Nick Carter Weekly (no. 277) (1902 04 19)
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Y. INSTANTL CONTAINS WILL KILL YoU GAS IT E PROFES Y M r= et) re a ad ENTIF! | I “I WILL DROP NFULLY. SCOR) Sy Hye Mdomeles " PROFESSOE *“sHOOT!’’ SAID ~ a Qe ee
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INICK CARTER WEEKLY . Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 peryear. 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 in the year 1goa, tn the Office of the Librarida of Congress, Washington, D. C. — No 277. NEW YORK, April 19, 1902. _ Price Five Cents. CARTER AND THE PROFESSOR: 5 OR, | Solving a Scientific Problem. r ; fiemien, 4553? By the author of “NICHOLAS CARTER.” ; : F CHAPTER I, ; work in the darkness, and Meleiing for sounds of VILLAINOUS WORK, danger. The iron grating was a door set in a wall of solid’ Bs, granite that rose to’ a height of about ten feet, « b after a pause: Above the door was chiseled in big letters, the “4 te name: ; sini ay HAWLEY. ' | The granite wall was in the side of a hill. ae held tick breath. All around were other granite walls, some of them b : the wind i in the leaves.” is like it, while others were of different shape. m i eas: But all had iron doors. — that had boing from their In every direction were ghostly white shapes ‘Tats 5 i standing like faithful, never-tiring sentinels over the boring a hole ae of aye
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et | Pathways led among them, and, wherever there was a slab or a monument, there was a mound ‘cov- ' ered with carefully-trimmed grass or flowers. > It was, then, not a bank vault that these cautious workers were trying to break into, but a tomb. = Ghouls were at work, and they were plying their Villainous trade in a place where lie some of the most noted men that ever livedin America. > It was the famous Mount Auburn'Cemetery, just - outside of Cambridge, Massachusetts. tte, At the bottom of the slope where they were work- e x ing was the. Charles River. ar Best A high, iron ferice guarded the cemetery wand the i RR2: er: ‘ Bec Ata point Laheke the fence ran close to the river, be ee and concealed in the bushes that grew there, was iid : ei ] Je fl <b _ darge, flat ottomed rowboat. _ It was drawn partly up on land, and on that end one vig a man sat Fk i ae a horse and A atten wagon. — “a Laagodee the horse, with his hand on the bridle, was oes. and eles were aking the tics ‘of the _ main paths. a ih a esduiitied came near pa si seats the ils were at work. . e = 3 cheep ae sane passed’ within twenty feet of acne e heard no sound, and, in the darkness, lie could t distinguish their bodies ; from the ground. _ tomb and looked all around. Biot? ¢ ARS Fee ng me he et, no a - oad bic 2 NICK CARTER WEEKLY. t he had gone far on. one of them crept to the ish! they could: see sid vend i end of the cease ¢ The chouls did not we it with powder ane blow the lock to pieces. That would have brought watchmen to the afiae in a hurry. For the breaking of this lock they had a better plan. _ A small steel instrument, almost like a hook, was pushed into the hole and turned about. In a moment the tumblers of the lock were dis- placed, and, after a few trials, the bolt was shot back ‘ easily. , i. They opened the door. : The hinges creaked so loudly that they were » frightened. | Shutting the door again, they crept hastily away and lay down behind a grave. Several minutes passed before they-stirred. ~ Then, as nobody had come near, they cautiously — returned to the tomb. The noise of drilling had been deadened a peed deal by dropping oil on the i iron. sant They had a small oil can with them for this pur- pose. It was used now to stop the hinges from creaking. A few drops did the business. The door was opened again, this time silently, and the ghouls went inside the tomb. For the first time, then, they used a light. _ One stood in the doorway and held his coat out — with both hands to cover the opening, as much as possible. leur The other stood with his back to the door and ire a slow-burning match. The flame burned blue before it came ‘to the aah) and sent up such a cloud of sulphur smoke that een man coughed. ine 0 ie Wee His. companion coughed under his ‘rast “You'll queer the whole game!” he penne! “Shut up!” whispered the other. The flame caught the wood, and , for an. we: Ke
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‘Tt was only an instant, for the man blew the match out at once. . “Here it is,” said he, stepping to one side, _ “Sure it’s the right one?” asked the other. “It’s the smallest one, and the only one that has no _ dust on it,” was the reply. . “And it’s on top, I suppose.” “No; they’re all on the floor.” The man who had stood in the doorway joined his companion, and together they lifted a casket and _ bore it outside. __ They closed the door, and left things apparently as they had been before they went to work. to the top of a tomb and looked around. Nothing could be heard, except the metas of the ‘wind in the leaves. They saw nothing but the dim monuments near Brighton. ee Apparently the watchmen were not stirring. a They met again ‘before the Hawley tomb. “TI wonder what time it is?’ whispered one. _ ‘He took o Sete his watch, but it was too dark to see tit “We'd better chance it now,” returned the other. ct We ‘timed the work carefully, pr, unless it has _ Havitig put their tools in their pockets, each went _ the river, and on the hill beyond the street lights of _ cd : NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 3 One leaped toward the fence, the other darted back among the graves on the hillside. The watchman who had discovered them at their horrible work justin time, as he thought, ran to the casket.” . ‘ “The fiends!” he muttered, stooping over it, “I ” wonder what grave they He did not finish, for a fearful blow on the back of his head dropped him with hands outstretched across the casket. The ghoul who had leaped toward the river had gone no more than a few feet. , He had stopped then behind a bush. As soon as the watchman ran past, he had crept out, and, whén the watchman bent over the casket, the ghoul had raised a slungshot in the air and brought it down with all his might. For an instant the ghoul stood back with his arm half-raised to strike again. ' As the watchman’s body was motionless, he bent over and felt of the head where the blow had fallen. “Broken,” he muttered. Then he stood up and gave a low whistle. Cautious steps came from the graves on the hill- side. “Did you finish him, Jerry?” asked a low voice. “He's done for,” was the reply. “Quick! before another one comes along.” Another voice came from the darkness. It was close to the fence. “Hello!” it said; “what's the matter?” . “Nothing,” replied Jerry. “Had to soak a watch- man, that’s all. Get ready for us.” “T’m all ready.” P > The newcomer was the man who had been wait- ing with the boat. ; _ Jerry and his companion inside the cemetery lifted the unfortunate watchman’s body and bore it to the ‘The man outside had yanked away two of the iron posts of the fence that had been cut through and — j ‘tae pana earlier i in the ae =
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; a Thus an opening was made large enough for a ; man to pass through. : Shs A Jerry pushed the head and shoulders of the watch- A man through, and the man outside took hold and pulled. . - “Put him in the boat,” whispered Jerry. Without waiting for a reply, he and his compan- ion returned to the casket. They picked it up again and bore it to the open- ing in the fence. After they had pushed it Ghraes; they crawled _ out themselves, and set the fence posts so that they looked as if they had not been disturbed. A minute. later the casket was in the boat, and two ‘mien were pulling softly at the oars. 3 dle. _A few minutes passed. 3 ‘The boat was in midstream and was pointed down- Si ward. ; . “This will do,” said the man in the stern. f¢ sone cerenes ai tee ee and the boat drifted. ae. : ze stone was the boat’ s anchor. “We a a4 tte oe another, ora. Seto) one,” oe i she going to shore. ‘ye another. tt ts ankles ”» > ge at th the sone ienind the ody of The third sat in the stern and steered with a pad- © at breakf NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Nevertheless, the men rowed most cautiously. Not a splash was made by their oars, and not a word was spoken. At last the steersman dug his paddle hard into the water and the boat swung in toward shore. “Up oars,” he whispered, and next moment the forward end of the boat grated on the: raudy bot- tom. A voice on land whispered: “Got a cargo all right?” £Yes:? The oarsmen got out’and pulled the boat further up. Then they lifted the casket out and carried it to the covered wagon that had been waiting there for hours. ru It was put inside, and two of the men got in with it, pulling the leather flap of the wagon fast behind them. Jerry pushed the rowboat with all his might back into the stream. . He watched it until the current t tobk ie Secshh alle in the darkness. Then he got up on the front seat of the wagon with the man who-had been waiting with it. There wasn’t any too much room for him, because a good deal of the space was taken up by milk cans. If anybody had seen the wagon, as doubtless some persons did in the early morning, as it was driven at answered Jerry, shortly. ‘a moderate pace toward Boston, he would have sup- posed that a farmer was coming in from the’ country with a load of milk for city customers, and that a friend or helper was riding with the driver. The outfit certainly looked innocent enough. CHAPTER I. + tage a selon’ Carrer, Waldo House, Worcester, Mase Can you come to Boston at once? If mot, wait letter. Answer. A : Tosses Freuprse. ; Ehina cae tg: Pe oes —— as 7 sas the hotel nam ; THE HAWLEY MYSTERY, = = i? i.
