IT ‘,3 '1 1|! II: II! III! I!!! III Inn-1 MIMI; «.I‘; I II; lliil/I : 12"117}? ' W" '1 i .fshé'. JiiAiEi-i- mini-Himmm m eini'l’liltin-Hiliu‘ii} .\ , H .2.“ = «xx PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, N0. 98 WILLIAM STREET. NEW YORK. TURK, THE BOY FERRET. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, man or “nnAnwoon max” NOVELS, “nosnmm non" NOVELS, “GILT-EDGE!) DICK,” “BONANZA BILL,” 1:70., rm. ' s'roo THERE, BEFORE TURK’B EYES, FOR A FEW MOMENTS THEN UNmCKING m PADLOCKED DOOR, GAZED BACKWABD AS I!" IN BUBPICION OR FEAR. ‘ x ‘ E ‘ I - ' / r Turk, the Boy Ferret. , , TUBE, HE BOY FERRET. , BY E. L. WHEELER, , » Larson-or “ nmwoon max ” nevus, “ Rosa “ nun nos ” nova-ms, um, um. CHAPTER I. an arr-on boners. "'Cw‘you furnish me with a trusty messen- filmy or sample of hours—one, mind you is reliablein every sense of theword, an -strun inthe bargain?” - ques ion was addressed to the clerk at the receivin . window of a' branch oflice of the WWII Telegraph Co. in Philadelphia, i v ‘ one morning review to the opening oithe Bi- . Centennial ce ebration intbe Quaker city. The inquirer was a rtl man of perhaps fifty years, well-d , an the possessor of a short-o pod y beard steely grai—eyes, of hawkish ntens ty, and hair to match is heard. He had the appearance of being a man who waswell-to-do, and who had no cause to com- plain at the way the world need him. ’ “ All our messengers are out, but if you will wait amoment, probably some of them .willbe 181;,“ and Itcagspppl yorg1 weathe,”.tll;:icleiék said, an nqrer rouga rogreen z “or shall I send One to your resi- once?” “No! I can as well wait here,” the manre- plied, taking a seat, and picking up a news. the course of ten minutes a messenger-boy He was strong. sturdy lad of fifteen, with anopen, honest taco, a shrewd peering pair of eyes, and wore an e ression of humor. , He was attired in t e neat regu tion uniform of a W. U. messenger-boy, and was rather dash- ling looking. with is cap cocked a little to one at e of his curly bead. “Hillo! Billy!” he cried, tossing his book to the clerk. “ What’s the next racket? Made a « quarter out 0’ last trip. Jest connect me wi’_ anothsr'secha ob ef ye lease.” The clerk looked, p tin . wings. a boy that will be likely to suit you, . sir,” he said; whereupon the gentleman came forward, and gave the boys criticising lance. ‘ “What’s your name?" he asked, sharp .. timer humerus; e gen eman ex prise. “Turk what?” gm - “Duniw. Recan nothin’ but .Turk, from Backseat Alley. Never was called anything insur- e . ' “ Strange name: Well, my boy. I am about to engage your services for a little while ro- viding you know where Jerome St. Clair van, on North Seventeenth street.” “ Dunno. Give’s the number, andI can root .out the rest.” ' ' clsr if . nulslork” lstt the oflce, and p . Eighth. ' numerous rows of houses have for converted into offices, which are oo- gperhaps asmany diaerenttrades and V ,u-therearsrooms. . ’ ' .. a .s-opnd. “story front room of one 01 named the amount, which was ,after which Turk and his em- tleman ushered Turk, sndbag , sea ,untilhereturned;after went dizwn-stairs. 1. ed bk mm ' as meager tarnish . t floor covered with onlclgzh, and a des so $011M, a few ictures on the w ‘for the remainder of t e furniture. ‘ nothing else to do, Turk amused him. self king at the pictures, which were of men-whose faces were anything but to their credit. ' “ Spartan. or I’m a shad !” the boy muttered. gk’li'lhatggeger wi’ the1 eyes:5 out biaisfi llief);in like w o nme ya, or .iittiu’ pockgtgbggroks. Wgsgder what sort of a rooster keeps this ranch! Must be ’quaint,wi’ the rascals o’ Phila.” ' » Jerome St. Clair, as he had introduced him- self to the boy, soon returned. “Well, I’m ready for ou,”he said, handing a sealed letter toTurk. ‘ You are to take that letterto my residence, and deliver it to my ulster. Itshe is not in,‘you can give it to s over at the man.-'who.was' ‘v‘Xery. well. What will be the charges,: roceeded to Walnut some one of th‘éisarvants, who'will ve you a t kage, which‘I-you are to hasten ,ck with, I nd deliver to me at tha' Broad street depot. You will find me there in the' waiting-room. Be spry, now, and I will make you a present on your return.”- . I - “ But ive us yer directions,” demanded Turk. “ ta number, hain’t 'e?” “ Certainly. Here is m car , which will en- able you to find my resi once without trouble. Here is some money for street-car tare. Now, then, be on." And Turk needed no second w iug. Alread gigantean air-castles are building before hemmd’s eye in anticipation of the promised reward for alacrity. The card read: DIAM 0ND HER CHANT, No. .—'- N’rx 1m STREET, , (Private House.) Philad‘a, Pa, ' And it is needless to say that the messen er boy was not long in landing in front of the m- posing mansion which bore the diamond-dealer’s name upon the door-plate. Accustomed to ringing door-bells, he gave the knob a tremendous all, which speedily rought a frowsy-headed ' sh woman, ‘wit " a red, heckled taco, to the door. . , ' ~“ Phat the loikes of en mane by pullin’ so hard av of the dare-bell ’ she cried angrily. “ Oh, go refrigerate yourself!” Turk retorted. “ I want to see the boss’s darter.” “ Yez can’t see her, ye omadhaun. It’s not in she is, at all.” ' “ Bah! ye can’t stuff me. for her.” . “ Let me have it thin.” “ Like blazes! The boss sent me, and said I was to wait until his gal came in.” “ Thin come alon wid ye an’ wait on the cheer in the hall till t e young miss returns; an’ mind lad, I’ll have an eye kept onto yez.” I’ve got a message “ erect, Biddy. But ain’t you goin’ to ax me into the parlor ’ “ Not a bi of it. Sit yez right 'forninst the cheer in the hall and if yes stir an inch I’ll send the nagur up to uuce yea.” I _ Presumiug that Miss St. Clair was in the house, Turk took possession of the proflered chair, in. the richly-furnished hall. and with a , nod of warning Biddy retired tothe do ' quarters. , ,ank had not waited long when a oun . or, more appropriately, a g l, 0 about own age, came down the wind- mgiro Was neatl , yet rather plainly attired, ’but this fact not detract from her exquisrte beauty. Aperfect mold of face and petite fig- ure, with soft, Idreamy blue eyes, a tempting mouth,.and rare health-tinted complexion made her nuance an object for attraction and admiration. ‘ She uttered a little cry at sight of Turk, who . r was staring at her in wondering admiration. “Great guns! ain’t she a stunner? Ef my lnnk account were a little larger I’d go for her regular , Cupid style,” were his unuttere thou hts as hepaused at the foot 01 the stairs in ev ut astonishment. “ W at are you' doin here?” she asked. “Sittin’ down,” Tur re lied, with a " The Irish stew sad as how should wait ; didn’tax me into the parlor:” ' “ Oh! you are a telegraph boy?” ' “ Not much. I’m a te raph young man, if youi please,” Turk declar with self-conscious e. “Oh, ,why yes! Pray excuse mavmisf‘ake, the you lad said, amusedly. “ ave yous message do veri' , “Yes, I’ve ,got a letter here fer Miss Aurelia St. Clair, what her,gov’nor sent, and sad I was to hurry back with a package what you would ve gi . r “I have not the fortune’to beMiss St. Clair,” the girl re 1 ed ickly and in a half scornful way, Tur fan ed. ‘Iam Etta Eve- lyn, Mr. St. (3le niece. Miss St. Clair has gone ridingin the park, and will not be back for a con is of hours. ' Tur scratched his head. -. “ Dunn what a feller’s in’to do?" he asked. “ The sad I could de ver the letter to one of the servants, who would give me the package to fetch to him. ” , “ If that is so, I can perhaps act for .my cousin,” Etta said, “though I know very little about uncle’s aflairs. me inhere. She led the way into he grand parlor, and . .“Seventeenthi” Tur bade Turk be seated, while she received from him the letter, and vs it a hasty perusal. “ What kind of a coking man gave you this?" she asked, as she finished. Turk gave a apid, minute description of the person in his 0 -hand way. “That’s uncle, to a dot,” Miss Evelyn de- clared. '91 can’t imagine who is to purchase those costly diamonds, though?” “ Diamonds!” echoed the messenger lad. “ thg, of course. Uncle has sent for the hund thousand dollar set of diamonds, which he has tried so long todispose of. I see it the same if I, give them g you. She left the lor, and-Turk heard her trip- ping upthe sta rs for the jewels. “ It’s a shame,” he muttered, “ how sum folks can waste their cash on gew-gaws, while the rest 0’ us have to dig like fun to get enufl’ ‘ter eat! Wish I were rich as Jay Gould! I’d the question to Miss Etta, sure!” ' Wishing never had made Tirk rich‘ yet; and so he knew there was no use for him to consider such a thinlg. - Miss Eve yn soggd returned. and handed Turk a ewe -case wrap u in per. . j “Therel You are 5) tar; that direct to Mr. St. Clair,” she enjoined, “and be ve careful that you don’t lose it, or make a mists e whou on give it to, for if on should, mercy only knows what they won] do with us.” “Ob, never fear! He’ll et this box all hunkey, if I don’t et struck wi’ ightnin ,” was his confident assert on. “ I s’pose ye’ll rec amino 9. teller, efI should happen to meet ye, at the Bi-Centenl” “ Of course I shall,” responded the young lady, as she ushered him out. “Be careful o the diamonds.” . “But I Will!” Turk replied, as he strode away down the street, whistling merrily, and wishing he was a millionaire. ‘ At the Broad street station of the Pennsyl- vania railroad, Turk found the man who had; em loyed him for the errand, ' to and fro in t e waitin -room, as it in great impatience. His face 1 ghtened, however, when he saw Turk and the package. - "‘Well! you reback at last, eh?” he said, seiz- ing the package. “You were unreasonably . long. I have barely time to catch the train.” And with these 'reproving Words he turned, and was about to move 03, but Turk was not to be blufled in this way. f. ‘ , “,I say! hold up!” he cried. catching the man’s coat sleeve. “You’re kinder forgetful, ain’tvye? , . , - “ hat do you want?” _ “ Why, ye was goin’ ter whack out a resent weren’t ye, if I beat Goldsmith Maid’s t e?” f‘ Oh! I forgot! Yes, here is a dime.” . And tossin the coin to the astonished mes- senger-boy, t 6 diamond merchantfiisappeared amen the crowd. v “ ell sell me out fer a huckster if that-ain’t cheek,” Turk muttered, turning away in dis- ust. “ Ten cents'fer a hundred thousand dollar b. I wasn’t half smart, or I’d ’a’ collected be- ore delivery. Never mind. I’ll see the old she ' sometime.” ’ ’ Agdgdismissing the matter from his mind, he went backto the ethos and respmed his mes~ sen duties for the day. I ey were not few He was considered one of the smartest and most trtustwoiflly. boys "on the force, and mies~ ages 9 un :- noe were enerally - trusted to in), besi errands whicgh neatly took himoutofhisowndistriot' sothatw neix P. M. came, he was Max-iably flawed. and not loth to seek his quarters in -cat Alley. . / , , - To-night, y, he lound hipselt nearly vhgged out. as winh his dinner basket on his , am, he left the oflce in company with another messenger, Pat Mm b name. ' p “absenm'ld” “a. efia ‘ 'é’iwné‘mm‘“ at as ‘ o . “ Whaltvkind of Qay'row Turk asked, rather disinterestedly. “Och! sure it’s some oneo’ themessenger boys' will get bounced.” “Hump l ,what for?” ' “ Robbery, be jabers—an’ one of the cutest. too. Jest heard of it DE 0n Seventeenth.” i echoed, his heart sink- ing‘ within him. - Yes; it see s that some chap applied atone o’ the district 0 and hired a messenger to 50 an errand, an’ resinted hissilf to be erome St. Clair, the iamond merchant. He sent the messenger to the St. Clair resuiem-e, bearin’ a letter to Miss St. Clair, ordei'in’ her to 'ment aboutthe place, Which gave 8 r a box of diamonds. Miss nt recognizin’ the writin’ as deliver the messen St. Clair wasn’t in she supposed, St. diamonds. Awhile arter old St. Clair came home and the swindle was ’sploded. J eminetta? but I bet there was fun!” Turk was white as a sheet, but managed to Iaintain composure. - “ How did you drop onto this? Are the police onto it!” “No‘ et’s goin’ to be kept mum, and be worked ufion the quiet by Jack Grimes, the de- tective. e told me and id me fat toleam of an of the boys at our 0 ce went the errand.” his was a stunner to Turk, and he at once made up his mind not to let Black-cat Alley know him that night. CHAPTER II. How a ram: GIRL mums AN INSUL'r. As soon as he could do so without arousing suspicion, Turk left the company of young Murphy, whom he had never liked any too well, and whom he must now necessarily con- sider an enemy. ‘ Full well the boy realized that he was in a desperate position, to say the least. A daring robbery had been committed, and he was the tool that had been used to secure the plunder. If it were discovered that it was he who had went on the errand, he would be ar- rested, and like enough be sent up, charged with being in the plot. . The thought was horrifying to him, for not only was he working himself up to a high stand- ard in the favor of the company, but he was also hoping that, by steady application, he would ere ong be oflered an office, as he was already a thorou h operator. Any such troub e as promised to result from his unfortunate errand that day would be a se- rious _dam nor to his prospects for promotion, even if it d not secure his summary discharge from the employ of the com ny. ' ' It is, therefore, little won or that he felt de- fiidedly blue after what young Murphy had told an. “ I can’t ufie back to Black-cat Alley to-night —nor at . for that matter,” he muttered ; “ ’cause that hawk Jack Grimes would durned soon find me out, the hound! I know that fel- ler, I do; and he knows I know of some of his smart games. It’s me an’ him for it now, and the best one is goin’ to win.” Not knowin what else to do, he wandered down to the elaware wharves, and watched the stream of people surging in the direction of the ferries. But, though his gaze rested u n them, his mind was upon the trouble which oomed up be- fore him like a grim giant. “ I reckon about the best thin I kin do is to and surrender,” he muttere ——“but I’ll be ashed if I’ll do that, either! Every one fer hisself; an’ ef I don’t keep an e e eled fer Turk, durned of any one else wi l. eremit l I bet that niece of St. Clair’s got a tongue-las - in’, when the old gent got home and found his diamonds gone!” ' Mechanically, he turned and wended his wa toward his tenement lodgings in Black-cat A - lay, and succeededinreac nghis bleak cheerless ird-stormy room without any one being the wiser for it: Old Mother McFadden ran the establishment, her tenants being hootblacks, newsboys, and the like who had no other home, and who were glad to turn in the better share of their earn- gs for the shelter of the McFadden roof and a very meager allowance of provender. Such had been the case with Turk ever since he could first remember: but he realized that he must now bid adieu to the classic precinct of Black-cat Alley, and that without delay. Hastily divesting himself of his re ation messen r attire, he donned a neat new unday suit, w ich he had recently purchased, and a hat in place of his cap; then p acing his few ef- fects in a sachel, he quietly took hll departure, and made his way toward the southern part of the city, where he found a cheap boarding- house in a retired street, and paid hisboard two weeks in advance, explaining that he was look- ing for a job. After b01118 asSigned a room. and securing his supper, he started forth, and mechanical] wan- dered toward the district ofliee where e had been emplo ed—for he now no Ion or consid- ered hintsel .one of the employees 0 the com- “Ky lance into the office through the glass door atisged him that there was vnothin of excite- S relief. lair’s niece delivered up the ‘ adealof' Turk, the .Boy Ferret. Bill Jones, of the receiving-window, had been relievod by the night-clerk, and, knowing where his lodgings were, Turk at once turned his footsteps toward them. “ There’s barely one chance,” he mused, as he hurried along. “ Bill ain’t always exactly hon- est with the company, and don’t always turn in an account when he sends us tellers out on er- rands, for which he knocks down the cash. Don’t like a feller to be dishonest; but l_hope so gracious he’s made no account .0’ my trip to- ay.’ Jones occupied a room in a block on Market street, third story back, and usually got his meals ata restaurant. . Although he had been in the company’s em- ploy for a long time, he had not yet sown the ul measure of his wild oats, and knowing his failing, Turk was not surprised to find him “ half the seas over ” on reaching his room. “Hillo! Sultan! jest. in time, old teller. Got somc- prime stomach hitters here,” Jones cried, at slaw )f the-lgy. “Much obliitg ,Billy; I don’t drink; You’d be better 03 gu wouldn’t.” v “Nonsense. hat’s the harm of a feller hav- ing a little cheer, after getting out of prison! I be ieve in work when on work and smile when you play. What to ed you up from Black- cat, urkl” “ Oh! I came to see you on business, Bill." “ Bah! business be hanged. No more business for me till eight to—morrow morning." “ But I say yes,” Turk declared firmly. “There’s a big row goin’ to be kicked up, and ou’re the chap that can stop it. Did you turn n the cash for my errand today?" ' The question seemed to have an electric effect upon Jones, and to dissipate all the eifects of the liquor he had imbibed. ‘To be sure I did,” he finstered, appeariw feel highly indi ant at the-question. “ t do you ke me or, you young Arab?” “ Oh! I only wanted to see if you were pre- pared to prove your part of the transaction, in clasekthere’s trouble,’ Turk returned, eying the c er . Jones flushed and grew fidggfl'. ‘ ‘ “ What the blazes are you ving at?” he de- manded, sharply. “ Explain.” . “ There isn’t much to ex lain, more than that you’re liable to get trip Ye didn’t turn the cash for that errand, to-day.” “ Curse it. Does the compan know? .Have you been squealiu’ on me, Turk “The company knows nothing. [know of sever?! bits of cash that the company never saw. “ You sharp-e ed rascal. I’ve always been sus- picious of you. ack told me to look outl for you once.” “ Jack Grimes?” “ No. Jack Freitcher.” ' “'I'hat’s a lie,” Turk inwardly commented. “ But let it pass. I must work this wire for all it’s worth since I hold the key.” Aloud, e said: “ Yes, Bill , if I choose, I can cause our dis- charge, but don’t propose to do it i we can agree. No one connected with the oflice. aside from ourselves, knew of that errand to-day, eh i" “Of course not. There was no one about, and so I made up my mind I might as well make an extra day’s wages as not. and no one would be the wiser for it.” v .. “ Then I am safe so far, thank Heaven!” Turk exclaimed. “ You dare not now own u the er- rand, as it would show. you up in a shonest light, and will u y force me to expose ou. “But what’s the matter? What'danger are you in?” I Turk proceeded to relate the circumstances at- tsencgplfirand resulting from his trip for the bogus t. Jones listened with hisglhtened interest. for he had by this time fully aken OR the effects of the li uor. “ ell, by thunder, that’s a case, for a fact. But you can rest easy, so far as I am concerned. I’ll never give ou away.” “ Then I wil also keep mum about your game; but you’d better drop on it, or some 0’ the boys will jum onto you, and won’t mind their own biz like t e Sultan o’ Turk-ey.” . h?” I reckon you’re right. What! am’t a-goin’, e “Yes. Do you know, I’m goin’to nose into this case and recover them diamonds? Goin’ ter turn sort 0’ detective, ye see; and see what for luck I‘ll have at the bib.” - ' ‘ _ Turk had not long left the operator’s room, when Bill Jones had another visitor—a tall, well-formed, and rather good looking young I s" as. man of six or seven and twenty, dressed in the best of clothes, with the additions of , a silk hat, kid gloves, and old—headed cane. , , A not over- undant mustache was waxed out at either end; and the habitual steely line! in his black eyes indicated the existence 0 , evil in his heart. _ .. This man was Jack Grimes, the detective. who was considered one of the most succemfulpri- vate experts in the citfi , “ Hel o! is it you?” illy Jones exclaimed. as the sleuth entered. “ What the blazes are ye after? 1 was just preparing to sail 0! into a 3 good sleep.” “ So I see!" Grimes smiled, taking a seat. , “ New job?” “Yes. Mighty big one too. Got it all! ,to m self. Fortune in t, if fwin." _ ‘ What is it!” u “ Oh! it’s a secret. Don’t know but I can tell you. if you’re mum.” . . “ Humph! guess you know meld “ Well. it's true §ou never went back on 3:, so I’ll let on in. on see, old St. Clair the mond d er, has been skinned out of a valuable lot 3; diamonds. and this is the way it bap- pen .’ - He then narrated Erectiwa the same story of fthe robbery that k had done a slim an. ore. I i v “ And, now what I’m after is to find out m of all, who messenger was. I’ve ted several of the district ofllces, but obtained, no satisfactory clew. How about your oflcel" “No messenger sent on outside errands, to- day,” Jones declared, deliherately. , “ Are you sure?” ,— The eyes of the detective were fixed on him, searchingly. ' “Of course I’m sure. Don’t you sum! know what I’m about?” “Doubtful, when you’ve a bottle of liquor in v the room. Seems strange that no met-eager was sent from any of the oflices, and yet one went on that errand !” “Does look rather pinch-I’ll admi but you can search the cash ist of mydis if you “ Perhaps you didn’t turn in the cash, nor make a iiiemOranduml” ' ' ‘ Jones flushed, ang ' “ Well, you’re we he said, stiflly. “ You can proba ly find' by - quiry, that my reputation is good for with the company.” \ .2 “Pooh! honesty is but a convenience at best. There is not a person in the world, who wouldn’t look hungeringl y at a hundred thousand dollars. before ssing it by. _We detectives-are ms- sarily t e most honest class of people living, but I’m blamed sure if I saw a clever chance to rake in a hundred thousand, and get away with it, ' I’d do it.” ,—.. “ I don’t doubt it. I never quite set you down as a saint.” ‘ A silence ensued, during which Grimes seemed to be in deep meditation. . : “ Well, I’m bound to make a case out at this, somehow. You know, by the way, that I. 0 been paging some considerable attention to St. Clair s an hter, lately and the old gent fancies my suit. 0 he sends for me to take charge this case, and slips a cool thousand dollars into my hands. to start on, adding that he will give a igger sum for the recovery of the dismount. Oh! the old nut is really worked up about affair, and it strikes me that there is in .- portance attached to the loss of the die than their simple pecuniary value. Jonesy, if you and I could put our heads. gather and recover the diamonds. we would be able to command a competency for our M” “Bah! I know nothing in to thug; ter. and will have nothing todo with ends that!” Jones declared emphatically. ‘ “ Then, that also ends our interview," and the detoctivo arose and left the room. ' He also left Bill? Jones in rather“ unpleas- ant i'rame of . 9. 9‘? Jerome St. Clair, diamond merchant, had”. turned home, about five o’clock that evening, from town, and, fatigued with his day’sbus - ness, had sought his warm. cosey rlor, when henwas soon after joined by his re a. Mr. St. Clair was a stout, ruddy Englishman, with shortcropped gray beard and air, and an almost perfect counte t of the man who d so successfqu used k the messenger bov as the‘tool of a stu ndous robbery. ewas re uted to wealthy, and did not. conduct his ass like other jewelers, in the city, but at his residence. He was well known . \ ii my. ‘ . i come to youngwn 0W1 l” ‘ aughter, Au- ‘ \‘ I! he I side. “ .lfiuBtClairsaemede ‘Mly ‘ musin; but of late, Miss St. Clair had appeared ‘. :— was able to work, ‘ cheerless abode Turk. the Boy Ferret ‘5‘ the leading families of the city, whom is with almost exclusively. Eta dauggittler‘,i Akurelia, was a tall], slender brunette, w or eves, an a co ett toe, and was, because of her line drisgrand, educational accomplishments, a favorite in the best society. Anything money could procure,»that would enhance her chances of winning a desirable “ catcb,’ was always placed at her command by her indulgent parent. Potted and humored, from infan , it- was little wonder she had grown up a spo led child, a petulant tyrannical temperament, and a vain conceit that there was no one quite as good a‘rhers‘elf. And it might be added that she had also, in a manure, inherited some of these qualities from lisrfather, who was not without an excellent and unbiased opinion of himself. Miss St. Clair seemed much surprised to see rent in the parlor—so much so, that she back with a c . - “ Hello! what ails rlyml” St‘Clair ejaculated, looking'around. “ m I a bear, that youare frightened at me?” ‘ Obi no! no! no! but I didn’t expecttosee ” she said 'coming forward and kn l- “ thought you were in lfeew “New York? What nonsense, child! How came 7 h a thought evar to enter your mind?” “; fibecause you sent the messenger boy "fortbe » monds!’ “The what? I've sent forno diamondsl .Wbich ones? 8 ak, explain!” “"‘The magni cent ones you have always~ ‘ so highly, in the green satin case. A - “anger boy came with a note from you, say- ing I was to deliver them to him to fetch to you.” ‘ v ‘And you did this!” ’“ for I was out ridin'z. Your dear sister’s obild,. enriette, performed the work i” The banker was white with passion as he arose and: , to and' fro across the carpet. ‘ “Bend or the girl,” he finally hissed, and er to ring for a servant to diQatah on the erra . HissEvelyn soon made her appearance, but an Qprehensive expression came over her face fi-fl saw the merchant. “ Young woman, who gave on authorityfo deliver my diamonds up to ot or people, open my daughter’s letters and the like of that?” ‘ There was no one at home, except the ser- vants, air, and seeing it was your writing, and the btiy saying he was ordered to come right back. didn’t suppose but what I would be 0- fng you a favor, sir—" ' ‘ never sent the letter nor the boy. You are implicated ina conspiracy to defraud me and you shall sufler the consequences! Hand the lettarto me.” ‘No, sir, I cannot!” the r1 said, bravely. nk me so wicked “ If on are dis to t that could wlsgoatgdcheat on, or abuse your confidence in me as your 3 ter’s child, I shall keep the letter to defend myself with, before thsoonrts.” CHAPTER III. , rns xnw nous. V f ' TIISt. Claire wens surprised. v “ Bach a'sudden outburst of courage from Etta, was something entirely new of her, who was ever quiet and unobtrusive, often bearing many ' slights at'the hands of her relatives without re- , ailment. She was now old enough to keen] feel the fact she was a dependent upon her unc e for support, and to know that she must grace- acquiescr to the wishes of her uncle and to mgrow constantly Jealous' of her retty cousin, a b{lid all in her power to make tta’s life mis- era e. The early life of the latter was shrouded in mystery, and all that she knew was that she was Jerome St. Clair’s niece, and that she was dent on him for her livelihood. t to be suspected of intentional complicity in a robbery, was more than her sense of honor would hear, and she resolved to stand up for her rights, cost what it might. . If she lost her home with the St. Claire, she and could notwell find a more " What!” Jerome St. Clair cried, angrily, af- ter recOVering from his astonishment at her wggl’s. " Do you mean to defy me, you saucy ch ‘ t . I "1 mean just what I said, and nothing moral” Etta answered. “ Because I have been depend- ent upon you for /my living, it does not follow I 1.5-, I . ,_ [that I will allow any one to make me out a thief, nor do I care to stand your daughter’s insulting conduct much longer." “ Indeed! Perhaps it would cure you of some of your lofty importance to turn you out on the world fora timel That I shall certainly do if you do not delivor me up that pa ri” “ Then, I will consider myself 'sle" the girl retorted, with fiashin eyes. “ If I can see a in Cl do I am sure e will help me to find a situation ” “ If you dare to to Captain Clyde, I will have on arr 1” Jerome St. Clair cried, rhile is daughter looked the jealouaanger she e t. “ Oh! you are afraid, Mr. St. Clair, that the captain will hear of how you have treated me, and will not than realise so much pleasure in you; Pdaughter’s company. Perhaps you are rig t . And with a defiant laugh Etta swept from the zoom, and set about preparing to leave the cuss. She had a little money which she had saved from her monthly allotment, but it did not ex- ceed ten dollars, all told, and she knew she could not exist long on that amount without work. It was yet early in the evening, and she was resolvad to set forth that very night, but at the same time had no idea where she should go. Pack' her not extra t wardrobe into her cache and wrapping erself up, she left the‘ St. Clair residence, a feelin of freedom thrilling her with ho and ambit on. As quickly as possi is she got out of the neigh- borhood, for she really believed that Jerome St. Clair would send the officers after her. After an hour’s wandering, she found herself at the Broad street railwa do t of the Penn- sylvania railroad, and feel ng atigued, she con- 0 uded to rest in- the spacious waiting room, un- til she read an evening paper she_had purchased hoping to see a situation advertised that would an t her fancy. There were plenty of calls for girls to do house work, but havin a 00d education Etta felt that she was cape le 0 filling some higher posi- tion than being: common servant. As if to a fy her desire, her gaze directl fell upon t fellowin advertisement, whic was one of a number 0 others in the same col- umn: “Wamn—A well educated. respectable young lady as secretary and reader, for an old gentleman. Good salary to/the right party. Apply at No. — North Tent street." Poor Etta’s heart bounded with joy as she read this, and she made up her mind to put in her application at once. It could do no harm, at least, to try. To think, with her, was to act, and leaving her sachel, at a near-by store, for safe keep- ing, she went in search of the residence of the “§°'“i°"au 1 la iposi he can , at on he rge, m ng edifice, with a marble-tgimmod front, and as- :fudgpg the steps she rung the bell, somewhat mi y. A epics-ed servant in livery answered the sum- mons “I called in answer to an advertisement, sir,” Etta explained, eagerly. The sir” seemed to banish the servant’s chilliness of demeanor, for he opened the door still further. with a gracious bow. , “ Walk right in. miss—walk rightin. De boss is in de parlor ’xaminin’ a lot ob gals dis berry minute. , And before she was scarcely aware of it Etta found herself ushered into a grand reception- room, where an old gentle man and sevsral young ladies were seated. . All of the latter were dressed much more ex- pensiver and stylishly than Etta, and she felt rather uncomfortable. as she became aware that their eyes were bent upon her, but a spirit , of resolution caused her to show no trace of l l agitation or confusion. The old entleman was a fat. round-faced ’ fiersonage o sixty years, who had a very 'bald sad, and a pair of pleasant eyes which'rather agreeably lit up his ruddy, clean-shaven face. He was seated in ‘a comfortable chair, with one foot upon a cushioned stool, wrapped up with a plenitude of blankets and flannels, which was plain enough evidence that he was a suflerer from the gout. He nodded to Etta, as she entered, and mo- tioniug her-to a seat, turned to a haughty-41E- pearing lady, who had preViously been spea - l in . ‘ " g‘So ye think you’d fill the bill, do ye?” be queried, surveying her critically. , _ “I do,” was the ’ply. ‘.‘ I am‘ proficient in z N all branches of study, and would like you to give me a trial.” “ Yas, I suppose so,” was the reply. “That’s what these other Ilgtirls want, too, but they’ve all ,got tellers. I on have no gals about my place what has got feller on the brain. S’pose you’re- like the rest, eh?” “ Certain. lg But I don’t think you are do- ing rightto terfere in a young lady’s privahi affairs.” “Then we don’t agree. I y a girl goo; wa s to be ready for his, w en 1 want her. If should want to hear the news read at two in the morning, I expect her to be ready to read it. If I see fit to give my amannensis ten hours vacation out of twelve, that’s m busi- ness, too. Don’t think any of you gir will suit me, unless it is the last one. What is your name, miss?” “ Etta Evelyn, sir.” “ D’ye know how to read and write and fig- ger, correct?” _ “ Yes, sir.” . “Got any relations—poor ones?” “ No, air.” 2‘ Know_hp,w to play the peannerl” ‘ 311'. “N sir." . “ That’ll do. Ye kin take of! yer things, . yer supper in the dining-room, send Pomp or - your lugga , and then come in and write four otters, tw now and bedtime. You other gals can go.” . ’ Etta obeyed, wondering if this could all be true, that she was so lucky. She was a keen reader of human character, and saw from the start that there was no way to get alon with her employer, except to hu- mor his wh In the dining-rooms, she met the house- keeper, a motherly spinster, and the two he- came friends, from the start, but Molly (as she gave her name.) was not one of the communi— cative sort, and said very little in regard to trhe master of the house, whose name was Jason itus. After a bounteous supper. Etta dispatched the colored servant for her luggage, and then sought the parlor. Jason Titus was half asleep, but amused, when she entered. “This blasted gouthas nigh about worn the out of late,” he growled. ‘ Never had it, did ye “ No, sir,” Etta admitted. amusedly. “S’pose not. Might ’a’ know’d better. Get the paper, yonder, and see what stocks are d0~ ing, in New York. " - tta complied with his request, and read for an hour, to him, on different subjects. During the evening, a collector came for a sum of money, and it remained for Etta to wait upon him, she ng the money from a safe, in the library. Titus then had her bring forth his books, and in an hour she knew about all his business aflairs, how much he was worth, and every- thin that concerned his lans. HIE money he kept In is safe, at home, not; havin any faith in banks. “Etsal in yeroha , now, an’ yecangoOn an’ do bizness same as t o’ I was able,” the old man announced. “I know you’re honest, or I wouldn’t trust ye. Your salary will be five dollars a day, an’ you are to take it out o’ the cash drawer ever day. That’s all. You’re at. liberty for the res of the evening. 361 your- self to the planner, if on want. Mo ly will show you your room, w an you want to retire. Get up early to-morrow, for .a morning drive with me.” ' When Etta retired that night, she was won- dering if it could all be true. _ Seemingly. it had been a lucky happening for her which had been such a heavy loss to the St. Claire. Turk, the messenger boy. felt greatly relieved, on returning to me lodgings, that night, for he had cause to believe that he could depend u n Billy Jones’s silence, which would insure im against immediate danger. So be resolved to return to work, the next morning. . On his arrival at the omce, the superintend- ent informed him that he could take charge of an instrument. during the Bi-Centennial week, during each forenoon, to “spell” the diflerent operators. and in the afternoons resume his messenger duties. There being. more money for [him by the change, Turk went to work. He was pretty well versed in telegraphy, and. ,I' /. as Boy Met: 5. this first forenoon’s work went off satisfactorily, and he continued in the capacity of an operator the balance of the week. i The next week was Bi-Centennial week, and there was an extra amount of messages to be received and transmitted. . , Tuesday noon, just before he was about to yield his instrument to another operator, two messages came, which somewhat surprised him, ‘ ‘as he transferred them to paper. The longest one was directed to Jerome St. Clair and was as follows: “ I am coming to vou for protection. There is no room for me, on t e sea, any longer. Besides, I have had grave apprehensions about my child. 11.x- pect me at any time. I have no re ilar schedule. " man Evans." “Must be the purty gal’s dad comin’ back,” Turk muttered. “ Thar’s sumthin‘ secret ’bout that gal, an’ I wouldn‘t mind knowin’ it. Reckon I don’t want to take no messages up there, though." The other message came a few minutes later, and was addressed to “ Fred St. Clair, N0. ~— Market street, up—stairs." It was dated from New York, and ran as fol- IOWs: “ Farm—Cannot do anything with them here. Will bring them back. Tonight, at the Social." There was no signature, but the fact that both Incesages were for St. Clair, rather aroused the young messengers curiosity. “One is to the old boss, and t’other is to a young St. Clair,” he muttered. “Wonder ef “the young and the old is related? and what it is the New York chap can’t do anything with, over there? Mebbe the-diamonds!” The idea struck him with force enough to Eeave a lasting impression on his mind. There was just a possibility, he thought, that he had struck a clew to the robbery, and there could be no harm in making a quiet investiga- tioa, clew or no clew. As it was noon, be surrendered the instru~ ment to Finch, the other operator, and took . the Market street message to the delivery-clerk himself. v ‘ “ Put that in an envelope, Chris,” he said; “I 'want to deliver that myself.” ‘ “ Got a sweetheart u there, eh?” Chris- .»smiled, comp] ing with his requesu “ Oh, no! hey don’t trouble me yet,” Turk we lied. “ Time enough for that hereafter.” 6 took possession of the message and de art- ed, wondering if he would be able to ma e a discovery. 4 . At last he arrived at the number. and ascended a narrow staircase to the second floor~ of an old building, the lower floor of which was used as a harness shop. . There were several doors opening ofl from the hall, on one of which was a tin plate bearing the inscription: “ Tar. SOCIAL or SEVEN.” As none of the other doors had door- lates. I "hirk concluded to trv the door of the “ ial ” highest of Mr. Fred St. Clair. is rap was unanswered; and after waiting a moment, he turned the knob of the door, and snared the room, which was handsomely There was no one in it, however, with whom to leave the memage, and so he concluded to wait a few minutes. The room was fitted up as a parlor, with a fine. carpet, sofa, furniture, and costly pic- tures, and ornaments of an expensive nature. A door opened from this into another room in ‘he rear, but this was closed. After about half an hour’s wait, the rear door )pened and a man entered the arlor. He was about thirty years 0 age, well built, richly dressed, and bore marks of dissipation upon his otherwise rather attractive face. ‘ He seemed much surprised at sight of Turk, and not over-pleased. “ What n’ye want here i” he growled, looking at Turk sharply. “Got aimessage fer Fred St. Clair. Know such a chap around here?” Turk replied care- .lessly, producing his book. ‘ ‘ Yes; that’s my name. Let’s have the mes- sage, and then you skin out of here. We don’t alloBO boys fire-v"; ’ " “ at a hat kind of a ranch lei " e’re so ’fraidi” t” “ None of your business, you rascal. Give ‘ me the message.” “Jest am- your handle to this beck first, Frederick,” the femt said, coolly, “and pan out a narter—then the message is yearn.” St. e mwflnrlr ohm ‘ “ Wait-see if there's an answer!” he said, tearing open the envelope. “No; on can go. Turk left the room and descen ed into the busy street, with its swarms of btrseers. Passing around the new Public uildiug‘s, past the Pennsylvania depot, from which hundreds of people were pouring as fast as they were ushered into the city by huge train-loads, he suddenly felt a hand laced upon his shoulder, and faced about to flu himself in the presence of a tall, lank individual with thin, sharp featr‘ area, a hook nose, bead-like black eyes, and a decidedly Frenchy mustache of a like color, waxed out at the ends. His dress, however, was of the shabby-genteel order, and amon almost any crowd he would have been classe a bummer. “Hello! what d’ye want?” Turk demanded, ashe critically surveyed the man. “Don’t try 11011;?”0’ your confidence dodges on me—l’m too sa . The hawkish man laughed. “ I just reckoned so ” he said, with a strange chuckle. “And you re just the very chap I want.” And as he spoke, he turned aside his vest- iggar, and exhibited a glittering gold detective ge. . CHAPTER IV. TURK ON THE BEAT. SURPRISE!) and alarmed, Turk instantly con- cluded that this detective had discovered im to be the same person who had procured the dia- monds from the St. Clair mansion. “ Don‘t be scared,” the officer said, readin the boy’s thoughts. “ It isn’t you I’m after, y a long shot. I’m wanting a wide awake lad as an apprentice, and, judging by our physiog, you’re the boy I want. So come ong With me: He did not say it invitingly, but authoritativeL ly and Turk hardly knew what to say or do. . a had always longed to become a detective by profession, and here was a chancs when be least expected it. Yet he knew that he would be losin his position in the emce, and might not be a le to do as well, should he not prove an expert in the detective line. ‘I guess you’ll have to strike some other fel- ier,” he demurred, shaking his head. “ I’ve got a pretty good snap with the Western Union. " Pshawl you can’t make your living at that. I’ll pay you good wages, and guarantee you ‘a badge after a short trial. 80 come along. You 10:3”. band in your resignation to the company, “What’ll you give? Money is what makes the mare go. ’ “Ten dollars a week, and more when you earn it. Hurry along now. I’ve got some work ahead.” - “Guess I’ll try you a whack, anyhow," Turk muttered. “Ten's six bigger than totin’ mes- sages around. Sail ahead.’ ‘ The detective was evidenth no stranger in the city, for he led the way up T irteenth until they came to a quiet two‘story brick dwelling, the door of which be unlocked, and they entered a plainly furnished front room which bore unmis- takable indications of being a bachelor’s head- quarters. "This is my abode when I’m home,” the de- tective announced, motioning Turk to a seat. “ My name is Buck Hawk. What’s yours?” “Turk !" “Turk! Is that all?” Hawk asked, with a m. gr“ All i know of,” was the answer. “ Guess it’s nll required fer natural p s . “ Funny name. Know any of the city detect tives?” “ Once in a while one. Know Hulflsh, Gray, Grimes and Mack.” ’ “ Humphl Know any of the suspects? “ Nuts, you mean—hard cases?” it Yes. 3! , “ You betl I’ve got a he~p of them chaps down fine, and know some of their hang-outs and fence-posts like a book.” , “Glad to hear it. It will help us along. I’m from New York, and not known to the profes- ' sionals over here generally. But. as it he pens, I’m looking for a chap—in fact several c apa— but one in particular. A visit to some of these dens may put me afloat. I’ll fix you up as a countryman, and we’ll take a turn in at Joe Burns’s.” . “ The blazes! Ketch me in there. It’s a reg- ular cut-throat den.” “ Don’t tell me what it is. But as long as I’m with you, you’re all right. -All you’ve got to do is to on; ‘eountrv jist come tew town to see the "and I’ll fence you about. I‘m a thoroughbred, you understand, who is in.