3. ’V ' " m; I I!” {I l W W‘I'W‘i WI“‘MHNIENWIHH‘I'W U Hll " ‘ | Copyrightaa. 1823, bv 1115mm: AND ADAMS. ‘. , . , . .. A nu: Nuw Yuma. N. Y.. Pom OFFICE. Januu-y 30. 1895. w““°'d“7' 2»; WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. “'00 ‘ n“ N 0 849” mummy"; flit—(25L); (PfizMW-g, ' ' "r.nc.,,;t.k.c.;py.j. *m ‘IH ‘ ‘ fl; , ~ 3 r 7 " W . M WWW “g . W WWW w ' M WW 4 W?” L“: “‘*1¢““""[¥ll‘ JziltHizx’ .1 n h 'IJM r ~ a! .-‘ With \\ 1 i! I: ' ‘ ‘F i’u' .H I w ‘ w: , . ‘lr: . i h , ‘ , F 1 M ‘1 \ i 1 w Ull‘K I a“ 5* r if ~ i w 4 NIH \ HM} ‘w'l, MW L \ Longshore Skulkers Afl __ Offigpth; Street. :5 BY WM, H. MANNING, , human 0F “ PLUNGER PETE," "OLD DOUBLE- \_ DARK,” “ STEVE sum," ETC. ‘ CHAPTER I. _ ‘ . 1 SET TO GUARD moans. A" _ q; Tnn detective was ready for his dutyof ' ~1'3\~-“= ' ,---_._-,___ the evening. It was one requiring fidelity THAT [B m VERY IAN 7 ’ on his part, but that it was to be more no- .. wn ABE nummel” 2 The Genteel ASharper’s Combine. body supposed to he the case There was nothing to tell of the crime, scheming and stillering that was to follow. Nathaniel Cooledgc had been received by the master of the nouw in person. They had met, before, so there was no need of an introduction. “ Glad to see you, Mr. Cooledge, re marked Walton Lynntield. “ Your coming, however, reminds me that I must mix busi ness with the pleasure of the evening.” " That is bad, sir, ’answered the detective. " Your guests all seem merry, and you ought not to lose your share." “I can endure it. ‘Old people have to bear the brunt of all things, while young ones devote their attention to pleasure only. Still, I am as happy as the rest of them. My daughter is to make a good marriage, and she is happy, So am I, then, for she is all in all to me." Nathaniel Cooledgc glanced through the door and surveyed the, assembled guests. It was a notable gathering, as he could well see “ Now," pursued Mr. liynntield, “ I think you understand your duties of the evening," “ I am to guard certain jewels which are to he presented to Miss Lynnficld when she has become Mrs. Robert llouston." “ Yes, Do you know the value of these jewels?" “ I am told they are very valuable." “They are, to the extent of half a million dollarsl” The detective‘s face told no tales, but he had learned in his professional career that the best of men were often inclined to exag— gerate in the matter of values, not neces- sarily through design, but through misap- prehension, if nothing more. Betraying no doubt, Mr Cooledge now expressed polite wonder. “ Indeed! That is a princely sum." “Your term is not far out of the way. The jewels, sir, are quccnly jewels.” “ By descent?" "'Yes. They once belonged to the Em- press Josephine, the ill fated consort of the great Napoleon." ‘ Then you name them well when you say they are queenly jewels.” "Let me explain briefly. They were, as before said, the property of Josephine, and almost daily were worn by her, Among the ladies of her court was the Duchess Lafon- taine, It was the good fortune of the latter to be dearly loved by Josephine. More, it was her good fortune. later. to do the cm- press a great favor As a result the jewels were presented to her by Josephine. You will excuse me if Ido not mention the na- ture of the favor, but it is well known to l» “ The duchess was fortunate." "More so than her royal mistress, sir, Time has passed, however, and. of course, . the duchess is (lead. She left no heirs nearer than her sister's children, so the jewels fell to the Count Altamonte, and my late wife was a sister of the count." “ I begin to see." “Naturally. Well, when the count learned that my (laughter, Vivian, was to be married, he decided to give the jewels to her, and it will be done to-night. Now, let me take you to the count " “"So he is here?" “.He personally brought the precious jewié’ls across the water, accompanied by trus yfrienzls of his household. Kindly fol- low'me." Mr. Lynnfield led the way, and the detec- tive was conducted to an old gentleman. whose snow-white hair told of advanced years, but whose athletic form wasstill up- right. and whose eyes still gleamed with the fire of younger days. “ Count Altainonte.” spoke Lyunfield, “ allow me to introduce to you Mr. Cooledgc, the gentleman engaged for the evening." The old gentleman at once gave the gracious attention of a man of high breed- ing. He took Nathaniel‘s hand quickly, “ Monsieur," he exclaimed, “ it gives me pleasure to meet you. We are gatherw ed for a delightful occasion, and you have an important part to play. 'I am delighted to see that the actor is worthy of the part, and that we are all gentlemen here." 110 bowed with profound courtesy, and the n , a milliondollars. detective, accustomed to all ranks and nations of men, did not fail to make due. reply. " We can trust the jewels with (‘ooledge, added Lynntield, in an undertone " I feel sure ofit. Monsieur, these jewels are much to us, Long in our family, they are inexpressihly dear because they were once the property of the Empress Josephine.” “ I can understand your feelings.” “ IIapless queen." " Ilers was a sad life, count." “It was, indeed, and the jewels which have come down to us are dear from many causes Their value is, in your money, half This is why I insisted up- on liaving a detective here to guard them until the evening is over and I have formal- ly presented them to Miss Vivian Lynnfield. Then my care of them ceases, and your own task will be begun." “They will be secure while he watches them," added Lynntield. “ No otllcer on the New York police force ranks higher than Nathaniel (‘ooledge It was because of that I selected him." “ Monsieur,” pursued the count, “it is detestable to talk cold business with one of your appearance, but business has its claims. Allow me to repeat what Mr, liynnticld has, of course, told you, that you will be well paid for your services of the evening.” “ I am satisfied, count, and I will try to be arguscyed.” “ No doubt; I know your reputation. I am told— Ah! your pardon, ()akes; I did not see(you before. Mr. Detective, this is ,my goo friend, Monsieur Barrington Cakes." Another guest had approached the group. Cooledge had noticed him casually; he now surveyed him more closely. He was a person of thirty-five years, it seemed, and tall and muscular of build. He had unusually dark complexion, and his hair and mustache were black,‘ but there was a clearness about his face rarely seen in one so dark. Some might have called him handsome, but Cooledge experienced a peculiar feeling of dislike of the man. Harrington Oakes gave his hand cordial- u “I am glad to see you, sir,” he declared. “Count Altainonte’s friends are my friends." " Well said, monsieur; well said! We know your way. and blood will tell. Mons sieur ()ach, will you accompany us to the room where we exhibit the jewels to Mr. Cooledgc?” “ With pleasure.” - The four went together. in a smaller room they found a table with a casket upon it. Several persons were in the room, evidently there to do guard until the regular service in that line began. They fell back as the others entered. \Valton Lynufield walked to the table. “ Here are the jewels, Mr. Cooledge," be announced. . lie opened the casket. The blaze of light which met the detec- tive’s eyes was absolutely dazzling. In his professional career he had been brought in contact with notable jewels, but nothing like what he now saw. t The gleams of light were marvelous. He was not an enthusiast in anything, but he felt like worshiping these sparkling objects. Even his breath- ing quickened. ' Lynnfleld smiled. “ Well?" he questioned. d“ Wonderful, wbnderfult" ejaculated Cool- e ge. . “ You see they are no common diamonds." “ They are not, indeed.” “ We have told on their value.” They had told in m. If he was now called upon to judge as to the correctness of their estimate he certainly would not have set the figures at half a million, but he lost a part of his doubt. Whatever they might bring, if offered in open market, there was no deny- ing that they were remarkable for both splendor and value. . “ Here is another who should see them," added Lynnfield. f‘ Mr. Cooledge, iet me introduce Miss Adrienne Everley, a young lady connected with one of ,our great dailies as a reporter. and sent to write up this mar- riage of ours. Miss Everley, permit me to show you the gems " ‘ ' Cooledge had glanced casually at the lady to whom he was introduced. He saw a per- son still on the bright .side of thirty, and one who had a figure of magnificent. proportions. though many would have deemed her too large for one of her sex She had a strong, tirm face, and Cooledge was ready to be. lieve that she was of a mind fitted to earn her living in masculine employments, if she saw fit. She smiled first upon Mr Cooledge, and then upon her host. “Thank you for the Offer,l Mr Lynn- field," she answered, “but Miss Lynnfield has given me the view already The jewels are magnificent I am trying to think of terms suitable for adescription of them in the press.“ The master of the house smiled his appre- ciation and forgot to urge the point. Miss Adrienne Everley did not go nearer to the gems, " It is singular,” observed Barrington Oakes, “ that a newspaper of this generation should print mention of the jewels worn by the Empress Josephine, and now given to a. bride. " “ The hapless Josephine, the hapless Jose- phine!" sighed the count. “ Fine as they are," continued Oakes, “they are only a match for what else Mr; Lynntield has here. Mr. Cooledgc, allow me to call your attention to the painting yon der. It is as fine a historical thing as I ever saw. Who paintedit. Mr. Lynnficld? Move to one side a little, ladies and gentlemen, and let the light fall at its best. There! Is it not fine?” i “The grand, the magnificent!” declared Count Altamonte. . “ It is b ' Jan Van der Meet, the elder.” explained ynnfield. '11 purchased it in Amsterdam.” ’ “It is superb,” declared the count. “Monsieur Cooledgc, notice the fidelity of » expreSsion on all those faces. Ah' grand, grand!” I It was a fine painting, but Cooledge was not an enthusiast, and gave heed only be-' cause his companions and employers willed it so. Everybody had something compli mentary to say. but even the merits of the work were exhausted at last. . “The hour wanes!" cried the count, with astart. "Gentlemen, let us complete our work here." He had turned to the table, and he now locked the casket. Handing the key to Lynn- field. he added: v “ You can finish the duty, mensieur." “ Nothing remains but to. place the casket formally in charge of Mr, Cooled e. I think, Conledge, that you understan your duty—4t is simply to remain hereyncver leaving the casket for one second, and watch until we come to convey the contentsto Miss Lynnfleld." ' . ‘ “ “ Mrs. Houston," amended the count. “ True. When we come my daughter will be Mrs. Houston." ’ ' “ I accept the trust,” replied the detective, “but on one condition.” “ And that?" ' “ Is that I may havescompanion watcher.” ’ “Why 7". -, ' “If there is. half a million there, the watcher should be watched." " Nonsense, Cooledgel Your high reputa- tion—” . “Is not a point in question. This isa matter of cold business, and I must have the man. appointed by you.” “So be it. Who shall it be? Zounds! who better than Cyrus Ames, my old ser~ vant? He has served me for thirty years, and is as honest, keen and vigilant as the eyes of Argus. Will that suit you?" “Perfectly.” ‘ “Then let it be Cyrus. Where is be? Here, James! Let Cyrus be summoned!" “,ch, sir.” replied theotherservant, Who had‘ been addressed. He hastened away, and in a few minutes a gray-haired, fine-looking old man was pro- duced. This was Cyrus, and he was duly installed as the detective’s aid in the watch. This done, all left the room but th: two guardians of the treasure. _ Cooledge's sole object in calling for this companion was that, knowing so much was committed to his care, he determined to have somebody else share the responsibility. and had secured an accredited agent of his employer. All this was well. The rest of the party had gone to witness '-he marriage ceremony, but they were kept waiting They were a little ahead of time. and the clergyman of the occaswu was seine what late." The guests were standing around with the expressions of partial idiocy on their faces whieh everybody seems to feel called upon to wear at a wedding, when the mental in unity of the present occasion was rudely and abruptly dispelled From the hail came a servant whose eyes were big and frightened, whose face was pale, and whose whole manner was one of dismay and extreme agitation. He stopped and reached out a hand in an orratie gesture. “Murder has been done!” he cried, in a shrill voice. The announcement fell heavily on the party, prepared only for joy and pleasure. 'l‘hey experienced a feeling as though chill ed by an Arctic breath, but the servant did not wait for questions before adding; ‘ Thomas lies dead by the back-yard door; he has been murdered!" Walton Lynntield flushed with anger. “Fellow, are you intoxicated?" he dc- ‘niamied, sharply “ I never drink a drop, and if you don't believe me you can go and see. Itellyou Thomas is dead, and murdered at that.” There were other pale faces there then. Delicate women were of the party, and the announcement fell upon them severely. It needed but one glance to see that the whole assemblage had been taken out of the realm of the peaceful and happy into confusion and terror. Not yet did Lynntield know whether he believed the report, and he was very angry that the servant should have been so precipi tate and thoughtless in his revelation, and he pushed forward, shoving the man into the hall. “ You fool! what is all this?" he demand- ed. “ Look for yourself. Thomas is dead, and murdered !" CHAPTER II. .«sronnmue inseovnmns. Tun guard over the casket remained faith- fully at their post. One, at least, had no de- sire to be elsewhere; Nathaniel Cooledge did not find it an object of especialintcrest that Miss Vivian Lyunfield was to be married that night. The detective and the old servant sat fue- ing each other, with the table and the casket always between them. Cooledge was a social man, and he chatted as they waited, much to the pleasure of the servant. “ A fine man!" thought Cyrus Amos. The minutes passed on and they remained the sole occupants of the room. At last, however, there was a sound of quick steps outside the door and Count Altamoute rushed into their presence. Just then he did not look like one who came to announce a happ marriage. Ilis face was flushed and excite , and his manner nervous. “ Monsieur, monsieur, you are wanted be- low!" IIe addressed Cooledgc precipitately, and the detective was surprised. He glanced at the casket. “ Why am I wanted?” " Murder has been done!” “ Murder 2’" " Yes.” “ By whom? Who is killed?” “A servant is the victim—we know not the rest. The man lies dead by the rear door, we know no more. He has been killed silently: and the assassin has escaped. It is your trade to hunt such men—go and take char re of this case!" “ t me be sure that I understand," re- plied Cooledge, his manmr, quiet and self- contained, contrasting sharply with the excitement of the count. “ Do I an- derstaud that a servant has been found dead—murdered—and that the assassin has got off, and that nobody knows who he was?" “That is just it, monsieur. We were all together, waiting for the clergyman to come, when a servant burst in with the dreadful tidings. The fool made the announcement public. so all the guests are in disma , and many of them are hysterical. Outsi e, the .l r, .1; The Genteel Sharper’s Combine. servant lies dead. Why was he killed ‘I Who killed him? \Ve know not. (lo—go, monsieur, and solve this dreadful mystery. Go!" He had taken the detective by the shoul der and was gently trying to push him away, but Cooledge calmly glanced at the object on the table. “The casket!" he reminded. “1 will care for that. lo!" “ ()ne moment. This collection of jewels has been put in my charge under conditions which make me morally, if not linaucially re- sponsible for their safety. Before i leave them I must resign them as formally as I re- ceived them." “ The delay—" “ Will be but momentary." “ \Vhat do you wish, monsieur‘l” “You took the key. Have you got it new?" “ Yes." " ()pen the casket, and let me have proof that the contents remain as when I was placed in charge.” “This is an unnecessary precaution, for we are confident of your ability, but it shall be as you say. Here, mousicur!" The count hurriedly produced the key. His hand trembled so he titted the key with difficulty, for he remembered the dead man at the door, but he was not long delayed. He snapde the bolt back and raised the cover. “Now, monsieur, go. Mun. Dim/m The count stood dumfounded, and the faces of Cooledge and Cyrus echoed the cry pf amazement and terror which escaped his 1 s. The casket was empty! “ Not. a jewel Was to be seen! Silence fell upon the party. Nathaniel Cooledgc was a cool hand, but, for once, he was taken so by surprise that he was speech- less. He would have staked his life on the supposed fact that the jewels were in the casket, yet not one was to be seen. They had vanished as completely as if they had been things of a dream. Slowly, torpidly the amazed count turned his gaze toward his companions. “ What—what~—" The words were only a mumbling, and they died away wholly. Nathaniel Cooledge's eyes gleamed sudden- ‘ 1y. Was this all a trick on him? Were these people seeking cheap notoriety? The idea was in his mind for a moment, but it was dismissed as unworthy of notice. Go, and— “This is not the same casket—fl “There is but one casket,“ gasped the count. “ Then, where are the jewels?” "Who has been here since we left the room?" “ Not a soul but ourselves." “ That is true," added Cyrus. “ Then how came the jewels missing?" “They could not have been in the casket when we took charge. We have sat here as you found us, the one on one side and the other opposite him. We have not once moved; we have not once taken our eyes off from the casket.” “ That is so," declared Cyrus. Altamonte ran his fingers through the empty box. He was still a little dazed, and found it hard to believe the truth. " Not a gem here," he muttered. “Count, the casket was empty when we took charge," repeated the detective. “It could not have been robbed since." “ But, you saw the gems in it. yourself.” “ They were somehow taken out.” “ How could they be?" “ That I don’t know.” “ We were all of us around the casket all the while." “ And amongthose around it was one who was both dishonest and lightvflngered. It seems impossible, yetVI know it has been done. The box was robbed under our very gyes. The key was turned on an empty ox." “ The gems are gone! Oh! the hapless Josephine! Man. Dzeu.’ why do we stand here idle? Gone, gone? No, no; it cannot bel—it shall not be! Gone? Why, it is a ' loss of half‘a million! They are beret—they . are somewhere here. ,We will find them !” l i . ~., ! “What mistake is this?” he demanded, The stupor was cast oil', and the full real ixation of the magnitude of the loss came to the l“reuchman, He grew like one wild, he ran about the room and peered into eorners in an absurd way. Disconnected words fell strangely from his lips, and the detective discovered tears actually stealing down his cheeks. looledgc had been almost as much dazed as his companions. but, he, too, now aroused. “ lo for your master, ()yrus,” he directed. “ The murdered man—" Count Altamonte wheeled lieree prolest. “ Let the murdered man wait!” he cried, sharply. "What is a dead man to this un~ paralleled misfortune? llalfamillioui Mon. Die/I! let the dead man waitl—~briug your master here. Go, go! Unfceling clodl will you go?" Cyrus was not strikingly slow, but the excitable count seized him and almost hurled. him out of the room. Cyrus demurrean longer; he went for his master. The detcective stared at the casket. He could not understand the robbery, but he did know it had not taken place during his own guardianship somebody had com mitted the not while the whole party was around the table—gimpossible as this seemed. it had been done. Altamonto continued to tear wildly around the room, but Lynntleld soon came. He had been told of the new calamity, and his face was pale, but he brought American firmness as an offset to the_ count's wild vchcmeuce. Rapid words passed between the trio, and then he knew all that was known to his companions. d“ This is an awful calamity!" he exclaim< e . ” Mr. Lynntield, Who is the thief?" “ Who could it have been ‘2” “ I do not know your people." “There is no thief among them.” “ Then how did the jewels go out of sight?” . “ Great heavens! I don’t know.” “ And where is the thief now?” “ He has had ample time to escape. " “ Further, what is all this talk about a. dead man?” “ I had forgotten him. Thomas Smith one of my servants, is murdered." “ By whom?" “ We do not know.” “ Was there no quarrel?" “None at all, and no sound. All was done in utter stillness." “ Unseen?" “ Yes. Not one of the other servants knows how it was done, or by whom." “ Find the murderer and you will find the thief !" ' “ Ha! do you think-" , “ Thomas was killed either to let the thief in, or to let him out!" “ By Jove! lbelieve you are ri rht.“ “ Show me the dead man. It does not need an expert to guard this casket now." Count Altamonte wrung his hands. “It is an appalling loss!" he bewailcd. " Oh! the hapless Josephine—oh! the ill- fated jewels!" . There was nothing weak in this lament. The count had his way, and n. florid flow of language, but he was not weak of mind or action. He simply was not an American and he was a man of one ides—the jewels were to him the universe around which everything else revolved. Cooledgo and Lynufleld hastened down to the basement, while Altamonte stayed and made the casket his universe still. Down by the door which led to the back- 1zard a group of servants was gathered. Just eyond them was what had been one of their number when the first wedding nest sr~ rived. Now, it was only a lifeless orm. Nathaniel Cooledge stood over the dead man. The body lay face upward, and in a pool of blood. i “Where is the wound ?" asked the detec- t ve. “ He was stabbed in the back,” explained Lynnfield. , “ A Coward's blow!” cried one of the ser- vants. “ Was it unseen by all of you i” asked the detective. “None or us saw it, sir." with almost. 4 " Who found the body i" “ I did, sir." ‘ It was—where?” “ Just where vou see it now; close to the door. It has only been moved as we turned him over to see what the trouble was. We think he fell face forward, after being stab- bed in the back." “ Who did the deed ‘2" CHAPTER III. arms. was. TRAGEDY. Tun servant shook his head. “ Nobody knows who did it, sir. Poor ~ Thomas had not an enemy in the world, and ‘ who could have hurt such a man ‘2” “ Who was near when it was done ?” pur- sued Nathaniel. “ We were all scattered about the premises, but we don't know just when it happened. and as we were all on the move we can't say '73; who was nearest.” “ Did none of you hear anything?" i » “ Not a sound." “ Nor see a stranger around here i" ‘ l . “ Nobody,sir." " 2-: The detectiVe asked no more, but walked ~ I out into the yard. He made a tour of the in- olosure, and then returned. His manner was grave and wholl unreadable. He had recovered from the s ock hehadsustained, and was himself a in. ",Mr. Lynnfleld,” he then said, " we can not help this, dead man. I suggest that you send to the nearest olice station to have them take charge of t 0 remains. In the meanwhile, we may as well go ‘up to the floor above.” I L nnfleld aroused. He had not been thin ing of the dead man, but of the stran e- ly-missing jewels. The ho was in is mind that the latter might safe, much as he was worried by their absence. Now he caught at the chanceto turn their at- tention from amere man to the other mysto . -“ Quite right." he agreed. “James, 0 you go to the station and summon the oili- ce n rs. , The speaker and Cooledge went up- . " What do you make of it?" asked Lynn- fold, quickly. “ Who do you think did t?!) “ I don’t know. Even Thomas did not see i v the assassin." - H No," “ No." “‘ Howcan you tell?” , x ‘ ' “ His expression is peaceful. Death came upon him suddenly. and without the accom- ‘ ment of terror one would feel if he .‘resl zed his danger. I will amend my asser- " tion that Thomas did not see him by saying thatThomas did not know of his danger. He was struck in the back, suddenly and ' surely. The slay:- then went ‘to the yard. mounted upona x and vaulted over the moved, recently. The fence shows signs of tbsrubliinghof ahuman form as the mur- imself up and over. He escap- “thatrwa ' “ Why should an body kill the servant?" “I am not, infal ible. I have a theory, however." I i ’ " And thati’.’ r " Is, that Thomas was in the way. lievethat he was slain by the rson who stoietbe Jewels, and to remove h m from the path ofescs ” “ Coolodge,'do you think the jewels are I from the house?" sharply cried the “"if not, w Vere are they?” 1“ I don’t kllr‘ow." " “1’s” there any possibility of a practical . e V . . campy not."~ And you and Count Altamonte both be- fiveg’you placed «them in my guardian- sFYn» 'Do you think so new?" . ..“No. ‘ 'I‘heynsurely‘ were not in the box when it was looked. t have been abstracted I don’t understand." , - I" ’Tlllremind you that, we spent some , picture on the wall." My Ibe-V I until the eas ough how they could edge I I . ‘ . i, . . V J. thief smoo'g‘eyour invited guests," to and W" 5 , , ‘ The ‘G-enteel SharpéFs Combine. time was thus occupied and my attention di» verted—I had not then been given charge of the jewels, or I should not have been look- ing at pictures. I now remember that when I was asked to look at the picture the casket was open. When I turned it was closed; somebody had shut the cover down. It seems only fair to infer that the thief took the 'ewels then and closed the cover so we won d not miss the gems." “J ust heaven, Cooledge, this is awful!” exclaimed Lynnfield. “ And mysterious.” “ Half a million gone, and the count will never recover from it. And the gems—why, they were so magnificent! They were—— Ahl there comes the count.” Altamonte put in an appearance, looking worried and excited: “ Mon Dim!” he cried, “ why do you de- lay so? Where are the jewels? Do not tell me they are yet missing." “ We have been looking at the dead man—l’ “Bahl what is a man now? Look for the gems! Monsieur Detective, that is what you were engaged for. What is it to us if a hundred men are dead? Mon Dieu! look for the jewels! 0h! miserable luckl—ohl sorrowful hourl Sirs, the jewels must be found. Why do you stand idle? Arousal Bestir yourselves! Search in all places. Away and find the gems!" The titled gent eman swung his arms wildly and almost danced in his mental dis- tress, but Lynnileld did not rush to obey him. The master‘of the house did not know what to do. Certain facts pressed heavily upon him, and he was beginning to be dazed again, and by other things now. , Barrio on Oakes appeared on the scene. “ Mr. .ynntleld,” he spoke, seriously, “ we all regret this unhappy affair, but al- low me to so that your presence is needed elsewhere. he guests wait in the parlors What is to be done? Is the wedding to go on? They do not know. They stand stu- pidly, not daringto leave lest they wound on. and ve uncomfortable because they we to re a in inactivity. Would it not be well to let them know what to do?" " Yes. yes. Where is my daughter?" " In the small room off of the parlor.” ' “ And Robert Houston?" ‘ " Is there also." v “ The ceremony shall go on." " But the bride objects.” ‘ " She does? Why?" “ She believes that the tragedy‘which has opened the hi ht is an, event w ch should eoseit, and eclines to on with a cere- mon thus baptized in b ood." ” his ‘s nonsense!" , “Her feelings arenatural, sir, whether we think them sound or not. You had bet- ter see her yourself, and talk the matter over.” i 1‘ “I will." ' Lynnfleld took at step away and then gasped and faced Cooleng again, slowly in : i . , “Ifesve on to settle this matter. Do what you th nk is best in such a lamentable hour,'bnt do not, let an thing stand in the way;pf activity. Solve smystery if you can. ' ~ ‘ “ Other odicers willysoon be here."'replied Nathaniel. ' “Shall I leave them to look to the murder, and devote my own attention to the [lost jewels?” . ’ - , ‘ “Moin surely. That is your partlof the work; the others can see to the killing, but do you see to the robbery. Great havens! what’s“ we to do if those jewels are really one " , ‘ “Sorrowful n t, so owful night!" moaned the countfevhrlnginghis hands. ‘ " I aces the commission you have given me, and Pi do my best to recover the lost ms. ’ , . \. . g? ' nnfield knit his brows darkly. ‘ “ t amazes me. Who ,amon useould have been a thief 1 Not one of, e servants was near but Cyrus,aod he was not called hot wasrlocked. He is'provsn innocent—thou kg? was not needed;“his honor is bays tion. No other not at was. Who does that point to, ‘- s? H i‘l ‘ islow and im ressive utterance. ” .‘she go so s “Yet, it is the thought in your own. mind." “ I can see no other explanation," admitted Lynnfleld, knitting his brows the closer. “I invite the best and richest—but letit rest for now. Bestir yourself, Cooledge, and I will join on presently. ’ The spea or went to his daughter. She was now in her private room. She sill wore the wedding garments, but she seemed to shrink within them like a condemned criminal rather than to stand in the pride of a happy bride. She caught sight of her fa» ther and cried out sharply: “ No, no; I will not have it so; I will not agree to letting the ceremony go on !" - “Vivian, be calm." Lynnfleld ur ed. “ You are not responsible for all this. We it (1110 heed. Proceed with the ceremony, an ___n u C “I will not, I will: notl A man has been slain here, to-ni ht. Will happiness attend any wedding so emnizsd when a dead man lies within our doorsi—ay, dead and mur— dered!" She covered her face with her hands and shivered pitifully. Lynnfleld saw her mood and made his de— cision. She was almost hysterical. and he saw it would be almost a crime to insist on his wishes. “ All shall be as you say, Vivian. Shall I dismiss the guests?” |l “ It shall be done." Lynnileld turned to the ladies present, selected one who appeared to have the least of the all-pervading pnllor and tremors of the party, bade her see careful] to his daughter, and then went out. e joined the guests. Many of them had already 3 ippedv uietly away, but others had remained t rough various reasons. Lynnfield. made a few remarks to them,. and then all faded away as soon as possible, and the house was left to the family and the nearest friends. . Presently Lynnfleld was joined by Nathanr iel Cooledge. “Are they all gone?” asked the detece tive. u Yes. I; I ;‘,What did you say to the female report- er ' “ The reporter? Why, I had utter] for- gotten her, and, now you mention er, I have not seen her for some time.” . “ Since when?" _ “ I cannot remember.” " She was in the room when the jewels were exhibited.” reminded ('looledg;in with y did | denly?" “ Perhaps to hurry to-her paper with news; of this affair.” I ” I bare thought of that. but it seems to‘ i ‘ me she would have been more likely to lin~ ‘ ger. ‘A man murdered? might make a. sensational headline, but the story of how he . was slain would prove a better card. I ask on once more, why did Miss Adrienne. verley go so sudden y?” E X. “ There is meaning in your tone. plainl" ‘ , "Perhaps ' the female reporter can do that." - "Jupiter! do you suspect her of stealing the jewels?” “ I make to char es, but I am interested in her. ‘Why di she go so abruptl ?.. When did she go? Did she go with t e jewels? v - cna‘ PTEB Iv. ensues nvhsrs ’Loxesaoau. A martenan breeze blew landward from. the East River and made the summer evening cool and pleasant. l‘wo, persons who sat on a box on one of the piers were dimly con- I“, scious of the fact ,that the were especially - favored. but the were too in discussion togve‘the win much‘thought. ‘ ” . nth street was to‘ them an old stamp: in - ound, audithe box no new resort. a? , Tgeigrhomes were near the river.'and they » '1 [knew it was the most comfortable . a“. AHL‘Nl‘L‘W‘itxi—é.i§;_'_";1s.n-L4ifi~‘:~'fl— 2H " ms .wymaa... n- 4*eruw-st x > V \ . V . I A ‘ _ , right and steady. ‘ Nibsy. ‘ gled up, but fell baclg with an equine sound ‘in‘ his arms, and the light from'a neighbor: ' .‘age? afghan ' A The Genteol Sharperls " V, l' . I ,_, u“. timid, and it was pleasant to look across the \ river and see the twinkling lights of Brooklyn, and to note the passage of the various water- craft. This night one of them, while. placid of temper in one way was unusually serious in others. i “ Times is hard. Nibsy!" he sighed. 3 " So they be, Andy, but things will boom, later on." “ \Vho supplies the stuff ter out while the boom is comin’?" "I reckon you do, Andy." “ Ay, ay, lad, or else it don‘t come at .11”. Now, you are only eighteen years old, an' you ain’t got W‘ot I have. There’s the . wife and six childer at home, an’ times is ' lutl‘d! ‘ “ Brace up,, old man; it’ll all come around right. ’ “ When, Nibsy?” “ Some good fairy may dump a bushel 0’ hard cash inter yer list at any time.” “ We look for sech things at eighteen. but not at thirty-nine. Sudden wealth don't come ter many, Nihsy, nn' w'ot little a fuller does git in the way o'cash comes by hard labor. Mark that down, boy!” “ All right. Andy. You’ve got an older head than 1 have,an’ I am willin’ ter admit you're wiser fer it, but I will keep on lookin’ for a good fairy jest the sumo. I want some- body ter drop a million inter my fin. I should know w’ot tor do with it, Andy. Sec?" “ You won’t git it, buy. Luck don’t come ter nobody when times is hard. You 900—” " Listen!" " What is i1?" “ Git the cotton out o' yer ears, old maul (.