Pluck And Luck (no. 99) (1900 04 25)
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— Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York Post Office, by Frank Tousey. No. 99. NEW YORK, APRIL 25, 1900. Price 5 Cents, He hurried downstairs to join his comrades. ‘Go back, Joe! Go back!” cried a score of them a% once. ‘Stay here with the ladies!” ‘I won't do it!” he replied, seizing his trumpet and rushing out with them. ee a hae oe ere See so | 7 rau =_
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hese Books Tell You Bveryt K COMPLETE SET IS-A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIAl Bach book consists of sixty-four. pages, printed on gdod paper, in clear type and neatly beund in an attractive, illustrated cover. Most of the books ate also profusely illustrated, and all ofthe subjects treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that any child can thoroughly understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the ‘subjects » mentioned. * THE SH BOOKS, ARE FOR SALE BY ALG NEWSDEALERS OR WILL BE SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRES FROM THIS OFFICH ON RECEIPT OF PRICE; TEN CENTS: BACH,. OR ANY THREE BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE; @ENTS. POSTAGE STAMVS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Vublisher, 24 Union Square, N. ¥. | SPORTING. MAGIC. Ne 21. HOW. TO OTMUNT AND UFISTL—The: most complet No. 2. BOW TO DO TRICAS. ihe great’ book of magie and fsunting aid tishing guide ever publ sd, contains fall in- card tricks, containing full instruction of all thé leading Gard tricks ser as ape about, guns, hunting dog “aps pping and ‘fishing, | 0 e da} sO the most rmagival idusions as performed 4 r with descriptions of game and fish . : our lead nagiclans ; eve oy should obtain a copy of this-book, i HOW-TO ROW, SAFL AND GELLD A BOAT —fPully | as it Will both amuse and instruct. ‘ rated. — Every boy should know how (o'r d gail a‘ boat. | No. 22. HOW PO DO SECOND SIGHD—Leler'’s second sight Bull instrticiions are given in this little *book, ther with in- | explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jt. Hxplaining how @trauctions on swanming and riding, companion sports to boating, | the seeret Gialogues were curried om between the magician aud- tie No. 47. HOW-TO, BREAK, RIDEVAND DRIVE A TLORSIo.—- | boy onthe stage; also giving all the codes and siguais. The only '* complete treatise on the horse. Describing the most useful horses authe ntic explanation ot second “NES for business, the best horses for the road; also: valuable recipes for ‘ 43. LLOW TO: B#COMEB A IMAGICIAN.-——Containing the jdiweases peculiar to the borse. i i rire sartment ‘of ana | illusions ever placed before the No, 48. HOW. TO. BUILD AND, SAIL CANOKS.—A handy pable Also tricks with cards, ine reba 1ONS, etc. Beok for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes No, 68: HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS. Containing over and the most popular manner of sailing theny. Erily illustrated.| one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. ¥ ©. Stansfield Hicks. By A; Anderson. ~ Handsomely. illustrated. ‘ No, 69. HOW TO DO SLIGHT. OF HAND.—Containing over FORTUNE TELLING. fifty ai the latest and ye ‘ ric Rane ~ eee, ie eee Wo. 1. NAPOLEON'S ORACULUM AND DREAM B¢ YOK.— | ANE the secret of second sight. J wily ulustrated. » By Ay Anderson, mtaining the great oracle of human destiny ;«also the true mean- No, 10. HOW *'O MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing~ fy of Alniost any kind of dreanis, together with charms, ceremonies, | eee te nates: Saleen oS and devices-ef many “kinds. My a rs e ’ A. Anderson. Iully illustrated: ss srbes oan tS Everybody dreams,| 9°. 78. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS=—Showing om the littié child to the aged man and. wora n. ‘This little book | joer fib UR a pettiee and the magic ol nu mbers. By «A. the janation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky | “8derson. Mit ase Sante ; give fe on eee of Greaney | tee nee i ay | No. te OW. TO BECOMD'.A CONJURER:~Conteiuing 3 LLOW TO TELL FORTU 1-Eyeryone is desirous. of | tee kiss with ee Jominoes, aie eure ae Balls, Hats, eve. Embracing f sf r } = forth father happiness or | thirty six illustrations. , nderson. Bae Roe poverty. You can, tell by" a'plance at this litte | No. 78. HOW TO-DO ‘TH BLACK ART.—Containiag @ com z Bhs > }| plete deceased of the mysteries of Magie and Sleight of Hand, Buy one and be convinced. ‘Tell your own fortune. Tell : ! fortune of your friends,- : e together With many wonderful experiments. By A;» Anderson. y . PPENES RY <THE ‘ "| Lilustrated. HOW “PO TRLL. FORT NES BY* THN HAND i ng rules for telling fortunes {by the aid of the lines of the M ECHANICAL. secret of palmistry. | Also the secret of telling future)’ \ No: 29. HOW-TO. BECOME. AN, INVENTOR.—BEyery boy aid of moles; marks, sears. ilustrated. By A..| should know how inventions originated... This book explains therm ' | all, giving examples in. electricity, hydraulies,. magnetism, opti, - “pneuniatics, mechanics, ete., etc. The most instructive book pub . ATH LETIC fished. - LOW TO: BROOM: C0: 5 LULETE. Guriag So ing | No. 56. HOW-TO BECOME AN ENGINEER —Containing fu for the nse: 'o rious ol Sy “ = w 8; / paralle pene f instructions how to procéed in order to become a loc Raion | bars anes var Be s- of deve loping a £000" oineer: also. di rections for building a model loc ‘omotive; togethe musele ; , y il usivations. <Hvery boy iG oy with A full description of everything an engineer should Bre ; cone) Pha . iy tions contained) "No. .57, HOW TO MAKE MU SICAL INSTRUMENTS.—Fu LETHE hook, ; pe i ee eis Aas directions‘how to make a Banjo, \ ‘iolin, Zither, Aeolian Harp, Xyld No, 10. HOW” ; pot io haga, 38 o made se phone and other musical instruments; together with a brief dd @Wontaining over thir sss st dior Td aloe pu ats ¢ | scription of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient o} “ gnt positions a : Mit neh d obtain’ pa "| modern times, Profusely illustrated. By Algernon S$. Witzgerald hanes ust a u By Ast PORE Ou how, i al for twenty ety handmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines, ran ba Vee ERG A: No. 59°HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTERN —Contalz HOW rT ) BECOME A BEXN ps eae full | pa desentaiion of the lantern. together with its history and invention 3 for. it kinds of gymmnas ae Rigs! We anaes id. Also full directions for its tise and for painting slides. Handsome} : Renee thirty-five Hilustre ations f Macdonald, | illustrated, by ohn Allen, . hog 1 ae eon TO. ( { i : | No. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRIGKS.—Containin yy : cy Containing HIBS mction for | conipiete ‘jnstructions for performing over sixty Mechanical Trick ; also instruction in archery. |- By Hlustrafions, giving the best Fe ON Ua ae ac deb 4%. | SETTER WRITING. 7 | structions for laying ve the stand- No. 11. HOW TO WRITK LOVE-LETTERS.—A most com ther with rules and systems | Pielé littlé: hook, containing full directions for writing love-letter bowling clubs in the United ang ren to use them; also giving specimen letters for both youn } and ol No, 12. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO LADINS- complete instructions for writing letters to Jadies’ on all also letters of-introduction. notes and requests: WITH ‘CARDS. Cont aining ‘ea . HOW, TO WRITH LDTTERS TO GENTL EMEN- iples. of ght-of-hand le | Containing full directions for writing to gentle men on all, s mina” ordinary Is, and not requiring also giving sample letters for instrn Do yg sleight-of-hand, or the use of No. 53. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS.—-A* wo ‘Professor Maffner, With -iflustra- | book, telling you how to write to ae sweethear Airs ; é ; i h sister, brother, employer: and, in fact, ever, 72; HOW. TO Ty¢ x TRI WITH | body y wish to write fo. Every young man a t Anderson. Wully illustrated. the land should have this book. Anders : x DO Tre
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Subscription $2.50 per year. , 1898. ’ of Congress, Washington, D. C., eo Issued Weekly—B } November PLUCK AND LUCK, Complete Stories of Adventure. Bntered as Second, Class Matter at the New York, N. ¥ Enter cd according to Act of Congress, in the year 1900, in the office of the Loven by Frank Tousey, 24 Union Square, New York. , Post Office, No. 09. CHAPTER I. : A saa RUNAWAY SLEIGH—THE MAIDEN AND THE FIREMAN, ; j ae was winter in Appleton. ; The ground was covered with snow and glittering icicles hung everywhere. - A cold wind had swept through the streets during the rao but after the sun went down it ceased to blow. gain pendent diamonds. ‘Hundreds of people of both sexes walked along the wide street througn which the merry sleighers dashed to see the ah a es ‘and hear the merry bells and still merrier laughter i ‘eponltte ae by. Murmurs: of admiration would fol-} ; _Then some hastily rigged up old family concern, filled light-hearted people, very democratic in etre and baat age would ‘greet it. “Then would come a light cakes with a couple ich young lovers’ and so on we . endless train. _ ron way. é ; ic seemed to have Ly ned and men peer to. dena some undefined t threatened, _ ; r nt. or two | ater NEW YORK, April 23, 1900. ey oe _ By EX-FIRE CHIEF WARDEN. MER dSS Oar ie ee eM . The moon shone full and clear, and the icicles sparkled like The “igh was in splendid condition 3 cee and nearly. Le street, and the} the sidewalks on’ upon everybody, ; Price 5 Cents. Everybody sought. to ‘escape from the pathway of the power ful animal, ahd he dashed on down the street, threatening di - RIEHL On to everything in his way. ‘To collide with another — 2 sleigh meant death to _the ladies and utter demolition of eat sleighs. f if Suddenly a young man was seen to dart out fato the. ‘mide of the street as if with the intention of stopping the maddened steed. c “Come back! Come back!” cried. hundreds: in a br ca But he heeded them not. — On came the splendid iron-gray, mee airectiy ‘tor ithe young man. Ae People on. ‘either side of oe street held their breath i in awful suspense. * They pels. om to see a ‘death- dealing accident on the ENT many of them actually closed their eyes to avoid seeing we To the infinite surprise of everybody, the young man did sate attempt to seize the bit, and thus try to stop the horse. On th contrary he turned and ran with him, a fact that nad e add to the maddened animal’s terror. 43 t Of course the horse was the swifter runner, and a) ment he had nae the Bs man. Be he was no} th threw himself ad it with the ease and | agility of a eireus former. “Let me have the reins, ieee ae said to the ak wh sO tenaciously held to them. | She La aan gave up the e reins ‘to him, and ther viyra!” eck the me ~ the ors POE
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~ ‘ JOU JECKEL: fing "TLR Ue! th Tas F “You are in no danger, ma’am,” said the young man. “I| “Of course I will, but not till then.” ' have him under control.” / - “Yes—don’t you see he has? Look, Myra, the gentleman holds him in hand.” But Myra was nervous and terribly frightened, and it was | some time ere she could be induced to stop screaming. The ' younger of the two ladies seemed to have extraordinary nerve | Y and. self-control, She devoted herself to the task of quieting | ber companion. “He is quiet now, Myra,” she said as dhe! saw that the young » man had succeeded in subduing the spirited animal. “Just see how nicely he goes.” “Sensible—you are only waiting for the right one, then?” a “Yes, I suppose so, though I am not at all anxious about.it. } I won’t havea namby-pamby sort of man about me. I like a man who believes in himself, and has courage and energy about him. Such a man I could love and look up to; but——” Dong! dong! dong! i “Good Lord!” gasped the young man, suddenly turning the horse around so quickly as to almost upset the sleigh. ae Ss. the fire bell!” “Do you belong to the fire company?” she asked. “Ves, run!” ; on ; £Oh, 1b shall never trust myself behind him again, Celia!” | | ins ak ibe st ‘ sae : ¥ _ Myra exclaimed. “We would-have been killed if the gentle- No ~ don’t get out!” she cried. “Drive there as fastws you can!” ae _ man had not jumped into the sleigh.” * ~ “¥ never knew him to do so before,” returned Celia. “He ps - Thust have been frightened by something or somebody.” ' *T shall never feel safe/behind him again. - “I’ve a mind to get out and go home by the street cars.” fu “There is no need? of your doing so, ma’am,” remarked the _ young man. “I think ‘you will have no more trouble with him to-night, for he is—w hoa, sir!” \ “Oh, Heavens! Let me get out! I won’t ride another block “behind him. Please stop him and let me out!” : The spirited horse had been struck by a snowball, which used him to shy toward the other side of the street. That gave the ‘elder of the two ladies a finishing scare. She insisted vetting out of the sleigh and being sown to return i on the street cars, — ‘The young man stopped the horse, and the aay sprang out Sue the sleigh. f ~ “You had better get out, too, Celia,” she said to the other : lady.’ , *The gentleman, amet be 89 kind as to have the horse gent home for us.” : “Certainly, ma’am,” he said. ‘Oh, that is not necessary, Myra,” remarked Celia. . “I shall 4 ride home if he breaks | my neck—that is, if ao. will be so kind as. to dr ‘ive him for) “me. Re \ ‘With pleasure, miss,” the young man said, “I’ve nothing else to do, and a sleigh-ride on such an evening and behind such. ai Morse would be a rare treat to me, I assure you.” “Tn that case,” Celia said, laughing, “we'll mere another ash Just: to take the wildness out of him,” sf “Then I shall £0 home on the cars,” Myra said; and then, turning to the young’ man, she added: ne Pras ae am sure that I feel very grateful to you, sir, for Fenn ind “ness to-night. You ran_a very great risk, and I am glad that you were not hurt. My sister Celia will give ELS our address, f she does not talk you to death.” MOE; the men ean stand a great deal of talking, Myra,” re- marked | Geliai) I never heard of one being talked to Bie except by one of his own sex.” tT am sure it would be a-pleasant death to die,” ine young. ‘man’ said, kote any death could be pleasant. If I live till I die that way I shall be Amown as the oldest man that ewer lived.” awe, I hope you will live to bring my sister home at any ate,” Myra said, as she turned away to catch a street car. $3) “My sister is very timid and pases ip said Celia, ye way of hisses’ ® Ethane you for the ri de.” : EL. apology for her sister. 4 “Yet ‘she has eouragé en bis ght to ‘go A om 6 by’ ‘h erself, 2 epi edt The next moment. he darted away and joined the red-shirted Rips | boys, not waiting to hear what she had to say to him about " | his gallant ‘conduct in saving herself and her rs ibaa si accident. He dashed into the engine house, threw off Hi. c ‘a red shirt, seized a speaking pretties and spran | the head. of the gang Just as s th “Thanks!” and he started the spirited animal down the street at ful] speed. He again seemed to ‘be running away. The snow flew from his heels as well as from the runners. : Other sleighs quickly turned out of the way to give them ___ plenty of room as well as’to avoid danger, “This is glorious!” exclaimed Celia. “I never experienced anything like it.” The young man made no reply. , He held the horse with a firm hand, and counted the sec- — onds as they flew. To reach the engine house in time TOSI go out with the boys was the one thought uppermost in his © mind at the moment. The beautiful woman by his side‘was almost forgotten. , j y , Down past the engine house of “Appleton No. 1” they dashed. _ “You are past the engine house,” the young lady cried. “No—not that gne,” he said, urging ‘the noble iron-gpay to the top of his speed. ‘The young lady was slightly disappointed. “Appleton No. 1” was the aristocratic fire company of ane é city—composed, as it was, of the sons of the rich manufac: turers of Appleton. Wahy There were two other companies in the city—No, 2\ being made up of the young clerks: and salesmen who could not run with the young bloods of Ne, al, , ‘ No. 3 was run exclusively by mechanies—stalwart young tel- lows, who earned their bread by hard work in the’ une te ‘workshops of. Appleton. The members wore red Shirts, and called themselves “The Red Apples.” * - Down past ahein house No. 2 the sleigh dashed, and again the young lady called his attention. “No. 3—Red Apples,” he said, urging the Hotes to ‘greater speed. : : An expression of disgust came into the beautiful face at hi me | side, But the young man did not see it. He was too aa en be grossed by the crisis before him. f As the engine house was reached he saw the Sale et emerging from it, drawn by the boys in red shirts. “Pardon me, miss,” he said to the lady. “Duty before pleas: an ye I must go to my duty. Your horse has had all the run- ie ‘ning he wants to-night, and will be only too glad to: Behave ; ; ‘ f : } Ling: ° ‘ ; eno igh oe it the second time?” ; She hever could 5 Dersunde me to
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CHAPTER Ii. “UNRULY |HORSE—THE FIRE—INTO THE JAWS OF DEATH—THE HEROIC FIREMAN’S PERIL. way daphed the praye firemen, eyery Man running at the f his speed. Close behind them came the sleigh with the beautiful young he horse ran at his own will, seeming to have no other re but to keep with the boys. oung lady, seeing that her horse did not try to dash or through them, did not try to control/him, t when the firemen*iurned into another street to reach the he spirited iron-gray followed them. e tugged at the reins to keep him in the main street on : Which she lived. But he took the bit and dashed after the Si, Bg Hn spite of her.- /. Gracious!” she exclaimed, pulling with all her might, ‘the tse has gone crazy!” and she jerked ahd pulled till she was _ Ted in the face and mad as a hornet. ay went the “Red Apples,” and the iron-gray right after on! what shall I do?” she exclaimed in despair. in to jump out and let him go his way.” “ But she did not. yee She was spirited and spunky herself, and did not care to stl much feminine weakness when she could avoid it. The fire was soon reached. ee ks ‘he great crowd of people gave way for the Aremen as they .~> dashed up near the building. Hundreds cheered the brave — Sleigh and ‘exclaimed: we V'hy ‘Miss Atherby! What in the——” ~ Mr. Sinclair!” she cried, on recognizing the gentleman, 7 so. glad to see you! : “it you can’t control this unruly horse.” Mr. Sinclair sprang into the sleigh and asked: r “What's the matter with the horse, Miss Atherby?” a “Goodness only knows, I was driving him home when the ine baci DY, yi Aras ager that he once belonged co a fire company,” tel sa: as he took the ribbons from her. | 4 I don’t know. ae ‘was a mean trick to ‘Diay me, anyhow, | an HE 77 Byes df Il, Id n’t. know. Don't you enjoy this seene?” es! Heavens, how I wish I were a man!” by the bit.” “What do you mean by coming in here senate ee back! Back with yout! "and he pushed | ely. 5) itty gainst the people mn the ° eat, being overturned. ae a : 1 . Sincl JOH JECKEL. L Please jump in the sleigh and see| child!” and. held a little five-year-old child in, rs Se. He took the bit in his teeth and darted ig and try to save her,” and ere the other could utter a protest pr | Joe! Joe! ‘ible! Just look as those poor people trying | 2 A few moments dfter Joe disappeared a Buea onan yf a stalwart policeman Tushing up and seizing But the crowd avas too thick for a horse and sleigh to.move through it other than very slowly. < The policeman would not stop to hear any explanation. He - savagely pushed the horse backward, as if trying to upset the sleigh. The spirited animal evidently did not relish such rough treatment, as he tried to shake himself loose. Angered thereat, the brutal officer struck him on the head with his club. That made him wild. He sprang up on his hind feet and pawed the air. One of his heavy feet came down on the of- ficer’s head; and sent him to the frozen pavement stunned to insensibility. | Instantly the wildest excitement prevailed. Men and boys rushed wildly hither and thither to get out of the way of the maddened horse. Mr. Sinclair tried in vain to control him, ; and it seemed as though he would be the death of several peo- ple on the spot. A stalwart blacksmith, who knew how to subdue horses, rushed forward and caught the bit. oi “It’s all right, now,” he said. “I’ve got him. Make way there.” : aS} Re ere The, crowd gave way and the brave blacksmith led him through the pathway that was made for non while others picked up the wounded policeman. , “Look! Look!” cried the young lady, springing up in the sleigh and pointi toward the burning building. “Oh, ‘Heav- d ens, look at him! God save him and the child!” 4 While all the tonbi wit the horse was going on the brave | firemen were battling with the flames. ‘ The moment the “Red Apples” reached the fire the young foreman sang out through his trumpet: = ; “Up with the ladders! Look out for women and. children!” Hy The building was five stories high with two families living — ; on each floor. _Women and children were taken from the third story windows—as high as the ladders would reach. Appleton had not the splendid facilities then that she now has for fight ing fire. The first man up the ladder was the young foreman, who, pace with his trumpet hanging by a cord, was seen diving through ne, ‘a window into a sea of smoke, and presently returning to hand out a young girl to another fireman. ae Several were thus rescued, and still others appeared at win- dows shrieking for help. The crowd below fairly tr embled with excitement as they stood in the red glare of the flames, ; Suddenly a. woman appeared at the window of the floor above the reach of the ladder, and screamed: “Save Save my — A groan of both horror hpi sympathy ™ p from. oe crowd below. ; c The young foreman looked up from the window below an: saw the child’s dress as she was held by the woman, . “Ben,” he said to the fireman on the ladder, “Tl run upstairs. he was out of sight in the dense Sake: that filled the interior ! of the house. “My God!” gasped Ben. “The lad vil never ‘get out alive Come back! It’s no use!” But Joe did not heed him. _ He knew. the construction of ‘the 4 ‘house, and had made his way piEnet:: to the staircase that, led (to the floorsabove. | i we and smoke shot out of the window, ee Ben Burke o a 'scend. fe oe Spas “Joe! Joe! Where As ive. Teckel?” cate up from hun¢ -of throats. » i i Ben could only look aes at the iis
