Nick Carter Weekly (no. 268) (1902 02 15)
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NICK GARTER’ WEEKLY Assued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at New York Post Office by SVREET & SMITH, 278 William St., N. ¥. No. 268. | Price, Five Cents. BY ATHE AUTHOR OF SNICK GCARTERS=> — “FAIR PLAY!’’ CRIED THE COSTER; ‘‘DON’T IT A MAN FER SPRAKIN? IS MIND !’’
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“> — we * Issued Weekly. By Subscription 2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N.Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 278 William St., N. Y. Entered according to Act of Congress tn the year 1q0a, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. No. 263. NEW YORK, February 15, 1902. Price Five Cents. Nick Carter and the Broken Dagger; THE BLACK MAN FROM BORNEO. By the author of “NICHOLAS CARTER.” CHAPTER iG THE PRISONER. The warden of Old Bailey Prison, in London, was - in his private office when the head keeper of the _ prison came in, s He did not look up from the work he was doing, but asked: | “What is it, Markle?” “A man wants to see the prisoner, Jan Pallog,” re- - plied the head keeper. The warden laid down his pen and swung around in his chair. “Pallog ?” ~ Who is he?” he repeated. “Pallog? Odd. name. “He is a Roumelian, and he is held on a charge of si assault with intent to kill” ue : : be 4s, f Ree! " * back of it. ee es 4 rt epett *, { , Korg “Oh! I begin to remember. The trouble took place in a Regent street jewelry shop, I believe?” “Part of it, sir. There seems to be a good deal The prisoner was up for examination in police court this morning and was remanded for an- other examination to-morrow, when it is supposed that other charges will be brought against him.” “There was something about a valuable diamond, » wasn’t there?” _ | “Yes, sir; a diamond found in Borneo and intended * _ for the crown of the Queen of Roumelia.” “Pallog was taking it home, wasn’t he?” “Well, he was supposed to be, sir, but I understand he really tried to steal the diamond.” “Indeed!” “Yes; he faked a. story about how the stone was : aie: Roumelian coh stolen from him in New York.’ So See Re & -
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tae 2° m sul-general in that city engaged the famous detect- ive, Nick Carter, to investigate the matter.” “And I suppose Carter spotted Pallog.” “He did, The three men known.as the Carter de- tectives chased Pallog across the ocean, recovered the stone, gave it to the Roumelian minister here, and Pallog was arrested when he tried to kill young Patsy-——one of the Carters, you know.” “Yes, I know. "So the Carters are in London, are 4 they.’ “They are. Pallog is held inthe hope that. the Carters will bririg charges against. him for, having tried to murder Patsy on board the steamship Umbria, and it is supposed that the Roumelian min- ister will also charge him with robbery.” “And at present he is held only on the charge of assault ?”” “That's all,'sir.’ Se Pits enough. He'll get a tie term for that.” “Sure, for the evidence is ‘as plain as daylight.” “Well, what about this visitor?” “Fle says he i is a countryman of Pallog’s, and Mh on to advise him.” ~ *To"he a ees “He didn’t say $0, but I suppose ‘he is.” . “Bring him in ‘here.’ ea | Markle, the head keeper, went out and Setticnads in ‘ “a moment with a dark-complexioned man, who wore a heavy black beard: ; es : The warden looked at him sharply. "Do you want to see Jan Pallog?” he asked, | “I do,” was the reply, in good he but, er a ies thick accent. “Are ai a relation of his?” \ “*No} sir? _ “A friend?” MeV es; 1 knew him.in my country.” ; ; “What is your name? ?” ¢ . “Paul V lastock.” : i esi were you ars hed sot him met Adrianople.” ) Id, YD Are: res a. lawyer? Pi NICK CARTER WEEKLY. like to see you. _ the floor to the iene, been gt domme to put on a prison uniform. — Or t i am in my own country.” “Why do you wish to see him?” — “I want to offer to help him. He should have 4 a lawyer. It is his‘right, isn’t it?” “Certainly.” “Well, your law may not allow me to’ defend him in court, but I might be able to engage a lawyer for © him.” y, = ms Oe MSGR ar RMR IR aN anti te LE) “And you want to ask him nett that.*” “That is all, unless he should wish to send some — * message to his family.” “Very well. We will ask the prisoner if he would If he says yes,'and you are witing a to be searched before going to ni there wil be no | objection,” : “Must I be searched?” ae “That is the oo piping “Then I agree.”’ The warden nodded to Markle, who. Gent ont. When the head keeper returned, he said: i “The ‘prisoner would like to see Mr. Viastock.” » “Very well; search him.” Markle examined Vedic pockets, felt of thie linings of his ‘clothes, and declared that he found : ar ats to Breve the visit. into two parts ep an iron grating “that! fechits rot while another guard went to. get. the prisoner. At last Pallog came in. — Bere. He was dressed i in the same clothes ‘that he worn while crossing the ocean. As he had not yet been tried in eBltk: he hac Pallog’ was on one side of the iron grating, tock on the other. POM edie ol guard stayed on the side with, Pallog ‘ats that the conversation between the two. men. heard ae us officers. of sil en
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understand it. a Ig! NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “How goes it?” he asked, in Roumelian. responded Pallog. “I wish there Ask the guard if we can’t “As you see,” was better light here. have another gas jet.” ‘This answer was in Roumelian, and, in the same language, Vlastock said: “Guard, can’t we have a little more light?” Neither of the guards stirred. The one on Vlastock’s side of the grating was sit- ting on a chair near the door. On the prisoner’s side the guard was walking slowly back and forth. “Tes call right,” remarked Pallog. them understand our language.” “Then we can talk freely,” said Vlastock. “Just as if we were alone.” J sa of your trouble by a Fale in bees “Neither of newspapers.” “T suppose so.” “Ts it serious, Jan?” It will be imprison- “Serious! I should say so! ment for life if I let them try me.” “That’s bad. How did you happen to get into such a scrape?” “Didn’t you hear about the diamond?” asked Pal- log, with a look of surprise. “T heard some mention of a diamond, ch did not What about it?” “Why, Paul, I had obtained a stone in oetidy that is more valuable than any other in the world. it for the queen, but I decided while I was crossing America that I could’make good use of it myself.” “T see.” ole pretended that it had been stolen. Then some devilish sharp American detectives got on my track and took it away from me. They stole the diamond, Paul, and put in place of it a worthless piece of glass. I tried to sell that piece of glass to a jeweler. Then, when the detective showed up with the genuine stone, I was so crazy with rage that I tried to et him, but he was too quick for me, and here I am.’ Viastock thought a moment, pce ist 3h vs L: Ly lies ta Meo tray Sa 2) petits Sides We sth I got | 3 “T suspected that there must be something of that sort,” he said, “and that was why I didn’t give my full name when I called to see you.” “That was right,” returned the prisoner, “if you had said that you were my brother they might not have let you see me.” ; “Yes, they would; but if they knew I was your brother they might watch us more carefully.” “Certainly. Tell me, Paul, have you thought of some way to get me out of here?” “T am thinking now.” The prisoner’s eyes flashed. “Give mea day’s liberty,” he whispered, “and I will get that stone again, and we will both be rich—im- mensely rich, Paul!” : “You say you could get that stone again,” he said, coolly. “Tell me, are you sure it is so valuable?” “T have the word of the New York diamond dealers for ste er ; “What makes you think you can get it again?” “TI think so because it is worth any effort. I would not let anything stand in the way. I would kill the man who has it!” “And that man is— “The Roumelian minister.” “Would you kill him?” “Tf necessary; but it won’t be, iss he will send the stone by messenger to Adrianople.” “And you would tackle the messenger ?” ese. E “Won’t the stone be kept here for cutting?” “Possibly ; or they may send it to Amsterdam. In "any case, it will be in the hands of a messenger. 1. can watch the minister’s house, follow the messen- ger Lsees out fe do that you must be free.” “Of course.’ “Well, Jan, I saeco! ieee S a way.” “Good! What “Wait. This stone will be alanis enough to make both of us tick. Is that what you say?” “Tt is.” : a
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i Bona Be patient. i bea very long one.” ‘ 4 _ .NICK CARTER WEEKLY. cae “Now, I would work hard for many years to be rich.” ; , “Yes,” “Why shouldn’t I spend a year or two in jail for the same purpose?” “Eh?” “I say that I would be willing to spend a year or two in jail, if I knew that I would be a very rich man when I got out,” “Of course you would! ‘to be free to get the stone.” “Exactly, for if 1 should follow the messenger and get it, you would still be locked up.” “Yes, with a long sentence—life, perhaps—and if I don’t get free ee Tam gis tesanl i there will be small hope for me.’ “That is.just what I am ea a Well?” “Suppose,” said Paul, slowly, “I should go to jail for you? You could then get the stone and save my share till my sentence should run out.” ~ “¥ don’t understand.” “You surprise me. Have you forgotten how we both look alike?” , ! “No, for we are potaG. Your beard I came here with the idea that I might You see, if E help you to escape, ols false. take your place. they will put me in jail for it, but the sentence won't “Splendid ! me, Pauli ??? “For you and my share of the stone.” “Agreed, of course! But how is it to be done! ” “Tam TE “This grating, broken, perhaps— “Nonsense! thine are two euards to stop. us.’ “Then how- : : “Unbutton your coat, Jan.” - Pallog did so. And would you make at, sact “ifice for ~ " said ‘Pallog, eagerly, “might be { of ae age It pi ail wort, ee can probably, So would I, but Pve got keeper. ‘aie? he said. ably allow it, but you'd better get an order fro: 1 ‘Streets were very dark. lee ten feet, be Pi tinea no light be i side : a see,” said Paul, thoughtfully, ‘you. Moxe: on. a find one like it ima second-hand shop. My overcoat) and hat willhelp. The beard will do the rest. Leave i it to. me, Jan.” “T will, Paul; but there must be. no delay, I wa. captured yesterday. The stone may be sent t agai) this afternoon,” ah “Tf I succeed, it will be ‘dud of an hour.” i “Pallog’s eyes flashed again. His lips iparted 3° . speak, but the guards approached them. “Time’s up,” they said, a, “Good-by,” said Paul, putting his hand through the grating. eye Pallog grasped ‘it, responded | “Good-by,” and turned away. | ca He was led back to his cell, and Paul went vith i other guard to the prison office. . 14 CHAPTER ITI. PAUL’S scue ups: “The prisoner has setled me to engage a Mi i oe 4 Head-keeper Markle etre ie The matter did tid interest him. “That will Riphabis make it necessary ieee me a : see him again soon,” added Paul. Saag Me “Well,” responded Markle, “the warden il nee court.” © hs Speen ee, ST wwallitry to dasa. by vate It was the season for fogs in benign ond iS nay although it was: only half-an- hour after, noon, e. Mat Ef) good. oF AW) ewes aes _ All the street had were lighted, bat the Bi: did ee Z ie ir When Paul left the Old Bailey and crossed street, he paused, and looked back. t:
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. : Ate “The weather is on our side, ” he muttered. It was not an easy matter to find one’s way in the city, for the fog was so thick that street signs could not be read, but Paul knew his ground. utes after leaving the prison he was in a second-hand clothing store, where he found a suit of blue serge that fitted him well enough. A few min- He bought it and put it on; leaving the eis": suit to-be called for. Then he went to the law courts at the head of Fleet 4 “street. He boudlit a newspaper near the entrance and got close to a gas jet ina waiting-room to read it. Among the long items he found one about a man _ named Townsend, who had been arrested the day be- fore for forgery. The last line of this item'read: Townsend will be taken before Justice Ford for’ examination this morning. ‘ “That will do,’ at his watch. * said Paul to himself, as he looked “Justice Ford has gone to luncheon by “this time.” Rae ean if He hunted around in the building until he found the room where Justice Ford held court. - Nobody was in it except a clerk. — Paul went to the clerk’s desk and said: ir Sees: your pardon, sir, but can you tell me what . was done in the Townsend tater this morning?” + “Townsend: 2 “what was it about? Pp” al believe he was charged with forgery.” “Oh, yes, I remember now. Let me see. _ Were sO many cases this morning The clerk was looking over a bundle of papers. ““T think,” he added, “that Townsend was held for trial.’ The commitment paper must be in his honor’s “private room. I don’t believe he’s sighed it yet.” ey wish I could know for certain,” nn ye: “Are you from his lawyer?” : ‘ x 7 a comma repeated the clerk, inquiringly; ¥ There heavy hand. ; the paper that he had stolen. from the clerk’s desk. ik a tos but aye had business dealings ‘with Vown- v “Tsee. Well, wait a: minute and I wit look up the paper.” eh ST The clerk stepped into a side room. 5a% The moment he was gone, Pau! reached over r and took a lot of papers from the desk. He examined them rapidly, and presently put all of © them back, except one. ‘That he stuck into his pocket. When the clerk returned he had a paper in his hand, which he showed to Paul, saat “His honor has signed it, you see, sir.’ oY ea, careless glance at the paper, Thank you.” “You are welcome, sit.” : Paul started away, but turned back quickly. “By the way,” he said, “assault cases are tried in this court, are nes not?” “Certainly, sir.’ “There was a man arrested for assault yesterday— responded Paul, with what seemed to ba a “that is all I wanted to know. . Pallog by name—who_ was examined in the Old Bailey Court this morning. If he is held for trial, he’ll be brought here, hae he?” “Undoubtedly, sir.’ bertee Ror “When?” , Wiehe . “Oh! as to that, I can’t say, a 4 “Very well; thank you again.” Paul left the building and went to the writings room of a hotel near by. u Aithougts he had not seemed to see ¢ the paper ie ; clerk showed. him, he had fastened his eyes herp on the justice’ s name at the bottom. ; It was “Archibald Ford,” and written ina baie he “I’m no good,” thought Paul, cg 4 can’t put upyan imitation of that writing that will go at Old Bailey.” ia He wrote the justice’s name several times upon a sheet of hotel paper before he took from his pocket Te was’ an, gates poe ‘court addressed to the e wa
