V /

 

 

, I f

 

 

aé

1‘

A...

  
  

   

|‘;

HHI

' I I ‘F‘ BEADLE a: ADAMS. . A. ,. {J :)
 COPYfiIGHTED IN lacs (.8le . I  ,, . .

———‘._——.._'__A——,A—»
.—.———_——— _
—-—.— —— ——-——— ——

 

‘ > ’1, z r r i ‘  >-  _ 1 .:_ ,
; I I v 4‘ H ,. ep'fi Tl" ,I . I
WW“”' ' a v- I'uuv’xzfi‘fifimmW‘F‘”
I M thin... < ‘  .~ " !..z «mum 'ms a mu ' “ ' ' “1 '
‘ ‘1‘“ K . f. «y K \ , l

 

ENTERED u rm: P05 Orncl‘g'gjygjonxL {1. Y, A'l‘ 7'78me Cuss MAIILRA'I‘IS.

fiffiifi-m QBeadVZ—e g?- fldams, @ublishers, magnum”, N0. 

wmnmi- 98 WILLIAM STREET. N. Y., August 31. 1887. 35-00 ‘70”-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

    

e” /,¢%~774/w 9/ww’/
//Q%/&%w/6fl/WWW
/    I;"";,,, "a,

 / //.0 I”, /-/r ////y/ Ill/’0];I/llr;n,,”’j

' M W ' , x ” "1215/7

’ I/ '

  
 

 

H:._.x';a'ét;—!-'"j ":4 =
$4 - A ‘ Ar. 2-. -

 

' ' u IMMI/
[rt/1142. .1
[Ill/I ff”

 

 

Griplock 1113 New Role.

BY JACKSON KNOX,  :5: 7 ~ _ _ . _  ‘
(OLD HAWK) . 7 7- . ‘ o r _ 7
armor; or “nwa anon. THE 141,00! mn- ‘ ’
TECTIVE,” “ Nunv’s NIP,” “ rm: Boom
nmc'rxvx,” 1:10., ETC.

CHAPTER I.
“I WANT You.”

" I want you I”

The gpeaker was Tom. surnamed “Griplock,”
CnmmmH slender, elastic and quietly indomi-
table-1001mm 'oung man, with remarkable eyes.

The man a drewed was Conrad Loomeister,
middle-9M, of handsome rson, borculeau
proportions and masterful aIr—a model 0! the
professional wrestler, pugilist, and all-round
athlete in one magnificent Individuality.

The scene was a moonlighbod rustic space 'ust
back of the monster tent of Vanderpoer a; 0'; "I H 7 _ r__,_ m __‘*h_ ____o-,v H- M_ .’
Unxversaltglrcuakhilfunafiene and Bong!) HIPPO- GRIPLOCK BAD SNATCHED A HEAVY. STEEL~STIFFENED WHIP mum on: or THE mums,-
Adrome an e 0“ 0 a large mtenor 00ml. , mus, AND WAS uovmu rowum THE more WITH A ammo AND NOISELESS ear. 

 

 

 

 

4hours.

> the shoquanager, grasping the young man’s

‘ minds

2

I

The performance had been over for several

The silence of night was onl broken byan
occasional growl or yawn from he neighbor-in
animal-cages, the snorting of horses, or detach
sounds of revelry from one or another of the
adjacent drinking saloons.

“ 1 want you I‘

This in a quiet] ominous tone, accompanied
lg tile prgfession: tguchdof thed h ker’shgiggh:

nonte'n’ssouleran e'in' o
a ir of hangdlcaufi's in the left. J g

t was all so significant that Leomeister, sur-
prised though he had been. could not or would
nd the bewilderment usual in a man

when suddenly placed under arrest.

“ Ohoi on want me, do you 1” he exclaimed
bursting nto a contemptuous laugh. “ But
look you, young fellow, this with a commiser-
sting look, “ do you realise that you’ll have to

ht for me?” '

handcuffs were out of sight in an instant,
til young man‘s face became as of iron, and his
extraOrd nary eyas contracted, like those of the
flange monarch when about to spring.

“ ow I do,” said he, with a single com re—
hensive glance that inventoried every possib ity
of the superb personality before him. ‘

Leomelster laughed eVen more unpleasantly
than before.

“Pshawl Crimmins, you forget the disparity
between us,” said he, with a pityin shrug of
his immense shoulders. “ You woul but rush
upon your fate.”

“ l arrest you. and—”

“ Run along now and try your detective
dodges on he s, or ordinary men. I speak to
you in real indness, Tom. You know that,
apart from m professional skill as lion-tamer
and a breaker- n of wild horses, I have not my
equal’on the road as a wrestler and fighting-
man.’

, “ Conrad Leomeister, I arrest you, on Mr.
Vanda r’s authority, and—” 
The l on-tamer threw himself into an attitu
that might well have daunted a bigger and more

confident man than the youth before him.

“ Go along, I tell you! he interrupted again.
“‘I am beginning to fit angry, and—”

“I arrest on, int name of the law! Will
you submit ’

“ so, curse your impudencei” was the roared

regponse, accompanied b a _ I htful oath.
“ ell, have it, t en, and to you i”

The blow that was dealt out mig t have floored
an 01:, but it was lightly evaded.

Then it was catch-as-catch-can as the young
detective fearlessly launched himself at the
giant’s throat, and for the first momont of the
ensuin stru le it seemed that it was all up
with m, as wasen in that enormous
hug and wrenchin graspt t had crushed the

wind out of half wrestlers from New York.
Eitherf to the Golden Gate.
n

it at first ted a bound in
the.“ r '. Mfifsmfi’. .

rs v s a e re 0
the d% was  and thrash about
£33311 emgyof straw at the sport of a whirl-

“Ha. ha, ha! Ho, ho ho!” roared the colos-
 Zf‘Whatl you would try conclusions with
the great ister, the terr‘or of the show-
routesl Boyi where is the vaunted rowess
with which you have hoodwinked od -Van-
:derpoer and his trusting crew? Where, in this
master-grip of mine, is he fébled griiplock some
'of the fools credit on with, and— ghi”

At that instant e felt and recognized it, the
boasting vociferations su denly ending with a
loud grunt, ‘as of a whale being abruptly nipped
in he jaws of a Berlin’s Bay ice-flee.

The slender figure had suddenly stiflened out
'in'hisgrasp as transformed into a bar of steel.
fuel: there was a series of lightning-like move-

.The‘ goat’s bull-neck was Sncircled with an
snacoh grip, his left leg was torn from its
foothold by- .such a vine twist as it had
never mcountered be ore, his ht received and
succumbed to a‘masterly hee -tap, and, as he
tattered outwith a shoulders biting
earth, / with the frontal bone of his an-
tagonist’s allot-head into his throat like
a cannon- be realised the full the terrible
and renowned griplock that he had an instant
befcre so rashly desphsd. ‘

ggzpi the handcufls were on.

a mi‘ffi'fif“ “ m? him“ "1'":
an a -rue u 1. I ms: 00 a
hiscool, but‘unexulta , ypponent. ‘ ~ .

‘At the same time ‘rejasa chorus of ap-
proving shouts, and a dozen of thecircus
men, headed by Mr. derpoer himself, sprung
out of a neighboring covert, and offered their
congatulations to the young detective. ‘

;. T y had concealed themselvuthere in antici-
pation of unrest, which they had feared
would end attempt, mch was the neral
dread in whl (the toforo invulera lion-
tamer had, he 9 ‘

“ Mr. ,Ol'hflins, your probation is over,” said

. “ Come to my hotel and
Your-right to your sobriquet,

t urbad .
ndisputable.” “fink org-
’ l

 

.one to t

The Circus Detective.

this time laid hold of
risen to his feet,
s defeat with sullen

The circus men had b
Leomeister, who had s owl
and seemed to submit to

' tion.
“ hat is so!” cried one of them “No more
secret plundering of the properties, with such a
watch-dog to guard ’em. Three cheers for Grip-
lock Crimmins, the Circus Detective 1”

~ The cheers were give with a will by all but one
man. .

This was John Vincent, better known as
Center-pole Jack, a powerful, beetle-browed and
secretive-looking man, who had participated in
the after-scene in dutiful silence, but Without a
particle of his companion’s enthusiasm.

There seemed noth' strange in this, how-
ever since Center-pele ack was known as an
En lish G of unaccountable moods and no
litt e mysggy, besides being a useful, hard-
working man, thoroughly conversant with the
tenting business.

“Keep that man under guard until the roper
authorities can take him in custody,” as d Mr.
Vanderpoer, sternly pointing to the handcuffed
man. ‘ Griplock,’ to the detective, “ come with
me. M daughter, Zelda, shall not be the last
nk you for this arrest.”

“ Wait 1”

It was the defeated wrestler who spoke.

As the proprietor and the detective turned, he
shook off the detaining hands, and advanced a
step toward them, his manacled hands drooping
helplessly before him, but with a sort of com-
manding ma 'esty in his mien.

“ that is it?” demanded Mr. Vanderpoer, a
little imperiously. “Of course you are going to
deny the thefts. But you’ll have time enough
for that in a justice’s court, though I warn you
that they’ll be brought home to you.”

5‘ I deny nothing, sir, and I confess nothing—
as etl”

r. Vanderpoer was somewhat disturbed,
though, superficially, there was nothing menac-
ing, or even disrespectful, in the man’s words or
manner. .

“ What do you want, then?” he exclaimed
with growing impatience.

“ To warn you, sir.”

“To warn me 5’ Come, your check is a good
one! Of what?”

“ Lest, if pushed to the wall, in confessing, I
should confess to too much.”

“What! with regard to the paraphernalia ‘

thefts?”

“ That depends.” -
, “Depends upon what, on scoundrelf”

The answer came in a ow, hissing tone which,
aside from Mr. Vanderpoer, was audible solely
to the quick ears of the detective.

“Or whether ' our daughter, Miss Zelda, is
part of the amp ernalia or not.”

The mas r s owman seemed to catch his
breath and whiten, but he maintained his oom-

posure.

“ What ridiculous atteth at mystery is this?"
he exclaimed, stern] . “ wa with t e man!”
turningto his subo inates' “ shall hold you
res nsible for his security.

meister had again submitted himself to his
captors with an easy and indifferent air.

‘Have your will with me, sir i” he called out,
carelessly. “Onl don’t forget that the side-
show with the ermaid, the Man-Snake, and
Purrin Pedro, is mine by is] contract.”

“I orget nothin ,” sai Mr. Vande r,
angrily. “As for t 9 contract. we’ll see a ut
that. Come, Crimmins, we’ve loitered here long
enough.”

But there was yet another interruption as the
pair were moving off, and this time of an extra-
ordinary nature.

A tremendous bellowing roar, accompanied
by a crashing, splintering sound, as of a strong
cage being torn to pieces. suddenly burst from
the interior of the tent. Then there was a hub-
bub of wild-beast voices in sympathy, a woman’s
cry, panic-stricken masculine exclamations,
and, asthe reflection of torches could be seen
hurriedly flashing here and there through the
canvas walls, Gy‘ps Frank, one of the under-
keepers, came das ing out in a wild state of
alarm.

" Othmari—Miss Zelda l” was all the new-
comer could—falter out at first, as his startled

eyes sou ht the mana r’s.
Leonnfisfi-r burst in a discordant la b.

“ Ha ha, ha!” hecried,tauntingly. “ thmar
loose, e , and the little Zelda herself in his ling;

gry clutch? Well, well; who will
afreshvnow that I am in thetoils?”

Mr. anderpoer had turned livid.
But he ived a reassurin elbow-touch as
the entire , even includ the prisoner,

hurried into 9 tent.
“ Trust in me ” whispered Griplock. “ Re-
;xiiem’ber, thief-telling is not my only qualifica-
on.
lItnside the tent, a terrible scene presented it-
se .
CHAPTER II.
AMONG 'rnr. csoss.

IN the center of the hurriedly-lighted space, a
lordly African lion—a late importatiou, and al-
most wholly untamed—was standing with brist-
ling mane, glowing eyes and lashing tail.

 t i

I ‘N'Qr‘

 

Behind him thrown from it: treaties, was the
splintered and dismantled cage, from which he
had just made his escape. .

At his mercy—in fact, with one paw resting
lightly upon her bodly— as the prostrate form
0 a terrified, but sti painfully conscious young

r1.

It was Zelda Vanderpoer, the loveliest per-
former and most taking card in the pntire
show business at the time of which we write.

No time to question as to the cause of the ap-
palling situation now.

‘ Paralyzed or fascinated, she was practically
already in the ferocious monster’s jaws.

Even the veteran keepers were beside them-
selves for the time being

The wild inmates o the surrounding cages
were voicin in the most horribly suggestive
manner their anticipation of the bloody feast in
prospect.

It was a show in which they, the wild beasts,
had become the tators, and in which
Othmar; the .king of sts, and Zelda, the fairy
princess of the equestrian arena, were the tragic
performers.

It was known that the lion had been on
short rations for da , in the hope of reducin
his strength and reaking his exception
savagery. '-

His ap rance was frightful, and at this
juncture e roared afresh.

The girl seemed doomed.

Like the rest, Mr. Vanderpoer stood as one
petrified, and even his partner, who was
present—George Isaacs, an old-time mena erie
man, of noted nerve and fearlessness—st for
the moment aghast and at his wits’ end.

A single crush of those gaping jaws, or stroke
of that mi hty fore- paw meant death, and there
was no tel in what moment, on the part of the
spectators, might preci itate the catastrophe.

The manacled Leonie ster, who had been noted
as one of the most successful wild-beast-iamers
in the profession, was, with one exce tion, the
only man who retained his self-possess on. .

“ I’ll take pity on you, Vanderpoer,” said he,
“ though forgiveness of injury isn’t one of my
prime virtues.”

The horror-stricken showman turned tehim
eagerly, but abstained from answering at
another nudge from Griplock Crimmins—the
one exception noted above.

“ Strike 08 these irons," continued the
Leomeister, “ romise me immunity for the
future, bestdes 9 one thing 1 most esire, and
my services are ,at your disposal. Othmar
shall be recaged in short order, and Zelda saved
unin'ured.” ‘ '

“ at is the one thing you demandi”

“ As if you didn’t know it! The girl Zelda as
my wife, with or without her own consent!”

The man‘s passion for the beautiful creature
was well-known.

Under the circumstances, the unmanliness of
the proposition, in such an emergency, would
have evoked a storm of reprobation from those
present, at it was different now.

Even r. Vanderpoer was about to accept
the cruel alternative when he was againre-
strained b the detective at his elbow.

“ Give t e coward not a th ht,” warned the
same low but strong voice. “ am your man.
Look at my eyes."

In fact. the detective’s eyes were worth look-
ing at. They were dilating and- contracting
most wonderfully, while changing as many
colors as a pair of opals in a room of shifting
li hts and shades.

he master-showman had bare] time to re-
mark and wonder at this, before riplock had
matched a heavy, steel-stiflened whip from one
of the under-kee and was moving toward
the lion with a g ding and noiseless step.

Leomeister burst into his harsh, derisive

lau h. ,

“ hat!” he cried; “ are we to try our back-
heel and grapevine on Othmar. the big Afri-
can? Then there is double sport ahead.”

The Circus Detective only spoke once while
moving out over the open space, and it was to
utter these words, in a clear, mechanical voice,
without taking his gaze ofl' the lion:

“ Have the fresh cage readyuand try to stop
those elephants from trumpeting so loudly.
That is e ially maddening to the brute.”

While these instructions were bein attended
to, Griplock suddenly glided forw with in-
credible rapidity, and struck the monster blow

after blow over the flanks with the cruel whip ,.

every inch of whose length was banded an
spurred with steel projections that Scored and
lacerated like thorns.

There was a yell, a rear. and then the detec-
tive, with the snatched-up girl hanging upon his
left arm, was standing fearlessly erec -, with the
infuriated beast ram nt—reared on his hind
l , as in heraldic evices, and reaching out
for him with fiamin eyes, distended jaws and
a general ferocity o appearance that was ap-
polling to behold. :

But at that instant the monster for the first
time received the benefit of the detective’s eyes
--those strange, those terrible eyes, that even
filled with awe such of the tors as en-
countered them l—and he suddenly dropped upon

all-fours with a sort of furious whine, heif‘ ‘

‘1!
x a. .
» 97:44:, a’j

 

 
   
   
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
 

 

i
,i

 

 .- A..._..-:  “A:
.., ,, 'l .  ‘

  

r

 

The Circus Detective.

 

8

 

abruptl enveloped in a boa-constrictor’s folds,
and wit the arched neck flat head and dde
serpent eyes undulating between him and s
certain doom. .

As the detective advanced, with whip 81:?-
raised, the lion retreated, step by step, .11
lashing his sides with his tufted tail, but with
his fiery eyes riveted by the taming and all-
conquering gaze.

Step by step toward the open door of the
fresh cage that had by this time been Brepared
for his re-incarceration, and then, as t e trum-

ting was renewed at the further end of the
eat, there was a critical use.

Was the monster sha ing 03 the mastering
spell. and about to make his spring at last!

“ Quiet those elephants!” called out the detec-
tive again in the same clear, dispassionate
voice. “There is danger. Unless they are si-
lenced, I can answer for nothing.”

"We’re t 'n to," called out avoice in re-
ply. “ But i jab has his tantrum on him,
and he makes t e rest ungovernable.”

Still the elephants were once more partly

uie .

q Then swish! swish! swish! descended the bar-
barous whip afresh, this time across the lion’s
face, bringing the blood in drops and streaks at
every slas .

It was too much—with a dolorous whine, the
conquered brute turned tail.

Then a rting cut over the flank caused him
to spring into the cage for very protection, the
heavy door closed upon him with a clang, and
the danger was at an end.

But not uite. Griplock Cr'immins had ust
passed his. lf-fainting burden to Mr. Van er-
poer, when, amid the jargon of howls and cries
still filling the air, there was an infuriated ele—
phantme scream from the big pen at the further
and

Then there was a general scattering, as a
formidable apparition came rushing out from
that quarter.

Big Rajah was loose, charging down between
theca , with Mahmoud, his chief keeper, in
his clu ch.

As yet uninjured, but whirled aloft at the end
of the anima ’s prehensile trunk, the r fel-
low, in anticipation of being dashed to eath at
an instant, was bowling for assistance in a
Ce tic jargon that was in odd contrast with his
su sitiously Arabian or Hindu extraction.

TB: u roar in the cages was renewed, kee rs
and thighands scattered right and left, an for
the moment the colossal lriac yderm, fairly danc-
ing with rage, his arm. pi h eyes snapping
viciously and his great, ea -like ears flapping
the air like the sailsof a windmill, was mon~
arch of all he surve .

“ You’ll have to let Leomeister at him,”
called out Mr. Isaac: to Mr. Vand , across
the d ted ground. “None but ehas ever
been a 19 to subdue Big Rajah when on the

ram .”

Bmfore he had ceased speaking, Gri lock
Crimmins had again sprung 1n the imm nt
and deadly breach.

“Be ready with the chains and foot-irons!”
he called out in his cool, incisive tones. “ It is
only a question of nerve!"

‘ Of nerve, yes, but of something more,”
cried Ie0meister, with a repetition of his rasp-
ing laugh. “ If on think to try eye-power on
Rajah as you d d on Othmar, my fine fellow,
you will reckon without your host."

But, the detective intended to do nothing of
the sort. He had already snatched up a long
many-p ed, straight-fined pitchfork, such as
is fr uent y in use in wild animal collections.

Wit this he charged fearlessly into the mon-
ster’s front, stabbing him deeply and repeatedly
as fast as he could lunge. \

Big Ra'ah trumpeted horribly, reared once
more, bac ed away, and then squealed entreat-
:In 1 , while tremb ing violent] .

Tge proboscis was lowered,

\

. moud relea'sed
uninjured, the chains and foot-irons were cla ped
on, and then, amid the dream of the on-loo ers,
the great brute was led away to fresh captivity
and punishment eondign.

The first words of the !'genuine Oriental kee r,

Mahmoud, on recove ng his wlf-pooessfgn,
were these:
“By the h0wly St. Patrick! it’s meself that
will t even wid the hulkin’ b’aste for this
nights deviltry, or may Oi niver see the blue
waters of Cork Harbor again !"

Then, after a grateful lance at Gritglock, his
preservtzr, he dashed oi! n pursuit of e captive

n .

e ha
l‘zPhe detective had naturally enough, at once

\ become the center 0 an admiring circle.

“ Gripl ," said Showman l cordial!
grasping‘hthand, “ you have m yourse?!
a brave and invaluable man. e can employ
you far more profitably than as our detective
oflcer, if you only at]? the word.”

‘4 Man thanks, r. Isaacs,” was the uiet
rep] , “ ut detective work, pure and simp is
goodenough for me.”

And he followed Mr. Vanderpoa, who, with
Zelda on his arm. had genially beckoned to him
while passing out of the tent. ~-

Ieomeistcr, still shackled and - under guard,

'looked at him steadily and scowled as he paced.

,fii " ;

 

“ Griplock is a good fighting name,” said he,

iris adlow,’ significant voice. “ ut every dog has
a I

“ ght you are, Conrad,” said the detective,
smiling. ‘ And you might add that every dog
has its dog-master.”

As he was issuing from the tent, he caught
another malevolent lance leveled at him before
its owner, Centre-p0 e Jack, could withdraw or
disguise it.

“ 80,” thought the detective, pursuing his
way. “ I suspected that you were secretly
hand—in-glove with that scoundrel, Ieomeister,
and now I am sure of it.”

Arriving at Mr. Vanderpoer-’3 hotel, he found
that gent eman eagerly awaiting him in the
com ratively sum tuous apartments occupied
by iss Zelda and imself.

“. ted, and ever welcome, my dear
fellow," was the show-proprietor’s co greet-
ing. “Have a glass of wine with me at once,
and my daughter will join us presently. Gaston,
have you finished the reports and advertise-
ments ”

Gaston a very dark, slender and efl'eminate-
looking individual, With a delicate black mus-
tache and restlem black eyes, was both the
show press-agent and Mr. Vanderpoer’s private
secretary.

“ Yes, sir,” said be, rising from his table and

folding up some of writing on which he

had been e ag “Everything is in readi—

rtioess far the t newepapers pu lished in this
wn.

“Be oi! with you, then!" cried Mr. Vander—
poer, ood-humoredly. “ Let tonight’s adven-
tures lossom out to-morrow in all the glory of
display head-lines.

‘ A , Crimmins,” he added, rubbi his
hands as the secretary disappeared, “ muc as I
am beholden to you, and hero as you have been,
there is nothing like snlittle self-glorification in
the show business. Advertise, man, advertise!
That is the secret of success, with a good show
or a bad one.”

The detective was already seated, and he
smiled as he touched glasses and sipped his
wme. -

“And ours happens to be a good one,” he
added

“Tiptop! But then one can’t‘seize hold of
too many dodges to freshen curiosi in the
performances, a d the picturesque pa of this
evenirig will out to have'been a god-send.
Gad! or the remainder of our week here there

'won't be standing room in the tents, and the

exchanges will spread the romance of the thing
all over the coun . Those seeming disasters
will put lsaacs a me in pocket more than
twenty thousand dollars before the end of the
tentmg season. But of course you are the big
toad in the puddle throughout. Gaston has the
facts to prime the reports with. Just wait to
see law you will blossom out in to-morrow’s
rm

“ It is a notorie that I could willingly dis-
pense with," said rimmins, thoughtfully.

.As Mr. Vanderpoer did not at once ursue
his exuberant vein, he looked up to pores vs the
sliowman studying him with a puzzled expres-
s on.

CHAPTER III.
THE snownsrrm’s snout.

“ You are a deal of a mystery, Grip-
lock ” said Mr. anderpoer.

“ In what way?”
“Gad! in every way. You came to us onl
a fortnight a o, from the Lord and yourse f
alone know w ere. seeking the vacant position

of detective for our show.’

Théeegoung man nodded. The secret of his
ante ents was eviden one that he intended
to confine to the Lord an himself.

“ Then you marvelously make good every

ualiflcation you have claimed for yourself—

di and more, too, for that matter. By the
way, here is your bad .”

e handed out from a drawer a silver badge,
bearing the show-firm's monogram and an ap-
prog-éate inscription, which was gravely ac-
ce . -

RAnd I presume ” continued the showman,
“that a sala of fifteen hundred a year, ex-
am?) of in dental expenses, will be satisfac-

lThe fyoung man nodded his assent—he was a
man 0 few words at the best.

“It's five hundred more than we gavo to
Sligo Nugent, your redecearor,” continued Mr.
Vanderpoer, ‘the evil fly away with him!—
but you are well worth the difference, and
welcome to it.”

Another nod.

“ Then, agin,” the showman went on. vim.

suing his 0 ' theme, “here on are devel-
oping a free surprise for us, in e animal-tam-
ing gowns that you have exhibited to-night.”

‘ 0 need of mystery on that point,” said the
detective, smiling. “ From boyhood to man-
hood I trapped ferocious and rare animals in
the wilds of Asia Africa and South America,
in the service of che & Co., the well-known
wild beast importers.”

“ The deuce cu say! and thanks for the con-
fidence. Then were you are risking your life by

.,s
'.u I

 

boarding 0thmar, our worst lion, all for the
sake of my pretty daughter, Zelda, whom you
have never seen, save in her professional char-
acter, or pin-haw exchanged a single word with
in your to. But more upon that subject
presently. Truly, you are a good deal of a mys-
teriy, Griplock.”
he detective smiled oddly.

At this moment Mr. Vanderpoer was called
out of the room by the private secretary, who
had just returned, and during his brief absence
Zelda herself entered.

She was a ravishineg beautiful brtmette of
nineteen.

That was a strange misconception of facts
which the showman had last expressed.

The young girl and the Circus Detective were
no sooner aware of their being alone together
than they were in each other’s arms.

The exchange of a tofu! and a passionate
look a swift km, and t at was all.

“Have you discovered the secret of my past
history from him?” whispered the girl.

“ Not yet. He will probably broach the sub-
ject: if not, I shall prom t him to do 30.”.

“ That will be Well. member how much
depends on our knowingthe myster .”

‘I do not forget. on are y recovered
from our fright?

“How did you happen among the cagesat

tha‘tItlilme of ni hit; an ”
‘ ave expfiu'n it to papa.
“Explain i to me.”

“I was troubled about that sore on Black '-

Sultan's forefoot, which had twice almost trip
pod him ,during my bare-back act.” '
‘ as

“Well, I couldn’t resist the temptation of
running over to the tent, to see if it had been at-
tended to in his grooming. Neither pa nor
Gaston was here. so I went alone. A r look-
ing the horse over, I was ' among the
animals, when I noticed t Othmar's
seemed ' while he was uncommon y
restless. I had just called some of the men‘s at
tention to the fact, when, with a sudden bound,

brute broke through. But I did not wholly
my presence of mind, even when at his
merc .

y
“ on’t I know that without the telling? My
brave Zelda!”

“ Hush! I think papa must be returning.
Don‘t forget.”

“ g on me. But wait' does any one else
know t e secret of your pasti"

“Yes; Ieomeister—at least, I fear so. Ah, ‘

rrible man! Should r chance
die thout explaining, orpggoupltaipalmeister
get in in his power—but, bush 1" 1

At this juncture Mr. Vanderpoer returned.

His brow was troubled, though it almost in-
stantly cleared as be perceived the young per-
sons together.

“ Aha! struck up an acquaintance alredy, eh?"
said. he, rubbing his hands. .“That is well.
But gratitude is often a dangerous sentimen
however deserved, when evinced by onth
beauty to manhood and good looks. o compli-
ment intended you, Griplock. Zelda, m dear
fill the wine-g and seat yourself. pital
Tokay, this! M ears, here’s looking toward
both of you. A , that rascal Leomeisteri He’s
a deep one—as deep as he is dangerous. Trouble,
trouble, trouble!”

He shook his head dubiously, even while sip'
ping his wine.

Zelda, after setting down her glass untested,
was moving fitfully about the room.

“May I ask as to the nature of an fresh
dtrougile in that quarter?” said Griploc , dim-

ent .

“ e‘s in the town lock-up, but I sha‘n’t be
able to hold him. But more, presently. Zelda,
my dear, you ought to be thoroughly exhausted
by your experience of this swung:

“ es,papa;andIshallre ,withyour
permimion. Good-night.”

She kissed him, and then, Gaston, the seen»
tnry, returning at that moment, she extended
her hand to him.

An odd, shy,pale,silent.effeminate—looking and
somewhat m sterious fellow. this sameslender
private . Larue, who had been
with Mr. Vanderpoer for many years.

Zelda had known him in his present «snotty
from herearly childhood, and he was ways
includtd to the extent of a hand-pressure in her
good-night amenities.

Then, with a becoming‘l'y ceremonious courtesy
to the detective, she thdrew, and
after exchanging some confidential words with
hisemloyer,wasnot longinfollowingher

exam

“Tr’mubh enough trouble enough!" then said
the showman, drawing his chair I: to the table
at which the detective had resea himself, and

refllliggthetiny “Yousee,Ieomeister . "
has tbedea woodonmeinacertainway; 
and ’m afraid Isha’n’tbeabletohold him on‘ ,

the ropes-ty-room theft char ” . .
a“ iratlon in

dropsof
wastinghisarrest,”saidG lock,signifi-
can

I .
“kamm that, my boy, Gadl- didn‘t I wit,
no. it alll And a hen y  job, met

“17!: V A 

.5\

2..

a:

 

V .“Ma lbeougspokeni”

4

The Circus Detective.

 

the bar ainl But you see—” Mr. Vanderpoer
hesita , and then fell to reflecting silently.

“I suppose there is no doubt as to his guilt,
sir?”

“Not the slightest. And he is not the only
one implicated. either; I am satisfied of that.
He must have had confederates.”

“ Subordinate rascals! Little doubt of that.
I could offer a shrewd guess as to their names.”

“ You could?"

H Yes.”

“ Name them, then. It shall be strictly con-
fidential."

“ Center- le Jack, for one.”

Mr. Van er r knitted his brows.

“ The big styi” said he. “ The most ef-
ficient tent-ban in our employ!”

“But secretl hand-in-glove with Conrad and
a man not the ess dangerous because useful and
unobtrusive. I have watched and studied him
close] .”

“ 1 on may be right. Whom else?”

“ Gogo, the Man-Snake.”

‘l Ha!”

“Yes; the monstrosity is equally as nt-like
in soul and body. There is not a bi ding of
Leomeister’s that he wouldn’t crawl and wriggle
toward accomplishing.”

“So. Any more?7

“ One more. Kalulah, the Mermaid, or Girl-

)9

“ But she seems both pretty and amiable.”

“ A hypocrite—foul, absolute and deidly l”

“ Good then; we must be on extra guard.
But,” and here the showman burst into a good-
natured laugh, “ I sa , Crimmins?"

“ What is it, Mr. anderpoeri”

“ Couldn’t ou manage to include Purring
Pedro in the st?"

The detective also la bed.

“Well, Conrad’s danc bear is a thief, no
less than a drunkard, for t matter,” said he.
“ But why do you fear that you can’t hold his
master on charges preferred against him?”

“ Gaston has just been interviewing him in

m. The fellow insists on his contract rights to
side-show.”

“ But, what do the trio of curiosities amend
to! Miss Zelda alone, in the main show, is a bet-
tercardthanallofthem puttogether. ’

“ True. But there are Leomeister‘s animal-
taming powers. You might not always be on
hand in an emergency like this evenin 's.”

“ Mr. Vanderpoer, I would not let is scoun-
drel 01, now that you have got him in the
“in.”

“ I wouldn’t do so willingly.”

“ P ectly so. '

“ Confess, then, that there is a weightier rea-
son for our fearing to prosecute him."

The wman started.

“ To what could any weightier reason refer?”

“ To Zelda’s past history. ’

‘6 Ba 1”

“ Yes. -‘ I alone overheard Leomeister’s si ifi-
canttllysmenacing words to you, directly fo ow-

arrest.” ‘

I didn’t know that.”

“ Be frank with me, then. Besides, it is sufiié
cientl known that the young lady is not your
own ughter.”

The show-master reflected; and then he drew
a long breath.

“ I will be frank with you—that is, as frank
as I dare ” said he. “In the first place, Leo-
meister cherishes a dangerous passion for the

oun girl. He is c to marry her.”
7 my

“ t without saying, after what has
passed. gut he never shall—the young lad
shall be invincibly protected aga his p t
—solon asI canraiseahandorheel.”

“ Yong”

u n

“ But you have lust made her acquaintance.”

“ Nevertheless, regard her as an an i in
mortal seeming—an angel to be worshipedsfrom
afar. and to be rotected against such a scouri-
drel as Leomeisger at any cost.”

“ And you would defend her?”

“ With m life! In case of anything harp?!)-
ing to on, would defend her as I wo an

‘ idoli ~sister.”

Mr. Vanderpoer~ was greatly moved. He
gra the detective’s han .

“ n,” said he. “ Rumor isright' Zelda
is not my own daughter. though she will’be my
heir tosuch fortune as I may leave; for, con-

trary to the general belief, I am not now a rich
I

man. first saw the girl, when she was but
five old, in Algiers. ’
“ nAlgiersi”

“Yes. She was with a coan of French

m‘" 3%! 1°”meii imfi“ flamii‘i'
wm u . er a or or e
man call 11% was one of their leaders.
There was one among hem, though—a German
adventurer, yo , of finewho “Ethel, ng
uen —— mas-
“mm and  man was
Conrad .”

“The (in-tamer!” .
, 
‘ u .

“Youshallknowall or at lesst,as much as
I dare tell you. The child’was with herxreputed

A

 

mother, her reputed father’s wife a sad and
suffering voung woman, who loved it dearly,
and who bitterly felt the dis ace of her posi-
tion; for it was a crew of regu ar sharks, looked
down upon by all self-respecting persons, native
as well as foreign, and in almost constant diffi-
culty with the authorities. My Wife had died
shortl before, not lon after we had buried our
only c ild, a lovely litt e irl of about the little
Zelda’s age, and not unli e her in the style of
her dark beauty, and I was alone in the World.
Business relations with Leomeister brought me
in frequent contact with the gang, for then, as
now, he was something of an animal-tamer, and
I was securing some lions for an Antwerp firm,
and he was enabled to assist me in my negotia-
tions with the native hunters. My heart Iylveearn-
ed toward the child from the first, and t wo-
man saw it. She and her rascally husband
were named Plancher. On the eve of my de-
arture for Europe, the husband was des rate-
y wounded in a ambling broil. in whic Leo-
meister had also n concerned. The Woman
secretly came to me, with the child, saying:
‘ Planchez is d ing, and this is no place for the
little angel. he might grow up corrupted,
whereas now she is pure as a flour dc lis. I see
that you lovo her, and will care for her future.

Take her. She is yours. I give her toyou.’
Then she laced a e of rs in my
hands. ‘ eldaisno our child, as rhaps you

have divincd,’ she continued. “ lanchez, to
gratify an old grud e, stole her from her parents
when an infant. have since come to adore
her, but sacrifice m feelings to her happiness.
She is of noble hi and the heiress to immense
wealth in France. These papers are the certifi-
cates of her true parentage and of her identity.
Swear to me that you will not divulge the na-
ture of their contents until she shall have come
of r and trouble might otherwise
arise—and e is yours.’ ‘Surprised and grati-
fied, I took the required oath, and the woman,
stifiingasob at the sacrifice she was making,
disappeared before I could question her. I lost
no time in quitting the country with my precious
acquisition. She has been the joy of my life
from that hour.”

“ And the knowledge of this constitutes Conrad
Leomeister’s power over oui’"

Mr. Vanderpoer win a little, but a’iiqwered-
in the afiirma ive. ' ‘

“ Yes," said he “ Leomdi’ster pretends to be-
lieve that the Pianchez man and woman were
reall Zelda’s parents. He knows that both she
and would feel disgraced at having such ante-
cedents publicly ascribed to her.”

“I understand. Am I at liberty to question
you freely!”

“ I ve Iyou the privilege.” .

“ , et me ask what became of the Plan-
chez couple?” .

“I heard of them shortly after my quitting
Algiers through Gaston Larue, who then first
came into my employ. He had lived there, and
knew something of the couple and their assocx-
ates. Planchez had died of his wounds soon
after my departure. The woman had then mysv
teriously disafifgared none knew whither.”

“So; and Zelda has been kept ignorant
of the contents of those papers?”

“ Entirely so: in accordance with my oath.
She shall know all when she is twenty-one—two
years hence."

“ But you have examined the papers?”

“ Yes; and they are genuine. T ey wxll place
her in a magnificent social position.”

“ Far better than that of a circus-rider, eh?”

The showman flushed.

“ Zelda is a rofessional by choice—by natural
and uncontro ble impulse, I may say. I would
have preferred another career for her. but sh:
was perdshnfimdhel‘ leasure is m delight.

As the detective ed silent, . Vander-
pOer abruptly exclaimed, after a reflective

pause.

“ Crimmins, I am going to trust you with the
secret of those apers soon, say to-morrow.
Somethinfikmight p n to me, and then Zelda
wouldbe ea boata see. without a compass.
Come with me.”

He led the detective into an adjoining bed-
room of the hotel suite he occggied, and, open-
ing one of his trunks, display a fiat, carved
silver macaw :1 crest.l with the mono-
gram tials . . . nt em .

“ t ” said heefa“ cgntains the title-
dssds toZelda’s name, lin e,and true position
in the world. To-morrow ey shall be submit-
ted to your inspection; you shall share the mo-
mentous secret with me.

“Why not now! There is no securer time
than the present."

Mr. Vanderpoer hesitated, and then hastily
closed the trunk.

“No, I believe not,I” said he. “Tomorrow
will be time one h. t is late. Good-night.”

To-morrow, an still to-morrowi

Procrastination may be no less fatal than un-
fortunate.

At an earl hour on the following mornin ,
the Circus ve, who occupied an humb e
apartment in the same hotel, was awakened by
cited servant, who informed him that

V sometw was wrong in the Vanderpoer suite.

thither, he found everything in

\

 

confusion, the rooms full of terrified faces, and
Zelda almost beside herself with horror.

Mr. Isaacs, together with many of the show-
piegple, had already been summoned to the

p ce.
t. “ What has happened?” demanded the detec-
ive.

Zelda sprung toward him, with clasped hands
and a face like marble.

“ 0h!” she wailed' “everything has hap«
pened. Poor papa—Bin Vanderpoer—is dead—
murdered!”

 

CHAPTER IV.
LIVING CURIOSITIES.

Munnnnmi

As soon as Gri lock could master his amaze-
ment, he placed t e youn girl in charge of two
of the circus women w 0 were resent, and
then stepped into the ad ‘oining room.

Mr. Isaacs and sever others, very pale, were
alread there.

Mr. anderpoer had been stabbed to death.

The body lay on the bed, undressed, and was
quite cold.

There were some signs of aslight resistance
having been offered to the assassin; but the
single knife-thrust was directly through the
heart, it might have been delivered while the
victim was asleep, and in any case death would
have ensued almost instantaneously.

No wea n was visible. .

The life ess form was slightly contorted, and
the features wore a frown.

Ever one turned to the detective in a sort of
eager inquiry, as if some sort of relief or ex-
planation were to be found in his presence
a one.

Griplock threw a swift glance of examination
around the room.

To all a pearances, robbery had not instigated
the foul

Not one of the dead man’s trunks seemed to
have been disturbed: his expensive watch and
chain were suspended from a nail beside the
couch, where he had doubtless placed them be-
fore retiring.

“When was this first discovered!" was the
detective’s first question.

t was Mr. Isaacs who answered: “ Less than
f-an-hour-ago.”

“ By whomi

“By Zelda. He had promised her an early.
morning drive through the suburbs, and on
coming to waken him she encountered this piti—
able sight. Her soremmx aroused the hotel and
we were notified pell-mell, at ha hard where-
soever we could be reached. y hotel chancing
to be across the way, and the fact of my being
an earl riwr, brou ht me among the "

“Is meisterst lin ' '7”

“ Yes. M an icions astened upon him, as
yours have one stantly, and I hurried to the
town lock-up, which is just around the corner.
I found him,”not only under bolt and bar, but,

sound p. v

The detective’s face did not betray his (limp.
pointment.

He requested the others to quit the room, and
then sketched for Mr. Isaacs the interview he
Iliiadhhad with Mr. Vanderpoer on the preceding

t.

. Isaacs, who had lon been a business part-
ner and intimate friend 0 the murdered man,
was deeply impressed b what he heard.

“ No eneral robbery ms to have been at-
tempte ,” said he. “ But let us see if the
important casket ym speak of is still in its
p ce.

“ That is the trunk, ” said Griplock indicating
the only one that had been left unlocked.

It was opened. The gasket containing the
papers was missing.

‘ I feared as much,” said the detective; “ with
the exception of the assassin, I am Enhany the
last person that saw the unfortuna gentleman
alive. The title-deeds to Zelda’s name and for-
tune are in the hands of the murderer.”

“You still suspect Leomeister to haveheen
concerned in this crime?” 1

“ Undoubtedly. Can you helpa sharing my
suspicion, in vie of what I have ld on of the
‘ ’3 history, the lion-tamer’s .an , and

El: known passion for her!”

“ It looks that we .”

“Apart from his resentment Mr.
Vanderpoer by reason of the latter's recent
charges st him, who would have been more
likely to covet the possession of those papers
than hei"

“True.”

“ What hopes ht not such an an rincipled
rascal build on in eir onl ’Phe secret
of Zelda’s rightful name, inheritance and social
position would thenoeforth hold her at his
me —or, at least, he would argue as much.”

“ rue, true; .but let us not forget that he
:iuhtbeen” in prison since an early hour: last
“5 That-is to be proved. l H. mighthave dirt-

a rary escape on enough to vs
com the murder—a sgcheme whose bold.
nessandcnnningLeomeisteris one of the (I.
men capable of.

The veteran showman shook his head.

“ Very improbable,” mid he.

x-.. .

 

‘i
1‘
'C
i
V

. ~ —-.—-—‘ ~ ./~

 

 

 1' Circus Detective;

5

 

 

“ But not impossible. Well, then, he has con-
federates, who an the slaves of his will-power.
That Center-pole Jack, the Gypsy is one of these
I am assured; though I scarcely believe him
capable of a midnight assassination. But Gogo,
the Man-Snake, can crawl thro h anything
short of a key-bole, while Kalulah is as stealthy
and deadly as a pet panther. These are mere
instances of Leomeister’s resources.”

Mr. Isaacs pondered for a moment. ,

“ I shall do anything you advise, Crimmins,”
said he at last. “ What do you propose?”

“ That nothing be said about be missing cas-
ket, at least for the present.”

“ There’s Wisd' cm in that. Agreed.”

, “ Then, that you transfer Zel a to your wife’s
protection without a moment's dela .

“ Of course. It would be horrib e for her to
remain here.”

“Then when the city authorities take cha e
of the case, I shall act altogether independen’t‘iy
of them?”

:fertainly.1”

suppose am to continue in m ition
with the show?” y W

“ If you only will.”

“ Are the performances to be interru ted?”

“ They cannot be, notwithstanding t is tra i-
cal event. “'0 are booked at this place or
morning and afternoon exhibitions for the re-
mainder of the week. and our engagements else-
where do not admit cancellation, even were I
ever somuch inclined that we . The death of
my old partner is a personal reavement; he
was my friend, no less than my honored busi-
ness associate. But a traveling tent-show is not
like a. theater, which can be closed on short no-
ticein an emergency of this sort. Perhaps you
understand this.”

“I do understand it. But of course Zelda
cannot perform again in a long time.”

“ She shnlinevcr perform again, if such should
be her wisn. Her home shall be with m wife
and dau hters, with whom she has long n a
beloved avorite.”

Griplock Crimmins impulsively pressed the
speaker‘s hand.

“Besides.” continued Mr. Isaacs, “as I ri‘all
probably be named as the young lady’s guar..ian
in my )01‘ old friend‘s will, it will be all the
better or her to become one of my family at
once.”

“ In my independent course in tracking down
the author of this foul deed, I shall require to
see Zelda often.”

The showman bowed his head, but at the same
time looked surprised.

“ But you are personally well-acquainted with
the oung girl?” he asked.

“ e have known each other far lon r than
is sup ,” said the detective adm ssively.
“ In act, I am here in your employ chiefly with

the object of rotecting her.”

“ Did Van e r know of this?”
“No; he wo d have been informed of it, with
full particulars, to-dizzé in exchan e for an’im-

portant confidence t he was repose in
me. . '
“ May I ask of what nature?”

“Certainly, Mr. leases. He was to share
with me the secret of those missing pars—the
secret of Zelda’s rightful name and inheritance.
I ressed him,in view of the uncertainty of future

airs, to make no delay. But no; he hesitated
and put it OK till the mermw; the morrow, alas!
which was destined to never rise for him.
Zelda’s secret can now be known solely to her
ado e father’s murderer.”

are there was a knock at the door, and, as
they passed out of the fatal chamber, several
municipal policemen and the coroner entered to
take charge of the premises. ‘

Zelda was still wild with grief, notwithstand-
ing the eiforts of the circus-women, aided by
those of Gaston Larue, to comfort her.

It was a piteous sight, deeply affecting to
every one in the crowded parlor.

As Mr. Isaacs, with kindly firmnem of man-
ner, was taking the weepin girl in charge, a
remarkablelookingr individn wound his way...
one might better say twined his way—through
the crowd.

It was Gogo, the Man-Snake of Leomeister’s
side-show, locking in his civilized garb less
loathsomer characteristic than in his skin-tight
professional costume, though still sumcientl so
in all conscience; and he was followed by alu-
lah, the Girl-Fish of the same combination who
was scarcely less noticeable, though in a differ-
ent way. , '

The made directly for the Circus Detective.

“O , Mr. Crimmins! but isn’t this 'ust too
awfullyhorrible?” exclaimed Gogo. “ Ve are
from a visit to Mr. Leomeister, who had just
heard of it through his jailer, and he wants the
fuzléparticliidlgrs.” -

is wo were likea rolon edand articu-
18001? hiss- The were acgom gied bya sug-
estlye 1837 0f .red tongue tween the thin,
a Mike in nnd glittering white teeth, the saw-
like edges of which could just be seen by

glimpses.

For the mt, 9080’! nose was flatter than a
Guinea 0 0‘s; his cheek-bones an exaggeration
of Mongol an hight and breadth: forehead there

wagnone' eyes small, glittering and green; neck

 

preposterously long and slender; body long, sin-
uous, and writhing-like in its every movament;
a skin like greenish-yellow parchment;  yet
was be keen and shmwd intellectually, which is
not often the case with living curiosities.

“There are no particulars yet,” re lied the
dgtective, gi'uflly. “ How comes it t 1: you
were ‘yiSiting your master at this early hour,

0? n

go twined his hands and wrists ovar one
another, with a fresh play of his scarlet tongue
as he smiled demurely. ,,

“ We would never abandon our dear Mr. Leo-
meister in his misfortune ” he hissed. “ We are
not of that sort, are we, Miss Kalulahi”

The Girl-Fish, who could smoke cigarettes or
munch bonbons under water with professional
nonchalance, was a shape! blonde young
woman, whose features woul have been more
than comely, save for a lack-luster vacuity of
expression, which, however, suggested both
treachery and force of character on occasion.

“No, indeed,” said she, with a little smirk.
“Why, Pur ' Pedro would have come, too,
if we had let im, Mr. Crimmins. Even as it
is, he rubs his poor ears constantly, while even
an extra bottle of beer fails to tempt him out of
his melancholy. But isn’t it just too awful, sir,
about r, good old Mr. Vanderpoer?”

Grip ock left them to mingle with the crowd,
and then hurried away.

An hour or two later, accompanied by Mr.
Isaacs, he visited Leomeister in the jail.

“ Conrad, you are free,” he said. “ Mr.
Isaacs, it seems, did not share in the charges
that were made against you, and he has brought
the justice’s order for your release.”

The prisoner looked up,’ ‘a ood deal aston-
ished, but equally on his gun ; for might not
this unexpected .turn of affairs be, after all, a
fresh trap set for him?”

“ It is true, Leomeister.” said Mr. Isaacs.
“_As you are aware, poor Vanderpoer, who was
chiefly instrumental in pushing the charges of
theft against you, is no more, and I have no
wish to pursue them. Besides, your side-show
contract with the concern would hold good in
an event. Come along.”

ithout a word the lion-tamer followed him
out of the cell and out of the jail.

The Circus Detective, who had lingered be~
hind, was no sooner alone than he began a
systematic examination of the vacated cel

When be next met Mr. lsaacs, he had an im-
portant communication to make.

 

CHAPTER V.
GRIPLOOK AT WORK.
Tm were seated in the showman’s private
room at the hotel.
“ Have you discovered anything?” inquired

Mfiifes; 150k.” 1y.

The detective produced a shred of cloth,
emped and spangled like a bright serpent’s
s _ .

“ Hal a piece of Gogo‘s exhibition dress!”
exclaimed Mr. Isaacs. -

“ Exactly.”

“ Whence did you obtain it?"

“ From a sill-board splint in the grated win-
dow of the ,prison-oell occupied last night by
Leomeister.

“ What does the cell window look out upon!”

“ On a narrow blind alley running along the
lock-up wall from the main street.”

“ Are the bars wide a rt—could Gogo have
crawled through them in communicating with
Conrad?” '

“ It would seem next to im ble. But then
we all know G What s there, short of a
key-hole, that he couldn‘t wri lo and writhe
through, ially in his show ress, and after
anointingh 5 body with his elastic oil?”

“True. Have you discovered any other
clew’i’”
“Look again.”

Griplock now reduced a small red silk
handkerchief, ric ly embroidered, but of a
peculiarly glistening and sli pery a pearance,
asthoug woven out of 81! en woo that had
first been saturated in some Oily preparation.

“What is that?"

“Don’t you recognize it as one of Kalnlah‘s
water- rforming handkerchiefs, that so sur-

rise t e spectators by floating airily about in

er hand, when she is at the bottom of her glass
tank, instead of becomin wet and clinging, as
an ordinary handkerchie would?”

