Nick Carter Weekly (no. 186) (1900 07 21)
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ICK CARTER. WEEKLY Issued weekly, Subscription price $2.50 per year. Entered as second class matter at the N. Y. oat Office by STRHET & SMITH. No. 186. O Price 5 Cents. A NERS STRANGE 1 | NICK SAW AT A GLANCE THAT HE WAS IN THE PRESENCE OF A TRAGEDY.
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Entered according to Ack of Congress in the ks ate by Street . Smith, in the Office of the Iibrarian of Oongress, ashiigton, Entered as second class Matter al the Row York, N. ¥,, Post Office, Subscriplion price, $2.50 per year. Issued weekly. July 21, 1900. STRvET & SMITH, Publishers. No. 186. NEW YORK. 288 William 8t., N. Y. 5 Cents. Nick Carter Rescues a Daughter; OR, THE JUNIOR PARTNER’S STRANGE BEHAVIOR... ® By the Author of “NICK CARTER.” te ee CHAPTER A: THE DEAD GIRL.” Nick Carter glanced at his watch as he Za entered the street door of the Borden Build- ing, New York City. It was-exactly half-past five o'clock in the afternoon, “T am just on time,” mused the great de- tective, as he hurried toward the elevator. Neatly folded and stowed away in one of his inside pockets was a note, which he had “received by a messenger on the forenoon of that day. - The note, written on a typewriter, was not signed, “Nicnoras Carrer, New York City. Dear ‘Sir: Please’ call at room “59, Borden Build- ing, at half-past five o’clock this afternoon on important business. Do not fail.” here was such an air of mystery about the message that Nick concluded he would re- spond, and promptly to the minute he was at the place: named in the note. The Borden Building is one of those struc- ” and ran as follows: tures in lower New York City which are used almost exclusively as offices. It was Saturday afternoon, and when Nick found that the elevator was not running he was not surprised. Evidently most of the offices in the build- ing closed on Saturdays before this late hour. almost foppishly, dressed, had entered the building ten seconds A young man neatly, ahead of Nick and was near the first landing on the stairs walking up when Nick placed his foot on the first step ready to follow. Just then there came ringing through the building the sound of the footsteps of some one flying down the stairs in _ precipitate _ haste. ~~ Nick, by eee up, s saw that fhe person making the furious descent was a boy about: fourteen years old. ~ te well-dressed eS man stopped when a reached him he: grasped the. tad be the ‘oat ay and beaent him. up with, a Tak wee
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“2 “What in thunder ails You ?” ‘growled the young man. . For a moment the boy could not utter a word: were chattering in his head, and he trembled so that it seemed he must fall in a heap. The young,man, gave him a vigorous shake ., and cried: “Can’t you speak? What have you anne Where are you going?” 4™ Then the lad found power to chatter : “Oh-h, Mr. Ga-a-ay, she’s de-de-dead.” } “She' $ dead? \Who's.dead, you fool?” ““Mi-Miss Langdon,” gasped the lad. ie “Miss Lan 3 mean? Speak!” i “She? s been mu-mu-mur-dered.” ‘a * “What! Where?” = : “Up there in the of-cfeotieae:t “Are you telling me the truth?” . - - Indeed I am. Somebody sh- sh-shot her,” hae Then go call the police, and be quick,” , said the young man, as he let go of the boy’s collar and hastened his ascent of the stairs. The lad continued his precipitdus descent ‘to the’ street, and Nick followed the young man upward. He saw the latter stop on the fifth floor, and disappear through an open» door-way. When Nick reached the same ace he noted with much interest that the No. 59 was painted on the door trough which the other had passed. G tantly he asked himself ; “Has my mysterious note anything to do _ with what, ‘occurred beyond this door?” Nick passed through the open door, and found himself inside a large general office - used by a law firm. «The name of the firm was also on the door. It was: é Se Bripcety & Byxeg, is Attorneys-at-Law. _ Avthe other end of the room a door. stood NICK CARTER “WEERLX. caer this door Nick heard beh hed ‘voices in altercation. His face was white as chalk, his teeth « dead? Why, what do you ~ pala: fallen fer — head ang left ajar, giving ie toa obaivate office. aif He rightly guessed that whatever thes iB: tragedy might be, its location was" ital, . rear office. : Og oe Therefore, he Gosseme "Hie large room, threw the communicating “door. ‘open, and, Ero standing in the. doorway, took in the scene” ata sweeping glance. There were two men in the’ ‘mediam- sized office. a a, ‘ “4, One was the man yee. had eng, hiss a the stairs. Gay, The other was an older man, veheoes thirty-five years of age, stall, stockily | built, SoS. with a slight stoop in the shoulder, possess- ee ing a rather cold, cynical- -looking face, and a” . pair of gray eyes, which had a habit of Sayin Rae see bore holes into everything | “upon which c. they centered. a This man at the time of Nick’s appearance stood leaning against a flat-topped table. wit one side of his face toward the door, He saws Nick as soon as the latter Pushed the door. wide open. _ a he The other man’s Bake was foward ‘the ji door, and Nick’s presecne was not known to him immediately. He was just saying, his‘remarks being a dresssed to the older man: f| ig “Do you think anybody will believe Jour. a story? ae ia ae The speaker was pointing to seers aie before him. we a ae woman seated: scroll- topped desk. One arm hut lessly at her side, and she aaa Phair. before an
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e Before the detective had time to move a ‘step forward, the elder man, with those gray eyes focused upon Nick’s face, said: “What do you want?” ; _.“T want to know what has beem going on here.” The younger man had wheeled around fac- ing Nick, and he, in turn, asked: * “Who are your” “Tam Nick Carter.” 2 To Nick’s surprise the young man moved back several steps as if annoyed or confused, ~and the elder scowled without removing his gray eyes from Nick’s face. The latter advanced to the desk where the a form of the young woman reclined, and made (a quick examination, There was a bullet wound in her right ‘temple. The ball had pierced her brain, and she was dead. On the right hand was a glove into which the fingers had been fitted, but the thumb and upper part of the hand were still bare. The first inference drawn from this. fact was that she had been shot while engaged in putting-on her gloves preparatory to leaving the office. \ In the minute which followed, Nick made _ one of his lightning ocular inspections of the s premises, in which. ig little Sap left. es be ,, discovered. At the end of that time the sound of many ns tushing footsteps was. heard coming up the stairs... & All this time the two men in the room with oie remained silent and inactive. | Nick walked into the main office, and met the first man of the ascending throng at the - door. It was a young policeman, whom Nick heiened to know quite well. “Ah, Brown!” exclaimed Nick, confront- ing thtSefficer at the threshold, “I’m glad ’tis ‘you. | You'll understand me without a lengthy explanation.” ; BF SE NICK CARTER WEEKLY, “Who are you?” panted Brown, for Nick of course, was in disguise. “I am Nick Carter. There has been a crime committed back there, and until I know more ‘bout it you must keep every-- body out. Let none e of these -curiosity-seek- ers intrude.” <3 < “T am at your service, Mr. Carter” said © Brown. “Lord, I’m glad you’re here. Seems to me you always bob up when aye happens. What is it? Murder? pce “I want'to find out. Is there anybody with you?” 2 “Yes, McCarthy is coming, $a he’s so fat it’s hard and slow work fot hua to get up all these stairs. Here lie is now.’ Some one rapped on the door at that ind, stant. Brown admitted a policeman, who was blowing like a porpoise. “Bad cess to thim shtairs!” ° gasped Mc- Carthy, “an’ thor had bin tin more’ ov em, + sure it’s a dead mon I'd be this minute.” “Well, McCarthy, just take charge of this door, and see that no one enters who has no right. Those who have a right, and whom I want to come in, are persons who have been in this building within the last Boe and | the boy who carried you the news.’ Brown opened the door and beckoned to the boy to enter. The latter drew back as if about to fly again, but a man near by grasped him by the shoulder and pushed him toward : the door. “Who are you?” inquired Nick, “I’m the janitor,” was the reply. “Then come in, too.” Still keeping hold of the terrified boy, the janitor entered the office and the door was ‘once more closed in the ‘facé -of the crowd, which by this time numbered nearly a score. “Brown, I want you to summon the coro- __ ner, or one of his sated just as soon as you et can get him here.” 2 ‘ Brown asked no questions, but left 0 on | his : mission stan . ah
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4 - NICK CARTER WEEKLY. _ “What's your name?” asked Nick, turning to the janitor. “Bush—John Bush, sir.” “Then, Mr. Bush, I want you to look out among the people in that crowd in the hall and identify coeur whe has offices in this “building.” McCarthy held the door ajar while the janitor scanned the eager faces in the crowd. “There is Mr. Grote, Mr. Kennedy, and Mis. Uucas,” was his report. “Tell them to come - Nick, in a low voice. ““Will Mr. Grote, Mir. Kennedy, and Miss Lucas come in?” said the janitor, addressing his words to the collection of people in the hall. The three persons names crowded their way forward, and were admitted. Then the door closed again. _ To the five people inside, not including the ” in,” commanded answering to these £ _ + policeman, Nick said: “You will wait in this room ‘until ‘elbcce orders. Meanwhile, officer,” turning and ad- dressing McCarthy, “let no one else in until Brown returns with the coroner, and see that nobody meantime leaves by that door.” Nick turned toward the inner room to find 2 the’ young, stylishly-dressed man looking out, “much interested at what had been going on in the larger- office. CHAPTER II. THE GLOVE ON THE DEAD GIRL’S HAND. . ; act was probably a surprise to both the men 2 whom he had found there when he first en- ~ tered. ‘ ~ In'short, he requested the two men to step othe outer office. They complied rather hesitatingly. i ating deake: pee “ Saeeee Mr. Carter. oe Nick returned to the rear room. His first” ie followed them, and pes thie eo Then he coolly took a seat néar by, and. waited for the coroner. Fifteen minutes after Brown: started to wo bring the coroner, he as Se in | company a “with that official. : Nick met the coroner uietly ne fast: no time in making himself known to him. a Then he requested Brown -to send the © crowd on the outside about their business, oe and again cautioned McCarthy to let no one | a of those in the large office go out. This done, he preceded the coroner into the rear office, and closed the. door behind them. ern os The coroner took a quick inventory of the surroundings, and then turned to. Nick for information. is) aan The detective related everything just as it " occurred to him, except ‘that he made no- e mention of the type-written note which had — brought him to the scene at such a strange — time. , “And what have you learned of the case. % frotn those two men, Mr. Carter?” inquired is the coroner. “Nothing. I have or not a- sin, le question, preferring to wait till you got here to receive the story of the case as these ao i ple can or will give it.” “That is quite complimentary, Tam neo , Whom shall we question first?” “Before. we question anybody let me tell you about a few things I have notes in this = office.” rage ee “All right—go on.” ial “The victim was shot in the Hetit ga “T see.’ : so “From the position of the body the shot must have been fired by some one standing in front of that window, or the shot mite through the open window.” Pcies The coroner noticed that the ie ee : eat the dead woman had fallen was almos