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ne ions! So saying, Paul took a sheet of blank. paper from | a pocket. { “Dear me!” he cociniaied “I forgot to tell the — ‘head keeper that I needed pen and ink,” 6 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Blanks were left for date and names as follows: : CATE te date etee ahaa eta kc Woe wae be Permit Mtiivicseoeoes sas LOSER EM ev ieineace Ray cis in his cell. OS enedy HiRes be Justice. Paul filled in the date in his natural handwriting. Then, after the words “Permit Mr.” he wrote “Paul Vlastock,” after “to see” he put “Jan Pallog,” and he signed the name “Archibald Ford” in imitation of the justice’s handwriting. He allowed the ink to dry while he tore up the experiments he had made on hotel paper, and threw them on the fire. Then he folded his pass and went back to he Old Bailey. It was much less than an hour from the time when he had been there before. Having come to the head keeper’s desk, he handed over the forged order. “All right,” said Markle, with a glance at the é paper. “You'don’t waste time, do you?” “Not when I’m on business,” replied Paul, coldly. Markle called a guard. . “Take this gentleman to cell, one: hundred and he ordered. - said the guard, and Paul followed twenty-five,” » “This way, sir,’ him. © They went through a long fialtway and around a - bend to’another, having to stop twice on the way for guards to unlock and open gates for them. ' “Whew!” exclaimed Paul, taking off his overcoat, “it’s hot in here.” 4 Mes; sir,” and close everywhere to-day.” He opened the door of cell one hundred and j twenty-five and Paul stepped in. Soo all Y said Pallog, in English, quickly.” “Yes,” responded’ Paul, in the same language, “I found no difficulty. “ The solicitor who will take your case will come to see you late in the afternoon. ‘Meantime, he wants you to sign this paper.” ; er voE “you are back ae \, responded the guard; the air is thick : He looked inquiringly at the guard. “Will a stylograph do?” asked the latter, “T suppose so.” “The man at the gate has one.” “Will he lend it to me for a minute?” “T think so, sir.” “Ask him, please.” | i The guard went back to the bend in the hallway. i No sooner had he left the cell door than Paul whisked his false beard from his face. It then appeared with only a short, black mustache.” He looked exactly like his brother Jan. “Quick!” whispered Paul, handing the beard tos Jan. it: There was no need of the command. Pallog saw the scheme, and as already fastening E the beard to his face. tee Paul took off his hat and placed it on his brother’ 8 head. They changed places, Paul sitting down on whe a prison cot, Jan remaining on his feet. — The overcoat had been thrown ee the ‘stool i in the cell. z “Here you are, sir,” said the gure, petra with — a stylograph pen. si He handed it in at the door, ha Pallog took it. i “Now, Jan,” said he, addressing Paul, “just write your name at the bottom and I wall take the pepe. a back to the solicitor’s office.” Paul wrote “Jan Pallog” on the paper, and gave . the pen. back. ie “Ts that all?” he Bie. Aes fe i “That is all,” replied Jan, “and as we don’t bea i 3 to lose time in finding bail for you [ bile go at once.’ “Very well, ” said Paul. -. ¢ Jan put on his. brother’s Raeeeees and turned to the guard. a “Thank you for your febubie ann the pen,’ said he. ‘Will you ate to song back with me?”
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Pigs ea sir. None of the ee keepers would bain : you pass if I wasn’t with you.” “Tndeedl !” “The rules are strict, sit.” “But I eis t suppose they would — to make a prisoner of me.’ The guard laughed. CF a “They would have to,” he said, keeper or the warden could be called to give orders.” “Well, I don’t want to be made a prisoner. It’s bad enough to see my friend here. Good-by, Mr. Pallog.” Jan had finished buttoning ‘his coat. Seo Mr. Viastock, and thank you fot y your said Paul. The guard closed the door, ‘dnd Jan went with him through the long hailway to the office. . kindness,” There he had to stop for half-a-minute while a clerk made a record of the visit. _ “You didn’t have much to say this time,” remarked Markle, as Pallog stood near his desk. “No, x responded Pallog, imitating his brother’s voice. ‘to a paper.” “We could have saved you trouble by bringing him “y cope wanted the prisoner to sign his name out here to do that.” “YT didn’t know that. done,” _ The clerk finished his record da: Markle took up Re newspaper. , Never mind. The thing is Pallog walked to the eitaenee where the haley ~ opened the outer door for him. “Beastly day, sir,” said the turnkey. “Better outside than i in,” responded renee) cheer- fully, at doxtn paces before he was ottt of sight in the fog. ) “I wonder,” he chuckled, “how soon Paul will let ther know that they’ve got the wrong man? If they ; don't find it out for theitiselves, he’ 1 wait until I have had time to act. T won't lose a minute, “until the head He turned toward Fleet street and had: not gone a_ - diamond. While they | vy ‘alt think eae belie. the bat vs os caty work wich wee As NICK CARTER WEEKLY. eg in this disguise. [’ll buy a knife and a revolver with some of this money that Paul slipped into my hand, and then go for a look at the Roumelian minister's house.” CHAPTER. III. ait THE. MESSENGER. Early in the afternoon of. the day when ‘Pallog made his escape from the Old Bailey, an important discussion was taking place in the office of the Rou- melian minister in London. iRvan 4 ae The persons who took part in it were the minister and his secretary. “I think the stone should be sent to Amsterdam,” said the minister. “Why ?” asked the minister. “Because there are better diamond cutters there.” “That is true.” ay “T hate to trust sucha valuable stone to these Lon-. don men.” . bieeaes es arta “Then why not send it, sir ?” . “T am afraid to.” “Afraid?” i ESE eat oe The minister took a small box from a drawer in his nN desk and opened it by pressing a spring. When’ the cover rose it showed the crown ‘aac . sparkling wonderfully. 2) “It’s a beauty!” exclaimed the secretary. ae . “Indeed it is, and I am afraid to let it go out, of my a5 hands. ‘Think of Pallog. It tempted him to steal i it” hae big feta “You might take it to Amsterdam yourself.” “As you know, I cannot leave London just at wel: t ent, and there ought not to be much delay.” “But you can trust Peter Blowitz. die has been messenger for this office for twenty years.” a a 7 1% “Yes: 1 can trust: ‘Blowitz. He would not ate@. the And yet Tam afraid.” ae and Pes
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8 He thinks, too, that a native of Borneo, a black man, is chasing Pallog great temptation to gwime. around the world to get it.” “But Pallog is locked up.” “The black man isn’t.” “How do we know that there is a black man?” Mr. Carter thinks pardon me, sir, but a detective is likely to r] “We don’t know. “Bah! think a good many things. frighten you into engaging him to protect the mes- senger until he should deliver thd stone to the queen in Adrianople.” -*T don’t think Mr. “Maybe he isn’t, but “He never mentioned such a thing. Carter is that kind of a man.” If he had wanted me to engage him for that purpose, he would: have spoken of it.” “Well, it’s not for me to say, but I should send the . stone to Amsterdam.at once.” The minister was silent for a full minute. ‘Then he closed the box and put it back in his desk. He touched a bell. - An elderly man came in\at once, and bowed re- spectfully. _ “Blowitz,” said the minister, “I want you to get ready to go to Amsterdam at once.” “As you please, sir.” “Can you take the next ie a? “T don’t know when it goes, sir.’ _ The minister glanced at his secretary, who ctoseed the room and examined a railway guide. “A train leaves Charing Cross at two “Tt makes direct connection with the Holland boat, and Blowitz could arrive in Amsterdam by nine o'clock to-morrow morning.” “Can you catch that train?’ asked the minister, _ addressing the messenger. “T have only to put a few things in my bag, sir.” “Do so, then, and come here for your instruc- tions.” Blowitz bowed and went out. “T am hee you have decided to sold the stone aw ay, sit, ’ said the secretary. a ; a shat Bees ay Probably he wanted to , he said.: "several minutes ahead of train: time. Ney ee ray ee NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “What makes you feel that way ?” “To tell the truth, sir, Iam a little afraid mysell.” a “Indeed !’” 5 “Yes; I can’t help thinking of the ee of having an article of such enormous value in our care.” The minister smiled. “You would rather risk old Blowitz than yourself,” he remarked. The secretary made no reply, and a moment later he was at work on something that took him to an- other room. Shortly after he had gone, Blowitz returned for his instructions, which were given briefly. “Send mie word as soon as you arrive in Amster- dam,” said the minister, “and don’t agree to a bar- gain with the diamond cutters until beet have con stilted me.’ “T understand, sir.’ fs) oar The messenger went out to the street where there was a cab that he had sent for. pe a He got in, telling the driver to, take him to the Charing Cross railway station, “{ want to catch a two o’clock train,” he added “Vll try for it,” replied the driver, “but I can ra _ The fog is so thick that I can’t drive fast.” promise. Both the driver and the messenger heard light steps hurrying away before the cab started, but they thought nothing of it. The fog was so thick that they could ts dly see the é horse’s head. ee [4 = eee El There was nothing to arouse their suspicion in the fact that somebody who knew the way was hur rying ve along the street. ‘They knew that anybody could have stood unseen _ near enough to hear the,order given to go to Char- ing Cross, but they thought och of that, either, Why should they? Probably a hundred men were going to Charing is Cross in different parts of the great city at that min- ute. the streets and brought the messengef to the station The cab driver picked his way aerate socom
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. na 2 Obeying the instructions he had received from the minister, the messenger engaged a first-class com- partment for himself alone, anda porter showed him to it. “Will you be getting out again, sir, netare the train starts?” asked the porter. “No,” replied Blowitz, The porter called to a train guard, who came up and locked the door. Blowitz put his bag on one seat and sat down on “you may lock the door.” the other. He put a rug over his-knees and’settled back com- ’ fortably. : . He had bought some newspapers, but the light from the lamp hanging from the roof was not bright enough to read by on account of the fog, which was thicker than ever. “As soon as the train gets’ a few miles from the city,” thought’ Blowitz, “there will be no fog, and I shall be able to read.” ‘He closed his eyes and fell to thinking of the im- portant errand the minister had given him. The minutes passed quickly. + ‘A guard ran along the station platform trying the handle of the car doors to see that they were locked. The conductor blew a whistle as a signal to the en- gineer. This was answered by two shrill toots from the en- gine, The train started. At first it moved very slowly. > Alveke, figure of a man suddenly appeared from the fog at the door of the compartment in which Blowitz sat. He had ona coat that came down to his heels, and the collar was turned up above his ears. Blowitz did not stir. He did not see the figure. li he had he would have supposed that it was a.sta- tion porter, or a train hand. + The man in the long coat grasped the door handle, and, holding it hard, got his toés on the narrow sttip ‘of wood that runs along the side of the car below the door, He turned his act to tas door. Then he pushed his shoulder so, hard against the glass window set in the upper half of the door that it broke. Several pieces of the pane fell inward. Instantly the long-coated man turned, and, with his elbow, knocked out other pieces. In less than a.second he had cleared a large open- He got his gloved hands on the eee of the window then and crawled in. ing. Blowitz, who had been startled ys tte | breaking glass, looked up. By that time the’ man’ was eee 8 ee the window. The messenger tried to retreat o the further side of the carriage. His legs got twisted in his Hg, and he half fell to the floor. Blowitz was then helpless against the man, who at-_ tacked him furiously. That much of this strange affair pecans known when the train was stopped, as it was a moment later. Railroad men on the foggy station platform heard the breaking of glass. : They could not see what was going on, but they knew that something serious nad happened. They supposed that it was an accident. eT, “Has somebody run a luggage truck into sa * train: ?” shouted the head baggage man. Nobody could say. . The sound of breaking glass had feuded, “Stop the train!” cried another railroad man. The station agent, who was on the platform, fine heard the noise and the shouts. He blew a whistle and sent a man to the dis- patcher’s office, A porter. ran alongside the moving train, -rapping on the window of the last compartment. Hee The conductor of the train was in that cone BY ment. oF Arata , {