“ you the siglhts. If Turk ad any misgivings Buck Hawk soon talked them away. Out of a large stock of disgu which be hauled from a trunk he soon had charac- teristically arrayed as a clumsy, loutish ooun - boy from the back woods, and no one on have suspected that he was other than what he re esented. he detective then giving so e slight chat: to his own make-up, the set out. 00 Burns’s notorious ‘ Club ouse ” was com reached and entered. A known resort for criminals of eyery class, it was not the most alluring lace imaginable for two strangers to enter. And yet, despite the infamous record of this place, it is still per- mitted to exist in the heart of the city, an eye- sore and a terror to all honestly disposed people. where deeds of violence are of everyday occur- rence, and to which the police seemingly turns deaf ear and a blind eye.) ». Although Hawk knew of a dozen thieves’ dent in the immediate neighborhood, he pref visiting] this Club House, and for a purpose, as we she. see. The low, ill-smelling bar-room, with its di light contained only four persons at the Haw and the countr lad entered. .One of i these men was a low- rowed customer, who presided behind the bar. The other three were seated at a table, en- aged in a game of cards, but looked up with In uiring stares as the two entered. either Hawk nor Turk paid any attention to them, but advanced to the bar, and called for beer, the latter appearing as ‘gawky’ as a verb itahle boy of the ack~woods. .“ What’s yours?” the bartender demanded of 1m. ~ “ I reckon I’ll take lager,” was the innocent reply. “We don’t git no lager up atlhum- nothin’ only hard cider. Dad put up six bar’ll fer the deacon this year." 'V “Give him beer—a little verd, you lee.” Hawk remarked to the bartender, in a signifi- cantwundertone. “Just dropped onto it awhile ago. Burns gave a grunt, and shot the detectiu a suspicious glance, evidently not satisfied that he longed to the class of ‘professionals’ who fr uented his place. awk made no other remark until he had drank his beer, when he set down his glass . glanced about the apartment. “Polly been about town. lately?” be ii asked, meaning one of the gang who had ~' been one of the ex rt pickpockota of the . “ Not lately,” urns replied, appearing o: ltrifle’less suspicions. “He’s been very busy ate. “S’pose so. I’d like toseohim. Don’tnoom to meet any faces I know. Saw Scrogge'r-hp the street. tho’. ” “No? Didn’tknow he was out. Get nihoty I awhile ago. Who‘re you!" , “ Scriverl” “Hum h! Heard Scrogger speak of you. Know M’l’ e Kerrig, don’t you?” “He’s doing well over on Market, fencln’ for a ‘social’ 1 Rather hurting rue—still I liketo see the boy reaper.” “ What’s t e number?” “ No. —- Market street—upstairs. Secial ’1 Seven. Nice place to play a game of card‘s-rue one about.” ‘ “Have to look it up. Think I’ve struck a gliner,’ but ain’t sure. How‘s peelers ere. ’ “ Solid. Per cent—ten. No trouble.” v' “ All right. I’ll call again. Let’s, allhave ; another drink." The drink was had and paid for; then Hag: ' and his a preutice left, and returned to' houss on hirteenth street. “ I’ve struck one desirable point,” the detect- ive declared. “ I’ve found out where this ‘30- cial of Seven ’ is, and my man is a‘ member of “So do I know where it is,” Turk added. “I took”a message to the room just before I. met on. ‘ “ Who to?” ‘ “ Fred St. Clair.” With a low exclamation the detectivehecano suddenly reflective and silent. ' He was something of a conundrum to Turk who had taken to watching him keenly. When the arrived at the detectlvo's abet they an , and Hank di’bd produced some. beef and cheese,anda boztle ofwino, adheres ‘_ marked: r A ,_... f a '«d-‘-- «.W-.. a.“ . ,. mm»... ~......V._a.~..rm-'..—.,»..s ’ ‘ , ' ‘; i \ I .—.~ ~— - . . x \ \ I ‘ ‘ ’hook. I ' ma.- curacy/react. ' :J‘We’ll have some better“ b at thehotel after a while. “ l’m oin to" cave you to do aeyeu please for a whi e, w ile I skylark about for points. By all means retain your rural dis- pfle.‘ and look to it you don’t get trapped by sharks. In my desk yonder you’ll find a roll of dirt , greasy money, which ten out of a thou- san :would not take as being counterfeit; yet it is. You can take some of that with you, and if any sharks try to fleece you load ’em up with ‘that stuff. Kin ye play cards?” "Bet I can; kin heat the teller what put the spots on ’em 1” “ All right. meet.” And with this injunction the lean man took his departure. f‘ Durn me if I don’t ruther wish I was back a-totin’ mesages,” Turk muttered, after Hawk’s de ure. “ Dunno how be ex cts to make a de 've outen me. ’thout he to 5 me what the racket is he’s on. S’pose I might tackle the dia- mond case. Might stir up some sort of a sensa- tion, and git in jail in the bargain.” Toward night be tired of stayin in the house, I. arming himself with a pair of awk’s revolv- ers which he found in the desk, and pocketing the roll of the counterfeit money, he set forth and made his way to the depot of the P. R. R at Broad and Filbert streets, where he lounged abbot the waiting-room for several hours, watching the crowds of people who were flock- in in by every train. bout dark he saw Fred St. Clair in the de- pot, strolling about, and occasionally accosting some of the strangers. ‘fBet that cha ’s a shark, tr in’ to pick up some greenhorn or a snap. ish he’d tackle me,” was Turk’s observation. “I’d kinder like You’re not to know me if we to find out that feller’s antecedents, anyhow; I‘m interested in him, I am.” His wish was to be gratified, for onng St. Clair won a proached him with h e1 gant a .of att re, and his rather dashing gure and ace. Turk was seated in one corner of the apart- ment. starin in the most gawky manner im- aginable at t e surroundin . - “ Good-evening, Johnny! ’ St. Clair accosted, familiarly. “ Come down to take in the glorious smummr’ "I reckon. of I don’t got tuk in myself,” Turk - replied. “Kinder tire travelin’ aromd, _an’ that I’dtake a rest.” “. Bi t. Excess of sight-seeing makes it tire- some p easure just now. Let me see, your face seems familiar. You’re from Perryville, are ' you not!” ‘ Lordy Jerushal how’d ye ever guess that f” Turk ejaculated, with a grin of surprise. ‘thlI’ve been through there traveling for pleasure, and it somehow struck me I’d seen our face somew ares.” “ Yes, me an’ runs the Schoonovsr cheese factory there, an’ turns out the best cheese in the State. Dad he kicked like thunder when I let sail for beer but, darn it, I cum on my own I oouldn t borry no stamps from h in; so I jut sold my interest in the last makin 0‘ cheese, an’ beer I am. Since dad j’ined the church, ‘I’m gol-darned ef he don’t git tighter en’ tighter every day.” I. “Come down to see the sights, I suppose?” “ Waal, I judge. Don’t know much about the ci , hnt'l guess I kin git my money’s wuth. Dank, cost a heap to cum. Got in wi’ a toilet as was fetchin’ over a car-load 0’ sheep.” “Well, you want to take care of yourself. There’s a great abundance of rogues in the city laying for fat pocket-books, and any one’s liab e to get robbed.’ ‘ Bet they won't soap me! Carry all my :pondelics in my shirt pocket, ’cept ’bout a bun- rec’l, dollars pin-money. The old woman posted me. A “What a comfort it is to have some one to, advise one!” St. Clair said. “Well, I must dro around to the club. Hope you‘ll enjoy yoursel . B the way, perhaps you wouldn’t mind going ahw across the street, and taking a nip." “ ell, I don’t know but I might. Never drtnk, at hum, ’cause dad’s a deacon, but Phila- dely a ’t hum, by along shot 1” And 'rk gave a grin that would have con- vulsed an anchorite. , They left the depot, and turned over on to tstreet, where they entereda saloon, and St. air called for drinks—Turk taking beer, while the sharp pom-ed out a liberal allowance °‘ Wififfifitfi?‘ I'll uptotheclub,”8t.Clair / “,Go ou’nnothiag more im- ._ ‘tontefia‘ndlhlintroduceyoutoeome of the first oung fellows about town, and we’ll have a quie game of anchor.” ’ “Waal, I might go’lon , sence we’ve met, but 1 don’t play much at eerds, ’cept now an then a game 0’ eucher.” “ They then set out, and in due time arrived in the hallway outside the room occupied by the Social Seven. w Here the handsome sharp paused and said: “ I’ll just explain to on what otherwise might seem strange. This social of ours was gotten up for mutual enjo ment, and we adopt- ed several rules and regu ations, among which was one that no one should enter the council- chamber, except in mask. No one of us knows the other. Membership is obtained, thus. A person wishing to join, visits the room, during the day, and eaVes a note stating that under the nom de plume of so-or-so, he will be present for initiation, that night. Among the mem- bers, now are Seven—The Murderer, The Smug- gler, The Ghoul, The Blackmailer, The Burglar, The Kidnapper, and The Pick- ocket!” ' “Lord! Jerusha! I’m goin’ hum!” Turk gasped, in pretended alarm. “No! no! you don’t understand. This is all fun, you know. Each member is of the best families, and rfectly honest and honorable. Just glut on this mask, and I’ll‘introdnce you as The 'rebu .” Fearigg t at he would arouse suspicion, if he disobey , Turk put on the half mask, St Clair also masking himself, and then giving five pecu- liar taps o the door. ‘ A coug was heard, whereupon St. Clair opened the door and they entered. The place was lit by a chandelier, and had undergone no little change, since Turk’s visit, earlier in the day, for in the center of the room, was an elegant fare table, about which were grouped six men, engaged at the game, while others were loungin about the room, smoking, chat- ting, and drin ing, the refreshments being pass- ed around by a negro. St. Clair and Turk became seated, and main- tained a silence. About half an hour passed, when the six men at the fare table arose, and left the room. The door was then locked by the negro, who retired to an adjoining apartment. St. Clair then arose. “Gents, in my heart rankles aspirith rec venge, since you cleaned me out of so much cash, last night. I propose to get even with you, by Opening a little game of faro. Will you make it interesting?” The others agreed, and all hands gathered around the table. Turk stood near at hand, and looked on. The negro came from the adjoining room, and took the position of banker, and sold the checks to his ma ked confederates, as Turk knew they were. Too old a lad he was, in the we s and wiles of city life, not to know that the are game was only started in the hopes of attracting his money of which he had purposely hinted to St. Clair that/he had a considerable. . ' “ A fine gang of sharks, and I’llbet the rep- resent the diflerent professions that my riend claimed—in truth, instead of in fun. If they catch’me, I’m destined to be sleepier than I am now. The game proceeded, and the bettin ran high, in consequence of which St. Clair ost about fifty dollars. ‘ That b: eaks my bank,” he growled. “ Curse me, if I only had an even fifty more, I’d supp the crowd.’ A thought flashed across Turk’s mind. ' “Tell ye what, boss. Give me sum’thin’ fer security, an’ I’ll at up fifty fer ye,” he said, stepping forward. “Like to see every hog hev a smell at the swill, I do.” . St. Clair caught readin at the bait. “Thank you. Here’s my gold watch. Will that do!” “ Of course. Here’s your spends.” . And he took the roll of money from his helmet, and counted out three of the time-worn ills—two twenties and a ten. The Social Seven exchanged glances, and the darky shoved the notes into is e cash drawer, giving St. Clair checks in return. The others also invested, and the game was run. Of course St." Clair won heavily, as Turk - had expected, and redeemed his watch byapay- ing fifty dollars from the go d which the nker had shoved over to him, an which ‘ank pock~ eted with quiet satisfaction. ' - “Ihelie r ' ed mmm’h'itflmmum 1 El in greenbacks. “Never did hev much luck, tho’ ” He played and scooped in the checks. Again he ventured, and again he was suc- cessful. Twice more, and the result was the same. The men about the table growled, and the ne- gro swore. ‘ Turk was cool and loquaciousa ‘ He had ke t watch of one thing, which lent him not a litt e satisfaction. As fast as he id in money for checks, he noticed that the bi ls were worked into the other players’ possession, in exchange for gold. Why this was, the boy could not imagine, but he knew that he was getting rid of his spurious. money. At the end of the fifth game, all of which be had been permitted to Win, he had four bun» dred and fifty dollars’ worth of checks. “ Cash them!” he said, laying them down. “What! you’re not going to leave us losers in the lurch ?” St. Clair protested, angrily. “ That ain’t fair.” . “Ain’t it? Well, after I get them checks cashed, an’ we all have a drink, mebbe I’ll try ye another whack.” Believin best to humor him, the ne ro cashed. the checks in gold, and then went for t e drinks, which he soon brought in, on a server. Turk raised his glass at the same time the» others did, but allowed the liquor to run down his neck on the outside'instead of on the in; then uickly wiped his chin and throat, none of the- ven noticing the cheat. “ Nom come on; let’s play again. You’re- two hundred ahead, stranger.’ “ Waal, I’ll go ye one more, an’ make that the last. Beer 3 the last 0’ the cheese money—— three hundred dollars. I’ll bet the hull pile a ’in’ the backin’ of it.” he men divided their mone s, and the stakes ware put up and won—by St. lair. , Turk was not disappointed, butpretended to be, boisterously. “ You’re a gol-durned set 0’ Skinners!” he rowled. “I won’t play no more. I feel sick. t me out 0’ here.” At a signal from one of the men, the negro opened the door. , Turk staggered toward it, acting as though he were somewhat intoxicated. “ I’m goin’ up to uncle’s. Come ’long, pard- ner. “ Better go with him!” one of the gamblers said to St. Clair, and that individual nodded, and followed Turk down-stairs, both taking off their masks in the hall. . To the sharper’s offer to accompany him to his stopping place, Turk made no resistance and feigned to be half stupid until they reached. the house in Thirteenth street. . “Ef ye don’t mind, come in. No one’su I ess, an’ I know whar uncle keeps his hot e," rk declared. He opened the door and entered, St. Clair fol- lowin him. Tur then lit a lamp, and at the same M Buck Hawk stepped into the room from the A startled cry esca him as he saw St, Clair, who started bac with an oath. _ Turk seeing a crisis instantly drew his revel-— vers and covered the gambler. “ ho , what is the meaning of this?” Hawk deman . “ How comes this rascal here of all please in the world?” “ Ohl him and his set were tryih to tap me, but I war too fox for ’em, an’ lu this teller here. so you coul hev a look at him!” Hawk whistled. “ I’m mighty glad. This is Slippe Frt‘ll. one of Murrell’s gan —a nabob sort 0 ram-i: you know—big relat one, you know—anus 3.01:: oi! Scot free.” St. Clair was white with passion, and kept his' ,_ eyes roving about, watching for an opportunity to escape, but the gleAming. six-shooter s in Turk’s hands, sumced to keep him qmet. Hawk walked up and down the room, in deep reflection; then turned to the gambler: “I have not made up in mind jnst what to do with you,” he said. “ ou ht to settle the business right here, but I think can make more use of you after awhile. Or shall I turn you over? 'Which do you prefer: Shall I be , your jailer, or the authorities?” “I demand to be released,” St. Clair hissed, savadfixiy' I t. Wh \ get“ free “ no: guess no on on I again,,it will be when a live case E cleared up, and a band of outlaws broken fertobein lioecnetod I ran you-over, but you cagobet high / . If you pm» " l gnyt’hejmyagaimiishehassofrequently one. St. Clair did not reply. , He seemed to deem it the wisest course not to let his temper get the better 'of him. Hawk taking a pair of handcufls from his big coat pocket, put them on the gambler’s wrists, wit out resistance. He next bound his feet together, and then gagged him so s stem- atically, that he could utter no sound a ve a oan. This done be dragged him into a small ark apartment off the front room. “ There! You stay there for the present, and if on make any noise, I’ll break our head. on know the sort of a hairpin am, and I reckon you’ve got sense enough to behave yourself.” He then locked the door and turned to Turk. “ So far so good !” he said, triumphantly. “ That catch is worth five thousand dollars, if on want to know it.” ust then there came a rap at the door. Hawk looked at Turk to enjoin silence. The rap came again. ' Hawk crept toward the door. For the third time the rap camel Turk was wondering what was next on the programme for the evening’s entertainment. he show was becoming Very interesting. CHAPTER V. was ours Loosn. Err; EVELYN was well pleased with her new home the longer she remained in it. Her duties were ight, and she had much of the time to her~ ,self, as old Jason Titus snored away the better part of each day, in the easy-chair. Her liberal salary soon enabled Etta to clothe herself appropriately, and the servants were as polite to er, as though she had really been the nabob’s daughter. ' Titus had a large daily income from a down- town manufacturing placc, which it was one of her duties to collect, every afternoon, at three, rain or shine, and she always had a coupe at her command. . How much money the old man had stored away in his capacious safe, she never attempted to know, for there were hoards of it, and it was doubtful if Titus, himself, had any exact idea of its amount. Then, there was the early morning drive whenever it was pleasant in the park, and all taken into consideration, Etta was rather doubt- ful if she could have ever found a more desirable situation. The Titus turn-out was one of the nobbiest uipages seen in the park, and Etta could not he p feeling a little proud, when one mornin they met Aurelia St. Clair, who was on for a gallop. The start and stare when she saw her cousin in the barouche with old Jason, plainly ex- d her astonishment. After one of these morning drives, as Titus was examining his mail, he ookod up at Etta rather queerly. “ Better put on some extra kisses to your hair, to—day, gal,” he observed, “ for I’m going to break my usual rule, and have a friend to dinner. Smart young fellow too—about thirt , and got brilliant prospects, since he quit t e ocean” If I do say it, Carl Clyde is a man, every inch of him.’ Poor Etta’s heart sunk within her. Captain Clyde coming here to dinner! What in the world should she do—how could she face him, Aurelia St. Clair’s lover? She had met him frequently at the St. Clair mansion, and he had treated her with full as much oordiality as he had Aurelia. whom Dame Rumor said was to become his bride, somewhere alon about the holidays. If e came here, and saw and race ized bar, he would likely inform Jason Titus of er former surroundings, and there was no telling how thin would turn. “ am sure you will kindly excuse me, Mr. Titus,” she said, blushing. ‘ I had rather not mee‘ your company, if you can spare me. I had rather not make an acquaintances.” “ Pooh! Nonsense! say yes, and that 96% ties it. So, now, run down to town, and inquire at Drexels if the Panama is in port yet, and then return.) . Seeing there was no way to at out of the di- hmfna, without Meow him, tta determined to ‘ face the m ” make the best of the “em qt... ' an the hack, and was driven dawn town, where‘s“ made inquiries co the Turk, "the Boy Ferret. shié), Panama, and then stopped at Strawbridge an Clothiers to do some shopping5 While there, a man‘entered t 9 store, and ta ped her on the shoulder. t was Jack Grimes, the detective! Etta had seen him occasionally, at her uncle’s house, but further than knowing his professional calling, knew nothing about him. She turned and gazed at him, haughtily. “ Sir 1” she said, inquiring] . “ Excuse me,” he said. “ gay I speak to you, priVately, a moment?” - “No, sir,” Etta re lied. “ I do not know youl” And she turne to the counter. “But I insist!” he said. “I do not want to make you trouble, here!” She understood, theng His words implied a threat. He was a detective. Had he come to arrest her, at the instance of J crome St. Clair? “M carriage is at the door. I shall be out, direct y,” she said. - He bowed, lifted his hat, politel , and made his way out of the store, by the arket street entrance. Etta’s mind had been suddenly made up, on one thing. She must dodge this man, no mat- ter what the results might be! She quickly made a purchase, and left the store by the rear entrance, and hurried up Fil- bert street as far as Tenth street, thence down Tenth to Walnut. She knew that the carriage would go home in case she did not return within a reasonable length of time- but what was she to do? She took a Chestnut street car, and rode into West Philadelphia and back, her mind in a state of great anxiety. What was she to do! She had no place to go to. Should she return to the Titan home, and run the risk of the results that might follow? Yrs. They could not prove an thing of a criminal nature against her, and s e mi ht as well meet any charges brought against er as well at fir t as at last. So sh?l returned to Eighth and Market, and found t 9 hack still waiting for her, but Jack Grimes was not to be seen. Getting into the conveyance. she gave the orderto drive home, which she soon reached. and she made her "way to her room to take 03 her wraps. go going down-stairs she met Molly, who sai : " If you please, miss, the master wishes to see you in the parlor.” ' Presuming that he desired to hear from the Panama, Etta accordingly hastened to the par- lor, and entered.’ She gave a faint gasp of surprise as she did so, for she beheld Jack Grimes seated there, in company with Mr. Titus, her employer. , The latter looked up with a nod, but the de- tective gave her only a passing glance, appear- ing not to recognize her. “ Gal,” old Jason said, in his blufl but hearty m ner, “ this is Carl Clyde, whom I was speak- in’ about. Haven’t seen him before in three years. and he’s changed somewhat in that me. Etta acknowledged the introduction as best she could, and then esca d to another portion_of the parlor, in order 1. at Titus might not notice the astonishment that was expressed upon her ace. What was Jack Grimes doing here, masque- rading in the nom de lame of Carl Clyde? What villainous scheme ad he on foot? Poor Etta trembled. She was well satisfied that he had some plot to further, and calculated to use her as the tool, depending upon his knowledge of her former circumstances to keep her quiet. The very thought of such a thing made her so nervous, that she was heartily glad when Jason asked r to lay something upon the piano. She lay-edp several pieces, and then excused herself on the plea of a headache. and went to her room, where she threw herself upon the bed, and lay there, wondering what the. result of ggck Grimes’s interview with Jason Titus would 'When dinner-hour came she did not go down, but told Molly to take down the excuse of a headache. t The idea of facing Grimes, with the knowl- ledge of the lie he was palming of! on Jason Titus, was too re gnant to bear, and so she made up her min to run the risk of meriting her employer’s di leasure. ‘ , Toward dusk oily brought her upa sealed letter it she opened andreadwhen the servant was gone. ‘ . \ It was from Grimes, and read: “ Dun Miss Entrm—Your generous ample has granted me the permission to escort you to 0 performance of L0 to as ‘Bob.’ this owning. if you will kindly honor me with the pleasure of our company. It will also afford me an opportuninv to explain much to you which maybe puzzling you. Trusting youmll believe I mean for your own wel- fare, I am, Yours truly, CARL Guns.“ “ The base impostorl” Etta murmured, tear- ing the missive into shreds. “ He indeed means to use me as the stumbling-block to others. What shall I do? If I refuse to hear his ex- planation, he may influence my immediate .dis- char e, if he does not work me greater harm. lf I ear what he has to say, I may be better able to defend myself.” that she had better humor is r nest, and so rocuring a slip of paper, she a eased lit to im, and added: “ I will be ready at half-past seven.” _ Let us return to Buck Hawk and his approa- tice. The third rap upon the door of their quarters in Thirteenth street was given loud and per- emptory. “The devil!” escaped from Hawk’slips, d cocking his revolver, he flung open the r and there entered a woman some sixty years I age, who hobbled along with a cane, was dressed in old and ragged attire. Her hair was unkempt and white and her face wrinkled and withered, but her 6 es, black as jet, had the fire and sparkle of you . ‘ She helped herself to a seat while Hawk was closing the door, and took a keen survay of Turk, who was standing in the center of the room. ‘. “Who have you got here, Buck?” she queried in a pleasant voice, which was hard at contrast with her appearance, and betrayed the fact that shglfiad not always been in her present position in i e. i “ 0h. he’s a young rat I’ve picked up to help 'me,” Hawk replied. “ Turk, this is my mother.” Turk looked in surprise, and acknowledged the introduction with a hob of his head. gazed through the clouds of smoke at mother. ask . x “ A reason. There is ncthing we want there, was the answer. “ I’ve learned more since I came back than We’ve both found out in a year.” ‘ Humph! Whatf’ ' “ I met Jerome St. Clair Hawk wliistled. “Did he know you!” . , “Not be. 1 was watching him unknownto him. When he walked on he dropped this, and I picked it u to-day.” read it aloud. wire prior to his meeting with Hawk. Buck scowled when he read it. “It will be a uestion who wins the game now,”be said. “ t. Clair has no lon er Session of the girl. had skinned out, and her whereabouts are not known.” The old woman giroaned. -/ “ More likely s e’s been foully dealt with," she said, anxiously. r “Not by St. Clair,” Buck cried fiercely. “He has too much value for his own safety todo anything like that, although I dare say he causes." “ Who’s that yer talkin’ ’bonti” Turk asked, curiously. “Not Etta EVelyn l" “ Certainly. What do you know ’bout her?” “Oh, not much. Met her up at St. Clair’s an’ made a mesh wi’ her. ’Spect to bitch on to‘ her when I git promoted.” Buck and his mother exchanged. ammd glances. _ “So the gal ain’t at St. Clair’s, eh?” 'hn-k went on, eagerly. “No. l W ydo on ask? Do thing about her w ereaboutsl” Turk scratched his head. “ No, I can’t say asI do, but on you know any- {’12, better St. Clair has hurt that ' 01. mi. , I’m elected Governor in 1 Bot I know flat’s ma?”§a?° 1' “Us,” 1 a i. may" of on ‘e or i -, great importance to u?” . ‘ ..: _— g I learned to-night t ups: l Further deliberation stren honed her belief ‘ Hawk then lit a pipe, and seated himself, gird ‘ i8 “eEVhat brought you back from/Boston?" be. ” I ‘ She handed-a telegraph message to Buck, who lt was the one from Uriah Evsl n toJerome " ‘fl St. Clair, which Turk had rece vedfromthe would not care if she were to die from natural Y r, ‘_ ._..a,ch..‘._., t.._._ .n 1.5 ""’.’.“‘"‘. a ’r 11?:— -:‘,‘ ram ant" *?_'-9:.-.- r O .-".I.;T,,.:._~ r)". j. ._ '.t“.1rrrWa. . v ‘b ‘i .." -: '1 * 31-1. .4, . monks ,' Turk.ashewas .51" W‘" I", «melt-t." l. g). {-1 F. f: . if “Oh itis. n’ e] thew firm” ’Spo-i you Irish I:ny 4‘0” “Indeed. You are cuteain’t you! But I oumihtaswellknowas ouare own «at.» ' " And Hawk gave the old woman an inquiring glance. , “ No! no!” she cried angrily; “ tell the young nothing. Boys can’t be de nded on. If you i please me, you’ll send that to ow away, Buck: I on’t like him!" “ But, mother—” ' “ Send him away I say! Have nothing to do with him. : Do you heari Am I boss- or you?” “ You are unquestionably boss,” buck said, meekly. “ As my mother wills that I shall not kee on, I an you'll have to go.” “ erectl I ain’t wanted, you bet I won’t stay.” Turk declared, independently. “ Kinder suspicioned I’d lose my job, through doublin’ up wi’ on, but it don’t matter. Reckon l’ll hang to e detective biz—set up an opposition shop, like. Ef vou want any pints, jest call around and I’ll sell out for ten dollars per p’int.” . And with this, the boy moved toward the door. “Hold on!” Hawk cried. “Before you go you had better turn over the caunterfeit money I gave you.” "Oh, I guess not!” with a cool laugh. “ If you want that, ap ly to the Social Seven. They were so accommo sting as to give me gold for the better part of it. he gol luck. Tal tel Trallaloo! The next time you employ a monkey, beware of the chimpanzee 0 er, which know how to skin out of ordinary games. Good-by, Granny. Hi! bi! Buck!” And with this mocking salute, Turk darted from the house and down the street. It was quite late at ni ht, and so he made his way tea cheap lod 'ug- ones on Market street, near the Schuylkil , and secured accommoda- tions for the night. Bright and early the next morning he re- paired to a down-town clothing-house, and by expending fifty dollars, soon had himself ar- i'ayed iu attire that was nobhy, to say the east. Knowin the balance of the money would keep him or a long time, 'he made no effort to secure work, but spent his time about tow‘n, ’ dodginiin and out the various resorts of crimi- nals in Opes of meeting the diamond thief. . He also made it a point to saunter t the St. ‘Clair dwelling, on Seventeenth stree , each day; but the place was invariably closed. and there were no signs of life about it—a liarity con- Necred with numerous Quaker ity residences. On the same Tuesday evening that Jack Grimes was to escort Etta Evelyn to the theater, Turk chanced to be passing the Titus residence at about half-past seven o’clock. 'A close carriage had 'ust drawn up at the door, and a man lea out, almost against ssin . Hastily excus ng higmself, he ascended the steps and rung the bell, and' then it was that Turk saw for the first time that it was Jack Grimes. “ Humphl I‘ wonder what racket that son-of- a-gun is up to?” he mused. “Bet a cent he’s up . to some mischief !” Curiosity impelled him to stop at the corner, a, few steps further on, and wait to see what “9- lthe course of ten minutes the door ned, and Grimes and Etta came out of the use. a Atthey did so. Turk made it his business to pass them; and his astonishment knew no bounds when be perceived who the young lady was. Old Jason Titus stood in the doorway, and called out, as Jack was about helping her, into the carriage: “ Take good care 0’ her, Captain Clyde, or I’ll never trust her in your care ag’inl “All right!” Grimes . Then he sprung in, and the carriage was driven swag. Turk ha I paused again, a short distance away", a decidedly puzzled expression upon his “ Well, here’s a l” he muttered. “ Wonder what the girl is do ng here? And Jack Grimes is known as Captain Clyde, eh? Phewl there’s chit of mystery all around. I’d jest like to ' know where he’s goin' with Etta Evelyn. There's an important secret about that gal which more than one is concerned in, and there’s mischief hrewin’ n’her jest assureaethat wasJaek ' - _ tfellerain’tno more tohetrusted with an behest job than a Thomas cat is with a ' h Sumtbin’ tells W . all Ain’t “lifeboat this carriage ride.” m . I shall keep fer . l I ' rm' Hetookaturnabout theblock,andhame back to the Titus mansion. His brain had not been idle, during his walk. “I’m jest iu’ to find out where this?" bound fer. 1’ ex fer the captain, and ' el'y the ’11 tell where he is gone to. ’ e ascended the steps, and run the bell, and the summons was answered by t e negro ser- vant, Pompey. “ ls Captain Clyde in?” Turk asked. “No, sahl wid de young leddy. “Can you tell me where he went? I desire to see him, at once?" “ Dunno. Ax de boss, sahl" And closing the vestibule door, the darky was gone for several minutes. Turk was beginning to grow impatient, when he reappggsred. “ De sa dc capting gone to de Ches’nut street Opera ouse, sah, to See Lotta," he said. “ J es’ gone, sah.” Thanking him, Turk departed. “Struck the trail, haVe I?” he muttered, “and now I'll foller it like an’ Injun after sculps. Reckon as how I’ll go and see_Lotta, too. Taking a southward bound car, he was not long in reaching the Opera House, on Chestnut street, where he purchased a balcony ticket, not wishing to go below, lest Grimes should dis- cover, and recognize him. , Being early, he succeeded in getting a seat on the front row, side, from which he commanded a good view of the house, below. - His sharp e 'es were not ion in discovering Grimes and ‘ iss EVelyn, who ad seats in the orchestra. circle, nearly on a line opposite him. Twice during the evening, he saw Grimes get up and 0 out, and durin one of these eriods of a uce, Turk caug t the eye of t and made'a motion of caution, with his han . ' She evidently neither understood it, or recog- nized him, for she turned her head and gaze haughtin away. ‘ “ Guess she ain’t mashin’ gallery kids,” Turk mused, griml . “ Reckon she ain’t much struck on Jacky, ne ther.” 1 This conclusion was drawn from the fact that she paid very little attention to the persistent conversation .of her escort, and scarcely smiled, during the evening. audience to the time for closing, and the cur- tain went down, while the orchestra struck up a march. At the first top of the curtain bell, Turk made a step for the door, and was among the first out of the theater. The carriage Grimes had come in, was amon the long line u front of the theater, and Tur saw him and Miss Evelyn get in, and watched them drive 08, down-town. “ Goin’ the wron way,” he mused. “ That ,don’t look right. ebbe goin’ arler a sup r, r tho’, in true nabob style. I’ve a notion t at I’ll see what time they return hum.” He accordingly hurried to the vicinity of lie Titus residence, where he secreted himselt in a dark alley between two houses across the street. One hour passed away. . No carriage returned. Two hours passed. N o carriage had yet come. Several times the door of the Titus dwelling. waso ned, and some person stepped out and look down the street. This convinced Turk that Grimes and Miss Evelyn had not returned. “Durn my cats if I ain’t afeard that shark has run the gal oi! whar she won’t be found soon,” the boy muttered, dubiously. “Some- thin‘ seemed to tell me that all wasn’t right.” The minutes dragged by. v After a neighboring clock had chimed three, the door across the way opened again. 'Turk’s mind was made up. Hot glided from the alley, and across the stree . Jason Titus, in his dressing-gown, stood upon Ste . 0 “ Argsyou the gentleman of the house?” Turk asked. tipping his hat. “ Yes, I. am. What d‘ye want?” Jason growled, grufily. , “Ijust wanted to ask it your gal had got home safe, sir?” , ' . “No, she hasn’t. What do you know about her, and what are you hangin’ around for, at this time 0’ night?" b ' if ’u b Pu . ‘ pardon air at . ear In Evexp‘llein.’ I amen-sill you lelz’o‘fiiss Etta out wi millennium,an 1; l . 1' I y De cap’ting done jest gone aw ay,‘ At last Lotta had romped and amused the. l .. -........ ...-.a,.. .......—...—~...—.—.—.. "Thunderation, es, and mighty quick. it you know any ing about the coat “3‘32? a?”th “13 "'1‘? “‘3?” m" urowtogennto coneypar- lor, and he bade him be seated. Then taking‘his own big chair, he said: “ Now 0 a sad. boy, and tell what ye know. Where’s lyde and the girl?" CHAPTER VI. rum: Toucmts sorrel. , Tun young ferret scratched his head a mo- ment, and then answered: “Well, 1 don’t know as I erter give it away because ye see I’m in the detective bizness, and my tellin’ you might upset some of my plans. But I reckon you can be depended on.” “ Most assuredly. Go on." “ Well yer gal went out to the theater with Capt’in lyde, not?" " Exactly l" “ An’ hasn’t returned i" “No! that’s what’s worrying me." “ Well. I reckon you might as well drop on the worriment, and take it easy. The gal is a goner, for the present, but jest leave it to me and I’ll ferret out her whereabouts. ’Spect ya know this Captain Clyde?” "Indeed. es. Hi: tether used to be in part- nership wit me, but died, and Carl went to sea. Used to get letters from him: Finally, three ears ago, he left the sea and set up in New ork, and this is his first visit to me.” Turk whistled, and then screwed his face into a comical grin. "Well, that’s the way it goes. We’ve all got to come' to it!” he said. “ The long and short of it is, boss, you’ve sold out cheap!" “ What do you mean?” “I mean that Carl Clyde didn’t come to see you at all. The teller what’s been closin' yer eye up, is a' regular 'thoroughbred rip— scallion, named Jack Grimes, an’ s can bet yer bottle on it. I know that chap 1 ke a cross. eyed herring.” “Ye don’t tell me. Cures my i orance. I thou ht he didn’t look just like Car .” “ on thought right. The girl—what was she to you, boss?” _ “ My amanuensis. I advertised, and she come. Mighty! I wouldn’t lose the girl for her weight in gold. She’s as honest and punc- tual as ever a gal could be.” . " Yas, she’s a squar’ gal. But, twixt you an' me boss, there’s a mystery abou’ the gal’s life, an out of pure interest in her, I’ve undertaken to ferret it out. There’s several persons that’s interested in the case, and several of the lot, if not all, mean the girl evil.” Jason arose and looked furious. “Why curse it, boy. ef the dare to harm a hair of that girl’s head, I’ll is h the law on ’em in full strength !” “Yes. but you‘ve got to work ua the case, first, an’ strike afterward. Jack rimes has run that girl 011'. Jack Grimes is also a detec- tive. Go tell the authorities that Grimes was concerned in such a scraps, and they’d laugh at ye. and flu couldn’t prove nothin’. Jason the locked at his visitor admiring. “You’ve got a smart head on you, y. What’s your name?” “Only got one that I know of. and that is Turk.” Spose that answers all purpos. ,, how. ever. ' “Strange name—probably not you own, Have you parents or relatives livmg?” “Na a one that I know of. Beatleman- senger boy tilllateg'hwhen I concluded I could live by my wits. om’ to find out the abduc- tion case, if i bu'st.” ‘ “ How do you propose to do it!” “ Ohl l’ll root around till I strike a trail.” . “ I admire your grit, my boy, and fill back it up with any thing you . I have taken a great liking to the girl, and ’you shall be richly rewarded if you rescue her. “Well, you can bet high I’m ‘in’ to try for it. B’pose you don’t know no in' about the girl’s antecedents?” “ No; I never saw her before she applied, in answer to my card in the paper. What do you know of her est?" “Not muc . Saw her first at the base of Jerome St. Clair—3’ '“ What 1” the old man interrupted, excitedly. “ Where did you say?” “At the house of Jerome St. Clair, where I t00k a measage.” \, “Great God! That_is the first that I ever knew, that man was in the city. Whathhu business . ' Turks lained sofarasheknewandther als'onarraxtgdthetactsof thediamondrobbery 9 . Turk. the Boy *- 1 l \ . ‘ JasonTituslistenedwithapecuflar “Wonderifthere’sany skeletonng - oats “lgussshedon’t know an thin foracer- on lib countenance, and a nervous up. or other dangerous things a ’ loungiqu a Agmw the girl is age who gave that denoted an extraordinary interest in what each as lodges have?” Turk queried, groflng up the St. diamondskand she’s better out Turk was saying. about. “ ectI better strike a light, and a o the way, until we t t em disposed of.” When he had concluded, Turk blowed hisnose place to m myself look small in.” “ You are right. he may be a mint to us- vigorousl , and took to watching the old specu- . lator, whg now sat with his head bent forward, and his eyes riveted upon the floor. He did not speak for several minutes, and then is voice was husky. “ Where does t is St. Clair live?” he finally sked. “On Seventeenth street, No. —,” Turk re- plied. “You are sure this girl lived there?” “ Reckon so. Sta 'n’ there, anyhow. Reckon she left, ’cause they icked up the diamond bis- ness into a fuss." “ Does this man Grimes know them?" “ Yes. He’s the teller they’ve employed to .hunt up the diamond thief.” “Then perhaps it is on some such an account that he has abducted the girl?” “ P’ra I’d quicker think some other way, though don’t take no stock in Grimes. What do you know about the St. Claire and Etta Eve- lyn, now‘i” “ I prefer to keep my own counsel yet, not be- ;ing prepared to give an explicit answer. You go to work and find the irl, and fetch _her safely back to me, and ’11 make you rich. You can go now. Call when necessary. I am tired and sleepy.” _ I The invitation to go was decidedly painted, and so Turk took his departure, if anything more mystified than before. “ There’s a queer old secret‘ hangin’ onto this case, and ef I don’t nose it out I’ll eat my shirt. The worst of it is, I can’t git no p’inters to work on.” The following morning he made a round of the various livery stables in the heart of the city, and instituted some cautious inquiries among the hands in regard to whether any of the rigs had taken parties to and from the Opera House the previous night. One stable had furnished a hack, but the -' parties had been obtained on South Broad street. In none of the stables neither could he see a man resembling the driver of Grimes’s convey- ance, who had red whiskers. . He was, therefore, finally com lled to give up hopes of finding a clew to Etta s whereabouts in that direction, and spent the remainder of the do alon the line of the Trades-Day procession. owa evening he drOpped into a saloon near the building where the quarters of the Social , Seven was located, and urchased a cigar. Several well-dressed, ut otherwise rowdy- appearingifellows Were lounging about the room and anot er was about leaving the saloon, as Turk entered. ' “Did you say there was no one up in the room, J imi” he asked of one of the others. " No; nothing going on.” the other grunted. “ Well, then. I guess I’ll jump into town.” “ Be back in time. Important business." “ All right. I may run across Fred." Then he took his departure. Turk’s ears had been wide open. ' To make an excuse for a longer tarry in the saloon, he ordered a lemonade. “Cussed ueer why Fred fails to show up,” 0311 gt the oungers growled. “ Can’t be he’s Sic . “Likely,” another responded, in a tone that warned to. have the instant effect of silencing conversation-which Turk judged was owing to his presence. ' So, as soon ashe got his lemonade, he took his departure. . . . “ There‘s a part of the Social Seven—thorough- bred rascals, every one of them,” he mused, " and they’re going to have an important meet- in , to-night. Wonder if I couldn’t attend?” He crossed the street. and gazed back over at the windows of the club-room, .The curtains were down, and no Sign of life Visible about the u rt of the buil ing. p pititly, the negro came down-stairs, and boarded an eastern bound car. “ Reckon the coast is clear, now,” Turk mut- tered, “ an’ I’m goin’ to visit them rooms, and see if I can’t find a nest where I can.hlde. and overhear the important business, to night.” lie-creasing the street,,he dodged u _the stair- way, into the hall, above. Then he stened at the firstdoor, only to find that silence reigned within. 