands, the quicker you’ll be out of the devil’s clutches.’ A few more tines and our rafday is told. The next day Nick restored the ‘lost diamonds to Mr. Mandeville, with a full explanation, At first that gentleman raved and vowed he would never forgive his wife or his daughter. But Nick soon pointed out the folly of such a course, and all was forgiven. With a lawyer’s help Larry Blake and © his mother came into possession of thie half million left by the deceased father and husband, and no publicity was made of the affair. : Mr. Mandeville forgave his sister and accepted his son-in-law. The two Madison avenue pene = snoTmag SHE renovated, and Sah |

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.-and Mrs. Larry Blake, with Larry’s mother, live in that one so long occupied by old Sampson. In the other lives Mr. Mandeville and his devoted, happy wife. Nick carefully concealed the fact from all of them of the burial place of Blake senior, alias Fitch. He alone knows that the latter’s bones lie under the surface of the cemented floor of the cellar. Where the secret passages were doors have been cut. So that now there is free access between the two houses on the first, second and third floors. - Only last week Mrs. Larry Blake re- ceived a visitor. : It was Inez de Garvelli from Cincin- nati. 5 She was full of news. The most inter- esting information which she brought to Julia, however, was that Lolo Martinelli and the entire Martinelli family had sud- denly and secretly left New Orleans. No one knews where they went. But it is rumored they have gone to some int in South America. _An old deaf and dumb negro was with them when they were seen to board a train for Galveston. : From that point they took a vessel for Havana, and then all traces of them were Tost. Nick Carter, when Julia rehearsed the news to him, merely exclaimed: “J wish wecould get rid of all our _criminals as easily and completely as we ‘have got rid of Martinelli and Sampson.”? = <a (THE END.] The ext number of the Nick Carter ‘Weekly will contain “Waiting to be or, Nick Carter’s Diamond NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 31 FOR EVERYBODY BOOK TEN GENTS EACH, The following list of books will be found useful, entertaining, and full of instructive information for all. ‘They are handsomely bound in attractive covers, printed on good quality paper, ilius- These books have never trated, and are marvels of excellence. The price, 10 cents each before been offered at such a low figure. ncludes postage. USEFUL AND INSTRUCTIVE INFORMATION. Album Writer’s Assistant. Boys’ Own Book of Roats Short Hand for Everybody. The Book of Knowledge, How to Do Business. Everyday Cook Book. Amateur’s Manual of Photography. The Taxidermist Manual, Mills’ Universal Letter-Writer. Good Housekeeping. The Hunter and Angier, The International Cricket Guide. Amateur and Professional Oarsman’s Manual. Complete Training Guide for Amateur Dunn’s Fencing Instructor. Capt. Webb’s Swimming The Complete Angler. Riding and Driving. Poe’s Foot-Ball, tampbell’s Lawn ‘Tennis. The Complete Checker Player. Backgammon and Bagatelle. , Instructor. Ont oor Sports. Aquatic Gnide; or, Yachting ana The.Young Gymuast. Sailing. FORTUNE-TELLING. Napoleon’s Book of ays Gia miei Cupid’s Dream Book TRICKS. Heller’s Hand Book of Magic, Herrman’s Black Art. Herrman’s Tricks with Cards, The Way to Do Magic. RECITATIONS AND READINGS. The Peerless Reciter. Select Recitations and Readings, The Young Elocetionist. The Standard Reciter, These books will be sent prepaid upon recelptof 10 cents ench, When be cular to send the full title of the ordering, books deateatinloo our full name and address. The books are 1@ cents each, postage free. Address STREET & SMITH, 25 Rose St., New York (Mannal Library Devartinent Nick Carter Quarterly. ‘The earlier issues of Nick Carter Weekly, are now on sale in the form of Quartertlies, each including 13 consecutive issues of this favorite weekly, together with the 13 original illuminated {lustra- tions. and an elegant cover in colors. The price is 50 Cents per volume, for which sum they will be sent by mail post-paid to and address in the United States. _ ~ - - NOW READY. ~ ~- Nos. 1 to 18 of Nick Carter Weekly. Nos. 14 to 26 of Nick Carter Weekly. No. 8, bs Nos. 27 to 39 of Nick Carter Weekly, No. 4, < Nos, 40 to 52 of Nick Carter Weekly. No. 5, % Nos. 53 to 65 of Nick