EIGHTH EDITION. mmMinimum-Haulminlulu ,‘ a N l! x . \\ —' V' W \‘~ LE; § \\‘ :fi ' \\ Z ,s v“ \ :5... g n §\§\\\\\\\\ _._._.__.__ :34. J “L- W. \pfi ._ IIHIIIMIIIJIHIHIIIEIIIIIlllnllzl'm Ella!!! nllul». u! 1:: r, allnlln¥!&\ I 89.50 5 you Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y.. at Second Class Mail Ram. Copyright. 1895. by Bum: um Anus. July 7. 1885. Sin 1e PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, VOL Nun er- No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents- NO' 5‘ f I? \ \ '==.\..\ Bx“: x 3 ‘ ‘ \x \K x J? ‘ j "Q!!I1ifliiii“” ~ \\\ \ um. § Bowery 1_3_(Lb’s Boom. BY J O PIERCE, (0f the New York Detective Force.) CHAPTER I. m BEGINNING OF A BOY’S STRANGE EXPE- RIENCE. ~ "WAL, I must sa the state 0’ affairs is per- tec’ly stagnatin’. Nthin’ don’t_ seem tex- be do- m’ outer ther usual run, ’ceptm’ that cashiers ~ 311’ bank-bosses is skippin’ te1‘ Canada. an’ I ' ain’t a): no show with tlmn-not fpr Joseph! Hyer I, with a nat’rul bent 0’ mmd fur ad. venture. an’ a hankerin’ fur fer happen on a emeaqor so I kin play detective, qn’ not a. meal turns up. It’s hard hnes, fer wk. 9" m 1 ' yer money. 9’ v In Wait .- lost outer ther baggage-ear when H U . The Vagabond" Detective. The person who thus lamented his ill-luck‘ was a boy of about fourteen years. He was standing on the sidewalk near Trini— ty Church, watching the double stream of peo- pic that flowed through Broadway, and re ret- ting that none of them seemed to need his elp as a detective. He looked like anythinor except a person en- gaged in that business. fietectives are not sup- posed to be fourteen- ear-old boys, much less such ragged young ads as this particular one. We shall hear more about his detective busi- ness soon, however. ‘Nhatever he was, it was plain he was no greeny'. He had a face as sharp and shrewd as that of a rat, if we may use the comparison without disrespect. A clear-cut, Wise face was his, intelligent and precocious beyond the ave- rage of his years, and yet thoroughly honest. He was ragged, but he wore his tattered gar- ments with a grace and dignity Worthy of a duke, and more than one passer—by had ~.iniled at sight of him. New York is full of boys whose circumstances compel them to work hard as soon as they are large enough to perform any kind of labor. Having no choice, they become, in many cases, bootblacks, newsboys, or something of the kind. To them has been applied the general name—- street Arabs. This particular boy was one of this class, and, like the rest, his wits had been prematurely sha aened by contact with the world until his min was far older than his body, though that seemed as tough as a knot. He was standin as before mentioned when a hand was laid on is arm by a man he had not before seen. He turned and stood facing a rather flashily- dressed man of about thirty years, but who probably imagined himself as well made up as an man on Broadway. he boy, however, was not favorably im- pressed. " Here, 'oung fellow, are you busy?” abrupt- ly asked the new-comer. \ “Can’t ye see I am?" “ No; what are you doin ?” ‘ “ VVatchin’ ter see that gDrinity steeple don’t fall over an' mash nobody,” the boy coolly ob- . served. “That’s enough of that kind; I’m not in a joking mood. he question—do you want to earn a dollar?” “Ef I don’t I‘ll neVer chaw India-rubber steak ag’in, boss. .Ef you’ve got a lonesome dol- lar fer mort age, jest roll yer tongue an’ lemme inter ther sc e e. ’ “The matter is simple enough. Do you see this package?" The man ' inted to the bundle which he car- gied in one nd. All 1the lliloy could seawaseé rown wra ing- per, ut is poor opimon o the stran eglled hfii to in uire: “ ’Taint dynamite, is it} ’ “ Nonsense! It is a very simple package which I want carried half-way up-town. I am too busy to go in self, and want to hire some he to carry it. ill you take the job? Speak qmckly now, for I am in a hurry.” “ I see you be, but ye needn’t be squintin’ around for an other chap, for I’m ther hoss fur erdooce yer stamps, an’ I’ll be oil‘. “ You know where Houston street is 3” '“ Bless yer bootalyes. Who don’t?” “ And will you e the package faithfully?” “See yer, mister do I look like an emb’zzler or road-adjutant? ’at d’ye take me fer?” ' “Ohl I think you’re all ri ht, but you see I have some bananas here for a riend, and I want him to get them as soon as possible. Here’s the package, and here’s a dollar—yes, and here’s a fiartor more. Take a stage and go at once. 9 odd change you can keep, but don’t open the package !" “Strikes me I don’t im ress ye over-favor- able, boss. D’ye s’pose 1’ mm my reputation " ' for a banana, or a Havana, or even fer Susan- nah? Not any, fer,Jose h! I am one o’ ther solid business men 0’ ham, an’ of you’ll go for ther Board 0’ Trade, or Shoeblack Ex- e, you’ll find I am uare all ’round.” “ ow you’re all rlgh , boy; don’t make so uch talk. Get a. stage at once and be cc, what’s your name?” , , “ a! I’m ginerallyhcalled Bowery Bob, or Bob 0’ the Bowery. arrest 0’ m name was come 1- him an— ' "rum do; that’ll do. Be at, now!” The man fairly shoved Bob away, and though- the latter was far from being pleased with his manner, he felt the money still in his hand and was not anxious to lose the job. Accordingly, he obeyed the last direction and was soon seated in a stage and rolling up Broad- wa . fire looked back once, but his employer had already been swallowed up in the thick mass of humanity-that crowded the sidewalk. I“ I don t reckon I‘ll git inter ther detective biz by dealin’ with him,” thought the boy. “ Ef I ain t 10st ther faculty 0’ readin’ character, he’s a cut 0’ oil-color. ’Twmfldn’t,s’prise me a bit of 0’s a bunco chap, or some sech crooked char- acter. Wonder w at made him so nervous? He kep’ lookin’ around ez though he ’sperted a copper ter fall enter him, an’ he was in n '_'fl'i‘flt passion ter git me away. VVal, that's 2' re- sult o’ bein a crook. I don’t ’spmt I’d be more’n half happy of I was one 0’ them kind 0’ cattle.” Bob sniffed at the package. “ Them bananas smell sorter good, an’ I don’t know ez it’s so very odd that silk-tile chap was fifeai'd I’d open ther bundle, but I ain’t in that IZ. h‘He looked at the card which had been given 1111. “Ethan Eamcs, or Rosa Reddington,” he read. “Sorter poetic names, them be, but I reckon they kin chaw fruit of they do drink poetry. Hold yer breath, Ethan, fur I’m a- comin’!” The stage made its trip in due time, and Bob alighted at Houston street. Thedcsired number was not far away, and he was soon pulling at the bell of an old-fashioned brick house. It looked respectable, though not very high-toned. The door was opened by a shar -nosed ser- vant, whose face grew positively vmegarish at sight of the boy. “What d’ye want?” she demanded, in a way which somewhat disturbed Bob’s placidity. “ “"at d‘ye s’pOSe? D’ye take me for a book- agent, or a as-meter fiend? I ain’t neither— not for J osep ! I lack ther lip fur ther one an’ ther natlonal bank hill 0’ t’other. W"at I do desire is ter intervoo Mr. Ethan Eames, Esquire.” “Well, on can’t. He ain’t in.” “ No? Val, then, mebbe her serene majesty, Miss Rosa Reddington is in i” “ W’a], what of it?” “ Ther whole of it,” calmly , replied Bob. “See here, madam, I don’t like ter make too much confab with an 'body w’at I’ve never been interdooced to, but ’11 inform ye in a casual way that this b er bundle is fur one 0’ them two parties, him or er.” ' . “ Give it to me i” “ Be you Miss Beddinan ?” H NO.” “ Then you must excuse me. .I was ter give it only tor them, and biz is biz in 1885, yer know. ’ The woman’s sharp nose seemed to ow .harper with an er, but she saw that Bob‘meant just what he mi and she made no more useless talk. Bidding him follow, she led the way up one flight of stairs and bade him knock at a cer- tain door. Then she bounced away with her old air of bein in a passion. , Bo knocked, and a low feminine voice bade him enter. He obeyed, and found himself in a very well-furnished room, alone with a tall young woman of rather imposing appearance. She looked as handsome an e e ant as. a. tigress, as Bob mentally ex ressed , but she was buried deep in an easy-c air and looked in- dolent and dull. Her eyes expanded at sight of Bobbhowever. , “ h! I thought it was Hannah,” she said. “ That’s whar ye was mistook, 111378111,” 30b replied, “but ye 0t mi hty near ther head- center 0’ truth. ’ ain’t fiannah, but it’s them bananas.” . The woman made a sudden, violent start and sat erect. ' “What?” she cried. . , It was Bob’s turn to be surprised, for he could not see what there was in his simple announcement to create such a sudden stir, “I said I had brought them bananas, miss.” “ You?” she exclaimed. ‘,‘ You have brought them?’ _ “ Right ye be, an’ you kin bet ther hull bun- dle on’t.” Miss 11 held out her hand. u Iatth said. Bob over the packa , and she at once , brokethamapper enough a? prove hls‘state- . ,I . meat. , “ Wgere‘ is Jack?” she then The boy understood this question to refer to‘ the sender of the bananas. “ Can’t say. He give ’em to me an’ dusted.” “ Where was be!” “Down by Trinity Church.” “And you mean to say] that he allowed youto brin these all the way ere—alone ?” ' “ art’in he did. Why not? Ain’bI s’ onsl- ble fur a few measly bananas? I s’pose of had on a striped suit an’ a handcuff, you’d take me ter jest out 0’ Sing Sing.” . Miss Reddington looked at him for a moment in Silence, and then suddenly laughed. " “ Do not feel offended,” she said' “I am not questionin your honesty. Still, I don’t—but never nun . You can go”. “ Correct. 1% you find any 0’ ther fruit mis: sin’ yer kin apply ter me. My name is B. Bow- ery, Esquire, an’ I hev a eanut stand on thcr classic strcct arter which ’m nam . Call thar. You may not find me in, but Stu py, my pard- ncr, will be ther, an’ you’ll find him well-roasted an’ three quarts to ihcr int. I hev ther honor tcrbid ou good-day. arcwell !” And ob bowed himself out with the dignity of one who feels that his honor has been unjust- ly questioned. “ Mighty queer why folks all 0’ a sudden git ter takin’ me fur a peck-picket an’ cmbezzler. I don’t want no more job with that crowd; they thinks I can’t be trusted with six or eight ban- anas, an’ I reciprocate. I do, b’gosh l I b'licve—" , His meditations were interrupted as a hand \ was laid on his arm, and he turned and saw ‘ thei sharp—nosed servant, who ‘seemcd out of breath. “ Hello, is this you in ther flesh, or is it only ycr shudder?” he gcniall in uired. “ You’re wanted bac ,” s e replied. “ Miss Reddington wants you.” “ She does? 'What fur?” “I don’t know. She’ll tell you that.” “She will, will she? VVal, it wa’n’t in ther contrack that I should wear my patent leathers all out in this h er job, but I’m a sort 0’ ublic benefactor, an’ ain’t goin’ terbe mean. cave ahead, an’ pilot me inter port.” They returned, and Bob was soon ascending the stairs again, wondering why he had been called back. In fact, his mind was so occupied with such thoughts that when he reached the second floor he forgot that politeness required him to rap, and he unceremoniously opencda door and entered. His first view of the room showed him that it was not Miss Reddin on’s and he was about to retreat when something which he saw held him fixed to the spot. CHAPTER II. BOB’S SURPRISING DISCOVERY. THIS second room was not so well furnished as was Miss Reddin n’s, and was a very ordinary place in itself, bu on the table which stood in the middle of the room was something quite unlike what Bob had been accustomed to see. A yellow pile of something glitter-ed there, and loqked to tit amazed boy like a quantity of gold co ns He had seen such money before though little of it had ever passed throu h his hands, but its up arance was somewhat animal‘- es unless ap arances were ver deceptive, there lay many (Killian in 80°C,], bar money, the come ranging from diminutive dOIIaI‘S up to sturdy “ eagles.” \ The room seemed to be untenanted, too, and Bob was astonished that such a treasure should be left unguarded—a treasure which he mental- ly estimated at not less than two thousand dol- ars. ' “ Reckon I’ve got inter ther wrong pen this time, fer sure,” was his next thought. " fin’ 1’11 be a-scuddin’ afore some Cerberiuster comes ’long an’ a’cuses m8 0’ bein’ a bur larious burglar.” He was about to act on this wise plan When a sharp cry sounded from the further end of the ’ room, a it became clear that occupants were l there after all. To l30b’s wondering eyes there suddenly ap. peared a little, old man, who was so deformed but he looked more like an a , but who danced out from behind the corner 0 an alcove and be. gag: to shake his fist at the boy and try to talk, n which almost choked him. . “ What: what!" he finally mumbled, “who is this? Why are you glare? Maledictioni VI was kept from doing so by his extremp page’s“ _».v-.-. m... h 4..- .. v will cut our to eoutl . . - “Don i” said b. COOHY- “There ain’t 30 . «- -v sorter reason Why YB Should. tongue all“ ' ' ’i an article that would be 0’ any in rket walnuts!" you, an’ ’WOU-ld be mighty inconvenient for u'j The Vagabond Detective. 3 ter be without it. I came in by an erroneous ‘blunder, an’ now I’ll bid ye farewell an’—” Bob was interrupted. The old man had stamped on the floor, and a burly negro suddenly darted forward, closed the door before BoWery Bob could retreat, and then placed his back against it. “ Good! good i” cried the old man. have him! We will cut his tongue out. N elva!” At the last call a girl emerged from the alcove -—a girl of about fifteen years, though she was so small that one would have thought her not over twelve, at first sight. ' “ Here!” added the old man, “ bring a knife— bring a knife. Malediction! we will cut this vagabond sp "3 tongue out!” _ ‘ Now, ho d on, Cap,” said the boy, still cool outwardly, though he was far from being pleas- ed with his situation, “ an’ jest evolve ther idee that this hyar is a free country, an’ that 1 hev got a vote in this int’restin’ caucus. \V ’at sort 0’ a chromatic chap be you an how? Reckon this hyar’s ther Cannibawl Is 11 s, hain’t it? That’s right, little gal, you freeze ter ther floor, au’ kee on stayin’.” The last words were spoken because he saw that Nelva, as the girl seemed to be named, had not stirred, but stood looking from the old man to Bob and then back again, deep trouble ex- pressed on her face. “ Do you hear me?” shouted the old man, .again stam ing his foot. “ Yes, I car you,” the “ Then wh don’t you 0 “Because can’t do it. low as to obey such an order. knife.” _ “ Hooray for our side!” put in Bob. The old man, however, uttered a dog-like snarl and started for the alcove. N elva darted in ahead of him, and in a moment more came a crash of glass. The villain paused as though amazed, and then N elva reappeared, her face pale but calm. “ You’ll have to look in the back-yard for the knife, Mr. Riddle,” she said, steadily. The old man almost choked with rage. “ Maledictioni” he cried; “how dared you?” “I don’t know,” she amwered, “but I guess I’ve got where I don’t care to live. Before I’ll help you to do what you said, you may kill me I” “Now, you hol’ on right about hyar,” said Bob. “ Seein’ ez how I’m a leadin’ figger iii this disturbance, I want fer exercise my Jaw. W ’at’s ther racket hyar, anyhow? [’ve told ye once I’m inter this hyar coop by mistake. I wos ter call on Miss Reddington, fer wit, namely, an’ I swung ther wrong door. VV’at on‘ti I’m ready ter ambulate, I be, an’ ye needn’t make sech a row. B’gosh, you’Ve got more ears than a balky mule, you hevl” Despite this unfavorable comment, the old man grew much calmer, and he turned to the giant negro. “J ocko, did you leave that door unlocked?” he asked. . “ Gerry, I reckon I must ’a’ did so. Marse Rid- ,7 e. “ I’ll kill on for it.” . The negrh looked sober until Biddle’s gaze "was turned from him, and then imaced. In the meanwhile Bob’s mind ad been busy, :and he had drawn a conclusion from this at- tempted secrecy, the rage and dismay of the old 1118-11 in finding a. stranger in his place, the hum- ble appearance of these pie, and the pile of What seemed b0 gOId mum on the table. His conclusmn was that the mone was bogus, and that these People were countertpeiters. The only pomt against this theory was the fact that the young girl2 Nelva did not look or act like a criminal, but it would not be strange if she was entirely under old Biddle’s control. “ Reckon I’ve put my f00t Inter II; this time,” the boy thought, “ but ef. these canmbals think they kin keep a chap like me in hock they is "way ofl.’ their pedesta . It can t be did—not fer Jose hi” _ Here old Riddle turned to 111m- “ Boy, who are you i” , “ My name, august sachem 15 Samuel Samson :Short, ez you kin diskiver by In any at Clty H811- I’m known thar perfGSh’ Y; 92, I fur- nish them with fresh-baked peanuts-6v ry day wh‘earlfiiz is so the kin raise t er bullion ’ i Y are on ere?” ' “ I’VE 901’ 3’2; severial times that I’m 11ng ’kflfie I made a blunder. Wanted ter find ROSE- ton—Beddington, I mn-un’ got inter ther wronfipew. Jest call her an’ she’ll 31% m0 8 clean 1 10’ health.” “ Miss Beddington, chi” “ Now we Nclva! irl slowly replied. , i" I have not sunk so I will not get the \ H Yes.” “I will see her.” Riddle left the room, but Jocko remained by the door and there was no chance for Bob to escape. He employed his time with usin his eyes freely, but Without discovering anyt ing new. The pile of coins remained on the table, and looked as genuine as could be but Bob did not change his opinion of them. Ila looked closely at Nelva. She was a very dpretty girl, but she looked sad and weary, an all his sympathy went out to her. There was now a shadow in her dusky eyes which he believed came of his own adventure, and after looking many times at him and the big negro alternately, she walked to the alcove and disappeared. Bob was anxious to see what this place con- tained, but when he started to get a view of it he was stopped b J ocko, and as the negro was twice his size he d to obey him. In a few minutes the door reopened and Rid- dle entered. His ugly face did not look any more amiable, but he nodded to Bob and said: “I have seen Miss Reddington, and it is all right. You can go to her. Jocko, show him the room.” Bob did not care for the escort but, thinking it best not to be obstinate, he said nothing. It was at this juncture, when both the men were looking elsewhere, that Nelva came out of the alcove. She held something in her hand, and, seeing her chance, she tossed a bit of twist- ed ’Ipaper on the sofa beside Bob. he latter, seeing that she looked even more troubled than before, quickly interpreted the secret act, and gathered the paper up with quick but quiet skill. Neither Riddle nor Jocko had seen this by- play, and, without any perceptible break in his movements, Bob followed the negro out of the room, putting,r the scrap of paper safely away. J ocko conducted him to another door and pushed it open. “ Hyar’s de place!” he said. Bob took one step forward, but he then saw that it was not the place. This new room was dark, havin no Window, and he saw at one glance that iss Reddin n was not there. He tried to turn, but ocko ave him a sud- den push which sent him hal -way into the room, and then walked in after him. “ Set down!” he directed. “Thank you, but I don’t keer for set. Allow m5, ter ask what my friend, Miss Reddington, is “She’ll come purty soon.” “She will, hey .3” ‘5 9? “ Wal, I don’t keer ter loaf ’round hyar an’ do nothin’, fer I’ve ot an engagement wi’ther mayor which orter a’tended to. This is her biz, not mine, an’ ef she can’t come I’d prefer ter ,3 o. “ You can’t go,” said J ocko, sharply. “ I can’t!" H N")I 7? “ Now, on see b ar, I ain’t used fer bein’ talked to ike that. ’ye see arything about me that looks ez though I was a hirelin’ 0 any man? N ot any fer J osephl I’m a free-born rockin’- hoss, I be, an’ ef you don’t git outer my way yoqLIl see me kick, an’ squeal, an’ r’are like sm. j‘ Mebbe you kin make me git outer de way,” said J ocko, belligerently. “.I won’t take my swear on that, fer there is a pile o’ flesh onto ye. ’Cept fer some draw- backs, you’d make a good Bartholdi statoo but all ther ’lectric lights in New York an Siam couldn’t. make ye look purty. Still, ef ye’ve got any liberty instincts about ye, I’d like ter hev ye rove it.’ “ You ta k too _much, you do.” “ Ef ye don’t like my wa , why don’t ye let me it out an’ be red on me?” ui'ou’ve ot fer stay hyar wid me.” “ I hev? ‘yo mean I’m a pris’ner?” “ Dat’s jes’ it.” “ ’Tis, hey? NOW, see him-hm colored frien’, I ain’t wal impressed gy sec words. Don’t take ter ’em fer a cent. . Oll’d better let me 0 or thar’ll be a epidemic. I’m a blue-blooged Tammany warrior, 0’ ther forty-ninth degree, an’ of I put on war-paint an’ take my tommy- hatchet, give yer ther straight tip, gore W111 flow. Lemme out, or I’ll paint ther town red!” Bob tried to look as fierce as he talked, but J ocko was not to be so easily moved. He kept his place-and there was nothing for Bob to do but remain. quiet. The ii 16 room in which he now was, connect- ed with one on each side, but he was wise enough I to be sure that both doors were locked. As has been said, there was no window to the rooni,but a faint light entered through an opening in the wall which led to the front 100111. From that at the rear the boy at one time heard a faint clicking, and he suspected that Riddle was gathering up the pile of coins. Bob took the situation quite calmly. He knew very well that he was among law-breakers it was pretty sure they were counterfeiters, an he did not know what else; and as it was absurd to suppose words of his would move them, he made no serious attempt. He was, however, thoroughly awake. Before the flashy young man had accosted him at Trinity Church, he had been longing for a chance to do detective work. The chance had presented itself much sooner than he expected, and he was resolved to make matters lively for the gang. In thus deciding he did not forget that he was still in the clutches of his enemies, nor was he at all certain they Would willing let him get out. He had by chance stumbled on an important secret. Might not these men try to keep him from telling it by severe measures? CHAPTER III. BOB oars LIGHT. HALF an hour passed. Bob took thin scoolly. He lounged in an easy-chair and freed is mind to J ocko occasionally, but did nothing belliger- ent. Now and then, though, he glanced long- ineg at the hole in the wall, which let in light from the next room. He knew he could quickly go through this if let alone, but the time had not come. At the end of the time before mentioned, there was a distinct rap at the door. Jocko opened it, passed out, then followed a. click which told that the b0 ' was locked in. He sprung to his feet at once. 9 was now alone, and free to act as he thought best. He moved the table toa place under the hole in the wall, mounted it and took a look at the next room. As he had expected, it was Miss Bedldliugton’s, but that young woman was not VlSl > e. Bob saw something else which was of interest ——the whole room was in confusion. “ Cricky!" he exclaimed, “ I’ll bet a pint of peanuts they’ve sloped. ’Pears like ther young woman is inter ther gang, an’ they’ve taken ther scare an’ h’isted anchor!” He listened, but not a sound could he hear from the interior of the house. The rumble of we ons arose from the street, and that was all. or a few seconds he hesitated, and then, with a quick contortion of his agile body, he wormed through the Window and dropped in Miss Reds din n’s room. Still, no one opposed him, and he went to the front of the room. The street In just below. He raised the window and looked own careful- ly, noting the chances of a safe descent. “ Ef I can’t do better I kin go by ther air-line, but I rather admire ther ole-fashioned huff-style. I reckon them boss-flies has gone, an’ I’ll light out an’ ’form ther p‘lice, and try ter make things warm an’ int’restin’ fur them. But hol’ on a jifl" !” IIe had suddenly remembered the scrap of pa- per conveyed to him by Nelva, and he drew it quickly from his pocket. Upon it were a few lines in pencil, which he had no trouble in read- mg: “Escape at once if possible. These men are ter~ ribly wicked, and I don’t know but they will kill you. If you can get away inform the police and tell t em I want to be rescu , . I am awfully afraid of these men. and they have 80% my father shutu as a slave. Oh! in mercy‘s name, help us, and i wi bless you alway s, NILVA. " “ Gosh for all fish-hooks!” muttered Bob, “ that air needs inwesti um. I ’member that coppers ain’t over-favor le ter me, an’ I’ll waltz right down an’ see Mayor Grace. Don’t reckon he’ll ’low nobody ter be kept in bond e in his mooniCipal arena, while ez fer Nelvmagie’s pur- ty. enough ter touch any man’s heart, ’ceptin’ 1111116.. ’m pledged ter another, an’ I cant be perfiditious.” By. this time he had the note put away, and he tried the door. It was not locked. Be open- ed it and looked out into the hall. No one was visible. His opinion that the gang had hastily M the house was con ed, but he paid enough OF tention to prudence to move carefully II he hastily went down-stairs. N o opposedhisdoparture aride wod)onn:hestreet. ’ As he left the house he saw a keen-dyed in- t The Vagabond Detective. who seemed to be passing by chanc that he looked at him sharply, but of it until he had gone several yards when avy hand fell oAhis shoulder. Lookin around, he saw the keen-eyed mam “ That’ do,” said the latter. “ You can’t 0 any further.” ” Can’t I? V by not? D’ye think my patent- leathers has gi’n out, or w’at’s ther fl r?” Bob spoke mildly, for he had an 1 ea which was soon verified. er ’ is that you’re my prisoner.” Ol/lnded innocent “ Oh! you needn’t be so conf I know your game, an for it won’t go down. I know~you. You’re a pal of Jack Huntsman.” . “ So you don’t know him I” sarcastically com- mented the stranger. “ Not em I am aweer on.” “Didn’t you take a package from him beside of Trinity, two hours ago?” “ Oh! that was Jack Huntsman, was it? I did not know his handle afore. But is that w’y ye‘ ‘sa y: ’rest me?” “ ’Low me ter ask of thar’s any law ag'in’ my conveyin’ parcels, mister?” “ There is a law against smuggling diamonds, and you’ll find that when you carry diamonds about in meek-looking bananas, after the on make yourself liable.’ s companion in real amaze- . \ a have been stolen, Bob looked at merit. “ lV’at be ye givin’me?” he demanded. “ Dia— Come boss, my throat is a can’t swaller that.” man’s in bananas! lar Suez canawl, but We will not make any more useless words about it, but to let you see that I am not work- ou what I know. Jack dence man and sharper- in-general and it was he who ot up the scheme g the diamonds in ananas. federate rought them over, but gave the pack- Huntsman near Castle Garden. _ them, with another man, then, or sus ct ing in the dark, I’ll tell Huntsman is a city con though we did not know all that the package had the sparklers in it; an we Broadway. At Trinity he usiness to you, and then you followed Jack u gave the whole _ took a coach and came up here. we’re dead onto you, and if you’re well elf, you’ll Just give out for Number One, and lead the way to where had listened attentively to all thi er doubted the man’s he arrived a an understanding of pal facts of the case. , t’s all right ez fur ez it g agood ways; but you ain’t got a . ain’t no pal o’ ther desperadoes, but a wictim. That’s jest w’at I be—a wictim an’ a innercent. them thar bananas, I admit, but I never t silk-tile bloke afore he an’ I never knowed w’at I was Nonsense!” retorted the man. - Huntsman trust a stran er with thousands of ‘ ’ worth of diamon Bob for a moment; then on know when ack away, look “Why not, of ther stran er was a didn‘t knpw a hood]. was “Oh! come now—don’t be so flesh,” saidthe “ I’m a detective, and I’ve got squeal on Jack ter them A ed inhn severely. will be a good deal better for on.” , It was in vein that Bob ex ained his par afl' . ' ive, whose name all he said, ‘ ,2— eving our young friend an a Huntsman who, it seemed, was an a opt at all sorts of ways that were dark. avating, but not alarming. Bob friends, if he was a street-b0 , who him safely out of his troub e; but take any measures to stop dington and the rest of the ang,‘ but behaving them still in the ouse. er near at hand, and they, duly raided the house. suspected, they found noth— of importance. 11d Biddle and his gang haddisappeared, and parentl gone the yellow coins Chippley would not Rosa Red ' He had a partn "same mi“)! had up Whatever chances had once existed of rescu- ing Nelva seemed growing ra idly less. ‘hippley’s next step wouldliave been to lock the b0 up, but 'Bob insisted so strongly that he shoul be taken to the office of another detective whose name was Wrixley, that his captor yield- ed, and once there Bob was given such a good character that Chippley changed his tune en- tirely and let him go. Now that it was too late, he regretted not having moved as Bob at first advised, and after some delay did start off to run the “ crooks” down. When they were gone the boy turned to Wrixley: “ Be you busy ?” e “I am; head over heels in work. Why?” “ I wish you could take this hyer case,” Bob wistfully ex lained. “I wish could, but it is out of the question. I’m so busy I can’t devote any time to it.” “ Thar’s a confounded pile o’ rascality in it.” “I believe ou. I know some of the parties well. Jack untsman is an old offender, and this Rosa Reddington is his accomplice. It seems those diamonds were brought over from Europe by one of thewgaug and given to Jack near Castle Garden, but he, flndin himself watched, handed them over to you. e took a big risk, but hold ventures often win the game.” ‘One did it this time.” “ Exactly, for Jack would have lost his dia- monds had he done any way except the one he did. ~ But to continue: Then there is the gang at the Houston fireet house who had the yellow coins. Counterfeiters, they, of course.” “ Beyond a oita o’ evidence, I should observe.” “ And Nelva?” said Wrixley, looking though‘- full at B0 .” “ ow e come ter biz,” said the latter bright- ening. ‘ Diamon’s an’ gold coin is all hunk in their way, but w’at is they compared ter flesh an’ blood, an’ sech a gal as she is.” “ You think kill-lgth of her.” “I don’t thi . I know she is a ri, an’ a Heber, an’ all them mythologious airies an’ oddesses—that’s jest w’at she is, and don’t ye urgit it. Now, yer hyer, Wrixley, ye’re a square man.” “ Well?” questioned the detective, smiling. “You orter rescue her outer bondage.” “I would try ef I were not so busy but, as it is, I really can’t make a move. But rhippley is on the case—” “ Yas, like a blind cow outer a flea. He won’t 't no game, Chippley won‘t; he couldn’t find a ole in ther sidewalk, ’less he fell inter it.” Bob spoke with accents of deep regret, for he was very anxious to rescue Nelva. Her touch- ing note was before him to remind him of her lovilgnmjirnful face, and evident sorrow, and not .wouldhave pleased him more than to see Wu. lby takehold of the case. Whenhe saw ethat it was impOSSible he threw back his shoulders, thrust his thumbs into the arm-holes (this ragged vest and nodded empha- tically. “ a], ef fishes can’t fly they kin swim, an‘ I’m gein’ ter takea'ip this ar case. It won’t be m fu’st, far 5’ m0 ‘ r that when Adam W _ n, the: f ‘ ticutnabob wi’ ha -seed inter his ha1r,got inter ‘ , I rescu him. Co uently, Imay I . myself a vet’ran detective, arfl'sz ther pe _ , a ain’t over- flourishin’. I’ll let Stumpy attend“th that branch 0’ ther civil service while I go an’ reform ,them surpentine snakes thet hez got Nelva.” -' ., “ How’ll you do it i” Wrixley doubtfully _ “ I unmest tell now, but you kin bet ersus- ders tlhr’ll be a whistle when I let 0 8mm- , orne philosuif—fer hez said thar’s‘ho sech‘wm‘d ' ’ {mi ,’ an’ ’in oin’ ter win this case or t’ar {Kw fYork all up y ther roots, b’gravyi” , - CHAPTER IV. ' P3, ,a~wor.r m snnrr’s CLOTHING. i ( ‘BEE da 8 passed, and themms no neWs from J ack untsman or the supposed counter- l . . The former had been released soon af- r s arrest, for there was no evidence that he haMbne any smuggling, though Chippley felt v ‘ mare that he had; and that officer’s most in- d I able 'efl'orts had failed to develop any- thing new. . He (sit siuethat diamonds had been smuggled m bumn‘as but the bananas, Jack Huntsman and Rosafieddfiyhmwere ahke missing. . Heqwnot t {only one who was tryi to find the plotters and-inhuman: Bob 0’ the W- ery misalously waiting with the same end in via. 1’ a”; ~~a amaAwl, - , Bob’s‘fatrade,” as y_ indicated, Was that of a " ‘ H stand ‘31! , ehau'a on e Bowery, ymhpmmmwmi an- s other boy nicknamed “Stum‘ ,” but the latter" usually attended to the while Bob went abroad in search of strange commences, or note ed as purchaser for the firm. Since his last adventure, Bob had utterly ne-- glected business. Nearly all his time was de—- voted to thoughts of Nelva. and plans for rescu- ing1 her, and he haunted Broadway persist- en y. He did this because he thought it was the best place. to find Jack Huntsman, and if he once got his eyes on that person he intended to follow im. But one day followed another until, as before- Stated, three passed and there was no sign of Jack nor of his confederates. BO had grown uneasy. He had patience enough to keep the watch for a month, but, in. the meanwhile, what was happening to Nelva. and that father whom he represented as being shut up as a slave” by her own enemies. Delay might be dangerous, and Bob fretted more and more as time passed. _ Hour after hour be haunted Broadwa Nate]? mg for flashy Jack Huntsman or Miss ddjng" ' ton, but it was not until the fourth day that he saw anything to arouse him from monotonous waiting; 0n t at afternoon he was sauntering along near Great Jones street when two young men» passed him, moving up Broadway at a brisk pace. They were fashionabl dressed, wore tall hats. and carried the prevai ng style of canes, which seemed to Bob more fitted for fire-pokcrs than anything else. and, on the whole, made quite a show ina certain wa . I Now ncithcr of t cse men had a familiar face, yct Bob came toa halt and azed after them very thoughtfully, his attention being fixed shar ly on one in particular. “ s it, or ain’t it?” he muttered. “ Ez Macbeth Hamblet said ter his wife. ‘Is this a dagger I see, or is it Jack Huntsman?’ ” Bob removed his old cap and scratched his head With unconscious vigor. “ It don’t look like ther bloke, for this feller is . black enough ter be a Hottentot dude, but ther is a familiar unfamiliarity in ther way he slings. his hufi‘s. it, or— Go ’way! it can’t be. This hyer chap is a furriner, fer sure, an’ Jack is one 0 Uncle Sam’s chickens, though I s’pect some- body shp ed a buzzards egg inter ther nest. likely than that Mister J ark, knowin’ ther storm- scifiiallis put, hesI got intfir a dis iiise ter delude ey s Wigi ance? 0511 ’ll am‘ble ’lon artgi'pthem bloods!” g ’ g The decision was no sooner made than Bob’ started. quarry had not observed him, and the pursuit was en so he followed them up" Broadway nearly to nion Square. His suspicmn was gaining ground, for though the watched man seemed several shades darker ‘ than Jack Huntsman, the boy believed he cOuld see man of that man’s old nzovz ments. _Near welith street they stopped to look in a ' Window, and Bob pulled his cap lower over his face. and boldly advanced to their side. His idea was to overhear the dark man talk- ~ ing, but just as he arrived the second man was slapped on the shoulder by a third young blood, who exclaimed: ( “ Hallo, Murdough! If you want to star-gaze look higher.” The man addr started, looked alarmed, Bob thought, and t 'es laushcd. “Oh! is it on, Tn pton? Glad to see you. How is eve t mg? 1: me introduce you to “gain. Count, my friend, Mr. Stuyvesant. 't‘on.” ‘§y friend, ount Ivan Royalschofl’, late of I pondercus names almost ralyzed Bob, but-he gave attention topathat of, the Russian. and xed it' firmly in his mind. even while waiting to hear. the noble count speak. yalschofi' spoke; and. his English was very broken and im rteat, but Bob, who had not lived near the it“... 411411999 nears Without meeting people of a; "nations decxded that it was even worse than?“ attemp of a Russian. “He ain’t no disci 1e 0’ ther czar, he ain’t,” theiigbt the boy. “ islln o is more Frenchy, but it'ain’t none on ’em. . ’m enter yer voice, ' my dark-complexioned frien’, an' 1’11 pat u my I. ,. peanutvstand, nails an’ 1:11, 9‘ YOU ham’t Bfister ' detective not to- Huntsman. E-squme! ’ Very careful'was the young , betray th fact that hp was acting the , . was now coking in the Window and his back , . was toward the men' butOhe heard all ‘ continued to analyze e vowe of the reputed: ‘4- coun r “ The conversation which he heard was dub. '_ sushi: . -.'.- W‘s. ,., _. ~ / l I. intestine; in}; i V. 5 .