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DUPINI} THE fifimonn PRINCE.

A Story of the Streets, Bowers nnd Secret
Cellul of the Grant City.

__.__——

BY VVlLIJAM U. PATTEN.

AUTHOR OF “DOUBLE VOICE DAN. THE 0041'-
ALONE DETECTIVE," “THE SI‘ARKLER
SHARP,” “nu: GIANT SPORT,"
no. 310.. 1:10., ET(.‘.

  

 

 

' CHAPTER I.
A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE.
“YOU are my prisoner, Battery Ben!"
The wards were spoken by a smooth-faced, de-
termined-broking man, whom eyes upre mack
and iorclng, and whose build was that of an

A l 0.

$9 was the famous “ Go-It-Alone Detective,"
Double-voice Dan.

As he spoke, the detective‘s hand fell on the
shoulder of a heavily-built and muscular-looking
man.

 

  

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IN ANOTHER INSTANT THE PONDERUI'S VVEIHHT WUL'LI) FALL, AND DOUBLE-VOICE
DAN WOULD BE L'RUSHED.

Double-voice Dari “damask. .g

 

The scene was a pier on the East 'River. A
new wharf was being built, and a spile-driver
was at work sinking the heavy timbers into the
riVer-bed.

Thump, thump, thump went the monster
weight, settling a timber quite a foot at every
blow. As regular as clock-work the weight rose
" - and fell, while the little engine fussed and fret-

; ted about its task.

‘ The engineer stood watching the weight, his
hand ready to stop it at a signal from the fore-
man.

Several laborers were about the place, and
Double-voice Dan had placed his hand on the
? shoulder of one who began work that very day.

_. Battery Ben!

I _ Was the man the famous crook, whose record

w _ was so well known to the police and whose pic-

ture was included in Inspector Byrnes’s little

collection?

 , Among the criminals of New York, Battery

. : . Ben was known as the most desperate and dan-

‘ gerous. He also had a reputation for being de-

cidedly hard to catch and very slippery when

oncs caught.

A raw wind swept up the river from the open
ocean, and the man had felt it necessary to wear
his coat while at work. The detective’s fingers
fig? were fastened securely on the shoulder of that
‘ _ garment.

5;, ‘ ' “ E is] now, Ben!" commanded Dan Downing.

.9» . “ Don’t try an of our tricks, my lad!"

 ’ But the croo dii not heed the warning. Like

"Gfr' afiish he slipped out of his coat, leaving the

 garment in the detective’s grasp.

. y , .Then rose a cry of .horror.

. s ‘_ By a whirling thrust, at the very moment he

' , I had slipped out. of his coat, Battery Ben sent

'Downing reeling backward to fall across the top

gauge spile that was being driVen into the river a

/

In another instant the ponderous wei t
._ i would fall, and Doublewoice Dan would
 crushed to death!
‘ Many times in his adventurous career while
’ fighting crime had the "Ventriloquist Vidocq"
been close to death, yet up to this moment he had
_ invariably escaped. But now—
'; ' Had his time come?
‘ It seemed thus. The workmen a peered ar-
alyznd, as they stared at the imperi ed man. at
W x  had the nearest of them been swift to act, he
could not have drag ed the detective from be-
, nenth the weight be ore it fell.
Dan was slightly stunned, but that did not in-
’ crease his peri . n his most aJert moments, he
. é - could not have escaped the huge mass of iron by
' an eflort of his own.
, When the weight fell, his body would be in-
~ " stanlly crushed in twain!
,,  It did not fall.

\

,4 ' _ Of all present, but one man was able to save
,  n Downing.
'1", That man was the engineer.

Had he been less alert—less attentive to
duty—less swift in his movements, the famous
.' 'rogue-catcher would havs perished beneath the
_' lie-driver.
 In an instant, the engine was stopped, and the
u mighty weight hung suspended in the air.
,jx‘?‘ ,Bhd it risen another foot, it would have been
'3 _ m, and nothing could have stopped it.
, to w. though he was, the detective struggled
: an

H ' ‘ Foiled in the dastardi attempt to have Dan
 crushed beneath the sple-driver Battery Ben
.1 utterrd d vicious snarl and jerked out/a knife,
, leaflng upon Downing.
V  . , e ,erret caughta glimpse of the glitterin
-(  .blade, and he knew how great was is pcri.
That knowledge seemed to clear away the mist
that had hung for an instant before his eyes, and
he grappled with the crack.
~ -’ so made! a vicious lungs with the keen blade
.hutlftbe‘ knife was not sheathed in the body of
. Double-voice Dan. '
 :The detectivefs muscular right hand closed
ion‘jths wrist of the criminal, and the thrust was

 

 

it checked.
v 7 1. But the shock of Ben’s sava e lun e again
if “j threw Dan backward onxtbe mber, is head

‘_ striking against one of the side-sticks as he went
’ wn. ' . .
. “Curse'yel” grated the crook. “ I’ll do ye

yitl”
’ e w poms-ed of an unusual amount of
h but Dan Downing was a trained
. lei-rot was 6 htin or his life just
 Maud therefore he di his vel best.
-‘ men out o ten would have fallen an
. victim to the knife of Battery Ben, but
«Dan Downing was quite unlike the usual run of
 men.
3" He was stunned "by the bi'ow upon the head,
_ but he held to the Wrist of the bloodthirsty
1- orookwlth aflpofstsel.
Then Ben toned his fingers on the detec-
I

fix 0 some way 1” he snarled, his anew
teeth s rig, and his face looking like t at of
.a bull-dog. / You've bothered peaceable folks
long ernonghl” ‘
. Although he tried to hold Dan down,th fdr-
‘ rst arose rain the splle.

Up to this moment, not one of the workmen

'( .

sinding around had seemed to realize the situ-

 

 

! the

ation. They could not understand that a strug-
gle for life had been so suddenly inaugurated
before their eyes.

But now the foreman started toward the two
men. crying sharply:

“ Ketch bolt here, boys! Pull these critters
apart, an’ hang outer ’em both!”

“ Keep away!" commanded Dan, fearing the
result of an interference. “ I have him all
r! ht! Don’t touch us!”

ad they obeyed, it would have ended all
right for the supple detective was more than a
match for his antagonist, and he was swiftly
getting the best of the struggle.

But, at exactly the wrong time, the men in-
terposed between the detective and the crook,
dragging them apart, despite Dan’s protesta-
tion.

“ Hold fast ter both l” again commanded the
foreman.

Battery Ben did not propose to be held. The
knife was still in his hand, and he s'ruck out
savagely with it.

One of the men was cut in the arm, and his
hold on the desperate villain was broken.

In a remarkably brief space of time the crook
broke from the other man, and then e took to
his heels, running along the top of a line of
newly-driven ariles. From one to another of
the timbers he eaped as lightly as a cat, being
remarkably surefooted.

An exclamation of anger broke from Dan
Downin ’s lifis.

“F00 s!” e hoame shouted. “ You have
aided him in escaping!‘

Then he broke from those who had grasped
him, sending the men reeling backward, and
started in'pursuit of the escaping ruffian.

Battery Ben paused for a moment and looked
back, seeing Doublevoice Dan was after him.
He shook his fist at the detective, savagely cr ing:

“Come on, yo cursed bloodhound! on'll
never take me, mind that 1”

Dan drew a revolver.

“Stop!” he shouted— “ stop, or I will shoot
you!”

A defiant laugh was his answer, and the
Battery crook continued his flight.

Dan was an expert pistol-shot but he did not
wish to use the wen u on the man if he could
avoid doing so. I he attempted to wing the
desperate rascal, he might kll him, and that
would be a bungling piece of work. \

So the chase continued.

From the LBier Battery Ben 'lea
scow, and i' e a cat, he swung imseif from
that up to the deck of a schooner. There be
halted an instant, irresolutely, as if balf-de
termiued to make a stand and fight the detective
when Dan tried to follow him.

But, if such was the man’s purpose, be thought
better of it, for he once more took to his heels.

“Hello, hello, there!" angrily cried the cap-
tain of the schooner, starting forward the man
who had so unceremoniously boarded his vessel.
“ What in thunder and guns do you want here?
Get out of this 1”

“That’s exactly w’at I mean ter do,” retorted
Ben, as he dropped over the stern, in a light
boat attached to the vessel by a painter.

The blood knife was still in the “Battery
Bird’s” him . and, with a sweep, he severed the
rope. Then he drop i the knife to catch up
the oars and drop t ion! swiftly into the row-
locks, sh0wing his yellow teeth in an ugly smile
of satisfaction as he did so.

“I haiu’t bein’ nipped tit-day,” he chuckled,
bending his back and sending the boat leaping
away, just as Dan Downing appeared on the
schooner’s deck. '

For one mad instant, the eludedaietectlve was
on the point of usin his revolver. , He did not do
so, however, but s rted toward another small
boat, which he saw swinging from its painter
from a neighboring scow.

toacoa!

But the race for life was not destined to be‘

transferred to the ri or.

A cry of warning ame from the lips of some
of the spectators. -

Too late! ‘

Battery Ben sent his boatdarting out past a
pier just in time to fall directly in the course of
a small, sharp-nosed steam launch that was cut-
ting swiftly up the river, hugging close to the
wharves. '

A crash followed. -

The prow of the launch crushed through the
side of the small boat, the occupantof which
was hurled violently into the water and instantly
sunk from view!

The pilot of the little launch immediately
stopped his engine, and his two companions
loo ed for the man in the rivertorise to the
surface.

\ Those on the piers and no! hborin vessels
were watching for the same th ug to ta e place.

They ‘watched‘in vain: Battery Ben did not
. r.

D an secured a boat and rowed OR to where the
collision had taken place, and he was joined by a

trol beat ot the river police. Their scrutiny

or the vanished crook was useless, and they
final! decided he had been stunned or other-
wise!1 njured in the accident and met his death in
ver.

Were they rlgh ‘ , t

.9- l

,tion ter

 

CHAPTER II.
“rm: DIAMOND PRINCE.”

DAN DOWNING was in his office, his only com-
gauion being his pupil and assistant, Scrimpy

tubbs.

Scrimpy was a character. He n0w sat with
his chair tilted back at a dangerous angle, and
his feet propped against the wall at an elevation
ctrmsiderably above his head. He was smoking a
c ar.

rimpy was a mere boy, but his age was one
of the “eternal mysteries.” It was something
at which he was obli toguess, himself.

“Reckon I can’t much over seventy-five,”
he Would observe, when questioned on that point.
“ I didn’t have a great deal of fightin’ ter do in
dat Revulsionar War. Oh, I’m young yit,
dough I’m terrifu tough fer me age."

He was a waif of the streets, picked up by
Double-voiCe Dan, who detected in him the
making of a shrewd man. Scrimpy was still
well down in his teens, but he did not like to
acknowledge it. He had rown to consider him-
self something of a detective, and he felt as if a
boy could not expect consideration and respect
in that profession.

The gamin had developed into something of a
dandy, and he was now attired in his best suit of
clothes, a standing collar, stiff hat and bright
red necktie. His hat was canted over his eft

 

?

«l  11m

ear in speculiarly rakish manner that was dis- '

tinctively his own. The shoes on his feet were
patent-leathers, and the toes were of the most ,
pointed character. _

Dan had just been relating the result of his at-
tempt to arrest Battery Ben. Scrimpy listened
with interest, a queer look on his free led face.
When the detective cOncluded, the boy called
for a sheet of paper and fonntainpen.

” What do you want of them i" asked Dan.

“ I’m goin’ ter write.” ,

“ When did you learn?” ' .

“ Say—come off! 1 knows ernough ter write
w’at I wants fer.”

“ What is that?”

“ Me resi ation.”

“ Your in at f”

“ Me resignation.”

“ From what?"

" Dis firm. I hain’\t got no furder use fer
youse.” ’

In another moment the detective had his saucy
assistant by the collar. .,

“ You young rascal!” he cried, half-angrily.
“ I believe I will shake you out of your skin!”

“ Hadn’t better,.pard,” was Scrimpy’s cool de-
claration. “ Dat skin belongs tor me. Youse
kin shake me outer dese clothes if yer wants ter,
fer you id for ’em; but I puts in a big objec-
in‘ shook outer me skin.”

“ In which case you should guard that tongue
more closely.”

“ Do youse reckon Battery Ben has gone an’
skipped de gutter!"

H ’flol’

' " Den I’ll write dat resignation anyhow!" \
“ What do you mean?”
“ I t’ink youse must be losin’ yer grip.”
ii “7b).?” ,

“ Der Battery Bird hain’t croakin‘ in any spch _

wav. you mind dat.”

“ You think he is not dead?

“ Dat’s w’at’s der matter.”

” Oh, but you are wrong!

this time.”

“Dat cove has been down fer good lots of
times, but he allus pops up erg’in. He won’t
stay down."

“ He will stay this time.”

“ Bet er odds he don’t. Yer can’t kill
Battery n in der river." .

He could not

He went down for

“ But he did not come up at all.
live under water."

“I knows dat water must ’a‘ bin a big shock
ter him, but I’ll bet he’s kickin’ jest der sa‘mee.
Ree ,yer cyes'peeled fer Battery Ben; youse
will ear from him erg’inJ’ '

With this oracular utterance, Scrimpy calmly
resumed his smoking.

Dan once up and down the little roam,
and then h 3 went back to his chair. .

Barely was be seated when a stout, florid-
faced, elegzntly-dresssd gentleman entered the
office. T visitor was a man of sixty, at least
and his hair was quite gray, but his dress and
manner gave him the air of a ounger man.

“ Are you Dan Downing?” e asked, address-
ing the detective.

‘ I am, sir. What can I do for you?”

“ I have called on a matter of business.”

“ Sit down.” I ’

Scrimpy had placed a chair for the visitor,
who nervously seated himself, glancing sharply
at the detective’s assistant.

“ Please state your business, sir,” mid Dan.

a

“ It is a matter of a strictly private nature,” "

and the old gentleman still kept- his eyes on/

Scrimpy. I .

"It shall be regarded as such,”a uredthe
ferret. “You may state it freel , thout the “
least hesitation. Any oonfidenti matter is re"
garded as sacred by us.” ' -

“But—but. sir, it is a family affair, and I
wish to state it to you privately.” .

Dan smiled the least bit. .

“This young gentleman is my assistant," he.

i
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WNJJ» .mstsv

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40‘ J‘

W“ ‘ka—LA

Double-voice Dan on Deck. I 3

explained. “ You need have no fear of talkin
before him, for he will be silent as an oyster. I
you have a case for me, it may be necessary to
have him take a hand in working it out.”

The visitor shook his head.

“ This is a matter I really cannot afford to re-
veal to any one but yourself, sir. I have come
to you because you have the reputation of being
a private detective who is strictly honest and
s u-ire—a rara avis, by the way. Icould not
a ord to revaal ramin secrets to the general
police, or to the general hoard of sharks who
call themselves private detectives. By careful
inquiries, I discovered there was one man in the
City whom I could trust, and 1 am here.”

Dan bowed.

“ Very well, sir; it shall be as you wish.
Scrimsz snea k.”

n . k."

The detective’s assistant sauntered leisurely
out of the office, closing the door behind him.

“ Now, Mr. Prince,” said Dan, “ I am ready
to listen.”

The old gentleman started.

“ You know me!” he exclaimed.

“ Every one knows the Diamond Prince of
New York.”

“ It is unfortunate to be so well known,” as-
serted the visitor.

“In some cases possibly; but I do not see how
such a thing can be in yours.” ,

Prince ocughed a hit behind a snowy handker-
chief once more glancing about.

“ here is no chance of our conversation being
overheard?" he asked.

” You need have no fear of that,” assured Dan.
“State your business.”

For a few seconds the old gentleman seemed at
a loss for a method of beginning. His embar-
rassnient showed in his face and manner. At
length, he said:

“I am a man who dislikes to speak of family
affairs outside of my own family. ’

“ I understand,” bowed the detective. “ It
sometimes becomes necessary to do so, however."

“ That is true—that is true,” and Mr. Prince
ricked nervously at the handkerchief. “I am
in exactly that unfortunate position.”

"Whatever you may reveal to me, sir, shall
be regarded as divulged in confidence. You
need have no fear of any future annoyance on
that account."

The diamond merchant looked relieved.

“Thank you sir—thank you!” he exclaimed.
“It is evident Iain dealing with a gentleman—
which is most astonishing!" he added, staring
hard at Dan.

The detective could not repress a smile.

“ You are evidently of the impression that
gentl’emen in the detective business are not com-
ulOD.

“ I must confess I had that impression.”

“And I am forced to confess your impression
is correct. It is the negret of my life that a de-
tective cannot at all times be a gentleman. It
is sometimes necessary for him to become little
short of a rufiian, all for the purpose of serving
the ends of justice.

“ But we are making slow progress.”

“True—true! It is of—ahem!—of my son I
wish to speak.”

Dan had suspected as much.

“ I have heard of him.”

Mr. Prince fell back in his chair.

“ so had as that—so bad!" he muttered. “ A
detective has heard of him! Really, this is seri-
ous.’ .

“ You must remember it is my business to
know of almost evsrybody of any prominence
about town."

“ Of prominence ! Does my son come under
that head?”

“ To a certain extent sir.”

“ This is bad—this is really bad!” softly ex-
claimed the visitor. “And still I suspected—I
knew it!”

The detective felt that they were making slow
progress.

“ You have not stated your case, Mr. Prince.”

The diamond merchant sat up straightasa
stick.

“I do not care to go into this matter any fur-
ther than is absolutely necessary,” he declared,
with dignity. “ You are a man who can ap-
preciate my feelings.”

“I think I am; and still I assure you it will
be best to give me a complete understanding. I
shall do much better for you than I will it work-
in partially in the dark.”

Once more Prince coughed behind his hand-

' kerchief, seeking thus to gain a little time. He

seemed to literal] have a horror of divulging
family secrets. an was growing impatient.

“Two years ago.” began the old gentleman,
at length, “ I sent Paul abroad to finish his edu-
cation. 1 fear it was the mistake of my life.
Before he left me then he was one of the best
boys in all the worldl' I do not think I am ex-
aggerating in saying this. He was kind and at-
fectionate, steady and upright, and I was proud
of him—too proud, I fear.”

He choked a bit, but sou ht to disguise it with
another fit of con hing. hen he seemed to sud-
denly brace up n a determined .manner, as if
he had resolved to tell the story without falter-

in g.

 

“ My boy had never drank or gambled, to my
knowledge, and his chosen companions were
among the best men of his set. His tastes were
refined and delicate, in which respect he was
like his mother. He bften reminded me of her,
thou h she had been dead for years. For all of
his ue grain, he was a manly lad and highly
respected by all who knew him.

“ Paul had decided to become an artist, and
he really had the artistic faculty. He did
creditable work before he went abroad, and I
fancied there was a great future in store for
him.

“ He returned home four months ago, and I
regret to say there is a great change in him.
He is not at all like the boy who went away.
He did not stay abroad long enough to finish his
studies, and he seems to have lost his ambition.
Since returning, he has not touched a brush.

“ But this is not the worst, sir. He has ac-
quired serious vices. He drinks and gambles
and is really reckless. The change in this re-
spect is simply marvelous. He has turned from
his former companions and chosen new asso-
ciates. I deplore his choice, for his comrades of
to-day are not such as I would select."

The Diamond Prince paused and wiped his
peripiring face with the handkerchief in his
be

u

“ I should say there has boon a great change
in your son,” said Dan. “He is now the com-
rade of some of the most reckless sporting char-
acters of Gotham. He is known as Prince Paul,
the Plunger.”

 

CHAPTER III.
ma roman CHECK.

THE father groaned.

“So 1 haVe heard—so I hire heard!” he re-
peated, dropping the handkerchief, but fumbling
with his hands, as if he thought he still held it.
“It is horrible—horrible! To think of my son
—-his mother’s boy—becoming a gambler!”

The diamond merchant appeared crushed.

The detective fancied he could read beneath
the surface, and he believed Hanson Prince had
not told him all there was to tell, by any means.
There was something far more serious to cause
tpe gray-haired parent to betray so much emo-
t on

“ It is ver unfortunate,” confessed the detec-
tive; “ but- cannot see that it is so very serious.
If you cut off the young man‘s supply of money,
he will be forced to give up gambling and the
races. You oughtto able to bring him up
with a round turn.”

Prince shook his head.

“‘I have tried—I have tried!” he declared.
“ But he gets money in some way.”

” How?”

“Oh, he has friends who will lend him as
much as he wants, knowing I am responsible.”

“But you cannot be compelled to pay his
debts, for he is surely more than twenty-one.”

" Yes, yes—he is of age. I understand that,
but I see you do not appreciate my position. I
want no scandal—no talk. I love my boy, even
though he is changed. I would not have him
brought to trial for debt, and so I am bound to
pay his bills.” .

" Well, it really seems strange that you should
come to me in this matter. W hat assistance
can I be?”

The diamond merchant bowed his head on his
hand, discovered his handkerchief on the floor
and picked it up. He hesitated about answer-
ing the question Dan had put. More than ever,
the detective felt sure his visitor had not made
a “ clean breast.”

“Look here, Mr. Prince,” said Dan, quietly,
“I fully appreciate your feelings and your de-
sire to keep secret any false steps your son may
have made; at the same time, it is plain you
have not, by any means, told me everything you
intended when you came here. What you have
told me counts for very little. There is some-
thing much more serious weighing on your
mind. Am I right?”

“ You are.”

The confession was made with reluctance.

“I thought so,” nodded Dan. “Now you
cannot expect me to do anything unless I know
the whole truth. You will simply be baffling

ourself. if you keep anything back. You have

n assured you can trust me, and it is for

your own interest to do so. Hadn’t you better
tell me all there. is to be told?”

The Diamond Prince sat bolt upright.

“ I think so, sir—I think so,” he nodded. “ I
beg your pardon for not doing so at first, but—”

“ Don’t mention it.”

“ You can’t understand the feelings of a
parent—a father in distress. I have spent night
after night of sleepless torture. I assure you,
my hair. has grown white with amazing rapidity
since—since—” Once more he coughed behind
the handkerchief, and then he went on:

“ There was a sort of boy and girl love affair
between my son and a certain oung lady. They
were both young. This was fore I sent him
abroad. I assure you the attachment between
them gave me great satisfaction, and I had
hopes of its culminating in marriage, for the
girl was the daughter of an old comrade, and
she was 'a most charming and beautiful girl.

 

‘

Her father was also pleased with the prospect.
The oung lady’s name is Vira Selwick.

“ verything seemed to go all right while
Paul was in Europe, and I supposed he would be
as fond of Vira as ever, on his return. But I
was to be bitterly disappointed.

" Ransom Selwick was not a wealthy man
but—”

The detective made a gesture that interrupted
Hanson Prince.

“I beg your pardon,” he said, “ but is this the
Ransom Seiwick who so mysteriouslyl disap-

and a short time ago, and of whom t e police
hive been unable to find a trace?”

“ The same.”

“ All right. Go on.”

“ As 1 said, Ransom was not a rich man. He
might have been, for he was a genius, but he
spent his days chasing phantoms. He was al-
ways studying, studying. He had a passion for
experiments of a scientific nature, and he really
made some astonishing discoveries, but he was
not business man enough to profit by them.
Had he put much study into more practical
lines he would have been a millionaire to-day.

“fliave said Selwick was my friend. I did
all I could for him in the past, and, although he
was poor, and I rich, I was pleased at the pros-
pect of Paul making Vira his wife. I even
tried to work Selmck into my business some-
way, but it was no use, sir—no use. He was not
a man for business, and he knew it. He was a
genius, and where do you find a genius who is a
successful business man!

" There was something very odd about Ran-
som Sel wick, something unnatural—somethingl
noted as growing on him in late years. He was
always considered a crank by those who did not
appreciate him. I have said he was a genius.
and somebody has proclaimed enius close allied
to madness. I believe it, sir— do. Don’t you?

“Never mind. That is of no particular im-
portance. Selwick’s disappearance was strange,
singular—very singular. He was not a rich
man, so it is not probable be was killed for his
money. I raid the oddness was growing on him
when I knew him last. It was. I did not un~
derstand it, but now I think it was a phase of
madness. I think he became deranged and
wandered from his home. That, I believe, ex-
plains his disappearance. I have spent a great
deal of money to assist in prosecuting the search
for him, but he has never been found. Whether
he is living or dead remains a mighty mystery-
yes, sir, a mystery.

“But I have really allowed this to lead me
from my story. Of course I expected Paul and
Vira would be the sum when he returned, but
I was disappointed. He immediately broke off
with her—he said he had no fancy for marrying
a pauper’s child. It was not like Paul—my
Paul. It gave me a great shock. I do not think
you can appreciate my feelings.

“ Of course I remonstrated with Paul, but he
laughed at me. He said the whole affair was
only a silly boy and girl attachment and he was
done with it forever. He was looking higher.
I asked him what he meant by that, and he
winked in a vulgar manner.

“ ‘ The best game roosts high, father,’ he said.
‘I am not gunning for anything short of an
heiress of the Four Hundred. One might as
well do the pro r as to waste himseif.’

“ Well, sir, was crushed. Not that I object
to wealth or position—oh, no! I have had a
hard struggle to obtain both. But Paul’s mother
had never had a care for either, and he had
seemed so like her—once.

“ Perhaps I am dragging this out. If so, you
must excuse me. I am a person who talks a
great deal when I am fairly started, and I pride
myself that I know my failing—I pride myself
on it. sir.

“ Come to the point. Well, I will.
pl this: M son is completely changed. lhave
to d these tb gs toimpress it upon you. I fear
the time he spent in Europe has quite ruined him.
He has cast aside the good friends and compan—
ions of other days, and now he associates with
fast men and doubtful women. I am sure it is
ghfis: companions who are working his down-

a .

As Prince ceased speaking, there was a pas-
zled look on Dan Downing’s face.

“ Look here,” said the detective, “ you started
out to tell me something more than you had
already done, but you have failed to impart
anything of great importance. Almost any
young man in ht have undergone such a
change. It is p ain your son is sowing his wild
oats. Better he should do that now than later
in life. But I think you still withhold something

It is sim-

rom me.

“Sir, has your son ever done a criminal
act?”

The sudden question caused Hanson Prince to
fall back in his chair. gasping for breath and
lifting one hand appealingly.

“ Sir—sir—”

,Hi could not utter the words he wished to

spea .

“ I have repeatedly assured you that you
might trust me,” came from the detective’s lips,
as Dan discovered he had struck the right chord.
“ If you wish my services, you must do so
fully. 1 am not a police officer, who is bound to

vii-am. ' Fanat‘o.‘ ski-2‘;

‘w-II. WC ‘aiesv sm’m“ A  lanne’ ‘

. - -... .. .. . . . .._.. ,.
 - . . . . -..:...._. .. ._:.a\__

 

v‘i ,, a.
.,,.; _ .

\

Double-voice Dan on Deck.

 
  

 

 

, bring the criminal to justice. If your son has
done anything wrong, it Will not be my duty to ’
make it known. You need have no shadow of
fear of blackmail. Instead, I willjoin with you
in the attempt to rescue the unfortunate young 3
man from the clutches of the burpies who are r

*’ dragging him down. I will do my level best for

‘ J " on, and when m bill is settled, the affair will ,

 l” beended so farms am concerned."

.  The Diamond Prince started up and grasped
7 , Dan’s hand.

“ I thank you!” came chokingly from his

lips. “I believe you. I have not told all—no.

, It did not seem as if I could—it was like tear-
 ,- - in§my heart out.” ,
5  ; e had thrust a trembling hand into the ‘

,vi', , breast-pm-ket of his coat, and he drew fortha

 ' v slip of paper.

‘ I told you I tried to check his wild caer by

, reduci his allowance. It is true. For a time ,

i, I Ionly ound it necessary to pay the debts he }

contracted. But this—this thing—came to me

at last! I might not have discovered it so quick-

 , l but I was looking over my accounts and—

 ell, here it is.”

He placed the paper on the desk before the
dcte0tivo, and Dan saw it was a check for
five hundred dollars.

 I???) n

V t a orgeryl

“ Your name is signed to it.”

“ I did not place it there—no, sirl”

The detective examined the check closely. It
was made out to one “ John Robinson” and in-

n dorsed by several persons, the last name being

= - that of ‘ Omer Drake."

. ‘ ’ “ Who are these people?”

“I knew none of them.”

“ You do not know a John Robinson!”

_ “ No, sir.”

“ But this man Drake must have been known

, ‘at the bank.”

" is No.”

“Then how could he secure the cash on this

check

, “ He was identified.”
' “ By whom?”

i ', ; “Bu mum!”

  
   
  
  
   
   
    
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
      
    

  

CHAPTER IV.
, DAN rams 'rnn CASE. ’

DOUBLI-VOICI DAN whistled softly.

“This begins to grow interesting,” he ac-
knowledgsd.

“ It is terrible, sir—terrible!” grouped Hanson
P , twisting, the handkerchief around his
ha s,alookof disrressonhis face. ..

, “Do the people at the bank know this is a
orgeryi"

“No. I came near betraying the truth to
them, but something kept me from doing so. I
seemed to feel that m boy—my Paul, whom I
would have trusted th anything not sovery
‘ . long o—wu in some disgracefu manner con-
V. cor That checked me and kept me silent.”
» “ You were very discreet. But, even though
this check is a forgery, your son may not be a
crimin’al. He may not know the check is

us.
nson’Prince sadly shook his head.
 ,“ I have considered that—I have thought it all
over—looked at it from all sides.”
I  “ And you believe your son in some way con-
nected with the forgery"
‘, “’I’would not beisve so had 1 not goodrea—

; ': You ’have more to tell?”

l I “

'bogatin this glaring: inerlclhant fumbletd in his
_ can rung or't seem a ,

which he placed before the detective}: paper

» .Dsniscrutinized the paper.

.It waapartof a check thathad been destroyed

by being torn in two.

h It was to a certain extent, nearly the counter-

, , trim forged check! ..

~  , saw that it was or great importance.

'  Where did you find th 57”

' Milrst Prince choked so he could not reply,

 length, ho faintly gasped: ,

a1,3". my sons room!"

a ‘ “,Bipflcs; the forged check came to your

' “- The old gentleman nodded. .
_ ,“That, settles it!” declared the detective, de-
 “Sir, your son made out this bogus

. Hanson Prince made a gesture of? despair and

s   was “2......”
o w rugg su
that'wae overcoming him.

Mr. Prince,” he
man may be saved. Of
grave min but, if
scrim it real y is, he
msg‘obemcu-ecanful in the futile.”

I. fater- panscd and .
” ‘ “There is uni one way to avengim," he
mid, thick! . “ at iii why I have come to
you. Had seen any other way I should have
triad to do the work myself, without trusting

   
  
  
  
  
     
   
    
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
   
  
  
 
   
    
  
    
  
 

 
  
   

   

    
   
 

 

    
   
  
 
     

‘ a
,heishrooghttossehow

    
  
  
      
   
 
  

v

 

' graded and dragged him down.

“ Paul is not naturally vicious or a criminal,
sir—no, sirl
His associates
are people of shady characters, and they have
fastened their clutches upon him. They mean
to bleed him—m ruin himl That is how it is——
that’s what’s the matter! They are a vile,
lecherous crew!”

“ Well, what do you expect me to dol”

“ I will tell you. These men and women
have shady characters—criminal records, per-
haps. You can get at the true facts of their
history. I wish them ilorced to relinquish their
hold on Paul. To do this—to compel them to
unclose their grip, they must be frightened. I
want you to discover just who they are and all
about them. Then I wish you to come down on
them. Have them urinates], if possible; if not,
frighten them by daunting their records in their
faces. Drive them away or compel them to let
up on Paul. Do anything to accomplish the
saving of my boy—anything!”

Dan lowered his brows and scowled at his
desk. It was rather unusual task that Was re-
quired of him, and he did not at once express
a willingness to take hold of the case.

Mr. Prince watched the detective anxiously.
At length, he could endure the silence no longer,
and he exclaimed:

” You will do this? I will pgy you well—any-
thing, everything you askl ou shall have all
the money you need! If you will aid me in
saving my boy, you shall have eternal gratitude!
If you refuse me this, to whom shall I appeal?”

“You could not safely appeal to an other
private detective in this city and make the offer
you have made me,” was the candid reply. “ In
the excitement of the moment on seem to have
lost all your business facnlt es, Mr. Prince.
Were I a shark, I could bleed you unmercifnlly.
You are under strong excitement.”

“That is true,” brokenly confessed the dia-
mond merchant.
—so cool—when I came here. had thought it
all out ahead—just what I would say to you——
gust how much I would tell you. I am excited;

nt Paul is all I have left, and I have had great
ho for him-great expectations. I fear they
wi I all be crushed l” , '

Again he sunk down in the chair, but he no
longer fumbled nervously with the handkerchief.
All the life seemed to have departed from him
with a suddenness that was alarming. Dan was
startled and feared the man would faint.

“Shall I get you some water?" asked the de-
tectlve.

“No,” was the hollow reply. “ I want noth-
ing. I am all right. It a passing now. We
will go on with this business. I think I had bet-
ter get it over soon. I wish I had come in my
carriage, but I did not want any one to know 1
was mil on a detective.

“ Never mind that. Will you try to aid me in
saving my boy?”

“ On conditions.”

The old man stiflened u a bit.

“ Conditions, sir—cond tionsl
one to make the conditions?"

“ Not in this case. That may usually be your
position, but it is not now.”

Mr. Prince was not in the habit of being talk-
ed to in that manner, but he felt that he was
helpless.

~“ What are your conditions?”

“First, that I be given my own time and al~
lowed to work in my own way.”

“ I to that.’

“ Next, that my assistant be taken into confl-
(‘ieinc’e and given the full particulars of I this af-
a r. r

“ I will not agree to that, sir—410, sir l”

“ Very well.”

Dan handed the man the forged check and the
mutilated portion of one. \

“ What do you mean!" slowly asked Hanson
Prince. '
“ The business is settled.”

“ Howl” , ,
"Indecline tohave anything todo with the

M.

The Diamond Prince arose stifliy. an injured
look of anger on his face.

“i {)3 you mean that?” he asked.

h a,

“You are throwing away a fine chance to
make good money.” .

“. I never touch a case nukes: I can handle it in
exactly my own manner . . ,

Hanson Prince  toward the door, and
then trirned back. i

“ Confound it, man i” he cried. “ I have let
you into the whole affair, and now you decline

Am I not the

/

‘ to touch the case!”

.1; 33% ""2 fifil‘m‘iim‘?” “*1 W"

e V: wor tas ease
and of taking my amount 0:8 with mg. He'
will save ,me valuable time, and will save you
good money. He is bright, shrewd and utterly
curlers. I do not think he understands the

manual of fear.”

“But is not but a boyl"

“A boywho is rewder than hundreds of
shrewd men—so called. I have tried him thorb

o h , and.» know his caliber. He Is close-
"its

   
    

 

 

 

 
 

 

the wretched secret to another mu.” v.
“ minimum rovers-3t?" 

.. 1’ 

   
  

   

use

as a slam, and yonvneecl have no fear

   
  
 

 

It is his assocmtes who have de— ,

“And I thou ht I wassocalm'

s‘
in the slums of New York, he has a most exact
idea of what is perfectly honorable and square,
and he hates anything mean or crooked worse
than he hates poison.”

Hanson Prince did not like the idea of taking
Scrimpy into the secret, but when he found Dan
really would not work on any other condition,
he consented.

“ He will plaf'

 

an important part in clearing

up this (use, imagine,” said the detective.

“ He is one of the most skillful shadows of

l Gotham. If I place him on the track of a per-

Eon, he is bound to follow that individual to his
0 e.

Mr. Prince paid a certain sum of mone down
to bind the bargain, and answered a great! many
questions that Dan saw fit to ask, and then he
took his departure.

Immediately Scrimpy came lounging in, flung
himself into the chair and elevated his feet once
m

ore.
“is it biz?” he asked, carelessly.

“ Yes.”

“Den ouse struck der string. I knows dat
bloke. go’s a tight ’un. I uster stop front of
his store an’ count der sparklers in der winder.
He’d allus send a man out ter drive me oil.”

“ Do you know his son Paul?”

H Nixe ."

Then an gav%the boy the particulars of the
case, explaining whis assistant’s understand»
ing without wasti a word.

“Well, dis is biz," nodded the gamin, when
the rte-net had finished. “ I like dis. W’at’s me
la

ll‘I want you to shadOw Paul Prince while I
am icking up points about him.”

" Rest show me :ier mug, an’ I'll stick ter him
like a plaster.”

 

\
CHAPTER V.

SCRIMPY 0N DUTY.

Wnnssn’s, on Sixth avenue, might be tougher
than it is, but its reputation is a trifle shady.
It is one of those places “ winked at” by the
police and known very little of by thoroughly
res table people. It might properly be classr—
fiifis a “dive,” but Webber himself is very
careful not to carry things far enough to at-
tract the attention of the newspapers, especially,
when those virtuous sheets are engaged in one of -
their spasmodic dive-closing crusades. ‘ 4

It is not necessary to e a minute descrip—

where, at proper We, questionable charac-
ters a’re wont to congregate. Women unknown
to the best society are permitted to come there
0’ nights and associate with such men as patron-
ize the place. These women are of value to Doc
Webber, for they induce their chance compan-
ions to purchase drinks liberally, and so the dol-
lars flow into the proprietor’g coffers.

Whenever a news%per crusade is started, the
little back room at ehber’s is promptly closed
and kept thus till“. the storm has fully blown »
over.

The bar-room at Webber’s is gaudily furnish—'
ed and decanted, being therefore cite attrac-
tive for drinking characters of “ oud ” taste.
“ Square” men frequently drop into the place,
for ood liquor is kept there, and ever? rounder
has Vebber’s on his list. Sight-seen requently
take in the place.
tain admission to the little back room where the
“ lady visitors ” are allowed to song ate.

It is Doc Webber’s pet boast that e is “on
the square.” If a man enters his place and

u hasesa drink, he will light for that man

fore he will see him misused in any way. Doc

ambitions to have his ce patronized by the
“high bloods "rather than by the rabble. The

On th classes. .
Standing at Webber’s bar on a certain even
ing was a. little group of three men. Two or
these men had the air of ng characters and
men~about-town. Their rear, manner and talk

proclaimed them such.

The third was a really handsome fellow, with
yellow hair and brown eyes. was nearl
six feet tall and handsoml built, his entire
figure being ceful, as w l as muscular and
firmly-knit. rich tint of health was in his '
cheeks, and his manner showed the warm blood
of manhood flowed unclcgged 'in his veins, 3,
was dressed in a, handsome suit of gray, for the
night was wu'm, and carried a cans of the mm
approved sort. His appearance contrasted

panions.
He was a young man know as Prince Paul
of sporting life, it was said he was going the
dawnward course with alarming swiftness.

Paul was leaning back against the bar, easily
mqkin a cigar, and listening to the “ horse I
talk of is friends—socalled. Now and then 9
put in a word, and the others would listen with
reapectful attention whenev'er he did so. '

0 an outsider,” their respect might has
seemed ammed, ,
“ There’s boodle in Kay five Jay,” earnestly

 

tailed .Gavin,himsc

 

declared the l[portly man the trio.
, hasn't sired her up right. , Bhe’s,
«’47 :  -, 1 [72' 

  
  
 

tion of Webber’s, but there is a small back room ’

If they are “ in,” they ob— '

is_vsry careful of his “ cod name,” for he is '

u on '

.onl mistake he makes isin trying to keep a grip  I

strikingly with that of his two silbhatted com-: 5' l

the Plunger. Having fallen i to the whirlpool .  I

  
       
 
 
  

 

.,:_-  toque, ~ 7, r...“

ii

 

Double4voice’ 

i ‘ “fly”,  " .\,V‘,,.  " 
x

i

an- on": Deck.

  

.
. 5

 

   

lumbering now, and trots like a cow at the start,

but she Will come out of that. I tell you she is

, a winner, my boys!”

. “ Oh, come off!” put in he of the second silk

2 hat, his face and voice expressing fine disgust.

‘ “ No man living knows the beast’s pedigree.
She hasn’t anyl’

first speaker. “But i think you are of! when
you say she hasn’t any.”

“ Howl Why. Gavin confesses he can’t go
back of Mollie Gray.”

“ Do you count Gavin a fool?”

“ Of course not.”
1 “wi’Veli, what is he blowing such a story round

or

“ Blamed if I know!"

“ He‘d surely be a fool if it was true.”

“ Then you think—just what?"
‘ “ He is being put up to this. Wait till Kay
Eye Jay shows the stuff thereis in her, and
then—"

“ What?” \

“ She will have a pedigree that will reach
from here to J erse .”

g.
l

l
,,

only Show she’d ever make would be a holy show
of herself.”

VVhereat the less- rtly of his companions

I laughed loudly, and eclared he was dead right.
“ That tickled Kelsey,” smiled the third.
“ But you fellows may fling up. your good mOoey
againlt Kay Eye Jay if you want to; I’ll chance
it the other way.” ‘
“Kiss your dollars good-by before you put
’em up,” ad Vised Paul. “ You’ll never see them
a. ain.”
“ That is sound advice for you, Wait,” nodded
Kelsey.
“ Papers, gents? Ex-tree! All der lates’
sportlu’ news. Say, you tellers, buy one apiece
an’ dat’il jest clean me out. I wanter knock off
biz fer der day, an’ I’ve got t’ree let". Take ’em,
will yer?”
The speaker was a rather ragged, and saucy-
]ookmg boy who had made his way in from the
street. He carried two of the three papers under
his arm, while he held out the third to Wait.
The newsboy was ignored.
“Say, derel” he cried, as if astonished, look-
ing the portly sport over. “ Hain’t ouse
Grover Cleveland? Course yer be! I now
youse! How are, yer? I’m goin’ ter vote for
ver dear next ’lection sure pop. If you hain't
‘ I , -r fPresi-lent. it won’t be none of my fault."
,2 ' This attracted the attention of the trio, and,
’ - asthey happened to be in an agreeable mood,
they laughed.

‘ Him a ape’,” continued the boy, pressing
$1: sgnkint. " It ,don'i cost you nothiu .

u n ave an tin w

_ dead heap—I do!" y 8 am I o 8 you ‘
'1 "_ “ How is that?” ,
l. ‘ . “ You killed me fatherh-der-law,” was the

 ' astonishing repi . ‘
,-, v “Killed your father-in-lawr’ retorted the
‘ ‘ on have madeaslight

 

 

amused sport. “ think
_ error. I am Sure I dig not have any hand in

 l the gentleman’s taking OK. You are wrong.”

 “ leey,” and the gamin shook his head.

i  v  “ Youse done it.” -
I .z . “ Howl"

 _  9’7 bein’ defeated by Ben Harrison.”

1. f‘ g on, that is a strange way tokill a man.
’ ;, Explain. .
, x, I “i nev r was dead stuck on der old jay w’at

(. . married a mudder w’en mereg’ler fader cmked.
‘ He uster lick der kin’ :ont or me ’most ev’ry
day. Oh, I had t in for him! Reclaimed tor
be a reformed hoozer an’ he never took his bit-
tars Wld der odder blokes. He raised bloody
blue blazes ’cause I drinked a glass of beer one
day. He was .a demmecrat clean t’roug an’
he said he’d never live tar see anodder ' uh loan
President. He didn‘t really mean dat, ut w’en
der demmecrats was heat, he broke his pledge
’ * ' ~~ an’ want on a toot. He fell inter a caller over
i . on ,Leventh avonoo an’ broke his neck. Dat’s

«r way youse killed him by being bean—Say,

"take dose odder papers. Doy’re free. Don’t

by t :91- harry a quarter, do yer?"

three men laughed still more heartil , and
thesharp little rascal found customers his
apart. Three pieces of silver were pressed into
is sOmewhat grimy hands. and he fOund himself
seven dive cents better ofl.’ than when he enter-

. ed We bar’s. .

“Tanks!” hecried.dncking hi head. “Youss
coves be der cleanyw’ite stufll’ hen he retired
into a corner to count his earnings.

. At this mement a man with a fierce black
mustache and a somewhat too florid face hastily
, ehtered the saloon and at once hastened toward

,. " the trio. Prince Paul started as his eyes tell on
the new-comer. . = -

“I want to see on a moment, Prince,” said
 the man of the back mustache, when hebad'
. a j, hastily greeted the others. “Itis important.”

I Toe Plunger at once the others to ex-
cuse him, and than he fol wed the newcomer
to a smlill stall-like apartment next to the back

room.
‘ “EOXVhat’s the racket, Rockvelti” he anxiously
The devil’s to pay 1” was the retort. savagely

H
‘ spoken. )

 

 
         
    

   

   
 

  

  

“She doesn’t need it,” calmly declared the‘

“It looks to me,” laughed Paul, “as if the‘

stag; down the

 

Then the men lowered their voices so they
would not be overheard by any one outside.

It happened that the lucky newsboy was lean~
ing against the partition of the stall, and be dis—
covered he could hear the hum of voices from
within, and catch a word now and then. He
seemed to suddenly lose interest in the amount
of money he had earned, although he kept finger-
ing the coins in a mechanical fashion. He was
listening closely.

“ Great God i”

That was the exclam stiou he heard Paul
Prince utter.

“ ‘Shl” cautioned the other. “ Careful!”

“ When did this take place?” asked the young
Plunger, only partially mgarding the warning
of his comrade.

“ More than a week ago.”

“Heavens! He may be in New York at this
moment!”

“But that is not at all likely,” assured the
black-mustachul man. Then their voices sunk
so low the listening boy could not understand
anything they were saying.

“Der deuce is her pa l" muttered the lad to
himSelf. “ Dere’s troub e stewin’. I’d give a
plank tor hear all dem mugs is sayin‘.”

He tried to think of some way, no matter how
desperate, that he could obtain a position where
he could hear all that passed between the men.
He was ’forced to give it up and continued to
listen in the corner, fearing he would be spotted
b one of the barkeepers and driven from the

p ace.

Although he could not understand the words
the men were saying, it was plain enough from
the inflection of their voices that both Were ex-
citet . -

At length a rather rough-looking man entered
the saloon and asked if Br Rockvelt had been
there that evening. One 0 the barkeepers told
him Rockvelt was in the little stall with Prince
Paul. He at once hurried in that direction.

“ Wonder who dat mu is,” thought the boy
in the corner. “ Dunno ’s ’m‘onter him. He’d
better sell dem whiskers fer a for mat.”

As soon as the bewhiskered man appeared in
the stall, he was greeted as “Eas Jack” b
Rockvelt, and introduced to Pan as “ Jae
Easy.” ‘

“ I have a word for you,” declared Jack.

“ Spit it out,” invited the man of the black
mustache.

Jack glanced suspiciously at Paul. \

“ All right,” assured Rockvelt.

“ Der bird at 93 has skipped.” said Jack.

A cry of fury broke from Bry Rockvelt’s lips,
and he leaped to his feet.

The listening boy poked himself in the ribs
with his thumb.

“ Dis is nuts I” he softly chuckled. “ Old Must-
n’t-touchoit is gittin’ it in der neck all roun’, ur
me name hain’t Scrimpy Stubbs, Esq !"

'Izlhetnewshoy was Double-voice Dan‘s assistant
00 U y. ‘ ‘

CHAPTER VI.
couxr norm nmana'au.

“ HEY, there! Get out of this!” .

It was the some of one of the barkeepers.

Scrim y pas discovered.

“ I ha n’t doin’ northin’,” he protested. “ Lem-
me count me mono .”

“ Get out!” repeated the barkeeper. “ Skip
livel ', or I will be ohto you!”

“ know a cop dat’s dead outer youse,” retort»
ed the boy, saucily. " If he spots yer once,
you’ll,be playin’ checkers wid yer nose der iu’st
t’in or know.”

“ on infernal young rat!” snarled the bar-
keiper, as he started for Scrim'py.

he gamin skipped airily toward the door,
where he paused long enough to place his thumb
to his nose and. wiggle his fingers at the enraged

dispenser of ii aids.
‘ See youso ater, cully," he called. "Go put
yer temper in soak.” And then be vanished.
But Scrimpy did not go far from the saloon.
the opposite side of the street he stopped
where he could watch Webber’s doors.

‘ Got ter keep me eye out far dot Prince Paul,”
he muttered.
low comp’ny, an’ dat’s der fac’. Dem blokes what
he’s ’Ioclatin‘ wid will do him in der en’, an’ don’t
he forgit dat. Dat Bry Rockvelt is mighty bad
Itufl, au’ dat’s w’at’s der matter wid Hannah.
If he bain’t workin’ der Plunger, I dunno. , .

ut w’at was it dat worked dem up in dat
kind of a way? If, I could only 'a’ heerd w’at
605' Was sayin’ arter day went inter der stall I’d
been in it widvbote feat. Dora’s somet’in 0n der
Writ—somet’ing dot day don’t like. on. I’m
380;: lb: git at or hard fac’s, or me name hain’t

I mm / V
' An’ dat last mtg in whiskers-Wat was der
matter wid him? e was arter Rockvelt. 3!" he
say“! der bird in ninetylt’ree bed skipped- N0"
w at in der bird in ninetytt’ree'l I'm 1'?“ Elm“,
dead loads on me mind.
EHeliol Great Jim! dere's Whiskers now I”
asyJack came out of thosaloon and hastened
avenue. He was alone-
d like ter fuller dat‘ mu
musty-t rec is,” declared
ain‘t der game I’m actor, ~

      
   

      
     
 

  

“ Dot feller has fell inter mighty--

.«u

    
   
 
   
    
     
 
  
  
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
 
  
   
   
  
    
   
   
 
  
   
 
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
    
  
   
   
      
     
 
 
   
    
  
     
    
 
  
    
     
 
   
   
           
       
     

: .
tar keep me wedder eye outer der Plunger, an
dat’s w at I’m doin’.”

So he lin cred. .
At lengt Bry Rockvelt left the saloon ,and
took a passing car. 
Prince Paul was not with him. ,

At that moment the Plunger was standing at '
Webber’s bar, just lifting a glass of liquor to his
lips. As he (lid so, some one jostled his elbow,
and a little of the liquor was spilled. ,

Paul was not in good humor just then, and be _. 4 ‘
whgeled, with something suspiciously like an " '
oat . '

“ Curse your awkwardness!” he exclaimed.

“ i do beg ze monsienr’s pardon l” exclaimed a
smooth voice. “ Eet was quite by Ze accident I
do zztt. Eet was vcra rude of me! One tfousan’

ions 1 do 1mg! Eet monsieur will overlook ,
no accident, I would be please to haf him drink
wiz-- Mon Die’u!” .

Plainly the man wasn Frenchman. He had
the air, manners and accent of one. From head
to foot he was dressed in black, his clothes being
somewhat worn but scrupulously neat and well~ '
brushed. His silk hat was not exactly in the 'r
latest form, but it had been tenderly cared for ‘
till it shone as if just from the hatter’s. His ~
clothes were buttoned close about his well-knit '
figure, making him seem somewhat slenderer than
he really w as. in fact, by some trick known only  5,
to himself—or not known at all—he made his p6r-_
son appear angular and pointed. The cracked _,
iawnvleatber shoes on his feet came toan ex- ,
travagaut point, and his black mustache and‘_
imperial were waked to fine tapers at the ex- .»
tremor. He wore goggles, which concealed his
eve-s. , ,

The Frenchman had been bowing with the
utmost politeness, as he entreated pardon, but
ll): suddenly stopped and stared aghast at Fri V

all]. _. n, _. ‘

“ Mon Dieu!” be repeated.

Paul was annoyed. ’3

“ What is the matter with you, man?” he do- f
mended. “ You act as if 1 were a freak!” ~' 

Instantly the Frenchman held out his 
laughing: ~ v 

“ Eet is Monsieur Prince! I did not know
but 1 be deceive. I am so veraglad to see you!“

Paul accepted the extended hand in a doubtr
ful manner. 7

“ You have the best of me,” he confessed. .

