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FRITZ DOUBLED UP HIS FIST SO TlIREA’l‘ENINGLY THAT THE DARKY IMMEDIATELY
GOT OUT OF HIS WAY.

 

Spotter Fritz. ,

 

   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
 
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
 
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
  

Spotter Fritz;

The Store-Detective’s Decoy.

BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, -

’AUTHOR or “ DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS,
“BOSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC., are.

 

CHAPTER I
m BOUND nor AFLOAT.

“Farm!”

No answer to the call, which was shrill
and authoritative; and a frown of displeas-
ure mantled the brow of Mrs. Jerusha
Shrimp, as she stood in the vine-wreathed
thhic arbor of her prett farm-house, and
gazed searchingly throug swell-kept fruit
orchard, now just in ful bloom, which sur-
rounded the house. .

“Fritz!”

This time Mrs. Shrimp called with more
vehemence, and got her answer from among
the branches of a cherry tree near where she
was standin ——the answer coming in the
cod-nature Teutonic tones of the looked-
or Fritz.

“ Vel, v’at you vant, Mrs. Shrimp?”

." I’ll show you, you rascally blunderbuss.
What are you doing up in that cherry-tree,
sir? Come down. instanterl”

“Dot ish all right. I sthay yoost v'ere I
am!" was the reply. “Off I come down
you gif me der sdrapL”

“Not this time, sir, if you come down
right away," Mrs. Shrimp averred, a little
, more graeiously, full well knowing the lad’s
stubborn ways. “ Come down, now-that‘s
a good boy; I want to have a talk with

u. , .

‘ ‘-' Vid a sdick, eh?" Fritz questioned, not
oflering to move until he had some assurance
that it was absolutel safe.

‘ ‘fNol not not I aven’t I told ou that if
you come down at once ‘I won dn't strap
youf"'Mrs. Shrimp reiterated, impatiently.
"‘Vel, den I come down." was the answer,
, and Fritz, clamben'ng down out of the tree,
‘ soon'stood upon the ground at a respectful
distance‘ from Mrs. Shrim , so that in case
, she should make a dive or him he could
run.

1 Even Mrs S., with her vinegarish disposi-
tion. could not refrain from smiling as she
noted his warlike precaution, and the broad
grin upon his stolid, good-natured features,
’ for Fntz was rather a comical looking fellow

. togaze at, “at any time.
e was short In stature'for a boy, Of eigh-
teen, and fat and healthy looking, with a

 

round German face, with a HeWish hook to
the nose, and sharp black eyes, while his hair
was red and bushy.

No one could look at the sturdy young
Dutchman without smiling, for he was the
impersonation of good-nature, clumsincss
and cunning.

Dressed in a pair of loose-fitting blue over;
alls, met bya homes un over-frock, and a

. round cap on his hea , minus its “scoop.”

and being barefooted, added somewhat fur-
ther to his comical appearance.

“Fritz!” Mrs. Shrimp said, surveying him
with a severe expression of countenance,
“what on earth were you doing up in that
tree?”

“ Noddinks on earth; I vas in der air,” re-
plied the boy, with a broader grin.

“ Stop!” Mrs. Shrimp commanded, rebuk-
ingly. “ None of your impudence. What
we’raSyou doing in t at cherr tree?"

“ uckin’ birds’ cg , un brognosdercat-
in’ der vedder, like enner,” Fritz replied,
edging a few inches further away. “ Dere
ish gmn’ to pe von pig dunder storm some
off dose days.”

“Oh! you awful, awful boy! Come into
the parlor, sir, straight as you can walk. I
have got something serious to say to you.”

“ Dot means—‘ Fritz, old veller, you kec
von eye on vatch for der strap,’ ” was the ar-
lent conclusion of the lad, as he meekly fol-
lowed his mistress.

The Shrimp family parlor was no elegant
affair, but was rather cozin furnished; boast-
ed of some nice pictures, a piano. and last
but not least, three human ornaments in the
persons of the three Misses Shrimp; the
elder Shrim of masculine gender had long
since passe away, peace be to his ashes.

The eldest Miss Shrimp was over thirty,
not really prepossessing; and rather a coun-
terpart of her mother, being possessed of
plenty of vim and wide-awake, look-after-
the-pennies business tact, and havinga de-
cidedly sour disposition.

Knowing ones said it was because she had
been unsuccessful in catching a husband;
-but be that as it may, Miss Caroline was her
mother’s favorite.

Miss Arabella was twenty-five, and more
fresh and matrimonially hopeful than her
elder sister. It was the hight of insult, to
her, to be counted an old maid, for, indeed,
did she not have a lover in Philadelphia with
whom she corresponded regularly, and were
they not engaged? Besides, Arabella was a
writer of poems of no mean order, on such
novel and original subjects as Spring,
Autumn—poor sighinp: expiring Autumn, to

veins of womanly feeling. Miss Lotta Shrimp

 

say nothing of, Love. Kisses and the various ,.

was seventeen, and tho,harumlscarum tom: i ‘

 

 

 

 

 

 

..~'m"'~‘“"’ "

 
 

Spotter Fritz.

i.

r "

 

boy of the family, much to the milled dignity
of her elder sisters, and the worriment of her
mother, for the “ fellers " that Lotta couldn‘t
“ mash," with her roguish, pretty face and
figure, were literally not worth “mashing.”

These three Graces of the Shrimp family
were seated in the parlor when Mrs, Shrimp
and Fritz entered—Miss Caroline engaged in
footing up the family expense book, Miss
Arabella engaged at fine sewing, and Lot, as
she was called. engaged in reading a yellow-
covered novel, much to the disappmval of
her sisters’ strict ideas. .

“Fritz,” Mrs. Shrimp began, as she sunk
into an easy-chair, and motioned him to stand
up. in front of her—“Fritz, are you aware
how old you are?"

Fritz scratched his bushy red head a mo-
ment. as if the question perplexed him.

“Vol, I don’d know dot,” he finally re-
plied, “ but off 1 vas der shudge py as many
licken's I hat]? got, I dink I vas no older as
dwelve or thirdeen.”

" Ha! ha! good for you, Fritz! You’re
nobody’s fool!" cried Lotta. ’

“Lotta!” Mrs. Shrimp said sevdrely. set-,

ting her foot down heavily on the floor.
“You are not required to speak till you’re

4' spoken to."

“But, on know I will have my say, now,
mammy,’ the independent member of the
Shrimp family declared, with a malicious
grin at Caroline.

“ Fritz," Mrs. Shrimp puréucd, “you are
eighteen years old, to-day.”

“ Vas? So old ash dot?”

“Exactly, sir, according to the age given
me by the man who bound you out to me.”

"You mean dot old Hyman, der pack-
pcddler‘?” .

“ Yes. ' And you being eighteen. your ser-
vice for me is concluded. It is just five
years ago to-day, since I took you to bring
up, from the pcddler who said you were his
brother‘s son, and he wanted you reared in a
good Christian family where you could have

the advantages of proper training and educa-

tion. ~The laws knows you've had both, but
I can see very little improvement in on.”

“ You could not expect to work e ucation
into a blockhead,” Miss Caroline snapped.

“Dot vas drue,” Fritz assented, his eyes
flashing. “Cowrsdables don’d vas der blace
der git some educations, und der old vimmen
she haff triad hard to tram me with der
sdrap, but id don’d was in me.” .

The elder Shrimps frowned, ,ominously,
while Lot clapped her hands.

“ Hurrah! What a shot that was!” she
cried, dramatically. ” StiCk to it. FritZ! I
glory in your spunk. To be sure you couldn’t
get education milking cows. like you could
it you had been sent to school.”

 

“ IIumph! school, indeed! He’s barely
earned his clothing and liying, to say noth-
ing about goingr to expense of sending him to
school. I should think you were old enough
to talk better sense, Lot!" was Miss Carolina’s
sharp reproof.

" I’m sure Fritz has been treated very well,
and can-not complain. I’ve taught him how
to read, write, spell and cipher, myself,"
meekly added Miss Arabella. .

“Oh! of course! But I say he's been
made to work all the time, and used more
like a slave!” Lot asserted, defiantly. “Bah!
don‘t talk back to me, you old cronesl" and
with this parting shot, she returned to the
perusal of her book, while Mrs. Shrimp and
her two older daughters each gave a deep,
deep sigh. Incorrigible Lotta would yet
bring them, .in gray hairs, to the grave, they
declared.

“And so. your time being up, Fritz, and
we having insufficient work to keep you em-
ployed.” Mrs. Shrimp went on, “ we have
concluded that we shall have to let you go!"

Fritz‘s countenance fell a little at this an-
nouncement. ‘

3‘ I don’d understand. You don'd vas vant
mellany longer, eh?" he asked, rather sorrow-
fu y. '

“ No, Fritz; necessity compels us to part
with you. You are getting to be a man now,
and naturally eat more and wear out mor_
clothing than when younger, and that, to-
gether with the fact that we haven’t enough
to keep you busy, and that times are getting1
harder, makes it imperative that we curtai
our expenses as much as possible.” * “

‘f But, v'ot ish to pecome of me? Vere I o
go, Mrs. Shrimp? Ihafl’ no home—~I'- hafl
no blues to go—no moneyv—no notting."

“ Pshaw! brace up and facethe world, and
look up something to do, on your own hook!
Get a ack and go to peddling!" Miss Caro-
line a( vised. '

“ Don’t you do it, Fritzl” cried Lot.

‘ “ Jest you go on the stage—that’s your
best hold. You’re boss in magic and tricks,
an’ I bet you'd make a hit!”

“ Fritz, listen not for a moment to my ir-
reverent child!” Mrs. Shrimp cried, putting
up her hands in horror. “Never, never aim
to go upon the stage or into those awful
palaces of sin called theaters. Lotta. child,
if Parson Skindle were to hear you give‘such
an un-Christian advice, he’d read you a

severe lecture on the wickedness of your! I 

wa s.”
‘yFudgcl" Lotta retorted. snapping her ,
thumb and finger. “Don‘t Parson Skindleg
go to circuses?—and Tom Flynn told me
that the person even took in the Black Crook
when he was in New York.” .
“ Child! child! hush such nonsense. If

\

 

Spotter mu.

Parson Skindle has ever entered a tent,

recollect it was only to see the animals. He’d

scorn to look at the circus, and as for his

going to see the Black Creek. that‘s simply

a. fabrication on the part of that wicked

Thomas Flynn.”

“ Of course 1" agreed Caroline.
“What a sin that any one could thus

malign Parson Skindle," from Arabella.
. “No, no, Fritz, never let temptation lead

you into a life of sinfulness,” Mrs. Shrimp
.: continued. “I have already secured you a
position, if it is such as will suit you. Par-
son Skindle knows of a brother minister
who wants a boy to chore around for him,
like sweeping out his office, keeping the
fires, blacking his boots, running errands,
and so forth. How would you like that?”
.. “I don’d dink ash how I’d like dot and-

so-forth job," Fritz replied, manifesting more
r spirit than was customer for him. “Uif
you’don’d vas like me, vill go to Phila-
delphia und start into pizness."

“ But, Philadelphia is a great city, Fritz,
and a great ways from here.”

“ Dot is drue, but I half got legs, und I
soon get there. Maybe I find work on der
road. und den 1 can go on der cars. I vas
much obliged to you all vor keepin' me so
long, und ofl I ever get rich I vill send you
somedings to remember me by.”

Fritz left the Shrimp homestead that very
afternoon. He was only too glad to be given
his freedom, for his life had been none too

,_ easy there, and he was ambitions to make

*‘something for and of himself.

: - He had no clothing to carry, but in a little
~carpet-sack he had some apparatus which
appertained to, certain little tricks in parlor
magic, in which by natural gift he was an

apt. ~ - 
Caroline had also,hunted him 'up a ser-
viceable pair of shoes, so that he need not

‘ start out barefooted.
Lotta. who had always been his firm
, friend. and had taken Sides with him, was
the only one’to follow him to the gate.
V “ Fritz,” she said, “ I hate to see you go,
' but am well satisfied you will find it easier
’ elsewhere than here. But I am determined
7 you shall not go on foot. Here is my
.»p0cketbook, containing. the money I havs
» earned. Take it as a gift from me. and ur-
. , chase you a ticket for Philadelphia. hen
.you get there, on will still haVe some money
aft. With i you can obtain board and
. lodging until you can find employment;
. then, when you get to doing well, you can
, send it back to me, and no one will be the
7.. wiser for it.” . ‘
' “Buy/Miss Lotte, you we not afraid to

I',.'(

 

drust me? Maybe I get sick und kick ofer
d'er bucket—v’ot den?"

“Pshaw! don’t have such a thought. I
anticipate a bright future for you, and know
you’ll be honest enough to send it back.”

2‘ Und you bet I vill, off I nefer do vonc
odder t'iug in der vorld. Good py, Miss
Lotta! You vas alvays kind mit Fritz, und
he'll ncfer forget you."

And with tears in his eyes, the big hearted
German lad raised to his lips the lily hand
that had felt for him in giving him the
money ;' then turned and strode down the
winding country road—the avenue that took
liifm hence into a strange, active and exciting

1 0.

CHAPTER II.
F R I T z I N F U N .

OF his parentage Fritz had no knowledge.
His first recollection was of being under the
charge of a hard-hearted, unscrupulous old
Jew pack-peddler named Hyman, with whom
he had traveled about the country until five
years before, when Hyman had made a bar-
gain with Mrs. Shrimp to take the crude
German Jewish boy and train him up in the
way all Americans go.

5 before stated. Fritz’s term of bondage
had been anything but pleasant at the farm,
and he had ideas of his own that he would
like to go back to Philadelphia, which was
the home of Hyman, by the way, and make
an1 fattempt to start in the world for him-
se .

In what way he should be able to do this,
he had had no clear conception until Lotta’s
friendly gift of the money; but now, as he
trudged along down the old turnpiked road
toward the station, bright visions of pros-
perity loomed up before him. ‘ '

He would purchase some trinkets and jew-
elry, if nothing more, and start out peddling,
until he could get something better to do.

On his way to the station, he counted over
the money Lotta had so kindly loaned. him,
and found that there was forty dollars and
fifty cents.

“ Dot ish a pile,” he soliloquized. thought-
fully. “ I get a ride from here to Philadel-
phia, and stardt into pizness. right avay off!
Byme-by, ven I get rich und spruced up like
ash der odder nabobs, vid 3. white duck suit
und diamond pin—den I coomc pack und
see Miss Lotta. Off der old voman pe
dead. den maybe I marry her—nefer, unless
she is dead. Too much strap flyin’ apoud
der hremises."

He soon reached the station.

Waverley was a pretty little town, and hav-
ing been there often on errands. Fritz soon-
found the depot. I

It was a common wooden structure, such

 

Spotter Prits.

 

as serve the urpose of passenger-stations
along many 0 our railroads, with but one
waiting room, for both ladies and gentlemen.

The train had not yet arrived which was
to take Fritz to Philadelphia, but he made
haste to enter the waiting room and purchase
his ticket.

The room was comfortably filled with peo-
ple who were Waiting for the train, and the
keen eye of Fritz ran over the assemblage,
while he was putting away his purse in an
inner pocket, wherche calculated it would
not be easily reached by thieves.

Most noticeable, among others, were three
parties—one, a youn woman who was en-
deavoring to feed a retful baby from a bot-
tle; the others, two foppishly dressed young
men, with waxed mustaches and glossy silk
hats, and clothingimmaculatc.

Judging by their appearance Fritz set
them down as commercial drummers. He
had studied the peculiarities of men of their
ilk frequently, While out peddling with
Moses H man, and at once recognized the
calling 0 these two. '

They in turn seemed to consider him an
object of curiosity, for they at once began
to poke fun at him.

“Hello, Dutchy—going to N. Y.?” the
youngest saluted, sarcastically,

“No, he is going to Phil., to embark in
the mercantile biz,” the other chimed in.
“ Don't you see the cut of his cloth—a walk-
ing tailor, eh, Hans?"

"No tailor about him,’1 retorted the first)
drummer. “He owns a jewelry shop with
three balls in front, on Chestnut!”

“ I’ll bet we’re both wrong. That mouth
indicates that he’s a pretzel manufacturer,”
declared the elder; then they both laughed
heartily.

Fritz colored a little, at first, but quickly
regained his composure.

“ You don’d vas neider off you right,” he
said, quietly; “ I vas engaged in der occupa-
tion of minding my own pizness.”

An expression of approval ran over the

faces of those assembled, showing that their
sym sthies were not with the drummers.
V ‘,‘ umpht the modern Dunderbuss ain’t
so slow, after all,” remarked one of the
drummers. “ I say, my German Satan, what
have you got in your gri sack?”

, “ Dot’s my business; f) carry my stock in
trade mit my sachet, but you carry yours in
your hat, I see.”

“Ha! ha! what an ideal Here, you sauer-
kraut, what can you find in that hat?” the
commercial man cried, taking of! his plug
and handing it to Fritz.

Fritz took the hat, a merry twinkle in his
little black eyes.

__“Vy, der 18h lots in it," he said, fumbling

 

about in the bottom of the hat. ” In der
first place, I suppose you vill give me all I
find, der live stock excepted?”

“ Yes, you are welcome to all you find ex-
cept the hat and its lining,“ the drummer res
plied, beginning to feel a little uncomfortw
ble, for all eyes were turned in curiosity
upon him and the young Dutchman.

“ Vel, den I'll half enough to start in mit
der junk bizness, v'en I get to Philadelphia,”
Fritz announced, with a grin. “ Hello! v’ot
ish dot?”

And to the astonishment of all, he drew a
pair of lady‘s stockings from the hat, and
held them up in full view of the audience.

A roar of laughter was the verdict from
all save the drummer, who swore roundly.

“ Let me have my hat! Who in the deuce
put those stockings in it ‘2” he cried, half-be-
side himself with chagrin and rage.

“ Don’d pe in so mooch hurry," Fritz re-
turned, keeping thc hat. ” It is no uncom-
mon occurrence dot a feller vants to carry a.
keepsake vid him. off his fraulein.

Malybe:
ve find who der socks belongs to,” an he i

went on fumbling the plug. “Ah! yes—
here ve got der photogrsth off der owner of
der hose!”

I I 3

f

And from the hat, to all appearances, her ‘

tookacabinet photo of a buxom negress,
and held it up to view.

The yell of laughter that followed caused
the drummer to use language more irrev-
erant than polite, as he leaped forward and
succeeded in grabbing his ofiending but,
from the young magician.

