TELEGRAPH TOM,” in No. 156 of this Library, 44 |

UZ NSS

— DASHING DIAMOND DICK— esas : S88
Lintered According to Act of Congress, in the Year 1892. by Street & Smith, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D.C
| Entered as Second-class Matter in the New York, N. Y., Post Office, November 2, 1895. issued Weekly. Subscription Price, $2.50 per Year November 2, 1895.

No 157, = |StReET & SMITH, Publishers, NEW YORK, 29 Rose St., N. Y. 5 Cents. : eee

esi oath i oo ee cls Set AS

~ Or, The Messenger Boy D

By CHARLES NORRIS.

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TELEGRAPH TOM WHIPPED OUT HIS REVOLVER AND COVERED THE TWO GREEN GOODS SWINDL}

 

etectivein NewYork. §§
2S NEW YORK FIVE

No. 157.

CENT LIBRAR Y..

 

 

 

TELEGRAPH TOMS TRAP:

The Messenger Boy Detective in New York,

By CHARLES NORRIS.

CHAPTER I.
AN ANCIENT GAME.

Just at dusk, one evening, a lad stepped from a
car of the Sixth avenue elevated road in New
York, at the Chambers street station, and leisurely
walked to the exit.

Unlike most of those who quitted the train he
seemed in no hurry.

Down the stairs he passed, throwing a glance at
the great mixture of trucks and wagons that can
always be witnessed at the junction of the thor-
ughfares.

Such scenes had attraction for him, but at pres-
ent he had other duties to engage -his attention.

Ahead of him, walked a tall, slim man, well
wrapped upina chinchilla overcoat—a man who
seemed to be taking life easy, and whose pockets
were doubtless well coated with money.

This was his game. The boy was watching this
party in a careful manner, and yet very careful

HOU tg excite suspicion

Did the tall gent happen to glance ar ound, thé lad
was gravely watching the exciting scene in the
street below, or else glancing at a penny evening
paper he held in one hand.

No one could very well suspect that lad of doing
any mischief. He looked as innocent as a lamb
gamboling on the green.

When he reached the pavement below, the man
worked his way through the vehicles, and continued
up Chambers street.

His pace was leisure itself.

Surely he must be a bond-holding aristocrat, or a

gambler, to take life so easy. No one else could |

find the battle with the world so light.

The boy had stopped.

Some one tapped him on the arm and a man who
had been lounging there—he looked like an Italian,
lately over, from the cut of his jib and the clothes
he wore, with brass ear-rings appended to the lobes
of his ears—said crisply:

“Back again, Tom?”

«Qn deck, sir,” replied the boy, cheerily.

“That’s your man yonder, is it?”

«That’s dad.”

“Let’s aoe leisurely. He looks like he is tak-
ing life easy.”

“Yes, I reckon he’s let up on the drink some of
late. Dad always was as sharp as a steel trap when
he let liquor alone.”

“Was a gambler then, in Chicago: r
se Yes. ”

 
   

“Well, he’s something more than tha:
York, though I reckon when the races are 0
summer season he can plunge down at Monmouth

is engaged in the green a business.”
“A swindler, of course.’

desire to be swindlers.
he has plates stolen from the Government, from
which he has printed some millions that can’t be
distinguished from the original; that for a certain
amount of money you can have ten times the
‘amount of stuff.”

“Generous, big-hearted, ain’t dad? If the stuff
is as good as the original why does he give it away
so freely, ten dollars for one?” laughed the boy,
watching that figure going up the street, all uncon-

scious of the derogatory remarks being made

behind his back.

“Oh! that’s their way; the men they dupe are
countrymen who want to be rascals and yet ain’t
shrewd enough. The fellow comes to town, meets
the generous swindler, who takes him to an obscure
room.

“There he counts out the amount to be sold in
genuine bills, for these fellows are well fixed, you
know. “Country” hands over his amount, receives a
satchel holding the boodle, is induced to lay it on
a table for a minute while he examines something
of interést.* A panel opens, hand is inserted, satchel
gone, but another identically like it is put in its
place, filled with brown paper.

“Now comes the alarm. Greeny hies to the train
and dares not look in his satchel until safe at home;
then what can he do? Itis a game as old as the
hills now, and yet there are daily victims caught in
Gotham.”

“So that is his game, is it?”

“ And I have oe appoinlupent with him at nine
to-night for you.”

“For me, Mr. Acres?”

“Yes; you are to represent one Hank Green,from
Bristol, Pa., a country lad whose father left you
a small a Discouraged at the slow prospect of
accumulating a fortune you have sold the farm,
and come on = five hundred dollars to invest.”

“Yes; go on.’

“fll give you directions later. It all has a bear-
ing on our business here as you’ll understand. We
have no need to follow this man any farther. I know
his haunts. What I’m after now is his business
up town. You stuck close.to him, Tom?” —

“1 ike @ burr.

“Well? With what result?”

“He got out of the Broadway car at the corner of

crowd passing by. One man came up to him at the
corner of University place and spoke a few words;

 

called out:

2

or over on Long Island at Sheepshead Bay equal to oe
the best of ’em. Just at present, however, your dad 2

“Well, yes, but he deals with men who have the :
His circulars pretend that

z a
Say z 5 tp se { 5 ik zat ee
In nnn ae Non a EE iN ome é
: ee

Fourteenth street, and walked west, looking at the _

I didn’t catch on but when they spare dad

   

 

 

  
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     
   
 
  
 
 
   

 

 

 

| «Py attend to him next. Engaged to-night,

~ eye for beauty, and I grinned to see him lookin’ at

 

young moocher like to take a hand?’ he said; but 1
playing, though one time I had been an inveterate
~ after him again away up to an old mansion in Har-

at Harlem you speak of is a den where a lot of men

~ gworn to murder the one who betrays their secrets.

NEW YORK FIVE

No, 157. a

 

‘CENT LIBRARY. ee 8

 

 

 

 

Phi.
_ “After that he walked on. Dad always had an

every pretty girl that passed, as though he would
flirt with them.

“That wasn’t his business up there, though, and
I felt sure something would turn up.

“He walked down Fourteenth to Sixth avenue
and entered a house.” :

“Look at this paper, there is a number on it. Does
it correspond?” :

The boy detective raised it close to his face, for
darkness was rapidly coming on. :

“It is the identical number, Mr. Acres,” he ex-
claimed, with some surprise.

 

CHAPTER II.
TELEGRAPH TOM ON DECK.

Bob Acres chuckled.

“Well?”

“I looked the house all over. It had a sign in
front which I took to mean that it was a French
restaurant, though, you know, my French has been
kind of neglected of late.

“ Anyhow I made bold to go in and ask if one
Jean Marti—I knew a fellow once who went by
that name—lived there.

“Well, they reckoned he did, but he wasn’t in
just then; wouldn’t I wait, and in the meantime
have a bite to eat?

_ “ZT reckoned I would. The Frenchman was so po-
lite, and besides I wanted to get a good look around
me, and wait for dad.

“During the time I sat there I counted no less
than four suspicious characters pass through the
place and into some back room.

“They all nodded to the proprietor, that was all,
and walked through the place as if they had a right
there.

“T reckon the Frenchman had sharp eyes, for he
noticed me watching, and came over to where I was
sitting. “

«They are having a little game in zere. Would ze

could see he was only feeling, and that if I agreed,
he’d make some excuse for backin’ down.

“J pretended toshrug my shoulders in the way
Jean sused to, and made out that I was no hand at

gamester.
“He laughed at that, and sauntered_ away, saying
something about my head being too old for my body.
“J gat there until dad came out, and then I was

lem, then down town. You know the rest, sir.”
“Tom, you’ve done well. Now, that old house up

meet to plot crime. They have formed a clique and

We may have occasion to look in on them yet, in
pursuit of the object that has brought us to New
York. Just now I’m after some supper.”

ce He’s gone.” e

“Your step-father, yes; I wanted to drop him.
After supper we’ll go to our rooms and I will dress
you up for the country boy, besides coaching you in
the work to be done.”

A restaurant was handy.

They dodged in. e

Here the Chicago detective ordered a couple of
chops, and presently they were enjoying their meal,
for Tom had barely eaten anything up in the French
testaurant, being more concerned over the room in
the rear.

From this place they made their way to a room
Acres had hired near by, and where he kept his
wardrobe.
Here he made Telegraph Tom, his faithful assist-
ant, into a very decent, gawky-looking country
boy, and instructed him in the line he was to travel.

It drew near nine o’clock.

“Time you were at the meeting-place, Tom.”

ce Vm off. 99 i ’

“You understand it all?”

“Reckon I do, mister.”

“T pin my faith on you, boy. Do your very pret-
tiest; fight a little shy, and I wager that by ten
o’clock you’ll be in their den.” ;

“Hope so.”

