Add files from ibiblio as of 2025-03-07 14:32:08HEADmain

1 files changed, 0 insertions, 4544 deletions

diff --git a/43765-8.txt b/43765-8.txt
deleted file mode 100644
index 7ef972b..0000000
--- a/43765-8.txt
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,4544 +0,0 @@
-The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Twin Ventriloquists, by Old Sleuth
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
-almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-Title: The Twin Ventriloquists
-       or, Nimble Ike and Jack the Juggler
-
-Author: Old Sleuth
-
-Release Date: September 18, 2013 [EBook #43765]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TWIN VENTRILOQUISTS ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Demian Katz and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (Images courtesy
-of the Digital Library@Villanova University
-(http://digital.library.villanova.edu/))
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-CONTENTS
-
-
-  CHAPTER I
-  CHAPTER II
-  CHAPTER III
-  CHAPTER IV
-  CHAPTER V
-  CHAPTER VI
-  CHAPTER VII
-  CHAPTER VIII
-  CHAPTER IX
-
-
-
-
-  _OLD SLEUTH'S OWN._
-
-  No. 41.
-
-  The Twin Ventriloquists;
-  OR,
-  NIMBLE IKE AND JACK THE JUGGLER.
-  A Tale of Strategy and Jugglery.
-
-  By OLD SLEUTH.
-
-  [Illustration: "Great Scott, the hound spoke!"]
-
-  NEW YORK:
-  J. S. OGILVIE PUBLISHING COMPANY,
-  57 ROSE STREET.
-
-
-
-
-  The Twin Ventriloquists;
-
-  OR
-
-  NIMBLE IKE AND JACK THE JUGGLER.
-
-  A Tale of Strategy and Jugglery.
-
-  By OLD SLEUTH.
-
-  Copyright, 1895, by Parlor Car Publishing Company.
-  All Rights Reserved.
-
-  NEW YORK:
-  J. S. OGILVIE PUBLISHING COMPANY,
-  57 ROSE STREET.
-
-
-
-
-Try Murine Eye Remedy
-
-[Illustration: Murine for your eyes. An eye tonic.]
-
-  To Refresh, Cleanse
-  and Strengthen
-  the Eye.
-  To Stimulate the
-  Circulation of the Blood
-  Supply which
-  Nourishes the Eye, and
-  Restore a Healthful
-  Tone to Eyes Enfeebled
-  by Exposure to
-  Strong Winds, Dust,
-  Reflected Sunlight
-  and Eye Strain.
-  To Quickly Relieve
-  Redness, Swelling
-  and Inflamed
-  Conditions.
-
-Murine is compounded in the Laboratory of the Murine Eye Remedy Co.,
-Chicago, by Oculists, as used for years in Private Practice, and is Safe
-and Pleasant in its Application to the most Sensitive Eye, or to the
-Eyes of a nursing Infant. Doesn't Smart.
-
-Murine is a Reliable Relief for All Eyes that Need Care.
-
-Your Druggist sells Murine Eye Remedies. Our Books mailed Free, tell you
-all about them and how to use them.
-
-May be sent by mail at following prices.
-
-  Murine Eye Remedy                           30c., 60c., $1.00
-        DeLuxe Toilet Edition--For the Dressing Table      1.25
-        Tourist--Autoist--in Leather Case                  1.25
-        Murine Eye Salve in Aseptic Tubes            25c., 1.00
-        Granuline--For Chronic Sore Eyes and Trachoma      1.50
-
-MURINE EYE REMEDY CO.
-
-  No. Nine East Ohio Street,           CHICAGO, U. S. A.
-
-
-
-
-THE TWIN VENTRILOQUISTS;
-
-OR,
-
-NIMBLE IKE AND JACK THE JUGGLER.
-
-A Tale of Strategy and Jugglery.
-
-BY OLD SLEUTH.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER I.
-
-     NIMBLE IKE ENCOUNTERS AN EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURE AND TWO WONDERFUL
-     VENTRILOQUISTS PLAY PARTS AGAINST EACH OTHER WITH ASTONISHING
-     RESULTS.
-
-
-"Great Cæsar!"
-
-The exclamation with which we open our narrative fell from the lips of
-Nimble Ike, one of the most remarkable ventriloquists that ever sent a
-human voice rambling around through space under the most extraordinary
-inflectional disguises. Detectives disguise their appearance, but
-ventriloquists disguise their voices, and make them represent at will
-all manner of individualities, in the human or animal. Nimble Ike, as we
-have intimated, was a wonderful ventriloquist; he had played more pranks
-and worked more wonders with his talent than any other person possessed
-of the remarkable gift. He had paralyzed professionals and amazed
-amateurs, and with the aid of his marvelous vocal powers had performed
-many good deeds on the side of right and justice, forcing rogues to
-confessions and scaring schemers and roués out of their wits. He was a
-daring youth, possessing many talents other than the gift of
-ventriloquism to a remarkable degree. He had never met his match, and
-when not engaged in aiding some persecuted person or working with
-detectives he amused himself in various ways by an exercise of his
-powers. As stated, Ike had never met his match either among
-professionals or amateurs. He stood number one as a ventriloquist
-wonder. He had been told of a youth who also possessed the gift in a
-most remarkable manner. He had never met the youth and was led to doubt
-the fact that there was another who came anywhere near him. One day Ike,
-having nothing else to do, determined to visit the Metropolitan Museum
-in Central Park. He had been there before and enjoyed himself every
-time, but he had never attempted any of his pranks. On the occasion when
-we introduce him to our readers, he was standing beside a mummy case
-containing the linen-bound remains of some poor Egyptian who died
-thousands of years ago, and he was deeply interested in the description
-and explanations offered by a sallow-faced gentleman who was a great
-scientist and Egyptologist. An old maid teacher of an archæological turn
-of mind had chaperoned her class of young lady pupils and had secured
-the services of the sallow-faced man with the big spectacles to act as
-guide and expositor for the occasion. As stated, Ike was greatly
-interested in what the professor had to say; he felt quite serious and
-was in no mood to amuse himself, when a most startling, soul-thrilling
-incident occurred. The professor had all the young ladies gathered close
-around him like so many serious mourners standing around the casket of a
-deceased friend. He had been descanting in a very earnest manner and
-finally said:
-
-"Now, ladies, if that mummy could speak he would."
-
-Here the professor stopped suddenly, his spectacles fell from his face,
-his hands went up and his face blanched, while the young ladies fell
-back trembling with terror, for, from the interior of the mummy case
-came the astounding announcement:
-
-"I can talk. What do you want me to tell you?"
-
-The words came clear and distinct, and they came, as appeared, directly
-from the lips of the mummy; and so realistic was the declaration that
-one might expect to see the lurid-looking object rise in its thousands
-of centuries old shroud and look forth from the sunken hollows where its
-eyes had once beamed forth.
-
-As stated, Ike was standing near the mummy case, but the wonderful
-ventriloquist was as much amazed as any one. He did not believe the
-mummy spoke--he was too great an expert in vocal deceptions--but he was
-amazed all the same, and his amazement arose from the discovery that
-there was one living person besides himself who could produce such
-amazing results. He glanced around and there was only the one party who
-had been standing near the mummy, and that was the professor with the
-ladies gathered around him. Some distance off a very trimly-built youth
-stood gazing at the stuffed birds in a case. Our hero had not seen his
-face; he could not be the vocal deceiver, however, and the question
-arose, Who had performed this marvelous trick? Meantime the professor
-had gathered his spectacles from the floor and had to a certain extent
-recovered from his surprise and bewilderment, and he ejaculated:
-
-"That was most extraordinary."
-
-He beckoned the ladies about him once again, but they came forward very
-reluctantly and our hero, Nimble Ike, scanned their faces to learn which
-one of the pretty girls was the ventriloquist who had worked the great
-trick. All their faces wore an expression of surprise and alarm, and he
-was forced to conclude that the voice magician was not one of them, and
-his final conclusion was that the sallow-faced scientist was the
-culprit--yes, the sallow-faced man with the big nose and goggles had
-made the inviting statement, knowing that he could seemingly make the
-mummy talk. His surprise and alarm, our hero concluded, was all a
-pretense and a part of his little joke, and it was then that Ike turning
-away uttered the ejaculation "Great Cæsar!" His blood was up; the
-professor was a wonderful ventriloquist, but Ike determined to have some
-sport and give the professor ventriloquist, as he appeared to be, the
-surprise of his life. He determined to make the mummy do some tall
-talking and force the professor to a betrayal of genuine surprise.
-
-"Yes," mentally concluded Ike, "the next time you'll shed your goggles
-for fair."
-
-Ike was in no hurry, however; he intended first to watch the professor
-and find out if he were really the vocal wonder.
-
-The young ladies finally gathered around, for the professor's talk had
-really been very interesting. He said:
-
-"Young ladies, I wish to ask you a question. What scared you?"
-
-The ladies did not answer, and the professor again inquired:
-
-"Were you scared by my demonstration or did you, ah--ah--well, did you
-hear a voice?"
-
-One of the young ladies answered:
-
-"We heard a voice."
-
-"You did?"
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"Then it was not a delusion; no, it was not a delusion, but it was one
-of the most extraordinary incidents that ever occurred since the days of
-miracles, or, to explain it on scientific grounds, we were all so
-engrossed on the subject under conversation that by some singular
-psychologic phenomena, our imaginations were momentarily spellbound by a
-concentration of all the nerve forces upon a given thought, and thereby
-our imaginations were abnormally stimulated to such a degree as to make
-the extraordinary deception possible."
-
-The girls stared, but did not comprehend the professor's explanation,
-although it was about as plain as scientific and medical explanations
-usually are.
-
-Ike was unable to decide. The professor appeared to have fully recovered
-and again became rapt in the subject of his discourse. The young ladies
-also appeared to have recovered from their alarm and were deeply
-interested in all the professor said. Ike, however, had lost all
-interest in the lecture. He was piqued, he did not understand how it
-could be that there was really another who possessed a ventriloquistic
-talent almost equal to his own. As stated, he watched the professor and
-finally the good man again arrived at a point when he said:
-
-"If that relic of the past centuries could speak he----"
-
-"I can speak," again came the voice from the mummy case.
-
-The professor stared, the ladies stared, but the expression of surprise
-was not equal to what it had been at the first exhibition. The
-professor, however, came to a dead stop, he looked slowly around and
-finally in a husky voice remarked:
-
-"I do not understand it."
-
-Neither did Ike, for he was convinced that the professor was not the
-acrobatic vocalist. The latter, however, was a man of nerve, a genuine
-scientist, and he said:
-
-"Young ladies, do not be scared; that linen-wrapped object, that corpse,
-that has lain swathed in its funeral habiliments for over thirty
-centuries, says he can speak. We will let him talk." And from the mummy
-case came the statement:
-
-"I think a fellow who has been silent for thirty centuries should have a
-chance to get a word in."
-
-Ike was "on to it." He was too great an expert not to fathom the
-mystery. He had met his match at last. He was fully assured that the
-lithe-looking chap who was studying the ornithological department was
-the ventriloquist, and our hero muttered:
-
-"You are having lots of fun, mister, but now I'll give you a scare."
-
-The ventriloquist stranger was still gazing in the bird case, when close
-to his ear came the startling announcement, seemingly from the bird
-case:
-
-"What's the matter with you? Why do you disturb that poor old Egyptian
-who has been asleep for over three thousand years?"
-
-Ike's test brought its result. He saw the strange youth give a start. He
-turned about, but he did not look at the talking stuffed bird; he turned
-around to see who it was that had so cleverly matched him. It was a
-great game all round. The professor was bewildered, the ladies were
-bewildered, and the young fellow at the bird case, who had bewildered
-every one else, was himself bewildered. In fact, Ike, the master, was
-the only one who at that moment held the key to the whole mystery, and
-knew just what it was all about.
-
-Ike enjoyed his momentary triumph, and so for a few moments nothing
-startling occurred.
-
-The professor kept repeating, "This is most extraordinary," and the
-balance of his party evidently thought so.
-
-The young man who had been looking in the bird case, however, as it
-proved, was a "Jim Dandy," as the boys say. He was not to be kicked out
-so easily. He also, as our narrative will prove, was an expert and a
-very brave and resolute lad. He walked around looking into several cases
-for a few moments and then quietly edged over toward the mummy case
-around which still lingered the professor and his party, and Ike
-realized that a most remarkable duel was portending--a duel between two
-wonderful vocal experts. Our hero had fully identified the young man on
-whom he had retorted as the individual who had made the mummy speak.
-
-"I'll have first shot," thought Ike, and as the young man passed close
-to a second mummy case and stood a moment looking at the bandaged face
-as a "throw off," the relic of a thousand years appeared to say to him
-in a hoarse whisper:
-
-"Look out, young man, look out, you may get hit with a club made three
-thousand years ago."
-
-There was a perplexed look upon the young man's face for a moment, and
-then his bright, clear eyes wandered around and he too fell to a
-discovery, as he believed.
-
-The professor meantime had become exceedingly nervous and he said:
-
-"I believe I will adjourn the lecture for to-day."
-
-As the professor spoke, there came a voice from the mummy case saying:
-
-"Yes, you had better adjourn it forever, for you don't know what you are
-talking about."
-
-The professor advanced close to the mummy case to gaze directly at the
-lips of the three-thousand-year corpse. He was determined to solve the
-mystery, but as he bent over the venerable object there came an
-unearthly yell that froze the blood in his veins. He leaped back, the
-young ladies ran screaming away and there would have been a great scene
-were it not that at the time there were no other persons in that
-particular department of the museum.
