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N0  $2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Prlce,  

‘ Ye”- No. 93 WILLIAM S11. NEW YORK. “V0 Cent"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RE FEET, DO YE?” KIT DEMANDED. “WHY, TEEN’B MUD
scows, LIKE THEY van: IN THE MARSHES.”

 

Kit. the Bootblach' Demos; '  '

 

¥ lithe Bunthhck Detective;

From Philadelphia to the Rockies.

BY ED. L. WHEELER,
AUTHOR or “ DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS, arc.

CHAPTER I.
A NEWSBOY’S norms.

“’ERE’S yer papers—Call, News, Star, and
Item—~11“ ’bout the shockm’ suicide. ’Ere’s yer
Item-one cent!”

Such was the cry of a young urchin, who,
with a bundle of papers under his arm. was
wending his way along Chestnut street, Phila—
delphia’s crowded thoroughfare, one sunny
August afternoon. I

“’Erc’s yer papers «all about the shocking
' suicide!”

He was not the only one whose voice awoke
the echoes of that particular afternoon, crying
out for the sale of the press, for there were
scores of youthful venders of news, darting
hither and thither, and enileaVOring to wor
up business from the sale of their favoriix
sheets, to the swarm of pedestrians that ever
nmdle Chestnut street a gay and attractive prom-
Ofllll' e.

The newsboy to whom we invite the reader’s
attimtion, was a typical representative of his
peculiar craft—a veritable street Arab, with
nothing to distinguish him from a dozen others
of his calling, unless it was his independent
heal-in , and his sharp, intelligent brown eyes.

His ace was just an culinary boyish one,
rather sharp of features; his mouth was rather
large, and his hair brown, and unkempt. His
figure, however, was well developed for his age,
which was about sixteen.‘

His garments had seen long and rough service,
but, rough though he appeared, he had no diffi-
culty in disposing of his papers, and his bundle
was reduced to but half a dozen copes when
he had reached the vicinity of the State House,
where, in answer to his call, a stranger inter-
cepted him, a tall, well-built individual, with a
full brown beard, a man about five and forty
years of age, well dressed, and rather aristo-
cratic appearing.

To the newsboy he put this query:

“ Well, my lad. Who has
suicidal”

Kit,‘for that was the name by which the

» had was known side Chestnut street, regarded

his interrogator keen y.

“ Suicide?” he echoed. “ Haven’t had time
to look, been so b’ilin’Vover full 0’ blames.
’Spect at ya invest a. cent inter an Item or News
ye kin git onter the articulate.” ,

‘ Which answer d d not appear to strike the
stranger’s fancy, for. with a grunt of displea—
,r sure, he walked rapidly away.

/ {ht which Kit gave vent to a whistle of sur-

prise. , ' . ,
‘ Well, I should smile!" ho‘commented. “ I

committed '

 

wonder what’s bitin’himi Heap .,  5%
anxious to know who had committed on,
but he wnrn’t willin’ to spend a cent to know. .
113g Jningol it rather hits me as sort 0’ crooked,

1 e. . *

Watching the stranger, he saw that he kept
straight down Chestnut street, toward the
Delaware River. .

“ Reckon l’il investigate who this party is.
who has gone and settled hisself. ’Tainft often
I go yellin’ of! papers without knowxn’ Jest,
what is in ’cm.” . 1 ,

Examination of one of his papers resulted in
his finding an account of the particular suicide,

which, by large head-lines, was made a feature  -'

of that afternoon’s news attraction.

“ Hello! Why ’tain’t a he who has kerflum-
mixed, this time. Le’mme see: ‘Shockin’ Sui-
cide. A Beautiful Girl Found Dead. A Sup-
posed Case of Self-Murder. Her Identity Un-
knowui’ _

“ Well! Dash me if there ain’tsomethin' sort
o”funny about this, after all,” he commented. '
“ Let’s see what she croaked about.” . r 9

So he read as follows:

“ A singular cage of suicide has just been reported
from the —Wnrd. full details of Whi"ll have not as
cf been received at this office. From what is
‘llOWn. however it appears that a beautiful girl
committed suicide by stabbing herself, this morn~

ins. somewhere between the hours of nine and ten " —

o'clock. her body being yet warm when discovered
by Officer ——~, at a few minutes after ten.

“ The scene of the tragedy was a vacant
the corner of P—-— and L—-—-— streets which is not
fenced in. and is principally occupied for the stor-
age of carts belonging to the teamsters r-i’ thi-
neighborhood. The locality is rather isolated, there
being but one row of houses within a block of the
scene of the suicide, and they not commandinga. -
ready view of the spot. ' '

“No 0 ie in the neighborhond admits having seen
the hr! prior to the finding of her corpse. and as
there has been no w: anon found. nor any clew dis
covered about her person leading to her identifica
tion, the case is surrounded with mystery. ,

“ She is described as uhout seventeen veers 0
age, fairly well dressed, and very pretty. here- are
two knife wounds, on" through and the other closie
to her heart.

lot, at

i,

Such was the sensation of that afternoon's -'

paper, and Kit gave the article a carefulperu; ;
ea. .  "
' He was not an illiterate boy, by any means,
although he had attended school but a few
weeks in his sixth year. He could read. write
and spell, however, he'tter than any newsboy on .V
the street, was clever at arithmetic, and was a .
shrewd lad in more ways than one.
C Hlis name, so far as he knew, was Christopher
«)0 . ’ . "
And now, standing there just after reading

’ the item mentioned. it occurred to Kit that. the

stran or who wouldn’t invest a cent really had
some nowledge of the afl'air.

‘ Why he “sedated the man with the affair ha
«:0qu not say—«it was only an impression—but ‘
so fixed did it finally become in his mind that
Kit resolved to gratify his curiosity by 
ing the suicide and learning all that he could
about her. -' 3,: .
. Being nothing but a boothlack and nesto ,-
it did not seem an easymatter tolobtnin’ 9‘

 

 

  

 

 

 

fuzz v» 7 :WA-

  

 

Kit, the Bootblack Detective. 8

 

desired view of the remains, but he was deter-
mined, nevertheless, to try.

Among other officers along the Chestnut street
beat, he knew a big-hearted, pondorous Irish-
man, by the name of Pat Pilgrim, who was very
popular with the force, and the chief. He ad-

mired Kit because the lad always seemed glad to
meet him and was a lad of spirit—which a good
policeman always likes.

So that evening be hunted up the Pilgrim, as
he called him, who loomed up, a grim emblem of
official watchfulnrss, at his “ reserve” corner.

He greeted Kit with a smile.

“ Arrah, ladily buckl Phat for luck have ye
bin havin’ the day i”

“ Luck!” echoed Kit. “Why, Pat, I‘ve sold
our, hours ago, and retired from bizness, to live
on the interest of my appetite.- But, tor sail
right inter the harbor ot‘ blvaSS, Patsy—have
ye heard of the susanside of the girl that shuf—
fled olf from a dirt-curt lot!”

“ Iudade I have, my boy. Phat of it? Phy is
ye axin’ ’bout the gal? Shore an’ isn’t it nigh
ivery mornin’ that some one is found dead, an’
kilt, or suiciderl .3”

“ Guess yer’ right. But this casais no suicide,
or my name is Cupid. I wanter git an inter-
dooce to the stiff, I do, an' I want you to give
me a nod tew ther proper authorities.”

“ Git outl Phy go to the. corner, an tell him
What yer want, an’ that Pat Pilgrim sint yer.
Then yez’ll be allrigbt.”

“ But how’ll I find the coroner?”

“ Divil a bit do I knOW. Go down to the Cin-
tral, an’ ax for a bar’l av money, an’ thev wull
give it to yez, if yez only tell ’em Patsy Pilgrim
sent yez.”

“Oh! I’ll bet They will! Anyhow, I’ll go
and investigate,” Kit declared, and hurried
away.

' He had no difficulty in finding the coroner’s
office, but the coroner was not in, nor was any
One else.

Not discouraged, Kit next sought the resi-
dence of Simon Yale, whom he knew to be a
young detective, struggling hard to make a rise
in the world, and thus keep the wolf from the
door.

He found the man at home, and was received
with a courtesy which showed that Simon was
a horn and bred gentleman.

“ I reckon mebhe ye know me!” Kit remarked,
by way of introducing himself. “ I’m Kit, boot-
blnck, newshoy, and King of Kids.”

“ It strikes me I have seen you before, my
lad. What can I do for you?”

“ Well, that depends.
perfesh, ylt?“

“Well, yes, after a"fashion,” Yale replied,
with a smile. “ I’m not overrun with business,
hoivever. Have you a job you want me to un—
dertake?”

“ Well, yes—leastwise, I have a job I wanter
undertake, myself, and want ye‘r ter help me.
Now, suppose a cadaver were found w’ot no one
knevg, or claimed—they’d morgueage it wouldn’t
they ‘

“It would be held at the Morgue, a certain
length of time, yes.”

" Well, mebbe you read about the suicide
w’ot’s in to—day’s papers.”

S’pose you’re in the

“ Certainly. Rather an odd case, I take it?"

“You bet. Now, then, I want to find that
girl and see her corpse, at once.”

“What for?" ,

“Because 1 do, that’s all. You’re a detec-
tive, an’ you can take me down to the Morgue,
and git me an interdooce.”

“ Very well, I Will willineg do so if it will be
of any benefit to you. But, I don’t think it
will, as nothing to prove her identity has been
discovered, that lam aware of, as yet. The
girl will he interred in the Potter’s Field, among
the unknown."

“ Jest hold up yer coupeigh, a minnit, ef yer
please!" the boy returned; “no Potter’s Field for
her jist yet. How do yer know but et'sa lost
sister 0‘ mine, or some one else’s, hey? Now I
ain’t goin’ ter tcll ye all I know, or don’t know,
but don’t mind admittin’ thct 1 think I hev
struck a snap; so hard a~p0rr, an’ let’s sail fer
ther Morgue.”

Yale looked at his watch.

“ Well, I will accommodate you,” he finally
said, “although, unless you have positive
knowledge about this case it will be time and
trouble for nothing, I am sure.”

“ Ye think I ain’t smart, hey?”

“Well, not that, but your youth and inex-
perience will work dead against you, if you
propose to go into this case as a detective.”

“Can’t help that. Inexpeer’nce never clumb
over this chicken yet, you bet yer bottom trade
dollar. ’Tain‘t the biggest or fattest chap w’ot
gits inter Congress, an’ cf I don’t occupy a per-
forated mayor’s chair one 0’ these days, why
ye can shute me fer a red—headed mud-hen from
thcr swamps of Jersey." ‘

“ All right. True grit is half the battle, and
I hope you will succeed. \Ve will see what luck
we have in getting into the Morgue.”

He was soon in readiness, and they set out.

Kit’s cheeks and eyes glowed with anticipa-
tion; he was taking his first steps in a new
career, for, in fact, he had often and often
dreamed of dropping his calling of newshoy to
become a detective, and now that he was
actually embarked in his first case, he seemed
inspired with a new life. If he should succeed
in unearthing the secret of that beautiful girl’s
death, a bright career was opened to him.

And he resolved not to fail!

 

CHAPTER II.
KIT MAKES A RESCUE AND A DISCOVERY.

ARRIVING at the Morgue, after a long tramp,
Detective Yale experienced no trouble in gain-
ing admission for himself and his young pard.
There chanced to be but three bodies “on
shutter" at the time of their arrival, one of
which was that of the beautiful suicide.

The attendant accompanied the two visitors
and uncovered the remains to the shoulders,
upon which the weird lights of the dead-house
shone with ghastly effect.

Both Yale and Kit gave a little gasp of sur-
prise, as they gazed upon the upturned features
of the dead girl. ,

She was wall-formed, Eobably but a few
months over seventeen. er face, even in its

 

    

deathly repose, was one of rare beauty. Her

Kit. the Bootblmck Detective.

 

features were of a refined cast, and her wealth
of disheveled hair was like in color to golden
Sunshine.

The region of the wounds, which had caused
her death, was covered with an oil blanket,
which the attendant did not remove.

“ Ha»: any one identified the corpse yet?” De-
tective Yule asked.

“ No one knows anything about her.”

“ What was the report of the inquest?”

“ Deceased came to her death from the elfects
Uf two knife-thrusts administered by her own
hand.” .

“ Was there a. post-mortem examination?"

“There was.” i

“\tht sort of aknife was used in inflicting
the wound?"

“A thin dirk, or some instrument of a like
pattern.”

Yale turned to Kit then.

“ Well, my friend, do you recognize the young
lady?” he asked.

“I reckon not, boss: I’m nigh-about sure I
never saw her before. Still, thet ain’t sayin' I
can’t find out who she was. One thing’s'purty
sure—who didn’t commit no suicide; ’tain’t in
such girls to commit suicide like that."

“ It is hard to tell what a woman will not do
when crossed in love or attacked by misl’onyL
tune,” the attendantlogit-ally remarked, re—cow
cring the now marbleliko body—n signal for
the viaitors to depart—which they did at once.

Little was said on their return. At Market
street Kit nnnouncod his intention of going in
another direction.

“ Well, then, good-night!” Yale said, cheerily.
“ I suppose‘l shall run across you selling papers
tomorrow?"

“ Nary a paper for Christol’erl” was the re-
ply. “ Honcel‘m‘th, I’m Kit, the Detective an’
the King 0’ Kids, you but! .So look out far do-
velopments, for at ther Morgue won’t give up
ther dead girl’s secret, the world will eOOuer or
inter, un’ I’ll hev a. grip on the world, close at
hand. S) long! I’ll hire ye soon as the biz
needs two heads tow the bar’l," and Kit strodo
away with an uir of importance, that brought a
broad smile to Yale’s face.

“ The boy’s got it in him to succeed at some-
thing, but I reckon he won’t make a meal out of
that case.”

After leuving the detective, Kit roamed up
and down the streets aimlessly, for his mind
was busied in cogitnting over his new case.

To solicit ad rice from regular members of the
detective craft could do him little good, as
where one might “nurse” his case for the sake
of realizing benefit from it, ten others would
tell him he was a. fool or a lunatic, which was
an nil-sufficient ronmn why he should go it
alone—at least for the preerint.

It was eleven o’clock when he boarded 0.
Ridge avenue curyen route for his lodgiuge.
which were not for from the car denot of that
line. He inide hi: home with a. poor but kind
widow woman and her daughter, both of whom
were forced to work in woolen-mills for their
living. ,

It was Partly to help them along that Kit ac-
cepted 0 their frugal accommodations, and

partly because be cherished a boyish liking for .

 

the daughter, plump and pretty litte,
Darling, whom be counted about the siveategt
sprite of a girl between the Delaware andMan
ayuuk. ' ,

The car contained only two other passengezfi
when Kit got aboard, one of whom was th V
conduc:or, a sour-looking individual. and the:
other, a rough-dressed, rowdyish—looking man,
who, judging by his dirt-begrimed face, wasar‘
mechanic, belonging to some of the down-town
manufactories. _

His appearance went to show, too, that he
had been imbibing more “ rats ” than were con-
sistent with sobriety.

Hardly had. the Kid taken a seat, when the
fellow staggered to his feet and plumped himself
down beside the boy. 7'

“ I say, young feller, give’s a chaw of! o’ yer-
plug, will ye?” he cried, blowing his unsavory.
breath full in Kit’s face. , i

“ I haven’t any—I don’t chew!" Kit replied,
disgusted with the man. '

“ Ye don’t chew, hey?
ter me!”

“Ni, I’m not lyin’ to ve!” Kit retorted,
coolly eying the rough. “ Ain‘t once enough to .
tell vou?"

' ,“ No, et ain’tl I’m Mike McGill, an‘ yer bet
I’m n sunrlowner. V
tillers grits a thumpiu the jaw!” and he glared "
ut the Kid ferociously. ‘

“I guess you won’t kill any dead people,” ,
the boy retu'rned,‘bis cheeks blushingr With
anger. “ You mind your business, and I’ll mind
minol"

The rough was.npon his feet in an instant.

“See beer, ye little somef-a-gun, you’ve-
gotter get out ov this or 1’11 fetch ye outl" he
roared. ,. ,r

“Go and set down!” Kit cried, at the some
time giving the fellow a push that landed hini ,
up'm the opposite seat, while he sprung to his ,
feet himself. “Now, you drunken anoozer, if
you don’t behave yourself, or the conductor
don’t put you oil‘ the cur, I’ll do some of the
thumpi n‘ yo i've talked about." . .

“ Int up on this lightin’," you young rufliau
cried the conductor, blustering into ‘the car.
“ None of it, or out ye goesl" \ ‘

“ Whn‘, you take this big loafer’s part?
Yau’. better git back ontoeryour platform, Mis-
ter acdoodlel" Kit cri , his eyes blazing
with anger. “I don’t let no snoozer impose
on me of 1 nm a light weight, and I can lick a.
round dozen like you, you Emerald of the
Isle!” .

Evidently the knight ot the bell-punch be,»-
lieved it, for he beat a retreat, with a. growl..'.

S . Kit sat down, still on his guard, bower
lest the bully should come. lnuning at him,“ _. -

The car had crossed Girnl‘d avenue,
dozen or more blocks. and was well up in th
north western part of the city, when it stopped-
and n asannger got on. .' ‘ .

Shepr n trim-built, neatly-attired 3211‘],
about Kit’ age, and was quite pretty qt coup.-
tennnce, at once remindina the Young detect
ot the rlend girl at the Morgue, for her hairyhl
complexion, the shape of her features, all wane
siniularlylike those of the unknown su
suicide.

You rat, ye hire lyin’ .. .

 

A feller w'ot sasees me ’most. '

Kit. the Bootblack Detective.

 

There were m'uces of tears and a certain red-
ness about her eyes, together with a worried
, expression, which indicated that she had been
- weeping, recently. I

'She first gavea half-scared look, at the con-
ductor, on taking her seat; then her gaze wan-
dered to the face of Mike McGill, and then to
‘ the countenance of the King of Kids.

The face of both the conductor and McGill
seemed to ‘give her a chill of horror, but she
appeared to be reassured, when she gave Kit n
searching look.

After giving her an opportunity to inventory
his appearance he did not hesitate to return the
. compliment, and the longer be gazed at her, the
deeper became his conviction that she must
in some way be related to the "dead beauty at
the Morgue.

After a wait of a couple of minutes, the un-
civil-lookiug conductor re-entered the car, and
paused before the fair passenger. -

Kit noticed that a sudden pullor flitted over
her face as she searched in the velvet portemon—
naie she carried, for her fare, then she fished

V ‘ out a coin, and handed it to the conductor.

“There is five cents, sir—it is all I have. I
thought I had more but have not. Will that
not take me a. few squares! I wont to find my
sister 1” she said, in a plaintive voice.

118.! her sister!

- Kit’s heart nearl jumped into his throat.

‘ Could it be true! as she indeed the sister of

the dead girl? _
“ Five cents ain’t en’ufl to help ye find your

sister!” the conductor snarled. “ Ye can’t work

’ . that racket on this cai‘?’ and he at once pulled

V. the hell.

“Oh! but, sir, let me explain.
gar, sir—”

Emmy up! Get out, or by me soul I’ll put yo
0 » . .

Kit, was upon his feetin an instant, and pushed
the conductor fierce) backward just us the
cowardly wretch won d have laid hands upon
the terrified passenger.

“ Stand back, you loafer!" Kit cried. fiercely.
“ I will pay this young lady's fare-then, we’ll
get off and take another car, which, mebbe, a
gentleman will run 1" »
‘ The conductor took the fare wbick Kit handed
him and then stopped the car. Kit and his

’ youn cherge got ofl’, she making no hesitation
to fol owing his lead.

When they were upon the curb, and the car
had passed on, the poor girl burst into tears.

“Oh! you are so good and kind, and I can
never thank you enough for what 'on have
done. Oh! dear, what shall I do? am lost,
and do not know where I am, or what I am 3

 m do!” .’ _
‘ ‘ It struck me thet way, when I first sot eyes
on yel” Kitagreed, “and I made up my mind
~ to stand by ye, an’ see you through, iko I allus
do a boy when he’s gittin’ soaked—that is, unless
‘he deserves it. I’ll fix that conductor, to-mor-
, \row, tho’. But what's your name, an’ Where
d’ye wanter go?’