“Remember, when the time for action comes, I
won’t be far away, you bet. We're going to ring a
cold deal on the old man to-night or know the rea-
son why.”

He had suffered much from this same step-father
in the earlier years of his life, and he was human
enough to feel something of satisfaction now that
the chance had come to retaliate.

“Let me glance at your pop again, boy.”

Tom placed a revolver in his hands.

“In good order. Remember, the law is back of
you in this business. If he attempts violence, give
it to him lightly. There wasa Texan named Hol-
land who killed one of these swindlers in self-
defense. He was no detective either, yet a jury
acquitted the fellow.”

“T wouldn’t like to kill him,” with a shudder.

“No more do I want-you to, lad. That’s why I
said pepper him lightly; in the arm or leg as may
seem best. I don’t think you’ll have to shoot, as I
expect to be on deck with a cold’ flush, ready to
copper his king.”

Telegraph Tom went out.

The winter night was dark and gloomy.

It seemed a fit time for encountering such perils
as lay before him.

As a general thing these confidence men and-
green goods swindlers choose broad daylight for
meeting their victims, but it was arranged that
Hank Green, getting in over the Pennsylvania —
road at a little after eight should proceed at once

 

  

4

to the rendezvous, exchange the preconcerted sig- : :
    

 

4 NEW YORK HIVE CENT LIBRARY.

  

ua

 

 

nals, accompanying the supposed counterfeiter to

his den, and, buying his stock of the “stuff,” leave
before midnight for home. |

A quick job suited him best.

It also pleased the swindlers.

Tom reached the rendezvous.

He carried no satchel, had been warned not to do
so in advance, but any one could see at a glance
that he was a youth from the country, pretending to
be too smart for his station in life.

Walking up and down in front of Niblo’s Garden
theater, he waited to be accosted.

Some smart young chaps thought to have some
fun at his expense, but he answered their sallies in
such a way that they finally left him in peace, strut-
ting up and down with a cane in his hand as if on
- parade.

_ Aman was watching him closely.

At length he came up and said, quietly :

“Ts this Mr. Hank Green?”

“Yes, and you are James Mason, of West street.
I began to think you wa’n’t comin’, mister.”

He was face to face with his old enemy, his step-

father.

—__

CHAPTER ITIL.
“WILL YOU WALK INTO MY PARLOR?”

It was a peculiar meeting. Years had passed
since last these two faced each other. Tom had a
vivid remembrance that on this occasion his
drunken step-father had chased him out of the
house with a club.

Revenge is sweet.

He was now about to turn the tables on the
enemy of his youth, who had done so much to make
life miserable for him and the mother the boy had
doved.

“Glad to see you on time, Mr. Green. Come, I
have my office not a great way off. Let’s walk
there. Wecan talk as we go.”

“I’m agreeable, mister. This here’s a big ven-
ture tome. If I wasn’t so dead sartin of makin’
, a pile ’'d go mighty slow, for ye see this here
money,” slapping his breast-pocket affectionately,
“is all I have in the world.”

“You'll swim in riches. Few have the pluck to
accept of the chance. Nearly all are timid, you see.
They’d do the thing any day, and worse, if they
could be assured there was no danger. To the
brave belong the spoils. You are the one in a
thousand whom fortune has selected as a favorite.
In future years, young man, you will bless me as
your benefactor, as the one who gave you a start in
life. All I ask in return is that you too assist some
poor young man to climb the ladder. You see, I’m
something of a philanthropist—believe in doing my
fellow creatures good.”

In this delizhtful strain the silver-tongued swin-
dler beguiled the time away. ~

As they walked along arm in arm he called his

very agreeable company.

he might have no suspicions.
The boy enjoyed it all.
He played his part to perfection.
Even had this man met him undeér ordinary cir-

cumstances, he could have had no suspicion of the |
truth, the boy had changed so from the small lad

he eed to kick and cuff.

For years Tom had prayed to meet him.

There were certain questions concerning his past
that he desired to put to Addison Wells, and he

hoped to learn | aon. concerning his own
‘father.

His mother had never said much about him, and

her tongue. Then the thought came that perhaps
learning something definite that had started him
upon the trail of this man.

He knew.

Would he disclose the secret?

It was Tom’s hope that fear would make in
tongue wag—fear of the law.

“Here we are, Mr. Green.”

They had halted in front of a somber building
not a great distance from Union square, in a quiet
side street.

“Come, let us go in.”

The country boy looked up and down the street.

“JI—don’t know—perhaps I better wait.”

“Nonsense! Hesitation now means lost forever.
The golden opportunity is within your grasp. Will
you be a fool and fail to seize it. Besides, remem-

ber, when you have examined my goods, unless”

you are satisfied in every particular you needn’t
buy.
store on Broadway and use it. That will convince
you that the goods are equal to the original, even
in any bank.”

“TI know, but you see I’d rather——”

“Oh! well, it doesn’t matter. Go back to Bristol,
Mr. Green; only when you hear of some neighbor
of yours suddenly growing rich, while you continue
to farm poor land, don’t complain and say fortune
never gave you achance. Shall I show you the
way to the ferry?”
His change of tactics seemed to succeed.
“Mister, Pve decided.” ne f
“To do what?” quietly.

“To be a rich man.”

“Well, you show your good sense,” kobe the ~

swindler, without showing any undue excitement
about it. “Come with me, and I’ll make your eyes
shine and your heart light, ti
Tom had heard a signal down the street that ne
him Bob Acres was near by. | i
He followed the green goods man.

 

-companion’s attention to many things, and proved

  

middle of the house, and ascended a et of stairs.

It was. to a ee
again, the voice of the siren lulling the poor mar-
iner on life’s stormy sea to slumber, in order ot a

the more Tom pondered over the matter the desper
| became his conviction that it was shame that held

his father might not be dead, and it was the hope of ~

I give you leave to select any bill, go toa

They entered an open hall that’ ran fave the, -

 

ie

 

   

 

  
     
     
a pants of the house might be.

he

 

 

_ other packages are the same; in all ten thousand;

s.7

- to tremble with excitement.

* about to enter its web.

ne out a ten-dollar bill, and compared it with those of
) the package.

break in and steal.”

‘Mr. Green.”

No. 167. ‘

  
 
 

 

NEW YORK FIVE CENT LIBRARY. 5

 

Up. they went to the top floor.
A dim light burned in each hall.
All seemed quiet around them, whoever the occu-

Winter,”

The swindler unlocked a door, making quite an
undue amount of noise, but Tom understood well
enough the purpose of this; it was to awaken his
» tool in the adjoining room if he should chance to be
asleep.

“It’s best to be careful. Ill bolt the door. You
see I keep a million or so here, and thieves might

The gas burned low.

He turned it up.

Tom glanced around.

_ The room was an ordinary apartment, with some
plain furniture, a table shoved against the division
wall, anda door that led into the adjoining apart-
ment.

In one corner was a trunk.

Addison Wells unlocked this, and brought into
view a small leather satchel or hand-bag of russet
leather.

He laid this on the table.

“Pardon me, Mr. Green, but are you something
of a judge of money?” he asked.

“T allers said as how I could tell a counterfeit as
far as I could see it,” returned Tom.

“Glad of it. What do you think of that?”

 

CHAPTER IV.
THE TRAP.

_ As the green goods swindler spoke he suddenly
opened the hand-bag.

It contained several packages of bills neatly tied
together.

Carelessly he picked up one and broke the seal
that secured the paper.

“You see this is marked one thousand. It con-
tains one hundred notes of ten dollars each. The

just the amount you dicker for. Examine them,

Tom took the package with a cols that seemed

He lreld his breath.

Caressingly he passed his fingers ¢ over each green-
back, and intently examined them, while the swin-
dler watched him as a spider might a fly that was

A contemptuous sneer could be seen about the
corners of his mouth.
_ He felt no pity for the poor fools who came into
his net ; only contempt. —

“Well, what do you think of them?” at last.

“Wonderful, wonderful!” :

Tom, as part of his programme of caution, took

| wait——

“Bless my soul, if this got mixed with ’em I
couldn't tell it apart.”

“Of course you couldn’t, nor could any one else,
Mr. Green. Why, those eee are really genuine. I

around to Broadway and spend it. That would con-
vince you.”

“That beats all.
five hundred cash?”

“Those are my terms. I want to help out the
Farmer’s Alliance idea, and make money cheap in
the country Whatdo you say? a
1 Why, it's a 20,”

“You buy?”

“Well, I-just reckon. The old farm was worth
somethin’ after all. Let’s see, ten packages of a
thousand each; that’s the sum, ain’t it? 1 say, mis-
ter?

66 Yes. 99

“T can’t hide all that boodle round in my pockets.
Why, I'd excite the suspicion of every rascally cop-
per in town.”