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. exactly in front of an open window and about twelve feet from it. He glanced across the street and discov- ered that a window in an opposite building was directly in line with the office window and the desk. oe ’ “You think the shot was fired by some one standing in that window over there?” "7 did not say so. On the contrary, I found this pistol lying directly under the victim’s dependent hand.” “Suicide?” “T am expressing no opinion, just stating facts,” quietly remarked Nick, as the coroner took a pistol from him and examined it, The weapon was of Smith & Wesson make, had six chambers, was peculiarly mounted, » and on a silver plate inlaid in the handle were _ the initials “E. L.” One of the chambers contained the empty shell of a cartridge. loaded. « The other four were - The coroner stooped, and inspected the wound in the head of the victim. “TL see no powder marks on her face,” he said, looking up at Nick. ‘There are none. Besides, I call your at- tention to the condition of the right hand.” The coronet’s eyes turned quickly to the hand of the corpse, which hung at ses side of the body. “Ha! Isee. She was putting on her glove, ~ and couldn’t have handled the gis. her- “selee eee “Not antes she fired jhe shot with her left hand.” 2 Bag the bullet entered the right temple’ sf “T am not sure fit “But see. coroner, pointing to the little blue spot on the side of the girl’s face, which was carpet, up to their gaze. “Yes, that is a wound. ae But the ae might ae come out at that place instead of ss going . in.’ Mere is the wound,” cried the — * Js owe “Oh! Then there is a wound on the other side of the head; the os which lies pes the desk:” =, : Bel ma 8 think there. is.) “You think. Don’t’ you, know-—have you not raised the head to see: Pe cee “T have not gare the ied to see, but T know there is.” “Why, how do you eee if you have | not seen?” “Because here is the fatal bullet, and it not only went into her head, but clean through His “Where did you find it?” “Tn that corner of the room back there,” “Why, that is almost behind the body?” “Yes, The bullet passed through her head, hit the steam coil on the other side of the desk, and carromed at an acute angle, fetching up inthe corner where I found it.” “Tt was surely not suicide,” mused the coroner. _“It may not have been,” responded Nick, _ “She would certainly not have stopped while putting on her gloves to commit suicide ?” “You say gloves. There is but one : glove,” remarked Nick, dryly. “Only one in sight. We shall find the - other, I presume, if we make search.” : “I doubt it.” ‘Why ?” “Because the sloye. she partly put on that hand is not her own.’ “Not her own? ied man,-how do you know?” “Because it is fully. a size too small for her.” re is ; 3 “But——” "You would say she has it partly on. That Cage ‘true, but if you examine it carefully you.” will see. that the fingers would not even go in as far as the ends. have been forced on her: hands.” The glove could na "Seo
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e a: ; NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “Then whose is it?” “I don’t know,” said Nick, who meanwhile had walked across- the office and was exam- ining a woman’s light sack which hung from a hook on the wall. “It certainly. didn’t be- long to her, for here is the pair she used.” He held up a pair of gloves of an entirely different color, and probably several sizes larger than that which was partially on the hand of the corpse. “Well, by Jove!” muttered the coroner. Nick had reached down again into the pocket in which he found the gloves. This time he. fished out a lady’s pocket-book. Without opening it, he carried it across the room and gently pulled the glove from the stiffening fingers of the dead girl. Then he rolled the three gloves and the pocket-book ‘up together, and put them all away in an inside pocket of his coat. “With your permission, I'll take charge of I these important articles of evidence,” he said to the coroner. The latter nodded assent, and asked: 5 “What is in the pocket-book?” “We'll find out later when I’ve time to ex- amine it. Now, we must get together our facts by questioning those people out there one at a time.” “A good idea.” - “But, before we begin, I want to:make a request.” > é “Name it.” “That you postpone the inquest from day to day till I have a chance to get to the very bottom of the mystery.” /\ bother my brains about it, because I know ~ what Nick, Carter cannot fathom in a case ‘like this will never be found out.” “Thank you. Now, we will call in and question our first witness.” “Who will it be? the elder of the two men Si af gst biome ' A the tragedy or when it occurred? 7 on the way in our inquiry.” “Willingly, my boy, and meantime I'll not — _ —the one who must have been here first after _ “No, I think Ill first hear what the younger and more fashionably dressed one — ‘of the two has to fell, I'll call him in.” So saying, Nick went to the dividing door, . opened it, and beckoned to the man who had ‘ preceded him up the stairs only. a few iseoonds to the scene of the tragedy. The young man entered the rear Bi plainly laboring under great excitement. = Nick closed and locked the door, invited his : witness to take a seat, and lost no: time in be- st. ginning his examination. CHAPTER Tt be WHAT THE CONFIDENTIAL CLERK KNEW. - “In order to get down to the facts in this case,” began Nick, addressing the young man, “it will be necessary to apply for infor- ‘ ration to those who are supposed to be in per possession of the knowledge we ‘seek. Wie. have, therefore, called you in first to set us : ~ “Tam ready to answer any question which ~ it is in my power to do?” responded the. ~ young man, trying hard to repress his ner- vousness, - At otk . “What is your mame?”~ 7 4) es “Oscar Gay.” “What is your business?” “Confidential clerk.” i “For whom?” —~ = — he 3 “Bridgely & Byke.” i he “Where are Messrs. Brdeely & Byke wee now?” eke $ Mr. Byke is in Furope—has been away about one month.” = “And Bridgely ?” firiss ie has been dead more than year.” ¥iih wht OS “Then Byke represents he a as. it ex- isted before the death of the senior partner— 2 he constitutes the firm az 3 ; Gay, hesitated and shuffled uneasily in. ah seat for a few moments before ae replied:
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; NICK CARTER WEEKLY. — 7 “The firm name remains ‘the same, but Mr. “Fither that, or had just laid it down.” Byke has a partner.” > » : ray Nick came to:a dead halt in his queries at “Who?” si , this answer, and sat for thirty seconds look- “Victor Redway.” “The man I found in this room with you a “while ago?” Ves. aa af “This Redway, do I understand you, took “a place in Ne firm after Bridgely’s death?’ “Yes, sir.’ “And before that?” “He was the confidential clerk of the firm.” “Then you succeeded in the place made vacant by him when he was’admitted to part- nership by Mr. Byke?” “I did.” . “Now, Mr. Gay, who was that dead | girl— she was scarcely more than a girl” © She : “Her name was Estelle Langdon. was the office stenographer and type-writer.’ “Where did she live?” “Somewhere up in Harlem.” as she married ?” Gay’s eyes gave a quick flash toward ' Nick’s face at this question—a fact the detec- tive mentally noted without pretending to notice it. The answer came almost imme- diately. “Not that anybody was aware of,” “Has she relatives?” © “None—lI believe.” “How long have you known her?” “About six months since she came here.” “What do you know about the way she ae died?” #7, ey \ _ “Nothing, except what I saw as I entered the office just before you came.’ “Tell us what that was—what rot saw.” “The body was lying ther _just as it is now. Mr. Redway was near by ont e side next to the window. When I entered, his body was in a bent position, and one ee was eX- tended toward the pistol on the floor,” “About to pick it up?” 5; eee is > SSS ing Gay. straight in the face. The latter be- came plainly segs oie oe under the detec- tive’ § glance, . “Did you ever see that pistol before?” in- quired Nick, when he once more continued his examination. “T did.” “To whom did it belong ?” “T3 Victor Redway.” “But the initials “E. L.,’ how do you ace ' count for them?” — | xt ae “T can’t account for them. They were on the pets as long as\ I. knew edeny to possess it.” “How long is that?” “Several months.” “Did Redway carry this pistol regularly?” “He never carried it.” ~ . “Then where gid he keep it?” “In the drawer of his desk over there.” Gay nodded to the flat-topped desk setting against the wall to the right of the open win- dow, and almost directly behind the corpse. “You are sure of that statement ?”’ “Yes, I have seen it there often.” “Didn't he keep the desk locked?” “No. I never knew him to carry a key to the desk. Re: “Then ‘Miss Langdon could have got the pistol herself lad oe chosen ?” “T suppose so.’ “What was the relationship of Reda and Miss Langdon? ” “What do you mean?” “Were nen on friendly terms?” tt “Oh, Yes x i . mn “Very confidential ? ” “No, hardly that, eo guess. Not in the presence of any one else, anyhow.” _ “Might they have been lovers?” “Tf they were, no one knew it”
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8: : sa NICK CARTER WEEKLY. aie 3 “Did they ever quarrel?” “Not to my knowledge.” “They*occupied this office together von SV ES: “Where is your desk ?” eis “In, that other private office,” pointing to. an adjoining room into which a door gave communication a little to the right of the desk on which the body lay, and separated from the office they were in by a heavy divi- sion wall. The door was closed, but a tran- _ som above the door stood wide open, as Nick — was quick to note. ~ He Tost no time in fixing in his mind the “Jocation of this room in its connection with ' the other two. It formed the L,'to the suite, and had no direct communication with the large or gen- eral office. ‘There were two doors only to this third room. One connected it with the room in which the body was found and the other opened into the hall.» ° Therefore, to get into that room, it was "necessary to enter either directly from the hall or through both the other offices. “This is Mr. Byke’s private gabe I sup- pose?” “Ves,” : “And you, as his confidential clerk, have your desk in there?” ale in his absence ; aie he is at home, Toceupy a desk i in the large office.” “Were you in there at your desk to-day ?” “Not since noon.” . “You were absent since noon?” “Yes, until I returned just in time to be ‘in at the death.’ ” ; There was a bad attempt to smile, as this was said, but the smile was painfully forced. “Then you know nothing ehdlit: the man- ner of the tragedy?” “Nothing.” “You and Redway were exchanging hot words when I surprised you. What was it _ that passed between you?” ~ questioned the other parties.” fe “J oe aS of having killed Miss Langdon.” _ “And what reply did*he make?” “T¥e was insolent. Asked me what Iin- _ tended to do about it, and wanted to know - what proofs I had to fortify my charges.” “And then?” pe Se! “You came almost before I could reply.” “And have you any Prog aL “Nothing but suspicion.” ata “On what is that suspicion based’ ” a “Well, I’ve noticed that Miss Langdon has been growing fond of him for the last few months. She ‘showed it frequently. a imagined that he at first received her prefer- ences with pleasure, but that of late they had — become annoying to him.” ee ac, “That is the result of observation only?” “That is all, I may BS mistaken, too, you a know.” 56 i iphone “Has Redway a family?” “Do you mean is he married ?” “Yes. o Has he a wife, children, or ‘tela : tives with whom he lives?” fececcon “I believe not—not that any one knows of.” pi! “Where does he live?” ~ a “In bachelor apartments on Fifty-fifth % street.” “That will do for the present, Mr. Gay.” “i The young man arose, and started to go into the other private room by way of the hein communicating door, but Nick stopped him. “Not there, Mr. Gay. You will be so kind | as to remain in the outér office until we have . _ Gay scowled. and went: reluctantly back : the large office, em Nick gave the coroner a significant look. | and remarked: es 5 “Fe seems to be very anxious to get into that’ closed room, but he'll not do ie till Tve hada poe in there first miyselt. =
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“What do you make of this Oscar Gay?” asked the coroner, ~— “Nothing—yet. We'll now see what Vic- tor Redway has to sav.” . CHAPTER IV. THE, JUNTOR PARTNER'S STRANGE BEHAVIOR. « ‘Victor’ Redway entered the room of death looking pale and worried. He cast a glance at the body of the dead girl, and a percepti- _ ble shudder shook his frame. Nick lost no time in “doing business” with the junior member of the law firm.” “Your name is Victor Redway?” -began : Nick. ’ P Redway nodded assent. © “The j junior member. of this law firm! ae ga easy Mr. Gay informed you, I prestime.” } There was a decided sneer in the reply. “Mr, Gay has told us a number of things. woe many of them were truth remains to be : “geen.” = FAS N ick said this, he did not fail to notice that _Redway seemed eases with the latter “part of: the sentence. “The two men are enemies, if not Bp aaty: thén unavowed,” thought Nick. he said: We shave called you i in here to ge* your version or story of as tragedy so far as you. = 7A * vare willing to give it.” t : “Willing to give it? What do you mean?” “Why, this; I am a detective; this is the coroner ; you are alawyer. This i is fot an in- ~ quest, nor yet a preliminary hearing; you are - mot amder oath. There may be circum- stances. “about. the death of that girl which you do not: ‘desire to tell. Indeed, it might be to your interest not. to talk of it at all.” Redway looked at Nick Tong and: steadily. ee aa sce ae At last he said: pe ag understand you. You believe T ~ tite o one es or ‘he other. ss eae NICK CARTER “WEEKLY. accompanied by. To Redwext és value.” It is my fines to prove, to know, not to a believe.” “But Tam suspected?” “The law will undoubtedly look to you . to make a satisfactory, explanation of your knowledge of the crime, or your ignorance of it.” ; ; “Well, suppose you ask me your Stes tions.” “You will answer EP” gigs ee “Some of them, perhaps. As a lawyer, I may choose to remain ‘silent on some points —for the present, at least.” “Then I'll begin ‘at the beginning. Mr. Redway, did you kill that girl?”. The answér came, ee soxt hesitation, and al est, touch of a smile. aH: certain! iy di “Do you know who did? we The answer to this question was not giver so spontaneously, and the smile gave way just _ an instant to the shadow of a frown. After only a moment of hesiiaign Redway re-. plied: No, I do not.” zm “Do you believe she committed suicide®: “My belief on that score is not of oar (ia “Do you know ivnether she had =e catisu: ve to kill parcel ras i Spee Fay «No, oe “Did you ever hear her threaten to ‘ill at herself?” viet i sgh 2 ne “Not directly.” ‘ms ; “Will you explain j ‘id paca ae “Well, she once dropped the echo that if she ever married, and her husband. serted her Yor another woman she wo believed, kill herself.” ae LD Se sere ti z Bi ue ‘ceived her’ and the woman “who of her Paes Ai i a