1‘s in the ,knob, he cautiousl opened the door-Egan» entering the clabYroom, closed 't be m. , l Air was dark, owing to the curtains being a He lit the s, and began his explorations. The owner room Presented the same a r- ance as at the his time he had visited 1:, ex- ce t that the faro table was missing. t took but a glance to assure him that there was no place that he could conceal himself in the front room, so he proceeded to find out what show there was for him in the apartment. adgoining. t proved to be a much larger room, and was literally choked up with stored goods, including furniture, and packing-boxes. The faro table was also there, and a shelf contained a number of bottles of liquor and glasses. He discovered also, in one corner, a full kit of burglar’s tools—bars, jimmies, picks, and other articles necessary to a rascal’s profession, including various suits of clothes, all of which were pretty well worn. There were several places, behind boxes, where Turk perceived that he could hide, with- out much fear of discovery, one place in particu- lar, where was a hole through the Wainscoting from which a knot had fallen out. By application of his ear to this hole, he could hear pretty plame what was said in the next room. So he turned oi! the gas, and settled himself into a watching position behind the huge pack- ing box. _ ‘Reckon these boxes are filled With the stolen goods,” he muttered. “Purty nice haul the perlice will make, when I squeal on this hyer social.” ‘ He had full two hours to wait, ere any one en- tered the club-room and then it was the darky, who immediately entered the rear room, and began sampling the drinks on the shelf. Half an hour later six masked men entered the front room became seated and called for drinks, which the negro served, afterward re- turning to the rear room, and closing the door. The men in the front room then lit cigars, and were read for business. Turk, t_rough the knot-hole, had an unob- structed view of them, and could hear as well. .His only fear was that the negro mi ht de- sire to utilize the knot-hole, too, in whic case, there was likely to be a row. But Pompey evidently had too bright an e e for the row 0 bottles on the shelf, to care or what was said in the next room. “Well, let’s et to business,” one of the masked men sai . “It’s some days since we compared notes, I believe. Have on learned nothing concerning The Black er, Kidnap r “Nothing!” Kidnapper re lied. “It’s my opinion he’s been nabbed, an they’re holdin h m on account of expectation that he’ll squea . Edfiuicker think you’d squeal, Murderer, than e. “Think what on like; it cannot injure my reputation,” Mur erer retorted. “My opinion is the same as yours, however, in regard to our missing member. Something’s up, and I reckon the sooner we wind up our meetings here the better we will be off.” The others gave a grunt of approval, showing unanimity of sentiment. “I was about to suggest the same thing my- self,” Kidnapper remarked. “But, where will we go, and what will we do with the goods?” And he gave a glance toward the back room. “I can arrange with a youn Jew to take them off our hands,” Murderer eclared, “and work them oil! in the country. I’ve struck a new meeting— lace, too, more safe than this.” “At Mlle. tael’s?" “ Yes. She is a warm friend of mine, and an adroit ‘fence,’ in the bar ain. None but well- recommended professions s can hide under her protection.” “ She’ll give as cover, then?” “ Oh! yes. I made arran ements all right to- day. So that‘. after to-nig t we’ll adjourn to meet next at Steel’s, usingr let rs inst of our present titles. For instance, I, the ca tain, will use the letter Z. you, Kidnapper, the etter Y and the others in rotation backward. We will then he as a new or nisation. Now let’s hear what news there is fore we adjourn. Is there anything new in your lin Kidnapper i” “ Yes. I made a capture the gig I was tellingoyou there was a‘ mygtery a t, and shall d her till I can get a good ransom." “ knows ingvabout what the mystery is about the girl, does he not!” I \ i ‘ , \‘ ~-‘ .‘ . ‘ yet. Found anythi of that meesengerboyf” “No—not for certa n,.although I have heard of him. and suspect that he is both watching and dod ng me. He’s left the telegraph oflou and is as to be in the street ever day." “How does St. Clair take it a t the dia- moods?” "Oh! he raves, as usual, but still puts impli- cit trust in me. I give him .several degrees of fresh hope each time I see him and as soon as I can get a reasonable reward out of him, I guess we’d better be wise." “ You are ri ht. The ’re not safe articles to have around. ow has t e Bi. Centennial car you, Pickpocket?" , * “Very fairly. vI’ve jerked a dosen valuable watches -3 the crowds, and as many different boodles of money. By next meeting, I I can diclare a very fair dividend.” “And you, Mr. Ghoul?” “ Not much doing now,” that worthy grunt. ed. “Students idle and no demand for stifle. , Got an eye on a young bride who is‘ going to be laid but in her best style, diamonds and all. Will try and see if there’s a raise to bemade in that direction.” The other members were likewise questioned, ~ and gave reports of dull business. “ Well. if there’s nothing of special import- ance, we’d better adjourn. I’ll turn the goods over to the Jew pawnbroker to-morrow, and our next meeting will be at Steel’s.” The following instant there were sounds of a scuffle and angry words. ‘ The captain sprung to the door of the inner room, whencc the sounds emanated, and opened the door wly. r “ Help, 1 Dis nigger done gone ootched a burglar!” . , In an instant all the members sprungtothe rescue, and Turk was yanked out into the noun? oil chamber, where he stood puffing and panting from his struggle, but still defiant. “ A spy i” exclaimed Kidnapper. “Yes, and the infernal messenger rat!” the captain cursed. “ Dion’t I warn you we’d best look bri ht or we’d have a grate in front of us! This litt e devil is more dangerous than a dosen older sleuths, and we’ve got to put 'him out of the way this ve ni ht. ‘ “0fcoursei”t eot ersassented. “The , I way i: to sink him in the bottom of the ~ ware! v And the rascals gathered around the pridooer threateningly. ' thIt looked as if it were'all up with him just en. v CHAPTER VII. , rm means a NEW “an. thGrange eighth?i last, howgavolarl,1 wuhT‘i‘i‘rs'k, when rea n y anger, an at oug present situation was manifestly dubious, his gritwas' ample to cope with grea odds. , - ‘ What d ye mean by sneakin’ into our , and playin’ eavesdropperi" the captain Mm ed, stern] , giving the young ferret a'shake by the shoul er. ‘ ' “ None of ver bizness!” Turk responded prom tly. “ kon I know what I am about." “ I you do? Well, maybe you won’t know . quite so much about it directly. Did you ur- posely come here to overhear our interview; “ Bet your taro chips I did! Didn’tgetlefton it, neither." , ‘ “ That remains to be told! Do you know what * we‘re going to do with you?” . , “ Nix. Haven’t any idea more’n thedog that . couldn’t ketch his tail.” “ Well, I’ll try to impress it on your mind, then. that we’re going to kill you.” ' ' “ You don’t sayl Didn’t suppose you’d letme 03 that easy. ‘What route are you going to send me of! by l” g “ The Delaware river route. Drowned kids neVer bleat!” .‘ . _ “Don’t fool ourself. They sometimes change inter mermai s, and cum back to life. Bet a“ rick-knife ag‘in' seven Cents there ain’t a stunin hila’ w’ot kin keep me under water.” “ We’ll see about that. I’m a pretty good ~ hand at doin’ jobs of the kind,” the ca tail chuckled. “ Dead men tell no tales arter get throu h with ’em,” and at that instant Tu re- ceiv a stunning blow beside. the head, an all can left im. . , W" awn“ masses: as" m en ' .’ as 11 rooms «White he found himself lying upon \ i I l f Vs... ‘ . ..., \> i r . tor 1:0 ' l. 'l ‘r his luck in the bottom of a small row-boat, which was being propelled upon the water by a roughly-dressed, grim-looking man, some forty- flva years of age. Turk instantly comprehended the situation. He was bound hand and foot and being rowed out upon the Delaware river, the bottom of which was designed by the Seven to be his grave. With a sli ht effort be gained a sitting posi- tion and too in his surroundings. The night was dark and the river was com- paratively free from shipping, except alon the docks. and from their location Turk judg that the skill had started out from the vicinity of Federal street docks. He had time only to make these observations when his captor growled out: “ Lie down, there you young monkey, before I club you OVer the head. ’ “Guess you can let a feller look around, can’t you?” Turk granted, not offering to obey the order. “Jest s’posin’ you tell us where we’re goin’ l” > “ You’re goin’ to visit Davy Jones,” the cap- returne with a rattling sort of a chuckle. “He See, Seth Jones the big fish feller, he‘s ot a contract wi’ old Davy, an’ Davy furnis es him fishes, while he furnishes Davy wi’ meat for his locker.” “ You don’t say! So you’re goin’ to spill me, are §ou?” . “ ou bet! Don’t much like seeh jobs, but the devilish world’s ag'in’ me, an’ when a fel- ler’s broke, he can’t be choicey. Git fifty dol- for makin’ fish fodder of you !” rk shuddered. , The men was apparently a hardened wretch, ' who made no hesitation of committing any . gator» by V crime that! would line his kets with lucre. Yet there might be achor of humane feeling in his being, and the boy knew it was decidedly flaws interest to stir it up, before it was too “Say, now, lookee here, Cap,” he said, lean- ing forward, and peerin into the man’s beard- ed face, “ surely you ain t mean enough to take a young feller’s life, like me, what never did on any harm?” ;“Git out! 0’ course I am. What the deuce do I keer so long as the shekels come in! r The world, kic'ks me, an’ hain’t I a right to kick 1' “But, if you can make more money doin’ a turn, why not do it? It will' you just as much to let me live, as it will to Hme.” “Bah! you’ve no money I” “ But I can get it—lots of it!” 1'“ Git on 9’ “Not a bit of it. Now, you just ut me "here, and come along With me, au’ ’11 give you two hundred dollars!” “ Show up yer cash, or shot up!” , “Can’t suowa red, now. 'cause its all in my room, at the hotel. It’s solid for you, tho’ i” The man sneered, evilly. “ So is the police court, when I git on shore!” led. “Ye can’t ketch me, ya devilish rat.” “.1 don’t want to. I’ve got to see the day, yet, that I ever went back on a chap as did me ' turn. If you’ve any notion to be hon- : I can work you in as a sort 0’ side pardner, In yenean bet it means money to hang along with me. Heerd of Turk the boy shadow, ain’t ye . “ No!” contemptuously. , "Oh! you’re a stran er, then. My name is as notorious as Mayor ing’s. Gota ripe old case on hand, too. Girl abducted. Savy? same gang as hired you to s ill me. Big reward, when I find the a]. Sev ril Ea - m want her. Sort o’ mys ry about er. Fetch a fat price, you bet!” V ' ‘The man only gave vent to a grunt of indifler- ence,'a.nd rowad on. Turk’s heart sunk within him. It was appar- e’,utthathe had no mercyto expect from the ‘ruflan. , Must be then submit to the fate the Gncial Seven had prepared for him? The thought was horrible! Amoment of silence ensued—then the man “was “ ’3 this gal’s name, boy!” I“ Etta Evel !” Turk replied, a faint hope buddingI in his heart. And. is words resulted in causing him no little astonishment, for the man at the ears ab- rupt; ceased rowing, and uttered an oath! ‘ hat I”.he gasped, leaning forward, hiseyes glowingr’like coals of fire—‘ Etta Evelyn, did 5.03 I "34% exactly what! said!” Turk declared, I. . v’ “Andlhstseentyeearevrish, #239: my skin! how inblan‘s’ do you know a . “ The man's surprise was t. “ Waal I jest surmised, urk replied. “ See’d yer message, when it cum fer Jerome St. Clair!" “ And you tell me the girl has been stolen from St. Clair!” “ That’s the ticket. “That don’t matier. whar she kin be found?” “ Ruther reckon not jest now, ’cause it’s a fresh cas . Got onter the trail tho’ an’ at won’t take long for me to nose her out.” “And you will attem t to find her, and de- liver her up to me, if spare your life’2—you will swear to do this, and, more—to not cause my arrest!” “ Well, I reckon, I hain’t at all particular about passin’ under the river, so I’ll agree to de- liver up the girl to whoever she belongs to, providin’ it’s you.” “Then I’ll spare you.” ' He drew a knife, severed the cords that bound Turk, and then changed the course of the boat back toward Federal street wharf. Very little was said, durin the passage back, as Turk busied himself in ru hing his hmbs, to get the blood into circulation, for he was satisfied it was not best to be off his guard in the sailor’s presence, even though he had been Is she your darter?” Do you know anything released. It was his 11 , if ible. to find Etta Evelyn, but e was reso ved not to hand her over to this man, until be fully understood all about the mystery which enshrouded her young 1 e. As they neared the wharf, Evelyn said: “Let’s understand each other, now. so we’ll know where to meet. I might as well tell you that I have to keep rather shady, as I am an old ocean pirite, and there’s a man here who is af- ter me, with a warrant for my arrest. Of course I don’t expect you to take advantage of this confession, after sparing your life, as that would be the hight of ingratitude. All I now desire, is to get possession of my child. and seek some quiet p ace to pass the rest of my days in ace. Mind! you are to tell no one that I am ere, but when you Want me, Tyou’ll find me hanging around the vicinity of enth and Ca!- lowhill streets.” “ Correct. I’ll set to work at once, in my at-i tempts to find the girl,” Turk said, “ and report to you, any time I have > news. Tell me one thing—do you consider the St. Claire enemies or friends?” . “ Enemies!” “And a woman-a Mrs. Hawk !‘ Evolyn shuddered. “The same,” he gasped. ‘ Turk was tempted to question him concerning Mr. Titus, but somethmg seemed to tell him not to do so. They landed at the wharf, and Evelyn left the boat to drift whither it would. Evidently he had previously stolen it from some other dock. They then walked up Federal to Fifth and nerth on Fifth to Market street, where the sep- arated, Turk going to the American Hote and turnin in for the night. I The y’s brain had little rest, however. for he lay awake nearly the balance of the night in perplexed thought. A mere beginner in an arduous and critical professionLhe was from e start entangled in the meshes of what bi fair to be a remarkable and intricate case, and having begun its solu- tion. nothing remained but to go ahead with it. “There’s a heap o’ somethin’ somewhere that hain’t leaked out.” was his decision, “and I’ll work myself as skinny as an undressed umbrel- la but what I spring the leak. There’s several persons connected With the case. certain. There’s the St. Clairs. Uncle Titus, this Uriah Evelyn, and them Hawks, aside from the girl herself. That rascal, Jack Grimes, who's the feller the meetin’ called Kidnapper-I don’t reckon he’s got anything to do with the case, ’cept he’s try~ in’ to make a stake out of it. 1 must find him, but the ‘ Social’ I’ll let slide until I get through with this case; then ‘I can rope in all the sin- ners to ether. What a bonanza of a haul that would , though! It would be the makin’ of Mr. Turk,” Comparing the pretty face and ways of Etta Evelyn with the rude man who had bargained to commit murder, Turk,could not fetch him- self to believe that th ‘,were in the least re- Cilaated. much lossthat was the rufilan’s “gm, , ‘ W ,. ..mti9n htmtherealim— tion A SeWt-guspwt‘thathe had been and at their various {,1 1 members, havin seen him once, might k an eye out for him. e would therefore have 33m Well on his guard and beprepared forany emer- gency that might arise. At length morning came, and he was not sore ry, for he, felt wide awake and eager to get to Work, rather than slee y. , After a hearty brea fast he dropped over on Walnut street to a certain detective ofice, which he knew Jack Grimes occasionally fre- quented, and made inquiry for that worthy, but his whereabouts were not known. He did not belong to the regulars of the city, and therefore little track was kept of his movements. A visit to the City a ency brought the same result, and thus far Tur found himself baflled. He was resolved, however, to let no amount of failure discourage him, and acoordingly did not feel disappointed. During the forenoon he met Pat Murphy, the messenger boy who had first apprised him of the diamond robbery. . _ “ Hello!” Pat saluted, “ phat the div11 18 the ailin’ av yez, Tuurk? Why yes l’ave the cilia so suddint?" “ Oh, I met an old pard, who took a fancy to my mug,” Turk replied; “ and so I don't have {)0 wogk any more. Everything lovely with the o s? ‘ 1 ‘5" Be jabers, it is! An’ it’s a foine teller that detective is I was tellin’ yes of.” “ Indeed !” “ Yis. Ivery time I giv him a whist 0’ news he sli s a dollar into me hand.” . “ at’s good. How you getting on With that case about the diamonds?” “ Divil a bit at all; but I manage to inVint 6 bit av a sthory to make his nibs thenk it’s on tha trail I am.” “ Humphl Better look out,or he’ll nabtyou at it. He’s a snoozer, is Grimes. Where oes he hang out?” _ “ No. — Walnut street,'up stairs.” Turk started but did not betray it. The number at had mentioned was the num- ber of the building in which the young shadow had waited for the pseudo Jerome St. Clair be— fore making the trip for the diamonds! Could this diamond-procuring gent and Jack Grimes be one and the same? _ looked to Turk as if it were more than pos- si e. As soon as ]possible, Turk left the young Hi- bernian, wh' e he, himself, sauntered about town, finally bringing up at the front of the building on Walnut street, which Jack Grimes frequented, accordin to Pat’s testimony. Remembering the the room he had once visited had a glass door, through which one could look, from the hall, he went up-stairs. A glance satisfied him that Grimes was not in the office, and so he entered, and found a young man seated at a table, engaged in counting over a number of acka es of money. He was rat er a b ear-eyed, isagreeable look- ing person, and Turk at once judged that he b‘elonged to the class which was composed of Grimes and his pals. ’ “Hillel” he saluted, as the young ferret en- tered. “Anythin I can do for you?” “Perha , Tur replied, w1tha good-natured smile. “ just called to see if Y was m.” The clerk, for such he evidently was, looked at the ferret, suspicwusly. “ I do not know who you mean,” he said. “There’s no such a arty here.” “ So I perceive, at he was here, not long ago. and you know who I mean.” “Well he’s not in, if 1 do," was the answer. “ Sta out something like an hour ago i” “ To the den?” . “ Reckon not—to Steel’s, most likely” I “ Humph! Guess I’ll wait in the neighbor- hood until he returns.” . And with this declaration, Turk took his de- parture. , I He did not remain in the Vicini , however, but wandered about, wondering w ere Stael’s could be. If the Seven were to use Steel’s place as a “ fence,” might not Etta Evelyn be confined there. too?” Later by a couple of hours he chanced to drop into the Devil’s Den, on South 17th street,—a tumble-down rookery, for the sale of vile rum. which has in years past gained a notorie ‘as a place of curiosity, from the fact that in one corner of the small pen used as a mom stands a full-sized and grotesque statue to resemble Satan. ‘ I ~Turk knew that the proprietor, who is known as Old 1431mm , was well cantilever-ions known and own ‘shont town, for he hadoftencarrie’dcipher messagestohim, from -v Tunis, closed and locked Turk, the Boy ' -11 different parties who had a pretty tough crimi° nal record. Therefore, he resolvad to tr and pump out of the old fellow the secret of tech; lace. ' p Entering, he called for a less .of whiskey which he made a faint of ‘drin mg, but ins tossed upon the floor. Taking out his former message book, he turned over several blank envolopes. In the operation he managed to direct one, with a pencil, to “ Mademoiselle Stael,” after which he handed it to the old man, saying: “Know of such a crook, Mum? D sh me if I can find her, and‘it’s important, too.” The old man adjusted his glasses, and looked at the name. “ Where’s your uniform?” he asked, next, re— garding Turk and his attire, keenly. “ Hum, gettin’ sewed an’ washed,” Turk fib- bed, well knowing that the old sinner was sus- picious of him. “ Why do you ask ?” “ Best to be sure,” was the re ly. “ Stael’s is No. —, Lombard t.”