‘nn’t you hear that ’2" "' A horse rnnniu’ full speed somewheres." “ Your telephone ain’t wholly broke. Yes, it's a. runnjn’ boss, au' comiu’ this way." “ Let it come. \Ve can't ride if it’s out for pleasure, au' of it’s a runaway we can’t break our bones by stoppin' it.” “ Dunno about that, old sumo.” ' Nihsy was interested. and he sprung down from the box and advanced a few steps. Then he saw the running horse come into view. Down a side-street it came with a rattle and hang, and then Nibsy grew excited. " A runaway, on’ a woman in it, by gum!" He saw all this at one glance, and his ad- miration rose as he saw, further. that though the animal was speeding madly along, and wholly beyond control, the single occupant of the light carriage was holding to the reins with a firm grasp and keeping her place up- " Andy Hicks, she’s a eorker!" shouted ' “Oh! see the daisy. I’ll bet my head she's a Bower gall" 3 Nibsy had passe( fourteen of his eighteen years near the famous thoroughfare he named. and be admired it and loved its peo- ple still; hence, the seemingly rash wager. He had no more time to study the donut, less. driver The horse had reached South street fully, and had-choice between going on and leaping into the stream or turning to one side. It turned, and the result wasldis- astrous to all concerned. . The animal slipped; its feet shot out frOm under it; it fell heavily on the hard surface, and then Andy literally groaned aloud. The female driver shot forward directly over the horse and Went slipping along the street uhead of him. first nlighting with what And deemed fatal force. ‘ ‘4 ibsy'King, she’s a. dead womnul" he «exclaimed. ,/ . ‘ > The younver man‘ did not wait to ar no the point. _ is legs flushed under him an be dashed toward the scenevof the acoident. Be- fore be reached itthe horse partially strug- of palm . , Nibsy ignored the animal and ran to the woman. She lay motionless. He raised her ing lamp fallingnpon her face made him more zealous no a helper—he saw she was young and gooddooking, and what munbr youth is proof against-the charms of that “ Is she dead?” asked Andy.‘ g f." E! she's alBowery gal‘shc’s onlystnnned; body; else she is full dead. , “Help ‘ d, " ’ot‘hiu wed " ' “ Just the plan. Lift!" , Patsy Greene was a watchman on the piers, and he had a small but at his disposal when he was favored with a resting place. Just then he was busy and away, but Andy and Nibsy were friends of his. and they knew they could use the shanty Without rc- monstrance. They lifted the woman and bore her to the structure. after which she was laid on a couch. It was a rude resting place. but quite sufficient for the purpose. This done, they stood idle and gazod at her. " Say, she's a handsome one,” remarked Andy. “Muscular, too. See the bigness 0' her arms an’ so on. Yes, an’ remember she give us both a good lift." " Boy, do you mind the clothes she has on?" “ Elegant. ain’t they?" “ \Vul. of you had the bill ter pay you would say so." “Looks as of she had jest come from a ball-room.” “ So she does, lad." " Whatever set her ter drivin‘ around town at this hour?" “ I’ll-bo jiggcred ef I know.” - “ D’ye s’pose she is dead?” ” Look an' see.” ' “I—-wal, you see, Andy, I’m a kid an’ you’re a married man. Idou’t know how a dead woman acts. an’ you do, maybe. You go ahead au’ investigate. I’ll 'back ye up, old man.” “I'm only a rough ’longshoreman, but mebbe I kin tell, even of such a clipper is out o’ my line.” . If Andy had been dealing-with a woman of glass he would not have been more unde. cided and gingerly in his manner, but he made an examination after a. fashion. ‘ “ Iler pulse is gone au' her' heart don’t beat,” he announced. “Yes, she is dead, sure as guns.” . ' “ I didn't think it. Et seemed ter me that when she shot out 0' the earrriage she'hit the side 0’ the horse. firstgan’ then sorter slid along from there ter the pavement. That would break her fall—but you ought ter knowfi,’ - - “ She’s dead!” ' ' The object of this announcement suddenly. amazed them by sitting upright. She bent a steady glance upon Andy Hicks and firmly exclaimed: , “ You are a chumpl” The ’longshoreman’s jaw fell. It was not ., {The latter was otinclitied to lose suchA so much that an uncomplimentary term had been addressed .to him, but he was not accustomed to seeing dead women act in this we . . ' lgibsy King grew excited. “Bully!” he cried; “she’s worth two corpses yet!" - ' ' I “ No fault of yours,"tretorted the young, woman. 'f You’re not fit to keep a morguel” “ Hi!" cried Nib'sy, “ didn’t’I tell you she was a Bowery gal? The habit o’ the breed shows out!” ' ' The rescued woman seemed afironted at first, but her manner suddenly changed. She laughed. swung her feet from the ecuch * andsat upright in a more natural position. Then she grew thoughtful. “ I ,am not a. person of iron,” she confessed. “ I guess I ' have ,been running. without a grip on theicable. What has happened ?” “ You got pitched ;out o’ the wagon and nearly bu’sted yer cokernnt," distinctly r-e- plied ‘Nibsy. " She started up. ' “ I was run away with,” she exclaimed; ‘il remember now. Where , is the horse? Where am I?" , , , “ You are right here," practically respond- ed- Nihs , “but the horse may be in Harlem or Hobo on now. , We left him lyin' in the‘ street." ‘ ' “ You chumps!" was the angry cry, "‘ how dared on do that?" » . ‘, ". M as. we~couldn’t lift the hose,".soberly re lied Andy. 7 \ ' ‘ the. woman, and her own in dnnlv cleanse, , ‘ " ‘Now-dhatl think of.it.'lslie added»? I was about attire end of my journey‘when z-Let ' 6 had no n'd became sud- m 3°,» b.119- ‘ 'his ,companion‘was doing violence to their .1 not? Sane and sound as rhSheepsho‘zd. ' . hosimplieity of the reply appealed to ,x, :fEt “loam manta f. “ Yes‘m," replied Nibsy, with unblushing readiness. “ You probably saved my life. Ishall not forget to reward you forit. My life is of value to mejust now. In had a thousand dollars with me I would give it to you, but I lack the cash. I have something just as good, fortunately." She plunged her hand into a pocket at the side of her dress. This did not impress her companions as anything very peculiar. Never having mixed with the upper crust of society, they did‘hmtknow how unusual it was fora lady of that rank to have a dress- -‘ pocket, and especially one in such a fluffy, unsubstantial dress as this one which they set down as a ball costume. She fumbled around for awhile. and then out came the hand. She straightened the fingers, and they caught the gleam of some. thing extraordinary in their experience. “ Diamonds!” gasped Nihsy. ‘ _ “ Diamonds!" calmly agreed the lady. , There in her hand lay two rings. each a beauty in the full' sense of the word. The, watchman‘s lamp was not of the brightest.‘ but it was enough so that little rays of light went, as it seemed, shooting out toward the ‘ men. ' They stared openeyed. , V “ Criekety! that beats the Maidon'Lane. storesl" added Nibsy enrapt. . . “ Do you like them?" . “ Why. they are giddygushqrs!” declared. ' the youth. _ ‘ ” Take them!” > , v. - She tossed a ring to each of them. Andy's - fell to the floor, but Nibs was not the per- son to miss anything. e seized his prize with the skill of an artist at such tricks: The lady held up a warning finger. ; I. “ Don't you get guy on this layout,” she. ; addedu “ Don't get the nation into your heads that you have scmething sham here. which you can use for napkin-rings. Those beauties are worth a cool five hundred apiece!” . . , , v ., ’ Andy Hicks was a poor man. but hehari an honest soul. He began to feel misgiv— U‘gs' . “Miss.” he gently observed, “We don’t ‘1 care ter take these things. We don’t need‘ them: you keep them." . “ “Keep them? Why?” ‘ V “ You kin wear them, an’ we can‘t.” . “Who said. you were to wear them? sharp‘lry ‘asked the lady. .. _ . " hi, you so ——- Cenfound ye! gitoutl’ The last war 5 were addressed to Nib‘sy. prize, and when t; o heard the ’longshoremah begin to‘speak as he did the boy pangs sharply at Andy's coat-tails. He he iev rights, as h surely was to their pockets. tried to co vey this idea. 'by .pul’lingint Andy’s coat, but the elder man was notto be changed from his purpose, 1 , . ., “ Maybe you are rich?’f sarcasticaillymigr gestved the lady. 1 , . 1 . ' llN0.iI‘ ' . y ‘ “ Then why refuse?" . “Wal, you see—" -. v r, ., Andy hesitated, but Nibsy broke incur“! “ Hang it all! he. thinks your-' trolley - twisted—thinks you're v' wrong up top-,j . see—crazy.” ‘ ' ' . She broke intoarippling laugh. T ._ _ “ My 00d soul. ismiss such‘feaxs-‘fmmu your .m ad. I am perfectly sane—chi am winner before the bugle sounds. Ta rin s; ll:an plenty more. See'he ' gain the hand went into her. and presently bothher companions, mute. Apileof. sparkling gems were'he them—a wonderful collection. dazed by the'alghtpf such riehes. |, l.“ 3 "-3 ‘- ! j cum“ [vi ; - 'rnn grammes sum. . ' Tunmanner 6f the' men, anaemia; ' amused the custodian of the jawelnandshm laughed merrily. ' ‘ a "How does that hit you i'f‘jh ' in her'fresfand-easy way. s, '4 6 . The Genteel Sharper’s Combine. “Did I? VVal, the only ,sparkler I eVer owned was a dinner-can when I worked two days on a job in the goat deestrict,” replied Nibsy, “an’ that is all I know about dia- monds except w'ot I’ve seen in the Maiden Lane winders.” “ I could use these for marbles and never feel the poorer if I lost,” declared the lad . She thrust the rest of the jewels back into her pocket and then abruptly stepped out of the shanty. She swept a quick glance around. “Your boss is up on his trotters,” said Nibsy, “but he bows every time he steps. He must have got a bad sprain.” “ Never mind the horse; I do not care for him. I am at the end of my journey, and the beast deserves a cripple of the leg for getting galy and running away with me; let im go. ioys, I am going now.” “Where?” asked Andy. “ On my journey.” “Miss, this ain’t the safest place fer no- body at this hour 0’ the night, an’ certainly not fer you. Let us escort you ter a safer—" “ Old man, do you see yonder vessel?" asked the heroine of the night. “ Yes.” “ That is the end of my journey. No evil spirit is like] to nab me while I am going that far. VWatch me go on board. Yes, watch me, but let it be understood that our acquaintance ends there. We have met, you have done me a service; I have paid you well for it; I think you are blessed old chaps -—I do like your style—but a short horse is soon curried and our acquaintance ends right here. Sorry, boys, butI can't keep up the intimacy.” , “We wouldn’t expect it from the likes 0’ you,” Andy hastened to say, in all hon- esty. “Don’t think I’m trying to be swell, for I am no dude,” assured this girl of eccenA tric speech; “ but there are reasons, old man. We must part. Look your last on the Lady of lhe Diamondsl” “Say,” broke in Nibsy, “ who in thunder be you, anyhow?” “I haVe named the name—I am the Lady of the Diamonds!” and she laughed mer- ril . ‘y‘ You have another name, I reckon.” If I have, it “Maybe yes; maybe no. Here we part. isn't kept for the public. Look your last on me!” She dropped an airy courtesy, and seemed to enjoy the blank wonder on their faces- for the wonder was there; she was a new sort of the creature in their experience. “If you‘re all right, miss, we won't say you no," returned Andy. “ Iam all right, and it wouldn‘tdo you any good to say me no, if you should do it. The Lady of the Diamonds rules, not obeys. " “ Yes. miss,” humbly agreed Andy. “ Well, boys, good-by!" ' She gave each her hand in turn, and then, once more saying a word of farewell. turned and tripped down the pier. They stood in utter silence until they saw her board a vessfl and disappear in the gloom of the deck. Then Nibsy found his voice. “ Wal, ,I’ll be jiggeredl” “ Nibsy, this is amazin’l” muttered the ’lon shoreman. “ t is so.” “ Be we really awake ‘2" The youth held up the glittering diamond she had given him. ” Andy, I reckon We are plum’ awake, an’ here’s the proof of it.” “ W’ot do you make 0' her?" “ I don’t make,” terscly responded Nibsy. “ I never seen no other woman like her.” “ Dittol" “ She was dressed like aqueen. She must he one 0’ them Murray Hill folks—a reg’lar nabob.” “ Don’t you think at, And . She was ragged out stunnin’ fine, but did you notice her way 0’ talkiu’? She spun slang like a Bowery gal, an’ that tells the tale. She ain’t no more a nabol) than we be, old man, but, thunder! didn’t she have the sparklers!" “ Nibsy, this is an awful pile 0’ money for us ter have,” sungested the ’longshoreman, looking at his d'iamond. " It is a rich an’ juicy haul, fer sure, an’ we ought ter do something ter celebrate et. W’ot shall et be?” “ Le’s go an’ have something ter cat. You know my gal Margery works in a restaurant, an‘ we can drop in an’ feed up." “ So we can, Andy. Heave ahead, an’ we will stuff our stomachs until we can play checkers on them." Gloatin}.r on their rich prospects they set out, but Nibsy was not yet done. “ Say, old man,” he pursued, we want somethin’ special—somethin’ that will raise wool on our teeth. See?" £1 SYCS.” “ We won’t never strike this snap no more, an’ we can’t let the chance slip. We’ll eat the best, an’ enough of it ter give us the worst case 0’ dyspepsia this ward ever seen. Ketch on?” “I do, an’ I am with ye, lad,” heartily re- plied the ’]on shoreman. It was not ar to the restaurant, and as the place was an all-night stand, it was in full blast. The went in, and were promptly spied by ndy’s daughter, who came to Wait on them. )‘Iargery, among her asso- ciates, was considered a very handsome girl, and she did not lack much of it. She had a good face and figure, and an air of whole- someness which went a long ways. Greetings took place, and then Nibsy im- patiently asked: " \V’ot is it, old man?” “ Fish—balls," answered An(iy,brightening. Nihsy’s face fell. “ Fish-balls!" he echoed. " Yes; they keep ‘em.” “ is that w’ot you call a swell feed “ I like fish-balls.” “ So do I, when I’m on the usual lay, but this ain’t no fish-ball spread—not cf the court knows her grandfather. Margery, bring us two Welch rarebits.” "‘ Wha—what’s that? exclaimed Anny. “ I never eat none 0’ them, nor no other kind 0’ rabbits.” “ Me, too, but the swells eat them, an’ that’s enough fer us. Miss Hicks, two Welch rarebits.” “ “70 don’t make them,” replied Margery, smiling. “Huhl that‘s great. on toast." “There never was a quail in this restau- rant, I am sure.” “Say, w’ot fer a hash-house is this, any- how‘!” asked the disgusted patron. “Got any—any— \Val, hang et! bring me some fislrballs, too. Darn et all, I wish we had gone to Del’s. Shall we go now?” “Fish-balls is great eatin’, Nibsy,” hesi- tatiugly reminded the ’longshoreman. “ So they be, so they be. Margery, bring us two sets, an hev ’em a delikit brown. Hoopla, Andy, we‘ll eat until we can't sneeze, we’re so full.” The youth was restored to good humor, and it was permanent. He and Andy were duly served, and they eat well and long. When their capacity was reached they paid their bill and left. ' “Where now?" asked the ’longshoreman. “ Say, old man, let’s go back an’ see more 0’ that schooner. Iam growin’ more curi- ous about that gal. She’s young—not over twentyJive, I take ct; an’ et Seems mighty queer ter me she should be amblin’ around town alone at this hour. Le’s go an’ see w’ot fer a locker the schooner is, an’ all we kin besides." Andy was not less interested, and they walked back toward the dock where they had seen the craft. Their conversation was of the diamonds they carried in their pock- ets. and they were filled with consuming curiosity to know what kind of a person it was who could afford to cast precious jewels to the winds thus. They agreed that she must just have come from a ball, basing their judgment on the dress she wore; but further than that they were at a loss. " Say, Nibsy." suddenly suggested Andy, “ maybe we had better keep out 0’ her sight. W’ot ef she should change her mind an’ want the sparklers hack ‘2" “ Correct, old man. We will keep shady, for we have earned the pay she give us, an’— Hallo!" ' ll VV’ot?’! “We’ve gone wrong.” “ No. we ain’t; this is the right place. Sect There is Patsy’s shanty where we took er in. ' - 7n Wal, make et quail I “Then where in thunder is the schoon- er?,) The ’longshoreman looked along the river- front. “ The——the schooner?” “Yes. Where is it?" " Why, I don’t see it.” “ Me, too. Say, she’s gone; she is?" Andy rubbed his eyes, but it did no good. They were in front of the dock where the craft had been, but no dark shape greeted their vision. It was hard to believe, and they were not over their wonder when their friend the watchman appeared on the scene. They hastened to question him. “The schooner has jest sailed,” replied the watchman. “ Then she did some tall hustlin‘, by guml” “ It didn’t take them long. All was dark there until a while ago, an’ then they got a move on all of a sudden, an’ off they went. I guess they will be back, though.” “ Why ‘1” “ The Tripping Mary—that’s the name 0’ the schooner—was here ter take a car- 0 o’ somethin' or other to Charleston, outh Car’lina, an’ she ain't got it aboard et.” Nibsy King plunged his hands down deep into his pockets. “ No, an’ she never will get it aboard!” he declared. “ How do you know?” “ My trolley ain’t so bu’sted but it will run, on the wire and shoot off sparks when it crosses a kink. My grip on the cable is pooty fair, an’ the car is still runnin’.” “ What do you mean “I” Nibsy had assumed the air of a philos— opher, but he was not disposed to con— fide in the watchman. He questioned Patsy somewhat further, and then took Andy to one side. ' “Old man,” he observed, with energy,, “ we hev struck a crook." “ How’s that, Nibsy?” “Why did that schooner get a walk on- so soon after the Lady with the Diamonds come along? There is meat in this nut. Kin we crack it? This is a mystery, sure. there a crime hack of it?” CHAPTER VI. vrvrAN’s Tuian VISITOR. IT was the morning after the deferred? wedding at Walton Lynnfield’s mansion. The guests were no longer there, and Na— thaniel Cooledge was equally conspicuous by his absence. In place of the bustle and gayety of the previous day an air of subdued. melancholy hung over everything and every body as if the bride, that was to have been, was a corpse, instead. People spoke with subdued voices, and the stron est , r “ l will.not seek to heat about the bush. I am one of those who Were at Lynnfield’s, last ni rut. and I saw you there. :You posed as a eporter for the paper you really represent, yet you had no assignment from the office. Who sent you? Why were you there? Why did you come, and why did you leave so suddenly?" Miss Everley was a strong, healthy young woman, but her face was not noticeable for color. Now, however, it reddened, and not _with pleasure}: Clearly, she was angry. By ‘an efl‘ort. or the imitation of an effort, she' reCovered her composure. - " Sir," she replied, ‘9 I was not out of this room from six o’clock last night until eight \ this morning.” " . “ You were not at the Everley wedding?” “I was notl" “ Do you know thatI can prove by a score f people that you were there?" 7 “ If, you seek to prove it, you will attempt what is utterly falsel” was the spirited rc- tort.’ “ Now that this has gone so far. let me do 'my share of the questioning. Who are ' you that comes here with such a remarkable story-and assertion ?" I I am a detective.” “ Ah!" 5 a , She drew a. sudden breath. The news, -"if such it was, seemed to fall with considera- le force. yet she did not waver. still met his steadily. ' , ’ She surveyed him for awhile and,” then added ' ‘ “If you are what you claim, you had an object. in coming here. Allow me toinquire‘ hat it was.” , . ’1th it before or after you left Lynn: field's that Thomas Smith was murdred?” l asked the detective. r s 'ght hesitation, and then she answered 1th the same unwavering coolness. “ . you are to do all the leadingyou as well do all the explaining also. I "told-yen that’ I was not no the house of. my room Iast‘night. I decline’ to act as n. junipirngdaek . for your aims, whatever they astray be; If you Want. to explain yourself ,mixmay; ~ot ‘erwise, you may take your ' V vs and let me attend tam business. I we notime to devotetot ingthings or . us.” ‘. ‘ , I ,iled elost no artofthisre l. “A wgomnn ofp p ught.- , , » ~Hehowed quietly. , 4 7 ‘J'will trytto be explicit," he're lied, .V,~"A man was murdered at, ynne -_ ’s, last ni ht, and certain jewelswere Man. That What brought me here. I a tease if" youeonld help mes-hutyou ‘ ' Werenbt there", ~ , V' I 5PM!" ‘ , i ' V ' . r21 you there.” " r ing of mason; » did not!) ,Her eyes :this mysterious Lynnfleld. and not out ‘ .a man no stranger to him. It was a fellow ’ y, , admirable nerve!” hei , , ' , .. I 7, You know them all? ‘Gbodl ,3 “ Probably not; I was all alone here." " We claim you were at the wedding, and your persistent denial looks bad for you." The reporter’s eyes glitteer suddenly. ” We begin to understand each other, I think,” she returned. “ You wish to accuse me—” “ I wish you to clear yourself." “ You are unduly worried abbut me then 1" Miss Everley, retorted. “ It will be well for you to confine yourself to affairs purely pro- fessional, and not let this yearning for me to cloak: myself sap the fountains of your sym— pat y.” - The sarcasm of the reply was not lost upon Coolcdge. He flushed a. little with anger. and then answered: “ An innocent person is usually willing to aid an officer in getting light. You refuse that aid. What am f to think? Do you wish to precipitate a conflict with the powers of law?" “I wish to be believed when I tell the truth, I say I was not out of my room last night after dark. When you deny my ve- racity you precipitate the conflict yourself, and if my way does not suit you, you have only yourself to blame. You are too head- long, sir.” . ‘ ' “ You wish me to admit that I did not see you at Lynniield’s?" ‘ “ What then ‘2" “ I desire you to believe me when I say I was not there, or else leave me alone. I am too busy to waste my time on matters of trivial nature." Nathaniel bowed. He saw that he was making no progress. She was not intern- perate, but she was plain and decided. He would gain nothing by talking with her fur- ther. He rose. , ' “ Possibly you will look at this in a dif- ferent light, anon," he remarked. “ Possibly!” , With this terse reply she tnrneo to her desk and began to write with all the calm- ness imaginable. ‘ For a few seconds Nathaniel watched the ' white hand move along the paper without the least tremor, and then, without further comment, he turned and went out of the room. ,, “ Awoman of remarkable nerve!" be ad- mitted, mentally. “Is her composure due to innocence, or to the audacity of unre- pentant. guilt ‘2” ~ . ‘ He could not answer the question; he was not able to fathom the female reporter. Long experience had given him the ability to judge judicially on many ppints, and he .was now compelled to admit that he had as- serted more in'hcr presence than he could absolutely prove. He had declared that he had seen [her at Lynntield’s’ the previous evening. He believed he ~had, but, really,. he could not swear to it. ‘ 1n the whirl of events, the night beforeJ he had bestowed only a'casnal. glance on the reperter. He was confident that he now saw the person again, but he. could not take his oath to'it. - “ I will have Lynnfield see her,” he thought. ' “,He can tell hey dquestion, and we‘w‘ill then see what t 'e outspoken young woman will'say. If she has stolen the jewels it is odd that she remains to face us all, but she‘probably, thinks her tracks covered up. We will see.” ‘ Just‘ then, as he reached the street, ,he met detective. . . ' _Greetings were excha‘n ed,,and them the other man’s manner of ‘be ng at- home there impressed Cooledge. I . V » “Do on live in this sectioniwhe asked. , ‘ “ In t 3 var house you have just left.’_' ‘ “ lndeedl 0 you know the other-people here? It so. I want to speak" with you. Listen to me!" I . cHaPTa'n VIII. nab nunua‘s sum. ; COOLEDGE had met somebody 'he .could‘ nestles freely, and when the second detec- ve had ’ this Adrienne ‘Everley'r'. asserted'his willingness to‘ talk, the v “Not an intimate friend?" " Yes and ho. My wife and she are chum- my, and I have known of her for years. have no time to be chummy with anybody. but I see her frequently." " What is she?’ , " A female reporter—n fashion writer, or something of that sort." “ A model woman 1’" “ I think I may say yes. ing to the contrary.” “ You say you have known her long—" " Ever since she used to play on the piers as a child.” “ Did she do that?” “Rather! Her father, who was familiar- ly known as Dad Bunker, was a ’longshore- man in South street, and a character. If she ever had a mother—we will assume she did have one—I think she died young. I never saw the mother or heard of her. Dad Bunker was an illiterate man. and .used to be like all other ’longshoreman; no better, no worse. One day he carelessly allowed a halo of something to fall on him, and he died.” “ And the daughter?“ “ Was able to care for herself. She was a mighty precocious child, and she was the pet of all the ’longshoremen when she was small. She frequented the piers a good deal, as I said before, and her ready tongue and sharp wit amused the rough fellows of the trade.” “ But later?” ' “ I know little of her after she was thirteen or so. I do know she was 'nearly woman grown when Dad Bunker died, and that he left her penniless. The result was that she had to'shift for herself. You have seen how well she did it—she makes money nowns a reporter. Where she got her education I don’t know, but she has it. More. she is open to hearty admiration for her grit and her true womanliness!” declared the narrator, warming to his subject. " You call her father Dad Bunker—” r“ Her own name is Bunker—at least, I suppose it is. ‘ Ad Bunker ’ was the name she was known by in her childhood.” “ Did showmarry to get the ‘ Everlcy ?' ” “No. ,I suppose she assumed the name for business reasons. I am not a fastidious man, but Everley sounds better to me than ‘ Bunker.’ ” “ You say you lost sight of her for a good many years?” “Yes.” ‘ ‘ , , ' , " Then who can tell me of her life during that time?" v r i “ I presume some of Dad Bunker's old associates coul .” “ Where can I find them?" The second detective hesitated. < “ There was a man named Andy Hicks.” he final] answered, “ who was intimate with De. Bunker. I know of’ nobody bet— ter suited for the purpose of histOry than Andy.” . “Where is hot”, ’ ’- , “I don’t know, but a, stroll along the lower end of South street, with inquiry for him among the ‘longshoremen. will develop him, sure. . Is Miss Everley under suspicion ‘I” ‘ I know of noth- J ,be'a welhmeaning woman. I know of not!» ing to the contrary. Kindly keep it dark that I want to know often”. “I will.” 4 r , ' ' ’ to investigate among the ilongshoremen of field's. He went at once to .the residence. v return anxirgnsly.‘ They had nothing; i016" polity, but al looked to him,‘..,for"news. Be it) , ting only the little hrhtdflBaWQd lot, Miss Everley a history. v ‘ ' the count finally arrived at a" decision. field. , ,, ' ,_ .v 1’ “‘ Remember, thatwe ran her have; yet ' mahag We in ,. But, why is all this, Cooledgei “I know of nothing against her, butI A wish to learn of, her history. She seems to Nathanielswent his way. ' He had decided . South street,,but his first duty lay at ,Lyn‘n- ' . Her found the people there «awflti‘nghid . d what he knew’ quietly and briefly; emii- '. He aroused wonder fend uncertainty, - ‘ , “The. reporter Ewe! the‘jeweisq’, he do,» i ‘ (clued. ’ j ' ,' I.» ,1. ,“Itseérns impossiblefmurmumd an. . u L - “dimer-ta’a‘fiifikfmwsmmv «flmM“M-v;.'% rim—«w: ~ .x: v «w: l i l l l E l .1 ' tective; murderer was a womandecked out in an. ‘ elaborate gown we must gar. but without doc Thte Genteéi Sh'ameiié"o¢mt‘ifie; ‘ V V I” 9 she would naturally do to come under un— “Considering the fact that she rcmnins when he went away, the mystery was as. quietly at her post it would be the last thing ! deep as ever. Next he went to the police station. The natural circumstances,” remarked Cooledge. I oilieers there had interviewed neighbors to “ If she had intended to runaway she might ; play the trick of coming irregularly. If, however, sheintcndcd to stick to her post, she would naturally see that a regular as signlncnt from the oilicc was necessary to ward off suspicion." “ 'l‘hat‘s a fact." agreed Lynnfield. “ Still,” persisted the count, “I think she was the guilty one." “Mr. Oakes, what is your opinion?” in- quired Lynufield. “1 agree with Mr. Cooledgc," responded Barrington. “ It does not seem that a pro- spective thief would come irregularly." “A ain,” added the detective, “do ‘you think t was a woman’s hand that struck down the servant?" ” The officers from the station do say that the fatal knife was driven with more than a woman’s strength.” “ Women often surprise us with their strength," the count reminded, “ and our re- porter was muscular for her sex.” " I have been waiting," pursued Coolcdgc, “ for you to mention one point upon which I desire light. I have understood you to say that you made a request for a re. orter to write up this wedding of yours, Mr. ynn- field." “ So I did.” J y “ Then two facts seem peculiar. It is as- sorted at the newspaper office that no such request was made to them, yet the reporter. came. How is that?” Lynnficld turned his gaze upon thb count. “ You had charge of that, Altamonte.” ” Bah! I had forgotten this, in the rush of events. Monsieur Lynntield, your good friend. Colonel Curtiss, told me of this Miss Everle as one who had ofllciated at the wed- din 0 his daughter, a few weeks ago, and I so ected her at his suggestion. To make su‘re of getting her I wrote her a personal letter, and directed it to her private address, as given to me by the colonel. That explains why the. newspaper people had no record of the request.” ’ “ And seems to Is against Miss Everley,” admitted Lyn field. I “ Did you [hail the letter yourself, count?” pursued Cooledge. Altamonte meditated. “ I think I gave it to my friend, Mr. John Berwick to post.” “ Who is he?” “ A gentleman who was here last night.” “ Where is he now i” ‘ ‘f I have not seen him to-day.” “ I will see him later. I wish to know if that letter was duly posted.” “ It was; you can rely upon-Berwick.” “ Well, gentlemen, what do the station of- ficers make of the case?" ' " No more than you did, Cooledge.” “ Do the agree with me?” , , “ Genera ly, yes.” “ Explain.” : I “ They think the thief escaped b the rear yard, and, meeting the servant, illcd him to make good the esca e. Further, it seems that the thief mounts the fence and passed to another yard. From. there it would be easy to reach the street. " , “ Cooledge pointed out all of this at the time,” interrupted Cakes. “One thing I did not so ,” added the dc- “ If we assume t at our thief and give her credit for unusual acrobatic skill to vault fences in such a free-and-easy way.” , ” A severe set-back/to that female reporter suspicion," observed Barrington Cakes” in in his logical manneru Silence followed the remark. There was, it seemed, no intention on the art ‘of any- body to accuse Miss Everley n headlong style, and without regard to reason. Now, nobody wanted to take the position shown. woman in along dress could vault \fcnces th ease. - ~ ‘ t had been a temporary bomb-shell, and interest was taken. out of the discussion. Conversation continued/'for'somc time lon- idsd gains in any way. Cooled a t considerabo time in tho .figmeg .‘ m l .. _ * full W enhances the .95. ‘ . ‘ see if a fugitive had been noticed passing along the yards. None had been seen. The cabmcn of a large area had been questioned, but without result. It seemed that the murderer had gone un- seen, though an officer is never ready to give up hope in such a line. Cooledge, for one, did not despair of finding somebody who had seen the fugitive. He did not forget that he was to look into the life of Adrienne Everley, but it was evening before he found time to go to South street. Then he took his way in that direc- tion. . He did not hope to find the man wanted in a style so easy as his fellow-detectch had anticipated, but he went about the work. Reachiug South street he found two persons standing by a building and engaged in con- versation. One was young; the other was a short, solid old fellow who was giving lov- lugj attention to a disreputablolooking‘ pipc. ooledge paused in front of them. “ My man,” he began, “ can you tel‘. me where I can find a ’longshoreman named Andy Hicks?" The smoker took out his pipe and looked from the questioner to the youth. “ Kin you tell the gent where Andy is?" he asked. » The youth scratched his chin rctieetively. “ And Hicks?" he muttered. “ W’ot fer a looker is he? Cross-eyed, with a wart on his nose?" “ I never have seen him myself,” answered Nathaniel. " I reckon I know him. He’s a feller who has dirt enough on him ter build'an island as big as the Brooklyn Bridge, an’ his face is all red and imply with rum. Ain’t that him?’ The p pe-smokcr hit the youth a blow in the ribs. ‘ i “ Say, you let up, will ye?" he cried; “ Want me ter walk all over ye? l’ll smash, ye in the jaw, I willl" It was an ominous threat and the speaker was irritated, but it was plain he was not very an He was smiling in the midst of his threats, and the youth broke into a ring-.4 ing laugh. “ That's one on you, old man!” he declared merril . , Nat aniel had lost nothing of all this. “ Am I to understand—" “ You’re ter understand that the rumr drinker is right here!” replied the younger stran er. ‘ ” es,” rctorted his companion, “ an’ that there will be a funeral ter Nibsy King soon,- of he don’t go light. Boss, I am Andy Hicks. W’ot kin 1 do fer you ?" CHAPTER ix. THE MYISTERY OF THE BOOKS. NATHANIEL understood the horse-play fully, and he laughed with; his companions. “ The joke is on me‘worso than anybody else, for l did.not susgmct I was addressing the very man I wants . I pay for my jokes when they hit ‘me straight. Gentlemen, al. low me to offer you the proof of it.” He handed over a couple of cigars, and they were seized with av dity. He who had been callevaibsy King chuckled in high spirits. . “Sa , Andy,‘ old stuff," he ‘exclaimed, ver runs “all one we , an’ luck comes in a rush when the tide eta ter settln" our way. We don‘t see no ad 0' Diamonds now, but cigars ain’t no sma stuff.” _ dig Maybe this gent will vanish like she "4 Boss, you ain t o no vessel near ter skip on, hcv ye?”