-
-The professor led the way down to the office to tell his wondrous tale,
-while the young man who had first started the joke approached and gazed
-intently on the face of our hero, the great Nimble Ike. The latter
-returned the gaze and for a few moments it was a duel of stare; neither
-appeared disposed to open the conversation, while in the mind of each
-there dawned a suspicion, and finally the young stranger mustered up
-sufficient courage to ask:
-
-"Say, young fellow, who are you?"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II.
-
-     A MUTUAL RECOGNITION FOLLOWS BETWEEN TWO WONDERFUL VENTRILOQUISTS
-     AND AT ONCE THEY COMMENCE TOGETHER THEIR EXTRAORDINARY PRANKS.
-
-
-Ike did not conclude to reveal his identity at once, and met the
-question with a similar one:
-
-"Say, young fellow, who are you?"
-
-"I asked first."
-
-"Did you?"
-
-"I did."
-
-"Well?"
-
-"It's your place to answer."
-
-"Do you want an answer?"
-
-"I do."
-
-"I'll tell you something: you asked the wrong person. Go and ask that
-stuffed owl who I am."
-
-The young man stared.
-
-"You want an answer to your question?"
-
-"Oh, come off," said the young stranger.
-
-"That settles it," said Ike.
-
-There came a smile upon the face of the youth and he caused a voice to
-come like a halloo from away down the other end of the room, inquiring:
-
-"Say, owl, who is this young chap?"
-
-Ike was amazed, but the owl uttered its peculiar hoot and answered
-seemingly: "He's the devil himself."
-
-The halloo came again.
-
-"I thought so, for he is not square; he don't keep his promises."
-
-"Why not?" asked the owl.
-
-"He promised you should tell who he was."
-
-There came a hoot and an owlish sort of laugh, with the statement:
-
-"His name is Isaac Andro."
-
-"Nimble Ike?" came the halloo.
-
-"Yes;" and the owl added: "Now it's your turn to keep your promise."
-
-The halloo came in answer:
-
-"I am Jack the Juggler."
-
-Ike at once advanced, offering his hand and saying:
-
-"Shake, old fellow, I am glad to meet you. I've heard about you."
-
-"And I've heard about you. I am delighted to meet you."
-
-"And I am delighted to meet you," answered Ike.
-
-"We must be friends."
-
-"Sure."
-
-"We can have a heap of fun."
-
-"We can."
-
-"We are against the deck."
-
-"We are."
-
-"Will you visit me at my home?" said Ike. "Go with me now."
-
-"I will be delighted."
-
-"Do you live in the city?"
-
-"I did live here, but I've broken up my home."
-
-The two wonderful lads wandered off together--Ike the ventriloquist, and
-Jack the juggler, also a ventriloquist and hypnotist.
-
-The two soon arrived at Ike's house and the latter showed his guest all
-through his place, exhibiting his contrivances. Ike ordered a meal sent
-in and the two remarkable geniuses sat down in a very social
-conversation.
-
-Ike told his strange, weird story, all about the old necromancer and the
-mysterious box. And Jack told all about himself, and finally Ike said:
-
-"See here, we are two of a kind."
-
-"We are."
-
-"Let's become partners."
-
-"I am agreed."
-
-"Take up your abode with me."
-
-"On one condition."
-
-"Name your condition."
-
-"I am to share the expense of living in this house."
-
-"Agreed, as it don't cost much to live."
-
-Neither of the lads had told their romance. They had only told the
-simple story of their lives, and when the meal was over they commenced
-by mutual consent to practice together, and so several days passed. Ike
-with his unusual brightness invented a signal code so they could
-converse with each other and no one else understand their talk. One
-evening the two lads were playing a game of billiards together in a
-well-known billiard room, when a very handsome young fellow entered,
-whom Ike at once introduced to Jack as his friend, Henry Du Flore. Ike
-and Du Flore held a few moments talk and then Du Flore departed. The
-moment he was gone the ventriloquist said to his new comrade:
-
-"That young man is a detective."
-
-"He don't look like one."
-
-"He is a splendid officer, brave, shrewd and persistent. I have several
-detective friends, but I've taken quite a fancy to this young fellow and
-I am aiding him all I can."
-
-"Is he a Frenchman?" asked Jack.
-
-"No, he is an American born. His father was an engineer on an ocean
-steamer. He was drowned when Henry was quite a lad. Henry was left an
-orphan at an early age, compelled to knock around and pick up a living
-as best he could. He got appointed on the police force, won promotion
-and is now a regular detective. I want him to make a great success, and
-I am aiding him all I can."
-
-"I took a fancy to him at the first glance," said Jack.
-
-"I am glad of that."
-
-"Yes, I am in with you and when we can do him a good turn we will."
-
-"I am much obliged to you, and we can aid him right now. He has been
-assigned to run down some burglars who are infesting a section of
-country over in Jersey. The gang has become very daring. They are very
-expert and the losses of the people have been heavy; they have raised a
-fund which is offered as a reward for the capture of the thieves. The
-chief in New York is anxious to aid the officials across the river and
-has detailed my friend Henry on the case. It will be a big thing for the
-young officer if he can run down those thieves."
-
-"We will secure the big thing for him," said Jack. "I've had a little
-experience in detective work."
-
-"So I've heard."
-
-"When does he start in?"
-
-"I am to hear from him later."
-
-The two ventriloquists finished their game and walked over to a table
-where two experts were playing a great game in presence of quite a crowd
-of witnesses. Ike and Jack were both very fond of the game, although
-neither of them could play an expert game, with all their talents; their
-genius did not run in this direction. It is remarkable that a great many
-men who are expert in one direction are singularly deficient in others.
-There was a party of young smart Alecs watching the game. They were very
-boisterous and demonstrative--really interfered with the players--and
-they were very unmannerly in several ways, pushing forward and crowding
-quieter people in a very rude manner. Ike and Jack fixed their eyes on
-the dudes and then exchanged glances; and that exchange of glances meant
-a little fun for the tricksters and discomfiture for the boisterous
-dudes, the sons of rich men who because of their social position were
-permitted to cut up their capers where better youths would have been
-kicked out of the place. The dudes every few moments would break through
-the crowd and go to the bar, and upon their return they would push
-through to the front, shoving others aside as though the balance of the
-beholders were mere serfs; and in pushing through upon one of their
-returns, Ike became their victim. The young ventriloquist did not submit
-to be pushed so rudely and said:
-
-"See here, Mister Man, you should wear better clothes. You are such a
-pusher you should have gotten ahead in the world."
-
-The youth stared and the bystanders laughed. The joke was a good one.
-Many times it could be applied in a crowd, for there are so many rude
-people who appear to think there is no one in the world besides
-themselves.
-
-"Don't you like it?" demanded the pusher.
-
-"Oh, yes, I like it," answered Ike with a laugh. "It's quite an honor to
-be knocked around by a thing like you."
-
-"I'll punch you in the head if you say much."
-
-"Oh, I won't say much. I'll be as quiet as a lamb. I won't even bleat.
-It's all right; excuse me for being in your way. I am proud--very
-proud--to be knocked aside, certainly."
-
-At that moment there came a voice asking:
-
-"Why don't you rap that dude on the head?"
-
-The dude looked around to learn who had offered the bold suggestion, and
-then demanded:
-
-"Who spoke then?"
-
-"I did," came a voice, but no one appeared to know just who the "I did"
-was. But there came the suggestion:
-
-"Don't look so fierce. You're around to swipe pocketbooks, you are. I
-advise these gentlemen to be on the lookout."
-
-The three dudes all closed in close to each other. Their faces were
-white with rage and they had just liquor enough in them to be anxious
-for a brawl, and one of them said:
-
-"I'll give a hundred dollars to know who spoke."
-
-"What will you give?" came the voice.
-
-Ike stood still and apparently as mute as a sexton at a funeral.
-
-"You haven't got a hundred cents; you just hung your last drink at the
-bar."
-
-"You're a liar," came the declaration from one of the dudes.
-
-"And you're a thief, or let's see your money."
-
-The dude went down in his pockets, drew forth a roll and exclaimed, as
-he waved it aloft:
-
-"Here's my money. A hundred to ten you are a liar, and a hundred to one
-you dare not show your face."
-
-"Here I am."
-
-The voice sounded as though the speaker stood directly in the midst of
-the trio of dudes. The "chappies" looked at each other in amazement.
-
-"Send for an officer," came a voice. "I've lost my pocketbook."
-
-It appeared as though the voice came from the opposite side of the crowd
-to where the dudes were standing.
-
-The dudes were dumfounded; indeed, the game was stopped and the owner of
-the billiard hall walked over to learn what the row was. Very well, at
-this point the row commenced. One of the youths, calling the proprietor
-of the hall by name, said, or seemed to say:
-
-"You go away from here, you duffer. We own this place and don't want any
-of your interference."
-
-The declaration took the proprietor's breath away for a moment. He just
-stood and gazed, when another of the youths appeared to say:
-
-"Charley, why don't you smash Decker in the jaw? What business has he to
-come around here and interfere with our fun?"
-
-"Who are you talking to?" demanded the proprietor, his face white with
-rage.
-
-"_You_," seemingly came the answer from the dude.
-
-The proprietor could stand no more. He made a rush. He did not care at
-that instant if the dudes were the scions of the governor of the state.
-He grasped the chap who it appeared had given him the insolence by the
-loose part of his trousers and the collar of his coat, and he walked him
-French fashion toward the door. The youth made a vigorous protest. His
-friends also joined in, when the bartender rushed from behind the
-counter and seized another of the "chappies," and a guest who was a
-vigorous fellow seized the third one; and then commenced a grand march
-toward the street door, and each one of the dudes was thrown into the
-street and a kick was administered to each as he was thrust out. Poor
-dudes! they had not been guilty of the particular sin for which they
-suffered, but they deserved all they got, just the same, for they had
-made nuisances of themselves.
-
-Jack and Ike left the place. They were delighted with the rebuke they
-had administered, but the fun was not over. The three dudes were
-standing at the corner of the street talking over their grievances. They
-espied Ike and Jack and one of them said:
-
-"There are the fellows who drew us into this trouble."
-
-"Let's hammer them."
-
-Neither Ike nor Jack were formidable-looking chaps, and the dudes sailed
-for them. Well, a lively scene followed. The two ventriloquists were
-both lithe, active athletes, and the way they polished off the
-"chappies" was a sight to behold, and they were having a heap of fun
-when suddenly both were seized by the collars of their coats and found
-themselves in the grasp of two stalwart policemen.
-
-Neither lad was scared. They did not mind their arrest on such a trivial
-charge at all, and they were led off. Ike asked by signal:
-
-"What shall we do?"
-
-"What do you think?" came the answer.
-
-"Shall we be locked up and raise old Cain in the station house, or shall
-we make these officers dance right here?"
-
-"Let's make them dance," came the answer.
-
-The lads struck a good chance even as the word was passed. They were
-passing a tenement house and a man had just raised a window to close the
-shutters or something, when there came as though from the man a mad cry
-of "fire!" The officers stopped short, and again there came several
-cries, seemingly from different parts of the house. The officers let go
-their hold upon their prisoners. A fire in a tenement house was a far
-more serious matter than the arrest of two youths for fighting in the
-street. As stated, the lads were released, and they darted away to
-secure hiding places from which they could witness the fun and
-excitement, and there was excitement. One of the officers rapped for
-assistance and the second one ran to the fire-alarm box to give the
-signal, and officer number one made a rush to the house. He found the
-door open and he ran up the stairs shouting "fire! fire! fire!" The
-tenants rushed from their apartments and there followed a scene of wild
-confusion, and while the yelling and screaming were at their height two
-engines arrived, also a platoon of police, and the firemen of the engine
-company entered the house, but still there was no sign of either fire or
-smoke. A thorough examination followed. No signs of a fire could be
-discovered. The sergeant in charge of the platoon of police asked the
-two officers who had given the alarm where they had seen the fire. They
-protested they had not seen any fire, but that a man had raised the
-window of one of the front rooms and had shouted "fire!" The firemen
-meantime were thoroughly convinced that there was no fire, and they were
-mad at being called out on a fake alarm. They commenced to abuse the
-police, who protested that the cry had come from the house. The tenants
-had all returned to their rooms and they also had been loud in their
-protests and threatened to make a complaint at headquarters.
-
-"From what room did the cry come?" asked the sergeant.
-
-The two policemen pointed out the room. The sergeant, accompanied by the
-two officers, went up to the room. There were several very respectable
-men in the room and they all protested that they had given no alarm. All
-declared that they were prepared to swear that they had not. The
-sergeant was bothered, and said to the two patrolmen:
-
-"This matter must be explained."
-
-"We did hear a cry of fire."
-
-"No one else appears to have heard it."
-
-"We heard it."
-
-"Where is your proof?"
-
-One of the officers said:
-
-"I wish we could find those two lads. They heard it."
-
-"We can't find them."
-
-The two men were ordered to report at the station house to answer
-charges for their lark, as the sergeant termed it. Other men were put on
-the beat and our two ventriloquists crawled forth from their
-hiding-places and Ike said:
-
-"That was a pretty severe joke."
-
-"Yes, it was very amusing."
-
-"We must do something to save those men or they may be broke."
-
-"How can we do it?"
-
-"We can."
-
-"How?"
-
-"We'll rattle the sergeant on the same scheme," came the answer.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III.
-
-     THE VENTRILOQUISTS DO RATTLE THE SERGEANT AND HIS PLATOON AND AGAIN
-     RAISE OLD CAIN IN A MOST REMARKABLE MANNER.