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They had captured a aie, Guy Preble, and his. ‘Indian servant, Penola. _ The case against them had taken such shape that oat Nick had had rg: locked up on a charge of at- . tempted mutder. 7 He was staying in Worcester for the purpose of appearing against them when they were brought be- a a fore a judge for examination. That is a necessary part of detective work, and one that often takes a good deal of time. :: On thes peeasION, it was possible that Nick woutd me too wall to bother me with “eeetatt affairs.” “he took the pad the telegraph messenger had with | him. and wrote this answer : B ill wait your letter.” ' fii aee) him i - Hwan for, if sp terests, me, we could have he five ) ‘clock train.” + a had come by. his: time,” sug- ‘NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ae “7 thought” he said, hurriedly, as he took Nick’s hand, “that it would be better to come myself than send a letter.” Then he shook hands with Chick. “What’s the trouble?” asked Nick. “Nothing, so far as I am concerned,” replied . Fielding. who has trouble enough for two.” “T want to interest you in a friend of mine “Come up to my room and tell me about it.” They went upstairs, and, when they were alone, Nick said: ‘Now, Jim, you know me of old. See if you can tell your story straight from -the beginning; and I'll bet a cigar with Chick,” he added, smiling, “that you can’t do it.” : Fielding did not smile. “T won't take the bet,” said Chick. “Tt’s all right for you two to joke,” said Fielding, “but I can’t, for it’s a sad affair, and I'll admit that I don’t quite know what the beginning of it is.” “Well, start in anywhere; then.” “All right, Nick. The man I want you to work for doesn’t know that I am laying the case before _ you. If you undertake it, I don’t think I shail tell him. But there has been a big reward offered, so that you needn't fear of losing anything.” “Never mind that part of it, Jim; get down to'the — ” case. ; ’ “This man is a friend and neighbor of mine named Milton Hawley. Two weeks ago to-day his fifteen- _ year-old son died. He was buried in the family tomb _ veg “Ten days ago the tomb was BP broken into and the casket in which ye Haw- at Mount Auburn. ley’s body had been placed was taken away.” rs “By whom?” . ‘ ; , i . “That is what we don’t know.” 4; ns ae “Ah!” Sy : i iar same vit a watehman cove é SA ie eras "ae Be 5
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- “When you say that do you mean to say that he is “no longer suspected?” “That’s about it. Of course, there are thoseestill who believe that the watchman was guilty.” | - “But you don’t believe it.” 5) "No, Idon’t.” ~ “Why not?” “Because, and here is where the real mystery _ .-comes: in, nobody has tried to win the great reward am that has beén offered for the recovery of the ne y m9 “T don’t quite understand.” “Wi! if the watchman had stolen the ea: it ee mits ave been for the purpose of getting the big _ reward he knew Hawley would offer for restoring ate ’ ; “TY don’t know about that,” said Nick; “ghouls don’t usually rob graves for the purpose of getting always have another pee of reward in mind to in- ae ‘duce them to the crime.’ s “You mean that they are usually paid by medical -_ students who want bodies to operate on.’ 4 “Yes. ei course, I have thought about that, as has everybody else. Now, listen to this, Nick. When a i body is stolen for the dissecting table, it isn’t cut up instantly, is it?” ee ‘No. It is often several days.” i “Very well. It happened that the disappearance have been taken—that is, on the morning | following you.” 1 a this part of it ie in i habline onic 1an—-Brown was his name—did not report at ted time. The superintendent of the cem- 1 that, but another hour was allowed to rewards for the return of the bodies. They almost the body was noticed on the very morning after it was known that the watchman had disap- The - Pwr POP Sh Fae 2 cA NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “The search was kept up until daylight. “Then one of the men, in going near the Hawley tomb, saw that the door had been tampered with. “He investigated and found that the lock had been broken. ; “Of course; he reported that fact, and then the discovery was quickly made that the casket contain- ing the body of young George Hawley had been taken away. “Mr. Hawley was notified by (ee Rath “It was still so early that he was not yet up. “He went straight to Mount Auburn, but he paused on the way to put in an advertisement offer- ing a reward of twenty-five thousand dollars for the recovery of the body, or information leading to that.” Well?” eccarinitd Nick, “Mr. Hawley acted like a man of sense and determination.” ’ “T was sure you would say so,” responded Field- ing. “Now, the point is that the news of the body- snatching and the reward offered were printed and announced all over Boston and that part of the State before noon, for the evening papers made an extra of it. Of course, the next morning’s papers had long accounts of the matter, too, but it is not to be doubted that the thieves saw or heard of that reward before evening.” “I should say that was likely,” said Nick. “Very well; do you suppose the body-snatchers got anything like twenty-five thousand dollars from medical students?” [4--OT caurse note Se. | “And wouldn’t the mention of such an immense reward=lead the ghouls to do everything in their power to return the body, and so get the resin ay cae - “And suppose,” continued Fielding, cndneatig “the body had already been delivered to a medical’ student. He would have seen the offer of reward also, and isn’t: it likely anne a would have tried to i yf *, Sh “It's a good Sepciten be irate Nicks, “wh vi | } xt
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“Why, that the body was taken for some very un- _ usual purpose. That there’s a mystery there of the darkest. nature—a mystery that is worthy of Nick Carter’s brain to solve it.” - The detective smiled a little. “You've done pretty well, Jim,” interested, I confess.” Peeps; een you'll undertake ae “Don’t hurry me, old man. I admit that there seems to be a deep mystery. A rather mixed one, ‘too. The disappearance of Brown is a bothersome complication.” = ; a don’t believe,” said Fielding, “that the disap- ; pearance of Brown had anything to do with the - matter.” “) “So? Why?” “Because, if Brown stole the body he would have sent some word. to Hawley. He wouldn't have waited all this time in silence. _I think it more likely that Brown wandered away in a fit of insanity and that he happened to go wrong just on the night tae when this crime was committed.” ey Nick, looked thoughtfully at his friend, but said nothing. Seca. See you don’t agree with me,” said Fielding. “I irielonl abba that, for I want you to have your he said. “T-am SNe" v6 = oF : ‘ had hoped that for old friendship’s sake—” ctiv ee Pie was going to ask you why you OTHE hat y‘ you: were going to do SO fae tell you,” replied Fielding. “I've known long as I have you, and I think a great He and his family are suffering terri- 2 t I couldn't do a better turn for wad than er my friend Vhat!” exclaimed Fislaing: reas disappointed ; “That's “quite ; another matter,” ’ interrupted the de- NICK CARTER WEEKLY. @ The detective nodded. “That satisfies me,” he said. “For olc friendship’s sake, Jim, I'll tackle this matter, which I might do anyway, for it interests me as a mystery.” “I’m glad to hear you say that, Nick.” I} tell you the main reason why I said I wouldn’t work for that big reward.” “Well?” “Because, to win the reward the body must be found or information given that will lead to its re- That’s right, isn’t it?” “But don’t get your hopes up, Jim. covery. pie Ste “And that reward cannot be earned, because the body no longer exists.” CHAPTER III. A LIGHT THAT DARKENS THE MYSTERY. Fielding opened his eyes wide. “It was embalmed by a very skillful undertaker,” he said. “Doubtless; but I will go further and tell you that I believe that within twelve hours after the grave was robbed, the body of young George Hawley ceased to exist.” “That's a startling statement, Nick, but it shows that you have a theory.” “Not necessarily. In fact, I haven't any; but I don’t want to make a mystery of my thoughts to yOu reat Jim, and I'll explain.” “TL-wish you would.” ‘ “It's very simple, and I may be mistaken, but I merely ere oe your own theory.” “T don’t see.’ “The body was stolen probably some time heikek ii midnight and daybreak. The offer of a reward was. published by noon, but it may not have been seen by the guilty party till a few hours later. time the body had been destroyed. If it had*not been, it is pretty certain that some attempt would ‘ have been made to restore it and get the reward. ‘That’ sso; I hada’ t ene » of that.” Rh A ss eee es ee ee ‘By that q b Bi 1 a al
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ae ‘ i “And that leads the way to a possible theory. I admit right now that I don’t think the body was hy an taken for the use of a medical student. There is 4 one other explanation: it may have*been taken by at _ some dirty mean enemy of Mr. Hawley for the pur- ; Such a man would not _ pose of making him suffer. _ be tempted by the big reward.” “You might as well give up that theory, Nick.” “Why?” _ “Because I thought of it myself, and made an in- vestigation.” , : “Good, Jim! How did you go about it?” . “fT talked over it a little with Hawley himseli, and at great length with Professor Drummond.” “Who's he?” “Another friend of mine, and a very intimate friend of Hawley. He knows. more about Hawley _ than any man living. For = he was Hawley’s “family physician.” a “And what does the professor say?” “That he cannot think of anybody who could have cari to hate Hawley.” Ange? man inight imagine he had cause.’ -“T know; but Drummond can think of nobody re might fancy that Hawley had injured him. rou see, Nick, Hawley has led a very quiet life. was born raked and never Beni: in mening never & ¥} ! I forgot” to state that: We have with him. We are Hawley’ s nearest neigh- ‘Drummond lives on. one side and I on the The: professor and IT agreed that the most s org necessary. hestinitiered 1, read ‘Oh! then prdisibad knows chat you were com- - unlikely. the matter over a great deal, and I want you | : _ The most we can hope to do is to find what one . of the body, iene I ie ne Angee rate cage car 4h. . : on you some six years ago, isn't it?” NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “I went at once to Drummond’s house. ““Here’s our chance,’ said ]. “I know Carter, and think I can get him to take up the case.’ “Drummond, of course, thought the reward would - be enough to tempt you, but no matter about that. He agreed heartily that it would be wise to put the matter in your hands. “Tf he takes the case,’ said Drummond, ‘ask him I should like to meet him.’ “You see, he’s heard of you, Nick.” “So havea good many other people, Jim,” the de- tective remarked, dryly. to call on me. “But you'll call on him, won’t you?” “Oh, of course; what’s he professor of ?” “He used to be connected with one of the medical schools in Boston, but he retired years ago.” Nick looked at. his watch. “Ten days after the crime was committed,’ he said, thoughtfully. ‘Rather unfortunate, that; but it can’t be helped. The thing is not to let another day pass without work of some kind.” He picked up a newspaper and looked at the rail- road time-tables. “Next train for Boston,” he went on, and arrives at three. to Mount Auburn. Then I can go to see Drum- mond, unless I strike a clew at once, which is most Where are you living, Jim?” “In Malden, just north of Boston.” “IT know.” ' “Hawley, Drummond and myself have houses on the hill at the edge of the great State park known as Middlesex Fells.” ” “Well, that’s where you were living when T called, “goes attwo That will give time for a visit I'd forgotten that you had been there.” We'll have I “Sure! “Then I know just how to find you. luncheon here and go up to Boston together. ° shall want you along, nee am All right, old man.” “Two heads will be better than one in this case. Pte " Pome
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‘ — came on board with evening papers. Nick bought one. ‘He had hardly glanced at it when he passed it to ‘ ‘Fielding with a queer Took in his eyes. ‘Fielding took the paper and started at sight of a lot of heavy headlines covering half the first page. . Some of them were: THE RIVER GIVES UP ITS DEAD! att Brown, the nae Mount Auburn Watch- ; man, Found at Last. sia ale But the Main Problem Re- mains as Dark as Ever. Z oy an r € newspaper account went on to tell how a body et ad of decomposition was found in the ae en to he shieghos whee it was oe i articles that were found : in his of »* . ‘5 ra @ f NY bine oo i. é them at their work and that they attacked him.” “see why nobody has tried to win that reward?” sand dollars——”. broken, sak latte dicrors eae aes as his own ite is.” Fee NiCK CARTER WEEKLY. ee morning's Riouery showed what’ had become of Brown, it threw no light upon the main mystery. “Who took the body of young George Hawley,” said the paper, “and what was done with it, are as far from being known as ever.” Fielding read the account through and passed the paper back to Nick. “What do you think of it?” asked the detective. “T’d a good deal rather hear what you think,” re- turned his friend, “but I know you won’t tell me till . you get good and ready. I can’t see that there’s anything to think. The paper seems to tell it all.” “Probably the paper tells all that is known,” said Nick, “but it is mistaken when it says that the finding of Brown's body throws no light on the main mys- tery. 5 “Then, Fielding, eagerly. > do you begin to see the truth?’ asked “No, no!’ replied Nick, “for the unpleasant fact is that, while this discovery does throw light-on the + mystery, it throws it in such a way as to show what a hard problem it is.” ; ; “Good gracious! that’s discouraging.” “Hardly, for after all it is better to know that Brown eannot be Suspected. I suppose you see that he was murdered?” “Certainly.” 4 “And by whom?” ~% “Probably by the ghouls. I suppose he caught ; “That's the correct inference; and now, don’t you “Not yet. There’s nothing to show that the. hous themselves were killed, and sage: thou- sts: a big sum Bt: money, but it isn’t ee as much Pas ae i ve's reasoning. said pee supose the chow