“What infernal trickery is this?"he de- .  ‘

manded on gazing into the head-covering
and beholding nothing there. “ What do
you mean, you Dutch blunderhead?"

“Oh! noddinksl noddinksl I vns simply ‘
showin’ you how easy der smart snob can be
foolished,” Fritz answered. -

The locomotive whistle now sounded, and
put a stop to any further fun for the await-
ing passengers. '

The crestfallcn dandy and his companion
made a hurried exit, and were the first to get
aboard the cars.

Fritz, with his sack in hand, awaited for
the other passengers to get aboard, and while
thus detained, noticed that the woman of the
squalling infant had forgotten the baby’s
bottle, which lay upon the seat near where
she had set.

It instantly occurred to Fritz that he could
have some un with the bottle, and be ac-
cordingly slipped it into his pocket—for,
aside from being an expert magician, he was
a. ventriloquist of no mean order. Thou h
nature had made him stout and clumsy, s 6
had, certainly endowed him with two valu-
able gifts. ‘

 

  

5 , Spotter Fritz.

 

   
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
 
 
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
   
  
   
  
 

Boarding the train, Fritz was lucky enough
to find a seat just in front of the woman of
the squalling babe

‘ Across the aisle from Fritz sat an elderly
. party whom the young traveler at once set
down as a crusty old bachelor—for he wore
goggles, read the New York Tribune, and
appeared of a very nervous temperament, as
. be ,cast numerous frowns in the direction of
- the fretting infant.

“ Dot is my game,” Fritz quietly mutter-
 ed. “I-Ie pe sour vinegar. yoost like old
g Kimmens Shrimp, und I haff some fun mit
./ Im.’

‘ To do this he must wait until the lady
with the baby should discover the loss of the
/ bottle, which occcurred just as the train had
stopped for a twenty-minute halt at Piltston,
,. where a few of 'the passengers left the car,
 ’ 'Fritz, the lady and the bachelor retaining

' ' their seats.

‘ “Oh! dear, what has'become of baby’s
bottle?” queried the lady, searching about
among her bundles. “ I dobelieve I left it
in the stationhouse at Waverley.”

“That is too had,” an elderly lady said,
in the next back seat. ” Perhaps some One
has stolen it?” '

‘ She was one of the ignorant traveling
class, who regards every person as a black-
leg and pickpocket.

, ’ " Who could be so hard up as to appropri-
ate such a trifling affair?" the lady asked, in
.surprise.

“Oh! there's a great many up to such
mean little tricks, nowadays, I tell you-—it
won’t do to over-trust any one”,

“Very true!” a pious, ministerial looking
man just in front of the bachelor seemed to
_ say. “I can tell you where your bottle is,
ma'am—this man with the newspaper and
goggles has it!”

“That‘s a thunderin’ lie!” roared the
bachelor, leapin to his feet.

And he shoo his fist very close to the
nose of the pious-looking party, who stared
' in astonishment. '

v “ You’re anotherl” was the retort, which
‘ Fritz, of course, was refiponsible for.

-‘" You’ve got the suckin’-bot e in your hat,
'and you, can’t deny it. I saw you conceal it

  
    

es
5"
(D
H

“ Did you? did you?” the bachelor yelled,
fairly dancing with rage. ,“Ohi you slan
down _I’ll learn you how to mind your busi-
ness,” and he was about to deal the astonish-
ed party a blow in the face, when Fritz
g; sprung orward and caught his arm.
. ~ " Stop avile,” he said. “Let me look in
,, your hat; perhaps ,der odder ,fellow is
right!” ’
_ "'Rightfright? whmn impudent lout,
but do you mean! _ t do you suppose

 
 

 
 
 

     
   

 

would be my object in stealin' a baby’s suck-
ing-bottle and hiding it in my lmt‘Z—and I a
single man, thank God, at that? This is
scandalous —outragcous. Herc—take my hat
and look at it, and satisfy yourself!"

And he jerked oif his somewhat shiny
“ plug,” and handed it to Fritz, who thrust
his hand inside of it, and—~40! and behold,
drew forth the missing bottle, half-filled

with milk, just as the lady had left it, at the ’
O

depot.

For the moment the bachelor stood as if
struck dumb with horror—then, littering a
violent curse, and seizing the hat and stamp-
ing it beneath his feet, he rushed from the
cars, like a madman while Fritz restored the
bottle to the surprised mother of the child,
and the passengers were left in wonder-
ment.

Fritz, quite satisfied with the mischief he
had done, cuddled down in his seat for a good
sleep, which, owing to fatigue, he was able
to enjoy.

The afternoon had fled and evening was
gathering over the fleeting landscape, when
he awakened.

The brakeman had not yet been around to
light the lamps, and it was quite dark in, the
ear—so gloomy, in fact, that the passengers
at the further end were almost indistinct.

Two portly individuals occupied the seat
just in front of the boy, and were conversing
in an undertone, yet loud enough for him to
,catch the drift of their conversation.

“ You are sure the detectives are on
the watch?” the one next to the'aisle ques‘
tioned. ’

“ Yes—have been ever since the other
cargo was run in. There’ll be no hope
of getting the Fleetwing’s load into market,
until a meeting is called and notes com-
pared."

“ Then it must be done. I will telegraph
to Gregg, tonight, and learn how the coast
is, about Atlantic City.” '

“ That will be . risky. Do nothing

until there is a meeting. As soon as we
reach the city, I will write' each member,
and call a meeting of the league, at the
last meeting-place tomorrow evening at ten
o’clock.” ,
. “Probably that will be the best thing to
do. it will be a good opportunity, also, to
appoint a new spy to watch the man that
isn’t above suspicion.” . ,

“Pshsw! I’d stake my life on his loyalty.”

Then the brakeman came into the car,
leaving the door open, and the din was so
great, caused by the roar of the train, that
Fritz failed to hear any more, ere the men
relapsed into silence ,

He went- to the front of the car, however},

to get a drink, and on his way back, took a  

  

/

 

. mu,

 
   
       
     
   
     
 
   

 

 

 

 

 

  

Spotter Fritz. 

 

look at the two men, 'so that he might re-
member them, thereafter, it he had any 0c«

casion to. __

CHAPTER III.
FRITZ AND nanacoa.

VERY few writers’ powers of description
are adequate to the task of expressing a per-
son’s feeling on first entering a great and
bustling city, after a quiet life in the country.
Only those who have ‘been thar'caa realize
the strange sensation that passes over one,
who awakens to the knowledge that he is
landed in a great city among str ngers, alone,
unknown, and uncared for by:1 the great ed-
dying torrent of humanit around them.

Fritz Snyder, althoug ignorant in the
ways of the world, was by no means ‘ a
greeufi’ -

As rs. Partington would remark of Ike;
“ He had a pile of ideas 0’ things in general
in his head, did Ike, but had rather a poor
way of showin’ ’em." And so it was with
Fritz.

He full realized that he was in a big me-
tropolis, ependent upon his own resources
for a livelihood; but he had confidence that
he could take care of himself and soon find
employment.

“ I vil put up at the best hotel, to-
night,” he decided, “ und at! I don’d can
stand der pressure, any longer. I’ll find a
shea er one to-morrow, vere I can make a
goodp deal of show for a leedle money."

By inquiry of a policeman, he learned that
either the Guard or Continental were con-

sidered first-class hotels, and accordingly got
into a hack and ordered the driver to take
him to the latter-named hotel.

“ But hold up!” the driver said. " I reck-
on you don't mean the Continental, do ye,
Dutchy? It costs a V a day there. Now,
there’s an emigrant lodging-house, down on
Dock street, where ye kin get a bed for a
nickel, and soup, down-stairs, fer a postage
stamp. Reckon that would suit you best, eh?
Right smart place it is, too.”

“ You take me oost where I told you to,"
Fritz replied. “ fl you vas know my piz-
ness better den I vas, I like to know dot. ‘

“ All ri ht; to the Continental you go,
then, but ’11 wager you’ll not get in.”

“Den I vil stay oud,” Fritz muttered,
grimly. “ Ufl my money don’d vas so good

wash somepody else's, den I know der reason.”

The carriage soon rolled away over the

pavement toward the center of the city, and

from the window-pane our adventurer watch-
ed the stores and houses flit by, in great curi-

osiItiv. _
e had never been in the c1ty before—at
least, not since he could remember—and the

I great rows of massive brick and marble

 

structures, and the lighted, elegant stores
looked strangely grand and beautiful to him.

In due time the cab halted before the
Ninth—street entrance to the Continental Ho-
‘tcl, and Fritz got out.

“ I’ll wait here a bit, so if you don't get in
I’ll take you some’res else.” the driver said,
with a grin, as he received his fare.

“ Don‘d you worry uboud me,” Fritz re-
plied, good naturedly. "Ufl I do look a
seedle’green, dot don’d vas signify any-

ings. ’ .

“It signifies there’ll be some fun in the
Continental,” the driver mused, turning
away. ‘

Into the hotel, and direct to the ofilce, '

Fritz strode, grip-sack in hand, resolved to
put on a bold front, and face the music as
any person does who applies to an austere
hotel clerk for accommodations.

“Can I get accommodations here for one
day?" he asked of the clerk. l

The clerk eyed him a moment supercili-
ously; then glanced at the room record.
which lay on the counter.

“ Cannot keep you; house is full,?,’ he re-
plied, curtly. “Plenty of other hotels
handy.”

“ But I don'd vas want some oder hotels,” , ~ I

Fritz returned, decidedly. “I vant to stay
beer, so yoost give me a room. I can pay
for ’im "

Seeing that he had undertaken to hint! the

wrong man, the clerk assigned him a room,

to which he was shown.

Fritz spent a ver pleaant evening, look-
in around and ha a gond night‘s rest.

e awoke at a seasonable hour, the fol-
lowing morning. and dressing himself, went
down-stairs to the breakfast’room.

A darky waiter, sprucely dressed, and
wearing awhitc apron, met him as he was
about entering. a

“ Say, jcs’ ouh hold on!" he saluted; “ de
boss gave or er dat vouh was not to eat wid
de odder guests. - “You’s got to wait for de
scrvants’ table.”

“ Ish dot so?” Fritz said, surveying the
darky, critically. “ Vel, den better you tell
dot boss I eat oost v’cn I blease, so long as I
pay vor id. ou gid oud oi! der way, or I
plack your swi’ eyes mit b111e.”‘ ‘

And he doubled up his formidable pair of
fists so threateningly, that the darky immedi-
ately got out of his path. . -

“Take care, sah! Don’t strike me or I’ll
hab ou arrested. Do ’t youh gone in dat
breakfas’ room, or I’ll ell de boss.”

“ Dell ’im; dot ish all right,” Fritz re-

torted. “ I plack his eye. if he fool mit me.” ,

Then he entered the great hall, which was
filled with fashionables of both sexes.
As may be imagined Fritz's ,attire did, not

'\
.. VA

  

 

,6  M1,: ‘_ 

 

    

é

Spotter Fritz.

 

create a favorable impression, as he walked
independently into the room, and took his
seat at the head of one of thi- tahles, aml giv.
ing his orders for what. he wanted, he eat
with a reliin what was set before him.

He keenly felt the evident displeasure of
the others to his presonce, and resolved to
have satisfaction.

From his position he commanded a view
of nearly all the tables, which gave him a
good vantage ground.

“ Pie!” he ventriloquially caused a stout,
elder] lady to shout, and all eyes were
turne upon her in astonishment, for she was
a. leader of fashion, and the last one to be
guiltly of such a breach of etiquette.

” {otten eggs-phew l" came from another
part of the room.

“Hairs in the butter!”
another lady.

These cxclamations, as may well be im-
agined, caused an immediate sensation, and
the boarders stared at each other inquiringly,
some utterly shocked, while others were in-
clined to laugh.

And Fritz Went industriously on eating,
nobod suspecting him to be the author of
the cr es.

Several of the guests and boarders got up
to leave the room.

“ Look at ’em go. They’re sink,” a voice
cried. “ Dead flies in the biscuits—ba-a-ek! '

Then there was a sound as if of some one
vomiting, at which another delegation beata
hasty retreat from the room.

The proprietor of the great hotel soon made
his appearance, purple with rage.

“ What is the matter here?” he demanded
striding up and down the room. “ Who is
it that is finding,r fault with the service? h.
it you, sir"’—and he caught hold of Fritz’s
coat collar, angrily.

” Sliimminy dunder!" Fritz ejaculated, in
nocentl --“ v'ot is (it-r matter? i don'd vas
find no dings der matter mid der food."

" Then I’d just like to find out who is
creating all this disturbance," the landlord
stormed.

No one answered him.

What guests yet remained in the room were
as much nonplused as he.

At this juncture the imposing (larky stew-
ard of the house stepped in from the main
entrance door, and Fritz manufactured words
for him, ere he could speak himself.

“Say, boss," he seemed to say, “dar’s a
basket of pie cats downstairs; shall I put
’em in de ’vaporator?"

“ Get out, you accursed nigger!” fairly
howled the tormented landlord, and seizing
acastor from the table he hurled it at the
supposed offender “coon,” and then dashed
furiously in pursuik, ‘-

apparently cried

 

Fritz, concluding that he had created
enough mischief, abstained from further
ventriloquial elforts, and when he had
finished his breakfast, procured his grip‘
sack, and went down to the otlice of the
hotel.

“ Vel, how much is my bill?” be asked, ad-
dressing the clerk; “supper, lodging and
preakfast?”

" Nothing at all; all we want of you is to
get out of the house. and stay outl’ was the
surly reply. “ The devil’s been to pay ever
since you came."

“Vel, I iin very much opliged," Fritz re-
plied, graciously, “ und der next time a
Dutchman comes along maybe he'll stop at
dcr Condernental.”

Then with a grin he took his departure.

The job before him now—that of finding a
situation—was neither agreeable nor easy.
He was Well aware that his attire was not in
his favor, so be resolved to seek a clothing
house, and make a purchase.

Pursuing his way into Eighth street he
soon came to a little store in front of which
hun three olden balls.

“ dinks get v'at I vants, in here, ’ Fritz
muttered. “ Dese places generally find just
what a veller vants, vedder he vants it or
nix."

It was a pawnbroker"s shop attended by a
pretty Jewess maiden, and filled Willi a mot-
ley collection of goods, all the way from a
jew's-harp and jewelry, to household goods
and iauos—ncarl everything, in fact, one's
mint could conce ve.

“ Is dcr boss apoud?" asked, Fritz, as he
entered and gazed about.

“ Yes; I'm the boss, at present, until my

    

 

uncle comes back,” the girl replied in perfect V

English. “ What do you want?”

“Val, dot is der trouble. 1 want a good
many t'ings, but I huff but leedle moneys,"
Fritz replied, goodnatiiredly. “ ()tI you
dink you can rig me oud so I look like a
reg’ler masher, vor half a dollar, I guess you
can take my measure for a suit of clothes."

“I am afraid not, for that sum, but I can
suit you. I know. We have quite an assort—
ment of clothing, both new and second
handy-which would you prefer?"

“Der second hand vil do purdy goot, uff
it is clean and sheep. You see, Ihaff oost
got ready to start into business, und liatI
got to start at der foot off der ladder _mit
sheap clothing, und pyinc-py, v’en I gits rich,
I vil pe able to wear a dry goods store}:

“ Oh! so you are just beginning lth in the
city, eh?"

“Yes; I haff come to der city to make in
fortune. You seem like a purdy nice ga ;
v’ot is your name?"

“Me? oh, I am Rebecca Hyman, and I

 

Spotter Fritz. O

 

live with my uncle Alonzo—Alonzo Schwit-
zer. And, what is your name?”

“I vas Fritz Schootzenhifer Snyder, S.
O.—somebody‘s orphan,” was the reply.
“ Den you vas a Jewess?"

H Yes."

"I’Ind your name vas Hyman, you dells

‘, Yes; Rebecca Hyman. I work at the
wholesale and retail establishment of Schloss
and Harrington, dry-goods merchants, but
uncle he took sick, yesterday,.and so I got
excused today. "

“Your father—v’ot apoud him?”

“ Oh, he has been dead these five years.”

“ Is dot so? Vel, 1’" pet you a half a dol-
lar I used to know him. He vas an old son.
of-a-gun v ot used dcr peddle pins und need-
les oud in der country, mit a pack on his
back.” '

“Oh! no! no! that was not my father—
that was my bad, bad uncle. Moses Hyman.
Ohl Fritz, he is a bad, wicked man, and
folks are afraid of him. My father wouldn’t
have anything to do with him. He is a
night-hawk!" .

" A night—v’ot?”

" A night-hawk—a thief—a smuggler.”

"Is dot so? Vel, I yoost vant to hawk

onto him, vone of! dose days, on bizness—.

dot’s all. I makes fun mit him."

 

CHAPTER IV.
‘ FRITZ rams FOR A JOB.

THEN Fritz made an explanation of how

he had formerly been in the care of a pack-
peddler by the name of Hyman, who had
bound him over to Mrs. Shrimp to work on
the farm; and, altogether, the two had quite
a little chat.
" “And so you have come into the cit to
omake your fortune, eh?" Rebecca as ed.
“What business do you propose to start
into?"

“Vel, dot depends considerable on cir-
cumstances. Ufl I could, I’d like to get a
job where you are.”

"Ha! ha! hal Well. let me see. I wish
on could, but am afraid ou can’t. I don’t
elieve Schloss and Harrington are in need

of any help; still. I could et you in with
them, if any one could, an I’d like to. too,
because you seem to be a pretty nice fellow,
'Fritz, and could come home with me nights
as far as the corner, and I wouldn’t be
afraid—see?’

“ Oh! yes; I coome home vid you four or?

five times eflfery night, if you like, v'en you
get me the jo ."

“0h! no—not so many times as that,
Fritz; ones will be quite sufficient. Now.
let us look you up some clothing. and I’ll
send you around to Sables» and herring-

 

ton's.
Fritz?”

Fritz proceeded to inspect the stock, and
selected a very loud suit of cheap dia onals,
together with a Derb hat, a pair of s oes, a
tie, some handkerchiefs and a spring over-
coat. V

“‘ There! dot’s'about what I want; now
how much for the let?” be asked. v »

“Twenty dollars, to ou.”

“ Got oudl You din I vas a foolishness,
Rebecca? I gifi you yoost ten and half of a
dollar for der lot, or you can put dem' back
mit der shelf."

“ Very well, Fritz. They cost ten dollars
at the ’crash,’and you Can have them at
cost. Go in the back room and tr them
on, and when you come out I will ave 3.
letter of introduction for you, to Schloss and
Harrington.”