Carter Weekly, If your Newsdealer has uot got the Quarterlies, remit direct to ; the publishers, STREET & SMITH, 81 Fulton St., N. Y. Red, White and Blue Quarterly. The earlier issues of Bed, White and Blue are now on sale in the form of Quarterlies, each including 13 consecutive issues of this favorite weekly, together with the 13 Original illuminated iloastra- tions, and an elegant cover in colors.. The price is 50 Cents per volume for which som they will be sent by mail post-paid to any address in the United States. - =~ NOW READY. = « No. 1, including Nos, 1 to 13 of Red, White and Bi No, 2, 4, Nos, 14 to 26 of Red, White and Blue. No. 3, ” Nos 27 to 39 of Red, White and Blue. No. 4, Se Nos. 40 to 52 of Red. White and Blue. If your Newsdealer has notgot the Qnarterlies. remit direct the publishers, = : STREET & SMITH, 81 Fulton St, N. ¥. No. 1, including No. 2, “

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high Prices Are On Vacation mm. THE MEDAL LIBRARY. A Money Saving Criumpb. Oliver Optics Books for Ten Cents. 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 fifty years than any others. Edward S. Elis, J. G. Holland, Lieut, Lounsberry, Harry Castlemon, etc. American flag floats. They have done more to shape the mind e refer to the writings of Oliyer Optic, Horatio Alger, These names are familiar wherever the Unfortunately, they have heretotore 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. Ten cents is nearer his price. the leader with the elder readers. We have made the ten cent book Now we are going to do the same thing for the boys, and give them their favorites in a form in every respect equal to our well-known Eagle and Magnet Libraries, at the uniform price of ten cents. Thousands of boys have asked us to issue this line. Thousands ‘more are ready to buy it on sight, ike it in the world. We can justly call it the Medal series, as every book will bea prize winner. story that the boys have not approved as a “‘ standard.” There is no line It will contain no hey have bought them by thousands at $1.00 and up- wards, and now they can get them for TEN CENTS A COPY. No, 1—The Boat Club, - = No, 2—Cadet Kid Carey, = No, 3—All Aboard, - - = No. 4—Lieutenant Carey’s Luck, - MEDAL LIBRARY... - Oliver Optic. Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry. Oliver Optic. Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry, Others Equally Good to Follow = Order them at once. If you cannot get them send to us,. 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 difficult machine to handle, aud that the work isdirty and disagreeable. All thistsa mistake. Photography is a clean, light, and pleasant ac- cou plishment, within the reach of all. he camera will prove & triend, 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 remunerative prices. A complete guide to this fascinating art, entitled AMATEUR MANUAL or PHOTOGRAIHY will he sent on recefpt 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 it gives strength and firmness, combined with quickness and pllability, to the limbs, vigor to the body, coolness and discrimination to the head and elasticity to the tem- per, the whole forming an energetic combination of the greatest power tobe found in man. The book is entitled PROFESSOR MuLDOON’s WRESTLING. It is fully Hlustrated and will be sent postpaid on receipt of ten cents. Address MANUAL LIBRARY, 25 Rose Street, New York. OUT-DOOR SPORTS. Oompleie instructions for playing many of the most popular out- ot-door games is found in this book. The gamesare illustr.ted - Price ten cents. Address MANUAL LIBRARY, _ _ 2% Rose Street, New York. Diamond Dick, Jr., Quarterly. The earlier issues of Diamond Dick, Jr. are now on sale in the form of Quarterlies, each inclnding 13 consecutive issues of this tavorite weekly, together with the 18 original illuminated Mlustra- tions, and an elegant 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. = = No. I, including Nos. 1 to 13 of Diamond Dicer, Jr. No. 2, at Nos. 0. . 14 to 26 of Diamond Dick, Jr, No. 3, “ Nos. 27 to 89 of Diamond Dick, Jr, ” No. 4, ~ Nos, 40 to 52 of Diamond Dick, Jr, No. 5, bP Nos. 53 to 65 of Diamond Dick. Jr_ STREET & SMITH, 81 Fulton St., N.Y. Tip Top Quarterly. The earlier issues of Tip Top Weekly are now on sale in the form of Quarterlies, each including 13 consecutive issues of this — favorite weekly, together with the 13 original iduminated ilustra- tions, and an elegant cover in colors. The price is 50 volume, for which sum they will be sent by mail post-paid toany address in the United States, . . ‘= «= NOW READY. No. 1. “ Nos. 1 to18 of Tip Top Weekly. No.2 0 Nos. 14 to 26 of Ti Top Weekly. | No, 3. be; Nos. 27 to 39 of Tip Top Weekly. No.4. & Nos. 40 to 52 of Tip Top Weekly. 4 No. Ms < Nos, 53 to 65 of Tip Top Weekly. _ No. oe Nos. 66 to 78 of Tip Top Weekly. <8 -No. 7. Nos. 79 to 91 of Top Weekly. No: 8 % Nos. 92 to 104 of Top Weealy.” — No, 9. * Nos. 105 to 117 of Tip Top Weekly. as Cents per