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19 By: ; and win the money. To do that they would have to bargain with Hawley, or somebody representing him. _ The body would have to be given to somebody, and the money would have to be placed in their hands.” “Sure! and Hawley was willing to do all that secretly. It was to be a case of ‘no questions asked, Cah you know.” . “Of course; but don’t you see that the murder of _ Brown adds a crime to the case? The ghouls would run the risk of being arrested for. murder.” “That's so!” “The offer of a reward for pol Wet of the body is no ‘guarantee that the police would not chase them 3 up: for the murder of Brown. returned the body would practically confess by that aCe: pee he had a a hand in the murder of the watch- man,” fe “You're right, Nick,” said Fielding, gloomily. ; “The scoundrels have not dared try for the reward.” x COE course they haven't. And, though it isn’t of rae Aer ie ne rye I made in iiiofenuer. I am no longer so sure that es the body was destroyed soon after the yonvery of “Then what do you think?” _ “*T don’t think anything yet, except that it’s about oan a Seng as I ever fancied. I'll si wd os ane Fielding went to his place ‘G3 anteiy while Nick. and Chick took a car for veenec, CHAPTER IV. PROFESSOR DRUMMOND. n the detectives arrived at the entrance to nd asked to see that official. 9 ies like to know,” said Nick, “where the is” <i the cemetery— I wish 207 708. or where nin heads them i NICK CARTER WEEKLY. And the man who - Auburn they went to the superintendent’s . + ”? “Thank you,” responded Nick, as pleasantly as if the superintendent had offered to go with them; “I suppose you have been overrun with curiosity-seek- ers since the robbery of that tomb?’ “I should say so! The public has turned the cem- etery into a show ground. But that doesn’t matter much, for the watchman can genetally keep the ordinary public from the grass and flower beds. - It’s the infernal amateur detectives who are the nuisance. Hawley’s big reward has set thousands of men to” thinking that they can solve the problem: Why! for the first two or three days after the robbery we had to have a large police force present to keep the detectives in order.”’ “A detective is a troublesome sort of fellow, for a fact,” remarked Nick. “Especially the amateur,” ent. . “Of course. And are they still at it?” “I guess they are, unless they have thought them- selves crazy. But we won't be bothered with them any more. Mr, Hawley himself has seen to that.” “How?” : “Well, at first he wanted everybody who had an idea to be allowed to go to the tomb and i investigate. Of course, we were as anxious as he to get at the truth, and we offered no objections. But when the detectives became an army and trampled on the graves and flower beds and broke down the shrub- bery, we had to draw the line. -And Mr. Hawley got disgusted at having so many strangers near his fam- ily tomb. So he asked us to rope it in and keep everybody out. And this has been done.” “Thank you again,” said Nick. “But, in spite of what you say, we would like to visit the place for a few minutes. I think I can convince you Fenod we are not amateur detectives.” With this, Nick handed his card to the canis tendent. “Well!” exclaimed the latter, “this ces like busi- added the superintend- ness! J. wish you had come ten days/ago. “i Se tes _ “Tt may not be too late.” y oe a Sate eras “I hope not. — Wi a with you, gentlemen. The cemetery is yours.” “fy ie hardly think we ° want all that,” said Nick, He AS there is one thing we do want ven icp eR SS | ieee is it, Mr, Carter?” pe) mig
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_ “Tunderstand. Not a word shall be said about it. Will you come right along?” “Tf you please.” _ The superintendent led them to the tomb. There was no crowd hanging around. It was get- _ ting too late i in the day, and it was too long since the robbery ‘for the place to be attractive to curiosity seekers. _ Besides, the fact that strangers were no longer al- ~ low ed to go near the tomb had become well known, and people therefore stayed away. Nick remarked on the fact® “Yes,” admitted the superintendent; “I confess that I overstated the facts. You see, I didn’t know _ who you were. - But it is a fact that until within a _ day or two we have been bothered by crowds. Do _ you want me to stay to answer any questions?” “No, thank you. ' We shall look around, and prob- ably go away in five minutes.” nie “The superintendent notified the guards that Stipe _ gentlemen were to be allowed to go where they pleased, and left them. ‘Nick glanced at the tomb. “The lock has been repaired, of course,’ _. and looked down the slope. a; _ “Brown was found in the river,” he went on, Bourse aloud. “The river is just at the bottom of ~ the hill, and the river would be the easiest way for make off with their — For, not said he, here, “ It’ 's too long since the deed.” ut’ it’s better to look the. place over. “Tf 2 y went to the river with the body, ea course id | they take?” NB vis sie . hortest.” gene, ally. Let’s follow it, then.” ale cand ¢ came at length to a broad path run- the sie Jae a Us or “two from i it. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. c much good Wit sore of an slowly down the hill, keeping tis > the Ps ae. bal the bas oe of. FUG 11 He pulled it toward him, and silently called Chick's . attention to it. Then he pulled the post next to it in the same way. That one gave also. “They didn’t lift the coffin over the fence,” was all he said, and he replaced the posts as og had found them. The detectives looked across the river and up and down. it. “Ten days after the event,” said Nick, “and, mean- time, I believe there has been plenty of rain. We've seen all we can see here.” Chick agreed with him, and they went back to Boston. Only once did Nick say anything while on the way. “Brown was murdered by a blunt instrument. That looks as if professional crooks were employed on the job.” The detectives had dinner at the Parker House, where they read all the evening papers. No account of the finding of Brown’s body gave them any more information of importance than they already possessed. “T'll go out to Malden alone,” said Nick, when - they had finished. ‘““There’s no reason, though, why you should be idle. It may be that the police have information that they are keeping from the papers. ; Better go up to headquarters and see Haley, or Soy : other of our friends there, and make them give up.” “I had thought of that,” responded Chick. Nick then gave him some further instructions, and, went to Malden. . i In twenty minutes he was on the street where Fielding lived. But he did not call on He friend. When he had come to Fielding’ s house he pate its. ; “Jim lives ‘on one side,” he said to himself, “and Professor Drummond on the other. Then, that must be Drummond's house.” It was a large house, Standing. some distance back from the street. Behind the house, and almost joining it, was a large. stable, So much, and the be that there was a good ay of vacant. land around the house and stable, could be
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12> “The professor seems to be well fixed,” thought Nick. He passed the gate to the driveway, which ‘was _ closed, and came to a gate in the stone wall which led to the footpath. ‘ _ The wall along the front of the grounds was rather high. P Nick placed his hand on the knob of the gate and turned it, but the gate would not open. Oa “Hello ’’ he mused, with a glance at the house; “this seems rather unneighborly.” There were lights at some of the windows in the ce house. Nick looked along the wall for another gate, but i saw none. . _ While he was wondering about it, and also look- i ‘ ing for a bell handle, for he thought there might be one near the gate, he heard a click, and the gate swung inward. _ “Evidently,” thought the detective, as he passed through, “I rang a bell or something when I turned he the handle. Professor Drummond seems to be up to % ve He went up the walk to the front door, and had no : pee to ring there, for a white-haired, white-bearded a3 Professor Drummond at home? ” is Drummond,” replied the old man. ey “A good many things,” replied Nick, smiling. “ey nderstand. that you want to see me, My name is “Pag ahh or and. so I have to answer the d be was going t to’bring you.” the liberty of coming alone.” pe io you haven’t seen Fielding?’ 9 ae “ me inh he added, nandivig. sak “My. va . Didn't Sige come > with :; we came $0 ; Roster Scaring from " ‘talk over “thie mathieeaa au: me ‘get at the —— * il t shail be Alot ee stay a few minutes: _ Othe NICK CARTER WEEKLY. pea om lic ee "Ah ee The professor seemed to be satisfied. . They had been standing in the hall of the house, and now the professor opened 4 door to a library. - “Walk in,” he said, shortly. Nick walked in, and sat down. “T suppose,” he said, “that yen. ve read bias the. finding of the watchman’s body.” ; “No,” replied the professor. ‘‘I never read the | newspapers. What is ordinary news to a man like me?” “But this is hardly @dinary news.” “True, and such news I learn without bothering to read the papers. Fielding told me about it.”’ “Well, I suppose it changes your views as to the sad case that you and Fielding want me to take hold of. 9? “Not atall. I never believed that Syne had wa thing to do with the matter.” CHAPTER V. THE PROFESSOR’S THEORY, Professor Drummond was standing with his hands clasped behind him and facing Nick. The detective wished he would sit down. He also wished that the professor would state his own ideas of the case. Drummond stood, and said nothing, so Nick asked him directly what he thought of it. “Humph!” replied the professor, “I haven't any alton ones about it. I hoped that you-had.” “Perhaps I have. As Fielding said you weaned to see me I supposed you had something to say.” “Not at all. Of course, I wanted to see the man who is so famous as discoverer of secrets, and I ex- pected to see him pt his hand right on the fub af the mystery at once.’ There was almost a sneer in the old man’s. tone: “You expected nothing of the kind, professor,” re- ue r sponded Nick, quietly and coldly. The professor frowned, and: his | ane glowed aa brightly. 4 “You ae blunt,” waid pir he
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; Professor Drummond’s manner changed at once. __—_s- *Sit down,” he said, hastily. “Of course I want to help you. But I don’t know what I can tell you. it _ What do you want to know?” ee He not only motioned Nick to his chair, but sat B. down himself, and leaned his head upon his hand, placing his elbow against the library table. _ “Well,” said Nick, “I didn’t ask Fielding much about the Hawley fawily. You might tell me.” _ “T’m sure Hawley has no enemies,” began Drum- mond. “T went over. that with Fielding,” interrupted Nick. “I mean now simply the family itself. Who are in it? how many servants, and that sort of thing?” “Oh! anybody could tell you that. There's Haw- ley himself and his wife, and their daughter, oye “How old is she?” =” “Eighteen.” “Have there been other childien’ ® » “One, a boy.” “When did he die?” _ “Twelve years ago.” , “What was the matter with him?” “4 railroad accident. Killed instantly.” “Have there been other deaths in the family?” “No. It’s a queer line cf questions you ask, Mr. Detective.” _ “Maybe,” responded -Nick, carelessly. _ “One would think you had given a good deal of at- ‘tention to the mystery of life. Have you?” : old man’s eyes glowed wonderfully. ‘He seemed to be eager for the detective’s answer. inly;” nig i satan sis is one of yd fa- oot iach ie pa ae mu gee eee ahd 4 he you, too, area seudaent?” a ore My time is about evenly divided between ay profession and study.” oN apaaated east ‘epaes dey set sie Mr. Car same that you have inst suggested. kate si rtnice a dade there?” Secbisbed the elds sitting up and clasping his hands, nervously. something to b be studied, for we can under- 2 ag as is eta eho ssa a grhpish Snares t ie ) salle, Me em NICK CARTER WEEKLY. » to see an explanation of 13 no idea that a detective cared for any of the higher problems.” The professor’s lips were parted as if he meant to say more. Then he leaned again on the table, and added: “But I forget myself. You are here.on business. You mustn’t let me take you time from it.” “You are quite right, professor,” responded the detective. “I must keep my mind on the Hawley case, but sometime I should like to discuss these other matters with you.” “Ves! yes!” said the professor, impatiently ; “what else do you want to know?” “Does’ anybody else live with the Hawleys ex- cept their servants?” “Nobody.” “How many servants are there?” De. f “Can you name them and tell what they do?” “Yes,” and the professor did so. “Were the servants fond of young George?” asked Nick. “Oh, yes; he was generaily liked.” “Sometimes it happens that a boy in a rich fam- ily is especially fond of some one servant. Was this the case nee ah “Tt was.’ Again the professor’s we began to glow wonder- fully. That seemed to be a sign that his interest was greatly aroused. “Who was the favorite servant?” asked Nick. “The coachman. His name is Wilson, and he was wonderfully fond of the boy. He has been a changed man since the death.” “Indeed! and since the robbery of the body? how has he been since then?” The professor sat up. “Very much changed!” he bei cabbie: speaking rapidly. “You ¢an't get a word out of him. He used to talk all the time. Now he never says any- thing. I see what you are driving at, Mr. Detect- ive! It isa wonderful idea! I am surprised that it had not occurred to me before.” “Well,” said Nick, cautiously ; “the plainest singe. are sometimes the slowest in coming to the min “Quite true! and it’s the case now. Really, seem Se! by the death ee | boy tip loved. ‘Can't ha x, Wilson, made
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‘ + ‘the thought of his being laid away. .Goes to the tomb and brings away the body and hides it, so as to have it near him. Wonderful thought, Mr. Detect- ive! You are remarkably shrewd and far-seeing.” “Thank you,” said Nick, without saying that the idea was wholly the professor’s. “There was a case like it in France,” continued Drummond, as rapidly as before. “You must have read about it. A man’s wife died and was buried. ' He couldn't endure the thought that she was away from him. He robbed the grave, and took the coffin to his house, where he kept it for weeks, while the detectives were trying to find the robbers. © Simi- lar case; isn’t it? You remember all about it, of ; course?” -- *¥es,”’ said Nick, truthfully; “I read of that case.” “Then you'll watch Wilson! Oh! I am very glad that Fielding tplegeaplied for you, but I had no idea you were so clever.” “I shall keep my eyes open.” “That’s right.” The professor drew a long breath, and again leaned his head on his hand. _ “Perhaps there is some other question,” he said. “Yes, one more. What did the boy die of?” For a moment the-professor did not answer. _ He stared steadily at Nick, and his eyes were very dull. At last he said: “You'd better ask the satay physician about ea “] will, but I thought you aes know.” “Joam not the family physician.” “You used to be. didn’t you?” “Years ago, yes.” ; ' “I suppose your steities cieecestee you more sei practice.” , _ “Yes—that and my lectures.” “Well, what does the family bilinear pyri You must know, and while I shall talk with him I'd like : amagiogmbamse what to ask him.” 11 believe that to be the cause 2 not attend the boy.” op yitee uty ; my s NICK CARTER WEEKLY. “I know that, Mr. Detective. I don’t want to be drawn into any dispute on 'that matter.” “Oh! then the cause of death is another mystery, eh?” “You may call itso, if you like. With my ideas as to the secrets of life—but we agreed that we wouldn’t talk of that at present.” ; Professor Drummond had half-started up with glowing eyes, but he sank back again and looked as dull as before. “Very well,” said Nick, “I'll call again when we can have time to talk about the scientific problem.” “T shall be glad to see you.” “Meantime will you tell me the name of the family physician ?” “Metcalfe. lives.” “That is all, then, for the present.” Nick arose, and the professor did likewise. “Are you going to calc on Fielding?” asked Drum- mond. “Yes; I shall go there from here.” | “But you won’t call at Hawley’s?” “Not yet. Fielding says that he doesn’t know of my being at work on the case.” “No. It would do no good to distress him by making him talk about it. He can give you no infor- mation. But brie “inne before pe you'll look up Wilson, I suppose.” : “It won’t be necessary to call at Hawley’s for that purpose,” replied Nick. , “I presume not,” said the professor. “Anyhow, you know best. You are a wonderful man, Mr. Car- ter. I ape mety glad pe I have met you. Good- ‘evening.” He had opened the front door. Nick said “Good-evening,” and went away. “T wonder,” he reflected, as he walked down to the gate, “how much of that strange old man’s tone was sneering and how much was flattery? I’m afraid I don’t take as caer stock in the ee: as be does.” The gate swung open before Nick could iy iis, hand on the knob. ; » “What a place!” he thought. “The gate worked ~ by electricity from the house. I'd bet that there are curious things to be found in that house. Some timé or other I'd like to have an excuse to explore i237 Sy iver he wiaaloen to’ bi crite monde, ¥¢ ie FS, ip ue a Fielding can show you. where he 5%
