BY THE M --'~:Z ‘ II: ‘-| l-II _____._ .1 ,~--‘i r.» _ AUTHOR A LU ill .WN. Y Post Olfice. > __ YWELE‘TJ " J. 012:" “ EADYQK‘EGB 1332537131.” N§.\ . ‘. ~.; A; \1. . \mu . / .mll"" \\\§ Q, * dflimflrhmmmuumuiflu«fhvw Jinn N0. 98 WILLIAM STREET. NEW YORK. ~ tea-ea as secoudVClassfiMatter at the Neiwqyorx A ##Cropyrlum lhRS. by BEADLE AND Alums. a #_*_ July 14. has. _ $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE ANI) ADAMS. P ' , N00 6' a. Year. 5 6:113. VOL The Sunkéll Treasure. BY ED. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “ DEADW<>OD DICK” NOVELS, ETC. CHAPTER I. FOI'NI) BY THE WAYSIDE. UPON an imposing Muff, thug stretches along the ,oceun front for svwral ""199. Overlooking; the mighty expume of blue Atlantlci nestled the pretty tnwn of Blutfmn. It boasted of a population of several thousand. and being near a large cit)’. was rather an ar- istocratic plucv, combined \V’ltll the fact that it was a popular summer resort. and had the un- usual educational udvanmges of two high schools. The t0wn was beautifully laid out, and its dwvllinzfi. its lawns, its walks, (leres and shades, all showed that the residents were well-Lo-do and entvrpl‘lS‘ng. Inland from Ulufl'ton lay a magnificent stretch THERE WAS A LOOK or DESPERATE FURY w "is EYFN. HIT A HAND (‘AI'GHT HIM BY Tm: THROAT, AND PL‘SHED HIM BACK AGAIMT Till-2 DEAD WALLl High Hat Harry. of farming country, while along up and down the coast, and overlooking the majestic ocean, were the almost princely honics of wealthy people. 'llhwro was but a narrow strip of bcach at the foot of the bluli' in trout of llluli'ton, sale for birthing; at other points the nah-r broke with a ccas'lcss roar against the i'<,;cl-.y ban jt-ru, l'pon a little headland v. we a ll,.:,ill.-ll()ll::0 and a number of shantics, ilic houns of lishermcu :zml \vre!hers—hardy, storiu-lmzt‘cn old coast " < a s,” whom repute had said many hard things 113.. ut, without ever really provaigr anything. lliuil'ton had a l'cw gcncral stores, a big; ho— tcl, and a couple of railway depots, and that was about all that could be said of l.-‘r Lusincss interests; for the most of those inhabitants who had any profession or mercantile calling; (ii. blinlllt"$ in the not-l'ar-away city. 'l‘hc coastwise road, that i'oiiowul the bluil’ northward from the village, was a magnificent hedge-bordered drive, that Continued on for miles, commanding an Illiintcl'i‘uptcd ocean view, and passing some of the most picturesque- ly located and grand homes in all the. State. Among others, and a short distance from Iilutl'ton, was Inglcsialc, the villa of the wealthy and aristocratic Inglcs: also Radnor “ lunch.” the palatial estate of Roscoe Radnor, the so— called “ Duke” of Blufl'ton. But of these more anon. One sunny July afternoon, which would have been excessively warm but for the bracing ocean breeze, a young man came trudging along the north road, toward Blulfton. He appeared in no particular hurry, for he walked at a leisurely glait, and paused every now and then to drink of t e beauteous vista present- ed by the sunlit Atlantic, with its far-off blue horizon, its distant sails, and nearer dancing silver-capped waves. No one with any love for Nature could gaze upon the placid, sun-bathed expanse, without experiencing a strange and exhilarating feeling ——a desire to drink of this sublime, awe-inspiring on of beauty. he young traveler was dusty and travel- stained, and his well-worn shoes indicated that he must have journeyed many miles on foot. Ills garments, although not ill—fitting, or out of style, showed unmistakable effects of knock- about usage, and the traveling-bag he carried looked as if it had done much and hard service. Rather strange in contrast with his other hab- iliments, was the hat he wore. No ordinary banged-up affair was this, but as loss and fashionable a silk “ tile ”as could be 56 ecte from any Broadway store. Not a thread of the silk was out of place, nor a fleck of dust) upon this model piece of head- ear, upon which the sun glistened with as mugi vivacit as it did upon the silver-capped waves, beyon the bluff. As for the oung man, himself, he was of me- dium hight, rom shoes to shoulders, but his head rested upona neck of unusual length, and having a. rather sh cast of features, this len th of neck gave to is upper person something ike a gaunt and outre appearance. He was of muscular body and limbs, however, and in face by no means unhandsomc; for, al- though his features were somewhat sharp, they were of a naturally pleasant and shrewd expres- sion, the expressive mouth and the piercing eyes indicating intelligence and strength of char- acter. The sun lacked several hours of setting, when, half a mile from Bluliton, he paused upon the Telford walk, which bordercd )oth sides of the road, and placing his bani upon the Soft green Sward gazed once more of? upon the ocean, that lay but a stone’s throw away. “At last!” he said aloud, as if addressing the glistening billows—“at last I am near my des- ination, prepared. Perhaps it is Well I am pre— ared. The waters that splash upon the beach elow, have secrets—ah! how many l—and have been zealously keeping them, for years. And for whom?—forme? That remains tobedccided. Yonder retty village does not know my errand, nor do Ipmcan it shall. One Would naturally 'think that with its churches, schools and the wealth of its aristocrac , Blufl'ton could not nour- ish a villainous secret, ut that it does my mis- sion will be sure to disclose. “ Twenty-three years ago, when I was a babe, heavy weights sunk in person most dear to me, in the sea. before Bluffton, but failed to sink the secret of the foul crime. The secret lives and—— I will exhume it, and expose it beyond the possi- bility gt denial, as sure as I am High Hat His last words were uttered with ringing earn- estness; the lone wayfarer was indeed on a mis- 810D. He took a well—worn wallet from his pocket, and opening it, gazed rcllectively at the diminu- tive wad of notes within. “ Tcn dollars,” he muscd—“ all I have, and in a strange locality, at that. When it is gone my willing hands must find something todo, as they always havc,” and seizing his sachel, he resumed his jourm y. I\ot i'ar had he proceeded “hen he hcard a .‘lfroan (-r rathcr, moan, as of sona- (=in- iu llllroll- scious distrcss, and looking across tho strcct he saw, lying upon the opposite walk. close against the boidcringhedge, a largely-built, “'ch (lrcssl‘d man, whose gray beard indicated that; he was probably chr iilt‘y years of age. llis cycs were closed, and his features ex~ prcsseil laccn sull'criug. The young trawler hast< ucd across the road, and in a momcnt was kneeling beside the pros— trate man, who was just I‘ccovcring conscious— ucss from the clfcctsol' a blow on the back of the. head, which had mado an ugly bruise and ren- dcrcd the \'l('i,ll!l inscnsible. In the course of a fcw moments, the injured man opened his eyes. His brows contracted into a scowl as his gaze rested upon the face of High Hat Harry. “ \Vho are you?" he gasped, making a success- ful elfort to rise to a sitting posture. “I am a stranger, sir, in these parts,” the young man replied, “and but a few moments ago, chanced to find you lying,r here. Seein r that you were returning to consciousness, I awaited to learn the cause of your trouble.” “ \Vho are you?” “My name is Harry Sands, sir.” “ Sands!” The victim seemed to try to recollect if the name were familiar to him. “ You found me lying here?” “I did.” “ IVas no one else in the vicinity?” “ I did not see any one, sir.” A pain in the back art of his head, caused the Victim to place his and upon the bruise. “ Some one hit me there?” he said, cying Sands interro atively. “Quite evi ent, sir. I saw the bruise. The blow must have knocked you senseless, for it was a. wicked one.” “ Yes. I remember being struck, but no more. What time is it?” “ I have no watch sir, but judge by the sun that it is in the nei borhood of five o clock.” “ So late! Then must have been lying here for three hours. Ugh! my head aches, and I don’t believe I’ve enough strength to stand alone.” “ If I can be of any assistance to you, sir, you have but to command me,” High Hat Harry said respectfully. “ bank you. My name is Roscoe Radnor, and in home is yonder where you see the villa with the observatory at one corner. I feel so weak that I shall have to order my carriage to come for me. Soif you will go to my house and notify my family that I need their assistance, I will be very much obliged to you.” “ With pleasure, sir. In the mean time I will leave my sachel in your care.” ' “Certainly, I will keep watch of it.” Depositing the bag beside Mr. Radnor young Sands turned and strode rapidly toward liadnor “ Ranch,” which chanced to be the nearest residence, and as he remembered it, a magnifi- cent stone villa of modern architecture, set down in a pretty lawn, where shrubs and flowers, spraying fountains and statuary formed a lcasin feature. Iigh I at Harry, as he had been pleased to style himself, was a swift walker, and soon ar- rived in front of the lawn, where two young men Were engaged in a game of lawn tennis-— stylishly-attired young men, of somewhere near his own age. They saw him, too, as he paused just without the hedge, and ceased playing, in order to stare int him curiously, one of them bursting into a augh. “ I say, Ray, old fol, do look at it, and give me a definition of it. Is it an ostrich or a. sand- hill crane?” “ N o, it is a giraffe!” High Hat Harry quick- ly rctorted. ‘ It’s just escaped from a men- agerie.” I The young man who had been addressed as Ray neither smiled nor noticed his companion’s remark, but, on the contrary, regarded Han-y searchingly. “ Is there something you want, sir?” he asked. “ There is,” Harryr replied, “ providing either nor. of you is related to Mr. Roscoe Rad “ I am his son, sir—Ray Radnor. Why, What is the matter?” “ Nothing serious, I trust. Your father is hurt, by the roadside north of here, and wants his carriage sent to bring him home.” “ Indeed! Thank you, sir, for bringing us word. I will order the carriage at once, and if you will wait you can ride back.” “ No, thanl; you, 1 prcl'cr to walk,” and bow- ing, High lint llarry turned away, after giving a ngm lug glance at young ladxmr‘s companion, who had insuitcd him on acccunt ot' the unusual length of his nct'k. “ I fancy, perhaps, you may run afoul of this ostrich, sometime, my hue fellow,” he muttered, CHAPTER II. AN INTEIUJsTINa (toM'nmsArmN. En}: Hurry hurl accounplislicd half the distance , back to whcre he had left Mr. Radnor, he ‘w as overtaken and passed. by the family barOUche, drawn by two spirited horses. The occupants of the equipagc were Ray Rad— nor, a pretty young lady of cighttcn, and the driver, a ponderous individual. Both young R ulnor and the younglarly—who was evidently his sister—bowed at Harry, as they dashed past, and he tipped his hat in ac- knowledgmcnt. “ A dcucedly pretty girl!” he mused, as the vehicle rolled on. “ She’s evidently a Radnor, too, for she and the young man look alike.” By the time he reached the spot where he had first found Mr. Radnor, that gentleman had been assisted into the carriage, which stood in waiting for Harry to come 11 . “Mr. Sands, allow me to tliank you for your haste!” the injured man said. “And, now, in addition, how much am I indebted to you?” “ FifItIy thousand dollars, sir i” was the rep! , while arry’s face were no expression to in i- cute but what he meant what he said. “ Fifty thousand dollars?” echoed Mr. Radnor, in astonishment. “Exactly, sir. I should just as quickly accept that sum as I would acce t a penny.” “ Ah! I comprehend. on place no value on your services!’ “So far as I have been able to assist you no! You are most welcome to what little I have done.” “ Thank you again; but I must insist that you abgcspt some recompense, trifling though it may “ And I must decline. I’m not that style of a steamboat—pardon the expression, please!” “ Then, you must acce t our combined thanks, and best wishes!” Miss flhdnor said, earnest] . The barouche rolled away, and High I-lht Harry continued on his way. Vthn he arrived in Bluffton, he put up at the Oceanic Hotel, and, by taking a fourth-story room, was enabled to pay for his board and lod'lgling, one week in advance. e Oceanic was the only hotel in the town—' a huge square brick edifice, surrounded by a. broad piazza, and three tiers of promenade bal- conies, and was, at this season of the year, well filled with summer guests. A fine ocean-view ball-room was one feature of the house, and the excellent orchestra in at- t‘endance during the evening, made it a favorite resort for its evening hops and socml gather- in . High Hat Harry’s room, facing the ocean, was cool and pleasant. So after taking a bath, and burnishing up his rusty attire. he sat down at one of the windows and gazed thoughtfully out upon the briny deep, over which the sun was casting its farewei] glint. ing rays. For perhaps an hour he remained in a state of uninteriupted reverie, then he heard two persons gouversing, out upon the balcony, near his win- (WV. He made no effort, at first to see who or What they were, although he judged by their voices that both were young ladies “Oh! Ida, I am sure our boys will win. Mr. Garrene assured mo to—day that there was no possibility of the Bariiiore club winning!” “I am not so sure!” Ida replied, in a doubtful tone. “ Of course it will be a delightfully excit- ing contest, but if I were to bet, I would choose the Barmorcs. They are such handsome, athletic fellows. The Blufl’tons, with one or two excep. tions, are dudes.” “ And What’s nicer than a dude?” giggled Ida’s friend. “I just done on dudes—the are so del- icate and refined! Anyhow, 1"“ “king “19 Blufl’tons.” (13(1): how much, Syll‘va?” I ll ! in do no as me tea would not dare tell, ibi- if it should get to 1,536,, m he would be terribly angered.” o‘- High Hat Harry. ‘ “Indeed! gamble s” _ “ Mercy, no ! He is adverse togaming of any kind. That’s why he cleared brother Forest away, two years ago.” “So I have heard. And I was greatly Sur- prised when I learned that you gambled.” “ lln! ha! ha! I‘ve not a doubt of it. That is all very easily accounted for, however, you know. You are fresh in min bat. k—in-tlie—ci)untry town, where the stiijid Iwoplellrilik it a sin iodo anything but eat, drink amigo tochurch. ll'hy, all of our fashionables, nowadays, play cards and bet on races and matches, Ida.” “ If so, cousin, I cannot ago that it is proper. It is bad enough for men to do such things as Then he does not know that you at!” “Bah! \Vhat a silly goose you are indeed! IVhy, do you suppose we girls are going to let the youngr men get ahead of us? Not much! The men are but stupids, anyhow, and Woman— kind was designed to lead. ll'liy. a society young lady of to-day is behind the times, if she can't box swim, row, play the banjo, smoke, drink, pitc a curve, bet successfully on the sporting events of the day, and count her inashes by the hundred. Really, I am afraid I shall have a hard time tryin to break you in, so that you will be fashionab e.” “1 fear so, too, if Imust ac uire all of the vices you named, in order to ecome accom— plished!” Ida. declared, a trifle sarcastically. “ Vices—nonsense! lVait till I ride home from the ball-match, to-morrow with two thous—” “ Sylva Ingle!” Ida uttered the name as if she were astounded. “ Why! what’s the matter, cousin?” “Can it be possible that you have wagered the sum of two thousand dollars on the result of the ball-game, to-morrow?” _ “ Why, of course, you oose;—but, mind you, not a word of this to any iving soul, or I’ll cease to be your chapcrone ”—with a laugh. “ The money’s up, and I am sure to win.” “S lval Sylva! I am astonished!” “I 11! ha! You‘ll have more than that to as- tonish you before you know the ropes of our first society. [Why, two thousand dollars isn’t much.” “ I should suppose not, by the recklessness with which you risk losing it.” “That shows your good sense. Why I am running no risk at all i” . “ I fail to see how you make that out!” “Then, I will explain. Allowing that the Barmore Academy boys may be good players, there is not the ghost of a. show of their winning, to-morrow—the ever-glorious Fourth. The reasons are obvious. The Barmores are young bloods who generally celebrate the Fourth of July by getting full! ’ “ But, do not your home club do the same?” “They will not, tomorrow for the reason that they have pledged themselves not to drink a drop, until after the game is over. There’stoo much Blufi‘ton money at stake!” “IVell?” “ Well, a second reason why the Barmores will not win, is because their tavorite pitcher Maccaire, is lying low with typhOid fever, an they will have to substitute a poor man; and on know our Mr. Streeter has been asked for y professional clubs. Nor is that the last reason.” “ “That is it, then?” “ \Vell, you see—this, in private, between you and inc—Mr. Garrcne is to umpire the game, and, as he has_money bet on the Bliiil'tons, and is growing quite popular, in our society, he will hardly be apt to give the other club the benefit of his decisions.” “ Brit, that wouldn‘t befair, Sylva?” “ Pooh! All’S fair, in lOVO, or war, you know. The Barniore-i carried off the _ pennant, last year, but they w111 have to give it up, this car.” . “ \‘l’hom did you bet With, Sylva?” :‘ ¥y rival!"l ” ‘ our riva ? “1‘0 be sure-Stella Radnor, Whose father’s estate adjoins Ingleside.” ” “Then you both love the same man? - “Yes—at an rate I love him. \Vhy, Ida, I worship him— do not lmowwhat I could not do*to reap the reward of Winning him.” " Is he handsome?” _ “As an Apollo. You shall Judge, however, for he will most likely attend the match, to- mOITOW, and the hop, in the. evening.” “What is his name?” , “Carrol Cuthbert, and he is every inch as sweet as his name I assure you.” “ And so Stella or is your rival?” 3 “ Yes. The proud little primp—I hate her!” “\Vhicli one of you does your lover like best!” “()h! I don’t know. He is a perfect gen— tleman, and seems careful not to manifest i any preference for the society of one or the ' other. Of course, however, I believe that he likes me the best. Much depends upon the result of to inorrow’s game.” “ How is that.” “Well, you see, Mr. Cuthbert isn‘t very wealthy, and being his friend, I have several i times prevailed upon him to solicit loans of money from papa. You see, Mr. (.‘iithbert is , the only living descendant and lineal heir to ' I’irate l‘etrie‘s fortune if it is ever rei overcd.” “ l’irate l’eti‘ic’s l'ortiniec‘7 “Yes. Did you never hear about it? 