.asked ndy anxiously. “ Not a bit of it." ' " ” Good! right with me.” ~ , iMy friend, do you want to make five . , I I, , ' dollars?" . _ ".Bet yor'iii‘of’ declared Mr. Hicks with ?n . AV" > I olacrity. ” Are you a 'lon ” roman Then she took the game 0’ life up and set out * —why, stranger, she knew more than y Ilikc ter hev a Samaritan stay . than throu hay ously, laughed so uproariously that a ragged woman who was about to pass concluded that the safest way was to make a detour to the other side of the street. “ I want to get tidings of another ’long- sliorcman. His name was Dad Bunker—" Andy pointed upward. - “Inquire up there!” he replied, suddenly sobering down. g “ Mr. Bunker is dead, eh?" “ Dad is dead. Poor Dad!" “I was told that he was deceased. What family did he have?" . “ 1‘ ad a wife twenty odd vear ago. She ‘ died. That left him only his daughter, Ad." “ Whereis shc ‘2" ‘ “Dunno, by mighty “ She was brought up along the river- front?” “ Wal, Ish uld say she was!" “ And you knew her?" ” Knew her? Do I know the way tcr' my mouth? Knew her? Wal, I should say yes! Knew her for years, stranger. Many's the day I hev been haudliu‘ the book- when she come down on the piers tcr see old ' Dad. Say, shc»was the keenest kid we had in our gang. The boys was pretty swift o' tongue, themselves, but nary one could - ~‘ measure wits with Ad nn’ come out best. Quick wilted? Why, Lord love ye, she was jest a corkcr, Ad was.” ', . “ You all loved her, I take it." I, “ Wars-a], ye-es," hesitated Andy. “ We; sorter did so. But we liked her fer her sharp ways, for she was sassy as you please." “ Aperversc child, thi" " Yes, but not ‘ tough. Not. tough, stran— ger; oh! Lord no! She was jest Vkeen~ , wittcd, anda product 0' the soil she lived on. ' In our rank of life sharp sayin’s make the ' man or the woman, or the kid. She learned "I our ways. They wasn’t her wa s. fer her i ’ do fielicve and her mother was 0 a dim-rent ran ." . " Dad brought her up, did he?" “ No: she growl" - . “ I see. Well, she grew up, then. What next?" “Dad died, an‘ he left her without a emit. ter make her own llvin’." » ‘ “HOW?” ..\ - “ Darned of I know, boss, but when‘ .she’ used ter show up among us she was ragged out tremendous, an’ as little like the 01 Ad Bunker as you please. She was a fine; lady." . r “Proud?” . . , ‘Proud? Not .much, yer honor! See there!” and Andy clapped his hand to his bronzcd che k. " She kissed me there, she did; an’whe she had all her line dudson. Thunder! but she was a good one, an' smart s an‘ me ,puttogether.” , ' "‘No doubt,” replied Nathaniel, smiling. “But the fins clothes—how did she ‘get them?" ., ' “Ixtltlsked her, an she wouldn’t failure." (3 1M > . \ "But she got them honest; she did that! You’re not ter think otherwise—say, no doubts on Ad, now!" emphaticall claimed the ’lon shoreman.’ ,. any.“ ‘ on say on have not seen her lately. ' ’ “ of. for twoyears.” J " I had noin ntion of expressing “ Where do you suppose she liar in i if“ diplomatically returned the detective. "Haven’t anyiidea." l . ,1 . ' ‘ “?Do you know of anybody who could toils. me u L t “No. That is, unless Old 'Lizy B w: could do it.‘ She k t. house fifer .w Bunker, an" at she’s al vs, it may knows where Ad is." ' z i- h ‘- " Where does 'Lizy liy'e'?” ‘ ‘ - I " She did hang out on, , Pearl stress.“ reckon she may be‘ there now, of sheathing You might try. Did ye know Dad?” I ' ~” Not very well. I knew more of, direct acquaintance."a °‘ Wal, e .0 've got good news fer Ad uwl dher." ‘ " . {and he, suddenly new inc: ' A ll life-in. , amiss _ on look like anion w i' r g; , . upper circles: .‘Do hall (1 add”. 10 _'_I'he Genteel Sharper’swpombine. “ Ahem!" warningly put in Nibsy King Nathaniel had grown interested. “I have seen a good deal of them," he answered “ Kin you tell a genooiue'.’" “ Yes." “ l’d like for you ter cast yer glims outer this an' see w'ot et's good for.” The ’longshort-man pulled a ring from his pocket and handed it to his new acquaint trace. “1 don’t know whether et‘s good or not, an' mobbe you kin tell," he added. “ \Vhy, man, this is a very remarkable diamond!" exclaimed Nathaniel. “ Ginooine, is et‘f" “ Yes, and probably Worth live hundred dollars.” “ What? Thunder! do ye hear that, Nibsy‘?" and Andy poked his friend so hard in his ribs as to almost upset him. ” Five hundred? Jcrusha blazes! ain't that a snap!” “ May Iask where you got this?" " Ahem!” cautioned Nibsy, ‘pulling at Andy's sleeve, but the ‘longshoreman was now too much elated to be prudent. " Got at for stoppin' a runaway hoss, last night,” he explained. “ Me an' Nibsy saved the gal from gettin' left in the street, an’ she give us a diamon’ each fer pay." “Rich pay, I’ll be bound. How was it all?" “ Her hoss run away, an’ throwcd her cold. We picked her up an' took care of her." “ Ac:th the Samaritans," added Nibsy, abandoning hope of secrecy. “ Who was she‘?" “Jest w’ot We‘d like ter know. I guess we won't never do so, for she took ship an' went off ter Nobody-knowswhere." Nathaniel held the diamond and looked at it curiously. The imperfectly told story would have been interesting at any time, but it was especially so now when diamonds was a subject of rare interest to him. “ Tell me all about it," he requested. Andy was not unwilling. lie was still elated over the magnitude of his prize, and he rattled the whole story off quickly. Nathaniel listened closely, and he had some questions to ask when it was finished. “ You say she had on a dress of unusual elegance ?” he questioned. “ Jest as of she had come right from a ball 0' the Four Hundred." “ Rather an unusual costume for sea travel.” “ I should say so." v “ And she had a bag tilled with dia- monds ‘2" “ Not a bag, but a pocket—~11 pocket right in her dress. lierc,"——the 'longshoremau il- lustrated—~"an‘ at was full 0‘ all sorts 0’ sparklers. Why, there must hev been a quart 0’ them." “ You say she went on board the schooner. What proof have you that she went on the craft when it sailed?" “We ain't none." “ She might easily have left it?” “ Yes.” ” Describe her!" It was not an easy thing to do, but be- tween Andy and Nibsy it was done. It left the detective more than ever interested; he had received a good description of Adrienne Everley! Had the identity of the Lady of the Dia— monds been solved? CHAPTER X. THE TOUGlIs or run PIER. NATHANIEL felt that he could not know too much about the matter, and as both Andy and Nibsy were now willing to talk, he learned about all they could tell before many minutes had passed. Presently they went out on the pier and stopped where Andy willed. " Right there the schooner laid,” explained the ’longshoreman. Cooledgc looked down at the dark water that rippled against the pier. He was .near to the mystery, yet, in another sense, far from it. It was fascinating, puzzling and evasive. “You say her name was the Tripping Mary?" he returned. A( Yes,” “ Have you tried to learn her history ‘2" " A little, but I didn’t get no more than I have told you. The schooner put inter New York with the statement that she had come ter carry some sort 0’ cargo ter Charleston, South Car’lina. She went all of a sudden, without no cargo.” “But with a. woman 2’" ll \‘Cs. ‘1 “ Ef the woman went,” added Nihsy. “Mr. Hicks," continued Nathaniel, “are you good at remembering the faces of women ‘2" “ I dunno. I guess so.” “ You would know hers again ‘3" “ \Vhy, sure." “ As proof of it, would you know Ad rienne Bunker if you were to see her again?" “ Ad Bunker? Why, bless ye, yes!” Nathaniel shook his head. “It requires an expert to remember the faces of the fair sex. Now, Mr. Hicks, take these two faces, Ad Banker’s and that of the Indy of the Diamonds. What was the chief difference between them?” The detective listened eagerly for the re- ply. He had worked around to the point with great care, so as not to have his object suspected. " There's a pile of difference," asserted Andy. “This woman was older than Ad was.” “ You have not seen Ad for two years.” “ That's .so. I must make allowance fer that. Wal," thoughtfully added the 'long- shoreman. “there may hev been some like ness between them. Yes, there may have been." “Yet, the Lady of the Diamonds was not 9.. “Bless ye, no!" “Mention the chief points of difference.” “Ohl the eyes wasn’t jest the same, an’ the nose—an’ the mouth. Why, dang it, what be you drivin’ at? This is all non- sense. W’ot of I ain’t an expert at recog nizin' women? 1 should know this Lady 0‘ the Diamonds cf 1 see her in Calcutta. Wouldn’t you, Nibsy?” “ Sure!” “That’s all there is to it.” The ’longshoreman spoke with some stub-s bornness, and Nathaniel did not press the point. He had hoped by secretly getting Andy to consider the two women at the same time to demonstrate whether they were alike, but Andy could not, or would not, see any likeness. That he was really oblivious to a resemblance was not so certain, for the detec tive observed that he looked absently at the water and pulled his rough tuft of whiskers thoughtfully. It was an irritating condition for Na- thaniel to stand there and gaze at the vacant space in the dock where the TrippingvMary had been, but there was no help for it. The schooner would not reappear, and the Lady of the I)imnonds was equally invisible. The detective had no proof that he was on the trail of his mystery, but he did not in« tend to lose sight of Andy and Nibsy. It would not do to show unusual interest in their trophy, but returnin to his desire of finding Ad Blinker, he as. ed for their ad dresses under plea of needing them again in that matter. They complied with his request unhcsita- tingly. Getting the exact number of Pearl street where ’Lizy Brown was said to live, Nathan: iel then left his new friends. He went to the number, but he found the house closed. As the hour was late he would have to wait until the next morning before getting news in that quarter. Departing, he walked off without much heed to his course, but he was brought to his senses when he suddenly discovered that he had mechanically returned to the dock where the Tripping M ry had been, but was no longer. Idly he walked out. on the pier. “ It may be losing time to think of this at tall,” he murmured, “ but a woman in a ball. dress with a pocket full of diamonds is a novelty. I would like to know where she is. Perhaps well on her way to some foreign port. if it was our Lynnfleld thiefit seems we have lost her. Still, Adrienne Everley remains in New York— Confound it, let me get this off my mind for a little time and rest." He sat down on a box, took off his hat, let the river breeze fan his brow and gazed around with appreciation of the scene. To a man who rarely sees the riverfront at night, no place is of more interest. The panorama. of the river itself is flanked on the one side by the lights of the opposite shore, and on the othes by the strikingly grim, far— stretching line of piers, with the masts of vessels rising like sky-pointing linger-posts above the rugged line. All this Nathaniel took in, and it may be, that he became too much interested in the spectacle. He heard nothing about him to make him bestir himself, but the future told him that there had been need of bestirring. Suddenly he was dashed to the pier, and the downfall had as an accompaniment a feeling as if his head had been riven by a lightning bolt. it was no new feeling to one who had long followed his calling, and he recognized one fact immediately—he had been felled by a. blow of unusual force. , Rallying at once, he essayed to gain his feet, but he did not succeed. Again came the blow, and he was again felled. “ Chuck him inter the drink!" exclaimed a voice. Nathaniel turned partly. He could see two men now, but before he had made out more they pounced upon him. He was lifted in their arms. “ Heavel” was the additional order. They “heaved” in concert, but the de- tective had been allowed a little time and he improved it. He closed his hand on the sleeve of the man nearest to him and held fast. The check to their impetus nearly pulled all three into the dock. " W’ot's the matter, Con f" demanded the further man. " The bloke has gripped me arm.” “ Break de bolt!" “I can’t." “ Smash him in de 121w!" This plan was we 1 conceived, but Na- thaniel was not disposed to let it go at that. He twisted away sufficiently to get his feet on the pier, and then a well-directed blow knocked the maxi Con several feet away and dropped him heavily. “ Allow me to do part of the ‘smashing!‘ ” requested Coolcdge, coolly. Con came up like a rubber ball, and then both rushed at him. He had the knowledge of pugilistic skill so necessary to all men, and he would have felt able to give them a warm reception, but the faint light sudden-- ly showed him that each of his assailants had produced a stevedore‘s hook, and the pros pect was not pleasing. A blow from such a weapon might make an ugly hurt. , iIe backed off a little, looking in vain for help, but the men were not long to be evaded. Their rush was energetic, and he had to meet them. He struc and dodged almost at the same moment, and for a brief period held his own well, but one of the hooks caught in his coat and held fast. “ Smash him!” was again the cry. A heavy blow staggered the detective, and then both of his assailants piled onto him at once. He was forced backward in spite of his efforts, and close to the dock. All at once he caught the gleam of some- thing brighter than the hooks. " I'll make a sure job of it!” So hissed the man who held the bright ob- ' 'ect, and then there was a. sharp sting in athaniel's side. A moment later and he lost his footing and went down helplessly. ' It was not far to the water, and he struck with a great splash. He went in under the surface, but he felt his energies unimpaired, and he lost no time in using the swimmer's art. He went a few feet, ound a.hold on one of the cross-timbers of the pier, and then became still. He could dimly see the men peering down, but it seemed they could not see him. “I reckon we hev done fer the bloke,” exclaimed one. “ Oh! me knife did that." “ Where did you hit him?” “ Right in de heart.” , “ Then he ain't likely ter swim much.” “Bet yer socks he, ain’t. I got' a clear . A” J; wisi ,.'..--x . e415,»! .c‘z‘s‘ 'I‘t'J‘t'. ".twd‘»;i.‘i‘;j‘&: ““me ’9 ' . started. 'ran into another person. The IIe’s W”- » swing an‘ give et to him fer keeps. gone up, sure!" “Et will learn him not ter come nosin' around the ’longshoremen’s region.” " lCt's too late fer him ter learn, but he won't come again.” “ Do ye suppose it was a detective “ I don‘t know, but of it wasn’t, why was he mousin' around where the Trippin’ Mary lay?" “ That‘s so." “ Ef he meant any harm ter Flip Fan he just about got what he deserved. He came nosin', 2111’ he found out he was in a boss- race." “ We did give him a run fer his money.” “ The 'longshoremeu are a tough gang ter run up against, an’ you an’ I know it. Flip li‘an is free from danger now, even if he was a detective." “ We may not be able ter do the sleight- .)fhand act as well as she can, but we made dat bloke get out 0’ sight." “Ha, ha!" The second man laughed, and the first joined in the merriment, and they enjoyed themselves for some time. Nathaniel listened to all, and he did more— hc thought as he listened. He had gained considerable information. Con and his com~ panion were interested in the Tripping Mary, and they knew something about a person they cal ed Flip Fan. Who she was ‘the detective did not know, but the human mind works rapidly when once suspicion is He did not forget that the Lady of the Diamonds was interested in the Tripping Mary, also. He began to think that the haunts of the ‘lougshoremen were good places‘for him to frequent, himself. “If I squeeze through this rub with my life I will look to these toughs,” he thought. "‘ I'll follow them to their lair.” 9y: CHAPTER XI. 'rnn noun or A HARD cnown. Tun ’longshoremen finally decided that they had lingered long enough. “ There ain’t a sound from him," remarked Con. “ We may as well go.” “ So we had. It‘s a good time, too, for I seen. policeman passin' by. “’0 kin leave the pier directly, without the cop ettin’ on to us, Ha, ha! of he'd been arount here he would hev seen some fun." “ Right you be, Aleck. But ct's over now, an’we’ll poke off.” Nathaniel Cooledgc heard! their steps as they receded, and he lost no time in getting up on the pier. It was not the easiest of tasks, but he worked with such energy that it was scon accomplished. “The thugs are still in sight,” he mur- mured. “ 1‘“ be after them. I wonder if that knife pricked me much. Certainly I am not hurt to any great degree, for my strength is unimpaired, but there is a prick.” He looked at his slashed sleeve, but the ab- sence of any visible blood encouraged him not a little. He walked quickly after the pair of roughs. keeping as much concealed by objects on the pier as possible. Con and Alcck had turned to the left when they left the place, and they Were still to be seen, moving along South street. I-Ie follow- ed as closely as was prudent, assuming a careless air, and keeping his head lowered. The pursuit was short, and he saw them enter one of the dilapidated houses which had not yet succumbed to the encroachments of trade. - “ Hivedl It is a sailors’s boarding‘house, if the signs go for anything, but I presume ‘longshoremen find quarters there also. Be that as it may, my men are there, and their air is that of persons who have reached home. I would quickly descend on them and show them the results of their attack on me, but I may be able to use them to better advantage.” Nathaniel was turning away when he He instinctively put up his hands, butacheerful voice sound ed in place of an attack. ‘ Hullo, bossl Be you round again? Hil guess you’ve been in swimmin’; your raiment - is as wet as that fellcr's in the show when he stays under water fifteen minutes by_ Timmy Flynn's watch.” Genteel Sharper’s Combine. The detective looked and recognized Nib. sy King. ” So it is you?” “ Me or my ghost, whicl1‘!-—the lady or the tiger?" and Nibsy laughed good-humored- l . “ Where have you been since I saw you?" “ \Vent around ter a restaurant an’ had some fish-balls. Andy’s daughter works there as hash-slinger, and we both like her and fish-balls.” “ Did you see the men who went in here?" “ Inter Dan Pratt's corral? sense you with beer?” “ Not so bad as that. is it?” ' “ A good place for funerals an' wakes, but not a snap fer a Quaker.” “ Tough, eh?” “ Goin an’ show a wad. Ef you don’t get it where the chicken got the corn stuck, call me a hayseed for information." “ It is a sailor's boarding—house, is it?” “It used ter be. an‘ the sign says so still; but Jack Tars have mostly floated away from South street, an’ now it's 'longshore- men who eat Dan’s sole -leather. Ilard place, you bet. Have you had a run-in with the gang?” “Onlyaskirmish. I infer that you are not friendly with them." “ Friendl ? Ef I be, they an' me don't know it. Ive been at war with them fer seventeen out 0’ my eighteen years 0' life. I’ve had sev’ral run-ins with them, an' though they go in gangs an’ generally manage ter knock me out, they always know they've been in a horse'race when they git through with me.” “ Are they really 'longshoremen?" “ Yes." “They work, do they?" “ Yes, work an’ scrap; an“ slug other fel- lers fcr cash when night makes et safe for them.” “ How much do you know about the rami~ fleations of the party?" “The rami—— \V’ot's that?” “The off-shoots, the total branches that they have.” “Oh! I guess there ain’t much ramble- fiction to them. They are jest a tough lot who smash heads an‘ law right along.” “Not a ‘gang,’ in the sense we use the word here?" M N0. 0 “ They have women associates, haven’t they ‘8” “ Be them the ramblefictions? Never heard women called by that name before, by cricke l" “ hat I want is to know if there are side- partners, women or men. A gang usually has offshots." I “ Correct; but there ain’t no organization among them, I reckon. They are simply a tough lot of ‘longshoremen who fight an’ out up rough when off duty. Don‘t judge‘all ’longshoremen by them. ’Longshoremen are men 0’ muscle, an’ maybe a trifle hard-head- ed, anyhow, but not law-breakers as a rule. Them who herd at Dan Pratt’s go there be- cause they are tough from the word ‘ Go,’ 1111' they like each other’s company. No, I don’t think they have any rambleflc- tions " Nathaniel smiled briefly. “ Well. ldon‘t suppose you would dare to go in there?" he eontinued. “Inter Dan Pratt's?" H lyesl 'I “.Why not?” “I understood you to say they were down on you——" “ Surel But I am down on them, too. Ef I went in there might not be any rumpus, an’ then. again, I might hev a scrap with them. That ain’t nothin’.". “Can you take me in?" (I l?” ' It Yes-1) “ What fer?” “Frankly, I want to learn all loan of them.” “Take yer time fer it. then. No. Did they What sort of a place Ef you go in now you will likely git wiped off the face 0’ me earth. You ain't dressed right fer it, an’ then, further, the clothes you do hev on are all wet. Them who fixed you out with Bilbath would get enter your curves in a 1 .” . 11 “ You are quite right; I was foolish to think of it. But suppose 1 come to inorrow' night, disguised somewhat, and rigged out in clothes lit for a longshoreman‘! Can you take me in?" “ You kin take yerself in, of you hev the cold, calm nerve ter try it. Legs will do ct, fer they ain‘t exclusive. Further, I will waltz along like your twin, an’ do all the good I kin.” “ Thehargain is made then.” “ Re you some on the scrap?” “ Yes." “ You may need to take out a pugilist’s license." “ All right." “ Say, boss, you hev a slash in yer sleeve." " Merely a device to get more air." Nibsy smiled humorously, not in the least at fault. “Ef you need oxergin, or any sort of a ‘gin’ 0‘ that sort, that crowd kin supply it. They open up cavities free, furnishin’ knives whenever anybody else will furnish hides. See?" Nathaniel did see, but he was not alarmed. He had been among tougher characters be- fore, and he was willing to risk it again. He was well pleased with Nibsy King, and believed the stout youth would do all he could in a fight. The new friends walked off, talking as they went. but the detective soon announced that he would go home. "Won't you stay an' hev a plate 0' fish- balls with me before you go?" asked Nibsy. " I'm livin' sorter swell now. " Nathaniel declined the invitation politely, and then the separated. The younger of the two looket after his late companion ad- miringly. “ Mister," he murmured. “ I don't know who you be, but you are a peach!" This was high praise on South street, and when it is recorded that Nibsy be- stowed it so freely, it can well be under stood that the night and day which followed were periods of impatient waiting on his part. The next evening he was at the point set for the meeting loag before the hour named. Nathaniel was on time almost to the moment. He shook Nibsy's hand cordially. “ Anything new?” he asked. " Not a thing.” ‘, “ Any signs of Dan Pratt's lambsl?" “ Oh! they went ter biz as usual." " Nothing more?” “ No." “Well, let us go in. I have an excuse. I want to find—so I shall say—a man I used to work with as a ’longshoreman in Boston. 1 shall inquire for him. Of course he will not be found. This will give me excuse to linger there awhile.’ “ You’ve hit the football. Sail along, boss. All ready?” Nathaniel was ready, and they went. No formality was necessary, and they Walked into Dan Pratt‘s very calmly. Nibsy led the way to the main room, and the detective saw a good many men and a good deal of smoke which had risen from about as black pipes as could be found. The crowd was what he had expected—,- ough and ready, but, though he saw a go man hard faces. he could not see that they (1 fiered much from most men of the class. They begun to use their eyes well. There was nothing in Nathaniel's ap earance‘ to arouse susp cion. He had donne the rough- est of clothes and had a rough growth of whiskers, and his hands were browned to fit his pretended calling. Outward] , he was what he claimed to be, a regular 'kmgshore- man. Nibsy was among men who did not like him, but he remained as cool as if all were friends. “ Gents,” he spoke, to the crowd, “here is a gazelle from Boston. He has a question to shout in yer ears.” “ Yes," added Nathaniel, with all the seri- ousness possible, “I would like ter know at you’re acquainted with a feller in our busi- ness whose name is Ham Seeley ?" “W’ot is ‘ our business?” gruflly asked i one of the crowd. “ I’m a 'longshoreman, an', I’ve been told est 0’ you are the same." “ Ohl all right. So you want Seeley? Wouldn't Ham Hogg do jest as wal?” '3» ‘n 12 The Genteel Sharperts Gembine. There was a laugh at his supposed wit. and Nathaniel joined as heartily as anybody. He was being grufliy received, but he saw nothing to indicate that he was to be re- bufl’ed. “Ham of hog is cod," he replied, " but I know where ter find that. Ham Seeley I've lost sight of, an’ as him an’ me used to be quite chummy. I’d like ter place him." “ Let me see. Fellers, wasn’t Ham Secley sent ter Sing Sing?" " “ Yes, for stealin’ a’ yeller dog. The dog ziin’t been found. Maybe this stranger is m.” CHAPTER XII. 'rmt s'ronr or " A GREAT LITTLE GIRL." NATHANIEL was being roughly 'oked, but he knew his companions’ way, an he took it ' in good part. He made one or two jokes in return, and, as the ’longshoremen saw that they could not annoy him, they came down to business. None of them knew Ham Seelcy, and the questioner was so informed. Their preliminary tactics had led to the com: plete breaking of the ice, and thedctective saw the way clear toremain with them with- out exciting comment. There was only one system for getting their good will, and he took it. ~ "I happen tor be in luck now,” he ob- served. “ Who will join me in a glass of beer?” Every man raised his hand, fully willing to let the stranger pay for what the r stomachs ‘ craved. Nathaniel paid, and his standing was fixed for the time. 1 He sat down with the rest, with Nibsy near him. Nibsyahad to take a few jokes much rougher t u had been bestowed on’ _ his companion, for he was not a favorite, but he was cool under it all and peace con- ' tinned. The detective had been on the watch for , Con and 'Aleck. He was not sure he would recognize them, but when Nibsy had iven / him a pro-arranged private signal he new , his late assailants were not present. A. general discussion took place, and the. ‘rough okes made up a large part of it. ,Prssent H a man in trying to drink a glass of beer spi ed the greater part of it. ' . “Say, Mikel” cried a comrade, “ don’t ye know the way ter yer month i" r . “131' he can’t find that tunnel he would miss the East River, of he went huntin' fer ’ “ Why, the bridge cars could run through 't.” . l " Trouble is, his ears are so-big they flap down an’ cover it up." . . “E! I. had it, Id let at out ter the cit for an underground railroad under Broscfi, .wa ." r’ 'IYhe owner of the mouth thus derided took these jokes with e animlty. ' ~ " Et requires as elght-O’-hand o rator ter find his mouth every t ," he repl . ,, " Hem, hem l" ’soun ed deep y from one ‘. corner. . ‘ "701d Pop Timpe has woke up. W’ot is et,,1’opt" ' p “Bpeskin' o' sleight-o’-hsnd reminds me , of s all knowed once who was a corker in , that ine." ,“ Spit'it out, Pop!" “Give us the yarn.” " seemed to he. a character. He cleared his throat in a manner which threatened to tear .. thereof 0! of his mouth, and then began in ya muttering, chest-fixed voice: "Et was one of our own‘trsde, lads— .‘leutwise, she used ter pin on the piers ; when she was a kid; an' of v recollect right the was a ’longshoreman’s darter.” " Then she‘must have been a. h." ' 7 "‘She was. a great little gir i" declared POP} / ' in Sing Sing now?” , I n yer yswpl She wasn't the’kind go there; she was to? fly'ter git hatched.” . u m a : ‘un v tor if" Wal,'this gal— _ '1; remember her _ t name—u tor come sn’ play on the #2: skim“. said More; Itellyou he ‘ teat litilc‘gal. 'Sharpt Nobod a o. tn 8 ‘3 5' E. '3’ a. 8 a: _ ,2 I 33’"- Thc burly 'longshore’man thus called upon , .out-ar ued the opposition. .most :Had‘a tongue thatcut like Dan’l Webster. Great favorite with us all, an’ we humored her inter comin' down ter the river ter see us. We used ter joke her, an' she joked us. 'Finally we began ter miss little things. We couldn't tell where they went, an' the queer part of it all was that they disap- peared right under our noses. We might be lookin' right at them au' they would get a hustle on an’ skip out o’ sight an’ we be none the wiser. "' Et was a good while afore we tumbled, but we did, at last, when one o‘ the missin‘ things turned up sudden an’ unlocked fer. That gal was cavortin around when et fell out 0‘ her pocket. “That settled et, an’ had ketched our thief. She owned up, too. “ Then the question rose, w’ot was we ter do with her? Some said jail her, but she was so young an’ so bright—great little gal, she was—that we mostly set down on it. We decided not tor do a thing, especially as some argued there was no malice afore- thought in it all. ‘ “ The gal was jest as frank over it as on please, an’ she showed us how she di it. Why. say, she was a reg'lar, natural-born sleight-o’hand performer. Even when we was outer her curves she could swipe things right under our noses an' we never see it. I don't know how she did et, but no expert in shows could beat her. I " Speakin’ o’ yonder man‘s month an’ gleight-o'hand biz reminded me 0' her! ee?!’ ‘ “ Where is she now?" “ Dunno." “ Growed up?” “ She must be, fer that was a dozen or df~ teen year ago.” h “ Didn’t you never hear wo‘t become of er?" Pop hesitated, and kicked a leak dog viciously before answering. Finally his de- sire to reveal all overcame his discretion. ‘1 They do say that, as she growed older, she went wrong.” “ How ‘I”. ” Ever hear 0’ [Flip Fan, the~pickpock~ ct?” ‘ 1' 44 No.» \ “ I hev, an’ that was her, though when she was smaller she was a great little gal?” “ So she turned piokpocket?” “,Yes. she disappeared sort a” sudden from the iers, an' the story was ‘told that she joins a show as an infant proggerdy in the sleight-o'-hand line, though I didn’t never see her. Whether she stuck ter the show his 1 don’t know. but the pickpooket part comes straight. Yes. siree, she was the noted Fli Fan. Et sorter makes me feel bad ter th nk of it "——here Pop kicked the dog again—“ but I do tell yer that When she was on the piers she was a great little gal." ,“ Was she a success as a p ckpocket?” , ‘ " The do say she wasa corker! Et wasn't swipe a hingan’ run, as some pickpockets do, but she could take a thingri ht under folks’s eyes, and they never see at one. She was a holy terror, Flip Fan was.” ‘ “ The smartest gals n New York are ter be found right alongthe river front,” interrupt- ed a swan, 'lon'gshoreman.‘ ‘ “ Orin he Bowery," ventured another. “ I say, by the river.” “liowery gals see: more varied phases 0’ " Not half so many as the, pier gnls;" Anargument was, n, bnt‘Nathaniel Cool~ edge gave it no heed; he did not care who ' ,, He had been the ev‘oted listener tothe tale of the piers, and he was now all bound up in it. Well might he be. r , Old Pop had told the story of a girl who had played on the piers; who had been bright and saucy, and a great favoritfi with the ’long- shoremen; who had been the daughter of one disappeared from the haunts where she had once been known, and at a period as sug‘ges: tive as the story. ' . ‘ . ' All this exact] fitted the account that had been given of Bunker.; , , ’ v _ But the: resent sto went further, Pcp’n, ” great e.giri" , .. fl , turned a 3191‘ was mm, was,“ I. 11323;!" theahfli WWW it . t steal th n under 1: ‘0 $21,: and? A. of their own craftsmen; who had suddenly, monotonous '0 He remembered that the Lynnfield jewels had been taken when all of their defenders were clustered around them. Events seemed to be weldin , and he had less reason to think well of Adr ennc Evcrlcy, he believed, than before. He did no. forget that Con and Aleck had talked of a certain “ Flip Fan," who was a noted character in their lives, and the detective would have been slow of suspicion if he had not drawn certain conclusions. He had come there to see Con and Alcck, but he was not certain, now, that he wished to do so. It was sure that if the two toughs had guilty secrets they would not reveal them to the whole party of ’longshoremen, and. nothing could be gained, then, by waiting until they came. ' Nathaniel gave Nibsy a private signal, and then delayed until the present talk was. fully done. “ You draw a fine picture 0’ the gal," re- marked one of the men, “ an’ ef you get. track 0’ her a sin, just invite her around. I reckon shc W lbe jest as much of a favorite.- as she was in old days with you." Po grew irritated. t “ on't you think she would take 11 with you, Ben Peters!” he retorted. " hen I see her last she was dressed to a kill, an' that took her right among the swells. Look- cd like a queen, she did, an’ yet she was too: young ter be fully ripe, us I may say. Don't you banker, Ben; she ain't your kind. Meb- e she's dead: I dunno. Anyhow, she was a great little gall" Another man, perhaps envious of Pop’s success as a story-teller, plun ed in with an account of somebod he ha known, and there was no more said about Flip Fan. As soon as possible Nathaniel prepared to- leave the resort, and he did so successfully, All of the ’longshoremen were cordial to him, and he improved the chance to say that if he did not find his alleged friend in a few days he should need work, whereu on he was promised the influence of h new friends, and their fullsup rt. He thanked them and went out with ibsy. “’Wal,” asked the youth, “ hev you been aid fer comin’?" “ I think I have!” seriously answered the,» detective. i CHAPTER km. RED EVIDENCE FROM THE FRElGHT-YABD. TEE following mornln Nathaniel Cool- edge was no sooner out of than he wrote a note and dispatched itb a messenger, and his breakfast was not qu to finished when a grim-facedman put in an appearance. His. 3 niame was Horace Black; he was‘ a detec- t ve. x V He had come at Nathaniel‘s bidding, and‘ announced that he was at his fellow detec- tive‘s disposal. ' ‘ Nathaniel had felt the need of an aid for a. time, at least. Even with the uniformed police seekingto solve the mystery of the murder at Lynn eld's. duties pressed upon Cooledge, and the possibilit that he was entirely on the wrong track n thinking of’ certain events which might be connected with the robbery, led him to wish to, give over the minor parts of the investigation to. some one who could do them as well as him- I, self, and leave him free to not elsewhere. This was what Homes Black was to do for him. now. , / . , The two men conferred for some time; then Black went away. -' ' ' When Nathaniel hadesten, and he walked over to Lynuileld’s. ‘ He found no change there, 5 Lynnfield, Count Altamonte, Barrington Os es nnd' Robert Houston were still grappling vainly with the conundrums of the hour. I The-detective sat own talk with them. Hanover had been in the habit of divulging his cherished theories and important discov- eries. and he did not do so then. He seemed: to talk freely, but said very little, really. i , ‘_ ' All seemed disappointed when they learned that there was no‘hews. v / The one! count had nearly worried himself into a state -_ ,' of nervous prostration over tho‘lossof the jewdmandfhe lamented imagined: , . sontly..