-
-
-The two vocal experts fell to the trail of the sergeant and his platoon,
-but kept well out of sight. They were determined to set the two
-patrolmen right after getting them in such a bad scrape. The whole
-charge against them was having claimed that they had overheard cries of
-fire. The sergeant was discussing the matter with the roundsman when
-suddenly from a private house before which at the moment they were
-passing came a series of wild, frantic screams, and the next instant the
-screams were followed by cries of "fire! fire!"
-
-"Well," exclaimed the sergeant, "it's a fire this time. Run to the alarm
-box and summon the engines."
-
-The roundsman dashed off to give the alarm and the sergeant ran up the
-stoop of the house and commenced to bang on the door with his club, and
-the two ventriloquists were enjoying the joke. The door of the house was
-opened by a gentleman enveloped in a dressing-gown, who in great
-excitement demanded:
-
-"What in thunder do you want?"
-
-With equal excitement the sergeant demanded:
-
-"Where is the fire?"
-
-"What fire?"
-
-"The fire in this house."
-
-"There is no fire in this house."
-
-"Then why in thunder did you yell 'fire, fire?'"
-
-"No one yelled fire. What is the matter with you?"
-
-The owner of the house discerned that it was a sergeant of police to
-whom he was talking. "Have you gone crazy?" he asked.
-
-"Gone crazy! No; but what did you mean by yelling fire?"
-
-"I did not yell fire. Every one in this house has been in bed a long
-time."
-
-"Who was it screamed?"
-
-"No one screamed."
-
-"Do you mean to tell me you did not yell fire?"
-
-"No one yelled fire."
-
-"And no one screamed in this house?"
-
-"No one screamed."
-
-At that moment the engines reappeared and the owner of the house said:
-
-"I'll have this matter inquired into. If this is a joke you will find it
-an expensive one."
-
-The foreman of the engine company approached and demanded:
-
-"Where is the fire?"
-
-"There is no fire," said the owner of the house.
-
-"No fire?"
-
-"No fire, and I don't know what the officer means by banging on my door
-and arousing my family at this hour of the night."
-
-"And I can't understand," said the foreman, "what he means by calling
-out the engines every five minutes on a false alarm."
-
-"There is my platoon of men, there is my roundsman. They will all
-testify they heard a cry of fire, followed by screams, coming from this
-house."
-
-"Then your platoon of men and your roundsman will testify to a
-falsehood," said the house owner.
-
-"Is there a fire in your house?" demanded the foreman of the engine
-company.
-
-"No, sir."
-
-"Is there a fire anywhere around here?"
-
-"No, sir, not that I know of, unless it's in the upper story of these
-policemen."
-
-"Say, sergeant, let me ask you one question: Have you received orders to
-test our department by these false alarms?"
-
-"No, sir, I'll swear and prove that there came an alarm of fire from
-this house."
-
-"That's what your men said down at the tenement house. I reckon it's a
-night off for the police department, or else they all want a night off.
-But let me tell you, if you didn't receive orders to give these fake
-alarms I'll know the reason why you did give them; that's all."
-
-The sergeant was clear beat out. He apologized to the owner of the
-house, went down among his men and asked:
-
-"Did you men hear those screams?"
-
-"We did," came the answer.
-
-"Did you hear the cries of 'fire, fire?'"
-
-"We did," came the answer.
-
-"All right; we'll find out about this."
-
-"How are you going to find out all about it, sergeant?" popped in the
-roundsman.
-
-"I don't know."
-
-The roundsman was a friend of the two men who had been sent to the
-station house in disgrace, and he again asked:
-
-"How about Jones and O'Brien?"
-
-"I've been thinking about them."
-
-"We heard it; they claim they heard the cries. I don't see how they can
-be held responsible."
-
-"I don't know what to think of it."
-
-"Can I advise?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Send the two men back on post and say nothing about the whole affair.
-That's my advice."
-
-"Roundsman, it's all very strange."
-
-"It is."
-
-"It's one of the mysteries of the century."
-
-"It is."
-
-"I am not crazy. I'd think so, only we could not all go crazy."
-
-"I'll swear I heard the cries."
-
-The platoon started for the station house. The men were all greatly
-mystified, but a greater mystery was yet to confront them. The
-ventriloquists had been witnesses of the result of their pranks and
-determined to press the matter along. They followed the platoon at a
-safe distance, one of them going around the square so that they
-approached the station from opposite quarters. The men were just in the
-station; the last man was passing the door when right at his ears
-sounded a wild, unearthly yell, followed by the cry of "Fire! fire!
-fire!" The man stood like one paralyzed, then the sergeant rushed into
-the street. Not a soul was near, and yet even while he stood there again
-right at his ear sounded the weird cry, "Fire! fire! fire!" The man was
-dumfounded. He stood and gazed in wild dismay. The sergeant at the desk
-came rushing forth, demanding:
-
-"What's the matter? Where's the fire? What are you all standing here
-for?"
-
-"Do you think there is a fire?"
-
-"Didn't you hear the cry?"
-
-"Yes; did you?"
-
-"I did."
-
-"Then go find the fire. We've heard cries of fire all the night, but
-devil a fire can we find."
-
-Jack and Ike had had fun enough in that one direction and they started
-off toward Ike's home. They had not gone far, however, when they struck
-another little adventure--a very peculiar one. Indeed, possessing their
-singular talents they were continually running into adventures, as their
-gifts gave them great powers in every direction. A little girl had
-stopped a crabbed, sleek-looking old gentleman and had asked him for
-alms. The man had said:
-
-"Go to the station house," and he spoke in cruel, hard tones. The girl
-with a sigh turned away, and Ike said:
-
-"Let's give that old skinflint a dose."
-
-"Agreed," came the response.
-
-Ike ran forward and dropped a silver dollar in the girl's hand and then
-slid along and joined Jack. The two secured advantage ground, for the
-old gentleman had stopped to gaze in the windows of one of the great
-hotel restaurants. Suddenly there sounded in his ears:
-
-"Cruel, cruel old man!"
-
-The old gentleman looked around in every direction and saw no one near
-him, yet the words had sounded, as stated, close beside his ear. While
-he was still gazing again there came a voice, saying:
-
-"Cold, cold-hearted!"
-
-The old gentleman looked around in an amazed manner, and with anger in
-his heart, but he saw no one. He became a little bewildered, when again
-there came a voice saying:
-
-"Go to the station house! Go to the station house!"
-
-The old man turned pale. It was the most mysterious incident of his
-whole life, and again came the words:
-
-"Go to the station house!"
-
-The admonition sounded close in his ears, and yet there was not a living
-soul near him that he could see. He began to tremble, and again, even
-while he glanced around, the voice repeated:
-
-"Please give me money for bread," and there came the response in exact
-imitation of the old man's tones:
-
-"Go to the station."
-
-"Great Mercury!" ejaculated the man. "I am pursued by a phantom."
-
-"Yes, you are pursued by a phantom, you who refused to give a poor child
-money for bread."
-
-"I'll give the next child I meet a dollar," murmured the old man in
-trembling tones.
-
-"You promise?"
-
-"I do."
-
-"All right; I'll leave you until my presence is required again.
-Good-night."
-
-The old gentleman moved toward his home, and it is to be hoped he became
-a more charitable man.
-
-The two lads started on their way and were moving on up Fifth Avenue
-when Ike, who was quick-eyed and observant, saw a man rush out of a
-hallway. The fellow's actions were suspicious and our hero remarked to
-his companion:
-
-"Hello! Jack, there is something going on here."
-
-The two lads determined to trail the man. They saw him go up the street,
-where he joined a second man. The ventriloquists stole up close, and
-both being lithe and active they were able to secure a position very
-near where the two men stood, and they heard one of them ask:
-
-"Are you sure it's dead easy?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Are you sure you have the right house?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"That woman is very smart."
-
-"She is?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"How do you know?"
-
-"I've been watching her for weeks. There is something strange about her
-and her movements, but she's got the stuff; of that I am sure. She lives
-alone in that big house with only one servant--an old man--whom we can
-silence in about two minutes. She is a stranger in New York, and does
-not appear to have any friends. If we can get in there and away again we
-can make a big haul, and all in good movable swag. I'll bet she's got
-twenty thousand dollars' worth of diamonds alone, and where there are so
-many sparks there are other fireworks, you bet."
-
-Ike and Jack appreciated that, indeed, they had "tumbled on to a big
-thing." The men did not talk in particularly low tones; no one appeared
-to be near them.
-
-"We need a big haul."
-
-"We do."
-
-"I am run way down."
-
-"I am also."
-
-"We struck a big thing when we followed that woman from Boston."
-
-"We did."
-
-"We are not known in New York and the scent will be on natives."
-
-"That's it exactly. We can get away with our haul, return to Boston and
-read the papers and learn how these smart New York officers are closing
-in on the robbers."
-
-"Yes, yes."
-
-Both men laughed in a very complaisant manner, and one of them said:
-
-"It will prove the softest trick we ever played. We are in luck to
-strike a neat, clean affair like this."
-
-"We are, you bet. When will you work the racket?"
-
-"I've got all the points down. We'll jump in and do the job to-morrow
-night."
-
-"At what hour?"
-
-"Well, about two o'clock is a good time."
-
-"Where will we meet?"
-
-The man named a meeting-place.
-
-"I will be on deck."
-
-"We will have this all to ourselves."
-
-"We will."
-
-"And I tell you it's the easiest job we ever struck, and we'll make a
-big pull."
-
-"That will suit me to a dot."
-
-"The police here are on the watch, for crooks are running riot in New
-York just about these days."
-
-"So I see by the papers."
-
-"They are all too noisy about their jobs. We'll go it slow, easy and
-sure."
-
-"We will."
-
-The two men sauntered away and the two ventriloquists followed them. Ike
-expressed a desire to learn where they "hung out," as he put it.
-
-The men went down to a small hotel on a side street and then the
-shadowers once more started for their home.
-
-On the way Ike said:
-
-"Jack, it's a great thing to possess our power."
-
-"Yes, but it does not require our power to capture those fellows. All we
-have to do is notify the detectives and those men will be gobbled. Any
-one could do that."
-
-"Yes, but we can have some fun. You must learn that I like to do these
-things my own way and give those rascals a lesson beyond the mere
-punishment they will get for their crimes. Do you know, I take a very
-serious view of housebreaking."
-
-"You do?"
-
-"Yes, I do."
-
-"I am with you there."
-
-"It's something terrible to be securely sleeping, as one feels, and to
-have one or two of these devils steal into one's house to rob, and if
-need be do murder. Robbers are a mean class, and I could never
-understand the sentiment of romance that is thrown about them. I look
-upon it as the most cruel and cold-blooded method adopted by any class
-of criminals."
-
-"I am with you, but you said you proposed to adopt a peculiar method in
-capturing these fellows."
-
-"Yes."
-
-"You may lose them."
-
-"Not if the court knows itself. They feel dead sure. They think they
-have everything dead to rights. They will move with less caution than
-usual. It appears there is a lady living in that house practically
-alone; from what we overheard she has many valuables. The chances are
-that if discovered there would follow a cruel murder. I tell you, my
-experience here in New York has been a strange one. Just watch the daily
-papers and learn the number and variety of crimes that are committed.
-Already there has been a call for an increase of the detective force,
-and it's needed; but in our humble way we'll do a neat job in the line
-of justice; yes, just once at least."
-
-"What is your plan?"
-
-"I'll think it out and reveal the whole business to you; but besides
-arresting these fellows and saving the lady, I want to give them the
-surprise of their life."
-
-"It's easy for us to surprise people. We are doing that all the time."
-
-"We'll give these fellows a big surprise--a stunner."
-
-"Then you have decided on a plan?"
-
-"In outline."
-
-The two lads arrived at their home and were soon resting from their
-singular labors. On the following day Ike revealed his plan and Jack
-heartily fell into the whole scheme. Jack loved surprises and enjoyed a
-good joke equally with the inimitable Ike.
-
-Ike owned a variety of animals, all of which were well trained. Had he
-concluded to appear as a professional performer he would have astonished
-his audiences beyond all belief. Among other possessions was an immense
-Siberian bloodhound. He had owned the animal from its puppy days and it
-was one of the most remarkably trained dogs on earth. Some men possess a
-peculiar talent for the training of animals. It is a special profession.
-Ike possessed this special talent to a great degree. He and Jack went
-forth. They had their breakfast at a near-by restaurant and played no
-pranks. Both the ventriloquists were very particular; they only played
-their tricks and exercised their powers where there was a purpose to be
-gained. After their meal they proceeded down to a point where they met
-Ike's new friend, the young detective whom our hero was anxious to
-serve. To him he said:
-
-"Du Flore, we've got a great catch for you."
-
-Ike proceeded and related all that had occurred, and when he had
-concluded, Du Flore remarked:
-
-"This is very strange."
-
-"It is?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"How?"
-
-"I am already on that case."
-
-"You are?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Well, that is strange."
-
-"It is wonderful," said Du Flore.
-
-The latter was a rising man in the profession. He was a powerful young
-officer, and, as we have intimated, very brave and ambitious.
-
-"I've a strange story to tell you, Ike," he said.
-
-"We are listeners."
-
-"It is a very strange story."
-
-"So you said, and repeating that fact is not opening up your story."
-
-"Well, you see, in these prosaic days we seldom strike a romance just
-like the one I am about to relate. You remember a great wedding we had
-in New York about ten years ago?"
-
-"I don't," answered Ike bluntly.
