Nick Carter Weekly (no. 157) (1899 12 30)
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ICK CARTER WEEKLY Issued weekly. Subscription price $2.50 per year. Entered as second class matter at the N. Y. Post Office by SrrwEr & SMiTH. ie ae ‘Price 5 Cents. a= A nee ae —_—__—_—— = — — — os No. 157. \ 7 | 4 ge li Mi THE AUTHOR /OF | NICK CARTER Wit ONE HAND ON THE SWITCH PLATE THE OPERATOR WAITED FOR THE WORD.
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A New story, written spall for the Nick Carter Weekly, aud will not appear in any i eS NICK CARTER | WEEKLY. Bntered according to Act of Congress in the year 1899 by Street é&. Smith, in the Office of he Librarian of ei ca Washington, D, O. BPntered as second class Mailer at the New York, N. ¥., Post Office. Subscription price, $2.50 per year. —- Issued weekly. December, 30, 1899, EE ae No “457. ee — . _ oe fee a STREKT & SmirH, Publishers. Nick Carter as nB NEW YORK. 5 ‘Gu 238 William 8t., N : OR, A BATTERY THAT WAS TAMPERED WITH _ By the Author of ‘NICK CARTER.” \ CHAPTER TI. “SOMETHING WRONG,”? “What's wrong, Chick? Nick Carter asked the question in a’ quick, low tone. It was just ottside of his own hone: The hour was seven in the evening. He was about to enter, when a familiar sound that to no other ears would have been a warning signal, had stayed the Jatchkey in the grasp of the famous de- tective. . - A hand beckoning ‘os an adjoining doorway instantly attracted ‘Nick's atten- tion. He knew that it was his assistant wiki ig hailed him before he ee sight of his face. a Chick was spe sige to aes 4 spla eedle m, so the. secre pert comprehended that there must be a motive—and a strong one—for this : some-' what unusual exhibition of niystery. x “What? s wrong???” he eeprgied) com- — ing to Chick’s side. * Righe Chick pointed to the gone at which Nick had just stodd. 1 : You are going into the house——? as he began. “Certainly, ”? q ““T want to post you, Sick “You will fiud a visitor there waiting for: you, ” exe plained Chick. man,” — “A freak?” dee is Saar: sae in tle popular aceeptation of the _ term.” “Not from a museum, then?” oy, from a bank.” a h esha professionally promise a P a client ? ce.
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3 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘*Well, armless bankers are a possi- bility, Chick, and have their troubles like the rest of humanity, I suppose.” “Let me explain. Atabout five Rees I noticed this person from the window.’ ““What doing ?”? “Watching the house. He short cloak that comes to lis waist, and until it swung open, I did not notice tiat he had no arnis.”’ ; ‘““What did he do finally ?”’ ‘‘He approached tiie house, rang the bell——.”’ “*How, Chick ?”’ ‘Pressed the button in some ingenious way, toa certainty.’’ ‘You answered the call?” “Personally. He asked for Mr. Nicholas Carter; and he seemed rather relieved than otherwise when I-told him that you ~ were not at home.’? % ‘Relieved, eh?” ‘“‘Manifestly so; in the light of later events, I discerned this more clearly than ever.” Vou asked him his business ?’’ ‘Of course.’? “What was it?” ‘He was mysteriously close-mouthed— must see you personally, avd all that.’’ “And probably wanted to know whiere I could be found ?” ‘He did want to know just that.’? “*VYou told him ?”’ z “T informed him that he might catch you at a certain law office up to five- thirty.’’ _ “Where I remained for fully fifteen minutes after that hour,’’ said Nick. “(Those directions seemed to satisfy him. He thanked me, and went away, saying he would cettainly overtake you.” “He did not do it, Chick.”’ “Tl knew that, for at six sharp he re-ap- peared.”’ 3 ‘‘Disappointed ?”” \; ‘““ Anxious, he acted.”’ : “Acted?” 7 Weal %a: you. “Ves—I didn’t like the looks of things, somelhow.”’ ‘‘His not finding me??? ‘His not finding you when he said vou. had been at the law office, but he was too late to catch you.’’ “Ah, indeed ?”” “Now, as I well knew that five miu“ utes was ample time for him to have reached it—whereas, he had taken a full. half hour—I pesrented this phase of the matter to him.’ ‘And he said >”? 5 ‘Declared that he had Airuderacon ily directions at first, and went to quite a different locality.’? ‘“His proper memory returning later.”’ “Ryactly. Ithen told him where he would find you at six-thirty.’?’ oe Nick nodded. He had informed Chick of his intended movements when he left the house that afternoon. This was the detective? s custom wheu not exclusively occupied on some especial case. | ; ‘‘T mentioned Police Headquarters at six forty-five. Again I offered to send for No, he would hunt you up. It is now five ininutes since he caine back.”’ “Fe had missed me once more 2’? ‘So he asserted; and although he was sure of you at Police Headquarters, he decided to come kere and wait, as I had told him at the start that at seven sharp you would be at home.”’ “From all of which you ae Chick ?” ; Rize “Rollow your own conclusions” when I have explained fully.” : ‘Something further, eh?” ‘Tre last ne this nan went Dench followed him.’ “Followed him ?’? “Tt did.? ere = - “Where did he $20; ?”? ee “Straight to the vicinity of the second el had directed him.” ;
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“fo its vicinity only ?’’ “He did not enter at first.”’ ‘What did he do?” ‘“Took up a position opposite. hotel——”’ ‘ “Ves, ‘Chick.’ ““You were conversing withthe proprie- tor in the lobby—in plain view.”’ ‘*Vou saw me??? “And so did this armless man. He waited until you came out, watched you safely around the corner, and then rushed across the street and made pressing in- quiry for you at the desk.” “Returning here ?”? ‘CAs I have told you.” ‘Why, Chick,’’ observed the detective quietly, ‘fit seems to me that this man was in no hurry.to see me?” ‘Until a certain time had elapsed. x ‘‘Mysterious, that. Well, I will inves- tigate our armless friend at once,’’ an- nounced Nick, ‘‘He said he came from.a bank, did he?” It isa ‘‘Just now. He professed amazing con-. cern for precious time lost over an urgent matter—a bank matter, ‘an important bank matter,’ was the way that he put fe ‘This strikes me as something new,’’ observed Nick, and passed on his way.’ The detective found the visitor wham Chick had described seated in his waiting room. He was posed on the miere edge ofa chair, and he arose with some excitement of manner as Nick- entered. The latter bowed, and looked ingly. Mr Carter? eked his caller. “Don’t you know hen interrogated Nick. “Why, no, with a perfectly tranquil face. been Oe the city for you for over two hours.’ Se ae Tam ae that you came here at five Co) "clock. ae : inquir- sir,’? declared the other, “T have’ NICK CARTER WEEKLY. me ‘That is so, Mr. Carter. _ “If your matter was urgent——”? ‘Very, sir—very!” “Tndeed—then you should have ae lowed my attendants to send-for me.’? “But I hoped to economize time by overtaking you.’’ Ta see ! yp? “And start you right along.’?’ “Start me right along ae See = Nick. ‘‘For where ?”’ ‘“The bank.’ ‘What bank?” “The Royal Trust.” Nick viewed the speaker penetratingly. Keen, experienced reader of humanity: that he was, he was yet ee te fix this man’s real status. His. cloak had moved aaide! = his crippled condition revealed there was something in the unusual presentation that baffled immediate deductions. The bank the man had mentioned was one of the most prominent in the city. ‘Well, what is the trouble there??? in- quired Nick. **T- don’t know.”’ “Don’t know??? pee ‘“‘T ain siniply a messenger. I came from the president of the institution.’’ “Ah >? ‘“*Mr. Harvey Moss—-yes, sir.’?’ That was a great name in financial cir- ~ eles; Nick awaited what was coming next “with growing interest. ; “What is your inessage?’’ he asked. “To urge you to hurry, Mr. Carter. Mr. Moss is very anxious, and hopes you can come at orce. Yeur delay——”? “My delay?” “Ves, sir.’ ies “What are you talking shoe a “As he wrote you——”’ ‘CAs he wrote me?” j ‘‘As he wrote you last evening. “He ae wishes to have you look matters: over me at the bank. : dl shook his head slowly; he ran bis 3 a Nic
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Ree, ewes NICK CARTER WURELY. hand over the correspondence tray at his side. “T have received no communication from the gentlemat you natne,’’.he posi- tively declared. : ““He-certainly wrote to you.’’ Phe letter has not arrived.’’ “Then it must have miscarried, ’? “Tt looks that way.” ~- “At all events, you can call upon him now ?”” eVas “When Mr. Miss seut me, he hoped I would be able to reach vou within an hours = : ’ “He is Waiting for me now, then?” 23 Ves: MriGarter? : “At the bank??? — “No, at his residence.” “Give me the number—I will accom- pauy you there at once.” -“T am uot going in that direction,: sitet Very welk”? : ‘Tf you wold mention, Mr. Carter,” said the armless man, ‘‘that I have used all due haste-in finding you—-—” “Certainly, nected with the bank ?’’ “All yes, sir—for some tiie, thanks to Mr. Moss’ kind charity. x) “And your sane is— gas) Ss “Brewer, Mr. Carter—Mark Brewer.” _ Nick’s visitor again expressed his con- “Gera” over the delay, emphasizing the hope that Nick would pe hin with due diligence. & _ “What do you ake of the han?” in- Nick was as | the other jeft it. ehaivers in his attire. ta | will tell you, Chick; wheti 1 com é who ae ah from seeing es man oe he promised. ‘And who is that - residence of the banker. Let me s¢e—you are con-’ : banker, vehemently. quired Chick, entering the room where Trust. This fellow is simply an attache of the institution.’ : “Tn what capacity?” eee ‘ete “Tam quite as, cttiots as yourself to. know that.” . It took Nick half an hour to reach the He inquired for Mr. Moss, and was ad- mitted to an apattment half library, — office. : ‘What name, sir?’? ingwired ‘the ser- vat. ‘You may. tell Mr. Moss that I am on business concerned with the bank, 1e- plied the detective. oie Pee ; The servant bowed, half satisfied. The door closed ; in half a minute he opened agai. : “T am Mr. Moxs,?? iqunouiced. a dois fied-looking old gentleman, facing Nick. rather inquisitively. He had evidently been interrupted dies his dinner, and he looked as if atixious to dispatch all other business in a hurry. ‘ “T caine in response to an intimation that there was some trouble. at’ the bank. you: -wished looked into—-—”” began Nick. ‘‘How!”? exclaimed the banker, with a great start- “*T believe that covers it. » : “Covers it? Excuse me, sir, but eng matter—oh !’?- interrupted — ‘Moss, sharply scanning his: visitor, “vou are probably from the police—the secret service. ’’ Nick nodded slightly. = “This is unwarranted ! fy goatntied fie 2 “No one has” been : authorized to interfere i in an affair. that ue wish to keep. mgs secret for the tine be: oy ing. oo se uel ey, “But you sent for me?” sieaeved: alee ae ‘No, sir—that is a1 nistake! “some : -other official may have taken it on hime oes self £0 do $0, | Excuse’ my _brusqtieness ee this! I wished
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. as ye es, matter into the bande of aul especial ex- pert.’’ Nick was somewhat mystified. ‘An expert??? he repeated, starting in to probe the complication of the moment. _» “Ves, sir. I beg of you, however much inay have been intimated to you of the trouble at the -bank, that you will not- give it any publicity—the case being in capable lhands—the most capable—I think | you will agree with nie there profession- ally.”? “T see there has been seated of a amisconception,’’ - observed Nick, moving towards the door, ‘‘I was sent. for, or I should not have come.’’ “Whoever seut for thority to act.’ “T supposed it was yourself, ”’ ig rt éxclanned tlie banker. “nistake !”” you had no au- **T see it now." “J sent for nobody,’’ continued the banker, gratuitously, ‘‘except Mr. Car- ter.” ¢ “Mr. Carter?’ repeated Nick. “Ves, Mr. Nicholas Carter.’? ‘He is engaged upon the case?” in- quired Nick, light flooding his mind in- stantaneously. ‘‘Ves,’’ rather proudly- announced the 4 banker. ae ‘*Since when?’ e ‘Since about six o’clock . this even- ing.’ Me An inserttable stiile crossed te detec- tive’s face. ms ites thistake ! ie he. now annotnced, in turn. Sethe eas “How?” spoke the banker, with a. show of affronted dignity. 2 AS said 10'S as es! repeated Wick, brusquély: 2 ee ® “You doubt - ‘my + word——" began e ioe with aspetity. ee ATES a you certainly state what BS know to bean - impossibility?’ = : ‘Why, sir! not an hour since f inter: viewed, directed and engaged——"”” “Mr. Nicholas Carter re “Yes!” ¢ : “You should say, ae that : our were made the dupe of some clever impostor _ claiming to be Mr. Nicholas Carter. -“Do you dare, sir——” “To say that? Why, yes,” asddel Nick, coolly, ‘‘being the person. most particularly able to back up the state- - ment.’ bibs fill ake : x od “For I am Nick Carter!’ ae “ CHAPTER HL. NICK CARTER'S: DOUBLE. “Von are Nick Carter !?? The famous. detective bowed — assent- ingly. ; sibs The banker did uot believe-him—he showed it in manner, voice and face, He was evidently one of those individ- uals who found it ltard to tealize that,he “ever inade a mistake: - ‘You are that person ?”” he persisted, ee reached for a card. on the top of a Ges es Soto ad It boré Nick? s name in ‘neok type. . “Jam not of course the petson who delivered that card,’? said Nick, ‘but I~ ake the. only one entitled to answer to cm, that name, I fancy,” : Se iy sir! -Mr.. Carter showed me — “Credentials?” Rae « Certainly)" eee oak “Let me show mine pr The banker See toa chai with shock., ity