“That’s so. - Let me see.
tomer, and will either come again——-”

“You bet I will.
money again if you saw it, I reckon.”

“T was about to remark, Mr. Green, that I would
let you have this hand-bag.”

‘Bully.’

“You can shut it up, so, and the lock catches.
When you get home, cut it open.”
“Mr. Mason, you’re a brick, and I m arich man.
Won’t I cut a figure with the gals. Ill buy the
finest farm within ten miles of Bristol, and they
won’t larf a Hank Green for a fool agin. Now I’m
ready to go.”
He stood there gripping the hand bag tightly in
his left hand.
“Don’t be in a hurry, friend. I’ve something to
show you that will interest you. Since you are in
the business perhaps you’d like to see the plates
used in printing. Hold these packages of bills, ten
thousand in each, lay your bag down on the table.
The door’s locked and everything is safe.”
“Much obliged, but you-see I’m in a hurry to
ketch the train. Another time I’ll be glad to
” tumbling the dummy packages on the
floor, and still clutching the valuable satchel in his
hand.

The swindler scowled. - :
Perhaps he began to smell a rat. At any rate
Hank Green was not so much of a simpleton as his
name indicated. To effect his object the man a pause
adopt another method.

He sprang up.

Telegraph Tom had meanwhile backed to the
door and clutched the bolt. 4

“Hold on there, you fool, don’t dare to leave this
room until I give the word.”

“Why not, mister?”

 

“The house is watched.

wish you’d pick out any bill you choose and go’

You offer this hull amount for:

As you are a good cus- ©

Say, you couldn’t tell this here

I’ve just received a sig- >

  

   
  
   
 
    
 
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
  
     
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
      
      
  

        
 

NEW YORK FIVE

CENT LIBRARY.

 

 

- police are coming down the street to arrest me. I
shall escape over the roof. Unless you want your
name to figure in the police reports to-morrow you'd
better make up your mind to go with me. I wouldn’t
do this for eyeny one, but you’re a good fellow, and
you trusted me.’

The country lad grinned.

He did not seem to be dreadfully alarmed over
the dire prospect ahead.

“Reckon I can hide in the halls and give ’em ‘the
slip. Going to try it anyhow,” and he made a move
to open the doer. >

This was the last straw on the camel’s back. The
swindler realized that his game was lost. unless his
last card was a success.

He had failed to influence Green to lay the hand
bag on the table for a minute, so that his confeder-
ate in the next room could change it for the one
filled with brown paper.

At the same time he was determined that his
intended dupe should not walk out of that room
with the satchel containing the good money.

Before he would allow that he would show fight
and choke the greenhorn.

Hence, he advanced inion his counte-
nance showing deep anger.

At the same moment the connecting door between
the rooms flew open.

In walked the confederate, a dark faced, evil vis-
aged man, who looked as though he would not hes-
itate at any crime providing he could hide it from
the police.

Telegraph Tom was equal to the occasion.

He whipped out his revolver, and covered the two
green goods swindlers.

“Stand back, gentlemen,” he said, quietly, “or I
reckon some one will get hurt.” -

ot

CHAPTER V.
CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL.

Telegraph Tom had sprung his trap. At sight of
the revolver in his fone the two rascals started
back. a

They remembered the fate of the man who had
tried to swindle Holland and that the latter had
been adjudged innocent.

It was a one-sided game.

- “Hold on here, you mad boy; in three minutes
the officers will be here and we'll all be gobbled.
Let us escape anyway.”

“Bosh! don’t flatter yourselves that I ain’t on to
your game. I never saw Bristol.”

“What?”

“Never lived on a farm.”

“ Ain’t you Hank Green?”

“Youre both Pea Green, I reckon. My name’s
Telegraph Tom, from Chicago. ‘I went into this,
thing to beat two fools, and I’ve done it.”

   
 

nal from a confederate outside that a squad of

“Good what?’
“Green goods man — what say — join us? ex-

much taken wiin the boy’s courage and the clever
way he had acted his part.

Tom laughed.

“Much obliged for the compliment; but | can’t
accept. I’m already in business in the detective
lime.

“A detective, a boy detective, Foneenee |
“You'll find it the truth. As for you, Number
Two, just step back into the other room and shut
the door; I want to have a talk with this party, Mr.
Addison Wells. He

The latter individual gasped for breath.

“Who are you, boy?”

“Do you hear me, fellow? Go back in your den
yonder. I am not alone,” as tke door quietly
opened to admit the passage of a man, who, despite
his ragged disguise was no other than the detective,
Bob Acres.

The dark faced man hesitated no tonece but put
the door between himself and his enemies, locking
it in order that he might the better escape ae the
other apartment.

Thus Addison Wells was left alone with the
senior and junior detectives.

His face expressed alarm.

He looked at the lad in a puzzled way, but it was
evident that light had not yet dawned upon his
mind.

Telegraph Tom faced him.

“Do you remember me?” he asked.

“T do not.” be

“We have met before.”

“J think you are mistaken, boy.”

“The last time I saw you was when you fon
through a window trying to get at me with a club,
and came near breaking your precious neck.”

“You—Tom!” ~

“Yes, 1am the same Tom Smith you abused as a
child. My hour has come.”

The man looked amazed.

“Why, Tom, my boy, who would have believed
it possible. I am rejoiced in your good fortune,
with all my heart.”

“Indeed !”

“Come, let by-gones be buried. I was rough with
you, boy, but it was the demon drink that made me
so. Ihave given that up forever now.”

“ And gone into a business e deceiving innocent
country boys.”

“Innocent! No innocent person comes to me,
Tom. Every one would bea rogue. I teach them
a lesson and thus save many froma life of crime.
You see the philosophy of if.

humor. :
“We won’t discuss that now, Addison. Wells.
You are ina bad hole. We can have you shut Apse

 

“Confusion! boy, you ah make a good ’un.’

 

term.” oe 2 ie

claimed the dark faced man, who seemed to be —

Tm nothing if not
philanthropical,” with a broad grin at his own

convicted, and send ie to the penitentiary for a o :

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

}
a

 

re

 

   

 
   
   
   

 
  

 

re

< gas?

 

. No it

ve changed my looks and he didn’t know me.”

‘ ber.

Broadway and Chambers.

- sity, straigntened himself up like a anes on dress
parade. :

 

NEW YORK FIVE

CENT LIBRARY.

 

 

- “Doubtful,” he muttered. oo

“Well, I’m going to give you a chance to get out
of this scrape. You knew my father.”

At this the man started and gazed fixedly at his
young captor. —

“ Answer me,’

“Yes, I knew him.”

“Was his name Smith?”

“Tt was—not.”

“Let me hear it then.”

“You promise to let me off scot free if I tell you
what little I know?”

ey] do. 29

“Then I'll ppcak: but I don’t want to ever face

thatman. I reckon he’d kill me.”
“Is he alive?”
«VY es,”

“How do you know this?”
“T’ve seen him on Broadway more tkan once, but

“ Alive and in New York—my father!”

‘It's truce.”

“Tell me—his name.”

« Andrew Craig.”

The detective looked ae interested as
though he knew the name.
- Perhaps this was so.

“What is he?”? pursued Tom, his whole face
radiant with the hope of meeting the father he had
never yet seen, at least since he was able to remem-

“A very wealthy lawyer.”

“Has he—married again?”

“Oh, yes, and has a family, I believe.”

This made Tom feel queer. The idea of his hav-
ing some half brothers and sisters was such a
strange thing to the lad who had been alone so long
on the streets of Chicago, with not a relative in the
world that he knew of.

“Do you know his address?”

“He has an office in the Stewart building at
His house is somewhere
on Lexington avenue near Thirty-fifth street.”

Tom would not forget.

He was disposed to be generous.

“Shall we let him go, Mr. Acres?”

The detective rubbed his nose thoughtfully.

“JT would like to ask him a few. Pardon me, Tom,
if I bring out unpleasant truths, but you ought to
know all. Attention, oe v7

CHAPTER VI.
TOM FINDS HIS FATHER.

Addison Wells, gambler, swindler, and Jack-of-
all-trades where unprincipled cunning was a neces-

He reesonized a “master in Bob Acres.
las a ring in the detective’s tones that

It meant business every time.

“Go on with your questions,” he said.

“You ran away with Andrew Craig’s wife. Is:
that not the truth?”
Wells glanced a little apprehensively at Tom as:
though he feared lest the lad might undertake the
vengeance his father had failed to inflict. _

“Yes, but with her consent,” he admitted.

“Craig was young and poor. You had money
then. You pretended to be his friend, and finally
fled with his wife. He hunted for you a long time,
meaning to kill you both; finally a new face caught,
his fancy. He had no trouble getting a divorce in
Chicago, and married again. He has only one
regret; that he never knew what became of his son,
the child Myra carried away with her.”