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JOE JECKEL. : ; ae ae ~ A ery of horror went up from the red-shirts, and a half dozen darted up thesladder at once to save or perish with him. - “Come back! Come back!” yelled the others, who saw certain death staring the brave men in the face. The fierce tongues of flame that shot savagely out of the lower windows defied the brave fellows. They dared not enter. They stood irresolute on the ladder, one above the other, till the crowd shouted to them: “Come down! Come down! Too late to save him!” , _Another fierce tongue of flame reached out after them. The fic highest one was almost doubled up by the heat and his dés- perate efforts to escape it. all up with their gallant foreman. Such was the heat from the burning building that the icicles began to drop from the wires and telegraph poles in front of it. ; Where was the gallant fireman during those few anxious “ moments? TO: those below the seconds seemed minutes, and a ‘minute was an hour in their terrible suspense. ‘Ahe rooms densely filled with smoke. The floor was burnt _ through in several places, and the. doors ‘of the partitions were ih ablaze: / 3 _ “Where are you?” he called out. , “Come to me. I'll save sy you! aati Ee A woman turned from the window at the spnnd of his voice and ran toward‘ him, crying, while Bap: for breath: : “Save us! Save us!” : He could not see her. : He was blinded by the heat and smoke. AN wild shriek followed, and he heard the woman go down with: a crash through a hole burnt in the floor. Be "Something rolled against his Beet i felt it struggling. © sh oping, he picked it up ana ‘clasped it in his arms. Tt was the little five-year-old child the woman had held at the window but a minute before. “IL “save ‘you or die with you!” he rakicses turning and reais toward the stairs with her. : rors of horrors! ; $ nse “sluice | of red flames was rushing: ‘up the staircase, whole. flight was ablaze. ‘ It ould be certain death to ea i to go down: in the face "of that fiery stream. “My God!” che gasped.” turned and staggered toward the einaoWE in, front. How y he § sot there he never knew. 3 inde with smoke, and almost roasted alive, he are sient of him. They rae: There he ie Hi ders, would no ‘reach to whithin one tory. of him. nits sae eman recognized. his penance SW, how ae Down the ladder they finally went, feeling sure that it was ‘He struggled up the stairs to the floor aboye, and found “He can save himself by dropping the child. He won't do it. | wires. firemen lost no time in thr owing’ the oe slender one he had ae i a ; | Tike the ocean Min a oeieen followed. ai bait is cut off!” : ‘ eaning cus t gasping for ae still oleae the child yy f a 1 de! He fell across a dozen telegraph wires that ran through the town along that street. ; To grasp them with one arm.was an instinct, and for several moments he hung that way between heaven and, earth, while a shower of icicles rattled on the pavements below. Then, ‘ as if assured of a chance for life, he seized the child’s dress_ between his teeth and commenced moying along the wires, hand over hand, toward the nearest telegraph pole. CHAPTER III, - ae OUT OF THE JAWS OF DRATH—A WOMAN’S ACT. Wb! , Men held their breath and their hearts stood still as they watched’ the perilous progress of the gallant fireman. : It was at this supreme moment that Celia Atherby stod¥u) in her sleigh and cried out to Mr. Sinclair to look. i . The beautiful woman was transfixed with horror as Pv watched the daring fireman holding the innocent child with Bs . his teeth while struggling for life with his hands. ioe “Oh, what a grand hero!” she exclaimed in rapt admiration. God save him, the hero!” She hardly knew what she said, sO intense was her excite: ment. z: Mr. Sinclair tried to pull her down into the seat to i vent too great exposure to the cold, but she heeded him not. 4 “Look! Look!’ she cried; “they are raising a ladder to the Brave men, save him!” ; py The ladder was too short to reach the wires, and. the tg used against them. f * aa Two or three minutes elapsed, however, ere it was- oe zi plished. Then Ben Burke hastened up to assist him. “Give me the child, Joe,” said “antes as he reached for her. Ben Burke a wild cheer went up. A moment later Joe himself, reached the ladder and reste upon’ it. : “Thani Goat” ejaculated ‘Celia Atnerby, ‘dropping tack: pe hag, Phe themselves hoarse as Ben Burke ¢ other, ” said e gentle widow
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JOR JECKEL. “The child’s mother is dead!” she exclaimed. “Mr. Sinclair, you must get me that child, I’ll adopt her as my own.” “Miss Atherby!” he ejaculated. “You are unduly excited.” “T mean what I say, Mr. Sinclair. Send for the chief of the firemen and let me tell: him myself.” “T’ll tell him, lady,” exclaimed a man in a rough garb, who was standing near the sleigh. He pushed his way through the crowd and called to the chief. The chief came up to him. “A lady in a sleigh back there wants to see you about thai child,” said the man, pointing over his shoulder in the direc- tion of the sleigh. The chief hastened to see her. “You wished to see me, ma’am?” he asked as he came up. “Yes, sir,” replied Miss Atherby. “My name is Celia Ather- by—-one of the owners of the Atherby mills. I hear that the mother of that child was lost in the fire.” “Yes, ma vam. Jeckel says she went through the floor and ay dropped the child, at his feet.” - ‘Brave man! I desire to adopt the child. ‘house right away—or give her to me now.” - “She may have relatives’ _ “What if she has? I am better able to care for her than they are. At least, let me have her till they claim her.” ‘The chief knew her as the richest young lady in Appleton. m He could make no objection, and so the child was taken to her. She received it in her arms. Ms _ “Why, her hair and clothes are scorched! Poor dear!) You shall never suffer anything while I have a dollar I can call my own. Officer, can you make these people give way are for us to get out and go home?” ; a “J don’t know, ma’am,” he replied, “but ru try. Here; Bah _ back! More room here! Stand back! Make way there!” \Send her to my it he is pe eh on the/head with it, Vexed at his inability to clear the way as quickly a as he de- ‘sired, the omheey struck a man on the head with his locust, say- ing: ’ \ “Stand ey of the way!” ‘ _ “Why do you hit me?” the man asked. | _push a thousand people back!” , o>) * “Don’t give me any lip—get back or Tll club the head off of arte know I can't cer, ‘Sha is it!” he yelled in a. rage. HpHely about him with his locust. tae os and he laid Whack! ar Whack! went the pitiless dah, oe ne “Shame on you, officer!” cried Celia Gach in a fet of nine indignation. © ey : cop!” cried some one a he. crowd. | the maddened throng t turned on him. TRS Meets . ui and then went pee tinder the bl ows that rained ‘upon him. The rote: crowded Loans from the outside so fast that | ay, yout” and with that he gave the man another tap | on the b he: “Have you seen the morning papers, doctor: Joe asked. ae Ne UN Abed ‘inute or] , en the mass of people rushed 0 er him—trampling on ee, men seized the horse’s head and led him out of the throng, af-_ ter which Sinclair drove him very quietly to the home of eg Atherby. : The fire burned during the greater part of the night, and the firemen had to stay near it to prevent its spreading. But the injuries he had received in the rescue of little Bessie Bigelow began to tell.on’ Joe Jeckel in about an hour’s time. He became so weak and‘sore that he staggered like one drunk. “Joe,” said the chief, “you are hurt; you must retire,” and he sent for another ambulance to. take him to the hospital, where several victims of the fire had preceded him. ‘Once in the ambulance he gave way and sank down gs one dead. : Z “T’m blowed if he isn’t dead!” exclaimed the man in charge. of the ambulance, the young physician having been left ai an injured woman till its return, The driver whipped up his horse, and soon reached the hos- — pital. “It’s a stiff!” said the driver to one of ‘the physicians. “Ah! The poor fellow! Let me see!” and he climbed into ihe ambulance and laid a hand on the fireman’s heart, “Not dead,” he said; quickly. “Vake him in.” He was carried into the hospital and restoratives promptly = administered. After a little while consciousness returned. Then he was | found bruised and burned in many places. “You-got into a hot place,” remarked th¢ head surgeon, “Yes; but I escaped alive, which is more ceed, some ae did.” e . “Were many lost?” tlle : , “I don’t know, but I am sure of two or dived women and children.” : < “You were in the building?” ; “Yes, when one woman went throught the floor within a few | feet of me.” The surgeon was ieadaaee He thought he was disposed to blow, and sO did not ask any tS nore questions just then. : ‘But the next morning when he read the reports of the fire he knew that he had a real hero under. his charge “The fellow is a hero,” he said, “and ought: to have medal for his daring Srpeth, It was the most daring escape L ever | read of.” } The surgeon was very social with hie when he paid him idan Shame!” hissed a score of voices all ar Pound the Reahlowe after breakfast. “You haye lost your mustache,” Mr. Jeckel, # he said, as he seated himself by his cot. “Yes, but I don’t mind. _| again. Mt , i | : “Tow do you feel this morning? “Sore all over.” : feet “You will soon get over that, ‘as no bones were broken. ‘have no fever. You are a lucky. man.’ aie te iy p «Yes, if “How many were lost?” : eG “Some three or four. women—just as you said last night." “Poor things! ut did my best to get them, all ae Ke and yes: filled with tears as he spoke. Beliefs The doctor was fotiched. Lee eae eed { 4 px Ti can spare that, as it will ee You io ie aes! (hy acah treet, ese a tek Oat
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to. ask.” The doctor smiled, u “Was she handsome?” ~ “Yes, very.” “Well, I should have made ‘her acquaintance by all means,” said’ the doctor. ; An hour later the doctor came to him,and said that the lady » who had taken little Bessie Bigelow desired to see him. - “Let her come in,” she said. Miss Celia Atherby was led into the room by the surgeon, who said: i { “Miss Atherby.” “Tam glad to see you are not worse hurt than—oh, Heav- i ens!” i She stopped short, staggered backward, and Vault have i fallen to the floor had not the surgeon caught her in his arms. pie CHAPTER IV. THE YOUNG FIREMAN AND THE LADY. * : - When the lady uttered the exclamation and fell backward into the surgeon’s arms, a similar ejaculation burst from the young fireman’s lips. yy r He raised himself on his elbow and stared at her with wide- en eyes. She returned his gaze, scanning every feature of his corched face, as if in search of some particular lineament “or ext ression. | He was the’ first to speak. } Oe “We have met before,” he said. ils all the time I didn’t, know it was you.” */. The surgeon, who was well acquainted with Miss Atherby, was amazed. He scented a romance, and said: “Ah! I see that you two are acquainted. I will leave you urselves,” and che Fes to leaye the ward. , vhizzed past him, took. the reins from me and po had une animal under control. 2 te cot, es, it was. de ‘behind the horse: eeethen block after fies was, atopped:, ex i i 2 oprend nut ; er ran into tie! saad In ther TN IORE. the engine ae JOE JECKEL. | much surprised when I tell her.” ‘the surgeon forgot all a his professional duties in listening ‘to her. # “Yes,” she: answered, looking him Ginetaht in a face, “and |. hour if you don’t let up,” and the surgeon (ibe at! herety the hospital, doctors included. ve her silvery’ laugh rang through the ward clear as a bell. — dence,” retorted the ‘surgeon, “for he was nee dead W brought here Jast night.” " | we wees that way myself, so I won't talk any more, good care of the hero, doctor, for 4 want’ little vos jand. know him when he gets up again. Good- -by, Mr. IT hope you will soon be free from pain,” and then, ‘Whe ‘Myra y was SO nervous, hawsreel that she would yu waiting to Hote! the words of thanks that Joe pines, H M Tookel, whose name we did not then atin said he) ra drive me home. But long before we, reached. home the | 1 Mr.. ‘a turned the horse's head in the} use, and. drove like’ due ex ainin, j | to him and said: } i sb Aven ” sa he ree who’ wet interested in} “He is, indeed,” ” the surgeon said. Be shall pire. him all the” i We ‘ | attention his case calls for. His, ey are” more pai me Then he turned away, murmurit “q don’t know. She did not tell me her name, and I forgot | him on the way homeward, but could no nothing with him. — 1d He was right up to the fire in spite of all I could do. I was thus hemmed in by the great crowd of people and could not get — out. It was a strange ad venture, wasn’t it? I was forced to sit there and witness that horrid scene for more than an hour, | not dreaming that the brave young man who so gallantly saved tittle Bessie Bigelow’s life was the hero of the runaway sleigh.” Joe blushed like a schoolgirl and said: ; “Your horse must have belonged to a fire company once.” “I don’t know. He is a very fine and very spirited animal. I never knew him to act so before,.and am going to find out : his antecedents. It looks as if Providence ordered the occur- rence in the interest of little Bessie.” } i “How is the child?” Joe asked. ec “She is burned in a few places. The doctor says she is not much hurt. She cries a good deal for her mamma, though. — I thought you would like to hear from her, and that is why , _ I came. Of course I wished to see and thank the hero, not dreaming that you were my hero also. Myra will be Ever BOD sg ‘ sud Joe again blushed like a schoolgirl. He couldn’t help i for anes he knew that she was the owner of the famous Atherby mills in Appleton, the richest lady in the city. She was not a young simpering miss of ‘eighteen or twenty, but a mature — woman of eight and twenty, the leader of society. He had — never seen her before the runaway sleigh incident; but every- © body in Appleton knew all about the owner of the essen mills. As the reader has doubtless perceived, she was a great talker, She rattled along at a great rate, and was so entertaining that’ Suddenly she turned to him and asked: é ‘ ‘Doctor, am I talking too much to your patient?” : “Of course,” he replied. “He'll be a dead man in another. reman as he spoke. “Don’t you believe a word of that, Miss” Aniedye said Joe “Your talking will do me more good than all the medicine “Ah, did you hear that, doctor? I have ing rev nei a "“My treatment has certainly restored’ his natural es b “That! 8 hack admitted vitae “Til stand by 3 ‘you, w, doctor.” anh) “Take good care-of him doctor. He ‘is the prince of han Genseronss: however.” m glad to hear that. He iy the bravest man I - | sh entered her carriage and above away. surgeon gazed after: the ca he ‘has ie) ou
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Wu g ok tin eal Ne aoe hae fro wert Niet eae 4 7 4 an ‘ . 3 : , - JOE JECKEL SAW Nee a Vlas we . married. She must have met with a disappointment in her girlhood days, and remained single on that account. What a fortune she could bring her husband!” The surgeon went back to his professional duties. He had “much to do as well as think of. The hours flew by so fast that the day was nearly gone ere he was aware of it. He had seen » the young fireman but once since the lady left that morning. Hastening into the ward where he lay, he asked: “How do you feel now, Joe?” K “All broke up, doctor,” was the reply: “Quite sore, eh?” /“Yes, all over. Didn’ fknow I was so badly hurt.” “You feel quite comfortable about the region of the Heart: fs eh, don’t you?” Joe looked uD at him in a wondering sort of way. my Been dreaming of your beautiful ‘visitor of this morning, eh?” the surgeon asked. _. “Qh, I-understand you now,” 2 No, I haven’t dreamed about her, "she, ” f - “KX splendid woman, Joe,” and the doctor felt his pulse and looked at some of his hurts. “You ought to try to make an im- pression on her while she is interested in you.” | “Bah!” said Jos. “Why should I make a fool of myself and lose her good opinion? I am a poor mechanic—one of the iL Red: Apples.’ “Give her a loye powder, and capture her your- Se \. ‘self, doctor. 4 \ Peck and the young hero laughed. She’s a daisy, though, isn’t ao oe ile only be too glad to follow Joe’s suggestion were it pos- ible to do so. Ge An attendant came in and beckoned to the surgeon, who fol- oe lowed him out of the room: _ the attendant. h _ The surgeon hastened into the reception room of the hospital and ‘there found a constable accompanied by a well-known old niser hy the name of Seegar. ; Doctor,” said the constable, as the surgeon entered the room, “I have a warrant to searcly the clothes of Joe Jeckel, - and arrest ‘him if appearances warrant.” oy | CHAPTER Ve : THE ou MISER AND ‘THE YOUNG FIREMAN. Ss. again revert to. the fire where young Jeenet: became _ hero in the eyes ¥., the good people of Appleton. The W ill no doubt remember the fact that quite a number va ‘were ‘carried out as fast as ‘found. Some of them so terror-stricken as to be almost’ unmanageable, — Ne more searching for occupants, Joe Jeckel and one ‘ ibers of “Appleton. Fire Company No. 1,” the aristo- Si ee company. ¢ of the town, met in the corridor on. the third The. ‘surgeon laughed; a to himself he thought that he |. ml “There’ san Officer in the office to see you, doctor,” remarked cused the firemen of robbing him. the “Red Apples” because they had’ borne off all the honors of | ‘ - miser’s oom, and heard him say he would look after the ‘bo: ime when the place had become too hot almost to The smoke was too ae for them no i cs at = se “a have'him 3 adresto said one of them 4 ‘the ota mi “Go on—I’ll get your box!” cried. Joe. “Take him out, mate!” - Joe did not know Averil, but the ‘other vecbunieed Joe’s voice, - and said: s “All right. I’ve got him!” and in eoueier moment he So tumbling downstairs with the old man, who kept yelling: . “My box—my box! Let’ me.get my box!” ° Dick Averil held on to him and’succeeded in landing him’ out = on the sidewalk. There the old miser got away from him and — made an effort to run back into the burming building. “Catch him! Stop him!” cried a dozen at once. He was seized and dragged out of the reach of damger, and turned over to the police. He kept groaning and wringing his hands, ery. a ing out: ‘ se “My box! My box! I am ruined! Save my box, my box!” “The old rascal has a box full of money in his room!” said a bystander, who knew the old miser. 3 j xe “Joe Jeckel will get your box,” said a man who knew that Joe was still in the building. Jeckel did search for the box, but the smoke in the room be- ; came so dense that he was forced to rush to the window for © i a breath of fresh air. It was then he. heafd the ery of the = woman at the window of! the room, overhead. He looked bee: and saw the child the woman held in her arms, ase 2 All thoughts of the box flitted from his mind, A woman y was in danger of perishing in the flames. He dashed out of: the room and made his way upstairs. The reader knows. what x followed. The child was saved, but. the mother perished, The oe man who ‘was so inconsolable about his box, was named deegar. ‘He was a miser who owned a great deal of. property in the town and was supposed to have a, box full of a precious stones in his apartment. He was never known to re- i fuse to buy a precious stone whenayer the could get it ga its value. (eee ; t So frantic did the old“ miser beconre when he )saw Joo. Jeckel spring from the window with a child, instead of his box, in his arms, that the police were compelled ‘to take him to. the station-house to prevent him from rashing ‘into the bur ing building. He raved like a madman, tore his. hair and ace “ “ \'The next day after ‘the. fire a rigid serch was. wader in iti ashes. Not a single diamond could be found. Jewelers ee that heat could not destroy them. “They were stolen! They have robbed me!” the. old man frantically exclaimed. ” ‘ (e% Dick Averil was called upon to tell ‘what Babnsean when he seized the old man to bear him out of the building. ‘ He hated the occasion, The young aristocrats could not match ‘the | sturdy mechanics in physical strength and courage, and 60 were not more than barely mentioned in the papers in their accounts of the fire: f He said that he left Joe Jeckel near the “door of eve old “Yes!” exclaimed the old man, “T heard him, too. He got diamonds. I am going to have ’em ier his heart’s blood The ““‘Appletons” winked. at one another and whis ) ered, around oN nds was me manne that caused the “Rei At.