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6 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘IT think you have been duped,’’ as- sented Nick. ““Rdoled!”? cried the banker, aghast. ‘Please explain.” ‘Explain!’ shouted the banker. He sprang to his feet and seized Nick’s arm, alive with keen excitement. “This way—with me, I beg of you!’’ he exclaimed. Nick allowed his host to lead stun into the hall. The banker ran for his hat and cane. ‘“There is no time to lose!’ he cried: *fVou are going to the bank, I appre- hend ?’’ suggested Nick. Doe Aeond) W2ie6% . **Because you have sent (Mr. Nicholas Carter’ there???’ ‘“‘Not forty minutes since.”’ ‘*Alone??’ “With my brother-in-law, the cashier. ’’ “What to do?”? ‘*Look over things.’’ ‘““This trouble you hinted at?” “Ves. ” “Rorty minutes ?’’ said Nick, MUsing= _ ‘ ly. “Wait—the bank number??? “Oh! ou the telephone?’’ queried Moss, as Nick, observing an instrument’ in an alcove, stepped foands it. “OV és, ” ‘Happy thought—we may head off the _ villain!” : “The jmposter—we may.’? — ', Nick soon had the wires in order. working He extended the receiver towards the banker at last. ‘Connections all fT he bank ?”? “Ves—vive your orders.”? “Hello! Dorsett? No! Wait—coming. * Not there? Mr. Carter!”’ rf ~The banker dropped the receiver till it jangled, his eves starting. ‘Too late?’ inquired, Nick. ‘He's gone!”? _ (Mr, Nicholas Carter? °" see =e? oe Seip right,’’ he declared. Nick, as he fomeiens “The scoundrel, yes!?? “Taking with him??? asked Nick. “Nothing, of course—how could he?”’ Nick looked dubious on that score. He.did not have to think long to un- derstand the aspect of affairs. “The complication of the hour admitted of but one logical theory. A letter intended for Nick had been — misappropriated. © A iessage later, sent to Nick, been fraudulently delayed. ~The aim had been to get into the bank in an official way. Nick, thoroughly understanding the average criminal, could net comprehend any motive for such a hazardous act except one that had for its end plunder. He tried to get his companion to make a coherent statemént of what had oc- curred, but the latter was now ina frantic state of excitement thai ever. He dashed out into the street, and at- tracted a curious crowd waving his cane and shouting after a cab in the distatice. He ran so fast and far before he suc- ceeded in securing its driver’s attention that he could just voice a direction when had more it started up. There was a hurried spin aver the road- way—the bank was reached at fire-patrol speed. ° Several clerks were wekihe: overtiine in the counting room, aud here a thin, precise-looking man ao about fifty greeted the excited banker. ‘*He’s gone??? cried the latter, oid down upon his relative and cashier. “Mri Carter? ~yes,?’ ‘responded the ‘other, in puzzled surprise. “Tt wasn’t Mr. Carter!?? Setek “But you said it was??? “SI was fooled—duped ! Mee “This way, gentlemen,”? . suggested noticed that the clerks had suspended their writing ae were stsaiag 3 fhe 5 GE ere
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘This is Mr. Carter—the real one,”? declared the trembling Moss. . And this is your cashier and brother- in-law, Mr. Moss, whom you imen- tioned ?”’ intimated Nick. SO Megs? The banker led the way into his pri- vate room and sank into a chair panting and choking. **T don’t understand ?”’ suggested the cashier. “Tn a word,’ explained Nick, ‘‘some one has assumed my name and provitice.’’ ‘The man just here??? ‘*Ves,’? assented Moss. ‘“He was an imposter??? **Of ‘course!’ “But—his motive?” ‘“‘What did he do here ?”’ demanded the banker, quickly. . ‘What you told him to do,’’ ‘*‘Tooked over those papers??? The cashier bowed. “Only that?’ ‘Simply that.’ ‘He did uot insist on going into the vaults?” ‘Certainly not!” ‘The safes??? “They were night.”’ “Trne—true! But he didn’t filch any- thing: Securities, loose cash?” locked and set for, the ‘Hardly!’ negatived the ‘cashier in a dry. oe none lying. around’ loose.’ “And your eye ope him,’? stgaored Nick. “And my eye upon him—no. He was the gentleman, the business man entire. I explained our troubles, I showed him those documents—he examined them -carefully and made notes, and’ stated that - he would think matters over and give us © his opinion to-motrow mornilig.”? | ‘*He won’t do it!”” observed the banker. “‘T ouess not,’’ said Nick.’ “And he was an imposter, you say pr “He must be daring, ce tee went in with the mail that is taken 7 murmured the cashier, with an interested look at the detective. Nick bowed. The banker, elinind at finding that no apparent theft had accompanied the ’visit of the imposter, began to regain his com- posure. “What was the fellow Aier, Mr. Car- ter?’’ he asked, pressingly. ~ We must find out that, ”” answered Nick. , “Of course he had a motive pr “*You can depend on that.”? “‘] would suggest,’ observed the cash- ier, ae this was a mere initial inva- sion. “You mean an pane to study things and later benefit. by it?’ ques- tioned Nick. > “That's it!’ declared Moss. ‘‘Double the watch -force, Dorsett! The villain ‘will doubtless be here before midnight | ‘with half a dozen skilled burglars!’ | “Do not be alarnied on that score,’’ said Nick, with a smile—‘‘I will guaran- tee that such a plan is not in me, ai calculation.’ “What is, then?” cried the banker. ‘sleek and—in- formed! 3 “Let me ask you a question,’’ said Nick. “what is that: » decid Moss “Your messenger, the armless man—I, ‘believe he is Mark Brewer?’ ‘Ves, that is his name.?? ‘‘This person informed me that Ba seut mea letter?” ‘Certainly. Did you not receive it JT did mot.” ; i . ‘It was properly addressed.*” ‘“T'o my residence ?”” 6 Weg, ” ‘‘And it was mailed?’ “Last evening. 2 “By whom ??’.
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‘Tet me ask a few more questions. + : scribe to ine the person wees has deceived & 2 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. to the nearest letter box every evening at five o’clock.’’. “Very well,’’ said Nick, ‘* tercepted.’’ “Not at this end of the line,’ saint the banker, positively. Nick said—nothing. Scanning affairs by the reflected light of the queer actions of the armless man, as reported by Chick, he was disposed to figure out the letter: business ina rauiet easy, way. ‘We waste time,” it was in- he said. briskly. “De- you.’ ae a Moss began, and Dorsett finished. Whien they got through Nick had a very cloudy idea of what his ‘‘double” looked like. : The latter had not attempted to copy the famous expert’s. natural personality. * He had broken in upon the banker at ; precisely six o’clock armed with the in- - formation intended originally for Nick. He had a printed card, a badge, some © letters the banker had barely glanced at, bearing, he ‘recalled, such headings as "Detective Agency,’? Bites a of Justice,’? and the lke. The fraudulent Nick Carter had played the mysterious detective role. ~ He wore goggles, and he had a beard and wig that, put together, would have niade a respectable doormat, according to the description. “I fancied that all right, ” said the banker. “Why not?” chorused: the Jasblert “We did not know Mr. Carter personally, and. the man’s cseiaus and matitier were ~ not at all suspicious.” © . ee “Lucky nothing is“ gone,”’ murninred * : “the banker, with a sigh of relief. - “Yes—no harm’ done, echoed the. cashier. that’s sure, iY: TSE MENS Dorsett, ” he added, aloud, ee did you tell this man?”’ “‘Why, I-described the trouble we are having here at the bank. I suppose you want-to kuow something about that, also ?”?.. **All about it.”” : ‘After what has transpired, Mr. Car- ter,’’? said the banker, very huinbly, ‘T shall feel hopeless and helpless unless you consent to drag us out of our difficulties, ”” ‘*We shall see,’’ observed Nick. ‘‘Whiat do these difficulties comprise?” “Forgery,” announced the bank presi- dent. - “Magic!” insisted his subordinate, i ina. sappy, positive way. “There is something interesting on the pestis here! 1! decided Nick Carter. : os CHAPTER III. BLANK! _ “Forgery, you said?”’ observed Nick to the banker. ‘Yes, that covers it,’’ assented Moss. _ “And—niagic!’ persisted the cashier, “Let us get down to the hard, sub- stantial facts first,’’? suggested Nick. “Proceed, Mr. Moss.”? “J hardly know how to basi ss ‘You gave the details to the gentleman who so freely borrowed my. name ??* Ves, ” ¢ hee "Then tell me what you told him,”? ‘‘Well, Mr. Carter,’’ stated the banker, - “for the first time during the existence of ~ this institution we-ate called ipo Ke. ise . irregularities, ’” *< Serious 2? “Very serious. eae ‘‘Becatse untraceable and mysterious, ” added thie cashier, who was bound to have .. his say. This is what: ‘has estes cs ons : tinued Moss. “Checks nave been ee “We shall see,’ Said Nick. Carter— o
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NICK : CARTER WEEKLY. its 9. ‘Some twenty-five of them.’’ ‘‘And coveting what atount?”’ “Up to date, something like twelve thousatid dollars. T'welve thousand dol- lars, of course, is a trivial amount for an institution like the Royal Trust——” “Certainly !?? **But if the leak continues——’’ The banker waved his hand, suggesting sheer helplessness. 2 “*T understand. ”’ . ‘These checks were presented directly ‘over our countet in some instances. ”? ‘‘By parties you knew?” “Not so.”’ ‘By strangers. ”’ ‘*Ves. of mouey in a day, and fully fifty per cent. of the persons who present. the checks are not our customers. A large number of checks aré presented calling for the ready cael: These Pe bes ones lave crept in. : “But you surely insist upon the ida tification of the strangers ?”” - Or an tO; tee “T see, Goon.” ‘The checks were payable to ‘John Adams,’ to ‘RB. B. Rice,’ to ‘Seth W. Polk,’ to various common naines in the directory. Sometimes a ‘storekeeper cus- tomer, who had taken one in the course of business, would bring it in—soimetimes the payee would ask for a certification, | and, later, it would come to us through the Clearing House,”’ “By whom were the checks sean rey asked, Nick. ¢ ; ui Obteneily by our hy oldest custoin- ers and largest depositors.’’ ‘“By any special ones.”? ‘“No—one day it would be_ a Heth on the Stock Exchange; the next a manu- facturing company.”" “The checks- seemed al staight ahi regular??? We pay out enormous amounts: . phasis. iePositively cannot be distinguished from the genuine.’’ 4 “But the numbers ?”’ es ‘*So correct, so neat to that of the Jast paid check on file—never duplicating one already in—that there is not a safeguard we could think. of to arm” ourselves - against these’ forgeries.’ ‘You then inean,’’ said Nick, ‘‘that a check coming into this establishment— not from one, but from twenty different petsons—in each instance is practically as perfect as to number, perforation, sig- nature and ‘O. K.” as if in every respect — legitimate?” ‘*Positively.. Why, Mr. Caren in ciao instauces, where a private maker is used ~ —and, mind you, charged with certain regular dates in the month—there was not a flaw in the check.’ “‘You surprise me,” said Nick. , “It has been with a good deal of trou- , ble that we have sorted out the real from the spurious,” proceeded the banker. ‘These latter we have grouped together. I sent my brother-in-law to-night to show these to” the supposed Mr. Carter—the imposter. ‘They are yonder.’? e The speaker reached over fora package compressed within two individual paste- board covers, 5 Between these, held. by elastic bands, -were a number of checks, Nick took them as they were tendered. “These are the forgeries?” he inquired. ‘Up to date," said the banker. Nick did not exaimne them at once. : He saw that the banker’s lips were moving, as with the advauce influence of 3 something exciting that he had_ to add to ; that already revealed. : Nick looked up at daa auickly, saying “That is all??? No!” negatived the aa with Mo, ” ’ added t the cashier—' whee
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gL) i opera served Moss, very seriously. ‘‘I wish you to examine an order that you will find among the checks in that package.”’ ‘An order? From whom ?”’ “Myself. Tuesday morning a bill was brought here, addressed to mez in an en- velope. The cashier took it from the per- son presenting it, told. him to call later, _and placed itin my letter tray. It was fot services rendered.”’ “In what:line ??” “For roofing on some buildings we hold in trust. The amount was thirteen dollars and fifty cents. I remembered the coutract, but mot the contractor. I placed _the bill aside till I could verify it; yet less than two hours later, Mr. Dorsett here insists it cane to him, with other orders and papers, marked on the back, as you will see, ‘Pay thirteen hundred and fifty dollars, as per above.’ ”’ “Thirteen hundred and fifty ary 2 “¢ Ves.’? “And the bill?” ‘“*Was changed on its face from thirteen dollars and fifty cents to the larger amount.’ Soe Ont ment?’ “Never!” ‘*Nor signed your name??? *Assuredly no. “Vou are sure the original athoine was only thirteen dollars'and fifty cents ??’ “1 would swear to it!” é ‘‘And the person presenting it?” ‘Did not at all represent the ‘firm, as we later learned.”’ ‘‘How did he know amount was due them ?’’ “T cannot tell vou.” “‘You paid out the thirteen hundred had not written the indorse- that such an ae and fifty dollars.”’ ‘*Mr. Moss’ order is never questioned here,’? observed the cashier, sagely. Nick did not speak for a moment or two. : He was: ieatees troubled nor bafled, proceeded ‘Nick. _ who handles the tray—— aS Timea at oS dag NICK CARTER WEEKLY. but he wished to get the developments correctly grouped, accurately analzyed. ‘‘tow soon after the bill was first ob- setved by you was the same returned to the cashier in your tray??? he inquired next. “Tt was handed in at ten—it was paid at eleven-thirty,’’ responded the banker. ‘You mean to tell. me, then,’ asked Nick, ‘‘that sonie one changed the amount in the bill, wrote your indorse- nent, and placed the bill in the cash tray, during that hour and a half??? (Ves, %> “Who was in your private office during that time?” “Not a soul except inyself.”’ ‘‘Vou are positive of that??? “Twas engrossed in some particular business concerning the floating of a new enterprise, and gave it out that I was not to be interrupted. At ten the boy brought in the tray. I attended to what it le'd— but not to that bill. At eleven-thirty I ‘rang for him,’ gave him the tray, and left the bank. The original preseutor of the bill appeared a few minutes later.’’ Nick regarded the banker _searchingly. ‘There is a flaw here, somewhere, ”? he observed. “*T can’t expen it!’? said Se banker, ‘desperately. ‘*Magic, I tell vou!’? declared the cash- jer. ‘Of course you do not mean that seri- ously 2’? observed Nick. — ‘Why, no—still, construe the matter, if you can?” “This far,’? responded Nick, ‘‘it is ap- parent that whoever yttered those checks is au expert forgér.” “T never heard of anything approxi- mating the faultless work done,’? said the - banker. ‘Of course some one altered that bill,’ “Now then—the boy