“Now I do. Yes, to be sure! And wheredid
you get that?”

“Under the edge of the murdered man‘s
trunk, from which the precious casket had been
abstracted.”

“ What! this morning, when you and I were
in‘the fatal chamber together?”

es

ed“Yrou picked it up then, without my knowl-
9 .
Exactly.”
“ But you said nothing to me.”
“There was time enoth when both our
heads, were cooler. At all events, I tell you
now.

 

“ ri lock, you are a deep one.”

“ gha‘hk ou. Suppose you examine the
handkerchie ” .

The show-master did so.

“ Unecorner is stiffened ” said he, “ as if with
some stain that has recenti dried upon it.”

“ True—a blood-stain! have examined it
under a magnifier—poor Mr. Vanderpoer’s life-
blood !”

“ Ha! And yet there was little external bleed-
ing from the fatal thrust.”

‘ Still, there was some.”

“ Going to show that the murder was com-
mitted before the abstraction of the papeis from
the trunk, where the handkerchief was probably
dro accidentally.”

u isely.”

Mr. Isaacs drew a long breath, and wiped his
perspiring forehead.

“ A close-linked conspiracy!” he exclaimed.
“ It is wonderful—no less wonderful than horri-
ble! Have you anything else?”

“ One thing more.”

He displayed a large and heavy horn—handled
clasp-knife.

It was 0 , the long, broad blade being redly
stained an streaked. as though hastil and im-

rfectl wiped, after the commi on of a
Bloody eed, and perhaps on the very handker-
chief that had just been reduced.

“ Heavens!” exclaim the showman; “ the
fatal knife?” I

“ It is.”

“Does it fit the wound?”

“It does.”

“What! you know this?“

“Almost to a certainty. I measured the
wound carefully with my eye, which measure-
ment I look for the coroner’s formal examina-
tion to verify.”

” Where did you find the knife!”

“ In the side-show tent.”

“ But exactly where?”

“ Among Purring Pedro’s stock-playthings.”

“ It was never in the box before?”

“ Never—before the animal’s last perform-
ance, at all events.”

“ Think you it had been placed there since—
since the mur ”

“ Yes; doubtless with the intention of finding
a securer hiding-place for it later on.”

“ So; and a shrewd first hiding-place was that
same tool chest of the dancing bear’s.”

“ it waS.”

“ How did you, how could you, chance to hit
upon it?”

“ B a little fortunate deduction. Gogo and
Kalu ah being already more or ism incriimnated
to my mind, what more natural than to connect
them with their companion curiosity the per-
forming bear?”

“ Tine. Gri lock, you are a detective in a
thousand. Is t e knife familiar to you?”

“ Never saw it before to-day.”

“ Nor I. Whom can it belong to?”

“ Examine the handle.”

Mr. bases hastened to do so.

“ Ha! there are initials stain on it, together
with some words in a strange Jargon.”

“ Well, the initials first.”

“ J. V. It is sufficiently plain. J. V.—J. V.”

“ Can’t you lace them?”

“ I confess t I cannot, at once.”

“ J. V. stands for John Vincent; otherwise
Center-pole Jack.”

“ Heavens! it is even so. And what is this
gibberish that follows?”

“ It is not gibberish.”

. “ What then i"
“ A motto in the Romany or Zingari dialec

t, .,
. . . u
 A good weapon is a friend in- ‘

is: "M. tent”... a... G a
‘ ter-poe ac an ' ypsy.
“Bohe is. Whata chain on have already
constructed out of these c ance links! And
what are we to infer from it all!”
“That Gogo, Kalulah and Center-pole Jack
are all connected withthecrime, though perhaps

“ Then your suspicions still center on Leo-
meister as the master-spirit in the foul deed?”

“ Yes; though of course I may wrong him.”
“He certainly seemed both surprisedandon
his at the suddenness of his release.”

“ es; be is a deep one. He at once suspected
the very motive for which you Withdraw the

. . ,, A
0%, which was to throw him of his guard.

' ell, what must be done?”
“ We must he our clews and our suspicion

to ourselves, unti we can both track home the i -

crime to its author, and secure the recovery of
the ' casket at one stroke.”

“Ah, I see: otherwise the papers. that areso
vital to Zelda’s future, might be destroyed by
their ,purloiner, either through fear or reeen
ment.

“ Exactly.” .

“ And to do this, you advise to let the course
of municipal justice grope and blunder along in
the  as best it may. at least for the present."

“ o.
own counsel, watch and wait.”

“ Agreed.”

 

In other words. we must keep our 1.

 

 

 

i
g,

 

'6

as:

 

And the show-master struck hands with the
detective.

It was now about noon, and Mr. Isaacs had,
on second tho hts decided to suspend the show
performances or t t and the succeeding day,
out of respect to the dead proprietor.

The detective arose.

“ How is Zelda doing?” he asked.

“ Sadly enough,” was the reply. “ Poor girl!
I feared at first she would lose her reason. But
my wife and daughters had succeeded in com-

her, with the help of opiates, a short

'me 0.”

Grip ock hesitated.

“I should like greatly to speak with her—in
your presence, if you choose—should she not be
sleeping. It is important, and might even help
her through the shock.” -

“Come with me,” said Mr. Isaacs. “I will
consult my wife.”

Mrs. Isaacs, an amiable, motherly woman,
who was the wardrobecustodian of the show,
was found in a nei hboring room with her two
comely daughters, tty and Mildred, both of
them circus-riders of deserved notoriety.

Mrs. Isaacs, on beingoinformed of the detec-
tive’s request, pointed the closed door of an
inner chamber.

“ She has been very uiet in there for over an
hour now,” said she, 11 alow voice. Before
that the poor child was moaning or crying out
at intervals, as if half or quite delirious. She
may now be sleeping.”

“ Constantly harping on the murder, of
course?”

“ Not wholly so. At the last, strangely
enou h, her thoughts seemed running upon
you . Crimmins. Your namewas frequently
on her ton e. It struckusall as odd know-
ing, aswe 0, that you could have had buta
slight acquaintance with her prior to the events
among the cages last night.”

Griplock cast down his e es, while handsome
Kitty, who, ether with er sister, had been
exchan ‘ g a ew words with him apart, sud-
denly ooked n witha iciously inquiring
(or was it a jea ous?) gleam :1 her quick blac
eyes.

“ You might as well know it at once ” mid
Mr. Isaaes, explainingly. “Mr. Crimmins has
confided to me that, he has been personally ac-
quainted with Zelda much longer ban is gener-
ally supposed. It was his intention to explain
matters to her adoptive father on this very

da .”

{he ladies were greatli sup Miss Kitty
even to the extent of slig tly ov oing the ex-
pression thereof.

Then, at the show-master’s on, his
wife stepped into the inner cham r,to see if
Zelda might still be awake.

Almost instantly she came hurryin back,

a with a scared look and the intimation t t the

oung girl was no longer there.
y There was, naturally enough, a sensation.
“ Wait!"hMrs.i Isaaca “ The room
eommunica a in nor ending to
a back-stairs. I will summon Polly 'Graves, her

aid.

But at this moment Polly, dressed for the
stgeet, entered the room from the main cor-
n or.

Polly was a very faithful creature, and a

C y.
“Oh, mum! Oh, sir!” she exclaimed, t.
ingly. “My poor young leddy is bout 0 her

‘ ’ead—haltogether hoff her base. I‘m sure of

I

iti”

She went on to ex lain that she had met her
young mistress com ngdown the back stairs,
attired for the street, but looking dared and
lost-like, and had followed her out of the hotel,
until peremptorin confronted and ordered to
return instantly, under penalty of discharge
from her employment.

“Oh the r un’app creatur‘!” sobbed the
‘ maid-ir’i-waigho ,‘ wringlhg her hands; “what

could I do bu obey? And l’m sure she were
goin’ for the big tent, too; for she ’ad the ’orse-
00k in her eyes, for hall of their wildness; an’
her skirts fell just as if they was a-‘i-ding of one
of her costumes underneath ’em. She might
’ave made the change hall uietvhkc, the poor
little mouse! in the room yo ' er while yous all

; thou ht her aslee .”

Kitty was dark with a frowning

 

“ me,” said 1'. Issues. touching his elbow
to th detective’s. “ There is doubtless no
cause or alarm, but we must find ban”

The faces of Mrs. Issues and h‘r younger

but that of
iscontent that
did not im rove its beauty, which, by {the way,
was beyon question.

A crowd of sight—30ers and horror-mongers
was gathered before the hotel across the way as
Mr. saacs and Griplock emerged upon the

In fact, they had not proceeded many steps
before IeomeiSter, followed by Gogo and Kain-
Iah, came out of the throng, and hurried toward

‘daug‘hter, Mildred, expressed anxious concern
as t

6 two men hurried awayé

“They’ve made an arrest!” he announced,

with much “ The coroner’s already
at work, and already ordered one arrest on
suspicion.”

 

The“ Circus Detective.

“Yes,” hissed Gogo. “And I fancythey’re
not far out of the way.” "

“Ah!” put in the Girl-Fish, “but what else

could on e ti I always had my doubts
about t so pping private sec .”
Both Mr. Isaacs an Griplock had y this

time had a chance to master and conceal their;

surprise.

“What!” exclaimed Griplock, “ is Gaston
Larue under afiesti”

“Yes,” answered the lion-tamer, “and you
should have ,seen how white he turned. He
trembled, too. Everybod remarked upon it.”

“ That is bad, bad, bad! ’ exclaimed the show-
master, following the detective’s cue. “ Go on,
and find out some fresh news. We will rejoin
you present! .”

The side-s ow trio hurried back to the central
horror, while the two others resumed their

wa .

I What stupidity!” commented Mr. Isaaes.
“ Larue could have had no more to do with the
murder than you or I.”

“ Of course not,” assured the detective. “ But
we shall get back in time to relieve him of his
embarrassment. We must now think only of
Zelda.”

Several of the show-people looked at them
curiously as they approached the great'tent.

Then Zelda’s vo ce—but, oh, how changed !—
cheering her favorite horse was heard through
the canvas, and, as they entered the main or
circus compartment, a strange spectacle was
presented.

 

CHAPTER VI.
mm.

S'irdalnnmo loin Black Egan’s bare black, and
ra ycaree ngaroun egreatsaw ustring
Ze da was in the midst of her most approved
equestrian feat, for the benefit of t e vast
amphitheater of empty benches, and two or
three wondering, awe-struck employees gathered
at the dressing-room entrance.

She was in one of her most brilliant, and at

the same time most classic and modest costumes;

that of the huntress-divinit Diana, silver bow
in hand, golden quiver at oulder, and whose
romantic witchery, from the neat, laced sandals
to the looming crescent on her/brow, with its
soft tun c of u and the loosened leopard—skin
flowing back 11 free, barbaric glory, set of! her
gupegg maidenly proportions to the most charm
n vantage.

gut her raven hair was streaming, like a tem-
pestuous hood down her back; the hectic spots
on her otherwise marble cheeks were like coals
of fire, her beautiful eyes were ablaze with un~
natural excitement, and the sharp, harsh words
,with which she urged the flying steed, already
going at a dangerous gait, Were inged with de-

rium.

“ 0n Sultan, on!” she shouted. “ Papa is

in rill The murderer will overtake him first,

even Griplock, who is just ahead may not
intercept the relentlem fiend. Ha! I see the
fiashin of the murderous steel. On, on, I say!
We be too late! Sultan, are you shod with
leaden clogs? What foul fiend mars your magic
pace? On, on, on!”

And so it continued the voice now sinking to
a hoarse wh' r, and now again rising to a
shrill, thin so of scream.

“ Corpo di Bacchio, sir! We tried to interfere
in her caprioe, but she wouldn’t hear of it.
After throwing 03 her street-dress in the sgem-
room, she rushed like one frantic, to the bles
adjoining, run out Sultan with her own hands,
and was of! like a bird before we could decide
what to do. May the saints preserve the child!
She is surely demented!”

It was Signor Spezzi, the Italian ringmaster.
who spoke, and tears were in his eyes as he did

so. .

“ This is dreadful!” said Mr. Isaacs. An at-
tack of brain fever may come upon the girl.
We must get her home and to bed at any cost.”

“Leave it to me,” and Griplock Crimmins,
whose face was set like iron in the eifortto
conceal his solicitude for the girl’s pitiable con-
dition, glided noiselessly to the side of the

directly in the path of
the enreermg steed. ded his arms, and, catch-
ing Zelda’s wandering gaze, called out in
Spanish, in a voice at once clear, rich and
melodious: ‘

” Lo. the llanos, the llanos!
are free i”

As Black Sultan, obedient to a warning cry
from his bird-like rider, swerved to one side
and came to a half-rearin ause, she regarded
the detective with parted lips and a startled
look, into which. at the same time, a flash of
half-reco ition ,was struggling.

Sudden y, in a rich, powerful barytene voice,
the detective burst forth with the following
frontiersman’s fragment: v

” I’ll singyou a song of the prairie hold.

The road and sweeping plains,

Where adventure's zest, not fame or gold,
Makes up our care-free us.

For the ranger’s life hurra ., hurrah!
With days into hours compressed.

. sad le and s ur! and hen all for her.

For the girl that e loves the best!

ring.
Suddenly he sprung
f0

Once more we

 

“ On our mustangs gray we took our way 5‘

With the ran :- s merry

And our cam shone a the sun went down
On the ban s of the Rio Grand',

For the old, wild life huzsah, h
Then a hand-clasp ere we part.

Boot, spur and lasso! and then of! to ‘woo
The queen of the ranger ’s heart!

Poised on the bare back of the balked steed,
Zelda had listened like one entranced a soft,
melting look coming gradually into her ace.

Then she sprung to the ground, her features
and eyes aglow, but still as if unconscious of
her surroundings.

“ The old, the wild, the free life, with its loveli-
ness and its passion!” she cried, extending her
arms toward the singer. “Oh, the beauty axfd
the glo of it, that may come no more!”

And 3 e fell, fainting, into his arms.

She was at onus taken in charge by the show-
master’s wife and daughters, who had also lost
no time in hurrying to the tent, and by them
conveyed to a close carriage that was in wait-

in .

5‘ Time enough to restore her when we fit
back,” said good Mrs. lsaacs, pillowing e
drooxling on her shoulder, as they .were
rapi y driven away. “Poor child! the faint
may prove all the better for her.”

“ As if either faint or delirium were nine!”
muttered Kitty Isaacs, . itefully. “ w ,
she had her scene out Wit that -that one 3-
tective allthe same.”

Her face was white and drawn, while her eyes
were sparkling an 'ly.

Her mother an sister looked up at her, the
former with astonishment and re roof, the lat-
ter with a comprehending little ha f-smile.

Indeed, perhaps Mildred knew too much.

“Sour grapes!” said she, pityingly. “Kitty,
you are making a fool of yourself.

But, just then, she herself started back from
the coach window, her face on tire, a half-
pleased, half-ashamed smile on her prett lips.

They were passing the crowd before t e otel
in which the tra edy had taken place, and Pro-
fessor Conrad meister, the renowned side-
showman and lion-tamer, had raised his hat and
bowed with a lavish mixture of politeness and
admiration. '

“Sour gripes, indeed!” retorted Ki . spite-
fully. “ n 1: let me hear that again, is Im-
pudence if on don’t want to be made tofeel

cheap—deci edly cheap.”

The coach had reached its destination, and
good Mrs. Isaacs viewed this sisterlyinterchan e
with manifest bew ilderment—dear soul l—as s e
accepted their help in carrying her lovely and
unconscious burden into the hotel.

Meanwhile, the show-master had started to.

hurry back to the scene of the tra edy with the
detective, when the latter delay long enough
to usher him into the littltci1 side-tihow _tent. i

The sole occupant was e per ormxng an ma],
Purrin Pedro a huge, comical looking Rum...
brown , which sat grotesquely: suckin his

ws in the small; pit-like corner, with a c imb.
l: -pole in the center, that was his specxal domain,

fie reared and reached out toward them the
length of his chain, as they entered, with the
purring, whin' sort of growl for which he was
named; the num r of empty beer-bottles scat-
tered around sufficiently e laining both the
cause and object of his entree ies, for Pedro was
hilariously comical at every opportunity.

On a small platform, next to the pit, was the
glass tank in which the Mermaid. or Girl-Fish,
was wont to disport herself for the delectation
of the curious ublic, with her little curtained

' -room irectly behind it.

And next to that was the artificial jungle,
filled with numerous make-believe nooks,
crevices, rock -fissures and rootlet-holes, through
which Gogo, the Man-Snake of Borneo, was ac-
customed to grin, hiss writhe and twine his
ophidian way in all t e unenviable glory of
scale, 3 ct and spangle.

The etective o ned a small, easy-looking
chest containing he various tric ~toys of the
learned Bruin.

“ It was dee
pointin to t e heterogeneous mass, “that I

ound t e f tal knife.”

“Try the rute with it now,” suggested Mr.
Isaacs. - “ If he takes to it kindly, on the pro-
mise of some beer, we can safely reserve it for a
test-trick hereafter.” ,

Griplock did so, and with considerable suc-
cess, the animal first snufiing the knife curious»-
ly, and then beginning to toss it playfully from
one paw to the other. ’

They were interrupted by an approaching
footstep. ‘

The detective had barely time to conceal the
knife again before the Gypsy, Center-pole J ack,
enter .

down under all those,” said he

 

‘ CHAPTER VII.
GASTON LARUE.

HAD the man unaware of their presen
stolen into the teht to re-secure the murderocg’s
instrument from the place where he might have
temp-prerin hidden it!

s thought occurred simultaneously to both '

the show-master and the detective.
But no; he looked at them in some surprise.

}

I - ,‘ 

  
  

"
’v

 

.. w.-- ‘-~.»-M-«.—‘ _ 4.... ..
wr—w «g w_.,._.....——.~....._.. ..

.. .‘r.

‘14-..- , _

. N
n....- . _‘
a

 

 

' The Circus Detective.

 

 

nothing more, and said that he was looking fa-
a mislard monkey-wrench.

He then alluded to Mr. V ’s death,
with a creditable display of feeling in so reti-
ccnt a man and they quittsd the tent ther.

“ That fellow is a puzzler ” commen _ Grip-
lock, when Center-pole Jack had gone his way.
“ But the knife can belong to no other than he.”

“ He is a cool eard—perha innocent, to
boot,” answered Mr. Isaacs. “ ait till he can
be submitted to a test or two.”

Arrivi at the inquest, they found that Gas-
ton Larue just been discharged from arrest,
the coroner ha ' vacated his original order
shortly after it h been made.

The pale secretary had conclusively roved
an alibi, with several witneses to his aving
gone, directly after his final se ration from the

eceased, when Griplock had 11 ewise been pre-
sent, to a newspaper omce in a neighboring
towgr, at whose single hotel he had passed the
ni 17.
en Griplock gave his testimony as to his
last intervrav with Mr. Vanderpoer though
keeping his own counsel as to the su uent
discoveries he had made.

Zelda’s condition was made kn0wn, as pre-
gluding the idea of anything being elicited from

er.

The unimportant testimony of several of the
hotel people threw no light upon the author of
the crime, and a ph sician had already testified
as to the nature of t e death-producing wound,
with indications that ithad been efiected during
the victim’s sleep.

No deadly weapon was forthcomin ; robbery
had apparently not been the motive o the crime;
Leomerster, the on] person who might have
cherished revenge, ad passed the night in jail;
when Zelda’s screams had first announced the
discovery of the crime, at six in the mornin ,
the body had long been cold, proving that deat
could not have occurred much later than mid-
night; the assassin, after probably entering the
room by an open window overlooking a side-
street, at but a short distance from the ound,
had left not the slightest trace of his i entity,
and that was all.

After tedious deliberations the coroner’s jury
reluctantly hm ht in the customary verdictas
to ignorance an mystification, and the investi-
gaarao: was at an end. bed

ten Lame a roac a u composed
of Mr. Isaacs, Gm}; ock Crimmgnrg, fieomeister,
and the latter s two satellites, Gogo and Kalulah.

His pale, attenuated face, with its thin line of
mustache, seemed to have yet paler, and
his broodm eyes were fu of vorceless grief, as
he signed detective to draw apart with

“Surely you, sir,” said he, “could not have
Ebenoneq’f, those to imagineme concerned in

“Not or an instant,” was the "prompt ro-

; “ nor did Mr. Isaacs either.
“I am glad of that, very lad,” continued
Lame, in is uiet, melancho y voice. “ Pray
tell, me about iss Zelda—how is she bearing

rt?’

Griplock eyed him keenly. .

No; the e secre could not chensh other
than ahro herly feeling [or the beautiful girl.
His manner was devoi of passion, though ex-

ve of the strongest solicitude and anxiet .

“ I wished to tell you,” he went on, after is

question had been answered, “ that Mr. Vander-
, to my knowledge made a will when last
in New York, though Iam not aware of what

he did with it.”
“ It is in Mr. Issscs‘s k ing,” the detective
at once assured him. “ I-Ie ld me so.”

“Mr. Vanderpoer was my only friend,” Gas-
ton continued, tremulously, after a long pause.
“ His cruel taking-jot! leaves me alone in the
World. Do on t nk, sir. that I shall now
necessaril separated from Miss Zelda? I
mean the that Mr. Isaacs, now that he is sole
master of theshow, will have no further use for
my‘services!"

here was a world of painful suspense in the
poor fellow’s tone and manner.

“ On the contrary,” assured the detective,
kindly, “ Mr. Isaacs has told me that he will re-
tain our services which he values highly.”

“3h [am glad, so glad! One thing more
sir I have something that may interest

you.”

“What is it Mr. Laruel”

“ In the eariier t of the inquest, I was near
Leomeister and ogn, who were in a gloomy
and secluded corner of the room, without bein
aware of my proximity. Kalulah, who ha
been with them a short time before, disap-

red. Presently she returned, pus 13g her
way toward them through the crowd an quite
out of breath. The exchange of words, which I
then overheard, struck me as perhaps of im r-
tance though I did not exactly understand eir
signi canoe.”

‘ What did you overhear?”

“‘It is gone!’ said Kalulah, in a terrified
way, Leomeister seemed no lea startled.
‘Gonel’ he repeated. ‘Are on surel’ ‘Yes,
and Griplock must have ta an it. He was
seen about the smaller tent 'an hour a!go.’
hamster caught his breath, and than his ace

seemed like a fiend's, it was so malevolent and
resolved. ‘ We must recover it,’ said he, sav-
agely. ‘The knife must be recovered at the
first opportunity; and at any cost, or it may be
that we are lost! ”

“ Hal said he that? What more?”

“ Nothing. They all moved away after that.
But rdoes this really interest you, Mr. Crim-
mrns

“ More so than ou can imagine. Keep mum!
That is all I ask 0; you.”

And the detective lost no time in rejoinihrlig
the show-master, from whom the others
just separated.

It was now evening, the weather having
turned rainy.

A few hours later, having dined alone with
Mr. Isaacs, the Circus Detective for an
investigating stroll in the direction of the tents.

The streets were deserted, save for a grace—
ful feminine figure in a water-proof, who had
just met under a corner-lamp a man whom the

detective as Leomeister, and was go-
in of! with him.
3 the party disappeared, the woman dropped

her pocket-handkerchief, which the detective
appropriated for the time‘being.

few moments later, while crossing the un-
lighted o n ground about the tents, which
seemed w olly deserted, he suddenly received a
stunning blow on the back of the head.

Then, while still totterin , a body was hurled

ainst him, he was twin with arms and 1
li e so many serpents, he struggled desperate y
for an instant, like a modern Laocoon; then
there was a second blow, and then he was un-
conscious.

Bestered by the rain beating upon his face,
he found himself and bound, and bein
carried rapidly into the dimly-lighted animai-
tent among the cages.

“ You are sure you searched him thoroughly?”
queried a cautious voice.

“Dead sure,” replied another. “The knife
isn’t on him.”

“ No matter. Away with him to the ele-
hant’s pen, where Bi Rajah will soon trample
be life out of him in t e dark.”

“ But not perha beyond recognition. No,
no; rather into thrnar’s cage. The brute
hasn’t been fed for forty-eight hours—I have
seen to that. Nothing but rags and bones will
be left of him b morning.”

“ All right. 0 the lion’s den.”

The detective shuddered, as he was brought
to a pause before Othmar‘s cage.

The shudder betrayed his return to conscious-

ness.
“ Griplock Crimmins, you are doomed l”
whi red one of the voices in his ear. “ Curse
you, a horrible death is at hand for you 1”
Then the helpless detective was summarily
thrust into Othmar’s cage, the door of it was
bolted behind him, and his captors disap-

peared.

The lion which had been ing the cage,
restless with hu ,fixed his  eyes upon
his ive victim.

T en, with a tarnished roar, he made his
deadly spring.

 

CHAPTER VIII.

rs rm! Lion’s JAWS.

Norwrrnsrarvnnve his terrible situation, the
Circus Detective had not lost his presence of

mind.

Though bound and ggged he had b atre-
mendous effort, manag to, attain’aysitting
posture with his back propped against the end
of the cage, as soon as his cowardly assailants
had hurried .awa , leaving him, to all appear-
ances, irretnevab y at the savage Othmar’s
mere . ~

Grriy lock’s remarkable eyes, and the excep-
tiona power he was able to exert with them,
have already been alluded to.

This power—now exerted to its utmost in-
tensity, as we may well believe—arrested the
lion in his first spring, which had thereu u
been curtailed into a_ sort of half-leap, an be
now stood confronting his prospective prey,
open-mouthed, with glowingl orbs, and 
hrs sides furiously with his fted tail, yet sti
held oil! by the superiority and mystic might of
the dilating, dauntless gaze that so imperiously
riveted his own.

But still, none could know better than the de‘
tective that this superiority must of necessity be
of short duration.

Already he felt the immensity of his exertion
of will- wer fast exhausting him, while he
knew t at the lion’s exceptional hunger and.
native ferocity were slowly but surely counter-
Miing it} tell inst h

t was in i ce savagery— mnan
as opposed tgenbrutzga fearlessness—and the
siren e, mysterious contest of will-powers con-
t nu .

For a moment there was a dead silence, un-
broken by so much as a owl.

Griplock felt that the rst interruption of this
hush on the lion’s part, were it b a mere snarl
or by a thunderous roar, would the signal
thatthespellwasat an end and hisowndoom

 

 

. upon him in
momen strange to say, they
were not 0 present ear, but of the causes that
triad so oddly contributed to his critical pull.
on.

“ Why were the tents wholly deserted? Where
were under-kee rs and tent-hands, whose ac-
customed duty it was to be on night-guard by
regular watches? By what plotting means had
his assailants secured this silence and this soli~
tude in the ten as accessories to their infernal
scheme? Had ey been two three or four in
number? Had Leomeister, or , orKal
or Center- Is Jack, or one an all of them,
constitu their force? He felt sure of the
complicity of one or more of them—especially
of the Man e’s, from the serpentine manner
in which he had been tackled, wreathed and en-
twined, directl after receiving thefirststag
ing blow; bu had he recognized anyth
clearly distinguishing in their faces, forms or
voices?"

No; he had not; even in the improbable ova).
of his rescue, he could swear to nothin in the
waglgf identifying the fiends in human orm.

d ' reflections were interrupted by a tremen-
ous roar.

The spell was snapped. .1

Othmar was crouc ing for his master

The indomitableness of the detective was
about redgning itself to the inevitable.

Doubtless, in another second he would he
a mangled mass under those crunchin jaws.

His chin dropped 11 n his breasg, he won
about vailinF resign 1y those eyes of his,
dauntless stil , but subjugating no longer.

All was over.

But there was a chorus of shou voices, a
trampling of many feet, a flashing o torches,
yells of encouragement.

A thousand million painful sparks were danc-
in before his eyes.

en, ashis brute antagonist was thrust and
belahored back to his cover, the detective was
torn out of the cage, only to sink, half-fainting,
in his rescuer’s arms.

But, terrible as was the reaction, he was
quickly himself again, though ina half-bewilder-

ed wa .

“ Saito Marco!” exclaimed Signor Spend, WI!)
had headed the rescuing party, ‘ how came you
in this position?”

Griplock told his ‘stery, Center-pole Jack
hem' ‘throminent amo the ap lled listeners.

“ is is simply born 1” ex ed the ring-
master. “ Of course you can identify your
assailants?”

“ That is the worst of it, signer, I am afraid
I cannot,” was the bitter re 1 . ‘ But lain
the mystery on our parts. hy were the is
unguarded, an why are you so suddenly on
hand in the nick of time?”

The first part of the question was speedily ex-

lained. ,
p A note to the ring-master in Mr. Isaac’s hand—
writin since discovered to be afo ry,had
called all hands to a distant uarterof hetown,
ostensibly to take charge 0 some new] -pur-
chased tent-wagons, which turned out to al-
wfither mythical.

e second part was answered by pointing to

“ ‘i‘t" 1.2.2 98”” {it “ WWWM

roo mug wr rain ps,‘
gilently agpart from the rest, in whom the de-
tective, to his unbounded astonishinent, recog-
nized Zelda. '

“ Santo Marco! approach her not yet,” whil-
peredSpezsi,layinghishandontheotl.‘s
arm. “ t ' p tionl"

All the others, even including Center-pole
Jack, were gazing at the motionles figure with
similar awe and wonder.

“ What mean tion?” demanded the detective.

“ It was even us that she sou ht and found
us, flounder-in about in the mu y open lots. in
search of the mpomible wagons.”

“ %ven thus?” h

H

es, as on see er now-mechanially,
commanding , and silently until she cried .out,
in a hollow lf-mufiled wa : ‘Griplockrs in,

peril! bound and speechless, e is being hurriedi

away into Othmar’s cruel we. I can see
now. Hasten, if ye won (1 save him—follow
mel‘ And so she led us back to the tents,
solemnly, swiftly, lidingly without

another word. An we archers.”

Suddenly the detective, who had been study- _

ing the statuesque figure earnestly, exclaimed:
‘Why, she is asleegl It is a case of sleep-
walki and of secon sight!”

“ Ha is it even so?”

It was the truth!

Such of the youngwgirl’s face as could be men
beneath the hood of r waterproofwas marble-
pale. and yet with a rapt, ecstatic expulsion,
while the parted lips and wide,
were as those of the coflned dead.

The detectiveanotioned his rescuers to silence,
drew the {was hand through his arm.
and quiet y led away.

It wasonlywhenmsttnedtoMnIsaacs’scare
thatZeldaawokeoutofhersleepwalking

trance.
When sufilciently recovered from her m:

’l

, is,



 

 

\\

 

.:.:...Z,na»  .  .

A... “axe-p... . ‘ 4

79.. «WW

 .1 ii,- _r-,~ . .g

a...

7.
3
i,
d.

 

_ I

  

J
y

The. Circus SDetectie.

 

derment, she related the particulars of the clair-
voyant vision which had prom ted her som-
nambulistic movements in the etective’s be-
half, and was then once more put to bed in a
state of high excitement, and the physician
summoned. 5

Griplock and Mr. Isaacs were still together,
entertaining grave fears as to the result to the
youn girl’s nervous or anlzation, already over-
taxe by the shock of t 6 morning.

Their fears were a eeably dispelled by the
entrance of the phys cian, who had been fully
informed of his patient’s strange experience.

“ Physical exhaustion is often a splendid
counter-irritant,” said 'he. cheerfully. “ All
danger of brain fever is passed, and our beauti-
ful invalid is enjoyin a restorative, natural
sleep. She will soon beierselt‘ ain physically,
though of course the originalafiiock will con-
tinue to affect her spirits for same time forth.”

And he took his departure in hi h good-
humor with what nature and acci ent had
wrought, with little or no aid from his physio.

Greatl relieved at what he had heard, the
Circus etective went on to give the show-mas—
:er a full account of his extraordinary adven-

are.

“This is simply appalling!” said Mr. Isaacs,
'the for ery of whose handwriting caused him
especia uneasiness. “What! and you could
not “rear to the identity of your cowardly as-
sailants?”

“ No, I could not.”

’“ But you have your suspicions i"

‘" I suspect them to have been two in number,

and those two Leomeister and Gogo.”

“Which would have left Kalulah, the Girl-
Fish, tocounterfeit my handwriting, for she is
known to be clever with the n.”

“I thought her accomplis ments chiefly sub-

ueous.”

f‘ No; or at least not always. She was origi-
nally a card-writer. I must obtain the forged
message of Spezzi ”

“ Wait, I have it.
it into my hand as I was taking Zel

And Griplock forthwith produced the paper.

Mr. Isaacs Scrutinized it.

. “ I give it up,” said he. “ The forgery is per-
fect. Apart from its purport, I would acknowl-
ed 8 the handwriting as my own anywhere.
G plock, you are the object of diabolical and
remorseless lottings.”

The detective smiled.

“ That is self-evident,” said he.

“ But Center-pole Jack is, at least, out of this
attempt upon your life, it would seem?”

“ I am not so sure of that.”

“ But wasn’t he one of the rescuing rty?”

“True; but he seemed harder-brea hed than
the others. He mi ht have joined them shortly
before reaching t e tents. I shall make in-

mes.”

“ That will be well. Now what are you going
to do about it all ’4”

“ Watch and wait.”

Mr. Isaacs knitted his brows.

“ But that is what you said before,” said he
“ and, yet were you almost done for at the first

‘ I shall be on my guard.”

“Do so. Of course I am with you throu h
thick and thin. It is very late; good-night. e
careful of the entrance below. he hotel-front
is being repaired, as you ought to know.”

The rain had continued, the hour was late,
the private entrance, by which the detective
was making his way out of the hotel, dimly
lighted and incumbered by builder’s materials.

At the lower step of the descent from Mr.
Isaacs’s rooms, he stumbled over what ap
to be In: huge black package, covered with a

u in. .
e “packs 6” proved to be the cloaked
re of a mas ed man of Herculean propor-
tions who suddenly bounded to his feet, and
enveiolpedhthe stum ler in atremendous wrest-
c utc .
multaneously with this attack, the figure of
another masked man-a long, lithe, se ntine
gore-glided from an angle of the wa , knife
hand, and scattering some blinding, stifling,
maubstance out of a paper bag.
g in at the narrow street-door was yet
another masked form—a very graceful form,
g a woman’s in masculine attire.
ough thus beset and taken by an rise, the
Circus Detective was ‘ all there’ in an nstant.

Blinking his eyes to avoid the peppery sub-

stance as much as possible, he brought his irre-

, sistible griplock to hear at once, and crash went

his muscular first assailant on the marble flag-
ging with stunning force.

At the same time the flashing descent of the
knife was evaded.
r But the wder was now filling the air, and

detec ve could no longer see.
waver, he managed to strike down his

would-be stabber before bein uite blinded.

Then, being likewise too I ' to call for as-
Ithance, he made a groping rush for the grace-
ful re at the doorwax‘.
B he was evaded, wit a low 'mockinglaugh.
A fresh, powerful hand seized him as e stag-

red into the open air, and something was
flipped over his head and neck.

The worthy signer slipped
a away. I

It proved to be a hempen noose.

There was a creaking sound, and he was
lifted off his feet.

Then, as he instinctively felt for the straining
rope above his choking head, his wrists were
nintibly seized and bound tightly together with
a s rap.

“ Up with him!” said a harsh, grating voice.

There was a pull from somewhere, a noise of
a block and tackle in operation, and Griplock
Crimmins was dangling, suspended by the

 

fifty feet from the ground.

“That will do,” he heard the same voice
growl out far below. “He’s done for. Make
the end fast.”

Then there was a scam ring of retreating
steps, and he was left to his airy dance—to the
wind, the darkness and the boating rain.

CHAPTER IX.
. s'rnUNG UP.

BUT the murderous would—be hangmen had

not made so sure of their victim as they sup-

Griplock had been pleVerly noosed to a rope
connected with a derrick, or tackle-beam. pro-
jecting from the hotel cornice, and then run up
to remain where he was till thoroughly stran-

But just previous to the tightening of the
noose he had drawn in his 0 )in, so that the
chief pressure was upon that and the back of
his muscular neck, instead of around his
throat.

Otherwise, he must surely have been throttled
in a brief space.

As it was, though the pain was great and not
to be long endured, be retained his conscious-
ncss, while the wet night—air speedily relieved
his 9 es and nostrils of the noxious powder that
had cen showered upon him.

At first he was dangling with his back to the
building. '

But t (3 wind soon began to twu‘l him around,
first on way, then the other.

ln the course of these twirlings, he managed
to thrust out his foot and arrest himself before
a bedroom window.

The sash was down, and the gas-jet within
turned down low, but he could obtain a toler-
ably distinct view of the interior.

It was larger than the average of hotel sleep-
ing-rooms. and contained a large double bed, pro—
vi ed with old-fashioned curtains, as if origin-
ally intended for some invalid, or morbidly ex—
clusive individual, fearful of the open air even
in slumber.

One side of the bed was still waiting for its
occupant.

The other was occupied by a slee r, a young
woman, whose face was not visib e in the dim
light.

But her discarded gaiters seemed to be water-
soaked and muddy, and the water-proof hanging
from a near nail was still sparkling with rain-
drops, showing that the sleeper was not long in
out of the stormy streets.

Upon one listless hand, thrown out from un-
der the counteriane, sparkled a rin , the sight
of which would have caused the etective a
start of surprise in any other than the dangling
position he occu ied.

Even in that r ing position and b
certain light, he t ough he recogni
but was not sure f it.

Of course, these observations were made at a
sin le glance, and already the strain on his
necfir was nearl beyond endurance.

Scarcer h be made them before another
young woman entered the room, and partly
turned up the li ht.

It was Kitty sauce, and the sleeper was now
recognizable as her sister Mildred.

As ma well be surmised, the embarrassment
of the de¥ective was unparalleled.

The pain of his danglin there had become
an agon ' and yet, there e was, with the in-
terior ofythe young ladies’ bedroom as his only
he of escape from a horrible death.

T?) add to his embarrassment, Miss Kitty,
after drawmg from her bosom a miniature and
kissing it, at once began to prepare for bed.

” There is no help for it, ’ thou ht the detec-
tive, with an internal groan; am he forthwith
“End on the window with the toe of his hoot.

itty turned with a s‘art, advanced to the
window looked out, and gave a little cry.

But, s e was a young woman of exceptional
nerve and self-possession.

In an instant she had mastered her amaze-
ment and recognized the suspended mam-

Then without a word, to raise the sash, grasp
his bod firmly, draw him into the room, and
relieve him from his amouizing situation, was
but the work of another moment.

u Wait!”

She ran to the bed, closed its ‘ curtains, and
returned.

The nooae was now dangling empty outside
the window.

Griplock was colla in a chair, with start-
ing eyes, one hand c asping his chin, the other
the nape of his neck.

He was, moreover, almOst black in the face,
though slowly recovering his natural color.

that un-
the ring,

 

neck, midway up the face of the hotel, fully '

 

Kitty Isaacs clasped her lands.

The secret of her passion medias-flyw-
parent now, if never before.

" Oh 1” she exclaimed, with a sob; “what can
I do for you?”

Griplock could only thrust out his parched
and swollen tongue in response.

She sprung to the water-pitcher, but it was

emp‘ty.

‘ ait yet a moment! Signor Spezzi has the
adjoining room; I heard him stirring as I

his door."

She darted out of the room, and returned
with Spezzi, who, most fortunately, had not
begun to undress.

he latter was no less astounded than Kitty,
but he carried a half—filled ass of water in one
hand, a flask of brandy in t a other.

Brimming the remainder of the glass with
spirits, he forced the mixtmto the last drop
down the detective’s throat.

The latter drew a reviving breath, and stag-
gered feebly to his feet. ,

“ Come!” said Spezzi, and with the nervy
youn woman’s help, he forthwith led him into
the at joining room.

But the Circus Detective was never sofar no
as not to have at least half an eye for firesi-
ness.

As he passed the couch on his we out, he got
a closer glimpse of the ring—an 03d rin , With
a ruby and emerald setting—on the s eeper’s
outstretched hand, which was still peeping
through the closed curtairr.

It was enough». He recognized it as a ring-
which he had often remarked on Leomeister’s
left hand.

Mildred Isaacs, then, was that companion of
the lion-tamer’s under the street-lamp in the
rain, shortly prior to thalast episode of the lion’s
ca e.

nce in S zzi’s easy—chair, Griplock was. suf-
flciently revwcd to recount the story of his last
astounding adventure.

Kitty listened, with her eyes hardly once re-
moved from the narrator's face.

Spezzi, with equal attentiveness, but with his
eyes as steadfast y fixed upon Kitty’s face.

“ This is horrible!” exclaimed the former.
“ Of course, Mr. Crimmins, on will at once in-
form the police?”

“ B no means ” declared the detective, now
himse f again. “I am accustomed todo my own
policing.”

H. Bub—Y, ‘

“And, moreover, I must first be sure of the
identity of my torturers.”

“ Then you are uncertain of that?”

“ Wholly so; though they were doubtless
also concerned in my previous adventure of this
evening.”

“ I am ignorant as to that, though mamma
hinted something of it just before I came up
from her rooms.”

The detective told of the lion’s cage incident,
towhich Signor Spezzi also had something to

sa .

{{itty’s comely face was expressive of her dis-
content, in s ite of herself.

“ Always elda—always that girl chancng to
his rescue, save in to-night’s emergency ” she
said to herself. “ But is he not now equally be-
holdentome 7 He would have strangled but
for my timely aid; the peril from which I sue-
cored him was fully as appalling as Othmar‘s
hungry clutch itself.”

But, poor Signor Spe for one, was oblivious
of this significant disappointment in the face of
the show-master’s daughter, for whom he had
long cherished a but too apparent passion,
thou h mostly with no other reward than to be
call? essly snubbed or derided by Kitty her-
se .
“Ah, but on are a fortunate man, Meester
Crimmms,” e si bed, dolefully, and with worse
broken English t an was his wont.

“ Fortunate in what?” asked the detective, in
surprise. “ In being twice nearly done to death
in one night?” '

“ Not exactly that," explained the ring-
master, forlornly. “ But even hanging must be
a delirium, an ecstasy, if one is to be rescued
from the rope by such adorable hands as Mess
Kitty’s!”

“ Oh, go along with your nonsense!" retorth
the youn woman, rude] , at which Signor
Spezzi loo ed as if he had icen stabbed.

“ It is too bad i" said he, with tears in his
dark eyes. “ Why do I consent to remain with
the show, even though Mr. lsaacs informs me
that I must be no more the ring-master, but the
Grimaldi, the clown, again? Why, but for the
bright eyQ that will not see my love, or, seeing,
but despises it."

“ Cheer up, signer!” encouraged Griplock.
“Mr. lsaacs told me of the change hecontem-
plates. You will get better my as the show’s
jester, and, as we are now without a clown, the
change became a necessity.”

“ I didn’t mean to wound you, Mr. Spent,”
added Kitty, relentingly. “ But you are so
provoking at times 1”

Then she started up.

“Bless me!" she exclaimed. looking at her
watch; “it is past two o’clock!”

The detective had already started to quit the


.l‘,

. w/m.;~mws~

 

r *r-"ruu—nrmvryzmvm.wm-Wy

r waxrm~ « .

-..—..-...' t. .. . .,

Me. n. '

M

  

_n....»‘~-.s _.

 

‘he wit

The Circus Detective.

9

 

room, after saying good-night and announcing
his intention toavail himself this time of the
wide public place of exit below.

Signor Spezzi closed his door behind them with
a gaming sigh. _

hen upon the first dimly-lighted stair-land-
ing on his way down, the detective heard a light
footstep behind. .

He turned and paused at perceiving Kitty
Isaacs following him.

“Please dont consider me bold, Mr. Crim—
mins,” said she, but blushing nevertheless. “I
wish to say something that I could not very
well say before that ridiculous Mr. Spezzi.”

“ You are wrong to speak of him so, Mim
Isaacs,” returned Gri lock, gravely. ‘ Mr.
Spezzi may be full of oreign ways, ut he is
both a worthy and a handsome man. He is an
ornament to the profession, has simple tastes,
unexceptionahle habits, is fairly well-to—do, and
would make the woman so fortunate as to win
his love an excellent husband. But, what is it
you would say to me?”

She colored angrily, and hit her pretty lip.

“ Ah, What a brute I am l” added the detec-
tive, remorsefully. “Here I am presumin to
lecture you. you, with my life freshly saver? by
your hands!”

" Don’t speak of that, sir!” she interposed,
quickly. “ Never allude to it again, if you
would not mortally offend me! As if the pleas—
ure, the gratification and the glory of it weie
not all on in side! As if, for the bare rivi-
lege of being f vital service to you, I wou d not
under 0—”

She roke of! abruptly, and then proceeded,
after an emotional pause:

“I wish to say, sir, that if I can ever be of any
use in helping you to identify these secret,
deaeg foes of yours, I hope you will command
me.

There was something frank and unselfish in
her manner now.

The detective meditated, and then regarded
her gravely and steadily.

“You may be able to hel me materially,
Miss Kitty," he declared. “ Will gladly tell
you how, if, at the same time, you will accept a
confidence from me.”

“ Pray go on, sir!” requested Kitty, puzzled
by his tone.

“1 shall do so. You must know, then, that
my heart is absolutel devoted to Zelda Vander-
poer, whom it is the surest hope of my existence
to one da call in wife.”

The gir win and whitened. It was a bit—
ter strtke—he meant it as such, in all kindli-
ness; but she accepted it bravely, notwithstand-
ing that it shocked her woman’s nature to its
inmost depths.

In an instant she was calm.

“ an as much, sir,” said she, coldly.
“ But pray, what has this confession—unsolicit-
ed b m be pleased to remember—to do with
the eadlmess of your secret foes?”

“ Much—everythin , in fact! They are
Zelda’s fees as well. ndeed, it is solely on her
account, together with the mystery of her
ado tive fat er‘s murder, that I am thus pur-
su with this deadliness and persistency."

“ I do not understand.”

He reflected a moment, and then resolved
upon a bold and perhaps risky course.

“Ah I shogfiid have rgmemtiered thaéi’lsaid
a co in an dee -respec air.
“ but that is no reagon why yguy should not un-
derstand.”

.“ About thhthe Vanderpoer girl’s secret
history 1” filtered Kitty, her woman’s curiosity
quickly coming to the fare.

“ Yes‘ I am going to confide in you im-
plicitl ."

An he did so then and there.

The story included not only Zelda’s history,
as he had received it from her adoptive father,
but also the romance of his own first acquaint.
ance with her, two years prevrous, in the wilds
of Mexico.

The show had been halted for repairs, after
dama ing tempests, between two large towns,
and lda was visiting alonea large hacienda
at the earnest request of its senor—proprietor’s
wife, who had admired her beauty at one of the

rformances. While there, she was carried of!

y bandit-s. Rescued from these by Griplock,
who chanced to be animal and bird-collecting in
the district, she had remained with his cam a
fortnight before being restored to Mr. Van er-

r; to whom an oath of secrecy extracted

rom her while among the brigands, had forced

her to maintain a reticence with regard to her
brief but picturesque adventures.

But she had already lost her maiden heart to
the now detective; who had joined the show
ctrioly armotililth previous to the Opening of our
3 ry, or e express ul- of bein near to
the object of his adora‘tiongofie g

 

CHAPTER X.
rim FLYING mrm
SUCH was the story confided unreservedly to
Kl leases, and with a trusting air that
0011! £21,330 flatter her self-love, even while
rev 98 essness of her theretofore en-
:mdsing passion for the detective.

 

 

It had already, as a. matter of duty, been con- i

flded to Mr. Isaacs the remaining show-master;
and Griplock had calculated shrewdly in ex-
tending the confidence to the daughter.

Poor Kitty!

A showman’s daughter—a humdrum nes-
trienne and trapeze-performer from her ear 'est

outh, there had been little enou h romance in
her own life as compared with Ze da’s past. But
her nature was impulsively noble and womanly,
and her heart in the right place.

“ All that you tell me is most wonderful Mr.
Crimmins,” said she. “ So Zelda is of high birth
and great expectations, the p oof of which de-
pends upon that missing silver casket and its
contents. I should never have guessed it. But
in what way can I help you?”

“ The casket must be recovered. I have not a
doubt that it is now in the possession of Leomeis-
ter, or of some of his minions, to whose door the
murder of Mr. Vanderpoer must sooner or later
be brought home.”

“Nor can I have a doubt of it, after what
you have told me,” said the young woman.
“ And Leomeister’s passion for Zelda must like-
wise have prompted the crime 1’”

“ Undoubtedly.”

“ While the ion of these papers places
her future at his disposal ?”

“ That is it.”

“ What can I do?”
me to recover the papers.”

“Wil meg and earnestly, i you will tell me
how. I am no favorite With Leomeister, whom
I cannot endure.”

“”But your sister is, or imagines herself to

u‘")I think not; a girlish infatuation, that is
a . ’ '

“ Kitty, it is more than that. Mildred met
him to-night—a street ap intment. One of his
riiifs is even now on her nger.”

e told her the particulars.
h Kitlt started and blushed—though not for
erse .

It was her first knowledge of Mildred’s in-

fatuation having proceeded to such a dangerous

ss.
pa“ The man is a base, cool-blooded scoundrel!”
she exclaimed, clinching her hands. “ Zelda is
his lode-star, and he would make a fool of poor
Mill in the mean time?”

“ xactl .”

“ Mr. Crimmins, I will do anything—but what
shall I do?”

“ Protect your sister, and serve me, or rather
Zelda, at the same time.”

The girl hit her lip. One does not reconstruct
an ill-governed fancy in an instant.

“ Call it serving you,” she said, in a low
voice.

“ Well and good; and with my profoundest
gratitude.”

He raised her hand to his lips with a respect-
ful courtesy that could not be misinterpreted.

The young woman flushed with pleasure.

It was a courtesy to which her prosaic life was
little accustomed, and she liked it.

“What am I to do?” she asked again.

“ Set Mildred to discovering, for you and me,
the casket’s hiding-place.”

“ But how I”

“You ask that, with your exceptional wom-
an’s witl Why, by exciting her jealousy of
Zelda as a. matter of course.”

it Ah!”