~ Murderetdfllhwgn . smoked .- it ‘ o table» r T , «r y'ia yellowish tinge which made him impres- r’sive in a. way. He had a well-colored face, Combme. ‘ When they finally consented to turn their minds to Thomas they had something to say from the regular police. i “They dispute your theory as to how' Thomas was killed," remarked Lynnfield. “ In what way?" i “ You ascribed it to the work of a man , seeking to escape from the house with the F stolen jewels." “Yes.” , “ They think the murderer, or murderers. came innot went out. In brief. that Thomas was killed so they could get in to perform the robbery.” “The point is immaterial." \ "They believe it was done by what is commonly known as second-floor window robbers. " Nathaniel smiled grimly. “Do they think the thief came in that way?” “ Yes. " “ Then they had better catch him. With such a well-defined theoryI see no reason why they should not succeed quickly. I dare say a man did leap in by a second-floor window, join us and seize the jewels. It looks very reasonable.” "Like you, I regard it as absurd," added Barrington Oakes, in his strong, straightfor- 'wnrd manner. “Sarcasm, only, is fit to combat with such ridiculous theories.” At this juncture another man entered the mom. He cvidentlyhad not expected to find astranger there, and paused in the way "of, dwell-bred man and would have re- treated, but Harrington Onkes called him carelessly: . 1 “John. this way. Mr. Cohledge is here, and, no doubt, would like to ask you about the sending of the message to the female reporter. Mr. Cooledge, this is Mr. John; lierwick." - l Nathaniel grew interested. He saw a ‘ your) fellow of rather striking appearance. l Mr. erwick was not over LWenty-threc, I one would say, and was pleasing to the eye. He was of blonde type. and his hair was of marked only with a slight yellow mustache, and his slenderness of form‘ gave him a sort of litheness and grace which went well with his faultless style of 'dress. , , “ I shall be glad to give any information I can. 7 ' , With this statement Mr. Berwlok came ' forward, paused behind a chair, swung a leg over the back and leaned forward in at: tention. . “ I am pleased to see you, sir, ” began ’Cooledge; “ I am told that the letter which. summoned Miss Everley here to report the weddingtwashanded éo you to mail.” “ By thc'Count A tamonte,” added Ber- wick. _ “ Allow me to ask just where you mailed that letter. ” ‘ i “ In the street letter-box nearest ‘this house, east.” ‘ I ' “ 0n the corner,” murmured Lynnfleld. “Exactly.” . ' “Pardon me,” pursued Nathaniel, “but :areyiou positive you mailed it there i" u I, . . 1 “Yet, Miss Everley denies that she re- ceived it}? ' . Bet-wick smiled slightly. “Yet she came.” , , “ We say she’did; she denies that, also. , I l c “ It is good advice. Send him here, Enoch." Enoch went out, and it was not long be- fore the caller came. He was a man of middle age, stout and rather rough of ap- pearance, but he had a good face. He looked the party over. “ I am Mr. Lynnfield,” observed the mas- ter of the house. “ Maybe you would prefer to see me alone. It is about the things that I have read in the papers lately.j’ “ Whatl do you mean the—” “ The murder, sir.” “Then speak right out; all here are,“ as much interested as myself. Speak out, my ' man I” The caller straightened up. “I am George White," he stated. “I work over in the freight-yards in Jersey City." This did not convey much to Lynnfleld. so he merely made a gesture for the stranger to go on. y ” There was a queer thing happened over our way,” pursued the visitor, ” and it was the night that murder was done in your house; You see, over our way we are not early to bed, for we have to shift cars around the yard and make up trains at all hours. I am night switchman in the yard. and l have to be there to help make up the 1 trains.” Nothing seemed to be further from the murder mystery than this beginning. If he had spoken of a passenger station it would have been different, but a freight-yard—even ever-watchful Cooledge could not see much to hope for from that source. “I stand down near the signal tower,” White went on. for right there is my switch. You must know we don’t have brilliant light there by a long shot. There is the light in the tower, but that is for the operator; and then the crew carry lanterns. The rest of the place is dark?” “ Proceed!” ticntly. . . “ Well, that night I‘was turning the switch for 73 when I happened to notice a man over by the tower. I‘didn’t pay no great .atten- tion to him, for I thought it was one of the directed Lynnfleld, impa- crew, but just afterwards the train was made, up, and the conductor started toward "the- tower to get word from‘the operator. When he did that I noticed a man start quickly away from the tower, going off as the con- duetor came up. -~ 5‘ He went to where a fiat-car was standing idle, loaded with iron. Then I lost sight of im. . - . “ ‘ Wants to keep out of the conductor's sight,’ thinks I. ‘ Wonder if he’s a tramp?’ “‘I didn’t see more of him' for some time, , but finally I thought I .did catch another glimpse of him by the car. I allovaed I was “going to know more about the fellow. and I walked over that way. 'My man had been there; but he did not wait to be interviewed; .he just took a skip and passed quickly‘ofi, going close to the toWer to avoid. me. As he id so I got quite a good look at him.” Mr. White’s gazc'had been wandering, ' and he now suddenly pointed to JohnBon wick and added: . , . “ He looked about like that gentleman!" It was a, bit of unconscious dramatic act- ing,‘and it occasioned a peculiarjeellng to all. ' Nathaniel Cooledge had been the first 'It inn general denial with her. The point is ‘ to turn his gaze upon,John Berwiek. HG A not material, if you are) suro’xit was mailed i, ‘Intve' .uiotly remit: there." , r H “ I am; I will take I my oath to that. ,I :am not usually forgetful, and I regarded it 1 .as highly important that I should do thiserv! rand well. I did it well—at least, Imail'ed": it." v ' ' ,r ,l , “ This is a mere form, of course; Iwns I quite sure ofit." , a ,, ' i , , A servant entered the room. - " Mr. Lynufleld, excuse me, sir, but there :13 a man outside who wishes to see you", .’ .“‘A,man?” , -, i ' “Yes, sir; a plainly dressed person;but v 'honestlooking. He'says he has important! ‘busipess, but that. he cannot tell it to saw that young man leaning -forward with his. azc fixed {intently npo‘n White.- T ere was something almost rapt and painful in, this regard. but it was quickly broken; Barwickz‘flnding himself the center of attraction. came out of his dream, itsnch it was, prmnptly and in good order. Ad- vancing a few steps he smiled lastly. and r’e- " [.marked: ’ , . w ’ I ’ " My good man, wait until your’story is told before ‘you take me as a‘ dreadful ex- am Is. - I don’t ct know whether to plead ul ty or not. ‘1 your skulker was as; ain- nlly homely as myself. you,did wellto cap a watchful eye on him." - t 1:19.. . . I I v , he \countj oined'.=in._thethierrlnient e88 Seeing, that Lynggld'hesitated the detec- {amneedly ewes impatient for thereon:- . tiered: lotion of, .Wha “I no verlenve that place; , J- ‘ stolenhy the exhale Whortfl'.lnd that" ~ 'Barrington lOak laughed heartily, added White, “and I saw nomore of him ~ for ten minutes, but I was not to lose him so quickly. At one side of the yard Number 94 was was to be made up a little later, and when I happened to look over that way, there was my man—I knew him by his form. “That time I was impatient, and I shout- ed to him angrily. and, as I had a lull in business, I walked quickly over there. 1 did not find him, but, as he seemed so per~ tinacious, I locked a couple of the cars from which he might have stolen things and then bid for some minutes. " I had seen the last of ,thc skulker, how- i ever; he did not appear again, and soon after 94 was made up and hauled out of the yard. Right here the story would end if it had not been for something I ound in the yard, the next morning, close to where 94 had stood.” Mr. White advanced to the table and laid thereon a small cloth. ' Red stains marked the article. , _ " "A handkerchief, covared with s ots of blood," he added; “and I found t near Where my skulker had been!” V CHAPTER XIV. L- VIVIAN. COUNT ALrAMox'rn made an impatient , gesture. . “ What of it?”.he exclaimed. “ What do the handkerchief and, the spots of blood prove?” . , “Look further,” directed the switcbmn. . “ Do you see that?" . ‘ ' He' raised the handkerchief a little, and a brilliant ray”.of light went out to the spectas tors. Count Altamonte leaped to his feet. and rushed forward. 'He seized the bit of muslin and held it, aloft. His face glowed g. with emotion. ‘ _ ’- “ A diamond!" he cried. “ An ear-ring, 4 and one of the lost collectionl” . , The whole party quickly gathered arena the excitable, Frenchman. , ‘ ‘ - “ Are you sure (if what you'say?"demand‘ ed Lvhufleld. " - ’ ‘ “ I am; I willswear to it; one of the din " monds is here!" * . f It wnsii thrilling sight to the part , as he » stood with the handkerchief held orward. The red stains were very conspicuous, but they did net claim so much attention as an other thing... Clinging to the center of the- .whitc square, was an caring; bright and brillianti ' , k ‘ . ’ “ Great Heavens!” finally exclaimed Lynn field, "if this is correct, how do you a count for it?” ~ ,, . , ‘ “ Easy enough; this is the propertyoi‘ th thief,” explained the count, almost dancirr with excitement. ‘ , ' . *' “ Then the thief carried a woman’s ha kerchlef!" ' -. , This remark, dilly made, came from One edge, and it remin ed them that he was still there.‘ Oakes'fellbaek apace. w, I ‘_ ," Let Mr. Cooledge have charge here." he suggested. “ We are good for nothith to babble like old women.” 7 ' The wisdom of. this course was appa andthe sug cation was acted upon :detect’ive too the handkerchief. , .“I don’t know that there is mythic \this,’.’ pursued White, "but when read the newspapers ot'the murder and‘the‘lolfi .5 diamonds I thought I‘Would bring this he” and see if the ar-ring could be identifiedr “I will swdor it ‘eame from my col tie?!” asserted the count. ' 9 , ‘ Have .‘you \een- anybody around yard, since who seemed to be, hunting lost article?" inquired Cooledge; ‘ “.No. sir." _ ‘ u -. “And you .haveno/ proof that ,t I “drongedb tj‘he skfikgri’; h . "' o. usta ouu t .w hadbcen.” ' 'py' km "All is clear!" deals (1 theeount. is: woman‘s. dkerch f, and-woolen. omen. That. roveqthatthe diamondciwe had. an memplice. The letter web iw-hereuthis gentleman» by .and he thh‘rityasha? In) ' 14 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine. ” You show remarkable inductive powcr' count,” replied the detective, so quietly that it was impossible to tell whether he spoke in sincerity or sarcasm; “but there are some flaws in the evidence as summed up by on.” y “ What are they‘I—what are they?” “The supposed murderer, to get to the freight-yards, would have to cross the North River. In doing so he would have found a better place to throw away the handkerchief, if he so desired to dispose of it, than to go a long ways and leave it where it was sure to be found in all its damning colors." “Again Mr. Cooledge is right," asserted Barrington Oakcs. “ More, if we claim that this handkerchief belonged to the murdcr‘s accomplice," pur- sued Nathaniel, “ we are confronted with a, singular fact.” “ What fact?” “ This bit of feminine finery was Miss Vivian Lynnfield‘s." “ My daughter’s ‘2" cried Lynnfield. “ How do you know that?” "Observe the initials in the corner— ‘V. L. L.’ How about that?" “ They are Vivian’s sure enough," admit- ted Lynnfield, “ and I do not doubt that this was her property.” “ But,” insisted the count, “ how came the murderer with it?" “ First, we have no proof that the man who lost it was the murderer. Admitting that he was, there are a dozen ways he might have taken it along. Design or acci- dent might have entered into it all through. The handkerchief may have clung to him by chance when he was in the house. It is useless to speculate now. I will investigate later.” Nathaniel tossed the handkerchief back on the table with a careless air and yaWned. He did not look upon the matter so lightly as this would indicate, but he was of the opin- ion that he must squelch the count, and this was his first step. The Frenchman was marked out of the list of brilliant lights, whether yet eclipsed or not. At this point Mr. White came to the front by explaining that he was not a man of leisure, and that he would have to do go back to his duties in the freight-yard. He was duly talked with and thanked, and then he went his way. If possible, he left the party more muddled than he found them. While the count per sisled in declaring that the earring had been part of the collection once belonging to the Empress Josephine, they had to accept the skulker in the freight yard as a part of their riddle. lie puzzled all unless it was Nathaniel. The latter was unusually silent and serious, and even the questioning of his associates did not reveal his condition of mind. He finally broke a long silence. “ As a matter of form we want this hand-- kerchief identified. Mr. Lynnlield, will you oblige me by asking your daughter to come here?" “ Certainly. She shall come at once.” Word was sent by a servant. and the call was answered readily. It was not long be- fore Miss Vivian entered the room. I’rob- ably she had not expected to see so many persons, and she paused near the door and seemed undecided Whether to advance fur- ther or not. Her father rose and went to her side. “ Don‘t be alarmed. Viv1an," he kindly (ii reeled. "We only want you to see accr- tain article and tell us if it is yours. It is here." ' “IIerel” Nathaniel added the word quietly, and then tossed the handkerchief on the table close to Miss Lynnfield. 1t spread out in part, revealing the gory stains fully, and Vivian, who had been advancing on her fa- ther’s arm, recoiled from the sight Plainly, it frightened her. How could it have done otherwise, presented to her so in- judicrously. “ lsit yours?” briefly inquired Nathaniel. It was not the detectives fault that it had been sprung upon her so suddenly. but. sinceit had been done he felt at liberty to make the most of it. It remained for the impatient count to hurry matters still more, With singular want of delicacy in one so chivalrous, usually. he added quickly: “The detective wants to know if this is yours. " Just then Barrington Oakes dropped a book he had been holding. It fell to the floor. He picked it up without comment, but the sound of its fall had been enough to break the spell which was upon the girl. Nathaniel noticed that she turned her gaze upon Mr. Oakes. Did Mr. Oakcs wave his hand peculiarly? Nathaniel thought so, though he was not so placed as to be sure. “ The handkerchief has your initials upon it, Miss Vivian,” remarked Barrington, mildly. "It is not mine!” She made this assertion without further look at the bit of linen, and almost with the mechanical action of a machine. Then Mr. Oakes rose quickly, went to her side and took her arm with grave respect. He seem» ed to steady her. “ I judge that Miss Lynnfield is faint,” he added. “This has been too sudden for her. Kindly give hera moment for reaction. Miss Vivian, come to yonder window." He led her away, and, pushing the lace curtain aside, ensconced her in its cover. " Just like Barrington," remarked the count. " Ever thoughtful of others, and ready to act with judgment at all times. He is a remarkable man. Even France would be proud of him.” “ It comes of having a level head," added John Berwick. Nathaniel Cooledgc said nothing. He even seemed to have grown careless and sleepy. He yawned and partially closed his eyes. It may be added that be shut out nothing. His gaze wandered secretly to the window. Was be mistaken, or was Barrington ()ach talking with Vivian almost fiercely? Did he make a threatening gesture? The wind fanned the pair by the window and moved the curtain in graceful billows. Then it was pushed aside and they came forth. Oakes still supported his com- panion. “Miss Vivian is better,” he announced. “ We should have remembered that she had already gone through a great shock. Miss Vivian, oblige us by looking at the handker‘ chief." It was the air of a man who gives deep homage to womankind and tries to soften all their burdens. To some there it seemed to be a leaf from courtly politeness. He led Vivian to the table. She still showed a disposition to shrink from the gory handkerchief, but she did not fully yield to the impulse. Instead, she re- garded it with a degree of firmness. “It is mine," she replied. “ Are you sure?" “ Yes." " \Vhen did it leave your possession ?" “ I'cannot tell that; it is one of many." "In brief,” added Oakes, “you have a large assortment, and do not keep track of any, especially. Is that it?" “ Yes, sir.” larrington looked critically at the lady. “ She still seems faint. Is it necessary to keep her here?" " Not at all," responded the detective. “ She can go, Accept our thanks, Miss Lynnlield.“ She went, and the men had more to say of the handkerchief. Presently Nathaniel turned to Mr. Lynnfield. " Will you walk with me, sir?" he asked. The host surveyed his companion ques tioningly. He received no clue. for the de- tective was wholly mute, but there was something which led the older man to answer: - “ With pleasure.” He found his hat, and they went out to- gether, " I wish you to call on Miss Adrienne Everley,” explained Nathaniel. “ Why?" “ She denies that she was at the wedding. I want you to decide that. 1 saw her for but a moment, literally. It was different with you. You should be able to say posiv tlvely if our reporter was she." ' " I can say positively when I see her. But, suppose she still denies it all?” “ Then it will look bad for her." “ And we can rest assured she is the guilty one Goodl" CHAPTER XV. TIIE DETECTIVE sass sousrmxo. A CAB was procured, and Nathaniel and.‘ Mr. Lynnfield continued their journey. The latter broke a short silence with the remark: “ Mr. Oakes is very helpful to us in this crisis. Did you notice how delicately be handled Vivian’s case, and shielded her from too much contact with the blood-stained hand kerchief ?” " Yes.” “ A remarkable man, Oakes is.” “ Do I understand that he is a friend of the count’s?” “ Yes. Altamonte has a strong fancy for him, and well he may have. Mr. Oakes is always cool and able. and he is a rock at help, to us now. A great man!” " Cool and nervy, I admit.” Lynnfield had more that was complimen- tary to say of Harrington Oakes, but the de- tective had paid his compliment and he let it. rest at that. Ever alert to notice small things, he was now of the opinion that, to- say the least. there was something of the tyrant in Oakes‘s nature. If it was not that, it was more. In due time the two men reached Miss. Everley’s home. She was in. and they had no trouble in gaining admission to her rooms. She received them calmly and politely. Lynnfleld was not so polite. He forgot that he was a well-bred man, and precipitater ex claimed: " That’s the womanl” Nathaniel gazed at the female reporter; She was calm under the assertion, thouth she must have known what it meant. “ Miss Everley," spoke the detective... “ this is Mr. Lynnfield.” “ Am I to hear more of that absurdity she exclaimed, impatiently. “ Do you object?" “ I do, decidedly,” “ Are you going to deny to my face that you were at the wedding?” sharply demanded Lynnfield. “’1 amps “ Then you speak falsely l” “ Sir?" “ Hang it all! do you want me to shut my eyes to facts? I engaged you; you came; you were at the wedding. Why deny it?" Miss Everley was outwardly as calm as Nathaniel, himself. “ Gentlemen,‘ she replied, ” let us use common sense here. it seems from your claims that somebody has been masquerading as Adrienne Everlcy, and that you have been deceived. If you will be reasonable you may learn who it was, but if you hold your head in the sand as an ostrich is said to do, you will never get at the facts. I was not at the wedding. Take my word for it, and look for the person who was.” “ Again I ask you, can you prove that you were here in this room, at that time," in quired Nathaniel. “ i cannot.” “ I think we can prove by a score of per sons that you were at the wedding." “ Then you are all deceived by a resem blance." " Nonsense!" cried Lynnfield. “ Miss Everley, we want to clear you if‘we- can." earnestly replied the detective. “ Un- less you are so cleared, there is a serious charge hanging over you.” “ Meaning participation in robbery and murder?" ' “ We have not accused you of anything. What we do say is that you were at the wed» ding.” “I will swear to it!" declared Lynnfield. “Then you will swear falsely!" retorted the girl. " Cooledge, can’t you do the same?“ sharp» ly asked Lynnfleld. “ No," replied Nathaniel. “I saw the re- porter of that Occasion only for the briefest moment. She looked as this lady looks. huh I had such a transient, trivial view that I cannot swear they were the same.” “ I can swear they were l” asserted Lynn- field. Miss Everley had been toving with a sheet of manuscript. She now laid it down with a decisive air, “It is hard for an innocent erson tobe accused thus," she pursued. “ tgives one a feeling of resentment which bids her say to . . , . ,. 3“..- - .'.a _ g 1,1 . i r «he, (7‘ 1': 2......3': _ The Genteel Sharper’s Combine. 15 the accuscrs, ‘ Go ahead and do your worst; 5 I need not care, for I am not guilty!’ Now, ! however, 1 will crush down this feeling. I will try to clear myself.” “ Good!" exclaimed Nathaniel. “ We will E heartily congratulate you when it is done. How will you clear yourself?” i “ By finding the real reporter of that time!” “ Is there no other way ?——” “ None!” she interrupted. “ But be frank with us—” “I do not lock arms with my accusers!” With this terse reply she picked up her manuscript again with the air of a business ' person whose time admitted of no further delay in attention to important matters. Her coolness dazed Lyunfield and showed both that they had a resolute opponent. The callers exchanged glances. “We may as well give this up!” murmur- ed Lynnfield, mechanically. “Miss Everley, may 1 ask you one ques- tion alone?" pursued (Iooledge. “If it will do you any reat good." Nathaniel did not beer? the very apparent rebuff, and Lynnfleld took the hint and went out. Miss Everley looked up and curtly, yet not rudely asked: “ Well?" “- A member of Lynnfield‘s household swears that he mailed a letter written to you, to ask you to attend the wedding. Did you et that letter? Yell denied it before. hat do you say now ?” The reporter did not reply at once. She allowed her gaze to stray from her companion and become fixed on vacancy. Finally the gaze was swiftly returned to the detec- tive. “Look to the person who says he mailed that letter as the thief, or murderer, or one of them !” she exclaimed. ll I?” “ Somebody is lying. It is net I. Then it must be he!” Nathaniel was silent. The way she had put the case was as telling from the point of her manner as were the words. “ Who was this person?" she added pres- ently. “ His name is John Berwick.” “ What is he?” “ A friend of the Lynnflelds.” “ Young?" “ Yes. " “ A discarded suitor of Miss Lynnfield‘s '1” “ I think not.” “ Poor?" “ He does not seem to be.” ” Watch him !” With this terse direction the reporter again picked up her paper. Nathaniel opened his lips to speak, but thought better of it and said nothing. He moved quietly to the door. Miss Ever- ley’s pen began to move with steadiness and rapidity. “ Good-day!" spoke Nathaniel. “ Good-day, sir!" The reporter did not look up, but, having reached the last line of the page, lifted her hand and wrote a “ head " for the article. The detective, lingering, saw the boldly- pcnned words—“ Dress Reform!" He turned and went out. “ A woman of magnificent nerve!" he murmured. Joining Lynnfleld they went to the street and away from the vicinity. They talked, and Lynnfield was emphatic in his accusa- tions against the reporter but Nathaniel had little to say. They soon separated. and the detective pursued his way alone. Believing it was time for him to have a report from Mr. Black, his' detective aid, he intended to go home and see if the man or the report was there. He was still on his way when he was aroused from thought abruptly. He never allowed himself to become blind to things about him. and two persons sud- denly absorbed his attention as he turned a corner. They stood on the sidewalk in close conversation. , “John Berwick!" He murmured the name half-uncon- sciously. Then his gaze flashed to Ber- wick’s companion. Amore dissimilar pair it i would have been hard to find, and Nathaniel . lost nothing. Berwick was delicate, neat, well-dressed. I his associate was rough, burly and very coarsely clad. “ A remarkable pair. do with him?" Berwick appeared to have much to do. IIis uncouth companion was (icing most of the talking, and seemed to be excited. In this Bcrwick reflected his mood. The aris- tocrat of the pair asked question and gave closest heed. “ Strange!” muttered Nathaniel. “ lie has bad news, I should say.” Surely, John was bound up in the talk, What has John to ,and he began to make sweeping. excited gestures.- He now poured forth words rapidly, and the rough young man did the listening. “1 wish I could overhear that converse» tion,” thought Nathaniel. He could not, and he had to be satisfied with watching at a distance. He could not long do that. Bcrwick and his companion came to some conclusion, and then appeared to be on the point of separating. “The show is over for now,” mused Nathaniel. “I am not going to lose all traces of the event. If I can’t know all, I can, at least, learn something. I will do it!" CHAPTER XVI. AN OLD SALT WITH A (IIUEVANUE. JOHN BERWH‘K walked off one way, and the hard looking man wont the other. Na- thaniel fell in behind the latter and follow- ed quietly and skillfully. It was his purpose to hive the hard-looking person and then learn more of him. This was not done because of Adrienne Everley’s advice, but with well-defined mo- tivcs. The unknown man led his pursuer a pretty chase. The journey was so long that any- body buta hard fellow like the unknown would have taken a car. Nathaniel often wished he would, but it was not done. The pursuit finally took them to City Hall Park, and then the leader struck off down toward the “ Swamp.” He did not pause even there, and the detective began to have suspicions which were verified when they struck South street and turned toward the lower point of the city. They were not to go all the way, and the final sensation came when the unknown abruptly entered Dan Pratt‘s boarding-house. He disappeared, and Nathaniel was left out- side to meditate. lie was still occupied thus when a voice sounded by his elbow. “ So you’ve had a run-in with Con ‘1" Nathaniel wheeled suddenly. Nibsy King was there. " Oh! so it‘s you?” “ No,” seriously answered the youth, “ it's my brother.” “ Your joke is as sensible as my own speech, and more witty. What did you say about Con?” “ You’ve been pipin’ him, I see?” “Who is he?" ” Why, that’s Con, the man who slung on inter the dock; he’s Aleck‘s chum. idn’t you know him ?" “ Are you sure it was he?” “Boss, him an' me bcv licked each other at least forty times apiece in the last eighteen years. Hadn't I ought to know him?” “ You had, indeed. So he is the person I have followed to his lair?” “ Right. That’s Con." Nathaniel was silent. He had not for- gotten the wolves of the dock,nor lost his interest in them. He was Wondering how Ion happened to be in conversation with John Berwick. “Say, boss,” pursued Nibsy, “do ye want ter git pointers on the 'l‘rippin‘ Mary 7” “What, on the schooner? You bet I do.” “ Skim yer eye over there. See the sassy- lookin’ three-master?” “ Yes. Do you mean—” “That's the Trippin' Mary." “ Back again?” “Back in the 01d dock.” “ I am surprised. How did it happen?" “ Can’t say. She ain't been in inore'n half an hour, an’ they have only got her fixed ter suit them. The captain has jest got ashore an’ ambled .inter that saloon fer a bracer." Nathaniel was alert. It was a good sight ‘ to see the Tripping Mary, but the Tripping- Mary was speechless. llc wished to see somebody who could talk, and he caught at. the news that the captain was near. “ What does he look like?“ " 0h! he’s a rough-an’-ready old Jack Tar.” “ Tough?" “ Not specially, as i seen. him.” The saloon was not far away, and they went to the door. When the arrived there they “seemed to have struc the business end of a cyclone,” as Nibsy expressed it. A man was talking inside, and his voice was a deep and far-reaching roar. More, it was pngrily pitched, and the detective paused to isten. - The remarks within may well be omitted. They were startling only for their emphasis, and not free from charge of undue vehe» mence. The man was angry, and swearing without much regard to anything but em— phasis. He was a rough-looking old chap, dressed in sailor‘s apparel, and clearly a follower of the sea. \Vhat the cause of his anger was did not/appear in his remarks. Nathaniel obeyed a sudden impulse and walked in. Straight up beside the scaman he went. “ Seen Tom Wilson in here?” he asked of the barkeoper. “ Don‘t know him." “ No? Ilim and‘me was ter have a drink. I hate ter drink alone. Captain, will you join me?” ' The last was to the sea-dog, who had left off roaring fora moment. He did not look amiable, but he had been touched in his weakest point, and be readily agreed to drink. “ I am goin' ter drink New York dry!” he asserted. “I am goin‘ tor till my stomach with whisky until the bar—rails will bend up under my weight, by thunder!” Then he added a few strongr words which need not be repeated, and the roar of his angry voice increased in volume. The delectivc was all in the dark, but he was patient and persistent. There was a little room off of the main one, and he in- vited the sea-dog in to sit down, lie was not refused, and they were soon at a table. The, violence of the older man did not abate, and Nathaniel proceeded to handle him with due care. Asking no rash question, he let the sailor Work around to the ease himself, but, when the plum was ripe, he mildly inquired: “ What has gone wrong with you ‘2" “ What has gone wrong? Say, what's gone right?” ” \Vell, you know I am not aware of who you are—” “ Sam Dodds, captain 0’ the schooner Trippin' Mary!" “ Is she a Down East trader?" “ Hang it! she was, but the Lord knows w‘ot she is new.” “ How is that?" “ I've been made a fool of!" “ Go away! It-Would take a sharp person to do you up.” “ No, any fool kin do it; I know et now.” “ I am sorry for you, ca tain." “Sorry? We], when do murder, jest you come around an’ see me hung. That may make you feel happier. it will me! Say, lad, stow away another drink an’ then I’ll tell you all about it. When I am done I am goin‘ out ter kill somebody!" It was a sanguinary statement, but Nav , thaniel did not think the unknown Somebody need to be so very much alarmed. Captain Sam Dodds was a violent old fellow, but he Go an’ look at .did not look like a murderer, even in his wrath. “ I suppose some other captain has used you mean,” suggested Nathaniel. “I don’t suppose anything 0' the sort. Ef any Jack Tar kin do me up, he’s wel~ come an‘ I won’t say a word, but—wal, you shall hear. This is the way the wind blows. “ I own the schooner Trippin' Mary“ named her after my gal, Mary—one o'tbe finest gals you ever see, sir—au' she plies be. tween jest what ports I see fit. She ain’t in no particular trade, but when I see fit ter take a job I do it. Darn me, ef ] don’t want ter take any job I don’t do it; I‘ve got some greenbacks in the cabin, by thunder! ! I a ' Genteel Sharper’s a. , the lads a holiday, an‘ we was still in the dock when a man come ter me on the deck an‘ wanted ter hire me an’ the Trippin’ Mary. it from the first. He never would face me in good light, but jest talked on the deck an’ kept in the dark as much as possible. * Struck me, too, that he was more or less dis- rguised, so I wouldn’t know him. ‘ .v. He said I was ter go out ter sea fer him, but v'o mighty light. Summed up this was it. ometime there was a young woman go- in' ter come on board the ’I‘rippin’ Mary an’ say ter me; ‘I'm your cargo! Put out ter sea!’ “ Of course there was a lot 0‘ talk termake this plain, but that was the sum 0’ the whole thing. I “ ow, I ain’t no pirate, an' no : thief— never was crooked even when Iwas poor: an’ I naturally objected ter all this. I told l1im,I wanted ter know what was up before I con- sented ter go on the mysterious voyage— ‘ Did I tell you we wasn’t to know our desti- nation until we was well outs de, an’ then ‘the gal was tor tell me? Wal, t at was the way, anyhow. r “ When I made this kick the feller said he would tell me all—it Was an elopement. A , rich man’s daughter lovcda poor young man, , an' the old chap, was makin' it rough fer her. ’ She was goin' ter escape as soon as she gould an' come right ter the Tn‘ppin’ lnry, ' " My mysterious passenger was ter be her. “ Now, sailors sorter take ter lovers, an’ I I fell inter this trap. i agreed ter do the job. " Arrangements was made. I was ter give out 1 that we was lyin’ there waitin’ ter take a car- 0 which was ter go (or Charleston, South r’lina. “ We waited, an’ every night we was all " aboard, an’ all arranged so we could skip Immediate when our fair passenger come. ” Three nights passed Without anything happenin’ an' then .