- . “Thanks. Mi ht have searched an age if I hadn’t thought 0 on.” And with this bit of praise, the boy took his I departure. A trip to Lombard street acquainted him with the location of Stael’s lace, which looked like a private house; but as it bore the appear- ance of being closed, he concluded not to pay a visit, until he had time to arrange careful lens. On his return down-town, he passed the ouse of one of his former message mates, and saw a funeral just entering the carriages, which, on in uiry, he found was of his former companion. here being one vacant carriage, he accepted an invitation to ride to the cemeterv. The place of burial was West Laurel Hill, and the cortege reached that beautiful city of the dead in due time. and the interment took place. Turk was about re-entering the conveyance that had brought him, when he caught a glimpse of Hawk, the detective, in another part of the cemetery. The sleuth’s'movements were so sly and dodg- ing, that it instantly struck Turk that he was trailing some one or something, and the boy re- sol'Ved to try and learn what it was, knowing he could return to town by street cars, or Schuyl- kill steamers. So he sauntered away in pursuit of Hawk, keeping monuments and bushes as much before him as possible, to avoid being discovered. So sleuth-like and irregular were the detec- tive’s movements, that Turk found it difficult to keep him in sight; but at last the chase came to an end. _ Ahead of him he saw Hawk standing in the concealment afforded by a large monument, around which he was peering. Still further ahead Turk saw the door of a vault, which a young lady was either trying to lock, or unlock—the latter, evidently, for the door soon opened, and she entered, and closed it behind her. ‘ She was richly attired, and it was she that Hawk was shadowing. “ Wonder what kind of a racket this is?” Turk muttered. “ Somethin’ in it, or Hawky wouldn’t be after it. She must be fond o’ roam- in’ about in the dark, among a lot 0’ stilts, sence she has shot herself in. Mebbe she’s a snatcher. J inks! Jest strikes me she’s mebbeconnected wi’ the Seven l” The thought aroused in him a greater in— terest in the case, and he watched the door of the vault, which was built in the side of the hill overlooking the river, full as eagerly as Hawk did. ' An hour passed by, but ‘no‘one came from the vault. , , Hawk maintained his Vigil rather uneasily. Turk had more patience. _ Still another hour passed, but Without bring- in forth the visitor to the 'IIawk then manifested his disgust by sneak- ing away as cautiously as he had come. Not so with the young shadow. He was bent on seeing the thing through before he left. What the woman could be domg in the vault so long, with the door shut, was a puzzler to him. ‘ “ I wouldn’t be afeard to bet my name ag’in’ Mayor King’s, that there’s a gum game on fun about that aire cadaver pen,” he mused. “No would stand the smell an’ grins o’ a lot 0’ seas, ef thar wasn’t some peculiar inducement fer‘it. Ah! thar she is!” As he was speaking the tygung woman left the door, and came to- ward where he was crouching," rendering some quickdodgingneoessary, , I I As she passed near him he looked at her keen- ly, and studied her features shrewdly. “ Bet a stew that’s Jerome St. Clair’s dau h- ter,” the boy mused when she was gone.” he luks suthin’ ike the feller as hired me. Durned if I wouldn’t like to know what’s the rumble in- side of that vault.” When he considered it was safe for him to do so, he approached the door of the vault, but it was securely fastened with a padlock. “ No use of hangin’ around here, I guess,” Turk concluded, as he noted that the day was well advanced. “ Maybe I might make a fur- ther discovery by night, but I ain’t werr partial to wras’lin’ wi’ spooks. Think I’ll cal again.” Remembering the location of the vault, he caught a car on leaving the cemetery, and reached Sixth and Arch before dusk, where he left the car, and hurried awa to the hotel for supper, for he meant to investigate Mlle. Steel’s place during the evening, if possible. CHAPTER VIII. A BAFFLED WOMAN. . IN his parlor sat Jerome St. Clair, a little later that evening. in an eas -chair, drawn up to the grate, wherein crackl a cheery hickory fire. His chin rested in the palms of his hands, and his eyes watched the flames with a ston sort of stare. His brows were also contrac . ,and it was apparent by his general aspect that his thoughts were not of a pleasant nature. They were presently interrupted, however, by the entrance of his stately daughter, Miss Au- relia, who was attired for the street. An expression of displeasure came over the diamond merchant’s face, as he saw her. “ Where now, pra 9” he said, snarlingly. “ I am not in favor of t ese frequent nocturnal ex- cursions of yours, girl.” I “ Oh! you’re not?” Aurelia retorted. rather haughtily. “And why? Am Inot capable of taking care of myself?’ “I am not sure about it. Tell me, why does not Captain Clyde call, for the last few days?" “ Ohl we had a lover’s spat. He will come to time after a bit.” “ Curse it, did I not command you not to let him escape your net?” “Did you? Oh! well, I don’t know as I am obliged to he commanded. I don’t think he cares for me, and am not sure I care enough for him to tie myself to him.” “Nonsense! \ You must—you shall! It is all important you should.” ' I fail to see why 1” - “Because you do not understand ever thing.” “Then, it’s a good reason why I shou d know all, before I join in your schemes. In fact, I am not so sure but what I ma be ousted out of a home at any minute, and it 5 well to be prepared. Bah! don t look horrorstruck. You know there’s a secret between the lives of Henrietta Evelyn and myself, and a deep Secret, too, that might not be pleasant for you. were it revealed. lhulf believe that you and Jack Grimes know where the girl isl” “Nonsense. You are wild. .There is a secret, but it can never concern fyou, if you go back on me. Ta re down that in ernal temper of yours, or it ma be the worse for you.” Aurelia laughed, mockingly, and swept from the room. Jerome St. Clair gritted his teeth as he heard her leave the house. , , “ A terrible change has come over her, a few days!” he muttered. “I’ve half a_ notion Jack Grimes is at the bottom of it—the infernal scamp! I don’t half trust him. even though he works well for me. Egad! if—” _ He stopped abruptly, as Jack Grimes saun- tered into the room. Grimes lauehed! “ If what!” he interrogated. “If you have been successful, you’re a thou- sand dollars in 1” St. Clair answered. f i‘,"I‘hen I’m out, for I have not been success- u . “ No clew ?” “None. I’ll wager the diamonds are not in America.” ' “ You are not sanguine enough._ Something tells me they are still in Americauin—this very City. How’s the girl?” “Gritty as a restive host.” . “flAny signs that she ows where the Jewels are ugh 3. Take my word, she’s as innocent as a “Well, keep her comfortable, awhile longer, as I maywant tonne her. By the way,heve ymiseenmdneetheshduotioni” ‘ x “ No. new clone indoors, and itwouldn’t on. I do for, me to call.. It keeps me pretty busy dodgg the detectives he sent after me.’ “ ve ou seen Clyde?” , i “No. wrote him, under an assumed name, to lie low, as he Was suspicioned of a crime- Was that right?” “ Yes. I don’t want the fellow troubled. He’s a catch only he don’t know it.” “Well, I reckon he’ll keep shady. Miss Au- relia’s betrothed?” , “ No! Not yet, but I desire to see them‘mar- ried. By the way, Grimes, where does my daughter go, every evening? She goes out early. and comes in late, and I can’t find out from her, where she has been.” “ I don’t see how I should know, if you don’t, as I have not been keeping track of her,” Grimes returned, drvly. “ Humphi Well, I .had a notion on might have an idea of where she went. Di you find out anything about Fred?” _ “No. There’s no two ways about it, he is locked up somewhere for some caper, but not in Philadelphia, I take it.” ' “ I fancy not myself, unless the Hawks know something about him. Have you learned any- thinfilgbout them? I am positive they know me ‘ o o . r “ They are both ‘ shadows,’ I take it, and, so far as I can learn, are not lon over from Scot- land Yard, London. I shonl judge by: their movements that they are hunting for some one.” “For me, rhaps,” and the diamond mer- chant utteredw a reckless lau h. “ I hardly guess, though, I’m exactly the k d of game de- tectives hunt after.” ‘ “Big—bugs sometimes come in for a ted . dungeon,” Grimes suggested arising. “ ll bid you good-evening now, as I have some pressing usiness on hand.” ‘ “Well, call again. eye out.’ . “ Of course,” Grimes assented, and then bowed himself out. ‘ He made his way direct to Lombard street, and to the house occufpied by Steel. Admittin himsel by a latch-key he as- cended a fight of stairs and entered a front, roogn, which was furnished magnificently as a par or. v The gas was turned low, leaving the room but dimly ighted; yet Grimes perceived that a young woman was seated in a luxurious easy- ‘ chair, while a guitar lay in her lap. Turning on the gas, Grimes approached her, and seated himself on an ottoman at herfeet. “ All alone, eh?” he said. “Why than” ‘ “Because wearied with my work,” she ‘reo plied in good English. her voice sweet and pleasing to the ear. “ Monsieur-’3 friends have gone to the council-room.” ; “Thanks. I will join them later. There it- nothing much to do. Where is Pierre?” “ Out, I guess. Pierre is very nervous. He is afraid, and says we shall go back to Paris.” .v “ Pshaw. He must be crazy. You are in no dan er here.” , - ‘ “ would be hard to make him believe it. The last job has taken him a month, and it to. imperfect to put forth, and he has reason to. believe that he is being watched on account of. the others. If we go back to Paris he will work at eggit‘aving piailtmgs.” with h _ . " u you w' no 0 im ma’meelle? You will not go with him!" ' He spoke with intense man. His gaze was fastened anxiously upon her beauteous face, the equal of which itweuld have ‘ been hard to find. , She laughed lightly, and she shrugged her pretty shoulders. “‘Do you think I could forsake my brother! Pierre would go entirely to the bad Without me, you know.” .' ‘ “ "But your lovers—must they givo you up?- Must the lose you, after ssing other. womn by for t e sake of a smile from yongpretty eyes? I fancy not. What will the gallant Cap- In the meantime keep an tain Clyde say !” “,Ha, ha! fear the gel] of the captain’sin- fatuation is broken. e brings me no more princely presents.” . “ Then you value one’s aflection according to ' the resents they make?” “ o-that is—well, I like presents, too. A fair woman’s favor can be nursed into afiame of love often by generosity. That’s a eoquet- “3195333 W w 1d that I were y. on a he- child if it would better mychancee of waging I expectto be rich one of theeedaye willyounotwedmeand remain here!" “Ne;youaretoopoor.llike but! haveyonthandheeuty,endeennot ' h . (. ' l the, Boy. Ferret, J avsoor man. My fees must be m , ere Ca 1: Clyde more twicel” y I should think tw .hefore refusing m. A flush of jealousy came over Grimes’s face. “ I‘d like to see you attempt to marry that - fellow!" he growled. “ I’d make you a widow the moment you were a bride.” “ Hal hal You would? Then I should out ‘Iof desperation, turn around and marry you, and devote my life to making you miser- fablgi," she said, with a brilliant and sarcastic am e. 'Grimes arose and paced the floor. “ Did you hear ever of the St. Clair diamonds, worth half a million francs nearly?” he sudden- ly asked, turnin upon her. “ No,” she sai , her eyes betraying eagerness in their expression. “ Well, those diamonds were stolen recently. and are held in the anticipation of a fat re- ward. How would you like to have them?” He took a lar envelope from his pocket, and I emptied its con nts into her lap, There was a magnificent diamond necklace and brooch, a diamond-set bracelet, and four diamond rings, the settings of all of which were large and of great value. Steel was a connoisseur of diamonds, and she uttered a cry of admiration.at sight'of the beautiful treasure. “0h, monsieurl what a prize l” she uttered, handling them nervously. ” They are for me, are they not, my lover?" A keen grimace from Grimes. “Oh, yes; they are yours—hut not until you are mine, my beauty. Go array ourself. and be waiting here within half an our, when I will return with a priest. and we “will be mar- ried. When we are one, I will have the pleasure of presenting you with the diamonds, and you, ,I. and Pierre will start at once for la belle France.” ' “ "Tie a bargain, then !" Stael assented, as this villainous agent of the law gathered up the jJWels, “I shall be ready here when you re- turn—in half an hour, monsieur.” She then arose and lided from the parlor ' with the grace of a sylp , while Grimes donned his overcoat and hat and left the house. As he hurried past an alleyway adjoining S’aells house. a head popped out and a pair of ' ,eyes,vas sharp as l nx’s, peered after him. ' It ibl he i ht , was e to He stood???)a the shadgws ' making calculations as to how he could best ef- “Wonder whats the rip.” the owner of the ' head muttered, who was none other than Turk. the Ferret. “Bet there’s sum'thin‘ high goin’ on in the shebang t‘o—night, and Pa: goin’ to take inthepoiree, if get my head bu’sted. Mys- terious place, an’ needs inwestigatin’.” Ea back through the alley which 0 n into a little yard in the rear of Steel’s sea The gate was Open, and he gained en- ,‘trance without dimculty. Much to his satisfac- tion, be perceived that the rear portion of the house was darkened, but the shutters were not get into the house. or some minutes, feet an entrance. and what risk he would run of 'gnfidWVem captured, and handed over to '0 A sort of summer kitchen was built against the rear on of the dwellin , and from the roof of is the second-story ndow could be reached, the curtains of which were up, showing ,' . , thatthercwas no light in the rear rooms. , . I ' down cloely. as of the third-story windows were “Rocha a feller might get in, of the win- dows ain’t locked,” Turk muttered. “and I might as well sail in and t , as to be cogitatin’. Jerimityl wouldn’t I ketc it of them gallus coves should catch me i” He was thoroughly set u n exploring the place, come what mi ht, so t was not many minutes are he an ed in gaining the roof. There were three windows that looked out . upon it, and after pausing to judge whether he had been discovered or no, he ore t toward the 1 windows and cautiously peered t rough them. A E" ' _, “a The first opened into a room which was wholly unfurnished, the second into a hall. and the third into a bedroom, which at the time, ‘ apparently, had no occupant. In each instance darkness reigned supreme. The windows of the hall and bedroom were fastened on the inside, but that of the unfur- nished room lded to Turk’s attempt to raise it, andheg nod accesswithouttrouble. .1 Here he paused to listen once more, and still hereundnoreasonto mpectthathehad been - -, didcovergd. I ' . W'Mhsfonndadoo‘rthatopened' row i . readily into the hall. Along this he stole can. tiousl y to the front to the parlor, w was not occugied. Hearing a cor o n down-stairs he dodged into the parlor, an hastily took refuge behind a large book-case that stood across one corner of the room. Here he was in no present danger of being discovered, and might be able to play the eaves- dro per to some interesting conversation. e was hardly ensconced in a comfortable po- sition, when he heard two rsons enter the room, and the voice of Jack rimes said: “Be seated, sir. My lady will be ready for the ceremony directly.” Then silence reigned. Turk puckered his mouth, and almost whis- I “ Hello!" he mused, “ I’ll eat my shirt of ther ain’t goin’ to be a splicin’ set-to! Lucky I come, by jingo! Wonderif it’s Etta Evelyn goin’ to marry Grimesyl I’ll just yelp out and inter- rupt the banns. I’ll spile Grimesy’s little game, ef he tries to force the gal to marry him." Unfortunately, the book-case was so high that Turk could not see over the top of it: so he had to content himself with his acute sense of hear— In". a Wish they’d go ahead with the lark,” he muttered' “ far of it’s Etta, I’ll make a r ,cket, if I bu’st! ’ , Soon the rustling of a woman’s dress was heard by him, and then Grimes’s voice spoke the house, until he came a glance convinced him 11 : p“ Ah, at last, my dear! Brother Haley, this is my betrothed—Mademoiselle Steel—and we will be married at once. Are you ready, ma’m’- sells?” There was a low murmur of assent, and the pair took their position. Turk’s curiOSity was now at fever heat, and he could no longer stand the agony of being able to hear without seeing. So of! came his shoes in a jiify, and catching hold of the broad edge of the tap of the book- case, he drew himself up noiselessly to a seat on top. A high molding ornamented the front of the case, and the young ferret was able to make, this screen him from view when necessary. Grimes and Steel had taken their positions, and the minister was reading the ceremony— a seedy-looking minister he was, tool “Bet that feller ain’t no morea minister than old Maginniss’s dorg,” was Turk’s instant con- clusion. “ Looks like a put-up job to trick the h "I’m a notion to squeal out, and warn er— What he might have. done is not certain, for just at that uncture,‘ when the ceremony was near conclu ed, a man, in a sweeping beard, steplped into the parlor, and leveled a revolver at e bridal couple. “ Hold l" he cried. “ I forbid this union 2” “ Furies! What do you mean i” Grimes cried, taking a ste forward. “ I’ll-—” “ old l”t 8 other ordered, sternly. “I for- bid the banns. That Woman is only marrying gen for the diamonds, which are not yours. and them over to me, or I’ll shoot you down in your tracks!" , ‘ Ze diamondsl They are mine—they are mine!” Steel cried, frantically, clinging to Grimes. “ Hand them over to me 2" the stranger roared, menacing with his pistol. “ Hesitate at the ex- pense of your life!" Grimes was white as a sheet. He drew the envelope from an inner pocket, and cast it at the stranger’s feet, that personage picking it up with a quiet laugh. “ You can have Madam Pierre Steel. now. if you want her, and thank me you have not made a fool of yourself ” , He then backed from the room. and a mo- ment later was heard desoending the stairs, two at a time. Grimes turned to Steel, but she hurled him awav! . “Gol coward, go!" she hissed. “Leave the house. instantly, before I drive. this into your heart!” And she drew a dagger. _ “ Step!" he cried. “ Explain onething—have you been deceiving me?” “ Of course, you fool! Pierre is my husband. Go! take your priest alon !” Giving her a terrible ook, the baflled detec- tive'seiaed hi hat. and left the room. followed by the man he had brought, to perform the m . in his concealment Turk'm literally tearing his hair, becansohe could not muck loose to fol? W or the long-whiskendrobher. l :‘l ,i He was not armed, orhe would have made the attempt, as it was; for he was well satisfied that these diamonds, to-night, were. the same that he had furnished the paeudoJerome St Clair, at the Penn’a depot. Furthermore, there could now be no doubt that Grimes it was who had personated the diamond merchant. After Grimes was gone, Staci trod thefloor with impatient step, for some momenta. her manner extremely nervous, and her face flush- ed with assion. ’ “ I wi l have revenge on him, now—I will strike him a blow, for offering me so magnificent a prize, and then daring to hand it over to an- other i” She touched a bell, in the wall and directly afterward a dapper little man of French phy- sique and flashy attire, made his appearance. “ Well?” he said. surveying her. “It is not Well 3" she hissed. “ Ze devil is to pay. Is any of ze Seven in ze house?” " No!” he replied. anxiously. “ Then we must fly, at once, and find another place.” it ?Y9 “ l have quarreled with so detective. Ze jig is up. We shall have to lie low, until [have revenge, and.then go back to Paris.” “ But no Seven l" “ Bah! the are all treacherous, and 2e tools of Grimes. e is furious. So am I. We fly— now P - ' “ As you will. I willed it long ago!” I _ A few moments later, they left ths‘garlor, and Turk heard them ascend to the th' floor. “ Reckon this is a furnished house, he t by these rogues. and the ’re going to skip. on- der if I hadn’t better ollow ’em?” _ To esca to the street, now, by the front way, required no special eflort, and he waited in the alley, for them to come out. CHAPTER IX. a cases or VUL'I'URES. SHORTLY after the visit of Jack Grimes, that evening. Jerome St. Clair had still another caller, who rather unceremoniously made appearance in the diamond merchant’s parlor, and took a seat near the latter, who was en- gaged in writing. I This person was the rough-looking customer, who had given his name to 'hirk the Ferret, as Uriah Evelyn, and he looked even more rough End dilapidated, now, than when M had seen 1m. . Jerome St. Clair looked up from his writing, with an exclamation of astonishment, and sur- veyed his visitor, angrily. “ What the devil—” he began; but Uriah in- terrupted him. “Ohl nothing about the devil, Jerome,” he protested, blandly. “We’ll leave him out of the question altogether. The question is, do you know me?” » “ How should I know you? ll acquaintance does not extend far, among su charactersas u. “Oh! it don’t! xGetting mighty bi h-tone I suppose, livin’ in a big mansion. an slingm on airs. Couldn’t make a gentleman out of you, tho’, ef ye had a million dollars.” . “ What do on mean, man, by your insulting resence. I'll have you know am master ere. Leave my premises. sir, at once, or I , will make it the worse for on!” “ Oh, I guess not! I ain much on the skeet myself, and besides, I allow that you ,won’t go back on an old pard. Ha! ha! I’m rather salu- brious thet ye wouldn’t dare go back on Uriah Evelyn!” St. Clair leaped to his feet. “ You!” be gasped, whitening. . v ' “ You bet 1” the other laronicallv replied. " S‘prised ye didn’t reckegnire me at furst. “You have changed greatly. What in the name of furies brings you back to America?” 