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eas wouldn’t have sworn out that warrant under the circum- stances for ten thousand dollars.” “T lost more than that, doctor,” replied the miser, “all through those meddling firemen. Had they let me alone I would have saved my box. If I don’t find the diamonds in his po¢ket I'll sue the city for them. Yes, I will, The city is re- sponsible for her firemen. Has anybody meddied with his clothes since he was brought here last night?” . “No,” replied the disgusted surgeon, “you will find him in Ward No. 3, constable.” | The constable and the old miser followed an attendant into burned that they did not recognize him at first. ie eee ech a ah is Mr. Jeckel,” said the attendant, opts to Joe’s pete) cots “Ah! You are Joe Jeckel, are you?” Seegar asked, turning _. with a nervous haste to the young fireman. “Yes, that’s my name,” replied Joe, “and you are Mr. See- » gar.” i *Yes—now tell me owhiere nyy diamonds are you ok out of my box in my room last night?” Joe looked at the old miser like one in a daze. “T’ve got a warrant for you,’ said the miser. “cape. Where are those stones?” “T have a search warrant here, Mr. Jeckel,” said the con- stable, “which instructs me to search your effects for——” “Great God!” gasped ‘Joe, raising himself on one elbow. “Does the cld scoundrel dare accuse me of stealing anything from him?” “Yes—yes I do!” exclaimed the old man, dancing round the oom in his nervous excitement. ‘Search him—search ° his clothes, officer. He was in the room. ; He said he would get ' the box! “I heard him say it!” — - *T have to do my duty, sir,” said the officer. “Yes; of course—do it,” replied Joe, and then he turned his gaze on the old: miser.; That miserable specimen. of humanity | ared ‘not look him in the face while the constable was search- “ing the young fireman’ 8 clothes. “ ype Of course nothing was found. old miser and said: f lay told you: he was. a square man. There’ 8 : nothing ee his 3 clothes’ your ‘warrant calls for. dg ; ; “The old man’s eyes glared. l #:! WEG lose his hoarded tr ensure would utterly eral the “weite eart: he had in him. . - “Search the bed!) Search the: bed!” he whined. “He i ‘the ‘only one who could have taken them!” Ahad ts Wil Miser “Search the bed, said Joe, leaping up oft the ae 4 The ¢ nstable did ‘search: the sis and found nothing, “What do you find?” Joe asked. ha Lads “Nothing whatever, ” was the cae parity Bt “Well, Tet: me search a: little bit, xs said eas ward, the miser aslif me merely he wal “You can’t es- JOB JECKEL, ‘the room where the young hero was lying. His face was so. | a witness of me.” The constable turned to ‘he | “Well, don’t get excited.» Keep cool and you may escape “T’ve been murdered!” cried the old miser. “Who murdered you?” “Jeckel—that man there!” and he pointed to the young man who was now snugly ensconced between the sheets. ; “What! That sick man!” exclaimed the surgeon. “Why, he could not hurt a flea. You are out of your head, old man.” “My God, constable!” gasped the old rascal, “why don’t you arrest him?” “What for? I didn’t see him do anything,” and the constable winked at the young fireman. “You didn’t?” ‘ j “No.” e eR The old villain saw that he was in the company of men who would not side with him. Clenching his fist and shaking it at the young man on the cot, he hissed: “You struck me. I am an old man. They call me a miser. _ Maybe I am. I love money. But I love revenge more. Tl make-you rue the day you ever struck old Solomon Seegar!” _ The surgeon was about to interrupt’ him, but he hme ne Se turned and fled from the room. In another moment he was See hastening down the street in the direction of a ‘magistrate’s of- i f fice. » “Did you strike him, Jeckel?” the surgeon asked of his pa- tient. ¢ “Did you see me strike him, doctor?” Jeckel asked. , “No, I was not in the room.” i “Well, then, that’s all you know about it.” hr, 3 “That’s so,” remarked the doctor, smiling. “He can’t make \ ¢ “Nor of me, either,” said the constable. “The old scoundrel!” muttered Joe. “Had I been up all right I would have broken half’ the bones in his body. Some- body put him up to that trick. I never saw his box at all. The: " room was too. full of smoke for anything to beBeen. Why, the old rascal was half dead, gasping for breath, when Dick Averil and I found him. I heard him - ery out something about. his. | box, and I told him I would look for it, which I did. (L: might have found it, if little Bessie and her mother had not Path in danger. a “Yes, yes,” said the edn, ere can all understand that. Nobody would believe such a thing of you, Jeckel.” “well, Ni hope not. But, you see, it makes me mad as ‘aye | wet to have it go out that a warrant was issued to search” ty iy effects. Oh, I’ll get even with the old villain yet.” his having a at from a Rion You had better leav | now, constable.” Mia “Twill do. 80,” said the: ofiber, “and return this warr with the indorsement that it should not have been issued, | he took leave. of Joe and ‘the surgeo in a way that conv} that he was as indignant as théy were oe the con er | matter hs it a when | yah out of this,” ae muttre
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« smiled and chuckled. “He’s the boy that can take care of himself in any kind of a| if he resorted to the law. JOH JECKEL. of pain and given his«accuser a terrible thrashing, everybody | utterly speechless. The cool cheek of Jack was too much for It broke him all up. He saw that they could beat him He had ‘had experience enough in him. fire,” remarked Ben Burke; the young foreman’s right-hand | life to know that. | man. Ui “So he is,” assented Jack Adams, “but he can’t knock the : law out. I saw old Seegar, and his face is awful. The court will be down on Joe. for it. reason with him.” “Reason with him?” “Yes.” “Reason with a miser or pawnbroker? You don’t know the ‘tribe, Jack.” “T think I do, Ben. T’ve heard of men out West reasoning with\a man, and that he was very easily convinced.” “Do you drop, old man?” Jack asked him again. “Yes—you may go,” was the reply. “Oh, we don’t go till we know what you are going to ‘do,’ e must see’ the old rascal and| said the young fireman, with a very determined air. “JT won’t bother your friend,’”’ was all the old miser said. _ “That’s all right,” and Jack and Ben tur ned on their hea ‘ and left the room. i But ere they started to descend the stairs they heard his voice calling them back. “Come back! Come back!” he called, and they returned ioe see what he wanted. -.. Ben looked at Jack, and Jack returned his gaze. Then they They stood near the door and waited for him to speak. ee is both smiled. “My diamonds!” Be moaned. “My bi Sapte Where are" ~ “T tumble, Jack,” said Ben. “We'll go and reason with him | they?” am "any 4ime you say.” “Hang you and your diamonds!.” blurted Jack. “What do- eg _SShy to-night, then.” “AU right. Where shall we find him?” “Oh, I don’t know. diamonds, he'll turn up and give us a chance to give him a little chin music.” ' one een back street. As first he refused to see them, as his head and face were bandaged so as to render him almost unrecognizable: =. But Jack Sent | down in to him that they were two firemen - who had called to see him about nis‘ lost diamonds. Z ‘That woke him up at once, and he ordered the girl to let 7 them come up to his room. : __ They entered and Ben closed the door. ey - $ a “You are firemen?” he asked. f “Yes—we belong to the ‘Red Apples,’ ” was seca reply. “They are a hard set.” “So I have heard. You accuse one of our company. Did you gee ae take the ee rag to . “Dia you. see him in your room?” : , “No. 93. eet 2, é i re yh “You only heard him say he would get your box?” Be 4 ow y of my room. The property cannot be found in the ashes, a and‘he was. the last man in the room. ” ‘ illions of property disappear in flames every year, ‘old | man. Joe had the right to be in your room at that time, as you well know. ‘Every fireman has that right during a fire. ti A ames u an, nd obnate, and after doing so ts ‘accused. of stealinie.” ee Ne old miser was dumbfounded by, such talk, and asked: ae Jack. “We came here to tell you} eae to hang en to They went hunting for the old miser that night, and found} got my precious diamonds divided among themselves. that he had taken lodgings with one of his tenants on a little|| why they try to scare me out of prosecuting the rascal who es; he said he would, and the crowd saw him at the win- |. we know about them? Come on, Ben.” re They turned and left the old miser to nurse his wrath and ‘If we say we wish to see him about his | mourn his loss. “They have robbed me!” hissed the old miser through his : a bloodless lips. “They have robbed me! Thése firemen have That’s” took them. I won’t submit to it.’ I’ll have the diamonds orre- venge! Ha! ha! ha! I love money, but revenge soothes. my ern ni soul! I’ll make ’em rue the day they were born!” ae All unconscious of the visit of his two friends to the olc miser, Joe Jeckel, the gallant young fireman, lay on his cot in) the hospital, recovering from the wounds he had received in ‘the last fire. Being blessed with good health, a strong consti- tution and sanguine temperament, he grew better very fast. Within twenty-four hours after his entrance to the hospital — f his room was stacked with flowers, sent from hot-houses Byes scores of ladies who admired his daring spirit. So many © on Epougitets accumulated, that the fragrance emitted almost sues | focated those in-the roqgm. The surgeon ordered them removed, and forbade any more being brought in ‘to stay...” = But Joe recovered Shave though the’ burns were quite | painful. “Tl let you out in a week, : ” said the surgeon in the evening of the fourth day. : ee fied “Feet foremost?” Joe asked. : “No—Tll fire you out head first,” replied the surgeon, oa ing. ; mA few hours before a heavy snow stom. swent over Apple: | the: thermometer’ went down, almost ‘to. nero, The snow was. S vk a4 Diled upon the curbstones as igh as’a. man's head. do you know about my property ‘that swas. lost?” 2 - The surgeon told Joe of the great fall of snow, and asked if. ‘he would not like another sleighride like the one he enjo: on the night of the fire., vag ; : “Yes, ‘a was: the reply. “Bat I am ne intr im for it. hee ; “Oh, there’s nih tate to tothe big fbugh ue : nt ; pare should gk i cit Wiges ew minutes canoe the: surgeon left hi ri
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JOE JECKEL. ““You shall not go, Mr. Jeckel! ‘the institution, Doctor!” “Out of my way!” cricd Jos, Doctor! _ “No—you shall net go! You are crazy, man!” and the stal- wart attendant blocked the door so completely that Joe saw how utterly useless it would be t¢ attempt to pass him. ‘s ‘ He heard the surgeons and others running forward in re- sponse to the man’s call. He would soon be overpowered and held so as to prevent his going out. ' Glancing at one of the windows at the end of the reom, Joe * . made a dash toward. it. An exclamation burst from the attendant, who rushed after him. He had no time te open the window, so he sprang through, _ utterly demolishing it. Picking himself up outside he dashed down the street at the ‘top of his speed. are The engine house was not very far away; but the brave boys “ were running’ ‘out with the’machine when he reached it. Ben Burke was the first to recognize him. - He'was dumbfounded at seeing him there. » “Boys!” he cried out, “here’s Joe, our prince of firemen!” M _ The red-shirts instantly grew wild with enthusiasm, hs Ben and a half dozen others seized and placed him up on ' the engine. : “Ride to the fire,” eried Ben. Then, placing the trumpet in his hands, added: ; “Give your orders.” “Or with her, boys!”’ he sang out through the trumpet. he first -on the spot.” | way they dashed, the rough “Red Apples, ” yelling at every c ss ep. A \ “Phere goes the “Red: Apples!” is sie’ hundreds of Eke: on ither sidé of the strest. ; “Joe Jeckel! Joe Jegkel!” cried the red-shirts as they dashed up td the fire about half a minute ahead of the. others. Sie Jeaped to the stones and was recognized by the crowd, “Be aiden went up.) f oat j Throw on the water!” ex a is “The stream of water began to play on the flames. lieved to be inside, a child’s ea was heard e one of the whole penile of nthe Redes was ablaze. - te4 was ake et into a fiery furnace, like Shadrach, Meshech and ee an. the crowd Bele pray he had oh mad. : ae prang out of ‘The high window, and came whiz- | , ‘hands on him. , away from the snow-bank, “are you hurt?” ‘ yet. | All right, are you?” f voice, to his comrades. 1en and children were brought down, and when no ve H gine with commendable faithfulness. | erowa and away from the Vicinity of the fire, an ambula: 1¢ from the hospital drove up. The di aim sprang out. an a through a window to get away when he heard the fir ,{slarm.” nena ’ gasped the ‘crowd, as the ange 2 | was, ‘ | He seeatiia the doctor and said: Heke ised ting you inva strait-jacket.” one bearing an innocent child down to certain death with him is tenfold more horrifying. ime As the brave fireman came down through the air, as if to. certain destruction, a cry of horror went up from the crowd. The picture was blood-curdling and dramatic. ; Behind him were the hissing, crackling, writhing flames. | Below were the hard stone pavements, and huge piles of snow rf on the curbing. a From the timé.he sprang from the burning building till he struck in the snow-mound, not a man in the shivering. multi- i tude breathed. Every man held his breath in harrowing sus- pense. And when he fell into the snow-bank a groan burst in-_ yoluntarily from hundreds. They believed both he and the child % be crushed ie Ma recognition by the fall. A half dozen firemen rushed forward to pick him up-ere half the\snow displaced by the crash had fallen elsewhere. Both were quite stunned by the fall. When they were a up. : they were more or less dazed. he “Joe, old man,” cried Ben Burke, who was the gues a “Are youhurt? How is it? Speak up, old —; man!” and he shook him quite roughly. hoe Joe looked around him in a dazed sort of WaT, as if stunned ; by a hard blow on the head. | | They dragged him out, and Jack Adams picked the child up cut of the snow-bank more dead than alive. “Tg he dead? How is he?” came from hundreds of excited | people, all of whom tried to get near enough to see. _ on ; selves. ve bit ! “Get back! Get back!” cried the police, using ine ‘clubs wit unwonted freedom on the heads of the crowd. “Joe, old man!” called Ben Burke, as he bore the wene hero. ei Be oe Ae ee “Eh?” was all he could say in reply. nl “Are you hurt? Speak up, old man, The fire hasn’t at you” ee “All right,” said Joe, half nee ¥ “He says he’s all right, boys!” cried Jack, Adams, in a oud ‘A wild shout went up from the “Red Apples.” “They were Y wild with delight. - x Tp ipeee Appleton No. 1-did not cheer. ~ | Ba i The mechanics had again beaten them aa! borne’ oft aili-ttig honors of the occasion. The young bloods of the more aristo- cratic company could not compete with such brawn and mus- ‘ cle. They maintained a sullen silence, but worked at their en: Just a minute of two after Ben Burke bore him out of the asked: 8 ; “who is hurt?” ier! “Joe Jeckel and a child,” was the Be ; : What! Joe hurt again? He escaped from us like y lunatic heh . ahs “Give me a lift, doctor; I am all. broke up.” : Ga “Ah! I am not surprised at that. We are thinking of ott tag “py m 3 ‘Red om sie i Ww “Let a be a red ‘one, doc,” he said.
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§ JOE SECKEL. “4 * ambulance. The plaintive cries of the child, who was badly} | Joe looked toward the window. hurt, drew tears from hundreds. “Yes,” he said, “I suppose J will have to pay for it. I couldn't - 3 “What's your name, little girl?” the surgeon asked. help it, doctor. If I were in jail and should hear that alarm : But the child cried so she could make no reply, and so she| bell, I think I could tear away the iron bars to get out. That "was carried along to the hospital with the brave fireman who | bell seems to put new life and strength into me.’ 2, ~. came'so near losing his life with her. The surgeon looked at him in silence for several minutes. * Bre the child was placed in bed, however, a woman came} Joe wondered what had come aver him. ‘running into the office of the hospital frantically crying: “Was your father a fireman?” the surgeon finally asked. — “My child! My little Effie! Where is she? They said she| “Yes—an old BEY, York fireman. He wore a dozen medals — had been brought here!” for bravery at fires.’ ST _ The mother’s voice rang through the hospital, and the child] Joe's face glowed with pride as he spoke of his dead fatner..- in another room upstairs heard it. She raised her little head “That accounts for it,” remarked the surgeon. “You are aes and looked up at the doctor. natural born fireman. 1 think you had better be chained to - “Mamma! Mamma!” she called, quite feebly. “Where is| the bed Jest that bell should call you out again to-night.” i _ mamma?” “Yes,” assented Joe, “and chain the bed to the floor and the “Go. down and see if that is. her mother,” the doctor said to house to the ground.” ¢ _ kis assistant. The doctor laughed, and asked: i The assistant ran down into the office and there found the}, “po you think that would hold you?” ‘a mother, wringing her hands and crying for her child. ‘Vell, it might,” was the reply. ate “Come upstairs,” he said to her, “and you can see your child.| wis burns were again dressed and. an opiate given ria nal But you must calm yourself. It won’t do to excite her in the] te slept the rest of the night, and woke up the uext morning: ; teast. 6 feeling too sore to even sit up in bed, ; “Tam ‘calm now,” the mother aaid, making a desperate effort Of course the morning papers ‘were full of the affair, and to appear so. The assistant saw that it was only an enforced | soon after breakfast scores of people came to the hospital. calmness, and said: to see the young hero. The mayor came in and congratulated “You are still very much excited, madam. To excite your j him on his escape from what seemed certain death, and ne: res- © child might kill her, Can you atin’ cool and speak cheerfully | cue of the little child. ‘ ; to her?” “A lady wishes to see you,” said the attendant. ot aie “Yes, sir—though it should kill me the next moment!” ~ “Who is she?” he asked. is Such is A mother’s love! | “Miss Atherby.” re “Then come up with me,” he said. - 5 “Ab! Show her in.” ) , _She followed him upstairs and into the room where the little Miss Atherby was shown into the room, accompanied by her sufferer lay on the pillows. widowed sister. af - “Mamma!” said the child, as her eyes caught sight of her} The beautiful woman came forward ‘eith, an “expression of ‘mother. deep concern on her face. “Mamma is here, darling,” said the mother, in tones so quiet You are hurt again,” she said. and steady as to challenge the admiration of the surgeons.}- “Only jarred and a few burns,” he said. “h fireman should Then she leaned over and kissed the little face a dozen times. |néver mind such. trifles. Think of the life I saved, ant it ie Little Effie seemed perfectly satisfied now she had her} was another little girl, too.” Z ho mother with her. The mother looked bi ae at the eee , “Yes; God bless you for it! I must see ‘tat cnilil, I am : pale face, and then up at the surgeons. ? | really thinking of establishing a home for children saved from 4 eSeeTell 7 mo-all, doctor,” she whispered. “Suspense will kill | fires.” oe ; ‘i me.” A geblsy Myra laughed. “a ; “ set ew “T can tell you nothing, madam,” he replied. “We were| “Celia has become a perfect enthusiast aout the children” Ff about to make an. examination when she heard your voice | you firemen have saved,” she said. “She'll soon have a house. - downstairs and called for you.” full of them, it many more are saved. ASAIN Sioa “My darling!” sobbed the mother, her eyes filling. with tears,] “What a blessing she is to the poor little things!” replied while a great lump crept up in her throat. Joe, giving Celia a look of admiration. “She ought to be BF: “Keep quiet, madam,” cautioned the ‘doctor. “We'll Lg am an Boe: _examination now, with your assistance.” member of our company.” ‘ _ “I did tell her to join No. 1,” said Myra. ote EN fhe mother aided them, and was repaid by the announce- ment that no bones were broken. “But No.- -1 doesn’t’ save any children,” replied Celia. a ; “Only | a hard shock.” said the doctor. “She will be all right Joe laughed. . " “Don’t he too hard on them, Miss ak is he said. . “There ina day or two. Children soon get over such, things.” “Thank God!” sobbed the mother again, pressing the child are some good fellows among them.” i of “Yes, but very few heroés.” And all three laughed. : ii uo her bosom. The lump went out of her throat as the heavy “She will insist that you are a hero, Mr. Jeckel,” said th ee weight was lifted from her heart.’ widow. “You see, I’ve been married, and know a ‘good de another room Joe Jeckel had lain down on his cot, feeling about men, There is a satheness about them in many thing mort broken up than ever in his life before. He was not only and there is a great deal of human nature ‘in them, too.” . ‘med in several places but also shaken up from head to foot,| “You have got us. down ta: ” said Ae laughing at ; ; if he had come in contact with a powerful. electric battery. turedly. \ : The fall had jarr ed him till every joint ached. coe tal ; “Yes: and yet I am very partial to the men. . arould _“Doctor," he said, as the ne taka b eeihe - his bedside be in a of healing all’ the: men from the country ; ¢ : % © x eae s - hich th von Ar man ae od ane he