“ When I see you las’ you hai‘ me best of me ”
anilineg bowed the Frenchman. “Eet was. I: ..
Parce— ou remember—in no apartments ofyuf!
Count Fontaine. We play at not  K
what you call heemi-zat American game—s.
pokare. Zero were four—yon, moneieur, so .
count, me Eengleesh lord, and your humble "
servant: I but no great boodal—ne big wad-e,
you say flash. You do not drink at all—-I‘do t
drink too much. It go to as head of me; I psi
vera reckless—I go no limit on on full be
You haf are four tray—you scoop as board. Kai,-
ha! ha! I t’ink you remembare zat, monsieur!”

"it seems as if I do remember something
about it.” confessed Paul, but his mannerJraI,‘
very doubtful. or 4’

The Frenchman nodded his head vigorously." l. I,

“You mus’ he vera stran a man to for em,”-
zat. You make one great'pi sat night,al bs- "
cause you do not dreenk vathall. New I see your
hat chan e—you do dreenk.’ Zat is bad; I  *'
change— hat aware off—netane dreenk some“
mortIa. Eetisbad—ven laud!” id P l b‘ i . 

“ suppose you are rig t, as an , y '3
of saying something. “ But a man must driuz‘ “

in New York if he runs with the
PM.” vi 

“Zen you do run wiz zeml, Yes, you but
change. I see eat. You did not new—you}!
vera morale. Ze Eengleesh lord he do ha! ‘
drag you into nsgcme. You do not want‘tb
pity. At first as lisirneet be 121? seam"

m np—u u . on ween he e—
at excite—gaurtl’ace he! no flush. Hon D53“

cards you do hold! Be-e-autifull I nevus
see so like of semi” r r

“I believe I did hold great bands; I waning;
luck that night. But whatin the world 
you over the L A

“ You ha! orgot you tell me of his 
a great place to mobile! vie fortnne’qu

ell,you,dont. a use eerythng—  
rnin! Eet was aedrinkand as card.“ I new.
ovare here tomake anozsre fortune.” . 

“ Well, well! you are in hard l’nck,,lehl M
do on expect to make a fortune in A P

    
  

 
  
 
 
      
 

    

  
  
       
         
    
    
    
   
     
     
     
           
     
      

      

he Frenchman shrugged his shoulder! I”
smiled slgniflcantl . ,  2
“I brink no titalye wit me,” he replied. ,‘ y I:
“ The title?” ' , n ; 

r (I mi.” . -, f.

“ I do not understand.” 3 "x . f a
Something like a look of displeasure My».
across the‘forei r‘s dark face, but it wall!-
stantiy  ” by his habitual smile, and
spoke after his 0in fashion: . r
“ Eet is vera change you should forgeet,
sieur. Of course you remember my name!”
Paul was obliged‘to confess he did not.

“ Eet is Vera strange,” repeated the 1"
man, staring hard at theyoung man. “.
not understandeet.” . f  ‘

“You'would not consider More; A 
you lived in this country," assert 

          
        
 
   
   
 
  

  

 
 
 
   
     
     

 

 

 

6

.(\

_/

Double—voice Dan on Deck.

 

 

face flushed uncomfortably. “ Here people come
and go all the time. Your friends of to-day are
strangers to-morrow. There is a continuous
surge, and it is not strange one should forget a
name as I have yours. In Paris—"

“ Well, in Paree is set not come and go?
There eet is strangares, strangares all ze time.
But I do not forget you, monsieur. I but some
card engrave.”

He produced a bit of pasteboard and grace-
fully extended it to Paul. The Plunger accepted
the card, on which he read—

“ COUNT FABIAN MIRABEAU,
Paris.”

It was plain the Frenchman had not only
brought his title with him, but he was deter-
mined to display it, regardless of a small matter
of good taste.

‘ Ah, I remember now—I remember you,
exclaimed Paul with apparent impul-

fi‘renchman’s hand. “ I
You gave me a royal

7 count!”
siveness, grasping the
am delighted to see you.
time in Paris!”
V The count looked a trifle dubious over that
'.- / declaration, but he allowed it to pass without
comment.
“I am glad you remembere. Now, zat I deed
spill our liquare, “eel you dreenk wiz me?”
“ ut on said you had abandoned drinking."
“ I on y take ze seltzare for so sociability,’ re
3- ‘turned Mirabeau, with a graceful wave of his
“ hand. “ You take whatevare you like, mon-
sieur.”
., ' - He then ordered drinks at the her, taking
7 . aim ly seltzer for himself.
' “ am glad I haf found you here in New
York ” he obserVed to Paul. ‘ I haf need of a
friend to help me geet into ze best socie . Zat
- ‘ V ismy leetale game. Of course you will elp me
[1, in zat, and when I do make ze capture, sen I do
. . ' no right thing by you, Monsieur Prince.”
1 r r “ When you make the capturei"
'. ... ,. “ Oui.”
 t - 3 “What capture?"
“ Oh, you be stupid. you pretend. Bet was
" for zat I do come here—I bring my titale. Zero
 are plenty young lady vera reech who beglad to
marra a French count. Do you see, monsieuri”
 , “Oh, yes; you propose to barter yourself and
r' g.  your title for boodle.
' -. ' “ Oui. Boodale is so thing I am aftaire. You
  , ,will, 've me your assist. monsieuri"
ii ’ x “ ,ell, I will think of it."
' ,“ You t’ink, eh? You had bettare t’ink you

 -, do so. I know something you don‘t want talk ,
m", V ._ about in New York.”
__‘-.‘.‘! y Paul flushed and started angri

l 0
“What do you mean by thati‘y’ he demanded,

a trifle savagely. “ Is it a threat!”
“No, no—nevare!” protested the count, effu-
‘vely. "What for you take moi I do not
glint“) you—I warn. Zat is all, Monsieur

nce."

But Paul’s hot blood was aroused.

“ It is a threat in disguise!” he coldly declared.
“ I am not in the habit of taking that from
any one—much less a shabby Frenchman, who
_ has nothing left but a doubtful title. Come to
(.5 consider the matter, I don’t know as I want Any-
:  ‘ . thingto do with you anyway,"

 

 Count Mirabeau drew himself up stiflly his

"  mustache and im rial bristling angrily. Paul

1.37.2, fancied the eyes hind the goggles were flash-
 ing, but they were well concealed.

 ,_ 3 . ' Monsieur,” said the Frenchman, with forced

deliberateness, “Ism a gentleman of houaire.
' You had bottairs think two time before you

oflend me. I know so whole truth of sat affairs
 “-‘ wiz Madame Danglar.”

I ’ “I don’t know what you are talking about,”
; (asserted Paul. nclinsd to believe you a
a,  kinetic.”

“You do know what I talk about,” firmly
' asserted Mirabeau, without lifting .his voice in
, ' the least. “I haf ahold 6n ou—one tight hold.
a _ But I am a gentleman, an I use you no right

‘ wag eat you use me 20 same. Eef note-1’

a a finished with a gesture (ml a shrug of the
 _  ‘ shoulders that was yery ver ex-
‘  ' . mum. But Paul did not cool in the art:

‘  toad, every word that fell from the couut’s
35’s seemed to irritate and arouse him to a
,l eater degree.

.. - a  “. peak your threats out like a maul” he ex-

- ' claimed. ‘ You pretend to know something
 about me but I doubt it. As for this woman

‘ Daugiar, I had forgotten such a person existed.
, . I You will find that your knowledge will avail

. onu nothing. We are loot in Paris; this is New

 ork. You havo warned me; now let me have

a turn. i shall. advise you to have a care not
' 'to offend me in any way. If you bother me,
 I shall make you sorry. Strangers in New
 York sometimes vanish suddenly and mysteri-
ously. Good-evening.” .

But the count laid a hand on Paul’s arm as he
was turning away. '

“ Pardon, monsieur. You go soon,” --

The Plunger shook the hand off, aking no ro-
tort—not evsn glancin at the Frenchman.
w. t" Then he heard these wor s histed into his ear:

 , ‘9 Ze dun eons yire up sore secrets sometime,
' - Easier” rmce You but not see so last
 spa, rsmembaire satl- Ban soiri” ,

 

"I am

Frenchy and

 

\

 
 

      

 

'of the

  

 

of
 9W

CHAPTER VII.
PICKJNG UP POINTS.

PAUL was in an ugly mood as he left the
saloon. His face was black with passion, and
he paused on the sidewalk to relieve his feelings
by giving utterance to language that would not
look at all Well in print.

“Curse the infernal frog-eater!"he fumed.
“I never had a men work me up so before in
such a manner, and such a short space of time!
What the deuce did he mean by those last words,
‘ Dungeons give up their secrets sometimes.
Can it be— No; no! I am foolish to think so!
He knows nothing! And yet—”

A down-going train rumbled along the trestle
over his head, and made the conclusion of his
meditation inaudible. He was greatly disturbed,
and the open air did not serve to soothe his feel-

in s.

6‘ I’ll go back," he growled, us the roar of the
train died out in the distance. “ I will know
exactly what he means, or I will choke the life
out of his body!”

He turned back and entered the brilliantly
lighted saloon, looking around for the French-

man.

Count Mirabeau was not to be seen, and Paul
made inquiries. He won learned the foreigner
had aligned out by the side door a moment be-
fore. e immediately hastened out upon the
street by that door, hoping to find the count near
at hand.

He was disap inted.

Mirabeau ha disap ared.

“ It is well for him e keeps out of my sight!”
came savagely from the lips of the angry young
man. “ I don‘t like him for anything! Al-
though his eyes were hidden by goggles, it
seemed as if they read me through and throu h.
And his manner—polite but devxlish! It ma es
me shiver! What does the man know! Noth-
ing that can hurt me. Still, 1 would not have
him filling the old man’s ears with his yarns.

“What am I talking about? If what Rock-
velt heard to-night is true, I shall not be long in
New York. That fellow free! Then Satan is
apt to be stirred up around these parts. And
still, how will he be able to reach America?
He will be penniless—almost naked. It is more
than likely he will perish in France. All the
same, we must be on our guard. It is getting
dan rous—infernally dangerous 1”

e sauntered to the corner and whistled to the
driver of a passing cab, who instantly reined his
carria e to the curb. .

Spea ing a few words to the man, Paul enter-
ed the carriage a ragged urchin standing near,
ready to close the door. The Plunger dropped a
quarter into the lad’s hand, and then the door
was made fast.

Awa rattled the cab, with the boy clinging
fast be ind, the silver quarter gripped in his flu-
gers and a grin of delight on his face.

“ Talk erbout der fellers w’at lives by dfiyer
wits!” be soft] chuckled. “Looker mei ere
I’ve made a w ole dollar ter-night, an’ l’ve bin
’tcndin’ for me re 'lar biz all der time. Oh, I’m
one of der fly in s, or me name hain’t Bcrimpy
Siuhlvr !”

The detective's assistant was stifl on the scent.

Scrin py clun fast till the cab stopped before
some fashionab s apartment house in the “ Ten-
derloin District.” '

The boy shadow took good care not to be seen
b Prince Paul as the young man left the car-
I' G. ‘

fIg‘aul told the driver to wait, ascended the steps
with a bound and run a certain bell.

A feminine voice ca led down the tube:

“ Who is there!"

Here lied:

“ Pan .”

Then there was a click, and the door opened
before him. He dfsappeared beyond it. ,

Scrimp took care to ascertain the number
over the cor, and then he waited for the young
Plunger to reappear.

Paul was gone nearly an hour, and his face
was flushed when he came out as the full blaze

gr-lights vealed. His step was still
steady, t he had t e appearance of a man who
had been drinkin freely. ,

Once more giv ng an order to the cabman, he
entered, closing the door behind himself. .
Scrigpy was on hand to swing up behind as
the ca age started. i

The cab took Paul straight to the home of the
Diamond Prince, on Fifth avenue. There cabby
was paid and dismissed, and the young Plunger
was admitted to the house.

Scrimpy stood on the opposite side of the ave-
nue, thrust his hands deep into his pockets and
whistled. ,

“ Well, it looks tergne like me busineu were
up fer der night," he observed. .“ Der feller’s
took ter der old jay’s nest, an’ I don’t s’pose he
means tor show his nose erg’ln tar-night. I’ll
jest‘loaf roun’ awhile an’ see. ' ;

He spent an hour watching for Paul to re-
appear, and, just as the clocks were tolling the
midnight hour, he gave over the task.

“ Got ter git me nine winks ‘for’ omln’,” he
muttered. , ‘ I don’t feel good in is rig an‘ I
want list shook massif out of it. Wonder 0w 1
Moonrise spend ,menhy years of me

     

    

 

’ :

9' ’l fig". ,.
.."\..’\t’r '

      

_ innercent life in dis kind of raimenti It’s tur—
rible ter t’ink of l”

i He boarded a horsecar and was soon at the
office of his employer. He was surprised to see
‘ a. faint light coming from behind the tightly-
drawn curtains.

“ Der boss is here,” he muttered.
w’at he’s caught outer.”

A rap at the door caused the key to turn in
the lock, and Scrinipy was admitted by Dan.

“ Hello, SCI'liilYS. What luck ?"

“ Hello, yersel . No great.”

“ You didn’t let him skip you?”

“ Nary skip,” replied the boy, as he flung him-
self iiito a chair, after securing a half-smoked
cigar Dan had depoeited on the edge of his desk.
“ W ’at d’yer take me fer?" ~

“ The sauciest yrung rascal in New York.
What did you learn?” ‘

Dan resumed his seat.

Scrimpy related his adventures in his own
peculiar fashion, and the detective listened at—
tentively. When the boy had finished Dan ob-
served:

“ What you have learned is of some inmost-
ance, my lad. If Paul Prince has fallen into the
clutches of Bry Rockvelt, I pity him. Rockvelt
is a bad one, and be has a habit of squeezing
eve‘rIything dry he guts his fingers on. \

‘ have been a le to pick up a point or two
about the young Plunger. The most interesting
is that he is infatuated with a. certain woman
who calls herself Amy Randol h, but who I be-
lieve to be Diamond Bess, a ecidedly crooked
female. _

f‘ it is quite probable that Bry Rockvelt and
this woman are in league, theirplan being to rob
Hanson Prince through the folly of his wayward
son. At least, it looks very much that way. In
any case, Paul Prince is well in the mire, and it
is not gomg to be an easy task to pull him out."

_“ But we’s der lads w'ot kin do dat little
trick ” nodded Scrimpy.

“ but remains to be seen,” came slowly from
Dan’s lips. “ I Wish you had been able to ovsr—
hear what passed between Paul and Roekvelt in
the stall at Webber’s. From the saloon you fol-
lowed Prince to the flat where Amy Randolph—
othervvise Diamond Bess—has her nest. She will
get pinched before I am done with this matter."

“ “'onder

\

 

CHAPTER VIII.
A car iron nanr.

DAN Downmo gave Scrimpy instructions to
still shadow Prince Paul, as far as ‘ ible.

As for himself, the detective ha determine
to watch Bry Rockvelt. He believed he coul
soon get a gri on the black-mustachcd s rt,
forh h: k’uew t e man’s record was decid‘;O ly
‘s a y. ‘

In order to save Paul Prince, he believed it
was necessary to get him out from under the in»
fluence of the sport and the woman formerly
known as Diamond Bess. The moment he got
a firm grip on the two, he would put on the
“screws.” ‘

Shadowin the sport was much easier than he
had expec it would be, for Rockvelt did not
seem to suspect he was being followed.

Dan spent two days at it, and, much to his
disgust, earned noth more than that Rock-
velt was flying here an

_ there all ovsr the city,
' and haying secret interviews with various
people who were not of the best society.

The black-mustached gambler seemed worried
about something. He met Paul Prince several
times dun those two da , but Dan was not
lucky enoug to hear any 0 the talk that passed
between the men. ‘

Scrimpy found an opportunity to report that
Paul was also very restless, ap aring to be
searching for some one or somet rig/he could
not find. He also said he had several times seen
a strange, dark-clothed man, who seemed to be
watching the young Plunger. ‘

_ The night 0 the second day found Dan bown-
ing in an East Side saloon of the lowest class.

had followed Rockvelt there. The sport was

them.

The detective obtained nothing of interest
from that source, for the men were simply talk.
mg u how." ,.

However, before long, another man came rush—
ing basiin into the saloon. He was a stem
square-shouldered fellow, are-ed roughl' his
entire face being covered with quite a heavy
Mariya ‘

'ghis (1111811 limmlflgi‘ttfiiy singled out Rockvelt,
an ma easgna o as rt—ai ' 6"
1y “demoed. po s gnai instant-

Rockvelt left his chance companion at once
and followed the new-comer to a corner.

A few words passed between them, and then
they both quickly left the saloon for the street. ) v

Ego fallolwed.

saw t e two men hurryin awe and he .
:(tlerted in pursuit, taking care gotta , detects .

I

i

He felt sure somethin was up.
130:; thrze or foulr bloc a he followed the men, .I'
an en esawt ementeraca thatseemed

be waiting for them. \ ‘ "cm
. i -- , 

 

, ‘ ‘3‘
35"?"

 

talking with achance ~ompanion’, and Dan mis- 5'? ~
able to overhear park‘s“ 'that passed betWeen  7"

.‘r
Us
l
g.
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i
ll

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H.441} .. r \

 

we’-

a - a... avatar-
r. M“. an an“ iv“ " ‘r4~"‘“‘\

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He was disguised as a common laborer, and he '11: ‘,

  
      

 

 

 

  

' ' he sport ordered the driver to give pursuers

' , Dan did not wait to discover how much dams

’ x I Double-voice Dan on Deck.

An exclamation of disgust broke from the de-
tective’s lips.

Was he to be foiled in such a manner?

As the cab rattled away, he ran swiftly for-
ward, almost hopelessly looking for some means
of ursuit.

ortune favored him.

Another cab whirled around the corner, and a
neighboring gas-light showed him it was empty.

In a moment he hailed the driver.

“ Do you  that cab!” he asked, pointing to- '

ward the disappearing vehicle.

“ Sure, sir.”

“ Five dollars if you keep it in sight !"

“ Tumble in, sir. I’ll do it!”

In another moment the pursuit was begun.

But Dan was mistaken in thinking he had not
been seen by either Ruckvelt or his companion,
who wus the Easy Jack that Scrimpy had seen
at Webber’s.

As the defective ran forward, hopeless of find- l
any means of pursuit, Rockvelt espied him from

the cab window.

“ Who in Name is that!” he exclaimed, as Dan
passed beneath a street I' ht.

“ Whoi—wherei” ask Easy Jaak.

But the carriage whirled away, and Dan was
not seen again. '

Throu h the narrow streets of the East Side
rattled t e two cabs, one in pursuit of the other,
yet seeking not to Overtake it.

The driver of he first cab seemed to select the
darkest streets, nd once or twice he looked back
over his shoulder, in a suspicious manner. »

The second driver attended strictly to busi-
ness, seeking to keep at a certain distance behind
the other.

At length, he drew n

“ They have stop . sir,” he explained, as
Dan’s head appeared at the dour.

The first vehicle had halted before a dark
little building, and the two men had descended
the steps.

Dan was able to watch them by aid of a light
beyond.

he door was opened, and a huge bundle was
out to them—a bundle that strangely re-
sembled a human form wrapped in clothes. '

The two men swiftly bore this bundle down
the steps to the cab, into which it was thrust,
the men following.

Then the cab whirled away once more.

“ Follow," commanded Dan, closing the door.

The order was obeyed, and the chase began
again.

But now it happened that the driver of the
first cab had “ tumbled” to the fact that be was
being followed.

Rockvelt had also seen the second vehicle and
sus ted all was not right.

the slip, and the man at the reins promised to
1

mm the moment of the second start it was
an open race, and the detective’s cabby seemed
holding his own very welL

Dan uude the men in the other carriage
had taken the alarm, a thing which be much re-
gretted. He did not exactly know what he could

Oshould his driver keep track of the others
till they voluntarily gave over the attempt to
elude pursuit, but be trusted his ready nuts to
suggeost somethin on the spur of the moment.
king from t window, the detective real-
ized they were getting into a decidedly tough
quarter. The streets were narrow and some of
them were crooked. -

How would it end?

The question was answered in an abrupt and
startling manner.

In turning a corner, they came suddenl upon
a long line of truck w on which ha been
left in front of some dar and deserted build-
in . There happened to be no light at that
po nt to show the driver the wagons till he was
ri ht upon them.)

he first cab narrowly missed crashing into
them, which was a case of good fortune much
more than good driving. .

Number two was not so fortunate.

one of the cab’s wheels struck a wheel of one
of the trucks. \

A crash followed, the horse was throw of! his
feetand the driver pitched headlong from his ,

Then the cab dropped down on one side in an

 

alarming mauner,’ revealing the fact that a wheel
was damag . ,

Although thrown u n his knees in the bottom ‘
of the carriage, and sightiy stunned, Dun Down- 1
ing succeeded in get ng out soon enough tol
catch the frightened horse by the head as it was i
struggling to its feet. . 
Utteriug language that was far from polite,
thedriver slowly «rose to his feet, really un- '
harmed, save for a few slight bruises.

Two or threemen came running up from an- I
other street.
, To his intense disgust and chagrin, Double-
voice Dan saw the other cab whirl beneath the
li hts at a distant corner and disappear.
he men who had come upon the scene im-
mediate] took hold and assisted in removing the i
harness rom the horse and getting the animal
iipon its feet.

 

age had been done. Thrusting a ten dollar bill
into the driver’s hand, he made all haste in the
direction of the corner where, he had last seen
the carriage containing those he was following.

When the corner was reached, he found the
cab was not in sight.

Au accident had aided Rockvelt and Easy
Jack in evading pursuit.

Of course the detective was greatly worked up
over the ill luck that had attended his shad0w-
in: attempt, but he kept his feelings suppressed
and meditiited on the best course to pursue.

His meditations did not terminate in any sat.
isfactory conclusion, and he soon started out in
an aimless manner. He wandered on froln
street to street, paying little attention to the
course he was pursuing and having no definite
ob'ect in vieW.

e wondered what kind of a trick Rockvelt
could have been working. Somehow, he felt
fully satisfied the bundle brought from the house
and taken into the cab was a. human being, and
the more he thought it over the more it seemed
as if the whole affair was a case of kidnapping.

But who could the unfortunate person be?

That was a question he asked himself in vain.

“ Had I discowred and made sure it was
really kidnapping,” he muttered, “ I would have
had the very snap on Rockvelt I desire. I could
have pulled him up with a round turn, and Paul
Prince would have been troubled by him no
more. All that would have been left for me to
do would have been to get Paul free from the
eVil pawer of Rockvelt’s woman to'ol, Diamond

ess.

“ Well, it was not my fault. If the driver had
not crashed into that truck, Rockvelt would not
have given me the slip Very easy. We would
have been able to keep track of the man. I feel
mi hty blue over the whole affair."

San was not accustomed to being balked,
and he did not swallow defeat at all gracefully“

How long he wandered through the wretched
quarter he had little idea.

Suddenly he was startled by seeing a cab
come around a corner and draw up in front of a
'wretched old building.

The detective instantly halted and drew back
into the shad0ws, although he scarcely knew
wl'ily he did so.

he cab door swung o and two men got
all“. Then a huge bun is was passed out to
em. \

“Great Scott l" exclaimed Dan Downing,
starting forward. “Can it be I havevunwit-
ti ly tumbled on them again?”

he “ bundle” was placed in an upright posi-
tiou on the walk and then it resolved into the
figure of a fema e. The two men grasped an
arm on either side and started to force herto-
ward the dark and dilapidated house. "~

Then the female tried to bregk from them, and
a crylfor aid broke from her lips.

, “ elpl help! Save me!”

The shriek was faint and full of despair. It
struck strai ht to the chivalrous heart of the
Go-It-Alone etective.

“I’m in this little racket my whole weight!"
he halfgwghod and half-grated, as he bounded

orwar .

 

CHAPTER IX.
DAN'S nnsrnns‘rn rion'r.

Dan did udt pause to think of the odds. What
were two to one to him! A woman Was in dau-

r and distress—that was enough for him.

ad there been ten, instcad of two, he would
have dashed to her rescue.

The driver saw the dark figure that came
bounding along the shadowy street.

“ ’Ware. hawk!” he cried to the two men with
the female. “ Here comes a bloke!” .

Thus warned, the kidnappers were partially
prepared-for Dan’s assault.

Like a hurricane, the detective hurled himself
upon them, [and the battle

“ Dewn him i” snarled Rockvei viciously,
trying to keep hold of the female a hit Dan at
the same tune. “ Down him lively, before a
cop is raised! '

‘ [’1] fix him!” gritted Easy Jack, who was a
really formidable antagonist.

But Downing was not an easy man to “ fix.”
He fought like a tiger, and Rockvelt washforced
to release the female and go to the assistance of
marge), who was being worsted in the struggle.

e unlucky female on being released stagger-
ed to the steps which led upto the dark build ng.
and sunk down helplessly.

As Rockvelt sprung orward to take a hand,
Dan managed to hit Easy Jack such a blow that
the tough was knocked off his feet.

_Up tothis moment, Dan had not thought to
give the police signal for aid, and he had no
time to do so new. Rockvelt came lunging at
him. like a tiger.

“ You infernal fool l” snarled the sport. “ I
will Iteach you better than to dip in my busi-
ness ‘

Then Easy Jack arose, a knife in his hand.

‘ Git erway l” he raved. “ I’ll cut his infernal
heart ouVi” '

Quick as thought, Dan whirled Rockvelt
against the thick~set tough, and Jack was sent

l ste gering away. i

he movement saved the detective’s life.

' l‘ ‘ ';.’-:,-v‘.i

., . ,, an, 1,,» v.43“ 'a
' ~. 3". ‘f  .1" 1"" 7 3 ' ‘i‘r‘ . ' ’t ‘

   

 

.~ 7 \

Dan now realized how desperate his situation
was. He was the match of any two common
men, but both his present antagonists were more
than common men. It is probable either of
them would have easily whipped nine men out
of ten, as men run.

Fully understanding his peril, Downing fought
like a giant. He astounded his foes.

“ He’s ther devil hisselfl” panted Easy Jack. , .
“ Darned if I kin stick him!” ‘

“ Look out you don’t stick me!” warned the
sport. “ Have a care with that knife!”

Easy Jack saw there was great danger of
cutting his pal instead of their enemy, and so he
put the knife up. Then he sought to fasten his
powerful hands on Dan.

The ferret knew it would not do to let the two
men get a fair hold on him, and he fought to
prevent it, sending one after the other reeling

awa .

With each passing moment the desperadoes be- \,
came more and more desperate, for they knew
Dan miglrt be assisted by some chance pasmr. .

“Now I have him!” triumphantly snarled
Rockvelt, as he succeeded in getting a hold
upon the ferret's throat.

But he was mistaken.

Dan quickly broke the hold, giving the game
bier such a blow an the jaw that he saw scores

of stars.

“I am good for you bothl” he cried, taking
a delight in the unequal struggle. “Fight me
faiir’i’iud square and 1 will knock you out in the
en 1

It began to look as if he spoke the truth. ‘ V _

EasieJack sought to get at the detective ‘ i.
from hind, but Downing was ready for such 
a move, and he sent the square-built rascal roll- ,
ing‘in the gutter. ’- ,. ,

hen he was forced to turn his attention to ‘ . ~,
Rockvelt once more. . . is.»

The black-mustached sport had apparently . ' 
forgotten his fear of creating an alarm, for Dan ' ' ' “i
saw a revolver in his hand. w, 

Rockvelt was about to take a snap shot at the ~ ' - 
detective!

Like a flash, Dan sprung forward, and, with
a deft kick, he sent the weapon flying from the
gambler’s fingers. ' ,

It struck the pavement without being dis- 
charged. i

For a single instant Rockvelt was dared, but - ‘~
he qiliickly closed with the fighting ferret.

“ hiscan't last alwaysP’he grated. “You’ve ' ~
got to go under 1" 

“ Right there is where you make your mis-
take,” retorted Dan. “ You are the one whoh
goes under; but first you gs over.”

With that, he gave the man a peculiar fiip ,. 
that lifted him from the ground and almost l ,
filing him square] over Dan's he . , ~.

The sport struc heavily and was stunned.

It was high time that Dan turned his atten-
tion to Easy Jack, who had scrambled from'the , f .

gutter. \ _' >
The rufiiau once more drew his knife, as he ‘ 
made a daa-h at Downing. it .5.

“ This time I will fix ye!" \ .

. Dan sprung forward to meet the fellow. and 1;
Easy Jack’s wrist was caught in the powerfulv‘ ‘
grasp of the fighting detective’s fingers. '

“ Not much!” retorted Dan. . '

He gave the rufilan's wrist a wrench that V
caused him to drop the knife, which fell ringid" 3
on the walk.

Jack struck hard at Downiug's face with his .
free hand, but, by a quick dodge, the blow wal - p 3
avoided. ' “

Then Dan gave the fellows blow in return, ,1
till clinging to Jack’s wrist. ‘ -’-

Rockvelt‘s tool fairly fumed with rage and ; a

pain. .
“ Ther devil helps ye!” he raved. . i 
“ I do not need amistance from your mash-r,” 2'-

returued Dan. as he struck the fellow again and i : 

a , still avoiding the blows Jack dealt in

m ' 1
Rockve t lifted himself on his elbow and
stared at the struggling men in adansd man-5'1;
ner, not seeming to comprehend what was oc-
curring. ‘\ _‘ 
“ Git up here!” panted EasyJack-“ git upau‘ ‘i
help me down this critter!” _ ‘2; ,
But the sport did not seem to hear, or, if he 
heard, he did not seem to understand. The ’*
terrible shock of his fall had not passed away. .
“You might as well consider him out of ‘
came from Dan‘s lips. "I will have you W!   ,
him in a‘ minute.” ’ 
“Notmuchye won’t!” ‘ - ‘ 
The tough had learned how dangerous wag.
the man with whom he was dealing, and hey;- v
fought for time, watching his chancevto take the ,'
detective of! his guard. . 
On the other hand, Dun had discovered F48! ,
Jack could stand up under an immense amount ‘
of punishment. An ordinary man would hang
been knocked ,out in short order by the kil ; ”
flows of the fighting ferret, but Jack still 51,,
n m. I o I, I‘ ,
But the battle could not last forever. .
ROckvelt finally struggled in his feet, just as
Dan succeeded in sending the square-built rum
dosin in a heap. With bull-dog determ _ 
the gambler staggered toward the detective, ' .H
though he was weak as a half-drowned cat. " ‘

 

 

 

  

  

i

I

   

“The fool doesn’t know when heislickedl’
thought Dan.

A “Curse you!” breathed rather than spoke the
o . . gpnrt. “ will show you—”

Dan heard no more.

It seemed as if the skies had suddenly been
rent asunder by a thunderbolt; and a burst of
fire. and he plunged forward on his face, prone

. at Rockvelt’s feet!

The driver of the cab had 'struck the detective

with the heavy butt of his whip, and Dan
,4 ‘ Downing was knocked senseless.
 ' He was at the mercy of his foes!

With a savage exclamation Bry Rockvelt
kicked the fallen man as fiercely as his limited
strength would allow.

Easy Jack sought for his knife, growling:

“Let me find it! I’ll fix him! I’ll do him
dead! I’ll cut his throat!”

“ You fools!” exclaimed the driver.
out for the girl! She’s tryin' ter sneak !”

It was true that the female who had sunk
down on the steps of the house was now trying
to get away Without being observed. Durini.r
the fighmshe had remained like one fascinated,

‘ her eyes fixed upon the struggling men. She
' 4 ,. understood the brave unknown had come to
  ' her rescue. and she was praying for his success.
 g, .' . When she saw him knocde senseless, she sud-
 ‘- denly realized hcr periL .
In another instant the dastards would seize
upon her again. Could she not get away with-
, out them seeing her? .
'/  She had waited too long. During the fiercest
of the conflict she might ave escaped, but now
her movement was ( etected hy the driver of the
cab, who was plainl a conscienceless scoundrel
in league with the kidnappers. ,
The girl was not strong, and when she at-.
tempted to run, she simply tottered along.
Easy Jack was quickly upon her.
" “ Not so hasty, my pretty l” half-growled, half-
'" ET, laughed'Rockvelt’s tool. “ We need your com-
 p’nyalittlelon er.” .
’ .- I “Letgo! He pl Save-J
Jack’s broad palm closed over her lips and
smothered her cries. He lifted her in his arms
and bore her back. ,
Strangely enough, the dark street seemed de-
y serted save by the actors in the little drama.
j'! The fight had not attracted any attention. Re-
' 'l'ally, it had lasted but a few moments, although
i ,‘ ‘ much space has been taken in narrating it.
Rockvelt thrust some nione into the hand of
“i I the driver, and the cab quick y rattled away.
_ -, - He then picked up his revolver and Easy
" ' ‘Jack’s knife.
“ Cut ther bloke’d throat!” advised Jack. '
“I’m not a fool,” retorted RockVelt. “He
,may be done for anyway. Skip in here lively,
J align any one happens along and tumbles to

" Look

 

 f!  ’ He aided Jack in dragdog the captive up the
‘ . steps, and they disappeared within the doorway
of the house.

Double-voice Dan was left 1 'ng unconscious

on the sidewalk. It was well or im that nei-

; the!- of the men really know who he was. find

f the known he was the dreaded Go-It-Alone De-

"  lve, Jack‘s knife would have been pretty
sure to have found its way to his heart.

 

CHAPTER X.
*, A onnnn cousr.

vi ’- DAN DOWNING was aroused by the sound of a
 voice and the touch of a hand.
.. .“Mon Di'cu! Est is a dead man! No, no,
,;,noi ‘He‘es blood est do circulate-he do live!
 Re have take too much of as drink—he is in-
: " tukiosts. Hoi ho! mansieur thees is no place
for youtodo no sleep not. Wake you up! Go
, me to your wife, let her sheik some of so
* drunk out of you. Come monsiour; ze police
., my may; end you; zen a fine you will hnf pay in
morn .
7  'Dnn started up, his strength coming back to
bim‘gith amazing swiftness. I ~-
,, . “ hat has happened?" he asked.
1’,‘ ma" “ You take too much of 20 dreenk,” re
"4!” _'- man, who was bending over him. “
' * vo a van head in so mornin'.”
V “ l haw not drinki ,” retorted the de-
~ \tpctivo, trying to make out t e man’s looks,‘but
, ‘lniling on account of the darkness.
 .' “,No dreonkl Zen why I find you here. mon-
‘ (dour? Oh, ah! I nnderstan’ use t’ings. I have
y ‘ ’beon t’rou h so meel, but now I do swear oi!-
Ido groan no more of so liquare zat intoki-
‘\

cute.
7 ' , “But 1' tell you I have not been drinking!"
H ,Indlgnantly prot ted the ferret. "/My bead—”
-. “flat is eetl‘ a! ho! Est.do go to your
. ' , ohl I nevnire dOubt sat. Est go to se
. , too; zen you walk laike ze snail: break hoes
back eef he try to follsiro your track. Ha! ha!
ha! I find you hero—I t’ink‘you dead. Now I

know you be all righ’i'.i I woe! go on.”

g. “Hold on"! it Dan. “Iwant to un-
 , y head is splitting and—-
‘ Great Scotti—it is (igti This sticky studou my '

headmastbeblood

 

lied
on

   

   

     

 
 
  

  

 

      

 

. .
,  i \‘ "his, b‘l
.’ i ‘ ll ‘K . h

5" ‘."°"‘f°f"»"‘“”— ""9 W  r  s.

,,_..  . ‘ V} . I .I | . ,4“ (
' \

l ‘ ' c

“ I tell you in sober earnest I have not been
drinking a drop. Do I talk like a man who has
been drinking? I don’t seem to remember what
has happened. Let me see. If my head did
not ache so. I could think.”

The Frenchman—for such his accent pro-
claimed him to he—iighted a match and held it
close to Dan's head. Then a cry of surprise

broke from li' lips.

“You do Seed 1” he acknowledged. “ You
have been cut! Ze blood be een your hair. To
geet ze cut Zure, some person must strike you on
ze back of 2e head. Have you been rob?”

llan felt in his pockets, mechanically.

“ I think not.”

“ Zen I do not understan’ zis.”

The detectiVe looked at his companion, with
sudden suspicion.

“ Who are you?” he asked. '

The man bowed most politely in the darkness.

“I would geeve you my cuird,” was his an-
swer; “ but zc-re is no light to read ze inscript’.
I am ze Count Fabian Mirabcuu, of France,
nionsieur."

“ What are you doing here?”

“ Going to my iipartiiienis, monsieur.”

“Going to your apartments in this quarter!
Well, this is a strange seetion for a count to stop
in l”

“ Meesfortune, sir, sometime reduce a man.
I learn ze game of pokaire in zis country, but I
do play wiz ze sharps. Zey take my skeen,
monsieur. So I have to wait for ze remeetance
from France. I am a man of honaire, and I do
not like to ask for so much as ZeNeetle loan.”

This explanation hardly satisfied the detec-
tive, but he allowed it to pass, while he tried to
collect his thoughts. At len h be asked:

“ How did on happen to rid me here?”

“ I was w k along ze street, I see no carriage
go away. Zen 1 see somebody go in ze h0iise
were, and 1 come near fail ovaire you as I pass,
monsieur.”

Dan looked around. '

" Some of my many enemies must have made
an attempt on my life,” he muttered.

" You have ze enemies, monsieuri”

“ Well, slightly.”

“ I have no mime—one, two, vera bad.”

" You could not count mine on your fingers,
even though you had several extra pain .of
hands.” x

“ What is your business, eef I may ask?” ‘

“I am afraid I shall have todecline telling
you. ‘ooust, till I know a little more of your

reo.

“ a pedigree? I do not understand what all
is, monsieur. I don’t sink I have set wiz me.”

At any other time this reply would have been
amusing to Dan, but it did not prove so now. .

" You say'you saw a carriage move from this
spot, count ‘

(I Oui.” '

" Let me think,” and Dan placed his band to
his forehead. “ I am almost able toremember.
It will all come to me soon. If my head would
only stop aching.”

Once more the Frenchman lighted a match,
asking to look at the wound again.

“ Eetisnot i era bad,” he announced. “ You
weel be all right Veral soon.”

“ That is comforting information.”

“Est should hose to- Mon ’ I”

The exclamation burst from e count’s lips,
as he made the discovery that Dan’s heard was
false. The beard had become partially detached
in the struggle. .

“ You are sen disguise, monsieuri Zen you
must be a creeminn! or a detective.”

“ I am not a criminal.” . .\

" Zen on are adetective'i Out, out, uni! I
see zat s so trute! I havensk‘aboutnedetcc-
tive in New York. I wondaire so! you know
boom?" ~

“Who is be?”

“ One wondnireful man-like Monsieur Vid
—oh, wondnirefull flees name ees Dani
Downing, Ibut ho is sometime call Double-ne-
voios Dan; You know boom, eh?”

" I have heard of him,” answered Dan, dryly
his suspicions being increased. '

“ I shall see beam as, morrow,” declared the
“ I hev because: with heem.”

i”

“ Out, monsieur.”

filmpor‘tanti”

“ I may be able to take on to him to-night.”

“Oh, monsieurl eetwee be great tronbailei”

“ Not at all.”

“Zen 1 do make set right when 1 get my
menu from France." i

“ Don’t speak of it.” i

Dan now arose to his, feet, being amisted by
the count- but the detective found him 1 Very
weak and lim : He attempth to w 1:, but
would have fa leu but for e supportof the
Frenchman. ,

“ It if strangei” liifi wasted. “I ffilt all
ri lit. so pose w strong enoug noon
hu‘t‘ my bad seems swimming round and
run d.

e clasped his hands to his hind and stood

ritflludldonly ognveastnrt. ~ .

    

   

      

 

" and ‘ he '
"J i I ’
J9,

‘ ‘ Double-voice Dan on Deck.

collected he had been shadowing Br Rockvelt-
Then, little by little, be recalled al that had
happened up to the time he was struck on the
head by the driver’s whip.

“The devils!” he grated. “They were not a
match for me though there were two of them!
I was struck from behind !”

“ Zat is plain by ze wound,” said the count.

“ I wonder why they did not finish me?” fell
from Dan’s lips. “ It must be because they did
not recognize me. I am fortunate to be alive."

He was surely fortunate.

Suddenly, he caught Count Mirabeau by the
arm, his full strength seeming to return in an
instant.

“ What did you tell me?” he demanded.
“ You saw a cab drive away?”

“ ()ui', nionslcur.”

“ And men entering this house?”

“()ui, nionsieur."

“ Look here, count, something tells me you
are an honest man.”

“ Tanks, monsieur; I do claim to he sat,"
bowed Mirabeau, his hand on his heart.

“Those men were villains!” the detectivo
added. “ They were abducting a female. I
saw them take her from the cab, and when she
cried for help, I attacked them both."

“ A Vera brave ac‘,” declared the Frenchman.

“ I would have whipped them, had I not been
struck down from behind by a third person.

Now, those men carried that female into this’

houSe.” ‘

“ Est do look zat way.”

“ Count, I am going to trust you.”

“ Vera good. monSieur.

“ I am Dan Downing.”

“ You—2e detective?” ~ ’

H Yes." I

“ Ze vera man I want to see!”

“ I am goin to try to find out what has be-
come of that girl, if possible. I mean to learn
something about this house. To do so I shall
go in there, if necessary. Will you do me a
favor?”

“ Wiz ze great pleazare, monsieur.”

“Then remain here and watch for me to
come out. If I do not return within an hour,
you may know something serious has happened
to me. Take the number of the house, and the
name of the street, and report to the pelico.
Can I depend on you to do that?"

“Monsieur, I would rosaire go can as house
wiz you.” I l -
H or!
“ Out.”

“ I think you do .not' understand the peril.
This house is probably a nest of criminals. It
might be like going into a hornets’ nest.”

“ You are not afraid to go zere. Count Fabian
Mirabeau do not fear anyt’ing any othaire dare
face. It would he one honaire—one great
lionuire—to face peril wiz Double—newoice Dan.”

“Well, yen are the queemt Frenchman I
ever met! If you go in there with me, you may
walk out a dead man. Take that into consider-
ation. We me. have to fight."

“ Monsieur, really do enjoy as good fi ht

when I was a yeungaire manmnd I do t’ink 1, ike" V I

set some now. Load' as way, monsieur; I wee!
follairc.”

“an right' eomoon.”\ ’ ‘
Dan seconded the steps, with the count at his

heels.
CHAPTER XI.
mm a Bananas-nan.
To the surprise of ho men, the door was not

locked or fastened in a y way. Dan pushed it .

open, and the entered the lower hall. ,
There they tatcd.

. How were they to findthe ones for whom they

Ion hti
e o(piestion troubled them, but the detective

was n inclined to lose a great of time
thinking it over. He moved ahead and tried
the first door his hand fell on.

It opened before his touch, and he looked into
a wretched room, where some blear-eyed men
and women were_ sitting around a crazy table,
on which. stood I broken pitcher of foam-cover-
ed beer. Some ragged and dirty children play-
ed and quarrele on the fluor. The lightof a
smoking lamp illuminated the hovel-er apart-
ment. . . '

The men and women looked. at the detective
and his com
and 1the chi! on stopped querreling for a mo-
men

Dsn closed the door.

“ We need not look for. them there,” be said.
“ Come on."

Theylooked into rdom um roan, knocking '

u the 'doors till they amused some one, if they
could gsin,admittence no other way. Once or

twice they coma near having trouble with some . I

of the more belligerent occu at of. the
but Dan pretended to be loo i for a certain
“John Smith," and they‘were a is to avoid a
bottle through thislsilixiu-fnge.

Dan noticed the f t
were all heavin normed with

    

- i“.

r 1‘

   

. .: i, \ , 1‘,
~ ., a -, :7 1:» x:'
v »' I'on'ht 411553"

windowsof 

’

niOn in a listless, indiflerent way, _ v

 

 

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

. that was 1) aintively re
. rently thought them gn ty of tampering with '

Double-voice Dan on” Deck.

\

9 ,

 

material, and this explained why the place had
looked so dark and deserted from the street.
Some of the curtainswere clothing of the most
wretched sort, but they served the purpose for
which they were intended.

“ I fancy this is a den of the Very worst
character, he softly explained to the count.
“ l have r nlzed several hard cases here.”

“ Zey had tmire not troubaile us,” returned
the count. “ We will make eet hort for zem eef
zey do.”

At length, they reached the top floor and came
to the last door to try. It was standing slightly
open and, peering in, they saw a man poring
over a ponderons book that was spread 11 n a
table. A shaded lamp was at the man’s a bow.

It seemed as if the occupant of the room heard
them approach his door, for he immediately
arose, removing some spectacles from his eyes
and standing in an attitude of expectancy.

He has a man past middle age, his face being
covered by an iron-gray beard. His build was
rather slight, and there was very little flesh on
his bones. He had the appearance of a man
s10wly wasting away with some secret and un-
fathomable disease.

Dan involuntarily paused in the darkness of
the passage, being able to see the old man
through the partially open doorway. At once
the unknown called out:

“ Come in, gentlemen—come in. I have been
ex ting you.”

th the detectiv and the count were startled.
He had been expec ng them! What did that
’mean?

“ Diabls J” whispered the Frenchman.

“ He must be a wizard!” muttered Dan.

“ He do look like at,” declared Mirabean.

“ Let’s go in.”

The ferret pushed open the door and boldly en-
tered, Count Mirabeau at his heels. -

The old man made a grave obeisance.

,“ Be seated, gentlemen,” he said, motioning to-
ward the two chairs which the room contained.
“ You have come at last. Why have yon'been
so long? You should know 1 am a man who dis-
likes deiays, and the case is most serious. When
a human ife hangs in the balance, it is the duty
of those who follow our exalted profession to re-
spond without loss of time.” \

The detective and the count exchanged glan-
ces. What could the strange man mean!

“ I think you have madea mistake, sir,” said
Dan, “ You evidently take us for some one
else.”

“ Oh, not at all—not at all. I know you,
gentlemen; we. have met many times while at-
tending to our profeuional dutlea”

t: I am certain this Is the first I have heard of
l

The strange man smiled. ' It was a sad and al-
most ghastly smile.

, “ This is scarcely a time rowing." he said,
suddenly becomlng grave ag . “ presume
you understand the full particulars of the case?”

“ I am afraid I do not.”

The old man looked annoyed.

” I was very rticuiar to make them plain in
my letter,” he eclared.

“ But I never received the letter.”

“ Then how came you here?”

“ Quite b accident, I assure you.”

The 83‘? rd shook his head, seeming quite
at a loss to comprehend something—just what
that Something was no one but himself knew.

The detective and” Count Mirabean regarded
the stranger with increasin interest. There
mas a mysterious air about hIm that fascinated
t em.

The little room was bare and poor]
nished, the walls never having been mm
although they wfesl-iai rudei plastered. But tho
plastering w s a n o in laces, and there
was a generil air 0 decay {bout the entire

place.

Besides the big book upon the table which
the man had been perusing just before they on-
feted, there were several others, all hav the
appearance of being well worn. At one s: of
the room were a few shelves, which supported
other books and some papers.

In a corner were several strange-looking
dishes and implements of various molds. At
a glance, Dan saw these things were probably
used for chemical experiments.

The old man had the air of one who had been
a great udent, and the detective mw he was
'n0t like the other occupants of the house.

Count Mirabean had also been observing the
old man closely. and he now covertly whispered

 in the detective‘s ear:

“Ze man be madl‘ Inok sea bass eye—see
how eet do burn! He ea mad, monsieuri”

The ferret instantly saw his companion was
right; without a doubt, the strange occupant of

thiaP m was a deranged
, or some moments the beard shook his
head, lookin at his two Egan-b in a’ manner

hful, as he ap-

lm.

‘i‘ It is not right,“ he mu red. “B th in
never mind—let it pas. thq‘mnst unitue (for
attempt ‘to save his life. It is a most serious
case, I assure you. gentlemen, and will be worthy

I

r of our united skill.

l
,.

 

“ What is this case you speak of?” _ ‘,

“ Howcan you ask, doctor?”

Dan saw the old fellow took him fora phy-
sician.

“ I wish to hear it from your lips,” he replied,
takin a sudden fanc to humor the man,
thong he knew not w y.

“ It has givan me great trouble as it is one of
the most complicated cases ever fallen beneath
my attention. The man‘s heart has literally
ceased its regular action, only working naturally
once an hour. For nearly sixty minutes it wi l
remain dormant, and yet the manlivea It is
almost beyond belief, but I assure you it is
true.

“ A strange mse, certainly.”

“Vera strange,” agreed the count, falling into
Dan’s humor. "Zis have great interest to me."

The old man seemed highly pleased.

“ You may be sure I would not have troubled
two ph sicians of such world-wide re utatlons
as Doc rs Paxton and Do Gran, had not felt
sure the case would have been of sufficient in-
terest to fully repay them for whateVer trouble
they might incur. Will you not be seated, gen-
tlemenl

But neither man fancied putting themselves in
the wer of the deranged.

“ trust you will excuse us,” pleaded Dan.
“ We do not care to sit, Doctor—er— I seem to
have forgotten your name."

, Again the and smile flitted for a momentaa'om
the old man’s face.

“ That is little to be wondered at,” he confessed.
“.I have not made the enviable reputation I
might had I been less given to experiments; but
I assure you, airs. my experiments have all been
strictly in the interest of humanity. I have sac
rificed to self and my desire for fame that I
might do ve into'the mysteries of science and
solve the problems which have confronted our
brotherhood for ages.

“ Which was truly noble of on, doctor.”

The old man bowed proton 1y.

“ Hearing you utter those words Doctor Pax-
ton, assures me I have not lived in vain, even
thou h I die unknown.”

“ ut you have not told us your name.”

“ My name is Strange—Edward Strange.”

Both the detective and the count thought the
name well-fitted to the man.

“ That is not a name I should forget,” ac-
kn0wledged Dan. “ I will try and remember it
in the future. You may not remain unknown
to fame, doctor.”

A hectic flush tinged the shrunken cheeks for
a moment and the dark eyes glowed. Though
age was on him, gluth past forever and reason
tottering on its rone, the man was imbued
with one great ambition—he was panning a lofty
pu , chimericaJ though it really was.

“ tor Paxton,” he retorted, his voice
trembling a trifle with the emotion that fell
upon him, “ you have given me greater leasure
than I had reasonable hope to expect. thank
you. sir—I thank you.”

Dan had been studying the man closely, having
a lurking suspicion that he might be laying a
part, but this suspicion gradually fad There
was no doubt but he was what he seemed—a lu-
natic. Without doubt, he was harmless, but it is
not advisable to trust oneself in the power of the
most harmless madman. '

“Where is this singular subject!” asked on)
“film; h t,” mph" ed Dr B

e > not ere ye . tran
“ They have not brought him in.” m

“ Then you have him brought here!"

“ Every night.”

“ At what time!"

“ Shortly after I retire.”

“ That is a trifle odd.

“ I thought it might seem so, but I believe I
can show you my reasons."

so.

-' “ They are simple. I workand study throulgh
the day and need rest when it comes n ght. y
brain is tired—it becomes very tired with my
studies. I am not as yongras I once was, but
When I perfect my great el' , I shall renew my
youth. I have sluiost reached success, and, if I
am a few years longer, I am certain of
attaining it.

“The first night they brought him here it was
without my consent or knowledge ‘and I was
angry when I awake and found him n the room.
However, my anger soon vanished when I saw
how “mpg: the case was, and I studied” it atten—
‘5! 13- y have brought him everyxnight
since then, and I have hopes of saving his life.

‘ ow, gentlemen, if you will—” ’

-From beyond the thin itiou of lathes and
plaster came a feminine s riek—a cry for help!