“Then he may be glad to see me,” said Tom.
“Perhaps. Years have elapsed. He has a younge
family about him. His wife will hate you on sight.
You must give him to understand that-you mean to
carve out your own future without his help.”
30 17do.”

“T have promised to be a father to you, Tom, my
boy. Don’t forget that. Now, my man, I under-
stand that you treated the wretched lady, who fled
with you, miserably up to her death.”

“Lay it to drink, sir. The demon had me in its.
clutches. Iwasa fool. But Idid the best I coulé
to repair the wrong. When we heard he had a.
divorce, I married Myra.”

Telegraph Tom was too young to realize the whole
nature of the disgrace that rested on his mother’s
name. He understood she had sinned, and deeply
repented, and that he had in his possession a sealed
letter she had given him on her dying-bed.to be
given to his father in case he ever met him.

It was not addressed. She had tried to tell him
the name, but the spasms of death had killed the
whisper.

So during these long years he had carried that
letter wrapped up, wondering if fortune would ever
kindly bring him face to face with this unknown
parent.

It was the dream of his life, and seemed about to
be realized.

He entertained a deep love for his poor mother.
The fact that she had sinned made her all the dearer
to him.
~ “Come,” he said to the detective, “let us get away
from here before I do him harm. I feel a devilish
spirit oe me urging me to avenge my father’s:
wrongs.”

Addison Wells shrank back in alarm, for the lad? s:
form seemed to grow visibly before his eyes, until
Tom looked like a giant.

It was fear that brought this about.

The detective was willing.

Turning to the swindler he spoke a few words
that caused the fellow much alarm, judging from
the manner in which he acted.

Then Bob and his protege left the den.

 

   

i would probably be many hours ere the torified

     
g a NEW YORK FIVE CENT LIBRARY.

No. 157 3

 

 

—

confederate mustered up enough courage to return

to the place.

“Where now?” asked Tom.

“T suppose you’d like to see your father?”

“T would.”

“There is something for me to do in the mean-
time. I'll appoint a rendezvous.
eleven if youcan. I’ll need you.”

Telegraph Tom readily agreed.

It was natural that he should wish to meet his|

father toward whom his thoughts had so often
turned.

He felt grateful to Bob Acres for throwing this
chance in his way, and hurried to the detective’s
room to change his attire.

The elevated was near at hand.

In twenty minutes he was on Lexington avenue|

near Thirty-fifth street.

How could he find out the right house?

A police officer came along.

Upon being questioned he pointed out a fine man-
sion near by as the lawyer’s abode.

Telegraph Tom had managed to change his gar-
ments and looked presentable.

Singular emotions took possession of him as he
stood there waiting to be admitted.

What would Lawyer Craig say?

All Tom wanted was a name, and this he was
determined to claim.

At last the door opened.

A servant stood there. _

«T have come to see Mr. Oraig——”

“ Ah, yes, you’re the clerk from the office as he
said would call. Come right into the library. You
‘see the young master and Miss Polly are having a
children’s party,” as they passed the parlor doors,
and Tom had a glimpse of about a score of finely
dressed children, with a few grown. ones, playing
games,

Through the hall door he had a glimpse of a long
table covered with cakes, candies, and all the ingre-
dients of a feast.

Tom did not envy them, only the possession of the
one thing he had come to ‘claim—a father.

The libra ry was a grand room.

Upon a wall he saw a picture that thrilled him—
the face of his mother in a painting.

His rhapsody was interrupted.

“Well, young man, can | do ae for you?”

His father stood before him.

Tom gazed at him hungrily.

“My business is very private, Mr. Craig.”

“Ah! [I will close the door. Now?”

“T wish to ask you a question, sir. After many
years hunting I have found you at last. Mr. Craig,
an the name of Heaven, I beg you to tell me the
truth. The lady whose face 1 see yonder was my
mother. Look at me.. Are you my father? Did
you ever have a child named Tom?”

A terrible silence followed.

CHAPTER VII.
HIDDEN RELATIONSHIP.

‘The well known and wealthy lawyer was deeply
affected.

He gazed into the face of the lad as though his
eyes would pierce him through.

“My long lost boy! What strange fatality is this?
Come to my arms.’

The father’s heart overruled all else.

Tom was clasped in a warm embrace and felt his
heart dae toward his parent.

, Meet me there by |

 

He told his story.

Knocks came to the door, but the lawyer called

out that he was busy and could not be disturbed.
just then.

Again and again he squeezed Tom’s hand.

He was proud to discover such a manly independ-

ent boy in his son, and read the determination to

succeed by the right means in the boy’ Ss expressive
face.

By degrees there came over his own countenance
a puzzled look.
He winced as jolly laughter reached his ears.
Tom understood.
He hastened to bring matters to a climax.
“Now that you’ve found me, father, what do you
intend doing?” he asked.
“There is only one path of duty open to me—that
is to acknowledge you before the world.”
i Tom’s heart warmed toward this man. He loved
im.

“But you have a wife and children whom you
love dearly.”

“Yes.” 4

“They have never known the true story about
my mother, or her picture would not be hanging
upon yonder wall.”

“That is true. I forgave her and they believe
Sa died. The story of ay shame is locked in my

reast.”

“If you call me your son it may cause ugly.

rumors to arise, and the truth i is bound to come out
sooner or later.”

“That is true, but my duty——”

“Father, I came here to see you, to discover
whether your heart yearned after me. I have found
it out and am satisfied. Now my course in -life is
set. I do not need help, as I have such a good
friend. -I-will come and see you and become ac-
quainted with your family. Let me be known as a
cousin, a son of your brother William, who died in
Europe, and left a smiall family.”

The lawyer’s face brightened.

“Ts this really your wish, Tom?”

<Y 6S, Sin”

“Tt would avoid all talk and scandal connected

with your poor mother.”

“That is why I do it.”

“But it does not seem fair by you.”

“With my consent it shall never be anything
else. I did not come here for that. I have found a
father. Ihave my true name at last.
while I may see you. Iam satisfied.”

“You are anoble boy. Ged bless you.”

“When I write it shall be as to an uncle.
can read between the lines.”

Just then he gave the lawyer Myra’s letter, and
which she had not even been able to address.

The great lawyer read her prayer for pardon,
and then wept like a child.

“She knows now I forgave even as I hope to be
forgiven,” he said, brokenly.

Soon he recovered his self possession. <

“Come, let me no to may wife and two
children.”

“T have but little time.
Still it will bea pleasure to know some one that
is related tome. I have never yet ee any one, you
know, uncle.” ~

He elanced at the lawyer’s face.

It showed signs of weeping.

Tom called his attention to tic fact, and directed

Once in a

« You

him how to remove this tell tale evidence of his a

recent emotion.

Duty calls me away. oS

The boy detective eos ee learned Poy

      

   
  
   
 
   
   
 
 
  
  
   

ee

 

 

 

 

 

     
 
  

 

 

 

ae

oe NEW YORK FIVE CENT LIBRARY.

 

ee ee

 

_ things through his association with a man so keen hook or by crook. Meanwhile, just now let’s turn

as Bob Acres. — . our attention to business.”
Finally they went into the other room. This suited Tom. He was in the humor for work,
Here Tom was introduced to a lady as his aunt. | and the sooner it came about the better.
She was a fine looking woman but with rather a| “Let me put you in possession of the facts,” said
- gevere face, and he saw that she cared much for) the detective. ie)
fashion. He pointed to the place near by.
“Then came a young boy and girl. The boy looked! “You see it’s the old manse you gave me the
like his mother, but Tom’s heart warmed toward|account of. That man is there.”
_ the girl. She resembled his father. “Addison Wells?”
fle could only spend avery short time in their) ‘Yes. His recent experience may have alarmed
society, but promised to call again if he had an| him, as a sawdust or green goods swindler, but he
opportunity. is interested in other games here in New York.

The lady seemed disposed to learn all about him,|I’ve been watching, my boy. This old_mansion
and although he skillfully parried her questions, he| away up here in the new section of New Yorkis a

saw that her curiosity was somewhat aroused, and) hot bed of vipers. A man I have for a long time ©
that before he saw her again he must learn more) desired to lay my hands on is at the head of the

about his uncle and his family, so as to be able to) nest.”
speak. Telegraph Tom was interested. Why not?

He had heard his mother say once that he had| His business was that of a detective now, and as
an uncle William, which was the way in which|such he must be concerned in all criminals and their
he came by the fact. : ways. _

He soon took his departure. The officer of the law deals in such things, but it

His father accompanied him to the door, and was| makes him none the less a man to be respected and
not content with squeezing his hand, but kissed him) honored—indeed he should be entitled to more than
good-by. ordinary respect since he is the guardian of the

Poor Tom. Tears came into his eyes as he hur-| city’s morals. .

ried away. Bob Acres continued:
He felé that awful lonesome experience of having) “This man is known as Harkley Harkness, and
no home. ~ he is certainly as big a rascal as we have ever had

Why should he be an outcast while his step-| in this country.
brother had everything that affection could give?