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ae You must come and see her when you are able to get out of ce place.” “Thanks. J shall be only too glad to do so. tle girls to look after now, you know.” “Yes, and I shall help you with the other one, if permitted. . Come, Myra; let’s go see the other child.” The two sisters took leave of the brave fireman and left the room’ to go in search of the little girl he had saved. I have two lit- CHAPTER VIII. i i THE OLD MISER SEEKING REVENGE ON HE PRINCE OF FIREMEN. | The reader will recollect the visit of Jack Adams and Ben . Burke to the old miser, a day or two after his fracas with Joe my Jeckel at the hospital. They found him pretty well knocked out, and before leaving him so effectually bulldozed him that he dared not prosecute the young foreman of the “Red Ap- ples” for knocking him down. He was very cowardly. All _misers are. The love of gold seems to destroy every other passion save that of avarice, Yet one can never love unless he ean hate also.. In his case he now hated Joe Jeckel as much as he loved gold, |. ~* ad Somehow he had setled down into the firm belief that Joe ‘had. stolen his diamonds on the night of the great fire. No Vi _ protess: of reasoning could disabuse his mind of that one idea. ‘ Joe had said that he would get his box for him. He could “recollect that, ‘though the flames were roaring and crackling "fiercely around him at the time. Since then he had seen noth- Bs ing of. his precious stones. The ashes had been searched. They were not found. Hence it must be, he reasoned, that the daring young ‘ireman had taken them. “Tl watch him,” he muttered to himself, some time after 1 “Back and Ben left him on the evening of their visit. “He| won't, dare sell ’em here in Appleton, He’ll be making trips | ‘down to New York soon, to pawn or sell ’em. “I'll have a man to watch him. He shall not escape me. I’ Mound him to his “death: ‘for daring to strike me as he did. he ' ever did in his ore ra never forgive a blow. No, Phi have rn fasten. that pre on him. yet if ie ‘as much as ithe. stones’ were worth.” ad tmiser nursed his wrath to: keep it warm, ‘He woulé waste any money ona physician to have his bruises at- ended to. He simply bathed his face in cold water and tied. up in towels. It was in au ‘condition that Hes ay NS aa: ed: ered even sooner than. tee did. : Raed had rie with another perilous a venture : eee : sind unprineipled charaitate, Peter siness, At the time’ the ‘old miser r ‘dull with: him. He was ready JOE JECKEL. : Gat + It'll be the worst job }- 4 ways a match for anyone in the matter of cheek. voice. deal of emphasis. — Tom knew the old miser well by sight, and that he was con-. F sidered a very rich man by nearly.everybody in Appleton. He ~ fen, also knew that the old man had suffered some loss in the late fire, which was not covered by insurance. The actions of the miser seemed to indicate a fee for him somewhere, so the de) tective followed him direct to his quarters: When they entered the room the old man closed and locked the door, and turning to Tom, said: & “I was told you were a good detective. I want such a man Ps on a job that will pay well. Are you at liberty to——” “Too much liberty,” said Tom, interrupting him. ‘Have more than I want. Like to sell you some of it.” ; “That means that you are out of employment just now, doesn’t it?” : re “Yes—that’s the text exactly,’ said Tom. “I am open for he engagement with big pay and little work.” « The old man looked quizzically at him and hesitated for a minute or two. Then he said: Vig “T am not much on big pay,. but I ‘will pay you well for the) [4 work I want you to do.” “I’m your man. What’s the biz?” and Tom dropped into ry a chair, and laid his hat on his knee. , : ete “{ have reasons for believing that a certain man has © stolen——” Aevgieany “Your diamonds? Yes, I foaca about that. You got fee Bees warrant and——” lacie “Failed to get m my hone said the old man, eubcneee the sentence for him. “I still believe he took them. He was the room; he had the chance. I want you to keep up with him, and see that he does not sell them without your knowl edge. If he sells one, that would be Lal gprs Paousghs laa him, and your réward shall be——” “One hundred dollars a month till I catch him, or ult give "ie up the ease,” said Tom, finishing the sentence for him. d The old miser sprang up and gasped at the idea. “One hundred dollars a month!” he ejaculated. ; f if ‘Yess you don’t suppose I can waste my time shadowing” a #S ploke for less than that, do you?” : “Why, it’s more than my income!” ‘ “Gammon!” said Tom. “You are as rich a as Celia’ ented pf “No—no—I ama poor man to-day,” protested the old SaaS |All my fortune was in those, diamonds.” af Me “Gammon, all gammon, old man. You own ‘plocks’ ‘orf wail +f" teed a fe ings in the Third Ward. bi Dray “They are all covered by. mortgages. atte sold out to-day I would be a bankrupt, ” the old miser protested again. r i “Give, me a written agreement to take a quarter of a milli dollars for all your. property in Appleton, and I’ll pring y you | ‘man who will plank down the money in less than two h Tom Truman was a keen character, “up to snuff,” if and | ed don't, wish i sell out,” a9 * said the old miler, lowering his THE ‘course not—not at. ‘that priee, at any’ rate,” X wee iC ‘be hundred dollars: a ‘month is. ea to: a give ats and I won't wane for a ‘cent less. x eat give you ‘seventy-five. dollars, SP a ne hundred soar or sites a Ee ‘Tom, man was silent for a mitinis: or two. He ‘aid n n ak the rule of his ife—never to sive a man his rice _ :
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es : Ses JOE JECKEL. “T keep my business to myself,” was the curt reply. j “Sensible,” remarked Turman, turning and leaving: the old. miser to his thoughts and a Vee Sot of his riches. | “old on—don’t go,” and the miser reached out his hand to stop him. WHighty-five dollars is a heap of money, Tom Tru- man. Do you know that?” “Tt’s not much,” said Tom. “Too little entirely for me to work for,” and he again started to leave the room. The old miser then offered him five dollars more, but Tom would not listen to him. At last he agreed| to give the sum demanded, on condition that Tom would /devote all his time and energies to the ‘matter. L y “Of .course I will,” assented OH: “When I take a case in hand I work it for all it’s worth.” “Well, I want you to fasten the theft on him at all events. You heard about the way he treated me, did you not?” “Yes, and I think you ought to put the law on him,” replied Di aes = “I can’t do it. The members of his company and others _ would perjure themselves to save him. I would have the costa to pay. No; I wish to get him where nothing can save him; and the day you bring about his disgrace and downfall—when ; a lodged penne prison bars by your work—you can call 79,9 ) your own.’ i “By gum, old man!” exclaimed the detective, “you are down on Joe, and no mistake.” : : “Yes I am, and you will do well not to make any mistake ees about it, too.” ates “Oh, T’ll chalk it down,” said Tom, Gustine: “And now, it _you mean business, give us a retainer, as the lawyers say,” and he held out his hand toward the miser. i “Bh? What? Pay in advance?” e “Yes—one month, if you please.” | “what cheek!” gasped the old man; “why, I never heard of ; such a thing!” ; ~ “Oh, come now. Don't you make all your tenants pay in ad- we vance?” ; Bi “That's a ‘different thing. I am responsible, good for my jebts, and——” Ahead blast your lying soul! CHAPTER IX. ~* THE RECEPTION—A FIRE AND RESCUE—THE NOTE OF WARNING. Joe Jeckel remained in the hospital. a week after the: rescue of Effie Cathey. A strict watch was kept over him to a Maas his running to another fire. : During his stay there scores of the best citizens called ‘to con: gratulate him. H A, But the members of-the aristocratic No. 1 kept aloof. “They ; did not care to make a hero of one who had belittled them by his own prodigious performances. : \ te} Yet he did not appear to notice their absence. All the-mem- ~ Hers of his own company, hardy sons of toil iy red shirts, called to see him and spoke words of honest admiration. Bit They resolved to give him a reception on the evening of the Fics day he left the hospital. He knew nothing of their intentions — when he told Ben Burke that he would leave the hospital on. Thursday. Every member of the “Red Apples” at once notified. =i his sweetheart to be ready for a supper and dance on that evening. Joe left the hospital and’ Pont to his pommel aeioonaes where | he put on his best clothes, intending to pay a visit to. little — oa Bessie Bigelow that evening, and thank Miss Celia Atherby — for her kindness to him while he was on his back. Just as he was about to leave the ‘house in the evening, vite Burke and Jack Adams drove up in a carriage. “Joe, old man,” said Ben, “you are wanted at the aa house. We have been sent for you.” Ban te “What's up, boys?” he asked, shaking, hands with both. | Pe you telf me just now} “You are wanted there by the whole crowd,” replied Jack, “to settle a little it ede we have got into since you, have been away. ye Joe smiled rand went lone iectite them, half : suspecting the: My truth when he saw the carriage. — elie? At the engine house they received him with shouts of wel come. The girls, sweethearts, wives and sisters of the brave red-shirts waved handkerchiets and welcomed him with smiles, _ Boys,” he said to those about. him, “I didn’t expect this.” : “of course you didn’t,” returned Ben, “and we knew they We got the bulge on you, old man,” and ihey all laughed and ‘en- De p the miser when you deal with me. ? et joyed “themselves to their hearts’ content. f : wy Ola Solomon. Seegar “was -aumbfounded at: ‘the detectives Ss es Some of the Jadies suggested that Joe be’ placed at one, en ain lang , and for the moment he was on the point of or-| of the room and shake hands with every lady in the crow Joe éhjected. But what could he do? He had to submit, and the handshaking eganer iy Hh yest While it was going on. a carriage containing a ‘eal little child drove up. | sehe alighted and entered the hal | ing the little girl by | the hand. be cH eon The lady stopped for a moment, autoetan shih way Op ich when one of the firemen stepped ag ge Heels a N own calls you an old eer? Why aor f you live and act like | ‘man of liberty, and be respected by your neighbors?” } “Look here, Tom Truman! I can’t stand, Ryo If gh n z an was just the ‘man he wanted, ‘and ba ae e ‘must be no ‘if’ mer it, Tom ay Joe Teckel y ve and beat me like a. dog. “He was guilty of aling my diamonds, and for that I want my u understand me?” eta } Et smile, You : ‘shall have your. OG old” man, 2 3 5 “Just drop that in your. snuff-box and. use hands | the track of sen never Tet up till 1 fetch you’ , if you Ligaes” ” she replied. tt el was here. isi it Srey hk res, miss. He is” over. there, Bo! the » Tadies ar ith: ae ae tee) you to baie * br
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JOE JECKEL. He looked keenly at her and grasped her he.nd in both of his. “Why, Miss Atherby!” he exclaimed, “we did not expect this honor!” js it an honor? I am sure I did not thiak so,” she replied, siniling sweetly. .“I came to honor you— Bessie and I,” and she drew the little girl toward him. He stooped and lifted little Bessie in his arms and kissed her. In a few moments her presence was known to all in the room. ' ‘The brave firemen nearly lifted the roof. with their cheers, | and crowded around the wealthy friend of little Bessie to pay | homage to her for her goodness of heart and other womanly | attributes. She was forced to stand near Joe andéreceive the) whole crowd. 5 “Really, this is a reception to you, Miss Intherby!” said Toe, | laughing. “What a surprise it is to our friends?” “T did not mean it, did not dream of such a thing,” she pro- tested. “I would get away if I could. I accidentally heard “you were here at an impromptu reception, and the notion to} bring little Bessie to see her preserver took possession of me, and here we are. What a scolding my sister will give me when ' she hears of it!” “I am sorry your sister did not come with you. tc ee an) opportunity to compare our girls with those of her own, set. Just look around you at our wives, sisters and sweet- hearts. at one time?” -. “T never did,” she replied,-and by that Boe won the hearts of all the girls in the room, “But which one is your acets cheart, Mr. Jeckel?” / - Joe looked at her, then all round the ‘foom: Bvery eye was upon, him. Would he make a choice then and there? He stood and lifted little Bessie in his arms again, saying: “Bessie is my sweetheart,” and then he kissed the child. . mye hearty laugh greeted the episode, and Ben Burke sang out: aR "That's dodging, Joe, old man. She ment back on you for thes fellow!” pee ¥ A roar greeted the hit, and din the metriment that followed é ‘Joe Jed Miss Atherby to a seat... : ‘Sse must return home now,” ‘she said, rising, after’ being seated but ‘a few minutes. ava have remained longer than I in- tended.” A “*Oh, you must fn CE of our supper!” cried the wife of one 6 of the members of the company. =f “ “Thanks, but I cannot. *I——” yl Clang! Clang! Clang! . . The huge fire bell rang out from the tall tower a sus of ile away, clear and distinct. hea : er the first sound, an instant h sh fell upon the assembly. : 1e sound of the Neca bell broke the silence. rt firemen who were about to dance with their sweet- rned at the last stroke of the bell and rushed’ down- rs ee the engine room, leaying their fair Dern ss trembling fear and dire apprehensions. bE } et was by little Bessie’s side when the ba alatm’ was | | She would | { Did ‘you ever see so many beautiful women together | 7 h a a ; Va * eq That ends sit, I fear!” he said, mis to mig ‘Athy gee ae rby, AY “Don’t ‘chow: Tm going to aindcout: She was sent to ‘Joe’ ‘ Li boarding house. He can find out all about her to-morrow.” wa e en will have t to BO. Ve hope you may not eet hurt | | could save it after the fire got a good start. ‘spoiled our fun for the evening.” i took out of the building just as the roof was caving in?” a “Yes; ‘she is good looking, isn’t she?” They were the first on the ground, ‘though the farthest off when they started, owing to the fact that they were all at the engine house when the alarm was sounded. The house, which was a sort of tenement frame building, was wrapt in flames in a very few minutes: The inflammable material burned like shavings. It was only by sheer good luck that many of the inmates escaped with their lives.’ Joe rushed inside and se bs ie an old man to make his exit through a window. “There’s a woman asleep in the next room,” said the old man to the brave fireman as he descended the ladder. Joe threw himself against the door of the room and burst it ~ in. A young lady stood in the centre of the room almost para- lyzed with fear, and but half dressed. She was trying to throvi ; a dress over her head. 4 ! He seized her in his arms and said: * SNe stn oe “No time to dress now! Come out if you would escape : alive!” / pe Pe “My dress! My dress!” she screamed. “Let me put it hae and she struggled so hard to free herself that Joe was forced to. release her. He then adroitly slipped the dress over her head. “You can fasten it outside,” he cried, again seizing her. : This time she made no resistance, and in a few moments he’ /-was descending the ladder with her clinging to his neck. i At the foot of the ladder she fainted dead away. But th crowd cheered the heroic fireman for the gallant rescue, The fire raged till the entire building was consumed. The: light frame was like, a tinder-box in inflammability. Nothing An ambulance was sent for to carry the young lady to the hospital. But ere it~ ‘reached the spot she had Pigs con: sciousness and refused tc go. + “J am not hurt;” she said, “I do not care to: go there,” or 4 then she felt in the pocket of her dress, as if to make sure of Ne still haying possession of something wee Bhs prized ver 9 highly. ms “Have you anywhere to go?” she was asked: “No; but I can go to a boarding house,” she replied. 3 : “Take her to mine,” suggested Joe Jeckel. “She ¢ can Bet a. 45 good room there.” sh a Several parties volunteered to show her the way anges went. with them. Joe and his red-shirts remained a om of hours dt the te ee ey", : aeehten of their testivities at the hall, " The ghests had all returned to their lll were out in the hall over the engine room. “Tt wasn’t much of a fire,” remarked Jack Adams, “put “Yés, so it did. But did you notice that pretty soaniaties BY “Best paws girl Ave seen in a “month. Who is- she, Joe was about to leave to Fa) to his home when a It was written in a ‘temale en and read as follows:
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ie a pine | JOR CHAPTER X. THE SEWING-GIRL’S LOST TREASURE. To say that Joe was surprised-at the contents of the note so mysteriously handed him would be but a mild expression. He was thunderstruck, and for a moment or two quite uncertain which way to move. “What is it, old man?” Ben Burke asked, Bae noticed the expression of his face. “Nothing,” he replied. he go?” Ben and two or three others ran to the door and looked out on the street in atiest of the stranger. But he could not be " geen. “He is gone,” Ben said.. “Who is the note from?” | “That's what I waay to find out,” he answered. womgy, I am sure.’ = lea Why, didz’t she sign her name to it?” ” “No—see for yourselves,” and he gave them the note to read. They each took a good look at the note; very much surprised at its contents, - “It-was written by a woman of good education,” remarked _ Jack Adams, who was well educated himself, “for not a word “is misspelled, and the writing is beautiful. What can old - Seegar be up to, I wonder?” - | “Hang Seegar!” ejaculated Joe. “I don’t care the snap of : my fingers for him. He can’t do me any harm. If he tries it ~ on: Tll make him so ‘Sick that he’ll wish he had never been born. Ae. “But this shows that i trying #0 do Bpmebhing, doesn’t it?’Ben asked. is “Oh, he may. have said seeething aout getting even with _ me for the ‘black eye I gave him; or what he’d like to-do to : me, or something of that sort, and some girl overheard him. The old chap won i bother me, I guess.” “pa 1 like to get his head under my lett arm once,” remarked ack, making a significant gesture with his right hand toward fe spot indicated. : “So would I, oe remarked Ben Burke. “I think it would acts ete smonth at ‘least. What are you going to do penene it, Joe?” “Nothing. What can I dor” - “Punch ‘his head,” suggested one of the party. “But ‘he won't give me a chance to do that,” replied Joe, 1 aughing as, he placed the Hote in his pocket. “I enews he has om enough. a . ney. ; hen separated and went to their Severed maHaDe? lor eached his boarding house at about midnight, and found old ‘Mrs. ‘Bowen sitting up waiting for him. “Who was that fellow? Where did looking up at the clock. “Here arys been waiting more’n to see you. a me home, to tell you that she——” t - JECKEL. “It’s from a - balways stand by those I have been in the fire swith.” | tears. f ° Nice time of night for a young man to come home,” she Pt On; eruelly—most. cruelly,” she said, again sobbing. | I won’t give way to my feelings any more,” and again ee 4 Fou young folks. “Julia Thorne Eaeaiis me to sit P till Ha Bi Nh o in thunder is Julia Thorne?” Joe a ate Saco : “h ; protection.’ 44 . ? are Be Meer ee glad to hear that. ‘You lost all your F oftets ame, t ““Why, what is it? What did she tell you to tell me?” Joe asked, as much mystified as his landlady was. “Why, she.asked me to tell you that she wanted to see you in the morning before you left the house. She is in room No. '7, on the second floor.” / “Oh, she is here in the house?” “Yes. She says you told her to come here,” and the good, motherly soul looked suspiciously at him as she spoke. “Oh!” and Joe laughed, “I think I understand it now. She came from the fire, didn’t she?” } “Yes; she said everything she had, except what she Maas on her back, was burned up.” ; “Well, I did tell her to come hoot I didn’t know her name. I took her out of-her room just in time to save her life. You can take care of her, can’t you?” _ : “Of course I can, if she pays for it like all of you do.” “Oh! I'll see,that you are paid. Don’t be uneasy about that. Julia Torne, did you say her name was?” “Yes,” said the old lady, preparing to retire to her room. “It’s a pretty name,” said Joe to himself, “and now that i Fay think of it, I recollect that I thought she yas ‘a very pretty girl as I took her up in my arms and went down the ladder ~ with her. What-does she want to see me for, | wonder? Did ~ she write that note?” } Joe went up to his room, aa went to bed, thinking of the in- eidents of the evening till he got them all badly mixed -up. When he fell asleep it was to dream of dass perilous rescues ores and beautiful women. He was up bet mes, though, and as he Want pee to. break- fast he was met: by a servartt of the house, who told him that ie lady in the parlor wished to see him, “Ah, yes,” he said, turning and going to the par lor. As he entered he saw a beautiful young lady as to receive he him. “You are Mr. Jeckel?” she said. ' . “Yes, that’s my name,” he replied, Temoving his hat ani bowing. “Tam Julia Pome: you took me out of my room last night when the house was burning, thus saving my life at the risk of your own.” ; ¥ “T am glad I was able to be of service to you, Miss Thorne. ee T am still at your service,” and he made a Pues rice to the young lady. “Thanks for your kindness,” ” she replied, eeatihe herself, am in need of advice from some one, ‘and as I have already ex- perienced a kindness at your hands I thought I would apply to: 3 | you. ” \ “You can commend me, Miss Thorne,” said Joe gente. ae “God bless you, sirt”’. she sobbed, pence bursting ne oe “Oh, don’t ery, don’t cryin said 5 oe, growing nervous. ‘ “Pardon me,” she ‘said, ‘drying her tears. “y have had so ~ | little kindness shown me of. late that your Nee Gel onehes |imay heart,” < f : - “Have you been treated uunkindly?” he muea her tears and even. tried to amile. a ene me, a? Jod asked, “did you escape. unhur : “Yes, ; sir. I did ee get even, iineapdaicas you not?”