-we got our orders. One night, about eleven o’clock, when I was in my cabin, one o’ the sailors——-old Tom Jin- nsarushed in all in a flutter. . ‘ ‘ Captain, the beauty has comcl’ says he, fireathless. - " “ I made a rush fer the lookin’glass ter 'rimp up a bit, an’ I’ll be blowed ef I wa’n't still at it when in come Peter Moss, my mate, 11' ,With him was the mysterious gal. V. ‘ Yes, siree,” added the captain, withem- phasis, f‘ the wait\was over an’ the time was some ter set suit—the Ship wasn't no lone- some grave no more; the beauty was with usl” CHAPTER XVII. 3 ran MYSTERY on THE TRIPPING MARY. i'NATmNmr. Coonnnon had grown deeply examined. ‘As Captain Sam Dodds paused the "detective leaned forward and demanded , r : r / ' ' git hat was she like?” _ Iced!” replied Captain'Sam,, “I don’t know. r I could take a Down East gal an’ de- her ni h about as wal as 1 could the hoonerl he. built under. my own eyes, .but I s feminine—say, you’ve seen a thistle bud ‘it's blowed out, ain’t ye?" , that v was her. She wasn’t nb rial angel, fer she had muscle 0' plenty; . Mishewns all. dressed up in flufl'y stuff .whfch was, jest killin’, ,Et may have fitted disfihuttherwwas humps an’ boilers where 33%) Down East gall'has’them when she has ' yon‘Pher flnegciotbes; an' this gal—wal, , H r, you may he a, single man, so I‘ll 1y"; ‘ y this gal’s dress was longer at the Vepiphany than the top.” , - A ball-dress?” asked Nathaniel. _ Wal, Peter Moss, he did say et‘wao the , city als 'wore tor balls an’ the like, but mine, dunno!" / , . ‘Go on' goon!” ' ‘ I‘ ' 4 Wei, there she was. finery, an’all. I v ' fell over in tryin’ ter act poiite,lbut, . ~. iwasn't shscooll- ' - . edrgo. Putoutterseal’ , . - ., hat Was ‘the . digipon password; ‘Qindyun’ I ‘ not 11’ more tensity. tar say more, but she than! an' says: 'Spreadysraaiig reap» misfit manner: a ‘ H ,. ‘i “Wal, I come inter New York an’ givey “ There was a good deal 0' mystery about , Ciptain: sum Dobbs,‘ says she, fiam ,_ r “ Stranger, it wasn't this allurin’ promise o' hers, but I had agreed ter git under way quick as possible when she come on board, an’ I started ter do it. As we moved she i added that she didn‘t want tor be disturbed at all until daylight. ‘I am too nervous to see anybody,’ says she. "She didn‘t look nervous, but we took her at her word Tom Jinkins was selected ter show her the state-room she was ter oc~ cupy, an’ then the rest 0’ us tumbled on deck. “I allow that I have about as spry a set 0’ sailors as they make, an' when we got ter biz an' made ready ter go we humped things. in three jiffs the Trippin' Mary had left the river, an' then we scud down by Governor’s Island an' made for the Narrers. Finally, we was out ter sea. , ‘ “ I put all 0’ Trippin’ Mary’s clothes on. an’ we jest bummed sharp an’ lively. I didn’t go below, .but Tom Jinkins come up an’ did his share, an' no said the gal was makin' herself at home when he came up—of course he joined us before we sailed. ” I only took a short sleep that night, for there wasn't much 0’ the night ter do it in, au'I was bound the gel should have astun- nin’ breakfast. I watched the cook an’ nag‘ ged him so about it that he got mad. but we finally had a, breakfast that would fit a queen. “ Our ‘passenger had not showed up, so I went an’ ’knocked' on the door o’vher state- room. 'I didn’t get no answer, soI decided ter let her sleep all she wanted ter. I eat the breakfast I had planned for her. ” We bowled along right smart until noon, an' then I looked fer our angel ter join us. She didn’t, though, an’ I’ll be blowed ef we see a sign 0’ her. ' The cabin boy had said he heard her cryin' inside, an‘ that sorter scared no gal. “Then we, held a conference. We all agreed there was somethiu’ mighty odd about it, an' we decided that we ought ter investigate. I‘m ashamed ter say that, when it come ‘ ter the scratch, nobody was plucky enough for smash in the door, an’, mornin'—ohl what ~ darned fools we really wasl ‘ “ Then we did break in. You kin guess it; the state-room was empty l” Captain Sam Dodds paused, and the detec- tive eagerly inquired: r \ " And the girl ‘l” "' "Was in New York!" “ How do you know ?" “ Ef she sailed with us, where was she ‘2" ‘-‘ Might she not have committed suicide?” “ Yes, an’ somighhl, but I didn’t” - *“ The cabin-boy helard her eryin—” “He dreamed it'.”r “ It . seems almost impossible that she should have come to the schooner and then not have sailed, If she did not intend to go with you, why did sheput in an appear- ance?‘.' , v , ‘ “i A' trick 1” ‘ “-In what-we ‘l" ' » know.” d “ She may, have failed overboard by acci- ent.”r I , “ Or gone up in the skyl"’sarcasticaliy ad- ded Captain Sam Dod/ds. , , " ." Of course you had received your pay—" “ Of course I am a blowed the skipper. “I didn’t. do nothin’ ohthe mrt.‘ I was paid a jew dollars, but I was ter git a perfect bonanza when I. was out o’ sight 0’ Sand Hook.. I didn't get no bonanza at all; was done up fer a sucker, sure.” ‘ I , - ' “ But'tbe'ohject of such a trick ?” . ‘ “ I dunno.” ' , « " Would you know the girl who. fooled you 96?” i . ._ . “ You bat. an’ I will know her, too. , i I'm oin’ ter bunt her dawn, an’ when lifind her will make‘Rome‘howl.” ‘ \ ‘ A .“iAudtho :man who madeith'e {bargains—7 Wouldyqiknow hini‘h’. ‘ ' ‘ , guano saint that; . ', til it) ' ‘ 'Wg, ’ if pt: 1} and bump it out 0' New York Harbor as I was out o’ the dock; in a few more she ' us off} so we let’things rest until night. Still- like a set 0’ chumps, we waited until the a i .turn handsomely cla .’ ', “Tell me thatyan’ I’ll‘thank you; I, don’t 001 i" roared. Theaidoe, it in m f; disguisedg"an‘ that' t Willard? ., " ‘ l stomach onter him, too. Must have weighed . a good two-fifty or more.” “But you would know the girl?” “ Y es.” l Nathaniel allowed a half-smile to go over his face. He believed he had not only ad- vanced a step in the game, but gained an aid who would be of help to him. From the first he had felt that the mystery of the Tripping Mary connected with his case, and now he was convinced of it. He was, however, left more in the dark than ever. What had become of the passenger on the schooner? If she had really deserted the Tripping Mary before leaving the dock, why had she come on board at all? Had she fallen overboard by accident, or leaped over with suicidal intent, or in what quarter did the explanation lie? He could not tell, but Captain Dodds per- sisted in his assertion that she must have left the schooner before they sailed, and he avowed hisintention of finding her and mak- ing somebody pay him handsomely for his fruitless cruise. Nathaniel humored the old salt in his de- sire’ for satisfaction, and he did more. Keep- ing the fact secret that he was a detective, he represented himself as one who knew many people in New York, and had ways of getting at secrets, and he promised to aid Captain Dodds if the latter would form an alliance with him. This the sailor promptly agreed to do. Nathaniel would havetaken him in tow at once, but the captain declared he must return to the Tripping Mary and sleep, so it was agreed that the detective should re- turn to him there, that evening, and they could formulate a plan. ‘ With this understanding they separated. Nibsy King had waited outside. Na- thaniel saw him and made arran ements by which he was to watch arouanY the dock where -lay the schooner, and. be ready to rfiport anything that might occur before n ght. ‘ - Then the detective went home. He found Horace Black, his detective aid, awaiting him. , ‘ ” News?” he questioned. “ A little,” replied Black. v “ What is it?" ‘| “ I have been on the track you set me upon. I went to see about Old ’Lizy Brown, once housekeeper for Dad Bunker, the ’longshore- man.” ' a . “ ’Lizy has gone to rejoin Dad Bunker. She is dead, and has been for two years.” “Were you baflied?” . :- “ No; I have some news of Ad Bunker.” “ Good l" “ When she first disappeared from the piers she obtained a situation as a type- writer in a law-oflice—a fine situation, and one of such a confidential, responsible nature that she received much better pay. '1 am told, than is usual to such, places. That ex- plains how she happened to return briefly to those who had known her when she was only a ragged girl pinyin “ And then ?" “’Lizy Brown died two years ago; Ad Bunker attended her funera , and she, told some of her old friends that she was going to leave New York for the summer-{dint she had securedfa good position for the sea- son aSIStenograph’er at a noted summer re- sort} and that she goin to mix in with it the corresponding wit sending in the gossip about sweildqin, I "And th ‘2” addedNnthanielu ‘ Y . ' -,"There ,s no'more.‘ From‘the day of been seen in South street or its vicinity.” ,’ ‘ ' l I ‘/ .x, CHAPTER XVIII. ' ' r can FERRY-nonsnnncotnm .- i {Narnanmn ,Coonnnon had listened at: All ,. he ‘verle rand “ Adfiunker‘f were one ex-pri , of the piers, had, last he "mayepturor, into” the res} 7:1 on the piers, and re- V J two city papers— suppose—so thatit was a very good thing ‘ ' for e .’ ' ’Lizy Brown’s funeral'Ad Bunker has not _ , tentivelfi, and with comma his, satisfaction. ' ad heard agreed "in histheorieg, , a ' dhe regarded it as pr'ovsn that Adrieggee . . li’ ~ assistants Combine." ; > " other things mentioned by me?” pursued Nathaniel. “ I think I may say I forgot nothing,” re- plied Black. “Did anybody ever hear that Ad Bunker was for a time connected with a show ?” [A N().U “Or that. as a girl, she had the gift of 'sleight-of—hand?" “Nobody ever heard of it." “ Or that she amused the ’longshoremen— ‘ amused' is a polite way of putting it—by l causing their belongings to disappear mys. teriously?" “Nobody ever heard of it.” s “ §iIC,WaS not an embryotic thief?" Al 70. ) ” You mean, Black,” amended Nathaniel, with some aspcrity, ” that you did not find anybody wh'o was among those who once knew of such things—that you did not strike the right parties for such revelation.” “I mean,” composcdly answered Black, “that I found people who knew Ad Bunker intimately in her childhood. They never knew that she was gifted with sleight-of~ hand skill, and they aver most decidedly she never meddled with any other person’s property, even in sport. She is said to have been very carefully reared, first by her mother, and then, on he latter's death, by Old 'Lizy Brown ; and though she was bright and keen-witted, she was not mean‘, dishonest or wayward. So say her old friends.” “ Humph! This does not agree with the gistory of Flip Fan, as told in Don Pratt's . en.” ‘* \ / "It strikes me Flip Fan was anothér person.” “ She played on the piers; so did Ad Bunker.” - “ So do, and did, hundreds of other chil- dren.” "You think Ad and the sleight-of-hand girl were not the same person?” “ If I am correctly informed, they were not. Yet,” added Black, slowly, “their history ‘is much nuke. Possibly my infer» ,mants wished to shield Ad Bunker.” “ The theory is reasonable. Well, did you go to Police Headquarters?" “ Yes. They have a record ‘of Flip Fan, a pickpoc et, 351d undoubtedly the one of whom you hen ; but it is a brief record. She was once arrested, but her true name was riot learned, and she escaped conviction in some way. They have no more of her.” “Horace, I wish to pursue this inquiryd , Learn who Flip Fan was. Learn her true i ‘ name. More. look up the piilcers who or- f rested the adultFan, and get her late his- } .-»- .tory.” . ~ “ I will try to do all this." “ Do so, by all means. I am interested in Flip Fan—more, I am interested in all chil- dren who played on the piers in her day. , Look into it, Mr. Black." , : “ you want this information quickly?" 9‘ Immediately l” ' V I “Then 1 can at it this very day. The record at Police Eleadquarters told who, ar- rested her and Iremember the man well. He is now retired, but lives over in Hoboken. “He can be found there, 1,suppose.” "‘ I have a good mind to run' over and see him, myself,’.' rriused Nathaniel. ‘ " Is it far on the other side of the river?” “ Quite the contrary; Cross by Christo- ‘; pher street r ferry and you are almost there ’ ’ . ~when you land." ‘ f ‘ “ I want to go; I want to learn more of f“-*”"~“t""w ‘, ‘ , 33. hope I can question the retired ofllcer better than on can, unless I devote much time to ,instrncting you. , address,_and I’ll take a run overi’” Black complied, and. equipped for the in rvestigntion, Nathaniel was soon on his way. He crossed the North River and reached Ho- darken. - . reach the end of his destination. , l / 5.; \ ' ' He found the retired officer and talked the I i ‘ _ matter over fully, but withput the do rec of success he had hoped for. Abridged. t is was \ \ membered it - v v 2, V ‘She had been. a performer n' a show, and , “sin nlarl skillful farthest). anng,especial- " g" ' y id‘tbnts‘i‘wh tyasitvms‘sa “ ‘v ‘ when its '0 'this matter, and do it withOut delay, and perm Write out the name and From that point it was easy to,\ .' We story of Flip ,Fan. as his ,Aini’ormant reg been bnt‘brldf-_ ' lit {hand she was in demand at all times. partner to a man known as Signor Fczzetti; a man who had promptly fled when she got in- to trouble, though there was no reason to think himaecessory to her misdeeds. Flip Fan’s weakness was that she had an abnormal liking for other people’s posses- sions, and she carried the fondness so far as to purloin them. Fellow performers, hotels and trains suffered, though her boldest gains were made in public, among women shop- pers and on the streets frequented by such shoppers. When she was arrested it was hailed as a great catch, but Flip Fan never was con» vieted. What influence was brought to hear was not known, but nobody appeared against her when she should have been tried, and she was discharged for want of evidence. The presiding justice was indignant, and so was the oilicer who had soiled the pick- poeket, but that did no good-Flip Fan went clear. Little was learned of her at her trial. She carried an Italian name in her business, but she was so plainly a New York girl that it was rejected as being her own. Her true name was not ascertained. Nobody appeared for her but her lawyer, so her friends remained unknown. Signor Fczzctti was not suspected byany- body, and he was scared nearly out of his not over-strong wits by the affair. When he fled it was owing t'o’his fright, not to guilty participation in her crimes. This was all that Nathaniel learned. He wended his way back toward the ferry- bouse, disappointed, but not discouraged. He believed that something would yet be learned of Flip Fan. Reaching the ferry-house, he went in and waited for the boat. He had considerable on his mind. but he neverallowcd that to make him oblivious to what was going on around him. The ferry~house was well filled, and he looked to see who was there. “ Barrington Oakes!” I-Ie murmured th: name with considerable surprise. lie had not expected to see any- body from Lynnfleld’s, y t there stood Bar- rington, his tail form loo ing up above the rest of the patrons of the ferr . He-stood as near to the siip as was pos- sible, and was looking out toward the New York side. , .Nntha‘niel rarely' allowed himself to be companionable with a man in his detective cases unless he wanted to learn something. He had no reason to suppose that Mr. Oakcs could help him, so he kept his place quietly... It seemed that Oakes was waiting to cross to New York, and .lhis would make them c‘om- panions further. . , , ‘ A boat from New York entered themenr; est slip. People crowded close to the door, ‘ waiting for the opening of the barriers when the other passengers were off. Nathaniel joined the rear of the group. Presently the travelers began to flock for- ward.‘ rain had come up suddenly, and but few were equipped with umbrellas. Such as were thus supplied hastened away, but others showed that they intended to lin— ger and avoid a wetting. , ‘Bnrrington Oakes’s manner now became lranch that Nnkhaniel paused and watChed 1m. . l . Oakes did not hasten forward, but stood and surve ed the’people from New York closely. uddenly be hurried forward, and the detective saw him seize a lady by the arm. She ‘turned with a startled air and ‘fnced him. 'The movement also brought her into Nathaniel's 'viexv fully. More, it brought him~ mazeme t. ~ “Vivian L ,nptleldl" he murmured. ' Barrington Cakes, drew her roughly‘to one side. She was one born to a rank of life where deference isshown to her sex, yet . Oakcs exhibited the_r/oughness one would, use to an inferior. , , The detective was greatly surprised, but he" did not! long allow this, to keep him un- observant. Quickly he noticed that she was clad in ‘ trawling costume and garried a large bag, as if off one Ijburnoy. , 'He? did no t9 :0 to ether. of migrants the were A - Tasman filed 3been “bouncy-shots ' rd .' 4' w iii?! She was I understand this. butthe fact. that Cakes;t 'hod mother did not lead him'into the error v, Dakos’s sharp eyes. ’. ' i The‘imoomingym r0" '1 '11 «th‘ 1... new W“ i“ Opportunit did not oiicr for the air to ‘ go far away rom the crowd without caving , the ferry-house. but the crowd, Waiting with impatient observation of the rain, afforded a sort of screen to them—where so‘imany were , gathered a couple made but little show. ! Harrington still kept his hold on her arm, .3. :and hehad begun to speak rapidly. She ' ilistened, but not with pleasure, it seemed. She looked worried and frightened, and several times she vainly tried to release her arm. Nathaniel pressed as closely to them as was prudent. A art of their conversation became audible to im. , , “ You fooll" he heard, from Oakes, “ what ,_ will on try to do next?" “ ill myself, perhaps!” swiftly replied - Vivian. ‘ CHAPTER XIX. run sncanr row-rm. IT was an ominous threat, and all the more impressive in Nathani'el's sight because it did not seem to be for more show. Vivian ap cared to be in earnest. y nrrington Oakcs was not impressed in a _ like way, or else he cared not log for the words. : “ When will you do it?” he sneered. “ Now, maybe,” Vivian desperately. any swered. “Itvwould be very sensational, but you had better defer it. Turn your face toward New York!” ordered Qakes, without any ceremony. ' ' , “I am not going‘to do it." ‘ “Indeed? Where will you go?” _ l “Idon’t know—anywhere, so long as I get out of sight and sound of those who , know me.” “I suspected your design, and you will see how it worked. A ticket privater bought on the D. L. & W. at this juncture s suggestive. If you think you are going to run away you are mistakenl ’ A “ Are you my master?”domanded the girl, with a brief show of spirit. “ I am!” declared Barrington Cakes, coolly. . - , ‘ ~ _ j . She looked at him without denying the 9.35 sertion. Then her ey‘es filled with tears. .“ Have you no mercy ‘1” she asked, tre ulously. . ‘ “ None for i on.” . \ “ Mercyl"s e repeated, bitterly; “you do not know what the word means!” I “ I am not on trial, and we need not discuss the possibility. All I have to say now is that you are not going to carry out this mad purpose of yours. You will return to New York with me. Think what a sensation it i would cause if you were to flee as you have“ childishly' planned.” ' _ “ Better that than the purgatory you ha ‘ made of my lifel”, . . ' .~ “ Chi. is that “the way yen ~ look' / Wei-1, if you are not satisfied it is - our own fault. You have acted like achi p . Come back to New York.” , . “ I am not going.” ‘ . j ", Oakes smiled tantalizingly. ( “ Dp ylgu mean it?" , . r t‘ Then I. will call a politeman. and have you arrested!” « “ ' " Arrestedi" she echoed, frightened“ _ have done nothing", , '. ~‘ ‘ \, "lwill tellihem you have one on and ,it' will be about. right.‘ ' present nobody knows of tion ‘to run away but myse f. I shall make it allpublie. , publicity? .Do you want to be called to explaini”. \ ' _. . ‘~ "Vivian's head fell low. ‘ .\. ' Cakes looked toward the slip. “Anotherboat is coming in. take it for New York."\ 7 He had no reply. i - . i , ‘ The movin oi' the crowd shutNat 2 v 03 from her: ng more at that junctumrn, ' hedid not press, forward. ,Bo-lhnd very desirous of being unseen. and (he content to keep back‘rgther than rrln’gion.’ . stfl 18 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine. was nothing compared with his, and she finally yielded. They were the first to pass upon the boat. Nathaniel still followed. They had taken the way to the ladies‘ cabin, and he selected the other. It would not do to seek to listen while they were on board, for discovery was almost sure to result; so he planned to ignore them until the New York shore side was reached. He went out in front, and stood leaning on the rail. Not until the boat was fully out of the slip did he take any notice of his neighbors. When he did so he was surprised to see that Barrington and Vivian were also out in front. They were by the opposite rail, and Viv- ian was leaning out over the water. Nathan- iel experienced a feeling of uneasiness. She was in a desperate mood, and a slight effort would enable her to cast herself into the stream. Would she take such a mad step?’ He was glad to see that Oakes kept close to her—~50 close that, if he wished to pre- vent a casualty, he could do so easily and readily The detective was not a little puzzled by the situation. What was the secret between the two, and what Oakes’s hold on the daughter of rich Walton Lynnfield? He remembered the scene in the Lynn~ field parlor that had impressed him as peculiar. Vivian had been summoned to see if the handkerchief was hers. She had hesitated and looked at Oakes. The latter had made a secret gesture, whereupon she asserted that the article was not hers. Then Oakcs claimed that she was faint—thonin nobody else had noticed it—and had led her to the curtaincd window. He talked earnestly with her there, and when they returned she had declared that the handkerchief was hers. Looked at in the light of following events, it seemed that both of her statements had been governed by her desire to conform her replies to Oakes’s wishes. Several things had become apparent to the detective. Onkes had some mysterious hold upon the girl and was nsingit with relentless and brutal force; she feared him, and was so miserable that she wished to flee from the city, and he was playing a game which could not then be fathomed. Was it connected with the crimes at Lynn- field's? “ ()akes is a brute; that much is sure. He is Count Altamoute’s friend. If we assume that he is not on the square in regard to the previous mysteries of the Lynnlield house, we must assume, also, that he has Altamontc as partner in evil-doing, or else that he is playing Altamontc false. I must sound the count, and learn just how much he places reliance in this dark-facud friend of his. He must have thought well of him to bring him from the Continent as one of the guards of the diamonds.” The New York shore was reached. Oakcs called a cab, and he and Vivian en- tered. They were driven away. Nathaniel engaged a second cab and followed. The pursuit took him within one block of Walton Lynnfield‘s house. There the fore- most carriage paused, Cakes and Vivian alighted and resumed their journey on foot. _ The detective followed, and soon saw them enter the house. The chase was' ovelr, and there was nothing more to see that ni it. athaniel went home and swallowed a hasty supper. He could not have told what he ate; his mind was bus . “ What does this new departure signify?” was the question which perplexed him. “ If I learn the secret between Vivian and Bar» rington Oakes, shall I get light on other In steries‘?” athaniel had not forgotten that he had an engagement with Captain Sam Dodds, and when supper was eaten he took an Elevated train and made his way to South street. When he neared the ier he found the Tripping Mary still in the dock, and Nibsy King came out of the shadow of Patsy Greene's shanty. “ Here we are ag’in, boss, ” cheerfully ob. served the youth. “ my news?” "Not a bit.” ' ‘ . . (a v 11» Jim: mum-t tune... “ No commotion around the Tripping Mary?" “No. A good many 0' the sailors hev gone ashore, but I seen the captain on deck a few minutes ago. He seemed tcr be lookin’ fer somebody ter come.” “Myself, probably. Nibsy, here is a trifle for keeping watch;” and he put a bank-note into the boy’s hand. “ Boss, you are a peach!” declared Nibsy. “I‘ll go an’ hev a feed 0’ fishballs out 0’ this richness. Shall you want me more?” “ Probably not.” “Anyhow. I’ll drift back when I’ve got them fish-balls You may want a kid of my latitude o' waist.” “ So I may. Come, by all means." “ I’m your gazelle!" Nibsy hastened off, and Nathaniel bent his steps toward the Tripping Mary Cap- tain Dodds was on (leek, and he gave his guest a hearty welcome. “Glad to see ye, boy; glad ter see ye. Maybe you noticed I looked at you kinder sharp as yell come up. Fact is, there has been some men keepiu’ a Weather eye onter the Trippin’ Mary in a way I don’t like.” ” Who are they?” “Just what I don’t know. They may be all right, or they may be river thieves who think they can out-general a man from Bel- fast, Maine; or they may be some 0’ the gandg that sent me ter sea on a Tom-fool‘s er- ran .” “ Do you think that, captain?” “There are times when a man may as wal not think, an’ this is one 0‘ them. I don’t know who is peepin‘ at the Trippin’ Mary, but of the land~lubber thinks he kin come on board late 0’ night an’ work any lawless scheme he will reckon wrong. Yes, an’ I’ll blow him ter thunder, by mighty!” “ So you really have been spied upon?" “ Can’t tell, but that is my theory. We’ve been watched queer from shore. Never mind; old Sam Dodds is good fer the whole gang 0’ them. Come down below, lad, an’ we’ll leave the deck ter care fer itself. All the boys are on shore leave.” “All?” (t 376s.“ “ If you are watched by suspicious charac- ters, isn‘t that rash?” “I guess not. Cowards nn’ thieves root up the barnyard by night, an’ this is early evenin’. Come down, lad.” Nathaniel said no more, but followed his host. Captain Sam had the cabin well light- ed, and everything looked cheerful. Pipes and cigars were on the table, and the old salt evidently intended to play the host well. He was ail OVcr the fit of bad temper in which Nathaniel had first found him, but he was not forgetful of the subject which had enraged him. “ Set down; set downl” he directed. “Take that chair; it is one that my honey» suckle o’ the deep mystery once set in.” “ No clue to her yet, captain ‘3" “Not a hair.” “ After playing you false, would they not be likely to look out for your return ‘3” “Just my notion, an’ that is why I sus- pected the fellers who was spyiu’ on the schooner this cvenin'.” “Lookout for them. You have rough neighbors around here. I would not trust South street at any time, and it is risky to you now." “It‘ll be risky ter them, by thunder! of they monsey around here. They may beat old Sum Dodds at'trieks, but they can’t no other way. Say, I‘ll git square ef I hev ter lay in this dock until next year. Yes, by gum! I’ll stay here till I get ter be 9. Rip Van I‘Vinklel” And Captain Sam brought his fist down heavily on the table. “ They or me has got ter git licked badl" he added. CHAPTER XX. TROUBLE ON THE TRIPPING MARY. NATHANIEL found the skipper in just the right mood, so he proceeded to business. ” You say you would know your mysteri- ous passenger?" he inquired. " So I did say. an'so l'll know her. Yes, siree!" declared Captain Sam. ‘ “ I want you to call on a certain woman with me.” . ‘ , . . .A - "ew: Neil A In 1.3- v .1 we w “ Call on a woman? Not unless you thinl- she‘s my honeysuckle—l’ “ I suspect she may be.” “ Heave ahead, then!” and the captain started up. “ Not to-night; it can’t he done. To morrow will have to do.” “ Sorry! I'd like ter walk up ter her this blessed minute, but you know best. Yes, I’ll call on her, an’ you can bet yer boots I‘ll know her ef she’s my honeysuckle. lint Why do you think you know of her?” It was hard to answer the question satise factorin without telling too much, but the detective managed to get around it and still leave the skipper in good humor. During the next hour they sat and smoked. and talked. Nathaniel wanted the smallest particulars concerning the' girl passenger who had come and gone so mysteriously, and Captain Sam was not averse to telling all he could. The ground was pretty well worked over when the detective announced that he must go. “ Don’t forget the appointment for to-mor- row,” requested Nathaniel. , “ Not much.” They passed up to the deck. The scene had not changed visibly. Schooner and pier were dark, and South street looked dim and. depressing in the mantle of a fog which had. come up from the bay. “ Kinder pokerish," remarked the captain. “I shall be glad when the crew gets back. an’ thet won’t be long now. I limited their shore leave, an’ they are liable ter show up at any time.” " Didn’t I hear somebody stirring over yonder by the mainmast?" “I reckon it was my dog Peter. He's always around the deck. He plays he is the watch, I guess.” Captain Dodds thrust his hands into his pockets and was at case. He was stil? talkative, and he called Nathaniel’s attention to a brigantine which lay close at hand. He. had something to say about her, and he was saying it when the peculiar sound again caught the detective‘s attention. He turned quickly. He saw a tall man close beside him. ” Smash them!” exclaimed a voice on the other side. ’ There was the sound of a blow, and Captain Dodds tumbled over against Na- thaniel. The mishap saVcd the detective from some thing worse. The tall man had made a forward plunge, and the detective felt a knife graze his arm. The impetus of the would—be assassin sent him on past Nathaniel, and the latter did not lose the opportunity. With a skillful blow he knoeked the unknown off from his feet. “Look out!" cried the detective. Captain Dodds seemed to bewildered, and when several men leaped forward together. Nathaniel had to meet them alone. There was enough light so that he could see something of his assailants, and he noticed that they were roughly-dressed fel- lows of muscular form—true water-front toughs, he thought. He had received due schooling in the art of self-defense, and he did not forget his lessons now. He met them unwaverin ly, and gave blow for blow. He had a revo ver in his pocket, but he did not wish to use it unless the enemy resorted to similar tactics. Captain Sam was not the man to long re- main ont of a tight, and he rallied and took his place by Nathaniel’s side. “ Down with the land-lubbers!” he roared. “ Break them inter bits! Knock them off the deck!" It was well planned, but the enemy knew how to hold their own. It was (lone,,and the liveliest fight of a year‘s experience was seen by the skipper. ‘ Despite the odds the two men stood up: bravely, and then there was a diversion. A new. lithe form leaped to the deck. “ This way!” cried its owner. “Come on,. cops!" ,/ Straight at the foe sprung the speaker, and aman who was about to do Captain Dodds serious injury was knocked a yard. awa by a blow in the stomach. “ ere come the police!" So persisted the new arrival, and the cry was one which the pier tou hs did not receive with composure, One 0 __ their num- l ‘ ' . l ‘ l J I .' u l. we}, ,' ,,,', a i-l' m2; flirtat’wti \- ,,. yarns .. The. Genteel Sharper’s Combine. 19 ber turned and . ran ingloriously, and itwas the signal for a general rout. Like a flock of sheep they went bounding to the pier, and then away toward the street. A hearty laugh followed them. “ Say, fellers, didn’t I work that rich!" “ Nibsy King!” exclaimed Nathaniel. “ Et ain’t nobody else. I’m him, an’ all the cops there is in this section. Jest played a game on them, an’ they run like decrs after a bear. Great tightin’ men, they be! Got scared over a bluff." Captain Sam shook himself into shape. “ Where are the cattle?" he demanded, fiercely. “ Gone ter grass!” laughed Nibsy. “ Beat them out, hev we?” “ VVal, I should hulloi" “ Them was river pirates. No, I ain’t so sure 0’ that. It wouldn’t surprise me abit ef they was a part 0’ the gang my honey- suckle belonged ter.” Nathaniel was again fully himself. “ Nibsy, do you know who they were?” he inquired. “ How about Con an’ Aleck?" “ Was it those fellows?” “ Et wasn’t nobody else—they an their heelers." “ Which were they after here?” “ That I don’t know.” “How do you know it was them 1’" “ I seen Con gather the lost sheep an’ lead them here: that’s how I know." “ Proof enough.” “I don’t know the men you speak of,” put in the captain, “ but I be ready to go out an’ lick them again of you know where to find them.” “Having done well, we can ail‘ord to let it rest,” replied Nathaniel. “ Beyond ques- tion they were river-thieves. Don't you agree with me, Nibsy ?" The detective touched his young friend secretly, and Nibsy was quick to agree with him. “ Maybe,” admitted Captain Sam, slowly; “ but I thought it was my honeysucklc's gang come ter do me up.” “ Be that as it may, you want to use un- ceasing vigilance in the matter,” cautioned Nathaniel. “ Don’t be alone on the schooner again, and don’t miss having a watch on deck all the while at night.” “ You are just about right, an’ I’ll,do it." The detective did not go away until he had repeated the warning again, and” when, after some of the crew returned, Nathaniel and Nibsy (lid go, it was with the feeling that the old sailor had been duly cautioned. Once more on South street, the detective turned upon his ally. “ Nibsy, is there more to tell about this?” “ Boss, it is a queer thing.” “ \Vhat?" “ Con led that attack, but he didn’t form it alone. I had just finished my fish—balls an' started back when I see somethin' funny. Do you know a gay young gazelle o’ the male persuasion, about twenty-five years old, an’ who dresses right pert, like he wished he was one o’ the l‘our Hundred; an’ is almost adandy in his rig?