Nick Carter Weekly (no. 197) (1900 10 06)
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1900 by Slreet & Smvith, in the Office of the Librarian Congress, Washenglon, D. she Bin 23 és Entered as second class Matler at the New York, N. Y., Post opies, Subscription price, $2.50 per year. Issued weelly~ October 6, 1900, STREET & SMITH, Publishers, No 197. NEW YORK. 5 Cents. 238 William 8t., N.Y. | The Little Glass Vial; OR, A BEAUTIFUL BLACKMAILER BROUGHT TO BAY. By the Author of ‘“NICK CARTER.” CHAPTER I. a THE VIAL IN THE SNOW. 2 “Well, old man;’’ said Nick Carter, as he shook the snow from’ his overcoat, ‘“what’s the news? Anything strange since this morning ?”’ He was-addressing Chick, his assistant, who, to use his own expression, was ‘acting the chamber lawyer’? for the day. “Ves. Two small cases have come in; but there is a telegram aes Boston tliat may be of importance.’ ‘‘Let’s see it, my lad!’’ said the ae detective, throwing his overcoat on a. chair and seating himself. He took the dispatch in his’ hands and read it slowly. “Hm! Ves, there’s something in this, Chick. What time is it?”’ **Five-forty.’ y “Good! I can catch the Providence : g . boat. Telegraph anything you have to say tothe Adams House!’’ and in another moment the noted detective had left the office. The snow lay heavy upon the ground when Nick Carter arrived in Boston net morning. Nothing eventful happened dur- ing his journey, and he felt rested and ripe for his work —whatever it was. He was about to step into a cab, when his eyes caught sight of a small vial, half buried in the snow, which he picked up and placed in one of his overcoat pockets, then addressing the hackman, he said; ‘When did the snow stop falling ??’. ‘Just after the train for New York pulled out last night, sir.’ “You had a heavy fall?’ RON OSeSHI G22 “Do you know where Mr. Samuel Rogers lives in Dorchester???
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2 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “‘Of course I do, sir.”’ ‘Well, take me there.’’ Half an hour later the cab stopped at~ an old-fashioned mansion, which stood in in the thost a beautifully kept lawn, fashionable part of Dorchester. **T wish to see . Mr. junior,’’ said the detective to the colored Samuel Rogers, man who answered his ring. ‘What name shall I say?’ asked the domestic. Tell him that a friend from New York wishes to “Oh, never mind the name, see him.’ » A few minutes:afterward a good-look- ing Young fellow entered the room, “Mr. Rogers, I presume?’ said Nick. “Ves, sir. That is my hame.’’ **T received a telegram from you ees day,’ rejoined Nick Carter. “Oh! said Rogers. ‘You are Mr, Nick Carter??? “Ves,” “Won't you be seated ?’’ continued the young man. very sad and mysterious matter.’’ . The detective watched him keenly as he spoke ; but did not interrupt. 2 - “My father lies dead in the next room, The doctors say he died of heart disease, : but I have a different opinion. ”’ “Ah! sighed Nick, ‘‘And what may your opinion be, Mr. Rogers?’ “T believe he was murdered.’’ “Murdered ?”” SEM OS.27 “Upon what do you base this suspi- Chon 4 te “This letter,’ ‘cata iiars handing the detective an envelope, which ‘bore the Boston postmark of the previous day. ‘“‘T wished to see you upona Nick opened it and read as follows: “Mr, Rogers: Your father did not die of heart disease. He was murdered. Have the body thoroughly examined before burial. You will find that the murderer is nearer home than you imagine. “ONE WHo Knows. ie Nick looked from the letter to Rogers? face. In a searching glance, he seemed to learn what he wanted. — a “You wish me to unravel this mys- tery ?”’ he asked. . “Yes, sir,’’ replied Rogers. : The detective placed the letter in his pocket and said: ‘‘Have you had a private exanninatan of your father? s body 7 ye ‘No, sir. I waited until I had con- sulted with you.”’ “You did quite right,’’ said Nick, ‘‘and now, Mr. enough to let me see vope father’ S te- Rogers, will you be good mains?’ The only watcher in the death chamber was the colored man who had admitted “Nick Carter., Nick looked at the corpse and noticed that the face had a peculiar grayish hue. Turning to Rogers, he said: ‘(Was the body embalmed ?”” “‘No, sir. Dr. Lord wished to have it .embalmed yesterday ; but I objected.” “Why did you object?” asked Carter, natrowly watching his companion’ s face. ‘“That letter,’’ said Rogers; but before. ~ making any further explanation, he or- dered J ones—the colored man—to leave the room. ‘What about the letter?” inayieg fale Nick, when Jones had sore
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. . 3 > r “T received it by the afternoon mail, just before the doctor made his examina- tion. I then telegraphed to you, and de- cided that, until you arrived, I would not allow any interference with the body.’’ ‘‘Was the coroner notified?” asked Nick. ‘No, sir. Dr. Lord has given a certi- ficate of death from heart disease. ’’ Just then the servant summoned young Rogers to receive a visitor. The moment he was gone Nick took a hasty inventory of the surroundings. As the young fellow had said, it was quite apparent that nothing in the room had been disturbed since the. old man died. During his examination of the body his hand touched something with a sharp point. It lay within the folds of the coat, and Nick made an exclamation of surprise when he discovered that it was a lady’s hat-pin, with a curious haliotis shell head. This he put in his pocket. He had almost finished his examination ‘of the body, rearranged the clothing, and was just placing the hands in the position in which he found them, when his keen eye detected a slight discoloration of the left wrist. Upon close exatnination, he discovered a very small wound—almost a ‘pin-hole. An almost imperceptible discoloration extended from this wound up along the wrist. In a moment Nick produced a small surgical pincers and drew from the little wound a needle-like piece of silver. It was the point of a hypodermic syringe. This he stowed away with the hat-pin. A few moments afterward young Rogers made his appearance. ae. ‘“There is a mystery here,’’ said Nick. ‘What have you learned? 2” ‘“Phat I cannot. tell even you, sir—at - least not yet. But I shall have to ask you a few questions. Remember, if you do not answer them truthfully, or if you keep back any information concerning this mat- ter, I shall not be responsible for the con- ~ sequences. ”’ “Mr. Carter,’? cried Rogers, “vhat do you mean??? “FExactly*what I ‘say. You must. trust me with all your secrets, if I require to know them, know how your father died.’’ “The young man became pale and flushed in turn. intense mental disturbance. But, at last, he regained his composure, and said: ‘*T shall not conceal anything from you, Mr. Carter. But,’’ he falteringly con-. tinued, ‘ those matters that directly concern my father’s death.” “Good !? said Nick. ‘‘And now, Mr.. Rogers, let us be seated; for I have much to learn from you. Had your father ever suffered from any complaint that would need hypodermic injections?’” Rogers looked at him in amazement and answered: ‘ “*Ves, He complained of neuralgic rheu- matism for some years. ”? He seemed to be suffering from - Otherwise, you will) never _ ‘publicity must only be given to - ‘‘And sought relief by injections of .— morphine, no doubt.” ‘Yes, sit. Dr. Lord prescribed it.’ “Are you quite sure. that he used only morphine ?’? ~ ey
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yf tended 4 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ~Cettain: “Did he use the hypodermic syringe himself ?’’ asked Nick. “No, sits?’ - “Who gave him the injections?”’ “Dr. Lord.”’ “Was Dr. Lord here on the, evening preceding his death ?”’ “Yes; he had dinner here that.even- ing.’’ “Then he is a friend of the family ?”’ “Ves, sir, He is engaged tu be married to my sister.’’ Nick’s face brightened; but he pre- not to notice the announcement which young Rogers had just made. Continuing, he said: ‘When did Dr, Lord leave here that evening ?”’ “Shortly after dinner. He had an ur- gent call to a patient at Roxbury.’’ “And your father retired shortly after?” “No; ten o’clock.’’ he did not. go to his room until ‘“When did you discover that he was dead ?”’ “When Jones went to bring him his chocolate, at seven o'clock yesterday : morning. ”? ‘What happened then?” “We sent for Dr. Lord, him and pronounced it heart disease. who examined went away then, and returned shortly afterward with another doctor.’’ “Did the strange doctor agree = Dr. Lord?) eS, disease,’ gO, White also said heart “Who was in the house besides your father, sister, the colored man, and your- self after Dr. Lord went away?’ He. : : Rogers became nervous, which fact Nick immediately noticed. The young man replied: “My sister was not here. Philadelphia. ’’ ‘Does she know of your father’s death ?’’ ‘‘Yes, But my uncle has prevailed upon She is in her not toreturn just now.’’ ‘Is your uncle coming to the funeral ?”” ‘‘Yes; he will be here this afternoon.”’ ‘‘You have not told me,’’ said Nick, ‘‘who was in the house the night before last after Dr. Lord went away.”’ Rogers became disconcerted again; but he replied: : “My father, Jones, the cook, chamber- maid, and myself.’’ ‘You are sure there was no one else??? The young fellow again faltered and And then, with an ey, became very, pale. effort, he replied: ‘Yes; Iam quite certain of it.” ‘When was the marriage of your sister to Dr. Lord to have taken place ?’’ asked Carter. : Rogers breathed freely again as he an- swered ; | “Rather wanted it to take Biges next month.’ ‘‘And was it fixed for-that date?”’ “Well, no,’ hesftatingly. : ‘‘Was there some barrier?” ‘The fact is, Mr. Carter, I am also en- — . gaged to be married, and my sister and I 2 _ decided to have the two events come off — together.” “eas “A capital idea!’?said Nick. “‘But — why couldn’t you have arranged it so??’ “Well, we—thatis, I hadn’t fixed upon any particular time. Miss Bland and I are _ not in a hurry, you know.” ee a PIRN oa
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY, ~ , ‘cee ‘*And your sister? Was she anxious for her wedding day?” . ‘Not exactly,’’ hurriedly cried Rogers. ‘‘She is not head over heels in love with Lord ; match,’’ ‘(And how does the doctor feel about” ite. “Oh, he is very ardent in his suit.”’ ‘*T see,’? mused Nick. continued, ‘did your father makea will ?”’ “Ves, sir.’ : “Do you know its contents 7” “Veg.” ‘‘What are the provisions ?”’ - *"It is very simple, but a little curious. ”’ ‘Tn what way is it curious?” . “It stipulates that his entire property is to be divided equally between Aimee The estate is valued at about three hundred and me, upon certain conditions. thousand dollars, and the only strange condition of the will is that, in the event of his death before Aimee’s marriage with Dr. Lord she is to get one-half of his en- tire estate if she marries him within six But that, in the event of this marriage not months of his, my father’s, decease. taking place within that time she is only. to receive the interest upon twenty thou- sand dollars for life.” “And what becomes of the balance ??’ “(Tt reverts to me absolutely,’ “Toes Dr. Lord know the provisions of your father’s will?” “Ves, sir. He has seen it.”’ “Does he know that you telegraphed for me?”’ Rae Fe rae Very well. N ow, I shall have to leave you,’’ said Nick; ‘‘but I shall probably x but father was anxious for the iV Rell-me, he return in the afternoon, In the meantime do not disclose my presence ¢ or identity to anybody.’’ And as he moved toward the door, ie added : ei ie “7. think - you might send for the nodes taker, and have the body placed in the ‘coffin at once.’? Nick immediately walked in the direc- tion of the telegraph office. Having 4rrived there, he sent the fol- lowing telegram in usual cipher: ‘“Mrs. Nicholas Carter, New York City: Send Ida to Philadelphia immediately. Tell her to stop at usual hotel. I will tele- graph her instructions this evening.”’ — . From here he walked-slowly towatd the cars, and was just about to board one bound for Boston, when he stopped one said: ““T must see that doctor.’? He «retraced his steps and entered the nearest drug store. “Can you tell) me where Dr. Lord 3 lives?’ he inquired from the clerk. “Certainly, sir. Straight up the road_ opposite. I forget the number; but you cannot make a mistake, for you will see a brass plate, with his name, on the garden gate.” “Thank -you,”’ said Nick. haps that is not the Dr. Lord I want.’ “It must be,’? said the clerk, laughing, “But per- “for he is the only Lord in Dorchester.’ A few minutes afterward Nick Carter was ushered into-the reception-room of Mr. Rogers’ physician. Apparently the reception-room was also used as a kind of auxiliary surgery; for, upon a table, were a number of surgical ‘instruments of various kinds. Nick noticed this with satisfaction, and {
