Pluck And Luck (no. 77) (1899 11 22)
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4 COMPLETE + STORIES OF ADVENTURE. Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York Post Office, by Krank Tousey. Cents. Issued “Weekly— By Subscription $2.50 per year, No. 77%. NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 22, 1899. Price 5 f ani Sites HE Finst Geass; -_: | OR THE WOES, ar Wi Win The proprietor rushed in to quiet the noise and arrested him. «Hang the police! who’s afraid of—hic—them !”’ he yelled. and Harry floored him with a bottle. ‘The police then put in an appearance,
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_ PLUCK AND LUCK. Complete Stories of Adventure. Issued Weekly—By Subscription § 2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, Node, Post Office. Intered in pcoraae ito Act of Congress in the year 1899, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, Vy} ‘ashington, D. C., by Frank Vousey, 24 Union Square, New York. 1 No. ‘7%. NEW YORK, November 22,1899. Price 5 Cents. _ THE FIRST GLASS OR, THE WOES OF WINE. } A STORY OF FOUR FRIENDS. BY JNO. ‘ CHAPTER I. THE FOUR FRIENDS. - On a lovely afternoon, several years ago, four young men, Members of the senior class in old Columbia College, were seen leisurely strolling down Broadway, arm-in-arm, smoking fragrant Hayanas and chatting gaily on passing events. There as nothing odd or peculiar about any of them to attract par- ticular attention from passers-by. They were well and neatly ressed, and all were good-looking—perhaps about the average f young men, and therefore were eyed kindly by many ladies. taller withthe daughter of the house in a corner. on the street as they passed, salt say, fellows,” said the tallest of the party, “this is inter- esting, but very dry. I move that we go in somewhere and _ have a bottle of champagne.” ; “You are a philosopher and hero, Eugene,” said Robert : Brinsley, “and I will follow in your footsteps. Blessed is he who setteth a good example, Selah!” _ “Woe unto him who putteth the bottle to his neighbor’s ips!” said Harry Delmar, a handsome, black-eyed, curly-mus- ched young man. “I will not drink with you, Casserly.” “Ob, we will excuse you, Delmar, because you have never een known to drink anything stronger than milk. It’s a won- rT you were ever weaned.” “Tt’s a pity you were weaned, Casserly,” retorted i Hee Del- nar, good-naturedly, “for your diet is not good for you. I rec- “ommend: you to use milk exclusively until ees unnatural ‘st is assuaged.” Mi Tk oa for babes,” retorted maui “But say, Morley, wok think it’s” boat: B. DOWD. ’Pon my soul, but woman is the be missionary after all.” \ “Ha! a romance!” exclaimed Hugene Casserly. hour of his conversion! “There’s woman in it. Out with it, and I charge you, Brinsley, speak the truth in all soberness.” “That I will if I perish in the attempt, ” replied Brinsle with a melo-dramatic air that made the other roar. “ "Twa: on a Wednesday night, at the house of Ellington, the mer. chant. There were many lovely women there, and our hear were made glad with the brighv smiles we did receive fro: them; and behold, the man Guy, whose surname is Morley, d In course of the conversation she said: ; ““T detest wine and liquor, and the man who drinks t ¢ can never be a friend of mine.’ “From that hour the man Morley hath drank no ge b spitteth cotton all the day long.” This quaint relation of the story, and the evident confusi of Guy Morley, set the others in a roar again. They laugh so immoderately that a policeman politely warned them to be less boisterous on the street. But Harry Delmar, after the laugh saad: seemed a lit troubled in his mind about something. He looked serious. — “Behold now, the green-eyed’ monster cometh. The man Harry, ies surname is Delmar, liketh not the tectotal mi tive of his friend. The drinkers of milk and cold. water will , no longer dwell together in unity.” : : This sally of Brinsley’s restored the good humor of | Harry, and he laughingly said: at “The work of the mischief-maker shett come to naught,” ran his hand through Guy’s arm. — nest eb aay, oo big, said Guy, save will work ‘the police
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cn os is 8 coe) RES eT ¥ ay THE FIRST GLASS. oon. without replying to the remark. Harry Delmar and Guy Morley walked down Broadway, arm- ogoriae like the best of friends. “Ts it true, Guy?” Harry asked, “that you are not going to rink any more?” “Yes. I’ve had enough of the headaches in the morning.” “Madge is an out and out teetotaller, isn’t she?” “Yes, and a-brave one, too. If all the young ladies were like er there would be much less drinking done by young men,” “Did she influence you in your decision to drink no more?” “Well, I don’t know that she did,” was the hesitating reply. pene may have hee ets ip me some. Any pretty girl could ee eeaty Delmar eed troubled again, owns made no reply. “Why do you ask?” “Harry looked up quickly into Guy Morley’s face, as 3 if he ould read the thought that prompted the question. But Guy’s @ was a sealed book to him then. He could not interpret 4 meaning ot his expression, “Because I'am glad you have come to that conclusion,” said , “You know I have often spoken to you about it.” Yes, I.know you have, but I never thought much about it efore. I say, Harry, I have an engagement at Sarony’s this A Will you go up and wait for me?” % No, I believe not. I will walk further down the street, and meet, you at the hotel at five.” yt. guy Morley entered Sarony’s and Harry Delmar continued fe ‘another kneeling at your shrine, and he ‘is my friend. you have given me your love, Madge, and I will trust you. m sorry if Guy has placed his affection there, but I cannot im of the engagement.” “How you atartiod me!” ) ant & so glad we have met, dear’ Madge,” said Harry, con- mtly, as he took her unresisting hand and drew it through is arm, thus appropriating her to Sega with an air of pro- etorship. “T have some news for you.” ; “Indeed! spense, ‘for I never could endure it.” il, you have made a convert to bse ta ae said Biri: in the world is itp “ ie apie alae as much as any one I know.” “No—I wish it was, for he is the one who leads the whole nto drinking- -places. 2. | Wh is it, then? Don’t keep me in suspense,” Ss Guy Morley.” _ Ellington opened wide her great brown eyes and £ her companion. j ‘What did you say to him, Madge?” Harry asked» _ ; “Oh, Ir repeated the old couplet to him to mS oot that: «The lips that touched wine, — un ‘+ Could never touch mine,’ i Shai ‘pald he would never Satan again. But T didn’t think sald meant it.” sete “hs yen ju bse if Pray tell me at once, then, and don’t keep me in five.” ; ‘Thirty-fourth attéet, and turned toward Broadway again. ae } 3 mean it, for | he frankly refused to drink with Cas-|_ st Saale and i ac ad withstood all their |] “T am sure of it, Madge.” “He has never shown it to me by either word or BA “You will not encourage him then?” t “No. I shall treat him as I have treated your other two i friends—kindly, and as a lady should awe treat a gentle- : man. You are not jealous, Harry?” “Oh, no, but—but—I—love you so, Madge, that I can not — bear to have another love you!” “Harry, how much do you love me?” and she leaned heavily — on his arm, and looked up into his face with a tender, loying © gaze that would haye' melted the heart of an anchorite. “Give me a rule by which to measure one’s love, and I will , try to tell you, darling,” he replied, pressing the little hand a that nestled so confidingly on his arm. ; “How can I? There is no rule that I know of. could tell me if you would;” and there was a loving pout about iy those cherry’lips that would have tempted Harry,to kiss them were they anywhere else than on a public street. } + “My darling, the height, depth and breadth of my love is ‘ims i measurable. You are more precious to me than life, for with: } out your love life itself would not endure.” . “Will you always love me thus, Harry?” she Sineaaae? “Yes. My love will grow stronger with time, if you never change. Of course, if you grew cold and indifferent, I sup- pose I would do likewise.” ; “Do all lovers talk as you do, Harry?” Baan “Why, what a question! Why do you ask such a question, | i : Madge?” : “Because so many men, when they marry, leave their ives iy and visit club rooms, where they drink with boon compan- ions, and return home drunk, to break their wives’ hearts, if not their heads.” 3 “Madge, I have yet my first glass of wine to drink,” said Harry, with injured innocence. : “And you will never—never drink it, Harry, dear?” “Never—neyer, past dite Harry; “but you. don’t fear it, do you?” | : “Sometimes I tremble for you, because Eugene Ganaonie! and | Robert Brinsley are your classmates, and you are such friends. They may persuade. you to drink wine with them sometime.” “We have been together now about four years,” said Harry, “and have been’boon companions all that.time, yet they hav not been able to tempt me. Ah! Madge, if I forget my promisé to you and drink of the intoxicating cup, drive me from your presence, ‘and cease to love me as one utterly unworthy. 2 “Oh, Harry, that would be terrible, but I could not love you if you drank. My poor aunt died of a broken heart baat Ph her husband was a drunkard.” t “That was horrible indeed.” “Yos, and it has made an impression upon my mind which can never be effaced. Will you come in?” “Thank you, I cannot. I have engaged to sit and t \ Lf “You will call to-morrow evening, of course?” “Yes, certainly,” and Harry Delmar Aah ‘the charming Mad : iat 3 oid CHAPTER II. ‘ " ahaha IN THE CASE. ‘
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™. Z THE FIRST GLASS. : ; They were known among all their acquaintances as the “in- separables,” as they attended parties, receptions, balls seer en- _ tertainments in a body. Casserly, Brinsley and Morley were given to wine drinking quite freely, and sometimes took too much, as all men do who drink. But Harry Delmar had thus far successfully re- i sisted every temptation to drink, though he was a boon com- be panion in all their adventures about town. This sturdy resistance of temptation attracted and com- ae manded the admiration of Madge Ellington, the daughter of a "very; wealthy merchant, and the belle of Thirty-fourth street. a Her admiration ripened into a warm friendship, which finally - mellowed into love and engagement. es Guy Morley also became. enamored of her, but kept his pas- sion concealed while doing all in his power to gain her love. ' Harry Delmar never suspected his passion for Madge until _ Robert Brinsley’s comical relation of his conversion to total ~ abstinence. f ; The reader has seen how Harry stands with Madge; with Guy it was different. As he ascended to the parlors of Sarony, the distinguished artist, after parting with Harry on. Broadway, Guy muttered _ to himself: “T would give my right arm to know how he stands with Madge Ellington. She is such a skilful diplomat that one can draw nothing from her she does not wish known. I know she likes him for his unswerving temperance principles, for she is, an uncompromising teetotaller herself. If he would only ah “break his pledge and drink, I know I could have some chance to win her. She will hear of my refusal to drink any more, and that will be greatly in my favor. Oh, Madge Bllington, I _. would sell my soul to win your love! I would sacrifice every- _ thing—my best friend—to win and call you mine! Harry Del- ' mar shall drink his first glass, and you shall hear of it. If he }. falls will rise, and you shall yet be mine.” To what length will not the wild throbbing heart of man go in its mad chase of its idol? _ Guy Morley was as true, perhaps, in his friendship for Har- ry Delmar, as any other man could have iste under similar “i cirqumstances. He sat for his picture, and then went out to wend his way _ back to the hotel where he had engaged to meet Harry at five o’clock, which was their regular dinner hour. _ On his way he came across Casserly and Brinsley, who were in the highest,spirits from cee finished a bottle of cham- pagne between them. “Ah, Morley, old fellow!” Baie avOunenk, “T am sorry r you. You should have been with us. Sueh generous wine as we did have. You are not the man for a cold water diet. : You will die of dropsy if you don’ t drop it. a Sat “Now, see here, fellows,” said Morley, “some. people act with- t motive. I never do. I think my head is level. You keep _ your chaff to yourselves. and watch. Brinsley, you gave me away badly, but T’ll heap vengeance on you for it. Just wait \ Indeed I will not, and you cannot shake me. But if you induce Harry to drink just one glass of wine, I’ll put up © best champagne supper that Delmonico can manipulate.’ i “Oh, the schemer!” exclaimed Brinsley. | ie ‘never ie but what I on to’ win, so ask no questions, and conversation turned on the reception at the Ellington mamnsio on the morrow night, to which they had invitations. “I met Miss Madge this afternoon, Guy,” said Harry, “and: told her of your conversion to her theory of temperance.” “You did? What did she say?” “She was very much gratified, and thinks you did a wise and noble thing. She’ll congratulate you to-morrow night.” And so she did. j At the reception, as soon as the four friends entered, and she had greeted and welcomed them, Madge Ellington took Guy Morley’s arm, and strolled out into the ‘conservatory with x him. é “Yes, Miss Madge,” he said, “I have vowed never to touch another drop of wine as long as I live. You impelled me to that decision, for I never dreamed that the ladies felt so strongly about it until I heard what you said.” “T am truly glad I said it, then,’ said she, shall be the happier for it.” Unfortunate words! \ Guy Morley misinterpreted her meaning, and lingered by her: : side until Harry Delmar was nearly crazy with suspense and jealousy. yi Every young lady feels flattered in having made a conquest, and knowing that Guy Morley was a worshiper at her shrine, Madge Hillington was exceedingly tender and gracious to h . At last she was forced to leave him in response to her duties as the daughter of the hostess, and Guy Morley was left to hi Ht own reflections. “She likes me as much as she does Delmar,” he muttered t himself, as he gazed after her, “and if he were only out of ee way or would only forfeit her confidence by drinking wine, Oh, she is worth sacrificing a kingdom for!” In his mad race for her hand Guy Morley was sinking h self in a cesspool of moral infamy. ‘Yet he was the i con panion of Harry Deimar! At b faite hour the four friends returned to their hotel, eac “for I know I. was also happy. Casserly and Brinsley had talked nonse with a dozen pretty girls, and were also pleased with selves. : Two weeks later and the four friends, had graduated wi high honors from Columbia College, and received the congrat- ulations of their friends and acquaintances in the city. * _ They had all four chosen a profession—three to study 1 and one that of medicine. Bach had made engagements W. eminent members of those professions to enter upon theil studies in their offices within a month after leaving college. “J.am glad you are to remain in the city, dear Harry, sg Madge, the next day after his graduation. “So am I, as we can be near each other,” he replied. “Yes; the thought makes me happy. Will any of the oth remain?” Morley and niyeolt will study law.” “Why, you four are indeed ‘inseparables,’ ” aueesa Ma \ “Yes, it seems so. I never heard of four young men who got along so amicably as we do,” and Harry smiled pleasantly a: é s he spoke of his friends. “We are to have a supper to-morrow night at our hotel in honor of our graduation, beat to ees ' a covenant of perpetual friendship.” — “Why, how pleasant that will be! How I wish 1 could ‘jo you all there, But of course a lady would be ‘out ar vl .|there.” . ; _ Yes, rather. There may y be some titer membe 5
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THE FIRST GLASS. Harry went away with a light heart. But Madge Hillington was troubled about that proposed - supper. ' “Casserly and Brinsley will have wine there,’ she murmur- ed, “and there is no telling what the consequences will be. - I do not fear for Harry, but poor Guy Morley may not be able to resist the temptation. I declare it is a shame that men will expose the weak to such dangerous temptations.” The next day was spent in preparation for the supper. Everything was under the direction of Hugene Casserly and . Robert Brinsley, both of whom had had some experience in such things. . When the time came for them to sit down to the table, they f found it loaded down with good things—a feast fit for a CHAPTER III. THE SUPPER, AND HARRY’S FALL. ‘ Ee ertusted ohiy. by the rattle of knives and dishes as the fois ends did ample justice to the rich viands. _ Casserly, presided, and directed ae with admirable act and skill. ; At last, when they had eaten their fill, Casserly arose and -“Wrjends and comrades,” he said, “four years ago, when we re younger than we are now, and much more ignorant of e world, we met for the first time within the sacred walls of car old Columbia. We drifted together, and have never sep- We have threaded together the devious pathways that lead be he Temple of Fuowledge, and now we stand at the foot of the Ce staircas.( wet us pledge ourselves, for the sake | of our In deference to Delmar and anaes: strict temperance pidacinion I have di- ected that we have no wine on the table to-night, but have rictory eine in the cause of iden: “ “Words | cannot express my gratification,” he exclaimed, ind I will join you in as many eee as you choose to arian: Of course the others applauded Harry, and the bottles of ‘ider” were produced—regular quart champagne bottles. arry | took up one of them and read the label—“pure spark- ling: cider”. —and set it down again. minutes, “that I cannot drink with you, as my physician t me on a course of medicine this morning and absolutely ohibited me from ‘drinking anything but tea or milk—not mn i eat. water being allowed. T amt ae sure ge I have cy -tened. “Bravo! With all my heart!” exclaimed Casserly, quaffing his glass with relish. Brinsley and Delmar emptied their glasses also. “That's the first time I ever tasted cider,” said Harry, set- ting his glass down. “The taste is not bad. I really like it.” “There is no more harmless drink, my dear fellow,” said Casserly. “Fill up, and let’s have another toast!” The glasses were filled, and Casserly held his aloft, as he said: “In this sparkling beverage we mutually pledge eternal friendship, the ties of which can be severed only by death.” “Amen!” exclaimed Brinsley and Morley; and they all drank, Morley confining himself to milk. \ Casserly then proposed a song from Brinsley. He agreed, for he had a fine voice, and loved music. He rendered “An- nie Laurie” with fine effect; after which they drank another brimming glass of the “cider.” x By this time Harry Delmar’s face was flushed and his eyes shining like coals. He was growing boisterous and reckless, and wanted to have another song. : Casserly sang “The Last Rose of Summer,” which they ap- plauded,-and then drank to another toast which Guy Morley proposed. \ be “That was well done, Casserly,” said Harry, enthusiastically. “Fill up, and I'll give you one myself. : “K song—a song from Harry Delmar!” cried Brinsley, rap- 4 ping on the. table. : Harry arose to his feet and sang, holding his glass aloft: ““Flere’s to the girl I love, generous and gay, Into whose bright eyes mirth seems to play; Pretty as a picture, pure as any dove, Here’s to sweet Madge, the girl that I love.” y ea “Delmar!” exclaimed Morley, “you ought to be ashamed ot- yourself for dragging that lady’ s name into a drinking song. — Suppose somebody outside should hear you?” “Oh, that’s all right, Guy,” said Brinsley. “You know Har- ry feels gay and lively to-night, and doesn’ t mean any harm.” “Oh course not,” relied Morley. “But if he had confined himself to milk, as I have, he would not have done suchy a thing.” There was a noise at the hall door, as if a half smothered scream had escaped a woman, and then all was still again. Let us go back a few hours in our story. Madge Ellington had become strangely unéasy about ‘that supper of the four friends, and had conceived the queer idea — of going to the hotel and waiting in the ladies’ parlor, heavily veiled, in hopes of seeing some of the revellers during the. evening. She waited a couple of hours, and then hearing songs and sounds of revelry proceeding from a private parlor, where the supper was being held, she crept to the door and lis- __ As she listened she heard the loved voice of Harry Delmar, — singing 2 well-known drinking song in which he used her own name, and she knew, from his tones, that he was deeply intox- icated. She heard the manly rebuke of Guy Morley, the apol- ogy. of Brinsley for him, and the declaration of Guy that Be was only drinking milk himself. | Her heart was pierced as with a dagger, and a sitter scream escaped her pallid lips as she fled from the hotel. _ Harry Delmar was utterly unconscious that the “cider” he ech been drinking so freely was sparkling champagne, and that he was drunk. Casserly, Brinsley and Morley applaude him till he grew so exuberant that they had to use force t quiet him. , AN Ved
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ee mtv) A ee floored him with a bottle. pearance, and arrested him. The police then put in’an ap- ¥ CHAPTER IV. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE FIRST GLASS, | The sudden appearance of the police, and arrest of Harry Delmar, took Casserly and the others so completely by sur- prise that for several minutes they knew not what to do, They seemed to have lost their heads for the moment, and started helplessiy at one another. Suddenly Brinsley spoke up, and nudging Casserly with his elbow, said: “This will never do, you know. he is taken away by the officer.” ‘ “We mustn’t let him do it,” said Casserly. “I’ll see him about it,” and going around to where the officer was holding Delmar a prisoner, he said: “This is all right, officer. take——” mi ’ “But it isn’t all right,” interrupted the officer, promptly. “He’s as drunk as a Jord, and has knocked the landlord into a cocked hat.” ! “Who says (hic) I’m drunk?” asked Delmar, straightening himself up to his full height and glaring around at those about him. “Never was (hic) drunk in my life.” “Oh, no, of course not,” sneered the officer, who was a cynic ; in such matters; “you'd tell the judge to-morrow that you nev- er touched a drop.” * . “Oh, well, the judge doesnt want to see him, officer,” said Beniy ee scaly, slipping a ten-dollar bill into his hand. ‘He lives here in this hotel. Leave him to us and we'll take him right up to his room.” “Show me his room,” said the officer, clutching the bill in his eager palm, “and I’ll place him there myself, so as to be sure I have done my duty, and leave him there.” Casserly saw that he had gained his point, and admired the tacttes of the officer. He sent for the key of Harry, Delmar’s room and shéwed the officer the way up to it. 5 Harry was too stupid to make any resistance, and permitted Casserly and Brinsley | to take him by the arms and lead him It would ruin all of us if He’s a little too full, but «we'll Clie hn alone with him. “That was a narrow escape, fellov.s,” said Guy Morley, as soon as the officer was gone. Ae, “Yes,” said Casserly. “It’s worse than I bateained for, I ve ‘didn't think it would go so far.” “Nor did 1. We must make him believe it is all right when he sobers up in the morning.” _ “Never fear but that he’ll hear of it from some other quar- _ter,” said Guy Morley. “I have lost a supper by it, but I am willing to stand the treat.” ly. “I'll make it cost, you something, old fellow.” “All right. I am making an investment that you know nothing about.” _ By this time they had placed Harry in bed, and waited to see him close his eyes in sleep, which he finally did, much Me w, let’s go down and finish another bottle,” said Casser- rinsley, turning towards the door. s, of course. Come on, Guy.” Ein any ape fello “ and am | ue ae y to’ from the top landing into his room, where the policeman left “Oh, [ had forgotten about that supper!” exclaimed Casser-| derfully. ea peer" mar. “Harry Delmar,” muttered Guy, iabathe and gazing at th The next morning Harry Delmar Hast with a strange feel ti ing on him, such as he had never before felt, and wonder? what was the matter with him. His head felt as though had been enlarged to twice its natural size, and was on the of bursting. Everything seemed confused in, ‘his mind. tried to think, but could not do so collectively. “Hello, Harry!” greeted Brinsley, cheerfully, enterheaa room in a gay humor. “How’s this? What are you lying ir bed so late for?” : ; “Oh, my head feels as big as a bushel,” groaned Harry, “ I feel sick all over. I don’t know what’s the matter with me.’ “Oh, that’s the effect of the cider you drank last night. Yi waded in deep, old fellow,” and he gave the astonished you man a knowing wink out of the corner of his left eye. “Will—cider—do—that?” Harry asked, slowly, in ama ment. c i “Yes, sparkling cider will put a head on a man equal to Medford rum.” Harry turned as pale as death. “Will it make a man drunk?” he asked. “Yes, drunk as a biled owl if you drink enough of it.” “Was I drunk last night?” MB - “Well, no, not drunk, but you were sete jolly, and ma things lively. Oh, we had a glorious time of it, old fel You are not quite used to it yet, and went in too deep for a new beginner.” “New beginner!” groaned Harry. “Yes, new beginner,” repeated Brinsley; “you” can’t exper to keep up with old stagers like Casserly and I, you know. til you have had a few more rackets.” j There was a bewildered look in Harry ‘Delmar’s pea ert had no sympathy for rues sentiments as Harry i sacred. “T didn’t know that cider would intoxicate,” said ‘He mournfully, “or I would not have touched it.’ “Well, it has not hurt you except in that you drank too much, that’s all. It wouldn’t even do that the second time. “No—no, I’ll never drink it again.” “why, it’s the very thine. you want now,” said Rare “No—no—no, I wouldn’t touch it if it would ris I “The: hair of the tees is veaon for Bae sei is ne ¢