*“ My name is Lily Rogers but I do not really
know where I am, or where want to go. I am

lost, and am hunting for my sister, Cassie, who

I am a stran-

Jefl; m last night.”

Kit reflected a moment. It certainly would
not be prudent toreveal to her his suspicious,
or to suddenly shock her by declaring his belief
that. her sister was dead.

He must take time to mature his plans, and
find out all he could, in the mean time.

So, seeing another car approaching, he said:

“ Well, ye can bet I’m sorry for ye. But,
that don’t do much good. It’s gettin’ too lute

' for searchin‘ tonight, 2111' so il’ you’ll come
along home wi’ me, an’ let the old lady an’
Dorrit care for ye, tonight, I’ll give you my
word we’ll scare up your sister to-morrow. I
ain’t a newsboy nn’ boothhlack fer nothin", 1111'
cf I do say it, I know more about 01.1 Pliila, in
a minnit, than half the perlice ever finds out, of
they lives ter git as gray as a frockled ceiitarian
hen. So, here’s the car, aii’ we’ll soon git hum,
where you’ll be treated like a foreign actress in
America.”

“Ohl you are so kind.
able to repay you ?”

“ Jest by sendiu’me u telefone dispatch, when

' any snoozer treats you mean, so that I can lick
blazes out 0’ him. —But, here we are; this is
Big {immy’s coir, an’rye can betvho’s a gentle-
man.

They boarded the car, and obtained seats, but
Kit made no attemplztoquestion his fnii'cmn—
punion, until they had arrived us close to their
destination as the cars would take them.

Then they left the car, and the girl took his

How shall I ever be

arm.

“We’ve got a bit to wnlk, yet,” Kit said,
“ hutit won’t take long. You do not belong in
Philadelphia, eh?"

“ Oh! no, although we were born, and lived
here, until six or seven years of age. Then,
mother and father parted, and father went
West and took us two children, and left mother
and an elder son, here.” ’

“Ahl How old would your brother be, if

\now living?"
1 “ Let me see—twenty—fivo years of age I be-

ieve.”
f ‘Eil’that did yer mother an’ father split up,
er

“ I understand it was on account of property.
They Were very poor, hard-working people, fill-r
til just before the separation, when my mother
fell heir to a. fortune of ten thousand dollars in
cash. Papa wanted some of it to invest in busi- ’
ness. so that he would not have to work so hard,
in his old age, but mother refused to let him
have a penny, and as the result a separation
was arranged, and pops. took sister and I, and
went to California.” \

“Well?”

“ Papa was not prosperous for a number of
years. in California, although he managed to
eke out a. livelihood, and after a while, he went
to Idaho, where, as they say, out West, he
“struck it rich." "

“Did he hear from his wife 1111’ son?” '

“Not until two months ago, when a man
came to the town where we were living—Bed
Rock—and fetched the news that ‘he had been
sent by mother, in search of no, and bad, by
good fortune, experienced no trouble in finding

 

us, father being prett well known among , , '
prominent capitalists. he story he brpugb _;

 

Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

 

was to the effect that mother was dying of con-
sumption, and being repentant and poverty-
stricken, through my brother’s squiiudei'ing all
of her money, wanted to see us all, before she
died.”

“Ah! Goon.”

“ Father being a stern man, refused to come
East. but sent us. in his stead. The messenger
was to remain West, but stated that mother‘s
attorney would surely meet us on our arrivalin
Philadelphia, giving us his address and also a
photograph 01’ him. On our arrival lit the
Pennsylvania depot, sure enough the gentleman
did meet us, only tofind ine suffering from ii
severe sick headache. He t'lUl/K us to the Girard
House, and registered me, suggesting that I
rest at the hotel while he conducted Cassie to
her mother’s house, returning for me, after I
should have soughtncouple of hours’ rest. I
was only too glad to accept the proposition, as
I was scarCuly able to stand up. Since then, I
have not been nble to find or see either that

, man, or . my sister. I shudder to imagine what
may have happened!”
CHAPTER III.
BOYvAND~GIRL LOVE.

BY this time they bud arrived at the little
two-story cottage, where the Widow Darling
resided, so it gave Kit no chance to comment
upon the the rewlation his pretty protegee had
thus far made. They entered a plainly-furnish-
ed but cozy little sitting-room, and here the
Kid introduced Miss Rogers to Mrs. Darling
and Dorrit, who welcomed her as Kit’s friend;
and nfter‘ Kit had made a. brief narration of
what he himself had learned, Lily was sur-
prised to find that the Darlings could not do
too much toward makiu her feel at home-

All of which please the young detective
bu ely.

he widow set out a tempting lunch. and
after it was over, Lily expressed a~desire to
retire, as she was feeling very much fatigued.

She was shown to the best room, and not longr
after, the widow sought her bed, which left
Kit and Dorrit alone.

Although “ onl amill-girl”—and how lightly
the term is app ied to many a noble-hearted,
conscientious toiler among the fair sex-Dorrit
was well-bred, pretty of face and figure. and at
once refined, modest and charming, both in
speech and demeanor.

The Darlings had come over from England.
Dorrit’s father was a lineal descendant of a.
good family. Misfortunes, however. had beset
him, and he had died, leiivmg his wife and child
in destitute circumstances.

For several years Kit had been an inmate of
the Darling home, and he and Don-it had be-
come such fast friends that, childlike, they had
come to rather regard the one as made for the
other, and to get a. trifle jealous if their atten-
tions were not paid strictly to each other.

Hence it was, now that he found himself
alone with her, that Kit was renll y not unpre-
pared to get a straight out-and~out curtain-lec-
ture for his temerity iii daring to bring to
the Darling cottage a girl as pretty as his little

' sweetheart. '

 

day l” he queried, when the widow had Vscfl, —'
the sitting-room. ‘

” Oiil as well as usual, although I am tiréd '
and discouraged.” ’

“ Tired and discouraged, eh? And why dis-
courngz-i! ? ’

“ Obi because the branch of work I am eni-
ployed at is overdone, and the company pro-

sus to close that department indefinitely. So

was notified that my services would not be
required any more. at present. end you, Kit,
are the cause of it.”

Kit looked astonished.

“ I the cause of ii i” he echoed. “ Well, now,
jest eat me up fer a dozen 0’ fried, ef I see how
1 cun be the cause of i‘ E”

“ Well, you are. anyhow,” with u pout.

“But hen? Don‘t mud n feller up fer a.
m'mth rr six Weeks without lettin’ him know
just what’s the matter.”

“ Well, you see, you used to—ohi you know
you‘ve escorted me as far as the mills, sever
times.”

“ And what of that?”

“What did you do, right in front of the
oflii-e?"

“ Why, I kissed you, and you didn’t object
about it. at all.”

“ All the same it caused my discharge. The
proprietor’s son has been rather sweet on me,
you see, and with (U any encouragement on my
part, has apparently grown to believe that I
cared for him. Therefore when he saw you kiss
me, this morning, and made mention of the fact
to me, I must naturally suppose that it was
through his instigation I got in discharge.”

“0h! p’raps you’re right. f so, I am ver ’
sorry that I kissed you, an’ I’ll leave the jog
alone, after this.
mine, why ye’r’ welcome to ’em. I think I will
retire. Au revoirl”

And with the best feigned nonchalance,
Kit arose, and took a step toward the stair-
wav.

Dorrit was beside him, in a moment, however,
and prevented his departure.

“Don’t go, Kill" she pleaded. “You have ,
no right to put any misconstrnction on what 1]“
have said. If you take it that way it is I who
have a right to be offended,” and she looked as
it about to cry. .

“Dorry, Lknow what you mean: but you
needn’t get jealous. You see, this girl is in '
trouble, and I’m goin’ to see her through if it
takes a leg, or two of ’eml” - '

“ That’s all right, Kit; I admire you so much
the more, for your noble spirit. But—hut— '
seeing that you have referred to her, you know ,»
how—hnwbnd I would feel if_you were‘to {all '-
in lave with her, and forget all about poor me.
Promise me ibis—that ou won’t fall in love
with her, but will remain true and faithful to
me. Please promise me, Kit, and I Will be con-
tent, for what you promise that I know you
will do,” .

She clung," to him so that, in spiteol' himself,
tears sprung into his eyes, and seating himself,
he drew h( r to his knee. V.

“ Little Dorrit." he said, “your words took
me in a soft spot. They say a galls museum-

“ Well, sweetness, how have you been to- , tu‘res anddiner than a boy’s, an’ of that’nh'er

 

If his lips aire better than: - '-

Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

' 7

 

' cane, you orter not make me give myself away
with a mere promise. We’re, both too young
ter think 0’ getting married fer a long time et;
but ef you’ll wait fer me I’ll wait fer you. ass
that suit, sweetheart?”

“ No it doesn't. If I have to wait forever,
I’ll find some one else.”

“All right, sweetheart; do so. That will give
me a chance ter scrape a fortune tergether, git

Eran fer mayor or guv’nor, an’ then, of some ret-
tier teller than I hasn’t been along ter gobb e on
ter ye, why. I’ll take you, pervidin’ you will be
mine, then.”

“ I won’t! I wouldn’t have you, after such
treatment.” -

“There, now, don't it foxy. Remember all
who travel with me wi I wear diamonds. "

“I wouldn’t have you then, Kit. if you were
ballasted down with diamonds weighingapound
apiece. So go to bed,” and she tried to break
away from his detaining grasp.

“All right, Miss Poutsl But you’ll be sorry
for my d scharge whe you are sober,” Kit
laughed, snatching a iss, and then hurrying
fron the room.

bile Dorrit naturally found herself ina very
unpleasant frame of mind.

So much for boy and girl lovel

CliAPTER 1v.
DRAWING IT DOWN FINE.

WHEN Kit arose the next morning, it was with
a brain full of ideas, as to the future.

Going down-stairs, he found that Lily was al-
ready up, and assisting Dorrit at getting break-
test.

There" were traces on the faces of, both which
indicated that neither had slept much, but both
welcomed the Kid with a pleasant smileand glad

greeting.

After breakfast Kit and his protege: had
another chat. I

“I have been thinking over er case, Miss
Rogers,” the boy said, “ an’ I don t opine it will
take me long ter flgger it out, by yer giviu' me
a few more p’intcrs. What sort of a lookin’
man was it who met you at the depot?”

“ He was rather a good-looking, pleasant-ap-
pearing person who would not naturally im-
press one thAt-he was bad. By the we , how-
ever I have one of the photo’s brought cat, by
Mr. behofleld. Here it is.”
, She produced a card photograph, nnd gave it

to Kit, who needed but one glance at it to tell

him it was the very person who had accosted

him on Chestnut street, and so aroused his

curiosity. Kit had noted every feature of that

man’s face well, and the photographed face was

identical with it.

Lil was watching him anxiously.

, " on have seen that person before?” she

asked, evidently furl ing that he had. '

‘ “I have,” be rep led, “and, Miss Rogers, I
I setthet airs teller down fer a shark you bet!

The’r'ain’t no more Blockstun about him than
, thar is about my blackin‘-hox. Now, see beer,

don’t yer t scert but be brave. Ef ya don’t,
lwpn'thepyea bit. Ef you’ll promise to‘be
amen-that is, braVe as a mark—arr give me

 

full charge of the case, I’ll stand by you through
thick an’ thin, till we sift ther hull, bizness to
ther bottom. Will you promise?”

“ Oh! yes, willingly. Young though you are,
I believe you are brave and honest, and I have
the reatest of reliance in you.”

“ hank you! I’ll prove to you thet I’m a
great detective.” ",

“You are so kind and good—l do not know
whatI should do but for you,"and with tear-
ful eyes. and girlish im etuosity, she threw her
arms about his neck an kissed him.

Luckily, Dorrit was not in the room, for
which Kit was very thankful!

“Be calm now,” he said, “and brave as a
menagery tiger. Thur‘s nothin’ like grit and
backbone, and I allow that I’ve got enufi' of
that for the two of us. Now, let me see: This
professed lawyer’s name!”

“ Samuel Sands."

“Sands—Sands! There is a lawyer of
name; but, ’tain’t this snooker."

“ Ohl sir, do not keep me in suspense. Do
you think my sister has met with foul play?
Do not deceive me for I believe you know some-
thing about her, and I am prepared now to hear
the worst." .

Kit took a searching glance, and felt positive
that she had not overrated her strength; so he
ansWered:

“ I am afraid something has gone wrong,
Miss Rogers, but I cannot unnecessarily alarm
you while there is a hope tar hang on ter. Tell
me—d’ye remember where the lawyer said your
mother lived?”

“I believe he mentioned something about
P—— or L——— streets, but I am not positive."

“ You are right. Now, another thing. You
got on the cars with but ittle money. Did
your sister have much i”

“ Oh, yes; she being the elder, she carried
the money. That is what makes me fear that
she has met with foul play. I had a couple of
dollars in change, but spent it in a vain attempt
to reach P— and L— street, for every one
seemed to misdirect me."

“How much money did your sister carry
with her?”

“ She had near twenty-three hundred dollars.
Two thousand of that was to go to our mother,
toward her doctors’ bills and funeral expenses,
in case of her death.” '

“ You put up at the Girard House?”

“ The man said it was the Girard. I am sure
I don’t know, being a stranger." ,

“ Did you register your own name?”

“No, air; I was talking with sister while he
wrote it for me.” ~

“What room did ye have?" -

“ Number’fi. It was up one flight of stairs.”

“Do you think you would know the place
again if you was to see it?" ,

“ I hardly think so; yet I might.”

“ Do you know what fer lookin’ front it had?”

that

“ Red brick—the same as ’most all the build- ‘

ings." .

“Then ye weren’t at the Girard, that’s cer:
tain, an’ at would most likely take a Dutch
Italyun search-warrant to!“ find out where ye
was. What about your baggage?” ‘

l

.x

a

" We only brought large sachels, whieh'he I.

 

 

  
  

 

    

L’ 1135‘ Kit with some surprise.

Kit. the Bootblack Detective.

 

took outside, stating that he would send them to
mother’s. This was at the depot.”

Kit remained silent, scratching away at his
head in an amusing manner. _

“Well, Miss Rogers, I tell you just what I
know about matters. The chancesere new big
that this sire a snortin’ detective case thet hev
got hold of—leastwise thet’s the way it looks
like to me. As you reckoned, there’s every rea-
son ter believe that yer sister has been foully
dealt with.” .

“Oh, dear) oh, dear—can it be true? Oh,
only tell me that it is not so I" and Lily buried
her face in her hands.

“There, now, remember what ye promised.
I! it turns out that your sister is dead, there‘s
only one thing to (101"

‘ What is that?"

“ Why, take ther trail of vengeance, and sift
the caseto the bottom, and hunt your sister’s
murderer down to death. That’s me, an’ I’m
Kit, the Bootblack Detective i’rum Philamydel—
phia, Pa. 1"

In a ringing tone the young detective uttered
the words, as he sprung erect, and held one
hand tragically aloft, whiie Lily, kneeling at
his feet, gazed piteously up into his boyish,
manly face.

“ And you will-”

“I will stand by you, little lady, till the
wrong has been rightecj; through tire and wa-
ger, ’we will go, if necessary, till justice has bin

idl

“Thank God! Bless you, Kit,” and at the
words, faintly uttered, she sunk back upon the
floor, in a dead swoon.

Realizing only too keenly, from Kit’s words
and manner that her sister was indeed dead, she
had home up under the heavy blow, until no
longer able to endure the agony that over—
whelmed her.

 

CHAPTER V.
' MCKnLvnY's VERDICT.
meo the senseless girl to a lounge, Kit
summoned Dorrlt, and briefly related what had
happened. Restoratives were applied, but
when Lily once more opened her eyes, her
h Was wild and incoherent, and it became
o vious that her mind was wandering.
A doctor who resided in the neighborhood
was immediately called, and at once announced

.that the girl was in great danger from brain

fever.

“ You can help her, can‘t you?" Kit anxious] y
inquired. for never, having had a day’s sickness
in his life, he had no idea of what the doctor’s

. words implied.

“Oh! yes, I can bring her through all right,
without doubt, but if brain fever really sets in,
the case will take weeks oi.‘ time.”

“She has bad a shock caused by her sister’s
death, an’ bein’ out o’ funds an’ friends, I took
her in, sn’ will put up for the doctor’s bill,
’eause she aire good an‘ 5 cars.”

“ You will?" the physio n demanded, regard-

. “ I ain’t nothin’

Yes, I ~ Willi?" promptly.
huts bootblack an’ newsbfy but I’ve got high
eighty dollars saved up, a! rionlt wear broad-
cloth; sn’ when the young ,leddyv suflers tor

     

     

 

medicine or grub, we won’t know anything 1 .

about et—heigh, Dorrit?"
“ I will do what I can for her, I am sure,”
Dorrit replied, earnestly. ‘

“Well, my dear boy, you have a big heart, ‘

I see, and the best of my skill and medical at-
tendance shall not cost you a. cent. A boy of
your principles deserves encouragement, and,
as [or Miss Dorrit, I see clearly that she will
make a capital nurse.
get the patient upon her feet again, within as
few days as is consistent with her future good
health.”

And after administering remedies, the kind
physician took his departure, promising to re-
turn as often as his professional services would
beneces'sary.

“Oh, you betthet feller is a hyacinth 1" Kit
admiringly declared, after the doctor‘s depart-
ure. “I’ll go my last red spot on him, every
time. And now, Dotty, if you care anything
for the Kid, you take good care of our patient,

while I skip for town. I tell ye, I’ve got sum '

scrumptious detective work to do, what’ll make
me want a dry shirt on every two days; but
I’m goin' thr’u’ with it, ef it takesa leg. If the
rogues foller me, they’ll all wear diamonds—
pinned to their minds!”

“ But, Kit, what if—"

“Tut. tut, now; she won’t die, while I’m'
gone. You do just what the Doc says, and
she’ll be all right.” ‘ A

And as Dorrit, wh< se tender little heart

earned and throhbed l‘or Kit, promised to do

or best to nurse the patient, the young detective
took his departure.

“Golly! my cranium will bu’st, of I don’t
get shot 0’ some 0’ these ideas what I’ve got ter
[oller up!" he muttered, as he rode away into
town. ‘l’ve got more ideas condensed inter
this ’ere skull, than thar’s lager in a bar’l, ter
say nothiu’ erbout ther unsteady legs, and so

forth. Now then, let me set my dynamo inter ,

motion.” ,
After some deliberation, be resolved to visit
Detective Yale again. and have him accom—
pany him on a second visit to the Morgue.
Just what he would do in the way of action
after such a visit, he did not really know, ;but it
occurred to him that another view of the dead

girl might be the means of suggesting 'some— L

thing new to him.
He found Yale at home, who after some coax-

ing, consented to again accompany him to the», '

dead~honse. ,

The trriip was made without incident, but on
their ar val at the rooms a surprise was await-
ing them. '

“ The body has been identified, and removed
by relatives, ’ was the answer to their inquiry.

“ Removed!” Kit echoed. “ When? By whom!
Where!” ’

“ Dunno nothin’ about it!" the keeper re lied,
crustily. “ I received my orders to aux-rendJ
au’ 1 did so.” ‘

“ You surely must know who you surrendered ,

it to!” Yale spoke up. ,
“ Well, what of it, it I do? I’ve no business
to tell ya; Go to the coroner. Who are .you,
anyhow!” _ ~ '~ ,
lThat _will. inform you who I am,” Yalere;

    

now, we will try and ‘

 

 

er it, _

 

   

      

 
  

  

.3..4.....,

   
   
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
  

P

  

   

   

  
  
  

3 . moral of the body, from t

Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

   

 

torted, exhibiting his badge, “ and I might add,
that by a coming change of City Government,
a more courteous Morgue oflicial could be so-
cured.”

“lodeedl Well, I run this Morgue, and I’ll
be courteous to who I like. So you can get
out!

As there appeared to be nothing else to do,
the two friends took their departure.

“The only thing now is to visit the coroner,”
Yale decided, “and there is no need even of
Ehat” if the dead girl’s friends have removed

er.

“They hain’t removed—her friends hsin‘tl”
Kit declared, emphatically. “ Yale, a murder,
and a robbery. has been done, an’ one o’ther
biggest pieces of rascality is afoot that ever you
hear tell of—you just believe me, for I’m dead
onto the trail. I can’t give ye any more of it
now, but ef ye wanter foller me, you’ll wear
diamonds, one 0’ these days.”

.. “ I believe you’re crazy, boy.”

“ All right. Skip out, new, or I might mur-
der e, wl’ a cleaver l”

“ ell, I’ll not ski . I’ve nothing else to do,
and I’ll stick.hy you ”

‘ “ Then tew ther coroner’s we go. Ye kin do
ther talkin', some 0’ the time. anyhow.”

And to the coroner’s they did go.

Yale had met the oflicial before, and was re-
cognized by him.

. ‘ Well, sir, what can I do for you?" was the
gentleman’s query.

“ We came to investigate, sir, in regard to
the disposition of yesterday’s case of suicide,”
Yale replied.

“ Ah! yes. No investigation is required.
The remains were turned over to the relatives,
this morning.”

“ But, we have reason to believe, that an in-
vestigation is needed; Who were the parties
who claimed to identify the irl?”

" William and Sarah l nlker, of 68 State
street, Chicago. The girl was the gentleman’s
sister, who had been missing, some days, while
temporarily deranged. Believing her to be en
route for the East, they gave chase, and arrived

‘ in Philadelphia, only to learn of the suicide, and
I to identify the remains.”

“ Indeed! Can you give me a description of
the parties?”

“ Yes. The man was about twenty-nine or
thirty, and resembled the dead girl. He was
well dressed. The woman was younger, and a
brunette.”

f‘ Did .you order a release of the remains.
Without investigating whether these people were
from state street, Chicago?”

“ It is our custom to do so when there is reas-
onable evidence that the parties are what they
represent.”

The coroner, like all 063cm, evidently did not

feel like being questioned too closely, a fact
which Kit noticed, and gave Yale a nudge to

— “ come off."
“ One more question," Yale persisted: “ Who

removed the body from the ‘the rink,’ to prer

pare it for burial~what undertaker I mean?”
" McKelvey, I believe.”
“ He obtained a permit I suppose, for the re-
he city?"

\

“Without doubt.”

With a bow, Yale thanked him, and, accom-
panied by Kit, left the allies.

“By t e howlin’ mud- hensl” Kit remarked
when they reached the street ” thet feller didn’t
hear a continental whether he worked his lips,
or not, did he?"

“ Of course not; he isn’tpaid to talk. What
next?”

“ Oh: we’ve got to foller the trail."

“ Clear to Chica go?"

“ Yes, ef necessary, but it isn’t, I don’t think—
not yet, at least. D’ye know where McKelvey,
ther stiflf Stowaway, hangs outl”

“ I don't know his address.”

" Well, we‘ll tackle a drug store fer :1 Di-
rectory, then."

'lhe Directory was found, and also the under-
taker’s address—by which time it was well along
toward noon.

“ Et We hurry up we may get on track of the
body yeti” Kit said eagerly.

“ ow, see hercl” Yale protested, decidedly,
‘j I want to understand more than I do. Su
pose you find the body—how is that to bene t
you? I tell you, you’ve got to let me into the
whole business, if we are to work together.
Make a clean'breast of what you know and I

ledge my honor that your confidence will not
. Es misplaced, but that 1 will see you through
to the end of the game.”

“Kitdid not reply at once. He cogitated
awhile then answered: “ I’ll open the sardine-
box an’ let ye examin’ an’ pass yer opinion, as
we ride along in the cars.”

Accordingly, when they were aboard the
street car, the Kid gave the elder detective is
detailed account of the case, the same, sub-
stantially as it has been given to the reader.

Yale’s face manifested continued surprise as
he listened.

“Well, I’m blamed if you haven’t struck a.

uliar case,” he declared, and one that must
ave careful handling. Our first move is plain.
We must find the body, and thus possibly also
et hold of the ve man we want. There’s a
esp game being p ayed, and we will work like
beavers to ferret it out, even if we don‘t get a
cent for our trouble. . It would materially aid
us, if the girl Lily was able to go with us.”

In due time they arrived at the undertaking
establishment of Michael McKelvey, but found
Mike out.

In answer to an in uiry as to his where-
abouts, the good Mrs. Mc made answer:

, “Shore, if it’s Moike yez want, the. divil’s
own lusher, ye’ll find him over yohnder, for-
blast the street across, ,in Pat McGuigan’s,
sphendin’ ivery dollar he makes, playin’ skhin-
.ny poker, or some ither Satan’s" own game av
the like. Troth, an’ it’s poker he'll get when he
comes back again. Sorry’s the. day I iVer mar-
ried him, at all, at all l”

So over to McGuigan’s Kit and his pard went,
and found Mr. McKelvey in the middle of the
room, singing and. dancing. alternately, and
holding a glass of gin above his head in one
hand, and a roll of bank notes in the other.

 

" Shure it‘s dh‘r‘inkin’ to ould Tipperary, .
. Tipperary l pperary~” »

 

 

    

 

Kit. the Bootblack Detective. _,

  

 

Then Michael paused long enough to put down
his drink.

. He was a typical son of the Emerald Isle,
and looked as if he might be able tolove it,
with the same fervor that he loved the “stom—
ache hitters,” which was coloring his nose.

When he had gurglerl down the gin, the young
detective stepped up to him and tapped him on
the shoulder.

“Say. hello, boss—win ghxt-s? Be ye old
Mike McKolvey the stilY-plnnter!”

“ Phat’s that yer say, ye miserable gutter-
snipe? Mollie McKclvoy tho stiff-planter, is it
ye say? Bogorrn, :in‘ it’s :1 mind to kick the
stiffenin‘ out the loikcs av yea, so I have. Stiff-
plnnter, indude! Phy, any one in the town will
tell ycz that I’m :1 resilietahle undertaker. Stiff—
plunter, indm’lel Shnrc yez have no Ti:SI)lCl3 for
tho departed, and yuz ought to be trounced
within the nnchcs av yer loifel"

“Ohl there, now; don’t swullcr yourself, I
was only firin‘ astill‘ at ye. A stiff is a joke,
you know. But come now, you’re the Hon-
orable Michael llIcKelvey, M. 13., the? under-
taker—J M. P.’ moanin’ money plenty on’ mighty
polite in yer biz?”

“ Armh, boy, it’s strikin’ it ye be, now. It’s
Mike MoKolvcy I am, and tho next delegate to
the convintion, from this disthrict.

“ ‘ )chi-lvcy! MoKolveyi
' Big Mickey McKulvoy.
Oh! say did yczm'er git onl-o llR-Kelvey.’
But what is it you want, boy?”

“ We want you!" Kit responded, with a scri-
ons air. “ This gent, hero, is a detective, Mr.
Yule, an’ you’re the man we wont to see!”

“ Well. ye sees me, don’t yen-3” the manipula-
tor of coffins growled, a belligerent gleam in his
eyes. “ I’m all here, hegorrnl”

Yalespoko, interposing:

“ We culled to sac you on a little rivate
business, but before wecome to that, 9173 all
imbibe a little Emerald dew l”

“ Arrnhl that’s the name for it! But, my
friend, if it’s bizness ye’d be transactin’ ye‘ll
havetogo acress the way to the onld woman.
Shure she’s waitin’ for me WM 9. six-fut poker
an’ a coffin o’ my size right handy.”

“ Oh! it will not be necessary for you to leave
here. Trike your drink; then we’ll retire to the
room yonder for a bit of private conversation.

The drinks were bad, and paid for; then the
trio became seated in the next room, the door
cloaed.

Ylnle, than said:

, “Now, lnoli here, MuKelvey, we want you to
give us a straight tip about what we are going
to ask you, for if you don’t, up you go until the
case is settled.” ‘

“ It’s about the girrnl, thin?” ’

“ Yes—the one you took from the Morgue, this
mornln’.”

“ Shure. I tho’t so. Oi’ve bin ixspectin‘ to see
a coWer along after me.”

“ ell, if you go straight. no one will be
troubled. Where is the girl?”

“ By tho divil I don’t know. She might be in
' Tipperary for all I know.”

‘ Well, go on and tell whht you do know.”
“Faith. an’ I will do that same. I I was visht-

 

ed by tha loikes av 3 mon, this mornin’, who
had a permit, for fotchin’ a body from tbs
Morgue. He wanted me to be afther fotcbin’ it
here, puttin’ it in acoflin, an’ box, afther h0w he’d
be takin’ it away, into tha counthry to bury it.
Thnnekin’ it all right, I did tha job, an’ a divil’a
better job ye ever saw, an" afthel' I bed it all
ready, the feller driv’ up in a milk-wagon—
moind yez, now, a milk wagon—an' we loaded in
the corpus, and he driv’ off, not forgittin’togive
me two hundrid dollars, when I axed him only
for one! That was phat made me think stran e,
an7 be lookin’for the loikcs av an ossifer to e
throttin’ around.”

“He had a milk-wagon, ch?
on it?”

“ Be 1119 soul, I didn’t moind, tho’ I did take
notice av Chesther county.’7

“ What- fer horse?" asked Kit.

“ Shore an’ it was a black horse, wid a big
black, spot on his tail—~no, a. big white spot it
“’85.

“ l‘tht was the width of the we on-tires?” ,

“Git out! Phat for d’ye think I d be measur-
in’ the wagon-tires?"

” Well, describe ther feller.”

“He was five futsix, I guesses, slightly built,
on7 bed hair the color av a well-worm; ulr av
corduroy breaches, an’ a holindy mustac e—it’s
helinrly ye call ‘eni. He had a scar up an’ down
over wan eyebrow, wore good clothes, 0 plu
hut, an’ axed me good~nzairniu‘, an’ divil a bit
see’d any more nv him.”

“ Con d it be seen that be had the coffin in the
wagon?”

“ Divil a bit. He let the curth’in down behind,
an there was a high—buck seat in froont."

“ Which way did he go?”

“North.”

“ Have you any cf the money he paid you?”

“ Shure I hove. Here’s a twinty on the Furst
National Bunk av Boise City, Idaho, an’ divil a
bit do I know av sich a bunk.”

Having his money with him, Kit made an ex-
change; then he and Yale. took their departure.

“ So far, so good!” Kit decided, as they walk—
ed along. “ What d‘ye think ’hout our‘progres-
sion so fur, Yale College?" '

“ We’ve settled one point,” the detective an—
swered. “ That Boise City note belonged to the '
girl, and the man, or parties, who have the'body,
very likely have the rest of the money. But the
trail is deucedly faint yet, and it will put us at
our wits’ end to get on it again.”

“ Mebbe; but fer all that, we won’t throw up
ther sponge yet, by a long shot. The-r first next ‘
move is ter strike a 'elegraph-nflice an’ investi-
gate tlmr case of William and Sarah Walker. of
68 State street, Chicago. After that we must
try and find out about the mother and brother of
these two Rogers sisters."

The trail, indeed, promised to be long and
diflicult to follow.

What name was

 

CHAPTER VI.
SUPPOSING THE CASE;

THE telegraph offl-e was visited and a: tele<
gram was sent to the chief of police, Chicago,
Viz: , , V

   
   

 

Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

1!,

 

“Find out if William or Sarah V‘ulker ri'sidc at

88 State street, or have lived there. Answer quick.
“ YALE, Deli a we."

“ We can now take time tor stow nuuy Some
grub in our reposertory," Kit said. “- for I feel
as hungry as .an Atlantic City inuskeeter, in a
dull season.”

WVhen they returned to the telegraph office,
an answer awaited them, from Chicago:

“ False address.
there!"

“ That settles that part of the question, any-
hOW," Kit said, in disgust. “Now, (1005 it oc—
cur to you what them lellurs un’ the woman are
going to do with tut-r bod y ?"

Yale remained in a brown study for several
minutes. then sho~k his head:

“No, I’ll be hanged if I can form any idea, at
all. It is a puzzle to mo.”

“ It’s a sockdoluger, you bet! But, as I said,
once before, there’s no givo ’er up un’ you fol-
ler me an’ you’ll wear diamonds. Now, with
nothin’ pertic’ to work on, let‘s suppose. I’ll
propose, an’ you kin toll the grist ’cordin’ ter
yer oompunksiiuns.”

“All right, go ahead. Don’t waste breath
uselessly, for we may need an unlimited supply,

. are long.”

“Don’t ye tear fer Christofer. I’ve got more
_wind than a cyclone, what cavorts around, all
year. In the first place, s‘posin’ the gel was
murdered; un’ we’ve got it in our nodules thet
she Wei". Now what fer was she killed? I
opine, because she had money.”

“ Yes; that is most probable.”

“ Well, of murdered for money, the fellers
w’ot did at, an’ ther fellor, Sclmiield, war in
connivanoe, an’ oi; war a put-up job."

“ Good reasoning for a green hund,” admitted
Yale. ,

‘f Takin' at as a plot, there ’peers to be three
connivees, at this end 0’ the route—the young
teller, the woman, an’ the luwyer,’Sands.’

, " Quite right, again."

“ The other feller, Schofield, is supposedly at
the other end 0’ the line, eh?”

“ Correct.” ‘

“Well, of the job was put up, for bleach old
man Rogers out 0’ some 0’ his suiplus, an’ these
Eastern parties gobble it, (rt stands putty rea-
sonable thet Schofield gets no plum out- er the
puddl'ni, unless there’s a meetin’ atwixt the

ur

No such named parties ever

“Right you are. They will doubtless meet,
somewhere, and divide the boodle."

“ Not so fast. NOW, that’s the end-up of
rounl first. Time!‘ Now, then, keepjni 0,, fig-
gerin‘ on the same slate, the mother of the gals
might be dead.” '

“ Very likely.”

“ An’ the son be a darned rascal, such as Phila’
airs full of, who wouldn’t stop at no dirty crime

to' bleach some one out o’ swag.” ‘

“ Barely possible.
low killed his sister in cold bl to get posses—

. sion of her cash; I remember the case.”

“Jes’ so. Well, s’pose some more:——The mo-
ther ‘beill' dead, an’ the son boin’ linked in Wi’
blackla s, puts up the job to git the gals here,

4~ ' d tog ’em—mebbe‘ tomurder ’em both. In

r

Not many years ago a fel- A

 

that case an’ the job'were did. when old man
Rogers paddled olf wi’out a Will, the son would
stun’ in fer the puddin’, eh ?"

“Maybe. That would depend a good deal on
circumsiuncvs, yvu know.”

u True‘ but a f. in r who would do all I’ve bin
flrin' off, ortei' be Himi‘t viiufl‘? tor Work the
racket. Well, s’posin’ havin' killed one en], 1111’
got; away wi’ her, :in’ loft a tool behind t l finish
up t’other one, the Son and Co. would start fer
Idaho: d’ye think they’d be apt to curl: the
dead. gal along n iih ’i in Why out there?"

“Heavens, in»! That would be next to an im-
possibility; and, what poss1ble object. could they
have, in so doing?”

“ Dunno, ’less they were 1301' play brigand, and
offer the body to old Rogers, for ransom money.”
“ Boy! you have some extraordinary ids-as!"

“ Sol Waul, now, boss, v0 kin but till re’s bin
many a menl‘time in my life when idi us was all
I had to chew on; 211’ I tho’t myself in lurk, ef
I could \vrassle eiiufl’ o’ ’em to sliecr up a sup-
per. Bnt, to s’posln’ the case, some more. The
gang is either goin’to take the girl bm'l; \Yest,
or bury her, tonight, out in the ct unii'y. some—
’er’.~:, on the still. Which appears the most proh-
able to you?"

“ Why, that; they will bury her, of course.”

“Then, what did they take her from the Mor-
guofor? The city would huVe buried hi r, free
gratis.”

‘5 Well, as to that, they may have thought
Lily would find her sister. and raise a hue and
cry of murder, thus exploding the suicide theory,
and setting the authorities into action 1"

“Well, mebbe )e’i" right, but I’ve got a
queer idea ye ain’t. 1 know dashed \iell tl ey
wouldn’t try to cart the corpse ’woy out there
ef they thdt they were SlZL’d up: but, ye see,
the general impression has been left: that the
gal committed suicide",

During this conversation, they had left the
telegraph office, and had wulked a considerable
distance. As they continued along, Yale be-
came silent, and believing him to be in a study,
Kit did not uige him to talk, but husicd himself
with his own thoughts.

Further on, they entered a summer beer-gar-
den, and when they were seated at the table,
Yule leaned forward on the table, buriiug his
face in his hands. lie did not move for some
time; so to arouse him, Kit ordered up the
beers.

“ Come, Yale,” he said, when the glasses v. ore
before them, “ there’s some Dutch disturbance,
to keep your wits from getting dry.”

The detective raised his head, and Kit per-
ceived. for the first time, that his eyes W(I‘0
tear-filled. -' ,

“Why, you suoozer,what"~' the matter with
you? What. ye cryin’ about?” the Kid demand—
ed, anxiously and wonderingly.

“ Oh! nothing much. I guess I don‘t feel
well, and you will have to excuse me from
further duty to-diiy. Come around in the
morning. and I will we prepared to work.”

They drank the beer, and then Yale arose.

“I’ll go home now, I guess. Como uruimd in
the morning. Good-night!"

And he was gone are the Bootblack l)«‘l.l:‘£'ti\'e‘

could express his astonishment.

 

i
l

5
. !

    
 

 

 

     

’  culars now," Lily said, “ for the first shock is

Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

 

Kit did not go immediately, but sat a long
while, planning and studying, then he took his
departure, and for two hours was busy.

First he, went to a place where he was able to
secure the Directory of that year, and several
years back.

The names of the Rogers family were by no
means wanting; but among the list he did not
seem to find the ones that he calculated were
the wife and son of Lily’s father.

He next went to the depots, leading out ‘of
the city, and telegraphed to all station-agents
within a. radius of twenty miles, asking if a
corpse, accompanied by two or three people,
had left such station that day, with orders to
report if so; or if any such parties should sp-
Eenr within five days—signing himself Kit, the

ootblack Detective.

This done, he boarded a car, and was soon
pack once more at the humble home of the Dar-
ings.

 

CHAPTER VII.
YALE’s sncnnr.

ARRIVED at the cottage, Kit was delighted to
find Lily sitting up in bed, and talking rational-
ly enough to Dorrit and Doctor Dean.

The sick girl’s face lit up with pleasure and
anticipation, as she saw the Kid, which Dorrit
noticed with a quick heart-pong.

“Good-evening, my boy,” the doctor said,
rising and shaking hands with Kit. “Glad to
see you home safe and sound. What do you
think of our patient?”

“ Why, she looks as well as a spring-chicken
in September,” Kit declared. “So you‘ve
fetched her around Sooner than you expected,
he ?‘

‘5‘, Well, yes. Miss Rogers will be quite well
and able to be out tomorrow. She persmts,
however, in telling me that she is going on a
trail of Vengeance, and you are to accompany
her. So I have about come to the conclusion
that you two are going out West, to kill In—
dians.” ,

“Nary an Injnn on our plate! Thar ain’t no
credit in killin’ Injuns no more. They‘re purty
near peter-ed out, so fur as fun is concerned,
you bet! The sort 0’ game we’re goin’ a-gun-
nin’ feris white-faced and black-hearted scoun-
drels." '

“ Well, keep your guest quiet. and from con-
versing on any subject that will tend to excite
her in the least, and you will be surprised to
see her up ahead of you in the morning."

The physician then departed, refusing posi-
tively to take any remuneration for his ser-
vices, and wishing the young people the best of
success:

Lily asked no questions about her sister,
much to Kit’s relief, and after a little chat
with the girls. the youthful detective retired
to his, bad. feeling pretty well tired out.

He awoke bright and early the next‘morning,
however, feeling much refreshed: but, early as
he was up, the girls were ahead of him, and
while Dorrit got breakfast Kit and Lily sat on
316 front door-step, and engaged in conversa-

on. »

“ You need not be afraid to tell me the parti-

, fit for my biz no more.

 

over, and knowing my sister is dead, I am
prepared to hear all, and to brave ever thing!"

Accordingly, in his blunt but kind y way,
the Kid related all that he deemed advisable,
of the case, including the mystery of the disap-
pearance of the remains of the ill-fated Cassie.

Lily listened attentively, and although she
could but have been deeply grieved, she main-
tained a sort of stolid composure.

“ Do you think we can recowr the body?" she
asked, when he had finished.