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Ja cei ° | The cashier flushed with quick resent- ment. “Sir! he said, “he is my youngest son.”’ ‘*Beo pardon,’’ observed Nick, ‘Sbut— you vouch for iim??? ‘Why! he can only crudely copy a line from a writing book.”’ ‘‘He comes from the president? s office direct to you, without stopping ?”’ os Always—the eyes of the entire bank are upon hin,’ Nick took up the package of ‘"ptoofs”” in the case. “Examine them, Mr.\Carter,’’ suggest- ed the banker. WY es; at oce. 22. , ‘They tell me that detective, science has done some marvelous things in the way of tracing down a case from its chir- ogtaphy aspect ?”’ ‘That is true. Ah, by the’ way,’ ob- served Nick, deferring his examination of the checks, and. in quite an ordinary tone—‘‘your messenger to me——”’ “Mark Brewer?’ “The same.’? ‘(The armless man.’ ”’ ‘“‘Ves—I wondered a godd deal whrat possible use you could put a person like that to in an institution of this sort.’ ‘Why, not much,’’ adinitted the bank- er. ‘‘He isa poor unfortunate whom we felt itour duty to pension off.” “An old employee of the bank, then ?”’ Os rete: has been here barely six montlis.’ SCA), 1? ‘(He lost his arms in our service, you seer, be 6) your service ?’’ ‘We may put it that way. ‘The bank advanced quite an amount ‘some years © since on a inortgage on a large Dakota farm. There was litigation, and’.we placed the matter in the hands of a law-. yer out in Huron, and beat the owners of the farm. This Brewer held possession for us in a rather plucky way. under a reaper the next year, and had both of his arms clipped off at the shoul- ders.’’ “Unfortunate, : truly! ys commented Nick. . “The lawyer apprized us of the acci- € _ dent, and when the farm was sol He fell sent Brewer a clieck fora hundred dollars to help him along.’’ “But he came Hast ?”? ‘Unexpectedly. He begged Sf me to fit him in where he could think he was working and earning a living, and we have made a general utility man of him.’’ “But what does he do?’’ ‘*Keeps the run of the office,’ Bat de- livers verbal messages inside and out- side.” ‘*T understand,’’ said Nick, Shortig the information. “He can’t steal, you see,’’ half chue- kled the cashier. ‘**So, the piles of gold and bills have no temptations for him,’’ added the bank- er. ‘‘But Brewer isa thoroughly honest aud reliable fellow, aud I sent him to you because he knew something about the forgeries. ”’ ‘‘How is that??? “He accidentally overheard us discuss it, and honorably apprized. us of the fact.) : : “Indeed !?? said Nick. ‘‘Tliese-are the checks, are they?’ he interrogated, un- strapping the package he had taken up. “Yes, Mr. Carter,’’ assented the bank- er—‘‘there are your clews. Weare now very closely scanning all the checks that coime'in. For several days I do not think we have been hit.’? , ‘*Perhaps the forger has played his game out?’ suggested the cashier. Pe ees or not,’’ observed the bank- . ‘he must be run down if possible. Bs a right,’’? said Nick, opening the — parcel. ‘(These are as originally received, - Mr. Moss???’ ‘Cettainly.”? 3 Nick Carter fixed a scrutinizing look on the first, the second, the third, the fourth, and so on to the ast one of the checks in the parcel. Back and front he studied them—back and front he also. exaniined the bill and the order to which the banker had alee luded., £3) Then he arose to his feet, a singular. expression upon his face. — : = ‘Vou showed these to the man who — assumed my identity here to-night 2” f Nick questioned the cashier. a ae : “Under a pa Seae ite ee acer .
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le. the moment. - “Vou gaid_ ma sie. he voiced, ite gic,”? he 4 12 NIQK CARTER WEEKLY, AUL-oF tiieane ke ‘*Before-your sight here?’ ‘*Practically. I gave him that little table and the shaded lamp.”’ “OW iy 2??? “He said he wanted to examine the checks leisurely, and also to take notes.’ “He scrutinized them closely ?’’ '“Very—I noticed that. He had an in- strument he placed over them, a new magnifying. glass he said it and——”? “Geutlemen,’’ paterinned Nick, toss- ing the package upon the table as if it were so much waste paper, ‘‘we have dis- covered what the impostor came’ for.’? “How! exclaimed the banker, im- ‘pressed by Nick’s.tone. ‘*He got what he .wanted,”’ ‘What do you mean?” ‘Those checks, that order——”? ‘*Well, sir??? -’They are blank !”’ CHAPTER IV. - AN ARTISTIC SWINDLE. ~ “Blank!’? exclaimed the “banker, springing electrically to his feet. “What do you. mean by that, Mr. ade ter?’ cried the cashier. ‘Look for yourself,’ said Nick. Why! pp? With hurried “fingers; the cashier took > up the package of documents. i They fell free from his. grasp, spread- ing out so that a glance could ‘take in at least a part of all the checks revealed. Dhese showed not one single mar in ink.. S Meant back, checks had borne originally, all this was _now obliterated. was, .- whatever ne sce ¢ “Got what he came for, as I said. He “His intention——”? ‘‘Was to find out, firstly, liow far you had got onto lis system.’’ “Which we babbled like greenhorns— like children!’ groaned the banker. ‘Next, he sought and secured the op- portunity to destroy every evidence o for- gery in your possession. ’ ‘“Why, it is incredible!’ gasped Mea ‘““Ffe did it, nevertheless,’’ observed . Nick, coolly, with a sweep of his hand across the checks. “But how ??’ demanded the eaaliter “Before your very eves, did he not?” “Why=-—" , *‘You were noticing him.’ ““But—could I suspect!” “*No,» you could not—frankly. That ‘magnifying glass’ of his was quite ade- ceptive move—while eutizely nattral, un- ‘der the circuiistauces.”’ ‘Tien it was mot a: jmagnifving g siass 2) ‘Certainly not.’ — and: mark you, Mr. Carter” said the. bank president, who had summoned suffi- cient steadiness to carefully inspect one of | the cliecks, ‘‘this’ process, the ability to, ‘destroy a signature, a document, with : DOW- one wave of the hand—why, such a er could ‘disintegrate. the banking | ness of the world!’ “Mhere is no erasive agent Aes to. me that could in a week’s tinre effect tiie te work done there,’’ declared the cashier. - “How was it done?” inquited the banker. ix Nick took a check, went up to eh light, and éxamined the document with | the aid of his’ own powerful SER glass. ~ Except where there had been perfora- “tion, the checks were the same as though ° just removed from a book and never used. The cashier was thrown: -completely off his balance. ‘He again ran through the heap, held them up to the light, felt them, and then stared vacantly at the detective. ~~ Moss was meg ieles by the. discovery of feebly; ‘‘yes, it is magic ce ,”? observed smgeinice and a eee ‘zine absorption here. ee es a toller oppcustve.'! he reported, Gree -“Tndeed!? murmured the Makied - aN special ink, I imagine, also." ze ze ‘Tt must be sd.” ‘*Electricity,”’ added Nick, finally. The cashier stared. . Hs Yes,!? asserted the _eteet Sess ona olirren: es boat vee been ee
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NIOK CARTER WEEKLY, ~ ing ideas suggested by the discovery of the momeut. ‘Tt must have been quick work,’’ he remarked. “Quick and thorough,’ assented Nick. ‘* Von observe where the check was filled Litetere “Where. there has been. an oblitera- one ‘ : “Ves, There you. find a_-snrooth, definite mark like that-of a hot flat iron edge,” “YT notice.’ ‘The man Aub passeda Pe cylin- der over the paper. This he could do very rapidly. I am-sorry it lias happened. With the checks as they were, the hand- writing would have been a certain guide, the indorsements auother. traced down individual checks.”? “Now 2)? “Now it is starting WY from the ground up : “On theory.’ . ‘Let us begin to build,’’ said passed the fotged checks?” ‘‘No,’’ answered the cashier, ‘I< ques. tioned hini regarding that.’ Phe man who pfesented bill? Mr. Dorsett,’’ proceeded (vou dealt with him. looking person was le?’ The cashier shook Jiis head. “Mir, Carter,’ he said, Nick, ple daily... With those 1 do not kuow the protection of a system hitherto invulner- able las made me indifferent." “Vou cotild not describe this quan??? “Not satisfactorily.?’ Then we. will look inside tive said Nick. 7. “Tow is that)? demanded the ee sharply. ah “Tuside the bank 2” repeated the cash- jer. “Certainly. - “Vou think——”’ an Pens “h know: that here is : the starting point of the fraud.” - , Inside of the bank ! ae ‘repeated Moss, ~ staring wf “Yes Let ine present a Fe poi We could have ; Nick.- ite paying-teller does not remember” the face of any one of the. persons who the raised What. kindof a‘ “TY deal: with — from two to three ligated different peo- Lame bank, "aes $e “Tt sees so.’ ‘Some one was apprized Ae your. ce coveries, of your intentions. We go hack further: It is no novelty for éven a bung- ler with time and patience to-perfect him-" self in copying a single signature—but tweuty! thirty i = “He must be a seuaiel ‘Rather, he must have. unusual due. admirable facilities for getting the PIED ratory ulaterial for his enterprise.” “Phe material?" ‘‘Ves, access to the signatures of: the. ostensible inakers of the checks. ‘This person, besides, is provided with an ac- — curate knowledge of the number series, — the private marks. Your efitire. panladg “system. Itis simple.” ° ‘You have foriied an opinion % AD “Decidedly. It is that the: forgei—or his accomplice—has access to the tank siguature book, to every department and every detail of your business.’? — ‘This startling declaration was received in silence. he banker looked fixedly at the detective; the tashier copied his: Manner. eo Tey had: gent for. “the sdoctor,??- ee he was, and lie had “diagnosed” the ‘ease! “Could there be any other way?” " sug-" gested Nick. : “T had seareely reuteratet the. idea —”? begai thie banker, niusingly. ale ‘You ate naturally averse to consider- “ing that phase, of course,’ said Nick. So. would you be, if you kuew our. force,’’ said the cashier. it es ‘old, staid, reliable persons.’ aE would vouch for every one of them !? declared Moss, with energy. reas Nick sat silent: for the space oe over 2 a & mintite:. : ar His companions - fixed anxious, sus= ‘pensefil eyes ands him, his grim ins a3 scrutability puzzled them. — As le looked up, it) was the | ‘sig j the banker to sav something, Ses eT: Carter,” he “observed, i can realize that we have been the sia no ordinary fraud.’? “On the Raa 3S ne * A y