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6 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. he moved over toward the table in order to more closely inspect the contents. Just then the servant entered the room and announced that the doctor would be disengaged in a few minutes. “Vou’re in luck, Nick!’ ratiteered the detective, as he forthwith proceeded to inspect the surgical instruments. ‘There were forceps, and lancets, and clinical _ thermometers by the dozen; but what at- , tracted Nick’s eye were four hypodermic syringe cases. He opened them one after suother, and when he got to the last—which was smaller than the others—he held it in his hand only fora moment; then opening the case, he found a small syringe from ‘which the point or needle had been broken ", off at the base. Taking from his pocket the point which he had removed from Mr. Rogers’ wrist,” "he was not surprised to find that it fitted exactly. He quickly replaced the broken syringe in its case and resumed his seat. Shortly after a tall, dark, good-looking man entered the room. Nick recognizéd him from a atin he had seen at Rogers’. _ “Dr. Lord, I presume,’’ he*remarked. “Ves, sir. What can Ido for you?’’ said the medical gentleman, with a pleas- ant voice. “Have you any surgical instruments to be repaired ?’’ said Nick. “No, sir,”? politely replied the doctor. “When surgical instruments need repair- _ ing it is generally time to get new ones. at am sorry I have nothing in your line to- : dayi2h:. As he ‘said this aes was very “courteously opening the deor for his visitor; but Nick was not so easily dismissed. ‘You will excuse me, sir,’’ he said, ‘‘but while I was waiting I took the lib- erty of looking over your instruments yon- der. They are beautiful tools; but I “noticed that a remarkably fine hypodermic sytinge has the point broken off.’’ ‘““By the way,’?’ said the doctor, inter- rupting him, ‘‘I wish I knew where that came from. It isn’t mine. It is of a very curious pattern, too.’’ Yes, said Nick, ‘‘it curious little syringe. But it is remarka- ble that it could have found its way here without your knowledge. ee doctor,’’ is a The doctor did not quite like this remark.’ He showed it in his face, which” Nick was intently watching. s ‘IT would like to buy it from you,’’ said the pretended surgical instrument maker, not noticing the doctor’s look of im pa- tience. ‘‘Oh,’? said the igen. ‘Gt is not mine to sell. I found it upon my table yester- | day evening, and I cannot possibly trace an ownership for it among my callers.’ “It is of Spanish make,’’ said Nick, -who was carefully examining it. But this did not enlighten Dr. Lord. — He was beginning to tire of the pertinacity of his visitor, and finally, to get rid op him, he said: ‘Well, you can take it away with you. It is useless to me, and as it is also useless to whoever left it here, I dare say they 3 won’t return for it.”’ A Nick was profuse in his thanks, and. : was hurrying toward ‘Boston in a very a few moments. a an ze | He had noticed ‘that the graduat ¢
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ij NICK CARTER WEEKLY. cylinder of the syringe contained a small ‘quantity of some kind of liguid, and he determined to have it analyzed. At the same time he remembered the small vial which he had found in the snow, at the Providence depot; aud, upon his arrival at the city analyst’s, he handed that gentleman the two articles. He gave him his card, and the moment the analyst recognized the name of the great New York detective he be¢ame par- - ticularly attentive, and after a careful examination, he pronounced the contents of the syringe to be the same as the vial, and a deadly poison it was. ‘Supposing some of it was injected into a man’s wrist, what would happen? ?”” said Nick. ‘‘Happen? Why, the man would be dead in ten second or less. This isa South American poison, Mr. Carter. It is, per- haps, the most deadly in existence, and _the peculiar thing about it is the fact that - 4n doing its work in the human system, it so quickly assimilates with the blood that it is next to impossible to traceit. Another strange thing about it is that it acts directly upon the heart, and in such a manner that the most experienced physician will imag- ine the victim died from heart disease. ’? Nick thanked the analyst, and went at once to the Adams House for letters and telegrams from Chick. of the fluids contained in the hypodermic syringe and in the vial, which he picked up in the snow at the Providence depot, being the same, was remarkable, and, as he walked along, he mused: “One hundred and fifty thousand. dollars and a pretty girl isa big stake to lose, Dr. Lord. But it wasn’t a man of science who The coincidence 7 7 placed that syringe point in the dead man’s wrist!’ : CHAPTER IL THE CUBAN GIRL. When Nick had attended to Chick’s messages he sent a long letter to Ida, in which he instructed her to find out the private address of James Rogers; to go there; try to ascertain whether or not Aimee Rogers really loved Dr. Lord, and to telegraph to him the moment she got _ the required information. Darkness was now setting in, and Nick, - Carter strolled along Washington street. | As he went by the passage that leads to Parke’s restaurant, he decided to take his dinner there, and accordingly, five min- utes later, he was seated at a corner table, waiting for his order. - At a large table, close to him, four fashionably dressed young men were din-_ ing. The dishes had all been ‘removed, and fhey were now enjoying their cigars over some black coffee and brandy. Nick Carter soon disposed of the plain course which he had ordered, and was about to leave the restaurant when he heard one of the young fellows say: ‘Sad about Sam Rogers’ governor, wasn’t it??? ‘“Waiter! Bring me a te of coffee !’’ said Nick. He ‘then took a newspaper from his — pocket and pretended to read it. While listening attentively to the con- versation of the four young fellows, he heard one of them say: “*T dare say old Rogers’ death will post- ‘pone Sam’s marriage with Miss Bland.’? ‘(I shouldn’t be surprised,” said another, - 2
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8 " “Tucky dog,’’ said the first speaker. “They say that Lucy Bland is worth fully half a million.”? “At least,’’ rejoined his friend. ‘‘But look here, Porter, when did you see Sam’s other girl, the olive-tinted loved one? That girl will give him some trouble, if he is not more careful.” ‘‘See her? My dear fellow, I saw her last night.’ te ‘*Where?”? “At the Providence depot, just as the snow stopped falling.” Nick Carter took a deep drink of his coffee attd listened very intently now. ‘‘What was ‘she doing?’’ asked one of the speakers. ‘‘Going to New York?” ‘Precisely. I bowed to her and asked if I could be of “any service. She simply asked me the best hotel to stop at in Providence. I told her, and said, ‘You are surely not going to stop at that awful hole.’ ’? : ‘‘You have cheek,’ interrupted one of the diners. ‘““Oh, you be blowed!”” said the gentle- man named Porter. ‘The girl laughed at _ the idea of remaining in Providence. Stlie said that she merely intended stopping there for the night, and that she was going to New York by the nine o’clock boat to-day.’’ “Tf Rogers hears that you are interest- ing yourself in that girl, Porter, it will be pistols and coffee fortwo. By the way, what’s the divinity’s name ?”’ ‘Alvarez. I think she is a Cuban, or South American, or something of that kind.” Nick didn’t wait to hear any more. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘ He hurriedly paid his bill and left the restaurant. : It was now five o’clock. “‘T have just time to none Chick,’’ he said, In two minutes he was at the telegraph office; in the Parker House, writing the following dispatch to. his faithful assist- ant: ‘Meet boat left Providence nine o’clock this morning. Observe handsome Cuban lady named Alvarez. Keep her within distance until you héar from me. NICK He then returned to his hotel and wrote a letter to Chick, directing him to shadow his woman, find out all about her, and, if possible, discover what her business was. Half,an hour later he rang the bell at the Rogers mansion. The door was opened by young Rogers in person, who led the way to the parlor. “Is Dr. Lord here??? asked Nick, before — the young man could say a word, ‘Ves, Heis with my uncle, who has also arrived.”’ ‘Well, he mustn’t ‘see me, recognize me if we keep talking here.’? “Recognize you?’ said Rogers, when he had conducted Nick to his own bed chamber. ‘(What do you mean, Mr. eae. 3 ter? Does he know you?’’ be “TI don’t think so; but, you know, doc- tors and detectives often meet under pecu- liar circumstances,’? | Rogers gave him a puzzled look. He clearly did not understand Nick Carter’s ways.. And Nick clearly determined that he — should not. As they proceeded to another room, Nick asked: , spree Kid He might
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. i 9. **When did you see the woman Alvarez last?” . “Mr. Carter!’’? cried Rogers, turning deathly pale, ‘‘where on earth did you learn anything about her?” “T have many channels from which to gather my information,’ said Nick, coolly. ‘‘But you have not answered my question. When did you see her last??? “The evening before my father died.”’ ‘‘Was she in the house after Dr. eee went away ?”’ “Tn the name of goodness, what have you learned??? asked Rogers, in apparent terror. ‘CA good deal about your relations with her, my dear young sir,’’ said Nick, who was narrowly watching the perturbation of his companion. The young fellow’s eyes twitched ner- vously; he was trembling, Nick saw plainly. He altered his tactics, and said: ‘Look here, Mr. Rogers, you told me this morning that you would conceal nothing from me. Do you think you are treating me fairly ?”’ “Well,’? said the young fellow, who was crushed from amazement more than anything else, ‘‘I shall make a clean breast of it.”’ —— CHAPTER III. “ANOTHER CUBAN.”’ ‘What I am about to disclose to you, you will promise to keep as secret as the grave?’ “JT make no promise and must use my * ‘Lown judgment, ”’ replied. Nick. » “Well, then, the woman whom eee call Alvarez is my wife.’ ra “Your wife?’’ said Nick; with real sur- prise. : ‘‘Unhappily, it is so.”’ “TI thought you said you were engaged . to be married to Miss Bland?” or ahaa Nick. “Ves, sir, But I r shall have to explain “everything to you. When I was in Florida last winter I met her, She was very beau- tiful, and threw herself in my way. I be- caine infatuated, and one night, while slightly intoxicated, I consented to marry her secretly. Her brother, who was pres- ent, insisted upon the marriage taking place at once. I discovered a few days afterward that the brother was one of a gang of desperate gamblers. Ever since that night my life has been a misery.’’ “Have you lived with her?’ asked Nick. “No; but she has noutecce! black- mailed me upon threat of making public — the marriage. Finally I confessed to my father, who was urging me to marry Miss Bland —to whom I have" been engaged for nearly three years. He sent for her, and asked her to put in writing the terms upon which she would consent to a divorce. ”’ . ‘When did this happen, Mr. Rogers??? ‘A few days ago.”’ ‘On the day before your father was murdered ?”’ ‘“No; on the oy preceding Be she — came to see him.’ ‘“‘Were you eset at the interview ?” ceVies,2 ”» . ‘Good! Now tell me exactly what oc- curred at that meeting.’?. ““She said that she would consent to a Ot divorce for fifty thousand dollars. Father : ; ‘ =i 7
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months ?’’ ¢ 10 agreed to pay that sum in exchange for the certificate of divorce, and to pay her expenses to California and allow hera certain amount to live there until the divorce was granted. z “Well, what then?” ‘He asked her to put it in writing. She called the next evening, after Dr. Lord had left, and said she would not do it for less than one hundred thousand dollars. My father told her that this was impos- sible. He read for her his will, and ex- plained that by conceding fifty thousand dollars he was .robbing my sister and myself of a large part of our heritage.’ “Did-he read for her the clause con- nected with your sister losing her portion if she did not marry the doctor within six “‘Yes, sir—every word of it.”’ : ‘What then?’ asked Nick. ““She produced a written document, of which this is a copy.”’ Nick took the document and planced it over. .Turning to Rogers, he said: “Do you know, sir, that this bond holds as good against your father’s estate, upon the production of the certificate of divorce, as if he had lived.” Ves, 1 do.?? “But you don’t seem to recognize that she can continue her blackmailing scheme all the same, without annulling this in- strument. It is a clever document, Mr. Rogers—very clever. In fact, I do. not believe the woman ever drew up such'an instrument ‘herself. ’? — *“Then what do you believe ?’’ “T cannot tell you just yet. But I want you to answer me one more question: WES - pow ere. : . } NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Did you have any conversation with her after your father signed that bond.?’’ ‘ "Ves. ” ‘“‘What was it about?’ “TI promised her twenty-five thousand dollars on my own account.”’ ‘““Did she leave the house then ?”’ ‘*Ves. I accompanied her to the railway station. ”’ Nick looked puzzled. zt “Had your father retired to his room before you left the house?’ he asked. “No. But! he had gone before I re-. turned. ”’ “And you never saw him alive again ?”’ ““No, sir.’? “Who let you in when you got back from the railway station?’ © “<Jones.”’ 2 “Have you perfect confidence in that colored man, Mr. Rogers?’ asked Nick. ‘‘Absolute. He has been with us 5 over ten years.’ “Pid he accompany the oe to Flor- ida last winter ?”’ ce Yes. ” Nick Carter became silent. He seemed to be buried in deep thought. At length he looked intently at Rogers : and said: ‘“‘Have you anything more to say, Mr. Rogers ?”’ “Nothing that I can think of.’ — _ “Very well. I shall now bid you good- night. I shall call wpon you again to-mor- row, and remember, silence is a neces- sity.’ eae ly “The funeral ‘ilies place to-morrow . morning at ten o’clock, Mr. Carter, but I shall be home again about two.’”
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. © *‘T shall call after that hour. Good- night, Mr. Rogers,”’ When he had got a little away from the house, Nick stopped and looked back, “Tl wish the moon would come out,’” he | muttered. ‘‘I should like to explore the road between here and the next railway station.’’ At that instant his sharp ears detected a soft footfall in the snow behind him. He turned suddenly. Phat movement undoubtedly saved his life. By the dim light that came from one of the windows of the house, he saw, outlined against the snow, the form of a man, who, with uplifted hand, was about to plunge a knife into his back. : In a second the would-be assassin found his wrist held by an iron gtasp, and with a smothered cry of pain, the knife fell” from his hand. At the same moment the hall door was opened, and a flood of light rushed out upon the scene, revealing the features of Nick’s assailant. Dr. Lord was coming out. As Nick did not wish to see the doctor, or rather, as he did not wish to be seen by him, he flung the would-be assassin from him, picked up the knife and stepped into the shadow of the shrubbery. “When the doctor had passed out of the lawn, ‘Nick came from his hiding-place and went toward the nearest railway station Say ing, as he walked: c » “Another Cuban!” - ¢ —_——. CHAPTER IV. IT WORKED LIKE A CHARM: When he arrived at the Adams Housé, ‘he found a telegram from Chick, which read; + 11 ‘Alvarez at Spanish-American Hotel. Dining with the Cuban, Moreno. Shall endeavor to overhear conversation. If im-_ portant, will report at Boston and put Patsy on the case here.’ ‘‘Good !”? said Nick. ‘*The tow ve tried to knock me out must be one of Moreno’s gang. I must warn Chick.” He forthwith sent the ess cipher telegram : . ‘Telegram received. Moreno’s gang have discovered I am on case. One of them made attempt on my life. Act cau-. tiously, and come on if anything impor- tant. RCE? Se He handed this to the operator in the hotel corridor, and, feeling satisfied that notling more could be done that might, ; he retired to his room, Barly i in the morning he was awakened by a loud knocking at the door. **A telegram for you, sir!’ said a voice. ‘*Push it under the door!’’ cried Nick. He tore open the dispatch and seemed to be completely mystified by the contents. It read: ‘Rogers case. Watch Lord. Am writ- ing. Important news. Curex, 7% He dressed himself hurriedly, and imme- diately telegraphed to Chick: ‘Received telegram. Come on at once. Put Patsy in charge. NIick.’? After breakfast he took the train to Dorchester, It. was now nine o’clock, and the funeral _ was to take place at ten. — He wandered up the road where Lord’s ; house was situated, and was just making 3 up his mind to call when he saw a car- riage stop at the gate. ‘ ‘Too late,’ said Nick. ‘The fellow is just 'g ‘going up to Rogers’ place. a
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‘ 12 Nevertheless, he lolled about in the shadow of the trees. In a few. minutes Dr. Lord’s door was opened, and Nick Carter saw a sight that surprised even him. Walking down the garden path, appar- ently in earnest conversation, were the doctor and the Cuban who had attempted to assassinate him the night before. Dr. Lord got into the carriage; but the Cuban, taking off his hat respectfully, turned from the place and walked down the road, followed by Nick at a safe distance, who saw his man enter a street car bound tow- ard Boston. Nick hailed a cab near at hand. He merely showed the driver his badge -and said: 4, “Keep that car in sight; but do not pass it!” “Trust me, sirt,’’ said the hackman, with a knowing wink. When his fare stepped out of the cab, at the corner of Kneeland and Washing- ton streets, the driver nearly lost his bal- ance from the shock. A lively-looking chap got into the cab - in Dorchester, and a staid-looking clergy- man paid him his fare in Washington street. The Cuban had left the street carat the next block, and Nick hurried after him on foot. . The man entered the United States Hotel, and immediately went to the office. Nick Carter was close at his elbow. “Any letters or telegrams for Gon- zales?’’ inquired the Cuban. ‘Yes, sir. One telegram,’’ said the clerk, who handed it to him. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. He tore open the envelope and began © to read the dispatch. Nick was watching him intently, al- though he was apparently studying a time-table. The Cuban seemed to be puzzled about something in that telegram. He looked around uneasily, still holding the message in his hand. Finally his eyes rested on the clergy- man, and he approached him. ““Excuse me, sir,’’ he said, with avpro- nounced foreign accent. ‘‘I ama stranger. I have just received this telegram.”’ Here he handed the dispatch to Nick and added: : 3 ‘‘What is the meaning of Bay State, Worcester ?”” Nick Carter looked up from the tele- gram and replied, in a well-disguised voice: ‘“There is a hotel in Worcester called the Bay State; but this message tells you to ask somebody named Rogers about it.’? The Cuban laughed and said: ‘‘No, no! You no. understand. But I thank you for explain hotel.” Whereupon he took the.telegram from Nick, lifted ‘his hat courteously, and dis- appeared in the direction of the bar. The moment he was out of sight, Nick said to himself: Bee ‘That worked like a charm. The dis- patch must have been from Moreno.” He immediately took off his disguise and ordered a cab. “To police headquarters!’’ was his in- — struction to the driver. When he arrived there, he asked to see © the chief.
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “‘Why, Mr. Carter, how do you do?’ cordially welcomed the head of Boston’s police. ‘*T want you to do mea favor,’’ said Nick. ; “Certainly, my dearsir. Got some im- portant case on, I'll wager.”’ ‘“Ves,’? mildly returned Nick. “It isa very mysterious case. I want you to arrest ~ a Cuban tamed. Gonzales, and hold him without examination for me. If you do this secretly you will oblige me, as his detention may be of much importance.”’ ‘‘With pleasure,’’ said the chief, as he touched a bell. An officer answered instantly. _“Send Waldo here at once.’? “Wes; -sir,2? “Waldo,” said the chief, when the de- tective entered, ‘‘go with this gentleman and arrest the party he will point out. Ask no questions, and bring -your pris- oner. Do you understand ?”’ oe SON es ersig 2 At the United States Hotel, who spoke Spanish fluently, Waldo, asked for . Gonzales. : He was in his room. Waldo ascended to the Cuban’s apart- ment, and returned in about ten minutes Nobody in the hotel corridor imagined for a moment that an arrest had been made, so friendly did the with his prisoner. pair seem to be. ; : Only one person understood the situa- tion. That was Nick, who anxiously watched them from the paper stand, fearful that ' the Cuban might make a break for lib- werty. But Waldo knew his business too well, a ar 13 He hailed a cab, ordered Gonzales to get in, and, having taken a seat opposite his prisoner, he directed the cabman to : drive to police headquarters.’ When they had gone, Nick consulted his watch. It was half-past one. “Now for young Rogers!” he shad “CHAPTER V. A TERRIBLE POISON, “Mr. Rogers,”? said Nick, when he. ‘was alone with that young gentleman, “can you come with me for about two hours ?”’ “Now >”? Ves <-at- ofce 2 ‘‘Where are you going?’’ asked the young man. ‘*To police iekaematiers y “Police headquarters ?’’ exclaimed Rog- ers, in dismay. ‘‘What on earth do you want me to go there for, Mr. Carter. You _ surely have not placed this matter in the hands of the police ?”’ No, sir. The suspicion or fact that your father has been murdered is unknown to a single soul, outside you and me.”’ ‘‘But won't my going to police head- quarters attract attention?” : “TT have arranged that no one shall know of your visit. If it was not of great importance, I should not ask you to leave — the house at such a time.?? - ‘Very well, sir,” said Rogers. ‘Let us go at once, as my uncle will be back at — five o’clock for dinner. He goes away by. the six-thirty train.’? “Where is he now?’ asked Nick. ‘‘With the lawyer, in Boston. My father left him sole executor.’
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1¢ When they arrived at police headquar- ters, they were met by the chief, who ushered them into his private room. ‘(We wish to see the prisoner without being observed by him,’’ said Nick. ‘‘Use the sereen.’? “All right, ’’ ‘said the chief. He requested his visitors to stand be- hind a large screen, in which there were sevetal small holes. A few minutes afterward Gonzales ap- peared, accompanied by Waldo. - Nick ~ now directed Rogers to look through one’ of the holes in the screen. The young man did so, and imme- diately drew back with a visible shudder. He seemed to be extremely agitated upon recognizing the Cuban, and was about to say something to Nick, when that gen- tleman put his finger to his lips and signaled him to be silent. At that ,moment: the chief said to the prisoner: ‘What is your name??? ‘Manuel Gonzales.” ‘Write your name in this book.” This was in compliance with a request which Nick had made. } ” When the prisoner had been removed, Rogers turned quickly to Nick Carter and exclaimed : : _ “That was her brother. His name is _ Alvarez, not Gonzales. ”’ “When did you see this man last?” asked Nick, when they got outside. “Last winter. At T'ampa, Florida.” shat ga you quite certain you have not ~ seen him since then ?”’ ‘Absolutely certain. But how on earth did you get hold of him, and for what?” ‘You will know that later, Mr. Rogers. ’” . Pi. 0G NICK CARTER WEEKLY. They were now driving rapidly toward Dorchester, and Nick decided to discon- tinue his investigations until he was safely closeted with his companion in the latter’s home. Having arrived there, Nick asked him | . abruptly : **Was Dr. Lord at Tampa with you last winter?” sev esi? “Did he also meet this fellow Alvarez ??’ ‘‘T am not certain; but I think he must have seen him, as he and I frequently went to the gambling rooms where Alvarez did business.” “Tell me,’’ said Nick. ‘‘Would it ‘not /be to your interest if your sister did not marry Dr. Lord? See This sudden question confused young Rogers. > “IT do not know what you mean, Mr. Carter,’’ he faltered. ‘ “T will put it plainer. Do you wish your sister to marry Dr. Lord?” — She Gi stars } ‘*Now, Mr. Rogers, I want you to an- swer me truthfully: Are .you afraid of your wife ?”’ *‘T do not understand. ”’ “Come, sir, are you not afraid that the _ price of her secrecy about your marriage will be a perpetual blackmail?’ The young man became very nervous; but heranswered: ~ ; i . "Ves; I do fear that she will continue to blackmail me.’’ ‘For that reason,’’ said Nick, “would ~you not like to havé the one hundred and thirty thousand dollars which your sister would lose if she did not marry Dr. Lord?” “IT assure you, Mr. Carter, that, no mat- Bes : 2 =
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ter what that woman—my wife—wishes, I sincerely hope to see my sister married to the doctor.’’ :; Nick moticed that he put particular em- phasis upon the words, ‘‘no matter what that woman wishes,’’ and he did not ask the young man another question. Ten minutes later he rang the bell at Dr. Lord’s door and was admitted. “‘Well, sir,’’ said,\the doctor, who was: visibly. displeased when he saw Nick, ‘‘I thought I told you yesterday that I had no surgical instruments that wanted re- pairing.”’ «So you did, doctor; but I have made a discovery that may interest you.” ‘“What is it?” asked the doctor. in a hurry, for Ihave to visit a patient.’’ ‘tT-am “Tt is this,’’ said Nick, producing the hypodermic syringe case. The doctor became interested. ' “Oh, you have! discovered something about that, have you 7? f} Nes; doctor”? ‘*Have you found the owner ?”’ “‘No,’’ said» Nick, ! intently watching his listener’s face. the owner; that was broken off.’’ “Let: me see it,’’ said the doctor. Nick handed it to him. * “Ves,” said the medical man; ‘‘this is certainly the missing point. Where: did you find it? “Ah, that’s a se ets doctor. But I be- erson to whom it lieve you know the belongé”? “Absurd! If I did, I should not have given it to you.” “Tt was well you did,” said Nick, ‘‘ V3 “*T have not discovered but I have found the point ' 7 15 we might never have been le to locate where this point came from. 8 “It makes very little difference one way or the other,’’ said the doctor, who was now beginning to feel bored. “Don’t you remember,’ said Nick, _“that I said it was of Spanish make?” “Well, what of that?” ‘‘Had you not.a Spanish visitor the day before yesterday ?”’ ; The doctor started. *‘What do you mean?”’ he cried. “T was thinking that perhaps he might have left it behind. And if you gave me his address, doctor, I would call upon him and offer to mend it.’’ Dr. Lord laughed and said: ‘*Yes; I had a Spanish visitor the day before yesterday. But it wasn’t a man. It was ailady.”? “T found a new kind of fluid in this little syringe, doctor,’ said Nick, adroitly changing the subject. ~ S “Indeed ?”” “Yes, You know that people who un- . derstand surgical instruments usually go in for a little chemistry, too. When I examined the cylinder of this syringe I noticed'a small quantity of colorless liquid in it; so I took it out and analiaed it The doctor was now becoming jabcraned es again, and Nick continued : . Bee ios it was a terrible poison a ‘What? cried Dr. Lord. ore “Ves, doctor. That little syringe con- tained enotigh poison to killa dozen men.”? ‘*You astonish me!’’ said the doctor. “I have a little vial of the same drug here, ’’ said Nick, producing the one which Ss he had picked up in the snow. ; ew
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16 Dr. Lord took it in his hand and exam- ined it curiously. “(Vou are certain that this is the same fluid??? he said, looking inquiringly at Nick. ‘“‘Absolutely certain, doctor. And it strikes me that itis a rather dangerous one to give ahypodermic injection with.” “Vou forget,’ said the doctor, ‘that all drugs are greatly diluted before being used for injection purposes.’ ‘That is true,’’ said Nick, apologeti- cally. , ‘«Ffowever,’’ said Dr. -Lord, ‘‘I shall consider it a favor if you will allow me to examine this. I have never seen anything dike it before.” ; You may do so,’’ said Nick, and he continued : “Perhaps you would like to know where I discovered the point of the syringe?’ “Ves. Where did you find it?” “Tn a dead man’s wrist !”’ “What? cried the doctor. “Tt is as I have said,’’ calmly rejoined Nick. ‘‘And now, doctor, I shall not de- tain you any longer from your patient, I ~ shall call for the vial to-morrow.’ CHAPTER VI. ; “GAN HE SUSPECT?’ When Nick Garter reached the Adams House, it was just six o’clock. ‘A tall; clerical-looking man met him in the hallway. It was Chick, Nick’s assistant. __ “Well, Chick,’ said Nick, when they were seated in his room, ‘‘what’s the news ??' i “Phe woman who claims to be Mrs. Rogers is already married, to Moreno,’’ NICK CARTER WHEKLY. — See ~ ‘His wife ?’’ ‘Wes2? “Did you learn their game?” “Ves. Blackmail.”’ * “T know that; but what else ??’ ’ “T dined at the next table to theirs last night, and learned that they have some deep scheme to prevent a man named Lord from getting married. Her brother was to have seen him this morning. That was why I sent the second telegram.”’ ‘Ves, yes. Go ahead,”’ cried Nick. “T think young Rogers is in the deal.” “No, he ‘isn’t,?’- said: Nick, “Is. that all?” ((Ves,?? “Good, Chick!” — At that moment there was a knock at the door and a bell- ae handed in a tele- gram. It was from Patsy, and read: ‘*Alvarez woman and Moreno started for Boers on four-thirty train. j “Pansy. Ee ‘Moreno, too! That’s good.’’ Then addressing Chick, Nick said: ‘You meet Moreno at the railroad depot. I have to go to Worcester by the six-forty train. And see here, If anything serious turns up, telegraph to me at the Bay State Hotel.’’ It was just nine o’clock when the Bos- ton train rolled into Worcester station. © The ground was still covered with snow. from the storm of a few days before; but it had been freezing hard, and now a am heavy crust made walking rather pleas- ant. posi) aos x apes Nick stood outside the depot for a mo- ment, and looked at the sky and-the road, ” - snow-covered _ as if considering
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2 aa NICK CARTER WEEKLY. | ae whether he would walk to the hotel or ride. While he -was thus engaged, he heard the rumbling of an incoming train, ‘“This is the New York opens said he, and he immediately withdrew into the ” shadow of the ticket office and watched the passengers as they came out. There was the usual bustle and hurrying hither and thither that accompanies the arrival of a passenger train. ~ Thirty or forty persons came from the platform, grip. or satchel in hand, and went out into the street, and finally there passed close to Nick the two individuals he most desired to see. They were Anita and Moreno. The latter was apparently giving her _some very serious instructions. But the gateman shouted: ‘*All aboard for Boston !’’ Moreno hastily wrung Anita’s hand and rushed back to the train, and the lady gathered up her dress and went to the depot entrance. ; ‘ Nick watched her board a cab and heard her order the driver to take her to the Bay State Hotel. He followed leisurely on foot. Having arrived at the hotel, he nodded to the clerk at the desk and asked to see the register. “‘T want to see a lady who was to have atrived from New York to-day.”’ There were two recent signatures on - the book. One was in a delicate feminine hand, and read: ‘Mrs, Rogers, New York.”’ The other was also in a woman’s writing. It was: fect English. aoe Lord, Boston.’ » It was now edene that the ast Rogers’? in the Gonzales telegram meant, ask for Rogers. ‘The second entry was rather strange; but it did not puzzle Nick Carter. Ad- dressing the clerk, he said: ‘‘Can I see Mrs. Rogers ?”’ ‘‘Are you her brother, sir—Mr. Lord, for whom she registered.?’’ asked the clerk. “Yes, replied Nick...” \4 “(Her room is number 46; yours is. an, sir—right opposite. ’’ ; ‘’Thank you,’’ said Nick. ’The bell-boy led the way to room 47, and Nick immediately took possession and bolted the door on the inside. ‘Now for it!’? he exclaimed ashe re- moved his hat and overcoat. A few moments seaeneras theres was -a rap at the door. He at once drew the bolt. The door opened, and Anita Alvarez entered. “T beg your pardon,’” she said, in per- ‘That stupid clerk must have made a mistake!”’ She was about to retreat eee but Nick stepped Deletes. her and the door, and said: c “I assure you, madame, the clerk made no mistake. Mr. Gonzales was unable to meet you here to-night. I have come from _ him——”’ ‘ “Tet me pass!’’ interrupted the woman, - with an imperious gesture. : é “Vou really must excuse me, madame !”? said Nick, courteously. Rogers’ friend ——”? “{ am Sam “T do not understand you, sit,’ ms said oe
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18 Anita, whose color had heightened at the mention of young Rogers’ name. “*Pray be seated, and I shall Srila myself, ’’ said Nick, in his most gracious manner. 5 : “I must insist upon-your allowing me to leave this room instantly !”’ She looked very beautiful at that mo- ment, and Nick said to himself: “It is no wonder young Rogers fell in love with her.”’ ‘Why do you detain me?’ she cried, with increasing anger. “T beg of you to keep calm,’ said Nick. ‘‘I have come as a messenger from _ your brother and Mr. Rogers.”’ “How am I to know this ?”’ .-“‘You must surely know, madame, that ' unless-Gonzales told me where to meet you and had instructed me to assume the tole of your brother,I would not be here.’’ This seemed so reasonable that she con- sented to be seated. She then asked: “Why. did not my brother come him- self??? é “ “He had to keep an eye: upon the _moyements of Nick Carter, the New ‘York detective.” That reply gave her confidence, and sie said ““Mr.——eh. You haven’t given me your name.’ “Rogers, madame. 1 am Sam’s cousin,’’ coolly replied Nick. ‘‘Oh, I suppose you came over from Philadelphia for the funeral.”? “Precisely, madame. Sam aa confided _ everything to me.”’ ‘He made an awful mistake in sending for that man, Nick Carter,’’ said Anita. es testily. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “I don’t agree with you.”’ “You don’t know him, Mr. Rogers. That man will be sure to ferret out the truth. What I told Sam to do was to engage an ordinary detective, and if he_ did that, suspicion would most surely fall upon Dr. Lord. However, Moreno and Manuel will probably be able to arrange matters. ’’ Nick was becoming enlightened. . “‘T don’t think the doctor is out of the woods yet,’’ said he. ; “If he does get out, it is Sam’s own fault,’ said the lady, ‘‘and I will never allow him to marry Miss Bland.” ‘‘He did what he considered was for ee ; best.” ‘‘Oli, he is too weak. But tell me what news you have from my brother??? ‘‘Sam refuses to see him.’’ “I know it. That is why Moreno has gone to Boston.’ : , “I don’t believe my cousin will have dealings with Mr. Moreno. oe “If he does not, I shall at once go there and announce myself as his wife.” “If you do this, he will take steps to secure a divorce. Public sentiment would now be upon his side, and you would probably lose all.’ ; “Ah! This is that Nick Carter’s work.’ “She became thoughtful for a moment and then cried: ‘How stupid of Manuel to ARE bun glee last night!’ , **T do not understand you,” said Nick, who, nevertheless, now discovered ae the attack upon his life was planned by Moreno and the woman. ~ “T do not wish you to understand, 2 ee “But you can. tell “Sam . 2
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NICK CARTES WEEKLY. Rogers that, unless he agrees to my propo- sition, he will never marry Miss Bland.”’ ‘“‘He has deputed me to act for him, madame, and if you will tell me your final proposal, I shall be able to say directly whether or not he will accept it.” ‘*T shall not alter my proposition in the slightest. I must have one hundred thou- sand dollars in cash. He cannot pay this unless the match between his sister and Dr. Lord is broken off, and tle only pos sible way to break it off is to accuse the doctor of the murder of old Mr. Rogers.” ‘But the doctor might be acquitted |?” interjected Nick. “T don’t think so. Why, even Nick Carter, the ‘detective, will have to swear that he found the point of the hypodermic syringe in Mr. Rogers’ wrist, and the broken syringe in the doctor’s room. That: would convict him in any court. Besides, it is very unlikely that Miss Rogers would marry a man about whom there was even a suspicion of having mur- dered her father. you know the only conditions upon which : However, now will get a divorce, and unless Sam con- sents at once, in writing, I will proclaim myself his wife and will go to police head- quarters and tell them about the poison that was injected into Mr. Rogers’ wrist.”’ ‘“Sam loves his sister,’’ said Nick. ‘‘T know he does,’’ interrupted Anita. “But if he loves himself or Miss Bland, who, you know, is worth half a million, he will be a man and do what I demand. _ He can give his sister the money she will lose by not marrying Lord out of Miss Bland’s fortune.” ee - “Tam afraid he will not comply with your demand,’’ said Nick. : 19 ‘Has he any pum to make?” “Ves, He will guarantee to pay you the © one hundred thousand dollars after you procure the divorce, and he is married to _ Miss Bland.’ : “Does he think I am a fool? ?” she see: angrily. “But I know this ‘is not his — doing. He has confided in Nick Carter. It is that wretch who is advising him. It is well he does not know the entire . truth.”’ “What do you mean, madame? Sam as- - sured me that he knew everything about his father’s death.”’ : ‘*No, he does not. I am annoyed, Mr, Rogers. However, I have no more to'say.’” She-paused for a few moments, and then, as if her whole being was inflamed with ferocity, she cried: oS On sak Manuel had only succeeded, I could force him to do my bidding!” “Of course you refer to the fact that Sam would not see your brother,’ said Nick, innocently. *Ves, »” As she uttered that word, she looked in affright at Nick, and the thought sare across her mind ; * “Can he stispect what I mean?” Nick’s features were perfectly impas- sive, however, and addressing him, she said: “‘T have no more to say. You can give my ultimatum to your cousin. ’’ e2 ‘‘Very well, madame., After I have seen Sam, I shall communicate the result to Gonzales.”’ CHAPTER VIL. | DR. LORD ASTOUNDED. “That the mystery connected with Mr. Rogers’ death was not known by the So, « | ‘Nick was now Shenae: Mi
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20 His visit to Worcester had been very fruitful, however, and the great detective returned to Boston armed with facts that he knew would soon enable him to un- travel that mystery. From Anita’s passionate exclamations about himself, he learned that the Moreno gang would endeavor to get him out of the way, and he smiled grimly as he said to himself: ‘They have a big contract on their hands. ”’ A few minutes later he rang the bell at - Dr. Lord’s door and handed the domestic one of his cards containing his real name and profession. When the doctor made his appearance and saw Nick, he said: “Vou have come eatly for your vial. But I must ask you to wait some little time, as a gentleman from New York has just called.”’ “Nick Carter?’’ interjected Nick. The doctor started. “How do you know that?’’ he asked. Nick arose from his seat, took another card from his pocket, and, handing it to his bewildered companion, said: “Tam Nick Carter.” “You |? dropped into an arm-chair and looked at “Why, “Mr. Carter, you are just the man I wanted exclaimed the doctor, who his visitor with astonishment. to see. I was about to telegraph for you. J am in serious trouble.” ‘‘T dare say it is about the Rogers mur- der case,’? said Nick. The doctor was again astounded. When he recovered his equanimity, he said: “And the surgical instrument maker NICK CARTER WEEKLY. scheme—what was the meaning of that, Mr. Carter??? “T cannot explain to you, sir, why I adopt certain methods which I find neces- sary to employ in the business of my pro- It will, question sufficiently to inform you that fession. however, answer your my adoption of the role of surgical instru- ment maker was connected with this same case concerning which you telegraphed for me. And now, sir, will you be good enough to state your business ?’” ‘‘Vou seem to have divined it already.’’ ‘“Then you do not require my services ??” “You have so surprised me, Mr. Car- ter, that I scarcely know what to say.”’ Nick was watching him narrowly. “Shall I tell you what you want me for ?’’ he asked. “Tt would not surprise me one bit if you could. But, Mr. Carter, let me ask you one question: What do you know about the woman Alvarez??? : “Ryerything. ”’ “Everything ?’’ ‘Ves, doctor. And now wall you tell me what you know about her??? ‘*Nothing.’? ‘‘Nothing ?”” ‘Perhaps I had better explain,’’ said the doctor. ‘‘On the morning after Mr. Rogers’ death—some time after Dr. White and I had made our examination of the body, the woman Alvarez called. She in- sisted that she was Sam Rogers’ wife.’ “Yes, they were married,’’ interrupted Nick. “Really ?”? “Ves. But go on.” “She appeared to be terribly excited. She said she had evidence that her a aie
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cs in-law did not die of heart disease, I as- sured her that she was mistaken, Where- upon she took from her pocket a little vial similar to the one which I asked you to - allow me to examine yesterday.” . Nick was all attention. | The fruit was ripening fast, and he firmly believed that it would very soon be ready to pluck. . “T analyzed the contents,’’ continued the doctor. deed a terrible poison.’ ‘“What did the woman say when she showed you the vial??? asked Nick. ‘‘She became very excited again, and said: ‘* ‘TJ found this in my father-in-law’s room. You have poisoned him!’ I oe have you arrested !’ : ‘“(T was fearful of scandal, for I am 8 be matried to Mr. Rogers’ daughter, so I tried to calm her. I said I would do any- thing to hush up the ridiculous suspi- cion.”’ “Ah!” sighed Nick, and the doctor continued : “When I said that she screamed : ‘“¢Vou are guilty, or you would not make such a proposition. But I have here the proofs of your villainous crime to get hold of Miss Rogers’ money at once.’ ‘“This annoyed me, and I requested her to leave the house at once, which she did. She returned again, however, evening. The moment I saw her the idea entered my mind that she came to black- mail me, and’ I deterimned to humor her that same “—to find out, if possible, who she was. She came fully prepared this time. She said that a private examination had been made by young Rogers and it was dis- NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “J discovered that it was in- . 21 covered that his father had been poisoned | for, after her first visit, I wanted to make* a more critical examination of the body, and Sam refused to allow it. You see, Mr. Carter, I was ina very delicate Post; tion.” : “T should say so!’? said Nick. ‘“Therefore,’’? added Dr. Lord, ‘‘I lis- tened to her without offering a word of denial or assent. Her plans were very cleverly laid, you see. She said that if I would consent to signa certain agreement, she would bind herself not to disclose the fact. about the vial or any of the other~ evidence, which she said she had in her possession, that directly pointed to me as Mr. Rogers’ murderer. I asked time to consider, thowgh I had not the slightest intention of permitting her to blackmail me. She consented, and gave me until yesterday morning, when, she said, her brother would call.” ‘“And he did call?” ‘"Ves:"? “I know it. I saw him.’ Dr. Lord really felt uncomfortable. He could not understand why or how Nick knew so much about the affair, unless it was that he was watching him. However, he continued : “He brought with him the copy of an agreement. Etold him that I could not decide just then, but that, in any event, I would not sign the agreement as it then stood. I wanted to see just how far he would go.*? ‘““Bravo!’’ interrupted Nick. ‘‘Did he leave a copy of the document with you ze “No. I was just starting for Mr. Rogers’ 3 There was an appearance of truth in this -
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22 : . funeral, and he promised to come for my -auswer at ten o’clock to-day.” - “But I have heard enough, doctor. What do “*He won’t be here,’’ said Nick. you wish me to do?”’ “I want to be protected from this gang of blackmailers, but Ido not want it made public. D ‘If young Rogers knows of it, it will be hard to hide the affair,’’ said Nick. “I shouldn’t be surprised if -he did, if _ that woman is his wife.’ Dr. Lord louked the picture of misery. ‘He got up from his chair and walked up and down the room two or three times. He then stopped suddenly before Nick Carter and cried: ‘‘For God’s sake, do something—any- thing to prevent this outrageous lie reach- ing Miss'Rogers’ ears! Let them take the money. Yes, I will add to it; but spare me my honor and my love.’’ ‘He sat down, grief-stricken and misera- ‘ble. And then Nick went to him, and ‘ex: e ‘tending his hand, he said: | “Brace up, doctor. You have nothing to fear, nor need you feel even worried: 2 The doctor took Nick’s hand in his and expressed his warmest thanks, He was pouring out his gratitude, when Nick interrupted him by saying: “Do you remember the terms of the ‘avreement they wished you to sign, dsctor’??” “Yes. It stipulated that upon condition NICK CARTER WEEKLY. that the Alvarez woman or her brother would not breathe a suspicion about the finding of the hypodermic syringe point, I was to pay to her the sum of fifty thou- sand dollars on the morning of my mar- riage with Miss Rogers. I need not tell you that signing such a document would incriminate me and give them a perpetual handle for blackmail. ”’ . “You only know one-half of ‘their scheming, doctor. But they are clever, They wished to make certain of at least one person from whom they could. levy tax. However, the question of Mr. Rogers’ death must be sifted to the end, and if young Rogers is in any way amphieatey I may need your assistance.” ‘You shall have it if it is necessary, ’ But it strikes me, Mr. Carter, that the first thing to be ascertained is, was Mr. Rogers murdered ?’’ ee 4 CHAPTER VIII. A CRUEL POSITION. “TI shall settle that question,’’ said Nick. “Tt was I who found the point of the hypodermic syringe imbedded in Mr. Rogers’ wrist. It was undoubtedly broken x off to complete the blackmailing scheme : and attract suspicion to you. It was for that same reason the broken syringe was — left here. ’’ | ‘“‘That must be so,’’ said the doctor, | ae “and if he was murdered, it must have — been by that woman. ”? Th te ase we do not Jam at
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. conclusions so hastily,’’ said Nick, evad- ing the doctor’s remark. _Dr. Lord laughed at this sally, and Nick took up his hat as if about to leave. ‘‘Before you go, Mr. Carter, can you tell me what was the appearance of the wrist in the locality where the syringe point was imbedded ?”’ “Ves; Where the point lay, underneath the ¥ observed it very carefully. skin, the color was normal—except that one could detect the needle-like piece of silver, upon very close observation. But it was not that which first attracted my attention.’’ ‘“What was it?’ asked the doctor, who seemed to be intensely interested. “Tt was the fact that, extending from the point of the needle upward, for a couple of inches, discoloration. ’’ ‘“Thank you. This may be important, Mr. Carter. J shall consult with Dr. White about it.’’ - Nick then bade the doctor good-by and turned his footsteps toward the Rogers mansion. He had “not gone many yards when he met hi§ faithful assistant, Chick. “Moreno is up at Rogers’ place,’’ said Chick, ‘‘and Ida is at the hotel.”’ “Well, what other news, Chick?” «‘‘Miss Rogers Joves the doctor.” “Good! eew an eye on Rogers and . s Moreno for a few minutes. ”’ there was a marked ~ 23 Nick immediately selnnied ‘to “Dries Lord’s house, . He hurriedly explained to the. doctor why he had come back, and, two minutes later, a distinguished- looking Cuban left the physician’s residence. : He walked leisurely in the direction of the Rogers mansion. Chick, who was accustomed to his chief’s wonderful disguises, noticed him approaching and came slowly toward him. | 3 ““As soon as I have entered the house engage Jones, the butler, i in conversation, 2 said Nick, hurriedly. He then entered the lawn of the Rogers “villa and approached the front door. ‘‘Can I see Mr. Rogers?’ he asked, when Jones answered the bell. . ‘He is engaged just now, sir. But if you will give me your card——”’ “Oh, :never mind,”? interrupted Nick. “I shall wait for him.” The colored man showed: him into the: ' reception-room. At that moment ee door bell rang again. It was Chick, and Nick Carter knew well that his clever assistant would keep Jones engaged until he again appeared. Creeping noiselessly, he went along the hallway unti] he arrived at the library door. | Here he stopped and listened. He heard the voices of two persons; x but could not cae their een gests vi
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24 The ornamentations on the key-hole, in- side as well as on the hall side, prevented his hearing through that channel. Looking upward, he noticed that the old-fashioned transom could easily be opened, and he was soon standing upon a hall chair with a good view of the interior of the room. Sam Rogers was seated at a desk, and Moreno standing beside him. The latter was speaking in a command. ing manner; but his voice was so low that Nick could not detect his words, He now proceeded to open the transom as cautiously and noiselessly as possible. After a few moments he succeeded in opening it a few inches, and he then heard distinctly the conversation of Mo- reno and Rogers. “Itis utterly useless to goany further,” | - said Rogers. ‘‘I will not swear an’ infor- mation against Dr. Lord.’ Was it Nick Carter 4 ches 708 to make this decision ?”’ “No, sir. Mr. Carter does not know anything about this affair.”’ ‘(Why did you engage him?”’. “Anita told me to engage a detective.’’ “She told you to engage a private de- tective in Boston, to whom you were to point out the top of the hypodermic syringe, and suggest to Him that it might belong to Dr. Lord. If you did that, Lord would have been vat once atrested on sus- picion. But you knew that Nick Carter would never make ae arrest until, he. fed NICK CARTER WEEKLY. fully and perfectly investigated the. case, and was absolutely certain of his man.” ‘T know that now. I did not know it when I engaged him.”’ “Tf you engaged him with the intention of directing his suspicion to Dr. Lord, why do you now refuse to make an in- formation yourself ?”’ “Because I know Dr. Lord did not mur- der my father.’ ‘What would you do if Anita made such a statement to the police?’’ said the Cuban. ; The ‘young man started at this cold- blooded suggestion. He seemed to be in a perfect agony of mental torture. i Suddenly he stood. up, and, facing Mo- reno, he said: * “Tf. she. dares te do such a thing, I would expose the whole affair. ”? “Have a care, Mr. Rogers,’’ said the Cuban, fiercely. ‘Don’t go too far.”’ “I defy both you and her!” cried Rogers, who was tiow very excited. It evidently did not suit Moreno’s plans to quarrel seriously with his companion. He immediately changed his tactics and said: hs “Tf Anita gave you a release to-morrow, how much would you pay for it?’ ine a ‘To-morrow? Why, that’s impossible! & But, see here, Moreno. If Mr. Carter ar- : : rests the doctor upon his own responsi ip bility, I shall not iaterfere, That is all - can or ue do in this direction. But I am | =
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ” willing to guarantee Anita one hundred thousand dollars, to be paid after my mar- riage with Miss Bland, if she produces a decree of divorce before it. It is utterly useless to annoy me further.’ ‘““We will force you to do this!’’ hissed Moreno. ‘*Do your very worst! I am so weary of — ‘this disgraceful affair that I am perfectly prepared for any event.’? * “Very well, Mr. Rogers,’’ said the Cu- ban, in a cold, cutting tone. ‘‘Anita will to-morrow come to Boston and proclaim herself your wife.”’ That shot told. The young fellow threw himself into a chair and gave way to torturing reflections. His position was indeed cruel. Moreno knew well the effect of his blow; he looked at Rogers with a smile of triumph, and then took up his hat and pretended to prepare to leave the room. He took a few steps toward the door, when Rogers suddenly cried: “*Stop !? ‘Well, grimly. sir?’? said Moreno, smiling _ “Give me one week to consider,’ ‘No, Mr. Rogers, not one day. You wish to consult with Nick Carter. I must have your answer now or you will never .marry Miss Bland. If you are so anxious to avoid’ family scandal by saving your sister’s intended husband, pay the money right away. It wiflenable you to wed half a million,’” '25 The young fellow struggled desperately between: his honor and his feelings. — ‘‘Supposing I do consent,’’ he said, at length. ‘‘You have agreed to producea . divorce. from Anita upon receipt of one hundred thousand dollars. That wilt take some time.’’ ‘She is prepared to release you legally at once.’ a AG oncen? “Yes. If you consent to pay the money to-morrow, I shall telegraph to her to come here to arrange the affair. And now I shall not waste another moment. Do you consent? Or shall I allow her to come here and proclaim herself your wife ?”’ “I consent,’ said Rogers, in a solemn tone, as if he was passing his own death sentence. ‘‘Leave me now, Moreno. I am upset by, this affair. I shall be ready to- morrow.”’ “Oh, no,’’? said the Cuban; with a sar- donic grin, ‘‘I' shall not leave you now until our little business is transacted.”’ “Mr. Carter will be here shortly,?? said Rogers, looking the Cuban full in the — face. ‘‘Perhaps you would not care to see him ?”? “Oh, it does not make any difference, now that you have: decided to settle up without waiting for Dr. Lord's arrest. But I would advise you to dismiss Carter at once, >? “Very well. I shall be glad to havethis horrible affair ended. But——”
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26 He mused for a moment, and then con- tinued : “Mr, Carter has already interested him- self in the case, and from what you tell me of his character, I fear he may want to probe it, with or without my consent.”’ ‘*Ah!? said Moreno, ‘‘I did not think of that. Yes. He must be silenced.”’ “What do you mean ?’’ ‘“‘Never mind, Mr. Rogers. We will at-. tend to that.’’ As he Said this, , opened, and Nick Carter entered. ““You will attend to Nick Carter, will the door suddenly “you ???. said he. Quick as lightning, and before Moreno could recover from his surprise, Nick caught his wrists with a grasp of iron and placed the handcuffs upon them. __ “Nick Carter will attend to you. Come along!”’ “Now, Mr. Moreno,’’ said he, “Good heavens’? exclaimed the Cuban. ‘“Where did you come from ?”’ “The moon, of course, but the place é you ate going to will be much nearer at " hand. as Nick caught him by the arm and marched him out of the room. Handing him over to Chick who was still conversing with the colored man, Nick said: ‘ “Take this fellow i police headquar- ters. ” He then turned to young Rogers. The Gotne man was bewildered from astonishment, x: NICK CARTER WEEKLY. He was positively dazed to learn that Nick knew about his arrangements with Moreno. Si He could not understand how it was possible for him to have discovered it, and he looked at him in silence in the same ‘manner as he would have looked ata supernatural being. Nick saw that the young fellow was overwhelmed with surprise; but. there was no time to be lost. “Mr, Rogers,’’ said he, “T want your ; presence at the Adams, House at three - o’clock. It is a matter of the greatest im- portance for you to be there. Don’t fail.’ Surprises were pouring in so suddenly : ¢ ; upon the young man that he was too be- wildered to reply. Nick took no AGBee of his amazement _ or silence. He repeated : ‘‘Don’t forget. Adams House, at three o'clock. pe He left Rogers seated in his library, still wondering how the affair happened, Nick now hastened to the nearest tele- graph office and sent the following dis-. patch : j | ~ ‘‘Mrs. Rogers, Bay State Hotel, Wor cester: Manuel has seen Sam's cousin. Settlement impossible unless with you, in person. Come on by first train. Meet me at Adams House. Ask for Rogers, room _ 75: MoRENo. a0 Five minutes later he was at Dr. Laws ‘Well, Mr. Carter,”’ said the physician, © ‘‘what can I do for you this time ?”’ Ga pe simply called to ask you to thet ne {
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“ NICK GARTER WEEKLY. in room seventy-five at the Adams House at three o’clock.”’ *‘T shall be there, Mr. Carter.”? Nick did not delay one moment, but hastened to his hotel. Here he lay upon a lounge and gave himself up to a moment of reflection. “What a sell they will all get!’ he mused. ‘‘But it will be an agreeable one. The poor doctor will be sold because ‘his » misery will end almost before it had begun. ‘‘And young Rogers! “Ah! He is a‘weak subject, and no mistake. “Tf he hadn’t deceived me about the woinan’s visits, I could have finished yes- . terday. ““However, he will feel sold when he learns how -J have found him out, although he will, at the same time, be freed from his Cuban wife. ““As for the three Cubans! ‘‘Well, perhaps the greatest surprise of all will be for them!”’ CHAPTER IX. LAST LINK IN THE CHAIN. At via o’clock precisely a lady knocked at the door of room 75, Adams House. It was Anita Alvarez. Wikk Carter, alias Mr. Rogers, admitted her. “How do you do, madame?’? said Nick. | “Very well, thank you, Mr. Rogers. I 27 _ expected to find my brother, and—and a iriend hete, 23 “They will be here presently. ’’ ’ “My brother tells me that Sam will not accept the terms of the agreement.” “He will be here himself at three — o'clock, madame. We shall then arrange everything connected with this matter, se ‘‘But cannot you tell me in the mean- time what it is he particularly objects to??? * “T cannot see what good it would do. It will be much better to discuss the en- tire affair with him personally. But won’t. you remove your heavy cloak and make yourself comfortable while you are wait- ing? By the way, wouldn’t you like a cup of coffee after your journey ?”’ if “Yes, Mr. Rogers, thank you, If you — would not mind, I should likea cup of black coffee and brandy.’’ Nick touched a bell. It was answered by. Chick, to whom’ Nick passed a note, saying, as he did so: ‘‘Will you please bring some coffee and brandy at once?’ SV es ~sit."? The note contained the following mes- sage: “Have Moreno and Gonzales here at 3:30. Admit Rogers first. Keep prisoners in your room until we need them,” Chick’s room was number 73, and had .a-door leading into’ Nick’s. . When the door closed, Nick took fron his pocket the hat pin which he found in,
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28 * Mr. Rogers’ room, and placed it on a chair ‘close to his visitor. “Does that pin belong. to you, mad- Ame??? asked he. She looked at it; then put her hand up to her hat to satisfy herself that the one there was not missing. “Why, yes!’’ she cried. ‘‘I have missed that pin for some days. I wonder where it came from, or how it could have got here. ”’ ‘Tt was found upon the bed with Mr. Rogers’ dead body.”’ She trembled and became pale ‘and con- fused. But recovering herself, she asked: ‘Where did you say it was found?’’ ‘“Where you dropped it, madame.’’ ““What do you mean Dr “Do you. not remember the morning after Mr. Rogers’ death?” A MCB 3? ‘When you went to see the body with your husband ?”’ “No, sit. You are mistaken——?’ “What?” said Nick. ‘‘Why, you told : me that——”? “Oh, yes! I forgot.” The unfortunate woman was so bewil- dered that, in her confusion, she really believed she had told him. “‘By the way, I hope you have the re- lease for Sam ready,’ said Nick. ” ‘Ves,’’ said the woman, who was now feeling particularly uncomfortable. But just then the waiter atrived with Se © NICK CARTER WEEKLY, the coffee and brandy, and the diversion relieved her. She little guessed how badly shé needed _ a stimulant just then. Nick looked at his watch. It wanted but a few minutes of three o’clock. z ‘“‘When did you see your husband last ?”” he asked, suddenly. “Vast night—eh, I mean—eh, not since his father’s death.”’ | ‘“There is one thing that Sam has con- cealed from. me,’’ said Nick. i ‘(What is that?’’ “Was his father really murdered by Dr. Lord? Or was it by somebody else??? “You know well,’ said Anita, regain- ing her self-confidence, ‘‘that no other person could have done it.”” ‘“Then you believe,’’? said Nick, adroitly, ‘‘that that syringe was charged with poison solely for the purpose of murdering Mr. Rogers,’?: **T know it.’? The moment she uttered these words she recognized her mistake, and would have given worlds not to have spoken — them. But, although Nick had now scouted the last link of his chain of evidence, he gave no outward sign that he attached any importance to it. He was about to continue when some Ss, one knocked at the door. : ‘‘Come in!” said Nick. Sam Rogers entered.
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “‘Anita!’’ he cried, in amazement. ‘At your service, sir!’ coldly rejoined the lady. : ‘Be seated, Mr. Rogers,’’ said Nick. Anita looked at Nick nervously. ‘That man would not call him Mr. Rogers, if he was his cousin!’ was the thought that flashed through her mind. Rogers was clearly as much mystified as was Anita, But his perplexity was not mixed with feat. cng She was trembling with fear of an un- krfown something which her imagination was unable to define. She looked at Nick with an expression that mingled indignation and appeal. Her suspense was really becoming un- bearable, and Nick saw it. ‘Better cut this act short,’’ he mut- tered. Turning to Rogers, he said: “Mr. Rogers, that woman is not your wife.’? “Tar! thandered Anita. “Keep your~ temper, madame,’’ said Nick. ‘‘Your real husband will shortly be here. As Mrs. Moreno, you cannot be Mrs. Rogers.”’ 4 ‘(My God!’ she cried. ‘‘How ‘did you learn this? Who are you??? J Not heeding her qe Nick con- tinued: “TI have learned much more, madame, that you will be even less pleased to lis- ten to.”’ 29 “Is this true?’ asked Rogers, in a whirl of delighted amazement. es “Ves, Mr. Rogers. You may ‘set your mind at rest on that point. ees Just then the door wae and Chick ~ announced: “Dr. Lord!” The woman trembled from head to feet when she saw the doctor, Rogers also felt very uncomfortable. “Have the others asked . Nick: 3 | “Ves sir, hey are in the next room.’?, “Ts Waldo with them ?”” “Ves, sir, and another man.”’ arrived ??? “Send them in guarded.”? ; The door between Nick’s room and his assistant’s was immediately opened, and Moreno and Gonzales were marched in, handcuffed to the two detectives. “Nick Carter!’’ cried both prisoners, simultaneously. “Ves, gentlemen,’’ said Nick. ‘I shall now explain why I have invited you all to be present at this meeting. "’ No one uttered % a word. Everybody was too much aetenietied But they were even more astounded when Nick said: . \Byerybody in this room knows,'in © - part, a good deal of what I know con- ~ : cerning Mr. Rogers’ death, and the crimi- nal events surrounding it; but not one of you can even guess all that I.do know. “In the first place, Mr. ogee was not. murdered, eae Sea se
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30 “Three people in this room knew, from the very beginning, that he was not mur- dered. These are Anita Moreno, Manuel Al- varez and the conspirator in chief, Moreno himself.’? Had a thunderbolt fallen in the room it could not have caused more consternation and amazement. Nick then continued, in the same cool * Manner: “here was an intention tomurder him, however; but luckily nature stepped in and claimed Mr. Rogers before this crime could be committed. ‘This intended murder was planned by Bigrens and was to have been executed by the woman, his wife, who is guilty of bigamy for entering into a mattfiage cere- Spee with Mr. Rogers. ‘The plan was to incriminate Dr. Lord, and thus create a lever for blackmail. _ ‘When Anita Moreno went, to Mr. Rogers’ home—to murder him—and found ; that he had died the night before of heart ‘disease, the needle of this hypodermic syringe in his she nevertheless inserted wrist and injécted some of Mr. Moreno’s famous poison into it.”’ 'Here he held aloft the syringe. ‘“‘She then broke off the point in the wound, hoping that the doctors would’ find it and naturally suspect the family physician “of having used the dreadful poison it contained. — ‘‘But she was ignorant of the fact that NICK CARTER WEEKLY. after death hypodermic injections will not be distributed through the system, as the blood has ceased to circulate. ‘“‘For this reason I noticed that the wrist was discolored by the poison, and that fact las guided me throughout. . “She then visited Dr. Lord and left the broken syringe upon his bureau. “There is no necessity to recite the. clever scheme of blackmail which was to have been put into execution. ‘““Every one in this room knows the particulars. “But every one here does not know Her does the lady herself, that the vial of poison. from which the syringe was : charged was dropped by her at the Provi- dence depot and picked up by me. ‘‘And lastly, only the three prisoners know that Alvarez attempted to murder ~ your humble servant at midnight on Mr. ' Rogers’ lawn. “And now what sshiothd we do with these criminals? } “Dr. Lord, you haxe the best right to~ dictate. ‘What is your sentetice 2 ~ ‘Spare them,”? generously cried the doctor. “Just what I See you to — said Nick. ee “Ves, we will set them at fiery oe “But upon one condition. ‘“They. must return to Guba: for if within | three days a one of soe is”
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY, aed found in the United States, every one of - the crimes of which I. hold the proofs against them will be charged to the law’s limit.” ; When the three culprits took their de- parture, Nick Carter’s face became once more severe, and, turning to oe Rogers, _ he said: ““Vou should not have lied to me!’’ That was all; and the great detective then escaped from the outpouring of grati- tude of the two men, whose happy future \ he had insured. THE END. The next number will contain ‘‘Nick Carter under the Knife; or, The Little Giant Kagan 2 the Body- Snatchers, tps NICK CARTER WEEKLY. THE BEST LIBRARY OF DETECTIVE STORIES. . LATEST ISSUES? 198—Nick Carter Under the Knife; or, The Little Giant Among the Body-Snatchers, 197—The Little Glass Vial; or, A Beautiful Black- mailer Brought to Bay, 196—A Man of Wood; or, Who ‘Killed Dr. Startle? 19—Nick Carter's Grateful Client; or, Saving the Honor of the Old Man’s Boy. : 194—Nick Carter on the Bowery; or, A™-Crippled Cracksman’s Detection. 198—Nick Carter on the Inside; or, No Chance for the Coroner. 4192—Nick Carter in Frisco; or, Instructed by a News- paper Personal. 1e1-—-Wanted for Embezzlement; or, What Became of the Treasurer. 190—Nick Carter’s Slippery Quarry; or, The Case Against ’Frisco Jim. IsoNtck ee Proofs; or, Bad News for the ‘ ty 188—Nick Carter at the Races; or, TWo Kinds of Lead. Pipe Cinch. 187—The Best Detective in the Country; or, A Prompt Reply to a_ Telegram, 1sR—Nick Carter Rescues a Daughter; or, The Junior Partner's Strange Behavior, 185—Nick Carter Saves a Reputation; or, A Button Worth a Fortune. 184—Shielding a Murderer; or, Nick Carter’s Dealings with an Avenger. 188—Saved from the Penitentiary; or, Three Cheers for Nick Carter. 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. " 180—The Government Custom’s Swindle; or, Nick Carter’s Work for the U. S. Treasury. 179—Nick Carter’s Beautiful Decoy; or, The Diamond Duke of Chicago. 178—Nick Carter Arrests a Client; or, The Body. Found in the Flat. 177—Nick a lies Dumb Assistant; or, The Man with i a Dea 416—Nick Carter Behind the Counter; or, A Peck of : Pawn Tickets. 175—Nick Carter’s Pointer; or, A Hungry Dog's Din- a, Goma” : Back numbers always on hand. bring them to you, by mail, postpaid. 168—Nick Carter Jumps % 74—By Whose Hand; or, Nick Carter Advertises for a Cab-Driver. 173—Caught in Six Hours; or, Trouble in Room No. 46. 172—Burglar Joe; or,,Nick Carter's Leap in the Dark. arene ns Carter’ 8 eaue Shadow; or, “Phe Man with ellow Bir Ba BR Blectricity; or, Nick Carter Bags an en 108 imninasied ve "Nick Carter: or, An Attempt at Blackmail. 168—Nick Carter's Second Sight; or, ae Dumfounded ~ Prisoner. Ap Nick Carter Makes a Loan That Brings Him Big eturns, i66—Nick Carter Prevents a Disturbance, and Loses a Disguise. 165—Nick Carter in a pe or, A Plan to Catch Him That Didn't Work 164—Nick -Carter_ Off the Track, but Has Another String to His Bow. hances, 162—Nick Carter Saves a Life, and Earnssa Woman's Gratitude. 161—Nick Carter Corners a Bank President; or, A Balance That Was Crooked. 160—Nick Carter’s Steamer Trunk; or, A Crime in Mid-Ocean. 159—Nick Carter's New Uniform; or, A Bribe That Was Expected. 158—Nick Carter and*the Sawdust Man; or, An In- vestment That Caused Troubl ve ee Ue Rye, as an xpert; or,- Pat teal That s Tampered Wit j 156-LNiok Garters Silent Search; or, A Drive at a exe pra. Ce jous Client; or, A Criminal fas arter’s. Cur 5. OTe rimina! merely More Gall than Sense. ; with 154—Nick Carter Settles a Conspiracy; or, A Telegram , That Wasn't Signed. ae Carter's Midnight pallens or, A Case Con- — cluded Before Daylight. 152—Nick Carter's Fake Murder Case; or, The Plan to Wipe Out the Agency. If you cannot ce our publications from your newsdealer, five ebuith a copy will STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK. a Train, and Takes: Big Ne
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THE MEDAL LIBRARY. Oliver Optic and Others, 2 The Right Books at the Right Price. There is a line of classics for youth—the books. your fathers read—the books you want to read—the books the boys and girls will read and like as long as the English language en-~ dures. than any others: wherever the American flag floats. They have done more’to shape the mind of American boys for the last fifty years We refer to the writings of Oliver Optic, Horatio Alger, Edward S. Ellis, Lieut. Lounsberry, James Otis, William ACERY Graydon, etc. These names. are familiar” Unfortunately, they have heretofore been procurable only in expénsive binding at from $1.00 to $1.50 each. The average boy has not got $1.50 to invest. We have made the ten cent book the leader with the elder readers. Now we are going price. Ten cents is nearer the to do the same thing for the boys, and give them their favorites in.a form in every respect equal to our well-known Eagle and Magnet Libraries, at the uniform price of ten cents. Thousanis of boys have asked us to issue this line. sight. book will be a prize winner. “standard.” can get them for TEN CENTS A COPY. grins the Sunk Lands.......c...essee8s Walter F. Burns 62—How He Won......scccseseee ; Brooks McCormick 6l—The Brie Train Boy...........+.+5 Horatio Alger, Jr. There is no line like it inthe world. 60--The Mountain Cave.............+ George H. Coomer 59—The Rajah’s Fortress....William Murray. Graydon 68—Gilbert, the Trapper............ Capt. C. B. Ashley 57—The Gold of Plat Top Mountain, Frank H. Oonverse et fate Young Noblemen..:..Brooks MeCormick 55—A Voyage to the Gold Coast....frank H. Converse 5b4—Joe Nichols; or, Difficulties Overcome..... Alfred Oldfellow”™ 53—The adventures of a Sew York Telegraph Boy, Arthur Lee Putnam $2+From Farm Boy to Senator....Horatio Alger, Jr. PAS DOM, CURACY. coos. eos sap ves cets Arthur Lee Putnam 60—Dean Dunham.........civeeeeeees Horatio Alger,. Jr. 49—The Mystery of a Diamond....Frank H. Converse 48—Luke tise oh HIdS-Outiiz.6 sis one e gee es Capt. C. B. Ashley, U. 8. Scout #J—Eric. Dane... cveiieieedessevsssd. Matthew White, Jr. Abe POOY ATI PTOUGS : ig cecteas cis vevcas eens Oliver Optic 45—Jack Wheeler: A Western Story........... 4 Captain David Southwick 44—The Golden Magnet......... George Manville Fenn 48—In Southern Seas........ Potiialy Frank H. Converse -42—The Young Acrobat.... ..-Horatio Alger, Jr. A1—CHECK “O18 45 sis cc'ciec aces pasine docbeseens Edward S. Ellis 40—Canoe and Campfire......... St. George Rathborne 89—With Boer and Britisher in the Transvaal, ; William “Murray Gray don 88—Gay Dashleigh’s Academy Days....Arthur Sewall 37—Commodore Junk............. George Manvile Fenn 86—In Barracks and Wigwam.............sssesee , William Murray Graydon $—In the Reign of Terror...............3! ‘G, A. Henty 34—The Adventures of Mr. Verdant Green..... Cuthbert Bede, B. A. . Thousands more are ready to buy it on We can justly call it the Medal series, as every It will contain no story that the boys have not approved as a They have bought them by the thoanands at $1.00 and upwards, and now they 33—Jud and Joe, Printers and Publishers..... Gilbert Patten 32—The Curse of Carnes’ Hold............ G. A. Henty 81—The Cruise of the Snow Bird......Gordon Stables. 80—PeterSimple .........sse006 seoeeCaptain Marryat 29—True to the Old Mines veen es 09.40 Ch Aye ty: 28—The Boy Boomers........... «.eeee..-Gilbert Patten 27—Centre-Board Jim....... Lieut, Lione] Lounsberry 26—The Cryptogram........ .William Murray Graydon 25—Through the Fray....... ene +--...G, A. Henty 24—The Boy from the West.............Gilbert Patten 23—The Dragon and the Raven.. +.G, A, Henty: 22—From Lake to Wilderness...........ccseseees William Murray Graydon 21—Won at West Point..... Lieut, Lionel Lounsberry 20—Wheeling for Fortune........... Wa-simete ok James Otis 19—Jack Archer.........0..5 18—The Silver Ship i 17—Ensign Merrill............ Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry 16—The White King of Africa...........00ecs-s William Murray Graydon : 15—Midshipman Merrill..... Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry 14—The Young Colonists: A Story of Life and War in Africa......... dsibuieg ee sleleaibe'ere G, A. Henty 18—Up the Ladder +-.-Lieut. Murray 12—Don Kirk’s Miné......-.sessseseeeeess Gilbert Patten 1i—From Tent to White Fotis (Boyhood and Life of President McKinley)...Edward §. Bllis 10—Don Kirk, the Boy Cattle King....Gilbert Patten QeSir yr Aa inbiaget ris soe cite SOC sab asl cuoaery Oliver Optic 8—Kit Carey's Protege....Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry © 7—Chased Through Norway Dn sdiniiwememeey James Otis Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry 6—Now or Never....... Zak on Uaah sph veRTaNa Oliver Optic 4—Lieutenant Carey’s Tieke:3 SER eS k Art Cer Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry $—ANl Aboard............3. seie eee peso nes biga'e Oliver Optic — 2—Cadet Kit Carey......... Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry. 1—The Boat Club....... A se Saraton ante OUV er re OTHERS EQUALLY GOOD TO FOLLOW. Order them at once. “If you cannot get them send to us. Remember these are 12mo books, printed from new plates, with elegant covers, and are the ‘‘rveal thing” and only — TEN CENTS: A COPY.
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