'Well, tradition has it that in 18123 a pirate vessel sunk oil‘ this coast, at a point directly opposite this village, which had on board a vast for- tune in gold. The vessel was commanded by a. pirate chieftain, named Paul l’eti‘ic, and it was intended to land the gold, here—there were no habitations anywhere about here, then—— and bury it. Before the vessel got within an- choring distance of land, however, there was a mutiny on board, and a fight, which resulted in the vessel being scuttled, and sunk. “Petrie’s son, a lad of twelve was washed ashore alive, and is supposed to have been the only survivor. He grew to manhood, in this vicinity, married, and a. son was born to him. Soon after, he mysteriously disap red, and, after a year of almost starvation, is wife was forced to take her son, and return to her parents. She died, afterward, but first had her son’s name legally changed to Cuthbert, her maiden name, not wishing him to bear the stigma of bein in name a pirate’s grandson. “ 0t many months ago young Cuthbert rch turned here, in hopes of gettinr backing to se- cure the raising of the sunken ortune, but, al- though receiving immediate social recognition from our people has not, I believe, succeeded in securing the help to enable him to em loy a wrecking company to locate and raise the s ip. There is talk, however, of capitalists combining and giving him the necessary assistance, and there is no doubt but what, at an early day, he will be at least a millionaire. “ lVell, as I was going to say, I have arranged it so that he has secured several loans, privately, from m father. Of course, being in a. strait, he can at feel grateful for these loans. The last one was for five hundred dollars and I have learned, from private sources, that he has wagered every cent of it: that the Bannores will win, to—morrow. I think Stella Radnor tempted him to bet that way—if so, so much the better. He will surely lose, and have to come to me again, for assistance. I will improve the snap, and if there isn’t a wedding, short] , I’ll lose mv guess. But, I must get back to n- gleside. on will be at the match, to—morrow .9” “ Ohl cert!” Ida replied, with a laugh. “ Good! I see you are improving, in phraseol- ogyi. \Vell, I’m off. Ta! ta!” igh Hat Harry had overheard every word of the foregomg conversation, and not without ex- periencmg considerable amusement and sur- prise. To—morrow was the Fourth of July. The Barmore and the Blufl‘ton base—ball clubs were going to play. Am there was considerable money going to change hands. And the Barniores were not to be treated to fair dealing, by Garrene, the umpire. . “I think I shall have to attend this game!” High Hat Harry said, to himself, as he quitted his room, and went down to supper. CHAPTER III. OFFERED AND ACCEPTED. AS his attire was somewhat shabby, Harrv felt naturally rather bashful when he entered the thronged (lining-room of the Oceanic, where was congregated such an array of fashionably- attired ladies and gentlemen, quite a majority of whom were, about his own age. Of course he was conscious of the curious glances leveled at him, because of the deformity of his neck, but he consoled himself with think— in : ‘Let ’em look. They may make fun of me DOW. but I will perhaps have my revenge by surPrising ’em all some of these da 's.” ,Afiyhow, he was glad when he got out of the dgéng'room, and took a walk toward the P051? 0 c. It Was a.beautiful evening, with a bracing breeze bIOng‘ in from the ocean, and the great yellow, full moon that came up with its accus- l tomed promptitude, transformed the picturesque village and the sobbing sea into a panorama of supreme loveliness. The main street of the town, running near the edge of the bluff, with its business places on the inland side, was a most charming pren‘enade, and as he made his way toward the post—office, liigh Hat harry passed many couples, and be- came aware that the general topic of conversa- tit n n as about the ball—match on the inorrow. l,.:‘.dies, old and young. seemed as much en- thused upon the :ubjcct as the males. Un arriving at the post—oilice. the stranger asked for mail. but, as he lnid anticipated. there was none for him. and he returned and took a seat upon the hotel piazza, where he occupied some time in watching the passers-by. Two young men mt near him. and he occa- sionally caught up a snatch of their conversa- tion. "I wonder what‘s the matter between Stella and Cutlibci'tr“ said one. “ \l'hy, nothing, I guess. hop last evenine'.” “ So did I. ut, here comes Cuth, now, with the liigle hitched on I” ' “ Oh! that’s nothing. It’s nip-and—tuck be- tween those girls, which securcs the most of (,‘uthbert’s attention.” “ He’s a regular lady-killer, eh ?” “ Oh! you bet!” A stylish couple were approaching, and High Hat Harry watched them with more thana httle curiosity. The man was a trifle above medium hight, and formed in nature’s hap liest mold, with a round pleasant face and lig t-brown hair, a tawny londe mustache, and sparkling eyes of brown. His movements were easy and graceful, his at» tire faultless, and he was certainly a handsome man. The lady who accompanied him was about twenty years of age, if appearances went for anything, petite and symmetrical of figure, and a decided brunette, with brilliant, dusky eyes and hair as black as 'et. She. too, was fashionably attired, and if the idea that extremes make a happy match is of an practical worth it was at once evident that Sylva Ingle and barrel Cuthbert ought to marry. An apt observer might have taken notice that, as the couple passed by where Harry Sands was sitting, his gaze followed them, critically, until the were lost in the crowd of other prome- na ers. “Very handsome!” the young man mused, ghen”he could no longer see them. “ 1 won- er— Just then a nobby phaeton, drawn by two creamy horses, dashed up in front of the hotel, and came to a halt at the curb. The driver and sole occupant of the stylish cquipage was a pretty young lad of eighwmi, just a trifle plumper than Sylva ngle, and also a trifle prettier, with a vivaCiou-s, sunn face, lit 11 b apair of large, ex ressive haze eyes. to which charms were adde one of the sweetest of months, a wealth of becomingly-arran ed hair, the hue of a morning sunbeam. Ric 1y attired, and yet with refined taste. she was cer- tainly a vision of loveliness to set a man’s pulse I saw them at the ‘ heating faster. High Hat Harry saw her, and averth his gaze to the horses, presuming inost naturally that she would not care to recognize him when before a piazza full of fashionable guests, if, in- deed, she had not already forgotten him, But he was mistaken, and felt—well, he could not have described how—when he heard his name called: “Mr. Sands?” He arose, and descended the piazza steps, raising his hat gracefully, but really conscious of little else, except that he was aiming for the pliaeton. “At your service, Miss Radiior,” he articu- lated as he paused beside the vehicle. He felt immensely relieved, too, who she spoke in a tone not for the ears of those upo the 28223. “ I am pleased to see that you have tarried in Blufiton, Mr. Sands,” she said, so winnineg that Harry inwardly Wished that some giant wave from the moon it Atlantic would rush up over the bluff and ingulf him. “ I am sure you will like the place, and to impress you with the beauty of the surI‘Oundlngs, I wish you to drive me down the Coast. It is sucha. delightful even- in p; g‘Why—if i will not be intruding, Miss——" He, began. . “Ermme you will not be intruding. Get right in. I want your opinion of my new pea, ,5“ mire, and that the home club is almost co ) High. Hat Harry. f- r Dolly and Dot. Do not hesitate at all, sir. I choose my company, and shall be delighted with your society !” By which Harry surmised that she had seen Sylva Inglo and Carrol Cuthbert, and was so- cretly vexed. Anyhow, he was soon seated beside her, with the ribbons in his grasp, and at a word from him, the horses trotted away down the Telford drive, 5 iritedly, leaving behind a crowd of staring would have given their check any day for one of Stella Radnor‘s bcwitching smiles. It did not take long for Harry and his fair com 'on to fall into an easy conversation, for Ste Radnor was not a “stuck-up” bird of fashion, but a sociable, sensible girl, a brilliant tonversationalist, with a. tact for preventing my awkward pauses, and altogether a most charming companion. They passed Cuthbertand S lva short! after leaving the Oceanic, but Ste 1a deign them not a glawe, and chatted as ayly to young Bands as though she had known I im all her life. As they drove, Harry learned that Mr. Rad- nor was feeling much better, and would not ex- mgce any serious inconvenience from the upon is head. It seemed he had taken a stroll toward Bluffton three hours rior to being found by Harry; but that was all hat was own as he could remember nothing more $330!? receiving a blow on the head from be- The object of the assault was also a m ster , as nothing about Mr. Radnor’s person ad n turbed. “ Yes, the matter is a perplexing mystery,” Stella said, “and the more so because papa is one of the most respected and influential men of this community. He has not a single enemy m the world, that he is aware of.” “He is very lucky then!” Harryreplied. “ Not every one can say that.” l “I su pose not.” “ your father put detectives on the “I don’t know. Perhaps he will. There are no detectives in Bluflfton, your know—unless, you are one, ” and she darted him a quick glance. “ I? What caused you such a thought as that?” “ Oh! I don’t know. Detectives are such odd 'useS, you know—always turning up just af- some ofense has been committed, requiring their services.” , “ You must have been reading up Vidocq?” “ So I have. But, Mr. Sands, you have not denied that you are a detective?” “ That is a fact. But, sup osin for instance, I were not to deny it? W0 (1 all luffton know mg profession, are another sunset?” be cast him a. reproachful lance. “ Why, certainly not, Mr. ands. I ho do not believe me so unladylike as to a confidence?” “If I were to express an opinion, I should say no. And, therefore, as you have chosen to do me a most unexpected and undeserved honor this evening, I Will tell you that I am rofes- sionally a detective, and I am here at B ufl‘ton for a. purpose What that purpose is, could not, for the resent interest any one consequently, I do no care to have my true character ma e known.” “ I appreciate your confidence, sir, and you fag rely upon my word that I will not betray t. . “ Thank you. If it falls within my province to find out who your father’s assailant was. I‘ will do I0, but without showing my agency. And now, as we drive back, I have a question to ask 'ou. you tray There is a ball-match to be played in B1 ton, tomorrow?” “Oh! sir!” enthusiastically. “ The Bar- moreI,o armors Academy, are to play the Bl Oh! it will be just splendid fun.” “So I presume. You side wi the home club, no doubt?” - " o, indeed! Why, I have money bet on . ores I” _ “ Is that so? Then, are you aware that Mac- the Barmore pitcher, is too ill to lay, 0 win!" . . “Isolearned today, and have feltve much discouraged. I would not have the B ufltons » tomorrow for an bin ,although my own as. ’ l" g or lathe captain.’ “ So I am emu-e, and have heard that you have n considerable sum. at stake.” ' I ; Stella looked fri htened. ! “ More I who to d you?” she asped. “Oh! iii: not advisable for Ine to say. \39- have various methods of flndmg out loods on the Oceanic veranda, who ‘ things, you know. From what I have learned, however, you would consider the loss of our ! wager money as compared with the loss 0 the. ’ game of no consequence.” “ Indeed I would!” “ I thought so. And so, if you wish, the loss of either can be averted!” “Can it! Oh! Mr. Sands tell me how?” She was all aquiver with eagerness and. ex- . citement; and her brilliant eyes looking up into his, and her small gloved hand resting upon Ins shoulder, as the horses sped along through the moonlight, almost made him wish that he had been born handsome like Carrol Cuthbert. “ Very easily!” he answered. “ Get me the position of pitcher on the Barmore club tomor- row and I will win the game!” “ on? Then you are a player?” “ Lot that remain to be seen.” “You shall have the place, I will guarantee! I am a friend of the Barmores, and the will do whatevor I say. Here is a small sum 0 money. Take it, and on our arrival in Blufl'ton, tele- graph tho Barmores, and make the arrange- ments. the game to-morrow, you and I will lead the grand march at the ho in the evening!” “Thank you, Miss dnorl I fancy I am hardly presentable enough to accept hat honor. However, you can rest assured th t the home club will sustain a crushlnidefeat to—morrow, if I play. And there will 6 more fun than a little. ’ They drove back to the Oceanic, and Harry got out, while Miss Radnor drove on home- ward. It is unnecessary to say that the young stran- ger was regarded with at cunosxty by the piazza loungers, but he di not give them an op- portunit to stare at him long, for he made his way to t e telegraph office, within the hotel, and opened communication with Barmore, ten miles distant. The message he sent was as follows: “A ball- layer, known as High Hat Harry, 1 recommen ed to you by Miss Stella Radnor. to fill the place of Mr. Maccaire. on to-morrow's ame. ]f the place is open, count upon a victory, an wire me at once. “ v SANDS. “Oceanic Hotel. " Bluffton.” The answer came back within an hour: “Ma. HARRY Super-We have been antici sting defeat to present time, but now—never! ccept you? Wh .to be sure, and we send three rousing cheers for High Hat Harry. “Tm: BARNORE B. B. CLUB.” CHAPTER IV. HARRY ON ms MUSCLE. Tun mcn‘n dawued bri ht and with a cloud- less sky, a stiff breeze b owing ofl' Atlantic’s blue expanse, and wi h every indication of a pleasant day. ‘ Fourth 0’ July expectations generally keep a town on the at cite, the night preceding. Lovers meet an agree upon arrangements for next day’s leasures; cosey homes contemplate picnics an a. displa of bunting; the small boy works up his vivxd magination on the subject of fire, and bang, and smoke; and the bummer— the bummer looks over his scanty board of money, wonders where he will fall in With his liberal friends on the morrow, and if, after they have all treated, he will have enough to fill out the dag in glorious style, all by: himself. At luifton, midnight saw t e town quiet and dark, and Its aristocratic population evidently asleep; but when the town awoke at day-dawn, a. change had taken place. _ The fakir-the perennial, everlasting, irre- pressible and inextinguishable faklr—had ar- rived in all his glory, with his ice—cold lemonade red as a 1'1 cherry; with his 1120 packages; with his do! babies—knock one own and get a cabbage-leaf cigar; the pop-common; the pea- nut and candy man; the smilm and lib- tongued three-card-montomanipula. 1'; an ast but not least, the poor old or tin-grinder and his educated monkey—one or t 6 other blind for thirt years; hard to tell which. 0t er attractions in the way of sideshows, with three-legged calves, fat women and snakes, might have been there but for the fact that Blufi’torn was too aristocratic and its authorities would not tolerate such nuisances. High Hat Harry 9. night of sweet re- stantly before his min ’5 eye, and arose at sun- rise refreshed amvigorous. The Oceanic supplied with salt-water baths, and after enjo e of these, the young detective took a. two-mi e Walkil‘and returned in time for'vbreakfast, with rosy c ee’ks. After breakfast he procurodsypigar at the ." . . Va, L K , I And. mind you, Mr. Sands, if we win' pose, with a vision of l retty Stella Radnor con- hotel bar, and, while lighting it, noted that he was eyed curiously by a small party of loung- ers. One of these was the young man who had cast the insult at him, from the Radnor lawn—a. dudish, undersized young fellow, with a few flaxen hairs upon his upper lip, and a quite ef- feminate face. Most conspicuous of the group, however, was a man in a blue su t and a light plug hat—a sport- ish ap xaring individual, With a preponder- ance o stomach, short thick legs, broad shoul- ders, and a fat face, whose principal character- istics were a coarse black mustache, eves and hair to match, and a livid scar at one side of his forehead. He wore a “loud” display of jewelry, and ' carried himself with the swagger of one who considered himself a person of unusual import- ance. As High Hat Harry turned away from the bar, he heard the following rcmar s: “ Oh! he’s a city chap. One can’t buy second- hand clothing, except in large cities.” “ Humph! And the Queen took him to drive, last night?” “ Oh! that’s because the gov’nor sent her, as a mark of appreciation for services rendered. But, ain’t he a freak, though! I’ll bet he’s given Barnum the sli l” “ Oh! dry up!”—this frcm the man in blue. “ He may be brought to time, all 0. K. !” He then stepped forward, and tapped thefle— parting detective upon the shoulder. “A moment, lease, sir!” he said: “ I would like to s ak wit you.” High at Harry turned around quickly, and took a more searching look at the man—whose remarks he had, of course, overheard. “ Well, sir?” he said, interrogatively-“ what?" “ Aheml—wh ——excuse me, but it strikes me I that you and I ave met, before, have we not?” rubbing his hands blandly together. \ “Not that I am aware of!” Barr replied coolly. “ I have not the slightest recol ection of having met you, before.” “No? Well, beg pardon, but it strqu me our face was familiar. Your name is hands, is it not?” “ It is.” “ Ah! I thought so. Let me see—it must have been in St. Louis I saw you. My name is George Garrene.” , “ I guess you must have your mind on some other person, sir. I was never in St. Louis nor doI remember ever being acquainted With a person of your name.” Harry spoke pointedly enough to have pre- cluded the necessity of further interrogation, but Garrene did not seem inclined to end the conversation. “ Oh! well; maybe it was not in Saint Louis,” he persisted; “anyhow, I am confident of hav-« ing met on, somewhere, heretofore. And I have also earned that you are to pitch for the Barmores, to-day?” “ I am, sir.” “ Ahem!——yes. Now, Mr. Sands. haven’t you, been unduly influenced—that is to 833'. don’t ou think you have rathermade yourself sub- ' ‘ Ject to criticism b givin us Blufi’ton boys the cold shoulder? W 0 area a rollicking. 3'0] 3' and sociable set of fellows, and I am afraid yrur alliance with the Barmores, whom we are going to try to defeat, will make you somewhat un- popular with our ople, being as you are a stranger here. T nk for a moment, now—am I not right!” “ Well, I don’t see that, as I have courted no popularity here, and so could not lose any. AS or being duly or unduly influenced, that’s; out of the question. I heard the Barmores were weak of a itcher, and as I sometimesenjoy a game of ba 1, I concluded to offer my servmes.” “ Too bad! But then, possibly, it won’t make any difference. We have a fine club!” H That is not for me to dispute, as I have neVer seen them.” “Oh! of course. You see, Mr. Sands; there is a great deal of Blufiton money up, on this game, and it is important that we should “'11). Therefore, believing you to be a professwnal. we mean to do one of two things!” “ Indeed? That is rather a confident assertio to make, without knowing what I might have t say about it. What do you propose to do?” ere was no mistaking the tone of the base- ball detective now! George Garrene scowled slightly, and folded a '- ‘his arms, as if for effect. - ~ “ why, sir!" he said, “We will either buy you, or we will bar you out of the game!” . ' A look of commmgled surprise and dis swept over High Hat ’3 face. ‘ ' l g ::::;_._...__~___.__. w“ W. ._ . .|J~V‘~¢)r High Hat Harry. 5 . “ Buy me .9” he echoed. “ Yes—or bar you!” “Ha! ha! ha! You really amuse me. thy, you poor miserable braggart, you could not buy one drop of my perspiration, nor does it lie within the power of you or your cronies, to bar me out of the game to—day, or ancy; other game!”