——an’ who has yellcr hair an’ a smooth face. but for a mus- tache which makes him look like he poul- ticed it ter make et git out inter public?” “ I don’t know," replied Nathaniel, not with perfect candor. “ What about him ?" “Him an’ Con met on the street.” “ And then ‘2" “Con hustled among his gang an‘ come here ter do you up,” “ Do you infer that'the attack was the re. sult of the conference between the two men?” “ Looks like it." “Where did the yellow-haired man come from?" “Give ct up." “ Where did he go?” “Back the same way he come. Now, I tell you it looks queer ter me that asweli like him should have biz with Con, especially jest before the attack on the schooner.” The detective did not combat the idea. He had more reason to think so than Nibsy had, and 'the yellow-haired man interested him a good deal He would have given considerable to know whether the attack had been intended for himself or the cap- tain. but he was inclined to believe with Dodds that he was marked by the friends of 1/ ",.A ’J m l the young woman he called his “ honey- suekle.” “Nibsy,” he added, presently, “do you want the job of still keeping your eyes open in this vicinity, and especially where Con is concerned?” " You bet I do, boss!" cried the youth. “ Do so, then, and I will pay you well for discoveries.” CHAPTER XXI. HEARD FROM BEHIND THE CURTAINS. THE following morning Nathaniel Cool- edge went over to Lynnfield's house. The servant who opened the door observed: “I think Mr. Lynnfield is occupied now with his toilet, but if you will wait above in the north room you will be free from casual callers, and I will send him to you as soon as he is at liberty.” “ Do so, if you please.” The detective went up and to the room mentioned. He had been there before; it was the same where the jewels had last been seen. The place awakened many memories, and Nathaniel looked around with interest. “Here,” he thought, “is exactly where the table then stood. Here is where I stood when I looked at them. Yonder hangs the picture to which Barrington Oakcs called mg attention, and thereby took my eyes 0 from the jewels at the moment when they ought most to have been on them. The robbery was done while I was thus occupied, and Oakes was bidding us all gaze on the picture—” Nathaniel stopped short. Many times before he had gone over the scene as he understood it, and always with the same explanation. Now, however, he was more impressed than before. “ ()akcs made us all 1001: at the picture!" he murmured. Another pause. “ Was it accident or design?” With his suspicions setting in against the tall man it began to seem very signifl~ cant. If a dexterous thief wished for a clear coast, no plan could have been more effective. “ Still,” thought Nathaniel, “it cannot be that the count would have brought Oakes with him from the Continent unless he considered his faithfulness assured. If ()akes has gone wrong a trusted servant has been the betrayer. No man is above suspicion, and I will look to Mr. Barrington Oakes.” There was a stir in the next room. Only hanging curtains separated it from the room the detective was in. “ Possibly it is somebody I wish to see,” he thought. “I will look." He went quietly to the curtains. )ulled them a trifle apart and looked. Immediately he dropped them again. He had seen Vivian Lynnfield sitting in a chair, her head pillowed on her arms and her Whole attitude that of deep dejection. He had no wish to spy upon her, and he was about to get well away from the con- necting point when he heard a rap at some point. Before he could place it fully, foot- steps sounded in the other room and a voice exclaimed: b “Vivian, I have come to bid you good— y!!! There was no reply, and curiosit got the better of delicacy. Once more athaniel pushed the curtains aside. Vivian had risen and was facing Robert Houston. Both of the young people were deeply agitated, it seemed, and the silence continued unbroken. Nathaniel could well believe the moment was a painful one to both. Presently a look of bitterness came to Robert's face and he added in a like vein: LI see you do not care whether 1 go or no . Vivian aroused, and she vehemently ex- claimed: “ I do care; it is breaking my heart!” “Then keep me here.” "How can I?” " Recall your refusal to marry me.” “ Alas! I cannot.” “Cannoti”'was the bitter retort. mean you do not want to." “ You I. ‘. ‘\i I u. i ,1 t. ‘il' .,,;.i‘l“.‘ ‘ ’ -" “ Oh, Robert!" “I am tired of this idle talk,” asserted Houston. “ You will not give any reason for your extraordinary conduct, and I won’t endure it any longer. I have come to bid you good-by.” “ Do not go!” she implored. “I am going, and I shall not return. You refuse to marry me, So be it. Good— ,u He half held out his hand, and then pulled it back suddenly. “ No,” he said, “I will not do it. Wh should I touch the hand of one to whom am so distasteful?” There was a light cough b the hall door. Nathaniel (looledgc’s straye gaze in that. di- rection and he saw Barrington Oakes. The tall man advanced with a slow step and un~ moved face. He surveyed his companions. with the look of power so natural to him. “Young people,” he quietly spoke, “do, not be hasty about this.” Houston turned his back in disdain. "lam older than you ” pursued Oakes, regardless of the fact that he might have been a brother, as far as age went. “ I am, possibly, more experienced in the ways of the world. Oblige me by listening to me.” Placid and mild was the voice of this philosopher, but Nathaniel noticed that he bent a keen, perhaps a threatening gaze upon Vivian. For a peacemaker he surely scowlcd too blackly upon her. Robert’s back being turned, he saw nothing of it. “Young blood is hot,” Barrington pur— sued, “and youn heads are not always wise. Let me sayt at trifling things should not mar the happiness of a lifetime. We should not let signs and omens and trifles influence us too much. So much for Miss Lynntield. Mr. Houston, possibly you and I have no nerves. That does not signify that others are as well gifted with the iron of nature.” Barrington ()akcs threw his commanding head a little further back and surveyed his companions critically. ‘ “ I wish you two to marry!" he added}. quietly. Robert made a gesture of sullen rebel- lion. “I wish itl” pursued Mr. Oakes, slower than ever. He put out his hand and touched Vivian. IIis lips framed one word: Obeyi” The unspoken word did not reach IIons- ton. “Iliave given this much thought," pur— sued the peaccmaker, aloud. “It seems to me more than well that you two should marry; it seems to be something you must do. I trust I am understood.” As an accompaniment to the last words be bent a dark look upon Vivian. There was a threat and a command in that look. “ I trust this,” continued Barrington, mild- l , “becauseI feel so deeply on the subject. Iywant, moreover, to be the means of bring- ing about a reconciliation between you. Peace is a dove which we should welcome to our hearts. Do not reject it from yours. This is world-wise. practical advice. isten to it! I want peace between you. Miss. Lynnficld, consider your situation; consider that of our friend here. Do not let trifics, keep you apart. You desire a reconcilia- tion I am sure. 80 do I. I want you to- marry Mr. Houston within the week. Will you do it?” Vivian was gazing at the speaker like one- who is fascinated by the balefnl power of a rattlesnake. She heard his every word, but seemed like one dreaming. “I wish you two to marry!" repeated Oakes, with decision. “Miss Vivian,.speak!‘. Do you still love this man?” Her reply came in a whisper: u Yes.” " Have you changed our mind 7” “ Yes.”——again the w isper. ” I have convinced you by logic?” H 7, “ Good! I will leave you two alone. Do not forget what I have said "—mild the words, but a fierce-glare was bent on hap- less Vivian—” I wish this marriage to take place.” Barrington Oakes crossed ever to Houston and took him gently by the arm. , p The. 'rGentieel Sharper’s i V r “ li‘riend, do you reject the happiness of- fered on?" “ o, no!" cried Robert, vehemently. “I ‘shall be only too glad to have it so. Viv- ian, come to me, come to me!” ’i CHAPTER XXII. ,' NATHANIEL ems mews. j ROBERT did not wait to have his request complied with. He was excited greatly, and he turned and hastened toward Vivian , with long steps. I Barrio ton Oakes smiled coolly. v “I wil leave you. Work out your happi- rness together; I wish it to be sol," ' Bending a last gaze 'upon Vivian the aspcaker turned to the door and passed out vof the room to the hall. ,» Robert clasped Vivian in his arms; ' Nathaniel allowed the curtains to fall. The detective had rarely seen a scene “which impressed him more. The by-play of which Houston had been wholly ignorant 'had been impressive, and it told of the strong mind with which Barrington Oakes was gifted not less than it told of his power over Vivian Lynnfleld. He had won the -_'point, not by logic. but by working on the ' ears of the girl. He had commanded her to sobey him, and she had not dared to refuse. “ Surpassingly strong must be his hold on , .her,” thought the detective. “There is no ~‘thing of the hypnotic sort about it—it is solely the force of fear within her mind.‘ tShe dared not refuse him. I do not believe :she is now unwilling to obey, yet the power of Barrington Oakcs is not less strikingly manifested. It is remarkable. What hold ’can he have to thus sway her?” ' Nathaniel walked to the center of the room. He had no disposition to spy upon ‘ the lovers. so he sat down and waited and . «considered the new evidence of Barrington V “Oakes’s power. The man began to take , rstrong hold upon Nathaniel. . - Presently Lynn ld put in an appearance accompanied by he Count. The detective was glad to see them together, for he had something to show them when the time was r: e. I . RPM: three proceeded to discuss the situa- IBoth Lynniield and Altamontc were inclined to complain of the tardiness of the police. As far as the two men had learn- ed there had been no progress made in clear- ing up the mysteries of the case. ‘ ‘ The murder of Thomas Smith Was un— rsolved, and they could not learn that the ofiiccrs had obtained any information as to auspicious characters seen around the'block the night of the tragedy. In brief, the investigation did not appear ’to' have advanced at all. Nothing was said=which indicated blame «$92 the detective, but Nathaniel felt that such 1blame was implied. If the precinct police eserved censure in his present companions’ es, so must he deserve it, it seemed. Nathaniel did not let “this conversation We his temper, and,,in due time, he pro- ‘iceeded to business. ‘ - I ‘Count,” he began, “ you recognized the which came from the Jersey freight n‘t you?" ' ' ‘ ertainly, monsieur." . I “ Could you identify all ’of the jewels that one in the ‘casket before the robbery?” ‘ (Every one of them i" you sure? There are many jewels in the world, and they must bear a strong “rds'emblance. The stones, themselves. must The generally alike, and so ‘must the settings. The“ lost jewels were many in numben Are ensure you can identify all?” , ‘ ’ Tbke count had been/waiting impatiently to a . I I ' v r pe’JYrm Dion, es!” cried he} “ I should as _‘;Iogn,»'hink of orgetting my own, name as tweets: Have they not been in'my family , er since the Empress Josephine-hapless ceniwgavo them to us? Forgot them? " ‘ , dentif them? Yes, though How hemin the wit s of Africa!" I ; ' Einw'about this?“ ’ \' ‘ ’ j, / . uiekly and quietly Nathaniel laid it ring asthmatic Frenchman. The latter'scyes at ‘ blazed, with excitement. , - . ‘ , ,. ali- ‘QQ‘W’W"? cm?» . t , mama. ring and a (sage . ‘ .1 . ces- 9‘ : / uf _._ , child. He was, however, more like a child in one way—his headlong delight. . ' “ Is it rcallyono of the lot?" pursued Na- thaniel, calmly. , “ Yes, yes; where did you get it?" " That am not prepared to tell just yet. I ho e to do so soon.” “ mm the freight-yard?” inquired Lynn- field. , it No.” “ A pawn-shop?” “You shall know in good time. To be too precipitate in this matter would be to damage our own case. If this ring is of the collection—" “ It is!” cried the count. “ Then I have a valuable cluct” “Tell it to us, monsieur—” “ I will, in good time. Pra let me man- age this matter discreetly. f you are as sure as you say, I know something of how to proceed. This ring I borrowed. For the present I wish to return it whence it came.” “ lxieturn it?“ echoed Altamontc, blankly. U 7e8.1’ V “ But, it is ours.” ” So it shall continue to be, but I gave a promise when I took it here. Let me carry out the pledge; you shall have it in due time.” “I advise you to comply, count," re- marked Lynnfield. ‘ The Frenchman sighed deeply, but yield- ed the point, and Nathaniel returned the gem to his pocket. It was the same ring which had been in Nibsy King’s possession; it was that ring given Nibsy by the Lady of Diamonds. , The detective looked around carefully, but .‘lquietly. He had more to say, and he wished to make sure of privacy. Making a pretense of desiring to survey the back-yards, he went to thejrear window, and thus drew his companions to that point. ,Thus, after a little delay, he had all seated so close to the wall that he felt sure a listener could not catch much of what was said. .He opened up conversation anew, and tin ally broached what was in his mind, doing it without sign of special interest. "‘ When on came from the Continent; count, you rought with you fellow guards for the diamonds. How much did they know of the jewels?" ' ,‘ ‘ ‘v Practically nothing. ” “ Do you trust them fully?" / , “ I did.” “ You did? You use the‘past tense. Do you mean that you have . ceased to trust them?” “ Not at all. They were my best and most devoted servants, but I said I ‘did ’ trust them in an off-hand way, on account of all having returbed to the Continent long a o.” " . gSur rise was pictured on Nathaniel’s face. “ T ey have returned ?” be repeated. “Yes, monsicur.” , , , v ‘I But some remain.” « “ Not one. . “All took the first steamer home.” ; ‘ . “ How about Harrington Cakes '2” It was Altamonte’s turn to be surprised. ‘ ” Did you think he was one‘ of my unrds?" Vt ' ' ' ' ‘3‘ So you told me—dld you not?" “ Impossible! I never saw Mr. Oakes un- til I came to New York a fortnightago." _ “ But. he has aIWays been reprehenled to. me asyour friend i" exclaimed ’the detective. r “ So he is, but not an old friend. The friendshi was begun here. and it is sincere; because recognize the fact that he is one of Nature’s noblemen.” v ' ' ‘ ‘ r I Nathaniel was in darkness, but «he ‘ I he is an old friend struggled toward the light“ ' “ Then, I assume that of Mr. Lynntleld’s?" » r “ I had a son once,” explained Lyanflelcl, with a sifih. .“ He \left our country, entered the Eng sh army in Africa and died there. One’of his associateswas Barrinan Oakes. It was Mr. 'Oakes‘who Wrote me of my son's death 7when the [cruel fever, ovortook my boy. Thus, we grew to know of Harrington with ut'seeing him, and he and I wrote cite , even a ter Qakes left the army, A few: weeks a o be mentioned comingnto America, and [answered- aad invited-him to, A, , and began to “I am sure he was introduced. not as your friend, but as the count‘s. True, it was Altamonte, himself, who did the intro- ducing, but the idea was impressed on m v mind by all that he was, first, last and al ; the time, the count’s friend. I never heard of his being your friend.” “That was because of the strong liking he and Altamonte took for each other. But," added Lynnfleld, “what has this to do with our case?" Nathaniel smiled lightly. “ Nothing, of course. We have wandered far from our subject, have we not? You see, the notion was in my head that Oakes was, not a servitor, of course, but a friend, old and fast, of the count. In brief, I thought he had come with Altamonte from i». France.” “ Not at all,” replied Altamonte. “ As I said before, I’ve known him only a fort— night." “ An odd mistake, but not of a moment. Of course it does not matter how it is. Count, you should have had a regiment of soldiers to guard the jewels!" 1 Nathaniel laughed as he spoke, and both his companions joined in the supposed mer- riment. No more was said of Mr. Oakes. There was, however, one member of the party who did a good deal of thinking. ,n IJ‘4MH.‘1"A:F‘IV"FL {a 'ggJ-v 2" CHAPTER XXIII. JOHN nsnwrcn MAKES A sueos's'rrca'. DURING the minutes immediately follow- ing Nathaniel found it‘hard to keep up a conversation, but he did it well, and did not allow the subject matter to again become Barrington Oakes. To accomplish this end he was singularly flippant for a. time, and only grew grave again when he felt that it was safe. . ' Nathaniel felt‘that he had made an import— ant discovery. ‘ From the time when he first entered the > house the idea- had been by accident or de- sign—pcrhaps a good deal of both—drum- med into his head that Barrington Oakes was a personal friend of the count's, and of no; body clan. Thus, it was not strange that be inferred that Oakes had crossed the ocean with Altamonte as a guard for the jewels, Laboring under this error he had always omitted- Mr. Oakes from the list of persons who could err seriously. ’ Now, it was difierent.‘ He had been told that not one of the , party ever had seen Oakcs except within the past menth. The‘ tall man immediately took new posi- tion in the detective's mind. - Presently the detective asked leave to look around the house and back-yard with- out any hindrance, and his companions took the hint and left him alone. He surveyed, the yard more closely than ever before, and also talked with the servants. , ‘ If he made discoveries he did not tell any one. what they were. ~ - When he returned to the upper floor. he met John Berwick. The blonde young man smiled cordially. . ~ ‘f Any news. Cooledgc?” he asked. . i ’ " Not a bit.” » , Mr‘. Berwicklooked around him sharply, and then lowered his voice. , I “ I want to see you in my rooml' Then , he raised the voice again and lightly added: v “, Old man, I have some excellent cigars up- stairs. If you are as tired as you look it w- 11 do you good to rest for half an hour. Come up and smoke with me!” ‘ Nathaniel was not allowing anything to pass by him, and the m' Stations air of the‘ ‘ , V speaker was quite enoug to gain the desired ; ,i 5i. audience. The detective made a re ly as ‘ di lomatic as was the invitation, on then (2: f0 lowed Berwick. , ' v m; by; $3.,» 3333‘ , factuévmvw “fimrrg ~ w {twang “m «I: ‘ I faucet I ‘ s g It was to a' room on the third floor, and" there John placed a chair for his guest, : I ,“Make yourself comfortable. Cooled e," he directed. “ I have a couple of ‘ rgo ors’ here Which will help you out shit i they ale not too,had. .Try one!" 1 i V .L" f, ‘ He extended noggar, and both lighted up '. I -‘ sm e.»--r. . “ Bow does. it go, oldlrnan?” asked, Ber» ‘. , I. ’ [34,. .- , .,-i x: beauty guest. . cameo-moat. beforethe ‘anaurl‘ he f r Itisdecid' edits. ‘ edger 1 ‘IGladyoullkyit “I ‘ WV ‘ tolerahlarw ’W'Jhfl ' The Genteel Sharper’s Combine. began to smoke early—under six years, by the way—«and the numerous lickings I got for my evil tastes must have developed scien- tific appreciation of tobacco. I like the stud, too.” Mr. Berwick sat down, elevated his feet in ' a second chair and blew a wreath of smoke toward the ceiling. He had a graceful, happy-go-lucky way of doing things which was quite fascinating, and it occurred to Nathaniel that this young man would be a breaker of hearts if he wished to be. “ Do you prefer a ‘domestic’ or Havana?” added Berwick. “Either suits me.” "A reasonable conclusion, for I am told that most of our so called imported tobacco is, really, grown in the Connecticut valley. I rather fancy a pipe at times, and have a weakness for Turkish tobacco." “ It is too strong for me.” “it is devilish muscular!” agreed Mr. Berwick. He blew out another scientific wreath, and then suddenly chan ed the subject. “ Say, Cooledge, did the count give you a song-and-dance, to-day?" “ In what way?” " Did he give you any ghost-stories?—-any fairy tales ?” “ Why should he do that?" “ Frankly, do you take a hundred per cent stock in His Nibs?" . “ Why should I do otherwise?" “ Do you know, I can't get rid of the notion that 01d Monte Carlo is playing us with a reel and a long line.” / ” I am wholly in the dark as to your meaning. If I get the first clue, you distrust him. Why?" Berwick lowered his legs and his voice at the same time. “How in hades did those jewels walk off so queer?” “Just what I would like to know." “ It may be all right, but fire usually makes smoke and leaves ashes. There are none in this case. Were the jewels really carried out of the house?” “ Do you think they were not?” “ If they went, where are the ashes? Now, see here, Cooledge: I am not a detec- tive—I dare say I should be a dunce at the biz—and I have nothing to gain or lose out of all this, but certain things occur to me as a man who tries to use common sense. If there was a robbery, where are the ashes? Is old Monte Carlo giving us a song-and (lance? In brief, has he not the jewels now?" Nathaniel regarded his companion closely, but he made little out of it. Berwick seem- ed devoted to his cigar, and incidentally inter- ested in the diamond case. “ You will have to explain,” replied the detective. "I do not understand you." ” I'll try to get my grip on the cable. As I have said, fire leaves ashes. The jewels seem to have gone out of sight in a ridicu- lously easy, yet a remarkably mysterious way. There should be some traco; there is none. Ima be all wrong, but I mistrust the count. uppose His Nibs had been bluff- in-g? Suppose he never intended to give away the diamonds? Suppose he had a string tied to them, invisible to all but Mon- sieur Altamonte, and then when he had shown the sparklers he pulled in the string?” “If he did that, what do you make him out?” “ A man who had better stay in this country and work the green goods racketi" " Altamonte is a man of wealth, social position, and, I am told, unimpreachable honor. Wh should he play such a. trick?" “It won] be scurvy, I admit." " Where is your proof to that effect ‘2” “I haven't a grain. Perhaps,” added Berwick, slowly, “I on ht not to have men- tioned it at all; but thei ea got into my head and I felt that I on ht to ease my mind. If this foreigner is p aying us for suckers he ought to be tripped up. Maybe he isn’t; maybe i wrong him greatly. If I do I am sorry. Remember, Cooledge, I only give this to on as a vague notion. Don’t let me prejud ce you against the count. Hang it all! I am not a detective; I can't detect the ke -hole after a night at the clubl" e laughed good-homered] . and then fixed a keen gaze on the end 0 Nathaniel’s cigar. , , i “ That don‘t show up a white ash,” he I complained. “ Ilere, Cooledge, toss that ' ‘ roofer ‘ away and try this. It is a genuine I Havana, I am sure. Yours burns more like ,' a counterfeit——it looks like a Sumatra wrap» per." Nathaniel’s cigar was a good one, and he so informed his host. He kept it and smoked it up in Berwick's room. Berwick's assertion that he had mentioned the possi- bility of the count being crooked only on vague suspici n seemed to settle that, and the subject was soon dropped. When the cigars were exhausted they went down-stairs. Mr. Lynnfield was en- countered, and while Nathaniel paused to speak with him Berwick wandered away. The dcteetive’s business at the house was done for the time, and he soon took his way home. There, as he expected, he found Horace Black. “ You have news, I see,” remarked (lool- edge. “ Only a trifle. I have succeeded in hunt- ing up the dressmaker who made the gown Evorn by the female reporter at the wed- ln ')1 “ Good! Was it much labor ?” “ It required some time, since there was so little clue, but it is done.” ll “I have found the woman who made the dress, I repeat. There can be no doubt of that. More, she gives color to previous sus~ picions. The person for whom she made it gave the name of Ella Conness; but that is trivial, of course; the dress is positively iden- tified, I think.” “ Where did she send it?” “Nowhere. The owner came for it, ac- companied by a boy, who carried the parcel away." “ Iumphl” “ To give it in full, this so-called Ella Con- ness came and ordered the dress made in a hurry. There could be no delay; it had to be made quickly. More, it had to be made with a pocket.” 1‘ !n “Few women except of the common sort have pockets in any kind of dresses, and least of all in a dress intended for ball or wedding wear. As the dressmaker explained to me a pocket spoils the ‘set’ of the dress. This seems frivolous to poor, feeble male minds; but so the dressmakers say. So this particular dressmaker said to Miss Ella Con- ness; but she talked in vain. The dress had to be made with a pocket, and it was made thus. Why?” ' “ To furnish a place to secrete the jewels when they had been stolen!" CHAPTER XXIV. A warmmnuan orronnu'r. Mn. BLACK nodded quickly. “ If your theory is wrong, then I am equally caught in the web. I believe the pocket was to hide the diamonds in.” “ Of course it was,” replied Nathaniel; “and on will remember that when the so- callcd mdy of the Diamonds dazzled Nibsy King and And Hicks by revealing her wea th of jewe 6, she pulled the supply of brilliants out of a pocket in a dress they de- scribe as n ball-dress.” “ The rings given to these South street men—” “ One of them has to-day been identified as a part of the Altamonte collection.” “Then we are surel on the trail.” “ One word more. e do not know where Ella Conness lived, and we probably do not know henname. How did she look?" Black repeated the description as he had received it from the dressmaker. When it was done Nathaniel had to admit, mentally, that it fitted Adrienne Everley exact] . When Mr. Black had finished fully e went away. Nathaniel took a car and went down- town. He first went to Nibs King and re- turned the ring; then he wa ked over to the pier and found Captain Sam Dodds. He was told that nothing new and startling had hap— pened around the Tripping Mary, and the old salt was in high humor. “Going ter see my honeysuckle, be we?” be asked. ‘ “ We 0 to see if a certain woman is the , same as t e one on call your honeysuckle.” “ You take a ong way of sayin’ it. If it proves ter be her, I shall not take many words ter make myself understood, by thun— der!" Captain Dodds nodded his bushy head with emphasis, and Nathaniel felt compelled to caution him against violence, which he did in due form. They then set out on the journey. it took them to the house where Adrienne Everley lived On arriving there Na- thaniel pulled the bell and a servant soon appeared. “ Is Miss Everley in?" he asked. “Yes, sir.” “We wish to see her.” “ Is it professional business?" ll 3'88. U “ You can go right up, sir. front.” They Went, and entered the room win-re Nathaniel had before seen the female re— porter. She was now there, seated at a desk, and writin with her usual persist» ence. She turne around, but in such a way that, at first, her face was not visible ful y to Captain Dodds. She recognized Nathaniel. “ ()h! is it you?” she coldly spoke. ” Yes, Miss Everley. I have brought you another caller." “ It is doubtful kindness," replied the girl, with an air of weariness. “ I don’t like the sort you bring.” She turned fully. Captain Dodds leaped to his feet. “ That's her; that’s my honeysuckle!” he exclaimed. Miss Everley had patiently born insinua- tions and 'charges, but she now manifested plain indignation. One word used by the mariner had not been agreeable to her. She rose and faced him with s arkling eyes. “ Is this man intoxicate ?" she demanded. ” No more than I was the night you come on board the Tri pin’ Mary,” pointedly an-r swered the capta n. " Perhaps you understand; I do not," “ Oh! don’t ye?" “ I do not.” “Never was on South street; never took pas’age on the Schooner Trippin' Mary; never skipped from the cabin without pay- in' yer bill; never see me, did you?" “ Neverl” “Good, good! gosh!" “Captain, be calm!” cautioned the detec- tive. “We are with alad and must govern ourselves accordingly. iss Everley, this gentleman is capta n of the schooner Trip- ping Mary, and he claims you were once a passenger thereon. If he is mistaken we shall be glad to have you prove it." “ Another thing you want me to prove?” sarcastically retorted the reporter. “ Your calm assurance is remarkable. Presently you will call in with a new companion and ask me to prove the world is made of green cheese. It never occurs to you that the bur den of proof should lie with you. No! All you do is to pick up some tramp on the street. run in here and ask me to prove that something or other is so, or isnt so. Do you want me to prove that Jupiter is in- habited? Any little thing like that is noth. ing in your opinion—1f you can get some— bod else to prove it!” Nl’tthaniel was an old campaigner, but this sarcastic oung woman had found the weak spot in h s armor. It did look as if she had made out a. stron case. The detective flushed deeply, an then sat silent. “ Anyhow,” persisted the mariner, “ you are the gal who hired the Trippin’ Mary." “ Whatl with you on board!" cried Adri— enne. “ My dear sir, nobody would sail in the same craft with you unless it was somebody Who did it in preference to going to State’s Prison for life!” “ What’s that?" gasped the indignant captain. " Water everywhere, and not a drop for a bath!" murmured the reporter, pretending to look critically at the mariner. “Hey? Thunderl do you mean for say I'm dirty ?” blustered Captain Dodds. “ Icertainly never should sail in any craft commanded b you. If we shippeda heavy sea it would orm an island." The captain sunk into a chair. “ Lord, Lord! ter think anybody should say that tor me!” he gasped. , Third floor, I like a square liar, by l \ A i '22 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine. “ Miss Everley,” sternly interrupted Nathaniel, “ do not think you can avoid the point at issue by such attacks on us.” “ lseck to avoid nothing, sir,” was the firm response. “ All you have heard is the truth. If it is unwcieome, itisn’t my fault. You are absurd, while this man "—she turned to Captain Sam—“ I do not know what to say of him, but one thing is sure; I know nothing of him or his real or fabled schoo- ner." “ She’s right, by gum!” declared the sailor. " She ain’t my honeysuckle." “ Why, you said she was." “ I take it all back. There is p’ints 0’ difference, now I look further; radical p’ints 0‘ difference. She ain’t the same one—I don’t think." “ Are you not sure ?” “She ain't the same one. Still, there is a likeness; a most amazin’ likeness, especially in the face and the figger." “ Where else could you expect likeness ?” “ Dunno, by guml Wal, anyhow, they ain’t the same person, or, at least, I don’t think they be. I didn’t see the other gal plainly, an’ I don't think I’d know her ef I see her." “ You have all along assured me you would know her wherever you met her, captain." “ Did I? Then I was a darned fool !” “ There is hope for this man yet; he knows his nature!" calmly remarked Adri- enne. “ Miss Everley, you will gain nothing by such sarcasm,” asserted the detective. “ N0? Thcnplease help me to gain—what- ever you mean by that—by bringing into something more you want me to prove!" Again Nathaniel flushed. He did not know why he did so, for he had seen sarcas tic women before, and he hated himself for allowing this especial woman to see how sen- sitive he was to her thrusts; but he could not govern himself wholly. With some resentment, but with perfect politeness, he replied: “ Madam, I am a detective engaged in an important case. An otlicer thus occupied is not usually careful of anything except his own success. Circumstances, correct or er— roneous, have made on seem open to sus- picion. Many men situated as I have been would have applied fora warrant for your arrest before now. I have not done it; I have subjected you to no unnecessary grouble or indignity. I have only done my uty.’ His manner, if not his words, caused an immediate change in her own manner. ” Sir," she promptly replied, “can I aid you in this work?" " I do not see how you can aid me further than to be truthful." " I have been. As for the gentleman now with you, I never saw him before. As to the female reporter who was at Mr. Lynn- iield’s, whoever represented herself as Adri- enne Everley stole my name and my iden- .tit . It was not I who was there." Nathaniel was silent. In spite of all the evidence, he was for the moment impressed with the belief that she had told the truth. “Then, how do you account for it all?” he inquired, breaking along silence. “ The Lynnflelds were deceived by an im- poster.” "Whoever went there had a dress made especially for the occasion. Will you face the dressmaker and let her say if it was you?" Adrienne sighed. “As a favor to you, I will. After that, let this nonsense cease, if you please. Some- body ought to be able to settle the question of my identity. Let there be one more trial. Bring the dressmaker!" CHAPTER XXV. BY THE RIVER-FRONT AGAIN. 11‘ was half an hour later when Nathaniel 'Cooledge again entered Miss Everley’s rooms. This time Captain Sam Dodds was not visible, but in his place was a sharp- faced woman, who walked with an air of calm contentment, as if she felt that she was a factor in the‘world of no small nature. They were‘met by the reporter. “I think we may well dispense with un- due ceremony here. We all know the work to be done." “Let it be done quickly,” requested Miss Everley. “ Madam, did you ever see me before?” The female visitor looked critically. “ Never!" she replied, deliberately. “ Did I ever order a dress of you?" “ Never!” “Be explicit," directed Nathaniel. “ If this is not the lady, what makes you sure of it?” “ I should never think of confounding the two. They are about of a size, though this lady is an inch shorter. Both are of rather more than ordinary figure, in regard to size, but this lady is the plumper of the two; the other one, the more masculine. This one would be easier to fit, on nocount of that same plumpness.” ” But the faces?” pursued Nathaniel. “ The chief difference lies there. This one is as Nature made her; the other one was painted and powdered, though it was with remarkable skill. I suspect there was an object.” "What object?” demanded the detective. “ To make her look like this lady!" “ Indeedl Do you think so?” It I (join ‘1 “The person who ordered the dress of me was one who need not havefaulted the work Nature had done for her. Face and figure were excellent. Such being the case, I was surprised at the fact that she should ‘ make up ’ at all. More, unless I am in ' error she wore a Wig.” l( A “Yes.” “Why should she do that?” asked Miss Everley, interested, at last, herself. “I did not know then. Now, I suspect that she was a blonde, and that was why she had the wig. If I were to guess I should say she probably had fair hair under the dark wig, and that she had penciled her brows and lashes to carry out the deceit. In brief, though I had not before guessed it, I now think she was a. blondo made to look like,a brunette.” The dressmakcr turned partly away, as if her work was done. " You are positive,” questioned Nathaniel, “that the two are not one and the same?” “ I am positive.” “Then your work is done. “'9 thank you, and will now allow you to go. I wish to talk with this young lady before leav— ing." ‘ “Naturally, sir." There was room to suspect there was some sarcasm in this comment, but the dress- maker turned and went out with all of her prim dignity. Detective and reporter were alone. Nathaniel bad faith in the opinion of the dressmaker, and he regarded Adrienne proven innocent of connection with the Lynnfield troubles. He told her so now, and did what he could make amends for the mistake he had made. A measure of peace was restored, though it was not certain that Miss Everley forgave him fully. “Miss Everle ,did you ever hear of a child named Ad unker?” he inquired. “ I see on have learned something of my past life,’ she returned. ‘ “ Then you were that child ?’