” All right, Rebecca; you pe der boss girl. '
I’ll bet half a dollar 1 look yoost like a reg-
’lsr masher mit dese clothes.” V

And his appearance was greatly changed
for‘the better when he re-entered the store.

“Vel, how do 1 look, Rebecca?” he de-
manded, surveying himself in a glass.
“Don’d I vas look like a ready-made Con-
gressman ‘2”

“ Oh! yes; your appearance is greatly
improved. I haven’t a doubt but what the
firm will take on in, and you will do well."

“ Vel, I din so. It von’t pe my fault OR
I don‘t own half of der business pefbre I’m r
with them et'n year, V’ot is this, Rebec-
ca "—as she handed him a letter.

“That is an introductory note for you to
the firm. You can give that to Mr. Har-
rin on, the senior member, and you ‘will
tint him a courteous gentleman.”

“But, v’ere vill I find der old snoozer,
Rebecca?"

“ ’Sh, Fritz! You must be very respect- ,
ful in addressing business people. in order
to be successful—do you see? Politeness
and refinement arefa stranger’s best recom- '
mend. Now, you go on down Eighth to
Chestnut, and an body can direct you to
Schloss and Harrington‘s, and when shown .
into his presence, tip your hat, and present.
this letter. He will read it, and tell you . ;
what chance there is for you.” '

“ All right, Rebecca, and I pe der happiest.
son-ofl-a-gun living, v’en he dells me he vil
take me in as a partner.”

“Well. you might be; but, remember,
Fritz, you will have to begin at the foot of
the ladder, and work upward. Now, good—
by. Go try what you can do, and let me
know what success you have.” ‘

Fritz accordingly sallied forth in quest of ‘
Schloss and Harrington’s. He soon found
their wholesale and retail importing estab-

What kind of a suit do you want,

I r i. .rr-x . “K
‘ I.  (_ - 1'\a-“-.'...,

 

        
  
  
 
 
   
  
   
   
  
    
  
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
  
 
    
  
    
     
  
    

10 Spotter Fritz.

 

lishment and entered and inquired for the
senior partner.

“ What do you want of him? He is
bus .” the clerk answered, to whom he had
app ied—a somewhat portly individual, with
a full face, dark mustache, shrewd black
eyes. and a slight bald spot on his head.

“I vant to see him; id don'd vas matter
to on v'ot for," Fritz replied, independently.

if on vill hafl the kindess to show me
the o ce, I vill not trouble you."

The clerk—or foreman—frowned.

“Jack,” he said, addressing an errand
bay. “show this gent to Mr. Harrington‘s
o co."

The boy obeyed. and Fritz soon stood in a
small but tasty business office, in the pres-
ence of the senior partner of the firm.

"A gentleman to see you. sir,” the boy
said, and then bowed himself out.

“You wish to see me,” Mr. Harrington
said, surveying his visitor, rather critically
and yet courteously. “ Be seated, sir. Mr.
Fisk—” turning to another individual who
also sat in the oflice~“ we will speak further
on the subject, as soon as I attend to this
young man’s wants.”

Mr. Harrington was a man of some five-
and-forty ears of age, well-preserved, and a
hearty, no le-looking specimen of manhood.

He was one of those business men whose '

kindly face and courteous address always
favorablv impressed the masses with whom
he had ealings; a noble, honest nature, free
of conceit or deception, was delineated in
feature, expression, and habitual bearing
And yet, evidentliy, a man who could be
stern and unyiel ing, when emergency de-
mended.

There were threads of silver in his hair
and mustache; his attire was plainziy elegant.
asbefltted the station in life he he] .

The other occupant of the office, aside
from Mr. Harrington and Fritz, was a
smooth-faced man of thirty or thereabouts,

twith a sharp, peculiar east of physiognomy.
keen. restless eyes, straight black hair, and
the general appearance of a person whose
business it was to study those with whom he
came in contact. His suit of blue broad-
cloth, his faded tie and old style “ plug hat ”
were of seedy appearance from constant use.

Fritz made this inventory of the two men
before he answered Mr. Harrington.

“/Yes, I had a letter for you from Miss
Rehecca Hyman—you know Rebecca. eh?”
he said, handing the letter to the merchant.

“ Ah! yes. Rebecca is one of our clever-
est cler ," and he tore open the envelope.
" Yes, yes—1 see. Rebecca states that you
are an honest young man in search of a posi-

where you can make yourself useful for
"mail compensationto begin with. Well.

 

that is a good point; never ask foralarge
salary until you can prove that you are
wort y of it, my boy. I don’t know that we
have need of any more help at present; still,
I will see about it, as Rebecca has been of
remarkable value to us, and i would like to
accommodate her.”

"Yes, Rebecca is a reg’lar slasher, und I
bet half a dollar I und Rebecca gots married
sense” of dose deys pyme-py, v’en ve got
no .

“ Ha! ha! so you aspire to riches, eh?
Well. there's no harm in that. as long as you
make it your aim to attain all honestly, my
boy, and I dare say Rebecca would make
any young man a good helpmate. What can
you do, sir?"

“ Vel, I don’d know so much about dot till
I try. I dinks I can do a good many things
as a helper.”

“ Oh, very likely. At what were you last
employed ?”

“Vel. I milked der cows und fed der pigs.
und hunted der goose eggs for Mrs. Shrimp,
for several years past, and when I hafi no
chores to do, I practice. some tricks in magic
und vendrilogism—sec? Pefore dot. I used
to travel- mit der coundry vid old Hyman
and sell pins, needles, shoe-sdrings, susben-
ders, und dose t‘ings.“

“ Ah! I see; you have been in the mercan-
tile business, then," Mr. Harrington said, a
faint smile playing about his mouth. “ Now,
one important thing, Fritz—are you strictly
honest?"

“ Mr. Harrington, I was one ofl der
honestest poys in der vorld. I vouldn't steal
even a hair v'ot somebody had dropped mit
der butter.”

So sincere did the young 'I‘cuton seem in
his declaration that 0th the merchant and
his friend laughed heartily.

“ Well, I must say that is a novel assur-
ance." the former said, good-humoredly.

“Assurance? V’ot is dot?” Fritz asked,
not understanding the word.

“ I should have said that was a novel ex-

ression to illustrate one's honesty," Mr.
Iiarrington replied. “I will see. my boy,
what show there is for you.” and he touched
a bell-knob which communicated with the
store.

A small boy immediately answered the
summons.

“ Tell Mr. Daniels to step here a moment,”
the merchant ordered.

The foreman whom Fritz had first encoun-
tered soon made his appearance, and stood
respectfully in waiting.

"Mr. Daniels,” the merchant said. “this
young man comes to me in search of a job.

e is well recommended, and if there is a
vacancy in any of our business departments

...' (2» ..

  
 

 

,
my

_\

..- I‘M—4,.

7...

Spotter Fritz. ‘ 1 1

 

thatl he can fill, I would like to give him a
tria .’

“There is no vacancy that I know of at
present, sir,” Daniels replied.

“Very well; you may go,” and the fore-
man accordingly took his departure.

The merchant then turned to Fritz.

“Well, my boy, you heard what my forc-
man, Mr. Daniels, had to say? I am afraid
there’s no chance for you just now.”

“Dot feller is a sucker v'ot eats all der
bait ofi’ der hook!” Fritz declared, nodding
his head. '

“ What? Why, Mr. Daniels is a thorough
gentleman, and one of our most efficient em-
ployees. You have made a singularly wrong
estimate of our foreman!” the merchant said,

. a trifle severely.

“The boy is hardly to blame," the man
Fisk remarked. “ Daniels has rathera hang-
dog look about the eyes. By the way, friend
Harrington, I suppose a little advice wouldn’t
be offensive to you, oh?"

“ From you, certainly not, Mr. Fisk. Fire
away—volumes of it, if you like.”

“ Well, what I wanted to advise was that
on retain the services of our son of Israel,
ere; don’t tax him with work, you know,

but just let him loaf about the store—like
your spotted pet cat yonder, you see.”

“Yes, yes, I see, I see—as a spy, eh?”

“Yes. He can keep his ears and eyes on
the alert; it won’t do any hurt, at the worst,
and may do good. I like the lad’s eye, and
I’ll wager my hand he can be trusted.”

“In order to do this he'would have to be
put on track?"

“Yes, but you won’t lose anything by it.
If his resence were liable to create sus-
picion, 1e might occasionally be given some
small jobs to do, with the understanding
that he was simply there to learn the busi-
ness.’

“ Perhaps your plan is a good one; How
do you think you would like such a berth,
Fritz?"

“ You want me to play up der loafer, and
keep an eye on efierypody, und when I hear
somedings v’ot you vant to know, I coornes
und dells you spend it?”

“ Yes, that is it exactly.”

“But, you vill haif to tell me somedings
apoud v’ot you want to know, in order that
I vill know v’ot I am to keep watch for.”

“ Well, if you will promise to keep every-
thing a secret that you learn, from every liv-
ing person except myself and Detective
Fisk, here. I will take you into my confi-
dence and employ, at a moderate salary to
begin with, with an increase as I see that
your services merit it."

‘ '“ I promise upon my honor ash a shendle-

 

man, to do as you vant, and vork yoost der
best I can.”

“ Well, then, listen: This is an extensive
jobbing establishment, doing a business of
several million dollars yearly. In addition
to handling American dry goods and notions
both wholesale and retail, we also import
from foreign countries costly laces, silks,
cloths and jewels—in the latter line especial-
ly, we do a heavy business in the way of im-
porting and wholesaling. It is adaily oc-
currence for us to take in large sums of
money, after banking hours, which we must
per force leave in the safe here over night.
Of late, our cashier, my nephew, whose
name is Thomas Ward, has privatel com-
plained to myself and partner, Mr. chloss,

that sums of money varying from five to ten ,

dollars, have, on frequent occasions, been
extracted from the safe during the night, or,
at least, after business hours. To satisfy
my partner, Thomas has been suspended
from our employ, and Mr. Schloss, in per-
son, has taken charge of the cash depart-
ment for the last week. But the thefts still
continue. No later than last night ten dol-
lars was taken from the safe, when Mr._
Fisk, who had been left here on watch. was
attracted toward another portion of the es-
tablishment by suspicious sounds. Thus,
you see, the thief or thieves, are not, only
bold but adroit and skillful in their work.
which makes us the more eager to capture
them. It is for the purpose of spotting the
culprits that you are to henceforth take up a
position as an employee of the firm. Do you
comprehend?” ‘

CHAPTER V.
GETTING AT THE CASE.

“ Yaw—I dink I understand what you
vants of me.” Fritz replied, “ und I‘ll bet a
dollar I catch der t'ief before I’m here a
week.”

“ Well. my boy, if you are successful,
you‘Jl not lose anything by it."

“ You’d better put him on the other mat-
ter, too,” Fisk suggested. “ He may be suc-
cessful, there.”

“ Ah! yes. Now, on see. Fritz, there is
another matter that, If you could get at the
bottom of it, would be a step toward making
your fortune. I suppose you must be aware
that there is a. duty assessed by our Govern-

ment on all foreign goods arriving in Ameri- '

can ports?"

“ I hafl" heard dot: yes, sir."

“ Well, as that duty is very high on costly
fabrics and jewels, t a fact somewhat lea--
sens the profit on imported goods. Owing to
this, certain unscrupulous people have made
it their business to smuggle cargoes of ford

 

 
  
  
 
 

r 18 ‘ Spotter Pritl.

 

eign articles into American markets, without
paying duty, and disposing of them at a
figure considerably less than we merchants
who have to pay duty can afiord to do in the
same class of goods. But, of late, matters
have become more complicated, and every-
thing goes to show that there is a league of
smugglers in this vicinity, who drivc a pay-
ing business at their nefarious trade, and
their agents are scattered about the surround-
ing countr , as receivers and disposers of
such illega merchandise. Of late, not only
our establishment, but one or two other job-

’ hers in this city, have made a singular and

startling discovery—that we have been deal-
ing very considerably in smuggled goods.
for which we had never paid a cent. This
~discovery was made by taking an inventory
of our stock, and comparing itywith a pre-
vious quarterly inventory, and then compar-
ing the two with our purchase and sales-
book. The result of the comparison was
that we had about five thousand dollars’
worth of stock above what we had pur—
chased.

“It was on making this discovery that we
rivately called in the services of Detective
isk, as an investigator, and we learn from

him that there are at least two other jabbing
houses in the same fix. There seems but
one solution to the matter—this league of
smugglers have agents in our employ, to
whom they supply the goods, and these
agents watch their opportunity to sell the
goods over our own counters, in place of our
own stock, and put the money in their own
pockets.”

“Vel, den you vants to know who dose
agents arei—ish dot it?” Fritz asked, taking
a meditative squint.

“ That is it, exactly, but, you see, it is a
business that must needs be conducted with

’ . the utmost caution. Were the Custom House

authorities to suspect that we were harborin
.undutied goods, there‘d be». big row, an
even if we were able to prove ourselves clear
of all guilt, the aflair would get publicity
and be 'a t to in ure our reputation as a
business rm. hen, again, it is our aim,
by what clew we have got, to trace the mat-
ters to the very root by ultimately discover-
ing and breaking up the smug lers’ league.
To the man who is successful m so doing,
the authorities will award a handsome re~
'ward, I have no doubt.”

“And,rI’ll wager he’ll earn his money,
too, before he gets at the bottom of it,” Fisk
said, dryly. “ I reckon I’m ordinarily smart
in working 11 such cases, but I’ll be ‘ig-
gored if my c osest attention to the case . as
availed me anything. Still, two heads are

7.always better than one. and maybe our

juiced, Friw. will have betth lack. for he

 

 

can see and do what no one else can, if em-
ployed here in the store.”

“I dink I vill like dcr job,” Fritz de-
clared. “But maype 1 vould go at it some-
v‘nt diiference as you vould—v‘ot den?”

“ You can arrange that to suit yourself.
If you need money to carry into execution
any advisable plan, I will furnish it."

“Vcl, den, I loaf apoud der store for
awhile, und nif I haflz' no success, I vill take
some sambles of goods. und go oud mit der
smaller cities ash a drummer. Pymevpy I
find somedings I vant to know—den, voncc
I sdrike (ler track, I follow id up.”

“Good plan! You may go now, and re-
turn to~morrow morning, by which time I
will have it understood about the establish-
ment that you are a wealthy young Jew, who
has paid for a privilege to linger about the
place for the sake of getting an‘ idea of the
business, in view of either purchasing a part-
nership or startin for yourself. This will
satisfy the curiostty that might otherwi e
arise among our employees, and secure for
you courteous attention.”

“How many about the place have you
taken into your confidence concerning the
smuggling business?” Fisk asked thought-

ully.

“Yourself, Mr. Schloss and Fritz, herc,
aside from myself, are the only ones in the
secret.”

“It is well. I would advise that you do
not permit it to get into the hearing of any
other person until actually necessary, as it
would be apt to put the guilty parties on
guard.”

Fritz then left the store, and went back to
the pawnbroker’s shop, where he had left his
grip-sack.

Rebecca was still behind the counter, and
welcomed him with a smile.

” Well, what luck, Fritz?" she in uired.

“ Der best of luck, Rebecca. er old
man has taken me in ash silent pardner, und
lI bid fair to own a hal’ of der ‘blace afore
ong.”

“Why, Fritz. what do you mean—you
don’t mean ou‘ve got‘a position?”

“ Vol, I s ould say so, Rebecca. Der old
rascal yoost engaged me right may off, to
set around and do noddings. Dot’s v’ota
feller gets for lookin’ like a reg‘lar masher,
und dressin’ like a Saratoga swell. V’y.
Rebecca, you yoost ought to have seen der
folks look ad me v'en I go oud on (let street!
I suppose id vas pecause I looked so flip—-
vas id ?”

“Yes, that must have been the reason.
But I don’t understand what you mean by
saying you have got a job to sit around and
do nothing, Fritz?” _ '

“Val. dot in" right. Between. You 92

 

J
i
i
!

i
i
l
k .

   

dose times. v’en der grab apple got ripe, I
tell you all apoud it. Not now, however.
It vas asegret. you See, untl vimmens don’t]
keep segrets vorth a hal' of a dollar.”

“Ohl Fritz, you’re just awful, to speak
so disrespectful of the ladies—poor me, of
all others. l‘m just (lying for you to tell me
the secret, Fritz!”

“1 can't hell) it]; I know you pc :1 purtly
sblentlid girl, Reboot-a, untl all dot, but I
couldn’t tell you at brcscnt, not if you vas
to kick ofer der bucket a hal’ 01' dozen times,
Rebecca.”

" But, Fritz, can’t you trust me? I won’t
give it away—never—never—neveri therei"

“Rehecca, v’en I got sdarted up in pizv
ness, I vill trust you for anything you vant,
from shoe-buttons und darning needles to a.
pair of susbenders, but you mustn‘t ask no
questions v’at I am to do at der store. I sit
apoud und keeb my ears oben—dot’s all.”

“ Oh! you mean fellow! I see through it
all now. They’ve hired you to keep watch
on poor Tom. They’re bound to make him
trouble if they can, when he's just as inno-
cent as can be.”

“ How you vas know dot, Rebecca?”

“ Because I do. Tom’s just the nicest fel-
low living, and you will say so when on
know him—and all the girls are just in ove
with him.”

“ Dis veller, Thomas. he vas Mister Har-
rington’s nephew, eh Rebecca?” -

" Yes, and it was just through that mean
Dolph Daniels that he got discharged.
Money was missing from the safe, you see.
on several occasions. ’l‘om he complained
of the loss. and the firm held a consultation.
I heard Dolph tell Mr. Schloss that as Tom
was the cashier he ought to be able to ac-
count for the loss, as no one aside from him
and the firm had access to the safe. Dolph
also told Mr. Schloss that Tom was in the
habit of frequenting faro-rooms evenings
and playing and drinking, and that as it re-
quired no little capital to carry on this sort
of business, and as Tom’s income was but
limited, it was but natural to suppose that
he must acquire the means from some other
source. And, Fritz. it was only a few days
after this Ihat poor Tom was discharged.”

Fritz sat down and gazed thoughtful! at
the floor, while he ran his fingers me‘ ita~
tively through his hair.

“ Fritz,” he was saving to himself, “ der’
is vork ahead. and 0 you can make some
dings clear, you vill make ahit—ri ht oud
vrom der shoulder. Old vimmens hrimp,
Fritz don’ vas ask some odds off you den!"