Then better feelings arose. ties many a time and is badly wanted. He is in
He felt sorry for the lad.- — disguise of course, but I recognized him, because
“JT wouldn’t be in his shoes for a good deal. Aj} we are old enemies.

mere bread and water. life; no excitement, no| “You may remember my showing you the mark

chance to work up in the world. I’m satisfied I’ve of a healed wound on my right arm?”

found a father, and there’s a place for me in his, “Yes.”

heart. Now for my work. I wouldn’t give it up| “He gave me that. I wasin the act of hauling

for any soft snap like that.” _ |him in when quick as lightning he drewa dagger
The young philosopher, with such thoughts in and aimed for my heart.

 

his brain hastened down town. | “The fellow lived in Corsica for a while and that’s
He began to wrestle with the elements that con- where he got the notion for using a stiletto.
fronted them in their COR “There was quite a flow of blood, but it was the
Would Bob expect him: ae shock of the wound more than anything else that
Quickly he changed his dress, and again issued| made me let go my grip.
forth as a street urchin, : “T fired after him but he made a plunge over the
Telegraph Tom was himself again. wall into the black Chicago river, and for a long

time I never knew whether he was dead or alive.
oe “That man is here. He is powerful and utterly
unscrupulous, so that in seeking to arrest him I feel

that I am undertaking a big contract; but I am in
ee ae just the humor for it. oe you ready to take the
THE STRANGE OLD HOUSE IN HARLEM. chances with me, Tom?”
- ‘Without delay he proceeded to the rendezvous) ‘The young detective immediately answered in the
appointed by the detective. affirmative. )
It was now nearly eleven. -| “Tt will be no child’s play.”
Much had been accomplished since night set in,' “I can understand that, sir.”
but there remained a considerable amount of work; “There is grave danger.”
to be done. ; “Shared with you I don’t think T’ll have any
When Tom neared the place he saw a slouching)| fear, Mr. Acres.”
figure hovering about the wall. Was this Bob? A grasp of the hand told the brave boy his com-
The man acted as though lying in wait for some) panion appreciated his worth.
one; but when Tom gave the signal agreed upon) “Come then, let us assault the castle. Tom.”

he answered it. While Tom was having his interview with his
Another moment and he was at Bob Acres’ side.| new-found father, Bob Acres had not been idle.

 

In low tones he told the detective what success had Having time on his hands before the hour appointed

come to him in his endeavor to find a father, and for meeting his young protege, he had been around

Bob squeezed his hand in commendation of his the suspected house considerably, discovering its _

course: 0) ee strong and weak points.
It pleased him to understand that the boy was in| Without unnecessary delay he led Tom to the
- love with his profession, and would not desert him point which he had selected for an attack.
\. for any other chance. ~~ Let us glance at the house.

“You'll..pever regret it, Tom. We’ll pull on’ It was an old building which stood there as a ~

 

    

 
  

‘and manage to make both ends meet by landmark. Thirty years ago it was alone in the

     

“Out in Chicago he has bamboozled thé authori- ©

 
 

 
  
 

AWG
  

 
  
  

10

NEW YORK FIVE

Noo ieee <7

CENT LIBRARY. -

 

 

 

midst of fields; these latter had gradually become
market gardens, and now fine rows of houses were
springing up allaround. Soon the old homestead
would give way to the march of improvement for
the land was growing too valuable to remain idle.

When this became the case, of course it must dis-|

appear, andin its stead would rise, Phoenix-like,
elegant modern dwellings.

Such a house was an ideal hiding place for a
shrewd gang of rascals engaged in some nefarious

business which they wished to keep from the keen}.
profitable to bring darkness upon the scene it could _

eyes of the police.

The house was run by aman and his wife, a re-
spectable looking old couple who had the appear-
ance of being amiable and honest, but who were in
reality as great a pair of criminal schemers as New
York ever knew. :

Their three sons lived with them.

The brothers bore no resemblance to one another,
but this never aroused suspicion.

As Mr. and Mrs. Delemater, the couple had re-
sided in the homestead for nearly six months.

The neighbors did not know them. -

At the nearest grocer’s Bob Acres had gained all
the information he could. - There is no better place
to pick up the gossip of the neighborhood, for the
grocer’s boy has free access to nearly every home,
and from the servants pick up many a choice mor-
pel of news.

What was going on inside that old house?

It was a-puzzle, but Bob Acres had. registered a

vow to solve it.

CHAPTER IX.
THE FAMILY THAT WORKED AT NIGHT.

They entered the grounds. There was little
trouble in doing this, even though the gate was
locked, for the wall was not very high, and both
were good climbers.

How dark everything was!

The cold night wind moaned among the leafless
trees, and their bare limbs looked like weird
scratches against the star-decked sky.

Near by the old pile of masonry loomed up. Not
a trace of a light could be seen.
~ There was no evidence that the inmates were all
locked in slumber, as honest people should be at
this hour of the might. « —

The house had heavy wooden shutters.

These were scrupulously closed every evening at
dusk by the man servant employed by the old
couple, and who no doubt was also a member of
the very clever clique of crime.

No light could be seen once these were closed,
unless a very clever examination were made, which
might reveal a few delicate threads above or below
_ the heavy blinds.

Bob Acres had found these traces.

He had done more.

Monkeying with the rear door he had found that
the key was in the lock.

A delicate pair of nippers inserted through the
keyhole, and grasping hold of the key, would turn
it and admit them.

It took the expert just three minutes to accom-
plish this feat.

If housekeepers were more generally acquainted
with this fact, and the ease with which a key can
be turned in the lock, they would see that their
doors were more securely fastened.

To remove the key after locking the door does no
- good, for most burglars carry a master key made
on the skeleton pattern.

 

~The best thing is a modern chain. Even bolts

can be pushed back by the ingenious methods of |
thread, wire and gimlet holes by the expert thieves
who frequent hotels.

As soon as the door was open they crept in.

Bob made things appear natural.

Around them all was black as ink, but this did
not bother the detective. .

He had a small bulls’-eye lantern under his coat,
ready for business.
Whiie using it, if anything occurred to make it

be readily accomplished.

All that was necessary was for him to press a |

button, as with the modern Kodak, and a hood im-
mediately closed over the face, shutting off all
Ulumination.

It was both ingenious and useful.

The detective never went without it.

Upon throwing the light around them they saw
the nature of their environs.

It was a kitchen they were in.
lay around in confusion, and apparently the people
of the house, with their man servant were anything
but models in the line of neatness.

This did not interest our friends.

Their business was of such a nature that they
could not stop for trifles.

Passing through they found themselves in a

dimly lighted room.
Beyond lay a hall-way and the stairs. |
“Wait for me here,” whispered the detective,
pushing Tom into what seemed to be a closet. —
Then he crept up stairs. .
He was gone quite a while.
Finally there was a scratching at the deor of the
hall closet, and Tom opened it.
“T’ve been all through the old rookery,” said Bob,
with a chuckle, “and strange to say, didn’t find a
living soul in it from attic down.

“There are bed rooms, furniture, clothing, and —

even lights turned down, but not a sign of a living -

soul. It beats the Dutch. Where in thunder are
these people that make night day”

“] think I know.” said Tom, quietly.

“The duse you do, boy. How’s that?”

“Well, you see, this here is a closet and again it
ain’t. I reckon it’s a way down to the cellar.”

“Qellar? I was wondering whether there wasn’t
such a place, but found no evidence of it. So_this
is the way down, is it. Let’s turn the light on and
see how the thing works.”

This was speedily done. —

They saw nothing at first, but could hear certain
sounds by placing their ears to the floor, that told
the story.

“Here it is,” whispered Bob. “A trap door.”

“Yes. Through it they probably reach a pair of

stairs or a ladder leading below. Just to think; the -

whole happy family is down below there, probably
doing the week’s washing, or something more
profitable.” ms

Mr. Acres chuckled while whispering this, but
his words had a solemn sound. That “something” —
was like the cloak of charity, it could cover a miut-
titude of sins.

~ Cautiously the detective raised the trap a little in —

order to investigate. | a
A faint light came from below.
Things looked favorable. _ -
He had Tom hold the trap

below the line of fiooring. —
A minute sufficed to give

idea as to how the land lay.
“You go down, first, Tom.”

  

Pots and pans ~

sun's

while ‘he bent his head |
him a tolerably good

get

  
  
  

 

  
 
 
 

   
  
  

     

 

 

 

 
  
 

hy No. 157.