- A tigcrish gleam sprung into ‘arrene’s eyes, while his face darkened with rage. “ Y! -u can’t be bought, eh?" he itted. “ lily stock is not subject to bro 'eragc “ And you can’t be barred outf” “ N o, for I never played with a professional club!" “ And you intend to play your best to defeat the Bluil‘tons?” “ I do!” “ And, I am a poor miserable braggart?” “ I believe I remarked something of the kind!” At which sarcastic retort, George Garrene’s knotty right list struck out fiercely, in a blow from the shoulder. The blow was aimed at High Hat Harry’s face, and had it reached its mark, there is probability that Harry’s swan-like neck would have snap- ped ofi‘, short! But, Harr promptly stepped to one side, and the force of arrene s blow carried him for ward, flat upon his face, or rather upon his stomach, as that most naturally kissed the floor first. A roar of pain escaped the sport, and he gain- ed his feet, with his nasal protuberance beauti- fully skinned, and emitting a stream of blood. In the mean time the young spindle-legged dude, who had now twice insulted the man with the high hat (and who Harry afterward learned was Ira Ingle, Sylva‘s brother) sprung forward and endeavored to display his pugilistic propen- sities; but one nick blow from the baseball detective floored . Dude, and the combat was ended. Ingle lay serenely upon the floor, although in a somewhat undignified position, as George Garrene dizzily gained his equilibrium, and al— lowed his friends to wipe the crimson from his flowing nostrils. Hi h Hat Harry leaned complacently against the ar, and watched the cleansing process, with a faint smile curling his lip. A tap on the shoulder turned his attention to the muscular, but gentlemanly-appearing bartender. “ I‘m afraid you have made an unfortunate move,” the dispenser of liquors observed. . “ Eh»? You do? Perhaps you want to take up the matter to a finish!” And Harry laughed drylg. ‘ b! no!” the bartender made haste to say. “ I am quite content with my present presenta— ble appearance. You mistake my meaning. The bloods of Blufi‘ton will be down on you, now I” " ll’ill they?” “ As sure as brine is salty. I know ’ein. They do not work singly, but together. So, take a friend’s warning. and be on your guard.” “ Thank you. I don’t anticipate any trouble, but if it comes to trollblc— ’ He did not finish the sentence, but contracted his brows into such a comical i'rown, and crossed his gaze so startlingly, that the bartender’s esti~ mation of him went up a hundred per cent. CHAPTER V. A MESSAGE FROM THE DEEP. AS none of the parties in the bar-room of the Oceanic showed any dis sitioii to push the quar— rel further, Harry took is departure, and wend- ed his way to the beach for an hour with the waves and his own thoughts. “'atching the lines of surf rolling in, in grand procession, upon the SQndS, he espied an object that at once attrificttedlhis ifiittolntion. It was a large £5 g 1155 as i. and. jud in b the way in which it bobbed about, wasiioricd’,’ else it would have sunk- Harry had heard and read muCll about mes- sages from the great unfathomable deep, com- ing ashore in bottICS, mid the 1111.9, fifldlle Watch— ed the bottle, with considerable curiOSity. The tide was going out; consequently the botr 131% came no nearer the land, but, on the contra- ry Was gradually receding from It. It was not yet so far out, however, but that, at the expense of getting a thorough wetting, he could secure it; “ I’ve a good notion to posses that bottle!” he muttered. “ \Vho knows but what it may con- tain news imPOr.’ ant to some one i” The sun was now blazing hot. Even if he did ct wet, it Would not take him ]ong to dry off, ong berm“? the ball game would be called. m 7': He scanned the beach and the shanties in the i suspect of an attempt to injure him. In fadk, background, but not a soul was to be seen. That settled it. Laying what money and papers he had upon the silvery sands, he entered the surf, and by wading in up to his neck, secured the bottle and returned to shore. The bottle was a thick, old—fashioned affair, capable of holding two quarts, and contained a straw—colored paper inclosure. The neck of the I bottle was cor {ed and sealed with wax, and the contents were consequently intact and well-pre- served. Sittingdown u n the warm sand, High Hat Harry broke the ottle and extracted the little package from among the pieces of glass. Tearing it open with some eagerness, he found that it contained gold—pieces to the value of two hundred dollars, and a scrap of paper, which read thus: “ ON BOARD THE SKULL, July 7, 1813. “ I have scuttled her because they plotted mutiny and to rob me. We all go down together in sight of land, with over a million worth of gold on board. Twenty-four years to-day, I have been a. pirate. Twenty-four years hence, if the dead are allowed to return. in spirit, my nobl ship will rise, and sink again forever. Who finds he inclosed gold I make the heir to my sunken treasure. PAUL Farms, “ Commander of the Skull!" High Hat Harry had scarce finished reading this extraordinar note and stored it and the money away in is pocket, when, rising to his feet, he was confronted by a man of decidedl unpleasant and unprepossessing aspect—a broa — shouldered, brawny customer, slouchily dressed after the style of a coast fisherman, swarthy, and with coarse, brutal—looking features. As he paused before High Hat Harry, his brows were contracted into a dark scowl, and his whole appearance was more calculated to in- timidate than to attract. “ Hello! young feller!” he saluted, grufily. “ Hello!” Harry replied, coollv, as he made an inventory of the man from head to foot. “ Guess on been in 'a-swimmin’, eh?” the man asked, wit a hitch at his trowsers. “Not exactly. I generally swim in still water.” “ 0h! ye do, eh? \Vaal, that’s news!” “that do you want!” demanded Harry, his anger rising. ‘ lVliat do I want? Lookee here, mate. don’t be quite so slack wi’ yer tongue, or first ve know I‘ll swaller ye like Jonah did the whale. I’m Black Budd, the terror of the coast.” “ Then your looks belie you!” High Hat Harry retorted, coolly. “ You don’t look as if you could terrify a sand—fly.” “ Don’t I! \V'ell, ye don’t know me yet.” “I dare say not, nor am I particularly desir- ous of knowing you. If you have anything of importance to say, say it, or else move on.” “Me move on! Haw, haw! That’s good. I reckon Black Budd uses his own time ’bout mov- in’. I happen tor hev somethin’ to say, too. I sec’d ye go inter the surf, fetch out a bottle, break it, an’ take sonietliin’ from it, which same ye hev got in yer pocket. “'hatchi' was it, I want.” “ You do?” “ You bet! I throw‘d thet bottle away, wi’ nothiii’ in it, months ago, an’ now it’s come back wi’ somethin’ in it.” “ That’s a very transparent lie,” High Hat Harry unhesitatingly declared. “ If I found anything in the bottle, that‘s my own business, and none of yours. So put that in your pipe and smoke it!" Black Budd glared at the young detective for an instant, as if tempted to rush upon and au- iiihilate him on the spot: then, seeming to sud- denly change his mind, he uttered an oath, turned lipon his heel and strode away. High at Harry gazed after him until he had disappeared in one of the beach sluintics. then he ascended the steep staircase to the top of the bluff. As soon as poSsible he made an CX(.'llilll;.;'C of one of the old Spanish coins for United States money with the hotel proprietor, after which he sought a Clhtlllllg-StOl'fifllld procured a coin- lete change of attire, which most favorably ul- red his appearance, and he felt that he was presentable at least to a public crowd. hen the hour came to repair to the fair ground, where the game was to be played, he set out on foot for the rendezvous. 6 had not gone far, however, for the grounds were located on the outskirts of the village-— When a _stone, hurled by some unseen hand, struck him on the right arm above the elbow. For a moment he believed his arm was bquen, so excrucxating was the pain; but, look whither he WW“: he could see no one whom he could \ he could not see a person within stone-throwing distance of him. For a moment he could but stand and grit his teeth, his arm pained him so; but, satisfied tlat the member was not broken or seriously injur- ed, he went bravely on, a gleam of resolutior in his etyes. “ hat was a cowardly attempt to dis! blo me,” he muttered' “but, by the eternal! I'll play the game if faint in my tracks thro‘ Igh pain. Stella Radnor shall win today, or my name isn’t Harry Sands!” CHAPTER VI. ON THE BALL FIELD. THE Bluifton fair-grounds, like the town 1.- self, were beautifully arranged, the exhib‘tion buildings being set apart by themselves, anl :tho mile race-course by itself, inside of which ring was the local baseball inclosure—one oi the finest grounds in the State, and supplied w. th a grand stand capable of seating several thou ‘and people. l hen High Hat Harry entered the gates, he saw that a tremendous crowd was present, seem- ingly the entire population of several towns. The grand stand was black with people, and cir- cus seats having been built half-way around the border of the grounds, these two were crowded, beside which, many )eople were standing. The Oceamc brass and was discoursin lively music out at the home plate, and memiers of the two clubs were playing catch to “ get their hands in.” One club’s uniforms were white ants, caps and stockin , and blue shirts; t e other 8, white flanne shirts, blue fatigue caps, with gilt bands, and blue pants and stockings. As there were only eight members of the latter club, to nine of the Browns, on the field, Harry con- cluded that the white shirts were the Barmore club, who were awaiting his comin . George Garrene and two-score eepers were also upon the round. High Hat arry paused after entering the gate, and took a sweeping view of the situation before venturing out upon the grounds. What a scene it was, indeed! Thousands of excited, joyous and happ people, eagerly awaiting the result of a sinip 0 game of ball—every one, probably, with a ChOlC‘ of clubs, and hoping and expecting their Choiot to win. And Harry Sands naturally could not help feeling a little nervous, for much depended upon him—much was no doubt expected of him b the club by whose efforts and Skill a defeat o the Blufi‘ton party was hoped for; much, by Stella Radnor, to w om he had promised victory. “ Well, it's die dog, or cata couple of hatchets!” lie mused, grimly, “and I might as well wade in, first as last. And I might as well inaugu— rate the ceremonies with a little monotony- killer.” Close beside him stood, among others, a very fat and extremely short little German, whom Ha caught gazing up at his neck. “ friend!” Harry said, tapping him on the sliouldyer, “ can you tell me the correct time?” “ Id vas yoost drcc o’clock !” the German makin no effort to look at his watch. “ mf So late as that!” Harry exclaimed, in mock astonishment, and then his neck began to stretch upward, nor did it cease to elongatg until his chin was, seemingly, a good foot and 3, half above his shoulders. Then it gradually shrunk back to its normal length. The Teuton started back with a horrified ejac- ulation, while the other immediate spectator! burst into a roar of laughter and astonishment, for it was truly a wonderful anatomical“ feat. Harry smiled bencvolently at the wondering crowd and strode out upon the ball ground, As he did so a ringing cheer went up from the assembled multitude and the Barmore he ran forward with shouts and swung their caps III the air. They were as handsome a lot of fellows as ever Were formed into a club—all about of a size, clean—limbed, and generally athletic of build, and judging by the heartiiiess with which they greeted their new comrade they were firstrclafl pards, u ithout exception. After a general introduction, Bondell, the cap- tain, took Harry one side: ' Mr. Sands, it. may be well to add. is no creaturo of fiction, but a personal acquaintance of the write. and just as described—one of Nature‘s meet me el- ous freaks. Once “ one of the boys." but latter y of a very retiring dis osition, and sensitive of his do- formity, he travv s largely, and is one of the mod expert “shadows.” in the profession. Tn: Amen. ,.. ;...:-_> 3.. I :z“‘ r '1. \ . fifiE’FF‘S n -« 9’" g- u-va-u." ,» .» 'an» .t ~,. Au.~_.....,.-.-. m. . . a»... afloh. , ,4?- »fiwmmwirqu.‘ we .- , r "v, n -. u 6 High Hat Harry. “We are very glad to get {our services to- day, Mr. Sands,” he said, “ for judge you area player, and we need to play our best, as a large pile of money will change hands 'on both per- sonal and general betting. I understand the Blufftons are the favorites, and therefore, my father, who is something of a sporting en- thusiast, is taking all the bets he can get, two to one.” “ Well?” “Well, it follows that, if we win, it must be through your work—Maccaire, our best man, being sick; so if we carry the score it will be to your credit, and you can rely that it will be a good thing for your own ket.” “ Oh! that’s all right. he catches me!” “I do. In that respect we have the advan- tage. You will, however, find it pretty hard to bat Streeter, for he is a lightning pitcher.” “ resume it will be a close game!” High Hat arry said, running his eyes over the men critically. “However, put your men on to one pointer: avoid as many errors as possible and all chances for a dispute or close decision, because Garrene is betting on the Blull‘tons and, I have heard, will favor them !" “\Vhat? \Vhy, Garreno pledged us that he would not make a bet either way but would give us impartial treatn'iont!” “Then he is a scoundrel, for he tried to buy me over, or intimidate me in front of the Oceanic bar this very morning!” Bondell’s face grew stern. “This kind of thing won’t work!” he said, grimly. . ' . “ Stop! Don’t ment1on anything about it. Get your men together, one by one, and instruct them, and get ready to play. If on can catch me, and I’ve no doubt you can, ’1! go drown myself in the Atlantic if we don‘t beat the Spin- 1” es “ Good! Put her there!” And after a hearty handshake, Bob Bondell went about to marshal his men. George Garrene approached the detective, who stood near the home-plate, sizin up the grounds—and admiring them, too, for t ey were perfection. “Ah! ahemi—Mr. Sands,” the sport began— “ uite a pleasant day, sir!” ‘ Quite!” Harry replied, scarcely deigning him a glance. “ It is, indeed,” Garrene went on, “and we have attracted the largest crowd ever known here—a handsome sum of money for both ar- ties as they share two-thirds and one-thir ac- oor ing to who wins. By the way, Sands, I trust on will overlook that 1ittle—-—” cc ey p'i That wonderful neck again stretched heaven- ward and Harry’s face looked down one of those comical scowls. “ Wh , sir,” he added, “ I have nothing to overloo .” Several of the Barmore boys were near, and overheard, saw, and comprehended, and the set up a laugh that reached the grand stan , from whence came back a responsive roar. As for Garrene, he gave one unutterable look at the elongated neck, and “ way-up ” head, and quickly turned away with a fearful oath. It was too much for him. And by the time Harry’s neck had drop (1 down to its easy position, the Bluffton base all grounds were ringing with shrieks of applause and laughter. It was plain enough that Harry had “caught on,” and, at the same time, was regarded with great curiosity. The game was called, and the Bax-mores went to the bat Bondell leading. High Hat Harry, coatless, but sporting that hi h silk tile, was fourth. treeter at once proved that he was a scientific pitcher, but Bonde 1 made a base on 1111]]. Malvern followed, and also made a base, push- ln Bondell to second. uthven, the third man, also gained a base, forwarding the others one each. Three men on bases! And High Hat Harry was next! Interest now ran high. Much was expected of this stranger, who had dread impressed the most observant as being an individual of more than ordinary caliber. Streetcr, the most muscular fellow of the Blufl’tons, and quick and wiry, glanced over the field, before attempting to pitch. His catcher, at first Rowan, was now changed. Ira Ingle had been put behind the bat, Rowan ing to second-base. There was a peculiar gleam in Streeter’s eyes as he turned to face High Hat Harry. Harry saw it, and surmised at once that he meant mischief, for the stalwart Blufftonite could pitch a ball that was hard to dodge. “ Go ahead!” Harry said to himself. “ I’m on- to your little game 1” W'hizz! The ball came like li htning toward him, with a curve that, had e not made aquick dodge, would have knocked the high but fairly from his head. Of course a shout of laughter escaped the spectators, and n0 runs were made. The second ball was intended to be a repetition of the first, but utterly failed in its errand for it caught a terrific sweep from High Hat ar- ry’s bat, that sent it far beyond center—field! And you may judge the Burmoreans fairly split their throats, when the three men came in from bases, and the young detective came trot- ting in on a home run. The next man also struck to third base, and the next to second. Then the seventh man struck out, but the two men on bases stole home, making a total of six runs. And there was applause. High Hat Harry no took the ball, with Bon- dell behind the bat, an the other half of the in— nings begun; but it was no use. The dctective‘s scientific delivery of twist and curve balls could not be hit, and three men struck out in succession. The second inning was a bad one all around, with a score of but one for each club. The third inning,r yielded two runs each. The fourth inning, with Sands at the bat, drew nearly every one upon the grand stand to their feet, and a howl both of applause and dc- rision burst forth, as tho detective’s neck began to elongate, until in hight he looked like a colos- sus. Streeter did not appear so confident now as at the beginning; he had not been able to hit one of Harry’s terrific curves, and clearly was out- generaled and dispirited. A high ball was what Harry wanted, and no wonder, when his head was so far above his shoulders. But he didn’t get it. Streeter was mad, and sent the ball skimming along but a few inches above ground. Down came the head, and— Down came the swooping bat, and it picked up the ball—lifted it high over the plates, and grounded it far beyond center-field! \Vhile High Hat Harry, liftin his tile grace- full in his right hand, proceeded to deliberately wa k home .' He reached third base ere the center—fielder secured the bal ; then, as his feet continued to trot 0n toward the home-plate, his head swung directly around, as on a pivot, and watched the ball on its course toward second—base. It was a wonderful sight to see a man going in one direction and his face turned precisely in the opposite, and those who witneSSCd the aston- ishing sight drew long breaths and refrained from giving vent to their a plause. Center—field sent the half base, and he let it fly home—but too late. Harry’s foot touched the home-plate a second before the ball came whizzing in. And his face and neck resumed their original positions, amid the wildest applause from the multitude. Of course there were some who hissed, be- cause they were now confident that they were going to lose; but their hisses were drowned in the tumult of new applause. And as for the Blufl'ton boys, they were now nearly demoralized. All, or at least much, depended on Streeter and Ingle, and they were plainly “ rattled.” Seven runs were scored in the Barmores’ half of the inning, while in the face of Sands’s astonishing pitching the Bluiftons scored but one run. Barmorcs, seventeen; Blufl‘tons, four! It was indeed a hard outlook so early in the game; but, be it said to their credit, the Bluff— tons wore gritty. The result of the fifth inning was altogether different, but any one with eyes could see that the Barmores were confident of victory and not half‘trying to play. Result: Barmores, two; Blufftons, seven, The next inning Harry displayed some more amazing batting, sending his ball further than ever, the others playing light, to the Blufftons’ phenomenally good-luck. Result: Barmores, our; Blufl‘tons, eight. The seventh inning was a “ skunk” for the Barmores, one run for the Blufl’tons. The excitement was now running high. in direct to second— _ As matters looked, the Blufi‘tons were pull- ing up, with a fair chance to win. The Bax-mores seemed ii'csh, but were not ’working. Over in the grand stand where the elite pre- sided, matters were decidedly warm. Men were standing up—ay, and ladies, too—and yelling and altercating, and flourishing greenbacks about most promiscuously. High Hat Harry noted the fact, and carefully looked over his men—his men, because he felt that on him—he was now at the bat—depended the result; not that he could do more than add one run to the score, but because if he won, it would mayhap encourage those to follow; if he lost, the chances were large they would lose their nerve. Bondell was the only one who looked worried, and that was because his hands Were badly swollen. “ Heavens! do these balls come out of a cata- pult?” he grimly inquired. in passing Sands. “ No! but if they didn’t come as they have it wouldbe a caf—astropho for us,” was the re- tort. “Spit on your hands, pull down your vest, and do as I do!” and with this sensible ad- vice, he grabbed a club, and went forward to the plate. Streetcr smiled, faintly, as be adjusted his mask, and faced the only man he considered his superior. If the smile had been uttered, the sentiment would probably have been: “ I see the result, old boy, and am not going to kill myself for the sake of defeat.” And it looked like it. " The ball was an eas one to hit, and went sailing ’way 01f towart the further end of the grounds. Not a move did Harry make, until the ball struck the ground, beyond the center-field man; then he started, and such running—such get- ting over space, the people never saw, within the scope of their remembrance. He seemed to fairly fly around the diamond, and, as usual, came home ahead of the Reach.