“ To be sure! And this sentiment, if properly
stimulated, can both make Mildred a shrewd
questioner of Leomeister and put her more thor-
ou hly on her guard against him.”

itty held out her hand in all frankness and
unselfishness.

“ I understand,” said she. “ Trust in me, Mr.
Crimmins; and ood-night.”

They separa , the detective making his way
to his own hotel—this time without interrup-
tion—well satisfied at having made a faithful
ally of one who might, with less skillful man-
agement, have me an embarrassing mar-
p t

o .

A fortnight later the show was exhibiting at
a somewhat smaller town further west, in a
rugged and mountainous region.

The remains of the murdered show-master
had been followed to the grave, and for the
world at large “ the deep damnation of his tak-
in OR ” was still an unguessed mystery.

t was the opening performance, and Zelda
was flyitgg around the sawdust circuit in her
celebra bareback equitation, to the delight of
the applauding multitude.

Her adoptive father had been found to possess
nothing but his half-interest in the show, and
even this had been heavily mortgaged to Mr.
Isaacs, for he had been a man of generous and
imiirovident habits.

Zelda had been left sole legatee of the few
thousands that had remained of a once fine for-
tune, with Mr. lsaaes as her executor and guard-
ran.

But it was neither disappointment in this re-
spect, nor in accordance With her new guard-
ian’s wish, that had prompted her return to
her professional pursuit: for her income from
what remained of the Vander r interest in
the show was more than 3 cient, and Mr.

v 'a',.
I .. .i  ». .r 

Isaacs would have advised her permanent re-
tirement, notwithstanding that her performance
was a telling card.

But Zelda Vanderpoer had always loved her
profession.

She rode as naturally as the bird flies. Like
Dazzle in the play, she might almost be said to
have been born on horseback.

Moreover, it was only by a hasty return to
her exercises that she found anything like relief
from the cruel bereavement she had undergone,
and which, but for her trustful and sustaining
love of the Circus Detective, might have ren-
dered her hopelessly melancholy.

Griplock who had been dis sing of a brace
of pickpockets in the crow , returned to the
edge of the ring just as Mr. Issues, in the ca-
pacitv of ring-master, Mr. Spezzi, the clown,
and r. Leomeister, in all the glory of lion-
taming fleshings and span les, were elevating
the paper-covered hoops t ironin which the
beautiful equestrienne was to flash like an in-
carnated arrow of li lit in her swift evolutions
on the back of Black ultan. the incomparable.

“Now at last, ladies and gentlemen,” sung
out the ring-master, in his most chirpy and ami-
able tones, “ you are about to enjo a treat with
which all the crowned heads of urope, not to
mention those of Asia and Afri have been
duly delectated and entranced. moiselle
Zelda, the Love-Bird of uitation and wonder
of horsemanship, will van t through the bal-
loons in her world-renowned and incomparable
prize trick.”

“ Don’t forget zat, leddies and shentlemens,”
echoed Clown Spezzi, one of whose stock comi-
calities was to butcher the English lan e a
little more ruthlessly in public than elsewhere.
“It is a treat in store for you, like as soothing
seerup of he Madame Winslow, only with zis
difference. It isze men, and notze. children,
vat cry for its rerlitizione; it is me fair leddiee
and as whole world vat it soothes into ze dream
of ise, and m t‘ink mt an angel,
an not Mlle. Zelda at all is on me via .”

And, with a guffaw and a grimace, e turned
a back somerset before flnall settling on his

pedestal and bringing his “ oon ” into readi-
nos.

Leomeister shimmered and smiled, but said
nothing.

By,a new contract, his side-show curiosities
were included in the adjoining menagerie de-
sartment, and he was also under engagement to

o trapeze and other tricks in con ‘unction with
the Peerless Air-Queens, Z0e and ides Pontia-
woski (the Isaacs sisters.)

Then Zelda, who had been ambling restfull
around the ring while sitting on her horse, su -
denly sprung into her airy upright attitude.

The band struck up afresh, and then she was
once more in full fli ht, as if fairly winged.

meister was t last in line of the trio of

hmrers.

, flash, flash! she went throu h the first

set as airily as a swallow, rising an dropping

with each undulation of the matchless steed be

neath her in the mest perfect rhythm.
Then flash, flash! again through the second

set.

But upon rising exultingly to pass through
the last, Leomeister's low, menacing voice,
audible only to her ears, growled out with
tigrish intensity.

“ Beware! for I hold your fate in the hollow
of my hand,” came the rapid articulations.
“ Continue to avoid me. and you are lost!”

Zelda gaveasharp-like c , falter-ed in her

ring, and, though passing rou h the tissue-

m. fell upon her knees, instead 0 her feet.

She was up again instantly, though flushing
furiously. but she had none the less madea balk,
and it cut her to the quick.

Griplock saw that. something was wrong, and,
beckoning to Mr. Isaacs, whispered in his ear,
while riveting the ap irently unconscious Leo-
meister with his pec iar eyes.

The result was that. when the next feature
(banner-leaping) was in order, the glittering
lion-tamer was not one of the six performers
employed in manipulating the banners, and
Zelda’s entire performance closed with the cus-

tomary eclat.

“ What was it?” whis red the detc:tive, as
she was riding ofl. “ id that scoundrel dare
to menace you t”

“ No—ves—I hardly know,” was the hurried

reply. “Another time.” And she had disap-

p flan ' , head-downward, from a lofty bar,
Con held between his teeth a loop from
which depended a lighter bar, upon which the
graceful and renowned Pontiawoski Sisters
(Kitty and Mildred) were performing a number
of surprising tricks.

The performance was admirable, the applause

great.

“ Remember, Milly,” whispered the elder
girl. “ You are to ress him with the uestien
at the next trick. on will then have im at
your mercy.”

“ I’ll do it,” was the reply, but in no very de-

 

termined tone. ;
“See that you do, or you Will hopelessly lose

I

peered.
A short time afterward the trapeze act was  \

'-

 

 

 

 

 10

I" 1,"' ' ‘ V ,.

The Circus Detective.

 

 

 

him to Zelda. B the secret of the silver casket
alone can you de y her and master him.”

“ Never fear!”

There was determination enough now, and ac-
.com anied by an unpleasant gritting of Mi]-

3 teeth.

Meanwhile, the tip-gazing crowd would scarce-
, , l have suspected suc an interchange between
v... t eir admired Zoe and Haidee.

Attired in boyish, skin-ti ht costumes, gilded
and bedizened; that set 0% their robust yet
girlish roportions to the most charming advan-
tage, th perpetual smiles and kissing of hands,
:9 the youn women oscillated and scintillated in

their var ous evolutions like veritable care-free
creatures of the air.
The trick ended, and once more the three per—
formers sat easil on the broad main trapeze
, bar, Leomeister in the center.
' Then followed the most dangerous feature of
the performance.
.Courad was stretched alon the bar on his
back, as if sleepin , with h s ankles crossed,
‘ '4. and his wrists tight 1/ bound with a strap across
 . his breast.

' The bar was bein violently swung back and
forth by a line in the hands of Kitty, perched
on a higher bar far below, and to one side.

The man’s sole support in the course of the ter-
rible test was the crotch formed by Mildred’s
two feet, in which the back of his head nestled

. «W ‘A d 1...“.-- .._.

t....*........i..; .

_. “w .  {g , ,
at: Me'- - J i .
.Y m, a“ y 7:)...4 it: _ f I. .. r j . “I;

use»
. ..

if. . firmly, as in a socket, she standing erect and
 , looking straight down into his face, while hold-
.g" ing on with both hands to a subsidiary bar
"1'" crossing the trapeze higher up.

The trapeze was high up, almost in the very

peak of the tent, fully sixty feet from the saw-
dust.

No netting interVened, as in more recent
shows, to rovide against an accidental fall,
which con] hard! fail of entailing a tragical,
if not wholly feta , result.

It was a ialty srkfraught with generally-
understood an er tli t the spectators invari-
ably held their reaths, as they were doing now,
during its continuance. "

The trick was at its most critical pitch.

The main bar was making a great sweep from
side to side, in the course of its rushing oscilla-
tions, and yet the Herculean male performer
lay there his full length, calm, peacefully,
image-like, as if lued or frozen alon the‘bar.

Suddenly Mil red, in a strange distinct
.' . voice that was, of course, audible to meister

. ; alone, spoke.

“Conrad, do you love me?”
‘ Something in her tone startled him, and his
uneasiness was not diminished as, looking up
into her face, their e es met.

“ You know I do, he replied.

“ But swear it.”

“ Milly, what is this? I have sworn it re-

teily, I swear it again.”

“  and perjurer! you love Zelda Vander-

“ What! you believe those absurd stories?”

He felt the precariousness of his situation;
thcre was an exas rated glitter in the eyes
looking down into his.

“ It is true. You strive to ingratiate your-
self with her everywhere. To-night you said
something to her, causing that miss at the last

I balloon.”
“All false! I swear it, Milly!”
“ Pish! Conradgg'ou are at my mercy. One
I, proof of your go faith is wanting. Give it
_ " me, or, as I live, I shall withdraw my feet, and
‘ , you will roll off the bar!”

He saw. that she was pitiless.

“ What do you demand?"

“The missing casket containing the roofs of

. Zelda’s birth and fortune. Tell me w ere it is
,hidden.”

He with difliculty maintained his balance and
his composure.

“ You are mad 3” he exclaimed. “ What do I
know of the casket? Surely you cannot believe
me a murderer?"

“That is not the question. The casket is in
youlr ession. I must know where it is con-
cea .

“ I shall not tell you.”

“ Then down you go!”

She even withdrew one foot, causing him to
quiver like a leaf along the giddy bar.

. “ Mildred, for God’s sake! Don’t you see that
' Iam helpless?”

,1 ‘ “Of course I know that.”

“ I implore you put back your foot—I am al-
mdy in peril!”

She did so.

“There you are! New will you tell?”

“ But, my dear girl, this is cruel—unfair—
barbarous !’ y
, -“ Don’t ‘ dear girl’ me till you have won back

my regard. Where is the casket concealed?”
 1 ‘But think. The secret would place my life

   
       
   
 
 

‘ at our mercy!”

‘ It is at my mercy new."

“ But I mean henceforth for all time—through
the future.”

“So much the better. I shall hold your good-
falth in leash, no less securely than the future of
Zelda VanderpOer.”

He und his

th and groaned, when it
sudden .y—strange

say, for the first time-—

.x'
a ,I.

occurred to him to cheat her with a false
answer.

But the hope was of brief duration. ‘

“Great booby!” she said; “ I can read ,your
thought. Try to deceive me at your peril!

He muttered something confusedly' and then
grew paler; her face was become frownineg
impatient.

‘ The casket’s hiding-place?” she repeated.
“ I shall not ask you again."

“ One thing first.”

“ What is it?” °

“ Your solemn promise to keep the secret
inviolable as between us two.”

“ When the casket is in my possession—yes.
Quick, your answer?”

“ Good God! Are you so bent on this thing?”

For answer she made a muscular movement
in her feet, as thong; to withdraw them.

“Hold on! For od’s sake, don’t do that! I
yield.”

“ The hiding-place?”

“There isa false bottom to Purring Pedro’s
chest. The casket is there. Quick; unbuckle
this strap.”

She stooped to do so.

But hardly were Conrad’s wrists released
when, catching feeny at the air with them, as
though they had become benumbed, he rolled off
the bar, going down sidewise with a yell.

 

CHAPTER XI.
THE KNIFE AND THE CASKET.

BUT if Mildred had been responsible for the
catastrophe, she was also mainly instrumental
in avertin it.

Terrifi in the midst of her exultation, she
had suddenly dropped from her foothold, clutch-
in the bar under her armpit, and seizing the
fa ling athlete by the hair of the head with her
disengaggd hand.

Then itty bad hastily swarmed up the ropes
with her assistance, so that, instead of comp et-
ing his tumble, Conrad was enabled to avail
himself of the next lowar bar, terribly shaken
up in the way of nerves, but physically undis-
turbed.

“ We must rush the act," said he, kissing his
hand to the sea of faces below, as if the averted
accident had been wholly intentional. “ The
heart is almost knocked out of me.”

His suggestion was followed.

As they came to earth together, the girls
slipped off to the dressing-room, while Conrad
darted for his side-show attractions, whose ex-
hibition at the communicating entrance to the
menagerie department was next on the pro-
gramme.

Griplock was waiting just inside the green-
room as the sisters gassed.

“ Successful!" w ispered Kitty, who had al-
ready received the communication. “ Secret
surrendered !”

“ Where is it hidden?” “

“ Under Pedro’s chest, which has a false bot-
tom." And she was gone.

Griplock darted through the crowd.

Leomeister, f0110wed by his Man-Snake and
Mermaid, was just leading the performing bear
into the small roped inclosure reserved for them,
while also carrying the chest, assisted by Mr.
Spezzi, the clown.

Gaston Larue and Center-pole Jack, the for-
mer watchful as a hawk the latter calmly in-
different, were hovering close behind, and Bro-
prietor-Ringmaster ISaacs was not far off.

This was the"occasion reserved b the Circus
Detective for the knife-test, and bot Isaacs and
Larue were in that secret though of course
knowing nothing of the newly-flushed one.

The crowd was in good humor, and the diver-
sion was soon under way for such as did not
choose to wander off among the animal-cages.

Gogo was writhing, hissing and glistening in
and out of his artificial jungle with his custom-
ary success; Kalulah was shifting her green-
spangled sha liness and lazily blowing smoke-
r ngs throng the water from a ci rette at the
bottom of her glass-sided tank, whi e Leonieister,
still looking disturbed—much to Griplock‘s sat-
isfaction—was putting the bear through his
stock tricks.

“ Pedro is a good bear, ladies and gentlemen,
and he‘s just as wise as he is playful,” the side-
showman called out, in his sing-song voice.
“HeisaRussian b birth, from a rock-cradle
in the bosom of the ral Mo ntains, and he can
be eithera loyal Russian 0 a Nihilist on occa-
sion, according as the cat ‘umps, He obtained
his sobriquet, Purring Pet ro, from the White
Czar himself,‘ by reason of his amiability. You
can hear him urring at this moment. Here,
Pedro, take at rink, and then come down and
show us your box of playthings."

During this harangue, and more of it, Pedro
was inningly revolving on the top of his
climb ng-pole.

He caught a cleverly-tossed bottle of beer on
the fl y, uucorked and drained its cements with
comical gusto, and then came waddling down to
the edge of the chest, which his master had just
opened.

Then came the best part of Purring Pedro’s
programme.

1 He turned the chest upside down, and reveled

 

1

’,,l

 

in its multifarious contents,to the unbounded
delight of the juvenile spectators especially.

A scarlet coat was donned, then a liberty cap : l
with a blue tassel, and then a pair of enormous , ;
cavalry boots. ! ;

A pair of cymbals were clashed with amusing .
discordance; is attempt to blow a tin trumpet .
was less successful, but equally entertaining, and
finally, after numerous stock tricks, he began to
toss up his varied to s, ether With whatever
might be contribu by t e onlookers—such as
oranges, bags of nuts, sticks of candy, and
what not—after t e manner of juggling balls,
usually ending by tossing the articles, when edi-
ble, down his ca cious throat, though beer was
his special cravmg, and for which he was con-
stant! y on the “ purr.”

“ There’s no other bear like Pedro—never was
and never will be,” intoned Conrad afresh.
“ Mark the human-like intelligence of the crea-
ture. Mark the discrimination he displays in
his guileless pastimes. How intuitively he
knows an orange from an oyster, a handkerchief
from a doughnut, a glass ball from a glass bot-
tle a—a—a—”

'l‘he exhibitor had come to a. confused pause,
while Center-ploe Jack was leaning forward,
startled out of his customary stolidit . ,

“ A sleigh-bell from a blood-stained clasp- I
knife,” supplemented Griplock Crimmins, in a l
loud and mocking voice. “ Why do you falter ‘
in the list of Pedro’s accomplishments, Mr. Leo-
meister? See, the brute is tastin the blood on
the knife. as. though he recogm' it. Truly, an
almost human intelligence. Whose blood can it

i

There was an instant sensation, though one 
but little understood by the general spectators. : !
Pedro had, indeed, come to a puzzled pause, ; v
with the fatal knife (cleverly inserted among
the pie things a moment previously by the de-
tective imse f) at his lips, and was now licking
the discolored blade with a series of low growls,
entirely at variance with his whilom good-
humored whines.
Then he suddenly began tossing it from one
paw to the other.
Gogo and Kalulah had also marked the inter-

ru ition.

e former had f than to dart his red
tongue in and out, and is greenish eyes were
bulgin out from under the scaly skin that en—
veloped him to the brows.

The Girl-Fish, with the water dripping from
her hair, was leaning over the edge of her tank
with a livid face.

Suddenly Center-pole Jack, his dark face ex-

pressive rather of astonishment than guilt, ad-
vanced with outstretched hand toward the
knife.
“ 0 you don’t!” shouted the detective, fore-
stalling the intention. “ The knife—Pedro’s
novel pla thing—is mine for the present. Let
him or t ose who first dyed it With a murder-
stain claim it at the proper place—under the
shadow of the hangman s rope!’

The sensation had redoub ed, but Leomeister
had by this time partly recovered his self-con— 
trol. ’.

He made a gesture of indifference as the de-  ' ?
tective repossessed himself of the knife and slip- ;

it out of sight. ;

“Consider it all in the performance, ladies
and gentlemen,” be sung out, disdamfully. ,
“Our detective offlcor would contest the palm ,
of bufl'oonery with Purring Pedro. It is for you '
to 'udge. This performance is at an end.” ,

e hustled the bear to one side, and began to 
throw the loose articles back into their recepta- .
cle with trembling base. up 2

” i

Griplock drew Isaacs apa .

“ Don't let him make off with the chest,” he
whispered. “It contains the casket underneath q
a false bottom.” .‘

Mr.’ Isaacs understood. j

He took Leomeister rsuasiVely by the arm.

“ Come, professor, ‘ said be, smiling. “Your ’7
fame has gone before you. Ladies are present 
who crave a sight of your masterful presence in ' ‘
Othmar’s cage. ’ «.

Leomeister would have protested, but a num- 
ber of ladies, overbearing the words, did start .
forward admiringly at that moment. 3

He was led away, while Griplock, Gaston and
Spezzi, rudel brushing Center-pole Jack to one
side, snatch up the chest and made of! with  .,
it to the little side-show tent. . r ‘

Gogo and Kalulah came hurrying after them, .
to seek the retirement of their dressing-rooms,
and the Gypsy brought up the rear with the
dancing bear in leading.

It was an after-neon performance; and, as they
entered the smaller interior, there came a roll of
thunder, indicating that a storm was threaten-

in . 1,
fiVincent, we can dispense with your pres- ‘ . 
ence.” ‘ '-
The words were angrily addressed by Griplock f

to Center-pole Jack, who had lin ered after‘
chaining up the bear, while the t ree others
were bending over the now reo )encd chest.

Without replying in words, t e Gypsy calmly
folded his arms over his massive chest, and
smiled.

The detective’s lips tightened, but it was
neither time nor place for an altercation. ‘

   

  

' above the whini

The

D "-

Circus Detective.

11

 

 

“ You insist on remaining?” said he.

“ For the present, Mr. Crimmins, yes.”

The answer was respectful, but firm.

“ Wh ?” was the next query.

‘-‘ To now about my clasp-knife being in your
possession, Sll‘.

“What would you know about it?”

“ How it came in your possession; that is all.
It was either lost or stolen from me two or three
weeks ago; I desire its return.”

The detective was somewhat staggered by the
man’s quiet self- possession, as were also Gaston
and Spezzi, who were into the secret of the
knife.

“ You are sure the knife is yours!” -

“Very >ure, sir. My initials, J. V., will ap-
pear on the handle.

“ Granted. Was the knife blood-stained, as
now when last seen in your possession?”

“ Its blade was bright and undimmed, sir.
But, I noted that it has since become dis-
colored.”

“ It is the discoloration of blood.”

“ You sui rise me, sir.”

“You do ook surprised.”

“ Why should I not? But I will trouble you,
sir, for the return of in property.”

“ This knife!” And riplock again produced
it.

“ Certainly. ’Tis my own.”

“ Why, man alive! don’t you know that Mr.
Vander )oer was murdered with it I”

The ypsy’s amazement seemed to be too.abso-
lute for simulation.

His jaw fell, his eyes fairly popping out of his

cad.

“ Good God!” he g’sped: “you surely don’t
mean it?” _

The detective nodded, and again put the
weapon out of sight. ,

Gogo and Kalulah, having chan ed their cos-
tumes, were looking on from their ressing-rooui
entrances, composed and alert.

“You will readin understand, Centerpole,”
said Gri lock, “ why I intend to freeze on to the
knife. ‘tay where you are, if you choose.
You shall witness the discover of another
clew to the murderer of Mr. Van erpoer.”

“ Another clew?” ‘ r

H Yes. ”

“ What is it?”

“ A silver casket, containing valuable papers,
that disappeared with the assassin.”

“ And where shall you find it?"

“ In the double-bottom with which this chest
is provided.”

‘ When with m brethren, sir, I am a king
among 111 tribe. y the traditions of my wil
sovereign I swear that your success in trac-
ing home that foul murder to its fiendish per-
petrator is the dearest wish of m soul !”

His dark eyes flashed, and t ere was sur-
prising di ity in such words, coming wit fer-
vor and e oquence from the customari y reticent
and moody man.

At a Sign from Griplock, the secretai and
the clown overturned the contents of the c est.

Then a sounding of the latter-‘5 bottom made
the secret of its construction sufficiently evident.

The connecting spring was soon found, a
pressure caused the id to f1 up, and the secret
compartment was discoverer tuba—empty. .

There was a giggle from Kalulali, a hissmg
laugh from Gogo, profound disappointment on
the part of Gaston and Spezzi, a ghost of a smne
under the Gypsy‘s mustac ie.

As for Griplock, for e moment he \i‘as be-
side himself with rage.

“ Tricked! forestallcd!" he hoarser exclaimed.
“ See; the casket must have been here until re-
cently. There is its impression on the dusty
board. But ait. Curse it all! There may be
yet another fa se bottom beneath.”

And, snatching’eup a heavy tent ' -driver
that happened to at hand, he demo ' bed the
chest on the spot.

But its only secret had been exposed—the
casket was still a missing clew.

A low, taunting laugh broke the reneWed
hush of di ppointment that followed.

Leomeissgr was looking in With an exnltant
face. . .

At his side were Mr. Issues, Kitty and Mil-
dred, the two former reflecting the eneral dis-
a intment, Mildred with a -resentful,

f-terrifled look.

CHAPTER XII.
a uonnnrous sroal. .

BEHIND the new-comers, in the great interi-
ors, the spectators were dispersin or lingering
in unwanted confusion and no litt e dismay. .

The air had darkened, thunder was bursting
overhead, the rain could be heard descending in
torrents, and the canvas was fia ping and sway-
ing in the fierce gusts, whose howls were loud
cries of the animals, excited
and restless in their confinement.

With a single contem tuous glance at Mil-
dred, Who seemed utter y crushed by it, Leo-
meister strode into the side-tent. .

“Really, Mr. mins,” said he, with mock
concern, ‘1 can’t understand wh you should
have‘ruined my hour’s play-box, ut I suppose
you good for the damage,”

Anselm passed on to his dressing-room, in

 

x‘. .

= to the line of separated

 

compan
had in e a 8] n.

Unperceiv by them or the rest, Gaston
Larue slipped after them, concealing himself in
a convenient nook.

A mere glance had convinced Mr. Isaacs of
the failure of the search, but he was just now
too concerned for the safety of the tents to
think of anything else.

He was bustling here and there, givingr
to his subordinates, the detective an
bein similarly employed in his compan .

“ less me, what a gale!” exclaimed t show-
master. “ All hands, there, attend to hurrying
the spectators away. If the canvas should come
down there miggiet be serious accidents. Girls,
find Zelda, and of! for home, all of on!”

The last words were spoken to his aughters,
who had long before resumed their street attire.

Mildred answered vaguely, like one in a.
dream.

She was still writhing under Leomeister’s con-
tempt, for which she held her sister responsible,
now that she kne the use that would have been
made of Leomeister’s forced confemion as to the
whereabouts of the casket.

with Center-pole Jack, to whom he

orders
Spezzi

 

voluminous horseman’s cloak, was just'spurring
away on Black Sultan’s back, With the hal -
fainting Zelda in his arms.

“ Save me, Griplock!” she feeny cried. “ He
is taking me to the mountains. Save me!”

But the detective was at that instant struck
back by a storm—whirled tent-stakHr was it
treacherously thrown by Gogol The truth was
never known-while the Signor was too over-
come b the condition of his trowsers to think
of anyt ing else. ,

The abductor scornfull waved his
spurred over the ruins of t stable canvas at a
bound, and disappeared amid the tempest and
the gloom. .

This was the only section of the tents that had
actually 'ven way.

When r. Isaacs came hurryineg the
scene, accompanied by a crowd of show-hands,
a moment later, a scene of indemribable con-
fusion was presented

The stables and dressing-rooms were in ruins,
the sport of the le.

Kitty was panic-stricken, Mildred white to the
lips, but indignant.

The Man-Snake and the Mermaid had like-

“ I don’t believe Zelda is dremed yet,” Kitty V Wise become tangled up in the canvas ruin. and

‘ made reply.

_ “.Not dremedl” exclaimed Isaacs.
is nearly an hour since she rode off."

were struggling in vain to extricate them-

“ Why, it , selves.

Signor Spezzi. minus his duster, but with the

I
"I only know, papa,” said Kitty, “ that she r plug hat crushed down over the coxcomb to his
was just beginning to change her costume when a ears, was grasping the place where the seat of
I peeped into her dressing-room ten minutes ; his trowsers ought tobe withone hand, his waist-

ago.”

Here there was an unusual gust, which shook
the canvas violentl .

“ Hasten to her,’ cried the showmaster, r-
emptorily. “ Bzd her to dally no longer. be
dressing~rooms are the frailest corner of the
big tent. Go along, both of you.” And, with
that he hurried away.

Several of the larger cages, including 0th-
mar’s, backed upon the (private passage leading

ressing-rooms, and also

upon one wall of the sideshow tent, while be-

yond was the large general, or green room, the
orse stalls being yet beyond that.

As the two girls slipped along this private
passage, Griplock, with a suddenly conceived
anxiety on Zelda’s account hurried after them,
though with some natural esltation.

A step behind caused him to look back, and
perceive Spezzi also following.

The latter had absently donned a plug hat on
top of his clown‘s coxcomb, a linen duster over
his motley wear, and was the picture of gro-
tesque solicitude,

“This is no place for you, Signor,” said the
detective, alittle sharply. “Men are not per-
mitted in here, save at the break-up.”

The canvas wall heaved violently, and the
ex-ring-master narrowly escaped being thrust
against Othmar’s claws and those of a particu-
larly fierce tiger in the adjoinin .

“Santo Marco!" he responderf; why then are
you here my friend?”

“I? We] —oh—I am concerned about Miss
Zelda.”

“And I am concerned about Mees Kitty.
She is my guiding-star, my light-house, my
adored Lamp!”

“But Miss Kitty is thoroughly able to look
out for herself, whilch”

He was interrupted by a yet fiercer blast, a
crash of thunder, a play of blinding gleams;
then there was a rip ing sound, a horse’s tramp,
a man‘s hoarse vome, and finally a woman’s

cr .

Zelda’s voice!

But at that instant the detective was partly
enveloped in the folds‘of the overturned parti-
tion wall, while Kitty’s voice screamed out:

" Hel , help! she is being carried off.”

Simu taneously there wasadolorous wail from
Si nor Spezzi. .

he scene taken in just then by the embar-
rassed detective almost defies description.

Gogo, who had perhaps assisted the wind in
overturning the partition canvas, was looking
over its ruins with a hideous grin.

Kalulah was at his side, her hair tossing out in
the wind and rain, her hands clasped in real or
pretended alarm.

Plastered, back foremost, against the side-
ending bars of the two cages, was the unfortu-
nate Mr. Spezzi, pawing the air in a wild at-
tempt to struggle out of Othmar’s clutch on
one side and the tiger’s on the other.

“ Relieve me, Mr. Griplock relieve me!” he
s uttered, in his worst English. “ orpo di

_aochw! let not Mees Kitty see me in sis undig-
mfled position.”

But this was more easily said than done, for
the detective could with difficulty free himmlf,
and just beyond, over the green-room and
stables inclomire, the tent'cloths were snapping
into ribbons.

Howevm', he managed to release the unfortu-
nate Signor, but only at the expense of the lat-
ter’s trowsers—gaat, which was left in the frantic
lion’s clutch.

Then Kitty’s cry was repeated, and they both
5 rung forward through the flyingdebri'sand

e tiring rain.

T ey Were too late.

I

 

band with the other, and wasexecuting avfrantic
pas seal in the effort to present a still heroic
front to “Mess Kitty’s ” re rd.

Griplock, pale. and wi a slight streak of
blood along his face, was still reeling from the
blow of the flying stake.

Added to this, the winds and the animals were
shrieking in concert, the lightning continued to
gun, the thunder to crash, and the rain to pour

own. .  '

In a word or two, Griplock eXplained the aim-
ation.

The. show-master threw up his hands in mo-
menta bewilderment.

“ By upiterl.misfortimes never come singly.”
he exclaimed. “ The newest tent-corner in rib-
bons, the stock wardrobes ruined, and Zelda
carried off by that infernal scoundrel, into the
bargain! But wait; perhaps he has unruly
taken- herto the hotel. It isalong distance,
and there was no carriage.” r

Mildred looked up with a gleam of hopeful-

em. ‘
“ That must have been Canud’s intention!”

she exclaimed. “ I am sure of it!” n

“ Ridiculous i” cried Kitty. “ To a hotel and

n

on Black Sultan? Besides, didn’t Zelda all out

that she was being mn'iedofl tothei‘nmmtainfl“

“Zelda is excitable,” persisted Hilly. “ and
may have onlyifancied it.” . v .

“Oh, yes; ve likely, of course! Mr.-
do run over the iroken tentrline there, and see
you can es y a hackney coach.” . '

Spezzi o yed with embarran was,
but without running, inasmuch as politene.
com led him to imitate the crab by going barb
wa , to his no small discomfort and the amused
wonder of the young woman.

“ Whatever is Ihe matter with Mr. Spend!"
she inquired. “Has he got the colic, or 'n be
gone crazy!” '

The defective was ten generous to explain and
the unfortunate signor managed to effect his
evanishment.

A public carriage, dispatched by him, arrived
a few moments later, when the sisters were in-
continently bundled in it b their father. with
orders to lose no time in see ing the hotel, and
ascertaining if Zelda had been tak there.

“Telegraph me here of the result,’ was his
parting injunction as the were driven away.

he show-hands now virg to war on
the wreck, the detective hurriedly drew the
show-master apart.

“ What is this insani
been carried to the hot: i” he exclaimed, imp-
tigitly. “ Surely you don’t take any stock in
it

“ Let us wait and see,” mid Mr. Isaacs. point.
ing to a horseman, covered with mud and water.

who was ' t reining up at the boundary. '
It was sister on Black Sultan. .

Both men sprung toward him.

“ What have'you done with Zelda!” cried the

show-master, for Griplock could not trust him-
self to speak.

“ Carried her to her hotel, of course.” was the
cool re ly, as Conrad dismounted. “What else
wouldde with a swoouing young lady in nth
a ram . .

p
CHAPTER XIII.
ran LION-TAHEB’S acsn.

WITHOUT another word, and as if he had
formed only a common-place courtesy, the

tamer led Black Sultan to a shelter, and than,

relievrng his curiosities. Gogo, Kalulah and the
hear from the ruins of the small tent, took him'o'
sel'f‘lgefl With madmrsmod be tting fur
y‘Were an e to pu up, a
their custom, at an obscure hotel in a distant

Leomeister, easily recognized, in spite of a suburb of file town.

'{'.;t’,'.,'  f,",’i

 

about Zelda having" ' 

 

 

i 'u i
shew... ..... -.. -'-.--. .7

c- 

.N a..‘
4

\

 

 

,..-...-'_~.s . 1

12

The 'Circus Detective.

 

 

“ I don’t like it,” muttered the detective. “ It
is all very mysterious and outlandish.”

“ What is?” asked the showman.

“ This quixotic essay on his part, with Zelda’s
submission to it. It isn’t natural-like. And
then there were Zelda’s words about his carrying
her of! to the mountains.”

“ It does seem odd: but we ought soon to hear
frOm my girls as to how the matter stands. See;
the storm is letting up. Let us hurry up these
repairs, after which there will be nothing to
prevent our hastening to the hotel ourselves. ’

But at this juncture there was a muffled call.
and they detected a strug ling movement under
the prostrated canvas of t e Side-show.

It proved to be Gaston Larue entrapped
therein.

He was dragged out in a half-smothered con-
dition, but the rain, falling on his pale, delicate
face, speedil revived him.

He seem gratified to find himself with Mr.
Isaacs and the detective.

“The )le must have struck me down; I am
still a little confused,” said he, after thanking
them for their timely assistance. “ I am coming
all right a , however.”

“ How did you happen to he in there?” de-
manded Mr. Isaacs, with a good deal of curi-
osit .

“ was at the door of Leomeister’s dressing-

I‘ A‘baln

“ Yes sir. I thought it might be well to
know w at had become of the casket, after its
last mysterious disa rance.”

Here Gri lock pric ed n his ears.

“I shoul say sol” excl med Isaacs. “ Whose
talk did you overhear in the dressing-room,
Gaston?”

“ Leomeister’s and Center-pole Jack’s.”

“ And was it to the point?’

“ It was.”

Here the detective with a deferential gesture,
took up the questio . ’ "'

“ Were we acting on enuine information!”
said he. Had the casket in thechest’s false
bottom!”

“ Yes: until within five minutes of our search

even less time.”
‘ How had it disappeared?’
“ abstracted t.”

“ Bu the chest wasn’t out of our possemion an
instant after the public trick~showing with its
contents.” -'

“ I only know what I gathered from Conrad’s
words to the G .”

Gri lock august thigh.

“ I ave it! t you are wron as to time.
The casket could not have been in t echest after
the trick-showing an. Conrad must have
caused its abstraction instantly after his descent
from the trapeze—directl after Mildred had
forced thesecret from hm, tobepassedon to
me b Kitty.”

_“ es, sir.”

“ Where is the casket nowi”

“ In a center-pole.”

“ In a center-pole?”

“Yes, in one of the large poles belonging to
the main tent.”

“ But how can it be in a pole?”

“ There is a secret receptacle let into one of
them, near the .”

“ Some of the big poles have that provision,”
put in Mr. Isaacs.

“You heard Leomeister admit this?” contin-
ued the detective.

“Yes; Gogo had made the change.”

“ Had Center-pole Jack been made aware

of it?”

“ I think not. He looked greatly aston-
(shed, and had hardly a word to say, one way
or the other.”

“ How did their colloquy terminate?”

“Conrad had slipped on his every-day clothes,
together with a great riding-coat. Then, after
whi rin toget er, they separated, leavin the
meal; erent ways. I was about to fo ow,
when a fierce blast of the storm upset the stake
I had been leaning against, causing me to fall.
By the time I had scrambled to my feet the
tempest was at its hi ht. .The'tent Went to
pieces; something strnc me down ain. I was
unconscious all but a few moments ‘k.”

“You are a ood fellow, Gaston. Come, let

us investigate center— ion. This is a good
time for it, though I like to be assured of
Zelda’s safety first.”

“ That assurance may come at any moment,”
said the show-master.
33 it?“ “"1"” em” gate a. 1
way to nv e center-p0 es,
they were rejoined by Signor Spezzi, who had
managed to Visit the ruins of his dressing-room
to the manifest improvement of his person

" a nce.
hen the were overtaken b a messenger,
Eiitttti that owing dispatch for r. Isaacs from
y:

" slight, and locked in her own room. but
Ifillyin by cs. Come to hotel soon as possible."

“ That settles it,” said Mr. Isaacs, after pass-

. in thedlis’patchtohiscom as. “H cs

* omki,andZeldais e. Whicpr could
have been meant, think you, Gaston!"

r

 

There are three main or center-poles used in
a canvas structure of the size of the Universal’s
show-tent, and they were now among these, the
vast interior being wholly deserted.

“ I haven’t the least idea,” was the reply.
“ But, now I think of it Conrad mentioned that
across had been scratched with a nail on the
door of the rece tacle.”

Only one of t e great poles standing proved
to have any ‘ ket’ at al .

Its lid, or li le door, bore no such mark, and
moreover, it was found to contain onlya greasy
Wrench and some rusty screws.

“ There are three spare poles,” said Mr. Isaacs.
“ Let us examine them.”

They proceeded to the space allotted to the
show-wagons but found them tangled up in the
fallen roof of their sheltering tent, whi e there
was still enough of the tempest remaining to
cause discomfort.

Several of the tent-hands, dripping wet and
outh of humor, were trying to set things to
ri ts.

g‘ Where is Vincent?” demahded Mr. Isaacs,
an 1y. “ Why is he not directin you i”

at Center-pole Jack had not 3 own u
duty since the damage began, and mi t be
senseless or dead beneath some of-lthe bris,
for all that his subordinates knew to the con-
trary.

Gypsy Frank had been seriously injured, Irish
Mahmoud was nursin a sore head, and there
had been other casualties.

Guided by one of the men, the party made

their way under the fallen canvas to a large
wagon (Vincent’s specialty while on the road)
in which the spare poles were stowed away in
sections.
There, with the aid of lanterns, the began to
examine the base-ends of the Roles, a of which
chalr‘iCed to be provided wit the cubby-hole
poc etc.

The lid of the second one examined, betrayed
afaint cross scratched across the blue paint;
but this was locked in sucha manner that not
one of the master keys on Mr. Isaacs’s key-ring
would open it.

Instantly all were trembling eagerness.

It was a good-deal like being in a cave, and a
very low-roofed one at that; a sort of wilder-
ness of wa -wheels and wagon bodies, with
the heavy canvas tumbled down tumultuoust
over their heads, and the lanterns burned dimly
in the confined air, lighting up the excited faces
of the searchers with a we rd effect.

“ The deuce take it i” growled the show-master,
after having successively tried”every key in
vain. “ This lock must have been doctored
for the occasion.
one.”

A small hammer was found under one of the
wagon-seats, and handed over.

It was not heavy enou h to break the pocket-
lid, but at the first stro e there was evoked a
metallic rattle from within the rece 16 that
increased the eagerness of all ban a to fever

heat.

Griplock had returned from a short foray
with a heavier hammer.

“ Please stand aside. sir, and let me have a
crack at it," said he. “ Who’s burning matches
arouln’d here? Smells like it, any way. Here
goes

Room having been made for him, he struck
the lid of the le-pocket a resounding whack,
that started it rom its hinges.

But the deciding blow was not delivered.

There was a puff of sulphur smoke from
somewhere under the wagon, then an explosion
not very serious, but strong enough to send
every one reeling back by the force of its con-
cusmon, while all the lanterns were extinguished,
and the place filled with smoke.

By the dim li ht that remained, there was
can ht a silvery eam in the thick air, then a
low augh, and t en the light patter of retreat-
in footsteps.

e lanterns were quickly relighted.

But the lid of the pole- ket was found to be
open. the receptacle mp???

“ Foiled again i” growled the detective, fairly
gnasbing his teet . “ The scoundrelsi they
must have the devil himself on their side.”

“ It can’t be helped,” said Mr. Isaacs, with a
sigh. “ Let us get out of this. I am half
stifled.”

Gaston and Spezzi, however, lingered behind
to investigate the cause of the explosion.

The remains of a large paper torpedo, such as
are sometimes used m circus performances
representing brigand engagements, were found
under the wagon, and that was all.

The group were no sooner ther a
in the open air than a secon dispatc
handed to the shaw-master.

This one was from Mrs. Isaacs, n ' g him to
hasten to the hotel, with a hint tha something
in sterious was in the air.

e at once took a conveyance, accompanied by
Griplock Spezzi and Gaston, all of w om were
quartered at the same hotel.

Arriving there at about dusk they were met
by Mrs. Isaacs and Kitty, with troubled faces.

The former undertook to explain.

Mildred had got over her hysterics, during
which her passion for Leomeister, no less than

for

Find me a hammer, some

'n in
was

i
a

 

her jealousy of Zelda, had been made painfully
ap rent.

he was still raving, however, and demand-
ing that Zelda be confronted with her to set at
rest her suspicions, which had been duiy scouted
as unjust and preposterous by both her mother
and sister.

But Zelda had gone straight to her room,
direct] after being brought to the hotel by
Leomeister on Black Sultan, and nothing could
induce her to open her door, or even to reply to
the women’s entreaties, though she could be dis-
tinctlg heard moving about in the room.

“ T is is very remarkable,” said Mr. Isaacs.
“Zelda is not wont to act so unreasonably.
Perhaps she, also, is greatly u t.”

“ No,” said Mrs. Isaacs. “ saw her running
up directh after being landed at the private
entrance Leomeister. Her step was strong
and assu .”

“ But did she look pale, or in any way discom-

Mrs. Isaacs had to confea that she had not
seen the girl’s face, which had been mufiied in
the hood of her rubber waterproof.

“ Something wrong!” exclaimed Griplock.
“ Zelda wore no waterproof when she was being
carried off. I’d swear to it.”

“ So ivould [1,” cg'iroborated 8 i.

Mr. saacs oo grave, an , at his
tion, the entire party proceeded to the Egg;
Zelda’s room, on the next floor above.

The show-master knocked, and spoke the
young woman’s name with his customary kind-
ness.

No answer was returned, but there wls a.
rustle, as if the inmate had crossed the floor,
and was hesitating.

“ Zelda, I must see you instantly!” Mr. IsaaCS
called out, more fieremptorily. ‘ Do you not
hear my demand

“ Yes, sir,” was at last replied, in a scarcely
audible voiIce. est h I t

‘ as u on, t en. mus see
this instant.”req y you

There was a hesitating pause.

Then the door was suddenly thnown open, and
the inmates of the room confronted them.

Evterybody started back in supreme asteu'sh-
men

CHAPTER XIV.
nsra. .

Tim young woman thus revealed in the door
of Zelda’s room was not Zelda at all, but a per-
fect stranger.

A young and comely one, it is true, with a
figure much resembling the missing girl’s, but
that was all.‘

She was a handsome girl of twenty, with
jet-black hair and eyes, a clear, olive complex-
ion, acertain bold composure of bearing, and
her attire was a picturesque, rather bizarre
conglomeration of once-bright colors thatkad
become faded and worn.

Mrs. Isaacs and Kitty were the first to re-
cover from their 311 rise.

“ Who are you?” amended the former.

The stranger courtesied and smiled.

“ Nesta incent, at your service, madam,”
she re lied.

“ at are you i”

“ A princem.” This, with a good-deal of mock

dignity. .
A princess, indeed t”
“ Yes, madam,” with a charming laugh, of
my‘ gzpnpeople—a Gypsy tribe.”

“ Yes, please.”

“ But how came you here?”

“ On horseback, in the lion-tamer’s arms.”

“ From, where?”

“Fro a point midway between this place
and the c rcus grounds.”

“ Do you know Zelda?”

“ I saw a girl whom he addrened by that
name.”

“ Please explain.”

“ Certainly, ma’m. It was when she was
made to take m place in a GZEy-cart, driven
by m cousin, lack Jags, w e I was trans-
ferriedV to Leomeister’s charge.”

The cunning and forethought of Zelda’s ab-
duction was now apparent. -

Mrs. Isaacs’s eyes snapped furiously, Kitty
was indignant, the men were crestfallen.

“ Infamous woman i” cried Kitty. “ You
acknowledge your share in this cowardly plot
to abduct an unsuspectin young lady?”

“ No bad nameS, p easel Yes, Mistress
Good-Looks, I acknowledge it.”

“ Where has Zelda been carried to?”

“ To the mountains.”

“ But whereabouts in the mountains?”

“ Question no further, and on will be told no
lies. But one thing there is t I will tell you,
prett one, if you wish.”

“ t 18 that?”

Nesta laughed and ‘then drew dbwn the con
ners of her mou .

“ Your fortune, if you but cross my palm,”
said she, demure] . “It’s master-spirit is not
far away." An she glanced shrew-(:11 at
Signi’s eager face, which at once grew and
P

 

 

i;-
i

\

 .. We...»  .

. _.,,._. is... .._..'.......L.. .
,,...,, .. .... a A

A».

. ,_.-.— a... .w. ....

\J I.

...y -‘7 w

.r‘ - -~" . t « ’2 r
- i‘, ' . '13,; a"
.r v

r  Circus Detective.

.13

 

 

“ No, thank you !” cried Kitty, ang ily.

Nesta gave a little shrug of her shapely
shoulders, and, calmly turning into the room,
began to resume her rubber water-proof.

“ You‘re not going to desert us, young lady,”
said the show-master. “ Weshould be incon-
solable. Gaston, pray go for a policeman."

The Gypsy laughed again, her white teeth
flashing through her red lips charmingly.

Then she indiiferently sunk into a chair, while
Gaston started upon his errand.

But the Circus Detective intercepted him by
a si n, and then drew Mr. Isaacs apart.

“ 'hat course would you pursue, sir?” he
asked.

“ Zoundsl Have the bold wench jugged forth-
with, as a matter of course. and then get on the
track of the kidnappers and their victim.”

“ But how, if this girl is as cool a card as she
certainly seems to be?”

“ She shall be made to s reek”

‘-‘ Easier said than done. ’

The show-master scratched his head.

“ What would you pro me?” he asked.

“ Thisz—Keep the girl a prisoner where she
is. Spezzi and Gaston will stand guard. Then
_ let her effect hcr escape. I shall arrange that,
and Will be prepared to shadow her. Don’t you
catch on?”

" Now I do. Griplock, your head is the bug-
est. It shall be done.”

The first order was therefore reconsidered,
and the two men set to guard the entrance,
Nesta making not the slightest objection on be-
in impressed with the arrangement for her
sa e—keepin .

“ Whit!" said the show-master, as she was
about to close the door.
you please.”

She smiled and courtesied.
_ ‘;”VVhy not? Do you want your fortune told,
Sll‘

“ Thanks—some other day. Your name, you
sav, is Nesta Vincent!”

1‘ It is the best I have, sir. Some. indeed—
gentleinen especial] '—liiid it musical.”

“ Are you relate to my chief tcntinan, John
Vincent, commonly called Center-pole Jack?”

She manifested an amazement, seemingly al-
together too sudden to be feigned.

“ He is my brother!” she cri \d, eagerly.
“IVs have not met for long years! What! he
is here—near at hand—with you!”

Mr. lsaacs eyed her narrowly, bowed, and re-
tired, the men on guard being alone left behind
at the door. ~

“ What did you think of that?” asked Mr.
Isaacs of Grisilock, when they were again alone.

“ I am un etermined, as yet,” was the re y.
“The youn woman was either truthful in but
response of ers, or she‘ is the cleverest actress
I ever saw.”

,Owing to the continuhnce of the rain and the
damage to the tents, there was no performance
that night.

Soon after the evening repast, when the show-
mastcr and the detective Were still at table, in
the farmer‘s private dining-room, over their
cigars, Center-pole Jack made his ap rance,
to say that the rreIpaii-s were comple .

He was hagga -looking, and carried his left
arm in a sling.

“ Where were you, Vincent, directly following
the smash-up?” said Mr. Isms. “I was look-
ing for you ever here.”

‘ Benseless un yr the stable-tent, sir,” said the
man quietly. “ The boys got me out right after
you had gone. J lm told me about the explosion
among the wagons.”

“ Can you explain that?”

“ I cannot, sir. I might have shared in it, but
for the tent coming down.”

“ How was that?”

“ I had been talking with Conrad in his dress~
in -room—or rather listening to him, for he was
.410 n all the talking.”

6‘ 1"

“ Yes, sir. Then. after we separated. I was
making my way t3 the wagons when the tent
blew in.”

“Something has happened. You will excuse
me if I uestiou you closely?”

“ Good enough, sir. Fire ahead!”

“ What was your object amorfitghe wagging!”

There was a reflective pause, r whic the
man spoke out, with every appearance of trunk-
1|

ens.

“ I will tell you, sir,” said he. “ Leomeister
was fool enough to make a confidant of me, and
I was on my way to the wagons to cut him
out.”

“ How?”

“ You know what you were seekin so sharp-
ly in the false bottom of Purrin P ro’s chest
—some sort of pocketbook, wasn it, with valu-
able pars?” -

k ‘t‘n es; but a silver pocketbook—a sort of cas-

e .

“Well. Leomeister confided to me that Goizo
had hidden it afresh. in one of the cubby-holes
of the re center-poles."

“ We 1?"

“ Well, sir. I was on my
to ’91; possession of it."

‘ For what purpose?"
“Tomkei overtoyou; since it struck me

way to the wagons

l

.    In ngfL A;

 

“ A word or two, if :

 

 

as evident that it wasn’t rightfully Conrad’s

property.”

“An excellent intention. But wh should
Leomeister have made a confldanto such an
honest man as you i”

The answer was the only one that did not fit
well with the apparent ingenuousness of Vin-
cent’s words and manner.

“ I really don’t know,” said he. “ That same
thing has occurer to me. But then Conrad
always has Sort of cottonod to me, though I
can’t say I admire him, in return. Besides not
being on the square, he blusters too much for
my taste.”

‘That will do, Vincent. Thanks for your
good intentions. By the way, have you a sister
named Nesta?”

The Gypsy man’s astonishment was no less
marked than the Gypsy girl’s.

. l
“Bless me. sir! know you ought of her?" he

exclaimed, his dark face lighting up. “ I had a

sister so named, but whether alive or dead I

have not known for years.”

b “ you have, then, long been separated from
er?

“ The little Nesta! Why, it is fifteen ears
since I left her with the tribe among the ’ork-
shire moors!—I killed a man—not a Gypsy—in
a prize-fight, and had to run for it. But it was
hard lines—that parting with the little Nesta.
I beseech you, Mr. Isaacs, not to keep me in the
dark, if you know alight of her!”