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4 + NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “'T see that—yés.”’ - “This forger must be run down!”? “Very well—I undertake the commis- sion.’? : “You hope, then——’’ began Moss, eagerly. “T began with work,’ declared Nick, sententiously. “fOf course.’ . “Hope and the rest trail on later.” AT {9 A “Let ne have now an-accurate list, a perfect description, of every person em- ployed in this establishment or living in the building.” ‘“We occupy the entire building.”’ “That simplifies the matter; official roster, so to speak ??? ” It was seemingly an arduous task that Nick had suggested. : With any other person it might have consuined hours. Yet rapidly, though pa- tiently, he went over a book containing _ the names and the record of the various attaches of the bank, inside of twenty minttes. Nick put direct inquiries aud teceived concise auswers. From the janitor who lived in the gar- ret, to the watchman who had. a room in the basement, he went through the his- ‘tories of office boy, messenger, cashier, tellers, clerks. Nick arose slowly and drew on his gloves, first folding and placing in. his pocket one of the obliterated checks. “What next??? queried the banker, rather anxiously. ‘‘VYes-—when shall we hear from you. -. again ?’’ pressed the cashier. “T will report to-morrow morning,’’ answered Nick. ‘‘Meautime, you will help me out to the extent of circulating the announcement that a clever fraud has been played on the bank, that the forger has scooped in his plunder, obliterated his trail, disappeared, and, for once, de- fied the best detective skill. ie “This is to be given out inthe bank ?”” inquired Moss, significantly. ae 6h Yes. 4) * we ‘Not outside ?”’ “No need—it will answer my purpose to have that report go only among the hanking force.”’ j “Your purpose, Mr. Panes interro- gated the Banker. ewes but your . ‘‘Yes, what is your purpose, may I ask??? inquired the cashier. ‘You may—to-morrow.’?’ —— —— CHAPTER <V.- THE ALPHABET BLOCKS. The banker had not particularly no- ticed it, but Nick Carter had e's him inside out on one theme. : ‘This courprised the details concerning “the armless mau.’? Adroitly bringing up this curious at- tache of the institution here and ‘there, quite casually referring to him all along the interview, Nick had found out ex- ‘actly what he wanted to know. With his antecedents, his place of resi- dence, his habits, his misfortune, he was posted completely as he left the shadow of the Royal ‘I'rust building. The detective looked over the bank edifice from cellar to cornice. He took in the details of strroundings and structures, and opposite elevation with the critical air of a surveyor or an architect. ‘Then he went straight to ee and after a few minutes entered a branch office of the Western Union ‘Telegraph service. The Dakota tariff of rates was what in- terested . thie detective—particularly ‘the cost of telegraphing to Huron. Nick consulted a little book, which he carried alweys in a very private pocket. There was at Huron, he found, one of: those persons whose addresses he had in every large city and town in the country, whose affiliation with his own profes- sional line constituted them useful and trustworthy aids when occasion required. Over the wires, an hour later, flashed quite a lengthy message. Nick’ went home ‘after this; a reply was not due until the next day. _ Chick was awaiting him with | some - eagerness. The detective’s Suabirieas assistant pre- sented the appearance of a person having ~ “something to communicate, but his first eagerness was to learn from. the lips of his chief the ‘result of his visit to. iis, bank. meee Chick. wonderingle regarded. ithe sane
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NICK CARER WEEKLY. 3 ieee | while he was reciting the main points of the enterprise of the evening, Twelve thousand dollars !? murmured Chick, thoughtfully, ‘tand -decidedly slick !?? “It’s a new deal, Chick, in a way,” as- sented the detective. ‘‘When we run down this crowd, we will either find some old hands at: the front, with the latest and best, or a brilliant new lot who have reduced bank working to a very fine Science, ”’ “‘Of course there is an insider.” “Can you doubt it???’ ‘“Then there will be some on the case?’ ‘*Certainly—we must make our start there. I lave the personnel of the work- inside work ing force, aud the routine aud environ-) ment of the institution in general.’ “First, then, to dispose of the em- plovees?”? “Yet Patsy aud Ida help on that score. I will arrange in detail to-morrow.’ Nick rapidly outlined his instructions. It could be arranged to have Chick spend a few hours behind the counters as ‘a representative of the bank examiner”? Ida, in widow’s weeds, could present a note, uecessitating her waiting in. the bank for a supposed party whe was to in- dorse for her. There was an old ariel organ in Nick’s dressing room that had done ser- vice on more than one occasion. — : Patsy shonld resurrect it, and, taking up a position near the bank, could: scan from a different point of view those et- tering and leaving the institution. ‘*T noticed ‘that. the clerks in the front office seemed somewhat excited’ by curi- osity during’ your interview with the banker and the cashier,’ ‘Ah! you noticed that, did you?” said Nick, with a keen stare. COWES ? ' ‘(Then you were on the scene?” “About eight o clock. A mere acci- dent.” “Explain, Chick?” “That armless. man ‘Teft here before you did.”’ “*T am aware of it.”’ “The thought possessed me to stroll after him, when you had left.” : _ “You ran across him??? ” obser ved Chick.. LER. sheer luck—for he was gone quite a little time.” “But you caught up with him.” hairs “Where ??? . ‘‘About five squares from here. He was looking in the windows of the ‘stores. When he stopped before that of a station- ery establishment, I became interested. a0 “Go onv@hick. “Positively devoured with curiosity when he went inside!’ “What did he buy?” . “*T duplicated his purchase.” “Indeed ??? “Vou shall see.’ Chick reached tor a square package done up neatly in. wrapping paper, and tore off the covering. ‘Alphabet bl ocks,” said Nick, remov- ing the /highly-colored cover of the box. ‘“The arinless man purchased the ex- act duplicate of that set,’ asserted Chick. ‘“And carried it away she him ??? COV ag, WD } ‘How was that??? “(He wears a coat that has all kinds of convenient pockets. ‘The storekeeper had to pick out his change froin one of these, stow the box into another, open the door for his customer and all that; but the man lost no time in the traisaction:”’ “Brewer then proceeded home?” ” (Meg) : **1'o the bank ?”? ‘He rooms, I fancy, in the building. gs “hat is right.” ‘*He let himself in at all events, with a key.”? ‘ ‘With a key??? “Tt seemed so. was locked. from I could not see at a distance. ”? “And how did he manipulate it ?”’ ‘Well, he did. His head, body, knees, At any rate, the door seened to assist in the unique operation, but he had that door open quickly, and - removed the key with his lips——" “Ah! with his lips!” ‘He wet i —disappeared.”” Nick moved over. the alphabet blocks thoughtfully, taking in all that (Chick reported. At nine o’clock the next morning ne held a brief but animated interview | Se fe: Chink, Patsy: and Ida. 2 Where he fished the key .
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16 . é NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ernment official ee ae in Treasury circles. ; : Patsy disappeared, to reappear the typical organ grinder in garb and «inten- tions. The most charming little ee in the world, Ida deiuurely “made a sevond ap- pearance, and started out on her mission ” with an from Nick. ‘The secret. service expert liad Jost no tine in getting in play the initiatory x movements of his system, approving compliment ‘The machinery in motion was bound to develop sone kind of results. before the day. was doiie, but he did not wait idly for nightfall. Nick had adopted a disguise penetrable only by . lfis assistants, beeaause lie had advised them of his intention to ‘assume it. He looked up the local tecord of the armless man that morning. -- It was. ‘with logical persistency that "Nick confined his efforts to investigations mote or less circling about. this. indi- vidual. At noon Ida met her superior at a res- taurant agreed on, She had nothing particular to report, she claimed, although she was able to portray a vivid photograpi of every sus- picious or shady person who had entered the bank that morning. - ‘You may as well Keep up the shadow till towards three’ o’clock,”’ directed Nick. ONVery. well,”? assented the little lady detective, . Even if you ea not find out sigs thing.”’ “But I shall find ont si ts eg UV oy think that??? “T an very sure of it,” “Vou have something in view - now, Ida,’’ observed Nick, shrewdly regarding his com panion’s face. “Why, of course!’ smiléd Nick’s - pretty assistant. There was an open window just beside the table at which the colloquy ing place. There, suddenly appeared Patsy. - -He nodded to Nick, and its ‘smiled aes steriousy at Ida. “Right!” he ‘observed to the EN e - “What ise this:2?): peeret ge Os was tak- Niek. muted the detective, miusingly. yallied Nick—‘ta_ “An experimeut,’’ said Ida. _ Concerning ——”’ “The bank, of course,’’ began Patsy. “And your ‘armless man,’’ interrupted Ida. ‘The truth is, that he sefit a mes- sage this iworuiug.”? “Oh! you know that? ae - questioned *“Patsy seems to.’ . **And he is oechaely expecting a te-” ply,’’ added the latter. ‘*Boy which we shall keep “2 a sharp lookout,’’ observed Ida. “Bxplain,” directed Nick. ‘*VYou asked me to watch this Brewer ‘particularly, *? said Ida. ctVeg, be ‘*He went up stairs to his quarters, I suppose’ —about eleven o’clock.”’ me “Of which fact she apprized through finger - telegraphy,’’ explained Patsy. - “I watclred-out.’” “To what purpose ?”’ “*T saw the armless man five minutes later, and I at a window aioticed sone pretty lively maneuvers—for a cripple. ’’ ‘*What were they ?’’ ‘‘He set on the top of the lower sash, tilted against the glass——”’ ‘guia alphabet blocks!’ surmised Nick. “Ah! you know?’ “No, anticipated from wha I knew before of those same alphabet blocks.’ “‘Tesee;. Very well) he placed a ams aps as a fellow setting type.’’ ; _ ‘With his mouth ?” “That was it—one by one he picked out the blocks with his lips, one by one- He ee he ranged them along.’’ - Ona they read ?”? “ Niek Catterin- touche sts ae “(Nick Carter in ‘touch,’ eh?” mur- ~ “hat was the first Jine.’” *.-# “here was a See riko Pat “Vea. a a ~ “What was that shen eure “ “Send instructions.’ ” ees : Nick nodded. with a nas deal of satis- faction. ° . “He left the pinche. in 1 place—how long?’ he inquired.. Es ate ‘Not sixty seconds.” | Lt oe mi “Some one was posted - —< then, ie waiting: for that ee ee sf
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NICK CARLER WERKLY, wed ise; “Sure of that, Patsy.” “Dead certain. There is nothing di- rectly opposite but that high fence that they use for a maninoth billboard.’ ‘“T know.” ‘*Aud no one*passes on the temporary sidewalk there unless he has to.”’ **T noticed that, also.”’ ‘““No oné was passing or hanging around whem those blocks were set. “The cripple looked from the win- dow.?’’ ore vy “Tn what direction ?”’ “Exactly opposite.’? “You are sure of that?’’ ‘And rapidly removed the blocks.” ‘‘Nothing since, Patsy ?”’ i ‘Not a miove.’? ‘No, we ate just atone eace Ida. ‘‘Keep watching,’’ directed Nick. He left his two young assistants to theinselves, for Chick had passed the front of the restaurant at that moment. Nick strolled out aid joined hint around the corner. ‘“At sea,’? instantly reported Chick. ‘Vou cannot find any suspicions par- ties in’ the bank ??’. “Not as yet,’’ answered Chick. “Not even the armless man?” “He seeins out of the question. ”’ ‘Why so?” ‘* Helpless !”’ Nick smiled shrewdly. ; ‘*Perhaps vou will not say so when I show you something, Chick,” he ob- served. “Perhaps not—usually - I change: my ideas when you-hint in that iL arerics tone!’ “<Not raystertos—<but significant. a “Enlighten—won’t you??? ‘‘Well, there is a telegiam—from Da kota,"? Aq IY? “Brouy Huron, in fact.’” “Tn reply to the one you sent last se WAR ie : “Exactly. ee Sg fe é. ‘What does it say ?? ae “Read for yourself.’ * va “Nick tendered an guvelope, . aud Chick 2 Sa veageme ie! drew out. its” enclosure. CHAP i VI. THE LITTLE LADY DETECTIVE. Chick gave a start as he perused the few words the felpgraty contained. It read thus: : See “Mark Brewer has — been~ aa and buried for nearly a year.”’ ; “Our Mark ‘Brewer?’ inquired Chick. “Of course,’ nodded Nick. — ““Aruiless—aud all that??? OV eg 2? rs = “Precisely like the ripple at “the: ) batrk ?”? “I sent definite instructions to a trusty party to jinvestigate,”’ explained Nick, “‘and this is the reply. ’? ‘Which means that the fellow posing: as Mark, Brewer has taken a dead, aman’ 8 place.”’ . ‘“‘He is an impostor, yes. He struck me as the head of this affair from the start,’” ° said Nick; ‘‘he so strikes ime a still more fottnidably. Ge an sags 3 **Vou don’t say how?” “Not until I am sure of a certain line of reasoning I am following out.” “We have arrived ata positive clew, at * all events.” ‘“Ves— Brewer is the man to watch.’ ‘Will that be difficult?” “TY think it will, judging from what Patsy and Ida have just told me.’? ‘What is that?” Nick recapitulated ; mensely interested. ‘Brewer bought those alphabet blocks for 110 educational plirpose, it seems,’’ he remarked. : “‘Scarcely-—and his use of them implies — a plan to exercise extreme caution in -communicating-with his accomplices. ’” ‘eT the hué and ery is over.?’ “Gather what you can, Chick, up to three o’clock. Aner we aie: ‘compare et notes.’? E d Nick proceeded on his. way. He acted the part of the general ove seer of a tactical situation for’ oe — suing two hours. ‘The detective now studied the bank: building and its aye taee oe cle ly than before. The bank’ ag “upper. “window— sth lat of the ro Chick was itn-