* No applause came from the spectators—the were too interested and anxious—laboring as it were under a spell of sanguine hope, and fear- ful anxiety. And, now, it became plainly evident, that the Barmores had been laying back “ on their oars,” with the full intention of playing, when they felt disposed to win. .- For at the end of the eighth innin , the total of the ame was: Barmores, 28; Bin tons, 23. The armores came triumphantly in, to claim their victor . George Garrene leaned sullenly against the catcher’s dead wall, white with rage, but silent. Ray Radnor, the captain of the Blufl'ton club, stepped forward, a trifle pale, but appearing in no wise irritated: “Boys,” he Said, candidly, “it has been a. very close game, and fairly won by the Bar- mores, although, upon my word and honor, I y have observed an effort on the part of the um— pire, to favor us, and—” “ \Vhatt” George Garrene cssayed to leap upon the speaker; there was a look of desperate fury in his eyes, but a hand caught him by the throat, and pushed him back against the dead—wall! CHAPTER VII. ANOTHER CONVERSATION. IT was High Hat Hurry who clutched George Garrcne by the throat, and buried him back against the boardsz for his quick eyes had no— ticed that the sporting man’s right hand made a move toward his hip pocket as he lunged vicious- ly forward. “ What do you mean, you rascal?” the young detective sternly cried, as Garrene recovered his equilibrium. “ Do you forget yourself?” Garrene stood for a moment, trembling with rage, as he surveyed the baseballist: then, his expreSSlOIl changed to cringing subserviency, and a look of assumed shame came over his dark face. “ You are right, sir—I did forget myself ; and I thank you for fairly remindlng me of it. Mr. Radnor, if I have in any way anUi‘cd you or the interests of our 0 pouents in the game_" f‘ Our opponents” young Bondell quickly cried, as he step f0rwariie(l gentlemen, every one 0’ us. \Ve’re the Coast Scavengers. Ef‘ a ship aire wrecked along this coast, and any stifl's are washed ashore. Wc takes care their wallybles sha’n’t git lost. That’s all. Heer comes the capt’ln now.” Footsteps approached frcm Some inner part of the cave, and the captain stood beside the pris- _ ODOI'. He was a large, heavily-preportioncd man, and was dressed not unlike the other members of the gang. A mask clso completely hid his features from view, while his hands were in- cased in gloves. _ He surveyed the risoner in silence for several minutes, and Hig 1 Eat Harry returned tho stare with interest. Of course he had no idea who the man was, but he wondered if——if it was not one of two men_g Gorge Garrene or Carrol Cuthbcrt. True, groin back to Garrene’s conversation with Sylva Ingle, GaI‘I‘t‘DO Would not appear in the light of an outlaw, such as these men practically were; but then, the base-ball detec- tive did not view the spOrt in the favorable light that most other people did; Garrene was none too good, in his opinion, to head the word; cutthroat gang in the country. . High Hat Harry. 9 “Well, sir?” the captain demanded, in a tone that, it occurred to young Sands, was dis- “ What have you got to say for your- se . “ To say for myself?” Harry retorted. “Why, I am not aware that [ am called upon to say anything, in particular. You seem to be run- nin the machine, so turn on the steam!” " 'ou have too much to say for your own rood!” the captain declared, sternly. “ It is {nown to us that you did not come to Bluff- ton by chance. You had a purpOSe in coming. We mean to find out what it is and make you talk to the point.” “ Well, how do you prop0se to go about finding out why and wherefore I came to Bluff- ton?” “In a simple way. You will be givena cer- tain length of time in which to tell. If you do not then speak, you will be con5igned to the mercy of the Atlantic!” “ Drowned, eh?” “Certainly. Dead men tell no tales!” “How long am I to have to prepare for my final briny bath!” “Two hours. If you don’t answer our ques- tions, within that prescribed time, your doom is sealed. I don’t know whether you have ever heard of me, or not, but, I am Captain Scuttle, and never go back on in word.” “Good trait, that!” arry observed. “ Sup- pose, when the two hours are up, I am rescued?’ The captain laughed, at the idea. “ No danger of that!” he declared, confident- ly. “The existence of this cave is not known outside of my band, and is not likely to be discovered as there are few persons who care to run the risk of pitching down the cliffs, in order to trace the path to its end. Several prying chaps have tried it, only to meet their death. Their fate has been a suflicient warning to others. What tempted on to come here?” “ Curios1ty, suppose.” “ Well, it will prove a dear old piece of curd- osity to you if you do not come to time.” “What do you want to know? All about what I don’t know, in addition to the wisdom of the great min of past generations, and so forth? If so, I must refer you to standard hisrory!” “Nothing of the sort. It is known to me that you are a detective, and have come to Bluffton for a urpose. \Vhat did you come here for?” “ I umph! you have some queer ideas!” Ha said, coolly. “ thy, if I were adetective, wit an object in coming here, I fancy I’d hardl cast myself around so loosely as to get into sue a redicament. I am a perennial tramp, going w ere I can turn in an honest penny. I hit Bluffton in time to get into a ball-game. As yet, however, I haven’t seen any remuneration.” “ That statement is all right so far as it goes, but it don‘t go far. lVliat was in the bottle you got out of the water, about noon, to-day!” “ That‘s for me to knew—and for you to find out—if you can!” “ Humph! Take care, and don’t get too saucy, or you will get pitched Into the sea sooner than you expect!” , , “ Pitch away! You might Just as Well do it first as last if you are going to do it at all.” “Nonsense! Don’t think you Will gain any- thing b ' blufling, for you will not. Be reason- able. have no desire to harm you, but shall have to if you remain obstinate. I am satisfied that you are a detective. Did you come here, with an idea of getting hold of the pirate for- tune of old Paul Petrie?’ High Hat Hurry did not answer, immediately. He was now aware that this band of grim, re- solute men, suspected that he was after the for- tune. “ 110 demed the fact they would not be- lieve him; if he made the admission-what then? He hardly fanc1ed he would receive any worse usage than if he persisted in denial. It was evident that these Coast Scavengers, as Blamphin had called them, knew about the treasure, if, indeed, they WOT? not banded to- gether for the purpose 0f securing it or keeping others from doing SO! _ “ Como!” Captain Scuttle said,‘ making a mo- tion with his hand. “Speak up!" “ “Vell, if it will do you any good. to know,” Harry replied, deliberately, “ one object in com- ing to Blufi’ton was to look up the matter, and if possible get possession of the Sunken fortune.” ‘Ah! Then, you have more than one errand, in thiz vicinity.’ “ Yes.” “What was your other errand?” . “ To find a. crimmal for whom a price is offered.” “Indeed! I sup “ Maybe—may to this occasion. ’ you’ve found him?” not. That’s a matter foreign “ How did you find out about the treasure?” “ Humph! You might as well ask—has news any circulation, or gossip any scope !” “ So you read about it, eh?” “ Most likely, and heard about it, too.” “And you came here, imbued with the idea that 'ou were smart enough to secure it ?” “ ou bet!” “Then you are just the man we want! Boys, raise the prisoner and carry him to my office.” The Scaven ers obeyed. All hands united in raising High at Harry, horizontally; then the captain seized the lantern, and the processwn moved. The foregoing conversation had taken place just within the natural cave, near the vine- shrouded entrance, but the passageway was, seemin 1y, hewn out of solid rock. It ran iii- land a W? feet, then turned to the right, paral- lel with the coast, to a chamber, full thirty feet square, and now lighted by several anterns, sus nded from the ceiling. his room had passa es running off, in several directions,into one of wiich the procession finally entered, and soon arrived in a second chamber, not as large as the first one. Here High Hat Harry was seated in an arm- chair; then, at a motion from Captain Scuttle, the Scavengers retired as they had come, and Shouttle closed and locked a ponderous door after t em. Another narrow passage branched off from the room, and after depositin the lantern on a table, near which High Hat arry was seated, the captain disap )eared into this passage. Harry then ha an opportunity to inspect his surroundings. This subterranean room was about twenty feet lon by eighteen broad, and ten high, and clearlyfiiad been formed by the Work of hand, hammer powder and chisel, as walls and floor were solid rock. Both entrances were provided with heavy oaken doors, with strong locks. The room was carpeted with heavy mats, the furniture, consisting of chairs, a writing-table, a couch, and a sideboard, were of solid walnut, while the walls were beautified with valuable pictures and bric-a-brac! It was certainly a cosoy place, and one most romantic, considerin that it was located in the heart of the gigantic luff. As Harry’s hands were bound behind his back and his feet strongly secured, there was nothing flor him to do but remain seated and gaze about im. He had naturally expected that Captain Scuttle would return without delay, but such did not prove to be the case; the minutes dragged by, and Scuttle did not put in an ap- pearauce. All of which occurred to High Hat Harry as quite strange. , that had become of him? Had he purposely abSented himself for the period of the two hours, and would the Scaven- gers come at the expiration of that time to exe- cute the sentence? He was turninfr the matter carefully over in his mind, when aliey turned in the lock of the door Scuttle had recently (‘10sed, the door open- ed, and a man stepped cautiously into the room. But it was not the captain. CHAPTER X. ISIIMAEL. OF course High Hat Harry was surprised, for he saw that the. new-comer was no one that he had ever seen before, nor did he, apparently, belong to Captain Scuttle’s band. He was a man considerably past fifty years of age, and although he had once been _of good figure, he'was now bent as with infirmity, and walked With a. gnarled cane. His straggling beard and hair would have been white, if cleaned of stains, and his eyes were small, keen and piercing. He were no foot-covering whatever; his gar- ments were 01d. and but he had none. He paused, when within the door, and looked about the room, sharply. “I’ll bet a cent ag’in’ a centipedo that’s the cha Garrgne and Sylva called Ishmael!” was Hig Hat harry’s quick conclusion. “ He looks as if he were Ofl’ his base!” The old man hobbled forward, and paused within a few feet of the prisoner, at whom he gazed steadily, and searcliingly. So prolonged grew his stare, without speak- in'r, that it grow monotonous. , 7‘ Say, old Neptune, d’ye see anything green?" Harry finally demanded. There was no answer, but the old man ad- vanced, and passed his hand down over the de- tective’s face. Then, he retreated a few paces, and surveyed the risoner, as searchineg as before. “ Vell I’ll be darned!” Harry commented. “I’ve often heard of phrenology being practiced on the head, but didn’t know it took in the face. Say, look here, old chap, what’s your racket? Haven’t you got any tongue?" The only answer was an affirmative nod. “ Oh! you have got a tongue, eh? Then, why the blazes don’t you use it? Are you the chap they call Ishmael?” Another affirmative nod. “ Humphl I thought so!” Harry declared, see- ingv it devolved upon him to say what was said. “ ou look as if you were crazy, or something of the sort. Say, just come and remove the cords from about my wrists, and I’ll be your great-grandfather !” Ishmael shook his head negatively. The next minute, however he glided across the room with surprising qnic ness and listened at the entrance to the passage, in which Captain Scuttle had disappeared; then, he came back to where Harry was seated, and uttering a discor- dant laugh, began to 0 through the prisoner’s pockets, as systematica y as thou h he had been used to that sort of thing all his ife, but never uttering a word. “ Oh! you old rascal!” Harry exclaimed. “You’re a kleptomaniac, are you? What do you expect to find, I wonder?” Ishmael made no reply, but found two things that up ared to interest him. The rst was a U. S. detective’s badge, which he eyed sus iciously; the second was the docu- ment whicthai-ry ad found in the bottle. This the old man perused with visible excite- ment and satisfaction, and then thrust it in his pocket, and hobbled from the room, locking the door after him. “ Well, if that ain’t the essence of time—hard- ened cheek, I don’t know what is!” Harry ejac- ulated, in astonishment. “ The old dufl‘er ain’t half so crazy as he lets on, I’ll bet! What does he want of that pa 301‘? He evidently knows something about the etrie fortune !” At this juncture he heard footsteps approach- ing, and Captain Scuttle reentered the cham- ber, and seated himself at the table opposite High Hat Harry, saying: ‘ Sands, I have been deliberating on what had best be done with you, while I was awa .” ‘:,So? “‘ell, what conclusion did you arrive at? “ This. It won’t do to let you have your lib- erty, except on certain conditions. As you no doubt have concluded, I have on foot a move- ment to secure the pirate treasure. The men who constitute my band are oath-bound to stand by me and do my bidding, for which service they are to have a share of the fortune. There has, somehow, got about in Bluffton a rumor of such a thing as a Captain Scuttle and his band being in existence. but as the rumor has never received confirmation, thanks to our careful— ness, we are generally considered to be a myth; and so, as long as we are thus considered, it be- hooves ,fis to take every precaution to avoid ex- sure. “ lVell?” “ lVell, you see that it Would not be policy to let you go free, as you would give us away, and bring the law on us.” “ If you are merely and only a band of men associated for the purpose of recovering the treasure, and have nothing more criminal to answer for, what would the law want with 2” “ ll'cll, you see this coast has a hard name for wreckers, and were we found out we would get the unpleasant benefit of the charge. Some of my men have a name in that line, and al- though I have never been connected with that sort of business, we’d all be counted of one class were we found together. So it is evident you cannot leave here until you are an oath-bound member of the band!” “ Indeed !” “Precisely. In order to have your freedom in the outer world, you will have to take an iron—clad oath of allegiance t0 “10 and my band as long as we exist as a band; and you will have to do something more than that.” “ What?” “You must, to cement the compact, marry my niece!” _ “ Marry your niece!” Harry echoed, in aston- ishment. . “ Exactly—that is, marry her in name; for, after the ceremon you will not set eyes on her again until we iave recovered the fortune. Understand, you will not see her face when you f ‘ 'rj‘eahalhuw‘n i r r. {Au/'1 a” as“ of. I, . as?” I. 2pm... ~ , .c “wound 10 v 11.0w: mf—W":-W - i / High Hat Harry. marry her; but I assure you she is a'pretty, well—educated and a most desirable young lady. When we have secured the fortune, and you and I have equally divided our share—for my men will get but a small portion—you and your bride shall formally meet, and if you conclude the match is satisfactory, you will of course live to- gether. If not, you can easily get a divorce, and go your own way, free and a rich man.” High Hat Harry listened in astonishment. It was a puzzle to him! “ This is a most extraordinary proposition 1” he said, as soon as he could think of anything to say. “ The idea of my joining an outlaw gang is out of the question, and as for marrying some person unknown to inc—why, I couldn’t think of such a thing!” “ Well, it’s your only chance. As for joining outlaws, as you put it, you would be doing noth- ing of the kind, but would in reality be my partner, with little to do except to keep the secret of the existence of the band, and likewise what may hereafter be revealed to you. As for my niece, you would be apt to value her highly were you to meet her in society.” “ Supposing I had not found this secret cave?” “ You would not have been molested, so far as we are concerned, nor would you have ever got a show at Paul I’etrie’s fortune.” “ And in case I do not oonie to your terms?” “ There is a dungeon in these rocks, prepared by me, in which, if you do not accede to my terms, you will be imprisoned and kept there on a diet of bread and water, and in total darkness, until the fortune is secured and removed for from this point. It may take a day, a week, a month, or a year. If the latter, you would be blind as a bat when you are set at liberty. You can, therefore, see which is your best move. I will go now and come back in one hour for your answer,” and so saying, High Hat Harry’s strange captor arose and left t e chamber. When he was gone the young detective drew a long breath. “ Well, I’ll be han ed if I ain’t in one nice Scrape!” he soliloquize , grimly; “ I’ve either get the choice of being shut up indefinitely in a dark dungeon, or to swear allegiance to this Captain Scuttle, and marry his niece, and take a hunk of Paul Petrie’s fortune, providing it is ever re- covered. He said it mirr t be a day or a year. Now, the question is, what’s a feller going to do in such a case? I’m a prisoner fast enough, and am very likely to remain so unless I come to terms. et me see. Bread and water for ayear! Not much! I’d starve on that sort of grub. On the other hand, the idea of marrying some girl I know nothing about—that don‘t set well on my conscience. “rho knows—Captain Scuttle’s niece might be a she—dragon; there’s no telling. And who the blazes is the captain? A while ago an idea occurred to me who he might be, but one remark from him discouraged that notion.” It‘was an unpleasant thing for him to attempt to decide what to do, but after mest careful de— liberation he decided to come to the captain’s terms and make the best he could of the matter. He would go through the form of marriage with the girl, and if, when he came to see her, she was not to his taste, he could obtain a di- vorce on the ground of compulsory union and hand. As he was to get a share of the fortune, when it was recovered, by accepting the terms, the chances were that his venture might not turn out so badly after all. Should he try, like others, to angle for the for— tune on his own account, he might not accom- lish anything at all, considering the odds against At the end of an hour Captain Scuttle re- turned. “ Well, sir!” he demanded, “what conclusion have you come to?” “ I have about made up my mind to accept your terms!” High l-Iat Harry answered. “ But before settling that point, I’d like to ask vou a few questions: Were you acquainted with ercy Petrie, the pirate’s son, and only surviving hu- man who came ashore, when the Skull was sunk?” “ I have heard of him.” “ He mysteriously disappeared, after he grew up, and married?” “ So I understand.” “ IVere no tidings ever found of him ?” “ I might be able to offer you some data, later, but not at present.” “ What became of Pctrie’s wife?” “ She went ’West.” “ I hear that her son has come to Bluffton, to lay claim to the fortune!” “A fellow by the name of Cuthbert has. It- has not been clearly proven, yet, that he is Percy Petrie’s son. In fact, I’ll stake my life on it