“ I will let you know to—morrow. Wait at a
moment. After Leomeister bad rap this
confidence in you. did he not intrust you with
yet anothery’s'ecret I”

“Nothing about his intention to carry off
Miss Zelda?”

“Not be! He wouldn’t have dared. But
what is this. sir? Has Miss Zelda come to fresh
misfortunes?”

“Let us hope not.” And Center-pole Jack
was forthwith sent on his way.

Before they could comment on what he had
said, Mr. Spczzi entered, to say that the up-

stairs prisoner had probably gone to bed, after I
’ disposmg of a hearty dinner that had been sent

up to her, and that Gaston was still on guard.

“ Well,” said Mr. Isaacs, who had imbibed
the detiils of Griplock’s plan, “arrange it be-
tween you so that she shall be guarded until,
say, midnight. After that, you can manage to
conveniently. slumber on your 't.”

Spezzi looked quickly from one to the other.

“ Aha!” said he; “is zat ze leetle game?”

Anod was his answer, and he took himself
off, with a lon 'ng look at the door communi-

cating with t e adjoinifig room, in which he
righty surmised that ‘ iss Kitty’ might be
sittin with her mother.

“ hat do you think of Vincent?” was Mr.
Isaacs’s first query when the two men were
once more alone.

“ He is a puzzle as yet,” said Griplock.
“We must wait—wait and sift, and consider,
an: compare.” And he arose, putting on his

a

“ Where are you going?”

“To see what has become of Leomeister and
Com ny.”

“ at is well. You know where they are
quartered?”

“ Yes; a rough little tavern on the mountain
machinist out of town. I shall ride.”

“ so, by all means. A livery stable is close
at hand. And you wish me to remain on the
watch, just as you advised?"

“ If on will do so.”

“ 1th all my heart. This infernal mystery
has got to be cleared u , cost what it may.
When shall I expect you k?”

“ In an hour, at the latest.” ‘

“ Good luck!

Griplock was soon cluttering through the
rainy streets in a hired bu , with a man to
drive, besides showin him 1; a way.

They reached the le Inn, their destination
in due season.

It was situated at a point where the town
highway was merg’ed into a wild rocky road,
at one do of whic , at the edge oi a steep, un-
protected embankment, a considerable water-
course, swollen by the rain, rushed away, tak-
ing its course toward the mountains. With great
fufiy and clamor.

_ut the detective reached the tavern only to
be informed that Leomeister had taken himself

10!! with his curiosities hours before, but in

what direction or with what intentions the land-
lord would not or could not say.

Griplock had expected as much, though wish-
ing to make certain of the fact.

‘ It is all ri ht," said he. climbing back into
the buggy. .“ t us return.”

The man who had driven him was a burl ,
powerful fellow, with his face almost who y
concealed by the high rubber-coat collar.

" Would you mind my going inside for a
drink, sir?” said he, touchin his glazed hat.

The detective assented. an took the lines as
the man got down placing one hand on the
horse’s crupper as hi did so.

Almost instantly after that, the animal, which
had been unobjectionable up to that point, he-
came little short of unmanageable.

By the time the jocke had returned from
visiting the tap-room, the orse was rearing and
plun ing in a dangerous way.

“ \ 'hat did you do to him?” called out the de-
tective angrily. “ He was all right till you put
your hand on him.”

“ I, sir?" said the man, taking him by the
bitti. “ Nothing at all. sir. He sometimes has
these fits. Loosen u a little, sir, while I kee
him by the head. I’ l cram ) the wagon round:
and be with you in a jiffy. y now, sir! It’s
‘ p0werful dangerous just. here.”

“ I should say it was. Be cautious, now.
Hold on, hold on! What are you doing?”

But it was too late. -

1 The horse’s head was suddenly let go at th
critical moment, while the pseudo—stableinan,
snatching the whip from its socket, cut the crea-
‘ tiire across the flanks.

Horse, vehicle and inmate disappeared down
i the bank, into the raging torrent.

CHAPTER XV.
IN THE roanam’s CLUTCH.

“ HA, ha, ha!” laughed a taunting voice—
Leomcister’s voice—as the catastrophe was
effected. “ Good-ui ht, Mr. Crimmins! perhaps
your renowned rip ock will save you now.”

Griplock hear and recognized it—recognized
how utterly his enemy, in the personality of the
sham driver, had again duped him—even as he
was being whirled away down the swollen
stream, amid the wreck of the vehicle, in the
darkness and the rain. ,

He was only conscious of the roar of the flood »‘.’
and the ficrce stru les of the swimming horse.

The buggy was oat. and he was still seated
in it, but with the water over his legs.

Presently, when be judged that he had been
carried thus for the greater part of a mile,
somethinglirushed his brow.

It was the wet foliage of an overhanging
bough.

Another touched him. He seized it, clutched
1 the connecting limb, swung himself free, and
L landed on a lowbank.

A li ht twinkled before his dazed eyes, and he
imself before the open door of a low but.

 

 

 

' found

‘ or cabin, from which the light was shining.

At the same instant he heard the horse efl’ect-
ing a landing somewhat IOWer down.

The but was empty, but with indications of
hu ving been but recently and hurriedly de-

serted.
A fire still glowed on the humble hearth, the

burning lamp had not long been trimmed and ,
a couple of lanterns had been knocked own .
from their hooas on the wall. . 
Availing himSelf of one of the latter, the :7;
dri ping efective, after a hasty examination _ ’

of is surroundings, set out to find the horse.

Be at last came ‘upon him,‘_ cefully crop- , ,.
ping the grass at the entrance a wild gorge , :‘
or ravine, after having freed himself from t e 
broken harness and convoyance. .

The detective petted the faithful animal,
which still exhibited undue fless ess.

 

This was found to be ca sed' . a chestnut -
burr still adher' to the uni l’s ii, under the
root of which it ad been de y insertéd just .
prior to the disaster. 3’:-

“ So, Mr. Licn-tamer, there is another debt in
the lon account to be settled  us," mut-
tered detective. “ But I am yet to find out
how you mans to deceive the liveryman, no
lam than my . ..

Having relieved th: animal. he waved the , =
lantern over his head, and critically examined ‘ *
his surroundings.

This he was the better enabled to do because 1 
of the sky having partly cleared. is;

He wasonanarrow strip of bottom land. on ‘
one side of which the mountain highway passed ,3“
at an elevati of twenty or thirty feet. 31'. I

A narrow cot-path barely discernible, slant- 7  ?
eddownthe road-la , acorner of the -*
meadow-strip. and disappeared into the ravine,
at whose entrance he was standlni , and one
side of which formed the bed of the furious
water-course. _" 

Something white, glimmering in the footpath, ., 5;,
caught his eye. ’ 

It proved to be a bit of cnmbric—probably of
a delicate handkerchief. «.7

Another, and yet another, appeared further

on. ..

He followed, picking them up as he proceeded, r' 

 he had been led “1:0 bthe ravilpe. . _
ere were many suc its, ups ~purposo-

ly strewed thus by some one WE?th been‘ hur-

ried along the th unwillingly. r

The fourth it that he picked up and ex- V
amined bore a man In. . 

In spite of its disco oration by the earth and 
rain, he deciphered it. .4...

It was an entire corner of the kercbief, and ~ ._ “
the woven letters intertwined were Z. W.,—
Zelda's own monogram.

How his heart beat as. all else forgotten, he
took up that strange and breathless quest!

The cambric bits guided him up the ravine
for a hundred yards, or more.

Then the suddenly ceased. The p00
handkerc of had doubtlem at last, been
boosted, and the dumb but intolllgent
string mat an end. .

 

 

 

 

81-
-

 

‘ l

E

- N'r‘rui vv--.sr\v-:tk .. -

W'lt“

433‘": .-

 - jg",

.._..a v...“
- v ,1;

am n vfiw...»

“gig-p.15, rug: ~

g .r
- .. . -\ f: 3 ~ wnl
av.» '33., ’~ uni“ ; —

 

' . “Who was

' midni t,

I bent?”
‘4 {an to save Zelda. In spite of her passion for

A. , get on without them.

 

sauce». Him... 1

£14. 

But no; a little further on an amber bead con-
tinued the trail, glittering brightly in the faint

th.
paZelda had often worn a necklace of such
beads

Snatching it up, he found another, and yet
another.

Still oblivious to aught else, he was pressin
merly on when an denly his lantern, whic

long flickered dubiously, went out alto-
gether, leaving him in impenetrable gloom.

His sober second thought asserted itself before
he could curse the incident as a piece of ill-for-
tune.

“ What a rash fool I am!” he thought. “ The
clew was in itself sufficient, without followin
it 13 in my present unprepared condition, an
wi all my preliminary engagements unfinish—
ed in my rear.”

He managed to retrace his steps to the com-
paratively lighted meadow-strip.

Returning the useless lantern to the but,
which was still found untenanted, he led the
hone u the bank to the highway, backed him
as best e might, and gave h in his own head to
find his Way stableward.
the man you ve me as a driVer
and a ids?” he asked of t liveryman.

The tter had drawn a long face at beholding
the condition of the animal, minus the buggy
and the best part of the harness.

“ He called himself Jones,” was the reply.
“ I never saw him before to-night but he seemed
up-and-up in horse-flesh; so 1 tool: him on for
trial without a recommend.”

“ Well, your indiscretion has cost youapretty
my,” said Griplock, paying the horse-hire he

agreed on.

An he then told as much of the trail-driver’s
treachery as it was well for him to know, and
left him to the bitterness of his private reflec-
tions.

Hurr in to the hotel, for it was now nearly
found Mr. Isaacs on the watch in
the lit e dining-room of the suite occupied by
his family.

The room, which was now darkened, had both,
a door and a small window looking out upon the
main corridor and stairway.

Griplock told his story and then asked the
show-master why he was sitti in the dark.

“ To watch the better,” was t e re‘plg, with a
motion toward the little window. ush and
wait!” Your prediction has been verified in

“Ha! has Mildred then, stolen up to make
Nesta’s acquaintancel”

“ Yes° fully ten minutes ago. Doubtless,

{heyy come creeping down together before
on .
“81 believe you. But I am still wet and
mndd . I must risk seeking my own room, at
the at or side of the hotel, tochange my clothes,
and make some otheuiétpreparations.”

The detective ac on this suggestion, and
returned in a sugarisingly short space of time.

“ Not down y i” he whispered.

“ Not at." 

.“ Kitty then told her sister about the Gypsy
girl and her ruse?" '

“Yes; and it was easyto see that Mildred
was just aching to communicate with her, and
perh be ofl’ with her.”

“ on have resolved to let her have her

“ Yes, anything to have her, vnawares, help

unworthy scoundrel, she can be trusted to

hold her own against Leomeister any day.”

“ It ma even cure her.” I p '

“ That what I am hoping for.”

“ This ex ition of mine may last for days,
rather than ours.” ' ‘

“ I am aware of that.
Zelcllanyou will have the recove
in, d, and the bringing o
assassin to justice.”

“As a matter of course. But, with Conrad I
and his curiosities, no less than Mildred, absent,

 

Besides rescuing
of thegcaskot
Vapdérpoer’s 1

how shall you manage?" ,
The show-master suppressed a small 11.
“ As best I can,” he si hcd, ’ “The s ow must
list: l‘

Two Ezceful figures, in watcrproofs, with the l
hoods wn, were coming softly down the l
staircase, one with a small portmantcuu in her

he .
I The latter was easily recognized as Mildred,
the other as Nesta. .

At the bottom of the steps they came to a
pause.

CHAPTER XVI.
ms: MOUNTAIN PATH.

“An, you’re hanging hack already,” the
G gir was overheard to whisper. “ I Was
sure hat you worn only boosting.”

“You are mistaken,” replied Milly.

ectly resolved to go with you.”

“ Then wh linger?”

“It is but or a moment. Should I pass these
roomswithout a temporary pause, or flutter?
M ts and my sister are dear to me.”

was then a softening in Nesta’s voice.
“Why go with i’ne then?” said she. “You

“Iam

 

The Circus Betecti've'.

“ I must go!”

“ But there is danger in it for you. Of course
I shall help you to maintain your secret, as I
have promised: but then Leomeister is hand-in-

love with Black Jago and others of our tribe.
hould he discover your identity, he might not
hesitate to take advantage of your loneliness.”

Mildred seemed to tremble and hesitate.

“ You will be there to aflord me your protec—
tion ” said she.

“To be sure, as far as it goes. But, though
the sovereign of my people in my brother’s
absence, they are wild and avaricious. Be-
sides—”

“ Why do you hesitate? Sag on, please.”

“ Besides, you are very han some, my: young
lady. Even your sister is no handsomer.”

‘ But Zelda is—or there are fools tothink so,
perhaps. I understand you, and will take my
chances.”

“ Leomeister is a scoundrel.”

“Don’t I know that?"

“ But, since you so hate Zelda, why not leave
her to her danger?”

Mildred was seen to clinch her handS.

“ To him!” she muttered, hoarsely. “ You
know not of what you speak. You can have

never loved.”
“Save in missing brother, perhaps I never
have. We ipsies are user women.’

“ Come; we must go.’

They moved along the corridor when Mildred
ran back to press her lips to her father’s door.

Then they were one.

The show-master s e es were listening.

“ A good girl. Mil y, thong a headstrong
one!” was his comment, as he opened the door,
and held out his hand to the detective. “Her
heart’s in the right place.”

“ Her safety, ’ said Griplock, “ shall be my
charge, no less than Zelda’s.”

He ressed the extended hand, and followed
after the young woman.

The skies had cleared, with plenty of star-
light, and the promise of a moon.

As the detective had surmised, the young
romen, being fitly attired, led him the chase on

oot.

It was a lon tram , but they seemed not to
inind it, and 1 him 'rectly to the door of the

ut.

It was occupied now.

The shadowing detective had just time to
make himself invisible, when the door opened in
res use to Nesta’s knock.

thick-set, low-sired, rather repulsive-look.

in man a , making a sort of obeisanoe.
esta an be exchanged words in the Zingari
ar n with which the detective was fortunate-

y amiliar.
Egow far did you accompany theml” she
as .

“ To the cross- ths, highnem.”
“ Then they ave reached

s
“ Doubtless, h hness.”

“ Has Conrad ollowed his troupel”

" Long ago, highness.”

“Did Black Gogo send back any word for

Dellsere

me?"

“None, hi hness.”

“That wil do. Give us lanterns.”

This was done, and the path was resumed.

As the young women disappeared into the
ravine, their shadower paused at its mouth to
examine a small dark-lantern which he had pro-
vided himself with.

it was suddenly dashed out of his hand.

He wheeled to confront and close with the
squat hut occupant, who had secretly tracked
him to the spot. 3

The fellow was prodigiouslyistrong, and no
mean wrestler.

Before the detective could dispose of him, an-
other man, tall, burly and powerful, sprung out
of the ravme. and also silently tackled him.

Griplock was a willing imitator of these silent
tactics, us a shout or outcry might have given
away the secret of his pursuit to the young W0-
men pussing on before.

For a moment or two the apparently unequal
struggle seemed wholly in favor of the odds. for
both the aesailants were exceptionally powerful
men, with 00d knowledge of wrestling.

Their Object seemed to be to disable rather
than destroy their victim.

For an instant success was apparently in their

as .

The detective, as if with the breath wholly
squeezed out of him, suddenly gasped, and then
hung limp nnd motionless.

Hardly, however, had the others relaxed their
efforts when he was once more a column of
buoyant steel, with an electric throb in every
fiber.” 0

Over went the dwarflsh ruliian, hurled over
the bank with the force of a catapult, alighting
on his head in the bed of the water-course with
stunnin force. _.

Then is tall and bulky confrere as suddenly
found himself in the h-crushing, anaconda-
clutch that had never yet failed of victory—the
famous gri lock, with its irresistible grapevine
twist, was Brought to bear. and away he like-
wise went, over the detective’s head, as if no
more than a man of straw.

 

:

But unlike the shorta- man, he recovered
from is: tumble and springing to his feet, dash-
ed 03! along the line of the highway, without a
wor .

“ Could that have been Center-pole Jack!”
said the detective to himself, while recovering
his lantern. “ But there is no time to run after
him now.”

Without paying any further attention to the
squat rufl‘lan. who was still lying apparentl in-
sensible at the ed of the water-course, rip-
lock hurried into t e ravine.

But the young women were now, he thought,
so far on their way that there would be little
chance of getting them in view again inside of
half an hour.

However, he threaded the faint path to the

int where he had picked up the last amber

.Other beads were found at intervals, and
picking them up as he proceeded, be con-
tinued to feel his way, as it were, along the

gorge.

But this of course was slow work while
doubtless the young women, under Nesta’s
(Experienced guidance, were sufliciently free of

oot.

But the path became more distinct as it wound
out of the ravine up among the mountains;
though at that point the beads were no longer
to be found, nor was there an other indica-
tion of the route over which lda had been,

taken.

But by this time he had collected about thirty
of the amber spheres, which he concluded were
enough to have made up the necklace which the
poor ‘rl had sacrificed.

Pu ing on with great rapidity, in orderto
make up for lost time, and with a newly—risen
menu to assist his passage, the detective now
made good progress.

Still, when he at last came to a place where
the single path forked into two, without any
signs of the young women, he paused in dis-
heartened embarrassment.

This place was most probably the cross-paths
the hut-owner had alluded to, in response to
Nesta’s queries.

But no other information had been vouch-
safed, and which of the new paths had the
maidens taken?

That was the nut to crack.

While the detective was puling over it, he
thought he heard the murmur of voices far off
along the path to the right.

Quickly following up the clew, he found, to
bis_great joy, that he was once more on the

The voices proved to be those of Nesta and
Mildred, who had halted in a wild nook beside
the th to rest.

nder the circumstances, the detective had no
hesitation in creeping within ear-shot.

Mildred had been making inquiries as to the
nature of Gypsy life, and now the conversation
was lea abstract.

“ You have not told me,” said she, “how it
is  Conrad is on such good terms with your
tri .

“ He is familiar with many of our tribes,”
said Nesta. “ I have know him or of him
since I was a little child among the English
moors.” .

“ But he is not a G .”

“ His mother was a urkish Gypsy, his father
a Bohemian wanderer and adventurer—a pro-
prietor of dancing bears and other performing
animals.”

" Would the fact of his mother having been
a Gypsy give him recognition among other Gyp-
sies anywhere?”

‘° Yes, to a certain degree. But then Conrad
mixed With our Bohemian brethren very much
in his youth, and he is familiar with our lan-
gua e, customs and ways.”

“ as he intimate with your own tribe in
England 'i"

‘“ Yes.”

“And with the brother, John Vincent from
whom you say you have been separa so
long?”

it Yes. ”

“ But when and how did Leomeister discover
the resent whereabouts of your band?”

. “ me weeks ago, when the show was head-
ing in this direction; but exactly how be dis-
Covered it I can’t sa . My cousin, Black Jago,
however, has kept ck of Conrad for years.
It might have been through him.” .

“Strange that he wouldn’t also have kept
track of your brother 1”

“ We had never heard of him as Center-pole
Jack, nor even as a circus man in this countr .”

“But Leomeister, knowiang him and having
known you, might have vised you of his
identity.” '

“ Conrad is a deep one, who never gives any-
thing away.” '

“But he once gave his best secret awa to
me; though, for that matter, I had him a an
unfair disadvantage.”

“ You sur rise me. How was that?”

Mildred en told the story of the mid-air
extracted secret, which seemed to amuse her
231)? compamon greatly, as she lauged long

 

4»

.4:

‘

its

v... .1.

“The i‘rcus Detective.

 

15

 

 

“ Still,” said she, “ the possession of the secret
seemed to do Conrad’s enemies no good.”

“ I never intended it for his enemies, but for
my own use against him and the girl. Now he
must despise me. Kitty wormed it out of me,
after flattering me on to obtain it for, presum-
abl my own advantage.”

“ That stands to reason. And the casket dis-
appeared yet again, you say, out of the search-
ers’ ver clutch ’

“ So have become aware.”

“How was its disappearance brought about
the second time?" O
“ go again, and perhaps again With Kalu-
lah’s be p, fancy.”

“ How did they work it?”

“ I can only tell by inference. Doubtless one
or both had crept amon the wagons to secure
it from the pole pocket, ut not in time to be
beforehand with the searchers. Then a trick
was resorted to. A slow-torpedo was set off
under the wagon just as Grlplock, the detective,
was beatin 1n the pocket with a stake-driver.
In the con usion that followed,’ the searchers
were again ioiled.”

“ Cleverly, too. Where is the casket now?”

“ How should I know, any more than you?
It is still Leomeister’s secret."

There was a pause, after which Nesta’s voice
was heard to sa :

“ I like that riplock; that is, if he is the one
who stood mostly at your father’s elbow when
they were all cross-examining me.”

‘ That was he, Judging from your description
8. short time ago.’

“ Well, I liked him. His eyes, which were
like those of a falcon, never once quitted my
face. He looked like a Romany man.”

“ He isn’t though. He’s a mystery. I hate
and fear that man!”

u  I

“ He 19 a born sleuth-hound. Something ad-
monishes me that he will cause Conrad’s rum.”
“ And yet you say he is Zelda’s lover?”
“ I believe they are eng
“ Then you 0 ht to ike him. He will
scarce] rest unti he has tom the girl out of
Conra ’3 power.”
“ But at the cost of Conrad’s safety-perhaps
of his very life!”
“ What! you think him responsible for that
assassination?”
“I think nothing. Don’t ask me. It makes
my flesh creep!”
‘ I thought you loved'Conrad.”
“ I adore him; I can’t hel it. ”
“ And at, to save his li e from the gibbet,
oild wp’ dam-render him to this infatuation for
a.
“ I—I didn’t say that exactly. Heavens! how
I hate that girl 1”
“Yet ou would ' him to her fascina-
tion rat er than risk his 'fe bypuiting the Cir-
cus betective on his track?”

“I tell you, Nesta, I didn’t say that. I don’t
know whether I would or no ”
“ I should know. ”
3 $3” 30 ou mean?” M kn
y, were in your , ou ow.
That is, sup ing that, I loved Gny lock—not
such a h task, either—as you pro ess to love

Conrad, and he chanced to be in Conrad’s
present position; infatuated with another girl,
you know, and she in his power.”

“ Ah! what then!”

Nesta’s eyes were seen to flash, her white
teethlto sparkle through the gloom.

“ What thenlv‘ Why, I..'would see him dead by
the to , the knife, the bullet, b slow torture—
ay, a oldA-rather than ose him for one
moment to a rival’s arms! That is the way I,
the Gypsy, would love. But come; we are suffi-
ciently rested.”

Nota s llable of the foregoing conversation
had been ost by the detective.

_ As the young women proceeded on their toll-
aome wa ,he flitted beth them as faithfully and
noise] y as their own shadows might have done.

As the gray of morning an to streak the
east, the path grew steeper an Wilder.

It seemed strange that such savage solitude;
could be found within but two or three miles of
thel e town at which the show was exhibit.
lug, 2:185 its populous outlying agricultural dis-
t‘r cts.

But this apparent anomaly is to be found
m where in our country.

ithin twenty-five miles of the mone. ed
heart of New York, west, north, 8&3le ew
Jersey, in Westchester county or in Long
Island, may be found many such forested or
mountain districts, as savage, solitary and
lonely as if never trodoen by the foot of man.
At last, when day had sufficiently broadened to
render the scenery passably distinct, the maid-
ens reached a natural gate of rock from which
“WW “Oped away a lovely dingle, among whose
trees the morn fires of a Gyps encampment
were beginning redden and to esp.

“ I am queen here—it is my domain,” said
Nesta- Comfi” And they descended.

The shadower was about to follow through the

ts, or 5 When an enormous rock, toppled
gm 51:070. mm? l:vay. b
Att 0m ewasponncedu n y
pglgantic GIN. swsrthier than aa lads:

\.

 

 

 

CHAPTER XVII.
THE nnmc'rrva’s COUNTERPLOT.

“ Srms and sneaks are at a discount here !”
growled the detective’s fresh assailant, whose
grippwas of iron. “ I am Black Jago; who are
you

Griplock’s answer was a blow between the
eyes.

This was enough of a staggerer to enable him
to secure something like a fair hold in the catch-
as-catch—can that had been sprung upon him so
unexpectedly.

Then was instituted such a wrestling bout as
was outside of even the Circus Detective’s ex-
perience.

In addition to being his superior in brute
strength, the giant was almost, if not quite, his
e ual in agility and dexterity.

hrice did the detective secure his terrible
griplock, though without the “ heeling ” accom—
paniment and as often was it broken.

Twice did the Grace—Roman bear’s hug of the
colossus almost strangle him, before being neu-
tralized by the swift ducking and back-wrench
that the detective knew so well how to execute.

At last, however, b a tremendous exhibition
of both strength an activity, the latter com-
bined his lock-twist with the shoulderin heave
that had thus far been found irresistib e, and,
with a final spontaneity of every bone, muscle,
pulse and sinew in his superb composition,

urled the giant over his head.

It was like a huge rock being hurled into the
air by a spouting geyser, over whose momentari-
ly uiescent vent it as been placed.

ut, instead of falling on his head and shoul.
der as it was strictly “ 00d form” for him to
do, Black J ago, by a mi -air twist, alighted up-
on his toes, where he spun around like a top.

Then he had again precipitated himself upon
the detective before the latter could fully recover
from the shock of his own exertion.

Teeth were set hard, brows knit, and the pal-
estrian contest was renewed with fresh earnest-
ness and fury.

" You’re t e toughest man I ever yet tackled,”
said the detective to himself. “ But I’m astayer,
and I will have Iyou ye .”

But the mate continued long in doubt, for
in addition to his superior muscularity and equal
deiterity, J ago was almost as much of a stayer

as e.

Almost, but not quite. ‘

At last the Gypsy‘s planted foot slipped on a
treacherous stone.

Swift as lightning the slip was taken advan- l

in the rip-twist tightened on the remain-
ing) eg, the s ouldering heave was simultaneous-
ly rought to bear; and then, thundering down
as the oak at the uprooti whirlwind’s wrench,
Black Jago was fairly on is back, both shoul—
der-blades down,| and with an iron knee on
either outstretched arm.

Though of treacherous instincts, by no men
on earth is su riority in athletic ursuits more
enthusiastica y appreciated than y those mys-
terious wanderers, the Gy ies.

Blown and defeated as e was, the prostrated
Ja looked up into his conqueror’s face, and
sm led his admiration.

“You’re the devil himself,” said he, in the

Gy jargon.

‘Plgiyot at all,” replied the other, in the same
tongue. “I am simply a good little man, and
so are you—the toughest, in fact, that I ever
tackled.

“ Who are you?”

“ Tom, surnamed Gri , Crimmins, the
accredited detective of

Isaacs’s Univer-
381 0‘50"“, Menagerie age Roman Hippo-
rome.

“ Gad! I’ve heard of-you before inwho hasn’t?
I’ll tell you what I’ll do with you.

“Are you-in a position to dictate?”

“ Of course not. But I’d like to make you a
proposition.” l.

“ Go on." ,

" You’ve worsted me fairly in wrestling. I’ll
spar you for the salt.”

This proposition—doubtlem unintelligible to
most readers—was perfectly understood by
Griplock Crimmins.

To fight for and win anexchan e of salt—i. a,
the representative of general ospitality—is,
among the older Zingari traditions, an equiva-
lent to immunity from ill-acts and ill—Wis on
the part of the efeated man forever therea ter,
no matter if the victor may have theretofore been
his hereditar foe.

The detective’s instant answer to the proposi-
tion was made in action, not in words.

He sprung li htly to his feet, and threw him-
self jnto a pu ' istic attitude.

His adversary followed suit.

The boxing at once began.

It lasted twenty minu

At _the end of that period Griplock was lead-
ing his antagonist to a brooklet not far distant,
for Black J ago’s eyes were bullged nearly shut-
and, bein no longer able to see to fight, he had
reluctant y, in the figurative language of the
prise-ring thrown up the spogge.

Grlploc ’s face also betray substantial me-
mentoes of his adversary’s handiwork, for it
had been a hard-fought battle, but, compara-

s ‘ .

,l, “f”

 

tively speaking, he was little the worse for his
encounter.

Arriving at the brook, he assisted the Gypsy
in caring for his injuries, and looked after his

own.

In half an hour Jago had so reduced the
swelling about his eyes as to be able to look out
of them.

As he did so the keen. jet-black pupils sparkled
with nothing but ood-humored reSl tion.

He took from is pouch a smal wallet con-
taining some coarse—grained salt, and tendered
it, open, to the detective.

The latter took a pinch; so did the Gypsy.

Then, after touchlng knuckles with each other
each tasted and swallowed his salt.

“You’re secure enou h here,” then said Jago,
rising. “ Wait for me. ’ And he strode away.

He _returned in the course of 1313:8811. hollllr,
carr g some provxslons in a paper in us
han , and a bundle under his arm.

The contents of the former he spread before
the detective; the latter he flung at his feet.

“ We have eaten salt together, and I shall do
my part ” said he. “ Move among our tents as
you ' . I shall not deter you; but neither
shall I help you. come what may.”

With that he once more strode away.

The detective breakfasted upon the victuals,
which, though by no means choice, he ate With
a fiood appetite.

e then investigated the bundle.

It contained a hat, coat, waistcoat, knee-
breeches and leather leggings, a rough and ser-
viceable costume much affected to the present
day by Gypsy horsetraders and old-country
stablemen.

Moreover, it was pretty accurawa his flt.

To invest himself with this rig, and stow away
his discarded outer garments in a convenient
hollow tree not far away, was the work of but a
few moments.

The detective then proceeded to stain his face,
neck and hands with a preparation of walnut-
juice that he , besides making certain
other disguising alterations in his eyebrows,
mustache and mouth-comers that be well under-
stood, with a clear pool of the little brook for a
toiletrmirl‘or.

result was such a transformation in his
external personality that Zelda herself, even
with the quick detection of love’s eyes. would
hardly have known him.

Having finished these preparatiOlfi the de-
tective cut himself a stout staff, a passing
through the rocky gate, walked down into .the
G encampment with a half-swaggennE:l
hal -hang-dog air that was in true keeping wi
ma ed Chariwttfir' G Ice in l

ma'ority o e y ma , cn
Black J J 0, having flnishmheir morning 31%
were gat ered around a sort of inclosure where
several of their number ware breaking-in some
unruly colts.

Dlsrgardin their lowe ' and inquisitive
looks, ri oc passeddirectytothelaggmt
tent in t camp at the doorokwhich estl.
was sitting, with imam and an evil-looking
old G pay at her side. .

“ ou are the queen, he said, simply, and
with a rude obeisance. ,‘ Hail!”

She looked at him in surprise, for he spoke in
the most approved Romany jargon, but with a
marked foreign accent.

:‘ Yougre a Zingarinoi” n
s ' ‘1
“ Of what country i” ,u

“ s in, by birth, but lastly from France."

he an to to her in Castilian. .

She repli with iiflculty, and then, with:
 gesture, bade him addmm he in

n ls .

‘FA pretty Zingarina, you!” safi' he half-
wnwmptuomly. “ A tribe queen should know

more.
She colored, in part, but not altogether

rll .
1m‘iEWI’lat more should I know, then?” she do
“ flied. h to ' ti ' Rana-y
ve c arac ms 0 in our
ngue rou hout theworld. Soshouldeves'y
ingarino an Zingarina. Then our wandelm
would be a wide-spread brotherhood, with in-

fluence; now they are ragged bands, detached - 

v ants, despised nomads.
threatening murmur, from the G

who had by this time collected near the ,
was altogether unheeded. .

Nesta’s lip curled. but at the same time she
was not greatly displeased.

She was more tpicturesquely attired than when
the detective be last seen her, a red cloak and

scarlet hood, or sort of turban, displaying her ~

dark comeliness impressively.

“ A book-Gypsy! she said, with aflected dis-
da‘infi“ A Romany schoolmanl”

. “ a Zingarina, respect the sign!" ‘
Egg exhibigd a ring, the sight of
caused a startled kick to come Into her
while the men, including Black Jago, fell
astep or twoinaspocies of dismay. .

It was on the third finger of his right had,
and was parently but. of copper—a _ ve
w, .5 engraved with m

J '\

£21m your fathommg,” wasthe stern '

i)

mug an opal in roughngseetflng;  

..-_....._..4.a_.‘ _. *)- . __ .

swan...~— ~—

 

, 16 The O1rcus Detective.   ' ‘ ' i  ;_ “

i h u ~

might have been a sultan’s Signet from the i Leomeister was in a white rage. .
“ You lie again!” he roared.

i effect that was produced.
1' He shook his herculean form, as if for an en-

 

“ Zingarino, what is your name?" Nesta ask-
ed, abruptly.

“The Emblem!” muttered Nesta, with a! “John Perez,” said the detective, promptly,

- .rra--~ —~

«a.

L‘ I

K

.r s

r g
p .

i :
911:. ‘
 f,
t

 

"‘1‘ $31? ‘, v’

ca

 

troubled look. “ Zingarino from Spain—’

“ From France lastly, if you )lease.”

“ Zingarino from France, w y do you visit !
our tribe?”

“Dismiss this crew, and you may be per-f
mitted to know.” He made a contemptuous ,
gesture, and at an added sign from her, the men ?
began to disperse. “ All but that one!” and he
in icatcd Black Jago.
Yes. Let him remain."

Black Jago accordingly lingered, regarding
his late adversary, whom he had recognized ‘
solely by the garments, with mingled respect ‘
and perplexity.

“ The two at your side can likewise remain,”
said the detective.

Mildred looked interested, but the old woman
burst into a cackling, eldritch Screech.

“Now,” said the disguised detective, coolly.
“ I will vouchsafe to explain myself to your—-
queenship.”

“Whom does our pretended business con-
cern?” demanded esta, reddening afresh.

The answer was an unexpected one, tosay
the least.

“ Zelda Vanderpoer, and the foreign rewards
that are oflered for her identification.”

“He is of thy family? 1

 

CHAPTER XVIII.
A FRENCH ADVERTISEMENT.

THERE was a general catching of breaths,
and the old hag leaned forward With glistening J
eyes, her bony fingers hooked like the talons of a
bird of prey. l

The word “rewards ” had'touched her avari-
cious nature to the quick.

“What mean you?”
Nesta.

“ In the first place, confess to me. that the girl
alluded'to is here in your encampment." ;

Mildred looked doubly interosted, while Nesta [
exchanged a swift look with J ago. ,,

"While the meme tary hesitation lasted, the
disguised detective fted the magic ring, as it ;
might be called, andhturning it slowly in differ- P
ent lights, seemed to be reading some mysteri-
ous meani 'in its opal setting. 44 I

The efl'et: of this action was instantanébus.

I “ The cgirl is here,” said Nesta. hastily. ’“ She ‘.
I

 

at length demanded,

is sleepi in yonder tent.”

She in icated at the further side of the en-
campment, before the door of which Griplock I
now for the first time perceived Leomeister’si
performin bear fast asleep at the foot of his 1
stake, wit his feet in the air. 'r

“So ” said the detective, in a harsh voice.
“ lnw ose s in] custody is the young girl.”

“ My gran mother here,” said Nesta, laying
her hand on the hag’s shoulder, “looks after
Zelda’s safety.” "

Another cackling screech fr m the beldame.

“ g, ay'!” she croaked; “the bird is mine,”
' -- , a clawing gesture—“and she’ll remain
mine‘while there s' gold iii ’hor feathers.”

’ “ Silence the witch, or drown her!” said the

detective,1 harshly. “I am not here to hear

owls screech or jackals elp. There‘s truth for
ll th _ ,in whats esays.”

‘ What mean you, sir?” asked Nesta.

“ Listen.”

He took from his pocket a Parisian news-
paper, the F‘igaro, from which he roceeded to
gaggle“ alou'd anaviivertisement o considerable

n . , V V,

“In: an inquiry for one Genevieve de Ville-

 

' , h . to the Ma uis de Villemessant,
recentl d The r had been carried to
the coon of French uiana in her! infancy
b her In er a disreputable younger brother

he marquis, and was now, if alive, sole
heiress to the latter’s magnificent estates. But,
while the father was known to have died at
Cayenne, the child had mysteriously dilap-

“Is .Zelda the child' advertised for?” asked
Nesta in astonishment.
~ -“I to prove that she is,” was the col-

“flow 3311 you rove it?” ’

" That is my b noes, not your: -at present.”

“ At present! What do you mean by that?"

“That your whole tribe ma be concerned in
the ‘ fin—interested in the gii-l, I mean.”

“ on’tfiou explain?”

“ Yes. tribe stole the child directly after
her father’s oath, and carried her to Algiers.
There'she passed into Show-master Vanda r’s

. Let these fact: but be prov , and
. our fortunes—the fortunes of our Romany tribes

-—are secured.”

“ In what wa i”

“ By selling girl and her roofs to the next
of kin,’who are hungering for e proofs—of her

d A '
e732; hag uttered another screoch, this time an
r one.
My share 1” she yelled. “ Share and share

alike!
Black Jago’l eyes had listened at the in-
human tlon, while sate had remained

 

, ; ut Mildred to Gri lock's secret
“Width, secured troubled and ndlgnant.

thou h almost thrown oii.’ his guard.

“ ell, Amigo Perez,” she continued, “we
shall have to consult over what you have said.
There is yet another interested.”

“ What other?”

She nodded indicatively, for Leomeister, fol-
lowed by Gogo, now came out of one of the
smaller tents, yawning and stretching himself, as
if newly risen from a long slumber.

But he at once perceived the group before

3 Nesta‘s lodge, and strode up to it, knitting his

brows.

“ Stranger in the camp?" said be,
up?”

Nesta merely nodded.

“ Zingarinoi” (Is he a Gypsy?) asked the self-
styled Perez, indiii‘erently.

“No: but that other who is interested,”re-
plied Nesta.

And he eyed the new-comer with an
irritatin stare.

-‘Gogo ad aused a short distance off, where
he was wri :1 ing eis lon neck, running out his
tongue, an basking in t l8 warm sunshine.

Leomeister was mostly brutal with those
whom be regarded as his inferiors. '

“ What is up, I asked?” he repeated, eying'
them severally, but the detective especially with
no friendly looks. “ Why am I not answered?”

Nesta looked inquirineg at the detective.

“ Tell him, if you choose,” said the latter,
shrugging his shoulders, “ but, of course, not be-
ing one of us, he would not share.”

“No, no!” screcched the grandmother, shak-
ing her elf-locks. "A Romany deal! Only
Gry isies share.”

Nesta accordingly stated, in brief, the proposi-
tion that had been made.

Conrad here for the first time perceived Milly,
who had shrunk back at his approach. He
frowned at first, and then nodded forgivingly.
The cause of her pre-cnce be easily divmed and
it'tvas not to be forgotten that Milly was a
very pretty young woman.

But the proposition, as recited by Nesta, filled
him with mingled astonishment and consterna-
ticn.

“ This is a trick, a lie l” he exclaimed. “ This
man,” turning menacingly to the unmoved de-
tective, “ is a fraud who is deceivingxyou!”

“ How do you know that?” asked esta.

“ Know it? thy, Here, let
me read for mysel .”

And he snatched the newspaper, which the
pseudo John Perez had still retained in his

and. '

“ The advertisement is genuine enough,” said
he quickly mastering the marked paragraph.
“he has not deceived you in that. But it is
impossible that the Villemessant heiress referred
to can be Zelda.”

Griplock coolly repossessed himself of the

pa r.

A)? Why impossible?" said he. ,

“ Because—because, though Zelda is really a
missing French heiress, her real name is not
Villemessant, and she cannot be the one adver-
tised for.”

“ You said you could prove it.”

“ it is in my power to do so.”

“3°31... .

“ y n pers in my possess on, papers
provin conclusively Zelda’s real name, parent-
age an prespective fortune.”

“ Produce them.” ' ~‘

“I’ll see you hanged ’ilrst! The girl and her

n

fate are in m g.
T gged his" shoulders, and

he d vs 3
smiled.

Had the casket been produced, he would have
seized and held it a inst any oddsthen and
there: but he had ha no idea that Leomeister
would even exhibit such a treasure.

“What a mouthing booster, m friends. this
fellow is making of himself!” sai be, to Nesta
and Black Jago. “He offers certain proofs,
and then withholds them—for the excellent rea-
son that they do not exist. I offer to verify my
proofs, and also to share with you in the re-
wards which he would appro riate alone, be-
sides keeping the heiress for imself. Judge

“What is

I can prove it!

' between us.”

“That‘s the lin o!” croaked the bag once
mote. “Shaman share alike!”

“ The stran cr is fairer spoken than you are,
Conrad,” sai Nesta. “There is no denying
that.

“ That is true,” said Black Jago.

“ But how does he oifer to prove his story?”
demanded Conrad. .

“ By priv ate converse with Zelda herself.”

“ I won’t hear-of it! His story is a fraud in

its application. The advertisement cannot ale
Lucile to Zelda. It is impossible. I know it to
so

“ Produce your papers, then,” said the detec-
tive. tauntingly.

“ I shall not. ’

“ Because they do not exist.”

“ You're a liar! The papers are too valuable
to be exhibited here."

“ In other words, their proved worthleamess
would lose you ypur power fiver the girl.” '

 

counter. and advanced menacingly, when Black
J ago laid a warning hand on his arm.

" Don’t try it on, said the latter. “ Look at
my hammered face and eyes. That fellow’s
handiwork, after first throwing me fairly—me,
you understand!”

But the lion-tamer evidently thought himself
more than a match for even the colossal Gypsy.

He tried to shake off the detaining hand.

he detective had restrainrd himself With
di culty. A physical victory over Conrad
would be too likely to ‘ give away ’ his identity.

“ Do not interfere, Jago," said be, quiet y.
“ I shall accommodate the blusterer when the
time comes. In the mean time, I demand my
interview with the young girl. If she proves to
be the Villemessant heir. ss advertised for, she is
ours; if not, Gypsy interest in her is at an end.
Isn’t that fair.’

“ Yes, it is,” said Black Jago.

“You shall have the interview, Perez.” said
Nesta, decisively. “ Merka, see if the maiden is
risen from her slumber.”

The Gypsy grandmother eagerly hobbled
awa .

Leyomeister would have still resisted the de«
mand, but that he did not venture to antagonize
the entire band, whose cupidity he Well knew.

Besides, at this moment Mildred, pale and be—
seechingly attractive, went to him and took his

hand.

Still followed by Gogo, he allowed her to lead
him away, but with a jealous glance over and
anon directed toward Zelda’s tent.

Merka, as the old woman had been called,
presently returned, saying that Zelda was awake,
and willing to receive the stranger.

CHAPTER XIX.
A LOVERS’ MEETING.

“ WAIT,” said Nesta, as the disguised Griplock
was eagerly starting away. Zingarino Perez, I
shall conduct you.”

There was an odd look in her tone and manner
that was puzzling, to say the least. t'

She led him to the tent, but paused outside of
it.

“ Your interview with the beautiful Zelda,
Zingarino Perez,” said she, with a peculiar smil 'i
“shall be strictly private. I give you my wo

 

for it.”
“ Thank you. It stands to reason that‘such is
mydesire. You are kind to insure nun-against

intrusion, though.” n
v-He was about to enter thetent, but she again
detained him, this time by takin his hand.

He felt that hers trembled as s e did so.

“ There is one thing more ere you enter there,”
said she.

“ What is it?“

She no longer smiled, but blushed,
however, growing set-lip stern

“I would warn you.”

“Warn me?”

H Yes.”

“ Whatagainét’i” ,

“ . .gainst overdoing l ” a

She gave a little hard u , grip his hand
tighter, as if to keep him , then ung it away
from her, and retreated.

Considerany mystified, and not a little un-
eas , Griplock entered the tent.

Zyelda. pale and mm}; but still refreshed-

instantly,

looking, as if after a so was seated on a
sort of rude divan, while Kai was just finish-
in dressing her hair for her. ‘

She looked up angrily, and then lowued her
eyes with a disappo ii iii h. it

The new-comer waited the Girl-Fish had
been dismissed. '

Then, making sure that both up and saves-
dropping were impossible, he too a seat by the
fair captive’s side, and—kissed her. _

She recoiled in amazement and indignation,
then caught her breath, looked a in, and, with
a low. joyous exclamation me] on his breast.

“ Ah, it is you. you at last!” she murmured
between her fallin: tears. “ I felt you would
come, I knew it, and yet it is like a dream now

that you are here.”
“ My love, my life! But enough of this. At
beerved. Let an speak

any instant we ma be 0
low. and be watch ul—cautious!"

He had released her, after the one delirium
embrace, but still retained her hand.

“ How came you here? Tell me everything!”
were her next words.

“ No, dearest: there is no time for that,” said
he, earnestly. “ And, as the trick is explained
by which Conrad succeeled in bringing you
here. I must for-ego even the recital of“ your own
hardships and adventures for the present. The
situation in hand is enough to occuny us.”

“ You are here in what assumed character?"
asked Zelda. at once entering into the busineu
aspect of the affair with her accustomed quick-

ness.

“ As that of John Perez, a Zingarino, or Span-
ish vasy from abroad."

“The momentous stranger that tin old hag
just hinted of to me?”

u  9’

“ What is this strange story about my baa;

 

 

7‘
, l
I.
_ X
k
i
EN,
, .2
, t ,,

 

 

 

'l
t.
a
.

 

. .;;,v

 v    "TheiCirous Detective. "

'7

 

 

the inquired-for heiress of some great French
estate?‘

“ A fabrication."

“ What?”

“ Entirely so.”

“ But pom' Papa Vanderpoer used to hint of
such high fortune in store for me.”

“ He was right. The papers for which he was
murdered—now in Leomeister‘s pissession—will
prove that, if we ever get them back.”

“ Ah! so he tells me.”

“ I knew he would.”

“ But this other estate?”

“Likewise a reality, without a doubt, but in
no wise concerning you.”

“ I don’t understand.”

“ You shall, and at once. I came upon the
French advertisement b accident yesterday.
The newspaper was on t ie hotel reading-room
table. I saw how it could be made to suit my
pur at sometime or other, and I appropriat—
ed i . That is all.”

“ How clever you are!"

“ Not so clever as I seem. The inquiry sceni-
ed in many ways to fit your case, and I availed
m self of the accidental resemblance."

‘ But you have never seen the real papers
bearing upon my real name and parentage?y

“ Never.” ,,

“ Nor I, as a matter of co rse. Then how
can you be certain that I am got the heiress in
the n'esent instance?”

“ l3ecauso you Were never in'Cayennc.”

“ That is true."

“ Because, moreover, you never could have
had such exact antecedents as are described in
the Villemessant advertiSenient. Here; let me
read it to you.”

He did so, in the original, Zelda understand-
ing French as well as he.

“ Ah, no! that cannot be meant for me,” was
her comment at the close. “ Poor girl! who
and where can she be?"

“Poor yourself, rather!” said her lover. “ The
Villemessaut h 'ress is at least being looked for
by her uncle’s executors, while you are as yet
nameless, and Will have to enforce your rights
when they and your name are made known.”

“True!” and the gentle sadness returned to
her face.

“ But, in order to reach that end, you must
retend to be convinced that you are the Vil-’
emessant heiress.”

She opened her eyes.

“ Yes, that is just it,” and he went on to ex-
plain: “ After you have resigned your cause
trustingly into our hands—the Gypsies‘ hands,
you understand—we are to sell you out to cer-
tain wicked ones, the next of kin, who are eager
for your death, that they may succeed to the
ma uis’s estate.”

“ h! that accounts for old Merka’s sudden
o uiousness a few minutes ago.”

if xactly. Gy .ies are money-hawks the
world over, and ion heiresses are their
cial . "Now do you comprehend my plot?”

es

“ And will second me?”

“Certainly. Only the benefits of the decep-

n are not clear to me. ”,

“ I will make them ‘clearer. In the first
place, Leomeister will be compelled to surrender
you into my keeping.”

“ Heaven speed the deception.” ‘

“In the next place he will resist, though in
vain; but there will delay. During that do
lay, you must dissimulate, and help meto secure
the stolen casket.”

frAhl only instruct me. I shall do in best.”

"I know it. Zelda, the da that I sha carry

you back to Mr. Isaacs‘s pro tion, with those

ous pa rs in our on, will be the
Joyous tn ng point of your life. Your enw
mics will have melted away—Leomeister, the
chief one, let us hope, to meet a. murderer’s
doom. You will be rich, loftily-named, hon-
ored, with the wide, beautiful earth before you
where to choose!”

She c i her hands.

“Ah but only with you,” she murmured,
caressing his arm. “No wealth, no name, no
honor, without you to share them. On other
terms I would not take them, even as Fate’s
forcedgifti"

He mastered an impulse to clasp her to his
heaiit, but his eyes were soft.

“ t would not be {ust or fair,” said be, rather as
if speakin to himse f. “ Heaven on] known how

sionatc I love you. my been ul one! and

t is none t less true that I deemed you poor

and friendless—a waif of adventure, like myself

—when I first met and won on in these western

wilds. But it would not fair; I, a rou h,

rude man, little more than an adventurer sti —
you so young, so love] —”

“ She threw herself to his arms, and stopped
his words with kisses.

“ As you love me, never hint of a possible dis-
parity again!” she murmured. ‘ What are
those words of Ruth’s in the sweet Bible mi
‘ Where thou goest I shall go. where thou well-
est I shall dwell. Th country shall be my
country, thy God she be my God.’ At al
events, we part no more. Now instruct me in
the w I must play.”

=“ onwillhaveto be governed bycircum-
I

r,

 

stances and your natural shrewdness in second—
ing me. First, tell me if Conrad has hinted to
you the nature of the casket’s contents.”

“Just hinted, that was all. You must re-
member that he has not had time for more.”

“ What did he say, and when did he say it?”

“ it was when he was first carrying me off on
Black Sultan through the storm.’

“ “'hzit Were his words .7”

“These, as well as I can recall them: ‘ Strug-
gle no longer, for your life, your name, your
fortune are henceforth in my power. I alone
possess their master-key, now that your adop—
tive fa ther is no more. Consent to be my bride
and you shall be rich, titled, honored, with the
world of fashion and pleasure at your feet;
deny me, and you forever remain the beggarly
circus-rider that you are, without so much as a
ri htful name of your own.’ ”

he detective ground his teeth.