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Nick Carter Weekly | Price, Five Cents. Illuminated Cover. _ THE BEST LIBRARY OF DETECTIVE STORIES. Back Numbers always on hand. Price, post-paid, Five cents each. Dh heh hadi ih ied l 70—Shadowing A Shadow; or, A Ghost in Nick ; 96—Nick Carter Near Death; or, The Escape From Carter’s Detective School. . the Bridge of Sighs. ‘ 71—Green Goods; or, A Catch in Bob Ferret’s Rat | 97—At Nick Carter’s Call; or, The Whole Gang. _ Taken at One Time. Trap. ué : 72—Bob Ferret’s Password; or, The Chase of the | °°—F he bho for a Nickle; or, Why Nick Made Gold Ship. ne Purchase. ; P : 99—Seen Through a Window; or, A Snare That _ 73—Roxy’s Golden Decoy; or, The Girl Detective ry eat Piays a Lone Hand. Meat Was Set for Tough Birds. 74—The Great Detective Trio; or, Nick Uarter’s eutee 3 amy rs pti Blea ae rome ss Boys in a New School. uife ofan Innocent Man. 2 101—Nick Carter Arrested at the Box-Office; or, 75—The Human Fly;' or, Roxy’s Message to the An Act Not on the Programme. 102—Nick Carter Shows His Nerve and Winds Up the Case ut the Freight Honse. 103—Burned to Death; or, The Great Insurance » Swindle. Wide Awake School Boys. 76—Bob Ferret’s Trolley Trail; or, The School Detectives Patchedup Quarry. ~ 77-—Roxy’s Talking Clew; or, The Mystery of the Magic Maze. 3ok ; . 104—Nick C lg : ; 78—The Living Target; or, Jack Burton’s Friend Worked im the Paste ee ee For Life. 105—A Lightning Change Crook; or, A Catch That 79—Buff’s Slide For Life; or, The Man Who Planted Pleased the Inspector. 106—Killed 3 the Baths; or, Nick Carter Right on Hand. ~ 107—Among the Express Thieves; or, Released- from Jail for Good Behavior. 108—After the Policy Sbarps; or, The Game That — Rob ed the Poor. P 109—Held Up in Chicago; or, A New System of. Money. 80—On the Back of a Turtle; or, Bob Ferret and the Big Mitt Men. 81—Tue Silver-Plated Man; or, The Young Tramp Detective. : 82—Roxy’s Mid Air Rescue; or, A Diamond Mine in a Mummy’s Head. 83 Trusty No. 333; or, The Face on the Prison Cell Wall. 84— The Skeleton Hand; or, The Dumb Shadowers of Nick Carter’s Detective School. 85— Nick Carter In Charge; or, A Murder in Broad Daylgiht. 86—Postman No. 45; or, Nick Carter’s Pupils ~ After the Post-office Robbers. 87—Nick Carter’s Ten-Thousand-Dollar Bill; or, The Hold-Up of the Bank President. 88—Bob Ferret’s Government Message; or, The King Spy of the Outit. Keeping Books. ; 110—The Spider and The Fly; or, The Battle of His Life. : 111—A Scientific Forger; or, The Great Bank - Swindle. NS 112—The High Power Burglars; or, Behindthe _ Broken Wall. ; aera at Low Tide; or, The Body in the Pool. 114—Officer Dugan’s Beat; or, The New Member. of the Force. 115—Nick Carter’s Chance Clew; or, The Rogue of : 89— r’s Poker Game; or, A Play For the Race Track. re. gern ned Money. gare . 116—Nick Carter After a Missing Man; or, The ~~ 90—Nick Carter In Devil’s Hole; or, More Than Work of Ghouls. at Four Aces in a Pack. 117—Nick Carter at Hellion City; or, The Notice = _ 91—Nick Carter In Harness; or, The Stolen Safe Posted on the Door. Ben): Combination. 118—The Great Poisoning Case; or, What Hap -92—An Attempt to Bunco Nick Carter; or, Barking pened at the Laboratory. Pn Up the Wrong Tree 119—Nick Carter Among te Peter Players. a 93—Caught in the Act; or, In Training for State | 120—Fighting the Circus Crooks; or, Ten Thous- 4 : Prison aud dollars Short. | 1 94— Accused of Shop-Lifting; or, Nick’s Secret | 121—Out ofthe Devil’s Clutches; or, Nick Carter’s “x ‘ Signals and a Piece of Court Plaster. New Friend / sake 95—Forced to Sleep; or, How Nick Carter Turne | 122—Waiting to be Robbed; or, Nick Carter’s _ the Tables on the Doctor. E Diamond Case. “4 eet een eee terete ett tte j YORK. . + STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, NEW