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- 10 “The story of a client who had somewhat in the same manner.” “How did she hear the story?” “T told it to her.” “She was not married?” suffered “Not to my knowledge.” “Had she a lover?” “How should I know.” “Were you and she not on confidential terms.?” “Why should we be?” “You two were in here together a great deal.” “Tre, as man and employee. one to become confidential with an office I am not attache.” “Not even with “Fispecially not Ww kind.” There was a hard, bitter ring to these - words, which Nick did not fail to make a note of. i “Yet you told her the story of that de- ceived client.” othere was a reason ros that.” “What reason ?” q Redway frowned again, and answered : “hat is something I refuse to say.” . You, were not her lover, Mr. Redway?” ‘er's brow, and he replied : he “The question i is hot worthy of an answer.’ _ “You are sure you never gave her cause to believe you thought more of her than any 4 , other vata Be : io “woman’s mind.” “But your treatment of her—=— “Was of a business_kind entirely.” Babseks Wiel: we'll leave that part of the ‘subject and” come down to the tragedy. Ni us = “Why, no, certainly not.” ( “Where | were you ” An*angry flush mounted the young law iy haps.” - ME don’t pretend to know what! is i in any i Were you. ig in the room. wher the fatal shot was fired: ae bal / NICK CARTER WEEKI rEKLY. “On the street.” we | “Was there any one in the office at the time?” : “I don't know.” vis : “When you came in you found her lying there on that desk dead?” ae Nick once more noticed just the mote of a @ hesitation in the reply. : “Yes, she was sitting there in that chair. stone dead.” eee oye ja! “How long had you been oe of me office?” . ake _ “Ten or fifteen minutes—maybe longer.” _ “Where had you gone?” ne a ets - “To the street.” ee “To any particular place?” eyes. ; ; mI “You had an object in leaving the office _ for the street ?” s “Perhaps.” si ee “But had you not?” ; x “Oh, yes. There ustially i is an object i in all we do.” Seaagee “Well, what was var object in < hin stance?” ‘a ¢ . ran ae ers: renee Sah Be re “T think I will not answer that question.” “Very well. When you went | out) 1 what was Miss Langdon doing?” % “Putting her desk in order.” “Preparatory to Jleaeie “I supposed so.’ siteae v8 “Was it her time to go home? pe “It was past the time.” What had detained her?” x “T don’t know. fe woman's whim, er- tae 93 ep. “Did you say oe to Her as you. went a out?’ et a “Yes,” . “What?” Redway,’ and 1 replied: “Yes, Boe “She meant to ask whether you as _ ing for ‘the day?” sf ar dee
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NICK nimi aeetia WEEKLY. ; “I suppose so.” “And you deceived her?” ‘ “No. 1 had no intention then of coming back.” “What changed’ your mind?” * “A mere whim. IP oo t answer you | in- telligently on that point.” “You mean you will not,” thought Nick. “When you came in you found her dead?” | Nick continued. “Yes, I said so before.” ' Any one else in the office ?” ENO.” “You gave no immediate alarm ?” “No.” wv ny “Because I realized from the foe that it _ was an awkward fix for me to be in, any way Pestld ¢ manage it.” “So you remained?” NOS) “What did you. do here dens with the corpse’ Redway’s as eyes once more turned sharply on Nick’s’ face before he made reply. “T spent a few minutes trying to find some trace of the crime, and at the same time figur- ing ee ay: own danger.” “SO you waited for some one to come in?” “T waited till some one did come in.” “Who was it?” “Jack Marston—the office boy.” “How long afteryou returned was it till Jack Marston appeared?” “T don't know. A man under such ee stances hasn’t much knowledge of time.” “Did you send him to sammon the police‘ : “T made him ‘understand that Miss Lang- | don had been killed, and—well, he did the ‘Test without waiting for directions.” Again that faint smile twitched the corners\ locked, and she Rae went there to , getet of Redway’s stern mouth. “And while he was gore Gay came in?” “Yes.” wes ares £ Ghee oO eee “When he entered the door where were ae you?” 55 “At the side of the corpse.” “What were you doing?” “T had just stooped to pick up the pistol. ‘s “Oh! But you didn’t pick it up?” ' “Why, no! In my personal contact with Fo Gay I forgot it.” Nick gave a quiet chuckle in his innermost soul at so neatly trapping a lawyer. “Whose pistol was it, Mr. see 2” “Mine.” “Where was it when you saw it last before* you saw it on the floor near the amas Ros “In the drawer of my desk over ines “When was: oe “This morning.” “Was it loaded?” ese 2 “Yes “Every chamber?” “I remember distinctly filling the chambers with cartridges yesterday, and I have not fired one of them since.” Nick noted the evasive answer. “Were you in the habit of caer! it loaded ?” 5 “No. On the oes I solders had a cartridge in it. Yesterday I bought some and * filled the chambers.” - “What for?” “2 intended it for the benefit of a a which = spends the midnight keeping people awake. Spee: : “Another evasive answer,” mentally noted a, : Nick. PP cco eee Be “Wells? Sa oe See “Well, I went away without taking it with | : me. Hence it'lay there all day loaded.” a “Did Miss Langdon know thecal was in ee that drawer?” > - \“T suppose she did. The drawer wits never Be } +i ae ae? SF, ae a things out of it.” “That is all have’ to. de you at present, Mr. Esato Will se: have the kindness ¢ to}
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9 12 remain.in the outer office till we have a talk with the office boy?” “T have no choice but to oblige you,” came the sarcastic reply, and the junior partner left the room. ; The coroner looked at Nick with a puzzled expression on his face. _ “What do you make of Mr. Redway?” he . asked. “Nothing yet, but there is a good deal more to learn which may place Mr. Redway in an Now for Jack Mar- I depend on the boy for information entirely different light. e=-ston, 7 which may be most valuable.” ; CHAPTER V. THE MYSTERIOUS LADY CALLER. Jack Marston labored under extreme terror in-the presence of the dead girl—so much so. that Nick spent five minutes getting the lad’s mind in condition to answer questions co- herently.. Then he began on the lad cau- tiously. “How long have you been office boy for Bridgely & Byke, sa ?” asked the ee _ “Nearly two years.” “What are your hours?” a get here at eight o’clock, and this time a on year go home generally at five.” Seek he office i is closed up at that “tine Me = The janitor generally takes it to clean up. oad Somietimes he don’t get in till later.” “Do you lock up when you go away 7: “No, the janitor does that.” “Who leaves the first generally ?” “Mr, Byke, when he’s here,” “And. when he’s not here?” “Why, Mr. Gay. Mr. Gay has been out a good deal since Mr. Byke went to Europe. > He went away to-day about eleven o'clock, and told me he wasn’t coming back, but he did come, late as it was.” _ “Are you: always the fast to leave’ ee Be & ‘the ‘watch. gi = NICK CARTER WEEKLY, “No, sir! Sometimes Mr.. Tages stays, here later than five, but he never es me.’ “And Miss Langdon: as “She always left when I didenat sie é'clock. . The elevator stops’ running then.” “But she didn’t Sie at five to- -day ie “T gness not, sir.’ en tas “How does it come you returned to- day after your hour for going home?” “Mr. Redway sent me on an errand.” “What kind of an errand?” : “To take his watch to a jeweler’s on Brolkdé ; way to be cleaned.” “What time, was that?” —~ 6 “Ten minutes before five.” “And told you to come back?” “No, sit; he said I needn’t come. back. e ade eat the jeweler’s place was closed on account of a death in the family and bs came back with ; * gi “Did you tts the Swale me “No, sir, I forgot it. I was so scared.” “Where is it?” Ef “In my pocket.” “Let me see it.” 3 a ne ae handed to Nick a a gol dias Nick said: e dee "7 return this to Mle Redway. You * needn’t tell him that the jewelers place was. closed.” Ca oa “But——* : = “No Duates about. ‘it, Jad. Iam Nick Car tet pee and represent Superintendent Byrnes, and this is the coroner. You do what I tell you and no harm shall come to you.” = - Paid Ay ses iy fe aa = pe Flay Nick saw he was dealing with a naturally bright, quick-witted and honest lad. “Now, then, Jack, tell me. Who > was Fier He in these offices when yo left to take Mr. ia Redway’s watch to the jewe er She: ema “Nobody, except him and Miss. Langdon.” : “That was ten. minutes before five.” “Yes, sir.” ; ae = r ce
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“You are sure that he a follow you to the street?” “Not that I saw. He had just come in from the street about ten minutes before.” “Oh! re “Yes, sir, he went out with a Tagg: and was gone nearly half an hour.” “Who was she?” : ~“T don’t know. I never saw her before.” “What kind of looking lady was she?” “Young and very handsome.” “Whom did she ask for when she came?” “For Mr. Redway.” “Did she not give a name?” “No, sir I asked her for her name. But she replied with a question, ‘Is he in there?” Then she walked back, opened the oe came, in here and. shut it.” “Before the door closed IT heard Mr. Red- Way say, ‘What—you here?’ ” “Where was Miss Langdon?” “Out at lunch.” “What time was that?” _, “When the lady came ?” =. “About poe eae two o'clock.” “And how long did she stay?’ “Till a quarter past four.” _“Was in there all dae time with Mr. Red. way? BS a fr ee oe “Ves, sir.’ : “Did no one’ distiarb them! ” ~ “No, sir: Mr. Redway gave me orders soon after the lady went in that he was not to be nen by. anybody. So I sent several ~- parties away.” “But Miss Langdon? » “She came back about a quarter of three and sat out there in ine big office with me til the lady went away.” “Didn't she appear to be curious ane the strange visitor ? me “Not one bit till the lady went olf and she. saw her. Then she got somewhat excited.” NICK CARTER WEEKLY. [as “She saw the ‘woman as oe latter went a out?” z “Yes, sir, Miss iauigan ae ce the "big office as Mr. Redway and the lady went through on their way to the elevator. Mr. . Redway said to me as he passed, ‘I'll be back | soon, Jack,’ and accompanied the lady down- stairs.” “T don’t believe either of them saw Miss Langdon, who was sitting in the corner, sort. of behind the door.” “And you say the sight of the strange woman exicted her?” “Very much. As’soon as they were on the elevator she began asking questions about the woman, and- seemed to be very much | | worked up, though up to that time she scarce- ly seemed to give the lady visitor a thought.” “Was Miss Langdon inclined to grow ex- cited?” Se onde “No, sir. On the oo she was a ; always quiet and easy- going.” ae “What did she do till. Mr. Redway re- turned ?”’ “Walked around in that office there ner- vously, and seemed as if she couldn’t pait till he got back.” “Well, when he came a iaiak then? Mg “He went right back to the office, and left the door open behind him. Miss Langdon shat it herself. 2d } “Ah! that is interesting, “Go on.” “I didn’t hear much that was said, though I might had I cared to listen, for Miss Lang- Si don’s voice was raised to a high pitch.” “Did you hear anything ?” “Yes. I. couldn’t help. = She almost - / shrieked the words, / if “What words?” “Why, these : ‘Tf I was sure of it, her life 5 wouldn’t be worth a penny. iy “Were they. still quarreling when you were” sent out with Mr. Redway’s watch?” “No, sir. At least, she seemed to have | cooled off gett es 79