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> IC ite : NICK CARTER WLEKLY. Brewer was doniiciled—was the centre of a close inspection ou Nick’s part. Opposite, there was nothing but the billboard fence. It ran very high, and it caine up tight to the sides of two buildi ings a hundred feet apart. Its centre seemed the natural spot at which a person would post iimself to view clearly distant. objects, like the al- phabet blocks. Still, Patsy had affitmed that no one had been so posted, aud the lnildings at the rear of the vacant space that the bill-+ board shut in were about one hundred and fifty feet distant, and had a blank, windowless back wall. It was nearly three o’clock when Nick, lingering in this viciuity, abruptly direct- ed his attention to Patsy. The latter had tute he had been grinding out all the afternoon, Suddenly and rollickingly he’ started “up a waltz on double- quick time. Nick divined that there was some sig- nificance to this. -It was a signal to considered, scanning bank Slosely. : Through a window he anid see Ida’s s black bonnet and veil. Standing. at a_ radiator, side, was the armless mau. He was looking out of a window, watching the street scrutinizingly. Brisk clerks and important business ureil were going intoand coming from the bank all of the time. Nick scanned those entering. Ida, tne detective the front of the alinost at her “diffienlt to pick out the one Patsy tad apparently spotted. — : A fruit girl with a basket on her arm. passed up the steps. The cripple continued lis pose. at the window, and Ida did not, appear to move, Nick fancied it best not to disturb the _ situation; he walked around the block. His intention was to get near enough - to Patsy, without appearing conspicuous, . to receive a hint of what was going on. Nick was somewhat surprised, as he reached the corner again, to find his: as- “sistant had departed. ‘The bank closed its doors ; Ida did not — come out, eine pe eg into a court and dropped, the droning | It was.. A hand pressed Nick’s arm and urged him from his attitude of inspection. ‘Waiting for-you,”” ee Chick. “Ida and Patsy 2” Vac: ae) “Where?” Chick led the way two blocks, turning thence into. an old -va- eaut building. Patsy greeted him with looked’ niodesthy gratified. “Tsee you have something to vel, “i observed Nick. ; ‘Just this,’ said Patsy—‘‘that I kept my eves out sharply for the reply to that alphabet block message.’ * “Did that jump to a- fast, lively tune 6n the hand organ proclaim it, Patsy?” questioned Nick. Yop deat ab (9 oe “What started the erates oe “A fruit girl.” “Ah! «Tsaw her” ‘‘She passed the bank twice, looked up at the windows, and, I could have sworn, smiled at the armless man.’ And entered ?”? **Not just then. corner first.”’?= = ‘What to do?” “Look over her wares,’’ “Apples and stuch.’’ ‘Particularly apples! She took one ont from away under the heap—a bright, red beauty—and unscrewed it.’? “CA dunimy ?”” ‘“Papier mache, of course. She looked into it, restored it to its natural appear- aus and this time went into the bank. Tdid some finger work towards Ida—who came to the window when J set by that lively tune.”? “rhe girl went selling her wares in the bauk, I suppose??? surmised Nick, “She made a play at it—yes,”’ an- swered Ida, taking up the thread of the Natrative. } “What kind of a play?” ., ‘fo cover her real intention; She worked around to ime, gave me a keen look, and sold me a couple of apples.”? — Yon i sep vo for the dummy one??? ‘*Patsy’s a was clear—yes. She hailed the cripple. He passed some ordi-. effusion; Ida She weut around tlie nary badinage. witlf her.”? ae “And Soe, Pt fers Sah
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. : youn: vy examine the apple. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘*He told her to fish in one pocket for the nickel, and put in another the two apples he had purchased.” ‘*Which she did?” : “Depositing with the other the apple she had retained in her hand ever since conling into the bank.’? ‘Did you get that apple, Ida?” ‘Before she had ceased conversing with this Brewer. His back was to me, and I had excellent opportunity, and his form sheltered me from her view. Under my heavy veil, I found an opportunity to I replaced it in the course of five minutes, ”’ “But Jost the girl??? “Ohi! I should know her again.’’ ‘And now, then—as to this apple?” a Gt cotitaitied a card bent around its hollow interior. . The card bore these words: ‘Don’t stir. Drop everything. Wait for the wires.’ ” : “That was all??? “It’s something ?”” SON: yes—iudeed!”” “Tt sends this Brewer back into his hole clear out of sight for a spell, I trace it,’’ declared Chick. “About that,?? nodded Nick, thought- fully. ‘*You. will hunt up this fruit girl, if possible, Ida.”’ AST Siialie?? **T will: advise with you later. in thie . evening,’’ said the detective to Patsy: To Chick he made a slight of his head. f They left the place together. . Nick’s manner indicated that he had some direc- tions to impart. “What next?’ asked his assistant. inclination “*T will have to see the bank president . and his cashier, as I agreed,’ said Nick. ‘And in the meantime —myself ?”? “Why, I will tell. you, Chick,’? the detective. ‘‘I would like to find out how Brewer sends his alphaber. Inessages so quickly to their destination.. Good !’’ assured Chick, witlr b —‘‘Jet it be my part to find that out for . rt a \ vans in eg CHAPTER AVE: A SHOOT THROUGH SPACE. UGome off that ladder!’ . ‘One minute, my friend }”? A It was Chick who Spake last. = said. briskness He ‘ould scarcely have been recog-— nized hy his closest acquaintance. The detective’s assistant presented nothing of his real personality. So he had been safe and free to prow! about the neighborhood of the bank for hours after that institution had closed its doors. Chick occupied a somewhat, prominent position. He was climbing up a light but strong bill poster’s ladder. A fine job of plastering the immense . surface with fresh theatre bills had just been executed. The front glistened with trickling paste, and high colors -came forth lurid from under this slimy veil. Chick had watched the upper part of the bank ever since dusk. ‘The armless man had gone to his quar- ters. No light showed there, but the ‘ window was open, aud Chick was certain that he was still its occupant. Chick had kept his eye on ail passers- by on the opposite side of the street. No person acting suspiciously or the least bit interested in that upper bank room, had passed along, however. - For fully an hour four bill posters had been covering the great billboar They had concluded their task; and most of their truck had heen deposited in their waiting wagon ; when some friend of the craft chanced along.. He had invited the quartette to drink - an him; all hands had departed for the nearest saloon. - Chick had Be eae crossed the Street. He had poate out quite an idea while watching the bill posters at work. One of the ladders had been left in- place. It occurred to Chick that a glance over © the top of the billboard might be in line with some vague suggestion his mind had received during the past hour. Chick ascended the ladder. half wav up it when the challenge came from helow. In’ Chick a returning billposter saw only some person inimensely ES or bent on mischief. “Come down, I Fes he ordered, wait a minute, I He os 6
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a0 “You won't??? “Not till I reach the top.’’ “Yow ll never reach the top of this ladder!” te “But I will!’ disputed Chick. “Then you'll stay there.”’ “Perhaps. 2 ‘“Aalr!”? Chick had hands. Two feet from the rail outs the bill- board, he was-borue off his balance. g Tie skilled hillposter knéw “how to ably handle one of the principal inrple- ments of his trade. He not only gave the ladder a pull, hut, seizing its bottom: tung, he executed a twist, the-stddenness of which was be- wildering. Chick turned over, fest his grip, and was fluug outward. He resented most of all this failure to _accomplish his purpose. A slam against the board suntaeera drop of a few yards, was merely trivial, “iunder the circumstances. “Go it!” jeered tlre billposter. “ae he deuce!” tmuttered Chick. it TielioP?.. yeyees the man - aghast. j “Chick had eed He had disappeared with a sharp sound like the snapping of thin ice. . Where he struck there came a gaping rent in. paper made thick and tough through the hardening of many layers. But for the softening influence of the layer just put on, it is. doubtful if even. the force with which he was headed’ ,wottld have carried iat: through this pape wall. He slid and burst. ‘inoust ‘a space ‘hat, it seemed, had no backing. Chick grazed something—he knew uot what, with the swiftness of - and then sheer downward progress. He struck out both arms, and they met “a a seanitling that supported the billboard. - ‘He slid down this to the ground, got _ his breath and ‘Poise, and glanced. about Lt was a disordered, irregular’ Jot that- the shut in Space comprised. a R hurried his nimble feet and below, NICK CARTER WEBKLY, Sr al - Chick heard voices beyond the. bill board, ‘and this structure creaked as a, pressure was brought to bear upon it. The man who “had pulled thé ladder aa had, it seemed, been joined by his fel- lows. Their voices could be sO at the gap a human head came through, CHG, there !?? hailed its owner. © Chick did not reply. ‘Stay there !?’ growled the same per- son—=‘‘find your wav out, if you won’t be — civilized—after breaking the law!’ There caine a “slapping sound a Mo- ment later. 5 The jag set in place, to restore the outward sym- metry and finish of the billboard, Chick had not responded to the hail, - for two reasons. In the first place he did not care to have anything further to do with the bill. posters. In the next, he fancied le had. made a- discovery along the line of some recent - pertinent inetital suggestions. Looking up at the now covered gap,. Chick discerned why there had been no backing at that particular spot. _ A adetion of the boards about three oe square was missing. ‘They had been sawed out, pieces lay almost at his feet. Their ends showed a fresh ent—in fact, and the ged ends of “the aperture were — pressed back as a new sheet of paper was- near thein lay quite a a Ds of saw- dust. This was vot all. the top rail, was a single board. his forward - It was ‘frail and weak ls stauchioned,. but Chick ina nimite. decided that it had been used for platfornr plrposes. : The detective’s assistant started - to move towards the end of this. curious aerial pathway... He’ could trace tio practical purpose of» utility in the board aloft. It ended at a point where. ‘the t billbo ae “squarely. faced the bank | building. Strick, it}e. sees Click, with sudden eee tile Nailed to cleats rnn- an ning’ from the centre of the billboard to. "4 its extreme ‘ends, about five feet below Re
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gee ‘caused by the drooping, the —were directed at some person who, at stated intervals, or with some means of announcing his. lurking proximity, was stationed at the point where the boards had been sawed away. A mere tiny knife prick through the covering paper would afford a loophole to which the naked eve or a spy glass could be applied. Just them a bell somewhere in the near é vicinity pealed out the full hour. On the first stroke a sharp, hard sound at the end of the billboard attracted Chick’s attention. The detective’s assistant strained his vision. He made out a diedemcsestared it. Then Chick shrank to the: ground, lying perfectly flat and still. For there seemed to appear a positive vetification as to his theory concerning the utility of the niysterious plank way behind the billboard. ee CHAPTER. VII. ' THE ELHCTRIC BYRRIER. ii ee Chick ‘‘lay low’?—he was well: iutler “the shadows grouping about the inside base of the billboard. He fixed his eyes towards ie end of that structure. ‘The sound he had héata there was “anwind- ing,’’ of a detached stairway. This one was of 1ron—such as. are used at some theatre for exits in cases of fire, The same are nee occasionally em- ployed fora blind exit from ‘‘crooked” gambling dens, and panel houses. ‘Operated from an isolated rear’ porch scuttle, the ladder hugged the building . Pe, it was too dark, and,. besides that, he * closely. It swung down its side-—clongating, un- folding, in fact. Its end rested just where the single plank came five feet beneath the top of the billboard and ran along it. Of course, human agency alone could be acting upon. the ladder. Its stopping at ‘tiie LenS described 1 was: Sgn S NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Se eeeee ase mee 2 plank, and igitly ai wit an air . ease, as though used to. its regular emi- ployment, stepped briskly ajiong it. The man did> precisely eligld Chick _counted on his doing. He paused | meee: the gap had bee mended. : He. acted a_ little bewildered, or an- “noyed—Ghick could not tell which Taking out a knife, he began to make an incision eee the pape just set in place. Then he sid mongeian, his eye glued te a new loophole of observation. Chick ventured to cautiously crawl di- ‘rectly up to the aaite surface of the bill- ~ beard. The plank aloft would shut hint out fron) view should the man ‘poised there ¢ chance to glance down, | Some glints of light coming from the street through cracks at the extreme low- ; er edge ee the iiiboang: cy attracted Chick. Lying flat, he essaved theten one of - ; thiese to.get a view of the bank front, Chick labored under disadvantage, BT ees he becamie satisfied of one fact: . : There was a light in the roont occupied — we by the armless. man, It gave out some ‘curious pieces telligible signals, probably to the man ovethead, who could sean the prospect more perfectly and. oder eae than Chick. Then’ the light wentsout; the board ma creaked, the man moved. along v9 Chick dropped flat again. = . He watched the man teach the end of the platform. % He ran up the ladder; the creak of a i windlass sounded, — - Chick had not seen the face of ‘the man was too far away. ; He had disappeared through ‘the a i in the porch, and was manipulating thers laddernow. ——~ a ‘This was done, Chick the slowness — with | h Ee alculated from