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JOE JECKEL, “Indeed? What was it?” On the morning of the interview between Joe Jeckel and ; “A single diamond—one in the rough—which had never been] Julia Thorne in the parlor of the boarding house, Durham was ‘cut: It was waty ee and worth at least three thousand concealed behind the heavy curtain of the front window. He _ dollars,” was there waiting for a chance to see Sallie Bowen, the land-— ; “Good Heaven! gasped Joe, staring at the sewing-girl in | lady’s daughter, of whom he pretended to be deeply enamored. - deepest amazement. “A sewing-girl with a three thousand dol-| When Julia came in he slipped behind the curtain and kept. o: lay diamond!” : concealed, thinking she would soon go down to breakfast. Sal- . “Yes,” dnd she looked him in the eyes with an’ honest, steady | lie passed the door two or three times but did not go in as she gaze that told him she was telling the truth. did not wish to have one of her own sex witness her tete-a- tete He looked at her in silence, as if waiting for her to con-| with her lover. vie tinue. In this way he became possessed of the secret of Julia “Tl tell you the secret, ” she finally continued, “though | phorne’s diamond, and the story of her life, without ~~ in - have never breathed it to a living soul till now. I am twenty-| the least suspected. : six years old—I don’t mind telling my age—and have had that! But the moment Joe Jeckél and the young lady left the par: diamond in my possession seven years. I was engaged to a} ior to. go down to breakfast, Durham hastened to leave the - young man when I was but eighteen years old. He was poor,| house. Just before he reached the front door he met Sallie 4 but his pluck and energy were as great as his love for me. To] Bowen, and whispered to her: _ sooner make it possible for us to marry, he went to the dia- mond fields in Africa. After six months he sent me a rough ‘Miamond ‘which he had foumd, and with it this letter, “I am sorry,” simpered Sallie, “but somebody was in there. vy Here she drew from the pocket of her dress a crumpled let- “Yes—no matter, I'll be back for dinner,” eat snatching Hy ter, which she opened and handed to Joe to read. Joe looked kiss from her cherry lips, he hastened away. “I waited so long in the parlor for you that I am StipStiem to leave now without my breakfast.” x ¥% i] i yea at the date and saw that it was seven years back. Out on the street he muttered to himself: f “Why should not I find the diamond as well as he? - “who en | knows but I may? A diamond worth three thousand dollars _ ; is not to be found every day, or every year either, for that 5 matter. Why should I say anything about it if i should find ehh Bey 5 ce ortune that is to enable me to has her I love better than MY} i? rt will be an hour ‘or’so before he comes to ‘hunt for ith oo noes ‘soul, in me ease and eat she so well deserves. If such By that time I may find it and be off with it.” In a little while he was at the scene of, last night’s fire. The ‘ claim: my “pride: we thousand ne for you, my te arte ashes were now cold, for it was midwinter. Only a few : people ges of me as Sa Nour A bara! cog Ly ‘were now about the place viewing the ruins. The police were not guarding ‘it, as no one suspected that anything of marie re: mained in ‘the ashes. ; \ _ Durham glanced over the ruins and waisttened: ; “Just my luck! T don’t know in what part of the house ving that letter, as it ‘was the last one I ever received from cebi Thorne lived. If I knew in’ which corner her room was . After: two years had bat a man from the diamond V'd have a better show. Ah! There's a sewing machine wheel - over there! That makes the matter as simple as A BC. Here goes,” and he waded in among the ashes. to where he had s the iron wheel of a sewing. machine lying among the ruins. But when he reached, it he looked beyond and saw. the. works of another thachine. Gs Pe Sa ae “There’s another one, as I'ma sinner,” he exclaimed, “which “Yes, yes,” said Joe, tears filling his. eyes, Ait understand, was hers, I wonder?” ‘haye those ashes, searched for the diamond. arene ee » He stood there: ooking first at one and. then at ‘the ‘othe “Phanks. “That's what I wished to see you for.” gh aif | ruined sewing machine trying to decide which | one to. attack “So $06 ed English, are you?” he asked as he handed the letter back to her. “Yes. T came to: America, a year ago, and have been here onths., Ax never. heard from Charlie any more after re- ‘ki led by the natives, “It came near killing me, Ke loved him. so. “You can understand HOW why I kept the diamond as ‘it was able to pachiatis rit 6 pélieve that Charlie is s really dead A pe still lingers my, heart. % Ans hay. ‘VU eeondl: to ‘it at once. _ : ne, let. ‘me os d you down to first, Just as he was about to make up ae mind he saw an breakfast, nie he gave her ae and Jed her down to the, Sit dega like the other two. — 2: 's three, by gosh!” he exclaimed. F 4 wonder ne mans e in the ee ae table. a pny ek se t ue Does every woman i in town pee casaacting © every ‘particle ‘employed when he) was ota? witht
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JOE JECKEL. “I—I—was—ah—looking to see what effect a fire would have; “Yes, this is it,” he muttered. “I’ve seen rough stones in- on the ironworks of these machines,” Durham finally replidd. {the jeweler’s window, and this is just like them. . I'll go and, “Oh, you are, eh? Well, what effect does it have?” show it to her, anyhow;’ and he at once made his way wee of ¥: “It depends upon the amount of heat, I suppose. I find such | the bed of ashes to the pavement. , ; things as the large wheels but little injured, while the smaller| ' “Joe Jeckel,” said Truman, laying his hand on his shoulder, works are ruined entirely.” “T arrest you; you are my prisoner!” “Indeed!” and Joe smiled. “And did you come off without Joe wheeled and confronted him. : your breakfast just to find out that?” Tom looked him straight in the eyes, and kept his right hand Py “Oh, no. I came out for a walk before breakfast, which I] on his revolver. He was a brave, reckless sort of fellow, and es ‘am in the habit of doing every fine morning, you know. Ij did not hesitate or falter in the least. Bi stopped here to see these ruins. That’s how I came to be “What do you mean, Tom Truman?” Joe asked, idéking the ; here. Just look at that mass of iron and other metal. See | detective straight in the eyes. a how it has run together,” and he held a mass of iron up which “Tt means that the game is up, Joe,” was the cool renin “y. the great heat of the fire had welded together, arrest you for the theft of old man Seegar’ s diamonds.” Pas “Yes, I see. Fire generally gets. the best of everything if it Joe started. Bn Ee gets a fair show. I came out to look among these ashes for| He was not dreaming of that old charge, since public opinion something that was lost in the conflagration last night,” and | had so emphatically condemned it. _ he walked straight over the northeast corner of the lot and be- His first” impulse was to knock him down in his tracks, as 3 _gan to rake tenderly among the ashes around the remains of a| he had once served ‘the old miser.. The hot blood mounted to sewing machine. ~ his face and his eyes flashed fire. : Aine ye ‘The moment he did that Durham ceased searching over on| But his cooler judgment prevailed, and he said: his side. He knew that Joe was posted as to the right locality,| “All right, but if you don’t make a case against me, youll and that it was useless to look anywhere else. wish you had never been born, Tom Truman.” ae : But he concealed his disappointment well, and stood around| “I think I have proof enough,” said Tom, onfidently, Bei at - to see if the gallant fireman would be rewarded for his trouble. | hand me that stone you found in those ashes inh now. That's _ A half hour passed, and quite a number of people came by | Proof enough, I take it.” bret and stopped to view the ruins. Durham espied Tom Truman Joe held the stone up so that all in the crowd could see it, / on the other side of the lot watching Joe. Being acquainted | and said: A SS asi oh with him, he passed round to that side and spoke to him. “This I found in the ashes there. It belongs to Miss Ju ulia “What's Jeckel looking for over there?” Tom asked as Dur- Thorne. I came here at her request to fy for it. I will not — ham. pet up to where he was standing. turn it over to you, Truman.” oak “OH ess. ” “Bring it along with you, then. I anh adt particular will : “J can’t, I am not good, at guessing,” was the reply. © you go with me to the station-house?” aN, PF “Well, he’s looking| for diamonds,” said Durham, in a halt- confidential whisper. : the: deuce!” Sie “Yess. one of the women in that house at yer diamond in the fire, and Joe is looking for it. 4 “Oh, elite off! All the women in that irae couldn’ t own one diamond as big as a pin’s head.” | Durham dared not relate the story of the Giarhond, for fear he would give himself away, and thus expose the way in which, “he \came into possession of the secret. But he shrugged his} shoulders, and said: Peer don’t know anything about that, but he is looking for dia- I posi monds_ nevertheless,” and then he turned and walked away, yi \ going: back to the boarding house with an appetite for anything he could find on the table. in man. was thunderstruck by what he had aebrd: He g the fireman for ‘pay, not having the least sus- his ‘mind that. Joe was guilty of anything worse than ng the old miser’ 'S nose. - But. now a new idea Aeshet i his fertile brain. all] that’s holy! » he muttered, to , hinselt, as. he stood itched Joe raking among. the ashes, “Joe is ‘sharper He will pretend to find: a diamond or two in shes, nd show one of old Seegar’s diamonds as proof had found one. It’s too thin, though. None of the in- le house could own diamonds. ‘If he finds one I'll as sure as my name is Tom Truman! | Lord, what it will raise, a ate what a penton iti will give t thi th PBS ; te ‘ 4 CHAPTER, XI i: 5 i THE SCENE IN rs coum noon $ On the way to the station Joe said not. a wordto Eddie o1 any one else. 4 ; ; He was thinking, nie _ The thought flashed through his mind Come the whote: thing was a plot to entrap him.. If 80, the charge against him woul |ve sustained, If Julia Thorne stood by him and clatined the diamond as her own, he would be cleared.) ane All these things career d pen his. mind as ib went lon to the station. at, iif Tt was an early hour.. No court was ‘th abate at the tims So ‘he had to go into the private aie of the chiet of arog and be searched. " ey Oi nae “Here's a valuable | diamond, chien,” said Joe, stone to the chief. “Keep it until it is called - for in court, belongs to Miss Julia Thorne. I found it. n the ashes: t mor ring among the ruins of her sewing Pace to look for ‘it at her request. por ia : The chief took the stone hhc ova ed it arefully asked: 7 NT Ne a need Theda cs! “Who is Talia horns, 6 In : “She is a seamstress, nd 1 hes to he ortheast | corner ‘of “he ae 4 oing.
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JOB JECKEL i eee ee = pues OAIPSERIEOLEITS ee SaaS 6] Ieaye that with you, if you will be responsible for him,” was the feply. “Oh, I'll berespensible for him,’ said the chief. “T don’t want you to.do that,” said Jo¢; “lock me up just as you ‘would a stranger, for I intend to see this thing: through to the bitter. end.” : ‘Very, well—come this way,” and the chief led the way to the office 6f the turnkey, where he was assigned to a eell.. Truman then hastened away in quest of old Solomon Seegar, while Joe ‘wrote a note to a lawyer—a particular friend of his asking him to come to the station-house at-.once. The lawyer cante in haste, and was dumfounded at seeing the “Prince of Firemen” behind prison bars. on such @ serious : tee: soon. told him his story. ~ “Ah!” he’said,; “Il go and see Miss Thorne, It all depends mn her, If she is not bribed to do this thing you are all right.” ““Oh, I am sure she is ali right,” said Joe. “I have no un- easiness on that score.” } _ “Well, V1 0 and see her at any fate, and then come back and ‘let you know what sHe says.” And the lawyer took his leave to hasten to Mrs. Bow en’s boarding house. Julia Thorne was astounded when the lawyer told his story “Why the diamond is fnine!” she exclaimed, “This. dJetter vill explain how I came by oe » and she handed him her pret S tter to read. That satisfied his mind on ‘the question of ‘ows, “will have to come into court, Miss Thorne,” he said, id tell the story’ as you RARE told it to me, It is hecessary ou Should do so.” , , Se) ji do it” she bala’ ‘Tt is my diamond. TI -‘know the exact arn: weight of it, even to a grain. Mr. Jeckel went to ee for it at my request.” In the meantime Tom Tuma found the ola iniser at his. ome and told him what he had done. Th old | ‘man fairly leaped in his joy, and exclaimed: I knew you'd catch ‘im! I felt it in my Rones.. ; detective in the country!” ; ow’ll have to be in court at ten o lock to swear to ‘the dia. 3 ’ said Truman. | ‘as ae had his erst on he. hastened to the station ; 4 ee the prisoner. He chuckled with glee all the way. I have. him now!” he said, as he neared the station. has got the dead sure thing on him this time. “The chief |. ‘Ha! ha! hal The idea. of that poor seam- Its a he sinning, oe i to ih tanipaediead ‘a hana for Bias chief, ee his Lue where he Ariat out: i tatsat) vines ae eet mes Rata é Soe was sine on him | - | producing the letter of her lover. the lawyer. You are the’ f He he asked. “But I just want to——” “See him behind the bars,’ put in.the chief, “and ‘chuckle over him. You have begun a thing that may end in trouble for you, Mr. Seegar.” i “f don’t see what you have got to do with it.” He took Seegar by the shoulders, turned. him toward the front door, and ran him through it, saying: “That's all I have to do with it just now. If you come back here I shall have more to do with it. Do you understand?” He did understand, and took good care not to let the chief have anything more to do with it. Two hours later the court opened and Joe and his lawyer } were on hand. Julia Thorne came and sat near his lawyer, dressed just as she was when she escaped the fire the night be- fore, saye in the matter of a hat. : row from Sallie Bowen, her landlady’s daughter. The courtroom was crowded with the young fireman’s friends, many of whom looked daggers at the old miser. 3 The charge was read and Joe indignantly denied it thnonighe eee his Tawyer. ; “We are ready to prove the ownership of the diamond,” said ~ “St belongs te a young lady who is in the court room ready to answer any questions that may be ‘asked her... There is no need of postponing the trial to another fay, as all the parties concerned are here,” iis _ “We have no desire to Postpone it even an or said. tes old miser’s lawyer, - Old Solomon ee awas called up to testify. He told he ee story of the loss of ‘his diamonds, and said that, as they could ‘ not be found in the ashes, they must have been remoyed before the destruction of the house. Joe Jeckel was the last man known to have been there. He had since been arrested? with one of the diamonds in his possession. eta aie Here the diamond was shown the old miser. ’ “Tt is one of mine,” he said. “JT remember it well. swear to it.” uy Then Joe’s lawyer. took him in hand. a : “How much did you pay for it, Mr. Sesgar?” he aay ied “Three thousand dollars in gold,” was the reply. i hoe ae “Diamonds are valued according to weight and color, are I can a d Uiey not?” ; \. 1 “Yes; always.” fos : ii ght “ThE. you ‘know how many carats this one is?” oa Be “Well, I don’t really recollect,” was. the hesitating reply. ; “Don’t you keep a record of yeti: precious inate its Ve weight and value?” } ; “Sometimes. T do and ‘cénteuirnes note? ‘ 3 ; _ “That means that in this cane ‘you did not, does it”? “I did not weigh this one.” i - The judge was surprised. oe “Do. I understand you to say that you gaye: iiike eka dollars for & Sees without knowing how. much it Weleien hocies eco erie wolant i ‘said the ‘smiser confused, “At how much?” Seah ED ‘ “About. twenty-two rat ‘is “That will do. stand, ‘at called out a foe’ a lawyer. she told haxchory in a ee suclaliegrwend mann s ever 1 She also told how ght came : tol hy it in oe pres marking drawer ees night; now That article she had to bor- ee
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“Yes, sir. It weighs sixteen and a half carats exactly.” - “Will the court please send for a jeweler to come here and weigh this stone?” Joe’s lawyer asked. The judge ordered a messenger to go in quest of a well- known jeweler. In a little while the jeweler came in with his scales. He weighed the stone in the presence of the court. “It weighs just sixteen and a half carats, your honor,” he said, when he had finished weighing it. ; “That is all I have to offer,” said Joe’s lawyer. “And that is enough, I am sure,” remarked the judge. Seegar’s = sprang to his feet and began a savage attack on the charactér of Julia Thorne, ridiculing’ the idea of a poor _.. seamstress) owning a three thousand dollar diamond. mee “Her character has nothing to do with it,” said the judge, 4 “and even if it did the court is of the opinion that she is in- finitely more respectable than either you or your client. Let Sane ine ‘see that stone.” : As the judge reached out his hand for the diamond the great fire bell rang out. Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! At the first sound Joe sprang toward the door. Tom Tru- man tried to intercept him. Joe planted a blow between his ~ eyes that laid him senseless on the floor. -. “Stop him! Stop him!” cried’ the old miser, waving his arms | frantically above his head. ; But. no one attempted to stop him, On the contrary everybody seemed bent on getting out with - him. The judge himself stood up and gazed, on the scene with an interest which showed the, tendency of his sympathy, Julia Thorne almost fainted with fear. At last Joe ‘got out and’ bounded away like a wild deer. Haly Tea hundred people rushed after him, cheering at the top of their lungs, keeping up the chase to the engine house, and thence to the fire. 2 } “In the méantime Tom, Truman managed to regain his feet. 4 es "way to turn, till ole Solomon piarehahl seria up to him and ex- - claimed: —~ t : a “He has escaped! After him! Catch him and patng.t him Pe ‘dead or alive!” _ CHAPTER XIII. THE PRINCE : or ‘FIREMEN’S Bigicurtanticis 4 TRUMAN'S MISTAKE. first alarm from the great firé bell, Judge Walton as holding + the ‘diamond under dispute in his hand. He had just severely rebuked the old miser’s lawyer f for Ghote ha to asperse the | character of Julia Thorne. — X the greatest excitement and confusion. The court instantly : ceased to be a court, and every man tried to. keep. his eye on the prisoner, more to see the reeult of any attempt to hold him than anything: else. |, ; ; «AS ‘tha ste retained the diamond the old miser remained the ‘courtroom with his lawyer, Homie to gain ame er of JOH JECKEL. | He glared around in a dazed sort of way, not knowing which | ‘When Joe Jeckel’ ‘sprang away from. the ‘court-rooni at ‘hes Of course the prisoner’s exit from the nepariroons ereated | But after | he had gotten away the indge résimed his seat and | drew his revolver and ordered Joe to surrender. rapped tor order. Tom Truman, as soon as he had fully re-| g ned his senses, urged on by old Solomon Seegar; hastened pessiigr was ‘isenanee Dnt nobody was cit “Enough of that,” said the judge. “The prisoner is at- work this moment trying to save the lives and property of his foley low citizens, while you and your client are trying to ruin bh character. I think it has been conclusively proved that. this diamond belongs to Miss Thorne. Your client has sworn — : falsely. I don’t+believe he eyer saw this stone before to-day. — The diamond is hers, and the prisoner. is discharged.” : Old Solomon Seegar almost: tore his hair in his rage. 4 ap “T am robbed!” he exclaimed. “The diamond is mine,” % ie “The sheriff will/ please put the plaintiff out of the room,” © ordered the judge. The sheriff very peony obeyed, and ee: showed the miser to the door. » : Julia Thorne took the diamond, placed it in the pocket of her dress, and left the court-room. , There were not a dozen per- sons in the room when she left it: She tripped gracefully down. the steps and was half way down the block toward the next — street, when she was touched on the shoulder. = Looking suddenly around she found herself face to face with the old miser. Her first impylse was to scream and ¢all ‘for the police. But he spoke and asked: : “Will you sell that stone?” ? ; “No,” she replied. “Not for a. million dollars,” " “111 give you three thousand dollars in gold for, it. “You are not rich enough to buy it, since perjuring your self 3 for the purpose of getting it ae aoa she repHedg, Bs See ‘. to go. “Ha! ha! ha!” he laughed, with a ‘devilish maliciousnes j eyvou'll be glad to sell it yet, You'll get no more work in A pleton. That is my diamond, and you know it, I'll follow you to the ends of the earth till IT wats pou mie it up. or sell it to. me.” So fiercely did he hied his tran that she turned and fled as if for her life, leaving the old villain standing on. the street gazing after her. . She reached Mrs. Bowen’s boarding ahee! ina few minute rushing into the room where Mi const old lady sat, alia. 0 of breath. : “I got my diamond,” she exclaimed, showing the precious stone to Mrs. Bowen. 3 7 “T am glad for your sake, my dear child,” said the ola lad looking at the first rough diamond she ever saw in her life. ¢ 28 x s * & a out from the shops at a moment’s notice, with sooty hands ia faces. “s The fire was in a store acon 3 half mile from the engi ! ‘house, and was soon extinguished. Only about ten maaan were required for that purpose. “How did you come out, Joe?” Ben Burke aioe as, soon as he had a chance to talk to him. : “Wanged if I know!” said Joe, laughing. “when } hear the fire bell I knocked Tom ftraman down. ena. came out to. join you fellows. Paes Oe t ; He could have ‘said othe: that would have pleased ‘the boys more. They threw up their hats and shouted themselves hoarse, as they all started to rettirn to the engine. house. Ras! When about half way back Tom Truman met them. “You are an. escaped de he said; ag ainegt you, or alive.” Sey i ta ae Ben AES did. not ‘wait to see e what oe rou do
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th JOB JECKEL. idk @uiiind can come poking reyolvers at a man with a red shirt on and not get knocked down, eh, boys?” “No!” yelled the firemen. again. “Now let him alone, boys,” said Joe. court and see what has been done since I left there.” “We'll go with you!” cried Ben Burke. _*» “Yegs-—-yes—-get on the engine!” eried the others. He was peat ‘to the court-room. , ‘There Joe’s lawyer met him and told saulee the result of the case. . Then the boys yelled like lunatics, and made ey lawyer get ‘upon the engine with Joe. At the engine house they had a regular jollification over the affair. AGS said a etle Adams, “Julia: Thorne lost her sewing ma- “We'll buy her another!” cried one of the men. your money, boys!” | Every man put down a dollar—some even more—and in two minutes there was money enough to buy the pretty seamstress another and better machine than the one she had lost. - Joe was told to give her the money, the sum being handed to him for that ‘purpose. i When Joe returned to his quarters he found Julia almost prostrated by the excitement of the trial, to say nothing of the fire the night before. | ‘She’ smiled and congratulated him on ‘the result, of the trial, and said: s ey! shall never forget your kindness, Mr. Jeckel. 1ow I could repay you for——” “Oh, T can tell you how you can do that,” said he, interrupt- i ing her.’ “How, pray?” A BY accepting pete sum of money. which Mt CORPany Talsed If I knew "table in front ot tes as he sees She was dumfounded at first; and then burst into tears, alan ND world,” ” she said. “How can much T thank them. I can’t find words strong. enough.” the ‘Red Apples’ as a friend. That will please the boys,” r nd with that he left her and went upstairs to his room. ung dey, took up the voll: of bills inte bees counted sum exgoeded h her guess oder and she exclainied: f ‘Why, this is more than enough to buy me another machine! ow glad Tam! | “What a noble set of young. ‘men they. are!” | oon when Joe came down to dinner—for he had not b “kk to the shop to who wanted ‘to Ais bistoain: Tom rose to his- feet and was very promptly knocked down “T’ll go hack to the forced to get on the engine, and thus they escorted him back | “Out with |. | don’t believe in any other kind. _ When. I ies, it will be a mark.) Me Oth, ae didn’t “know there were such good people in the) I thank them? ‘Tell them how ‘afraid of work, she says.” { ion ‘Just take the money,” said Joe, “and count every member |. | stopped and chaffed them a few minutes. yey work-—she told him of her i tie an ; way, she and I will all on Miss Celia Atherby to-morrow nif “T will place it there.” And she seemed greatly relieved at having made up her mind about it. After dinner Joe escorted her to the bank, where ske left the precious stone on deposit. “Oh, you don’t know what a service you have done me, Mr. Jeckel,” she said, as they returned together to the boarding house. “But for you I don’t know what I should have done, I am sure [ would have perished in the flames,” “Well, you didn’t, and I’m glad of it.” “So am I,” and she laughed sweetly as a pee the re- mark. i fi That evening Joe paid a visit to little Bessie | Bikslow. Celia Atherby received him with a cordiality that made him feel per- fectly at home in the grand house. Little Bessie sat on his knee before ithe g wing grate and toyed with his watch chain, while, Miss Celia Atherby asked him about Julia Thorne and her uncut diamond. ee ’ “Poor girl!” she said. “She must have suffered much in-all these years she has been waiting for the return of her lover.” »y~. “Yes, indeed. But she is one of the uncomplaining kind whose love never dies, ee ““Ah! You don’t believe in such love, do you?” she deed “Indeed I do,” and he toyed with little Bessie’s curls. «ey. deathless passion.” “T believe you.” ; at “T am glad you do. It will be the same with you, OO, sbeyaun cause when you love it will be sincere.” _ i ' “TI know that full well,” she returned, “and therefore hope’ I shall not be so unfortunate as Miss Thorne is.” ; “You certainly deserve to be happy, for the happiness you. 4 confer upon others,” said Joe, with a glow of honest amines 4 tion in his eyes and face. f | ¢ nee “Tt is a true source of happiness to me to make othe nek i py,” and she aia os like a young gtr] as she made the re ne “Of course it A and it’s a true woman’ s heart that appreet- 2 ates ‘such happiness. (a ce would like ever so much to see Miss Thorne, ‘and do some. : thing toward aiding her to repair her losses by the frets: aera ay “You can do that. She is a apienid ‘seamstress, and hot . “Will you be so kind as to ask her to call ¢ on me?” she asliot. wi + “Yes, ‘it will, afford me great pleasure to do so.” That evening when Joe returned to his boarding house he found Durham. courting Sallie Bowen in the. parlor. Pee Fi “On: you ‘go. ‘long, now,” said Sallie, laughing; eda have more girls than you can attend to,’ I PUnDORe, spa court Miss ‘Thorne and her diamond eet aati a rae Joe laughed heartily. Ra : ile i Tag Oe “She ‘is better looking than her idtepnbni? ‘he said, F By the en|I guess she will have. a friend who. will be of more use to her uae than beaux,” and with a pleasant good en ae te his has ee Bes lovers pica in cae: oe
