Nick Carter Weekly (no. 204) (1900 11 24)
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ICK CARTE WEEKLY Issued weekly. Subscription price $2.50 per year, Entered as second class matter at the N. Y. Post Ofice by StREET & SMITH. No. 204. . _ Price 5 Cents. ED TO UNION ST ¥onTHE CELEBRATED ST.LOUIS MYSTERY vi as ull i BY THE AUTHOR <— “—~oF NICK CARTER BEFORE THE NEGRO COULD TAKE A STEP IN ANY DIRECTION, THB BIG BRUTE HAD HIM BY THE THROAT.
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‘ * double purpose. NICK CARTER © WEEKLY. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1900 by Slreet@ Smith. inthe Office of the maak of Congress, Washtngion, D. O. Entered as second class Matter ai the New York. N. Y., Post Office. Subseriplionw price, $2.50 per year. NEW YORK. Issued weekly. . No. 204. STREET & BMITH, Publishers, Novewuer 24, 1900. 5 Cents, 288 William 8t., N. Y. TRACKED TO UNION STATION: OR, The Celebrated St. Louis Mystery. . By the Author of “NICK CARTER,?” CHAPTER I. NICK CARTER PLAYS A GAME OF POKER. Nick Carter was one of the passengers on board an ocean steamer bound from New York to Havana late in November. the last night of the voyage. Some time during the next afternoon the It was passengers would be landed at Cuba’s capi- =, wal - Nick Carter seldom niade a journey which was not necessary to his particular line of business. « He was now on his way to Havana with a One week before ia. had been placed in* his hands a very important case. A young Cuban named Juan Gordo, visi- ted Nick at his house and in substance said: “My home is in Havana, to which place } 3 - mother, _I am summoned immediately by a message “announcing the dangerous illness of) my ‘*Before I go I should like to turn over to you the work which brought me to New York, namely, to discover the hiding-place of two men, father aud son, who are fugi- tives from justice, having robbed me and my mother of everything we’possessed. ‘““Their. names are Wilbur Highland, the father, and Royal Highland, his son. ‘They are lawyers. The elder Highland went from New York to Cuba when a young ~ man, made Havana his home, and married. His son was born there, grew up in his father’s office, and two years ago was taken into partnership. He trusted them implicitly, and when the latter ““They were my father’s lawyers. died, six months ago, Wilbur Highland was left trustee under my father’s will. “‘Thereby he got into his possession over two million dollars’ worth of United States Government bonds and railroad securities — which comprised my father’s fortune, left
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Sy NICK CARTER WEEKLY. jointly in trust for my mother and me as long as mother lived, and at her death to go to me absolutely. “Two weeks ago all these bonds and se- curities disappeared. ‘At least, when called upon to produce them, Highland could not do it, nor could he give any satisfactory explanation of theif disappearance. ‘* His son.a few days before had sailed for New York, and ‘suspicion pointed strongly ~ to embezzlement. ‘An arrest wag agreed upon by my mother and myself. ‘“The news inust haye reached Highland, ‘for on the same night that the warrant was sworn out he disappeared. ‘Though no steamship sailed from Ha- vana on which he could have left the island, “we have every reason to believe he got off on a lumber craft and made his way to this city, where he joined his son, and that the _two are in hiding here. “Pve not been able to locate them, but ~*. hope you, Mr. Carter, will have better suc- 5 cess. ; ““Their arrest and conviction means the saving of myself and mother from ruin. “I fear the suspense and excitement. is killing my mother.’’ After Nick. had gota minute description of his men, as well as taken possession of photographs of each, he asked: “‘Has Highland no family except this son.’? eS : “Oh, yes. He left a wife and three younger children—all girls—in Havana. ‘«We havea constant watch set upon them, and if they attempt to join the fugitives, they will be followed.”” - Juan Gordo took the steamer which sailed for Havana that same day, and a systematic - “search of the city was made for the High- lands mS Nick’s assistant, Chick, while x ick himself was looking for bigger game in the — person of one Ferando Vagamez, the noted criminal who had escaped from him two months before. — Lately he had secured some clews which encouraged him with the belief that he was about to get on the trail of the great crimi- And he promised himself that this time there would be no misfire. So, while he and Patsy devoted their at- tention to Yagamez, Chick was handling the Gordo-Highland bond robbery. ‘Two days after Juan Gordo’s call, Nick received the following dispatch from Patsy, dated Key West, Florida: ; nal again. ‘‘Your man was here three weeks ago and — went to Havana. I wait instructions. ; “*Pagsy.’? Nick telegraphed ‘‘Come home,’’ and that same evening found him aboard. the vessel sailing out of the harbor bound fo Havana. iid What was Nick’s surpirse to find c on board as fellow passengers, the two Highlands, — father and son, before the shia had passed j Sandy Hook. Neither of the two ‘was disguised, and _ their identity-was easily discovered by Nick. He was satisfied that neither suspected his ¢ présence, or, rather, ae gare char- acter. / Ms ey ester 4 Thus he had a “good chance to. study both — the father and the son, and he did not lee a moment go by during the voyage when Y opportunity brought them in sight, to apply his wonderful powers of character reading. - His original intention was to potince upon — them as soon as they landed at Havana, turn — them over to the proper authorities, and “4 'make his investigations as to the where- abouts of the securities afterward. 3 Their unaccountable return to Cuba made j his work all the easier, as it saved the. delay of seawiaitiog and all legal technicalitie ae
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ge NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ee _ But the more he saw of the Highlands the more his plans were changed. On this last night out. the steamer was gliding over a smooth sea, the weather was balmy, the sky cloudless, but a moonless night strrounded the steamer with a pall of darkness. s Still the delightful weather drew most of the passengers up above. The saloon was almost deserted. ss Highland, the elder, had secured a quiet out-of-the-way seat well forward, aud had wrapped himself into one of the gloomy ‘moods which characterized all his move- ments on board the vessel. Nick left him there, and descended to the saloon, where Royal Highland went after leaving his father in the sequestered nook on deck. : A big game of poker was in progressdown below. Five wealthy Cubans, who had spent much of their time on the voyage at that game, were meeting’ for the last struggle with pairs, threes of a kind, fullsand flushes. They had plenty of money, and played for big stakes. Royal Highland, when he left the deck, went straight to the table where the five young men sat at play. He watched them long enough to see that the betting was heavy and that thousands of dollars were “in sight. ‘He produced a roll of money from an in- side pocket and said, with as steady a voice as possible: | “Gentlemen, I have ten thousand dollars here, and_ if Tam not intruding ov your privacy, I should like to join you in your -game.”’ oe = The players glanced at one another inquir- : ingly, and then one of them Peeled, as if Speaking for all: : a a. we fae be happy to number They made room for him, and ina very few minutes Royal Highland was tempting - fate. : Nick became intensely. iacerontsd in Hie game, and especially in the fortunes of | young Highland. In Jess than an hour the ten thouand dol- lars were gone. Highland with. difficulty arose from the table. His face was like that of a dead.man’s, and his hands were un- steady. The young man left the cabin and went on deck again. Nick was not far behind. The great detective noticed that the son ‘made straight for the spot where his father was sitting wrapped in his fit of gloomy thought. Royal hesitated a moment as he stood at _ his father’s back. ‘when one hand went up. It held a pistol, whose muzzle almost touched the back of the old man’s head. In another instant the ship would have been aroused by the news of a parricidal crime, had not Nick Carter’s strong arms been thrown around the desperate young man just in time. He wrenched the pistol from Royal’s ore and tossed it over into the sea. Then, with a rapidity and skill for which he was famous, he made a search of the young man’s clothes, and convinced himself that there was no other weapon concealed on his person. , At the same time he whispered i the des- parate fellow’s ear: ““Make no noise anddon’t give up so soon. Give me an hour, and Vil. win all your . money back for you.’’ The elder Highland was not aroused by the little tragic scene which had taken place — in almost complete silence at his back, and — Nick succeeded in leading Royal away be- fote their presence was disclosed to the ont lawyer. ve 3 2 % pif ni
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4 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. \ Once at a safe distance, Nick said: ‘‘Vou must be a lunatic to attempt that awful crime.”’ Royal groaned, and then almost sobbed: “‘God forgive me! But you don't know what a blessing it would have been had you let me kill my father and then kill myself.” ‘All on account of the loss of your ten thousand dollars?” ‘‘Oh, that was only the finishing stroke to the fate that is pursuing us. I can’t tell you our troubles, or you would pity us both.”” “*T don’t want to hear about your troubles just now—but I want you to give me your word of honor that you will not do harm to yourself and your father during the next two hours.”’ “‘T promise. You have me powerless to do otherwise.’’ “Good! Now join your father and keep up your courage till I see you again. Maybe . ‘there isia silver ligide to your cloud, after Sal.” - Before young Highland could ask for an explanation of these words, Nick was gone. He went straight to the table where the ' poker players were still intent on their gaine. ; His request to be allowed to join the com- pany was as politely granted as had been: that made by Highland. “In Jess than the two hours which he had allowed himself for the task Nick had the ten thousand dollars lost by Highland all won back, Then he asked the privilege of withdraw- ing from the game, and it was cheerfully given. Rejoining the two Highlands on deck, “Nick led the son to one side, and slipping a roll of bills into the latter’s hands, he said: de ‘“There are your ten thousand. dollars. sake ‘ an? them into your pocket and say nothing.” izing look as he took the chair which the | ‘*How can I thank you for saving me from this much of my madness?’’ said High- _ land, pressing Nick’s hamd, which he had : seized. Big. ‘‘By bringing your father to my stateroom right now fora friendly chat among our- 4 selves.’’ a q “For what? A chat? About what?”’ ‘* About those missing securities.”’ ‘‘Who are you?” gasped Highland. ‘“The best friend an innocent man ever | had.”’ ‘‘T don’t understand you. But it can’t be worse for us than it is at present. My father and I will come at once to your stateroom. My Five minutes later the fugitives were sit- ting face to face with the great detective, who had the key of the stateroom door in — his pocket, guarding against any interrup- | tion of an interview =e promised to be i very interesting. CHAPTER I.” : THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING BONDS, . The elder Highland gave Nick a scrutin-. detective had indicated. ‘ It was evident by the. expression on 1 he old man’s face that his son had made no explanation, and that the situation puzaled : him. Gg It was also evident sogile first nile | that Wilbur Highland did not intend to re. { main long in doubt about the nature of the summons to that room. ‘3 ad ‘“My son informs me that. you Gave 4 impor- ki tant matters to discuss with me. May I ask what the nature of your business is??? ““ Certainly: I wish to befriend. you, Mr. 3 Highland.’ Lath ; yee | sesh Mpa sane Fa
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 5 He looked first at Nick, then at his son, and finally let his gaze return to the detective. ‘‘What do you know about the Gordo securities?” ‘*Considerable; but not as much as I should like to know. That is why I have sought-this interview with you.” “‘Who are you?’ ; We name is Nicholas Ectioes “‘What are you?”’ ‘“ A detective.” “*You already have some - about the Gordo securities, you say ?”’ “Yes. ‘*From whom did you get it?” “From Juan Gordo.’’ ““And now you come to me for more in- formation? Is this a trick or an insult?” ‘‘ Neither. It is an act of friendship.” ‘Stop. You are a detective; you got your information up to date from Juan Gordo. He employed you to hunt me down?”’ ‘ criminal. "Yes." “And you have done it??? _ ‘* As you see.” “Then I am your prisoner ?”’ “‘No, sir. You are not the man I want.”’ ‘‘But you followed me from New York.” ‘‘Only to be convinced on the journey that some mistake has been made; that you are in Therefore, I am anxious to find “the right person and at the same time rescue you. from your danger and restore you to your rightful standing before the world.” “‘Isn’t that a strange confession to come from you'to: me after you admit you are em- ployed by Juan Gordo to hunt me down?’ ‘‘Not at all. A true detective never knows employer or instructions after he has struck what he believes to be the right trail.” = “You believed me guilty when you came ; on ‘board this ship at New ork?” “Yes, Or, rather, I had ‘mo reason to be- information. some mauner a victim and not a “But you have now, you say ?”’- “True; else I would not have sought this: interview with you.”’ ‘“May I ask how youcame to change your mind on the subject of the+the—lost securi- — ties?” “Tt will be best for you, for the catise, © .% and for my success in the end, if I withhold -that infoymation for the present,’’ was. Nick’s quick reply, as he noticed the flash of fear which swept over the son’s face at the question, and saw it change to a look of relief as he answered. “Tf you believe me innocent, you must believe some one else guilty,” said the elder Highland. “A good geleckon *” smiled Nick. “Whom do you suspect ?’’ “‘No one—yet. I have no knowledge of the affair,” explained Nick, ‘‘except what I got from Juan «Gordo. pointed solely to you as the guilty party. That, of course, ‘*Now. I want to hear your side of the _ story. Then I may have a chance to strike the right lead.’’ “There is little more Ican tell you than . you have heard from Gordo. I presume he told you of the bonds his father left with me in trust for him atid his mother?’’ o'Ves,?? = ‘And of their disappearance ?”’ ae Yes. ” ““That I declared ne had been stolen . from my safe?’’ z “Ves”? “That immediately after we discovered — that they were missing I disappeared and was supposed to have joined my son in some: unknown place where he had preceded. me?”’ “That is so.’? Eg aL AAE RR as “Well, so far, he told you nothing but _ 3s the truth. mee sae leave Havana Pe stealth, ae
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in a business-like way, ‘‘ x 6 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. were known only to myself—in New York City. That was my fatal mistake. ’’ ‘“Why did you make it?”’ “*T_ am ashamed to tell.’’ ‘‘Speak the truth, father,’’ urged Royal. ‘‘Then it was because—God forgive me! —I believed he had carried the bonds away with him. induce him to make restitution.’ ‘‘And when too late ae ful he was I followed him to New York to innocent ?’’ ‘*Yes. Then my supposed flight fastened the brand of guilt upon me, and for two I had not the courage to leave my hiding-place weeks J dared not return to Havana. and go back to face the officers of the law whom I knew had been set upon my trail. ‘It was a long struggle, but at last I con- ‘quered my cowardice and made up my mind to go home and surrender, little dreaming that I was shadowed ori board this ship.’’ _ ‘‘Now, then, Mr. Highland,’’ said. Nick, we've got to the point where I wish to secure more informa- tion. tions which I am going to put?’’ Will you frankly answer some ques- “Twill answer any and. every question you may ask—to the extent of my power,’’ was the unhesitating respoiise. ‘All right. Then first, who discovered: the loss of the bonds?’ : “TV did.”’ “How ??? ~ “Juan Gordo ‘called one day to get a memorandum of their numbers for his mother, who was unable to finda similar memorandum which her husband in his life time always kept. “‘¥ went to the safe to Set them. The strong box was there, but the bonds were not in the box.”’ : “When had you seen them last ?”” “Three days before—the day on which Royal eft for New ove at -erty of the discounter on Senorita Tnez’s es securities?’ sit ‘Before or after he sailed? “* Before.’’ : TE; ‘What was the circumstance under ila you saw them that day?’’ ‘*In the same box with the Gordo bonds were two securities left by the senior Gordo to his niece, Ihez Benito. He left them to her ya in trust until she should reach the age of twenty-one, and then they were to Begetie aay her property outright, ; aes: ‘*The young lady lacked a ‘year of her majority, but had arranged to have the bonds discounted, or, rather, to sell her in- — terest in them. 4 ‘On that day she ities with. eibottiee’ person, who inspected the securities forthe — second time. tables ‘“‘T drew up the agreement, and, asher guardian, consented to the negotiation. ‘*The money was paid over to her in my presence, and the instrument delivered» whereby the bonds would become the prop- — twenty-first birthday.’’ ‘(Who was the person who discounted the bonds?” : * An eterhey from the United States.’’ ‘‘His name?”” ‘‘Anson Bryce.”’ te: “*What part of the United. States?””” see ‘*St. Louis.”’ ‘‘How did the young lady fall i into this? business transaction with Bryce?’’ i “She spent several months of last spline and summer in ‘St. Louis, where sahe* met him, I beliéve.’ et ‘*A young man?” mE é oes the Syiay he must a all of sixty years.’ a ee ‘And this man, you say, saw the Gordo i “He saw them, but that is: dae box. on the tables: in bee aoe ~
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lady. But I was not out of the room while he was there. Neither was Inez Benito. Besides, I replaced the box after he had gone away, and distinctly remember that the bonds were there then. _ ‘Phe box was not taken from the safe from that time till three days after, when Gordo called to get their numbers. Nor was the safe left unlocked one minute at any time intervening. The box containing the bonds was locked when I took it from the safe for Gordo. ‘The lock had not. been tampered with, and the key had never left my pocket.’’ r Was there any other key to the box?”’ SNOZ: ‘Who, besides yourself, knew the com- bination of the safe?” ““My son.”’ ‘(In what form were the lost securities?’ ‘*Tn three bundles. railroad bonds, in another was his United States securities, and the third, a small package, was the two one-thousand dollar bonds left to Senorita Benito.”’ “‘These three packages—were they all that the box contained ?’’ ‘‘No, a copy of Gordo’s will and a few other family papers were kept there.’”” ‘« And these extra documents——” ‘‘Were not disturbed.”’ ; “Ynez Benito’s bonds—were they also taken ?”” ‘“Why, yes, of course.’’ ‘‘Anything else which you think of that might benefit mé to know in my search for . the securities?” ‘‘Yes. Something very important. After a closer examination of the box than I at first made, I found some sedimentary stuff dike dust scattered over the other papers and in the bottom of the box.’’ “Strangel”’ en “Yes, sir. One contained Gordo’s’ Had it not been that the will NICK CARTER WEEKLY. rile 7 and other papers were not injured in any wise I would have-come to the conclusion that the securities had oe Soe by " spontaneous See “Did you reveal this dilcoyeig a to any one?”’ : “No. It would not have bidiped: me any.’ “Have you the numbers of the missing bonds??’ **No, sit. I never had any such memorani- dum outside of the bonds themselyes. I have had the securities in my safe for. five’ years, and as I knew Gordo kept their num- bers at his house, I failed to make a separate record of them. It was very foolish on my part, I know, but Gordo and I had implicit confidence in each other.’’ “And now that Gordo’s lost, no one knows what the numbers are?”’ “‘T fear not.’’ ; ‘“This St. Louis eet "Aaeon Bryce— what. of him ?’’ memorandum is “He left Havana the same evening of the day he discounted Inez Benito’stwo bonds.’’ ‘“‘Where does Senorita Benito live?” ‘(With her atint, Madame Gordo. The Gordo villa and grounds are about two miles from the center of Havana,”’ ‘“Why did she want ready money?” ‘“To go away for the winter.’’ ‘« Where?” . ‘“To New Orleans.’’ ~ es ‘“Why does she go?”’ : “To prosecute her studies in photography. She is a regular amateur ploteraphic fiend. That’s one reason. ; ‘“There is another, then?’’ ‘Ves, At least, we think there is. Her cousin, Juan, is an unwelcome suitor. Of course that makes her stayin her aunt’s — house unpleasant.’’ “Is there'a favored stitor???: ? i Nick saw the elder Highland re a : qutick ao at a son. He saw at the same :
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8 NICK CARTER WHEKUY. time that Royal scowled and returned the look significantly. The reply did not therefore surprise him. ““There probably is. But that is the young lady’s affair.’’ “Tt shall be my ‘duty,’’ mused Nick, ‘‘to look up Inez Benito as soon as I reach Havana. Then I shall probably have occa- “gion to take a tack after Anson Bryce, law- yer, of St. Louis. ‘*Spontaneous combustion, eh? Not much. Those bonds are too valuable to be burned up. The dust in Highland’s strong box is not the ashes of those missing securities— not by a long’ shot. ‘‘T guess this case will not be so hard to get at after all.”’ : CHAPTER. III. ; A LESSON IN’ PHOTOGRAPHY, r Nick Carter paced across the small state- room a score of times before he spoke again. Meanwhile the elder Highland sat with eyes fixed upon the floor, and the son stood fol- lowing Nick with his gaze. ae? When the detective stopped in his pace yp and down the stateroom it was to ask a question of Wilbur Highland. ‘*VYou are going back t6 Havana, you say, to surrender ?’’ ; 4 “Ves. That is my intention.” ‘ = ©“¥ou must not do it.” Bit WY trot 2? real thief all the harder, and would do you no good,”? “But isn’t it too late now? We'll be in Havana to-morrow. I shail be recognized the moment I land.”’ “*Vou must not land.’”’ ‘‘Must not land? Why, how——”’ ~ £*You and your son must remain on board : rupted N Ie en -vana, I will see that they will not ‘worry “It might make my task of trapping the this ship and return to New thee sauiber= . The Highlands stared at him in silent . Nick explained: . “‘T am well acquainted with the captain. wonderment, and It can easily be arranged. Come'to my state- ~~ room at six o’clock in the morning, and I will see that you are comfortably and safely landed in New York on the return tripe “Disguised ?”’ : Piss eh ee Nick nodded. me ? “‘That brings home to me another anx--* iety,”’ said the elder Highland, ‘‘My wife and daughters—they——”’ , Again Nick interrupted. : ‘‘Leave that to me. Before I leave Ha ‘ about your absence.’’ : : ‘How long will this absence last?”” ee ‘‘That I can’t tell. But I think you'll both eat your ati dinner. at home—_ and enjoy it, too.’ Mago a Nick Carter never made a trip anywhere z= or on the shortest notice but that he took | with him the material for make-ups in various disguises. : When, therefore; the Highlands ephitleie: a‘ engagement and entered his state-room at — ¢ six o’clock next OES he was ready for them. The captain of the ship had been taken into Nick’s confidence and. rendered the es : jatter all necessary aid. : Nick had to depend on him for the neces- sary clothing. which he needed. in his trans- formation act. eae While he worked on their disgtiises Nick continued his inquisition for information about Inez. Benito and her friend, Anson Bryce, of St. Louis. In this way he was told of a vicious. and unexplained assault made upon Bryce on athe : latter’s first visit to the office bya ‘huge ae Newfoundland dog. Polen ee gous Benito.
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. _ 9 When the passengers, later in the day, went ashore it was not noticed that the Highlands were not of the number. But after the passengers had landed two remained on board. ‘They were friends of the captain whe were making the round trip as his guests. No one who knew the Highlands would have recognized them in the well-disguised alleged guests of the captain. And when the ship started on its return voyage to New York both men went with her. On landing in Havana, Nick Carter went was largely - patronized by visiting Americans. : directly to a hotel which ~ While ex route from the pier to ‘the hotel, he ‘purchased a newspaper and looking: over) the ‘ ‘personials, *” read this notice: ‘*Fiverett Carter, a young clubman, of St, Louis, U. S., and a distinguished member of the Missouri Amateur Photographic So- ciety, is in the city registered at the —— Hotel. Senor Carter visits Cuba for, the pur- pose of photographing some of the most interesting scenery in and about Havana. - He will be pleased to meet any of Havana’s ladies and gentlemen who are interested in amateur photography before his return to St. Louis, which will be ina few days.” Now it so happened that this young man who bore Nick’s family name was known fo the latter. Nick had met him nearly a year before on a professional visit to St.. Louis. “Tam a firm believer in an all-wise Provi- dence which blazes the way of the just to ~ success,” muttered Nick, ‘‘Here is a man thrown into my path just when he can be of use 0 me in my plans, Carter without delay.” As soon as he reached the hotel he regis- tered under an assumed name and then sent off two cable messages. One was addressed to Chick at New York. The other went to ‘the chief of police in St. Louis. ~~ oe he inquired whether Everett Carter, I must see Everett of St. Louis, was in the house. Yes, Mr. ~ Carter had arrived the night before from New Orleans. : Nick sent up a sealed card to Mr. Cafter, and in response thereto was shown to that gentleman’s suite of rooms. At first Nick was not recognized because he was somewhat disguised, but he had no trouble in satisfying the young St. es ~ clubman as to his identity. ‘‘Here on professional business, I pre- sume?’’ said the man from St. Louis, as he waved Nick to a chair. I seldom if ever travel for Health I have always, and pleasure there is little outside of my calling.’’ ““Wish I could aid you, pee ‘* You can,” interrupted Nick, ‘‘by letting me take your place for a few days while you- 3 hide away in retirement.’’ “Of course. health: or pleasure. ‘*By Jove! that is 4 strange request.’” “‘Well, it may aid me materially in my work here, I am most anxious to get upon confidential terms with a certain resident of this city. That person, I learn, is a regu lar crank upon amateur. la as Do you see my design?”’ “TE think I do. oh my dear boy, you’ll give yourself away.’ Se *“How??” “Vou say this person is a crank on the pe subject of amateur photography ?”’ té Yes. : “Then you are liable to get into roubles Suppose this person should talk ‘shop’ to . you—should go into the theoretical -parts of photography ?”” : ‘Then I should go into it with her.’’ “A her, eh?” Nick nodded. <D6L understand you to say you are up- in amateur photography?” x “OAs far ent ae ee 'g0,”’ smiled Wick:
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ae | rk 10 “T guess you couldn’t tell me much about it that I don’t know.”’ ‘ “Well, my friend, I am at your service. Anything to help you out. 1 gotten your services to my friend a year ago. I’ve not for- Do you want to inveigle your fly into my web here?”’ “No, for my game, and through the medium of I suppose I’ll have to go hunting photography I’ll reach her presence, and I hope, to some extent, her confidence.’’ ‘“*That’s a pity,’’ murmured Carter, look- ing absent-mindedly at Nick. ‘“A pity ?’’ echoed the detective. “Why, yes. If you could manage to get her into this room you might get a photo- graph of her at the same time you were creeping into her confidence.”’ ““How 30?” “Do you notice that easy-chair over there near the window? Well, please. observe that any one sitting in 1t would be in excel- lent light to be photographed.”’ ‘Tf he or she was willing.” “Willing or hot. it. I placed that chair for the purpose of try- You came very near They would not know ing an experiment. being my subject, but a conviction that your call.on me was not wholly one of mere friendship temporarily threw me off from my purpose.”’ ‘How were you going to arrange it?” ‘*Please cast your eyes upon that pair of “curtains on the opposite side ‘of the room. They are slightly looped back, and behind them is a concealed camera ready for action. The camera is focussed so as to center upon any chance occupant of that chair. “‘T have run wires under the carpet from the camera to this table, with which I can at any moment ‘fire’ the camera, It is one of my eccentric experiments. You may find it useful.’’ Nick inquired closely into the mechanism door. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. aie eae of the trap camera, so as not to spring it by accident, as he explained. ‘‘T shall need an out-of-door outfit,’’ he said, ‘‘for I want to visit my party, who lives on the outskirts of the city.” ; ‘‘What is the party’s name?’’ “Senorita Inez Benito.”’ At that moment some one tapped onthe © Carter bade the applicant enter. It was a bell-boy, with a card, which he ~ handed to Nick’s host, who, as he took it, glanced at the name and sprang to his feet. ‘*Great Scott!’ and then noticing the waiting lad, said, more calmly: “Show the lady up, but don’t beintoo much of a hurry; give me time to get things 2 straightened up.” . 5 He tipped the boy and followed him to. Es the door. Ge As soon as the door.closed behind the fat =p ter he rushed up to Nick and thrust the card. in the detective’s face. ‘‘Ts this a little joke on me?” a Without looking at the card, Nick smiled — and replied: % ‘No; merely a piece of good luck for eee Pate I should say. Your visitor is Senorita Benito herself?’ : “But how do you know? You haven't, looked at the card.” pe : “Not necessary, my ear sir. I’ve been | looking at you. Your face is as easy to read as this little’ piece of pasteboard.”’ “Well! Wilat now??” = ‘‘What now? Why, remember I an ‘vers < ett Carter, of St. Louis, whom the lady has. come to see. You are—in the way. Remove % yourself for the period of her visit, bbe 1 you? eae 4 ¢ “I am onto your plan. Here?'—grabbing up Nick’s coat, hat, gloves and cane—"‘T']1. take these things with me into the conceal ment of my bedroom, where, fortunatel:
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. can keep an eye on you and my—your caller. Ah! she’s here.’’ There was a tap at the door. The St. Louis man disappeared through an inside door as Nick called, ‘‘ Come in.”’ There entered a lady of stately carriage, above the average height of woman, and closely veiled. “You are Mr. Carter?’” she inquired, in a deep, rich contralto voice. ““At your s&rvice, madame,”’ said Nick, with a profound bow. ‘‘ Will you sit down?’’ motioning to the chair to which the St. Louisian referred as part of his scheme for secret. photography. She, much to Nick’s satisfaction, accepted thé proffered seat and immediately raised her veil. Nick saw a strikingly handsome young woman, though not a_ beautiful one in the full sense of the word. Senorita Benito’s features were too masculine to be classed beautiful: Her complexion was very dark, her eyes were jet black, and her hair corre- sponded in hue. She spoke in perfect English without even the suspicion of an accent. ‘*Pardon the bol ess of my call, Mr. Car- ” she said, as Ke stood respectfully silent ‘*T saw your arrival noticed in ter, before her. the paper this morning, and not being un- known to me, your ap in Havana was personally interesting.’’ ““T searcely understand what, you mean, senorita,” was Nick’s reply, as. she paused and smiled, “YT visited in St. Louis thst spring. While there I met your sister.” CHAPTER IV. THE HIDDEN CAMERA IS SPRUNG, The truth flashed on Nick rather unpleas- antly. He was standing on the verge of dis- a “COveryer . 11 ‘‘I have no recollection of my _ sister speaking to me about you, senorita,’ he said, coolly. . ‘“Oh, I presume she forgot me as soon as © I left her house. J called with a mutual friend. It was her monthly reception day, 3 and I was only one of the scores who called. Shall I tell you how 1 knew you were her brother when I saw your arrival noted this * morning ?’’ © “*T should be pleased to know.” - “Why, I saw some of your photographic work in your sister’s house. Being much interested in the art, I questioned her about it. She told me you did it, and at my re- quest she gave me your name and address. I itended to call and chat with you about amateur photography before I left St. Louis, but I was called away sooner than I ex- pected and missed that pleasure.’’ “Hor which I am duly thankful,’’ said Nick to himself. ““So I made bold to call. on you here. There is very little interest in the art in Havana, and very little chance to gratify my desire to become better acquainted with the science than my litmited means has furnished me.’’ ae Nick seemed to readily fall in with her enthusiasm and share her interest in the discussion. The real Everett Carter from his concealment heard all which passed between Inez Benito and Nick, and was surprised at . - the almost perfect knowledge of photography which the latter disclosed while discussing the topic with the senorita. ~ At the end of an hour Senorita Benito announced her intention to leave. “How long will you be in the city, “Mr. ia ’ Carter ?’’ she asked, as she arose. . 7 “Only a few days. ) hope to get Away day after to-morrow.’’ “Where do you go from here?” **Back to St: Louis.’’
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12 “Would you do me a favor, then ?’’ ‘How could I refuse you, senorita? Com- mand me,’’ ““Thanks. This will make a demand upon your confidence.”’ ‘Then make the demand.’’ ‘‘T want to send something secretly toa friend in St. Louis.”’ “It will be a pleasure to me to deliver it,’’ was the gallant reply. ‘You are very kind. I will have it ready for you to-morrow. Can you call on me at: my aunt’s place in the suburbs to-morrow about ten o’clock ?”’ “*T shall be only too happy.”’ ‘*Vou will find me under a large tree near the carriage gate waiting for you,”’ she said. ‘*Be prompt; ten o’clock. Bring your - photographic outfit. It will not look strange Sagas should any one see you talking to me.’’ Te ‘‘Depend on me, senorita.”’ “*T can trust you to be discreet ?’’ ‘*Implicitly. I’ve been in love myself.’ She shot a swift look at him, then smiled, but did not blush. | ““At ten toanorrow, then,’”’ she said. ‘At ten to-morrow. I will be there.”’ Then she pulled the veil over her face and departed. - **You can come out now,’’ said Nick, call- ing to the St. Louis clubman. The latter came out from his concealment: - looking a bit worried. “‘T say, old man!’’ he exclaimed. ‘' You’re not going to get me into trouble, I hope.’’ ‘With whoni?’’. _‘‘With that young lady. Say, I’d not like to have her enmity.”’ “Nor her favor, either, after I have done eal, her,’’ muttered Nick. ‘‘Don’t worry, Mr. Carter, she is walking Sune into a ey trap.” ‘lady, I hope.’” _ photographs ready ae ies NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ees a or ‘*You shall know when I round her up.” “But you told her you were going to St. Be ss Louis in a few days.’ : ‘ * ‘*T know it.” ot ee ‘*And are you?’’ “Sure.” ‘*What for?” ‘To nip my game.” “You said she was your game.”’ — ‘““Did I? Well, the party I’m after i is the party she is sending that ‘ aes to.” “Who is it?”’ i: “Now, do not be too inquisitive,” laughed te fe Nick. eee he Sen “But if you go to St. Louis, what be- : Sf comes of me??’ “‘You must lose yourselt 4 in the interior Bieta = for a few days.’’ _ “My dear boy, what an opportunity rT lost!’ groaned the photographer. i ‘An opportunity lost? What was ‘it? ‘“To-spring my ‘trap’ camera on her while she sat there in that.chair. “She would have been a great subject. Fon “« Suppose = examine your late taken while I was talking aA her or your wes hidden machine didn’t work.” et e “Dil wager a hundred to one it didn fail.’” “Then develop and pony the Pp jeture, and mind, I want one.’’ “You're not in love with the dark young ‘* Profession : ly, I am. When you have” oe al developed the picture, I want one t to study.’ 12a “why? 2 oe “PIL show you why witiea I Sat it, and you'll be surprised. whea ‘can you have the epee afternoon." aN
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ae my feet. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. eae 13 ‘*Going to New Orleans?” “Going to St. Louis by way of New Or- leans.’’ ‘What will you do in St. Louis?’’ ‘Deliver Inez Benito’s ‘something’ to her friend.” ‘*Ah! Poor Benito! Unfortunate friend!’ sighed the clubman. CHAPTER V. A VALUABLE EXPERIENCE WITH THE CAMERA. Late that evening Nick received a mes- sage from the chief of police of St. Louis. It ran thus: “Yes. Anson Bryce is an attorney in good standing. Heis now in Europe. Left St. Louis a month ago.” Nick read the message twice. Then he - wrinkled his brows and thrust it into his pocket, muttering: ‘*That rather ae me. It will compli- cate affairs at St. Louis.’ : He was due at the Gordo place at ten o’clock next day, and he was promptly on hand. = He found Inez Benito sitting on a rustic bench, beneath a tree near the entrance to the spacious grounds, true to her promise. As he approached with his photographic outfit in hand, his quick eye saw an envelope pe on the ground near her fect. . When he came near enough, she greeted ee hit thus, in a tone of. voice barely loud enough: for hit to hear, and not loud enough - to penetrate. beyond the circle which.. was free from all other persons: Ke The object which I wish you to take. to St. Louis you will, find ‘in ‘Please drop your handkerchief on it and pick the two up together, so that it = will not be observed.’” ; Nick did as bid, and the mmysterions Mf envelope was soon skillfully hidden away in an inside & portal: of his coat. ib “To whom am I to deliver it?” he asked. . “To one who will call for it.”” ‘“But how will I know it is the ie HER per- son? pr? ‘*“That you will discover ci you exam- ine the envelope.’’ *“When will the person call for it?’ ‘Phat I can’t tell. Maybe in a week, maybe not for a month.”’ : ‘‘T may not be in St. Louis that long.”” “Well, should you decide to go away give one day’s notice of your intention by insert- ing a personal in the Globe-Democrat. Ad- . dress it to ‘Poindexter’ and sign it ‘Zema- gay.’ In that way you will notify the proper . person. You will surely go to St. Louis in the next few days?’’ “‘T leave by New Orleans steamer to-mor- row night.’ Ae ‘‘Ha! Careful now, here comes oueI dén’t want to suspect I’ve ever met you before. Remember, I rely on your honor and secrecy.’’ Before she could say more or Nick could move away, a horseman came dashing up the road, and reined up within a few feet of Inez Benito’s turned into the grounds, rustic seat. <3 ‘‘Here is the owner himself,’’ she lazily spoke, in. a bored way, addressing Nick as if glad to turn him over to some one else. ‘‘He will doubtless grant you the privilege you ask.’’ Nick looked up at the horseman and was not surprised to see Juan’ Gordo, who a week before had employed him to hunt down the Highlands. ‘This gentleman is an amateur photo- grapher from the United States,’’ said Inez. ‘‘He has been asking for the privilege of | taking some views from your estate. I pre- sume, cousin, there will be no objection.’’ “*Not unless he poaches on your preserves. id am surprised, Inez, that you.are so indif-
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« & | form that will exactly fit the torn edge.’ 14 ferent to this gentleman’s mission, knowing your intense interest in his art.’’ Inez assumed a splendidly counterfeited frown, arose with an injured expression on her face, and started to walk up the avenue. - Juan instantly dismounted, and leading his horse, followed at her side. Just as they were turning the angle in the road which took them from Nick’s sight, a huge dog came bounding into their presence and greeted Inez with marks of brute de- light. : **Ah!"’ commented Nick. ‘‘It is the dog which doesn’t like Anson Bryce. What a remarkable-looking animal he is. ‘*And what a wonderful woman his mis- tress is,’? muttered the great detective, as he turned away and devoted himself to his supposed mission of photographing interest- _ ing views. In this way he spent several minutes. Then he returned to the city proper. On the way back he stopped and purchased ‘a powerful magnifying glass. After which he rejoined Everett Carter at the hotel. ‘“¢What success?’ fiabived the elubman, as Nick entered. For answer Nick took the envelope out of his pocket which he had picked 'up out, of the grass at Inez Benito’s feet. It was thick and bulky, somewhat soiled, ‘ and without directions of any kind, _ On the face was pasted the half of a photo- : graphic landscape view taken by an amateur. The sketch had been divided: by irregular lines so that the torn side of the half pasted on the envelope was full of angles, curves and offsets.: Beneath the sketch were indorsed ‘these words, in ink: ‘No be delivered only to the person who shall present to the holder hereof the other half of the above photographic view ina Brit rn _the astounding reply. * dently thrust into the bosom of the gown for : os 2 ee NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘‘Do you know what it contains?” in- quired the clubman. 55 Nick shook his head. ae ‘‘Have you finished her photograph?’ he Ss asked, changing the subject. af “SCE ss Everett Carter Se the photosrdptl —one which he had already mounted. Without even glancing at it casually with his naked eyes, Nick carried it into the clear light of the window, ‘put the magnifying glass over it, and gazed at it steadily and intently for several minutes. The St. Louisian watched him with won- - der plainly written on his face. When Nick finally looked up, Carter cried: “In Heaven’s name are her features $0 gre small that you have to look at thtm through Fe: . a microscope ?’’ *‘T was not looking at her featurés.” “iis ‘*Not looking at her features? ‘Then what *y were you studying?” 2 4 a ‘“The contents of a note which was Pet. Be! concealed in the bosom of her dress,’ came © = Carter stood and stared at the detective i in speechless amazement. : z ‘While she was sitting in that chair talk-- ing to me yesterday, she flung back the cape = of her dress, and my eye caught sight of avd Re crumpled piece of paper which ‘she had evi- eoncealment and safekeeping. “ Unfortunately for her, instead of going beneatli both folds of the dress, it slipped in behind the outer covering of lace, and was ~ partially exposed to my view when she brushed back her. rcape. — a a “The sight of it gave me the inspiration to make use of your experiment. I went to : the table, and without her knowing it, she was photographed there.” __ ** And with her the half-oncealed note?” fe Bees uy CAE,
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘What does it contain?” ‘*See for yourself.’ The clubman applied the magnifying glass and studied the ‘writing beneath the lace folds of the dress. The letter had been roughly folded up be- fore it was thrust away and only a small portion of one side of the sheet was exposed to the power of the camera. To the naked eye the writing in the photo-- graph was a mass of indistinct, unintelligible lines. Under the-glass it became so. distinct as to be easily deciphered. This is what. Everett Carter read: fear my old time Carter isonmy _ have such a premo the quicker we ¢ ds dispose of them for get to Australia the so be. Therefore send or the other half so Im the package from the s itate their sale. Then M ew Orleans at the St ‘days. Be sure there scarriage. I don’t trus ld the other half be 1 a serious predicam — The young clubmay read over this frag- ment of the half concealed letter several times. Then laying the glass down, he looked helplessly at Nick. ‘Since you have been so obliging with me, Mr. Carter,’ said Nick, ‘‘I am going to ‘give you an idea 4 the business ‘wihtich brought me to Cuba. ‘‘T am all anxiety to hear it,”’ fenpoimed the clubman, sitting down and preparing to listen. Nick began: $ ‘* Several months ago a desperate, shrewd rascal named Fernando Yagamez got away from me, carrying with him two valuable = documents. One is a confession which will - prove the innocence of a man who has for 15 years suffered for another’s crime. The. other is a will which will put a worthy young woman into possession of a valuable ~ estate. ‘““This Yagamez has slipped earoeg my hands twice. ‘“A few weeks ago I got on his track. I followed him here to Havana. On my way from New York I fell in with and learned _ the story of a father and son who were re- turning to Havana to surrender as fugitives from justice. “Valuable bonds which these men held in trust had disappeared, and being unable to account for the loss, the suspected men became alarmed and had fled to the United States. “They were then on their way buck: feces mined to face the worst and become prisoners rather than fugitives. “*T secured their confidence, learned their story, and, by questioning them closely, learned some valuable facts. “*T became convinced that Inez Benito was concerned in the disappearance of the bonds. ‘*Also that she was aided by an elderly appearing man, who called himself ee Bryce, a lawyer from St. Louis. _ “I firmly suspected from the first that this Anson Bryce was my man Yagamez in disguise: **T was almost confirmed in this belief when I learned that Inez Benito had spent part of last spring and summer in St. Louis, at a time when I know Yagamez was there quite frequently. | ‘“The only hitch in my theory is a mes- sage from the St. Louis chief of police, received in reply to my inquiry, stating that Anson Bryce is a prominent attorney of that city and has been absent for a month. “This letter, a fragment of which you have read under the power of that glass, is . undoubtedly from the girl’s confederate. -
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16 ‘*She had received it between the time she left home yesterday morning and her call at this hotel. “Tt is reasonable to suppose that what- ever letters pass between the two are ficti- tiously addressed. : ‘*She probably called at the post-office while closely veiled; asked for and received the letter, read it before going home and was eager to carry out his requests. “*Vagamez, knowing the uncertainty of Cuba and the United States, and also fearing that .he might be the mails between watched, is unwilling to trust the other half referred to in that letter to the postal authori- ties. “*She shares his fear of the mail, and hav- ing read the notice of your arrival in Ha- vana, hits upon a novel and, as she believed, safe mode of getting ‘the other half’ to her confederate. Bs ‘*T,,as your supposed self, will carry her sealed envelope to St. Louis. ‘She will mail the other half of the photographic landscape to Yagamez, and with it he or an agent will claim the envelope from me. *“Now, inside that envelope I am _ con- vinced is another ‘other half’ of something which is the important other half referred to by Yagamez in his letter to her. “That is the article whose value is such that extraordinary precautions are taken to place it in Yagamez's hands as speedily and surely as possible.’’ ‘But have you any idea what is the use of the article enclosed in the envelope which Senorita Benito gave you?’’ asked the club- man. . = : “Yes. plain that the missing bonds are in some From his letter to her it is made safe in St. Louis. They are probably deposi-- ted there under similar conditions to those _ whereby I am to deliver this sealed envelope s ey Presentation of a missing half of some- NICK CARTER WEEKLY. thing which acts as a ee to the packag containing the bonds.’ | ““Wonderful!’’ exclaimed the clubmnamy, looking at Nick in astourided admiration. _ ‘All of which convinces me,’ ’ continued Ss Nick, ‘‘that every detail of the plot was per- | fected before the bonds were stolen; even e ae arranging these ‘half’ checks.”’ bs ‘‘But did this Yagamez carry the bonds away with him to St. Louis?’’ asked Everett Carter. Be «: Pa ‘*Not at all,’’ smilingly replied Nick: ‘‘Yagamez is too shrewd to take such chances —to be canals with stolen property in his 3 possession.’ “Then how did they get there?”’ ‘““By express, likely. That would explain: why some sort of claim check was needed— something which would make it absolutely impossible that the package should be deliv ered to the wrong party.’’ gee To prove this theory correct, Nick ‘that S 7 same afternoon called at the express offices on and made inquiry about packages which were consigned to St. Louis parties on the day when the bonds disappeared—or, rather, on the day of the last visit of Inez Benito and Anson Bryce to the office of Highlan & Son, : What he sought he found. At one of the offices he was told’ that: package weighing ten pounds was billed ot that night. to J—~— R——, manager of hn Lindell Hotel, St, Louis. : ie eee Nick had not the least doubt that then package contained the missing bonds, and that they were even then locked up in the BS Lindell Hotel safe. ‘Jobe He was firmly convinced, also, that the envelope which Inez Benito had co n- signed ta his. care was that which was neces. sary to secure the bonds from the m of ae Lindell we : 2;
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Before he left Everett Carter, the two held a long, confidential conference, and when Nick boarded the New Orleans steamer that evening Everett Carter was-no longer in his rooms at the Havana kotel. ‘An inquiry for him at that place would have met the reply that Mr. Carter had gone : to, St. Louis. ay he passengers were all aboard, and the “gang plank had been pulled in when Nick’s attention was attracted to a strange sight. A huge Newfoundland dog with a white star on his forehead came bounding down the pier with his nose on the ground, as if on a scent. He fetched up suddenly on the edge of the pier, gave ‘a bark of what might be either dog delight or canine despair, and then, with a mighty spring, he cleared the inter- vening space of water and landed on the lower deck of the steamer. ’ Nick watched the dog’s antics with intense interest. Why? Because he had seen the animal before. _ It was the same animal which so lovingly and demonstratively greeted Inez Benito after she left Nick the day before. It didn’t take much thought to account to ack for the dog’s queer action in this case. ~ He had followed some one to whom he yas attached, * Phat some one was on the steamer. It could be none other than Inez Benito, As the dog sade his leap, Nick noticed a dark-faced, heavily-bearded young man turn hastily out of the assembled passengers on deck and disappear in the main saloon. The dog would have followed, but he was forcibly seized and carried to the engine deck 4 by the porter and his assistants. “* Inez Benito on board disguised i in male attire, »» muttered Nick. ‘‘Now what i in thun- der does that mean? It cone matters eousiderably.”” 17 CHAPTER VI. LOST IN THE GULF OF MEXICO, Before the steamer passed Morro Castle — she was fighting against huge head seas. : A fierce storm was raging upon the gulf, and a rough night was before the passengers, Nick did not retire to his state-room. The war of the elements had an unusual charm for him. : So holding hard tothe rail of the steamer and clinching his cigar firmly between his teeth; he watched the vessel’s fight with the - Waves and the wind. It was about oneo’clock when he suddenly heard above the roar of os wind and waves a human voice crying: ‘‘Danger on the port bows! Luff! Luff!’ Almost instantly thereafter the steamer received a tremendous shock, __ Nick had leaned far over the rail in an effort to see the source of the danger, The shock took him by surprise, and be- fore he fairly realized what had happened, he pitched headlong into the sea. At the same time he heard a cry go up: **Man overhoard!”’ Then. it seemed to him that the steamer changed its course and almost ran over hii. Down into the seething waters he went, -he hardly knew how far, but not for an instant did he lose his self-possession. When he at last came to the surface, could see nothing of the steamer. No better swimmer lives than Nick Car- ter. He did not undervalue his swimming abilities, but he realized his utter helpless- ness in a seething storm-beaten sea at dead of night, with no knowledge of any haven of safety being near. ‘‘Might as well swim around this spot a little,” thought Nick. “It’s all water here, but the steamer he grazed something more solid, and whatever — x it was it would be a help to me in my pres- ent fix if I could reach it.’’
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18 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. While such thoughts ran through Nick’s brain, he imagined he saw the gleam of a pair of eyes to the left of him. Presently an object which had somewhat the apparance of a huge, hairy face rose above the water not twenty feet away, and Nick discovered that his mysterious companion in misfortune was the Newfoundland dog, whose strange ap- pearance on the steamer he had noted, The huge animal swam up to Nick’s side and gave him almost a human look of friend- ship. What was more, he refused to leave his new-found companion. Occasionally he would swim ahead some- what, only to return again. It finally dawned upon Nick’s mind that the dog wished to go ahead more rapidly, but was unwilling to abandon his comrade in misfortune. ‘Thereupon the detective put one arm over the dog’s neck. ' The result was what Nick expected. Without hesitation, the dog started off on a straight course and made steady progress through the rough water, Nick swimming by his side. The brute was a magnificent swimmer, and man and beast yoked together as it were, moved with considerable dispatch straight ahead in front of the wind. Half an hour passed in this,way when there came to Nick’s ears a sound which cold not be mistaken. -. wayes beating against the shore. They were approaching land of some kind. This land might be as dangerous as the sea, but he gave himself up to the instincts It was the sound of of his brute friend. Almost before he knew it a great wave seized man and dog in its powerful hold and hurled them forward with great force and rapidity amid a roaring — which was fairly deafening. _ Nick lost complete control of himself and ~ also got separated from the dog. Then came a shock which seemed to him as if the earth had fallen on him and he lost consciousness. i - CHAPTER VII. - es NICK CARTER IN ST. LOUIS. When Nick regained his senses, he was” conscious of sonmiething warm and velvety passing over his face. * The gray light of morning made nearby objects perceptible. He looked up and met the great, soft eyes of his dog friend. ; It was he who had beeh trying to call fe Nick back to life by licking the latter’s face. When the dog reblized that Nick was alive : he evinced his joy with a bark of delight, and began to jump around ina delirium of - canine pleasure. ; Then Nick took a survey of his surround ings. ; ss He-was not long in deciding that he was ee on one of those low, treéless islands or reefs, which are scattered through the gulf a south of the Florida Peninsula. — \ 2 Daylight. came, and with it.the storm dis- es appeared. ie Later in the day, a liimber schooner HOw in sight. Nick succeeded in attracting atten tion, and he and his dog friend were taken off the reef—for it was searcely more than that. : ae 3 In due time they were landed at Key West. A 3 While yet on the land: Nick jeavied the dog’s name by chance, a In talking to the noble beast, he said: I'll never Ditbrt, P At the prose pes: the a8 gave a yelp whirlwind of affection. This surprised Nick, _— he’ ereated the sentence.
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY, The dog repeated his demonstration. * Then Nick spoke the sentence in frag- ments until he realized that it was the word **done’’ which excited the shaggy hero, That set the detective to thinking, Final- ly he laid his hand on the dog’s head and said: ‘*Good Don.’ All doubt was at once dispelled. The dog’s name-was Don beyond the shadow of a question. Two days later Nick quietly slipped into New Orleans. He and his dog friend sought the house of a detective of that place with whom Nick had had a long acquaintance. Here man and dog managed to pass into other identities. The New Orleans detective -. furnished Nick with material for a disguise, and after the patient work of half an hour- Nick Carter had transformed himself into as fine a specimen of an English’ tourist as one can find on either continent. - All the time Nick was at work Don sat -fooking on, apparently much “When the work was done Don seemed to approve. At least, he gave several low barks and danced around the detective as much as to say, ‘‘I know vou. can’t fool Don.’’* interested, I know you, You Then Nick set to work on Don with dyes. The dog’s glistening black coat was‘dyed a dunnish brown. Even the white star in his forehead was obliterated. ; : This work required much more time than Nick took in. perfecting his own: disguise. But when it was done even Don’s own mis- tress—if she were still alive—would uot know him. With Don at his heels, Nick started ont to gather up some information of which he” stood in much need. He secured files of New Orleans and St. “Louis papers, from which he learned that . _ the steamer on .which he left Havana had cqjlided with an unknown schooner ses. of night during a fierce storm. Luckily, she struck the schooner at an acute angle and glanced off without serious — damage, although she careened so far that for some moments she was in great paneet of being swamped. Nothing was afterward: ‘heard of the afore tunate schooner, and it was feared that'the vessel, with all on board, was lost. : One of the steamer’s passengers went over- board when the collision occurred, and was lost. tH He was seen to pitch into the sea, and "after the steamer righted an effort was made But owing to the fact that in the accident the steamer was thrown out of her bearings, it is probable that, in trying to save him. to find him, the course of the vessel carried - it away from him. ° The unfootuaate passenger was soe Carter, the well-known young clubman of St. Louis, who was on his way home by way of Havaria after a photographic tour of the West Indies. As Nick brows contracted, and a troubled look settled — upon his face. ; read this announcement his “That is going to complicate my work seriously, I fear,’’ he muttered. “AS soon as Carter learns of his reported death he, of course, will turn up in St. Louis in order to relieve his friends’ sorrow. Then it must be _known by Inez Benito and Vagamez that ‘she entrusted that precious envelope to gone bue who was posing under an adsunied®haiie. , “Quckily’ I placed that envelope in my belt with other valuables, and it was saved from the sea, though somewhat damaged By salt water. “Don, old boy, the quicker we eS to St. . Louis the better.’’ Twenty-four hours aftehwnnictie-edpponed English tourist and his dun-colored dog —
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20 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. landed in the.unrivaled new passenger stg- tion of the Missouri metropolis. Iustead of going to a hotel, Nick engaged a room ata quiet boarding-house on Olive sireet, where he made arrangements for the safe and comfortable keeping of Don while he was seeking for certain necessary informa- tion. His first visit was to the office of Anson Bryce, the attorney. Mr. Bryce was still absent, he was in- forined, but was expected home within a week. In fact, he had sailed from Liverpool two days before. Where was he on the 5th of November? The clerk would inform the gentleman if the latter would wait till he consulted some let- ters. Ah, yes. Mr. Bryce at Havana, November 3d, in which Here was a letter written by he announced his intention to sail for New York that day. There was another letter written by him at New York on the 7th, just before he sailed for Liverpool. Therefore, on the 5th Mr. Bryce must have been nearing New York, on his way from Havana. Nick went away with a new puzzle fixed upon his mind. His next step was sto telegraph his assumed name and address to his wife, a precaution he never failed to follow while away from. ~ : home for reasons which will be shown pres- ~ enthysi _ Phen he hunted up the address of Everett Carter inthe city directory, which, he found, was a building devoted to bachelor apartments. K To his inquiry for Mr. Carter, the jani-_ _ tress, as Nick expected, recited the story of the young clubman’s fate as announced three days before in all the newspapers. ‘*So,”’ thought Nick, ‘‘he has not yet returned or rectified the mistake.”’ ” ’ Globe-Democrat man just left ten minutes ._ fe eke his dense if From the janitress he got Everett Carter’s sister’s address and went straight to the lat- ter’s residence for the purpose of taking her ~ into his confidence and lifting from her the sorrow she must be suffering over the sup- posed death of her brother. A servant met him at the door and took. his card—a blank card on which was writen: A gendlcmart to see you, with news of. your brother.’ He was shown into a reception-room, & where he was joined almost immediately by a young lady whom he knew was Everett~ Carters’ sister by the strong Setuney resem- blance. i Much to his surprise, her face expressed ~ ; no grief. On the contrary, it beamed with Ba happiness. é She held his card in her hand as she ad-_ A vanced, and said, before he had achanceto speak: oer ‘*T suppose you are another reporter to get the good news of my brother’s return. A ago. It’s strange how you newspaper en ’Tis not an hour since I got Everett’s telegram.’’ oe “Then it is true?” he “aad, inquiringly. ‘Your brother was not lost as reported."’ “Read that. It will tell you all I know, yet it is enough, and I’m so happy.” 3 She handed a telegram to Nick. It was dated that day at Memphis, and — read: ‘‘Just heard of my reported death, fers hasten to notify you of the mistake. Will be | home to-morrow morning and can explain’ how mistake occurred. $ _ “EVERETT CARTER.’ Bh: get news. It was nearly dark, and he wate Olive street.
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. - ‘As he entered the house he met the land- lady in the hall, who said: “Oh! by the way, sir, a gentleman called to see you half an hour ago, and——”’ ‘*Called to see me!’’ exclaimed Nick, in surprise. Then, as he thought of the dis- guised Inez Benito, as he saw her on board the steamer, he asked, ‘‘Can you describe him?” “Oh, that’s not necessary. He’s up in your room waiting for you. Seemed to make himself at home without asking Permission. I hope it’s all right, sir.’’ Nick made no reply, but went up-stairs three steps at a skip. Without ceremony, he opened the door of his room and entered. A young man sat lazily engulfed in the arms of the easiest chajr in the room puffing away at a Cigar with so much vigor that he was half eclipsed by the smoke. - **Chick!’ exclaimed Nick, the: moment He had closed the door behind him. “Hello, Johnny Bull,” greeted Chick. “Ts it raining in Lunnon? I see you have your trousers turned up.”’ Nick laughed in spite of his interest in _ this unexpected meeting with his assistant. ‘‘What on earth brought you to St. Louis?’’ he asked. — “‘T followed my man.’ ‘Vour man? Who?”’ ‘Royal Highland.” ‘‘What! Do you mean Royal Highland is in St. Louis?” ‘Tt don’t mean anything else. your telegram from Havana, I put the High- lands under my eagle eye the minute they landed in. New York. “*Just as soon as the young fellow had his Obeying = father comfortably located he made a bee- line to the depot and purchased a ticket to St. Louis, I came out with him. ‘We got here this morning. I left him at the Titdell. “T telegraphed to your wife for your ad- dress this afternoon. Much to my surprise, the answer located you here. “Say, Nick, what brought Royal High- land to St. Louis?”’ ‘“To find a man named Anson Bryce.’ ‘What for?” as ‘To try and save the woman he loves,’’ was Nick’s unhesitating reply. Chick smoked on and waited for Nick ‘s say more. The great detective took several turns across the floor, and then stopping before this assistant, he said, with great earnest- ness: es ‘Chick, this is fate. Providence is aiding us in the round-up. It will bea badly messed job if we don’t get the irons on Yagamez this time, and not only recover the niissing bonds, but also the confession and will of the late Durrell Weston.’’ ‘But my man—Highland——’’ began Chick. ‘Never mind him. I know what he'll do. “And you are needed for more important work.’’ CHAPTER VIII. ON THE TRAIL OF A SHREWD SCOUNDREL. Nick lost no time in fully informing his assistant of all which had occurred since he left New York for Cuba, concluding: ‘Tt follows, of course, that Inez Benito is is in St. Louis disguised in male attire. “Why she changed her mind so soon after * delivering the envelope to me if it was a change of mind which sent her aboard the * same steamer with me, I have not been able to decide. ‘“But the most plausible explanation of the whole affair is that she mistrusts Yagamez’s fairness toward her and has laid her plans to test his loyalty, and at the same time = him in her POes oe 21 *
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22 ‘Therefore she planned to join him here, maybe, against his desires, and see that he did not betray her. In order to.do this, she arranged that the check necessary to get the ‘bonds from the Ljindell’s safe would be within reach at a few minutes’ notice, but not in her possession, and also not where Vagamez would be able to put his hands on them. **Depend on it, Inez Benito has some plan in her head to drive a bargain with Yagamez. “‘He. is a mighty slick party, but I shouldn’t wonder if he is trying to add Inez to his already long string of victims, and has met in her his match. “‘My supposed death and consequent loss of the envelope enclosing the check for the bouds must have completely demoralized her plans and carried consternation to her and Yagamez, for without the check it would be a dangerous undertaking for either to try to get the package of bonds from the Lindell’s safe, It might lead to their arrest, for it would surely require a disclosure of the contents of the package and an explanation | of their shipment from Havatia.’’ ‘*But look here, Nick,’’ interrupted Chick. ‘Do you know where Benito or Ceuetnee are located in his city?” *“No.”’ ‘“Then what are your plans to find them?’ . “hat is where Providence again comes to our aid, To-morrow morning’s news- papers will contain the account of Everett Carter’s return. It is scarcely probable that neither Inez nor Yagamez will see the no- tice. , “Tt therefore follows that Everett Carter is most likely to receive a call from Inez or Yagamez, the former in her disguise, most probably, at his sister’s residence soon after his arrival. £2 “Now, I intend to be where iy will - hear what passes befween Carter and his caller NICK CARTER WEEKLY. when they meet. You must be on the out- — side ready to follow the visitor when the visitor leaves the house—andjon your life not lose your party. If we once locate one we'll find thé other. ‘ ee done, me rest of our work will be easy.’ i “Nick, you’re a peach,’’ was Chick's : admiring verdict. 3 It was nearly eleven o'clock that. night = when Nick called on Everett Carter’s sister for the second time. He asked for a private inter icws and the request was somewhat reluctantly granted. He then took the lady into his full confi-: dence and left untold nothing of the iene ‘< tion which he and her brother had practiced So upon Inez Benito. “T make all this explanation, Ausanie eS he continued, ‘‘for a purpose. I feel confi- udn dent that your brother will not be in this. : house long to-morrow morning until he will have a visitor, It is my desire to be where I can hear what passes at that meeting with- _ out being seen or my presence suspected, by — the visitor.’ : ‘But isn’t this a most unusual east? My brother may not——-” _ in ‘“Oh, I shall see your brother first as soon — ae as he arrives. I wish to do nothing without his knowledge or consent.”’ GAR So it was arranged, and in order that his” Ys presence at that house might not be sus- pected, he was kindly offered accommoda- tions for the night with lodging in the house, after he satisfied the young a as to. his identity. “The next merning’s newspapers all r. nounced the unexpected and sensational | return of the well-known young clubman, Everett Carter, whose sopposed= drowning. e in the Gulf of Mexico while route from Havana to New Orleans, had been duly pub lished some days previotisly = Gunes Everett Carter enc his fs so s resi- heh
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. | dence at nine o’clock the next morning, and ° had a confidential conference with Nick and his sister. It was nearly noon before what Nick so anxiously waited for occurred. : A young man rang the bell and asked to see Mr. Carter in private on mest important _business. ne : The servant, previously instructed, showed the caller into the library, where Nick was concealed behind some curtains ina dark corner farthest away from the window. He could see ‘the visitor by peeping ~ 23 There was a pause. Then she reached into a concealed pocket, took therefrom some- thing which Nick at once recognized-as the missing half of the photographic scene which was pasted upon the envelope in his possession. ; “Do you recognize this?’ she asked. ‘'T never saw it in my life,’ was his cool reply, as he handed it back to her. ee - She replaced it whence it had been taken and said: ‘‘Pardon my seeming impertinence, but I “assure you a mistake of some kind has been through a narrow slit between the curtains “made involving the affairs of a friend of without any possibility of being seemhimself. ‘TAs I suspected,”’ thought Nick. ‘‘It is ‘Inez herself in the same disguise in which she left Havana. Ha! here comes Carter. I “wonder if she will be’ surprised ‘when she _ sees him, or does she suspect ?’’ ; Everett Carter entered the library and closed the door behind him, Inez turned, faced him and showed plainly by her stare that she was‘disappointed. ‘You wish to see me?” inquired Carter. - “J called to see Mr, Everett Carter,’ “Then Everett Carter is at your service,’”’ smiled the man before her. ‘‘Are you Everett Carter, who was some. days ago reported lost overboard from a steamer ex route from Havana to New ‘Or- leans ?”’ ‘', am the same Everett Carter—the only one of the name in St. Louis.”’ “‘ And—and-how did you escape?”’ “That is very easily explained,’ he Jaughed. “I was not on board the vessel which made that narrow escape.’’ «But you were in Havana on the —th of Bavembert’ vad was.’ : ‘While you were there did you receive a = call from a young lady?” ‘*T did not.”’ 3 mine; I would like to ask whether you had any visitor to your room at the —— Hotel that day?”’ “Why, yes. had.’’ ‘Ah! a gentleman or lady?” ‘SA gentleman.” Now that I think of it, I “You were there all the time he was?”’ - ‘“On the contrary, I was compelled to be out, and I left him to amuse himself for some time.’’ - “Do you mind telling me who this gen- tleman was?”’ ‘*Certainly not. Though bearing my family name, he is no relative, His name is Carter; he’s from New York.’’ ; ue His business?”’ ‘‘A detective—the best in the country. Have you never heard of Nick Carter?” The dark forehead of the disguised giaks face turned slightly paler to belie her reply) ‘“The name is not familiar tome. Would you. mind describing this—Nick Carter to me??”’ : The young clubman complied, and in a few words drew such a clear picture of _ Nick as he appeared that day in Havanaand — again on the steamer, that Inez could have — no doubt of who it was to whom she gave her envelope.
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‘ yr 2 , as the latter emerged from his concealment ees 24 ‘“‘When did you last see your friend the detective?’ was her next inquiry. ‘‘Next day. He borrowed some of my photographic apparatus for several hours, When he returned them he announced his intention of leaving that night for New Orleans.”’ . “‘Humph! That was the steamer from which you were reported to have been lost ?”’ But I didn’t leave Havana tili the next steamer after that one.’’ ‘*Did it ever occur to you that it might “*So it was. have been your friend the detective of the same name who was lost overboard from that steamer???’ Nick’s eyes became fixed anxiously on Carter. Tro his entire satisfaction, he had “proofs that~the latter was a magnificent actor. The shock of surprise which the clubman asstimed must have completely disarmed Inez Benito. ‘“*Great Heaven!’’ he cried, ‘*I see it now. What a stupid idiot I’ve been not to realize before how che mistake was made.’’ ; After a few more words exchanged with Carter, the visitor took advantage of what seemed to be her host’s stupefaction over the sudden realization of his friend’s fate, to leave without being questioned in turn, “Well,” exclaimed the elubman to Nick, “Ts it she?” And she believes me, when Inez was gone. **Beyond a doubt. “with her precious envelope, to be at the “bottom of the Gulf of Mexico.” “Do you think this belief is a relief ora disappointment to her?”’ “‘T give it up. Between her supposed escape from my trap and the loss of the en- velope I am inclined to think she is willing to eee the latter for the sake of the former.’ ‘Several hours later Chick burst i in on Nick at his: toom on Olive street. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. -and a white beard called to see her and w: dently been waiting for him. his care never leaye precaution behind, » “Well, my boy?’’ was Nick’s greeting. ce ‘*Your game is i Tnez Benito has oa been run to cover.’ ee, “*Explain.”’ aoe aie os “T traced her directly to a fhclsanbnten’ boarding-house on Park avenue, where she has a rear room onthe second floor. 3 . “She had not been there half an hour until an elderly man with long, gray hai sent up to her room.’’ “*Yagamez!’’ **Undoubtedly.’’ “You fo.lowed him when he left??’ ‘‘Ves—for some distance.’’ ig tek ‘‘Do you mean to say you lost him?? “‘T hate to admit it. But he was too much for me. While passing through a quiet cros street he came to a carriage which had evi- Into 1 that he : jumped and was whirled away while x stood — three ae _ a eae or ‘public conveyance of hi, carriage.’’ ae detective smniled. who it is we are dealing with. at we Pin ; ue that carriage | driver it would be: only : e fe she blocks fom his hiding- -place. Chick looked crestfallen. es ““Never mind, though,’? said Nick, chee ily. ‘‘We must not lose sight of Inez. : we've got to do is. to watch her in the time. yee hardly venture out at ni ht.
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E454 --—Inez did not leave the house nor did any : one enter who at all answered the descrip. | tion of Yagamez. | Meanwhile Nick went to the Lindell Ho- = tel and secured a private interview with the 2 manager. “You have in your safe,’ hie said, ‘‘a package which you received by express from Havana, Cuba, several weeks ago?” : ”” was the reply, as the manager _ looked Nick over sharply. ‘‘You are the second man who,within an hour has inquired -. about that package.” ? > **T have} “Indeed. The other inquirer, I suppose, was an elderly appearing man with long gray hair, white beard, and——”? . ‘On the contrary,” interupted the mana- ger, ‘‘he had long, black hair, a reddish beard, and was not even middle-aged.” - Nick made no comment in answer to this correction, but having mentally noted the description, he asked: _ “Did this man try to get the package? “Did he claim it?” “Why, yes. That is, he seemed to know all about the circumstances surrounding its deposit with us, but claimed that the check proof provided for its redemption had been ¥ ‘Jost, or, rather, accidentally destroyed.” ~ "806 he wanted to know whiether he could “not get it without this check proof?’’ ' “Exactly.” “POF course you told him it would bei im- & possible.” a I had no hesitation in telling him that under no circumstances _ would we deliver the package without the full requirements indorsed on the face of it . ‘Why, certainiy. _-who sent it to us.’” - The party who- seit it te you?” hao Shick. “Why, do you know who that is??? : *‘Certainly. The letter which accompanied package explained that.’ i . i i NICK CARTER WEEKLY, é _ being fulfilled, unless | it was Ae the party 25 “Ob, yes. From Anson Bryce?” : “Why, of course. ‘I told him Mr. firvoe would be home in a week and then there would be no trouble about getting the pack- age out.” . “Then what?” ““Then he went away.” “But if anybody produced the check claim for the package, as required by the condi- tions indorsed on it, you would give it up?” S‘ Why, certainly.’’ _ Nick calmly reached in his pocket and produced the envelope which ARE: Benito had given to him. Just as unconcernedly he tore open the envelope and took ‘therefrom some blank paper wrapped around the fragment of a five- dollar United States banknote which had been torn irregularly into halves from side to side. ; On the half which Nick reduced was the number B17831531. The manager’s eyes fairly bulged with surprise. | “Will you go to your safe and see whales this number corresponds to the number on the other half of the bill species on the pack- age??? J “Tt is not necessary,”? was the rephysac2E. ‘have a memorandum of it here. The number: _is the same. You have in your hand the other half of the bill pasted on the package. It is not necessary to fit the parts’ together.’” ‘ ‘*Then I can have the package?” ee: ' "Ves, if you’ll explain to me why the other applicant tried to get it, and how it comes that you have the check claim which he said was destroyed. I7 YH willingly tell you all you wish to ‘know, but I don’t want the package—just pyetee . “*First, you tiever were more mistaken in your life than you are in believing that the package was sent to you by Anson Bryce.’ ae 2 nig ae PS ee
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26 NICK CARTER WEEKLY- Bp ya leo ‘‘Anson Bryce was on his way: from Ha- vana to New York on the day the package was left at the express office in Havana.” ‘*Then who sent it?’’ “The most consummate scoundrel out of State prison.’’ ‘“The man who tried to get it without the check ?”’ “*You’ve guessed it.’’ ““What is in the package 2? ‘«Bonds worth two million dollars.”’ “*Who are you?’ ““T am Nick Carter.”’ “*Not the great New York detective ?’’ ‘<The same.’’ ““Good Lord, what a predicament for me to be in,’’ groaned the hotel man. ““If you follow my instructions to the let- ter, you’ll come out of it harmless and far from being a ldser,’’? encouraged Nick. **Oh, I’m in your hands entirely.”’ “That's right. The bonds are safe in your care till we catch the thieves.’’ : From the Lindell, Nick went to the Globe Democrat office, where he left an_advertise- ment for the next day’s issue. Then~ he went to his room and’ heard Chick’s report. That closed their business for the day, and half an hour later they were sound. asleep.. Both were’up and dressed early. Their first act after reaching the street was to enter an all-night coffee house and get a bite of breakfast. Then they made their way to Park ave- nue. - Fi “‘T see no other way,’’ said Nick, as they - went along. ‘‘We must watch Benito closely to-day. If that doesn’t turn up Tagan we. must take chances on the advertisement, 3 gue the dog, for I’m sure he can’t hoodwink ‘Don with his artistic as numerous dis- guises. ‘ \ BSH As they neared the Park avenue house, Chick’ called Nick’s attention to an unusual commotion at that place, early as it was. Several servants came flying out of the house, _ One started off pell-mell down the avenue in the opposite direction, and another flew up the street toward’the detectives. Nick seized him by the arm as he was is passing, and inquired: ms ‘“‘What’s the matter down there?’™ ‘Wet me go,’ panted the fellow. “eee man in the second-story rear room has been : murdered. I’m going to notify the police.”’ ae And he dashed on like mad before finish- e ing his startling announcement. ; = “‘Chick,”’ cried Nick, ‘“he said the man . in the second story rear room. That is Inez Benito. She’s murdered.”’ **Tt’s suicide, Nick.”’ F “T-don’t believe it. Yagamez is capping his work with blood! Come! We must Be to that room petones the police.’’ CHAPTER IX. : HOW INEZ BENITO DIED. fons : When Nick Carter and his assistant reached the Park avenue: boarding hows X ies emaie : Before Nick could say a word she ex- claimed: go = and oe. a ‘he! ) “alive or dead.” ee while all the house was in a turmoil of = citement, the room in the rear was. wholly ss A meant of the pattic- “stricken wee and sores ins( well oy ioe landlady. ;
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. _ 27 plucked up courage enongh to follow and now stood crowded around and in the door- way. ; Nick’s professional eye took in the situa- tion in a few quick, sweeping glances. The occupant of the room was sitting in a chair at a table facing away from the door. The arms were folded upon the table and the head reclined upon the arms. The clothing on the body was saturated with blood. . It didn’t take ten secgnds for Nick to dis- cover that the victim had been stabbed sey- eral times through the back to the heart. Turning to the crowd at the doorway, he asked the landlady and her servants and _ boarders to go down stairs and wait together till he joined them, at the same time assur- ing them that the unfortunate person was _. stone dead. : 5 As soon as they were gone, Nick said to Chick: = ‘The murderer entered by the door from - the hall behind her. The windows are secure, as you see, aud the blinds closed. ‘‘We found her asleep just as the body now reclines and stabbed her to death so suddenly that there were only a few convul- sions of the body—not violent enough to throw her out of position. _ ‘Then the murderer searched her clothes, looking for something he didn’t find.”’ “Flow do you know he didn’t find it??? asked Chick, ‘Because he aftewrard searched every- where. See the papers and materials scat- tered over the floor,”? 3 _ ‘*He may have searched through those - things first,” suggested Chick. blood from his hands on them, and that body first. Tthen he washed his hands in pot bow! over there before he left the ' **No, he didn’t, for he left some of the - proves that he searched the clothing on her » ‘(And he didn’t find what he committed the murder for ?’’ “Scarcely, since I have it in ae posses- sion.”’ ‘«The half of the oe dollar note??? OT Hat’a it.” . “Yagamez did this?”’ “Without a doubt.’ . ‘How did he get in the house a “*We must find out.” They soon joined the wie sieena inmates ‘of the house in the large dining-room. There Nick rapidly drew out this informa- {iON The victim had rented the room several days before. | 5 He seemed to be particularly anxious about the security of the windows, and was pleased because there was no entrance to the back yard except through the house itself. He never went out at night, and had no callers except one, an oldish man, with gray hair and white beard, who had called twice. Both times while he was in the room their voices were heard raised as if in a quarrel. The night previous,the roomer was heard walking up and down the floor as late as midnight, When the landlady retired she ‘stopped at his door and asked if anything was needed. He opened the door a few inches, looked out, replied that there was not, and shut the door again. She was quite sure he didn’t secure it again on the inside. A servant girl, in coming down early in the morning, found the door to the room ajar. She peeped in and saw the young man sitting at the table apparently asleep, Moved by some cause she could not ex- plain, the girl went in and touched the body to awake him. The blood-soaked garments almost ee the life out of her, : e
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28 As soon as the household was aroused, every door and window was examined, and not one was found unsecured or open. ~ “*Was everybody in the house who be- longed here when you went to bed?” Nick asked the landlady. “Ryerybody but the cook.”’ ‘Where was she?” : ‘She had gone to the theatre with her young man. Afterward she says he took her to supper, and she didn’t get in till after one o’clock.”’ : ““How did she get in?’’ mae oh the basement door, to which she car- ried a latch-key.’’ The cook was summoned from the kitchen. She was plainly frightened almost out of her Wits. ‘In answer to Nick’s questions, she declared -. that she had closed the door herself and [ “knew the latch caught, for she tried it after the door was shut. fe No, she didn’t put up the chain. “never did, She ‘as she never knew what other servants were out, and she néver Seaueus, of the lateness of the hour. » Then, with considerable hesitation, admitted that she was very drunk when she came home, so much so that one of her es- * corts had to unlock the door for. her. _ .Qne of them? Were there two? z ae “Nes. ' Afriend of her young man. ‘Her she Was somewhat intoxicated. His friend was the soberest of the three. ‘Iatch-key to open the door. Did he give it back to her. ae Oh, yes. She was sure of it. The key “was even then in her pocket up stairs, 7 ‘Go get it and bring it here,” said Nick. The girl hastened off, but when she came tion had been doubled. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘ —e Y young mian was a barkeeper, and he, too, ae She gave him the ae will get away.” ; The fellow is no doubt in gtiise by this time. - 2 “back her face was very Soe and her agita- ““He must have ee a mistake. ‘It is no ‘my key at all, sir.’ te eae Nick looked at Chick eritaeaaady? th he got the address of the cook’ and, accompanied by Chick, s ‘s out to find the barkeeper. house they passed two policemen, and physician, who had Bae: moe man,’’ a ranchman fee Dick Wild. No, he had not known 1 Texas, waised Wil id- saloon where he kept bar. Wild had come across him at supper after leaving the th pcvetane opened several a saloon some time. during the day. ‘ ; “IT guess he’s seen the last of his shan friend, Dick aes se Nick, me “he barker is no tm ed up: “op hat’s: true, But. how are: w old man Ee never
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Highlands about the bond robbery while I was aking them up in their disguises in my state-room just before we reached Havana, we discussed this man Anson Bryce. ‘“Thereby I learned a rather remarkable incident about Anson Bryce and the dog Don. “Tt seems that the dog had taken a deadly dislike to the man, and on the first visit of Inez and the false Bryce to the Highlands’ desperate attack upon the supposed. St. ~ Louis lawyer. ; f **Tt was all that Inez and the Highlands gould do to keep the dog from killing the villain. “‘Now, I know enough about dogs to -know that they never forget their enmities. “Tf Don met Vagamez to-day he would ‘undoubtedly renew that attack from which - he was pulled off in Havana. ‘ “And no disguise which Yagamez could ~ invent would conceal his identity from that : dog. I’m sure of it, and I’m going to depend 3 »on Don to help us find him.”’ ‘But, Nick, St. Louis is a mighty big place, even for a dog to search.” ‘Oh, V’ll-make that part of the dog's work easy. Read that.’’ - Globe-Democrat and pointed to a paragraph . advertisement in the locals, which ran as follows: ‘*Poindexter.—If Poindexter wishes to ~ secure a very important package he will -meet- Zemagay in front of the new Union Passenger Railroad Station to-day promptly at twelve o'clock, prepared to prove her rights thereto. Zemagay will hold the article in question in his right hand. _ | ‘‘ ZEMAGAY. ip ae. Now, if Yagamez sees that advertise- ment, he’ll’ be on hand to see who has used his signature, knowing that Inez is dead.”’ “‘T half doubt your confidence in the dog office, the dog followed them and made a Nick produced a copy of that morning’s { i 29 to pick this man out in a crowd disguised as he will be,’’ said Chick, ‘‘It has been some — weeks since the dog came in contact with him.” : ‘True, but ’m going to remind Don of him in a manner that will be a powerful in- centive to the dog.”’ CHAPTER X. THE WORK OF DON, THE DOG DETECTIVE. They proceeded ‘at once to Nick’s quarters on Olive street, and secured Don. The dog was Ge webtes. to get out of the -house, They took him straight to fe Park ave- nue house, and with a little explanation, got him admitted to the room where the tragedy had been enacted, sy Meanwhile the house was in a greater up- roar than ever over the discovery that the murdered person was a woman. The dog’s delight at the discovery of his mistress was soon turned into consternation and grief which was almost human when the intelligent animal at last realized that she was dead. Presently Don’s nostrils began to quiver, — He sniffed the air and put his nose upon the carpet. A deep, hoarse growl followed. Slowly he walked around the room with his nose on the floor. The growls grew louder and fiercer, while'the bristles on his back stood up to indicate the savage feeling. withinhim, The longer-Don walked around that room the stronger became his excitement. _ Now we have our man if we can get him within half a block of this four-legged “avenger,’’ said Nick, Don was kept in that room till abeet half. ¥ past eleven o’clock. Meanwhile Nick started for the oe Union Passenger Station. a3 . Chick, with Don in charge, left the Parke