“Goon,” said h .

"‘ That was all. hortly after that we met a
man and Woman in a lovely mountain road.
They were on horseback, and looked like Gypsies.
The man was a giant, the woman much younger
and handsome. She changed places with me,
and I was brought here.”

“ The woman was Nesta, the princess of these
wanderers; the giant, Black Jago, her cousin.
Go on.”

“ The giant brought me to this camp late last
evening. 1 was placed here in charge of old
Merka. The plot to carry me 011' must have
long been under way, for she seemed expecting
me. She gave me food, dry garments, and tried
to persuade me to lie down, but 1 would not.
Much later in the night, Gogo, Kalulah and the
bear reached the encampment. The girl was
allotted to attend and keep Inc company. She
steadfastly refused to give me any inkling of
Conrad’s intentions, but otherwise was not in-
solent or disagreeable. After that I got a good
night‘s rest. That is all. I do not know if
Leomeister is here. I have not seen him since he
gave me in charge of Black Jago, as you call
him, and took Nesta in my place before him on
Black Sultan.”

“ Leonmcister must arrived some time during
the night,” said Gri )lock. “ Listen; for I see
that you must be tokl of my own adventures up
to this hour, in order that you may thoroughly
understand the present situation. But first
pray eulizhten me on one point.”

“ What is it?” '

“ What did you mean by those words. ‘ Save
me! he is carryiu me 011' to the mountains,’
when you last caug t sight of Spezzi and me to-

other?"

“ Kitty and Milly were there, too."

“ Yes they were.”

“ We] , my dressing-room had just collapsed,
and I was fainting with fright when Conrad
suddenly burst into my‘presence on Black Sul-
tan, and snatched me upe before him. He was
greatly excited, and mut red something about
hearing me away to the mountains. After that,
eve ing passcd like a dream.” 

“ ll‘s explained now on your rt,” said‘ the
detectigg; and he forthwith told is own story.

“ W1 ‘ would think that you could pass
through such trials, not only alive, but also un-
harmed?" she exclaimed, when he had finished.
“ Now tell me what I am to do."

“ You remember something of your life in
Algie don‘t you?”

‘ A l ttle, but that little with considerable dis-
timtness."

“ Well, you must pretend to remember fur-
ther back than Algiers—say, back to some other
tropical rt that might have been Cayenne, in
French uiana, you 'now.”

“ Wait a minute.”

She knit her brows, as if in a vague, reminis-
cent effort.

“You are to pretend this,” continued her
lover, “ merely in order to keep up the Villew
sent fiction.”

“ I understand that- but wait.”

“ Wait for what? Cf course, you never were
at Cayenne?”
“ I an pose not, of course. But then I was at

some ot er tropical place prior to Al ers—yes,
end with another man besides papa (1 meme.
Plfiuchez, too. Wailt‘!” M h sh

e was g at er perplexed] . ig t e
be the Vii emessant heiress, after¥ all? No, it
seemed too fantastic to be pOSSlble.

Her brow cleared, and she she-.k her head.

“It is no use trying,” said she. “ I can’t fix
that previous tropical port and that other man
in my memory, thou'vh they are still dustily
ticketed away in one 0 its crannies somewhere.
No; it‘s no use trying. Still, this will let me
out of directly helping a falsehood.”

“ What do you mean?”

“ Why. I can bring forward what I may re-
member of my ante-Algerian life, so to speak,
and let that pass as applying to Cayenne.”

“ Excellent! Well, the next item in your in-
structions is for you to keep your pretty eyes
peeled for the whereabouts of t e missing
casket.”

“ Ah, I shall do that. But it must needsbo a
deep cunning that will get ahead of Gogo and
his master.”

Griplock was now about to propose that/the

 

interview terminate, lest undue suspicions
should be excited by its length, when scuffling
feet and loud voices were heard approaching.

They both stepped to the entrance.

Leomeister, furious with rage, was desirous
of interrupting the interview, while both Mil-
dred and Black Jago were eudeavoring to re
strain him.

Nesta, statuesquely severe, and old Merka
were near at hand, while Coco, Kalulah, Pur-
ring Pedro and a mob of Gipsy young men
and women were grinningly looking on.

“The girl is in my charge," cried Conrad,
“ and she shall not be tampered with."

“ That depends,” said Nesta, coldly. “If we
conclude to take the young girl under our pro-
tection, there will be no further need of yours.”

CHAPTER XX.
MAN AGAINST BEAR.

CONRAD turned upon the Gypsy princess like
a wolf being robbed of his pre , but her calmly
contemptuous manner uiete( him even more
than Black Jago’s )ower ul restraining hand.

Besides, just at t at moment he caught sight
of Zelda and the pseudo Perez at the tent en-
trance.

So did Nesta, and the peculiar look that Grip—
lock had noticed once before came over her
face.

“ I brought her here!” continued the lion-
tanier. though a little less furiously. “Sheis
mine!”

“ As I said before,” repeated Nesta, “ that
de inds.”

elda suddenly stepped before them, an angry
color in her checks that enhanced her delicate
beauty amazingly.

“ is it of me that you dare to speak in this
tone of Ownership?” s e demanded, confronting
her abductor. “ infamous, cowardly scoundrel!
If I am reduced to the extremity of placing my—
self under ‘ any one’s protection, rest assured
that it shall not be under yours.”

Recovering his self-control, Conrad shrug ed
his mighty shoulders, as much as to say. “ t
cannyou help yourself, my dear? Well, we shall
see

“Scoundrel!” shw continued, disdainfully: in-
fin' ely sooner Would I trust my future to these
Gypsy wanderers than to thee. Mildred Isaacs,
how can you touch that ruilianly hand? [be-
lieve there is blood on it—m foster-father’s
blood! As God is my witness, believe he mur-
dered Mr. Enos Vanderpoer!”

She was magnificently lovely in delivering
this terrible accusation.

Leomeister had grewn livid, but he was once
more complete master of himself. -

“ Wild and injurious words, Zelda i” said he,
in a low voice. “ Mere ravings, else they might
cause you trouble.”

Milly had suddenly dropped his hand, and
now, when she would have taken it again, he
rudely cast off her touch.

The detective gravely advanced.

Zelda could not have seconded his plot more
effectively than b her impulsive words and
action, had she deli rater tried, but she might
go too far.

“ You say,” said be addressing himself in a
business-like way to Nesta, “ that his claim of
guai'diamhip over this young woman depends.”

Nesta nodded.

“ Depends upon what?" continued Griplock.

“ 11 whether or not she has satisfied you
thug: is the French heiress in question.”

“ 9 has satisfied me on that point. I have
cross-examined her carefully. Her memory of
her childhood is somewhat v e, but still dil-

tinct eno h to establish her dentification be-
fore a con of law, in France or elsewhere.”
Leonie r burst into a derisive laugh, which

was one the less somewhat forced. ,
“ ear me my friends,” cried the detective.
addressing the Gypsies collectively. “m

young girl is the missing heimsstothe estates '

of the Marquis Pierre Charles de Villemesant,

recently deceased in Marseilles. A i: re-
ward is offered for her di and use.-
tion by the executors of the 1 will and tests-

ment, by which she inherits immense
I represent the next of kin after her. of-
fer yet greater rewards on their own account

for this girl’s identification, though naturally

enou h more interested to know that she is
than h t she is alive. In either ewnt,”this

with an asumption of hypocritical mystery, -

“ I aim to secure the roflered rewards for your
tribe and mine, for am a Gypsy, like your-
11

selves. Itherefcre tender her our Iyin-omctio "
and guardianship from this time fort untilsha ,
either comes to her own, or the mysterious

Destroyer shall overtake her in his own
time. Have I your sanction? Will your tribe
share the trust with mine?”
There was a roar of consent high over which
tZriuucg. the jubilation of old Merlin, dear and dia-
in

“There’s gold in the girl, gold in her!”
cackled the witch, executing a sort of hobb
dune: around Zelda. “Hurrah! hurrah! she
ours.

“We aces t the trust.”de Nesta “provided
Zelda makeupno ob on.” ,

Zelda bowed her

i

. a

.

i

y

.
Q

 

’.
k

«is v_ ‘

New... oumv a.» '— . -‘N—fi‘omn-"->

r.— Am‘

v a: <.-ra~}&.w-kw<~m.ww.m 49;...“ ‘1' -

‘ If“.

u....wmo...~‘ ‘MW‘ ' ' u

...v >

$18  .4

At a sign from the detective, Nesta called to
Mildred, who came to her side.

“ Miss Isaacs,” said she, with a meaning look,
“I wish you to share Miss Vanderpoers tent
with her, if you desire to tarry with our band.”

Mildred hesitated. Her interview with the
; lion—tamer had evidently given her but little
9 a, satisfaction.

i Then she slowly went over to Zelda, who,

'. knowing nothing of her unreasonable jealousy,

‘ erly caught her hand.

‘_ ut at this point Leomeister could contain

' I himself no longer.

,, , He again burst into his derisive lau h.

“ This is the depth of bad faith bu you will

{, . find the tables turned on you,” e cried. “I

" have already bargained with you Gypsies for

P ' your assistance With the girl.”

' “ There are others who may bargain better,”

i said Nesta, coldly.

2 “ But you will find yourselves sold—ludicrous-
ly sold!” he persisted. “That girl is no more
the sought-for heiress you take her for than the

‘~ most ragged, fortune-telling wench in your

3  - band.”

~ ; “ Prove the contra ,” said Nesta.

1-; “ Ayz let him do t at,” interposed the detec-

 tive. ‘ Let him reduce the papers that he

‘ .’ vaunts and I am one.”

“' “That I shall not do,” was the dogged re<

   
 

spense.

; W “ Then hold your ce!”

It . Leomeister gave 'm a deadly look, as he
 turned to retire to an isolated tent with his

 faithful trio of curiosities.

:  “Adios, Senor Perez!” said he, with mock
I ' politeness. “ It is your game to-day; it may be
"7 mine to-morrow.”

 Griplock gave him no heed but at this in-

31"" stant Gogo s itefully stimulated the performing
j. .. b a secret p nch that he knew of, and Purring
 ; edro, chancing to be brushing against the de-
‘ tective just then, suddeul preci itated himself
, upon the latter With an in uria rear.

2 ’- The result was that the detective, coolly evad-

 . in the clawing hug, sent the animal prostrate"

{"3- w th a flush blow under the ear.
v; ' . Nesta looked interested, and the Gypsy rank
1’. , and file cheered loudly.

a; ~_ “ You might have more humanity for a duhb
 brute,” said Conrad getting Pedro on his feet
1”" again and petting him. ‘ With a fair chance,
 you wouldn t dare to maltreat him thus.”

‘5 ~ “ Wouldn’t I?” was the cool rejoinder. “ With

similar provocation, onl try me.”

Leomeister could not elp starin at him.

“ What!” he exclaimed, incredu ously; “ you
Would tryconclusions with Pedro?”

edro was an exceptionally powerful bear,
lar er than many grizzlies that are exhibited
an with a well-known vile enough temper of
his own when excited.
_ I “ Assuredliy I would,” said the detective com-
- . ' posedly, an forgetting his prudence in the
»_  secret excitement of the moment. “Muffie his
paws, thatI may not be lacerated, and I will
. wrestle him for a wager on the spa ”
‘ “ You mean it?”
' For answer, the detective threw off his coat
and waistcoat.

Instantly, amid great excitement the hear
was made ready for the contest by havinghis
paws and feet sectirely mitteued' with old rags
tied on with stout thongs.

“ Wont is the wager to be?” demanded the

,v , lion-tamer, holding the hear back as the strange
' _ antagonists Were about to confront each other.
H» “ or what you please,” was the detective's
'indiflerent res use. '
Leomeister rew along breath.
 1“ Let it be,” said he, “ for the
' mdiamhip of our beautiful Zel

peer.
_ Nesta started forward to lnterpose. but the
detective caught her eye with a confident look,
' and she drew, back in obedience to his ges-

tare.
’ V “ So let it be "said he. “I am agreed.”
i “But now Zelda sprung forward.
“ It shall not be! ’ she exolaime l. claspin her
hands. “You shall not sacrifice yoursef in
such an unequal, such an inhuman contest!
Oh. sir, I enti-eat—I beseech .—”
She was recalled to herself by a swift look of
,1 _, ,- warning, followed by a blank stare.
{" “You, indeed, honor me, until a short ce
: ago a perfect stranger to you fair mai en,”
' aid the detective, with a well-assumed suro
 “in manifesting such an interest in my
welfare. But compose yourself. This is no
 novel contest with us Gypsies of the Pyrenees.”
“ Be ready,” said Leomeister in a low but
,x. audible tone to Gogo, who was helpin him to
A hold back the bear. “Pedro will iii him in.
one minute, if we are not watchful.”
“ Hold on there !” cried Black Ja o, hauling a

 

‘ estioned
Vander-

 

 

. handful of n tes and coins out 0 his pocket.
“ I go my pi e on the man.”

“ And I on the bear!” “ I, too!” “ The bear

must win!” “ Don’t let them fight!” “ It ain’t

fair!” “Yes,’twill be rare I t” “Two to
(lie on Bruin!” and so on, ed a hubbub of

.. v
V‘l a%iiethebetswerebeingiiianiothe’heer was
 H Heiauuchedhls huge hulk upon ht human

 

 

‘ W ics Detective.

adversary with an exasperated growl, for Gogo
had secretly sprinkled red pepper in his ears and

' under his tail.

But his rush was evaded in a flash, and then
he was writhing in the terrible side-hold of his
more agile and intelligent op nent.

There was a terrific strugg e.

Pedro roared afresh, but his mighty mitteued
paws only beat the unresisting air with their
furious strokes, and slowly but surely the tre-
mendous grip of the detective was working its
remorseless way around to the rear of the hairy
brute.

At last his golden opportunity came.

By an apparently incredible series of dextrous
efforts, the detective dropped on one knee, tight-
ening his asp as he did so till Pedro’s very
ribs were Egard to crack.

Then, as the huge forms tottered over back-
ward, a final eflort hurled it completely over-
head, and to the bottom of a steep declivity,
where, striking his head on ‘3. sharp stone, the
bear lay motionless.

It had all been done so quickly and cleverly
as to hardly seem like reality.

Black J ago was the first to run down to the

1‘.

“He is dead!” he called up, exultingly.
“ Neck’s broken clean as a whistle! My money’s
good!”

It was true.

Conrad and Go 0 both examined the body,
from whose mout and muzzle the dark life-
blood was gushing; but poor Purring Pedro, the
Russian performing bear had appeared in public
for the last time.

Leomeister passed the victorious detective
while the latter was putting on his coat and
waistcoat.

“ You have won, and I submit,” said he, in a
subdued tone of genuine sadness. “ I loved the

r brute and would sooner have lost many a
air young women than he.”

Ze da and Mildred had gone into their tent at
a sign of the Gypsy princess.

T e latter approached the pseudo bear-fighter
of the P renees with Sparkling eyes and a rich
color in er dar cheeks.

“ The maiden will be guarded against any
attempt at treachery or bad faith Zingariuo
John Perez,” said she. “I would like a few
words with on alone.”

He bow , and followod as she led him 0!!
through the woods.

When they had reached a secluded spot at
some distance from the encampment, she sud-
denl confronted him, extending her hand.

“ ow are you, Mr. Circus Detective Griplock
Crimminsi” said she. “ What do you think of
yourself?”

CHAPTER XXI.
NESTA’S PASSION.

Unussxan as he was, the detective did not
chan e a muscle.

A s ngle glance into that glowing face, those
brillian eyes convinced him that to deny his
identity would be useless.

“How long have you known that it (was I?”
said he. 7

“ Almost from the first.” ‘

:: biting you have not denounced me as a spy i”

o.

“ Wh not?”

Nesta 3 color deepened and she hit her lip.

“ I have brought on ere to tell you that”,

" Tell me, then. by have you not denounc-
ed me?”

' “ Because I love you.”

There was no shame in the avowal—such an
unusual one from a fair maideu’s lips- only a
rushing change of color in the soft cheeks, a
quiver in the tempting, partly-compressed 1ips,a
tumultilgilils bouut ing of the superb bosom.

A Qu of the Gipsies may not be judged by
the fastidious standards of our social etiquette.

Without coxcombry on his own part, the de-
tective had suspected the existence of this
unfortunate pass on, though the suddenness of
its declaration was no less startling than the
abruptness of his unmasking.

His embarrassment was extreme; but she
helped him out of it. '

“ You are not rejoiced at my avowal,” said
she spdly, “ and I am not surprised that you are
not.

“ I regret but one thing at the present mo-
ment—deeply, sorrowfully regret it.

“What one thing do you regret-that I love

you?”
:1‘ ’Not that mostly—though that is indeed most
as

" What then?” ,

“That i love another.”

“ Ah, the fair Zelda.”

:: if“ t h r'

by regre t at

“Because, otherwise—”

” Well?”

“I should return your love—I should be so
proud so happy in its possession.”

“Ah! and, without that interposition, you
could return it?”

“ Mad passionately, devotedly!”

u 

“ Hogan I say. With Zelda’s image absent

and the

 

A

from in heart, you would be for me the most
beautif , the most fascinating of women.”

The inscrutable look that had puzzled him be-
fore returned to her face.

“I should rejoice to hear you say this,” she

“Yes: next to the reciprocation of my pas-
sion it should rejoice me dearly.”

it Why a”

“ Because your Zelda is in my power.”

“What of that?”

Her eyes flashed.

“ Can ou ask? Am I not a Gypsy—passion-
ate, fear ess, remorseless?”

“ You are something more-a true woman.”

“But she is in in power: I could slay her.”

“ And make me oathe you.”

“ True; but a rival would not possess that
which I crave so madly—your love.
3 You are mistaken; Zelda would still poses

“ Even if I should kill her?”

“Even then."

“ One loves not the dead.”

“ Some would, myself of the number.”

“ I do not understand.”

“ My love for Zelda is of the soul; such love
can hope, trust and wait. It is imperishable.”

Here was a spirituality little familiar in the
heart-experienced a Gypsy ueen.

“ Ahl’ said she, with an in escribable loss and
bitterness in her tone; “ even were it possible
for on to return my love, you would not love
me n that way.”

“ I would.”

“ No, no; your love for me would be of the
body, not of the soul—if there is such a thing,
which I doubt.”

“ You err. I could love in no other way.”

A sudden storm of passion and bitterness
swe is over her.

S e wrung her hands, while pressing them
tighth to her heavin breast.

“ O !” she moan ; “ what madness,’ what
folly is mine. Such a love possible, and to be
denied me! I the wanderer, the nameless, the
despised, to dream of love at all! Madness!
idiocy!”

“ It is not so, Nesta. Such love as that of
which you are capable must win areturn, of
which you will be proud and happy. Your
beauty—”

She furiousl interrupted him.

“ Enough 0 that!” she cried, harshly. " Let
alone my beauty. It is my bane, my curse,
since it wins me not what I desire—your love!”

He was silent.

“Besides, that, under any circumstances, is
all that you could admire in me—my beauti,
which is but «1 the body and the surface. T a
soul of which you rave, would be wanting.”

“ it isn’t true. But keep on deprec sting
yourself if you choose,” said the detective, dog-
gedly. “ Reasoning with you is useless.”

She burst into a wild laugh, but was almost
instantly self-possessed, with a return of the inp
scrutable look.

“ Let us be reasonable, then.” said she. “ 0%
you imagine why I have brought you here
make my confession to you?” I ,

“ I Sannot; unlem it were to overthrow my

laus. . '

“ Not so. 'It was a‘ pleasure merely to tell mg
love. hopeless as I knew it to be. Then might
not be capable of a self-sacrifice?”

He took her hand.

He rai d it to his li , but with a gravity and
respectfu ness that di not cause the quickening
of her pulses by so much as a heart-beat. .

“You are capable of anything, Nesta,” said
he. “The possibilitiescf any nobility and of
any reven efulness are‘in your grand com -
tion. It ies altogether with you as to w ich
shall have sway.”

Her manner softened immeasumblly.

“Fear not, friend,” said she. I,“ he wicked
iteful in my nature are not my mas-
ters. A ruce to all this. The Villemessant
story—is it a myth 7”

“ ertainly not. The advertisement you saw
to be genuine.”

“ I refer to its application in Zelda’s case.”

“ It isa myth—that is, I think so; I am not
so sure of it since my last interview with her.”

“ And your connection with the executors and
the next of kin?”

“ All sheer fabrication.”

“ And yet Zelda is still high-born and an heir-
ess, as I understand it.”

“ She is. Her adoptive father assured me of
' 1,

it.

it.

“And the secret of it all is in those stolen
papers, now in Conrad’s hands?”

6 Ym if

“ Did he murder the show-master, think you,
to obtain them?”

“ I haven‘t a doubt of it—he, or Gogo, at hip
instance.”

“Are you not afraid that he has the whip-
hand-hand of you in possessing these pafpersi”

“ Not at all: merely the whip-hand o Zelda’s
name and fortune.”

“ And these are nothing to you!”

“ Of course not, as compared with her M
which is mine.” , .

 

;
E
i,
l.
i
.

 

" II  Circus Detective.

19

 

 

There was a flash of her first bitternem and
despair. What was she losing and resignin f
The simplicity of the man’s love made 15
grand.

“And the recoveryof thepa ,” she went
on, “would fling her, with 6 addition of
wealth agd honors, in your arms?”

6

“ Would it do more than that?”

“ It would brin the assassin to the llowa”

“ But that won] not be proof euoug ”

“ There are others.”

“ What are they!”

The detective hesitated, looking her full in the
e es.
y“You can trust me,” said she. “What are
the other proofs?”

His hesitation was at an end.

“ Kalulah’s handkerchief, found on the fatal
spot; a shred of Gogo’s exhibition dress: the
knife, stamped with the owner’s initials, with
which the murderous stab was made.”

“ Ha! Conrad's own knife?”

H No.”

“ Whose then?”

The detective was silent.

“ What, mistrust again?”

“ Not mistrust, Nesta."

“ Wb hesitate, then, to tell me who owned
the fata knife!"

“ You will not like to know.”

“ I? Absurd! What to me! The knife was
not Leomeister’sl”

“ It was not.”

“ Whose then?”

“ Center—pole Jack’s.”

“My brother! Great God! and I have heard
of him as one of Conrad’s intimates.”

Her face had blanched.

“ Be of good heart, Nesta,” said the detective,
kindly. “John Vincent seems to be mixed up
with the mystery but I have good reason to be-
lieve that he is wholly guiltless of complicity.”

“ Heaven bless you for those words! My
poor brother! Such a charge mi ht go hard
with him. He fled from England or killing a
man.”

“I have no doubt that the knife was stolen
from him before the date of the murder.”

“ Ah! you relieve me. So the chief thing
now is the recovery of those papers from
me‘isteri’;

“You shall have them. At all events, that
murderous hound shall not terrorize the girl.”

“It is m
Nesta. Bu
be cautious.”

“ Trust in Gypsies for cunning.”

“ But wi he remain in the encampment,
after what has chanced f"

“Undoubtedly. He has no notion of resign-
ing the girl.”

‘ I’ll look after her.”

“ We shall all look after her—I especially,”
said the Gypsy queen, generously, and she gave
him her band.

“ Noble woman !”

“Not at all. I merely do nothin by halves.
But there is another danger to Ida, which
perhaps you overlook.” ,

“ l have not once lost sight of it. You refer
to Mildred?”

“ Yes; she helped me to escape from the
hotel.”

The detective lau bed.

’“It was by her father and me that
you should escape.”

“ You don’t ‘mean it?”

H I do.”

Nesta looked vexed, but presently also

Smiled
than overreached,”

Leomeister is cunning. We must

“ Pd sooner be whi
said she, candidly. “ ell, Mildred insisted on
comin with me. ’

“ I s lowed ou the entire distance.”

“What, that

6‘ Yes. n

“ We made a midway house to rest. Did—
did on overhear our conversation?”

-“ was compelled to.”

“ Well, 1 shouldn’t blush for my ow‘n part
therein new. Were you interrupted in your
pursuit of us?”

“ Yes; first by two men at the mouth of the
ravine.” Be briefly described. the incident.
“ Who was the occupant of the little but on the
river-bank?”

“ A ten h old ruffian, of Gypsy mothering,
and in aflil ation with our tribe.

“And the bi fellow who aided him.”

“ A tell whom I had pested there.”

“ I am glad to know that.”

“ Why so?”

“ I feared it was Center-pole.”

“ And that my not having seen him from
ch‘i‘lthoo’d a mere pretense?”

es.

“Ah! that was true enough. My dear old

brother Jack. He was father and mother to i

me, and the handme G pay-man in Eng-
land. Conld we but be t er again!”
“gen shall be. I she make that my busi-

nef‘You will do that!"
“ Ya.”

turn to thank you for your words, .

“ Thanks in advance. How happy I shall be!
It will be next best to havinfiayour—I mean,
something better.” And she 11 bed a little
discordant] . “ But to return to ’ldred.”

“She wil not harm Zelda.”

“Still, the girl isinsanely in love with Leo
meister.”

“ While Zelda loatbes him as a re tile and a
fiend. How long can jealousy be c erished in
such a case?”

“Not long, I grant; though Mildred is fool
enough to do something rash before she becomes
aware of the true state of things. Hush!”

She suddenly grasped the detective by the
wrist, and drew him own into the covert they
were occupying.

“ Look !’ she whispered, pointing away through

the underbrush. “ Tell me what you see.”
- “ A monstrous serpent—one of the largest I
ever saw!” gasped the detective. “I can only
see its body in part—shifting and glistening in
the checkered beams—but that is enough. A
tremendous snake!”

“ Say you so? I think otherwise. Wait!”

She drew a short heavy horsewhip from her
girdle, and then, after first creeping in pursuit,
fairly bounded forward, with an enraged cry.

 

CHAPTER XXII.
m CASKET AGAIN.

EVEN the quick eye of the detective had been
deceived for the moment.

The “ monstrous serpent" was nothing more
than the eavesdropping spy Gogo, in his elastic
exhibition dress, the better to facilitate his
stealthy movements and intentions.

But the se ntine twistings and agility of the
Man-Snake did not save him now.

Griplock followed the Gypsy princess find
her gripping the fellow by his ong nec , and
plying er horsewhip to him with a vengeance.

ndeed, her long-restrained emotions seemed
tore'oice in finding this unexpected object on
. whic to expend their fury.
I “ Dirty spy! accursed, sneaking villain!” she
! exclaimed, punctuating every syllable with a
! knout-likc stroke. “ Thou shalt have a lesson to
g remember me by. Aha! Well may on squirm.
‘ There is pith in the Romany arm, there not,
1 my sap-engro 7”“.

t was a terrible castigation.
o writhed and wriggled under it like a

! roasting adder, but without emitting so much as
a whimper.

She only ceased from weariness.

“ Back there, and squirm, hideous re tile!” she
panted. “ But for m Gypsy bl , I could
admire thee for thy su erings. ’

 

Gogo rolled himself into a coil' , squat atti-
tude, shifting his scales, blinking is eyes and
darting out is tongue.

“It is my turn, ’said Gri lock. “He ma

have the clew to the silver cas at on his person.
In a moment he had the Man-Snake in his
clutch, and was manipulating his stripes and
spots with the searchinfidexterity of an expert.
“ Before the Lord, r. Crimmins!” hissed
Go . “I know nothing of the casket.”
riplock paid no heed, but presently looked

up.

“ I must beug1 (you to retire," said he to Nesta.

“ Why she I i317;

“ There is some ' g concealed underneath
the costume. I am about to skin the snake—in
other "words, it becomes necessary to strip

0.

‘ Oh! I shall await you at the edge of the
encampment.”

.A moment later, in spite of Gogo’s rotesta-
tions, thedetectiVe had succeeded in nuding
him of his artificial te ment, peeling it down
from the heels, and thegfian-Snake was as ntiked
as when his infantile personality first startled
his unfortunate mamma.

The only thing discovered was a small, pecu-
liarly-shaped tWi , with the leaves intact, which
had been pack away under the small of the

back.

Greatly disappointed, the detective flung-the
costume to the naked man, who snatched it and
darted ,away With furious articulation between
a s it and a hiss. ,

‘ What came to light?” asked Nesta, when the
detective bad rejoined her.

“Only this.”
| To his surprise, she seized upon the twig with

eagerness.

! “ t is witch-hazel,” she exclaimed—“ the true
! witch-elm. and there is but one meager clump of
! itin this vicinity. This may indicate the casket's
present hiding-plume."

The dcu-otivo was. instantly all alert.

“ You think so?”

“ I feel sure of it. Quick; follow me.
ga‘veYGogohis freedom ?”

‘ es

 

You

_ “That is unfortunate. Still we may be in
time. Hasten!”

She was leading him briskly across the camp,

and, at a word from her, Black Jago had joined

them.
Both Zelda and Mildred looked after them
I with wonder from the door of their lodge, as

‘ Sap-am, Romany for snake-master.

/

 

 

they were seen todisappear at a run intothe
thick woods. .

“ Where can they be going?” cried Zelda.
“ What can it mean?”

" How should I know? Look!”

And Mildred pointed to the lodge occupied by
Ieomeister and his remaining curiosities.

G230 had just darted out of it, his hastily re-
sum costume flying into ribbons. here and there,
and both Conrad and Kalulah, the latter also as
costume, were after him in a sort of panic-
stricken run.

They were instantly lost in the wooded moun-
tain-side at nearly the same point where the
others had disappeared. .
Ze“d mething extraordinary must be up,” said
1 a.

“ Something extraordinary always seems to be
in order hereab outs.” .

“But it must now touch Leomeister nearly.
He was whiter than when Grip-Perez killed his
bear for him.”

“ HOW you hate Conrad!"

“And how you love him—more’s the pi i”

“ Why is it a pity?” said Mildred, sharp y.

A better understandi had already been es-
tablished, though poor illy’s temper was still.
none of the best.

“ It isn’t only that he’s a bad man—utter?
unworthy of you.” said Zelda, gently. “ t
isn’t that altogether, Milly; but that you might
do so much better.”

“ Ab, indeed!”

“ Yes; and not go far, either.”

“ What do you mean?”

“ Another man.”

“ Of course: but what man?”

“ The very tall Gy .y; he hasn’t taken his
eyes from your face w en you have chanced to
be visible.’

“ That black giant?”

“ He is uncommonly swarthy, but a magnifi-
centlooking fellow.”

“A Brobdinfgnag!”

“ With eyes ike sloes. ”

“ A common Gyps I”

“ He is of the b ood royal—Queen Nesta’e
Ynsoiiim'd !”

‘ t' 9 3 YD“?

“ But so romantic!”

“ He shall not look at me.”

“ A cat ma look at a queen.”

“ I shall te Conrad to forbid him.”

“ Would Conrad forbid him?”

Mildred blushed. She had to confess a doubt
in the matter to her own heart. Already was a
true sense of shame— womanly shame at having
pursued a man, and that an unworthy one,
against his inclinations—wholesomely at work.
in her composition.

“ I think he would,” she replied, meekly. .

“Then I would not tell him of it, if I were

on.

“ Why!”

“ Because, however friendly they ma have
been, Black Jago is not now on the best 0 terms
with the lion-tamer, or I am mixaken.”

“ What of that?” 1

“Black Jago looks as if he might bedanger-
one on occasion.”

0

in the world.”

“ You will except one.”

“ What man?”

“ G ' lock Crimmins, the Circus Detective.”

“ Y ,” admitted 'Milly, “ one must needs ex-
cept him. I wonder what has become of him,
WEE]? isiinotgdI your mil” h 1:: al sigh.

a eav asweet ' e ypocri'c

“ How should I know?” she murmured. .

“ May he not have forgotten you i”

“ Not be!”

“ But there is one man of whose prowess the
Circus Detective himself might be fearful.”

“ What man is that!"

“The Spanish Gypsy, Perez, who killed the

r.

Zelda smiled.

" I think
said she. “ erez, as an athlete, in be
Circus Detective's equal, but not his superior. ”

“ But haw can that be determined without a
match between them?”

“ I doubt if such a match could ever be
brought about,” said Zelda, evasiveley. ‘

In the mean time, Nesta, flyin hrough the.
woods, had led her followers, firipr and
Black Jago. to a wild bank, craggin overhang-
ing a deep forest pool. >

the l was formed by a considerable moun-
tain smm, and bad its outlet ina wildcas-
cade, leaping over a natural dam of logsand
rocks.

The craggy bank, at one point overhanging

“Conrad can hold his own againstanyman ‘

 

 

 

on are not far out their:é Mill ,”'i '

l
J

if
i
i
i

 

  
 
  
 
 
    
 
  

the water, was thickly grown with witcb- , ' "  " '

interspersed with some old forest trees.

“ Here we are at last,” said Nesta, comin to
a nting pause at the edge of the copes. “ ow
le us see.”

She was stud ng the odd-shaped twig taken
from Gogo, an comparing it with the witch-
haael branches and egg-days about her. '

, who been made acquainted
of the search, added his observa-

   
  
   
 
    
   

20

' woodcraft not being one of his accomplishments
as compared with t at of those strange children
of nature, the Gypsies.

“ I have it,” said Black Jago at last.

He took the twig from N esta’s hand, and fast-
ened it neatly to a branch from which it had, to
all appearances, been originally torn.

Fastened thus, as originally grown there, it
corresponded preCisely with two similar twigs,
one above and one below.

i

The Circus Detective.

The scene suggested a veritable mermaid, or
rather a naiad of the brooks and waterfalls, fly-
ing from mortal admirers.

But Black Jago, espeCially, was swifter of

‘ foot than a coursing stag, Nesta was an oread

All three pointed unerriiigly, like so many ‘
skeleton fingers, or little weather-vanes, in one ‘

direction.

In fact, this feature of the ragged parent-
bough rendered it distinguishingly characteristic
from its environments.

for speed, and furious chagrin lent wings to that
detective’s feet.
1 They were gaining on the fugitive at every
ea p.
At the overhanging brink of the deep pool she
came to a sudden pause. v’
But it was only for an instant.
h Tho-y bounded toward her with outstretched
ands.
With a low, mocking laugh, she disappeared

r headlong into the watery depthS.

“ An old trick of concealment with poachers,” :

said the Gypsy man. “ Now let me follow it
u .”

He stood directly behind the three pointers,
waited till not a breath stirred, and then ran his
eye along the same line, as if sighting something
with a rifle.

“All ri hti”

He str e straight on through the wood, heed—
lehs of intervemng brushwood, branches, and
tangling vines.”

Presently he brought up, about forty feet
away, directly before a young oak, that had
been blighted by lightning.

“This is it,” said he, slapping
trunk with his mighty palm. ‘
sin 1e out this, and this alone.”

esta and Grinlock had followed him.

“ Only a tree,” said the latter, with a disap-
pointed air.

,“\Vait,” said Nesta, smiling.
something more.”

“ Yes,” said Black J ago.
hung in its branches or buried at its root, as
mig t be thecase in an old-country preserved
forest, for instance. That is certain. The stem
 " looks sound, too, but that is to be found out. ”

C He drew a short-handled forester’s ax from

the scarred
The pointers

“Maybe it is

his belt, and began sounding the trunk of the ‘

tree.
» Presently the pounding sound evoked a hol-
low response.
 , “The tree is hollow on this side,” said be.
“if »“ Ah, yes; look up there.” He inted to what
, looked like a squirrel’s hole big up among the
f-' r. ' upper branches.
' ~ A precious object, dro ped in up there, Would
r . remain safely conceal almost in the very heart
pi of the trunk until chopped out b the concealer,
or b the finder, as the case mig t be.”
__ “ hop into it,” cried the detective, not a little
‘3 ' amazed at these woodcraft tactics. “ y sies
,1, shouldnbe detectives, and nothing else. hop
t; '- I awa !
' " hat is just what I am going to do, Zinga-
rino Perez; though, for a Gypsy yourself, your
- comments are not a little surprising.”
" The disguised detective was close-lipped
, . enough during the chopping after exchangifig
 r a glance with Nesta, as much as to say. “ 0
may come into our secret sometime, but not
just yet.”

_ The chips flew under the skillful blows.

,; a An immense one, at last displaced, showed a
,3“; hole big enou h for a hand to be thrust into the
E -‘ cavity beyon .

 Something glistened.

:5 ' The Circus Detective drew it out with a

V shout.
.3}. It was the silver casket!

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
3mm AGAIN.
'lt‘iu precious casket was in his hands at

 

 

1,, Its glittering monogram flashed in a sunbeam
 , that seemed to have darted through the over-
‘~   .hanginfi'branches especially to play 11 nit.

But fore he could reperuse its c aracters,
while his stran clutch was about to open the
.box, he as sud only lost it again.

Crash! descended a great tree almost upon
. , their heads from near at hand.
“f: , As the trio recoiled, the Man-Snake darted
~- . between Black Ja 0’: legs, upsetting him on the
 " - turf - simultaneous y the lion-tamer s grip closed
on esta’s wrist. rendering her powerless; and
a swift hand—a hand at the end of a beautifully
rounded arm—leaped from the underbrush,
» . p _ snatching the treasure from the detective’s pos-
r. a! . v use on.
' v Then Leomeister and Gogo had disappeared,
as if by magic.

Nesta was freed, Black Jago on his feet,
» Griplock once more on the alert.
' But the casket was disappearin in the direc-
tion of the pool, in the Mermaid’s ands.

“After her!" cried Griplock, with an oath.
:gligely we can overtake her. She is but a

But Kalulah was in her scaly, tight-fitting
submarine costume, aflordin her t
freedom of movement, and s e was naturally
neat8 of foot besides.

 

 

 

“WWW”? mwmu‘iflf“m“ m
u e a
of her Girl-Fish costume dams and won in
flclhu amid the trees and. the undergrowth.

 

“ There is the communication. .

he was destinedtoprove a “ scalycustomer ” '

The water was of crystal ciearness, enabling
one to see the bottom With singular distinctness,
and the girl’s plunge had not clouded it in the
least.

The baffled pursuers threw themselves at full- '

 

length along the bank, and peered anxiously ;

into the peilucid abyss.

She was resting on one arm at the rocky bot~
tom, after her languid, professional manner
when at the bottom of the tank.

Her long hair was floating dreamin in long,
feathery tresses around her, her nymph—like
sha )elineSs shifting and shimmering lazily.

The intervening water-space was so transpar-
ent that they felt prompted to call down to her,
with a certainty of receivnig a silvery response
from out of the liquid coolness.

The casket was still in her hand.

She kissed it, waved it up t0ward them with
a tantalizing smile, and then slipped it into her

bosom.

“ No game has been ‘

 

i
i

e utmost cedin

i

Was there ever, at least in modern times, a
nymph so provoking and vexatiousi

Suddenly she disappeared.

Gri )lock sprung to .iis feet.

“ selcssi lost again!" he exclaimed, striking
his forehead with his clinched hand. “ She is
in her element. it is play for her, toying down
there in the deep water.”

“ But she must come up again some time, or
drown !” cried Nesta.

“Not necessarily. You See that she has dis-
appcai'ed’?”

6| $

“Well. the girl is an amphibious marvel.
She has doubtless come to the surface ere this
through some subaqueous cave, or down there
under the dam of the cataract. Come; let us
go there and sec.”

They skirted the pool, and descended at the
side of the cascade.

Here, at the ft ot of the jagged rocks and logs,
the water spouted, shot and tumbled in a bun-
dred jets and streams, rushin away down
the precipitous gorge in shoutfiig froth and
spume.

As they reached the bottom, a silvery laugh
came to them from far down the ravine.

It was from the Girl-Fish, vanishing away
like a laughigfi Undine of the wilds.

Griploc b said truly.

She was in her element—an amphibious mar-
ve .

A parting glimpse was caught of her lissom
form, tossin away in the rapids liken foam-
wreath,as ugh a part of it, and she was

gone. .
When the bullied casket-seekers reached the
encampment ain, an hour later, Leomeister
and Go 0 had imppeared with their traps and
ropert es from their tent, leaving word that
hgnwould not be likely to return.
luiah was not with them, and had not been
seen since her prior evanishment.

“ Leave them to themselves,” said Nesta, with
an assumption of indifference. “ As long as
Zelda "18 with us, they are sure to turn up
aga n.

A subsequent examination showed that the
tree, whose fall had so disturbed the casket-seek-
ers in the brief flush of their trium h, was an
old and rotten one, long since can only aban-
doned after being tly cut through. A
gtrong push had on tiess sufilced to cast it

own.

Griplock’s arduous and swiftly-succeeding
adventures now necessitated a repose, which he
was glad enough to take.

There was more than the customary cheer
around the Gypsy camp-fires that evening.

It was accom nied by the odors of roastin
flesh-meat, and t ere was something like a sma
festival.

The occasion was a grand feast that the wan-
derers were making out of the remains of Pur-
ring Pedro; and Black J ago was carefully dress-
ing the hide, with a view to future profits at

l some county fair.

Neither Zelda nor Mildred had been visible
since before noon, and the eneral impression
was that they were takin a ong rest in retire-
ment affair-“their exha ve march of the pre-
nig .

" he young ladies ought to be amused," said
Nests to Griplock, upon the latter making lap-
pearauce. “ hey must be hungry.”

"Send Grandmother Merka to fetch them

“ She has been with them since this morning.
I knew there could be no better guard for Miss

\

ld . out." said Griplock.

 

Zelda than she, and she was eager to undertake
it.

“ Ah, yes. There was gold in the irl, gold in
her! Merka would not have lost Sig t of that.”

Nesta hurried to the tent that had been occu-
pied by the young women.

She had no sooner entered it than she came
out again, looking pale and unsettled.
. She beckoned Griplock and Black Jago to go

in.

They did so.

Zelda and Mildred were gone.

Their guardian, the Gypsy hag, was dead.

She. lay on the ground, a black, stran ling
circle round her throat, her body distortedg, her
hooked fingers in the air, as if vainly clawing
atlihe last gasp after gold, gold, impossible
go I .

A slit in the dingy canvas where it backed up
against the dark forest line showed where the
young women had been secretly dra ged away,
probably after bein chloroform , for there
nl'as a lingering smel of the drug about the
p ace.

CHAPTER XXIV.
NEs'rA’s MAGNANIMITY.

AT midnight the hue and cry was over.

The Gypsies, including Griplock, were re-
gathered in their encampment, after a long and
unsuccessful search after the missing girls, Leo-
Illi‘istm' and his minions.

For from the very first it had been decided that
the lion-tamer had been instrumental in the disap-
pearance of the young women and the murder
of old Merka.

It was a mystery how this had been effected
in broad daylight, with Gypsies, male and fe-
male, coming and going eVery few minutes in
the vicinity of the fatal tent. '

And from the general outlook, it was a mys-
tery that would probably not be solved with
dis atch.

he mountain paths had been ransacked by
eager searchers, than whom there are no better
woodcraftsmen especially by night, in all the
“I’orld, and without the discovery of a single
c ew.

At dawn of next day the Circus Detective,
who had been allotted a share of Black Jago’s
tent, was awakened from his uneasy slumber by
a soft hand passing caressineg Over his brow.

He sat up to perceive Nesta sitting by his rude
couch.

She was attired for the road.

Her thick scarlet cloak was fastened at the
throat by a heavy gold ornament; her statu-
escipe figure was mournfully silent in the dim
lig t; strong but well-fitting shoes were on her
shapely feet; the black eyes and lovely features
that looked out from under her traveling-hood
were troubled and set.

“ What, Nesta, it is you?”

“Yes, my friend; 'it is I.”

“ You have been weeping.”

“ Even G ies ma weep though not often,
my' friend , ingarino erez. ”
here was the ghost of a smile on her lips at

the fictitious name.

“ Who shall chide {fur tears?” said the de-
tective. “Zelda and ildred, even you might
have come to love them.”

“I mourn not for the young women, my
fusing, although their disappearance is mo“
89.

“ I forgot; r old Merka. The ties of blood
are strong wi b you Gypsies.”

“ I have not we t for my grandmother’s
death, Griplock. hat was writ was writ, or
she would not have found her doom.”

“ Why, then, have you shed tears, Nestai”

“ Because most probably we must part, you
and I.”

“ Part1”

“Yes; unlem you will go with us.”

“ Are on breaking can: i”

“ We ave already bro en. We await but
the sunrise to lay my grandmother away in the
earth, after the ancient custom of our people,
who mayhap were sun-worshipers of old. '1‘ en
we go.” '

“ But whither?”

“ To aven 9 her death.”

“ Ah! on meister’s track?"

H Yes.”

“ But that is also to be on Zelda’s track.”

“ Doubtless.”

“Then why should we part, you and I,
Nestai. My path is yours.”

“ We 0 straight over the mountains to the
great rai d town far beyond.”

“ What of that?"

“ You may want to return to the circus, and
thence make our way thither by rail.”

“ Not I. iva me but a messenger, to send
word to my employer, Mr. Issues, and I am
with on.”

“ on would do so?"

“Yes; Leomeister seems so familiar with the
mountains that I have the impression no will
not desert them."

“ Still-"’ .
“Why do you interpose ob ans, Nesta?
Is it that my with M

youis distastefulr’

a

-J» ‘ if -.
...  . V . I... 4 _, w-..
_  i an. gamma, was?» .t A»,   ..

rm-r— ,—.

 

 

 

 

- America several

'x" ' . “4 i' .  .

. I. :1] *5}.  i", I

 I _..

l

n. Circus Detective.

21

 

 

Her troubled looks increased.

“ It is not that. Distasteful! Ah, no. What
a word!”

“ Perhaps you are becoming to mistrust me.”

“ Mistrust! Oh, my friend l” and her passion
burst forth; “do you forget that it is my mis-
fortune to love you? Do you not see that I fear
myself—that now it would be wrong for me to
keep you with my band—now that she IS no
longer with us?” _

It was an unexpected manifestation of delicacy
and honorable feeling. .'

The detective was deeply touched.

He took her hand and presed it.

“ You are a noble woman, Nesta. But it is
best that I should accompgny you on this search.
Zelda and Mildred shall found, their murder-
ous abductor brought to justice, and ou and I
shall be strong in our mutual trust. btain me
the messenger I require; I will rejoin you at

,9

She snatched away her hand. Then she seized
his hand, pressing it to her lips, and was gone.

When he rejonned her, the remains of old
Merka had been laid to rest, and the Gypsy cara-
van was on the move, the tents of the encamp-
ment having disappeared, as if by magic, some
time before.

The route was by a wild wagon-track, across
and through the wooded mountain-land to the
northeast.

Nesta was walking beside her van, accompa—
nied by Black Jago. _

Griplock joined them, after sendin of! a
Gy .y 'rl as his messenger, with a brie note,
to Mgr. Eases.

As he came up, Black Jago extended his
brawny hand.

“ We shall find them,” said the latter, moodi-
l . “ Conrad may be hardy and desperate
gingarino Perez, but the Romany lads are hard
to beat in mountain-land or greenwood.”

“ You think him familiar with this district?”

“ I’m sure of it.”

“ Why are you sure of it, Jago?"

“ Conrad consorted with our tribe in En land
when Nesta here was but a child. He and and
John—King John, Nesta’s brother—were much
together, poachin , trading looking out for the
main chance, fig ting and exhibiting at the
fairs.”

H  Pl

“Yes. We, John and I, knew little of Amer-
ica then, save b hearsay. But Conrad was
never tired of in of it. Especially would
he praise these Cattekilla, as he called them, a
we concluded that his boyhood must have been
passed amonglzhem.”

“ He must vb come early, then,” said Grip-
lock. “ B birth, I am sure he is a fore’ er.”

“ Very likely. Well, our tribe have in
years. A few days Conrad
met me in the town where the show is now ex-
hibiting. He arranged with me to help him
ca off the young lady. He was to pay our
ban five hundred dollars, to aid in her conceal-
ment; until he should be able to make her marry
him.’

“ Ah !"

“ That is all done with now,” inte sed Nesta,
hastil . “Conrad is rfectly fami iar with the
Catts ills; that is un erstood.”

“ Yes, and we must run him down,” continued
Jago, with an oath behind his teeth. “ Curse
him! it shall be to the death.”

“ Yes, to the death l” said Nesta.

“ Merka shall be avenged: the young women
rescued.”

Gri lock eyed the tall Gypsy keenly.

“ ou admire Zelda’s companion,” said he.
“ Confess it. ”

J o’s eyes flashed and his white teeth glis-
ten .

“She is a lily of beauty, and I have never
married,” said he, suggestively.

“ Is it permissible for Gypsies to marry out of
their tribe?” . '

“ Permimihle? Pouf! But it is sometimes
done. I don’t mind confessing to you, comrade,
that a smile from the blonde girl—not that I’ve
received one, by the way—would be like gold in
my urse, or a rich jewel to my heart.”

" trust ou may win her,” said the detec-
tive, heartily. “For a Gypsy, you are a good
one, and an thing for the gigwould be prefer-
able to her nfatuation for meister.”

It was a rather left-handed compliment, but
Jago accepted it with a grateful smile, though
Nesta was not leased.

f‘ That shall cured after we hang Conrad ”
said he, complacently. “ I understand the whole
thing. He has bewitched her. But I shall shake
the witchcraft out of him, and then I have a po-
tent love—powder that Grandmother Merka once

ave me. It shall make me bravely beautiful

n Mildred’s eyes.”

Gri lock could not help laughin .

“ 0“ “3V9 8013 it down retty glue,” said he.

“ Have I not, brother? 0 , it takes a Romany
man to manage a love affair, brother!”

“ Cpusm JasO. you are a fool!” said Nesta,
sha -

Th2 yboth turned to her.

“ by. “h” “0W. Nesta?” said Jago,in sur-

V’ifi'rou m an idiot l”

 

“ Of course; but you said that before."

“ It will bear repeating. A more thorough-
paced, unmitigated Gypsy fool never loved the
moonlight!”

She joined another group, leaving the pair to
travel alone.

Griplock found opportunity to be with her
alone resently.

“ hy were you angry with your cousin?”
said be. “His simplicity was mere! amusing.”