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14 “Whe. you came in what was Mr. Redway doing?” “Washing his hands in that,stationary bas- . in over there,” said Jack, pointing to a lava- tory behind a screen in one corner of ,the ’ office. Sse “What did he say?” “He seemed very much surprised and . somewhat confused. I saw Miss Langdon lying on the desk that way, and, remembering the scene between them, I asked: “Why, Mr. Redway, what ails her ?” “He said: ‘Jack, she has met with an awful accident.’ “Then I went up, and as soon as I saw. she was dead I ran as fast as I could downstairs and met Mr. Gay coming up.” _ “Did you ever see this pistol, Jack?” “Yes, sit, often.” j « “Where?” /; “Tn Mr. Redway’s desk over there.” “When did you see it last?” “Yesterday.” > “Where?” “Tn Miss Langdon’s hands.” “What was she doing with it?” “Loading it.” “What for?” { “She said Mr. nee had loaned: it ‘so her to shoot a cat.” N ick’s mind instantly reverted to Redway’ s ~ evasive words about shooting cats. “But she didn’t use it, I guess?” ventured Aale “T don’t know, but I reckon she tried it. eR “Why?” : “The pistol was not there last night after she went away.” “Are you sure?” “Quite sure. aT went to the drawer for some blanks, and the pistol was gone, though = ~ the box of cartridges was still there. 2 “Did you see the pistol this srenaer sah ge hawen’ tseen it since till: now.’ . tak 1 a i , : NICK CARTER WEEKLY. e “Tt was on the floor, almost at the touch of Miss Langdon’s hand.” | “The one es or down—had tigger: on?” ae : Pee = Yes.” “VYou-are mistaken, sir.” = ~ “What.do you mean ?” ee “T noticed the hand with the glove on when I went® to look at her. “There was no pistol near it.” ) apex “You may not have noticed if.” Rai: “T would have seen it if it had been there,” insisted Jack. ee » With a caution to the lad fo keep: Fated” lips for a day or two Nick dismissed him. jp. CHAPTER V. ~ a wha THE STRANGE WOMAN SAW” THO ACROSS THE STREET. The janitor was the next person: call x 8 questioned. es ace “You take charge of the offices eves} even- — ing to clean them out and lock them up, do you not?” aera Nidk* ee ona a oe ae “T do, sir.’ ; a “What time do you generally begin AbaE ss work?” : re ae “Usually. right "Sie five geocc pti Mr. Redway leaves.” vets “But you did not come to these offices at. _ five o'clock to-day, nor yet as early as half- past five?” 2 % ees “True, sir. I had been asked to wait till f six o’clock.” . aa “Asked to wait till six? By whom? “By Miss Langdon, God rest her soul S | “Did she say why she wanted you to wait: ” 3 “She said she would be busy till that tir ¥ Nick’s mind instantly reverted to the type written message which had _summoned him to the place of the tragedy. = “Besides © sir,” continued the janitor, | “Mr. : Redway dids “not leave at five ore: usual. s ; “How ag ) you know that?” ~
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} i “T saw him go downstairs five minutes after the elevator Bea ‘ai it stopped at five boy o'clock.” “This is important information. see him come up again?” “No, sir; but somebody came up about five - minutes after he went down, for I heard the man’s steps. I was busy in an office two floors below, however, and dic :’t look out to » see who it was.” : “Were there any other persons in the build- ing at that time?” “Only the three persons out there in that room, They occupy offices two flights above, and are here every day till six o’clock.” “Did you hear_a pistol shot?” | *No,. sir, I did not.” “Isn't that ‘igen a aie Goes séem 50, sit,’ OW as there any unusual noise about the time the shot may’ have been fired ?” g - “Only once, sir.” : “What was the noise?” ) “A wagon loaded with bar iron n passed on the street below and made a great clatter.” “About what time was that?” “Near five o'clock.” ; ; \ ine “Before or after Redway went down stale Ses sete : “Just before, if I remember rightly. is Mr. Kennedy, concerning what they knew of the affair. ~ Neither had any. knowledge which at first could throw light on the subject in hand. They had been at work itf their offices, two \ ae above, and neither heard a pistol shot.. Bee any of you remember the noise of a . Aeayily loaded wagon which passed through _ the street below about five o'clock ie ” inquired Nick. « “Mr. Grote saris eaee it distinetly, er - for a. good reason. ‘ NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Did you ogee for the r Teason, he replied & oe the, es of the dead ink that at the time Miss Lucas. was standing : at the window looking ‘down the street. He had “ called to her, and the din was so great he was ~ compelled to raise the pitch of his voice and call three times before she heard him. ‘Miss. Lucas then remembered the ‘circum- stance, but was not aware of any unusual noise at the time. There might have been such a noise, Fowever. but her attention was wholly engrossed just then by something elsen- “What was it that interested you so much?” asked Nick, “Something you. saw in the street ?” “No, something I saw ina window across the street.” ’ “What did you see?” = “A woman.” | “Why did the woman prove so interest- ing ?” “Because from her actions I thought she | was watching somethingtwhich was going on in this building.” “Ah! now we are getting at something im-* portant. What made you believe SY was watching this building?” “Because when she first came to that win- dow she looked out boldly, fearlessly and carelessly ; suddenly she drew back and hid .. her face behind the edge of the window, seem: _. ingly on the watch and anxious not to be no Mr. Grote and Miss Lucas © | wer re then called in together and questioned - ticed herself.” 2 a OW. ell oe pe : 4 “She sat thus probably five minutes. Then, springing to her feet, she almost ran away from the window and disappeared.” _ “What window was it through which she — looked ?” Ms Miss : Lucas poltited directly across “the 7 street and answered “That one.’ _ She had ieeitied the window which Nick sy had previously noticed to. be. on a line with the open window of Re oe: rages office +t
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16. Miss Lucas dite gmiee her information - by saying? “Our offices are eects shave these, and_ I was looking down at the woman—or rather at the place from which she had disappeared a minute before when Mr. Grote called me.”” “Could you see the woman’s features ?” “Distinctly when she first came to the win- dow.” om “Had you ever seen her before?” “Only once.” “When ?” “To-day —this afternoon as I was going out : to lunch.” : “Where was she?” > “She got into the elevator as I So out.” “What time was that?” ‘ “About half-past two o’clock.” Nick had no doubt that the woman at the. window was Redway’s mysterious visitor. oeMr. ‘Kennedy ae Miss Lucas were dis- _missed with a caution to repeat none of their © information to afiy one else. 3 “Nick requested Mr. Grote to remain a few. mina : x ; = : After. ae and the typewriter hae _ gone back to the private office Nick wali Spered. _ to the coroner: further information from Grote, just to keep ge up the hum of conversation, while I take a ~ Jook in the private, office of Mr. Byke.” = _ So, while the coroner engaged Mr. Grote “in further conversation, Nick silently used his pick-lock, entered the private office of Mx: ~ Byke and remained for nearly ten minutes. When he returned Redw: “locked the oil se ng ied, Spee him, © and then said: Frees 5 ae » iene al ape ae Grote, as a representative of Superin- im tegene Byrnes, T ask you to mention to no . one the fact that es say me > enter frat room - NICK: CARTER WEEKLY. - ces “Make a pretense of trying to get some ms clock.” that my visit'to Mr. Byke’s Sfhice shall not known to ca one save out three selves fo the present.”’ a “You can rely on. me, sir, to be mum ‘on * "ales. the subject.” _ “Thank you, and that is all.” Nick himself accompanied Mr. ‘bias: large office, and, addressing the two po men, said: sas vy “Mr. McCarthy, all ede god people, ex a few more questions, may go. Mr. Bi ce will see that er have free access t thei z Then, tuning sf said : ; “I would like to get'a little more informa-— “dite as you,” was é the ater reply. Once inside, and the door locked, Nick pro- s ceeded without delay to his task. eas “Mr. Redway,° you told | me tha “y been on the’ street, and when you caime back you found Miss Langdow dead.” 2 “You have stated aes ase ¢ “What tim was. it when you. left ‘Miss. ‘Langdon’ here alive and went down to the: street ?” Bir ag “How ‘do a know ?” “Because I rode down in the elevator, the elevator boy never makes a trip a “You are sure Bess Bae down ‘in vator: ies : :
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ee aes at The response was so feebly made that Nick down and where you were. te you still oe = si He Bid was somewhat puzzled.” a __ fuse to answer? i ees _ “Where was yout office boy when you went edo la ery paint??? aie ate cae visited you in this aioe this after- “I had just sent him to the jeweler’s with noon.” my watch.” aay. s ee flushed and ‘then grew ae ick “How long before?” ' A cold, desperate gleam came into his gray ; _ Only a few minutes.” eyes and his lips closed tightly. a “How long did you remain on the street ?” “Do-you deny that, too?” asked Nick, after “Ten or fifteen.minutes, probably.” Redway : showed no intention of replying to” “Why. did you come up, go down and fe- ‘the statement of fact. - turn the ‘second time?” “T do not.” ~ “What do you mean?” “Who was she?” 2 — ry “Well, you say you rode down in the ele- eT hall refuse terete “vator a. little before five and came back ten or een minutes later. Why did you go down ol “Is my affair solely—and hers.” most directly afterward and return the sec- 4 Are you sure it was not also Miss Lang- aes ee a : ond Hime Or eee nee done ene?” L did not.” ah Digi But the janitor saw you going down the “And the nature of her business here?” . “Quite sure.’ “After she went away you and Miss ee: 3 don had ‘a quarrel?” : eis about a quarter past five.” ey beg the janitor’s pardon, but he saw “No, sir, we had not.” f “nothing of the kind.” - “But Miss Langdon’ s voice was eae ina “You deny, then, that you walked down- highly pitched and exciting key talking to you = Stairs about that ime pki € : in here?”’ ; ae Ke Seine Fie easy z Pr ae ot “Most. ermphat ‘ically. 1 have , not walked “Miss Langdon was: widatreee of “heh own = downstairs in this building to-day.” _ voice. I repeat, we had no quarrel. eee : = ‘When. you were coming up did you have “What was she saying to you while ax : oceasic ) retrace your | steps for a short dis- was so excited?” abe; ie F ; Aance? ae i SSeS * 1 surely cannot tell you.” Bas 0: Sn ea - Pa See IOy Site y tees eee Why?” “Tt concerned only herself, and she i is desks “Her. affairs are” sacred so far as I am con-_ cerned,” _ “You came straight up without turning back once?” eae ae os te S ; “You left the. ae with your lady vis-_ : “Ts the janitor a truthful — itor?) “So far as I know, he i as = “Veg” nee he. ead oo that he s ‘Saw you go i>
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i8 “Mr. Carter, there is no use in your asking me airy crate! questions or of oy answering any more.’ “Then I presume, Mr. Redway, you are lawyer enough to understand a position,” remarked. Nick. ] ; “Oh, yes! I must submit to arrest on sus- picion. There is noth- ing in the case to fix the crime on me.” “Do you know how Miss Langdon died?” “T believe you asked me that question be- fore, and I answered it. I do not.” “Then, till we find out, you will have to submit to detention.” ee “Imprisoned, you mean. Well, ] am ready.” “Nick, accompanied by Officer Brown, took ’ Redway to the nearest police justice, where But I have no fears. a commitment was sworn out, and Redway was lodged in the Tombs. ras Before he left the Borden Building, how- ever, Nick questioned the janitor again about the person who went down the stairs shortly after five o’clock.. “Are you positive it was Mr. Redway?” a as as I live I am.” _ “No mistaking some one else for him?” _ “How could 1? There’s no one ase wears | such a sky-blue suit, such a straw hat with a black: band or has such a Jong. blonde mus- + tathe.” . Z ; When Nick. heard this answer, calling ap ~ Redway’ s peculiar dress and appearance, he. ~ couldn’t doubt the janitor’s word. Then he a got’ the address of the elevator ” boy, and ~_ personal request : “Postpone your inquest from day. to ops until T have had a little more time to look ms BE at na NICK CARTER WEEKLY. & . directory ?”’ fice to-day?” 2 Vile come stairs, \8° “same way and returned a second tims ae a , turned, the case over to the coroner rs this Se “T am trying to had Mr. Redway? ee plained Nick, ‘ ee IT thought ioe might tell me where he is.” — age “Why, he has rooms Se on | Fifty fifth street, I believe. Did you look in the “Yes! He isn’t there. Was he inthe of: ’ Sie Aur “Sure!” = = “You saw him??. se ‘Why, yes, several times. He rode up and — down with me.” ssa “How many times?” “Oh, four or five, maybe ! ; “Was any one. with him. on any AO thee trips?” nce pe “There was a stunning- Pig ed with him once when he went down. “Was that the last time he went doe — “No, he came ‘back half an hour went down with me on my last trip” at i i five o’clock.” wn the: second time stairs. at this particular “ee “When | did 'y me gee Mr. aoe la stran e ee itings. =