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? a Chick glided across the lot, seized a brace, and climbed to the platform board. The ladder end had been raised some five feet from it—in fact, had slrortened that length. Chick put out lis hand and seized its lowermost iron rung. His feet came free. with the rising ladder. The device was rigid. about-two yards under the trap in the porch. » Click! ‘The gearing is fast,’’ traced Chick. Slam! “The top is closed, “and I am shut out,’? soliloquized the suspended adven- . turer. ‘Chick listened foe a moment or ewes He heard footsteps. cross the porch flooring. A’ key moved in a lock; a duor opened, ~ and closed. Chick went up the ladder till his shoul- ders touched the trapdoor. The ladder top was hinged to the brick : wall just under it. * Through a hole in the porch floot ran two chains to the lever mechanism above. Chick could not budge the trap; but he could hear a loose bolt clink as he pressed strongly against the trapdoor. He located this, inserted his hand past the chain, and after some. little groping about managed to draw the bolt. Chick presently found himself on a peach upon one side of which was a door. It was through this that the man had - just disappeared. ‘Chick turned the knob with caution. Then he delved into an inside pocket. A tool he always carried with him for - just such exigencies did the work antici- pated. He slipped the lock tumblers, opened the door, closed it softly, Stood still and listened. He could -not see, and he dared venture to strike a match. There sounded along the apparent cor- ridor that he was in the jarring spies of: some distant machinery. = No other sound came to his eats, © Chick was lifted It slowly crept. - tp the side of the building, and paused body of a snake. look to tell him that they were stored ‘not. NICK CARTER WEEKLY, covered with no door or other apertures presenting. Twice the four-feet wide corridor turned; in fact, it seemed as though he were penetrating new corridors niade con- tinuous by cutting through intervening walls. At: several aineee stout planks covered what had once been windows or door- ways. Chick kept on. ; ‘It’s bound to end somewhere!’ -he told himself confidently. ‘The man he was after could have pro gressed in no other direction, so Chick felt that he was on the right trail up to date, and that satisfied him for the time being. “Abruptly the corridor turned, abruptly it ended. Chick stumbled over a heterogeneous niass of stuff. It seemed to:comprise wood, diese iron and wire. He felt among’ it, and| somehow con- nected the hovering jar of machinery with things electrical. 2 Half the passage width was clear; Chick groped a few feet farther on. “All right!’ he muttered, ‘‘a. door! Yes, and unlocked, he added. What it might lead to. he could not ‘divine, he had to risk something. Chick truned the knob and cautiously pulled the door slightly ajar. After a pause, his ears strained to catch the slightest sound, he Gees the door wider, and stared. ; From tne doorway ran a network rater wires. - bs They were emitting quivering, flash- ing electrical sparks—buzzing with ease tory shaps. Each of the wires was as thick asthe — Chick needed only one with ten thousand deaths. CHAPTER X. : _ A CORDON OF. PERIL, “Blocked! 1? muttered Chick. ; a, There was a fascination about the pe- ; culiar and unexpected prospect that day. before the young detective. etc aet
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. . Chick could hear the dynamo ma- chinery in some other part of the build- ing. Those bare live wires, resting on a solid bed of some non-conducting material, were shut in here where they could do no harin. : Opposite, in the fitful spark glow, Chick fancied he saw a large open space like a double doorway. ‘The young detective was a good deal puzzled. “But where did the man go to?’ he asked himself. Chick could hardly have missed a ‘break in the winding corridor. g He had groped slowly every foot of the way, his hands extended, and feeling ‘ along on each side of him. *‘No thoroughfare yonder—that is cer- tain,” he soliloquized. ‘‘Here isa puz- Zen ‘*What was that?’ Chick suddenly ex- claimed an instant later. It seemed as if the environment, breath- ing vague menace and peril, was likewise haunted with an electrical acuteness that sharpened the senses. A sound hovered along the corridor; Chick pressed back. to the last turn he had made, bending his ear to catch and analyze the echo. He braced. erect as there came a flare of liglit. It flooded along the corridor. Chick ventured to peer past the turn; his eye beheld the scene of the illuminay tion. s¢ Plain ence now how my man dis- appeared !’? he ‘inused. In the ceiling of the corridor a ese drop trap had opened. It extended downwards till its end was not five feet from the floor. One man slid down—then a second. Their faces were grimy, their hands so much so that their features were not clearly discernible. Still, their dress did not carry the idea that they were workingmen ina- sinactly. a proper sense. ee “(Send her up!” spoke the last man to ae to the floor. erent -**Vou have a glim?” — “Surely.” Like the folding section of an upper sleeping car berth it shot back to place, solid. The last speaker had brought outa lantern—a common bicycle lamp ve a reflector. Chick continued to watch. He couid not tell whether either’ of these two men was the one he had fol- lowed from the billboard. - He hoped to Jearn something by. their familiarity with the traps and mystic stairways of this strange building. Not for a moment did Chick suppose that. they would turn. in any direction save that of the only outside exit of which he was aware. He drew back with condidewaite sur- prise and some trepidation, as they start- ed slowly forward down the corridor di- rectly towards the spot where h¢ was. “*Coming this way!’? muttered Chick, rapidly—‘‘what for? They caii’t cross tuose wires!” , ; ‘*Got the shoes ?’’ spoke one voice. ° Ves, ” ‘“‘We string the wires to-niglit, thea 2” “We must, or drop the lay. You got the warning. ” ae ‘Carter? 7) ** (The old Nick, in truth!) — “We played the game too fast.’? ‘So we finished with the finale.” “The grand finale, truly!” — The last speaker laughed in a light, self-pleased way. Chick had braced himself to meet the trouble that threateec. The intimation conveyed by fhe ‘man that sonie new, some further ganie, was on the boards, aroused his professional ‘acumen aud dulled any fears he might have entertained. He once uiore glanced past the corri- dor turniug. That flashing glimpse decided Chick. The men had paused momentarily, and one of them was drawing carefully from ‘ One of teanen lifted his hand, and Bae ae pccontiep a push. each large side poche quite a oe parcel, ’ he parcels were done up in chamois’ skin. as He placed one under his arm—the as other he unrolled. © “Glass © shoes, 2 muri uted Chick ; “they are going A cross ese. wires?
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4. selves the men could walk across the bare live wires, and could thus defy millions and millions of volts of electricity! Chick’s eyes sparkled in the darkness, aud his pulses throbbed. . ‘Behind him'was the opportunity of a tush, a brawl, possibly a victory, for he could.surprise the two fellows. But that meant their silencing, Ahead was a fascinating outlook for the true detective instinct, even if the outlook were hedged in with tremendous danger. © These nen were about to cross a path- way of death—there inust -be an enticing reward at its end. To precede them, and watch them later, might lead to marked results of value. ~~ : Chick glanced across the spitting, ‘spiteful wires, writhing like serpents. One -hand ‘stole out; it seized one of “the tall glass insulators lying in among | the rubbish stumbled. “Dare I??? he questioned himself. He seized a second. **T dare!’ he uttered, fervently. heap over which he had He strained. his eyes across the dim space—a distance of full twenty feet. The outlines of an open doorway, level with the floor, certainly showed there. ~ Chick recalled his technical knowledge of electricity, and hope brightened as his - heart throbbed with confidence in his own supreme athletic powers: The insulators allowed of a firm grasp and afforded a coinparatively safe footrest. ‘he voices came hearer, the light kept advancing. ; ‘“Now!? murmured Chick. He leaned beyond the doorway ; he set one glass-protected liand_ firmly upon ane wires—then the other. Slowly he elevated’ one foot, steadied posed—put one hand out, then a foot, he had as then the second foot. His breath caine quickly ; chosen his course, and was fairly in the vortex of destruction. 5 fee A miss, a slip, the waver of a Siele meant annihilation! — _ Walking on hands and feet, the ven- _ turesome awning detective accomplished : little lady detective, NICK CARTER WEEKLY, A cry, a shout told him that hé had not been quick enough. The light had turned the: coeedae and now shone full upon him. cad Its holder gasped a wild surprise: “See there!” . “You don’t know him?” fSIdomite ‘tA lunatic!’ “More like——”’ ‘Don’t worry, boys!’ came floating from the opposite side of the cupola, » A thrill passed through Chick’s frame. A click, a snap, cut the air. ‘Keep on, or drop, sy: friend,’’ con- tinued the cool, menacing tones directed at the wavering Chick, ‘“‘just as you please, but I cover you with a seven- shooter, and when you arrive, hands up, instead ‘of down, or I blow off the whole top of yous head *>-. CHAPTER X. ‘SINSULATED.”” Shortly before nine o’clock that even- ing Nick Carter passed the Royal Trust institution. He was not alone—Ida was on his arm. Any person observing them would hiave taken them for some leisurely reputable inerchant enjoying an evening strol] with his pretty daughter. Nick gave the glance. There was nothing about it to particu: larly interest him. — f The watchman had just made rounds, and was descending the steps. * He waved his hand carelessly to the institution a: keen tvs regular bank guardian, who stood at one of the large plate ginse: windoiws inside v the institution. ~~ ee? Up stairs there was no Jight—the jent: tor’s quarters were dark. >The shades of the rooin that honsed the armless man were closely drawn. Ida’s eyes were in quite another direc- tion while Nick was making this survey. “All quiet and regular there, - it sees,” observed gee Re they. turned _ the corner. i ‘And Patsy i is all right,’ * * reposted the : Ps a
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Ves. bat “He is posted then. more briskly. S*Bxactly.”’ Now, Ida, a little The hour set was nine ??” ‘‘We must not iiss connections. About this flower git]——”’ ‘TY ran across the flower girl at about - dusk.”’ “Which she is aotis reality ?”? **No, indeed. I came across her dressed in the height of style, but I knew her. at once. She entered a fashionable ‘restan- rant. Isat atthe next table, although she never took the trouble to observe 1ue.”’ ‘“‘And she met some one by appoiut- iment, you say?’ “Ves —a man came in a few minutes later.”? “(Not one of the criminal oe you think?” “Nothing in that line. I should take him for some profligate high. roller, who has run through his fortune and is des- perate to make another in any way.”’ ‘‘And they agreed to meet again ?’?: “At precisely nine she was to imeet him at a certain corner. ‘Where we are going.’ WED we will very sana Se yes.” “What is the object of their aedene 2 “That I did not learn. The man was eager; he talked about inoney, heaps of eg him to be prompt and straight, for he was dealing with aman. who knew low The girl was all business; she told: to turn checks into rags, and who was 4 : eae not begging for customers. ‘All that seems to connect,’’ observed - Nick. ~ “T think we are following clew,’’ said Ida. “It was ten minutes later when Ida, by a simple miovement, ee Nick to cross a street. 5 “There: ids: the girl, ”» “she whispered, motioning with her clever eyes. A Sait) observed Nick. “And there comes the man.’ eis: the -one . ahe met this after- noon ?? : up. a sure “Ves. What shall. we do ” : - Rollow.’?? ae ee oe “Separately ?? - Bre le eee ~ Nick nodded. oe girl and the man joimed arms. ‘hey: started: Mp Ae After proceeding some three squarés they caine to a summer garden testau- rant. Very few people were in the dancing hall attachinent, although some of its lights were lit. The people Nick was a aaene went into the restaurant, passed through it, and gained a table pretty- well shielded with evergreens set in wooden boxes. Nick surveyed the situation. He en- tered the garden by a side gate. Making sure that he was unperceived by the others; he lay down on a bench. against the latticed side oi a ‘private booth”? of the garden. - The inan with the flower girl called for some refreshments. He treated the girl in a careless, famil- jar manner, and drank freely, but his eyes were constantly turned towards the street. ‘(See here, sis,” he said, there is to be no failure??? ~ “Oli hel be here? ‘(And he can do what you say as Certainly.’ = “Pll pay the thousand gladly, has Is soe | eps that the man ??’~ “That is: Mr, Masten vas xe : Nick peered through the lattice inter- stices, A man was approaching whom he had | never seen before. He was smatt-looking and: -business- like in manner, but Nick traced the crim- inal nature in the restless, crafty eyes. 'The-girl arose. ~ ‘ ‘*Mr. Norris,’’ she said, “this is the gentleman who wished to see you on the business I told you about.” “Very well,” nodded the last comer brusquely. ‘*A word with you, Della, befare . ‘you Ou? : He drew Mer to one side. They came. up to within two feet of the reclining Nick. . “You know what is sup for to-night, I suppose???’ said Norris. — ‘““Ves,’? murmured the girl. ObBake. this.’ eee See — The, man drew off a peculiar. ring | of serpentine ae of alternate