“ I do not know. I’ll work for that end, Miss
Lily, an’ work as I never worked before. If we
never get, the body, the murderer of your Sister
shall not escape. I’m but a kid at, but the
ruffian or ruflians will find mea 'ng of Kids
before I get through i"

“ Your efforts, Kit, shall not go unrewarded.
My father is a man of wealth and a man of
generous impulses. and you do what you can
toward solving this mystery and he will make
you rich.”

“ We’ll wait till we earn ’em afore we count
on riches. Now, Icwant your father’s telegraph
address."

“ A telegram would reach him at Boise Cit ,
Idaho. He is there on'b'usiness every day. '3
name is Stephen Rogers.” "

“ Good! Now, as you kin be of but little aid
to me to—day, iZoo jest remain beer; but be
ready for the eera at any minnit. I’m but
enter the trail, and ther’s no tellin’ what devel-
opments may jump up an’ kick a feller ’twixt
now an' night. Dotty an’ you are gettin’ on
nice, an’ you will be better here than tryin’ ter
scoot beer an’ there wi’ me.” '

“ I will do just as you recommend. You
have proven yourself my friend, and I place
implicit trust and confidence in you. You are
more than a hero in my eyes,”

“ That‘s all souerectl Jest keep the hero part
in yer eyes, an’ don’t let et settle any further
down round yer heart, or Dotty might get
jealous.”

Brenkfnst was ready by this time, and they
pzirtook of a substantial repnst, after which Kit
took his departure for down town.

On his way he gave his shabby attire a quiet
inspection.

“ There's no use 0’ talkin’, these ’ere tags ain’t
A feller orter dress
7cordln’ ter his persish. Dunno whether Inn
afford ter spruce, up or not. My bank account
aire edgin’ down to a transparent thickness."

In telegraphing the night before he certainly
had lowered his little stock of funds to an alarm-
ing extent. But he resolved to fix up a little at
all hazards; so he soughta cheap clothing-house.
and soon, at a moderate expense, had so altered
his personal appearance that he was startled
when he took a view of himself in the glass.

Thus rehabilitated, he proceeded to learn con-
}:erning the telegrams he had sent the night he-
ore. .

From the Philadelphia and Reading R. B.
were no satisfactory reports, so he next tried the

Pennsylvania road, and his heart gave a leap of ,

exultntinn as he read:

“ Corpse and three persons, per description, arrived.
in milk-wagon today, ton-half. Left, next train
west, (or Washington. Pa."

  

19% . 
-......-’~* 

~v .r.

w... ._.A Vow»

   

 

   

  

  

 

a
f.

w,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
   

The dispatch was dated the previous day.
It came from Vila Nova Station, on the main
line of the P. R. R.

So that after all, Kit had not missed his reck-
oning. in believing that the body would betaken
westward.

Without delay, he started for the house in
which the detective had rooms.

On his arrival, the landlady herself answered
his summons. '

“ Is Mr. Yale in?" Kit asked.

“ Mr. Yale, is it? Faith an’ be wint into the
cimetairy, over yonder, but a bit a$o, and ye’ll
loike is not find him there, now, sur. ’

Bowing, Kit made his way to the cemetery in-
dicated—a little—used burial»place-—aud entered.

After a short search, he found Yale, kneeling
biasid': a grave, and arranging some growing
p an .

Kit approached close behind the kneeling man,
without being discovered, and read the inscrip—
tion upon the head—stone, ere Yale looked around:

Sacnan
To run MEMORY or
MARGARET YALE ROGERS,
_ AGED 54 YEARS.
Dmn, IN Jesus, MAY 3,188—.

Theperusal caused Kit to utter a little cry of
Iurprise. at which Yale looked up with a, start.

“ Kit!" he ejaculated.

“It‘s me, old teller.
pected to tumble onto a surprise like this!”

“It is just as well vou came, for I should
have told you to-day. Kit, you are one of the
best boys ever born, and you can bet you have
a friend, forever, in me. Until you told me
about the circumstances of your case yester-
day, I had no idea it was my dead” sister’s
face I looked upon at the Morgue, and while I
did what I could yesterday, it finally broke me
all up, to find I could do so little, while you. a

I ' disinterested stranger, Were working so faith-

fully. May God ever bless and prosper you i"

“ There, now, don’t git broke up again. Th’er
trail is hotter than ever, an‘ we’ll make Rome
howl afore we’re done. But, now, tell us about
yourself and your mother.”

“She died two years ago in May—may God
receive her soul into Heaven! I’ve been a bad
boy, in the past, Kit; the report Schofield took
West about me was right, though I do not
know the man from Adam. I had akind,over-
indulgent mother, and I spent her money on
dissipation, until all but a few hundred dollars
yvas gone, and she died, broken-hearted. Her
dying request was that I should be a man, and
I have braced up since then, and lived without
reproach. The name of Yale—mother’s maiden
name—was adopted, after the separation.” ‘

“ It kinder struck me thet somethin’ was
queer, when you hed tears in yer eyes, last
night. But, now look here: we haiu‘t got no
time to spare. hizness is bizness; of ye don‘t
‘take in a cent, an’ ye toller me, you’ll wear dia-
monds. After I left you, last night, I tele~
mphed ter and out where the gang boarded

cars with the body.”

/

Kit, the Bootblaek Detective.

But. dash me, if I ex— '

 

 13

 
 

 

Yale brightened up. His despoudency and
sorrow seemed to vanish, and eagerness to fol—
low the trail was manifested in his eyes.

“ Well!"

“ This mornin’ I hit the bull’meyel”

“ What?” "

“ Sui-er than hair pordvoces electric light on a
cat’s hack. Heer, read this, will ye?”

Yale glanced ovvr the message.

“Hey? Alil’tthPt persimmons an” limeojuice
Salad for ye? We’ve struck the trail, fer fact;
an’ now thaws only one thing lhet gripes me
in the gripsark: Where’s the collat ter come
from to hoo~t usalong niler the game?”

Yale was silent a moment.

“ Don’t let that Worry you,” he finally said.
" I’ve got no money to S; euk of, but I can raise
some. I haven pair of diamond earrings that
cost three thousand dollars. I Can realize a
thousand on them, at any time; they were to
have been n bridal present to a girl 1 was to he
married to, but she jilted me becauSe I made a
sot of myself!"

“Then, go leave ‘em in care of Uncle Three~
Balls immediately. Time is money, now.”

“ me. But, let me see; these parties are
going to Washington, Pa. If they inlend going
on West, from there, they Wlll most likely strike
for the Baltimore and Ohio Railioud,take a
southwestern course, and then aim for Idaho,
direct, thus calculating to throw any possible
pursuers 011' the trail.”

“ Mebhe. An’ they‘ll emhalm the corpse. and
take it with them i"

“That would be their only plan if it is their
intention to make it the price of a ransom, as
now seems to he the only rersonahle theory.”

“Well, now, I’m purty sky-lilne cabbage,"
Kit declared, with a grin; “ but 1’ll diet on
buckshot puddin’, ef you ain‘t ten per cent.
greener than I am.”

“ I don’t understand you," Yule replied, seri—
ously. “You’re sort of an enigma to me, any-
howl"

“ Ohl you bet! I’m a fifteen-puzzle, an’ can’t
be worked, onless you ~tvul me a couple 0’ times.
Now you’re purty five-cent shop razor sharp,
but didn’t it‘ever 0('('.u r to you, that there were
a creamei'y at Washington, Pal”

“ A Creamery?”

“That's the place! All good people git fired
there—everybody l" '

“ Ah, I see! You mean the Le Moyne cre-
matoryl” and a shudder passed oser the de-
tective as he mentioned it. y

“The very place. Et’ the body were crema-
ted there, and the ashes tel-1H) West. your father
would'be apt to redeem them, at almost any

rice.’

Yale's teeth went together. .

“ What human wretches. be they ever so vile
and depraved, could plan such a heinous crime!”
he gasped.

“ Lots on ’einl Oh! I tells yer, ye ain't outer
all the rackets 0' this world yi'.”

“Then, fer Heaven’s Fake, let's telegraph
to Washington, and have the incineration
etc (i.

‘P s can try. But most likely ther job's did
afora this, an' the parties skipped for the
West.”

 

  

   

.ffi,..,t,,mwz

 

 

 

 

A war ~
. \

Kit, the Bootblac'k Detective. . ‘ 7' .. .

 
   

 

N.“

"Without delay, they sought the main ofllca of
the Vl’estci'n Union line, and sent a telegram of
inquiry. ’

The answer conic promptly back:

" Incineration took place last evening. Int-ties
gone.

“ DR. LE Moms."

Consequently, our detectives but too keenly
realized that the end was not yet.

CHAPTER VIII.
A BOLD GAME RAFFLED.

THE morning’s papers contninerl the first no-
tice of the identificuti m and removal of the
body from the Morgue, but us in the majority
of such cases, the notice was confined to two or
three lines-the impression being given that it
was an every-day case of suicide, for causes un—
known, and that was the end of it.

Kit questioned Yale on the matter, and the
brother expressed his desire that public opinion
should not be further enlightened—at least un—
til the case had been more fully developed.

The next move was to begin a series of com—
munications by telegraph with Stephen Rogers,
at Boise City, in order to ohtnin needed infor—
mation from him before venturing to leave
Phila'lelphia in following the criminal fugi-
tives.

The first message sent was as follows:

" STEPHEN Rooms, Boise City, Idaho:—

“ Your daughters have been l‘()l)l)1'(l. What par-
ticular enemy have you, who would do you a great
and nnpardonnhle injury, barring son and wife?

“ Answer quick.

“ SIMON YALE, Detect 've,”

That evening, at six o'clock, they received
the reply.

“ A former enemy. in a love matter, and again, in
a business speculation. If anything more serious
than robbery has occurred, inform me at once.

“ STEPHEN ROGERS,”

“ He does not say who this enemy is,” Yule
said, “ and, for my part, I have no idea who it
can be. I hardly know how to act, now.”

“ This is my notionl" Kit said, writing out a
message, and submitting it to his partner.

Irroml:

“ S'rnrnnu Romans, etc. :uCrisrde murdered. Corpse
stolen, and now m roll/e West. Pay no ransom to
any one. Hold Scholch 1. We fotlowl ,

“S. YALE, Detective."

“ I guess that is about the most sensible thing 4
we can do!" Yale said. “By Heavenl We’ll
hunt the devils down, or die in the attempt.
Come, now; we will not let the grass grow un-
der our feet. I‘ll get rid of these diamonds, and
we will he heeled,” and be tapped his left breast
significantly.

They made their way to the oxtena've pawn-
broklng establishment, at Ninth and Race
streets, where Yale seemci to be pretty well
acquainted.

‘ Seashore—you’ve seen these before.” he said,
to the head clerk, exhibiting a magnificent pair
of diamond earrings.

“ I t’ink so, Mr. Yale. V’ot ish der matter?

, > You vant to sell ’emi”

“Oh! no. They belong to my wife, when

 

 

I'm lucky enough to get one. I’m red-hot after

       
    
  

  

a case that will pay a fortune, and must have,
money. Loan me all you can." »

“ Dat ish it? Vel, I gifs you eighteen bun-v
,dred, three months, an’ hope you not come back

so soon. ,
“ Ohl I’ll be back, if I have to burst a. bank
But, give us the money. I’ve no time to loitcr.”

The money and ticket were soon dealt out,
and Yale and Kit took their departure.

“ I’m in luck!” the former sail , “ for, to tell
the truth, I didn’t expect to realize, more than 8. ~
thousand on ’em. Here’s the eight hundred, an’  :
now we’re fixed.

“ Take Lily with us?”

“0! course, but she must not even suspect
that I am her brother. I will remain simply
Yale, the detective, until I think proper to re-
veal myself.” - '

And thus it was arranged;

Each one precuer a handbag, and some
changes of needed clothing, and also. each a.
serviceable pair of revolvers, and plenty of am-
munition. ,

Then they repaired to the Darling cottage
whore Yale was introduced to Lily and Dorrit.

It was evidently a pretty tough struggle to
meet his own sister with the simple courtesy of
a. mere stranger, but he did it so gracefully that
no thought entered her brain that he was in the
least related to her.

After the introduction, Yale engaged in con-
versation with Dorrit while Kit called‘Lily
out of the room, supplied her with money, and
directed her ton neighboring store where she
might make any needed purchases preparatory
for their approaching trip.

Thanking him, she sought the store, while
Kit proceeded to pack up his old street suit
and a boot-blocking outfit; seeing which, Yale
laughed.

“ Why, Kit, what in the name of the Apos-
tles are you bundling up that mess of stuff for?” A
he demanded.

“Oh, they’ll come in handy," Kit replied,
chucking in half a dozen boxes of Bixby’s Best.
“ Mehbe I may have occasion to play bootbl ick
in the game, or ef we should git broke, why, .
et’s a cold friz—up day‘wben I can’t earn us one
squm" fifteen-cent meal apiece wi’ the box.”

And with this sally the young detective V I
absented himself from the room for it occurred ‘ ‘s
to him that Yale was making himself agreeable I
to Dorrit—of which Kit was in no wise jealous,
since his meeting with Lily Rogers.

Time flew fast, and it was nearly dark ere
they took their dcpnl‘lure for down-town to ‘ ~
start for the West, by the night train for Pilts- . 1
burg, where they must change cars to visit
Washington, Pu. ' r

The trip was devoid of incident, more than
that Kit and Lily kept awake pretty much all
night and chatted away the time, while Yule
slept. ‘-

. They nrrived in Pittshurg the next morning,
and after a short (Mar, went on to Washing-
ton, Pu . where Lilv was left at the hotel, and
Kit and Yale set out to work up such informa-
tion as might be available.

A visit to the crematory developed but little‘
additional [evidence to that already collected.
All they could learn was that a tull~bearded

 
   
    
      
   

 

    

 

back man, 9. sandy-complexioned man, and a young
woman, evidently French, had brought the
am: body of a girl, called Alice Ulnre, there for in-
ter y': cineration, which took place, 'when the parties
Du}, left with the dead girl’s ashes m a silver vuso.
,’ They took all the clothing with them except
be” a gold breast-pin, inlaid with pearls, which had
m a been accidentally overlooked. This Dr. Le
an,  Movne surrendered on seeing Yale’s badge.
 When shown the pin, Lily at onoeidentifled it
F as having belonged to her sister.
Bet as, , 'l‘he next thing  be done, was to make in-
,Iy . quirles at the station, as to the route taken by
re_ the three, and had no difiienlty in finding out.
They had bought tickets for Columbus, Ohio,
, and had asked for tickets through to Cairo,
we Illinois.
a “Thet settles it!” Kit cried, jubilantly.
,. ‘ “'_I‘hey ar’ as fly sharps as ever was born,
. With wings, an’ don’t you fergit it. They’re
' ‘i

making for Boise City, sure‘s guns shute mud-
hens.”
« _ I,“ You are right. It must be they’ve got wind
' they are followed, or I hardly think they would
take so much precaution in their movements.

From Cairo, they will take the steamer up the

Mississippi, to some point north, where they

will again resume the trip by rail. Our piint,
' is to aim direct through to Davenport, where
, all the river steamers stop, and go from there to

Burlington by water, leaving orders to have all

boats spotted at Davenport, so we can nail ’em
at Burlington.”

“ Good! Big head! L-‘t’s git 1"

So they took the next train han to Pittsburg,
Here Yale secured (li<;:uises for the ; arty, and
then they took the i‘ittshurg and Fort Wayne
route for Chicago, from whence to go to Daren—

~ port, Iowa.

' As they had seats in a parlor car, the trip was
I I very pleasant, until it came night, when one by
-' i one they dropped off into sound repose.

_Klt was the first to awaken, but what caused
him todo so was more than he could say.

His first thought, naturally, was of Lily and
Yale, but they were sleeping soundly in their
respective chairs.

“ I’ll be blowed ef I know what ever. woke
mel” Kit muttered. “ ’Twasn’t no small thing,
or I’m a fool." .

, He took a glance at the vpassengu‘s in the car.

 In the seat acress the isle, were two norly-
» dressed, countrifled-looking old people. ith of

“horn were gray, and carried canes. 'l'hev ap-
‘peared to be enjoying the favors of King Mor-

pheu in the most approved style, for the old
A man gave Vent to snares that seemed to make
’ i , the lamps rattle, so Kit thought at least.
In order to see the rest of the people, he must

    
  
 
 
   
   
  
   
    
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
 
  
   
  
 

returned to his seat: so he. made for the water-

oooler. under pretense of getting a drink.

7 Taking a drink, be turned and tech a light-

ning glance, up and down the car, not missing a
- seat.
I Not a. person there but what was apparently
' asleep. I

The only individual, upon whom Kit’s gaze
tall with anty 'cular scrutiny, was a great
umbering el ow who occupied a seat midway
p’the car. He was a massive individual and.

   
   
   
   
  

    

get to the frOut of the car, and view them as he ‘

Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

I

 

  

15

 

 

lay Spi'anled back in his chair in an attitude
that did not favor comfortable rest.

He was attired in a loud checkered suit, which
fitted him skin-tight, wore no collar nor shirt-
front ornaments, and had his roughed-up plug
hat crammed back on his head. Over his face
was spread a bandnnn handkerchief, concealihg
his countenance from view.

This man Kit “spotted " at once.

“All right, me bucko! I’ve got my eye on
you!” the youth muttered, as he made his way
back to the other end of the car, and flopped
himself down in his chair. “Just you try any
funny biz an’ see ef I won’t nail ye. It strikes
me right limit-1‘ thor first rib, north, thet I’ve
got onter yer 3:319, somewheres.”

He (lest-ted from awakening Yale and Lily,
as he reasoned that there could not possibly be
any danger 'on the train; s» settling himself
back in an easy position, in his chair, ho drew
along breath, viesed his eyes, and to all appear-
ances, went to sleep again.

His face was so turned that he could watch
the movements of three persons, without turn-
ing his head. /

They were the two old country people, and
the big man behind the bnndana.

And a hy the old couple?

To the sharp eyes of the ferret they were sus-
piciously old. ’

The fact that the end of the old lady’s nose.
was powdered white, as was the tip of the chin,
and the throat, at once arrested his attention
and excited his suspicion.

“That aire don’t jibe well," he mused, “ mid
durn me of they look humped-up an’ shaky
enuff, for old people. Mebhe l‘ni s’posin’ iin’
iinaginin’ too much, but ‘11 watch mighty
close.”

Later, when the conductor went through the
cars, yelling out: '

“Fort Wayne! All out, for Fort Wayne,”
Kit was just :is wide-awake us ever, but neither
Yale nor Lin aroused.

When the train stopped at the station, Kit
left the car for an instant, more to see what the
suspected parties would do than anything else.

While out, he saw that there were several
sleeping cars and one parlor car ahead, and that
the car. they were traveling in was the last one-
on the trziin—“ the tail end 0’ the biz,” as he re-
marked to himself. ’

When he returned to his seat, he made a dis-
covery that struck him rather singularly, «
whether there was any occasion for it or not.

Every parlor passenger, with the exception of
himself, Yule, Lily, the old couple, and the
checkered-suited man, had left the train! There
were only six passengers to goon in the car,~to.
Chicago. , ‘

After the train had pulled out of Fort Wayne,
the conductors soon came in and secured the
tickets, 'after which they and the brakeman,
and porter, went back in the forward car. ‘

“ If there’s any music in the air, the band’s
goin’ to toot, twixt here and Chicago,”Kit mut-
tered. “ We’re all alone, now, an’ ther’s a ripe
chance for a. wuss!”

_ If the old couple and the big “ snoozer," were
In league, as Kit suspected, then no doubt they
would make their presence manifest, in the '

— i

 

 


'1'

y

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

v

,3 Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

 

same isolated section between Fort Wayne, and
Chicago.

How to awaken Yale without attracting at-
tention was a puzzle to Kit, but he finally hit
upon a plan.

Going into the closet, he was able to write on

V a piece of paper, with pencil, the words:

,, .

"Danger. Keep awake, and ready!"

Returning to his seat, he peered out of the
window awhile, as if trying to see the lay of the
country.

Fina lyhe reached over, seized Yale’s hand,
and shook it, at the same time cramming the
note into it, dextrously, and closing the fingers
over it. ,

“ Burrs, boss, wake-up!" Kit cried.
we’re purty near ter Chickagol"

Yale sat up. rubbed his eyes, sleepily, with
the band that did not contain the note.

“ I guess

“Git out! We ain’t nowhar’s near Chicago,”
he growled. “ Blame it, can’t you let a feller
sleep?”

After awhile he rose and lurched toward the
water-cooler, got a drink, and in doing so read
Kit’s note, without any other being the wiser for

it.

When he returned to his seat, be growled:

“ It’s all right. We ain’t near Chicago. Got
plenty 0’ time tor snooze yet. Wake me ag'in

fore it’s time, an I’ll break your jaw l" and he
settled himself back, apparently for a renewal of
his nap.

Kit also settled himself back and closed his
eyes, but had his weapon ready for instant use in
case of emergency.

The train tore swiftly along through the star-
less night—a night as dark as Kit had ever seen,
he thpught—and still “ the band did not begin to

t.

Perhaps, after all, it was a false alarm. The
three people might easily be the most innocent in
the world of any wrong intention.

Kit was about half-ready to believe this when
he saw an uneasy movement on the part of the
'man with the checkered suit, who began cough-

ing in a consumptive manner, and finally, appa— .

rently unable to compose himself, arose and
staggered toward the front of the car, the state
rooms soon hidin him from view. 

“Now, then, (3 e band will soon tootl" Kit
muttered, nerving himself. “ I’m On that
bloke’s racket, tho' I couldn't git a peep at his
phiz. We’re roundin’ a curve, now, an’he’s goin’
to out of this car!” '

Be saw by an uneasy movement of Yan that
he was awake and doubtless thoroughly alive to
the situation.

Kit’s prophecy soon assumed definite shape.
There was an agitation of the bell-cord, and
then it slackened as it loosened; a moment more
and the speed of the car began to lessen. The
Kin of Kids was on his feet, his two revolvers
love ed u on the old couple from the couhtry.

_“ Quic , Yalel” he cried. “Git to the front,
and capture the big follow!”

The elder detective glided to the front of the
car, and as the big sport re—entered, dealt him a
blow witharevolver that knocked him tom

' In the mean time, the ‘ old ' couple had sprung

 

glaring at their youthful captor, in speechless

ra e.

50h! you daisies, but We’ve got ye, tho’,”
Kit cried, coolly. “Move a peg an‘ I’ll make
more air-holes thru’ ye than there is in a sieve.
Hi! there, Yale! Secure the big bloke, so he

pair. I’ve got ’em where they durst not haul in
their cold deck!”

Yale had, not come unprepared, for he hand-
cufled the sport, and bound his feet in a mo-
ment and then came back to help Kit.

“ 'Izhls is an outrage l” the old man blustered.
“ I’ll not stand it l”

“Oh, yes, yer Willi" Kit declared. ” Elf/ye
don't, ye’ll go on ter Cbercawgo as dead freight.
Jest put out yer paws, an’ let ther captmg fit on
the metallic cuffs which are warranted tcr cure
inflammatory conditions. See, that car is stop-
pin’, but kidnappin’ ain’t no good sech nights as
these.”

In less time than it takes to tell it, they too
had been made prisoners, and moved up to the

better guarded together.
Then it was that Kit made a startling dis-
cover . ' v
The big fellow in the striped suit was non
other than Mike McGill, the fellow with whom
he had the trouble on the Ridge avenue carl

“ Hello! I’ve seen that chap before,” he said
to Yale. and followed by explaining the street-
car difllculty. “ It’s all clear as Christmas now.
These ’ere gay people were left behind ter kill or
capture the gal l”

“ Evidently you are right. It’s lucky we
captured even them. I wonder how far the
train will go without discovering we are left
behind?"

“ Not fur, you bet! The train were goin' up-
grade a leetle, I reckon; anyhow, she war goin’

the engine must ’a’ felt it. You watch! I’ll go
flag ’em l” ,

Getting a lantern from the rear end of the
car, Kit went to the trout platform, and signaled
for the return of the train. He had not long to
wait.

around the curve, and answered with his own
lantern vigorously, and a couple of shrieks of
the locomotive whistle told him that the train
was backing.

The train soon reached the detached car,
when the conductor yelled out:

“ What the devil’s the matter, here? Who
uncoupled this car, and cut the bell-rope?”

“ Ohl a tray ov bright buggers, inside, who
'were plaviu' a bigger game than they c’u’d
handle I” Kit replied. “ There happened to be a
pair 0’ us, tho', who were on to their little racket

ready for the hearin’l”

Considerable excitement ensued, when the
true state of affairs became known, and Kit and
Yale received great praise for their bravery.

By a private consultation with the conductor
to whom was made known some of the {acts 0
the case, it was decided to hold the trio in

 

to their feet, with snarls of surprise and stood ‘

can’t git away, an’ then come an’ help this aged

forward end of the car, so that the trio could be -

fast enough, so that when this car dropped off, '

He soon saw a signal light coming slowly ;

an’ we tuk'em in out of the fog. Got ’em all ’

     

 

 

 

 

 

   
     
    
    
    
   
   
   
    

 
  
 

 

 

Kit, the Bootblack Detective.



 

, Chicago simply on the charge. of attempted
' train-robbery. I I . '

“ You see,” Yale explained to Kit, “ it Will be
difficult to establish the fact before a police
court, that they had designs of kidnapping
Lily without we give the whole case to the pub-
lic, and thereby incur considerable delay. The
simple charge of attempted train-robbery will
bind them over to court, and give us a chance
to go on with our case, and to work out further

' developments. It is my opinion that these peo-
ple are moroly stay-behmds, left to secure Lily,
or, failing in that, to join the main party at
some given point. It is now evident that, un-
known to us, we have been shadowed, and in-
stead of being the trailers, we have been the
trailed. It was evidently the duty of these
scoundrels to watch, which they did with a cun-
ning’ peculiar to the sharpest of their craf t. But
for you Kit, we two would have had an awak-
ening in some other climate, and Miss Lily,
here would have been in the power of the
originators of this infernal plot. Again, I have
to extend to you my heartiest gratitude.”

“‘01:! now, say—«give’s a rest. I’d rather
wrassle a fifteen-cent beefsteak, any time, than
swaller flattery. But, you don’t think this is
the party w‘ot s at the ashes?”

“ No!" And ale’s eyes sparkled venomous-
ly. “ If I did I’d kill them all the next minute,
it I had to hang for it. Nol The other parties
are n the other route, and, although they have

. a go'hd start of us, we will intercept them yet,
if plu,ck and Philadelphia street-Arab craft can
do it. ’

So it was agreed to settle the trio in Chicago,
on the charge before mentioned, and then go on
to Davenport.

The conductor was a sensible sort of fellow, in
good standing on the road, and promised to use
what influence he could to have the trio bound
over to court, without bail, so as to enable Yale
and Kit to pursue their case wits end.

The f‘old” couple preserved a strict silence,

‘ and seemed nerved for some desperate. action,
should a chance be afforded them.

Mike McGill recovered, after awhile, and ex-
pressed himself in language“ more forcible than
polite, when he found that he was “locked.”

After he had been left to “ blow off a good
head of steam,” be cooled down for awhile, and
then beckoned to the conductor.

“ Where’s the boy i” he demanded.
the be -I want to see him.” V

Hanging the request, Kit glided forward, and

, :h Irishman took a. good look at him from top

9 e. . ,

“ Well, by me sowl, it’s a cute kid ye are, now
ain’t ye?" he finally demanded, an expression of

, grim humor upon is rather unprepossessing vis-

age.
“ Waal, Ishould elucidate!" Kit replied, put-
ting his thumbs to his arm-pi s. “ Thar-ain’t a
' town meetin' bull that‘s livelier on the ‘mash,’
bet yer checkered suit on that, Mike. Ye’r’ done-
upran’ done for now. Who put up the tugs fer

“ Sind me

“ Never ye moind now, boy. Ax me no quis-
tions. Where ye goin’ to take us?”

.. ' “ Ohl first, to Chicago. You’ll hev a nice trip;

/ yo kin take in all the Jokes—a cell, now an’x then

 

—an’ they have a daisy steady lodgin’-house, out

around the margin 0’ the city, somewheres, 50,

(101% he the least bit worried. Mike. You’ll be
han’somely pervidcd fer, an’ tho’ they can’t give
ye Philadelphia Ninth—and~Sansom-street suits,
out here, they kin give ye stripes in place 0’ the
checkers, an’ that’s the prevailin’ fashion.”

McGill groaned aloud.

“Say, ’pon me honor, ‘twa’n’t me fault I got
into this divil’s own schrape!” he whined. “ Ba
decent and nisy wid me, an’ I’ll be a friend to
yez, all me life!”

“ All right, Mike. Out here in Chicago, they
dish friendship out on a. big brass ke , for free
lunch. 80 along, nowl Take careo yourself!
Ho 0 yer eye don’t pain you, for ye ain’t much
gnd)at eye‘shntlin', anyhow!” and with a tanta-
lizing laugh Kit retired to where Yale was scab
ed

“ There’s a case of tuxnrcoat evidence, eh?” the
latter said.

“ Not much i” Kit declared, emphatically. “ He
might want- tc play that mazurky, but ye won’t
ketch me dancin’ to st, nary a time. That teller
has got more snake in his eyes than ever St. Pat-
rick kicked out of Ireland I”

And through the dark, gloomy night, with now
and then a drop of rain splashing against the
window, the train rolled on toward the City of
the Lakes.

CHAPTER IX.
STILL EN ROUTE.
». WHEN Chicago was reached, Yale handed
over the prisoners to the proper authorities,
while Kit escorted Lily to a hotel, and se-
cured accommodations for the three,

Lily was considerably elatcd, as Well as ex-
cited, over the capture of the people, who,
without a doubt, meant her harm, and she
thanked Kit warmly for his bravery. By
tender glances and sweet smiles, she betray-
ed the fact that he was to her a hero, and the
idol of her impulsive girlish heart.

As for Kit, he had to resort to his old~time
fashion of scratching his head, when in per—
plcxity.

“ Golly!” he thought, “ it’s nice to'yhave a
young gal sweet on you, but, hang it, what
is a feller goin’ to do? It takes money to run
a kitchen an’ sitlin'-room, however humble;
an’ then—hang it! I wonder if Ihain’t old-
er than I calliylutc. an” of sum rich miserly
uncle won't die, nn’ leave me his boots—full
of money?” '

Her, wiles and witchery finally proved too
much for Kit, and he turned upon her, with r
a grimacc:

“ Now, sec here. Lily: s’posin’ we eat some
eycstcrs jest fer a change. I’ve heard Jersey-
mcn say that eyesters were the best thing for
palpitation of the heart, an’ ef mine ain’t
thumpiu’ like a baSc drum on a St. Patrick’s
day’s parade, I’ll eat beeswax all my life!"

“ Oh! my! I am so Sorry. Have you heart
disease, Kit?” Lily asked, with well simulat~

 

   
 

 

  ’

“Pubs-hf

k3, .... 

«-

 

 

34...;

 

t

 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 

   
 
 
 
     

18 Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

    

 

ed anxiety. although there was a rognish
twinkle in her eyes.

“ No, by jingo, not It’s the eycster dis-
ease. I’ll ring the bell for five dozen extras,
fr? «1. I wish Yale would return. Dash me
of he ain’t the pokiest feller I ever see’d. I—

Ile was getting a good red color, and Lily
burst into amerry laugh, as she threw her
arms about his neck.

“Why, Kit, you are the most bashful
goose 1 ever saw. But, there, now,” with a
charming little hug. “ I’m ready for the
oysters, only for mercy‘s sake, don‘t order
five dozenl"

Kit felt relieved, when she released him.

“Why, can’t you eat six?" queried he.

“ Oh, yes, but—J

“ Oh! I’ll attend to the other four dozen
and six. I‘m the champion cycstcr eater of
Manayunk.” .

So Kit ordered “two fries” and about
the time they were served, Yale sauntered
into the parlor, and another order was
given. '

“ The hearing will take place at two, this
afternoon," the detective announced, and
everything is arranged, so that we can take a
four o'clock train, West.”

“ How erbont ther old couple?”

“ Oht they have been stripped of theirdis-
guises, and turn out to bea pair of old of-
fenders on the criminal list, known both here
and in Philadelphia.”

The case was called on at the appointed
hour. and Kit and Yale were present to

- testify.

\ The facts of the case were quickly taken,
and McGill and the other pair, known as
Frank and Jane Shie, Were bound over to
court, and locked up in default of bail.

As their business had now terminated, so
far as Chicago was concerned, the trio took
cars for Davenport, where they arrived that
evenin , but too late for the transaction
of any usiness.

The next morning, as they were likely to
remain the day out in Davenport, the follow-
ing was wired to Stephen Rogers:

“ We are here, lying in wait. Have you nailed

' Sdhotleld‘!

“ Sums YALE, De‘."

Consideringthc advance the fugitives had
in the start, there was a bare possibility
that they might already have passed Daven-

ort.

A schedule of time for sailing, and steam-
ers, was procured, and the party timed
from Pitts urg to Columbus, Columbus to

, Cairo, and Cairo, by steamer, to Davenport.

“No! if we are guessing their route. cor-

rectly, they have not yet passed this place]?

 

Yale finally decided, “allowing them the ,
fastest time they could make. Nor, do—I_}
look for them to do so, for several days, .
Yet" .-

“ And, to sum up yer genuine opinion, you
don't think they take the river route, after
all?” Kit queried. .

“To tell the truth, I don’t know. I’m a
good deal puzzled as to what course they
will take, or what course we had better pur-
sue."

The reply to the telegram they had sent'
to Stephen Rogers, at Boise City decided '
them.

It was simply:

“ No. Sehofield can‘t be found. Is known to be
in the vicinity. S. R.

“ 'l‘hat settles it. Sehofleld is awaiting the
arrival of the main party at some given -
point,” Yale decided. “ \Ve can’t do better
than to aim direct for Boise City by the
quickest route.”

“Very well.”

Futigucd and travel-worn, they at last or-
rived in Boise City, where Kit the Bootblaek
Detective had telegraphed Stephen Rogers
to meet them.

CHAPTER X.
IN BOISE CITY.

THE mining speculator, as he proved to
be, met them at the train. He was a white »
haired. weather-beaten, and yet noble and
commanding appearing old gentleman, and
the news of Cassie's fate having got abroad,
there were a large number of sympathiziug
[friends present to greet the return of the old
man‘s remaining chiid. '

The scene of the meeting of father" and
daughter was pathetic, in the extreme, and
there was scarcely a dry eye in the crowd. ,

As soon as possible, and after brief intro-
ductions, the quartette took a carriage,
and were hurried away to the nearest hotel.
out of reach of the curious eyes of the
crowd. '

Herc, Lily explained everything to 'her
father, of course eulogizing the heroic action
that Kit and Yale had taken in her behalf, ..
and the old man thanked them with all im-
aginable fervor, and promised that. their
kindiness should not escape a suitable re '
war . .

Kit and Yale withdrew then, and left the”
father and daughter to themselves. ,

The elder detective was very pale, it evi—. /
dently having been a severe struggle to meet »
his parent face to face, and not acknowledge
his own identity,

“Hang it, ef ye hain‘t got the nerve ov a" 1

wooden Pawnee!” Kit declared, admiringly, '

I

 

 

by.

1.
7..

Kit, the Boothlack Detective.

19

 

when they were alone. " Why, I came near
heavin’ the cat out o’ the sack myself.”

“Don’t you do it!” Yale replied, quietly.

“When I feel disposed. I will make myself
known, if, indeed, the old gent don‘t tumble
sooner. When some of the excitement wears
I away. he will doubtless recall the fact that
V mother’s name was Yale."

' They made no attempt to see the father

,sand daughter again that night, but retired
early, and got a muclivneeded rest.

In the morning, Mr. Rogers sent for
them.

He was now thoroughly composed, and
looked prepared for the work that yet lay
before him.

“Gentlemen,” he said, “I have learned
more fully from my daughter the details of
your noble work in her behalf, and no words
can express my appreciation of the service.
You have done what I hope will make you
famous and honored in your chosen profes-
sion. the country over. and, as I said before,
my bank account is at your command.”

“I will leave my young friend here to ar-
range all such matters, when we have com—
pleted the job we undertook.” replied Yale.
. “Mr. Cool, 9, newsboy of Philadelphia, with
the energy and shrewdness of a dozen men,
was the originator of all that has yet been
found out and done.

“To him belongs the credit, and whatever
compensation you may see fit to bestow. I
was interested in the case throuin his shrewd-
ness and indomitable pluck, and volunteered
to give him the benefit of any assistance my
professional badge might afford.”

, ,“Oh dry up!" broke in Kit. “'l‘het is
too’ thin. ou—"

“That’s all right; you are entitled to all
the credit," Yale persisted, with a look that
checked Kit from saying anything about the
diamond transaction, which he was on the

’ point of introducing.

“I understand that but for our youngr
friend I should not even now know of my
daughter’s tragic fate, and also that but for

'his timely intervention, Lily would likely

. have shared a like fate,” Mr. Rogers said,
gratefully; “and henceforth I will afford
him, as part compensation, every facility for
rising to the position of one of the foremost
men of the day."

, “ Oh, that’s all'riglit—let that take keer of
itself for the present,” it said. “There’s
more of ’portance scrapin’ my mind than that.
I’m anxious now to git after them snoozors
w’ot think they’re so sharp."

“ Yes; we must work up the case as fast,
as possible,” Yale said; “and any data you
canfurnish, that will be of use to us, will
hasten the consummation of the vengeance I

- know you must crave." »

.e

{an unpardonablc

 

. M- 3'

" Vengeance I do crave," Stephen Rogers
cried, "and vengeance I will have! I tele-
graphed you that there was but one man
whom I believe could/be guilty of doing me
injury. I will now en~
(leavor to make clear to you all about the
matter.

“ I do not reside here, in Boise City, but
ten miles to the north, at a little settlement
we call Bed Rock, where I have some min-
inginterests‘in fact, one of the best gold
and silver lodes in the locality.

“Three years ago, when the mine was dis-
covered, I took in with me a half-partner a
man named Samuel Slaughter, and whom,
from what you have said. I believe to be the
so-eallcd Samuel Sands who met my children
in Philadelphia. lie was rather a propossess-
innr individual, with the bearing and general
appearance of a gentleman, and as he came
from Helena well recommended, and claimed
to be an expert accountant, 1 concluded I
could not do better than avail myself of his
serviCes, as I was in need of just such a man.
S) I gave him a half-interest in the revenue
of the mine, for so long a time as he should
prove trustworthy and attentive to our busi—
ness interests.

“Time passed along, and things ran
smoothly. He gained my confidence, and
little by little drew from me the history of
my past life in detail, and pretty nearly all
about my aflairs in general. However, as
my daughters were away at school, it chanced
that they never saw him, winch accounts for
their not recognizing him, if that was he, in
Philadelphia. . . '

“ When the mine was opened and began to
pay pretty well, I suddenly awoke to the dis-
covery that I Was being robbed. and was not
long in tracing the crime directly to Slaugh-
ter. and forcing him. at the point of a pistol,
into a confession. I then gave him an hour
to get out of the reach of the law, and he
was not slow it accept the terms—although ,
he took an oath that he would be revering
upon me.

“I heard nothing more about him until
about a year ago, when a miner died, and
left me guardian over his daughter and es-
tate. "A few months after his death, I learned
that thisdaughter, a young, giddyheadcd
girl, had a lover, who was in the habit of
meeting her elandestinely. From what I
could learn, the man was Samuel Slaughter.

" l at once visited the girl, and gave her I
fatherly counsel and advice, but she was
naturally headstrong, and Without directly
opposing my will, she seemed to make light
of my advice. So with my mind fully made
up. I set spies to work, and was not long in
developing the fact that they were to elope.
,"l made the fact known to the mine“.

 

      
   
   
 

  
 

 
 
 

 

 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 

 

 

 

 

  

Kit, the Bootblack I Detective.

 

turtle-doves, and gave Slaughter the worst
dose of tar and feathers there was in the
camp, and we had a half-barrel of tar and a
couple» of feather-beds at that.

“ We then tied him to a buckin' bum),
with a eactn: hurr under its l..l.ll, and sent
him a~flyin02 The girl I sent away to her
relations. did not hear of Slaughter again,
until three months afterward, when he sent
me a letter, with a skull and cross-bones on
it, the simple wording of which was:

“ ‘I am not dead yet.
" ‘ S. SLAUGHTER...

, “I paid no particular attention to it, how-
ever, until I received your Philadelphia tele.
grams, when the terrible truth dawned upon
me, that it was he who had struck for ven-
geancel May the eternal curses of an in-
jured parent consume himl”

“ He is undoubtedly the man," Yale de-
cided, “and now that we know the par-
ticulars, Ido not think it will be very hard
for us to run him down. as soon as the party
arrives in this vicinity."

“I am not so sure of that. The fate of
my poor child is known here in Boise City,
and the fact of your arrival is also known.
It don’t take long- for news to spread out
here, you can bet. This man Schofield hung
about town a few days after bringng the
news which took my daughters East, under
pretense of looking for an opportunity for
investment; then he disappeared. I have,
since reeeiving‘your telegrams, learned that
he has been seen lurking in the vicinity. So,
you see, he mafy be in town now, in disguise,
and, hearing 0 your arrival, will warn the
other parties 'to lie low, for awhile!"

This was‘ reasonable.

“That‘s so," Yale admitted, “ and we‘re

not in Philadelphia, where we know the

ropes, either."

Kit was silent a few minutes, his fingers
creating a disturbance in his hair.

“ D‘ye intend ter stay hyer in Boise City?”
he finally asked, of the speculator.

“ Not unless it is necesmry. I have busi-
ness duties both here and at Bed Rock. but I
generally run up here once a day. My real
home is there."

“ Well, now I’ve got kinder of an idea, at
ye wanter hear it.”

"Judging by What you have already done,
we can all take advice from you,” Mr. Rog-

, ers said, with a smile.

“ Well, here goes! We’ll all pack ot‘r‘ fer
yer home at once. an’ we won’t be no ways
shy about lettin’ folks know we’re goin'.
Sect”. r ,

“Well?” '

"When we get to ‘Bed Rock, 1’11 fix up,

/

and getting all arranged we intercepted the I and comeback. But, wait. I’ll be back“ F'-

 

a moment.” ,

He skurried away, and soon returned with _
his old bootblack suit, and blocking para-
phernalia. ,-

“ Now, Mister Yale, of ye belonged beer
in Boise, an’ you war to meet me as I look in
this rig-out, dirt au' etsettery included, d’ye
think ye'd reckernize me as the same feller I
am now?”

“I hardly think I should," Yale replied, '
candidly.

“Then, thet settles etl" Kit said. “ Icome " ’

back heer, an’ go tcr shinin' boots, while you
take things cool and easy. Ef I can’t pick
up some points no one can.”

Mr. Rogers looked inquirineg at Kit, then
at Yale. I

“ Let him tr it," the latter advised; “I’ll
guarantee he’l take care of himself, where
we couldn’t." 5 ‘

“ You bet on me bein' all hunk!” Kit cried.
“ \Vait till I s’prise some 0’ these Western
fellvrs wi’ my patentleather, duplex-action
shine.”

“Very well, my boy; you shall have your
way," Mr. Rogers assented. " I will go out
and order a conveyance to take us to Bed v
Rock.”

“And by the way, I think I’ll accompany
you, ” Yale remarked, with a peculiar twinkle
in his eye, for he had already noticed that his .
sister was very partial to Kit. 7 '

“ 0h! ou snoozer!” thought Kit, who
“tumble " to his partner's game. “ I’m on-
to you with both feet. -You want me to set
up the oysters again. Well, I might as well
prepare for another siege of heart disease.
Gosh! .l begin to feel giddy, already.”

And well he might, for Mr. Rogers and
Yale were little more than out of the parlor,
ere liin was beside Kit, and her pretty eyes.
looking appealingly down into his. 

V \ ¢

CHAPTER XI.
CAUGHT FOUL.

" Kmml‘m so afraid you will get harmed,"
Lin said, passing her fair hand over his fore-
head and pushing back the mass of matted
curls, that would grow down there. “ You
mi rht be all right in Philadelphia, where
they have policemen to protect you boys,
but out here. it is different
wild an’ r-‘ughl"

Kit laughed at the idea. ,

“ Perlicemen pertect us kids!" be .e acu-
lated “Well! [should go gigglel hy,'
you've got the baronche before the geldiugs,
Lil. It‘s us kids w’ot pertects th‘er perllce-
men, out in Philal Et a couple Sluggers: ..
gits ter maulin’ each «other, we allers gives
the copper a friendly tip ter amble ’round ter ‘
ther furtherest part 0’ his beat, ’ca‘se how; e;

 

The menareso ‘ ' J

    

Kit, the Bootblacl: Detective.

‘21

 

. . . I
v be was ter interfere, he d get sat down on, 1n

‘, about two holy seckints. Oh! no; don't you
git skeered about me gittin' hurt. I. tell yer,

' when I get tcr shinin’ ’em up, for the fellers,
I’ll elervate society ’round here. an‘ every
feller will think he’s a billionaire."

“But, Kit, I am so afraid. You know if
any harm were to come to you, how badly I
would feel. I love you, Kit, from the bot-
tom of my heart—”

“ There! by the mud~hens 0' Jersey, I
know’d it. You’ve gone and did it, just w’ot
I expected!"

" Done what, Kit?”

“ Exploded —- popped! Ohl Jerusalem!
S’posin’Dorrit was heer, tho’—wouldn’t thar
be hair-pullin’? Well! well!”

“No, I don’t think there would be, Kit. I
guess Dorrit transferred her affections from
you to Mr. Yale before we left the East.”

“ D‘ye really think so?’

“Yes. Anyhow, it looked to me as if
they were pretty;{ well pleased with each
other. So ,nOW, it. there isn‘t any excuse
in the world why—why—" but she could
not finish the sentence.

Kit rubbed the end of his nose and grinned
comically.

” Say, see here. you’re after another mess
of cyesters, ain’t ye?” he queried.

“ No, I’m not. How provoking you are!”

“I’ll be gosh-hanged if I am! But, say, is
this the Way the gals do up here—‘pop,’ on
their own hook?"

“ Well—yes. This is leap year, you
know. But come, now, Kit, don’t you like
me?”

“Like you? Kit echoed, gathering her in
his embrace. “ Wal, I should smile! I’d
like nothin’ better than ter eat the grass your

‘angelical feet trampled on. But—histl here
comes Yale and the guv‘nor.”

Which put an end to that little love-mak~

ding episode.

Yale and Mr. Rogers enteredthe parlor, to
find both Kit and Lin with very rosy cheeks,

- at which the detective secretly smiled.

“ Well, children, we have drummed up a
‘hearse’to’ convey us to Bed Rock," Mr.
Rogers announced, " and it is in waiting.
So get ready, and we’ll be off.”

“ A hearse?" Kit echoed. “ Say, now.
look here, Mr. Rogers. what you giving us?

1)

l i You don’t ketch me ridin‘ in no hearse afore

,, my time comes. 11d rather fut it.”

i ' “Oh! that’s all right, Kit,” Yale explained.
’ “ Out here they call a stage a ‘hearse."'
. f‘Oh! 1 see. That must be why the pa-
pers call a theaters. Morgue. Waal, I should
rehearse!” Kit punned.
. " Here! here! No more such jokes as

‘ that!" ‘Yale protested. " They hang a man
out here for joking.” ~

.19; .2

“No.
skip.”

They were soon aboard the coach, and roll-
ing away, a ere wd having collected in front
of the hotel to see them off.

Four spirited horses hauled the stage, and
the trip to Bed Rock was made in good
tune.

Here, too, Mr. Rogers and Lily were
warmly and sympathizingly greeted by the
few miners and their families who made the
town their abode. ’

It was but a. small gathering of shanties
and buildings, belonging to the mine-pro-
I prietor—that of Mr. Rogers being the most
conspicuous dwelling of the lot.

Here the parties remained quartered for the
day, as Kit had decided not to return to
Boise City until under the cover of dark-
ness.

He made his preparations, however, with
the coolness and sangfroz‘d characteristic of
the matter-of—fact street Arab.

Yale and Mr. Rogers quizzed him repeated-
ly, to find out if he had any fear as regards
what peril he might encounter, but he only
laughed at them good-naturedly,‘ and replied
in the negative.

“Oh! let him go,” Yale said; “and if he
don’t pick up the trail l’ll lose my reckon-
ing. To-morrow, in disguise, I too w1ll go
to the city, so as to be near at hand should
he get into any trouble."

As soon as it became dark, Kit bade Yale
and Mr. Rogers good-by, and arrayed in his
old-time regalia, with blacking outfit slung
to his back, he took his departure, Lily in-
sisting on accompanying him a short dis—
tance.

At their parting, she clung to him, afiecv
tionately, until, with a kiss, he bade her
good-by, and trudged away on his journey.

.._.._.

I’ll be hanged if they do. But let’s

" Hyer I am, now ’Frlsco Frank!
A tn't-class teller. an’ nary a crank,
Kin lick a lien or big bull—pup,
An’ ter ha‘f a dime. I’ll shine ’em up."
“Reckorlect, fe'ller—citizens, I’m the gold:
i medal shiner from ther city 0' San Francisco.
I'm sixteen ears old, hev made sixteen voy-
ages aroun the earth, jumped over the
Rockies, an’ landed down hyer in Boise
City, ter show ye thet ye’r‘ sixteen centuries
behind ther times. fer not hevin’ yer boots
shined bright enufi ter reflect all ther beam,
ties 0’ Jupiter, Saturn and ‘Venus. I hev
shined ther diamonded-studded brogaus uv
every king, emperor an’ princein ther world;
polished ther barefeet o’ ther man-eatin‘
king 0‘ ther ham—Sandwich Islands, an’ beer
I am. gents, fresh over from ’Frisco, ter put
a complexion onter yer dirty number 14’s!
$0 walk, rightvup an’ git dumfounded for

w

 

 

Kit, the Boot!)le Detective.

I

only a nickel—five cents only—ther twen-
tieth part 0’ a dollar. Who’s ther first mag-
nate who wants ter represent this mighty
nation?" -

It was Kit who uttered this harangue, as

he took his stand on the sidewalk in front of i
one of the foremost hotels of the Queen City I

of Idaho.

Ragged, mud-splashed, barefooth and
bare-headed, and with a face so black-
streaked and dirty as to effectually destroy
his identity, the King of Kids thus ad-

« dressed the considerable crowd of men
lounging about the veranda—men of many
costumes and many characters, from the
border bully to the refined gentleman of
leisure.

“Come, now, roll up. tumble up, any
way ter git up. I'll shine ’em for ye till
they’ll dazzle yer eyes so you'll hev ter War
green goggles ter keep from gittin’ sea-sick.
Why, durn my skin, ther ain’t a pair 0’ boots
in the crowd fit towear ter see a Widder
artcr her ultl man's funeral. Who‘s ther
fu’st chap who'll be an honor ter the name 0’
Idaho, by hevin’ his boots shined?”

A big, burly individual, chock-full of
“ benziue," came staggering out of the hotel
and descended the steps to where Kit had
taken his stand. '

“llillol” he cried, hoarsely, “Look at
ther monkey! Whar’s ther organ-grinder?"

“Huntin’ fer a baboon. Want er job?"
retorted Kit. ,, _ .

“Say, luck a—heer, yonker. w’ot d’yer
say? (luss my butes, but l’vc‘ a mind tcr
smack ye. I want ye tor know I’m a terror,
1‘ amv-llowlin’ Jake, the slugger, w’ot -kin
licx Sullivan or any other maul"

In an instant Kit was upon his feet, dan-
cing about. with his arms thrown outin true
pugilistic style

“I’ll jest bet ye don’t, cully, when I

' am about." he declared, with a grin and
wink. “ Ye “never hearn tell 0’ Paddy Ryan’s
brother, did ye? Say—4011 ye what {’11- do,
bass: I’ll bet ye two tor one I kin knock ye
out in one roundl” ' v
, The crowd laughed at the boast. and-that
was precisely what Kit wanted. The sooner
~ he worked himself into popularity as a boot-
black, or roustabout, the less liability there
was of his identity being discovered.

,,-- The bully seemed to regard Kit’s antics
with a sort of grim humor.

3 “ Waal. 1’]! be cussed!" he snorted. “Ye

. put me in mind or’ a little banty, spurrin’ up
' to'a big game-cock.”

“.An" umtimes the big game-cock gits

mcombed. Kit replied, still dancing about.
“Ohl jest come an’ 'see me, Moriarity, an’
let me soak ye one in the second flatl".

' The crowd on the veranda roared again,

 

and bystanders began to collect to see the
sport. ' '

The “terror” was evidently not a gross.» i

dispositioued fellow, for he took things

goodruaturedly. considering the amount of. .,

“booze” he had on board.

“See beer,” he said, steadying himself .
upon his feet. “Im an old heart-breakin’
hard-head from Horror Gulch, an’ I km’
clean out ther town ef I’m er mind to. Now,
ye’r’ a spunky rabbit, an’ I’ll tell ye What 1‘11
do. I’ll put. my left hand behin’ meback,
an’ spar yc wi’ me right, pervidin’ you’ll
agree not to squeal, if you git acrusher in
ther nose. Ef you git ma tap on my mug,
‘uuff sed. I’ll give ye a dollar apiece ter
shine up ther hull crowd.”

“A bargain!" Kit quickly accepted.
“ Square off, and look out for yerself! ’ V

The crowd now became wildly enthusi1,~
astic, as Western crowds always do when
there isuny fun brewing. ‘

llowliu‘ Jake put. his left hand behind his
back. and with his right list no guard, struck :1
a pugilistic attitude. '

For a few mmutes there was some fair'
sparring, and Jake struck out three terrific
blows, any one of which. had it hit the
Arab, would have settled the contest.

But Kit wasn‘t getting bit, He was as,
llg‘llt on his feet as a chipmunk, and his

dancing and ducking movements, evidently",
annoyed his adversary; who appeared to L f r

have a fair knowledge ofthe manly art,

Bets were freely trade among the speeta- f ' '

tors, as to how the contest would end.

They were destined to be quickly decided, '
for jumping here, then therewithagility, and
watching his man like a hawk, Kitrfiually,
struck out: ‘

'l‘hwackl '

The sound of the blow was audible for";

yards around, and Kit landed lightly back
upon his feet. ’ . -.
Fairly had he planted hisflst over Howlin’

Jake’s left 'eye, and with no boyish ferce C

either. .
The bully at the instant had his back to-
ward the street, in which. just off the side.
walk, was a large puddle of muddy water. _
Sequick and hard was Kit’s right-handel‘,x

that it knocked Howlin’ Jake clean off his . ’

pins, and landed him upon ‘his back in the
water. '

Without awaitingF further developments,
Kit seized his box and began to yell: ’

“ Herc ye go, now—~who wants er shine.,1-,'

Only anickel—half a dimeflreg’lar down?

East prices, same as they'hcv‘inNew Yorick. 

Whar's the mad yt‘illin’ to “squander ther
twentieth part of a dollar?"
“ Ieie’hl hello!" roared

‘Jake‘, gaining a. ,
sitting posture; E‘Every durned galoot gits 

g1-

 

Kit, the Bootblack Detective; /

23

 

ls boots. blacked at my expense, I tell yer.
I ain’t no hog, cf 1 do wallerl”

He got up, shook himself, and reaching

into his pocket, drew out five twenty-dollar
r gold-pieces, threw them down upon the side-

walk, in front of Kit; then turning upon

his heel, entered the hotel, crying as he
v went:

" That's ther style of cattle they raise over

, in Horror Gulch. Minc’s bug-juice. Hev
 Sumthin’, gentlemen l"
I This was the first specimen Kit had ever
., ,_ seen of a veritable far Western tough, and to

him it 'was a sight good for sore eyes.

But the way the men of Boise City did file
into the hotel bar-room, in response to Howl—
in’ Jake’s invitatim, was an astonishcr to the

‘ Kid, for but one man was left on the veran-
da, or in the vicinity.

“ These chaps don’t know what a. shine is,
I don‘t believe,” he muttered, as he picked
up the gold-pieces. “ Et don’t matter, tho’.
Think 1’“ start out as a prize-fighter, ef I
can pull in a hundred dollars every whack.”

The man who did not join in accepting
Howlin’ Jake's offer sat tipped back in a
chair on the veranda, with his heels elevated

., against one of the posts that supported the
wooden awning.

He was fairly well attired, was of good
figure, and an observer, at a glance, would
have put him down as a man engaged in

’ some legitimate business.

He Wore an immense sweeping heard,
,which evidently received excollent attention,
[for there was not a tangle in it.

His eyes, like his hair, were of a brown
color, but his skin was unnaturally white.

', Kit‘had paid no attention to the individual,
until he was accosted, as he finished picking
"up the coins. » /

“Well, sonny, you made quite a haul,

didn't you!” taking the cigar out of his
'. month.

“Kinder,” Kit returned, with a grin, and

a criticising look at the inquisitor. ’l‘het fel-
, 'wleI/must have more tin than he knows what
to dn’wi'thl” _

“He has, Heris a cattle-rancher, off on
a spree. Chances are large, he’ll go home
broke. By the way, since you haven’t struck

' ‘ a job. yet, I‘ll give you one!”
‘ And lowering his feet to the veranda, he
waited for Kit to go to work.
“.You don't call them aire feet, do ye?”
. oKit demanded. for their size Was extraordi-
' narin large. “ Why. them’s mud scows, like
« they use in the marshes.”
“It don‘t matteras to their size, sir. Go
I ahead, and shine them!” and the man’s tone
was not particularly gentle.
“Say, lookee here!” Kit retorted, “d’ye

xpeet me ter expend a day’s work, all for a .

z

 

nickel? Oh nol Give me adollar an’ a
folergraff o' the feet ter sell ter a museum,
an‘ it’s a go.”

“ Here’s a dollar. You’ll have to hunt up
a photograph machine, yourself !”

Without further ceremon , Kit set ,to
work, and soon had a patent- eather shine on
the boots that reminded him of old Phila-
delphia times.

“ Yer wears purty decent leather,” Kit re-
marked, pocketing his dollar, and surveying
his job, with pride. “if you’ll jest keep
them feet 0’ yourn posted up thar, fer adver-
tisement, I’ll ketch lots 0’ jobs.”

“Not many, out here, I’ll swear. If yOu
expect to get rich you’ll have to go into
some more profitable business.”

“What bizncss‘?” Kit asked, thinkinghe
had a “ bite,” from the first.

“Oh! ’most anything else, than blacking
boots. No one ever has their boots blacked
out here. Running errands, for instance,
now—good pay in it—little odd jobs, where
a boy ain’t particular what he does.”

“Thet hits me right in my dormitory,”
Kit declared, enthusiastically. “I’m handy
at anything, an’ don’t care a continental
what it is its/long as ther wealth flows inter
my treasury.”

"That's a good motto, boy. Well, trot
around, after awhile, and maybe I’ll have a
job for you,” and with this, the man arose
and entered the hotel.

“Bet a cent to a b’iled owl thct I’ve hit
the bull’s-eye, ther first elipl” Kit muttered.
“ It’s worth lookin‘ up, anyhow. Guess I’d
better not be too loose around beer, at pres-
ent, fer fear Howlin’ Jake’s eye Will swell on ,
him, an’ he’ll git mad.”

So he trudged away creating a sensation
wherever he went, being quite a novelty.

But he found one thing out. ‘

The old Philadelphia five-cent racket
“didn’t work worth a cent,” so to speak.
Every customer he got didn‘t think anything
of paying fifty cents to a dollar for a shine,
and as he had a goodly number of customers,
lrilsl stock of wealth increased very percep-
u y. r_

“This Boise City ain’t so slow a town,
after all 1” he muttered, “ an’ I’ll be jiggcred
ef I don’t think et would be a purty good
place ter tie to. Guess I’ll mazurky back,
an’ see of my first customer is about.”

When he arrived at the hotel, the in-
dividual was once more seated on the. ve-
randa.

\He immediately arose, however, descended
toythe street, and said: ‘ ‘v .

“Come along with me. boy, if you want
to earn some money. I’ll put you on the
way of doing it.” ’ - V
' " Kereot, guv’nor, I‘m yer mud-pie, '

, l

:

 

c?

11.? "

'1’-

24 _ Kit. the Bootblack Detective.

 

every minute in an hour. Steer ahead, an’
1m with ye, cl‘ar up to the chin."

Without reply, the man led on.

Standing erect, he was about six feet in
hiuht, and of powerful build.

From the description Kit had received
of the man Schofield, he at once formed the
opinion that this was the same party, in dis—

guise.

“ I Wonder what job he hes got for me ter
do?" Kit muttered, as he hurried alorg, for
he was forced to do so, to keep up with the
stranger. “I don‘t know but I’d better in-
vestigate Tom I go too fur."

‘v “ Though he had a pair of revolvers upon
his person, he was none too anxious to get
into any new trouble.

“Say, Cap, What sort 0’ job is this ye
want me ter tackle?” he finally demanded.
“Seems ter me ye’r' goin' a ionic,r ways ter
find it."

“Only to my residence,” was the reply.
“ I've a letter to write that I want you to de-
liver at the little mining—scttlement'ten miles
from here. You can catch the next stage
for the place, and return by the stage that
leaves soon after you get there." ’

Kit’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Here
he was, right onto the trail, and the devel-
opment of his case had reached a point where
the dcnouenwnt must soon come in, glo-
riously.

He felt like executing a flip-flap. But, to
do so, just now, when the game- seemed ripe
for plucking. was out of the question.

The walk continued until they reached the
Western outskirts of the toxvn, when the
man paused before a small slab shanty, and
knocked at the door. .,

There was no answer.

“I guess the old woman is out." he said.
“ However, it don’t matter.

This he was not long in producing, and
opening the door, they entered.

No sooner had they done so, than Kit was
seized, from behind, and his arms pinioned
to his side; then he was thrown to the floor,
and his feet pinioned, after which a grim
voice said:

“Now, younker, ye ain’t quite so fly as
you have been for some time past, I reckon.
An’ what’s more, you won’t be!"

CHAPTER Xll.‘
our or BONDAGE—~” DEAD 0N " THE TRAIL.
I IT was for Kit to realize, now, that he was
in a trap. and that, for once, his shrewdnéfls
had been overmatched.

,Lying upon the floor, on his back, he al‘
lowed his gaze to wander about the apart-
ment which contained but a few chairs and
Mable, and he saw who were his captors.

I have a keyfl‘ ‘

 

The tall, large-footed man, of course, was
one. Then, there was a Woman, a young. >
man. and the third was the identical fellow

who accosted the Kid on Chestnut street, in .7 I '

Philadelphia.

The young woman was petite, yet well-
formed, wilh a pretty countenance, which
was purely French in its features. She was
tastin attired. _

The young man was rather a dandyish-
looking individual, with blonde hair and
mustache, and looked hardly like a heavy
villain, but more like a person who would be
a tool, in a heavy villaiu‘s power.

The man who had uttered the taunt evi-
dently was the one whom Kit had met in the
Quaker City, so to him the undaunted boy
cried:

“ l-iillo! is that you, old eggs? ’ Why,
darn my socks, of you ain’t the same crank I ’
met out in I’hilamydolphy. How do ye do,
Mister Sam Slaughter?"

“ You'll find out soon enough how I aml”
the man retorted, fiercely. “Talk to the
aceursed rat, Schofield," he said, impatient-
ly. “ lie is; too tonguey for me. I'dkill
him for a cent." .

“Guess you’ve done ’hout ernuff killin’ fer
a while, ain‘t yer?" Kit flashed back.

“ Don't you be so lippy, my bird, or you’ll ,
stop talking very suddenly,” Schofield ad~
monislicd, quietly. “ We want to know what
you know about the case." v

“What case?" r .

" N 0 back talk, or pretended ignorance
now. What do you know about the suicide
in Philadelphia?"

“ Nothin’. It wasn‘t no suicide,” Kit re-
plied. eoolly—“ it was a deliberate murder,
an' Slaughter, yender, did the job.”

“ What impelled you to turn detective?"

“Dunno, more‘n l smelt a rat, an' it ’cur- "
red ter me I orter trap for it.” 1 ‘

” No one suggested the thing to you?"

“ Nary a one.” 1, , _

“On your way here, an attempt was made
tokidnap Rogers's other daughter?" ‘

“Yes, but we was too much for the dodg- '
ers." .

“ Where are the parties?"

“ in Chicago, locked up, where they won’t I, -

hurt themselves a-dodgin’ the law." I
“Who is this man, Yale?” , ‘ 
“A feller who took a fancy to me, 1311’

volunteered to see me through to the end."
“ is he poor?" _ : 
“Dunno. S’pcct he ain’t as rich as old *

Gould!”

“ I presume old Rogers thinks well of you" - I

for bringing his girl hack, and. for inform-
ing him of the details of the plot against 1
him.” \ _ ._ Z -

V“Oh, you bet! He’s goin' ter send me to:-

 

Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

25

 

’ ~ ther Legislatur’ next year, soon‘s 1 git a mus-
tache started.”

“ He might better be getting estimates on
a tombstone for you. boy. Now, look here:

i ' We are all friends of Mr. Slaughter here, and

‘ employed by him in various branches of the
business he carries on. I suppose you have
"j learned that Mr. Slaughter has had ample
Causefor seeking revenge on old Rogers, and
that the first step toward its consummation
has been taken.”
’ “ Kerrect.”

" Well, it was, and yet is, intended by Mr.
Slaughter to ruin Rogers, both financially
and mentally. As you have proven yourself
to be a shrewd young hound, and as we in-
tend to use you, I state all this to prepare
you for the work you are to do.”

“ You don’t say! How sensible ye are!”

“ You’d have been knocked in the head an
hour after your arrival in Boise City, but for
the fact that we concluded to work you in to
good advantage; so now it is a matter of
death, or obedience to our orders—we are not
particular which.”

- . ‘ " D’ye mean ye’d kill me ef I didn’t agree
tel" do as you order?”

“Most assuredly.”

“Then thet settles it.- Old Rogers an' the
case can go to blazes for all me; I ain’t takin’
any kill in mine jest at present, of you please.
But Go ahead wi‘ yer proposish.”

“ t was our intention to oficr Rogers the
' ashes of his daughters at a big ricc, but

since we succeeded only in a part 0 the plot,
through your smartncss, we shall have to
/ give up that plan, unless you think Rogers

would give a big price for Cassie’s dust.”

Kit shuddered at the man’s‘heartless vil-
lain . '

“ll dunno, I’m sure!“hc declared. “S’posc
ye c’u’d tell best by tryin’. Don’t think,
tho’, he'd shell out very pert."

“0h, we’ll make him do that fast enough,
_when we get things all arranged. Now, in
.' order to work the game as we propose, we
~ want the other girl. It is all~important we
should have her in our possession. Only in
that way can we work Rogers for every cent
he is worth.”

“ Shouldn't wonder but what you are
right,” Kit agreed, resolved to see the thing
 through to the end if he died for it.

“ How are you going to to get possession of
the girl. tho’?" . ‘ ,

. “ We are not going to do it. _That is for
you to do for us!”

“Ms?” Kit ejaculated, both anxious and
elatedat the prospect. x

"Yes, you! We shall make you worth

very cent of the value of your life tons.
, ' gaptainfiocjs not expect to cperate around
0&8

 

rent length of time, and while, .

we are here, we do not intend to let any
scruples interfere with our little game. We
purpose to get possession of the girl through
you, and that as soon as possible." ,

“Reckon you’ll have to wait awhile, be-
fore I get her for you,” Kit declared. “Dun-
no how I could work the racket,” I

“ Ohl we’ll put you onto that, easy enough;
You indite an affectionate epistle to your
girl sweetheart, requesting her to meet you
gt the point where she left you last night.

ce .”

” So you was there, hey?”

“ Oh! certainly. Your every movement
was shadowed, from the time you arrived in
Boise City.” _

“ Will you promise to write what we die-
tate?” '

“I s'pose I’ll have to, tho’ it goes ag’in’ my

grain.”

“I dare say it won’t afflict your grain so
much as a knife would, if drawn across your
jugularl”

'l‘hc shanty boasted of a rude deal—table,
and Kit was lifted to a chair, beside it. Be-
fore him was placed a pencil and a sheet of
paper, and also a. letter.

"You’re to copy from that!” Slaughter
ordered, “. and mind you do it right, or I’ll
slit your throat!" And Slaughter evidently
meant what he said.

The letter which Kit was to copy was as
follows: '

“Dun LIva—I send you this in great, haste.
Meet mom-night, at eight o‘clock, at the int
where you left me. Say nothing to any one. I ave

made a great discovery, and you must be the first
one to know of_it. Yours, hrr."

“Go ahead and copy it!” Slaughter com—
manded, “and don’t ye change a word. I’ll
soon show Steve Rogers how he miscalcu-
lated when he tarred and feathered me."

Kit proceeded to obey, for 'thl he knew it
would be useless to parley, or refuse.

A faint ray of hope entered his mind, as he
duplicated the decoying note: would - not
Lily’s suspicion be amused?

If so, she would show the letter to Yale
and her father, and they would make an at-
tempt to capture her would-be captors!

So he copied the letter, in as good a. style
of chirography as he could command, and,
shoved it away from him. v

“There. That’s ther best I’ kin do,” he
said. “ it’s a. dirty mean trick to make 111
do it, too.” ’

Slaughter laughed, maliciously.

“I guess it won't change your fortunes \
much: 'l‘ie him up again, boys,” ‘
Accordingly Kit‘s hands were again bound,
and he was dragged into one corner of the I
room. and left lying there.‘ '

“Do you suppose ,he’ll be safe theret”,

 

Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

 

Slaughter demanded of Schofield, who was
evidently his right-hand man. ‘

“ Of course he’ll be safe,” was the reply.
“We‘ll lock the door, and I’ll guarantee
we‘ll find him here, if we ever have occasion
to come back again. Nobody is likely to
come within hearing of this place once a
week.

so they were going off to leave him!

This was better news to Kit than though
they had remained.

“Let ’em slide," he mused. " Et’ I can’t
git out 0’ this fix somehow, I ain’t King of
the Kids—"

Then aloud: _

“ Sa , see here, this ain’t fair," he whined.
“Ye ain't goin’ ter clear out and leave me
locked up ter starve, be ye? I think that’s
meaner’n stealin’ the gal."

“Get out, you whelp. You ought to be
thankful you’re alive," Slaughter growled.
“If you get hungry, bite ofl your tongue
and eat that. You won’t have so much
then."

The quartette soon took their departure,
not forgettingto lock the door after them.

There was but the one room to the shanty,
and the only furniture consisted of the table
and a few stools.

There were two windows, one on either
side of the door, which, in itself, was not a
very substantial affair.

Takin in his surroundings, point for
'oiut, it turned his attention to himself.

is ankles were securely bound with strips
of hide, and his hands were tied behind his
back, presumably with the same kind of
thong. Breaking them, of course, was out
of the question; so what was to be done‘!

After some maneuvering. he rolled over
to the table, and gained a standing position,
walking, of course, being out of the ques-
tion. Once at the table he ushed it before
him, and jumped after it, ragging a stool
along behind him. ,

When the table was near the window, Kit
gradually edged around, so as to bring him-
self between the table and window, with the
stool in his rasp.

- . Poising imselt, be crushed the .stool
, against the window with all his might.

The result/Was exactly what he most de—
sired.

Away went glass and sash, and an opening
to the outer air was effected. .

, It was by this time getting dark; but he

_ was able to see that the nearest habitation
was not over a quarter of a mile away.

, “I’ll get there somehow, an‘ then I’ll be
all right. Then, Mister Slaughter, of I don’t
block yer little game, my name’s not Kit.
Ye cantgit Lily in spite 0’ me, but I‘m

-.,

 

a Jersey mud-hen of I don’t put ye in the.
heel yet." 

To get out of the window was not a diifi- ‘_'
cult feat for one so active as the Arab, so he ‘
was soon on terra firma '

As no other plan was left him, he at once'
bcg‘hn to roll over and over toward the near—
est. dwelling, from the window of which now
gleamed a light.

It was a slow and tiresome task, but he
finally got near enough to make his calls for
assistance heard, and to his great delight a
man and a woman with a lantern soon came
running up.

In less time than it takes to tell it, he was
set at liberty, and invited to the near-by ‘
habitation, where he was given a warm sup-
per. while he briefly narrated the particulars
of his capture, without revealing any of the '
other facts of the case. '

After supper. and rewarding his rescuers .
with a five-dollar gold-piece, he set out for
the heart of the town

Within an hour’s time he had secured a
fleet horse. and was flying over the road to- .
ward Bed Rock. ‘

“Now. Mr. Slaughter-house,” he mutter-
ed, “lookout. for me! I’m comiu’ au’ there‘s
music in the air. - The band is beginuiu’ tor
toot ‘Dcad March in Saul!"

CHAPTER XllI.
, SLAUGHTEn‘s LETTER.

ALTHOUGH he had some little experience
at horseback-riding, never in all his life did
Kit have such a ride as that from Boise Citv
to Bed Rock. . h

The horse he had secured was a "gear,"
and seemed perfectly familiar with thcronte‘,

and it sometimes dashed along with a speed I ‘

that fairly made Kit’s hair stand erect, al-

though he experienced no difficulty in keep-3 

ing his seat in the saddle, so easy was the
gait. ;
In less than an hour’s time, he reined his
foam—decked steed in‘ at the door of the
R0 ers cottage.

be old man and Yale instantly rushed
from the cabin, both visibly excited, and
the detective looking as if he were just in
from a journey. ,

“Lily! Lily! Do you know anythih of
her?" the old man demanded,eagerly. ~“ he
has disappeared and we cannot find her." , .

“How long have ou missed her?" Kit
cried. “What time is it?” , \ ~ ’

"It isafter nine o’clock. She unseen,

one over an hour, but I thought nothingmof \
t, as she often runs out, calling on the
neighbors. But, when Yale returned from
Boise a few minutes ago and reported that
you could not be found, I
and cannot find my child."

 

began a search - '

Kit, the Bootblack Detective. ‘

'27

 

“ Then ye can calculate that she’s in the
~power ov yer enemy, Samuel Slaughter-
house," Kit declared. “ I thought mehbe I
c’u‘d it beer in time ter pervent et, but it
seems? can’t git onter ther ’naek ol makiu' a
boss go smile a minnit.”
He proceeded then to narrate his adven-
tures, and the probable fate of Lily.
1» “ But don’t get down in thcr mouth, nunk,”
 he said, as Mr. Rogers groaned aloud in
anguish of spirit. “ It’s bound to turn out
all right. Jest pick yer teeth and be ready
for the pig, as the Irishman said, an’ 1"“ fetch
matters around all hunky, or my name ain’t

Christopher 0001.”

“ I’m afraid Slaughter has got the best of
the grune,” Yale said. dubiously.

“Oh! you’re at‘eard et’s goiu' ter rain
every time ye see a ’coon on the street!” Kit
retorted. “’Cause a. teller steals a base on
yer, that don’t hurt; slug him at ther next.
Now, as ther sermon is over, cf you’ll git a
lantern I’ll take ye ter wher’ the gal was
scooped in.”

The camp had not been aroused, as Mr.
Rogers had pursued his inquiries for Lily

,{very quietly; so, procuring a lantern. the
' trio went alone to the point where Lin and

Kit had parted, the previous night, and after

a short search. evidence was found of a

struggle having taken place.

There Were, also, hoof-marks, which
proved conclusively enough that Lily had
been carried off on horseback.

, “She’s a. goncr. sure enufi,” Kit admit-

ted. as they made their way back to the cot.

tage. “Old Sam has got her, an’ now, the
_ next thing aire ter find where his new hang-
 'out is."

“That will be next to impossible.” Mr.
Rogers said, sadly. “ The mountains abound
with places of concealment, and it would be
only time lost to attempt to find the infernal
Wretch.”

“You are right!” Yale agreed. “I see
but one way to settle this matter, father!"

* ' “Father!” echoed Mr. Rogers. starting
" V back in inexpressible astonishment—

 "father!"

"Yes, father,” the detective replied, put-
ting out his hand. “Have you not sus-
pected that I am your son. Simon Yale
Rogers?" ,

- 'For a moment, the speeulator stared at
" him, as ifhe could not comprehend—then, he
sprung forward. with a glad cry, and was
.. locked in his boy’s embrace. '
'_ .“My son! my son! can this be true?
'. Yes, I realize, now, that it is true, for I can
see. that you look as she did. years ago. And
thefmame too-I see it all, now. «My boy
own up, so handsome and noble! May
praised!” ' ,

 

“Yes, father, I am your son, and our
meeting is no more of a pleasure to you than,
to me: and but for this noble hearted youth,
it is likely we should never have met, in this
world!"

’They had reached the cottage by this time,
and here the reunion gained awarmer as-
pect, and explanations and congratulations
were exchanged. until, all at once, the fgther
and son made the discovery that Kit was
among the missing. ’

Unseen he had slipped from the cabin, and
g0nc——wherc?

That was a question not easy to answer,
for the night passed away and the Bootblack
Detective did not return.

Nor did the dawn of day bring him back
to the cabin, although Yale and Mr. Rogers
sat up the night through, awaiting his re-
turn. When morning came, Mr. Rogers
looked his anxiety.

“Do you think they have captured him;
too?” be queried, pacing to and fro across
the room; “ for if they have, 1 fear we shall
miss his services sadly. I have great eon-
fldenee in his genius and shrewdness.”

“No more than I," Yale replied; “but I
do not calculate on his being captured. He
has gone to find Lily, and he will not give
up till he get’s starved out. Hewas caught
once. and he will be wary enough not to be
caught a second time.”

" Then must we remain inactive while he
is searching?”

“By no means. indeed. I do not think
we will be given a chance. Before many
hours you will be called upon to pay a ran-
som for Lily, and poor Cassie's remains."

“ What then?"

“I see but one thing to do: Slaughter is a
man. I judge, who, once he has the upper
hand,,will stand no trifling. He will make a
demand on you for ransom-money, and if
you do not come to time-p”

“ We]l~—"

“He will kill Lily, out of spite, before your
eyes, and depend upon you being only too
glad then to ransom the body and Cassie's
ashes!"

"Great God! Do you believe that such a
thing could be possible?" H

“I do An act such as Cassie’s murder v
and incineration proves the man ahuman
fiend, and a human fiend might safely be
counted capable of any further horrible ,
deed!" , I

“Then what must I do?" .

"How much money have you at your
command?"

1 “ I presume I can raise sixty thousand-dol-
ars." v ' *

“Do you suppose Slaughter has an idea
that you can raise so much?" ,

 

Kit, the Bootblack Detective. ‘

“Yes. I haven’t a doubt but what he
knows to a cent what my bank account is.”

“ Then I see nothing else for you to do but
draw out your inone , and stand‘rcady to
meet his demands. f course, it is hard to
lose so much, but scarcely harder, 1 think,
than to see Lily’s life sacrificed, and Cassie’s
ashes scattered to the winds!" '

‘1‘ True! truel my boy; such a tliiiigcaniiot
be permitted, even though we have to give
up the last stitch of clothing on our bucks.
I shell, of course, have to go to Bmse City,
to obtain the money.” _

“ I will accompnny you, and, to all in—
tcnts, will remain there, leaving you to re—
turn here alone; but i will return, secretly,
and will be near at hand all the while.”

It was so arranged.

Stages ran frequently between Bed Rock
and the city; so father and son made ready,
and caught the next one that started. >

On their arrival in Boise City,‘i‘ll‘. Rogers
proceeded to the bunk and Witlidrew his
deposit, and took the next stage ‘for Bed
Rock; while Yale remained in Boise City,
and sauntered about town, idly, as if linvmg
nothing to. do. _

Instead of following his movements, We
will return‘with Mr. Rogers to Bed Rock.

The old gentleman was well-armed, but,
nevertheless, was very nervous all the way,
lest the stage should be stopped, and he
robbed of all his cosh.

Such an event did not occur, however, and
he reached his cottage in safety shortly after
noon.

On in arrival there, he. found a letter
thrust in under the door, which he read With
feelings that can better be imagined than de-
scribed.