Aen :
 “Tt’sa ladder. The stairs have fallen with age

a or been taken away at the time this was made into

') ~~ acloset ard the stairs shut off.” :
f 6 Yes. 99 : ‘i

The boy was agile, and with his legs he felt
around for the rungs of the ladder. When he had
found what he sought, it was no trouble for him to
lower himself, and once at the bottom he crouched,
awaiting Bob. .

The latter came without delay.

Time was precious.

Every second counted. |

Bob ¢élosed the trap above him, which was one of
his reasons for remaining to the last.

“Courage, Tom.”

“Oh! I’m all right, Mr. Acres,

boy.

” whispered th

.

GHAPTHER Xx.
TOM HAS AN EXPERIENCE.

Not satisfied with his answer, the detective too
hold of his hand.
‘True, the pulse was beating more rapidly than
was its wont, but that was nothing singular, since
his own had also increased.
~ He believed Tom was full of nerve.

“Mind your eye, and look to me for orders. Now
we'll look in upon this strangely industrious family
and see what concerns them.” —

NEW YORK FIVE CENT TABRARY. .

    

i

A current of fresh air above his head told him
that this difficulty had been bridged over in some ©
shrewd manner.

The thought simply flashed through his brain and
was gone, its place taken by more serious ones, |
hinging on the situation.

One man bent over a
signatures, signing checks,
amounts or raising others.

This man was known asamodern Jim the Pen-
man, and his wonderful exploits as torger and
check raiser had made him notorious.

It was almost impossible to trace the work to |
him, and yet, here and there it cropped out, and
bank officials had had more trouble over this in-
genious forger than all others combined, .

Beyond him another man also in his shirt sleeves
worked at a plate.

He was a steel plate engraver, once in the employ
of the government and capable of doing the very
finest of work.

The woman was counting a pile of greenbacks

desk engaged in copying
carefully erasing -

land in front of her lay a stack that contained a

small sized fortune.

Near by was another man, probably her husband,
for he had a gray beard, employed in giving the
bills an old appearance.

This was accomplished. by some ingenious
method, and when finished they would baffle more
than ordinary inspection. _

Near by stood a small press.

It was not being worked now.

 

Ail of which was whispered in the ear of Tele-
graph Tom, and made him think that the detective

relied upon him.
At the spot where they
A cellar, ij seemed more like a passage way.

had descended into the
Beyond

as the builder of a
would be apt to give to the space under his dwell-

ing. é

e those days each householder had to keep his,
winter’s supply of vegetables and food of all sorts
in his cellar.

Here was a department for roots, one for wines,

and others intended for various purposes. Thus,
a genuine old style cellar was arranged much after,
the style of a house. |

ek oe. There was plenty of light beyond.

oe The reason that their present. surroundings were
but dimly illuminated, could be laid to the presence
of the various division walls, which though pierced
with arched opening, served to intercept the light.

The two crept forward.

They found the passage was littered with boxes
and a variety of things, but these were not in the
way, and promised them a chance to hide by
crouching down, should some one come along while
they were thus occupied.

A little skillful generalship brought them toa
point where a view could be obtained of the various
sections of the cellar. _

They seemed to radiate from a common center,
much like the spokes of a wheel.

Such a sight as met their eyes!

Talk about a bee hive, it could hardly hold a can-

- dle to this workshop.

There were just half a dozen persons present.

(ne of these was a woman.

Each had a strong lamp to see by while the
various kinds of work progressed.

  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  

were rooms, arches, and the many odd turns such,
house in Revolutionary times

The remaining two men, one of whom Tom re-
icognized as his stepfather, were engaged in wrap-
‘ping the bills in various packages and sealing them,
addressing the same and entering in a book.

it looked like a very systematic business, and
‘Bob Acres immediately found himself very desirous
of securing that book.

What a haul it would be if he could capture this
crowd and all their implements.

The very thought thrilled him.

It was a daring idea.

A man and a boy opposed to five men and a
women, all of whom would fight like so many
tigers, for discovery and arrest meant just fifteen
to twenty years in prison, and that was almost as
bad as death itself.

He conjured up various plans.

Something ingenious was needed.

True, they might back out as they had come,
seek the nearest police station and send out a still
alarm that would bring a score of officers around
the house.

One thing he feared.

The inmates probably had
escape from the house.

If alarmed in any way they m
the scene very mysteriously.

This did not suit Bob’s idea of the fitness of
things. He did not covet the shadow but the sub-
stance. If the forgers and bogus money makers ~
escaped, it would seem like getting the cage with
the bird still at liberty.

Some other plan must be considered.

Tf he could only render them all powerless until
the officers arrived that would fill the bill and give
him his opportunity. :

Was he able to do 1t?

An ingenious man, he
range of possibilities.

some secret means of

ight vanish from -

believed it lay within the —

 

 

“It was a puzzle to Bob Acres where they obtained
their air, for the cellar must be tightly closed in
order to prevent any light from being discovered

y prowlers in the grounds belonging to the old

  
 

ane

  
  

 

 

  

They were working as though they intended to
‘keep it up for at least an hour longer, and this —
| would give him ample time to accomplish what he

desired above. : oo.

aS
NEW YORK FIVE CENT LIBRARY.

No U7

 

 

They must back out.
Careful now. Evena slight - noise made without
meaning it might betray them.

CHAPTER XI.
MR. ACRES RESORTS TO LOW SCHEMING.

He gave Tom a gentle nudge, which the latter
recognized as the signal. Obeying it he began to
move backward. This crab-like movement would
speedily take them to a place where they could
turn around and make faster time.

By some species of bad luck, Bob himself struck
some object, which fell.

The sound was heard beyond.

Nearly every one jumped to his feet, showing
how strained their nerves must be. —

“What's that?” called one.

Bob Acres squeaked angrily like a rat.

“Bother take the little fiend; he gave me a
scare,” declared the man.

There was something of a general laugh, but it
was rather forced, and the forger had to practice
some littie time before his hand was steady enough
to continue his delicate work.

Bob was more careful when he once more began
to move away.

A personal encounter with this gang in their own
stronghold was apt to prove a serious piece of busi-
ness.

Such desperate men would really hesitate at noth-
ing in order to save their precious lives from the
penitentiary.

Yes, murder would not be too much, éspecially if
it could be kept quiet.

- At length they reached the ladder, s '¥

The ascent. was made in safety.

- When once: above, the detective drew a long
breath of relief.

“It’s quite a relief to get to where you can fill
your lungs without danger of creating an alarm,”
he said, br eathing hard.

Tom ‘echoed the thought, for he too had been
stinted in his supply of wind while below.

“We must be careful of one thing, Tom. Through
good luck we did not betray ourselves before. That
is in walking about. Down below such sounds can
-be heard very easily.”

He led the way up stairs.

They found that there were three bedrooms
probably occupied. One by Delemater and_ his
wife, the others by the four men.

Things were in the same confusion that had boon
noticed below with the kitchen affairs.

A lack of system aud neatness made itself felt.
Perhaps the woman was too much taken up with
the terrible business of the firm to bother her head
over the small things of life.

It is generally so. When a woman becomes
famous as a writer or teacher, she is seldom noted
for being an excellent housekeeper.

lea of man against woman’s rights. The world
might be the gainer by afew excellent artisans,
but thousands of happy homes would be turned into
chaos.

Bob Acres began investigating.

The gas had been put into this houge in recent
years, and the pipes were not sunk in the walls,
but merely covered in papering.

A plan had suggested itself to the detective. It
had the novelty of freshness at least, though the

De _ result might be doubtful.

elt was possible to stand in the hall and by the

Hence the!

 

aid of a notched stick turn on the gas in any of the | = i:

rooms.

As it was winter the rooms were pretty well shut
uP and the only outlet would be through the fire-

aces.

; Bob calculated things to a nicety.

He did not believe enough gas could be kept in
the room to produce death, but it would certainly
bring about insensibility.

Could he render the whole party unconscious? If
so his game was easy. ,
He had seen persons asphyxiated by inhaling
coal gas, and once helped to revive a whole family
that had come very near death from the same

cause.

Hence its method of working was not unfamiliar
to him.

When he had investigated he made up his mind
it was worth a trial.

He explained to Tom, whose eyes fairly stuck out
of his head at the singular idea.

Fortunately he was nen-committal in his ways
and did not express any doubt as to the ultimate
success of the strange plan, no matter what he may
have thought.

Bob, having decided upon his campaign soon had
things i in readiness.:

He got the lay of the land perfectly so that he

could move around in the dark without any acci- —

dent to betray him.

Then with his companion he retired into an un-
used room where a lot of old furniture was stored
away

ney sat still and waited.

How slowly time passedj

It was cold, too, and Tom shivered in spite of oe
heavy pea- -jacket he wore.