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‘SVou are to go to the rear of the bank —you remember the place where a little passageway cuts in?’’ The girl nodded. “Wait there for instructions,’? “But this ring 2” “Half the crowd. do not know you. That will carry you through with all You will wait and be ready if: hands. they need you.”’ “What may they need me for???’ ‘lo carry messages. ’’ ‘*Qh—across?’? “Veg,? The girl nodded and started away. ‘Nick turned his eyes aside as he caught the swish of a second dress skirt. He made out Ida lining the boundary row of plants a few feet distant. _ She, too, it was apparent, had over- heard. “Now then, my. friend,’” spoke up Norris, to the man waiting at the table “Good! Ready for me?” “*Tf you mean business.’’ “T certainly.do.”’ Norris glanced all about the place, his - keen eyes ao on the alert for lurk- ers. He -caine up to where Nick lay, scowled, looked over him and shook him. “Wake up, here!’’ he called. Nick uttered an unintelligent groan. “‘Qii! some drunken fellow,’’ said the waiting man, inipatiently. “Tl know that!” Nick watched Norris ee fer behind half-closed eyelids. The other moved one hand Saale his chest. /Shen he placed something> on Nick Carter’s wrists. It was with the utmost difficulty that ~ staunch Nick Carter stood the SHEpLee of the moment. Somewhere upon him the man had a powerful battery. This was not strange; Nick had al- ready decided that he was_ his ‘‘electrical ~ double”? of the bank fraud. Nick experienced a_ shock. that was purely material, but he held his iron nerves firm. ‘“He’ll do!’ laughed Norris, lightly — “a dead man would nearly respond to that. —der—laudanum!” What’s he been drinking, I won- pte tampering with ph NICK CARTER WEEKLY. The speaker sat down at the table op- posite the other man. ‘““Now then,’ said the atten: eagerly, “vou kuow what I want?’’ “Our mutual friend, Della, formed ine—yes.’’ “Vou have something that destroys— evidence???” ‘‘T have a patent eraser, yes.” ‘*Blectrical ??? “That is why it works—at once, quick- ly, effectively.” ‘Good! Can any one operate it?” ‘Provided with my formula for load- ing the pressure cylinder, yes.’ “‘Obliterates the writing Sati and leaves it’ blank ?” “Tt absorbs every ting on a sheet of paper except the finish.’ ‘‘Now, say—about some notes a fellow ; wanted to get out of the way ?”’ ‘Tf you can get one minute at the notes——’? Ceatied!. ‘“They become waste eka os ‘(And in the case of—well, of wills?”’ “One application destroys the signa- tures The profligate’s eyes sparkled. Shrewd Ida had not been mistaken as to the status of this fellow. He probably anticipated removing proofs of his own reckless forgeries—of the will of some dis- has in- paper pleased relative. This Norris, this “electric man,’’ had indeed in his possession a truly danger- ous inenace to business and society, as the banker had said! “Have you the machine, the device, with you?” inquired ‘‘the customer. ”? Ves: »” ‘You sell it to me for a thousand dol- lars??? ‘‘Not this one, but a ‘duplicate. a ‘When ?”? ““To-morrow.’? “T would like you to demonstrate ine effect.’ ‘“What do you sant to work on?”? ‘‘Well—there’s an envelope, with the address in good black ink,’? said the . other, producing it from his pocket. “You want that writing obliterated ?” “Do that, and I’ll say it’s a bargain!” Nick cold not tesprale ‘the. impulse to. lift his eee tis ss
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NICK GARTER WEEKLY. ee - V7 He could not see all that Norris did, but he could trace from his movements that soe battery stored about him con- nected with a queer little contrivance of metal, glass and rubber that he held in one hand. Attached to this was a wire running to a. bone-handled gutta percha and zine roller. The custoiner had placed the envelope. on the table. Norris applied the roller. Over it, ounce only the roller are “Blank |? fairly gasped the astounded and delighted customer. ‘*Ves;’’ coolly nodded Norris. “It will do that every time?’’ “Never fails.”’ Wiyl [cans givecan- 1. O..Ue set hold of it later—Zip! One touch——”’ ‘And you owe nothing.” “T can get that will—never mind. Say! I take the machine.”’ ‘Very well.” **T will be here at this time to-morrow evening with the thousand dollars.”? ‘“*And I will be here with the machine. Good-eveuing.”’ It was evident that Norris wanted to be alone, or, at least, did not care to leave the garden in company with the other. His customer bowed aud departed. Norris backed toward the private booth, entered it and drew off his coat. Keeping an eye cut, he began to un- wind various wires from his body. “T don’t want to be hampered by this arrangeient, with to-night’s business on -hand,’’ Nick distinctly heard him mut- ter; His elastic armature was ike,” some ‘harness. He reached both hands behind him to unsnap two catches connecting wires ruu- ning from the waist to the shoulders, where some part of the electric Stagee evidently rested. Norris had some trouble detaching the hooks—his finger fumbled. Nick looked about the place; no one was in sight. 5 He had the fellow “red- Ranged " Quickly the detective slipped a hand - into his hip pocket. Noiselessly he drew forth a shining | - pair of handeniis. There was an unexpected suap—two of them. Like a madman, Norris turned, half- divining his dilemma. ' “Insulated, my friend ! ”? observed Nick Carter, coolly. CHAPTER XI. MAKING COMBINATIONS. The ‘‘electric man,’’? Nick Carter’s double, Norris, broke forth in violent curses. Helplessly mandeaned though he was, he rushed upon his captor. Nick never moved, but met ne with ‘an eye that quelled him. “What cheap trickery is this?’’ panted the prisoner. “‘Insulated,’’ said Nick, coolly; ‘‘now we will see about being isolated,”’ “Vou don’t mean to say that I an ar- rested!’ brazened Norris. “Why, yes—about that.’’ ‘Vou ate making a serious mistake. I tell you——”’ “Vou can tell them house,’’ suggested the detective. “*Y can convince you or them that I am » ‘¢ (Mr. Nicholas Carter?’ ”? “Hah! Say, are you???” ‘*Perhaps.”” The prisoner hung his head. and began to mutter under his breath.’ He made no resistance as “Nick forced him through a side exit of the sununer garden to the street and into a cab. But the prisoner was. constantly alert. Along the brilliantly fares clear up to the police station, with eager desperation he scanned every per- son on the pavements. Nick sat by the man’s side, ready to check the evident warning direction he would-have shouted to accomplices had he met such. Nick carefully removed the electrical harness, and ‘‘the eraser,’ from Norris? body. It comprised ‘‘dead-sure”’ against the prisoner. single query. “Norris,” he asked, ‘ready yet??? The prisoner started, scowled, fixed aS at the station lighted thorough- evidence | | Nick suggested a ‘fare those ‘ wires? peas!
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28 “murderous look on Nick, and was silent. ~ Nick left the station. He was satisfied that he had the king-bee of the case in custody, © He might have put in some time forc- ing a cross-exainination, but amemory of the flower girl sue ogested a new line ready for exploration. Nick had overheard all that Norris liad told this girl. He called her Della, and he had pre- sented her with a ring. Norris had apprized her in detail where . ‘she was to post herself—near the bank— to act the ally, the messenger, in some plan of the night. Nick believed that Ida also had over-— heard this interview between inan and girl at the summer garden. | - Certainly Nick had seen Ida leavea lattice guard’ as the flower girl moved away. _ As the detective neared the bank, ceceioee: he kept eyes and ears pretty well: on the alert, believing -that Ida would be on the spot. Nick passed the bank on the opposite - '_ side of the street. To his surprise, he received uo signal to indicate that Patsy was lurking in the vicinity, as he had been informed. He could dimly see the form of the in-- side watclinan in a chair just Depend a bank window. The cap, the “head, were withies bé- | fore the vaults the drop lights shone full on the glistening metal deste. Up stairs there Was neither light -nor moverent. Nick passed along i in the shadow. .He was bent on a detour that, would bring . him around to the spot where Nortis had “ordered the girl Della to post herself. Nick: passed the billboard with little ‘ tealization of the interest it had held. for~ his energetic young assistant, Chick, ai. hour ot more earlier. ‘ As lie reached its end, the. cence came to a sudden halt. __ Above the mingled sounds rising from “the streets, a low whistle seemed blended ‘nto an answering one. ‘Aloft?’ questioned | Nick, quickly, = _ lifting his gaze. : A’ brisk hese followed the Syste a NICK CARTER WEEKLY. thing thick, rubbery, tailed-a line of belly ing black across tle street, it shot straight to the roof of a build- ing opposite the one at the end of tlre hill oard. Nick diecethed itto be a heavy wire almost the thickness of a human finger. It began to lose its lax sway—it moved along. Nick followed it with his. eyes till he saw it carried diagonally to the roof of the bank building. ‘Wait for the wires? ’’ quoted Nick, from the anessage in the papier- “mache apple. “The work is going on without its main director, it seems, “There is ‘a connection’ building and the bank. ‘“A wire has been stretched—a big one. Iam beginning to guess. Now, for the flower girl!” : : Nick came around behind the bank. w between this Here was a space leading. most con- — veniently into shadow. He made out a form—he conld mistake the hat, veil and dress of the girl to whom Norris had given his mysterious instructions and a fing. standing: motionless, looking inte cee dark court-like =Deoes her hack to the street, “The game sees in play,’’ muttered Nick. ‘I shall take a hand.”” He glided. noiseless!y directly up be- e hind this posted sentinel. fe ‘‘Wanted, young lady!’ observed Nick. ~ He clasped the gitl by an arm and wheeled her about, ready to silence her if she attempted to cry out a warning. She did not even quiver. Very tranquilly lifted to Nick?s own. ‘*What for?’ interrogated Ida. ‘‘Zounds!’? Nick was forced to “ex: claim from sheer pie you anake: up well.” “That was the easy part Of Fe. ‘Where 1s your model?’ — - “Safe and harniless. eee wane: “What is the hard part??? ~~ _Ida pointed down the dark court. “Two tien passed mie Hee she/said. “How long since?” GG O0; la eats ee “They . had ropes, carpet -teminded me of telegraph Ij The girl was-- Te . the veiled face was. yes “About half an hour. ago.?? gers = :
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~ NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Bee aie eicee “Tt fits,” nodded Nick. Ida was extending a key. “One of them gave me this,’’ she ex- ' plained. ‘‘What is it for?” ” ‘When you hear this,’ the nian said”’ —“‘Ida’s pretty lips puckered to an imita- tive whistle—‘t ‘90 alread. Start away, "get a cab, and bring the others to Nor- tise ‘“The others ?’’ repeated Nick, thought- filly. 3 Ves, 9 ““Where are those others, Ida, ie you suppose ?”? “T don’t know, for I didn’t dare ask.” “Oly certainly not. But I think I know.’ ute ‘When the signal coimes. ” “Tt will not coe till I ave seen you again, Ida,’’ apprized Nick, here at your post while I look into mat- kerss? Nick went into the shadows. Where an angle was formed by two walls he found a dangling rope. Up twelve feet it was sectired to the bar of a window, of which two eee bars were nlissing: Nick ascended, He knew: where he was—upon a _ stairway that led to the upper rooms of _the bank. Light. guided him. contintied an ascent. He reached a hall; at its end was the door ’of'a room, half ajar. Nick reached it; he peered in. A strange spectacle greeted his vision. Nick noiselessly ~ Dressed’ for the street, the armless nan was evidently waiting tor something to. - satchel. happen or somebody to appear. Meantime, he was not idle. « He was half leaning over a ni ‘tablet? “Upon a sheet of. a he “was—figut- as os ing. f aap With skill aes piameee? Geawar z was dashing off the numbers—— st With his ‘amouth ! Peay ee ‘That is, a fountain’ pen between he Teg the armless man was showing his” DenGeency as a ‘iuathematcian. and a scholar. “a “The iS eet: no longer! © *Reinain: SER landing of tlie. rope ladder. ~ then. mystery of the wuigue forgeries CHAPTER XII. vo BY THE BLINDFOLD ROUTE. _ Nick crept up behind the armless man. _ Brewer had written names, and oppo- site them placed definite amotints. The finely-forined letters showed Nick the work of a phenomenon. ‘There were armless freaks who wrote with their feet—this man used lips and teetli. F It was he who had Een the @x- teusive check forgeries. Above suspicion on account of his apparent helplessness, — he had -free access to any part of the | bank—could- scan checks, deposits, the signature book. Nick understood that some ‘final eanan on the bank was in progress—Brewer was “estimating profits,”’ while waiting for its execution, - Before the astounded - cripple could . catch his breath, he found himself gagged and his feet secured. - He stared blankly at cool Nick Gakier: as the latter pushed him out of sight un- der a bed. \ Pie detective passed through © prs : rooms and came to an - cerning in the floor, just sawed out. There was a_ taint Se drugsi in the air. Over on a lounge, lay a form, motion-_ : less—that of the janitor. +— , A nole-in the ceiling “corresponded tos. the one in the floor, - ‘Through both passed two. heavy black wires. Caught by ‘hooks* to the ‘floor 1 was a Nick descended. vf He was now in an entry adjoining the bank president’ § room, 2. Nick ce ae a door held open by a ro Kneeling before : a vault space were two One with a pair of pincers. held a small contrivance into which ran, the wires. sot ~The other had a kindred appliance ptessed under the combination, — Roe. “Ready P< peters cB hiere? sa frightful current on! y *Ves—T told then to. steal ae full force possibl a4 - a ; age ts her