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BO) | NICK eaten WEEKLY, “Stop her!” shouted the porter. A policeman care up. tee ( The conductor pulled the signal cord and the train His experienced eye took in the situation quickly. stopped before the last car had, got outside the sta- “The murderer must have crossed the river on the | tion. footway,” he said. Then the station agent, guards and others ran It should be explained that the Charing Cross rail- along the side of the train looking for the damage. way station is on the bank of the river Thames. “Here it is,’ cried a guard, when he came to the All trains from there go directly from the ation broken window. ‘tora bridge that crosses the river. ‘ ji He grasped ‘the door’ handle and pulled himself There is no roadway for ordinary carriages, aid up so that he could look in. alongside the railroad tracks there is a wide path for “Great Heaven!” he gasped, jumping down again. pedestrians. - His face was ghastly pale. ; This pathway is much used es persons who live in “What's the matter?” demanded the station agent, eng coming up at that moment. “Look, ~ sir,” replied the guard; “I dassent. The policeman thought that the murderer, having killed and robbed his man, had got out ‘of the cat ~ Ne yp ; ee s been murder done! by the window of the other door, and that: he had pp? Marae i f : _ then got onto the footpath and crossed. ets river. ‘The station agent raised himself to the window. Avs tigation was died eden eee ec ‘ n investi ‘3 He leoked in. ; riser 6 0 A railroad man was sent across the rivet on the For a moment he was speechless with horror. : i 2 ye . j ; inquiries and to . ‘Then he called to a guard with a shaking voice. OOFDSE Seas warn the police on the other side. “Unlock this door.” ie Br 3 eraaeie Ll >The guard got out his key and the door was Meantime, the dead body of rahe was taken’ opened. \ Has from the car and the train went on, This, howev er, was not done sin every compart=- * ment on the train had been searched to see if the | murderer had hidden himself in any of them. When the station agent and others Sonded inside, they found Blowitz doubled up on the floor, bleeding -. from wounds in the throat and chest. wet The messenger was dead. No trace of him was found. ¥ i Ree ‘The position of his body showed how he had fried Nobody alive had seen him, no one knew even that ae to get out of the. way and how his legs had got tan- the murder er was a man, though nobody SHPPOERS Ay eled i in his ig, fs \: : that a woman could have done such a deed, It. ee but a glance to ye ae ‘nih Pte had The police were confident at first that the criminal | ie been rifled, for some of the pockets were turned in- would be found quickly. I pe Siete re side out. Lee ; It did not seem possible that he could go far with | S , i i His traveling bag was gone. ‘ the stolen traveling bag without attracting attention tip There was no sign of the murderer. = hy - ‘The window of the door on the other side of the . ‘ car was open. _ “He got out that way,” said a guard. aee ‘Must have worked like lightning,” remarked an- that would serve asa clew. | ‘Detectives from Scotland Yard were atti by tel et ephone, and. within half-an-hour of the murder ag dozen of them. wer e at work on the a aa nt ‘ When evening came paey were ie oe ‘they 3 i “Who is whe?” asked a third A ae were at the beginning. ig
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. CHAPTER “IV. NICK CARTER’S THEORY. ° Nick Carter and his assistants had made their plans to start for America on the day following the events described. They were staying at the Tavistock Hotel, and, having the afternoon with nothing to do, they had gone to a theatre. On their way to the hotel after the performance, they heard newsboys crying extra editions. “All about the terrible murder!” “Man killed in a railway carriage!” “Mysterious murder and robbery!” Nick bought seyeral papers. ni | Skee “We shall have to see about, this,” he said: “It’s nothing that we have anything to do with, but it’s in our line and it sounds interesting.” The detectives found that. the papers had only a few lines about the affair. It had happened too late for the reporters to get complete accounts for the evening papers. All that the detectives learned, therefore, was that an unknown man had been murdered in a train at Charing Cross, but every paper was sure that the ‘police were hot on the trail of the murderer. “We might offer to help the Scotland Yard fel- lows,” ‘said Patsy, jokingly. “Not much!” responded Nick. “I want to go home.” ; “When they got to the hotel, the clerk told them that a gentleman was waiting to see them in the -reading-room. ; Nick and the others went to the reading-room and found the Roumelian minister. “Mr. Carter,” said the minister, in a trémbling voice, “a terrible thing has happened. I need your professional assistance.” Instantly it flashed upon all three that the crown ‘diamond had been Stolen. None of them said anything about it there, for a . dozen or more men were within hearing. “Come to my room,” said Nick. a4 Arrived there, the detective Sree toa chair nd \ said: “Explain.” The minister was too nervous to sit Sean “Mr. Carter,” he said, “I sent a trusted messen- ger to Amsterdam this afternoon on businesss in con- ‘nection with the diamond you cleverly saved from that thief, Jan Pallog.” Nick nodded. “My messenger was foully murdered “Ah! at Charing Cross?” “Yes, Have you heard?” “T have seen the papers.” ; “But they say nothing of my messenger.” “T simply inferred. “Very well; I-want you to bring the murderer to justice. The Scotland Yard men are making no headway. They are completely mystified.” Nick was thinking rapidly during this statement. Turning to Chick, he said: “Telephone the'warden of Old Bailey and ask him if he still has Jan Pallog there.” | . so wayh: “That will be unnecessary,” ake ei the minis- ter. “I have already eae that question.” “When?” “An hour ago.” “Well?” “The warden replied that Pallog is there. that your suspicions were the same as mine.” I see “That Pallog was the murderer ?” “Yes. I thought he must have made his escape somehow and that he killed poor old Blowitz in the — hope of getting the diamond.” . “I did have a suspicion of that kind,” said Nick, “but if Pallog is still behind the bars we must look elsewhere for the murderer.” * “He has an accomplice, Mr. Carter.” “Indeed? Be “One aie called on him this forenoon, or about noon the second time, I believe.” “How do you know this?” rae te “The warden told me over the telephone.” | \ ( i »
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eo “Ah! let me know all that was said.” “It is very little. A man called at the prison, say- ing that he was‘a conmerymian of Pallog and asking to seé him.” . “Was he admitted?” “Certainly. He conversed with the prisoner for several minutes in the presence of two guards.” “What about?” ; : “Nobody knows. They spoke Roumelian,”’ tan “Later, the friend called again for just a moment and saw Pallog in his cell.” “Then he must have had an order from court,” “He did, but it was a forgery.” “So?” “SY es, or three hours afterward. of it; Mr; Carter?” “Vd rather hear what you make of it.” That fact was discovered by accident two * “Well, T have no doubt that Pallog and his friend spoke together about the diamond. I believe that about it, how it was in my possession, and how it would probably be sent to. Amsterdam by inessenger, ~ and that the friend shadowed my office to attack any 2 messenger as might send out. Is, that a good theory?” Petz “Jt sounds well.” “But L see you do not believe it?” “Not quite.” Wi Baki : ‘Wait a minute. Excuse me.” Nick turned to Patsy, “Tump into a cab,” he said, steamship office in Trafalgar Square and counter- “and go down to the mand. our order for staterooms by phot fi ; ° to-morrow’s > i? The Roumelian minister drew a long breath. a am glad to hear that,” he ea “for it means that you Ae undertake the case.’ - EY eg,” Nick responded, “I will see it dhe amemy The loss of that HiROnG & a second time H NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Now, what do you make Pallog gave his friend all the information he had- -on that errand as an experiment. i ec “But it isn’t lost, Mr. Carter!” “What ?” For answet, the minister took a small box from his pocket, pressed the sides, the cover flew up, and there lay the diamond that had caused already a great deal of trouble, “Blowitz didn’t have it with him,” said the imin- ister. Pn “Was Blowitz the name of your messenger who -was murdered?” “Ves 2? * For one instant the great detective seemed to be staggered. es Patsy had started from the s room the moment Niek spoke to him, but he was at the door when the min- | ister said that the stone had not been lost. Thinking that’ that fact might make Nick change his mind, he waited. vis Se After.a short pause Nick said; eh Dar “Go ahead, Patsy.. This matter interests me and we will take care of it.” Patsy went away. ef “JT must have misunderstood you,” Nick then said to the minister. “TI thought Blowitz had Hoes mur- ' dered for the diamond. Didn’t you say you sent him | to Amsterdam on business connected bah the stone?” ‘ é ; “Yes, L wanted him to get terms for cutting er “Was that all?” The minister hesitated. ‘ oo 6 he ane ane “Better tell me everything,” exclaimed Nick. “It doesn’t pay to let me misunderstand you,” ev, a Ea a ” said the minister, “and, for that matter, I do believe Blowitz was mur fF dered for the’ diamond. The murderer must have be- lieved thet Blowitz had the stone with him. He didn’t — pee nite “You hesitated a moment ago. Why?” ae) mente 4 ‘Well, Mr. ‘Carter, the truth is I sent poor Blowite “I didn’t mean to mislead you,
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tio. “Lodadys | “And you have found out?” “T have, and I am dreadfully sorry. | believe that my messenger would be harmed, but I | thought that if he got to Amsterdam without being ’ troubled it would show that it was safe to carry the - diamond anywhere.” “I think your plan was a good one,” said Nick. The minister looked relieved. “T was afraid,” he responded, “that you would say I was responsible for the death of Blowitz.” “Not at all. You are responsible for the drastandt If you had sent it by Blowitz he would have been | killed just the same, and you would have lost the stone.” “That’s it, Mr. Carter; and, now I know that there is danger for anybody who carries it. That is why I keep it with me. 1 will take all the risks myself.” Carry it to the Bank of ‘England and have it locked up in the deepest vault.” “T will do so to-morrow. It is too late to-day.” “That will be your only safe course until we have caught the fellow who did this caries “Pallog’ S accomplice ?” “Maybe. We’Jl.see. | the murder itself.” “Better not take any. Tell me ail you can about The minister then related the events at Charing Cross so far-as he knew them. ’ said Nick, at the end, | “and Tam glad this matter happened before I got out of the country.’ I will go to work at once, ane you will hear from me when’ have anything to say.” “It’s an interesting case,’ The minister saw. from’ this that he was no longer needed, Vj . } He thanked | ick and went back to his house. / As soon as he was gone, Nick turned to Chick. / “What do you think?” he asked. OT gan't understand,” was the reply, “why Pallog’s accomplice went back to the, Old Bailey a second time.” Pa ~ “Neither can I,” returned Nick, | “and I’m not try- id to Bins bea sie a me : NICK CARTER WEEKLY. I didn’t really: This has been a good day for crime, Chick. A crim-— inal could work in the fog better than at night.” 13 f “Indeed ?” “ “Why should 17” - “Do you mean that you don’t believe the accom- plice theory?” “I do not. There are villains enough in the world who are’not in prison, but I believe Pallog is the only white man, who would ae done’ that murder.” “And Pallog is in prison.” “Yes. So it must have been the black man.’ “From Borneo?” ) Ure, : : “And yet we have never céme across that black man, and we have nothing better than Fae s word that there is such a man,” ; af “How?” “We have something better than Pallog’s word. He told us in New York that a black called on him at the Astor House. ‘That may have been a lie, but we know that nothing would be more likely than that . | the savages of Borneo would try to get that won- derful diamond away from the man who took it out of their vikesaee ‘ “That's 80. “The savages thought so much of the stone that. they would willingly send a inan—a dozen men-—— around ‘the world to get it. They are Mi esabs wonderfully shrewd—the savages, I mean.’ “And you think one of them has managed to trace — the stone to the Roumelian minister’s house?” dor . “He must speak English, then.” “Yes. | If he didn’t, he couldn’t have Jearned that Blowitz was going by a train from Charing Cross. “That's just what he has done.” aetedia Fora moment the two “abtectives were silent. He “The police are on the wrong track,” said Nick, de- "|. ' cidedly. “If Pallog had made his escape I might i think of him, but perhaps not even then, for ih mur- der was done with a dagger.” ; “L was pane of that. ns