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7 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. _ nee ae “T don’t know. He didn’t go down with of all that which you have revealed which | me. Guess he must have walked.” — puts this Redway i in a better light than ever.” __ '“Half-past two or three o’clock,” said Nick See you are a ees pests Tm aes to-himdelf.. “The office boy told me that sev- of you.” e. eral parties came in while the strange woman “Thanks. 1 will go eee and say bet . was closeted with Redway and that he sent I believe you think Redway knows who killed - them all away. ae old man was. one of the girl, or how she died, and that he is shield- | them, I suppose.” ing somebody.” 5 Then, for the time béing, Nick disinieeed “You miust have learned mind-reading with- all thoughts of the old man from his mind. your other accomplishments,” eniiche Nick J | But the existence of that personage was des- “Maybe you can\tell mnéwho it tethatshe/is p tined ‘soon: to be recollected with startling trying to shield; 31 force. : Not unless it be the strange woman,” 4 ae “Humph! We must find that woman and — CHAPTER VI. learn more about her,” was the ‘non-commit- =f NICK AND CHICK IN CONFERENCE. tal reply. “Chick, there is another character The great, detective’ s next move was to go soi and you're the very one to. straight home and summon his right-hand do it.” man, Chick, for a conference. “Who 2” » Without a waste of words or time he put “The confidential clerk—Gay.” - his. assistant in possession of all the facts of A SOG; HOt . the case up to that 1 xinute. “T don’t like him. Besides, there is a “mys-" When he finally ended the details with an tery about him.” account of his visit to the elevator boy he ~ = Witelhs” threw himself back in his ‘chair and gave , ‘He was absent from the building most of — Chick a look which meant: the day, but he managed to be in a the. see “That is all. Vyhat do you think of it?” death.” The latter returned his chief’s stare for a “Did you ask him what had brought: him r att minute ; : then he uttered | the single, word : A pa that particular time? ?” se “Well?” % : “No.” ape Nick echoed the maticeyllibien = “Why? gh ee : os deck : 3 “Tt would have told him that a was under ~ “e or guess you have a pretty deep case on ‘suspicion. Best to have him off his guard.” ag. your hands,” smiled Chick. “But Pl wager “You have other evidence to involve him?” ee my watch against ‘Your toothpick on one “Nes. #5 “point.” ei es eT a “I thought so. What is it?” - gcd ee Ca pia of “T told you about my quick, hurried secret ~ Sica te baienioh § ‘you ve locked a up in visit to the office of the senior member of the “ the Tombs you don't” ‘believe he killed the firm?” \ 2 Ne Ae hee PN%: “Yes. What did you discover i in there?” good clea There _ “Not much, and vyet was a mirror 80 fis Gee
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» 20 went on in the other room where the tragedy occurred.” : “And, as the transom above the door was open, could hear as well?” “Yes,” paca That office was supposed to be de- serted all the afternoon?” meCorrect..: “Vet some one was concealed in there, and f “T see. 4 heard and saw all that was said and done in Redway’s office ?”” “T believe so.. Whoever it was, he or she made a mistake.” “By forgetting to remove the mirror?” “Exactly. And unless [am much mistaken. : that mirror will trap the person we want.” “How ?” TE it disappears from’ its place high up there on the wall before to-morrow—and I think it will.” ~. “T see, Isee. You have arranged*to find out who goes into that office?” “Yes, “Can you trust him?” “T think so.” “But how about his seeing Redway go -. downstairs at the’time he says he did?” : ee cae he saw some one go down at that The janitor will keep me posted.” “Who: ? Redway? pe “That Tam not ready to answer. of t ‘fhe knotty places in the mystery.” It is one “i ae os ’ of ae aN} ck, who wrote that note to you?” Ma “I have no doubt it was the girl who was. killed.” “What was ler object?” “She had serious work for a: detective, or. she would not have sent for me. The girl wrote another note on her typewriter to-day besides’ fis one sent to me.’ “To whom ?” “T don’t. know; it is not addressed: Ti show it to you.” NICK CARTER WEEKLY. - time I will consider myself absolved from my ‘Of course, Miss Langdon directly.” Nick produced the dead gic s pockesonl : from which he took a typewritten slip, on : which was this message: «You failed to keep your engagement tas night. I'll give you just one more chance. Meet me to-night at the same place, 8: 30. sharp, and be ready to come to. some definite understanding ‘with me. If you fail me this oath.” pie “Nick, this is the key to the whole trags edy.” ; oe “T think so, too.” 9S ties : “The note was never delivered. i “Why t 377 Zz “For want of an opportunity—that’s clear.” “She may have backed down after writing. 2 its pert “Certainly not.” : Ss “You believe the note. was intended pas ‘i Gay, and that he gave her the slip t day be- fore she had a chance to get it to him?” ghee “Right you are, lad.” ~ “Did he go away. from. is office. suddenly, 4 without telling any. one??? is ley “Ves, except the office boy, whom he ‘old just as he went out, leaving word for Redway - = th-t he would not be back during the day. — Gor the message : ines: “Well, what élse?” =, : “This.” tees i Nick produced Rada ewan and op ned! the back of the case. When he turned’ the * inside toward Chick the me looker th ng the ‘child enn part in ak = some indirect method. es
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; “Why do you think so?” mt “Because there is a slight resemblance be- . “tween. her face and the face of the girl who “was killed. = “Ah! that makes the child an important What is your next is character in the case. ~ move, Nick?” : “There is no next move. It must be a se- “ries of moves in which I need your help and % the aid ot idax “Well, map out your business.” “First, I want to find the mysterious wo- mant ; - “Secondly, I:want to find that little girl “Thirdly, I wartk to discover where Estelle Langdon went last night—in order to dis- cover her place. of ‘meeting with the the to whom she addressed that note. “Fourthly, I want Gay shadowed.” “Well, which part of the job is mine?” “I’m going to turn Gay over to you.” “All right. Gay’s my meat.” “T’ll look up the handsome, mysterious wo- oe man myself.” “And Ida?” ““T'll send Ida to the home of the dead girl to get information there.” _. “Perhaps you can give me an idea where seh Tug find Gay?” . : ie “T frie I can. Go down to the Borden ito Building, and wait till he comes there.” “To-night?” citement dies out in that vicinity. Then he'll ~ taken.” Ida was: brought inta ste case af this stage and instructed. in the » part ‘she was expected to a Ne =) “CHAPTER VIL Ge ae TO SOLVE THE RIDDLE. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. lieved had been in Mr. ov “Certainly ! He'll wait till some of the ex- ~ ge visit that private office, or I am BiPatly: mis- ; from. his pocket and held it up- before Deke 7 eyes ; : downtown again to ‘the ee of the “¥ tragédy. = 2224 He did not go to the Borden Butlaing t this time, but to that one across the street, in which was the office out of whose window he was convinced the strange woman had ~ seen the tragedy as it occurred in the office of Bridgely & Byke. The building was locked up for the iene but Nick had no trouble in finding the jan- itor, who lived in one of the upper rooms, but _ who at that hour was on the street discussing with his acquaintances the reese of the . Borden Building. Oh, yes! _He—the janitor—knew whose offices were exactly opposite Bridgely & Byke’s—they belonged to Lawyer John Woodford. : With Lawyer John Woodford’s es in his possession, obtained from the directory, ~ : Nick started uptown in search of him. ; He found the lawyer at home, and was pleasantly received. Nick inquired about a lady, whom he be- — Woodford's office that afternoon about five o ’clock, but of whom he had lost all trace soon after. ge: “Yes, Mr. Woodford admitted tht Dre woman had called to see him about that hour. He was out at the time, and his office hoy—rr asked her to -sit down and wait.-~ Soup She did wait for a little while, when, with- out saying a word, she passed hastily out of a3 2 the office, almost running as she went. ~ He had come in a few minutes later when the boy related the circumstance to him. He had no means of knowing whether he — had ever seen the lady or not, or of know- ing who she was. She left no name = deed, left nothing to identify her but a glove. Here the lawyer pulled a lady’ s kid glove ae ii)
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Ys ae af ’~ never learned exactly where. . departure, tell you more about that lady! elevator, and inquired for the lady. “She left this behind in her unceremonious ” the lawyer said. Nick recognized it at once as the mate to . the glove which was found partly on the hand of the dead girl. With some reluctance, and apparent mis- givings as to the policy, Lawyer Woodford permitted Nick to take the glove away with him. As the detective was about to leave, Wood- ford seemed to recollect something, and said: “Oh, by the way, perhaps I know who can 7 “Indeed ?” , kay “Yes, My boy told me that she had scarce- ly disappeared down the stairs—she didn’t wait for the elevator—when Mr. Redway, of . the firm of Bridgely & Byke, stepped off the He seemed much Seaneer en when told she was * gone.” . This was intensely interesting news to Nick. “Did Redway follow her?” inquired Nick. “Why, no. The stupid boy did not tell him she walked or ran downstairs, else he might have followed her. think she was trying to avoid Redway. I’d + Do. you know, +t - advise you to’see Redway.” Again Nick examined the directory. This time he looked for the name “Oscar Gay,” but didn’t find ‘it. New York Directory for the current year. He then turned to the Brooklyn Directory, and found the name, with the address, on Brooklyn Heights. It didn’t take him long to go over to the The name was not in the place, which he found was a middle-class , boarding-house. The landlady informed him that Gi had not been a boarder with her for ten months. He went to. New York somewhere, but she “Was there any reason for his leaving?” asked the Sige segs NICK CARTER WEEKLY. f “None that Pm sure of. There was a young lady boarding here at the same time, and we thought they were rather sweet on each other. She left, too, a few. days after | him, and I haven't heard a aire of Sires :: since.’ “What was the young woman ’s name?” “Let’s see: she was a typewriter, and her name ‘was — was — was Langdon = woe Langdon.” ren | Though Nick had not discovereas Gay's address by his trip to Brooklyn, he had ob-_ tained information that was almost equally as valuable, and he went back to ae York very much elated. He returned to his house to meet with a. surprise, which was almost dumfounding. : As he entered, his servant safd a lady was i waiting to see him in the library. ; He proceeded straightway_ to receive chis — visitor. She sat in the gloom as Nick entered, saat it was not till he had turned up the light that - the surprise came. eiint mes ae ee aaa { Even then it required ten or fifteen seconds for him to arrive at his startling discovery. The moment his eyes fell upon the face of the woman before him a conviction forced - itself upon him that ke had seen her before. ' Then came the more forcible conviction — that it was a striking ‘resemblance ane, a recollection of | features. Pa Her face had almost a counterpart in ae younger, smaller countenance on which “he had recently looked. It was a twin picture to the portrait of the child in the back of Receay $ wateh—y : the afternoon. What good 1 Jack: had’ « sent hee to ‘ie “You have been ee to. see “me?” Nick, aes :
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_ “If you are the detective, Nick Carter, I have,” was her reply, as she looked intently into his face. “Weill, I am Nick Carter, at your’ service.” “T have heard of your great professional _ skill, sir, and have come to seek your help in a case that to me has recently become more dade a matter of life and death. I am rich, “and can pay you well for your services.” “What i is the nature of these services i 2 ero find ay child.” = _ “L thought so,” was. Nick’s mental re- _ Sponse. “Boy or girl?” he asked. “Ax girl? . “How old?” ' “Nearly seven years old.” cage you a widow ? ‘es 658i with a flush. f ¥ “My itushand is > alive.” ~ . “But you don’t live with him?” 8 do “a We have not lived apgether for Ae years.” “And he has your aha hidden away?” Be gore ety * “What i is your name? ae i “Evelyn Lock.” ee “Have you a picture of the little girl?” - re No: sir. =f haven't seen her sincd ane was less than two years Old.” ie The tears came into eyes, and a $6b _ broke from her lips as she said it. ‘ “Why have you not searched for the child 5 betokd my : ae sip ST have, but it was “only within. the last s Sie ees { es “Her ag! 7 198. mean ‘si “Yes, 'g Shama Fou are not a resident of New York?” . re am an Eee My home NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ay or two that I have been able to locate “He knows you are here?” ~ “Yes,” reluctantly. “Ts a Be sep es with him impossible? wis “Tt is—now.” _ Nick began to fear that he understood the meaning of that last word, “now.” Were you willing to be - “You say ‘now.’ reconciled until recently i re “Yes, I loved him dearly—never ceased fe love him inspite of the fact that he robbed me of my child, for I know he was cruelly - deceived about me, and had I been guilty of all which he had cause to believe me guilty of, I would have deserved to lose him, aud my child, too.” “Why do you say that a reconciliation now » is impossible?” “I cannot tell you that.” “Ts the cause on your side or his?” “On his.” Nick concluded he would now force the situation. “You say you do not know how your little. girl looks now?” JEN €s; Site for five years.” “Then Til let you see what she looks like.” As Nick spoke he took. Redway’s watch from his pocket, opened the ‘back of the case, © 4 and présented to the astonished young woman the portrait of the sweet face set therein. At first she could only gaze at it in utter stupefaction. Sehr is dete Then, bealibin’ what it mieartt, she gave a great cry, pressed the portrait to her lips like—fainting. Nick caught her just in time ‘tos save the watch from slipping from her “grasp. His experience with | fainting women was large eae ae T have not seen her ’ again and again, and ended all byeceiey : and varied, | “The means of resuscitation were thes near at hand,and he soon v had hie fair, visitor back to consciousness.