é‘yrf ‘ Hol on a it, Robert, my frien’, for w’at is more ‘ ' NP .fi The Vagabond Detective. 5 u..— consequence in itself, except that part in which .Murdough announced that the Russian was his guest for the time being, and then he said in an aside to Trippton that the count was a very rich and noble man in his own country. “ Gammon!” thought Bob. “ Sing Sing is full 0’ jest sech nobles, an’ they‘re an ’count neither.” Trilmton finally went his way, and Murdough and {oyalschotf kept on up—town. \Ve nec'l scarcely say that Bob followml. He was now anxious to know where Mur- dough lived. “'hcn ho had learned that, he would deliberate on the future. Ho naturally supposed that Jack had inado a fool and victim of Murdough, and led the latter to take him in as so many weak-minded aristocrats_ take in titled foreigners, simply because of their titles; but if such was the case Bob intended to show the young blood that he was the one who had been “ taken in.” . Still, the young detective noticed that Mur- -dough had a dissipated look, and he was not so sure about the state of affairs. . He followed the men past Union Square, and to one of the streets between that point and Madison Square, and saw them enter a very imposing house. Standing at a. safe distance, he reconnoitcred the house and tried to decide what he ought to do next. He had very clearly settled the int that Count Ivan Royalschoff was Jack untsnian, and had he been as reckless as some people, his first step would have been to call at the house and denounce him. Luckily, Bob was too wise for this. He knew it was not probable any one would believe him, and such a rash move would alarm Jack. No; his proper way was to “lay low” and [continue to spy upon the sharper. W'hile standing thus, Bob saw a negro boy emerge from the basement door and advance toward him, and his active mind at once formed ,a scheme for getting more points in the ame. He had an orange in his ket, an by the 'time_ the colored boy arrived e had it ready for a bait. “Hallo!” he said. “ How’d ye like ter wob- ble er jaws ’round that thar golden sphere?” T e negro boy grinned. “Looks mighty good ” he said, wisMtu. “Jess try it an’ see at it fllfulls yer expections. I’ve jes’ b’en a-eatin’ oranges all day, an’ I feel . like a alderman arter a session. Do it pan out wal, m frien’?” “Bu 1y,” said the other lad, using his teeth with zeal. “ I’m rejoiced ter hear it, ez I hev an ambi- tion ter be a benefactom o’ ther human race. I’m pleased ter see ye look fat an’ healthy. Got a. good place?” “ Poot fa’r.” , “Many in ther fambly?” H 77 “Three, hey? Name is Murdough, I b’lieve?” H Yas. 9? The colored boy was too busy with the orange “:to waste many words. “ \V’ot‘s ther boss‘s name 3” “ Z’l’ander. " “ IV’otZ" The name was repeated. “ Oh! I unnerstan’. You talk wuss than a chicken wi’ ther croup w’cn yer a-chawin’ that oran e, b’gosh. Alexander, or say? Alexan- «der ll urdough, I s’pose. V‘Va , he’s one. \Vho’s t’others?" “ His two chiflun, Albert 1111’ Dora.” “Um! Did I See Albert jes’ go in?” “ Yas: him an’ de count.’ “ \Vho’s the count?” “ He’s a Rushing, and his name is Even Ras- 'selcoif,” the negro clearly ex lained. “Ivan Royalschoff, hey? Val, w’at’s he do. in’ inter ther elder Murdough’s palatial edi- fice?” “ Oh! he’s dar ’cause he’s a bi man—I ’Speck he’s bigger dan der President, do—leastways, .I know do Murdoughs is mighty ggod ter him, an’ I ’speck he’ll marry Miss Dora. “ That a fuck?” “| Yes )9 “Hum 11! What sort 0’ a mistress is she, anyhow . ‘She’s do bestest girl in dis city, she Is. Say, ye wouldn’t go back on me arter I’ve eat yer orange?” “ Nary a time.” “Den I’ll say she’s an angel, is Miss Dora; but ez fer Murdough an’ dat young Al- bert I don’t hke dem fur a cent.” “ That’s “31115 an, Proper. Is Alexander real- ly rich?” “ He’s rollin’ in money.” “ An’ he seems ter want his darter ter marry that air black-hided Russian, does he?” “Yas, but young Albert seems dc most anx- ious. But I can’t stop no longer, ’ca’se I’m on a errand. Thank ye for de orange, an’ good— day.” ' The negro left, leaving Bob to meditate anew. “Thar’s something crooked hyar, or I’m a blind goslin’ with a church debt in my crap. I reckon Alexander Murdough 1's tooken by that air Russian, fer of he’s got lots 0’ cash he would- n‘t lot no sech hunibwr spark his darter—not any, for J Osoph. “'aljilistcr Jack Huntsman, you’re a good ’iin, ain't ye? IV’at’ll ye hev yer fingers inth next? Ye ought ter be in Sing Sing, b’gOsh, nn‘ I’m jest ther p’isen-fanged wasp ter mt ye thar. I’m Bowery Bob, detec- tivo, an’ ‘in right onto yo like Government glue I be!” At this point his thoughts were interrupted. A hand was laid lightly on his arm, and he turn- ed and Saw a young man of twenty—five—a rather goorl-lmrking fellow but one who had a flashy air which recalled Huntsman at once to the boy’s mind. “ ’Nother o’ ther brood, b’goshl” was his un- spoken verdict. “ See here, young fellow, are you busy?” ask— ed the stranger. “Wal, no,” replied Bob deliberately; “trade ain’t drivin’.” “ Do you want to earn a quarter?” “My frien’, you can bet yer high—heeled shoes I do,” Bob freely acknowledged. “ You can have the money by delivering this note at the fourth house yonder——Murdough is the name on the door. If on can read you will see it is addressed to cunt Ivan Royal- schofl’. I want you to in uire for him, and de- liver the note to nobody e se. See?” Bob thought he sawa good deal more than the man intended he should, and he nodded promptly, showing no particular interest. “I should rec-mark that I do see. ’Tis ez cl’ar ez Croton. Give us ther note an’ ther quarter, an’ I’ll put ’em whar they’ll do ther most good, ez ther mouse said When he swaller- ed ther cat.” “Very good; don’t fail to do ther job right. I’m in haste and must leave, but do you give the note to Royalschofi’.” CHAPTER V. BOB GETS INTO nor QUARTERS. THE flashy oung man re ted his directions earnestly, an then hurri away, jumped on a Fourth avenue up-tOWn car and was soon whisk— ed out of Bob’s sight. The boy shut one eye and looked after him speculatively. “ Farewell, my royal nibs, an’ ef forever, why, so-long. I’ve ot yer quarter, an’ I’ve got yer note, an’ I ’mem r I promised ter put them whar they’d do ther most good. That ain’t in they hands 0’ ther Russian no-’count count, not fer Jose )h! I ain’t in ther habit o’ burglarizin’ letters, or I allow ’tain’t square, but when deal- in’ wi’ sech lop-cared co 'otes ez you an’ Ivan, thar hez ter be a specie bill put through ther House 0’ Lords. I’m goin’ ter see w’at is con- tained in this dockyment.” the young detective turned the corner and, stepping into a deep doorway broke the en velope Open, Then he read the following letter: “ DEAR Conan—Come to No. —— Seventeenth street 8t 9111*“ LO'mght, without fail. The girl is contu- mabjlous~ and may make trouble. “e want your adVICO- Shall able to ship the yellow boys in two days. Come WithOUt fail! Bob‘s face brightened, The whole tenor of. the letter seemed vitally important. In his 0 inion the irl referred to was Nelva, Whlle W at could t 9 reference to “yellow boys” mean unless it was the counter- feit money? And the signature! Bob had not forgotten that when he carried the bananas for Hunts- man, his orders had been to first ask for Ethan ames and, in case he was not in the Houston street house, for Miss Reddmgton. . “Wal, now, at this ain’t biz, w’at is ,'it? Reqkon that chap didn’t s’peet who he ‘was a-givm’ this due—billy to. Must be I ain’t got a perfeshnal look, Denver this ’ere dockyment ter Count No’count? Oh! yes, I will-Snot! I'm enter a ripple in ther game, an’ I won’t let no grass grow under my cowhides afore I in- vesti ate. I’m goin’ straight asi- No. — Seven- teent Street {in take a look at that air mansion, an’ ef Nelva is shet up inter it, I'll hev her out or bu‘st my boot-heels off, b’gosh i” “ Ernim EAHES. " The young detective lost no time in mak' the first move in this direction, but at once set off for Seventeenth street. \Vhen he arrived at the stated number, he found the house to be alarge one which had once been quite grand, but time had laid a heavy hand upon it, and it now looked grim and lonesome. lt stood somewhat back from the street, and was surrounded by a small yard, and Bob found that he could not learn much about it from that mint. 1 He looked wishfully at the yard. He could easily scale the fence, but would it be prudent! “ I’ll try it, of they set a Siberian blood-suck- er onter me. I feel a fcclin‘ that I kin learn enough ter make it a joodicious inwestment, so hyar goes!” With one last look to make sure no watcher was in sight, he leaped over the fence and then took refuge in the shrubbery with which the yard was filled. Of course it was leafless, but it served as protection enough. Using it carefully, Bob gained the rear of the house. Then he saw for the first time that a. piazza ran along one end and the rear, which was really the best part of the house, and a dar- inrowoff, {111’ company, is incin- bers. Kerosene ‘ile an’ ketchup! this is ameasly sort 0’ a banquet, an’ it rayther chills my detec- tive blood W’Cn I see w’at big game I’m aI‘tcr.” Bob rubbed his nose ruefully, and then sud- denly throw back his head and shoulders. “It don’t stan’ a civilized American citizen for be skeeer by any devastatin’ epidemic knowed ter mah, an’, b’gosh, I won’t take water ——not for Joseph! I’ll keep on an’ un’arth that nest o’ serpentine vipers, an’ all their hissin' sha’n’t skeer me. H11 hil Mr. A. Murdough. E-squire: won‘t you be so tickled cr moccaSIDS will drop off w’en 'er see me t is eve? You would jest revel in gittin’ me inter yer meale fl old carriage so ye could shot me up in a prison, some’r’s, wouldn’t ye? But ou can’t; no, sir- ree, boss—fly! I sha’n’t keep t at ’ agement, but ye needn’t be lonesome ef my Beaming face don‘t rise above ther horizonc. I’m arter ye, Murder, ole boy, au’ when I git thar ye’ll think a cyclone hez come from 'l‘imbuctoo by ex. press!” Half an hour after Bob’s departure, Dora Min-dough was summoned to her father’s room. Whatever was in the old man’s mind, his face showod no trace of trouble. Perhaps the time since Bob’s going had not been one of pleasant thoughts, but he had a strong will, and if he really felt alarmed by what had lately occurred, he had conquered his annoyance so far as out- ward signs went, and be greeted her with a blaiidncss which rather surprised her. Usually he was not a very pleasant man; he had never wasted any affection on either Dora or Albert, and, on the whole, there was no strong liking between him and his present coni- pamoii. 1 As a result, his unusual suavity surprised icr. “Sit down, my dear,” he said; “ I have something of inqmrfance to say to you. Within an hour I expect a caller, whom you do not now know, but whom I desire you to receive pleasantly.” “ Do 1 ever receive your guests otherwise?” asked Dora, freshly surprised. “Oh no; I do not mean to convey that idea. Ilut this is something more than an ordi~ nary guest.” .. “ “ho is he?” Mr. Mui'doueli smiled faintly. “ You have used the wrong pronoun; the word ‘he’ requires an ‘s’ before it. The expected guest is a lady.” $6 1” The single word expressed a good deal, for the way in which the announcement had been i'ipproached, suggested an idea to the young (1( “Not to have you waste our time in conjec- tures,” added Murdough “ it me say that she is a member of a noble old Creole family of New Orleans, and is, at present, named Miss Lethroe. ll'ithin a WCOk I hope to see her called Mrs. Alexander Murdougli !” The speaker leaned back in his chair and tried to assume a careless air, but his aze was fixed on Dora‘s face with almost hawk-like keen- i iess. Although this was merely confirmation of her SUS)lClOll, the young lady felt SOHIGWhat star- tled. She could not remember her own mother, and consequently felt less pained at the thought of another woman in he? )lafl‘; but though she recognized her father’s rlg t to proceed accord- ing to his own )leasure, it seemed contrary to all propriety to ave an utter stranger thrust into the famil so abruptly. Murdough (id not fail to read her expreSSion. “I have known. Miss Lethroe for years,” he added, “ and this is no sudden move. She has livod in Philadelphia, and I have mm a 00d deal of time in her presence. You will like 61‘, I am sure.” “ Why have you never told me of her before?” asked Dora, a troubled look on her face. Mr. Murdougli clcared his throat twice before replying. “\Vell, you know I am naturally a secretive man—at least, so people say—and one never likes to speak too much about affairs of the heart.” The Speaker looked like anything but an ar- dent lover. Iiis face was grim, and he almost swirled upon Dora. . “chll,” she said, qumtly, “of course I shall receive well any 0110 Who is to occupy 511011 a position in re paid to on.” “ Quito rig t ,my 0111‘: I felt sure I could de- pend on you. it our mother has now been so long absent from Us that there can 1 e no impro- priety in mV lll‘lghtening my lattcr toys with one who—u mini—regards me so highly “5 Miss Lethroe (1005." , Probably this sentiment had not been pro ar- ed in advance, and it did not seem to please Ir. Murdough. He hurried on and 581d he was then gomg to bring Miss Letln‘oe. and that they would appear before the end of an hour. He took his departure, leavmg Dora in any- thing but a hap mood. “Is it foolishness on m 2811,” She thought, “or will the comin 0 this woman, as I fear, destroy in ca? have 5" Presentiment that I shall not ii 9 her, Mid“ B“ I dOD’t know that II can be more discontented than I have been of ate.” .-3\¢-- / I The Vagabond Detective. 9 As she spoke she chanced to look from the window and saw Albert Murdough and Count Royalsehoif approaching the house. She made a gesture of repugnance and prompt— ly retreated from view. Of late both her fath- er and brother had sounded the praises of the so- called Russian persistently in her ears, but she disliked and feared the man. I’ooi' Dora! She was the only onein that house who was honorable and true, and the hands of her i'ascally relatives \vm‘e placing thorns in her path. Had she suspected that Royalschoff was no Russian, but an adroit city sharper named Jack Huntsman, she might Well have wondered what dark hands were moving tho pieces over the chess-board of life7 and to what end they were playing the game. She knew enough to be unhappy, but not enough to suspect the gigantic frauds and schemes with which she was surrounded. In the meanwhile, Alexander Murdougli had left the place and gone to another house on W'est Nineteenth street. There he was promptly ad- mitted, and was men joined in the parlor by “ Miss Letliroe.” It was Well for this scion of the “honorable old Creole family” that Bowery Bob was not there to see her, for she was none other than Rosa Reddington! Yes, "Miss Lethroe” was the accom )lice of the various shai yrs of our story, and t is was the woman Mur ough was preparing to take as his wife. The aged lover, who was going to “ brighten his latter days” by his marriage, nodded indif- ferently. “Sit dewn,” he said. “ Aren’t I going to call on Miss Murdough?” asked Rosa, a little sharply. “ Ah! yes.” “ Then why not go now?” “ I doth believe in h ing a funeral. Do not be alarmed, my dear Miss Lethroe, you shall go to the mansion unless some detective drops on you previousl .” Rosa stamped or foot. “ W'hy do you speak of such things?” “Detectives are like Old Nick; you can keep them off by ignoring their existence. However, 1 hope they won’t drop on us, and b the end of a fortnight we Will, i all goes we] get rid of the latest lot of money, be marri , 0 on our wedding tri ) and forget to return ut that isn’t what I ave to say. You know that infer- nal boy of whom you told me?” H 3, “ I’ve seen him." “Since last night?” “ To-day.” “ \Vherc f” “ In my library.” “ that .4" “ I repeat it: he has been in my library. The youn"r hound actually called on me.” “ l- as he discovered that you are Cap Gol- den?” “ N0.” “ Then why did he visit you?” , “ It seems that old fool of a Hannah tattled J0cko last night. while the street Arab was In the house, and the latter overheard her say that Albert and Dora were not my children, so he came to tell me about it.” “Great heavens! we are ruined l” cried Rosa, in alarm. “ No, We’re not. I’ll fix all that. I’ve M‘- ranged for Mr. Bowery Bob to take a ride with me to-night in my carriage, and I’m going to chloroform him and execute the job Chug Bates planned—feed him to the East river fishes.” “ Perhaps you‘ll be as unlucky as Chug was.” .“ Never 'ou fear,” MUFdOUg confidently rc- p1ied, “ \ 'hatever _I undertake, do_ Few men could have ca rried on all the daring schemes I have to my cwdlt» and, my success In them argues well for the future. ’ . “\Vhat will become of The Comer when we leave here?” thoughtfully asked Rosa. . “ My innocent lamb (10 you 511 he W111 be allowed to go free? 0; he wont rum ")0 inst redemption. But he will not go free: Vi hen he is no longer required as a slave, h" MO 085 on}? too, like a candle. Possibl he and ob W} 81801) ther in the river. Uta 9110“ h 0' “119- Get 1' y, Miss Lethroe, and let us CO. on your future step-daughter. Ahl how you two Will love each otherl ’ CHAPTER IX. TIDINGB or rm: DIAMONDS. “ W’AT I need most now is developments. I’ve found out beyond a. shudder o' doubt that my game is big game, fur isn’t A. Murder, E-sqmre, 'b’gosh, but ther a. nabob 0’ ginerous proportions?—but I can’t pass over atfydavys tcr prove thet he‘s inter ther )lZ. My only bolt is ter lay fur some o’ ther gang, dog ’cin tei‘ whar ther ‘ queer’ is made, an’ let loose ther dogs an” cats 0 cai'na rc, cz ther poick shot off his jaw ter remark. 'lhat’s ther blooiiiin’ idce;et' kiii show a few bushels o’ bogus yeller coins, I reckon ther coppei's won‘t hump their Grecian noses at me so much arter this. The spcakcr was Bob o’ the Bowery. He had eaten dinner since his visit to Alex- antler Murdougli, and was now making a tour of Broadway with the hope that he would hap- pen on Cling Bates or some other member of the gang. His attentive eyes saw everything but the way, and when he reached the jewelry store. of a ccr— tain merchant who had often given him a kind word at his Bowery peanut—stand, he saw a fine private turnout in lll'1 )llth it. Carelesst he glanced ntthe carriage. The door was closed and the curtain down, but, just as the, boy looked, the latter was for a moment shoved partly aside and a female face became visible. Then the curtain dropped, but Bob had seen enou rh to bring him to a sudden halt. U ess he was greatl ' mistaken, the lady in the carriage was Rosa I cddingtoiil Bob was wide awake in a moment. He felt sure he had not been seen, for there was quite a crowd on the sidewalk, passing up and down Broadway, and he quickly slipped into a door— waly and stood on the watch. en minutes assed. The female face did not appear, but Bo was patient. He also took ad- vantage of the pause to count his money, and, finding that he had nearly a dollar, fixed his gaze on one of the cheaper class of cabs standing near at hand. “I may want ye d’rectly,” he said, “ far of Dutchess Reddington is in that wehicle, I’m goin’ ter foller her of ther hull town don’t collapse wi’ spontaneous 'bu’stiflcation.” He turned his gaze back and then his face brightened. A man had just come out of the jewelry store and he was as well known to Bob as was Miss Heddington. It was his best of the forenoon. “ Hell", Murder, old Boy !" muttered the young detective. “ I’ll be shook dizzy of you ain’t on ther rain-page ag‘in. You ’n’ Miss R. is it? \Val, you‘re a daisy nair, you be, an’ I ev an idee in my brain-basket that this hyar visit ter a chelry shop means biz. I’m goin’ter know, fu'st duty is ter hive your female chum.” Murdough had entcred the carriage with Miss Reddington, and Bob ran to the discnga red cab am told the driver he wanted to hire '5 outfit. The man looked superciliously at the speaker’s dress. “ You do?“ he scoffed. “That's w‘at I said, wa’n't it?” "Why, ye poor crittei'LI Wouldn’t dare to carry you in my cab. 3 our clothes are so mighty ragged that when We jouneed over the pavement they’d fail to hold you together and you’d bu'st.” “ See yer,” angrily retortcd Bob, lookin<1r after the retreating carriage. “cf you’ve live long enough ter color yer nose that red, an’ ain’t bu’st with sech a cargo 0’ $115 011 1mm}, 3'0 neodn’? be a{cm-(1 0’ me. Mebbo 'e Won‘t curl yer hairy lip with scorn cf I say t :em air rags o’ mine is lined with l'ncle Sam’s best gold I” Here Bob clinked his money—a sound no cab- inan can resist; and in a very Short time Bob was in the vehicle and rolling along in pursuit of the other carriage. Murdough had taken “Miss Lethroe” tosec Dora, and they Were now lioinewai'd bound, and as neither suspected that they were )ursncd, and it was supposed that the woman ad kg )1} horse”: closely screened from sight, the exl i- tion was not regarded as in judicious. Bob, however had soon won one more move in the game. He knew where Rosa Reddington was stopping. ' He made a careful surch 0f the exterior of the house, and decided that it was not likely that it was a resort of the gang. It looked thoroughly respectable. b did not try to follow Murdough further, but dismissed his own cab and started to walk back to the eWeh-y store. , S pect I d impress ther boss more forcible ef I s ter dash up w1 four or six steamin’ charge”, but sech luxuries cost lucre, an’ I ain’t got no stock in a gas comp’ny this year. But ther jew- elr man knows me, an’ it‘ll be all hunk.” e entered the store, but did not succeed well at first. A smart clerk was going to “bounce” him because he wore rags instead of diamonds, but the proprietor suddenly appeared and put an end to the trouble. “ Aren’t you the boy who keeps a peanut stand on the Bowery!” he asked. “ I’m that same ldL‘Hthlt) iiabob,” the young sleuth replied, “ an" I wantei' put an interroga~ tory to ye.” “ Do so, by all means. ll'liat is it, my boy?" “ You‘ve frequently inwested yer nickels at thci‘ curbstone store 0’ Bob Bowery, Stumpy 8.: Cu, ain’t ye!” “Quite often.” “ J cs’ so, jes so. “'al, did over me or Stumpy givn yo any cheap talk. or insult ye, or threaten ter absorb ther mud wi‘ ye, or eroducatc ther (inst f" “ Never 1" “ Then,” said Bob, one hand in his pocket and the index finger of the other pointin at the guilty clerk, “allow me fer tci' ask w iar‘fore flmtgorilla threatened ter tire me through ther dooi'.’ I mean him thar—thiit chap who would look like a portable cane, only fer ther way he parts his lia‘r. That gives him sorter a Chim- panzce look.” The clerk retreated to the further end of the room in haste, and the indignant young detec- tive was pacified by the clerk’s master. “ ’Courso I don’t blame you,” said Bob, “ but ther young man thai' should l‘arn that folks 0’ blue blood an’ freckles, like me, are nat‘rally o’posed tcr liorse—stylc remarks. But that ain t biz an’ biz is w’at nu. t y bi'ung me hyar. “'ill ye llow me ter put a solemn interrogatory ?” “ Certainly. Proceed!” l ‘,‘ D’ye know one A. Murdough, ter wit, name- 3’?" “Mr. Murdough? Oh, yes.” “ He war in hyar this P. M. ?” A‘ Yes.” “ “'ill ye kindly ’low me tcr ask W’at fer?” “ To get some diamonds set.” “ He was, hey?” tl X'es. 77 “ I thought so, b’gosh I" “And if 'ou had those diamonds, my boy, you would >e a very rich man. A thousand dollars for every year of life you’ve seen would not buy them.” “Hum!” quoth Bob, dryly. der’s!” “ Mr. Murdough’s? Oh! he owns them, but who will Wear them I don’t know. Probably his daughter.” “ “'as they in settin‘s afore he brung ’em?” “ They had been, but had been taken out. The gems were old heirlooms in his family.” “Bananas!” exclaimed Bob. “ No, no; I said llOll‘ltXllllS. An heirloom is something which has been handed down through succchive generations of a family.” “Yas, I know ye said heirloam,” coolly re- lied Bob, “ but while ye was talkin’ about 0am, my mind sorter run on bananas, some- how. Allow me for ask how long ’twill be afore ye liev them sparklers set, an’ ready fer Murder ter take home?” “ Just about a week.” “ An‘ '9 won’t d'liver ’cin aforc?” “ See iere, my boy, why are you anxious to know about the diamonds!” more seriously ask- ed the jeweler. Bob was at a loss for a reply for just a mo- ment or so. He saw how easy it would be for the merchant to suspect that he had designs of a burglarious nature on the ems. and, while he could not think of tellingt ie whole truth, felt the need of some explanation to maintain his reputation. Ie therefore allowed his face to relax into a smile. “ “'al, I ain’t at liberty f cr ter cloocidate ther hull biz; but I give ye a ( uiet ti) that ther is tcr be a ball ’mongst ther ipper l‘en next week an’ that them cz wears ther most diaiizon’s is ther most adniircd. Furdermore, thar is a sar- t’in young woman as is in a terrible takin’ tcr know of her rival is goin’ ter wear ther Kohi- neor, yer know.” Here Bob winked knowingly to the jeweler, and the latter laughed. Bob had told no fic- tion, but his artful words left due impression on the rentlenian’s mind. “ See—it’s the old case of feminine jealousy. \Vel], I wouldn’t have been so confidential had I suspected 'ou were the agent of a Murray Bill be] e, but I’guess there’s no great harm done.” “Not by me, ner you. boss; that‘s ez true ex lemons is lemons,” Bob replied. He did not prolon his call, but left the store and walked on towar Union uare. “ Be they Mur- “Ef I ain’t outer one part 0 ther racket I’ll 10 .... a. The Vagabond Detective. be chawed by rhinossernoscs. Them sparklers w’at was brung over in ther Mayflower, or some other craft, an was innercently couve 'ed by me in bananas is now in that ’ere shop cz ol( Mun ler’s pussonal reperty. Fam’ly heirloams, is they? bo’s Sing Sing an’ Bartholdi’s statue. Murder, ole stock you’re a deep ’un, you be, an’ it does me proud ter lock horns wi‘ scch a big giraffe.” Despite this assertion Bob (lid not feel quite sure how he was to get the best of Murdough. He had reached Union Square, and he looked up at the top of the tall electric light tower and mentally admitted that it was no higher above the bench than Murdough was above him. “ Ef I’s ter go tcr ther p’lice an’ tell them w’at I know an’ suspect, they’d laugh at me. Could— n’t git ’cm ter deseend an’ seize them sparkle? s, nohow, I s’pose. \Val, I dunno cz I wantcr; I’ll keep on an’ git ther hull game in my hands, an’ then I’ll jest let loose ther dogs an’ cats 0’ war. I won’t be too )I'cvio11.<—not fer Joseph l” He continua to sit there for some time, look- ing as grave as a judge. Several boys were 'pla ing in the middle of the square, chasing one other around and diving in and out of the now ,cm )ty water—basin, but Bob hardly gave them a t ought. All his attention was on business. He was still there when he saw something which suddenly aroused him. A colored man passed rapidl by and in the burly figure and coarse, brutal ace Iiob was not slow to recognize J oeko. “Hess-chestnuts an’ huckleberries! hyer is jest ther chance I hankcr arter. Jocko, ole chap, I’m arter ye like a dude arter a wasp- waisted coat. I’ll fold my tent an’ press ther pavement right whar you do!” The big negro (lid not appear to have seen Bob; indeed, he had the manner of one wholly absorbed With meditation; and he passed through the square and up Fourth avenue at a rapid pace. ‘ Now, it seems sorter ree-markable that Mr. Detective Chippley can’t strike some 0’ thcr ay—(lirt layin’ ’round so promiscu’s. W’at was his two eyes gi’n him fer, anyhow I’d like tcr inquire? Why, of I weighed a. hund’ud an’ ninety-nine unds, an’ measured seven feet ’round ther Itii'ead—bask t, like he does, I’d hev this gang inter hock in ther shake o’ a rat’s tail!” Bob was not Chipplcy, but he was an ener- getic boy, and it is seldom such a young chap gets “left.” He did not intend to be left this time, and he followed closely on Jocko’s heels, at not near enough to run any great risk. '0 had pulled his ca down over his eves, and unless the negro ooked closely Bob did not fear recogni- tion. The bi man walked up Fourth avenue for several b ocks, and then tflrned to the right. The pursuer felt encouraged. There was a dis- trict 1 ing over toward East river which was just the place he thought the missmg gang would like as a. hidin - ace, and he continue his journey in Jockos rear with fresh confi- dence. CHAPTER X. THE TRAIL GROWS HOT. J OCKO finally aroused from his thoughtful air ’and seemed to Ea more attention to his sur- roundin _ s, and e was not at a loss to account for the act. “He’s gittin’ nigh his roost, an’ cz it stands ter reason he’ll look tcr see cf anybody is dog- gin’ him—he won’t wanter give ther roost away —he’ll look ter see whar ther rest 0’ mankind is. I’ve got ter be keerful.” The oung detective was not only careful but shrew . The first time Jocko looked squarely around, Bob was standing innocently by a win- dow, looking inside at the goods; the next time, he was out of sight in a doorway. The ne 0 seemed satisfied and, after going a little furt er, turned Into an area and entered a. basement door. “ E Pluribusl” muttered Bob, looking at the building, “ther stock 0’ B. Bowery, Vidoq & C0,, goes up like a. b’loon. Jocko seems tcr home ther, an’ I’ll bet a quart o’ peanuts, all ma that The Coiner an’ Nelva is confined thar. ms 'est ther place for crooked work. Ther Ioomy rent of spice reminds me o’ ther Frenc Bastile at Hong Ho, Chmy. Reg’lar prison look, it hez, an’ seems fit tor shot up slaves inter.” He sauntered ast the house scanning it secretly, but main ining anair of being wholly unconcerned. Every curtain in. the house seemed down, ex- cept at the fourth floor windows, and the Whole place had a lonely, deserted aspect. “ VVery suspicious!” thought Bob. “ I hev an internal feelin’ that thar‘s crooks in thar. Now, of I was Inspector Byrnes or Superintendent \Valling, I‘d jest walk in outer them for onc’t, but cz I’m Bowery Bob, I s‘posc— Hello ."’ The last exclamation was one of surprise and delight, and was occasioned by the appearance at an upper window of a face far from strange to him. It was that of Nelva. The Coiner's daughter. Bob looked breathleSsly, but even then he no- ticed that me Was pale, and that her face had a Weary, inii“"il‘.1§(‘XPI‘CSrltll as :l:e grind (u: on the open wt rid. “151,1th I’m outer ther trail, sure as dyna- mite, an’ it seems sorter warm. She’s thar, an’ —Hello!” ’ Nclva was no longer visible. The pale face had disappeared with a suddenness which led him to believe she had been jerked bflt'k by an unfriendly hand, but, just before she disap pcarcd, Bob had seen a new look flash to lll'l‘ face; a sudden brightness. while her gaze was surely turned toward the strt ct. “ She seen me, by jinks!” was his mental comment, “ but I dunno ez that‘ll do much good. I’erobably it’ll lead her ter think I'm a rcg’lar plaster-headed dude, fer she seems tcr ’magine all I’ve got ter do is ter call on ther p’lice an’ they’ll send a rig’ment o’ coppers. But they won’t, narv time, fer Joseph—nor fer me, nuther. lV’en I take ther war—path I hev tcr do my own skulpin’.” The boy loitcred near long enough to satisfy himself that Nelva would not reappear, and then, as it was decidedly imprudent to remain where the counterfeitch might see him, walked on down the street. “ I feel a terrible hankerin’ ter git inside that temple 0’ crookedness, an’ (f thar's a way tcr do it, I’m goin’ in,” he decided. “ I’m aweer the '- ’re tough tickets, but a detective hez] ter ta e some risk.” Accordingly he made his way around to the next street. judging from the character of the place he thought it possible there might be some means of communication between the two thor- oughfares, so that he could get at the suspected house from the rear. In the first estimate he was proved correct, for not only did he find an alley, but at one point a new building was going up to replace an old one; and these points taken with the fact that the back-yards were full of various kinds of shanties, and distinguished by broken-down fences, made the place a sort of wilderness. Bob had no trouble in recognizing the par- ticular house of which he was in quest, for he had noted a peculiarity about the chimney, and, as at the front, all the curtains were down. He eyed it keenly. “ Doors all shot, an’ I’ll bet they’re fastened. How am I oin’ tor effect a admittance?” His way id not appear clear, but after some time he saw what seemed a chance, though a rather desperate one. The second house from that of the “ crooks ” was a deserted one, and several boys were pla - ing on the roof, which was flat and easin gained. From that it was easy to go to the next house, and dthCIl the one he wanted to enter lay just be- '011 . All this was easily planned, but Bob saw the difllculties in the way of executing his plan. The greatest of these were the danger of being seen and arrested for trespass or burglary, and the probability that all the windows of the further house were fastened. “Don‘t a’prove on’t a tall.” the boy discon- solately muttered. “ Thar‘s a law ’g’in breakin’ 'an’ cnterin’, an’ thar’s a place called Sing Sing, but w’at is a feller goiu ter do? Is that little gal an’ her dad tor remain cz slaves right h ar in this classic town? Not any. fur Joseph! It s ther dut o’ ther hour that I pit 'em outer bond- age. A 0 Lincoln libertlzed ther colored folkses an’, b’gosh, I reckon I’ve a right ter free ther white ones.” . This ingenious arnmcnt settled the question m his mud, and he egan operations. It was not hard togain the roof of the old house,_and as the other boys paid no particular (fittcntmn to him, be easily wandered to the next ouse. He was then beside that in which he believed Nelva was held prisoner, and by climbing a wall of brick of a. ‘ard or so—the crooks’ house being that much igher—he found himself on to of it. e was now lucky in being on the highest roof near at hand, for, if he remained in the middle, no one would be likely to see him. But he did not wish to remain there. He wished to enter the house. This was all very well, but how was he to do F it? He had relied on finding a scuttle, or some sort of an opening, at the top of the house, and none was visible. “ Scissors an’ Shanghai roosters! be I left: Be I on a train that ain‘t a—goin'.’ Looks like it. b‘ gosh! I can’t swing off’in ther ruff an‘ ketch at a winder ez I tumble, fer I ain't up in circus athletics. Nary, but I’m up a stump on a ruff; that’s w’at I'm up !” He was looking lugubrieusly around when a. ieculiarity about the roof at one point attracted is attention, and he walked forward. Then his face suddenly txpandcd into a smile. “ Come off, kittens an’ catsf Ef this hyar ruff ain’t all false, part on‘t is. Mebbc I’ll go in yet.” .I-ie had discovered that at one point a s uare piece of tarred canvas, or stout paper. too i the place of the usual roof material. and he knew it was dcsi ned to deceive casual inspection. At a s ort distance it wculd dcceive the eye, and, undoubtedly, that was just what was in~ tended. 'tBeyond much doubt, a scuttle was just below 1 . Examination convinced Bob such was the case- and while he was hesitatin to usehis knife 11 1011 the canvas, he discovered t at it was loose. he- wind had probably been too much for the nails used to fasten it down. Bob moved it and found the scuttle underneath. So far he was doing well,'but how was he going to open it? If it Was not fastened, it would be very strange, considering the care taken to hide it. Nevertheless, Bob reached down and tried it, and, greatly to his surprise, it came up without trouble. A cavity, with the top of a rude stair— way was revealed beyond. “ Val, new, this ere is w’at I call myster‘us; de-ci-ded-ly myster’us! Hyer’s a hook an’ wa- rious other nec’saliy things fer fastenin’ it, but it ain’t fastened. cv I got ther right hcusc! Yas, fer thar’s that pecooliar chimbly. All straight ez a bummer’s whisky. Furdcrmore, I’ll o in. It’s takin’ an awful risk, fer I see- Blac 'well’s pasture loomin’ up, even now, from ther East river, an’ it may loom up wi’ me in» quod yit, but them slaves hcz got for be got out of I sing a funeral march ter Sing Song next, week.” \Vith this resolution, he took the first step down the ladder. All was dark and silent be- yond, but he had no fear of finding things dull inside. The “ gang” was there, and the members thereof were not of the dull kind. As much thought as the boy gave to the illeo gal feature of his entrance, he scarcely dwelt at all on the danger he was daring from Chug Bates and his men. He had due respect for law, but not for law-breakers. Step by step he went down the ladder until the- floor was reached. Just ahead he dimly saw a door. What lay be 'ond?” “I’ll find out of bu’st ther cast-iron sole 0" my slip iersl” he muttered, and then turned the knob o the door. It opened readily and he saw a dark hall be- yond him. He half—expected St me enemy to challenge him at once, but all remained quiet. Which way he ought to move next was uncer- tain, for he could see but a short distance ahead of him, but as he had. seen Nclva at the front of the house, he turned in that direction and went slowly along. After going a few feet he brought up against a door, which he _tried and found unfastencd. Hearing no one lnSIdc, he opened it and found the room without an occu want. To settle a question in his mind, he moved for-- Ward and looked out on the street. This convmced him that it was the same room in which he had seen Nelva. “ But she ain’t here now, b’gesh. an’ whar is she? That is ther ’int for me for ’vestigatc. 1 s’pect 1’11 git inter ock an’be flayed alive. but W’at 01ft? My cuticle is in own, an” I reckon cf I wanter offer it; ez a, sacri ce thar ain’t no out- side cherub need kick.” Now that he was fmrl embarked on his ad- venture, he be n *0 fee a buoyant confidence, and he retrace his steps and moved toward the other end or the assage~ There he soon ound a wall, but no door. There was something 8189, however; there had been a door but it was now boarded up, I “ .les’ sol Wal, that looks sorter s’picious. The Vagabond Detective. 11 Wonder w’at is in behind this measly old slab concern?” He listened, and soon became convinced that there was something there. To his ears came a clinki'ng such as is made by rattling coins to— gether. The boy’s eyes brightened “Gosh all fish-bait! I’m enter ’cm for sure. Ef that thar ain’t biz, I’m a forked—tongued I’aw- nee squaw, wi’ a whisky flask an" a pension— agent‘s skulp. No doubt Plug-ugly Bates an’ Jocko is tliar—” He auscd suddenly. To iiis keen hearing had comathe sound of a Well-defined sob, as of some one in trouble and tears. Then a man’s voice arose. “Nelva, child what is it?” “ Oh! father, I am sick at heart,” answered a voice well known to the boy detective; it was that of Nelva. “My poor child! ‘Vould to Heaven I could say something to comfort you, but I am as hpr- less as you—and as hopeless. Still, I cannot be- lieve you are doomed to this life forever. I have made a large sum of money since these scoundrels put me at work, and though they have not passed any of it off yet, I have gathered from their con- versation that they think they now have enough so they may well give up a hazardous business, flee from New York and enjoy their ill—gotten wealth in a safer place.” “But what will become of us then f” Nelva asked. There was no immediate reply, and when it came the man’s voice was unsteady. “ For you I anticipatea release. I cannot be- lieve these men, Scoundrels that they are, will be inhuman enough to give you over to the fate which doubtless awaits me.” “Father!” “ Yes, dear.” “ What do you mean?” “ I may as Well be frank with you and say that it is not at all likely they will allow me to outlive my period of usefulness to them. I know enough to ruin the whole party, and they will not give me the chance. Nelva, my poor child, I fear you will soon be left alone in the world. Death stares me in the face. For my- self I care nothing, for the grave is better than this life; but you, my child, you—” The speaker’s voice failed him, and Bob heard the irl begin to sob anew. “ Val, now, this ’ere is sorter int’restin’ es historical faxs but w’at does it amount ter fer ter it Ther Ooiner out? Nary thing, b’gosh! an’ ve got ter chip in. 0’ course them two is alone, so—-” - He rapped on the wall. Nelva s sobs at once ceased. Bob rapped again, and then, as all continued quiet, spoke aloud: “I say, in thar: jest raise yer bazoo, will yer, an’ tell me who ou be?” There was an instant stir. “ tho are you?” quickly asked a voice, which seemed moved with excitement. “ I’m a frien’, previdin’ ye’re ther parties W’at I take ye fer. Ain’t you Nelva an’ her father?” “ I’Ve are,” was the quick reply. “ “'ho are :3” “Wait a bit. Be you alone?” “ Yes.” “ Then ask Nelva of she recomembers ther ' good-lookin’ young nabob in rags who see’d her at Houston street w’en ole Riddle wanted ter cut out his tongue.” “ Oh, father,” cried the girl’s voice; “ it is he— it is the brave boy]” “I’m ,the!‘ boy: that’s sart’in cz fish-cakes; but don t Spent.l no time in describin’ ni brave valor. That illn’t im rtant. You as 'ed me ter git Tye out o’ bon ge, an! that is why I’m hyar ell me how ter do it, quicker’n ther gasp o a sick hen!” . Both The Comer_and his daughter s k0 at once, so that Bob did not understand w at was said: but the former’s veice then arose, agi— tatedly: _ “Noble youth, If You 99-11 rescue us I will for- ever bless you for my child’s sake. There is but one way to us. Leave the passage where you are by means of the east (1001‘: descend the stairs; s through the room at the left; come up anot er stairway, and 0111‘ (1001‘ Is at the head 0 the ascent. Turn the key, which is in the lock, and we will see you.” “Correct, fer mirie chickens. Prepare fer a ban net at &1monico’5, fer I’m a-comin’! Wait er me!” Bob turned awa and easily found the first door mentioned by he Coiner. This he opened, and saw the stairs just beyond. He had forgotten to ask where the members i of the gang were, but as he thus invaded the in- i tcrior of the place be fully realized the danger 9, he was running, and moved with corresponding I care. Discovery by them would probably be fatal to him. l CHAPTER XI. i SOMETHING ITNDER THE TABLE. BOB moved with extreme care, but the silence continued and he reached the foot of the stairs. I He then turned to the left, as directed, passed 9 throuin a small room, found a second stairway i and began to ascend. ', So far his sucCeSs had been greater than he ‘ dared hope. though it was not particularly sur- prising. (j-f course when the counterfeitci's made the elevated workshop for their slave- workman. they must have taken such precau- tions to prevent his escape that it would not be necessary to watch him all the time. The explorer went briskly up the. stairs. found the key in the lock as The (‘oincr had promised, and did not hesitate to turn it. The bolt clicked, and then the door was open- ed from the inside. Bob looked in silent Wonder at the view vouchsafed him. He saw Nclva, as pretty and as sad as ever; and he saw an old man over whose breast Swept a snow-white beard of re- markable length. He had a grave, sad, thought,- ful look, and, as his presence was im sing, might have been mistaken for a philosop er. Beyond them was a room, and it was clear The Coiner had lately been at work. SeVeral gold pieces lay on the table, as did some instru- ments which Were new to the boy, but. as he readin surmised, were those used in making the bogus coins. The room had a sort of fascination for the boy, and he remained silent uutil Nelva moved quickly forward and grasped his hand. “Brave boy!” She exclaimed, “ I thought you would come, and I hope you will be rewarded for it by One who can reward you.” “Thank you,” Bob answered, “butI sorter like ther pay I’m gittin’ now, an‘ of we git outer hock I’m Willin’.you should keep on a-thankin’ me. But this ain’t biz, an” biz is ther lever o‘ success. IVe Wanter git outer hvar quicker’n a copper kin club seven men. It ister,I take it you re Nelva’s dad. Ef so, le’s all slide!" Bob’s idea was eminently sensible and he would soon have had the party started, but just then there was a sound of voices on the floor be- low and Nelva’s face became white. “Oh! they’re coming—they’re coming!” she cried. “Yes, it’s Gnarl _Riddle; I know his voice,” added The Comer, like one in a horrible dream. Bob was the only one who kept his wits about him, and he at once saw the irritating and dan- gerous fix he was in. It was impossible to rc- treat the wav he had come, and there was no other way to leave the rocm. Even the window vgas boarded up, the necessary light being that 0 as. is escape was cut off, and, in a. moment more, no doubt, Gnarl Riddle and his companion would be in the room. Discovery meant death to Bob, “'hat was to be done?” _ It was very fortunate that the young detec- tive retained his presence of mind. He used his eyes like a flash, and then closed the door. It was bare] done when the voices sounded from the foot 0 the stairs. “ I‘ve got; ter hide,” said Bob, “ an’ that there table is jist ther place. Ther cloth out will lude me, an’ do you two brace up an’ git ter , work, an’ look sortrr nat’ral. Ef ye, give ther racket away we’ll git flagitated. Mind yer eyes new, pards!” The last warning was spoken from under the table. to which the. boy had retreated. This 1 article of. furniture, was covered with a red spread winch fell on all sides so as to completely hide what was within. Then he Cropped the cloth as footsteps sound- ed on the stairs nearer at hand, and The Coiner and Nelva had sufficient nerve to resume work “'1‘t‘h a degree of calmness. W’at Gnarl Fiddle will say when he finds ther door unlocked, I dunno.” thought Bob, 1 ‘ but I S’pect he’ll rais ha’r, b’gosh l" Most luckily, Riddle did not make the dis- COVCTY- He was coming up with Chug Bates. i and chattering angrily about something. and g Whém he reached the door and gave the key a . v1c10us half-turn, he failed to notice that no bolt, i moved, ,and opened the door with a fortunate i unconSClOusness that, it had been previously un- ock . “Hello!” thought Bob, cautiously reconnoiter- I ; would handle them both unaide( ing, “so Mr. Plug Bates is t‘other one. Wal, they make a sweet couple, an’ they’d do fer modern candy ef thar wa’n‘t qmte so much arsenic inter their compersition.“ Old Riddle hustled in and looked at his slaves. “ Well, well,” he said, sharply, “ you haven’t turned off much work.” “Do you want your coins spoiled?" calmly asked Nelva‘s father. “ No, but I want them made." “ I am making them,” was the inilcrturbable- re )1". L Like a snail!” snapped old Gnarl. _ The Coincr laid down the die he had been held— ing. “ You need not expect to hurry me. Gnarl Riddle. I have labored for you for months and 3 cars at a wcrk I detest, turning out ccuntcrfeit mercy, but you are aware that it has not beena work of love. I have simply done it because my V brain vvculd have reeled and I would have be 3 come rad. bad it not been for this employment. So tar as being huriicd is concerned. you have tried that in lore.” “ Maledu ticn! you are a saucy deg!“ mutter— ed Biddle, though his tone was less iri'italsle than. before: he knew the slave was not to be influ~ enced by threats. The (‘oincr‘s lip curled with disdain. “ I am still master of my own tongue, and nc one shall control that. I was how as free as any of you, and you know what 1 would be had not an infamous scoundrel put me here—as a slave! A slave in the heart of New York: How many people would believe such a thing possible?” The speaker’s voice trembled with emotion, but Bates made an impatient gesture. “Oh! that‘s rothing,” he said: “there are many other such cases between the Battery and High Bridge. Ont ~half of New York don‘t SUE» pect what the other half is doing. and there are more strange things here than Munchauscn ever conjured from his biain. But enough of this. “'e came to ask if you can fill another roll within three days.” The Coiner nieditated. “ Possibly I can. It won‘t be very hard work. I think it probable.” “ Do this,” said Riddle, “ and we will try and do you some favor in return." I is voice was unusually bland, but the slave did not fail to notice a secret and sinister glam e— toward Chug Bates, and various other circum» stances led The (‘oiner to think: “The end is near. This lot is to be my last work, and thin, if I do not escape, they will kill me!” Despite this startling thcory. he showed no- emotion. and did not semi half so much ((11-- cerned as was Powuy Bob under the table. “You darned ineasl ‘ skunks!” he thcught, looking at Riddle and Totes. “I‘d jest like tcr‘ weigh “bout seven hundred an‘ eighty-nine pounds now, an’ cf I wouldn’t give ther two cn' ye ther wu’st lammin’ you etc? bad, I’d Le chawed by a brindlcd focdle t'(r hash l” The Bowery lcy had good cause to feel dis-v turbed, and he knew it. If the two men went out and locked the door—and. of course. they would lock it-he end the slaves w( uld be on the wrong side. and, instead of rescuing them,he would simply be cue more prisoner added to the score. The Coiner said he had been confincd there “for months and years.” Reckoning.r in m this basis. how socn might Bob 0’ the Bowery ex- pect to get cut? “B‘cosh, somethin’ must be did. Inactivity won’t. do——not for Joseph! Ef I swim 'rcund hyar like a trout under a ledge, I'll be bound cz ‘I'ii‘cnticc ter them ntcaslv ceunterfeiters. But - what's ter l e did? \\”at MN I do?” And the young detective scratched his head in dire perplexity. His situation was, indeed, a desperate (-ne. If once the key was turned upon him. gccd-by totv thoughts of escape; while if he was discovered, the chances were, he would be niurderid without- compunction. On the other hand, When resistance was: thought of, The. Coiner was a very slight man, and did not seem able to fight successfully, and he—Bob—was buta boy. Probably Chug Bates , and Gnarl. Riddle. though well advanced in years, would be- no mean factor in the game. “An” perobablv the _is both armed ter ther- teeth, hip an’ thigh, W ile I ain’t got no weepons but a jack-knife. Gosh all ’tater-diggers! ’ buy out a gun-shop ez soon 92 I strike firm terror. or terror firma, or— But see yer, _ something ain‘t did that will be a wacancy 1g ther firm 0‘ B. Bowery, Stumpy 8; C0.” if ruff?” A) ‘ E .‘v‘ i l V 4 .V The Vagabond Detective. 7\ \ ' This fact impressed itself more and more on Bob’s mind, and as he was reall afraidof no danger, he had begun to contenip ate a bold at- tack on Cling Bates, when that young man! i “ Not at we stufl? their mouths wi’ cloth, tie ’em tergether so they can’t wabble, an’ lock ther door on ’em.” “A capital idea, my boy. Let it be done at sauntered up to the table to examine the coins, 9 once.” thus bringing himself within a few inches of " Bowery Bob. - The temptation was too strong to be resisted, and the boy at once resolved to proceed to hos- tilities. He did so with a vengeance. teaching out, he seized L‘hug‘s ankles, and then gave a tremendous jerk. The Counter- f. iter had started at the first feeling of Bob’s lingers, but that was all he had time to do. The boy had not pulled in vain; Mr. L‘ater.’s feet flew from under him, and he went down like a log. Lucki y for our friends, he fell partly against a chair, or the crash might have been loud enough to bring others of the gang to the scene. This occurrence caused universal surprise, es- pecially to Gnarl Riddle, but Bob did not wait ‘ for him or Cling to recover lost composure. He darted from under the table and seizing a stool, waited tonienace Bates if he tried to rise, but, by a piece of great good fortune, that young scoun- -drel had struck his head so heavily on t e chair in failing that he lay perfectly insatnsible. As Bob saw this he flow between Gnarl and the door. “Surrender, you p’ison 'ole boss-fly!” he or- dered. " ll'e are three ter one, an’ of you don’t ya in we‘ll sweep ther floor 11 clean wi’ - over him wi' yer repeatin‘-ri c, an’— Ii! that’s it!” The Coincr had moved at last. Bob’s opera- tions had seemed to bewilder him as much as they did Gnarl, but as he realized that the fight against his bitter enemies was at last begun in earnest, he sprung toward Riddle like a tiger. “ Surrender!” he cried, in a thrilling voice. “ Surrender, you scoundrel, or I will not be re— nsible for what I do!” “ ’Sponsible?” cried Bob; “ course we won’t. Ef that measly ole Fagin s’pocts us ter sign an sech bonds, he’s way 01? his Bartholdi pedest Give him ther strai__;.it catechism, pard !” , The Coiner was terribly in earnest, and though . he did not offer violence his flashing eyes‘com- pleter awed Riddle. The latter at once became a craven and beg ed for mercy. " That’s all hun ' ez fur oz 1 goes,” said Bob, “ but we don’t wanter forgit that J ocko may be close at hand, an’ I reckon he could slap ther hull on us inter quod in ther tremor 0’ a mule’s ankle-j’int. Jest you 1101’ ther fort, pard, an’ , I’ll use them strings I see yonder, an’ bind these cannibawls cz Gulliver bound ther Lillypods.” His quick eyes had discovered some cords which were just suited to the work in hand, and ' he was not long in getting them. , Of course Bates was the most dangerous per- son, and Bob proceeded to wind the cords around , him until he was totally hel less. He then per- formed alike service for Ric dle, who dared not rebel, tho‘uuh his eyes glared the wrath he could not wholl ide. ' The Comer helped in the last part of the work, :and showed a cool resolution which pleased the youn detective. “ ow, then,” said the latter, “ we‘ve gone so fur like a Maud S. trottcr, but I obsarve some rats in ther road jest ahead. How’re we‘ter avoid ’em? In other words, though we hev got ther fu’st knock-down, we’re still in ther inemy’s sugar-box, an’ I reckon J ocko may wanter vote about our departur‘.” CHAPTER XII. Ben’s " FUN” CONTINUES. Tm: Comes looked troubled at the last re- mark. . “ The black giant is in the house; I heard him‘ ‘ r only a short time ago,” he said. ‘ Then that p‘int is settled,” ob rved Bob. “‘ We don’t want ter see J ocko—no for J osephl He would chaw us all up like cheese. Now, of .‘pardner, Stumpy, was h ar, ’twould be - ' rent, for Stumpy is an awfu slugger, but he ‘ain’t Now, ’low mo tar as ”-—here Bob ‘ giver. . ’ lower his voice—“if you kin climb over ther ; “Any way!” exclaimed The Coiner; “any way, so long as we escape.” ' ‘ I tried to t out that way” said Nelva. I v “‘ They don’t :1 ways keep me 5 ut up in one room, but make me do other work; and I got Law and went to the scuttle, unfastened it and ‘ tried to raise it, but I couldn’t lift it. ”- y. 1' “ That 30? Wal, now, that s’plains wh I ’ found ther roof-door un ned. Wu], 9 ye jlin arable, that way, let’s scratchin’ ther . ez scones ble ” ‘ at these men} ii" littepr The Gainer. ‘ [it/My will give the A . I rJ', I" They lost no time, and in a very few minutes Riddle and Bates were secured as indicated, and all was ready for departure. They left the room, locked the door, and moved down-stairs cautiously, expecting every moment to see Jocko appear. All remained ,silent, how-7 ever, and they went on. Bob saw with some uneasiness that now that escape seemed quite possible, the old man trem- bled, and seemed to lose entirely his late cool self-possession. He had grown stonin calm in captivity, but the reaction greatly weakened iilll now. “i s’pcct he’s seen trouble ernough ter shake ther teeth outer Bartholdi‘s statute,” thought Bob, “2111’ this narvousness is nat’ral, but it is > mighty inconvenient.” No one obstructed their way, and Bob re— traced his steps up the other stairway, through the passage and up the last ilight of stairs—that which led to the roof. As he raised the scuttle door he was surprised to see that it was already night. He had not supposed it was so late, and in the )rison—room all hours were the Same but if t e darkness made their descent more difficult, it would also hide their movements from prying eyes. Bob took the lead wholly, for The Coiner was worse than Nelva; but the be was equal to the demands of the occasion. As fore said. he had no great trouble in gaining the roof of Riddle’s house, and the same remark will apply to their retreat. - ' In due time the stood on the ground. " W'har now?” Rob asked. don’t know,” the old man helplessly re- p 1 . “ Have you any frieu’s?” “ Not one.” ‘ “Wal, sha'n’t we call on ther p’lice an’ hev ther ang gobbled up inter bondage?” “ o no; don’t do that!” “ Why not?” “ Gnarl would kill me.” ‘ “ Not ef they was slapped inter a cell.” “I dare not molest them; let us go away; far away from them.” Bob scratched his head. He did not relish the idea of losing such a. chance, and disliked to comply with an idea brought about by mental and hysical weakness. Luckily, elvaproved clearsheaded. ~ “ Father is overcome now, and what he needs is a God ni ht’s rest,” shesaid, in alow voice. “ e is no friendless, and he will be .ready for'the fight to-morrow, but, it is best we should all rest to-night. Still, we have no money.” , Bob saw his way clear by this time. “ Don’t ye worry ’bout that, fur I kin give ye quarters on Macdougal street, of ’tain’t too high-toned fer comfort. That’s jest w’at I’ll do, an’ I’d like ter see a yarler cab bounsin’ this way.” \ The cab did not a pear, but when they started in search of one, on y a few yards had been gone when the very article desired made its ap- pearance. As Bob still had money enough for the urpose, passage was engaged and they rolle awa toward Maedougal street. Bob 0’ t e Bowery was not inclined to rest on his oars, and he only waited to see his new proteges safely housed, after Which he pro- sed to make things lively for the gang. At ast he felt sure he had the means of securing their arrest, and he intended to do it. The house on Macdougal street was that of honest friends of his, and in due time he had The Coiuer and his daughter there. They were I kindly received and the old man grow some- what calmer, ut still protested against be- ginning hostilities against his enemies-an idea so differentfrom his usual one that Bob knew he would be sorry as soon as he regained his ment vi or. “H ’11 ev ter hev his own way now, I s’pose,’ but I’m In own boss an’ I ain’t afeerd 0 them measly b okes, not fur Joseph. Fur. dermore, I’m goin’ on ther war-path with more paint outer my face than Murray Hill belles wear, b’gosh! I reckon I’ll In" some more fun wi’ them ravenin’ wolves." ' He left the house and started up-town again. anxious to resume his “fun ” but had gone but a few rods when a man loomed up in his path in such a way as to force him to sto ’He looked up and saw what a pea ,to be a middle-aged, person, withrcd hau- and Riddle and—and some one else—-; Y muscle of Bob’s “Hallo, boy,” he blufiiy saluted, “can I get ’ you to do an errand?” “ Not fur J oeeph,” was the terse rep] . ' “’I don’t care about Joseph; this errand is for me. - “Wal, I can’t do it ’cause I’m otherwise en- gaged, but thar is plenty 0’ poor he 5 ’round who’ll wery like snip at ther chance ike a red- nosed man at a whi yl ottle.” “But won’t a dollar be any object to you?” persisted the man. “ Nary object.” “Then I'll ive two dollars.” Bob opened llS eyes somewhat larger, for such ' pcrtinacity surprised him. As he had indicated, there were’a good many other boys near at hand, and he could not see what object the man had in ur ring him. ‘ \\ at’s ther errand?” he asked, looking sharp- ly at the red~whiskvred man. “‘ I want a package carried to N0. —, Crcshy street.” I This was but a very short distance away, and Bob’s wonder increased. TWO dollars for five n;inutes’ work! IVhat did it mean? “ lV’ut sort 0’ a package?” ' “This one,” and the man produced a flat parcel from beneath his coat. “You see it is small. If you will carry it, and be sure and de— liver it to no one but the Reverend Mr. Mosse , for whom it is intended, you shall have t e moneyjthe two dollars.” The bait was large, but, in Bob’s opinion, it did not half—cover3he hook. Several questions naturally suggeste themselves. Why didn’t the man carry his own packa e, since he could have done it in the time alrea y wasted? Why was he willin to pay at such a rate? Above all, why was 0 so determined to secure Bob as his agent? _ These questions set the boy to thinking, and it be an to dawn .upon him that there was somet iug familiar in the red-whiskeer man’s v01ce. Where and when had he heard it before? It suddenly flashed upon him u-hose voice sounded like this persons, and he was wide- awake in an instant. nless he was greatly mistaken, Albert Murdough stood before him. This was an im )ortant discove , but not a ‘ ace betrayed h in. He was thinking like a flash, however. Events had al- ready led him to believe that Albert was nearly as bad as his father, and he clearly saw a plot to lure him into a house where others of the gang were ready to seize him. . Probabiy Alexander Murdough had discover- ed that oh was not likely to take that ride in the close carria 9 with him, and intended to get him out of t e way otherwise. Acting on this belief,_ the ho had his an- swer ready w thout suspicious dc ay. “ Wal, l’m , ortantly engaged fer jest about ten minutes, at of on km wait till I run over ter Washington ark, I’ll come back then an’ ketch enter yer cash fur keeps.” “Are on sure to be bat-kt” “ Sart’in sure.” “And in ten minutes?” “ Fifteen at ther outside.” “Then I’ll wait for you.” “ All right; I’ll be off.”. “You’ll find me right here, boy, so don’t disap noint me as I want a tnistymcssenger.” “ ou kin depend on me,” replied Bob, as he hurried away, but he muttered to himself: “ Yes, you kin do end on me not ter ut my head inter [ha trait-*not fer Josephip I tell “hen I run ag’in’ a lI‘ICk house. Now, I don’t like ter‘post ‘one try nisit ter ther p’lice, lut I fiel a terrib e hankerin’ fer ter see that Crosby street house. "i ain’t impossible I may see some 0’ ther gang ’round thar, au’ I’ll give ’cm a try.” , H0 accordingly made a detour and worked : around to Whel'e the “Reverend Mr M09893?” was said to live, keeping in the shadows 381311011 as possible. The houseproved to be a lain, old two-star concern, which had evidentlry stood there along time ‘but still looked respectable enough. Bob reconnoitered carefully. but all his ef- form failed to discover any one about the place_ There was alight in one room butthe curtain was down and all was uiet and monotonous. _ While thus engaged (the boy deteC-tlve Caught sight of a passer-b , and pounced upon him in a moment. It was 5 friend Wrixley, the detec- tive, and it occurred to Bob that here was the person to lead the'l‘ald 0n Gnarl Riddltgs f 9 game, lair, if the detective could be drawn into So be poured out his story rapidly and can’t see very wal wi’ mV blind eye, but kin “ -_-_A._ . . 'w’at’s t er odds? The Vagabond Detective. 1 3? nestlfy, very) much pleased to see Wrixley listen care ully, ut he was interrupted before he was fair] through. “ apture them?” repeated IVrixley. “ You bet I will. Oddly eno h, my own game has worked around to inclu e Riddle and Bates, and I only wish I could strike a certain ‘High- heeled Moll,’ as well as the two men. Rest easy, Bob, for I’ll attend to them. But won’t you ac- company me?” “ an t, possibly. I’m onter another lay, an’ ther trail is red-hot an’ still a-heatin’. Jest you gobble Gnarl an’ Plug Bates, an’ I’ll chuck in my blessin’. Ketch on ?” h ‘Yes; and I’m off. \Vish you good luck ere.” “ Thank you, an’ I’ll tr ter give ye a clean bill 0’ health w’en we meet. hese ere is pipin’ times, ez ther plumber said ter ther landlord; an’ them ez pulls ther wires sees ther battery. So-long, VVrixl” The detective went off, and Bowery Bob was left to give all his attention to the other case. How to proceed he did not exactly know, but as all continued quiet where he was, he began to feel a desire to get another look at disguised Albert Murdough. After some hesitation he began moving cautiously t0ward where he had left him, but had one only a short distance when he perceiv two men talking on a corner. At first si ht he recognized one of them as Albert, and at once felt a strong desire to overhear what was being said. Circumstances were in his favor, and he worked around to a covered wagon that had been stabled for the night on the street, in the peculiar way common to New York, and, in its shadow, listened unobserved. Albert was speaking. “I don’t intend to remain in this city a day longer than is necessary,” he said; “ for matters have got so hot that I feel the need of a Euro- an tour. Fact is, when I began with Cap olden’s band I never thought I’d go so far, and I'm a bit afraid.” “ Nonsense!” replied the other. “ There is no dan er. The police would never suspect you to be than Eames!” CHAPTER XIII. BOB FALLS OVER SOMETHING. Bowunv BOB could not avoid a start. As we know, he had clearly dec1ded that Albert Mur- dough was an hing but an honest man, but here was plain evi ence that he was a first-class ras- cal. When Jack Huntsman gave the d diamonds—to the young detective, he had di- rected that they be delivered to “ Ethan Eames” or Rosa Reddin n. I That showed t at Eames was in the diamond scheme and now he knew that “ Eames" was Albert Murdough. , “Gosh tcr rattlesnakesl I never said truer than w’en I ’lowed I was arter big time. They is big; bigger than ther Produce xchange an’ a twent seven stor house all inter one. But f ther firm 0’ B. Bowery Vidoq and Pinkerton can’t hold their own, I’ll never w my left ear ag’in l” Meanw ile, the conversation continued. icion has not yet fixed upon me.” said Albe , “ but who knows when it will? There is that confounded boy, Bob 0’ the Bow- cry; he’s nosing around in a way I don’t like, and he may learn too much.” “ That confounded boy” grinned in high glee. “ But if we get him into the old house, we’ll soon fix his flint.” “ “'e’ve not got him in there yet.” H DO you anticipate failure?” u I don’t know, Alf. . Fact is, am nervous and played out. I don’t think I was intended for a nav .” “ Ygou‘ve done W911, 30 fan” “ M inclinations are, I regret to my, bad enoug , but I lack the boldness of a veteran ms. cal. Dissipation brou htme to films, Alf. I got to drinking, and then ell afoul of Cap Golden. e has been m evil genius. He led me on ste by Step, until am now a pal Of thfi .1183 G0 - den is a perfect fiend; sometimesI t mth was is} dgglibemte plot on his part to ruin me. Who 18 e “ Nobody but himself knows.” _ “ He is a devil!” declared A1bert, bitterly. “He makes a. great chief, What are Riddle, Bates and gunman, compared with him?” “ Subordmate rascals,” said Albert, tersely. " gfipnGomen ‘3 a” mutant sooundrel that ever 11v ' . “See here, Ethan, it strikes me your loyalty is wavering, “ said Alf. suspiciously. “ Remember how I am situated,” replied Mur- dough, gloomily. “ I am a member of a mud rich and honorable old family. See w ere I am!” “ Strikes me your governor, old Alexander, is no saint. What about his resolution to marry Miss Reddington?” “ That puzzles me,” said the young man. “ Fa- ther knows 'ust what she is—” “Does he now she is High heeled Moll?” Bowery Bob started. With his retentive mem- ory, he had not forgotten that lVrixley had men- tioned this ver same name. “ He knows all,” Albert answered. “Yet he will marry her?” it Eves-7) “ “Tell, it strikes me the governor is no an cl.” ‘ The Murdoughs have lost their high sense of honor. Only Dora, my sister, is like our an- cestors.” “ And you are trying to marry her to Jack Huntsman?” “ It’s none of my work.” “ You took Jack to the house as Count Royal- schofl’.” “ I had to. Jack requested, and Cap Golden ordered, it.” “ I‘ll bet a dollar Dora don’t marry your bogus Russian, just the same. By the way, when does the marriage of your pater and High-heeled Moll take lace?” “ To-nig t.” “ To-night !” “ Yes.” “ Isn’t that sudden?” “ Yes; for some reason, father sees fit to hurry it up, and there is to be a private ceremony this evening at ten. That’s why I am in such haste. And that reminds me I must now go and meet Bob 0’ the Bowery. I hope our decoy scheme will work.” Albert hurried away, leaving Alf gazing after him. “ Poor, weak-minded fool!” he muttered, “ he little su cts that he is but a cat’s-paw for others. rather pity him, but if such as he will take to evil ways, we who are sharks from necessity must receive them—and their money.” He paused to li ht a cigar, while Bob 0’ the Bowery, who had ' tened to all with eager at- tention, shut one eye and screwed his face into a remarkable expression. “ Wal, this reverlatlon takes ther fodder, b’goshl I’ve got enter some vallyble p’ints an’ I’m a-goin’ ter make ther Wheel 0’ jestice revolve like a Western blizzard was a-playin’ outer it. One thing sticks me, thou h; I know who Ca Golden is, of ther rest 0’ t er gang don’t; an’ know he an’ Alexander Murdou h, for wit, namel , is one an’ ther same wafiawag. But ef see is ther case, why hez he led Albert, his son, adown ther crooked path 0’ sin an’ moral smash-up?” . Bob scratched his head Vigorously, but no an- swer came. “ So ther vener’ble. Alex an’ Rosa is gwine ter hitch up at ten this eye? Wal, mebbe they Will, but I hev a faint glimmer 0’ doubt ef ther obsequies takes place. . kin see Wrixley an’ tell him Rosa Beddinan is High-heeled Moll, et scattery, I don't b’lieve she’ll be a blush- m’ bride ter-night—not fur Joseph. Hello I” Another man had appearedand paused before Alf, and Bob lost no interest in the case. “I’ll be broke on ther wheel ef ’tain’t ther bogus Russian, Count NOJCOUIlt! Now, then, w’at hez he got ter say?” “ Hallo, Huntsman!” saluted Alf. “ Not so loud” replied Jack. “ Remember I am Count Roya sehoff. Are you busy?” “ No. Why?” “Come in and et a pull of whisky. I need bracing up. and I ave a word to sa to you.” Alf agreed and the tWO mov down the street. So did Bowery Bob: He was all alive to the demands of the 00085101], and intended to ozerhear what was said if such a thing was pos- si )10. ‘ “ I opine things is comin’ fer a focus, an’ ef I was a reg’lar commissxoned detective, I’d hev these measly skunks inter hock atone another sun-up. But we’ll see, sez ther blind man.” He followed Jack and Alf to a saloon suc- “11131', and then, seeingi that it was well filled 311th ot er customers, bol 1y entered close behmd em. , They went to the bar, while Bob looked eager. 15' “mund- There were four tables in the room, but. “n were filled save one. He immediately (leaded that there a chance of their taking that, _ and as it was just besideascreen made like a window-blind, he took position behind the screen and waited. The two men took their drinks and then came and sat down as he had hoped. “ Now, then, to business,” said the he 5: Russian. “ What do you think of the outloo ' it” “On the coin business !” “ Hush! What are you saying? None of that l. Yes, I mean on that point.” “ All lovely, ain’t it?” “ Is it?” “ I think so.” “ I don’t 1” “Why not?” “ I suspect that Cap Golden intends to play us false, scoop in the boodle and leave all t e rest of the gang to whistle for their share.” “ The blazes you do 1” “That’s just my idea.” “ Bpt I can hardly believe Golden is such a. man.’ “Well, I believe it. He is a long-headed old fellow, and as selfish as Old Nick himself. He played his cards well, and while all the rest of us are well known in the gang, who can say who Cap Golden is?” ‘ ‘hat’s a fact,” thoughtfully admittd Alf. “ Well, if he should slip with the cash, how could we find him— and the cash?” “ We should have a hard job, of course, but on are proceeding from the standpoint that he- 18 likely to run away. Have you any real rea-- son for believing he may do this?” “ I have some mighty strong suspicions.” “ Well, what doxyou propose?” Huntsman look aroun to make sure no one was 1 ' g, and then, bending forward, he lowered s voice. “I propose just this: It is dog eat dog. and we don’ want to get left. Consequently, in or-- der to prevent Cap Golden from running away With the boodle, we must run away with it our, selves!” “And turn traitor?” cried Alf. “ Rubbish“ Haven’t I warned you what the ca tain intends? Shall he win, or shall we?" ‘ But there is no proof that he intends such a thing.” Huntsman uttered an oath. “ \Vell, if you will have the proof, here goes: Cap Golden is Alexander Murdcugh. Oh! you’re surprised, are you? W'ell, I’m not. I’ve been onto this thing for some time, and what I’ve told is not all that I know. Listen 1" Jack leaned still further forward and uttered a few rapid sentences which left both Alf and Bob 0’ the Bowery mute with surprise. The boy crouched behind the screen and stared with en— larged e es, for the revelation was a startling one, but fore another word could be said there came an unexpected interruption. A drunken man had airged through the door and he suddenly lost his balance, stumbled against Bob, who tried in vain to get out of the way; and then the two went crashing against the screen; the screen fell over upon the table; and Bob and the drunkard were sprawled out before the eyes of the conspirators. Bob was up in a moment, but he came directly into the view of the men, and the bogus Russian looked decidedly scared. He had recognized the boy. For an instant he seemed dazed, but criminals of his caliber are not lon at fault. He sprung forward an seized Bob’s arm. “ See here!” he exclaimed, “didn’t I tell you to keep away from saloons? You just make tracks for home, or I’ll cuff you!” “K’rect fur water-bugs!” coolly re lied the Bowe b0 . “ All I want is fer yer ter etgo my arm an’ I’ slide. W’at, be ye still hol’ on’t?” “ I reckon I’ll take you home.” . And Huntsman tried to drag Bob along. He knew his only hope was to et him away where- he could not use his nimb e tongue, and it was his dodge to pretend the lad was 1s son. If he could once get him clear of the saloon, and to a, retired place, he would soon still that tongue. But Bob clasped a t and held on tightly. “ N0y sinee, hogs- y!" be retorted. ‘ I ain’t goin’ Vcr Way jes’ now. Call ’round ’bout two o’clock next wer k.” Huntsman’s eyes flashed, and he disregarded the presence of all observers and grasped Bob’s throat. “Come with me!” he hissed. wild with fear and rage, “ or I’ll strangle you 1” “ No, ye don’t; not furJoseph!” reforted Bohr still hanging to the post, and reading aright the murderous expremon in his enemy's 0 es: and then a happy thou ht struck him, he reached up, caught the also heard and pulled it its owner’s face. . “ Look hyar, all ye clam-eaten!” he med, ./ 'w—‘m‘... - «iv {vs revs-“"4qufivwww'mmvxwar;__;. ,igv;,~ *; F, 14.