£3qu seemed astounded.
Gods!” e gasped. " That was her voice—
”“Hé’T’él i '
s e voce of the kidna girl!" ex-
claimed Dan Dawnin . “She isp aroorn be-

ygwrthis partition! hotels the door that leads

“There is no door,” replied Strangfi- “ Th“
room is entered from another part of the house."
A am came the appeal for help.
th a hoarse shout Double-voice Dan hurled
himself like a hattering~ram against the parti-
tion. , There was a crash of breaking lathes and
' i l

 "‘4!  
».', h A l

,. .-,. v skull; -"r  y ., *
 ,. all‘vi‘e'.   " Zhi T  . - 5 =3?

'\

     
 

 

  
 

rattle of falling plaster, and then the fearless
detective plunged through the flimsy partition
into the room beyond!

CHAPTER XII.
anornnn STRUGGLE.

Com Fanum MIEABIIAU was certainly no
coward, and he did not hesitate about following
the daring detective.

It was well for Dan the count did so.

The falling plastering filled the ferret’s eyes
with dust, and he was blinded when he burst
into the room from which the appealing cries,
had come.

There was a chorus of fierce exclamations,
and then a dark figure leaped toward the detec-
tive something bright flashing in one hand.

“ old on zero!" crled the Frenchman, as he
caught the man’s shoulderami sent him whirling
aside. “ I believe I will take a hand in zis bees-
nessl"

In the room were two other men, an old hag- .
like woman and a young girl, who was beauti-
ful, though deathly pale. The girl was held by
the claw-like hands of the old woman, who ’
seemed wonderfull strong, for the unfortunate
captive was stru ng fiercely for liberty.

‘Helpi” cri the girl, again. “ Save me,
gentlemen—save me i”

“Hush her infernal squallsi” snarled Bry
Rockvelt, who was one of the men.

“Then ketch holt here an’ help me,” retorted ,
the old hag. “ She fights like a hussy!" '
Rockvolt quickly obeyed, and the girl was be-
g ad from the room. -

“ £101 on zero!” rung out the voice of Count
Mirabeau, as a revolver appeared in his hand.
“ I am one excellaunt shot, and I t’ink I tr sis

in

esf you don’t let zat young lady o. of ‘
Iront ~'

peestol

But Rockvelt quickly held the girl in
him, still continuing to retreat backward to-
ward the door.

“Dou’t shoot, sir—don’t shoot!” cried the
voice of Dr. Strange, who had entered the room
through the breach in the wall. “ You will kill

er! .

The damaged man gave the count’s arm a

jerk, and the revolver was accidentally dis-

charged.

A wild shriek broke from the lips of the beauti-
ful unknown, and she sunk limp and nerveless
in Rockvelt’s arms.

“You devil i” harshly screamed Dr. 8%,
as he  with the Frenchman. “ on
have la 1

The count .was a man of unusual suppleneu
and strength, but it did not take him long to
discover e was no match for the infuriated
madman. Strange pressed him back, and the
maniac physician’s eyes glowed with a horrible
light that revealed his intent to really slay the .,
man he had seized.

Having cleared the dust from his eyes, Donhle- '

voice Dan attempted to follow the kidnappers
into the adjoining room.

But Easy J ack. who had been prevented from
assaulting Dan by the count, had recovered
himself, and he attacked the detective once
more.

The ferret

afteritwas ' ytornfromhisfaceinthe'

street encounter. Instead of re-arranging it, he ‘ a

had removed it entirely, and his disguise was
simply the laborer‘s clothes he wore.
‘ Easy Jack recognised him.
“ Curse
rufiian. “
The
thong

ill nothin’ down ya for keeps?”
e was. proved no match for the in—

fpriated detective. Dan sent the fellow reeling . “i

backward.

Then itwasthat Jack’s heard was torufrom , E 

his face, and Dan saw the tough had also he‘ll
in disguise.

A cry of amaaement broke from the var 

trillioun fefirgshlilpl.
e S enemys
I: marry 3...:
The famous crook had not perished in the wa-

ters of the East River.  Been  a

in saying Dan would hear again. 
Of course the detective was astounded. but 
be scarcely gave the discovery more than s’v
second thought. He had no time for that then. i
as he understood the unfortunate girl was being
dragged away by her evil captors. Once more ;-
he started to follow them, having completely '
forgotten Count Mirabeau. ' 1
With a grated im

tion,‘ Battery .Ben "

W .
caught up an oil lamp and flung it at the head

of the ferret.
Dan barely dodged the missile. ,
Thelampstrnck with acrashinacorner, and

the hriefest instant of darkness was followed by "

a burst of flame.

The lamp had been dashed in pieces, and the f

oil was

through the doorway and disappea .

It was fairly appalling with what suddennehs' 

the flames sprung up
In the light of
Mirabeau and the maniac fighting desperately.» 

  
 
   

or! Your life shall atone for the’ ” .
deed!” '

not readjusted his false beard. ' ,

9"

on .Donble-voice Dani” snarled “'0 a.  i
“lied, but Jack, stout and stock! " H

With acryofdefiance, theBattei-yeléird sprung. ‘ i

the fire Dan saw Count ‘7

if.

g»

 

l ,

 

and be perceived the Frenchman was getting the
worst 0 it. I
With his eyes gleaming like those of a fiend
Dr. Strange was forcing the count back toward
the flames. The Frenchman was straggling
grittiiy, but his opponent seemed possessed of the
strength of a Samson.
“ Into the fire—into hell i” shrieked the mani-
, , ac his reason having entirely deserted him.
a n “It is the lace for all devils! See the. fire—
seeit danca Hal ha! ha! You killed her! You
shall burn!”
The detective suddenly understood the horrible
ril of his new friend, and he sprung to Mira-
u’s assistance.
v None too soon.

A In another moment both the maniac doctor
;. . and the count would have fallen into the rising

" re. _
‘ Dan grasped Strange by the throat and tore
1 the two men apart.
, A horrible s risk of baffled rage broke from
'  fthe man’s throat, and he promptly turned his
1? ‘ ' attention t0ward the ferret.
. .o “His life is mine!” he yelled. “You would
Rogme of him! He killed heri—I saw him do

 ' The fire was spreading in an appalling manner,
, and the detective saw there was ddnger of rish-
 ing in the flames. He could not afford to peril
his own life in dealing gently with the man, even

,4, ‘ though he was craz .

2 '1. / Out plunged Dan’s good right fist and Dr.
" V Strange was knocked down in an instant. He
  was not stunned, for he immediately attempted
 4'; tourism
  a v Dan waited to see no more.
h‘ ' “ » “Come, countl" he cried. “ We must follow
a;  those devils! This is a death trap!”

,3 , “ I am win you, mousieur,” assured the strange
it? 1, ‘ Frenchman. ,

3;": They hurled themselves against the door
7  5. , ' bayond which the kidnappers had vanished with

V‘- 4: ,.

g “' .their) victim, and it flew open before the as-
-. A sau t.

:4:  As they rushed into the adjoining room, they
 1-" were met by several people who entered it from

é . . another direction.
 r ‘. ' ' 3“ What’s the matter?" was the uestion.
,f. 5 “Fire!” replied Dan. “ The p ce has been
ail-'7' fired by the men who left here a moment ago.
3:53..» Send in an alarm quickly !”
g..‘ i -‘ There was certainly need enough of sending in
’,  dn alarm, for the flames suddenly burst forth as
'  ., '_ if in ursuit of the detective and the count.
' “ ire, fire, fire!”
_ The wild cry rung through the old building,
J ‘- :, arousing the inmates to a sense of their danger.
 .' ‘ “Wheech way deed zem dev-vals go?" de-
it- , mended the count. “Zey sets as fine! Where
: ‘ be zey?”
Some one declared the men and the old woman
had gone toward the roof.
“ And the girl?” cried Dan. “ Did they have
.1 .,  d gr! with them—a captive?”
“Q r ' cone answered the uestion.
‘ . .“ To ze roof 1” she the Frenchman.
‘i ,_ They were hindered by the mad rush of the
“ ‘Beofile who were hurrying w get out of the
-‘ 'ni ding before the fire shut them oil’. It was
amazing the number of human beings that came
it” I swarming from the rooms. Theplace was aper-
  ' feet beehive.
‘ ‘ : ‘ The detective and his companion,fou ht their
a}, \. way inst the tide of humanity an finally
"-2.. I reach the adder that led to the roof.
 , The skyli it was standing open.
' V Dan ascended the ladder almost at a bound,
and the moment after he thrust his head above
. g i the levol of the reef, he called back to the count:
 . “They are here!”
'a' ‘- - He had caught sight of some dark urea out-
lined against a distant patch of clear s y, where
thacl'ouds hadcparted for a moment,
At the soun of Dan’s voice, a curse came
I . floatin across the roof, and a figure darted to-
? r ‘ ward t e skylight.
' gm “Will nothin’ kill ye, you infernal hound?”
' grhted the voice of Battery Ben
; The detective was not to be caught in such a
. an r, and he was quickly on the roof, {at
‘ _,. pa to mdet his the. The came t her
“, violently, the Battery Bird pla nly expect ng to
' fits Dan by surprise.
[The ferret had barely time to discover the
, were trying to make their way to an ad-
' ng building in some manner, and he called
a n : '
’ ~ “ Take at them devils there, while I do up this
2‘ 'wheipl They are trying to skip usl”
' : ‘1‘ weal give zem my vera close attention,”
(insured the queervli‘renchman, half-laughingly,
as he darted across the roof.
{2 1 Thus another stru gle was inaugurated.
"i." ; It was a night of em battles.
’  CHAPTER XIII. -
. " a’ nomionsr Lur. '

., . (V Rectum and his companions were “ass to
‘3’ r escape from the roof by means of a rope- er.

_’ . The count did not pause to wonder why they
- ~ " had taken to the roof at all, instead of hn ng
it down and out into the street. Had there n
‘ ty of time, he might have discovered they
gas-e not attempting to reach the ground, but

\lu I“

 

 

 

  

’downed in such a manner.

 

  

‘ I Double-voice  ’on Deck.

were trying to swing the ladder in at the o n
window of an ad oining building. A rasca ly-
lookirg man had eaued out of the window and
attempted to catch it, but failed.

The Llack-mustached sport gave a cry of rage
as he saw Count Mirabeau come bounding across
the roof.

“ Look out!” he warned, as he sprung up.

His companions, a man and the hag-like wo-
man, were clingin fast to the girl captive, who
struggled with afi her strength. A muflling
cloth about her head prevented her from utter-
ing cries that could be heard more than a short
distance away.

Rockvelt drew a revolver.

“ I’ll shoot the cursed fool l" he snarled.

Crack! The weapon spoke the instant it
reached a level.

The Frenchman did not fall. He had seen the
motion of the gambler’s hand and divined his
danger. Almost on the instant that Rockvelt’s
finger pressed the trigger, the count “ ducked ”
his head and 10wered his body.

The bullet whistled harmlesst over his head.

In another moment he had grasped the deadly
weapon, and a fierce struggle for possession be-

an.
8 “Zat is bad t’ing for you to fool wiz. mon-
sieur.” came from the mustache-shaded lips of
the Frenchman. “ You weel shoot somebody ze
first t’ing you know, so you bettaire let me have
ze 170%”

“ he in blazes are you?” hoarse] demanded
Rockvelt, as he tried to wrench t e revolver
free.

“ Perhap, ou find me ze enemy 0! you, mon-
sieur.” was t e reply.

“ You are in with that cursed detectivsl”

“ Wiz Dou ble-ze-voice Dan?"

u Ya.”

. “ He is one vera great man; ldo like heein.
He make eet vera uncomfortable for as doer of
ze crook work.”

“ Your race will be mighty short, if you run
in harness with him.”

“ Do you t'ink so, Monsieur Danglarf"

Roekvelt gave a gurgling exclamation of
amazement and dismay.

“Danglar/ You devill why do you call me
that?” i

“ By zat you be known in Parse—Monsieur
Leon Dan lar.”

“ It is a iei"

But the very manner in which the gambler ut-
tered the words revealed that the count had
spoken the truth.

“Oh, no, no, no!" came trium hantly from
the Frenchman’s lips—“zat is no ie! Zat is no
trute—ze whole trute. I knew you in Parse—-
out“, oui, out! I‘ am not to be fool’l"

" Who are you?" Rockvelt again demanded.

For some reason, the sport’s stren th had 'ap-

rently deserted him, and, had ount Mira-
53.... been so inclined, he could have sent Bry
Rockvelt reeling from the roof.

“ Zat I let you guess.”

“ You must be one of those infernal French
detectives!”

“ You t’ink zat?"

“ Curse you—yes!”

“ Well, I don’t care a leetle.”

Suddenl the count tripped the gambler, at
the samet me wrenchingthe revolver from Rock-
ve t’s hand. The man struck heavily when he

 

to and seemed dazed for an instant.

“ Lay zere while I attend to zese othaires,” ex- i
claimed the count, as he sprung toward the man
and woman, who still clutched the girl captive. I

Meantime, Double-voice Dan and Battery Ben 3
had been engaged in a save e encounter. The .
crook had tried to haul t e detective dawn I
through the skylight, but Dan was not to bei

“ No you don’t. Ben I” came from his lips. “ l I
know your games. my boy. You are very, very 4
trick ; but you can’t play rats on me."

'“I I kill ye ’fore I’m done with yer l” growled '
the Battery Bird. ‘

” Bet you two to one you don’t.”

. But Ben was not in ing any wager just then.
Instead of spending h s breath in talk, he settled
down with savage earnestnem in the attempt to
get the best of Dan Downing. -’

Never before had the detective met single
man who proved so nearly his match. e crook
was nerved by desperation, and be exerted every
ounce of energy in his muscular body.

The two men swayed and panted, neither seem-
ing to gain an advanta e for some time. Finally,
however, Dan obtain a hold on his fee that
placed Ben at a disadvantage.

“ You’ve got to fall Ben.” he said.

“ Ef I do, you go with me!" was the savage re-
tort. ' I

They were close to the edge of the roof at the
iron side of the building, and, suddenly from
below them came a burst of light.

Flames had flash out at a windowl

A crowd had swi tly collected in the street,
and the light of the ’ fire showed them the
struggling men on the edge of/the roof.

A great shout went up. A

‘ Then a fire-patrol’ wagon came rattling down
the street, quick! followed b an engine,
drawn by a magni cent pair of w ite horses.
Still the men on. the roof fought on. x

‘ .

 

  

\

Batter Ben seemed suddenly deranged, for
he was p ainly trying to leap from the roof and
dra Dan with him.

“ ou fool!” grated the detective.
want to kill ourselfi”

“ If I can nish you at ther same time, I don’t
keer,” replied the ruffian, who seemed imbued
with a fiendish malignity toward the ferret.

Dan was now forced to fight more deeperately
than before. for it was not an easy thing to
prevent the crock from accomplishing his
horrible purpose. ‘-

Getting Ben by the throat, Dan finally choked
him so he was a le to fling him down.

Then the fighting ferret turned toward the

“ Do you

others.

The light of the flames plainly revealed them
to him, for the fire had secured a great head-
way on the dry and tinder-like wood of the
building. Smoke was pouring from the sky-
light, and it seemed the flames would soon leap
through.

Dan saw the girl was in the clutch of the old
woman. Count Mirabeau was fighting the
third man, while Rockvelt had struggled to his
feet and was standing like one stunned.

As Lan started toward the two females, the
gambler blocked his path.

“No you don’t!" snarled Rockvelt, brushing
a hand across his eyes. “ Up and at him, Ben!

“ Out of the way, you fool l” grated Dan.
"What do you want—to stay here and burn?
This is a detached building, and our escape from
this roof is cut off anyway.” '

“ If you’d remained away two minutes longer,
we’d been ofl the roof,” flung back the gambler.
“ As it is—” ,

“ We’re apt to all be roasted together!”

“ Just so.’

“ 1 have no idea of staying here to roast.”

The detective made a spring and was on
RockVelt. He struck out straight from the
shoulder, and the sport was able to only par-
tially avoid the blow. It did not knock him
down, as it had been intended to do, but sent
him whirling aside.

In another moment, Dan would have torn the
girl from the of the old woman, but just
then he was seiz from behind. a ir of mus-
cular arms being flung about his y.

Battery Ben was up again!

And all the while the flames were rising!

It began to look as if the people on the roof
were doomed, unless the firemen came promptly
to their rescue. ‘ ,

Dan made desperate attempts to break the
hold of the Battery Bird, but the crock had ap-
piarerli‘tly put all the energy of his being into the
0 ate .

Slowly and surely he forced the detective to-
ward the edge of the roofl
' “ Ha! ha!” was the savage laugh that sounded
in _Da_n’s ears. “ I have you now, you cuss!
This time 1 will do ye! You’ll never trouble us
any more i”

t seemed as if the desperado ke the truth.

“Chuck him over!” cried Roc velt, fiercely.
“ Let him take the little drop!”

The gambler had been sadly used in the strug-
gles through which he had passed, and he seem-
ed too dazed to render Ben any assistance.

Once more a great shout went up from the
street, as they saw the battling men again ap-

roach the edge ofthe roof. They understood a
fight for life was taking place on the top of the
burning building, and it now seemed as if the
:itruggle would have a swift and tragic termina-

00.

But Dan Downing had no thought of meeting
death in such a manner. He saw the firemen
running up their ladders and heard the cries
from below, but not for a single instant did he
lose his nerve. With one vast and mighty out-
lay of strength, he broke his enem ‘s hold.

“A; file game insurmlCount M fabeau took a

n . avmg tempo disposed of his .other
combatant. y /

“Oh, sis is ze vera great excite!" coolly ob-
served the odd fellow, catching hold of Dan,
who was tottering on the verge. “'le is 20
float pleasuaire to mum to eon! Out I I

ve not so good a fight for cng time.”

Dan bad no time to think what a strange per.
son he had so accidentally fallen in with, but he
was momentarily grateful the Frenchman had
proved a friend instead of an enemy. No man
coullld battle at thei lslide of Double-voice Dan in
suc a manner w t out earning th hi heat re-

ard of the fearlem ferret, and, whe: thg opporo
unity came—if it ever did—Dan was sure to

re y the de

Kockvelt Zita hastened to the assistance of
the old woman. from Whom the girl had not
been able to escape. and once more they were
trying to get from. the roof into the window of
the neighboring building.

But t e were not successful.

Sudden y, from the windows. beneath them,
flame and smoke burst forth, curling up over
the roof, and drivmg them back from the sud-
“Ramz “an

rea . gasped the rt his face
blenching, and still ming was; ill the fitful
glow of the fire. ‘45:?” lost!”

He suddenly released his hold on the girl, hav-
ing at last realized the desperate danger in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

' 9

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 



V'  Double-Voice Dan on Deck. , ‘

  

11_

 

 

which they were. As soon as a sense of it all
fell full u n him, his only thought was of self-
preserva on. No matter what became of the
others he must find a way to save his own’
worth as life.

The old hag now understood the peri and she
also released the girl, who tottered all e a few
steps, and sunk down weakly, her strength seem-

. ing gene.

As Rockvelt wheeled from the fire, the old
woman caught him tenaciously by the arm,
‘shrilly screaming:

“ You must save me! I can’t git down from
here alone! You must help me!”

He tried to tear himself away, but her bony
fingers held fast to his sleeve.

“ If you leave me here ter die, I’ll haunt yel”
she raved, her face lookin most horrible in the
flaring light of the fire. ‘ I’ll haunt ye ter yer
grave!”

For reply to this, Rookvelt lifted his clinched
hand and smote her fairly in the face, felling
her to the roof, where she lay in a dazed and
helpless condition.

‘ he people in the street tried to about their
encouragement to the imperiled ones above, but
not a word was understood by anybod on the
roof. True they heard the roar of v ces, but
there was such a mingling of cries that it was
not ssible for them to understand any particu-
lar irections.

Battery Ben seemed to realize at last that
death was right upon them all, for he made no
further attempt to attack the detective.

But neither Dan or the count had given up
hope. Dan had noticed, at one side, aroof that
was three feet below the one the were on; but
the space between the two bui dings was ap-
palling when contemplated under such circum-
stances.

Suddenly the detective seemed to form a
resolution. Two‘cat-like bounds took him to
the side of the kidnapped girl, and hecaught her
up in his strong arms.

‘nf‘nil'follow me, count!” he shouted. “It’s for

8

Then he ran swiftly across the roof, holding
the girl in his arms. A burst of fire came from
below, and a blast of hot air smote him in the
face as he reached the verge, but he was not
checked in the least. Gatherin all his energy

for the almost superhuman task, 9 shot outward '

and u ward, sailing like a hird over the red bil-
low 0 fire that sent out forked fingers of flame
to clutch at him, seeming enraged at being thus
,bafiled and deprived of the prey already almost
"within its 

A great ng shout went u from the throats
ff the spectators who witn the magnificent

esp.

s————

CHAPTER XIV.

TWO DISAPWCES.

. It seemed impossible that a human being bur-
dened with the weight of another could spring
across the space between the two roofs.

Count Mirabeau had cried out in amazement
and alarm when he saw the desperate course the
detective had determined upon, but Dan had not
heeded that cry, if he even heard it.

The count paused in horror, expecting to see
the darin detective and the unknown girl go
plunging own to death between the two bulld—

n s.
at Dan Downing had not overestimated his
abilities. Across the space he sailed. his feet
striking on the very edge of the other roof.

Had he made the leap alone and struck in such
a position, he would most sure! have fallen
backward and met,hls death on the ground be-
low: but the weight of the girl in his arms seem-
ed to fling him forward on his face, and both fell
prostrate on the roof—saved!

Before Dan could arise, the Frenchman had
followed, and being ,unincumbered, made the
193p succemfully, alighting at the detective’s
31 e. . ‘

“ Wendaireful wondaireful!” he cried, as he
assisted Dan and the girl toarise. “ I nevaire
see as equails of sat—nevaire! I t’ink you do go
down to ac death, but you maltose jump just
likens hird zat fly. .Oh, set is wondairful!
But Dan scarce! heeded the man’s words at
all. He had turn his attention to the girl.
“ Are you minted!" he asked, . I
, She tried reply, but at first she was too
“frightened to utter a sound. At length, how-
ever, she succeeded in assuring him she was not
‘ harmed at all. .
And just then another figure came sailing
thrgughtbe cloud of smoke and alighted on the
too .
It was Battery Ben! ' .
The famous crookhad successfully made the
jump for life. '
lie was swiftly followed by Rockvelt and the
third deaperado, the old womanibeiug left to her

fate.
’The Battery Bird was the first to recover af-‘
ter the leap and he immediately attacked Dan
I dagz‘iin, his vindictive nature not yet belugaub-
u ‘ - '

\

’ i Coiint erabeau promptly took a hand. ‘bea

Catching Ben by the collar, he suit the crook

, reeling aside. at the same time hissing to Dan:

!

l"

 

“ Git away wiz ze girl—down ze skylight! I
will make it so lively for zese gentlemen at my
weel not follaire you. Go I”

Only for one instant did the detective hesi-
fate, for he quickly understood the French-
man's active brain had devised the best course
to ursue. i

atching up the girl, the ferret hastened to
the skylight, and his heavy laborer’s boots
craisheltll through the glass, carrying away sash
an a .

It is little wonder the girl was almost helpless
with fear and Dan was obliged to carry her
down the steps, which, very fortunately, he
found already beneath the broken window.

As he descended, he looked back and saw the
count was having his hands full to keep the
three men at bay, but was holding them back in
a noble manner.

“ That man is pure gold all the way through i”
thought the.Go—It-Alone Detective. “He isa
man to tie to and swear by 1”

He found there was much excitement in the
house, people being on the move, and his en-
trance was scarcely noticed. As he went down,
he heard some firemen dragging a hose-pi up
the stairs below him, their intention pro ably
being toturn a stream on the adjoining house
as soon as they reached the roof.

But Dan’s heart misgave him when he thought
of the dauntless Frenchman left on the roof to
fight three foes.

"He cannot keep them 03 long!” was his
thought. ,“They will down him! I must go
back.” _

He found the door of a room standing wide
open, and he carried the girl in there.

“ Will you remain here till I return?” h’aak-
ed. " Remember I am your friend.”

She clung to him.

“Don’t leave me sir!” pleaded her soft and
musical voice, and by the light of a gas-jet he
saw the face of this unknown unfortunate was
decidedly beautiful, though pale from terror.

“I must," he Said, firmly. “ But you will be
unharmed here.”

“ Those horrible men—” ‘

“I am going back to them, andI will-take
care they 0 not come here. They shall not
touch you again, young lady.”

This re-assured her somewhat.

“ Why must you 0 back there?"

“ My friend is t ere with three fees to battle
a ainst. I must aid him. If you mmain‘ ul-
et y here, I will return to you in avery ew
minutes. Do not stir from this spot. Promise
me on will not.”

B e promised.

Dan was barely able to get ahead of the fire-
men in climbing to the roof. The moment he
thrust his head through the sk light, the light
of the burning building showed im the form of
Count Mirabeau close at hand, still standing of!
the crooks, ‘

Dan leaped out upon the roof, just as a blow
'from Battery Ben’s hard fist sent the count stag-
gering backward. The detective caught the
form of his friend, crying:

“Get a brace on, mate! I’m here at your

back!” ‘
' “It is high time, monsieur,” nted the
Frenchman. “Zem dev-vals zey 0 give me

vera’ great fight. Zey be almost too manafor
me

Dan said nothing more just then, but his quick,
brain was‘ filled with wonder at the ability of
this strange man to hold the trio back so long,
for be well understood how. desperate the crooks
had become.

The firemen were close at Dan’s heels, and
Rockvelt seemed to understand the game whs
lost, for he did not seek to renew the battle.

Not so Battery Ben.

The, famous crook was filled with unutterable
fury by the rang arance of D0wninf.

“ You cussed oodhound l” he snar ed,'spring-
ing for the detective.

Dan whirled Count Mirabeau aside and met
the rush of the Battery Bird. \ ‘

‘,‘ You need to have your tail twisted, Benn ,”
he observed, as he parried the blows made at
head. “ You slipped me once, but I believe I
will take on in out of the wet this time.”

RYou’ll ,neve'r pull me!” was the savage re-

“ Don’t be so sure of that, my hearty. I have
jogged better men than yen.”

Up through the sklyli ht came the firemen,
dragging the hose. t a had that the two
men were in their way, an the result was that
3:1; and Ben were parted by the hrawny fel—

“Get down to hard
there!” advised one of t e fire-fighters. “ This
hain t no place for a Scrap.”

With a surge of his left arm, the speaker sent
Bette n staggering backward, and, a mo-
ment ater tke,crooli fell crashing through the
skylight. disappear! instantly.

Come count.” as d Dan. “ We will ‘follow.
and I rec on we'll find our belligerent friend in
aheap down in .”

“ Ze fall must have keel him,” declared Mira-

u. _ I I
Dwtuii‘ m v .
“counted “d ‘° 3"“ .mttery Bén in. an

‘ .

   

» i

     

, '\

. ing to remain theirgd

and and fight it out '

 

heap ibelow the roof-openinzlxtIDG

     
  
  
  
   
  
    
   
    
 
   
   
 
  
  
   
 
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
    
  
   
  
   
    
     
   
    
  
   
    
    
   
    
  
    
    
      
   
  
   
  
   
    
   
    
    
   
   
   
  
    
   
   
     
   
 
     
 

great was his disappointment and surprise to
discover the crook had vanished.

“ Where in the world can he have gone?"
asked the bewildered detective.

“ He have vera hard head,” observed the
count. “ I do punch eet mane. time, but he
nevaire mind a great hit. Now he take me turn—
bull, and do as vanish act. He do git as best of
me, and zat I confess.”

In vain they looked for the Battery Bird. It
soon became evident the creek had not been in-
jured by the fall, and had immediately betaken
himself from that immediate locality.

“ It seems that he has escaped me again,”
muttered Downing, regretfully. “ He has the
reputation of being the most slippery rascal in
all New York.”

“ He is a fightaire.”

“ Of that he boasts.” ,

There was a great deal of commotion within
the building, and the two men were scarcely
noticed. No one gave them a second‘look.

“ Where be ze girl?” asked Count Mirabeau.
“ What on do wiz her, monsieuri” 4' _

“ She is close at hand,” replied Dan. “ Come. i
we will go to her.”

He led the way to the room where he had left
the beautiful unknown but, tohis astonishmt, . - 3 , ‘
she was not there. 0 looked around for her,. '
half-expecting to find her crouching in some
corner, but he found nothing. -

The count saw‘ the look of consternation“: ,
the face of the detective, and rightly divined It 1 '
meaning. .

“ She ees gone!” '

Dan nodded. ‘ 

" You left her here?” asked the Frenchman.

N Ya.” .

“ Where she is now?” ‘

“ That is for us to find out. I told her not to ;
stir from this room till I returned, and she promé ,:,~

. l I);
.‘f’

i’

O
“isho dasysol” , i
Dan began the search for the miningoue—a , 
search that proved quite as unaVailing astha 
hunt for Battery Ben after the creek dim».
peared through the skylight. The girl was a;
Egéland nobody seemed able to tell what had -
e of her. In fact,_Dan’s questioning re- ,.
ceived little attention from the excited inmates,
of the building, who saw increasing peril in the a '
close proximity of the fire. ‘\ ‘.
From top to bottom of the building Dan and. *
Count Mirabeau searched, but they simply wastfi
ed their time. i
“ It’s no nae, count,” declared the detective 
after a time. “ She is gone, and I begin to feel? ' ‘
sure we shall not find her here.” . ' 
“ You t’ink—what, monsieuri” , '
‘!I do not know just what to think at press; w.
cut,” was the frank confession. “It is its ’
singular she should leave the room after promibi
“ Perha’p’ she d not leave eet of her owl‘s};
free weel. "a, ,
“1 have thought of that. Anyway, she idi "
one, and we can do no g by remaining'hela
0 er. Let’s get into the open air.”  .
e led the way to the street, the count follows; 15'

CHAPTER XV. ~

WHAT SCRIMPY SAW.

ALuosr the first per on Dan’s e as fell'npan.’
as he was leaving the building was {is boy 
taut Scrimpy. ~

The amin also saw the detective and 
promp y toward him. ‘ ..

“ I’m lookin’ fer youse,” he declared. ' ‘ "

“ H’sllo, Scrimps,” saluted Dan. “You 

“ Like a thumb. I’m allps round Where den, 
excitement, you bet. How did youse coon "3
wid der blokes on der roofi" ' “ ~

“ I’m alive still.” I : s = V

“ Oh, I t’onght yer was dead!” sarcastically!
retorted the saucy ggung rascal.

“ Don’t get gay, rimpa,” admonished an.

“ Den work ffyer jaw 0n der level. d you
send der gal o wid der Plunger!" . _.

Dan started. ' ,.

“ Whit fl?" ‘ r3 A ;

“ W’y, r one I saw on der roof wid.yerf'"  '

“‘Then you saw agirl with us there?” , - v.
“ ‘ Tried ter 't up dere an’takea'lial ’.
in der but I coul n’t find no way.” a ‘ " 
“ And this girl—” ' r _
“Has been tooken off by Prince. Isaw‘ye‘l“ '
w'en yer made der jump ’crost der ,1"
wastryin’ter git interdisranchso  i,
a han’ia der fun. Dere was someriu 

  
 

   
 

  
 

     
  
 

     

     
     
 

 

 
  

  

    
  

  

   

runnin’ out an’ der firemen was goin’ at t'inkf‘
dat I knocked hack ev’ time I ' a.
make rims. Jest as I made 0 me in, I,

     
  

ter git in'nr shed blood, out come erle ._.
wid der same gal w‘at I saw‘wid yer on demoed. 7
He had holtof her arm an’ was kinder polio?”
alon She seemed dazed kinder an’ sheared ,
she n’t say much." , -
,Both Dan and the count were 
sgcléban extort that they paic'ldnohheed first}
to rongta surgedaron tem.
tective’s hand had closed on Scrimpy’s should
and he was following the boy’s sues-reload». ,

     
     
  

 
   

      
  
 

  
  
  

 
  

 
  

    
  

  

   
 
     
    
 

   
    

l 

..-~.. I

\

Double-voice Dan on Deck.

 

I412.

 

D“ Which way did they go?" eagerly asked
an.
“ Dis way,” replied the gamin, pointing down
one of the streets.
“ And you let them get away? Great Scott,
Scrimps! where is all your shrerness?”
, “Oh, come OR!" was the half-angry retort.
;‘Don’t youse take me for no jay. i follered
I, Om.”
“ But you are here now.”
‘;,’Cause I can’t help it, not ’cause I want ter

. be,
 “ How Was it? Give it to us straight.”
“Den hold yer level an’ keep yer jaw still.
7, i I follei'ed der bloke an’ der gal. She didn’t
‘ seem ter make much fuss till dey got ter der
a. corner dere, den she axed him where was he
‘3 hkin’ her.” ‘
, N Go  I”
“ He said he was takin’ her to a place where
w, she’d hesafe.. All den-same. dat didn’t seem ter
,1“ I wid her. She sung out: ‘ You’re takin’meoi‘f
’ that me up somewherei’ Den der bloke
1. swore dat wasnt soan’ said he was her best
‘ friend. But she didn’t swaller dat biufl', an’ she
 tale him he’d turned ter her worst enemy.
‘ W’at have ye done wid me poor old fader?’ she

" '1 D I. v
 « 3- "Jest dat time dere was a cab pulled up near
3 _ dere, an’ der Plunger caught der gal in his
<< arms an’ lagged her toward der cab. ’Bout den
t’ought it was time ter sail in. an’ I went fer
m. Dere was annoder cove w‘at caught me
, .by der scruff of der neck an’ flipped me feet up
 . in der air. I set down on der top of me head an’
" saw high gobs of shootin’ star’s an' t’ings. W ’en
, ', I got on me props ag‘in, der cab was outer sight
'1‘: '«jan I was in der soup. Den I leaned back dis

. = wa .

.: ‘L "yDat’s der whole of der yarn, boss.”

 r Dan was puzzled, but the Frenchman laughed
. “In a uliar manner.

 “r “ id you say zis gentleman’s name was
" ' eur Paul Prince?” he asked.

“ Dat’s his signitoor,” answered Scrimpy.

I}, “ I have no honaire of know ze man,” declared
-’:  count. “ He is one vera great rascaile.”

 x3, " Rascal?" echoed the detective.

 allirabeau bowed.

 r, ‘3 flat is what I say, and I can vs cat. for I
 know beam in Parse. He is one ev-cal I”

if; ‘ <“Why, he is from one of the best families of
W this city 1”

1-; I “let make no difl'mnce— he is one dev-val.
 I,L00k out for heem, for he has two faces. Oh, I
do not talk at as random—I know what I say,
' Honsiur Double-ze-voice Dan. Zat man is not
11-60 se—what you call himi—on ze levaile. Keep
Syon your eye on heem and you will seesomething
. sat make on surprise.”
' “Look ere, count,” and Dan eyed the French-
\~.‘i;’.man”closely; “ I have taken a great fancy to'

wilraheau bowed profoundly.

 “Zat make zis heart vera proud, monsieur,”
wheaassured. his hand on his breast. “ it is one
t bonaire, sai re.”

,“You say you are in hard luck?”

.‘“0h, not sat—exactly! I havs ze misfortune
to been small amount of mona I have wiz me
Wand. hein a man of vera great pride, I
feel not born- mm as friends I have in no cita.

' ' till I ive remittaince from home.”

“I have a- ancy you can be of service to

1.

   
  
    
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
    
    
    

  
     

s
5:

   
  
  

he.
I shall be proud, monsieur,” with another

it.
“ I shall consider it a favor if you will accom
me‘tc my ofilcefi" '
Bat before returning to the office, Dan decided
. if he could learn anything about Battery
‘ I Scrim had seen nothing of the crock,
g! thsdetsct ve’s inquiries concerning him were

' ; Ban had easily escaped. ~ '
 Dan turned hlrattention toward Rock-
' ' g and his other companion, but they had also
V . The gambler was too sharp to lin r
where Dan Downing could place a hand onIieis

“‘ “.1 wohder if that old woman escaped from
a root (if/the burning house,” muttered the de-

"Oainquiringh infrmedishhdbeen
' , e was 0 e a
w. a fireman.
 mind been dry as tinder,‘and the
m ’ seen astronghol
>  fire-fighters arrived, so the place was d00m-
i The firemen understood this, and were aim-
[holding the flames from spreading. a thing
was not difficult to do. as there was nothing
. a wind to fan them on.
' . ered if the madman knewn as Dr.
’ had esca from the building, but could
" tuna higfci’ l . itseemed morethan
the u ortunate old fellow had perish in
“are. ' . -
~‘Wben tare was nothing more to be learned,
tan left the place, accompanied by Count Mira-
, u and Borimp

     
    
 
 
  

3"

S
i:-

  

   

   

   

  

  

 

:fli‘hs

Comfortably seated. With fragrant cigars
RI, the detective obserVed - ’
r'xy .8

  
 

   

has been a night of excitement 
‘ I» ‘v . ,i ! .l /  I ’

. .

   

before the engines

y.
y proceeded directly to the detective’s \

 

.i.>. .‘
» .s "
.-.a_, n.

hard-fought adventures, but the result is nothing.
I am disgusted, to say the very least i”

“ Dat’s w’at s der matter wid me,” nodded
Scrimpy.

“ f you had been able to follow Paul Prince
and’the girl the result might have been differ-
eut.

“ If youse hadn’t let der gal git erway from
yer, de result mi ht have been diff’runt.”

“ That is so. u honest confession is good for
the soul. I seem to be pretty deep in it, and that
is a bald fact.” ,

H .n

“ Say it.”

“ I believe I know who dat gal is.”

It Yes?”

“ Sure.”

" Who?”

“ Der one w’at der Plunger uster be dead
sticked on.” ,

“ Vira Sulwicki”

“ Jest her."

“ The fancy came to me.
you think so?”

“ I heard de bloke call her Vira, or somet’ing
dat sounded a heap like it.”

“ There are some things about this case that
are not exactly clear yet but I fanc the light
is coming pretty scon. Paul Prince is provxng
something of a mystery. I do not know how to
take him.”

Count Mirabeau laughed.

“ You had bettaire not take heem at all, mon-
sieur,” he said. “ He is one good thing to be let
aloae.”

“ You seem to know a great deal of him,
count,”.nd Dan turned toward the Frenchman.

“ 1 do know something of heem,” was the
calm reply, as the count blew out a large ring
of white smoke and sent sever smaller ones
through it.

“ Your knowledge may be of importance to
me. and I am willing to y for it.”

The Frenchman sud enly drew himself up
very stifiiy.

“, Saire, would you insult me?”

“ Not intentionally. I know you French
Eeople are inclined to be touchy on such pomts.

ut why will you not consider this a matter of
business? You have something I‘want, and I am
willing to pay for it.”

"No man worthy of 29 name sells his honaire
in such mannaire," retorted the count. “I re-
spect’you, saire, but! am not so hard up as you
t ink.

But what makes

“Well, if {on will not take money for your
knowledge 0 Paul Prince, will you not freely
tell me what you know concernin him i”

Mirabeau seemed to pause an reflect, while
Dan watched him closely. After a. few mo-
ments. the count made reply:

" Monsieur Double-ze-voice Dan, I have reason
why I do not weesh to speak of Monsieur Prince
just at present, but I givo you my word of hon-
aire you shall kn0w what I know of heem vera

in. ,

But this did not exact] suit the detective,
who was at a loss to qu te Understand all the
doings of the old diamond merchant’s son. He
felt time to be preciOus, and the loss of a small
amount of it might be of great damage to him,
all of which he explained to the count.

Mirabeau listened attentively to the ferret,
and then he said:

“Monsieur, eet is evra man’s beesness to look
out for heemself—you knowtzat. I am in zis
country for a purpose, and I mi ht do m self
as great damage set I tell all sat kn0w. do
ho monsieur will not take so offense at sis, for
l ave great respect for heem—vera great. In
short time I will sure be able to tell heem all he
weesh to know, and I promaise heem great sur-
Prise."

He was so suave and smooth that it was im-

ible to show resentment, and Dan did not
orget how the Frenchman had stood by_him
through thick and thin, roving himself a‘man
of courage and nerve. erefcre, discovering
it would be impossible to obtain an hi from
the Frenchman, the detective was 0 ii to re-
main content.

 

CHAPTER XVI.
run counr’s WARNING.

Hanson Primes, the old diamond merchant
was in his library, enjoying the cool breeu ct
early morning, which came throu h an open
window. The man was an early ear, and he
usually s at an hour in the library before par-
taking 0 breakfast, a singular habit for one of
his luxurious tastes to fall into.

This morning he seemed sorely troubled.
There was a dark cloud on his face, and he
would occasionally draw a deép breath. as if his
thou hts were no of an agreeable nature. He
foun it impossible to rest comfortably in his
chair by the window, and so he paced up and
down the floor, now and then seating himself
for a few moments. ' r .

Prince was not a man inclined to 'd disci-
pline, but he had lived a fairly uprigh?J lie, and
the courseHof ails lmagicianhugsdTpfltrm lfizg brim

ti. eh pa son u,or
firm; had seemed; fiat ways brig and

.'i i

 

      
  

   

    

, \

i “‘l'
'V. ‘..I ,, , '.;
‘-\-\ i’v' ‘

 

 

promising, but it now seemed that all his hopes
were vain. .

It was not his habit to smoke in the morning,
but, utterly unconscious of what he was doing,
he lighted a cigar. Still he only took a few pulls
at it, and then he allowed it to goout, forgetting
he held it tightly clinched between his teeth.

At times, when he would leave the chair, he
would stand by the window and stare blankly
into the little yard at the back of the magnificent
house. Birds were twittering 1n the shadows of
allittle rustic arbor, but he h‘eeded them not.

Not being a man accustomed to utter his
thoughts aloud, one could only udge of them by
the expression of his face and t e nervous move-
ment of his bands, which occasionally trembled
a little, as it with the unsteadying touch of ap-
proaching age.

Once he smiled, but it was in a manner that (
made his face actually re llent. It seemed as ,
if some pleasant thought ad striven to enter his .1‘
mind, but had been overcome by the somber 1:
ones already there.

He paid no heed to the sound of the door-bell, ‘;
and was quite unconscious when a black servant i
entered the room with a card on a receiver. The a
negro was obliged to cough several times before i
Hanson Prince turned toward him. ' L

“ Eh?” exclaimed the diamond merchant in f.
surprise. “ What is it, John?” |

“ A gentleman has sent on his card, sir.”

“A gentleman—his car —at this time in the
morning? No, sir—no! He cannot be a gentle— , 1
man! Wh , I have not eaten—tell him that.” =
“ So I di , sir." f'

l
i

 

 

“ And he did not go away, chi No? Well,
well! What can such a person want!"

“ He insisted on seeing you, sir.”

“ And dyou called him a gentleman, John—
yes, you idl Wh , have you no ability to dis-
cern a gentleman mm a common man? Is all

our time in this house spent in vain? It must 5'

—{es, must be. Where is this—person?”

“ n the arlor.”

“ ’Um! ell him I am sick in bed—tell him I
will not see him—tall him any thing.”

“ Very well, sir.”

But, as the servant was turning away, the
our-particular diamond merchant remembered 1
he had not looked at the card of the importunate in
Visitor. '

“ Stop. John.” '

‘ Y

“ The card.”
Mr. Prince held out his hand, and the card » i
was brought to him. The eyes which were keen '
enon h to tell the different shades in the value ' ' 
of a iamond or detect the tiniest flaw needed no 1
spectacles to enable them to read the name en-
graved on the pure white square.

“ Count Fabian Mirabeau," he read aloud.
“ Well, this is singular—this is strange. A count i
—evidently a Frenchman. I wonder if they 5
have a habit in France of making calls at such
an outrageous hour? Perhaps so—yerhaps that
is the explanation. I will see him. - ,

J olm_ was well accustomed to his master’s '
eccentricities, and so he thought nothing of the -
sudden change.

“ Where will you receive him, sir?"

“ Here—let him come here.”

The servant bowed and retired, leaving Prince
standin near the window, studying the card in
his ban and ecOwlin somewhat. V

A few moments is or Count Mirabeau was in ~
the presence of the diamond merchant. “ Mon.
sie , I have so great honaire—se vera great
bod 're—tfo  you.”hi The count made a low
an race u o sauce a manner i
the t 'orough Frenchm’an. be he thud

" Vi ill you be seated, sir?” said Prince.
a sudden drawing toward
foreigner. “ To what do I a
most unexqected call?"

“ Saire, hear of you in Parse—you.

 

h odd feeling'
9 -appearin
e the honor of ting

      

  

 

       

as great

   
   
   

diamond merchant. I have one great desire to

   
     
 

meet you. For a long time I do look forward to I ‘1 l ‘
zistay, and 1—” l ' i I
anson stop the s ker with a tare.  a 
“Enough, £2“ Mfibeau,” he :3, some- . R".
what sharply. “ I am not a man‘whcse head is i ‘

      
   

turned by flattery, and on speak too nl
me to appreciate your w’ords. ope! y for

“ I beg ze gentleman’s pardon,”¢ravely bowed
the count, and for some reason nee fancied ‘ n. V
the eyes behind the goggles twinkled maliciously. . '4‘ = ‘
“I speak aft-ire as we of my coun men. '1 y
We are not like as American—we say 0 t what
Mimi?" m a '

i u some ngs on 0 not enti
I fear. I am a plaid, American, days???
This isinot my hour for receiving visitors—”

.3 gilldoy tsevgeipt ago: the Frenchman's face .
an s in mus ceseem 
like ice.pli)e observed: ~ ed to brink, as, i ’“ i ' “ i

“I beg momma” pardon, but I am a man of ' "#3. ‘
as world, and I know zis is not us hear for call- \n
log in America. Steel, I have sometimes busi- 
nose at take up much of my othsire time, and
I take me occasion to call here, for I do know
at on bg‘niot occlppy now." .

ow you now that -
nus“: 1'" ' "

a s s range—very stran . W w ,

no offense—no ofl'enss. It legeall‘ nfiiii. egf

course your business is urgent—very urgent—For

 
    

      
    
         
     
      

     
         
          
    
 
 

 
 

    
       
    
      
  
  
 
  
     

 
   

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.5; ' ' ' V  Double-voice Dan on’ Deck.

:13

 

you would not have called. All things are par-
donahle under such circumstances—nearly all
things.”

“ I thank you, saire.” bowed the count. “ I
deed not come on beesness zat concern me so
vera close, but—”

“ I do not exactly understand you. You put
asirange accent on your words and stop in a
significant manner with ‘ but.’ But what, sir,
but what?”

The count hesitath and seemed embarrassed,
while the merchant prince was plainly nervous
and anxious to get at the reason for such an un-
timely cull. After a few seconds, the French-
man seemed \to .force himself to come to the

int.

“ Eet is of your son, monsieur, I do weesh to
speak.”

Hanson Prince started and turned paler than
before, if possible.

“ My son?” he faltered.

N Oui‘”

“ What do you know of him?” harshly de-
manded the merchant.

Mirabeau shru ed his shoulders.

“ Remeiiibaire come as your friend,” he said.
“ You must regard me as such, saire.”

Prince caught the Frenchman bv the arm.

“ l understand—I understand!” he hoarser
uttered. “ It is to be another blow! I have felt

. it coming—felt it! Tell me all—auything—o-
fvlarythingl I will listen—I am ready to hear
t

The count fell back a step, shaking the nerv-
ous hand from his arm.

_“ I am afraid I have come at ze wrong time,
monsieur; you seem vera much disturb.”

But Prince urged his visitor to go on.

“ I am ready to hear anything—evorythiug
you have to say. Ipeak out.”

“ What eef I tel you zut ze young man you
call your son is one vara great rascaile, mon-
sieur?"

“ I should hope. you could not prove it trmh-
I should hope you werel ing."

“ But you would fear tell ze triite, eh? \l'ell,
I do know Monsieur Paul in Paree.”

“ Yes, yes!”

“ Ile iniugaile wiz ze worst class.”

Hanson Prince closed his teeth firmly to keep
buck the groan th t sought utterance.

“ Have you pr fof this?” ’

“I Inive, mire."

“ And 1 put such utter trust in my hov!”

“ Puul Prince do live vera fast—ze Paul zat
Come buck to America.”

“ The Paul that came back to America? \tht
do you mean? I do not understand. There
seems a hidden meaning in your words. There
is no other Paul.”’

Again that expressive shrug of the shoulders.

“ Mina strange things do happen in zis world,
monsieur. Sometime open your eyes to one
wondaireful fraud.”

A second time Hanson Prince caught the count
by the arm. .

“ Look here, sir,” fell almost savagely from
his lips; “ I have suffered enough without hav-
ing you come here to add to my tortures by your
hints and hidden meanings. Speak out lke a

man! Just what on have to tell concerning my '

boy-any Pauli hat do you know i”

“I know vera much,” was the reply. “ In
heem you are (boeive. Look out for beam or
he wil bring you to as ruin! He is no true son
of yours I” , ‘ ,

“ You infernal llarl” cried a hoarse voice,
that was choked with passion.

Then Paul Prince leaped into the rooni from
behind some portions, where he Ind been con-

——

CHAPTER XVII.
a‘cooi. comer. ' ‘

IT was evidenotdthe young Plunger had been
flaying the as]: ropper and remained quiet as
ong as pussl .
His face was black with MOD. end he glared
at Count Mi beau as if he would annihilate the
Frenchman. \ x
g The fcreiguer remained remarkably cool un-
der. the circumstances. calmly facing the oung
man. not a peering “ ‘11 3mm“ by Pan 's un-
ex ted a nce.
ansoa Prince betrayed his alarm, but he am
not seem to have strength to place himself be.
tween the twomen, although he started to do

so.

“Out of the way, father!” frothed the
ger man. “I will ram his cursed lies down his
throat!” /

A sound that was half a laugh and half an ex-
olamation of scorn and derision came from the
lips g! th: Frenchman. '

“ on now cat s no no. ‘uu oun dev-vall”
gagimedh ;‘ It i; no tmtelu’wholg trutezi I

w o orw at oua Kc our is-
tainoég” y re. ep y

iiie a flash, a revolver appeared in the hand
of the speaker, and it was leveled at the head of
Paul Prince.

Elie Plunger recoiled, his hand lifted.

I keep myself heel for such as you, salre.”
, bowed the count. “ I have as great record in so
- field of honaire; [can hit as captain of u bull’y

\

  
  

eye every time. I hope you weal not make it
necessary for me to deesp ay my skeel.”

The sudden a pearance of the revolver had
taken Paul completely by surprise, and he dared
not attack the Frenchman, for he saw the
hammer of the self-cocking weapon rise slightly
before the pressure of a finger on the trigger.
Plain] y Count Mirabeau was a dangerous man—
a man ready for any and all emergencies.

Hanson Prince scarcely knew what moveto
make, but the natural solicitude for the welfare
of his own child rose in his breast as he saw
Paul menaced by a deadly weapon.

“Careful, carefull” he cried, catching at
Mirabeau’s arm, but being baffled by a sudden
sidolong movement of the Frenchman. “You
must be deranged—yes, sir, deranged! What
are you doing? Zoundsl Do you dare such a

[thing in my house—in the house of a gentle-

man?”

“I beg ze monsieur’s pardon,” came smoothly
from the lips shaded by that waxed mustache.
“ Et seemed ze best way to avoid ze rufl‘ian
fight in 218 place. You people in America tight
so vera quick and wiz your feests. You go
hiif-biiI—knock ’en out—keek, punch, anyt’ing.
Zat is not 20 way g ntlemen settaile such thing
in France."

“ Put down that‘rcvolver!" grated Paul.

“And have ze brute fight wiz you, saire? I
beg to be excuse.”

“ You are a cowardly dog 1”

Miraheau shrugged his shoulders.