Would they never come up?

All things must have an end, but it many looked
as though the cheerful family party so hard at work
in the warm cellar meant-to make a night of it.

“T’ll shake the building down if they don’t come
soon,” said Tom, whose teeth were rattling wee
the cold like Spanish castanets.

The detective laughed softly.

“Reckon I’m pretty nearly as bad off myself.
might pay—ah! here they come at last.” ~

Voices were heard below.

Yes, there could be no doubt of it, the ae people
had concluded to abandon their work for the night
and seek rest.

Bob Acres had taken out his lantern only a few
minutes before, and found it nearly half past two
in the morning.

They came up stairs, chatting and laughing as
though in the best of humor.

Who would think they were criminals, defying
the law every hour they lived?

Instead one could imagine them a merry party
who knew no care in the world.

The badinage flew back and fot then doors
were closed, and_by degrees silence fell upon the
old house up in Harlem.

Gees

Tt

CHAPTER XII.
THE “GAS TRUST

The two intruders remained as - quiet as | they
could in the lumber room.

Now and again the detective would: make an _ob-
servation to see how things went on. :

They had one scare. °

 
 
 
  

 

—— :

No. 187.

NEW YORK FIVE CENT LIBRARY.

a eee

ae

 

 

=

- Footsteps - approached, the door was rudely

_ pushed open and some one entered.
“Lie there, you miserable apology for a decent

seat,” said the party, tossing some heavy object
from him. A

Fortunately the light did not come in strong
enough to betray the fact that the room had occu-
pants.

“Who’s that?” called a voice beyond.

“Tt’s me—Harkley.”

“What in the duse are you up to, man?”

“That confounded chair dumped me again, and I
tossed it in the lumber room along with the rest of

- the stuff we’ve smashed.”

“Oh! is that all?”

A woman’s laugh was heard.

Then two doors closed.

Silence came. Pie

“Hang the villain,” muttered Bob, as he bent over

: to rub his shin.

“What’s the matter?” asked Tom.

“Matter? Why he made that beastly chair re-
bound and nearly break my shin. Ill owe him one
for that.”

For some time he rubbed and muttered, but grad-
ually he forgot about it all. : |

Time passed on. ™ oe

All lights had been put out save one in the hall,
and this burned low.

A new sound—several of them arose.

At first it was a tremulous quavering snort which
gradually arose to a full fledged bellow.

- Others joined in.

The chorus was complete.

Judging from the manner in which they snoréd,
the members of the happy family must be far gone
in the land of dreams. — Pe

Telézraph Tom was amused at thé music, and
more than once indulged in a quiet little laugh that
had in it all the essence of mirth.

“Time we were at work,” declared Bob.

He looked at his watch.

‘Half past three.

The night was far gone, and in a few hours would
come the gray wintry dawn. |

Tom wis quite willing.

He had become about as cold as any one could
and exist.

Why, it was worse than crouching in a duck

blind on a frosty morning, in the marsh, for there :

one could move and flap his arms when there were
no birds in sight, while here, they had to just
breathe and no more.

Hence, the young detective, who had endured all
this without a murmur, was glad enough to stretch
his limbs. -

They crept into the hall.

The gas was turned low.

This suited the purpose of the detective and pre
vented new chances of stumbling.

He could put the light out after he had completed
the job of turning the thumb screws of the three
gas jets. ©

In his hand he carried the instrument which he
meant to use—a cleft stick. ~

Reaching the nearest hole in the wall where the

- pipe had been passed through he adroitly inserted

his rude tool. a
It tock him just about one minute to clutch the

thumb screw, which was so arranged that a strong
pressure would turn it—simply pushing against it
.|understand it.

  

enough.
rd

- gary for him’ to clutch it in the cleft at the end of

Se

 

 

®second one was horizontal, and it was neces-|
‘of his actions, but lay there like a log.

 

his stick, then give a turn with the wrist, and the
thing was done.
Still it consumed at least five minutes of time in
order to accomplish this.
The third proved easier game.

When Bob had all of them going he went over to
the burning jet, motioned Tom back in the room,
and then put it out.

He groped his way back and the two once more
sat down to wait.

Bob Acres had made his calculations.

Taking everything into consideration he believed
that an average time of half an hour would be
enough to do the business. :

More than that might be dangerous.

He did not mean to kill these people, even if they
were offenders against the law. They were human
beings all the same. .

Bob Acres was possessed of a mind inclined
toward science, and his investigations in the realms
of experiment had served him on more than one
occasion before now.

He was so positive with regard to the result of the
gas experiment, that he would not have been afraid
to risk it himself could he be assured of being
aroused at the right time, and given fresh air.

When he thought the time was up he consulted
his watch. :

“Five minutes more, Tom.”

It passed away -

“Now, I’m going to leave even this lantern in
here. You smell the gas?”

“T should say so.”

“Tt must be very strong out in the hall, and I ~
would fear an explosion. The first thing for you
to do is to make your way to the end of the hall and
open a window.”

“* understand.”

- “Meanwhile I will open each door if I can, and
shut off the flow of- gas. If they are locked they
must be opened some way.”

They passed to the hall. '

The gas was very powerful and caused them to
breathe twice as rapidly as ordinarily.

Telegraph Tom groped his way down the hall and
opened the window. :

Then he started back to be-with his employer
should he be needed. Without any warning he ran
plump into a pair of arms and a rough voice grated

ut:
“What young viper is this?”
| a
CHAPTER XIII.

CONCLUSION,

The boy was startled, to be sure, but not seriously
alarmed.

He understood at once how the case was situated,
and took the only means out of it.

ne of the men had opened a window upon going
to bed.

The consequence was that the gas was not so
powerful in that room, a means of escape being
provided through this opening..
~ About the time he should have been lying there
senseless, overpowered by the gas, this man was
groping around in the dark searching for his burner
to turn it off. :

He remembered putting out the light, and when
he found the thumb screw turned on, he could not

His companion, a heavy sleeper, made no note

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
 
   
  
   
    
 
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
      
   
   
   
   
      
      
     
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NEW YORK FIVE CENT LIBRARY

No. 157.

 

Of course the fellow who was awake and up had
‘sense enough not to ignite a match, for had he done
so he would have blown the whole building up.

Nevertheless, thinking he had heard low voices
out in the hall, he became imbued with the wild idea
that some of his companions must be engaged in
a plot to take the lives of himself and companions,
and had in some way managed to turn the gas on.

Thus thinking, he had softly opened the door and
moved out into the hall.

As he advanced he groped with extended arms,
sweeping the space in front of him.
one hed heard a window being raised at the end
of the hall.

Then a door opened back of him.

By accident more than design, Bob Acres had
picked out the very room from which this man had
a as the one in which to begin his opera-

ions.

It was the detective going in he heard. ©

He stood still to listen.

Just at that moment, while Harkley Harkness
was standing here wondering what he should do,

something bumped into him.

* Instantly he had closed with the unknown.

He became aware of a singular fact as soon as he
had done so. His opponent was a mere stripling in
point of size. :

Words of amazement broke from the lips of the
forger—the man who had long defied the powers of
the best detectives.

Here was a mystery.

He could not understand it.

Of course his brain was muddled to a certain ex-
tent by the gas. He had taken enough into his sys-
tem while he slept to give him a raging headache,

One thing he did understand. : aes

Something cold was poked up against his fore-
head, and a young voice full of determination and
will power hissed:

“Make a noise and you’re a dead man.”

Harkness had a horror of death.

It mattered nothing to him whether it came from
manor boy. Either one could send a fatal bullet,
and hence, although he believed his antagonist to
be a mere youth, he stood there motionless, accept-
ing his fate.

At this moment, however, a shout rang out from
the adjacent room.

Bob Acres was not having it all his own way.

Harkness’ companion had awakened and not}

feeling his bed-fellow, was sitting up, swearing
softly at the intolerable odor, when Bob advanced.
~ The detective meant business from the word go.

He made a rush for the fellow’s throat.

Then came that shout.

‘Although still believing his assailant to be his
bed-fellow, Harkley Harkness, the man_ concluded
he must have gone crazy, and hence he fought with
a desperation born of despair. | :

Bob Acres was not to be stopped.

He threw himself upon the fellow with all his
energy. A terrific struggle ensued. It was too
much for the antique piece of furniture. The bed
broke down, letting them to the floor.
Amid the ruins Bob got the hold he was looking
for, upon his enemy’s throat.

“After that the fellow ceased to give tongue,
although he struggled and twisted like a headless
serpent for fully a minute. _

As soon as he had reduced the man to a state that

- bordered on insensibility, the detective hastened to

clap the handcuffs on him.
He was anxious about Tom.

 

There had been signs of a struggle in the hall.