“Perhaps so; but I wasn’t chie y provoked
with him.

“ With me, then?”

.‘6 Yes. 77

“ But wherefore?”

“Oh, yes! I suppose you spoke so compli-
mentarily of my race that I ought to feel hon-

m 1’

o .

“ The deuce! but what did I say?”

“ You ought to know.”

“ But, for the life of me, I can’t remember.”

“ You said, ‘ For a Gypsy, you are a good
one,’ and so forth.”

The detective felta too-late remorse for his
careless words.

“ For ive me, Nesta!” said he. “ It was
reckless y brutal, but I did not mean the words,
or think of their meaning. Their injustice—”

“The weren’t unjust, but only hurtful to
my fee ings,” she interrupted. “ That should
have deterred you.”

“ Of course it should, brute that I am! But
the words were unjust, too.”

“ Not so, I tell you! Oh, do you think me
such a fool as that eat, Jago? I know my peo-
ple to be what they are—chicken-stealers and

ortune-tellers—‘ vermin of the country-side,’
as some Englishman has dubbed us! But I don’t
exactly take it as a com liment; that is all.”

“ Unjust, I repeat! be individual, not the
race, should alone be considered. Let us talk
of the business in hand, Nesta.”

“ Good, then.”

“ Kin n, is the large town for which you
are hea ingi”
H Yes 93

“ It must be a two days’ journey by this rough
mountain route.”

“ All of that.”

“ What are your plans?”

“ There’s a wild succession of eglens a little

this side of W. It is call the Dismal
Valley. Co is familiar with the locality.
My people and I know it well. He is making
for a secluded cabin there, now most like! de-
serted, though once occupied by an old alf-
Gypsy, sister of the short, thick man, at whose
hut on once obtained a lantern.

“ ; and you think Conrad will take the
youn ladies there?”

“ ndoubtedlfl.”

“ Yes; with r. Vanderpoer’s death on his
soul, he would be likely to shun the towns and
their constabulary hereafter.”

“Like enoudgh; though it isn’t for that that
my people an I shall pursue him, as be well
knows.’

“ For what then i”

“ We are Gypsies. My grandmother was lit-
tle loved, but her corpse would poison the earth
unless she were aven .”

“ Ah, I understan .”

“ Not quite, 1 think. The vengeance need
not be hastened. There is much to be secured
before that, though not on the account of my
people and myse .”

“ On whose account, then?”

“On yours.”

“ Mine?”

u Yes.”

“You were right, Nesta; I do not under-
stand.”

“Zelda is first to be restoredto our arms;
the casket containing the title-deeds her name
and fortune recovered.”

“ You mean it?”

“ In my heart I have sworn it!”

Her voice was emotionless.

He looked at her in unqualified admiration
and respect. '

“ Noble woman! your magnanimity is over-
powering.”

“ Pshaw! I have none.”

“ None! Wgyayou are a heroine! Such con-
sideration for l a and her rights—”

“ Man, man! Can you not, will you not un-
derstand?”

There was a mournful intensity in her voice
and manner now.

But when was there man otherwise than ob-
tuse in the love of “that strange mystery, a
woman’s heart?”

“ But what am I to understand, Nesta?”

_“That I can do nothing for Zelda and her
rights—that but for one thing I could trample
them under my feet. and exult in the destruc-
tion—that it isn’t out of an friendliness to her
that I subordinate my her tary vengeance to
her interests 1”

“ Out of what, then?”

She hesitated, a world of pamion, of tender-
ness and of agony leaping for an instant into the
dark beaut of her face.

“ Out 0 my hopelessness, my despair, my
love for you I”

burned into her van, or oovored cart,

 

and was not seen again until the halt for the
night was made.

The following evening a more permanent camp
was made at the Dismal Valley, the wildest and
mostbégnely part of the Cattskills they had yet
reac .

 

CHAPTER XXV.
T d THE DISMAL EALLEY. be
BREE ays assed wit out an signs ing
discovered of feomeister and 1!in party, but
without weakening Nesta’s and J ago’s convic-
tion that he was lurking somewhere in the Disc
mal Valley. ' ’

“ The valley is twenty miles lon ,” said Nesta,
in answer to Griplock’s solicitu e, as yet an-
other band of searchers came into camp with
the monotonous report of non-success. “ It is
also as crooked as a ram’s hem, parts are hard-
ly accessible, and there may be many a. deserted
cabin in it that we know nothing about. Pa-
tience; we shall run down our game at last.”

On the preceding day Griplock’s messenger to
g. Isaacs had returned with an answering let-

Herein the show-master had expressed the
hope that Zelda and his daughter would be
speedily restored to his care, little the worse for
their rough experiences, and urging the detec-
tivelto spare no time or expense in effecting that
resu t.

The show was doing badly at the time of
writing, and the proprietor, after canceling all
intermediate dates, had engag: the great show-
building of the American titute, where he
expected to open in New York City at the end
of the week.

He concluded as follows:

“Of course. I have had to engage some new at-
tractions, and with these I hope to make up for
past losses. But they can scarcely fill the vacancy
caused by the loss of the trapeze performances, in
which my daughters and tha able acoundrel, Leo-
meiater made such a mecca and by the absence
of Zel in her unexampl horsemanshlp. Of
course. the former is permanently lost to me. as
I never want to see Conrad again, save to see
him hanged. But Zelda‘s return might do much
to reinstate me. So on will see the advantage
of exercisi both om and thoroughness in
your researc es. Draw on me for whatever you re-
m I!

Griplock thered from the tenor of the entire-
letter that r. Isaacs was losing faith in the
reality of the silver casket and its contenta, or at.
least in their recovery. I

As a matter of course, this did not please him .
but at the same time he was growing more
more alarmed on Zelda’s account, as the days
passed without any si of her whereabouts.

He began to doubt t e wisdom of his determi--
nation to remain with the Gypsies in their van-
geance quest.

But on the morning of the fourth day after
their arrival at the Dismal Valley, a young
G , who had been feared as having lost him-

se in the mountains, came into the camp look--

ing half-dead with fatigue and privation.

A few minutes after her interview with him.
Nesta sought out the detective with a hopeful
face.

“Ansel was not wholly lost,” said she. “He
gas ,seen Conrad, and had a long talk with

im.

“ Where?”

“ In a small hut, far back in the valley.”

“ Were Zelda and Mildred with l im?”

“No; only 0 and Kalulah.”

“Where were t eyoung women?” ‘

“ In another small but, not far away from the
first and keeping house together, Conrad said,
but e wouldn’t say exactly where.”

“ What would he say?"

“ He has grown fearful, and wants to treat
with our band, to pay blood-money for Grand-
mother Merka’s death.”

“ He acknowledges having killed her, then!”

“ Not quite. He says her death was an acci-
dent—wasn't intended.”

it  P?

“Gogo killed her while the girls were being
chloroformed, as a first step to carrying them
2%.” He choked her a little too hard; that was

“ Naturally enough; the Man~Snake is a
strangler, if nothing else.”

“ 1 think it very ikely that it chanced in that
wa ; though death is death. and it would make
no liiference with theigbanilj.” 1d th

“ su not. at ow con e yo
ladies hagmn carried ofi’ out of the Cling
broad day! I don’t see how it was effected.

“ I do now, from what Ansel has learned.

Conrad and his satellites were all pre for

departure before they set after us at t e wiirh-
hazels. While we were bein fooled by Kalulah,
Conrad and Gogo hurried ck_to camp. De-
parting thence, with their belongings, they halt-
ed in the woods.”

“Ab! and then slipped back for the cap-
tives.”

“Yes. The thick woods coming close to the
back of the tent enabled them to slip in, unpar-
ceived by outsiders, or perhaps even Ely the in-
mates themselves for t e instant. C oroform

did the and Merka oflering to alarm“- .
mii’erdeath." ’

camp, met

 

‘A.

we anM-bwmmmmiéu m ~

 

run.- nn mum's um -

"‘¢ti~.i‘v 

. lh“. .3, - 

1 .,_—-,.... -r;

4
\m

a”

7“
,,

4.

«wig—r '

1;: i, .

a“
.r‘
a}

."

 

 

" "are

"t . tains and with us.
 . poor Gypsy’s desolate heart.”

,' u lovely and mobile
r suggestion, as the inheritance of a sordi though

 joi‘

 

 

 

22

The Circus Detective. V

 

 

“ So; and Leomeister is now anxious to com-
prgmise the affair?”

“ Would the Gypsies entertain the propo-
lition?”

“ Not for hn instant. All he could offer would
be a few hundreds, while they still have un-
broken faith in on and in our joint guardian-
.shi over the illemessant heiress, which may
ultimately mean as many thousands.”

“ I see. Then he is not to be treated with at
all?”

“ Oh, but he is!”

“In what way?”

“ Leomeister seemed anxious and troubled to
agreat (1 rec. He knows what Gyps ven-
geance is. hen Ansel told him that all the
money he ssessed could not condone for Grand-
mother erka’s murder, he hinted that yet
more might be forthcoming to effect the com-

mise.’

“More?”
“ Yes; et more—the surrender of the casket
itself an its contents, provided he might re-

tain Zelda in his power for one month.”

The detective started.

“ He made the proposition outright after a
while though only hinting of it at first.”

- “ hat more?”

“ Ansel is shrewd. He retonded to think
that this proposition might entertained.”

“ lVell, what do you propose?”

“ To hoodwink Conrad by keeping up the im-
pression. His passion for Zelda has doubtless
overmastered every other consideration. He is
even ready to resign her fortune, if he can have
her; cheating himself with the hope that in a
month‘s time he can overcome her repulsion,
and induce her to marry him.”

“ That is it.”

“ He ex acts a messen r from our band to-
night witd) an answer to is proposition.”

How would I do?"

“Not at all. Probably, long are this, he has

our true character.”

‘5 You tilink so?”

“ Without a doubt. You remember what

Gogo' may have overheard when I horsewhipped '

“ I had forgotten."
. “ Moreover, before that, your victory over
the bear must have given away your secret.”

u rue.”
“$he most fitting messenger to treat with

Conrad shall be forthcoming, my friend; have

no fear for that.”

CHAPTER XXVI.
morass snnr—sacamcn.

Gamocx had no doubt that she referred to
Black Jago, who, next to herself was unques~
fionably the most intelligent Gyplsy in the

, and he said no more thong serious]
anxious over the complicated aspect the affair
Was taking on.

A few hours later, when he again saw Nesta,
she was radiant.

Gypsy girl, who had been to Kingston, had
thought of inquiring at the post-office or letters,
out of a mere freak.

The result had been a letter for Nesta from
her long-absent brother, John Vincent, other-

'wise Center-pole Jack, with which she had just

returned.

“ See!” cried Nesta, proudly exhibiting the
scrawl. “ Have I not occasion to be he ipy? He
has quitted the circus employment, an is com-
ing to me. He will be here before midnight of
this day. He calls me his little Nestina, just as
of old. He will be one of us again. My brother
is a good brother. He need never fear the Bow-
street runners again here in these free moun-
I am so happy! Ah, my
friend! there is other love than lover’s love for a

have transfigured

r.
' She was like an nrtlcss young girl with unex-
pected sweet tidings.
Her joy seemed to refine and s iritualize her.
The detective gazed thought ully into her
ace. from Whichever sordid

Her new joy seemed to

mysterious race, had vanished away, as an im-
perfection in a rose under the genial sunshine

 p and the refreshing dew.

he never known Zelda, he might well
have loved this beautiful being, proud and re
in the devotion he had inspired.
She d in some way achieved some education,
while, as to the nobility and refinement of some

4!, v of her instincts there could be no doubt.

She seemed out of place, and was yet a Gypsy
Aterutotheclgri' h th an

oongratu tug or on e gra ' yng

news she had received, he obeyed a sudden im‘

lse.

“Nesta.” said he, gravely taking her hand,

for thy were again alone, “ havo you any re-
on

. he looked at him with.a half- uzzled expres-

sion and then smiled, shaking or head, and

kissing her brother’s letter for about the fortieth

time.
“ I don’t mean,” he explained, “ to ask whether

0

v ti ve.

 

on are Christian or heathen Jew or Gentile,
_ut ’whether you believe in God and a hereafter

6.
She shook her head again.
“ That is madness, not sense " she replied.
“ We Gypsies are of the beautifu earth and we
return into her bosom when we die. Hut I am
tfiery happy, because my brother is coming back
me.

And then she ran away.
But when he saw her
her face was clouded, an she seemed secret y

troubled.

“ Do not worry,” said she, gent] . “ The
messenger to confer with Conrad Will set out
after dusk."

“ What after that?”

“ If the messenger returns with the -casket,
the whole band shall be guided to Conrad’s
hiding lace and the pretty Zelda taken from
him. t w' 1 be a good time to wreak our
revenge on Conrad, too; otherwise my grand-
mother’s body will poison the ground.”

“ Bad faith, that!”

“ That is nothing.”

The detective reflected. He could await de-
velopments, without committin himself to the
Eroposed treachery, which was 'ttle enough to

is iking even where Leomeister’s undoing was
concern .

“ Zelda’s companion, Mildred,” said he; “ they
are together, then?”

“Yes; but Conrad will have nothing todo
with her. She was only taken along to keep
Zelda company. ”

“ When will the messenger return?”

“ By daylight; if not, a search-party will fol-
low in force. Such is the agreement.”

“ It is a dangerous mission to be undertaken
alogg. Who has been selected as the messen-

r

“ A fit person, Griplock. Can‘t you rely upon
my judgment?”

“ Of course.”

“ Good-night, then.”

She held out her hand with a sudden paleness,
which escaped his notice. '.

“ What? so soon? It is barely twilight.”

“Yes; good-night, my friend.”

Her good-ni ht had' become familiar to him,
thou h hereto ore given .at a much later hour.

“ t is her ca rice,” he thou ht, “or perhaps
she is not well.’ And he took t e proffered hand
with his customary smile.

As he looked back after separatin from her,
she was still standing in the door 0 her little
tent, regardin him strangely.

It was not t esame look that had puzzled him
once or twice at their first acquaintance, though
an eiually inscrutable one.

W at was mixed up in that look? Sorrow,
fear, tenderness, premonition. despair, forebod-
ing, love? Perhaps one and all of ’ these, and
yet more.

It haunted him.

An hour or two later, when the camp-fires
had nearly died down, he saw the flicker of a
lantern movin off, silently, steadily down into
the Dismal VA ey. If

“ It is the messenger to Conrad,” he said.
“ Good luck to him!” And he sought his re.

in, toward evenin .

so.
He was awakened an hour before day by an
unwonted commotion in the camp.

The long-errant wanderer, Center-pole Jack
had returned to the camp of his fathers, and
was in a towering rage because his princess-sis-
ter, the little Nestina of his early days, was not
there to welcome him.

“What is the matter?” said the detective,
coming up. “Nesta must surely be in her
tent.”

The new-comer did not recognize him in his

disguise.

‘ Not she,” cried Vincent. “She was expect—
ing me, and yet they have let her go of! alone
on some dangerous mission. If aught ill befalls
her, I shall kill every grown man in the tribe——
ay, even making a beginning with yourself,
Black Jagol”

A sudden revelation rushed upon the detec-

, All—Nesta’s strange reticence, her last hand-
pressure, her mysterious look at parting—all was
plain now.

“ What do I hear?” he cried, hoarsely. “ Was
Nesta the solitary messenger to Conrad’s re-
treat?”

“ She would go ” said Jago, doggedly. “ I
begged and begged to be let go in her stead, but
wi out avail. I’ll leave it to Ansel, who also
wished to go. ”

“ It is true,” said Ansel.

“ Dispatch I” cried the detective, in ired by a
sort of panic that was new to him. ‘ There is
dan erl We must go after her at once.”

“ t is not yet dawn,” said Jago. “ That was
the hour she fixed for a search, against her fail-
ure to return.”

" No matterl It will not do to wait. Ansel
shall guide us. Hurry l”

Center-pole Jack grasped his hand.

“ I like you, stranger,” said he.
lead the quest together.”

“ We will

 

As the expedition was about starting, Ansel
placed a letter in the detective’s hand.

" To be given you, sir,” said he, “in case she
failed to come back.” ‘

A letter from Nestal

Seeking momentary retirement, the detective
broke open the missive with trembling fingers.

CHAPTER XXVII.
MILDREn’s STORY.
“MY FRIEND:—

" I am the messenger for two reasons. First. be-
cause I feel that I alone can deal successfully with
Conrad, if success be possible; «mad, because I
have sworn to restore Zelda and her ropertyto
you, or die in the attempt to do so, and must keep
my oath. But I am full of sad forebodin How-
ever, if i perish, my life will have been lai u nthe
altar of in love. Ah! if I could but see my rother
John first fore I no. But it is not to be. and the
sacrifice will be all the eater. Farewell, mybe-
loved, perhaps forever. f forever, think kind y at
times, in the midst of your hap iness with the
woman of your heart, on the poor

 

yp‘y‘x N its-u.”

Read with emotion, mastered with reverence,
theletter fell from the detective’s hands.

A r letter, a pitiful letter—scrawled in

nci on the loose fly-leaf of a book—half—legi—

le, misspclt— but oh! what a world of pathos
and womanliness throbbing and sentient in
every line.

The letter fell from his hands, and a single
tear, the first of Griplock Crimmins’s manhood,
fell after it, a tribute to the noble heart that
had assed into danger, perchance unto death
itself: for his sake and for love’s.

Then he was with the searchers, stern, reso-
lute, and the party were movmg up through the
Dismal Valley, by lantern-light and the glimmer
of the fast-paling morning stars.

Well had the valley been named, and well had
it been described as crooked as a ram’s horn and
almost inaccessible in places.

The sun was hours high in the heavens before
the densely-wooded, recipitous upper end of it
was even approach .

Without Ansel’s guidance, the dim path
would have been imperceptible, and it was a
wonder how‘Nesta could have pursued it, even
with her Gypsy training and instincts.

There were several of the Gypsy women and
girls who had insisted on accompanying the

rty.
paAt last the winding th brought them alo
a rocky led e to the cor of the miserable hu
where Anse had found the lion—tamer.

Though found to be empty, an ominous spec-
tacle resented itself to such as were enabled to
crowd) into the interior.

Evidently a desperate, hand-to—hand struggle
had but recently taken place. L

Such rough articles of furniture as the hut
contained were scattered and broken.

On the white-washed rough wall, directl
overa rude, broken cot-bed, were these wo s
in red letters, obviously marked thereon by a
trembling finger in its own blood:

“ GONE — New YORK—GONE — New YORK-
GONE!”

What terrible significance was here?

As it seemed quite impossible that the words
could refer to a person in remis, as the

writer of those words had do btless been, the
detective’s advice that the neighboring hut or

| cabin. in which Zelda and Mildred were said to

have been confined, should next be sought for,
was eagerly heeded.

Not an extremely difficult task, even in that
savage solitude, and without any previous
knowledge to direct them, where a number of
G psies were concerned.

efore long Black Jago came upon a masked
footpath not far distant.

It led them to the door of another but.

A wildcat lea .d, with a. spit and a scream,
out of the half-aJar entrance, and disappeared,
as the searchers approached.

A similar scene was presented by the in-
terior.

The furniture, of a better quality, and in-
cluding a small cooking stove, was likewise in.
fragments.

Rolled in each other’s arms on a pallet in one
corner, were the forms, apparently lifeless, of
two young women covered with wounds and
bruises.

They were the forms of Nesta and Mildred.

Not a trace of Zelda was to be found.

Mildred was discovered to be still feeny
breathing. and in a sort of stupor.

While she was being cared for by the Gypsy
women, Center- le Jack silently took the com-
panion form in is arms, and sittin down with
it under a tree, rocked back and orth. like a
mother with her dead baby, silent and teai'lees
in his misery.

But none was more powerfully affected than
the detective, although none equaled his iron
self-control.

He took the poor hand that was hanging
limp] over the bereaved brother’s shoulder.

Su denly he started, giving a joyous exclama-
ti

on.

“It beats!” he cried. “The pulse beats!
Quick! water—brandy. She is not yet dead!”
1 \Lincent looked up with a wild, haggard
m 0

 

 

w .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-_ ..~.4.... -'



 

 

 

 

at?

 

agv.'...'-.,.

4. nfiex 

 

 

,. ,..'.:. ,. , -~
.1. ,, .. .. v‘v.

4

‘, .‘,‘,""lu‘  r . . V. y,

' i J Circus/Detective.

1‘.

23

 

 

A spring of ice-cold water bubbled near, and
brandy was, fortunately, on hand. '

Instantly Nesta was also under the min-
istering hands of some of the .women, her
brother and the detective hanging over her
with stem anxiety. . . I

She had suflered terrible injuries, chiefly
about the head with some blunt instrument,
thou b there was also a deep knife-gash in the
shou der.

But apparent] the skull had not been fractur-
ed. Some br , forced between the clinched
teeth, seemed to restore her vital energies con-
siderably, though without bringing her back to
consciousness, while a plentiful application of
water ca her to move a little, and then to
rest more naturally.

The superb maidenly form was statuesque
amid its injuries, and, barring the dim uring

sh, the bared shoulder and arm woul have
inspired an artist’s dream.

“ She will live ” said Gri lock, who had been

ressing his hand to the sti l motionless breast.
‘ I am sure of it. The heart beats but faintly,

findwyet with steadfast regularity. She Will
ve

In the mean time, the other sufferer, who was
found to have sustained much fewerrand less
painful injuries, had so far recovered as to sit
up and look around her with adazed expression.

A couple of the G psy girls had been especial—
ly attentive, and lack Jago sat before her,
holding both her hands in his own.

She did not withdraw them at first, but
slowly did so with a grateful pressure as realiz-
ation dawned upon her.

Presently she was so far restored as to look
about her intelligently, and she beckoned the
detective to approach. ,

He did so.

“You are still very dazed,” said he, taking
one of her hands.

“ N c; not dazed-no longer dazed,” she faint-
ly answered.

“ Still very weak, though?”

She nodded.

“ Could you, tell the story of what has hap-
pened?”

She shook her head.

“ I am afraid not.”

“Perhaps it were better to question you; you
could answer?”

“ Yes, yes!” with feeble eagernea.

“ Where is Zelda?”

“ Carried off. Leomeister-G-ogo—Kalula'hl”

1i?!“ if?“ “was?” t m t

o; t a is, not , no ' no
battered.”

“ Carried off in a faint?”

“ Yes, yes: she had fainted.”

“ How came you and Nesta alone together?”

Mildred motioned for a drink'of water.

It was ven her mixed with brandy, and,
after swal owing it, she was much stronger and
more coherent.

“ Nesta came running to our but deep in the
night, or early in the morning,” was gradually
drawn from her. “ Zelda and I were asleep,
but, being aroused by her clamoring opened the
door for her. Nesta was an awfu spectacle.
She was frightfully battered, and covered with
blood. In one hand, prom to her bosom, was
the silver casket.

“ ‘ Bar the door against them !’ she gas out.
They are coming, they are after me— onrad,
Gogo, the murderers! But first, hide this.
Zelda, it is yours, it is the key to your name,
your fortune. Hide it before they come. It
will make you, it will make Griplock happy,
when [am eadl’ a:

“ While she was forcing the casket into
Zelda’s hands, I was closing and barring the
door behind her.

“ It was too late. I had only partly succeeded
when it was burst in by Leomeister and Gogo,
Kalulah followin behind them.

“ They were ruised and bloody—the two
men I mean—and furious With rage. Nesta
fearlessl confronted and fought them. 1 sided
her. hat became of the casket I do not know,
but Zelda fainted at the first. A blow from
Gogo laid me senseless. “Then I recovered,
Zelda was gone, the assailants with her. Nesta,
apparently lifeless, was at my side. I took .1115}-
in my arms, and tried to revive her. e
doing so I again lost my senses. That is all.”

 

CHAPTER XXVIII.
A cusses or BABE.

Soon was Mildred’s terrible stor ; complete
enough as far asit went, but ' unsatisfac-

to .

VIA“) Mildred,” said the detective, after
She had flDiShed. “ Did Nesta have time to say
nothing more before the ruflians broke in the
door?” . .

“ N0, 30‘7th more. There was no time. It
was all like a series of flashes.”

“ Some words had been scrawled in blood on
the Wall Of the 0t:th hut, doubtless by her flu-
ger, before she quitted it.”

“ What words?”

“ These: ‘GODG—New York—Gone—New

York—3399!, “3‘79 you an idea what they re-

 

“ None whatever; I can’t imagine. But stay;
there was something else.”

“ What do you mean?”

“ Something else she held in her besides
the casket—a paper, or letter. It fluttered

awa as she was pressing the casket into Zelda’s
hands. Oh, my r mammal in poor father!
what will they think? That villain, Leomeister!
that murderer! that wretchl”

She ended weakly in a flood of tears, and as
J 0 again himself of her hands she
di not attempt to take them away.

Griplock had suddenly disappeared into the

at.

When he again appeared it was with a look
of increased satisfaction upon his stern face.

“My friends,” said he to the Gypsies, “we
must lose no time in making litters, and carry-
ing the injured young women to the encamp-
ment. Their injuries can be attended to much
better there than in this wild spot. After that
I must go to New York, whither I am convinced
the rufllans have fled with their captive. I shall
stop over at Kingston, however, and secure the
services of the best physicians and nurses. Let
us delay no longer igoguitting this place.”

His words were g ones.

Half-an-hour later, Nesta and Mildred were
being home back to camp.

Three hours after that, Griplock had dispatch-
ed the doctors and nurses to the encampment,
and was on his way from Kingston to New York
by rail.

In his pocket was a crumpled letter, stained
with Nesta’s blood, which he had found on the
floor of the hut in which the final struggle had
occurred. 5

It was as follows, written in a plain business
hand. »

{ “Omen.
86 Caesar Sm“,
New Yoax. Jena 1%.
“Mn. CONRAD Lnouais'rim, K Ingston, N. Yr»

“ Yours received. I have just the rooms,
furnished and strictly secluded, that you require.

“ They are high in the air, perfectly isolated, and
so situated that their very existence as a place of
residence could not be suspected from the outside.

“ Call on me and take possession at
pleasure.

“Money deposit received, and it shall also secure
the strictest secrecy on the part of,

‘ Yours resuectfully,
“ SAMUEL Torm. "

The date of the letter was two days old.

Arriving in New York in the middle of the
night, the detective’s first step was to seek the
American Institute building.

The Universal Circus, Menagerie and Roman
Hippodrome was already in ion, prepara-
tions having been nearly completed for opening
on the followin night.

From the nig t watchman connected with the
show, he learned what hotel Mr. Issues and
family Were putting up at.

Notwithstandin the lateness of the hour, he
at once proceed thither, and was fortunate
enough to find the show-master in the elegant
bar-room, convivial] engaged with a number
of rofessional frien s.

11 were somewhat taken aback by the shab-
bily-dressed, Gypsy-looking man who was seen
to aggroach their grouup with an air of quiet
con ence.

But an intelligent sign from the new-comer
was sufficient to enlighten at least one of their
number. .

“ Why, it’s Griplock!” almost shouted Mr.
Isaacs, and the next instant the detective’s
hand was in his genial asp. “ Good Lord!
the sight of you is g for sore eyes, man.
Where have you been? When did on get here?
How are the runaways? Wife’s ha f dead with
anxifilty. Kitty’s gone on Spezzi. Business
looki g up, though. Have a drink. Let me in-
troduce you—good fellows—friends of mine—all
of ’em haVe heard of  Do have a glass of
wine, if nothing else!’

But the disguised detective not only declined
to Join in the festivities, but looked so grave
an stern that shortly afterward the show-mas-
ter was occupying a room with him apart.

Here the nature of the adventurous and ex-
cited tale that was unfolded to him was such as
to leave nd room for extraneous reflections.

“Astonishing! amazing!” was nearly all he
could at first ejaculate in the way of comment.
“ Poor Milly! poor Zelda! And that hound,
Leomeister—good God! his flendishness is like a
chapter from the Dark Ages. And that G y
young woman, too—what a trump sheyms
proved herself l”

“ That doesn’t fairly characterize Nesta," said
Griplock, reverently. “The girl is simply
heroic—a pure star in an otherwise forbidding
flrmamentl" _

“ Yes, yes; to be sure. And Milly—the
deuce! if she were five ears younger I’d spank
her black and blue. ut"— anxiously—" you
think she 'ill get over her injuries?”

“ Yes, nd more too.”

“ What do you mean?”

“ She has already got over Leomeister—that
is what I mean. Her infatuation for him has
turned to disgust and hate.”

:You don’t say so? Gad! the best news
ye .

your

 

“ gut the cure may also be objectionable to
on.

“ What has cured her?”

“ A better man.”
.  of course! might have guessed it. Who
is e

“ A gigantic Gypsy, Jago by name, and a
oiliusin of Nesta, who is the princess of her peo-
p e.

“ You surprise me. Gypsy be— However,
any cuss in shoe-leather would be an improve-

. ment on that hell’s imp, Conrad. What’s be
5 like?”

“Loyal, simple, loving, and I think fairly
honest—as Gypsies go.”

“ Ah! they don’t 0 a great way.”

“ He is also an agilete of prodigious strength
and activit . With proper training, he might
be made a feature.”

“ That’s better—much better! Well, well; I
sha‘n’t kick, if the old woman doesn’t. Dear
me dear me! so you really broke Purring
Pedro’s neck at his own game of hug-chaw-and-
swipe? A good feature, too, that bear, and no
mistake. However, he was Conrad’s private
property—curse that devil! Roasting’s too
good for him, even with Gogo as kindling-
wood. Another capital feature, too, that same
Mala , Gogo. Only Man-Snake before the pub-
lic. efore Vanderpoer parted with him to
Leomeister, half adozen rival shows were hot
to get him. Well, well, well! And Kalulah
too. She’s another. Go o’s sister. Wouldn’
suspect it, from her comp exion and good looks,
would you? Of course not; no one ever does.
And our little Zelda. Sharp trick, that Ville-
messant dodge, you pla ed on ’em. So you
think she is now in New 'oi'k.”

Having let the old showman run on uninter:

ruptedly as the best means of exhausting his
vo

ubility, Griplock answered the last uestion
in the aflirmative, and produced the -opham—
Leomeister letter.

“So, so!” said Mr. Isaacs, looking over the
missive a little hazily. “Explicit enough, I’m
sure, if the writer will only squeak, as to the
locality, which is doubtful. What is your next
ste ?

‘PRest and repose. After that, to ferret out
the new hiding-place.”

“Good enough. Take your own time. Of
course, you’ll stop at this hotel?" »-

Griplock glanced at the elegant appointments

around him, then down over his coarse coat,‘

stableman’s waistcoat and leather leggings.
heThe showman understood, and burst into
I‘

his

laugh.
“ What! do

0 , you’re all right i” he cried.

you fancy I would forget to fetch your ward- _

robe, along with our own trunks, from L—i"

“ What! you did me that service?”

“ I should sa so. George Isaacs never for-
gets. You shal have a bath, a room to your-
self, and your own trunk in it, inside of ten
minutes. Now will you join me in a bottle?”

Under the circumstances, the detective cheer-
fullde to break with his a'stemiousnea
for that occasion. "

“ It’s all in the family, my-boy,” beaming]
continued the old shewman, rubbing his
as the wine was produced. ‘ And the luck will
have changed from this hour. I feel it in my
bones. I see a boom in the show-business right
ahead. Your health 1”

CHAPTER XXIX.
a nissmo LINK.

GRIPLOCK breakfasted with the show-master's
family at a fairly early hour.

Mrs. Issues and Kitty had greeted him with- I A

sincere eflusiveness, though the latter was a lit-
tle shy, notwithstanding that he was nece-sarily
more than ever a hero in her eyes, from the re-
gtal of his more recent adventures at second-

nd.
But Signor Spezzi. who also managedtoho' -
to see, had reached a very —

resent, it was easy
riendly footing in the young lady’s good aces,
and he was more devoted than ever, wi h ten'n
fold his former hope by way of encouragement.
Kitty was disappointed, however in her long-
ing for a private chat with reg to the par-

ticulars of her sister’s escapade, as the detective .. l
was absorbed in the business in hand,  .

no time in effecting a rapid disappearance“
soon as the repast was at an end. ..

A little later, still somewhat disguised asto
his true character under the outward seeming
of a New
stood before Mr. Samuel Topham, inihe latter’s
little Cherry street office den. .

Mr. Samuel Topham was a little fOXZ-m
bald-headed real estate owner, was is own
agent, and his miserable office, in an up-sinirs
corner of one of his own tenement-houses, was
in all iiteralnem a den—“ only that, .and nothing
more. .

“ I am in search of a suite of furnished rooms
of a peculiar character, sir," said the st lish

visitor, with languid suavity. “I have n 

recommended to you as being likely to answer
my requirements.”

‘ I’ve got rooms and rooms—lots of ’em." said
Mr. Topham,engsgingl_v. “ Who recommended
you to me, if it’s a fair question?” ,

\ .

9' ‘i y '1 .4
.w  ., ,1

'1‘.

.. s;

York exquisite of the first water, he ‘

 

 

“5. r

- *2»... ~ _W.A—‘M_¢L‘A—M‘ - *.

\

.',- ~1‘1_ .' .1 ' ~ \.
v.3.- a-wswvmm—w’m vim."-al.-»m..~¢~ua:u..mie’~u haunt-'me ' ‘

L Q. ti. W...”

‘ 

t
w’.“."
.n-v-I‘v r- wH-uy- m- w

«R
'i.
z

a:_ _‘ .

,.
wry“. «‘

Jr“...

 .

~,;..w'... ,. 
. .

1m;

 

,.


. -by“that stack of diagrams?”

..,'. .  . .. .... .. .3 .. .. . ...,.. .

24

The} Circus Detective.

 

It was one that the detective was prepared  estate is all represented in that pile. Them with

for.

He laid before the little man a business card, ; blank isn’t.

obtained at the solicitation of an up—town friend,

bearing the name of a certain undeniably iioto- :

rious Harlem real estate agent.

“Humph!” said Mr. Topham. “Pretty good
of —— to semi you to me. However, once
did him a g00d turn—that is, I once abstained
from skinning him when I had the chance to do
so—and he doubtless means it as a sort of re
ci rocation. Your own name, it“ you please?”

be man of leisure twirled his mustache, and
smiled.
“,I prefer to remain incog. in this little mat-
ter. ’
“ Oh i" ,

“Yes. Should you have what I want, six
months’ rent will be cheerfully paid in advance."

“That‘s business. Sit down, sir—not that
chair; the rush-bottomed one is a little less
shaky. Now, sir, what sort of rooms do you
want?”

“ \Vhat have on got?”

“Anythin , mm a shoemakcr’s hole to a
bowling swel ’s etit boudoa'r for the ballet-girl
of his heart. 00 many to enumerate.”

The visitor nodded approvingly.

“ I shouldn’t be surprised if you could hit me
011',” he observed, selecting a cigar from a jew-
eled case. “A match, it you’ve got such a
thin .”

“ b, yes; here on are. By the way, you
say ou want pecu iar rooms?”

‘ -a-a~s.”

“ Suppose you tell me what you want them

for; ,then I’ll know soonest if I can suit you or
not.’
“Cheeky, by Jawve! However, why not?
It’s a case of a couple of young ladies and their
brother—particular friends of mine, ‘specially
the girls—and must be kept shady. I may say
deucedly shady.”

“ I understand sir. Nothing to be known in
tge”neighborhood—just as if they did not exist,
e i

“ Exactly.”

“ Spies to be feared, yet to be hopelessly
baffled? Angry fathers at at a discount, indig-
nant mammas not wanted!”

“ You’ve struck it.”

“ Particular as to nearness to down-town?”

“ Not a bit.”

The man of bricks and mortar knitted his
brows.

"'I had something just to your liking,” said
be, after a pause. “ Unfortunately, they, the
rooms I refer to, were taken three days ago. ”

“ What are they like? The description might
give me an idea.”

“ Five rooms in the top story of an enormous
factory building. Superny furnished. For-
mer factory proprietor a queer fish—student,

0

living all a no, and wanting to be th ht out
of town. A discreet family mi ht live here a
ands suspecting

year withouteven the facto
t. Ceilings 91nd walls thic ; windows enor-
mously high.’ Man or woman might be mur-
dered in ’em, and not a squeal heard. Nei h-
borhcod sparse; policeman complacent, like
living in' a cemetery.”
The visitor sat up in his chair, his face fairly
radiant.
“Just the thing!” he exclaimed. “Give me
the address; I must have a look at those
rooms.”
“ you no good: taken, as I told you.”
“So {you did. What a beastly bore. No
ch‘a‘ilivce or thine, amt” 
o; no u t a quarter. partyfromu
the Hudson secured ’em three days ago; deposit):
received.” .
A party from up the Hudson. The detective
was now almost sure of his clew.
“How beastly unfortunate!” he exclaimed.

‘ “Might I ask, for general information, what

price such rooms command t”

“ Sixty dollars a month,” said Mr. Topham,
mendaciously doubling the actual price without
so much as a blink.

“ Bless me] is that all? Cheap at a. hundred,
I should say.”

To ham’s eyes glistened.

“ tine see the rooms. Six hundred cash for
half a, year’s occupancy, if they suit my pur-

“ Can’t—rented ’em—business honor.”

“Maybe I can buy of! your new tenant, then.
What’s his name?”

“ Can’t give it; he‘s as desirous of secrecy as
you are.”

” The deuccl give me the address then. I’ll
see him at the rooms.”

6| Can’t.”

“ Not even the address?”

Tonham fldgetod in his chair.

“No, air ’ said he, desperate] . “There’s
the chartso the various premises own,” point-
to Any_

mg to a bunch of diagrams on a file.
ng else you’re welcome to. But these premi-
su are engaged, sub rosa. No more’s to be
said air!”

“ What!” with a look of admiring awe; “you
really own all the houses and lots represented

Yes. sir,” complacently. “My total of real

 

black crosses on ’em is rented; them that’s
It’s all simple enough.”

“How easy-going you big roperty-lords are!
I must have those rooms. t me make you a
proposition.”

“ What is it?”

“ There’s a district telegra h ofilce that I
noticed around the corner. 1’] stay here while
you run out and communicate with your new
tenant. See what he’ll sell back his bargain
for. I‘ll double you on anything he says.”

“ By cracky! ’11 do it.”

He cla mod on his hat, locked up his safe, and
scarcely looking behind him. disappeared.

The next instant the detective was running
over the file of diagrams for all he was worth.

They represented all sorts of lots and build-
ing? and there were a large number of them.

ith nothing but the black crosses to guide
his discrimination, however, the detective con-
tinued his search With astonishing rapidity.

At last be selected one whose general appear-
ance seemed to correspond with the property in
question.

Before he could examine it in detail, however,
the door was suddenly opened.

He turned with a guilty start, but at once ut—
tered an exclamation of gratified sur rise.

It was not Mr. Topham, but ligr Gaston
Lame, who had surprised him in his surrep-
titious search.

“ Give over that, Mr. Crimmins— ou won’t
find what you want in that way,” sai the new-
comer hurriedly. “ Trust in me to hel you
out. l’m here for that purpose. Mr. saacs
gave me the cue. Quick; return to your seat—
there’s a stop on the stair l” ,

The detective had just time to settle himself
in his primary languid attitude when the real
estate cormorant returned, looking hot and
angry, as if having missed a choice chunk of
carrion by a hair.

“ The man won't listen to me!” he exclaimed,
snappishly. “ Swears he’ll have the law on me
ifI tolegra h to him again. Dash it all! some
men are fast that unreasonable— Who the
deuce are you, sir?”

The last words 'were addressed to Larue, who,
hat in hand and looking as if butter wouldn’t
melt in his mouth, was now for the first time
discovered.

Larue bowed and presented a card, Purposely
letting the detective catch a glimpse 0 its face.

It was Conrad Leomeister‘s professional card,
with all printin save the name itself erased.

“ Ohol ’ An Mr. Topham glanced confused-
ly from one visitor to the other. “ You are not
the entlemn whose name is on this card?”

“ 0, air. I am the oung man with him
and "the two young ] ies. I am here from
im.

“ What does he want?"

“ The plumbin is a little out of order, and
some thicker win ow-curtains are needed.”
“Enou h, sir! I sha’n’t spend a shillin in

repairs. ell Mr.—I mean your master— t
from me. It was so understood in the contract.
By crack 1 -”

“ Softly, softly, sir! My master asks you to
expend nothing. He is perfectly willing to
make the repairs at his own expense."

“ Oh; quite a different matter."

“ Yes, sir. And being new, not on] to the
neighborhood, but to t e entire city, he begs
that you Will recommend to him both a plumber
and a curtain-hanger in his near vicinity, upon
whose workmanship and honesty he can depend.
But their laces of business must be in his near
vicinity. . you please.”

“ Oh, certainly, to be sure. Why not!”

Tgfiham picked up a. couple of cards and a lead-

n .

Pe

Then, suddenly recollecting himself, he int-
edly bade his v sitor good-morning, but in the
expressed hope that he would take the trouble
to call again. __
' CHAPTER XXX.

\ A DEATH-TRAP.

THE detective eyed him contemptuously, and
then coolly took is departure With a look of
high-bred displeasure.

“ You have ventured to trifle with me, sir,”
said he, as he disappeared. “ You will not see
me in Iyour vile fly-trap again, I can promise

ou. ab!”

The foxy little man colored with vexation,
and then polished up his baldness excitedly with
his pocketrhandkerchief.

“ Now, how absolute] unreasonable some
folks are!” said he, sort 0 a pealingly to Larue.
“ What do you suppose t at dude is snifl‘ed
over?”

“I can’t imagine, sir. Did he want to get
house-rent for nothing?"

“ No, no; not so bad as that—though not a
great way from it. He wanted to owrbid your

tron, Mr. Leomeister, and chisel him out of

is bargain in the matter of those rooms.”

Gaston let fall his hat, he grew pale as ashes,
and his knees knocked together.

” Heaven, sir i” he ejaculated; “ you
didn’t go and give him our address or mention
any names, I hope. My master is that particu-
lar as to secrecy that—’

.‘l

 

“ Compose yourself, young man; I’m a man
of my word—nothing has been divul You
want these craftsmen’s addresses to near at
hand you say?"

“ cs, sir; as nearas . ible.”

“ That’s all right, Neither shop is more than
a block or two away. Here you are.”

He handed him the cards, on each of which he-
had written an address.

“My respects to Mr. Leomcistcr, young man:
and say to him from me that he on ht to be a
good tenant. I could have Sold out t 6 contract
over his head to-day for a pretty bonus; but
an agreement’s an agreement and abstained.”

“Yes sir. Good-day, sir.”

“A clever trick, Gaston l” exclaimed the de—-

toctive, when the secretary joined him on the
street a few minutes later. “ What made you
think of it?”

“You left Topham’s letter to Leomeistor in
Mr. Isaacs’s hands, and Mr. Isaaos was good
enough to explain its history to me. That sug-

ested the subterfuge I have just execute .
ere are the addresses, sir.”

Griplock examined them.

One was that of a curtain-hanger and uphol-
sterer on the corner of Avenue A and Forty-
eighth street; the other that of a plumber in the
same crossostreet at a number that indicated a
close vicinity to the East River front.

“ Come, now,” said the detective, “ this is dee
cidedly better than nothing. It general] local-
izes our man, at all events. Did the ol fellow
drop any (‘xtl‘P hint?”

“ Only that neither shop was more than a
block or two awav.”

“The avenue blocks are big ones, but there‘s
nothing like try ing.”

“ I think we sha 1 find the house without any
trouble,” said Gaston, who was not familiar
with New York thoroughfares and distances.

The experiment did not 'ustify his faith.

The plumber’a and the up olsterer‘s were found
without any difficulty, but the search for the
house. from the vague descri ‘on they had at it,
proved to be altogether be e.

There ware many hu actory. buildings, but-
none that seemed like y to have the flageous
living apartments at t e top, as descri' , and
of course they could not venture upon any but
the most guarded inquiries.

They were about despairing when Gaston’s
slender fingers suddenly closed warnineg on the
detoctive‘s arm.

Obedieut to the caution, the latter at once-
sidled with him into a ccnvanient doorway.

It was on East Fort -ninth street. near the
river, and the thoroug fare was crowded with
tenement-house life and mid-day traflc.

At the same instant a man sauntered past who-
rivetod their attention.

An od.l face, briefly-bearded to the eyes, but
there was no disguising the snakish glitter of the
latter nor the writhing, gliding wa] .

It was Gogo.
“ After him!” whi ered the detective. “ You
on the o posits side, on this. Don’t lose sight

of him, ut be prudent.”

Gogo was accordingly shadowed.

What was he up to?

He ed to be abroad for neither business
nor pl sure, and yet he would occasionally
pause to look into a shop-Window. or studia
sign-board, but cnly to sudden] wheel in is
tracks and take in his genera surroundings
with a lightning glanCe.

He feared just what was happening, his bein
shadowed, and was resolved to guard agains
it.

That was what Gogo was up to.

As he made one of these sudden wheelings,
soon after passing along the river front, he came
in contact with a polished exquisite, who flew
into a great rage over the accident.

“ 0qu you should look “here you are gad-
ding,” cried the stranger, brushing his coat dis-
dainfully with his kid-gloved hand. “Are you
used to taking up the entire sidewalk with your
zi g blunderigagsl”

ogo return the angry stare with interest,
then muttered something in apology and hur-
ried on. -

Presently, when he seemed to deem the coast
clear, he darted into the staircase entrance of a
towering factory building standing somewhat
alone.

A moment later the fashionable stran er, who
was none other than the detective, had ollowed
after him, accompanied b Gaston Larue.

“We’ve struck our trai ,” whis red the for-
“ The building stands iso ated, just as
was described.”

“ True; but there are others similar.”

“ But on] one, with the Man-Snake leading
the way. cautious now.”

The stainflights seemed wholly deserted.

They stole upward.

It was the hour of noon. The throb and rum—
ble of machinery in the adjoining floor: had
ceased, and they could occasionally hear the
voices of the workmen at their mid ay lunch.

Open hatchways extended up through the
floors in close connection with the stairwa 3,
both series being walled off from the main n-
terior by wooden partitions, with a communi-
cating door at each landing.

 

 

.. w ~r .wvswrawr

 

 

 

 

353mm 6".

Le 15,}.

 

3:“??1-11 -

 

 

 

 

. r_r.‘.'";_,::“\"kv

 tens, Detective.

2

 

*—

 

 

The ascent was such as ve no hint of
sumptuous livin -rooms on t e top floor, but
this contrast been alluded to by the dis-
creet Mr Topham as an additional recommen-

dation. _ , .

But the building was nine stories highOand
upon the eighth landing being reached a listed
dom closing the next entrance up seemed to
promise success beyond. .

The detective had been in the lead, bilth

suing through the listed door, he motio to

is companion, who was the hghter of foot, and
Gaston slip on ahead. .

This flig t was decently carpeted, instead of
being bare, and the partition wall differed from
its redeeessors in having once been painted.

aston had gained the topmost landing like a
phantom, and was turnin to signal the detec-
tive that all was propitious, when suddenly a
look of horror leaped into his face.

At the same instant he mysteriously disap-
peared, as completely as if he had melted into
air.

The detective, who was closely following, was
startled. but retreat was not a word in the
bright lexicnn of his make-up, and his hand was
ahead on the butt of his hip-pocket revolver.

“ W at could have so startled Gaston?” he
thought. “ Had he chanced upon the murdered
body of poor Zelda at the very threshold of the
secret rooms?”

Then, with a noiseless leap, he cleared the re-
maining step. _

The carpet strip at the top was jerked With
such sudderiness as his foot fell upon it that he
was trip )ed 11 and thrown on his back.

Then e fe t a noose thrown over his shoul-
ders, pinning his arms to his sides, and he was
being dra ged, like a lariated colt toward the
open hatc way, while Leomeister's demoniac
voice sounded in his ears.

“ Dupe and fool!” it cried; “ you have found
your doom. Gogo recognized you on the in-
stant and you have bren lured into the wrong
building, but one that answers our ur
equally well. Down to perdition with him.’

Then there was a hissing laugh—the Man-
Snake‘s laugh—and the trapped detective was
beyond noting anything more.

or an instant he was dancing on the air, then
the noosmg rope was cut, 110 tunicd half—over,
and went plunging down into the nine-storied
abyss. __

CHAPTER XXXI.
srnzzx l.\' A NEW ROLE.

BUT the hoistway-rope, which had been gath-
ered to one side of the openin , and thus
escaped the'notice of the would- assassins,
dangled, nevertheless, all the way down to the
lowest floor.

The noose had, moreover, become loosened
from around the detective’s arms by the cutting
of the connecting line.

B a tremendous, midair effort, be managed
to}? “crib “£38 blismy' l a h d d

is rst o sip ,peeingo is any
gloves and skinnin his hands, but still it was
enough to turn his body feet downward, and
break the force of his plunge.

A second attempt was more successful.

He retained his clutch of the main or wind-
lass rope, and even succeeded in twining it with
his le .

Thgschanc'ed when about two-thirds of the
way down, and it was thence a matter of com-
rative ease to let himself down, hand-over

d, to the bottom of the shaft.

A cry of baffled fury came from above; then
the topmost hatch was closed, and all was still.

The ~detective was safe, even comparatively
unin tired, though badlé shaken u .

W at had become of astonl ad he secreted
himself from, 01' been captured by, the same as-
sassin hands? In either case, wouldn’t it be
wisest to at once summon the police or the fac-
tory hands, and have Conrad and Gogo en in
custody before they could escape by the stair-
wayfl No; for in what way would that re-
Veal the prison-house in which Zelda was hidden
awa l

Aiiytheao reflections chased each other through
the dazed .detective’s brain, there was a descend-
ip scurry on the stairways.

fie supported himself against the partition
and his revolver. _

But before he could draw it, Leomeister and

flashed by him through the street entrance
an were one. .

He slow y followed, being in no condition to
take up the pursuit.

A subsequent study of the water-front_pre-
sented a number of other lofty, com ratively
isolated buildings, ver similar to t e one in
which he had been so cleverly entrapped.