To Rebecca he said: '

" Den you don’d vas dink Tom is der
guilt one, Rebecca?‘

_, “ o,- Idon’t!” emphatically._“ Tom may

 

 
  

 

Spotter Fritz. 13

be a little wild sometimes, like other youn
men, but he’s brains and good sense cnoug
not to he carried away by any base passion.
Why, if you could see how disconsolatc and
unhappy he is since Mr. Harrington ha's for-
bidden him the house and store, your heart
would go out for him.“

” Und who is this Dolph Daniels?"

“ Ohl he's just the surliest, meanest man
in the store, and nobody likes him. He is
Mr. Harrington’s nephew also, and a half-
brother of Tom. There’s quite a bit of
romance connected with the case too, Fritz.
You see Mr. Harrington and Mr. Sehloss
are to dissolve partnership soon, Mr. Schloss
returning to Germany and Mr. Harrington
continuing the business. In this event it
has long been understood that Mr. Harring-
ton was to take one of his nephews in as a
partner in the business, which would be
quitealift for the chosen one. Which of
the nephews was to be the lucky man has
never been announced, though we have all
rather calculated it would be Tom, he being
the merchant‘s favorite. But, since his dis-
charge. it looks as if Dolph would be the
man. And I do reall believe he is trying
his best to influence r. Harrington against
Tom.”

“Misder Harrington don’d vas der man to
be easily influenced against a person. He
vould quicker side in der favor, onless he
had good reason to dcr gontrary,” Fritz de-
cide ,judging by what he had seen of the
merchant. '

“Oh! yes; he’s a nice, good man, but he’s
awfully in error, now,” Rebecca asserted.

utting her plump little arms akimbo, and
ooking very wise. " You see, there is
another thing to consider, too, Fritz. There
is a woman in the case.” .

Fritz put up his hands, implorin ly. '

“If she is von old maid, don'g dells me
nodding apoud it,” he said.

“ But she isn’t; she’s a young maid, and a
very desirable one at that, sir. You see, v'
some years ago, one of Mr. IIarrin‘gton“s old
college chums died, and bequeathed to his
care a little daughter accompanied with a
sum of twenty-five thousand dollars. For
bringing her up, Mr. Harrington was to
have the interest of the money; when she
arrived at a marriageable age, he and she
were to agree upon the choice of a husband .
for her, and on their marriage, the money
was to be divided equally between the bride
and the man of her selection—his share to be
used in purchasing a partnership in son’
good business."

“ Shimminy dunderl I vonder OR I can’t
go up and make a mash mit her; v’ile my
clothes ish new, Rsbeccst", .

 

 

‘ .  and secrecy!

’14 I Spotter Fritz.

 

"And leave poor me without a bean?" rc-
proachingly.

“ Oh, vell, pizncss is pizness, Rebecca. and
a feller vants to make bargains v’ere der
money is der moet. You see, 1 could see you
home et‘r'ery night v’ido'it interferin’."

“Ohl Fritz—you're just awful! I don’t
want any second-hand fellow.”

‘_‘ But v’ile you are doin‘ a scgond-hand
pizness, Rebecca, v'ot is der difierencc ?"

“ Ch! :1 great deal, sir. Besides, you’ve no
show; Miss Bessie—Rosalind is her name--is
of American blood, and wouldn't have a poor
ignorant Dutchman like you. Now, you see,

' Dolph Daniels and Tom are both in love with

Rossie, which makes another reason why
Dolph should desire to injure Tom, who has
hitherto commanded the preference, until
forbidden to enter the Harrington house, or
speak to Rossie. I believe it was as good as
understood that Tom and .Rossie were en-
gaged, with the consent of Mr. Harrington,
until Tom's discharge. Now. Fritz, do you
know What I want you to do?”

“ V’en you tell me, I know all apout it.”

“Of course. Well. I want you to inter-

cede for Tom, with Mr. Harrington. He
would take it from you quicker than from
any of the rest of us; Iwant you to sound
Tom's praise constantly in his ears, and above
all, keep an eye on Dolph Daniels. I have
an idea he would hear watching.”
V “Vell, I vill do dot, Rebecca. I don’d
took some great fanc to him, myself.
Now, I must go and tin a boarding place.”
, “ But, Fritz, hold on! 1 was speaking to
uncle about you. and he said you could board
with us, if you like."

“ Dot would suit me firsd trate, Rebecca,
so I could be near you. Und ven I hatf nod-
ding to do, I mind der pawnshop, ch? I‘ll
bet shelf a dollar I’d make your uncle bank-
rupt in six weeks.”

“Oh! no; you must only pay half of the
value of anything you take in Fritz. and sell
it again for twice what you gave for it. That
is the way to do business, honestly and suc-
cessfully.”

"0h! ish dot‘der way? Vell, I dink I
start a pawnbroker shop, myself one off dose

days, Rebecca, v’en I get throu h settling up

dot pizness apoud der— 0h! under, I for-
got. I’ll bet a half a dollar I gift der whole
t'ing avay, yet.”

So Fritz became ' installed in his new

7 home, with a job before him that required

three essentials—close attention, shrewdness

 

CHAPTER v1.
- A RAP WITH A SLUNG-SHOT.
THE day being as yet half unspent Fritz
strolled out to see thesights. '

.A. 4..

 

While standing on Chestnut street. he saw
a man pass. whose face was familiar to him.

it was one of the two portly individuals
Whose conversation he had partly overheard
on the cars.

Their conversation now for the first recur-
red to Fritz, in connection with What he had
heard at the store of Schloss and Harrington,
and he slapped his head as if to stir up more
ideas.

“ I bet a half-dollar If vas on der trail,
right avay oil!” he said. “Dose vellers vas

talking apoud some cargo vo’t dev haff oud '

at sea, und couldn’t get ashore. ot mach
’cm smugglers. Der next thing is to find
varcbouds dcy hang oud, who ish deir asso-
ciates, und who deir names vas."

And the amateur detective walked away
on the track of the portly man—on his first
trai . ‘

The man soon entered a billiard room, on
Eleventh street, and challenged the pro-
prletor to play, who at once consented.

Fritz followed boldly into the place, pur-
chased a cigar, and sat down to watch the
game.

Two men were enga ed in playing a game,
at another table. close 5'. Both were rather
good-looking fellows, whose genteel attire
indicated respectable. social positions. One
was a brunette the other rather a blonde
with a hungry, pained expression about his
mouth and eyes.

The two were talking, as they played. and

Friéz could not .avoid listening to what they
sai .
“ Pshawl" the darker youth was saying,
“ you must brave up. There‘s more chances
in the world than one, and it don’t pay to
cry over spilt milk, Tom.”

“ But you see, Jack, it's uncomfortable, in
more than one sense. Why, the Governor
don’t notice me when we meet face to face,
and it wasn't more than an hour ago that I
met ROSsie, and she drew aside her skirts in
passin r by. as though afraid I would touch
her. tell on I’m the most miserable fel-
lolvg put, an I was tempted to go shoot my-
se .

“Dot is Tom, v’ot Rehecca tole me of,”
Fritz silently concluded. “ He don’d
look so much like a rascal ash his step-
brother." .

The sup osed smuggler had by this time
concluded is game, paid for it, and depart-
ed. Again Fritz followed at a respectful
distance, and without discovery be tracked
the portly man to the hallway of a place on
Sixth street which led up a flight of stairs to
ahall immediately over a saloon. At the
foot of the stairs a tin placard was tacked to
the door, bearing the following notice;

.' .~

t

u.

 

Spotter Fritz. 1 5

 

” Tins HALL rr0 Ln'r
“F011 Mammes. BALLS, Fns'rrvans, E'rc.
“ APPLY AT THE SALOON."

The portly man went up-stairs—Frilz
turned and retraced his footsteps toward
Market street.

“ Dot is der place where der meeting is
ter be held, der-night, at ten o'clock,” he
said, reflectively. “I must see who goes
into dot hall.

To linger lon in that vicinity might
excite the suspicions of the smugglers, as
well as the police: hence he conceived a
plan that promised to work well. He bor-
rowed an old suit of clothing at the pawn-
broker shop, of Rebecca. together with a
wooden tray; then at a bakery he procured
buns, cakes and pretzels. ‘

Before eight o'clock that night he had
taken up his stand on the curb. only a few
steps from the door to the hall, where he
could dispose of his eatables, were any one
disposed to invest. and at the same time
notice each and every person who should
enter the door, leading to the hall.

It was well on toward ten o‘clock before
an one came along, and went upstairs.

The first one was the man whom Fritz had
dog ed that afternoon. ,

I e gave a sharp, searching glance at the
assumed peddler as he entered the hallway,
but went on up-stairs without saying any-
thing.

Soon after two rough, bewhiskered and
villainous looking sailors followed his ex-
ample; after them a roughly-dressed man
who was the possessor o_ the longest and
heaviest black beard Fritz had ever seen;
next came two well-dressed men, who looked
as though they might be rominent business
merchants; then followe several others—all
wearin heavy beards, which Fritz at once
conclu ed were false.

The last individual to go up the stairs was

the most noticeable of the lot, being quite
tall, and very thin—in fact, was the leanest-
looking specimen of humanity Fritz had
ever seen, in faceas well as in form, and
was apparently of avery nervous tempera-
ment, judging from a habit he had of look-
ingt about on either side, as if fearing pur-
sut . .
Instead of going up the stairs as the others
had done, he took his position in the door-
way at the foot of the stairs, and stood there
like some grim, superannuated statue.

“Ohl ish dot it?” Fritz thought. “I
dink I see how dose vellers work it now.
Deyndon'd vas let anypody play eavesdrop-

per. _
As the thin party continued to stand
guard, and seeing no chance to learn any-

 

thine,r more at that time, Fritz succeeded in
disposing of his stock to the street-boys at
the rate of three cakes for a cent, and went
back to his new home.

Though not exactly satisfied with the re-
sult of the evening's work. he was thankful
for what little clcw he had obtained.

 

That same evening Mr. Harrington was
detained in town later than usual, and it was
after ten o‘clock when he started for his
residence, which was on Ridge avenue. in
the northern part of the city.

His route brou ht him to Franklin Square,
which he conclu ed to cross, rather than 0
a long- walk around it, and he accordingy
entered it and strode along. no thought of
danger enterin his mind, despite the fact
that the pretty g’ark has had none too savory
a reputation for some years past, it being a
nightly haunt of the rough and hardly rc-
spectable crowd of humanity that frequent
the low dives and variety dens of Vine street
and vicinity.

Half way through the Square had he got
when he met two low-browed fellowa, one of
whom said to the other:

“That’s him, the dirty b‘astel Hit him
for his mother, Riley!"

The next instant there was a whiz through
the air, and the merchant was conscious of
being struck in the face with some hard ob-
ject, and falling to the ground, his senses
partly leaving him—while his assailants hur-
ried on.

A moment later there were hasty footsteps,
and Tom Ward ran up to where his uncle
lay, partly raised upon his elbow, and gasp-
ing for breath.

“Why, Uncle John, is this you‘l—What
has happened—what is the matter?” be de-
manded, raising the merchant to his feet.

“ Matter enough. Some unmannerly wretch
hit me in the face with a slung-shot!” the
merchant gasped. “ There! there! bog; don't
bother to call the police. You know detest
publicity obtained by police—court adver-
tising. lf you will take my arm until I
overcome this dizziness, we wrll walk toward
my home."

“ Certainly, uncle.
riage?"

“No, I refer to walk. I shall soon feel
better, and) am thankful the matter is no
worse. I ought to have known better than
to come through this place, I suppose, with
the hard name the daily papers give it."

They soon left the Park and walked along
in silence for a ways; then the dismisse
nephew said: -

“Well, uncle. I suppose things go better
at the store since I left, eh?”

Shall I not call a car-

\

 

g. 5

~31"

A gum

~ “man/mix;

age. 1

{9.4.413

:x—w : 

  
  

, gamble.

4‘ lesser position.

16 I Spotter Pritl‘.

 

And there was abit of irony in his tone
that Mr. Harrington at once perceived.

“No, Tom, my boy; I have failed to see
that your absence improves matters any.
There is infernal trickery somewhere that
defies my comprehension.”

“ Strange—and yet not so strange either,
considering the number of your employees.
I hope and trust you will find the guilty one
before I return from my voyage.”

“ Your voyage, boy?"

“ Yes, uncle. 1 have a chance to ship as
a deckéhand'on an excursion craft, going to
Italy, and I guess it will be my best chance.
Anything is preferable to remaining here,
where I am Widely known, under the existing
circumstances, you know. The boat sails
day after tomorrow, I believe.”

-“Tom, ou must do nothing of the kind.
The idea 3 simply preposterous, sir—you,
the son of an aristocratic family going as a
deck-hand—hum'phl Go slow, my boy, go
slow! Everything may seem against on
now, but do nothing rash. To night Sch oss
withdrew from the firm, and henceforth I
am the sole proprietor. Although I am not
prepared to believe you guilty, I have my
confidence lessened in you by sundry little
reports to the effect that you drink and
My bo , this indulgence will never
make a.man o you—it will ruin you and
your prospects forever.”

“ I do not deny these charges, uncle, nor
do I think I need to ask who is your in-
former. I have drank and gambled ocea-
sionally, like the average young man, who
nature ly begins life a little Wild, and rows
calmer with maturity, but I can say have
been careful to abstain from excess in either
instance. I can break oi! very easily, and
mean to do so.”

“A good resolve, my boy—a commend-
able resolve. Honesty and sobriety are 'ew-
cls more valuable than the most bril iant
diamond. And, Tom, I have been consider-
ing. to-night, the advisability of taking you
back into m employ—not as a cashier, but
as a clerk; ' f course it is an humble posi-
tion compared to your former one, but I’d
rather have you in under my eye, than on
the streets. In case of ,such an event, I
should require our solemn promise that you
would abstain rom drink and gambling and
all kindred associations."

“ You can have the promise in those words;
uncle, with or without reinstatement in our
employ. As for the position. I should eern
it an honorable chance to prove my honesty
and integrity as a man, and as a gentle-
man

"Well, well, Iam glad to hear you say

so—because I see on are not ashamed of a
on may resume your ser-

1;

 

vices in my employ, to-morrow, at a salary
of ten dollars per week, taking the place of
J cnkcns, who goes on the road in the interests
of the establishment. Your salary, with
strict economy will pay your board and
clothing, and lessen your supply for chances
of temptation. You will not resume your
position as a member of my family, at pres-
ent, or at least, not until I see fit to have you.
As far as Rossie is concerned, I dare say she
will recognize you, but shall not accord you
your former place in her confidence and
esteem, did she so desire, until this cloud is
beyond a doubt lifted from over your head.
If you desire to please me, sir, you will
please to refrain from addressing her, except
when addressed, and then only in the way
you would any lady acquaintance—civilly.
Do you understand, sir?” and there was now
no pity in the merchant’s tones.

“I understand, perfectly, and it shall be
as you desire,” Torr said, bowing his head
in acquiescence, although his spirit rebelled.
“ By the way, I saw Rebecca, tonight, and
she said you had made an accession to your
staff of employees.”

“ Alil yes—a German Jew—a dry, odd
and clumsy fellow, yet withal a sharp lad,
when experience and good training properly
develop him, 1 take it.. I’ve got him on pur-
pose to keep an eye on you,” with a rather
grufl laugh.

“ Well. I’m glad of that. I hope and trust
htalfivill serve me honestly, as well as your-
se .’ 1
Soon after they reached the merchant’s
mansion, where I‘
turned to his own lodgings.

It had been a lucky hit, for him, which
had dropped Mr Harrington, it would seem,
but there was yet a darker lining to develop
in the cloud that hung over him, before the
silver lining should come to view.

 

CHAPTER VII.
DANIan AND FELIOE.

ON the following morning Fritz presented
himself at the establishment of Mr. Harring-
ton, and took up his situation as genteel
loafer and store detective. Rebecca had also
returned to resum: her position as saleswo-
man, and Tom Ward‘s pleasant face was
seen behind one of the jewelry counters.

A cordial welcome had been accorded him
by the employees, when it waslearned that he
had been reinstated; even Dolph Daniels had
manifested enough interest to drop around,
in his cool and cynical patronizing way and

so. :

¥‘ Hello! glad to see you back again. Was
saying to the senior, that I couldn’t see any
harm in your coming back. Hape you’ll find,

om took leave, and re-

 

r;

Spotter Fritz. y ‘ 1', '

 

your new position very lucrative and dc-
sirablc.”

Then he passed on, for which Tom was
not sorry, for he did not like his half-brother
any too well, and knew too that his dislike
was more than fully rceiprocated.

Daniels had heard of Fritz from Mr. Har-
rington, but had not been informed of his
real errand at the store. He had at once
taken a dislike to the newcomer, and re—
solved to torment him whenever an oppor-
tunity afforded, for there was no danger of
such an action being resented by Mr. IIar-
rington.

He approached Fritz not long after his ar-
rival. and slapped him familiarly on "the
shoulder. .

“ Well, my son, what is there I can do for
you, this morning?” he asked, patronizingly.

‘An thing you wish to purchase?”

“ goddings,” Fritz replied, briefly.

“ Ohl then you are perhaps the rich
young man Mr. Harrington was speaking
about, who has come here to visit and watch
the workings of the establishment, in view
of starting a similar enterprise yourself?”

“I shouldn’t vonder utI Ivas dot same
veller," Fritz assented condescendingly.

“Ahl yes. Well, I trust it will not take
you long to get an idea of our business, so
that you can get a start for yourself. We do
a very extensive trade, and it probably would
require more time than youhave to spend, to
investigate the whole workings of each
department, but you can in a few days obtain
a general idea of the store’s transactions.”

“ l dinks I dake my timeto it and learn it I

all,” Fritz replied, turning away, as if not
desiring to converse with the foreman.

“ Humphl I dare say you will stay much
longer than you are wanted," Daniels mut-
tered to himself. “If your business here is
an enigma to the rest, it isn’t to me. Ha! ha!

1) .

Fritz during the forenoén devoted himself
to inspecting the character and amount of
business done on the first floor, which was
exclusively a retail department, handling
costl silks, satins, laces, trimmings and
jewe s—mostl diamonds. '

The latter, rowever, were kept in a close
case, more for samples than for regular
retail trade. .

. Among the clerks Fritz endeavored to

single out those whose looks might indicate

an untrustworthy character. One, a young

Frenchmoman who superintended the

giamond counter, did not favorably impress
1m.

She was a thin, angular person of perhaps
nineteen or twenty years of age, with a
deathlike complexion, pearly white teeth, a
Ldecidedly sinister cast, or countenance, and

 

sharp, wicked black eyes ever on the alert
and gleaming. She spoke in broken French
sometimes—then, again, in perfect English;
her every movement was cat-like; she
impressed Fritz as being a deceitful, fiery-
tempered woman, whose disposition for evil
was greater than that for good.