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20 3 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. — Nick reached for a letter book lying on a chair. He gave it a fling; it met the wire with force aud suddenness. With a hiss, a flare, its end struck one of the manipulators. His body straightened up; then he fell back flat, and lay as-still as if electro- . cuted. : ‘The other came @rect with alarm. ' These??? insinuated Nick, exhibiting a pair of handcuffs, ‘‘or this?’ and he showed a revolver. Gagged, chained to a safe, the man knew it was ‘‘all day!’ with scheme and schemerts. Nick proceeded through the entry con- necting with the counting-room. He stumbled over a form; it was that of the watchinan. Nick traced the dope influence here, also; the crafty Brewer had got in some sure work with the night force. Nick surprisedly observed at the win- dow the form he lad noticed on ~ passing outside. s “A dummy,’ murmured Nick. He glanced from the side window; op- posite, in shadow, Nick made out a group. | There was the glitter of uniform but- tons—the police. There was a form in their vaii— Patsy. Nick lifted the window—out fluttered his handkerchief, on signal code. Patsy crossed the street. “Officers?” interrogated Nick. ‘(Ves, ? coWhy?”? ‘Phat dummy at the window.” ‘CAh! you guessed that?’ ‘And provided for exigencies in case you did not appear to explain.” “(Very well. Tell your se to remain in reserve.” ; “All right.” “(Have you your cab here?’’ ‘Near here.’ *“Come ee to the rear of the bank.” Patsy vanished. Nick retraced the ‘course he had taken in reaching the bank ° floor. Ida was awaiting him in suspense. “Give me the key and the ring,’’ di- rected Nick. : Nick explained the bipximity of the police contingent, and imparted definite instructions. Patsy was at the curb. “Drive around into the next street,’ ordered Nick. “Where the bank fronts?’ C¢ Yes. ” * Nick studied the wire overhead as they did this: * He scrutinized the building at the side of the billboard. “Jt was vacant. Its door looked rusted and little used. “Around. to the rear—thiere seems a driveway there,’’ suggested Nick. Five minutes later Nick Carter had found a lock which the key fitted, ‘“The order is death !’’ Secured toa chair in a room in the building beyond the electric light cupola,. Chick heard his doom pronounced. ~ To the chair ran wires from a battery in one corner. A ian stood at Chick’s side—a second. had his hand upon the switch plate lever at the wall. The damning suspicion had gained be- lief that Chick was ‘‘one of Nick Carter’s men !’? Chick liad been secured to the chair for nearly two hours. During that time the men left. thie room by turns. _ They «spoke of isenliciitg, *Cinereas- ing the voltage,’’ ‘‘sending the wire across,’? and Chick had some. active guesses. bie Now, this work finished, ready to finish him! ‘Anything to say?” demanded the fel- low at the switch. “Nothing whatever,’” Chick, calmly. ; “Tet her go!” “Hustle—you fellows!’? “Hello?” The switch lever had gave a convulsive gasp. His head dropped on his breast. . ‘‘Rlectrocuted!’? announced the vil- lain, standing beside him—then he stared towards the form that had challenged : platforms they were Aanodnead moved—Chick ‘from the shadowy end of the room. ‘Who are you?’ he demanded, sus-— piciously. : vate
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “From Norris,’? announced Nick Car- t6L: “How did you gét here?” “With Norris’ key, of course.” “We don’t know vou.”? “Do you know that ring?” Just liere a third man entered. | Attention was immediately distracted from Chick to Nick. “ook here!’’ said Nick, hurriedly— ‘hustle, I say—those are the orders.”? CThe job across the street——”’ “Finished. You are to come to Nor- fisi “That was the agreement, yes. Did they make the haul?” “Vou're settled for life, boys!’ ex-— claimed Nick, cheerily.. ‘‘Leave every- thing. You can come back later.”’ “No need—we’ve settled the only spy.”” The ring, the key, Nick’s familiarity with Norris, with “the job,’? made it easy for him to hurry the trio to.the open air, where the cab was waiting. They crowded into it—Patsy had his orders. He started up brislky. ‘Now, then—in turn!’’ said Nick. He produced three handkerchiefs. “What's that??? inquired the trio in a surprised breath. “Bhindfold.”’ “ What??? ““Tnstructions.’? ‘*Nonsense!”’ y “Norris is foxy. A division is square enough, but you come in and you go out of his new secret den on the blindfold _ basis.” “Humph!”? ‘Or not at all.” The men demurred, scolded. “They ‘thought of the plunder, and—assented. — This was the picture they presented ten minutes later. Led by Nick, they cartowed their band- ages to find themselves fronting a cap- tain, of police in a station house ceil rool. They gave vent to a gue shout “of concern, Of alarm. Nick waved his hand lightly. “Gentlemen!?? he observed, ‘‘I said that vou should meet Norris. He is yon- ders? “Sold! 1? shouted one of the tio. ck had pointed to a cell door. 31 Beyond its grating showed the pale face of Norris, ‘‘Nick Carter’s double,’’ ‘‘the’ electric man!”? *“And Chick ?”? ae Ida pressed the query anxiously. “*Y sent lin home,’” declared Nick. The bank tangle had been adjusted—_ the armless nan and the two vault opera- tors had joined their comrades. “But the electrocution—that that battery ?”’ ‘“That hattery, Ida,’? apprized Nick, smnilingly, ‘‘had been tampered with !’’ COO Re) “By something of an expert in the electric line,’ “Vourself?”? \ ‘‘T discounected,’’ said Nick, ‘‘as I en- tered the room where Chick was. He was shrewd enough te recognize my voice —and he played it fine!”’ “Then the case is wound up?’ ob- served Patsy, starting for the bank door, which a quartette of policemen guarded. — lever, ‘*Practically. But that flower girl, Ida??? “Locked in a room not six squares away.”? - “The round-up is complete, said Nick. ‘‘It is something more than a siiple case for us, Ida.’? “Indeed ?”? ‘Ves, I find in the caged group tliree members of the crowd that once trained with that notorio’ tor. TH “Dr. Purdue!’ “So, this final catch clears the beard of the last dangerous confederates of that infamous nounced Nick Carter. THE END. “The next number of the Nick Carter ~ Weekly will contain ‘‘Nick Carter. and the Sawdust Man; or, An Investment : that Caused Trouble.’ = a ——— How’ TO DO BUSINESS. This book is a gnide to success in life, embracing - Principles of Business, Choice of Pursuit, Buying and Selling, General. Manage- ment, Mechanical ‘Trades, Manufacturing, Bookkeeping, Causes of Success and Failure, Business Maxims and Forms, etc. It also contains an appendix of complete business forms and a dictionar: of commercim terms. valuable book. It gives complete information abont trades, Drorelont and occupations in which any young man Is interé Price ten cents. Address STREET & SMITH, 2 BY wittiam Bis nN. y. ip then, ” No young man should be without this criminal—‘the doc- criminal and plotter!” an-. i
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High Prices Are On Vacation THE MEDAL LIBRARY | Oliver Optic and Others. « » & The Right moons at the Right Price. There is a line of classics for youth—the books your father's read—-the nels 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 fefer to the writings of Oliver Optic, Horatio Alger, © Edward S. Ellis, Lieut. Lounsberry, James Otis, William Murray Graydon, étc. These names are familiar wherever the American flag floats. : 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 the ten cent book the leader with the elder readers. « Now we are going to do the same thing for the boys, and give them their favorites redline ceases 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 liave asked us to issue this line. Thousands more are ready to buy it on sight. There is no line like it in the world. We can justly call it = Medal series, as every book will bea prize winner. It will contain na story that the boys have- not approved as a ‘‘ standard.” They have! bought them by thousands at $1,00 and upe wards, and now they can get them for TEN CENTS A COPY. Sree ae na 1—The Boat Club i : ‘ . By Oliver Optic 2—Cadet Kit Carey r eee 2 P age es , Ss “By Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry 8—All Aboard . ‘ 3 3 ‘ * ‘ fare - By Oliver Optic 4—Lieutenant Carey’s Luck F 3 s * - : F 5 ; By Olive’ Optic 10—Don Kirk, the Boy Cattle King . By Gilbert Patten l1—From Tent to White ree (Boyhood and Life of President ; MeKinley. ) By Edward S. Ellis 12—Don Kirk’s Mine . ‘ By Gilbert Patten 13—Up the Ladder panes : é . By Lieut. Murray 14—The Young Colonists. A Story ot Life and War in Africa. 3 . By G. A. Henty - 15—Midshipman Merrill . 7 . . = ; 4 By Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry 16—The White King of Africa . ; ae ; t . By William Murray Graydon 17—Ensign Merrill 3 $ ‘ ) o> Nae eae gate eh clr gene Pee By Licutenant Lionel Lounsberry — 28—The Boy Boomers. é i t F iedr ss : : . By Gilbert Patten ‘29—True to the Old Flag . - x 7 PRES 3 earth ‘ By G. A. Henty 30—Peter Simple : 2° qe Pigs ROR RS Sek oe Fe Bur Captains Maker ae $1—The Cruise of the, Snow Bird ral A j recent , ears . By Gordon Stables 32—The Curse of Carnes’ Hold 3 Maden putes pi Ps. ae ? - . By G..A. Henty 33—Jud and Joe, Printers and Publishers ©. i" Sabo eae By Gilbert Patten 34—The Adventures of Mr. Verdant Green . a (4 eae rary . By Cuthbert Bede, B. A.” 85—In the Reign of Terror. . . . 5 = se By GA. Henty - . $6—-In Barracks and Wigwam . Soreese a ® F a ‘By William Murray Graydon - . 87—Commodore Junk ; 3 i By George Manville Fent OTHERS EQUALLY Goop TO FOLLOW. Order them at once. If you cannot get them send to us.. Retierabed these are 12mo books, printed from new plates, with elegant Coes: are the: Bee Es ng and only. TEN, CENTS A ea RE oo
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‘Nick Carter Weekh > ete aa \ Price, Five Cents. . Illuminated Gover. | THE BEST LIBRARY OF DETECTIVE STORIES. p ’ SOPEOE TOE COO ENE TEE EEE CED Back Numbers always on hand. Price, post-paid, Five cents each, COTE CE CEE CON CEREE OED 106—Killed at the Baths; 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. 109—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. —The High Power Burglars; or, Broken Wall. 113—Found at Low Tide; or, The Body in the Pool. 114—Oltficer Dugan’s Beat; of the Force. 115 —Nick Carter’s Chance Clew; or, The Rogue of the Race Track. Nick Carter After a Missing Man; or, The Work of Ghouls. 117—Nick Carter at Hellion City; Posted on the Door. —The Great Poisoning Case: pened at the Laboratory. 119—Nick Carter Among t e Peter Players. 120—-Fighting the Cireus Crooks; or, Ten Thous- and Dollarss hort. 121—Out ofthe DPevil’s Clutches; or, Nick New. Briend 122—Waiting to be Robbed; or, Diamond Case. 123—The Sleeping Car My vstBry. 124—Killed by His Victim; or, The Green- goods Men at Work. . 125—Nick Carter a Ptisorier: or, Found His Match. 126—Set On Fire; or, Nick Carter’s Bravery. or, Nick Carter Right on or, The Great Bank 112 Behind the or, The New Member 116— or, The Notice 118 or, What Slap Carter’s Nick Carter’s How Bob Dalton 127—A~ Demand for Justice; or, Nick Carter ~ Offered a Bri e. Bee 128—Was It Murder; or, Nick Carter’s Short mf acation. Nick Carter’s Mascot; “Thieves. 130—Roxv’s Signal In the Sky; or, A Gold-Bug * Worth a Fortune. 131—At Kessler Switch; or, Nick Carter’s Train Robbery Case. 132—The Face in the Bottle; or, Detective Buff and - One of the Finest. 133-—Afraid of Nick Carter; or, The Man who Wasn’t Born Yesterday. : 429— or, Treachery Among 134—The Malay’s Charge; or, Roxy’s Life Saved by a New Pet. 135—The Great Abduction Vase; or, A Baby’s Ory for Freedom. 136—Short Work with Train Robbers; or, the secre that was Marked with Blood. 137—S3ob Ferret's Trump Card; Found on a Century Run. ° 138—Nick Carter's Mouse Trap; or, The End of Doc Helstone. 139-— Strack Down; 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 7 Her Smile Failed to Fascinate Him. 144—Nick Carter Claims a Fortune, and Turns ite Over to the Right Owners. fy 145—Nick Carter’s Midnight Arrest; or, An Inter- ruption of a Poker Game. 146—Nick Carter’s Race tor Life; or, An Aetident | ~ in the Nick of Time. I47—Nick Carter’s Turn at the Wheel; or, Red and Black Both the Same. 148—Nick Carter’s Snap Shot; or, A Photograph — That Gave Evidence rena 149—Nick Carter Exchanges Prisovers; or, AD s Likeness Easily Explained. : 150—Nick Carter’s Bogus Bargain; or, Outwitted by Duplicate Methods. Stands a Bluff, and Wins ay or, What Was or, How the Superintendent. : 151—Nick Carter Game Which Ends in Limbo. 152—Nick Carter’s Fake Murder Case; or, The — Plan to Wi ipe Out the Agency. 153—Nick Carter's Midnight Caller; or, A Case Concluded Before Daylight. 154—Nick Carter Settles a Conspiracy; or, A Tele- gram That Wasn’t Signed. a 155—Nick Carter’s Curious Client: or, A Criminal . With More Gall Than Sense. 156—Nick Carter’s Silent Search; or, t a Fake Detective. | 157—Nick Carter as an Expert; or, A Battery. That. eit Was Tampered With. fy 158—Nick Carter and the Sawdust Man; or, An In- — Ay F vestment That Caused Trouble. 4; 159—Nick Carter’s New Uniform; or, A Bribe That u ie A Drive at Was Expected, 160—Nick Carter’s Steamer Trunk; or, A Orime in — Mid-Ocean. F EEE et oy _ STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK.