\

‘3‘

 . ‘ A \ x
‘  - - .\; ‘\ WNW®  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
‘ ' — mun  ‘ _ \\..

  
  
 

 
 
 

      

"_- H" L. ‘_: " .
“III  IWI I“ d- . . _ n l-H-h “.34; {MW
Entered as Second Glut Matter at the New York,

         

Copyrighted 1896. by BEADLE AND ADAMS.

 

 

 

N. Y . Post Office. ptembef l.  ’1
$2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE'AND ADAMS. Price
NO‘  a YeI-r- No.92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 centh  

 

 

 

 

 

etective 0n Wheelsfi

OR, THE

Sensation atWashingtnn Heights.

BY J. C. COWDRICK,
AUTHOR OF “BROADWAY BILLY“ NOVELS, ETC.

 

 

CHAPTER I.
THE BOULEVARD SCORCHER. _ ‘4"
“LET him try it just onge more, and I'll ‘

 

 

“ DROP HER. YOU VILLAIN! 01‘ I WILL DROP YUU!” give him all the scorch he “ants if I have to

 

  
 

lures.
' then it will be time for us to put our
' hikes on the pins and retire."

. .. «. /
4,5r a, »h 4.1.1.. \ n . I V v

.
v .- - '  't-e..<‘;i' v. 'r "-." - ‘ , ,
a“. r“  17-”, 51% are r : * with». ‘
. . .  - we

2 ' V Scorcher Sam, the, Detective on Wheel;

 
  
   

I.

 

 

whirl my tires off!" So cried Officer
Schuessler, of the New York Bicycle
Police Corps, as he joined a‘ group of his
fellow wheelmen after a vain spin to
catch a scorcher.

"\ 3t away from you, did he?"

 Ties: but he’ll not do it again!"

“ .he wonder is that he could do it
this time."

“Chance favored him and hindered me,
that's why")

“ You'll have to put on steam, Schuess-
ler, if you. ,ever catch him," observed
Charlie 'llhomsen, another actiVe mem-
ber of the active corps.

" You ought to tackle him. Charlie,"
remarked Frank Reilly, also a member.
“ \ou rail down the so-called King of
Scorchers, you know. and you ought to
be able to scoop this chap."

“I ' had, eh?“ disputed Thomson.
“That said King could not touch one
side of this man in a race. Besides, if
Schuessler can’t do it I am not in it.
that's sure. He belongs to the 2:15 class.
you know, while I am hardly out of the
3:30 at present." \

“ It looks as if you will have your
hands full, Schuessler." averred Reilly.

" I don’t care if he is ,chain lightning!"
that chagrined officer declared. “ I'll
lune him, if i have to chase him all the
'v.':_v to Harlem! .We can‘t afford to let
anything on wheels outrun the members
of this corps; eh, boys? "

"That’s what‘s the matter!" agreed
()fflcer Neggesmith', still anotherof the
light brigade—~a man who stands‘well
up in matters of speed and daring cap-
~“ When we begin to be outdone

“What I say,” growled Schuessler..

The cause of all this talk was, .new
whceiman who had recently ma, 9 his
appearance on 'the Boulevard. 1

On two or'three occasions he had ’led
the crack riders of the police corps a.
spurt, but thus far, by speed or chance-—
perhaps both combined, had eluded ar-
rest for scorching. He it was who had

just escaped from Schuessler, one of the

"flyers” of the corps. '
“Well, lie low for him.’Schuessler,"

' suggested Thomson, “- and if. you sight

him again don't let him get the start
of you. Nip his little game right in the
bud.” .

“What‘l want is to nip him by the
neck.” ' - , .

“Yes, that will be better still.”.
\T’hey parted company. each to so "his
round of the beautiful Park and the
Boulevards.

The bicycle corps is an institution that
has “ cometo stay," evidently. It is the

A flying'squadron—the light brigade of the

gallant Metropolitan police. It has ren-
dered magnificent service to the too-ex-
actingrpub‘lic, and the corps' coats and

,leggings have "come to .be a familiar

\

sight on all the thoroughfares where

wheelmen abound. ,
.-Every man of them being a trained
athlete and experienced wheelman, few
of them can be outdone on a run, long
or short. Not one but can do his mile
in 2:30, and some of them in 2:15. or even
less"; At all busy points at least one of
these officers is\ always found,- alert.
vigilant. keen-eyed as eagles.

The man we have mentioned as giv:

ing them trouble and eluding arrest was
unknown to any» who had seen him.’
"He was of athletic build. clad in a

 Gina‘s-fitting cycle suit of plain gray, and
T ' were a beard.

, One thing about him annoyed‘those of

‘gfiéf‘pgiihe {who had given. him purSuit;

t

He had a way of turning a corner and
disappea’ring as utterly as if the ground
had opened and taken him in!

In that manner he had just eluded
Schuessler. He had darl‘ed through a
bevy of young lady cyclists, where there’
seemed scant room for even a cat to
dodge. and where Schuessler had been
obliged to reduce his speed to avoid
collision.

The scorcher had so startled the girls
that they were uncertain in their balance
for the moment, and for Schuessler to
have fonlowed his man ,at full speed
would have been highly dangerous. He
stopped. tihe man turned a corner. and.
when the ladies had passed and Schuess-
ler pedalled to the corner, his man had
vanished.

So it had been with others in pursuit.
as said; and Schuessler, being one of the
crack fiyers, felt it keenly.

But his resolve was taken; he meant
“ business" now! ' ‘

Later in the day he was wheeling
leisurely along the Western Boulevard
when he noticed a wheelman who had
just passed him.

Unless the officer was greatly missaken
it was the.mysterious,'scorcher again,
and he fell inibehind and kept pace with
him. only waiting for him to essay an—
other flight of speed.

Faster, and a little faster, the man
went, until he 'had reached and passed
the speed limit; then Schuessler, re-
solving to‘ take him in, put onpressure‘
to even up with 'himywhen, to the oili-
cer‘s surprise. he didlnot gain an inch.

The mysterious.wheelman kept Just
so far ahead, and in a. few moments more
bolih were flitting along 'the smooth
Boulevard like swallows.

But Schuessler u’as sure of his man.
He was too close upon the scorcherfor
him to thinkof escaping, and could stop
him any moment he_chose——the “ cop "
champion decided} -  '
he meant to run the man down and take
seine of the conceit out of him by show-
ing him that no scorcher could stand any,

' chance against the flying corps.

Oh they went, and began to attract
attention.

‘The omc'er was letting out a little more
speed,'then a. lift e" money but the other
was' just so far head;‘and there he re:
mained! - 4. i

Schuessler could not cut down the dis-
tance. no matter how he might try, so
it began .to look to all observers.

Peoplegave them a clear road. and

‘ these on‘the si ewalks stopped to watch

the flight of "to matchleSs flyers. All
"eXpected the blue coat to, overhaul the
pursued, but they did not see it right
Kaway. 'Both men were going like the
‘wind. ‘ ' '
Suddenly another officer on a wheel ap-
peared ahead, ready to block the road.
Schuessler motioned him out of the
way. .
' He had started‘the game. and mean
badge!  .
The other drew back, and pursued and
pursuer darted past him like iihe‘ flyers
they were, and were“ in the distance in a
few moments. The Boulevard had never
seen the like. . ‘ L ‘
Block after block was. passed, and the
further they went the clearer the road
thtejy had'bofore them‘for the race.
nesently. the searcher glanced over his
shoulder. , ‘ ‘ ’ ,
“Now, themfiome on and take me!"

 

he shouted;..‘ “5 , (nir‘trial, nemcldman,
and the victor ' likes the  >~ . ;

\  - y» .y,

 

  
  
 
  

 

That, however, was not his purpose;‘

to run the manfvdoivn or hand in his:
I .

anyhow, just for sweet revengefl‘he de- 

‘inch to the length of its cranks.” . . ,

1not a rider'in‘New York an gettaws .

 

f.‘

.- what'ao you expect fie @1043“ ’

[.“Iithink I was riding faster 41m

  
   
  
   
    
  
   
    
        
      
       
    
       
    
    
     

" And you’ll take a night in the:
er! " shouted the officer, in response; 
“Bet you a straight Havana I don’t! *’

“I'll show you!” ' '

“ Oh, will you?” and then, with won-
drous reserve power the-man in the lead .
shot aheadvlike an arrow from the bow! I

For a few moments tThe ofiicer fell be- ‘
hind; then he. too, put iii’tno're work.
and shot away at his very highest speed.
And thus they continued the flight, to the
delight of all observers. ' ' ' ' r

At last the officer, seeing that he’was‘.“ ’ _
being outdone. and full of chagrin“
shouted: . ' -' ‘

“Stop! Stop! or I tire! ” g 3

“Don’t shoot!" was the prompt re-
sponse. “ I’ll stop!”

The scorcher slacken-ed speed instantly,
and Schuessler was up with 'him the next ' 9‘
moment. ' ,‘ "

“You are my prisoner, sir," he said. .V ,.
“ What do you mean by such speeding as 
you have been doing, when you ought to
know the law?”

“ Don't be rough on a fellow, old man,"
urged the prisoner, laughing. -“I only i,
wanted to try my new machine, and I 3
knew you wouldn’t give me half a fair  »‘ “
heat unless yOu meant business—~” ‘ ‘

“Sam Buckley, the detective! "

“At your service, old friend; but now,
Scorcher Sam, the detective on wheels.”
And the scorcher made the officera bow, _,
cap in one hand and in the other the ' 
beard he, had removed from his face, ‘_
which had served him the purpose of a
complete disguise! .. v '

        
     
    
    
    
       
       
    
   
   
    
     
    
   
    
     
    
   
        
       
     
     
    
    

’ O‘

 

CHAPTER II. ',  . 
sconcnnn SAM'S TANDan, SCOOP.

Officer Schuessler looked at'his =fel-
low .oflicer in half anger. ‘ .. I\ ,
“I have a notion to run you in for it,»

olared.

“ Wouldn’t blame you if you did, that’s H
the fact,” was the Scorcher Detective’s: 
laughing "response. “However, let me: ’
beg off this time.” ‘

“What kind of a wheel have you got"
there, anyhow?" , 4 ,

“A special; and that's what did the"
business for you. ,. icsn’t. outrun you on a.
machine .ot-eqnei;f;sizé;-you know that. ._’_ _
well enough. - You win-e: Schuessler, the, 
invincible.” . ’ « 6,3,:
V “ It is a bute, and no mistake. It 100k8";"t,~
innocent enough; donft look as if it coulfl)‘
go so lightning swift. What we” its)”.
specifications, lany‘how? " ' ._ ‘

“ Why, youvsee it has a thirty-one inch . “g
rear wheel, is geared up to eighty-fourth  1.
the‘sprockets besides, and has an extra.»

     
 
       

    
     
      
     
   
  
     
     
     
    
      
     
    
      
     

  

   

    

  

  

" Whew! No wonder I failed to over— ’-
haul you, with my seventy-eight. ‘No one
but a crank would ride such a thing use
that. I’ll bet-“you will tire of it and come,
back to, something sensible before you!
have used it three months. see if you
don’t." . ‘ v ‘ .
. Thb detective laughed azaim ’ ,3
“ That’s what Lam—4 crank! " he a “i!
mitted. “so the wheel ought to‘suit
first rate. It Ms had a fair test,fn'o I
Schuessl‘er,*-again!t ' you. ' "How with 
world yoflflver pushed me the wayngg
did, is more than I can e, There:

 
 

    
       
   
 

  

  

   
      
    
  
     
  
   
    
    
 
 
  
  
  
 
 

 
  
  

    

from you‘itéyougwant him, (crypts! ,

the. _ _"_,,of,j-ithe sand-as everbe 

\  bet'We d d thatlast mile ‘
in”, r . . ‘

 
 
 
 
 
  

 

 
  

ever rode before, that I’ll? admit. _c_ 

 
  
  

\ .

 

 

 

 

  

 

Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels.

 

 

 

a detective? You ought to be one of
our corps."

I “Just what I am, old fellow, but in
citizen’s dress, and privileged to go any-
where and everywhere. Commwsituers
have given me a great big card. and it is
as blank as a wall. They expect me to
do duty where your blue coat would be
in the way; see? ”

“Yes, 1 see. But, people will soon get
on to you—”

“Will they? I have as many disguises
as I have got fingers and toes, and a few
more besides. I’ll be a stranger to all
you fellows; more than half the time
you’ll not know me."

“In that case, we’ll be after you all
the time, too, if you do any scorching;
be sure of that. But, then, some signal
will be arranged, of course, so we’ll know
you.”

“Yes; all that will be attended to."

“Well, are you coming back with me?
Don‘t have it said that you got away
from me, Sam!”

“I'll ride back with you, of course,
meek as a lamb. You caught me, fair
and square, for you could have ordered
me to stop long before you did, and I
would have been obliged to stop.”

They remounted and rode slowly back
in the direction of the Circle at Fifty—
ninth street, where two or three or more
of the squad on wheels are usually to be
found, talking together as they rode
along, Scorcher Sam telling of his sp:cial
assignment and instructions.

Of late, the police commissioners had
been receiving complaints from the peo—
ple of the northern part of the city, both
sides of the Harlem River, and even
over in Westchester, against persons who
were committing depredations and mak-
ing use of the bicycle as a means of es-
cape; and at last they had decided to
send out a few detectives in citizen’s

‘ dress to take a hand in the matter.

Sam Buckley was one of the keenest
detectives the city could boast, and as
he was a wheel enthusiast, he was one
of those chosen for this service. It was a
call not every one could fill. In the’
first place, the candidate had to have
an A1 reputation as a detecLive; coupled
with that he had to be an expert wheel—
man. Many who were the former, were
not the latter, and vice versa; but in
Sam Buckley both qualifications were
well blended.

By the time they reached the Circle.
all those who had witnessed the starting
of the scorch had given place to others
who knew nothing about the incident,
save the police officers, so their return at-
tracted no notice.

“What!” cried Officer Neggesmith,
who happened to be there at the mo-
ment; “lost him again, Schuessler? ”

“Does this look like it?” Schuessler
demanded, indicating his companion.

“Why, that’s Sam Buckley! We all
know him!"

“And he‘s the chap. He is Scorcher
Sam, from this time on;' that, is the
name he gives himself, and it’s a good
one, on my word."

“But, you caught him?"

“ Caught nothing! "

“ Yes, he did, too, fair enough!"
averred the detective. “Nothing can
get away from Schuessler when he goes
after it, in dead earnest."

“Unless he is an expert to begin with,
like Sam here, and happens to be mount-
ed upon such a thing as this," calling at-
tention to Sam’s wheel. “It would take
an Empire Express to overhaul him."

“Well, we needn’t feel bad about it.
knowing that Sam is one of us, any-

 

how; there is considerable consolation in
that.”

At that moment a park policeman came
up.
“See here, I have got a tip for you fel-
lows,” he announced.

“What is it, Moran?” from Sam.

“A couple of chaps down there with a
tandem are coming out for a scorch as
soon as they think the way is clear."

“You heard them say so?”

“Heard the whole thing. They have
got a new machine, and want to try its
speed.”

“And they mean to run the risk of
arrest to do it, eh? Well, now, they
may get mightily fooled.”

“ They have counted on your not being
able to catch them, even if they are
seen. They look like a pair of wealthy
sports, who wouldn’t care for a fine, any-
how.”

“ All right, let them come!"

“And right there they do come, sure
enough! ” ‘

The policeman indicated a tandem
then coming slowly up the parkway to
the Circle.

“There is a chance for you, SCOI‘CheI‘

- Sam," intimated Schuessler, with some

excitement. “Put on your badge and
follow them up, for the fun of it, and I’ll
follow you."

“All right, 01d fellow;
I’m out for, to-day.”

So saying, Sam put on his badge, and
without seeming to notice the riders of
the tandem, fell in behind them.

They were young men, evidently a
brace of “ chappies ” belonging to the
“ first families.” Their mount was a
sparkler and presumably a speeder as
well, for their kind usually have the best
that money can buy.

For some distance they ran on at a
moderate speed, until at last no member
of the blue-coat brigade was to be seen
anywhere ahead; then they increased
their speed and in a few minutes were
going at double the regulation gait, with
Scorcher Sam close behind.

Schuessler was not far in the rear of
Sam, and was keeping. pace.

Presently Sam called out:

“ Here, now, enough of that!
lows stop! ” A

The second chap on the tandem turned
his head and shouted defiantly:

“Can’t step; won’t have time!, If you
want us, come on and get us—if you
think you can do it.”

Then began a race in earnest, one man
against two, and those two mounted upon
one of the finest racing tandems .yet
turned out of a factory.

Away they went, with the speed of a
huge bird on the wing, sending back a
laugh at him who had challenged them,
feeling secure against being overtaken.

But, they did not know the wheel that
was hot on their trail.

Searcher Sam bent himself to his task.
and began to creep up and lessen the dis-
tance that separated him from the team.
The hind man looked again, presently.
and seeing him gaining, spoke to his
companion, and they did their best.

But, all to no purpose. Before two
blocks more had been traversed, Sam was
abreast with them, and commanded
them to slacken their speed or he would
crowd. them to the curb and bring them
to grief. ‘

Needless to say they obeyed the or-
der. He placed them under arrest, and in
a moment more Schuessler was on hand.
Sam turned them over to him, with a
reminder that the police bicycle brigade
was still in the field.

I

that‘s what

You fel-

 

CHAPTER III.
THE VONBRONX MYSTERY.
Scorcher Sam had accomplished one
thing.
He had given his new mount several
severe tests within a day or two, and had

’ found it not wanting.

When Schuessler had taken charge of
the prisoners, the detective took leave
of him and proceeded leisurely up the
Boulevard. intending to take a look over
certain ground.

What he had said to Officer Schuessler
was rather general. He had particular
instructions besides; in fact, a case in
hand,_ and one that had been giving the
superintendent of police something to
think about for days.

He had taken off his badge, after
stopping, and now could not be told from
a citizen.

But. the case.

Out near Fort Washington, between
the Western Boulevard and the Fort
Washington Ridge Road, was found, ear-
ly one morning, a young lady lying un-
conscious.

Her name was VonBronx—Claudia
VonBronx, daughter of a very wealthy
gentleman who Owned a princely resi~
deuce in that neighborhood. She was
carried home, as soon as she recovered
and could tell who she was, and the mat-
ter was hushed up at once, so far as the
public was concerned.

Dexter VonBronx, however. was mad
the man to allow anything of that kind
to pass unnoticed, when it came so close
home to him, and :he went in person to
the chief of police to see what could be
done toward solving the mystery. To
think that one of his daughters—he had
two—should be found in such a place and
condition; why, it was horrible! So, in
truth, it was, and would have been in any
case.

“But,” asked the chief, “what does
your daughter say about it, Mr. Von-
Bronx? ”

“That is the deuce of it, sir, that is
the deuce of it! " the millionaire cried.
“ That is the reason I am here, sir. It is
because she won't tell me, that I am de-
terminedto know." .

“ Ah! I see."

“And I want you to find out for me."

“ Well, if it is something she will not
tell, perhaps it is something youare just
as well off for not knowing.”

“That is for me to judge, when I
learn all about it; and I am determined
to know, one way or another. Do you
hear me? I am determined that the
mystery of that night shall be cleaned! ”

“Well, let us go .over the ground,"
said the chief. “What do you know
about it now, sir?”

“ Nothing, absolutely nothing. ”

“What time did your daughter leave
the house? ”

“ I do not know.”

“Does any one of the household
know? ”

“Not one of them, sir; I have asked
them all.”

“Well, what do you suspect in the
matter? That may throw a light some-
where.”

“I don‘t know what to suspect; I
can’t suspect anything. I am all at sea
about the affair. If I could have found
it out myself, think you that I would
come here? "

“Well, probably not, that’s true."

“And in coming here, I come in con-
fidence. I don’t want this to be a news-
paper sensation, you understand.”

“ Certainly not, sir."

“ Well, you solve the mystery, chief.

l

 

 

 

  

 

 

and ten thousand
" {he offer of a reward will not make
me try any the harder, sir. It might
stimulate my men to their best efforts,
however, if they need a stimulus.” ‘

“Well, use it as you please; I offer
that sum for the secret, whatever it may
be.”

“ Now, what can you tell me? "

‘f Not a thing that you do not know
already, sir.”

“ But, let me see it from ‘your point of
view, Mr. VonBronx, and perhaps I may
get a new light.” .

“ Well, put yourself in my place, then:
Here I am, Dexter VonBronx, a rich
man, living in style suitable to my means
at Fort Washington. I have two daugh-
ters, one aged nineteen, the other twenty-
one. My wife is dead. I have a corps
of some fifteen servants, and thus we
live.”

“All the world knows that, Mr. Von-
Bronx.”

“Yes, yes; I suppose so, suppose so.
We rich fellows 1have no privacy what-
ever in this world. But, no matter about
that. Now I come to the point: On a
certain morning my youngest daughter,
Claudia, is found unconscious along the
highway, and is brought home to me in
a half dazed condition, chilled to the
bone from lying out on the cold ground.
You know all about that."

“Yes, it was fully reported to me at
the time, Mr. VonBronx, but at your
command, if you remember, we dropped
the matter and suppressed it before it
got to the papers.”

“ And for which I have to thank you."

“ Don’t mention that, sir. Go on and
let me have the rest of the story, from
your standpoint." '

“Hang it! that is all there is of it,
air. There the whole thing is covered
with a vail of mystery that we cannot
penetrate. There is where you must
take hold."

“ Still, you have some further facts of
which I am ignorant.”

“ What are they? ”

" You must be aware whether or not
your daughter received any bodily abuse
or not, on that occasion.”

“ Ah! true. No, there was not a mark
on her person, sir. Our family physician
said that she had sustained no injury;
and there we are, all in the dark, all in
the dark.”

“ What does your daughter say? "

“She claims that she does not know
anything about it.”

“ Let me see; how was she clad on that
occasion? As if for the street, if I re-
member.”

“ Yes, just as she would have been if
going out for the evening; but she did
not go out for the evening, as we happen
to know. She was in bed when her sis-
ter retired."

“Ha! that deepens the matter con-
siderably."

“Well, I should say so. It is plain that
she got up, dressed, and went out after
that."

“ Nothing plainer, on the face of it, I
have to agree with you. Now, what
would take her out of the holise at an
unseemly hour, secretly?”

“ That is just the point; that is what I
am 'willing to reward you handsomely
for, if you can find it out for me. That is
what I want to know—awhat I must
know.”

“Have you any suspicions?”

“ None, I have told you.”

“ You are willing to speak out plainly,
I suppose? "

dollars is ready for!

 

 

4 Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels.

 

“ \Villing to do anything in the world,
air. that will be of assistance in the mat-
ter.”

“Well, it is possible that there is a
lover—some one who has not your ap—
proval—in fact, some one whom you have
forbidden—~” '

“ No, no, nothing of the kind. If so, it
would be simple enough. My daughter
has a lover, Mr. Roger VanBiltder, to
whom she is engaged, and the young
couple have my hearty approval.”

“ And there is no other? ”

“ No; Claudia thinks the world of
Roger.”

“How does he take the matter?”

“ Why, the poor fellow is just about in
despair, and I am afraid there is danger
of a breaking off.”

“And how dOes your daughter take
that? ”

“She is in tears, and the deuce is to
pay generally. She tells him the same as
she tells me, that she knows nothing
about the mystery, and there we are
stuck."

“ And that is all you can tell me? ”

“That is every particular of which I
have any knowledge.”

“Well, it is a poser, sure enough, Mr.
VonBronx, but I’ll see what I can do for
you.”

Thereupon the superintendent ques-
tioned the millionaire closely, and finally
permitted him to take leave, and sent at
once for Sam Buckley, who, he thought,
was just the man for such a case.

 

CHAPTER IV.
MAKING A GOOD BEGINNING.

Such, then, was the case Scorcher Sam
had in hand.

He wanted to take a preliminary look
over the ground, and thought his wheel
would nicely serve the purpose.

He rolled easily along at about the reg-
ulation gait, finding it but the meres-t
play to propel his special. It ran so
easily, with a lazy pressure, that he had
to guard against speeding unconsciously.

“ Schuessler said I would tire of this,"
he said to himself; “ but I fail to see it,
unless I tire of such slow foot-motion.
Hang me, if I blame some of the boys
and girls for speeding; the temptation is
great, on these fine roads. But the safety
of all is at stake, and it won’t'do.”

He. was admiring his machine as he
rode along, making himself acquainted
with its individuality—which every wheel
certainly has——and at the same time was
turning the Washington Heights mystery
over in his mind. He was trying to build
up a theory that would cover the case at
every point, but found it impossible to do
so.
He found it a peculiar affair in more
respects than one.

All he knew about it, of course, he had
received from the superintendent, but he
had been given all the essential points.

The fact that Claudia VonBronx was
found in street costume was proof that
she had gone out secretly and of her own
free will. The fact that she denied all
knowledge of it, proved that she had a se—
cret to keep.

Such a conclusion was natural.

Now, what that secret was, was the
keynote to the whole affair.

So the superintendent had said; so the
detective believed, and that was what he
was after.

The six miles from the Circle at the

corner of Central Park at Fifty—ninth
street to Washington Heights was soon
covered, and Scorcher Sam was on the
spot. ,

Everybody knows the residence of
Millionaire VonBronx, and the detective

 

turned in that direction, intending to ride
slowly past and see if proximity'to the
scene of the mystery would not inspire a.
thought which would prove a key to it all,

On turning a corner that brought the
front entrance to the grounds in view,
what was his surprise to See two young
women in handsome bicycle costumes,
with wheels to match, just in the act of
coming down the broad granite steps to
the road, evidently for the purpose of tak-
ing a spin on their machines; and he
rightly guessed who they were.

“The VonBronx sisters, as I live! ” he
exclaimed.

He was right; there they were; and as
he watched them they mounted and rode
away.

They rode in the same direction he was
going, and he followed after them at a.
slow rate of speed, keeping far enough
belléind not to attract their notice to him-
58 .

They turned into the Fort Washington
Ridge Road, going northward, and ere
long were going at a rate of speed that
would have been denominated a mild
scorch a few miles further south. As it
was, the place made the difierence, and
no one interfered.

Scorcher Sam kept the same relative
distance from them, and his speed would
not have drawn notice even down town,
so leisurely was his pedaling. It was the
size of his rear wheel, and the gear, with
length of “ throw,” that carried him over
the ground at a deceptive rate of speed.
The ladies were making almost two foot-
motions to his one.

The air was bracing, and they were evi—
dently enjoying it to the full.

Following their course, they rode on till
they came to the place where the Ridge
Road nearly touches the Boulevard.

There they made their way to the latter
thoroughfare, and, continuing on, made
the length of the island on the west shore,
turning into the Bolton Road for the re-
turn spin.

At the point where the Bolton Road
curves toward Inwood Station is a. de-
lightful little stretch for a spin.

Here the ladies let out their speed.

Really, they were having a race, and

Scorcher Sam wheeled up a. little nearer I

to them, enjoying it.

They had not seen him to this time—in
fact, had not once looked back during
their ride; and, even had they done so,
they might have tried the race just the

.same.

Scorcher Sam had been wishing that
chance would offer to make their ac-~
quaintance, though he had no reason to
entertain any such hope. He certainly
could not force himself upon them, and
his chance for an introduction was one in
ten million, or thereabouts.

Away they went, Sam keeping pace
without the least exertion, and there were
few people around to observe them.

The detective, in the enjoyment of the.
spurt, gained upon them.

Of a sudden a mishap occurred.

The lady ahead—for one hall out—
stripped the other considerably—was seen
to swerve suddenly to one side. as if to
escape something that lay in the road,
and before she could recover she lost her
balance and fell heavily. '

Scorcher Sam voiced an ejaculation of i ',
surprise and pity, and darted ahead to v

the rescue.

He passed the other lady, even before
she reached the place of the accident, and
was the first to lend assistance.

Dismounting, he left his ‘wheel and
stooped and lifted the young woman’s
head, noting that she was not. uncon~

   

 

 

scious. but quite dazed for the moment. 
5

 

    
 
 

 

 

 

 

Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels. 5

V" "' p2-»

 

 

Oh! sir! it is not serious? ”
So cried the other, the moment she
alighted.

“No, I think not,” was the response.
" Don’t be alarmed.”

“ Poor Claudia! Do you know me, sis-
ter?” stooping and touching her face
with her hand.

The other nodded, as yet not able to

J speak. She was very pale, and Scorcher

Sam feared that a limb had been broken.

He looked around to see what had
caused her to turn so suddenly, and saw
some broken glass that lay in the direct
course she had been riding.

He noticed, 'too, that one of the tires of
her bicycle had sustained a bad puncture,
and that it was deflated. A repair would
be necessary before she could go on.

If it were no worse than that, he would
be glad, but he feared that the young
lady was more seriously injured than at
first appeared. She was very pale, and,
though he rubbed her hands briskly, she
was slow in recovering.

“ How will I ever get her home?” the
other was saying, wringing her hands
nervously. “ What shall I do? "

“Give yourself no uneasiness on that
head,” said Scorcher Sam. “ I am at your
service, and will attend to all that, if nec-
essary—which I hope it will not be.”

“ How can we ever thank you, sir? ”

“ By not trying to thank me at all, and
by saying no more about it. She is re—
covering.”

This was true; the younger of the pair
now sat up, looking from. one to the
other, as if to collect her thoughts to de-
cide who Scorcher Sam was.

“ May I assist you to rise!” Sam asked.

“ If you please, sir," she answered.

He took hold of her hands, even yet
fearing that the damage might be worse
than even she knew of, but happily they

already knew the worst.

He supported her for a moment, until
she was able to stand with the assistance
of her sister, when he gave attention to
the wheel to learn to what extent it was
damaged.

“A punctured tire, I see,” he said. “ If
you will permit me to do so, I will repair
it for you.”

“ Oh! if you only will,” said the elder.

“With pleasure."

Ife had a repair kit on his machine, and
with that he speedily repaired the punc-
ture and soon had the tire pumped as
hard as before.

“ You have done me a very great serv-
ice, sir,” now spoke the younger of the
sisters, “ and you must permit me to
thank -you, at least,” offering her hand.
“I would more fully repay you, if possi-
ble.”

“This more than repays the slight fa-
vor, believe me," said Sam, gallantly, tak-
ing the little hand in his own for a mo-
ment. “And yet,” he added, “ could I but
know whom I have served it Would add
to the pleasure it has been to me, I assure
you.”

“We are the Misses VonBronx,” said
the e‘der of the two. “May we inquire

' to whom we are indebted? "

Sam. gave his name.

 

CHAPTER V.
SCORCIIER SAM‘S sr‘nrmsn.

Scorcher Sam had gained one point.
He had made the acquaintance-«no, not
that, either, for the chances were that

they would never recognize him again~
‘ without the formality of an introduction,
' which he was never likely to have; but

he had seen the VonBronx sisters face to
face, and would know either of them at
sight anywhere.

 

They were not particularly handsome
young ladies, but were passably good‘:
looking. The younger was the prettier
of the two, being a petite blonde with lu-
minous blue eyes. The elder was a bru-
nette, with straight, black brows that did
not enhance her beauty. Her eyes were
as black as midnight, and in their depths,
was suggested a passion that might be in-
tense for good or evil, once fully awak—
ened. Their ages have been stated.

The elder of the two extended her hand
to Sam in turn, saying:

“ It is avname we shall not soon forget,
Mr. Buckley, believe me. You have ren-
dered us a very great service, indeed.”

“I am glad the service required was
so simple," arejoined the detective, at
parting. “I am glad that you came off
so well, for the fall you received was no
gentle one,” to the younger.

“Ah! here comes Mr. VanBiltder,” sud-
denly cried the elder sister. “I must
urge you to remain until he comes up,
Sir.”

“ Certainly, if you desire it.”

A wheelman was approaching, and in a
moment more he recognized the ladies
and drew up and dismounted.

He was a young man, aged about twen-
ty-five years, rather good-looking, and
having the air of a born aristocrat. He
looked coldly at Scorcher Sam at the
same time that he bowed to the ladies.

There was a great chatter for a mo-
ment, while greetings were being ex-
changed and the mishap made known,
and then the elder sister cried:

“ I have detained our rescuer, Mr. Van-
Biltder, in order that you might thank
him, too."

“Which is not necessary, since it has
been amply done already,” said Sam, with
a bow, as he prepared to mount his wheel.
“ It was no more than a mere courtesy of
the road, believe me."

The young aristocrat thanked him cold-
ly, and, having mounted, Sam lifted his
cap and wheeled away.

At the top of a rise he looked back.

The trio he had just left had mounted
their wheels and were going in the oppo-
site direction.

Young VanBiltder had said something
about being disappointed of a pleasure,
in calling at the house and finding them
gone; and Searcher Sam rightly guessed
that they had joined him for a further
sp 11.

“Good enough,” said Sam to himself.
“I will stop at the mansion and see the
governor while they are out.”

Continuing on the Bolton Road to
Dyckman street, he there struck into the
Kingsbridge Road, and ere long was back
again at Washington Heights and near
the VonBronx mansion.

Carrying his wheel up the granite steps
and leaving it just behind the coping, he
went up the broad walk to the house.

A footman in livery answered his ring.

“ I desire to see Mr. VonBronx,” the de-
tective announced.

At the same time he extended a card
bearing the name of the superintendent.

Mr. VonBronx had requested of that
official that whoever was sent might
bring such a card, to avoid mistake.

The footman carried it away, while
two other lackies stood like statues in the
hall, as if to guard the plate during his
absence. ‘

He soon returned.

“Mr. Vchronx will see YOU, Sil‘,”‘he
said. '

He made at the same time a perfunc-
tory bow, and indicated that the caller
should follow him.

Scorcher Sam followed. of course, and
was u:.hcred into a :’.‘or_:eou.; library,

 

where the millionaire sat at a highly pol-
ished table engaged in writing.

He kept on writing for some moments,
to make the visitor feel his inferiority,
perhaps. Then he laid down the pen and
faced around in his revolving chair.

He looked well at Sam before he Spoke.

“ So,” he said at length, “you are the
man selected for my business, are you,.
young man?”

“Yes, sir," said Sam.
“ What is your name? "
“ Buckley."

“ Sit down, Buckley, and we will talk it.
over."

Sam took a seat the millionaire indi-
cated, and appeared to be quite at his
ease. -

“ Now, sir,” the millionaire continued,
“what do you propose doing? I want to
know how you are going to work.”

“ To begin with,” said Sam, “I purpose
questioning you as closely as possible, to
get at the matter from your standpoint.
If you are in earnest about having the
mystery solved—”

“If I am in earnest!
mean, young man? ”

“ Just what I say: If you are in earnest,
you will withhold nothing from me."

The veryucoolness of the detective net-
tied the old moneybags, who was used to
having men how and cringe in his pres—
ence. Scorcher Sam met him as an equal,
on this occasion.

“If I am in earnest!" Mr. VonBronx
snorted. “As if I would not be in earn-
est, desperately in earnest, under such
circumstances.”

“That is just the point, sir; and. being
in earnest, you will welcome my ques—
tioning.” And immediately he began
making inquiries with the directness of
a cross-examiner.

Mr. VonBronx met them frankly, and
in a little time Sam had covered nearly
the whole ground, and had brought out
all the facts that had been made known
to the superintendent of police.

“Has your daughter ever been known
to walk in her sleep?” he further in-
quired. -

“Never. I thought of that, but dis-
missed the thought.”

“And you tell me that your daughter
claims to have no knowledge of the mat-
ter whatever? ”

“That is the story she tells. She re—
members going to bed; she awoke in a
strange place, chilled to the bone. The
wonder is that she did not take cold and
die.”

“Do you believe her story, or do you
doubt it? ”

“ I have never had reason to doubt her
word before, yet this is so very strange——
But that isvwhat I want you to settle.” -

“ And what I will undertake to do; but
it may require time. Such mysteries, as

What do you

‘a usual thing, are not solved in a day. It

possibly may take weeks, or
months.”

“ Yes, yes, I suppose so; but do the best
you can.”

“I will, sir.”

“ Are you done? ”

“ I suppose you are willing to trust me
implicitly, Mr. VonBronx? ” ‘

“ Yes, certainly. There is only one con-
dition to be observed—that is, that this
mustnot come to the newspapers.”

“ It shall not, through me, sir. What I
was going to propose, if it will not take

even

.your breath away, that you receive me

into your house for a few days as a
guest.” ‘

The millionaire lay back in his chair
and fairly gasped.

“I will send you my card—- Better
still, I am here in person; son of an old

  

 

    

6

Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels.

 

friend of yours on a visit to the city.
You invite me to spend my stay with you.
I will have opportunity to get acquainted
with your daughters and study the case
leisurely.”

Mr. VonBronx was still gasping. for
the proposition was the coolest he had
ever heard in his life.

“Ask a spy into my house!" he pres-
ently cried. “Put you on equal footing
with my daughters—you, a mere police
detective! VV'hy, sirM”

“Say no more about it," said Sam, ris-
ing. “ I guess you are not so desperately
in earnest. about having the mystery
solved, after all. I'll go back and report
that you would not trust—”

“ Hold on, young man; give me a min-
ute to think. In what other way can I
hope to have the mystery solved. if I close
this opportunity against you? Besides,
to refuse would be to distrust your su-
perintendent. I’ll do it; it shall be as you
have suggested.”

At that moment the door opened, and
Amelia VonBronx entered the room.

CHAPTER VI.

THE ELDER SISTER'S OPINION.
Scorcher Sam had gained a big point.
It wasisomething he had never dreamed

of, on coming there.

The thought was one that came to his
mind after having studied well the man
with whom he was dealing.

Sam was a keen judge of human nature,
and an hour in a man’s company was
usually sufficient to read him thoroughly
andaweigh him in the balance. He had
weighed Mr. VonBronx.

T’he detective rose immediately when
the young lady entered, and she, on see-
ing‘ him, gave a great start, looking from
him? to her father, and there was a mo-
mentary awkward silence, for the mill-
ionaire was taken aback by this sudden
interruption.

“Pardon me, papa," the young lady
quickly said. “ I was not aware that you
had company. I merely ran in to say that
Mr. VanBiltder will lunch with us.”

“ You mean Roger?”

“ Yes.”

“Very well. But, wait, my daughter;
let me introduce Mr. Buckley, son of an
old acquaintance. I have just extended
an invitation to him to spend his visit in
the city with us.”

Scorcher Sam was pleased with the way

‘ the old gentleman had saved the day, as

be mentally put it.

The young woman looked the surprise
she felt. ,

“ Indeed! ” she exclaimed. “ Is it possi-
ble? Let me welcome you, Mr. Buckley,”
advancing and giving her hand. “The
second time we have met this morning,
papa.” .

“I am more than honored,” said Sam.
“Believe me, I had no thought of this
when I called to pay my respects to your
father. The first meeting was merely
one of passing chance, Mr. VonBronx,”
he added.

“ And a most fortunate chance for us,”
cried Amelia, who proceeded to tell
about it.

The millionaire looked at the detective
admiringly while the young lady was
speaking, accrediting to his detective skill
the whole occurrence, as Sam read his
thoughts.

“ But you made no mention of knowing
papa,” said the young lady, when she had
finished.

“It would have been like forcing my-
self upon you,” Sam replied.

“ Well, you will lunch with us, and
send for your baggage, of course, Mr.
Buckley?”

 

“In this costume? ” queried Sam.

“Certainly; we can overlook that, un-
der the circumstances."

“Then I will do myself the honor to
remain, after which I will return to my
hotel and prepare to accept your kind in-
vitation.”

A few further remarks, and the young
lady withdrew.

“How was that done?” asked the old
gentleman, rather proudly.

“Excellently!” complimented the de—
tective. “It shall be my endeavor to
play the part of guest so well that the
most fastidious could find no fault in
me. I appreciate the trust you repose in
me, and will conduct myself accord-
ingly."

“ Of course, young man, of course. I
shall hold your superintendent accounta-
ble for that.”

“He is willing.”

“But, your first name? A man of my
years cannot ‘mis‘uer’ you.”

“Not only my first name, but a good
many other minor points must be well
understood between us,” said the detect—
ive.

By the time lunch was ready, Mr. Von-
Bronx and the detective had come to a
perfect understanding. Scorcher Sam had
outlined the role he would play, with the
master of the house to back him.

It was a peculiar situation for Scorcher
Sam. It was one that placed him on his
honor as a guest, while at the same time
he was there in the capacity of a detect-
ive to ferret out a secret of the family——
if such a secret existed.

Where all were clouded in mystery re—
specting the adventure the younger Miss
VonBronx had undergone, his mission
was one of a peculiarly delicate kind—
one that he would have to handle with
care. .

He was introduced to Miss Claudia and
Mr. VanBiltder, and fell into his place
naturally.

He noticed that VanBiltder did not re-
gard him with much favor, and his suspi-
cion was that the young man was in-
clined to be jealous without reason.

The fact that he had that morning lent ,

assistance to the young lady at the time
of her accident, and now on top of that
to find him a guest of the family, gave the
young scion uneasiness. .

The hour at the table was made use of
by Sam to give the others a good impres-
sion of- himself, for he was equal to the
role.

Though a poor man, yet Sam had been
college-trained, ' and was a gentleman
born.

Lunch over, Sam escorted Miss Von-
Bronx from the room. .

She conducted him to the drawing-
room, where they sat down for a chat be-
fore he took leave temporarily.

“ What is occupying your thoughts, Mr.
Buckley? ” she was presently led to ask,
as he seemed preoccupied and failed for
a moment to respond to a query she had
made.

“Your pardon,” he said quickly. “I
cannot get out of mind what your father
was telling me about a strange adventure
your sister had a little time ago. The
strangest thing I ever heard of. I beg
your pardon, but what did you ask me? "

He noted that this caused her a. start,
and that her keen, black eyes gave him
a searching look.

“Papa was surely not so indiscreet—”
But there she paused.

“ He knew I would honor his confi-
dence—”, '

“Certainly; I beg your pardon, Mr.
Buckley. But it seems so strange that
he would speak of it at all.” -

 

 

“ It appears to be greatly on his mind,”
said the detective. “I know he would
give much if the mystery could be cleared
away.”

“ So would we all,” declared the young
lady. “Pray do not speak of it to my
sister; she is very sensitive about it, and
it causes her pain to have. it mentioned."

“Naturally, it must. For her sake it
ought to be cleared away, it possible-
But that is out of the quesrion, of course.
Still, I cannot help it if it forces itself
upon my mind. It is a very strange mat--
ter, and no wonder your father is exer-
cised. What is your opinion of it, Miss
VonBronx? ”

“Dear me! I have no opinion: I am
mystified. It is a very painful matter,
Mr. Buckley.”

“Yes, I know it must be. I will not
speak of it again. I would not have done
so now, had I not felt bound to explain
when asked what was occupying my
thoughts.”

“ It has given us a great deal of worry.”

“ And your father spoke as if he would
like to have the matter fully investigated,
were it not. for the dread of having it get
into the papers.”

“He must never do that! We could
never hear the notoriety, Mr. Buckley. I
have influence with him, and I must ap-
peal to him again not to do that. It
would kill Claudia.” '

“I beg pardon for continuing the sub-
ject. Shall we let it drop, Miss Von-
Bronx? ” v -

“Since papa has taken you into his
confidence, and as for the time being you
are one of us, I will tell you just what I
think, Mr. Buckley.” »

“ You honor me.”

“ I believe that, unknown to any of us,
Claudia is a somnambulist. In no other
way can it be accounted for.”

“That is what I suggested to your fa-
ther, but he declared it could not be so;
if such were the fact, he argued, the fam-
ily would have had knowledge of it be-
fore; and that looks reasonable.”

“ True; and yet, may it not be of recent
manifestation? "’

“There is a good point, Miss Von—
Bronx. Perhaps you have solved the
whole matter with that simple sugges-
tion. I suppose care is being taken that
it may not be repeated.” v

“ Oh! to be sure. One of the servants is
required to sleep by Claudia’s door, un-
known to her, and the front doors are so
secured at night that she could not pos-
sibly open them in her sleep. It will be
impossible for the sad occurrence to be
repeated.”

Others entered, just then, and the mat—
ter was dropped for the time being, but
Scorcher Sam had gained another step in
the matter of mystery; he had drawn out
the elder sister’s view and her opinion.

 

CHAPTER VII.
SOCIETY SEVERLY SHOCKED.

Scorcher Sam found himself in a pe-
culiar situation.

There were some things which he had
not paused to consider when making his
proposition to Mr. VonBronx.

He was thrown into the company of
young VanBiltder, who, meeting him on
even footing in the home of mar host,
was bound to treat him as an equal,
whether it pleased him to do so.or not.

VanBiltder, occupying as he did the po~~
sition of prospective son-in-law, felt it
all the more incumbent upon him todo
what he could to entertain the friend of
the family, and as a result he invited
Sam to acoompany him to one of the
most exclusive clubs in the city.

Sam was in a dilemma:

 

 

   
 

 

 

 

' . . What its—4'

9

, _ Searcher Sam, the Detective-don Wheels.

 

 

«Torefuse Would be to slight the young
scion of wealth; to accept was to run the
" risk ‘of , recognition.

* -He could afford to hazard neither, just
at that time, and so he stood, as it were,
between two fires. But he had to choose;
s'o'he chose to accept the invitation.

One reason, he might never get another.
chance to invade the sacred precincts of
that particular club.

He went.

' This was when he had been two daYS
la guests of the VonBronxs.

Meantime, he had been able to learn
nothing about the mystery that he had
undertaken to solve. "

. On one occasion he talked with the vic-
tim of the misadventure herself, her fa—
ther having opened it, but he learned
nothing. He was as much in the dark as
the others.

He learned something along other
dines, however, of which more anon.

The afternoon following the nightof
the visit to the club, young VanBiltder
called at the VonBronx mansion in a
state of great excitement.

He wanted to see Mr. VonBronx, and
'- 'his request was urgent. He was shown
into the library, where he paced around
and snorted with overpressure of indigna-
tion, asking that the family be called
there at once.

“See here, ‘what is the matter with
you, Roger? ” demanded VonBronx, after
a few moments of the agony.

"A cad, sir! a deuced cad and spy! ”
cried the scion.

-"-Who is a cad and spy!” '

a ., “ Who? Who but your guest, sir! He

‘is a. police detective, nothing more; a
, common fellow. And to think that I took
him to my club!” ' ,

" Look here, Roger, here is a mis—
 takeJ’ said VonBronx, eager to have the
 “matter hushed before it came to his

dau‘ghters’ ears. “ You had better have a
' care how you-make such charge.”
_‘ nfi"‘nBut I can prove it, sir; I can prove
' I
 ‘Just at.that moment Miss’VonBronx
W'entered the room, and she stopped with
, amazement. , v .

',‘ A cad—a spy! ” cried the boiling Van-
Biltder. “ Your Mr. Buckley is a police
detective! ”

And to make the scene all the more
painful, Sam at that moment came along

' the hall in company with Miss Claudia.

“ What is amiss here?” Scorcher Sam
inquired, stepping coolly into the ,room.

 “'Did some one make the remark that
 I am a police detective? ” '

Young VanBiltder was as red as a beet.
“ Yes, sir,” he cried, “ you heard some
,one say so, and it was I. You are Sam
Buckley. the police detective; I make the
,. charge, and defy you to deny it.’
 The sister "had drawn back, and with
’ hands clasped, looke on painfully.
 Mr. VonBronx stood leaning with his
 hands on the polished library table, pale
and red by turns, much agitated. ,
.y j , It was-.3. painful situation for them all,
 ,al-l, perhaps, save 'the detective,- who
._’seemed to be the coolest person in‘the
 stout). - 7 1 ‘ .
. “I suppose you are prepared to prove

fthebharge you make, Mr. Van Biltder? ""

are nueried. .
"  it? Of ‘course if I can move
’ .“What is your proof?"

v.“-

. ‘ Therword' of two members of the'

Rub-Who. happen to know you, sir."
f Tlhat ought to be sufficient, certainly.
<3..de Of gentlemen of that club is

, t is: be doubtede

\ .

 

“See, he does not deny it! " cried Van
Biltder. turning to Mr. VonBronx.

" But, papa, you introduced him to us,”
said Miss VonBronx. who was very pale
and much agitated. ‘

“And we "have accepted him in good
faith," said Miss Claudia. “ Surely, there
must be some mistake, Roger. Are you
quite——" ~

“ Of course I am certain,” snapped
VanBiltder. “ Two of my friends asked
me this morning what I was doing in
company with Sam Buckley the detect—
ive. Tthey are positive."

“ But, papa. you know him, don‘t you? "
asked Miss VonBronx. . .

“Did he not come here and introduce
himself?" asked VanBiltder. “He has
imposed upon us all!"

Scorcher Sam saw ,that Van Biltder
was more than eager to prove the charge
he had made, and, of course, that it
would be easy for him to do 50. Sam
had expected it would come.

VanBliltder was inclined to be jealous.

“Papa, why don't you speak?" cried
Miss VonBronx.

“Yes, prove that it is not true," urged
Miss Claudia, eagerly.

Van Biltder gave her a look that was
intended to be severe, and shruggedhis
shoulders. ‘ ,

“What have you to say, sir?" Mr.
VonBronx demanded.

' ‘He had been racking his brain to find
some way out of the difficulty.

This placed him in a sorrytsituation,
unless the detective saw fit to [help him
through with it. '

Seercher Sam took the hint and his
cue from this demand, and saw what was
required of him. He decided to bear all
theblame himself. . '

The fact of ilhe matter was, he might
need the further\ co-operation of Mr.
VonBronx before the case Was done with,
and it would pay for him to shelter the
old gentleman.

"i admit that the charge is true,”
said Sam, calmly. “ I have imposed upon
you, Mr. VonBronx.”

r» The millionaire breathed eaSIer.

He also gave Sam a look of admira-
tion, as much as to say—" Good for you,
my boy; you shall lose nothing by it!"

The young ladies drew still further

away, the elder more pale than ever, \

the younger looking not only alarmed
but rather disappointed and pained.

Mr. VonBronx tried to look severe.

“You dare to tell me to my face that
you have imposedvu‘pon me!” he cried.
“ Shall I have you thrown outof doors? ”

Young VanBiltder looked pleased. im-
menseiy.

“I Would much prefer to go out un-
aided, sir," said Sam. “I will pack my
trunk and take .quiet leave. But, a word»
of explanation is due these ladies, in
justice to myself." ' -

Mr. VonBronx looked alarmed at that.

“ Make it short,” he said.

’ “ You, sir, requested the chief of police
to try to solve the mystery surrounding
the misadventure , of your ‘ younger
daughter, your 10% for y0ur Child be-
ing the prompter. I came here quietly
for that purpose. Let my conduct while
under your roof be my sponsor;w

.“ Ah! nowi remember,”- said Mr. Von-
Bronx. “1 did so request the chief of
police, but little thOught at the time that
it Would be undertaken in Just this man-

l “per, Under the circumstances I will not

censure you_m’ore than I have done al-

ready. "But, if that was your object,

what have you accomplished?

you, I said, to the chief that this must

not reach the preset" '  ' " ' 5
L k

’ .

Mind,‘
~my daughter blameless?" '

 

“It certainly will not, through me,
sir.”

“ Very good."

“Well, I have been unable to solve
the mystery. sir. save by speculation.
Your elder daughter has suggested that
it must have been a case of somnambu-
‘ism. jusr manifested for the first time."

“ Ah! perhaps that is it. after all.”

“In the absence of any other explana- :
tion, sir, it is a reasonable one. Now, do
you desire the ,case dropped? "

“ Let it be dropped, by all
papa." urged Miss VonBronx. “ It can
do no good to seek further. Let the—-
the gentleman take leave, and withdraw
the matter from the hands of the polics,
please.” V

“ Very well, it shall be as you say."

CHAPTER VIII.
MATTER HANDLEI)‘ wrm GLOVES.

Miss VonBronx turned and left the
room without even a glance at the de-
tective.

Mr. YanBiltde-r offered his arm to Miss
Claudia, and. under the painful circum-
stanCes. she was obliged to follow in like
manner.  ,

Not to be suppOSed for a moment. that
young ladies of the aristocracy could for
a moment recognize a police detective,
and as they left the room VanBiitder
gave Sam a look of triumph.

Scorcher Sam took it all as a matter of
fact. It was something that he might
have ,expected—4n~ fact, that he had
looked for, and hence“ it was no surprise
to him when it came. When they had
gone he closed the door and was alone
with Mr. VonBronx. '

“Let me thank you, young man, for-
saving my feelings," said the millionaire. ,

“Say nothing about it," said Sam, care-
lessly.  Much better as it is, of course.
But, do you_wish to call me off from the
case in reality? "

"' What do you think about it?”

i,“ I don’t believe it has been explained,
a r.”

“ Then the sleep-walking—" , .

“I do not accept that as the true ex—
planation. althou :h ,it is a good tem-
porary excuse. ‘. ‘ ereais something dtep-
er ba‘ckof it all, Mr. VonBronx.”

“ You think so?”

" I feel certain of it, sir.” .

“ What reason have you for supposing
such to be the case? ” ' l

“ Well, here is one single point: Per-
sons walking in their sleep usually go
out of doors in their night attire”,

“By George! I had 'not thought of
that)? , '

" Whereas, your daughter was arrayed
foi- the street, even to vail and overshoes,
ifI haVe been rightly "informed. I do
not accept the sleep-walking theory for a.
moment." ~ I: . ~ .

‘f You said nothing of this before my
daughters." ‘ ,

“It is hetter'for— their peace of mind.
perhaps, to let them have that for their
comfort.” - ' . . ~ ‘ ~ '

“But, if not that,” then what?" '

 There ls‘the mystery, and 'so' Ii'ask
you whether or not you want mei'to carry
further the investigation.” .

“What if I say yes? ~filo you think i
there will be any chance, of, your solving ' -
the ,enfgma?”, ; .   

“I cannot promise that I will be able‘:
to do that." "  .  

 you~ think you can? ” 7

f'I can try.” . ~. . 

" Well, another thing, before I; give ’0
the authority to proce : Do you  

11183118,

Sf”

“ Which one; " , 
. ‘ I. '  2

 

. i. 1

sine,»  ‘. .
i “Y” .2,  fj‘t‘lfi it”:

."e '

 

Soorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels.“

 

“ Which one, sir? Why do you ask
that? ” '

“ Because you have two daughters, Mr.
VonBronx. You did not specify the one.”

“ But. as you well know, it was Claudia
who had the unfortunate misadventure.“

 Her I hold blameless, sir."

“ 'I‘hen why did you mention the
other? ” '

“Because, to tell you privately, I am
satisfied that she knows more about the
matter than she has seen fit to tell.”

“You do? " wil'h amazement.

“I do."

“ I’ll question her about that-~-—"

“Not for the world, Mr. VonBronx.”

“And why not?”

- “ You might alarm her needlessly, and
close the very door 1 hope to open, if you
.wish me to continue the investigation."

“Well, well. I am more mystified than
over, Mr. Buckley. I cannot believe that
you would speak thus without good rea-
son for so doing, sir."

"I certainly would not."

“ Then what are your reasons? "

“ To explain all that, sir, would be to
go into a lot of petty details that would
only bore you. Pray accept the general
sta ement instead, and let me go on to
the finish."

“ Why do you desire to do that? Sup—
pose I Order you to stop where you are? "

“ Thenyou desire not to carry it on? ”

“‘ I don’t."

“ In that event. I will let it drop, of
course; but my curiosity has been awak-

ened to a great degree, and I would like,

to finish the case for the sake of solving
the mystery."

“You still pledge yourself to keep it
from the press? " V

‘ ‘6 I do"! . I
. “ And you will hold in sacred confl-
deuce anything you may learn that may
not be agreeable to me? ”

“I will." /

“ Then you have leave to go ahead to a
finish. I cannot stop here, it there is a
, possible chance to carry it to a termina-
' tion and learn the true secret of the mat-
ter." '

. " I thought that would be your decision,
sir. And now on your own part—-”
' " What?.”- ~» \ -

“Your daughters understand that you
will withdraw the matter from the hands
of the police." ,

" Yes; so Ameliarequestednat an
rate." V .

‘ “ And so you promised? ”

“I believe I did.” ‘

“ That can be arranged. You can write
‘ a letzer to the-chief, allow your daugh—
ters to, see“. and to make it the more
perfect, send a footman to post it, in their
presence.” ‘ ' .

P But the effect of that Willfieto have
you recalled.” 1
., “ ho. I will go and explain'the situa-
" tion. It will be a step toward the solu-
r tion;’Mr.,VonBrpnx.”,

"" "‘ You think so?" *  

*‘l know it.’f ,

'>“<”*l'e1'y< well, I trust you, You are a

' smart young fellow, Buckley, and I rather,
I leaye it entirely in your
,, , ..

‘ ,like‘ you.
’ hands.” . ,_ ..  . .
1"" ’I'hank'you. Mr. VonBronx. Whatever
I mainlearn, I will come to you in con-
firlr'ure‘with it, before reporting. ,1 sus~
p to even nothhat it wilt be. something
.youF-n'ould suppress." ‘
.' J“.S€e. here, you know more than you
{are villing to tell me now, young man."
 5‘51, assure you,~sir, that I‘ am in pos-

IWIG“ 0,! no positive: knowledge in the"

casey'hnugh‘ .1; will admitxthat I have
pointrrsyin certain directiotigf‘ ,
‘ fl"'l7.'hat arethey, then?”  "-r'; .

 

“As I said, the telling would involve
a lot of petty detail. Wait until I have
a case to lay before you. As things are,
1 would only be able to give you un—
founded indications.” ,

“ Well, well, I must defer to your prac-
tical judgment in the affair, I suppose.
But, when do you think you will have
something to report?”

“Impossible to say. A week, a month,
two months—impossible to set a time.”

“Well, go ahead."

“I may have occasion to call and see
you and in that eve-nt—”

“ That would prove me a falsifier, and
show my daughters that you are still

Working on the case."

“ No, no, not necessarily. 1 will come
in a disguise, and will present a duplicate
of= this card," taking. a card and writing
a name on' it as he spoke.

“Very well; I rely on you. There is a
mystery in this house that must be
fathomed, no matter at What cost, and I
believe you are the man to do it. You
have inspired me with confidence."

A few words more,‘and the detective
took his leave.

He had gone but a little time when
Miss VonBronx Joined her father in the
library.

“ Father, do you really mean to let this
matter drop? ” she asked. “ You detained
that—that man quite a little while, I.
noticed.’

“"here is a practical way to answer
that, to your satisfaction,” said the mill-
ionaire. “I will drop a note to the chief
while it is fresh in mind.” And he pro-
ceeded to write it. I

When it was done he pushed it over for
his daughter to read, then sealed it in her
presence and asked her to see that it was
mailed.

CHAPTER IX.
sconcnmo AFTER A RUNAWAY.

Mr. VonBronx was in squandary.

After that letter was posted he fell to
thinking, pacing the floor of his library.

There was something peculiar about
the. situation, as it stood thus far devel-
oped. The detective had said something
that called his elder daughter into sus-
picion. -

It might have stopped at that, so far as
the old gentleman’s peace of mind was
concerned, but her‘ eagerness to havevthe
police called off, and her satisfaction
when she carried away the letter that,
presumably, tookvthe matter out of their
hands, were noticeable- ,

“I can't understand, I can’t under-
stand,” the".old gentleman repeated to
himself time after time. “Claudia inno-
cent of it all, Amelia with more knowl-

, edge than she has let out, the sleep—walk-

ing denied—What does it all mean, any-
how? Well, I can only trust to that young
man, and I‘believe he will in time solve
the mystery.” . ' ~

Meantime, Scorcher Sam had gone to
headquarters. I

Not directly, for he went first to his
lodging, where he-made a change and. got

but his wheel.

For a few days,.~~he had not; hadthe
pleasure of' a' spin, and,”'feit inclined to
take one as soon ,as he had paid his re-
spects to his superior and reported. ,

“Well, Sam, what Word?” the chief
asked. l . ‘ "

“I have been fired,"
scorcher, ‘with a smile.

“ Fired? ” ‘ r .

“Yes. Ithave been hobnobbing with
millionaires for a day orltwo, but they
got on tome at last." , ‘” , . . = C.

“What do you mean? ?’ ./-

answered the

 

“Why, I have beenfithe guest of
VonBronx." W W
“Get out!” » ~ ;'

“ Fact, sure as you live. Might have.
worked in to marry one of the daughters,
if they had given me a little more time.”

“Well, you had better take the time
off, [ would say, and go back and com-
plete the arrangement. Fine opening for
a young man like you. very. I advise you
to go back.”

“I see you believe I am joking about
having been there at all, but I assure
you it is all straight. What is more, you
will soon receive a letter from the old ~
gentleman calling of your Sleuths, but
that is only for effect; I am to continue
on the case just the same.“ ’

Thereu‘pon Sam gave all the particu--
lars, his superior listening with close at—
tention. '

“ You have done well, Sam, mighty,
well," he complimented. “Not every Ide-
tective would have had the nerve for
that.”

“ It was not so much the nerve as it
was the ability to fill the role after get-
ting the footing. I tell you, I rather en—
joyed it, too; think I’ll set out to be a.
millionaire myself.” ~

“Well, what of your suspicions, or,
theories? ” ‘ ‘

“Now you touch upon delicate
ground,” said Searcher Sam. “ There is
a skeleton in that closet.” '

“ You think so, do you?”

“I am pretty certain of it. However. ~ ‘

I have no clew to it, as yet.” -

“ What do you suspect, then? ”

“ Foul play right in that household.”

-“ Ha! that begins to meet the first
view I took of it, but which I kept to
myself.” ' '-

“I think I will be able to prove it be-
fore I let go of the matter. I have taken
a hard nut to crack, thougn, and it may
take a good while to get at the meat of-

"‘ No matter, take your time. I-am cu-

rious, now, to see what will be the out- f '

come.” . .
Scorcher Sam explained fully all his

suspicions, and his reasons for them, and

his plan of action met approval. ' ~

When he left the office he set But for" ‘ '

a turn on the Boulevard, for, as we have .
seen, he had not been allowed the prlv-,'
ilege of a spin recently. , . 

He had not gone a great distance when
he met Patrolman Gilles. ' _

Gilles was on- foot, and looked somee- »
what mussed up, as if he had been in 8' ,
melee of some kind. . , ‘4‘ if"

.Scorchefi‘Sam stopped and dismountedg

“ Hello, John!” he greeted. _ “ 

“How do, Sam? ” the response.

“What’s the “matter?
wheel? " , 

“Nothing left of it but the wind that. 
was in the tires,” with a grim smile. V

“Then you have -been brushing up
against a cyclone, or'something of that
kind, I take it. What was, it? "

“Have just caught a runaway team.
that’s all. A merchantof Eighth Avenue -_
had his wife out riding. and thfi'horses ’
got out of his control and made thingS/ 3
lively, I tell you." . r ‘

“But, you stopped th‘em? ” 

“Sure; but my-wheel suffered. Not a»;
whole spoke left in'it.” . f_

“ You’ll' get another. The runaways
might have killedva dozen people. if‘ylow
hadn’t stopped gem.” I ' ,_ , ' , ("Z-5
They. talked, for a few minutes 

‘ parted, ,and‘Scorcher Sam went on. 11

way,,,little-thinking that he was'sOOngtd

‘ have‘73siih-ilar experience. ; ~
 Presently he heard shouting ‘

him, and looked around.

 

Where‘s ‘ your  " 

  
  


t
i
i
i
t

.___. I...,,..

 

6

M»... .. ,“ww

(.

'm

« Eva'sa-fw

 

 

Mg-.. Wan—y.
/ .

 

Coming straight toward him was a
team of horses, madly plunging, with a
carriage containing a man and a woman.

Scorcher Sam had just time enough to
swerve to the left and allow the mad-
dened horses to dash by, and he was
after them immediately at top speed.

The loud shouting of the people along
the sidewalks cleared the way ahead, and
there was practically a clear track for a
long race, unless there came a collision at
some corner.

But Scorcher Sam did not mean that
it should be a race of long duration.

With a machine such as his, it was no
trouble for him to gain upon the runa-
way, and presently he was alongside the
carriage.

“Oh! Mr. Buckley! " cried the woman
in the carriage. “Save us! Do save our
lives! ”

Sam believed he recognized the voice.

He could not look to make sure, for
his wheel and the team demanded his
whole attention.

Forward he ran, taking care not to
foul with the flying boots, and on gain-
ing the horses' heads he reached out with
his right 'hand and laid hold upon the
bridle.

The horse reared and plunged, almost
lifting Sam clear of his wheel, but hav-

‘ing a firm grip upon the centre of the

‘the man.

handle~bar with his left hand, he man-
aged to keep upright.

It was a ticklish situation, but he had
been there before.

There is a right and a wrong way to
catch a runaway, on a wheel, and the
bicycle cops have learned it by expe-
rience.

Only one hand can be used, the other
must hold the wheel steady, and the wheel
must be kept as far out as circumstances
will allow to avoid the horses’ hoofs.

This Sam was practicing, allowing his
wheel to slant slightly and holding it
steady to the movements of the horses.

The weight on the.bit soon began to
tell.

The proud animal’s head came down,
its speed slackened, and finally both
were brought to a standstill. and Sam
was still mounted. His wheel had not
received a scratch, and he was not a lit-
tle proud of the achievement, for it is
not often that the rider of the “bike”
will come off so well.

Having stopped them, Sam looked to-
wards the carriage. .

It contained Amelia VonBronx and a
gentleman whom Scorcher Sam had nev-
er seen before.

“How can we thank you enough?”
said Amelia, graciously extending her
hand to Sam. “ It looks as if a kind Prov-
idence had brought you here so oppor-
tunely!" ‘

“Glad that I have been able to be of
service." said Sam, lifting his cap, while
he eyed her companion.

, “Accept my hearty thanks, sir,” said
“You have the honor to know
him, then? " turning to his companion.

“In a manner. yes; he is Mr. Sam
Buckley, of the police."

“Ah! thank you, Buckley. Gaod serv-
ice. Thanks.” And with that he drew
up on the lines and drove on. the team
now quiet; enough.

 

CHAPTER X.
s'rmmxo SENSATII'lN.

“Now, then, a new development." Said
Scorcher Sam to himself, when the car-
riage/had gone on. “Who was that gen-
tleman? Some one I did not meet when
I was visiting the family.”

He smiled to himself with satisfaction
as he 'thought of that experience.

Scorcher Sam, the Detective

 

“ He gave me rather a snub. after my
saving his precious neck for him, and I
would like to call him down for it. But,
no matter. 1 have got to expect that; I
am only a police detective, while he-—
Well. he passes for a gentleman, but I'll
bet it's Veneer."

The crowd on the sidewalks, meantime,
had given a hearty cheer for the brave
performance, and now a “bike cop,"
came along.

It happened to be Thomsen.

Coming from the opposite direction, he
had just passed the carriage. »

He had witnessed the rescue at rather
long range, and was on the ground as
soon as possible.

“That was well done, Sam," he com-
plimented. “This is the place for you,
after all. You are a credit to the corps."

" And do you mean that I‘m a better
runaway-catcher than I am a detective,
eh? ”

“I hope you are as good a detective,
that‘s all."

“ Well, thank you, anyhow. Come, ride
along with me for a way."

Thomsen turned and pedaled along
with Sam in the direction he was going.

“Did you know the chap in the car-
riage?" Sam inquired.

“That fellow? That was Anton Gash-
wick, the sport from she West. whose
horses have been cutting such big swaths
on the tracks this season."

“ Whew! is that so?"

“That is who he is. His dad is a heavy
silver king, and he is right in the swim
here in New York."

“ Yes, I have heard about him. Didn’t
know he had the entree to such exclusive
families. But, it is money does the busi—
ness, after all, and they are only flesh
and blood, the best of them.”

“ That's about right.”

“ Did you know the young woman with
him?”

“ No.”

“That was Miss VonBronx.”

“I supposed you must know her, the
way you spoke. I have seen her before."

“With him? ”

' “ No, Wltfl another chap.”

“Dark fe low, with a foreign look? "

“ Exactly.”

“That was Gustav Berkmann. I know
something about him. He is a count, no
’count, or something in that line, look-
ing for an American pocket-book; but I
don‘t believe he will find one there."

“ You think the other fellow has the
best show? "

“I think he has the better chance of
the two, yes; but neither of them is in it
to his neck, according to my way of
thinking." -

“Then there is a dark horse, eh?”

“I am inclined to think the young wo-
man is her own dark horse.”

“What do you mean?”

“ Well, more than I can explain, Thom-
sen; pardoning my mentioning it. I think
I will run on and keep them in sight.”

“ You are interested in that direction,
it seems." .

” Well, yes, but say nothing about it.”

“ All right, old man."

They presently parted, and Scorcher
Sam spurted up to the limit and ran
along after the carriage, soon coming up
with it again, falling in close behind it.

It was an open affair, with a top that
fell behind, and enough room behind and
under that for three or four wheelmen to
run along at even pace with the vehicle
and not be seen by those occupying the
single seat. And there Sam wheeled quiet-
ly onward.

The man and the young women Were
talking, but it was only now and again

 

 

on Wheels. 9

 

 

that Sam could catch a word, and that
not important.

Of a sudden the carriage slackened its
speed.

Scorcher Sam had been constantly on
the alert for this, or else he might have

2t-ome to grief.

lie brought his wheel almost to an in-
stant stop, by a certain trick he had prac-
ticed for a long time, letting it go again
the next instant, but at a very slow speed.

In another moment he stopped short.

The carriage had done the same, and
not only so, but was inclined to back—in
tact. did back for a yard or two.

Sam was off his wheel instantly and on
his feet on the ground, and in the same
instant he heard a loud and angry excla-
mation, and with it the crack of a. whip.

“ Take that!" was the cry, “and that,
you dog!"

Scorcher Sam was out from behind the
carriage instantly, to see what was going
on.

A man on horseback, a dark man with
a foreign air and manner, had ridden up
close to the carriage, and was raining
blows upon the man in the carriage with
a short whip.

“ Count!,’,’ cried Miss VonBronx.
“‘What are you thinking about? "

“ The false friend! " cried the enraged
foreigner, who, nevertheless had a com-
mand of English and a‘good pronuncia-
tion.‘ “He deserves it all! ”

“Let up, curse you! ” cried the driver
of the carriage. “ If you do not, by heav—
ens, I'll shoot you!"

It had taken place in a brief second or
two.

“ Scorcher Sam forced in between the
mounted man and the carriage, and seized
the descending whip arm.

“ Stop this!” he cried.
rested! ”

" Am I? ”

The man wrenched his wrist free, and
Sam received a. cut with the whip full in
the face.

At the same moment, the occupant of
the carriage, relieved from the stinging
lash, touched his horses with the whip,
and the carriage rolled away immediately.

Scorcher Sam and the man on horse—
back were left for the crowd to gape at.

Sam was at a disadvantage.

" You are ar-

He was on the ground, had his wheel'

in his left hand, and the man was ply—
ing the whip.

“ I'll stop your game! " cried Sam, and
he dropped his Wheel and made a leap at
the man to drag him from his horse. In
the moment that Sam was dropping his
wheel, however, the man struck the horse
a cut.

Away the animal leaped, and Sam was
thrown to the ground on his hands and
one knee.

The crowd shouted after the fellow, but
he sent them back a laugh of defiance and
went speeding away down the street.

A man had run out from the sidewalk
and picked up Sam’s wheel, and as Sam
scrambled up out of the dust the wheel
was all ready for him to mount and give
chase.

Scorcher Sam was in the saddle in an
instant, with a word to the man who had
helped him, and was off in pursuit.

His blood was boiling, and he meant to
have his man.

Putting forth all his strength, he was
fairly flying in a few moments, and was
rapidly overhauling the object of his
wrath.

The man chanced to look back, and
seeing him coming, plied the whip to his

‘ horse and put it to a dead run, and thus

they went, wheel against horse, down the
thoroughfare. '

  

    
  
    
   
  
   
  

51

 

af- .».

1.... ‘5‘. t. a" 1....ka

. .. n - ; w

. .. , :.
t , A

1'5? grilVQ-jtfi we; < rats. .

if?“
A I : .

1"??? 3,

JV

   
  
  
 
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  

. , , v.3
. 7'

M. .

 

 

 

     
 

10..

Scorcher Sam,~the- Detective on r

 

.Vr. '- H,» ._ - . ,h r .' .‘.
""-. " ,.( I':":'"._- '-. V.....‘a_.$fi.-.....

., ,  V .
l .

 

 

Now, as the best bicycle speed is about
equal to the best trotting speed recorded,
and as running speed is considerably
faster, it might be questioned what
chance Scorcher Sam had in trying to
overhaul a running horse; but we shall
see as to that.

In the first place, the horse was not a
Ten Broeck or a Brambaletta, and the
place was not a race-course. 'l‘he rider
was in danger any moment of being held
up by the police. while Scorcher Sam, be—
ing of the police himself, had nothing of
that kind to look out for. "l‘hen,'while
the way was clear for the horseman it
certainly was clear for the wheelman. The
moment it became obstructed, then the
man on the wheel must gain ground. ‘And
so they went, the horse at its best and
Sam at his swiftest pace on his special.

CHAPTER XI.
SCORCHER SAM s'rA'rLcs TERMS.

Hardly a day passes but the Boulevard,
or some other fine cycling thoroughfare,
sees acme excitin event of the kind.

In some instan es it is the fresh young
man who comes out on purpose to have
fun with the “ bike cop,“ and who usually
brings up in a'station and appears in
court next morning.

Then there are the runaways, with the
blue-coat wheelman flying after them and
bringing them up with a round turn,
sometimes with risk to neck and damage
to wheel; and occasionally a chase after
a thief by way of variety; but a wheel-
man after a horseman is a rarity.

After going a little distance further.

the man looked back again.

Seeing that he had not perceptibly dis-
tanced the wheelman, a troubled look
came over'his face and he plied the whip
the more.

Scorcher Sam could not do any more
than he was already doing, but he kept
that up with grim "determination. His
face still tingled with the cut from the
whip.

People on the sidewalks stopped and
stared, those on the street got out of the
Way as speedin as possible, save the ve-\

I hicles, and the horseman threaded his

: way in and out among these with danger
to all concerned. And after him sped the
swiftest wheelman in New York.

such a race could not long be kept up,
and the police ‘not take a hand in it.

Already two besides Sc’orcher Sam

were in the heat, and others were appear-'

ing ahead to intercept the reckless horse-
. man. .
5 One of the first-mentioned was Thom-
son, with Whom Sam had been talking
only a little while before, and as Sam
crept up to. him he was eager to know
who the man "was. , - . ’
“What did he do? ” he asked.
“Struck me with his whip, confound
him!” ' - ‘
“ Who is M?” , .
’ “,The black-and-tan foreigner I was
telling you about."
I“ Ha! that so? What set him on to
you? You seem to be. in it all around.” ,
Scorcher Sam told him briefly, slacked
his speed just a trifle while doing so, "and
then on he shot again, the others hard
utter him. ' ,
-- The detective on wheels would have

 “caught his man, not-a doubt of it, event-
 :ually, for the steed he was on was tire-

_' less, but the race came to a sudden ter-
. minatlon. ._ ‘ I

r ‘ The officers ahead barred the way and
{shouted to the reckless'rider to. step, and
* seeing that there was no escape, he slack-

 his speed to .obey, and in another

 .  a minute Searcher Sam hams.

 

speeding up, leaped from his wheel. and
jerked the fellow out of the saddle.

“ You would strike me with your whip,
eh? " he cried.

The man was no weakling. and he
grappled with Sam. but the scorcher laid
him on his back in about two seconds,
and not gently. either.

One of the foot policemen caught and
held the horse. and another officer laid
hold upon Sam. not knowing who he was.
But he was soon told' by Thomsen. who
just then came up. '

“ He‘s one of us," he said. “ The other
fellow is the man you want."

“ And I have got him dead to rights,"
said the other. who had a knee on his
breast and his club lifted threatenineg.

“ Don‘t kill him, though." laughed Sam.
“ Let him up, and we‘ll See what he has
to say for himself. I want a minute‘s
talk with him before you run him in."

The man was allowed to rise. and he
was furious.

“Outrage!” he snorted. “ I would have j

you know that I am Count Gustav Berk-
mann! I will have you stripped of your
uniforms and displaced. every one of
you, dogs of police! ”

“Meantime, it is our inning first, sir,"
said Scorcher Sam. “Ifo were not an
officer, I would mar your good looks to
a considerable degree for that cut with
the whip you'gavekme. What did you
strike me for, anyhow?”

“What did you interfere with me for? "

“ Because you were breaking the law,
reason good and sufficient”

“Breaking the laws! Has a man no
right to chastise a coward and villain,
then, When he deserves it?” ,

“Not on the public street, at "any rate.
But, what is the matter between you and
Anton Gashwick? ”

"That is my private affair, sir.”

“ Very well."

V“I have seen you before, have I not?”

“ You must have a bad memory if you
can’t recall where,” said Sam. ,

“Ha! it was at Mr. Von—at a house
where we met on even footing, and to
find you a police officer! ’f ‘

“Don’t faint, my dear count: you may
meet with stranger things than that, if
you remain long enough in this/country.
You must get over being surprised."

“I am “disgraced again. A common po-
liceman!” _.

" And one who will do himself the
honor of putting you in a cell for a
night’s lodging,” said Sam. “That cut
s'marts yet, my dear count.”

“You will lock 'me up? What have I
done. that you can lock me up? You were
the one to interfere. and how was I to
know that you were an officer? You are
not in uniform.”

"You have been breaking the speed
ordinance, that is enough. Come along
with me.” .

“No, I will not!" I

“ You will go peaceably or you will go
handcuffed; make your 'mind up,quick."

There was no doubting that Sam meant
just what he Said. .

“Well. if I must go- But. you shall

'pay for this, I swear it!”

“You had better make no threats in
the presence of witnesses, least of all.”

“But, my horse! " ~

" Where did you hire it? It will be

» sent back there.”

The man named the place, and Sam
took him ofl, while the others dispersed
the crowd. " ' ' .

Searcher sam had his wheel with him
still, and his prisoner was given to un-
derstand at the outset that it would 'be-
useless for him to try ‘to escape. , _ ‘

,He'appreciated that fact, however. ;

V .. ' T ’ ' I \’/I

31., .

l .
“ck ‘

Q

     
  
 
 
 
  
     
     

heels.

 

With the understanding that hf *
be allowed to walk free, he gave mew J
3 that he would not try to escape. ’
Searcher Sam kept close to him, how-
ever. for two reasons. One. he did not
mean to give him the chance to try es-‘
caping the other, he wanted to talk with
him.
“Count. what is the matter
you and Gashwick? ” he asked. :
“What is that to you?" i:
“ It may be a good deal to me."  ~ "
“I don’t see how. It, is no affair of ‘
yours' \ r ,
“I take it that you would not care to .:' 5‘ -
have the lady‘s name apear in the papers  
to-morrow." ' :r’ ’ A
” How can it appear? ” - ;- 
"Why. easily. The Count Berkmann.
arrested for horsewhipping Anton Gash— '
wick, while in company with Amelia
VonBronx, the charming elder daughter
r of Mr. Dexter VonBronx—" ,
“Good heavens! That must not ap~.2'5’5- '
pear,“ . ..'
“ What is‘to hinder it? "
“ Can't you stop it?” -
“As a favor to you, after striking me '-
with your Whip? Oh, yes, .I’m a—fairly~
bubbling over with such charity as that. »
my dear count.” , f
9‘ But.‘-the lady; think of the lady, sir,” '“
“I prefer‘to think about somethings-7+
else. .You hope to marry her, and this lit-w. '
tle bit of notoriety will no doubt be ap-
preciated by your peoplevit certainly 
will be sensational.” '
“It must not comeout, sir; I tell you
it must not come out. Can’t you sup-j"
press it?” ' '

i
l
i
i

between -

me...

E Harm.
. .

   

   

g“I think I can, certainly; but why .9,
should I do so?" . 
“For her sake.”/ - ‘ = "
"I ‘will use my best influence in that 
direction, on one condition, my dear 
count.” - 

    
 

“Name the condition. I will do any-if _
thing rather than that her name should "
become notorious in. the columns of com— ._
mon‘ newspapers. Heavens! my chance.
would be forever ruined! ” _

“ Well, you tell me what is the trouble!
between you and the Westerner, and ab-
swer some other questions correctly, and:
I‘ll try to suppress certain partsoi'. that -
scandal for you. Refuse me, and I’ll give“
the reporters a fat thing for their pa—i"
I‘Prs'n. . I .

 
    

  

      
   
     
     
   
 
      
    

   

 

     

‘HCHAPTER XII.
THE'COUNT (Z'OUNTEI) 1N IT.-

Scorcher Sam held the better‘hand..*"~,u1
Not only so, but he knew it, and he 
knew that the other knew it, too. 7 .
" Very well, I will do that, willinglfi’fi
said the count, glad that the conditionsf.
were so light. - r . - -. ' .
i “ All right, fire ahead andglve me'the .4 - 3
facts. Iam not a reporter, so you needn’t 
fear to speak right out. In fact, that. IS.“
what “you must do.” . ’
“ Will you let me go, if I‘tell you every} ..
thing?” 0 . -
“Not a bit of it. As one of the bicycle  .g,
corps, I must enforce the regulations, to)?”
say nothing about the cut you gave me in» .
the face»”  ' ‘ . '
“ You‘ are holding me for revenge, that ~,
is all. If I hadn’t struck you you wsum’, ‘
let me gov I wouldn't have done that. if ,
I had know’n you were an officer, bciicy ’
me.” - . ~ . '
“ on, no, count, you wrongme there; I'
would hold you anyhow; but since 3
did strike me 1 will admit that itxisfiii
the“ more satisfaction to hand‘you of
for axnigh't in the cooler, since I am.“ 

      
         
          
     
 

  

 
     
    

  

          
    
 

  

          
   
     
  

  

   
 
 

    
   

   

     

   

      

   

   
 

  

    
   

 

barred from punching you, head {at  ,
'es.-I would like to do.” w   ~

    
      

   
 
   
   
 

  

  

S

r
t

i
1
1

§ ‘1,

’(
-.

’.
.‘.

 

i
l

‘\

\ 3

 

 

\

5
l
3.

. a"! ‘

I -:
mg; “.44.. mrsgrm,
. , ,-
I .

IV, . ‘15..

' ‘, I tell you.

           
   
     
         
      
       
       
  
  
    
      
         

  

  

  

dv-insure its appearing with

j.-.pointg and win on their looks.”

 4" the heart—*the
 Wealth and beauty are as nothing com-

a

\

,ié‘=i’*.v~'i’f_~“l--.'-'n‘~;"?~. kw“ "x ~ m  _;‘  '

I1

 

Seorcher: Sam, the Detective" on, Wheels.

 

“nothing.” ~

" All right; I know half a dozen report-
ers who can make a thrilling story out
of the simple facts, and the names will
scare head
lines.”
. “ Zounds! Well, what is it you want to
know?"

Sam's hand was invincible. as said:

“I want to know what is the trouble
between you and Gashwick." ,

“ Curse him! he is my rival. I was sure
of Miss VonBronx before he came into
the field.”

“ You called him a- false friend."

“ So he is.”

“In what respect?”

"‘It was I introduced him
VonBronx home.”

“Ah! I' see. And now you are chew-
ing your head off for doing it, since he
has ousted you in the affections of the

into the

’ elder daughter.“

“Curse you! you‘ make my wound all
the deeper. Yes, I could run him through
with a sword with a good will. I only

" wish I could make him fight me, I would

'not spare him! ”

“ But, are you sure you had the affec—
tion of the lady? ”

“What do you mean?”

“The little. I saw while I was a guest

there led me to think that shei'did not
care a flddler’s jig for you.”
‘ “But I am sure she did care for me. I
was devoted to her, and was paving the
way toward a speedy proposal when he
came along and in some way lured her
from me—curse him! ".

"‘ Your liberality with your curses does
not harm any one, neither does it do your
cause any good, 'that I can see. My opin-
ion is that she did not care foryou, but
seeing that you were coming to business,

I gave her attention to Gashwick just to

choke you off.”

i “ Stop that! You will drive me mad!
“ Can’t help it; that is 'just the way it

looks to me. and I'll bet a penny that’s

n

I Just how it stands.”.

“ Then you would tell me she cares
nothing for me?" ,

" That is about the size of it, ‘count;
your chances in that direction are nit.”

“But, he shall never have her-
Zounds! I swear that he shall never have

' her! Dog of an American! what right

has he to so rare a- flower? ”

“Ha! ha!” laughed the Scorcher De-
tective; “ I think he has the first claim,
. my dear cou'nt. He is an American him-

self, while ,you are the foreigner in the

f , premises. It looks as it you have an eye

'to her millions.”
/  No, no; it is the lady herself I love."
“ Well. it may be an exception to the
rule, in your case. Anyhow, you will
not despise the millions, of course."
a“ Peste! I care nothing for her wealth,
I swear it! " -
-“ Then, if it is beautywou are after, re-
gardless of dollars, yon can find a thou-
' sand truly handsome Young ladies in this
city who could give Miss Voannx

It is

you do not understand.
I- desire!

“ Ah!

heart——that \
pared with the heart! "
_ “ I'un'derstand; if it is heart you want I
can supply the demand ad lib. There are
enrthousand women on this island, inno-

personal charms, yet whose hearts are

 e‘fltablomlnes of gold—-"

“Well, if you insist, I will tell you\!\

cent of wealth and unburdened with

.A 3' Zounds! I will not listen to you. There
geisle one heart in all the world—”
one. Searcher interrupted; singing soft“

 

“ Only one girl in this world for me,
Only one girl has my sympathy;
She's not so very handsome—"c

“Maledic'tions! ” cried the count, fair-
ly boiling with rage. “You torment me
beyond endurance. My blood is burn-
ing! "

“Well, it will soon have a chance to
cool again," 'averred Sam. “But, you
were to answer some questions—"

“I will answer nothing."

“Very well; then I‘ll see the report-
ers—"

“ inferno! What are the questions? I’ll
be revenged for all this. mark you! ”

“Be sparing of your threats, my dear
count. How long have you known Miss
VonBronx? That is to say. how long
have you had the entree to the mansion
of your adored?”

“ Peste! What is that to you?“

“That is one of the questions I see
fit to ask you.“

“I will not—”

“Very well; I‘ll
loose on you—“

“Three months, about three months,
I would say.” How far is it to our des-
tination? ”

“ Not. far, now; just about far enough
for me to ask the questions I have in
mind. You had not reached the point of.’
proposing, then?” ' p

“ No, curse you! No.”

“Save your curses, my dear count. Did
you hear anything about a peculiar mis-
adventure the younger sister had a~ lit-
tle time ago? ”

“I would not mention it. The reputa-
tion of that family is too dear to me.
You are a heartless brute to try to force
such private matters from me. But, I
know nothing, nothing."

“ In the latter, I am inclined to agree
with you. ,What if suspicion were to turn
upon you, however?” .

“ Suspicion? What do you mean, sir? ”

“An unsympathetic public might say
that the Count Berkmann, eager to get
hold of the VonBronx millions by mar-
rying the elder daughter, sought to put
the younger daughter outof the ~way——”

To the surprise of the searcher his‘prls-
oner turned as pale as death. , \

Was it possible, Sam thought, that he
had struck near home?

‘ “What, is the matter,
asked. ‘

“ A—a sudden faintness," he answered.

turn the reporters

v

count? ” he

“You—you surely are _not serious in‘

what you say."  ,

“. I was merely giving you an idea of
what an unsympathetic public might
say,” reminded Sam. "-Once let such an
idea get out and there are plenty who
would take stock in it.”

“But it is false, it is atrocious! How
could I have placed the lady where she
was found? Besides, no harm had been
done to her—the family physician de-
clared that. You do me a great Wrong
by even hinting at such a. monstrous
suggestion. sir!”

“ Well, well, don’t take it seriously; I
am not going to make any such charge
against you. Here we are at the "sta-
tion, and I will introduce‘ you to the
captain 0r sergeant in charge." And tak-
ing his man by the elbow. .p0lice fash-
ion, he ushered him’ in and preferred the
charge of reckless driving on the Boule-
vard, on which the count was held.

/
v

 

CHAPTER "XIII.
Nanaowmo THE CIRCLE.
The Searcher, Detective felt that he
had been .revenged for that cut- in the
face with the'whip.  -

He might have allowed the man to‘giv‘e

 

a false name at the station. but he would
not do that, since the sting of the pun-
ishment was in the fact of his true name
being known.

There Sam left him, and as he went
away the count cursed him and shook
his fist after him. pouring forth some—
thing in his own language which he per—
haps thought Sam would not understand;
but Sam was something of a linguist. a.
fact that was not generally known. _

The count had made threats against '
his life. ' ,

“ All right, old chap," said Sam to him-
self. '
that's all, and Hi try to be on hand."

He had an enemy i'n‘the count, true
enough!

Later in the day, having learned where
Anton Gashwick was stopping, Sam
bailed on him. The detective had put off
his bicycle costume and appeared as a
well-dressed man about town. He sent

‘up an assumed name, of course.

There was a little delay, the Cause of
which Sam understood. The name was
unknown to the Westerner. so he close-

questioned' the servant respecting the I

man's appearance.

The _,ser_v’$ntwas directed to show Sam
up, and the caller-found Gashwick toy-
ing with his 'card.

“I have not the pleasure of your, ac—-.
quaintance, i believe,” he said, as Sam
entered.

“I have ventured to call on the-
strength of my acquaintance with Mr.
VonBronx and his family, sir," said Sam.

“ You surprise me." I

“ In what? ”

“I am barely safe-entered there, my-
self.” ' .
~ ” Well, do not let your surprise over-
come you. I have called on business.”

“ That’ being the case, pray state it."

“ You were out riding with Miss Von-
Bronx this afternoon, when a man rode
up beside your carriage and used his.
whip—--”

“ Confound it! then you are an infernal
reporter? ” ‘ p '

“No, I am not a reporter. I am here-
in thednterests of Miss VonBronit."

“What is your interest? ” "

“ To makesure thatrher name does.
not get‘dnto the papers.” I .v

“You need not give yourself uneasi~
nose on my account, if that isall. I have.
not revealed who my companion was." ’

“I am very glad of it." ‘

“ Why? ” ' i

“ The interest I feel in the family. I‘
have been to see your enemy, and he
not mention her name.” '

“ He was arrested. then? "

“ Oh, yes; one of the bicycle police ran
him down and took him in, but he would ,

say nothing. He was known, or his true . "

name would not have come out. He has.
an interest in keeping still."
“I imagine so."

“ What do you take his interest to‘be? 1’ “

“Well, seeing that you are a friend of
the family, I think he‘\ hopes to marry
Miss VonBronx.” ' '

“And what
chances?" .

“I am in no position to judge.“ . '3

“Well, I will give you a word or warnu ~-

ing: I consider this count a desperate '

fellow, and you had better look- out for
him."

\
\

“ And he had better look out for me, it?
he’ tries any more of his funny businoi‘l._"'
I will shoot mm without a great deal 
wcompunc’tic‘in,\and it will be ddne in self;  .
.detense, too." ' ‘ 

‘ “ But he might not go for you
next time.” ' , ‘ , . 
“ You speak as if he were a‘ WW1”. 

t

- I.

“Let me know when you begin,



will f

do youthink of his‘

2‘
..,-

“a ‘i . S
I i,"- «4' \‘
i i, »:

   
  
    
     
  
    
   
    
    
   
    
   
  
  
  
  
   
    
  
   
    
    
  

.~,,

,,'i 1
(i ’92;
‘ ‘IJ ~"

Jun; 4"“ it

 ., ,,.;..:'v,-.._ _.

      
      
       
    
     
     
     
    
   
   
      
     
     
    
      
     
     
      
   
    
      
    
        
   
   
    
      

‘ .

\

 
 

 
 

  

 
  

‘12,

I; \

Scorcher Sam, theDetective on Wheels.

3":

 

 

“ He has made some villainous threats:
in his own language, bad for all con-
cerned if he carries them out.”

“I consider him a lunatic.
j be set upon me for?”

“Don't you know?” ‘

“Well, I have reason to suppose he is
jealous of me.”

“ Without reason?

“Entirely without reason, . will say.
He is welcome to marry the lady if he
can win her.” 3

“ Vhal had she to say about him? "

“See here, you lead me to think that
you are a reporter, after all!”

 No, i am not. Not a word that you
tell me will be repeated. If Mr. Von-
Bronx were here he would vouch for me.”

“ Well, his conduct surprised her, but
something else surprised her a‘ good
-deal moreL—No reason why that should
,be mentioned, hd‘wever, for it is of no mo-
ment.”

“ Nevertheless, you have awakened my
curiosity.”

“ Well, it was in connection with the
police chap who appeared on the scene
.and gave me the chance to get ayay from
him.” '-

“ What about him? ” .-

“ She was surprised to see him there.”

“ Why, those wheelmén officers are sta-
tioned all along the Boulevard.”

“I know, but this one had stopped my
Thorses only a little while before, and he
'must have been following my carriage
closely.”

“ I see. But, what of that? ”

«. “I don’t know. She seemed to be dis-
rturbed by it.” v

Sam, having adopted a disguise, of

.course was not recognized by the other.

__ “Afraid that her name would get into
'print, perhaps. Ladies are usually very
sensitive about such matters, you know.”
?‘ That may have been it; but I don't
«see why the fellow Was following us up.

What did

What right had he to keep pace with‘my ‘

. carriage, that way?”

_“ Why, he had all the rights the law
could give him; but why he did it I will
;not attempt to answer. It may be that
.his bueiness took him in the same direc-
tionrjust at that time.”

- . “ Well, no matter. Your business with
.me' was to protect the lady’sname', evic
vden'tly.” * ‘

v “Just as I told you, Mr. Gashwick.”

" Well, it shall not be made known
through me. ‘As for this count, I do not
,Iear him.” - ‘ .

“You hold no malice toward him? '

I" Well, it Will be just as well for him

3 to keep out of my reach. Not that I
4 threaten his life, or anything like that,

but I would be strongly tempted to pom—
fim'el him.” ‘

" Would not blame you if you did. Now"

‘1 .will say adieu, Mr. Gashwick. If I
qshould meet you at the VonBronx home,
 Sit will mean an introduction in the or-
thodox; manner. Until then, I will not
“fpresume to' have made your acquaintance.
 ("Good-aft; rnoon." ,

' 7  " But, hold on one moment, sir." , ‘
Sam was about opening the door.

.“ What is it? " he asked. . 4

‘ . "‘ It is just possible that you have in
- crest in ~Mi‘ss VonBronx, and that you
., hold me. in something of the same. light
',.as"the cOunt.f’ ,_
 ‘..“1\’.0. no;’I assure you that is aground-
;less suspicion, Mr. Gashwick.”
n ~‘ ““jWell, I am glad. of that; but I wanted
’ assure you that you need not consider
slushy se sea. rival.” . '
“ Vouare {dank about it, anyhow.”
I'am. plain about it."
. 1) ’es the lady understand,“ as clear-

There is ,no reason why she should
not, but if not, she shall. I want no more
scenes.” ‘

Scorcher Sam took leave, having gained
all he had come for. He knew that Anton
Gashwick, at least, had had nothing to do
with the VonBronx mystery. '

CHAPTER XIV.
'l‘lllC MYSTERY 1s iiicl’EATEl'i.

The following forenoon Scorcher Sam
received a summons from Mr. Vonlironx,

It had been arranged so that he could
be reached, privately, at any time, if
wanted, and he made haste to obey the
call. '

Adopting a suitable disguise, he went
to the mansion, and gave the name that
had been agreed upon on a former occa-
sion, so that no mistake or misunder—
standing might occur. I
' He was shown into the library.

There he found the millionaire in a
greatly agitated frame of mind.

“ What is the trouble, sir? " Sam asked,
as soon as greetings had been exchanged.
“ You sent for me."

“Yes, I sent for you; but whether it
will avail anything or not, I do not know.
The mystery of this mansion has been
doubled."

“ Doubled? ”

“ Well, repeated."

“‘, Then your daughter has-—”_

“‘Has had another similar experience,
Sir.”

“Impossible—«but, since you
for a fact, of course—"

“ It is the truth. She was brought to
the door at daylight, unconscious, the
same as before”; ' .

“ But, I thought her room was being
guarded.” '

“So it was, but the. servants com-
plained of having to sleep in the hall,
and as soon as it came to Claudia’s ears,
she forbade it." .

“ With a motive, do you think?”

“Impossible to say.”

“ Who found her? "

“ The police.” ' ' '

“ And it will become known? ”

“ No, I think not. You know I had it
arranged with all the near-by officers.”

“ How? 

“ They were to bring her right here,
and keep it still. The reward I, held out
was enough to insure their obedience.
Besides, the public has no business in it,
anyhow.” . ,

“Well, you are right in. that. I was
not going to suggest that you make it
known, by any means.
facts.” ‘

“‘I have done so

“And the mystery is as deep as be-
fore? ” ‘ .

“Yes, or deeper.”

“ How deeper? "

“ Why, you see we had the front doors
especially: secured. We thought she would
not be able to get out; in her sleep."

“She has had ample time in which to
learn the new fastenings." . ,

“ Well, that is true." I '

state it

“And lastnight was-a very chilly-Y

night—y” ' _ - ,

“ Yes, and, the child was brought in
more dead than alive. The doctor and her
sister are with her yet.” '

The old gentleman looked the di’stl'ess

he felt, and Sam felt sympathy for him.
The mystery was now even deeper than
ever, since the same thing had been re—
peated. . »

Scorcher Sam ran it over in ‘mind
Quickly. " ‘

Ali thatcheories. he had built up, save,

one, had been swept away, and for the.

 

remaining one he had little¢supperhj v _

i

But, give me the ~

Mtirely.”

 

Gustav Berkmann, the count in " 
of a rich wife, had spent the night.
police cell, and there was no shadow or:
suspicion against Anton Gas’hwick. As
for young VanBiltder, he was not to be
considered.

“It is very strange,” he said.

“Yes; and if it is not cleared I shall
go mad! " cried the father. “To think
of it, my favorite child under such a
ClOllt  .

“ She was dressed for the street, as be-
fore? "

" Yes, precisely."

“ And was found near the same place?”

"‘ In precisely the same place, sir.
What do you make of it?”

“ Mr. VonBronx, I will solve this mys-
tery or I will give up the profession! ” ‘ '

“That is saying a good deal."

“I mean it.” .

“Can you do it?”

“I have no intention of giving up the
profession; let that answer the question.”

“That is equal to declaring that you
will do it. God grant that you may suc-
ceed. I will make no mention of it to
your chief this time, but trust it all to
you.”

“Just as yen please about that, sit."

“But, what will you do? Something
must be done this time.”

“ Your family must order that a trained
nurse be supplied for your daughter.”

“ Needless, sir. Her sister is devoted
to her, and will take all that upon her-
self. Besides, I could not forbid her,
could I? ” _ .

“ Isay it must be a trained nurse, sir.
The doctor must order it so, after you
have privately directed him so to do:
Then, ‘you will intrust to me the procur-
ing of that nurse.”

H  H ‘ >

“ You begin to see, eh? ” ' , '

“You would place an aide of 'yours
under my roof.” -

“And in such a capacity that suspi-
cion will be well nigh impossible. It will.

‘ work.”

“ And that would mean safety for my
child, at any rate." » -

“Yes; the same thing could not hep-
pen again.” .

“It shall be done." ~

“Very well, I will do my part, and will
have the nurse in readiness. The person
is a. nur in fact, so she will fill the
double ro e ably." ' , ‘ - '

“One word of caution.”

“ What is that? ” _

“ You are not to know that she is other
than that what she will seem, a nurse.” '

.“ No, no, I shall mind that." » . , .

“You say so, but will you? For in- .
stance, you might be tempted to ask.
questions—-” -. ‘g;

“ No, no, I promise you that I will .iiot‘».
do that. I am helpless, and I am willing};
to be guided by you in the matter ell-3“ 

“ Then it will work. I will keep KO“
posted, and in this way I hopeto bring I
the matter to a termination. _As your ,
daughter gets better, you. will urge her
keeping the nurse as ‘a companion. or
maid.”  .,

“ She has a maid Inovlr.”

“ You are well able to afford two, then.
I will see .to it that'this one will he wel—
comed by the young,,ladY-" -  ..

“She will bea person ofl character?".

4“ The best,.si_r1’ \, '  ‘

“Well,  in your hands."

“Yogi may be asked who I am.
businessjriend, you will say." ' ‘

“ _"“Who‘ will ask me?” 2

“Your elder daughter, if she Saw V

—~_ enter, or knows that you havefa visit

 

  

 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 

   
 
   
  
    
   
   

  
 
  
 
  

| .

  
 
 
  
  
 
    
  
 
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
  
   
 
   
 
  
  
 
  

 
  
  
 
 

;.

   
  
 
 
    

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

  
 
  
 
       
     
    
    
     
  

  

 
 

  
    
     
  
    
   
    
 

  

  

LV/

 

 

“ My elder daughter again. This is the
second. time you have brought her into
‘the'matter in a strange way, sir."

“ She is your housekeeper, is she not? ”

“ Yes.” ' -

“ What more natural than that she.
should ask such a question? Is she not
accustomed to doing so? ”

“ True, true. I did not stop to con-
sider.”

At that moment the door opened, and
the very person they were talking about
entered the room.

She looked keenly at the visitor, who
seemed nearly as old as her father, and
from him to her father, questioningly~
all in a moment, even as Mr. VonBronx
said:

“ My elder daughter, Mr. Hastings.
Amelia, an acquaintance of -.mine. No
mention of what probably brought you
here. I shall be \alone in a few minutes,
and then. you may come in again. Your
pardon, Hastings, but private matters
would be of small interest to you.” _

An exchange or two, and the young
lady withdrew. Detective-Sam took leave

. seen after, and before night a trained
usurse had been installed. _ -

 

CHAPTER XV. .
BESSIE BLAKE REPORTS.

Some days passed.

- .One afternoon Scorcher Sam remained
at home, expecting a call.

It was the afternoon the trained nurse
had stipulated should be hers for an out-
ing, when she engaged with Mr. Von-
Bronx. - ._

Sam had given word that she should be

\ shown up to his sitting-room immediate.-
ly on her arrival, and in due time there
came a tap at his door, and he rose in

' response.‘

It was the person expected.

“ Well, Bess, you are prompt,”
greeted.

. ,“ Never knew me to be otherwise, did

he

- ~yyou, Sam?” was the smiling response. —.-

“Don’t know that I ever did,” the
rejoinder. “Take a chain. and we’ll
. come at once to business.” ‘  - u .
Bessie Blake is one of the cleverest
female detectives in New York City.
, She Can take almost any role, and play
it to perfection.
‘She helped herself to a chair.
“'Now, then, fire away!” she invited.

a  in her brisk manner.

“ What have you been able to pick up
I for me?"

“ We'll, little 0r much, just as you look
at. it- You sent/me there without letting
me know your suspicions.”

" Yes, for I wanted~ you to make up
your own mind, without any influence
from me. If my views of matters are
» wrong, they might lead you into the
name wrong channel." ‘

“ I’ll bet they are not wrong, though.”
 “That remains to be seen.- What do
A "yen think of Miss Claudia? " . I
‘ “Innocent as a lamb.” . g
“ We agree on that point, anyhow."
“ Yes, and are likely to agree on others,
“too.” . »

I, .‘hWeu, what do you think of Miss Von-
Bronx-Amelia, then?’i

‘

 
 

 .“«That is to say, she is not as inno-

 ‘éentjls a lamb.”

’ 1‘ J"Nnt by any means, my honest Opin-

," '19"  Sail;  ‘ {I

“I tcanmr‘exmna that to my satisfac-

‘I‘hop’eto'beab

  
 

9'.

Searcher Sam, the Detective

:“ She is not like Claudia.” y
 “ But_you suspect that her sister had a

 

todo so soon.”

    
  

 
 

“iiigfifiejjrfkfvffl:  fire-2.1a  ~ -' v r i A.

on Wheels. ‘

 

13 ’_

 

" 1 hope you wi.1. Has the count been
there lately? ”

“Gustav Berkmann? Yes; and he has
got the marble heart in that direction,
Sam.” ' .

“ Then Amelia has cut him?”

“ To the core. She has no further use
for his highness.”

“And what did he say to that? ”

“He went off with a dark look on his
already dark face, muttering some kind
of talk in his own language.”

“ Then he has been dismissed the man-
sion? "

“ Has been given the icy shoulder;
means the same thing.”

“ Then it is plain that he had nothing
to do with the strange adventures of
Miss Claudia.”

“Plain as day, I think.”

“ It looks so. Well, what does Claudia
have to say?" ,

“ She is a sweet girl, Sam, and I like
her. I am going to bring her out all
right, too. But, that don’t interest you.
Why, she is at loss to account for any-
thing that has happened.”

“And young VanBiltder?" ,_

“ Ah! that is something I must tell you
about. He has seen the old gentleman
and handed in his resignation.”

“ Resignation?”

“ Yes; has given up this prospective
son—inrlawship.” »

“On what grounds? 'But, I ' suppose
because this mystery is hanging over the
young lady.”

“ Exactly.”

“Mr. VonBronx mentioned that to me
in the first instance. He feared it'would
come to that.”

“ But, he is a fool for it, and he ought
to know it if he can read a woman’s
heart at all. Claudia feels as badly about
it as he possibly can, and she is inno-
cent.”

"But he won’t see it in that light.”

“ No; he is jealous, and believes that
she has been meeting a rival of his by
stealth.” _

“ The fool! Would that account for her
being found insensibleyon the street? I
suppose the fact that she has been found
both times fully dressed is the point.”

“That is it; he holds that there is a
Shadow upon her geod character.” ‘

“While you~—"

“ I say she is as near an angel as a
creature of common flesh and blood can-
ever hope to attain.” ' I

“Does the Young lady know of the
break-oft?” ' ‘

“ Not yet.”

. ‘f What do you think the effect will
be?”

“ She loves him true enough, and I am
afraid that the shock will set herback.”

“It will be'just as well for her not to
know of it, .r then, until she regains her
full strength, I would say. How is she
coming on?”  . -

“O'h, she is improving all right, but,
she had a close call for pneumonia. You
know what a night it was that she was
out; one more dose of that kind would
finish her off.” .

“ Wen. Bess, how came she out there? ”

“I don’t know." .» . ‘~

“Give a guess at it; then.”

""I don’t want to do that, Sam.” J

I

hand in it? "
' For the first time the young woman ap-
peared to lose her self-possession. .~

“You. are great. at reading one’s.
thoughts,,Sam‘ Buckley,” she declared:-
“‘I would  "on/thebiamidist
and have you after a.»  - 'f. '5

   

Sam, laughing. ‘It seems that I struck
your strongesn suspicion square in the
bull’s-eye that time. What kind of a
game are you playing with her?" ~

“ The innocent game. I don’t let her
suspect that I could see through the holes
in a fire ladder.” ‘

“ Well, what is her motive? "

“There you have got me;
know.”

“And that is the weakest spot in your
suspicion.”

“,I know it. When I said she was not
like Amelia, a few moments ago, and you
asked me then if I thought Amelia had ‘
had a hand in it, I said yes; but I did not
see then how deep your meaning was. I,
believe she did have a hand in it; but I
didn’t mean then that she herself lured
her sister out of doors—9’

“ But that was what you suspected, ac-
cording to what you have now admitted.
Now, if that is true, and you are right,
we must find the motive. Without that.
the case isn’t worth a fiddler’s jig. Can.
you not get it? ”

“ I can try.” ‘

“ Well, is that all?”

“ No, not quite; Miss VonBronx has an.
appointment that may interest you.” '

“ Ha! indeed! ” Sam was all alert now.
“Let me know what it is, and I won’t
be a thousand miles from the spot at. ,
the appointed time.”

“She is to go out on her wheel late
in the afternoon, and will takea spin to
VanCortiandt Park. At any rate, She
has received an invitation to make such a.
trip, and) I suspect that it has come from.
young VanBiltder, who is to meet her
there."

“ Meet her there? That is a queer ar—
rangement, is it not? ”

.“ He is up the coimtry, I believe, and
expects to make the park about dusk.
They will meet on Broadway.”

“Nigger in the fence here, my dear
Bess! Young ladies of her station dc» _ ~
not set. forth on such trips as that, un-.
attended. How came you to know any»
thing about it? i' - v

“ Why, I chanced to see the invitation,
to be plain with “you. There is little go-.
ing on that I do‘not see, ‘when I am on:
duty. I suppose you will be on hand,- and
that possibly you‘ will act as unseen.
escort to the lady. methinks I see full Q
of some sort ahead.” ' ’

I - don’t

 

, CHAPTER XVI.
THOMSEN GIVES A FRIENDLY rm. -

At last Miss Blake took leave. .
When she had gone, Searcher San
paced thefifioar for awhile, in a deep' -
study. There were pOints in the matter '
not clear to him, and of course Would

not be until the mystery was solved.
"They were points that would not dove-

»framed. so to say. If Miss VonBronx” 
was at the bottom .of her sister’s miss. '
‘haps, where Was, the,motive~ewhat the»
purpose? He had to confess to himself
.Lhat he did not see one, and hence wash.
not sure'of his ground. " »

Something new had been sh‘aping‘itselt-g..f
in his mind: Perhaps it-~was old Von-j
Bronx and hismoneybags that some one"
was trying to reach through his daughé
ters. It might be» broader and dean
than the detective had thus far delved. ,;

'iurning’ layover and over In 
plan of action assumed shape, and are
long Sam‘set out from his leasing midis» -’

y  ‘ 1 “if, ,V » -  ‘,
 He soughtvthe Van-Battier 
There he asked for :fla‘vnogerna

 

‘i

>‘ “ So would Igg'lzle‘ssg”  -"

  

'Blltder.' The  scion at"
While thieves-g“

_ .I: a M

    

tall with the rest of the theory he had?"in

  

 
  
  
  
   
 
  

   
  
 

  
 
  
  
  

   
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
 
 
  
  
   
       
     
       

.’

     
  
        

 
 

     
  
      
     
   
   
       
      
      
        
      
   

 
 

 

  

  

 
  

 

  

  

 
 
          
    
 

‘ come to see you, once they get an
 “as.”

14

Scorcher Sam, the Detective on

 

 

formation, in the face of what had been
told him, yet it did not appear to sur-
prise Scorcher Sam greatly’.

It was right in line with something
that had come to mind, and he had made
the call on purpose to learn whether the
young man was really in-the city, or out
of town, as reported.

The footman who took Sam’s card re—
turned with it, requesting to know his
business.

The name was assumed.

Sam took paper and pencil from his
pocket, and wrote a few words hastily.

This he sent to the young scion of
dollartocracy, and when the rfootman
came forth the second time he bade the
detective follow him.

The Scorcher Detective had pretended
to be a reporter, and what he had said
on the bit of paper wasUto the effect
that he would publish something with-
out confirmation, unless the young man
,would see him.

He found Roger VanBiltder in a pri-
vate room.

“What do you want with me?" he
demanded.

“ Is it true, sir, that you have broken
with Miss Claudia VOnBronx? Such is
the rumor, and we want to give you the
chance to deny it if false.”

“Confound your impudence, anyhowi'

What is it your business, or your paper's,
or the public‘s, either, for matter of that?
I don’t want to talk on the subject at
all." 4

“Very well, sir; I will simply say
Roger VanBiltder has nothing to say on
the subject.”
I, “Hang it!
with it? "

“Our readers expect us to give .them
the news, you see.”

“ And what do I care ‘for your readers?
Here, will it be Worth something to you
to suppress the Whole business? " '

.“ And allow some other paper to dis-
tance ours? Oh, no; that is not to be
thought of, Mr. VanBiltder. Either. you
have something to say or ’you have noth-
ing to’ say." I , .
“ What do you Want to knoW? "

“ The truth." , ,

“ Well, it is true’that I have broken
with Miss Claudia VonBronx.” ‘

“ And the reason? "

“ A family matter with which the
public has no concern, and of which I
will not speak." ' ' r

.“Very well; and now, if my personal

Why must you meddle

opinion may be Worth‘anything 'to y'ou,_

Mr. VanBiltder. you are welcome to it,
but I suppose it isn’t: You are treating
an innocent young woman shamefully."