that he ain’t. I know he ain’t!” “ Ah! then—” “ Ask me no more, at present. You can go back to Bluffton, as soon as you make oath. The marriage ceremony I will postpone till to—mor- row night.” The oath was then administered, and, once taken, Harry knew he was in sacred duty bound to keep it. ' He was then alloWed to leave the cave, and re- turn via the narrow path to Bluifton. CHAPTER XI. BANQUETED. WHEN High Hat Harry got back to Blufl‘ton, thehevening was well advanced toward mid— ni t. ‘he hop was not yet over, for soft throbbing strains of music came floating from the Oceanic ball-room, and the hotel was ablaze with light. Harry hurried up-stairs, hoping to escape to his room, but he was not that lucky, for he was intercepted, in one of the broad hallways, by the very one he had hoped to avoid meeting—Stella Radnor, who was pronieiiadiiig, leaning on the arm of a portly man, of military aspect—a man with keen gray eyes, iron-gray hair and close- cropped beard. “ Uh! Mr. Sands!” Stella cried. breaking away from her escort and running up to Harry, impiil— sively—a vision of rare loveliness she was, in her exquisite toilet of white satin, lace, and flashing jewels. “ IVhat a naughty fellow you have been, to be sure, not to come to the ball, before; and I do believe you were. aiming direct for your room with the intention of giving us the slip.” “There was just where I was aiming for!” Harry declared, with a smile. “I have been too busy to attend the ball, Miss Radnor, and being considerably fatigued, I was about to retire!” “ Tut! tut! Nothin of the sort, is be, Mr. Bondell? This is Mr. ondell, of Barmore, Mr. Sands.” Tihe two gentlemen shook hands; then, Stella sai : “Now, you must come right along with us, Mr. Sands. There are some friends of yours in Parlor C, who have been waiting to see you all the evening.” “ Friends of mine ?” “Why, to be sure—the Barniore boys!” And before High Hat Harry Could refuse, or excuse himself, Stella had pulled him into a luxurious reception parlor. Here, seated at a long table, were the Bar- more players, and a number of other young people of both sexes, only two of whom, how- ever, were Blufltonites—an Radnor and his “ company.” The table was filled with fruits, confections and other delicacies, while at (acli plate was a bottle of champagne. A shout of approval went up at High Hat Harry’s entrance, and he and Stella and Mr. Bondcll were at once provided With seats at the table. Then there was a gay and festive time of singing, joking and toast-oii’ering, which lasted for an hour. Harry was the conceded lieu of the hour, and 111111 present evinced tho groan-st friendship for iin. Of course Sylva Inglc and Carrol Cuthbert were not present, nor Georg-'0 Garreiie, either, for that matter; l.ut there was no reason to ex- pect they would be. ‘ Had the revelers taken the pains to investi- gate, they might have learned that their jollifi— cations wore observed by three persons who, standing outside on the balccny, lied on unin— terrupted view of all going on within the parlor through the lace curtains. These three persons were Garrcne, Cuthbert and Silva. ' “'hen the festive reception to High Hat Harry had progressed f or an hour, Mr. Bondell arose. “ Mr. Sands,” he said, “it gives me uleasuro that the members of the Bai'niore club have re- ceived you so generously and :{eiiiall}: f ('1‘ I am satisfied you are worthy of their enthusiasm. It gives me greater pleasure, however, to an— nounce that, so well pleased were the people of Barmore to—day with the result of the game—— for which you were largely responsible—that they made up a purse and delegated me to pre- sent it to you as a token of their esteem for you and appreciation of your services.” As he finished speaking. he laid upon the table in front of Harry .5; plethoric wallet, whlcb looked as if it might contain a small fortune- To say that the detective was overwhelmed mm, with commingled 5 rise and gratitude would be “ drawing it mild, ’ and as soon as he could command his voice. he arose and responded in a neat and fitting way, that drew forth a. cheer. The party then broke up, and Stella drew Harry away into the ball-room, and they were soon eddyi'ng around in the midst of the bril- liant throng of dancers. And about an hour afterward, two men were seated facing each other at a table in one of the up .r rooms of the hotel. ine and glasses were before them; the gas was turned low, for the mooiibcams shone in through the open casement. The men, as may be surmised, were George Gari'ene and handsome Carrol Cuthbert. Both were smoking, and neither looked to be in a )articularl pleasant mood. “ ’8 just as expected when the fellow made his appearance here!” Garrene growled. “ He‘s a detective, and he is here for a )urpose. If we don’t find ourselves liaiidcuffe unexpectedly, I’ll lose my guess!” “ Oh, I don’t know. I took the fellow to be a. wandering sharp, rather than a detective. I don’t believe, even if he is a detective, that his being here has anything to do With us. It ap- pears more likely to me that he is some name- less adventurer, drawn here through hearing of the Pctric treasure.” “Even so, he is in our way, for I have sized him up as one of these sly cusses who say little and find out much. At this stage, of the game, when prospects are fair that we'will accom— plish our object, it won’t do to have any such observing individuals flourishing about too pro- nii'scuously.” “ Pshaw! you’re unduly suspicious. I fail to see where our fair prospects are concerned. You have settled nothing definite, yet.” “ I’ve settled one thing—that is, I have settled it to my satisfaction that the bigger share of Paul Petrie’s fortune is no longer at the bottom of the sea, but is in pOSSessmn of a. resident of this place, who is, as fast as possilzle, Convert- ing the old Spanish cein into Uncle Sam’s mono, .” “lVell, I am sorry to say I don‘t believe anything of the kind. “by, how in the deuce could that gold 10 raised Without the people knowing about it?” “ Submarine divers can accomplish won‘- dcrs, of a dark night!” Garrene replied, signifi~ cantlv. “ “fell, if Roscoe Radnor has got the fortune,” Cuthbert said, slowly, “you may ust assured that he’s got it put away where ice or ii't finger ' ,7 “ Nonsense! Once we ascertain that he has got it, it will be ca: 3’ ( nouin for you to recover it— for are you not Paul Petric’s only lineal surviv- ing heir?” And here Garrcno smiled, grimly. “That goes all light, so far as the Blufi‘ton people are CODCC‘I‘IlCt ,” Cuthbert replied, “but, when it came to pushing the matter into court—” “Bah! nonsense! Do I not have Pauline Pe- trie’s dcaih confession, and» as an attorney, did I not ( xccuio it; and didn’t I hunt up her son, who 1;:td been absent two ycai 5‘? Why, to be sure! You are Percy and Pauline l’ctrie’s son —of conr>o you are!” “That’s all well {rid good so for as it goes!” ('utlibcrt said, doubtiuliy. “ But, suppose, for instance, my double l-li()lll(l tut ll up 1" “ Suppose nothiiig! Didii t I make a diligent search {or him, Without success: The fellow, I learned, had a strong Rfi't‘ction fcr his mother, and if he WOTO 031"“. 1:0 would rot have stayed awn from 1101' two whole yi‘ars v. Min of icttir g hm. mow his whercabouts. In my candid opin- ion be is dead. I-‘zut, what if he aint? As hug as we got “‘0 fm‘iime he can whistle !” “ But if he should turn up before we get the fortune?” “ \Vell, in that case, you can bet he V3.1 ii‘t ccme to stay I” Gui'reno assured significantly. Cuthbert was silent a few minutts. The e):- prossion of his countenance sccnicd to ii.di('iite that 110 Was not as sanguine oi the success of their schemes, as Garrene wart CRI'I'OW‘ “as the more ambitious and bold of the two villains. and Cuthbert in rcallty was but his lot] and em- issary. “ \Veu, 17m gum I hope matters will shape some way, pretty 80071:” thO hand.“ me man said, finally, “for I’ll be blamed ll We are not running In rge risks. I’m sorry we had anything to do with the Ingle girl, for she is a regular sticking-plaster.” “You seem to do the agreeable toward her nicely.” v High Hat Harry. 11 “It’s not because I admire her. I don’t see as an thing is to be gained.” ‘ “ O 1 don’t be impatient. I’ve got her under my thumb, and shall work wonders with her, et. Besides she has been a source of conmdera— le information to us already.” “ Pooh! We could easily have learned as much from other sources. Does she suspect that ’ we are connected in the scheme to get possession of the fortune, and that I am not the real Car- rol Cuthbert?” “Of course not. She thinks we are chance ac- quaintances, each working individually, to one end.” “Ah! I see. She is playing a double string. If I win, she means to be solid on my slde; if you win, vice wrsa.” “ Yes. That’s her idea. You’d better kee in with her, and thus keep her on our s1de. f we can’t get rid of this fellow, Sands, any other way, I may induce her to lay a charge of black- mail against him, and thus get him locked up. B .' the way, why don’t you succeed better with the Radnor girl? If the old man should prove to have the fortune, it might be necessary to wed the girl, In order to find where the gold is secreted.” . “ Hang it, she is not inclined to have anything to do with me since this man Sands has come. Before that, I could have sworn she was dead in love with me.” “ Jest so! There’s another potent reason why the rubber—necked rascal should be put out of the way. He is no doubt turning the girl’s mind against you.” “ Perhaps it might startle you if I were to ex- press an opinion about this Sands.” “Bah! I’m not so easy startled. Out with 't ,9 “ Well, I’ve an idea that he’s the real Carrol Cuthbert—otherwise Philip Petrie.” Garrene burst into a boisterous laugh. “ What a nonsensical idea!” he declared. “That thing the real heir? No, sir-eel Don’t let that worry you in the least. But, be he whoever he may be, the sooner we get him out of the way, the better.” “ Well, if so, you must take charge of the matter yourself. I’ve got all on my hands I care for.” “Very well. I’ll fix the Aleck afore morn- ing, maybe,” Garrene declared, darkly. “See that you try to get back into the graces of Stella Radnor.” ‘ “Very well. But, in the mean time, where’s the lucre to come from? I’m dead broke.” “ Ditto here. That infernal ball—game cleaned me out. By the great Jupiter, I could kill the fellow Sands with a hearty good will. Can’t you work the Ingle for more cash?” “ I dare not. ’m deep in her debt now—gets. lift only a few days ago.” “ Well, I’ll see. I cxpgct I can manage to get hold of some money fore the night is out. Are on off ?” - “ es, I think I’ll go to bed.” “All right. I shall probably not get much rest.” Soon after Cuthbert‘s departure, Garrene left his room and went down-stairs to the office of the hotel. . _ ‘ Here he scanned the register forawhile. Then. after getting a drink Without pa ing for it, by using the excuse that he had not 'ng about him except a large bill, he once more went up-stairs. A glance into the ball-room assured him that High Hat Harry was there, dancing with Stella. f Good!" he muttered. “ I’ll have some lucre to-night from 0110 source or another, or my name is not George Garrene. Dance on. Mr. High Hat Harry! I can Wait for you! Don‘t let one thought of troubleenter your mind until the trouble Comes. Then It will be time enough to squeal.” . I And the villain laughed diabolically as he went on lip-stairs. CHAPTER XII. OLD ISHMAEL’S REVELATION. Tm: ha min of that night are not yet an chronicled.pe It gv’rvsas long after midnight, when High Hat Harry surrendered pretty Stella Rad- 1101‘ to the charge of her brother. W 0 was to es- cort 1101‘ back to Radnor “ Ranch.” They had danced together, chatted together, and strolled together, upon the moonht balcony, and .When he sought his room Harry could have admit: ’d, Without a conscientious scru 1e, that the fair belle of Bluffton had made a ( eep and lastmgiimpression upon him. He (1 not know for certain, but somehow be- lieved that his attentions had been as agreeable to her as her society had been to him, and then —to mar the pleasurable thoughts that filled his mind, there arose before his eye a vision of the unknown girl he had pledged himself to marry—the niece of Captain Scuttle! “ Confound the luck!” he muttered; “some- thing’s always going crosswise, with me. Who knows but I might win the fair Stella if it were not for this other affair? Just my luck to get entangled in some scrape detrimental to my in— 1 ' me, or do you propose to liberate me?” terest!” He had taken a solemn oath, however, and knew it was useless for him to think of backing out. He was in for it, and there was no neces- sity for fretting or wishing, as it could do no 00d Before going to bed, he counted the contents of the purse given him by the Barmore people and found that it contained exactly one thousand dollars—a very handsome sum, indeed, for one afternoon’s work! Restoring the wallet to his pocket, with many feelings of gratification, Harry threw himself upon the bed without undressing; he really was too wearied for that. He soon fell soundly asleep. but suddenly awoke with a consciousness of danger. At- tempting to rise, he found that his hands and feet were tightly pinioncd, and, in addition, he was tied down to the bed, so that he could not even rise to a sitting posture. Standing over him, was a man mufllcd up in a somber cloak, and Wearing a full black mask, and a hat Sloucth low over his forehead. He held a revolver in his right grasp, in a way that seemed menacing. ‘- “Hal You are awake, ch?” he demanded, as soon as High Hat Harry opened his eyes. “ IVell, see that you make no outcry or attempt to attract attention. if you don’t want me to spatter your brains all over the bed.” “\Vho are you, and what do you want?” de- manded the decoyed detective. “ Oh! I’m 'ust an ordinary tramp—that’s all. I heard you (1 a boodle, and being hungry, I came. saw, and conquered. I’ve got your wal- let, and a feast la 5 in store for me, you bet! S’pose you’ve no 0 jections?” “ None whatever!” Harry retorted, with sar- casm, “only I don’t calculate your chances of gngoyment Will be quite so huge, when I get ree “Hal ha! You’re talkin’ cross-eyed, now. You don’t know me, nor will you ever see me agglilin, when I bid you a last affectionate fare- we . “ \Ve shall see about that!” Harry gritted. “Oh! certain. You can see, as much as you please, my friend!” the robber assured, compla- cently. “ I shall not blindfold you. I am aware that you are a detective but that don’t scare me a particle. I’ve dod ed detectives all my life. So along! Long-nee —many happy days to you.” And with a mocking laugh, the robber grode from the room, locking file door after in. For some time, High Hat Harry lay in silence, undecided what course to pursue. He was roped down to the bed in such a wa ', that he could not escape. He detected an odor of chloroform in the room, which accounted for the easy manner in which he had been ca tured. One thing puzzled iim—who was the robber? In vain he had tried to remember if he had heard the voice before, but could not. It was altogether strange and unfamiliar, and Harry concluded that it was also natural and undis- guiscd. The house was quiet by this time. The music had long since ceased, and every one, apparent- ly was in bed. . Therefore, Harry was undemle what to do. Should he. make an outcry, and arouse the in- mates of the hotel? Or, should he lie where he was, until davbi‘vllk? He finally decidvd that the latter was the best thing to do, and so composed himself as best he could. An hour passed, when Hal‘I‘Y became aware that he was to have another caller. The key turned gently in the lock; \then the door swung open, admittlng a person, who, I i “ Vho was he?” “ Give it up! He was cloaked and masked be- yond recognition.” The old man spoke no more, for a time, but drew a keen edged sheath-knife from his pocket, and ran his thumb lightly over the edge. This struck Harry as being rather unpleasant. 1y significant. “ ‘ee here, old feller, what’s your racket, now?” he demanded. “ Are you going to carve Ishmael made no reply, but chuckled softly. Coming closer to the bedside, be seized hold of the detectives right arm, at the wrist, and de- liberately proceeded to rip open his coat-sleeve, not pausing until it was open to the shoulder! Then, he unbuttoned the shirt-sleeve, and baret’l the arm, until the knotty muscle of the ball-pitcher was exposed to view. But that was not all that was to be seen for the looking. Upon the arm just below the elbow. was a. scarlet birthmark, in the shape of a human hand. The hand, from its beginning at the wrist. to the tips of the finger-nails. was perfect in all respects! An artist could scarcer have produced a more natural one on paper! ()ld Ishmael regarded this a few minutes at- tentively; then turned his u ithered visage to~ ward High Hat Harry. “ It is as [ thought!" he announced. “You are the genuine. and the other is an impostor. You are l’crcy l’ctrie’s son!” “ How do you know '3" “ By that birthmnrk. It was there, the same as now, when you Were born.” “ Did you see me just after I was born?" “ I did. You are the grandson of Paul Petrie, the pirate, whose fortune lies out yonder in the ocean.” “ Correct! Your head is IeVel, on that point. I am the son of Percy and Pauline Petrie. But, as you seem to know so much about me, tell me what was my father‘s fate?” Old Ishmael hesitated a moment, then pointed occanward. “ Out there!” he said—“ deep down among the ruins of the wreck. But I will explain. People say I am crazy, but I am not; I am heart—broken. Your father and I were close friends. Two men could never be more attached to each other than we were. 'We grew up to manhood together, and laid our plans for recovering the fortune. “ In the dead of night, when others slept, we were out upon the water at work. Shortly after our birth, and after months of experiment, we ocated the sunken Skull. “Next we supplied ourselves with the neces- sary diving apparatus, and, one dark night, we went out upon the ocean to test the re )Ol‘t re- garding the sunken treasure. Your fat ier was a daring fellow. and made no hesitation about going down. The diving-suit was supplied with the requisite lengths of air-tube and signal-r0 s and when necessary to rise, all that was ne ed was for your father to cast 011' his ballast and he would come to the surface. “IVell, I manned the ump that forced the air down to him, and he ( ropped below the sur- face. He carried enough ballast to sink him at moderate speed, and you may guess I watched 3 the air-tube play oil" the reel. until he reached ‘ bottom, with great anxiety. I worked the air- pump vigorously, and waited for a jerk of the signal-rope. “Before he went down, Percy made me sol- emnly promise that. should his venture prove fatal, I would never, in any shape or manner betray to any one what had become of him. An until this time, I have sacredly obeyed his in~ “ structions !” "’ Well?” “ Well, I finally felt a jerk at the rope. and stopping my work at the pum , I laid to the rope with awill. I thought it u led awful easy but reckoned he had cast off a 1 his ballast an was coming up on his own hook. Great heavens. you may imagine my surprise when the last of the rope came up, and I saw it Was not attached 1 to the diver. ! i “Instantly I the tube and pulled that up, only to find that it had been cut off near the ‘connection with the head—piece. Percy was after softly closing the door. approached the . dovm in the wreck, dead, and at the mercy of bedside Ishmael! The old man surveyed the bound detective a few minutes, in silence: then Spoke: “Who did this?” pointing to the ropes. “Humph! You tell me, and I’ll tell you!” Harry replied. “ Some individual came in here, chloroformed me, as I slept heavily, and after binding me, took possession of my pocket-book, and vamoosed !” and Harry recognized his visitor—old 1 the fishes. It is ! robable that a sword-fish severed both the tu and rope.” The old man betrayed considerable emotion as he finished Speaking, and it occurred to Harry that he had been gi: ing the facts of the case without an atmem t at deception. “ Well, t is is so news!” the young man said, “and yet I am glad to hear it, for it clears up the mystery of my father’s fate. Do you believe the gold is still in the ocean i” not}: 9 w, ,1 .x»: 3' .5: g" {a "V. "I " _'J .w w :7 n:ng NW...»