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! THE FIRST GLASS. . rj -*“No—no!” exclaimed Brinsley, ‘you are mistaken. - knew your prejudite against wine, so we chose cider to please you. ” t “You intended to deceive me, o auld Harry, firmly, “for es ist to know that a dozen Piliased of sparkling cider would affect the head? Now, when you accuse us of tricking you you write yourself down an ass, that’s all!” and Robert Brins- ley left the room in pretended indignation, to report to Casser- ly the state of Harry’s feelings toward them. “Oh, I wish I knew!” groaned Harry, when left alone., “I ave disgraced myself, for everybody in the hotel has heard of it, and all my friends will soon. Oh, I wish I had died be- re ‘drinking that cider, If Madge Ellington should hear of Gani stomach, and had such a throbbing in his ead. that he fell back on the bed with a groan, and burst into téars. it 1S bad as this? I was afraid you were drinking too much.” “Why didn’t you stop me then?” Harry asked. “I did try, and you took offense at it and I let you alone.” Cai have no recollection of it.” «No, I suppose not, as you were pretty full at the time.” “Did you know that sparkling cider would make a man . blind drunk, and that ae put a head on the landlord and eatened to clean ‘out the house, but don’t give yourself ay as a blasted greenhorn. The truth is, nobody will be- e that you were four years at Columbia College without. nding out that sparkling cider in goodly quantities would jake a man drunk. Why, man, I’ve Been floored by it a dozen : imes, Everybody in New York would put you down a liar,” ie Na ane Morley,” Harry said, ooking Guy full in the yi: “do : “Will you send for a physician for ee I am very sick, ” ves, of course I/will;” and Morley hastily left the room to } Ellington. CHAPTER V. “THE DISMISSAL. nat re ‘Ne de Hk was y b & We} looked as if she really meant it. He wanted to ask about her, but was afraid under the cir- cumstances to do so. On the fifth day of his illness Guy Morley cal'’-d on Madge Hillington, and was astonished at finding her looking pale and ives: “Why, Miss Ellington!” he exclaimed, “have you been ill?” “T have not been in my usual health,” was the evasive re- ply. | “I am sorry to hear it. hotel.” She raised her eyes languidly and glanced up indifferently, as she asked: “What is the matter with him?” “The physician thinks it is brain fever.” “T am sorry to hear it, and hope he may soon recover.” “Thanks. He will be glad to know that you expressed such bss a wish in his behalf.” “Indeed! I would have expressed as much sympathy for an utter stranger. I would prefer that you would not mention my name to him, Mr. Morley.” “Your wishes shall be respected, Miss Ellington,” and Guy Morley saw that the subject was distasteful to her. “T congratulate you on your faithful adherence to the pledge, Mr. Morley,” she remarked, after a pause. “I’ve heard of your refusal to drink wine on several occasions.” Py ms “Thanks. I never made a pledge I did not keep, As soon as I became convinced that it was wrong to drink wine I vowed to drink it no more, and rather than break that pledge I would sacrifice my good right arm.” “Ah! that is the right kind of spirit. Oh, if others were as i true to themselves how much happiness might be left to dwell in hearts now desolate!” “Yes, indeed. But every man does not become as, thorough- ly convinced as I am, perhaps. 3 “No, I suppose not. I wish they were.” Morley spent an hour very pleasantly in her company, dur- ing which time she sang and played for him, seemingly as wells satisfied in his company as he was in hers. At last he went away feeling quite confident that she had heard of Delmar’s fall, and that his chances were SECRET: one in, that quarter. i “She invited me to call again,” he mutterea td’ himself, “ond: I wonder how she found out about Harry? She has certainly heard of it. I could see that. plainly.” f k - Poor Harry slowly recovered; and, as she had sent no mes- sage during his illness, hesitated to call on her. He lingered ee about the hotel, and heard enough to convince him that hey if had been drunk and disorderly to such an extent that the p liceman had been sent for; even the landlord had talked with — him about the blow that laid him (the landlord) senseless on i the floor. But at last he mustered up courage enough to: call on tg \ i \ Harry Delmar is very ill at his When she entered the parlor she found him weak and wane looking. proaching her with open arms, She recoiled from him and said coldly: “Don’t forget yourself, Mr. Delmar.” She had always called him Harry. Her tone and manner rooted him to the spot. co He glared at her as she took a seat at the opposite end 0} ;| the room from him, and gasped: 4 alge oor e a _ No lave ni
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ig “THE FIRST GLASS. “were your very words. You did forget your promise, broke your pledge, and ' She shuddered, and buried her face in her hands as if dread- ing to trust herself to’say more. “Yes, Madge,” said Harry, slowly, “those were my very words, and by them I am willing to be judged. But you have already judged me without a hearing.” “No—no—no, I have not. I have heard!” “But you have not heard my defense,” persisted Harry. “There can be no defense of the first glass, save moral or mental weakness, as there is then no thirst for strong drink. You were intoxicated, ees sang a drinking song, into which you introduced my name.’ Harry was thunderstruck. He had no recollection of sing- ing a song on that fatal night. -“You have been misinformed, Madge,” he said. “I have no recollection of singing any song.” “Mr. Delmar,” she exclaimed, arising to her feet. “I heard you sing the song, and also heard Mr. Morley rebuke you like a gentleman. You will please excuse me!” and with that she ‘turned and swept gracefully out of the room, leaving Harry rooted to the spot, almost mortally paralyzed. _ “My God!” groaned Harry, dropping into a chair utterly ~ erushed by the situation, “she has gone and has not heard me. yk Ob; Casserly, Brinsley, you have utterly wrecked my life!” ; He gat there nearly a half hour utterly dazed, waiting, hop- pt TDS, praying that she would return to the room. But the idea Oi that she had deliberately cast him off gradually crept into his “mind, and his own pride began to assert itself. “Tt is all over,’ he muttered, rising and taking his hat. “I have nothing further in life to live Spon and passed out of the house. =) Out on the street he reeled like a drunken man for several oy blocks. His brain was on fire, and a spirit of utter i har . tion took possession of him. “a-ha-ha!” he laughed, recklessly. “What is love? What is life? What is it all worth? Nothing. I will drink and drown remorse or sorrow, or whatever it be, and forget it all.” “Hello, Delmar!” called a familiar voice behind him, and -turning, he found Casserly face to face with him. “Why, how pale you look, old fellow. You have taken too violent exer- “cise. , You need a stimulant and rest.” “Yes: drink and rest and oblivion,” said Harry. the work you began. Where can we drink?” “No—no, not now,” said Casserly, quite alarmed; “that’s enough for the present. Let’s take a walk, and you'll feel bet- ber, perhaps.” Harry suffered Casserly to take his arm and lead him out ze the street again, where the exercise and the wine soon re- ored a little color to his Nae face. “Complete Ob, yes; if I had another drink, I think I yes be myself ain,” was the cool, reckless reply. “Look here, Harry,” said Casserly, “a dizi. or two always races a fellow up. But a drink or two too many upsets him | makes a fool of him. You want to be careful about that, know.” — f H ‘No—no; I don’t want to be careful,” exclaimed “Harry. “On the ‘contrary, Ag Aes to ae care. ¥ 4 Why, what’s the matter with you, cay Wway, ire Delmar?” oe ask me, Casserly. ee is. within me; my brain is, I don’t want even to R parently enjoyed themselves. | known. sporting saloon on Broadway, where quit lof "fancy popeting characters were koa Ghent ls company him back to his rooms at the hotel, and there le him, while he went in search of Brinsley and Morley, to whoi he related the circumstances. ay Morley went at once up to his room to see him. To his surprise, he found him with a half-emptied bottle ot champagne on the table by the side of his site < smiled satintise , “Harry Delmar,” said Guy, “this ing never do in the world.” You ought not to drink any wine.’ i “I have been drinking some of that sparkling cider,” sai Harry; “though it is labeled champagne, it is the same thing. I may as well complete the ruin that was begun at that sup- per.” “Oh, pshaw! You ought to be kicked, Harry! "Why 4d you get up and face the music like a man. I’ xe been drun hundred times, and never let it bother me any.” “See here, Guy, did I sing a song that night?” Harry aske with a sudden bluntness that startled him. ® “Yes, why?” road “Did you say anything to me about it at the time?” “Yes, I protested against the use you made of a lady’s na in the song.” “Another question: night?” ' “My God, no! Who said she was?” “She said she heard me singing that song, that’s all,” Harry deliberately took up the bottle, filled a glass and tos; it off like an old stager, much to the surprise of Morley. — “Jerusalem! Did she tell you that?” “Yes.” “Did she quarrel with you?” Morley asked. “We are Biteraers. now,” was the mop ie Was Madge Ellington in this hotel tha ful Madge Ellington.) He was now removed entirely and th field left open to himself. He left Delmar to go to his own apartment. cape I made if she were really in ie hotel-on that night! she heard him sing that song, she heard me tebuke him using her name in it. My fortune is made. She’ll-be min sure as fate!” ‘Morley was elated beyond’ expression at his tae tee Brinsley, “as that will amuse and tone him down.” — “That’s a good idea,” said Casserly, “and Sgsuaieias is as good a time as iad other.” Harry that he go with them to several ane of amuseme which hesreadily assented. They went to several places, taking a fad drinks here T Gnere Hatt gave Morley, who firmly refused to do so—an Harry seemed in the gay humor, _but there was a recklessness about him that ci ‘Gaxierty to watch him with unusual vigilance. When all the theaters were out they went into a Trom und
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Cais FIRST GERee! - ' by a well-directed blow, and then the cry of: rtp fight—a fight!” resounded threugh the room. Harry regained his wits about as soon as the sport did, and stantly attacked him, getting in a blow that doubled him over a billiard table. He followed it up, but another inter- red, and then Casserly and Brinsley took part in it. The sport was badly used up, for the four friends had been ng taking sparring lessons from Uncle Bill Tovee, that py old master of the “art of self defense.” The most intense excitement prevailed in the crowd, and gan sporting men present threatened to eject our heroes. “Gentlemen,” said Eugene Casserly, whose blood was up, ow is whipped. If any one of you, who is not a regular e-fighter, wants satisfaction, I am ready to administer it tT ght here and now.” a he sports were nearly ten to one and refused to listen to any such a proposition. They were nearly all heated with wine, and clamored eagerly for a rush to yet the four friends “Columbia—Columbia forever!” cried the four, seizing avy wood chairs and flooring half a dozen of their assailants many seconds. Still the crowd: rushed forward only to elled by the heavy chairs. Then the crowd of enraged ts began hurling spittoons, bottles and glasses at them, ing such a din that the police burst open the doors and Wy CHAPTER VII, , THE DECOY. | ihe the rush that followed the entrance of the police into the saloon, the four friends managed to escape, though not with- ut a few whacks and thumps*that made their heads ache for som time afterwards. But several of the others were: ar- rested and earried to the station-house and locked up, notwith- ding their protests and assertions of innocence. . Se next morning they had a formidable array of witnesses ourt, to swear that they had been attacked by a gang of ans, and that they had only defended themselves. But general characters. were ee and the judge relied solely ( They ‘8 ‘swore that they found! four respectable-looking escreaey pitbien and a dozen others. here are those young men?” the judge asked. hey escaped, your honor,” replied one of the policemen, ies don’t know who or where they are?” ‘om niga. But a madder set ‘of men were seldom met with than they were. They swore roundly that they would be ged on the four friends. that they were Coltimbia College a ” said one ‘sports, “and ‘may I be roasted by ne: devil if I ut and put ’em in a hol f re ‘sel of their number among the eine ir friends we O ies the twinkling of an eye Eugene Casserly floored the apore| as our heroes, and they soon reported them to their com- panions. } “That fellow Casserly,” said one of the sports, “is the chap that did so much mischief with that chair. I want to get a full swing at him once more. They can’t remember all of us, boys, so some one of us must get in with them so as to keep us posted. We'll get ’em in hock for this racket, or my name is not Dan Kennedy.” “Tl go up there and board at the same house with them,” said Joe Betts, one of the best dressed and the most gentle- manly-looking fellow in the crowd. “Good for you, Joe! You’re just the man,” said Kennedy. “You cultivate ’em, while we fix up a trap for them.” “All right,” said Joe. “Let me know when the trap is ready;” and Betts left the saloon to go up to the hotel where the four friends made their home. Betts, not having been in the fracas at the saloon, was not of course, suspected by the four friends. They knew enough of the New York sports to know that they would seek some kind of satisfaction for what they had suffered at their | hands in case an opportunity occurred. Harry Delmar bore traces of the blow he had received for several days in the shape of a pair|of black eyes, a fact that caused him to keep his room nearly a week. During that ; time he drank several bottles of champagne with his class- mates in his room. t : Guy Morley, however, firmly refused to touch a drop of wine, can or anything else that could Intoxicate, knowing that to do so a would injure his chance to win the hand of Madge Ellington. But he did not take any pains to discourage the practice of wine drinking, notwithstanding the others frequently MERC him about his abstinence. at Harry Delmar drank to drown thought. He did not want-to © | think? The more he thought the more desperate he became, and consequently drank the deeper. 4 Several times was he on the point of writing to Madge and tellin er the plain story of his fall, but when he re- members how she had treated him, his independence of spirit revolted at the step. ae One evening Casserly came into his room acvonipanied by ie an elegantly-dressed young man whom he introduced as Mr. — Betts. be “He’s a jolly good fellow, Harry,” said Casserly, by way of commendation. , “Glad to know you, Mr. Betts,” said Harry. “Have a seat, and we'll have a bottle of Rane,,) and Harry rang the bell for — a waiter. “Bring a bottle of wine and glasses for thiaa: a he cree to the waiter when he responded to the bell. The wine was produced, and all three soon disposed 'of jt. i i ‘ “You see I am in mourning,” said Harry, laughing, “and Eee can’t go out much at present.” ~ AS “Yes,” said Betts, eyeing | ie bie pee “how did it hap: pen?” « “In a saloon down on ea i the other night. a regular Fourth of July time of it.” “Where were the police?” Betts asked, with asetaee in- TOPest. Oe, A “Oh, they put in an appearance and wé adjourned for these quarters. with perfect unanimity.” Betts and Peers laughed, and drank to his speedy re- ‘covery. “TI say, Harry,” said Casserly, after aarouier glass of wine, mat Ee thought, I knew all the ins and outs of New York, but Betts. here tells me of bic and Jai that makes me feel ite a We ad file it all in. om ; “Yes and gett ken in, too)” said a Harry, soberly. 4 . Paik
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THE FI RST GLASS, Nan “There is where you are very much mistaken, Mr. Delmar,” » said Betts. “They are places about which the police know nothing, and there are scores of them in the city.” “Indeed! How; then, do others know of them?” “Through their owners, who pick out those who are dis- creet and are willing to pay for novelty and forbidden pleas- ures.” “x “Can anybody get into them who knows their locality?” Wy “The majority of them require a password, without which entrance is” impossible.” “Well, that is something new,” said Harry, “and I would {ike to see some of them. Where’s Brinsley, Casserly?” “We and Morley went out together after’ supper,” replied Casserly, “and from the care of their make-up, I should say they had gone to call on some ladies.” Delmar turned deathly pale. He knew then where they had gone, and realized what he had lost in his fall To drown his very thoughts he quickly filled a glass of wine and drank it off at a single turn. Casserly noticed, but did not suspect ‘the cause of his paleness. In another week Harry Delmar’s face was clear of the ef- fects of the blows he had received, though the effects of wine ‘were plainly visible. “You want some kind of excitement to enliven your spirits,” said Betts. “S’pose we all go the rounds to-night and see some of those undérground places I have mentioned.” “Good!” exclaimed Casserly. “I second that motion.” Brinsley. and Morley also agreed, and Harry was just des- perate enough to go anywhere or do anything. So it was arranged that they should go that night. All four armed themselves before leaving the hotel, and marched arm-in-arm down Broadway. Below Fourteenth "A street they turned toward the great east side,-where the a sounds of revelry and dissipation were heard on all sides _ through all hours of the night. ” 7 SS ' CHAPTER VIII. Pent, : ow cd: ‘ ‘ TREACHERY. Passing along the Bowery, they saw many familiar objects ‘and scenes that had long since lost their charms for our » friends. Casserly remarked to Betts: ’ You are very far from showing us anything new, Betts. So if you have anything new, trot it out.” © ; “Yes,” said Brinsley, laughing good-naturedly. ting stale.” Pe “We had to come this way, you know,” replied Betts, “and s didn’t want to blindfold you just to keep you from looking t stale things. Just come on, and don’t look any more.” “That’s good JOENy anyhow,” said Harry. “We'll go it blind “This is get- v “Not without drinks,” said Brinsley, as ‘hisy came to one of ‘the numerous beer gardens in that part of the city. “Let’s oil ie machinery for the final trip; come in.” Brinsley led the bigs and treated the party to epee Mor- On the street again they crossed over ts =n east side, where, i tier going two ‘or three blocks down, they turned into a small street which had never before attracted the al nati sf any” of the four friends, J i * to be,seen bia this way?” Casserly Renee of Betts. appeared more or less familiar to him. One face particul wore a scowl that impressed him as being Seats malici 0 in its' expression. women, with whom he had been talking, left him, “look aro carefully, and see if there are any faces here you ever anywhere else.” jor inward surprise. t x4 Het “half the gang we licked in the Brogorty sa oon. and forbidding. The old frame building above seemed abode of poverty-stricken families more familiar with pe crimes than honest deeds. No one else was in sight at th moment, for it was now the hour of midnight. : “What kind of a place is this?” Harry (Delmar! asked, « “BBE ing down into the yawning mouth of the cellar. “Well, it isn’t a Sunday school or a prayer mediinatte re plied Betts, “but I’ve seen worse places. Let’s go down and see what’s going on.” “Lead -the way—we’ll follow,” remarked Baer: and. they - filed down the cellar’ steps and disappeared in the! semi- darkness beyond. ‘ Betts seemed to be perfectly familiar with the locality, leads! ing the way-through the entire length of the cellar, wh was lighted by an oil lamp with untrimmed wick and dus covered Sy sera tre i seven distinct raps, which caused the door to swing sei» “Gome ahead,” he whispered, and entered. As Delmar was the one nearest him, and followed close oa heels, the others keeping close to him. v They found themselves in a long, narrow passage, as diml, lighted as was the cellar through which they had just passt It had several turns, and just as Casserly was on the point suggesting that they return Betts stopped before a door a rapped once. Two raps responded from the inside.” then gave five more-raps and the door slowly opened, re ing a large room well lighted with kerosene lamps, and so two score or more of people of both sexes present. Betts entered, followed by the four friends, and was ereeia by a dozen or more well-dressed men and women. The lai ter were generally good-looking, but not very espe V dressed. ‘ 4 “What kind of a place is this?” Casserly wire Betts. “A thieves’ den,” was the whispered reply; “and you must all be thieves while here, you know, Just for the fun. of t thing.” “But where is the fun in an honest man pretending: to a thief?” Harry Delmar asked, indignantly. i “Why, in fooling the gang. If they suspected you of not ing one of them, you would never get out of here alive.” “You should have told us that before,” said Brinsley. — “Oh, pshaw!” exclaimed Betts; “I ue you wanted t see the elephant?” i “Oh, well, it doesn’t make any aistérende: anyhow, ion marked Casserly. “Let’s go in and see all that’s worth se : ing.” } To the surprise of our four friends, they found many very intelligent men and women there, who talked as freely of rob- v beries and burglaries as stock-brokers do of their legitima bfisiness. They drank wine, sang ‘songs, danced and mi themselves at home with an abandon that was decided ‘ Frenchy. . Suddenly Harry Delmar thought he saw several | faces “Casserly,” he whispered, ‘soon after one of the you » Casserly glanced casually around, and his face gave evide “By Jove!” whispered Guy Morley fo ‘Harry, at that is here.”