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CHAPTER VI. ad UNEXPECTED PERIL. “Ah!” said Fielding, when Nick entered the room abet he was sitting, “you are so late 1 began to think you had found a clew.” bt bag must think I’m a lucky man, Jim.” “I do. - Haven’t you said yourself that your suc- ~ cess has depended a great deal on good luck?” “Yes, that’s true.” ; “When you say it, Nick; the rest of us know that you succeed bécause ‘of ability.” ee). ae detective smiled. | i ae “Well, ” added Fielding, “I suppose j you want to go right over to Drummond's. I'm ready——" “T've been there.” _ “What!” . _ “I called on the professor before coming here.” “But you didn’t see him.” “T certainly did, ar a man who passed himself off But how did mn mond never on any. account lets a stranger * one can call on him without letting him dvance. _ Even his neighbors have to ring : dlahone and tell him they’re coming. If ‘pei Ean, bang away at the gate all night, Indeed! he. Bie kig cragullt macs eosom: you found that out in your be thers with you, but, of course, Tse now wh he let you in.” yg fagieastiy at been waiting for NICK CARTE R WEEKLY. . .A very old man with white hair a mighty serious thing, isn 15 “You haven’t found any ything, I suppose?’ he said, “Oh, yes—something. I think I have made a lit- tle progress.” “I’m mighty glad to hear that.” Nick looked keenly at his iriend. There was something in his tone that surprised © him. “Jim,” he said, “what's the matter? I hope you are not getting sick over this Hawley matter.” “No, Nick: but it does seem maddening.” “I can understand your friendly interest in it, but why should you give it so much thought?” “T can’t help it, living right next door and know; ing all that goes on there. If Hawley doesn’t tell me, his servants tell my servants, and so I am aware of everything.” : “Then youn must have a lot of information.” Fielding hesitated. “No,” he said—‘‘nothing that bears on your prob- Jem.” ; “Come!” said Nick, with good-natured sharpness, “speak up, old man! What do you mean by Keeging anything back irom me? “Nothing, except that I don’t want to bother you with things that have nothing to do with your work. Besides——-” . “There isn’t any besides, Jim! it bears on my problem or not. thing new. | What is it?” “Well, if you must have it, there’s over there.” He jerked his head in ‘the direction of the Hawley house. “Death or iliness?” asked Nick, quickly. “Neither. It’s a case of gear: Réshaw! what am I saying? Servants’ gossip-——”" “Out with it.” _ “Je’s just this, Nick, and I’m trying not to pay any attestion to it. You'll laugh at me for telling you. I got it from the servants.. Lucy Hawley, the daughter, hasn't come home to dinner. Now, that’s isn’t it?” een Fielding laughed in a forced wa I'll judge whether You’ve heard some- more trouble see he glanced at the detecthe e and started. Jove, Nick!" he cried, ed: believe you've turned Is it
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4 6 j When he did speak, his vaice was edad steady, but low. “Where had the girl been?” ae asked. “To school.” “As usual?” “Certainly.” “Tell me every detail.” = = _ “I don’t know any. Merely what my _ serv- 3 ants——” a “Tell what they say.” se “It seems that Lucy wstally gets home at five. She did not appear at that hour to-day, but nothing was thought of it—in fact, I Gor t think her absence was noticed until dinner time.” “When was that?” “Six o'clock.” | “Go on.” abe “A servant went to her room. Evidently she had _ not been there. The house was searched. She was _ not. found. Her hat and school things were not . - where they would have been if she had returned as ee usual.” Gees “Weil?” , ; “Under the circumstances Mr. and Mrs. Hawley were, much disturbed. Their nerves are on edge, be. notified. - Peet a, said Hawley; ‘we mustn’t make trouble for our neighbors if we can help it. Lucy will doubt- fy less come in soon.’ . if So no word was brought to me directly, but his chman spoke to mine, and so I was paste il When was that?” _ *Lheard of it about an hour ago.” io! eae BOM, nearly nine. Have you heard since?” ey “indeed. ‘I have made my servants spy om y's house. li he doesn’t want me to be in- t want to walk 3 in and tell him I know ft ae | et talon sexo heard of Lucy.” Os whens door opened, a d: finished ae — you know.” One of, his servants asked him if I should | ment ago. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. replied the butler. “Miss . “There is none, sir,” Lucy has not returned.” : “What about the inquiry they made at the school- house? Have they heard from that yet?” “Yes, sir. The teachers and scholars all say that Miss Lucy started home as usual, sir.” “Where was she last seen?” “As near as can be found out, about half-a-mile from home.” “Was aye sone at that time?” asked Nick. “Yes, sir.’ “And going toward home?” “Yes, ‘sir.’ “Has Hawley notified the police: ” asked Fielding. “T believe that he is doing so now, sir, .by tele- phone.” “T will explain,” said Fielding to Nick, “that as soon as it was found that Lucy was missing, serv- ants were sent to all her girl friends and to the neigh- bors along the street. That resulted in no clew whatever. And yet it did not seem a matter to be taken seriously.” The detective was silent. ' “You may go, John,” said Fielding, “but keep up the watch, and let me know all that you hear.” “Now, Nick,” he added, when the.butler had gone, “is it possible that you regard this as important?” “T am afraid it is terribly important, Jim?” “You don’t mean it!” “T certainly do. You said I looked pale a mo- I presume I did. I felt so. This case has interested me more than you can think. I sym- pathize deeply with this Mr. Hawley, whom I have never seen. It would be.awful if the horrible power that has worked one death in his family should be al- lowed to work another before means can be taken to stop the crime!” “Nick!” gasped Fielding. “What's that you say? A power has worked one death? Do you mean to say that young George was murdered?” “J mean to say nothing more just yet,” Mi arti Nick, with a wave of his hand. “I must think a bit , and-ask questions.” , “I wonder if I ought not to take you had over to: : see Mr. Hawley?” . “Not yet. 1 don’t want to see him wo i , unles
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-& sup sed?” a “Jim,” said Nick, after a moment, ie ‘mond know of this?” a 2 “Of Lucy’s absence? Yes.” mo “How do you know?” “Because I told him.” = “When? ae “At the time I told him I was going to bring you %. - to call.~ Didn’t he mention it?” abe “No.” Sax: since he didn’t regard it as important.” “He seemed to hint at it,” said. Nick, “for he told e he thought you wanted to see me.’ “That | was it, I Suppose, for I told him the matter ade me anxious.” “What did he say.” ; esi ‘You're getting to be a nervous as Hawley,’ he and he spoke of giving me a tonic.” What was the matter with George Hawley?” k asked the question rants, and Fielding ~ “does Drum- don’t ikciw the scientific name for it,” he an- or in plain abit I believe it was heart “Does it run in the family 3 it { that I know of.” George shown any signs before his last ill- bat his heart was weak ?” : ver heard of it.” _ » does” ‘Dr. ‘Metealfe. live?” pee se the Srect—auenber *73:" te = t i gone to the cic ae Wick isa great. deal to do ina hurry. am ge me a hint, old man?” | jim. oo ‘perhaps. Good- “I must be. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. . 17 the professor's ae Then he stepped across the street and stood under some bushes that lined the sidewalk, and looked across the house and grounds. He had not tried to hide himself. Nick was sim- ply thinking, but he noticed when a man passed him that he was not seen, for the man went on without turning his head. Then he noticed that he had happened to choose a place that was in deep shadow. An arc light threw strong rays on the gate to the professor’s driveway just opposite, and lit up much of the grounds, but the spot where Nick stood was heavily shaded by a tree and the bushes. At last Nick shook his head and was about to go on, when footsteps approaching hurriedly made him hesitate. They were on the other side of the street. A man was walking rapidly. He passed onnans the arc light, and Nick recognized him. It was a man named Richard Taylor—a acute swindler, would-be murderer, and perhaps a good many other things as bad. Taylor was the partner.of Guy Preble, now locked up in Worcester and awaiting trial. ‘ When Preble was arrested, Taylor could not be found. The two had apparently parted company be- fore Nick began his operations in Worcester. And here he was within reach! Nick was on the point of dashing across the street to arrest him, but something made him pause. It was the fact that Taylor took a key from his pocket and applied it to the professor's gate. ‘He opened it, the one that led to the driveway, we went in and closed it carefully behind him. Then he hurried toward the house. just as well, and maybe a great deal better. e started n now for the city. y after he had passed Feiding’s Nick could see that he did not go in by the front — _ door. € “Well,” thought the detective, “to-morrow will do at gs where | to find you, Dick Taylor, and I have some new thoughts now about Professor Drummond.” _ Page teed |
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18 was wrong with it, for a man was under it at work, while another held a light for “lias Nick passed on. He had hardly seen the ‘sched! but he remem- "i bered that such a thing had been in view when a min- ute or so later he heard the sounds of cinta and the whirr of wheels behind him. ’ _ “They got it fixed, all right,” he said to himself. z Just then the machine passed him: at a high rate _.- of speed. i It had hardly come into view, when something fell over his head, knocking his hat off as it did so. Then there was a terrible yank, and the detective was thrown flat upon his face? _ Without pause he began to slide ‘rapidly over the “hard roadway. CHAPTER VII. STILL IN THE RING. + Niek had been lassooed from the automobile. _ The machine had been run close to the curb, and the noose was dropped | over his head with little more trouble than reaching out an arm. _ If he had been thrown upon his back, there is no _ doubt that that would have been the end of Nick ee for the noose wouid have caught under his chin, and when it tightened his neck would have been _ broken. His falling upon his face saved his life for at least = the moment. : _. The noose caught just hard enough to hold, but it a did not choke the detective. _ _ This was avoided partly by the quickness with ane he put up his hands and caught the rope. He laid hold of it beyond the slip knot and held on “ike death, well knowing that to let go would cause _ the noose to tighten and so strangle him. But i in that situation his peril was only begun. He was scraping over the hard ground and bang- against small stones. fe scoundrels in the auto were running it as close the curb as ey: dared, undoubtedly with the idea t their igtion’s: head. poate be aacked against crushed. baron rossir just digas was laid across. the road at that ney sours was a Jahns ee the NICK CARTER WEEKLY. The. villains. steered almost straight for that. If Nick had been on his back his head would have come against the slab over thé gutter and death would have been instant. The twitching of the rope showed that the man holding it was trying to turn his victim over. Nick could not see the raised slab, but he wads keeping his head up as well as he could, anyway, and when he heard the auto jolt as the wheels came against the slab, he sprang upward as well as he could from his elbows and toes. Probably he did not rise more than an inch or two, but it was just enough to bring his head clear of the stone. He gritted his teeth as his knees ileal painfully against it. “Tf I could only get ‘i purchase with my feet,” he thought, “I’d yank that devil out of the machine.” That was impossible, for the machine was going too fast to give him the chance to pull back. * There was nothing to do, then, but hang onto the rope to prevent it from strangling him, and hope for an accident or something to interrupt the villains. There was little chance of an interruption before the detective would be bruised beyond recovery, for the street was very quiet and little used in the even- ing. ‘ Suddenly, a light appeared far ahead. _ A carriage was approaching. Nick, with his eyes half-full i dust, saw it. “Now they'll have to let go,” he thought. The villains saw the light, too, but they were not going to let go as long as they were sure that , their victim had not been killed. There was a turn to the right just below intoa * road that led off into the State park. Nick did not know that the men meant to make that turn, and thus avoid meeting the carriage, until he saw and felt the pnciite whizzing arourid the corner. He was slewed far to the ctliel side of the soni: “It’s all up with me now,” he thought despernely, ae “unless I manage to do something.” ne Ba The machine made the curve so fast that it. went ne around dn two wheels. Vi Nick was almost lifted from the ground and stewed. as to the other side of the new road, where, peat waite +
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As he struck this sideways, he doubled up his legs and then, pushing them against the grassy bank, sprang out from it with all his strength. ' It was enough to throw him forward a bit, and so _ get a slack in the rope. : Next instant the slack was taken up by the prog- ress of the machine. “s At the same instant the detective — back for all he was worth. “ The sudden loosening of the rope and its quick & tightening again were enough to unbalance the man, and Nick’s hard yank pulled him completely out of ie the auto. _ The strain’ on ‘the detective $ arms ceased at once; _ but he slid over tlfe ground several feet before he _ rolled into the gutter and stopped. — _ Numbed and almost unconscious he twisted ‘the . Of course, his clothes were torn in a dozen places, and he seemed to be one mass of bruises and dirt. He was hardly awére of it, but he heard the auto me to a stop. Then there was a sound of a man n running toward e seemed to come part way, turn and run back. Nick could not tell, for he had not the strength to ise his head. _ this was in the ‘Hest few seconds. The avec ea was still in his eek. a — at his hehe and, dookne: in that ae doageed over the ground, but it ago since L saw it. . I. ieee bees it NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 19 Drawing it, he crawled, for he could not walk, in the direction taken by the auto. He had not gone more than thirty feet when he came upon the body of a man. The detective placed his hand on the man’s heart, and then pocketed his revolver, “Dead!” he muttered. He had to sit down again. In all his adventures, he could not remember when he had been so,shaken up and exhausted. After a moment he took out his pocket lantern. Nick wanted a sight of that man’s face. “Td like to see the fellow who so nearly did for me,” he thought. He had to give that up. The ingenious little lamp had been so ‘badly damaged that it wouldn’t work. “Well,” said Nick, off than I am. else." Up to this time he had not been able to think very clearly. Now, his senses seemed to come back suddenly. I can see, if I can’t do anything He felt more pain, but he also felt that something must be done at once. “Of course,” he reasoned, “this attempt to kill me is connected with the Hawley mystery, which is no longer much of a mystery to me. “But there is a great deal, the hardest part of it, in fact, to be done before I can face the father of that boy and girl. “This fellow here can tell nothing, but his face may, and there may be things in his pockets that will serve as clews. “His confederate got away in the auto and i is now whirling through the park. “But he,.or some other confederate, may come back here to take away this body. _ “I must first prevent that.” He got to his feet and leaned against a shade tree for 2 nioment, emeEvenng whether he would be able to walk. After a moment he took hold of the fence that ran beside the walk, and, clinging to it, made = way slowly over the short distance to the corner. ‘There was one house on that corner. Nick was about to call there and ask for siiidatey to stand guard over the dead man when he Rear the A i. sounds 6f horse’s hoofs. bie ties Tinta ae — on ed aneg was renee up ‘the street, “hang me if you aren’t worse .
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20 ‘NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Nick waited until he was near. “Officer!” he said, then. It was a mounted policeman. “What's up?” asked the latter, reining his horse to the curb. - “There’s——-” began Nick, when the policeman in- _ terrupted: : “Great guns! have you been dragged through a packing machine?” . “About as bad as that,” replied Niek, “but there’s — some of me left. I was going to aay that there’s a _ dead man up the road a little way.’ _ “A dead man!” _ “He tried to murder me, but he got caught in his own trap!” © . Nick held up the rope that he had dragged after :Y "The officer exclaimed. in. attonishinent and got it _ down from his horse. _, . “Who are you?” he asked. mk “Never mind that now,” said Nick, faintly. “I'll tell all about it at the station. I-suppose you'll take E+ eae there 2” » “You bet! but you can’t walk.” “Not very far.” i ia ae was a police signal box. : He rang the signal for the patrol wagon. “You can’t get very far away,” he remarked, then, “and Vil take the risk of leaving you while I run up. and find your dead man; understand?” a6: 7 “It’s not more than three or four rods,” penalised Nick, ‘ “on this side.” “Take the risk of leaving me!’ he said to ae and : smiled, “But he’s right. He would have no business to take my word for what’s happened.” Ge The officer came back in a moment, and sa to aye oe an to,” replied the officer. ard the body. to gotoal The policeman stepped toa tree on which there = ae Rickt over ad ma t Nick refused. and ie ek Aor lint: ryiaoakeee go The captain was sent for, and Nick told him pri- vately who he was, but he did not say what business brought him to Malden. “If any inquiries are made about this matter,” said Nick, “give it out that I’m badly damaged; killed, if you like. Somebody may ask questions. I want it understgod that I’m no good.” “Well! you look it!” exclaimed the ,captain. “Doubtless. Now, will you let me stay here——” “Certainly! as long as you like.” “Then tell the doctor to patch me up, and I'll ask one other favor of you.” “What is it?” “Call up the Parker House on the ‘phone, and ask if my assistant, Chickering Carter, is there. If he is, tell him I want him here in a hurry. If he isn't there, leave word with the clerk to notify him.” “I'll do that at once.” ; It proved that Chick was in the hotel, and he went flying to Malden, arriving at the station just as the surgeon was finishing what Nick called his “patch- work.” “Great Scott!’? exclaimed Chick, as he went inte the captain’s room, where Nick lay in bed; “some- body hasn't done'a thing to you, eh? What “Don’t talk about me yet,” interrupted Nick, and then, to the captain, “you'll excuse us a few min- utes ?” “Certainly,” said the captain, and he went out. “Your report, Chick,” said Nick, closing his eyes. “Well,” responded Chick; “I got nothing from the police that is of any value. The fellows at head- quarters are all up a tree. But I looked up that Professor Drummond, and I learned a good deal about him that’s interesting, if not Bix poke ore “Spiel away, Chick.” _ “He used to be a professor in a medical Fi fis as your friend said, and he was Si to resign.” “What for?” “Because he got to bea ee ‘on a curious sub-. ject. He couldn’t lecture on anything without turn- ing off to the mystery of life, as he called it.” _ “He sprang the same thing on me this. evening.” “Ts that what bunged you up so?” ‘ Bee . F * Nick smiled. . “Indirectly,” he iivwared: “The ideale hited . this work done, but he talked mystery of life tome, Rts os <n ' .
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See oe Sp neae oe NICK CARTER WEEKLY. 21 1 isn’t a jong story. The president and other Accordingly Chick hurried out, and sent this tele- cers simply got tired of his everlasting yawp, and gram to Patsy: aske 2 him 44 resign. _He resisted a goed deal, “end Take midnight train, and report at Malden police station on promised to stick to his regular subjects. So.they arrival. ‘His mind ; = — wines Ae ex but it Mtge ee ing qay Then he went out and spent the rest of the a fe h in front of Professor Drummond's house. Bee Y: “I’m badly shaken up,” said Nick, as he-bade hia good-night, ‘but I'm still in the ring.” sm “Tt is said that He | is a man of very great learning, ge aot he is highly - a. even by those who Pee THE SECRET OF LIFE. Early the next morning there was a strange scene : ae in Professor Drummond's house. ‘ pias ssor’s theor: of the case. é bs the oe ge y ’ It was in a room at the back on the second floor, a Chick smiled. | 1 ith shelves al I . ted /atge room, with shelves along the walls. He tried to make me think that I had inven On the shelves were a great number of jars and i5 Os 1 ” “ k- : 3 Ses ange le paid: Mick. , “Tt might be worth thin botties of odd shapes such as chemists use. z vasn’t.for these other things. Now, the ere . ing Ee Baap a . * Some were filled with liquids, others with pow- in h the : men in the auto- thing #0, so, is to find who i dle “Men employed by Delimtiond, sraaid Chick.) > There was a large sink, with water faucets and ‘but who? Was it his machine? Of course tubes for gas. de the plan, and had the machine in waiting In the middle of the room was a long table, or bench, slightly higher’ at one end than at the other. ht in gauly s should Fore along. Have they brought i This had no’ cover. dead man? o 3 * li Vins oe pikad Ri ~. Shortly after sunrise the professor came into this th Tl: sec.; room. 4 Chi et meptont anc ape) opal returned, For a long time, more than an hour, he worked a | that he had seen. the dea¢ ee with his blow-pipes, powders and liquids. on’t know him,” he reported, “and neither do Wie ie had! finished he had a retort half full of a. There isn’t a scrap of anything i ity. his sy oubialals liquid. me can be identified. He heid it up to the light. “The solvent!” he muttered, Sidi’ ; “the final triumph after a long life of study and experiment. tte new. ; As “shite plan It will reveal the secret of life! and the time is at Of ie was prone hought hand when the great test will be made. How I shall laugh at those who have mocked m2!” atti OFESs 3 He poured the liquid from ie retort into a flask vain time, and I'd and corked it firmly. —) loss") Phen he placed the flask on a shelf, within easy eto gon “IT reach of the table, and took tp another sige that 1S also had liqttid in it. Ry aay eA a held that up to the light, and chaeked; grimly. “My: safety valve!” he said. “If I should fail, or. if I should be interrupted, this will end all trouble poandue till me; Dvtad but my secrets wil per-
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theory or die, and, if I am thwarted, I would rather die. “So I made you, my fine thing! you have more power than dynamite.” He held this flask up to the light also. “More power than dynamite or any known explo- sive,” he went on. “This great house would be but a mass of dust if I should let you do your work. “Come on, then, anybody who dares to interrupt me. But there will be none. That prying detect- ive is helpless if not dead, and there is no other who suspects me. “ “I wonder if he suspected me? “Probably not, for the old professor is shrewd. It takes more than a sharp-witted detective to get ahead of me! But it was well to-be on the safe side, for Carter might blunder in upon me while I am at work, 3 “So I had my brave boys fix Carter. Ha! what "if one of them did break his thick skull in doing so? What are detectives and ordinary men to such a,mas- ter as lam?” t The professor put the second flask upon a shelf, _and began to clear up the’ sink where he had been at work. , After a moment he aay this and went to the _ door. “T must know,’ ” he was muttering ; “T don’t care to take the risk of interruption.” if He opened the door and called: ; “Dick! Dick Taylor!” “Yes, sir,” answered a voice from another room. “Come here, Dick. _ I want you.” pk Shee sir; directly.” ; ‘professor went back to the sink. Presently ink door opened, and a young man came a “Ah! Dick, ” said the eer turning; “you have iS ! had a long night of it.” “Yes, sir,” and the young man yawned. is ze i al ears, shall not have to keep you up all night again, ‘ie though! ao ea area dectnonte yeas man! don’t oe rT ee se! why, Dick, what iad you have daoe detectives after you if I had not taken you — assistant tee are. safe, Suppo: NICK CARTER WEEKLY. Dick. Go on.” _ wouldn't say that he was Carter, the detective _ again. “Tt takes-an old man to go without sleep, Dick, : - eo heen Sox fBOar bie om will know sooner than anybody except me all about the secret of life. Is not that a great thing, Dick?” ; “T think it is, sir.’ “Huh! you.don’t seem to be very much interested. But never mind. You are probably more interested in the fate of the man who was your enemy. 1 want to know about him, too. That is why I called you. I suppose you made inquiries in the careful way I planned for you?” “Ves, sir. I found the detective and took it to the police station.’ “Ah! and what did you say?” “T told them I had heard that a dead man had been found on the park road, and that I thought pers haps the hat might be a clew the police would like.” “Good! what did they say?” “They said I did quite right, and asked me w here i found the hat.” “Well?” “T told them on the Park road.” 5 “Good! the further away from here the better, e’s hat in the road “By that time I could ask questions without sus- picion, and I learned that the wounded man, they 37 “Yes, yes! what of him ?” “He’s at the point of death.” * SAb?’ . The professor rubbed his hands together in a satis- fied way, and his eyes gleamed wickedly. “They don’t expect him to live the day out.” “Fine! I can finish my work without trouble. What about Jerry, Dick?” “He hasn't returned yet, sir.” “Hum!” The professor thought a moment. “Tt doesn’t matter,” he said then. how to take care of himself.” Professor Drummond then turned to the sink jae Sr aS Sie ie oo ee “Jerry knows Sea a ae eee es “Here, Dick,” he said; “put ieee things in sie: Ys corner.” er ‘His assistant took a tr: of jars and. retorts from the professor’s hands and placed ess as gt rected. “Now,” said the professor, “it is time. for oe great test, It will be a proud moment for me, Dick. i wish your father could, have lived to see ste ee Ne Scat, Fic
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- ~ court ae ‘And yet you weren't a very dutiful son, Dick. ver mind. I took you in because of my friend- stip for your father, and in these few days you have very helpful to me. ject, Dick.” : 2 he boy or the girl: ” asked the assistant. i what ad is the bay now?” “he assistant did not reply, but went out of the room, leaving the door open. minute later he returned, carrying in his arms a iful girl, apparently about eighteen years old. e was a Sidi and apparently dead. e . ‘eas jase fixedly at the a, and he was tering. 2 if, A) pees or toe this. great purpose.” nstant his eyes mepucted, and his. voice be- en,” he whispered; be ‘the h will die! she will die! t is perfect. I shall. succéed, ? Try again. One human mn: cae when it is a ee: ond ater up, ‘aay swered; “I had forgotten you were T must be Slone. I will call. you if I want you.” 1 ou and the professor stood for his. sishoahs as he called NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘Watch for fl solvent. ‘ her. ohcaect otis 23 CHAPTER IX, THE PROBLEM SOLVED. Professor Drummond started back, with a gasp of awful astonishment. “Carter!” he stammered., Then he quickly placed his solvent on the shelf, and caught up a scapel with one hand and the flask of powerful explosive that he called his “safety valve,” with the other. “Yes,” said the detective, sternly; ‘Carter, and in time, I hope, to prevent your last.and foulest crime.” He aimed his revolver as he spoke. “Dick! Dick Taylor!” called the professor. But the assistant did not answer. “Professor,” commanded Nick, “bring that girl to her senses. You know better than I how to do it. Get to work or this thing i in my hand will speak for me!” The sisane held up his flask at arms’ length. “Shoot!” he retorted, scornfully. “I will drop this flask, and the gas it contains will kill you in- stantly.” “Do you expect to escape it?” asked Nick. “T? no! but what does it matter? If I live and finish my work the secret of life will be made known to the world, If you compel me to die, I shall take my secret with me to the grave, and the world will be the loser.”’ “Then,” said Nick, Sater and I may as well die to- gether.” ‘ ‘With that he turned his weapon ie litles and fired. The bullet went through the flask just below the professor's fingers, smashing the neck and causing the larger part of it to drop to the floor, where it broke in pieces, Professor Drummond's astonishment paralyzed him. “Ww hy doesn’ t it explode? * he asked, fainthy. ‘Nick paid no attention to the question. Placing the revolver on the operating table, where he could reach it if needed, he bent over the: ‘motion- less hy Sige ay He made passes phe het forepeed, ane es to