“ You say zat? Well, I think you know
bettaire. Eef you believe zat, tomorrow at
sunrise I_ meet you anywhere and wiz any
weapon you may peek. I shoot you t'rough ze
heart or I run you t’rough 29 body wiz m sword.
Now dam on say I am Coward?”

“ Yes, Iydo say so! No man will draw a
weapon on another in such a manner as this un-
less he is a cowardly cur!” .

“I do eet to keep from ze feast fight here in ’

2e gentleman’s house—ze brutaile sluggar fight.”

“ Oh, that is another lie! You are nothing'

more than a most contemptible French brag-

urt! .
“ Father, I happened to hear some things this
sneaking dog was saying about me, and now I
will tell you what he is. He is a blackmailer—
a bogus count in search ofa foolish American
heiress who is ready to buy a title. He claims
to have known me in Paris, but it is another of
his lies.” ’ ‘

“ I can bring 20 proof.”

“ Bah! You can irove nothing i”

“ You think zati Well, I will make you
think diff'runt before a vera great while. Don’t
think I do not reiiienibaire all ze insult you
ni‘e‘llg in m oe here, saire, for I do remem-
haire item a . make you pay for zen), and I
make you pay vera dear.”

The Plunger smote his hands together.

“ Hear the miserable our 1" he .foamed. “ He
is ready with his blut so long as he keeps that
revolVer in hand, so he can shoot me when I at-
tempt to give him the thrashing he should have.
I would like to get my hands on himl" .

“ You may have zat privilege vera, soon,
saire.” ,

" You will notdare give me the chance.”

“ Perhap’ you think sat, but you do fool your-
self. Of you I have not so least fehr.” ‘ -

“ Another lie l”

“ I am no blackmailer, mansieur,” asserted
the count addressing anson Prince. “ Zis
person do but tell no trute when he say set.”

But the diamond merchant had begun to look
on the Frenchuian with suspicion.

“ I am not so sure of that,” he retorted—“ not
so sure. Your manner is very strange for a
gentleman—exceeding strange! You seem to
forget where you are, sir!”

His words seemed to cut the Frenchman more
than all the taunts of the Plunger. .

“You think zat, monsieurl I am' vera sorra.
But as time shall come when you will under—
stand eet all much bettaire. I am not ready to
make so full explain just now, but I weel make
set soon."‘ -

Paul laughed sueeringly.

“ Do you think any one foolish enough to take
stock in such gufl'l You can make no explana-
tion. You came here, without doubt, to the
purpose of raisin money by some of our h ck-
mai lug stories; ut you have been gained. and
new you seek a looLhole to escape from.”

“It certainly loo that way, agreed thediap
mend merchant—" it surely appears so.”

“ Shall I call an officer. father, and have him
turned over to the police?”

“ Perhaps fyou had better do that.”

v“ irabeau aughed.

“ 0h. gentlemain, you would not do at!"

Wouldn’t wei" retorted Paul. “ Well, you
will find out we just would I" .

I am not much of no sportalne man,” smile
the count; “ but I weel bet you two to one at
’03 "99' “.01: do anyt’ing’of so kind.”

“ You bet! ‘ You have not a soul”

“ I live you my papare for as mm.”

,Well.‘thatisgocdl Hal ha! ha!
pen! on have nerve!”

You weal not" take eet!”

Your pm

 

“I should t '
Aflm M 08y no I
yr; .r‘.

  

 

u‘.‘ .‘J

“ 0h, vera well.”

,“ esp watch of him, father,” admonished
Pnul. ‘ 1 am going for an oflcer.”

He started toward the door.

H  I”

The word fell from Count Mirabeau's lips, and
it was a command. The Frenchman did not
menace the young man with the revolver; in-
stead of that, he returned the weapon to his
pooket and stood with hands on his hips.

Paul involuntarily aused.

“ You weel not go or ze officare,” asserted the
Frenchman, his manner being confident.

“ I certainly shall,” was the reply; and Paul
again moved to leave the room.

“Sta , Ferril Costagan !" "

The lunger pausedl as if turned tostone, his
face turned toward the one who uttered the com-
mand. He had suddenly grown pale as a corpse.

“ I do not think you had bettaire go for no ot- .
ficare,” sweetly smiled the count. _. ‘

Paul Prince wheeled back into the room and.

came toward the Frenchman, his hands clinched ‘ 
and his whole forni trembling with fear or pas- - ‘

sion. or a combination of both. .. .,
” Who the deuce are you i” he hourser demand-
ed, his voice being far from steady. '
The foreigner bowed gracefully. ;
“ Count Fabian Mirabeau, at your service,_-,‘
monsieur,” he replied.
“ More likely you are an agent of Salaam”

y‘l

“ I do no deal wiz your niastaire. eaire.” . ..  -

“What did you mean by calling me that ‘ '
name?” , 
“ What name?” , ‘

“ The one you spoke as I was about to leave . '. -
the room.” ’ A . '
“ What was eet!” \

‘f You know.” - 
“And you do not dare repeat eet, eh? Oh-ahl. '9
I see—I understand. You do not want your ‘ '
farzare to hear eel.” " ,
“ You lie 1” '

The young man saw there was no longer  
weapon in the count's hand, and like a tiger, as . ‘

sprung upon the Frenchman, who seemed
unprepared for the assault.

But Mirabeau's appearance was very decepé ‘ "
tive, for he was fully expecting such a move on“
the young Plunger’s part, and he was ready to
meet it. 

Paul seemed to have the advantage of the 
den attack, but he did not Succeed in hurling 
Frenchman violent y to the floiir, as he had 'iné' ' '

quits 

tended. The count , supple body bent before the.  i

assault, but Paul was not able to fasten a grip,
upon the foreigner’s throat. as he tried to do. } 3‘ )
“Zat does not work, inonsieur,” said Fabhn,

scornfully. “ You do seem detcrmaine to 
ze hrutaile fight.” , ' ‘
“ will kill you, curse you!” ‘ 

“ am one hard man to keel."
“ You shall never fill this city with your 
about me!” , - ‘
“ Eet is not ze lies you fear—eet is no trute.” '
Then the struggle became so desperate first;
was scarcely a chance for words. i .. .
For some.monients Hanson Prince looked on “i .
At length, recovering hlmg'
somewhat, be mad“ feeble attempt to part .
struggling men, but was unsuccessful. I  V.
“ away, father!” grated Paul. “ F 
do him up. He’ll never come here with 
more of his lies!” . I 1"
. Mr. Prince wrung his hands helplessly. .‘5 fr
“ This is terrible l” he groan . i ‘ '
Neither of the struggling men had delivered
blow, but they seemed desirous of fastening
hands on each other‘s throats. Once a m
they iri ped over some piece of furniturey
they di not lose their footing, and it was phi
they were Very nearly evenl matched. ‘Ms
was quite surprising to Paul, or he had 
on easily handling the slender count, 
athlete of repute. But the count was
in many ways, and the Plunger found hb pl-
tagonist had nerves of steel. V ,
But fortune favored Paul. . ‘ r' j . ,
over an ottoman, anddfifi

on a small couc
“I

“ Hal hai” savagely laughed Paul.
you now !” ~ , . " i7
The chhman’srllssmere closetohll 
ear, and he whispe a few words whidi 
heard only by Paul. ' 1»
Then came a sudden change,
The young Plunger seemed robbed of
strength by than words, and Mir-aliun
whirled him to the floor, breaking free

“I have no desire to remain hsreand .
furthaire trouble, monsieur,” hecalmly ‘ V
bowing low tode the old diamond V
“ Bon jour.” , J- ‘ x

A momcnt later he had vanished. 1 ' ‘x

N

 
 
   

 

  
 

CHAPTER XVIII. ' ,1 '

rain BEAUTIFUL stars. y v ~ 3

Com Minna n tripped lightly
steps of the old diamond merchant‘s lions: ,,
strange look of satisfaction on his dark  ~ 
He seemed quite, pleased With the who!
visit' and not at all milled by the A 
through which he had just passed. , '

 

  

 
 

 

       
 

   

  

    
    
 
  
  
   
  
   
    

  

  
 
     
    
  
 
 
   

 

 
 
   
  
  
   
   
   

   
 

 
   
  
 

   

14

Double-voice Dan on Deck.

4“

 

 

To as the very least, the count was a strange
man. e seemed to have a purpose in all he
did, but no one but himself fully understood
what his purpose was.

He had taken his walking-stick from the rack
in the ball, and he now made his way down the
avenue with an easy, swinging stride—a step
that was not in the least stilted or artificial.
His form was as straight as an lndian’s, the
long-skirted black coat being buttoned tightly
across his breast. His appearance at a little
distance was rather aristocratic, but his clothes
were a trifle too shabby to bear close inspec-
tion.

The casual observer would scarcely have been
inclined tobelieve the man posse58ed of unusual
strength, but had not such been the case, he
could not have proved a match for such an ath-
letic fellow as Paul Prince. True, Paul had
seemed to obtain the advantage finally, but it
was brought about by an accidental tripping,
not by superior strength or skill.

From the look on the couut’s face as he made
his way down the avenue, one would have imag-
ined he had enjoyed a most pleasant call on the
DiamOnd Prince.

The count did not look back. Had he done so
suddenly, he might have detected a man who
was cautiously following him.

That man was Paul Prince.

The young Plunger was shadowing the French-
man.

Count Mirabeau seemed to have a distinctive
objective point in view, for he betra ed no hesi-
tation in shaping his course. He id not go so
very far down the avenue before he turned into
another street. Soon finding his way to a car,
he was not long in reaching his destination.

He wasin the “Tenderloin District” when he
ascended the steps of a rather aristocratic-ap-
pearing “ apartment” building.

Glancing at the cards beneath thes king-
tubes, the odd Frenchman soon founme one
he sought. The name printed upon it was—

“ Mas. AMY RANDOLPH.”

Something like a sneering laugh came from
Mirabeau’s mustache-shaded lips.

He did not press the button beneath the card,
but rung the janitor’s bell instead.

After a length of time that was inclined
to impress the visitor with the importance
of his dignified position, the black face of an
‘iintelligent-appearing negro appeared at the

cor.

Count Mirabeau seemed to know how to deal
- with janitors, for, although he had acknowl-
edged to Double-voice Dan he was “hard up,”
he did not hesitate about slipping a silver half-
dollar into the negro’s hand.

Immediately the freedom of the entire build-
in was his.

n a short time, Count Mirabeau was tly
knocking at the door of Mrs. Ranifgl‘ph
rooms.

The rap was answered hya ruddy-faced and
clean-looking German maid, and the Frenchman
permitted her to take his card to Mrs. Randolph,
while he waited in the parlor.

After a lapse of about ten minutes, the woman
he had called to see entered the room.

A glance showed the count he was in the
presence of a most entrancineg beautiful female
—a woman certainly not more than twenty-eight
or thirty years old and looking half-a-donsn years
younger.

She was dressed in a light morning gown that
was quite a poem in itself, being of fine and
expensive material and plainly fitted to the
form it adorned by a tailor of high repute—pre-
sumably a foreigner. From beneath this pee
the toe of a delicate kid slip r, a slipper t at
lirely cancealed a small and s poly foot. The
absence of over-display iu the way of adorn-
ment. of any kind told that the woman was one
whose taste m' ht be considered correct, even
though she coul afford the expense of it Worth
gawn for morning wear.

But it was not the gown that attracted Count
Mirabeau’s attention; it was the face of the
woman who wore it. The Frenchman saw in a
moment he was in the presence of a dark-e ed
Hebe, whose beauty was of the ravishing na ure
that steals away the reason of sober men and
lures the most upright into paths which lead to
the shadowy Valley of Ruin. He saw before
him a creature whose influence he instantly re-
cognized as strongly potent for good or evil, ac-
cordingly as she might choose to exert it.

Her hair was black as glocmy midnight, and
although her eyes'were also dark, away down in
their'melting depths there was a glint as of moon-
light on the bosom of a nice ing lake. Her face
was as fair as that of a chi d, and in her cheeks
was the warm color of blessed uth. Above

the gloriously beautiful e as are ed the brows
‘ in a manner that seeme to tell of the proud
blood in the veins of the queeuly creature; and
the low forehead was untouched by the tracing-
pencil of Time. The ripe lips of healthy red
were like the curve of Cupid’s how. while her
chin was one for a poet to rave over. Her throat
was white, round and pure as new milk.

Many a man would have been stricken dumb
at suddenly finding himself in the presence of
such a peerless creature, but Count Mirabeau

I

\

 

did not lose his head for a single instant.
although he was filled with wonder at the
thought of such a woman being anything that
was not pure, noble and lovable.

Before him the Frenchman saw the most
perfect work of a Divine Creator, so far as
outward seeming went, and through his mind
flashed the thought that the gods had intended
her for an angel on earth. By what evil chance,
then, had her life been turned into a channel
that polluted it and dragged her into the eddying
flood of sin that sweeps resistlessly onward to the
boundless Ocean of Destruction?

Mirabeau saluted the woman with the grace of
a knight of olden time.

“ I beg ze madame pardon for ze intrusion,
but I have ze reason—ze vera good reason."

“You have said quite enough in the way of
apology, Count Mirabeau,” the re lied, smiling
graciously. “ Pray be seated. I) regard this
visit as an honor to be esteemed and cherished
in memory.”

Not to be outdone in the way of flattering
words, the cool Frenchman bOWed low, his hand
on his heart, replying:

“Ze madame must grant me gracc eef I say
I am ze one who feel ze great bonaire in being
notice at all b one creature so divine. My
use of ze Eeng ish language will not let me
say so things zat 1 do feel in my heart, and
ze glass I have to wear ovaire my eyes do not
let zem speak for me. At ze saime time’,’ I think
zat you may feel ze words I cannot say.

She lau bed softly, sweetly, showing two rows
of natura teeth that were white as milk, and
again she motioned him to a chair, sinking down
in a graceful pose on an easy couch.

Not till then did the count resume his seat,
and for one brief instant he found himself at a
loss for theZ‘words he wished tense in introducing
his subject. However, she gave 'him time to
collect himself by speaking herself.

“ You come from Paris? Ah, yes! I love itl
Parls— mpant, rejrui' !"

The chman started.

“ Do you speak 29 French?" he quickly asked.

She shook her queenly bead, her smile having
a mingling of sadness and regret.

,“ I regret to say I do not, count, and it is all
the fault of what we Americans rather harshly
designate as laziness. I have had plenty of op-
portunity, but it has been too much trouble for
me to do anything more than pick up a slight
smattering—a few catch-words and phrases.’

“ 1 have one hard struggaile wiz ze Eenglish,”
frankly confessed the count. “ I do not at him
all yet, but I have some grip zat I hold est. I
get heem pretty soon.”

“ I only wish I had your courage in regard to
French. I am continually looking forward to
my next visit to gay Puree, but my inability to
converse in the language of the country puts a
serious damper on my spirits. However, some
day I shall—pardon a bit of American slang—

t a brace on. Then I will engage a competent
nstructor and settle down to it in earnest. If I
can only hold fast to my determination l” .

“ Whoovair zat instructor is, he shall have my
vera great en vy."

The wily Frenchman said this in his most
“killing"manner, and his accent made it all
the more eflective. It was a center shot, and
apparently it reached the bull’s-eye.

Mrs. Randolph's eyes drooped and a tide of
color swept into her cheeks. Whatever had
been the woman‘s life, she had not forgotten how
to blush in a most artistic manner.

But Fabian erabeau felt no elation over the
apparent success of his subtle flattery, for he
had fully “sized upl” the woman and knew the
kind of a person to whom he was talking. Being
in man respects a man of the world, the soft
blush o a beautiful and sensuous siren was ac-
cented by him for exact] what it was worth.

He placed but little va ue upon it, although be
admired the woman for her ability to summon
the soft tint of pink to her cheeks and neck. He
could but wonder how she could do it.

“ Ah, count!” she laughed, “ could you speak
the most perfect English, with no trace of that
delightful accent, I should know you for a
Frenchman. The are all flatterers of the most
cunning craft, an awoman never knows if they
are saying what they mean.”

“ 0h, madame, sat is cruailel Bv zat you
make so direc’ thrust at me—and I defenseless in
your presaince. flaw could anyfonefto y0u say
anyt’ing zat he does not mean! He would be
one monstairel”

His protest was so vehement that it amused
her. She was growing interested in the man,
and for the time she forgot he had not made’l
kn0wn his reason for calling on her. There was
a subtle something about the count that attract-
ed women tohim, evsn though he made no effort
to do so.

“ I fear on are like the others," relentlessly
persisted t e beautiful woman. “I should not
dare trust you."

“ Madame, you could trust me to re ends of me
earth.”

“You mean I could trust you at one end if I
were at the other.”

“ How can you say zat when you know I deed
not mean eet. You have me at your mercy, and
you make re sport'of me. I have oftain wondair

\ l

 

I why zemost beautiful are sometimesze most

cruaile.”

“ There you go again. count! I believe I must
have a motto for this room—one that will read
‘ No Flattery.’ But you also have the audacity
to call me cruel! How dare you l”

“ I give zat up. I am vera much astonish at
my own boldness, I do assure you.”

She laughed once more.

“ We have gotten on easy terms in remarkably
short time,” she said, as she arose and secured a,
box of cigarettes from a delicately ornamented
smoking stand. “ Say, let me talk out just what.
I mean, will you?”

She offered him the cigarettes as she was speak—v
ing, and he accepted one of them, with thanks.
She also selected one, rolled it deftly between her
tapering fingers and pulled little bits of loose to—
bacco from the ends. Then she struck a wax
match and held it toward her visitor, allowing
him to light his cigarette from the burning hit
in her hand. After this, she stood before him
till she had lighted her own; and then she push—
ed an easy-cbair directly before him, flinging
herself down in it, her pose being both graceful
and comfortable.

The Frenchman had watched every movement
closely, feeling the woman before him was one
worth studying. He recognized in her a creature
of voluptuous tastes, without having that “ fieshi-
uses” which such women, when gifted with in-
tellect, justly regard as a curse.

Say what you may. at no time does a woman
of the world look more allurin than when she
is smoking a cigarette, taking t ose short, quick

oils which swell out her throat and make her
00k bird-er.

Something of this kind the count tried to ex-
press in his imperfect English, but she cut him
short by repeating her question: '

“ Let me tell you just what I think, Will you?”

“ Oui, oui! certainly, madame.”

“ You will not be oflended?”

“ Nevaire at anyt’ing from your lips.”

“ Well, then here goes: I don’t take any stock
at all in your being a count. In fact, I do not
believe you are any more a count than I am a
countess. There you have it, straight from the
shoulder—bid: Is it a knock-out?”

 

CHAPTER XIX.
a KEEN WOXAN.

Tint beautiful woman had suddenly rela .ed
into slang of the most ronounoed sort, an for
the moment Count M rabeau experienced the
revulsion of a man to whose nostrils a passing
zephyr brings a faintly repugnant odor while
he wanders amid the bloom-meads of June.

This sensation passed almost instantly, for the
charming siren indolently reclined before him
in a posture of negligent grace and repose, the
soft smile on her lips taking some of the
harshness from the words she ha just uttered.

Before coming there, he had anticipated the
fact that he was to face the keenest adventures:
in all New York, and, if her beauty and manner
of receiving him had caused him to forget that
for an instant, it was brou ht back to him with
redoubled force by her flna words.

He had come there to read her-to make her a
study and to force her to serve him in ac-
com lishing his mission in the metropolis, if
possible; but she had suddenly aroused him to

he fact that he was being analyzed in turn.
Already she fancied she detected a flaw in his
polished exterior, and she did not appear to have
the least hesitation about investigating.

That did not please him to any great extent,
although it is possible there was some satisfac.
tion in knowing he was dealing with a creature
of brains—one that might become a focman
worthy of his skill. ._

She was watching the Frenchman's face close—
ly, and it was possible she felt a tinge of dis-
appointment because her blunt words did not

roduce a more pronounced effect, for Mirabeau’s

sutures were well under control.

There was no show of dismay on the French-
man’s part; mild and offended surprise alone
bein a parent.

“ a ame,” he said slowly, “ I fear zat I do
not uite understau’ all sat you mean. Is eet a
‘oke
J Her red lips curled back from the milky teeth
for an instant, giving the faintest suggestion of
acat showing her fangs in play; but the look
was only a flash that faded before one of
genuine merriment.

“A joke!” she laughed. “Well, call it that,
and still—”

“ I fear I do not comprehend zese' American
jokes. Zey have sore point concealed. You
say ‘ and yet,’ zen you stop. And yet—what?"

“ And yet I fancied I might be cutting close
to the truth. You know we have so many
foreigners who come to us with titles attached
to their names that—well, one never knows just
what to think.”

“ I suppose zat is so."

“ It is. I presume I shall have to accept you
as on the dead level. Anyway, we will let it go
at that.

“ But,” suddenly straightening up a bit, and
becoming sober, ' I have filled your ears with

 \

Double-voice Dan on Deck.

15

 

sill chatter, and kept you from telling why you
calfed ”

“ If your talk is what you call so seely chat-
ter, zen zat must he as American name for most
delaightful museek,” bowed the count.

She threw back her head as she laughed. show-
ing her throat. It was a beautiful throat, and
she knew it.

“ You are simply an incorrigible flatterer, and
that is putting it mildly.”

The count shook his head and protested, but
she would not take him seriously.

“ Madame,” he said, at length, “ you won-
daire why I call. Perhap‘ it was to see ze beau-
tiful one, of who I have heard so vera much.”

“ There you go again!"

“ Well, zen, perhap’ eet was for some ozare
t’ing. Oui—I confess eet. But when I find my-
self wiz you, eet is so vera hard to speak of zat.
Perhap’ I had bettaire go away wizout say any-
t’ing.r of eet.”

“ No, no! I will not hear to that. Now you
are here, you must confess your mission.”l

He still seemed reluctant, but she would hear
to nothing else.

“ Vera Well, zen I weel have to tell you a
stor .”

" hat is delightful i”

“ Maybe so—maybe not so. Are you ready to
leestenl”

“ Yes—no, wait.”

She settled herself on the couch once more,
arranging some of the softest cushions beneath
her in a comfortable manner. Then she drew
languidly on the cigarette till, from a mouthful
of smoke, she was able to send out several tiny
rings of bluish-white.

He watched her patiently, interestediy, fancy-
ing within his heart she might not be so perfect-
ly at her ease if she knew the true cause of his
bein there.

“ ow I am ready—wait!” Again that word
fell from her lips. “ Touch the bell at your
elbow, count. We will have some wine.”

“ I wee] reeng ze bell, madame; but you need
have no wine bring for me.”

She stared at him with her eyes wide open,
and full of wonder, seeming to doubt the evi~
dence of her own shell-like ears.

“ No wine?” she repeated doubtfully.

“ Not for me, madame,” bowed Mirabeau,
respectfully. “ I fear eet may not seem ze raight
t’in , but I nevaire dreenk eet, so I do hope I
sha i be excuse’.”

She clinched one hand and made a decisive
gesture in the air.

“ I knew it!” she cried, triumphantly.

“ What?”

“ You claim to be a Frenchman!"

“ Oui, madame.”

“ From Paris?”

H mi.”

“ And a count?”

it out."
on do not drink!”

“ Neva re.

“ That is a dead give-away.”

“ How you mean!"

“ There never was a Frenchman—me Paris
—a count, who would refuse wine-never !”

Mirabeau smiled.

“ You t’ink na madame?”

“ I know it! do not dispute your being
French; but you are not a count—you are not
from Paris. Take my advice, if you wish to be
accepted for what you claim,learn to drink wine.
Il willngive you instructions. Touch the bell,

ease.

“ I will touch ze bell, madame, but I assure
you I cannot be induce to accept 2e dreenk.”

“ Not even from me?”

“ Not even from you.”

She knit her pretty brows in a scowl and
pureed her lips poutingly, her displeasure being
apparent. But she did not display half the dis-
pleasure she felt, for she was not at all accus-
tomed to havin any man refuse to drink wine
with her—and n her Own rooms, at that!

“ Ring the bell, please.”

The count obeyed.

The maid romptly answered the call, and
Mrs. Randolp gave her order.

There wasa smile on the lips of the count,
and his angles seemed to stand out more promi-
nently than ever just then; but he simply shrug-
ged his shoulders and said nothing.

The wOman laughed, as she surveyed the
aspect of her visitor, but she felt con dent he
Would succumb to her artful blandishments.
She was not_accustomed to dealing with men
who could resist her soft cajolery, and she doubt-
ed if such men existed.

“ You will have time to begin the story, be-
fore Gretchen returns, monsieur,” she said, as
she dropped the still—smoking cigarette into a
large urn that stood handy for its reception.
“ You will fairly get under way when the wine
will appear in time to oil your tongue.”

"Vera well, madame. Eet is no story of a
young American—one whose fazare is vera
reach.”

“ The only young Americans in whom I take
the least interest, count. You have struck the
:gha’klnd of a hero to interest me from the very

The man bowed. He was very sober now, as

 

she observed. Something in his manner in-
creased her interest in the story he was about to
tell.

“Zis young American he have as name of—
well, call eet Frank Keeng.”

“ Frank King?"

“ Oui, madame.”

“ I like the name, and so In
with wonderful] rapidity.
Kings and Princes.”

He did not start, though be fully understood
the double play she had made on the words. It
was best that he should pretend not to compre-
hend just then, although she would discover ere
he had finished the story that he had been fully
alive to her pun.

“ Well, madame, zis Frank Keeng he do have
a fazare zat is reech and praond of his son. Zis
fazare is vera good to ze boy—take a great in-
terest in heem. He believe he will make as great
man and be know all ovaire ze world, for he be
somet’ing of an artist. He do love to sketch—
draw—paint.

“ Ze young Monsieur Keeng he do not dreenk
at all, like me—he hev no taste for eet. Eef a
man do not like anyt’ing, he is one great fool to
dreenk it. Frank Keeng he thinks zat, and he
see so much of no ruaine zat dreenk do work zat
he have a fear eet will grow on heem if he take
a leelaile of eet now and zen.

“ Young Keeng learn all zero is to know of ze
art in zis country, and zen he t’ink he love to go
to Paree—to Itala. His fazare find zis out, he
send heem to zem lace.

“ Ah! madame 0 get vera interest!”

In truth Mrs. Randolph was interested, for
she had started from the soft cushions and was
listenin with her curving lips parted, breath-
ing soft y. The attitude was one of unconscious
expectancy and anxiety.

She seemed confused when she discovered how
she had betrayed herself, and sunk back on the
cushions laughing shortly—a trifle harshly.
Mirabeau saw that much of her gentle beauty
had faded before a hard look that had cre t over
her flexible face. He had been astonish in the
first place by her look of almost child-like purity
and innocence, for he was accustomed to read
those of her class by a glance at their faces.
There is almost always something about the con-
tour of a sinful woman's mouth that betrays her
true character to the eyes of a man
of the world. The Frenchman now fancied he
saw the mouth of the woman before him assum-
ing that indescribable outline that he knew so
well as distinguishing the class to which she be-
longed, and it was wonderful how so slight a
change robbed her of the gentle softness of her
beauty. She was still beautiful, but there was a
repellent sterility about it, to one inclined to

interestincreases
am interested in

look beneath the sin-face.
“ Yes, I confess your storgénterested—or was
it your delightful accent? lly, I cannot say.

“ But, here is the wine, Monsieur Count.”
He recognized the derision in her confession of
the title he claimed, but he paid no attention to

it.

The maid placed the champagne and lasses
u n a little table, which she drew c ass to

re. Randolph’s elbow. The bottle had been
0 nod, and the woman poured out the but»
b ing liquid, not, however, without spilling a lit-
tle, thus betraying the fact that her hand was
not as steady as it might be.

“Now, count,” she smiled, gently holding:
glass of the sparkling beverage toward h ,

‘you surely wil not be ungallant enough to re-
fuse—you cannot be!”

“ I will take as wine,” he answered, “ and
touch as glasses win you, butI shall nevars leeft
it to my lceps.” .

She instantly sat down the glass and arose to
her feet, her face like marble, the shifting light
in her eyes turned to a steady glare.

“ Bah i” she cried, with an outfling‘lng of one
pure white hand. “ Why continue this decep-
tion longer? Throw of! the mask, as it does not

deceive mel Stand forth in your true light!”

“ What does so madame mean?” serene y asked
the Frenchman.

“ Mean—you know what I mean! I can read
men. and I have read you. You are no count.”

“ Pray, what am I, sent”

“ l ta 0 you for a French detective,” she an-
swered.

 

CHAPTER XX.
COMING TO run POINT.

Mxmsnau laughed.

“ What make you t’ink zat?” he questioned.

“ I have my reasons. You do not deny it,
which shows I am right.”

“ Be not so sure of zat, madame.”

“ Do you still claim to be a count?”

“ Not eef so madame do not like eet.”

She made a savage gesture.

“ It is not whether I like it or not; but it is
whether it is the truth or not.”

“ Is zat no way you put eet?”

it Yes.”

’;”Zen you want me to say I am not any count,

e
She bent toward him, her face shadowed by
the anger she felt.
-‘ I would like to hear the truth from your lips,

monsieur. You have the manners of a gentle-
man, and I trust you are such—even though you
are no count."

“ Evan zough I am a detective?"

H  '1

He laughed.

“Oh, you exasperate mel” she cried, flinging
herself down on the sofa once more.

“ And you do not like zat?”

“No woman likes it. Come, monsieur, con-
fess.”

“ Well, if eet will please you, madame, I will
confess I am not a count.”

Her face lighted.

“ But you a1 6 a detective?"

“ Ah, madame, zat I do deny.”

She caught her breath.

“ Truly i”

“ I am sobaire."

“ I wonder if I can believe you?”

Mirabeau made a gesture of reproach.

“ How can on say zat!”

She regar (1 him searchineg for several
minutes, seeming in doubt; but at length she
flung out her right hand, as if considering it
settled.

“It makes no difference to me whether you
are a detective or not,” she declared. “ I have
no reason to fear cu.”

He lifted his hand to his mustache in a care-
less manner, but she almost fancied it was to
conceal the look upon his face, and once more
she was keenly on the alert. She began to think
it possible the man’s visit was for something
other than a pleasant purpose.

“ Shall I return to re story, madame?”

“ Oh, yes; I suppose so,” she sighed, her man-
ner being that of a person bored—an air he knew
she assumed and did not truly feel. “ You will
not drink the wine? ’ Very well. I see I made a
mistake in my estimation of you ”—sarcastical-
ly. “I trust that you will rdon me.” With
that she drained one of the glla‘sses.

Whatever were his feelings, he did not betra
them on the surface, as he bowed his acknow -
edgment to her liberty. He waited till she had
selected another cigarette and lighted it; then,
when she was well settled back on the cushions,
he resumed: \

“ Monsieur Keeng be send bees son to so cure
country to feenish hees art studies. Ze young
man stuiily in Italy and make vera great go
ahead. e have re stuff in heem zat make heem
stick to bees beesness vera snug, and he do not
mind so prit-tee Italian girl sat try to—what you

drink, too.

“ But so young man go, at last, to Puree. 0h,
eet be vera bad for heem! Parse is gag-gym say
‘pt'mpant, rejout'.’ Zat be as trute. is bad
place for oung man. Young Keeng do not for-
get hees snare, but he get in as ga go-ronnd—
se whirl. He was young, laively, tn 1 of as blood;
he like to laugh—like as good time.”

“ That is natural,” languidly observed Mrs.
Randolph. “ But I feel my interest in the young
man on the wane. I fancied he was something
of a ram act's, but I begin to suspect he was
much like all the others."

“ I am not hold heem up for any saint,” pro-
tested the Frenchman. ;

“Well, how in the world can the adventures
and downfall—for you are plainly approaching
his downhill—of this yous man concern me?"

Mirabeau shrugged his s oulders.

“ Of eat you may judge when you have hear
asm all.” '

The woman stifled a wn.

“ Oh, well, make it s rt, count.”

“ Ze young man have vera good time inParee.‘
so he do neglect his studies sometime. Ze leetails
French girl the be vera great on as attract.
Zen he do mes: some onsre Americans in as
place. They take heem round and give heem as
jolly time.” .

“ That‘s the stuff,” nodded the woman, as she
blew out a cloud of white smoke. But the nar-
rator fancied she was not near as unconcerned as

in a suggestive manner, as she had made up
her mind to meet something boldly.

“was vera much like young Monsieur Keeng—
in trute, eet was hard to tell zem apart. Every-
where ney be take for brozares—tween brozarea
Zey geet to be vera t friend in much short
time and set is bad t rig to do—fooleesh!

“ iis cure young man, zat we will call Mon-
sieur Ferril, he do know a vera charmeeng
American Mdy zat is in Parr-e. Would Monsieur

of her vera great beauty and he is readyto meet
her. So he is take round to ze rooms where she
be—ze grand, iflque apartments! But he
do notseemuch o ze rooms aftaire he look Jn
her, for she is beautiful—she is divine! He toss
his head right away.

love wiz as Americans beauty, and she make
heem believe she is in love wiz heem. Pahl She
play heem for what money she :an geet, and he
tell her everyt’ing ‘bout heemself. He t’ink she
is one angel, but he is a fool.” u
The listening woman laughed, lightly.
“The woods are full of them,” she declared,

 

tossing the half-smoked cigarette into the urn,‘

call eetf—mash heem. He keep away from as |

Keeng like to meet her! Monsieur Keeng near '

she appeared. and her under {:W seemed squared . ‘

“ One of as Americans,” continued erabeau, .'

“Well, as young Monsieur Keeng he fall in .

A.3,~.fi.,,.y,.g~- 1.-., . _, .,_.,.g._._,

“' a. -2... ...'..’ - .1. .

>-.:.- ~31 .‘fr‘e— -

. _.. 5cm}. .._.:-.w;.. .

a" “.“"’1

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1*..fit-r

 

 '

6 A

" ’ i Zeystare'at as prisoner who have keel

 place—u dungeon. And all as time be see sem

 

  all cold. Zen he- take set on his shouldaire
“4, “ a} co it to a place where he can, bury it in
' “the to Aft-ire that be breathe, he see
* more. on it is

 

,. ‘1



 

v when he have no way oi get from ze dungeon?

' minute.

I feel allovairo ze stone of he dungeon with his
. .flngaires—feel of all ze stone and see eat one of

.1 .done, but Ze young man deeg deeg, deeg his
, ._way out. d
‘ doin’, tee! one day when he try to get out of 20

l ' w have beat him so. Ze keepaire give a reat

 'dramatic that the listener shuddered anr
. far back amid the cushions, staring up at Mira-

' his knee as if crushi
71f man’s face and left the pallor of fear.

1 "m itis night, and so eyes stare at heem.

r. as eyes stare at him not an

 

 

éAh-a, leesten!
,5‘ Was! nobody at all—ect is all one wicked Jie, lie,
list. Re have not been condemn b law; but be

friends.
. . Oh, she is one beautiful she-dev-vall”
.;d '

F'- . “I know her?

” «(mending forward, his eyesfastened on the,face
.uthis‘companioa.

'16 ‘

Doubl

I i {v 0 '

e-voice Dan on Deck.

 

 

to keep the first compan . But she was restless
and could not remain id 0 without something in
her fingers, so she lighted another.

“ You are exasperatingly slow in your man-
ner of telling this story, Monsieur Mirabean,” she
impatiently declared. “ You make me fretful.
Get a move on and come to the point.”

The light in her eyes was shifting and un-
steady now. She did not look at his steadily, as
at first, although she occasionally shot him a
keen lance. ' ,

“ ell," the Frenchman continued, " 29 young
man would be all right eef he had not been lead
on by no woman—”

“That old plea makes me tiredl” contemptu-
ously exclaimed Mrs. Randolph. “ The blame is
always thrown upon the woman—never on the
man i”

M' abeau slightly shrugged his shoulders, but
did u t combat her assertion. i

“All ze time so woman and Monsieur Ferril
W plot to geet young Keeng out of ze way.

hen zat is done, Ferril can take hoes plat-e.
Oh, madame, set is a vera bold scheme! And
zey do make ect work—(mi. Ze won an lead
Keeng to dreenk more zen evalre, iid one
high]: he dreenk so much he do not know notting
at a

“ When he recovaire, he find heemself shut up
in a dungeon—a place of stone undaire ze

round. Zere ees a guard, and when he ask how

0 come zere, ze guard say he have keel a man
and he condemn to the lace for life. He do not
remembaire anyt’ing o zat; zo last he remem-
haire he was drinking in as rooms of ze beautiful
American lady he t'iuk he love.

“ Madame, I am not able to say what zis
young man feel—I have not ze power to speak
eet in ze American language. Let Was terrible!
He sulYnire 19 great amount, and when he beat
attestooe and ze iron bar and call to see 29
sun and ze Open air. ze keepaire come and beat
heem till he fall, Zen _he do come mad and say

~he will keel ze keepuire; but how can he do zat

' “ in 26 darkness of so place where it be night
all ze time, he plan to get out—to be free—to
taste 2e 0 inc air eef he have to die ze next
6 do not know how long he is in 20
'dungeon, but eet seem like many year, and he
wondaire eef he is not an old man wiz vera gray

a r.
" One hundred time ze prisonaire go feel, feel,

zem is loose. One da he fliid ode zat move un-
daire bees hand; zen o shed zc tears of joy.

“ Madame, I will not drag out ze story by tell
all ze time he take to do not, and how eet was

Ze guard nevaire fin out what he is

e. Zen he come mz-a-mz wiz ze kee ire

shout an’ jump at heem, but Monsieur eeng

grab heem b ze t’roat—hurl heem down—crush
a knee into ees breast—hold heem zere tee! he
is dead i” '-

e and
sunk

The Frenchman’s manner wasso sav

beau, who had risen to his feet, illustrating the
battle and its result by rapid gestures. He bent
it into the breast of the
banal but unlucky eeper, and crooked his
sinewy fingers, as if they were closing on the‘
man’s wmdpipe and destroying his life.

The color had receded from the beautiful wo-

r Mirabean went on, swiftly.
“ How zat keepalre’s eyes do stock out of bees

But wherevairege
O

, as open air, but set is not enough—he is
l choke. Afteire time he come back to se

and Keeng run away.

stare at heem. He creep in re dark of so
and find as body of as dead whereeet has

mowing-so bright, heauti

baa“ now what shall I tell you, madame!
Zen he do find out at he have

, sunshiny mom-

~llave been shut up b
Ze woman

so ones e t’ink bees

rug ze wine he dreenki

‘ A rather thrilling tale," confessed (gin. Ran-
when he paused. f ButI still ii to un-

nd how it concerns me.” i

\‘I t’ink perhaps on know sat woman.

posterous! What was her

name!"
“ In America she was call’ Diamond Bess!
lipw can you say set you do not know her?"

 

CHAPTER XXI.
HMMU unasxs.
Tun-Frenchman almost hissed, the‘question,_

 

If, however, he expected to i

t

'."'l'

 

gyerwhflm her iwitll;a confusion, he failed most
sappo ntingly n purpose.

She lifted her eyebr0ws and looked at him
quizzically, the cigarette held between her finger-
tips, while a little ribbon of blue smoke curled
upward from the lighted extremity. Whatever
might be transpiring within her heart, obtward-
ly she was cool as ice.

" I scarcely think I ever had the honor of
knowing a person by the name of Diamond
Bess,” she replied, her voice steady, and well un-
der control. “ She must have been a sport to
have such a name.”

Mirabeau smiled but she fancied there was
something almost devilish in that smile. There
was no mirth in it, and it seemed that behind
the masking goggles his eyes were blazing.

" She was one woman dev-vall” he sibilated.
Then he Calmly resumed his seat. >

“ Are you searching for her, monsieuri” lan-
guidlv inquired Mrs. Randolph.

“ i’erhap’. I Will tell you zat lataire—when I
have feenish ze story.”

“ When you have finished?”

“ ()ui, iiiailame.”

“ Then it is not done?”

He shook his head.

“ Zen is more."

“And you wish meto bear the infliction? Oh,
well, I suppose 1 might as well, as I have noth-
ing else to take up my time."

“ Zen on do not like ze story i”

“ 1 mi...» say so.”

“ You hint so.”

“Really! Well, perhaps I did. Still, I will
confess your narration sounds like a chapter
from a sensational novel.”

“ Eet is no novaile story—ect is 29 trute.”

“ I did not mean to infer you were drawing
the long-bow," she smiled; but there was an
arching of her eyebrows, as if the words did not
mean exactly what they expressed. '

“ Ze young Monsieur Keeng do steel live."

" He is fortunate.”

“ Z'it is trute.”

“He need not consider it necessary to take
out a life-insurance policy for some time to
come.” '

The Frenchman closed and unclosed his logg
fingers in a strange manner. It almost seem
as if those fingers itohed to map the snowy
throat of the woman, who rocl ned in a manner
so unconcerned upon the soft cushions. i

But Mirabeau noted one thing: She was
watching him with hawk-like closeness, even
while appearing indifferent to all about her,
and he believed her more than half-prepared for
an sudden move he might make.

Ft would not have surprised him had she flash—
ed a knife or revolver on him. "i

The tiger ap red at ease, but be appreciated
thlei' presence 0 keen claws beneath a velvet ex-
te or. '

There was one mute testator to the fact that
she was keenly on the alert. In her fingers the
cigarette was being neglected, and the vanishing
ribbon of smoke suron indicated, and in a few
seconds more it would go out entirely.

Mirnbeau’s .eyes took in all these things,
even to the slightest, and her artificial calm did
not delude him an iota.

"Zero is some of his enemy zat bettaire take
out as life-insurance policy,” came forward
trom beneath that needle-pointed mustache.
Somehow, his mustache and imperial seemed to
give his face a devilish look j at then, and every
angle of his frame' stood out ensively.

‘ Then I presume be has swore a solemn
swear to have revenge?’ almost sheared the
woman.

“ He have take as oath,” acknowledged the
Frenchman. ~

“ Your story grows still more novelish in its
nature. This young King should be dubbed the
Modern Monk Grim.”

“He might be call zat, eef only he have ze
plenty of money. Eef he have set, he wait his
time to do zeworkof vengeance;but now he
have resolve to crush zose not do heem wrong—,-
crueh sem quack!”

“Mann's the stud—jump ’em! I don’t blame

m.

“ Well, I weel fineesh so eta-y. Ze young
monsieur find no way to follaire zem sat do
beam as vera great wrong—he track zem to
America—he find aem in New York.”

“ Now you are bringing the bomauoe right
bometo us.” / i

“ Yes, he find zem here—be find ze false
friend sat look like heem. Ah, madame, what
vou t’inkl Zat friend is take as place of young

onsieur Keeng—he go by sat name—live wiz.
so young man inure-deem e zem

Mrs. Randolph showed t 9 tips of her milky
teeth in an odd smile.

“ It grows worse and worse l” she sighed, .with
an o n attem at incredulity.

“ on do no believe?” , ,

' “:Oh. how could such a thing be possible?”

“ Did I not say zey look‘vera much alike!”

“ Yes: but think of deceiving his father!”

“ You say eet is impomiblei

“ It seems so."

“ It was done, madame.” . '

“ 0h, well—let that M ' Go on.”

“ You want’ to know as resti"

’. .l “ 
“grin.

I.I,v'.'.'>,..h~$ ,
’ i “in 1 s‘l

‘
A“ u

   

 

1

i. .L,
, t
w -

 

. I

“I might as well accept the whole infliction,
having stood it thus far.

She was losing some of her polished courtesy,
but that fact did not disturb the Frenchman—
in truth, it rather pleased him.

“ Monsieur Keen set about finding all about
all ze impOstaire. et take a leetaile time, but
he do zat—he find out many t’ing, madame.”

“ But how are you interested in the case!”

“ You do not understand zati”

“ I must confe-ss I do not.”

“ Well, you shall—lamire.”

She made a careless gesture with her hand,
and, for the first time, noticed thetextinguished
cigarette in her fingers. There was the faintest
lifting of her eyebrows, and then she sent it to
keep the company of its comrades in the urn.
She dill not light another.

For a few seconds, neither man or woman
Spoke. She regarded him with inquiry in her
eyes.

“ Madame,” said Mirabean, at length, “in zis
story I have use some deception.”

“ How could you help it!”

“ Ab?”

“ You are a Frenchman.”

“Now your words do have ze sting; littaile
while ago, zey be like honey.”

“Too much sweet is nauseating.”

“ Oui. Well, I give as falSe name for ze young
man.”

it SH?”

“ Hoes right name is not Keeng.”

“ What, then i”

“ Prince.”

“ A grade lower.”

She was cool as an icicle.

“ Did you evaire hear of heem?”

“ Can’t say.”

“ You know somebody by zat name?"

“ I have knownfieveral people by the name of
Prince.”

“ You know ze one 1 mean!”

“ Is that so? What is his most convenient
handle!”

“ What you mean by zat?”

“ What is his firstname?”

“ Paul.” ‘

“Not Paul, son of Hanson Prince, the dia-

mond merchant l”
H '
l

“ Come off 2”

“ I do not understand i”

" You do not expect me to take any stock in
this fairy story, do you i”

“ Don’t you believe i” ,

“ That Paul Prince is an impostor—no .' Look
here. Monsieur Mirabeau, it is plain someble
has been filling you with guii’, and I advise you
to go punch their heads. I have patiently lis-
tened to your wild tale, although I fully under-
stood h0w ridiculously improbable—not to say
impossible—it all was; but now I feel it my
duty to give you atip. If you value your lib-
e , do not try to work that on any one else.”

he had straightened up and was looking him
straight in the eyes, all her in nor vanished.
She seemed in sober earn but t e man looked
on it all as a square blufl. e knew the woman
to whom he was talking far better than she
dreamed.

“ lam ad to see you have taken a new turn,
madanie,’ he bowed, mockingly, his manner
bringing more color to her cheeks. "I see 20
time have come to talk straight. Eetis unpleas.
ant, but it have to done. Zis Paul Prince is
one impostaire, and on know it !”

He fiunz the final words fairly in her teeth.

Like a flash, the woman was on her feet.

“ You insulting wretch l" she cried, her queen-
ly bead thrown back and her eyes blazing. “ Do
you dare-” ,

“I dare most anyt’ink, Diamond Bess,” was
the calm retort.

He saw she had expected that, for she was not”

w.“  am. nnin

to understand you,” she de-
clared, as 1 she not comprehen ed What he
was driving at. “ on mean that 1—! am this
adventure. of whom on have told!” \
Mirabeau bowed, ta ing ood care to keep his
eyes fastened upon her. for did not wish to be
caught at an advantage by one so desperate as
he now believed she was. I
“Zat is what I mean. madame.” »
And then she turned it him a ect tor-
rent of Billingsgate—a ood that well might
have overwhelmed him, had he not been expect-
ing just such an outbreak. She did not hesitate
to speak anything that came into her mind, and
her language overflowed with memos and mali-

son.
Through it all he remained calmly watchln ‘

her, making no attempt to interrupt or ch

her knowing it were best to let her fury exhaust

itself. His lme would come then, and be pro-
to make the best of it. '

At length, when she paused for breath, be
quiet] said:

“ I ave come here for the purpose of securing
your assistance in entrapping Paul Prince. You
will Iaid me in?"

w ai you in nothing!” she almost
med. “ G‘o—get out of these rooms!”

‘

 

 

 

 

 

    
 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

, k. that is how
. ,body and place within it so vile a heart."

"Iv?y>l I.“ 'x"

' Double-voice Dan

~ , aft-,9; ,1\ 5:,  .. I ,5; V
‘ , r

.-i‘

on; Deck.

17

 

 

He did not stir.

“ You had better be calm,” said the man and
she was so excited she did not notice he had and.
denly dro ped his accent. “I have a. gri on
you, my ady, that you cannot shake. I you
raise a row, it will be the worse for you. In
fact you dare not do such a foolish thing.”

“ are not? Hal We‘ll see!"

She made a move to strike the bell, but his
long fingers closed like bands of steel on her deli-
cate wrist.

“ Wait a bit," he advised. “ Let me tell you
something.” .

“ I will not listen! Let go!”

She clinched the free hand and struck straight
at his face with the hard little list, but the blow
was neatly stopped, and she found both wrists
held secure.

“If you scream, I will turn you over to the
police !’ came hissing from beneath that pointed
mustache.

Something in his manner, more than in his
words, silenced her. She stood like stone, staring
at him—Staring, staring! All the blood left heri
face and her flesh grew cold. In her bosmn, her
heart was like a stone.

“ NOW you are coming to your senses,” he
nodded.

“ You ” she gasped—~“ you are not a French-
man! cur Voice—I have heard it before! But
your face—no, no, no 1”

Of a sudden he released her wrists and re-
mOVed the masking go gles from his eyes.

She staggered back, clding up both hands, as
she usped:

" hose e ‘es—God! They are his!
ing mad? ou—you are—"

With a.swift movement, he removed the mus-
tache and imperial, thus showing they were
false. ‘

“Now you must surely know me, Diamond
Bess!”

“My God! It ‘is Paul Prince!" she panted,
chokingly

Amigo-

CHAPTER XXII.
ar ran manor or nexus.

ALL the beautiful wanian’s strength and
nerve left her, and she sunk shuddering, pant-
ing, sobbing on the couch from which she had
risen in fury. All along she had been ard-
ing theman as one of the famous ferrets from
the gay metropolis of FraDCe, and she had
steeled herself to meet any charge such a char-
acter might make; but never for one instant

'had she fancied he was the true Paul Prince in

dis uise.

I§e smiled as he came close and looked down
upon her. There was no pity in that smile—-
it was full of satisfaction and triumph. At‘
fine blow he had flung her prostrate—crushed

er.

In many ways the man resembled the false
Paul Prince, but the confinement and horror
through which he: had ' had made his
face marble-like and stern, thle his eyes out
like keen swords.

She did not dare look u at him, though she
knew he was there at her de; and for a time,
the only sounds heard in,the room came convul-
sively from her lips.

At length, be, touched her on the shoulder,
causing her to shrink from him. "

“ Come, come!" he said, and his voice was cold
.and stem. ' “ I am surp at your lack of
nerve. A woman of your character should have
the taco to meet anything, and surely this will
be nothing worse than you. have ah-ead‘ y endur-
ell—a litt e confinement under guard.”

She caught her breath convulsively.

“ Oh, no!" she whispered—“ my God, no!”

" Criminals should alwaysbe ready to face the
penalty for their misdeeds." '

“ Criminals—" ‘

“Yes. You need not cringe at the word, for
such on are, as you know." I

" ercy‘l” . ‘

'“Oh-o! You begin to begas %ulck as this!
Well, my astonishment increases. id you havo

any mercy on me?” .
‘ into iii—honestly, truly !-—I

They forced me
will swear to it!”
fie made a gesture of disgust, and cried, scum-
! : -

.‘"I’ahl You would swear to anything to save
yourself! I know you for what you really are!
But there is one thing I do not understand—and
could make such a beautiful

She crouched and co cred, as if his hard words
were cruel blows cn er defenseless shoulders;
,she buried her face amid the cushions and moan-
ed hke a wound thing. ,‘

'“ Look here, ianiond Bess, said Paul Prince,
after he had watched her for a few moments,
“ I came here for a purpose. and I have already
.Wlsted too much time. Straighten up here and
let me talk to you.”

‘ She did not obey.
“ You will not, sh! Then shall I leave you

lon enou h to secure “a policeman on the corner
an let him serve a warrant I have in my
packet!” ’

.4
. I
’ it
,tf.,_“)

 

’ 91%, no: Don't do that. Paul—don’t! ' Won’t

 

cu believe me when I tell you they forced me
nto this? You must believe! 1 did not want
to do it, but they said there was any amount of
money in it-”

“ And ¥ou were read
money! creed you!
that lured you l”

to sell your soul for
orh! It was the money

“ Oh, I have regretted‘a. s l have dreamed
of yoii in the night! They told me you were
dead. Only a short time ago did Ferril confess
you still liVed—a prisoner in France. Then

:came the word that you and the keeper had dis-

appeared. I was for fleeing at once, but Ferril
would not listen to it. He and Rockvelt had
some kind of a scheme to beflle you, should you
appear in New York—I know not what it was.
Theg’d tpld me to be brave, no matter what hap-
pen .