During the forenoon, while sitting behind
a bale of goods, he saw her come from be-
hind the counter and stop Daniels, who was
passing her.

Neither of them noticed the “ German
Jew’s” proximity, and that portion of the
store being deserted at the moment, they
were no: so guarded in their conversation, as
would otherwise have been the case.

With all eagerness, Fritz listened, for,
somehow, he liked neither of them, and felt
that from them he had something of import-
ance to learn.

The Frenehwoman was the first to speak,
and her voice was rather harsh and hissing
in its tone.

“ Ze Monsieur Tom come back!” she said,
significant] . "Ze grand plan isafailure,
Mtonsieur golph—ze bad failure.”

“Pshaw, not I rather expected the old
man would take him back. He, however,
has only taken him in on test, and we must
manage it that the test is unsatisfactory to
the Governor—do you hear? Tom must go
forth again, forever banished. I’d be a fool,
you know, when it is almost as good as
settled that I am to be a partner in this con-
cern, to let any brotherly feeling interfere
with my preventing Tom from getting back
into the old man’s graces.”

“ Or even to let him get ze place monsieur
hopes to gain in ze pretty Rosalind’s aflec-
tion‘? Bah! you reckon wildly, Monsieur
Dolph! You zink when ze good fortune
come you will cast ze old love off for ze new,
but it shall nevare be——-nevare, Monsieur

Dolph Daniels!"

The foreman scowled, and uttered an exe-
oration.

“ Pshawl when will you cease tobe fool-
ish, Felice? Haven’t I promised everythin
reasonable when I get the coveted osition
Let me hear no more of this complaining".

" But ze Ma’moiselle Rosalind? Ze report,
say zat Monsieur Dolph pay her ze lovcrly at-
tention since poor Torn no longer is allowed
ze pleasure l—how about zat?” and the girl’s
hands opened and shut, nervously, while her
eyes glared.

“ Report be hanged! If .I do treat the girl“
courteously, what does it signify? You
know it has always been the Governor’s de-
sire that one of his nephews should marry
her-«preferably the one he proposes to
make his partner. Therefore, you see, it is
but natural [132.3 I must for article devote

.a

 

 

<_«-...;x: 5.,

~74 r.-.

 

 

18 Spotter Fritz.

 

some attention to her, in order to humor the
old man’s whim."

"I no like ze idea," Felice persisted, pet-
ulantly. “ B an’ by zc Monsieur Dolph fall
in love wiz osalind’s fortune, and zc in~
fatuation for Felice be a t’ing of zc past.”

“ Bah! no! I have promised to declare our
nuptials as soon as I am made a partner, and
shall do so, if you continue to help me, and
serve me faithfully. ’Shl here comes some
one "—and with this, they separated, and
Fritz was apparently sound asleep when
Daniels crossed over into the aisle where he
was seated.

The clerk was not easily deceived, how-

. ever.

“Here, sir—we do not allow any one
snoozing about this establishment!" he cried,
seizing Fritz byvthe collar and jerking him
to his feet. “ hat do you mean by play-
ing eavesdropper, you Dutch rascal 7"

Fritz started and rubbed his eyes, sleepily.

"V'ot ish dot?" he asked, feigning sur-
prise. “ Vos der 9. fire? Who vos hurt?”

“ You’ll get hurt, mark m word, if. I
catch you spying around again!” Daniels
hissed, fiercely.

“How do you know?” Fritz said, with a
grin. “I’ll bet a half-dollar you had better

i ‘ mind_your own pizness, or I’ll gifl you

va . /

“yWe‘ll see about that,” was the growling
retort, and the foreman turned on his heel,
and walked away.

He did not enter com laint to Mr. Har-
rington, as he had at rst resolved .to do.
The words of Fritz put him on guard, and
he realized that in one sense he was at the
mercy of the young Dutchman. To incur
his enmity would be to provoke an ex-
posure.

A week passed. Fritz had been alert and
watchful, but had discovered nothing having

 , a bearing upon his errand.

The losses from the safe had ceased from
the time of his arrival, and everything
seemed to work in order.

Fritz was puzzled, but no more than were
Mr. Harrin on and Fisk, the detective,
with whom e held frequentconsultations.

‘. "I've about made up my mind that the
trouble is over,” the merchant said, at their
latest interview. on Tuesday night, after
business hours, just eight days from the date
of Fritz’s commencing duty. " Everything
seems to work right, and I am inclined to
.think the right man was removed from the
cashier’s oflice, after all."

“ I don‘t believe it!” Fisk declared.

“ Dot ish v‘ot l dink," Fritz assented.
“ I’ll bet a half dollar deir is not more honest
man in der store ash Tom. Und,v’otish
more, der matter don'd vos quit, yet avile.

 

Der parties vas smell rats, und dink best to
let dings rest quiet till der wind blows ofer,
or plows me end.”

“Then, you think that your mission here
is suspected?” ,

“ By the guilty ones, yes.”

“But, have you any suspicions yet, who
they are?"

“ Oh! I hafi got a couple of private
opinions, but noddings in particular to back
'em, that hafl a bearing on der case. I half
von discovery, but I don’d dink best to give
it avay, not yoost yet. It vill kee , and
ma be serve to sdrengthen a chain 0 crim-
ina eflidences, later—see?”

“ A very professional idea, that,” Fisk
said; admiringly. ” As I told Mr. Harring-
ton in the outset, it mav require months to
work up this case, but I think that between
us we can fetch it to a focus. I am watch-
ing the supposed smugglers that you, Fritz,
put me on track of, but they‘re as crafty and
guarded as can be. Which convinces me
that they are warned by the confederates
here at the store, who at present are so
quiet.” ' '

“Perhaps you are right; but I wish the
matter were settled.”

“ There ish von thing 1 would like to hat!
you do, Misder Harrington,” Fritz said—
“ more ash like an experiment den any odder
dings else.”

“ And what is this, my boy?"

“ I vould like to half you put Mister Tom
back in der cashier's oflice."

“Indeed? What object can you have in
such a wish?"

“ Vel, I dclls you, Mister Harrington.
From v’ot I haff learned und observed, I
think der ish somepody vorking against Mr.
Tom—trying to influence on und odders
against him, and trying to bring up disparag-
ing t’ings apoud him.”

” Pshawl This is surely an idle fancy.
Who in the world do you imagine could have
any object in injuring him? ’

“ Vel you find dot oud v’en der proper
time comes. In fact, I know somepody
vould be tickled like dunder ef Tom could
be found guilty of anything v'ot would for-
ever disgrace and ruin him. ’

“But, even admitting this unreasonable
inference, what object can there be in restor-
ing Thomas to his former position?”

“Vol, I dells you dot. I sus ect der same
ones dot are working against om, to be the
authors of der robberies. If such ish der
case, und‘ Tom is reinstated ash cashier, I’ll
bet a half dollar, der vill be a resume off der
sdeal— cost to throw der suspicion on him—
sce? fl dot is a correct surmise, 1 vill know
somedings spout it, for to-morrow night, I.

“V,

I
“I?

 

‘a‘s

f"

“if

\

Spotter Fritz.

19

 

vilfl stay in the store, and see who robs the
an e.”

“By Jove! the Dutchman is a genius!”
Fisk exclaimed. “I rather judge he's not
very far from the bull's eye, in this thing.”

“ Well, I am both surprised, and incredu-
lous—land, again, eager," Mr. Harrington
said.

“While I am doubtful of Fritz’s sus-
picions, 1 am ready to believe anything that
can be proved beyond doubt. I‘o—morrow
morning Tom shall take charge of the office
again. ’l‘o-morrow night you, Fritz, and I
will remain in the store, and try our hands
at watching.”

“Good! Dot is v’ot Iwant. But, der is
still von odder thing—if ve discover some-
pody robbing der safe, you can bet a half-
dollar dot person vil be disguised. whoever
it is. I~ vant you to note one thing—com-
pare dot robhcr’s size vid dot of Misder Tom,
but don’t make no attempt to discover more

cost at bresent. Time enough for dot later.

’ot I vant to convince you of now is dot
Tom is not guilty. llumanidv eflery dime.
pefore der pocketbook—see? Und v'en Tom
ish cleared, iind efiery ding made right in
dot direction, den ve will vork carefully
on der odder case, and make no arrests
nndil we can gobble 'em up all at von time.”

"What is your opinion in this matter,
Fisk?” the merchant asked, perplexedly and
undecided.

“ Well, sir," the officer replied, “ my ad-
vice is that we give the young man the reins
and let him lead, while we follow his guid-
ance. For my part, I ain’t ashamed to allow
that he is more fitted to handle the case,
judging by the way he goes at it, than I am,
with all my experience. His scent is keen
as a honnd’s."

So it was decided to give Fritz the whole
responsibilit and direction of working up
the case, which was a far higher compliment
than had ever been paid the poor bound boy;
and he might Well be pardoned for feeling a
little proud over the character of his posi-
tion.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
Tim BURGLAR. ‘

THE next morning Tom Ward was told b
Mr. Harrington to resume his place and posi-
tion as cashier for a time, to see how mat-
ters would shape. and the young man ac-
cordingly did so, although more than a little
sur rise

is reinstatement was also a matter of as-
tonishment to the other employees—most of
all. to Dolph Daniels.

Fritz, who was never ofi duty as a spy,
noted this fact, and saw Daniels hold an in-

A terview with the Frenchwornan, but this

 

time he was not close enough to hear any-
thing. IIc had no need to surmise, how-
ever, of whom they were talking-A-lic knew
that Tom was the object of their close con-
fernnce.

During the day Miss Rosalind Black
called at the store to see her father by adop-
tion.

She was richly attired—a pretty, modest-
looking young lady, of rather frail and deli-
cate appearance, yet intellectual and of a
Winning disposition.

The merchant received her warmly, and
they were closeted in his ofllce for some
time; then, leaning on his arm, she came
forth. and walked about the store.

As they passed the cashier‘s ofiice, she
smiled in at poor Tom, which sent the young
man off toa seventh heaven of delight, and
he inwardly swore not to give up the hope
of winning her while he had youth and
strength.

Daniels had business on the top floor of the
establishment, about this time. He had no
desire to meet the one of his present choice
and aspirations, with Felicc’s sharp eyes
watching him. and therefore he got as far
out of the way as was convenient.

During their ramble about the store, Mr.
Harrington and ltossic came upon Fritz, who
had taken advantage of a lull in trade to
have a chat with Rebecca.

“Fritz, this is my adopted et, Rossiel”
Mr. Raymond said. “ Rossie. r. Snyder.”

“Ish dot so?" Fritz uttered, surveying
the young lady from head to foot, critically.
“ Vel, how you vas. Miss Rossic it"

And he put out his hand, cordially.

“ Quite well, sir, thank you,” Rossie re-
plied, touching his hand.

Then she greeted Rebecca—who was a
general favorite about the store, with a kiss,
and they passed on.

Fritz watched eagerly, hoping he would
get a chance to speak to her in private,but
no such an opportunity was afforded him,
and she soon left the store.

' Determined not to be beat in this manner,
he put on his hat and followed her at a
res ectnble distance.

be soon entered an ice cream parlor. and
he followed her here, and took a seat at the
same table.

“'You vill excuse me, von’t you, for.dis
seeming familiarity?” he said. in a low veicc; ‘
“I want to talk with you apout Misder
Tom.” .

“ Indeed! Is Mr. Ward your friend ‘2” and
a faint expression of surprise crept into her
pensive face.

“ Vol, I guess he vas; and better ash dot, I
am his friend. I heard that you don‘d vas
receive Misder Tom as a suitor any more,

 

 

so. r”

Spotter Fri“.

 

but hat! caught on to dot veller, Dolph

Daniels?”

“ You are very presuming, sirl What can
this matter interest you?” and this time there
was haughtiness in her tone of speech.

But Fritz went on. unabashed.

" Vol, I know, Miss Rossie. ma‘bc it don'd
vu's any 01f my business, but I vus a great
snoozer for givin' advice, und 1 vaut to speak
mit you. I dink I make you t'ink better of
Tom, uud less off dot other fellow, off I dells
you somedings I know."

“ What have you to ofl'er against Mr.
Daniels?"

“ Let me answer by asking—don’d you vas
care more for Tom ash Daniels? Do you be-
lievc him guilty?"

“Dolph Daniels I respect as a courteous
entloman- Mr. Ward was my accepted
over, untii he so far forgot himself. as not

only to bring disgrace upon himself, but in

the same misstep to place me in an unenvia-

ble position. This is the extent of what I

have to say on the subject. If he is guilty,

he must deeply feel his own folly. If he
is not guilty I am very sorry for him—very
sorryi”

“ nd if it ish prove dot he vas innocent,
you vill take him back und drive dose pained
expressions from his face, yoost like you
once did pefore der difiiculty arose at the
store?"

“ Well, erhaps,, Mr. Peacemaker— I—l
really dont know what to say, sir—your
questions are very personal.”

“ Vel, what of it? Don’d I vas your
fader‘s confidential clerk, and don’ I vas

,vorkin’ for your interests? Yoost you re-
member dot of you get Misder Tom, you vill
get a nice, honest teller—but, above all, of

on don‘d vant some odder vimmen’s fingers
in your hair, don’d you hafl nodding to do

« mit dot Dolph Daniels. A vord to der wise

_ is sufficient. ’

Then rising and tipping his hat, he took
his leave.

 

That evenin about seven o’clock, Mr.
Harrington an Fritz made their way into
the store by a disused entrance. and concealed
themselves behind a tier of baled goods, over
the tops of which they could command a
. view of the entrance to the merchant‘s pri-
vate omce, where the safe was located.

As the store was promptly closed at six,
each evening, and the key delitered to Mr.
Harrin ton, no one had any business there at
a later our, except for a felonious or secret
purpose.

It was not until after the hands of the clock
in the tower of Independence Hall pointed
to the hour of two,,a. 1., that our watchers’

 

'said with.a chuckle. .

patient vigil was rewarded by something to
break the monotony. V

They heard the front door softly open and
close, and somebody walking in the front
part of the store.

Directly, the stealthy footsteps sounded
coming toward the rear part, but the ap-
proach was slow, and first on one side and
then on the other side of the room, which
convinced the watchers that the person, who-
ever it was, was taking the precaution of
looking around to see if there were not any
spies to be found.

Directly the person passed along before
the bales, behind which they were con-
cealcd.

By the half-covered lantern which she
bore they caught one glimpse, and saw that
it was awoman, or else a man dressed in
woman’s clothes, with a veil over the face to
conceal the identity, and the form wrapped
in a long loose duster.

“ Sec?” Fritz whispered, triumphantly.
“ Ish dot der figure off Misder Tom? Nixy!
I told you he don‘d vas‘der guilty party.”

“Thank God for that,” the merchant re-
turned, in a whisper. “ The form is too tall
-to belong to Tom, that is certain, and yet I
fail to recognize it. Let’s make a rush and
capture the bold burglarl”

“ Stop! nodding of der kind must pe done!
To attempt to capture der part . now. would
be to forever seal der segret o der identity
of der league, ash you can bet a half-dollar
dish veller vouldn't gifi der odder ones avay."

“True. But it makes my blood fairly
boil to note the audacity of this outrageous
proceeding.”

The female burglar soon Kecame satisfied
that she was unwatched, evidently. for she
went to the office door and unlocked it, and
entered the apartment.

From their distant position the watchers
could not note her movements in the office,
owing to the darkness in the store, but it was
not many moments ere she came out. and
locked the door behind her.

She then quitted the store as quietly as she
had entered it. after which Mr. Harrington
and Fritz quitted, their place of concealment.

“ We will see how much is gone,” the mer-
chant said, “and then go home. a little the
wiser, at least. Have you any idea who that
woman was, Fritz?"

“My opinion is about the same now, ash
pefore,” returned Fritz. “ I was urd
sure of! my game—now, I vas sat sfle ;
but I prefer not to give any names, just

et.”
y Examination proved that twenty dollars
had been taken from the safe.

" Dey vas makin’ oop for lost time l" Fritz
“Pyme-by they Vii

>1,

3:»
.y .1,
h/

"‘1. ‘

Spotter Fritz. ‘ 81

 

need id all, to pay der shudge und court-
house."

 

Nothing was said of the night’s discovery,
by either Fritz or his employer, when they
went to the store the next morning, but Tom
Ward soon entered the ofilce, with hat and
cane in hand, ready for the street.

“Mr. Harrington,” he said, “I am sorry
to say that I do not care to remain in your
employ any longer, under the existing cir-
cumstances, as some evil hand seems to
work against me with a manifest object to
make me seem guilty of what I have never
done. I find that there is twenty dollars
missing from your safe this morning, and I
have been waiting to apprise you of my
withdrawal from your employ, not caring to
work where circumstances are so unpleasant-
ly in my favor. Presumedly you will not ob-
ject to releasing me.” ,

“On the contrary, Thomas, you are to
continue in the osition of cashier,.at your
former salary, or the present, it having
been proven to my satisfaction, last night,
that you are not guilty!”

“ Thank Heaven! Are you sure, sir—are
you satisfied beyond a doubt?” the young
man asked, putting forth his hand eagerly.

“ Quite sure, Tom. I saw the thief, last
night—or enou h to satisfy me it was not
you, and I am g ad to know it. I have ar-
ranged to have you again take up your
home with me, a month hence; in the mean
time I think you will find Rossie as thankful
that you are guiltless, as myself. You may
also thank Fritz here, for to him you owe a
debt of ratitude for having1 sufficient faith
in our innocence to enable irn to solve this
ug y mystery." \

" And I do thank you from the bottom of
my heart, until you can be more substan-
tially rewarded, ’ Tom cried, turning and
seizing Fritz by the hands, tears of joy and
gratitude glistening in his eyes.

 

Fritz having satisfied himself as to who
were to be suspected, could not resist the

temptation of celebrating the event by hav-'

ing a little fun at the expense of ’most any
one who should offer as a target for his ven-
triloquial powers.

During the forenoon he saw Daniels take
off his coat and lay it on a bale of goods,
while he was engaggd in assisting a porter in
removing a heavy x. -

Taking the coat Fritz carried it around to
the lighter side of the store—where, by the
way, there were a number of ladies and
gentlemen engaged in making purchases—
and he was engaged in examining the texture
of the cloth, when Daniels discovered him,
and approached, angrily.

 

“ What are you doing with my coat, you
infernal Jew?” he cried fiercely, making a.
dive for the coat.

But, Fritz eluded him, and sprung high
up, on a tier of bales. '

“ Yoost you keep avay, off you don‘d vas
want me to smash dose eggs, you haff in der
bockets, here," he replied.

" There’s no eggs about my coat! Give it
to me, instantly, sir!” Daniels cried, nearly
beside himself with rage.

" What is the matter, here?" demanded
Mr. Harrington. coming along.

“Matter enough—that Dutch blockheud
has my coat, and I want him to give it
u .1,

“But, der vas eggs in it; you haif pen
stealin’ eggs!" Fritz persisted, with a grin.
” Call de bolicemonsl"

“You lie, sir—you lie! There‘s not an
egg in my coat!” Daniels cried.

“ I'll bet you yoost a half-dollar on dot!”
the boy declared. thrusting his hand into one
of the side pockets. “ Why, py shimm der
is a whole hen’s-nest here, hen, und a l.
dink she was setting for to hatch oud leedle
shiekens!"

And the angry clock of a setting hen was
distinctly heard, together with a fluttering
sound as if she were attcmfiting to escape.

“ Ah! here is an egg!" ritz said drawing
forth his’hand, and holding up what all per-
ceived was indeed an egg. “ I will lay dot
here beside me, on the bale,‘and see what
else I can find."

Once more he dived into the ocket, and
this time brought forth a band 111 of hen’s
feathers. and laid them beside the e g.

“I am hen‘elined to think dat on‘tl vas
eggsactly v’ot I vent by der vay I pallet
oud,” he grinned. “ Ah! here ish more

e s.

g:gtnd he took a half a dozen eggs, to all
appearances, from the pocket, one at a time,
and deposited them on top of his perch.

“ Pretty good magic!” laughed one of the
bystanders.

“ Ah, I see!” Daniels growled; “ he has
no e gs at all." ' »

“ f you t’ink dot, maybe you had no ob-
jections of my throwing one at you,” Fritz
said, ickin one up.

“ es, 1’ give you leave," the foreman
said angrily. .

The next instant an egg—and genuine, too
—struck him between the eyes, and smashed,
its contents running down over Ill! face.

CHAPTER IX.
A manomou. PROCEEDING.
THE laughter that followed at Danials’s
aid predicament, was somethlng indescribg.
.. e.

 

 

     
    
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
   
   
  
  
  
  
    
    
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
    
  
    
   
  
    

22 . Spotter Fritz.

 

No sham was there about that egg, as the

v enraged foreman swore, as he turned away

toward the wash-room.

Mr. Harrington enjoyed the joke heartily,
but privately warned Fritz against any fur-
ther tricks about the store.

A week passed by.

Tom continued as clerk of cash, and he
and Rossic were once more seen together
frequently.

Although there was a constant drainage
upon the cash, not a word of the fact went
out beyond Mr. Harrington, Fritz, Tom and
Fisk the detective.

As the reader has probably surmised. Fritz
suspected no one less than Dolph Daniels of
being the black sheep, with the French-
woman as an aide.

Fritz had watched them narrowly, and the
more he saw them, the stronger grew his be—
lief in their guilt.

“ Der vll be somet‘ing to preak der mo~
notony, purdy soon,” Fritz remarked, one
day, to Fisk, whom he made his confidant in
everything, including his suspicions. “I’ll
bet a half dollar der is to be a big sensation,
and dot Mr. Tom gets the worst off it. Dot
snoozar Daniels ish vatching Tom like a
hawk. vos to get a deal in on him, und off I
don‘d was mistaken, he’ll make some effort
der spring a trap. He don’d can standit

‘ mooch longer to see der gal gil’f her attention

to Tom, ven only a short dime a vile ago it
vas different. Yes—you yoost mark my
vord—der vill pe a pig kersblosion. purdy
quick, for which some one vill suffer.”

And. it came sooner than had been sus-
pected, even for Fritz.

That day, when he was lounging about the
store, Tom Ward came from the cashier’s
otflce. and approached him.
1"Good-mormng, Fritz,” he said. Then
IOWering his tone he continued: “Fritz.
would you be willing to do a fellow a good
turn, if it was in your power?"

“You bet! V’ot is it, Misder Tom—
trouble?"

“ Yes. An old gambling debt, you see—-
contracted six months ago, and never set-

. tled. The man says he must have his money,

by ten to-day, or he’ll lay the matter before
uncle. That must never be, as I promised
him good things of myself, and it would be
as good as throw me out of his employ to
have him get wind of this debt business."

“Vol, I feel yoost ash anxious apoud id,‘
like you do. V’ot is to be done?”

f‘ I’ll tell you. I have a ring here that
Rossie gave me, valued at two hundred dol-
lars—double the amount of the debt I owe to
Dupree.

“ I want you to take it to Rebecca’s uncle

I "i z, and get me a hundred dollars on it, fora

/ .

 

couple of months; by that time I can redeem
it, and no one will ever be the wiser for it.”
“ Vel, I vil do dot, Mr. Tom. I vould do

’most anyt’ing for you, rather than see you’

in trouble. Haf you got der ring?"

“ It is in the show-case here, where I placed
it in a little box till you should want it.
Wait and I’ll get it!” and he stepped behind
the counter and procured a little ring box
from the showcase of jewelry.”

“ Here it is, in the box,” and he handed it
to Fritz. “ Get What you can on it, for me.
It is a rare stone, as the pawnbroker will tell

ou.’

“ 1 vii go ri rht oud und sec Rebecca's un-
cle," Fritz sai , receiving the tin box, with-
out examinin its contents.

“Help! he pl 7mm Dt‘eu! ze Rubenstein
solitaire is gone from ze show-easel" scream-
ed Felice, at this moment.

" What?" cried Daniels, springing from
behind another counter.

“ What?" cried Mr. Harrington, in alarm,
he and his ward entering the store just in
time to hear the French girl‘s c1 :

“ Ze solitaire—ac priceless Ru enstein soli-
taire ring—it is gone from ze show-easel It
was here not five minutes ago.”

“ Then the thief cannot have yet escaped!”
the merchant cried excitedl , for the ring
was of great value. “ Ah!“ and his eyes
rested for the first upon Tom and Fritz—the
former deathly pale, as he comprehended--—
the latter flushed and fidgety.

“ Nor has the ring left the store,” Dolph
Daniels said. with demoniac ntriumph. “I
saw your dutiful nephew, Thomas, step he'-
hind the counter, a moment ago, remove
something from the show-case and give it to
this Dutch devil—" then be bounded for-
ward, and tore the ring box from Fritz’s

rasp.

” Stopl there is some mistake here. I
placed my own ring, that Miss Rossie gave
me, in that box, not over an hour ago, with
a view of giving it to Fritz, for dis osal. If
my ringI is not there now, they ave been
change .” ‘

“ Yery likel l Here is the solitaire 1” Dan-
iels cried, holding up the solitaire triumph-
antly. “You are at last caught in the act,
Torn Ward. I blush for you in shame."

And there was a thrilling tableau, right
there and then. Rossie, who had just en-
tered the store. leaned upon her guardian
faint and horror-struck—Mr. Harrington
stood gazing at poor Tom with sternly flashv
ing eyes.

“ My God, Tom! what tempted you to do
this?” he moaned.

"Mr. Harrington. hear me swear that I
did not steal that ringlf' Tom cried, with a
deathly shade upon his face. ” There is

. $1.“

  
 

J'J’ I ‘
is}

 

Spotter Fritz. . 23

 

some infernal underhand work here. If you
will but listen, I will explain all that Iknow.
Last night I was dunned for a gambling
debt which was contracted long ago, before
I shut down on such folly. Dupree, my
creditor, threatened to lay the matter before

on unless I settled by ten o’clock today.

at desiring to trouble you, and desiring at
the same time to honestly settle the debt, I
concluded to pawn my ring until 1 could
save up enough out of my salary to redeem
it. and with the pawn money pay off my in-
debtedness. For the safety of the thing, I
put the ring in an empty jewel-box, and then
waited until Fritz came. to get him to do the
errand for me. How the solitaire ring came
in the place of my own ring I do not know.”

“ Clever argument—right clever!" sneered
Daniels.

"Tom, my boy, I fear on are in a fix,”
Mr. Harrington said, stern y.

“No, he is not!” cried Rebecca, stepping
forward and seizing Felice by the wrist of
the left arm. “ This Frenchwoman has Mr.
Tom‘s ring in her hand here}
change the rings ! ’

“ Mon Dz’eu ! ze game is up!" Felice cried,
fiercely, wrenching her wrist from Rebecca’s
grasp, and hurling the ring to the floor.

“ Young woman. what was your object in
this foul attempt?" Mr. Harrington demand-
ed, turning severely upon her.

The terrible eyes of the Frenehwoman
gleamed maliciously.

“ Ze ob'ect l” she hissed, draWing her
figure bac , and showing her pearly teeth
in a tigerish smile—"ze ob'ect, you ask?
I tell you ze object. onsieur Tom

1 saw leer-

Ward was my lovaire, and he is zis day'

refused to marry meo-and I sought ze
glorious revenge. As I have failed—I will
0!"

And she did go.with a‘mocking laugh
peeling from her lips.

Then Mr. Harrington gave Rossie over to
Daniels. she having fainted, requesting him
to remove her to the office, and turned to
Tom.

“Thomas, you may consider yourself
discharged from my employ, and from
the company of my ward. You may
also draw your salary, and go, Fritz; the
same with Rebecca. I will see if 1 can
hereafter have less trouble. Go, I say.
every one of you 1"

And, then, turning he strode away in a
passion.

Nothin was left for the luckless trio, but
to accept is mandate.

“Vel. all mine air gastles vas gone
smashed to dander. I’ve a mind to go

 

 

commit Susansider mid der Delaware
Rifierl”

It was Fritz who made this remark, as he
sat with Rebecca in her uncle’s pawnshop,
that evening.

“ Oh, no, Fritz, you won't do anything of
the kind. Why should you? If we have
lost good positions, there is a wide world
in which to find others, just as desirable and

profitable l”

 

A month passed; Fritz and Rebecca were
back in the employ of Mr. Hzirrington-the
former as a traveling salesman, and the latter
as cashier in poor Tom’s place

Mr. Harrington was in poor health, and
Daniels was general business manager, under
the merchant’s dictation. and there was talk
of his soon becoming half-partner in the
business

Mlle. Felice—of her only a very few knew
anything definite, but there was a rumor
that she was the owner of a fashionable
down-town “ clubhouse," or, in plainer

hrase, high-toned gambling resort patron-
ized by the aristocratic sporting element of
the city. _

Of Tom nothing favorable was said, for
report had it that he had plunged headlong
into dissipation and recklessness.

Report said, also, that he was a frequenter
of Mlle. Felice‘s establishment, which but
confirmed the declaration, on her part, that
he was her lover.

These reports were not brought to Mr.
Harrington by Daniels, even though he
may. have been interested in their forth.
comlng. _ '

Daniels was the most unobtrusive and obe-
dient of men of late; he scarcely ever men-
tioned the circumstances of the past. and
was ever on the alert to do anything which
he believed would please the merchant.

Fritz was watchful, quiet, and reserved.
He did not exchange confldences with any
one except Rebecca. ‘

In one of these consultations the Jewish
maiden said:

“Fritz, you are growing in shrewdness
and business tact, every day; why can you
not in some way work things better for poor
Tom Ward; my heart aches for him! I met
him this morning but he did not notice mo,
and he looked so wearied and broken-hearted,
that I could have cried, if I hadn’t been on
the street. so I could.”

“ I’m afraid id don'd vas all worry dot af-
fects Tom, Rebecca."

“ Oh! Fritz, what else can it be?”

“ Schnapps, Rebecca—wine, late at
nights."

" Oh, dear! You don't think there is any
tritth in the report, do you—that Tom ire

 

     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

' Rebecca.”

' you will always make me a goo

84

Spotter Fritz.

 

quents a gambling place down-town, of
which Felice is the owner?”

“Vel, at first I didn’t, but ash I haff seen
him go in dot blace lately, I must pelieve
mine eyes, you know.”

“ But, ahal Fritz—how should a nice
moral young man like you know anything
about such places—just explain that?"

“Oh, vel: Rebecca, you know dot we piz-
ness shendlemen find oud dose t’ings py
hearsay. I took pains der viud oud der loca-
tion of Mademoiselle Felice's place, yoost to
learn if Tom did go there.”

“ Well, then of course you are excusable,
you dear, good fellow. But, Fritz, I am
afraid you commercial travelers are some-
times ver , wry naughty.”

“ Ohl ebecea, how can you say dot?
Der drummer is der most innocent man on
der read. And. by the way, Rebecca ash I
was makin’ purdy good wages now, vid bros-
pect ofl? araise, v’ot you say apoud our get-
ting married? I dink you vas yoost der
nicest girl in der vorld, und .I hafi some con-
ceit dot ash Mrs. Fritz Snyder, you vould do
me great credit.”

‘.‘ Ohl Fritz. you flatter me.”

“No, I don‘d, Rebecca; I don't vant you
to t’ink dot; I ncfer flatter anyt'ing but der
goods I represent, und vant to sell—und you
know I vouldn't sell you, Rebecca, for all

‘ , the goods in the city.”

“Are you very sure you like me, Fritz—
very. ver¥,_wr_z/ sure?" .
J “ Yes, 15h more as a t'ousand times sure,

on, and if
indulgent
husband. have ahired girl. and dress me bet-
ter than that big-feeling Rebecea Schriver, I
will marry you, on conditions.” '

“ V’ot conditions ?”

"That, when you get Tom 'Ward out of
trouble, reinstated with Mr. Harrington, and
married to Rossie, you can fetch around a
minister and take me as yours truly.”

“ Rebecca, 1 vii do dot, so help me shim-
minyl”

" Well, Fritz, Ido rather like

 

CHAPTER X.
AT THE CLUB nonsn.

THAT same evening Mr. Harrington called
Dolph Daniels into his private office, and
bade him be seated.

“Dolph,” he saidysurveying his nephew,
narrowly, “ I am about to make some changes
in my business, and I have concluded to dis-
charge you from your present position and
put Filkens in your place." ‘

“ As you like, sir. I can undoubtedly ob-

: tain_a position. elsewhere,” the young man
 replied, flushing a little.

‘

 

“But there will be no need of that. my
boy. I have become so rich I have no longer
need to strive for lucre, and so I propose to
take yell and give you a half-partnership in
this business."

“ 0h! uncle, such a generous gift I am
afraid I have never deserved?"

' “ Well, perhaps not. I shall however fix
the matter so that you can fall out as easy as
you have fallen in, if you become undeserv-
ing. But one thing troubles me—that is, I
cannot get Rossie’s consent to a marriage
with you. Of late she has clung more fond-
ly to the remembrance of poor misguided
Tom. and though I have kept her closely in
the house, it does not seem to haVe the de
sired effect. She declares she will marry no
one but Tom—unless it can be proven that
he is fuithless to her. in going to visit Felice."

“ I can well understand, sir. I have done
my best to obtain her consent to our union
but have been unsucCessful.”

"It is provoking and bothersome, too, for
Ihave all along resolved to make her hus-
band my partner, and shall do so, no matter
who he maybe.”

“Can she not be convinced of Tom‘s inti~
delit , uncle?" .

“ ndeed, I do not know how, Daniels?
She will not hear to any argument that I can
advance.”

“There is no argument so convincing as
that of one’s sight; therefore take her to
Felice’s place, at an hour when Tom is to be
found there, and let her see for herself.
One dose, I think, will be sufficient to effect
a cure.”

“Perhaps that would be a good plan.
She can be disguised beyond recognition,
and I will accompany her. When had we
best go i"

“ Tonight, at eight. During the da . for
the success of our venture, I will see ‘elice
in person, and have her arrange it so that
you will be admitted.”

“Yery well. Send in Fritz when you go
out. ‘

“ No need of! dot, for Fritz ish here,” that
worthy said, advancing from a position near
the door. where he had overheard the conver-
sation between the merchant and Daniels.
“ I come to say dot (ler ship Shrewsbury is
in harbor, with a cargo of silks.”

“ Ahl how fortunate. Daniels. you may
attend to the business.”

“Very well, sir;" and he accordingly left
the oflice.

“Fritz,” Mr. Harrington said, turning to
his protege, “you may be seated. I have
something to say to you of importance}:

” All righd. Misder Harrington; I’m open
to hear anyding."

" Well, Erica. I have an important errand

l

 

 

y

Spotter Fritz. 25

 

for some party to fulfill, and as you in your
short engagement in my employ have shown
an upright and honest disposition, Ido not
|\ll()W of any one l‘d rather trust than you."

“ I vas very much oblige for der compli-
ment, Misder Harrington, and you can bet a
half-dollar Fritz Snyder vil alvays be honest
uud square."

“ A good resolution, my boy. Now, this
errand I speak of, While demanding no par-
ticular labor. requires the hand of a qulet
and careful person. I have in my possession
a casket containing five elegant diamonds
which I imported for a New York lady at a
cost of $10,000. These jewels I now desire
to have delivered to her, but do not wish to
consign them to the care of Express or mail
routes. Therefore. believing you perfectly
honest, I want you to take them to New
York, and deliver them to the owner. 1f
you will do this as you ought, 1 will give
you a ‘lift' when you and ltebeeca go to
housekeeping."

“ I‘ll do it, Misder Harrington. V’en shall
I start?"

“At six tonight.
the banker for them.
you.”

Fritz received the order, and soon after
left the store.

“Ten thousand dollars’ vorth of dia-
monds!" he mused, as he walked along.
“ V'ot a change in der circumstances from
two months ago! Dot time Mrs. Shrimp
vouldn’t huff trusted me mit a dozen of

ms.”
p He went straight to Rebecca and made
known to her his proposed trip.

“ And, v'ot you t’inthebeeea?” he added,
“Misder Harrington he vas goin' der take
Miss Rossie to der establishment 01f Felice
to-night, so dot she can see for herself dot
Tom goes there.”

“ Oh! Fritz, this must not be! If she goes
and finds 'I‘om there, it. will be the breaking
of the last chance for him, in her favor."

" lint, id can’t pe helped, Rebecca; how
you suppose I vas able to stop Mr. Harring-
ton and Rossie from goin’ dere?"

“Probably you cannot; but you could
warn Tom of the trap that is being laid for
him, so that he could avoid being caught.”

“ Humphl You doan vas know Tom,
Rebecca. IIe vas utterly reckless of late,
und off he thought they wanted to catch him
at Felice’s, v’y, I’ll bet a half-dollar he'd go
there on purpose, vor to gift dem an obbor<
dunity.”