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side of the room, and went to fumbling among the bottles on the shelves there. Noticing this with a side glance, Nick called: “Chick!” He did not need to call, for Chick was already en- tering the room, or, rather, the young man who had been acting as the professor's assistant did. “You have been fatally careless, Dick,” croaked the professor, seeing him; “my work is ruined, and I die!” Chick was leaping toward him, but he y was too late. - Professor Drummond had uncorked a phial, _ poured some white powder upon his palm, and clapped it to his mouth. Just as Chick came to him, he fell heavily to ae floor. : : “Let him go, Chick,” said Nick, hurriedly. “It -is simply a dangerous lunatic out of the way. We _ must save better lives if possible. Laat Metcalfe ar- rived?” _ “He’s at the door now.” “Tell him to hurry. Ah!” This last was in a tone of deep Satisfaction. a In response to his many passes ‘and commands, Tig: he had spoken to the girl even while he was talk- ing to Chick, Lucy Hawley opened her eyes. She closed them at once, and breathed painfully. _ “Take Metcalfe to George,” exclaimed Nick. “I He bent over the girl again. “Lucy!” he said, softly; “do you hear me?” _ “Yes. Where am 1?” she answered, faintly. € “Near home,” replied Nick, soothingly. “Do not - ee fear, but wake up. I tell you to wake!’ _ Sd 2: Sle drew another long breath, and tried to rise. “Lie still,” said the detective. “You are very red, es in a minute I shall let ia eo to sleep ding ‘eebly she . obeyed his command, and a yee drops into her mouth. dt” nese the Speedo ‘kindly. oe “Now ae en them. — ae NiCK CARTER WEEKLY. “The girl, at least, will be saved!” he said to him- self, and ran downstairs to the telephone. A moment later he had Fielding on the wire. “Jim,” he said, “come to the professor’s house at once, and bring your wife. Lucy is here, and needs a woman’s attention.” “Hurrah!” answered Fielding; Hawley?” “Not yet. Both children are here, but I’m afraid the boy’s dead. Hurry!” Nick returned to the professor’s workroom, but it was only to glance in,‘ see the motionless form. of the old man on the floor, and then’ close and lock the door. He next hurried to another room, a chamber, where Chick and’Dr. Metcalfe were bending over tlie hady of a boy upon the bed. On the floor was an empty coffin. Igr. Metcalfe looked up as the detective entered. “This is, Mr. Carter, doctor,” said Chick. The doctor shook hands with Nick, and said: “T am afraid it is hopeless, Mr. Carter.” “Yes,” said Nick, with a glance at the body. boy has evidently been dead for some time.” At this moment a great racket was heard in the stabie next. the house. There were loud cries, and a pistol shot. “Good Lord!’ exclaimed Nick, without stopping: his efforts, “I forgot all about Patsy. The boy is having a time of his own. Go out and help him, Chick.” But Chick was already out of the room. On the way de wnstairs he met Fielding ard his wife just coming in. “shall I notify “The He, told them where to find Lucy Eagan and : sped on to the stable. As he left the house, he saw Patsy ee from i the stable. The young detective had a black eye, but the other . was. bright. enough, for in front of him ‘were two. bruised toughs, with thee hands caught in bracelets, _- They were chained dancanee Ae. and Patsy the end of the oe. ‘
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_ him, Chick, if you've got a pair of bracelets about your. | ; 4 Chick had such an article, and the man was _ promptly fastened to the other two. ~ “What’s become of Taylor?” asked Chick. “He got away,” replied Patsy. “It couldn't be _ helped. You see I was on the watch for the auto- _ mobile down by the gate, but the rascal rode in by a the stable door open. All four of em were in there. _ They found Taylor where you had left him, and they cut his bonds. So he was free when I came up, and while I was having a tussle with these fellows, he lit ayer out by a back door, and went off into the park.” 4 “Well,” said Chick; “he’s of the least consequence, for he wasn’t here when the body was stolen. These ar e undoubtedly the ghouls.” “No doubt of it.” They were right. One of the four ghouls had tb killed in attempting to murder Nick from the ante ymobile, which belonged, by the way, to Profes- Drummond. The other three were Patsy’s cap- andeit may be explained that the operations of four, as described in the first chapter of this ac- int, were learned from the confession of one of m, who turned State’s evidence. ; Chick telephoned the police station for the patrol- n, which came soon and took the prisoners “Nick had succeeded in unmasking the dan- lunatic may be told briefly. d made the plan while he lay in the police telgrap graphing to Patsy, went up to the 1ouse, and waited until near sunrise, came out. t by the professor to make in- j about Nick. - a ed the fellow. and carried him to left him, bound and gagged. ‘made himself up like Taylor, took his mtered the house. = e professor and explained that he had tation yet, because he was afraid of m he had seen near the house. : told him to wait a while and try again. 1e detective went into the operating- ofessor. containe ind also making sure | NICK CARTER WEEKLY. _ back road from the park. First thing I knew I saw 25 watched his opportunity and when the professor left the room for a moment, he took away the flask and put in its place one just like it in appearance but con- taining a harmless liquid. In that hour of helping the professor, Chick learned that not only was the body of Lucy Hawley in the house, but that of George also. Thus Nick’s suspicions were confirmed. Patsy came through on the midnight train and ar- rived at the Malden station about half-past six. Nick got up then and they went together to the Drummond house, where Chick let them in. What followed is known, except that as soon as Nick entered the professor’s operating-room Chick telephoned for Dr. Metcalfe. Fielding and many others: were greatly shocked ta find that their friend, the professor, was a lunatic. They had supposed that he was “queer,” but as Sane as anybody. It was perfectly clear, however, that in studying on his scientific problem he had lost his reason, and that he deliberately caused the apparent death of George Hawley (which had be- come real when the boy was embalmed) for the pur- pose of making an experiment; and, while all the facts cannot be fully known, it seems probable that when the professor found that he was unable to re- store George to consciousness, he made a new “sol- vent” and determined to try it on the boy’s sister. Speaking of the matter, Fielding asked Nick when he first suspected Drummond. “Well,” replied the great detective, “an unpleas- aut feeling flashed across me at your first mention of hisname. So I went to Boston, half-suspecting him, and for that reason had Chick look up his record. I was almost sure he was guilty while I was talking with him, and when I learned that Lucy had disap- peared, I had no more doubt.” It is hardly necessary to say that Mr. Hawley and his wife were rejoiced beyond expression at the re- sult of Nick’s work. They could do no less than give him the big reward offered for the recovery of the boy’s body, and that sum, therefore, was Nick's fee for the case: The detectives were sorry that things happened so that Dick ‘Taylor escaped. “But,” said Nick, “he amounts to little. He’s an uausual crook, because he can’t do anything on his ’ ownaccount. He always has to act as the tool of an abler man.” THE END. Next week’s issue of this weekly (No. 278) will contain “Nick Carter as a Mill Hand; or, The Fall River Murder Mystery Revealed.” Taylor was still at liberty. He soon turned up again, only to meet his old enemy Nick again. Quick work and plenty of it was wiliae Nick had marked out'for him. Read din, Chick » about it in next week's issue, boys. ' Vie, a e ; > Pim : Nits ne a Tome; OR WAL a) te Lt eeaee Pine Naa ee ae ha o Ls r
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; hi ag AR, Shien =~ iy! ; yh ms my; === 3 = . Last chance, boys! This is the last week of a great contest—the greatest we've ever had. Get your funny stories in quick, or you'll be too late. Remember, you have still a chance for one of the prizes. Just look on page 30 if you don’t remember what they are. Don’t lét the chance get past you. Turning to Rubber. (By Robert Brown.) Walking into the telephone office one day a young dude promptly tried to make a mash on a pretty girl who was standing in her place in line waiting to use one of the private telephones. The dude took a stand over by a chair where he could look at her all the time and she could not turn any way to get away from that gaze. After a few minutes a miessenger boy came in witha telegram for one of the operators, and soon got thie lay of things. While the lady was signing the receipt book he pro- ceeded to get up a job on the dude, and as quick as the dude went to locking at the girl again he coolly walked up and tapping the dude on the arm said, loud enough for all to hear him: “Say, mister, I have got a bet with one of the opera- tors here and we’d like to refer it to you, as you look just about like a man who could settle it about right.’’ The young guy puffed out his chest and looked wise. ' **With pleasure, my young friend,’ he replied, affectedly. ‘‘’There is hardly any subject on which I am not well informed.”’ ’ , ‘That is what I thought,’’ bowed the’ messenger, 2 with great suavity. ‘‘ You look like it.’’ **What is your bet about ?’’ “Tt is about Lot’s wife in the Bible, sir, who was |. turned to a pillar of salt,’’ continued the messenger, so % loud that all in the room could hear him easily. ‘*I’ve ae bet my friend that there is as great a miracle right here : in town.’” ee ‘*You are wrong,’’ cried the swell guy, turning to ‘look at the pretty girl again; ‘*you haye lost the bet. _ There is no greater miracle in town than a woman turn- ing to salt.’’ ‘*How about you a-turning to rubber?’ demanded the _ messenger boy, with a grin, It took about a‘second for the young swell to tumble, oy tened him to the point of thé joke. "ahearee red around the collar, glared fiercely at the - messenger oo for a moment, then jammed his hat down ’ *shmoked aloud’ in me loife!’’ ‘to take lessons of him, ‘first month and one dollar the second.month, he said: ‘but a chorus of laughter from all in the room quickly - te, ahd, sg for the arash . ; ‘*Say, young man, I’d open a bottle of wine for you if they kept it here on sale, but here is a quarter for you, anyway,’’ aud the pretty girl flipped him the piece of silver. He caught it, laughed, put it in his pocket, and bounded downstairs after the dude. Greatly Stirred Up. (By Grover E. Bruninghaus, N. J.) While visiting my homestead I asked a farmer if there was anything new in the neighborhood. ‘*Ves,’’ answered the farmer, ‘‘the whole neighbor- hood is stirred up.’’ ‘ *‘Pray tell ine the cause,’’ I asked. ‘*Ploughing,’’ quickly answered the farmer. Smoking Aloud. (By Harry Smith, Neb.) The captain of a ship seeing an Irisbman smoking away abaft by the wheelhouse, stepped up and said: ‘Don’t you see that notice nailed up there?”’ ‘*D’ yez mane thot bit av painted tin?”’ ‘*To be sure Ido. Why don’t you follow it?’ ‘*Oi haven't sane it move yit. QOi’m considherin’ ut’s nailed fasht!’’ ‘TY mean, have you read that notice?’’ ‘*Divila bit, shure an’ I don't knaw how to rade.’”’ “*It-says, ‘No smoking allowed.’ ”’ ' “Shure an’ ut doesn’t concern me thin, for Oi niver An Trishman hearing ofa wenn musician, decided On his learning that the terms. were six dollars aps ‘Thin, begobs! Oi’ll cum the sicond month: 65 An Irishman was once ‘standing, on London Bridge when he saw a boy whom he thought ‘he knew, and ridge 2 ‘*Me by, whut’s you’re name? Faith an’ Oi think ot know yez. Whut’s you’re name?”’ — Ba