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5 “Where did you get it?” “The ‘watch ?” Saves. yest “Indirectly from its owner.” “From—from——-" “From Victor Redway. He is your. hus- : band, and the father of the missing child.” ai The woman bent her head in silent assent. “Ts Victor Redway his real name?” {Parteol at: way Lock.” 4 The full name is ‘Victor Red- “Oh, yes—your married name. What is the little girl’s namie.” “Estelle Langdon Eocks $< _ It was one “of those periods i in Nick : Car ter’s life when sudden surprise nearly struck him dumb. What did it mean? — girl and the concealed child of Redway bear- © This woman’s little ing the name of the girl who had ‘so mys-— teriously met her death that afternoon. As soon as Nick had time to pull his wits . together, he inquired : “After whom was the child named? ” a ~ “After my aunt—my mother’s only. sitee? “Where is she now?” E “She has been dead some six years. She died broken-hearted. Her life and mine were most wretchedly alike.” Sb, “How SOg fas “Her isleats deserted her, taldog? their “only child, a girl, away with him.” : <aaWaele did’ they go?” : ee = 2 eeletieni oF again, and gh Supe ee are dead.” “2, acs the Paes eee ee . “She was. her father’s. idol, and he hers. ; She took his side of the quarrel.” “What was her name?’ He NICK CARTER WEEKLY. found i in the private office “More, much more, . than your suspect madame,” replied Nick firmly. reacaes “In what way—explain?” Bete ies a “Presently. You recognize the portrait 0: your child in that watch?’ = “Oh, yes! May I keep tie wate sa “If you answer me truly two questions.” ss them.” taicen ate the dead int $ ies tn up before her. “Is this your glove?” Boo ae She turned pe but answered cals anc piompey. vo ee ee PS ae “Tt is, Where” “And this one, too?” “Yes, sir; etic rie! “This Shey? desi: on _ that, too.’ this evening. This Bae ; ees The. woman had’ turned deadly - Nick thought once she wo’ he gave her time _ quite bravely. Then he went on: “When you dropped the ast - _ Woodford’ office ‘Ou Were SI
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attempt to use it. So Nick concluded the - dramatic situation. g “You do not know who that girl was, but I believe you do know who fired the shot which deptived her of life. “Now, I am going to tell you who the victim was, and then I’ll ask you to tell me _ who was the assassin. “You did not recognize the girl, I sup- pose?” _~ A negative shake of the head was the only mS ‘Tesponse, f “But you begin, io euceck # Re my God!” came the response, “in a whispering gasp. — €The girl whom you saw murdered was your Estelle Langdon. was it that fired the shot?” . The answer came almost as Nick expected. For the second time Mrs. Lock lost con- “sciousness. She had fainted again. cousin, CHAPTER’ VIII. = A HUSBAND’S LOVE, = When Mrs. Lock had once more regained consciousness, Nick gave her a stimulant, and _ let her have plenty of time to come into full 3 possession of her’ Teasoning faculties before | he “pressed her farther about what she had 4 ‘seen from Lawyer Woodtoras window. When he did resume the subject, it was by ~ saying? : “Take time to think the situation over Seriously, Mrs. Lock, and then give me Pa “answer.” : Sehncan give. you your answer now,” she Teplied, in a voice which was weak and _ trembling. “All the answer I have to give?” V oodford’ s window.” ix do not admit that I saw anything from ‘Lawyer Woodford’s window.” “But = eas Se were there NICK CARTER WRHEKLY. Now, who — _ “By telling me what-you saw from Lawyer cousin. You are probably the sale ving witness who saw the deed done.” “Ah! And yet you expect me to at it, and tell what I am supposed to have Seenn’-< ph Gea . : “And why do you think T would - so, if it was as you suppose?” “Not if it was as I suppose, but as I know. Pll tell you why I not only think but feel sure you'll conceal nothing from me.” “Well?” Ree “Because you'll do- anything to save your husband.” : “To save him?” ; =e ae The emphasis which she put on the word “save” was a full confession to the astute detective. She realized it almost as soon as the three words were uttered. But. Nick’s next sentence somewhat re- lieved her mind, as well as mystified her. “You think you saw him kill Estelle Lang- don?” _ “TT think\I saw him. Why——” _Again an accented word had made a con- fession, and she once more halted in confu- sion. - . “T am anxious to get at the bottom of a conspiracy of some kind, and I can do it by having the benefit of your statement of just what happened in that room as you saw it from across the street.” “Mr. Carter, you say this to trap me.” “AS Heaven is my aia Mrs. Lock, i do not.” “You believe my husballd” is innocent , ; that crime?” “T am sure oe it, but circumstances are — against him now.’ 3 . “They, say, Mr. Cattery: that you are the a ; soul of honor.” ss = =i ter have that reputation it is earned, and — “you may ‘rely _on it that T will not sacrifice _ it at your expense, Mrs. s. Lock’ » ae ~ “ae
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26 “Tt seems almost inexplicable to me, but ‘something prompts me to trust you.” “T do not believe you will ever regret it, if you do.” “T'll do it,” with a great sigh, as if of re- lief. seem like sending the man I love to his death.” “You believe you saw your husband fire ‘the shot that killed Estelle Langdon?” “Yes.” “There was nothing to obstruct your view ?” “No—nothing.” “You were seen to draw back from the Why “Yet the first statement I make must window and partly conceal yourself. did you do that?” “Because I supposed I had been seen by Victor, and it was what I wanted to avoid.” _ “Ah, ha! Now, we are getting onto inter- esting ‘ground. You did not go to Wood- ford’s office, then, for the purpose of ‘spying upon your husband ?” 2 “Surely not. I did not know Woodford’s window commanded a view of. Victor’s of- - fice until I saw, him come into the room where the girl sat.” : “Why did you go to Woodford’s?” “To ask his advice and aid.” “In what?” ‘ “In an attempt. at reconciliation with my “husband, or to gain possession of my little girl. T thought I had made some progress in my interview with Victor, and I sorely need- ed advice.” : : “How did it ‘happen you went to Wood- ford?” oe met him at a When he heard : vas practically friendless in America, he a gave me his office card ae gallantly offered _ to assist me, if I ever needed his aid. I had the card with me, and went to the address.” <a % o cleyated ation ies : wi NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘could go for advice and aid—one you knew -. become somewhat attached in a friendly. way, S ae course ot, ras muttered Nick. -“Redway says he saw you as far as the “So he did, but I left the station without taking the train and went to hunt up Mr. Woodford.” “Had you no othiet. fiend to whom a better?” : eel “One I knew better? Yes. But not one whom I thought [ could trust, especially in this particular case.” “Why not in this particular case?” Mrs. Lock showed 2 little confusion, while she frankly replied : Sages “Because the ue to whom I had | “and to whom I gave my confidence, has lately 4 shown a disposition too much like that of any lover ; indeed, he has gone to such a extent 4 as to propose divorce and then marriage.” “That is quite interesting.” fates “He has even tempted me with the promise to find and restore to me my cane: if a” would. reward him by ued with him to some bi Puropesn country.” : sis Nick was becoming intensely ‘esreanaaees “Of course I could not go to him for ad-_ : vice or aid in the case as ape mers i a Mr. Carter.” cena . “Of course not, ‘Mrs. Lock. What i is ieee 4 er—gentleman’ s name?” . ! yes “Oscar Gay.” ; It required all of the great detsateeet pow yf ers of control to.conceal from Mrs. Lock the intense satisfaction which the information gave him. re j “How did you come to know this Gaye : “We board at the same place on West Forty-sixth street.” “What is his beens r “He’s a lawyer.” “Where is his office?” iit “That I don’t know. a9 ‘ 1
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“God help me! Yes.” “Describe exactly what you saw.’ “When I first went to-the window, and sat own in plain view, I did not notice the of- fice on the opposite side of the street. 3 “The boy said Mr. Woodford would not be gone ten minutes, and I looked’ at my “watch to see whether he told the truth.” “Good! * exclaimed Nick. “What time was Beit “Three minutes to five o'clock.” “Well? oy a “Ag T put my watch away, I iookad across a street into the opposite window. “What did you see?” _ “My husband and a girl, seemingly in some 3} across and saw me. : - “That was when 1 drew back into partial ee : “Almost immediately afterward Victor _ €rossed the room, and left by an opposite door. desk, and began to put on a glove. Scarcely two minutes had passed, when, _ to my surprise, I saw my husband walk back 2 ‘into the office from the opposite door. ie “He came straight over toward the win- dow, and ‘seemed | to be looking across at my window just’ for a moment. weit) Pe: a “For an instant he disappeared from my re view. Ina few moments he came directly in front of the window. en his hand. ay "The girl was “still busy with the Blove. I saw he had a pistol = fired. The girl fell back i in the chair, and her head dropped forward on her chest. és eee nid he?” _ “Why, he seemed to glance over toward my window, presenting his full face. Then disappeared on the side of the window hence | he came when he produced the pistol. ‘Almost directly ae he crossed the room NICK CARTER ene = ‘controversy. At that moment Victor looked | The girl sat | ‘down in a‘ chair by. a hair and mustache were false. ~ Without warning, he took deliberate aim; and once more, and again di eee pe the door by which he had entered. “Ther I rushed out of” Mr. Woadtord’s office. 3 ae Be “In my dire distress and ee to get my child away from him I came to you, having heard that you sae. ever failed in work. intrusted to your care.’ o “Well, you did the best thing you ever did in your life, Mrs..Lock, when you came to me.” feet “Why 2? “Because you'll save your husband’s hon- or, if not his life, and I think will regain not only your child, but his love also.” “My God! Do not taunt me!” ea speak the truth, Mrs. Lock. The man | whom you saw commit the crime was not PE your husband.” “Not my husband? Why, the that long, blonde mustache—the light, song ” hair—surely- “The clothes were a duplicate suit. The who took chloe that you should see the deed done. “There was a screen - setting close by the window which could easily have been pushed — across to shut off your view. But it wasn’t.” “Why are you so sure it was a double—a disguised man who did the deed?” “First, because the proof is clear that thes - crime was done with a full knowledge by the 0 “murderer that you saw it, and with due care that you should see it.” amet “Well?” 7 “Your husband, before your eyes, but on the contrary. _ thea you: saw cous husband tae the thes— The assassin was a well-arranged ‘double of your husband, - w if capable of murder, — rs would surely not have an object i in doing it