-
-"Well, the daughter of a very rich man married a German nobleman, and a
-few years after their marriage they separated. She ran away from him. It
-is the old story: he and all his relatives felt themselves so much
-better than the young American girl. They insulted her in the grossest
-manner--and made her life miserable. She bore it for a long time, but
-being a full-blooded Yankee woman, beautiful and spirited, she
-determined to stand it no longer. Her father had been smart enough to
-secure all her fortune to herself during her life, and one bright
-morning she just dusted and left the count and his high-bred relatives
-to pay their own bills. She had done so for years and only received
-insults and snubs in return."
-
-"It's the fate, I reckon, of most of these rich American girls who are
-marrying foreigners," suggested Ike.
-
-"Yes, I reckon they could all tell sad tales a year after their
-marriage. This case, however, is a refreshing one, for in the end the
-Yankee girl recovered from her blind adoration of rank and came down to
-a good common-sense view of the full value of money."
-
-"Go on and tell the tale."
-
-"That is the story. She just skipped, and, as I said, left her high-born
-relatives by marriage to pay their own bills; and now I come to the
-American end of the strange romance."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV.
-
-     IKE AND JACK LISTEN TO AN ODD NARRATIVE AND WITH THE DETECTIVE LAY
-     PLANS TO MAKE A GRAND CAPTURE.
-
-
-Du Flore, continuing his narrative, said:
-
-"The lady has a son who some day will be a count if he lives, and she
-stole her own boy when she ran away, and she has put that lad up in New
-England with her Yankee relatives, determined that if he lives there
-will be one count who has had a proper bringing up. She has just
-returned from a visit to her son. He is thriving finely, but one day
-while in Boston she saw her husband and believes he saw her, and she
-fears he means her some harm. She left Boston immediately, and on the
-train and boat became conscious that a man was dogging her steps. She
-believes the man to be a confederate of the count, but the story you
-tell me leads me to determine that the man was merely a common thief,
-attracted by her jewels and the prospect of a robbery. It was probably
-his intention to rob her on the road, but she, thinking her husband was
-on her track, was very careful and cautious. It appears, however, from
-what you tell me that the men have shadowed her down to her home and
-have made plans to rob and possibly murder her."
-
-"I reckon," said Ike, "that this is the true solution. The count may
-show up later on."
-
-"I hope he does," said Jack.
-
-"Why, partner?"
-
-"Well, we'll make his life miserable--make him feel that it is better to
-be in Germany without a dollar than in New York with a million. We must
-protect this American woman, that is dead sure."
-
-"Will we? We will, you bet; but now we have those thieves to look after
-and I have a plan," said Ike.
-
-"What is your plan?"
-
-Ike related his plan. The detective preferred to adopt another course
-for the capture of the rascals, but he was well aware of Ike's wonderful
-ability, and for reasons thought it best to let the remarkable youth
-have his own way.
-
-Later Ike took Du Flore around to show him where the thieves were
-staying, and as good luck would have it he had a chance to point out one
-of the rascals.
-
-Later Du Flore called upon the countess, and acting under Ike's orders
-he let her indulge the idea that her house was to be visited by
-emissaries of her husband, and she said:
-
-"Then I will flee away."
-
-"Only to be pursued and shadowed again."
-
-"I have managed to keep out of his way for nearly two years."
-
-"That is all right, but we want to put these men out of the way. They
-are walking right into your power."
-
-"How?"
-
-"We can claim that they are burglars and scare the life out of them
-almost, and we may scare the whole party--count and all--back to
-Germany."
-
-"I don't think they mean to do me any harm. The count is not a bad man.
-He believes, however, that he has a right to the child. He has a legal
-right, I believe, and I propose to keep the child away from him, at
-least for the present."
-
-"Then the best plan is to let him go back to Germany."
-
-"I do not understand why these men seek to enter my house."
-
-"They may think you have the child here, or it may be that they are
-thieves who have learned some facts from the count, and they may intend
-to rob you. At any rate, I have positive evidence that your house is to
-be invaded and I wish to place a guard here, and I will be at hand at
-the proper time. In these days, when so many strange crimes are
-occurring, it is always better to be on the right side every time."
-
-"I believe you exaggerate the danger, but as I am in your hands for my
-own protection I will agree to any plan that you may propose."
-
-"I will introduce two remarkable youths into your house. They will be
-accompanied by an immense hound. I ask you to permit them to do just as
-they think proper in adopting measures for the capture of two men who I
-am sure will make an attempt to enter your house. Afterward I will have
-much to reveal to you, but at present I know I am acting in your best
-interests and in the interests of your son."
-
-Du Flore explained to the countess how the two youths would enter her
-house, and then departed.
-
-Along about six o'clock in the evening, a poor-looking old man applied
-at the door of the house of the countess. He was admitted, and a little
-later quite a stylish young man also sought an entrance, and a little
-later still the poor-looking old man and the stylish youth were alone
-with the countess, who was disposed to ask them a great many questions.
-The lads were sorely tempted to give the countess a little initiation,
-but concluded to reserve their didos for the two thieves.
-
-At about eleven o'clock the countess retired to a room on the top floor.
-She proved very complaisant, doing in all things just as requested,
-although it was evident that she was a very spirited woman and
-wondrously handsome, as she was still under thirty.
-
-The two ventriloquists lay around until twelve o'clock, when they
-entered the bedroom proper of the countess, her vacated room for the
-occasion, and they went through a very amusing rehearsal with the hound.
-The lads were both very jubilant, for they were in their element--about
-to carry out a scheme which was a delight to them.
-
-"The robbers believe they are to have a walk-over," said Jack.
-
-"They will," responded Ike, a twinkle in his eyes; "a walk over to the
-station house, and then a smooth ride up to Sing Sing Prison."
-
-"Will your man be on hand?"
-
-"If he fails I'll act as his substitute. We are going to capture those
-robbers, and don't you forget it."
-
-Thus the boys continued to talk until about two o'clock. Both were on
-the alert, and Ike said:
-
-"We are not to be disappointed, our game is here."
-
-Sure enough, they could see the narrow gleam from a mask lantern. The
-burglars were at the open door of the room. A moment passed and an arm
-was thrust forward. The light from the mask lantern shot over the room.
-Apparently, in the bed lay a sleeper. On the dressing bureau was a box,
-evidently a jewel case. A mirror permitted the two lads to see the
-movements and faces of the two rogues, and there came an expression of
-triumph and gratification to the face of both as their glance rested on
-the jewel case, and indeed the surroundings all appeared to indicate an
-"easy thing," as one of the fellows had put it the previous evening.
-
-They were very deliberate in their movements, and when satisfied that
-the road was clear they stepped into the room, their eyes fixed on the
-bed where the sleeper was supposed to be lying. They had arrived
-half-way across the floor toward the jewel case on the dressing bureau
-when suddenly an immense hound confronted them--arose before them as
-though he had suddenly come up through the floor. The men were both
-armed and carried their weapons ready for instant use, but they stood
-and glared. They were paralyzed, as it were, with astonishment. The
-thing was not quite so easy at that moment, but one can imagine their
-bewilderment when, as they stood and gazed, the dog appeared to say in a
-singularly doglike fashion, after a regular dog yawn:
-
-"I've got my eye on you fellows. Don't attempt to use those revolvers or
-I'll chew you to mince-meat."
-
-One of the men managed to ejaculate:
-
-"Great Scott! the dog spoke!"
-
-The men were struck nerveless, and their terror and bewilderment
-increased when the dog appeared to say, with a strange, doglike laugh:
-
-"It's dead easy, old man; it's dead easy."
-
-The men's faces became ghastly and one of them in gasps managed to say:
-
-"It's the devil!"
-
-"No, you are the devils, and I am after you; yes, I am, dead sure. You
-miserable skunks, to steal into a house to rob!"
-
-The men were struck speechless and they lost all power to move
-voluntarily. They stood and trembled involuntarily, and the dog
-continued:
-
-"Oh, isn't it dead easy? What a bully old swag you will carry to Boston!
-The New York detectives will bark up the wrong tree, but I won't. No,
-no, you rascals, I'll bark you, and I am a New York detective lying
-around here for Boston thieves. I reckon Boston became too hot for you,
-and you thought you'd try your hands here; but, my dearies, when you get
-out of a New York jail I'd advise you to go to Alaska. There it's dead
-easy for a good slide, but you can't slide back to Boston from here with
-your swaggy--no, no. Just watch my tail waggy, you villains."
-
-The men were just dead gone, and then the hound appeared to say:
-
-"I told you that you had barked up the wrong tree this time. I'll bark
-now."
-
-The dog did bark, and the latter was genuine. He had secured his signal
-and his bark was followed by the entrance of Du Flore, accompanied by a
-second officer, and the two detectives did not stand on any ceremony.
-They just clapped their irons on the two nerveless men, and then Du
-Flore said:
-
-"Well, gentlemen, this was not so dead easy after all."
-
-With men to talk to the thieves to a certain extent recovered their
-nerve. It was too late to avoid them, but they did ask:
-
-"What is that?"
-
-They pointed toward the hound.
-
-"That is our chief of police," came the answer.
-
-The two burglars were carted off, and we will here state that their
-"dead easy" thing did land them in Sing Sing Prison, for the proofs were
-dead against them.
-
-When the lady was informed of all the particulars she was greatly
-surprised and exceedingly grateful.
-
-A week passed. The two ventriloquists, having no serious business on
-hand, determined to have a little sport, and one day they visited the
-Stock Exchange, determined to throw a little confusion in among the
-brokers. They secured a good position at different points, and having
-arranged their programme prepared for active work. They saw one man who
-was conspicuous as a shouter, and as it appeared both formed a dislike
-for the fellow on appearances. He yelled a hundred of a fluctuating
-stock for sale. A man close at his arm appeared to make a bid. The
-fellow turned round sharply to accept. The man who had appeared to make
-the bid repudiated having done so, and the stock was again offered,
-seemingly bid in also by the same man, and when the seller again offered
-delivery the bid was repudiated. The seller had become enraged. He
-suspected he was being fooled. He became angry, words followed, and a
-crowd gathered around. The excitement ran high, when suddenly, right in
-the midst of the crowd, there occurred the loud barking of a dog and
-there was a general scatter, but no dog was seen. Then there came the
-grunt of a pig and a dog appeared to attack the pig. The latter squealed
-and seemed to be running all around the room, and immediately there
-followed a regular barn-yard chorus. Confusion reigned. All business
-came to a standstill and the question arose, who was doing the barking,
-the squealing, the cackling and the quacking? One accused another, rows
-followed, pandemonium reigned and amid the confusion the two authors of
-the whole trouble stole forth to the street. They had a heap of fun. An
-investigation would have followed, for the men believed the trick had
-been played by some of their members, but so general had been the
-confusion no proof could be obtained, and later the business of the
-exchange proceeded.
-
-"Well, Ike, that was high," said Jack.
-
-"It was."
-
-The boys started to walk up the street, when they met a veiled lady who
-was walking rapidly along. Ike stopped short and said:
-
-"Jack, that means something."
-
-"The veiled lady?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"What makes you think so? There are plenty of veiled ladies knocking
-around every day."
-
-"That's so; but do you see that lady's excitement?"
-
-"How can I when she is veiled?"
-
-"But you can see it in her movements. Let's follow her and learn what is
-up. I tell you we will be on to something before we know it and I'd like
-to do some one a good turn."
-
-"I'll let you investigate and I will go and do a little business I have
-on hand."
-
-The youths agreed to meet later. Jack went his way, and Ike, who was a
-persistent fellow, followed the lady. She turned into one of the large
-office buildings. The ventriloquist followed and saw her enter a
-lawyer's office. He remained in the hall, and it was fully an hour
-before the lady came forth. When she did her veil was raised. Ike
-recognized that she was very beautiful and refined looking, and he saw
-also that she had been weeping. As she dropped her veil he fell to her
-trail. She descended to the street and with slower steps proceeded on
-her way. Our hero was a good-looking chap. He had increased in strength
-and stature since first introduced to our readers in a former story,
-Number 6 of "OLD SLEUTH'S OWN." He determined to follow and seize the
-first opportunity to speak to the pretty maid, who evidently was in some
-sort of trouble. While following her he was joined by Jack, and a little
-later Ike, who, as has been intimated, was observant, saw a man turn to
-follow the veiled lady.
-
-"Hello!" he muttered, "the game is opening up. I wonder if that fellow
-is acquainted with the girl, or is merely following her on
-speculation?"
-
-The girl walked through Nassau Street as far as the City Hall and
-boarded a Fourth Avenue car. Jack and Ike boarded the same car, and as
-the latter glanced in at the lady he saw that she was giving way to
-considerable emotion under her veil, and he also observed that the man
-who had started in to follow her had secured a seat directly opposite to
-her and had his evil eyes fixed upon her; for the lad discerned that the
-man did possess evil eyes.
-
-"Jack," he said, "we are on to something, sure."
-
-"It looks so."
-
-The lady left the car at the park and started to walk through that great
-pleasure ground. The man left the car also and followed the girl, and it
-is needless to say that the two ventriloquists also followed on a double
-trail.
-
-"The lady acts very strangely," remarked Jack.
-
-"She does."
-
-"And I've a suspicion."
-
-Ike's eyes brightened up as he asked:
-
-"And what is your suspicion?"
-
-"She is going to throw herself into the lake. She is in trouble."
-
-"But why does the man follow her?"
-
-"I believe he is a rascal who means her no good."
-
-"And I mean to see that he does her no harm."
-
-"Suppose she does plunge into the lake?"
-
-"We will fish her out."