But they were entirely too numerous for a
personal examination of the topmost stor of
each to be thou ht of, while any system 0 in-
quiry W00“ be holy to place the wary and
murderous enemy once more on his guard.

Still wondering What could have become of
Gaston Lorne. the detective was turnin his
back on thetnelfhbo-hiinfod {In bitternelss an dis-
apdnm° .wenheamostran
against Mr, Samug'l‘opham.

“ Bic! me! here We are again." said the little

 

 

man, genially. “How do you chance in this
vicinity, my dear sir?"

“Business—business!” was the languid re ly,
with a nod at a real-estate office that uck
chanced to place near at hand. “You see, I
am still room-huntin , and thought something
of a plying at this o co.

hile speaking, he managed to conceal the
lms of his hands, which were still somewhat
cerated and bleeding.

“ Nonsense!” said Topham. “ Those chaps in
there haven’t anything that would suit you.
Come to see me again to-morrow. I had no in-
tentionef offending you when you went off in
such a huff.”

“ Ah, oh, that’s all right! But why not put
me on the track of something else on the t?”

“Can’t possibly; too busy. Well, wel, in-
terview t 039 sharks, if you choose. You will
find I’ve said nothing but the truth about them.
Come to inc to-morrow, if you don’t get suited.

-da . ’

And the little man stepped briskly away,
seemingly much preoccupied, as Griploc slipped
into the real estate office.

But the latter’s move was only a pretense, as
a matter of course.

A moment later he was close] shadowing
Topham, feeling almost certain t t the latter
was bent on vis‘iting his new'tenants of the un-
discovered air lodgings.

But he was again disa pointed.

Mr. Topham forthwit proceeded tothe nei h-
boring ferry, paid his fare, and was seen to en r
the boat, as much preoccupied as ever.

The detective was turning away, when his at-
tention was arrested by a trimly-dressed, fine-
figu red young lady, intently examining a flaring
show-poster.

The poster was a flaringly artistic one—one of
the man already advertismg the Universal
Circus, enagcrie, and Roman Hippodrome
throughout the metropolis and its suburbs.

The youn lady was the ex Girl-Fish, Kalulah.

“ 0110! I ave you, my dear,” thou ht the de-
tective. “But how much more glad y would I
have spotted the house out of which you must
have newly emerged." .

He also found Occasion to be attracted by the
poster, after assuring himself that the young
woman had no suspicion of his identity.

Since the deflection of Leomcister and his liv-
ing curiosities, Mr. Isaacs had made a move to-
ward supplying their places by eiiga ing a fresh
sub-a ueous wonder—a man-fish, du y from ted
as in nitely surpassing every similar pl‘OlllEy;
and it was the picture of this )erformer. billed
as Ching  , the Japanese Ierman, in the
act of smiling y diving for pearls in a pea-green
ocean, With a preposterous pig-tail floating out
behind that had naturally enough riveted the
ex- rofessional’s criticism.

er bosom heaved and her lip curled.

At last, With a contemptqu snifl’, as much
as to 89. , “ What is a man-fish good for with a
public t at has hun entranced upon the per-
formance of Kalula , the human amphibian of
the universe?" she hurried away.

“ This is the opening afternoon of our show,
and I know just where to look for you there, my
charmer,” said the detective to himself. “ Any
fresh clew is better than none."

He_accordingly went to a barber-shop, to doc-
tor his hands and have himself dusted off, then
had lunch at a restaurant, and finally headed
for the show, it being now nearly two o’clock in
the afternoon.

Mr. lsaacs was in the vicinity of the ticket-
oflice, his face wreathed with smiles.

It was a faultless opening day.

The public was pouring into the show in
shoals and swarms.

Be grasped the detective's hand.

_ “Give me jg, my dear fellowl” he chuck—
lin ly whisper . ‘ The Universal’s bad luck
isa uttobe wiped out bya season of unex-
arppépflprosperity. You must let me wine you
a i e.

Griplock submitted to being led to the ad-

joining refreshment-room, at one end of which
those temperate and ubiquitous individuals, the
members of the press, were cnjo ing a free
lunch, with liquids galore, at the s ow-master’s
ex use.
‘ We’ve caught on, my boy, fairly can ht
on i” continued Mr. Isaacs, genially rubbing is
hands while a bottle for two was under way.
“ In fact, the Show is doing better than it de-
serves. Ah, if ounlittlo Zelda, our airy, fairv
love-bird of equitation, were but with us still in
her erloss bare-back wonder! But doubtless
you ve not yet got on the track of her?”

The detective shook his head.

“ Bad, bad, bad!” and Mr. Isaacs tried to
frown while touchin glasses. “And more-
over, what can have , me of my littesecre-
tary and press-agent, Gaston Larue? I want
him badly, but he ran after you this morning,
and that was the last of him.”

f‘ Listen, sir,” said the detective: and he forth-
with gave him a running account of what had
chanced, after which he continued: “ Now the
discovery of Zelda's whereabouts may depend
upon one person.” I

“What. person?” demanded the show-master,
who had listened eagerly.

 

“ This newl engaged Man-Fish whose pic-
ture I saw lulah gazing at—the Japanese
amphibian, you know.

1‘ is“ “it: "’3" : b1 i n...

‘ ye 'ting im,i possi e,inour nte ,
to find out from Kalulah where she is now liv-
ing, in case she should seek an interview with
him this afternoon, as I predict that she will.”

“ To be sure! to be sure!”

“ Who and what is the fellow? 1 want to find
out if he is one that I can make a friend of and
refise confidenw in.”

e show-master regarded him with a quizzi—
cal look.

“ You know the an,” said he.

“ I know him?"

it Yes.”

“Who is,hel"

‘5 ' 'i

S .

Gri lock burst into a laugh.

“ vaghat! Spezzi transformed afresh, and this
time into a nierman?"

“ Exactly. What would you, my boy? Hav-
ing lost our mermaid, some sort of substitute
was indispensable, and I remembered Spezzi
having vaunted some ex rience as asubmarine
wrecker. So I rung in ypsy Frank as a clown,
and rsuaded the signer to pese in the tank act
in ulah’s place.”

“ I’d have supposed he would object to the
change, as being somewhat infra dig., you
know."

“ Do you forget that he is anxious to become
my son—in-law f”

“ Ah, to be sure. Poor Spezzi! But wait; I
have it." He tapped his forehead. " Could
anything chance more pat to my needs?”

“ To what do you refer?”

“ To the fact that Kalulah was once uncom-
monly sweet upon Speni, and doubtless remains
so in secret to this day, for all that he has no
eyes but for Kitty.”

“ Ahi now it is 1 that begin to comprehend.”

“ Where is the tank-act to be performed?"

“ Northeast comer, between the elephants
and the camels.”

“ Thanks! Will see you later. Ask Kitty to
seek me out, if you see her before I do." And
away went the detective in search of Signor
Spezzi in his dressing—room.

CHAPTER XXXII.
KALULAH. ‘

“AH, Meester Greeplock, it is no longer ina
high career that you find me!" exclaimed the
Sig-nor, dolefuily. “ To think how of late I
have descended the ladder—from ring-master to
merry Andrew, from that to aspurious Japa-
nese man-fish—ever down, down and still
down.”

And be wiped a tear from his eye as he spoke,
though too bu in his make-up for the moment
to give the sub t full justice.”

“ Oh, you must cheer up, signer," said Grip-
lock, helping him with his costume. “ 1t isn t
every one t at can be a pig-tailed merman on
such surprisingly short notice, and besides
you please Mr. saacs immensely undertaking
the part.”

“ And Mees Kitty, too!” cried Spezzi, eager-
ly. “ She have see me in my rehearsal, and de-
c are me charming):

“That should recompense enough, in all
conscience,” said Griplock. heartily. “ What
an experience to leok back upon when Kitty
Isaacs is the Signorina Spezzi and you are,
perhaps, her father’s partnerin the combina-
tion!

“ Oh, but. Meester Griplockl a dream is too
bright-fit dazzles me i"

‘ No need of that. In the meantime, I want
{2: this day to help me out in finding where

meister has hidden Zelda away.”

“ With all my heart! What am I to do?"

“ Make love with all your might to Kalulah,
should the «onion offer."

“ orpo di Bacchi'o! Mess Kitty—”

“ I Will see that Miss Kitty shall not be of-
fended. Listen to me, signer.

And the detective rtpidlysketchcd the de-
mands of the case.

“NOW, look here," he continued. “ You
needn't make downright love to her, for that
wouldn‘t be the fair thing, one way or an—
other.” - p

“ No. MaestI-r Griplock; because my heart, it
is 've to another."

‘ I understand. But you can be so agreeable
to her that she will seek to make an appoint-
ment w'th you, and in that way lead to your
getting her address. which is of ccurse the maze
as where Leomeister and Gogo keep Zelda a
prisoner, can‘t you?"

But such was the honest ltalien’s loyalty to
the sole object of his worship that he could not
yet fall in with the schema. .

All the detective could finally obtain was
a 'conditional promise from 31 622i to enact the
unenviahle part laid out for him, provided that
Miss Kitty should be premnt at the perfor-
mance, and aflord him some intimation that it
was with her exprea permission.

Having gained this much, Griplock harried
away to find Kitty.

The latter had ceased? to be hefom the
since the evanislnn‘ent of her fellow tape. pr-

public.

. A ...,__. "-7.-. .

m... m. . . .0-...A....

 

I ’mew.mu U.

‘ _4.

~ .

I» , ..

.., I ~ .I . ~ _ I,"
M.‘.«;.‘.—. - an: we.» turn»;

5;
l

 

O» n -
snags.-

' 1‘. . Ma

 

‘ thi er than his wrist.

 

3: $5.;  '

 

 

26

forms and was found in the main property
room, ng with her mother.

She not only fell in with the detective’s plan
at once, but promised that Spezzi should receive
both her mission and her command to enact
his part t erein forthwith.

“ Come, we will go at onco,” said she. “ The
horse-acts are nearly over, and Speni should be
ready for his tank by this time.”

On their way around behind the spectators,
she was very talkative and agreeable.

“ I’ve seen the time when I wouldn’t do as
much as this for you or Zelda either,” said she,
with a pretty blush. “ But that seems like a
long time ago now. Poor Zelda! We must iget
her out of that villain’s power at the earl est
moment, and I on! hope that Kalulah is still
gone enou h on m ittle signor to enable him to
use her to t en . And then, to tell the truth,”
here she laughed, “I am highly curious to see
how Spezzi will conduct himself as the Japan-
ese merman.”

“ Your father informs me that he has had
submarine experience,” said the detective. “ I
was not aware of it before."

“ Oh, yes; he can stay under water well
enough and sufficiently long. But, ha, ha, ha!

.he is so comical, the poor dear fellow! with that

rubber wi
make you is lang
it in earnest.”

They now came out between the elephants and
the camels, into the re inclosure where the
small stage containing t e merman’s tank was
on view.

A t crowd of tators were alread as-
semb ed, and among hem the detective the
satisfaction of perceivin Kalulah.

She occupied a romment place, and seemed
conscious of hard y an hing else but the new
water-prodigy, who he just made his a pear-
ance from his dressing-room, and was be ng in-
troduced in a neat little showman’s harangue
by Sheik Terence Grady Mahmoud, in lieu of a
fitter man for the office.

A look of critical contempt sat u n the ex-
mermaid‘s fair face as she regard her imita-
tor in the subaqueous sphere, and not without
reason.

Spezzi, as a Japanese Herman, if not an un-
equ vocal success, was at least a noticeable

and Eligtail attachment! It will
ng, even if the public takes

curiosity.

\Vith the exception of green-and- old trunks,
his bodeas incased in a yellowis flesh-color-
ed ind -rubber suit, made to re resent the
natural skin, but gorgeous! tattooed in a man-
ner that would have exc ted the envy of a
South Sea Islander or challenged contrast with
the craziest bed-quilt in a country fair.

His mustache was invisible, his eyes arti-
ficiall oblique, his eyebrows enlarged is
mout , with the assistance of red paint, ex-
tended in an immutable grin from ear to ear.

His large head of hair was concealed beneath
a rubber membrane made to resemble the
shaven poll of a disci le of Confucius, while
the ueue attached reac ed to his heels and was

“ Ye seez the Ja neesc Man-Fish ladies and
tlemen,” said t 6 Arab expounder, glibly

‘ jistas be up before the crowned headso
Yurrup and izhy when he dived to the bottom
of the as for a. di’mond crown wel tossed into
the Pers Gulf by his Honor ’ceu to him
for a Sassenach!) the Lord Mayor of London.

. ' He’s infinitely more at home in the water than
on

land. The little fishes are his compan-
ions, t e sea-serpent his bosom friend, and whin
he sthrikes his grmden harp beneath the blue
water, its more beautiful t an the i of the
piper that pla ed before Moses. Cg: ng-Lun
ies and in lemon, will now intrance ye wfii
his unhea -of spicialties under the deep blue
wave.”

Then the merman, with a dignified bow, step-
ped into the tank, and slowly sunk to the bot-
tom in a sitting attitude.

'There 'he quietly blinked, grinned, caressed
his pigtail, and nnght be taken as saying his
prayers or counting noses among the spectators,
as one happened to be dispOsed.

Most o the'spectators seemed to be highly on-
tertained, whiTe many laughed unrestrainedly.

Prominent among t e latter was Kitty, whose
silve merriment seemed to reach the ears of
the su merged merman himself.

At all events, be singled her out, and turneda
watery look of reproach and pity toward her.

She seized .the opportunity of noddin her
head, and givxng him several other si s ) the
eflect that she sympathised with theggsigns of
the man at her elbow, who was none other than
the detective.

The fictitious amphibian seemed to under-
stand, for he bent his head gravely, submissive-
ly, and then proceeded to go through with the
various sub-aqueous stock-tricks in a slow and
painstaking manner.

But Griplock had eyes for nothin but the
ch expression in the ex-mermai ’1! face.

At contempt ve place to surprise there,

to recognit on, and, as a faint color be-

gan to come into her cheeks and her eyes to

w heknewthatshehadrecogniaed Spessiin
J’apanese wonder.

‘° She’s catching on nicely,” said the detective

 

The Circus Detective.

to himself. “ Let Spezzi only do the right thing
now, and she’s as good as hooped.”

The occasion soon came.

The merman, glistenin and self- ,
wasout of his tank, sea in an arm-chair at
the side of the little stage, urbanely receiving
the congratulations of the curious and admiring
that were permitted to shake his hand and ask a
few questions by turns from among the specta-
tors.

The great man was holding his levee.

“ Do just what Griplock asked you to,” Kitty
managed towhislpgr during this phase of the
performance. “ member; it is only by doing
so that gou can please me 1”

Poor peni b htened up.

The next one pass was Kalulah, and she
eyed the whi rer with a salons look that
caused Griploc to grow light- carted.

It was now Kalulah’s turn.

" I know you, 8 zzi,” she whispered.
“ Promise to see andta with me directly after

on have dressed, or I shall expose you as a
rand!”

His look of alarm changed to one of bold
admiration, and he nodded emphatically as she

passed.

“ She nibbles!” was whi red to Kitty by the
detective, upon whom no hing had been lost.
“Don’t you get jealous in turn now, and the
game is in our hands.”

“ l jealous, and of Spezzi? It is so likely!”

Nevertheless, it was uite evident that when,
ten minutes later, the s gnor, in his own proper
cestume had wandered off among the spectators
in Miss lulah’s company, that t was just that
that befell Kitty.

“What a forward minx the girl is!” said she.
“ It’s no wonder that she never captured a real
been among the compan , and that even Conrad
alwa s treated her wit secret contempt. I
won er if she will reall have the cheek to make
an a pointment with anrice,”

“ t us hope so, at least,” said Gri lock.
“ It is about my last chance of finding lda
without omiin seeking the aid of police.

Gastgn’s d ppearance, too, is quite inexplic-
a e. O

“ Gaston! Has he dies peared, tool”

“ Yes.” And he rela the incident.

“ How very extraordina !” said Kitty.
“But there's no fear, I thin , of Leomeister
havin killed him.”

“i ynoti”

“ I can’t explain, only I alwa felt instinct-
ively that there was someth a; m sterious
about Gaston, with his silent an re ng but
observant ways, that made Conrad secret!
afraid of him. Mill and I used to remar
upon it, even in r . Vanderpoer’s day.”

"Of what nat onalit is Gaston, think you!"
asked the detective af erapause.

“French, I think, but I am not certain he
speaksso many languages fluently. Mr. Van-
derpoer picked him 11 in Antwerp or A! ers
Ibelieve. What a diculous foo that fin!
is! Where can he have gone with that id
Malay hussy?”

They Were passing Othmar’s cage at the
time, and anlock suddenly arrested their
promenade.

“Try to not look startled,” he whispered.
“ Leomeister is here, and not far away.”

“ Have you seen him?”

“No.” .
on know, then.”

“ Look at thmar.”

The lion had suddenly grown restless, and
there was a searching, half-cowed expression
in his ellow eyes.

“13 3 old trainer is present,” continued the
detective. “ He has encountered Conrad’s quel-
ling eye within a minute or two, or he would
not act in that way. It is an unmistakable

si .”
$913 iti But maybe it is your own eye that
has caused it.”

“ But I had not once looked at him. Besides,
Othmar is not so familiar With my glance as
with Conrad’s.”

“I shall be on the lookout. Ah! here is
Spezzi looking for me at last. And he looks
well enough contented, too.”

At this moment there was a cry of “Pick-

kets!” on the other side of the tent, and

ri lock darted away.

e had just had time to note a lightfingered
rascal being nabbed by a policeman when he
felt a faint pressure upon his waistcoat in the
crowd.

His own time-piece was safe enough, but,
thrust into the same pocket was a slip of paper,
with these Words in pencil:

"Don‘t think me strayed, list or stolen. I am
only on the watch. Your present plan wi'h Kalulah
is a good one. Omen".

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
rm: Mlssmo ADDRESS.

Tan detective was fairly mystified. Gaston
himself had doubtless ssed the communication
to him in the crowd ut why not have given it
giy world of meats, and wherefore the 0;:casion

or suc apparen superfluous m stpry

However, that t was not wholIy superfluous

 

was evident enough in the fact, or seeming fact,
of its having come from Inrue.

A moment later, he .was re 'oined by Kitty,
who was now accompanied by 

The former’s eyes were spar ling with ill-
humor, and the si or was correspondingly
dolorous and misera le.

“Ah, Meester Gri lock,” said he, pleadin ly,
“ I have you to than for this. You see be ore
you the most miserable of men!”

“What is the matter?” asked the detective,
though perceiving the difficulty at a glance.
“Didn’t you succeed in obtaining the appoint-
ment with Kalulah i”

“Ah, that is it. I did succeed, and am there-
fore tortured! I appeal to you, Meester Grip-
lock, if it was my fault—if it was an interview
of m seekin -if I had not Mees Kitt ’s carte
blanc e to to ow your instructions wit we de-
testable Malay young woman !”

“ Oh, that is all ri ht,” said Gripbck. “ Miss
Isaacs, he really h your permission, not tosay
command.”

“ To make an a pointment with the minx—I
grant that,” sai Kitty, slight! mollified by
the adjective ‘detestable’ as app ied to the ab-
sent fajr one. “But not to seem downright
gone on her, to the extent that it was a public
spectacle!”

The detective burst out laughin .

“Oh come, now, this is too ri iculous!” said
he. “You are unjust to the signer, Kitty.
Wh , the poor devil looked asif he was swal—
10 u an emetic all the time when with the
girl. t was noticeable. I trembled for the suc-
cess of my scheme.”

Kitty’s face cleared, and her lover conse-
quently be an to beam.

“Well, consent to forgive him this time,”
said she, magnanimonsly. “But only on con~
dition that I shall be present at the secret app
pointment he has made with her.”

“Where would the secrecy come in then?”
said Griplock, laughing again. “But re ice
that an appointment was effected. Woul she
not ‘ve you the address outright. signer?”

“ las, no, my friend! She was mysterious,
she was afraid. I have to pretend to make love,
to grow tender, to be softly persistent, though
it give me as sea-sickness.”

‘ I should think so,” said Kitty.

“ What was the upshot?” asked Gripiock, a
little abrupt! , for he was growing impatient.

After muc more circu mlocution, it came out
that S zzi was to have a street appointment
with lnlah that nifipt. after show-hours, when
she was to give him er address, that he might.
co ml with her when personal meetings
shou! be impracticable.

The placa of meeting was on the ridge over
the roadwa tunnel at the East River foot of
Forty-secon street, the same being the contin-
uation of the uiet residence street, overlook-
in the water, t t is known as Prospect place.

t is needless to sa that Miss Kitty was finally
induced to reconsi er her intention of being
present at the secret meeting aforesaid.

But Gripllock was duly on hand in the garb
of a rou seafaring man, who was leaning
over the rrace rail, apparently absorbed in a
half-inebriated observation of the adjacent river,
when Kalulah and her romantic appomtee
stepped out from the nei hborin shadows at a
close approximation to he wite g midnight
hour.

It is a rather favorite resort for lovers of the
humbler sort. especially on Saturday nigh
this lofty roadway crossing the Forty-secon
street tunnel.

It is well withdrawn from the bu? streets
below, and at the same time affords a ne view
of the shipping and river over the streets and
even the ousetops on the outer side, whilein
the opposite direction, looking over the brow
of the main street, as it rises from under the
archway, one can get glimpses of two Elevated
Railroad stations.

But for some reason, on the Saturday n ht
under consideration the terrace was altoget er
deserted, save for the presence of the medita-
tive sailor alludedl  as, Ksalulaih and pgdheia

rent! enamore ignor pezz step ii
Bilew. w3ith a like inclination for the outer rail.

“Some one is here—we are not alone,” said
Kalulah. “I wish that rough man would go
awa l”

“ hall I order him away, my dear, or chuck
him overi” said the gentleman, com lacently
though perfectly aware that it wasG plock an
none else.

“ How brave on are, Maurice!” said Kalulah
admiringly. ‘ But no; I wouldn’t have you
break the r man’s neck, for that would at-
tract the a tention of the police, which is not de-
sirable. But you might speak to the man, and
perhaps he would go awa .”

Spezzi accordingly a dressed the apparent
sailor with some brusqueness in more languages
than one before eliciting a response.

Then the fellow looked up unsteadillynailied
in some sort of djargon, and merely te his
lounging attitu e at the rail.

“ He’s an Arab. and can understand nothing

hm Arabic," said S returnin to his fa
charge. “ Still, I’ll him overin theaby',
if you only say so.”

 

 

 

 

—:

 

 

 

 

 

MW

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘ "if-"1.5mm. Detective.

2'7

 

 

“ Oh, by no means! I hardly think we shall
need to talk in Arabic, Maurice.”
Si or Mauritius Spezzi placed his hand on

his cart, and amned an ecstatic expression, -

without answering.

Sh'e linked her hands over his arm and looked
up imploringly into his face,

“ Tell me something, Maurice,” she murmur-

ed.

“ What you will, my dear.”

“ Why, if on really care for me now—that is,
if I have suc denly become distasteful to you—’

“ Distasteful? Santo Marco! what a word in
such a connection.”

“ Why, then, did you use to be so cold to me
when we traveled with the show together? Tell
me that. ”

Spezzi was somewhat embarrassed for a plan-

sible replty. . .

Apart rom this, his pOSition‘was not without

dan r to his susceptibilities.

ulah notwithstanding her greenish-black
eyes, which alone betrayed her Malay or Suma-
tran origin, was an undeniably attractive young
woman, and, moreover, a rt from her infatu-
ation for the Signor, whic had been an old joke
among the tent men, she was lacking in neither
common sense nor womanly penetration.

“ Can you not guess, cara mia ?” Spezzi at
last managed to answer. “ The deuce! I have
not a thousand lives, and where was there a man
in the show who was not fearful of the ill-will of
Leomeister?”

“ Conrad! what was he to me?”

“ You know best, can: mm.”

Kalulah slightly flushed.

“ He was and is my—master; my brother
Gogo’s master and mine,” said she. “ Whoever
has thought else has tho ht a lie!”

“ I take your word for my dear.”

“ Of course you do; I s ould say so. When
Conrad came across as in Java, where we were
cxhibitin our sifiwialties to the foreigners, I was
a mere 0 ild. e took us up educated us in
English and has been a fast friend to us ever
since. That is all.”

“ Ah, I believe ’you. But you swear you have
never loved himi’

“ Him? I do swear it, Maurice!” this with
much earnestness. “ Why, Leomeister might
be my father—he is old enough; and, moreover,
he is insanely infatuated wit Zelda.”

“ Ah! the little Zelda. She is still with you
all, I suppose?”

“ Of course, and will remain with us till she
perishes or becomes Conrad’s wife, one of the
two, depend upon that.”

Not a word of these interchanges was lost by
the disguised detective, who at this moment,
however, saw what escaped the attention of the
siginor and his companion.

t was the shade presence of three men-—
two that momently tra ed themselves at the
entrahce of the narrow l ttle side-street (Pros-
pect place itself) before again fadin into the
obscurity; and yet another, further ,k, who
appeared to be secretly watching those two as
intently as the in their turn were watching the
lover-like coup e at the terrace-rail.

“ A oounterplot is under way,” thought the
detective. “ But if those two lurkers are Con-
rad and o, as I t, who can their
shadewer be? Not Zelda erself in masculine

' i That would be too good for reality.
But let us watch and wait.” .

“ By the way, cara mi'a,” Speni went on to
say, ' ou must not forget to give me your pres-
en ad rose, as on promised.’

“ I shall not orget, my dear Maurice. What,
are you so anxious to have it, then!”

“ Can you doubt it?” «

“There it is, then.”

She laughed coquettishly, and handed him a
slip of paper.

At t at instant, the two men in the shadows
recipitated themselves upon the pair with the
u of wild beasts. _

‘ Traitress or fool!” snarled the lion-tamer’s

voice, “ Would ou betray us to that idiot? The
address,  Return it, or—”

CHAPTER XXXIV.
Tim FIGHT ON THE TERRACE.

Tim sentence was never completed.

For, though S zzi was already in the com-
bined sp of th Conrad and Gogo, While
Kalula had become petrified with fear. at that
instant the pretended sailor fiew .at the 110m
tether’s throat, who suddenly realized that be
was in the remorselem grip of the only man on
earth hefeared—Griplock Crimmins, the was
Detective.

It was the clutch of steel, the vise-grip, so
similar to that of which it has been so aptly
rhymed: '

“ Stick to your aim! the manger; hold may slip,

But only crowbars loose th ’3

That strength Which. while igliggsaengtriimields

 

Drag! down the be"OWilig monarch of the fields!"~

Then, 813"“ being also 'a muscular and fear-
less man, there seemed a good chance of the
tables being turned.

Indeed, both assailants were beinglhard press-
ed agaimt the 11111118. Ind, though t e fight was
at too close Guam“ 101' the use of an but

nature’s Weaponl. “1m loomed a great eli-
, \

pair of broken necks.

been the case on many a previous occasion.

A gmugof policemen,
mistook rip ock and Spezzi for the origin
aggressors, and rushed pell-mell up the commu-
nicating stone steps, to take a hand in the dis-
turbance.

“Help! help!” roared Leomeister, in simu-
lated terror. “ The lady’s in peril! The mis-
creants are tearing her from our protection!”

Before the misrepresentation could be rectified,
the guardians of the night sailed in with their
clubs, right and left.

By an unfortunate coincidence, the mistake
was assisted, rather than prevented, for the
time being.

In addition to his natumlly swarthy and ro-
mantic aspect, Spezzi had provided himself for
the tender interview with an enormous steeple-
crowned sombrero, that [gave him a decidedly
bri andish ap earance, w ile the rou h sailor
gar of the detective went far to secon
picious impression thus created.

If not well-known, the formidableness of the
New York policeman’s night-stick can well be
imagined, especially when wielded by a sturdy
Celtic arm, with the belief that its blows are
falling u n a midnight prowler or some blood-
thirst dgegperado.

the sus-

ing themselves as best they in ht from this
fresh attack, and vociferati heir protests,
Leomeister snatched up Kalula as if she were
no more than a wax doll, and darted away with
Gogo, disappearing amid the shadows of the
litt e side street.

A slight scume seemed to ensue there, and
then they Were gone.

The conflict was at an end.

The roundsman in command of the officers
stood scratching his head half-apologetically
while his subordinates were looking both exci
and foolish.

The Circus Detective had dislplayed his pro-
fessional badge, while the ming ed explanations
and anathemas of poor S zzi, whose pictur-
esque hat had alone saved h m from a dozen or
more fractures of the skull, Were at last being
received with some degree of politeness.

“Be the powers!” said the roundsman: “ how
war we to know yez for circus men and the
others for the divils yez say they was? Couldn’t

ez hev yelled a little louder forninst the foight?
ledét’g thAIRSlVflSththB kerrhy‘i‘i‘i; off the y‘o‘irinfi
er im, e s as! e
arrisst them at.” y pee

He wav his club, and they all scattered,
running off in different directions, ostensibly for
the purpose of securing the fugitives, but really
to avoid, if possible, t e consequences of what
milght prove a costlyI mistak' 6.

er

ortunately neit Gri lock nor his com-
panion had suffered any as ous injury through-
out the affair.

“ It might have been even worse,” was the
detective’s cheerful comment, _when the coast
was again clear. “ Of course, you’vo got the
address, for I saw her give it to you.”

“ Alas, no!” and Signor Spezzi fumbled dis-
consolhtely in his pocket. “ Gone, my friend,
gone

“ nei Oh come now; that can’t be possible.
Loo again. I saw you put it in your pocket at
the last moment.”

“ Right my friend; but you will remember
that that last moment was a decidedly critical
one for me. Corpo di Bacchio! both had me
by the neck at once. and, just as you rushed so
bravely to my aid,\I felt a wrenching hand'in
the very pocket in which I had so triumphantly
thrust the precious per an instant before.”

The detective ga e a despairing exclamation,
which was interrupted b a sligh , graceful fi -
are suddenly stepping in view from the litt e
side-street along which the brace of scoundrels
had effected their retreat with Kalulah.

tending something in his hand. “ Fighting isn’t
in my line—I wouldn‘t have been much account
in rushing to your rescue; but, nevertheless, I
robbed Leomeister of this in his turn in the brief
scuffle that you must have heard in among the
shadows onder.”

Griploc uttered a gratified cry, and clasped
the speaker in his arms.

It was Gaston L'irue.

“ There’s no need of bein so exuberant,” said
the latter. releasing himsel with good-natured
brusqueziess. one might almost have said, with a
blush. “ There is your paper. The best part of
it is that I hardly think Leomeistcr can know of
having lost it. I merely pretended to be a
chance wayfarer in his way, and effected the
theft with considerable cleverness, if I say it
myself.”

Griplork gave him another grateful look, and
then read the address.

“ Why,” said he, “ it’s that huge red brick
factory onlyoa block above the building we were
deceived in entering!”

“ That is true ”

 

“ Now tell me where you have been.”
“With Zelda.” . ,

w
l
r l .y:
3. 3.1.; . "=
i (; if x‘. h i!‘

hood of their be speedily tossed over into the
deep cut, which ilgguld mean little less than a

coking up from below i

As riplock and Spezzi reeled back, protect- l

“ Here is the address,” said the new-comer ex-.

“ Are you in earnest?”
“ Never was more so.”
“ Hurry up, and explain. In the first

But accident favored the scoundrels, as had idid you see me tumbled down the ho ' g-

3 wa
‘y Yes; and was powerless to prevent it, or
I even cry out.”
4 “ Now for your story.”
i “ It shall be short, though a most remarkable
. story it is. You saw me suddenly disap r
! WI‘1‘6§ preceding you at the top of the stair
O
“ Gogo had throttled me and dragged me into
a cranny with the swiftness of thong t. Before
that I had seen Con grasping the end of the
carpet-strip, in readi ess to trip you the instant
I your feet touched it. I was gag and bound
‘ so quickly that Gogo had time. s ort as was the
i interval, to spring out of the cubby-hole intc
F which he had dragged me, and assist in hurling
you down the shaft. I knew of your miraculous
i esca from their exclamations of baffled rage.
! Then they made their esca from the building."
“ Leavmg you behind! h, had I but thought,
of that!”
“ Your return to the top floor would hardly
have resulted in your finding me, I had been
! stowed awa so cunningly.”
[ “ Well, W at next?”
i “They returned in half-an-hour and carried
l me away—taking out my gag; and walking me
throng t e street tween em, w my at
h be t ith h
pulled down over my eyes, 9.8 if I were a
I drunken friend whom they were caring for, but
i at the same time threatening me with instant
l death if I made the least outcry. I pretended to
i be horribly fr'fihtened, but was, of course, glad
! enough to go, I should but obtain the secret of
their abiding— lace.

“We got t ere at last. It is even a taller
building than the one we entered. and stands
directly on the water. I think it must have
been a sugar-refinery, though now used for other
manufacturing rposes, with the exception of
the mfioor, w ich is on the tenth story.

“ en we got up there, Leomeister said to
me: ‘ Of course, on understand that I haven’t
spared our life rough pitéefor you. I want
you to a companion for Ida. who, I fear
without some sort of diversion, will mope and
grieve herself to death. She is in a bad way
now, and as for Kalulah,’ he added, With an
oath. ‘she’s turned out a rebellious hussy who
may yet feel our anger.’ Then G020 hissed and
darted out his tongue. ‘Yes,’ said he, ‘Kalu-
lab is no longer any good, and thinks only for
her selfish pleasure. She must mend her ways,
or I shall strangle her without mercy, though
she were twentggimes my sister.’ a

“ They then k'me througha long and hand-
some corridor intc a locked srdte of rooms,
where I found Zelda.

“I, have been with her until an hour or so

as30m thing more " demanded Griplock.

“What is it?” said Gaston.

“Then on were not secretly at this after.
noon’s per ormance of our showi”

“ Of course not. Why do you ask, after what
I have explained?”

“ Oh, it matters not now. I merely had a
note, pa rting to come from you, pinned to
my cloth while in the crowd there. I now
see that it was but another trick of Leomeister,
doubtless intended to hoodwink me as to your
whereabouts; though it was a stupid dnd aim-
less trick, at the best.” ‘

CHAPTER XXXV.
monis'rna‘s savanna.

Gas-row added many particulars to his re-
markable .

Both Cou and Gogo had flown into a furi-
ous on finding that Kalulah, who had been
left w th Zelda, had taken herself . 03 during
their absence, leaving word that she was going
to the circus.

After that she had not returned.

Before leaving Gaston and Zelda alone to-
gether, Conrad had indulged in the direst
threats of v ce in the event of an attempt
to campe, sa g that he had fixed upo

 

 

n a plan
for burning them alive in the building, shoal}
his safety or resentment demand it.

After being left alone in the prison apart-

- meats, Zelda had exhibited the silver casket,

which she had had in her possession, unknown
to Leomeister, who was constantly brOod ‘
over its loss, from the hour of her being

of! from the hut in the Dismal Valley.

Toward night she had also apprised her com-

nion of an insecurity in one of the locked

core, by which he soon became convinced that,
with perseverance, he could force it open.

That evening the overheard Leomeister and

in conversa on. e two had become
aware of Kalulah’s appoint out with S azi by
some means, and were resolved not on y to in-
term it, but towreak summary vengeance on
Kai h and all concerned.

After discuuihgg the details of what the
would do, the again taken themselves
after leaving ood for their prisoners.

ThenGastonhad lost no time in go

 

longperiodinforcingitopen. Etich

. ,j ‘ a . ’ ‘IJZ', 
'I‘V’é‘é 5'."  a -, -- :5‘42' ,, I'.‘

to 
work at the insecure door, succeediigtm-t ’ I

(if... .

 *4“. he... as. mg," .u.

, 3-
3:

 

- ..4..,._,. 

~,‘

‘1

.sw-

__ r 3."; ._ 9v... .. r

._ 1‘ Mr
.

"a! :1: 27.;  :y :. .‘.‘._.‘.;

\, .‘,..

1:7.”- 1— ,~.-'_

 

springing from a chair, which she had been
standing upon, in order to assist him, Zelda had
been so unfortunate as to sprain her ankle so
' infully as to render her accompanying the
' ugitive, according to the first intention an im-
possibility.

Gaston then proposed that she permit him to
carry the casket to the detective, but she would
not hear of this, beseeching him rather t» follow
in the track of the enemy, whose intentions
were so manifest, defeat their plans, and bring
the detective to her ccor.

This lan Gaston ad carried out, with the
result, t as far that we have seen.

The news of Zelda having the casket in her

sion com ieted the detective’s re 'oicing.

“ Come,” sai he, “ we shall effect elda‘s res-
cue at once, and brin confusion upon these
scoundrels at the same ime. Will you join us,
Si or Spezzil” ..

he Signor, who was naturally of an adven-
turous disposition, consented with the utmost
willingness.

Arriving at the lofty building in question,
Gaston who had the secret of the stairway
door, effected an admittance for the trio.

Gri lock had provided himself with asmall
dark- antern along with his sailor disguise.

This enabled them to make their way up the
stairways noiselessly and with ease, though the
distance to be ascended more than once caused
them to pause for breath.

Arriving at the living apartments on the top
landing a great surprise was in store for them.

The door was open, the gas burning, and the
inferior gave evidence of having been hurriedly
deserted.

The handsome furniture of the first rooms
was in confusion, dusty tracks were over the
carpets, and here and there were odds and ends
of masculine wardrobes, as thou h a general
packing up and cleaning out had Teen recently
executed in a sort of panic.

The detective ground his teeth.

“Gone!” he exclaimed. " They’ve taken the
alarm and fled, doubtless taking Zelda away"
with them.”

“It must be true,” said Spezzi. “Ah, the
foxes, the wolves.”

“ Let us not be sure of that yet " said Gaston.
“ Disheartcned and desperate as know them to
have been, they could not have carried Zelda
away with them so lightly, and I know she
could not have walked far of her own volition
by reason of her sprain. Come.”

He sprung through the lighted rooms to a
door that stood half ajar. .

“ Where would you lead us?” cried the detec-
tive.

. He threwo n the door, disclosing the long
corridor of w ich she had told them.

“To the prison-apartments " he answered.
“ We shall soon know if Zelda has been left
there or taken away.”

Closely followed by the two men, he sprung

along the lighted corridor.

Suddenly the floor opened beneath them, and
they were precipitated, one on top of the other,
into a deep compartment below.

“ Ha, ha, ha!’ laughed Leomeister’s demoniao
voice from overhead. “You want your Zelda
so badly Griplock? Well then take her from
my hands, With death—death for you both,
death for all of (you, as my final contribution.
But 1 aroun you first, and see how you
relish t e situation.”

Partly stunned by their fall, but fortunately

" with no broken bones, the three men sprung to

their feet and took in their surroundings.

The were in a small, doe room that seemed
rou b y but strongly parti oned of! from one of
the ower floors. he place had an oil , disa-
greeable smell, and the corners were eaped
with piles of greasy rags, crumpled papers, and
bunches of tow, blackened and musty, as though
having once been used in cleaning machinery,
while oil and paint cans were scattered about.

In one corner sat Zelda, pale with physical
suflering, and unable to move by reason of her
injured ankle, but who, nevertheless, gave a
Loyom cr’ on seeing the three men sprin un-

urt to t eir feet, for the room was airly
lighted by a couple of lanterns danglin from
the wall, and she recognized Griplock ins ntly,
in spite of his disguise.

In another corner ray Kalulah, gagged. bound,
and with indications of having undergone a ter-
rific beating.

Looking own upon them through the trench
eronl trap-door, were the faces of Leomeistcr
and Gago, the former grinning like a fiend, the
latterg ving snake-like biases and darting his
hideous red tongue in and out in his merricst of
diabolical moods.

It was evident at a lance that they had been
fortifying themselves or a final desperate ven-
ture by excessive and unusual potations, with
the result of both maddeni them tothe highest
pitch, and causing their prudence to
09 thrown to the winds.

“Do on know where beauties?”

oiled t

-curdling laugh.
room of the great factor that does business in
this m ty uilding. verythin surround ng
you b gl y combustible.

youare,m

lion-tamer, With a rape tion of his .
“ You are in the waste- I

 

l

l

The Circus Detective.

the whole crowd of you will be in the midst of a
sea of fire, while Gogo and I will alone make
our escape from the accursed building. Take
back your Zelda, Griplock! Since the casket is
lost. and she has no longer a French fortune at
her back, I have no further use for her, though,
had she been less coy, I might have loved her
for her beauty alone. But this I will tell you,
as a last satisfaction, ere the fire takes you into
its red embrace.
css, though on little dreamed of it as aught
but a ruse when y. u exploited that chance ad-
vertisement in the Gypsy camp.
You, too, Spezzi, farewell!
the fair Kaluluh, take her in your embrace.
She is yours and the llre’s, but no longer for us
who have no need of traitors more. Gaston,l
had no desire to have your life, but you have
fatally intermeddled here, and you must even
suffer with the rest. Farewall!”

He dashed a glass kerosene lamp down into
one of the waste corners, where it at once' ex-
ploded, causing an instant confiagration.

Then, with a loud hang, the trap-door was
closed, there was a parting demoniac shout, the
flames seemed to leap from spot to spot with
terrible rapidity, and the devoted prisoners were
left to their fate.

CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE FIRE-TRAP.

BUT inevitable death itself. in the shape of de-
vouring fire, was destined to recoil for at least a
space before the indomitable bravery and deter-
mination of a man like Griplock Crimmins, the
Circus Detcctive,

A catastrophe precilpitated so swiftly, so,.iixi-
cxpectedly, might we! have appalled the stout-
est heart that ever best the muffled death-roll ill
a human breast, but for a few moments the de~
tcctive seemed on] to eVen such an occasion.

Seizin an 01 broom that chanced to be
among t e refuse of the place, and calling upon
his fe110w-victims in inspiring tones, he quickly
heaped the blazing material into the corner
where the fire had started. and, tearing off his
coat, threw that too u n the flames, trampling
it down hard as he di so.

Spezzi and Larue imitated his example in this
last respect, and, though both heat and smoke
were already nearly stifling, a momentary relief
was obtained.

After the first shock, Zelda had rallied her
courage, and perfectly helpless as she was, had
remained heroically resigned to the certain death
that seemed staring them all in the face.

But Kalulah, who had been relieved of her

ag and thongs while Leomeister was yelling his
horrible harangue down the trap, had set up the
most blood-curdling yells.

She now continued them, interspersing the
cries with prayers for mercy and incoherent con-
fessions as to her rticipation in past crimes
that were awful to ear. .

“Save me! Save me! I am not fit to‘diei”
she raved. “ Save me and I will make a clean
breast of all. Gogo’s was the hand, at Conrad’s
instance that sta bed Mr. Vanderpoer to the
heart! I knew of it, yet lifted not my voice to
warn, to save. The deadly knife With which
the deed was done lied been stolen from Center-
pole J ack the week before.

“ Go ofirst visited Conrad in prison, crawling
throu the window bars. I was awaiting him
ou ' the victim’s window. Before he crept
in, he made me ve him my handkerchief to
twine the knife-h t with, that his grasp might
not slip in dealing the fatal blow. But other-
wise I am innocent. I swear it, God! But there
are other crimes. Save me, save me, and I will
confess them all! Oh, let me not die thus! Save
me, save me, and I will help the world to bang
those infamous men 1”

The eflect of such up) lling revelations,
though only half-intelli ' e shrieked out at
such a time, can be bet r imagined than de—
scribed.

In the midst of their own peril, her companions
in the death-trap regarded her with horror and
loathing. .

But there was, natural] enough, scant time
for anything but the awfu reality of their posx-
tion.

The hungry flames, though deadened for a few
seconds, spread like wild-fire among the combus-

tibles.

While Larue and Spezzi continued their efforts
to stamp them underfoot, Griplock's next move
was to spring to the door and examine it.

'ilt was stout, and apparently bolted on the out
an e.

He made but one pause—to snatch Zelda to
his breast, and press a last kiss to her trembling
Hips—and then hurled himsolf against the bar-
r or.

His body bounded back, the door remaining
immovable.

Suddenl , however, hurrird steps were heard
on the other side, amid the crackling of the
flames and the ravings of the conscience-tortured

irl.
8 “Help!” shouted the detective at the top of
his powerful lungs.

“Coming, coming!" responded a voice that

five minutes was strange to them all.

She is the Villemessant heir— ,

i:

The bolts were heard to shoot back, the door
flew open. _

They were saved. .

, The rescuer proved to be the night-watchman
of the factory, who had chanced to be visiting
that floor by the strangest of accidents.

The burmng room was emptied of its human
contents in an instant, but a last glance into the
interior was sufilmeut.

“ Nothing can save this room,” cried the new-
comer, closing the door again. “ There’s a

A chance of its burning itself out in there, but it’s

Ha, ha, ha! ;
If you really love ‘

 

only a chance.”

As they all hurried to the stairways, Zelda be-
ing carried by the detective, the latter briefly
explained to the watchman the situation from
which he had so opportunely rescued them.

They had hardly amend the great floor, and
opened the door leading upon the stair landing,
before the flames, with a whoop and a roar,
burst through the partition of the waste-room.

Everything became as light as day, and the
fire lea a ong the walls and ceilings with un-
control able ener .

“ Quick! out an down!” cried the watchman.
“The building must go!”

A furious exclamation interrupted him.

It was from Leomeistor. ‘

He was on his way down from above, doubt-
less making sure of effecting his escape, when
the sight of his victims, flushed but unscorched,
iSSuing upon the landing, had caused him to re-
coil a step or two in astonishment and rage.

Before he could recover, Griplock Crimmins
bud resigned Zelda to Spezzi‘s charge and sprung
at his throat.

The strong men clinched, and then went roll-
ing headlong, locked in each others clutch, down
the steps to the next lowor landing.

Here the fight for the mastery. was continued
along the short passage, when there was a
second plunging descent Similar to the first.

So it continued all the way down to the street
passage, the others following as best they might
and the untramineled flames roarin behin
and above them like an army of evouring
fiends.

Under ordinar circumstances, the detect-
ive‘s wrestling is ill would have mastered his
man in short order.

But Leomeister, an immensely muscular man
was now fighting for both life and liberty, an
be was. moreover, inspired“ by a species of
frenzy that seemed to invest him with strength
and activity little short of superhuman.

Both men were covered with dust, and had
had more than half their clothing torn away,
by the time the lower landing was reached in
this extraordinary way.

It was a top-and-bottom, rough-and-tumble
contest such as would have gratified the long-
in of all fighting New York in the days of the
v0 unteer fire department.

If Griplock was like a hero, in his steadfast
coolness, pluck and indomitableness, his auto 0-
nist was none the less like a royal tiger in t e
hunter’s toils.

it was only when the sidewalk was reached
that the detective began to assert the maste .

A great crowd had already gathered,_for e
entire upper story in which the waste room was
situated was now belching forth smoke and
ton es of flames. and there were numbers, led
by pezzi and Larue, who would have rushed to
h s assistance, but he sternly called to them to
hold their hands.

In grappling with man or fiend, it was not
the custom of Griplock Crimmins to rely upon
an ht else than his single prowess.

t last, however, the victory was complete.

Con noted, the lion-tamer was in the hands of
the po ice, handcuffed and helpless.

But his frenzy remained. ‘

“ We shall yet meet again!” he snarled, gunsh-
ing his teeth and glaring at his conqueror with
bloodth eyes.

The detective was quietly dusting 03 what
garments remained to him, with Gaston’s assist-
ance.

“ Whenever on can manage it,” was his
quiet reply, “ t ough I rather think' youwill

have to tussle with some prison discipline as a V

preliminar to an fresh meeting.”

The watc man (1 in the meantime furnished
the policemen with such explanations as they

uired, and Leomeister was led away.
hile Zelda and Kalulah were bein con-

ducted to a place of tem rary security y the
li ht of the hlazin bu ding, a massive but

ndly hand was lai on the detective’s shoulder.

Gri lock looked up to recognize Black Ja o.

“VJdu here?” he exclaimed. grasping the el-
low’s hand, and leading him along.

u Yes.”

“ But why have you come?”

They had by this time reached the shelter of
an hospitable shop which had been thrown open
for the rescued party’s accommodation on an

, ad scent corner.

he detective studied the Gypsy’s face with
intense anxiety. . ,
“ Nesta is not dead?” said he, with a tremor
in his voice. “ Do not tell me that, my friend."
“ I sha’n’t. because it wouldn’t be true,” said
Ja o, cheerily. “Nesta, on the contrary, is
do g as well as can be expected.”

 

“'2' “‘

my “Mantra!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Circus Detective.

89

 

“Thank God for that!” and the detective
drew a great breath of relief, which caused no
jealous pang to Zelda, who was close at hand.

“She is with her brother,” continued the
Gypsy, “ and the doctor thinks she will finally
recover.”

“ Why are you here?” repeated the detective.

Jago blushed through his swarthiness, and
looked embar .

“Miss Isaacs was restless,” he stammered.
“ She wanted to see her father and mother and
sister ve much.”

Gri loc smiled.

“ ey will be equally eager to see her,” said
he. “And perha your own welcome among
them, my good fe low, will be better than you
nuticrpate.”

Ja o’s face bri htened.
“ lgsay " said c, after another embarrassed
pause, ‘ saw it all.”

“ Saw what?”

“You see,” the Gypsy went on toe lain
“we didn’t get to the cit till late, and, filter 1
had left Misslsaacs at a otel, I strolled around
to see the Sights. I was drawn here by the
oflowd, and that is how I happened to seeit
I‘. .'

“ But what do you refer to?”

“ Your muss with Conrad.”'

“ Oh! but the worst of that was the tumble
down nine flights of stairs. You only saw the

wind-up.”

“ That was enou b.”

Gri lock lau h

“ ell,” sai he, “ what did you think of it,
so far as ou saw?”

Black ago lifted both hands up in a grand

gesture.

“ Perez,” said he, solemnly, “ Zingarino Perez
language can’t express what I thought of that
match! My tussle with you couldn‘t hold a
candle to it' it even laid over your rumpus with
Purring P ro!”

z ‘l‘dWhat hotel did you take Mildred to?” asked
e a.