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28 ‘that he went right to the elevator, and de- scendéd to the street.” “Go. on, please.” “Tt would take him some time to go around to the building in which Woodford’s offices are situated, probably five minutes” “Go on—go on!” “He did go around, Tree for Mr. Woodford said his boy told him that Red- way came to the door and inquired for you almost before you had been gone ten seconds. You did not leave by the elevator?” “No. J was so excited I rushed down the stairs,” “And he stepped out of the elevator while you were on the stairs going down.” “Good Heaven!” “So, you see, your husband can prove a The deed was done while he fat perfect alibi. was going from his office to Woodford’s “Has he furnished you with this proof?”. ; en “No; he has gone to jail without a word of defense. When he returned, he found the girl dead. “Te then placed her body on the desk, with ; one arm near her head, and the other hang- ing by ther side. Under this hand he placed . his pistol.” 5 “How do you know! ” “Because you say the assassin left the body ions back in the ghar: _ different position. “Because, according to your testimony, the assassin got the pistol from the desk where - Redway kept it, and put it back there when he. had finished his work.” ~ “Why did Victor arrange the position of se the ae way, and place the pistol under sits the hand?” ; Se irs suggest suicide, on to shield the as- aassin. When the suicide theory would not old, he ‘was: hele to be hanes guilty geet es Tt was found in. a a NICK CARTER WEEKLY. vhad it fee? ae) and showed it to her. “sponding,” ' ject?” “What person?” ha! “You. He believes you shot ne ‘Te your, position across the stteet and-fled. The posi- ~ 4 tion of the body, and the wound, certainly _ gave that impression; for who,could believe that the assassin would take a position — in front of a-public window to fire the shot: 3 ne “And he did. this—for me?” ‘ 2 “Can a man prove his Joe more com- — pletely?” mt 3 Mrs. Lock let her ce fall into her hands, — while the hot tears trickled from’ ae her — fingers, and she sobbed: ; “Oh, Victor, Victor !” : Nick let her alone in her weeping. Si When she finally dried het eyes and looked up, he asked: aa Bs aha “Have you—do you own a pee | Mrs. Lock?” “Yes.” eee oe Bs. “And had it with ses this’ ‘aTehigakphme “Ves. How did you know?” — = “Shrewdly. cuss it. gciuey knew 3 you “Fe did? pe Baie. Mts. Lock’ $s aS flushed, and Nick did BO Ee ‘He took Redway’ ’s pistol. sre rin 6 “Ts your pistol like this?” : #3 Victor bought the es = Mine has his initia! me) “It is a duplicate. at the eae time. and his has mine.’ a “Then. he a there would be 1 no dan- ee ger of the bullet and his pistol not. corre- smiled Nick. te been ?” “Can't you guess?” ee ot guess? ee my do | bi Be n not——” ; - “Ves. Oscar Gay” “Merciful eas ae “What was. ae “First, to et ei of a wife! ae
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BA Wich “He and your cousifi, I. think we'll find, ; v ere privately married. _ By fixing the crime ‘on Redway, he would remove your husband. fin that way he expected to free himself on YC ou, and make his marriage with you easy.” 3 “But I never would have married him.” ~ “Don’t be too sure.” “{ didn’t love him,” “But you loved your child?” 3 Be 6-5 yes. gi “Tam willing to” risk my professional rep- utation on the | ‘guess that he has the little Wegirl’s whereabouts. in his possession, and ~ would have used her to get your consent to Become his wife.” Mrs. Lock shuddered Just then. a knock came to the door. The E servarit announced that Miss Ida had. re- Pips “turned and wished to report. ~~ “Admit her,” eee was Nick’s command. ar had visited the dead ws s bore Poicce in Harlem, where she learned that Es- telle was sin. ‘the habit of spending the night elsewhere, occasionally at the house of an aunt somewhere in the suburbs, it was tn- ; 22 aie late. She told her room-mate that we the “fret time Miss Tanga ae a stol i n 1 her ee with her initials, “FE. as r room-mate said stelle explained that ou ht the pistol to shoot cats, which an- at Rights, from the back yards. “NICK GARTER WEEKLY. remain + it this. aunt, but retarned uigeeull ARs Se ee “He had a cab waiting at the- sidewalk. is act : 29 “Ida's report was not what Nick hoped it might be, but just as she went out Chick came in, and he brought news that made Nick's eyes glisten. “Tye run down my man,” said Gigi ina tone of satisfaction, after being introduced to Mrs. Lock and told by Nick to-go ahead, “Let. us hear abotit it,” urged Nick, : eagerly. . “Just as you thought he Be Gay re- turned to the Borden Building about eight o'clock. “Fle went up to his ce and came down in disguise. “Had it been in day-time, I should never have thought the old chap was Gay.” ~The old chap?” ~ ; “He was disguised as an old man.” Nick instantly recalled the circumstance of “the old man who had inquired of the eleva- tor-boy for the offices of Bridgely & Byke. The detective had no doubt now that Gay had returned to the building in that disguise, and got into Byke’s private office, where he had been hidden all day, hearing and seeing that which went on in Redway’s office. eT followed him to a room on the Bowery. He was in that room about twenty ‘minutes. When he came out, he was again in disguise, but the nature of the masquerade ee time made my task of identification easy.” “What was it this time?” : De almost: perfect counterpart of Victor Redway ¢ as you described him to me. _ suspected that the cab was there for his use, os ‘and I had one ready to follow. He lost no ae ‘time in getting over to Brooklyn. us didn’t lose him en route. ; ei j “He drove to a house on. Atlantic. avenue, ee | and. went in. ‘When he cane cout, he ha a.
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1 qs 30 ~ boarding-house. “The original of the picture in Redway’s watch,” said Chick, “Oh, Heavens! My child—Estelle!’” “Do not get excited, Mrs. Lock,” cautioned Nick. ‘The little girl will not be harmed, and will be safely in your arms in good time.” “But, sir, she is in his hands—in the hands of a murderer.” “He will not harm a hair of her head. She is too important for the successful carrying out of his plans.” “Well, disguised as Victor Redway, he had no trouble in getting the little girl away from the people in whose charge her father had placed her. “He had, evidently dogged Redway’s steps and thus found out the girl’s. hiding~place -after you confided your story to him.” “What does he intend to do with her?” “Hide her away till Redway shall be out of his path. Then make her the price of yOu marriage to him.” “YT have. the pepe ee located,” Chick. : “Where is it?” “On Ninth avenue, with Granny Grimes.” “Well, he has a seasoned old wretch fora said jailer, that’s certain.” “Oh, what shall I do?” moaned Mrs. Lock. “Do? Why, you must not return to your Your change of feeling to- ward Gay might arouse his suspicions.” “Then where shall 1 go?” Mrs. Carter till to-morrow morning?” + | -Mrs. Lock consented to Nick’s arrange- _ ments, and while Mrs. Carter and Ida were making her as comfortable, as possible Nick and Chick went out on a ‘little: eee busi- NESS. . - EAE exactly midnight the "Tombs received’ Z another prisoner. Oseat ee eit Lon a ware ROPES NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Next morning he was found dead. on his cot. . east Bee ri No one will ever know where he had con- cealed the poison which ended his miserable life; for Nick and Chick had searched him _ carefully before they locked him up, When Redway was released, he made deci explanation, “4 Nick’s deductions had been almost entice correct. A When Redway found the dead Ga col- lapsed in her chair on his return from the unsuccessful attempt to see his wife in Wood-— ford’s office, he became cotivinced that Eve- q : lyn had fired the deadly shot. The position of the body, and the nature of the wound, confirmed him in his belief. He examined his pistol, which. he found in the drawer where he had placed it that morn- ing when Miss Langdon returned it to him, She gave it to him with one chamber pone s and he had found it with one chamber empty. — So he naturally concluded it had nat been dis- charged since the night before, Tio eae 3 He did not know that in his absence that forenoon Miss Langdon must have put a cartridge in the empty cylinder. is When Redway “planted” the pistol benez the dead girl’s hand he supposed the- -empty chamber was the same from. mack she had ~ discharged the shot.at the cat.” Tt turned out that: Gay gaged ‘Miss Lang-_ don her position with Bridgely & Byke ; also “Suppose you stay here as the guest of - that Redway at once recognized her as his “wife’s cousin, but to keep his own ‘identity a secret, did not let her know of his relation- _ ship to her, after having tested her with suppositional story of a client, which wa really his wife’s story. a Miss Langdon had recognize her c cousin when tHe latter left Redway’ ’s office that. after- noon, For some reason | she associated M Lock’s v: a with ari because it had —