“ Oh! Fritz, it is too bad. id rather give
a hundred dollars, if I had it, than to have
Tom found there by Mr. Harrington and
Rossie.”

“Vel, Rebecca, I dink I know a way it

Here is the order to
Good luck go with

 

can be arranged. Felice is Daniel’s wife, or,
dot is, she dink she is, uud is shealous of
Daniel’sattention lo Hos-sic. Now, if I go
und see Felice und tell her dot Mr. Harring-
ton und ltossio only vants to tind ’I‘on) at the
club-house in order to convince ltossie of
his unworthiness, yoost so she vil marry
Daniels—den you can bet a half-dollar she
vilgct maddcr ash a hornet, and out ofl.’
spite see dot Tom don'd vas around when
they come.”

"But, Fritz, you could not go to this
place unless I went Willi you—indeed you
couldn’t. You are a regular masher, any-
how, and I couldn‘t think of trusting you in
the society of a fascinating woman like
Felice.”

“But, Rebecea, v’ot could you do at a.
club-house? You don'd vas know a red
from a white, und besides, Mr. Harrington
said I vas to start for New York at six, und
how can I aiford to disobey his orders? ’

“Another train leaves later in the even-
ing, and you ‘an take that, and no one will
know the dilTercnee. Fritz, you must go
and prevent Tom from being seen—do you
hear, you must—and I will go straight with
you,”to keep you company and protect

on.

y " Vell, ltebceca, I vil get dc diamonds and
get all ready, so dot I can make the train;
den ve will go to der club-house to-night
yoost ahead off Mr. Harrington and Rossiel"

Randolph Daniels was as cool and calcu-
lating,r a man in villainy as he was a shrewd
man in business.

He always made it his aim to leave no
stone unturned which would attain success.
and he had a far-seeing faculty that aided
him greatly.

That afternoon he dropped in on Felice at
her fashionable down town elub-house.

She received him in an elegantly-furnished
parlor, and he greeted her with a Warm em-
brace.

“ Mo belle Felice grows even prettier in the
new home,” he said, leading her toaseat
upon a sofa. “It is an elegant establish-
ment, Felice, and you must be proud of it.”

“1 have not Mr. pride; it is you who reap
20 profit."

“But it will be yours and mine to ether,
now. in a very few days, Felice. have
good news for you. ()ld Harrington has (le-
clared his intention of taking me in as a half-
owner of the business in a few days at the
furthest. But one thing is lacking. He
wants one thing assured him—that 'I‘om
Ward is a frequenter of your placel As
soon as he finds that out for sure, he will
take me in as partner. and once those papers
are signed, I will acknowledge you to the
world as my wife.”

 

 

 

V 26 _' . Spotter Fritz.

“ You swear on will do zis?”

“ Swear it a ozen times, if you like.“

“Den ze gladness come to me, Monsieur
Dolph—zc joy of my life vil be complete.
An' it iz zc easiest job to find ze Monsieur
Tom here every evening."

“ So I am aware. The fellow is going to

“the dogs as fast as he can. I have arranged
to have Mr. Harrington and his ward call
here tonight at eight, and I want you to
have it arranged that they see Tom here.
That will be suflicient. Mr. Harrington will
see and become satisfied—I will become
partner, and everything will work to the end
I have so long been planning for.”

“Zen I will have zc arrangements made.
Will you come with zc Monsieur Harring-
ton?" /

" No, but I have another thing to tell you.
It may be that the fellow, Fritz, will come
here, to warn Tom. See that he does not.
He ma not come. as the old man has ordered
him 0 to New York, with ten thoasand dol-
lars‘ worth of diamonds. If he does come
here, it is likely he will have the diamonds in
a jewel case, in some inside pocket. A word
to the wise is sufficient, Felice; you are not
slow to comprehend!”

The Frenchwoman’s eyes sparkled, ven-
omously.

“ Ten t’ousan’ dollars!" she exclaimed,
rubbing her hands together, greedily—“zat
is grand—2e magnificent sum. I see zat it
nevare leave ze house, if ze Dutchman comes

> here. I can fix it—ze glass of drugged Wine,
or 7.0 drugged scgar will make ze Jew sleepy,
an' zen my work is ze easiest.” .

“Ah! you are right. But be sure that the
Governor sees Tom, now, and the more em-
barrassing his situation, on discovery, the
better it will" be for our purpose. Goodby,

" now, till we meet again, my darling."

And kissing her he took his departure.

“It will work, now,” he muttered, with
diabolical triumph, as he made his way back
toward the store. “ Felice will be the cause
of sending my rival another notch toward

. ruin, she will steal the diamonds and get sent

’ / Epl—rand I will marry the fair Rossie. Ha!

.‘ a )

l .

Felice was honored with calls that evening
by those she ex ected.
First came ritz and Rebecca, and they
] were shown to the grand parlor, where Felice
received them, with a cordiality that was
cold! ,returned.
_ ' " I; gives me ze greatest pleasure to see
‘ my young friends from ze store,” she said,
“especially ze lovely Rebecca. Ze Jewish

~ '. ’1ady is so winning.”

“Rebecca replleti stlfliy. "You should

 

make sure of having friends before you call
them so, mademoiselle. Fritz, proceed with
the business that brought. you here, and let
us leave this wicked place."

” Vel, Rebecca, dot ish v’ot I came vor.
So 1 proceed. lila’am’selle Felice, you dink
you vas married to Mr. Randolph Daniels,
don’d you?”

"I am aware zat you know ze secret,"
Felice replied. “Mr. Daniels said it.”

“But, dot don’d was der question! Do
you know dot der man you cound your hus-

and, is about to marry another?”

"No! nevare!” Felice hissed. fiercely.

“But he vas, all (ler Same. Dis ver hi hi;
Daniels vill send der merchant un hiss
Rosalind to dis blaec. Ufi' dey find Tom
Ward here. as vas delr eggspectation, dey
vil go pack, und Dolph Daniels vil marry
der girl, und pecome partner.”

"chare! nevare! I would drive ze pon-
iard in his black heart, first.”

“Dot would do no good, and like ash not
you would get your neck proke, mit a rope
around id. Der ish one vay you could
prevent dot pizness: ven der guveruor und

liss Bessie vas come, you dells dem dot
Tom Ward vas not here, nor has heifer pen
here. Dot will settle it. Rossie vil refuse
to marry Daniels. und you can half an ob-
gprg‘unity to give him der duyfel at leisure.

-e

“ Yes, I comprehend; ze plan is ze grand
one, and I t’ink I will do, it zis night. But,
I must consider ze advisability. 1n ze mean

while, yonder you find ze choice segar to

smoke, while I consider ze advisability—ze
advisability!”
“Vol, 1 don’d care if I do," Fritz said.

"‘Dose French beoples alvays smoke good

cigars.” and he accordingly, helped himself
to a Reina from a stand upon a table near by,
and lit it, while Felice paced to and fro
across the carpet several times, her head
partly bowed. as if in thought.

Suddenly the door opened, and a colored
servant came in, bearing a card salver.

“ Ah! ze merchant and zc mademoiselle
have come!” Felice said, turning to Fritz, on
glancing at the card.
I will see zem directly.”

The negro bowed and retired.

Then Felice turned again, this time to Re-
becca. I .

“ You must go and warn ze Monsreur
Tom to leave ze house by ze private entrance
at once," she said, excitedly. “ I Will not
go, but will wai here. Fritz must not 0,
lest Monsieur arrington see him. on
will find ze Monsieur Tom in ze Room 12,

engaged in playing ze taro. Go, quickly, or,

all Will be, lost!”

    

“Peter, you may say I

 

 

 

 

i. -

i
l
r
l

 

 

 

 
   
 
 

v

Spotter Fritz.

CHAPTER XI.

“ I HAVE BEEN DRUGGED AND nonnnn."

“I WILL do as you say, madcmoiselle,”
Rebecca said. “Fritz, you stay right where
you are until 1 see that the road is clear;
then I will come back for on.”

“All right, Rehecca. don’d feel much
like runnin’ avay, I’m so tired,” Fritz re-
plied, wearily. “ I suppose der pizness I
half done to day hafl' caused me dis head-
ache. You go see dot Mr. Harrington don’d
see Tom, und dot vil pe yoost der ticket.”

Rebecca went out of the room. Felice,
who stood near the table gazing at her vic-
tim, moved a step nearer.

"Is the monsieur ill?” she asked, in her
soft to‘nes.

“Vel. I ain‘d just v’ot you might call ill,
but I vas mighty sleeby, You can bet a
half-dozen dollar on dot. I guess maybe it
vas pecause der cigar is too strong."

“ Throw it away, then. and let me go for ze
something to drink,” Felice said—“a glass
of sherry or ze sparkling champagne.”

“ NO! I don’d vas drink anydings. ma’am’-
selle. I vas a Good Templar. Oh! shim-
ininy, how funnyI vas feel!” and he stag-
gered to his feet. “ I dinks I vas done wrong
to come here. If der Governor vas to catch

'me here, he vould gifif me der duyful. I
guess I shall half to lay down, I vas so sleepy.
Ven Rebecca comes tell her—ahl—"

, He did not lie down, but fell prostrate
upon the floor, his senses gone.

Felice rubbed her jeweled hands together
eagerly as she approached him.

“Ze dragged scgar worked all capital!”
she hissed. “Ze Jew have 20 strength of ze
horse or he would have succumbed long ago.
He is senseless; there is no one to watch me.
Now, I will get ze diamonds—ze ten t’ous-
and dollaire diamonds. Grandel magnifi-
cence.” ‘ ,

And, like a serpent she glided forward and
knelt by his side.

“ Ze grand!” she continued to murmur, as
she searched Fritz's pockets—“2e magnifi-
cent diamonds—zey shall be mine, and I wear
zem when I go back to la belle France Ah,
1 have got zeml" and from the inner ocket
of Fritz’s vest, she drew a long leathern
portemonnaie and opened it.

Sure enough, there were the diamonds, in
the silken pockets—five in number, and of
exceeding brilliancy and size.

‘ “ Ah! beautiful! grand!” Felice hissed,
gazing at them rapturously. “ Zey are mine,

/ too—mine—mine ! "

“ And you have at them at the price of
your liberty!" a coo , sneering voice cried,
and with a startled cry Felice turned to be-
hold Dolph Danlels standing but a few paces‘

ofl surveying her triumphantly.

|

 

  

“Mon Dz’eu! how you frightened me!”
she gasped, trembling. “ 1 was not expect-
int,r you."

“ So it would seem. Ha! ha! I‘ve caught
you in the act, inademoiscllot' Heneeforth
you are nothing to me. and if you dare !
to trouble me, I’ll hand. you over to the
law !”

“What! what is zis you say? You would
betray me. monsieur, an’ I re wife of you?
Take care!” ,

“ Bah! you’re no wife of mine! The mar-
riage was but a sham to satisfy your scru-
ples, and that I might use you as my-tool.
Ha! ha! I shall marry Miss Rosalind. and
if you ever dare even to whisper that I was
anything to you, I'll send you to prison I”

An awful glare crept into the French-
woman‘s eyes, while her features were as
white as marble.

“ You send me to zc prison?” she hissed,
creeping nearer to him-“ you would do zis
t’ing, Dolph Daniels? Nevare! I see into
your plan now, of which I have blindly be-
come ze victim. Zare is ze diamonds!” and
she hurled the case fiercely upon the carpet-
ed floor, with a shuddering curse.

“I throw zcm away! You shall not trifle
with me. You shall promise zat you will
marry me zis very day, or] will kill you—do
you understand—4 will kill you!”

“Ah! don’t be a fool! Keep your stolen
prize, and keep your mouth shut, and on
will be let alone. I am going now. e-
member. henceforth, you and I are strangers,
woman!”

“ Nevare! villain! monster! cheat! You
shall find ze French girl is not like ze Ameri-
can girl, to be fooled zis way!” and with a
terrible oath in her native language, Felice
flow at him with the fury of an enraged
tigress, a long stiletto in her grasp.

For a moment there was :1 fierce struggle
between her and Daniels; then, with a faint
gurgling cry, she staggered back, and fell
upon the floor, the deadly instrument buried
to the hilt in her own bosom.

“The deuce! I didn’t mean to kill her,
but was forced to!” Daniels hissed, deathly
pale as he glared at her. “ I must get out of
here before I am discovered, or it will go
hard with me. And, while going, there is
one important item I must not forget!"

And with a cool laugh, he picked up the
diamond case and put it in his pocket; then
quickly left the room. ~ 1

Not too soon either, for a couple of mo-
ments later a door opened. and Mr. Harring-
ton and Rossie entered the parlor.

The sight that met their gaze caused them
to leap back with startled exclamations.

“ y Heaven! what does this mean? Fritz
here!’ the merchant gasped, in consterna-

 

  

      

  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
  

 

  
 
 
 

 
 

 
  

 
 

 

 

 

  

   
 
 

 

 

 
 

88

Spotter Fritz.

 

tion. “There has been foul murder done.

Help! help!"

His cries brought three answers-the negro
servant, Tom Ward, and Itebecca, rushed
into the room almost simultaneously

” Oh! Fritz! Fritz!" Rebecca cried, kneel-
fiovcr her lover. “What is the matter?

at ails you?”

While Tom and the negro raised Felice to
a silken couch near by, the latter hastily
began to apply restorativcs.

“Who has done this terrible work?” Tom
cried. “ Perhaps Fritz can tell."

“Fritz! Fritz!" Rebecca cried, shaking
him soundly.

“ Vel, Rebecca, v’ot ish dcr mattcr‘l—v’ot
ails me—I feel strangel—I—I— Mr. Har-
rington, you here?"the drugged youth asked,
arousing and gazing about him.

“ Yes, I am here, sir, and least of all ex-
pected to find you and Rebecca in such a
place. What explanation have you to ofler,
sir?" '

“ Vel, I can’t e gsplain much—I vas half-

asleep, I guess. {I don’d know vot ish der
matter mit me. I und Rebecca ve come here
to get Felice to send Mr. Tom from der
garnblin -room. so you don’t! vould find him
here. er Felice she gifl me a ci r to
smoke, und id make me sick, und s eeby.
Rebecca vent to tell Tom—den I vent to
sleep. I vas very sorry. Mr. Harrington, but
I didn’t vant you to find Tom herc!’

” Oh! I see. Give me the checks of your
sample trunks. sir, and the diamonds!” the
merchant cried, angril .

“All right; I don’dy blame you vor dis-
charging me; but I didn’t vant Dolph Daniels
to vin der villainous game. V’ere ish Felice?”

“ She lies yonder, deador dying. What
do you know about the matter, sir?”

, “ Noddings. She vas all right. v'en I last
remember. I told her d‘ot Daniels vas not
true to her. und vas goin’ to make a high.-
mist of himself, by marryin‘ Miss Rossie,

'und Idink ma pe she gommitted suicide.
Here ish dcr c ecks. Mr. Harrington, und
here vas— My God, der diamonds ish
gone!" ,

"Gone!" the merchant gasped.

“ Yes. I had dam in der inside pocket of
,n’iy coat, v’en I come here. and now dey
tv’itsn't dere. Ihafl been drugged und rob-

‘I’

With a groan Mr. Harrington turned to
Rossie. r

“Come, my child,”he said; “let us leave
this place, poorer but wiser by coming. You,
,sir,"-turning to Tom, 'haughtil . "can

1, -draw upon your back salary, wlnch is yet
-, / due vou, to bury yonder woman!‘

“ Rein under no obligations to her. sir, I
have no calm to act in the matter!" Tom

replied, quite as haughtily. “M business
here is to make a living, sir, whic you had
previously given me in exchange for ser-
vices, until a foul schemer‘s cralt divided us.
If you came to spy upon me, you may have
already learned this."

Then he turned and strode from the room,
Rebecca, at the direction of Fritz, accom-
pan in him.

it r. Iarringtnn and his ado ted daughter
also took their departure, and ritz and the
darky, Pete, were left alone with Felice,
whose life-tide was fast ebbing out. as she lay
motionless and marble-like upon the sofa.

She died late that evening, and just before
she expired she signified a desire to speak.

Accordingly the two men bent closer to
catch her words.

Felice had committed suicide because of a
lover‘s unfaithfulness, said the newspapers;
and as suicides are growing to be an every-
day occurrence, this particular case was soon?
forgotten, after the Frenchwoman was laid
away in a quiet nook in Fernwood.

Neither Fritz nor Rebecca went back to
their positions at the store, as they were well
aware that they would not be taken back,
after what had occurred.

Fritz, however, met the merchant on the‘
street one day, and saluted him respectfully.

” I am aware dot you vas very angr mit
me, Mr. Harrington,’ he said, “ but I vant
to speak mit you in private, yoost a few
minutes.”

“I am always willing to listen, sir, but
my time is limited, and you must be brief.
Step into this restaurant, where there are
seats."

:I‘ihey accordingly did so, and then Fritz
sat :

“Mr. Harrington, I vant to ask you von
question: Is der no hope for poor Tom .
Ward? Have you utterly given opp having
anyding more to do with him?"

“ I am afraid I have. sir. He is unworthy
of my confidence and esteem.”

“No, he is not! I know potter ash dot.
Von hair of his head ish vorth more ash a
dozen like Mr. Dolph Daniels. V’ot has he
done that is really criminal? I proved to-
you dot he vas not der robber."

" But his having to do with Felice, when
as good as engaged to my ward—what denial
have you for that?" .

“Der most emphatic. Dot job in der
store was all a put-ulp job between Felice
and Daniels. Danies vanted Rossie. und
knew if he could make Tom oud false, id
vould serve his purpose in procurin Tom’s

 

,dismissal, and giving him a chance, th for
Miss Rossie un der partnership.”

  

 

l
i

*‘W‘

i

  
  
 
   
 
 
 

Spotter Fritz. 89

’—

 

 

" I am not ready to believe this, sir. You
would intimate that Dolph has been plotting
to secure Tom’s ruin, in order that he might
win." -

“Dot‘s just v’ot I mean. More ash dot;
Dolph Daniels ish der man who robbed your
safe, disguised as a voman—Dolph Daniels
is a member of der Smugglers’ League—
Dolph Daniels vasder husband of Felice, und
hDolph Daniels vas der man who killed

er!"

“Fritz, stopl I will not hear to such un-
just chargesl What has my nephew done to
you» that you should thus wish to wrong

Im II

“Nothing; nor do I wrong him, in declar-
ing der truth. He hafl done all dose t’ings,
und. Lean press t't !"