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rn “Because I thought his heart was turning in that direction since he found out she had a big diamond.” “Oh, as for that matter, somebody else was looking for the diamond before he was.” Durham turned white and red by turns, and asked: “Who told you that?” j “A little bird,” and she pouted as only a pretty girl with cherry lips could. ‘Well, I’m afraid there are some " gossippy birds about.” “Oh,” and she laughed. “People will talk, you know.” “Yes, and tell no end of lies,” he remarked. “That's bad. People ought not to tell you lies, ought they?’ ' “No, of course not.” They. did not have a lovers’ quarrel, though they came very -nearit, as Sallie was an incorrigible tease. ‘They kissed and parted, to meet and kiss again on the sly on the stairs before Fes age the next morning. # ‘Durham was angry. He suspected Joe of having told his dweetheart about finding ‘him raking in the ashes of the fire that morning. That, ; coupled with his disappointment in not finding the diamond, - caused him to indulge in a little bitterness toward the fireman. “Ah!” he hissed, clenching his fist in the solitude of his attic : room, “Td like to punch his head for ‘him, the meddlesome rascal.” "But he well knew he cpuild not indulge his malice to that Joe would be more likely to turn the tables on him uy - extent. “land punch his head instead. So he had to’give up that idea sy altogether. But he resolved never more to say a word in favor a of the “Prince of Firemen,” and that, he believed, in his im- “mensity of conceit, would eventually ruin him. u Qn his way uptown thé next morning Durham met Tom Tru- “ ey man on the street. His face was a sight to look at. Both eyes _ were well frescoed in the highest style of pugilistic art. His pty ‘nose. was swollen out of shape, and bruise-spots all over his ie showed how handy the firemen were with their ‘‘maulies.” “By George, Tom!” he exclaimed, as he gazed on the bat- tered countenance of the detective, “you. look as if you had -tackled.a cyclone!” “I did,” replied Tom, “and the cyclone got the best of it. But I am not done with it yet. Joe Jeckel will repent the long- : ‘y hé lives that he ever set his ‘Red Apple’ friends on me. onid handle* him, but not the whole company. it ‘Of course not. - He got off with the ‘diamond, though, aud ll bet he gets off with the girl who owns it.” ey girl doesn’t own it,” said Tom: “It belongs to aug mon.Seegar, | and——? ses the judge gave it ‘over. to her, and that’s nine points, now. Joe is right after her. tries Atherby’ 's house. to-night to see the rich owner of the Ath- very mills, ‘She'll get a position in the mills, I guess.” “The idea of a poor ‘mill-girl owning such a diamond as that! _ “Tha: what 1 I chink, But she apa it, for all that.” a law or a man n with a long purse.” ? FA hope the old man may ve it, Just eS keep y : | about. that?” Ss now that?” think not.” ; ‘ ia t let a soul know that you ‘a tie tio about him: to think Tam 1 laid ; JOB JECKEL. He is going to. take her to Truman,’ muttered the detective, as he walked briskly off down a cross street in the a) of the office of the old miser. ; He found the old miser in, and the’ two retibed to the little | i dingy back room and closed the door behind them. What passed between them eed will be better understood by the reader hereafter. They remained closeted together for nearly an hour, after which Tom came forth with a satisfied smile on his battered and bruised countenance. Even the old miser wore a look of satisfaction, and kept moving about like one whose mind was elsewhere than on the affairs of his estate. Tom Truman lost no time in doing. what he was paid’ he by old Solomon Seegar. He paid a visit to several saloons down near the river which were much HCO Hana by tramps. and disreputable characters. ; In one of them he found a certain man he was in search of. - They shook hands and then sat down to a small table ‘in a corner ‘to talk. 5 “I've got a job for you, Bill,” said Tom, “in which there is : money for you and some satisfaction for me.” is “I’m your oyster, Tom,” said the other, “for?i am dead broke | 2 ae 3 and don’t know where I can get even a dinner to-day ” “Well, there’s several good dinners in this job.” “I say, Tom, who did it?” Bill See asked, oon Tom’s Hattared countenance. “Well, there was a lot of ‘em, I am going to get even with 4 thé whole gang; dust Apne me your ear till I give you the pale 2 Ee thing.” . “All right; out with it. know.” . “That’s so. “We'll have a bottle of good brandy,” and he. straightway ordéred a bottle and two glasses to be placed on — the table. . : riers f After taking a drink each, the two worthies talked in ee pers for ten minutes, and then took another ‘drink, They. spent — nearly an hour in that congenial occupation, after which Tom But I can’t swallow it ary, ‘you arose, buttoned up oe coat, shook hands with Bill and left the saloon. “Tom Truman is a zood ain,” remarked Bill, litting up’ the bottle and seeing that half the contents: remained for him: “and Bill: Butts is the man to stand ‘by him through thick and thin as long as it pays. It don’t pay to go back on To - he has a grip with a sort of Sing Sing ring to it,” came aces out another drink of the cx stuft and Leeting it down. blocks. away. The night was beautiful, clear and fr osty. : . “What a lovely night for a stroll,” Julia exclaimed, _ ae his atm at the foot of the stoop. ; “Yes. Romantic lovers could not ‘ask tor: a better one,” r seg J09. some surprise. fi : ; “Yes, it’s true,” he aaa ‘ A Ra, sh tak y “Yes, \ when- there are so. many. pretty & girls who ‘woul to make a conquest: ‘of such a: gallant. as Mr. Secke “Ah! You can flatter well,” aad Age laug as they turned the corner Pace Ape Ae
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JOE JECKEL. residence—in the sixth block from here!” and the next moment he was gone, leaving her standing alone on the sidewalk. Men came hurrying by, some very much excited, anxious to know where the fire was. She stood there a minute or two, as if undecided what to do, when a carriage drove up to the curb: stone, and a woman put her head out of the window, and - asked: « - “Gan you tell me where the Atherby residence is?” ‘Why, I am going there myself,” said Julia. “It is down “this street here, about six blocks away, I believe.” “Ah!\ If you are going there,” said the woman in the car- * riage, “you are welcome to a seat in my carriage. Will you auf pecept it?” ' The driver sprang from the box and held ca the carriage Lie saa for her. ; -.. “Thanks,” said Julia, “You are kind,” and she entered the ye “carriage and seated herself by the side of the stranger. CHAPTER XV. THE DISAPPEARANCE OF JULIA THORNE. ° Joe Jeckel ran with all his speed to the engine house, reach- ing ‘there in time to rush into his red shirt and fireman’s hat. . Trumpet in hand he dashed away at .the head of his men for ___ the third district, which lay nearly two miles away. __ Away they dashed, and the other twp companies were not wet ‘very far behind them in the headlong rush. Be In a few minutes they reached the district, asking eagerly ws fea f the few pedestrians they met wheré the fire was. “oy ‘No one knew anything about a fire in that district, and no signs of one could be seen by the experienced firemen. \ _ “Its a false alarm, bahiee ” said Ben Burke, aftera short look ~ round. . “Yes, false alarm, se sua Joe, wonder?” sed like, to punch the fellow’s aia for him,” remarked mT “Adams. Bhs The other companies were equally disgusted, believing that 1 ‘somebody had sounded the alarm for the purpose of playing ar joke on them. , : ; They turned about and ‘ictudned leisurely to their quarters. : Asiifiremen they were used/to such trials, and did not long growl or grumble over what could not well be avoided. - “AS soon as he’could doff his red shirt and fireman’ ‘Ss iad Joe did so. and started for the Atherby residence. ; He was shown into the reception-room and his card taken up to the hostess. “Who could have done it, I haa! f “pearance, | Little Bessie had grown to be very fond of him, and had won his: whole heart by her sprightliness. *BOMOs) <2) \)"" “But eats is Miss Thorne?” she sean " that she would come with you. Sat en eae % se Joe sprang to his feet. — ra) ee a “Tg, she not with you? ” he asked. Cai Se “I have not seen her,” was the reply. ch) We. started out ‘together, : it halt: Bas ay re the fire alarm called me away. ay) e383 ai" heard) ” said Miss Atherby, “and thought that 4 alse one,” Jo oe e said “But w when e street till she found | hight to ask if she had shown up. town. matter to him,” plied. Celia Atherby sent little Bessie down to see him and. enter | Rt tain him with her childish prattle till she could put in an ap- ‘strangest thing that ever happened to me.” At last Miss Atherby epneanse and gaye him a cordial wel-| “ had echextell ; ‘When “She may have been alarmed by the alarm bell,” said Miss Atherby, “and thought it best to return home.” / “With your permission J’ll go back after her. It is not too late.” 2 “Certainly. I would like very much to see her.” 4 Joe kissed little Bessie and then bowed himself out. He lost no time in getting back to Mrs. Bowen’s, as he was anxious that the two ladies should get acquainted with each other. He met Mrs. Bowen at the foot of the stairs. “Did Miss Thorne come back after the alarm of fire?” he asked. “Why, no; she has not been back since you took her away.” “The deuce!” gasped Joe. t “Why, nothing’s wrong, I hope?” Be Aen the old lady. “Well, I don’t know. I was compelled to leave her on the street and run for the fire, telling her how to find Miss Ather- by’s residence. After returning from the emgine house I went to Miss Atherby’s'and found that she had not been there. It’s om very strange. I don’t understand it.” a “Oh, I guess she thought the fire would detain you a long — : time, and so made up her mind to visit some of her girl friends ‘ instead of the lady she intended to see,” * yi “Perhaps ‘she did, but I doubt it, I don’t think she would - do that, as she knew she was expected at Miss Atherby’s.” ; “Well, I can’t see why she eee go there, then. I hope no ~ harm has befallen her.” Rice eae Joe was in a great worry. i tees “She may not have found the house as readily as I could rj Ins have done,” he said to himself as he turned to retrace his foot- steps back’ to the Atherby: residence. He wandered up and down the street for some time, and then called at the Atherbys She had not. “By George!” he exclaimed, “I don’t understand it at a It’s the strangest thing that ever happened to Appleton to have a young lady mysteriously disappear right in the heart of the is Surely no foul play can have occurred, for I left her right ‘in front of Judge Walton’ s residence. Mrs. Bowen may be Tight in her conjectures, after all. She may have ‘gone to © see some friends, thinking the fire would keep me away maybe all night long. I'll go ja the, chigt of police and report, the ‘The chief was amazed. “Did she have that diamond in her. possession?” he asked. “No; she placed naet in the bank at my Lmigites on Joe re- . “Ah, I am glad pe sPhaos Sho: miky. Have. ealled on some | : friends. You had better wait till morning, and see if she turns: if up.” » ai “Well, T’ll do so if you think best, ” he said, “but it’s Se “Did she have any other | valuables with her?” the chet. j asked.) / ; “She had a small sum of money—something less than a hundred so dae Tr believe. uf not. to his home, ‘He: was not the man £0 give ip in the e service. | of innocent women, y re walk, up and ‘down. Shelby By chia he said. “She may have been lost or gone to see some friend. In either case she may ask some one to see her home. I would rather be on ee a, lookout for her.” Apical Up and down ‘the avenue pana adjacent streets he wandered j till long after midnight! He met a mumber of people going i. various directions, but none resembled : ‘the fait ae he wa
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See ee. eae oF ane JOR JSCKEL. them, though both of them stopped and whispered a few hur- ried words to each other. As he turned and wandered back down the street he saw |’ ‘the two men coming toward him; but he did not take them in his mind. -He was thinking of the missing girl as he went past them. As they passed one of them wheeled and dealt him a ire. mendous blow on the head with a sand club, felling him sense- less to the ground. ; \ ; if CHAPTER XVI. THE FAIR MAID IN THE TOLLS. When Julia Thorne entered the carriage of the strange lady Jon invitation she felt exceedingly fortunate. She did not like hither and thither in quest of the fire which had been pro- claimed by the great fire bell. i “Do you know where the fire is?” the strange lady asked as | the carriage drove off. “No, I do not,” she answered. “T was escorted by a gentle man who belongs to one of the fire companies. He had to leave me. That’s why I was alone on the sidewalk.” “That was unfortunate,” said the lady. -“Yes—for we were going to call on Miss Atherby. She will be disappointed in not seeing him, I fear.” “Who was, the gentleman?” ; nie | MET Jeckel,” “An! I have heard ‘of him. He is very saat with the ladies, is he not?” ~ “1 believe so.” \ The strange lady kept Julia so busy talking that she did not “notice that the carriage had gone far beyond the Atherby "mansion, _ ‘The truth is, it had heen so long since she had in- dulged in the: pleasure of a carriage vide that she forgot to take ny note of time. 78 ‘Suddenly She noticed that the gaslights were. more scattered, and that the houses were not such as the rich people of Ap- / Pleton J lived in, She put her face to the window and looked mee Mth? ‘Wwe have gone past the place!” she pest in sudaed ularm. “Have we? I will speak to the coachman,” and the woman 2) -moyed as if she was about to open the door. of the vehicle. _ Instead of doing so, she turned and clapped a. handkerchief to Julia’s face, holding it there with great firmness, : The young seamstress: made a quick and violent attempt to lislodge the handkerchief, as it, was saturated with something ‘which emitted a, pungent odor. " As her | head struck against the ‘pack of the carriage she T rag the: handkerehiet with both hands and anes it away. # ‘it “being alone in the streets when excited men were running: ‘several minutes. i was brought here insensible. last night. That strange woman 4 | Can that old miser have. anything todo with it?” se) “T don’t know. Where am 1?” “You are here in the Home,” said the old crone. “Home! ‘What home?” : “The Home for Afflicted Women and Girls.” — Julia was struck speechless with astonishment. She glared around the room again, and actually pinched her- self to see if she were not dreaming. But she was aiwake, as the pinch proved, and, after a patige of several minutes, turned to the old crone and asked: “How long have:l been here?” “About four weeks, child,’ was the quiet reply. “Four weeks!” She sprang up in bed and gazed at the woman as though she were one from the dead, “ “How did I come here?” she asked. aa, “You came in a carriage with a doctor and an officer. The — judge sent you here to be kept till you were cured,” * ie “Cured! Cured of what?” ; ' The old woman looked at her and shook her head, “You are better now,” she said, “and I am glad of it. Does your head hurt you any to-day?” — eal Julia turned deathly pale and dropped back « on the ped. The \ suspicion that she had been entrapped and ine: in a mad- house flashed through her mind. F Everything Seemed so like a dream that for eee minutes she could not collect her thoughts. In a mad-house! It could — not seem possible. She knew she was not insane. Her con- — sciousness was too strong for that. Yet she was in a-strange place—a home of some kind—and could not recollect how or when she canie there. ‘ MS The old. woman arose and moved about the room like one ac- customed to the house, Julia followed her with her éyes, her brain in a perfect whirl the while. Such’a flood of ideas, rushed upon her that she gave utterance to none—not chicas) what to say. ; At last the old woman passed out of the room and closed the door after her. Julia sprang up and ran to ie door to lock’ At and thus bar the old crone out. She found it already locked on, the other side. The discovery staggered her. She almost reeled across ‘the room to the one window which looked out aa} a garden, Horror of horrors! The window was barred, like that of a. strong prison, with heavy iron bars, ; She seized one of the bars with both. outs and exerted all” ‘ her strength against it. But it) was’ immovable, and she’ stepped back, a hopeless despair tugging at her heart, “Tam a prisoner in a mad- house,” she moaned, “I am not mad, but to stay here would make me so.- Oh, what does it all. mean? How has it come about?” 2s | She sank down into a chair and gave herself up to the hard- est thinking she ever did in her life,’ ? “That old woman spoke falsely,” she said, after a pause of tok we have not been. here as ‘Jong: as she says. > in the carriage is at the bottom of all. There was some power-) ful drug in the handkerchiet - which overpowered my senses, I felt my senses slipping away from me, and. then a bl fol. lowed. Yes; uy recollect it all now. But’ what does it mea Here she felt in her pocket. : “Oh® Charlie's diamond!” she onan, springing” t | feet and. feeling in the pocket ‘of her dregs. Seiten she a en she came ‘to she found herself lying on a bed ie a |a bre room with an ugly, repulsive-featured woman pear ol jer ecious stone in the bank he day ae eath of relief. She. sri ha that s t “Kh! on so glad Mr. J ; Sir iy
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=f = pastes JOE eee Then she burst into tears, a woman’s last refuge and solace. “Oh, what have I done that I should be so treated!” she moaned. “Will this mystery never end?” Burying her face in her hands, she wept a long time. Tears relieyed her, and after the crying spell she was in a better condition to face the situation. By and by the key on the other side of the door turned in the lock and the old woman entered. : “Oh, you are up, are you?” the old hag asked, as she entered ‘and glaneed around the room. “Yes. I am up. I’ve been looking for the money that was in my pocket last night, and can’t find it. Do you know any- thing about it?” ~The old woman looked at her in silence for a minute or two, and then shook her head. “You don’t know?” Julia asked. “No. You must be mistaken. You didn’t have any money last night, my child. You have been——” “Oh, I know better. You needn’t talk to me about how long ' I’ve been here. I know all about that. I was brought here in a carriage last night, after having been drugged by one of my own sex. My pocket has been rifled of every cent I had in the world.” The old woman simply looked at her and shook her head. “Poor child,” she finally murmured, “your head is not right ‘yet. But you must not excite yourself, or the doctor will order them to put you in the padded room)” Julia actually gasped for breath, and sank down into the chair again. Her face was pallid, and a horrible fear came over her. She had read stories depicting the horrors of mad-houses, and now she stood on the very brink of thosé horrors, liable at “any moment to fall into them. The padded room was for the - confinement of those whose malady urged them to personal : violence to themselves. She had heard of them. No wonder} she shuddered and gasped for breath! _. The old woman seated herself in another chair and gazed : at her. e was tall and angular, with’ a face that was very “much. ingot Solomon Seegar, the miser, Julia did not notice the resem lance till this moment. Then the thought flashed thr ough her mind that perhaps she was his sister. “The re- z semblance was very strong. i She tried to get up a pleasant expression. of coun- tenance, and finally said: — vii '“T am sorry you lost your money. But do you know, I think _ the manager of the Home knows where it is?” “Indeed! Is he the robber?” es i net a, ‘robber, Patients: are ceived when ieene and everything of value taken away from them, te be re- . é and eft the 0 losing and locking ’ The surgeon was called up Be one of ane nurses. He \ was. ia settles, ar o the weapon that had been used. | seemed ‘far more. dead than alive, oF the pg shook ‘Ai head as he looked at him. iy iy “Your money is safe,” she said, “and will be returned to you | when you leave the Home.” “But when can I leave?” Julia eagerly asked. “That’s for the doctor to say. I know nothing about your case myself. What does an old nurse like me know of people’s maladies?” *“Could you aid me to escape from this place? I’d willingly give you all the money they took from me if——” “No—no—no!” said the old woman, shaking her head. could, but—but——”. “But what! Speak, woman!” and the excited girl sprang forward and emg the old crone’s arm and held to it like a plank. | “That money would not pay me one tenth as much as I would lose if I suffered you to escape.” Julia gave a groan of despair and fell back into the chair. #ey) CHAPTER XVII. SAND-BAGGED. When Joe Jeckel was felled to the ground by a sand-club on the night of Julia Thorne’s disappearance, he was left there. alone. His assailants fled, and a half hour later a night, i watchman ran across him on his rounds. The watchman did not recognize him, and quite neraieity™ took him to be one who had been overcome by too much drink, an But he did not shirk his duty under the circumstancés. He Say whistled for help, and a policeman responded. 5 Ea Nd di iy “What's up—a drunk?” the pater ea 4 as he came i up. ) oa “Don’t nde edsake ” was the reply. “He’ sa well-dressed " drunk if he is.” The officer turned his face toward the figure and flashed ite lantern upon it. He started as if stung, ks exclaimed: a “Why, it’s Joe Jeckel!” : “Gosh! is that so?” y “Yes, I know him well. Say, we must get him t to. the hom pital as soon as possible. He isn’t dead yet.” A One of them remained on the spot : while the other ran to’ HH * nearest station to summon an ambulance, ‘hs ’ The vehicle came after a time, and he was taken up and carried to the same “ia at waich he had been treated be fore. Oy i s- tonished at seeing Joe back under his charge so soon. The ‘policeman told. where he had been found, and the y But the experienced surgeon soon determined she ie ; “Sand- “bag,” he said, and tues +adh steps to restore onset less to his. patient. i That was not such an easy te to ne The concussic one through | his whole frame, lear down to his” heels. But. the surgeon was not a man. to give up as tite as glimmer ‘of hope remained. After several hours of hard wo: i he succeeded in starting the circulation again, and a litt e | later Joe opened his eyes | and looked. up at the doctor. His tho nts Ree hen scattered, ite? and it was some ime
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a rare atl, 4 Joe looked hard at him and asked in return: . “Have they found her?” “Found who?” “The young lady—Julia Thorne?” “Why, where is she? Whai’s the matter with her?” the be- wildered surgeon asked. Joe looked all around the room, as if in search of her. Then he turned again and asked: “Have they found her?” . “We know nothing of her here,’’ replied the doctor, shaking his head. “We have your case to look after now.” ( “What's the matter with me?” he asked, in some surprise. “You’ve been sand-bagged.” Joe started. “Sand-bagged!” he exclaimed, raising a hand to his head. _ “Ah! I remember feeling a terrible shock, as if a thunderbolt Be kad dropped on me, and that’s all I can recollect.” ti ell, you.are lucky to recollect that much, I think. You were found lying insensible on the ground on James street about two o’clock this morning, and sent here in an ambu- Hance. You are lucky in being alive at this moment.” Joe closed his eyes and tried to think. He recollected pass- ing two men just a moment before the awful shock sent him to earth. But he took no notice of them, his thoughts being so much engrossed by the object of his search: ' “How do you feel?” the doctor asked. “All broke up,’ he ba tates “Can you pull me though, Hi doctor?” “Yes, I think we can.” “Do it, then, and let me know if they find her. Send word 46 Miss Celia Atherby and also to my landlady, Mrs. Bowen.” ‘The doctor called in’a messenger and wrote a note to each “of the ladies he mentioned, and sent them off. . am ‘Celia Atherby was at breakfast when the note was handed to her. She was thrown almost into a spasm of nervous ex- ‘ citement by the news that Julia Thorne, had not been found, x and that J oe Jeckel had been picked ue oad on the street a : “Good Heavens!” aus extlaimed, “what will uae next, yonder?” fe she explained Shs situation to her sister yada aiy good. ” “Because I wish to do them good, ” she replied. orthy people. Mr. Jeckel is a hero in every sense of the word. He saved the girl’s life, and has been trying to protect ever ‘since the story of her uncut diamond came out. 3 4 going to. the ‘hospit 1 to see him, and get! all the informa: tion can. Lam: ‘deeply interested in that girl, Myra. ae \h! You are interested more in the ‘Red Apple’ ‘fireman, ” remarked the widow. "should E se be? He, is the nly real hero in the town, as efore. the i later she entered the Hoapieal and + was mown to] i de i the young ee of Firemen,” JOE JECKEL. “They are | ‘ey am back in my old quarters again, ” he said, after piers her cordially. “Yes, and the doctor says you came véry near going ods to the cemetery.” “Well, I got half way, I suppose,’ and he smiled as he raised ite ‘a hand to his head. Then he asked: “Have they found her?’ “No, she has not been seen.” A look of pain swept over his face. “Where do you suppose shé is?” she asked. “T have no idea.” ; “She may have been spirited away for the purpose of rob- bery.” ' “She had nothing with her but a little money in her piu'se. That diamond was deposited in the bank yesterday, and is safe. The bank ought not to give it up except to her in person.” “T’ll see that it is kept for her alone,” said Miss Atherby. “Thanks. She has no friends or relatives in this city.’ “She has friends in you and me,” said Miss Atherby. : “Yes, yes; she is blessed in your friendship. She wanted as if he regarded her as something more than human. “T shall engage the best detectives that can be found,” said Miss Atherby, “and instruct them to spare no f*pense in the search for her.’, “How good nee generous you are!’ he exclaimed. people. Your presence here and interest in———” “Oh, don’t flatter me right here before the doctor,” she said, interrupting him, “or he might think you worse vane you are, © and physic ou accordingly. ff “He is too good a physician to make er Re a mistake,” was the quick reply. . i “Ah! There’s one for you, doctor! and she laughed provokingly at the handsome surgeon, “Yes, and. it’s a good one,” said the doctor. it P’ll blush like a rose as it falls from your lips.” “Qh, then I won't do it, A man is a hardened wretch when no one but a woman can make him blush.” “Oh, Lord! at the surgeon’s expense. : “Yes,” | replied the doctor, “for the present! just wait. He lignans best who laughs last.” “Rorgive me, doctor,” she said, extending her hand toward him. “I didn’t mean it.” “Of course you didn’t. It was but the natural sharpness. of your tongue. You eouldn’t help it, 34 and he offered her his arm toiescort her out to her carriage. ‘ POSS War th < Ae Peas! 4 t onaPrER XVIII. a vi oN THE : TRATL—“SAVE Mop! afek Mr!” o “The sudden disappearance of Julia Thorne and ike dentine as- eee on Ji oe Jeckel created the wildest bandennaae ws in ADI tk Nine dl rew eward for ties safe retum 4 and dus t of he | abductors ; Stipty - all was Tom ‘or man. e “If there were more like you the world would be brighter for many poos _ \| so much to see you,” and Joe looked up at the beautiful woman 4: ay e 7, Yet you don’t blush,” $e. i 2 you ‘i bai ciee ae rn i ‘That settles you, Bots. and Joe laughed heartily | hi ‘ ro i.