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aa a es,’’ replied the boy. Bee Jone, Jones, Jones. «Sure an’ I knaw sa ieaitineis ould = uate be thot name in Dublin. Was aither av thim you’ re mither ?”’ An Irishman on being asked if he spoke French, said: **Vis, av ut’s shpoke in Oirish.’’ i A Bunch of Fun. (By Henry Hofmeister, Md.) - Raymond is a little boy who lives in the city and has seen very little of the country. One day he went ona visit to his grandpa’s farm. While out in the pasture he saw the cows chewing their cud. Not knowing what it eant, he ran to his grandpa, saying: g binots, do you have to buy gum for all of those “Tm not afraid of my hens now,”’ said Hungerford, “Afraid of your hens?’’ repeated Williams. ‘‘What a iculous idea. What do you mean?”’ ney are not laying for me.’\_ : My don’t see how you men can ‘stay bachelors. ) rt all these girls in their pretty party dresses look eon, yes, very; but I have a sure antidote.” “why, what is it?’’ e: ‘Thinking of what they cost.’’ hours?” , 00, sir! ity: half an Tice before its time he’s Ti in’ that he won’t take it.’’ Why Pack jotit father always go to the theatre Y thrilling melodrama is to be played?’’ you see, he’s bald, and has heard such plays of as as ‘hair-raisers.’ r 2 . ? “The Two Bootblacks. sk ~ (By J. A. Delehanty,N.Y.) ss, two. little bootblacks, one black and the te, were standing at the corner of Second and reets, doing nothing, when the white boot- eed to black the black bootblack’s boots. ‘The lack was, of course, willing to have his boots is fellow bootblack and the bootblack who black the bootblack’s boots went to work. cbeathe had blacked one of the black it shone in a manner that would proud, this bootblack who had face bootblack’s boot, refused to had consented to have the 1 white rites should add five cents to the cig} hed separa panes Fe WIEKICARTER WEEKLY. I “Milwaukee, a day or two ago, during a slight lull hae pe black hootblack unless the 27 ! fused to do, saying it was good enough for a black boot- black to have one boot blacked, and he didn’t care whether the boot that the bootblack hadn’t blacked was blacked or not. This made the bootblack who had blacked the black bootblack’s boot as angry as a bootblack often gets, and he vented his black wrath by spitting upon the blacked boot of the black bootblack. This roused the latent passions of the black bootblack and he proceeded to boot the white bootblack with the boot which the white bootblack had blacked. A fight then ensued in which the white bootblack who had refused to black the unblacked boot of the black bootblack, blacked the black bootblack’s visionary organ, and in which the black bootblack wore all the blacking off - blacked boot in booting the white boot- black. Waiting for the Jailor. (By C. Elmer Trautner. ) At Indianapolis there is no regular jailor. A few months ago a policeman took a prisoner to jail and being unable to get admittance, requested him to wait until he found the jailor. The man leaned against the fence and waited for an hour. No jailor came. It was in- tensely cold, and he grumbled outright. His manners attracted some persons passing that way, who inquired what was the matter. The poor fellow said: ‘“That darned officer told me to wait until he got the key to put me in, and I’m nearly froze.’ ; ‘‘Why don’t you leave?’’ asked three or four at once. ‘*Can’t; told ‘him I would wait,’’ was the reply. ~ By hard persuasion, the crowd got him to believe that it was not dishonorable to break his word in such a case, and he left the inhospitable mansion. Patience Tried. (By H: Gundershermer, Wash.) It was a northbound train traveling through the State of New York... “Next station Peekskill!’’ cried the conductor as he passed through the cars. 4 As he came to an dean ney: with .a shrill voice he heard her say: ; ‘Couductor, have we come to Poughkeepsie yet?” ‘*No,’? answered the conductor, in a mild tone. just said Peekskill, lady.” ‘* Thank you,”’ she answered, in a piped voice. At that station all those passengers who wished got off and again the train started off. After a fifteen-minute pause, the conductor again went his rounds, calling this time ‘Wish Uhi, instead of ‘‘ Peekskill.’ Again that shrill voice piped, ‘Conductor, have. we come to Poughkeepsie yet?”’ “*No, didn’t I just tell you the next station was ‘Fish- kill i ; es ane conductor, in anger. 2 “Well, I thought it was Poughkeepsie,’’ s said, ie will tell red the conductor, now fully worked hie A eis
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28 ‘*What will you do?’’ ‘Twill let you off at Poughkeepsie, and if I fail to do so I’ll back the train. Upon my word, Jady.’’ With this fact assured her, she sat silent for the next four stations, but then she got impatient and again asked, ‘Conductor, are we at Poughkeepsie yet?”’ * The conductor flushed and said, ‘‘I have forgotten to . let you off at Poughkeepsie, but Pil keep my word and back the train.’’ So, true to his word, he backed the train to the sta- tion, which just happened to be the one sought. 4 ‘Now, lady,’’ he said, ‘‘we are at Poughkeepsie.’’ ‘*Thank you,’’ she said, and stopped as if to pick up her satchel, but, instead, she drew from it a bottle and spoon, and thus answer ed the collector ot tickets: *‘T am much obliged to you for, your trouble, but ny datighter told me to take my medicine at Poughkeepsie.’’ i | A Few Jokes. , (By Harold McKenzie, Il.) : “ "And now, Mrs. Sullivan,”’ said Lawyer Thomson, ‘will you be kind enough to ‘tell the jury whether your —— was in the habit of striking you with impun- ; ty a” x ““Wid what, sir??” ‘‘With impunity.” ae “He wuz, sur, now an’ thin; but he sthruck me &<)- votthener wid his fisht.”” A judge, dew ih with his cane to a prisoner before hina, remarked : _ “*There is a great rogue at the end of this stict:.’ ‘At which end, your bonor?’’ asked the prisoner. _.. “Now,’’ said Lawyer Gilbrath, of Erie, who was : questioning a witness, ‘‘I want you to answer precisely e USE Sueno, Task you. Will you do it?’ ‘T-arill, sir.’’ “Now, what business do you follow 7° _“T’'m a driver, sir.” “That is—you drive a wagon 2 “No, sir, I do not.” Why, sir, did you not tell me so this ‘imonient 2? “Ne sir, I did not.’ wegen sir, I put to you on your oath, do you ‘drive a ‘ No, sir. ” “What i is your occupation, then ae ees drive a horse.’ en foro Rec seca BS CEY, ey Evolution ofa Yin. ‘ (By Isaac Gealt, Pa.) ei “What is your name, little boy ?”’ asked the. teacher. _“Johuny Lemon,” ori ne ‘boy, 74eg so it was _ by the see-saw and stopped to examine it. over the old man and _ _»~bueksaw ew sawbuck by the see-saw he quietly ich : Lg boe anc ; NICK CARTER WEEKLY. ‘¢Vour name, sir?’’ said the college dignitary. “J. Dennison Lemon,’’ responded the young man, who was about to enroll himselt as a student. . Inscribed in accordance therewith. : ‘‘May I ask your name?’’ inquired the society editor. of the Daily Bread. ‘Jean D’Einnice L age in the opera box, on,’’ replied the swell person- d it was duly jotted down. tHiow Esau Sawed. (By Howard Kanagy, Ill.) An old farmer whose sons had all grown up and. left . home hired a young mav by the name of Esau Buck to help around the farm. On the eve of the day following they hauled a load of logs up for wood. The next morn- ing the old man said: * ‘Esau, Iam going to town to-day and while I am gone you saw up the ‘wool aud keep the ram out _ the garden.’ When the old man hae gone Esau went out to saw the wood, but when he saw the saw he saw he couldn’t saw with that saw. When he saw that he couldn't saw with that saw he wouldn't saw it. Esau looked around for another saw, but when he saw that that saw was the only saw he saw he didu’t saw it. When the old man came home he said: ° ‘*Esau, did you saw the wood?” Esau said: ‘*T saw the wood, but I didn’t saw it, for when I saw the saw I saw that I couldn’t saw with that saw.”’ When the old man. saw the saw he saw that Esau couldn’t saw with that ‘saw. Then Eaus saw that the old man saw he couldn't saw with that saw Esan picked ‘up an ax and chopped up the wood and made a see-saw. The uext morning the old man went to town and botight a new bucksaw for Esau Btick and brought it home and Jaid it on the saw buck by the see-saw. About this time Esau saw the buck in the garden eating cab- bages, In driving the buck from the garden to the barn- yard Esau Buck saw the new bucksaw on the sawbuck The bucksaw Esdu Buck stopped to examine the new bucksaw onthe _ ‘sawbuck by the see-saw, and made a dive at Esau, — ‘missed Esau, knocked the see-saw onto the bucksawon the sawbuck. The old man saw the buck make a dive at Esau, miss Esau and knock the see-saw on to the buck- le pg on the sawbuck and picked up the ax to kill the uc! ‘The wiele saw tae old man coming and dodged the : blow aud made an encounter on the old man's stomac knocking the old man onto Esau Buck, who was j getting up off the bucksaw on the sawbuck by the see- saw, crippling Esau Buek and breaking the bucksaw and the sawbuck and the see-saw. | When the buck ra the completeness of his Esau Bucs, aud saw the fewer eating his cabbens ae farmer and | )