1 “0h. peoooliar inducements. ovr-r which I have no control. A bull fleet o’ men-o’-war got after me. and it beboovvd me to shake off the ocean dust an' seek more congenial climes. ueen Vic has sent me. several pressln’ inverta- tions to visit her. but I’d no hinclination. you see. Another thing—I wanted ter pay you a visit.” ” i can’t imagine why. I thought we settled p, rears ago. “Ye did, ehl Oh. on! I was not so extreme- ly green as that. If a teller don’t look out for a rainy day, he’s likely to get a sonkin’; anyhow, that’s my logic. Where’s the gals?" “ The deuce only knows when y: me iszisbe ran away the other day, and hasn‘t turned up since.” I '9' - what you’ll come down, should I call u i . ~ \ . 1,81 Turk, the Boy “The deuce you say! so you was abusin’ “And you have not even that!” It wasEve- have had. Clydahrenis . W her eh?" lyn’s turn to chuckle. “ You have not the real acted in the ease of my late am too.” ' He spoke angrily. “ By no means!” St. Clair hastily amured. “ She has had some sulky spells of late. because I could not afford to dress her as well as An- relia, and she probably concluded to try to get a'living on her own hook.” “ Humphl If I knew for sure that you ever spoke a cross word to her, I’d mop the floor with you. Where is the other gal l” “ My daughter is at the opera.” “ Indeed! You are bringing her up in style, I see. Nothin’ like that when one’s rich, with the prospect of bein richer. Glad. you are well heeled too, for I’m ead broke.” “ And calculate you can make me your bank, I so 6?” t “ ell, to a certain extent, yes. I know what a liberal heart you’ve got, so l’ve no fears but, n you. “ You are quite liable to be deceiv in that respect. I have no intentions of aiding you a cent's worth l” “ Oh, well, time will show! By the way, lease to hand over the diamonds. I can live a prince on the worth of them.” “ You’ll not get them. They belon to Aure- liaidand I shall has them for her. on may he a secret of iii no, Uriah Evelyn, but I do not fear on. Old Sir Page is near todeath’s door, an the estate comes into my hands, d’ye hear—mine! You never had an wit, Evelyn, or you would not have sold the ost heir to me for a so i” . “ Wou dn’t I?” the pirate sneered, his ring e es glowing greenishly. “ You think am an i iot theni" - “ Nothing more nor less.” - “ Well, I admire yer frankness, but let me tell on that a Gypsy is not necessarily a fool. ou’ll find this out sooner or later. The dia- monds will never do Aurelia any good." - “ Why not?” “ Because they are not in your possession, nor are fiou likely ever to recover them.” “ ow know you this?" “ It matters not. Leave a Gypsy fool to find out such things. Another thin , your European correspondent has been litera ly sucking your blood—very naturally, through my instigation. He has kept you informed about Sir Page, who has not been n Europe for the last five years, but has been residing in this self-same city.” “You lie!” “ Say so, if you like; I know the truth. I suppose you are aware that I am not your only acquaintance in this country?” “You refer to the Hawks!” “ Yes, to be sure. They came over from Scotland Yard, London, in search of a notorious murderer named— well, no need to mention Gerald Hawk as being the man. St. Clair, I an . sounds more protective to you!” e diamond merchant gnashed his teeth. “Curse you;’ man, begone! Your presence is hateful to me! he cried. “ Lightly—lightly, Jerome! Don’t let yer angry passmns rise. I don’t care a durn how mad ye git. ’cause I know I’ve got the clutch on the helm and can at a reef in el- canvas when- ever I like. All I ve got to do 3 to go whisper in the ear of Nana Hawk that Eon are here, and she and Bucking am will ma e it interesting for on, and don’t forget it!” “ f you dare, I will murder you!” “Ha! ha! ha! I’ll take my chances. . I don’t propose to be hand on you. providin’ you don’t git too penurious. It’s this way—I’m goin’ to leave 01! hard work and speckilate like a gentle- man. Ef you be}!!! got more sand to heave into my bank than Sir. Page, why you’re m man, If not, mm verso. Plain asScripter, thelogic 0’ that, not?" . . Jerome St. Clair, as we shall still continue to call him, looked as though he could have mur- dered his enemy with good heart just then. His face was white and red by turns, and his eyes had a snakish glitter that spoke of the bit- ter venom which rankled in his heart. “ May the furies seize you!” he hissed. “ If you think tobleed me, youlwill reek without your host. I am not worth a cent, and, be_side.s. Sir Pugs is where you will never find him, if, ui- dend, he is not in England.” ‘ You are wrong. I have not been a fool all this time, even though a wild Gypsy and You’re a scheming hailifl. If you are particular to know it,/'Sir Pa e resides in this very city, and I know where to éy lny hands on him at an in- stant’s notice. 9 will pay a round sum for the real heir, if you will not!” . “ t poacsnon is three points of any law !" (St. r sneered. ‘ r cbflvou stole from Sir Page !” “ hat! are you mad, man!” “ Not a bit. Just consider. Do you suppose I would havo given you my child to abuse and knock about? Ha! ha! no I Knowing of the immense wealth of our kinsman, Sir Pa e, you one night attemp to burglarize his res deuce, using me as a sort of tool. You were unsuccess- ful— were recognised—and in escaping took refuge in our ,Gy y camp where you were he t in hiding for we s. Min , in escaping from t e mansmn, you murdered Lady Page, and this set the country wild. Finally, throu h our ueen, Steel, and myself, you escaped to iverpoo , and thence to America, leaving behind your wife and son. Later are wrote me, an’ ro that I rob Sir Page 0 his diamonds an his child and bring them to (you, when you would set.me up in business an make me rich. I obeyed. i brought the diamonds and two children—one Sir Pages and the other mine—and put them in your charge. The two at the time were very much alike in appearance, and so, looking out for the interest of in own child, I gave her to you as being Sir age’s, while you knew Sir age’s as mine 1” “ You lie, you rascal ; you lie like --—,” the dia- mond merchant cried, savagely, making a move as thou h he would strike the pirate.- “No, don’t. While you have made a lad daughter, Sir Page’s child you have a - low to escape I" . An evil glitter entered the merchant’s eyes at this which Evelyn did not notice. “ you see, ' the latter Went on, “ if. you don’t whack up, I’ll set the dogs at you. and eventually .win Sir Page’s favor y restoring to him his long-lost daughter!” “And I defy you to do your worst!” St. Clair cried, furiously. , CHAPTER 1. A TRIANGULAR comma 01m young ferret, Turk, could not really have explained his motive for dodging the movements of the Staels, but follow them he did, neverthe- less. to a boarding-house in Barker street. The were admitted by the landlady and as they id not reappear within half an hour, he concluded that they had taken up quarters there, and he might as well seek his own. “I’m shot a! I wouldn’t like to know who the galoot was who ro in the jewels,” he mutter- ed. “Looks like t ere’ll bea rye old time re- coverin’ ’em, now. Jehose hat! Didn’t Grimesy nigh git took in, ehl Bet e won’t go fishin’ fer beauties again! I must get after him now, fer he hain’t got the gel, Etta, shot up in the Lom- bard street den, which ’pears like to me, was a counterfeiter’s crib. Several things I’ve got to investigate tor-mo" or.” The next morning be paid a visit to the Titus dwelling, and found the old speculator in the parlor, in company with another gentleman, at the sight of whom Turk started. He was a handsome rson. who in many re- spec‘ts strikingly reseni led Jack Grimes, the de— tect vs. Mr. Titus was greatly pleased to see our oung ferret, and at once introduced his visi or as Captain Clyde. “ Glad ter meet you.” Turk said. “ You’re the feller as looks like Grimesvl” “ Ah! yes. My friend, Uncle Titus, has been telling me of how he was taken in by an impostor, and the serious results that have attended the hatter. Think I look like this fellow, Grimes, s e ‘ And the captain laughed good-naturedly.' “ Yes—’bout as much as an oyster luks like a clam l” Turk declared. “ Shook the flair Aurelia, eh i" “What do you mean? I do not understand 9! “No! Oh! well. I was 'ist surmisin’, that’s all. Been up past Saint’s, ut couldn’t get an eye on you.” “ You mustn’t be so inquisitive, boy,” Uncle Titus said, a little severely. “ It’s not’becoming in one so young.” . “ Humph! how d’ye ’spect a feller’s gom’ to be a detective ef he don’t ex questions?" Turk re- iorted. “ That’s a part 0’ the perfesh.” “The bov is right,” Clyde observed, approv- inglv. “ That is one strong paint in the trade.” “ Yas, mebbe,” Mr. Titus allowed. “ When I was a boy. I never was allowed speak except at proper times.” ,‘ Guess that’s wh you’re no detective,” Turk said so dryly that others laughed. , “Perhaps you are right, 'lad-aperhaps you are right. Anyhow, let us hear what success you “What! not cultivatin’ another mash!” de- manded Turk, quiasically. , “Well, yes. If you referto any knowledge of my visits to the St. Clair mansion, I’ll ex- §lain that the prime attraction was Miss Evel n. aturally I had to play the agreeable to the air Aurelia, in order toget a chance to see Miss Evel n." “ h! I savy. Well, I haven’t found out, where she’s concealed yet, but I’m thinkin’ I ain’t fur 08. Got onto a racket last night. Found out that Grimes and his pals had got a new hen -out at a place kept by a woman named Steel. now her.’ And the boy’s keen gaze sought Clyde’s face in time to see him flush rather confusedly. "Yes—that is, 1 have met her once, ’he re-‘ plied evasively. “wen, I wormed around an I spotted her residence, and last night I took a notion to Fay a uiet visit. So, it bein’ the servant gal’s n ght o , I helged myself in by a rear entrance, and ensconce myself behind a book-case in the parlor. Byme~by in cums Jack Grimes and a tossess, Steel. ithrotted outto . geacher, and the _ I j’ined to Grimes. The minister had go‘the knot most yanked tight when in wellness hig- bearded, swell-head of a chap, an’ forbids the beans, and invites Grimes to pony over the diamonds.” I “The diamonds you bet!” Turk “ an’ asthe hewhiskered chap flushed b ers, an‘ the stranger ‘ went it alone down the stairs,’ two steps at a time. ’Fore goin’ he told “ The diamonds!” Jason Titus cried» “ The diamonds!" echoed Capt. Clyde. hm; wi’ a loaded club containin’ severial on can bet Grim ‘passed’over the spark. Grimesy as how the gel Steel was married, which made his jihlets mad, and he sailed out. / ' ’Pesxs he was gein’ to give Steel the diamonds: After Grimes skipped, Steel called in another - feller named Pierre, and the voted things were too numerous, and conclu d to skip, also, which they did.” , “ Did you follow them?” “Yes. Run ’em intern Muslim-lions an’ left ’em. Allow they’ll ste there till they get ' or . ’even wi' Grimes, when they e goin‘ to scoot Paris!” “You say glen have seen this woman, Steel; how old is e!" Mr. Titus asked, addressing- y e. “She claims to be thi , but looks even- ycunger. There is large that she is older than she claims, as women rarely give their real ages.” . ‘ ‘- t “Bet on it she’s d for thirty. There’s! Maggie McGilli an, own in Black-cat Alley. , She’s forty, 10 8 like a Maryland free-stone. . . I geach, an’ allows she can mash any feller in bile, at the tender age of sixteen—soft gloves, Queenshnry rules!” “This Stael must be the same I oncesaw!" Mr. Titus averred. “She was then‘the child-'. . queen of a roving band of Gypsies that cash uponlghe moor. Jack Evelyn wasoneoftheea ' same . “ ello! d’yelknew Jacki" Turk asked, prick- ing lip his ears. . “ o my sorrow. I know of him!" was the ' sad re ly. “Do on know him?” .. . ‘ “Is ould cou upa eat, if I don’t! W y, be ink me out n a boat, the other night, an was goin’ to send me down tew carrya message to Neptune. Social 0’ Seven hired him to g t rid 0’ me, ye see, but afore he got ready to chuck me over, I got tellin’ him about the in- consistency of the thing. ’ca’se how I had a job 0’ rescuin’ a gal named Evelyn, which must be done, an’ so forth, an’ so forth. vWell, the. re- sult was he pricked up his ears, sad the gel was his’n. an’ consented to let me breathefor an in- definite period, if I would find and deliver the . gel to him. So I promised, and got freel” I “ You romised that?" Clyde cried. ‘ “You wet—hut sech promises don’t count. no more’n when an old maid promises to giye her billy goat oats. and he turns around and butts , her for her kindness.” . “You’re a young rascal. ’pon my word,"' Clyde said, laughing, BV the way, this I . Evelyn is a sea pirate, and have a warrant for him. Do you know where he can be found?" “I might, but I‘m a sea cook at I do,” Turk declared. “Don’t s’pose l’m goin’ to we a brains in workin‘ up a case, an payin’big sh , bills, do ye, only to give‘everything away! The boss. heer, engaged my perfeshionsl services, ’an’ I neVer tackles two employers at once, ’cept .one is myself.” “Perhaps,” Mr. Titus suggested, to ,1V , : l l f ! .14: Turk, the Boy Ferret. fl .2 “It'll! be nothing to my detriment to stthe hoyinto the '_story, as he seems to be a worth young fellow, and has both energy and shrew ness beyond his years." “You are right. I would recommend that you lay the matter before him, and his gamin wit may enable him to make more out of it, than we could.” _,\ “Lookee here! don’t git so fresh and flatter- .' in’; it don’t agree wi’ my constitution ” Turk Qdemurred, with mock seriousness. “Besides, ‘flatter knocks the spots oif'n ennything. Once own a hen, down in Black-cat Alley, what la ed two e a day, an’ I got pettin’ her, and to n’ her w at a layer she was, an’ dashed if she didn’t—” “Well, never mind the hen,” Mr. Titus in- ter “1 will tell you about my case, 0 wh ch you have not yet had a full outline. In the first lace, I am not J ason Titus, in truth, but Sir onald Page, an English gentleman !” Turk puckered n his mouth into whistling shape, and looked h su rise. “I used to reside in urr , England,” Sir Page went on, “with my w' e and child, upon my estate which was large and valuable, and w ich I still own. I had a princely income, and also had an enemy—a kinsman, whom I re- tained as my bailifi'. He was jealous of my prosperity and happinersSEand in an unguarded moment, attempted to me, but was discov- ered and fled, first however, murdering my youn wife, Lady Page! “ on may know that I s neither mone nor pains to have him appre ended, but throug the agency of a band of Gypsies he evaded every attempt to capture him, an escaped to this eoun Later, h ,a couple of months, my only c ild was stoen from me, together w th a most valuable collection of diamonds. Through the agency of detectives, I learned that the perpetrator of the deed was the same Gypsy Evelyn who assisted Hawk, my bailiff, to escape, but again was an attempt to capture frustrated by Evelyn’s escape to this country, where, I am now well-satisfied, he placed my child in the charge of Hawk, as I ave since learned through my friend here, and also that he had”heen an ocean pira , for a. number of years Turk’s eyes were literally as big as saucers, when the narrator paussd. “Jehose hat John Rodgers!” he ejaculated. “That’s li e a meller—drama—ef it ain’t I’m a shad! Didn’t lose another kid, did yo, what might look like me .9” ‘ Well, no!” Sir Page smiled. “ Fortune never favored me with more than one child, which, until recently, I have given up all hopes of finding. Shortly after the kidna ping, I came to America, and through the aid 0 rivate detectives, rosecuted a thorough searc -—as I abhor pub igtiy, more than anything else. Failure gree every attempt, and I at last gava up in des air. But for the accidental coming of Etta velyn to m house, and the developments that have since ollowed, I should probably never have expected or hoped to have my child restored to me.” “Then you think Etta is yer gal, eh?” “ My heart seems to tell me so. While she remained a member of my household, I studied her narrowly, and the more I did so, the more my heart Earned toward her. Then. the very fact that s e was a member of St. Clair’s house- hold is evidence in itself.” “ nno. I’ve bin tryin’ to git some 0’ these p’ints thru my noddle, an’ I can’t jest ’spress my opinion as clear as I may be able todo, hereafter. Are ye sure St. Clair an’ Hawk are one an‘ the same?” “I am well satisfied on that point. My friend Clyde has given me a description of St. Clair that so corresponds with Gerald Hawk, I have no doubt he is the same.” “Descriptions don’t go very fur. Feller once hired me to carry a note to a certain number, while I was on the messenger force. Said she was tall, slim, were good togs, and had a bright angelic smile. I tuk the message, an’ the one that answered the bell corresponded to the de- scription—so I guv it to her. Met the teller, after, and he threatened to give me six 30’s at Moya. Sed I’d 'ven the message to the cham- ber-maid instea of the young lady he had mashed in the Walnut street cars. Then, there’s another p’int. There’s an extra gal. This Evelyn is a smart Aleck—mebbe nobody don’t know which is which ’twixt them gals. Did St. Clair or Hawk have a gal when he left ‘ so: He left a wife and son in London- the same that are in this city now l” “ I savy! Must look after ’em to-day. Well, ef bienhadn’t no gal, did Evelyn the Gyp. have one “I am of the impression that he did have a child, but am not certain. ” ‘ " Bad. That rooster’s got a head as long as a Jersey watermelon. He could have easily mixed things up in leavin’ the kids with St. Clair.” Sir Page looked somewhat startled. “ How do you mean? Do you think he would give my chi d to St. Clair and claim that the other one was his, then afterward try to extort money from me by claiming that he had changed the children, and that Etta was his own child?” “Well, a teller can’t tell how fur a fro can jump, you know. There’s blamed few t ings there ain’t a bare possibility of to-day, when rascals has got the tiller-rope.” “However that ma be, there is one way I can grove m own ch d, unless—” “ nless t e birth-mark has been counter- feited?” Captain Clyde interrogated. “Exactly! She had a birth-mark, which I remember lplainly and I will not be convinced that Etta vel n is not my dau hter until it is proven to me is at she does not the mark, which it would be next to impossible to copy.” “ What is this mark?” Turk asked. “I prefer to keep that a secret until I see the girl and find out the truth.” “ Well, boss, I’ll go ye a hundred eyesters for news when I rem ag’in. Got a kind 0’ salu- brious idea, ye w, that I kin find out where the al is, ya know an’ of any electric light cone usions it me, I’ll run into this dock and transfer ther cargo, as the sailors say. There’s one thing to consider, though.” “And what is that?" “This. If I should he affections of the gal you here interfere?” “ Consider that part of it settled,” Sir Page said, with a smile. After a little further conversation, Turk took his departure and went back to the hotel, where he sat down at a table, lit a cigar, and gave himself away to thoufi There were several t gs that must needs be attfian ledt li190. d A irst, e ave-yar m ste concernin u- relia St. ClaI; and the ol vaiilyt. g Then Turk desired to et on track of what u to scoop in ther not let the captain game the Hawks were af er, also to get an in-. terview with Jack Grimes, and most of all, to find out where Etta Evelyn was concealed. All that he had heard at the Titus place had not served to throw any more light upon the whereabouts of Etta’s place of concealment, and just how he was to o to work to find it out was a sorry puzzle to im. The cemeter matter, he was aware, must needs be invcstigated at night, as during day it was visited by large numbers of people. What was the attraction within the vault for Miss Aurelia St. Clair was also a mystery, the exposure of which might bring a sudden reve- l t on. After dinner he donned a disguise, and carry- ing another one in a bundle, wrap d in a news- paper, he set out on a visit to he numerous thieves’ dens in hopes of finding some tidings of Jack Grimes. He was disappointed, however, and next sou ht the estab ishment of the noted pugilist, Art ur Chambers, on Rid e Avenue, but could find nothing of Uriah Eve yn, nor did inquiries elicit news concerning him. Satisfied that he might as well strike some other tack the young ferret then roamed around town, waiting for night to approach, when it was his intention to Visit the cemetery. Soon after the last words of St. Clair, Uriah Evelyn took leave of the diamond merchant, leaving that arson in no enviable frame of mind, as may su posed. The following a ternoon, as St. Clair was going to the Park in his open barouche, he saw a. woman upon the street coming toward him, and his face expressed reat astonishment. “ Stael, as I live!” e ejaculated, under his breath. “ The very one I wanted to see.” The next minute he ordered the driver to stop, and when the barouche was halted he sprung to the pavement, just as the ex—Gypsy queen was passing. _“Mademoiselle Steel I” he exclaimed, step- ping toward her. She gave him a startled look at first, then an expression of recognition beamed upon her countenance. “ Monsieur Hawk—can it be possible 1” “ Most assuredly, and of all persons I want to see, you are the one!” . _...._..._-.