‘ It was from Samuel Slaughter, and ran as
follows, the most careful pains cVidently
having been taken, to make it a model of
communications of its kind:
“ NEAR. Bun Rocri. loo.
“ August 19th, 188—.
“ STEPHEN Rooniis, Sm:—

“ i presume it will not surprlss you to receive a.
few lines from me, our former partner and confl-
dunt, inasmuch as I now that you are aware I have
inau ‘ated in campaign under the most favorab'e
ausp c . An whe‘n Icomc to. deliberate over the.
circumstances that caused me to open this cam-
puis'n, I feel confident that you eann’ t reasonably
rezret the success I shall surely attain, considering
the! expense hnd trouble} have been forced to shoul-
der, in order to perfect all necessary arrangements
for a. triumphant victory. * I

“ For months—3y, years now— I have been lan-
nigmfii scheming toward the end that new raw-
6 r

“ It wits tho consuming passion of my life—this I

object, revenge. It was the haunting visitant of my
' dreams at night; it hau :tod my every thou:ht by
day; so much so that it heoame the ruling passion
_' 'ot‘my life—to wreak vengeance on you. who spoiled
my love‘s young dream. and instigated the applica-
tion to my skin of a coat of tar and feathers:

“ Ahl that was fun. wasn‘t itwfun for all except
me; but, after all, I did not rezret it so muchms' it

me to work to devise methods to strike you the
most malignant, soul-torturing blow man could do:
vise. [shadowed you, when you little dreamed of
it, and tool: note of 'our devotion to your chil-
dren, resolved througi them to consummate my
scheme.

“Although you may not be aware of the fact, I
now have, and long have had in my employ a num—
bei-of. people, who, so long as they are paid well,
are not afraid of w rk so long as it is strictly honest
and honorable. Of course they would not stoop to
do any other kind of Whrk. Well, by working
things nicely, I enticed your daughters to Philadel-
phia, and one of them, by some inexplicable acci-
dent, came to her death. Knowing how bitterly
you would be opposed to having her remains gut
under the sod so far from you, I was though in]
and considerate enough to have them cremated. in
order that theye uli be more easily transported '
hither. I have tbem'with me now securely put up
in n silver jar, bearing a, label, 525, . ,

“Your ,' oungvst daughten, unfortunately, escaped
my giiai'c innsliip, and «as returned to you by a
boy, who hns, ere now, passml beyond his sphere oi:
usefu'ues; in this world. And, at the some time,
your daughter is my captive. And thus my revenge
is accvunplisiicd. Steve Rogers. and it is very sweet.

“ It is my desire to cl so iipbusiuess in these parts
with all dispatch possible, as l have interests de-
manding my attention elsewhere. M qtdes, nave ‘
already gone in advance of me. an I shall fol-
{9w us soon a: we conclude our monetary tmnsac< ,

ions. '

“ Your daughter Lillian I do not propose to kill.

, unless itbeeonies necessary, as my appetite for re-

venge can be satinted without murder. She is yours
again—for a price.

sand dollars. For that sum you can have back
you daughter, and the silver jar—and not for one
cent less.

“ I. will be useless to parley. The mom , or the
ashes of the dead shall be Scatte‘ed to t e winds
and the living daughter shall be lost to you braver“. .
These are t ,e only terms. .-

“Follow the appended directions if you wish to‘
receive your treasures bsc . Lenve your place at
five o‘clock to-iii ht, and wa k to the Biz Bear ledge
overlooking the alis of LittlcPainlcr cataract. You
know where it is, for you have been there; Bring '.
no one with you, under penalty of not only your own
llie hut that of yourtinuzhter.

“ When you reach the ledge. and I am perfectifi
satisfied that you are alone and no one near, I wt
appear to you, receive the ransom money, deliver
up your daughter and the jar, and imaging you cov-
ered, retir i forever from your sight an this region.
If not satisfied that you are alone, I will not appear,
out you will be shot dead, and robbed, and our
daii'rhter and the jar cast over the precipice. but
will he the end.

“So take your choice. The moon will shine on ‘.
Big Bear ledge at nine o'clock, and I shall look for 
you at that hour. ~

“ Ti'lumphnntly yours, . ,'
" Sufi. Summon."

What must the all—wise Ruler think of it. I
man with a soul so scarred With sin? 2

CHAPTER XIV.
CONCLUSION.
, Poon old Steven Rogers! .
lie perused the terrible letter, in o dazed a
1 sort of way, and yet only too clearly coins ..

 

‘ prehtnded it all—that Slaughter, indeed, had

 

increased in y hatred for you a. hundred told. and. set . V

“You have in bank, at Boise City, fifty-eight them. I I I.

,'

triumphed in his revenge and was now the
master.

Five o’clock soon came and Yale had not

et put in an appearance, at the cottage; so
Knowin of nothing better to do, Rogers

, mounte his horse, and set off into the moun-
tains, on his journey to the Little Painter cat-
aract, a turbulent creek that leaped down
the mountain-side, and, flowing out: upon a.

' wide shelving: rock, fell, in a, silvery sheet,
intb a basin, fifty feet below.

Mr. Rogers had been there‘before, pros-
pecting, and knew just how to reach it.

' It was a tedious journey through labyrin-

thino’mountain-passages, and it was full
nine o'clock ere he set foot upon the ledge,
which Slaughter had named. in his letter.

The moon sent a dim flood of light down
upon the rugged set-no; the water flowed
swiftly over the precipice, anti went roaring
down. into the depths, below. '

As Rogers stepped upon the ledge, from
the tortuous path, which led to it, adecp
commanding voice cried out:

“ Stephen Rogers, fold your arms and
haltt' ~

The speculator obeyed, and the next mo-
ment Slaughter stepped out from behind a
projecting spur of rock and confronted him.

“Ah! you are punctual,” the villain said,
eying the old man, venomously. “ll/ho
did/you bring with you, sir?"

“If you have kept track of my move‘
ments, you monster, you know that I came
alone.”

“ Correct.
,ing the truth, if nothing more.
brin the money?" ,

‘ ‘." did."

“So . I am, aware. You went. to Boise in
advance of mylettcr. anticipating what my
- demand would be. That was kind of you.
as I am in somewhat of a hurrytoget out of
this part of the country, so deliver.”

“I must first see my daughter, and the
vase!" Rogers replied, stcrnly.

“ Without reply, Slaughter hacked behind
the spur, keeping the revolver in his grasp,
ready for instant use.

_In a moment he returned, loudlan Lily,
and carrying the jar. which he placed at her
feet, as he brought her to a standstill.

" There, sir, is‘ your daughter and the jar.
Now, the money!’

Rogers drew a large bundle of bills from
his pocket, and tossed them to the scoundrel,
who caught them with one hand, still main‘
taining rcvolverguard with his other.

' “Now, then. Stephen, my revenge being
complete, Iwill bid you adieu forever,” he
said. as he began hacking behind the ledge.

'Scai'cely were the words out of his mouth,
v :,‘however, when a boyish figure sprung from

I will give you credit; for tell
Did you

‘Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

 

behind the spur, and with a blow from a
club, knocked the revolver from Slaughter‘s
grasp, at the same time making a. dash to se-
cure it. -

Quick as aflash, and with a snarl not un~
like an infuriated panther, Slaughter seized
his new adversary, and endeavored to hurl
him into the falls; but with the tenacity of a
twenty-horse power leech, the bby clung to
him—for it was Kit—and a desperate strug-
gle ensued. Mr. Rogers seeming suddenly
powerless tointerfcre, while, as for Lily, her
lands were tied behind her back.

Nearer and nearer to the edge of the preci-
pice the two foes writhed.

Then—hark!

A rifle report!

Slaughter staggers. falls—goes. over the
precipice, carrying Kit with him, just: as
Yale Rogers leaps upon the ledge.

Slaughter-’3 body and that of Kit were re-
covered in the basin, many feet below. The
rutllan was dead. and his body was at. once
cast. into the torrent by the detective, who
soon reached the spot.

In Kit's bodya spark of life was found .
to remain. and this was slowly nursed into a
flame, until the boy was able to be conveyed
back to Bed Rock, where of course he re-
ceived the best care that money or kindness
could produce. ' '

it was weeks, however, before he was able
to sit up, or understand what had happened—
weeks of mental and physical suffering, such
as many a constitution less rugged than his
could not have endured.

At last, he “came around all ri ht,” and
was then first told of all that lad hap-
pened, after his terrible plunge over the
precipice.

Slaughter-’3 three companions had been
found dead in a cabin in the mountains. and
their bloated condition proclaimed that they
had come totheir death by poison, which, no
doubt, had been administc.ed by the prince
of fiends incarnate—Slaughter.

Cassie’s ashes had been buried.

News from Chicago had been received to
the effect that; McGill and his confederates
had been let out on bail, but had “skipped”
and were then at large. I

And Yale? Oh! Yale had returned East,
weeks before, and a letter had been received
from him, announcing his good health, in-
quiring after Kit, and sending word that he ,
was to be married insidcof a twelvemonth.
to a Miss Dorrtt Darling.

And Lily? Kit brightened perceptibly,
as he inquired about her.

Lily? Why she! had accompanied Yale as
far East as a certain young ladies' seminary,
where she would remain two years, to finish

 

Kit, the Bootblack Detective.

 

her education. She also had written, and
sent her kindest regards to Kit. .

“And. now, my dear boy,” Mr. Rogers
said, when, a few days inter, the young hero
was able to be up and about, once more in
good health—“now. Kit. [ want to know
how much I am indebted to you for the
noble work you have done, for myself and
family. The money Slaughter would have
got, but for you, I have already placod in
the bank to yourcredit. and anything else
you name I will endeavor to do for you! ’

“Mr. Rogers!” the Bootblack Detective
returned, “ i want neither money nor other
compensation for the service I have been
able to do, nor will I accept it. Some day,
when I have made my mark in the world.
and stand on equal footing, both socially and
financially, with her whom you have sent be-
yond my rcach—then,I will claim my re-
ward!"

N0 argument could clrlngc his mind. His
resolution was fixed and us firm as adanmnt;
and the very next day. with his blacking—box
slung to his, back, and a. feeling of injured

ride gnuwmg at his heart, he boarded the
rain, and left Boise City. perhaps forever.
TIIE END.

/

 

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‘ 2339 Ben‘s Big: Hm 

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Strum Man. By Edward S. Ellis.
or. James Jumper

the New York Gmnin. By Charles Morris.

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218 Giant George‘s Paul; or. Arizona Jack, the

Tenderfoot. am.
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Ba-Edward Wills-fl. /

H.252 Denver Doll‘s Device: or, The Detective Queen.

X.

By Edward L. “'1: zlor.
.253 The Bov 'l‘cmlerfooi .V Roaring Ben Bondy of
. Colorado. By Cunt. Mark \\’ii on.
254 Black Hills Ben; 01'. Dutch Jun on the Wars
\ Path. Ily Muj. Lewis \\'. Carson.
r255 Jolly Jim. Detective; or. The Y 1mg Protege‘s

- * Victory. By Char ion .

$16, Merle Monies Irst- Orr or. The Sea Robber
at . By _Coi. Prcn'iss iugrtdiam.

25 The oyChief of Rocky Pass; or. The Young

California Fords By Maj. E. L. St. Vmin.

358 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Who ‘ler.

25!) Little Foxeye. the Colorado Spy. By Oil Coomes.

260 Skit. the Cabin Boy. By Edward Willem

261 Blade. the Sport or. the Giant of Clear Grit
Camp. By T. C. Herbaugh. ' ‘

262 Billy, the Roy Rover. By Col. P. raham. .

£63 Buster Bob‘s Buoy; or. Lige. the ' immune

By Capt. J. F. 0. Adams.

or, Big Buckskin the

Keeper.
.264» Denver . Doll‘s Partner;
- ,. Sport. By E. L. Wheeler
7265 Billy, the Baggage Boy; or. The Young Railroad
' Detective. By Charles Morris.
W'Guy's Bo Chum; or, The Forest Weir's Mask.
\‘By Com. mswck.

 

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up Mine.” By Bucks . in.
268 The Dead Shot Dandy; or. The Rio Grands
Marauders. By 001. Prentiss Ingrahum.
269 The Quartzville Boss; or, Daring David Darke.
By Edward \V‘illett.
270 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss.
By E. L. Wheeler.
271 Ebon Jim’sTcrror; or.RangerRainbolt’sRuso.
Bv 0 l Uonmcs.
W2 Kit. the Girl Detective. By T. C. Barbi-nigh.
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274 Dead Shot llandy‘s Double; or. 133111“). the Boy'
Pal-d. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
275 Fred. the Ocean Waif; or, The Old Sailor‘s
Protege. By Charles Morris.
276'Dendwood Dick Trupagl; or. Roxey Ralph‘s
Ruse. By Edward L. eeler.
277 The Idiot Boy Avenger" or. Captain Wild-Cat‘s
Big Game. By Albert W. Aiken.
278Arlzona Alf, the Miner; or, Little Snap Shot's
Luck. By T. (J. Harbaugh.
279 Colorado Jack. the Tiger; or. The Ghost of the
Trailer. By Frederick Dewey.
280 Dead Shot Dandy‘s List Deal; or. Keno Kit‘s
New Role. liy Col. Prentiss Ingralmm.
281 Ned. the Boy Pilot; or, The Pirate Lieutenant‘s
Doom. By Jack Farragut.
282 Buck Hawk. Detective; or, The Messenger Boy‘s
Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler.
283 Roving ngrt Kit; or The Ghost of Ghuckaluck
Cam ). v Edward Willett.
284 The ‘howman’s Best Card; or. The Mad Animal
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285 Old Rocky‘s Para; or, Little Ben's Chase. By
Buckskin Sam.
286 Dick, the Dakota Sport By Charles Morris.
287 Ned. the 80 Ski per; or, The Sea Sorceresu‘
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288 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise' or, Wild Walt, the
' S mort. By Edward L. Whee er.
289 olorado ick, the Lassoist', or, Old Si‘s Protege.
By Major H. B. Stoddard.
290 Rube, the Tenderfoot' or, The Boy’s of Torpedo
Gulch. By Major E. L. St. Vrain.
291 Peacock Pete. the. Leadvillc Snort: or, Hawk, the
Bass Minor. By Albert- W. Aiken.
 Joe Morey. the Nizhtrfiawk; or, The Black
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293 Dwarf Jake. the Deteclive: or. Kit Kenyon’s
Man Hunt. By Edward Willeft. v
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296 Govlnda. the Tiger-Tamer; or, The American
Horseman Abroad. By Captain F. Whittaker.
297 Arizona Giant Gear e; or. The Boyees of Sardine
Box City. By Buc kin Sam.
298 Daisy Doll’s Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Paras.
By ’1. C. Harbungh. »
299 The Balloon Detectives or, Jack Slasher's
Young Paul. By Barry Hinton.
300 Deadwood Dick’s Mission. B ‘E. L. Wheeler.
301 gaudy Duke, the Cowboy. y Major E. L. St.
mm.
302 Big Benson‘s Bet. By T. C. Harbauirh. (
3&3 The Hotel Boy Detective; gimme GrandC'entral
Robbery. ByChm-les Mo 8.. ' _
304 Bald Head’s Par-d; or, Creeping Cat’s Cunning.
By Buckskin Sam. I .
305 Dusky Dick's Duel; or, The Demon’s Trail. By
Barry Hazard. ,
306 Spntter Fritz; or, The StoreDetecuve‘s Decoy. w
By E. L. Wheeler.
807.Niclr, the Bot‘y S on; or, Three Plucky Paras. By
Maj. E. L. S . rain. -
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Giant. By Jon. E. Badger, r. . i
309 Old Graybeard’s Boy; org-The Girl‘s Ruse. By
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BBADLE’S POCKET LIBRA

 

310 Kit, the Girl Ca thin; or, The Mad Sailor’s
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311 Erie Fred in Texas. By Bucxskin Sam.

312 The Detective RoadAgent- or. The Miners ol'
Sassafras City. By Edwarc L. Wheeler.

313 Honest J ack‘s Protege; or, The Dwarf's Scheme.
By Philip S. Warne.‘

314 Clip. the Buy Sherilt- or. The Two Crooks of
Montana. liy Edward ‘Villett.

315 Tom. the Arizona. Sport; or, Howling Hank from
Hard Luck. By Major E. L. St. Vroin.

316 The Street-Arab Detective; or, Dick Demon’s
Do ihle Dealing. .By Charles Morris.

817 Buckskin Ben of Texas; or, Single-Eye‘s Plucky
Fords. By Buckskin Sum.

818 Colorado Charlie‘s Detective Dash;
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880 The Denver Sport’s Racket; or, Kit‘s Big Boom.
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382 thota Dan in Canyon City; or, Colorado Kate's
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333, Boothlack lion, the Detective; or, Pooler Jim
and His Para. By Anthony 1’. Morris

834 Frisco Tom on Deck; or. The Golden Gate Smug-
glare. By George Henry Morse.

8315 Ben Bandy the Boss Paul; or. The Plucky
Person.‘ll5. . Slanfey Henderson.

336 Fred the S art. in Brimstone Bar Camp; or,
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_ Wheeler.

337 Daisy Dave. the Colorado Goloot; or, The Boss
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838 The Gold Bar Detective: or Iron Ike, the Solid

‘ Man. By Major E. L. St. rain. '

339 Rardo. the Boy Glypsy; oi', Reckless Rolf‘a Re-

volt. By Will. G. atten.

340 Billy Bubble‘s Bilg Score; or, Tim, the Tramp.
By Charles Morr s. *

or, The

341 Colorado Steve's’Daeh; or. Old Bunco'mb‘i Sure

Shot. By Philip S. Warns.

 

342 Sun shot Sam; or, Ned Norris
Buc skin Sum. _ I '

343 Mike, the Bowery Detective; or, Peleg i’mn
of Vermont. By Edward L. Wheeler. .  A

344 The Drummer S ort; or, Captain Dasher'a Droll
Dilemma. By dwm'd Willctt. . C ' ~ :

315 Jaques, the Hardpan Dotoctive; or, Coptiiu
Frisco, the Road-Agent. By J. C. Cowdrick. ‘

346 Joe. the Chicago Arab; or, A Boy of the Times.
By Charles Morris. '

347 Middy Herbert’s Prize: or, The Girl Captain
Revenge. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. , ‘

348 Sharp-Shooter Frank; or, The’Young Texan
Penis. By Buckskin Sam.  V

349 Buck. the Minor or, Alt. the Colorado Guide.
By Maj. E. L. St. rain. ‘ I

350 Ned, the Slob Cit Sport; or, The Detective’s
Big Scoop. By E. . Wheeler.

351 Rock Mountain Joe; or, Deacon Simplicity on
the \ 'ar Path. By 001. T. H. Monstery. v, -

352 New York Tim; or, The Boss «the Boulevard.
By Charles Morris. ~ '

353 The Girl Pilot; or, Ben, the Reef-Runner. By
Roger Smrbuck. '

354 Joe, the Boy Stage-Driver; or. Nick Hicken’
Cunning. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. _> _, ,

355 Texas Frank's Crony; or, The Girl Mustang
Rider. By Buckskin ham. .

356 Idaho Nwl. Detective; or. The Miners of Tarpo .
City. By Edward L. Wheeler. '

357 Guy, the Roy Miner; or. Rocky Mountain Bil
By Colonel Prentiss lngraham. * v

358 Jersey Joe. the Old Tar; or. The Wrecker'
Protege. By Mrs. Orin James. ~

359 Daml Dick‘s Dash; or, The Boy Cattle-Ki ’

v By 0 l Comes. .

360 Jim‘s Big Bonanza: or, Jake
Gang. By W. J. Hamilton. I

361 Oregon Phil, the Sport; or. The Marshal of Two
Bits. By Philip S. Warne. I , .

362 Kit. the Bootblack Dotective' or. Front
Philulelphia to the Rockies. 3;} Edward 1..
Wheeler. _ _‘ 4

363 TheOceanRacer: or, Trusty Tom, the Tar. >
T. C. Harhaugh. I y  . /

Fritz‘s Old Score; or,Slb Gene’s Right Bower

By Ned Buntllne. _ . v ' .

865 Crack Shot Hurry: or, The Masked Rider. B"
Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

366 Gold Dust Rock. the Whirlwind of the
By G. Waldo Browne.

Ready J nnuary 14. I I ’-
367 Fred’e Boll Game; or. The Cave Treasure. 15

Paul Bibhs. .
Ready January 21. ' V - ‘ i

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"364

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