J ago mentioned the name of a hotel, which
chanced to be but a short distance from the one
at which Mr. and Mrs: lsaacs were sta g.

“And has Milly recovered from r inju-
ries?”

“No, ma’ but she is much better," said
Jago. “But

our Nesta was only in tenth
part as far recovered as is Miss our whole
tribe would now be full of joy.”

There was something in his tone that renewed
both Zelda’s and Griplock‘s apprehensions on
account of the Gypsy rincess.

But before they con (1 ask any more questions
Spezzi and Larue, who had gone to seek for
some public conveyance, came bustling in from
the excited street.

“ There’s a terrible lei” exclaimed the
signer. “ A man has u left alive in the top
story of the burni building, and—”

He sto , recol ecting himself, as his glance
fell on club.

The latter, after recovering from her insane
panic. had grown stolid and calm.

Perhaps some recollection of the appalling
confessions she had made in the course of her
ravings, together with a dread of their conse-
quences to herself, contributed not a little to her
present hopeless and stoical state.

But she looked up quickly at the Italian’s
words and lance.

An intuitive knowledge of what was coming
seemed to possess her; she turned pale under
the bruises of her face, but did not tremble.

“ Don’t mind me, Maurice,” said she, quietly.
“ S right out. It is my brother who now

a himse 1 cut of! by the flames?”

CHAPTER XXXVII.
A TRAGIC scans.

A TERRIBLE cry from the crowd in the street
was a sufficient answer to Kalulah’s question,
even had riiot Signor Spezzi bent his head in re-

to 1:.

Every one instinctively sought a view of the
blazing building.

It was, indeed, Gogo who was flame-girt on
the top of the edifice.

His awful situation explained itself.

Doubtlemhwhile following Leomeister down
the first flig t the sudden attack upon the lat-
ter had caused him to retrace his steps; only to
flgd shortly afterward his escape hopelessly cut
0 .

 

He was on the roof, running from point to
point alo the e253 where the upswirling
smoke and games w permit.

The snake-resemblance was more startlingly
up at than ever before.

e flat, smooth brow was thrust far for-
ward. by the sinuous, craning neck; even while
running about erect, there was a writhing,
twining motion in the long lithe, elastic frame;
ashewrunghishandsin isdaspair,hisflngers,
wrists and arms seemed to twist and untwist
over one another like individual serpents sub-
jected to the fire test: so vivid was the late en-
circlrigf him that even at that distance fills gar-
net- ,

 

fang-likewngueoouldhe seen to play

an}. and uout miW;weenw‘-flyn thigdt t- I
wn pl; oou eaca m
itwuscasy to imaginqeven by the mass 0

tors, who’could have no knowledge of his
0 racteristics as a luau: natures, that he was
furiously spitting and hissing out his rage up
there in the bosom of the devouring element. _

A shudder ran throu h the assembled multi-
tude, which could but elplemly await the 1n-
evitable end of the tragedy; while the horrified
knot of more familiar tors at the shop-
(lifopr could only match thelilr breaths and gaze as
' ascinated yt eappa ingspectace.

Several firemen, whose loftiest ladders would
not'have reached midway to the floor in which
the fire had originated, presently set up a com-
bined shout, and strove to direct the victim’s at-
tention to a certain object.

This wasa strong1 beam or arm of timber,
reaching out from t e cornice at one side, from
whicha block and tackle, used as an outside
hoist-we. , dangled its ropes, with a grappling
hook at t e upper end, part way down throu h
the belching smoke and flames on that si e,
which was at that moment, however, more in-
tact than any other point.

Then a shout of sympathy went up from a
thousand throats.

There was a ghostly chance that the connect-
ing cordage once firmly clutched, the victim
in ght succeed in sliding down, with a slight
scorching, to within reach of one of the lower
windows, through which the engines Were by
this time flooding the lower floors.

Go 0 was at last seen to understand the mean-
ing 0 the shouts and signs, and to bound along
the edge of the rojecting beam.

It was a y smow, but not yet on the
fire, and the tackle s out far enough to be
still secure-though perhaps too far out to be
attained by a flyin leap.

But it was the an-Snake‘s sole remaining
chance, andkaafter retreating for a short run,
he took the p.

It was successful.

There was another united cry, this time al-
most a huzza, which, however, Quickly changed
to a groan.

Oh, horror!

The victim had succeeded in clutching the
ropes with one hand, but the other had become
impaled on one of the sharp hooks of the
gra nel.

e struggled and writhed, but it was Sim
full evident that he was held fast at that y
hi t, with the flame-ton res from the nearest

ndow already greedin icking his body, with-
out a hope of release.

Then at lastthe most appallin screams and
shrieks burst from the unhapp'y v ctim.

Monstrosity in moral as in p ysical structure,
and rbaps qully deservi such a fate, it was
one or whic there could nothing but hor-
ror and commiseration now. ,

There came an explosivo sound the flames
burst from every wmdow on a line with the
writbi form, and the screams grew feebler
and fee ler.

Hundreds of eyes were turned away, and
there was a neral shudder, as Gogo, the Man-
Snake, was s owly roasted to death in mid-air.

“ Ah! he beat me cruelly, but-he was my
brother!" -

The wailing exclamation was from among the
horrified up at the little shop door.

It was t 9 only utterance that had been evoked
by the tragic spectacle, and Kalulah, the utterer,
sunk to the ground in a swoon.

“Make room for her in the carriage,” said
Zelda to Spezzi, who had at last succeeded in
having a couple of coaches driven up to the
spot. “ She must be cared for first."

Griplock, u 11 whose arm she was leaning,
cast a look 0 repulsion upon the unconscious
Kalulah and then turned a glance of wonder
at the pale, lovel face so full of divine pity.

“Cared for? es, I suppose so; but surely
not by you i” said be.

She merely bowed her head resolutely, and
was obeyed.

In half-an-hour the entire party were gath-
ered at the hotel where Mr. and Mrs. Isaacs
were sta in . '

After el ’8 sprained ankle had received the
attention of a physician and she was feeling
much easier, she be rs. Issues and Kitty
to let her see the de ive alone, if be had not
gone to bed.

She was lying on a lounge in a charming lit-
tle rlor, with two bed-rooms attached, which

been provided for her.

In one of the chambers Kalulah was lying at
the mm of death. but for the time bdng under
the uence of opt-mics.

“ Mr. Crimmins is hf consultation with my
husband, dear,” said Mrs. Isaacs, gently. “ But
hadn’t you better go to bed and haveagood
rest before seeing him?”

Zelda had, wrth Kitty's assistance, changed
her clothes, and was looking very pale, but still
Charmin in a pretty Malian costume that
had been at her for the occasion. and her
bandaged footwas resting easily upon a soft
cushion. ‘

She shook her head.

“No, Mamma Isaacs," said she, “ I mustsee
Griplock at once. Do humor me in this.”

“ Of courss she shall,” said Kitty kissing her.
“ Maurice can’t have gone to bed y either, and

I

 

he shall find your darling Griplock for you with.
out a moment’s delay.”

Then Mrs. Isaccs also kissed her, and a few
minutes later the reunited lovers were once
more alone together.

“ I have got something for you,” said Zelda,
with a happy smile, as the detective, taking
her hand, seated himself contentedly at her
side.

“ I can guess what it is, my darling,” said he.
“ Though the treasure is not for me.”

“ Ah, ou mistake there. Whatever is mine
is hence ortb yours.”

She drew from her bosom the long sou ht
and hard foughtofor silver casket, and placed it
in his hands.

 

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
ran casxar’s sncnnr.

FOR an instant the detective could scarcely
realise that the precious receptacle was at last
restored to its rightful possessor, with no danger
of its again vanishing beyond reach.

“Were Leomeister‘s words true with re ard
to our being the Villemessant heiress?” he
at fast. .

“Strictly true, for I have examined the pa-

rs, said Zelda. “ Conrad must have known
iteat the time you made the claim for me, by the
purest accident, in the Gypsy camp.”

“ Undoubtedl . That explains the sort of'
amazement an panic which was mixed u
with his fury, and so mystified me at the time.

“Because the claim was a mere pretense on:
your 1”

“ 0 course. The coming of that French ad-
vertisement in my way must be considered more
providential than accidental, How else to ex-
plain such a seemingly miraculous coincidence?"

“ God's hand was in it!” said Zelda, fer-
ventl .

“ 5i: all events,” said Griplock, “it is pa
the on case known of a mere

intoso d realityinorder to rightawronga -
bri confusion on the wrongers.” ‘.

“ utinreading the advertisement first, did
no suspicion of the truth shake you!”

“ Not for an instant.”

“ That is strange.”

“ Why?"

“Youhadread the monogram ontbecasket

‘ Ybetonrth ht M V d had

‘ es;on eniglpoor r. anerpoer
shown it to me lyi in his trunk—a few
before his death at 0’8 assassin-hands.”

“Deci her it et again now P. C. V.-—whatz
are the initials or but for the name of the
Marquis in the advertisement, Pierre-Charles dee
Villemessantl”

“Astonisbin ! I see it now, but the initials,
as originally ecipbered in my hasty glance—
you must remember that I did not have the:
casket actually in my bands—had failed to beep
a lodgment in my memory. That explai my
cbtusgness. However, there is still combing;

“ About what?”

“ The initials."

11 ii?" sill" a to a ,

ey o y correspon e name 0 your
uncle, the marquis, while your father, his
yo r brother—”

“ ad received the casket from the marquis,
as a family souvenir, in the days of—of his re.
putabilit . All is explained in. the you?
written Ca enne by my father him-cg,“
duly attested. ’

“ Then it was with Cayennmifit yonrvague Q

earliest memories were associa

“ It appears so. My father died there, as is
shown by another-age r contained in the casket,
and I was adop y Planchez and his wife.

The carried the to Algiers, where I remained
till was given over by the unbgeppy woman to
. Vanderpoer, as he once rela to you.”

“ It is a truth far stranger than an fiction,”
said the detective, thou htfully. “ t I wish
there might be some ving witness to these
strangle facts. Otherwise, I fear we shall have
dific ugain establishing your identity, to the
satisf on of the French courts."

“Ifeeltbat I shall throu htheordeal
triumphantly," said lda, n y. “ I am
Genevieve de Villemessant, heirs. to the
Villememnt name, honors and estates. I he!
that it is so, and that it shall be pmven.”

“ The man, Planches, died. I believe!"

“Yes; and from what Mr. Vanderpoer told
you, the woman, in foster-mother, mysteriously
disa soon giving me inhalants.“

Abl if she were but alive, and
found.”

“ It would be plain then," mid Gr‘ifi
lock. Wesballhavetoseek arbor; Iratis ,
You remember her ag , I an l" '

“More than that—tendery! 8 loved me

dearl. Shemaybe midtobavegivenmeup
only rough compulsion.”

‘ But would you know her again should you
meet her!”

“ ithout doubt.”

 

 

 

 

 

' i
l
r
a.
n
i

 

 

   
 

i.
4

9.96:1..— §N~$sgzi~t = +:«.~r<=v¢~i6~"-¥'é*~‘v

.Km: . . “

«use A
.m -' '

 

‘tell mehowIcame b

' tally wounded that I conceived the idea of

1 been given to

30

The. Circus Detective.

 

 

cient documentary proof of the facts, as stated
by Zelda.

She was, to all appearance, identical with the
Genevieve de Villemessant in uired for b the
advertisement, and but a sing e livin Witness
would seem wanting to make that evident in a
court of law.

The Providence, or Good Fortune, that had
mysteriousl befriended the youn girl at last
was not to esert her at the critica moment.

The witness was forthcoming.

On the following day when Zelda’s case was
being discussed by the Isaacs family Griplock,
Gaston Larue and Signor Spezzi being also
present, the private secretary was observed to
manifest unusual emotion.

“As I understand it,” said he, appearing to
control himself with a great effort, “it will only
require the presence of your adoptive mother,
Madame Celeste Planchez to fully identify you
as the true Genevieve de illemessant?”

He was looking rather unsteadin at Zelda as

e spake.

“ e all think so,” said the young girl. “ But
how did you know that m adoptive mother’s
name was Celeste? It is no mentioned in any
of the documents that you have heard read.”

“ Still, was not Celeste her Christian name?”

“It was. How, Gaston, could you have
known it?”

There was a rush of color in the secretary’s
dark check, a moist sparkling of the eye. an ap-
parent strug le in the overlaboring breast.

Then he t rew himself or rather she threw
herself, at the young girl’s feet. '

“Because I am Celeste!” was the broken re-
sponse. “ Ah, no one has ever suspecied my
secret; but 1 my little Genevieve, am none other
than Celeste l’lanchez, your foster-mother!”

Zelda drew back in amazement, and then, ap-
pearing to realize it drew the disguised woman
to her feet, and they were weeping in each
other’s arms.

As a matter of course, every one else was
scarcely less astonished. .

“Iamthe living, witness tobe called 11 in
your behalf, at); darling,” sobbed the'dead-a ye.

‘ Moreover, ere are other documents than
those in your ssion, documents that Were
intrusted sole y to 'me . by your unfortunate
father, Jean-Marie de Villemessant. These, to-
gether with my testimon , are all that the law
will require. You s, soon take our true
glace in the world as Mademoiselle nevieve

e Villemessant, rich, honored and powerful.”

mist ofjoy came over the young girl.

“ Strange enough transformation for a poor
circus-rider!” she murmured. “ But for one, at
least, I shall evermore remain as simply Zelda.
And with a loving. look, she placed her hand in
Griplock’s. “ An you, Mamma Planchez, shall
such a pretty name as
that for I can remem r no other."

“ it is easily told,” said Madame Planchez.
“In giving you to my care, your dyin father
told me that it had been your beautifu Greek
mother’s name. Planchez and I, we did not
steal you from your home, as perhaps Mr. Van-
derpoer was given to understand.

“ No. My husband was a bad man, a gam-
bler and adventurer, and I had followed his des-

rate fortunes which had at last brought him

Cayenne. There we made the acquaintance
of your poor father. He had arrived thither a
year previous, his beautiful wife, your mother,
was newly dead, and you were bu a baby in a
native nurse’s arms.

“ Your father’s life in France had been one of
many follies and indiscretions, perha of some-
thing worse. His family had cast h :11 off, and
he was in the strau land under an assumed
name. But before ying he gave on to Plan-
chea and me, though it was to me one that he
intrusted the secret of your name and family,
with perhaps the remote idea that it might one
 be of service to you.

We carried you to Algiers with us, and from
that time on our affairs grew frombad to worse.
My husband’s associations were such as to cause
me horror and fear. It was after he was micr-
v ng

on to Mr. Vanderpoer, who had lov you

in the first. It cost me a bitter pang, but the
sacrifice was made, and we were separated.

“ But I could not endure the loss of you. I

w you had been carried to Antwerp. On
, hez’s death I followed thither in masculine
attire, assuming the name of a brother who had
died, and became thalprivate secrets . It was
.somethin to he s near you an to watch
overnyou.

The strange narrative closed with a fresh fit
.of w in , and Celeste Planchez and her
fostem il again mingled their team in each
.other’s arms.

finch was the disguisdd woman’s strange nar-
ra ve. -

It was an usntly amplified, but enough has
ear up the ong mystery in which
she had figured.

That same da a m came to the de-
tective from Jo n Vincen , otherwise Center-
pole Jack. I

Neeta’s injuries had taken a turn for the worse,
and if he would see her once more alive he must

«hasten to her bedside.

 

Griplock lost no time in obeying the call.

He was gone three days.

What passed between him and the dying
Gypsy princess shall remain sacred to the se-
iirecy of a .strange devotion and an unhappy

ove.

But when he returned to Zelda it was with a
sad seriousness that seemed to have made a dee
impremion in his nature, and Nesta had carri
her faults, her passion and her generosity into
the great Beyond.

Afew days after this it became known that
Conrad Leomeister had committed suicide in his
prison-cell.

He left a written confession of his complicity
in the murder of Mr. Vander r.

This confession made out go to have been
the actual perpetrator of the blood deed.

Its statements Were confirm by those of
Kalulah, which had been taken down in writin
before the loss of her reason which had occurr
on the third day after the shock she had under-
gone in witnessing her brother’s tra ic death.

A singular mystery still surroun s this Wom-
an, who remains alive in a lunatic asylum to
this day.

It is only known that brother and sister were
Malays whom Leomeister had first discovered
as ch ldren in the interior of Dutch Sumatra.

Their chax acteristics were so remarkable that
he had educated them to the professions which
they had afterward pursued under the direction
of various show en, while perhaps also culti-
vating their inboifa viciousness to the full.

The case of Gogo, especially, vieWed as a
simple monstrosity, was a most wonderful one;
and, apart from the danger that was in him, it
is rhaps a pity that he might not have lived.

he study of such a being would have been a
boon for psychologists.

Griplock Crimmins accompanied Zelda as we
shall still call her, and Celeste Planchez to
France at an early day.

They were also accom nied by a learned
lawyer, familiar with the gculiarities of French
iurisdiction, who had become deep] interested
n the oung woman’s claims, and l kewise car-
ried w th them the indoraement of the French
consul at New York who had made an ex-
amination of the documentary evidence at

hand. .

Thei'e was a long judicial ‘inVesti ation, but it
ended in a triumph for the fair c aimant and
she 1sit last received the recognition of the
wor .

As a matter of course, Zelda’s beauty, success
and romantic history made an immense sensa-
tion in the gay capital of the fashionable world.
She was the star of the season, the beauty of
the day, the bright meteor of the throb ing

our.

Titled and wealthy and handsome suitors
were not wantin for her hand, and the waif of
destiny, the shut lecock of fortune, the nameless
circus-rider, became, as if at the stroke of a
ma 'cian’s wand, one of the most potted and
des ble ‘ catches’ in all Europe.

But petting could not pamper, nor fortune
spoil in this case, and where her heart was there
was er hand.

It was at the hi ht of her social success that
Griplock, who ha been absent from the thron
of her courtiers for several da 3, and had abou
made up his mind that his ove-dream was a
fool’s paradise now about to vanish in the air,
came to her with extended hand, a forced smile
on his lips, a farewell in his eyes.

“ You have the world at your feet, and I trust
you will enjoy your dominion," said he, with
assumed cheerfulness. “I leave by the next
steamer.”

“ You leave?”

It Yes.”

“ But where are you going?”

“ To America—to my native land. Where

else
‘ “But what is to become of me?”
“Why, France is your native land. You
will remain here.”
“ Indeed, I shall not.”
h“ Ahl tagfilthe world is Before yggfiwgere to
c oose. your yout , your 11 , our
high birth, your. riches, your brilliant o ers,
our-—

“ Griplock i”
“What is it, mademoisellei”
“ Have you to love me?”

“ Great God! I? But what would you have?
Zelda, it would be simple madness to throw
game" away on a rude, rough man like me!

e world, the society in which you move—”

She interrupted him afresh l? throwing her-
self on his breast in a ion 0 go one tears.

“ Have ou forgot that ove you?” she
sobbed. ‘ Do you deem my nature changed,
that on speak to me thus?"

“ elda, my qg‘elen my ownest own! No, I
forget nothing; t this is madness.”

“'Ah yes! ove is buta madness— all know
that. ut what were the world, an what were
the world’s women without iti"

“But listen to me, dearest. It will be like
throwing your life away. I am not worth such
a sacrifice!”

She stoppedthe words with kisses.

“ Tell me that you love me,” she murmured.

 

“ I do tell you so. I could keepon telling Eon
that forever. Love you? I worship you! ut
Zelda, I am at the same time a reasonable bein
—and one many years your senior. I woul
not have you make yourself what might prove
an‘everlastgi’ig regret.”

‘ t

“ Yes.”
(I ' '
“ lynegiying myself to you?”

“Welcome regret then, in so sweet a shape,
only let us call it by its real name, which is love.
As I have never been really Zelda, but only
Genevieve in truth, so she] that which you
deem regret be nevermore, but only love!”

“ Adorable girl i”

“ I love you.”

He resisted his joyous fate no longer.

It was not by the next steamer, but by the
next one after that, that they returned to
tliltindezrica, and then it was as bridegroom and as

I‘ .

Their quiet wedding at the house of the
American Minister Was a bitter disap intment
for the world of Paris, but they car little for
this, love having opened to them such rosy and
dreamy vistas as to cast aught else into shadow
by the contrast. ‘ .

Mamma Planchez, as Zelda lovingly called her
now, accompanied them, and it was arranged
that she should not be again separated from the
foster-darling of her heart.

They had sojourned in France for nearly a
year, and many pleasant surprises. chiefly in
the show business, Were awaiting them in
America.

The Universal Circus, Menagerie and Roman
Hippodrome was still on the road, under flatten
inglauspices, but under a new partnership, as
“'8 .

Si or Mauritius S
and itty Isaacs had

wife.
perhaps, that the worthy

zzi was the new partner,
me the signor 8 happy

Needless to add.
signor’s ring-mastering, clowning and mer-
manning days were at an end, or that he had
found in domestic bliss with the girl of his heart
the gratification and happiness for which he had
so long and humbly prayed.

One of the newer eatures of the show was a
certain St. J ago do Castilliano, a 'gantic pseudo
Spanish athlete, whose prodi ous feats of
strength in the sawdust arena were rapidly be-
coming famous.

This wonder was none other than our old
friend, Black Jago, and his cod wife, formerly
Mildred Isaacs, is so proud 0 his achievements,
so baggy in his love, that her whilom folly has
ion 11 forgiven her, if not wholly forgotten.

esta sleeps in her wildwood grave, and her
wandering band, with her brother as its leader,
has disap ed, none know whither-

They, t e Gypsies, are the strange interloping
nomads of t e nations, comin none know
whence, a moonlight raca, iii ingl here and
there like forest-shadows among t e peopled
ways, of more mystery than honesty, and per-
haps of little eneral account.

ut one at east of their wild number has left
a Sweet and a sad impression in the heart of
Griplock Crimmins, the erstwhile Circus Detec-
tive, which shall beat not the less true for the
beautiful being that is its living queen, in that
there is still an occasional haunting hour for the
passionate Gypsy star that burnt itself out
against the black curtain of the dividing line.

THE END.

DIME nliiocués AND SPEAKERS

FOB SOHO 0L EXHIBI T1 0N8
AND HOME ENTERTA INMEN TB.

 

Dialogues. Nos. 1 to“ inclusive. 15 to 25 popuo
lar dialogues and dramas in each book. Each vol-
ume 100 pages 12mo.

Speakers, Nos. 1 to 25 inclusive. Each speaker
100 pages ismo. containing from 50 to 75 pieces.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S smarts.

Dime Book of Winter Sports.
Dime Book of Summer Athletic Sports.
Dime Gents‘ Letter Writer.
Dime Book of Etiquette.
Dime Book of Verses.
Dime Book of Dreama.’
Dime Fortune Teller.
Dime Ladies' Letter Writer.
Dime Lovers‘ Casket.
Dime Ball-Room Companion.
Dime Book of 100 Games.
Dime Chess Instructor.
Dime Book of Beauty
For sale by all newsdeaiers. or sent. post-paid, on
receipt of price—ten cents.
BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pcsusnnl,
3 William Street. New York.

/

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEADLE’SrDIME*EBRARY.

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Umform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers.

 

BY WILLIAM B. EYS'I‘EB.
145 Pistol Pards; or. The Silent Sport from Cinnabar.
160 Soft Hand, Sharp; or, The Man with the Sand.
.182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon.
192 The Lightning Sport.
214 The Two 0001 Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch.
229 Captain Cutsleeve; or, The Little Sport.
268 Magic Mike, the Man of Frills.
800 A Sport in Spectacles; or, The Bad Time at
BunOO.

833 Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop.
844 Double Shot Dave of the Left Hand.

856 Three Handsome Sports; or, The Double Com-
bination.

875 Royal George, the Three in One.

396 The Piper Detective.

402 Snapshot Sam; or. The Angels‘ Flat Racket.
429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend.

BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID.
8 The Headless Horseman; A Strange Story of
Texas.
12 The Death-Shot; or, Tracked to Death.
55 The Scalp Hunters. A Romance of the Plains.
66 The Specter Barque. A Tale of the Pacific.
74 ThIeaEaptain of the Rifles; or, The Queen of the
es

:00 The Rifle Bangers; or, Adventures in Mexico.

208 The White Chief. A Romance of Northern Mex-
00.

213 The War Trail; or, The Hunt of the Wild Horse.

218 The Wild Huntress; or, The Squatter’s Ven-
geance.

228 The Maroon: A Tale of Voodoo and Obeah.
284 The Hunter’s Feast.
an The White Squaw.

BY CAPT. FRED. WHITTAKEB.

39 The Russian Spy; or, The Starry Cross Brothers.
55 The Red Rajah; or, The Scourge of the Indies.
69 The Irish Captain. A Tale of Fontenoy.
96 Double Death; or. The Spy of Wyoming.
98 The Rock Rider; or, The Spirit of the Sierra.
108 The Duke of Diamonds.
115 The Severed Head; or. The Secret of Castle
Coucy. ‘
182 Nemo, King of the Tramps.
159 Red Rudiger, the Archer.
1-74 The Phantom Knights.
187 The Death‘s Head Cuirassiers.
193 Thu Man in Bed.
206 One Eye, the Cannoneer.
211 Colonel Plunger; or, The Unknown Sport. ,
215 Parson Jim, King of the Cowboys.
226 The Mad Hussars; or, The 0’s and the Mac's.
280 The Flying Dutchman of 1880.
242 The Fog Devil; or, The Skipper of the Flash.
247 Alligator Ike; or, The Secret of the Everglade.
‘ 258 A Yankee Cossack; or,The Queen of the Nihilists.
265 Old Double-Sword; or, Pilots and Pirates.
272 Seth Slocum, Railroad Surveyor.
277 The Saucy Jane, Privateer.
284 The Three Frigates; or, Old Ironsides' Revenge.
290 The Lost Corvette; or, Blakeley’s Last Cruise.
295 Old Cross-Eye, the Maverick-Hunter.
808 Top-Notch Tom, the Cowboy Outlaw.
810 The Marshal of Satanst0wn; or, The Cattle.
Llfters' league

826 The Whitest Man in the Mines.

878 John Armstrong, Mechanic.

406 Old Pop Hicks, Showman.

412 Larry Locke. the Man of Iron.

445 Journeyman John, the Champion.

BY NEWTON M. CUBTISS.
190 The Texan Spy; or, The Prairie Guide.
fit Giant Jake, the Patrol of the Mountain.
BY JACKSON KNOX—“ Old Hawk.”

ass Hawk Heron. the Falcon Detective.

424 Hawk Heron‘s Deputy. /
444 The Eagle Detective; or, The Hidden Band.
451 Griploc the Rocket Detective.

BY PERCY B. ST. JOHN.
57 The Silimt Hunter.

 

ummxnumzor.TheQumdmeWooda

BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON.

176 Lady J aguar. the Robber Queen.

194 Don Sombrero, the California Road Gent.
202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide.

219 The Scorpion Brothers; or. Mad Tom‘s Mission.
2% Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain.

227 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho.
2i? Long-Haired Max; or, The Black League.
245 Barranca Bill, the Revolver Champion.

258 Bullet Head, the Colorado Bravo.

253 iron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer.
266 Leopard Luke. the King of Horse-Thieves.
271 Stonenst, of Big Nugget Bend.

276 Texas Chick. the Southwest Detective.

285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

291 Horseshoe Hank. the Man of Big Luck.

305 SilvenPlated Sol, the Montana Rover.

311 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men.

323 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers.

BY SAM S. HALL-J" Buckskin Sam.”

8 Kit Carson, J r., the Crack Shot.
90 Wild Will. the Mad Ranchero.
178 Dark Dashwood, the Desperate.
186 The Black Bravo; or, The Tonkaway's Triumph.
191 TI; Tgsrrible Tonkaway; or, Old Rocky and his
ar .

195 The Lone Star Gambler;
Mai

199 Diamond Dick, the Dandy from Denver.

204 Big Foot Wallace, the King of the Lariat.

212 The Brazos Tigers; or. The Minute Men.

217 The Serpent of El Paso; or. Frontier Frank.
221 Desperate Duke, the Guadaloupe “ Galoot.‘

235 Rocky Mountain Al; or, The Waif of. the Range.
939 The Terrible Trio; or, The Angel of the Amy.
244 Merciless Mart. the Man Tiger of Missouri.

250 The Rough Riders; or. Sharp Eye the Scourge.
256 Double Dan the Dastard; or, The Pirates.

$4 The Crooked Three.

m The Bayou Bravo; or, The Terrible Trail.

278 Mountain Mose. the Gorge Outlaw.

282 The MercilessMarauders; or, Carl‘s Revenge.
287 Dandy Dave and his Horse, White Stocking.

298 Stgnpedo Steve; or, The Doom 0: the Double
ace.

301 Bowlder Bill; or, The Man from Taos.

309 Rayhold, the Battling Ranger.

322 The Crimson Coyotes; or Nita the Nemesis.
328 King Kent; or, The Bandits of the Bason.
842 Blanco Bill. the Mustang Monarch.

858 The Prince of Pan Out.

871 Gold Buttons;\or, The Up Range Pards.

or. The Magnolias

BY DB. J. II. ROBINSON.
18 Pathaway; or, Nick Whimes. the old Nor'west
Trapper. ‘~

17 Nightshade; or. The Robber Prince.
22 Whitelsw; or, Nattie of the Lake Shore.

87 lel, the Hunchback; or, The Santee Sword-
maker.

58 Silver Knife: or. The Rocky Mountain Banger.

70 Hydrabad. the Strangler.

78 The Kni hts of the Red Cross; or, The Granada
Magic an.

168 Ben Brion; or, Redpath, the Avenger.

BY FRANCIS JOHNSON.
25 The Gold Guide; or, Steel Arm. Regulator.
so The Death Track; or, The Mountain Outlaws.
128 Alapaha the Squaw; or. The Border Renegades.

124 Assowaum the Avenger; or, The Doom of the
Destroyer.

135 The Bush Banger: or. The HalfoBreed Rajah.
136 The Outlaw Hunter; or, The Bush Ranger.
1” The Border Bandit; or. The Horse Thiet’s Trail.

BY GEORGE ST. 030303.

85 Duncan, the Sea Diver.
417 Tucson Tom; or, The Fire Trailers

BY C. BUNNING CLARK.
164 The King‘s Fool.
183 Gilbert the Guide.

BY COL. THOMAS II. MONSTEBY:

82 Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster.

126 The Demon Duelist: or, The League of Steel.
143 The Czar's Spy; or, The Nihilist League.
150 El Rubia Bravo. King of the Swordsmen.

157 Mourad, the Mameluke; or, The Three Swell-
masters.

169 Corporal Cannon. the Man of Forty Duels.

2338 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchs of the Show.
262 Fighting Tom, the Terror of the Toughs.

832 Spring-Heel Jack; or, The Masked Mystery.

BY ISAAC HAWKS, Ex-Betectivu

232 Orson On; or, The River Mystery.
240 A 0001 Head; or, Orson On in Peril.

BY PROP. 1. II. INGBAHAM.

113 The Sea Slipper; or, The Freebooters.

118 The Burglar Captain; or. The Fallen Star.
314 Lafitte; or. The Pirate of the Gulf.

816 Lafitte’s Lieutenant; or. Child of the Sea.

BY GUSTAV]! AIMABD.

15 The Tiger Slayer; or, Eagle Heart to the Rescue.

19 Red Cedar. the Prairie Outlaw.

so The Bandit at Bay; or, The Prairie Pirates.

21 The Trapper's Daughter; or, The Outlaw’s Fate.

24 Prairie Flower.

62 Loyal Heart: or. The Trappers of Arkansas.
149 The Border Rifles. A Tale of the Texan War.
151 The Freebooters. A Story of the Texan WR.
158 The White Sealper.

MISCELLANEOUS.
5 Wildcat Bob, the Boss Bruiser. By EdwardL
Wheeler.

9 Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover.
10 Vid ' the French Police S . Wri
00mm pr. hr

11 Midshipman Easy. By Captain Maryatt. ’
82 B‘hoys of Yale; or. The Scrapes of Collegian

60 Wide Awake, the Robber King. By Frank Du-
mont.

68The Fightin Tra r. CatainJ.F. .
A Os ppe B! p O

75 The Queen's Musketeers. By George Albany.
78 The Mysterious Spy. By Arthur M. Grainger.
102 The Masked Band' or, The Man without a Name.
By George L. en.
110 The Silent Rifleman. By H. W. Herbert.

125 The Blacksmith Outlaw; or, Merrie England.
By Harrison Ainsworth.

133 Body the Rover. By William Carleton.
140 The Three Spaniards. By Geo. Walker.

146 The Doctor Detective. By George Lemuel.
152 Captain ironnerve, the Counterfeiter Chiet.
158 The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell.

166 Owlet, the Robber Prince. By Septimus 3.
Urban.

'm Conrad, the Convict. By Prof. Gildersleeve.

190 The Three Guardsmen. By Alexander Dumas.

251 Black Sam, the Prairie Thunderbolt. By 001.
Jo Yards.

275 The Smuggler Cutter; or, The Cavern in the
Cliil'. By J. D. Conroy.

330 Col? Colt, the Quaker City Detective. By Charles
850 Flash Falco th Societ De B W
J. Cobb. n. e y tective. y eldon

853 Bart Brennan: or.TheKingof Straight M
Bv John Cuthbert.

856 This Telegraph Detective. By George Henry
area.
410 Sarah Brown, Detective. By K. F. Hill.
48  Glim; or, The island Lure. ByLaea
A new tune every Wednesday.

Beadle’s DI-a Library is torsale hyall
Newsdealemtencentspercopymrsentbymailoa
receiptoftwelvecentseach. BIADLEQADAMA

 

Publishers. 99 WhflamStMNewYa-k.

144 The Hunchback of Notre Dame. By Victor"
Hugo.

a,”

. .,.
at V

312 Kinkfoot Karl, the Mountain Scourge. It» I
ris Bedwing. 3’

'- v'.

firs-iv...  :wf‘“? ’ I

 

< 12.-

:i
1m.
1 9"
over

 

2:... .04 (.3. -:.A_ . .-

--m>=r: > ’r.‘ -. ‘~ 5:1

 

 

 

 

figs-evan- Mane» s a» .

 

 

BEADLE’SrDIMEruBRARY.

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers.

 

BY COL. PBEN'I‘ISS INGRAHAM.

2 The Dare Devil; or, The Winged Sea Witch.

85 The Cretan RoVer; or. Zuleikah the Beautiful.
89 The Pirate Prince; or. The Queen of the Isle.

94 Freelance. the Buccaneer.

103 Merle, the MutineI-r; or. The Red Anchor Brand.
104 Montezuma. the Merciless.

10!) Captain Kyd. the King of the Black Flag.

116 Black Plume; or. The Sorceress of Hell Gate.
121 The Sea Cadet; or, The Rover of the Rigoletts.
128 The Chevalier Corsair; or. The Heritage.

131 Buckskin Sam. the Texas Trailer.

134 Darkey Dan, the Colored Detective.

139 Fire E v; or. The Bride of a Buccaneer.

147 Gold pur. the Gentleman from Texas.

155 The Comalr Queen: Or, The Gypsies of the Sea.
162 The Mad Mariner; 0r. Dishonored and Disowned
168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot.

172 Black Pirate; or. The Golden Fetters Mystery.
177 Don Diablo. the Planter-Corsair.

181 The Scarlet Schooner; or. The Sea Nemesis.

191 The Ocea. a Vampire or. The (hustle Helm.

189 Wild Billis Gold rail; or. The Des mate Dozen.
1nd The Skeleton Schooner; or, The S mmer.
215 The Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoon.
210 Buccaneer Bess. the Lioness of the Sea.
216 The Corsair Plantar; or, Driven to Don).
220 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother‘s Crime.
224 Black Beard, the Buccaneer.

231 The Kid Glove. Miner; or The Magic Doctor.

285 Red thing the Man 0 Chance

246 ueen eleu, the Amazon of the Overland.
m be Pirate Priest; or, The Gambler's Da hter.
269 Cutlass and Cross' or, the Ghouls of the .
2h TheSea Owl; or, The Lad Ca lain of the Gulf.
807 The Phantom ; or, e ater Wolves.
818 The Indian Buccaneer; or. TheRed Rovers.

826 The Gentleman Pirate; or The Casco Hermite.
can The League of Three' or, hurrah. Bill‘s Pledge.
836 The Magic Ship; or. Sandy Hook Freebxrters.
841 The Sea Desperado. V

846 Guer Ilsa; or, Phantom Midshi man.
862 Buffalo Bill‘s Grip; or Oatn'Bound to cater.
am The Sea. native; or, The Queen of the Coast.
869 The Coast r; or. The Siren of the Sea.

378 Sailor of Fortune; or, The Bsme at Buccaneer.
877 Afloat and Ashore; or. Tthor :- Cons lrator.
388 The Giant Buccaneer; or, The Wrecker itch.

. “The Convict Captian; or, The Battles of the

Buccaneers.
899 The New Monte Cristo. '
2,128S The Sea Siren- or, The Fugitive Privateer.
0 Sea Swor ; or. The Ocean Rivals.
he Fatal Frigate' or, Rivals in Love and War.
he OneoArmed uoeaneer.
an Ogre, the Outcast Corsair.

BY 0L L COOMES.

.sthNotch. the Destroyer.

skota Dan. the Reckless Ran r.
ld Dan Rackhack the Great xtarmlnator.
uwie-Knlfe Ben, the Nor’west Hunter.

48 Idaho Tom the Young Outlaw of Silverland.
51 Bed Rob, the Boy Road-A‘gent.

99 The Giant Rifleman; or ild Camp Life.
137 Long Beard. the Giant Spy.
148 One-Armed Alf. the Giant Hunter.

BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES.

278 Hercules Goldspur the Man of the Velvet Hand.
294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy.

821 California Claude, the Lone Bandit.

835 F'lash Dan. the Nabob; or. Blades of Bowie Bar.
840 Cool Conrad, the Dakota Detective.

847 Denver Duke. the Man with “ Sand."

852 The Desperate Dozen.

865 Keen Kennard. the Shasta. Shadow.

874 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities.

82 The Bonanza Band; or D Don of Cool Clan.
892 The Lost Bonanza; or. he Boot of Silent Hound.
400 Captain Coldgrlp; or. The New York Spotter.
40? Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve' or. Injun Nick.

413 Captain Cold Lg in New ork.

421 Father Fermi, e Frisco Shadow.

434 Lucifer Lynx. the Wonder Detective.

411 The California Sleuth.

447 Volcano. the Frisco Spy. '

458 Captain Coldgrlp‘s Long Trail.

DY ANTHONY P. MORRIS.

5 The Fine Fiends; or. Hercules. Hunchback.
96 Azhort. the Axman; or, The Palace Secrets.
100 The French Spy' or. The Bride of Paris.
107 The Man of Steel. Tale of Love and Terror.
der; or. The Beautiful 8 hlax.
ound the Crescent Cit tective.
260 The Masked M stery; or. The lack Crescent
88 Electro Pete, t e Man of Fire.
806 The Roughs of Richmond.
818 Mark Magic, Detective.
884 Threniclipher Detective; or, Mark Maglc‘s New
848 The Head Hunter; or, Mark Magic in the Mine.
*7 Jack Simona. Detective.

DY MA JOB DA NIIL DOONE DUMON'I‘.

888 Silver Sam. the Detective. _

89 Colonel Double-Edge, the Cattle Baron‘s Pard.
411 The White Crook; or, Old Hark’s Fortress.
no The Old River Sport; or. A Man of Honor.
co Salamander Sam.

404 The Night Raider.

'3

S;
grit-5

are»
woo?

1 319 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West.

 

BY BUFFA LO BILL (lion. W. F. Cody).

52 Death-Trailer. the Chief of Scouts.

83 Gold Bullet S rt; or, Knights of the Overland.
%‘3 The Pilgrim her ;or, The Soldier's Sweetheart.
304 Texas Jack. the ralrie Rattler.

894 White Beaver. the Exile of the Platte.

897 The Wizard Brothers; or, White B -aver‘s Trail.
401 Om -Armed Part1: or, Borderland Retribution.
414 Red Renard, the Indian Detective.

BY MAJOR DANGERFIELD 81788.

92 Buifalo Bill, the Buckskin King.

117 Dashing Dandy; or. The Hotspur of the Hills.
142 Cs taln Crimson the Man of he lron Face.

156 V.- vet Face, the order Bravo.

175 Wild Bill‘s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress.
188 The Phantom Maze pa: or, The Hyena.
448 Hark Kenton, the raitor.

BY JOSEPH I. BADGER, JR.

28 Three~Fingemd Jack, the Road-Agent.
ll) Gospele e; or, Fie Fred. the Outlaw.
40 Lou -Hal Pards; or, he Tarters of the Plains.
45 Old ull‘s-Eye, the Lightning Shot.
47 Pacific Pete, the Prince of the Revolver.
60 Jack Rabbit, the Prairie 8 rt.
64 Double- ' ht, the Death ot.
67 The Boy ockev; or, Honest vs. Crookedness.
71 Captain 0001 Blade; or, Mi sip 1 Man Shark.
88 Big George; or. The Five Outlaw nothcrs.
lib Dan Brown of Denvor; or. The Detective.
119 Alabama Joe; or. The Yszoo Man-Hunters.
127 Sol Scott the Masked Miner.
141 Equinox Tom the Bul'y of Red Rock.
164 Joaquin, the le King.
165 Joaquin. the Terrible.
170 Sweet William, the Trapper Detective.
180 Old ‘49; or. The Amazon of Arizona.
197 Revolver Rob- or, The Belle of Nugget Cam .
201 Pirate of the Planers; or, Joaquln‘s Death nut.
01‘ Tombstone.
m S itiiire SaT , Kin of the Bustiers.
219 ep ant o .o Durango.
967 Death Trap "Bigglngs; or, A Hard Man from
'Way Back.
288 Sleek Sam, the Devil of the Mines.
286 Pistol Johnny; or, One Man in a Thousand.
299 Make Homer. the Boss Roustabout.
802 Faro Saul, the Handsome Hercules.
817 Frank Lightfoot, the Miner Detective.
824 Old Forked Lightnin '. the Solitary.
331 Chispa Charle . the Gold N get 8 rt.
839 8 read Eagle . the Hero es Hunter.
845 asked Mark, the Monntod Detective.
861 Nor’ West Nic th» Border Detective.
355 Stormy Steve, he Mad Athlete.
860 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown.
867 A Royal Flush; or, Dan Brown‘s Big Game.
372 Captain Crisp. the Man with a Record.
379 Howling Jonatmn, the Terror from Headwaters.
887 D xl‘k Durg. the Ishmael of the Hills
396 Deadly Aim, the Duke of Derringers.
403 The Nameless Sport.
409 Rub Ro Ranch' or, The Imps of Pan Handle.
416 Monte im the 'ack Shoe of Bismarck.
426 TlibiGl‘imt betecuve; or, T 0 Spy of the Secret
' ‘ an ce.
438 Laughing Leo; or, Sam's Dandy Pard.
418 Oklahoma Nick.
44% A Cool Band or. Pistol Johnny‘s Picnic.
450 The Rustler Detective.

BY EDWARD WILLE'I‘T.

129 Mississippi Mose; or, a Stro Man's Sacrifice.
209 Buck Farley. the Bonanza nce.

222 Bill the Blizzard; or. Red Jack's Crime.

248 Montana Nat. the Lion of Last Chance Camp.
874 Flush Fred the Mississippi Sport.

299 Flush Fred 8 Full Hand.

298 L ‘gzer Lem; or, Life in the Pine Woods.

KB Hemlock Hank. Mgh and True.

815 Flush Fred’s Double' or, The Squatters‘ League.
827 Terrapin Dick, the Wild wood Detective.

887 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tramp.

848 Dan Dillon. King of Crosscut.

868 The Canyon King; or, a Price on his Head.

BY NED DUN'I‘LINE.
14 Thayendanwes, the Scourge ' or,The War-Eagle.
16 The White izard; or, The Seminole Prophet.
18 The Sea Bandit; 0r, Tue Queen of the Isle.
as The R» Warrior; or. The Comanche Lover.
61 Capta Seawaii', the Privateer.
111 The Smuggler Ca - or. The Skippcr‘s Crime.
122 shui Sabberday, c e Idiot s .
270 Andros the Rover; or The ate‘s Daughter.
31 Tombstone Dick, the a Pilot.

BY WILLIAM II. MANNING.
279 The Gold Dragoon, or, The Chlifornla Blood-N

hound.
297 Colorado Rube, the Strong Arm of Hotspur.
885 Will Dick Turpin, the Leadville Lion.
406 Old waywtheB ier of Buck
415 Hot cart, the De the s y.
427 The Rivals of Montana M11
487 Dec: Duk -. the Silent Sleuth.
442 Wil West Walt. the Mountain Veteran.
449 Bluff Burke. of the kjea

 

Roc .
466 Yank Yellowb the Tall Hustler of the Hills.

BY COLONEL DILLE SARA.
53 Silver Sam; or, The Mystery of De .dwood City.
87 The Scarlet Captain; or. Prisoner of the Tower.
108 Shamus O‘Brien, the Bould Boy of Gllngal.

BY PHILIP S. WARNE.

1 A Hard Crowd; or, Gentleman Sam's Sister.

4 The Kidnap r; or, The Northwest Shanghai.
29 Tiger Dick. aro King; or, The Cashier’s Crime.
54 Always on Hand: or. The Foot—Hills Sport.
so A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf.

114 Th-- Gentleman from Pike.

171 Ti er Dick. the Man of the Iron Heart.

207 01 Hard Head: or Whirlwind and his Mane. I

251 Tiger Hick vs. iron bus .

2a) Tiger Dick’s Lone Ha .

299 Three of a Kind; or, Tiger Dick. Iron Despard
and the Sportive Sport.

338 Jack Sands. the Boss of the Town.

359 Yellow Jack. the Mestizo.

880 Tiger Dick’s Pledge; or, The Golden Serpent.

404 Silver Sid; or, A “ Daisy ” Blufl.

431 California Kit, the Always on Hand.

BY J. C. COWDBICK.

390 The Giant Cu id: or Cibuta John‘s Jubilee.
422 Blue Grass B rt. the Gold Star Detective.
436 Kentucky Jean, the S rt from Yellow Pile.
452 Rainbow Bob, the p from Texas.

BY GEORGE C. JENKS.

898 Sleepless e, the Pacific Detective.
432 The Giant srseman.

BY ALBERT W. AIKEN.

27 The S tier Detective; or. Girls of New York.

81 The ow York Sh ;or, The Flash of Lightnin 5

83 Overland Kit; or, he Idyl of White Pine.

84 Rocky Mountain Bob. the California Outlaw.

85 Kentudr. the Sport: or, Dick 'i'al t of the Mines.
k; or. The Death-S Shasta.

hite Savage of Salt Lake.
42 The California Detective; or The Witches sf N.Y.
49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawha Queen.
56 The Indian Maseppa; or. Madman of the Plains.
69 The Man from Texas; or The Arkansas Outlaw.
as The Winged Whale; or, The Red Rupert of Gulf.
72 The Phantom Hand: or The 6th Avenue Heiress.
75 GentlemanGeo e; or. Parlor. Prison and Street.
77 The Fresh of ; or. The Heiress.
79 Joe Phenix, the Police Spfi.
81 The Human Tiger; or. A eart of Fire.
84 Hunted Down: or. The League of Three.
91 The Winni Oar: or. The Innkeeper's Daughter.
98 Captain Dic Talbot. King of the Road.
97 Bronze Jack, the California Thoroughbred.
101 The Man from New York. ‘
107 Richard Talbot. 0! Cinnabar.
112 Joe Phenix. Private Detective.
180 Captain Volcano: or. The Man of Bed Revolvers-
161 The Wolves of New York' or, Jae Phenix‘s Hunt.
173 Cilifornla John. the Pacific Thoroughbred.
196 La Marmoset, the Detective Queen.
$13 The Double Detective: or.The Midnight M story.
252 The Wall Street Blood; or The Tole 111- Girl.
820 The Genteel S tter° or. e N. Y. ht Hawk.
849 Iron-Hearted it k, the Gentleman Road-Agent.
854 Red-Richard: or The Crimson Cross Brand.
868 Crownin ield. the Sleuth; or. Pitiless as Death.
370 The D y Detective; or. Pursned to the o.
876 Black Beards; 01. The Rio Grandr High crse.
881 The vas Gentleman; or Nick Fox, Detective.
884 Injun Die Detective; or. cked to New York.
891 Kate Scott. the Decoy Detective.
408 Doc Grip. the Vendetta of Death.
419 The Bat of the Battery ' or. Joe Phenix, Detective.
421 The Lone Hand; or, T e River Recreants.
440 The High Home of the Pacific.

LATEST AND NEW ISSUES.

456 The Demon Steer. B Leon Lewis.
457 The Sea Insurgent. y Col. P. In am.
468 Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim from Sp tzenberg. By

Joe. E. Badfor, Jr.
459 Mnem- Sunsh n , the Man of Three Lives. By
in. R. Eyste .
460 Ca lain Co dgrlp. the City Sleuth. By Captain
oward Holmes.
461 The Fresh on the Rio Grande. By A. W. Aiken.
462 The Circus Detective. By Jackson Knox.
Ready August 81.
468 Gold Gauntlet. the Gulch Gladiator. By Wm. H.
Manning. Readuv‘September 7.
464 Sandycraw, the . Ms . Daniel

Boon - Dumont. Ready Silagem r1 .
465 The Actor Detective. By A rt W. Aiken.

Ready temher 81.
466 Old Rougsg’and Ready, the Sage of Sundown.

B Joe. E. Bad r. Jr. Bead September M.
W Ma nwaring. the iamander. Jackson Knox.
Ready October 5.

A mu: lame every Wednesday.

Beadle’s Dir-c Library is for sale by al
Newsdealers. ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on
receipt of twelve cents each.

BEADLE AND ADAMS. Pvausaals.
as William Street, New 10*.

9.1%.}? . { I ‘