-
-From the course that the lady took it did appear as though she really
-intended to drown herself, as Jack had intimated. She finally, however,
-sat down on a bench near the water of the lake. The man stood off at a
-little distance watching her. The ventriloquists also lay off, ready to
-be at hand in case of emergency.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V
-
-     JACK AND IKE PLAY A TRICK ON A BAD MAN AND VERIFY IKE'S SUSPICION
-     THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING UP--THE BAD MAN TAKES A SWIM INSTEAD OF
-     THE VEILED GIRL.
-
-
-The girl removed her veil a moment and gazed into the waters of the lake
-and her beautiful face was revealed. The man who had been shadowing her
-had a chance to observe her beauty. Ike had his eye upon the man and
-arrived at a conclusion. He concluded from the expression on the
-fellow's face that he was a villain and meant the beautiful girl no
-good. He was very handsomely dressed, wore diamonds of the biggest sort
-and altogether appeared like an individual whom a young girl would have
-good reason to fear.
-
-"Jack," said our hero, "that fellow is a bad one. He means the girl no
-good."
-
-We write girl, for the veiled lady was but a mere girl, as revealed when
-her veil was removed. She had only removed her face covering for a
-moment. The man advanced toward her and the lads stepped closer, hiding
-in the shrubbery to the rear of the rustic seat where the girl had
-placed herself. As the man approached he said:
-
-"Why, Miss Galt, good-morning."
-
-"I beg your pardon, sir," said the lady; "you have made a mistake."
-
-It was the old trick--merely a pretense to speak to the girl.
-
-"Is it possible I have made a mistake?" said the man.
-
-"You have certainly made a mistake."
-
-If the man had been a gentleman he would have apologized and have moved
-on, but he said:
-
-"It's so strange. You are a perfect picture of the lady I know as Miss
-Galt."
-
-"I am not Miss Galt, sir, and you will please not address me further."
-
-"It's a beautiful day," said the man.
-
-The girl betrayed her surprise from under her veil, but made no reply,
-evidently believing the man would move on; but instead he approached
-nearer to her. The girl rose as though to walk away, when the man said:
-
-"Excuse me, but are you sure you are not playing me a little trick? Are
-you really not Miss Galt?"
-
-The girl started to move away, when the man looked around furtively and
-then boldly approached. The girl was terrified. She attempted to scream,
-when the man actually grasped her arm. She was paralyzed with fear; she
-could not scream. Her eyes expressed her terror, her face became deathly
-pale, and no one can tell what might have occurred if at that critical
-moment Ike and Jack had not darted forth, and Ike exclaimed:
-
-"Hold on there! you scoundrel, what are you doing?"
-
-The man was large and apparently powerful. He glared at the two slender
-youths, and evidently concluded that with but little effort he could
-toss them both into the lake if so inclined. He said:
-
-"You two young rascals, how dare you address me?"
-
-He had released his hold upon the arm of the lady and the latter,
-woman-like, remained, hoping even in her weakness to be of some service
-to the two handsome youths who had interfered in her behalf. In a few
-moments, however, she learned that they did not need any assistance.
-These two young wonders were perfectly capable of taking care of the big
-insulter of womanhood.
-
-In reply to his words to them, the two ventriloquists gave him a laugh.
-He became enraged. He felt mean anyhow, as he had been caught in a
-contemptible act. He was prepared to become enraged very readily.
-
-"You laugh at me, you young rascals?"
-
-"Certainly we do, you mean scoundrel."
-
-"You call me a scoundrel?"
-
-"That's what we call you."
-
-"You two rascals, get away from here or I'll hurt you."
-
-"You will?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"You can't hurt any one. You're a big fraud."
-
-The man moved toward the speaker, when a dog barked savagely at his
-heels. He leaped in the air and turned quickly, but there was no dog
-there. He supposed the fierce animal had skipped away, and with an oath
-he advanced another step toward the laughing and jeering lads, when
-again the dog barked savagely at his heels, and again he leaped in the
-air, but there was no dog visible.
-
-The man was confused, and Ike said:
-
-"You are a villain. You should be lynched or ducked."
-
-"Let's duck him," said Jack.
-
-"It's a go," answered Ike.
-
-The man gazed in amazement at their audacity, and he was about to make a
-rush, when seemingly there came a gruff voice behind him, preceded by a
-shrill whistle.
-
-"Hold on there! what are you about?"
-
-The man thought that indeed a park policeman was at hand. He turned. He
-was standing near the edge of the water, for the ventriloquists had
-purposely changed their own position so as to draw him down in that
-direction. As he turned Ike ran forward head first and made a clear dive
-straight at the small of the man's back. Over he went, face forward,
-paralyzed by the blow, and then the two lads jumped on him. Over and
-over they rolled him toward the water. At this instant the lady
-interfered, but her protest came too late. The man was rolled into the
-water about waist deep, and the water restored his strength, and there
-followed a mighty floundering as he struggled toward the shore. The boys
-roared with laughter. The man crawled out and made a rush for them, when
-again the dog barked at his heels, and he made a leap in the air; and as
-he turned and saw no dog, terror seized him, and a sudden impulse, for
-away he ran like a deer, all wet and dripping as he was. Then Ike
-advanced toward the veiled girl and said:
-
-"Excuse us, miss, but he got just what he deserved. We saw him seize you
-and we made up our minds to scare him out. We will bid you good-morning.
-He will not molest you again."
-
-The girl stood and gazed in silence a moment and then said:
-
-"I thank you," and involuntarily she added: "Oh, what shall I do?"
-
-"Are you in trouble, miss?" asked Ike.
-
-The girl had betrayed herself to a certain extent, and she answered:
-
-"Yes, I am in great trouble."
-
-"Possibly we can aid you."
-
-"No, no, you cannot aid me as readily and manfully as you did just now."
-
-"But possibly we can."
-
-The girl looked the two handsome lads over, and again she murmured, as
-though unable to control her emotions:
-
-"Oh, what shall I do?"
-
-"We can help you."
-
-"No, you cannot help me."
-
-"Yes, we can."
-
-"No, no; I wish you could. No one can help me; I am ruined."
-
-"Come, we will walk away from here and you shall tell us your trouble.
-We can aid you. You will find out that we can."
-
-They were both bright-faced youths. They had just given an exhibition of
-their nerve and courage.
-
-"Come, do not be afraid. We can aid you, no matter what your trouble."
-
-"It's so strange," murmured the girl.
-
-"What is so strange?"
-
-"That you should offer to aid me."
-
-"Well, we can aid you. That's our mission in life."
-
-The girl did not understand the remark, but she was charmed with the two
-bright-faced, honest-looking lads. She said:
-
-"I am half inclined to tell you my trouble. I am a stranger in New York;
-I have no one to confide in. Yes, I will tell you my trouble, but you
-cannot aid me."
-
-"I reckon we can aid you, no matter what the trouble may be."
-
-The girl walked away with the two ventriloquists, but occasionally she
-glanced back at the lake and both the youths were convinced that she had
-really intended suicide.
-
-When some distance away from the lake and in a retired part of the park,
-the girl said:
-
-"Mine is a very strange story. I do not know as you will believe it."
-
-"We will believe anything you tell us," said Ike gallantly.
-
-"A week ago I came on from San Francisco. My father died a year ago; my
-mother has been dead for a long time. My father knew he was to die, as
-he had an incurable disease, and he gave me all his savings, converted
-everything he had into cash and placed it in my hands, and when it came
-near the last he told me after his death to come on here to New York.
-He said he once had a brother whom he had not seen or heard from for
-thirty years. 'My brother may still be living; if so he will be your
-friend and protector, and you will not be dependent upon him, as you
-will have five thousand dollars.'
-
-"After my father's death I remained in San Francisco a year to complete
-my education, and then I started for New York. The money I had changed
-into non-registered bonds, and I put them in my trunk. I arrived in New
-York a week ago and went to a place to board that had been recommended
-to me by a friend in San Francisco. Last night I opened my trunk to look
-at the bonds and discovered to my horror that they were gone. I at once
-informed the landlady, who told me she could do nothing, that she knew
-nothing about my bonds. She evidently did not believe my story. She
-looks upon me as a swindler. I saw in this morning's paper the name of a
-lawyer. I called upon him to consult him, but first I went to the
-captain of police in my district. He evidently did not believe my story,
-and then, as I said, I went to the lawyer. I told my tale to him. He
-said he could do nothing for me--I must depend upon the police. He also,
-I think, did not believe my story. They look upon me as an adventuress.
-I have no proofs. I have no way to prove that I ever had the bonds. They
-have been stolen, and in claiming them I am losing my reputation. I am
-looked upon as a swindler myself. I tell you the truth. I did have the
-bonds and they have been stolen from me. I am ruined. No one will
-believe me. You do not believe my story."
-
-"Yes, I do believe your story," said Ike, "and we will recover your
-bonds."
-
-"You will recover them?" exclaimed the girl.
-
-"Yes, we will recover them."
-
-"No, no; never," she said in a despairing tone.
-
-"We will see about that. When did you last see your bonds?"
-
-"The night after my arrival in New York."
-
-"Where?"
-
-"In my trunk."
-
-"After you had arrived at your present boarding-house?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Is there any one in the house whom you suspect?"
-
-"I know not whom to suspect, but they were stolen after my arrival in
-that house. The landlady refuses to believe my story; the captain of
-police refuses to believe my story, and the lawyer to whom I went and
-offered one thousand dollars as a fee refuses to believe my story."
-
-"And my friend and I do believe your story, and we are the only ones who
-can aid you in recovering them. One would have to know you to believe
-your tale. It is indeed a strange one."
-
-"And you do not know me."
-
-"Well, we have other reasons for believing your story. I tell you we
-will recover your bonds. You can rely upon my word."
-
-"How can you do it?"
-
-"We have our own method for going about it."
-
-"The landlady has hinted that she would like to have me leave the house.
-I have no money to go anywhere else, for all my money I had placed in my
-trunk and that is gone also."
-
-"How much money did you have?"
-
-"I had over two hundred dollars."
-
-"And it has been stolen?"
-
-"Yes; whoever took the bonds took my money also, and my jewelry--for all
-my valuables were in my trunk."
-
-Jack looked at Ike in a dubious sort of way, for the story was becoming
-quite odd. Ike, however, believed the tale. He said:
-
-"It's hard luck to lose all that way, but you shall have it returned to
-you."
-
-"I don't know what I shall do."
-
-"Did you tell any one else in the house about your loss save the
-landlady?"
-
-"No, I have not said one word to any one else, and the landlady told me
-not to do so."
-
-Ike was thoughtful a moment and then said:
-
-"I will find your bonds. In the meantime I believe it well for you
-temporarily to find another boarding-place."
-
-"I do not know where to go."
-
-"I can recommend you to a very nice, motherly lady who will see to your
-comfort."
-
-There came a look of sudden suspicion to the girl's eyes and she said:
-
-"I have no money. I do not know what to do."
-
-Ike, as our readers know, possessed wonderfully quick and observant
-eyes, and he could discern in a most remarkable manner.
-
-"You need not bother about the money part of it. I know this lady well;
-she is a very reputable person, the widow of a man who was a great
-detective. She will be willing to wait for her pay until you recover
-your money and bonds."
-
-"But I may never recover them."
-
-"Yes, you will recover them; on that point you can make your mind easy.
-When I and my friend here set out to accomplish a thing we never fail,
-and you shall satisfy yourself that the lady will really become your
-friend before you take up your home with her."
-
-Ike had organized a great scheme. He was satisfied in his own mind that
-the money had been stolen either by the landlady or one of her boarders.
-He had a way of bringing people to a betrayal that was all his own. He
-held some further talk with the girl, and then asked:
-
-"What is your name?"
-
-The girl hesitated.
-
-"You need not fear to tell me your name. I will go with you if you
-choose to the captain of police and he shall vouch for my honor and
-loyalty."
-
-"It is not necessary," said the girl, who was really bright and
-self-reliant. "My name is Sara Sidney."
-
-"Miss Sidney," said our hero, "we will go to the home of the lady where
-I propose that you shall board while I am conducting the hunt for your
-missing bonds. You can satisfy yourself of her respectability before you
-remove to her home."
-
-The girl hesitated.
-
-"You need not hesitate. I will not only find your bonds, but I will find
-your uncle for you if he still be living, or his sons or daughters in
-case any of your cousins may be living."
-
-"Why should you take all this trouble on my behalf?"
-
-"I will confide to you a secret: I am a sort of detective. It is my duty
-to look out for you."
-
-"I will go with you," said the girl.
-
-Ike arranged to meet Jack later on and proceeded with Sara to the house
-of the lady where he proposed she should remain. The moment Sara was
-introduced to the lady the latter won the girl's confidence, and our
-hero left his charge with his friend, and the latter arranged to go with
-Sara and have her trunk removed. Meantime Ike met his comrade Jack, and
-the latter said:
-
-"Well, Ike, I yield the palm to you. Yes, sir, you are the most
-observant and quickest person I ever met. I thought I was great, but you
-are the greatest fellow on earth, in my opinion."
-
-"Well, it is strange how we chanced to fall to this girl, so beautiful
-and so helpless."
-
-"Yes, she is beautiful, and I will say that there are thousands of
-undeveloped romances in New York at this very moment."
-
-"Yes, that is true; if a man desires to get into an adventure of a
-strange character he can easily do it here in this great metropolis."
-
-"Say, Ike, she is a beautiful girl."
-
-"She is indeed. Have you fallen in love with her?"
-
-"I don't know."
-
-"I wish you'd find out," said Ike, with a very meaning smile on his
-face.
-
-"Hello! is that the case, Ike?"
-
-"Is what the case?"
-
-"Are you dead gone so soon?"
-
-"I don't know how I am, but she is a lovely girl and her case is a
-peculiar one."
-
-"And you have promised to recover her bonds?"
-
-"I have."
-
-"You have undertaken a big job."
-
-"You think so?"
-
-"I do."
-
-"I'll get them."
-
-"You will?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Have you a plan?"
-
-"I have."
-
-"Will you tell me your plan?"
-
-Ike revealed his plan to Jack, and the latter said:
-
-"Well, I'll be shot if you haven't a head for a detective, and it's
-right here where our gifts come in."
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"And you want me to aid you?"
-
-"Sure."
-
-"When will you start in?"
-
-"At once."
-
-The same afternoon that the incidents occurred which we have related,
-Ike, gotten up in good shape and furnished with a letter of
-introduction, called at the house where Sara Sidney had been robbed, and
-he succeeded in engaging board. He pretended to be an art student, and
-the first night he appeared at the dinner table he glanced around to
-take in the general appearance of his fellow boarders. He was just the
-lad to measure human faces. He had questioned Sara very particularly
-about her fellow boarders in the house, and he was well posted when he
-sat down to the table, after the usual introduction in a general way.
-The people he found to be the usual representative class that one finds
-in a city boarding-house. There was the doctor who occupied the rear
-parlor, a lawyer, two lady typewriters, one a creature who knew it all
-from A to Z. There were in all about twenty people in the house. Ike
-went over them all. He studied in his quiet, cute way every face, and
-did not see one person whom he was led to suspect, and the sequel will
-prove how unerring was his facial study of those people. When the meal
-was about half through there came bouncing into the room a young man. He
-was a bold-faced, bumptious sort of a chap, and as he took his seat he
-ran his eyes over the people assembled and then asked:
-
-"Where is Miss Sidney?"
-
-The landlady said:
-
-"She has left us."
-
-The young man was thoughtful a moment, and then asked:
-
-"When did she go?"
-
-"This afternoon."
-
-"What reason did she give for going?"
-
-There was an interested look in the young fellow's eyes as he asked the
-question.
-
-"She gave no reason."
-
-"Where has she gone?"
-
-"I do not know."
-
-"I must find out," said the youth. "I was greatly taken with Miss
-Sidney; she was a very charming young lady. We shall miss her."
-
-At that instant there came the announcement:
-
-"Miss Sidney left the house because she was robbed."
-
-Every one started. No one appeared to know who had spoken, but the young
-man gave a start, turned pale and asked in a voice that trembled
-perceptibly:
-
-"Who says she was robbed?"
-
-At that moment the landlady returned to the room. She saw that something
-had gone wrong.
-
-"What is the matter?" she asked.
-
-No one answered, and there followed a moment's awkward silence, broken
-at length by the bumptious young man, who said:
-
-"Some one stated that Miss Sidney left here because she had been
-robbed."
-
-The landlady's face flushed scarlet as she said:
-
-"Who made the statement?"
-
-No one answered.
-
-"It's false," said the landlady, "and I should like to know who said she
-had been robbed."
-
-"I said so."
-
-The voice appeared to come from the old maid typewriter, and the
-landlady at once exclaimed:
-
-"Miss Gaynor, did you state that Miss Sidney left here because she was
-robbed?"
-
-"I did not," declared Miss Gaynor, indignantly.
-
-"I said so," came a voice from the far end of the table.
-
-The landlady looked in the direction indicated. An old man sat there and
-the voice was that of an old man.
-
-"Did you say so, Mr. Smith?"
-
-"I did not, madam," declared the elderly gentleman in an angry tone.
-
-Again there followed a silence, when the landlady remarked:
-
-"It's very strange; if any one makes such a charge, I wish they would
-come out and do so openly."
-
-"Mr. Goodlove made the statement," came a voice.
-
-Mr. Goodlove was the bumptious young man. He at once rose to his feet
-and in an indignant tone declared:
-
-"It's a lie, I did not make the statement. Who says I did?"
-
-"I do," came the answer, and it appeared to come from the young lady
-typewriter number two, who was a pretty, delicate-looking young girl,
-quiet, modest, and least likely to speak out boldly.
-
-The man Goodlove looked at her and demanded:
-
-"Do you dare say I made the statement?"
-
-"I said nothing," she answered timidly, adding, "I did not speak at
-all."
-
-"What is all this ado about, anyhow?" came a voice. "Mr. Goodlove knows
-better than any one else that Miss Sidney was robbed; why does he
-pretend ignorance as to the cause of her leaving?"
-
-The young man turned ghastly.
-
-"Who spoke then?" he asked.
-
-"Oh, it's no use asking who spoke; you know all about the robbery."
-
-"Whoever says that is a liar."
-
-The landlady was becoming greatly excited. She said:
-
-"Miss Sidney did claim that she was robbed, but I have proof that she is
-an adventuress and a blackmailer. She told me she had been robbed and
-she really wanted to work upon my sympathies. She did not possess
-anything to be robbed of, and I told her she had better go away."
-
-"You did right," said Mr. Goodlove. "I did not wish to tell you, madam,
-but I suspected all along that the minx was an adventuress."
-
-A voice came, saying: "You've changed your mind; you said she was a
-lovely girl and that you were very much taken with her. Well, I reckon
-you did take."
-
-"Who spoke?" demanded Goodlove.
-
-"Oh, you know who spoke, and you know more about this whole affair than
-any one else. The police are after you."
-
-The man wilted as he asked:
-
-"Did Miss Sidney hint that I was the robber?"
-
-As Goodlove spoke his eyes wandered around to learn who it was who had
-addressed him.
-
-"No, she didn't accuse any one; you have accused yourself. You were
-seen, however, to deposit a whole lot of gold."
-
-"She didn't have any gold," came the excited declaration.
-
-Ike had _struck his man_ at last.
-
-It was a strange scene in that room at that moment, and the great
-mystery was who did the talking. No one appeared to know and there was
-great confusion, and it was because of the confusion that no one
-appeared to recognize, as stated, who was doing the talking.
-
-There came a voice demanding, when Goodlove said she had no gold:
-
-"How do you know? Were you rummaging in her trunk?"
-
-The man became confused; indeed, he looked as though about going into
-collapse.
-
-The most mysterious part of it all was the fact that no one knew who was
-doing the talking. The people looked into each other's faces and could
-not discern, and yet the voice sounded distinct and clear. Some one was
-talking. Who was it?
-
-During all this time Ike was as mute as an owl after dawn. He looked
-around with an inquiring and surprised look upon his face, seemingly as
-greatly mystified as any one, and the voice pitilessly continued:
-
-"Better be careful, Mister Man. The detectives have their eyes on you."
-
-Goodlove turned to the landlady and almost yelled:
-
-"Madam, send for an officer. This is going too far."
-
-"I will not have an officer in my house; no need."
-
-"But, madam, who is it insulting me?"
-
-"I do not know."
-
-The landlady was as much dazed and mystified as any one.
-
-The voice, however, ceased--became hushed; but a strange feeling
-pervaded those who had been witnesses and listeners during the strange
-scene. One after the other they rose and left the table and the room.
-Goodlove and Ike remained. The fellow looked over at Ike sharply and
-said:
-
-"Say, my friend, did you notice who used the insulting language?"
-
-The voice was again heard. It appeared to come from the hall and the
-words were:
-
-"That young man does not know anything about it. Don't question him, you
-thief."
-
-Goodlove rushed out to the hall. There was not a soul there. He ran up
-the stairs, but saw no one. Each one of the boarders had either retired
-to his room or had gone out. Ike left the table and passed Goodlove in
-the hall. He did not speak to the man, but went to the hatrack, secured
-his hat and stepped out to the street. Goodlove meantime entered the
-parlor and commenced pacing the floor. The landlady joined him.
-
-"Madam," he said, "this is a most extraordinary occurrence."
-
-"It is, sir."
-
-"You were present. You know who made those insulting remarks."
-
-"I do not."
-
-"I will know, madam."
-
-"I hope you will be able to learn, for the occurrence will do me great
-injury unless the mystery is explained."
-
-"There is no mystery about it. You have an impudent rascal in your
-house. Who is your new boarder?"
-
-"He came to me highly recommended."
-
-"It's all very strange, madam."
-
-"Can it be possible," asked the landlady, "that the new boarder is a
-detective?"
-
-Goodlove's face became ghastly. He walked more rapidly, and finally,
-seizing his hat from the hatrack, stepped out to the street. He had gone
-but a few steps, however, when a hand was laid on his shoulder--a heavy
-hand. The man would have shrieked if he had not been actually paralyzed
-with terror.
-
-"Hello, Goodlove," said the man who had seized him. "Where are you
-going?"
-
-The man trembled, but could not answer.
-
-"Well, we've got you, mister. But let me ask you, is this your first
-offense? If it is it's all the better for you, that's all. We may let up
-on you, but we've got you dead to rights."
-
-The man managed to gasp:
-
-"What do you mean?"
-
-"Oh, come off! We've got you all right. We didn't close in on you until
-we had all the proof. Where are the bonds you stole from Miss Sidney's
-trunk, and the money?"
-
-The detective talked in such a matter-of-fact tone, with such absolute
-assurance, that the culprit was all "broke up." He just wilted.
-
-"Who says I stole the bonds?"
-
-"Oh, come off! don't attempt that. Old man, see here; do you want to be
-locked up? Turn over the stolen property, and if this is your first
-offense I'll let you go; but if you attempt to deny or play 'possum I'll
-lock you up and you will go to Sing Sing Prison; that's all."
-
-"How strange!" muttered the prisoner.
-
-"Strange that you were found out?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Why, you fool, we knew all the time that you stole the bonds. Thieves
-always get found out, but it depends upon how smart they are in getting
-away. Crime never pays; criminals always come to a bad end. This is your
-first offense. You have learned a lesson that will last you all your
-life. It always pays to be honest; it's always a losing game to be
-dishonest. Now what is your decision? Will you go to jail or surrender
-the stolen property?"
-
-"If I surrender it will you let me off?"
-
-"As this is your first offense I will let you off, and as I do not wish
-to spoil your future chances I will say nothing about your guilt. But
-let me tell you, if you ever steal again you will surely be caught and
-will pay the full penalty."
-
-"I will surrender the property."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI.
-
-     IKE RECOVERS THE BONDS THROUGH HIS FRIEND, DETECTIVE DU FLORE, AND
-     HE AND HIS FELLOW VENTRILOQUIST FALL INTO NEW ADVENTURES.
-
-
-The property was surrendered--the bonds, all the jewelry and all the
-money to a cent--and placed in the hands of Ike, who, when he met his
-"side partner" at their home, said:
-
-"Well, Jack, I didn't need you. I caught my fish easy."
-
-"Yes, 'dead easy,' as the two robbers said."
-
-"They missed, I won."
-
-"You did."
-
-"So much for this adventure. To-morrow I will return the stolen property
-to the owner, and then----"
-
-"What then?"
-
-"We will lie around for a new adventure. We're having a heap of fun."
-
-"We are, and doing a heap of good even if I say it myself."
-
-On the day following the incidents we have related Ike and Jack in
-company called upon the young lady for whom they had done so great a
-service. She received them in the little parlor, but she appeared very
-anxious and careworn, and she said after the usual greetings:
-
-"I am very unhappy."
-
-"You are?"
-
-"I am."
-
-"Why?"
-
-"I cannot remain here with this good lady when I am unable to pay for my
-board."
-
-"What will you do?" asked Ike, a pleasant brightness in his eyes.
-
-"I do not know what I will do. I am already in her debt."
-
-"You are?"
-
-"Yes; she paid my board bill at the last place when she went with me to
-get my trunk."
-
-"And you think you will not be able to pay her?"
-
-"I do not know what I will do."
-
-"You can pay her when you recover your stolen property."
-
-"I will never recover that."
-
-"Did I not promise that I would recover it for you?"
-
-"Yes, in the goodness of your heart you did; but the lady here, with
-whom I am staying, says the chances are very much against my ever
-recovering my property."
-
-"And has she intimated that you had better find another home?"
-
-"On the contrary, she has told me I can remain here as long as I
-please--until I find my uncle or secure a position that will enable me
-to earn my living."
-
-"You can set your mind at rest; when I promise a thing I usually keep my
-promise. I will not keep you in suspense. Here is your property restored
-to you."
-
-The girl almost fainted, so great was her excitement. She could not
-speak for a full minute, but when she did find voice she exclaimed:
-
-"And you really have recovered all my property?"
-
-"You can recognize your own property; here it is."
-
-"This is wonderful."
-
-"It's jolly good, that's all. I said I would recover it and I've kept my
-word; and now you are independent."
-
-"Oh, I am so grateful! How did you do it?"
-
-"Well, we did it."
-
-"Who was the thief?"
-
-"One of the boarders in that house."
-
-"Who was the guilty party?"
-
-"Whom would you suspect?"
-
-"No one; they all seemed good people."
-
-"And you had no suspicion?"
-
-"I did not suspect any one particular person."
-
-"A young man named Goodlove was the thief."
-
-The girl stared.
-
-"He was the thief?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"I never would have suspected him, he was so kind to me. He was the only
-one to whom I told anything about myself."
-
-"Yes, and he took advantage of your confidence in him to rob you."
-
-"I did not tell him I had any money."
-
-"He evidently suspected you did have, but all's well that ends well; and
-now you will remember I made you another promise."
-
-"You said you would find my uncle."
-
-"I said I would find him if he were living."
-
-"And can you succeed as you have in recovering this property?"
-
-"I can and will, if he is alive. And now can I advise you?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Make your home here for the present, until such time as we report as
-concerns the whereabouts of your uncle."
-
-"Now that I can pay my board I will gladly remain here. I propose to
-take music lessons and become a teacher. I shall be self-supporting. I
-am pretty well advanced in music already."
-
-"That is good. Can we call and see you occasionally?"
-
-"I shall always be delighted to have you call upon me; you have proved
-yourselves my real friends. But will you tell me how you managed to
-recover my bonds?"
-
-"Not to-day; some day we will tell you all about it."
-
-"And Goodlove--is he in jail?"
-
-"No, it was his first offense and we let him off. He will leave New
-York, however, and start afresh. I think he has learned a lesson and
-will become honest."
-
-On the day following Ike and Jack were at breakfast in a restaurant when
-they overheard the proprietor of the place and a customer discussing a
-great robbery that had taken place under the most startling
-circumstances. Ike, after the meal, secured a paper and read the
-account. The robbery was indeed a very startling one. An old miser had
-lived in a tumble-down house for twenty-odd years. No one knew that he
-possessed one cent; indeed, his neighbors were not aware that he was the
-owner of the old tumble-down house in which he resided. He was seldom
-seen on the streets, then only at night. He never begged alms, lived in
-the most frugal manner, as was supposed, as no one could tell where he
-did procure his food. He occupied the little old house alone, and, as
-stated, had gone on for years, never attracting any attention until one
-morning through the police the startling announcement was made that the
-old man was really a possible millionaire. Thieves had broken into his
-old house, chloroformed him and ransacked his apartments, and according
-to the old man's statement had carried off gold, bills, silver bonds,
-and securities to an amount which under all the circumstances appeared
-incredible. Indeed, as it appeared, the police had been in possession of
-the facts of the robbery for several days, but they had doubted the old
-man's story, doubted that he had ever possessed any property at all, but
-later revelations established the truthfulness of the old man's
-statement beyond all question. As it also appeared, the old man had gone
-to South America when a very young man. He had returned to New York
-twenty years previous to the time of the robbery, and had then purchased
-the old house where, for reasons of his own, he had lived seemingly the
-life of a miser. The papers spoke of him in contemptuous tones as an old
-miser, and said by intimation that it served him right to be robbed. It
-was a just retribution visited upon a man who for the pure love of
-possession had denied himself the comforts of life just to accumulate
-his hoards, which were useless to him and the thousands of needy people
-whom he might have aided. The robbery had been a very mysterious one. No
-one had been seen by any one lurking in the vicinity of the house, but
-some time between midnight and morning three men, as the old miser
-declared, had entered his house, had chloroformed him and then had
-deliberately gone all through his apartments and had taken everything
-of value they could lay their hands on. After the robbery, as it
-appeared, the old man had refused to take any one into his house as a
-guard. He did not relish the visits of the police, but declared that
-everything portable of any value had been taken. He had been very
-methodical and had the numbers of most of his bonds, and the usual
-notifications were sent to dealers; but it was well known that quite a
-number of the securities were unregistered and negotiable. Indeed, as it
-proved later, the old man was mistaken; the bulk of them were
-negotiable. Besides the securities, jewels of great value and hoards of
-gold and silver were taken.
-
-Ike and Jack read over the account and later met their friend, Detective
-Du Flore, who knew all about the case, and he said:
-
-"I was coming to see you. I wonder if we can get in on this job with any
-hope of success?"
-
-"I don't know about the hope of success," said Ike, "but we can get in
-on the job."
-
-"I will tell you something privately: there is an immense reward
-offered. It will be the job of our lives if we can run down those
-plunderers."
-
-"We can try."
-
-"Ike, you are a wonder, and hoping to have your aid I have had myself
-specially assigned to the case. My reputation for life will be made, and
-we will all receive a big sum of money. I owe my present reputation to
-you. The capture of those two burglars has set me away up, and if I can
-solve this mystery and run down the robbers I am a great man."
-
-"We will see what we can do."
-
-"It's a great case and some of the oldest men on the force are on it. I
-would like to prove a winner."
-
-"We will do the best we can."
-
-"You have a great head, Ike."
-
-"Thank you; I'll do the best I can."
-
-"What is your plan for a starter?"
-
-"I must have a chance to think the matter over. It will take me two or
-three days to make up my mind, but let me tell you, Du Flore, I have an
-idea that we can solve this mystery and get on the thieves."
-
-"We are just made for life if we can. When will you see me again?"
-
-"In a few days or in a few hours possibly," said Ike.
-
-The detective and the ventriloquist separated, and as Ike and Jack
-walked away the former said:
-
-"Jack, we've got a big job on hand. Let's walk down and take a look at
-the old miser's house, for to-night we may wish to play burglar."
-
-"What do you mean?"
-
-"I am going to take great chances. I am going to get into that house."
-
-"Sneak in?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"You will get into a scrape, I fear."
-
-"Eh, Jack, do you fear? I did not think you knew what fear meant."
-
-Jack laughed and said:
-
-"Don't take me so quick, Ike. All I intended to convey was that we
-should be cautious. That house will be under surveillance. It might
-prove awkward if you were caught sneaking into the old man's place."
-
-"Would you sneak in if you had a plan?"
-
-"To own up square, I would."
-
-"All right; we won't be caught, and if we do, with your brave aid we'll
-get out of the scrape. I've an idea--a very funny one. I won't tell it
-to you now, or even you might call me a crank. But I tell you, I am
-going to take big chances and get into the old man's house on the sly,
-in spite of the police, detectives and every one else. I've a scheme."
-
-The two lads arrived in the vicinity of the house and scanned the
-surroundings very carefully, and as they walked away Ike said:
-
-"We have a chance for a joke on hand, Jack."
-
-"Yes, I am on to it."
-
-"What are you on to?"
-
-"We have been spotted and a detective is on our track."
-
-"Yes, a snide. We'll give him a lesson."
-
-"When?"
-
-"Oh, we'll shake him now, but to-night we'll show up again and have our
-fun, and with our fun we'll do some business."
-
-The ventriloquists were right. They had been spotted and a "snide"
-detective was on their track, and the youths did succeed in giving him
-the "shake," and they just kept under cover until night, when, having
-fully arranged for their adventures, they issued forth and proceeded
-again down to the old miser's house, and just as they suspected the
-"snide" detective got on to their track again, and the second time he
-started in to follow them he was satisfied he had struck something. As
-Ike and Jack walked away the former said:
-
-"Now the fun commences. We will give that fellow a great steer."
-
-Ike and Jack were both well posted all over the city of New York, and
-they proceeded to a public-house which had been for years under the
-surveillance of the police. It was a regular thieves' resort and many a
-bad fellow had been trailed from that very house. Once in the house they
-sat down at a table and called for their beer, and, as both suspected,
-in a few moments the "snide" entered. He pretended to be looking at
-everything else but the two youths, when in reality he was watching
-every movement. Ike had been revolving in his mind how to give the
-fellow a layout. He knew the man well. He was a real "snide"--a
-detective beat--in fact, not a genuine detective, but the agent of a
-detective agency. He thought himself, however, very smart. Ike, as
-stated, knew the house well, and knew that a number of very prominent
-politicians were in the habit of gathering in a back room on the second
-floor, where they indulged a little game of cards _for fun only_, and
-discussed their political plans. They were men away up politically, not
-thieves in the general sense of the word; at least, they were not liable
-to arrest, and they were very bold and resolute and had a very high idea
-of themselves. Even while Ike sat there he saw two of these men enter
-the place and pass through a rear side door to the hall.
-
-Ike knew these men well. He was aware, as stated, that they met in this
-room to discuss their political plans. They were in session, and after a
-little while the "snide" who had been watching the two ventriloquists
-crossed over to the table where they were sitting and pretended to have
-met one of them before.
-
-"See here, mister," said Ike, "you are barking up the wrong tree."
-
-The man gazed in astonishment.
-
-"We are not under glances now, but there's bigger game in this house."
-
-The "snide" recognized at once that the two young fellows were "on to
-him," as the saying goes.
-
-"Who are you fellows anyhow?" he demanded.
-
-"Oh, we're just out, we are. You have no use for us, nor we for you."
-
-"You say there's bigger game in this house?"
-
-"Yes, there is."
-
-"Give me the points."
-
-"Oh, you can't work it alone."
-
-"I can't?"
-
-"No."
-
-"You give me the points and we will see if I can."
-
-"Go and get your pard. It will take two of you, and I'll let you on to a
-big call. I want to get square; that's how I stand."
-
-"You put me on to a big lay and I'll make it worth your while."
-
-"You will?"
-
-"I will. You know me, don't you?"
-
-"I only know you are a cop, that's all."
-
-"Did I ever have any dealings with you?"
-
-"Never; but I want to get square. There are a couple of men in this
-house who swore us away once."
-
-Our readers will bear in mind that both the ventriloquists were under a
-disguise that permitted them to play the role they were working at that
-moment.
-
-"What is the lay?"
-
-"Oh, it's the old miser business. I knew the moment that thing came out
-who did that job."
-
-"It may be you did," said the detective wisely.
-
-"Do you think we were in it?"
-
-"You may have been."
-
-"Then take us, and we'll have the laugh on you and the real game will
-skip. I say I can set you on to a dead sure game to prove your arrest."
-
-"You can?"
-
-"I can."
-
-"How?"
-
-"When I agree I can do it easy enough, but you had better get a pard.
-These villains are wild fellows; they might do you up."
-
-"I'll take chances."
-
-"You will?"
-
-"I will."
-
-"All right; I'll give you the points."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII.
-
-     IKE RESORTS TO A VERY CUNNING TRICK AND USES HIS GREAT GIFT IN A
-     VERY REMARKABLE MANNER--HIS JOKE IS FOLLOWED BY STARTLING RESULTS.
-
-
-The man's face beamed. He believed he was on to a big thing. We have not
-attempted to go into the full details and describe just how Ike got down
-to his deception. We have just outlined the conversation, but for the
-purpose he had in view our hero talked straight to the point and his
-proposition was not an unreasonable one; it was just the dodge to hook a
-fellow of the stripe of the "snide." Our hero knew just how to work his
-trick and adapted his plan to his man.
-
-Ike had his fish well hooked, and then he became very confidential. He
-told his man to go to the rear room and play off so as not to attract
-attention. The man obeyed and a little later Ike joined him, and then,
-after looking around furtively, still maintaining his play, he said:
-
-"In the rear room upstairs are the fellows who robbed the old miser.
-They are discussing a division of the swag. Now, if you want proof I'll
-go up the stairs with you and you can overhear their talk and get all
-the points--get your men located."
-
-The detective's eyes bulged. He, of course, recognized the possibility
-that Ike was giving him a "steer," and then again it was possible he was
-giving him the real facts.
-
-"You needn't take my word," said Ike. "All you have to do is listen at
-the door. They are not looking for eavesdroppers. Make sure of your
-points, then away with your information, get your aids and capture the
-whole gang. I'll teach those fellows to give it to me in the neck,"
-concluded our wily hero.
-
-The "snide" and Ike stepped into the hall and noiselessly moved up the
-stairs, and as they approached the door of the room where the
-politicians were the "snide" heard the murmur of voices. No
-ventriloquistic trick was ever played better in imitating the murmur of
-several voices behind a closed door, and as the "snide" drew close to
-the door a voice was heard to exclaim:
-
-"Hold on! that is not a square deal."
-
-"What do you want--the earth?" came the retort.
-
-"No, but I want my share of the negotiable bonds," came the answer. "You
-fellows are taking all the easy things and giving me the registered
-ones. They're no good, you know, and I want you fellows to remember I
-fell to that old miser and it was I who put up the job. We made a good
-haul without any blood-letting. I want a square deal, I do. Everything
-is hunky; we've given the police a dead steer away and we're all right.
-Don't you fellows try to rob me, do you hear?"
-
-The "snide" heard and his face became radiant. He stepped away from the
-door and said to Ike:
-
-"You go away. It's dangerous to be around here."
-
-Little did the speaker know how dangerous it really was. He was destined
-to experience the full force of the danger in a most remarkable manner a
-few moments later, for Ike managed to perform a second marvelous
-ventriloquistic trick--one of the most wonderful of all. He managed to
-make, seemingly, a woman scream in a shrill tone:
-
-"Look out, in that room! There's a sneak peeping at the door."
-
-The words had hardly left the woman's lips, as it appeared, when the
-door opened. The "snide" was actually caught with his ear to the
-keyhole, so suddenly had the door opened. Well, a scene followed. The
-politicians were really discussing a very important political matter.
-They looked upon the "snide" as a sneak who was merely seeking for
-information to steal it, and they were mad. Indeed, there was danger
-around there just at that moment.
-
-As intimated, the politicians were mad; they believed this "ward
-heeler," as they mistook the "snide" to be, had gotten on to their whole
-little affair. They did not stand on ceremony--they just broke loose.
-They were all really toughs, and the way they went for Mister Snide was
-lovely to behold, especially had any one been present who really
-recognized what a mean sneak the "snide" was.
-
-"Let me get at him," cried one politician. No one interfered. He was
-permitted to get at him and the first blow knocked the "snide" to the
-landing of the stairs. The second blow was a terrific kick which sent
-him headlong down the steps. He, fortunately for himself, did not break
-his neck in his descent, and gained his feet and made a rush into the
-bar on his way to the door to the street, but he did not get there
-before one of the politicians was at his heels. He received a kick that
-lifted him clear off the floor, then another man took a rap at him, and
-at each kick up he leaped involuntarily; so, with kicks and raps, he was
-knocked clear out to the street, and there stood the two ventriloquists
-to see him come forth. Ike expected him, and the young fellow's
-expectations were not disappointed; a worse laying out no sneak ever
-received. The man fell helpless on the sidewalk, and when a policeman
-ran to his aid he told his tale and yelled: "Arrest those men. They are
-the robbers of the old miser."