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14 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “The dagger is the natural weapon of a savage.” Yes?” z “A white man would have struck Blowitz senseless with the butt of a revolver.” “That’s right.” “Then we’ve got to hunt the city for a black man from Borneo who speakes English.” CHARTER? V. THE TICKET-TAKERS. “That's a pretty large order,” said Chick. “How are you going to begin?” “By asking questions at the Mansion House sta- tion of the London, Chatham and Dover railroad.” Chick opened his eyes wide, : “That's more than two miles from Charing Cross!” he said. “It is. Have you thought where the murderer would go after committing the crime?” “We know that he went out of the car by the other window.” |» “No we don’t.” “Qh! you think he opened that window to mislead the police, and went out the same way he got in?” '*T shouldn’t wonder. He could.do it as well as not in the fog, and it would be easier for his purpose.” “T don’t catch on.” . “The police thought he went’ to the footway be- cause that was in the direction of the other‘ door.” “Yes, for if he went out the way he:came in he ‘ would be in the station where there were a lot of peo- ple.” “None a whom eo be seen on account of ae - fog.” “True, and that means that he could not he seen.’ “Certainly. Now, do you remember that there is direct railway connection between Charing: Cross and the Mansion House?” ido. “It is the only elevatéd road that London as, It crosses the river from Charing Cross, goes along over the house tops toa point pases the Mansion House, where it crosses the river again and comes to an end.” ; “T remember.” “They run trains over that road between Charing Cross and Mansion House every half-hour.” “And they leave on the hour!” cried Chick, be- ginning to see through his chief’s theory. : “Except,” said Nick, “when a through express is leaving at the same time. At two o'clock, for ex- ample, the train for Mansion House would wait three minutes after the express had left. Blowitz was on the two o'clock express. The murderer, having done his deed, which he did with great quickness, took Blowitz’s bag, got out of the compartment, crossed a few tracks to another platform, and calmly went around to the Mansion House train.” “Tt seems likely.” “We must find out about it. He would go as far. as he could on that train. ‘Therefore he would go to — Mansion’ House. Where he went from there re- mains to be seen.” x ees “Tf he went there,” said Chick. ‘‘AIlI this is theory, so far.”’ ; ren “T admit that, but I believe in it so much that lam going to the Mansion House to ask questions.” » ; “What shall I do?” “You and Patsy go to Charing Cross. You may _ | pick up things there mn the Scotland Yard fellows — have missed.” * “T suppose you want us to tele your thea. “Certainly,” Se “And ask questions about a black man.’ ‘ae “That’s it. Evenin the fog he may have been , seen by somebody, ant black men are so rare in Lon-— | don that he would be sure to attract attention.” ‘ They started from the hotel together. ‘ Patsy met them at the door. oo He had just returned from his trip to Trallgar Square. E Nick told him to go with Chick, and the detectives separated. Denes It is necessary to explain to those shi have not a + < ai 15.9
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over there as they do in this country: . If they did, Nick would have had a hard time of it. A conductor does not pass through a train, taking up tickets, as is the case here. Such a plan would be impossible because the cars | are divided into little rooms, or compartments, with ' partitions that run clear across. At any station the conductor may come along, open the door of the passenger’s room and demand _his ticket, but as a rule, especially on short runs, no tickets are asked for until the passenger leaves. the "train. | ‘He has. to show his ticket .at.a gate before going - to the train, as in large cities in this country. _. Then he rides to his station, where he has to pass 7 through another gate to get to the street: At that gate a man stands, who takes the tickets. ey the passenger cannot show a ticket, he is ar- | rested. As he had been in England many times, Nick knew By that the black man, if he went to the Mansion House, "would have to go out by a gate, and so be seen by : one of the ticket-takers there. Ee _ If none of these ticket-takers remembered a black 7 ‘man, the detective was ready to give up his theory 4 and think out a new one, | He thought it best to tell the ticket-taker plainly | what he was about. So,.w. when he got to the Mansion House, he said: pec Oh ae a detective, and [ am.after a criminal who I believe passed through here about a quarter past two this afternoon, Were you on duty at that | time? ae ft Pie NT was. Siti t “Did you take the tickets for tte train that came in from Charing Cross: re ; — “Some of them, sir.’ “How many ticket- salts were there. for. that | Two.” NICK CARTER WEEKLY. traveled in England that they don’t run railroads | e (ds ane othes one e here?” : erate ie Sek a eae in ie crowd. 15 eee sir. That man over there, just starting ahs home. I’m going myself in a minute.” “Then I'll wait for you, and ask dace of you to- gether.” ; A Nick went up to the other ticket-taker, oate the same explanation, and asked him to wait. , Very soon he had both men together. “Now,’ ca dts “the sau I am looking for is a black man.’ At this the ticket-takers idee glances. “Must be him!” exclaimed one. “You saw such a man, then ?” asked Nick, quietly. Vane seemed as if his ieee was eats justified rape idly. z “Yes, we did,” replied one of the ticket-takers. “Was hea short man, with a long overcoat?” “T shouldn’t wonder.” a “Very ‘black? a regular nigger?” ; . “Quite likely.” “Does your man. speak English well?” “Like a natiye.” “Then it must be him!” “Tam glad you remember him so well, ? edad Nick. “How did you eas to take such a ee Sig te at him ??” “Why! We had trouble with him.” “Oh! What about?” oe ea “He didn’t have the right ticket.” ENG “What ticket did he show you?” “A ticket to Dover.” “From the Charing Cross station?” oe eo tea | | “What did he say about it? age “Nothing at first. He tried to pass out on it.” “And you proven him?” “Of course.” a i “What did you say?” ' Rey “I told him that it wouldn’t go.” “What did he do then?” “He took the ticket back, stepped away aid ee in the line of passengers. going past the other ticket- . taker. You nici he thought he could pass amnoticed!
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18 “AT Seer "Welk?" “T sung out to the other ticket-taker to look out for a Dover ticket.” “And then?” “The other, ticket-taker stopped him.” “He might have got by,” remarked. the other ticket-taker, “if I hadn’t been warned.’ There was quite a crowd passing at the time.” ‘What did he say to you?” asked Nick. “Something about the wrong train.” “Did he pretend that he had made a mistake in getting on the train at Charing Cross?” “He did, but that didn’t go with us, for we knew the gateman there wouldn’t have let him make a mistake.” “And, besides,” put. in’ the first man, “he showed that he was trying to cheat us by slipping from one ticket-taker to the other. We came near calling a policeman.” “But you didn’t do so?” “No. He seemed to understand all of a sudden, ‘and he begged pardon so hard that we let him off.” \ Howe” “Oh! we took his fare from Charing Cross in cash, three pence, you know.” > “And I suppose he went away then.”, _ OVasc% “In what direction?” “Couldn’t say, sir. We didn’t watch him. wise, I didn’t. Did you, Bill?” “No,” said Bill, “I don’t know where he went.” “Thank you, gentlemen,” said Nick; “one more question, please. Did this black man have a travel- ing bag?” The ticket-takers thought about this for a mo- ment, “J didn’t see any,” replied one. “No,” said the other, “I’m sure he didn’t have any- -\ thing with him, for if he had he would have had to set it down when he hunted through his pockets for coppers to pay his fare.” This was all the information the ticket-takers coitld give him, and Nick left them. Re ‘He went to a telephone station and called up Scot- ' land Yard, asking for gn inspector there whom he _ knew well, ; , ; “Tello, Haley,” he said, “this is Carter, of New York” eno: , “What!” exclaimed the inspector, “Nick?” : NICK CARTER WEEKLY. _ the bridge.” Least-: . way. ” “The same.” “T heard you ‘were in town. on us?” “T meant to this evening, hae Tm ‘busy now.” “Pm not surprised. Can we do anything for your’ f “Yes. What’s the latest about the Charing Cross murder?” oh “You're on that, are your” “Perhaps.” “Well, we’ve found Blowitz’s traveling-bag.” “Where was it?” “In the river near Waterloo bridge.” “Empty, I suppose.” “No; it was full of the old man’s clothes.” “But it had been ieee “Oh, yes; cut open.” “T see. Didn’t stop to unlock it.” . % “No, and the tree used the knife with which | he had killed his man.” “How do you know that?” “Blood stains along the cut.” “Have you found the knife?” “Not yet. Why don’t you call % i “Which bridge?” “Charing Cross, of course. have gone that way and dropped the bag over after. he had cut it open and hunted in it for the diamond Blowitz was supposed to carry. We presume that | he also dropped his knife to the bottom of the river.’ “T understand.” “Tf-we ean find the knife it will be a good as i “won't it?” “First rate.’ “T thought so. “Cértainly.” “We'd like to work with you, you know.” “That’s all right. I certainly sha’n’t work against _ you, but this is my hunt, Haley; you’re on ee WEEE track.” ) “Go on!” S aRaNS | “T mean it. j, “Where did he go, then?” “To Mansion House. I’ve just talked men who saw him.” ~ ‘ . “Well! you're a good one.’ jet 1 Bye ‘e: : ‘ Mf hs : 3] Hee a NSS be py: : gor me gai so. I’m going | to follow up ) my clew n We've got divers hunting for it near The murderer must | Can you give us a hint, Carter?” The murderer didn’t cross the foot- ; Gitte two :
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and if you don’t want to waste time you can call your divers out of the river, *They won’t find the knife.” “T think you're mistaken for oncé, Carter.” — -- “Guess not, but we’ll see later. Good-by.” _ Haley said good-by, and rang off. Nick went out to the street in front of the station, and for the next half-hour was busy asking ques- tions of newsboys, fruit dealers, and others who had been near there at half-past two, whether they had seen a black man in a long overcoat. The result of these inquiries was that Nick set out - eastward, for he found persons who remembered see- ing a black man going in that direction. He asked no more questions. . | “Time enough for that if I don’t run across him to- night,” he thought. “The nearer I get to him the more careful 1 must be not to let him get wind that anybody is on his track.” Nick soon found himself in Whitechapel, a district in London where everybody is ‘poor and where there have been enough criminals to give e district a bad } name. The detective thought it likely that the murderer would hide himself somewhere in this district. . It is a good place for hiding. © There are more narrow, crooked and dark alleys Bihan there are streets, and there are many dark | courts between buildings. - For more than an hour Nick yanaeeea around. He saw a few blacks here and there, but none of _ them aroused his suspicions. ; ae They were all Africans, or half-bloods, like the } American negroes. The natives of Borneo look very differently, and | it was a native of Borneo that Nick wanted to see. | : Presently he had one of the greatest surprises of | his life. He did not see a Borneo man. It was a white This man had a full black beard, but that was | nothing to Nick Carter. +. The. detective seemed to see through the beard; he | Saw the face as he had last seen it, in court that very F morning. ' He saw, too, the man’s gait, he noticed his build, }-and the way he clinched his hands as he walked. There might be pre such men in the world. : “Ts it possible,” thought Nick, “that Jan, ace q has a double here in Pondonr I wish I had heard his voice. tled it.” . The detective went out to the sidewalk. sti hustle down to the Old Bailey. e Se NICK CARTER WEEKLY. | 17 “Pallog was in prison at half- -past ae Ze “What is he doing here? -“Is my theory of this case all wrong?” CHAPTER VI. PALLOG’S LIFE IN DANGER. Nick fell in behind the man he thought he recog- nized, and followed him until he went into’ a res- taurant, ‘The man sat near the door, and with his bacle tOdti A waiter went up to him, and while he gave his order, Nick bought a cigar at the cashier’s desk. Thu@ he overheard the man’s order, but not in the man’s voice, for he spoke so low that the head could not hear. What he did hear was the waiter repeating the order to make sure that he had it right. “Sirloin steak and French fry, sir? and coffee? Very good, sir, but you'll have to wait till the steak” and potatoes are cooked.” The customer nodded, and the waiter went to the kitchen. “It will take ten minutes for the steak,” thought ~ Nick, “and he’s good for ten minutes more in eating But I don’t dare to let him wholly out of sight. That would have set- Directly across the street was a cheap clothing store. A few doors from it was a public telephone office. Nick glanced.back into the restaurant. His man was still at the table. He had picked up.a hew spaper, and from ee way he held it Nick could see that he was reading the account of the Charing Cross murder. “The first thing a criminal does when‘he takes tp a paper,” thought Nick, “is to read the story. of his own crime. ae “Can it be possible that Jan Pallog———” He did not finish the question, but ran over to the telephone office and rang up the Tavistock Hotel. He asked for one of his assistants, and a moment ° ‘later he heard Patsy’s voice. “ve Bae come in, Nick,” said Patsy; “Chick is” “Never mind,” Nick interrupted, “I want you to pet