“Fritz! will you stop this nonsense?"

- “No, I Vlll not! I say l can prove it, und
it won’t take long to do 1d, neither. And,
now, v’en I can prove to you that Dolph
Daniels vas der robber. und dot he murdered
Felice, who run der establishment of which
he van der proprietor—prove it fairly and
honestly—den vil you take Tom back? Vil
you lift him up, ash vas'in your power and
reinstate him. und'let Rossie marry him, und
thereby make a man of him ‘1"

“ Before I answer that, sir, tell me why it
is that you take such an interest in Tom’s
Welfare? Are you paid for it?” '

“Nixyl I vas vorkin’ for two objects.
Der virst of all is humanity. lknow dot
Tom haff been wronged, und I vant to help
him oud of dis trouble dot vas unmanning
him. Secondly, ‘Rebecca, she likes him,
und von’t marry me undil Tom vas married
to Rossie, und eifery ding vas made
straight.”

“Well, sir, although I have not the least
faith in the truthfulness of your charges
against Dolph I will give you a chance.

-When you recover the diamonds, prove to

me that Daniels it was who robbed the store,
and killed' Felice—then, and only then, I
will reinstate Thomas, make him my part-
ner, and Rossie shall be his bride!”

 

CHAPTER XII
arms.

“THAT will be der easiest fin .to do, in
‘der vorld, Mr. Harrington. und hafl you
soon convinced dot Fritz is working for
your good, ash vel ash dot off Mr. Tom.” ,,

“ When i find it to be so, I will believe
you, sir." 1

“Dot ish right. Believe vot you see;
derefore. I vnnt you to go to tier store to-
night, and I vill show you who vas der rob-
her, to start with; next, you shall hear der

 

evidence dot was given at Feliee’s death

confession. It may take time to run in der
diamonds, ash whoever has dcm vil pe purd
quiet apoud lettin’ dcr detectives know id.
t’ink I can prove also dot Dolph Daniels hafl
got them!”

“ By Heaven! I see you‘re bound to make
him out guilty. Where shall 1 meet you
tonight?”

“At der same place dot we met at v’en ve
played spy der' odder time. You vant to
come armed, for ve will see who ish der rob-
ber dish time.”

“ How do you know that? There have '
been no robberies of late to give you cause
to suppose that there is any chance to cap-
ture the culprit.” '

“ Maybe not, but I vil bet a half-dollar ve
git der son-ofagun der-night. I've got it in
my mind dot he gontempiates makin’ a big
haul, and closin’ oop dis kind of pizness, ash

'he is apoud ter peeome the ‘Co.’ofi‘ Har-

rington und Co."

“Then you will persist in believing that
Daniels is the robber?’

“I know dot id ish so, Mr. Harrington.
All I vant is to convince you.”

Soon after Friz and the merchant sepa-
rated, the former wandering about town in /
hopes of meeting Tom, whom he had not
seen since the night of the tragedy at the
club-house.

In passing the St. Elmo Hotel, on Arch
street, he saw Daniels standin on the steps,
be having just come out from inner.

“Helloi is that you, Fritz?"he saluted,
cordially. “ Come inside a moment.
want to speak to you.” .

Fritz obeyed, and they entered the
waiting-room and became seated in a quiet ~
part, where they were out of earshot.

Fritz was rather anxious to hear what the
prospective partner of Mr. Harrington’s
business had to say.

“Fritz,” Daniels began, when they were
seated, “ you are a pretty nice fellow 1”

“Soft soup! cheese it!” the youn detec-
tive replied, snapping his thumb an finger.
“'Ofi you hafl anydingt to say, Dolph
Daniels, adjourn to business."

“ Well, I have something of im ortance to
say. When Felice died, she ma. e a confes
sion not exactly in my favor, eh?" '

“Well?”

“ She pronounced me her murderer, and
made me out guilty of a good many un-
pleasant things, did she not?"

“ 1 should rather t‘ink dot way, ofi I vas
to an anyt’ing apoud id.” . .

“ el‘, I am not much surprised. . I
rather expected she would do so. She was
terribly angered, and hers was a wicked dis-
position, and I expected she would-strike mo

 

 

 

 
 

'7 \ lain to his own reflections.

 

5':

Spotter Pritl.

 

a parting blow. Fritz, you are the only one

knowing anything about it, and I want you‘

to keep mum. You are a young man with
bright prospects before you, and nothing to
hinder you from making your mark in the
world except the lack of a little moneyto
start with. A thousand dollars would do
you a great deal of good, and that sum shall
be yours if you will swear never to raise any
row, or disclose to my detriment anything
you may have found out.”

“ Den you dinks I vas an unprincipled
son-of-argun like yourselftdo you? But I
ain’t. Dolph Daniels, take my vord for it,
it vas an unlucky day for you ven Fritz
Snyder set foot in Philadelphia; und more
ash dot, dor is not money enough in circula~
f tion to purchase my good-viii und fixtures.”

“ Then I may consider that a declaration
of war between us, eh?"

” I don’d know somooch apoud dot, but
you can bet a half-dollar dot I'll make it a

undred degrees in der shade for you purdy
soon.”

“Curse you—do your worst! I do not
fear you; but remember. there will be a time
of settlement between you and I!

,”All right! ' Don‘d pc in no hurry. Pay
. up der poor washwomau pefore you settle
mit me, Good day. Daniels. Der's a steamer
goin’ der :Europe von off dose days, purdy
soon; better you go along."

Then with a provoking laugh the young
Dutchman arose andlleft the discomfited vil-

“The cursed fellow is right. He has
figured it fine, and if I don't make a home
run of it, he’ll ring in a deal on me that will
be disastrously bad,” Daniels growled to
himself. “Before I go I’ll fortify myself,
however, against uncertainties of the future.”

._._

That day, for the first time since the club-
house tragedy, Rossie and Tom Ward unex-
‘ pectedl met.

The ormer was out for a horseback ride
throu h the shady avenues of the incom-
parab e Fairmount Park, and while gallop-
ing leisurely along through one of the his es
of the great state y grove, she beheld a man
seated upona bench a few steps from ,the
avenue, under the shade-seated with his
head bowed forward in his hands, as if’in
, trouble.

So despondent and sorrowful was his
whole appearance, that pure-hearted Rossie
took a second glance at him, pityingly, and
then gave a start as she recognized him.

It was Tom, and he was buried in evident
un leasaut thought.

ora moment the merchant’s ward hesi-
tated, the’expression of her fair face under-

V

 
   

 

going many changes; then she drew rein,
slipped from her saddle, and went over and
knelt upon the grass just in front of him.

“ ’I‘om,” she said, softly, touching him——
“ Tom, what is the matter?"

He looked up, very much surprised.

“ Miss Rossie'——you?" he exclaimed.

“ Yes, Tom, I. Is there anything so
stran e, in that? What is the matter?"

“ hat else could be the matter than that
I am the most wretchedly miserable fellow
living?”

“Indeed! Iam so sorry. What would it
require to make you your happy self again,
Tom?"

“What. Rossie?—-God knows what, and
et keeps it from me. Your love and faith,
tossie, and a clear,unhlemished name,would

be all required. Do you see the blue river
Schuylkill, yonder, Bessie? I was just about
going down there and drowning myself,
when you came."

“Poor Tom! But cheer up. The love I

once gave you is still yours, Tom. and Re-
hecca assured me, today, that Fritz would
sgon be able to prove you guiitless of every-
t in i". \ .

“il’lay God bless that noble-hearted boy,
as I have often done!" Tom cried, tears of
joy and gratitude standing in his eyes as he
fo (led her to his breast.

 

Mr. Harrington and Fritz were in the store
that night, behind their former barricade of
bales, when the door opened and there eu-
tered the same person they had once before
discovered as the robber.

Without ofiering any molestation, they
allowed the seeming woman to enter the
oflice and rob the safe, but when the bold
robber emer cd from the ofiiee he found
himself con rented by the merchant and

Fritz, each of whom had a pair of revolvers

leveled u on him.

“Ran olph Daniels, you are known at
last, and your game is up,” Mr. arrington
cried, sternly. "Raise your vail, or I’ll
shoot you dead, where you are!" I

It is needless to say the veil was raised,
and a frightful oath escaped Daniels, as he
faced his captors.

“You see!" Fritz said, triumphantly, to
Mr. Harrington.

“ I see, and I no longer doubt you—need,

no further proof of your charges!‘ Mr. Har-
rington said, with a groan, and bowing his
head in sorrow.

“Daniels, old veller you didn’t was t’ink
dot settlement vould come so soon, did you?
Now, den, der is yoost three t‘ings l vant of
you—den, by] permission of! Mr. Harring-
ton, you w be allowed a chance to escape

I

/

  

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I

 

 

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inflexrsrase—am.‘

“1":

 

 

Spotter Fritz.

b»

vrom der country, before der officers get on
your track. First of all, I vant der money
you have got, v’ot you yoost hooked from
der safe."

Daniels handed it over in a little leathern
pouch, with a growl.

“Take it, curse out"

“ T'ank youl ow, der next, please fork
ofer dot five t’ousand dollars vich you drew
to day, oud of Mr. Harrington’s bank ac-
count, mit a forged check.”

“ It’s a liel I haven’t a cent more.”

“Take care! yoost hand ofer dot money,
or I’ll hand you ofer to der law!”

Daniels swore terribly, and drawing a
package of bills from his pocket, gave them
to Mr. Harrin ton.

“ Better un betterl” Fritz grinned.

“You vas so liberal like von philantro-
phist. Now, den, giflf us der diamonds, und
you can dakeago-ash-you-blease skip for
ibert !”

“ here’s where you are mistaken. Vil-
lain though I may be, according to this ex-
posure, I have not the lost diamOnds—I
swear it, by all I hold sacredl" Daniels
cried.

“ Den, Iyou know where they are?”

.“No, know nothing concerning them.
Send mp to jail if. you like, but it. will not
avail you. Felice undoubtedly stole the dia-
monds,‘and put them where no one would
find them."

“Daniels, you are a bad man—a vil-
lain—a murderer!” Mr. Harrington said.
“I would be acting legally to hand you
over to the law, but for relation’s sake, and
from a desire to have no further public dis-
grace put upon my family connectiOns; I
will give you one day to get outside the
reach of the U. S. authorities. If found'on
American soil after to-morrow night, you.
shall sufler the full penalty of the law.

- Here is a. thousand dollars—take it and go!”

TEE

 

     
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
   

Without a word Daniels threw ofi his dis-
guise, took the proffered money, and left the
scene of his late operations.

 

‘ There is but little more to add in conclu-
sion.

The following day, disguised as a laborer,‘
he attempted to pawn the stolen diamonds to
Rebecca’s uncle, when they were promptly
seized, at the instigation of Fritz, who was
on hand watching, and Daniels was advised
to leave.

Accordingly, he sailed that day in a steam-
ship bound for Liverpool, and nothing more
was ever heard from him.

Fritz, aceordin to promise, proved who
was Felice’s mur erer, b bringing forward
the negro Pete, and causmg him to relate the
substance of Feiice’s death confession, which
had been to accuse Daniels of killing her,
and also of the store robberies, and of being
a member of the yet existing Smugglers’
League.

It is needless to say that Mr. Harrington
became t'ull satisfied, and made h te to
take back om Ward into his full esteem
and cohfldence, with due apologies for the
past. ,1
The very next day Tom became a partner,
and it was not long after that he took to
himself a life partner in pretty Rossie.

The Smugglers’ League had not been
broken up as yet, and Fritz declared his in-
tention of ferretin out the whole matter. ,

“Und then," e said. “ you can bet a'
half-dollar I marries Rebecca. ’

Out of a liberal reward given him for his
services by Mr. Harrin on, he sent the neat
little sum of two bun red dollars to Miss
Lotta Shrimp, for her good deed toward him,
and then turned his attention to his proposed
new venture, which was to prove the “little
Dutchman” a genius in the wit, wisdom and
wariness of, the born detective.

1’

END.

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25I ’I‘Ile Denl‘ IIet eelIl e. lh' I'ZIIWHHI Willem.
252 IM-In er IInII‘n IM'VII‘C‘. lIy l'hlwnrnl 1.. \\'ln l.~r.
253 The Buy 'I'elnlerl'ont. He (‘9. :‘ .‘ninrh \‘I'lllun.
254 "Illek IIIIII “en. By .‘Illll. Lewis W. Cmmn.
255 Jolly Jlln. Delecllvm By Charles Monlu.

 

256 Merle Mollle‘n Ilnnt (‘rIIIMn “v (‘Ivh I‘rv'nlim‘ lllllrllhllm-
The "03‘ ('Illel'nl'lhlek) I'm-n. “V .\lui, .L.St.\'ndn.
Denver Dull m4 Deleeth'e. lly l‘}. L. \I'hm-h-r.
thtle Foxeye, n... (we..me 5y m (m 1 Immel.
ELM, Hm Clhln Buy. My I‘Inlwnrd \Villelt.

Blade, the Sport. My '1‘. ('. IInrlmugh.

IIIII)‘, lhe Buy aner. My Cal. l’rentiw Ingruhmn.

IIIlnler Ralf-A "nay; or, Ligu, the Liuhlrllmmw Keuler.
Ily (‘2le ..l. 1“ c. Mums.

Denver Doll‘n I’nrtner. By E. L. thll-r.

IIllly. the "nuance Buy. Ily ('Imrlen Murrla.

Glu‘n Buy (‘hlun l‘w l'apl. {TI-unturk.

267 (Hunt George“: Herellze. Ily llm-ksldn Sum.

26% "end-Hint Dandy. l‘»_\' Vol. I‘rellliaq lnumhxun.

26!! The Qllnrtzvllle “on. By Erlwnnl Willeu.

270 Denver Ilnll'n .‘IIne. By E. L. \I'hwlrr.
27] I'IImny .Ilnl‘n Terror. llynll “mums.
272 Kn, tlu- (m1 Detective. My ’1". v. llnrhuugh.
2?“ The IllrI RIder; nr, Nimhlw Ned‘s Surprhur.
limlgor, Jr.

"end Shot Dnndy’n Dnnhle. 13y Cul. I‘. lngmluun.
Fred. lhu Om-un “Mir. liy Charles Merrie.
Deudwund IIIeI‘ 'I‘rnpped. lly Eulwnrnl l.. \Vlleeler.
~u The Idlut Buy Avenger. My Alln-rl. \\'. Aiken.
27H .\r|zonn Alf. the Miller. lly'l'.1‘. “Ill‘hzlllpll.

279 (‘nlorndo Juek. lhe'l‘lgu-r.

2!“) ll l-‘hot "ullll3’! Lnnt Ilenl; or, Kenn Klt‘u Now
k n)- «m. email. lngmhmn.

2*“ Ned, Ihe, Buy I'Ilot. Hy Junk Fnrmgul.

282 "In-k “uwk, lleleI-tlw; nr,Tho Meme-nun III-3"» Furtune.
1h Itlwunl L. “'heeler.

Ihn'lng‘ Spun Klt. Ry I-hlwnnl “'ilh-tc.

The Hhou‘lnlln’n Bent Curd. My Cum. le. “'hiltnker.

By lluekakln Sum.

15y Clmrlz'vl .\Inrrls.

2:“

2:.9
24:0
24:1
262

21“;

26 l
26.";
266

By Jon. E.

271
275
27.1
.,~~

My emu-ml. llewr-y.

233
2" I
29‘; Old Ihn-Ly‘n I’nnl.
:36 "Ink. Ihe, mka Spun.
2337 Nell, 1h.- lmy Shlmler. lly Jnrk I‘urrnuut.
2m IIenchomI IIIek'u Iilnlznlne. lly Edward L. “'heulel’.
239 (‘nlormlo Nlek, the Lumlul. lly Maj. ll. ll. Shuhlunl.
290 IInbe, (he Tenderfiun. lly Maj. .. L. 5!. \'min.
291 In m-k Pele, tlu- mun-m. Slmrl. ny Ann-.1 w. Aiken.
292 .lm- Mun-y, 11w Mghl llmvh. n) M. R. ISmlgu-r, Jr,
29:; Du-nrl' . nke. [he Del-Tiler. By Ed. min-u.
29! Ihlnlh IIIek‘n I'lll'll: nr. lelzu June, thu- Glrl Mlnur. By
l‘ZnIanl l.. Wlneler.
“'hlte “'Ing‘, the Euro! Flyer. lly I‘lmrlrn Murrls.
(Iovlmlu, the Tiger Tamer. II_\'(':|]|I. I“. “'hiuuku-r.
297 :\r| In (Hunt Grunge: ur, The “hymn of Smiling-Box
City. lh' Ilurhiliilx Sum.
Ilulny Doll‘n "1|qu or, The Ten l‘nln-rmlu l‘unln.
lI-lrlmuull.
299 The IInlInnII Ileleetlven; or, Jm‘k Sluuhvr'n Young Pnrd.
n,- Ihlrrv Han. .
800 IIemlwmul IIlek'I .VII-mlnn. Ily Edward L. Wheeler.
80I Dnme IIuL‘e, lhv l'uwlmv. ll_\- Mn}. E. L. St. len.
1102 III]: “en-nn‘n Bet. By 'I'. (‘. llurhuugh.
808 The Hotel “0y Deleetlve; "r. Thu “nun! ('untrul
RUM-e 5 My ( h“. \lnrrirl.
IInlll -ml‘~ I’nrd; "r, ('rn-plng Cal’s Cunnlnz. lIv
Burks“ \‘nln.
805 IInnI‘y IIIeL'A I):
IIM‘IYII. Refill)" Nuv. .
806 the .‘Inre “eleellve: ur, l‘mlph Dunlel'u Dwell.
II I,. Wheeler. Itemly Nm' U I.
“0y Sport: nr‘ 'l‘hrue l‘luwky Pu-du. By Muj. E.
. u. :.~u.l_\- Nov. ~17.
80H lIe-II‘IIIelI Mu vr. The RIynti11Cullfunllll (Hunt. II]
 la, 1:: w, Jr. 1“ . um.

01.5
291;

29" ’lIy T. (I

801.

, ur, Tho llumnn‘n Trnll. Ily Hurry

so: 
I

IIemIIe'n I'm-Rel I‘IIII‘II‘y lu l'r-r Mule h)- nll NewmIenII-rl, flu
cents per mm" nr Hem. l._\' mu” on run-im uf Nix rrnts elle’l.
BEAIIIJ“. AN I) AIDA .\I R, I‘llhlluherl,
98 “'Illlnnl I'm-(act, New York.