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THE FIRST GUASS. “Yes, and I see two fellows I floored with a chair. I wonder if Betts belongs to the gang?” “You may rest assured he does. This is a put-up job, and we'll have trouble before we get out of here.” By this time Casserly and Brinsley had made the same dis- eovery that Guy and Harry had. “Just keep cool, fellows,” said Casserly; “we are armed and may be able to bluff ’em if they try any game onus. Keep to- gether, and don’t let ’em surprise you in any way. Scan the ‘floor earefully for trap doors, and be ready at a signal to draw or fight.” They kept together as closely as possible after that, declin- - ing to dance when solicited by four very pretty young women, - saying: a/ | “We are very tired, ‘having walked a great deal to-night.” -“A genuine cracksman never puts up such a flimsy excuse that,” replied one of the young women. “A cracksman is flesh and blood like any other man,” re- rted Brinsley. “Besides,” added Harry, “a cracksman has his preferences n many things, you know.” "Yes, and gets ‘cracked’ for having them,’ was the signifi- cant, reply. “Let’s have some more wine, fellows, hem a minute or so later. “No,” said Casserly, determinedly, “we don’t wish to drink’ any drugged stuff here, Joe Betts,’ and slyly taking him by the arm, added: “Just give the right signal to open that door ere, or you are a dead man! We are all ar rmed and desper- ate. Any signal to’ your comrades will bring your death. Do ‘ you understand the situation?” “Yes,” replied Betts, in.a low tone-of voice, on feeling the pt cold muzzle of a revolver pressed against his breast. _ “Then remember that one minute of trifling will cause your “death!” hissed Casserly, moving toward the door with him, ‘toll wed ey by the others. ” said Betts, rejoining CHAPTER IX. ENTRAPPED. _ Betts was as pale as death as he moved toward the door, : which | one of the other men noticed at the time, and started aM toward him. He caught up with them just as they reached the 5 and saw the revolver pressed against his breast. © ats “D9 the rescue! They are escaping!” he cried, and sprang back in terror as Harry Delmar covered him with, at re- ‘St tat’ aside!” hissed Bay Morley, aiming his revolver at @ doorman’s head. _ The doorman stepped aside, discretion being uppermost in ind at the moment. SOY ice the gang!” said Harry, and Brinsley and Morley ’ ened with him and faced the angry crowd of thigves. The women screamed and rushed to a further corner of the room, while at least a dozen men drew weapons and’ are ed to rush upon the four daring men. “The first man who dares ‘interfere with our exit, a hissed - Casserly, “will cause the death of this man!” mt ss eS, = will die also,” said Delmar. * Me: 3? [—I1 Ane hints men!” cried one of the vial Snare Vhs are ruined! Kill em!” at Aoae Brinsley made a dash at the door and burst it open, and the next moment all four sprang through if into the narrow passage that led back toward the dimly lighted cellar, follow- ed by a volley of pistol shots from the gang of thieves. “Here, this way, fellows!” cried Casserly, leading the way in the dark, for the light was out, and the darkness was in- tense. “Feel along the wali and move fast. We can reach the street as soon as they can.” “Push ahead, then,” said Guy Morley, close on his heels. Casserly did push ahead, and the three followed him. To their surprise they were not pursued, and ina few moments they arrived at what they supposed was the door that led into the cellar. “The light in the cellar is out,’’ said Brinsley, as they pass- ed through the door. “Yes, and the street door is shut, too,” added Delmar, seeing not a glimmer of light from the street side of the room. “We must find it,” said Casserly. “Come on, follow me!” They followed in the direction of his voice; but in another, moment they heard an exclamation of surprise from him. He had run against a solid stone wall. “Here’s a wall,” he said; “we can find a door by following - it,” and with that he ran along the side of the wall, feeling for a door as he went. ' “Here’s a door,” said Brinsley, who had started in an oppo- site direction. “Wait till I examine it.” In another minute Casserly came up to him, having made the cireuit of the room, and said: This is a small room. We are en- “This is not the cellar. trapped after all!” “How know you that!” Delmar asked. “Walk around it once and you will know for yourself.” “What's to be done?” “Pry our strength on this door.” “Well, let’s to work. Push all!” They pushed with all their united strength, jbut the apo seemed as solid against them as the wall itself. “We are prisoners,” said Casserly, after a pause. j “But we are armed,” said Guy Morley, “and can defend our- selves.” y) “Yes: but we can’t fight hunger with our ee Ore “They surely would not starve us to death!” “Why not? Haven’t we got their secret, and are they not sensible enough to know that it would be dangerous to them for us to get away?” : “What shall we do, then?” ay “I don’t know that we can do anything,” remarked Casserly, Aa “as we can’t ‘help ourselves just now,’ \ $ ~ “LLet’s wait and see what they will do,” suggested Brinsley. “That’s sensible, seeing we can’t do anything else. any of you a match?” ! “yes—I have several,” said Brinsley; “strange we never thought of them before,” and he struck a match which sud- a denly lighted up the dungeon-like apartment, revealing only i“ one door and no windows. Yet the air’ in the room showed that ventilation had not been lost sight of in its construction. The sight of the heavy door and solid walls filled them with dismay. . The light went out and they were again in darkness, “We can only wait for further developments, ” said Brins- ley, “and be prepared for any emergency. It is now long after. |midnight. They will. Shoe) their hand in some way—perhap: their faces. jn ; “Te they. do they will catch a a pies in Hr mouths,” s | Harry Delmar. rahe “Hal -ha: ha!” laughed a voice, which seemed tc “How is it\in there, an nd ee!” re - HANG ay -
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‘THE FIRST GLASS. “We are not particular unless you can show us the light of your countenance.” = “That you will never see, nor the light of the sun again, ST waist like to wager you something on that, if you are _ sure of it,” replied Brinsley, in a bantering tone. “We will have your scads when you pass in your chips, so _ there’s no use betting,” replied the voice, “Put up or shut up!” exclaimed Brinsley, like a man, and face the music.” : ‘Pacing the music is what you will have to do, ha-ha-ha!” and the laugh died away like that of some heartless fiend. “He is gone,” said Delmar, “and we are still in their power. What shall we do now?” — “Wait,” said Casserly. “That’s all we can do.” “tush! 1 hear footsteps.” The sound of footsteps were heard overhead. They listened. Men’s voices were heard in whispered conversation. Suddenly a trap door over their heads opened and a flood of light poured ‘down into their cell-like quarters. “You may come out,” said a voice, “if you come one by one.” vee “But how will we get out?” Morley asked. “Oh, here’s a ladder,” and a light ladder was thrust down _ through the trap door to the floor. “That’s a dodge to catch and disarm us one at a time,” whispered Casserly, to his comrades. “I’ll run up and take a peep.” j Casserly started up the ladder, and as he raised his head i up through the trap door, saw several men standing ready to ' Seize him. The man nearest to him caught him by the coat fee He gripped him by the eravat and dropped back through the hole, bringing the astonished thief with him. Brinsley quickly seized the ladder and removed it. ped “Help—help!” yelled the victim. i, 4 “Ha-ha-ha!” ee Casserly, sai him if you can!” “or show your face CHAPTER X. CAPTURING A THIEF. | : “ike you hurt, Casserly?” Brinsley sf ony as he assisted him 0; his feet. “Give me that ladder!” hissed the man whom Casserly had i, “£0 unceremoniously introduced into the dungeon. “There it is,’? said Morley, pointing to it with his left. ear is le with his right he presented a cocked revolver at his * : The man looked at the revolyer and then at Guy. The light from the lamps on the upper floor still streamed through, the trap-door, enabling one to see everything in the room. er guess you fellows don’t lowe what you are doing,” said | ‘ the man, who appeared to be the leader of the gang of thieves. | _ “Are you quite sure that you know what you fellows are doing?” Morley asked... a “Ly aetna we do,” was the reply. ‘ I like that!” exclaimed Casserly. . you are trying to do, at any rate. You are trying to fix w, ain’t re “You know | i out of “We are bound by our oath to take all such chances, ‘If it can’t be helped, I will have to pass in my chips with you.” “I don’t think you would be quite willing to do that,” said Harry Delmar, after a pause. “Not from choice, but necessity is an imperative law with” us.” “Tt is the same with us, too. We wouldn’t hesitate a moment to slay you before allowing you to escape. Your comrades — would not compass your death to get rid of us.” “Time will convince you of your mistake, sir. doomed men.” “Maybe we are, but it seems to me, my dear sir, that——” “Can’t you come up, captain?” demanded a voice from above, — gy : “No. They have me under the muzzles of two revolvers,” re- i ea plied the man below. . 5 “So you are the captain, eh?” said Casserly. “Shall we come down and help you?” came from above. ‘{No—you could do no good.” rn “Oh, yes,” exclaimed ianaerly, “come down by all means) and we'll give him up.” } Several muttered curses were heard from above, and then ie. a consultation among them took place which lasted several minutes. ; “What shall we do, captain?” was asked. “Fight it out and make an end of it,” replied the prisoner. © i “Spoken like a man,” said Casserly; ee down, you fies ardly whelps, and let’s have it out at once.’ The trap-door closed with a bang, and they were left in to. me tal darkness. | Morley seized the captain to hold him. ; eae) “Strike a match, Brinsley,” he said, a moment later, uy Brinsley struck a match, and Morley turned to Delmar and * ( Casserly with: “search nae at once.’ You are © rr eu / 4 point of resisting. “If you give any trouble you are a dead man!” hissed Mor: ts ley, pressing the muzzle of his revolver against his breast. : Casserly and Delmar at once proceeded to search him. They found a bunch of curiously-shaped keys, some papers, letters, a dagger, and two Derringers. . “Is this all?” Delmar asked. “Yes,” was the quick reply. — “That's a lie!” said Morley; “he feels relieved that you hav uf not found something else.” : f pan “No—no!” gasped the man, springing away like a deer. ; nari Casserly sprang upon him and bore him to the floor, th man struggling like a demon. Morley and Delmar assisted — 0 Casserly, while Brinsley continued to strike matches that they might see how to complete their work. They tore his clothes from him, and discovered next to h skin, in a silken belt, some papers which they judged to the secret he was anxious to preserve, Casserly cut the belt — and handed it to Brinsley, who took it, saying: un “Search him from head to toe-nail, You don’t know whe else you may find on him.” They continued the search and’ found more papers in hi boots, which they likewise handed to Brinsley. “Now gag him!” suggested Brinsley, and they took their s. -handkershiefs and proceeded to bind and gag him. Being sure of his helpnessness, they left him lying on the floor and rejoined Brinsley. ; “How many matches have you left?” Casserly asked. “Only half a dozen or $0,” was the reply. — sa rhe “Here’s a small burglar lamp,” said Merley, “which I, is pocket. Light it, and then we can get along Ss | aidiy.” “What a lucky thing!” and Brinsley applied the match to |t ttle wick of the ede Jantern. |
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4 iti ie Se Ne P| al AON Le Rp RR inl aie es a ar a THE FIRST GLASS. Be residing in New York city, with their places of abode. “Good! ‘This is the list of the gang in New York!” _ “Here is the list for Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore!” exclaimed Morley, glancing over several other papers; “why, the gang extends all over the country!” “Here are some memoranda which may give some light on ye our situation,” said Delmar, examining a paper which seemed _ to be the drawing of some plan of a house, and noticing that each door was numbered, asked to look at the keys. Brinsley handed him the keys, and Delmar examined them closely. as F “There are numbers on these keys to correspond with the numbers on this diagram,” he said, showing both to his com- - panions. “Try the bunch on the door of this room,” ind Harry hastened to do so. He could find no number on the door, but key after key he ‘jed until at last he found one that opened the door. “Ah, I have found it!” he exclaimed, in an undertone, turn- ng to his companions. Let’s take him along with us to show us the way out,” said Brinsley. : “We can fight our way out!” Harry exclaimed, impetuously. “Since we have the keys I suggest that we stay where we are till daylight,” Casserly remarked, after a pause. “We now not what may result from otr prowling about the build- zg at this late hour. It is now past three o’clock.. Two ‘hours more will bring daylight, when ve advantage will be on our side.” - “J think that a good idea,’* added Braiwey.: ‘They agreed to stay in the room and wait for daylight. Brinsley placed the dark lantern where the light would fall mn the face of the captain of the thieves, so they could watch suggested Morley, : ‘€ ; _ Then footsteps overhead again caused them to look up : herd the trap-door and listen. “Anybody in there?” “Yes, several of us,” replied ants id was standing direct- underneath it. “Who are you?” We are not answering very many queers now until we iow who we are talking to.” Oh, we are policemen, ” was the reply. “We heard pistol _ down there?” / : Not much,” replied Delmar. “How many are there of you there?” nly three of us. How many are there down there?” o About two hundred,” replied Casserly, quickly taking Del- : ‘nar ae "3 place, “and we are very bad men in a row. Better call out, the whole police a Bs or r you'll make a failure in arresting Ty and the others were astonished at his words. “They are not policemen,” he whispered to Harry. odge to get us in their power.” But T saw their uniforms,” veustaten Harry. as makes no fllfference. Hear them swearing now?” “That’s j mt t rg he * 3 / CHAPTER XI. THE Abeer THIEVES. rst a paper containing a list of names of people of both sexes | It was their last dodge. They were afraid to go down and attack four men who held revolvers in their hands, and knew how to use them. Their leader was also a captive, and they were at a loss what next to do. g “That was a good dodge, captain,” said Casserly to the pris- oner; “but it wouldn’t work.” Being gagged, the leader of the gang could not reply. “How did you know they were not really officers, Casserly?” Harry asked. | “They didn’t go at it like regular policemen, and I siepouiea | something wrong at once. In a situation like this suspect everything and everybody around, unless you know them.” “I'll be hanged if I would have suspected them,” said Brins- ley, after a pause. “Of course not. They would have called us up, one at a time, and grabbed us. They have got me in this trap by treachery. But they won’t get me into another one very easily. ; “Daylight will soon be here.” “That will not make it any lighter in here,” said Casserly. “Captain—eaptain!” called a voice from above, as the trap- door was raised about a foot. ‘“The captain is asleep,” said Casserly; “don’t disturb him.” “Sleep the devil!” growled the man; “you’ve killed him!” “Come down and see for yourself.” : “No—no—no! You’ve killed the captain! tain!” Of course the captain could not answer. “Yurn on the gas!” cried a hoarse voice above, “and let ’em die!” The trap-door was instantly dropped, leaving the dungeon. enveloped in impenetrable darkness. j A few minutes later they smelled something that reminded them of common coal gas. It grew stronger each moment. 4 . “By Heavens, fellows!” exclaimed Harry Delmar, “they are going to suffocate us with gas!” : “Out with the keys, then, and open the’ door!” sate Casserly. ; ‘ Captain—cap- _ shots and haye ‘been searching the building. Anybody hurt | Harry took the bunch of keys and soon fitted the right one to the lock of the heavy door, pushed it open and passed out into the passage. The gagged prisoner on the floor rolled himself after them, groaning piteously. ‘ / “Ah, you don’t want to be left, do you?” chuckled Casserly, untying his feet and assisting him to rise. “Come on, now, and show us the way out of this place.” When out in the narrow passage, Delmar closed the door softly, and then turned to follow his comrades. aaa “Ts this the way, sir?’ Casserly asked of the prisoner. The man nodded his head, and Casserly kept on, the others _ following. : But instead of going toward the cellar they had passed through under the guidance of Joe Betts, they went in an op- in posite direction, and were soon at the door of the room where — they first discovered the treachery of their guide: ; wan “Is this the Yoor?” Casserly asked of the captive. Wye ‘A nod in the affirmative caused him to push the door, but it wus locked and immovable. “It is locked.” Another diitinative nod from the prisoner. “Will any key on that bunch unlock it?” , Another nod. / ; Seal “Try it, Harry.” : ele Harry tried several keys: and at last tena one that ‘opened it., i They passed in and had to use the dark lantern to see where 2 they were.
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“Any: more trifling will cost you your worthless life, sir!” The man made gestures that indicated he wanted speak. Casserly untied the gag and removed it. “Give your comrades an alarm or signal, and you die,” he _ saild. “You have got me confused and turned around,” he said, as soon as the gag was removed. { “That’s a lie,’ said Brinsley; “you know every inch of this y building and are trying to play us false. I am in favor of blowing out your brains right here, and taking our se me of ‘getting out all right.” : ' “Can we get out any other way than the one by which we © entered?” ‘Guy Morley asked. “Yes, but not until two or three hours from now,” reply. “How is that?” “The outer door will not be opened sooner.” “You can’t open it?” SIO: Casserly looked at him suspiciously. “Do you want to show us the way out?” he asked. “No—not until I know what you intend to do with me,” was the frank reply of the bold thief. “I would rather die here, a violent death, than fall into the hands of the police.” “That is plainly spoken,” said Casserly, “and we can under- stand each other now. I cannot blame you, for in either case it would, perhaps, be death to you. But on what terms will _ you pilot the way out of this for us?” “Inviolable secrecy on your part, and no furt er molesta- tion of myself.” “We would then be permitted to go free, but be hunted down by your gang afterward?” “No, we would not trouble you again.” ai _ “We cannot believe you,” said Casserly, “for you would not bee rest content with your secret in our possession. It would _/ be unreasonable on our part to expect it. We will take our chances. You have seen encugh of us to know that we are not to be trifled with. Will you show the way out?” “No,” was the blunt reply. “Adil right. We will put on the gag again.” “Wait till I get a drink of wine. I am faint with thirst, i and the captain of the thieves looked faint indeed. “T wouldn’t mind having something good myself,” said ' Brinsley, throwing the rays from the dark lantern around the ; ‘room. _ “Where is the wine?” Casserly asked. “Behind the bar there,” and he turned in the direction of _ where Brinsley had noticed a small bar when they first en- By tered the place. was the ! ‘ 4 a —— CHAPTER XII.. THE DRUGGED WINE. of _ light from the dark lantern revealed the rows of bottles of _ champagne on the shelves behind sete Se “That looks like something good,” said Brinsley, eyeing a pile of champagne bottles. “Suppose we have some, fellows?” “Just what I want,’ remarked Casserly. “T don’t want any myself,” said Guy Morley, Watid: I think ou fellows had better let it alone. You don’t know what you re drinking in a place like this.” eo guess we can stand whatever he can,” remarked Casserly, niling, “and we'll drink from the same bottle that he does. Which shall we take, captain?” : ‘The man ae: pat the ee was all 001. ae They turned and walked over to the bar, .and the rays “THE FIRST GLASS. quick if you would live!” “That’s all right,” and filled three glasses for himself, Harry and Brinsley. “Better try some, Morley,” he said. “No,” replied Guy, “I drink no more wine. wine. You run a great risk in drinking it.” “Oh, pshaw! Let’s have another bottle of it.” Casserly opened another bottle, and made the prisoner drink another glass to see whether or not it was poisoned. ; He drank it down without flinching, and then Brinsley, Cas- serly and Delmar each quaffed briming glasses, § “You can drink it with perfect safety, sir,” said the captain to Morley, as he declined again to touch it. { “T won’t risk it, sir,” said Guy, firmly. “Oh, he’s a teetotaller,’ said Brinsley, laughing. “Yes, and henceforth a sober man,” replied Guy. “So was I once,” added Harry, desperately, “and now, since I have lost all, I don’t care what becomes of me. Any more in that bottle, Casserly?” 3 “No—it’s empty.” - “Now, let’s see to getting out of fee den,” said Guy. “Delays — are dangerous. When they find us’ gone from the dungeon nw they will come down on ‘us in full force.” ; “T only wish they would,” Brinsley said, handing: his re= volver in a familiar way. “Well, I don’t. A dozen desperate men are too many for four. Come, let’s be going. It must be daylight by this time.’ “Well, stove ahead,” said Harry, moving away in a reeling condition. - “Why, what’s the matter with you, Harry!” exclaimed Guys | “Tt can’t be that you are drunk already?” and Guy took up the. % dark lantern and threw the light in Harry’s face. 12 Harry rubbed his eyes and looked stupid and sleepy. ah i: “Tm not drunk,” said Harry, “but feel devilish sleepy.” j E “So do I,” remarked Brinsley, languidly. : “And I, too,” added Casserly. Guy turned the light on the prisoner’s face. He, too, looked sleepy and stupid. “Heaven help us!” he exclaimed. Ten thousand curses on the wine!” “Ha-ha-ha!” chuckled the prisoner; “we'll go together—go. together!” Ab Casserly, Brinsley and Delmar seemed stunned by the sud~ den revelation, and glared about like men dreaming. Guy Morley set the dark lantern down and sprang upon the prisoner. “Wretch!” he hissed; your throat, you villain!” With a strength that seemed almost superhuman, the prise oner, though his hands were bound, shoved him away anne bounded toward the door through which they entered. ne f Guy sprang toward him and grasped him by the tiitoale ia dealing him a blow on the face with his clenched hand that : caused him to stagger backward. The next moment he threw him heavily to the floor. “You know and have an antidote for that drug!” he hissed in his ear, as he pressed the point of his knife against his 3 throat. “Tell me where it is or you die!” The man made no reply. “IT will count five! One—two—three—four—f——” “Yes; I will tell!” gasped the man. “In the black bottle— under the counter!” “Where? Up, quick, and get it, you imp of hell!” and Guy > seized him by his hair and fairly pulled ae his feet. “B a Beware of that. : “You are all drugged! a “you shall not ale so easily! I’ cut ay Wg The prisoner reeled behind the little counter while Guy the light for him. “There it is,” almost alae Oe the wretch. ‘dote” on the label. Seizing the lantern he. threw its Hehe eat the roo
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EET C AY Py ee ee te Fi aN THE FIRST GLASS. 5 was down on his hands and knees trying to get up again, and Harry Delmar was stretched out at full length on the floor like a dead man! At that moment the prisoner sank down at his side. Guy looked down at him a moment, and hissed: “Tt’s a pity you should cheat the gallows—” and then sprang forward to where Delmar was lying. “Harry—Harry!” he called, raising his head and pressing the bottle to his lips. , “Drink—drink this and live! It is not too late!” He heard the liquid gurgling in his throat—held it to his lips a minute or two longer, and then flew to gk diglene S side. ' He pressed it to his lips. ‘Brinsley resisted. He forced it fiercely in his mouth, causing the blood to flow a from his wounded lips. 3 The antidote went gurgling down his throat, and then Guy snatched the bottle away and darted over to Casserly, who was still on his feet, but almost ready to sink into utter uncon- sciousness. “Drink this, Casserly!” he cried. “It will save you!” Casserly grasped the bottle and turned it up to his lips. “That’s enough,’ and Guy took the bottle from him. “Lie : down, now. I will save that wretch to see him hanged!” He rushed to the little counter, seized the dark lantern and looked on the floor where the prisoner had fallen. ‘He started and turned pale. ; The man was not there—gone—vanished! s CHAPTER XIII. BACK FROM THE JAWS OF DEATH. Words of tongue or pen fail in attempting te describe the 7 Pe ahdictine emotions of Guy Morley when he discovered that the wily chief of the bold thieves had vanished. “Of course he will reach his comrades,” thought Guy, “and tell them the situation, and they will rush down upon me like 0 many human tigers thirsting for my blood. Why did I not y\ the wretch when I had him in my power! Hark! Some- ch or somebody is in the room now!” He py drew his revolver with his right hand. while; ne ‘slight noise at the door on the left caused him to turn n that direction. The light revealed the recent prisoner des- a erately struggling to get upon his, feet so as to reach the se- : et spring of the hidden lock. But the terrible drug was doing its tori and he could only t upon. his knees, after crawling away from where he had . fallen. ak Guy recognized him at once, and with a ery of relief sprang ot rward, seized him by the hair and dragged him away to the iddle of the room, when he released him. | you die as you are! fc this antidote is any account, you, may live to hans, as Bia oY Haman. If not, you can die with your victims.” | Kneeling by his side he held the black bottle to his lips, nd poured a quantity of its contents down his throat. By this time he heard a groan from Casserly. Springing to a is’ feet he ge to his side, after turning the lantern in| "that direction, and found him slowly reviving. seemed like one just waking cout of a deep sleep, rubbing: = is eyes and gazing around as if trying to collect his con- “senses. u feel better now, do you Guy asked. | “Get up and walk it off.” j|.man I ever saw or heard of. “You imp of perdition!” he hissed, “I have a mind to let} But that would be cheating justice. Here, | | seems idetermined to drag me to the gutter,” Brinsley recovered the same as did Casserly, and was as much confused in his ideas. He did not know where he was or what ailed him. Poor Harry Delmar was the last to show returning con- sciousness. He had drunk freely of the drugged wine, and be- : ing less used to it, suffered most in consequence. “Guy,” Casserly called a few minutes later, as he watched — his movements, “what’s—the—matter—with him?” “He’s nel arg drugged,” replied ne “as you and Brins- ley were.’ “Drugged?” “Yes, that wine was heavily drugged. narrow escape.” Casserly struggled to his feet and reeled about like a ae en man. “Drugged—drugged!” he repeated several times. “Where is that devil?” “Ale is all right,” said Guy. “Here, help Brinsley to recover his wits by walking him about the room, and I will attend to Harry.” The dark lantern gaye but little light except where focussed, but still Casserly could see his friend as he sat on the floor, rubbing his eyes, and otherwise acting like one just waking from a deep sleep. He staggered over to his side, and at- tempted to pull him to his feet. “You've been drugged almost to death, Brinsley,” he said. j You have had a. “Hh?” grunted Brinsley. “Get/ uplg sa said Casserly, peremptorily. “Bh?” “Get up, I say You’ve been poisoned and so have I.” Brinsley made no reply, but tried to get upon his feet; but his legs refused to sustain him, and he sank down to 2 etiae posture again. a Guy turned to Casserly with: i “You would have been dead had I not forced him to give me x the antidote. I stuck my knife into him and tortured the Se- cret out of him.” : ci Casserly gazed at him ‘with increasing astonishment, as Guy held up the black bottle in the light of the dark lantern. if “No—no,” he said, “we would not have died. I understand — it all now. It was not a fatal drug, but one that produces in-. sensibility for a long time, probably, or else he would never have taken it himself. My God! Guy, he is the most daring Where is he now?” | “There he lies on the floor. over there,” and Guy pointed { to where fhe captive chief of the thieves lay prone on his back. _ Casserly took the dark lantern and turned its powerful rays full on the unconscious man’s face. Kneeling by his side he carefully examined every feature of his countenance, while Guy continued to work with Harry Delmar. - Slowly but surely he and Robert Brinsley recovered Erom, the effects of the drug; but they all felt very sick from it. t “You were right for once in your life, Morley,” said Casserly, “when you warned us against drinking that wine.” — “Yes, that’s so,” assented Brinsley, promptly: i i “I am fully persuaded that it is dangerous at all times,” re« plied Guy. “I wish I had never touched the first glass. “Why so?” } “Because then I could never have taken the second one.” 2 “J don’t see that you have been hurt by the second or third one,” said Casserly. “Well, I do. I have to struggle now against a thirst thi i Sick as he was, Eugene Casserly smiled. — ey “You have never felt thirst, because you have always ed it with wine. Swear off just one week and you
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be cee THE: FIRST GLASS. =< he “claimed Guy, “and they are looking for us. Here, let the lient | “Ah! he is coming to. The antidote will save him, too, I fall on that door there, so that we can see to shoot down any think we had better bind him, as he Gy. make a break when man that enters!” and he instantly threw the light against | we least expect it, and get away from us.’ the door, while Casserly and Brinsley drew their revolvers} Casserly at once proceeded to bind him again, leaving him vi for the expected fray. free as to his feet, | They waited several minutes, and then the voices became But he let him lie there on the floor with the light from. 1 the more plain again. dark lantern streaming full on his face. ‘ ‘Why, there’s a way to barricade that door!” Brinsley sud- They watched him as he came out of the stupor caused by — denly exclaimed. “See the bar and guards!” the drug. { Quick as a flash Guy Morley sprang forward and placed a Several groans, accompanied by severe twitchi ng of the oe ‘slender, flat bar of iron in the guards on either side of the | muscles of the face, indicated returning consciousness. - door just as some one from the other side touched the secret Suddenly the captain exclaimed: spring with a snap. ‘ “Now you’ve got ’em—make short work of them! Cast ’em we into the great sewer, and let the rats pick their bones!” _ r The four friends shuddered. { “Raise the trap-door, Naggers!” he cried again. “Down pe ii , CHAPTER XIV. with ’em!” d é He rolled over on his side and remained silent several min- _ UNCONSCIOUS REVELATIONS. utes, the four friends glaring down upon him, eager to catch | every word that came from his lips. £ Guy Morley plainly heard the snap of the spring. He spoke again: = o) i “Just in time,” he whispered to his comrades, as they stood “Ha—ha—ha!” came from him again. “That drugged wine — silent and motionless to listen. came from Naggers’ hands. It did the work finely. I knew — ‘Snap went the spring again, and a pressure against the door} it would hold them a whole day and then I would come around | f _ was perceptible. again. What fools men are to drink poison in every glass of — ' But the iron bar would have stood the pressure of ten thou-| wine they take! Ah! yes, I remember now. One fellow _ sand pounds. wouldn’t drink any, and he seized me as I tried to get out of - Whispering voices were heard on the other side. the room,” and then, as if again struggling in Guy Morley’s “There must be other secret doors,’ said Guy to his com-| grasp he sprang up to a sitting posture on the floor and ~ - rades. “Stand here ag I search the walls all around the] screamed: “Help, Naggers! Help, Brawny—oh, God! why ic room.” don’t some of you come? Break the door down! There is pine ‘ fee Seizing the lantern he made a minute examination of the | one of them left! Help—help!” ; fees on all sides, but was unable to find seh but the two “They are murdering the captain!” cried a voice outside the doors already mentioned. | door, and the next moment a tremendous thumping on thé _ Both of those were secured, and then they breathed free. | | door told of a desperate effort to break door and all down. _ By this time Harry Delmar was sufficiently recovered to The iron bar was too much for them. It resisted all their _ thoroughly understand the situation. - united strength. _ He placed himself on guard with the others, and vowed dire| ‘Bring the auger and saw,” cried one who appeared, from engeance on the captain of the thieves. his command, to have authority among them. h ie is “You are right, Guy,” he said. “We should not have touched A few minutes later the grinding cutting of an auger was wine in sucha place as this.” heard by the four friends. Soon the auger carfie through and ae ‘No, nor anywhere else,” said Guy. “It is very strange that | was withdrawn to make room for a small saw. “Don’t talk to me about it, Guy. I have nothing in life} muzzle of his pistol in the auger hole aA pulled the ieee ‘orth living for now, and don’t care what becomes of me. You A yell followed the explosion, and then groans convinced ou now not what I lost in that first glass of wine; this is one | heroes that somebody had: been hurt. _ Curses loud and mee sd anat meet it with perfect indifference to consequences. ”* | being now fully restored to Metical dane “Harry, my dear fellow,” said Guy, “I don’t like to hear you “Look here!” exclaimed Harry Delmar, turning Sr k that way. You can regain all you have lost Apes: upon him, “keep that tongue of yours quiet, or your csp ah No—no—no!” interrupted Harry, ts don’t know. | may prove to be your dying speech.” voices and foot- Crampton suggested that he go to a very warm place, ‘an } Harry slapped him on the mouth, saying: ; hey listened. “7 “?’d horsewhip you for two want } Captain!” called a voice from the outside. / Of course the eaptain didn’t answer, He was still uncon-| Crampton. ior us. ie : “By ane holy poker!” exclaimed | Harry, hastily untying t Ca Ugees ‘some more Ronnaili? vet's break it tied said one. ; | oft. fora fisticuft with him. j _ At first Crampton was not disposed to fight, put Harry \p- “ ed him on the nose, and exclaimed: x fe “First blood for me!” point. is” igaanied: re must get the cap- s, and silence hid forever!” if
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ie. ‘THE FIRST GLASS. - “If you don’t take back.that word ‘coward,’ you son of a thief,’ ” hissed Harry, bending over Crampton, “I’ll pone you Ow jelly where you lay.” “Yes—yes, I'll take it back,” said Crampton. “Tie him again, Harry;” and Delmar tied his hands and feet hard and fast. , CHAPTER XV. IN A LIVING TOMB. ‘The shot Casserly had fired through the auger hole in the ~ door had the effect to make the thieves cautious, and to keep away from that dangerous locality. They retired from hear- ing, and for more than an hour were not heard from. But if they could not get the four friends to destroy them, ts ‘the thieves were determined they should not get away to bring = Btruction upon them! Beers said pa ems, as the sound of a hammer tell upon “Tet ’em at in if they can,” remarked Guy. “They’ll find is the hottest room they ever entered in their lives.” ‘3 “They are hammering at the door now,” exclaimed Delmar. has “Be ready to. receive em,” and the light was thrown against the door. “Why, they are driving nails,” said Brinsley, after se ua _ for a while. Che “So I thought,” remarked Guy. to?” ~“T say, in there!” called a voice on the outside, “we’ve nailed you up in there! You are in a living tomb! Ha—ha— ST wonder what they’re up ; “But your chief is in here,” answered Guy. Dene “Better “he perish than all of us!” was the ready reply. : “Do you hear that, captain?” said Casserly. “Your pals are ing back on you.” |; ‘ Jrampton smiled grimly, and said: \ iv He is nent It is better that one should die than all “Don’t you “chow any way of gettin out of here, except by se two doors?” If you iden® t find some way of petting nok: this place, rl proceed to torture you’ in a way that ld make the Spanish Inquisition pale with envy. vA ‘What would you do?” Crampton asked, slightly paling. - degrees. I think that would be a little painful to you. Take off an inch at a time, say, and eut off your fingers, a iis joi t at atime. Perhaps I can think © of something worse, as I quite original in my ideas. : death: like and. “y u Tike the prospect, I reigns ? Os” Gge said, oe his head. “T am. at vyaur. mercy. “Ant I aiguant there was some. 2 other way? GaP Casser- ye Where is it?” _ “ Bastin sewer! iwiare is that, pray?” eB Inder the’ eee 2 | with which we can cut through?” | desperately, ons in eae and listened. “T have known a lot of them to destroy a strong man in ten minutes,’ and Crampton’s eyes seemed wild in their expres- | — sion as he related his horrible story. “Well, we'll send you down first to test both.” “No—no—no!” shrieked the man. “I won’t go—I won't go!” > “We will throw you in,” persisted Casserly. “Wa—ha—ha!” cried the desperate villain; You can’t find the trap! Ha—ha—ha! find it!” j “Oh, well, we can skin you for an eel,” quietly remarked Casserly. “You see, we don’t propose to stay here and perish of starvation in order that a gang of thieves and murderers _ might live,” “But why torture me for——”’ “Because you gave orders to have us decoyed into this den!” interrupted Casserly. “It was a put-up job, and you will get no mercy from us—understand that!” 5 “I can show you the trap to the sewer,” faltered Crampton, © his courage fast failing him. 4 “Very well. Where is it?” ; eer “Crampton was assisted to his feet, and then he went toa | certain part of the room, and touched a secret spring on the Va wall. Instantly a trap-door in a corner dropped, and a flood of almost suffocating gas poured into the room from the dark hole. “Close it again!’’ said Morley, quickly, life in twenty minutes.” The door was closed again. “Ts it always so strong?” | i Casserly asked the question, and Crampton replied: “No; when the tide is low it is not so bad. The tide is up now, and the pressure of the water at the mouth of the sewer forces the gas up the main. A strong wind would’do the same.” sh “Thanks for the information. not kill the rats?” ; } ; “That is something I never could understand,” was the ree ply. “They live and:grow there to enormous size, and are as fierce as tigers in attacking man or beast.” i “How know you that? Have you ever known them 6 at- tack a beast of any kind?” hi “Yes. We have thrown them dogs, cats, and even goats,’ and they were instantly devoured.” WS “My God!” cried Brinsley, “and this in the heart of New — York city!” f & “Hell has no fiends like these!” exclaimed Guy Morley. “They should all be eaten by the rats.” “Have you ever thrown any human beings down there?” 7 Casserly asked. af Crampton refused to answer. “Are you sure there is no other way we can eetanee Del- mar asked, ina determined tone. > a “Yes; there is no other way.” : gl “Ts there no way of cutting through that eoor—nothing a ; “you can’t do it! Let’s see you find it— “That would destroy. Is it not strange the gas does t Crampton shook his head. “We can use our knives,” suggested Harry. “And get shot as the auger man did,” replied Guy. “Then for the sewer when the tide goes ou ” said Harry, “Hark! Listen! What’s that?” and all four Misia | CHAPTER XVI. “enanter0s DISAPPEARS.
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4 ° t xa 1% ‘5 THE FIRST GLASS. ~ exclaimed Morley. “Amen!” responded Casserly, “but it is not the case; they are quarreling among themselves about eee is best to be done with us.” ‘ “It seems that we are a ate elephant on their hands,” said Brinsley. “Yes,” added Harry, “and we'll be something worse before we get through with them; I am as hungry as a wolf.” _ “And I am as dry as a powder mill,” remarked Brinsley; : “Pd like a drink of wine, but no more of that drugged stuff t for me.” , “There is plenty of good wine there, sir,” said Crampton. \ “Hixcuse me, but I don’t want any of it,” said Brinsley, in al very emphatic tone. ' “T hope you will allow me to drink a bottle of it, then,” added Crampton. . Harry Delmar and Guy Morley were listening to/the quar- 7 reling in another room, and in a few minutes decided that > there was a serious split among the dozen of more of thieves. / Some were in favor of breaking into the room and killing the four men outright, and end the trouble then and there, while ‘others were in favor of the slow process of starvation. “They can’t get away,” said one, very emphatically. J “But it would take a week or ten days to do that,” said an- 2 other, “and time is precious to us, you know.” ee “Very true; but it will be sure, and that is the main point.” “But Captain Crampton would perish in that case.” ‘ “So he would; but with your plan four or five of us would perish, or be desperately wounded, in which case the police might get a clew which would lead to something worse.” “That’s true, every word of it,” commented a third, and in the end it was decided to let starvation do the work, while | they kept a strict watch on all the exits from the place. “Now we can hold a council of war,” said Casserly, turning _ to his companions. “What shall we do? The light in that By little lantern will not last always. We shall soon be in impen- etrable darkness, when our case would be bad, indeed.” “J am in favor of giving the captain just five hours to get} ‘yg out, or kill him if he doesn’t do it,” said Brinsley. “He ‘knows the building, and if he can’t-get us out, let him head the funeral procession.” “I second that motion,” said Harry. “Tt’s a good idea,” added Morley. i “What say you, captain?” Casserly asked of Crampton. aan “Give me a glass of wine, and I will do my best,” replied Crampton. j “Is there any wine here that is not drugged?” ; “Yes, plenty of it.” “Where is it?” “All those bottles with the sat seals on them are free from the drug.” I “¥ " ; ! } * “Yes. ” ‘ “Now, look here, fellows,” said aay Morley, “wine is the rimary cause of our being in this fix. I think you should the stuff.” iste “But we must take it now,” said a Brinstey, aa we eee noth- ‘toe vag « “Let! me die sober if I must pertoby? said Guy. e should have our sober judgment about us.” rly made no reply himself to the remarks of Guy, but “Now, if “God grant that it is the real police attacking the thieves!” “Of course you'll drink half a bottle to prove it,” said Bring: ; ign a pledge right now instead of touching a drop Te of | tly eet Sie the bar, took up one of the ee “We'll wait a half hour to see how it works,” said Casserly, as: he handed Crampton another glass. At the end of the half hour, Crampton was all vik Casserly and Brinsley finished the bottle without hesitation, : Harry fearing to risk it. “There will be at least two of us sober to take off the drunken ones,” remarked Guy, as he saw Harry refuse’ drink ee wine. marks,” suggested Casserly, warmly. “Wine on. empty stomachs never faiis to intoxicate,” repl Guy. “But we will go it mild,” said Brinsley, taking the seco: glass. ; : “Oh, yes, very mild,” sarcastically. \ “Try some, Harry; it’s good.” o “T believe I will. The first glass did ‘more mischief than a ye others can. Give me a Ss off at a gulp. They were standing at be counter, all leaning on it sav i Crampton, who stood near the end of ee counter quietly lool ing on and listening. ; Suddenly he disappeared through a beaks door in the foo, which instantly closed again with a snap. “Good Heavens!” cried Guy Morley, who saw the os thing. “He has got away—he is gone!” “Who has?” cried Casserly. “Crampton!” replied Guy. “He went down through a ee door here!’*” and seizing the dark lantern he examined the floor, finding the crevices of a trap-door some two feet squar wi near the end of the counter. “Here it is! He went through |here. But for that infernal wine he would have been lyi d there still on his back. As we are doomed we may as ¥ E drink to utter unconsciousness and let them throw us to sewer rats!” t The other three were astonished at the sudden escape the master-spirit of the thieves, and glared at ee? oth as if to read their thoughts. Guy Morley said nothing’ more, but placing the light on ‘th table, or counter, deliberately proceeded to break every boti le within his reach. ik “What in blazes are you doing?” Casserly asked. “Crusading,” was the reply, as he smashed half a doz bottles of champagne at a single blow. In two minutes more there was not another bottle of wine, drugged or otherwise, in the room. - “If you want another drink you will have to go putbides this establishment to get it,” remarked Guy Morley, as h surveyed the wreck he had made. “Maybe you will work bi. harder now to get out.” “Ha-ha-ha!” came a mocking laugh from somewhere re oe : room, “but you won’t get out!” ~ Guy Morley snatched up the dark lantern, afid flashed | 3 light around the room in search of the owner of-the voice, but only the dismal walls were revealed to his anxious gaze. ° = , iY d ; e CHAPTER’ XVII. ‘ m THE ESCAPE. “That was Crampton’s voice,” said Harry Dita “ay |was in this room. There is some secret door, or tre which he cautiously opened to mock us.” _ rd give all my future expectations to get one fair
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THE FIRST GLASS. ¢ “No!” was the unanimous response of the other three.” x *Shall we cut through that door and fight our way out?” - “Yes, if we can,” said Morley. “Tf we can?” said Brinsley. _ “Yes, if we can,” added Delmar, shaking his head. if “We must do it. Show your knives.” Hach man produced his knife. Morley alone possessed one that was not an ordinary pocket- ife. - “Ah! we can cut the door nearly’ through with that!” said ‘Casserly, “and then suddenly kick it in and dash through, ready, to fight it out.” s _ Harry Delmar took the light and searched under the counter struments, “T could break out of any jail in the world with this;” and he ran to the door with it to commence operations teniiige, “Be ready now with your revolvers!” whispered Casserly. 5 ut not a soul was there to oppose their exit, to their ae we nishment. ? - “what can it mean?” they asked. “Look out for a trap of some kind,” whispered Morley. “You ; may. depend on it they cone t intend to let us get away if they ean help it.” “Ha-ha-ha!” came that mocking laugh again from the room hey had just vacated; “fools—fools—fools!” “Keep ahead,” said Casserly, as Morley led the way with dark lantern, casting a light before him. They wended their way along the narrow passage till they ie toa door, which yielded to the pressure brought to bear it. } Thy, this is the dungeon we left to escape that gas!” ex- laimed Delmar. / > Let's get out at once.” “Here’ s that ladder. Let’s try that Hanada with the jim- % ; nsley seized the ladder, placed it in position and ran up he eould reach the trap-door. In a few minutes he raised eered around into a room, but dimly lighted from the t of day. i ne up!” he whispered, leading the way up the ladder. 7 others purely followed and closed the trap-door. a & nto. 2 room that looked out on the street, “We are _There’s the street!” ‘i 1? oe muttered, as: she apiatie to the sidewalk. er want such another racket as that.” = on’t see any one around here,” said Casserly. “In the Peds. would us to settle the difficulty with the whole 1 ‘noon-——and waited patiently for its appearance. against his throat, and made him give up the secret of the lasting from twenty-four to thirty-six hours. ing that time, and throw them into the sewer below. ‘their stolen goods were concealed, and work his way to beat aa plan to suffocate them with gas by means’of a small rubber hose. They agreed to the plan, and one of their number was sent out to purchase the hose. It was while he was gone that the four friends escaped. 5 On reaching the Bowery Guy Morley shgeektod that they go to a restaurant and have a square meal. “T’m as hungry as the man who invented eating,” he said, smiling at Brinsley, who snatched an apple from an Italian's — fruit stand. “So am I, and as dry,” said Brinsley. “There’s a hydrant—help yourself.” * “Tap it and I will,” he retorted; “I am not afraid of my native drink.” : “Nor imported ones either,” laughed Casserly. poy “Not much, unless they are drugged.” “All imported liquors are more or less drugged—made from chemicals of various kinds,” said Guy. “When did you find that out?” Casserly asked. “T’ve known it a long time.” “Yet you kept on drinking all the same?” “Yes,” ; “Which shows you didn’t believe it, eh?” “It shows that I didn’t care or think much about it at the time. It’s useless to talk about it, Casserly, for you know how near that wine came to killing all of you.” “Here’s a restaurant,” said Brinsley; “let’s have meal.” * They entered and ordered a dinner for four—for it was sh d squares “We'll go to police headquarters when we get through with this,” remarked Delmar. 4 ‘ “Yes, that’s the racket,” added Brinsley; “we'll give thera, something to do that'll make ’em sick of the business.” When they were nearly through eating their dinner, they — heard the fire engines passing on a full run, but paid lit- — tle attention to the incident. CHAPTER XVIII. THE FIRE, A Let us now return, for a few minutes, to the secret gang of thieves under the leadership of Crampton, That daring villain had faced death a thousand times, and had a nerve of iron. He yielded only when death was the only alternative, as when Guy Morley pressed his knife antidote to the powerful drug in the wine. The drug was not fatal in effect—had it been he would not have taken the wine himself—but would produce insensibility, ia He hoped that his men would be able to overpower Morley and his party dur-_ But Morley frustrated his designs, and in his desperation he. 4 resolved to cast himself through a trap-door, into the pit where companions in crime. “Nor De added Brinsley. It was a desperate resolve, for, with his hands tied he was liable to be fatally sine yet to remain Peomed equally des- 4 perate. Dee, touched Bae spring and shot down tian the trap- =
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THE FIRST. GL Ass, passage to the rooms above, where he startled his doriivantons' by suddenly appearing in their midst with his hands bound behind him. “How did you manage it, captain?’ Naggers asked in as- tonishment. “By way of the store room,” he replied. “Will they not go by the same route?” “No. They'll never find that secret spring.” He was right. “What shall we do with them?” was the next question asked him. “Send them to the sewer rats,” “But how?” t “T don’t know yet. They are daring, desperate fellows. I only wish they belonged to our crowd. But they must die or we are lost. It is war’to the knife, and the knife to the hilt with us now.” 4 At last it was decided that with a rubber hose some fifty or sixty feet long, they could unscrew the burner from a gas fixture on the floor above, attach the hose and’ run it down _ through a hole into the room where the four friends held pos- session. One of their number was sent for the hose, and during his absence Crampton related to his comrades his terrible experi- ence with the drugged wine. It was at this juncture that Guy ale and his friends es- eaped from the building. - if When the man with the rubber hose returned they pro- is ceeded at once to put into execution the fiendish plan to suf- / focate their supposed prisoners with ordinary coal gas. They was the reply. connect it with the room in which they were confined. -. But when they reached the door which they had nailed > SN up they found it open, wrenched from its hinges, and the four ‘daring young men gone. ‘they escape. cost!” ' The men hurried through the narrow passage and discov- ered the ladder that enabled them to get to the rooms above ‘and thence out to the street. “They have escaped us!” gasped Crampton, his face as pale as death. “There is but one resource left to us. We must fire the old building and thus put it out of their power to be- tray us by a search of the premises, Fire it in a dozen places at once. Empty every oil can you can find on the floors and _ apply the match.” In less than five minutes from that time dense volumes of -shioke were seen issuing from the immense pile of old frame { buildings. “When the engines arrived on the ground they ' eould only prevent its spread. It burned like tinder, and the mystery of many a horrid crime went up in smoke. When Harry Delmar and his comrades came out of the res- va _ taurant they naturally asked where the fire was. He was told, and in surprise they hurried, back in the di- i rectisa whence they had eee and saw their recent prison Search the building for them! Kill them at any “Great God!” xclaimed Casserly. “What desperate fellows they are! They fired that building to keep us from bringing the police in there, They pore some oaner den in eke city, near the burning Patties as the hai would permit, and gazed at the dense volume of ascending smoke in meditative attached it to the gas-pipe and carried the other end below to’ . “Eternal perdition!” exclaimed Crampton; “we are lost if | bald-headed for one dollar.” “So would I,” said Harry. “Tell Casserly and Brinsley, ant I'll go up and speak to him.” Harry walked up to the fellow and touched ‘ied on. the oe shoulder. The man sprang aside as if stung, and seemed on the point of taking to his heels, when Harry said: ee “You fellows are playing the very deuce. There was no need of this thing.” “J—I—-don’t—understand you, sir!” the fellow stammered. “Oh, of course not, but you see I understand you. I met you last night, you know, when poor Betts got wiped out.” : “I never saw you before, sir,” said the fellow, me courage each moment. “No—not before last night. remember meeting you. Where is Crampton? him.” “T don’t know Crampton,” said the fellow, as Casserly and the other two came up. ; “Oh, pshaw! What’s the use of playing that game on us? You’re one of the gang.” ’ The man paled, and looked uneasily around him. He seem: ed to be looking for some means of escape, thinking the four were either going to arrest him, or else give him in charg of a policeman. Suddenly he made a desperate plunge into a mass of women ° | and children, knocking about a dozen of them right and 1éft, and raising quite an excitement among the spectators. : Running against a rather masculine-looking Irishwoman. she caught him by the hair to prevent herself from falling be the pavement. To her intense astonishment the whole scalp came off in Ba v hand, and she went to the ground with it, amid a roar from. i the spectators. “Seize him!” cried Casserly darting forward in purenit “Stop thief—stop thief—stop thief!” Here are my three friends, who % I want to se CHAPTER XIX. QUY MORLEY’S DISCOVERY. The ery of “stop thief” created such an excitement in the vast concourse of people that the real thief succeeded in escap- ing, leaving the crowd laughing at the woman who had snate re ed the wig from his head. | “Och!” she exclaimed, as she scrambled to her feet, clutch- ; ing the wig in her right hand, “phat’ve I done now! How iy mither 0’ Moses, but its bald-headed the SpaInSRH ll be whin’ ? goes home!” ° “You are’right, ma’am,” said Brinsley. “That fellow wee ie ‘i bad one, but you snatched him bald-headed.” Ay “Sure, an’ wasn’t he afther runnin’ forninst me, a dac nt f woman!” she replied. “Biddy Malone is not the one as let a mon rin into her at all—at all.’” “Will you sell the hair, Mrs. Malone?” Brinsley asked. Nc Mrs. Malone held up the wig and looked at it, and boseist glanced at Brinsley. “Sure, an’ is it the hair ye want?” f “Yes. I'll give you a dollar for it.” “Whoop!” yelled Biddy, tossing the wig in Brinsley’s “Show me another thafe. It’s Biddy Malone as’ll snatch The crowd roared, and Brinsley paid her the ana, ing the wig and turning away with Casserly and the others By “What are you going to do with that thing, Brinsley? Morley asked, as they wended their way toward the Bow “Wait and see,” he replied. “I may want to wear it day myself. We may hear from those fellows again.” “So I think,” assented Casserly, “and I care not how so o!” exclaimed Harry. “Give me me ROY: ‘Tro ’t fear the whole gang.” ee INS
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long absence. retired to bed, and Slept until quite late in the evening. But they did not meet until the next morning, when each appeared, refreshed and bright as ever. “Shall we report to the police?” was the question under con- _ sideration as they discussed their breakfast. “T think we had better wait till we can spot some of them,” i remarked Brinsley. _ “Ah, that would be playing into their hands,” said Morley, “for the whole gang would be spotting us all the time.” Ke “T think they have done that already,” observed Harry, “so we may shape our plans without any regard to them what- - ever.” “fxactly. You are right, Harry,” and Casserly shook hands across the table with Delmar; and then, raising a cup of tea to his lips, added: “Here’s looking at you, old fellow.” ““T hope you won’t look at me over a cup of tea,” said Brins- ley. “That’s an old maid’s drink. Let’s have beri ana: stronger.” {> “Not at breakfast, ic, phatadtad Guy, and the matter was dropped. _ After the meal they strolled out on Broadway, and walked leisurely down that fashionable thoroughfare arm in arm. When they reached a point opposite the saloon where they had first encountered Crampton’s gang, Casserly proposed that they enter and have a drink. “No,” said Guy. “We'd better keep away from there. It’s a dangerous place. Who knows but what the barkeeper be- 2 longs to the gang?” “What if he does?” “Well, it would hardly be safe to drink any of his liquors if Be ) et) “That's so,” said Harry. fellows.” “Well, have a cigar, then,” said Brinsley, and he turned and entered with them. Guy finally followed, anxious to. see who : he could find there belonging to Crampton’s gang. ‘It was early in the day, and but few customers were in the % place. The barkeeper, however, instantly recognized them, and ‘seemed greatly astonished at seeing them there. ey “Give us some good wine,” said Casserly, stepping up to the _ ‘ counter, “if you have any that has not been drugged.” - “D—drugged!” exclaimed the barkeeper. “Yes. I want none but the pure stuff,” said Harry. - “Oh, yes, of course. I never keep any other kind,” and tive iixer of poisons placed before them a bottle of wine from which they filled/small wine glasses, and drank freely. Morley ‘ a cigar ae proceeded to light it, when a man entered, “T guess I won’t drink anything ranger, but Morley noticed a certain exchange of glances ae ‘ hidieaan them that convinced him they were by no means The newcomer’s i: was new to him; he had no eeqaltou: tion of ever having seen him before. But as the man raised his hand to place a-cigar in his mouth, Guy Morley noticed ‘peculiar ring on his little finger, the sight of which caused __ him to start as if he had been stung. } From the ring he glanced up at the face. > him. He could not recognize it. et the ring he would have sworn to any e kobe. 6 on account a its peculiarity and the association of his first view of it. Shy He looked at the man steadily in the eyes, their eyes met It was strange ‘he man ae Goan iah the aay of the iBietad! ; 1t the flowing black beard was gone, sty a wig of fiery red orned his head. , f ; ptain?” Gare exclaimed, e: extnnding his and THE FIRST GLASS. St Pe od Having had no sleep for over thirty hours, they “T don’t know you, sir, and I am not a captain.” “No, I know you don’t know me, but I know you,” said Guy, coolly facing him. “You are Crampton, the thief!” The man only smiled, but Casserly, Brinsley and Harry Delmar turned upon him keen, searching glances, but were not able to recognize him. They had never noticed the ring on his little finger. “Do you wish to insult me, sir?” Crampton asked, drawing himself up like an insulted clergyman. “Yes,” replied Guy, “if it is possible to insult a thief.” “See here, Guy,” said Casserly, after gazing into Crampton’s face for a minute or so, ‘you are wrong.” “Wrong the devil!” exclaimed Guy, knocking Crampton’s hat from his head and sending the wig of red hair with it. “I’@ know the scoundrel in Hades!” The now revealed man made a plunge forward and knocked Morley down by a well directed blow between the eyes, and then dashed out of the room ere the astonished friends of Guy could interfere. “Stop him—it’s Crampton!” cried Guy, eh to -his feet. é But he was gone, and the four trienda were left there to gaze into each other’s faces as if wondering what next would happen. ‘ The man glanced quickly around at him and said: 5 : j . CHAPTER XX. THE MEETING OF THE LOVERS, To say that Guy Morley was mad, after having been knocked down by Crampton, would be but mildly describing his real feeling. “I say, fellows!” he blurted out, after gazing at his three friends for nearly a minute, “if you see the Fool-killer coming hide quicker’n lightning.” “What for?” Brinsley asked. j “Poor fellow!” sarcastically replied Guy, “you can’t even comprehend your danger!” “Oh, Lord!” gasped Casserly, making a convulsive effort to suppress the roar that’ wanted to come out at Brinsley’s ex- pense; “that’s cruel, Guy!” r “Yes—cruelty to idiots!” retorted Guy. ‘How Columbia College could turn out three such hollow-headed figures passes _ my comprehension. You let Crampton walk out before your very eyes without so much as asking him to stop.” “T am not sure is was Crampton,” said Brinsley, flushed with anger at the severe language of Guy. / “Oh, no, of course not. You are incapable of “Stop!” exclaimed Brinsley, hotly, “or you'll get floored again. How the devil do you know it was Crampton?” “T recognized and unmasked him before your eyes, but your intellect was not equal to ‘the occasion. I should have intro- : duced him to you and vouched for his identity. I recognized — the ring on his finger when he put the cigar in his mouth, and ~ then his eyes and nose confirmed my suspicions.” ; - “Hang me if I would ever have suspected him,” said Casser- * ly. “I thought you had made a mistake, and accused the wrong man, We'll get him next time.” a “No, we won't,” returned Guy. “The barkeeper here will Wi post him about the ring, and he’ll see to’ that hereafter.” ils “I don’t know the man, sir,” said the barkeeper. “Don’t abuse your conscience, my dear sir,’ spoke up Mor- ley, quickly. “I saw a glance of recognition pass between you and him. I guess you belong to the gang yourself.” _ “What gang?” “The Crampton gang.” “J do not.” - a a it
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Bo a THE FIRST GLASS. | DMASY ita ts aw. Fee, gears “but if you repeat the charge I’ll punch your head!” and he came around from behind the bar and confronted Morley. -“T do repeat it,’ returned Guy, and the next moment he measured his full length on the floor, the burly barkeeper havy- ing knocked him down before he could defend himself. The blow was a hard one, and Guy was stunned by it. Harry Delmar picked him up, while Casserly, who always prided himself on his pugilistic prowess, remarked to the barkeeper: “Maybe you pe you can serve me that way?” “Guess I can,” replied the mixer of poisons, squaring off and aiming a terrific blow at Casserly. } Casserly skilfully parried the blow and sent another in re- .»turn which the barkeeper parried successfully. “Hold on!” cried Morley, springing forward and pushing Casserly aside; “this is my fight. You can’t cheat me out of it,” and while the barkeeper was uncertain as to who he was to fight, Guy Morley gave him a beautiful pair of black eyes. “Hold up, Guy!” exclaimed Brinsley, in a half whisper. “The police are at the door, and it would look bad four against one.” Guy and Casserly turned away and the four friends marched out of the saloon together, as though nothing ges a drink had been the matter. Out on the street Harry looked up at Guy with: “You'll have a beautiful pair of black eyes, Guy. You'd bet- ter go to the hotel at once.” “Yes—I’ll go with you,” said Brinsley, and the two walked off together, leaving Casserly ‘and Harry to continue their walk down town. “T am sorry Guy got that black eye,” remarked Harry, as he and Eugene walked along arm-in-arm. t “Yes—so am I. But who’d have thought of finding Cramp- _-ton under that red wig!” Guy is unusually sharp in some things. I think he would _ make a good detective. That fellow, Crampton, is a dangerous -- man to deal with.” . “His whole gang are on the lookout for us, no doubt. must be on our guard or we’ll get trapped again.” — “By George!” gasped Harry, clutching Casserly’s arm con- vulsively, as two ladies approached. “Madge Bllington and her mother!” Just as Casserly looked toward the ladies they were opposite them. Mrs. Ellington made a very stiff, formal bow in’ recognition of their presence; but Madge turned Geaenly, pale and looked away in another direction. When Casserly turned to look at Harry: Delmar, he found his face as pallid as that of a dead person’s. “Why, what’s the matter, Harry?” he asked, “you look? | Pa “Let's go and get a drink somewhere,” said Harry,*in a husky tone of voice. “I don’t feel very well.” 0) “know you don’t, old fellow. Never knew you to look so pale before.” They entered a saloon together, and Harry called for brandy. “Brandy. You want some kind of light wine, old fellow,” suggested Casserly. “Give me brandy—brandy, quick!” said Harry, and when the glass and decanter were set before him, he poured out a full glass of the fiery fluid and swallowed it at a Single gulp, to the surprise of Casserly, who knew not what to think of his . sudden precipitation. \ - A With a long-drawn sigh Harry leaned against the bar and looked vacantly at his companion. Casserly raised his glass of wine, and said: We or ee rm ." brat “Give me another drink,” said Harry, desperately, seizing 4 6: decanter, and almost filling his ot Wa the stuff. ‘better or worse,” and drank f down. as that a you ‘0 feel a ae _ “Oh, no! I feel much better now,” was the reply, as the ~ strong stimulant began to send the red current to his face — again. ia “You'll be drunk if you take any more.’ ete ies, “Oh, I guess not. I can carry as much as you can,” a a Harry laughed a reckless, unmeaning laugh, dropping into a : chair by the table. > “Oh, you mustn’t sit down with all that brandy in you!” said Casserly. “Come, let’s walk about so as to keep our. heads clear,” and taking Harry by the arm he led him out of the saloon, and walked him down Broadway. ; » CHAPTER XXI. ARRESTED. Hugene Casserly never dreamed that the meeting of Madge ites Ellington and her mother on Broadway was the cause of the sudden change in Harry Delmar. Up to that moment Harry had indulged the hope that he would some day retrieve himself in Madge Ellington’s eyes. _ ss But her conduct crushed that hope, and a feeling of utter — recklessness and desperation took possession of him. His only desire now was to drown him. misery in the wine: cup. He cared no longer for the voice of ambition. The al- lurements of fame to be gained in the professional” career) which he and his friends had chosen, had lost their ‘charm:. He had no longer anything to live for; yet he felt that he could, i not commit suicide. > In this frame of mind he drank deeply and recklessly, as we have seen, and Eugene Casserly, who had been instrumental in persuading him to drink his first glass, now regretted that fatal step. : “T say, old fellow,” he said to Harry, as the latter Hagan toons reel and stagger along Broadway, “hold up and waik atralent, ‘ or people will say you are drunk?” na “Let (hic) 'em say so,’ said Harry. “Who cares (hic) for ~ people’sh—whoop!” . “Great Jehoshaphat!” gasped Casserly, as hundreds of eaniae turned and stared at them. “This will never do. We shall be ruined.” : “Let her—his—ruin—whoop!” “Oh, Lord!” groaned Casserly, as people began to gather about them and smile at his very evident embarrassment. “I say, Harry, let’s take a carriage and have a ride.” “All right. Bring on—hic—’er carrish—whoop! ‘Trot out— 5 hie—yer bays!” pate “Here, young man,,” said a stalwart pollbeman, laying a A heavy hand on Harry’s shoulder. nal guess you'd better come qe along with me.” Ne “You had better let me take him home in a carriage,” said i Casserly; “I can take care of him.” “But you have taken very poor care. hae him so far. blind drunk now, you see.” “That’s ’er—hic—lie,” said Harry, “I’m oe a—hic—goat.. Never—hic—drunk in ’er—hic—life. 2780 “Come along, sir,” said the officer, pulling him roughly tee from Casserly. “Let me take him home,” pleaded Case again, anxious to save Harry the disgrace of an arrest on Broadway, and in his eagerness planted himself in the officer’s way. fi i . “T’ll take him home, and you, too!” replied the officer, sotdieat Casserly by the collar and shaking him roughly. “Come along, both of you.” y ~ “Shame—shame!” cried several men in the crowd which had % quickly gathered around them. “Release me, sir!” cried Casserly, angrily. se Fy ure done not | ing to be arrested for!” oe ios and the officer sho ok hh rough
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aie “THE FIRST GLASS. eet Peldears a -———— - ‘ stagger like a drunken man. “Whoop!” yelled Harry, “hit (hic) boy!” gihe officer ele his club and aimed a blow at Casserly’s head. Casserly sprang out of the way. “Tf you strike at me again I’ll put a bullet through your cowardly heart!” he hissed. “I know my rights as well as you is do and will maintain them, Touch me now if you dare!” 4 “That’s right, young man,” exclaimed a venerable-looking old man in the growing crowd. ‘no right to arrest you.” Teer will go with you to the station house to look after my friend,” said Casserly, “and you can DERE charges against me if you wish, but you shall not arrest me.’ The officer rapped for assistance and two more came in re- sponse to his call. : “Arrest that man,’ said officer No. 1, ipoliitine toward Harry’s eompanion. “At your peril, sir,” said Hugene. the station, but not under arrest.” “Will you resist, sir?” “to the death!” replied Casserly. “I’ve doivé nothing except to ‘ask to be allowed to carry my friend home in a carriage to save him from the disgrace of an arrest. For that he tried to Ms “arrest me. You can do it at your peril.” The two officers were not to be defied that way; they threw themselves on him, clubbed him severely and marched them "im (hic) again, G’win, ole “Stand your ground. He has “I will go with you to te cells. : Being himself unhurt, Harry Delmar went off into a drunken eaeancr and did not wake up until long after midnight. On the next morning they were arraigned before a police court and fined. hey promptly paid the fine and: departed, Harry to get enother drink, and Hugene Casserly to employ an able lawyer to sue the officers for false imprisonment and assault and bat- _ tery. ‘ | Tn less than two hours he had the three officers arrested and seeking bail. But when he found Harry Delmar again he found him as’ Sinks as a lord. “Hello, Harry!” he exclaimed, in astonishment. oing it strong. You'd better hold up awhile.” “Let her rip,” said Harry. ici ‘care’sh for—hic—'spense? n't. Whoop! ¥ By the gods!” cried Casserly, in no little alarm, “you'll get both locked up again if you don’t keep quiet.” “Can’t lock’er me up.” Mi ves, they. ean.” F, ‘Whoop! Show—hic—me ’er cop!” re’s one,” replied a policeman, just oe the corner. hat can I do for you, eh?” oe “He’ $ got a little too much, sir,” ata Casserly. y a should say so. dr nk and disorderly ?” pees. : “Come along, sir,” anid the policeman, taking hold ¢ of him; laps a month on the island will do him good,” and he ae him off, iid sorte no Page toa leaving Bugene, “You are fi t i 4 jee ae 2 a eR DOWN THE HILL. ip gion struck him a terrific blow on the ear, causing him to reel and { both off to the station house, where they were locked up in) ‘dark spots. under his eyes. | of the day béfore and the occurrence that morning. ~ pees | as if stung and said: Wasn’t he fined this einer for being of the day before deterred tite from |. ple are not far from right. I wish I had never tasted a glass of wine in my life. I must see Brinsley, and see if we can’t do something for Harry, or he may be sent to the island to-mor- row, which would ruin him forever.’ He lost no time in returning to the hotel. The first man he met was Robert Brinsley. “Helloo, Casserly!” exclaimed Robert. “Where have you been all this time? I was afraid Crampton had gobbled you and Harry up.” Casserly motioned him to follow him upstairs, and led the way to his room. “Where’s Harry?” Brinsley asked, the moment they entered the room. “In the station house.” “Good Lord!” gasped Brinsley. ‘Did they arrest him?” “Yes, they arrested both of us yesterday,” replied Casserly. “What for?” Harry got blind drunk on the street and whooped like an In- dian. I tried to get him home, but the police took us both in and this morning we were fined and discharged. I went direct to a lawyer to commence suit for illegal arrest, and Harry went off and got blind drunk again. The result is a second arrest.”’ “Too bad—too bad!” said Brinsley. with him, anyhow?” “Don’t know. He seems determined to keep drunk in spite of all I can do.” “Pity he ever touched wine.” “Yes—he’s aaa down hill as fast as he can go. Guy?” “In his room, with a pair of black eyes. go out till he gets rid of them.” Nahe? “I must see him,” and the two friends repaired to Guy Mor- ~ ley’s room. On entering Morley’s room, Casserly was astonished at the Be ae the matter Where’s He swears he won’t “He hit hard ” Guy said, “but I’ll pay him in kind yet. itd “T say, Guy,” said Brinsley, “Harry is in the lockup. “The police have taken him in,” U aids The shock was great. Guy Morley had a eonsdiende, It ; troubled him frequently of late. He remembered the time’ when Harry Delmar was proud of the boast that he had never — tasted wine or liquor in his life. (ie, “Ts there no chance to get him out and ‘keep it quiet?” het: asked. . “Pan “No. His name and mine will be in all the papers to-mor- i: row said Casserly, with’ a semblance of bitterness in his tones, and in a few words he related to Morley the incidents “What has come over Harry, anyhow?” Guy asked. “I don’t know,” said Casserly. “We were walking down Broadway when we met Mrs. Hllington and Madge. Mrs. | lington bowed, *put Madge gave us the cut direct, Panty started y “Let’s go and have something. I went with fitins He hele brandy straight and in large doses, looking very pale all ‘the time. Do you know if there was ever an engagement eG between him and Madge?” p | : Guy Morley made no reply. His face was ghastly in its whiteness. _ But the room was quite dark owing to the eaeaats dei: down, hence Casserly and Brinsley did not remark it. Conscience had given him a tab } Yet he said nothing. He was thinking. — se And suffering. — \ 7 _ He, too, had een a ne to the betieted persuading Har hi rs s \4 Tis voah ¥ t * ] i wv
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THE FIRST GLASS. 1 ‘ face was not so discolored I would go to a certain man whose] sinned against than sinning caused me to cry every time IT influence could save him,” thought of him. I fear that my own conduct toward him may © “Who is he? Perhaps, if I were to carry a note from you to| have had something to do with his drinking. Oh, how mis- him it would do as well.” erable I am!” and the tears came afrsh as she buried her face . “He is Madge Ellington’s father.” in her hands. “Good heavens, no!” exclaimed Casserly. “Miss Ellington,” said Guy, rising abruptly to his feet, his b “That would never do,” said Brinsley. face as white as a sheet, “you love Harry Delmar. At the same ~ Ae “Harry would never forgive us,” added Casserly. time you have encouraged me until I learned to love you—to ~ “Then I know no other who can help him,” added Morley, | indulge the blessed hope that I might some day call you mine. ‘with a sigh. If those who made him drink wine deserve punishment, what , “T will see my lawyer,” and Casserly left the room imme-|do you not deserve for holding this bitter cup to my lips? | diately to go in quest of the lawyer he himself had employed | Though not a drop of wine may never pass my lips, still is my | that very morning. ' life wrecked, my hopes blasted, and——” { The lawyer succeeded in getting Harry offjon the payment of} “Guy Morley,” she hissed through her pearly teeth, “Harry a fine, and he joined his companions at the hotel a sadder and} Delmar drank his first glass unwittingly. You were a witness wiser man than ever. of his fall’ You knew what he was drinking, he did not; yet ah: They congratulated him. you did not warn him, though you pretended friendship for \ “Give us a bottle of wine,” he ordered of the waiter, who! him. You hoped to profit by his fall. You came to woo her came in response to his call. who had pledged her love to him. You were a traitor to him—. _ “You had better go slow, Harry,” said Casserly. your friend—and now you are punished!” ; “Go slow, the devil!” growled Harry. “I can’t do it. It’s} Guy Morley groaned and hid his ashen-hued face in his. down hill, and the brakes are gone. The first glass disarranged | hands. ‘ things. A short life and a merry one. Here’s the wine. Help| “It is one of the woes of wine. What he suffers you now en- yourselves, fellows.” ; dure. May it make you more charitable to——’ : _ \“Harry,” said Guy Morley, “I once laughed at your total} “May heaven forgive you, Madge Ellington!” groaned Guy abstinence principles. I soon saw that you were right, but not | Morley, interrupting her. “I was a man; you have made me _, until I had helped to persuade you to drink your first glass, [| a fiend. I will yet wring cries for mercy from you!” and with- | have vowed never to drink another drop. Why not do the; Out another word he turned and fled from the house. _ same yourself and stand with me as in the past?” i “Gone!” muttered Madge Ellington, sinking into a seat, “and — ve “Too late, Guy. There is nothing for me in life worth living | may I never look upon his face again. He knows now what for,” replied Harry. “I have no aim or ambition except to! he made me suffer in the fall of Harry Delmar.” : na drown my very thoughts in the wine cup,” and as he ended} Guy Morley reeled and staggered away from the Ellington _ speaking, Harry emptied a glass full of the sparkling wine. mansion, looking more like a ghost than a man of flegh and _ Casserly and Brinsley drank their wine in silence. blood. His eyes glittered fiercely and his lips were compressed They began to think they had committed a crime against |@S with a desperate resolve. He had loved and lost—played — Harry Delmar instead of playing a joke on him. high and now groped in despair. tana _ “Don’t make a fool of yourself, Harry,” said Casserly, as he| “Curses on him!” he hissed through his white lips. “But Ee set his glass down. “T have never been a temperance man in| for him she would now be mine. Woda Delmar, we are no | my life, but if I could not drink without getting drunk, and| longer real friends. But what am I thinking about? She has etching up in the station house, I would swear off and never | found out how we tempted him to his first glass. She would _ touch a drop of it as long as I lived.” j never listen to me again after what has happened. She is lost _Harry’s only reply was to fill his glass the second time and | to me now—lost forever. I will live for revenge—will wreck toss it off, smacking his lips with an air of satisfaction. her happiness as she has wrecked mine.” Hs im _ “Ab!” he said, “that’s good wine. Haye some more.” Guy Morley was a desperate man. Principle Was simply a) q _ Casserly and Brinsley laughed and fille’ their glasses again. | Cloak with him. Selfishness predominated in his nature, yi» “Preaching is played,” remarked Harry, at which they all motive to figure in the temperance role was now gone... The ~ ughed again. price of such performance had slipped from him. He rushed es * ; : into the nearest saloon and drank two glasses of wine in quick | ; j succession. wf 2) he ie : “This is the beginning’ of the end,” he muttered. passing | -CHAPTER XXIII. out of the saloon. ‘But where will the end be? °I will be the ‘ig \ ' aie , wildest of the wild. Ha-ha-ha! Madge Ellington, vengeance jt THE WOES OF WINE. ; aoe not belong to you alone!” : eA ee aaa : ; , n reaching the hotel, Guy Morley had re@@ined his: a, The three friends now worked as diligently to save Harry | but the quick-eyed Brinsley saw that ds eps trea ane Delmar from drinking wine as they had formerly schemed to| “Hello, Guy!” he exclaimed. “At it again, eh? Come, have persuade him to drink it. kis i a glass with me?” ; Still their efforts were fruitless. ‘ “Yes, a dozen, if you like,” responded Guy, going with hi He drank deeper and deeper, sometimes lying drunk for days Hee the bar-room of the ‘hotel, where they met Casserly anc lis room. arry. , Guy Morley recovered from the black eyes which the burly| He drank a brimming glass of wine, ite seh arkeeper had given him and paid a visit to Madge Ellington| “How about (hic) temperance now, eh, old fellow?” asked her elegant house. 5 ; Harry, laying a hand familiarly on his shoulder, ~ aay, She received him cordially and he felt sure of the prize he| ‘‘Go to the deyil with your temperance!” growled Guy, shal- 1d been eee espe fdsee ies ing him off rudely. gates oor Harry,” she said, after he had been some time seatea; “Whew!” exclaimed Casserly, “he’s got it bad, i i by her side. “My heart bleeds for him.” iF et Teens tremens on the first relapse!” a § ats chap Why, what’s the matter with Harry?” he asked in some Harry Delmar, drunk as he was, half suspected the real ise, for he had not mentioned Harry’s name. ; cause of his conduct; he had been suspicious some time, __ » he is killing himself!” she cried, bursting into tears, to| “Ha-ha-ha!” he chuckled, softly. “Nothing like forgetful- utter amazement. “And such a bright, brilliant young| ess in the wine cup, Guy. I’ve een there. Fill up the — he is, too! Oh, Mr. Morley, the one who induced him to| flowing bowl, and let care go to thé Winds. Bacchus is more — drink his first glass, knew not what he did. Heaven forgive | kind than Venus, and——” __ Bao him, whoever it was, but I can’t!” and her tears burst forth _ “Curses on your endless prattle!” cried Guy, suddenly wheel ire : ‘ ' Wiha ceds __ | ing around and dealing Harry a blow between tie eyes: “take Morley turned deathly pale at this burst of grief and in-| that, and leave me alone!” pk Fy, ofa CERT ae on her part. Sees tee Br Harry staggered back several paces, and fell in a heap : Had she been encouraging and smiling upon him solely be-| the floor, stunned by the blow, while Guy rushed out of the _ se he was the friend and companion of Harry Delmar? room like a madman, ; i he bare suspicion that such was the fact almost made him : f ‘ § heart sank like lead in his bosom, _ thas h ie tenons et to propose to her on that very evening, 80 con- ‘ pha if e ea \ “7 bee i ji er ae rea as 7 been that she loved him. face he turned wee and asked, L i ilington? rat q .
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THE FIRST GLASS. Pe “He must be out of his head,” said Casserly, picking Harry up. . : “Off his nut,” remarked the barkeeper, sententiously. “Got ‘em bad,” said another, in equally emphatic tones. i “T’ll see what’s the matter with him!” exclaimed Robert Brinsley, following him out of the bar-room. Harry was only stunned. He came to in a few minutes, completely sobered by the _ - shock. “Where is he?” he exclaimed. that again, the coward!” “Be quiet, Harry,” said Casserly, soothingly. . drunk, you know.” : “He was not as drunk as I was,” and breaking away from _ those who had gathered about him, he rushed out into the ro- tunda of the hotel, where he found Guy and Brinsley together. '“Defend yourself, Guy Morley!” and the next moment they were engaged in regular prize-ring fashion, in a savage fight. Of the two Harry was now the soberest, and in less than ten seconds he had planted stunning blows on Guy’s mouth, nose and eyes, from all of which the blood was flowing freely. “Hold Harry, Brinsley!” cried Casserly, seizing Guy around “the waist and holding him away from Harry, while Harry felt himself seized from behind. “J will kill him for this!” hissed Guy, as Casserly led him upstairs to his rooni. “No, you won’t, Guy,” said Casserly. blow, and without provocation.” “Yes, I will,” repeated Guy, savagely. “Well, if you do I will kill you!” returned Casserly, firmly. “Harry is my friend as well as you. You will think better of this when you are sober.” - He put him to bed and remained by his side until he was in a deep sleep, when he went down-stairs in search of Harry, | He found him in the bar-room still drinking, swearing like -a trooper that he would give Guy another drubbing the next time he met him. “You have punished him enough, Harry,” said Casserly. “You must not drink any more now. I’ve got some important “mews for you as soon as you get sober enough to listen to it.” “What is it? Tell (hic) me now.’ “Not a word until you stop drinking,” was the firm reply. Brinsley quietly cautioned the barkeeper not to let him have | any more wine, and soon after they persuaded him to go up to ie ee room. ; By careful and constant watching they managed to keep “oth from liquor until they were perfectly sober. _ Harry talked rationally, but Guy was reticent, though it was plain he bore ill will to Harry. Neither would speak to the other, and thus they drifted eH “T’ll give him a chance to do “Guy was “You struck the first But Nios were kept apart. ' Harry more Man ever suspected the real cause of Guy’s con- duct, and felt elated thereat. “Tf she rejected him, it argues that she has not yet given me up,” was the thought that constantly crept into his mind. Yet under the circumstances he dared not visit her and learn his fate at her hands. One day Hugene: Casserly and Robert Brinsley came to him, + cand said: “Harry, Guy has been missing these ‘two days. He would £0 off alone, and we fear that the Crampton gang have got him ‘in their clutches.” “not wish him any harm. I hope your fears are groundless.” “So do we, but everything in his room indicates that he in- : nded to return in an hour or two when he went away. As _ we don’t know any other location of the thieves than *he one which has been destroyed by fire, we had better “all go to. the ief of police and tell him our experience with the gang.” “T am willing,” replied Harry, and the three friends pro- where they related their adventure with Crampton and his “men ~ ‘ git chief of police was not in the least surprised at their ry. “They are the best organized and the most dangerous gang known in He city,’ he said. aie have apenas in ; ye you permits to carry pistols. If any one should ek’ to ‘make your acquaintance after leaving here, spot him, d place my detectives on his or ‘their tracks. breaking up the “We are no longer friends,” answered Harry, “still I would . ceeded to report at the headquarters of the police department, It may ‘be ie In the hotel they went into the large billiard room. There were fully half a hundred men there, mostly spectators. “Would you like to have a game, sir?” a stately, dignified- looking man asked of Hugene Casserly. “Well, I wouldn’t object to a game,” was the reply, and as he arose he whispered to Brinsley: “Watch him; he may be one of the gang.” Brinsley whispered the warning to Harry, and together they watched them play for nearly two hours. At the end o¢ each game they went up to the bar and drank wine. The stranger gave his name as Mr. James Burling, and in- troduced Casserly to two others, Duman and Higgins, as friends who had just dropped in. Duman.and Higgins were very cordial in their greeting, and each proposed to treat. Casserly noticed peculiar glances passing between them, but he pretended to be as guileless as a dove. In the meantime Brinsley sent for a detective, and ‘Harry went over to the bar for drinks. The detective came and spotted the three men, instructed Casserly to consent to anything they proposed, ara then sent for assistance. Soon after the last game Burling proposed to Casserly th- they go to a certain place where a private game of faro was conducted, and amuse themselves. He consented, and the two left together, followed by Brinsley and the detectives. CHAPTER XXV. DECOYING THE VICTIM, Out on the street they strolled down toward Union ae Casserly apparently indifferent to the destination of the party. Duman proposed that they attend some theater first, and then look for the elephant afterward. © “My sentiments exactly,” said Casserly. guid to-night.” “A glass of champagne will take all the languor out of you,” suggested Brinsley, “Yes, that’s the thing. you want,” added Harry Delmar; “and — a glass would do me good, too,I’m thinking.” “Then let’s have it,’ said Duman. “We can get some good — wine in here;” and leading the way, he entered a well-known saloon, and called for a bottle of champagne, which they soon demolished, 2 Then they went to the theater, taking a private box where Pi they could see everything on the stage and the greater part of pi the audience. ‘aie Duman proved particularly agreeable, and seemed to have — if many acquaintances in the audience, as Casserly, who watched ~ his every movement, saw him bow to several. He took out an — opera-glass, and carefully scrutinized the faces of each one of those acquaintances at the imminent risk of seeming rude. - A few were ladies—or females. Ete: There was something in the face of one of them that aroueeaes vy his suspicions, as-she seemed deeply interested in the party in the private box. ie. She was what most people would call a handsome wom But Casserly thought he had seen that face before, and tl a lurking devil dwelt within that fair form. From her he turned his glass on two well-dressed men, w had returned Duman’s bow with friendly smiles. One of them was a new face altogether. He could not re- member having seen it before. . The other one had a beard and mustache—heavy and black —but that nose, and keen black eyes, were strangely familiar. — Who was it? He was of an investigative turn of mind, and resolved to. fathom the mystery of that face. When the curtain fell on the first act, quite a number arose in the audience and went out “to see a man.” That man w found behind the bar next door to the theater. , The party in the private box went out on the same erran nd The two men whom Casserly had inspected through his open glass did likewise. They met in the bar-room. / The heavy beard and mustache were introduced to ony ‘he roes, and after drinking three or four times together, t ey’ all repaired again to the private box, just before the curtai arose on the second act. The play was one that deeply interested canes and h two friends. +s _ “How do you like the play?”sthe stranger asked. - “T am inte ee: in it,’ eon the eek ig “I have bee “I am feeling lan- Aa ds or that m
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Be FIRS « — de GLASS. “Yes. culties.” “How did you get out?” rion aaked- “By showing a game front,’ was the reply, “and a liberal use of the revolver.” “Indeed! Did you kill any one?” “Not that I am aware of. One of my assailants was killed by one of his own side.” “You are clear of the trouble now, I hope?” “Well, I don’t know about that. ‘At any rate I am ready fora renewal of it wheneyer the villains want it.” 4 Erlon and his confederate exchanged quick glances, which Harry Delmar saw and noticed. They changed the conversation to another less interesting topic, and then closely watched the progress of the play, which held on till eleven o’clock. At last, however, it ended, and the throng surged out.upon the street. “Now let’s go-and see how the tiger is behaving himself to- night,” said the new acquaintance. “Well, where, shall we go?” Casserly asked! ; “Let’s go and have another drink,” suggested Delmar, who | had already taken too much for upright navigation. ,Certainly—certainly,” added Erlon. “I know where we _ ¢an enjoy a quiet game with wine and woman’s smiles thrown _ in liberally.” _ “That’s a lark—come on, show us the way,” _ “J don’t mind having a racket to-night.” ; “Come this way, then. It’s on a cross street—up Houston eee a little ways,” and Erlon led the way, followed by the others. } On_the way Casserly signaled to his detectives to follow and watch, and then went boldly with the conspirators. - Turning into Houston street they wended their way toward _the Bowery. But they did not reach the Bowery. They en- tered a building and went up a flight of stairs. Then along a hall they were led till they reached the foot of another flight of stairs. $ “Up this way,” said Erlon, scares the way up. oor.” Up on the next floor they Seas a splendidly furnished room, in which were a dozen men and several women, seated at _ tables and playing cards. Bottles of wine were on every table, and many were drink- I am curious to see how he will come out of his dif- said Brinsley. “The next glowed in the fine cut glasses. Casserly glancéd around the room and saw half a dozen ces, three of which he had seen at the theater that evening. At one of the tables he saw the woman who had attracted his ention, and their eyes met. He returned her gaze unflinch- } ae nee turned her head away as if a guilty conscious ed her. ~ ‘Here’s an unengaged table,” said Erlon, pointing to one in a corner of the room. “Let’s take possession of it,’ and he shed forward for the table Drink nothing in this p ce,” whispered Casserly to Brins- ley, and he whispered the wariing to Delmar. ““The devil!” ejaculated Harry. “‘That’s too bad!” _ He wanted greatly to quench his thirst in some of that rich d wine the others were drinking. “Now what shall we have to drink, gentlemen?” Erlon ask- ed, as they seated themselves at the table. ‘5 “Nothing, if you please,” replied Casserly; “I never drink and play cards at the same time.” Brlon was astonished. “What! Not drink any wine! erg they have such splen- wine here, too! Why, they won’t let us occupy this table, e don’t order at least one bottle to every game.” “Then we won’t play,” said Casserly, firmly. f habit of visiting places where such unsportsmanlike rules hold, ” and with that he rose as if to leave the room. . “Hold on,” said Erlon, rising also, and laying a hand on his 1. “That rule pertains ohly to this room. rivate room and do as we please there.” “T don’t care to take a private room in a place like this. We ll leave, if yeu please.” poe gave a signal, and the next instant a dozen men sur- ound d him and his two friends. | drew a revolver, and pointing it at SeererlS head, We. ‘can take asm -ha, “Champton!" laughed Casserly. “—T theater. You haven’t deceived me at all!” ; ave not,” said Erion, or ey as w “but I have you in pasily, ew you even all not ing copiously of a generous-looking wine that sparkled and 5 “No,” said the dying man, “I have never been arrested be- — “T am not in f ‘| pretended to love mie, though I knew you did not all the time. “The man or woman “el squeals shall be followed by m ill| - Not a word was uttered by the prisohérs, but Kien e d ie breathed he: CHAPTER XXVI. THE LAST TRAP—DEATH OF CRAMPTON, Crampton invoumtartty turned to the door, his digs a Suede whiter as he suspected the truth of the statement. . As he turned Casserly blew a shrill note, and the door flew open, revealing a dozen black-muzzled revolvers with a stalwart policeman at the back of each one. The dumfounded villains recoiled with horror, and the of- ficers poured into the room. “Surrender!” cried the sergeant in command. “Never!” hissed Crampton, whee point blank at the ser- geant. : The ball grazed the sergeant’s ear, and the officer in turn ri sent one through the villain’s body, dropping him on the floor, | The others were too demoralized to resist, and surrendered a through fear of a speedy death then and there. 4 om The women screamed at the top of their voices, until the sergeant. had to order them to hush, in his sternest tones. ' ae Casserly went up to the woman he had noticed in the thea- | . tre and said: “You are Crampton’s friend, I know that well. He is dying and cannot live through the night. If you would escape the full penalty of the law you must give everything away. The — gang is broken up for good now, and——” “Can you save me?” she asked, eagerly interrupting him. “Yes—and that is the oes way you can get entirely clear.” “Squeal?” “Yes; everyone for himself now. Your friend is gone for- ever. What interest more have you in the others!” “ She agreed to do so and he turned to Crampton, who was lying on the floor with a coat under his head, which had been placed there by a policeman. “So you are going, are you, Crampton?” he asked. “Yes,” said he, feebly. “I am done for—you have triumphed, — curse you.” ; \ 1. Sasa “Whose fault is it?” an “Mours: : “Of course. You think I ought to have allowed you and your gang to wipe me out. But we could never agree on that one point. Suppose now you tell the whole story of your life and——” ‘ “No; I never squeal!” said the dying man. “Remove that beard and mustache, sergeant, ” said ‘Caseig “and see if any of your men can recognize that face.” ir The sergeant remoyed the false beard and mustache, and the sinister face of Crampton appeared. Each policeman gazed at that face. nize it as that of any known criminal. “We cannot recognize it,” they said, shaking their heads. They could not recog: ~ fore. I have never been even suspected by the authorities.” “Have you no confession or statement to make?” the Rot geant asked. “No. ” P) “Do you want a doctor?” “No, I am done for now.’” { i “Do you want a minister?” a pid “No—no! I am not afraid to die.” 4 The sergeant saw that he was going fast, and conenaa to wait with his prisoners until all was PeeGs Suddenly the dying man called: ASS. oy “Marguerite—Marguerite!’ Y “Here I am, Horace——” “No—no—not that name now, Marguerite!” he intermuptad quickly, as the woman with whom Casserly had talked came forward and knelt by his side. _ “Marguerite,” he said, taking her hand in his, “y am going away now never to return. I have loved you, and you have I said nothing to you about it because I had been as bad, and because I did not wish to break with you. I could not give you up. But I am going now. They will try to induce you aborsin all others to turn state’s evidence in order to condemn the others. If you say aught against a member of the band, I shi . come back to you and curse you.. You will never know ‘sleep again if you squeal.” ~ a ll, neyer equeal ‘if sobbed: ethe woman, “not if. they ha: me! death claims him or her—remember there is but little evidence outside against you.” turned on ae ae ma
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THE, gies igen aaet _Eyery prisoner,-male and female, was handcuffed, and “marched along the street to the nearest station house, where _ they were locked up to await the pleasure of the authorities the next day. “By George, but that was well played, boys!” said Brinsley, ‘as they turned to go back to their hotel. “Yes, well played, indeed,” said Casserly, “but if we had taken a single g glass of wine in that, place it would have been all over with us.’ “How do you know that?” Delmar asked. . “Something told me that that was the game to be played, and I could read it in Crampton’s eyes.” “By George, it’s the confounded wine that has done the mis- chief all along!” burst out Harry again. “I’m almost tempted to swear off and never touch it again.” '. “Tt wouldn’t hurt you to do it,” remarked Casserly, “for you go in pretty deep sometimes.” _ “So I do and sometimes I feel as though I wouldn’ t care ever to draw a sober breath again. I haven’t anything to live for, ‘and why not go in for a good time?” - “But getting blind drunk isn’t having a good time,” put in Brinsley. “I’ve been there and ought to know.” — “But you had a good time getting there, didn’t you?” Delmar ' asked. “Yes—so I did—a bully time,’ and the three laughed hearti- ly as they entered the hotel together. - Guy Morley was greatly astonished when he was told of the ' eapture of Crampton’s entire band and the death of the leader. ; “Then we will have to appear in court against them,” he Said. “Yes,” replied Casserly, ‘and we “must make it a point to send every man of them up—at least as many as we can recog- nize.” “Of course. gang as that.” It will never do to let up on such a vindictive % CHAPTER XXVII. , DROWNING CONSCIENCE. The wholesale arrest of the Crampton gang and the firmness _of the leader, even in the pangs of death, created the most in- “tense excitement in the city. The four friends were besieged by the reporters of the city papers and by degrees the whole tory came out. The dissipation of three of the young men also came out : Path it, and some comments were published which was cer- 5 ‘tainly- not pleasant reading for them or their friends. Never- _ theless they went before the grand jury and secured the indict- mevt of all the gang, including the mysterious Marguerite, whom nothing could move to confess all she knew in regard to _ the gang of villains. She seemed to have,a superstitious dread of Crampton’s dying threat, and declared she would go to prison-or perish on the scaffold before she would say a word oe Hes a single am “member of the gang. : The trials were to come off in three ese tes, The Drtanens ete able counsel and preparations went on for a vigorous ens The dain del for the prosecution informed the four friends money like water in their efforts to acquit them. “Their acquittal will be your condemnation in the public nd,” he said. ‘Be’ careful, therefore, in your conduct, as de- ves will be on your track from this time till the trial look- “for something damaging to your characters in order to reak down your evidence.” ‘Then we must, indeed, be careful,” sald Casserly. ‘Yes, and above all things keep away from drinking saloons. e, and some one on the jury may believe them.” res ved to keep away from the bar-rooms until after the trial. ut Harry Delmar said he did not propose to punish himself le trying to punish the rascals, by abstaining from wine entirely. AA ebody need be the wiser for it.” fed “Yes,” said boat a can | have a me of wine in our, ‘oeeasionally.” is e’] ‘that the defendants had a host of friends- who were spending” n/you meet there will swear they heard you say so and so sserly told the others what the counsel had said, and they a ‘We can drink here in our rooms,” suggested Brinsley, “and ; pump in pi eee i “You may laugh as much as you please, Harry,’ said Guy, nettled by the taunts of the witty Delmar, “but after seeing what wine drinking has cost you, I will never drink another drop as long as I live.” Harry looked at him a minute or so in dumb surprise and then asked: “Do you know liad it has cost me, Guy Morley?” 4 “Yes—a priceless jewel,” he said, ‘a woman’s love.” ul “True—true,” replied Harry, hoarsely. “Wine cost’me that, " and it shall pay the penalty. Fill up again, fellows. go dance with the devil.” Filling his glass to the brim, he drank it off ata gulp and then. burst out into loud laughter. : “Ha-ha-ha! Let the dead past be buried out of sight! :Let memory forget in the depth of the wine cup that I was once a sober temperance man, and was beloved by the handsomest woman in the city. What does it all amount to? Give me wine and boon companions, and woman may go to the devil for all I care,” and lifting up the half-emptied bottle he held it between his face and the gas jet. ‘“Ha-ha-ha, my sparkling beauty. You cut this woman out, did you? Did her heart _ break, poor thing? You—you can soothe wher all others fail., — Come, loving heart, thou solace of sorrow!” and turning it up to his lips, he pou the contents down his throat in a cms gling stream. i “By heavens, ne, eried Casserly, “you ll kill yourself! You must not drink so much at a time.” “That’s a big dose he has got this time,” said Guy Morley, whose face was as pale as death. “If we don’t do something with him, he’ll be a dead man before morning.” “Ha—ha—ha!” laughed Harry, his eyes gleaming with an unnatural light; “let me die if I can. I am not afraid of death—never have been—don’t want—hic—to live a thou—hie —sand years nohow.” “But look here, old: fellow,” said Casserly, in alarm, “can’t you just manage to disgorge some of that wine? You’ve got more than your share, you know.” . “No—no—not—hic—er drop,” said Harry, reeling and stag- gering about the room. “Who cares’h for—hic—me? Let— — hie—er go—I don’t care a shent, nohow,” and reeling across — ‘the room, he fell across the bed, and lay as still as if clasped — in the cold embrace of death. th “Quick, Morley!” cried Casserly, springing to his feet, “sum- | mon a doctor with a stomach pump or he’ll be dead in an hour!’ Let care f ‘ CHAPTER XXVIII. < 4 { ACHING HEADS AND VOWS OF REFORM, dence. He ran around there and rang the bell eee “What's the matter now?” the doctor asked. “It’s a matter of life and deathy sir,” cried Morley. with me quick, doctor.” The man of medicine was singularly an and phlegmatic. % “Who is it and where?” he asked, looking over his spectacles at the excited young man, Eee Delmar at the hotel around the sania thea o : e ie,” “What's the matter with him?” ; i “Drank a half-gallon of champagne with intention to eet ie he Morley. “What the devil are you wa) or 2? ] “Drunk, eh?” pxaieniiad the doctor, looking around, ‘for stomach pump. “I guess hesought to die.” j ' “You blasted old mullen head!” exclaimed Guy, beside himself. “If you are coming, say sd.” _ “Helleo, young fellow!” returned the doctor, turning s an upon him. “You had eh a quart yourself, did ou? 9 “No, not a drop,” hissed Guy; ‘eput if he dies I’ll make y drink a gallon of the same stuff or swallow an ounce of lea “Crazy as a loon, ” muttered the doctor. “Go on, I’m co ing.’ \ Guy led the way back to the hotel, swearing all the way cause the doctor wouldn’t run like the wind. | : But the doctor followed him leisurely up the stairs and ) ; Harry's room, when he was shown his patient. He no etomaeh : how much he had taken and then error to a “Com complet high