He haa even heard a shot, and was terrified at the
time, expecting an explosion but none came, as the
gas was not powerful enough there. ;

To the hall the detective sprang.

“Tom!” he ejaculated. —

“Here!” said a voice near by.

“Thank Heaven! are you unhurt?”

“Yes, sir.”

“What are you doing?” é

“Guarding these other two doors.”

“T heard a noise. You were attacked by the
other man. It must have been Harkness.”

“Perhaps so.”

“Where is he?”

“Lying on the hall floor,” coolly.

“You shot him?” :

“When your man shouted he tried to down me.
I had given him warning, so I let go.”

“Tom, you beat the Dutch. Come, let’s secure
the rest of the gang. Then we’ll see how badly off
your man may be. [hope youdidn’t killhim.” - _

“T hope not, Mr. Acres, but Ihad to shoot or he
would have crushed me.” - ; “

They opened another door.

The gas was very powerful, but when the supply
was shut off and a draught was created by opening
a window, it was soon thinned out. :

Thus the remaining four of the gang were se- —
cured, and slowly brought to their senses.

Bob’s calculations proved correct. a

Another half hour of it might have brought them
very close to death. :

By this time the rooms had been well aired so
that it was safe to light the gas. ‘

Such a scene as was presented to their view.

Their first: care was for the wounded man. .

Telegraph Tom had a strange feeling come over
him when he saw his first man down. e

An examination, however, proved that the wound
was not serious. The bullet had glanced upward
and merely thrown Harkness off his base,

He soon came to. :

Bob Acres was chuckling all over, and rubbed
his hands together as he contemplated the ten-
strike he and Telegraph Tom had made. oo

The detective remained with his confederate until

morning; then-he posted off and came back with a
police patrol wagon, in which the prisoners were ~
all carried away.
It was the greatest haul of the year.
Bob Acres and his young protege gained much ~
fame through it, and at the same time a goodly
amount of “filthy lucre.’’ ee aie
_ They did not remain long in Gotham, as _ the mis-—

‘sion which had brought® them to New York had

been accomplished, and other duties beckoned them

to new fields, wnere we shall see them again in our

own good time.
Telegraph Tom is bound to make a name in the
espe sy he has chosen, and Bobis very proud of
im. ;

[THE END. ]

“Driamonp Dick, JRr.’s Danpy Dis@uisE; or, A TUSSLE
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The celebrated Diamond Dick Stati ies can eniy be found in the New York Five Cent Liprary. Diamond Dick

is the most unique and fascinating hero of Western Romance. Don’t fail to read these stories. They are fine and
full of exciting interest. we

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106.—DIAMOND DICK’S DEFI; or, The Demons of Death Valley. By W. B. Lawson.

107.—DIAMOND DICK’S DAGGER-OATHS or, The Highbinders’ Nemesis. By W. B. Lawson.

108.—DIAMOND DICK’S DECOY DUCK; or, The Mystery of Monterey. By W. B. Lawson.

109.—DIAMOND DICK’S DEVIL-MAY-CARES$ or, The Silent Bravos of the Buttes. By W. B. Lawson.
110.—DIAMOND DICK’S DEATH DEBT; or, The Spell-Worker of Sansalito. By W.-B. Lawson.

111.—DIAMOND DICK’S DILEMMAS or, A Long Mystery Ended. By W. B. Lawsou.

112.—DIAMOND DICK’S DISCARD s or, Diamond Dick, Jr.’s Dig-Out. By W. B. Lawson.

118.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.'S DRAWN GAMES or, The Fair Captive of the Mesas. By W. B. Lawson.
114,.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.'S COLD DECK; or, The Mountain Feud. By W. B. Lawson.

115.—-DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S DARKEST HOUR; or, The Jaguar’s of Jalisco. By W. B. Lawson.
116.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.'S DEBT OF VENGEANCE; or, Howling Times at Hot Potato. By W. B. Lawson,
117.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S DISCOVERY or, The Great Clear-Up at Golden City. By W. B. Lawson.
118.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.'S DESPERATE STRUGGLES or, Tough Tussle at the Discovery. By W. B. Lawson.
119.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S DANDY DRAMAS or, Doubling Up the Dastards of Death Notch. By W. B.. Lawson,
120.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S DEADLY DER RINGER; or, The Catamounts of Custer Camp. By W. B. Lawson.
121.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.'S DEMON DEFENDER; or, Fancy Frank’s Last Fracas. By W. B. Lawson.

122. DIAMOND DICK, JR.'S DEAD-CENTER SHOT? or, Handsome Harr y’s Black Nemesis. By W. B. Lawson.
123.—DiAMOND DICK, JR.'S DARK TIP; or, The Great Tuolumne Treasure. By W. B. Lawson. ;
124.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.'S DEEP LAID PLOT; or, The Hypnotist and the Hari-Kari. By W. B. Lawson.
125.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.'S DENVER PAL; OF, The Tiger of Tamaulipas, By W. B. Lawson.

126... DIAMOND DICK, FR.'S DOUBLE BEAL: er ot ke anites of Durango. By W. B. Lawson. ae
127,—DIAMOND DICK, JRLS CLOSE CAML; or, Oi Half-and-Half, the Head-ilunter. By W.-B. Lawson, sa
128.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.'S DESPERATE DROP: or, Run Down on the Limited. By W. B. Lawson
129.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S DAGGER-DEFI; or, Tizwin Yom, of Trinidad. By W. B. Lawson.

150.—-DIAMOND DICK, JR.'S DARING DR AW; or, The White Rider of Rio Grande. By W. B. Lawson.
131,.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.'S DASH FOR LIFE; or, The Tragedy of the Rawhide Trail. By W. B. Lawson,
132.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S DOUBLE DUELs;.or, The Captive of San Carlos. By W. B. Lawson.
133.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S DUTCH FAIRY; or, A Close Shave at Razor Creek. By W. B. Lawson.
134.—BASE-BALL BOB; or, The King of the Third Base. By E. T. Taggard.

135.—_DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S DURANGO DOZEN; or, The Vampires of Vallecita. By W. B. Lawson.
186,.—SHORT-STOP SAM; or » The Base-Ball Detective. By John Warden.

137,—DIAMOND DICK, JR’S DEATH-DODGES or, Turning Down The Terror of Troublesome. By W.B. Lawson. .
bB .—DONAED DARKE; or, The Baltimore Detective... By George W. Goode.
189.—DIAMOND DICK. ge t., IN DANGER; or, A Queer Game at Maverick. By W. B. Lawson.
140.—THE FERRET DETECTIVE AND THE OPIUM LIENDS; or, Saved From a Terrible Fate. By Al. Pinkerton.
141.—DIAMOND DICK JR. AS A DEPUTY: or, The € lean-Up at Kingfisher. By W. B. Lawson.

142,—THE FERRET DETECTIVE’S SHARP WORKS; or, A Beautiful Girl’s Mysterious Death. oo Al. Pinkerton,
143.--DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S DRAG-OUT; or, The Big Bluff at Boomer ang. By W. B. Lawson.

144,—THE KING OF THE WHYOS; or, The Tragedy of Pell Street. By ''om Ward.

145.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.°S DEADLOCK: or, The Hazy Knight From Juniper. By W. B. Lawson,

146.—THREE AGAINST ONE; or, The Whyo Gang’s Last Deal. By Tom Ward.

147.—DIAMOND. DICK, JR. 5 DUPES$ or, A Blind Game In the Bad Lands. By W. B. Lawson,

148.—UNDER THE GULF: or, The Strange Voyage of the Torpedo Boat. By Harry St. George.

149.—DIAMOND- DICK, JR.’S BOGUS DULLAR; or, The Brothers of the Bowi>, By W. B. Lawson.

150.—THE GAYEST BOY IN NEW YORK; or, Adventures by Gaslight. By Dash Kingston. é
151,—DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S DUAL ROLES ox. Phe fogie Man From Bad Axe. By W. B. Lawson.

152.—THE BOWERY DE! RE pee or, The Bootblack’s Last Great Case. By Raymond Clyde.

1538.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S TOUGHEST TRAIL; or, The Coquette of Cochetopa. By W. B. Lawson, ~ :
154.—MECHINET, THE FRENCH DETECTIVE; or, The Little Old Man of the Bagitnolles. . By Francis A. Durivage.
155.—DIAMOND DICK, JR. ON DECK; or, The Treasure of the Montezumas. By W. BeLav son.
156.—TELEGRAPH TOM, THE MESSENGER BOY DETECTIVE OF CHICAGO. By Charles Norris,
157.—TELEGRAPH TOMS TRAP; or, The Messenger Boy Detective in New York. | By Charles Norris.
158.—DIAMOND DICK, JR.’S DANDY DISGUISE; or, A Tussle With +e Pigtail 1 Gata. By W. B. Lawson,

 

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