- M’x‘uv'i'vaiw "u. ’, . “.1351 "' ~. «aw ». The Vagabond Detective. “this hyar is Jack Huntsman, a law-breaker, ‘an’ Illul' oiiieers is jest a-hankerin’ ter git him inter lllfl'k fer—” ' One of the crowd started forward. “ W'hat’s this, boy?” he demanded. say this is Jack Huntsman? and I hereby arrest him. Chippley 1” Bob laughed aloud; for he saw that the man- hunter had not recognized him, and such stu- pidity seemed amazing. “Uh! is it you, Chippleyf” he cried. “Are you sure it is you, ole boy! But on don’tknow me, nor you didn’t know Jack H’iintsman till I 'tole ye all. Gosh ter goslin’s, Chi‘, ef I’s you 1I’d kerry my photo all ther while so 5 not ter git ost! ~ “Do you I want that man, I am Detective CHAPTER XIV. BOB ATTENDS A WEDDING. MR. DETECTIVE CHIPPLEY turned very red "upon hearing this sarcastic talk, but he tried to hide his emotions. “Know you 7" he cried. “ Of course I know you! I’ve seen you before to—day, and I’ve rsnarked you as a future candidate for Sing in .” “ Val, I ain’t got thar yet, an’ ef I depend on you fer indentiforcation, I reckon ez I won’t ver soon.” T ere was a jeer from the crowd, which was not inclined to love ollicers of any kind, and Jack Huntsman, who had been trying to get in his protestation, became encouraged to try and jerk his arm away; but Chippley, anxious to wreak his vengeance on some one, drew his offi- cial club and fell upon the unhappy Count Ivan RoyaISChotf-Huntsman in the business-like way which officers have when they take to the war- path, and Bob seized the chance and slipped out of the place. ' “ No need 0’ me in thar—not fer Joseph! Ole Chip is outer a rcg’lar t‘ar, with blood inter his blind eye, an’ he’ll yank ther Russian inter quod ’thout my help, w’ile I’ve got biz elsewhar. Oh! Susannah X. SlUWbOV, ef I kin find my pard, “'rixley, I‘ll jes’ make Rome howl tor-night. I’m off arter him like lightnin’ slidin’ down a greased cloud 1” If he did not go as he said, he certainly made good time, and with all possible haste made his wageto the precinct station where he had reason to lieve \ rixley mio‘ht be found. Luckily he met the detective just leavin , and from him learned that the counterfeiters’fiiouse had been raided, and Gnarl Riddle, Chug Bates, J coke and Hannah secured just as they were on the point of leaving; the two former having been released by the negro. Bob, all excitement, stopped Wrixle and told him what new developments he fallen to, and though his friend was a good deal sur- prised, he did not think of doubting his word. “ V oh, if you haven’t a natural tact for get- ting hold of points, I’m a liar!” declared \Vrix- ley. “Jes’ w’at Gus Redding said w’en I helped him in a detective case.” “ By the way, I then rht Bedding did well by you. Why are you stil in rags?” - “My enial frien’, wh are you still a detec- tive? ou’re rich ez So omen—or was it Moses? ——but ye still keep on in biz.” “ I should be unhappy out of it.” “ Wal, pard, I’d be onhappy out 0’ these aris- tocratic rags! I needn’t w’ar ’em, fer I hez money in ther bank, an’ I’m a usson o’ infloo- ence on \Vall street an’ Pier 11, 11, North river, but these hyar rags is my bes’ frien’s; they’ve been wi’ me a long time an’ sarved me wal, an’ ’tain’t in my warm heart fer ter shake ’em now they’re ole an’ gray—not fer Joseph! But see yere, Wrix, le’s git a rigiment o’ coppers an’ a cannon, an’ go an’ stop 0d Murder from j’inin’ hisself in Weedlock ter High-heeled Moll.” This was sensible advme, and pre arations Were at once made for a descent on the pretty gang of law-breakers who were making the better part of New York responsible for hiding them. It was nine o’clock before they were ready to start, however, and half an .hour later when they neared Murdou h manSion. There was nothing there to in ‘cate that such a thing as a marriage was to take place, and for awhile Wrixley hesitated. “If there is a mistake, we shall make a rett mess of it by descending on a nabob ' 'ke t is,” he said. “Jes’ you see hyar,” observed Bob, “I’m nerally sure 0’ my dough afore I bake my read, an’ I give ye a straight tip on this biz, but I hev an idee that kin be played ef you i think best. I hev some ’quaintance wi’ a s’pectable colored youth who is a sarvint here-— his name is Julius, an’ I won his ’fections by givin’ him an orange—nn’ of you say so, I kin apply at ther basement door and ’vestigate a ore we make ther gineral raid.” “'rixley would not have decided in f vor of this plan, but the other officers wer very much for it, so Bob prepared for the attempt. He rapped boldly at the basement door, and, very much to his delight, it was opened by Julius. “ Hello!” said the small negro, promptly. “ Come in !” Bob had not expected so cordial a welcome, but he did not fail to accept the invitation. He entered. “ Come right inter do kitchen.” Again Bob obeyed, but when Julius turned about his eyes looked like two full moons rising against a dark sk '. “ W'h’—-wh’—wliat!” he stammered. “ I didn’t speak, my colored frien’.” “ VVh , I fro’t ’twas Harry.” “ “Ia , ’tain’t Harry, ez you hev now diskiv- ered,” Bob replied, “ but I trust I ain’t none ther less welcome by my ole frien’. Julius, 010 stock, yer ain’t forgot ther orange I i’n yo hev yer 3” “No,” said the negro, ‘nie be you’ve got a. nuther orange?” “ I ain’t, not now, Mr. Julius. But do ye ad- mire ther d’licious fruit ye mention l” “ Bet yer life, I do.” “Then you shell hev a. dozen on ’em tor—mor- rer mornin’. A dozen! Gosh all porous-plas- ters! yer shall hev a cart-load. Yes, sirree, jcs’ ez many ez a boss kin haul. I‘ll go ter Patsy McOshaunaghran—he’s ther chap w’at owns ther spirited white hoss wi’ ther blind eye an’ chronic whoopin’-cou h—it’s ther hess has ther cou h—an’ Pa sy shal bring ye a. hull tip-cart 10a 0’ oranges, b’gosh!” Here Bob put one arm akimbo and, flourish- the other hand, added: ‘ I’m nat’rally ginerous, an’ of thar’s any one thing I’s rofligate of. it’s oranges!” “ Ah! ut you’s foolin’ me now,” said Julius. “ You won’t 'b away no sech hea is ob oranges.” “My frien, ’low'me ter sa Is a s'pectable merchant 0’ ther Bowery, Wa known in ther leanut trade an’ president 0’ ther Free an’ En- ightened Non-Potterson Shine-’em-u League. Oblige me by car’fully re tin’ w’at said.” Poor Julius had to con ess that he could not. “Wer likely,” said Bob, “but you must see I am a derney rooster that kin be depended on ev’ry time he crows. Eh?” Julius admitted it. “ Then ye must know I would not lie for ye— not fur Joseph. My friend’, you shall hev them oranges, but fu’st ye must ’arn ’em. I wanter put a few uestions. Ter begin enter, whar’s ther folkses.” “ Dey’s all in. Massa Albert was out, but he came in to attend de weddin’. ” “So ole Murder is ra’lly ter be spliced ter Rosa?” “ He’s ter espouse Miss Lethroe in de bounds 1’ 0b matrimotgi, sah. “ Julius, e my hat, fer that rec-mark takes ther fodder. Espouse! That’s good I’ll pre- sent that word ter Stumpy. He’s jes’ dead- one on Daniel Webster’s directory, an’ he’ll stic ter ‘espouse’ of his wi blows off. But this ain’t biz. How long a ore ther obsequies takes pla‘cg?” D 1 , 'ery soon. e is in de r or now.’ “They is hey? fio?” pa “Marse Murdough, Albert, Dora, Miss L6- throe an’ de minister.” _ “Um! Kin I git a look in ’thout bem' see’d?” Julius hesitated, but he thou ht of the oran 65 and decided that it could be one. He led t 8 way up—stairs through a hall and into a small room, and then inted beyond. “Look froo’ 9 door, but be worry careful. Dey is dar.” Bob looked. “ Bi ,1)? er be, Julius. Thar is a solemn-look- ing in. m ooal who is promo.ny 8- DM'SOH; 1111’ that is Albert and Dora; an’ thar is Rosay ez brazen ez a ticket-spec’lator in front 0’ a theater —-an’ they hev got; a an like ther Palisades, in size—an’ ther is ole urder, jes’ ez chip :- ez an undertaker. B’gosh! ef gittin’ marri ex’cises sech a malev’lant infiooence over a chap, I won’t never— Hello!” Alexander Murdou h had suddenly arisen and started for the ma] room. and the two boys had no time to retreat. All they could do was to dodge into the darkest corner of the room—no light was burning there—and hOpe for the best. Bob felt Julius quake, however, when Mur- dough struck a match, reached up and lit the gas. The )lace thus became perfectly light, If thrdough looked their way, discovery was inevitable. ' He did look their way, and then stood dum- founded. That Julius should there was not strange, but Murdough recognized Bob, and his face actually poled with fear and anger. “ You here?’ he gasped. “I am, ez you may diskiver. I hev dropped in for attend ther obsequies, Murder, ole stock an’ it’ll 'es’ do me heaps 0’ good ter see yer tied up tcr i gh-hceled Moll—I mean Miss Bedding- ton-Lethroc 1” The young detective knew that it would do no good to mince matters now, and he went ahead with a. rush. He spoke loud enough to be heard by the clergyman, for he had an idea that that gentleman might be the means of saving him from harsh usage, if not from death. “You scoundrel!” cried the master of the, house, starting forward, “I’ll throw you out of the house!” “ Hol’ on, Murder, ole boy!” cautioned Bob. “ Tlicr wu’st thing you kin do is ter offer me v0 'lence, an’ I’ll prove it.” The speaker slipped past Alexander, into the room with the: surprised listeners to the alter- cation. “ Albert. my Callow youth,” he then con- tinued, “ I wanter put a good-sized flea inter yer right ear, an’ ye kin bet high that I’m sound on ther 0088. This hyar obsequy has got ter be stop . ’Cause why? Ther blushin’ bride an’ groom ain’t w’at ~they advertise ter be ——not fer Joseph! Miss Lethroe ain’t nosech mild-eyed 'azelle, but she’s a female sharper commonly 'nowed ter ther ’hce ez High—heeled Moll, an’ she’s a tough— 01’ on, Murder, ole boy; hol’on!” he master of the house had advanced, but Bob agilely retreated behind the portly parson. “ Keep yer distance, Murder, fer I’ve a word ter sa ter you. Albert, mebbe you’ve heerd 0’ one up Golden, ter wit, namely; but dunno who he is. Wal, thar he stands; him an’ Mur- der is identicle!” Bob leveled his index finger at the counter- feiter chief, and that man. suddenly bereft of all nerve dropped into a chair heav11y. “But that ain’t all, by a matter 0’ severial miles. Murder may be Murder, but he ain’t Alexander Murdough, ther nabob. Not any, fer Joseph! He’s a scum an’ tramp, w’at hes usurped ther place 0’ ther right heir severial centuries ago, an’ he’s kept ther real Murdough shot up in a garret ez a slave, makin’ bogus money fur ther gang over which he ruled as Cap Golden, b’gosh; an’ ef ye Wonder, Albert, why Cap Golden hez seemed so rabid ter lead on in crooked aths, you kin understand now. ' hou h Golden 1s Murder, Murder ain’t A. Murdoug , nor he ain’t your dad—mot fer Joseph!” l Bob ured forth this revelation with remark- i able rapidity, and Albert’s face was a panora- ma. ,He heard mderstood and believed, im- possible as the charge seemed, but it would take too much time to record all he felt and thou ht. He wa: (ill awake, however, and when .ap Golden started 11 , revolver in hand, andtried to aim at Bob, Al rt flung himself upon him. At the same time there was a tramp of heavy , feet beyond. Wrixley, becoming alamed for ‘ Bob, had sought and obtained entrance, and he and his men promptly took charge of Golden and “ Miss Lethroe.” Dora and the cler an Were amazed, while. Albert actually shed aI‘S- “I’ve been a weak, Weak feel!” he exclaimed. “ I have let this man, .111 his dis ise as Golden, lead me step afterstep in crime, ittle cting , who he was. Officer, take me, too, for was of the counterfeiting band!” “N0,” said Wrixley. “ It is clear you have been made a cat’s-paw by bigger knavcs, and. young Bob and I have arran to let you go free. I hope other officers will as lenient, for I believe there is hope Of our reformation.’ “Yas,” added Bob, “an’ of £011 don’t do it when 0 hev sech a daisy 0’ a S “31‘: you Ortel‘ be duc ed in a sewer.” . “I solemnly swear that I Will reform!” de< I clared Albert. “K’rect fer bristle-back flSPeSL Keep yer blind eye on that goal an’ you 11 1t thar sure 92 preachin’. You’ve had sorter a ard row ter hoe an’ ther weeds hez Sprung up amazin’, but the ’3 ’cause ole Murder went out on ther sly an’ watered ’em atomic“ war up a-mornin’s. Oh! don’t be skeered ul‘ ther future; you’ll be all hunk when yer see w’at a patriarchal nabob yer M a“ is, .n' I’ll hev Ther Coiner an’ yer .‘T iii-LL, l‘ . - ‘. :1 « _,v ‘7The S . ,9 Vagabond-net ctive, 6 ..' -- ‘ ; sister hyar ter-morrer afore ther mud in - led up in ther Boweryl" \_ The boy detective had made no mistake. The “clew to the mystery which he obtained from . Jack Huntsman’s words in the saloon was veri- led. “ The Comer” was the real Alexander Mur- dough. _ His story may be told In a few words. a “'hen a young man he married a poor girl secretly; his proud father learned all; Alexan- der was un' stly accused of crime and forced to flee the country. He 14ft his wife and two children, Albert and Dora, behind. The wife died. and the elder Murdough took the babes home. , After two years, word came to Alexander in Ital , where he was hiding, that his father was dea , and that he thus became heir to much wea1th. He resolved to return. Unluckily he v had in Venice become attracted to a man of his .pwn age. Their remarkable resemblance was responsible for the acquaintance at first, but it row so friendly that Alexander told Justin «om kins all about himself. an the good news came, Tompkins resolved 'to play the old trick of assuming another’s iden- tity. He had Alexander imprisoned, and, him; "self became young Mr. Murdough. He did not ‘venture to. return to New York for five years. When he dld, nobody suspected the fraud. ‘ It might never have been suspected had the , usurper been wise, but he was not. The real ' Alexander was held prisoner, but, after a time, . ‘;the .118 _ er had actually married the daughter . -of his jai _er and had another child. “ _ ‘Tompkms scented danger. If the jailer had ‘ g. 4. permitted this marriage, treachery must alsobe intended. Tompkins paid a flying visit to Italy. One night he and Bravos descended on the cot- tage. The jailer and his daughter were killed. The real Alexander and Nelva were brought * away. .The usurper resolved to have Murdough under his own eyes. He Was brought to New York, and as Tompkins knew of his skill the counter- feiting scheme was thought of. Der two years the prisoner refused to work, but solitary con- finement drove him to it at last. To save himself from going mad, and to be With Nelva, he yielded. hen began his career .1... t as “ The Coiner." , Where it would have ended but for brave Bob 'fi . of the Bowery it is hard to say, but when the ,v man restored to life recovered his mental vigor, \as: he did, fully, and established his claim as , Alexander Murdough, he forgot no one, good or f . He helped to give justice to all the coun- . ‘tcrfeiting gang. . ‘ Cap Goldexi,Gnarl Riddle, Jack Huntsman, Chug Bates, J ocko, Hannah, and the others, all got long terms in prison. Unless Golden is par- doned, which is not likely, he will not outlive his heavy sentence. Albert’s career of folly was overlooked, and . it is believed his reformation Iis complete. His ,~',’.1ather has given him a home, and Dom will help" ‘ him keep his good resolutions. . g "The Coiner ” seems to have taken anewlease {Wot life, and Nelva is the sunshine of his latter ‘ days. ' He rewarded Bowery Bob financially, and would have done more had not that young gen. » . tlenian declined. . I .1 . 5. Much obleeged ter you, but .I reckon a2 how . 1.111 stick to my present occupationl, Peanut. 1; f3, toney‘rtrade, an’ that is piles o’ bullion inter it. you, but I’ll keep ther Bowery stand; ,wgfqrmumpy’my pal-d, must hev some means 0’ kgepm’ his blood wflowin’, an’ he’s jest a hum- on peanuts. He c0uld run a stan’ ez big 92 x } store, so I’ll let him hev that line, . j, {look orround fer tor see w’at crookede _‘I'Mn.unt‘ayel. \Ther firm 0’ B. Bowery. Vidocq , 'g-Idz Hitting, but it‘s bound ter spread like ' wither I, plenty 0’ field fur detec- : five 'work mm Mo: New York, an! while measly mmn’ Cain wi’ honest folksas, I ain't down in sloth an’ w . Hall-Dime Singer’s. Library 1 WHOAZ EIIMA: and 59 other Songs. 2 CArrAIN Curr and 57 other Songs. 3 THE GAINsEORo’ HAT and 62 other Songs. 4 JOHNNY MORGAN and 60 other Songs. 6 PM. STRle You WITH A FEATHER and 62 others. 6 GEORGE THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs. 7 THE BELLE or ROcRAWAy and 52 other Songs. 8 YOUNG FELLAII. YOU‘RE 'l‘oo FRESH and 60 others 9 SHY YOUNG UIRL and 65 other Songs. 10 I’ll THE GOVERNORS ONLY SON and 58 other Songs 11 MY FAN and 65 other Songs. 12 Conn.” ’l‘HRo‘ TllE RYE and 55 other Songs. 13 THE ROLLICKING lRIsHMAN and 59 other Songs. 14 OI. 00G TRAY and 62 other songs. 15 W. A. CHARLIE and 59 other SongS, 16 IN THIS WHEAT BY AND BY and 6.3 other Songs. 17 NANCY LEE and 58 other Songs. 18 I’M THE BOY THAT’s BOUND To BLAZE and 57 othem. 19 THE Two OllPBANS and 59 other Songs. 20 WHAT ARE THE WILD WAVES SAYING, SISTER? and 59 other songs. 21 INDIoNANT POLLY “ on and 59 other Songs. :12 THE OLD ARM-CHAIR and 58 other Songs. 23 ()N (toNEY ISLAND BEACH and 58 other Songs. 24 OLD SIMON, THE HOT-CORN MAN and to others. 25 I‘M IN LOVE and 56 other Songs. ‘26 PARADE or THE Cr; ups and 56 other Songs. ‘27 Yo. HEAVE, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 ’TWILL NEVER DO To Gm IT UP So and 60 others. 529 BLrE BONNETs OVER THE BORDER and 54 others. 