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haat THE FIRST GLASS. 25 as called him an old mullen head because he Acard come soon- | added Casserly, who had learned the fact from Harry only-the I'll apologize to him to-morrow.’ The three friends sat up all night with Harry ieee saw that he was out of danger. They didn’t tell him of the visit of the doctor. : “Well, old fellow,” said Brinsley, “how is your head this morning? pretty full, eh?’ _ “Yes,” sighed Harry, “fuller than my stomach. I feel as hol- low as a polkstalk.” Brinsley smiled knowingly, bit said nothing about the stomach pump. He looked serious, though, and said, after a long pause: “I say, Harry, don’t you think it,would peneae you to swear off as Guy did, and be a good boy after this?” Harry turned his bloodshot eyes full on him and asked: “Do you think I need it?” . “Yes—badly. The New York Herald this morning suggests that your immediate friends send you to an inebriate asylum, and——” “The devil!” exclaimed Harry, his eyes opening to their widest. “True as preaching,” said Brinsley, with a face as solemn as a baboon’s. “All the world will see it. Why the deuce can’t - you go slow and not make an ass of yourself. Sign the pledge and give the Herald the lie.” . “No, sir, Pll send my obituary to the Herald, my soul to de- struction, and my body to Potter’s Field,” replied Harry, with an expression of bitterness upon his face that alarmed Brins- - ley. * er. Witasha—hat” laughed the latter, “I thought T would just touch you up a little. You see how you woulti feel under such circumstances, so swear off, oldefellow, and don’t drink another _ drop. a . Harry was amazed, “The Herald didn’t say that, then?” he asked. “No, nor anything else about you,” replied Brinsley, laugh- ing. “That's all right—please ring that bell there.” Brinsley pulled the bell cord and’then asked: “What do you want now, Harry?” “Breakfast and a bottle of wine.” “Better leave the wine alone, Harry.” Fk “Oh, I must taper off, you know,” said Harry, just as a ser- i vant entered to take his order. When the servant retired to bring up the meal, Brinsley again pleaded with him to let the wine alone. “You will lose your good name and be ¢lassed as a drunkard f you do not,” he said, earnestly. MEVire BOD;1 said Harry, “y have nothing left to live for. he ghaat in life has gone from me. ive. ” Oh, you talk like a fool,” said Brinsley, impatiently. “Be a man and face life boldly. You have as much to live for as any other man.’ “You don’t know—you don’t know,” murmured Harry, as the ervant entered with the tray and wine. “Open the bottle, Ned,” he said, to the waiter, “and fill me a lass.” ‘Kh, I feel better now. Have some, Bob?” rinsley well knew that if he didn’t drink part of the wine Harry would again drink himself blind drunk, So he took a full glass of it and sat down to watch him. “may be very readily supposed, Harry was quite ill for reral days after the stomach pump adventure, of which Cas- erly informed him after the second day, But he grew stronger all the time, though swearing he would rather they had let him ne and left him to die. - “Boys,” said Casserly to Morley and Brinsley that night, as hey were talking about Harry’s narrow éscape from death, in ¢ smoking-room of the hotel, “we did more than we intended Ww en we inveigled Harry into wine drinking. We have about Truined him. I have been thinking about it for some time. If he goes oan any lower I shall never forgive myself. He ver touched a drop until we got him drunk that night on arkling Cider,’ ” “That's true,” asserted Morley, “and I can say I have truly epented of my part in that affair. It has troubled me not a . I think we ought ie chim to do the same thing.” } hy get out!” exclaimed Brinsley. - wouldn’t hurt you any to join,” said Casserly turning to sley, “nor me, either, for that matter.” ood m ’ said Brinsley, with. an air of de- All my I would rather die than ll to join the Good ‘Pemplars, and \| let’s shake the old thing forever.” hour before supper. Brinsley looked confused. > “That kind of lecturing never goes down,” said Guy Mor- ley. “We must lead him. He will not be driven or lectured into doing anything. We can save him ‘7 we will only stand by him and let liquor alone, and I am willing to do it.” j “Of course you are,’ sneered Brinsley. “You have been living on cold water until you dare not go out into the cole for fear of your insides freezing.” ite Casserly and Morley both roared with merriment. et “No use, Casserly; Bob is as bad off as Harry. He can no. , more give up than Harry can.” ; ‘Do you want to bet a thousand dollars on that, old fel- ow?” “No, I am not willing to give you a thousand dollars to re- form,” replied Guy; “‘but I will wager you a suit of clothes,” Brinsley made,no reply. “Better cover that bet, Bob,” suggested Casserly. “T don’t know about that. <. don’t think the clothes weld be worth the trouble.” ; “But you will win your wager, which fact would be some: — thing.” . “Yes, I will take the bet;” and the two men shook hands over the bargain they had made/ oF = ji 4 CHAPTHR XXIX. TEMPTED AND FALLEN. “Now, Casserly,” said Guy, “you must join in thig thing. Bob will lose the clothes unless you also join in and set a good, example.” “Yes,” added Brinsley. “It must be a cold water gang all through, or a leak will spring somewhere and swamp sais whole thing.” “Very well. Let’s draw up a pledge and all sign it. Harry will do so when he sees our names to it.” “That’s the idea. -I’ll draw up a pledge now,” and he fan + into the gentlemen’s parlor to write it. “Say, old fellow,” said Brinsley to Casserly, as soon as they were alone together, “let’s have a farewell glass together.” “Good. Come ahead,” and they both made their way to the 2 bar-room of ‘the hotel. There they drank several glasses of wine before Morley could find them with the pledge he had drawn up and signed. nN Guy was astonished. They were both drunk—almost, and laughed at him witiots he presented the pledge to them, “Just wait until morning, old fellow,” said Casserly. “This is a last blow out. Have a glass with us and start new with ; the gang.” “No, I won't drink a drop,” said Guy, with a determined i shake of his head. “Oh, get out! | We can all sign in the morning and com- mente a new life.” “Tl wait till morning,” said Guy, placing the paper, in his. pocket, “and then we can all sign it together.” t “That’s right, old fellow. Now, have a last drink with us, Guy. You know we'll all swig cold water after this. Here, . barkeeper, another bottle of that wine. This is our last ca» rouse. We have been in some tight places, you imow, and——” “Yes, and iste got us into them, too, ” said Guy, interr upting him. “Yes—that’s so; but we got out, you know, and are going to have a farewell drink together.” f Casserly poured out a glass for Guy, and then filled his own, | Brinsley filled his, and then all three sat facing each other. “Come, here’s to the end of all the sprees of youth. May the calm judgment that mellows with age forever keep us baat to our pledge!” “By Heavens, I will drink to that toast!” exclaimed Mire ley, in the enthusiasm of the moment, taking up his glass, and tossing it off in the old-time style. eae “Good for you, Guy!” cried Brinsley, setting down his glass, and slapping his chum on the shoulder. “Have another, and Maybe 2 “Well, one more, and then we'll quit, ” said “Guy. “Tt ‘like an old friend, long lost,” and as he spoke he held lass for. Casserly. to refill. . ; dtastle is he quaffed more leisurely, and in a fey Seah ithe et ré re
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THE FIRST GLASS. = - at es Ase what had become of his three friends. the proposed reformation that had been mapped out for him inethe midst of a debauch. When morning came, it found Guy Morley with a raging, consuming thirst, and a swollen head that was simply awful to see, ‘Iiarry rang his bell, and asked the waiter to see what had - become of Casserly, Brinsley and Morley. _ . “They were all pretty full last night, sir,” said the waiter. “Pretty full! What do you mean? They were not drunk, were they?” “I did not say that, sir,’ replied the cautious waiter, “but they were pretty full, I know.” Harry gave a prolonged whistle, and lay back on his pillow, and gave himself up to a train of thought he had not recently indulged in. ' “Tell them to come in’ here when you see them, ” he said to the waiter, slipping a coin into his hand. Guy was bathing his head sige cold water when Brinsley en- tered his room. ‘ “Hello!” he exclaimed, ‘does our hair pull, old fellow?” “Awfully!” said Guy, “and feels as though it will burst. “So does mine. I’ve ordered a bottle to be brought in here. Eugene will be in, and then we'll straighten out our hair and ‘sign that pledge.” “T think our heads. would have been clearer this morning _ thad we signed it last night,” said Guy, reflectively. ; “No doubt of that—no doubt of that. But our hair pulls, and we must remedy it—ah, here comes Eugene and the wine.” Ey Casserly entered with a bottle of wine, and proceeded to _ open it. Guy made up his mind not to touch it, but when the cork flew out his good resolution went with it, and he eagerly seized a glass of the sparkling wine and drank it. “Sh!” he muttered, as he set down the glass; “that opens the eyes and combs the tangles.” . “Yes, indeed,” assented Brinsley, following his example with another glass. Casserly joined in the pastime, and soon the bottle was emptied. Of course they felt ‘better after that, but the wine on empty stomachs soon had its full effect. All three staggered into _ Harry Delmar’s room about half seas over. peo was utterly astonished at Morley’s condition, and asked: “How can these things be?” “Oh, we are all going to sign the pledge,” said Guy, “and are _ just having a farewell pop at the bottle,” « “That's a queer way of signing the pledge. But I’ll get up and sign with you, if that’s the way you do it,” and Harry arose, feeble as he was, dressed himself, and rang for another bottle of wine. ' When it dame, they all four joined in to do justice to it. “This looks like old times—all united around one commion ws altar again,’ said Brinsley, smiling, as he gazed around at the flushed faces of his companions. = “Yes; old—old times are come again,” remarked Guy, re- filling his glass. “But the confounded stuff tastes better than _ it ever did. I hate to give it up again.” i CHAPTER XXX. “J AM DYING.” _- The result of the bottle in Harry Delmar’s room before breakfast that morning was, all four were drunk before the first meal of the day, was ready. Guests of the house who knew Guy Morley as a strict temperance man, were oni k as- tonished at his wild drinking that morning. ‘The carouse was kept up, each man vowing that after tayat _ they were going to swear off and sign the pledge of total ab- ‘Bi nence. But the day passed and they were drunker than ever. Harry : Speiner had to be carried insensible to his room, and the oth- ers were helped to theirs. The next day the burning thirst called for more drink, and ey had it in copious quantities. The same scenes of the previous day were enacted—only with more dramatic effect. Harry Delmar had an attack of delirium tremens in the bar- om of the hotel. first symptoms was the throwing of a glass full of liquor floor, ke! Di re Did you see sits He knew nothing ‘of a street, for Miss Madge Ellington. and a wild demoniacal laugh escaped him and rang out even upon the street. “He’s got ’em,” said the barkeeper, “got ’em bad, sure!” The wild laugh, screeches of terror, supplications for help and fierce ravings filled the hotel. He was seized and forcibly carried to his room by others, and the brusk old physician sent for again. He came, and saw that it was a bad case, and at once gave directions for vigorous treatment. Casserly and the other two were slightly alarmed, but they drank steadily, to quiet their nerves, they said. They kept up the debaugh all through the night, and toward day light wandered out to greet’ the cold morning air, which their fev- ered frames enjoyed intensely. 3 They wandered down toward the river, and near the Hun- " son entered one of those dangerous dens that are oe open q all night, and ordered champagne. aa Champagne was a drink unknown in that den of vice. So, Nid also, were well-dressed men like they were. The midnight thieves, who had crept in, glared at them in surprise, and eyed their watch chains with hungry eager- ness. “No champagne here,” growled the barkeeper ; brandy, rum and gin’s all we have.” “Give us brandy, then,” said Casserly, who was beginning to feel the chill of the early morning air. They drank and paid for the brandy, and then turned to leave. Just as Casserly reached the door a burly thief seatctee his watch chain and tore it from the vest, carrying the watch with it. Casserly was too drunk at first to know what had hetbenent Rut when he saw the fellow running away,*he involuntarily — put his hand to his vest and missed his watch and chain, © “Stop thief!” he yelled, at the top of his voice, and started in pursuit of the thief. Guy Morley dashed after him, as did Brinsley. But Guy, be- ing too full of liquor to make much speed, was left behind | within half a block of the thieves’ den. Suddenly he felt a stunning blow from behind and a sharp, pain in the side. He was stabbed. ‘ He staggered forward and fell to the pavement. Two vil- lainous-looking men turned him over and divested him of watch, purse and rings in a twinkling. The next moment Guy Morley became unconscious, and all was black chaos to him. When he came to he found himself in a strange place, with several anxious faces bending over him. They were strange. d faces to him, and he asked in a feebleness of voice that sur- — prised him: a “Where am I?” “In Bellevue Hospital,” replied a man who was standing over him. “I Am the surgeon in charge. You are badly hurt. What is your name?” "Seta “Guy Morley,” he replied. ; “Where do you live?” “At Hotel, on Broadway.” A messenger was at once dispatched to the hotel to ascer- tain the fact. Word was sent back ‘that caused the surgeon to give him every attention. Casserly and Brinsley were still missing, and— datectiaaae were sent out to hunt them up. They were found wandering ~ down by the river, robbed of all their valuables, and utterly — unconscious of their condition or locality. & They were carried back to the hotel, sobered up, and’ then he taken to the hos;:tal to see Guy. flis pale face and generally altered auBhd as he lay there on the cot, alarmed them. “My God, Guy!” exclaimed Casserly, ‘Show ‘aid this hap- pen?” — “Stabbed and robbed,” he said in a whisper, for he ean growing weaker every moment. “We were robbed, too,” said Brinsley, “but not hurt. so sorry you are hurt. Is it a very bad hurt?” “Yes—I am dying,” said Guy. “No—no!” they both cried. doctor?” “T think Be is—or at least he cannot live very long—no ayother day.” Both young men dropped down on their knees by the aide the bed,:and buried their faces in the bedclothes. ; “Doctor, ” said Guv, very feebly, “send a carriage to No.— on | I would see h re Gee ee Lae, een te “whisky, I am “Not dying! (Is he dying, Tell her tha she would see ore I die. 1 %
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THE FIRST GLASS. A half hour had scarcely passed when a carriage stopped at the gate of the hospital. out, and ran up the steps. ‘It was Madge Hillington, come in response to Guy Morley’s summons. A young lady with pallid face sprang CHAPTER XXXI. GUY MORLEY DIES—“HOLD MY HEAD, MADGE! I CANNOT SEE you!” When Madge Ellington entered the room in which the wounded man lay, her face wore an expression of mingled surprise and fear. The surgeon in charge met and escorted her to the cot. Her eyes met those of Eugene Casserly and Robert Brinsley, and a hasty recognition passed between them. But her eyes were instantly fastened jon the face of Guy Morley. “Oh, Mr. Morley!” she exclaimed, dropping into a chair by the side of'the cot. “What in the world does this mean?” “It means that I am dying, Madge Ellington,” replied the wounded man. “How did you get hurt?” she asked, her pretty face betray- ing all the tender sympathy of her womanly nature. 3 “T have been stabbed. Liquor did it all. I broke my pledge f because you had broken my heart.” x Madge Ellington’s face grew ashen pale, and her lips ‘refused to speak for several moments. ys “T loved you better than my life, Madge,” continued Guy, after an effort, “and plotted and conspired to win you even when I knew you loved another.” The surgeon here arose to-his feet, and beckoned Casserly and Brinsley to follow him. They did so, and the dying man was left alone with the woman he loved. ; Madge had buried her face in her hands. hand in his, and said: “You will forgive me, Madge? world.” “What shall I forgive, Mr. Morley? You have never done me any harm, and if you have, I fully, freely forgive you ~-eyerything.” 7 “You don’t know how happy your words make me, Madge. et have harmed you more than you think. I am growing weaker every moment. The cold hand of death is upon me. I will tell you all now. I loved you, Madge—wildly loved you, and thought only of winning you for my bride. But I soon saw that you loved another, and that he was my friend and companion, Harry Delmar—no—-no, don’t shake your head, fladge, and show that look of pain in your face. Harry was in every way worthy of your love. I saw that unless I could make him forfeit your esteem I could have no chance of win- ning you for myself. So I plotted and brought about the scene é on that eventful night when he drank his as glass of wine, ivand=— "Guy Morley!” exclaimed Madge ian’ springing to her eet, and grasping the hand of the dying man in hers, “as you are soon to stand in the presence of your God, tell®me if you re speaking the truth.” “May God deal with me as I am dealing with you, Madge,” said Guy. “Sit down and listen while I yet have the strength o speak. Harry Delmar did not know that he was drinking wine that night. We assured him that it was harmless cider. e believed us and drank till he was drunk—so drunk as to e utterly unconscious of what he was doing. He sang and outed like a drunken man, and finally knocked down the dlord. We carried him to his room and took care of him tar Guy took her I shall soon be in another - ¢ame also. He knew he had forever forfeited your esteem. en he learned that you had not sent him any kind message ring his illness he lost hope and plunged deeper into the upefying depths of the wine cup, caring for nothing, hopiug ly that death might come and suddenly claim himx’ Madge Ellington fell on her knees and buried her face in bed-clothes, erying convulsively. ‘oor Harry—poor Harry—my darling Harry!” is trying to kill himself now, Madge, and you alone oo him only of your love, and he will th ae S him. He loves you BAI WOE ry morning. When his sober senses returned a burning fever | lay, and crossed the hands over the breast “Yes—yes—a, thousand times yes, Guy Morley! You have given me back my love from its tomb of ashes. I know now a what I knew not before. I thought him unworthy, for, Guy, = I was in the hotel that night and heard him use my name in that drinking song. I went away with my heart dead within , my bosom. Oh, how I shall bless your name for this confes. sion! May God forgive you as I do. May He cover you with His mercy and save you beyond the grave!” “Amen! I can now die content,” said Guy. “Only see that Harry does not execrate my memory. For you I would have | sold my soul to Satan, Madge Hillington!” “Harry will forgive you as freely as I do.” ; “You will reclaim him, Madge, and save him from the con- — sequences of his first glass?” ae. “Yes, Guy, or perish with him!” was the heroic reply. “God bless you, Madge! God bless you and Harry! you both be happy, and—and—water—I—thirst!” : Madge seized the glass of water on the little stand by the head of the bed, and held it to his lips. He drank a sip, and then reached up, as if feeling for her. “Where are you, Madge?” he asked. “It is growing dark. I cannot see you. Hold my hand—don’t let go—hold me fast. I am sinking down—down—down, Madge! Oh, how dark and cold it is! Where are you, Madge? Speak to me, Madge!” “Guy, I am with you—Madge Hllington—do you know me, Guy?” “Yes, I hear your voice. I can’t see—it is—so dark!” _ , “You are in the valley of the shadow of death, Guy. The light and the shining river are just beyond; don’t you see the light now, Guy? The angels of God will meet you at the May — river!” ; ‘ “How dark it is—hold my hand, Madge. Ugh! the water is so cold! Ugh—oh!” and with a gasp he yielded up the ghost. Madge gave a piercing shriek when she saw that he was dead, and fell fainting to the floor by the side of the bed. CHAPTER XXXII. THE SACRED PLEDGE, When Madge’s shriek rang through the hospital the surgeon ran forward, followed by Casserly and Brinsley, and raised her — unconscious form from the floor and bore it to a cues in another room. “Guy is dead, Bob,” whispered Casserly to his companion, the tears streaming down his face. “Yes—poor Guy is gone,” murmured Brinsley. “Oh, Eu- gene! I cannot help thinking that our drinking was the cause of all this?” Eugene Casserly gazed at the face of his dead friend as if trying to recall all the past. Brinsley grasped the cold hand — of the dead man in his, and said: “Good-by, dear friend. May we meet in the better world. I pledge my sacred word of honor to your poor, cold clay, to never drink another glass of anything that cam intoxicate! — Ugh! my God!” “What’s the matter?” Casserly asked, leaning forward. “That cold, clammy hand returned the pressure of mine when I gave that promise!” said Robert Brinsley, his face as white as a sheet. : “Maybe he is not dead!” and Casserly placed his hand on his heart. But that young heart was still forever. throb again. “Poor Guy!” he murmured, and the two turned away to fol- low the surgeon and Madge Ellington. They found the surgeon administering restoratives and stood by ready to render any assistance that might be neede In a few minutes she recovered sufficiently to recognize them. “You feel better now, Miss Ellington?” Casserly asked, lean- ing over her. j “Yes—yes, poor Guy!” she moaned the tears streamin down her face. ; “Please excuse me now,” said the surgeon. “My duties me away, butseI will return soon,” and with that he bowed him- 8 self out and returned to where the dead body of ony Me 1e) It would never Madge raised herself on her elbo rly and Brins
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| THE FIRST GLASS. his self-possession. Her great, luminous eyes were riveted on , his face. The answer flashed through his brain in an instant. ! _ “Wine killed him, Miss Ellington,’ he replied in a hoarse whisper. - + was killing Harry Delmar.” » “So it is,” assented Brinsley. “And is it not also killing you, Mr. Brinsley?” she asked, quickly, turning her tear-stained face to his. “No!” was the emphatic reply, “for I took the cold hand of Guy Morley just now and pledged him my honor that not an- - other-drop shall ever pass my lips.” “Ah, thank God for that!” cried Madge, clasping her hands and bursting into a fresh flood of tears, “for now my task will be easier. I promised Guy that I would save Harry Delmar. You, his two friends, will aid me, will you not?” “Yes—yes!” they both replied, in a breath. - Casserly held up his right hand and said: - “Swear me now, Miss Ellington, if you please.” ' She sprang to her feet, and held her own pretty, jeweled hand above her head. “We will swear together!” she exclaimed. hand, too, Mr. Brinsley.” _ Robert Brinsley stood by her side and held his hand above his head while she spoke: “We promise in the presence of God and each other never P _ to drink, as a beverage,-anything that can intoxicate.” P Brinsley and Casserly repeated her words in clear, tones, and when they finished exclaimed: “So help me God!” “Amen!” she fervently ejaculated, as she sank down on the sofa again. - “Where is Harry Delmar?” she asked. _, “At the hotel.” ~ “Ts he sober to-day?” “No—drinking hard.” “You must manage to get him sober and then send me word. I will then see him and plead with him. You will see _to poor Guy’s funeral, of course?” “Yes. I have telegraphed to his father. this afternoon.” “T will send bet jig ” and she rose to go babi to the car- riage. . ei Just then the surgeon came in and pronounced her well a enough to go. She thanked him for his kindness, and then leaning on the arms of both the young men, passed out to the , carriage which was still in waiting. “Hold w your distinet He ‘ia be here CHAPTER XXXIII. | + THE LOVERS—CONCLUSION, t / ist “We deine ‘the dead man with his sorrowing relatives, and re- - turn to the living, who now demand attention. "4 Casserly and Brinsley repaired to their hotel, sadder ‘and iser men, and ic at to prevail on Harry Delmar to cease rinking. “Did you know Guy was dead, Harry?” Casserly asked. Harry looked up at.the serious, coat face of his friend, ana asked: _ “Whazzer mat—hic—him?” “He was stabbed last night—or this morning, rather, and 3 lated in the hospital two hours ago.” The news, drunk as he was, shocked him. “Come up to your room, Harry,” said Brinsley, taking him by. the arm. “Guy left a message for you, PS ee must be ; r when you hear it.” } { Guy and Delmar had been old chums for many years. His ete ps houcted Harry deeply. He suffered them to lead him up to room, where, he threw himself on his bed, and pried ke. a child. “hey remained with him. through the night. At aie awn 1rOse, and wanted a bottle of wine. an said Casserly, “we will never drink another ni kind of liquor: We swore to that over the dead! Mc ey, and we are wad ‘to Ree it. ‘Wine willed “That is what he said,’ she added, “and said further, that it cnt i gant mansion of the Bllingtons. the Harry looked astonished. “Who is it?” he asked. “Madge Ellington,” replied Casserly. Harry staggered back as if stricken a terrible blow. 4 “I—I won't see her!” he gasped. “She will only lecture | “No—no, Harry. She has wronged you, and is coming to plead for your forgiveness. She is a true woman, Harry, and you shall treat her like a lady. Sober up—get shaved, and dress up in your own style as when you won her heart. She loves you still, Harry, and you can have her if you are man enough to win her!” These words electrified Harry Delmar. He rang the bell with a vigor that startled the clerk down-stairs. i “Bring me a cup of strong coffde,”’ he said to the servant ~ who responded to the bell. i Casserly grasped his hand, and exclaimed: i “That’s it—fight it like a man. Bring three cups, waiter.” | The three friends then sat and, conversed till the coffee came. Brinsley related the particulars of Guy Morley’s death, ~~ and the visit of Madge Ellington. Harry was deeply in- terested. ei “Did she say she was coming to see me?” he asked. ie een “Yes, she did. She will be here early, in the page wei and you must be in good trim to see her.” | ; “T will—I will,’ ” he said, as he drank the bup of strong coffee. ‘ ‘ Hope sprang up anew in his breast, and ‘his love burned brightly for the only woman he had ever loved. After taking a bath and being shaved, he dressed’ in his best . Se i suit of clothes, and waited in the parlor of the hotel for thee coming of Madge Ellington. He did not seem like the same _ - man, so great was the change in him. 2 Casserly sent for Madge and she came quickly. Y “He is in the parlor alone, waiting for you,” whispered Casserly. She ran forward and dashed into ape room with the glad ory of: Mey “Harry! dear Harry!” “Madge, my darling!” and she rushed into his open arm and was folded to his heart. For nearly five minutes not a word was spoken. They com- — muned with their own hearts in each other’s arms. : Theyy were too full for words. Suddenly Harry broke the silence. “Madge, do you forgive me?” “Harry, I love you. Love forgives everything.” He pressed her to his heart again and kissed her. oes “And I love you, Madge, better than my own soul.” | ys ; “Better than wine, Harry?” she asked, looking up into his ace. 7 “Yes, Madge, and you must let me prove it. I drank : first glass unwillingly. I have taken\my last drink now. will you trust me, Madge?” ; “Yes, Harry, for you were more sinned against than sinni I know all now. I did not know when I spoke so cruelly you that you were not to blame.” ire “T will be true to you, Madge. from all temptation.” They sat down and: conversed a long time together, 1 so happy in their lives as then. She finally went away, leaving him with Casserly and Brit ley. THey all had a terrible thirst to overcome. It raged burned with savage fierceness, and they were forced to eall a physician for some kind of an antidote. cinchona, and on that they passed through the day w: drinking any alcohol. The night of the next day found all three of them at the lington mansion. Madge received them right royally, an strong coffee was set before them. Harry was nervous shaky, but the trusting love of Madge kept him up. Weeks passed, and they succeeded in overcoming their for strong drink. adge was the happiest of women, Harry would have suffered death ere he would touch | of the stuff that had come so near wrecking his happine _ A year passed, and the three friends met again in th A bride stood by thi ry Delmar. They were pronounced man ene Ww. fe an of God—and so ends our story. | ; 4 Your love will keep me safe of Hi . THE END. Reaas uae:
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RICE 6 CBNTS ? __ top. re AN Fred Fearnot; or, Schooldays at Avon, 2 Fred Fearnot, Detective; or, Balking a Desperate Game, 3 Fred Fearnot’s Daring Rescue; or, A Hero in Spite of Himself. 4 Fred Fearnot’s Narrow Escape; or, The Plot that Failed, 5 Fred Fearnot at Avon Again; or, His Second Term at School, 6 Fred Fearnot’s Pluck; or, His Race to Save a Life. 7 Fred Fearnot as an Actor; or, Fame Before the Footlights, See 8 Fred Fearnot at Sea; or, A Chase Across the Ocean. i} 9 Fred Fearnot Out West;or, Adventures With the Cowboys, 10 Fred Fearnot’s Great Peril; or, Running Down the Counter- feiters, 11 Fred Fearnot’s Double Victory; or, Killing Two Birds With One Stone, 12 ‘Fred Fearnot’s Game Finish; or, His Bicycle Race to Save a nD Million, EC } Fred I Fearnot’s Great Run; or, Ad Engineer For a Week, 14 Fred Fearnot’s Twenty Rounds; or, His Fight to Save His Honor, Fred Fearnot’s Engine Company; or, Brave Wor as a Fireman, ‘Fred Fearnot's Good Work; or, Helping a Friend in Need, Fred Fearnot at College; or, Work and Fun at Yale, : Fred Fearnot's Luck; or, Fighting an Unseen Foe, | 9 Fred Fearnot's Defeat; or, A Fight Against Great Odds, 20 Fred Fearnot's Own Show; or, On the Road Witha Combination, red Fezrnot in Chicago; or, The Abduction of Evelyn, d Fearnot’s Grit; or, Running Down a Desperate Thief, F da Fearnot’s Camp; or, Hunting For Big Game, f 4 8 d Fearnot’s B. B. Club; or, The Nine that Was Never Beaten. tery. (he An Interesting Weekly for Young America 82. PAGES. COLORED COVERS. 1SSUEI EVERY FRIDAY. humorous adventures of FRED FEARNOT, a bright, honest, independent sort of chap, wie! has made up his mind to make his own way through life, and in doing so see everything to be geen, do all the good that can be done, and have all the fun possible. Nothing will be allowed a F in these stories kote can give offense to the most refined ccaEye and we feel assured that the old bright young man who always tries to do right, at the same time using every effort to keep os Pe READ ONE AND YOU WILL READ THEM ALL. 26 Fred Fearnot’s Famous Stroke; or, The Winning Crew of Avone 45) Fred Fearnot in the Clouds; or, Evelyn’s Narrow Escape, 49 Fred Fearnot’s Desperate Ride; or, A Dash to Save Evelyn. 95 red Fearnot in a ta i or, Solving the Schuylkill Mys- | 50 Fred Fearnot’s Great: Mystery; or, How Terry Proved is Cour Fo : sale by ¢ all newsdealers or or tides postpaid on pepeiot a she 5 cents: ti copy; B, 2 27 Fred Fearnot’s Double; or, Unmasking a Dangerous Rival, i 28 Fred Fearnot in Boston; or, Downing the Bully of Back Bay, fils 29 Fred Fearnot’s Home Run; or, The Second Tour of His’ Nine. 30 Fred Fearnot’s Side Show; or, On the Road With a Circus, ° 31 Fred Fearnot in London; or, Terry Olcott in Danger, 32 Fred Fearnot in Paris; or, Evelyn and the Frenchman. 33 Fred Fearnot’s Double Duel; or, Bound to Show His Nerve, 34 Fred Fearnot in Cuba; or, Helping “Uncle Sam.” 35 Fred Fearnot’s Danger; or, Three Against One. : 36 Fred Fearnot’s Pledge; or, Loyal to His Friends, 87 Fred Fearnot's Flyers; or, The Bicycle League of Avon, 38 Fred Fearnot’s Flying Trip; or, Around the ‘World On Beobed oe Time, , 39 Fred Fearnot’s Frolies 5 rie Having Fun With Friends and Foes: & : 40 Fred Fearnot’s Triumph ; or, Winning His Case in Court. 41 Fred Fearnot's Close Call; or, Punishing a Treacherous Foe, | 42 Fred Fearnot’s Big Bluff; or, Working He a Good Cause, 43 Fred Fearnot’s Ranche; or, Roughing it i in Colorado. 44 red Fearnot’s Speculation; or, Outwitting the Land Sharks, 46 Fred Fearnot At Yale Again; or, eee the College Bo: New Tricks, . 47 Fred Fearnot's Mettle; or, Hot Work Wostinat Enemies, 48 Fred Fearnot in Wall Street; or, Making and Losing a Mfllion,
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“THREE CHUMS” A WEEKLY STORY OF THE ADVENTURES OF) Two BOYS AND A GIRL. 3 = Read about Ben Bright! Read about Tom True! Read about Dorothy Dare! : Send us a letter or postal card giving us your opinion, glen we = will answer you in ‘THREE CHUMS. . 4 32 Pages. Large Type. Colored Covers. Price 5 poutadl | , . _--- ¥OU WILL FIND IT AT YOUR NEWSDEALER'S. : e ONE FOR ALL,” at all times and places. Mr. Harry Moore, th _ author, isa new contributor, and we can safely guarantee that h a stories will be the most interesting and up-to-date of any publishe No. 1. Three Chums at School; or, All For One And One For All. No. 2. Three Chums’ Return ; or, Back At School. No. 3.. Three Chums at Football; or, Hot Times on the “ Gridiron.” No. 4. Three ‘Chums: Defeated ; or, Ben Bright’s Unlucky Accident. i; For sale ws all ecb Gra or sent postuald on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy; vy > FRANE TOUSEY, ‘Publish ae
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TEN CENT HAND BOOKS.—Continued from page 2 of cover. SSS 8 00—00—>>00‘“00R00CCCcNNNNNSseSeS—ewe6s UTI ” ¥ a THE STAGE. No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOK BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the most famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without this wonderful little book. 4 No. 42. THE BOYS OF NHW YORK STUMP SPHAKER.— Containing a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch and Irish. Alsoend men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amuse- ment and amateur shows. , No. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE AND JOKE BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. HPvery boy should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- ganizing an amateur minstrel troupe. ; No. 65. MULDOON’S-JOKES.—tThis is one of the most original joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It contains a large Collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, ete., of Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of the day.. Every boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should » obtain a ‘copy immediately. ' No, 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—Containing com- plete instructions how to make up for various characters on the stage; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, Scenie Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager. HOUSEKEEPING. ‘ ¢ No. 16. HOW TO KEHP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing ‘full instructions for constructing a window garden either in town or country, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful eda at home. The most complete book of the kind ever pub- ished. No. 80. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books on cooking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, fish, game, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of pastry, and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular cooks. No. 87. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE.—It contains information for everybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to make almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, brackets, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. ELECTRICAL. % No: 46. HOW TO MAKH AND US BLECTRICITY.—A de- scription of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; ‘together with full instructions for making Electric Toys, Batteries, ete. By George Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty il- lustrations. No. 64. HOW TO MAKH ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- taining full directions for making electrical machines, induction coils, dynamos, and many noyel toys to be worked by electricity. y R. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated. No. 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Oontaining a large collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, ' together with illustrations. By A. Anderson. ENTERTAINMENT. ._No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry Kennedy. The secret given away. Wvery intelligent boy reading this book of instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multi- tudes every night with his wonderful imitations), can master the art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the greatest book ever eno and there’s miJlions (of fun) in it. ~~ No. 20. HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A yery valuable little book just published. A complete compendium of games, sports, card diversions, comic recreations, ete., suitable for parlor or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the -money than any book published. No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMIS.—A complete and useful little book, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, backgammon, croquet, dominoes, ete. No. 36. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all the leading conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches and witty sayings. ' No. 52. HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little - book, giving the rules and full directions. for playing Huchre, Crib- bage, Casino, Forty-Five, Rounee, Pedro Sancho, Draw. Poker, Auction Pitch, All Hours, and many other popular games of cards. No. 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hun- ' dred interesting puzzles and conundrums, with key to same. A complete book. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson. . ETIQUETTE. _ No. 13. HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—It is a great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know ». all about. There’s happiness in it. > ~~ No, 38. HOW TO BHHAVE.—OContaining the rules and ' etiquette of good society and the easiest and most approved methods of appearing to good adyantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church, and in the drawing-room, ; ( DECLAMATION. No, 27. HOW TO RECITH AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS. —Containing the most popular selections in use, comprising Dutch dialect, French dialect, Yankee and Irish dialect pieces, together with many standard readings. » No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPHAKER.—Containing four- *teen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to become a good speaker, reader*and elocutionist. Also containing gems from all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the most simple and concise manner possible, | y _ No. 49. HOW TO DEBATH.—Giving rules for conducting de- dates, outlines for debates, questions: for discussion, and the best sources for procuring information on the questions given. "PRICE 10 , FRANK TOU % rt CENTS HACE SEY Publishe SOCIETY. oe No. 38. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation are fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods ef handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, windew and hat flirtation, it con- tains a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is interesting to everybedy, both old and young. You cannot be happy without one. No. 4. HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsome little book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instruc- tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties how to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular square, dances. No. 5. HOW TO MAKI LOVE.—A complete guide to love, courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice. rules and etiquette to be observed, with many curious and interesting things not gen- erally known. No. 17. HOW TO DRESS.—Containing full instruction in the art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the selections of colors, material, and how to haye them made up. No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world. Everybody wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male and female. The secret is simple, and almost costless. Read this beok and be convinced how to become beautiful. BIRDS AND ANIMALS. No. 7. HOW TO KEHP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated, and ‘containing full instructions for the management and training of the canary, mocking-bird, bobolink, blackbird, paroquet, parrot, ete. No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND RABBITS.—A useful and instructive book. ed.. By Ira Drofraw. No. 40 HOW TO MAKE. AND SHT TRAPS.—Including hints on how io catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds, suse how to cure skins. * Copiously illustrated. By. J. Harringten eene. No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting and preserving birds, animals and insects. No. 54. HOW TO KREP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving com- plete information as to the manner and method of raising. keepin taming, breeding, and managing all kinds of pets; also giving full instructions for making cages, ete. illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kind ever published. : MISCELLANEOUS. No..8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and in- structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also ex- periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and di- rections for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. This book cannot be equaled. No. 14. HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book for making al] kinds of candy, ice-cream, syrups, essences, etc., etc. No. 15. HOW TO BECOME RICH" “his wonderful book pre- sents you with the example arid life experience of some of the most noted and wealthy men in the world, including the self-made men of our country. The book is edited by one of the most successful men of the present age, whose own example is in itself guide enough et those who aspire to fame and money. ‘The book will give you the secret. : » No, 19. FRANK TOUSEY’S UNITED STATES DISTANCH TABLES, POCKET COMPANION AND GUIDE.—Giving the official distances on all the railroads of the United States and Canada. Also table of distances by water to foreign ports, hack fares in the principal cities, reports of the census, etc., etc., making it one of the most complete and handy books published. No. 88. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A won- derful book, containing useful and practical information in the treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to every family: Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general com- plaints. No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKHt) BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the most famous end ne ee amateur minstrels is complete without this wonderful little book. 4 No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Con- taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated. - as No. 58: HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE.—By Old King Brady, the world-known detective. In which he lays down some valuable and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures and experiences of well-known detectives. . ; No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.—Contain- ing useful information regarding the Camera and how to work it; also how to make Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and other Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W. Abney. No. 62. HOW TO BECOME A WEST POINT MILITARY ° CADET.—Containing full @xplanations how to gain admittance, course of Study, Examinations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Post Guard, Police Regulations, Fire Department, and all a boy should know to be a Cadet. © Compiled and written by Lu Senarens, Author of “How to. Become a Naval Cadet.” : : No. 63, HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET.—Complete in- structions of how to gain admission to the Annapolis Naval Academy. Also containing the course of instruction, descriptions of grounds and buildings; historical sketch, and Sone a_ boy should know to become an officer in the United States Navy. Com~- piled and written by Iu Senarens; author of “How to Beeome a West Point Military Cadet.” , ee OR 3 FOR 2&5 CENTS. =. r 24 Union Seuare New York. fia his ee a Orie: Stat. eral Handsomely illustrat- Fully explained by twenty-eight* ~~ tro? 3, 4
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Pg Me | es Te pee ee ae ae ne ee Meigs & ‘THE HANDSOMEST PUBLISHED!” LUCK ® LUC K. Contains Att Sorts or Taies. -BVERY STORY COMPLETE, = PRICK 9 CENTS, 32 Pages. Beautifully Colored Covers. 1 Dick Decker, the Brave Young sage . 40 The Ghosts of Black Cliff Hall, by Hal Seanatat = by Ex Fire Chief Warden | 41 The Island King; or, The Realms of the Sea, by Berton Bertrew 2 pe nee Boy Brokers; or, From Messenger Boys to Million- 42 Rory of the Hills; or, The Outlaws of Tipperary, by a Retired Banker by Cor pores Morgan Rattler 3 Little. ea: the Pride of thé Continental Army. A Story of 43 Columbia; or, The Young Firemen of lene e; in : the Ameri ican Revolution, by General Jas. A. Gordon by Ex Fire Chief Watdans (ue _ 4 Railroad Ralph, the Boy Engineer, by Jas. C. Merritt | 44 Across the Continent in the Air, by Allyn Draper 5 The Boy Pilot of Lake Michigan, by Capt. Thos. H. Wilson | 45 The Wolf Hunters of Minnesota, by Jas. C. Merrits 6 Joe Wiley, the Young eth ance Lecturer, by Jno. B, Dewd | 46 Larry Lee, the Young Lighthouse Keeper, iat 7 The Little Swamp Fox, A ‘Tale of General Marion and His by Capt. Thos, H. Wilson , Men, by General Jas, A, Gordon | 47 ‘The White World; or, The Slaves of Siberia; by Howard Austin 8 Young Grizzly Adams, the Wild Beast Tamer. A ‘True 48 Headlight ‘Tom, the Boy Engineer, by Jas. C, Merritt x Story of Circus Life, by Hal Standish | 49 ‘The White Boy Chief; or, The ‘error of the North Platte; ; 9 North Pole Nat; or, “The Secret of the Frozen Deep, by an Old Seout ce by Capt. Thos. H. Wilson | 50 The Phantom Fireman; or, The su fata of Mark Howland’s 10 Little Deadshot, the Pride of the Trappers, by an Old Scout Life y Ex Fire Chief Warder il Liberty Hose; or, The Pride of Rlesnertes 51 The Magic Mountain, A Story of Teche a Adventure, y Ex Fire Chief Warden py Howard Austin 12 Engineer Steve, the Prince of the Rail,” by Jas. C. Merritt | 52 The Lost Treasure Ship; or, In Search of a Million in Gold, 18 Whistling Walt, the Champion Spy. “A Story of the Ameri- by Capt. Thos, H. Wilson — pe can Rev olution, by General Jas. A. Gordon | 53 The Red Caps; or, The Fire Boys of spec ae : u Los: in the Air; or, Over Land and Sea, by Allyn Draper y Ex Fire Chief Warden — 15 The Little Denon; or, Plotting Against the Czar, 54 A Scout at 16; or, A Boy’s Wild Life me Phe Frontier, by Howard Austin |} by An Old Scout — . «1% Fred Farrell, the Barkeeper's Son, by Jno, B. Dowd | 55 Ollie, the Office Boy; or, The Struggles of a Poor Waif, oS 1, Slippery Steve, the Cunning Spy of aoe Revolution, Sa ty. Allyn Draper — sh General Jas. A. Gordon | 56 On Board the School-Ship St. Mary's; or, The Plucky Fight zl 18 Fred Flame, the Hero of Greystone Noe of a Boy Orphan, by Capt. Thos. H. Wilson by Ex Fire Chiet Warden 57 Fighting With Washington; or, I'he Boy Regiment of the 19 Harry Dare; or, A New York Boy in the Navy, Revolution, by General Jas. A. Gordon by Col. Ralph Fenton 58 Dashing Dick, the Young Cadet; or, Four Years at West 20 Jack Quick, the Boy Engineer, by Jas. C. Merritt Point, by Howard Austin 21 Bounica dick, the King Harpooner; or, The Wonder of the 59 Stanley's Boy Magician; or, Lost in Africa, by Jas. C. Merrit eh Whalers; by Capt. Thos. H. Wilson 60 The Boy Mail Carrier; or, Government Service in Minnesota, iy | 22, Rattling Rube, the Jolly Scout and Spy. A Story of the y An Old Scout Revolution, by General Jas, A. Gordon | 61 Roddy, the Call Boy;or, Born to Be an Actor, by Gus Williams = _ 23 In the Ozar's Service; or, Dick Sherman in Russia, 62 A Fireman at Sixteen; or, Through Flame and Smoke, . é . by Howard Austin by Ex Fire Chief Warden 24 Ben o” the Bowl; or, The Road to Ruin, by Jno, B. Dowd | 63 Lost at the South Pole; or, The Kingdom of Ice, ee 25 Kit Carson, the King of the Scouts, by an Old Scout y Capt. Thos. H, Wilson 26 The School- Eay Explorers; or, Among the Ruins of Yucatan, 64 A Poor Irish Boy; or, Fighting His own: Way, at by Howard Austin y Corp. Morgan Rattler _ oT The Wide Awakes; or, Burke Hahigay, the Pride of the 65 Monte Cristo, Jr.; or, The Diamends of Lh Borgias ats. : Volunteers, by Ex Fire Chief Warden | : 7 by Howard Aus in a 8 The Frozen Deep; or, Two Years in the Ice, D 66 Robinson Crusoe, Jr. by. das. Cabieeneiena oe , by Capt. Thos, H. Wilson | 67 Jack Jordan of New York; or, A Nervy Young American, Bee of 2 The | He weaTE Rats; or, ‘he Boys Who Fought For Washing- by Howard Austin by General Jas. A. Gordon ) 68 'The Blog House Boys; or, The Young Pioneer of the Great. leaend the World on Cheek, by Howard Austin Lal by An Old Scout | Bushwhacker Ben; or, The Union Boys of Tennessee, 69 From Bootblaek to Broker; or, The Luck of a Wall Street ies by Col. Ralph Fenton Boy by A Retired Broker 32, The Rival Roads: or, From Engineer to President, 70 Bighteon Diamond Eyes; or, The Nine-Headed Idol of Cey- M by Jas. C. Merritt by Berton Bertrew — 33 The Boy Volunteers; or, The Boss we Company of the 71 Phil, ae Boy Fireman; or, Through Flames to Victory, ; “ LOM se.) by Ex Vire Chief Warden DS 2 : by y y Ex Fire Chief Warden Te 84 From Bootblack to Senator; or, Bound to Make His Way, 72 The Boy Silver King; or, The Mystery of ‘I'wo Lives, 4 by Hal Standish: by ‘Allyn ee, _ 85 Happy Jack, the Daring Spy. A Story of the Great Rebel- see ACBL a ERC en Ee aaEE Seas aoe Hone Aes oe lion, by General Jas. A. Gordon ; ve 36 Bob the Waif. A Story of Life in New York, by Howard Austin 74 Frank Fair in Congress; or, A Boy Among Maung eri ee wr _ 87 Two Years on a Raft, by Capt. Thos, H. Wilson ‘ h ih Neh 75 Dunning & Co., the Boy Brokers, by A Retired Broker Con at = cane Pees, Oe nue Bete eee oee on be erie ¢; Merritt 76 The Rocket; or, Adventures in the Air, by Allyn Draper Mia 30 Out With Buffalo Bill; or, Six New York Boys in the Wild 77 The First Glass; or, The Woes of Wine, by Jno B. Dowd : t West,. by An Old Scout 4 78 Will, the Whaler, by Capt. Thos. Hi. Wilson For Sale by All WNewsdealers, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt of Price, 5 Cents Per Copy, by _ oy cig FRANK T OUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union ‘Square, New Yor 7