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18 “Albright. © What for?’ “Find out whom they've got there under the name of Jan Pallog!” “All right.” “Bring your information to the public house at 317 Whitechapel road. If you don’t find me, notify Scotland Yard.” “All right. Say, Nick.” oY ell! Speak fast.” “We apaee that a black man had been in Chat- ing “Oh! Hang the black man! “That's what we're trying to do.” “Drop him.” e “Don’t you care anything more about him?” “Not much.” “You might like to know that he had on a ee -overcoat——” “Forget it! Go down to Old Bailey and learn all you can gun! Pallog, or the man who is there under that name.’ “Vin. off. Good-by,” Nick hung up the: receiver. He noticed as he went out that the fog fied cleared greatly. As it was now, he could see His man in the res- taurant. , He was still waiting for his sage and Baiaiaee and he was still reading a paper. Nick hurried into the clothing store. _“Got a second-hand coster’s suit ?’ Ihe asked. 42? The dealer thought he had, and looked over his, stock. Presently he’ stash out one that Nick could get into, and a purchase was quickly made. The detective had his own clothes packed and sent to the Tavistock Hotel. While he was in the store he looked often across . the street at the restaurant. He could not see his man fr om there, but he could see everybody who went in ot out of the doorway. If the man he suspected as Pallog had come out, the detective would have followed him whether he had made his change of costume or not.. After the change had been made, Nick stepped _ ‘into a dark alley and completely altered the Sener is anée’ of his face. aie Then he went back to the door of the restaurant, ip) The man was now eating, NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Nick drew a long breath, Tt wasn’t often that he had to let a man sh ée ae sight as long as that, and he was glad that this man | had not sneaked out of the. restaurant. by a bats : door. About. twenty minutes had passed since he tele | phoned Patsy. a In half that time the young derdnave Heald oe to the Old Bailey from the Tavistock, but, of course, | there was no telling how long he might have to stay ther e, Rittect or twenty minutes more would be needed to get from the prison to this part- ‘a Watteshapel road. looked often toward it. Presently the man in the restaurant fitiiohed bie q meal and came out. Nick stood at the curb when he passed. ‘The man did not seem to. see him, although he looked all around before starting away. When he did start he walked very slowly, and he looked into evety-alley he crossed. After he had gone 4 little way, he turned peer and went back to a point some distance Poor aie restaurant. There he halted, waited a hit, pee then went i in th other direction, passing the restaurant again, . He did this several times, and nothing-eould ha’ been clearer than that he was looking for somebod Nick was interested and puzzled. . “I believe that beard is false,” oud Nicle t ei hai self, who, was patiently following, “and 1. believe th man is Pallog. re “TE it is; what is he doing 1 in Whitechapel? “Tf he escaped from prison in time to commit, th: murderer, as now seems likely, he knows that t ‘diamond, isn’t anywhere near. stone on teens or in his bag. for?” TRS detective had ts to bet it up. The public haase Nick had named was tae by, | and, although it was not yet time to expect — he He’ didn’t. find th :
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ro f ) ART i eaass Say tae eet cesta Wena NICK CARTER WEEKLY. He was having plenty of time to think, and his theory of the case was changing. At last the man went into the = of a public Howse: It was not the place where Nick had told Patsy to come. Nick also went into the bar, but not into that part of it where his man weit. English bars, like their railway cars, are generally divided into little compartments. The largest of these is called the “public” bar, and ‘the others, “private” bar, “sitting-room” and so forth. | -Nick’s man went into the public bar, and the de- tective stepped into the one nearest to it. ‘The door between was open. The detective, being in a “private” bar, Was served first, : He called for ale, and a moment later he heard’ the voice he knew asking for brandy. “T was not mistaken,” he said to himself. Pallog!” There were several customers in the public bar. They were having a lively discussion, and the sub- ject of it was the Charing Cross murder. That was natural, for probably all London was talking of it that evening. The men’s voices were loud and rather angry. _ Evidently they had been disputing for some time. . “I tell ’ee,” cried one, harshly, “it must ’a’ been 'a sailor chap. No hordinary man could ’a’ clumb through a winder like that.” “Rar ’im talk!” sneered another ; all about it.” , “Well, who done it if not a sailor chap te Ow do I know? 1 wasn’t there.” “Nobody said you was.” _ “Better not, then.” a _ “Aw,” growled another voice, “I don’t think no man done it, I don’t.” . “Wot were it, then?” “A hape, that’s wot ’twas.” “A hape? Wot’s that, Jerry?” 4 alee _ “Why!a hape.. I’ve seen lots of ’em at the zoo. Big monkeys, d’ye mind? A hape is a big monkey.” _ There was loud laughter at this. The man who thought that the criminal was an ape became very angry. 4 “Come off, mop you bloomin’ fools,” he shouted. “It’s \ “now, we knows “There ain't nothink silly in that. I’ve read some- where about a hape that did a murder, an’ it queered all the p’lice in the city to find hout about it.” “Come off yerself, Jerry. That was a make-up story.” “No, ‘twant, I read it.” “But hit never ’appened. Some o’ Bade TORE NeE chaps just writ it to fool such as you.” “Don’t call me a fool!” “T didn’t, but don’t you try to make us believe pes a hape ever did a murder. Pooh!” “Don’t ’ave no row, gents,” said the bartender. They paid no attention to this. — “T’'ll leave it hae wot’s read a ney ” tied Jerry. He turned to Pallog, who just finishing his brandy, and asked: ¢ “You, sir, didn’t you hever read. pee a hape Bois, murder ?” “Yes,” answered Pallog, shortly. “There now!” “But I didn’t say an ape did hts one,” added Pal- log. ee 4 “*Twas a sailor chap, eh, mister?” “What the devil do you suppose I know about it: ef Pallog spoke fiercely. The other men had been seniee angry, but they knew and understood each other. ; This stranger spoke in a way that turned them all against him. At first they were silent. Pallog set down his glass, threw a coin on we bar, and added: “You're a pack of idiots to talk about a thing you — don’t know anything about.” With this, he started to leave the bar, They got in his way. \ Several talked at once. ~ Nick could not make out their words, they spoke so quickly. He slipped into the room with them. Pallog was warding off a blow aimed af him, and was trying to get to the sali Two or three were in front of him, and just behind was a man who had raised a a beer mallet to strike him. This man evidently was a cab driver. He was the one who had the ee theory.
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“Ang ’ee,” cried Jerry, with the mallet raised, “Tl teach ’ee to call us hidiots!” Jerry was just drunk enough to be ugly. If his mallet had struck his victim that would have _ been the last of Pallog. Nick, in his disguise as a coster, dashed forward. He caught Jerry by the arm, and tore the mallet from his grasp. f “Ere there, fair play!” cried the coster. “Don’t ‘it a man for speakin’ ’is mind!” It was not till then that Pallog knew that such a deadly blow had been aimed at him. He ducked and darted toward the door. A rough-looking fellow struck him on the side of | the head, and sent him spinning to a corner. “ferry, the cabmas, and two others, closed with Nick. ‘ In about two seconds they wished they hadn't. vapor the pene: the mallet and struck outwith both fists. ‘ . floor. Nick then caught the third by y the eatin and waist- band, lifted him from the floor, and swung him up, ‘into the air. For half-a-secord he heid him there. / Then he threw him at the group of half-a-dozen or ee wlio were thinking of joining in the fight. The flying body of their comrade struck three of, them at once. : One caught a boot heel in fk eye. . _ Another had his wind knocked out of him.- The third lost a tooth because the flying man’s elbow hit himin the mouth. _ bod at, | The others stumbled out of the way. Most of the men in the bar made for the sidewalk. Those who staid slunk into corners. be) tae play, says I, an’ free speech,” Nick remarked ot cheerfully, as he picked, up the mallet and placed it “on the bar. The landlord ran in, _ “Get out of ’ere, hevery one bf you!” he yelled. ay UO ’t ‘ave my ’ouse turned hinto a pees ring. Get St. They iwere all moving out, Nick and Pallog in- eatded 0h / r.. The landlord seemed | to think Nick wasn’t going NICK CARTER WEEKLY: ee Each caug ht a man.on the j jaw and sent him to the -keep your heyes open for a bit.” - ye like, till you ee to your hiiae Is it ieqeat? it’s like; sir?” art the street heard i it, but pete was telling angrily. bP esi cia wi “Move lively, now!” he cried, giving the detective | a shove. Nick turned on him, 5 He saw that it was necessary to sas his stole thor- oughly. SE So he picked the landlord up, raised him ievel with the bar, and dropped him over behind it. e “You stay where you belong,” he said. The landlord tumbled down’ among bottles and glasses, with a great crash. ij A second later he looked catitiously over the top of the bar. = Nick and Pallog were just going’out. | oe All the rest had got out earlier. mes “Blow me!” gasped the landlord, “hif, that coster 4 ain't a rum ‘un!” EB i: _ CHAPTER VIL. THE HILT OF A DAGGER, si The men who had been in the bar were cro “together on the sidewalk. et . Pallog got close to. Nick. hy i caecs e “That's right, mister,” said the detective, “ bette There was no need of this advice. * ff Pallog seemed-to be thoroughly (righted. “T didmt want a row with pier Ae muttered. Aun t one what. t was senee apy Breit “No, I don’t live in this part of town.” “Ah! just lookin’ through vee: to see wot bus | * x“ es, that’s: vit} just to pass. time,” angt ily at, the detective ae Pallog. “Do you suppose they'll follow us?” asked Palle with a backward, glance. Sigs ‘ boty “Mebbe, sir; lee enough,’ ’ responded N a Pm good for ’em hif they do.” Lies “Yes, you ares You are a very Aron m “T was. brought up, fighting.” ees A crowd had begun to. gather about Jerry ne Othersyns a. ‘ The row had taken aan so. quiekly that
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4 f ; Miceae eye | eee CARTER WEEKLY, Somebody took a potato from a coster’s baat and threw it at Nick and Pallog. It missed, but Pallog was made more nervous. “If we get into a general row,” he said, “it will be too much even for you.” responded Nick. 7 “Right you are, “We'll dodge em . He took Pallog by the arm and turned him into an alley. ‘Nick, who really did wish to get away so ‘ie he could have Pallog to himself, hurried. © A shower of stones, sticks and vegetables fell be- hind them, as they made their first turn. — - They dodgéd about in the alleys for several min- utes, gradually losing sound of their pursuers, un- til at last they were out on Whitechapel road again. “They’ ll lay for us again if Bey see us,” said Pal- log. “We might step into a pub till they forget us,” re- sponded Nick. . | “We'll do that, and ve stand treat.” “Til have to go you.” No. 317 was near, and Nick led the way eee He no longer needed Patsy’s information, but he ° | hoped to find the young detective, for Patsy might “be very useful a little later. > There was no sign of Patsy in the pub. % “T don’t believe he’s been here,” thought ae | “If he had, he would have found some way to let me know.” Pallog set up the: drinks, and Nick stayed in the bar with him for half-an- hour. The man was ‘in his power, and yet Nick ae not ‘arrest him. f ale had been doing too much thinking for that. ‘The fact was that Nick had returned to the black man theory that he had given up as soon as he lear ned that Pallog was out ok prison. be “As he thought it over, remembering: what the min- Lister had told him about the call of Pallog’s friend at Old Bailey, he saw clearly that the. scoundrel had made his escape in time to be at Chari ing Cross long, before the arrival of Blowitz. ae : therefore, could have covaiyited the mur- i] i ; fe SN Nd ae rs AYN Waar y, Mae et Moll od ye “T'll stay with him till I find out,” was Nick’ de- ‘cision. It was not long before Nick saw that Pallog was | trying to get rid of him, Nick immediately began to talk about the: Charing Ee Cross murder. “That was a hawtul Me in Mae railroad Bh op ft said he.“ Pallog gave a short grins, which might have meant yes. “Wot do you think of it, sir?” welied Nick. “J don’t think anything,” replied Pallog. ‘ihe got into trouble once shooting off my mouth about it, and I won’t make the same mistake twice.” “But you an’ me won’t ’ave no trouble.” We're friends. Now, between you:an’ me, wasn’t-the mur- derer a mighty clever chap?” “He must have been to-fool the police as he has.” “That’s just it, sir: He’s got ori police es I don’t think they'll never catch ’im.’ “Why not?” “Cause he’s got so fur away. He's got out of the city long afore this.” “Yes, maybe,” said Pallog, feeer rae ae “Just you see, sir,” Nick went on, confidentially, “the feller did the thing in a moving train. Wot was to prevent *im in the fog from gettin’ on bart train?” sk He paused, but Pallog did not answer. “Wot was to prevent ‘im? says 1,” Nick added. “What?” asked Pallog, “were you talking to me? Have another drink. I shall ge to be going pretty soon.” "E could ’a’ tooken 9 “Thankee, don’t care if I do. the train fer the Mansion House “T won't talk abottt it,” inter yee Patog, crossly. “I’m not interested. Here’s how.” He raised his glass, and Nick did iyleewiise: iit Pallog took hut a sip of his liquor, and then eau tiously emptied the glass into a spittoon. “He's trying to get me drunk,” TnGuetE S Nick, with | a silent. chuckle. The detective had taken nothing but pat and he f set his glass down after a taste. , “IT won’t say another word,” he said, are friends, ain’t we?” He slapped Pallog on the shoulder, _ aa “Yes,” retur ned es with a aly planes at the y? “You an’ me x rita