" Sir! What do you mean? ” . .

.“ You are condemning her unheard.
She is innocent, and I am going to make
it my business to prove her so—-f’ I .r

“ Who are you? By what right, do
you presume ,to come here and talk to
me like this in my own house? By
heavens, I have a notion to order my
lootmen to throw you out of doors! "

f‘ I will save them the trouble; I will
go.‘ I am Sam Buckley, the detective,

' and I am still at work on that mystery.

1‘ tell you this/to guard you against
possible newspaper “reporters who may
ink-
I

“ You want to guard—”
“ An innocent young lady's good name,

 yes If reporters call, don’t know-any»
“thing at all. You have -.said enough to"

no t; make a fine story, if I were in
 N no." , ,_ ’ g '
{'fiXonng-evanBiltder could only store.
 hitl”. he stemmed. “You

.‘»
v f

 

really think the young lady is blameless,
Buckley? ” .

“I not only think so, but I am going
to prove her so, and that perhaps before
another twenty-four hours pass by. By
the way, have you an engagement with
Miss Amelia this evening? "

“ No, sir; I have not!”

“Very well. She will be out, and you
had better improve the opportunity and
go and call on Claudia."

“ Confound your impudence! You pie.
sume to dictate to me in my own affairs?
By heaven! this is a little more than a
fellow can stand, don’t you know."

" There; don't take it so to heart, for
I don't care a picayune about you; it is
the young lady I am thinking about.
She loves you, and as soon as knowledge
of your treatment comes to her, it will be
bad—very bad for her."

“But, think of our good name. We
can't afford to have it clouded over with
mysteries like that, don't you know? "

“0f the- two, her name is the better.
Good-day! "

Sam cut it short and took leave, and
as he hastened away from the house he
did some tall thinking.

What was the scheme Amelia Von-
Bronx was trying to work? Was she at
the bottom of it all. or was she only the
tool of evil designers? There was a knot
to be untied.

Sam hastened home and donned a

54

wheel. costume, and, in another disguise,

came forth with this “bike.” '

In a little while he was on the Boule-
vard.

There he fell in with some of the bicy-
cle corps, with whom be exchanged
greetings. '

This 'he ‘did more to prove the efficacy
of the pre-arranged signal by which he
was to be known to them, than for any
other purpose. ,

The hours of duty of the bicycle police,

'by the way, are from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m.,

and from 5 p. m. to midnight, and in the
time on they do an average of fifty .niles
patrol duty each. _

Hence, they are to be met anywhere,
at any ,time, during the periods men-
tioned.

Ere long Sam met Thomsen.

Giving him the signal,~ he drew up and
stopped. ’ ‘ _ * '

“ Hang me if I would have known you,
Sam,” Thomsen exclaimed. “ You are
the very man I wanted to see, though.”

“ You wanted to see me? ”

,“ es." '

“ hat about? "

“ About that black-and-tan foreigner
of yours, as you called him.”

“Ha! is that so? What is the word
about him? 'I am still interested in that
gentleman. to a degree.”

“He passed up this way not half an
hour ago,'in company with a couple "of
as villainous-looking,c‘ixtthroats as you
ever saw in your life. They were tagged
out like swells, thought."

 What do you make out of that?"

"I thought maybe they meant to lay
you out, if they could find you." s

“ Well, much obliged to you for the tip,
but it is not likely that they willknow

'me. , What kind of, a :rig had‘ they?"

"An open barouche, with a, very red-
faced driver and a pair of blgbay horses.
You will not fail to recognize the driver,
if you see him. Reddest face 'you'ever
saw." ~  . ‘

“All rimJ, I will have my eye open
for them, Thomsen. Much obliged to you
for-the tip. I feel it in my bones that

there is goingL to bd musicin the air to--

nightgfand that I, shall the one of the

kWheel's.

: chaps to beat the tom—tom and mains

-  .

 

 

welkin rattle.” -
Thomsen laughed, they exchanged

his way.

 

CHAPTER XVII.
sconcmm SAM snows SAND,

Scorcher Sam sped away in the direc-
tion of Washington Heights.

He did not much exceed the Speed
limit, and anyhow his foot-motion was so
leisurely. on his special, that his speed"
was deCeptive.

Reaching that part of the city, he
made it a point to pass the VonBronx
mansion, but nothing was to be seen of
any of the inmates. A signal displayed
at a certain window, however, told him
that Miss VonBronx had gone out on her
wheel. ' . '-

That signal, needless to say, was from
Bessie Blake.

The detective on wheels continued on
his way, and Was soon on the Kings~
bridge Road. '

Crossing the Harlem, he struck into
Broadway, and so on in the direction 91
VanCortlandt Park, all the time keep-
ing a sharp lookout for the young woman
in whom he was interested.

Broadway skirts the park on the west
side, and by the'time he reached the
park it was growing dusk.

At length he stOpped, in a good spot, '
in a hollow and near a deep piece of
woods. / _

Leaning on his bicycle, he watched

long he saw Miss VonBronx coming slow?
ly toward him down the roadway.

She scanned him closely as she passed,
evidently thinking it possible that he
might be the person whom she eXpected
to meet, but, seeing that it was not, went
slowly on her way. And she had scarce-
ly, gone when an open barouche came
along.

red face, but there was only one person
in the vehicle, and that person was
Count Berkmann. ‘

“Well, the plot thickens,”
Scorcher Sam. “ What has become of the’
other two worthies, I wonder?
what does this fellow mean by following

a head here, I fancy.”

overtaken the young
wheel.

The barouche had passed
woman, but stopped
heard its occupant call out to her.

she dismounted, and for- some moments'
they talked together.

for them to‘ discover him easily.

where he had left her. She

she mounted and turned straight into the '
par . ’ ' 1’»
" “ HellO! " exclaimed Sam to himself. '
“ The~band begins to play, sure enough!“
What villainy isshe and that black-and-
tan foreigner up to, anyhow? She is t“
Well," here'goes! " , , ,. ~ ,
He turned into the park after her, all
kept her ‘in sight. . | s ‘
He was uzzled to unders 4' the and.

 

it she an the count were in ‘: canoe .

    

those who passed up and down, and ere .

The driver was a man of exceedingg"

assumed j"
And I 
Miss VonBronx? Things are coming to 

And, mounting his wheel, Sam followed : .
the barouche, to discover that it bad x
woman ‘on' the 

'the young: 5":
short, and’ Sam";

Not only so, but he leaped out, while  1

It was ‘not dark 
enough for Sam to draw sufficiently near- I
to hear what was said, nor light enough? I.

The delay was not lang; the can t,”
lifted his hat, took leave; and s t in 0- . r;
the barouche again, which imm diatelyaijg,‘ ‘
rolled away, and Miss VonBronxstoodx.
\vas lighting";

her bicycle lamp, ‘and, having done that, 1- ,

girl of nerve, to ,. venture. here along?“
a. ‘u.. J.

a
a a:
parting salute, and Scorcher Sam rode on

.I
,l

s'D\

. ,;i;1.
(
,.

iv,-
,.v 

 

“.1,

  
       
    
 
     
    
    
       
    
 

 
    
    
   
  
 

 
        
 

 '

  

 
    
  
  

.i

~'  '1 wilt-'9: '

' 9
[FL‘

i-n'hilA‘ .' ‘;

 

 
   
 
  
   

  
  
 

. the young lady in his arms.

 

'whyi‘had. he not‘come with her? If they

- not,"what influence had he been
_ able to exercise over her, to lead her to
 venture into that desolate place alone?

' Guided by the ray of light that danced
along the parkway just ahead of him, the
.Scorcher Shadower kept her under sur—
'veillance.

As the darkness increased, her light

' shone the brighter on the roadway

Suddenly it disappeared!

Then there was a scream, followed by
another, that was suppressed before it
was fully uttered.

Sam shot ahead as .far as he dared in
the darkness, and then dismounted,
leaned his wheel against a tree, jerked
a revolver from an inside pocket of his
close coat,‘and ran forward.

Of a sudden the screaming, for the mo-
ment suppreSsed, was heard again, and it

.guided the Scorcher to the scene.

Suddenly a light flashed forth, and
Sam beheld a rough, bearded man, run-

ning, with Amelia VonBronx in his
arms!
He was running toward an open

barouche, from which the light was being

'thrown to guide him, and in the barouche

was Count Gustav Berkmann!
Outside sat the driver, and on the

, [ground was another .man, who, evident-

ly, was a good mate for the one who had
All this
Scorcher Sam saw, before he was seen
himself. .

“ Drop her, you villain! or I will drop

‘5 you! ” was his salutation.

Curses were heard instantly, and the
light was flashed for an instant upon

 j Sam, then it disappeared; - .

The Scorcher knew he was in a bad
situation, with four against one, but he

 . did not hesitate, when the life of a young
_ lady was at stake.

It was but a few steps to the place

’Ys where he 'had last seen the bearded

scoundrel with the lady.
Three or four strides, and Sam was

there. ’

to make sound sufficient for Sam’s guid-
Mice.
Suddenly he came up against the man.
He felt for the bearded face, and

'  flashed the butt of his revolver into it

     
    
 
  
  
  
  
  

with force.
With a groan,.the man drhpped like a

" log, and Sam made a reach for the young
 lady, and saved her from going to the
. ground heavily.

Then the light was flashed again. just

 for a second, and Sam saw the other

fellow and the count coming for him,

 p .‘the count armed with a knife.

   

 

   
 
 
  

Sam took advantage of the momentary
flash, and his revolver spoke spitefully.
His countshlp took a tumble to the

. ground, and Sam immediately blew his

police Whistle.

 ._ , Instantly the other fellow, whom the

 

  

    
    
 

  

 

  

wgwn tongue.
 utr him! .
“ I "‘_ He is as good as dead," was the re-‘

espouse

. L‘shot had not scared off. ran forward and
“caught Sam in his strong arms.
" " cried the count, in his

 

"'.Kill him' ‘
' -‘ All is lost, if we fail now!
Kill him! Anything!"

of the powerful fellow, as he
twined his arms around Sam and tried
throw hi-m’to the ground.

But, Sam was still very much alive.

  

 

~ ("Dropping his revolver, and releasing
is-hold of the young woman. he trap-

-' -_ led“ with the hired ruman.

   
 

 
 

,Ki'fifii‘aining in the field of sports stood
 in goodstoad now. '
 was-silent. wary,-and lithe as a

M‘s-ea  match for the ,brute‘fol'ce

 

‘  . ‘The man had again clapped his. 'hand,
" oyerwhe girl's mouth, but she was able

.4
,

'mann.

 

Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels.

of the city thug. While they were thus
engaged ‘Sam heard the barouche moving
away.

At the same time came the distant"
note of a police whistle, and Sam knew
that some sort of a response must be
made in order to guide the policemen to
the scene of the struggle, so he told the
young woman to feel around on the
ground and find his revolver and fire it.

Instead of that, however, the young
woman voiced scream after scream, that
must have been heard a mile away, and
ere long light flashed through the trees
and a mounted policeman came dashing
along, his horse almost colliding with
the. big bays of the barouche, the driver
of which he called to a stop at the point
of a revolver.

 

CHAPTER XVIII.- '
SOLUTION or THE MYSTERY.

The driver of the barouche came to a
'halt, needless to say.

He had a wholesome regard for his
good health, evidently, as well as for a
whole skin. . '

“What is going on here? ” the mount-

ed policeman demanded, severely.
“What is all this screaming about?
What are you doing here without
lights?"

“.Sure, divil a,wan av me knows,” the
fellow. answered, and it would-be super-
fluous to mention his nationality. “As
to me lamps, it is a runaway Oi have
had, and smashed thim all to smither-
eens! "

“Hold that chap, officer!" cried out
Scorcher Sam, just at that juncture.

.,“I have got him.‘f was the response.
“ Who are you?  \ ~ ,

“‘ One of the bike cops."

“Are you on top? "

“ You bet! ” ‘ v

“ All right; be there in a minute."

Sam was on top, true enough. He had
just overcome his man, and had a knee
on the pit of his stomach.

The mounted oflicer orderedthe driver
of the barouohe to, turnaround, which
order was obeyed, the fellow taking a
lamp from under the seat to light his
way, and in another minute, there was
plenty of light on the scene.

The first fellow Scorcher Sam had
tackled lay just where he had dropped,
and it was the same with Count Berk-
Sam was holding the other
rufiian, as said, and Miss VonBronx
stood by, too terrified to act or speak.
There was a momentary tableau.

The mounted policeman was the first

to speak. , .
“ You didn’t tackle the fourof them! "
he exclaimed, in amazement. ‘ ‘
“Yes, I had to," said Sam. " Just
secure this fellow’s bands. will you? ”
“ Well, you are a man of grit!" oom-
mented the officer as he dlsm unted.
The fellow bound, Sam got p and po-
litely bowed to Miss VonBronx. In dis-
guise, as said, she could not recognize
him.

“ You were wrong to venture in here

unescorted, lady." he said. “ If you will
Give me permission, I will accompany
You to your destination. I am a police
oflicer, you see.”

Heshowed his badge.

“ I shall, be only too glad to have your
company back to the lighted streets, sir,"
she said. ' -

‘f Then you were not going through the
park? ”  '

“ No.
to meet a friend whom I. expected. down

on a. Northern.1tallroad7train.’bntI see _

I Was going to Mosholu station.

 

  

15

now that I was deceived. I owe my life
to you, perhaps.”

“And it was this fellow deceived
you? " indicating the count.

“Yes.”

The count was groaning.

“Get me to a hospital," he called. "I
am done for; get me to a place where
my wound can be attended to."

“Yes, we must see to you,” asserted
Sam.

An examination proved the wound not
dangerous, and Sam stopped the flow of
blood with little trouble. The man was
bundled into the barouche with the other
prisoners, and, under the escort of the
mounted officer, all were taken to the
station. ,

“ Now, Miss VonBronx," said Sam,
when the others had gone, “I will see to
your wheel, as soon as I light my lamp."

“ What! You know my name? ”

“ Yes.”

“ Who are you? ”

“Sam Buckley, or Scorcher Sam! "

“Good heavens! Is there no escaping
from you anywhere?"

“You may thank your stars that I
was within call on this occasion, or you
would now be a prisoner.” '

“ Yes, I am thankful; but the fact that
you were here proves that you followed _
me. Why are you haunting me? What "
do you hope to gain by it? "

“I am determined to learn the truth
respecting your sister, and now I begin
to see light ahead. If you desire to'
save your good name, and avoid public-
ity in this matter, you had better con-
fess." '

“Confess! To you?"

“ To your father. I know the truth
already.’ It has been revealed to me in
this hour."

“ Impossible! ”

" Fact. You expected to meet Roger
Van Biltder ~”

“Ha! who told you that? No one "

knew it—but, that villain Berkmann; my
curse upon him! 'i ,

,This‘was all Scorcher Sam needed. It
supplied the missing link in the chain,
and he had his case complete! The
motive for the mysterious happenings at
the VonBronx mansion was no longer
wanting!

“I know more than that Sam went.
on. “ You love young VahBiltder; to
win "him you sought to remove your sister
from your path. You, with the aid of [a
woman namedIBowen, one of the new"
ants in your'father’s household, gave her ’
a sleeping potion and carried her out of
doors, in order that she might take a '
fatal cold and die.” - ' ’

“Spare'me! Spare me!" .

She dropped to \her knees on the
ground, clasping her arms around his
legs. .
“ You showed no mercy to her, the in-
nocent sister who loves you," persisted
Sam, severely. - t ’- t

“ But, I loved him so!
understand!
I was insane!\0nly spare me—"

“On one condition I will spare

“ Name it, name it! ” .. . ,

“ That you return with me at once
and confess all to your father.” I

“ Oh! I can not, I can not! It will kill
me, kill me! Let .me go away and 
seen no more forever! " .> 

“ It will be. better than having'yonsi:
name in the papers, with a great senor}:
tion for a gaping public to read: 
fess to your father, and ,it'wul go ‘.‘
further." I V " ‘ w

“No, no!
river-9’

I!

You cannot.

y0“].1,

Let‘me and aspirate  ‘

I was mad with’jealousy, I. 

      
       
   
        
      
 
      

 

fili"fl‘lm.-swm  » 1- 

..(

' 

 

 

»

16

Scorcher Sam, the Detec

 

 

“Not to be thought of. Here, your
wheel is ready for you; get, on and come
with me.”

“Yes, yes; I will confess—admit all.
Do 110‘. take. me to the police, as you
would a (,o;;.xnon person! Tale me home,

and father shall know all. My God!
how I haVe been punished! "
Sam escorted her home, they riding

side by side on their wheels, and on the
way the young woman gaVe all the par-
ticulars of the affair.

Arriving at the mansion, Sam spared
her feelings by telling the story for her,
and Mr. VonBronx listened to it with
pale face and downcast eyes to the end.
He then remarked:

“You are a keen-sighted young man,
Buckley. You told me from the first, or
as good as told me, that my daughter
was the guilty one. I saw it, I believed
it in my heart; but I had to have the
proofs. Amelia, how could you—how
could you?”

 

We draw the curtain. .

Amelia VonBronx went abroad, to per-
fect herself in art—it was said, and,
marrying a foreigner, she never returned.

Claudia and young VanBiltder were
married, and Roger confessed himself
heartily ashamed of the unworthy suspi-
cions he had allowed to enter his mind.

The amount Mr. VonBronx had offered
for the solution of the mystery was
promptly paid, and Scorcher Sam gave
Bessie Blake a good slice of'it for the
valuable aid she “had lent him in the mat-
ter. She is still his “right bower,” as
he names her.

We probably shall hear of her again.

Count Gustav Berkmann recovered
from his wound, and, as soon as freed.
set sail for his native country, with no
one to mourn his going. The driver of
the barouche on that eventful night was
punished as he deserved for his part in
the'matter, and the two others were
sent up for a term of years each on
that and other charges, for Sam soon had
their records “down fine.”

The Scorcher Detective received the
praise of his superiors and the congratu-
lations of his friends. The men of the
bicycle corps are proud of him as one
of their flying brigade, and, with his
unique wheel, they are willing to bet on
him every time, in a brush for speed or
a race for a rogue.

The necessity for the bicycle squad
daily increases, and the detectives of the
corps have more cases and adventures
than we could possibly chronicle; yet it
will be our, pleasurable duty to keep
rerowl of such as fall to the lot of
Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels.

THE END.

 

Nrcx'r HALF-DIME LIBRARY, No. 998.

Deadwood Elohim, Big Play:

The Blufi' Game at Gold Ledge City.
BY EDWARD L. WHEELER.