The wronged man smiled in his cold manner.

“ So the would try to baflie me? Well they
shall find am no longer a foolish boy. 'What
do I not owe to those devils! They shall feel
the weight of my wrath! I will crush them like
squirming snakes beneath my feet !"

His words were sava e enough, but they were
uttered in a steady and; eve tone of voice that
caused the listening woman shudder. '

Suddenly she flung herself at his feet, clasp-
ing his knees with her round arms.

“ Oh, Paul!” she entreated—“ spare me! I
will do anything, if you will spare me! I have
been behind the bars once; it will be my death
to go there again i"

“ Is there any reason why I should spare you?
But for you, they could not have brought about
the trick—they would not , have succeeded in
their hellish work. So, in fact, I owe every-
thing to you.” - .

“ You are cruel, cruel! Have I not told you
I would do anything? I have longed to reform
and lead a different life, a thing that will im-
possible, if you fling this horrible ‘thing upon
me. .

“ Are you in earnest?” .

“ Yes, yes!” ' ,

“ I dare not believe you.”

“ Oh, you must 1” ‘

“I know your treacherous nature too well.
You might turn on these men now, in order to
save yourself, but, should the Opportunity offer, v
you would betra’y’ me to them.”

“ You are w ngv—I would not do that! I
trul would not! ith them out of the way, I
mig t begin life over again. I Would go far
from New York—J would go where I was not
known. But, as long as tliey can keep a grip on
me, it is impossible for me to do this.’ Now she
turned her face up to him, for the first time
since learning who he really was, and her fair
cheeks were wet with tears.

“I am ready to serve you, Paul—I willbe
your slave—I will do anything you ask! I will
aid 1ton in entrapping Ferril (JOstagan and Bry
Roe velt, and I will testify against them. Then
I will go far, far from this country,.where you
Will never see ‘or hear of me again. What more
can you ask? Clin’t you see—can’t you under-
stand how truly penitent I really am!"

He rhached down and firmly unclasped her
hands. r

“ If you be for mercy from me, do not
touch me age. n!" were the. icy words he spoke.
“ Your touch is pollution, and I cannot endure
it! Sitvdown there.” ‘ '

He pointed to. a chair, and she crept to it on
her knees, really appearing like the slave that
grovels at its master’s feet. She leaned against
it, but did not attempt to rise and sit in it.

He sat down facing her with his back toward
the fortune. He ooked steadily at her, but
her r00ping eyes were fastened on the carpe ,
while now and then a tear ran d0wn her ch .
The sight of those tears angered him, for he re.

arded them as sure indication of shallow feel--
ng. Had she really eerrienced the regret and
sorrow she professed, er feelings would have
been too deeply stirred for tears. But then,
shrewd in many ways though she was, could she
be regarded as other than a shallow creature
whom fortune had cast adrift on the tossing sea
of iniquity?

“ If you are trulg
deliberately said, “ t
you.” x .

‘ Her face bri htened a'bit.

“That is all ask—a bare chance.”

“ What guaranty haveI you will notplay
double?" v

“word-J

“ , ich 1 know is worthless.
than that.” ‘

“ M desire to reform.” ,

“ I oubt if women of your sort ever reform.”

“ Then my horror 'of imprisonmwtflk ’

“ Well, that istomethlng, surely.” .

For a moment his keen e es were fastened
0n the floor, and he seem considering the
situation. Had he been watching her then, he
might havs seen her start and bite her line,
while she looked past him at the portions, which .
were slightly astir. But when his eyes rested
on her face again. he saw nothing to excite sus-
picion—nothing to want him of impending peril.

Whathad she seen behind the portions! ,

For amcme t they hadparted,‘ and the face

in earnest woman,” he
ere is a possible chance for

It must be more

-: N, V '- i
i .‘l elf-s... silk-3.: A It)... "

, thstcaused the menaced one to stir and partially

pressed a finger to his lips, and she understood
the meaning of the signal.

Then, when the rightful Paul began to speak
again, the curtains were softly parted, and, like
a cat, Ferril Costagan entered the room.

In his hand was the weapon of the midnight
fcotpad—the sandbag.

Softly. cautiously, inch by inch, the murder-
ous-minded wretch stole toward the unConsc'
man. In Costagan’s eyes gleamed a ter ble

Paul Prince was in deadly and terrible peril!

The woman did not dare to look toward the
creeping man, lest she, betray the fact of his
firesence, and so she kept her eyes on the floor.

er heart was throbbing wildly and her bosom
heaving, but her emotion seemed the natural re-
sult of what she had just passed through.

The man with the sandbag made no sound.
His footfalls on the soft carpet were perfectly
noiseless, and be came close behind Prince with- ;
out being detected. ' 

The sandbag was raised!

Was it instinct—an undefinable something—

L.
1

turn?

Too late!

Down came the sandbag! j

Forward on his feet the unfortunate one was 
hurled, fairly knocked senseless by a single blow. ‘

Like a tiger, Cestagan fiung himself upon the
prostrate man, ready to use theweapon a sin,
if necessary, but a second b10w was not n ed.

" Ah-a!” he snarled, as he knelt on the body of
his victim. “ That fixes the fool till I can get a ,
knife into his throat l" , ,1

The woman caught his arm. _ ‘ ' k ’ ‘

“Not here, not here!” she panted. “Donot ‘l
kill him here!” I ‘ '

He turned on her, savagely, f

“Curse you i” he grated. “You would have .. 
betrayed us!” "

“ Oh, no!” she boldly protested. “ I was doing
my best to make him believe so, but I was only 
playing for a little time. I would have warned ‘
you, and then we all would have escaped. That
is straight.

“Well, I suppose I shall have to believe you, 5'
though it did look as if you had turned. There .
is no need of our leaving New York now. We 1
will stay and play out the game, for Paul Prince  v
is in our power, and to-night he dies! His body ‘J
will be forever hidden from mortal eyes! Don t
shudder, you fool! It is the only course for us
now, and HeaVen above shall not defeat us!" _. 

\ i1

CHAPTER XXIII.
GETTING INTO MIKE DOLBY’s. ,

 

 

 

nothing from “Count Fabian Mirabella." The ,
detective could not understand the odd “‘French- . 
man’s” silence ‘

Dan had fancied the “ count" a man who . , ,
might prove of value to him, althou h something . ."
led him to believe his strange frien was not ex-‘ ‘ ‘
actly what he appeared on the surface. \ "i 7

Dan had a pair of very keen eyes, and, while! : 5"
Mirabeau sat before him in the little office, those ' r 
eyes had disco'xgred 'the finely-waxed mustache  
and imperial re false. C

But the detective had thought best to keep
silent till the other saw fit to reveal the “
he was on, feeling satisfied it was in some way“ ..
connected with is own work. The disguised
man, had said enough to excite this thought in, '
the mind of the famous Ventriloquist ferret.) .. .

For a bit, Dan had fancied the man might be ‘ . 
a detective, but further observation had caused - " 
him to abandon the idea, as Mirabean’s manner ~
was not that of the trained rogue-catcher. Had .
he been such, it would have been folly for himtc’
have dche anything to arouse Dan’s curiosity.

Another thing that displeased Bond was ~

 

daffy

the com lete disappearance of Bry volt.
The bla -mustached sport had vanished asif
swallowed by the earth. ‘ ' '

This, however, was not diflicuit to understand. 3; ‘
Bockvelt undoubtedly considered it a very. v.
healthv thing for him to lay low about than, 
cons! ering the result of the three battles—on
the street, in the tenement, and on the roof. I '

It was posible the gambler feared immediate 
arrest, should he show himself. ~ .

But Dan knew Rockwelt to be a man of  .
siderable nerve and cheek, and it walsdpntty can-M ~“
tain he won not long remain b‘ den. 
.wculd appear and his old hanntafiand, if ar-
rested,,wonld try a “stand-ca hind. He would
disclaim all knowledge of the girl, defying Dan
to produce proof; =

   

 

. if

\
wt
RY“

something of a diflcult nature. 0
What had become of the fair unknown!
Without doubt, she was still in the power of 

her enemies, for Dan had begun to look on Paul '

Prince as a full-fl ed rascal. The detective  ‘

novv saw that, inst of being an unconscicu "

victim of Rockvelt and Diamond Ben.  '

Plunger was willingly vicious. None the , ,

might be be their victim, but his eyes was opera 9

to the character of his associates, and he did nu

escape them. - \ ' i 

 

 

of the false Pa l )Prince appeared. Tm "nun.  carried away by the“ fellow.

Scrimpy had seen Paul with the ‘l—had 
‘Xs Pas! 
.\ a {so I _ _

w - .
~‘~.-,‘ ‘ '.‘ ‘ '

     
 
  

 
  

look—a look that told of red intent in his heart. ‘ ‘ ‘

.‘v “

I r  i;
Two'days passed, and Double-voice Dan heard m

A. the girl had also disappeared, as. wand  a v- . *

' t

. I

 

   
 

, “ Not ter any great extent.

‘4'- ;.‘ 00‘ 000.

'i still it's thloomin’funn
Then an

' movemen

“1 ‘ 1. hauls about

‘ .

Y I  tho “ll—anybody or anything

i

18 . ’/

I .

Double-voice Dan on Deck.

 

 

Rockvelt were on the best of terms, it was plain
that the young lady had again fallen into the
gri of the black-mustached sport. _

ho was she?

Vira Selwickl ‘

The more Dan thought of that, the firmer be-
came his conviction that the girl was the miss-
ing sweetheart of the youthful Plunger. This
train of thought led him to wondering why
Rockvelt could wish to keep her a captive. She
was not an heiress, and so he could not be ex-
pecting ransom-money.

But, was Rockvelt at the bottom of it? It was
possible he was simply doing the work of an-
other, although it was not like the man to be
usedasa tool. He was the kind that usually
uses others to serve a purpose.

Then the detective fancied he saw a ray of
light. Paul Prince was at the bottom of this

articular trick, having a reason why he wished

‘ gira Selwick out of the way. Rockvelt had as-

sisted the young man for some reason—probably

to obtain a still stronger hold on the diamond
merchant’s son.

The more be regarded the matter in that light
the more inclined he became to believe he had
hit on a possible solution. If so, Paul Prince
had fallen to a level from which there was no
hope of lifting him. It would be simply im-

'ble to save the young man from the
clutches of those whom his father believed drag-
gin him down.

“, be best thin for him will be a term of
years,” muttered an.

Just then Scrimpy came in and flung himself
into a chair, wiping the perspiration from his
forehead.

“Well, Scrimpsi"

“ New it haiu’t, nutherl”

The gamin replied in a tone of voice that

plainl indicated his disgust.

5‘ hat’s the matter?”

u  ’

“ Give it to us.” '

“ Dat bloke don’t give a feller a show.”

“ Prince!” .

“ Yes, der Plunger.”

“ What do you mean?”

“ He must have j’ined der Sunday School.”

“ What makes you think that?”

“ He’s so blessed good all ter oncet.”

“ Then you have not been able to work him?”
He's got so he

jest won’t be worked. He don’t go ter none of

of}: old places nor do northin’ 'at’ll give me a

we
“Which shows our game has taken the

m.

“ I sh’u’d suss so!”

The gamin’s disgust was so great he was
scarcely civil. He tilted back a chair and placed
his feet against the wall, clasping his hands he-
hind his head, and staring at the, ceiling, while
he scowled in a manner that made his entire
face look like a mass of knots.

flamething like the ghost of a smile flitted
across the face of the detective.

“ This all comes in the business,” said Dan.

« “ Den I t’ink I’ll t'row up me commission."

“ All right; if you’re etting discouraged, the
sooner you throw it up e better.” .

. “ Who’s gittin’ discouraged?” snapped the ho .

“ I’m all ri ht !”

" Then w t are you kicking about?”

{‘3' I wps boug‘uirkhaveldetfiirsktlkick,” w‘as the

someth ieasy wn eappearngn
the L’d’s blue eyes. “ I ’lowed you’d kick like:
mule w’on I told yer I hadn't done a t'iug da
counted, en'- so—”
_ 1' Dan laughed.

' “ And 'so you kicked first? Well, you are a
Do you think the Plunger tumbled to
that you were spotting him?”

“ I don’t t’isk so," was the slow answer' “ au’
how he acted.

asked for a all account of Paul’s
which Scring gave in his ‘odd
manner. he detective toned attentively,
nodding slightly now and then. When it was

' i ,* all over, Dan said

“This settles it.”

" Settleslw’atl’.’

int I have been doubtful on.”

“ W ich is datl"

“ About Paul’s honesty.”

“Now w’at (1’ er t’inkl” ‘ “

“ He’s crook to the core! I begin to believe
bad as Itockvelt.”

u’s struck der right string!” cried the
“ Dis goody-good racket is all
/

on.
“ And Paul Prince would net put on anything

“.3

stunt.

‘ v of the kind if he was nuts rascal at heart. Other-

wisefhe would behlghl indignant at the thought
of being shadowed a sus ted, and he would
simply makes big row. e has betrayed his
(in icit ." k,

' Wei , I dunno w’at dat is, but I reckon he’s
smoked as sin.” -

“ Scrlmps, we will try a different trick.”
' “ Spread it.”

“ I will shadow Prince.”

n

“You can hunt for Rockwelt,’ Count Mirabeau.

  

lgh.

ficrlmpy slapped histh

‘, I. _ 1 v
‘;’.Lé[fi*,..‘,l, u

 is:   , u  .

shining from beneath a door and [heard loud

    

 

you think hes ” '

“ Dat suits mel Now I’ll do somet’ing, youse ’
bet! I can’t do ser well w’en I’m tied down ter
jest one t’ing. I wants lots of room ter spread 3
ID. Seal”

It was finally arranged, and Dan took to shad-
owing Paul, having disguised himself as an Eng-
lish laborer.

It seemed probable‘Paul had suspected Scrim-
py. for, as soon as the boy ceased shadowing him, I
he changed his manner of clinging to the most !
respectable streets, and, when he seemed sure he i
was no longer dogged, he " mode a break.” ,

But Double-voice Dan was on his trail, and the .j’
cab that took Paul toward the East Side was fol- ‘
lowed by an o n wagon, in the bottom of which
lay the detect ve, covered by a mass of blankets. '
He had paid the driver well to keep in sight of I
the cab, knowing the Plunger would not suspect 5
an open wagon, where he might take the alarm [
if followed by another cab. !

Paul was conveyed to Avenue A and dropped l

l
I

 

on a corner, where he paid and dismissed cabby.
Dan instantly suspected where the man was

om .

g “ futo Mike Dolby's, or I’m a. fool l” thought
theehadow. “That is a tough hole—a retreat
for thieves and thugs, but I have been there
once, and I will go again, if necessary. It is a
wonder to me the police allow such a place to ex-
ist, for they surely know of its existencc."

At the proper time, Dan dropped from the
wagon. the driver being already paid, and fol-
lowed Paul. He staggered sligitl he he made
his way along, and muttered to imself, as if
vainly trying to sing a song.

As he had suspected, the Plunger turned into
the narrow opening that led to Dead Cat Alley,
on which was situated Mike Dolby’s place.

The detective knew better than to hesitate
about following him in there, if he intended
goin there at all, for hesitation would arouse
susp cion, so. he omptly stagglered into the
alley. He boa y gurgled a ow drinking
sch r snatches of it—as he reeled down the
dar passage between the sag ing walls.

In a bled: nook he sawa gure he knew was
that of the man he was following, but in no way
did he betra the fact that he had made such a
discovery. e continued right along about his
business, occasionally stumbling and growling
at the darkness.

When Dolb ’s door was reached, he nshed it
open and on red the close and ion -smelliug
passage. It Was‘dark as a pocket there, but he
elt his way along till, at a turn, he saw a light

voices and coarse laughter.

There be halted a moment, wondering if Paul
would follow or would be frightened away by
the of an apparently drunken man.

As he ned aga net the wall, the door fur-
ther on was flung o , allowin a flood of light
to tail on the op ite wall, an also permitting
the esca into t passage of a host of unname-
ble sme Is, the most pronounced being that of
sour beer.

Then the black form of a man blocked the
doorwa , a huge cigar in his mouth. He paused
to look ck and growl, his voice like the snarl
of a bulldog:

“if I runs onter him tar-night, I’ll cut his
heart out! ' That’s w'at I’ll do!”

And he was plainly a person who would not
hesitate at any crime, if aroused.

Then the burly tough closed the door, and Dan
was alone with him a the dark passage, where
twt? men could not pa- without touo ing each
ot or.

The detective started toward the door, stum-
bled slightly, then began to rave at the dark-
ness of the place.

“ Blame it all, why don’t yer leave hopen ther
bloody doori" he growled. “W’ don’t they
‘ave a light in hany place like th sf Hi never
saw such a ’owling ’eat euish couutr 1”

Then he felts hand grasp his shou der.

“ Who in blsus are you!” demanded the man
with the cigar, the end of which gloWed redly
in the blackness of the place.

“ Hi, hi!” cried Dan, as if in great alarm.

“ Leggo. ou bloomin’ bloke! Hi ham not hon
ourr’sec n! Why don't yer show a man ther
cor

“ Oh, you want ther door. do yer? Well, you
gisll’have it, and you may find it hot on t'other

do.

With that, the Owner of the cigar dragged
Dan to the door, kicked‘it open and gave the
disguised ferret a shove that caused him to stag-
ger into the room and fall in a heap near the
middle of the floor.

“ Here’s somethiu’ I found outside tryin’ tor,
find it’s way in,” ex lained the tong « with the
cigar. Then be c osed the door and was

one.
8 “What th’ bloody blue blazes is it?” roared a
voice, and a red-whiskered man came over the
bar with a single bound, landing where he could
obtain a fair view \of Dan. There he placed
his hands on his hips and stared at the detec-
tive.

Dan

 

sized the fellow as the proprietor of
the his Mike Dolby. a bad man with a
record. 0 was certainly a toughdooking l
specimen, being atypicallrish roman, square—
 . l-eyedg His sleeves were

  

  

rolled above the elbows, exposing a pair of
brawny red forearms.

The crowd within the place was composed of
fit associates for the brutal-appearing barkeeper
and proprietor. They were of the worst class,
nearly all of whom had served time and were
well known to the police.

“ Well, now, who th’ roarin’ devil are you?"
demanded Dolby, his red hair bristling and his
small eyes getting a greenish tinge.

“ An honest Hengiisbman sir,” gurgled Dan,
as he laboriously struggled to his feet. “ Hi
ham not in the ’abit hof being used like a dog!
Hif Hi ’ad not been drinkin’, Hi’d f0110w that
bloomin’ bloke hand knock the ’ead hofl' him 1”

At this a roar of laughter went up.

“ Hear him!” shouted one—~“ hear him say
he’d knock the head off Slugger Nubbsl”

Every one seemed to regard this as a very
funny thing.

“ Well, Hi ham the lad as can do that,” assert-
ed Dan, his tongue seeming very thick. “ Hi’d
’ave you hunderstand Hi ’sve a reputation in the
Hold Country—Hi belong to the P. R.” And
then he struck an attitude.

The mirth of the gang did not abate, but Mike
Dolby caught the detective by the arm.

“ Will yez be afther tellin’ what yer want
about here?” be snapped. “ How did th’ Icikes
av yer come in that enthry?"

“ Git away hofl’l” cried Dan, making what
seemed a drunken attempt at dignit . “ Hi
was put hon by a fellow called Battery en. ’E
knowed me in Bengland.”

“ Who be yez?”

“ Hi’m Lunnon Bob,” asserted Dan, naming a
famous English crook. ‘

Instantly there was a show of respect on the
part of the proprietor and the crowd, many of
whom had heard of “ Lunnon Bob.” The detec-
tive added:

“ Hi’m on an ’oly tear, mates, so step hup to
ther bar hand ’ave somethin’ with me."

It was amadng' with whagromptness the in-
vitation was accepted by th present.

Just as the crowd ranged along the front of
:28 (per, the door opened and Ppul Prince en-

re . \

 

CHAPTER XXIV.
GARROTID. '

“Con hup, mate!” cried Dan. thick] -—
“ come hup hand take adrink with LunnonBo l”
Paul glanced keenly around the room, as if

. searching for some one he did not see, then he
came u to the her, looking sharply at the dis

guised etective.

“Who’s the last-comer here?” he asked of
Dolby.

The re rietor pointed out the ferret, and

again an regarded him suspiciously.
“Got throwed hin, tool" thickly gn led the
detective, not appearing to notice the P unger’s
scrutiny. “ Didn’t ’ave hit a show! hit is not
fair to take hsny man bin such a way’.”
Meantime, the red-headed Irishman was serv-
ing his customers such drinks as the called for.
Dan took whisk , but he not t e least idea.
of swallowing e ison if, being magician
enough to secretly pose of it without allowing
a drop to get into his stomach. -
Paul Prian took whisky, and Dan ob-
served he das
“ He may have taken care of his heal
the resent time,” thought the ferret, “ but he
won be able to drink a great deal of that stufl

and keep it. The honest color in his cheeks will I

give place to a rum~flush. He is well on the way

Satan’s kingdom, else he would never frequent

inch 3 place as this, and it is plain he is known
ere.

Dan made himself thoroughly at home and
was soon on easy terms w h several 0 the
icon ers about the plow—fellows with not a
sing e dime in their pockets and eager to “ work "
sailboat] for a drink.

he etecsive hinted at man shady things,
and gave the impression that he
iob that “ nned out” well. He bore out this
m
With each passing moment he a parentl w
more intoxicated, although he Eept his loge
pretty fair sha . -

Paul preten ed to disregard Dan, after that
first searching scrutiny, but the detective was
aware that the Plunger was still watchin him.

“ He knows I am the only one who con d have
followed him here,” thought Dan. “ Well, if he

traps me into betraying myself he will do beta ' .‘

tcr than I think.”

After a time, Paul appsoached the detective

“ You say you are Lunnon Bobi”, he ques-
tioned. ' , . '

“ That’s w’at Hi ham, mate.”

“I havs heard of you.”

Dan pretended to swell with pride.

“ Hi think likely, sir.”

“ But I never heard anything'to your credit.” '-

Then the detective clinched h hands, rounded
his shoulders, thrust forward his neck, glaring 4
sideways at Paul. as he snarled: .r
" What’s that Hijearl Never ’eard hanythink
to my credit? The ’oly Dutch you neverl Didn’t
blawsted bloke blowed on ther ’Esd and Gan‘l

. .4 - i .
' _ .4 . *~
' ‘1 i“

08 the drink at a single tgulpfi> ‘
“P

d just done a ‘

pression y spending money freely at the bar. 3.,

you ear ’ow Hi knifed Sucker Johnn' w’en ther Z“

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'3. t
w a p ,. '
1 2

 

     
    

.g_

m“..— ._.-e———“ v

 

 

 

k.“

L; 3.....- he. 

Double—voice Dan on Deck.

19‘

 

 

W’at d’ e call that, sir? Hif that hisn’t to my
credit, i’d like to ’ve yer tell what’d be!”

Paul showed his perfect teeth in a faint smile.

“ It’s all in the way of looking at these things,”
he confessed. “ Of course that little job gave
you a reputation—”

“ Git bout! Hi ’ad me reputation before that!
Hall Hi did was sustain hit, mate.”

“ Well, you sustained it in a satisfactory man-
ner.”

“ Hit was satisfactory to me hand the rest hot
the gang, but Hi do not think Sucker Johnny
found hany satisfaction hin hit.”

“ Likely not. How did you happen to cross the

“(i Q”
p0“ Hit was getting a little too ’ot hovar there.”

“ Ah, I see.”

“ ’Ave a drink with me, mate?”

“ No, I guess not, if you don’t mind. I am
not drinking much to-night.”

Dan looked Paul over carefully.

“ Well, you’re a pretty bird!” he said, a trace
of derision in his husky voice. “ ’Ow do they
’appen to have you haround ’ere?”

The Plunger laughed, good-naturedly.

“ Oh, I’m in with the boys," he assured.

“ Hi don‘t hunderstand hit, hall the some,”
gurgled Dan. “ Guess you ’ad better av a drink
with me.”

Paul hesitated.

“ Then come into the back room," he said,
after a. moment of thought. “ I have a proposal
to make to you.”

“ What kind hof a proposal?”

“ Something I do not care to talk about
here.” <

H 

“ Will you come?"

“ Hi shouldn't wonder.”

Dan knew it might be a tra , but he was not
going to arouse e icion by re using. He would
keep his hands r y to grasp his revolver, and
they would have a liver time in downing him,
if he had anything like a fair show.

Paul led the way toward the back room,
having received permission from Dolby and
left an order at the bar. Dan followed, stagger-
inga little.

he bare back room was lighted in a very un~
satisfactory manner, but the keen eyes of the
detective were able to search it thoroughly. He
saw nothing of a sus icious nature, but his
watchfulness was not a! ayed in the least. When
Paul prepared to sit down at a table in such a
manner that his back would be toward the wall
and Dan—providing he took the opposite seat—
would have his back toward the door, the ferret
fancied he saw a purpose underlying the dis-
position of situations.

Dan did not hesitate about actin . He prompt-
ly staggered forward and hal ~fell into the
chair near the wall, mumbling the apoloy of a
drunken man.

“ Well, you are full to the chin now!” ex-
claimed Paul. “ I reckon it’s no good to talk
business with you.”

“ Hi’m all right, mate,” asserted Dan, plain]
struggling to appear as sober as pouible. “ 
never et down. My brain is clear henough; the
stuff his bail hin my legs.”

Dolby's assistant came in with whisky and
laases, and Paul sat down with his back to the
cor. Dan promptly reached for the bottle of

whisky, but was apparently obliged to make
three grasps before he secured it. His hand
was so unsteady he spilled more {than he turned
into the glass.

Paul turned out a small amount, and they
touched glasses.

“ Here s to success,” said the Plunger, in a sig-
nificant manner. “ Drink it down and don’t ‘let
it choke you.”

Dan noticed the peculiar accent on the word
“ choke,” and,‘as he leaned against the wall, some-
thing fell befOre his eyes. Then he felta cold cord,
like the sinuous coil of a serpent,close around his
throat with a deadly force and his head was held
hard against the partition.

Instantly Double-voice Dan knew what had
happened—knew he was trapped, despite his
vigilance!

Around his neck had closed the deadly cord of
the strangler!

He was being garrotedi

He tried to break away—to cry out—to tear
the noose from his throat.

In vain!

He was held there, helpless as a child, while
the hellish cord robbed him of his breath—his

i e!

Was he to die thus tamelyi

In his ears sounded a distant roaring that

ew louder and louder, like the terrible warn-
ng note of an approaching avalanche. Colored

lights began to flash before his eyes, like the
bursting of rockets.

Then, for a single instant, his brain cleared
and he saw the devilish, smiling face of the man
on the opposite side of the table—the man who
was calmly watching him strangle to death.

The sight filled him with a fury unbounded.
His strength was swiftly ebbing, but he thought
of the revolver in his pocket and his hand sought
and found it. '

_ Now the face that wore the devilish smile was
dancing here and there before him. The revol-

 

ver was in his grasp, but would he be able to hit
the owner of that face with the single shot his
strength would allow him to fire?

He lifted the revolver in his nerveless fingers,
and away in the vague distance he seemed to
hear a cry of fear.

Then he pressed the trigger.

A burst of flame and a terrific explosion fol-
lowed.

It seemed as if all the world had been sent
hurtling through boundless space, and the light
of the living sun was forever blotted out.

Darkness—unconsciousness—was it death?

CHAPTER XXV.
RATS!

 

No!

The daring detective’s time had not come.

After a while he seemed dreaming. He fan-
cied he was wandering amid sweet fields and
pleasant woodlands, but from every hand rose a
perfume that was dense and choking. He could
not obtain a. breath of pure and scentless atmos-
phere no matter how hard he strove.

In the midst of all the beauty of nature was
the horror of sweet suffocation.

Then he felt a dull pain. At first he could not
locate it—could not tell in what part of his body
it was; but gradually he realized it was in his
throat and his temples. He wondered what
caused it, and up in his imagination areas the
smiling face of the human devil who had sat on
the opposite side of the table while Dan was
being slowly strangled to death.

How he hated that face!

He realized he hated it with all the intensity of
his nature, and then he fell to wondering if his
bullet had been wasted. He remembered resa-
ing the trigger and hearing the fearful exp osion
—then all was a blank.

Had he killed Paul Prince?

He he so.

These thoughts came to him before he was
fully conscious of his surroundings, and then be
commenced to wonder where he was. At first
he was filled with the belief that he was really
dead, but it only took a short time to convince
him that was folly, for he was skeptical about
dead men having the ability to think and rea-
son.

'No, he was not dead, but he wondered why
not—why had he been spared?

That was a question to which there seemed no
ready answer.

After a while, he realised he was recumbent
on the cold ground and in blank darkness, save
for a single flicker! point of light. The place
was damp and the a r close and unwholesome.
He fancied he was in a cellar.

Where?

In vain he asked himself the question. And
he ililselessly wondered why he had been spared
at a

Wh hadn’t his foes finished him when he
was their power and unconscious from
strangulation?

He could hear the blood rushing through his
head, as if it had not settled down to its accus-
tcmed regularity of flow after being checked by
the garroter’s cord.

He looked at the little point of light, and, af-
ter a while, he saw it was flanked by a grinning
yellow skull.

The si ht did not awaken fear in the breast of
the help ess man.

Instead of that, it made him anglx.

“ The fools!” he thought. “ oulcl they
frighten me by such a silly trick? Bah l”

e would not have been alarmed had be seen
a whole row of skeletons, instead of one harm-
less skull.

How long Dan lay there:on the dank and
he was unable to estimate. He struggl at the
bonds that held him, but they would not give.

He was unable to release himself.

" If I only Could,” he murmured, “ I could
meet them barehanded. I only ask half a show!
What a fool I was to be trapped in such a way!
Am I losing my skill that I a low men like Paul
Prince to deceive me?”

He did not yet understand what a desperate
and crafty rascal the Plunger was.

Dan had been in tight places before and come
out alive, and he was not the man to give up
hcpe—not by lan means. He would hope as
long as he could w a breath. -

He wondered why his foes did not come, but,
finally, he began to believe they had left him
there to die. t was not a pleasant thing to con-
template—not at all.

Hark! What was that?

A squeaking in the darkness!

He knew what that meant, and he shuddered.

There were rats near at hand i”

" I am not quite ready to be chewsd up by
rats," he growled. “ If I must die, why die it
is; but spare me from rats!”

He peered into the darkness and saw several
tiny specks of light that moved here and there
and vanished n0w and then. He knew the
spots of light were the glowing eyes of the rats.

Then he fell to wondering why they had not
attacked him before this, and he finally reasoned
that he could not have been alone in the cellar
very long. Probably the time had seemed much
longer than it really was, and, perhaps, the men

, /

 

who brought him there had barely left him
when he recovered consciousuem.

He waited for the rats to come nearer, but,
for some unknown reason, they were in no haste
to do so. He could not understand this at all,
for he well understood the natural fierceness of
the sewer vermin when they found a victim that-
was helpless

Having recovered much of his strength, he
fell to twisting at his bonds, only to finally give
over in despair.

“They took good care to make me fast,” he-
hagq-tllaughed, and his voice sounded hollow and

h

. y.

He no longer had a single doubt about the
utter vileness of Paul Prince. There was no‘
such a thing as redemption for the old diamond
merchant’s son. Already had Paul descended
the s10pe of sin and crime till it was too late for-
him to ever recover lost round.

“ “'hatever becomes 0 me,” thought the help-
less ferret “ Paul Prince will end his days in
prison or in the electric chair. I now see he is-
thoroughly bad—rotten to the core.”

He heard the rustle of light feet and discover.
ed the sparks of light were nearer.

The rats were slowly approaching!

“ It is only a matter of time,” Dan mentally
observed. “ I suppose I shall have to become:
prov-ender for the rodents!”

He lay quiet still and watched and calculated
on their approach. It was a horrible thing to
think of, but it gave his mind some employment,
and that seemed necessary just then.

Slowly, bit by bit, the creatures came toward
their intended prey. At times there would be a.
commotion in their ranks, and they would scat-
ter at one side, squeaking sharply; but in a short-
space they would fully recover all ground lost.
in such nice.

Final y, Dan felt one brush against him, and
a few seconds later, one ran across his 1 3.

They were all around him now, and e won-
dered if they would make a combined onslaught
or would send one of their number to make an.
attack to ascertain what the result would be.

Of a sudden, his nerves became strained to
such a tension that he could keepquiet no longer,
and he rolled over and over, causing the rats to-
fiee squealing into the deeper darkness. When
tbtiiy were gone, he rolled back to his former po-
31 on.

They had not deserted him, for he could see—
their ittle eyes shiai in the blackness all!
around, and he knew t ey would come back
again.

He discovered something that froze his blood
for an instant.

The tiny light was going out.

With each passing moment it was growing
dimer, and in a short time it would fail entire-
y.
Then he would be alone in the horrible dark-
ness of the dank cellar—alone with hundreds of"
rats!

Again the filthy rodents were coming toward
him, cree ing, crawling, coming!

He ma e another appalling discovery.

iii} “filfl‘m‘fla ma: 1‘

y e gra , n h s stron '
toeth. “ Must I die liken 00ward, a‘swell as liki-
a helpless dogl Why can’t I die in a manly
fashion?"

It was a position of unntterahle and indescrib-
able horror.

And now fancy took up the assault on the
helpless detective, for he began to see bright.
li hts floating around in the air above him.

y h, the hts did not illumine the
cellar, but heseemed to eel sure the were there.

In the midst of the 1‘ his woul appear the
grinning face of Paul P ce, but when he look--
ed at it closely, it would vanish from that par-
ticnlar spot, only to reappear at another.

Dan groaned.

“ I fear 1 shall become a raving maniac!” he
ganged. “ In alittle while, if this thing keeps.
on, shall begin to scream. That is something
I do not want to do, for my foes may be listen~
ing, and I would not have them dream I am ter-
rifled."

But the nerve of the bravest man might have.
faltered in such a position.

Back came the rats!

Dan had been watching the li hts which wore-
sailing about in the air, and he ad almost for-
gotten his tiny enemies till they were swarming
all about him.

One ran across his face!

Involuntsrily, he uttered a cry of angry hor-
ror and disgust.

At the same instant, the light of the candle ex-

pired.
He was helpless in the cellar, with the rats and
the damp darkness on every hand!

 

CHAPTER XXVI.
sumo a no: SCINT.

“ D13 is w’at don’t stick well in me crop!”
muttered Scrimpy, in disgust, as he glared some—-
what snllenly down Sixth avenue. ‘ Dunno’s I
was cut out fer no detective arter all an’ l’d jest».
begun ter t’ink I was some guns. If could only

it track of dat feller Rockvelt I'd feel high.
onder where de blue blinkers he kin be keepin’

u .W;M...MT .i. .. I.

 

(3’21 '
’95, '.' i . ‘

_/

a"? j
1

my

 

-. I ed 10' down over his eyes.

‘, flit.
Th

20

‘ Double-voice Dan on Deck. ,

 

 

dat black ’taeh of his’ni If I could only spot dat
once, I’d never take me eyes of! it tel I run it
inter its hole.

“ Der boss didn’t iump on me neck at all, but
I reckon he t’ought hed ’bout outlived me ow
fulness, an’ dat made me feel elegant! I like ter
be reckoned as ’mountin’ ter a little somethin’.

“ Now here I be, an’ I dunno ary which way
ter turn. W’at’s ter he did?”

‘ He considered the situation for several min-

utes and then his face suddenly cleared a bit.
“ I’ll try Doc Webber’s,” he nodded. “I
struck somet’in’ dere oncet, an’ mebbe I kin
ag’in. Dere hain’t no tellin’, an’ anyt’iu’ is bet-
ter dan die.” A

With that, he sauntered down the avenue.

Scrimpy did not look much like the ragged
gamin driven out of Wehber’s by the bartender
the last time he was there, for he was attired in
his best clothes, and his manner was that of a.
{pignjg lad who considered himself something of a

o .

Reaching Webber’s, he had no hesitation
agent sauntering boldly in and calling for :1

er.

The barkeeper looked at him keenly and then
shook his head.

“ You can’t get it here,” be declared.

“ Well, if not, why not?" inq,uired Scrimpy.

“ We hain’t sellin’ it to kids. ’

“ Who’s a kid?”

“ Come, corne! get a move on i"

The detective’s assistant slammed a silver do!-
let down on the bar.

“ Dere’s me money; shove der beer! I knows
me gait, cully, so hop ol’f der perch.”

Several of the s ctators showed their amuse—
ment, but the bar eeper scorwled.

“ Chase ourself through that door!” he or-
dered. “ on are too big for your size!”

“An’ you give ‘me great pains!” promptly re-
torted the saucy lad. “ You needs a reducer.”

“ A reducer? .

“ Yep—tor wear on yer head.”
. At this, a big man laughed outright, Observ-
mg:

“ You have run against a shag, Billings.”

The barkeeper rowled.

“ 1’“ break his end!”

“ Yours don’t need breakin’,” soberly declared
Scrimpy. “ It was borncd cracked.”

“Say, give the boy a beer,” put in the big

ian.

“Don’t dare to do it,” retorted the man be-
hind the bar. “ You should know it don’t go in
this place.”

“ Well, here, give me one. That’s 0. K.
Now I can do what I please with it.—Hcre, my
cute shaVer, down this. ”

But Scrimpy drew off. -

“T’ankee, mister,” he re lied; “ but I don't
do business in (let way. ’m on dedead level
an’ if I can’t git me stuff at der bar reg’ler, I
don’t take it at all. I’m goin’ ter git a stretcher
an’ pull meself out a couple or t’ree feet longer,
so dose chump slop-slingers will take a tumble
tor me im rtance. Dsy dunno w’at dey're
doin’ w'en ’ ey refuses ter shove over der guzzie
for dis chick.’

This seemed to amuse the big man mightily.’ '

Just then two other men approached the bar,
and Scrimp recognized them as Harry Wait
and Frank ‘elsey, the men with whom he had
teen Paul Prince when be last visited Webber’s.

 

The portl sport ordered whisky and the two '

began to ta k “ horse "over their g uses.
The big man was talking to Scrimpy, and,

althOiigh pretending to listen, the detective’s as- ,

slstant was doing his best to hear what passed
between Kelsey and Wait. The barkeeper had
not ordered him out in a business-like manner,
and he was for staying as dong as there was a
bility of finding anything worth keeping

im there. ,

Discovering the boy would not drink the beer,
the big man emptied the glass, taking shmcieut
time in doing so. Scrimpy managed toikeep up
a broken bonversatiou with s would-be friend,
thinking it would seem- the he was under the

- man’s protection while he did so.

After a little, a third man approached the two

H sports at the bar. His face was covered by a
black be'ard, and a wide-brimmed hat was all-
He seemed to eel-
' tate a moment, then he spoke to Wait and Kel-

ae his voice being guarded.

be two horse-fancier: turned on the bewhisk--

1‘ cred man, their su rise heln evident, although
he held out his ha‘n s familiar y to both.

- .“ Don’t you kn0w me?” he asked.

“I’m hanged if I do!” retorted Wait, plainly
annoyed. “Who ther blazes are on?”

a' To this question the man in e areply that
Scrim y did not catch, but instantly the man-
her 0 the two to n changed, and they both
gnawed zhe hands 0 the third. .

“ 'ha does this mean?” questioned Wait.
“ Wherehave you been kee ing yourself? and

\ phat in thunder are you rig ed out in this way
or. '

“ ’Sh, ’sh i” sibilated the bearded man, casting
covert glances around. “ Not so loud! l’m in
this rig for a reason, and I have been lyih

Iylow. Come into the back room and

so you the lay-out.” ,

e three promptly sought the seclusionof

, i i = ’

,ii-   1:4,

 

; r-  '3 

the little room, but, as they passed, Scrimpy
made a discitVery.

“Bully eel” he tho ht. “I’m outer dem
whiskers! y are a fa e! Dat cove is Bry
Rockvelt!”

Naturally, the fiamin was hugely delighted at
this discovery. e had struck a scent at

Scrimpy managed to hang around within the
saloon for a long time, but he was finally obliged
to retire to the street.

It was growing dark, and he feared he would
miss his man when Rockvelt left the saloon.
Fortunately, his fears were groundless.

The trio came out together, all smoking cigars,
and they halted on the corner a moment.

” Which way i" asked Kelsey, of the disguised
Rockvelt.

“ Over east,” was the reply.

“Stopping there?”

is No.”

“Where are you hanging out?"

“Over on Ninth, till the storm blows past.”

At this both Kelsey and “’ait laughed, the
latter saying, half-mockingiy:

“ Think of a inau'of your caliber camping on
Ninth avenue!” '-

The idea seemed highly ludicrous to the three
men for they all indulged in quiet laughter.

“ Vhat are you striking the other way for?”
asked Kelsey. ,

“ (lot a date.”

” “'ho with?”

“ Prince.”

“ Is that so?”

“ Dead level.”

“ Then the spotter is off?”

“ Yes, he has dropped.”

“Well, have u care.”

“ You bet l”

Then Wait and Kelsey shook hands with Rock- ‘1

volt, and the trio parted.

Scrim y was only interested in one of them,
and Boo 'velt had a shadower. The gamin bad
befip near enough to catch the drift of their
ta .

“SO dere’s goin’ter beameet between der
Plunger an’ dis bloke,” he thought. “Well,
Mister Stubbs, you should make it a p’int ter be
around in dat locality.”

Rockvelt strode along to a point where he
Could catch a ci‘OSs-town car, and Scrimpy
swung on behind, as the disguised sport took the
front end.

It was not far 'from Grand street Ferry that.

Rockvelt i it the car.

Scrimpy had anticipated the move of the man
he was following and dropped off first. Rock-
velt’s suspicions were not aroused, and he
evidently felt secure in the disguise he was
wearing. ,

The boy shadower was extremely cautious,
for he did not wish to be baffled now, believing
it was of great importance that he should follow
RockVeIt.

In a short time he began to wonder why the
man had gone so far out of the way, for the

sport turned up-town and twisted back through

the narrow streets. The only explanation
possible seemed that he had played the trick to
fling any one who might happen to be following
him. . .
“ All right,” thought the gamin. “ I’m hnter
you wid bote feet.”

But he did not understand all of Rockveltb
turns and twists. - ,

At length, on a dark corner, the man was met
by a woman. It was too dark for the boy
shadower to make out much about the appear-
ance of the woman, but be determined to take
the venture of creeping nearer the two,» as
Rocklvelt seemed talking earnestly with the
fema e. i

The ~boy was successful in reaching a box
near enough to hgar some of their conversation,
thanks to the arkness of that particqu
locality.

It did not take him lon
woman was very old, an
and discordant.

“I tellye she’s-all right!” snapped the aged
creature. “ I am takin good keer of her!”

..“I am not in the killing business,” declared
Rock veit. “ I suppose you understand that.”

“Oh, what is the difference?”

“There is lots'of diflerence! Great Scott!
what are u made of? I believe you would
stran is her for a few dollars extra!”

“ easy is good !” croaked the old vixen. “ It
will buy all ther things we want.”
1 Au exclamation of disgust fell from the man’s
l S‘.

p“ You make me tired. Mother Mumm!”

“Oh, you hain’t no saint!” sneered the wo-

man. I

“And I do not professto be. Men are not apt
to be saints, but they naturally look for women
to be something better than themselves. You
are a d raded old creature who will sell your
bod an soul for a dollar!”

isscorn an ered her.
It 

to make out that the
her voice was harsh

t ma 9 me so?" she cried, fiercely.
“Man! Do youheari Man! They prate about
ther goodness of wimmen, but there’s not one of
’em us don’t stan’ ready ter drag ther best woo
maxi down, only give him half a chance! They
will pull a poor girl inter» ther mud, an’ then

I! {A - ‘v\.  '.  .’ §_ 7 ‘
i‘iitfir'a‘fiiiii’fil"   . A  ;'

..>u*

 

they’ll leave her there! Oh, I know ’em all—
know 'em fer w’at they be! Don’t rate ter me!
You are jest as bad as ther rest! ’at do you
want of this r gal, eh? I know w’at yer
want—you can t fool me !”

" Take a reef in that tongue, Mother Mumm l"
sternly commanded theisport, his hand falling
on the old woman’s shoulder. “ We do not
want the neighborhood to hear what we have to
say.

“ You don’t want ter kill her body," persisted
the aged creature; “ but you stand ready ter
kill her soul!”

’ “ You are mistaken; I only want this girl
kept where she can do me no harm.”

At this, the woman lau hed crOakingly.

“ That does well ter telf”

Rockvelt saw it was useless to talk with her,
so he said: '

“ You tell me the girl is all right, but I think
I will take a look at her.”

“ You want ter see her?” , .

It Yes.”

“ Twilight?”

IS Yes. )7

“ NOW?”

“ I will follow you to her.”

“ All right.”

“ Lead on.” .

They started, and Scrimpy promptly prepared
to continue the shadow act.

“ Hi Jinks!” he delightedly whispered. “ I’m
dead on a hot scent, or I dunno me own name!
If dis hain’t der gal w’at der boss tried ter take,
erway from dem blokes, den I’m a chump! If I
finds her, I'll be doin’ a great job. I reckon I’m
in dis detective business arter all.”

The trail was truly growing hot.

 

CHAPTER. XXVII.
SCRIMPY FALLS THROUGH.

THE old woman led Rockvelt to a none too
savory quarter, not far from where Avenue A
strikes Houston street.

Scrimpy followed.

Suddenly both man and woman disappeared ‘
into a dark alloy.

The boy slid swiftly forward and tried to i

pierce the darkness with his keen eyes. Although‘

he feared a trap, he was not the one to hesitate , ‘

about entering the alley. ‘-

“ Here goes nuthin’,’ he thou ht, as he turned'
into the denser shadows of the 5m.

To his dismay he could find no trace of ‘the
ones he had been following. Be hurried down
the alley until he came to another exit, but he,
saw nothing of man or woman.

They had disappeared.

Then Scriuipy felt pleasant. ‘

“ If it wasn’t so fur, I’d go fall of! der dock l”
he growled, as be vigorously unched, his own
head with his clinched fist.
wearinesa!” A

He spent considerable time sharcbing for a.
possible ciew to the‘course taken by the parties
in whom he was interested, but here were so-'
many doors Opening into the alley hat‘he could ,-
settle on none of them. 

He finally decided to lay quiet and watch till
RockVelt and Mother Mumni reappeared.

Barely had he decided on this course of W' ’

action—or inaction-when a dark figure sud-
denly arose before him, seeming to come out of
 ground. Then a rather hollow voice add
m:
“ For whom searchest thou, youth 1”
“ Holy smoke!” gasped Scrimpy.
stirred up a‘ ginuwine spooky-spook?”
He was really startled.

\.

“ Have I y

“Have no fear, my son,” canmanded the 

meant to *-

other, in a voice that was evident!
0; doing you

be reassuring. “ I have no thought
harm.”

‘ Were you looking for her
" Guess was ”

“I divined as. much, but I fear your search   ,'

will be fruition.” .
“ Well, I don’t care fer fruit, any great.”

“ She is not here.” i :

H I See.”

“ But, listen.” ‘ 

“ Me cars is wide open.”
“ I know where she is hidden.” ‘i i'
“ Bully fer you !”

her

" She is down—deep down.”

“ Dere's lots of peoples dat isvdown.” ‘

Suddenly the man took a stride and placed
hand on the boy’s shoulder, the movement heing~
sosudden Scri

\ .

\L'

“ is gives me great _ .

\r“

I  ‘r- '
“ ’Imng, long did I search, till fit last I found 
P‘.Dat’s der stuff!” A , 
~ 

mpy was unable- to avoid him.” I

and when the lad tried to free himself from the f

gr‘as iJhe wisegnai'iie to do so. v.
e we sq rm when there is no reason"
,for fear,” fell solemnly from the unknown’silipil
“ Be quiet.” . l3“
“ Guess it’s ’bout der only t’ing ter do,” are =
the boy' but he was ready to make a desparatb‘
battle s ould such a thing become necessary. “‘
“ l have to! you I would not harm you. \
“ An’ I done e pritty wid t’anks.”
“ I knew you would come." I 

 

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3': \ ,Why hadn’t he thought of it before!

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" murder

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9 ‘ .o

 ‘tion there 'in the darkness of the dink cellar.

x,  .j ..J:\n-T,.¢-,‘.-M_li_d

 \owlvvo‘ice,  mos—r —

 

“ Who told yer?”

“ The moon." '

“ Well. I don’t have any businen md der
moon arter dis give away.”

“ The moon has told me many secrets.”

“Reckon it must be a woman in der moon,
’stead of a man. Wimmen never kin keep se-
crets, yer kn0w.”

“ Thy talk is frivolous.”

“ Jimminy Christmas! ‘ all dat dangerous? If
it is, i’ll go to a dentist an’ have me talker pulled
out. ’

The man was silent for some moments, and
the gamin’s eyes had become so accustomed to
the darkness of the place that he could see the
gray heard with which the unknown's face was
covered.

it would not be truthful to say that Scrimpy
was not scared at all, for he was really alarm-
ed, being shrewd enough to understand the man
was deranged. The owner of the gray beard
might be utterly harmless, but it was not what
the boy called ‘ fun ” to be alone in adark alley
and held fast by a lunatic.

If there had been a chance to do so, the gamin
would have “ me? a break ;” but the man seem-
ed watching for ust such a move, and he did
not give an op rtunity.

After a brief silence, the deranged slowly

said:

“ I think perhaps we had better go down.”

“ Me time is limited," objected Scrimpy.

" Your time is at my disposal, youth, ’ sternly
declared the man.

“ Since w’eni”

“It hasbeen so for ages.”

“ Great Scott! I must be older" dan Mer-
thusuluml”

. “ 1gen annoy me with many irrelevant say-

in s.

“ Oh, jee! Ir‘ir-ir—what did yer say! Where

did yer pick up all dem heavy words?”

To this the old man—for he was evidently
aged—did not reply, but he asked:

“ Would you like to see her?”

“ Who?"

“ The one I found beneath the ground.”

“ Is she alive?"

“ She still lives, though buried.”

“ W’at’s der price of admission ter der show 3"

Again the man did not answer.
“ You shall see her," he asserted. “ Come.”
He would have led the boy from the spot, but

Scrimpy held back. '
“ I hain’t said wanted ter go. My time is

Take a tumble ter
yerse an’ shake yer grip on this chick. I’ll give
yer an imitation of a teller tryin’ ter outrun a
cyclone. It’ll be more fun dan der Injunsl”

But the man did not seem to take any stock in
that kind of “fun.”

“ You must not hold back, youth,” he said
sternly. “ I have no desire to harm you, but I
may have to use violence if you are not a willing
subject in my ds. You were sent here by a
power other than your own.”

“ Well, I am dead sore on dat power I”

“ You were sent to see her.” \'

“ Come, now, old pard, give it to us straight!

(Who is dis ‘ her ’ you’re chinnin’ ’bout so much!
W’at’s her namei’ ' ,

The man pressed his free hand to his head.

“ H ,-r name?” he murmured. “I cannot seem
to think, though I knew it once. Strange— Ha!
that is my name! I am Doctor Strange, and all
the world shall riu with my name some day!”

The boy star , for Dan had told him all
about Dr. Strange. This, then, was the lunatic
who had attacked Count Mirabeau in the house
afterward destroyed b fire.

,, “The old man wou d daily no longer, and
Scrimpy was forced to accompany him, though
he continued to watch for a chancetoeeca
Keeping a firm grip on the boy, the madman ed

‘ the way through a low doorway into the dark-
ness of an ill-smelling building. /

l;l.‘he boy wondered if he would ever come forth

a V8.