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See detective, “and I’m obliged for what you did for me. Good-night.” ; “Goin’ now ?” . Pallog had started for the door. “Yes; it’s getting late. Good-night.” . “Vl go—hic—with you a little way. Hic! those blokes may be layin’ fer you.” Nick staggered a little aS he crossed the barroom. Pallog’s eyes sparkled. He seemed to think that, at last, he should be able to shake the good-natured coster. “I guess there isn’t any danger now,” he re- sponded, “Tl fix’’em,” Nick Wesueed “Hic! on if they want anything of me.” He took Palleg by the arm. Pallog tried to draw Pye: but the detective wouldn’t let him go. “United we stan’, as the Vanes say—hic!” bab- bled Nick, “an’ divided we fall. Come on. You're a good feller, an’ so’m I.” “Yes,” exclaimed Pallog, “but you ee t need to hang onto me like that.” “Yesh I do—hic! I don’t-want to fall.” For some little distance they went straggling along the Whitechapel road. Loaiers on the street laughed at them, and Pallog got more and more uneasy. He kept looking around, never failing to glance ‘into the alleys they passed. Nick observed this. ; “Still hunting for somebody,” he thought. Suddenly Pallog made a quick movement. « -~ The detective was equally quick, but he did not try to keep hold of bis man any longer. His judgment told him that it was time to let go. Accordingly he allowed Pallog to shake him off. let °em come “’Ere!—hic!” stammered Nick, staggering: to the © . curb; “let's ’ave one more drink—eh?’ Pallog had darted into an alley. ~ Nick’s eyes were open, and he saw a shadowy form y Raa thet up the alley just passing under a lamppost. One dim glimpse was enough. The form was that of a black man! ~ There was a long overcoat, a face that was unlike an African’s, and then the form disappeared. Probably it went into a doorway. . Nick saw Pallog pass ase the same lamppost and tenbo also. a NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “Now, I know I’m tight!” thought the detective. _ “Pallog also was looking for the black man, and saw 4 {?? him first! Nick. stepped into the alley, keeping close to! a building so as to conceal himself in its shadow. A few paces from the street there was ‘a pile of empty boxes. . They were at the back door of a ry goods store. The detective knelt beside the boxes, with his eyes - fixed on the spot where Pallog and the black man _ had disappeared. After a moment he could see a doorway just bee yond the lamppost. Somebody was standing in it. A Nick knew that it must be Pallog. >» — i Probably he was looking back to see whether the coster had followed him. ~ 4 way cera a te: That this was the case was proved a little ey The man in the doorway was Pallog, and, not Satis- fied with looking, he stepped into the alley and - went slowly toward the street. ae Nick quietly crawled into an empty. box and curled up. 3 He heard Paliog come to the boxes, looit behind *: them ee pass on to ee entrance a the alley. i deorway w bore he had been standing. Then Nick crawled out of his hiding place, and went to the doorway also. ; It was dark vin there, but he heard. steps ‘on the | next landing above. ‘ Me Nick softly climbed the stairs: As he got to the top)step he heard the clicking ¢ ° a-latch. It did not sound as if a. door was d being opened, “T know what that: means,” regent Nick ; “Palio °) is picking a lock.”’ i It was impossible to see a ‘thing. Hee 3, The detective could have leaped toward igs soul He could have risked a revolver shot in the da ness. But it was not fear that held him back. Nick believed that Pallog, like himself was, the black man from Borneo. 4 “One villain will, uncover the other, thoug “if J let them Bane Mepis ae PY ne : f
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¥ NICK CARTER WEEKLY. So he stood still until the clicking of thg, lock ceased. Then he heard ihe sound of a door softly opened and shut. ond. a It-was then time to act, and Nick darted along the passage toward the sounds. | Chairs and tables seemed to be upsetting. He heard Pallog’s voice. It was speaking in a language that even Nick Car ter did not understand. There was another voice, deep and thick. - Both were speaking together, “Evidently Pallog and another man were engaged in'a furious struggle. - ~The other must be the black whom Nick believed to be the murderer of Blowitz. } *What luck to get them both at one stroke!” thought Nick. He was feeling his way along the wall for a door. Having found it, he tried the handle. It turned, but the door was locked. As proved by a later investigation, it was a spring) lock, _ Pallog had picked it, and then, when he closed the oor behind him, the lock had ashen again. - Sounds within the room showed that the fight had ey | to the further side. ee There was no time for picking na lock again, Nick put his shoulder to the door and pushed. The woodwork creaked and strained, He drew back a bit and lunged with all his force. ; With a smash and crash the door gave way, and yet ‘the detective into the room. aPhe racket was then louder’ than ever. But just as Nick entered there was the noise of a door | slammed somewhere in front of him. “Then the sound of the struggle was less loud. There were other sounds, raowerer | tein feet could be! heard in other parts of f y on eantime the two men he ae after had iodohe . heir way, into an adjoining room. Nick made for the ee wherp be had heard tne Next instant there was a racket. in the room be- Nick gave but one glance at Pallog., a3 He stumbled upon an overturned oie ae fell a a his hands and knees. . In this he lost a second. ' No more than that, however, for he- was “up again \ and in another instant was trying to open a door. This, too, was locked. * ' Again the detective threw himself against the. nee rier. As before, the door brake at the aus lunge. - Nick was in the second room, which seemed, if possible, to be darker than the first. Just as he stepped in he heard a groan, and the sound of a falling body. . Mare’: The noise of hurrying steps was greater, They were in every direction. _ i But the sound of struggling had ceased abruptly. It was not till then that Nick had time to get at his pocket-lantern. This and one or two other tools of his profession he had taken with him from the hotel, and he had put é them in the pockets of his coster suit. He halted for no more than half- a-second, * Then the bright rays of the lantern flashed upon the scene, He saw a plainly furnished room. At the further end was a partly-open door. Near it on the Hoor was the body of a man, face’ upward. It was: Pallog. His lips were, parted and ‘his eyes Staring. 5 - One knee was raised. The other leg was doubled under him. His hands were at his breast. They evidently had been brought there in an ef- fort to tear away a dagger. The hilt of the weapon showed slain almost within reach of his fingers. It seemed to have been driven with Bree force clear through his heart. . CHAPTER VHt. Shane THE BLACK MAN. He leaped for the open door, 4 The black man must have gone out that way. “One villain has done for the pouas on 80 that : ss
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24 thoughts, “but there’s only one left, and that one I’ve got to have!” As he was about to pass through the doorway, negro confronted him. He was half-dressed, and his eyes: were bulging with surprise and anger. The light of Nick’s lantern showed that he was an ordinary African, not the man he was after. “What you doin’ here?” demanded the negro, He placed himself in Nick’s way. There was a razor in his hand, “Stand back!” cried Nick, sternly, drawing his re- volver. The negro darted back a pace or two, but his eyes glowed fiercely, and he repeated his question. ~“What you doin’ here?” “T am an officer,” ss aaa Nick, a mustn’t interfere with me He hoped that this stvlernbnt would satisfy the negro, for he wanted no trouble with the tenants. He could understand their feelings, and he knew that they. would suppose that he was only a drunken ‘ coster on a rampage. . , It proved that the word “officer them. . f On the contrary, it made them more angry. Other dark faces confronted Nick. He was making his way rapidly across the room to -another door. _ “I sha’n’t harm you,” he said as the crossed. “The mati I am after went out here. You'd better help me instead of standing in the way.” “You've got no right in a respectable house!’ eried one of the negroes-in front of him. | “Out of the way!” was the detective’s response. He rushed straight. at the doorway. Those who were there drew back a little,\but just before he came te the door somebody whom he had _ mot seen leaped upon him from spate Nick threw back an arm. He knew that the negro’s weapon, a razor, would be used against him. He felt a prick on his shoulder, and then the cold steel of the razor’s back sliding along, his neck. _. That blow had been warded off, but the cowardly attempt gave the others courage. : | ‘They rushed upon the detective, striking at him and slashing right and left with their razors. a shut off the light. era one ey “Vou ? had no terror for { ; ; ‘ as ur feet by skillful Sodom he stipe between the neta thought Nick, - Ps 2 barren ee RNase eo8 Aa bf : » ; 4 ‘ tpt NiCK CARTER WEEKLY. It gave them an iddanliae over him, as they could see where to strike. In the dark he counted on their slashing each other. It would have been comparatively ses to shoot three or four of them and so clear a way. of But that was the last thing Nick wanted to do. vr He understood what they felt. '- They might be the worst criminals in tories font all he knew, but they had nothing to do with tie crime he was working on. ray Sa Naturally, they would be angry at finding a coster tearing around in the house late at night. He felt that it would be nothing less than murder to shoot any of these men unless he was achilly. 4 compelled to use his revolver to save himself. It must be understood, too, that all was harping with lightninglike rapidity. ; It was now but a few seconds since he had ¢ see 3 Pallog’s body with the dagger sticking into it. BE Having doused oe light, Nick stepped back: a0 pace. ‘e At the same time he wheeled about, grasped i in the dark at the man whose razor he had felt, and threw i him heavily to the floor. : Then he used his fists. He did not need'to see his foes. : It was only necessary to strike out in the ta ness to hit somebody. Crack! smash! went the detective’s hard fists.” Now, they landed on a nose, now on a jaw, now gasp showed. that he had: knocked out ae wind with a ee on the chest. Signal A so that in a moment they were grappling with each | other. Every one of them seemed to suppose that he fighting with the coster. (© ° a They were yelling and cursing, and steps on stairs indicated that the racket had aroused pi in other buildings, who were a. seta? in to in me fray. But he had cleared the way in fceee of him. The negroes were clashing at each other room when Nick slipped ees. the door it : i
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Men were crowding up the stairs. He could not see, but he could hear them: At his left he saw a glimmer of light. It came from a lamp in a building across a court, and it showed therefore that there was a window near. The detective leaped toward it. The window was open, reised from the sscciehiet “My man went out this way, sure!” thought Nick. Without an instant’s hesitation he crawled out. There was just light enough outside for him to see that the roof of a shed was below him. He dropped to it, ran to. the edge and dropped again, this tifae landing on the ground, ~~ At first he seemed to be in a pocket between build- ings from which there was no way out. He knew, however, that there must be an alley somewhere, and he ran around the sides of the court looking for it. Not wishing to be delayed again by the resistance “of tenants, he did not use his lantern. The light would surely have attracted attention to him. + So he felt along the walls of the houses until he came to an opening. It was a narrow passage, crooked and perfectly * dark, that led through the buildings, not between them. Nick entered it. As he did so he heard light, hurrying steps ahead. ‘With his weapon ready for instant use now, he | ran softly on, turning a corner sharply and seeing in front of him the alley into which Pallog had run from Whitechapel road. The one street lamp burning there enabled him to “see the door through which he and Pallog had gone into the building. 6 Beyond it was dark until he had come under the “lamp itself. y Then the glow of light on the street rev Penal the pile of boxes where he had hidden from Pallog. It also revealed just a glimpse of a form ducking ‘behind the boxes. The detective approached the pile stealthily. - When he had come to the spot where he had seen ‘the figure duck, he leaped. He knew his ground now. " oT his was ey the spot where he had fred: 25 He knew there was only one box there big enough for a man to get into. Nick bent and reached into that box. A man was there, and the detective beige him out. “Let me alone!” cried a thick voice. The mart began to struggle. In a flash Nick had bracelets on his wrists. “Behave yourself,” said Nick, quietly, © « The man gasped as he saw that his hands were caught. He twisted the steel chain a moment, as if he thought he might be able to break it. Then he drew a long breath and gave it up. “All right,” he said, “I’m done for.” _ Nick took him by the arm and marched him out to the street. There, as luck would have it, the saw Patsy talking with two policemen. The young detective had just come to Whitechapel from the Old Bailey. ; “Tere we are, Patsy: murderer of Blowitz,” “That’s right,” said the prisoner, in a anos sad tone, “I did it, and it was all for nothing. He didn’t have the stone with him.” “And so Pallog didn’t take it from you,” Nick. “No. Ithought he was in prison or I should have been more careful. He must have guessed how I took the train from Charing Cross to the Mansion House, and he must ‘have known that I would be likely to have a room in a building where other black men liye. I,suppose that is how he came to be hunting for me here.” “Partly that,” said Nick. “I saw that he was look- ing for you. I believed that he had come to the same theory about the murder that I did. He thought you had succeeded in getting: the diamond, and he was oe you in the hope that he could take it from you.” “Yes, that was it, but he didn’t get it, ae Blowitz didn’t have the stone with him.” = They were Standing at the curb during this, the - policemen listening with great interest. A crowd was gathering. 4 “Better take him to the station, (faeces) said Nick, “and have some men come with me to reaiove said Nick. “This is the said