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JOE eee But his naturally strong constitution pulled him through. and on the third day he was able to leave the hospital and re- turn to hisiown quaMers. . Yet he felt shaky on his legs, and did not attempt any violent exercise. A week passed, and still Julia ‘Thorne had not been heard _ from, The réward of a thousand dollars had set the ‘detec- tives at work, but-as they had no clews to go upon they re- _Mained in the dark. Every one had a theory of his own,and ventilated it freely. No two agreed theoretically. . | ‘In the meantime Joe Jeckel had recovered his usual strength one and.spirits. He went to his ‘employer and begged for a two ‘weeks’ vacation.’ The warm-hearted man promptly granted ‘his request. He then went back home and prepared for a visit down to New York city. The next day he returned from the metropolis, where he had _ been ehanged-into an old gray-hairéd, white-bearded man, ap- parently sixty years of age. The disguise was perfect, ashe ; went around among a number of his most intimate friends. '~ None of them suspected his identity. “Ah!” He said, “They will not suspect the quiet old man of. being Joe Jeckel,” and he looked around at many people he : knew as he passed along the street. “I will get on to Tru- _ Bian’ 8 trail now, and see where it will lead. If he is not con- ‘cerned in _the Birl’s disappearance I am sure he knows who _sand- Hageed me.” » That’ evening he kept an eye on the detective, And saw him leave his quarters and stroll down Hudson avenue. He made up his mind to follow him. He took the other side of the e avenue and made his way in the same direction, but as one ho. did not even appear to know that the other man was even in existence. f f . The chase led clear out beyond the limits of the town. s “Oh, ho!” thought Joe. “This means something, An ad- venture, if nothing more. I am your shadow, Tom Truman. f Go ahead. ie After going about a halfemile bey ond the town Tithits Tru- man seemed to think it strange that an old man should be tak-, ing Such a walk in that direction at the same time as he did. stopped and gazed at the old man, The starlight was just Ha clear enough for him to make out that it was an old man. +. To satisfy himself Tom crossed over and accosted him with: “Say, are you acquainted in. this neighborhood?” “Yes, a little. Why? Are you lost?” » “Well, no, not exactly Jost, for I know my way back, at least.’ Do you know where Dan Griswold’ Ss place is?” ; Yeu, about a half mile further on, A big hig HODES on - the right hand side Going there?” rac 7 “Yes, How far are you going?” a: ‘I am dust walking: for air and exercise. q mH ay. ee re a) Don’t know how you think you will go as far as Dan’ 's place?” . t know. I may, and then I “may not. DEE I feel too 1ed I shall’ turn back. ‘It not, I may go" ees, beyond ‘seemed Sean. M ; y do you. ask?” the old man (Saat: atter a pause. poi tit theta”: FS atne (Sat t “Ol T sedhar ao ‘that, s sir. + ‘Dan ae 1 are not friends by] Ve. onee had a lawsuit.” << vn a f mn,” to make her believe that she sympathized with her. it, and my ‘discharge would be oe result.” claimed. Julia. eae i | another. If you could pay me $1,000, or give me——” — that they found a little bank book in your possession whic cause, Afi you 0 that t far, I would 2s a fayor at peas {he comes back. ee sae a Wal a ‘note there tor ae, and Tet me: ‘80 back Na : ae nee in my hands, and shall ever remain so.” Joe so well disguised his voice that Tom never suspected his identity. Yet he was evidently annoyed at the cool leisure of the old man, who said his name was’Bacon. He wondered he never met this Bacon before, and was about to ask how it was he had not, when both were startled by cries in a shrill female voice: ‘Help! Help! Oh, for God’s sake help!” The next moment a woman caine running toward them, ery- ing out: ! “Save me! Don’t let her touch me!” ‘She was pursued by another woman, a tall angular old woman, who dashed up and caught her, saying harshly: “Come back, you young hussy! I'll teach you to run away!” | Tom dtood irresolute, but Joe sprang forward and caught hold of the young girl, who clung to him, erying: “Oh, save me, good sir! I am not mad—I am——” “My God! It’s Julia Thorne!” exclaimed Joe, “Yes—yes—save me! Save me!” P Tom Truman sprang at the old man, with a gleaming Bieta ; in his upraised hand, i : CHAPTER XIX. i. THE CAPTIVE MAIDEN. — When the old woman declared that the money sitet had ‘been taken from the pocket of her dress was ‘not enough to purchase a chance of’ escape, Julia Thorne felt her heart. sink in her breast like a lump of lead. Her, last hope was gon She felt like giving up in despair and ending the wretchedness, of her life by suicide. Seated in the chair once more, she gazed at the old woma like one in the depths of hopeless despair. The old crone trie But the ; young seamstress turned away from her in profound: —. af 4 asked. : “] mean this: If you escape, i would: be held respon “Oh, it could be managed so’ as not to reflect on you!” ox “No; carelessness ‘would be charge’ to me, and I would wes lose my situation. An ‘old woman like me could not easily find “Oh, God!” groaned Julia, in anguish as well as “diemay “That money they took ‘from me is all I have in the world. ish “Are you sure of that? I heard them say down in the omice showed a diamond on deposit. 2 Julia. turned pale and red by turns. ; “Have you not heard the story of that diamond ” she aske “No; what is it?” PA Julia then. gave her the history of it, ending with: ieee ss 8 , “So you see it: ‘is not tains, It is his—sent. to me to keep ‘tall sep ti “But if he never comes: Daek? evel years is a res time ¢ wait. He will never return, so it a5 eae y a Julia shook her head. . ; “His property is not aes she out ‘say, “put a sac eyes flashed, but the young maide did ne a ha The old biagirse
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+ gee . JOE JEOKEL. | Julia made no reply. ‘She was thinking of him to whom she had been true so long. ; No power on earth could have induced her to part with the trust he had confided to her hands. Hers was a love that never faltered, and her faith in the constancy of her lover was as unshaken as the eternal hills. ; After waiting a while longer the old woman arose and left the room, locking the door after her. Julia dropped back into the chair and rocked to and fro in bitterest anguish. Her tears flowed long and copiously, and when they ceased the dark mantle of night had closed around her, Hour after hour passed, and still she sat hers) waiting for - the old woman to reappear with a light. But she waited in vain. The old crone never came. é At last, tired, hungry and sleepy, ee threw herself on the bed and cried herself to sleep. She was awakened by hearing some one moving about in her Yoom, On looking around she saw the old woman:placing a small tray on a little table in a corner of the room. On the tray she noticed, a cup of tea, two pieces of toast and a piece of butter. _ “How is your head this morning?” the old” crone asked, on seeing her awake. “My head doesn’t trouble me in the least,” was ihe: reply, as she arose antaipore? at the tray, “but my stomach does, for eat am very hungry.” } j at eye am glad your appetite has come back to you,” the old : woman ‘said. “For a whole week you wouldn’t touch a morsel of anything.” “Can you get me a basin es water? and hands.” “Yes, Pl get you some,” and the old crone left the room, loeking the door after her. “Oh, will she ever forget to turn that detestable key?” moaned Julia. vat makes my blood run cold every time I oud by the water came, and the fair prisoner had the USUre of bathing her face and hands for the first time in ee days. nee ya sat down and ate the simple meal i oyerlooked the garden beyond. Julia could not avoid watching her as she stood there. The profile of that ugly face stirred up the ashes ot: her memory to such an extent that 1e suddenly asked: ¥ aii “will you tell me your name?” i “The old crone seemed surprised, and turned square around Me “why do you wish to sexi my name?” she asked. i d nurse like mo don’t, amount’ to anything, i] ol “Your. face seems strangely familiar to me,” said Julia. “I have seen you before somewhere. Your face is in the rubbish of my memory, and I have been trying to. recall where it was “h Boge, LE don’t t think you rer saw me ni you came Heres a mene | mean tin last night but one,’ suggested Julia, “No; I mean a month ago. You have never been able to seem onal till yesterday morning. veaie my face may seem iliar to you on that account.” “Have you ever been in England?” Julia asked, Be oe no tention to the old crone’s lying. dynamite ign cial exploded at her fee ; n England?” ‘ I wish to wash my fare | saying: grip. an infant in the old Wwoman’s arene: to his tak that he actually scented the BEE Pe “ph What? England?” exclaimed ‘the old ‘woman, as shoulder, landing on the old woman’s cheek, Pots 4a : wget os ra { 1 ri x and sat down in a chair nearest the corner of the room. She seemed averse to any more conversation on the subject, and asked: “Shall I bring you another piece of toast?” “No, thanks. I’ve eaten enough: If you wish_to do me a kind act, tell me how long you think I will be kept here.” “How. can I tell? Who can say? When you are cured, or. pronounced cured by the doctor in charge, you will be allowed to leave, and not before.” “The idea is that I am insane, is it not?” “Yes; the judge ordered. you to be sent here, to remain until eured.” Julia said no more. She arose and paced the floor while the old woman placed the things back on the tray and took them out of the room, not forgetting to lock the door after her. “O God!” groaned Julia, “this is horrible! I prefer death to this awful suspense. “I know. I shall do something des- perate.” The day passed, and the old woman aia not make her nie pearance till sunset. Then she brought in more tea and” toast. Thus a whole week pansed; and the fair prisoner made up her! mind to escape or die. She determined to make an attack on the old woman, and dart out of the house and run.for life ere she could recover, from her surprise. Accordingly, she went to work to wrench off a-leg from the. little table in the room, When she had done that and se- cured the leg she swung it about as a club for some time, try- ing to see how best she could use it. mm That evening she stood by the door when she heard the old nd: Woman coming with the tray. As soon as the door opened the table leg descended on the 5) old crone’s head with a force that sent visions of stars through her head, and the supper tray skimming across the room. The next moment Julia Thorne darted past her, and flew along a corridor, at the end: of which was a door. That she quickly opened, and sprang out into the frosty air. Then she fled at the top of her speed, going she knew not where. The . next moment she heard some one pursuing her, and she screamed for a / CHAPTER XX. THE DUEL TO THE DFATH—JOE RESCUES JULIA ‘THORNE, | u p When the disguised fireman. saw the detective’s green: knife about to descend upon him, he drew back his good right and and gave the villain a blow on ‘the chest that sent him. reeling backward several feet. Then he pushed Julia aside, f ts t 4 ph “Wait till I punish the Periderinn prea Ay odo) ; pat ’ But ere the detective could rally to the. Attacks: the old : woman had seized the ‘young girl ised usta her with an iron ia us ie ¥ She was neipless as ae Julia screamed for help in her terror. ep “Hands bid old woman!” Quick as a flash his right | hand | shot/out ee from 7 2 went like a. log. ® at, you old hag!” hissed J
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ee JOR JECKEL. around in search of the old erone. “If she is gone we are glad to get rid of her.” “Yes. I hope I shall never see her ugly old face again, Is. he dead?” “T think so. He is very still and quiet.” ' “Oh, this is horrible!” and the young girl shuddered. “Please take me away?” She clung to him as if ie were hér only hope in life. He 7 eaught her arm and held her firmly, saying: oe “Have no fear now. I'll stand by you as Jong as I have life.” | “T don’t doubt you in the least. Are you hurt?” “No, I don’t think I am. Can you tell me where you have been all this week past?” “IT have been a prisoner in a house which they said was a home for women and girls,” was the reply. “Well, it’s the strangest thing I ever heard of,” said Joe. “Yes, and the old woman tried to make me believe that I had been out of my head, and that the judge had sent me to tho fy, home to be cured. She said I had been there a month when HM I came to the next morning. But I knew better, and told her so. They robbed me of every cent of the money the okey ae jt gave me, and now I am penniless again.” ey “Don’t let that trouble you,” said Joe. “You have more — friends now than ever before in your life. Miss Atherby is so. rat much interested in you that she authorized the mayor to offer “A one thousand dollars reward for your recovery.” “Oh, how can I repay such ‘kindness? I icin deserve it)! i and she began to cry. A “Yes, you do. You deserve all your friends can do for you. That. thousand dollars’ reward will fall to me. I shall turn 5b over to you, and——” d 2 MED Seah “Oh, Lord, Mr. J eckel!” she. gasped, “a, thousand Peat 4 Why, it’s a fortune!” . \ ' “I’m glad you think so. We are going to Miss Atherby’s now. I think we had better’ £0, there first.” Joe led the young seamstress to the Atherby mansion, where f he revealed his identity and told the gt of petit: Thorne’s rescue, i 4 cs iy) : 4 of your row,” and the young hero drew his knife and prepared to fight with the daring detective. : von Truman evidently suspected his identity when he asked the - question, and now exclaimed: “Take care of yourself!” “Never mind about me,” said Joe, parrying a blow and malk- ing one in return, , “Oh, God, help my protector!” cried Julia, in her terror, as she saw the two determined men warily parrying for a death blow at each other. “Keep out of the way, Julia!” said Joe, ach taking his eyes off his antagonist a moment. “Take the old- woman’s pistol from her—quick!” : Julia did not wait for another word, but sprang forward and |. bent over the prostrate form of the old woman. j She saw the revolver lying where it had fallen- when the old erone went down, and promptly picked it up. The old woman had been so hard hit that it took her several minutes to pull herself together again. When she did the duel i between Joe Jeckel and Tom Truman was furiously raging. “Round and round they moved, both wary, and at the same time as fierce. as two tigers. Suddenly Tom made a desperate lunge at Joe’s chest. But the blow was parried, ne Tom’s foot slipped.” ; Down he went, and was at the mercy of the brave fireman. “Get up,” said Joe. ie never strike a man when he is down!” _ Tom sprang to his feet, and, alec uttering a word, re: > newed the combat. . ; 4 At one time their blades met above their heads and a stre of sparks flashed from them. Julia trembled from head to foot, but held the rev olv er steadily at the head of the prostrate old - ‘woman. ia By and by the young girl grew so absorbed in the death ite struggle that was going on within a few feet of her that she forgot the old wretch who was lying at her feet. The old -cerone saw how absorbed. she was, and at once took ‘steps to make her escape from the dangerous locality. She dared not rise up on her feet and thus invite a shot from the pistol in Julia Thorne’s hand. But her low cunning sug- gested another and safer way to escape. That was to crawl “away, and she did so, under the cover of darkness and the ter-| ;, 5: _ ible death struggle that was going on so near at hand. Tay i ah ABS ACCUSING THE OLD MISER. oe Sy weak At last Tom thought he saw an opening in Joe’s guard, and | quickly rushed in, only oy receive a deep cut in his tett ; shoulder. : That’ P one!” Hise Joe, “Pl give you another presently.” “Tom made no reply. : He was breathing hard and fast. The cool confidence and tantalizing way of the demubleds fire- Iman made him - wish he had not begun the fight. To retreat now was out of the question. He had to kill or be killed, and | he resolved to fight to the, death. tart ea). ie in he made a rush to get inside of J e's guard, and was. t on the point: of Joe’s” - ; Me killed! ’ burst from Truman’ Ss tpl, as he peace ivvay| paces. © Joe. watched ‘him, suspicious. of a trick. But i laggered. about, trying to keep his feet; in ‘a minute or 80. he a pped, falling all. in a heap. - + cried jthe seamstress, muehing forward and throw | € rselt te hisarms. it : i CHAPTER SRL. M, Jeckel. made his ‘way to police headquarters The chief ha not gone: ‘home. i “Fello, Joo!” the chief exclaimed, for the young Pe haa | thrown aside his disguise. “What's up now? You etal g0 to \the fireto-night!” = Ale “No, but I have found Julia Waonae: cat wR “The deuce you say!) Where is anor ; oe pi lage the abhi i, ( y aye asked. f aie ii “She has been held a close prisoner ina house on, vie skirts of Appleton. | “She escaped from the ne my making a ‘club of a table leg and welting , an old woman over the he I with it, _T was | disguised, following Tom Truman, when he the voice and interfered | to save her, “when Tom 1 me with a knife. I knocked the old woman out wi one blow of my? fist, and then turned my attention 0 He ve fought some ten alates 1 haha race when