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2 _ Weekly, because they said that was the best they could % find. 3 F j Stands for Mary. (By Gustave Reinhardt, Md.) + Ata village school, not many miles from Canterbury, _ @ precocious boy being asked to parse the sentence, “Mary, milk the cow,” went on accurately till he came to the last word, when he said: “Cow is a pronoun, feminine gender, third person, stands for Mary.” © “Stands for Mary?” asked the master, in astonish- “Yes, sir!” responded the urchin, with a grin, ‘‘for if the cow didn’t stand for Mary, how could Mary milk ~ the cow?”’ zs - Irish Every Time. (By Chas, Newcomb, Iowa.) Pat. got up and fled, and Mike chased after him, but uld not find him. The next day after his exciting ex- rience he picked up a dime with a. hole in it on the et. He was told he could get a good one for it ina -actoss the street. Mike went in but only gota cel ii account of the hole. The next day he acro street and cried out as he threw aie: : lost a nickel on ye the Foy ay, et 7 % z ok pe ctied dime with a hole in it. He picked it up. NICK CARTER WEEKLY. house for a week and read nothing but the Nick Carter ~ 29 Lady: ‘‘And what is your profession?” Tramp: ‘‘Lady, I am a contortionist.”’ Lady: ‘‘Then go to the woodpile and do the split,’’ Lady (after giving a tramp a portion of a small bis- cuit): “‘This is the last time I will open ny door to feed a tramp.’’ Tramp: ‘‘ Madam, you didn’t have to open your door, you might have)shoved this through the keyhole,” A Wise Scotchman. (By G. Bigelow, Ill.) A Scotchman got on a train at New York one day and after getting fixed in his seat he put his feet on the heaters. then the other, and finally he took off his shoes and then he took off, his socks, turned them wrong side out and put them on again and replaced his shoes. A Yankee sitting behind him, his curiosity overcom- ing him, asked him why he did it. The Scotchman replied: ‘*For some unaccountable reason my feet got so hot I . thought they were on fire, so I turned the hose on them.”’ : In a Bunch. (By Frank McKeon, II.) An Irish jockey, who was “‘fetlock deep in the turf,”’ being elated with his success at winning a race, ob- served: ‘‘Be me soul, I’m first, at last—I’ve always been behind before.’’ png, What's the difference between a butcher and a young lady? iS Auswer—The former kills to dress, while the latter dresses to kill. A very small boy was trying to lead a big St. Bernard up the road. : *‘What are you going to do with that dog?’’ asked a kindly gentleman. £ ‘‘I can’t make up my mind,’ was the answer, ‘‘not till I find out what the dog thinks 0’ doin’ with me!” His Excuse, | Mother: ‘Mercy me! you've been in swimming too long. Your teeth are chattering.” _ : - Her Sou: ‘*They—is—is loose, anyhow.” What a C i _ (By Chas. Wenzels, Pa.) Two Irishmen recently arrived in ‘‘Ameriky,’’ were traveling along a country road one cold morning when, _as they house, their ¢ After a while he would take off one foot and *
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30 Pat seized hold of a stone, but finding it frozen fast to the ground he exclaimed: ‘<Jasus, what a counthry! and the dogs are tied loose.’’ The shtones are tied fast For Supper. In a grocery, as elsewhere, the general rule is, | ‘‘First come, first served,’’ but, of course, the rule has to be hroken in cases of emergency. Small Boy: ‘‘Come, hurry up and get my things! Mother wants them for supper.”’ Clerk: ‘‘What will you have, sir?’’ LETTER FROM A PRIZE WINNER. Here’s a letter from another of those boys who were lucky enough to win a banjo in the last contest. Charles | Grissom is the boy in this case. He knows how to tell a good funny story.’ If he can play the banjo as well he must be good com- pany. Success to you, Charlie. PENTON, Tex. Messrs. Street & Smith, New York City— Gentlemen: Yours of recent date, informing me that I had won one of the first prizes offered by you for the best story from one of your readers, came yesterday | morning. The banjo also arrived_by the same train by express. Permit me to express my sincere thanks to you for the instrument, which I consider a very good one. It will always cause me to have pleasant thoughts of the givers. Again thanking you for your kindness and wishing you all the success possible, I remain, e Respectfully yours, CHARLES GRISSOM. Stamp and Coin Department. CORRESPONDENCE. J. H. D., Jr.—The specimens you send have abso- lutely no value. M. Laverne Corbin, Stat. B, Grand Rapids, Mich., will exchange Nick Carter and other novels for stamps, coins, curios or anything of equal value, Write for numbers. ay George Robertson, General Delivery, Messila, New “ Mexico, wishes to exchange five cent novels of Jesse ; James or Buffalo Bill for other novels. He has maga- _-*- gines also. All letters answered. Small Boy: ‘‘A bar of soap and a roll of stove polish.”* | | | NICK CARTER WEEKLY. A SPLENDID PRIZE CONTEST. 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..: 3 Fi rst Prizes The three boys who send im the three funniest stories will each receive a first-class banjo. A beautiful instru- ment. Perfect and up-to-date in 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 wiréd edge. ‘These instruments can be easily mastered, and every boy should jump at the opportunity to win one. 5 Second Prise en eee a ee 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. i 't) Third Prizes next funniest stories will receive a Spalding 12-inch ‘‘Long Dis- tance” Megaphone, capable of carrying the sound of the human voice two miles. . The ten boys who send us the —eEeees* HERE ARE THE DIRECTIONS: This contest will close May 1st. 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 Ciny, together with your story. No story will be-considered that does not have this coupon accompanying it. COUPON... Nick Carter Weekly Prize Contest No 2. Clty.OF TOW Gi. iicicb ices cnvee ee ake bape ie Pr Tt ca WARD; pO Read Cite saa seta eee sc tbeg cunsosaee ts en @ Secs cusssew Tit OF BOO theo kid Gv oe sok s es days Fh cp eh cmae ken = Fe
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Amateur Detective Work. . Boys, in reading one of the Nick Carter stories did you ever try to think ahead and guess who was the ¢riminal in the case? ; ae Each of the readers has a chance to find out how good a detective he is. . He has the facts of the case laid before him just as Nick Carter himself has. oS Of course, he has not got Nick’s experience or wonderful detective instinct. Still, he can prove whether or not he is a good detective by trying to decide in his own mind what the solution of the mystery is before he = has read to the end of the story. The earlier in the story he is able to make his guess and the more accurate it is, the better detective he is. — Pah We want to see what sort of detectives the readers of the Nick CARTER WEEKLY are. 4 We want one-and all of yor to write to us, telling us whether you were able to solve the mystery that “Nick Carter had to solve before reading to the end of any of the stories. ; ‘Tell us how far you read before you arrived at your decision, and just what points guided you in making your decision. Your letters will be printed in this column. ¢ _ Here isa letter from Jean Stillwell, of Bay Ridge, L. All honor is due to Chick for his great work in He shows himself a rattling good amateur detective. Canada. itor of Nick Carter— t Three cheers for him, as well as for the other Carters! Fear Si ee : : Yours truly Dear Sir: 1 have read the previous letters written by Bay Ridge. L. I ; Cc ders in regard to Amateur Detective 7 ORC, Aas‘ ds JEAN STILLWELL. Bae shes hava f That’s a good letter, Jean—a corker in every way. Nic perc and they have interested me greatly. ; have always been interested in detective work, and You have shown fine judgment all through it. Let us ‘ years I have been d warm admirer of Nick Carter, hear from you again. vho I consider the greatest detective the world has ever : hods are the only proper methods — Here’s another good Jetter. It comes from a Western ‘Canada; or, Showing the Way to a Treacher- pres hy Circle and I want you to put my name in right d ; I’ve been reading the story about ‘‘ Nick Carter’s Ocean Chase,’’ and I began to liavé my suspicions about Palog from the time when he called on Nick. His manuer when he visited Nick at his house was peculiar, to say the least. There was something queer about the man. ae ‘Then again, his wild talk about his capture of the jainond set me thinking. He was just the man, I thought, to steal the dia- mond. a 3 _ His manner showed that he was a thief, and the steal- only man who coild have such an object i'view ing of the diamond and the co agin agence nd sp ey fe eves: Thi +? ere clearly the deeds cf a crank-and a crank of the e one of the Canadian gold thieves. Thisman’s 7 dangerous order. t point my mind was made up. ~ Peet eter cram we : Roy BRowNInNG. Good boy, Roy! Yoti're a credit to Omaha. ier: Yours truly, Fi J +2 ERT obster. “Well, I'll find out and that dam—er—blame quick, <a pa Sutton, Pa.) tat too,’’ he shouted back. jal gt the city hall has decided _ ‘‘I know you, though, you're an official at the City to get ruffed when at Hall. I've scen your picture,” came back those same ‘day, upon not getting the sweet, even tones. , vin ae “Where? In the newspapers?’’ he asked, falling headlong into the trap, i replied the still, small voice, ‘‘on a lobster Sot Se ra sagittis? ard bn 4 - ae e ait xe hey oy “al ' ree No,’ can. af +
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NICK CARTER WEEKLY. The Best Sane Bees the World. 243—Nick Carter’s Water Trail; or, The Strange Hiding-Place of a Millionaire. 244—Nick Carter's Dynamite Fiend; or, The Unraveling of False Clews. 245—Nick Carter’s Child Rescue; or, The Defeat of a-Desperate Villain. 246—Nick Carter on the Racecourse; or, Crooked Work in the Paddock. 247—Nick Carter’s Black Clew; or, Heard in the Dark. 248—Nick Carter’s Strange Vacation; or, The Town That Was Hoodooed. 249—Nick Carter Investigating a Lea’; or, One Page Missing. 250—Nick Carter’s Double Clew; or, The Fatal Resemblance. 251—Nick Carter and “The Brown Robin”; or, The Unknown Letter Writer. 252—Nick Carter Tracking a Traitor; or, Night Work ina Country Town. 253—Nick Carter’s Tunnel Mystery; or, Lost : $200,000 in Gold. 254—Nick Carter’s Queer Murder Case; or, Under a Terrible Suspicion. 255—Nick Carter Challenged; or, Fighting a Powerful Enemy. 256—Nick Carter and Arizona Jake; or, The Big Westerner’s Part in the Cooper Suicide. 257—Nick Carter in the Council of the Reds; or, The Plot of the Anarchists. 258—Nick Carter and the Secret of the Tin Box’ or, The Man Who Stole His Name. 259—Nick Carter's Fire Trail; or, Thwarting a Villain’s Plot. 260—Nick Carter on the Track of the Freight Thieves; or, The Boldest Gang in New York. 261—Nick Carter on the Track of a Gentleman Burglar: or, Robbing a Thief. 262—Nick Carter Attacked; or, The Desperate Plot on the Detective’s Life. 263—Nick Carter on the Trail of the River Pirates; or, The Dangerous Work on the River Front. ; 264—Nick Carter and the King of the Tramp Thieves; or, Patsy’s Lone Hand Against the Floboes. 265—Nick Carter and the Man in the Caslt; or, Patsy’s Terrible Predicament. 266—Nick Carter and the Shoplifters; or, The Automobile Clew. 267—Nick Carter’s Ocean Chase; or, The Missing Crown Diamond. 268—Nick Carter and the Broken Dagger; or, The Black Man from Borneo. 269—Nick Carter’s Advertisement; or, A New Way to Catch a Criminal. 270—Nick Carter and the Nihilists; or, The Mine Under the Grand Duke’s Palace. 271—Nick Carter in the Convict Gang; or, Ida Jones to the Rescue. 4 at 272—Nick Carter and the Guilty Governor; orfhe American Detective and the Russian ' Officer. 273—Nick Carter in Canada; or, Showing the Way to a Treacherous Guide. 274—Nick Carter and the Smugglers ; or, Thief-Catching on the Bordei. 275—Nick Carter's Enemy; or, Bringing a Murderer to the Gailows. All of the above numbers always ou hand. If you cannot get them from your newsdealer, five cents a copy will bring them to you by mail, postpaid. STREET & SMITH, Pusuisers, 238 William St., New York.
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FA aie fgiahciag Maiti A - Co ees
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CONTENTS The Physical Man. The Muscles and Muscle Building. The Lungs and the Science of Breath- 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. Physical Health Culture (ILLUSTRATED) A Popular Manual of Bodily Exercises and Home Gym- aastics for Male and Female. PROF. FOURMEN All Newsdealers, 40 cents If sent by mail, 3 cents additional for postage. Street « Smith 238 William: Street HE book is regulation size, pro- fusely illustrated by full page photo-engravings, showing the different exercises by male and fe- male models posed especially for this work. Exercises and home gym- nastics will do more for beauty ot face, form: and good health than ali the medicine ever invented. Read list of contents.