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26 the dead pie of the other man. where it is.’ Tl show you While Nick was speaking the black man had brought his handcuffed hands to his vest pocket. He was fumbling with his a in one of the pockets: ' Suddenly he raised his hand to his mouth. Nick reached for him swiftly and drew his hand away, but it was too late. The black had put something which he swallowed hastily. “Vou ¢an take me now,” he cried, with a wild Jaugh. Then he began to reel. ian He policeman: held him for a moment, but he writhed so that they had to let him down. He lay quivering on the sidewalk, and he ‘said something in his own ere that no one under- stood. Then there was a frightful gasp, a last shudder of me body, and he became rigid. “Well,” said Nick, gravely, “he has beaten the hangman, that’s all. Let’s get done with the job. by placing a guard over Pallog’s body.” The crowd had attracted other policemen to the spot. ery } ' Two were left as a guard for the black man, and the others went with Nick and Patsy back to the pbuilding where the detective had eee his struggle with the negroes. into his mouth, By that time the place was lighted, and the row « had stopped, but the tenants and many others were stdnding about, talking excibedhy..:/7 27 a So many of them had been hurt by their scrapping with each other that there was no fight left in them. So they made no trouble when the officers and de- tectives entered the building. Nick led them through the: broken doors to the | ‘room where Pallog lay: That is, where Pallog ae a Ass Wick’ stopped short i in amazement. PARA - The room was empty. . [ | There was no dead body on the floor. uD can’t, be peak, ie la Nick: bhi, was, the plate? ees aes oye aioe ay No dead man, ‘ eo 3 They asked sac tenants, ho crowde NICK CARTER WEEKLY. . the hilt of the dane, sini his heart, pretent ae Bailey. saying that Jan had been caught. ‘interesting case. “That's our next job, Patsy’ ‘3 - He looked into the othge t ooms and the ati: | Every one ‘ot then declared, and with anpareniy truth, that he had seen no dead body. Nick then went back to the room where he nae seen Pallog lying. There was a cheap carpet on the floor. In one corner something seemed to be the ma ter with it. The detective stooped there, and ee up th edge of the carpet. Ree ts He drew forth a broken dagger. The blade had snapped just below the a! ays it’s clear,” said Mich deli not overpower the bie a L achpat! and put death. “i I would go on after the adi’ “He ae % from a window into the alley while I trouble with the tenants.” Nick gave the broken dagger be hee and went back to the: Tavistock with, Patgy. On. the way Patsy told hirh hat mre Pallog’s br ‘other had insisted that he wa: who ought to be there, until Patsy blu Th down ante confessed. hae had tak so late. | “Well,” said Nick, “I die one Gialciakitai it My theory of the murder was. CO. bed rect. But we don’t go home yet. There’s wo: ts in England as long as Jan Pallog is free. “There! $! no telling what he'll do nite ta ae END. . Pic ry felpaes 9
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FUN FOR EVERYBODY! boys, and you will know the names of the winners in this contest. Next week their be announced. Look out for next week’s issue. You may find your name in it as a prize winner. corking funny stories we haven’t had room to print yet. They have all been entered in the d a few of them belew. In the meantime, get to werk on the new contest. If you ‘turn to page 31. Send‘in your stories for it as fast as you please. We ate all ‘One week more, names will We have a lot of cork contest, and you will fin don’t know all about #, ready for them. Burdock’s Goat. (By William Robb, Pa.) nday afternoon the eleven Boblink boys sur- nd caught an enormous, shaggy goat, turned him loose in Burdock’s garden, nailed up the gate, and then went home and flattened their eleven little noses «ct the back windows to watch for coming events. ene his goatship had spent three minutes in the we ates te had managed to make himself perfectly at uiled down the clothes line and devoured two pair of mee me and stig a ee ; sae to Mrs. Burdock, and was busily engag a bear ay of Burdeck’s shirts, when the servant girl PA ishing out with a basket of clothes to bang up. eeep he saints preserve us!’’ she exclaimed, coming to a dead halt and gazing open-mouthed at the goat, who was calmly munching away at the shirt. ‘ ¢éShew, shew, shew!’ screamed the girl, setting down the basket, taking her skirts in both hands, and shaking ‘them violently toward the intruder. eat Then the goat, who evidently considered her move- ments it the light of a challenge, suddenly dropped his ~ wicked old head and darted at her with the force of an Erie locomotive, and just one minute later by the city hall clock that girl had tumbled a back somersault over the clothes basket, and was crawling away on her hands and knees in search of a place to aie. Dad atl Phe goat followed, butting her unmercifu y every third second. It is likely that he would have kept on putting her for the next two weeks if Mrs. align who had been a witness of the sg Shag : ae ae not armed herself with the family poker and hurried to the rescue. ‘Merciful goodness, she exclaimed, aiming 4 imissing it by a few of the sh y repeated, owing to th y rising : chs. hind feet, waltzing toward her and striking her in the small of the back hard enough to loosen <a aa nails and destroy her faith in the blessed immortal Pe When Mrs. Burdock returned to her ia irl she - erawled out from behind the grindstone w eee Che a been tessed, and made for the house, stopping y once, when the goat came after, into the grape arbor. LSet, ; insi souse, the door was locked, an arenaseghanee littide of theirown rooms, and eht the so i pottunaies sos Id extract from rubbing and ich rt as they cou ‘ ce ane the eeu wandered around the garden ‘Last Mo rounded a garden, home, “Jace collars, @ ae) Anne! do get up on your feet !’’ blow at the beast’s head and ortest kind of inches. It e goat suddenly rising up t and butted her headfirst like Satan in the book of Jeb, seeking what he might devour. Meanwhile, the eleven little Boblink boys fairly hugged themselves with pleasure over the performance. ° By the time Burdock returned home that evening and learned all the particulars from his arnica-soaked wife, the goat had eaten nearly all the week’s washing, half the grape vine, and one side out of the clothes basket. ‘“‘Why in thunder didn’t you put him out and not! leave him there to destroy everything?’’ he demanded, angrily. ““Because he wouldn't go and I was not geing to stay there to be killed, that’s why,’’ answered his wife, ex- citedly. ? i ‘‘Wouldn’t fiddlesticks!’? he. exclaimed, making for the garden, followed by the entire family. ‘*Get out of here, you thief!’’ he exclaimed, as he caine into the garden, and caught sight of the shaggy visitor. / The goat bit off another mouthful of the basket and | regarded him with a mischievous twinkle of his eye. “You won't go, hey?’ exclaimed Burdock, trying to kick a hole in the enemy’s ribs. ‘‘I’ll show you wheth——”’ The sentence was left unfinished, as the goat just then dropped his head on Butdock’s shirt bosom, Before Burdock could recover his equilibrium, he had been butted seven times in seven fresh spots, and was down on his knees, and crawling around in a very tn- dignified manner, to the horror of the family and the infinite glee of eleven young Boblinks next door. “Look out he don’t hurt you!’’ screamed Mrs. Bur- dock, as the goat sent him flying into a sand pile. ~ When Burdock had got his bald head out of the sand he was mud all over his clothes, and tried to catch the brute by the horns, but desisted after he had lost two — front teeth and been rolled in the mud. ‘‘Don’t imake a living show of yourself before the neighibors!"’ advised his wife. } x ‘‘Golly, dad, look out! he is comin’ again!’ shouted his son, enthusiastically. Mr. Burdeck waxed profane, and swore three-story oaths in stich rapid suceession that his family held their breaths and a pieus eld lady who lived in a house in the - rear, shut up her windews and sent out the cook for a policeman or a missionary. ; ‘Run for it, dad!’ advised his son. a moment later, s when the goat’s attention seemed to be turned away. a Burdock sprang to his feet, and followed his off- — as + ¥
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cornmeal made into a dough, 28 spring’s suggestion. He was legging it in superb style, and the chances of his reaching the house seemed. excel- lent, when the brute- suddenly clapped on more steam, gained rapidly, and darting between his legs, capsized him into the ash box. His family dragged him inside, another candidate for rubbing with arnica and a blessed haven of rest. The back of the house has been hermetically sealed, and Burdock now proposes extending an invitation to the militia regiments of Boston to come and practice matksmanship off the roof, promising to furaish a live goat for a target, and a silver napkin ring as the first . prize. A Lobster Dream. (By Bertie Green, N. Y.) I dreamed I was boss of a lobster factory. I had eight lobsters working for me eight days a week, eight weeks © a month, and eight months a year. After these eight lob- sters worked for me eight years they got sassy and struck for eight dollars a minute for eight. minute’s work from eight o’clock till eigit minutes after eight. I got angry at: those eight iobsters, and drew my eight shooter and shot the eight lobsters with eight bullets. Then I made eight graves eight feet deep to bury eight lobsters. The alarin rang, I awoke and cemenbs red I ate eae A initiscniaals Chicken Story. {By Will Thompson, Ind.) A veteran lumbernian told this ‘story: ““T was the commissary of subsistence in a large lum- ber camp up Northwest and drove a hundred miles to get a change of fare. I returned with two crates of chickens. ‘Grain being out of the. question, they were fed on This proved to be rather expelisive, so our commissary nixed sawdust with it in the over-proportion of three parts of cornmeal to one part of sawdust. The chickens ateas usual, and the hens began to lay. “By and by the meal grew scarce, and the oo ate was ittereased until the food became three parts of saw- dust to one part of neal. “One of the older hens manifesting a desire to brood, twelve egys were assigned to her, and at the end of twenty-one days what do you suppose ; she hatched? “*Tleven woodpeckers and a chicken with a wooden. f ees, ‘ : A Disturbance in a Church. (By Arthur Welsh, Pa.) We have had moxe trouble at our Methodist meeting- house! Last Sunday Revérend Mr. Moody was just be- j ginning his sermon, and had uttered the words, ‘‘Breth- - ern, I wish to direct your attention this morning to the _.. fourth verse'of the twentieth chapter of St. —— when a hen emerged from a recess beneath thé pulpit. : had just laid an egg, she interrupted Mr. Moody to an- . nounce the. fact to the congregation, aud he stopped short as: she: walked out into the aisle, screeching, Aas a fe pane “kuk- tae at ‘Kuk-kuk: Teak: seul: te- to! he ky NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ’ Sunday-school scholar, in the eye. Then another | both beat on the lower part of the pipe with th mine, and wishing they could stab Deacon Grimes wi _brella, and knocked her clear through a gr5 pa As she — Mr. Moody contemplated her for a moment, and then concluded to go on; but the sound of his voice seemed to provoke her to rivalry, and she put ofa pressure of five or six pounds to the square inch, and made such racket that the preacher stopped again and said: ‘“Will Deacon Grimes please remove that disgraceful * chicken from the meeting-house?’’ I. The deacon rose, and proceeded with the task. “He first tried to drive her toward the door, but she dod ; him and still clucking vigorously, got under the seat in — the front pew. ‘Then the deacon seized his umbrella. scooped her out in the aisle again, after which het to ‘‘shoo’’ her toward the door, but she darted int pew and hopped over the partition, came down in the opposite pew, and out into the side aisle, fees Ec aes noise like a steam planing mill. , ae The deacon did nat like to'climb over after. er, So h went around and just as he got in the side aisle, the hen | flew over ito the middle aisle again. Then the hos in 9 the gallery laughed, and the deacon began to get red in the face, “F At last Mr. Binns came out of his pew to help, and as % both he and the deacon made a dash at the chicken from | opposite directions, she flew up with a wild cluck to. thes) gallery, and perched on the edge, while she gave exci expressions to her views by emitting five hundred elucks a winute. The deacon flung a hymn book at her to scare her down again, but he missed, and hit Billy Jone the gallery madea dash at her, and reachedsso far over that he tumbled and fell on Mrs. Miskey’s bonnet, where upon she said alond that he was predestined cas the gal- lows. ‘The crash scared the hen, and she flew over an roosted on the stove pipe that ran atone vetig hea tl ceiling. ; hk In order to bring her down the deacon ha brellas, and at the fifth or sixth knock the pipes and about forty feet of it came down with emptying a barrel or two of soot over the congre ga There were women in that congregation who wi home looking as if they had been working in a out being hanged for murder. The ben came down with the stove pipe, and as” flew by Mr. Binns he made a dash at her with his 11 glass, whereupon she landed in the street, and’ off clucking insanely. Then Mr. Moody adjourn congregation. They are going to expel the owner of hen from the apes when wait meet his ide a e citspatel an (By Frank Hall, Mass.) . In the autumn of - 18— ‘my friend the dito ‘of tk Baldwinsville Bugle, was. obliged’ t i *taters, and he — me to FOE, absence. ‘ re din tke