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half mile beyond the village line. I’ll show you where he lies,” “T can’t go, Joe, but I'll send Sergeant Emmet and Officer Hicks with you, with the ambulance.” “All right; send Em along. had.» thought he would do so, but luck was against him.” JOE. JECKEL, ; But come out with me, and] his own responsibility. I am,not responsible iu: any of his acts.” ; “But I happen to know better, old man. You agreed to pay Tom $100 per month to work up the diamond case against me. It was the toughest fight I ever} He went into the abduction business, and now you had better Tom was determined to wipe me out, and at one time [| own up and make a clean breast of it.” The old miser turned pale as death at Joe’s words, and, Joe went with the two officers, and they found the dead body dropping into a seat, exclaimed: where it had been left. ‘police station. Though it was’ midnight when the body arrived at the sta- tion, quite a crowd was on hand to see it. The news had They took it up and carried it to the “Before Heaven!’ I don’t know what you are talking about, Joe Jeckel!” “Where did you get the black eye?” Joe asked. “T ran against the door last night, and hurt myself, ” was the spread quickly, and quite a number of people got out of their reply. beds to go down to the station to get the particulars. _ ehief of police. “Oh! come off, now, old man. Tom was in your employ. He “T say, chief, shall I surrender to you?” Toe asked of the | Was working for you, and no one else, or——” Clang! Clang! Clang! went the great fire bell, and Joe Jeckel . “fdon’t think you should,” was the reply, “as the fight was| ‘urmed and ran down the steps as fast as his heels could carry 8 in my jurisdiction. You had better give yourself up to the him, leaving the chief of police alone with the old miser. sheriff.” “All right. Where is he?” “At home in bed,” said some one in the crowd. | “Well, I'll go down to his house and, give myself up,” r - marked Joe. “Qh, go home and go to bed,” said the chief, “A man has the 3 ee to defend himself anywhere. Go home and go to bed.” The next day all Appleton was in a fever of excitement. Peo- cee could not understand why Detective Truman should be con- - cerned in the abduction, unless it was for the purpose of try- ng to get possession of the diamond which Julia Thorne had kept so long, in anticipation of the return of her lover. Joe was kept busy the next day telling how the thing | yeried. “him. ie ih inond case?” the chief asked. “¥es; I know it.’ _ “Then , the old rascal knows something about that abduc- tion, Cay iy i : “7 think so, too; but we NES no proof of it,” said Joe. “ “fxactly. Jie may escape after all. I would like to see him pains him a few questions, anyhow. 3 “So would I,” added Joe. “I think he would do anything to get possession - of that diamond. Julia says the old woman who had charge of her looked enough like old Solomon to be 1is sister, though she was much the uglier of the two.” ‘I never heard that he had a sister,” remarked the chief. a Did you ever hear anything about him before he came here “twenty years ago?” £4 tee } e No, nor where he came from, either.” ‘ --Well, I want to call on him,” said Joe, “and I want ve to o with me.” “what: do you want to see him about, Joe?” the chiet asked. ‘as detective hereafter.” e ef his anne ase oe 1d skinfint turned eae and became almost ‘too weak | d when the two men entered his office. . He glared at Joe, and asked: ech abes ‘ie 9 you want here, BIRO ey una ne ree oe et “You say Truman was hired by Seegar to work up the dia. | culation as to its’contents. ‘I wantito suggest to him that he employ an | honest, rain The chiet laughed and said he would satis ma, him, and they sured all the time, but still, part of the loss ‘will fall on hit But he was a ‘and the others “were threatened. } and fifth were to be blown up. ray if Clang! Clang! went two more strokes of the great bell, and. then the old miser sprang to his feet. “In the fifth district! I have lots of property there! ‘Let e. | Me go—let me go!” and he darted past the chief of police ate: & madman, and rushed: out into the street. CHAPTER XXII. THE PRINCE OF FIREMEN AT WORK, The chief of police was left alone in the old miser’s Office af- Not a soul in all the town had a word of blame for| ter that individual fled in a panic in the direction of the fire. « He glanced, ‘around the dingy little den and made a mental cal- ~ An old safe, which had done duty for years, stood in one corner, and a high ha near a window in another. Bverything seemed to be in its place, from the big ledger to the pen on the desk. “The old man is very methodical in ‘nis ways,” remarked the -_ b “No wonder he has. grown rich, for everything he touches turns to gold. What will he ‘do with it all when heis | He can’t take it. chief, compelled to cross over into the next world? with him, and yet he is evidently engaged in criminal devices . to add to his wealth. He could live like a prince now on the income of his property. Yet he lives like a miser, hoarding his dollars as if he feared he would yet die in the poor house. Ah! ~ there’s a second alarm, That fire must. be a big one. I ought to go and see that good order is kept. Yet, if I leave here now that old rascal may say I abstracted something from his” office - in his absence. I must go, though, and take the ehanees. - He left the office, closing. and locking the door behind» him, putting the key in his pocket. Then he thee Same to the fire in the fifth district. | “Ah! it’s the old rascal’s block, ater all!” Sadietaian the chief, when he saw where the fire’ was... . “He ‘keeps well in, There he is now, ‘tearing around like an old lunatic!” The fire was rapidly deyouring a row of frame houses be- | longing in part to the Seegar estate. There were ten houses_ in the row. Three of ‘them were ‘already wrapped - in flam To save SES: others, soe The chief of the fire department ‘30 ‘decided ne érdered, and The Eee Stet ant ae old man,” nee Joe, looking him full in ‘the | Joe Jeckel, the foreman of tae “Red Apples,” was told to doi
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: JOW JECKEL. powder away! Take it away! You wish to destroy my prop-| termined gleam in her eyes. She began with the story of her erty for revenge!” t abduction, and during its recital a pin dropping on the floor ~ “Get out of my way, old man,’ ‘said Joe, ‘or I’ throw you| might have beén heard. Suddenly she raised her voice, and, i. into the fire.” a looking at Solomon Seegar, said: “Take it away! Take it away!” the old man cried, growing _ Inete frantic every moment. He caught up a keg of powder at Joe’s feet and ran away with it. Joe ran aiter him, seized the keg and gave the old miser a blow that sent him reeling half way across-the street. “Murder! Murder!” yelled the old man. ‘The police ran up and took him away, leaving Joe free to do his.duty.. i 7 A few moments later the house was blown up. The other , !ollowed, and the progress of the fire was checked: The police carried the old miser to the station and locked him up in th® same cell into which he had been instrumental ;. in-casting Joe. Thére he raved like a madman for an hour, . declaring that the fire department had conspired to: ruin him because of his shaving accused Joe of stealing his diamond. “Shut “up, ola man,” ordered the sergeant in charge of the. Station, 3 “] won't!” was the frantic reply. “I am being ruined. Ill sue the town. They are destroying my property.” An hour later the inquest over the déad body of Tom Tru- eee was held at the police station. ; Joe and Julia Thorne were present. Solomon Seegar was also sent for, and he came, trembling from head to foot. ~ *“Tdon’t see why you sent for me,” he said to the coroner, as he éntered the station. “What had I to do with his death?” e “That's what we want to find out,” said the coroner. “I un- | derstand. that he was in your employ when he was killed. Is ‘that true?” . “No, sir. I had made an agreement with him to pay him a _, certain reward for the recovery- of my diamonds and the con- iction of the thief. Iam willing to make that agreement with ev ry man in this room, But that would not be taking them into. my employ, would it?” “Well, no, not in the fuilest sense of the term,” replied the - coroner. “But there are witnesses present who swear that “Tom Truman told them. that. you were ‘paying him so much per “month to hound down the man who killed him.” ey am aot) responsible for what Tr uman may have said. 1 nade no such bargain with him.” : “Then you know nothing about the cause of the killing?” “Nothing watever)’ further wen what I had heard Truman), say.” per aee j (cy “IT know more to-day than I did yesterday, and am sure that Mr. Seegar knows all about the abduction.” . CHAPTER XXIII. THE OLD MISER WEAKENS. | Julia Thorne’s words fell like a thunderclap on the coroner and spectators. Solomon Seegar glared at her in dumfounded amazement. He could not for a moment or two realize what had struck him. He was conscious, however, that something bigger than a ’ mountain had fallen on him. A death-like pallor overspread |his leathery face, and big ‘drops of cold perspiration stood like beads on his forehead. “What do you mean, Miss Thorne?” the coroner asked, as | soon as he could recover from his astonishment. “T mean just what I say,” she answered—“that Mr. Seogar knows all about the abduction.” ‘ “{_don’t—know—anything—about it,” gasped the miser. “Yes, you do,” said Julia. “I know you now, though not Re fore? ' Just then the old miser’s awyer arose to interfere, but wa cut short by the clanging of the great fire bell. ; : Joe Jeckel sprang to his feet and made a break for one of fe side windows of the station-house. There were too. many mer between him and the front door for him to make an exit that way. Nearly a score of other firemen were present, and thei very rough and unceremonious way of leaving came near creat ees ing a panic in the room. Quite a number of people prese thought the police station was on. fire, and also joined in the mad rush to get outside the building. i . So ey left, including the principal witness, that the coro- ner was on the point of adjourning the inquest till next mo: ing. But as all the facts of the killing had been 1 ‘eached, he re solved to settle the matter. then and there. The resul . decision that the deceased lost his life in an attempt to i Joseph Jeckel; aid Balt Jeckel as ‘killed said Truman in se ) “ah what did he’ day?” meld gehen a from. those who remained ‘to hear the sid : 7) Ee said that Jeckel had ‘threatened to. denen him, and that} As soon as he could get away from the station-house old 8 e intended to. be on his. guard against him.” ? s gar hastened to his office with his lawyer. There they Ae “Did he’ make any threats himself?” the coroner asked, » “No, except iy he intended to be on: his one eninge him,” themselves up in ahs, vat little den and remained a eed hours. a x “| atherhy ‘tnaneion, a guest of Celia. “She was. in a state of great excitement, ae house like one chased by fiends. — “Oh, , Miss ENG Le she Sader dap herself in hat will do,” said the neti ied Tes cede may stepped aside 0 allow another witness to take the chair. Oy } joe was called, and, in as few words as ‘oss, told the ; St have found out who my abductor was.” not quite p pre- Goodness!” exclaimed Miss, Atherby. “Who. was it’ ai tieting “f Julia glanced. around the room and saw the ‘two 8 present. ‘She shook her head and said: | ie don’ # ‘think pupa to ay. a word i ay ‘See a lawyer et owas - ee Cae who pursued ER ‘the ‘coroner : She: made her. escape wate Tr man and with each other.’ coats
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f t . JOH JECKEL ee 31 ‘the messenger was gone the door bell rang. A servant re- sponded, and a man asked if Miss Thorne were staying there. *¥es, sir, she lives here,” responded the maid. “Be kind enough to hand her my card, and say that I desire ‘to see her on important business for a few moments.” “Yes, sir. Walk in and be seated.” The girl showed him into the parlor, and iien hastened to eliver the card to Julia with the stranger’s message. Julia took up the card and read: : “Well, what does she say?” Seegar eagerly asked, as the law- yer came in. y “She says that you and I must call together at Miss Ather- by’s at eight o’clock this evening, when she will see you and say what she will do.” The old miser groaned. “TIsn’t that a trap?” he asked. “TJ think not. Miss Atherby assured me that no other law-- yer would be present. I think I can bluff them on law points.” “Well, I’d rather not meet her, but if you say so, Pll go.” “Of course you must go. There’s no help for it; she has the’ trump card, and can crush you whenever she sees proper to throw it.” 2 i As soon as Bernstein left the Atherby mansion Celia Atherby © sent off two messengers, one to tell her lawyer that he need not call, as she had changed her mind; the other Pes: a note to Joe Jeckel, and ran as follows: oY Simon BERNSTEIN, Attorney-at-Law. Appleton. » “Why, that’s Mr. Seamus Ss SAEEE | she exclaimed, turning ale as a sheet. E “Don’t get excited, dear,” said Celia; “I’ll go in and see that hé wants. It may be that he bears an olive branch. Shall £0?” “Oh, if you please! You are so kind and generous to me!” “There, that will do. Just calm yourself, and T’ll be back h a minute or two,” and Celia left a room and repaired to he parlor. As she entered, Bernstein arose and made a profound, bow. ie knew ‘her well by sight. “Pardon me for this intrusion, Miss Atherby,” he said. “I ome in the interest of peace and good will.” “ft am not sure that I understand you,” she replied, looking his card, which she held in her hand. “You asked to see liss Thorne, did you not?” Yes, I called to-see her in the interest of my client.” j “Who is your client?”: ‘Mr. Solomon Seegar.” “on!” and a sneer crept into the silvery voice of the beauti- a woman. : “He sent me, not to talk ‘about law, but peace. He wishes to ave ‘Miss Thorne say what he shall do to satisfy her so as to ave matters drop where they are.” “An!” and Celia Atherby elevated her eyebrows, “He begs or mercy, does he?” ® “He desires to compromise the matter, and have the suect Kart ppede said the lawyer. “Yess I understand. I will see Miss Tporne, and tell her yhat you have said,” and Celia left the room and ran inte the me ‘where Julia was sitting near a window. “Oh, Julia!” she exclaimed, as she embraced the young girl. ’] *he old villain has sent his lawyer to ask what you will take > have the matter drop!” | “He has!” 4 ; \ : “Yes—and he is waiting for sake answer.” ae h, I don’t know what to say,” said Julia. “Do just as I say, and you’ll never regret it, ” said Celia, “T will be guided by you in every particular. et “Then tell him to bring his client here to-night. I will end for Mr. J eckel, and then get him, instead of* my lawyer, to emand twenty thousand dollars as the price of your silence, | ‘rather as damages without suit,” Julia opened wide her eyes in amazement. “Mr. Jecknu:—Please return with the bearer, and oblige your friend, satis CELA ATHERBY.” * Joe was found at the fire engine house. He ppened the note © and read it with no little surprise. “Tt am ready to go with you,” he said to the messenger, after ~ | doffing his red shirt and fireman's hat. _ 5 When he reached the residence of Celia ateney he found 3 that lady and Julia Thorne waiting to receive him, > de “Oh, Mr. Jeckel!” exclaimed Celia. “I have such. a surprise - for you!” } “Your note gave me one,” he said. “I am at your service.” “Ah! I know you are, and I am proud to have you in my service. Do you know that Julia made a discovery at the inquest this morning that clears up the pains of her BD duction?” “Indeed!” ai “Yes. She will teli you all about it,” and then they seated ie themselves for a confidential conyersdtion. me i ‘ j ————» CHAPTER XXIV.’ J ik CON GLUSION, When Joe Jeckel rose to leave the Atherby mansion an hour later both ladies accompanied him to the door. i “You understand now, Mr, Jeckel,” said Celia, “that no fire.- _ alarm is to draw you away this evening. The affair is too im-. x portant. We rely on you.to bring the villain to terms.” E “JT shall cease ‘to be a fireman for this evening, at least,” he said; “for when I am near you ladies r am a poor moth, unable x to get away from the light.” ; “Oh!” exclaimed both ladies. “That will do.” -That evening Joe was on hand at the Atherby inansion when old Solomon Seegar and his lawyer arrived. The old miser was staggered by seeing him enter the parlor. “Good eve ng, Mr. Seegar,” greeted Joe, making a very pro-. found bow to the old miser. “T am glad to see you, and you; — too, Mr. Bernstein.” 4S Fea A ies iP}. - 8 ‘ i * “You ‘see, if you prosecute him, he ‘will be sent to State| “I am not glad to see you,” said’the miser. “I camé to see _ ‘& rison,” ‘remarked Celia, “and he will bay that. much rather | Miss Thorne and——” Vise 1 “Yes, and Miss Thorne sent for me to come and sit opposite your lawyer while she and You talked over matters.” sok! Bernstein turned to Miss Atherby and said: “We are disappointed. We did not expect this.” ; “Mr. Jeckel has our confidence in this matter,” paca Atherby ay han go to prison.” “Wellstell him to bring him ‘here tonight, oe I will let him Lowy what I will do.” a Celia returned ‘to the parlor, eat said to ernie } sThorte is very much fprostrated, She asks that you 1 ae e himself out of the room, and left the tone ae who was. etane for it in his office i
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382 Both lawyer and client turned pale. They whispered together for a iy Pane or two, and then the lawyer said: “Tet it be. We shall not object.” | Then all five seated themselves around a table, and a deep silence fell upon the little party, which was finally broken by the lawyer. ‘Miss Thorne,” he said, “Mr. has done you a. wrong, for which he is very sorry. He is aware that you can recover damages for the abduction and conse- quent detention, and is willing to pay without litigation, if you i will name a reasonable sum and sign an agreement that you s * haye no charge to prefer against him.” : “Yes, he has done me a Noes great wrong indeed,” said Julia. “I was seized and. “Never mind about repeating the ators, interrupted the law- yer. “We will agree to all that. Just say how much you think you ought to have for what you have suffered. If one thou- sand dollars will——” “Oh, no! One thousand dollars will not do,” said Julia, very firmly. “How much, then?” “T shall let Mr. Jeckel say how much I ought to have.” “TT object!” gasped Seegar. “Mr, Jeckel once saved my life at the risk of his own,” said Julia, “and afterward rescued me from your elutches. I have asked him to name the sum I ought to have.” o “Well, how much do you say?” demanded the lawyer. us know, and be done with it.” “Twenty thousand dollars in good cash,” replied Joe, very coolly. cei won't pay it, » hissed the old miser. “No; it’s dn outrage—blackmail!” exclaimed Bernstein. Bernstein dared not provoke the “Prince of Firemen” fur- ther, and sat down again, squirming uneasily on his chair. Seegar was boiling over with rage. ; “T won't pay it,” he said, repeating it a dozen times. “Yos, you, will,” said Joe. or go to jail when you leave the front stoop of this house,” | “What do you mean?” demanded Bernstein. “J mean that the offense is a State prison one, and for a long term at that. He will pay that sum or go to jail and stand trial. ay ; ie “I—I—defy yout” hissed the old man. sand dollars. Not a cent more.” “Very well. You may go. I have nothing more to say,” and Joe arose as a signal that: the conference was at an end. Celia and Julia arose also. “Let “T'll give two thou- soit Joe. “Go, and may you get your just deserts es the : courts of law.” “JT won’t:pay it! I won’t pay it! Come on, Hornatarne’ ‘They took their hats and made for the door. - On the stoop they were dumfounded at eegine, two well- _ known constables waiting for them. a Seegar gave a gasp, and ROnE BETAS back ruta the eae white as a sheet. Rik “What's the matter?” Joe asked. “why don’t you go on? We have no further ‘use for you here,” old villain. a Joe chuckled. _ yO aE REL) See aa ie - “Multipty it by four, ‘old ‘man,” ‘said he. “Tye got charge of es thing, and I am prejudiced against. you, ‘recollect, ie ““T—I—can't do it. pleaded the ae rascal., na, sae sik SL by See eee ee JOH JECKEL. Seegar acknowledges that he |: than when they came. “You will pay every, dollar of it, ‘you love her,” ‘ . “The officers outside the door await you, Solomon Seegar,” *T—P1l give. five thousand dollars,” hoarsely whispered the Scapa send the mie in money 0 ostage stam I haven't helt that much money,” 4 ie ‘ Z iS oe ua “Will you take ten thousand dollars?” poten. thousand dollars .or nothing,” was the defiant reply. “You had better decide at once, “Will you pay it or not?” and Joe took hold of the door knob as if about to open the door to admit the two officers. “Yes!” and the old man dropped into a chair and groaned in the depths of his soul. . “Then write a check for the amount. The detectives wi watch you till the check is cashed. You see I am more than match for both you and your lawyer.” The old miser groaned again, but filled up the check a signed it, for all that. “Now sign this agreement,” said the lawyer, producing & paper he had prepared. “Not till the check is cashed,” said Joe. They were obliged to submit, and went away, Joe havin signaled the officers to allow them to go. : The check was cashed next day and Julia signed an asrég ment not to prosecute. Joe Jeckel chuckled as he handed the old man the paper, am said: “You see I am catching up with you, old man. I am ni done with you yet. If you wish to ‘keep the fact that you ha’ a deserted wife and four children in Manchester, England, co cealed, you had better leave Appleton at once, or else transfi half of your property to them. Miss Thorne happened to ré ognize the picture of Solomon Segur as that of Seegar. Twenl y years makes many changes, but not enough to hide you behizg their wrinkles. I have been following you up, and the oceal cable gave me the points.” The old miser and his lawyer went away wiser but Rane & A week later he disappeared from Appleton after hayiz (as, quietly sold all his property, and was never heard of: the: again. A year later Julia cSLeWal news from England that Charii her lover, had been found a captive to an African king, an that a ransom of $1,000 would secure his liberty. She quick] sent the money, and six months later he landed in Appleton, | handsome, sun-browned fellow. His story created a deep i terest in every household. b Preparations for their marriage went on. One day sulin whispered to Joe that if he asked Celia Atherby to be his wif . she would gladly consent. . j *T know that she loves you,” she: said, Tae I suspect tha “'T do,” said Joe, “but I dared not hope in that wuanteee ; Joe did ask her. i “Yes,” she said. “You are the hero I’ve been looking for aj these years;” and she sealed her troth with a kiss. Joe Jeckel is now the richest man in Appleton, but he is the friend of the red-shirted boys, and the Prince or FiremEn aa THE END. Read “THE BOY RAILROAD KING; OR, FIGHTING FO A FORTUNB,” which will be the next number (100) of “Plug and Luck.” - a ( ‘SPECIAL NOTICE: All back numbers of are always i in print. If you cannot obtain them TO)