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a present from Redway to his wife, “E. Be crseff if he refused to absolve from her oath, not to betray their relationship by word or act till he gave his consent. 5 He had — failed to meet her, however, at ‘their secret tryst, and had avoided her next Nick believes she had Sent for’ him to es “Gay s footsteps dogged. life, and also Gietheard’ all that ~ passed here Redway and Evelyn. . He the Bioresaw final reconciliation between “couple, and knew that he could only win by : sudden and sees. steps. Svinte before the eyes of ‘the wom he Ae : ‘19-Nick Carter's Beautiful Decoy; or, The Diamond — ; willing to sell his soul to possess. : is ae Thence he walked downstairs, and went to a room onthe Ppwery, taking many we _ Of meeting the -Redway on the way.’ 7% “Tn ‘his Bowery ‘den, he changed once more > his eta phen eat and returned m stache ‘which made-him so true a double, i ae ust fave been to get possession of little Es- elle in the ce eee he so ee put NICK CARTER WEEKLY. | to kill Gay the night before, and then _ Gay, i in his pe heard her ‘threats ; _ 186—Nick ~ 170—Caught by Blectrictty; br, Nick Carter Bags an : Se Rene ste a dence. + / Their lives were so eid reunited that no more false reports of malicious ene- mies can ever part them again. _ ied Chick. found’ little Estelle unharmed in Granny Grimes’s miserable lodgings, and placed the child in the arms of the mother she had almost forgotten. The happy little family are living peace- _ fully and ess ‘on their towels ae estate. They never tire of talking about Nick Car- ter’s wonderful professional skill in saving them from the almost successful plots of Oscar Gay. ; ee aE END. pM ne The next number of the Nick CarTER WEEKLY will contain ‘‘The Best Detective ‘ in the Country; or, A Prompt Reply to a Telegram.”’ Meee. { : J 0 LATEST ISSU ES. FA 187—The peree Sepa ce bi in the Country; or, ‘A Prompt ply to a_Telegram. Carter Rescues a Daughter; or, The Junior Partner’s Strange Behavior. l85—Nick eS Sg ON a Reputation; or, A Button orth a Fortune. 184—Shielding a Murderer; or, Nick Carter's Dealings: with an Avenger. sais) Rese Cees Penitentiary; or, Three Cheers. c arter. a 182—The Blood-Stained Check; or, Nick Carter in the Dissecting-Room, ‘ 18i—In the Clutch of the Law; or, Nick Carter’s Chain of Evidence. Ber he Government. Custom’s: so ndle; or, Nick arter's Work for the U. S. Treasury, + e uke of Chicago, 178—Nick Carter NArrests a Client; or, ‘ine’ Body 5 Found in the Flat. 177—-Nick Carter’ .: eas Assistant; or, The Man with a Dead ; 176—Nick Carter. Behind the Counter: or, A Peck of coe Pawn Tickets. ANIC | Carter's Pointer; or, A Hungry Dog's Dine x _-4-By Whose Hand; or, Nick Carter Advertises for Cab-Driver, <3 473-Caught in Six Hours; or, Trouble. in Room No. 3 172—Burslar Joe: or, Nick Carter's api iy vagy aoe 1i—Nick Carter's Wittle. Shadow; of he. Man with ral the Yellow Dog. Old Offende ieo—Unmasked Dy. “Wick Catters:@ Blackmail. ing them to anneal Ar iE os peas ets
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THE MEDAL LIBRARY. Oliver Optic and Others, et 2 The Right Books at the Right P There is a line of classics for youth—the books your fathers read—the books you wan to read—the books the boys and girls will read and like as long as the English language on They have done more to shape the mind of American boys for the last fifty year We refer to the writings of Oliver Optic, Horatio Alger, Edward 8. Billi Lieut. Lounsberry, James Otis, William Murray Graydon, etc. These names are fami dures. than any others. wherever the American flag floats. Unfortunately, they have heretofore been procurable only in expensive binding at f om The average boy has not got $1.50 to invest. Ten cents is nearer hik price. We have made the ten cent book the leader with the elder readers. Now we are 2 gory) if to do the same thing for the boys, and give them their favorites in a form in B equal to our well-known Eagle and Magnet Libraries, at the uniform price of: Thousands of boys have asked us to issue this line. We can justly call it the Medal series, as every It will contain no story that the boys have not Approved ast They have bought them by the thousands at $1.00 and upwards, and $1.00 to $1.50 each. sight. ‘There is no line like it in the world. book will be a prize winner. “standard.” ‘can get them for TEN CENTS A COPY. €8—In the Sunk Lands..........-.....+. Walter F. Burns 62—How He Won......... ..Brooks McCormick .61—The Erie Train Boy... .-».Horatio Alger, Jr. 60-—-The Mountain -Cave........,..+5- George H. Coomer 59—The Rajah’s Fortress....William Murray Graydon 58—Gilbert, the Trapper......i..... Capt.C.B. bo amd 57—The Gold of Flat Top Mountain, Frank H. Cavan 56—Nature’s Young Noblemen...,. Brooks McCormick 55—A Voyage to the Gold ‘Coast....Frank H. Converse aes Nichols; or, Difficulties iOvertome..... Alfred Oldfellow aes adventures of a New York Telegraph Boy, Arthur Lee Putnam §2—From Farm Boy to Senator....Horatio Alger, Jr. PON TTACH oie. aie ebie ces seus Arthur Lee Putnam 60—Dean’ Dunham. ..:...s.....0ceceee Horatio Alger, Jr. 49—The Mystery of a Diamond....Frank H. Converse 48—Luke Bennett’s Hide-Out.....ss..seeeceeee ees Capt. Cc. B. Ashley, U.S. Seout 47—Tric Dane Peet Core eric PR ad Matthew White, Jr. - 46—Poor and PYOUG.. os ece crete cesses reece .-Oliver Optic 45—Jack Wheeler: A Western Story........... Captain David Southwick . 44—The Golden Magnet......... George Manville Fenn ~ 43—In Southern Seas.............. Frank H. Converse 42—The Young Acrobat........ -Horatio Alger, Jr. AT Crakk -2ig4 6 Vaan sees cbealtaederasces ‘Edward 8. Ellis - 40—Canoe and Campfire......... St. George Rathborne. 389—With Boer and Britisher in the Transvaal, | - William Murray Graydon ~ 38—Gay Dashleigh’s Academy Days.. .. Arthur Sewall 87—Commodore Jumk............. George Manvile Fenn . -86—In Barracks and Wigwam.. wilt a uray Graydon -%—In ‘the Reign of Perpor. v.stseshiecl. .-G. A. Henty 84—The Adventures of Mr. Verdant Green.. xn Cuthbert Bede, .- B. A. OTHERS EQUALLY GOOD TO If you cannot get them sen books, Printed from new plates, with: Sear covers, Orde them at once. — . Dp. ; ‘W—Ensign Mer tS aad Lieut. Tionely Lounsberry 3 10_Don Kirk, the Boy Cattle King. . % a ee ia ee & ‘Thousands more are ~eady to buy ito 33—Jud and SIS6, Printers and Publishers.. ’ Gilbert ‘Patten 32—The Curse of Carnes’ Vols is. six 81—The Cruise of the Snow “Bir : 80—Peter Simple .........0.. 29—True to the Old Flag.. 28—The Boy Boomers......0..0....66000- 27—Centre-Board Jim.. 4 26—The Cryptogram.. 2%4—The Boy from the West..... ns 23—The Dragon and the Raven.......... 22—Krom Lake to Wilderness.....,...c.csssseser 21—Won at West Point..... 20—Wheeling for Portune i9—Jack Arche: we 1é—The White King of Africa..........ccscesses William Murray Graydon 1)—Midshipman Merrill..... she 14—The Young Colonists: A ‘Life of President McKinley)...Bdward 3 11—From ‘Tent to White House (Boyhood - ay 7—Chased Through Norway.-.- 6—Captain Carey of the Gallant devans ia pee Loe Louns 5—Now or Never.. veges 3—All Ptoard..i0 8 2—Cadet Kit Carey 1—The Boat Club
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The Do and Dare Weekly | ~The Ti * . AND THE FRANK MERRIWELL STORIES. ye which has to-day a circulation larger than that of all similar sablicaons combined. Frank Merriwell, as portray: for this, and there Is, American lad, who appeals to the hearts of the boys. He has no bits, and his manliness ant, coatrai tie. a. idea that itis not cue raigrncld for a boy to indulge in petty vices to be a hero. Frank Merriwell’s example is a fj shining light for every ambitious lad to follow. ah . ‘= ts THE FOLLOWING ARE THE LATEST Tssurs: , 214—Frank Merriwell’s ‘stroke The Test of Friendship. , #15—Frauk Merriwell’s Favor; or, rhe as 8 ee), iat Oe. 216—Frank Merriwell’s Phantom: or, The | Shae a Barney Mulloy. 217—Frank Merriwell’s “ Pull;” or, True and Tried, 218—Frank Merriwell’s “ Liner;” or, Elsie, the Mascot ” of the Nine. 219—Frank Merriwell’s Conipact: or, The Trimpph of Badger. 220—Frank Mer riwell’s Curves; Clipping the Tiger's Claws. pase 32 PAGES AND ILLUMINATED COVER. ey) vel’ 8 Tufluence; or, Inza, the’Mascot r, A Fight for a Friend r, Old Friends at Yale. The Nobility of 207—Frank Merri of the C 208—Frank Merriwell’s Theory; 200—Frank Merriwell's Five; or, 210—Frauk Merriwell’s Honor; or, Badger. 211—Frank’ Merriwell’s Reward; or, Buck Badger's Humiliation. 212—Frank Merriwell's Football; ince of Jack Ready Frank Merriwell’s Handicap; ror Elsie. ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY. - @ or, the Disappear- | t 213 — , or, The Heroism or, 5c. PER COPY. MORE LIBRARIES TO SUIT “TIP TOP”? READERS. ae PHIL RUSHINGTON, THE ACTOR-MANAGER, - HE ‘Do end Dare Weekly ’’ tells of the exploits and adventures of one PHIL "RUSHINGTO! e5 : hustling, bright and brave American boy—a first-class all-round athlete, and a thorough gentleman in pa | a.) the phases of his eventful career. The author of these stories is IR. STANLEY NORRIS, an able writer, and, one 9 mporougety in sympathy with the wants of our boys and girls | in, the line of reading. His work is bound to picase, 4 The following are the latest issues: 11—?P hil Rushinztout & Great Show; or, Another Whirl of Fortune's Wheel. 12— ey Mild ai ‘8s Star Rider; or, Rivals of the | 1)—Phil Rastamgton s Home Trip; or, Two Kinds of a Cireus. or, A Lion Hunt in the | }1 Star Rider. 17—Phil Rushington’s Temptation; or, “An Aey, Not Down on the Bills. 8—Phil Rushington’s Race; Rival Circus, |? 16—Piii] Rushington’s Clown; or, The: Secret of dial 4 or, The Pursuit of the 19—Phil Rushington’s Prize; or, The Show for I ent 14—Phil Rushington’s Loss ; City. Nutrber Two. i 15—Phil Rushington’s Rivals; or, Three Shows in One a Ee Rushington’s Search; or, T.e Unknown oo Towne Rider of the Ring. gers ig ° - ei The ‘Do and Dare Weekly”’ appears every qiudays 32 re iMuminated cover, uniform in size and style with “ Tip Tt Peery! “Comrade ; THE BEST RAILROAD STORIES EVER WRITTEN. D3 t TOM “WRIGHT, the hero of “‘ Comrades,”’ is a bright hoy = whe has decided to devote his life to the service of ¢ Ks ol eave Steam ”’ in one of the great railroads of our land. Rest assured he will reach fame and fortune on the fizter ag § express. The fife of an ambitious railroad man is full of Srating incident, and Tom has his full share Of exh. ventures. Through all of these, he will be found Wright by name, ri ht in word, right in ders, and” i always right. The many adventures of Tom and his friends will followed with the de> pest interest by all who are fortunate enough to read this new series of splendid stories. Tom ‘s “surrounded by several ‘‘comrades,’’ who join hands with him and stand by himin his various a _ enterprises. TiR. ROBERT STEEL is an author of wide experience in the field covered by these stories, and his work wi ill please all who admire the well-known “ Tip Top f Weekly”’ and ‘* Do and Dare Weekly,’’ to which ‘‘Comrades”’ will be a companion. Sgn 11—Tom Wright's Substitute; or, The Daw at Dead Man's Curve. 12—Tom wie in Demand ; or, Al Mil : Private Car, y 18—Tom Wright's Right-of- -Way ; -on teal n uM: ately ee abe bie 6—Tom Witgiette Fast Run; or, ‘he Million-Dollar Train T—Tow Wrights: eantetal or, The Engineer's Strange . Warning. 8—Tom Wright on the Flyer; or, The Missing Ex- press Package. 9—Tom Wricht’s Resolve; or, A Railroad Chnin’s Noble Sacrifice. ea. 10—Tom Wrighton Duty; or, A Battle Against Rail- aa Wright Switched Off; or, A Ne webinars on ae road Crook New Railroad, 3 Remember, ‘“COMRADES”’ appears every Wednesday—Read it—Pr rice Se, ie A 32 pages, illuminated cover, yitorny ia3) gize ee ee. oe ane a : ; * a % on the Enemy. ¥ M4—Tom Wright Misindged 5 on Called Bow: Company.