Nick Carter Weekly (no. 142) (1899 09 16)

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issued weekty. Subscription price. $2.50 per year. Entered as second clast matter ct the N. Y. Post Office by StReEET & SMITH, WOCARTR ES Az IEW. TRICK ~~, AND SHOWS HIM ANEW.TRICK NICK WOULD NOT PERMIT THE HYPNOTIST TO GO ANY FURTHER.

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: _ Issued weekly. ue "No 142 Street & Smirn, Publishers.. et CHAPTER I.. AT THE UNION DEPOT. - *®You see that man??? »_**T see him!’ ~ “Mark him well!” -. **} have done so.”’ “Be sure you would Ene him again,’’ know him already.’ ht ‘Then who is he?’ ; : Carter. af, Two men were standing just outside of 1¢ of the street windows of the Union Depot in Chicago. - One was pointing, the other was look- o—at Nick Carter. — Sher ee this interested iggpertiep. NEW YORK. AND SHOWS HIM A NEW TRICK _on the fast mail, scheduled on ‘The fainous New York iiitieesa was — guessed—it is Nick Carter.” “7 ~“Oh,. I kee street: his Seana Ss cos story, written specially for the Nick Carter Weekly, and will not appear in any other number. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. = Entered according to Act of Congress in the year oe x See Smith, in the Office of the Librarian of egress ‘ Washington Entered as second class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office. Subscription price, $2.50 per year. ‘ September 16, 1899. 5 Cents 288 William S8t., N. Y. By the Author of ‘‘NICK CARTER.”’ \ vice man was intent solely on watching the crowds that filed up the broad stair- case— passengers from arriving trains. - Nick had telegraphed to New York for Chick, and ‘his assistant was due to_arrive the bul- letin blackboard as ‘ On time.”’ At no moment did the two men hover- ing about the secluded corner bring their faces within the radius of the strong elec- tric light of the waiting-room chandeliers, The first speaker, having pointed ont the @etective, drew back from the window a further foot or two. The man to whom he spoke followed — his exainple, but still faced the window. Then the conversation was resumed. ‘Ves,’ said the former, ‘‘you have v

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- did.*” paid. Once.” AQ)? “But merely a narrow graze—with a crowd.’’ “Then he knows vant “‘Not at all. Wouldn’t matter if he : “Tt would not matter in the present case.’ **T.am relieved.’ ; “Why?” *T wouldn't fancy a personal tussle with Nick Carter.” “Who would!’ “‘And whatever you are plotting, let _ me stipulate one thing.” “‘Stipulate it.” “Tam not disposed to take a - eg risk.’’ ‘Afraid ?”” “Tt would take a thunderburst to move ' _ that man/”’ / “] don’t want to move him.’ ; ‘’That’s good. What do yon) want to ; do?” ; _ “T want you to metaaate him.” t The other eave a careless, pastel laugh. “Thats better; that’s all sight, ” he “It’s in my line,” - **Quite.’”? “He's a strong character, and there. fore not difficult to copy.’” the make-up part done—I add er to my oe tet 2 =, Me »” : ~ {i ‘NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “me to pick out the man. window a formy had arisen, and it ws Bas ily crossing toward the door. I have done it —you are the man.’” ~ 7 ocy see.’? “T have your address—you know whiat you are to do.” . “Vaguely.” ‘Keep that man in mind—profile, dress, mianner.”? e “It’s mv business—that kind of thing.’? © ~ ‘“‘When you are told how you are to — utilize that memory, be prepared.” ““When is this thing to come off?’’ **Soon.’? **How soon ?”’ ‘Within two days.’ ‘That suits!’ 2 ‘And it won’t take a quarter of an hour.’’ **Better and better!’’ “*You get paid well, you disappear and. —forget.”’ i ‘Anything, so lam well paid.”’ Vou will receive a fifty-dollar bill.” ‘Why! that is as good as a week’s en- gagement at the Lyric.” hier “Se Ah! what’s that?” ‘What? ‘“That head bobbing. about inside there! yey v 2 The speaker had eBanped to Sti the angle. ise From a _ bench pielit up against this: ‘Quick !”” spoke the man, who had_ mitted that he mas controlled = ters FASS “Shadowed ‘tiseriacea the ee | ““No—at the worst we have p= spotted. But, whether or to hustle!’’

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string of people file from the staircase to bus, cab aud trolley car. — © “No, Chick,’’ he soliloquized. Ss gular!” Nick consulted his watch and a time table. Chick might nave missed the fast mail; however, an express was due in two ~~ hours. | ~_Nick, calculating to be on hand when oe this arrived, strolled toward the main ey exit. a _ Chick suddenly met him, and the vet- ~ eran expressed mild surprise ima speedy “i glance. a The face of his assistant was flushed, __ and Chick drew his hand across his brow, as if to remove perspiration gathered e Baar. sf His eyes, too, expressed a certain ‘*pro- ce fessional fire’? that brought a keen, re- ~~ sponsive. gleam of inquiry into, those of Nick. “Oh! then you really arrived, by the fast mail?’’ asked the detective. ‘ MOE COMME mb. | °- as “f didn’t see you.” ™ yes.” “Made a short cut—up the suburban ” “Sin- aoe “To get ahead of the eee tee - *Ves, and reach you quickly.” a es missed the a ackegueng a declared Cokes» g “es hangs a tale i: you surely arrived by train, ; tick ued the uaa qnizzi- ere ‘Wh of e« = . : y didn’t know. bat Fins you h ees sfing it?” ” observed Nick, stiggestive- “sjuging fom your Austred appear NIOK CARTER WEEKLY. 3 ‘Who by?”’ “Two men.”? **Explain.”” 7 Chick took his ‘‘chief’s’’ arm. Guide, pilot and demonstrator, he went over the recent developments in which he had taken a part by proceeding back to the scene of their occurrence. “I heard your name,’’ narrated Chick, describing the two lurkers, ‘‘aud I slid to that bench under the window.”’ “Ah! an open window,’’chimed in Nick. ‘*And a barred window—unfortunately, Those four rods, to prevent children from climbing up and falling out, baffled a prompt pounce on these two~plotters.”” ST Gee.”? “There is no street door here—the main entrance “ was. congested by a crowd.”” “You ran down to the train floor.’’ ‘And up the street steps.’’ ‘To find?” ‘‘Nobody—nothing.” ‘‘So far as the two men were concerned —I understand.”’ ‘They had taken a cab.”” ‘¢You found that out?’ ‘¢Promptly—each a different cab,’’ “An creed in different directions.’’ mid BS “The man who agreed to personate Nick sect savez no specific order to the driver.’ ‘Didn’t, eh ?”’ ‘‘Tust said: ‘South side.’ ” “fAnd the other??? ‘My informant——’” ‘Who is he?”’ *€A third cabman.”’ “Proceed.” - He overheard the man who is ecko? for ‘a master’ give a anectionse: “What was it

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ti J a ; a 4 f ‘*Par, and—queer."’ “Isn't it??? “But definite. Now you come.”’ ‘Nick abruptly became the leader whiere he had temporarily elected to follow. He hurried Chick out onto the side- walk. ‘‘Where’s your cabman informant ?’’ questioned Nick. That’s he,’’ said Chick, pointing. “He knows the cab we’re after, sé he ‘will fit in’exactly right,’? observed. Nick. The cabmian recognized Chick, read the detective’s evident haste, ran to his ‘cab and opened its door. . "You'll do!” nodded Nick, approv- ~ ingly. are * tq] try to!” - ; “Whiskey Point ‘aaa and——”’ ‘Grand avenue—I understand. want to get there first, sir?” ‘*Can you do it?” “T average two fines a month for reck- less driving.’ ‘You will do, I see!’ ~ “You want that cab or the passenger ?”’ 7 “Both.” 5 ‘“frust-me, sir!” ~ Nick felt that he was in the hands of Re one of those shrewd, ambitious fellows who size up fares just tight, aud date to be paid for doing aes “He will be discreet,” said the detec- You “position among the cushions. : “us analyze affairs, Chick.’ es: “You think this precious pair are “orth hh running down ?”? ate at!’ challenged Nick—‘‘a fellow sf who propé osed to steal a quarter of an hour of “existence !”" . asics t's so. ” _ “tive, throwing himself back into an easy **Now let . Saud work the ee sid minutes: 7 the NICK CARTER WERELY. . bars and bank vault locks innumerable— was tlie custodian of secrets and powers represeuting great interests and individ- ual welfare. Nick and his assistants had been hand- ling some rather important cases in Chi- cago—otliets were being worked at pres- ent. . : For this purpose Chick had been sent ~ for; Ida, the peerless ‘‘lady = Te was Gaiseady on the spot. net There was no immediate urgency for — their presence elsewhere on that partien- lar evening, however, and Nick had a: spare hour or two. 3) ‘I feel conscience-cleat in running céown an affair personally my own so far as matters have developed,’’ he said to _ Chick. 3: “This fellow, who seems to be so ready ~ at personation, must be some professional character demonstrator,’? suggested = Chick. : aes = ‘It looks that way,’’ admitted the de- — . tective. 5 - “He can be rounded up through in- quiry among the professionals. ’? “Possibly.” “I didn’t see the face of either man,’? went on Chick. 2 “But you would recognize their voites again ??” as “Oh! vinnie the. man we sane i anticipate at that distant terminus was certainly ‘a master.’ ”’ “Well?” “That fellow didn’t speak. as if he ee a seine y Sta car a Satie: tae some fellow. the power ofa devotee of the ‘bh: Nick expressed ‘no opinion, — > A le 33. a <= es +s

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> NICK CARTER WEEKLY. § - = The Whisky Point road was an old In- The wagon careened, nearly over- e dian trail at the extreme western limits turned, upset its driver, and with a it of the city. i frenzied snort the horse attached whirled * “It had retained its original features down a side alley. = despite the forward march of metropoli- “A runaway,’’ supplemented Nick. , tan progress, He was out on the step, holding to the It ran by stone quarries, railroad yards, swinging door now. and a generally desolate and uninhabited Suddenly he made-a jump. stretch, into busy, bustling Grand avenue Iutervening vehicles standing at the —a sudden step from chaos into bril- curb anda whizzing trolley’ car momen- : _ jianey. tarily shut out the scene of collision from = The cab clattered and swung ina-way the detective’s view. that informed the observant detective that its driver was bound ‘‘to get there first |”? - _- “@rand avenne,”’ announced Chick, peering toward a lamp-post that seemed to fly past them. There camie a sudden tap at the back of the driver’s seat. ~ “Attention !’ ordered Nick, straigliten- ing up. He leaned from the open window. A square ahead a cab was leading the ¥ace. a” Nick’s Jehu had nearly redeemed his promise; he spurted up. Nick and Chick were borne forward more rapidly than ever. -Little did they realize that ee were dashing into the vortex of ofie of the — erack eases of Nick Carter’s busy experi- pence. + - Suddenly a sap oe sound was borne the air. it was caused iy a-crash, safiiter and s guificant, ,and again the detective leaned hrough the open cab window. “Chick !” he cried.” ‘Jump out!” Nick clicked the cab door hasidie on _ his side with the words. _ _ His ye were fixed ahead. the nan they were after... Chick had seen Z se, pegs ‘Chick, was ou she trail of the Nick could not~ fully: understand- a movement. on the part. of his eompanton. The latter, with a word not intelligible- amid the wproar, darted forward, but sot for the natural, scene of interest, the wreck. Nick wondered, as Chick disappeared like a phantom between two buildings. He himself kept straight on. He ran up to where the overturned cab Jay crushed aud broken on the ground. Its driver, his hand to his side, just arising, pale and tottering. Nick went to the wrecked cab and was peered ins ‘“‘Where’s your fare??? he demanded, sharply. “Oh! him???’ muttered the driver— ‘the’s gonie.’’ ‘*Gone—where? how ??’ ‘(He jumped.” Nick discerned that this was possible without his having observed it, while the | cab wasdescribing its destructive spin. ‘He piled mto that wagon that caused —— all the trotthle,’’ added the driver. 33 “Oh! he did?’ nodded Nick. ee 2 The detective now understood the meaning of that strange side dash of his — S90 assistant. ee The rimaway. wagon had Seen away s by this, from his superior point of observa-_ 5. =" ae

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CHAPTER II. THE MAN IN THE SACK. _ Nick was about to press for further in- formation, but the cab driver reeled just then. He fell on his side, insensible, and - Nick had his hands full with his care alone. By the time the detective had dragged the man out of danger of the hoofs of the - prostrate, kicking horse, three precious - minutes had slipped by. - Nick took the word of the cab driver as an explanation of the disappearance of his ie Tecent fare. ~ — Chick’s conduct seemed to corroborate : the statement. a Then, too, as the detective mixed Pas the crowd which had gathered about the spot, he found several who had observed tlre spry jump of the man whi had been in eae cab. ~ é “He made a run—I saw the wagon shoot down that alleys” peeslaags one wit- pak EN hi! they carried iiae theres if “EGasping and fainting.’? ‘ 8 ‘Here’s his liat,’’ spoke a voice, est: agit auud and dirt. : as urging the sate mob and windows to disperse. Ss ‘himself. takes k and pocketed a black slouch © ‘the transit of the ; man in ah eu — ity of Jightning. f remote = locali ty ‘purposely to | NICK CARTER WEEKLY, - mates *‘Oh! he’s mbites: »» smiled the phy- sician. “Bolted, has" vaguely. 5 “Vike an arrow.”? ‘When 2??? ‘“Tust now. hurt.”? StNio.”? “Bruised, half. stunned. A douche of camphor brought him to his feet and to the door in a flash.’? ““Started after his. rig, did he?’ said Nick, moving toward the street door. ‘Not that way.’’ he?” repeated Nick, You see, he wasn’t much “Not this way ?’’ eps S6Nio.? “What way, then?” a The doctor pointed to a side exit near : the prescription counter. F i “*He got to the front,’’ narrated one ea J“ the clerks, ‘‘gave a look, and dodged ~~ back, *? * ‘ - ***Dodged?? ”? reiterated Nick. 4 “Just that, and bolted through the side — door there.’” ; Nick glided toward the same exit. ° 5 “Left his name, though,’’ observed the nah a doctor.-, nt “His name??? hitewogated the dates tive, rapidly. : ‘Mentioned it—for me tosend my bill, Ha! ha!” ‘ ; ‘What was it?” ig *¢ SNick, Carter?” $e “J understand!’ muttered Nick. Carter: The detective did—thoroughly. 2 He, a ~ Theré had been a Suspicious. aspect runaway. Wagoit. wwe! Nick framed his theory with the The man “in the ot had co wagon with which” th

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. q ee as Cting its driver Giemonnted, he had es- Nick could not fail to study as he turned — aes to regain contro] of the runaway his face full upon him. a rig. “ “Well, Chick?” inguired Nick. a 7 The original driver, taken into the *“You see, I have the wagon.” ‘drug store, aud there, recovering. had “But not the man who led you to chase hurried to the street, likewise anxious it?” for his vel:icle. Chick shook his head in the negative, He had seen Nick approach. He knew “Why not?” Nick. Nick’s name, an ejaculation of “*] fancied the wagon more important.”® > — ts « amazement and alarm, had been forced AR]? > from his lips. % : ‘ “J have found it true. ?? eae - Here was a lively nest of action, with So much of coherency about it, dnd Nick “The fellow saw me coming down that a plunged headlong into the swim. ‘alley. I had drawn my pistol, and it But he could gain no trace of the wagon frightened him.”? driver after his sudden dash through thie ‘What did he do?” Bee rey. * s 7 ao aft ‘*Jumped on a shed roof not easily ac- Byick oho eg sommes mt ater 4 cessible for ine. I guessed he had an in- tapid reconnoisance of the neighborhood. ‘ : 4 : i erest in that wagon. The wrecked cab had been moved out studded tlae- tn yee? __ of the way of traffic, and the police patrol ‘We were both tight." ; had cared for driver and horse. Wea iuteriet memOhdick2™ . Be ~~ Ni&’s cabman, with exemplary discip- tty Suabacay t6 34 ; _ line and patience, was on his ass seady tna hake Fes ani = - for farther orders, bio! chieeigaa’s? > “i He looked as if he would. aoe with es his fee to get an inkling of the cause j of the sensational occurrences of, the past Nick shot a glance where his assistant’s iealt our ; ; finger significantly pointed, €; © Nick, however, Satis fodded to. him, “We have hak down a be gal subject,” ‘and went batk to the drug store. - Observed Chick." =~ a ~ He was confident that Chick would “Subject, eh 2” | turn up with some information. “A seat man’? Nick hovered ‘about the door, watching **Vou don’t tell me!” reet in both directions. He came “69n*a sack. ?* pact as a wagon turned Nick’s eyes opened wider. : ie ‘There’s such a thing i in this wagon?” a he interrogated, : “Under that straw.’? Nick came close to. athe tide 0 of vehicle. 1 ay for. vanced - ‘to aneet Chick, who -a _ oN s¢ ‘straw. f : ey Lightly as he distur ed

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_adead person filled the bag, half hidden in the straw. - Nick was used to this sort of thing, but _ he became very serious. _ .-A crime, a mystery, a tragedy, had come under his notice in a most peculiar f way. Nick reflected for a moment; » watched his face penetratingly. : The detective went over to the cabman, paid him, took his number and address, 2 and that also of his fellow Jehu, and dis- Fe __unissed him. Chick . “gistant. **Drive on,’’ he directed. Where?” _ “To the morgue, of course.”’ *Ves—that’s so,’’ nodded Chick, slow- 22 ee suppose we've got to do it.’’ Reluctant?” = “Ysa great case!”’ Yes, it looks so, Chick.” The police——”’ 3 eons it will beso dety for them, they = “Who—what for ? _*Tiiose two men, I miss iny guess if evubject from. getting tothe morgue.’’ “Naturally, I apprehend no eptack on : public streets, though, Chick "4 Eoarer ot the route, “aaets aud: -ahtud:: a wn k stoppec at the latter place first. the lieutenant pe mat- Nick got up on the seat beside his as- - NiCK CARTER WEEKLY.. sleepy-eyed keeper carried the bag and its ghastly contents to a display slab. Nick lit the gas, and Chick and him- self began their investigation, The bag was ripped down its centre. The body was that of a man not less than sixty years of age. His face was thin, worn witlyv disease, and he had been dead apparently not more than twenty-four hours. “No external marks of violence,’’ re- ported Nick, after a superficial examina- tion. ; =~< “Then it isn’t——’’ began Chick. “Murder? There may be poison, Chick.’ “Oh, yes.” ‘We will hear what official authority says about that.’ “Tsee. . When?” “At once. We must know. our Prenuises at the start.’’ Nick made a thorough examinatfn of the clothing of the deceased. Not a scrap of paper was found—there were no identifying marks whatever on the clothing of the dead man. Nick returned to the police station with Chick and the officers. ‘I want an official examination of that body at once,’’ he explained to the Tieu- tenant. **You can’t reach tle coroner to-night,?? ‘I do not wish to—there is a depart-— ‘ment surgeon, though. ise =o 6¢Ves, ” - “Dr. Maury.?”’ waphegtes e: - The lieutenant bowed, eas. — 47 know him slightly—there_ could 283 & eso ihe nearest morgue was at a ee fv ~no objection to his looking over the body. pale, -stb-precinct police station, — and giving: a professional - opinion as bc the cause of death ?’’ : “None cerca ceria }- summon Wii PEP.

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formed the detective that Dr. Maury had been apprized of the case and would soon - be ready to go to the morgue. The lieutenant, the surgeon, Nick and Chick proceeded thither an hour Jater in company. The surgeon made a thorough exam- ‘ination. “Off the track this time, Carter!’’ he announced definitely at the end of fifteen minutes. ‘““What do you “Nick, “You won't find attic in the case of = this subject.’’* ae “No?” ‘Positively no.” ‘*A post-mortem—— “Will carry out my assettion—] risk ; my professional reputation on that.’’ ae — **T have my opinion on this case,’’ here <4 submitted the police lietitenant. “Have vou?’ questioned Nick. “Body snatchers—that’s evident.”’ __ “You think so?” Doesn't it look that way?” Nick said nothing. Sei g “One fact is sretete: cheered the sur- at . ~ Nick inclined a head attentively. ‘This man died a natural death.”? — &*From——”’ Some form of lung trouble—we can ascertain positively in the morning.”’ “Oh, yes,” nodded Nick. ‘‘Lieuten- = Teg will you summon the coroner early ?”’ Pie “On his first round.” - “T shall be here.” Nick thanked ‘the surgeon and parted mean?’ .questioned PB] Fie ee ee ee NICK CARTER WEEKLY. $ Maury, but his decision is not final with are," ““He may be right,’’ commented Chick; “and if so, there is no crime.” “You must admit an amazing amount of c:nystery about this affair, thougli, Chick ?”’ . S8Ves,?? ‘“The body-snatching theory is ridicu- lous.’’ “*Vou say that?’ ‘‘And maintain it—that body has never seen the inside of a casket.’’ “Why not.’’ “*Tt was barely cold: </ SA) }?9 ‘It was in nowise dressed for death. And, another thing——”’ ‘*Ves??? murmured Chick, expectantly. ‘“A heavy white beard had been re-- moyed from the face.”’ z= “After the man was dead?” ~~ - ‘*Positively.”’ “Then——"’ i “We shall know more in the morn- — ing,’’ predicted Nick Carter, senten- tiously. » CHAPTER IIL IDENTIFIED. — AO sae ze It was eight o’clock the next morning. = when Nick Carter and his assistant presse sented themselevs at the police station. — The lieutenant greeted them with ai 3 effusiveness that was rather patroniaie Nick fancied. “Has the coroner arrived yet? quired the. detective. “Oh, officer. “He came at seven!” . ‘Oh, he did pr muttered Nick, be

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3S = You eatacied without me?’’. “We had to—the coroner had a great many cases to. attend to, and came liere first purposely to oblige me and you.”’ Ms “‘Accommodating,”’ criticized Nick, _ dryly, 23 “So, everything is decided,’’ beamed the police officer, briskly. __ + “Ts it??? questioned Nick, with mild- ness. “*Ves—we held the inquest.” “And found ?”’ : « night.” zs ~ Natural death ” ee Positively. Some lung trouble—the E Nat a bit of it!’’.. sie. 2 _. "Or poison?” ae “None?” . Nick closed his ie grimly; the lieu- os desk. le was naturally. glad that anew mur- Sp es Stic still that it had not 1 to the fortune of an “dutsider—even ok was silent for a moment or two. ae ee say a word, lieutenant,”’ he : finally. ‘ “While this remarkable rence of a stray wagon with an un- body may not_ “conceal a positive | shall be Semple to follow this Spee > , my dear Mr. Carter? tie sis: 1 am not satisfied. a ee 5 teem omer de. _ “Just as the surgeon—as I said, last NICK CARTER WEEKLY. rae A te: we could, although I don’t see what es- pecial charge we can bring against them ? By this time they have got into hiding and covered their trail].”’ ‘*Have you tried to trace the owner of the wagon ?”’ *“N-no.’” **Have you taken any steps toward: as- certaining the identity of the dead per- ; son??? ‘*Not necessary.”’ *“How ?”? “Not at all.’ “You amaze me!” “The coroner’s investigation settled that.’’ Nick looked dubious. “Settled it??? : “Certainly.” “Tn what way ?’’ ‘The marks on the one cuff worn by the dead man.’ > ‘““The dead man wore no cuff!’’ aeealy interrupted the detective. o changed his tone. / * softly. ce cf si “a name ?’?. » “Round on the deceased.” in “Tn his various = » ‘ Go MONO yo. ti Sop Sporhn lg dalle _ ME nie morning. ao ' “Oh! but he did.” —. ae ‘*Vou are mistaken. ”? ‘“Marked ‘M. _D. eae Nick gave Chick a significant look—he » 4 ; pc ‘‘Marked ‘M. D.’, eh 2? he repeated **Yes— Martin Delaney. 92 enue? % “Oh! you even know the decedent’s “Surely.’? ‘How is that?’ Sree “The letters—the papers.’ Ping PE “What letters—what eHigeks stab “Where on the deceased ie

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_ *Lieutenant,’’ he said, ‘‘I would like to have another look at that body.”’ “In order to satisfy yourself about those clews of identification ” “phat is it.” “You needn’t take the trouble of going to the morgue.’’ - {Indeed?”’ “Por I brought them here.’ “Can I apes thee-—slons = ry “Certainly.” Sea "The lieutenant opened a ‘drawer. _ “There you are,” he’said. ~ he officer tossed on his desk a little ‘package, apparently containing letters. Beside them hie dropped a cuff consid- erably worn and frayed. Some one called him into the outer 3 _room at that moment. Nick and Chick were left to themselves tE aks an anwitnessed inspection of the Tientenant’s ‘“clews,.” - Their eyes met. = “You see, there’s a dozen ~ different a theories. as to << fellows who had the oa body.” < 3 ocy see, ” f “They may has been {friends —he may have died suddenly somewhere on t RAEN they were ee him to his” “widow.” ; eae niodded Nick. ‘*She is the writer of tliese letters,” & went on the eugene Ties ( s ‘was = stro of luck finding her. al 7 ‘What do you ‘say » denjan N: “Yes, we found her, ,”” added the o ‘proudly. “Teall that quick “How di ba tens it,’’ asserted ““because it gar

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= if ; NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ; ‘And we have some old. officers on the Nick next proceeded to give the body —— ; foree, I questioned the squad before they ou the slab.a thorugh examination, = — went out. A ronndsman—Colins—knew It had been disrobed during the cor- a woman, a grass widow, he called her oner’s exantination—all except the shoes = -”? ve and stockings. ; Se Named Mrs: Martin Delaney ?”’ Nick found only one or two moles **Piat was it. He hunted her up. She about the body—common_ to any person, ; caute back with him to the station here.’? and not likely to serve as identifying a When?” niarks, She left not ten minutes before you The detective’s examination was thor- a arrived.” ough, however. He took off one shoe and Boe Well??? stocking and viewed them critically, but : “She identified the dead man.”? found no guiding marks. — _ “As her husband?” At that moment the watchman entered. ae ‘As her missing, roving husband. We He held in his hand au open paper. - had quite a time with her—she got so Nick divined what it was—an order for “ _ hysterical. She clainied the body. 5) the body; and who the person following — She brought some neighbors to assist the watchiman was—au undertaker. ‘ di the identincation, I suppose ?”” suggest- Chick was waiting outside. ed Nick. Nick took him with him to their ho- =) 2. ‘Why, no—her present neighbors uever tel. ~ kitew her husband ’* “Now, then, he announced, when Indeed ?? they were comfortably seated, ‘‘to- boil *Phey lived together last in Omaha.’* down the facts in the case ”’ “ST seen”? Chick was auiniatedly attentive and in- agg 9 the coroner has ordered the body terested. uthed Over to her.” “‘We lave-ncovered quite amystery,’’ c “Atonce?? declared the detective. *Yes—shie said she would send an un- ‘fA conspiracy ?’’ hinted Chick. ker forthwith.”’ “Whatever itjis—crime. “I'his hody ure, Chick,’ _ said Nick Carter. business is the ¢entral pivot. There isa oe ‘Que more favor, lieutenant. - scheme to personate ime,’ proceeded ; ROSE ay Nick. ‘“Thereé was a scheme to use this Will you. give me the address of this body for something. They may or may ‘Martin Delaney m: eet not counect, but three men -are con- urely.? ee eatin cerned, ’? urried to the sqirad, room = tell his ‘Two.”? agers 2 “And the ‘master? in question.”? than Nick Carter!” ““Whio,’? declared Nick, ‘‘must be the ective left the station to repair man whe drove that runaway wagon.’ — ye OOM, ' Now we have had no fair sight of any of how sleepy that old festure.” these persons, to know thei again. 2 tee was jot —night, Nick: —-‘*Not I.’ =. ae nt. “We will assume the ‘master,” the into the. room in wagon driver, to be the most important, : le slab bearing the. personage of the trio,’” said Nicks = Ke “Ves,” assented C “Reach sith and ?

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\ That istrue. Well, Chick, I have a w to the identity of this mysterious Number Three.’’ | “His hyat.?? _ Nick produced the muddy, dusty head- gear casually handed him by the crowd - about thie scene of the runaway. _ ~ He left that behind. him, did~ he?” "questioned Chick. _ **He did, for he was bareheaded when he entered ‘and left the drug store.’ »~.“*So it is his hat.’’ ~ “Unquestionably. If it were au ordi- ity hat, 1 would not waste a second’s - time on it,’? explained Nick. Tt is not such ?”’ **By no means.”’ “How is that?” “Watch carefully.’? Nick placed the hat on the table be- _ tween then. ; in a way resembled the sugar loaf dgear worn by a clown. Nick dented it in with his finger here there, for it. was-unusually flexible. ne rresponded with those on the exterior. : flexible exteriors a Blane erga, odd ft . urhis interior has Ittie eis here here.’ : hat is queer.”’ he space between the t two construe- “De Do you begin to divine?” [ think I do.” at hat is the property. of some man ete ehek. art.’? wizard??? t belongs to a magician.” I], Chick,” said Nick, ‘fyou find the owner of ea . Q i into his scoping Then he showed its inside; no dents — > neighborhood. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 13 volunteered Chick, ‘‘that they were go- ing to have a wake ‘to-night.”’ “Very well,’’ declared Nick, with de- liberation, ‘‘I shall be present at that wake.”’ “‘Goodl?? commented Chick, with en- thusiasm and coufidence—‘‘between us «both, it will be a hard thing if we don’t run down before midnight——”’ Tie: ‘master ?? ?’° ‘““The ‘master.’ ’? CHAPTER IV. HIS OWN FUNERAL. At noon that day a ministerial-looking person entered the humble domicile of the bereaved Mrs. Martin Delaney. He claimed to com€é from “the Regis- trar of Vital Statistics.”’ He evaded mourning friends, and se- cured a private interview witli the widow. This sympathetic and sepulchral visitor was Nick Carter, made up to deceive his closest friend. His official solemnity impressed Mrs. Delaney, and Nick got plausible answers toa good many questions regarding the deceased. “When he asked for pen and ink. to make somie ‘‘entries’” in a pretentious _blank book he carried, blue Se was fur-_ nished to him. When he asked for a sheet of which was precisely the same as that upon which the missives at the a sta- tion had been written. Nick knew from the start that this wo- man was taking part in an iniposture. Evidence concetning the same could — not be stumbled upon, however, and Nick set at work methodically. There were two things to accomplish: paper ot which he might fill out ‘‘a certificate,’’ Nick was given the best in the house— First, to. unmask the widow’s claim— next, to find out the people back of her, This last was by far the more impor- ‘tant and essential task of the two. carnaat ‘The registrar became a peddler by m _afternoon, and circulated at, Abou _At dusk a stint tt ,

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ear, 7h Sire ar eo ae eae Se (cp eee eore pF - . =a pikes iam ee 14 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. } e In the crush Nick passed muster and ‘*A friend of poor Martin. It overcame is portals, and thereafter had the entree un- my sister—his pitiful cries of grief.’’ *, challenged. Nick could overhear two excited voices ee Mrs. Delaney was on pretty firm 3 ground. She had come originally from ' Omaha, and not one of her Clricago ac- quaintances personally knew the real Martin Delaney. Nick observed that she had quite a sum of money; she displayed a roll of bank- . notes several times during the day. a No one had called to see her except neighbors and friends, nor did she send a message to any person outside of that list. Nick hoped that the evening would § produce some disclosures in the direction a of those who Wad employed her. Bey A specific reason for keeping the house under surveillance Was that it miglit be part of the plan of the original plotters to repossess the body. | Its peculiar manipulation rather puz- zled Nick—the motive for its manipula- tion was to him a mystery. However, it seemed that the present anxiety of these schemers was to have the Mr. Martin Delaney. Nick proposed to see the performance - through, and Jater if it was intended to Say bury it as such. “fashion tp to ten o’clock, and the hum- ble cottage was the scgue of ripe uproar and ‘‘enjoyment.”’ ~~ The “‘festivities*-were at their height, when the girl who ‘tended the door” came and whispered something into Mrs. Delaney’s ear. fe Watchful Nick Carter had _ his shrewd __. Senses all alert... _ Mrs. Delaney had SEX gone barely. a minute when a seream came from the Font room of the house. The guests pressed ‘toward its door. or. mediately, a sister of the hostess opened it, confronting the startled guests, and closed and locked it behind her. — She pale and perturbed, but she Sidtycie ; body accepted and ‘‘waked”’ as that of © ‘The wake proceeded, in true Milesian ' rife in the detective’s active mind, “The man drank three glasses of ; mented ste in that front room. shrewd one, She drowned the excited voices with her own incessant clatter, and by getting Thessister was a ‘ the guests into a turbulent argument that soon created a babel. “ Nick slipped. out of the front door, sus- picious afd vigilant. The windows of the room where Mrs. ~ Delaney was receiving her visitor were — closed and shaded. There were, besides, some people hang- — ing about, and it would not do to be dis- —~ covered eavesdropping. Nick, therefore, secured a a place of hiding whence he could command a view of the front entrance of tle house, - During the next half hour that door was opened cautiously several times. . Mrs. Delaney peered out. 1 But the coast was not clear, and the — operation was continued until a favorable — opportunity was presented. Fay ‘‘Now—go!’’ fell upon Nick’s ears at last. a A man bolted down the steps, darting + for the shadows of the yard and scaled a \ fence to the rear alley. % Nick looked him well over.as_ he ran; Bt he decided that he was of a far coarser e mold than any one of the three men who ~ =" had figured in the events of the evening =e previous, aS Nick shadowed this man deliberately, however. Some lively suggestions. were <e The fugitive. led a full mile chase: down alleys and across lots. r At last he ventured into more. pub C view, but it was ina wretched side street. Z He paused before a saloon, felt in u pockets, hesitated, entered. in rapid succession. “Nerves pene sone dow, but that oe ‘suis E

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Nick Sally Ghadawed him down to a ‘tow river slip. ‘ ‘Here the fugitive fancied himself alone. He took a roll of bills from his exit ae suicide?’ soliloquized Nick. ‘‘I think not.” The man suddenly lifted his hand. Something he had just taken from his ~ pocket he deliberately flung into the wa- ters of the slip. . “That is significant!’ declared Nick. = have let this mam go too far.’’ - Nick rounded on him as he retraced his _ away to the main street. - From behind a lumber pile, as the ugitive passed, Nick raised his voice. It was to” pronounce, with the richest “The fugitive seemed shocked—he stag- a d as if a rock had been landed. in the all of his back, ~ “Delaney? wad ‘He shrank: within himself, and his eyes ed intense terror. urned round and rotwid; fearfully ng. vicinity for his challenger. ‘Who—who Tag¢ GtP ss che “uttered e press' ie a “Why! Meta Delay?” cried Nick, orang into view. ~ vat and up to the figure Saaied a statue. - ‘ho—who i is it??? repeated the man. is, it?’’ cried Nick, slapping the s shoulders with effusiveness... you villain, don’t you know a 7 ae, ‘fon ; pile, and sat there staring” up at hisitor- mentor in a stupid yet anxious way. recent pertinent remark. + ~ Nick’s intimation had struck him with ‘full force for the first time. familiarly. house.’? ~— NICK ‘CARIER WEEKLY. 16 ““You don’t remember i in the old days ” — ‘“Where?”? “In Omahia.? “Oh! you knew me there? All right. Come and havea drink with me. T *hen I must go. I’ve got to catch a train back for Omaha.” “When you have just arrived ?”” *“Who told you!”’ : “Ah, you deceiver! where youve been 27? “Bh Pp? “Why! at your own funeral, said Nick Carter, Don’t I know man !”’ a { CHAPTER V. AT THE RIVER SLIP. The detective gave his companion an- other emphatic slap—it nearly toppled him over. Gasping and ghastly, Delaney looked ready to sink to the earth with stupefac- tion and weakness. “T_T must go,” he faltered. ‘I don’t know you—I don’t remember you!’ ‘“What does it matter,’’ insisted Nick; *‘so long as I knew you?”’ Nick did not care to waste time on ~ small game. He read” Delaney like a book, and han- dled hinr promiptly- The latter had. dropped” to the juniber His mind drifted back to the detective’ Ag “My own funeral!” he mattered, as if ae “And your own Avake!’” pg Nick, eae ‘*What do you mean?” = “Just what Tsay. Isaw you at your “Were you there?” 2 oh So **T'was.?’ PS “Did yb follow me ere?” “*T did.? . ake ig “What for?? tion sn “T’m a policeman, — e “You "rea | policeman 1? ge

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“It’s that way.’’ Ee “It’s none of uy groaned Delaney. “But you , took the blood money.”? Rh! 1) ~‘*Tt’s in-your pocket now.”’ .: S’sh! She—she gaye it to me.’’ “Of course she did!’™ “You know. all about it ?”’ ‘*Pretty near.’’ ‘“What am I going to do?’’ “*Well,”’ advised Nick, ‘“‘you can either call on me as a friend or as an officer of the law.’’ : “How? how?’ questioned Delaney = with eagerness. “Tell a straight story.”’ - ‘“*About what?’ ‘The game your wife i is playing.’’ S ‘*It’s none of imine,’’ declared Delaney. ve “T happened to come home for the first » time in four years.”’ “To-night.”? “Yes, just now.” ‘To find Seas ?”? _ “My wife screamed and fainted. She said slre was pretty near the gallows if things caine out.’’ . “But she prevailed on you—— £. **She did!’’ . To shut your eyes and go away ?’’ Ks well you seem to know! What ‘es could a fellow do?”’ _ “She divided the blood 1noney ?”’ Delaney shivered at that term, ~ “She gave me some of the meOry, yes.” 5 eho: return to Omaha?’’ own ” “Z oa Tae diab = ie «When, then?” ae ; “Later. aa a aS a - “How, later?” . Sat ia “Next 1 mouth. You. see, with the little ile she got we could start a ae busi- out there.’ : see, ' ”” commented ‘Nick; a “put she NICK CARTER WEEKLY. seeking!”?__ e = ae teed was it—and she was to come.’’ . “sg acide funeral was over, I aig : to wait till next jester ss © ¥en ; “And after?” fr oa to cdctay her -de- “Ves, that’s it.” ‘From the same parties ?”’ Delaney nodded reluctantly. ‘or the same crime?” Delaney ‘gulped at that ominous word. - Nick persuasively but firmly rested a hand on Delaney’s trembling arm. ‘‘Answer some questions,’’ he com- inanded, ~ “*T will.” “Your wife explained all about the*« dodge she was up to, I suppose ?”’ **T forced her.”? ‘What did she say?’ ‘Well, a man came to her last night.” ‘*Who was he ??’ She never saw him before.”’ a ‘* Has she since???’ “No, and will not again.’ ‘‘How do you know that?” ‘*He told herso. He made no bones | about anything. He was disguised about = * the face, and he told her so. He scared — her and then he rattled her with his mnys- me teriousness.’ 3 “Go on, peleice: ene ‘*She consented to admit him ») ‘“He didn’t tell her, but he said okie Oe Nae SEL. NS Wis _ was just. so fixed by circumstances — that she would exactly suit his plans.’ “Those plans—— ?”’ ‘‘She was to write some letters, as if los me. These were to be put ona Penn the morgue.”’ hom she was to identify as you ta ae saree "Ves. 7 **T see,’ SAT ae had to do was to shed. a tears, and bury the body as Martin= Janey. +t eta sooo For how much 2 = “Two hundred eee: ae fee hrst.? > .s **Ves. ag Two hundred 3 mor iv “What was the Soe Eig-mnat said Riis

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Set acai aad she kept her lips closed, thirty days from date a second fee of the | sanie amount would be sent to her.” “How—by messenger ?”’ **No—he said by mail.” "You believe this story, Delaney ?’’ és Guestioued Nick. “Sure!”? **There is no show of the man coming _ to see your wife again.”’ ‘*Nor reason.’ This looked plausible. Mrs. Delaney had merely yielded to a temptation to a make some money—she was simply a cats- =~ paw. » “Well, Delaney,” observed Nick, ‘‘I am going to let you go—home.”’ “Home !’’ jerked out Delaney. Ves, »” “But T can’t go home!”’ “But you must.” *“No, sir! no, sir!’ “Or jail.” _~ > * Now then ——” =. --~ ““Your Wife, too!” —S ye | ea your wife ap- ‘sends word——” quiry closer. brought that body from the morgue, i had just one shoe and one stocking on. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. _ 17 friend in Chicago in close touch and har- mony with himself, Delawey took and pocketed it. **T am not to tell my wife about you, sir?’? he queried. ‘““No—you are to watch her, to see that her representations are truthful.” = “T understand.’ “Vou will do this, and no trouble shall come to you.”’ ‘‘We can keep thé money?’ **You can keep it.” Delaney got up; relieved, but as lhe faced homewards he looked quite anxious and dubious. **Wait !’’ ordered Nick at his first step away from the spot. ‘SVes sir? “There is one other little matter.’’ *“One other?” **Vou caine to this spot for a purpose.”’ Belaney started. ‘That's so,’’ he admitted promptly. To get rid of something." “Vou know everything !”’ **¥ know that.” "It’s true, sir.’ “*Well,’’ inquired Nick, ‘‘what was it you threw into the river yonder?’’ CHAPTER VI. THE ONE CLEW. “Yes, sir, I threw something into the slip,’ said Delaney, making a merit of candor. “T saw you—what «was it?’’ demanded. the detective. “Jewelry.” “Indeed ?”” » **A bracelet.” ~ if “Whiose??? . eae “Fis. ; : “His?” + “The body’ rs” ee gr {99 ¢ Nick understood, but pressed his in- < ‘*Be explicit, Delaney,” he ordered. “Well, then, when the nuderta _Nick recalled being interrupted by t

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“When he came to lay the body out at the house, he found a bracelet—maybe I had better say a circlet,’’ proceeded De- Taney... “*Well?”’ ~ ‘Tt was riveted on.”’ “At the ankle?’’ “Ves, but though at one time it must » have fitted high up on the limb, it rested “at the extremity of the wasted ankle neg away down on the foot. The undertaker told my wife.’’ oy ie _ “And she?’ = “Ordered him to file, it off and give it - to her.” So Bor fear—— — *} don’t know her ideas—maybe, — dreading that the discovery of the bracelet 7 ~ would cost her two hundred dollars.’’ i ‘*She got the bracelet, did she?’” She's a superstitious “She got. it. BOI. S “Is she?” ~_ -$*Vou can sink the devil, she thinks, ~ but you can’t burn him,” _ **She believes that?’ . » “She gave me the bracelet.” > “With tmstructions——’’ _ Fo throw it in the river.”’ “Which you did?” ~ » “You say you saw me.” . “Go home now, Delaney,’’ ordered ick, curtly. . The detective watched Delaney disap- pear, a and returued to the spot on the iatf where he had recently stood. Nick rked the same with a ee, of wood, sa loons of thes vicinity. “He was accompanied by a poe speci- en ‘of humanity, when he returned, 7 his gaping “shoes” the moment ey ick the planking. © : his Bits was a professional junk ter apes aa hunt for any- spoil or money. « e is it??? he asked. — Han ten feet.” ; oe ; os 1 disap’ ppear- NICK CARTER WEEKLY. atched _ TRE meen et. skillful ‘“ady detective.” .- ~ —the detective moted a glitter amid a coating of dripping niud, “Is that it?’ asked the water rat. **Toss it up here.’? A round piece of metal fell at Nick’s foot—he made a cursory inspection. “‘Come ashore,’’ he ordered, slipping the object into-his pocket. He paid the dripping diver, who looked curious, but asked no questions. - Nick hailed the first cab he met, and was driven rapidiy to his apartments at the Great Northern Hotel. He effected a speedy change in lis ap- pearance, and examined a catd lying ona table. ‘Chick has not reported, ’’ soliloquized Nick; ‘‘he is still on the trail of that hat. Now, "then, for the find from the slip.” The object in question was, as Delaney had described, a bracelet or rather a cir- clet. It was frail, flat sad dull- coloted, “Gold!” said Nick, examining the ends where it Jad been filed apart— “foold, and: bearing an inscription,’’ he added, observing the inside surface of the object. This had been cut deep and roughly, and although Jong use and age had con- siderably worn away the edges of the in- cisions, the entire original inscription evidently remained. ae ee Scattered so as torun clear around the inner surface of the circlet were the fol-— lowing letters: = OA TW. $.—J. P.—I. W.” <a Evenly dividing the sets of initials ; there was a number. | ; ‘It was: ‘'3,”? g Nick bestowed long scrutiny and con- sideration on what was beyond all doubt — a clew to the identity of the myc oae v dead man. e Pee He was thus engaged when atap at the door interrupted his examination of the — a A bell-boy ania Nick a tiny card. “SFrom, ida,” murmured Nick, 1 nizing the handwriting of his Nick pocketed the gold went down to the hho ted”

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~ Nordyke—the trio were on their way - homie from the theatre. To Nick the devoted lovers owed their _ present fortune and happiness, and Ida had been Grace’s guest for nearly two _ weeks. _ After the greetings, Nick’s pretty as- sistant turned to him particularly. ~~ “I shall report for duty to-morrow,’ ~ she said. ‘Very good,’? nodded Nick. “*] will be due in New York, f ‘sup- ===. -pose ??? ~_ ‘No, for the present——’ ei“ Chicace?”” ‘*Yes—Chick is here.”’ **On a case ?”’ ‘*On several cases of an ordinary char- acter in which Iam helping out my old friend, the Chief of Police, but one par- ticularly has just reared its menacing mysterious head.’’ “You interest me!’’ said Ida, her eyes glowing with profound fervor and ex- _ pectanicy. . A Nick recited to her an outline of the affair in ‘hand, in a low tone rendered in- distinct Bice by the animated chatter ’ of the two lovers near by. . He qui incidentally drew out the gold -circlet. - aes Nick had not anticipated the sensation its exhibition would arouse—not on the - part of Ida, however. ™“ — The detective caught a rather sharp Pipe ejaculation, and a, little surprisedly o- - ticed that Lester Burton was leaning to- ward him, his eyes fixed on the circlet. - “Excuse me,’? at ouce said Burton, ‘but I was interested.’’ “That is all right,’’ returned Nick. _ “In this little piece of jewelry ?”” Yes. May I glance at it?” “Surely; ?\ 22> -It passed into aeste Burton's hand. ick’s” glance_became riveted on his face ‘he noted its peculiar expression. “Well ?? he asked. a he ‘You Mame < eh?” gir Nick, “T have seen this before, Mr. Carter.’” _tiary ona New “York oa o NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ~~ 19 “Are you sure of that?’ he inquired. Oh, yes!) Number 3. Iknew Num- ber 4. ” Burton seemed entirely familiar ~with an object that- Nick had anticipated a good deal of trouble in tracing back to its owner and origin. “} would like you to explain,’’ sug- gested Nick. ‘“Why! don’t you know afl about 1t2”? queried Burton in manifest, astonishment, ‘I know so little about it.that you — me extremely curious—and hope- is”? “Is that so? Well, those last initials ? “ct TT We” gr “Trus Watt.” Nick gave the speaker-a stare, ‘*Irus Watt, eh??? he murmured, “Of eourse—my illusttious half uncle, Dr. Irus Watt, wore the precise counter- part of that circlet.’’ ‘*Nuinber 4?”’ ‘*Exactly.”’ “The same initials??? ‘Size, shape—worn at the ankle, wasn’t it?” S¢Ves, ”7 ““Rvery ‘thing—except the number.’ ‘This is 3.7” ““His was 4.”’ Nick did not speak fora moment, He now understood wliy young Burtow had assumed that he knew all about. the a clet. SW. s- Jae ‘Watt, Dr. Irus Watt, was a person Nick Carter had reason to remember! He was the half-uncle of Lester Bur- ton, and it was he and a criminal] col- league, one Guild Benham, alias ‘‘the Spider,’’swho had attempted to abduct Burton and prove him an embezzler. The motive had been the attempted destruction of a will favoring Burton as the heir to property Watt had appro- — priated. © When Nick broke up the combiuation and restored Burton to his rights, Dr. _ Irus Watt had disappeared, a baffled, des x feated. man. ‘The Spider Nick had run down in Ch cago and landed in Sing Sin ca Peniten-

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happy couple now at his side, root and - branch. _ Was anew exposition about to crop out —and in an affair that-Nick had not for an instaut. deemed connected in the re- motest way with the brood of schemers he had run down. “Oh, Lester!’ exclaimed Grace, as she canglit the name of the scoundrel they liad_ so much reason to remember with dread. _ “There is nothing to alarm you,”’ _ soothed her lover. ™ “But that man——’’ — . “Dr, Irus Watt——”’ ~‘‘He has appeared again upon “cae ~_ **No,’’ corrected Nick, “the has not-~ but he must, if what you say is true,.Mr. Ne Burton ye Nick gavetdaa look she sndefsioad: - She slipped to Grace’s side, while the as detective drew Burton to another part of the room. “What do you want to know, Mr. Car- * ter?” inquired the latter. “AH you know.”’ _ “Abont that gold circlet?” **Of conrse.’? “It 1s just this,’’? said Burton. ‘‘I iden- _ tify it at once, for I saw its counterpart in Dr. Irus Watt’s possession.” When?” “Over five years ago.” -**He was wearing it?” - “He had been wearing it—on the ankle. _ It had broken apart. I noticed it articularly, because it was a queer thing -a man to wear.’’ — did he wear it, did he the — ‘The motive??? ‘A sentimental one, ‘Dr. Watt was one questioned the detective. : oe ee ; ~—— NICK CARTER WEEKLY. **And the man-who wore this was un- doubtedly one of the four?” “Ves. Whois ie? What about him, Mr. Carter? Js Dr. Watt up to some new mischief??? “T do not yet know; but even coinci- dence becomes suspicion in the case of a nian of lis calibre,’’ responded the detec- tive. ‘‘You don’t happen to know whiat lfas become of Watt?’ ‘*T have not the least idea.’? ‘*Hé disappeared after being unmasked aud forced to disgorge.’’ ‘*Utterly.’’ Nick made neither promises nor ex- planation to young Burton, aud returned to his room as soon as his friends had de- parted from the hotel. It was a question with the detective whether this Dr. Irus Watt had anything personally to do with the present case. In auy phase, however, he certainly possessed information of value to Nick. He could tell what those three remain- ing sets of initials stood for. Particularly aa, es et “J P.”? was Number 3 and Dr. Watt could state his identity, possibly tell of his recent whereabouts and history. “The first step,’? decided Nick, find Dr. Irus Watt.”’ “Tjnless,’’ he was about to add, “Chick “is to succeeds at once in locating the owner of % that queer sugar-loaf hat.’’ At that «very instant, Chick ‘uncere-- moniously opened the door of the room. ‘*Well?’? inquired Nick. **T have found our man !?’ promptly an-— nounced the detective’ s assistant. \ CHAPTER VIL THE TWO NICK CARTERS. At nine o’clock the next morning Nick — aind his assistant stood ina doorway op- posite a hotel on State street. — ‘*Your man is in there, is he, Chick And will soon er te out.”? “Blondin?? E “That seems i be the name. en: owner ‘of the hat.”? oes

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hats in as many And this one——”’ Which he identified. It took me al! terday to locate its owner.’ - **And theanan we are waiting or is the person who wore that hat night be- fore last ?”’ 3 “won't «say that—but he was the ginal owner of it, at all events.’ - “Which makes the matter sins of -stigation. Does he liveat that ho- “No. He is there on an appointment.” “What kind of an appointment?” : **Professional.”’ That is——?” --“Mind-reading.”” ‘Oh! observed the detective musing- a mind reader, is he??’ Hypnotism—lhe has run to that late- ~ posing as. the master of a_ science Tativer than a perforimer.”? messy see.”? And some scientific gentlemen are it to try an experiment—— But whe is. ‘Catter regarded a spectacle unique 1atkable with penetrating glance. that moment: three men walked out ugh the public entrance of the hotel. their heels was a crowd, but of well- d and earnestly interested persons. Ripa Chick tad pointed out had is face obscured. r words, he was blindfolded. Pret naib alchackiely geutlemen one on each side. ‘curb was a carriage. The two =the aman Blondin up onto ie = clam uf beside - him, exaim- h ‘inetd bandage and then, with din in the middle, set the reins in | fe of his. vista “hate yy eee blind- NICK CARTER WEEKLY. tae 21 An article had been shown to him by a committée of ‘‘truth-seekers,’* an hour previous. One of: thenr then went and the article at a distance. Blondin, through his superior mental insight, was. to drive, blindfolded, the cartiage used. by this person, over the saine route precisely. It was wonderful how deftly he evaded collision with other ‘vehicles, going straight to the terminus of his predeces- sor. He arrived finally at the great building secreted _of the Board of ‘I'rade. Entering it, with the two men still at his side, Blondin led them straight to a cértai office, to a desk in the -same, opened a drawer and produced—the hid- den article. Nick and Chick had. képt wp wih the procession. They stood at a distance while Biondin, his eyessiow released from the bandage, received tlie congratulation s of the committee and gave an interview to several reporters in the group. “Playing his specialty to advertise a high-priced lecture in some big hall,’’ ob- served Chick. ‘*We cati’t lose him now. “And we snust. discover if he is the man we want.’ “There is where he lives,’? said Chick, handing a praciiet address to his ‘chief.’ ‘“Was he there Saat Might bal _ He was not, but he is due there to- day.” “‘VYou found that out?’? _ “eT did.?? — ; “Very well, Chick. He must have a. confederate in the crowd; otherwise he couldn’t work the trick. Suppose you — look for him ?”’ _ ‘They séparated. Nick did d not take up Blondin on a close shadow. The wizard was now in the hands of the public, aud Nick was solicitous for ac “personal interview. . It was two eet later when Chick reached the vicinity of the place the ad-_ dress of which he had ROMER. to Nick Car a

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andat the end of half an hour they ima- Sy terialized. Out through the front doorway of the house a man cane —hurriedly, and rather furtively, he fancied. Baie Chick started to put himself in the way, in sight of this person,‘for—at first 3 glimpse—it was the redoubtable Nick Carter himself. Then suddenly Chick paused with a profound: ‘SAhal? eur. In a flash, he knew what was up—tliis was Nick Carter, but a false Nick Car- . = ter. ; ‘The character Sa feeapnntay with the anibitious repertoire !’’ soliloquized Chick. There could be no doubt that his Sur- mise was correct. This was one of the fellows whom he had overheard/discuss Nick at the Union ‘Depot. Had he completed the task set for him, or was he just starting out to accomplish it? *‘He’s a genius!’’ decided Chick, with something of admiration. The man’s make-up was fine—Chick himself had been deceived for a minute. > He left his post of concealment as the fellow darted down a side street. _ **He must be kept in sight at all haz- ards,” decided Chick. ‘‘Hello!’” * Chick slackened, his pace as he turned - the corner—and even then he was not twenty feet from the maf he was pur- suing. —* Phe latter had halted, or rather he had = been halted. = By Nick Carter. Nobody but Chick, or Ida, or Patsy— they of the ‘‘charmed special circle”’— coild have identified a limping, crook- backed en of humanity, affecting wish character, as the only and ‘ + a ~ Ms . 39 > * Ws aes Seas oe Dt a ws aly ‘ y pe tae = - Lit th » 1 ou This person had fairly ‘tin into the Bi: “Chick, was shadowing. ; ie He'grasped his arm—both arms—with 3 fusiveness that was volcanic. t rg alk ee Cater!” che unique ending. . NICK CARTER WEEKLY, thought himself of the tole he was play-__ ing. FS hy a hurry? So am ]!?* remarked the _ real Nick. ‘‘Ah, how fortunate! aud here — is my friend Jacobs! » “Why, Loweunstein!’’ chimed in se shrewd Chick ina strong nasal twang, ~ coming forward promptly at the hint ~ direct “from Nick, who, always seeing everything, had made him out. = “Mr. Jacobs, my friend} my very ace est friend, Mr. Nick Carter!’ ‘‘What!’? exclaimed Chick, in a foundest reverence lifting his hat and — scraping and bowing—“this i is not— —’”. = * ‘lhe famous Nick Carter !”? **S’sh P? warned the fidgeting, hentines: in impostor—‘‘not so loud !’’ “‘Ah, he is so modest!’’ remarked the 4 inimitable Nick. ote ‘““What—what do you want?’’ stam- 4 mered his copy. Z ‘“What do I want—when you prom= Pe ised !”” “See “Did be) prez *‘Don’t you remember ?’’ + fae 4 ‘‘No, I don’t—that is to say, Les yes) yes!”? ; “Yon were to come to my store, 1 s - SCA} y” ‘“'Po tell me if those sper. bought were crooked,’ “EDP ain | abl Mr. Carter, you are slippery! You area great man, and yet you forget such hum- ble peopie as poor old Lowenstein gate % “*Not—not at all.” ‘You shall not now. Jacobs, take arm. It is only a little ways. He not escape! One word from Nick | is worth a hundred from the ‘bet Come on—come on!’’ The impostor’s face indicated be wi meut. First, he made a break. The found himself plagially bat firmly on either side. — Rory: He pulled his hat over his hurried his walk. Chick - ; what Nick was up to, b episode would ee Nick

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d, addressing the hook-nosed individ- tial behind tie counter, ‘‘it is .my friend Iso wish to see, Mr. Nick Carter.” "You don’t sayt—Nick Carter!’’ ex- claimed the pawnbroker. ~ “} niust see him—in m.’? » “Ah! itis well, This way, this way!”’ ’ The pawnbroker did not know Nick’s fame any more than Chick did, but some Sie had been given to him in tone or word that made him-an immediate ally. _ The impostor seemed relieved .to get y from the public streets. ick led him into a room back of the s shop proper. The fellow sank into a our private ick faced him instantly. Instantly, 0, he threw down the mask. Jith a twist, a turn and a wriggle, he out from disguise. he impostor gave him a frozen look. The—real—Nick—Carter P’ he feebly aimed. Just that!’ nodded the detective liy, ‘‘and now—what have you to say yourself?’ Rees op eae taatieis CHAPTER VIII. CARTER SHOWS A WIZARD A NEW = “TRICK. a Enlly:two minutes the impostor re- d the accusing, masterful eye of the was aman of resource, else he could ave SO Sanger his hazardous as- a little ioreen wad. neice his east it into Nick’s lap. ve up!” headded. observed Nick, before he had Baad s'your pay??? ase ing pei dollars.’”" asiit there was a NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ws staggers me!’’ ejaculated the astounded fellow. “It as fifty dollars,’ pursued Nick,,. coolly, straiglitening out the bill. take it—— No, I will borrow spell.”? “Oh! it’s a present, clear, Just cross me off your books, and I'll call it square.” T couldn’t think of that,” said. Nick —‘‘at least, not until you give up some- thing else.”’ “And what is that ?’’ ““Information.’’ The impostor wriggled nervously. __ “Not much of that on hand !’’ he de- clared. ‘*No 37? “Decidedly not.’’ “Think better, of it, and see if you can’t impart some information that would be useful to me,’’ “Well, what do you want to know— that you don’t know?’’ **T know that two nights ago you made a bargain to impersonate me.” “*T see that.” ‘With a fellow having ‘a master.’ ”’ “‘Blondin.”? “It is Blondin, then ?”’ said Nick. “Don’t you know*that? But, pshaw! you'd find out. Yes, he hired me.” ““And now—why ?? demanded Nick‘in a penetrating tone. ‘“Then you haven’t been following me??? = ‘“Rrom——?”?’ ‘The Central Police Station.”’ At this Nick discovered—and- Chick, asewell—that they had happened upon the impostor too late. ‘“ Here, it for a Whatever le had been hired to do, he. had already executed. They had met him after he had given his service, been paid, and possibly per- mauently dismissed. “Central Pelice Station, - Nick, interrogatively. “*Ves,’’ nodded the other. ““You went there?” ‘TY was sent there.’® — {<2 ““By Blondin?”” “Of course.” _ ‘Impersonating me?” “Of course—again.”? » . Ait it pale rc eh?’ i SS \ ‘

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AS 24 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 12S zP ‘And now, why did you go there?” to trouble, risk Sat expense to secure ‘ “T went there for an oldleathertobacco them???’ 3 -pouch, a pocket knife, a pair of black Vesx’ Fe = spectacles, and sixty ceuts in mouey.”’ ‘Why ??? # 2 “AbD? “T cannot conceive: but it slick a : Chick looked at Nick—he did not un- manifest connection. with the Spiderf’’ —- derstand what this glib schedule conveyed ‘*Sure.”” i, 3 to-his chief, but he. knew from Nick’s “That gold circlet business Sea in : face, tone and mianner that it was some- Dr. Irus Watt.’ Fa Z thing unexpected—and yet enlightening. “Right!” sie : “They gave the things to you, did ‘And if some big conspiracy isn’t un- they?’ “The custodian did—to Nick Carter, on personal request? Well, I guess so!’’ Nick. was unmoved by the tribute to his greatness and popularity. ats “You know the person to whom they : belong ?”’ he asked. ‘Ves, Blondin told me.”’ ‘And what did Blondin want with them ?’’ “T don’t-know.”’ “Who is ‘J. P.’ Number 3?” SEh? ?) “Yon don’t know that, either?’’ “Certainly not.’’ “Why has Blondin and his been carting an unburied body the country ?”? “You've got me again, ‘Mr. Carter.” ‘*Well, I guess you speak the truth.’’ es | really do.’ : - You have no inkling of what this fel- low Blondin is up to, in inducing you to _ impersonate me, getting that property - out of custody, and the rest of his +. schemes ?’” “Not a hint!” Well, I shall lock you up till I-am sure of it.”? ‘Tiat is satistactory.”’ oN ick beckoned Chick out of earshot of _the impostor, tat weil] kept his eye on the fellow. That property this fellow got for londin——”’ spoke Nick. - Yes ?? itT¢ belonged to the Spider. When I arrested him, they scarehel bie. and took ‘vassal’ around York a -triflin ic] ig articles were to “no more gene em no 1d'T asked csi of ieee ‘use = der it all, Iam no prophet.”” ‘*But you are a prophet!’ ay ‘*We shall see.”? SS ‘“How soon ?”’ = ‘*T shall make a very definite move at once.”’ ; ‘On Blondin ?’’ ‘*Straight and sharp.’’ “And this fellow?” ; : ‘“Pake him to the nearest police sta- tion and put him down stairs.’ = . “Till you advise farther?’ “Ves. ” — Nick returned tv the impostor’s sit and told him his fate. ‘*Satisfactory!’’ nodded the character impersouator, philosophically. Same” *fAs I-say, I shall. borrow your Piss : dollar bill.” 4 ‘*You are welcome.” = Nick saw Chick and his prisoner. out the place. Then he proceeded to restore himsel more “completely to his ordinary se blance—the identity that the impost had essayed. ‘Nick practiced on his walk, manner and tone as he retraced his way toward © the house the fellow had just left.> The man had impersonated Nicks a for tat, the detective determined to} by his discovery of the imposture. He boldly rang the “bell of the ments which he knew Blondin to A man leaned over the upstairs —Nick wondered if this led n “vassal, 2? “What do you want?” “Mr. Blondin, -

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 2b der the cones, and balanced the two arti- “The real article is circulating around.’’ cles on his finger tips. _ ‘Not hereabouts?’’ ‘*Watch me,’’ he ordered. ~ “J wouldn’t wonder.”’ “I’m watching,’? nodded Nick. ~ ‘*Well, I want to see Bloudin again. Is ‘*Presto!?? he | (Ves? _ **He’s ina hurry, just the same.’’ “ Change!”? _ **Hurry—about what?’’ st Vea)? : “To get away from the city—impor- “Look under the cones.’’ ant call; so, be speedy.’” Nick did so. Gy “The articles are here—one, under ; ome along, if youmust.”’ each. How do you do it? Hold on, Nick followed the fellow. Heled him though—let me try.”’ ough two rooms, tapped at a door, **VYou!’? ed it, and Nick found himself in an Veg.” tment which was ina state of dis- ~ Blondin smiled broadly. 0 “Oh, well! go ahead,’’ he murmured, ~The man whom he had seen playing indulgently. blindfolded mind-reading trick was Nick set the cones for himself. He poe a valise at a table. pranced around, taking numerous eh he hailed, with a start, and flourishes with his hands. en a stare of recognition at Nick. He feigned to palm—to make apple "Yes, it’s me.’’ vand hail disappear. «What are you after? Thought we’d He made a pass or two. ss ettled business.?’’ ““Now you look,’’ he said. We did, but see here—there’s your The wizard passed ‘between the two ; dollars. ay tables. Nick placed the bill he had received He extended lis hands and gingerly in the impostor upon the table in front lifted the cones by their tapering tops. of the wizard. ‘¢What!”’ le shouted at one. _ ‘Why, what do you mean?” demand- ‘Eh!’ he gulped at the second object ed the latter. revealed. : _ “I want to give —_ to you.’’ _ Under one cone was the circlet of gold “You do!” filed from the ankle of the dea’ man. is SEs Under the other was the conjurer’s it for?” . own trick hat which he had lost in the action.” mud at the scene of the collision and | Eh?” runaway two nights previous. I yot thinking,’’ declared. Nick, “that es } had a of your cute uate CHAPTER IX. pte a to my usual accomplish- ec cl seieap sehighty: fetching S ape cet ; > : = Nick Carter calmly smiled into the te p = white, startled face turned upon his own. chet me o aety dollars? worth. pi artes Quick as lightning the wizard read no, Thaven’ttime.’”? — ——it that something was wrong. or fifty dollars?” =e = ss ee!” he shouted, his Slnuse fairly: i ; joked at his: wateli: _ boring into Nick. pint ae ~ “Do you?"’ asked thre later, coolly, «pee Siy And——"5 Ss) arele fF ae a - “How do you Wieanp trick 2» te ae _ J go it one better——" ints es There was a whanging sound. nett ~- “Mr. Nick Carter?) <0 BES _ Those words faded Ebina a tremulous juiv sue es she pene

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He had no consciousness of what had really occurred, except that the wizard, with the alertness that was part of his profession, had swung the arm of a con- . trivance that played some part in his illusive stage effects. A spray of gas exuded with a frightful hiss; it seemed to instantly catcl: and shut off the detective’s breath. Nick Carter staggered blindly, and he fell with a crash. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Whien the detective rose up again he’ ~ Was helped up. It was dark—hours later. . “It is Chick ?’’ he inquired. **Ves—it’s Chick.”’ “Get a light.’ . ‘Not in this gaseous atmosphere. What have they been doing to you?’ ~ ¥ Nick could not tell, and both’ had to » Wait to find out. eS Re, Left to himself, Nick Carter would have lain insensible where he had fallen until the last vestige of Epa. noxiolis gas ._had evaporated. , The doors and windows now opened by Chick soon cleared the apartments, how- ever. It was safe to light a gas jet now. : ‘Nick read the situation atasingle swift glance about the nearly empty rooms. ib ‘*Abandoned;’? le briefly observed. a **Except for some of their heavy truck, e yes. They didn’t edad to kill you, it $j meena) 4 : pam Po. AOU did 3 you come to get in, Chick ?”. “Why, I hung around for paviiea after _ Placing the repertoire fellow in safety.” “You saw nothing of Blondin?” mh Ws! found ont a little while ago that he left early in the afternoon.” - And he was going to leave the city!” mur ed Nick, thonghtfully. - _ “He did not do so at once.”? — “6VYou know that a2 a8Yeg.)? r ie balf 2 “How?” ps oat ab When you get back your natural sy 4 meee, for it now. ee ‘I came into the building here abont ~ turned here, scented the gas, and-=.Wiieee | are some eee to im-. i seston seer npihiek: an — . another body Pg ps ‘Result ?”” “A telegram.”” 3 ss CAR? A ee “Saying: ‘Shipped at place agreed at nine.’ ?? ‘*Nine?’? exclaimed Nick, consulting his watch—‘‘it is nearly that lois now. “Then lose no time—Ican talk as we a hurry along.” 91 ore “Where ? > Ss “The ppabest route to Hayward = Square.”’ . ao 3 “What to do?” = ke ‘Head off Blondin, possibly. Istarted — a for there, but changed my mind, re-— -¥ have lost time.’ } ‘*Now then!’’ submitted Nick, as they at gained the street, and struck out westat — a brisk pace. : “That telegram,” . AS ‘SWell??™, «= ic. “T investigated it.”? ‘*You mean ?’? “Ran it back to the delivery office and the sencer.”’ 5 *"Who was it ?”’ 3 ‘*Rugene Rood—Twenty-second street a Medical College.’ oon “Who is he ?? “A student there.” na “Who has dealings with Biagio = “*He sold him a body. 3 oe © Another!’ oom ae “Vesy another. I faced him down,” “Aud got the facts out of him??? “Tf fe told the truth.’’ £'Go on.” ‘*He sold the body. It was applied fc arranged for, by Blondin.”? “When?? — : **Through his ‘yagaat costs noon.” “What do you mean by ‘arranged? . ‘“That it was to be packed in a and sent to the rear of Cheldegieat ; “4 understand, a ‘That is all. What do they wa oe, LE take - cid place of

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Nick took the front, Chick the alley. _ When the detective came around to the back he saw Chick standing near a large ‘refuse box. . *‘Not.in the place or about it. so “far as see,’’ reported Nick. ‘You mean Blondin?”’ BS S¥es. ” ~ _ “Perhaps it was not his plan to come e tsonally p2 ibly not.’ ‘From what the student told me, a fatmer from—— Waii, let me think. 3atcham? No, Batterman, up in Niles township, was to receive the box.’? Stab 2 And deliver it near Slain: ” ~ . **Where they would await it.”’ _ Very likely. What are they up to?” ~ Nick to investigate the environ- aent of the tavern yard, proper. rted for the gate. > __ “My friend!’ he spoke up to its driver, a burly, phlegmatic German. pe Well??: = Are you going to Addjson?’’ **No, I go to Batterman.”’ “Those bags in that wagon might cover a box?”’ whispered Chick. Shes abiak this is our man,’? observed c] se is ile: saine cities “As it is Batterman finally—yes.”’ ck and Chick followed the wagon t struck a straight course north. hen leaving Chick to trail it on foot, slipped into the first livery stable ‘came. to. caught up with his assistant a few utes later, and-their buggy trailed on wake of the farm wagon. aeahor tly alter nine o’clock when 9 hours later they neared the aants l town. — ati “inquiries"Nick. "pad es they o be Glenview. The farmer, “ = 31% = _ cate plot they ‘He drew to oue side'as a double wagon cada not. shop: He esac cana marked, lighting his dark Jantern.. © ee Lt NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 2 “Well, Chick,”’ je observed, our destination, % “But that man did not stop??? “Wrong man.”? ‘Something wrong!’’ Just then a ‘rattling sound behind told of the coming of some heavy team down the road they had just traversed. “It is a farm wagoui,’’ said Nick. He drove the horse into a position so they could completely block the road. The approaching wagon haited. “‘Give me room!’ ordered its driver. “In a minute,”’ said Nick. ‘‘See here, my man, I believe you are a farmer.” Ves. 4) ‘*Belong at Batterman ?’ “this is a do. ” ‘ its storehouse, and the general environ- ment. Nick nodded a strong negative. © a “Not on this fresh scent,’? ‘he Senet The detective realized that the jntric i, beep, eens to $f ae a <a 7

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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. a solve had reached an important focus at ‘‘Arrive just as quickly, perhaps. ig sete: | this quiet and desolate spot. *“You have some idea——”? 3: ae The box described by student and “Tf I have, let me test its merit. a ; ; fariner bad certainly been left on the “AL right.” j ticketty platform of the dismantled quarry Chick dashed ahead. Nick vaio a lat- 3 shed. etal swerve fromm the direct course. SA Marks showed where it had splintered - About three hundred feet to the left he 4 -a plank and had sunk into the mud. - had seen a queer light, queerly passing 3 ee Further marks sliowed the mingling of over the ground. =~ various tracks with those of the farmer’s It seemed to be held by some one right ; horses and the wheels of the wagon. down close to the earth, as if its possessor Nick tried to trace these; Chick were looking closely for some lost object. watched him explore here and there with Nick was on the alert for the SDapICLEN x3 a good deal of expectancy. and the sinister. “That box has not gone far,’’ said He could not bring himself to allow a Nick. single unusual circumstance pass un- **You think so??? heeded in the present critical state of _. pee know iti affairs. 3 a “How ??? Nick advanced in the diléctinn of this — . “Because it was carried away.”’ light, which he decided to be a lantern. m7 “Carried ?”” Twice it was lost to view. Then he got « *Ves—hy three men.’’ “ nearer, and finally so close that he could 4 ey **You have got it down as fine as that!’’ ~ make out what he wished to. ~ ‘“They headed in that direction.”” him, scanning every inch of a two feet é aS ‘Toward the town ?”’ sweep before him. ~ — Soy “Exactly.” It was scarcely a path, yet grass and - : “*Can you trace their course ?’’ earth showed that it had. been used Amore. ee “No, not beyond the muddy spot here; than once recently for that purpose. ots _ but—come tte? Nick could not see the man’s face, but. “Leave the buggy here?” he could trace certain trepidation. am Shack Macht 2 urgency in his movements. sp Nick shaded his lantern and took the He proceeded with considerable rapid lead. ‘ ity, his head bobbing from side to side. te Suddefily a far brighter light showed His eyes were so steadfastly fixed o Ag Je __them-the way. the ground that several times lhe heed. Sore “Hello! hailed Chick, with anima- lessly stumbled, ; ston ue As the shouts in the direction of t Reig. © are: *? fire glare grew in volume, the st “Inthe town? oi ae, a midnight prowler evinced additional ae Bee 5 =o é ousness and haste. “You don’t. ‘sup ppose——”? 5h 3 He muttered inegherently and j ir: a Press forward! ‘his Rlondin suggests but pressed on. ee the body-snatcher, fire-bug, anything aud Nick kept about ten feet in hi ything of that class.’’ a tk Suddenly a shout came from hey Were cro sing ~a stretch of brush Drawer ptairie with an occasional sand rise. It wasa glad chuckling. outb hey ould not make out what 1 was | “he straightened up. Y Nick eae to one side as turned about. e aa 4d He gaye pis Jantert a sw See BEAL en on

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eaieiit a flitting glimpse of the face of he man before him. _ So vividly, did it suggest the face of the - anau identified as ‘‘Martin Delaney,’’ that : Nick was momentarily disturbed. == _ Mingled with that recognition, how- ever, Was a vague, peculiar ‘something in the eyes of the man that sent the detec- __tive’s mind groping into the past. Nick quickly recovered his meutal “poise. He drew out his lantern and flashed ate _Likea searchlight i in thatintense dark- ness, it enveloped the man in a burst of iance, Je stoed dazzled, dazed; he threw out ~ one hand to beat off the blidirs rays, as _ if they were swords that pierced him. -““Stop! Who is it ?’’ he cried, sharply. Nick Carter’s glance traversed every Jineament of the face before him. “7 kuow!?” he breathed softly to him- eels: -“T know you!” Nick said aloud. © “Well, suppose you do. Shut off that light es Nick Carter did so. But he did two other things almost ~simultaneonsly. One action was to grasp.out and snatch on the mau’s hand the parcel he had found in the path. e other was to enpircte his arm with mm grip. | letective spoke his name: iit ae Watt!” CH APTER XI. te THE INSURANCE SCHEME. rus Watt! : ¢ Nick Carter had aniehed this a agencies a pinnacle of were and ‘unjustly gained. e detecti tive remembered the glare of ‘a Shient-—=it was, NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Then, pulling, the man ward him, a the sheds at the rear of the place. 29 “The gallows! Here’s-a bid. for it!’ shouted Watt, insanely. No form stood before him, however, nor prostrate at his feet in the flash of his quick revolver. From behind there came a surprise that taught the would-be murderer low spry Nick Carter could be on occasions, Aun iron hand brought the miscreant’s wrists to a junction, aud cold steel passed about them aud set with a click, Nick lingered and ponderéd. for a mo- ment. . ‘What is that fire??? he demanded. Watt gritted his teeth in reply; he would not speak, The detective pushed him in the direc- . tion of his waiting horse and vehicle. Nick hurried his captive toward the built-up part of the town. Everybody was awake, and he found no difficulty therefore in locating the marshal; Dr. Irus Watt was put prompt- ly under lock and key. The mentionyof Nick’s name lad made the marshal a willing ally and host. Nick made no explanation as to his prisoner—he rather sought information, < as with the official they left the little sta- tion house. F ‘What is the fire 2’? he inquired. F -“Old John Prindie’s house.” at “Alt !? murmured Nick eitly to him a. self. - The tate of that name instantly - struck the attention of the detective. pee rs ae re Re he soliloquized, “Coincidence, or——”? **Been a sick and secluded fiernit tos a year or more,’ explained the marshal. “Kind of. helpless, too, aud if no one got to the fire in time——’’ “ “He's burned up!” declared a an excited | passerby. *. “Ts that so?”? shuddered the snavehales : Nick held his dwncounsel. He left the marshal’s side and mixed with a crow about a building well-nigh cotisumed. He came across Chick rambling anon; Chick instantly pointed — toa lar . --lying beside’a heap of hay. eT hai t arrived to-night he

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“NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘*T hen there is one ?’’ _ “YT have iy theory.’’ Tet me hear it, won’t you?’ at Shir the presence of the man who can _ tell us all about it, yes.”’ -“What do you mean’? questioned Chick, with a quick look. _ “Dr. Irus Watt.’’ “You haven’t got him!’’ ~~. “Tihave got him.”’ If the wizard and his accomplices had _ been in the neighborhood, they had aban- doned it, for Chick had been able to dis- cover no trace of them. he said, “they have dragged Z a crisped body out of that burning louse, and it is supposed to be that of one John ae Prindle.”’ _ _ - Watt regarded Nick keenly out of the oa _corner of his eye. “But I,” proceeded Nick, “have in a ~ vault in» ‘Chicago the body of the real _ John Prindle.”’ _ Watts’ nerve broke—he shook palpa- BS , “was insured for ten He had no relatives. y- “Pyindle’s life thousand 8 You were a 3 r ce? - Watt went all tg pieces. He saw that “He idiked up, desperate. "You, Nick Carter!’ he aieuaatics Il. two things, and I will tell all.’’ “Go ahead.” . j “Where is Blondin pr We have Blondin to find yet.” <é'Where is the little sae you took from me???’ ee ee pistoesa ite Foo wits eee, ci iz “Can T have it Rat eee “After I have examined it.? Nick proceeded to do. . ; ; cy the Spier “.. “And ITE let out the facts. ” Coes — : claimed Chick, as the -pa- ings were ssiesenned “it is the | scribed by the f fellow-who ava: . om, "Fo. Panse . “ prop ; “4 - Now he naturally examined them with ~~ close attention—particularly the tobacco 3 pouch. As he turned this inside out, he ob-- — served that its double lining was cut, as af receutly. “I think I understand,” he observed— ‘the Spider had some paper secreted ——” Nick paused, for Watt began to mani- ae fest a sudden emotion. Pe As Nick sliowed, by manipulating the =n pouch, that if it had once. secteted SOMG=_*27= thing it no longer did so, Watt shouted wildly. ‘“The traitor! the thief!” “Ah! to whom do you refer’ inquired Nick. ‘You have not tampered with that = package since you took it from me?” : See **It is just as I received it.”? a Then—— Qh; it is my luck!’ eatiegk ae Watt; “‘trapped by you, robbed by that _ scoundrel Blondin!”” ee “There was a paper in here, you ae fancy ?’? inquired Nick. ; — ‘“‘T may as well tell—there was.’” “Of the Spider’ sv? ing ‘“His receipt from a ‘fence,’ for Sie Sate = der accumulated through years. And Blondin pretended he had lost it! Lost it! Yes, after deceiving his confederates and he has got away! Carter—find him ae “T shall find him,’ promised Nick. ‘‘Now ?? ’ “Ves, give him his chare— ie deserves” it! “Listen !’* : Dr. Irus Watt Aeon » os oe Nick would have certainly gleaned the facts in tle course of investigation ; . Watt - probably realized this, and hoped to make ; a point by anticipating. Srsy ; John Prindle was one of the “quartet, s of ‘‘argonauts.” | Z - Watt, driven from Chicapoubee’ had cast about him for any, means of me ing a stake. : ‘He had found Pindee of Gieavi dying, with his Bie entices for ten 1 sand dollars. ie He officiated as “purse, Sick recluse, but the next day rin his hands. &

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Sm ae ats way of adjusting this was to ort and receive the deferred premium. Watt set up a scheme with Blondin, ie latter took the dead body away. att, who somewhat resembled Prindle in build and face, assumed the invalid’s place in bed. The agent.was deceived, believing him to be the real Prindle, and the premium ; latter was fixed up sooner than thie ~ schemers had hoped. The idea now was to have the house burned down with Prindle apparently — within it. : A body was necessary ; provided it. - Watt had a forged paper whereby Prin- dle had transferred his insurance benefits him. ! This was the plot which Nick Carter iad nipped—not in thie bud, but fairly at he moment of its full, promising fruition. “Run downl”? = Ves; Chick—our | man—our -—are in that room.’ ing two days after a fire at Glen-’ a a had been “busy ih Bloudin had + men, ne had the insurance company to see, e character. impersonator and ,the De- nevs to put on their proper footing, and Burton to consult regarding Lis he skilled secret service man had the “ mover in the attempted insurance tine in his mind’s eye all the feat the suburban hotel they aa ntered, ie bee ts Sifice the fire 2? in- pce rai for this cover at once.”? Two men with him, ‘you say Pen > some me other accomp] olor aid probable Leap iT din “has NICK CARTER WEEELY. f Sane sharply. y ie bia tise your: ‘vassgl’ fel- __grasp of the disenthralled ‘vassal.’ _ “With a snap, the handcufis encircle By the furious ravings of the wizar 3t “What is this??? he instantly ex- - claimed. Nick witnessed a peculiar, a ae scene. A table was visible, at which three men had apparently just been seated, eat- ing and drinking, meee ‘Across it, overcome by wine, lay a nian, his head resting on his arms. Near him was a person whom the de- tective recognized as the ‘‘vassal’? whio had sdinitted him to the city quarters of the wizard. In his hand he held a knife, and on the door lis eves were fixed. A glassy yet maniacal expression haunt- ed their deptlis. Making passes toward him, and near to the peering, engrossed detective was “the niaster’’—Blondin. ‘“The vampire!’ muttered Nick Carter. The experienced detective read the ora- cle in‘a flash. Blondin had his steely eyes riveted on his ‘‘vassal.”? He was making passes—le had hypno- tized his victim. He was suggesting crime, for, swaying, approaching nearer and nearer, the man under the mesmeric spell was moving that — hand, that knife toward an uncouscious victim. Nick Carter had already shown the wizard a trick not in his repertoire. Nick Carter now added a climax per- formance. = -s His hand went inside its coat, where he kept a pair of handeuffs of his own in- - >.> _ vention. They were provided with along chain, which wound and unwound, set and un- | ‘set automatically, so tliat a prisoner could be manacled from any direction, and in * any sition. bs reak the spell!’” commanded the de- ss As he spoke he pushed open the Broce aa With a clang, the knife fell from the the wrist of the ‘‘master,™ the Wizard. Chick came upon ‘the scene, attra War ioaiig Bea said Nick, briefit

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ws - \ ~ = i! * | 33 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Nick barely inspected it, It was Nick Carter himself, instead of “Right, Chick!’ he announced. the wizard, who presented the receipt the Blondin had counted on getting rid of next day and turned over to the Chicago ~ two persons aware of his crimes through Police Department the splendid spoil of a “the hypnotic impulse.’’ long career of thieving and crime. He could seal the lips of one and send the other to the gallows by simply exert- [THE END. } ing his dangerous power. Then he calculated on pursuing his The next number of the” Nick Carter schemes with a free field. Weekly will contain ‘‘Nick Carter’s The plunder store at the ‘“fence’’ would (Handsome Prisoner; or, How Her Smiles then be all his—he need divide with no- Failed to Fascinate Him,” by the Author body. of Nick Carter. High Prices Are On Vacation om ae THE MEDAL LIBRARY. — Oliver Optic and Others. o & Che Right Books at the Right Price. 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. They have done more to shape the, mind of American boys for the last fifty years than any others. We refer to the writings of Oliver Optic, Horatio Alger, Edward S. Ellis, Lieut. Lounsberry, James Otis, William Murray Graydon, etc. These names are familiar wherever the American flag floats. Tiras Unfortunately, they have heretofore been procurable only in expensive binding at from $1.00 to $1.50 each. ‘ The average boy has not got $1.50 to invest. Ten cents is nearer his price. We have made thesten cent book the leader with the elder readers. Now we are going to dq-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. ~Thefe is no line like it in the world. We can justly call it the Medal series, as every book will be a prize winner, It will contain no story that the boys have not approved as a “ standard, a They have bought them by thousands at $1.00 and up- wards, and now they can get them for TEN CENTS A COPY. a ea Com MEDAL LIBRARY = . N 4 ay s am, f—The Bos Otabs wp rn, ee ep ei . By Oliver Optic fis: = PeGanterieit Garey 66 ols ee por ae A ee "By Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry & - -$—All Aboard... FN 2 aie, ty cA gcnuran MS REE . By Oliver Optic te 4—Lieutenant Carey's Luck. . ° . He : . ‘By Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry a _ 6—Now or Never. ins . : : By Oliver Optic __ - 6—Captain Carey of the. Gallant Seventh 3 % eae “By Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry ‘ = Ss 7—Chased Through Norway. se ew . By James Otis gt es - . 8—Kit Carey’s Protege . ‘ ; 3 2 Pie Ee 5 - ‘By Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry yg or: - -9$—Try Again . ; ‘ s ° 2 * 5 : - By Ohver Optic : .. 10—Don Kirk, the Boy Cattle King 5 : . By Gilbert Patten > “41—From Tent to White House. (Boyhood and Life of President McKinley. ) By Edward S. Ellis i2—Don Kirk’s Mine*® . . SS we. By Gilbert Patten “~~ _ 18—Upthe Ladder. S = oe oo BY AASOE Murray li : 14—The Young Colonists. A sy oO. Life rare War in Africa d 4 Ry. . By ’G. A. Henty 15—Midshipman Merrill . é é 3 > 3 5 - By Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry 16—The White King of Africa P 7 F os . By William Murray Graydon =e - 4%—Ensigh Merrill . . -.. - + «©. y+ ~~ By Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry Sia Pee SPOR SMD fa Sere 8 ie te OO CO rie ne ee Lewis Leon a iGO AChR ors os en ee leo Sas ot i Be oe _ 20—Wheeling for Fortune. : % = ‘ 3 . 3 ey. James’ Otis Reiner Worm West Pope 2 oe ws PS, ee By Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry — a oe Eee Mee: to Piccer css pd tes. ig 7 JA ees _ By hiner rs on 2 “Others Equally Good to Follow — is attics: Ifyou cannot get them send tous, Remember these re 120 scars ene corn spray the Scal $669," and only TEN CENTS ci

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Nick Carter Weekly | Price, Five Cents. Illuminated ECover. THE BEST LIBRARY OF DETECTIVE STORIES. Back Numbers always on hand. Price, post-paid, Five cents each. 89—Nick Carter’s Poker Game; or, A Play For More Than Money 90—Nick Carter In Devil’s Hole; or, More Than Four Aces in a Pack. 91—Nick Carter In Harness Again; or, The Stolen Safe Combination. 92—An Attempt to Bunco Nick Carter; or, Barking Up the Wrong Tree 93—Caught in tlie act; or, In Training tor State Prison 94— Accused of Shop-Lifting; or, Nick’s Secret Signals and a Piece of Court Plaster. 95—Forced to Seep; or, How Nick Carter Turne the Tables on the Doctor. 96—Nick Carter Near Death; or, The Escape From the Bridge of sighs 97—At Nick Carter’s Call; or, The Whole Gaug Taken at One | ime. 98—Five Dollars for a Nickle; or, Why Nick Made the Purehase. F 99—Seen Through «a Window; or, A Snare That Was Set for Touvh Birds 100—Nick Assists a body =natcher and Saves the Life of an Innocent Man. 101—Nick Carter Arrested at the Box-Office; or, Au Act Not on the Programme. 102—Nick Carter Shows His Nerve and Winds Up the Case :t the Freight Honse. 103—Burned to Death; or, Tue Great Insurance Swindle. . ; 104—Nick Uarter’s Prophecy; or, A Case That Was Worked mm the Park. 105—A Lightning Change Crook; or, A Catch That Pleased the Inspector. 106—Killed - tne Baths; or, Nick Carter Right on Hand. 107—Among the Express Thieves; or, Released from Jail for Good Behavior. 108— After the Policy Sharps; or, The Game That Rob ed the Poor. 169—Held Up in Chicago; or, A New System of Keeping Books. 110—The Spider and The Fly; or, The Battle of His Life. 111—A Scientific Forger; Swindle. 112—The High Power Burglars; or, Behind the Broken Wall. : 113—Found 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 the Race Track. or, The Great Bank eoreeete 116— Nick Carter After a Missing Man; or, The ’ Work of Ghouls. 117—Nick Carter at Hellion City; or, The Notice Posted on the Door. 118—The Great Poisoning Case; or, What Hap- pened at the Laboratory. 119—Nick Carter Among t e Peter Players. 120—-Fighting the Circus Crooks; or, Ten Thous- and Dollars short. 121—Out of the Levil’s Clutches; or, Nick Carter’s New Friend 122—Waiting to be Robbed; or Nick Carter’s Diamond Case. 123—The Sleeping Car Mystery. 124— killed by His Victim; or, The Green-goods Men at W ork. 125—Nick Carter a Prisoner; or, How Bob Dalton Found His Match. 126—Set On Fire; or, Nick Carter’s Bravery. 127—A Demand fcr Justice; or, Nick Carter Offered a Bri e. 128—Was It Murder; or, Nick Varter’s Short Vacation. 129—Nick Carter’s Mascot; or, Treachery Among Thieves. 130—Roxy’s Signal In the Sky; or, A Gold-Bug Worth a Fortune. I131—At Kessler Switch; or, Nick Carter’s Train Robbery Case. %. ; 132—The Face iu the Bottle; or, Detective Buff and. One of the Finest. : 133-——Atraid of Nick Carter; or, The Man who Wasn't born Yesterday. 134—The Malay’s Charge; or, Roxy’s Life Saved by a New Pet. 135—The Great Abduction Uase; or, A Baby’s Cry for Freedom. . 136—Short Work with Train Robbers; or, the Mask that was Marked with Blood. 137—Bob Ferret’s Trump Card; or, What Was Found on a Century Run. 138— Nick Carter’s Mouse Trap; or, The End of Doe Helstone. 139— Struck Down; or, How the Superintendent Lent a Hand. 140—Nick Carter’s Greatest Compliment. 141—Nick Carter on the Limited; or, The Man on the Smoker Who Didn’t Smoke. 142—Nick Carter Meets a Wizard and Shows Him a New Trick. 143—Nick Carter’s Handsome Prisoner; or, How Her Smile Failed to Fascinate Him. - 144—Nick Carter Claims a Fortune, and Turns it Over to the Right Owners. EEE EE OE OE STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK. For Sale by all Nevwsdealers.