- .~ - '2; " . 12 High Hat Harry. “ Why do you ask?” Ishmael quickly demand- “ Oh', because you know some one might have raised it alread .” “If any one as, Captain Scuttle is the man, but his gang knows nothing of it!” Ishmael de- clared, significantly. “ But, in my opinion, the gold is still under water.” “ Who is this Captain Scuttle?” " You will probably find that out all in good time. I can tell you no more now. I must be going. I will release your hands, and you can finish freeing yourself!” The keen-edged knife severed the cords that confined Harry’s wrists; then, without another word, old Ishmael turned and quitted the room, closin the door behind him. Wit out much trouble, High Hat Harry suc- ceeded in freeing himself. “ The cat’s out of the bag now!” he muttered, “that is, if Ishmael gives me away. So I must prepare myself to put on the finishing touches.” He took the detective badge from his pocket, and fastened it to the inside of his vest. Then, opening his sachel, he brought forth a legal- looking document, glanced it over, and placed it in his pocket. The intervening time, till daybreak, was oc- cupied in sewing up his coat-sleeve. CHAPTER XIII. TROUBLE FOR THE RADNORS. As early as sunrise the next morning the town of Bluff ton was thrown into a state of con- sternation and excitement by the announcement that Roscoe Radnor had, at daybreak, been found dying in the road, midway between his residence and the village, in an insensible con- dition, and shockingly cut and bruised about the head and body. A party of laborers had found him, and, be— lieving him dead, had carried him home. A physician had been quickly summoned, Who, after a. careful examination, pronounced the wounds not at all serious,-insensibilit having been produced by a blow on to of t e skull, with some blunt instrument—pro ably a loaded cane. He dressed the wounds, and said there would be nothing to prevent Mr. Radnor from moving about the house. This much Harry learned at the breakfast- table, for the great dining-room was full of gos- sip about the affair. It appeared that Mr. Radnor had not arrived at the Oceanic until midnight, and had not danced at all, something unusual for him. Instead, he had joined a little poker party, in one of the private parlors, and when the Radnor carriage was ready, at thrtc, he was not ready to depart, and said he should probably not be home until daylight, when he would return on f oot. He had left the Oceanic before daylio‘ht, how- ever, and it was supposed ho had one iome. It had not yet been ascertainet , at Bluifton, whether he had been robbed, or not, but every- body seemed to regard it as a probability that he had. For, what other object could the assailant or assailants have had!” High Hat Harry thought the matter care- fully over, as he sat on the piazza of the hotel. smoking a cigar. His robber had not touched the money in his pants pockets, taking only the wallet. He remembered the mystery still surrounding the previous attack on Mr. Radnor, and doubt- ed not that the parties of this last assault were the authors of the previous one. “I wonder if I were to oifer my services if i they would be accepted?” he mused. “ And, then, again, I wonder if I could lay my hand on the guilty ones who did the job?” Garrene and Carrol C uthbert were both around the hotel, seeming to be takin things perfectly cool and easy, and looking t e least like men who had recently committed any criminal act. Their composure was perfect. " Garrene’s the man, if either of the two had a hand in the job!” Harry decided: “and the chap who robbed me, is, without doubt. the same one who slugged Mr. Radnor. I should quicker think of looking to Budd Blamphin, I fancy, than Garrene.” While he was thus communing Stella Rad- nor’s phaeton drew up in front 'of the Oceanic, with the arch and pretty Stella in charge of the reins. Harry at once descended the steps, politely raising his hat. . “ 1 want IIvzlou to ride home With me, Mr. Sands!” Ste said, hurriedly. “ Papa wants to no you.” High Hat Harry got into the vehicle, and they drove away. “I have heard of your father’s second mis~ fortune,” Harry said. “I trust he is not seri- ously hurt!” “ Oh! no. He is pretty badly bruised, but is not confined to his bed or room.” “ Did your father see his assailant at all dur- ing the assault?” “ No, sir. The first blow dealt him must have stunned him.” “ Has he any recollection of being hit?” “ None at all. He could not clearly under- stand his situation, on recovering his senses.” Stella let the creams out at a spanking trot, and Radnor Ranch was soon reached. It was as pretty 0. place as there was for miles around, and Harry could but envy the man who owned it. He was conducted into the magnificent parlor by Stella. f Here, the injured banker was pacing to and r0. He was patched up about the face, with strips of clourt-plaster, and one of his eyes was discol- 0Y8( . “I am lad to see you,” he said as Harry en— tered. “ ’ou see I look as if I had been playing with the Boston slugger!” “ Or, rather. as though he had been playing with you,” Harry laughed. “ Iain glad to learn that matters are no worse.” “ Yes. I might have been killed. Had the blow on top of my head been a few inches fur- ther forward, I would be a dead man.” “ You have no idea who your assailant or as- sailants were?” “ No more than I had before. The attack was from behind and unexpected.” “ Did you see any person lurking about when you left Bluffton?” “No. The town was very quiet, and every- bod seemed to be abed ” ere you robbed?” “I should say so!” “ Ah! Of how much?” “Everything of value about my person—my diamonds, watch and money.” “How much money?” “ Over three thousand dollars.” “ Your own, or money you won ’3” “Half of it I won, at the Oceanic. The rest of it was my own.” “ In notes—large ones?” “There was one five-hundred note; the rest was mostly in twenties.” “ Do you know the number of the larger note and its bank of issue?” “ It was a First National of New York, but I do not remember the number.” “ How long were you insensiblc?” “ It was about four o’clock when I left Bluff- ton—seven when I came to my senses.” “ Have you any idea who could have done the job, sir?” “ I have not. You know the town was full of strangers yesterday.” “True, but they mostlv cleared out by sun- set. ‘ \lVould you suspect Budd Blaniphinf” “ V 1v? “ ( )h l I hear he is rather an unsavory char— acter.” “ That may be true, but I don’t think he would try anything like that.” “ Well, maybe not. There are only two other persons in the place Whom I would have reason to suspect.” “ \Vho are the '3” “ A pair of l\ew York and Chicago black- lcgs, who are wanted by the law on several charges.” “ All! their names?” “ The name of one is George Garrcne, a pseudo- lawyer, who robbed a bank in a IVestern town. The other is a New York confidence chap, named Zeke Smiley—three times at Blackwell’s Island. The two work together, of late. Smil- ev, since coming to Blllfi‘ton, has flashed out as Carrol Cuthbert !” Both Roscoe Radnor and Stella uttered a cry of astonishment. 1 E‘ This seems impossible!” the former ejacu- a c( . “Nothing is impossible, in this age,” Harry replied. “ I don’t say either of these creoks tap- ped you, but they’re not above it. Smiley has been playing a pretty ganli‘.” “ VVIIY, my dear sir, I think you must be mis- taken about that 'oung man.” “ Not at all. e was, before coming here, turning his hand at counterfeiting, and in recog- nition of his services the Government has issued this manifesto of a probation.” And with a. sm' 9, Harry handed the banker 3.: the official-looking document he had taken from his sachel. It was a US. Government warrant for the ar- rest of Ezekiel Smiley, alias “ Handsome George,” alias Carrol Cuthbert, for violating the laws by counterfeiting. Attached, was a correct photograph of the face of the man wanted, and it corresponded in every particular, to the face of the man who had been playing the part of Paul Petrie’s heir. Both Stella and her father recognized the picture, and their astonishment knew no bounds. “It is indeed Cuthbert!” the banker said, in- dignantly. “ The impostor and Scoundrel! To think that he should have sought my innocent , Stella’s societ l” “ Men of is stamp are usually gifted with cheek!” Harry remarked, . “No doubt. And when you arrest this man, just think how heavily the blow will fall upon my dau—” “ Not at all!” Stella interrupted, guickly. “I have given Mr. Cuthbert plenty 0 cause to believe I do not fancy his attentions. I am sure, if he is arrested that his dishonor will not reflect to my discredit.” “ Nobly spoken!” Sands encouraged. “ You in no wise are compromised to his acquaint- ance. Guard as cautiously as we can, snakes are liable to ain entrance to any home.” “ I should ave thought you would have ar- rested this fellow before!” Mr. Radnor said, thoughtfully. “1 should, sir, but on arriving here, and finding them both here, as well as getting an inkling into their game, I concluded to wait, and see if I couldn’t catch Garrene in some criminal act, so as to pull the pair together!” “Ah, I see. Do you think you will be suc- cessful in that lan?’ “ Possibly. ere can be no doubt but what the two still work together, as of old, and all I need, is to catch them at it, to arrest Garrene as Smiley’s accomplice. Garrene is really the shrewder of the two scoundrels, and it is no matter of doubt in my mind but what it was he who put Smiley up to this racket of pre- tending to be Paul Petrie’s son.” “Then, do you think one of these villains, or mayhap both, assaulted me ?” “I am not prepared to say ositively yet. I shall have to have some litt e tlme to find out. At any rate, I believe the men that did the job, providing there is more than one, are in town yet.” . High Hat Harry, for reasons of his own, said nothing of his own loss, and, after some further conversation, took his departure, prom- ising the banker to do all in his power to ferret out the mystery. Stella drove him back to the Oceanic, and then sought the telegraph oflice, and senta notice to a prominent capitol detective, at Washing- ton, Viz: "Everything is ready. Cousult the chief. and have him send a special, at once, as I shall likely re- main here. H. SANDS." The significance of the message can probably be readily discerned, by the reader! Garrcne and Smiley’s coil was unwinding close to the body-piece of the reel! CHAPTER XIV. TWO OF KIND. IN saying that George iarrene wasa shrewder Villain than Carrol Cuthbert, High Hat Harry had not gone wide of the mark. Cuthbert was sly, and, to a certaln extent, crafty; but it re- mained for Garrene to be the bolder and more active of the two. In other words, he had fewer scruples than had Cuthbert, and a longer head so far as scheming was concerned. At about the same hour that High Hat Harry was calling at Radnor Ranch, Garrene was down on the pebny beach below Blufl‘ton, pacing leisurely to and fro. ~ He was not there simply to listen to the sigh- ing of the ocean, nor to gaze upon the Sparkling sunlit waves, but for a purpOse. and t at pur- was to see the coast “Terror,” Budd lamphin. He scanned the shanties, but not knowing which one constituted the Terror’s headquarters, he wisely concluded to. wait until he got a glimpse of the individual 1n erson. It was not long ere Blamp 1n issued from one of the habitations and came down toward the Chicagoan. It was a habit of his—Blamphin’s —to investigate the business of any and all strangers who came Slllgly Upon the beach. ' He had seen Garrene several times, but the two were not What could be termed acquainted. The men eyed each other critically as they met. as if each were trying to size up the other. 4." High Hat Harry. 13 “ Well,” Blamphin said gruflly, ” who are you and what do you want? \ ho sent ye down beer, an’ what ye after?” “I came down to see you,” Garrene replied. “ I want to have a little talk with you.” “Ye do, hey? \Vcll, spit out what you’ve got to sa . The wax is out 0’ me ears.” “ ell, let’s sit down here on the sand while I say my little say. I propose to startle you, and you can stand the shock better sitting than standing.” They sat down; then Garrene continued,watch- ‘ng his man cloael as he spoke: ‘ I suppose you nowm name, Mr. Blamphin —it is George Garrene. am a sporting char- lcter and alwa s on the make. Without money this world wou d not amount to much to me." “ I reckon that’s about the fix every one’s in!" Blain hin declared. “ 0 course; we all live for gain, and as life is but a short thing, anyhow, we might as well on- joy ourselves, irregardless of a few orthodox scru les. Don’t you say so?” “ ou bet!” “ I took you to be that sort of a hair-pin. But what puzzles me is hazy do you let Scuttle shut our 9 as u so easy ’ u win r9 , Blamphin looked surprised and uneasy. While Garrene smiled, blandly. “ Oh! I’m onto you!" he assured. “I know 111 about the whole business. You belong to Scutfle’s gang,1 and he shuts your eyes up with the pretense t at when he gets the fortune you fellows will get a share,” Now this was a deliberate lie on Garrene’s rt. He knew nothing about Scuttle, only he heard that such a person was sup to exist, surrounded by a band of men, but his claim of knowledge that Blamphin belonged to the gang was wholly untrue. The coast “ Terror ” eyed him suspiciously. “ Where’d you find out so much, I’d like to know?” he growled. “Oh! eas enou h. I’m a close observer, and know all a ut t e gang, and your hang-out. Yes, and I know a point more than you do your- self, or any of your companions. “ What?” “ I know who your ca tain is, and you don’t.” “ I’ll bet ye know w 0 he is!” Bud‘l said, in- credulously. “ Ef ye do, ye know more than any the rest 0’ the gang.” “Exactly. That is why I am here in Bluff- ton. It may not be known to you, but I am a detective.” Blam hin scowled. “ A etectivel” “ You can bet—likewise a fortune-hunter. In other and more emphatic words and meaning I came here to possess myself of a part, or may be the whole of pirate Petrie‘s fortune.” “ lVells" “ Well, it naturally behooved me to look around, and what d’ye s’ I found!” “ Haven’t any idea. ou’re doin’ the talkin’, so shout away.’ “Well, I found that there existed a secret band of crooks, commanded b a man calling himself Captain Scuttle. Who 0 actuall was none of the an really knew. I foun also that this band; of ellows clung to Scuttle, labor- ing under the delusion that he was perfecting plans to raise the sunken ship, some dark night; or, at any rate, at some period in the near fu- ture, and when the gold was recovered you were to receive a liberal share of the treasure. Am I not ri ht?” “ Right enough as far as that goes, I reckon,” the Terror growled. “Of course. I never am wrong,” Garrene as- cured. “ 11,381? mm11tY»_iS!1’t it, never to ho wrong? W e , rather sued the matter up— distilled it through a thoughful process you see —flltered it through my mind, and fine 1y came to the conclusion that your captain was playing you for a mess of suckers.” “ Did ye?” Blamphin demanded. venomously. “ Well, now, mate, thet ye speak of it ther idea has kinder struck me thet way too. Now, look here—airs ye t in’ to pump NO, or can ye keep yer hatchway s ct?” , “ I am ostensibly a detective!” Garrene re. turned, “ but when I meet a fe'loW I think is on file wiet, I am as crooked as they grow.” “ ell, now, that’s fair enough. I take it ye don't mean the gang no harm !" “ Of course not.” “.Weu. I’m tellin’ you on the quiet, I’ve had a nation, for some time, that Scuttle was doin’ the W by 118. Now, we’ve been organized over a year, but he’s made no attempt to get 111? ldbmore than by talk.” ‘ es “IVell, ye see the boys hev a livin‘ out o’ fishin’, an’ hev b’in atient, expectin’ to et a whack at the gold. ut I’ll be cussed if any rosi ect of gettin’ it.” “ - or are you likely to. who the ca itain really is f” “ Durnc if I have. I’ve sized up every cove in the town an’ compared him with the captain, but that’s all the good it did. The capt‘in is a peculiar cuss, and, what‘s more, he wears his disguise easy, as if it were natural.” “ Oh! of course. He is a very fly and at the same time unassumin individual. And now, supposing I was to tel you that this Ca tain You have no idea Scuttle is a prominent personage here in luff- ton?" “ I would not doubt it. That he belongs here is sure.” “ And supposing I was to tell you that the for- tune of the pirate, Paul l’etrie, was raised long ago, and is now in Scuttle’s possession, and that he is simply toyinguzith you to keep you from suspecting that he the fortune l” ‘ Blamed if I know. It might be!” “ And it is!” Garrene assured, warming up to his work. “ Captain Scuttle, one of the bloods of this town, is doing that very thing. He has engaged you—for pay, if you get it—to help him keep up the delusion that Paul Petrie’s fortune is still under water. But I say it is not!” “How do you know it is not?” Blamphin asked. “ I will elaborate. When I came here, as I told you before, 1 came for a purpose. I am a practical sharp. I had in view to secure the treasure. I brought with me a man to personate the heir of Perc and Paul Petrie. I have the proofs now! ell—” Blamphin whistled. Some idea seemed to strike him. Garrene went on. “ Of course I uietly investigan everything appertaining tot e case. By careful observance, I found that considerable Spanish gold coin of a date revious to the sinking of the Skull was in circulation in this and adjacent localities. Keep- ing my own counsel, I followed the matter up, and finally arrived at the conclusion that so much anCient coin could not et afloat here- abouts without the treasure o the Skull had been recovered. From that oint I went on. I traced the matter along by e es, and found that a certain person was circu ating this coin, and exchanging it for good money. I also found out who that man was.” Blamphin’s passion appeared to be rising. He seemed to give or it to all the Chicagoan’s assertions, and the very thought that he had been “ taken in ” by another man was gall and wormwood to him. “ “Yell, who was he?” Garrene smiled, extracted a “ weed " from his pocket, and then looked at the “ Terror.” “ How much would you and the gang give to find out?” he inquired, calmly, Blamphin uttered an oath. “ Oh! that’s your game is it?” he growled, “ Ef it is, you’ll come out short of your mark, or l’m a liar. I reckon you’re the one as is countin’ on playin’ us for a lot of suckers, instead of the ca tain!” _ ‘Nothing of the kind. That ain’t my style. I always look for the army that’s got the strong- est position, before I enlist. I have a secret to impart, and merely wanted to know if you would be willing to pay anything for it l" “ Not one co per cent!” “ Oh! Well; Ppresumcd not. You have not got entire confidence in me yet. But I am not going to let a matter of a few dollars sev r our riendshi . Ef I name the man who has g t the 201d, an whom you know under the alias of Scuttle, will you pledge yourself to join me in an attem t to gain possession of the treasure?” “ I s ould smile! Show me a chance, and I am always ready to improve it.” _ _ ‘As I thought. Well, Paul Petrie’s fortune is not _under the sea, at all, but it is at this mo- ment in the possession of—” Here Garrene looked cautiously around him, and then, bending forward, uttered the name in an undertone. He also made a confession of two recent rob- beries. CHAPTER XV. HARRY axn SYLVA. HIGH HAT Hannr, on his return to Bluflwny buswd. himself in his room, for some time. During the forenoon, an answer to his telegram came back. It was worded thus: “ Notified the Chief. Says there is a specltl‘ in 8 city near you. and has given him orders and neces- sary instructions. Probably will reach you tonight." 