__..._ .. _._ ___. .. _. . I. . . . A... __. “ What for, monsieur?" “0n important business, for which, to both of us, there is a fortune.” The mademoiselle’s eyes glittered. “ Ze monsieur is not laying zesnare!” “ By no means. You should judge better of me than that, for you know I was once your ardent admirer !” “ Well?” “Where can I see on!” “If you wish, I wi 1 come to your place.” “Good! Get into my barouche and I will drive you there!” “ Many thanks. I will come around this eve- ning; “ ery well. Here is m present name and address ;” and he gave her is card. “ Do not faillme." “ I will not!” And with awinning smile, which made her look years ounger than she was, she swept on, while St. lair entered his barouche and drove on his way. “ The key tovictory is now within my grasp!" he chuckled, and he returned to his residence, to eagerly await the coming of StaeL It was nearly nine o’clock ere she was ushered into the rlor, where the diade merchant was waitin for her. He be] her to a seat, in a luxurious arm~ chair. and then seated himself opposite her. “Well, mademoiselle, at last we have met,” he said. “You, of all women, did I ever ex- pect to meet in America 1” “ Indeed?” “ Yes. I often thought of you as the bonny Gypsy queen, who aided me to esca from England. How has the world been us g you, mademoiselle?" “Oh! very hard, sir. I have drifted about {merenand there for several years, literally home- 688. “ Married?” “Ah! no! I never ]yet met the man that could appreciate my ta cuts or my beauty.” “Except me, Steel. You know you had an ardent admirer in me. Times have changed, though, now. I am rim, where I once was oor. 0‘ “ Oh! certainly. But ’tis said a man is never satisfied with wealth until he wins love and re- venge. I crave for both now. Once I get the revenge I believe I can win the love. I have a bitter enemy, and I shall never rest easy until he is out of the way. Then, with my great wealth and a fair wife, methinks I Would be content. I want apu for my wife, Stael—I likemse want you do the jo !” She looked at him angrily. “What! I—commit murder, sir?" “Well, not exactly, you see; you would only have to put a little ison in a cup of tea!” “You do me a rrible wrong, sir. I could never think of such a thing!” “ N ot if I would marry you?” “No! no I” “What would hire you?” “ Five hundred thousand dollars would not 2” The merchant uttered a curse. “You can go, then. You must have changed great] . The woman who would not become the la y of Page Priory must be, indeed, mad!” “ Would you have me kill old Sir Donald Page?” 5 Yes!" “ Then marry me first, and I will do the work you are too much of a coward to do!” CHAPTER XI. ran nor man‘s GRAVE-YARD scum WHEN night had fallen over the city. Turk the Ferret jumped aboard a Ridge Avenue car, and in due time was landed at Laurel Hill cemetery to which he was not long in gaining an entrance, without discovery. It was certainly a spectral place to enter, with the dim moonli ht gleaming over its thousands of marble sla and monuments; but Turk had made 11 his mind not to allow an silly superstition dissuade him from investi: gating the vault in stery. “Never heerd o enny one 'ttin’ hurt by spooks, yet,” he solil uized, as e kept a w eye around him. “ ’ t et would make a fe - ler’s hair rise, tho’, ef e was to git hugged by one of them.” He was not long in reaching the vicinit of the vault, but found it locked, as usual, an no one in the vicinity. This did not discourage Turk, for he was re- solved to make a night of it, believing it would bring something of importance to light. Concealing himself within easy range of via. ‘ closer to his concealment. ion from the vault, yet in a ace where he was not likely to he discovered, e lit a cigar, and waited. Hours dra ged by, and barring the mournful rustle of the ayes and shrubs, a sepulchral si- lence reigned throughout the city of the dead. So intense and lonely was this silence that it could but have had a Weird effect upon any one seated within the cemetery, and Turk’s hair be- gun to feel more light at the ends as the min- utes rolled by. “Jeminettyl” he finally muttered. “I wish to blazes something would happen to stir up the monotony. An ordinary ghost would be wel- come, during this blasted silence.” His wish was destined to be gratified. Soon after, away ahead, he saw a white ob- ject in flowing robes, moving toward him,.w1th ma 'estic mien. he nearer it came, the ferret perceived that it was marvelously tall, and that the flowing robe enveloped both head and body, prov1ding it had any. “ Jerimityl Reckon that’s a bonny-fled ghost, for sure,” the ferret mused, hugging “ Hanged of I don’t tickle its ribs with a bullet, of it comes for me!” The spectral looking fi ire, however, did not approach him, but turne its course toward the vault, at the door of which it paused. Like a spectral sentinel it stood there, before Turk’s eyes, for a few moments; then unlock- ing the padlocked door the ghaSily visitor pushed open the heavy door, and gazed back- ward as if in suspicion or fear. A moment thus it stood, then abruptly disappeared within the vault and the door' was close behind it. After waiting several minutes, to see if there was to be anymore ghostly visitants, Turk stole gaugiously toward the arched receptacle of the ca . r “ Jest bu’st me, of I believe that was a ghost, at all,” he muttered, “ an’ I’m goin’ to sift the matter through, if there’s each a thing in the almanac. ’Spect mebbe I’ll have to use my re- volve’r, but I’m goin’ to investigate, hit or miss. As heineared the vault, he drew and cocked his revolver, and held it ready for use, not knowing what emergency a moment might bring forth. The door was not fastened on the inside, and stood a trifle open, and so Turk applied first his eye and then his ear to the crack, to learn if any one was moving about, within. But all was silence, and darkness. Not a sound was heard. “Jest like to know at a fellers’s liable to git his census taken, ef he should poke his head in there. Strikes me that there’s two rooms to the vault.” His nerves drawn to their firmest tension he put forth his hand and carefully pulled the door open, keeping out of sight himself. I If any one was within the vault proper, he felt sure he or she would come forward and shut the door. But no such a move was made. Satisfied on that point, the young ferret step- d stealthin into. the vault, and gazed around . im, his eyes bulging out in anticipation of see- in some startling sight. he saw was, on either side. brackets that supported a con is of tiers of coflns and caskets, in which roba ly reposed the bones of some of those w 0 had formerly owned the vault. N o grinning skeletons, or spectral .apparitions were Visible. much to the ferret’s relief. In the rear part of the vault, however, he saw a door, which evidently opened into some near under and apartment. Wit cat-like tread, Turk approached this door, and examined. it, and was satisfied that there were no.fastenings to it, unless they were on the other side. . Holding his revolver ready for instant use, he laid his hand on the latch of the door, can. tiomly raised it, and hung the portal open. The sight that met his gaze was something entirel unexpected. or vault was like the first, except that it was larger, and furnished with a couple of iron ornamental chairs, a rough table, and a Centennial cot bed. . A lighted candle burned upon the table, and upon one pf the chairs sat Jack Grimes, partly wrapped in the robe of white, Upon the other chair, bound, hand and foot, set no one less than lost Etta Evelyn! There were tears upon her cheek, and she looked the picture of misery. > The moment the door fiew o n, Jack Grimes sprung to his feet, with an on , but Turk stood triumphantl on the threshold, his gleamin weapon M upon the detective. ‘ y ‘ ,. u. tery. Puttin L5 ‘1). “ Stand where you are, Jack Grimes, or I’ll put a bullet through cu, Turk’s ringing Voice cried out sternl . " ’ve got the drop on you, and I’d rather s oot you than not l” For a moment Grimes was too enraged to spea . , “What do you mean?” he finally gasped, hoarsely. “ Put away that pistol, or it wil be the Worse for you!” “Nary a time, Grimes '! I’ve got you just where I want you, and if 3 on attempt to escape, I’ll bore a hole in your noddle, what’ll take away what few brains you have got. Mind, I’m not fooling. You had no mercy on me, did ye, Mister Ki napper; nor I won’t ave any on on. I 'est want ye to understand that I’m as of t is hyar situation, an’ am goin’ to be obeyed. Take yer knife and cut Miss Evelyn’s bonds. Dare to disobey, or hurt her, and I Will rforate e!” “ boot and be—!" Grimes cursed, furiously. “ I never yet was known to take water from a “ You’ll find it’s the law as talks, now!” Turk cried, firmly, a determined glitter in his eyes. “I shall count one, two, three. One I " An expression of bulldog defiance was upon the defective’s face. He evidently did not be- lieve Turk would be courageous enough to put his threat into effect. “ Two I” Turk’s voice had a steely ring. Grimes looked less confident. “ Three 1” Perhaps a couple of seconds elapsed, then crack went Turk’s weapon, and Grimes clutched at his breast, and fell back upon the ground floor in a faint. , Turk quick] sprung forward, and examined the nature of t e wbund, and found that it was as he had meant it to merely a flesh wound the bullet having nowhere near a vital t. pa}: He’ll be all right directly,” Turk said, look- ing at Et who appeared terrified at what she had seen. ‘ I’ll re ease you, and then find him!” This he was not slow in doing, and Miss Evelyn was soon free, while Jack Grimes lay bound hand and foot. “Now I’ll look him up in here, and hurry you to a safe place, while I return with a cop and have him taken to the station-house ” Turk said, and the poor girl was glad enough to let him be her director. . Securing the key from Grimes’s pocket, they left the vault, and Turk locked the door behind t en]. They then made their escape from the ceme- her aboard a car, he directed her to go to i e Titus mansion, and he would follow her as soon as he had secured the arrest of Jack Grimes. He next sought a policeman, and made known to him the necessary particulars of Grimes’s offense, and of his capture, whereupon the two entered the cemetery, and proceeded to the vault. On arrival there, what was their astonish- ment to find the door Open, and the rascally detective gonel ‘ D It was at once evident that he had received relief from some of his outside confederates, and the escape had been made by the Schuylkill. Turk was inunh disappointed, and arranging with the officer to keep an eye u n the ceme- tery, he boarded a car, and rode nto town. In due time he arrived at the Titus mansion, and rung the bell. It was answered by the servant, and Without entering. Turk asked: “ Has Miss Etta arrived safely!” “yes, sah; just done come, a few minutes 1 3 aggAll right. I will call around in the morn- infi” e then a lit his hotel lod ngs. and rest for the ni ht, orggty well satisfiedgithat he had been in Inc in riding and releasing Miss Evelyn. But the end was not yet. Shortly after Turk and Etta escaped from the cemetery vault, Aurelia St. Clair stood within the vault and before Jack Grimes, who had re- covered consciousness, and narrated what had just happened. _ “ Can t be possible that it has been discovered that I have been connected with on in this se- cret?” Miss St. Clair said, cuttin is bonds. “ f course l” Grimes lied. “ learned from the boy that everything has been ex loded, and both yourself and your father will arrested. It remains for us to let the old man look out for himself, while we make a break for cover until the“ wind blows over, We mat, however, if possible, secure the girl.” . ' . ‘ I “Noipol let us escape from the city by the midnight train. ” ’ ' Being scarcely able to walk, Grimes saw the necessity of obeying her an action, and ere an hour 'more, they were aboard the train, speeding for New York. That was the last ever seen of them in the Quaker City. CHAPTER XII. _ 'rnn HAWK’S sWoor. A MAN had been prowling about the Titus residence, at the time Etta Evelyn had arrived . and entered, and this man was none other than the old sea pirate, Evelyn who had preVioualy learned that Sir Page dwelt there. ' When finally the house became quiet, and time enough bad clasped for its occupants to get unless, he gained access to the rear yard,’ 11 and pr cing a slender bar of iron, was not long in pryin o u a shutter. It was near gym in the mornin and he had little fear of mg discovered. rt he had hardly got the shutter o u, when he felt some- thing cold touch his chee , and wheeling around, saw that the cold article was a revolver, held in the hands of Jerome St.Clair, who was also an- companied by Stael. , Evelyn recognised them and uttered“ oath. , 1°“; What the devil do you went!” he grew- “What do you want, in therel” Jame St. Clair demanded, sternly. ’ ‘ “ Money l” Evel growled, in. ‘ “I believe you let Has the rl returned!" 31 ’33—??? “$2.1 “"3? “i k here, a» l n e me. ow,ooee eyn on go in that house, chloroform the l, and ring her to me, and I will give you a dollars l" \ “ Let’s see yer swag.” ‘ ‘ “Ex-ing thedgirl,_fiind help utilel to take #0140 m ouse, an m give on enemy x D’ye swear to this?” y “I swear to it l” “ Give us yer chloroform.” The diamond merchant produced a bottle and a sponge and handed them to the old pirate. ‘ Be lively, now, for I want to get out of the city, before morning.” 'v “ Out of the city?’ ‘ ' “ Yes. I met an old friend, to-night, and have hired him to take us down the bay in his steam tug. Once beyond the breakwater, we will land at some southern port. and I Will send an envoy to collect a ransom from Sir Page. If he pays a big price, he can have her. :: ’ "e',”spect me to go along?” es. :‘ én’ ye’ll whack up the ransom!” ‘ es. you’re lively, we’ll leave South street, Schuyl- ill river, before daybreak i” “All right. You’ll find me an ugly customer to deal with, if you don’t keep yer promises." ,T is conversation was not conducted in on undertone, for owing to the lateness of the hour, it was not deemed necessary. Just ontsidothe - back yard fence, in the alley}: refisghh; dreszefld a ten ing a ~ pegson had been crouching, in e. ' Dressed in overalls, slouch hat, shaggy beard and hair, no one would ever have suspected that this cleverly disguised eavesdropper was Turk the Ferret. - To explain his presence here, he had banks the hotel an hour, when somethin seafood to tell him that dan er was menacing tta Evelyn. So strong did e matter recs 0 his mind. that he arose and disguised imsel , an left the hotel; with the resolve to spend the ni t in the vicinity of the mansion. ' ‘ He had arrived in the alley about thee-me in- stant that St. Clair and Staci had arrested E's- lyn, in his burglarious act. r Consequently, he had overheard the (mirror- sation between the conspirators. ‘3 Here’s a go,” he muttered. “ Now it is for me to play my cards, and take the e. Ef I call the perlice, they’ll get the credi . an’ I Boner I’ll just get passage on this ship. and rescue Etta in true style. Re kon old Sir Donald will come down handsome.” ‘ His mind was made up. Gliding from the alley by its rear course, he set out rapidly for South street. Schuylkill river —for rapidity was now essential. ‘ Several times he passed policemen who e ed him suspiciously, but none of them' oi! to stop him ‘ In due'time he reached the docks anon; the , ,river, and found a steamer, such is is general used for the b i V... ..-..... , I’ve been preparing for this, and ,‘If I 16 Turk. the Boy Ferret. below the South street bridge. This craft, how- ever, had an upper cabin, and was rigged for sailing, in case of the en ine givin out. The steam was alrea y up, an a man sat upon the rail smoking a pipe—a bewhiskered individual, dressed in sailor’s attire. 'hu'k passed along, paying no particular at- tention to the boat, rather expecting that he would be accosted—and he was not wrong. “Hello, there i" the sailor sung out. “ Where hound 'i" “ What of it?” Turk demanded, stopping and looking back. "0h, nothing much! Don’t want a fat job for a. couple of weeks, eh .I” “ What doiii’i” “ Oh, helpin’ on board. Gwine to take a party on strip, and want some one as knows ow to mind their business and keep their mouth shet." “ Struck the right man then. What's the sala'iiy?” “ wo dollars a day. Come on board, and I’ll ex lain.” k obeyed, and the two descended into the engine-room, and took a seat on the tool-boxss. Turk took a good look at the sailor then, and that worthy took a good look at Turk. “ I reckon you’re to be trusted,” he said; “ our mug says so. D’ye know who I am!” ‘ No,” Turk replied. “ Well, I’m Buck Hawk. detective. Directly a party will come on beard, who desires to es- ca from the city. He is an old English crimi- moreover, my father. He—” “ Expects to bring a prisoner aboard?” “ How do you knowi ’ . “ I overheard the plot 2” “ The deuce! Well, to make a long story short, I’m going to put this man ab0ard an En- glisfi vessel, an take him back to England to expiate his crime.” “ And what of me?” “ You are to bring this tug back to this wharf. l chartered it on] . “ And the girl “You are also to bring her back. She is a stolen child, and my father has hoped to reap a fortune out of her possession, but mother and I hiive ydevoted years to the thwarting of his ans. Then followed an ex lanation that Jerome St. Clair, alias Gerald awk, was Mrs. Hawk’s husband, and so forth, and so forth; and also the captuie of gambler Fred St. Clair, who, having “ given away ” all that it was necessary for Buck to know about the whole cons iracy, had been permitted to leave for parts un nown. About half an hour later, three persons Ip- hed the dock, and carried a bundled-up (ébject between them, which Turk knew was tt'l. The were assisted aboard, and took posses- siono the cabin, where Mother Hawk, in dis- guise, arranged for their comfort and conve- silence. As soon as possible, the tug was got under way, and steamed down the Schuylkill, the disguised Turk actin as fireman. and Buck Hawk as engineer, he instructing Turk how to manage the craft on returning. Toward day break Mother Hawk appeared in the engineeroom. “ Did you get the wine he ordered?" she asked. “Yes; open the bottle lying on top of the case—it’s fixed,” Buck said. About half an hour later he left the engine- room for a few minutes, and directed Turk how also to work the pilot-wheel. When he returned, he chuckled. “I’ve got three jail-birds in one bunch,” he said. “Uriah Evelyn, the pirate, the Gypsy, and the scoundrel ' Gerald Hawk, the murderer of Lad Page; an! .Stael. the once-famous ueen of Eng ish forgers. All bound and gagge ,and ready to ship aboard the English vessel 1” During the remainder of the trip very little was said. Buc': Hawk had released Etta Evelyn, who directly came and threw her arms affectionately around Turk, and thanked him heartily for what he had done. Turk was surprised that she knew him, for he still were his disguise. “ What ye mean?” he ejaculated. you’re mistaken.” “Not a bit of it!” Burk Hawk exclaimed. “I recognized you, Master Turk, the moment you came aboard, and from what I can hear, you will get the rich reward you deserve, when you restore this estimable young lady to her father. My reward, I trust, will come from the Bummer-amt when I delver up my inhuman " “ Guess In due time dayli ht came, and shortly after- ward they were a ongside the English home- ward-bound vessel, which was anchored in the Delaware, near the outlet of the Schuylkill. Burk Hawk boarded her and shortly after he had his prisoners transferred to the English vessel. The manner in whic' he had made the cap- ture made extraditior papers unnecessary, and thus was the law of Lie United States baffled, for once. As soon as the transfer was made, Turk and his fair charge set out on their trip back to Philadelphia, which was made in good time, and without incident. What remains to be told can be told in a very few minutes, and equally few words. Turk, our youthful ferret, gained all the honor of restoring Etta to her father, and a glad restoration it was, in which Sir Page, Etta, Ca tain Clyde and Turk figured. urk received a goodly sum of money for his brave deeds; but that was not alL Sir Page a couple of weeks later received a cablegram from England charging him toap- pear against one Gerald Hawk, and Turk was offered a happy home if he would accompany the party. SO be naturally consented. Before de rture from America there was a grand wedding, and Captain Clyde and Lady Henrietta Page were the happy maple, Turk, in a handsome suit, acting as first groomsman. After the Ceremony Captain Clyde produced and adorned his bride with the ma niflcent Page diamonds, much to the surprise 0 all. for it was he who had demanded them from Jack Grimes that night in Steel’s residence. “ Kinder ’curred to me it might be them dia- monds would turn up,” Turk said, with a grin. “Tell ye what. As fur as my ’sperience goes villainy will allus get left, sooner or later, and right will prevail like skippers on a yaller poodle. An of ya want everything to come out ge-lorious, thar ain‘t no antidote so goal as to employ a young feller about the diagram 0’ the Sultan o Turk—eh?” THE END. BEADLE’S Half-Dime Library. 136 NIGRTHAWK KIT. By JOE. E. Bad er, Jr. . . .. 5c 137 TEE HELrLEss HAND. By Capt. ne Reid. 5c 188 BLONDE BILL. By Edward L. Whee er.... . .. 5c 139 JUDGE LYNCH, JR. By T. C. 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