.' ” Certainly. " “How do you happen to be Adrienne now?” “It is simple enough. My mother’s maiden name was Everley; I took it as one better fitted to my calling than the unroman- ‘ tic name of ‘ Bunker.’ ” " How did you drift into journalism ?” “The word ‘drift‘expresses it well. I first became aty ewriter. My mother, who was an educate woman, had taught me all she could at my age when she died. After that my fondness for books kept me in con- dition of irregular education, I may say. Finally, a lady who took a fancy to me. and who owned a typewriter machine, taught me how to operate it, and also gave me in- struction in the mysteries of practical sten- ography. I learned easily and became a rapid operator. Then I secured a position Nathaniel waved his hand and then re- marked: ’ /. ‘/ il' in a business house. but my ambition soared higher. I wanted to write; to see my ideas 1 . i ,H .r .44} ' 1"" “ “‘1'; .-. v I . ' .. 'n.A-Mv"3«1:,M11?"Yil‘Aman‘Bkafitu‘Lto”. Jr. . .t "an' t,rt\ ... in print; to be more than a mere laborer, as I may say. I began in a modest way to write for the newspaper press, and, once started, I kept on until I secured my pres ent position." ” And all this from the old days when you played on the piers.” Adrienne smiled slightly “The piers were once a familiar field to me. My father always provided me with a good home in those days, but the piers had a fascination for me. I went there many a day, and year after year, until I became too big.“ As a last venture the marked: “I am told that you used to do tricks of sleightof—hand for the amusement of the ‘longshoremen." The reporter's eyes opened widely. “ Somebody must have been drawing the long bow, then. I did nothing of the sort. I know of no tricks of the kind you mention, and I never did any.” “ Did you ever know a person called Flip Fan ‘2” (t No. H “Nor any girl who played on the piers, and did do such tricks as I have men- tioned?” “Never.” Nathaniel had asked enough, and, after some further conversation with the reporter, he took his departure. “ The scene changes,” he murmured. “Ad Bunker was not Flip Fan, I am sure. Now, who was Flip Fan, and what has become of her? If Miss Everle does not fill the bill, who will? Yes, an what has become of Captain Sam Dodds's ‘honeysuckle?’ Did she really commit suicide at sea? Or, if she did not leave New York on the Tripping Mary, what has become of her?” It was a perplexing question. The Lady of the Diamonds was a creature of flesh and blood. and one of no small amount of vivaci- ty, if Nibsy and Andy Hicks remembered her aright. She could not fade into air. If she had remained in New York when the schooner sailed, where was she now? .“I think,” decided Nathaniel, “that I will take a run down and sec Nihsy this eve- ning. I Want to give him the task of learn- ing just who Flip Fan is, or was. If the police records don’t tell, perhaps some of Fan’s old friends can. The story-teller in Dan Pratt’s boarding-house remembered her well in certain ways, but did not know her name. I believe that Con and Aleck, my old acquaintances, will know. They men- tioned her when they had me hung up on the wrong side of the pier, after trying to kill me.” The detective did not labor under the im pression that Con and Aleck would tell will~ ingly, but he believed that those who knew them might know Flip Fan. It was after dark when Nathaniel reached South street. He looked for Nibsy, but saw nothing of him, so he interviewed Patsy, the night watchman. Patsy was not much more able to tell, but he- mentioned several of Nibsy’s resorts. and one of them impressed Nathaniel forcibly. It was the restaurant where the youth had often gone to eat, according to his own statement. He went there and found his friend just finishing a plate of fish-balls. “ Hi! is it you, old man?” was the greet- ing. “Fall to an’ fill up with me. Here, Margery, another plate o’-—” “ Not for me,” interrupted the detective. ” Are your wants about satisfied?" “I’m full clear ter my neck. Say, boss, w’ot's up?” “ Come out with me.” “ I’m yer dufiy-down-dilly,” replied Nib- sy, wiping his chin and rising. Once outside Nathaniel proceeded to ex- plain his wants, and the street-boy readily caught at the chance. “ I’ll find out all ye want terkno w,” he a feed. “First, I’ll git'onter the pedigree 0 Con an’ Aleck.” “ Don’t ou know their names in full?” “No. ’ve scrapped with them all my life, but them an' me wasn’t in the same set. I’ve heerd them called several difierent names. One feller told me they was bro- thers, an’ it may be so, though I dunno. With such chaps as they be names go elastic, detective re- ! . , l v ' . l ' . .. H . -.‘.‘£rvrg‘-> . . ;/.‘ t. .11. .a. .n’aatfiamtw "a. p.._.. _. m ,. __._.. ..._.c 23 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine. an‘ git changed often. You see— IIullo! W'ot is it?" “ Keep quiet!" “ I will.” Nathaniel had seized Nibsy's arm and brought him to a sudden stop. The detec- rive's excitement was natural—he had seen a familiar figure not far away. It was John Berwick. CHAPTER XXVI. THE MYsTEnv or 'rur; ALLEY. JouN Bunwrck had been coming straight reward the other persons, and Nathaniel had been thinking of a way to avoid being seen in return, but Berwick solved the question for him. He turned to the right and dis- appeared. “What is there?" asked the detective, prickly. “ Over yonder?” replied Nibsy. “ Only an alley." “Blind or open?" “()pen." “I want to follow the man who has just gone in there.” “ It’s a tough place. If you go you want ter keep er revolver out with its bark wide open. Nien have been done up in there be- fore now. Still, in we go, if you say so.” “ Where does the alley lead to?" “ Anywhere you’ve a mind tor go. It fis-J’ “ On the whole it is as well to wait here a little. The man is not one to follow a devi— nus path far, I think, for in this region he must know it would be dangerous. Come 'this way a bit—" “ Listen!” “ What?” “ Didn't you hear a cry from the alley 1’— sort of a yawp for help, or somethin’ 0’ that sort?" ‘ No. Did you?”, “ I thought so.” “Then follow me. ready for trouble.” Before the words were out of his mouth, Nathaniel was at the entrance to the alley. He had drawn his revolver, and he then had it ready for use. He was experienced in danger, but even he hesitated for a moment as he saw the somberness of the place. It was all that Nibsy had pictured it, and a. dozen foes might lurk in the dark recesses. “ W’ot’s that?” whispered the boy. “ I heard nothing.” " A gaspin' sound—" “ Come with me!" There might be danger, but the detective would delay no further. lie ran forward, trying to pierce the gloom wsth his gaze. ‘ “ Look alive!” cautioned Nibsy. “ It is—” Suddenly the speaker'pitched forward and fell, and awild grasp enabled him to seize ' Nathaniel, who was almost dragged down with him. Barely keeping his feet, the de- tective quickly lifted his companion up. “ Are you hurt?" the detective asked. “ Say, w’ot did I tumble over? It hadn‘t ought ter be there, an’ I guess—” Nibsy had been feeling around, and he now sounded a new note. " A maul” “ Where?" “ Here on the ground. Don’t yer see?” Nathaniel bent and placed his hand as di- rected. He, too, distinguished the form. d“ Berwick has come to grief !” he exclaim- e . “ Strike a glim an' see who we’ve got. I reckon he won’t tell us." ” Be watchful while I strike a match. I suspect that the workers of this mischief may be near even now. It is probable that our voices at the entrace to the alley accelerated i their departure.” ‘ “ Light up, anyhow, boss. We don‘t mind four or five bullets in our anatomy,” cheerfully replied N ibsy. Nathaniel drew the match across the stone surface with a steady hand, and they saw the man at their feet. ' “ Uncenscious,” muttered the detective. “ Likewise, belabored with clubs.” “ He has been beaten." " Oh, he’s fell afoul 0’ some 0‘ the toughs of this delectable region.” Nathaniel thought of the man-he had seen enter the alley, but he said .nothing. We will go in, and go The match had died away, leaving th in in darkness. “ \V'ot's the programme?" inquired Nil)— sy. “ We must care for this man. I take it he is a stranger to you as he is to me." “ Yes.” “ lie is a human being, and if we leave him the gang may return and complete its work. It is almost certain that we scared them oil". (Jan you suggest a place to which we can take him?" “ Oh, as ter that, any 0’ the places around here will :10 it. We ain‘t all toughs on South street—not by a long shot! Iii! didn't he stir?" “ I thought he did." They again bent over the stranger, and there were such very clear signs of returning consciousness that they set to work to aid Nature in its work. Nathaniel chafed his hands, and the movements of the man be- came more pronounced. After a few min- utes he suddenly endeavored to rise. “ Be quiet!" directed the detective. are all right." “ What has happened?” mumbled the stranger. “ You have fallen among toughs.” “ Ha! I remember; they lured me to an alley; they set upon me with clubs; they beat me without mercy!” “ Who were they '2" “I don't know.” “ Do you live near here 7” “No, I live up-town." “ What were you doing here?” “They sent for me, but it was a decoy; and all done to kill me, I do believe." The stranger spoke with some force, but when he made another effort to rise, and, aided by Nathaniel, succeeded, he stood weakly and would have fallen but for the continued aid given to him. Nibsy had been duly attentive to all around them, and he now spoke again. “ Boss, I ain't got no tremors in me legs, but my advice is that we hump ourselves out 0’ this. Them fellers may come back with reinforcements an‘ jest smash the whole of us." “The suggestion is wise, and we will go. \Vhere can we take this luau so he will be safe?” “ l have a rig near here,” replied the stranger. “Help me to that, and I will go home and never visit this part of the city again. Give me your arm and I will walk all right." The plan was tried, and they moved to the mouth of the alley. It was then found that he was well covered with blood, but Nathan. iel wiped it away as much as possible. A small smear was not strange to South street, and they were not likely to arrest attention. The unknown was much stronger than was to be expected, and clearer of mind, too, and he directed them to where he claimed his horse was. “Possibly it’s one before now," he add- ed, musingly. “ ‘hey told me where to take it. but I was not to be caught that way. I did not really expect trouble, but it was well to be on the safe side, so i did not take it where I was told to. It is all a question of whether they have found it. If they have, I guess it is good-by, horse.” “ Why did they lure you here?” inquired Nathaniel. “ To kill me!" “Why should the do that?” “ They were afrai of me, I guess." “ Then it w s an old grudge?” “Maybe. at here is the rig; it has not been meddled with." A herse, attached to a close-carriage, was standin by a lamp-post, and it greeted them With a whinny. The man seemed as much pleased as the animal, and be dis- pensed with all aid and stood caressing his dumb friend, wavering somewhat as he did so. Nibsy King appeared to have become sud- denly interested in horseflesh. He moved about, surveying the animal from all points of view, and wearing a thoughtful expres- sion. Suddenly he burst forthi f “ lCricketty-jim! I’ve seen this trotter be- ore ” The owner of the horse did not seem to notice the remark, but Nathaniel knew'Nibsy well enough to give it full attention. “ You “ What of it ‘2” he asked. Nibsy was about to speak, but he closed his lips, assumed a mysterious air and came close to the detective. “Say,” he whispered, “do you remem~ her the Lady 0’ the Diamonds?" “ Yes.” “That was her rig!" (i No!“ “ I say, yes!” “Sure?” “ Dead sure!" The detective was not blind to the im- portance of this revelation, if it was well founded. So much might come of it that he stood silent for a moment, whereupon Nibs added: “ hcv a tolerable eye for hosses, I reckon. You can’t fool me on them when Iheva good look, an' I can’t make no mistake on the quadrupcd the Lady of the Diamonds rode down tcr South street, that night. This boss is the boss. See?" Nathaniel turned toward the stranger again. He had become more than ever an object of interest, and there was hope of new discoveries. Acting on this belief the detective presently moved forward and again addressed their new acquaintance. CHAPTER XXVII. AC'rons ow Till-l EVENTFU]. wear. The owner of the horse gave his steed a. friendly hug. “ They never meant we should see each other, old chapl” he muttered. “ You seem to like your horse," remarked Nathaniel. “Yes, and I like my own life!" replied the stranger, bluntly. “ Naturally, sir; naturally. But as to the horse. Is be sound—” “ He was until a female fool banged him all to pieces—and it was that which got me into this scrape of to-night.” “ How was that?" "You see, I keep a livery stable. I let this horse to a. woman a few nights ago. Of course she was to return him as people alwa s do, but I never have seen her since. She ( id not return the horse, and though he came back himself before morning, he came with a lame leg that is not yet well.” “You say it was this which got you into the scrape of to-night. How is that?" “It was like this. I let the horse to the woman. She was a stranger to me, and I was a bit shaky about letting the nag go, for I didn’t know her, and she looked a good bit flip. Now, there isn’t a person in the world that will use a horse so confounded rough as a flip woman—a woman who thinks she is a horseman, and likes to go fast. She has as much knowledge of a horse as I have of an angel—women just never were born to drive horses.” “But this especial woman—" “Well, when l hesitated she referred me to a saloon-kee er near my stable—said she was a friend oi) his. 1 tumbled right into the trap. If she was a. friend of his I want- ed to oblige her, and it would look bad to doubt her and go and call on him. She got the horse.” “ And then?" “ She went out. She was to get back by eleven, that night. She didn't come at eleven, nor at twelve, nor at one or two. She didn’t come at all, but along toward morning the horse come alone. How he traveled the streets without somebody stop~ ping him I don’t pretend to say. He was so lame he hobbled like a clown in a circus.” “ That was bad.” “ It was villainous! Ever since I’ve been trying to locate the woman. I quickly found out that the saloon-keeper never had seen her; that was all a bluff on her part. I made a good deal of talk about it, especially as the horse did not seem to come out of his lame- ness; and I guess it got to her ears.” " And you were decoyed here?” " Just so. I got a letter saying that if I would come here I could see her, and she would satisfy me, even if she had to buy the horse at what I considered his true value be- fore he was lamed. Well, .I came, and you have seen the result." “ Who met on?” “ A tough- ooking fellow about eighteen years old, and he decayed me into that alley, 24 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine. and several men were in wait for me, and they just pounced on me and knocked me out." ” Didn't you see anybody but the tough ' young man?” “ No. Nobody else showed up until we were in the alley, and then, of course, I couldn‘t tell a white man from a black one." Nibsy pulled at Nathaniel’s sleeve. “The Lady 0’ the Diamonds didn’t suicide at sea!" tersely whispered the youth. " What kind of 21 looking person was this woman?" inquired Nathaniel. “ She was a small, very dark damsel, with snapping black eyes and the quickness of movement of a cat," replied the stable- keeper. Nathaniél and Nibsy mechanically turned their eyes upon each other. The description could not have been further from what they had expected. One fact immediately became impressed upon the detective’s mind: either the Lady 0’ the Diamonds had engaged some- body else to get the horse from the stable, or the owner of the horse had a bad memory. More questions were asked, but nothing was gained by it. The stable was up-town, but it was not especially near to Lynnfield’s, and the horse had been taken away by the woman who hired him in the early eve- mug. All this baffled immediate discoveries, but was easily explained. The home had been secured early and held ready for the hour when it would be needed. Possibly the Lady of the Diamonds had been aided by a female friend, though this was not in line with Nathaniel’s theories; he was more in- clined to think there had been a disguise, and that a poor memory on the stable~keeper’s part had made a small woman out of one of generous size. In the midst of these new perplexities one thing was clear-cut and not to be explained by any ordinary means—~Nathaniel had him- self seen John Berwick enter the alley just before the assault was discovered by the de- tective and Nibsy. “ If there was only chance in that,” thought the detective, “it is a most remark- able chance.” The stable-keeper was improving rapidly, and he soon entered his vehicle and drove away. Nibsy noted the movements of the horse for a moment, and then decidedly ob- served: “ It’s the limp, an’ it’s the hoss. Yes, it’s thei same one that the Lady 0’ the Diamonds ha 1” Nathaniel engaged his companion in con- versation for some time, and then they sepa rated. The detective went home and to bed, and the actors of the eventful night were for the time forgotten. The next morning he took his way to Lynnfleld’s. He found Lynnfield, the count, Vivian, Robert and Burrington Oakes gathered in the parlor, and he joined them. The lovers were at one side of the room, and the rest of the party in another group. It was a pecu- liarity of Barrington that he never tried to mix with those younger than himself, and though he probably was considerably under forty years of age, he posed as a companion of “ old folks. ” On the present occasion he was talking of life in the armies engaged in African cam- paigns, and when Nathaniel assumed the air of a casual visitor, Oakes was invited by the count to continue his remarks. “He was speaking of Mr. Lynnfield’s de- ceased son,” explained the count. “ My bosom friend in camp,” added Oakes. “ Poor boy!" murmured Lynnfield. “ Bein so intimate with him,” ursued the ex~so dier, “ I was knowing to al the de- tails of his daily life." Nathaniel noticed that the speaker’s gaze wandered briefly to the young couple. He noted more. Vivian seemed suddenly to grow painfully interested. The detective thought she changed color, and she surely leaned forward as if to miss nothing. “ I could tell the minutest things of his camp-life,” added Barrington Oakes. Another glance. It seemed to thrillVivian; she moved uneasily. Nobody noticed it but Nathaniel. but he missed nothing. “ His end was most sorrowful,” continued the returned soldier. Vivian made a swift, peculiar gesture. Was it one of entreaty‘! The detective thought it was. Further, it seemed to him that the dark-faced man was playing with her as he had done at the ferry-house. Na» thaniel knit his brows. Vivian appeared averse to having her dead brother men- tioued. “ Does the secret of Barring-ton ()akes’s hold on her lie there?" wondered the detec- tive. The impassive face of the ex-soldier told nothing. If he was scientifically torturing the girl he did it with cool composure and stolid manner. He must have seen her anx- iety, if it lay where Nathaniel began to sus- pect; but he showed no gloating over it. Then, quietly and naturally, Oakes turned his back partially upon the lovers, and went on in his firm, im assive manner: “Your son, l r. Lynniield, was a brave soldier and a loyal friend. I knew no other like him in the British Army. We used to mention him with pride as an American, and an example of the fact that‘ English blood always remained heroic and good, even if transferred to other soils than that of the island we loved so well. Your son was a model in his camp-life, Mr. Lynnfield.” “I am thankful for that,” murmured the father. “ When I return to the army I do not ex- pect another comrade like him.” “ Do you return to the army?” inquired Lynnfield, surprised. “Yes; my trade is that of a soldier. I shall soon be with the British Army again— probably in Africa.” Barrington Oakes did not look at Vivian. Nathaniel did, and he saw her face light up with great joy. It looked as if nothing could please her more than to have him go to Africa. “ But, you have too much talent to be a soldier,” rcmonstrated Mr. Lynnfield. “Was that the case with Napoleon and Wellington?” “I did not intend to deer your calling, Mr. Oakcs, but, except in t mes of war, a soldier is dead to the; world.” “ He is very much alive in war,” serenely replied Barrington. “ Yes, I 0 back to the army, and that, too, soon. ithin four or five weeks I shall leave New York. immediately to duty.” “ A noble life.” commented the count. “ I think it is. It is the life of men of brawn and valor.” Barrington Oakes was not praising him- self, it seemed; he was as impassive as ever, and not in the least boastful. As usual, his tremendous strength of character showed in his self-contained manner. " A remarkable man !” thought Nathaniel Cooledge. Igo CHAPTER XXVIII. wuo CROSSED THE OCEAN? BARRINGTON Oauns was in his best spirits, and, though he did not in any degree grow enthusiastic, he talked entertainmeg for some time to his appreciative audience. Nathaniel Cooled ge was content to be a list- ener, and he lingered in inactivity for some time. Finally, Mr. Oakes apologized for mono- ollzing ,the conversation, and, though Eynnfield and Altamonte assured him he had been deeply interesting to them, he ex- cused himself and went to his room. The detective had a conversation with his employers which amounted to but little, and then he took his departure. He went home, and had barely arrived when Horace Black also appeared. Nathaniel surveyed his aid inquirin ly. “ As directed," began Black, “f have been to the office of the steamer company.” “ With what result?” ” At the date of interest to us. the name of Barrington Oakes appears on the books.” ” Further than that—what?” “ The books tell nothing.” . “ Then, you did not find another familiar name?" “ No, but I carried out your other sug- gestion. I have hunted up a pleasanger who came over at the same time. e remembers Barrio ton Oakes well.” “ Di he get well acquainted with him?” “No. He did not speak to Oakes at all, but he says that there is not a person who came over then but will remember Mr. Oakes Well. The gentleman made himself a mem- 0rahlc figure of the voyage.” “It is not like Oakes to put himself for- ward.” “Wait! Oakes was as unassuming ou the steamer as he is elsewhere, and made few or no acquaintances. He would have re- mained unknown to practically everybody there had it not been for an unlookedfor circumstance. You will be surprised to hear what it was.” “Surprise me, then.” “ One day when the boat was nearing New York there was a sensation on board. A lady lost a valuable diamond pin. I need not dwell upon the small particulars, though they were told to me in detail; but she ac-- cased a young woman of the party." “ What party?" asked Nathaniel, with a; start. “1 merely meant, of the boat’s passen- gers. The young woman had been near her‘ when the pin was lost, and was the only one; who was near her. young woman had touched her as they sat. together. She accused the young woman, and. soon after, the pin was found on the- floor near wherethe accused girl had been. standing." " That might all have been chance.” “ The course of events was more striking than I am now making it, with my present desire for brevity; I will enlarge, later. if you wish. The young woman was said to- be a theatrical person. and there were many there who had a prejudice against her on that account. Matters looked very squally for her. “It was at that moment that Barringlon Oakes came into the game. He had not. seemed to feel any interest in the case, but, now, quietly, calmly, and with the air of a philosopher and lawyer combined, he took up the matter. “ He surveyed the evidence with judicial closeness and pointed out that there was no proof; he called attention to the fact that the pin was recovered; he reminded them that it would be a bad'blot on the reputation of the passengers, as a whole, if accusation was brought against one of their number for the theft; he dwelt touchingly on the youth and friendlessness of the girl accused, and then followed a plea which my informant charac- terizes as a masterpiece of e10quence. “The accused was a woman! Should they tear down the fair temple of her reputation ?' Were they to blight her life? They did not know that she was guilty. If she were not, the charge would ruin her. If she was guilty it might be her first offense, and she might reform if given the chance. Must they ruin her?—~a woman!” Mr. Black paused, smiled and then more! deliberately added: “ I have given you an outline of Mr. Bar- rington Oakes’s remarks. I can give no more. for I was not there. My informant, however, says it was a masterful plea that the fellow made. You can guess the result. “ I am told that there was no doubt of the guilt of the girl, yet even the accuser weakened. She had been moved to tears by Oakes‘s, pathetic allusions to the trials and nobility, and so on, of her sex. With all the evidence clear against the girl she was allowed to go clear." “And the name of the girl?” demanded Nathaniel. “ Paola Duquesne.” The detective made a gesture of anger. “Bah!” he cried, “it is a name totally new. Yet,” he added, after a pause, “that goes for nothing; it was to be expected. " ” Naturally. Now, before this event no- body had ever seen Oakes speak to the girl. He was never seen to speak to her after-- wards. The inference is—or was so to be held by the other passengers—that they were total strangers.” “ Black, can this have been Flip Fan ?" “ I strongly suspect it was she. Yet, how did she happen to be on the boat returning from England 7” “ Is there more?" . “ All through the voyage Harrington Oakes had a friend. or a young man with whom he was chummy. The man was known as Al— He-was a blonde, rather slight , bert Gardner. The loser declared the .. s#_.NfiV—__._ 4' _, The Genteel Sharper’s Combine. 25 of figure, pleasing of address, and polite and agreeable to all.” "John Berwicki” exclaimed Nathaniel. “ So I suspect." “ It looks as if Oakes, Berw1ek and ‘ ip Fan came over together. We know w ere two of the three now are. \Vhere is Flip Fan?” ‘” A suicide from the Tripping Mary.” “' Do you think so?" “ No." “ Nor I." “ Flip Fan is a puzzle. She was substan- tial, it seems, and she cannot have faded in- to nothinguess. Where is she?” Nathaniel rose and walked the room for several minutes in silence. Finally he paused near his companion. “Horace,” he added, “I do not know of anything more, at present, in the line you have been engaged upon. Instead of this general work, [wish you to watch certain persons at Lynnfield‘s. You know what I mean." “ Yes.” . “Attend to it with your customary skill. I suspect that atrick is being attempted. To-day Mr, Barrington Oakes announced that, one month from now, he should leave New York. I mistrust this frankness, and believe it may have been a device to throw me off my guard by an appearance of candor. It may have been a trick to cover a much quicker departure." “ I will bear this in mind." “There is active work ahead of us now. Much valuable time has been lost by the on. fortunate fact that my employers innocently placed me at fault in regard to Barrington Oakes. l was led to believe he was an old friend of Altamonte's, whereas I now find he is a more soldier of fortune, and a new vauaintance. Watch well, Horace!" “ I’ll try to do it." Just then there was a tumult in the hall. Nathaniel had vaguely noticed that the street bell had rung, but he gave it no heed until the unusual noise followed. lie rose and opened his door. A shrill voice sound- .t‘ti below. “ Darn yer ceremony, an’ darn yer visitin’- cards! 1 never carried nothin’ with me but the ace 0’ diamonds, an' new I ain‘t got that, hot up on yer ceremony, an’ hustle me off ter Nat Cooledge's room. IIim an’ me are chums!" The detective smiled. It was the voice of Nibsy King, and he went to the head of the stairs and called the youth up. Nibsy «Jame two steps at a bound. “ Shoot that old gal that opened the door!" he cried. “ She seemed ter think I was a burglar tryin' ter steal her good looks. Criekeyl ef she lost them it would take a Lick telescope ter find the dratted things." “ 1 am sorry you were delayed, Nibsy, but it is all right now.” “ No, it isn't all right!” declared the youth, flinging his hat down viciously. “Why not?” “ I‘ve been taken in an’ done for.” “ In what way?" i “ Say, you remember the ring I leaned ye while you took it to somebody you wanted should see it?“ “ Yes.” “ Did yer show et ter a pickpocket?” (A N().’) “ Wal, by gum! that ring has been mon- iieyed with.” “ What?" “ Tor-day 1 put on my best rags an‘ took the ring over ter Maiden lane ter git a value set outer it. W‘ot do you reckon the figger was?” “ Three hundred dollars?" “ Ten dollars, by crickeyi” “ Then there was a mistake.” “ A mighty big one, fer that diamond ring has been swapped inter a paste by somebody. Who played fer a chump, Nat?” CHAPTER XXIX. THE HISTORY or FLIP FAN. Nmsv spoke with vehemence. and the de- tective was for a. moment chilled into Silence. He stood looking at the South street boy, and Nibsy locked at him withflaming eyes. “ What do you mean ?"inquired Nathaniel, when he recovered his voice. 1 ‘ § " That ring is only paste, nowl" " Were you told that?” “Yes, siree, by the Maiden lane sharp. I was mortally afraid ter go there with it fer fear he would think it was stolen property an' hev me jugged,but I needn't hev wor- ried—not a bit. He said it was only paste, nu,_., " Nibsy, have you that ring with you?’ " Here she is," Nathaniel snatched at the object produced, and then took it to the light. 