Beadle’s Half-Dime library.

BY GEDRGE O. JEN RS.

486 Git Thar Owney the Unknown.

492 Git Thor tlwnoy’u Pledge.

513 Tho Demon Doctor; or, Deudhohi, the Kid Detective.
581 Double-Curve Dun, tne Pitcher Detective.

598 Flute, the Singer Detectivu; or, (iwncy in A New Rule.

608 The Pitchcr Detective’u Foil; or, Dan’s Double Play.
616 The (Moon Detectives or.The LastCruIBe ol‘the Black Bear.
681 The Pitcher Detective}:- Tou heat Tutu-Io.

786 Lorry the Thoroughhred; or, ates: on Every Side.
779 Iron "and. the Charmed Detortlrc

854 Unole Sam’s Detective in Chicago.

 

 

    

 

BY EIHVARD L. “WHEELER.

Deadwood Dick Novels.

1 Deadwoodbchk, the Prince oi the Road.
20 Deadwood Dick‘- IM-Iinncc; or, Double Daggers.
28 Dcndwuod Dick III Dinguinc; or, Bufl'ni: Ben.
85 Deudwood Dick In III-t Candle.
4:: Bengwoog  lilo’nunlnz in, '{hc Phantom Miner.
- en woo c ' n ungcr; or, )msnnoli.
56 Deadwo-vd Dick's Eagles: of. The Fords oi Flood Bar.
781 Deadwood Dick on Deck: or. (‘ulnuiliy -‘ ‘ne.thc Heroine
n7") Bitiilwgol‘i'  Lin-t it?" or.Cordurvy Chnrllc.
l ' o c ll cm v c.
104 Deadwood Dick‘s- Dc,\ ice: or, The Double Cross Sign
109 Deadwood Dick on Dctcctivc.
 Ilzend‘woodl  Double: or. The Go‘rzon‘s Gulch Ghost.
14» "31111333.: inf-w: ii?.'."r‘sl'ri‘iil-‘ '03."; 13331; 332;...
156 Deadwood Dick 01 Dcndwoo : or,'ihe Picked P-rtv.
195 Dcndwood Dick’l Drcnm; or, The Rivnls oi'tho Road.
20! Deadwood Dick’n “'ard; or, The Black Hill‘s Jezebel.
3;}? ::::gw001: lliilcii": Ili’oma.i'or,fnlnniity.iurie'a Adventure,
wooc c ' u on g ,
39l Dcndwomi chk'o Itcoth-Dlont.
.82 Gold'DuIt Dick. A Romnan of Routh and Touzhs.
 “5:3:232  32.13:» ‘or,":‘he Spirit of Swamp Lake.
‘ " ru .
309 Deadwood Dick’s- Deal: or, The Gold Brick otOrozon.
821 Deadwood Dick:- Dozcn: or, The Fnkir ofPhnntom Fists
.47 Deadwood Dick I Dncut-x or. Days in the Digginza.
 “eagwoo’d' ‘1‘Gfi’sfil‘lltlalli‘edi or, in. Terrible Vendetta.
en wo c n In.
405 Deadwood Dick In Dcnd City.
410 Deadwood Dick’l Diamonds.
491 Deadwood Dick In New York: or, A “Cth Can.”
480 Deadwood Dick'u Duo-t; 0P,The Chained Hand.’
 “eugwoofl  Jri I'l'i'l‘ha Crimson Crescent Sin.
en woo c , r.II, ic nncc.
461i Dcudwood Dick, Jr.’n Full "and.
45” Deadwood Dick, Jr.'n. IIIL' Round-Up.-
465 Dcadwood Dick Jr.’n linckci n1. Claim 10.
 Ilzenzilwom‘l'  gran ("orrsltig or, Bosemsn Bil).
en woo c r. I Do I tcc .
451 Dcndwood Dick: Jr., in Iif-ndaoodive
41H Deadwood Dick, Jr.’-, Compact.
490i Dcndwood Dick Jr.’—. lnhcritunce.
(>00 Dcndwooo Dick, an“: In Inge.
nos Dcodwood chk, .Ir.’a-. DeTrveI-once.
515 Dcndwood chk Jr.’s l‘rotcgee.
522 IlcodWood Dick. Jr.’-. Three.
629 'Demlwoou Dick, Jr.'-. Dnnger Ducks.
584 Deadwood Dick. til-Ru, Dentin "out.
539 Deadwood chk, Jr., In Texas.
Ii H» Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq
64.9 Dcodwooo Dick, Jr., on III- Mcttie.
554 Dcndwood chk. Jr., In Gotham.
5t" llcmlwood Dick. Jr., In Dov-ton.
567 Dcndwood chk, Jr.. In l’hilodciphin.
572 Dcndwood Dick. Jim. In Chicago.
578 Dcndwood Dick. Jr.. Afloat.
6H4 Dcnd wood Dick. on. In Dcnver.
Deadwood Dick. Jr.‘-, Dccree.
:ggg‘woog Il’llic: gr“ int geclzcliu‘lt’s dila-

'00 c r. a one a on .
Deadwood Dick: Jr.”-, Lessdv le Loy.
Dcndwood Dick, Jr.. in Detroit.
till-i Deadwood Dick. Jr. in Cincinnati.

1524 Dcndwood Dick. Jr.. in Nevada.

630 Dcndwood Dick, .Ir.. in No M nn’n Lnnd.

till“ Dcndwood Dick, Jr.. After the Quecr.

642 Dcndwood Dick Jr.. In IiuIYnio.

34x Dch wood Dick, Jr.’n, (‘hm-c Act-on the (‘ontlnent
  gr... [\Irnonu the Iimngglcro.

" 4 '. r. :- n-urnncc Tone.
Dendwood Dick, Jr., Duck In tho Mines.
Dentin ood Dick, Jr., in Durnnzo: or,“ Gathered in."
{endlwoog  il’.:tl I‘D’l-‘colvery;or,FoundsFortune.
em woo c , r. I. on: c.

Deadwood Dick, Jr.‘tl. Dolls".
tendwood l’ick. in In Danger Divide.
700 Deadwood I-ick. r. n, iron.
704 Dcndn'ood Dick, Jr.. at Jock-Pot.
710 Deadwood Dick Jr., In lint-,Fronciaco.
7M Deadwood Dick, Jr): Still Hunt.
722 Deadwood Dick, .Ir.’- Dominoes.
728 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’u. Ding-lino.
731 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’-. DouIrIc Dcnl
710 Deadwood Dick Jr.’n: Denthwntch.
7-17 ,Dcndn'ood Dick, .ir.’u, I'nmhlct.
77-2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.‘-, Dcnthhlow.
75H Deadwood chk, Jr.‘n, Dcnpcrote Strait.
764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’n. Lone "and.
770 Deadwood Dick, Jr)! Dei'cnt.
776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’A. Resurrection.
732 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'u Dark Days.
787 Deadwood Dick Jr., Dcilcd.
792 Deadwood Dick. .lr.‘n, Double Device.
797 Deadwood Dick, Jr’nl. Dcupernte Venture.
802 Dcudwood Dick, Jr.‘u, Dlmnond Dice.
807 Dendwood Dick Jr.’~, Roan Flush.
818 Deadwood Dick, Jr):- "cad-01f.
816 Deadwood Dick. .ir.’n. Iiivui.
822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’tl, Doom.
828 Dead wood Dick, Jr.‘-I. Scoop.
H34 Dcndwood Dick, .ir.'l, l'rox .
840 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'u, (‘Illtc .
R45 Dondwood Dick, .lr.’~, Dixh "one.
862 Deadwood Dick .ir., nt Dcvil’a Gulch.
 “out: woos: lll'iicii, {Ira-u {it'lliv‘Il-llltllllc lint-tie.

cm wom c ' r. .- out n: Ic .
9170 Deadwood Dick: Jr.. in Mcxico.
£76 Deadwood Dick. Jr’n Dccoy Duck.
8.82 Dcndwood Dick, «in in Silver I’ockct.
891 Dcudwomi Dick. .lr.‘n, I’cud-Furc Home.
89% Dcndwood Dick, Jun'u. l'ouhlc, Drive.
904 Dcndwood Dick, J r.’fl. Trndc-“nrk.
910 Dcndwoo‘i Dick. Jr.. nt 'l‘l -Ton.
9|6 Dcndwood Dick. Jr}: Don pie-Dcclmr.
92S Dcudwood Dick. Jr., m Dollun “lo.
934 Dcndwood Dick. .lr.. nt FIIIIIII Flats.
940 Dcndwood Did-L. Jr.’i. FlmLc-uo.
940 Dcudwood Dick. Jr.‘-, Double Drop.
9st Dcudnood Dick. J r.’rl. Right Dower.
957 Dcndwoml Dick, .ir.'u. 'I'cn-Strikc.
965 Deadwood Dick. .Ir.’~. Gold-Dust.
D7l Dcsuin‘ood Din-l . JI'.'I. Dolls.
97? Dcndwood Dick. Jr.’l. Dentin-Doom.
986 Dcndwood Dick. Jr.‘n, Bth Curd.

Ii" “'ILIJA R E\ STE“.

190 IInndv Market or. The Tigers oi Hiin Pine.
21" Para li‘rllllk: or. hardv Drake's (lo-Down Pard-
Bl-‘i 'I hc Ilnutlci- Dunno-Catcher.
hi8” l’okcr l’ctc'n Doul'lc Dodge,
 “I”. 'l‘nglu; swung; untilth liuatlint,v at Sinnere’ Fiat.

. mute on , t to por »

901 Dimnond l'n vc, ill-c (-‘Iit-ngc Shooter,

9|" (‘rnck-Hhot Dolly's Drop,

981 The S art in Ych‘ct: or , Bic Burk’s Blufl‘.

 llfli'llyl‘ Itirdl‘: li‘oniufin : {W151 he R: ok-Ravans’ Root-Out.
‘ o ‘ on re: u urn on

969 The Girl Sport-Rhodon'cr: or, Clark’s Close Shave.

983 Booty liilly‘n Iionnnzu; nr, 'l‘hc Bcni' Tumer's Disguise,

BY “'31. FERRY B'RD‘VN.

956 Brooklyn Rob's Dulcc; or, Dmigpr Dut’. Dinmoxld Snap.

968 The [Cant-Side, lipoitcrt nr,'rurniug Down the Big Three

974 Old Sant’n Dork Deal; or, Miner Mut’s Iron Grip]

 

tive on Wheels.

 

 

BUFFALII Ii] ll. NOVELS.

BY (0L. PRENTISS INGRAHAH.

93$ llutfnio Bill'n Lam-no Throwcrl.

9R1 lluti‘nlo BIII'H Flirt-tin Five.

975 Iiui‘l’nlo lilil’u Iiilich‘ otu. "
96" linfl’olo Iiill‘u lint-h Ride; or, Sure-ShotJhe liizh-Flyer
904 iiuifolo liill‘n Dccoy; or. The Arizona Crack Shot. ,
95h liuii'nio Ilili‘u Mnch n-l hanc.

94" Duiiulo lilll‘n Flinn-P rt : «r. “‘iid Kid‘s Tcxiln Trill)
9-12 Duifsslo IiiII'-I 'I'on II Tun-sic.

98“ Bull'an Bill”: 1303' . nncot; or .10., Junis‘ Hold-up.
929 linifnlo lilll'n ('ruck-nhot l’urd.

650, Bum-Io Bill's Boy Ford: or. Iiiliicrfiy Billy.

210i Iliuon “III. the Prince 0! the eins_.

222 liinon Bill’u (‘Iuct or. Grit. the timro Sport.

BY BUFFAID BIL L.

55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scrut. or, The Bmded motherhood:
flfl Border Robin flood: or, The Prairie Rover,
158 Fonoy Frank of l‘olornoot or, The Tnpper'l 'nugi.

BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR, II. S. A.

II” Buil'nio Dilly, the Boy Ruliwhnrkor.
I94 Bufoio Bill I Ilet: II. The tumbler Guide.

"Y T. J. FLANAGAN.
909 Midshipman Durc, thc I’Irnte Catcher.
925 Tim \oun Cowboy Captain.
in“! The Two iduhlpmen; or, The Corsair—Chaser’s FII’II'
Cruise.
949 The Three Lieutenant:-
959 The Moot-0t .‘Iiddy 3 or, The Four Commanders.
9 Firhtlng Jack Hhuhrick.
972 I' i‘hiing Jnck'u Middleni or, Dandy Dick’s Dash.

BY (IDLIINEL PRENTISS INGIIAIIAH.

i
939 New York Nnt’n Dro : or, Fix—Ferret Sykee’ Bold Gun.
1926 1how York Nut. and the Traitor Ferret.
920 New  ork hat Trapped.
914 New \ ork Nun‘s 'Ihree of a Kind.
908 New York Not’n Double.
902 Ncw York Ninth: in Point-Mo.
896 New York lint in Gold Nugget Con-p.
' \ork Ifint’n Ilcudly Deal.
. , ' York Brit’s i‘ruok-(‘hn-e.
877 New York Nut’n Trump-Cord.
871 N‘cw Y. rk Nut and the Grove Ghouil.
$65 New \ork Nut'l .‘iuukcd Mascot.
859 New York Not. the Gillnin inwtlve.
858 Dick Doom’n Fidmlppcf Knock-(int.
H47 Dick Doom‘n Tcn Strike.
842 Dick Dooln’u Finish "and.
772 Dick Doom'n Dcntll-Grlp; or, The Detective by Destiny,
777 Dick Doom'u Dcetiny; cr,'ihe River Bisckiett’l Terror. 3
k Doom; or. Hie Sharps and Sharks oi New York.
7fifl Dick Doom In Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks.
793 Dick Doom in i‘hicn‘o. ,
798 Dick Doom In the “'Ild “ cut.
803 Dick Doosn’o (‘ienn Sweep; or, Fire Links in a Clue.
8"“ Dick Doom’u Death flue.
818 Dick Doom’o Diamond Deni.
819 Dick Doom’n Girl Mas-cot.
8%” Dick Doom'n Shadow Hunt.
886 Dick "00lll’il Dix Illilll.
749 Dltnhlng (‘Imrlicz or The KcntuckyTenderfcot's FintTrnll.
756 Don-him: (‘Iuirllc’u Dcutlny: or, The Renegade’s (Tnptiw
760 Din-him: ( hnrllc’n l’nnncc I’nrd.
7D“ Dflflhlllz l‘illll'llt’, the Rescuer.
497 iiuck Toylor, King 01 the Cowboys.
737 Buck Toyior, tit» ionimwhe’s (‘mth-e.
743 [hunk Tu hung “my” ir,'i‘hc Eci Riders oi the Rio Grunda
560 Pawnee II", the l'rniriv Shndower.
713 I’uwnce Bill: or, Curl, the Mad Cowboy.
711! I’nwncc ltill’u l’icdxc: or. The (‘owi.oy'sDoom.
725 Pawnee iiiil: ur, Dnringllick.
692 llcdi’crn’n (‘uriom- (‘ulct ul, Tm Rival Sharps.
697 ltedi’crn at De \‘ll’n Itnnch; or, The Sharp from Texas.
703 licdt'ern’n Iligh land: or, Blue Juckct.
707 Itedi'ern’n Lot-t 'I'rnil: cr.The Red SombtrroRsngeI-n
And Fifty (ltlieril.

IIY LIECT. A. K. SIMS.

589 Tom-Cot and Pill-d: or. The Dead Set st Silver City.

622 'l‘om-(‘nt'n Triad: I r. The Alien at Tombstone.

681 Tom (.‘nt’n Tcrriblc Trunk; or, The Cowboy Detective.
688 ’l‘om-Cnt’u Triumph' or, Blsck Dan’s Grunt Combine.
546 (Juptoin (‘nt‘tuufihe impsrrsi rock; or. Josh’s Ten Strike
568 The Dnndy oi' Dodgc: or, Rmtlinz tor Millions.

576 The Silver flport; or. Josh Pciupcvnaint‘s Jubilee.

588 Saffron So], the Man With a Shadow

601 Do u ' lluun, the Dutch Vidccq‘. or, Hot Timesst Round-Up
61 l Bilge Dnrnncic, the Detective Hercules.

646 Cowho (lid, the Pattie—Range Detective.

857 Wnrhlih. William the Mountain Mountebnnk.

665') Jolly Jcreminh, the Plains Detective.
676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout.

689 lillly the Gypsy Spy: or, The Myst?
699 flirnpie Sim, the Bronrho Bu-ter: or. For in Stakes.
712 The Molmorlut Sport: M, The Mystifled Detective,
733 Toltec Tom, the Mini Prospector.

745 Kant“!!! Jim. the (‘rons-(‘ut Detective.

781 Marmaduke, the Mustnnzer Detective.

773 The Run-tier 01' Rolling Stone.

785's Lone "and no. the Conunltteo m' One.

801 Kent Kirby. the High-Kicker lrom Killbnck.

83% The Doctor Dctc ctlve in Texan.

872 Two fihowmcn I'I-icctivcn in Colorado.

987 The Texnn FIrchrnnd: or. Iimzus Billy’s Snop.Shot
961 The Trulnp'n Trump-Trick.

NEW ISSUES.
997 Fcorciv ,- Sum, tlu- iii-u-rm-c m. “meals; or, The Sensation
at \Ynshingtun Il. igiits. By .I (‘. ('on‘ilJCk.
993 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’n. Rig Play; 01’, The Blufl' Gama
ut Hold bilge ('ity. Yy E 1.. Wheeler.
999 Jack Lung, the Y ung Privateer; or, The Man of Man
NitliitN. Dy 1'. J. I‘~ auugnn.

1000 Bull'olo lllIl’n Decoy Boy-I.

JUST ISSUED.

991 Two Dndcu from "(N Incd (‘ump;or,1‘he one.mm.d
Iii\.~'\ of Shukmlown. By 'I'. C. Iliuluiugh.

992 Pond wood Dick. ’
I :urfa il‘iiul liv E. L. \‘i iu'eicr.

993 The ('nilet-Dctectlvc‘u llot Hustle; or, Three West
Point Rogues. By H. .\l BU‘\DIOII.

994 Billy llowcrn’ street Scouts; or, Rudim.r the Rolling
Bv Huck. .lh' Jo I’itrce.

G
Q

- oi Two Lives.

By Col. P. lngruham.

995 Iiuifulo Bill‘n Drop: or, Dead-Shot Na-i , the Kansas Kid.
(lot, I’. lugruhnm.

996 Two Reporter Dctcctivrn in Colorado; or, Buckskin
Ron’s Snap-Slut. By ll. M. chuton.

\ New lune livery Tuesday.

The Half-Dime Library is for solo by s“ “cuboid-,3"

“to per copy, or sent by mail on receipt oi oi: colts cock.

BEADLE AND ADAIS. PIbBM
99 Willi.- ltroot, new York.

Jr.. at Gold Dust: or, Sport»

. to».