' Through the dense darkness they made their
WY, the lunatic evidentlgobelng quite familiar
wi h his surroundings. heath their feet the
floor was rotten and shaky at times.
~' At length they descended some stairs and
were in col ar. Then they squeezed themselves

. through damp M, where there were slimy

rocks on every hand.

Afeeliug 0 horror grew on the boy with each
,passing moment. and he wondered at his Own fol.
‘ y in not making a desperate fight inst odds,
- rather than to have submitted so r. ely. What
‘ could be the purpose of the madman other than

and what a place for such a terrible

I t was! He began to wonder how many

others had fallen victims to the lunatic in that

, , dreadful place.

I ‘ e Then, all at once, Scrimpy remembered he had
'a revolver in his pocket. He nearly uttered a

{ triumphant about of delight, as his hand sought
and felt the weapon through his clothing.

“He could not answer the question.
, -. Now he would not tamer submit to assassina-

{When the time came. he would use the revolver.
‘ “I’ll blow. a hole t’rough der jay bi ernough
tar fiing a cat t’rough widout touchin’ er rim of

 riv

 

 

 

it!" he thought. “ Hope der old guy don‘t make
me salt him, but w’en it comes ter gunnin’, he’ll
find me right dere wid bote feet.” _ _

Suddenly the maniac stopped, still retaining
his grip on the lad. They had made their wa
through the narrow passage and were in a ce -
lar, the dimensions of which could only be
guessed at by Scrimpy.

“ Hush l” cautioned the old man.

They listened.

Somewhere, from some unknown spot, came
the sound of human voices. At first, Scrimpy
was startled b the sound, for it was strange
and hollow, ma ing one imagine it might be of
a ghostly nature.

All at once, the maniac doctor began to laugh
and chuckle in a h ble fashion, causing the
gamiu’s blood to run old in his veins.

“She is there!” he said, guardedly. “0h,
es! And some one is with her. Ha! ha! They
ittle dream I have found her! What would
they dolf they knew it? I suppose the would
take her away. Well, they shall not n0w it
tiilI am ready, and then—she wii be gone.
They mean to kill her—the arenot satisfied
with burying her alive. 0h, ut I’ll fool them—
I'll baffle theml”

Scrimpy said nothing, but his curiosity had
been aroused to the highest pitch. What did it
all mean?

It almost seemed that Dr. Strange read the
thoughts of his companion, for he said:

“ Come, you shall see.” I

He pulled the lad forward, cautioning him
against making any noise.

In a few moments they halted, and, when
Scrimiiy put out his hand, it touched a wall that
was be ore them. .

Carefully the maniac removed a small stone
from the well, beyond which still sounded the
hum of voices.

The removal of the stone allowed a ray of
ii ht to shoot into the cellar. _

he deranged doctor looked through the
aperture thus made, and then he drew back,
whis ring: '

“ .ook! She is there! Behold her!”

Scrimpy peered through the breach in the
We!

Then he clasped his hands over his mouth to
keep hack a or of astonishment.

“Jimminy 'cketsl” he hoarser sibilated.
“ It’s der same gal, sure as shootiu’!

The maniac’s g; ip tightened on his shoulder.

“Do you know her!” cautiously asked Dr.
Strange.

“ Bully gee! I should sues so!”

“ Who is she?"

“ A ai w’at’s bein’ used mightyfrottenl”

“ He name-her name i”

:I"Oh I hairy; jest sure_o'f1di:t;;’ .

e erang gave a sig 0 espair.

“Ii fearedas much,” he said.

Again Scrimp‘yo peered through the opening in
the wall, and saw there were two other
persons in the cellar roam with the girl.

0 ice more be suppressed his surprise with
difficulty, for they were Rnekvelt and the old
woman he had met on the corner.

“Dis is nuts!” thought the boy. “Why, dis

ttlebrained old bloke has put the outer a great

a ! Oh, mum! won’t der boss have a fit w’en
I te is him dis!” .

The detective’s assistant was delighted with
the discovery. ,

Be listened at the a rtuns.

The girl was standing erect, boldly confront-
ing the man and the bag-like old woman. Her
head was thrown back, and, although she was
very pale and wan, «her ’spirit did not seem
broken. She was speaking:

“No, I am not dead,” she was saying; “Al-
though it is a wonder. God must be veryl‘kind
to sustain me through so much, and i think he
means that I shall triuth over you all in the
end. I know not what have ever done that
you should persecute me in such a terrible
manner.”

“Hear her! hear her!” grated the old hag.

‘ “Her back needs breakin’! 0h, I’d like ter use

her est as I hev a mind to!”
h“ lliat have I ever done to you?" demanded
t e ir . ‘

‘ “ ou’ve looked at me with them pritty eyes'
or yourn—looked like ye hated me! Ali-ha! I’d

like ter scratch ’em out!" , 1

She started forward, her hands twisted into
the shape of claws. , ,

“ Here, here!” exclaimed Rockvelt, catching
her by the shoulder. “ What are you n tel”

“ Oh, you won’t let me do for her, eh

“ You seem to have changed your tune, old
woman. A little while ago (you were venting
your rage against all mankin of the masculine
gentler; now you would assault a defenseless

ir .

“’Cause she looks at me so! I know I’m one
of the devil’s own, but nobody has any right to
tell me so—not even with their eyes!”

“ Be Quiet! I came here to see if you told me
the truth when you said she was all right.”

“ Well, you have found out.”

“lam not exactly pleased with her appear-
ance. I believe you do not feed her well.’ '

“ Oh, sir!” cried the irl, in a pitiful manner;
“ I have no appetite— cauuot eat!” ‘ *

l

D

 

“No!” snarled the bag. “ She refuses food
that’s too good fer her.”
“All because I cannot swallow it. Who

would have any appetite, were they shut up in .

this horrid place?”

Rockvelt could not re y.

“It’s all contrariness! raved the old woman.
“ She could eat if she was a mind tor.”

“ You know that is not true.”

“Oh, then I’m a liar? You vixen! Do you
dare call me that?”

The old hag had probably been drinking, for
she seemed devoid of judgment, and she now
made a spring for the girl, who fell back, utter-
in a cry of

‘1’“ kill I’ll kill ye!" howled Mother
Mumm, striking the captive with her skinny
hands and fairly frothing at the mouth.

“ Great Moses! she will kill her!” exclaimed.
Scrimpy, filled with anger and horror.

Then the min drew back, governed by a,
sudden impu , and buried himself against the

wall.

He had scarcely expected it to fall before ‘the
onslaught, but it did so, and he plunged forward
into the other cellar, carrying with him a mass
of stone and earth, and fallin in a heap on “the
Efonnd, with the shattered w piled all around

m.

fear.
ye !

Then he quickly scrambled up, and found
himself face to face with the astounded Bry.
Rockvslt.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
ms: GAHIN carrunnn.

Lri'rLl: wander Rockvelt was astonished, for
the gamin’s appearance had been of a nature to
startle the most nervy.

Scrimpy was not a little surprised and dazed
himself, or he had acted onasudden impulse,
scarcely thinking the wall would fall before his

onset.

He tried to brush the dust from his eyes, as he
faced the man who was staring at him.

The disguised sport quickly recovered, leaping
forward and catching the be by the shoulder.

“ Hello!" he snarled. “ hat the blazes does
this mean? Who are you? and where did you
come from?"

" I’m a gopher,” was the retort; “an’ I come
out of de groun’. Take a fall ter erself an’ git
yer dirty fi era 0!! me Sunday c othesl"

As usual, rimpy’s tongue was ready with a
pert reply.

“ You’re a spy!” grated the gambler. ,

“ Naw; I’m jest a kid.”
Mother Mumm had ceased her attack on the

girl, and she now cried, sh '

rug:
Course he’s a spy! ll him l—stranglo
him!” _ .

“ If yer kills me, I’ll bedead,” was the gamin’s:
astounding retort. “ But I hain’t done nuthin"
for be kilt fer.” ‘

" I am not so sure of that,” said Rockvelt, as:
he kicked the boy’s feet from under him, throw-
ing the detective s aid heavily to the ground. “ I

uess we will have to make you fast, while we-
nvesti is.”

But rimpy did not relish becoming the cup-
tive of the sport, and he began to fight desper-
ately, stunned and confused though he was.
fer it i" he gritted. " I hain’t der
dat e kin do jest as yer likes wid.”

“ lylstill, you little devil!”

The bad no intention of obeying; and Rock
velt found it no eas thing to secure im.

“ I will have to neck some sense into your
head!” nted the man, striking viciously at
so ple ittle foe.

. rimpy managed tosquirm aside in time ton
avoid the blow, and Rockvclt’s fist was skinned.

a chick.

on the rocks, causing the man to rave furiously.. ,~

Where was Dr. Strsn

Scrimpy asked himss uestion, wonder-
ing why themaniac did not ta ahaud'in the-
afi'ray. If he would only appear and assault
Rockvelt, things would look more favorable for
the detective’s pluck assistant.

But Dr. Strange not show up, and Rock-
velt finally overpowered the boy having dis-
armed Scrimpy, as the lad produced his re-
volver.

“ You little devil !” fumed the man.
would shoot me!"

“ I‘d do an ’ing 1 had ter.’2 was the reply.

With the tt of the revolver, the gambler
struck Scrimpr a blow that stunned the boy so
he became h plea to resist.

As the unfortunate shadower lay powerless in,
Rockvelt’s grasp, Mother Mnmm brought some:
rope, with which he was made secure, hands and

the

“ So you.

1

feet.

“ There!” breathed the black-mustached sport 7
as he stand on his feefi looking down at thd
ca tive; “you are and fast, though you
di mgkea game fight. wonder if.y_ou were

Scrimpy did not reply, but he looked his feel- '
ings. which were an thin hutfrssabls.
“ Give me thatli t, er nmm,” ordered
k‘velt. “I wil look into that other cellar
and find out if there was any one with this fool
33w. Bkapg fast to the girl while I leave you in.
e ,

' ‘\

21"

yer makes me fast, you've t r hustle, ‘
kfid 0
his. ‘ a

.\

dar . I .
'1 Never be skesied fer that,” cinaked the old"

w.

s."

    

 

 

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I 'DOuble-voiceLDan on‘ Deck. j

 

 

gag." “ I will make sure she does not give us the

ockvelt took up the oil lam and passed
through the breach in the wall. p
The captive be held his breath, wondering if
'Dr. Strange wou d be discovered. He hoped not,
‘for, although the man was deranged, he thought
it sible he would assist them some way.
he kidnapped girl had remained passive after
f the unexpected appearance of the gamin, and
'she made no movement while Rockvelt was ab-
:38nt from the cellar.

Through the breach in the wall Scriinpy
«could see the gambler moving about with the
lamp in his hand, and the lad waited breathless-
ly for the commencement of the struggle which
he more than half-believed would take place.

But there was no struggle. Rockvelt returned
Without finding a trace of Dr. Strange.

“ Were you alone?” he demanded of Scrimpy.

“ Don’t you wish ye knowed !” saucily retorted

the bog.
“ I. 0 know.”

“ Den w’at yer axin’ me fer?”

“ To see what you would say.”

"‘ Well, I guess you see’d.”

'“ You have tumbled into a bad scrape.”

‘“ Is dat so!”

“ You are a t to find it so. You will remain
on the retired ist for a time.”

“ Is dat so?”

“You will be a mighty quiet gopher for a
'week or two.”

’ “ Is dat so I”

It is impossible to express in cold pe the
acorn and defiance the gamln threw to his
words by placing the accent in three different
positions.

Roekvelt put down the lamp and sat down on
the edge of a rude couch, staring blackly at the
boy, who, helpless though he was, grinned cheer-
:fully and win ed at the disguised rascal.

“ I should t’ink you’d git yer whiskers cut ”
observed the; irrepressible youth. “ Youse could
have dem made inter a fur mat.”

Rockvelt said nothing, and the boy went on,
recklessly: ’

“ You know.\whiskers are sellin' for five a bag,
so yer might make yer fortune. Take dat fer a
tip, cully. Dey’d he mighty good ter scare rats
wid. An’ den de might be used fer a fodder
duster. See? W y don’t yer have dem pulled
out if dey pains yer? l s’pose you sets up nights
wid ’em, ehl It must be you wears dem ter hide
der face underneat’ so ye can’t see yer own re-
flection in der glass. Bet your face’d break a
common mirror all ter smash.”

He did not seem in the least disconcerted h
'his misfortune, and Rockvelt could not help a -
miriug the boy’s pluck.

“ How did on come in that other cellarl”
asked the gem ler.

, “Der reg’ler way.”

v,“ How is that?"

“ Walked wid me feet.”

“ You had better shut down on your sauciness,
if you haVe any desire to get off without having
.a broken neck ”

“ Sauce? Why I t’ought dey pronounced dat

' sass! You must have somet’ing in yer mout’,
’1  fer.”

“ How did you happen to enter that cellar?”

6’ Biz. 1’ I

“ Busineml”

6‘ Y8 .1,

“ What business could have taken you there?”

- “ Dat’s tellin’.” .
“ Well, you had bettér tell and talk straight,
, if you know when you are well off. I am not
going to fool with Jyou any longer.”
us

“ Dat’s right. t go way an’ let me be.”
“ Who sent you into that cellar, boy?”
.“ Nobody.” a

“ Is that true?”
‘ , “Stra' ht stud."

Rockve t looked doubtful. . ‘

“ Then tell me exactly why you were there.”

'“ I was looking for a place ter bunk.”

“ That is not true.”

" Why notf”.:.‘;:
,, “ You can’t make me believe on were trying
to find a place to sleep in that am' part0 the

collar, for you are well-dressed. on may as

- _wall understand you cannot fool me.”

Scrimpy had fo tten he was wearing [his
best toga, instead 0 being attired in his neual
'stree costume. ' i '

“ , ’at’s der use of my tellin’ yer anyt’lng!” he

_-exclaimed. “No matter w’at I tole yer, you
wouldn’t b’lieve it.”

~ w “ If you told the truth, I would know it.
Were you spying on me!"

“ Mebbe so.”

The gambler scowled.

". I thought asmuchl Well, you were brought
up with a round turn.”

“ I wasn’t never brought up a tall-cl jest

me up anyway.” '

“I have seen you before.”

“ NO l” . l ‘ \

“I saw on in Webber’s this very night! 'By

' . ' Jove! the ’s it! Now I am satisfied you were

a a 3nd on me! Well on will he sor ever
£50k t 9 job!” ’ y ry you
I ;“.W’at be yer oin' ter do wi moi”
‘. (“I have not ided. For t e present I

I
\ 

  
 

 

I ,
‘n

,’.'»\‘
Mn‘ / “v .1 I "l .1 ‘ 9" £1352.”

‘ sweet an’ beautiful.

 

  
 
  

leave you here. Confound it! you have ruined
thatt’wail and spoiled this place for my pur-

“ Hooray fer me!”

Rockvelt stared at the broken wall for some
time, and the gamin watched him closely. At
length the gambler seemed to arrive at a conclu-
sion and he turned to the old hag.

“Mother Mumm,” he said, “ you will have
two risoners to watch for a little while.”

“ kin watch ‘em both as well as one,” assert-
ed the beldame. “ I’ll take keer of ’em.”

“ See that you do, for if either should escape, ’

the dickens would be to pay.” Then he took out
hisd handsome gold watch and glanced at it,
ad ing;

“ I will take one or both from your charge
before morning. As it in, l have an enga ement
that must be kept at once, and that ta esme
away now. You shall be well paid for your
additional trouble.”

“ That is all I kin ask,” croaked the old crone,
bobbing her head. “ I’ll do anything fer money
——hai hel—yes, anythin l I sold my soul an’
body fer mone years an years ago, w’en I was
a handsome g . Money is all I keer fer.”

“ I will satisf your greedy old soul, if you do
not fail me. k out for the girl; the boy is
secure.”

“ All right, all right.”

With a few words more, Rockvelt departed,
leaving the captives in charge of the hideous
and conscienceless old hag.

CHAPTER XXIX.
MOTHER MUMM ON GUARD.

AFTER forcing the girl to the couch, Mother
Mumm crouched on the floor. watching the cap-
tives and occasionally muttering to herself.

It was not a pleasant position, by any means,
and Scrimpy hated himself for falling into the
trap. Had he jerked forth his revolver the mo-
ment he arose from the ground after coming
through the wall and covered Rockvelt, the re-
.sult might have been different. But the shock
of the fall had stunned him, and the dust had
{filed his eyes, so he fell a captive to the gam-

er.

As he is there, the boy thought of various
manners o escape, but, being securely bound,
he could put none of his plans into operation.
If he were only free!

Mother Mumm was watching him close] ,
and the old hag chuckled as she saw him tug g
at his bonds.

“ Oh, you’re tight an’ fast—ti ht an’ fast l”
she crooked. “ If ther gal was as ast, it’d save
me heaps of trouble.”

That seemed to give the ugly creature an idea,
and it was but a short time before she produced
somelrrlipe and declared she was going to bind
the r .

U?) to this point, since the startling appearance
of Scrimpy in the cellar, the girl had kept quiet;
but she now protested against being tied, al-
thou h she showed her fear of the old women.

“ eep still!” snarled Mother Mumm. “ If ye
don’t keep still an’ let me do as I want ter, I’ll
choke yer till e do! Oh, I know how ter handle
your kind—I oi"

“ How have I ever harmed you that you should
treat me thus?” pleaded the unfortunate maiden.

“Oh, don’t ask such questidns! Don’t ye un-
derstand I’m doin’ this fer money? I’m well paid
fer watchin’ yer.”

“ I will pay you to set me free.”

The bag laughed harshly.

“ That is good i” she sneered. “ Why you hain’t
got no money-you’re oor as a beggar/l That’s
why I can’t understani' w’at theywant ter keep
ye a prisoner fer. They can’t make any money
out o it. But "—leering into the unfortunate
oue’s ace-“ ye’r’ purty! 0h, he! he! he! You’ve

ot a purty face an’ yer figger’s slick. I reckon
fknow men wel ernough ter read ther ones as
set me ter watch over yer. I kndw w’at they
want, though he tried to make me think I
didn’t.”

The fair captive shuddered and shrunk back
from that evil face and those horrible eyes, feel-
ing her blood turned to ice in her heart, for she
could not fail to understand the beldame’s vile
meaningé .

“,Oh, eavenl Father!” she moaned, covering
her pale face w th her hands; “is there no es-

ca 1” .

ReEscape!” croaked Mother Mumm, catchin
her by the slender wrist with lone skinny han .
“You think of escape now! time will come
w’en you'll go gladly down ther easy road that
leads ter ther Burnin’ Pit. Ther first rt of
ther way is soft an’ easy an’ delightful. know,

 

. forI traveled it all. Ithou ht it was alwus

goin’ for be so. Fool fool, (00 i I never dream-
ed of the time w’en I’d be old an’ all. my good
looks’d be gone! Look at me now2—look. I sayl.
Idiotl—what are ye skeered of? Would you
think this face was fair an’ round an’ full of col-
orancel No, no, no! Well, it was! I looked
as well as you—yes, better! I had but blood in
my veins-4 loved life, an’ everything seemed
Then—in the long years
ago—scores of lovers flocked around me an’
poured honeyedmords in my ears. They told
me how fair was—how my e es were likestars
an’ my hair like midnight.

ey was kind an’

   
 

   
 
 

.who dragged me' away from

 

   

attentive an’ not one could do too much for me.
I was queen among them all! W ’at am I now?”

The old woman had worked herself up to a

itch that was really appalling in its dramatic
intensity. Her aged eyes blazed, her wrinkled
face turned purple, and foam fiecked her lips.
She still clung to the kidnapped girl’s wrist, al-
though the maiden tried to free herself several
times.

“That’s ther way—struggle an’ flutter! They
all do so at first; pretty soon they come to like
it. This is a dismal hole, but when you do as
they want e to, they’ll put ya in a gilded cage.
Oh, you’ll ike that! All the fool birds like it!
They don’t knew any better! They plume
themselves in fine toga an’ live on ther best
feed an’ drink, an’ the don’t dream ther beauty’s
bein’ sapped from t eir cheeks. The dollars
they git are flung to ther wind. If I’d been
sharp, I might have been rich now- es, rich!
There was fortunes wasted on me! ou don’t
believe that? Well, it was so! You think I
was alwus a poor an’ ignerent thing! ’Tain’t
true! I had a purty good education, but ther
life I have led has took it all away from me.
If I’d saved the dollars, I might be livin’ in a
grand house an’ ridin’ in my own team. Then
the people who’d cross the street to git away
from me now would be callin’ to see me. I
might have buried the past—But what one of
’em all does that? Not one!”

“Se ,” chipped in Scrimpv; “you’re talkin’
yersel outer breathe. ole ga .”

Mother Mumm still had the rope in her hand,
and she once more fiung herself on the irl.

“ Keep still, now 3" she grated. “ ’m only
oin’ ter tie e so on won’t cause me any fuss.
f vou.don’t ick, won’t hurt e.”

Evidently the maiden thong t it best to sun-
mit for she made no strug le. "
When she had comple , the work to her sat-
isfaction, Mother Mumm drew off and looked

the risoners over.

“ here,” she said, “ I reckon you are fast.
This thinkin’ of the old life has got me inter a
terrible state, so I guess I’ll have ter have some
beer. I kin leave ye now ’thout your runnin’
away.”

Then she hobbled away and left the cellar.

Scrimpy was the first to speak.

in Sa . 9 .

“ What is it?” faintly asked the girl.

“ Is your name Vira Selwick’f”

“ Yes, es! How did you knew?”

“ 0h, found it out! I t’ought youse must be
dat  We’s in a he-rippin’ ole scra .”

“ t is terrible!” moaned the girl. ‘ I have no
friends to search for me, and I know not what
will become of me.” .

“ Don’t you go fer fer t’inkin’ ye hain’t got no
friends. Me an’ an is yer friends, an’ we’sa
whole crowd.”

“ Who'is Dan?”

“ He’s der daisiest detectiVe in der world an’
I’m his side-pard. Why, jest de mention of his
name makes der most des rate criminalter-r-r-
remble. He has a way 0 yankin’ dem up wit! a
round turn.” ‘

" How is it he knows of me?”

“Oh, we got a tip. Der old jay w’at sells div
mints on Broadway gived us a p’inter.’

“ Mr. Prince?” ‘

“ Dat’s der gent.” ’

“ Oh, does he know—does he suspect?”

“ What d’yer mean?”

“ About Paul—about that horrid impostor.”

“Hal Wat’s dis I hear? Does‘me ears work
all strai ht’i W’at erbout Pauli”

“ Oh, do not know! Paul went away‘ to
Europe, but it was not the same Paul who came ,

EC . '

Scrimpy endeavored to stand on his head, but
not having his hands to assist him. failed flatly.

“ Hully gee!” he squealed. “Do you mean

datl”
“ I certainly do.”
“Oh, wow! Dst ’splains der whole t’ingl

Won’t der bees faint I”
The girl was puzzled.
“ What do you mean i” she asked.
' “ We was workin’ on dis ease. Du old man .

put as on. He t’ought his boy was actin’ crooked ', 1 ‘
an ‘ ‘ . ' '

“ He whs deceived in the wretch!”

4‘ I mt!” ,

“  first iIhwus not salted—I could not believe it
possi e ano er person a returned to the
part of Paul. One night I dreamed of litihajhd I
saw Paul conflneddn a_ dungeon-like place, while
this other was enjoying his rivileges. Even .
then I had my doubts. But
me. and he had broken the eng ment. Father
had vanished, and I was so tron led I knew not
what to do. I met him and charged him with
being an impostor. He indignantly denied it."

“ An’ then—what?” \

“ That very night I was seized by some men .
my home. Since-
then I have been in their war. , _, * _,

“Der crooked cove is a der bottom of it all.” ‘

“Paul?”

u sure.” \

" I have thought so—I am sure of iv"

“ Course you be! He’s a scab!” x

“Once I nearly escaped, aided by some
known friends; but he found me. He in v " ,

l

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me believe I was in some danger. I was so
confused I knew not what he said or what I
did. I let him take me from the room where
my stranger friend had told me to remain."

‘ Dat was Dan."

“Well, outside there were lots of people. and
he hurried me away.”

“ I was foilerin’.

” You?”

in Yep."

“ I did not see you.”

“ You was too fiustered ter see anyt’ing.”

“ That is true. But I finally realized I was
with him, and I tried to get awa . He forced
me into a cab, and I was carri away, a cap-
tive again.”

“ An’ 1 was knocked silly, or else I’d foilered
(lat cab. Say.”

“ What?”

“ Did der old gal tie yer up tight?”

“ 1 think so.”

“ Can’t yer git

“ I don‘t know.

“ Well, jest youse find out livoly. If you
his git free, youse kin untie me, au’ i’ii help
ye out of here.”

“ I will try.”

“ Be lively ’fore der old gal gits back. She’ll
raise der deuce if she ketches us.”

Urged by the hope of escape, the girl tugged
at her bonds. Mother Mumm had thought
there was little danger of her trying to get free,
and therefore had not 'd as much attention
to the knots as she mgpt have done. Sum-
moning all her strength, ira twisted and pulled
at the ropes, pluckin bearing without a murmur
the sin it caused. ’

“ t’s no usei” she subbed, after atime. “I
can't get free!”

“ Don’t dey give a bit!” anxiously asked
Scrimpy.

“ I felt them
eno h.”

" on’t yer give it up; stick to it a little
longer. Mebbe ye’ll do it next time.”

Thus urg she once more attempted to free'
her hands. he gamiu watched her struggles,

yer han’s free nohow 2”

give some at first, but it was not

. with the greatest anxiety.

“I think I am getting one hand freel”ex-
claimed the girl.

‘lDen stick to it!” urged the boy shadow.
ti Burr I”

“ I will have it loose in a moment,” panted
the excited maiden. ,

“Hark!”

They listened and heard sounds approaching.
2 “Holy Moms!” groaned Scrimpy. “ Der old
womans comin’ back!”

CHAPTER XXX.
INTO THE RAT HOLE.

DOUBLE-VOICE Dan’s position was not an
enviable one, to say the very least.

The‘candle had burned out and darkness fill-
ed the dank cellar.

Listening. he could hear the rustling move-
ments and the occasional squeals of the rats.

They were creeping toward him again!

The detective ground his strong white teeth
With impotent rage. He strougl felt the
horror of his situation, but he was helpless to do
anything on his Own account.

“Oh, curse the infernal luck!” he muttered
fiercely. “ [am not ready to kick the bucket in
this fashion! 1 do not {bar death, but I would
like to die in a manly manner."

Once more he felt the rats brushing against

s

' him and running over his legs, and he thought

it could not be long before they made a com-
bined attack on him.

“ Get out, ou devils!” he shouted.

As if at is command, the host of rodents
fled squealing into the recesses of the cellar. He
wondered at this, but it was not long before he
heard stealthy sounds all around him.

Were the rats returning! ‘

suddenly, not far from his feet, he heard a

, hollow and ghost-like la b.

Barely had the sound led out before it was

., echoed near his head, and then it came from his

right and his left.

A ma'n of delicate nerves would have been
shocked and frightened. Dan was certainly
startled, but he was not frightened, for he in-
stantly detected a trick to prey on his fears.

“Very good!” he commented his calmness
almost sur rising himself. " unds like the

. . croaking o froga Try it again-now, all to-

gether—grand chorus.”

‘ He was not obeyed.
Up‘fiashed four ligh
ma dark-lanterns w
el see man.

an}: th‘e lare of as
an en y ung u n
. He could not see the halide
theJanterns or the owners of the hands,
but he knew there were four there.

“ Well,” said a harsh voice, “ here is the spy.”
v “ Here is the spy,” echoed three other voices.
M What shall we do with him?" asked the

~ first.
- “Kill him!”

r “ Torture him!”
xghrow reign to thegtsi”
on u not ther about (1 i
throwing,” ohservfionau.I “ All youowlili his;
save me ue. will
this will attend to me directly. gamut” the

 
 
 

4’

  

 

“ But you arenot giVin me a fair shake. All
I ask is alf a show, but am not getti any
show at all. You are numerous,”but I wil fight
the ng, if you will set me free.

“ ithout doubt!” sarcastically chuckled the
man at Dan’s right. “ But you must take us
for fools.” '

“ Oh, not at all, dear sir!” assured the helpless
detective, biting scorn in his tones. “ Cowards
are not necessarily fools."

At this there was angry muttering.

“ You had better hold fast to your tongue,
my man!” gr0wied the one Who seemed the
leader of the party with the lanterns. “It is
well to be discreet when you are helpless."

Dan laughed.

“ That is as good as a threat, and by threaten-
ing a be) less man you prove yourselves most
contempt ble.” ; -

“ Let him go!” spoke a voice that Dan recog-
nizsd. “ He will have little chance to talk.”

" That’s so." put in the third. “ We'll
soon chuck him whar thar’ll be no waggin’ of
his jaw.”

The fourth remained silent.

“ I have heard crooks talk before,” eered
the captive. “ Why didn’t you finish me when
you had me by the throat?”

“ We were not sure about you then,” replied
the leader.

“ Not sure?"

H N0 ”

“ What do you mean by that?”

“ We were not positive you were Double-
voice Dan, the detective.”

“ You are sure of, it now!”

“ I should say we were i”

“ Then that is settled.” I

“ You do not deny it?” -

“ Why should ll No, I do not deny I am the
man who has piacod any amount of your class
behind the bars.” '

“ You have won the name of the ‘ Always~on-
Deck Detective,’ but in this little affair ’you do
not seem to be as much on deck as usual.

“ Do not let that worry you, dear sir,” was the
cool retort. “ Appearances are often deceptive,
and I may come out on deck in the end.”

All this apparent bravado the four behind the
lights laughed in scornful chorus.

“ You must be a fool to think we are going to
let you'get of! now i” sneered the leader.

“Either that or he thinks we are fools,” as—
serted Number wo. ‘

1 “ Ther bloody whelp is blufiln’l” declared
umber Three.
silCafe more Dan noticed the fourth remained

en .

The detective was a man who could remember
voices quite as well as faces, and he felt sure he
knew three of the men into wh0se power he had
fallen. Of course Paul Prince was one of them.

“ You are on top now,” acknowledged the
trapped ferret; “ but every dog has his day.”

“That is true,” confessed the Plunger: “and
you have had ours. It is past."

“ Do you th nk so’il You think gou are having
yours now but let me tell you it
sunset. Your day will he a short one, and the
ni ht that follows endless.”

aul forced a scornful laugh.

“ That is all right,” he said, recklessly. “ You
will not be on hand to see the sun go down.” '

“ That is what you think.”

“ That is what I know.”

“ Your knowledge is limited, Paul Prince.”

“ You know moi” _

“ Stirs.” '

“ Well, it does not matter. You will never be
able to use that knowledge a last me.”

“ That’s straight,” agreed t e leader.

' “ That’s what you think, Bry Rockvelt,” said

Dan i “ but you have made mistakes in your,

life.’ '

A savage exclamation of rage broke from the
gambler’s lips. ' .  ' ‘

“ So you are onto me, as well. All right. We
shall be all the more careful to place you where
you will do us no harm." a '

“ Best ,cut his throat now, bossi" growled
Number Three. V

“ I haVe not a doubt but you would like that
job, Battery Ben,” half-laughed Dan.

“ You kin gamble your pile I would.”

“ Perhalps you had better do it.”

it Why

“ The time will come when-I’ll pull you in, if
you don’t finish me now.” --

“ You tried that little job a while ago but
you didn’t make it work. I ve you the slip.”

“ You did, Benjamin, an Lhawe wondered
h0w you worked the trio ”

H E“ Snuff.” .r 4 y

u . .

" Rayon mind telling!”

3g amtlisteningi; "
jes swumun er the water hel al b
the current, till I was under the aim?“
Elle?” I hung ter a timber till ye gave up the
un . A

“ Very simple.- you are a slippery dog, Ben-
ny, but you will slip up some day.” ' V .
“ Wei , you won’t be ’round to crow.”
“ Perhaps not.”
' “ It’s dead sure.” :

   

Dan was wondering who Number Four could '

mighty near”

  

r

be, for that person remained quiet, having
spoken only once or twice since the detective’s
enemies entered the cellar.

The four now retired a short distance, and the
light of the lanterns revealed them to the help-
less ferret. Dan knew they were consulting to-
gether over his fate.

“I guess this is the last job for me,” he mut-
tered, grimly. “All the same, I an) goingto
show them a clean bluff to the end. There will
be no weakening.”

After several minutes of consultation, during
which Dan could Only catch a word now and
then they came back and stood around him.

" Your doom is sealed," solemnly declared
Rockvelt.

“All right,” said Dan, cheerfully. “What’s
the verdict?”

“ Death, of course.”

“Oh. of course; but how do you propose to
snufi’ me out?" , -

“ We shall throw you into the Rat Hole.”

“ What is that?” _

"A place where other fools have been cast,
not one of whom came forth alive.”

“ That is pleasant.”

“ If you are not killed by the fall, the rate
will finish you.”

“ They will do that all right enough, if you
leave me here.

“ We do not mean to leave
place was searched on would
omoer can find the t Hole.”

Rockvelt gave the word, and Dan was dragged
across the cellar-bottom till they came to a stone
wall. Here the gambler fumbled with the stones
a few minutes, and then what seemed to be
solid stone and cement opened before them. Dan
was lifted and Number Four held the light so

he could look into the 
He saw a large black ole that seemed butts.

ess.

“Looks pleasant, doesn’t it!” sneer-ed Rot
velt, all his vile. nature coming to the surfe';
now.

a

on here. If the
found; but no

Dan had nerved himself to betray no fear,’

even if he felt any.
“ I have a favor to ask,” he said. i
 fanvorl Do you suppose we will grant it?”

{’zWell, I swear! What is
it

“ That you free my hands before you drop me
into that place.”

“ What good
sure to kill you.”

“ If it does not,
oil’ the rats for a time."

“ You do not hope to escape?”

“ Perhaps so."

“ Well, you had better give up hope, for you
have no show. All the same, we Will set your
hands free. That will only prolong your agony,

You have nerve!

s

for the rats will not be able to end you at f:

quickly.”

At a word from the
hands free. Then the etective was lifted and
thrust inward the hole.

As he was being castin, Dan caught at the‘

cloth which covered the face of Number Four,
and he succeeded in tearing it from the features
it concealed.

A woman’s countenance was revealed—a lace
fair and beautiful. , i ‘

“ Diamond Bess I” cried the detectiVe.

Then he was thrust into the Rat Hole and
went whirling down ward into. the darkness! ‘

CHAPTER xxx‘ I.
IN ran GREAT snwua. r ' ,.
How strange it seems that sometimes a Y

Q

son will fall onlya few feet and be kil «1,2 

while another may drop from a terrible height
and escape with scarcely an injury

i . 
Down. dewn went the unlucky detective, and

it seemed as if he would surely meet with instant

ambler, Paul out Dan’s '1

a .

death or terrible injury when he struck the bot— ..

tbm of the Rat Hole. ' ‘
Not so. ‘ l l V
i He struck in soft mud and a small amount of
water and was scarcely shocked. ‘
Dan was really surprised to find himself
livi although he did not feel . particula ~

ela over the fact. for he realised instant dea ' ,

might bepreferable to the lingering agopyof  a,“

fate that awaited him.

He heard voices above and lacked upward: 

.He saw a man
hole and looking downward.

" I think he is done for,” said the voice of Bry” 

Rockvelt. “The world will never know 

became of Dan Dmmiug. and one more blend-g,

bound is out of the way.
Afieros filledthe oftheinauinthe'
Rat Hole it was with d culty heremdinsd

silent. tie burned to fling

Rockvelt drew back. Then came a
sound. as of rusty hinges, followed by a
Darkness reigned in the Rat Hole! , 
. For a tune the dehctive was sflout, but be
final! muttered: '4 ' 5
“ ell,i'tsesimsssiflhsdreacbedtheend at

his curses at the

heap, and I amvdoue for! Of course

uses.

 

possible to get out of

leaning out over the menthol the ~

the race. Those devils ‘are at‘the‘ topthf the",

. a,

 

here,and’therqisn‘ot

"‘h’

may I

l . ,
will that do! The fall is pretty ‘ . '
I want my hands free to fight a l 

a

mu

 

  
     

‘11:» . a. “saga. s: . ,.. .t, .-

24 ?

WW.

. . . . -»m».mnw~m.,wm . .
W" I q
\

_ ,, ".m. ..

Double-voice  on" Deck.

» mu“... mama“.-- .u ..

‘ .3 ' I ‘ ,

 

chaos in ten thousand that this place will be
found before I am dead. As that miserable
crook said. ‘ the world will never know what
became of Dan Downing.’

“What will Scrimpy think? The boy will not
rest till he is satisfied there is no possibility of
finding me, and I know he will suspect Rock-

. velt’s gang of doing me up. I wonder if he will
’ ever be able to get at the truth. If I thought
' - he would discover what my fate was and bring
those devils to punishment, I could die easier.”
He felt around with his hands till he found a
stone on which he could sit while he released his
feet. He was covered with the stick mud, but
he did not mind that. The mud an water had
broken his fall and reserved his life he knew
. but be doubted if e owed thanks because of
 : that. ’
‘ ’. His feet were soon free. Then he‘hegan to
feel about the walls with his hands. He found
5‘ ‘ he was in a circular well-like co, being shut
_, . in on every hand with hric and cement.
 “- There was little hope of scaling the slimy sides
'5 cf the Rat Hole, and he knew it would probably
 be impossible to escape from the place should he
,, be able to climb to the top. ‘
r’ .\ " ' Dan was not a man to lie down and die with-
“ ,1 out a struggle, but it did seem as if there was
nothing to struggle against.
 ‘ ' After a time, he thought of his matches.
 “They will show me the kind of a place I am
A in,” he muttered, as he drew forth the metallic

 . case.

4 ‘ It was with difficulty he found a dry 8 t
,, . whereon to strike one of them, but he suc ed
‘w'i‘ ' at last.

.j_  A, The light flashed up and he looked around.

- 7;: 3 What was that? .

n ‘ He started back, with an exclamation of
’5 . horror, for the light sh0wed at his very feet the
fair ' rotting bones of a human skeleton!
13w ‘ - As hestood starin at the horrid thing, the
 match burned to his ngers and he was forced
 todrop it, which instantly left him in dense
darkness. / 1. .

“One of their victims!” fnuttered the detec-
tive, as he felt for another match. “ If I could

 

1.47., deuce eno h against them to place them where
" ‘ the shoul tie—behind the bars."
e lighted another match and looked about.
Then he made another discovery.
 ' .Close to one of the walls lay a second skeleton,
; ' ’ to which portions of clothing still clung.
  As Dan approached this second skeleton, he
made a discover .
The man had 0 at work on the brick wall
and had succeeded in making a small opening.
’ ' Through this opening the water had flowed into
. the Rat Hole.

 

Plainly this victim of New York crooks had .

X ’- not been killed by the fall into the hole and had
.  madeadeeperate attempt to dig through the
’ wall to freedom. A heavy clasp-knife was the
instrument that had served him in his labor.
“Poor devill” said the detective, bending
I over the skeleton. “ He made a desperate stroke
' . for life, but he could not live to get out of this
- Ivile hole. His strength failed, and the rats
feasted on his flesh. He must have found a
 small opening here and tried to enlarge it. It
s . was probably the place where the rats found
 admission.
“ I wonder where the water comes from." '
‘ j ,' He was obliged to light several matches, in
f"order to examine the place which he did
, thoroughly. His courage grn ually rose.
. “ It must be this opens into the marest
sewer,” he said, after a time. “If that sewer
' -' is not too far away, I will makela desperate bid
for life.” '
Then he fell to work on the wall, using the
,, rusty clasp-knife to enlarge the opening.
,.  Had there been a light within the hole, he
3; would have been able to get along swiftly.
it was, he was forced to use now and then and
i ht a match, by the lig tof which he examined
‘ 'h 133“ I issd ith "ch iftn r his
iv"! wassurpr w our case
' He made the openin l. and
 rgsr, and. he fancied he soon, card a faint
2 V sound as! of ently moving water. 0! this he
i was not sure owever.
’ . At length he reached a point where he could
_ thrust his arm through into what seemed a large
, cavity. Then he struck another match and
. held it through the o ning.
The light showed im his surmisal had been

correct. .

,, , He had reached the sewer!
.y ' It did not take Dan long to tear away the
, , bricks and make an opening large enough to
_ ‘ admit his body, after which he crept into the

great under and drain of the ci . z
, He know 9 Rat Hole could not ve been so
f very deep. or he would have been far below the
‘ T “Xi Of thet’tnwuhro h h  h sed
terge ingt u t eopsn ng, e u

to strikes match. ’lshe light showed bl); an
V ,, inky stream of water that swept noiselesst
2'?  .7, past at his feet. The sides of the sewer glistened
 , witha scrt of slime and the air was oppressive
_. withian unwholescpie odor. ‘ ‘
» ’ “ I would not like to s nd the rest of in days
" here.” thought Dan. s was now ill with

I

1 gayest hope of‘esoaping  the sewer.

  

only escape from this place, I would have evi-.

 

“ I will be on deck again,-for all of Rockvelt
and his gang!” he laughed, exultantly. “ I will
brin them to the punishment they merit!
Dan Owning has come near being snuffed qut
more than once, but he still lives.”

He made his way along, the sewer, folIOwing
the course of the water. He knew the tide was
out, and, as it was night, the amount 'of water
carried ofl’ by the great drain was diminished in
volume. He must escape from the sewer before
the tide rose, or the water would drive him back
and claim him as a victim.

Occasionally he would pause to light a match
and look around. It was always the same dis-
mal scene that met his gaze. He tried the sound
of his voice and found it rung hollowly along the
great arch.

Occasionally a few rats would go 8 healing
and scampering away. One time the lig t of his
match showed him a huge white rat that was al-
most as large as a cat.

“ I do not care to make a feast for you,” was
Dan’s mental observation.

Suddenly he paused and listened. He fancied
that far, far away he had heard strange sounds.
He knew it might be a trick of his imagination,
but it was not long before he decided he really
heard sgmething. -

a

Human voices?

It seemed so, and yet there was something
h0110w and ghostly about the sounds.

What was that?

Far ahead he caught the glimmer of a light
that, at first, seemed no larger than a tiny star.
He stood still and watched it, soon discovering
it was approaching.

The light was borne by human hands!

There were others besides the detective in the
great sewer!

 

CHAPTER. XXXII.
A STRANGE MEETING. _

Scaiurv’s disgust and dismay were un bound-
ied when he discovered the old bag was return-
ug.
“ We’re in fer it a While longer,” he said,
speaking to the girl. “ Jest youse keep still an’
mebbe der ole gal won’t look at er strings. If
she don’t do dat, youse may t a chance ter
break out of dam au’ unhitch dis child.”

The girl was in despair.

“ We will never be able to escape!” she
moaned.

“ Never say die,” advised the plucky gamin.

Mother Mumm came stumbling into the cellar,
bringing: a battered pail that was full of foam-
ing r. She glanced searching! at the cap-
tives and then chuckled with satis action.

“ All solid—all safe!” she mumbled. “ I knew
they’d be. The old woman hain’t no fool! They

y me tor take keer of these decries, an’ I keer
fer ’em tenderly. He! he! he!”

The boy saw she had been drinking heavily,
and his courage rose again.

“ if she’ll only git beazley full !" he thought.

Mother Mumm sat dawn on a box and took a
long drink from the pail of beer.

“ Ah, there’s still something ter live fer l" she

ur led, drawin the back of her hand across

r ips. “ Goa cold beer is the stuff to drink.
Water—bah! City water is p’isen!”

She placed“ the pail on the ground, nearly let-
ting it fall, which showed Scrimpy she was even
more intoxicated than he had thought. Then
she sat nodding on the box for a time, her eyes
having that glassy far-away look so well under-
stood b the game.

“ 1f ere’s only jest beer ernough !” he thought,
anxiously. “ Der old dams’ll zit fuller den a
tick if she has all she wants. If she does dat,
we’s goin’ ter make a break.”

Mother Mumm muttered to herself, nodding
and (grinpin in a ghastly fashion.

“ h, yes, was young oncet,” she mumbled—
“ youngan hansuml They was all taken with
me then—they run arter me. How I did dress!
Why, I 'wasa belle! An’ all ther hobs—ther big-
bugs was pa in‘ court tor e. They’ve forgot
me long ago, ut I know wh re some of ’em live
on Fifth avenue—I know! I could tell some
things; but who’d believe old Mother Mumml
It’s no use to talk—I may jest as well keep still.

“ Well, I’ll git a round pot out‘of this job, or
I!!! know the reason. That’s goin’ ter be enough
ter last me the rest of to da s. If they try for

lay me crooked—well, t e0 (1 woman kinistrike

his a snake l”

The final words were hissed in a manner that
reminded the! ni boy of a snake.

Afters time, he 0] womanxtook another long
drink, and when she relinlluished the pail again,
‘she began to snivel and so . '

“ Heaven knows all I want is enough ter
make me comfortable! I don’t want ter die in
the gutter! I hain’t at many more ears for
live; an’ all lask is a ew comforts. ve been
kicked round long ernoughl I don’t keer fer:
money—it’s ther things money’ll buy.”

And she continued in that strain for ten min-
utes, at the end of which time she emptied the
pail of beer.

Five minutes later she rolled off the box and
lay on the ground.

“ Now’s der time!” said Scrimp ,
i‘Evssyt’ingts all squeal Der ole lady

, V I ‘ , . ‘

r 1

soft! .
’ll kseyp‘

l ' 4 '

 

squeeze through it at timss, and

 

cool fer a good bit. Try hard ter git yer han’e
free ”

“I have been trying ri ht along,” answered
the girl; “and I think I s all succeed in a few
moments.”

'“ Good! We'll skip if yer do.”

“ Do you think we can get out of this cellar?"

“We kin try-—-an‘ T is a feller w’at never
was knocked out. All ’m ’feared of is dat der
king cock of der gang’ll come back ’fore we kin
make a break.”

IVs-ll might Scrimpy be afraid, for half an
hour , and the girl had not been able to
get her hands free. I She had lost hope and was
iobbing brokenly, while the boy tried to cheer

er up.

“ on’t give it up!” he urged. “If ouse kin
jest git so ye kin set me free, I‘ll fig t fer yer
till me wind is gone. I won’t run away frum
yer, an’ don’t yer fergit datl I hain’t dat kind
of a kid.”

“ But my wrists are all raw now," she panted.
“ 1!,can’t do anything more! Fate is against
me 1

“‘Now don’t yer go for t’!nkin’ dat way. Try
it oncet more, an’ try fer all yer wort’. If we’s
kin git, loose, it’ll be better dan all der skin on
der bote of our hsn’s.”

Setting her teeth firmly, the girl made one
more desperate trial—and succeeded] .

A 10w cry of delight broke from her lips.

“My hands are free!” she exclaimed, as she
sat up. 5

Mother Mum‘m stirred and grunted.

“ ’Sh!” hissed Scrimpy. " Easy un’ lively! If
der ologal wakes ’fore yer git me free, der hull
t’ing is dished! Unhook yer feats an’ git at dese
strings l” '

irl lost no time in obeying, but the
strengt seemed gone from her fingers, and
she did not make such swift progress as she
might have done otherwise.

Scrimpy could scarcely keep back a groan of
im tience.

he instant she had released his hands he sat
up and went for the knots at his feet himself.

'In a short time, he was free.

HNow we’ll make a big fight, if der king
crook shows his nose,” he grinned.

“Oh, let’s hurry and get out of here!” pant-
ed the girl, her limbs trembling under her. ‘I
fear my strength will giVe out entirely!”

“ Don’t let it do dnt! Keep a stilt upper lip!”

He secured the oil lamp. /

“ I reckon we’d best go out by der regder
wa ,” he said. “Mebbe datlllbe der easies ?’

at just then they heard sounds that sent
the blood from their faces to their hearts.

Some one was coming!

“Dis way!” hissed the gsmin. “ We’ll skip
by der hole t’rough der wall 1" \

He grasped the girl by the am holding the
lamp in his other hand, and assisted her through
the opening in the wall. But when the other
side was reached he was at a loss which way
to turn.

” Dashed if I hain’t feast which way dat
crazy coon took me inter placeif’ he mutter-

e .

“Oh; hur , hurry!” panted the trembling
girl. “ We gall be overtaken!”

Scrlmpy knew there was danger of such a
thing, for he now heard some one at the very
door of the cellar they had just left. However,
he had no intention of surrendering without a
desperate battle, providing their enemies should
come upon . _

Not a moment was to be lost, and so he
started through the cellar at random, trusting
to chance.

A moment later they heard the volczeof Bry
Rockvelt in the cellar they had so la ly left.
He was cursing the darkneu and calling, to
M ther Mumm. .

he sound of the man‘s voice nearly overcame
the girl, but Scrimpy encouraged her with a
whispered word. _

They came to a wall, along which the boy
made his way, looking for an opening.

Finally they came to a narrow passage, which
Scrimpy fancied must be the one by which Dr.
Strange had led him into the cellar, sohe did
not hesitate about turn into it.

Barely were the wi in the Eassage when
they heard Rockve t’s voice inthe ig ce lar they
be just left.

He was not alone, for they distin uished the
voices of others, and directly, mpy whis-

{Wk

“ Dat’s der bogus Paul Prsnce wid him! Oh’;
hain’t dev hoppin’ now dat d y have missed us!

The girl could not reply, and the plucky lad
feared she would give out entirely. Still he
costilnued to hurry her onward as fast as he
co (.

The passage was so narrow they could barely
this made
Scrimpy think it was the one by which Dr.
Strange had led him into the cellar.

Scrimny looked around, dazed.

féWell, I’d like ter know where we be,” he
so: . '

He did not waste much time in speculation,
for they heard their pursuers in the passage b9
hind them. " t

The light in the boy’s hand showed them the.

l

x

l

5..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

a
A

 

“may”. ...n:»uauav.- /_. sh... .3 ' v

 

 

 

 

 

 a .r. u. «a. M's-n."- >‘
.
— m

bx

   

, darkness.

 s dis

 i I " 1'3“! \‘,=‘-4r'i‘,r.v£ v.- r- ’ ‘v

' .
. I

I ,a

I V .  _" I ‘ ‘. ’.L V,   . a... V: .
.  Double-veins Dan on Deck. ‘

  
 

I‘ 25

 

I

 

mouth of another passage, and Scrimpy began
to understand the tunnels from cellar to ce ar
had been made by thieves and other crimin is,
who were enabled to escape pursuing officers by
dodging from one to another.

Into the next passage they went, finding it
difficult to force their wa along.

The gamin began to fee that they were nearly
cornered.

Suddenly, without the least warning, the
ground beneath their feet gave way!

The girl uttered a cry of terror as they tell.

The light was extinguished, and they struck in
running water, neither being seriously hurt.

Scrimpy was the first to recover, but it was
several moments before he comprehended they
had fallen into a sewer.

Then he heard voices above, and he knew
Rock velt and the Plunger were approaching.

” Are you hurt?” he asked, getting hold of the
girl’s arm in the darkness.

“ I think not,” she faintly replied. “ But I
am so frightened. What has happened?”

“ We've took a tumble in de sewer. Der sooner
we git out of dis localitydcr better it’ll be fer
us. D‘Pill two blokes is 'comin’.”

sprung to her feet, As he arese, Scriinp ’s hand
closed on the lamp, and he held to it. en he
again got hold of the girl’s arm, and they hur-
ried up the sewer.

They did not go far before the girl sunk down
exhausted, and then Scrimpy felt around for
some matches. He found them, and, to his de-
light, they were not Wet.

Striking a match, he examined the lamp, find-
ing the only damage done to it was the breaking
of the chimney. e was able to light the wick,
and their dismal surroundings were illumined.

The girl lay shuddering and moaning, her feet
in the inky water that flowed so noiselesst
throu h the dark underground channel. She
seems entirely overcome, and Scrimpy did not
w0nder at it. >
_ “She’d never stood it dis long if she hadn’t
been made of der clean grit,” he said to himself.
“ .l’m afeared we’re bots in a hole w’at dere ain’t
no ittin’ out of.” ‘

he prospect was not encouraging.

The plucky lad did his best to cheer the girl,
:nd after a time, he induced her to get on her

est. ’

“ W e must try ter find some way out of dis,”

, he said, although in his heart be doubted their
ability to do so. “ We can’t stay here lon
.Dere hain‘t much water runnin’ now, but de 1
be plenty Man it comes day."

Once more they moved up the course of the
sewer, the boy ho ding the light and aiding the
girl along.

“ Hello, there I”

They were both startled and amazed to hear a
hollow voice hail them. The girl uttered a
shriek and came near fainting. .

“Don’t be frightened,” said the voice in the
darkness. “I am not at all dangerous. How
are on feeling this deli htful evening, Scrimps?”

“ oly pokerl” yel the boy, in wild delight,
as a form advanced toward them from the

“ It’s der boss—it’s Double-voice

Dani"

 

CHAPTER XXXIII.

= Gumse our.
' IT is impossible to describe the astonishment

‘ of the gamiu upon discovering his employer

therein the at sewer. Even after he had
declared it was “der boss"he felt' donbm con-
cernln the identity of the mud-covered figure
that vanced into the light.

‘f Is dis really yousel” he asked. -

“Well, I should say so—what’s left of me.
But I’d never knewn you Scrimps, if I had not
recognized your voice. You look as if you had
been thrOu h a c clone."

“ Well, feel at way—only it was more like
a' yearthquake. We’s tooknbig tumble inter
lace, an’ now we’re stuck tor git out.”
but is the trouble with me. Who is this
youlifi lad with you?"

“ s is {Ilsa Selwick, der w’at der Plunger
an’ Br Rockvelt kidna .”

Exp anatlons followed, both the Double-voice
Detective and ’ his assistant havin pamed
through adventures which madrtheir ham
'tlons hi hly interesting to each other. Their

‘ 'r escapes ad been little short of marvelous, but

they still seemed to be in a bad flit.
“ What's ter he did, bogs?" asked the boy.
.. “ That sticks me " confessed Dan. “ The get-
 ting out of this sealer is not going to be so very
easy. We might get down to the river before

" ‘ the tide turns and attempt to swim out, but—"

He paused and looked at Vira in a manner that
Scr mpy fully understood. ., ,

The girl was something like an elephant on
their hands.

l “ We’ll come out top of der heap some way ,”

said the lad grimly. .“De blokes hain’t oi ’
tear down all combination.”In , g n
» . “That’s the ri ht kind of talk,” nodded the
detective. “I tod ,them I might turn up ‘on

" «' ,deck’ at the end of the game, and I mean to do

so somehow. I want to heme them and
punished as they deserve.” “0 them

That was enough to nerve the girl so that she .

 

_ were soon drawn'outct

  

Scrimpy had told Dan that Vira declared
Paul Prince an impostor, but the ventriloquist
ferret was not so ready to accept that as possible.
It did not seem to him that any one could play
the game so perfectly. Paul had only been in
Europe a short time, and still Hanson Prince
had accepted as his son the one who returned.

Still there were many things that made it
look possible t at “the Plunger ” was not the
rightful son of he Diamond Prince. The aged
jewel merchant had told of the remarkable
change in his boy since hisreturn from abroad,
a change he could not understand. That change
was easily explained if the present Paul was
an iinpOstor.

However, there was little time to think over
those things in the sewer. The one thing for
consideration was the means of escape.

It was finally agreed that they should make
their way as near the mouth of the sewer as
possible, and then—what?

That question they could not unevrer, but
Scrimpy and Vira turned back, while Dan ac-
companied them down the great drain.

In a little while they reached the place where
the boy and girl had fallen through, and there
they tried to think of some way of, reaching
the opening and making their way out.

Suddenly Scrimpy uttered a cry.

“ Struck it, boss!”

“ Center?”

“ Dead center.”

“ How’ll we work it?”

“I kin reach up dere from your shoulders.”

“Right you are, Scriinps, and up you go.
Show your agility, my boy l’l

“ W at’ll I do arter git up derel”

“Find a rope that on can let down to me. If
there is none at han , find , our w y out of the
cellar and buy one somew ere. et’ one some
way. Understand?”

“ Bet your socks!”

“ All ready, then ?”

“"AJI ready.”

The gamin was agileas a cat, and it did not take
him long to mount to the we shoulders of

the detective. It was somet ing of a feat to '

rise upright and grasp the ragged edge of the
broken arch, but he did so successfully.

“ Can you swing up?” asked Dan, anxiously.

“ I kin try,” was the reply.

Scrimpy did try, but the
his hands, and he fell heavily.

“ Are you hurt?” anxious y asked the Double-
voice Detectivo, assisting the boy to arise.

“ I t’ink me back is broke in more’n t’ree
places ’,’ was the doleful answer."

“ on’t you be able to try it again?" '

“ Won’t 1? Well, you bet yer riches l’will!
I’m goin’ ter work do snap, ur bu’st me suspen-
ders! Dat’s der kind of a cat I be!"

The sgcondlgttem t washsuicessl’ul, and the boy
swung imse n ma t e 0 min , greatl
to the satisfactiog and rglief of" an. g y

Scrimpy looked back and saw the two he had
left below. The 'rl was holding the lam above
her head, and hot were looking upward: while
the inky water slid silently past at their feet.

" Wish 1 liad dat light.’ said the boy. " I dun-
no how I’m ever goin’ for find me way out of dis
hole in der dark. I hepe I won’t runinter Rocky
ur Paulus, ’cnuse if 1 do I’ll knock der corners
often der all two beta of ’em, an’ I don’t feel like
killin’ anybody dis eve.”

“ We can’t get the lamp up to you,” said Dan:
“so on will have to do without it. *If you do
not __ nd a rope handy and get outside, grab the
first policeman you strike. Tell him the points
and bring him back with you. Also bring the
ro Slide.” _

‘ All squee. Watch dsr imitation of a man
w’at disappears.” And the lively gamin i was

gone.

While they waited for Scrimpy’s return, Dan

estioned the girl and succeeded in learning
I any things of importance. After listening to
her story complete, he confessed to himself that
it. was possible the Paul Prince he knew wasan
impostor, even though the role was a most dar-
iu and remarkable one to play. \

hat had become of the real Pauli ,

“ It begins to 100k like one of the most remark-
able cases I ever had anything to do with,’! he
muttered, speaking tohimself, rather than to his
companion. “If it does turn out this fellow is

bricks gave why in

bogus, there will be [a wonderful sensation for t

the papers. . The latest scandal in high life will
boot minor importance, com ared with this.”

He took a great interest n the girl, and she
soon placed her entire confidence in him. He was
a man to win confidence and merit'it.

Dan's greatest fear was that Rockvelt or the
Plunger v ould return to the broken sewer before
Scrimpy could get back, for he did not have a
doubt about the ability of the gamln to find his
way out of the cellar and get back to the place.

Fortunately, his fears were not realized. They
heard some one approhching, after at least an
hour had elapsed, and waited bmthlessly.

“ Here we is. psrd i” cheerfully called Scrim py
appearing at the break. “ We ll have erout of
dere in lessen two shakes.” ,

Two policemen were with him, and they had a
light and a stout rope. ' _

Detective Dan and the wig-items .‘maidsn

       
 

     
     
 

   

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CHAPTER XXXIV.
INTERESTING INFORMATION.

SOME hours later, not far from dawn, the Al—
ways-on-Deck Detective and Scrimpy, his faith.
ful assistant. were securely ensconced in Dan
Downin ’s,cffice, having reached it by a back
way. he curtains were carefully and snugly
drawn, so any one on the outside could not poo--
sibly obtain a view of the interior. v

Dan smiled with satisfaction, as be seated him-
self in a chair, after having made a complete
change of clothing and indulged in a good bath.
Scrimpy had also luxuriated in a bath and a
shift of clothes, which made a great alteration
in his appearance. ‘ .

“ Scrimps, my boy,” said the detective, “we
have pulled through and are still on the turf.”

“ Dat’s w’at’s der matter,” cheerfully grinned
the gamin, elevating his feet and resting them
on the top of another chair, while be tipped his
own at a dangerous angle. “ I feel so good over 3
dat dat I’ll take a smoke at your expense. Fetch :
out dat box of Mexican Stinkeroes you keeps hid
in dat desk.” ‘ ‘ '

“ That’s right,” nodded Dan. “If you don’t
See what you want, call for it.”

' “ Oh I hain’t any bashful ter speak of,” \

The detectiveunlocked the desk and brought If
out a box of fine cigars. , ‘ 

“ Dis is der style!“ chuckled the boy, as he se-
lected and lighted one. “ I reckon‘dem blokes
w’at we’re pipin’ don’t t’ink we’re here doin’ of
dis trick.”

“ “'ell, I should say not,” nodded Dan. “ They
believe us safely done for.” I
‘:,Well, it takes dead heaps of doin’ ter do fer
us.

“ Right you are, Scrimpsi" V 

“ We git down sometimes, but we won’t stay V -. ,. 
down.” . . j "

“ Not at all. I told them I might turn up on,
deck at the finish of the game, but they sneered _
at the idea. I am pretty likely to givethem a ‘,
surprise they will not et over. -‘ '

‘ I should suss sol y’ll jest lay right, down
an’ die widout a flutter.” " ‘_ J, .
“Oh, I have my doubts about that. They are"  , ‘
not the‘kind to cave soeasily. You can bet Bry ,, ,:
Rockvelt will keep up as long as there is a straw ,. V.
to cling hold of.” " ’

“Der straws is goin’ mi hty fas ” l _ V _

“ That’s what,” agreed an, as he also lighted 
a cigar. “ With this girl we have evi snoop,  *»
enough against the gang to put them out of the ~ . '
way. Still, 1 would like to draw the line a little ’
closer beforethe trap is s ng.”

“ I, don’t reckon dei'e’ll be much trouble ’bout '  6,
dat. ’
“ There should not be, for they will believe me

safe] out of the way.”

H n, me.”

“ Yes; and the girl, likewise.”

‘ Won’t dare he a bowl w’en we all shows up!" .

“ In all probability there will. The success of
the«surprise depends on our keeping shady till _
we are read y to spring the trap. ‘
“ We kin do it.” , " - I

“ We can do it long enough to get them dead
to rights, at least.” ‘ '

“ Oh, we’re der jim-jo-Joesl” noddsd- the game-
in, tipping his chair still further backward and,

ufliog a dense cloud of smoke into the air. A

‘ W ‘en der crooks of dis‘town gits ahead of dis“.: ' ‘
combine, all der clocks’ll stop an’ der odor" t
system’ll go back on its record. '- 

“ But what sticks me,” said Dan, scowling a ‘
bit, “ is the disappearance of Count Mirab'sau‘s a.
I did not understand that man; there warn.
mystery shot him.” 1 I

‘Sursl” f

“He faithfully promised to answer cumin
questions of mine, and then he vanished. Thesis
is something wrong about it.” ' - I

“I see wid yer,” gravely bowed the boy: it“.
“ It a dead dirty mg ter use men ofour cloth!” ., 2:" ’A

“ fselasifsome inghadhappsnedtotbn’ '

“ Like as not.” H .
“Somethin seems to tell me so.” ,  _,
“Well, he’ opghtsr let us know if he’s dead,
0r anyfiing of dat sort.” ,4 '
" It onld certainly be v2? kind ofhim ts
inform us if he is dead,” smil Dan. ' . .‘-
“ It would be der actor a gentleman,” nodded
Scrimpy, sagely._ _ 
. Dan now noticed for the first time a. ,
that had been t ust under the front doorof '
{00th. He im iater sprung up and
t. , I ’ . ,
.“Hellol” he exclaimed. “What 
min” t u: i ' :- nd 
he wri ingon eenvsope w rou ,
and graceful, being that of a man wifi a steady
hand and true eye. ‘  . - I '
"Enough what this czn be,” said 
u st etective, as he ore o 9 en _
and pulled out‘ some closely-wri airmail. ,, ‘
A strange look passed over his
hastily ran his eyes over the wri
he saw the signature, at the end,

softly. . .
“ his is of importance,“ not a false beds-e 
clarcd “ But I am suspicious of it". e 


 

    
       
   
 

    

        
   
 
 

   

 

    

 

 
     
 

  

 
     

 
 

    

  
 

          

fa as In, 
a...

  
     

  

        
     
   
  

« winc- der drift!” in sired Ber] mpy.
‘ " Have not exactly g?» the drift of it;
’haignud‘by Paul Prince.” ,' .‘ _

  
    
 

 

    

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

, X, i' the author.”

I,» __ ..»_..._..___.__..._'e:... > . . . -_..‘...,...,..__‘_.V.,,..‘ “I . ,I. ._

-.-~ *7 w ~w... “'1 "N"

26

Double-voice Dan on De

 

“ Hol smoke!”
“ I will read it aloud.”
The following is what Dan read:

“DAN Dowmxo, Deter-tire:—

“ DEAR Sim—I have written this letter to be de-
livered to you in easel remain away fibm my apart-
ments three consecutive days. f such a thing
should occur. it would be because something had
happened to me; in all probability, I will be dead.
I understand the desperate ni—n I am dealing with,
and i know my life will be Considered of little worth
compared to their safety. if they discover my iden-
tity. as they have the best reasons in She world for
fearing me, and wishing me out of the way.

" To'begin.witb: i am not a Fr»nchman. my name
is not ‘Fabian Mirabeau.‘ but that is not at all hard
to believe when compared with this declaration: I
am the real Paul Prince. son of Hanson Prince. the
New York (llaIIl'Wld merchant. I know this will as-
tound you. and I almost doubt if you will accept it
as: credible; but, as there is a (iod in heaven, I
swear ft is true The man you snow as Paul Prince
is an impoetor—a dastardly vilialn !”

“Yowlin' cats!” gasped Scrimpy.
‘ beat t’under?"

“ Well, I should say sol” grimly agreed Dan.

And then the detective continued reading:

“I have played the part of the French countfio
the best of in ability, although it has been very
, difficult, espectaUy when lam in the presence of the
girl I live, )Iiss Selwick. I came near betraying
my identity to her that night we. found her in the
power of those damnable onstards. I also came
near betraying myself when we came into the pres-
ence of her father. who is the white-bearded man
that calls himself Doctor Strange."

“ May I be jiggeredi” gurgled the detective’s
assistant, fairly gas ing for breath.

“You may.’l sai Downing; “and I would
like the privilege of having the name jigger get
in his work on me. This is simply terri cl”

i‘ It knocks me silly.”

“ Listen to this:

“I know not just wnat has happened to Ransom
Selwick. but something has plainly unsettled his
mind. it was a remarkable thing that he should be
therein the same house with his own daughter, and
I have marveled at it greatly.

“In order for on to fuly understand this ei-
planation or reve ation. I must be n at the begin-

.ning. Ishail not make it long rawn. and stillI
hope to put everything so clearly you will fully ap-
preciate the p -ssihility of it.

" The name of the man who is now usurping my
rightful position as Paul Prince is Ferril Costagan,
andI first met him in Paris. We were immedi-

' ately strucr with our r» semblance to each other.
while those who saw us together were astounded
and thought us twin broth: rs. We became ac-

uainted much too swiftly, and Crvstagan intro-
uced me to two of his friends—two who are known

.in New York as Bry Ruckveit and Diamond Bees.
The company was merry and I drank-for almost
the first time in my life. Drink unlooeed my
tongue and I told of myself. like the in sh fool that
I was. I told them of my father and his wealth, and
they plotted boldly}- I

"Imu t confess I was fascinated with the wo-
man, who is really the most beauti‘ul of her kind
and class. She led me into follies that brought me
where I am now. but I am more to blame th ii any
one else. as I should not have stumbled had done

1: Ion ht. ‘

“I w it make it brief. It is enough to sayI was
drugged. and when I came to myself, I was con-
fined in a dungeon, with a hideous creature to
inurd me. It is not nec'ssa to tell the torturesl
endured, but I finally tunne ed out of the place.
They had told me I was confined there for the mur-
der of a man—one lkilied while intoxicated. But!
did not believe. even thcugh I could not understand
for what other reason I could be kept a prisoner in
that horrible hone.

“Al I was maki- my way to freedom. I came
upon the guard wno ad treated me so cruelly. It
was his life or my freedom—and he d edi

" When I was free I set about discovering the

' cause of all that had taken place and, in time. I

learned the whole lot. This, however, was not
until I had follow the trio-C siagan. Rockwlt

. , and Diamond Bess—to America. lfound them here
in New York. and I learn d the whole devilish lot.
Then I disguised myself as a Frenchman, reso ved

to bring about the ruin of Costagan and Rockvelt.
“Of course there is some den or of their discov-
ering who I am. If the do. I a all be fortunate to
escape with my life. f I am killed, I want youto
investigate this business thoroughly, and rave my
poor-father from the clutches pf. hose vll ainous
vampires. If i remain from my room for three

“ Dis do

. . do a, it will be probably that something serious has

 on place, and this letter will bodelivered to on.

‘I wish you to probe this affair to the bottom, or I
believe y on a man to be trusted. My father will re-
ward you well, you may be sure. [)0 not disregard

» this uppeali \ ‘
“Sinceme yours. PAUL Parson."

Dan drew a long breath wh’h he had finished
reading the letter, and Scrinipy let his foet' full
with a heav thud noon the floor. Then the
two leaned orward in their chairs and stared
I herd intoeach other’leyes.

Scrimpy was the first to speak:
“ Do youae cotton ter dot?”
“ I don’t know what to think,” confeased the
detective. '
» . “It un's pretty straight.”
I “ What do you think of it, my boy?”
“I reckon it’s on the-r dead level.”
Dan studied the letter in silence for tonI‘

\
\

. 'i three minutes, finally observing:

“ I't is crooked, fail to detect the object of
“Delhi w’at'e dor matter!”

3‘ I suspected that ‘ count’ was not Just what
. he seemed—in fact, I was dead sure of it.” '

4-».1.’ I ’ \

 

 
 
 

 

_;  95.; 'V I.

“ But Paul Prince—whewi”

“ 1 did not dream he was the diamond mer-
chant’s son."

“ He made a jolly good Frenchy."

“ He played his part well.”

“ W’at do youae propose ter do?”

“I have not decided; but 1 shall hold this let-
ter secure, you may believe.”

“ Dat’s def' stufl'i Hang outer (lat, fer it may
come in mighty handy.”

“ I believe I shall call on Hanson Prince."

u Say.”

“ What?”

“ It’ll be a dead giveaway.”

“ Think so?"

“ ’Course 1 do. He don’t suspect dis bogus
bloke hain’t his boy, an’ he’ll blow yer ter er
Plunger. Dat’ll let der whole gang outer it dat
you’e kickin'."

“ I will go in disguise."

“ I don’t see yer lay.”

“I will rig up as an Italian, and profess to
have seen Paul in Italy.”

“ W’atper want ter do it fer?”

“ The 0 d man is in danger.”

Scrimpy nodded.

“» I reckon dat’s right."

“ This gang is determined to do him.”

“ Sure.

“ I must let him knOW.”

“ He’ll give it away.”

Dan knew there was danger of that, but he
thought he could make the Diamond Prince un-
derstand the situation well enough to be discreet
and still stand on his guard. If driven to a cor-
ner Ferril Costigan would not hesitate to strike
at annon Prince’s life.

The Double-voice Detective retired to that
back room and swiftly made himself up an an
Italian of the better class, knowinga common
“ Dago” would not stand the least show of getting
into the millionaire merchant's home.

“ How you like.» da looka of die!” he asked of
Borirrpy, as he made his bow before the gamin.
" Vera gnoda rings up—eb l” '

“ You’ll pace ” assured the boy, approvingly.

“ Noa pass; seen you, goa tens better-rr-rr.
é‘pipy da bigga game—make—a da elegant bluffs.

“ I tumble,” nodded Scrimpy.
A few minutes later, the detective’s office
was dilertod. ’

 

CHAPTER XXXV.
DAN WARNS 'rnn DIAMOND PRINCE.

Ir was eleven o’clock in the forenoon when
Double-voice Dan, disguised as an Italian, as-
cendcd the steps of the Diamond Prince’s mag-
nificent residence and rung the bell. r

On inquiring for Mr. Prince, however, he
was informed the gentleman had left for his
store some time before.

“It seems he has not fallen into such very
luxurious habits, for all of his wealth,” thought
the detective, as he turned down the steps.

From the house Dan went directly to the
store. He knew r. Prince so well that a
single glance showed him the man was not in
the front part of the store.

Then he inquired. .

“Mn Prince in busy just at present,” as-
sured one of the salesmen. “ Will not some one
else do u welll Perhape I can serve you i”

. Dan shook his head. ‘

“ Noa goods,” he declared.
da been. Vera import‘ biz.”

“ Then you will have to wait till he in at
liber ," curtly declared the clerk. 

“ I on can waita,” asserted the ferret, who did
not fancy being stood of! in this manner by the
important young man. “Biz notta da kind dat

he?”
" hen it Will have to spoil ” was the’maliciqns
retort. “ Please mud awn from the case.”

“ Well blame our impudent hide!” thought
Dan. “I would ike to knock a little civility in-
to your wooden head!” At the some time, he
wlas gareful to preserve his dialect when he spoke
a on :

“ I noa come to fools ’way da time, mire! . I
fella you da biz is vera lmport’. Will you tella
do gent'man l wanta see him?’

“ No, air, I will not. he would not see you
now if I did. You may as well o‘away.”

“ Noa o ’wayi”excitcdl liftizz his voice, his
purpose wing to attract anson Prince’s atten-
tion, if the diamond merchant was within hear-
ing. “I haven do talk with da Mister Prince,
or I know da ream why! You take-a me for
chumps! You flnda outa do mil-take! I' have-a
been rounds little bittn. When I tella you
thinga, ou better-n-rr listen to then i”

“ Loo hem!” angrily exclaimed the salesman.
” If you make a disturbance, we will have you
taken care of.”

“ Take» care of i Can take-a care of myselfa.
You think mes foola'l Hay-ah i”

As Dan had anticipated. the loud talk brought
Hanson Prince from the back room. ’

“ What does this meant” he demanded. look-
in keenly at the disguised detective. “ Who is
th s fellow-who is he, I say! What does he
want here-What can he mom i
gin... tells you something 'bout dat forge
.,.,vl‘.r:«v ’ .1, 53].]; . ‘

“Have-a to see

     
 

ck.

 

  
 

n

 

4

check,” whispered Dan, reaching a point where
the I.gid diamond merchant could understand his
wo e.

Mr. Prince fell back and stared at Downing.

“ Forged check!” he gasped. “ What—what
do you mean—what can you meant”

“ Meana? Forge checks on da ban ka—make—a
(in blufl’a—gitta da mon’. Oh, I know-a!" And
Dan assumed a very wise expression.

Hanson Prince had turned very pale, but he
now demanded:

“ Who are you i"

“ Italian gentleman, ulre," was the lofty

reply. “Have-a da title to name-a. Noa
ive-a reason. Don’t want-a be know in New
orka ”

“ What kind of a check were you talking
about?” _ .

Dan glanced around in a significant manner
at’ the watching customers and clerks and Prince
Understood him. '

“ Come into my back room,” invited the mer-
chant.

Dan had been waiting for that, and be readily
followed. There were two other gentlemen in
the little room, and the diamond merchant invit-
ed the disguised defective to take a seat. '

“ I will be at liberty in a moment—in a mo-
ment, sir,” he said, rubbing his hands together,
nervously.

Then rinoe went over to the two men and
spoke with them in a whis r fora few moments,
after which they arose to save.

“ Will you send Jackson to me," requested the
diamond merchant of One of the men.

The two departed, and a moment later, one of
the employees about the store appeared.

“ J ackson,” said Hanson Prince, “stand at the
door, just outside, where you can instantly an
swer at call, should I need you.”

The c crk bowed and retired. ‘ -

Then Dan’s companion turned and surveyed
his visitor closely. His manner was nervous,
doubtful, but he came forward and “cod before
the seeming Italian.

“ Well, sir?” i

“ Thinks it is well! I thinks. maybe da odder

wag."
. r. Prince coughed.

“ What do you mean? Come to the point, sir.
I am a man of business. A man of business, air,
has no time to waste. You said something
about a check—a forged check. What do you
know? What do you wantf"

Dan waved his hand.

“ Take-a do his cosy.” he advised, coolly.
make—a da bluffs. l”

The old gentleman scowled.

“ I can’t say that I do sea,” he returned,
sternly. “ No, sir. I do not see! Your manner
is offensive, sir—exceedingly offensive.”

“ I begga da pard’l Noa means. dat. I take-
a all die trub’ for you.”

Prince looked incredulous.

“ Come come!” he exclaimed. “ I know
enough of our kind to understand they are not
in the ha it of doing anything for nothing.
Don’t try to deceive me sir—don’t try! I am
not going to waste my time with you—no, sir!
What have you to say!” .

“ I knowa da young mane.”

“ Who?"

“ Paula.”

“ My son?”

Dan bow“.

“ Imporeiblei”

“ You thinka 90?”
hi“ imow can it be? When did you ever know

in

“ Mebbe some time-a da long ’go—mebbe in
Ital . He go-a over there, chi”

0",; but has this to do with the check you spoke

“ Nothing, mebbc.”

“ It is the check I with to speak of.
you know about it?” ,

" Check was give-a—took-a at da hank. Check
was forge-a—no-a good-o.”

Hanson Prince knit his brown.

“ You said as much before. What about this
check? Tell me something more.”

f‘ You tell-a da Double-voice Dana all ’bout-a‘
it. I know all dat you tell-n.”

“ And you have come here to extort money
from me—that’n it! You’re a blackmailer i”

“Nothing of do kind-a. I don’t want-a da
money—4m ve-a. da plants.”

The diamond merchant was puzzled,

“ Then what do you want, sixbwbnt can on
won’t? I don’t see your reasonfor tronbing
me.

“ Noe see?"

II No.”

“ Well, I tella you something.”

“ I am listening.”

“I thinka you had better-rr-rr. watcha do ‘
y0un a man." ‘ I

“ but do you mean by that?” sterniy de-
manded Hanmn Prince, although his face was
very pale. “Hang me'ifIlike your insinua-
tions—no, sir, I do not like them i” ~ ‘

Dan had not expected the man would like ,
what he had to say, butrhe felt as if Eamon fi’
Prince should be warned, for t a crook: might?

“I

. 1
What do

corner.

'do something desperate when driven into, n.1,}

 

 
  
 

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‘. 7 ’Il ‘ V
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Double-voice Dan on D

i I \

901:.

27

 

“ I come to tella you to looks out for dat boy
—keega da sharpa eye on him.”

“ '1‘ on you have wasted our time—and mine!”

“ Noa waste-a da time, i you guys da ’tention.
I known da biz. Double-voice aua senda me—
mebbe. See?"

“ Do you mean to say the detective sent you to
me?” '

The disguised man nodded.

" Mebbe so.”

“ I do not believe it."

“Thinks I lie? Oh, I noa gitta mada! If I
lie, how I knowa so much ’bout dat things—’bout
da check?”

“ I don’t understand how much you know or
where you obtained your information; but I Am
not ready to believe Dan Downing sent such a
message by such a messenger. Why didn’t he
' come himself—that’s it; why didn’t he?”

l “ Melibe he noa able. See?”
, “ I must c0ufeas I do not.” i

I “ How I make-a you understand? Dat sticka
I mea. I am on da deada level—on da square.”
i Still the Diamond Prince was doubtful and

 

suspicious. ‘

“ Why should Dan Downing trust you with

the secrets he agreed to guard? No, sir—no! I

do not understand your me, but I feel sure
there is a game back of a this—sure of it.”

“ Dat where you make-a da bigga mistake. I
tella you notta trust Paula—notta let him know
anything. Da Double-voice Dana tells men to
say dat. He so he make a bigga revelash’

' vera sooner-knoc a da house silly. He itta da

biz down flue-a. Alla da samea, he say or you
note fella you hear from him—say you hear
notta from him. See?” '

, “ Why didn‘t he send this menage to me in

; writing?”
I “ You don’t knows him. He vera caref’.

, Write-a give-a da bba ’way, perha ’. Dat

. whatada matter. e know amea—een a men.”
“ Where is he now!” .

“ ,On da scent.”

“ On the scent?”

It Yes.”

. “ If you tell the truth, I am afraid this detec-
tive is not what I thought him—a man who
could be trusted with secrets.”

“ He is.”

. “ But he revealed things to you he should not."

. “ I know ev’rything he know-a. You don’t-a
he ’fraid-a of me-a. never-rr-rr g'o back-a on
youa”

But Hanson Prince was ill at ease. He paced
the narrow bee: room occasionally casting
covetous but hing glances at the diagu'
detective. Dan understand the man's condition
and itied him.

“ on have nothing more to my!" questioned
Prince, after some moments.

“ Nothing. 1 go-a now.” Dan arose.

“ I wxll see this Downiiag at once, and ascer-
tain if this is all right," sai the old gentleman.

“ Noa see him." .

“ Wh not?"

“ No-a find-a him.”

:‘%°'1lsftb‘tp ill 1 hing T l

'ou eep-ast;et-at el
nothing. All come-a out right-a in da end-a.”

A few moments later the detective left the

store.

‘ As Dan turned down the street, a figure
started out of a doorway on the opposite side
and followed, keepinlg the detective in sight. ‘

“I wonder who u biases that can be, and
what he could want in the back room with the
old man!” said the shades-er. "I am sus-
picious, and I think I will follow this person to

is hole. »
\ It was Paul.

CHAPTER XXXVI.
run rnonasa’s u.anch

Tan detective had seen the shadower the mo-
ment he started out of the doorway. Dan did
not turn his head in the least, but he knew the
zPlunger was following.

“ Very well, my duck,” was the ferret’s men-
tal observation. “I will simply have to give
you the slip," I

In no way did he arouse Paul's suspicion. or

give the you man reason to believe he was
\ etscted. He opt straight on his way tilt the
g v.  throng of Fourteenth street was reached, and
 , a}, there he mingled with the drift to be found
j . r~  ~ ceaselessly treading the wide walks.
’. ‘ g I I In It a doorway he suddenly went, and two
y. g ‘ l \. minutes later he was on Thirteenth street, hav-
: l, ‘ it passed by the building from one street to the
’ ~  er. ' I

When Paul found he has lost his man he was
thoroughly disgusted and angry. Railing iii-
wardly'at the luck, he lost no time in making
’ his way to the rooms of Diamond Bess.

- Rockvelt was there with the beautiful female

crook, and Paul received a hearty greeting.

“How goes it?” asked the gambler, ‘who had
been drinking freely. "

“ Viler i” was the hot reply.

Rockvelt an.) the woman started and looked
sharply at the young man. -

_ “ at do you mean by that!" demanded the
sport. “ We have been congratulating our-
V, selves that everythiilili was going finely.” '

._ . 'f‘Perhape you tki so.” _

t

 

 

 

m...

 

 

    
  

.' zgi"

“ You do notl”

“ I believe there is disaster brewing for us.”

“ What makes you believe that?”

“ I feel it in my bones.”

Rockvelt sneered, and the woman laughed
derisively. She had also been indulging in
wine, and her cheeks were flushed.

“ Bahl” she cried, with a vulgar gesture.
“ You must be getting soft, Ferril!

The Plunger flung his cane into a corner an
droriped on a soft chair. "

“ m not a fool!” he replied, somewhat fierce-
ly. “ If you take me for that, you will discover
your mistake.”

The woman arose and came over to him, plac-
ing an arm about his neck, only to have it flung
off in an instant, while Paul started from her,
as if scorched by her touch. ‘

“ Don’t put your hands on me!” he hoarser
cried.

§he fell back, the picture of consternation.

‘ What—what ails you?” she gasped.

" I am in no pleasant mood.”

Her eyes flashed with insulted anger, and she
drew her rfect form to its full height.

“ I shou d say not! You are not in the habit
of receiving my caresses in this manner.

. you are glaring at me as if I were a vipe

“ ‘ Viper’ is 00d,” he nodded, showing his
even teeth. “ ow could you guess my thoughts
so rfectlyf" ‘
bl he color left her face and she literally trem~

ed.

“ Do you mean this?" she hoareely demanded.

“ Why not?” he aneered. “I know you for
what you are, and that is—"

“ Hold hard, Costaganl” gmwied Bry Rock-
velt, his anger mastering the astonishment
aroused by the Plunger’s odd manner. “You
are making dirty talk. Don’t fo t [am here,
and I have an interest in this affair.”

“ An interest in this woman, you mean,” was
the quick retort. “ I fully understand how much
interest on take in her, Rockvelt."

“ She s my sister.”

“ Sister! Pahl Did you ever for a moment/

imagine you fooled me with that bluff? I am
not so very new as all that amounts to, my dear
man. I fancy you have the same interest in her
that I do.”

Rockvelt started from his chair, a savage
snarl breaking from his lips; but Paul promptly
arose to confront him.

I “ Sit down!” commanded the Diamond
‘li’rincgp supposed son. “ What do you think of
cm ’

“ have a mind to knock the head of! you i”

“ You never’d be able to do the little job!”

Rockvelt took a ste toward the taunting
younger man, but Pau promptly prepared to
meet the assault.

“ You know my reputation, Bock,” he said.
“ If you wake me up, 1’“ be pretty sure to do for

u

yo .

i “ I don’t want to have trouble with you,
Costagan,” declared the gambler, hesitatingly;
“but don’t propose’to listen to you while you
insult Bess."

“ Then get out of hearin ,” calmly advised the
younger. “ I have wan to free my mind for
some time, and it had to come to-day. I reckon
Bess can stand it.”

" If you don’t swallow your words, I will kill
you!” came hoarsely from the woman’s throat.

“ Then I’m as good as dead, for I am not do-
ing the swallowing act. Don’t kick at the plain
truth, woman! You as bad as any of us, and
we are simply a precious trio of miserable crooks.
I know you have beenlaccustomed to hearin
sweetened words from my lips, and what
just said must have hit you right wher;o you live.
All the same, it was no worse than you deserve,
and you know it.” .
- She panted for breath, while her eyes shone
like twin stars. Her white hands worked con-
vulsively.

“ Oh, the time will come when I’ll be even f0r
this!" she grated.

“All right; let it go at that. I am willing.
Just now. let’s talk over the situation. Sit down,
Rockvelt; you look tired.”

As if the trouble was settled,
himself into a chair.

Paul again flung
For agmoment t seemed
doubtful whether the mbler would sit downer
attempttotake the lunger at an advantage
beforg he could get.out of the chair. Paul
seemed utterly regardless of the other man’s un-
certainty, and, with a harsh growl, Bockvelt
sunk back in his easy seat.

Diamond Bess covered her face with her
hands, and her whole form shock with sup-
pressed emotion.

Paul carelessly drew forth a cigar-case and
lighted a weed, seeming greatly relieved, now
that he had expressed‘ his feelings.

The woman sat down, but she wad stillnale,
and her heart was burnin with rage. Ever
before Paul had delighted n her caresses, and
his lips had' spoken nan ht but the sweetest
words of languishment. ‘be could not under-

stand the sudden change that. had come over‘ ‘

him, for he seemed quite like a different person.
Grewling in his throat, l-t‘nckvelrtilled a glass
with wine, and dashed it oi! at a swalloW. Re

And

“ What in blazes do you mean by saying
things are going vilely ?" demanded the sport, by
way of gettin the conversation into another
channel. “ by, everything has come our
way i”

“ How i” ‘

“ How: Great Scott! Why do you ask such-
an idiotic quwtioni Didn’t you see Paul Prince
done for?”

u Sure."

“ You said you got a man to finish him ofi,
but you he ven’t told me who your man was.”

“ Tonk Smike.”

“ The worst cut-throat in New York !”

“ Just the man for the job.”

“ That is so; but he may come back on you.” .

it He can’t.” . _ .
“Why not?” ,
“ I was di ised.” ’

“So? We , I don’t see how you got him to
take such a job, seeing he did not know on.”

“ I gave him the signal word of the hy-ohs.
You know it is his secret boast that he belonged
to the original gang, and I guem he tells the
truth. He was ready for the jobas soon as I.
gave him the word.”

“ Did on see him finish the job?"

The P unger blew out a curling ribbon of blue
smoke. ,. 

“ I did,” was his reply. '

“ How did he work it? ‘

“Oh what’s the use to go all over it again!”
pettis y exclaimed Paul. " Haven’t I told you
everything there is to tell?” ' x

“ Not at all, us is: very well know. You '
simply told me you put the fellow out of the
way. At first you led me to believeyou did the
job yourself, as you were probably-ashamed to
confess you did not have the nerve to carry it: ' ,
out. It was only last night an acknowledged
you hired a cut-throat to ki l Prince. We did -
not have time then to discuss it at all.” ,

“ Oh, very well! It is a jolly thing to talk of it '
What do you want to know?" \ 
I ‘5 How Smike wi him out.” 4 -

“ Hensimply cut aul Prince's throat from ear -

ear. . s
“ Good! The work was well done!”
“ Innorder to make sure, he stabbed him to the

“ You saw thiér’ t.

“ Didn’t I tell you so? Do you think I would
take the word of such a rascal as Smike! I saw
it all, and then I saw the body dropped through ‘
a man-hole into a sewer.”

“ That is three victims the sewer claimed.
The girl and that infernal boy fell through into
the sewer last night, and their bodies must be in »
the East River now. The rats of Mike Dolb ’a
cellar had a good feed ofi that cursed detect ve
Double-voice Dan, and every obstacle is removed
from our path. Costagan, you must bevgoiug
era when on say things are working lely. ,
I’m wed i I understand you at alll”

“I know these People are out of our way ”‘
said the Plunger; ‘ but all the same, I feel as
there is going to be an earthquake directly. F"
almost wish I had never taken a hand in this

wretched lot.” H
u A snee g laugh came from Diamond Ben’s

CHAPTER XXXVII.
a nnsrnnarn scansl.

“ H! has lost his nerve, as well as his de-
cency," asserted the we - her voice sounding r
harsh and unnatural. “ e have no use for
cowards.” - ,

“ Coward, eh? Did I show cowardice in jump: ’ ~-
ing PaulnPrincei" I y \

ll

“ What?" '
“ You did; you crept on im from behind.
and struck him down with sand-bag—~a cow-
ard's weapon l” , 
The Plunger laughed, but there did not seem 
much merriment in the sound.

“ I an you boast of our own nervef”
“ I do not boast of it, but I show it."
“ How!”

I .

“Do you ask that, after last night? Didn't} - i
go with you to that wretched cellar and render ‘ ,
mistance in snuifing out the detective? ’

“Oh, (you came along; but what was that! p ‘
Whatdi you do!” i '1.  .
“ Held a light. 1 was the only one whose facet 1
he saw though he named the rest of you. 
did not know me an be ripped on my  

Lots of good may the knowledge do him, now he‘ .1
is food for raw! I had a grudge against him
for ha ing me ulled once on a time, and I was »,
willing : shoul know me just as he went down «
eat

" You talk bold enough now, but I fancy it is ‘”
all talk. It is not such a very bold thing to go
into a cellar with two other pen—"

‘fThree: you for ct." " "

“ Well, three. I is not such a very bold thing ‘i
to do that when you are onlyto confrontone‘
helpless man.” , ,

Yo; talk as if a woman diould have nerves
ron
‘ “He talks likea cursed fool to-day

    
  

ofi

 

 

, ‘\ .

did not offer an to Paul and the Plunger did
not appear to anti»  drink atali.‘  g . v,’ " I.
t i , I} , 4 ‘ ,”  er: :» ‘1‘ I“ {culvv- i 3...“,

(O .m

l”  »

Rockvelthglaiiing saga younger mats.the “pi. 
m reg m talk _

Rim with,”nvgvaa{he cutting 

 

 
    

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V».
g;
xi

’_ the

, his feet.

‘ ‘ much as possible.

 (or our troubly.”
 Jived‘and bad a

‘ ": “ What dd you mean?”

.- ‘ l“ Was he crooked?

i

28

4A

“ Well, by—” .

“Don’t swear, Rockvelt! You make me tired
when you do!”

The gambler fairly gasped for breath.

“I tell you what’s the matter, Costagan,” be
doomed. “ I am not going to take any more of
this. I’ll be hanged if 1 do not jump yod, if you
keep it up! It seems as if you ware spoiling for
.a fuss!”

“ Perhaps I am.”

“ What for? You have been used all right.”

“.I have been used as a tool for you two to
fatten over. Did you think me blind? I am
getting tired of it, and I’m inclined to make a
ho t.

flockvelt turned black in the face.

“ Why, you blooming chump!” he cried.
“Just :when we have everything in our fingers
'you think of bolting! You must be getting
afoolishl”

“ You can go on with the game.”

“That is nice kind of talk to make!
we 0 on with it without you?”

“ hen you acknowledge I am necessary?”
3:“ Of course."

“ As a tool?”

“ As one who shares equally in wealth to be
Obtained.”

“ 1 am only to have an equal share with you
tvvo, and still I take all the risk.”

“ How do you make that out?”

“‘Why, if it should be discovered that I am
not the real Paul, I would beinstantly pulled.
You two would have time to take the alarm and
Vanish.” -

"There is not one chance in a hundred that
you will be pulled. You have worked the game
to (MP, and this is the first time you haVe talked
in such a ridiculous manner. It really does

T

How can

. seem as if you were losing your nerve, as Bees
3 :says.”

“ I wish you stood in my shoes for a little while.
It is not a very nerve—soothing thing to have a
man pop up in the manner Paul Prince did. And

 the fellow had nearly completed the web he was
 weaving around us.
'this room, he would have finished it.”

Bad I not followed him to

‘6 How?"
“B inducing this woman to turn against us
in or or to save herself; V

“ You lie!” Bess savagely cried. “ You know
“better i” ‘

“,But you were promising when I appeared at
ortt’eres.” .
“ was doing that to deceive him.”
The Plunger laughed, sneeringly. '
‘,‘ 80 yea say; but you were on your knees at
Why, you were ready to do anything!
Your heart was n your mouth, and eve drop
of blood had left your face. It was t I first

‘ felt the disgust for you that has been growing
« «ever since.” ’ '

,‘ “ You dog! And a hundred times you have
told me how much you loved me! I will kill you

ff. ', 39”"
. "2 ~ Her savage fury quite overcame her, and she

burst into tears.
The Plunger showed his teeth in a satisfied

‘ I anile, and Rockvelt looked as if he would like to

fasten his hands on Paul’s throat. ,

. “ Dm’t you think on havo carried this thing
far enough?” he ask restraining his feelingsas
“ You on t to be ashamed!"
The younger man lay bee in the easy-chair

- afteralazy fashion and watched the rings of
.- smoke be sent floatin npvvard, not even appear-

:lu to hear the gamb er’s question. ._

or a time, only the convulsive sobbing of the
uwoman was heard; but she gradually grew
calmer. When she had entirely ceased to shed
steers. Paul said:

1 gal “I have a scheme.”

‘ As no one questioned him, he went on:
' ‘ “ I bevo told you that Ifeel as if an earthqudke
fl! impendin'g, and that is why I have formed this
. cohune,' I the eruption should mks place now,
"and ye were fortu‘nateenon to once destruc-
tion, we would have mighty title is toshow

acknowledged Rockvelt. “ We’ve
plenty, but we‘va stacked noth-
ing for future re erenoe.” l
1 That's what I was driving at. New I pro-
 to make a big scoop and make it this very
whining night.” ,
' " , ow?” , ‘
p , “ I have a plan that will work. You won‘t
think Iam losing my nerve so very mpeh when
K

' “ That’s so.

  "you hear it.”

“ Give us the spread.”

, I I ’ “ It’s to rob the old man’s stord”

“ bold Prince?”

, 9' es.”

- 7“ It can’t be done.”

“ Why not?” V,

“fishes two watchmen in the store.”
"9 0 e of them is my duck.” '

edl

 ' “ I hive sounded him. ‘You see, it he
‘Imew the fellow some ears ago when sailed
under another name. ow he ever obtained his'

present position of m’m is what knocks me."
“ He was the slickest cracksman I ever knew'

but he has been sharp enou haot tohedeteo
cream” ' “ r‘  '  

' {Doubled-tome Dan. en

thing will be worked as slickl

.Rockvelt,” he said.

tad do.

 

"9 é: ’r‘i _< '
a l e';

'4‘; :'
I'm \' Pi

i

Rockvelt knit his brows. 4

" How does it happen you have never spoken
of this before?”

“ I was not sure of my man till this very day,
Slough I have been working him up for a long

me.

“ You are certain this is all straight?”

“ Dead certain.”

“ What about the other watchman?”

“ Wallace will attend to him.”

“ How?”

“ He likes a drink now and then.”

“ Well?”

“My man proposes to stand treat.”

“ He will be drugged?” ‘

“ You have guessed it.”

Still Rockvelt was not fully satisfied. The
plan was new, and there were some things about
it he did not like.

“I don't fancy your sudden taking of things
into your own hands,” he declared. “ This
scheme is all right as a last resort; but there are
heaps of danger in it, and I can’t say I am
pleased with it. You should have talked it over
with me before going into it so far.”

Paul wavmi his hand, the half-smoked cigar
betWeeu his fingers.

“ Come down, Rockveltl” he laughed. “ You
have been posing as chief of this gang long
enough, and I have been doing the dirty work
till I am disgusted. I propose to show you there
are others besides yourself who have some
brains.”

“Confonnd you!” snarled the angered sport.
“ You seem to have suddenl been attacked by
swelled head. You will ruin e erything!”

“That’s where you are mistaken, partner. I
want t8 show you I can occasionally give you

lots. '

“What if I refuse to go into this trick you
have lapped?” .

‘5 ou won’t.”

" Why not?"

“ For the best of reasons.”

“ What are they?”

“ Chief of them all is that I shall work the
pull alone if you refuse.” e

Rockvelt fumed again, while the Plunger con-
tinued calmly smoking, waiting for ,the gambler
to cool down.

“ We may as well throw up the whole busi-
ness!” declared the sport, pacing up1 and down
the room. “ Too many cooks spoil t e broth !”

“ You can throw it up, if you please; but I
am in to win. I do not propose to let the pressut
Opportunity go by for something vaguely in-
definite in the remote future, and you will not,
if you are wise.” ,

' Well, I suppose you will ruin everything, it
I do not agree.

“ Then you are in?”

“’ Yes. But how do you ’pr0pose togot into
the safe?”

“ My man has the combination.”

“ And your man may blow this whole affair.”

“ I assure you, he will do nothing of the ki .
We will be let in by the back way, and ever -
as can be.
There will (be no slip-up in my p ans, I can as-

sure you.

“ At what hour do you propose to make the
break?" ‘ .

“ You two should be on hand at 1:30.” \

“ We two! What do on mean by that! Bess
will not take a hand in t is.” '

“Oh, ye‘s, she will! She is so ver
you know. Besides that I want to ave her
where she will not dare blow on us. As it is,
she might take a fancy to give us away and,
havln done nothing; so very bad herself, she
won] get odscot free. She has a p on me
for she saw me knock over Paul Pr nee, and I
want a hold on her, “in turn.”

“ What if I refuse to give you onef”

“I don’t think you will refuse. You have
said you show our nerve, and now I want you
to give an exbi ition of it. You can be on hand
in masculine disguise.”

“ I will mm”

The Blunger waved his hand. I

“ Verywoll; that lets you out. The pull is to
be diamon s ,but not a sparkier do you get un-
less you eke a hand. Come, come, e!
When I saw on cowering at Paul Prince’s feet
I lost much 0 my respect for on; but if lyou
brace up and take a hand to-n gbt, I may ove
you in as of old.”

The touched he ., '
" Really, Ferril ’ -

“Why, minim”

“ And you w take back all the cruel words
you have spoken?”

“ Ev one.”

“ Then I will do my best. You shall not think
me a coward, even though I am a woman.”
,“Goodenoughi There will besome danger,
but whdt is lite without ventures?”

His manner seemed suddenly changed, and ‘hs

nervy,

soon had. both the gambler and the woman in

better spirits.

“You hadn’t better drink any more wine,

“ You want a clear head

to-night. The best thing you can do is get two

or th  slfiep. Agamslwhat'éhi‘nte dto

f 9‘ ma eja. _ u to- a no
mgxsn'on lg son.”

 
 
    
  
 
   
       
    
 

 

anson Prince’s

 

 

'eck.  V

the entire cohort. Y u had better take Hanson

 1‘» V._

 
  

For an hour they discussed the pro osed rob-
bery, fully perfecting their plans. hen Rock-
velt proposed that they drink to the success of
the plot, the Plunger flrmly refused.  k

“ ot a swallow of liquor or wine 063 down  »
my throat do—day,” he declared. “ mean to 
have a clear head to-night.” ‘

Then he left Rockvelt and Diamond Bess to- '1 g ,
gether. .r r 3

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE TRAP IS SET.

“ HEY dare, boss, by a pape’?”

It was Sorimpy in the guise of a ragged and ;
dirty newsboy, and he had hailed Dan Down- ‘1
ing, who was still rigged out as the Italian. .
- The detective instantly recognized his as-
sistant, and a covert signal passed between
them

“ Noa buy da paper-rr,” replied Dan. ” Noa
reado da Engligh. Gitta out (in way i"

“ Bet a dollar on can’t read anyt’ing,”
chuckled the gamin, moving cautiously off.
“ Where is your monke i”

“What means by dot?” asked the ferret, in
apparent anger. “Mea noa hays da monk’.
Greats. Scottal .what you take-a‘mea for?” .

“An organ-grinder in disguise. You’d make
a good monkey for yerself. Go put dat face in

wn!” ..

“ I knocks da stuffl outa cu!" howled Dan, I,
as he madeadash for the ad, who promptly L5 :'
fled. ' ‘

 

 

 

The detective leisurely followed, muttering to
himself and pretending to be very angry. All
the time he was taking care to keep Scrimpy in
sight, well knowing the lad had something of
im ortance to communicate.

he shrewd gamin did not look back, feeling
sure his employer had understood his sl null and v  »
'was following. Into a cellar saloon e Went, l ' ‘
and when Dan appeared and ordered a beer, he 4
again approached him under guise of trying to I _ ,;
sell a paper. . g“ L a

This time Dan bought one, and Scrimpy im- ' .r z "
mediater went out. Cautioust opening the  ,g ’ *
paper, the detective discovsred a sealed envelope, ' ' . 
which be secured, observing his own name writ- a 4 ». a
ten on it. : :

He soon found an o portunity to open the en- . . 1,3,
velope and draw fort the sheet ‘ of foolscap in— ' "
closed.

Tms is what was written on the paper: ,

“ DAN Downmo. Defective .-—- '
“ Sim—The time has come 'for on to spring your
trap and expose the bogus Pau Prince You can

delay no ion r, for delay means disaster to Bauson i, 3
Prince. It s lanned that to—night the diamond ,4 3;; '
merchant will robbed. His store is to be entered _ 

between one and two o’clock. and the safe pilfered
of jewels You should be on hand, with assistants,
to prevent the success of the scheme and capture

Prince into your confl ence. and get him to allow
you and our assistants to seer: te yourselves in the
store. e need not know his sup d son will take . I,
a hand in the job. The revelat on will come when , - »
the conspirators are captured. Do not fail.

“ AN UNKNOWN FRIEND."

      
      
 
       
        
 
      
      
      

Dan was astounded.