1 l Shortly before noon, as Harry was lounging upon the piazza of the hotel, the I ngle barouche see —an elegant affair. it was—drew up, and the colored driver in livery dismounted from his high perch, and entered the Oceanic office. Presently he came forth, and paused beside High Hat Harry. ‘ You Mister Sands, sah?” he suavelyinquired. “ That’s my handle!” Harry replied. “ Youh handle, sub!” “ My name." “ Yes, sali! Excuse me. De miss ' send dis!” And the sable gentleman extendec a delicate- ly-perfunied and exquisitely-tinted envelope, upon which “ Mr. Sands" was written in a very pretty style of chirography. Not without a deal of curiosity the detec- tive 0 ned the envelope, and glanced over the gilt-m ged page on which was written as follows: Ma. Suns, Dun Sin:— " So well phased was pa 9. with your excellent playing, yesterday, that he ( esires to make your ac- quaimance. It will be a pleasure to usall to receive you at lunch to—day. Respectfu 1v, ’ Svnva hens." To say that the Baseball Detective was mercly surprised, would indeed be “ drawing it mild.‘ He read the letter over, several times. consid- erin ly; then bidding the coachman wait. en— tereg the hotel. Harry walked about the bar-room a few min- utes, meditatively, and then went out upon the piazza, facing the ocean. “ I wonder what dodge this is!” he muttered. “ It is not a free. open and friendly invitation, by any means. There’s a molire in that letter.” Just then, the bell-boy of the hotel touched him on the arm, at the same time extending a scr. X of paper. “ crazy-quilt!” he said, and then darted away. In a scrawling hand, these words were writ- ten on the scrap: “The fox is sly, and the trapper is crafty. The ferret is more sure. It behOoves the fox to beware of traps and snares. human.“ “'as it a warning? “ The old chap ain’t far from right i" Harry muttered, reflectivcl '. “ There‘s a reason for this invitation, and ’m goin to find it out. I may be playing a game of c eckers. but I am going to ngleside, and it strikes me that this is the move that will win.” He sou ht his room. He too ‘ the I'. S. warrant from his pocket, took off his left shoe, and fitted the document in- to it. He then drew on the shoe, buttoned it, washed himself and combed his hair, and descended to the office of the hotel. The chief clerk was on duty. Back of the main office was a private recep- tion room. “ Mr. Jonas. I would like to speak with you in rivate,” Harry said, at the same time exposin iis badge—“0r, if the proprietor is in, he wi do as well.” “ The proprietor is out,” the clerk responded, “ and I will wait upon you. Stop this way.” A few minutes later, they were seated in the private office. “I have but a few questions to ask!" Har began, “ and will come to the point at once. want not only your re ,ly but your opinion. How many arcthcrc of t e In 10 family !' “ Ichabod, the father, Ira, t 0 son, and Sylva, the daughter. Then there is old Ishmael, whom you ma have seen. He is Icliabcd’s brother.” “ An this Ichabod—is he old, or young; pleas- ant or surly l” “ A very pleasant old gentleman, and an ex- em lary citizen, and as true a Christian, in be- lie , sentiment and action, as you will find. Un. fortunately, he is somewhat deaf.” “ How about S lva and Ira?” “Two of a kin . Of course I would not say this, to go beyond us, but they have a bad spirit. I never saw their mother, but I know they do not take after the old gent.” “And Ishmael?” “A great many call him crazy and harm- less, but I would not like to have him for an enenfiy.” “ or 1!” Harry said, rising. And that ended the interview. Harry left the office, and sought the Ingle b3- rouche. “ If it’s a trap!" he communcd, “I’ll be ready for it.” Ingleside, when they reached the place, he found to be ve nearly like Radnor Ranch, Lut evidently an 01 or estate. . The barouche rolled up a spacious drive, and H‘i’K-flflkfimtmwmwf ywu..-....gg..u . .._. 3.1.5, r...“ . .j ‘_ " a. . . t - , ,,,,,., ,, .- , r l 14 ,v . H. ._ .z: _ t _ .1“ I" -M...~?,...FI._, i High Hat Harry. let the Baseball Detective out at a portico side entrance to the house, where {Sylsz Inglo was waiting to receive the guest. “ I am very glad to 5:. c you, Hr. Sands,” Syl- va said, eil‘usively. “ \{e vreleoiiio you asi lice.in I ,m. ,. , 77 Cl {1 ' . you had been an acquaintance for years.” Harry was then Ctillliut'tt‘ii. till'i ingh Spa- ciens halls, into a. parlor. which. in print of furnishing, rivaled that of I’uvlnor Raueh. “ be seated!” Bliss lngie sail. “ I will 5) and summon papa." And she glided gracefully away. “Smiinion papa.l If I’m not liliSt‘lilt‘ll, papa. will be imlispmn-il,” Ilarry silently soliloipiiZt-d. And it proved so. \‘l'hen Miss liigle came back. she was sorry to say that “papa” had a bad headache, but. w ould be able to see Mr. Sands at three. “ In the mean time, Mr. Sands, if you have no other engagements, I will try to entertain you, Sylva said. in her sweet st way. “ I will give you my latest selection. and then we will have a game of chess or billiards, wliielieVer you pre- fer. I suppose you play billiards, ch? If you do, and play as well as you do at ball, you can cer- tainly triple discount me.” Of course they had lunch, first. \Vhen luncheon was over High Hat Harry was conducted into the parlor and treated to a piano performance that was by no means so"- iond-class. When Sylva ceased playing, she came over to where he was seated, her face radiant with smiles. “Now, Mr. Sands, shall we have a game of billiards? Ir'a, has a splendid new table.” “ No billiards at present,” Harry re lied, calmly, “ for this is not my hour for billiar s. It you will be seated, I have something interesting to Be to you.” “ h, certainly! I shall be pleased to hear what you have to say.” She then drew a chair near to him, and seeing that she expected him to 0 on, Harry said: “Miss Ingle, it was no without some hesita- tion that I accepted your invitation to lunch, for, in truth, I was greatly surprised.” “ Why sq Mr. Sands!” “For several reasons,” Harry replied. “In the first place, you never had an introduction to me, or any cause to believe that I would care to know you; for of course I saw through your apa’s racket at the outset, as being a blind to ure me here. “In the second place. I failed to see how a young lady of your beauty, accomplishments, and social status could so demean herself as to enter into a compact with the notorious scoun— drel, George Garrene, to draw me into a. trap, even if I am a detective!” Sylva grew pale. , “ Sir! I do not comprehend your meaning!” she faintly articulated. “Oh! yes you do 1” Harry retorted. “Denial is useless, and you might as well understand that fact at once. I was invited here for an evil purpose, and George Garrene is in the house at this minute i” “ ’Tis falsel—utterly false. 1—” “ Bah! do not perjure yourself. It is simply useless. I know that you expect to get a part of the Pctrie fortune, by hook or by crook. In order to accomplish that end, you are playing a double game, by using, as you suppose, Carrol Cuthbert and Garrcne for SIXKd-pigOODS. In re- ality, they are playing you for a fool. I sup- pose, perhaps, you are not aware that they are a pair of scoundrels, who travel and Work to— gether, and who are wanted by the law!” “ I am not aware of anything of the kind, sir. You are making an unjust accusation, and one I will not listen to. Mr. Cutlibert and Mr. Garrene are both cntlcinen.” “ Gentlemen! I ‘avcn spare the Word, i f they are samples! No, Miss Ingle, they are not gentlemen; they are rogues of bad record, and came here to get the I’ctrie fortune, by fair means or foul.” “ I do not see how you associate them as col- leagues; they scarcely know each other.” “ Don’t they? There’s where you are wrong. They of course keep on the quiet here, but they are nevertheless partners In crime, and are Working together here.” “ Then, do you mean to assert that Mr. Cuth- bert is an impostor, and not the real Carrol Cuthbert, the andson of old Paul Petrie?” Sylva demand ,haughtil . “I do, most emphatical y. If you have any 'doubts about the matter, be kind enough tocast your eyes over this.” And the detective arose and held before her . the U. S. warrant. “You will see,” he went on, “that you have _i I. I. ,3.’ ‘ 24 y. ,., . 1 my . *xswr I,“ '21 a» would have been given a chance to soak in the get yourself into a most uncnviable position. If 7 V sea!’ Is (riarrene in the house?” I were to CXIM >50 to the public the fact that you i were conspiring with this precious pair of vil- 1 “Yes ” , laliis, I fancy you would want to go and Jump ‘ “ \Vlicre?” into the Atlantic, rather than endure the dis— ' “Secreted in a closet Off the billiard—room. ] But, for God’s sake, sir, do not attempt to arrest “ indeed! You have first to prove that I I him here. Just think of the sensation it would Fun-c been guilty of anything of the kind. I pre- , make; and even if you did not expose me, be 771 sumo, without doubt, that good character and 1 socizi standing would carry me through without a blemish, no matter what libelous attack you ‘ i might make on us.” " You only think so now. Miss Inglc, you may really lelieve I am only tulsiiu", but you will find that l. lite:in all that I say. I UW‘I heard a conversation between you and a lady prior to the ball-iiiateh, that gave me an inkling of your own share in the plot. later. I overheard a conversation between you and George (tarrenc, by which I learned that you were in collusion to {.getpos-iession of the I’etric fortune. In fact, I ‘ know all about the whole matter, and that I w as invited hero to be trapped or gotten rid of. De- nial is Useless. I am a detective, and as such am in the way of that irecious pair of rogues, (iarrcne and Smiley. I hey fear they cannot succeed with me around, and want to get me out of the way. They dare not attack me openly, and so have resorted to the plan of enticing me here, with a purpose not unknown to me. But just understand, Sylva Ingle, I can fight just as_ scientifically as I can play ball, and when I make an arrest, I shall not make a single one.” Sylva grew whiter, and her eyes dilated with terror, for she well understood what his words implied. If he arrested two, he would extend the l§gal process so as to capture three.” “ on mean to imply that ou would arrest me?” she uttered with perceptible agitation. “ Most assuredly! Rogues and their colleagues are liable to arrest at any moment. Of course, I re ct you as a woman; but when I come to wander that you are in collusion with this Gar- rene, it becomes my duty to arrest you. The onl chance I see for you to avoid this arrest, an escape actual imprisonment, is to make an out-an-out confession.” “If I confess—” “If you confess, and, when brou ht to court, turn in your evidence against arrene and Smiley, I will see that you are not further com- promised. Perhaps I can so arrange it that you will not be called to court at all, or in any way disgraced. So far as I can see, this is your only avenue of escape.” Sylva remained silent for several minutes, her hands toying with her watch-chain. It was plain that she was frightened, and in- clined to come over. “I don’t think I have done anything so crimi- nal as to be subject to arrest,” she finally said; “ but if I have, I am willing to make all the re aration in 111 power.” ‘Very well. hat is all that is necessary, and the only safe course for you now to pursue. I have the power to arrest the two villains were you not to utter a word. You will find it to your interest. however, to make an open con- fession to me.” _ “ If I do, Will you promise not to expose p “ I will try to shield you as I said, from dis- grace, as much as possible, providing I find you earnestly repentant and honest.” “ Very well. What do you want me to con- fess?” “ First the reason why I was enticed lxcrc.” “That can be done in a few words. Garrene came and said we must get rid of you, or you, being a detective, would arrest us and lodge us in jail, for conspiring to {rot unlawful pOSSPSSien of the Petrie fortune. I did not know that Cuth- bert and Garrene were allies, and, knowing how heavily the disgrace of arrest would fall on me, I finally consented to cntco you here, but per- sonally to do nothing more.” “ How was it proposed tx get rid of me?” “ iarrcne got up the plot. I was to invite you to the billiard—room, after dinner, and when we had played a few games, I Was to give you a glass of wine what he had so drugged that you would quickly become insensible. Then he was to lock you up in the billiard-room, and keep on there until midnight, when you was to be '01) from the house on the quiet, ut into a close car- riage, and taken to a dose oyster-flsher’s hut, up the coast, there to be kept a close prisoner, until possession of the fortune was secure. 611, Garrene and I were to 010136 together, to some for??? clime, and there engoy our gains. That is a “A very pretty plot, I must confess!” .High Hat Ha observed, grimly. “ Very likely instead of being taken to the at you mention, I might, out of spite. Just consider how I and all my family would be disgraced.” “ It is not my intention to arrest him, at once, but I shall do so, me many days 1 ans. Now, how did he propcsc to carry out 111i i seltcmc, for I iiii'cr he must have expected to pet hold of the fortune, \\ itliin a few days, as it would be a doubtful matter if a man could be imprisoned in a hut, along this coast, for any length of time without being discovered.” Sylva was silent for a several minutes, before she answered. “ I guess I had best tell all and have done with it. \Vliat you want to know is, how (iai‘rcno expected to pessess himself of the fortune.” “ Exactly.” “ Well, if, as you claim, you overheard a con- versation between Uarrene and myself since coming here, you probably heard the name of Captain Scuttle mentioned. Such a person is supposed to exist along this coast, surrounded possibly by a band of men, it being their prime object to get possession of the sunken treasure. These who have any faith that there is any such person as Captain Scuttle regard my uncle Ish- mael with suspicion, and believe that he is in reality Scuttle, and has already obtained pos- session of the fortune, and is trying to disguise the fact.” “ “'hat is our opinion?” “I favor t e idea. The majority of the peo- le of Bluifton count Ishmael as being crazy, ut he is nothing of the kind; he is as sane as you or I.” “Well?” “ Garrene has another notion, and appears positive about it, claiming to have assured him. self. He assumes to have discovered that a cer- tain citizen of~ this place came here from the W'est, by no means rich, and shortly after his arrival purchased a fine piece of property and erected a residence that must have, at the least calculation. cost twenty thousand dollars. Not long after this he found that Spanish coin, which was supposed to constitute the bulk of the Petrie treasure, was gradually being exchanged for United States mone , and he claims to have traced the matter so ar as to know that this Western citizen has in his possession the fortune, recovered from the sea in some manner un- known to us. Therefore, depic ' g to me the delights and luxuries a half of t great fortune would bring me, Garrene induced me to become a artner to his scheme. ‘1 have not mentioned to you all his plans. After you was decoyed here and secured, a let— ter was to be sent to Stella and Ray Radnor, summoning them at once to the Oceanic on im— portant business. Shortly after they left Rad- nor Ranch a false telegram was to be sentto Stella’s father, summoning him, also, to the Oceanic, This would leave the ranch in the charge of two servants. “ After Mr. Radnor’s departure, Garrcne and a companion—he did not tell me who—were to gain an entrance to the house, capture the ser- vants, and then find where the coin was secreted, take possession of it and go to the Northwest where, in due time, I was to join them and receive m share of the fortune. That is all. I have am you all I can.” Harry was silent for a few minutes, and then said: “ Bv this explanation you mean to hint that Mr. Radnor has lossession of the Petrie for- tune?” “ That is Garreiie’s belief.” t was then for the Baseball Detective to get; control of histhinkiiig faculties. The case now bore a different as .ct. Was it not possible that Mr. Ra ior did pos- sess the fortune, and was causing it to be be. licved, by various reasons, that the fortune still lay at the bottom of the sea? And, was it not possible that Radnor was in reality Captain Scuttle? Then, if Radnor and Scutth were one and the same .rson, was It not possible that Scuttle’s aiigged niece . was In reality Stella Radnor? If so, she must naturally be aconsentin party to the marriage that was b001Ked to be so emniz- edutlliat evenint l t G , th su pose a aI'I‘enefi companion in o intend robbery,”he said,flnall ,I“ wouldhnvo been this impOStor, Carrol Cuthgertr'l ‘ High Hat Harry. 15 “ Possibly. I do not know.” “Iiave you any reason to believe that your brother, Ira, is in any way connected with any of Uarrciie’s schemes I” “No! Ira may be quick and impetuous of temperament, but he Would be the last (mo to ally himself to any criminal, or do any criminal act.” ‘ I am glad to hear that. ('lilf-IIOJI. who assaulted Roscoe lladuor and rob- .b. .l him?" i lylva grew a trifle whiter. “liow do you expect me to know?” she dc- :manded, with attempted haufcur. “Because I have been guilty of some iiidiscretions I don’t see why you should lay everything at my door.” Ilarry laughed dryly. “ Oh! of course I do not accuse you of making the assault,” he said, “ but I fancied it iziight 11-) in your power to express some ideas about tho matter.” “ \Vell, all I know is this, and cross-question- ing would surely fail to elicit anything further. George Garreno lost every cent he had through betting on tho ball-game. He came tome and wanted a loan of money, which I was not able to grant. I have reason to believe that today he has a considerable sum of money about his person. \Vhero he got it is something I do not know.” That practically ended the interview, for, after a few more words, Harry took his depart- ure. Before he went he instructed Sylva to an- nounce to Garrcno that, under no pretext, could she lure him (Harry) to tho billiard-room; and, also, she was to use all her efforts to dissuade Garrene from the opinion that the Baseball De- tective had any suspicion that a trap had been set for him. CHAPTER. XVI. A snor FROM THE DARK. ON his return to Bluifton, Harry kept himself close to his room, for the remainder of the day, devoting himself considerably to deliberation. The up roaching night drew on with more rapidity, it seemed to him, than was usual. The minutes, in undue haste, converted themselves into hours. This, Harry was aware, was because of his ap- proaching marriage, of which he could but nat- urally have a dread. Could he have some pOSitive knowledge whom he was to marry, it would, of course, alter cir- cumstances considerably. As it was he had bound himself, by a solemn oath, to marry the alleged niece .of Captain Scut- tle, without knowing for a certainty who or what she was. If she were Stella Radnor, the fateful match would be to his satisfaction, and he Would barge no desire to have the marriage bonds sev- ere . But was his unknown affianced Stella Rad- nor? That was a momentous question. He had no further assurance on the matter, than Sylva Ingle’s statement of Garrene’s belief that I'lOScoe Radnor had possession of the for- tune, and his own belin that if Rodman had the fortune, he and Scuttle were one and the same crson. Nig t gradually drew on, and as soon as it was dark he made preparations to visit the cave. He looked carefully to the condition of his re- volvcr, and then, going down to the beach, be weed to and fro along the sands for some time, in IiOpCS that 110; W011“ gotflglinipso of old Ishmael, for, disbelievmg that Ishmael was Captain Scut- tle, and not linong What might happen at the cave he wished to leave. a clew behind as 10 what had become 0f 111m 111 case he should not return. But Ishmael Was 11015 to be seen, and Harry finally began his Journey along the dangerOus ath leading to the cave. . ‘ The night promisedto a Wild one, the heav- ens were overcast; w1th inky patches of clouds that rolled up like large ominous mountains as they drifted into view over the ocean horizon, to send the in-coming tide dashing agalnst the face of the rocky blufl.’ with force to envelop the ocean front in a cloud of mist. Heaven’s pyrotechnical displa had not yetbe- g bu” the sullen roar of thun er was heard in he immeasurable distance. Harry, however, found the bluff path less hard to traverse, on this second trip, and in due time he arrived at the entrance to the cave. He did not enter immediately, but stood there "a the face of the blutr, looking oceanward, and And now, in con— 3 debating the doubtful question, “ what would i wed your daughter, and I feared there might be this adventure entail .4” and entered the first portion of the secret ren- dezvous. ' Ilcro he found utter darkness to prevail, but he had not come unprepared for this. Drawing several matches from his pocket, he struck them in succession, and was thus able to i perceive that he was the sole occupant of the lirst apartment or passage, i This was a matter oi some little surprise to l him, for he had anticipated that at least some of the gang: would be .liere to meet him. But no one was, and grasping his revolver, he cautiously advanced. Ila did not have any particular reason to be- lieve that a trap would be set for him, unless Budd lilamphiii and his pals wore to do it, for he well knew Blampliin bore him no good—will; but by groping his way along, he at last reach- ed the door of the inner apartment, where he had previously been interviewed by Captain Scuttle. Here he rapped, and the door was directly opened by Scuttle, who invited him to enter. The room iresented the same appearance as on High I’lat rIarry’s previous visit, and except himself, Captain Scuttle was the only occupant. “I am glad to see you so prompt,” the cap- tain said, handing Harry a seat. “ My niece has not yet arrived, but will be here shortly, in company with the minister.” “ Vhere are the members of your band? Are they not to be present?” Harry asked. . “No. They know nothing about this. This is not our regular meeting night, and none of them are in the cave.” “Then you do not propose to inform them about the matter?” “ I have not decided on that score. It is pos- sible I shall not say anything about it.” They chatted for some time, then the door of the inner passage was opened, and two persons entered. One was a clerical—looking, smooth-faced man, of middle age, attired in black. The other was presumabl sex, for she was attired in feminine order. She was of medium hight, and of evident good figure. She wore a cloak, which concealed all but the bottom pleating of her dress, a. pretty hat, and thick vail over her face, which rendered it im- possible to distinguish her features. Captain Scuttle at once stepped forward, and taking the young lady by one of her hands, both of which were gloved, led her forward. “Mr. Sands!” he said, “ this is my niece, whom you are to wed. Arnie, this is Mr. Sands.” The young lady extended her hand, and Sands took it in his own, to feel it pressed gently, and then relinquished. After a short preliminary conversation, dur— ing which Arnie announced her willingness to wed Sands, and declared that she was under no com ulsion whatever, the two took their place besi 0 each other, and the knot was tied, mak- ing Harry Sands and Arnie Scuttle man and wife, according to the Presbyterian ritual. W'hen the ceremony was concluded, the minis- ter and the bride at once took their departure, by the route they had come, and Scuttle and I arry Were left alone. It was for a brief space of time, hOWever. The minister and Arnie had not been gone over ten minutes, when a knock came upon the door of the outer passage. “Who the dickcns can that be?” the ca itain muttered. “ It must be some one of the and has come for something.” “Ishmael!” flashed across Harry’s mind, but he did not express himself aloud. Scuttle arose, and going to the door, unbarred and opened it. Upon the threshold, indeed, stood Ishmael, He looked frightened and nervous. “The devil! You here?” burst from Scuttle’s lips. “ How did you find out about this plaCe?” “ I have known of this place long before you came here. It may not be knowu to you,‘sir, but Percy Petrie and I hollowed out this cavern, for the most part.” “ A11! then, you have known of our existence before?” “I have. I have been here, skulking about, whenever I took a. notion to do so.” “ IVhat brings you here?” “To give you warnin ! It may cost me my life, but I felt it was my uty to come.” “ What warning have you to 've?" of the opposite abiliments of the “ This: I knew the young man there, was to ! trouble. At last, however, he parted the clinging Vines, ‘ So I kept watch of the gang, and over- heard au interview between them and three other persons at Blampliin’s shanty.” “ Well!” “ Well, the result of this interview is, that you havo got the I’etric gold in your possession. They know of the marriage, and believe that you, the girl and ibis young man, who they claim is the real heir, propose to skip (If on the quiet, for parts unknown. So they have form- ed a plan to put a stop to that!” Captain Scuttle uttered a grunt of anger. “ Well, \\ hat is their plan 5” he demanded. “ This: The lll:l_l<‘l‘ll)’ of the gang are at this moment on roufc lit-re. armed to the teeth, bent on surprising and capturing you and Sands, and confining you in ‘lhe dungeon. In the mean time, the other parties have gone up to the liights, will gain enirance to your house, and, after capturing the inmates, Will turn the place inside out, if need lie. so as to find the gold. Then, when they iind it, a grand ship will be made for parts unknown !” “Ishmael, are ycu lying to me?” the captain demanded, sternly. “ Is this true?” “ It surely is, sir. “"hy should I deceive you? I_” Just then a pistol report rung out, and Ish- mael, who had been standing in the door, ut‘ terc-d a cry of pain, and fell forward upon the rocky floor. “ They are coming!” he moaned. “May God help you and Percy Pctric’s heir now!” And he expired without a groan! CHAPTER XVII. 'l‘llE CAVE CONFLICT. IT was now time for immediate action, and that, too, without delay. High Hat Harry instantly sprung out of range of the open door, and drew his revolver. Captain Scuttle stooped, jerked Islmacl’s body into the room, and slamming shut the door, succeeded in barring it just as a hail of Lullets came sputtering against the oaken panels. “ What are you going to do!” Harry demand- ed, ea rerly. “ Hold the devils at bay, as long as possible!” was the grim reply. “ Then ?” “ Fight.” “ But, they’ve the odds.” “Maybe I’ll never surrender, without a. struggle though!” Just then there came an authoritative rap up- on the door. “ Open up, in thar!” Budd Blamphin’s coarse veice ordered. “ Nary an open!” flung back Scuttle. “ You’ll have to wait. I’m busy.” “ Don’t kcer a dum fer thet. We ain’t oin’ to be put off. We ain’t goin’ ter hev no eller a-lyin’ ’bout us, you kin bet.” “ VVho’s been lyiig about you?” “ Thet cuss, Ishmael!” “ Nothing of the kind!” “Git out! ye can’t stuff us! We see’d him blab suthin‘ to ye, an" so, plugged him!” “ “'ho shot him .6” “ Let’s in an‘ I’ll tell 'e.” “ No, sir! I already 'now what your mission is, but you will fail!” “ Will we? “'aa], not much we won’t! Ef ye don’t open that door. we’ll bu’st her in.” “ Do so, at your peril! There are two of us, doubly armed. and whoever crosses that thresh- old. comes to his death!” The captain spoke stCI nly. There was a ling to his voice that betokened stern spirit, and unflinching courage. L’lamphin’s voice was not heard, for several minutes, again- He and his pals were evidenth consulting. Then, it was that Iiiin Hat Harry took occa- sion to say: “ Do you think they can burst the door in?” “ “'ithout doubt, if they heave a big rock against it, for it is not constructed for such an assault.” " Then, whn‘? Can we hold them at bay?” “ We canlti" Scuttle replied sententiously, “for I can do it myself. As for you, I have something else for you to do.” “ “'hat?” “ ’Sh! They may be listenin . Did you infer by Ishmael’s speech, who I rea y am?” “ Roscoe Radnor.” “Correct! You see the door yonder? Well, that door opens into a passage that will lead you directly 11 into my house, on the Bluff—Raan? Ranch. They are in trouble u there. You must go to theirassistanoe. T othelanhern, 16 High Hat Harry. yonder, and hasten, at once—to the protection of your bride and the Petrie fortune. I will re- main here, and hold these hell—hounds at bay, as long as possible. If I fall, Stella will tell you all on want to know. 00, sir, at once, or it may 6 too late, when you get there!” “ But, if I take tho lantern, you W111 be left in darkness?” “ So much the better. I can fight in the dark as well as in the light. I’ve twenty-four shots, and if I cannot; clean out that crowd I’ll be willing to pass in my cheeks.” VVithont parley, the detective took the lan- tern and opening the door, plunged away into the depths of the passage. After he was gone Captain Scuttle muttered; “ The young man as the right metal, and Stella could not fall into the hands of a better man. The fortune is now hers, and his. And, now, come on, ye devils! You will find me here, and at home!” This latter challenge, was evidently meant for the gang, on the other side of the door, though it was not uttered in words loud enough to reach them. Blamphin’s voice was again heard, a moment ter. . “ Well in there, aire ye goin’ ter open up, or shell we hu’st the door?” “ Burst the door, if you like!” Scuttle replied; “you know the result!” “ Bah! We kin kill ye in half a second, an’ well e know it, boss!” “ it, and see! Death to whoever crosses this threshold!” There was a savage oath from Blamphin. Then the gang appeared to move off. After which was silence. But Scuttle knew they would return. They were all daring, resolute men, not bur- dened with scruples of any sort, and their blood was up now to get possession of the Petrie for- tune. Nothing but the impossible would stop them. Soon Scuttle detected their footfalls return- ing, and knew by the regularity of ate that they were carrying some heavy obstacle—yr oubtr less a large piece of rock, as there was no timber available in the vicinity. A halt was made near the door, and then Blamphin‘s hoarse voice shouted: “All ready now, and together! ’w I” The next instant the battering-ram came crashing a ainst the door, which, for an instant seemed lot to yield to the ponderous assault, but it was for an instant only, then it tottered like a drunken man, and fell inward with a crash, and with a howl of triumph, Budd Blam- phin leaped forward. “ Hurrah, boys!” he yelled. “ Foller me, an’ we’ll knock the bottom out o’ the Scuttle, or die_ in the attempt 1” “Die, then, treacherous hell-honnds—di'e!” cried Scuttle, from the gloom. Then the desperate conflict began—such a con- flict as the coast cavern never before had witnessed, and it is hoped, never again would Ho—’o—— see. The ring and the flash of revolvers made the rocky chamber a wild and awful place for the space of several minutes. Fearful oaths and screams of agony blended with the re rts of the weapons. But slow y, yet surely, the reports lessened in numbers, until the last one awoke the echoes, and some person fell, with adull thud. The darkness covered all then, and silence reigned supreme. ot the stir of a person could be heard nor a moan of pain. What did it mean? Had the conflict ended the lives of all engag- ed therein? It truly seemed so! CHAPTER XVIII. THE END. THE three persons whom Ishmael had men- tioned as having been in consultation with Blamphin and his pals, were, as the reader may have sn , none others than Garrene, Smiley, alias arrol Cuthbert, and Sylva Ingle, who was now thoroughly disguised and dressed in male attire. When the conference at Blamphin’s cabin had ended, this trio mounted to Blnfl’ton Village, hired a. carriage, and drove quietly to Radnor Ranch. The darkness of the night, and the impending storm, seemed all in their favor. When they arrived at the Ranch the lights I Across the road from the Radnor residence A was a little picnic grove, and into this the horse and carriage were driven and secreted. Then, with a number of things they might need to use, the trio gained entrance to the Rad— nor grounds. Smiley carried a kit of burglnr’s tools, Gar- renc. a stout tin case of ('hloroi'oi 1n, somethingthe Chicago “ crook ” alwayshad with him, as being a part of his stock—in-trade. Sylva bore a pair of revolvers, ready for use. “I wonder if there are any dogs about the premises?” Garrene asked, when they were on the lawn. “ None,” Sylva assured. “ Raynor never liked dogs.” Then the went carefully around the house, on a tour 0 reconnoissance and inspection. N0 lights were to be seen; the house was evi- dently closed up for the night. After some deliberation, a side door, opening out of a wing of the building, was selected as the best place to gain entrance. Leaving Garrene and Sylva to keep ard, Smiley set to work, and the manner in “‘thh be handled the tools of the trade, proved him to be an ex rt cracksman. He ad the door open in five minutes, without causing any noise. They then noiselessly entered what proved to be a parlor~a sort of lounging-room, rather. S va led the way. S e had often been in the house, and knew the location of every room. After ins cting the lower part of the house, and satisfying themselves that none of the fam- ily were about, they went up-stairs. As far as Sylva knew, there were six ser- vants, who occupied a tier of rooms in the south wing—so remote as not likely to be at all in the way. A careful reconnoissance being made, it was found that there was a light in Stella’s room, although it was turned low. Two persons were in the apartment, holding a subdued conversa- tion—Stella and her brother, very likely. The burglars hovered close to the door, ready for instant action; then George Garrene gave a light tap. “ Ah! there’s papa, now,” Stella was heard to say, and, in another instant, she had unlocked and flung open the door. Garrenc and Smiley at once precipitated themselves into the chamber, knocking Stella down and pouncing upon Ray Radnor ere he could recover from his surprise sufficiently to resist. He was easily overpowered, and bound hand and foot-Sylva, in the mean time, doing her part by keeping Stella “ cov'cred” with a six- shooter, and guarding the door. As soon as Bay was secured, Stella was served in a like manner “ You cowardly villains, what is the meaning of this indignity?” Ray demanded, fierce] ‘. “It means, my dear Radnor,” replie Gar- rene, coolly, “ that you are tern rarin our prisoners. Your beloved father 18 likewise a risoner—if, indeed, he has not been killed—and arry Sands the same. All the servants in your house are also prisoners. So you see you are helpless and can exercise your vocal powers as musically as you may desire. I suppose you know what brings us here?” “ No!” Ray growled. “ No good motive, I dare say.” “\Vell, that depends on circumstances. We want the fortune! ’ “ The what?” “The fortune. Don’t try playingl innocent. It won’, work. We’re onto the ull racket ’bout your father’s ’bein’ Cap Scuttle, and havin’ the Petrie fortune stored away someWhere about this. lace.” “ on are certainly laboring under a great mistake, sir.” ‘f Bah! no more denial, now, or it will be the worse for you. or course, we can find the treasure, by making a protracted search, but that ain’t our lay. We want to get it at.once and skip, before the r‘qst of the gang gets here. So yo’l’l must tell us where and how to lay hands on it. . Rav laughed dryly. “ Vhat a fool!” he said. “If I know, do you suppose I’d tell you 3'” ‘Exactl l” “ Well, wouldn’t I” “ Nor I!” chimed in Stella. “ Oh! that’s all well enough to say. But, you’ll change your tune. If you don’t tell us, immediately, we’ll torture you to death but a, _._W._, _. ,A..___, A. . .,.,n--A. 7...“...- but you'll never get a word out of me!” Ray dc- clam-d, grimly. " Non out of mo!” assured Stella, with flash ing eyes. “ l‘d die first 1” “ W'ill you? Wcl '. ycu shall yet have the chance. lint before draih you shall endure the torture of shcol'." “'ith this assertion (larrcno gazed around the room, as if in quest of some instrument of tor ture. He saw one—an open fire-place with kindlings in the grate. H v . “ Light that fire !" he ordered. " V e 115mm}; the soles of their feet till they tell!” \Vhile Garrene and Smiley employed them.— selves in removing the prisoners slim-s, éylva engaged herself in lighting the fire. That the wretches meant to carry out their plot seemed sure. But they were destined to he baffled. A man dashed into the room, armcd with a ball bat, knocking the sentinel, Sylva, flat upon the. floor. ' It was High Hat Harry, the Baseball Detec- tive! W'ith two slashing 1 lows, he struck right and left, layin out first (Zarrene, then Smiley. and then the isguised Sylva, as she attempted to rise. All were knocked senseless. To bind them and release Ray and Stella. was but the work of a few moments. The birds of evil were in the snare at last! A descent was then made into the cave. where the gang were all found dead and the (aptain dying. Before death he explained that his real name was Scuttle, and that he had raised the gold secretly after coming to Bluffton, and it was now all in paper money or bonds, (r good propert '. And Stella was really Harry’s wife. The other detective urriVCd and trek charge of Smiley and Garrcno next day. They are in prison now—at work. ' Sylva was rclcnst d that night—a disgraced woman; but not so known to the pullic, for Harry and the Radnors were too full ( I“ pity to betray or humiliate her—an act for which she seemingly was (lccply grateful—but, who can say how far gratitude possible to such natures as hers? The cave tragedy, cf course, created an im- mense sensation; but only a few persons were permitted to visit thc sccne. After inquest, all the bodies were removed and quietly luricd; so the affair soon ceased to lo t! e (no subject of discussion. The outer entrance to the rock- chamber was solidly closed, and the assage up into the Radnor residence scaled, and; so to-day its very existence has l‘ccome a matter of doubt. It never transpired that Harry and Stella had the fortune. They went West, leaving Rn master of the ranch. and if the pirate Petries sunken treasure is mt put to good use it will‘ not be because Harry and Stella are selfish and sordid in their enjoyment of it on one of the finest ranches in Colorado, wherel-Iarry Sands and his spirited and beautiful Wife dispense a princely hospitality. TEE END. Beadle’s Half-[lime library. 740 Deadwood Dicks J95". Deathwatch. By Edward L. Wheeler. :41 Violet Vane, the mehunist Vidocq. By Wm. G. plum. ~42 Bm “'lnk‘g, the ‘Bell Buy Detective: or Breaking the ‘ Media of the (xolden (oil. By T. C. llarbaughl Buck Taylor’s Boys: or, The Red Riderl of the Rio 743 Grand». By Col. Prentiss lngrnlmm. luck of the Books the Ni ht-Wakb' or The Water “'4 Wail's Dead Past. By .18 Pierce. 3 ' ’ 1'45 Kaunas Jim, the ('ross~(‘ut Detective; 0" Tl” “Md?” 0‘ ‘he Range. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. 7413 Qulct Jack, the Secret Service SPY; “BTW MW" {0" Red Lenry- By Dan Dunning, (of the Secret Service Corps), 747 Deadwood I)! -k .’ Double“ “T. “'0 Tflnds’m Team oth-ddy’l 'l'nihn‘gs.’ Edward L. Wheeler. 0 74s snvorhmdo. a... Friendly; or. The Border BMW“ 303 I’nrd. By Jon. E. Bulk", Jr' 749 1) . h the Youns Scalp-Tali": <>r.Thc Kentuck i3,5,,mfmctligil'l‘ihi. Hy Col. Prentiss lngralmm. y 750 Vlfllct Vane, the Vnnqpisbed; or, The Lue Struggle “ Shanty ('Ily, By Wm. (1. l ntten. A New lune Every Tuesday. The flnlf- Dime Library ll {0' “‘2 by all newsdealers, five com; per copy, or sent by Wm 0" mull“ 0* tux cenu each. BEAllLE AND ADAMS, Publisher's what you shall give up the secre .” were all out and evorybody was apparently abed. ‘ “ Torture, if you will, you accursed thieves! 98 William Street, New York.