30 THE MERRY LAUGHING MAN and 56 other Songs. 31 SWEET FORGET-ME-NOT and 55 other Songs. 3?. LEETLE BABY MINE and 53 other Songs. 33 DE BANJO AM DE INSTRUMENT FOR ME and 53 others. 34 TAEEY and 50 other Songs. 35 J 051' To PLEASE THE EMS and 52 other Songs. 36 SKATING ON ONE IN THE GUTTER and 52 others. 31‘ KOLORED KRANRs and 59 other Songs. 38 NIL DESPERANDL‘M and 53 other Songs. V 39 THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND ME and 50 other Songs 40 ’T13 BUT A LITTLE FADED FLOWER and 50 others 41 PRETTY WHILHELEINA and 60 other Songs. 42 DANCING IN THE BARN and 63 other Songs. 43 H. M. S; PINAEORE, COMPLETE, and 17 other Songs Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at five cents per copy, or sent post-paid, to any address, on re- ceipt of Six cents per number. BEADLE AND ADAMS. Punmsnnaa, 9% WILLIAM STREET. an Yoax. cured The pen \Veekly of Popular, Elna-tun. hut and Uaeml Literature Pub- lished In America! lts Unrivaled Corps of Contributors, almost all of whom write eu'clum'vely for its publishers-embraces the following- amino“. 0! world wide repute— Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Albert W. Aiken. 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Deadwood Diek Non-In. l Deadwood Dlek, the l'rinr» ol' the Rom]. 20 Double Dnnera; or. lh-udWWd Dick’s Defiance. 28 Buffalo lien; or, i’vmlwmnl Dirk In Disguise. 35 “'lld Ivan. the Boy ('imulu lluvni. 42 l’ilantom .ilineri or. imaiu-ood Dick‘s Bonanza. 4i) (Iniahu 0“ - or Deadwood Dirk in Ilium”. 5? Deadwood Die "- I'Zuglea; or, The Punk oiFiood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dlek on Deck: or. Calamity Jane. the Heroine. 7? Corduroy (‘liiirlleg or, Deadwood Dick’a Luet Act. 100 Deadwood Dick In Lendvllle. 104 Deadwood DIc-k’i- Dei ice: or. The Double Cruse Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick an Detective. 129 Deadwood ch-k‘e Double: or, The Ghon oi Gorgon’r ll (‘ t 188 Dlunde “ill: or, Deadwood Diek’r Home Bun. 149 A Game of Gold; or Deadwood Dick'n Bill Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or. The l’ii‘krd Part -. 195 Deadwood ch-k’a Dream: or, '1 he Rivals ol' the Ronil. 201 The “lack “ill. Jezebeli 0f, Deadwood I) (-k'a “'nril. aoo Deadwood lllok‘e Doom; or, Calamity Jane'. Last Ad- venture. (jgptuin cruok.fliot, the Girl Briznnd. 221 Ila ar-Coated Sana: or, The Black Gown. "2 go d.nu.t Illek. A Romance of Roung and Tonghl. .08 Deadwood Dlek’a Divide or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick's Death ‘rail. '09 deadwood Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick oi regon. 821 Deadwood Dick's Dozen ; or. The Fakir uil’haiitom Firm. .4? Deadwood Dick’a Dueata; or, Rainy Day: in the Dix- inxn. 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta. 862 Deadwood Diok’o Claim; or, The Fairy Fan 0! Euro Hut... 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamond-i or, The Myltery of Joan Porter. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Ciao." 480 Deadwood Diek‘a Duat; or, The Chained “and. 44B Peadwood Dick, Jr. 448 Nickel-Plate Ned; or, Deadwood Dick Jr‘s Defiance. 458 Sunflower Sam, oi Shaun; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’o Full Hand. ‘59 Flu“. Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd~ 405 Pin” Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr'a Racket at Cl lm lo. R 471 Boxer-an Bill: or. Deadwood Dirk .ir’a (‘orraL 476 Humboldt Harry, the Hurricane; or. Deadwood Dick Jr’a Dog Detective. 81 Moll Myatery; or, Deadwood Dirk Jr. in Deadwood. 91 Prince l’lntol, the Kins: of the Went; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Compact. 496 Monte Cplato, JIM or, Deadwood Dick Jr‘l Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dlok'a Digflingai or, Dr. Death-Grlp'l Swoop. 608 Deadwood Diek‘a D verance. 51'5 Deadwood Dick's l’rotexec. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cioven llooi', the Bufl‘aio Demon. 2 Bob Woolf: or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or. Life in New York. 46 Did Avalanche: or, Wild Edna. the Girl Brigand. 53 Jim Bludaoe. Jr.. the lioy rum... in Buckhorn "ill; or. The Red liltie'i'eaui. 69 Gold Rifle, the Shar naiiooter; or. The Bo Detective, 80 Roacbud Rob “or. . uxxat Ned, the Knight. 84 1d,], the Girl . iner; or, Roulnid Rob on Hand. 88 Photo ra ll l’hil; or, Rosebud Ruh'a l‘dnppenn‘nco. (I'll C cl 1 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting liull‘e Camp. 98 \Vuteh-E e: or, Aruba and Angela oia Great City. 118 Jack lloy o the Young simulator. “7 GiltcEdged Dick, the Sport Detective. 121 ('lnnamon Ohio the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza Dill iner. 18? “no; Do!) the king l(li‘l‘oiiooxhlacha. l Doll So the Boy ud- gent. 145 Caption-"Torrey the New York Detective; or, Bou Bob'- Botl ob. » ’18! New York Nell the Boy-Girl Detective. 117 Nobb Nick oi’ fievada: or. The Sicrrna Scenipa. 181 Wild Trunk, the Buck-kin iirnvo. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. ' ' '218 Fritz to the Front; or. The \ eiltrllnqulti iiunter. 226 Snooler. the Buy Sharp: or. 'l'he Arab Delectlvu, .36 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. “0 C clone Kit, the Young Gladiator. ’ H erra Flam, 1h. Frontier Ferret. 248 H-erra Sam's Secret; or, The Bloody Foownm. 258 K-erra Snm’l Pardi or. The Angel oi Big mg, 268 fi-erra Sam's Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 3173 Jumbo Joe the lug Extra]; or, The Rival ileira. err Ill-liver nail. the a the queen. 281 Derurer Doll'u Vletory. 2*“ Denver Do'l‘I‘a 1:191:03! : or. Little Bill‘s Bonanla. 291 Turk the oy erre . 296 Denv’er Doll'a Driit ; or. The Road Queen- 9 .\ No. I, the Dashing Toll- «her. 803 ’lea Jane, the ’i‘irl Mini-r; or, the irmuNorved S um, 25 Kelley, Hickey dz Com any. lho‘Sluuth- or i' iiadelphig. BIN ll‘ttle Quick-fillet; nr,‘ he ilwul have of Daggenviilu. 88 Kangaroo Kit: or. The Mysterious Miner. . an area Klt’e Racket. 848 i an attan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 Flrnt-Clau Fred. .lw Hem mun Gopher. 868 Yan Jllu. the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Lottery of info ' ' im’n Prize. ell g or. The Secret anlah City. 832 Cool Kit. the WW vi Kidu; or. A Villain-hi Vengeance. 8135 Yrelia Jlm’l Joker; 0'. The Rivals or Red Now. 8819 “(cycle “on; m‘."l'lla lei of Lightning Lode. 894 Yreka Jim of \ uba Dam. 416 gli Hat Harry. the hm "all Detective. 420 n; Slab-idea. the! "mum-“0}! Detective: 484 Be l: and l’nl. l'rivnte Detecting. 483 Santa lye Sal, the Slasher. 486 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkier. ' h 1 5' 5 G I 9 (z 7. i ‘s. .= S 9. E‘ 5' air lililLiP s. wamm. Patent-Leather Joe: or, Old Rattle-nah. tho chm", 1 5 captain Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe a Big Game, 8 rapt-in . all” or, Patent-Leather Joe'e Meat. ’ De- ard. the DIellat: or. The Mountain Vampirn. 8 Al on ll D0]: or, The vanri’s Revenge. 68 Little l‘ornadol or, The Outeaatr ol' the Glen. 3 1 fit kiln; i 0f. the Queer Ford. 1* ir‘i'ttkl h-‘myiglor, Coualhain urn Omrgn. 40 H '- coo Y 0'. ace Ora c. 408 Little gather-lined”: or. Old Jumbo'l Cum. 0 ‘, l k Tho C i Blood. 1 1:“9‘: ‘ :Féfr’axneifig Mines. ‘ y r“. BY COLONEL l’RENTISS INGRAIIAM. 7 The Fl 'ing Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph lo , the tiny lluu-uurer; or. The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk or, The Mystery of the Yellowatone. 92 The Shadow h‘ lp; or. The Rival Lieutenantl. 05 The lloy Dllellat; or. The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf. 102 Diek Dend- Eve, the Boy Sniuimier. Ill The Pea-Devil; or. The Miduhipman’a Legacy. 116 The III-Mar Cu ituin: or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. lit? Little Grit; or, ienaie, ihe Stork-'i‘endn-r‘e Daughter. 204 Gold I’Iumer or, The Kill-Glove Sport. 216 lilnon “ill. the Prince oi the Reina. 222 I'll. the llrnvo Sport; or. The Woman Trailer. 229 rimaon Kate or, The Cowhoy'l Triumph. 237 Lone star, the owhoy Cit lain. 245 Merle the Mlddy or, ' he F‘reeianre llr-ll'. arm The .Vlldahipnm. "finger; or. lirnndt, the Buccaneer. 264 The Floating Feather: or, Merle )ionte'a Treuure a nul- 24m The Gold shin; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Eerie Monte a Crulac; or, The Chase 0! "The Gold . l . 2S0 lierle Monte’a Fate; or. Pearl, the l‘irnte'a Bride. 284 '1 he lieu Marauder: or, Merle Monte‘e Pledge. 2N7 Dilly Blue-Eyel, lllu lioy Row-r i i‘ the Rio Grande. 504 The Dead Eliot Dandy; or, Benito. the Boy Bugler. iii)! keno Kit: 0'. Dead Shot ilantly‘u Double. 814 The] )lynterloua Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler's Long I‘ill . 877 Donodei. the Boy Rover; or,le Flugleia Schooner. 8’“! The lncilnu' I’ilot: «r, The So‘lirl'll for Pirate island. 85'? “'urpaih “ ill. llm “my l’hunti-ni. 398 Neuwnli‘. the lioy Lieutenant. 402 iamlor. the Young ('onupiratori or. The Fatal League. 40? The Dov lnnuruentl or. l'he (,‘uhan Vendetta. 4 2 The “'i d Yacht-mun; «or. The war-clown. Cruise. 429 Dunc-an Dare. the linv Refugee. . 438 : i‘uhln Ilo "a Lucie; on'i'he Corsair. 48? he flea Rn der. 441 The Deeiin Flu-oily: or, A Middy'a \‘w (name. 446 Ilaphnzurd Hurry; hr. The Stupor-vireo! the Sea. 450 “'lzurd “'ill: 0". ‘IH' “03‘ Fl‘r't- of New York. ‘ 5 “'iznrd “'lll’u h‘i root N-outn. 462 The Born Guido; hr. The snilhr Buy Wanderer. 46H Neptune Ned. the My Cuuatvr. 474 Flora; or, Wiznrli Will‘s Vuunhnnd l'nrd. 433 Fern.“ Anon“ or, Wizard Will's Lust (’au. 48? Nevada, Ned, the ltuvolvrr itunurr. 495 Arizona Joe the, liuy Pnrd ni'l'rxan Jack. 49? Buck Taylor, King oi tho Cowlmye. 503 The Royal Mlddy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. ‘- BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. “'m. F. Cody). B Kahlil King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom 83y: or The Pilot orihe Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye. the nknotsn Scout. 68 "order Robin flood; or The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado: or, The Trapper'a Trult. BY CHARLES MORRIB. 8 Will Rome", the Boy Detective. 2 Phil lllll’d , the lines "by. 3 plenwme rote; or, Nicodemus. the Dog Detective. DeteetiVe Dick; or, The Hero in Rugs. Ilamllmne llarry, the Booildm-h Detective. \V ill ldiire, the‘Thoroughhred. lilac-k Della, “'ill “'ihltire‘n Raver. Mike Merry, the Hartmr l’nllcr lioy. Will \i’ildflre in the “'ooda. Dilly Baggage. the Railroad Buy. A ’I‘rmnp Cards or. Will Wildfire Wine and Loan. Bob lloeketti or, Mysteriel of New York. ’ Bob Iloelietti' the Bank Runner. The "laden [.ndLor, Will Wildfire'a Revenge. ‘7 Fred llnlynrd, the lie lloat Boy. or. The Smuggien. 189 Bob Iloekett: or, Driven to the Wall. ‘9“ Mindowed 3 or, Boil Rorhetl'l Fight for Life. 200 Dqu Paul. the Tim-r King. 2l2 Din-hing Dave, the llandv Detective. 220 ‘otn Tanner; or, The it nck Sheep oi the Flack. ’35 Non: Charcoal the Premium Dinky. “35 shadow Earn. the Mruenuer Boy. 242 The. Two “ lllooda ”; or, Shennmimih Bill and llil Gang. 252 Dick Dnahaway : or. A Dakota Boy in ("hit-"gm 262 The Young Sic-"thin; 1r, ltollit'hing .‘llke’l llot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim. the Detective. An renilce. 289 Jolly Jim’a Job; or, The mini! Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; 0r. The You": 'l‘ll'wnuuhbred. 805 (Dani-away, of Dakota; or, A Wruteru Lad lu‘ihe Quaker it). 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 341 Tony Thor-lie, the Vagabond Deleotivq._ 858 The Reporter-Detective: "hired l‘lver‘l Blizzard. w IdeeA“'uke Joe: or, A Day lthe 'l‘llilt‘S. “fifé‘ P37¢dlflflfl¢ 3.. uu—uuuuu—nuuuuu Jxawaaacmho 879 Lorri. the lioveier; or. The in!»le of the Boulevard. 403 Fire 5! thk, the River-Rat Deter-hug. 428 The l .oot Fin er; or, The Enlrnppcii Caihier. 423 Fl't‘il Flyer. lfie Reporter Delhi-twp: 482 Invincible Lin an, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Ilriok, tie, .lollv \'ii|:fll|4'|i|‘- 466 “’ide-Awnke Jerry, hem-11w: 0r, Entombed Alive. 479 Deteetive Doil H or, The Ml'NlW)’ oi l‘i’alik Hearty. 4am “'ilil Dii-k line et. 501 Bootn, the lloy Fireman 2 0", T00 Sharp {or the Sharper. B" JOHEI'“ E. BADGER, JIK. 2 Yollowntone Jack; or. The Tmi'l't'r- 43 Blank John the Road-Agent: 0:. ’i‘ u- Ouilaw'. Retreat. 65 Ilnrrieane fun; or. Manhunt Nun «mi in. Pard. 33m 0LT)“, King (lithe l‘lnim. uwk 'lt; or, The Dangliierui'tlie Ranch. n1 3' Lance the tiny Sport- 151 I’antior Paul: or, Dainty Lam“? l~0 1he Hermie. 160 The “melt Glnnt or, Dnintv Laure in Lapde 168 Deadl‘y Dating or, it‘lghiiug Fire Willi Fl", 1 4 ’ ‘he I oy Trailer-a or, Dainty Lam; on the War-Path. 203 The 30 Pardiu n , helm.v unlelillnaskl. Ell Crooke Cale, the (.‘ulihnn of Celt'ltiiill City. 810 The “arr-non Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 810 The Black Rider; or. The "one-Phievu‘ League. .35 “ld Dpllble Flat or, The Strange Guide. 855 The king- of um hood“ or Daniel Boone’s Last Trail. ‘1’ Kit Fox. the Border Boy Dated!"- iiv' unwann s. ELLIS. Bill Biddon Tra i-r. 8 Seth Jone-3’ or The Captivea of the Frontier. grt goddé china Filite oi‘ the Sioux Captive. G I'OII er n . I The Do! Miner-“'5, The Enchanted island. The llunted Hunter; ot,The Stun o Homilian ’5‘ The Half-Blood; or, The Panther o the Plains .71 The Ila“ "can" or,’i‘ho Steam Prairie Mao. H i = a I 0 '- '_: BY 0LL CO0MES. 5 Vagabond Joe. the Young Wandering Jew. 118 The Dumb Spy. 7 Antelo e Abe, the Boy Guide. I 81 Room nife, the Prince of the Prairies. I mo Jar-Ii, Ihe Young Miialanzer. 58 The Border Klnii or, The Scent For. Tl Delaware Dick. 1 0 Young Ranger Spy. 74 llawk-e 0 Harry, the Young Trapper R130. 88 Rollo, t 0 "oil an or. 134 Bare shot Set , the ly Rifleman. 148 Scar-Fave haul, the Silent Hunter. 140 Silver Star, the Day Knight. 158 Earle Kit. the My Demon. 168 Little Texan, the Youn Mmtanger. I?“ Did flolitary, the Herni t'l'ra iper. 182 Little llurrleane, the Boy aptaln. 2 Proa -t Pete: or. The mun: Outlaw Hunters 2 S The 0; Ill-realest or, The Prairie Tramps. DIS 'I'iu'er ’l om, the Texas Terror.’ 224 l’llt‘lllill‘: Dlek ; or, 'l‘rnmw Tom’a Castle. 288 Little 'lldilro, the Young Piairio Nomad. 233 The l'aruon Detective; or, The Lilli.- Ranger. 248 The ill-unlined Guide: or. “‘ii-l Raven. the Ranger. 26" Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Mllil‘t‘h‘lfl Mike, the lioy Shurpvhooter. '90 Little Foxfire, Ihe Boy Spy. “0 The Sky Demon t or. Rniuhuit, the Ranger. 384 ‘Vth-l‘lng Joe, the lioy liancheru. 409 Herc-"lea or, ilii-k, the Boy Ranger. 4i “'ebi‘oot . one. the 'l'rnnip Deter-live. BID Sam, the liny Giant oi the Yelin-wnione. 4&4 Li! G Duck-kin, the Young Prairie Centaur. 407 M ingedi’oot Fred; or, Hid Polar Saul. 41m 1 nmurae Tom, the iii ‘Tra iper iloy. 4‘ 3 Q” Tom Rattler ihegRed tin-r Epidemic. 482 Stonewall Dob, i to Boy Trojan. BY T. C. IIARBAUGD. 23 Nick 0’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of '16. it? The. llidden Lodge: or The Little Hunter. 47 Nightingale hat; or, The Foreat Cu mine. 64 Dnndv nekx or, 'he Dutluwaof the regon Trail. 82 Kit. I nrei‘oot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack; or. The iioy Trapper. 106 Did Frm-ty. “It Guide; or. Tllt' \l'hite Queen. 133 Kiowa Charley the White Muttanger. 189 Judge Lyneh, er or. The Bov “ililflnn. 155 Gold Trig el’o We 5 0fl: or,The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado ‘omt Ur, nJun Jack From Red Core. 188 Ned Temple, the‘Border Boy. 19“ Arkun-nw : or. The Quw-n oi Fate’s Revenge. 20‘? Navajo Nick. the Boy Qold Hunter. 2l5 (‘nptuln Dulle : nr. Little Toplmot's Crusade. 231 l’lneky l’hil: or. Rom. the Re I Jezebel. 241 "ill Bravo; t-r. The Rehabs 0! the Rochiel. 255 (‘aptain Apolh, the Rina-Pin oi Bowie. 267 The lluekuhln Detective. 279 old “'lnph; Ur. ’l‘lie iiuckahin Desperation. 294 D 'namfle In": or, The Bowie lilmle oi Cochetopa. 802 T to Mountain Detective: yr, The Trigger Bur Bully. 816 Did Eellpae, 'l‘ruinn Card of Arizona. 82 he Ten l'ardag or. The Terror oi Take-Notice. “3 “It! Den-on: or, The Queen of the La in, 345 l’ltlleua Mott; or, Red Thiinilerholl‘s Serret. 856 "pal Mini and I’m-It; or The Terrible Six. 866 V elvot Foot, the indinn Detei'tive. 8"“ (‘flDiain Cutlaui or, 'I he Bv'ccnneer’a Girl Foe. 898 Rough Rob or, The l‘win Champions of Blue Blame. 4“ The Sllken mono or The Ron oi Ranch Robin. 41” Felix Fox, the [luv .‘ 0 ter. 42") Texan Trnmr, the rder Rattler. 486 I’ll“ Fla! , i la New Yorhhelix. 445 The City Fleuthat or, d Rolfe‘l Pigeon. 61 (line A a n~t Filly: or. The Lfllt Man anvno Bar. .4 470 The 0y filuadow; orI Felix Fox's Hunt. 42”? The Excel-[or Elgar-t]? or, The Washington spam, 499 “hula M ht, the ? yeti Sport. 502 Branded ion, the Night Ferret. BY ALBERT “'. AIKEN. 11 The Two Detective-f or, The Fortunes ore Bowery Girl. 73 fibe‘vcho'lt! "W crow‘m 19'; 0", The Grant Fighting Man 09; n I . 79 “01 al er, the Giant Tm may, 288 Joe Bee ' ofAnele an in- Boy Ford. 447 New ‘ ork hat. A Tale of Tricks and Trapl in Gotham. 468 New En land Nit-k; or, The Fortunol ota Fonndling. 464 Nimble i iek, the Circua Prince. 498 Too: Ted, tne Arizona Sport. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 504 Five Pointi- Phil. the Pavement Prince; (r, Caught in the Spider’s “'el). liy Jo Pierce. 505 poweni. plwd, or, The One-Anned Giant. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, Ex-Scout. 506 litlegu.ht “.19)., an Prince 0! the Road. By J. C. Corn- il’l" . 507 The “unth lldlllil’fllfln- “3‘ Col. Prentila lngrahun. 508 Deadwood chk'a Deliverance. -By E. L. W'lieelfl'. 509 Jack Jagger-g ""9 BMW" Boy Detective. By .10 Pierce. 5“) Cool Colorodm “'9 "Mi-“reed Detective. By A. W. Aiken. 5‘1 The (IIIHDWN‘ MiddY- 33‘ Col. Fri-nil“ Ingraham. 512 Dodger nick. the Wharf-Spy Detective. By T. c. llnrbaugh, 518 The Demon Dm'tor. By Geo. (f. Jenke. 514 Broadway Blliy’u Doodle. By}. c. Cowdrick. 515 Deadwood Blown Proteaee. By s. L. mm... 516 Tom? Tlmi “r. Five Pointa Phli’a Menagerie. By .10 Pierce, 51: Jun Gladden'a “uputy_ 3,. p. s. Wame. 518 Cool Colorado In New York. By Albert W. Aiken. 519 Captain Mystery: or, Fire in One. By wnnun 6. mm... 580 Buckskin mu. u... Comanche Shula". By Colonel p. ingrahain. Ri-niiy July 19. 581 Dodger Dick’s heat Dodge- By T. C. Harbaugh. Renin July 19, 522 Dendw oil Dick'a Three. 3)’ Edwflld L walU. Ready July ‘26. | 528 “'Ilard-Ar'ln, the Dad: Sport By Arthur F. Holt. Ready Auguiit ‘I. A Now the. Every Tum.” The Half-Dill. u“ l" “ ft” “1* by all «Woolen, Ivo- cenu per copy, or «at by‘ml l on receipt of six can" “ch, V murals.pr " ' as wnua- Six-Jr, New" Teal» \-