“ Great Jupiter !” he muttered. “ Can this be ’ .
on the dead level?" ' ' . . '

He was inclined to regard the communication
withsuspicidn, and still he could not see the ob- ,
ject of it all if it was a “ fake.” V

“Who is this ‘Unknown Friend?” thou ht
Dan. " If this is on the square,s.why wash" it
signed by the real name of the writer?" I

The hetective spent Very little time in med- ‘ ,2;
itating over it,,bnt hastened from the cellar, v 
leaving hisbeer-untasted to fall into the clutch , 
of a thirsty hummer who had been greedin I, g, "
watching it. .a I “ . V 

Scrimpy was waiting outside, and, seeing there r ,3", -
was no one near to hear what passed between - ‘1’,
them, Dan asked: .,

“ Where did you at thdt'letteri”

“ Kid chucked it n me han’.”

“ A kid

' f“ Yep.”
“A meshenger boyi” , y .
“Nary. Jeeta common streetvprowler.”  ,-
‘.‘ What became of him!” ‘ z . \
“He skipped an’ give me der dodge 'fer’ I .,
could as where he got der letter nr why he Y.

bmng it for me.” i ,
Hpuse in an hour and

  

  

      
        
 

  

   
 

“ Come to the Norton
ask for Herman ‘Westford.
“ In dis rig!”
“No; get nto the best clothes
“ All squee.” I _,
Then they parted -'
to visit any of the .

  
 

    

   
 

you own."

 
 
 
      
     
 
    
   
    
      

 
 

Dan knew better than ,
laces he sometimes frequented, but he made all;
, ste to the store of a ready-made clothing r'
saler with whom he was acquainted. There he '
§rchased a full suit of clothes and put them on.
ith the addition ofa beard and wig he had
taken from his office for use in case of emigsmg,
his appearance was completely chang . a,
now seemed like a well-rode gentleman from the .'
rural districts; not a green untryman, but a '
person none too familiar wit the sights and ,,
wave of the great city. '

  

 
 

      

 

 

 

.L [(111,3" Hofi,‘

He then went directly to the Morton House on . ,
Union oars, aired Q stored» “ Hmmrwsghr ' '

   

     

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‘. wry,”

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» raw-l1}

    
 

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, formed the attain

. l

. arm“

"V‘umra , _ , L

Scrimpy was not far behind, for barely was
Dan settled in a room before the boy appeared,
looking as spruce as a yOung dandy. '

“Well, you made a lively shift from the mg
I saw you in last!”.excleimed Dan.

“ Hully gee!” cried the boy. “ I should say
you c’u’d take dat ter yerself l Youse don’t look
much like tlel‘ Dago I sold a pape’ ter in Shockey’s
Saloon an hour ago.-W‘at’s der racket, been?"

Dan told him to sit down, then he read the
letter aloud.

“ What do you think of that?” he asked.

“ Dere’s somet’in’ in it,” was the prompt an-
swer.
“ Think so?”

“ Dm’s W’at I do.” i .

“ Well, there may be. I can’t see that it will
do any harm to presume there is something in it.”

They discussed the situation for some time,
and then Dan said: .

“ I want you to take a note to Hanson Prince.
I have been to see the man once to-day, and I do
not care to venture about the place again, even
though I am in a‘difl'erent disguise. I should
have to reveal m self to him, and I might be
heard by parties wish to believe me dead."

“ 1’" take der note, boss; but you know I’m
s‘posed ter be defunct.”

“ They will not be liable to tumble to you, if
you do not make yourself too conspicuous.
Rockvelt is the Only one who saw you last night,
and then it was by the wretched light of a smok-
ing lamp. Just deliver the note and then van-
ish "

“ Dat’s w’at I’ll do.”

Dan rung and called for writing materials. In
a short time the note was written and dispatch-
ed by the faithful Scrimpy.

The boy took care to lace it in Hanson
Prince‘s hands and then, fo lowing instructions,
he “ vanished ’3 before he could be questioned.

After reading the note, the Diamond Prince

, didnot waste much time in getting to the Mor-
* ten House and calling for Herman Westford.”

“You see I came at once, sir—at once,” he
said, as be greeted the detective, who had made
himself knoWn when Prince failed to recognize
him. “ You said it was of the utmost im—
portance that I did so.” ,

“ And so it is,” assured Dan. “ Sit down."

“No, sir-no. I could not remain quiet. I
am all nerved up! I feel that something is
going wrong. I have been desirin to see you.
Why in the world did you send an talian to me
with such a message?” _

“ lImseunt the message by my assistant, Scrimpy
~11 y.

‘.‘ on, not that-that’s not what I mean! Be-
fore, before! The warning. Sir, I fear I have
glanced too much confidence in you. You have

trayed my secrets to another.

“ That is where you are mistaken.” .

“ But this ltslian knew all about the forged
chock." ,

" Of which you told him yourself.”-

“ I, sir—I i‘ You must be deranged! I never
told him anything of the sort!”

“ You certainly did, for that Italian was my-
self in disguise." ,

Mr. Prince nearly fainted.

“ impossible l" he cried.

But Dan finally convinced him.‘ Then the do-

» ' tective added:

“ I have avmstter of vastly more importance
to tell you, Mr. Prince. That is why I summon-
ed you here. I should have. gone to you, but
justfitgjrg’sent, I am supposed to be dead.”

bl v e

“ Yes. Last night I was killed by four

rsons."

“ Oh, come, sir—” ‘

“They supposed they killed me and left me
as food for rats. I want them to continue
thinking on till I work agrand surprise on them.

“ To-night they are going to rob your safe.”

The old gentleman fairly staggered.

“ Rob—my—sa'ffl” he echoed. “Do you
reall' mean that

« $.11, 1 am not dead certain of this. but I
have been led to believe it possible. That is
wh I sent for you. We must trap these follows,
if ills really true.”

“ Trap them! I should say so! But they
cannot get at my safe, sir—no, sir! It is guard-
ed—-,-guarded by two faithful watchmen.”

“ I know nothlc of that, but I have been in-
will be made. We must be

on hand." l
But who are

“ I should say so—yea I should!
then rascals—who are they, gm"
“ That you will discover, it they appear to-

night." .

What do you propose to do!"

“ Lay for t .”

i 2“ Where?" ,

“ In our atom.” .

“ And mtch them in the actf’l ' l

“ Exact! .”

u A g sl plan.”

.“I am glad you thin 90. Now sit down here,

we will perfect it.”
y .‘thson Prince did as directcthand the plot for

the would-be cracksmen was carefully
. Everything had been arranged when

thirty\ minutes

" so
old gentleman left  hotel,

s-rf 1; 

 

" Double-voice Dan, on Deck.

When the time came to close the store that
night, Hanson Prince knew that Don blevoice
Dan and three trusty companions of the regular
police force were secreted where they could watch
the safe.

Mr. Prince went home, in order to throw sus-
picion, but returned within an hour, and was
.admitted by the back way.

It was somewhat singular that neither of the
watchmen seemed to consider it at all strange
that so men men had concealed themselves in
the store. hey asked no questions, and seemed
satisfied with the curt explanation made by Mr.
Prince.

It was more than an hour past midnight that
one of the watchmen stole cautiousliy to the
back door,~on which he heard an od tapping.
His companion kept carefully out of sight. The
man on the inside of the door turned the heavy
key in the lock, threW'baick the strong bolts and
removed the double chain. When he opened the
door slightly, a cautious whisper came to his ears:

“ All right?”

“ All right,” he whispered back. “Dorman
is in a sound snooze, and the coast is clear.”

Then he opened the door and, one by one,
four figures stole in.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

‘ THE TRAP Brianne—DAN ON DECK.

ONE of the four woald-be robbers was kneeling
in front of the big safe when, all of a sudden,
there was a. bright click, and the whole interior
of the store was brightly illumined by adoren
electric lights.

The four burglars were revealed, tbsirtaces
hidden by masks.

U sprung Dan D0wning and his assistants.

“ ‘he first one who ~tries to make a break
will be shot dead i” cried Dan, levsling a cocked
revolver at the head of one of the robbers.

“Dat’s w‘at’s der matter wid ole Hannah!”
piped Scrimpy showing up with a Colt’s six-
shooter in his fist.

“ Great God i” gasped Rockvelt, seeming thun-

derstruck by the appearance of the detective.
“ Dan Downing—alive!” .
“Alive and on deck, my fine ' l-bird!" was

the reply. “I told you it migh come out this
wav.-—Seize them, ofl‘lcersl" -

The policemen sprung forward to obey, but
Battery Ben—who was one of the four—was not
sufficiently overcome by the astounding appear-
ance of the man they believed dead to give up

without a struggllfi;
“Curse you, wni l” he snarled, snatch-
ing out a revolver. “ I’ l bore you, for keeps!”
Then he fired

Almost at the va- instant the weapon was
discharged-11 trifle fore—one of his masked
companions dashed his arm n ward, and the
bullet flew over the detective’s end. Then the
hard fist of this masked man struck the Batter
Bird under the ear and knocked him spraw -
in , where he was quickly secured by one of the
po icemen. ' '

“Fire and fury!” yelled Rockvclt. “ Costs;
gan has turned traitor)”

Even as the gambler uttered the era, the one
who had knOcked Battery Ben over ung him-
self on the s rt. ,

A fierce ut brief struggle ensued, durin
which the maths of both men were torn o .
Then both were secured by Dan and the officers.

Diamond Bess, in male attire, had attempted to
slink awa , but had been easily captured.

When anson Prince saw the face of the one
who had knccked Batter Ben over and assault-
ed Rockvelt, he scren : ,

“ My son l—my God! my son 1”

“ Yes, father was the calm repl , “I am
your son; but I am not the damna le wretch
whom you have known as son for many months!
Wallace, bring him out.” I,

Then one of the watchmen appeared, dra
along amau whose hands were secured be ind
him and in whose mouth was a gag.

A cry of astonishment went u when they saw
this person, for he was the den is of the man
held mm by the oflcet!

“ Whatcan this mean!” gasped Hanson Prince,
staring from one to the other. “ Do my eyes de-
ceive mel Am I going

mad!”
“ Great Scotti” exclaimed Double-voice Dan.

“ One of these follows is the anal P P
-—but which one!” . 8 no ml “we
b "Itfit that fellow ainawer,” tunic: tbs man held
e officer n a h s, oouata’part.
“’Wallace, remhvgothe 3.8g." -
The watchman obeyed, and, as soon as the
captive could work his Jaws he groaned:
‘ It’s all over, Itockveltp-izhe game is up! We
may as well throw up the spon !” ~
“ You fool l” snarled the genial . “ I thought
you Paid Prince was “I -
' so an . ony m a me
false,» curse him He swore he cut
throat, but beleft him free!" ' twmh
“ Because I saved him from droning in the
East River one time years ago. He remembered
and was grateful. e spared my life, and I
have been able to hams your vile’plot and catch
you in this trap.” '
“ But I do not understand this,"l faltsred
EgggrPflW“ no, sir, I do not! J What does

 
 

 
  

 

.m.
l

 

 

Paul—the real Paul—briefly told his father
how he had been duped by an impostor: but the
story seemed almost too much ior Hanson Prince
to swallow.

“ But how come you here—in his place?” he
questioned.

“ I snared him yesterday morning and ex-
changed clothes with him. I had already made
myself known to Wallace and convinced him I
was really the rightful Paul. He agreed to aid
me in this lot to inmare the whole gauge: at one
swoop, an you can see how well everything
worked.”

“ Then you were the person who wrote me of
the intended robbery i" questioned Dan.

“ I am. I knew you could be depended on.”

Mr. Prince still seemed confused, so Paul tore
open the front of his shirt and showed a scar
upon his breast.

“ You must remember that, father!” he cried.

“ Yes yes!” came thickly from the old gentle-

man’s roat; “ I remember it—I remember!
YouIare really and truly my boy!”
‘ am.

“ Release him, officer,” commanded Dan.
A moment later, father and son were clasped
in each other’s arms.

The following day, the papers were filled with
a very sensational story, the garnished facts of‘
the capture being given, as well as the narrative
of the remarkable deception cticed on Ham
son Prince by the scoundrel erril Costagan. 7

Dan Downing dcdared the reporters were in-
clined to give him too much credit, for he said
Paul Prince had “ worked out his’own salvation.”
It had given Dan unlimited satisfaction to come
in “on deck”at the end of the game, but be
wfas lnot at all inclined to claim any great amount
0 g cry. .

“ Oh, you’re too modest—dat’s w’at’s der
matter wid youse!” asserted Scrimpy. “ I tell;
yer, modesty don’t pay in dis world. Der teller
w’at gits dens wid bote feet bain’t der chap w’at’s
retirin’ an’ backward.
w’at don‘t amount ter fush gits a brace on an’
makes a bluff an’ l11ft takes der places w’at
b’lcngs ter some to r w’at nobody pays any
‘tention to. I tells yer, I kin stan’ all der
glory dey kin heap on der firm of Downin' an‘
Stubbs.’

Finding there was no escape, Diamond Bea:
had shown unexpected nerve.

“ This is a killer for me," she confessed. “ or
court: I’ll go to the jug again, and that means.
ruin

Rockvelt cursed the luck, while Battery Ben
remained silent and sullen. Ferril Costagan
broke down and made easy work for justice by
full confess n. ‘

All four ere sentenced to various terms of
imprisonment, the women receiving the shortest.
period of them all.

Justice was satisfied.

There as an affecting meetingrbetween Pauli
Prince a his sweetheart, little ira Selwick.
“ Dear, dear girl i” said the young man, as he“
tenderly held her in his arms. ‘How much-
ou must have sufleredl The clouds must he ve-
ghickly about you, but they are ed.-

mw.
“ Not "all of them, Paul,” she replied. “My,”
a __ .

 

f
“ Ah yes! I had almost forgotten him.”
“ If Ionly knew his fatel I fear he is dead,.
and et—”

best, darling, How

you?"

t know; but e went away in a very'

singular manner. [have fancied he wasdeco ed.

away by that impostor who was impersona ng.
on

y .
“ What could have been the villain’s object?”
“I think father suspected him, and he know.
it. He feared father would expose him." '
" If this is true, Ferril Costagan will acknow~

ladle}: it, for he is quite broken down and beart- .   I

And when he was cautioned, Costa

coa~
teased that Ransom lwick had ly 

druggsdm kidna . a. ,
The drag had wogm stranch on him, for it'  '
had tn his brain and can him to belie -

slip, but he had v
daughter.

Dunn—va and Scrimpysct about $56} ‘-

insk of finding the

exposure and want of' food; but weeks of
careful nursing brought him round. and re»-
storcdhisahattsred mind. He foundaplcannt
home with Paul and Vira who home has
and wife, with tho tie-mg of Hanson

artist. for he works for art’s -
compelled to prostilmts 

man, and so

talentsforbnaad. '

h' Scrim runains his "
in?“ W I “W

Some of dese, chumps '

 

condition, the result :

gives him a chancajo’ ‘
°“.§."’°....'°"..b°arr°“é:.:‘ir.,m* 
, an w ‘en ~
and honored by honest man, hated and cared

mm. ‘ 

   
  
   
    
  
   
 
    
   
 
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
    
  
   
    
   
 
  
     
   
   
  
   
    
    
 
   
     
   

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BY WILLIAM R. EYSTEB.

p. -. . . '
0 'l he Rival Rot ers.
6‘1 Double Cinch Dan, the Sport With a Charm.

1 1372‘ Mr. Jackson, the Gent from Jaybird.
i (33': GiltvEdge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers.
o

0.30 Luck ' Lester‘s ~ iie Hand.

634 Olzl andcart‘s Big Dump.

6'22 The All Around S rts.

6 )3 Desert Alf. the . an With the Cougar.

500 (ientle Jack. the High Roller from Humbug.
57" Seven Shot Steve. the Sport witha Smile.

5-36 The Dude Detective.

57S Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon.
511! Belshazzar Brick. the Bailiff of Blue Blazes.
5.1.5 Oregon. the Sport WithaScar. _

5-35 Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy.

503 The Dude from Denver.

47*. Pinnacle Pete; or. The Fool from way Back.
450 Ma or Sunshine. the Man of Three Lives.

420 Hair T er Tom of Red Bend.

402 Snapshot m: or. The Angels’ Flat Racket.
39:; The Piper Detecthe; or, The Gilt Eige Gang.
375 Royal Geor e, the Three in One. .
3.56 Thr -e Ham some S rts; or, The Combination.
311 Double Shot Dave 0 the Left Hand. '
3‘53 Derringer Dick. the Man with the Drop.

300 A Sport in Spectacles; or, Bad Time at Bunco.
268 Magic Mike, the Man of Frills.

2-,") Captain Cutsleeve: or, The Little Sport.

211 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie ofthe Gulch.
19:2 The Lightning S rt.

182 Hands Up; or, 6 Knights of the Canyon.

160 Soft Hand, Sharp: or, The Man with the Sand.
11.") Pistol Pards; or. The Silent Sport from Cinnabar

BY CAPT. FRED. WHITTAKER.

611 The Showman Detective; or, The Mad Magician.
600 The Texas Tramp; or. Solid Saul.

415 Journeyman John. the Champion-

41? Larry Locke. the Man of Iron.

44»; ()Id Pop Hicks, Showman.

878 John' strong, Mechanic.

826 'The test Man in the Mines. 

810 The Marshal of Satanstown; or, The League.
303 To Notch Tom, the Cowboy Outlaw.

295 Oh Cross-Eye. the Maverick-Hunter.

29!) The Lost Corvette: or, Blakeley’s Last Cruise.
251 The Three Frigates; or. Old Ironsides‘ Revenge.
2?? The saucy Jane, Privateer.

‘27:: S -th Slocum. Railroad Surveyor.

265 Old Double-Sword; or. Pilots and Pirates.

253 A Yankee Cossack; or.Tbe Queen of the Nihilists.
21? Alligator Ike: or, The Secret of the Everglade.
24;! The Fog Devil; or, The S " ) r of the Flash.
‘23:) The Flying Dutchman of .

226 The Mad Hussars; or. The 0‘s and the Mac’s.
215 Parson Jim. King of the Cowboys.

211 Colonel Plunger; or, The Unknown Sport.

. 206 One E e. the Cannoneer.

103 Tue 5 an in Red; or, The Ghost of the Old Guard.
1 The Death’s Head Cuirassiers.

The Phantom Knights.

Red Rudiger. the Archer.

Nemo,- King of the Train .

Tne Severed Head; or. Till); Castle Concy Secret.
The Duke of Diamonds. ' -'

The Rock Rideryor. The Spirit of the Sierra.
¥ouble Death; or, The S y of Wyoming.

69 he Irish Captain. A Ta e of Fontenoy.

65 The Red Rajah; or, The Scourge of the Indies.
89nThe Bussmn Spy; or, The Starry Cross Brothers.

BY on. coomn's.

619 Kit Bandy 8: Co . the Border Detectives. .
148 One-Armed Alf. the Giant Hunter.
13? Long Beard. the Giant Spy.
9!! The Giant Rifleinan: or. Wild Camp Life.
‘ 51 Red Rob. the Boy Road-Agent.
49 ltlaho Tom the Young Outlaw of Silverland.
415 B “Vie-knife Ben. the Nor'west Hunter.
44 Old Dan Rackhack. tho-Great Extarminator
4:} Dakota Dan. the Reckless Ranger,
7 Death-Notch. the Destroyer.

BY PHILIP s. wanna.

1583 Captain Adair. the Cattle Kin .
567 Captain Midnight. the Man 0 Craft.
514 The Back to Bank Pards.
5‘22 The Champion Three.
2 Bareback Buck, the Gentaur of the Plainq

472 Six Foot Si; or, The Man to "Tie To."
431 California Kit, the Always on Hand.
401 Silver Sid; or A “ Daisy " Bluff. .
881) Tiger Dick’s Pied e: or, The Golden Serpent.
859 Yellow Jack. the estlzo.
388 Jack Sands. the Boss of the Town.
899 Three of a Kind; 0r Dick. Desnard and the Sport.
880 Tiger Dick’s Lone Hand.
251 Tiger Dick vs. Iron Desgard,

Old Hard Head: or. W irlwlnd and his Mare.
Tiger Dial. the. an of the Iron Heart.
Th“ Gentleman roni Pike.
A Man 0,! Navy or, Caliban the Dwarf.
Always .on Han ; or. The Foot-Hills Sport.
Tiger Dick. Faro Km ; or, The Cashier's Crime.
The Kidnapper; or, he Northwest Shanghai.
A Hm CTOWdi 01'. Gentleman Sam’s Sister.

BY anon mums.
699 The Cowbo 'Courie ‘
(36;: T‘lge gnéthifivin Deg'ctives.
e u m ne etective: W terGh Is.
481 Captain Ready. the Red Ragirs'orntifr. a on

4-31 The Silent Detective: or. Bogus .
456 The Demon Steer. The Nephew‘

hit-I
m‘lw
CD’S-J

132
115
105

w
2;

907
171
114
80
61
29
4

1

’I 428 The Flying Glim; or, The Island Lure.

, BY PROF. J. u. INGRAIIAM.
816 Lafitte’s Lieutenant; or. Child of the Sea.
814 Lifltte; or. The Pirate of the Gulf.
118 The Burglar Captain' or. The Fallen Star
lipper; or, The )reebooters.

BY DB. NOEL DUNBAB.

604 The Detective in R ; or. The Grim Sh .
500 The True-Heats r3518... “do”!-

I

\

1 BY CAPTAIN nowann nomuas.

711 Dan Damon, the Gilt-Edge Detective.

701 Silver Steve, the Branded Sport.

694 Gideon Grip, the Secret Shadowor.

68-1 Velvet Van. the Mystery Sliatlower.

674 The Dude Desperado

671 Jason Clew, the Silk-Handed Ferret.

661 Monk Morel, the Man-Hun er.

651 S01 S hinx. the Ferret Detective.

612 Red ard and Yellow

608 Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx.

592 Ca )tain Sid, the Shasta Ferret.

579 01 Cormorant. the Bowery Shadow.

569 Captain Cobra. the Hooded Mystery.

559 Danton. the Shadow Sharp.

550 Silk Hand, the, Moliaw Ferret.

513 The Magnate Detective.

M2 J act Javert. the Independent Detective.

5'23 Reynard of Red Jack: or.”l‘he Lost Detective.
512 Captain Velvet’s Big Stake.

505 Phil Fox. the Genteei Spotter. ,

496 Richard Retit‘ire, the Two Worlds’ Detective.

487 Sunshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block.

460 Hawkspear. the Man with a Secret.

4&8 Coldgrip in DeadWood.

460 Captain Coldgrip. the Detective

453 Captain Cold rip‘s Long Trail.

447 Volcano. the new Spy.

441 The California Sharp.

434 Lucifer Lynx. the u nder Detective.

421 Father Ferret. the Fr sco Shadow.

413 Captain Coldgrip in New York.

407 Captain Coldgrip‘s Nerve; or. In'un Nick.

400 Captain Coldgrip: or. The New ork Spotter.
392 The. Lost Bonanza: or. The Boot of Silent Hound.
382 The Bonanza Band: or. Dread Don of Cool Clan.
874 Major Blister. the S ort of Two Cities.

365 Keen Kennard. the hasta Shadow.

35? The Des )erate Dozen.

347 Deliver uke. the Man with “ Sand."

340 Cool Conrad. the. Dakota Detective.

3‘35 Flash Dan. the Nabob: or, Bladesof Bowie Bar.
321 California Claude. the Lone Bandit.

294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy.

278 Hercules Goldspur, the Man of the Velvet Hand.

BY WM. G. PATTEN.

715 Doubleoice Dan on Deck.
702 Double-Voice Dan, the Always-on-Deck Detective
696 Double-Voice Dan, the Go—it Alone Detective.
689 The SparklerShai-p.

676, Hurricane Hal. the CJwboy Hotspur.

660 Old True Blue. the Trusty.

663 The. Giant Ii?nu't: or, Sold to Satan.

656 Old Plug gly. the Rough and Ready.
648 Gold Glpve Gid the Man of Grit.

641 Aztetl Jack, the Desert Nomad.

6211 Colonel Cool. the Santa Fe Sharp.

602 Ca itain Nameless. the Mountain Mystery.
571 Olr Dismal. the Run 9 Detective.

515 Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport.

BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON.

323 Hotspur Hugh: or. The Banded Brothers.

811 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men.

305 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover.

291 HorseshOe Hank. the Man of Big Luck.

285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.

276 exa 1 Chick. the Southwest Detective.

W1 toneflst. of Big Nug et and.

266 Leopard Luke the K g of Horse-Thieves.

263 Iron-Armed Abe, the unchback Destroyer.
258 Bullet Head the Colors io Bravo.

215 llarranca Bi l, the Revolver Chain ion ;

2337 Lou ~HairedMax; or, The Black a e.

2!? Due shot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Inn 10.

7223 Canyon Dave, theMan of the Mountain. -
219 The Scorpion Brothers; or. Mad Tom's Mission
202 (‘actns Jack. the Giant Guide.

191 Don Sombrero. the California. Road Gent.

176 Lady Jaguar. the Robber Queen.

av sam s. HALL—“nuckakiu‘ Sam.”

511 Paint Pete. the Prairie Patrol.

371 Gold Buttons' or, The Up Range Paras

358 The PrinCe of, Pan Out.

312 Blnnco Bill, the Mustang Monarch.

323 King Kent: or. The Bandits of the Bason.

322 The Crimsnn Coyotes; or. Nita, the Nemesis
309 Raybold. the Battling Ranger.

301 Bowlder Bill; or. The Man from Taos.

293 Stampede Steve: or. Doom oi' the Double.
‘38? Dandy Dave and his Horse. White'Stocking.
282 The Merciless Marauders; or. Carl‘s Revenge.
273 Mountain Mose. the Gorge Outlaw.

269 The Bayou Bravo; or, The Terrible Trail.

' 264 The Crooked Three

256 Double Dan. the Dastard; or, The Pirates.

250 The Rough Riders; or, Sharp Eye. the Scourge.

214 Merciless Mart. the Man Tiger of Missouri.

2‘39 The Terrible Trio; or. The Angel of the Army.

225 Rocky Mountain Al; or. The Wall! of the Range.

231 Desperate Duke. the Guadeloupe " Galoot."

217 The Serpent of El Paso; or, Frontier Frank.

212. The Brazos Tigers: or. me Minute Men.

2% Big Foot Wallace. the King of the Lariat.

1 iDiamond Dick, the Dandy from Denver. '

195 The Lone Star Gambler: or. Magnolia’s Maid.

191 The Terrible Tonkawav; or. Old Rock ’3 Pards.

186 The Black Bravo: or. The Tonkaway’s riumph.

178 Dark Ddshwood. the Desperate. .

90 Wild Will. the Mad Ranchero. v '
3 Kit Carson, Jr., the Crack Shot.

nv con. THOMAS it. mons'rlmr.

$32 Spring-Hui Jack: or. The Masked Mystery.

262 Fighting Tom. the Terror of the Toughs.

236 Champion Sam; or. The Monarchs of the Show.
169 Corporal Cannon. the Man of Forty Duels

'157 Mourad, the Mameluke; or. The Three Sword

masters.
150 El Rubio Bravo. King of the SwOrdsmen.
143 The Czar‘sS y; or, The Nihilist League "a
1% The Demon nelist: or. The League of Steel. ..
Iron Wrist, the Swordinaster.

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BY NED BISN'I‘LINE.
657 Long Tom. the Privateer.
633 The Sea S _v. ‘
621 The Red 1;;‘11'86881‘; or, The Midshipman Rover.
' Fire Feather. the Buccaneer King.
517‘ Buffalo Bill s First Trail.
361 Tombstone Dick. the Train Pilot.
220 Andros. the Rover; or. The Pirate's Daughter.

35
ib—

122 Saul Sabberday. the Idiot . py. I
111 The Snuggler Captain: or. he Skipper’s Crime.

Captain Seawaif. the Privateer.

The Red Warrior; or. The Comanche Lover.
The Sea Bandit; or. The Queen of the Isle.

The White Wizard; or. The Seminole Prophet.
Tliayendanegea.the Scourge: or. The War-Eagle.

BY EDIVARD \VILLE'I‘T.

Filtsh Fred. the River Sharp. _

The Canyon King: or. a Price on his Head.
Dan Dillon, King of Crosscut.

Old Gabe. the Mountain Tram .

Terrapin Dick. the Wild wood etective.

315 Flush Fred‘s Double; or, The Squatters’ League.
308 einlock Hank. Tough and True. .

298 L ~gger Lem: or. Life in the Pine Woods.

269 Flush Fred‘s Full Hand.

274 Flush Fred. the Mississiplpi Sport.

248 Montana Nat, the Lion 0 Last Chance Camp.
222 Bill the Bliuard; or. Red Jack's Crime.

2309 Buck Farlev. the Bonanza Prince.

129 Mississippi Mose; or, a Strong Man's Sacrifice.

' BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID.

$7 The White Squaw. l

234 The Hunter’s Feast.

% The Maroon. A Tale of Voodoo and Obeah.

21% The Wild Huntress; or. The a uatter.

‘213 The War Trail: or, The Hunt of he Wild Horse.

$18 The White Chief. A Romance of Mexico.

200 The Rifle Rangers; or. Adventures in Mexico.
74 The Captain of the Rifles; or, The Lake gueen.
66 The Specter Barque. A Tale of the Paci c. '
55 The Scalp Hunters.\ A Romance of the Plains.
1‘2 The Death-Shot: or. Tracked to Death.

8 The Headless Horseman.

BY HAROLD PAYNE. ‘

713 Detective Burr‘s Spirit Chase.
706 Detective Bu rr’s Seven Clues.
698 Thad Burr the Invincible.

‘I

HHu—o‘oc;
“a:me

493
368
318
337

.

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1‘!

690 The Matchless Detective. 

680 XX, the Fatal Clew.

BY COLONEL BELLE SARA.
106 Shamus O'Brien the Bould Boy of Glingal.
87 The Scarlet Captain: or. Prisoner of the Tower.
53 Silver Sam; or, The Mystery of Deadwood City.,

BY JACKSON KNOX—“Old Hawk.”
6m Castleinalne. the Silent Sifter.
616 Magnus. the Weird Detective.
606 The Drop Detective.
595 Wellborn. the Upper Crust Detective.
2 Joram. the Detectin-Expert.
574 Old Falcon’s Double. -
561 The Thug King; or. The Falcon Detective‘s Foe.

b5»? Falcohbridge. the Sphinx Detective.-

535 Old Falcon‘s Foe; or, The Detective‘s Swell Job.
515 Short-Stop Ma'e. the Diamond Field Detective..
509 Old Fulv'on. t e Thunderbolt Detective.

501 S ringsteel Steve. the Retired Detective.

494 '1' 1e Detective’s Spy.

485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective.

4T? Dead-awn Brandt.

’ 467 Iliainwaring. {he Salamander.

462 The Circus Detective. ‘
«151 Grlnlock. the Riwiget‘f‘etective.

444 The Magic Detective: or, The Hidden Hand. 3
424 Hawk Heron's Deputy.

356 Hawk Hermithe Falcon Detective.

Miscnm. mnovs. ‘ ' '

566 The Dauntless Detecnve: or, The Daughter
Avenger. By Tom W. King. .
542 The Ocean im‘i‘t; or. The Fight for Two Lives.
By A‘ ’. Hl'llt. .
531 Gre-n Mountain Joe: or. The Counterfeiter'l
Cave. llv Marmaduke hey.
518 3.81? Richard. the Thoroughbred. By J. W. .
:4 )OD.
410 Sarah Brown. Detective. By K.’F. Hill.
366 The Telegraph Deiemiw. By George H. M
353 Burt Brennan: or. The King of Straight Flush.
Bv John ('titlibert.
350 Flash Falcon. Sm-ictv Detective. By W. J. Cobb.
312 Kinkfnot Karl. the Mountain Scourge. By Mon-
ris Redwing. ‘ ' X
215 The Smuggler Cutter. By J. D. Conro . . .
201 Black Sam. the Prairie Thunderbolt. 00L
‘ Jo Yards. ‘ . '
190 The Three Guardsmen. Bv Alexander Dumas.
179 Conrad, the Convict. 13}: Prof. Glider-sleeve.
w. Owlct. the Robber Prince. ,
153 The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. .‘fik Powell -
152 Captain Ironnerve. the Counterfeiter Chief \
1:6 The DoctOr Detective. B rge Lemuel.
144 The Hunchback cf Notre ame. Blectoango...
140 The Three Spaniards. By 'Geo. \\ alker. . .
133 Rody the Rover. By William Carleton. '
125 The Blacksmith Outlaw. By H. Ainsworth.
110 The Silent Rifleman. By H. W. Herbert.
102 The Masked Band. By George L. Aiken.
78 The MysteriOus S )y. By Arthur M. Grainger.
76 The . n‘s Mu‘ eteers. IéyGeorge
68 The ighting Trapper. Bv apt.J. F. C. Ada
60 Wide Awake. the Robber King. By I“. Dumoat.

y

82‘ Who 5 of Yale: or, The Scrapes of Collegian; ' '-

11 Mir ipinan Easy. B Ca  Ma att.
10 Vidooq. he French Poylice Spy. By mseit.
9 Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. .
6 Wildcat Bob. By Edward L. Wheeler.

A new issue every Wedneadpy.
Ben 10’! Diane Library is for snip“ ‘afl
ewedealeis. ten cents per cop
recei of twelve cents each.
Pu Ibex-s. 98 William street, New York.

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Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Unifomn Price of Ten Cents. No Double Nimzbers.

 

BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR.

712 The Mall of Silk.
705 Bantam Bob. the Beauty from Butte.
698 Kent Kassml. the Prvacher Sport.
68‘! Bob Breeze, the Rounder lli-tcctive.
675 Steel Surry, the Sport from Sunrise.
668 Solemn Soul’s Luck Str. ak.
661 The Got-There, Sharp.
(151 Silvertip SttVO. the Sky Scraper from Siskiyou.
6th Gopher Gabe. the UnsiAcn Detective. '
636 Dandy Darling, Detective.
627 Moashack Mose. the Mountaineer.
617 The Grip Sack Sharp‘s Even up.
5?? Big Bandy. the Brigadier of BrlmstOnn Butte.
588 Sandy Sands. the Sharp from Sun City.
576 Silver-Tongucd Sid: or, Grip Sack Sharp's sweep.
564 The Grip-Suck Sharp: or. The Seraphs of Sodom.
555 Grip—Sack Sid. the Sample Sport.
547 The Buried Detective; or. Soul’s Six Sensations.
541 Major Magnet. the Man of Nerve. \
58.5 Dandy Dutch. the llecilmtor from Dead-Lift.
527 Dandy Andy. the Diamond Detective.
'514 Gabe Gunn. the Grin] from Ginseng. ,
501 Solemn Saul. the Sad n from San Saba.
495 Rattlepate Rob; or. The Roundhead's Reprisal.
488 The Thorcu hbred Sport.
474 Dadd -Eye. the Despot of Dew Drop.
466 Old ugh and Roddy, the Sage of Sundown.
458 Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitzenbcrg.
450 The Rustler Detective.
443 A Cool Hand: or, Pistol Johnny‘s Picnic.
438 Oklahouia Nick.
483 Laughing Leo; or. Sam‘s Dandy Pard.
426 The Ghost Detective; or. The Secret Service Spy.
416 Monte Jim. the Black Sheep of Bismarck.
Roy Ranch: or. The Imps of Pan Handle.
,403 The NamelcSS Sport. /
895 Deadly Aim. the Duke of Derringers.
ark DUI}. the Ishmael of the Hills. ,
owlinz onathan, the Terror from Headwaters.
872 (laggiin Crisp. the Man with a Record.
867 A yal Flush: or. Dan Bro n's Big Game.
360 Jumping Jerry, the Gamcc from Sundown.
855. Storm Steve. the Mad Athlete.
851 Nor‘ est Nick. the Border Detective.
845 Masked Mark. the Mounted Detective;
889 Spread Eagle Sam. the Hercules Hide Hunter.
831 Chis Charley. the Gold N ugget Sport.
824 Old orkcd Lightning. the Solitary.
817 Frank Lightfoot. the Miner Detective.
1m Faro Saul. the Handsome Hercules.
£92 Moire Homer. the Boss Roustabout.
2&1 Pistol Johnny; or. One Man in a Thousand.
283 Sleek Sam. the Devil of the Mines.
257 Death Tra Dig ngs; or. A Man ‘Way Back.
249 Elephant cm. 0 Durango.
841 Spitfire Saul. King of the Bustiers.
983 The Old Boy of Tombstone.
2m Pirate of the Placer ' or. J uin‘s Death Hunt.
1177 Revolver Rob: or. e Belle 0 Nugget Camp.
1!) Old '49; or. The Amazon of Arizona.
170 Sweet William. the Trapper Detective.
165 Joaquin. the Terrible
154 Joaquin. the Saddle Kingi
uinox Tom. the Bui'y of Red Rock.
127 So Scott. the Masked Miner. 0
119 Alabama Joe: Or. The Yazoo Man-Hunters.
1% Dan Brown of DenVer: or. The Detective.
lg George; or. The Five Outlaw Brothers.
71 Captain Cool Blade: or. Mississippi Man Shark.
57 The Boy Jockey: or. Honesty vs. Crookedness.
64 Doublelght. the Death Shot.
50 Jack Rabbit. the Prairie Sport.
47 Pacific Pete. the Prince of the Revolver.

v V 45 Old Bull‘s- e, the Lightnln Shot.
' I) Long-Hal Pards: or. The artors of the Plains.
whospol George; or. Fiery Fred. the Outlaw.

. Q ThmevFingei-ed Jack. the Reid-Agent.

LS

   

' I all WILLIAM n. MANNING.

714 Gabe Gall, the Gambnlier from Great Hump.
Spokane Saul. the Samaritan Susfiect.
Dead-Shot Paul. the Deep-Range x lorsr.

555 Strawberry Sam. the Man with the lrtiunark.

. 046 Dark John the Grim Guard.

613 Murdock. e Dread Detective.

083 Daufierous Dave. the Never-Beaten Detective.

011 Alkai Abe the Game Chicken from Texas.

Rustler Ruhe' the Round-Up Detective.

Dan Dixon’s uble.

Steady Hand. the Naaoleon of Detectives.

Wyoming Zeke, the Ho hr of Hans, suckic.

1 Kean the Man wi Backbone.
ublodark. the W11 Detective.

i die-Chief Kit. the Pra rie Centaur.

Paradise Sam. the Nor‘-West Pilot. .

'i‘em Tartar. the Man With Nlho Lives.

lJnclc Honest. the Peace er of Hornets' Nest.

Central Padnc Paul. t llail Train Spy.
Border Bullet. the Prairie Sharpshootsr.

‘ Kansas Kitten. the Northwest Detective.

 

I 7 479 Gladiator Gabe. the Samson of Sassajack.

. r
' 455 Yank Yellowbird. the Tall Hustler of the Hills.
Rockies

Kins of the .

Wild West Walt he Mountain Veteran.

487 DoexfiDuke: or. The Man of TWO Lives.
vals of Montana Mill.

8 .
OldBald ,theBri lerofBuckBasln.
Wild Die: Turpinft‘l‘g loadvillo Lion.

Colorad Bubs. the 8mm Arm of H .
rnia Smud-

0
The Gold n. or.
BY LWUT. A. K. 81ml.

cstono Lam, the Chain ion of Chestnut Burr.
tile Pilgrim lgtoctl

Karl. t '0 .
Plimrosc. the Flower of the mock.
berry. tbs FooHlills Detective.

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704
685
6711
672

Invisible lvun. the Wizard Detective.
The Hod-skin Susi. Rrwor.
chllo, thc Pirate Cruiser; or. The Rival Rovers
The Rod Rapier: or, The Sea Rovcr's Bride.
The Jon; lh—tcctivc; or. The Bountiful Convict.
Thc (lowly-y Clan; or. Tim '1 igl‘css of Texas.
The Lasso King‘s lwllguc. A companion Story
to “ Buck Taylor. the Saddle King."
Tmi Rm‘ F’s Ri'i ibuliull.
The Ex Buccaneer; or, The Stigma of Sill.
Tilc Sci]. Tillt‘f
Red Wings; or. The Gold Scckers of the Bahamas.
The Three l iii-cancers.
The Red Flag RAH'Q‘I‘; or,White Wings of the Decp.
The Shadow Silver Ship.
The Silver Ship; or. ’l‘hc S'A-a. Scouts of ‘76.
The Sch Rchcl: or. Red Rovers of thc Revolution.
Conrad. the Sailor Spy; or. Two Iii-alts of '76.
The. Outlliwed Skipper; or, The Guntlet Runner.
560 The Man from Mexico. r
558 Mark Monte. the Mutinecr; or. The Branded Brig.
516 The Doomed Whaler: or. The Life Wreck.
510 The Fleet Scourge; or. The Sea Wings of Salem.
530 The Savages of the Sea.
524 The Sea ChflSOI‘; or. The Pirate Noble.
,516 Chatard. the Di-ad-Shot Duelist.
510 El Moro, thc Corsair Commodore.
493 The Scouts of the Sea.
489 The Pirate Hunter; or. The Ocean Rivals.
482 Ocean Tramps' or. The Desperadoes of the Deep.
476 Bob Brenmhe Buccaneer; or. the Rwd Sea Raider.
469 The Lieutenant Detective: or. the Fugitive Sailor.
457 The Sea Insurgent: or. The Conspirator Son.
446 Ocean Ogre. the Outcast Corsair.
435 The One-Armed Buccaneer.
4&1 The Fatal Frigate; or. Rivals in Love and War.
425 The Sea Sword; or. The Ocean Rivals.
418 Thc Sea Siren: or. The Fugitive Privateer.
899 The New Monte Cristo. ’
393 The Convict Captian.
388 The Giant Buccaneer: or. The Wrecker Witch.
377 Afloat and Ashore: or. The Comair Conspirator.
373 Sailor of Fortune: or. The Barnegat Buccaneer.
369 The Coast Corsair: or. The Siren of the Sea.
364 The Sea Fugitive; or. The Queen of the Coast.
346 Ocean Guernllas; or. Phantom Midshipman.
84) The Sea Desperado.
886 The Magic Snip' or. Sandy Hook Freebooters.
825 The Gentleman Pirate: or. The Casco Hermits.
318 The Indian Buccaneer: or. The Red Rovers.
30‘? The Phantom Pirate; or, The Water Wolves.
231 The Sea Owl: or. The Lady Captain of the Gulf.
269 Cutlass and Cross; or, the Ghouls of the Sea.
255 The Pirate Priest: or. The Gambler‘s Dan hter.
246 ueen Helen. the Amazon of the Overlan .
285 , 1 Lightning the Man of Chance.
fill The Kid Glove Miner: or. The Magic Doctor.
224 Black Beard. the Buccaneer.
2%) The Specter Yacht; or. A Brother's Crime.
216 The Corsair Planter: or. Driven to Doom.
210 Buccaneer Bess. the Llo’ness of the Sea.
205 The Gambler Pirate; or. Lady of the Lagoon.
198 The Skeleton Schooner; or The Skimmer.
164 l'he Ocean Vampire; or. The Castle lioness.
181 The Scarlet Schooner: or. The Sea Nemesis.
H77 Don Diablo. the Planter-Corsair.
172 Black Pirate: or. The Golden Fetters M story.
16:3 The Mad Mariner: or. Dishonored and isowned
155 The Corsair Queen: or, The Gypsies of the Sea.
147 Gold Spur. the Gentleman from Texas.
139 Fire Eye; or, The Bride of a Buccaneer.
184 Darke Dan, the Colored Detective.
181 Bucks in Sam. the Texas Trailer.
1% The Chevalier Corsair; or. The Heritage.
121 The Sea. Cadet; or The Rover of the Rigoletts.
116 Black Plume; or. e Sorceress of Hell Gate.
109 Captain Kyd. the King of the Black Flag.
104 Montezuma. the Merciless. '
108 Merle. the Mutinocr; or. The Red Anchor Brand.
94 Freelance. the Buccaneer.
89 The Pirate Prince; or. The Queen of the Isle.
85 The Cretan Rover; 0r. Zuleikah the Beautiful.
2 The Dare Devil; or, The Winged Sea Witch.

613')
61(

605
61 K)
593
5"?

531

BUFFALO BILL NOVELS.
Numbers ‘ are from the pm of Bufalo Bill.

fi73(7) Buflnlo Bill Baffled.
Buffalo Bill‘s Buckskin Brotherhood.
091 Buffalo Bill‘s Blind Trail.
682 Buffalo Bill‘s Secret Service Trail.
861 Buffalo Bill‘s Swoo&;dor. The King of the Mines.
649 Buck Taylor. the die King.
514 uffalo Bill‘s Bonanza
.539 e Gold King; or. Montebello. the ificent.
ass Darodeath Dick: or, Buffalo Bill’s Da ng Role.
‘599 The Dead Shot Nine; or. My Pards of the Plains
517 Buffalo Bill‘s First Trail. I
‘414 Red Renard. the Indian Detective.
*401 One-Armed Pard; or. Borderland Retribution.
I'89? The Wizard Brothers: or. White Beaver-'5 Trail.
'894 White Beaver. the Exile of the Platte.
862 Buffalo Bill‘s Grip; or Oath Bound to Custer.

829 The

‘819 Wild Bi . the Whirlwind of the West.

‘804 Texas Jack. the Prairie Rattler. .

“248 The Pi im Sha : or. The Soldier s Sweetheart
1% Vl'ild B 1's Gold ; or. The Desperate Dozen
1 Wild Bill‘s Trump Card: or. The lndian Heiress
108 Wild Bill. the Pistol Dead Shot. ‘

158 ’é‘cthoomed Dozen; or, Buffalo Bill, Chief of
cuts. .

117 Buffalo Bill‘s Strange Ford.

92 Buffalo Bill. the Buckskin .

‘88 Gold Bullet Sport: or. Kn htc of the Ovarian.
'59 Death-Trailer. the Chief o Scouts.

BY mason nascmnnnn nuns.

“8 Earl: Kenton. the Traitor.

lab The Phantom Momma: or. The Hyena.

156 Velvet Face. the Border Bravo.

1413 Captain Crimson. the Man of the Iron Fm
11.7 Dash! Dandy; or. Hotspur of the

 

OI Bulalo ll, the Bucksfln King
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no of Three: or. Bulfalo Bill‘s Pledge. '

‘ BY COL. PREN'I‘ISS INGRAHAM. l

 

BY ALBERT ‘V. AIKEN.

708 Joe Phcnix's Sinn.
700 Joe l’hcnix’s Unknown.
681 Joc Phcllix‘s SDCClillH.
674 Uncle Still Up. the Born Detective.
(170 The Lightweight Detective.
665 The Frisco IN-tectivo; or, The Golden Gate Find
(561) The Fresh in Montana.
6.32 Juc~ soil Blukc. the Bouncer Detective.
(i1? Tile Fresh (.1' Frisco at Santa Fe.
(3537 Joe Phenix ill Crazy Camp.
63.2 JOi- l‘llelu'x‘s Ilium-r Search.
(la-i Joe I’hcllix’s (.‘olnl‘ill-u
6le Joe I'hcnlx's Slit-lit Six.
613 Keen Billy, the Sport.
607 Old Bcll'ljne, the " Hard Case " Detective;
601 Joe Phenix‘s Shlldow. ‘
591 Fire F8130. the Silvcr King’s Foe.
586 Tlll‘ Silver Sharp Detective.
577 Tool of California.
70 The Actress Detective; or. The Invisible Hand.
562 Lonc Hand. the Shadow.
556 Fresh. the Sport-Chem icr.
537 Blake. the Mountain Lion.
529 The Fresh in New York.
520 The Lone Hand Oil the Caddo.
497 The Fresh in Ti'an.
490 The Lone Hand in Texas.
475 Chin Chill, the Chinese Detective.
465 The Actor Detective.
461 The Fresh on the Rio Grande.
440 The IIlgh Bar 6 of the Pacific.
425 The Lone Band: or, Thc Red River Recreants.
419 The Bat 01’ the Battery ; or. Joe Phenix. Detective-
408 Doc Grln. the Vendetta of Death.
391 Kate Scott. the Decoy Detective.
384 lnjun Dick. Detective: or. Tracked to New York-
381 The Gyfisy Gentleman; or. Nick Fox. Detective.
376 Black -ards; 01. The Rio Grande H 1: Horse.
370 The Dusky Detective: or. Pursued to t 0 En
863 Crowningshleld. the Detective.
354 Red Richard: or The Cnmson Cross Brand. .
349 lion-Hearted Di! k. the Gentleman Road-Agent.
330 The Gentcel Spotter: or The N. Y. Night Hawk.
252 The Wall Street Blood; or. The Telegra uh Girl.
2071 The Double DetectiVe; or.The Midnight ystery.
196 La Marmoeet. the Letective Queen.
178 California John. the Pacific Thoroughbred.
161 The Wolves of New York: or. Joe Phenix‘s Hunt.
130 Captain Volcano or. The Man of Red Revolvers.
112 Joe Phenix. Private Detecuve. '
107 Richard Talbot. 01! Cinnabar.
101 The Man from New York.
97 Bronze Jack. the California Thoroughbred.
93 Captain Dick Talbotfliing of the Road. .
91 The Winning Car: or. The [unkeener‘s Daughter.
84 Hunted Down: or. The League of Three.
81 The Human Tiger: or. A Heart of Fire.
79 Joe Phenix. the Police 
77 The Fresh of Fnsoo' ; or. e Heiress.
75 GentlemanGeorge: or. Parlor. Prison and Street.
7:! The Phantom Band: or. The 5th Avenue Heiress.
68 The Winged Whalc: or. The Red Rupert 01 Gulf.
59 The Man from Texas; or. The Arkansas Outlaw.
56 The Indian Mazeppa: or. Madman of the Plains.
49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawha can.
42 The California Detective; or. The Who 68 of N.Y.
41 Gold Dan: or. The White Sav of Salt Lake.
88 Velvet Hand; or. lnjun Dick's ron Grip.
36 Injun Dick: or. The Death-Shot of Shasta.
the S rt: or. Dick Talbot ot the Mines.
Moun Bob. the California Outlaw.
33 Ove (1 Kit: or, The 1d 1 of White Pine.
81 The New York Sba ; or. 9 Flash of btning.
27 The Spotter Detect ve: or. Girls of New ark.

BY J. c. OOWPIICK.

ass Ducata Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective.

612 Sheriff Stillwood, the Regulator of Raspberry.
598 The Dominic Detective.

591 Duke Daniels. the Society Detective.

5w Shadowing a Shadow.

55 Prince Paul. the Postman Detective.

557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Riddles’ Riddle.
519 Old Riddles. the Rocky Banger

499 Twilight Charlie, the Road Sport.

473 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective. .
452 Rainbow Bob. the sump from Texas)

486 Kentucky Jean. the Sport from Yellow Plus.
422 Blue Grass Burt. the Gold Star Detective.

390 The Giant Cupid: or Cibuta John‘s Jubilee.

LATMT AND NEW ISSUES.

716 Buffalo Biu’s Scout Shadowers; or. Emerald Ed

cf Devil‘s Acre. By 001. ProntISs Ingraham.
717 Captain Pat McGowan, the Greencoat Detective.

By Albert w. Aiken. '
718 Uncle Bedrock's Big Bounce; or. The Bad Men

‘of Mineral Bar. Erwin. R. Eyster.

Ready Juiy 21th.

a.

719 Boston Bob. the Sport Detective. By George 4.1. '

Jenks. I ’
Ready August 86.
720 Old Halcyon, the Stranger Within the
The Six Slum-rs of Sahara. By Jos. n. Badger.
Ready August 10th.
. A new lam every Wednesday. ~
Beadle“ Dime Library is f0r sale by a!)
Newsdealers. ten cents per copy. or sent by mail on
receipt of twelve cents each. a
READ“ AND ADAMS. Pupmnu.
' a William Strut. Now Tori.

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