110 did not need a Maiden lane expert to satisfy him on one point—first glance was enough to as- sure him that it was not the ringr which he had taken f:om Nibsy and carried to Count Altamontel It lacked the brilliancy of that ring and, he was ready to believe, was not a genuine diamond. Perplexed and confused, he turned his gaze upon the boy. “ Is this the ring I gave back to you?" “ Why, sure." “ Where did you keep it from that time un- til you wentto Maiden lane?" “ Right in that pocket, boss." “ To whom did you show it?" “ Nobody.” " Sure?" “ Yes.” Nathaniel was silent, and Nibsy added forcibly: “No human got a squint at it but myself. I don't keep my treasure on exhibition like a ' Baxter street clothing store, with pullers-in ter do the biz. boss.” “ Then how do you account for all this 2’" “ Nat, you got done up by somebody. My razzle-dazzle diamond was swapped for this stiff while it was in your hands; that's all." “impossible!” “Did you show it ter somebody (i XVeS‘H “ That’s more than I did." Nathaniel surveyed the ring again. He did not like to admit such a possibility, but he was quite as much convinced as he could be without positive knowledge. lie had full faith in Nibsy, and he knew he was not looking at the same ring he had placed be- fore Count Altamonte for identification. Nibsy waited awhile, and then inquired quietly: “ Who seen that ring while you had it?" The boy was not in the secret of the whole case. and Nathaniel could not allow him full information, but it sent his own mind back along the trail. Altamonte and Lymi‘field had seen the ring; nobody else. it looked so absurd that they should play the trick that he had mentally declined to con- sider it. “ Nobody else saw it," he mused. “ How then could such a substitution be made? Pickpoekets walk the streets, but I decline to believe that any man or woman could take this ringr out of my pocket there and replace it with a worthless imitation. I (lid not carry it long. \Vhom did I see while I had it? Did I—-—” He stopped short, and with a start. “Zoundsl” he thought, “ I went to John Berwiek’s room and smoked with him I" The memory was like a flash of lightning. John Berwick was already under suspicion, anti he was anxious, rather than reluctant, to believe ill of the young man. ile thoiieht he now had cause to believe ill. Berwick had called him to the room to talk of what then, as now, seemed to be trivial subjects, and the subject which furnished the excuse on Berwick’s part had not been heard of since. “Could he have purloined the ring as I sat in his room? Impossible! It was in my pocket. How could he get it? We smoked together, and he seemed devoted to smoking. He talked wisely of tobaccoes and pipes. But he could not have pnrloined the ring—I think." Nathaniel was not then frank with him- self. He wanted to think ill of Berwick, but it hurt his pride to believe that the ring could have been stolen under his very eyes, and under such circumstances. “Impossible!” he muttered aloud. “ Takes you a long while ter git the end 0' the thread,” put in Nibsy. quietly. “ Boy, do you know more?" “ Not about the ring." ‘ i" What else?” Nobody got eyesight on it, on “ I have a bit 0' family history from South street way.” “ Give it to me." Nibsy glanced wishfully at the ring, but his devotion to Nathaniel's interests was evidenced by his cheerful compliance at such it trying time for him. “Quite a family tree I’ve made out. Nat, once upon a time, as they say in Grimm’s Fairy Tales, there was a woman lived down- town who was named Martha True. She married a man named Yelton. He died. Then she married a man named Gurney. He died. Death is kctchin’, so she ups an’ dies. That disposes o’ the old folks, but not 0' the whole family—not by a plate 0' fish balls! “ Now I come to chapter two. Martha is said ter have been a powerful smart woman. Some say she was once in a show, aml it is also rumored that she an’ Husband No. One, Yelton, was both show people, and jugglers 0’ some sort. Anyhow, Martha was smart as an Eyetalian laborer when the boss is around. ‘ “Next we come ter chapter three. The first marriage she made panned out two kids. 50 did the second. Total, four kids. First marriage, boy an’ gal; second marriage, two boys. Brains all went with the first set 0' kids. "The 'Yelton kids was corkers, they do say, an’ they had all the world before them, chiefly because their mother's second matri- monial venture was not in love with the first husband’s kids. “Yes, old man Gurney was an unkind step-daddy, an’ when he got up on his ear the under-pinniu' o’ the house trembled anti knocked its knees tergethcr. The result 0' his tantrums was that his step-children spent a good bit 0’ their time away from home, an’ was more fully street‘kids than most children down our way he. Their mother was devoted ter them in a general way, but she wasn’t no great shakes on me- therly love, they do say. About all she tried ter teach them was the tricks 0' the trade she had learned on the stage, sleight- o’-h «nd an’ be rest. They got ter be mighty skillle at that, I am told. Them was the first husband’s children. “The second husband, old Gurney, was destitute o’ brains, an’ his kids was the same way. All had a sort of grizzly bear in- telligence, an’ they growed up ter be tonghs, the second brood did; but they didn’t learn no sleight-o’dmnd tricks, the second brood didn’t. “ \Vhen all the old folks was (lead, includ- in’ Gurney an' the mother, all the kids had ter shift for themselves. After that South street ain't positive W’ot become 0’ the Yel- ton pair, cxoept that the gal bloomed out as a pickpoekt-t. She had always been light» fingered, and as she growed up she got worse at it. “Her name was Fanny, but she got tcr be known as Flip Fan, an’ it was thought she would wind up in prison, though they do say that, at last accounts, she was on the stage as her mother had been, doin’ tricks 0’ sleiglit-o’-lmnd. As for her brother John, nobody knows his later history. “ The Gurney kids are still around the regions 0‘ South street. You have met them, Nat; they are named Con an' Alcckl” Nibsy ceased and took a seat. The narrator had spoken in his charac- teristic way, but Nathaniel had followed him without difficulty, and he now had no tron- ble in understanding the interest Con and Aleek had taken in Flip Fan. The conver- sation they had held on the pier when the de- tective was holding to its supports, after they had tried to kill him, was plain. If Flip Fan was their half-sister, and if she had made it to their interest to stand by her. it was natural that they should do so. Flip Fan’s history was all clear too, as far as her early life was concerned. She had drifted into sleightof—hand and crime at one and the same lime. Nathaniel now believed that he knew who had stolen the Altamonte jewels, and, if she was a prolessional, it was explained how it could be done under the eyes of the guests. The chance for her to get away with the jewels had been offered when Barrington Oakes called the attention of all to the paint- ing on the wall. Had the opportunity come / r 26 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine. to her by chance, or was it a well-planned scheme? And what had become of Flip Fan? “1 got a description of the Yelton kids," added Nibsy, after a pause. “ Both was blondes, with yeller hair an’ blue eyes." Nathaniel thought of John Berwick. John had yellow hair and blue eyes. “Cooledge,” interrupted Black, “if these people were on the stage, isit not possible to trace their later course? We know that the girl was once the partner of a certain Signor Fezzetti, or some such name. Can't she be traced through dramatic agencies?” “It shall be tried. and tried at once!” de- clared the detective leader. CHAPTER XXX. A NOTE on WARNING. BLACK was at once dispatched on his latest errand, while Nathaniel talked with Nibsy. The matter of the exchanged rings was mentioned further. When the detective first took the diamond he had assured Nibsy that if it proved to be as he thought the boy would not be able to hold it, or to expect more than its owner was willing to giVe; and Nibsy had accepted the decision composedly. Now, he was not feeling that he was a heavy financial loser, and he lamented the loss less than did Nathaniel. As a result, the boy went home satisfied with his usage at Nathaniel‘s hands, if not with the loss of the genuine ring. The latter was not long kept waiting by Black. The aid returned with his report. “ I have the missing links,” he announced. “ Well?” “The girl who was once with Signor Fez- zetti afterwards became the stage partner of a young man who was her brother, and they have since continued together.” “Where are they now ?” “In Europe.” “ Are you sure of that ?" “Such was the report of the dramatic people. We may well believe we have later advices. Understand?” “ I surely do. Fan and her brother did go to Europe, but they returned. More, they came over with Barrington ()akes. More, it was Fan‘s old Weakness for other people’s property that compelled ()akes to come for— ward as her champion on the steamer. More, his yellow-haired companion of that voyage was Fan’s brother. The trio crossed together, and, doubtless, with their crime at Lynnfield‘s well-planned. If we analyze the situation correctly, Oakes is the master- mind of the combination, and the others his aids—not that I would belittle their skill and brains. If John Berwiek robbed me, as I think he did, his cunning is devilishl" “ We have two of them. Where is the irl?” “True. Where is Flip Fan?" Black shook his head. “ I suppose,” he replied, “ that you reject the possibility that she went overboard from the Tripping Mary, at sea, by accident or design ?" “ Most emphatically!" declared Nathaniel. “ She did not sail on the schooner; you can set that down as positive.” “Then why was the schooner engaged?" “For Flip Fan to go on. Why she did not go is not so clear, but it may be that she -wea ened on the voyage at the last mo- ment. Anyhow, she did not go. Now, Horace, when she quietly deserted the schooner at the pier she still had the jewels in her pocket. Did she skip with them and beat her partners in crime out?" “If so, why do Oakes and Berwick hang around at Lynnfield?" “Possibly to keep suspicion off of them- selves in the murder case, if they are guilty. However, I don't think Flip Fan played them false. Assuming that she did not, what is the situation? She left the schooner ata ver late hour of the night with the diamon s in her pocket. That was ape- culiar situation, if she had no refuge ar- ranged. I do not believe she did have any? Then, what did she do?” “ The jewels must be disposed of at once. u ‘708' n “First thought would tell us that she fled with them, and, if she was an ally of the v men at Lynnfield’s, thus cheated them out of their share of the proceeds.” “Second thought does not carry out the theory. I do not believe she played her allies false. Now, if she found herself in the streets of New York, at such an hour, with the diamonds to worry her, what would she do?" Black shook his head in silence. “ as far as I can see,” pursued Nathaniel, “ her half-brothers, Con and Aleck, were not necessary to the original plot. Barrington Oakes is not the man to take in useless part. ners. Still, we know that Gen and Aleck were soon aware of Flip Fan’s being in some sort of critical situation—they tried to kill me because I ventured to go on the pier by which the Tripping Mary had once lain. What is the reference?” “ If I follow you, you suspect that the girl, after deserting the schooner just before it sailed, went to Con and Aleck." “ Just my theory.” “Then Con and Aleck are more than figure. heads in our plan of action,” “ Decidedly so. They become more than mere toughs. Let us look to them, their habits and recent movements.” “ Shall we begin now?" “ \Vait until evening; there is other work for the day. For your part, you may drop around and see the precinct police and learn if they have made any advance in the matter of the murder. They seem wholly at a loss to know how Thomas Smith was killed, by whom and why. Learn if they have more light, and anything they can tell.” The partners separated, and it was near night when Nathaniel returned home. Black was ahead of him, and he had the old report from their associates on the police force—no clue to the slayer of Thomas Smith. Nathaniel noticed a letter on his table and picked it up. It had come, it seemed, by special messenger, and the superseription made him smile. It was addressed to “ Nat Colig.” It was a decidedly abbreviated way of spelling his name, audit prepared him for more unique chirography. He found it in— side when he read as follows: “ NAT:—~Come down an’ se me. There in sumthin’ up with Ken an’ Ellick. I dunno whut. IIussel this way. Iii yu don’t See me on sowth streagtht go nere the restrunt whare 1 git fish-bait. Kon an’ Ellick etc there. Don't fale to come. “ GORGE WASH’TON KING, “ W'z'c/t i2 Nibsy.” It was only a letter from a boy, but Na- thaniel did not think of ignoring it. 110 knew Nibsy too well to imagine he would throw out false hopes or make a serious error of judgment, and he lost no time in getting under way. Black was directed to follow him, but to keep far enough away, so that their association would not be mistrustcd. Then the detective leader set out for South street. When that point was reached there was no sign of Nibsy, and inquiry at Patsy Greene's shanty developed the fact that the boy had not been around his usual haunts for some time. There was only one thing to do then, and the detective Went to the restaurant, He looked into the window secretly. Mar- gery Hicks was serving two customers near the spot, and as one of them looked up to her Nathaniel saw a familiar face. It was Con. Scarcely had he noted this when a hand was laid lightly on his arm. He turned and saw Nibsy. “ They are feedin’ up!” whispered the youth. “ Yes. What is up?” “ I dunno.” “But, you think there is something?” _ “ Sure! Cornea bit away. Con an’ Aleck are in there, an’ they can't git out without our seein’ them. Come a little back." They went. and Nibsy did not delay with his explanation. “ Con an’ Aleck hev been buyin’ burglars’ tools!” , “ Have they? What do you infer from that?" ' " I don’t know. It means a break some where, but I don’t know where. It may be that it ain’t in our line. They hey bought tickets fer Chicago.” ‘ i ’ 1- r“ .' r. - I v u ‘ “2.. sum-d. .»n.w;:vd-J_'.st..-“. -' i .. r .i r “They have?” cried Nathaniel, knitting his brows thoughtfully. (l \Yes-)1 “Maybe they are going there to branch oa‘t as burglars.” ‘Just why I said mebbe it wasn't in our case. Still, Nat, it may be that the break will come before they take a train fer the Windy City.” “ Have you any theOry?" “ Not a bit. Hev you ?” “I am Wholly at fault.” It was true; the detective did not see the explanation of the matter. the two toughs were partially in the confidence of‘ Flip Fan they must know of a house up- town that would furnish rich plunder,'but that they would try to get it after the alarms already received there was not likely. Nibsy had led Nathaniel to expect that the present case had connection with the old one, yet, how could it be so? “The only way,” added Nibsy, after a pauSe, “is to watch them." “How long must we do that?" “ Ef the thing don’t pop tor-night I am all wrong in my reckonin‘. Con an' Aleck hev been busy as a gale 0’ wind in City Hall Park, an’ I guess they hev their plum ready ter pick. All we hev ter do is ter watch. them.” This might be little or much, but Nathan» iel settled down to carry out the plan. It would not do to miss the chance; the buying of the burglars’ tools meant something. He fell back to see if Black was near. He was, and due directions were given to him. They were just over when Nibsy skurried back to his allies. “The feed is over, an’ Con an’ Aleck are jest payin’ their bill,” he announced. “Then the crisis is at hand.” “ Right you be! There they come. alive!” Look. CHAPTER XXXI. BURGLARS AT CON and Aleck emerged from the restau~ rant. Nathaniel noticed that Con carried a small package under his arm, and when he remembered what had been said about the purchase of burglars’ tools, he suspected that he knew the contents of the package. The brothers did not show any uneasiness as to their surroundings, but, without a glance around ‘hem, turned to the right and walked ofi. Nathaniel fell in behind them at a safe dis- tance, and Nibsy followed behind him, with Black still further in the rear. Seen thus, the three pursuers looked like entire stran. \VORK. gers to each other, passing quietly along the street. Con and Alcck walked briskly and several blocks were soon traversed. They finally reached a business street where the stillness of utter quiet was accustomed to fall after dark. It was so now, and the whole block was 'uutenanted, so far as could be seen. The patrolman who had the heat was at some other point. The manner of the would-be burglars be— came more wary, and Nathaniel increased his own vigilance as he received grounds for believing the break was to occur immediate» v. Presently Con turned his head. At the first motion Nathaniel had leaped into a door- way, and he saw with satisfaction that his allies had not been less alert. / The three had sunk out of sight like more shadows. Con was apparently reassured. and he kept on—but only for a few steps. Both he and A.leck then turned and disappeared from View. “ Au alley!" murmured Nathaniel. “An office in front. There may be a rear ens trance. Is the event at hand?” He was hesitating about following fur— ther, uncertain as to the chances of dis- covery, when Nibsy came quietly to his, side. “ Nat, we are in fer itl” exclaimed Nibsy. “ How do you know ‘2” “Con was around here ter day, lookin’ wise an’ sayin’ nothln’. That’s the point ter be broke inter. ” . " Surely we can have no especial interest; in this place.” . “ I ain’t so sure 0’ that. I took a squint r'."l.'. .i' ' U m (. :i‘cw. than =53»: ‘r'vf’vhz‘ .4 musmh- 4A_.__.<_.4_a_.v._._,-.___. .- . .. here myself, when Con had gone. There is a big safe, or vault~like place, at the rear 0' the office. There is room tcr keep a million 0’ money in it." “\Vc will see the thing through. about the alloy ‘2" “I guess there is a rear entrance.” “ See Black and have him remain here with you. what can be discowred." Nathaniel proceeded to make a detour of the block. Vthn he rejoined his companions he nodded quickly. “Unless I err greatly they are at work. Black, how shall we manage it?” “ Give them a bit of time, and then close n How in. The plan was carried out. After awhile Nathaniel pressed forward into the alley. The patrolman had passed, trying the front door as he went, but ignoring the alley, and there would be a lull in his quarter. All was still in the alley. Con and Aleck had disappeared; the door was closed, and nothing told to the casual View that anything was wrong; but when the detective pressed closer to the building he saw through the shades that a light was burning within. It was barely visible, but it was there. Clearly the burglars had made their en- trance, and were engaged in their work. The detective signaled to his companions, and all were soon gathered together. They consulted, and, as a result, the door was lightly tried. It proved to be fastened. Nibsy’s wits now worked well. “ See that transom over the door?” he in- quired. “ Do you mind, too, that the cur- tain is thin as gauze? It can be seen through, I’ll bet. Give me ashoulder an’ I’ll hump up an’ see w’ot kin be seen." The plan was good, and it was tried imme- diately. Nibsy was assisted to Nathaniel’s shoulders, and he found he had not mis- judged the nature of the flimsy curtain. He could see the interior—not distinctly, but plain enough for his purpose. The burglars were working at the safe, or vault; for it was more of the latter than the former nature. He communicated his discoveries to his allies. ” Shall we go in now ‘2" asked Black. “ N0. Let them run their string out. If it isa common burglary, we want to know it; if there is anything special, we must know it.” The watchers waited. Either the vault was not so very strong or the burglars were old hands at the buslness, for not over twenty minutes had passed when Nibsy an- nounced suddenly: “ The door is open!” “ See what they do next," directed Nathan- iel. “I kin SPO lots 0’ papers in the vault, but they do not pay attention to them. There is a roll 0‘ greenhacks, but they jest swipe it in quick an” say nothin’; they don’t seem ter care whether it is much or little ” “ Watch on!" “Iwill. They fire things all over crea- tlon. They toss papcrs an’ packages about —they don’t open none of the packages. They ransack everything." “ They hunt for something special!" mur- mured Nathaniel. “They hev about gone all through—Iii! Con grabs somethin’ an’ begins ter dance. He's all broke up with joy.” “ What has he got?” eagerly Nathaniel. " “A little box only a few inches long an’ wide. It is—— Say, boss, kin that be—” Nibsy had broken off and then began to speak anew with equal eagerness, but the detective suddenly jostlcd him. ” Down!" he commanded. Nibsy leaped to the ground. “ Burst in that door!” ordered Nathaniel. “It can’t be very firm if it has once been picked. Burst it in, and prepare for a fight. Now, all together! Throw yourselves bodily against the door! Now!” The three solid masses of flesh were thrown forward. The door flew open. The detec- tive party rushed into the office. _ Con and Aleck were still engaged in 'ubilation, but they stopped short- when the intruders a peared. Con still stood w1th the hex claspe in his band, and they were fully caught in the act of burglary, if nothing asked / I am going to pass by and see _ TheVV‘Genteel Sharper’s Combine. more. The dismay pictured on their faces was impressive. “Surrender!” commanded Nathaniel. “ Spotted!” exclaimed Con. “ Yield!" added the detective. " You are surrounded and escape is impossible.” If the whole of this assertion was not true the fiction was justifiable, but it did not accomplish its purpose—they had to deal with men not to be frightened by anything, it seemed. “ Break through!" hissed Aleck. U l!) The brothers spoke almost in concert, and they acted with equal promptness. A head- long rush they made, and as the intruders blocked their way there was a shock as if rival animals had met. The detective party was forced to give ground for the moment, but they rallied speedily and stood up before the attack. Savage was the struggle which followed. The brothers had been accustomed to such experiences all their lives, and the knew well how to use their strength. Ad to this that they fought with absolute fury and the situation can be imagined. For a moment the result was in doubt, but Nibsy spoiled the chances of one op- ponent by tripping him neatly and fallin heavily on him, and in a short time both hat been mastered. Furious but helpless they remained under the hands of their foes. “ Irons!" tersely directed Nathaniel. The wrists of the burglars were quickly encircled, and then the last doubt was re- moved. “ All done!” cheerfully observed Nibsy. “You dog!" hissed (.‘on, “so you are re sponsible for this, be ye?” “Your own sins are responsible for itl" retortcd Nathaniel. “ Be cool and take your medicine.“ . The mysterious box had fallen to the floor, and it now became as much an object of in— [crest to the detective as it had been to the burglars. IIe lifted it and at once tried to open it. It was secured, and he hesitated to break the lock. He noticed that (Jon and Aleck eyed it with intense interest still. “ There’s a name on it,” remarked Nibsy. _ “ So there is. ‘ )liss Fannie Yelton.’ That tells something, and I think we are anxious to know what is inside." “ Say, boss,” eagerly put. in Con, “ef you’ll let us go we’ll pay ye a good round sum.” “ Have you a key to this box?” “ Naw. Why should we have?” “ I thought it possible that your hopeful sister had given it to you.” “ Me sister? I ain‘t got none.” “ How about Flip Fan?" “ Never heard of her, boss,” replied Con, with cool persistence. " My man, you will find it to your advan- tage to give us the truth about this. You are in the toils. Will you put a part of the blame where it belongs, or will you shoulder all? Speak out!" “Old man,” answered Con, with ready tongue, “ I don’t know a thing you are talk- in’ about, but as fer the truth 0’ this job, maybe you think you kin make me squeal. If you do you are oil yer gear. I ain’t no squealer. See?" Nathaniel looked at the bull-head of the speaker and gave it up for the time; there was too much nerve and obstinacy back of Con’s stand. Nevertheless, he resolved that one of the brothers should yet confess. He took Black to one side. “ Horace," he observed, “ we want to work this game just right. Our men are going to the Police Headquarters to-night, but if the newspapers get track of the truth I shall fail in all my plans. The truth-must not come out; the friends of these precious young burglars must not know what has become of them. If I catch the status of affairs, it is not likely anybody was told of this break. Good! From this moment Con and Aleck disa )pear from view.” “ t's a still gamc?’ “ Yes.” “ The plan is good.” “ Of course we want this box as evidence of what they tried to do. We will take it and open it. at Police Headquarters. Now I i 2'7 to summon the patrolman and havu this ofiiu: protected from further raids. ” “ Send Nibsy.” “Yes. He will do as well as anybody. Dispatch him at once. As for me, I shall not take my eyes off from our game, nor my hands off of this box. Send Nibs and let this affair be settled at once. V e have bagged out our game. Let us see how big the game is.” CHAPTER XXXII. A L I. BUT ONE lilNKl. THE next day as Nathaniel Coolcdgc sat in his private room a servant came to an- nounce that a lady wished to see him. No name was sent, but when the lady appeared she proved to be Adrienne Everley. The detective first looked surprised and" than rose with cordial politeness. " Miss Everley, I am pleased to see you. I have not always been the most agreeable of acquaintances. \Vill you allow me to make amends for past mistakes?" He set a chair for her, and she smiled pleasantly enough. “Suppose I take my revenge now, and snub you?" she suggested. “ Madam, you are a business woman, andl you know what discipline is, and what duty requires." “ That is right, and we will omit the sulk» ing and the quarrel. Permitme to ask if you have the murderer of Thomas Smith yet?” " I re mat to say, he still has his liberty." “ An the stolen diamonds?" “ Are_ not in ‘the hands of their proper owners." “Mr. Cooledge," added Adrienne, with sudden emphasis, “ I am interested in this case.” “ As a professional woman?” “Less that, I fear, than as a woman who has been wrongfully accused." “ You are no longer under suspicion." “Sol believed, but I want more. When the real criminals are found there cannot be even the shadow of doubt as to my stand- ing.” it “ There is none now.” “That does not satisfy me. Not to dwell on mere hopes let me say that I have what may, I think, be regarded as evidence of practical value, I have been looking into the case. My connection with newspaper Work does not require me to hunt murderers, or to do the work usually set apart for men. Neither am I a freak journalist, like some. women who are engaged in the occupation. My line is legitimate and. I may say, woman~ ly. Lately however, I have made a new de- parturc.” “And that?” ” Has been to criminals!" “So I have a rival in the business?" re- turned Nathaniel, witb a smile. “No. I seek only to vindicate myself.” “ You are already vindicated.” “ By theory. I want unassailable proof, and I am seeking it. Now, to come to the- point. You remember the dressmaker epi- sode?” “Yes.” “And that the mysterious woman who had a dress made with a pocket did not have. the dress sent home, but came with a boy to. carr it when it was done '2” “ 'cs.’ “ l have found the boy.” “ Ila! is that so?" “Quite true, Mr. ()oolcdge. It seemed a useless attempt to find the boy, but 1 under- took to do it. Armed with a good descrip— tion from the dressmaker, and aided by cer- tain remarks she had recalled as made. by the- boy when at her house, Ibegan a search which has been successful; the boy is found." “What could he tell?" inquired the detec». tive, eagerly. “ Practically nothing," Adrienne answered; “but when I found him I learned to what place the dress had been taken. That meant a 00d deal. Inquir there developed new th ngs, and now I wi i tell all I learned. “ A certain Mrs. Diskman keeps a small‘. boarding-house. To this house there came a. few weeks ago a oung woman who gave. the name of Miss y. She’rcrnained for some timc'and was considered a good boarder.. She had two callers and no more, both men. hunt for the Lynntield. One was comparatively young, slender and blondevhaired; the other was nearly forty , cars old, tall, dark and rather severe cf .ook. “ These men came to see her occasionally. All three were quiet and unostentatious. When in the house they talked on common- ; place subjects. but they occasionally went I out, and were then lost to sight, of course. 3 “ This went on until after the dress was . '* brought home. Some of the Women caught .on to the fact that a new dress had made its appearance, and, naturally, they wished to see it. They did not succeed; Miss Ray evaded showing it. “ She made foes by this—what woman could patiently endure such a rebufi' as tc be refused permission to look at anew dress? “ Miss Ray was immediately voted ‘ queer’ by. the good ladies of the boarding-house. “One evening she went out. No one.can 'say positively, but it is believed that she wore the new dress. Nobody saw it, how- ." ever. She never has been buck. There is but one thing to add to this—the evening 'that she left so unexpectedly was the same on which the wedding at Lynnficld’s was to \ e. 4 I ‘“ You think,” replied Nathaniel. “ that the inference is clear?" , “ Is it not?" ' f‘ I think it is. " “Miss Bay was the person who imperson- ated me at Lynnfield’s. Who were the men who visited her at the boarding-house?" ‘ wthem?" 1 “ I asked all there to describe them, and fthe result of their combined efforts makes for :us two well-defined men. . Here they are!” The reporter went over thevarious points of each, and Nathaniel could not doubt that . they had been Barrington Cakes and John V ’ Berwick.‘ . Adrienne did not press him to state whether- . he knew who her men were, but briskly . hastened to another: point. v “Miss Ray left all her belongings at the, "boarding-house. It was no great sacrifice. ',With the exception of three dresses and the, Ifew articles imperativer needed for daily . fuse—a comb, a brush, and so on—thc room .f had nothing, and her trunk was found to be' “weighted with useless substances. More, all p the dresses were nearly new, To prevent lier being traced she had had them made for the occasion, and, they were abandoned fwhen the crisis had come: Isnot that your I view?” ' ’ u —“‘Irthink you are right." , “ Now, where is the woman?" _ Adrienne leaned forward and vasenger, at last. - ' ” Have you any clue?” askéd Nathaniel. “’None. And you?” it Noney)‘ A I Nathaniel made the reply almost apathetic- The reporter looked at him sharply- nd appeared uncertain whether to accept statement as fluthful or not, but she ex- 1 her manner ressed no doubts. r a ,' a _ “Sh was a creature of flesh and blood}! pursue Adrienne. L ' ' ' “ Very, much so." > 7 2! %he cannot have turned into air.” ., h t A. O", . r ,‘3‘ Has she tied with her ill-gotten gains?" _ "#1111179 had hold of the some string‘ ,you perplexed me not a little. Where is ‘th titer woman in the case? I’ wish you won! ' 11 me." , . K ' Kin sure you have no suspicion Y’f If, I ' vc, it is vague and intangible._’"j ' chicane was silent for a moment. She watcher, but she felt that she ou vht to Irli ht as to the woman—an she be; ‘ . ooledge kneW’mora ‘ d.) finallydceided to let. thosubj‘ect i)- . ; t. , now about the men who visit Miss ytfshc inquired. “Do .you wantt e’inv mates of the boardin house tosee any par» ' man, or men, nownto you?" ‘ ,- - thsniel shook his head. I be t' “Can you give me fuller description of! ’ofi his clothes, until am found, and, ,the riddle is one which has! ' race and consult with us. «could not: expect a detective to tell his whole » ‘ {Niggy heI frien p for'amoment, and then released his than he . The Sharp‘ ' er’s " ' different. I want to know all about it, and I shall hunt for the evil-doers of that night. I am going to see my name cleared by some: body’s eflforts, yours or mine." “ You are wholly free from suspicion, Miss Everley.” , “Not yet, in law. That is why I want the real criminals found; it is why I am resolved they shall be found!” Adrienne spoke with emphasis, and Na- thaniel be an to admire his new aid. He encourage her all he could. She lingered for some time longer, and then took her do- parture. The detective began to walk the floor thoughtfully. “Who struck the fatal blow?” he mutter- ed. “ It was not Barrington Oakes; he sure-’ 1y was With the guests. John Berwick was with them during the later evening, and the Count Altamonte swears he was there when the murder is supposed to have been done. IIowcvcr, Iremember, well back in the in- vestigation, that Burlington Oakcs spoke of Berwick being in conversation with him and Altamonte, when the crime was announced, as well as for a long while before it. The count was slow to concur, then. Since, hex has been positive on the subject. Has he, unknown to himself, been talked into a false impression? “ Or was Bcrwiek really there? Did Flip Fan, herself, strike Themes Smith down? If so, she. has the arm of an athlete and the heart of a tigress. As to the strength—well, she was a circus~performen She may have had more muscle than women usually have.” CHAPTER XXXIII. FROM '1‘ n E warnns. NIGHT! A arty consisting of Nathaniel. Cooledge, Mr. lack and Nibsy Went out on a pier. In the dock lay a schooner, and as they neared it they were met by Captain Sam Dodds. v “All serene,” cheerfully. though I didn’t know but the old gang would come and do me up, as they tried to do before." 7' “ I promised you they would not," replied remarked the mariner, , Nathaniel. “ That you can‘t be sure of, until they are in prison.” . , Nibpy grinned as he remembered what had become of Con and Aleck., No newspaper ‘ had announced the haul made by the three whenCon and Aleck came to grief, and even the best friends‘of the toughs could no more than suspect that something had befallen them. . ‘ /Captain Dodds was not enlightened, and the four went to the Tripping Mary. . “ Is all ready?" inquired Nathaniel. “ As far as I know, it is.” I “ ‘f Sobe 117’ . With - this declaration Nibsy began to cast the supply. was soon scant,. I ’ v, , ' ’ " “ Now ter biz!” he added. _ “What apparatus do you need?" asked Captain Sum. ‘ r x “ My legs an’ arms.” ! -- . . With this the 'South- street boy began to clamber over the rail. , , « _ i . “IT ke no risks,“ lcantioned.‘Nathaniel., “ If anything goes‘wrong, come to thesuri "‘Nothin‘ win go wrong with "me. Hi! there,'old dock, you an’ me hey shaken fins more‘than once. I come ter yer embrace now. Hold me close ter‘yer heart!” . turned a grinning face, toward his hold and slipped quietly down .into' the Water. He disappeared from view. ’ berlyu 5 “Never fear.”" ,. . ~ , z ,. '-_‘?‘*He:ai,n’t a sailor." g ' " ~ 3 ' " ." fie is a South street boy, and that means lib iswsll athom'e int‘the Water. ‘Ho Would ' notbe up inihis class if. itwas otherwise." ’Dornotrienr for,him." ' ., ~ - 7-. , «1”- essmste 9 you. really expec much interested in murder cases, but this one is . “I’ve sent all'the lads ashore, _ ,Sam, but the sailor took the slight com~ - would hev been a muscular tide that would ' . t" Hope he won't meet with; any mishspflf, ‘ observed CnptsinDodda. ‘ ' Viki " Mary sailed on that eventful night. He says he saw a woman leave the schooner and re- turn to the street. He avows that she wore a black dress. If that is so, she disposed of her special dress while here, for she carried no parcel with her. Result. we infer she sunk the cast~oif garment in the dock.” g Captain Dodds shook his head. 3 “ It won’t be there now; the tide has sucked it out long ago.” “ That is our one fear. Still. all probabil- ities fail at times. The dress must have been weighted. It may have clung because of that weight, or it may have caught in the supports of the pier." “Your boy is staying under water sur- prisiugly.” “ Yes." “ You don’t suppose he has overdone the job and succumbed to the difficulties of re maining under the surface?" “ I certainly do not. He isn’t the person to fail in his attempts." ' All bent forward over the rail. The water rippled on in the old way and gave no sign that it had received a human being into its embrace. t was a dark and pokerish place, and the detectives, who were but ordinary swimmers, began to feel that, in their opinion, it was no trifling matter to go down into the gloomy depths. .lf Nibsy hndvanished from life and gone into nothingness he could not have disap- penred from their view more completely. Everybody began to feel anxious about him. “ He was only a landsman,” reminded Captain Dodds, soberly. “ He said he could swim well.” “ Oh. but no landsman can do that.” “Say, Cap, I’ll swim you amatch. Is it a ' o?” . - ' g The trio, startled by the voice, wheeled suddenly. Just behind them, safe on the deck, was Nibsy, his mouth expanded in a grin of mischievous pleasure. “ Here is the dead man!” he added, cool- ] . . P— \ . «3‘-—— Nnx'r DIME LIBRARY, No. 850! THE NAMED}: rncrrvn- BY DR. NOEL DUNBAR. Beadle's Dime library. LATEST ISSUES: 838 Old Grlp‘s Still Hunt: or. The Bank President‘s Nemisis. By Jackson Knox. 839 The Ranch Kin? Dead-Shot; Proxy. By Buffalo Bill. 840 Maj ir Bullion, Boss of the Ti rs; or. Jupiter Junk‘s Last Inning. By Capt. Holmes. 841 Graydon‘s Double Deal: or. Trapping the River Thieves. By Wm. H. Manning. 8458 Teton-Tom, the Half-Blood: or, Black Bill at Bearfoot Bar. By Albert w. Aiken. 848 The Crescent Citv Sport' or. Gabe Ganderfoot's Mississippi Man Hunt. 13y Lient. A. K. Sims. 844 Tracked ti Chicano; or, Detective Barr‘s Great Trunk Mystery. By Harold Payne. 845 Buffalo Bill‘s Redskin Ruse: or, Texas Jack's Death Shot. By Col. 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