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. had. bin severely rackt by my mental efforts. (This is sorter ironical, ) So I went over to the ralroad offiss and axed the sooperintendent for a pars. ‘“You a editor?’’ he axed, evidently on the pint of snickerin’. | ‘‘ Ves, sir,’’ sez I, ‘Don’t I look poor enuff?” . **Just about,’ sed he, ‘‘ but our road can’t, pars you.” **Can’t, hay ??’ ‘No, sir—it can’t.’” ‘‘Becauz,’”’ sez I, looking him full in the face with a eagle eye, ‘‘it goes so darned slow it can’t pars any- body!”? Methinks 1 had him thar. .‘‘It’s the slowest raleroad in the West.” With a mortified air, he told me to git out of his ofiss. I pittied him and went out, _ Of More Importance. (By Wm. L. Stewart, N. B.) A certain phsyician had blunderingly mismanaged a case to which he had been called in consultation. The _ jndignant family seized him and tied him up, but in -/ the night he managed to free himself and escaped by swimming across a river which cut off pursuit. ‘When 'he reached home he found his son, who had "just begun to study medicine, poring over his books. He wrung out his wet clothes, and turning to the stu- ' ‘dent, said, gravely; Ny ‘My son, don’t be in a hurry with your books; the _ first and most important thing is to learn’to swim.”’ Buying and Selling. (By Charles Jenkins, N. J.) *'Wou advertised,’ said the gullible one, “that you had discovered the key to success.’’ - ) “*True,’’? admitted the fakir. -. ‘*Well, it don’t help me a little bit.” > *"Phe ‘reason for that,’’ answered the fakir, pleas- antly, ‘‘is that you have been buying the key instead of _ selling it. It has brought me success.” Pate A Reformer Repulsed. fd : ‘ (By Raymond Thompson, Concord, N. H.) OE ea man was walking in an alley one day when he saw an Irishman vigorously beating his wife. Being a strong man, he stopped the fight, and said to the Irishman, _ who had recently come over. ‘ ‘Why do you beat your wife? In America we never ~.do that.’” ah ‘The Irishman looked at him quizzically for a few mo- + jments and then said, ‘‘Begorra, sir, then it’s becose your wife beats you.”’” The man retired. - ¥ f ; The Deacon and the Book. (By W. T. Jones, Washington, D.C.) A funny joke, and all the more palatable as its truth. n be vouched for, occurred at a prominent church in ew jersey. It seems that a worthy deacon had been Ake industrious in selling a new church bo Hag ting ‘v. “29 seventy-five cents. At the service in question the minis- ter, just before dismissing the congregation, rose and said: ‘*All who have children to baptize will please to pres- ent them next Sabbath.’’ The deacon, who, by the way, was a little deaf, hav- ing an eye to selling the books and supposing the pastor was referring to them, immediately jumped up and shouted : “‘All you who haven’t can get as many as you want by calling on me, at seventy-five cents each Ke A Bunch of Fun. (By Chas. V. White, Providence, R. I.) WATNED IT KEPT QUIET. Seene: A police court. Judge—What is your name? Witness—Levi Rosinski. Judge—Where do youlive? Witness—-Mine residensh ish in Baxter street. Judge—What is your occupation? a Witness—I vas in the try coods peeziness sekent hand clos’. Judge—What is your religion? Witness—Don’t give it avay, chudge, I’m a Quaker. HE NEARLY WON THE BET. Pat bet Mike he could carry a hod of bricks to the top © of a sixty-foot building with Mike sitting on the hod. When near the top Pat made a misstep and nearly dropped Mike to the stone sidewalk. Arriving at the top, Pat said, *‘Begorrah, I’ve won the bet.’’ “*Yer have,’ said Mike, ‘‘but whin ye shlipped, I thought I had ye.” ; SAME ONE. Farmer Corntossel— Wall, by chaowder! if that ain’t the wust-lookin’ old critter I ever sot eyes on! I'll be gum swiggled if I'll hev sich a lukin’ hoss on the place, © Hiram. 5 Hiram-—Well, dad, I give $15 for him, and it’s a bet- ter lookin’ hoss than our Saviour had when he rode through the’streets of Jerusalem. Farmer Corntossel, solerinly, after looking the animal — over critically—-Hiram, it’s the same horse. : A,—Hang my luck! I made just two calls, aud I'll be hanged if I didn’t leave my umbrella at the last place I called. B.—How do you know? the first place., A.—No, I got it in the first place. You might have left it in oe Have You Seen Him? ~ (By Sam Burnett, Ohio.). I vould liked to knows if you hafed seen a big boy _ about the size of his small sister bare footed with a pair. _ of his mother’s boots on had an empty paper bag on his — back containing three canals and a bottle full of bung-— holes. He wore a pork chop coat with a bean soup. lin- ing. He was cross-eyed in the back of his head, his hai as cut curly, he was born before’ his elder brother his. Fecunee at Foca? Jet OY ENA snl e eeioy pecs Mie ate ; oi Be ey
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A > ‘ 35. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. mother being present at the occasion. When last seen he “Footprints On the Sands of Time.” | was shoveling air off the White House with the inten- (By Fred Bauer, Milwaukee.) eae tion of raising money enough to secure a iene sub- f ; scription to Nick Carter Weekly, The little, witty man was standing at the further end Notice.—If anybody don’t seen him tell Haus. of a. long aisle in one of the great department stores, | SPA vainly racking his mind to remember what he wanted to ar Aaa prrceae Beside him on the floor stood a large basket of hour glasses, which were ‘‘selling out.’’ % Careless. The little ae turned and bee about to leave when ae Hs) suddenly he accidentally stepped into the basket of hour (By eo eet ie 4) glasses, and broke a great number of them. Mrs. Gaddle—My husband’s so slipshod. His buttons A floor-walker who had observed this, came rushing — are forever coming off, along and said: us Mrs. Goode (severely)—Perhaps they are not sewed “*My dear sir, you will have to pay for the damage — on properly. « . you have done!”’ risen Mrs. Gaddle—That’s just it. He’s awfully careless “Oh!” said the little mau,.who had recovered ie about his sewing. . presence of mind. ‘‘Oh! Do you not remember the words of a great poet? “* ‘Vives of great men all remind us Promptly Given. We can make our lives sublime, He—My train goes in fifteen minutes. Can you not And, departing, leave behind tis, give me one ray of hope before I leave you forever? : Footprints on the sands of time. She—Hr-that clock is half an hour fast. He then escaped the astonished floor-walker. = ’ ‘ Each week in this department you will find a special article, either on stamps or coins, We “ea ie an Opportunity to our readers to make exchanges of coins as well as stamps through this department free of cost, and we will answer, in a special colunin, any questions” our readers would like to ask on these subjects. Address a communications to the Stamp and Coin Department. 1 ‘ f : ‘6S Rare United States Coins. Of the dimes, there are none of extreme rarity, still The rarest United States coin is the double eagle of among the rare coins of that denomination that of 1804 1849. Tere is only one coin of this year and denomina- 18 the rarest, and if in a good condition can be bought ; tion in existence. It is the property of the United States at from $5 to $10; buta real fine specimen would bring Mint Cabinet. ‘The United States coin next to the dou- *@ great deal more, ‘ ble eagle of 1849 in ratity is the half eagle of 1815. The | Among the half dimes that of yeaa is the rarest, and King of Sweden, who has an unusually complete collec- a very fine piece with that date sells readily at $100. ‘fas tion of United States coins is said to have purchased one __ Still, there are other United States coins which are of these half eagles at the enormous price of $2,000. much sought after, and as they pass from hand to hand | There are five half eagles of 1815 in existnence. only for their face value, and the collector of coins is The silver dollar of 1804 is also one of the rare coins; always i in search of many of them, we think it but right of this dollar only ten genuine pieces are known to to inform our readers of their nature. To understand — exist, all of which are now held by collectors. Of the weil the premium value of any coin of rarity, the condi- 1804 dollar several restrikes have been made. To obtain tion of the piece is essential. A coin brilliant, if fres a fie one from original die would cost at least $1,000; eee the coining press is considered and known a: _ there are many altered dates. ‘The half dollars of 1796 ‘‘proof;’’ again, one which is free — the uses and and 1797, if in fine condition bring $40; of the two the abuses of circulated toney is known as‘ ‘uncircula ar 1796 is the rarer and usually sells at a still higher rate. and becomes next in premium value. _ The age of a coi: ‘The quarter dollars of 1823 and 1827, if in good con- is not always a guarantee of a premium above: fac VE ue dition, sell readily at $30 each; but if in strictly fine hence it would be advisable to the readers of this w preservation joisane that sum is cheerfully paid.” to suggest to them that a correspondence with r , , ‘ 5 ; et . + » chy 4 +75 alret eae oie ty yz FEIN trata Ae f
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. matis of respectability and responsibility is of great importance and will be of benefit to holders of the “‘eoins, which are sold at a premium or advance over face value. cima How Gold Coins Are Made. The gold is melted in a crucible, from which it is dipped out with a ladle and poured into iron molds. . When cooled the molds are unlocked and taken apart, the precious metal then appearing in the shape of what are termed ‘‘ingots.’’. For the coinage one-teuth part of copper is mixed with the gold, but the Government also makes a business of manufacturing “‘merchant’s bars’’ - for the use of jewelers, gold leaf makers and dentists -- who require the virgin metal in their trades. Such bars "are as near to perfect purity as can be, being 999 fine out of a possible 1,000. The Government, while it makes a big profit by coining silver, gains nothing by minting gold pieces, the intrinsic value of which ‘is equal to their face- There is always some loss by wast- ing, too. ‘The sweepings of the Philadelphia Mint alone sell for $23,000 annually. pk CORRESPONDENCE, { CG, c. G.+An 1849 gold dollar is not rare. Like all the other gold dollars, it commands a premium and is worth $2; 1849 was the date of first issue and the mints Wweat Charlotte, Dahlonga; New Orleans and Philadelphia all issued them in 1849 to the number of 936,789. | ©. A.—The rarest dollars issued at the United States c mints during 1894 are those struck at Philadelphia, where roo,coo were ‘issued. The popular impression that this date is scarce must therefore be an error. The y other mitits issued them during that year in large num- i bers. E ; | Ike Smith, San Angelo, Texas.— You may be able to get a small premium on your 1798 cent, especially if it ane in good condition. You may read with profit the arti- * cle on coins we print in this issue, as it contains an ex- - planation of the different terms used in describing the condition of-a.coin. Your cent of 1802 is worth front $1 ' to $10, according to its value. The other cents you say you have are not particularly rare, unless they are in exceptionally fine condition. The Scott Stamp and Coin Company will tell you just what they are worth. The most valuable United States cents are as follows, the value varying according to the order they are mentioned + 1795, Jefferson head; 1799, 1804, 1793, 1809, 1811, iif 1806, 1796, 1795, 1823. A fine Jefferson head cent of 1995 has sold for $45, although the others meutioned are Pee oa Pho sg al 4, wns ASPLENDID °. PRIZE CONTEST.» It is to Laugh! Of course you all like funny stories—the kind you have been reading lately in the NICK CARTER WEEKLY. If you can write any like them send them in, that is if you want A FIRST RATE UP-TO-DATE BANJO, A SPLENDID ALL-WOOL SWEATER, OR LONG DISTANCE MEGAPHONES. Fj t p H . The three boys who send in the three irs rizes funniest Stories will each receive a first-class banjo. A beautiful instru- ment. Perfect and up-to-datein every detail. These banjos are warranted in every particular. They have 11-inch calf heads, wal- nut necks and veneered finger boards, with celluloid inlaid position dots, raised frets, twenty-four nickel brackets and wired edge. ‘These instruments can be easily mastered, and every boy should jump at the opportunity to win one. -) S d P H The five boys who send us the econ rizes next funniest stories will each receive a Spalding all-wool sweater. Any color you choose. Guaranteed all wool and full shaped to the body and arms. F ie) Third Prizes next funniest stories will receive a cms 2 Spalding 12-inch ‘Long Dis- : tance” Megaphone, capable of carrying the sound of the human ; voice two miles. “ me PRRAPPPLPP LPL 3 ‘ The ten boys who send us the — *: HERE ARE THE DIRECTIONS: This contest will close May ist. Remember, whether your story wins a prize or not, it stands a good chance of being published, together | with your name. ‘ # To become a contestant for these prizes you must cut out the Prize Contest Coupon printed herewith; fill it out properly, and send it to Nick CaRTER WEEKLY, care of Street & Smith, 238 William Street, New York City, together with your story. No story will be considered that does not have this coupon accompanying it, j COuUPrON. Nick Carter Weekly Prize Contest No 2. FH eeevahentenh igi arti eansaale eer el eer eee re ree ee. rr City or Town......... \ Fee eee ee eee tee e ene e re bean ee eee bebeae| States, ed tla alae Blk ae ne aa BBtas hor k oe y s Fees : Title of Story ate TORRE i ety Bho’ ole: abode elwnd Ke ee deb eed eedeesnece Mm 4 < ; 5 p¥. Shay a
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7 et “FULL PARTICULARS IN NUMBER 20, Now Running in W atches 95 Solid GIVEN / AWA Not Gold Filled Watches . ' Not Gold Plated Watches on BUT ABSOLUTELY : as Re — Solid Gold Watches a WARRANTED UNITED STATES ASB » tis BOYS OF AMERICA. “Boys of Ameca™ a A id idee sitar Siory ‘The All-Star “Athletic Club: "The Boys Who Couldn t Be Pownall NO BOY CAN AFFORD TO MISS THIS FASCIN TING | STORY. - The wonderful record of the All-Star Athletic Club, their bitte rivals, their battles on the ice, in the gymnasium, on the snow, i: _ the’ ‘rink, the plots of their enemies, etc., etc., are just a few of the features of this remarkable story, throbbing "with ‘anthiaaann ae ae excitement. Don’t miss No. 20, BOYS oF Ee conies ey t Entitled . ' nt pal, . 7 ? af : j MENGE, ey
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eM NO TI ete a i rntevneateats uemmee uvenmneataue wt ot gnome» site Sammon neg CONTENTS The Physical Man. The Muscles and Muscle Building. . _The Lungs and the Science of Breath- 4 ing. Indoor Exercises and Home Gym- Nastics. ~ Eating and Drinking for Health. Diet Cures and Anti-Drug Remedies. The Value of Baths and Massage. How to Dress for Health and Beauty. Walking and Running. ; Swimming and Bicycling. rover ei a+ cn annem Physica Health Culture (ILLUSTRATED) A Popular Manual of Bodily Exercises and Home Gym- nastics for Male and Female. BY PROF. FOURMEN All Newsdealers, 40 cents. If sent by mail, 3 cents additional for postage. » . Street « Smith PUBLISHERS 238 William Street New York HE book is regulation size, pro- [i fusely illustrated by full page photo-engravings, showing the different exercises by male and fe- male models posed expecially for this work. Exercises and home gym- nastics will do more for beauty of face, form and good health than all the medicine ever invented, — Read list of contents.