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30 avenue house soon after, and reached the scene of the advertised place of meeting. Nick was already there. In his hand he held Inez Benito’ s envelope with the. torn fragment of ‘the photograph pasted on the surface held outwardly. Nick was walking up and down in front of the depot as if waiting for some one. — When Chick and Don got within fifty feet of Nick the dog’s excitement began to grow. Crowds of people were passing into and out of the depot at the time, and among them the’ dog pitched ang lunged with every particle of his power of scent in play. Not a man in the throng escaped Don’s in- spection as he passed them. Finally he stopped stockstill. His big eyes were looking up into the face of a stal- watt negro, whose steps the dog. ae inter- rupted. The negro had been looking sideways in the direction of Nick and did not see the dog until the brute’s -growl diverted his atten- tion. = ta =< The growl was followed by Don’s lips uncovering the teeth. Before the negro could take a step in any direction, and before Chick could tighten his hold on Don’s chain, the big brute, with onehowl and leap, had the negro ‘by the throat. . phe Man and dog went down tagerars ; Nick rushed up‘to aid Chick and some of — the bystanders in pulling the noble brute from his victim. This they managed to do, but not till the latter was terribly. Iacerated. 3 _ & policeman pushed his way through and the crowd called upon him to kill the dog. Nick held up his hand and cried: ‘“No, not for the city of St. F odie! This man killed the dog’s mistress last night, . and had it not. been for the brute’s instincts NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ceding May. — 2 ee known hypnotic power. —including. the bonds in trust of the Hig the murderer might never have been de- tected. See, the man is disguised.’ ; < As he spoke, Nick stooped and passed a wet handkerchief over the wounded man’s face. The result was a startling surprise to the crowd. "ee The black skin became almost whit where the handkerchief had passed over. — “Who are you?” asked the policeman. ‘‘Nick Carter, the New York i % came the reply. $ The disguised and badly wounded Ya gamez was insensible and bleeding danger ously from the ragged wounds in his nec! left by the dog’s teeth. _ An ambulance was called at Ni and the great criminal was taken to a hos pital. He never left the bed on which they him, but died two days later from the effec of the wounds he received from the. avenging: dog. Lan yaaa . Before he died he was wholly conscic and realized the inevitable fate before h Under those circumstances Yagamez mad full confession to Nick of all which = lat: ter wanted to know. from New Orleans to St. Louis in 4 He had exercised over her ‘much 0 his She ‘surrendered to him absolutely, « vet to relating to him many of her family affair lands-for her aunt and cousin. = Gradually he had so influenced her as to win her over toa plot to steal. promising, after they came into”
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‘The first step in the plot was carried out by Inez when she stole her uncle’s memo- randum numbers of the'bonds, the only record thereof in existence. The presence in Havana of Anson Bryce a day previous to his arrival aided them. Inez had met Bryce in-St. Louis and knew him. She met him again in the streets of Havana and learned all of his plans. When he departed for New York Yagamez = personated him, and together they visited q Highland’s office, where, by means already explained, Yagamez made a mental photo- » graph of the bundles of securities inthe “strong box. re These, by his masterly skill of counterfeit- - jng, he duplicated to outward appearance. | On their second visit to Highland’s office the exchange was made. During the five or as ten seconds in which Highland’s back was turned Yagamez snatched the bonds from the box and Inez deposited the dummies. +The latter had been soaked in an acid which, in less than twenty-four hours there- _ after turned the paper into dust. Everything had been prepared beforehand. + and thrust into a waiting. package, which s ‘was sealed and addressed to the manager of - the Lindell Hotel. The half of the agus ‘pill was pasted across the seal. : With thé package went instructions pur- “porting to be from Anson Bryce to the effect that the package was not to be delivered to “any one without the presenation of the other half of the five dollar banknote. Aner had then rages in a male ee ‘and probably arrested, Vagamez left the valuable age of ue banknote with a NICK CARTER WEEKLY. - "he bonds were carried to Yagamiez’s rooms” 31 and his peice that she wait for him in New Orleans. He confirmed Nick’s theory that ther free from Yagamez’s personal influence, began to suspect treachery and adopted the plan of “planting?” the check claim in St. Louis, where it would be within her reach, yet not where Yagamez could PapsAbEY get his: hands on it. Tt was ber intention to force him ‘to marty her first before she surrendered the check for the-bonds, The supposed loss of Everett Carter with the check of course, changed her plans. She did not tell him of its loss, but let_ him believe she had it hidden away, and thereby tried to force. him to marry her. be- fore she gave it up. It was a fatal mistake—a deception which cost her her life, as we know. _ Before he died, Yagamez placed in Nick’s hands the confession and will of Durrell Weston, which cleared an innocent man of suspected crime and placed a much wronged young lady in possession of a large inher- itance, Royal Highlands, after his arrival in St. Louis} had gone acatel to the office of Anson Bryce. * P ‘There his worst suspicions were confirmed, - He assured himself that the party in Havana, whom Inez Benito had brought to his father’s office, was a fraua anid not the St. Louis attorney. Heartbroken at his discovery, which final- ly convinced him that the girl he loved was unworthy, he went back to New York a _ desperate man, Before he had worked himself up f do anything rash, however, Nick Carter ap- peared with the missing securities. A In the satisfaction of the vindication of is. family name and the restoration of his _
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“ie . _ 190—Nick Carter’ s Slippery Quarry; or, 190—The Government Custom’s Swindle; or, eet NICK. CARTER. WEEKLY. father to good standing in. Havana, Royal in part shook off his disappointment of the heart aud is now trying to forget the mem- ory of the unworthy Inez Benito. Don ig a new addition to Nick Carter’s household gods, Now atid then the great detective pats the noble dog on the head and says: ““Old boy, I owe you two debts which I can never repey: You not only saved niy life, * LATEST ISSUES: 205—The Passenger in the Lower Berth; or, a Star- tling Disappearance from a Railroad Sleeping ete IS med to Union Station; or, The Celebrated Louis’ Mystery. 203—Pardoned by the Daaident: or, Nick Carter at the United States Treasury. (202—The Counterfeiter's Gold Tooth; or, Nick Car- ter’s Crooked Correspondent. 20i—The Great Life Insurance Fraud; or, Nick Car- ter’s; Tussle with a Very Slick ‘Countryman 200—The Beautiful Shop-Lifter; or, Nick Carter's Search for an Old Offender, 199—Nick Carter and the Forest Fires; or, A Nest. of Vipers Burned Out, Re ‘ ; 198—Nick ° Carter Under the Knife;.or,. The Little Giant Among the body-Snatchers, 197—The Little Glass b See or, A Beautiful Black- maiier Brought to Bay 196—A Man of Wood; or, Who Killed Dr. Startle? Ws—Nick Carter's Grateful Client; or, Saving the Honor of the Oid Man’s Boy. 19#—Nick Carter on the BOWE or, A Crippled Cracksman’s Detection. ped eos on the Insiue; or, No Chance for the 492—-Nick "ear ter in Frisco; or, Instructed by a News- paper Personal. ~ 121—Wanted for Embezzlement; ‘or, What Scams of the Treasurer. “The “Case Against ‘J*risco Jim. Bad News for the 189-—Nicke Carter's Proofs; or, t Guilty. js8—Nick Carter at the Races; Lead Pipe Cinch. ‘ne Tt ee Dsteuve in the Country; or, A Prompt ply to a Telegram. 1k—Nick. Ogikter Rescues a Partner's Strange Betiavior. or, Two _ Kinds of Daughter; or, The Junior 185—Nick Carter Saves a Reputation; or, A Button Worth a Fortune. 184—Shieldiing a Murderer; or, Nick Carter’s Dealings with an Avenger, 183--Saved from the — Penitentiary; or, Three Cheers for Nick Carter. 182—The Blood-Stained Check; or, Nick Carter in the Dissecting-Room, *48l—In the Clutch of the Laws or, Nick Carter’s Chain of Evidence. 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 Se ie or, The Body _ Found in the Flat. ‘ oe 4 OTREET & SMITH, Publish ; “rio-Caughe by Wlectricity; or, Nick Carter Bags an »18—Nick See Seconda Sight; or, A Dumfou ii is Gratit : Beaune ts Garter: Curners ws ‘ Bea Carter's Steamer Trunk; or, A Cri Yagamez.’’ : THE END. ‘ The next number will contain Passenger in the Lower Berth; or, A Sta ling Disappearance froma Railroad Slee ing-Car.’’ i77—Nick Carter's Dumb Assistant; or, The Man a Dead Brain. Vié—Nick Carter Behind the belgerh a OM, Pawn ‘Tickets. tie ce eee ter’s Pointer; or, A H 174t—By Whose Hand; or, Nick arter Adverti a Cab-Driver. — 173—Caught in. Six ‘Hours; or, Trouble in Room ‘No, rae 46. 172—Burgla r Jo Nick Carter’s Leap in the D rk, 11—Nic Carter’ “3 Little Shadow; ok The Man, ‘ the Yellow Dog. ; OJd Offender, ; 169—Unmasked by Nick Garter; or, An Attem Blackmail. i66-—-Nicke Cuntas Prevents a Disturbance, a Disguise. aoe Carter in a Hole: or, A Plan hat Didn't. Work 104—Niek Carter Off the Tr: String to His Bow. 163—Ni¢ P oe Died x ‘Cha 162—Nick Carter Saves. Bank Presid ty lance That Was Crooked. es id-Ocean. 159—Nick Carter's New Uniform; or, A Bribe That Was Expected. + Pe) 18—Nick Carter and the Sawdust Man; or, An -vestment That Caused Trouble. 1ai—Nick Carter as an Expert, or, x Battery Was Tampered With. 156—Nick Carter's Silent Search; or, A D ive “ Fake Detective. IG-Nick Cancer's Curious Client; | More Gall than Sense. » ea Carter Settles a Cong a iar “B us Bargain; or, 150 “Sin “Carters nite ds. Outwitted
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giecrsrnnnntnncii WITOG HINT HOKOLOAO ONCERNING the Tip Top Weekly, combining the new features of beautiful and attractive colored covers, and a continuous series of stories, each — N EARLY five years ago Street & Smith originated and introduced dealing with the same characters ; each book complete in itself yet part of a progressive series. It was an instant success. An enormous circulation was at once se- cured, and this has yearly increased with rapid strides. The Tip Top Weekly, containing the onlyand original Frank Merriwell stories, by Burt L. Standish, has today three times the circulation of any similar publication not issued by Street & Smith. In response to continued demands we have, fron } time to time, established new libraries as companions to Tip Top. Success always stimulates imitation. Other publishers have copied the general style and form of the Tip Top Weekly, Do and Dare, etc., and, while the contents and general merit of these would-be rival publications are far below the standard acceptable to Street & Smith’s patrons, it is probable that some have been induced to purchase the inferior product of other publishers under the mistaken idea that they were getting “Street & Smith’s.” In one — if instance a rival publisher has gone so far as to ascribe the authorship of his] stories to a name very similar to that of Burt L. Standish, a method calcu- lated to confuse the reader. We wish to call our reader’s particular attention to the fact that all of Street & Smith’s five- cent libraries are of uniform size, of convenient dimen- sions to handle readily, and to fit nicely i in the pocket, and that any five-cent — weekly which is not of the same size as the one you hold in your hand is not Street & Smith’s. As a further safeguard against disappointment always look for the name of Street & Smith as publishers on the cover. We use every effort to secure the very best stories by the very best | | authors, and give our readers this caution that they may not be disappoiited a by mistaking the lines of other publishers for ours. As a further safeguard: we give herewith the complete list of the gre cent weeklies pu blished by Street & Smith:— THE TIP TOP WEEKLY, containing the Frank Mersivell series, DO AND DARE, containing the Phil Rushington series. COMRADES, containing the best series of railroad stories ever written. MY QUEEN, our latest, containing the Marion. Marlowe series. THE NICK CARTER WEEKLY contains the ee of the world’s greatest detective, Nick Carter. DIAMOND DICK, JR., the best stories of the West. a STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 238 William St., N. ra ~» IMITATORS en et Ww