-
-The policeman believed the man drunk or crazy, and rapped for
-assistance, and when his mate joined him they toted him off to the
-station. All the way the man protested, and when he arrived at the
-station he told his tale to the sergeant. The latter was bound to give
-the story his attention. He led the man back to the resort and up to
-the room. The politicians had reassembled. The sergeant knocked for
-admission and was let in. Well, a scene followed.
-
-The sergeant knew every man present in the room, knew that none of them
-were crooks, and he was confirmed in the impression that the man was
-drunk or crazy. The "snide" was led back to the station house and put in
-a cell. He yelled and protested, and no wonder. He foamed at the mouth
-in his excitement. The most partial observer would have counted him
-crazy.
-
-Ike and Jack, however, had accomplished their purpose. Our hero said:
-
-"The road is clear now; that fellow was hanging around the old miser's
-house all the time. Now I reckon I can make an entrance and interview
-the old man."
-
-The two ventriloquists proceeded down to the old house and arrived just
-in time to meet another embarrassment. A policeman entered the house
-just as they arrived in sight.
-
-"Hello, Ike," said Jack; "what's that?"
-
-"A disagreeable discovery."
-
-"That fellow is probably going to remain in the house over night."
-
-"It looks so, and yet the papers said the old man had a guard and had
-declined to go to other quarters."
-
-"We must get rid of that fellow."
-
-"It is possible he will not remain there."
-
-The hour was about eleven o'clock and Jack, after looking at his
-timepiece, said:
-
-"Possibly he has just entered to see that everything is all right with
-the old man."
-
-The lads waited around for about an hour, when to our hero's delight he
-saw the policeman come from the house. The two young men had made a
-thorough search around the neighborhood and were convinced that there
-was no one on the watch. After the policeman had been gone some little
-time Ike bade Jack remain on the watch.
-
-The daring young man then leaped the gate of the old alleyway and passed
-around to the rear of the house. He saw the glimmer of a light shooting
-forth from the windows of the room on the second floor. He remained a
-moment studying the rear of the house, then descended the areaway and in
-a few moments managed to gain an entrance, although the door was bolted
-on the inside; but the woodwork had rotted and he easily gained an
-entrance, as stated. All was cold and damp. As he stepped inside the
-hallway he drew his mask lantern and glanced around. It was a dreary
-sight that met his view.
-
-"I reckon," he muttered, "the old man never comes down here and it is a
-wonder he is alive, living over all this filth and decay."
-
-On tiptoe Ike ascended to the parlor floor. He entered the front parlor,
-and as he flashed his light around he experienced a shock of surprise.
-There were articles of great value lying around; marble statues had
-rolled from their pedestals and had fallen to the floor, and on the
-walls were very valuable paintings, their frames moldy and the pictures
-apparently ruined. There was one picture that had been covered, and at a
-glance our hero discerned that it had been cared for--the only article
-in the room which had evidently ever been dusted or cleaned.
-
-"A picture of the old fellow's wife," thought Ike, and after a moment he
-added: "I will have a glance at it."
-
-The young man was doing a nervy piece of business, and yet he was as
-cool and deliberate as though in his own house. He moved about with
-great care and in a noiseless manner, and he advanced to the picture,
-removed the cloth, flashed his light upon it and recoiled as though
-gazing at an apparition. It was the one great surprise of his life.
-
-There he stood, as he supposed gazing upon a portrait of Sara Sidney,
-the beautiful girl whom he had served in such a signal manner. He stood
-gazing in rapt attention, and so engrossed was he that he did not
-observe a counter-light in the room, nor become aware of the presence of
-another until he was startled almost to a condition of terror when a
-voice demanded:
-
-"Who are you, and what do you want here?"
-
-Ike turned and beheld a strange-looking old man standing within a few
-feet of him. In his hand the old man held a light, and his deep, sunken
-eyes were illuminated with a strange gleam as their glance rested on the
-ventriloquist.
-
-"Are you Mr. Ward?"
-
-"I am Mr. Ward," came the answer. "Who are you?"
-
-"Your friend."
-
-The old man chuckled and said:
-
-"You are here to rob me, I suppose; but, Mr. Burglar, there is nothing
-left for you. The scoundrels who came here before took everything--yes,
-everything."
-
-"I did not come here to rob--I came here to aid you."
-
-"To aid me?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"I don't need aid; if I do there is aid at hand."
-
-"You don't understand me."
-
-"Well, let me understand you."
-
-"I came here as your friend."
-
-The old man chuckled again, and said:
-
-"I need no friends. I've lived many years independent of all friendship.
-But what do you think of that picture?"
-
-There came an eager light in the old man's eyes as he asked the
-question.
-
-"That picture is a mystery to me."
-
-"A mystery?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Why?"
-
-"I hardly dare tell you."
-
-"Do you know anything about that picture?"
-
-"Shall I speak right out?"
-
-"Certainly."
-
-"I know the original of that picture."
-
-"Young man, you lie, and you need not come here with any such wild
-story. Hark you, I have but to give an alarm--touch a button--and I will
-have a whole platoon of police here."
-
-"You do not need the police."
-
-"How do I know?"
-
-"I will convince you."
-
-"You will convince me?"
-
-"I will."
-
-"Do so."
-
-"I repeat, I know the original of that picture."
-
-"Are you a maniac or a rogue?"
-
-"I am neither."
-
-"Let me look in your face."
-
-Ike stood with his face turned toward the strange old man. The latter
-thrust his light forward and carefully studied the ventriloquist's
-features.
-
-"You do not look like a rogue or a maniac."
-
-"I am neither."
-
-"Then why did you force yourself into my house?"
-
-"I came here as your friend."
-
-"I need no friends."
-
-"Yes, you need me."
-
-"I do?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"How is it I need you?"
-
-"I am going to do you a great service."
-
-"You are?"
-
-"I am."
-
-"How?"
-
-"I will recover your bonds and all the property stolen from you."
-
-The old man again laughed in a strange, weird manner, and said:
-
-"That is what they all told me. I have not yet seen my bonds and
-jewels."
-
-"We will talk about that later on. What I desire to know is, who is the
-lady whose portrait I see here?"
-
-"What business is it of yours who the lady is?"
-
-"I tell you I know the original."
-
-"Then why do you ask me who she is?"
-
-The question was a cute one.
-
-"There is a mystery here."
-
-"Is there?"
-
-"There is."
-
-The old man appeared to be a clear-headed, nervy individual, although he
-might be a miser.
-
-"What is the mystery?"
-
-"I said I knew the original of that picture."
-
-"You did."
-
-"I will say I know one for whom that picture might be taken as a
-portrait."
-
-"You do?"
-
-"I do."
-
-"Who is the person?"
-
-The old man was again all eagerness and attention.
-
-"I will not say yet, but I would like to know who the real original of
-the picture is."
-
-"I would first like to know who you are and how you dared force an
-entrance into my house."
-
-"You shall know all about me later on."
-
-"Oh, yes, that is what you said, but it is not satisfactory. You say you
-know one for whom that picture might be accepted as the portrait?"
-
-"I do."
-
-"The picture is mine."
-
-"I will not dispute that, but I tell you there is a mystery. I can see
-now that the party I know is not the original of the portrait, but the
-likeness is very remarkable--yes, wonderful. The party I know could be a
-twin sister."
-
-"Say, young man, what is it you are trying to accomplish?"
-
-"On my honor, sir, I am telling the truth. Is your real name Ward?"
-
-The old man showed signs of great excitement as he demanded:
-
-"What business is it of yours who I am?"
-
-"Is your real name Sidney?"
-
-The old man uttered a cry, and advancing toward Ike seized his arm and
-demanded: "What do you mean? Who are you?"
-
-"We had better settle right down to full confidences, Mr. Sidney. I tell
-you I am your friend."
-
-"Will you explain your words?"
-
-"I will."
-
-"Do so."
-
-"I asked you if your name was Sidney."
-
-"You did."
-
-"I know a young lady named Sidney who could be taken for the original of
-that picture. I concluded she must be a family connection; indeed, I am
-in the habit of putting little bits of evidence together and I arrived
-at a conclusion, following a suspicion aroused by the strange
-resemblance; that's all. I am telling you the truth."
-
-"You look like an honest youth. Come upstairs with me. We will talk this
-matter over. My name is Ward; yes, my name is Ward, but I once knew a
-man named Sidney. He was the friend of my boyhood. I have not seen or
-heard from him for many, many years."
-
-"Did he go to California?"
-
-"Yes, he went to California. Yes, yes, I remember he did; but come
-upstairs. I wish to talk to you."
-
-The old man led the way to the room on the second floor, and,
-remembering what he had seen in the lower part of the house, Ike was
-surprised to behold the air of comfort and neatness presented in this
-apartment.
-
-"Sit down," said the old man.
-
-Ike obeyed and the old miser continued in an eager tone:
-
-"Now tell me about this girl who you say is the daughter of my old
-friend Sidney."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII.
-
-     IKE MAKES A MOST REMARKABLE DISCOVERY AND ALSO PICKS UP CLUES WHICH
-     ENABLE HIM TO START OUT INTELLIGENTLY ON A SHADOW FOR THE BOND
-     THIEVES.
-
-
-Ike had his own suspicions, but he did not project them. He was going
-very slow, as he hoped to draw the old man on and force him to a very
-startling confession. He told the story of Sara Sidney--told it in a
-straightforward, simple manner. The old man listened attentively and
-betrayed considerable emotion, and he muttered:
-
-"How unfortunate I have been robbed! How much I might have done for this
-daughter of my old friend! But alas! I am a poor man now--yes, a poor
-man."
-
-"All your wealth can be recovered."
-
-"Oh, they all say that."
-
-"Who says so?"
-
-"The detectives who have been here; but they will never recover one
-dollar. I will never get my property back."
-
-"That is what your niece said," projected Ike suddenly.
-
-The old man almost screamed as he said:
-
-"My niece! What do you mean?"
-
-"I will speak plainly. I cannot be deceived--this man Sidney was more to
-you than a friend. I recovered the stolen property of Sara Sidney; I
-will recover your property."
-
-"Who are you, young man?"
-
-"You may call me the devil or Tom Walker if you choose, it makes no
-difference. I will recover your property, and now I tell you I know your
-name is Sidney and the girl I know is your niece, and that accounts for
-the wonderful resemblance to the portrait of your daughter."
-
-The old man glared.
-
-Ike, as our readers will observe, was pressing right ahead in his
-impressions. He had arrived at a conclusion and he was assuming a tone
-calculated to force the old man to an admission. He said:
-
-"You need not fear. Your niece is independent; she will not become a
-burden to you. She is a brave, true, energetic young girl. She has some
-means--enough to maintain her until she is in a position to support
-herself by her labor. I tell you, when you see her you will be proud of
-her."
-
-The old man was very thoughtful for some moments but finally he said:
-
-"Can I trust you, young man?"
-
-"Yes, you can trust me."
-
-"My real name is Sidney. I did have a brother who went to California.
-This is all very strange. I have not heard from my brother for nearly
-thirty years. If what you say is true this girl may be my niece. When
-can I see her?"
-
-"You cannot see her until I have caught the thieves and restored the
-property or come to you and admit that I have failed."
-
-The old man appeared dazed and Ike said:
-
-"Tell me your story. Yon can trust me."
-
-"I believe I can," said the old man; "I will. I have admitted that my
-name is Sidney, and that I am a brother of the Sidney who went to
-California. I went to South America and while there met a young American
-girl, the daughter of the United States consul. She became my wife and
-one child was born to us; but alas! my wife died, carried off by fever,
-ere the child was a year old, and from that moment I devoted my life to
-my daughter. I am of humble birth, and I set to work to accumulate a
-great fortune for my child. I brought out masters from Europe to educate
-her. She was beautiful, amiable, bright and accomplished, and I was
-happy. But alas! death came stealing along one night and wrapped its
-cold arms around my child, and I laid her beside her mother. From that
-moment I lost all ambition, all interest in life. I had heard many years
-previously that my brother was dead. I had never heard of his marriage
-and did not suppose he had left a child. Strange fate! I live, but my
-child is gone; he has gone and his child lives. I converted all my
-wealth into bonds, money, jewels and securities, and I came home to
-America. They call me a miser, alas! In my own way, secretly, I have
-been aiding the poor and needy for twenty-odd years. The portrait you
-see is a portrait of my child. In the South, you know, girls mature very
-fast. She was but thirteen when she died. Well, I have had no interest
-in life. I fear nothing, I have cared for nothing. I have only been
-waiting for death to come and claim me. His visit has been long delayed
-and now my wealth is gone. I did not care, but now I do care, for if you
-are not deceiving me I would have had something for the child of my
-brother; and you say she resembles the portrait. Well, when my brother
-and I were boys we greatly resembled each other. And now listen to me: I
-accept your gage. I will not ask to see my niece until you have made
-good your promise; either you shall recover my fortune or you shall come
-to me and say you have failed."
-
-"It will be strange if I ever come to you and say that I have failed.
-You can trust me. I seek no reward, but I believe I can recover your
-fortune, and now I have a double motive for doing so."
-
-There came a quick, searching glance to the old man's eyes, but he said
-nothing until after an interval, when he declared:
-
-"Recover the fortune and you shall not complain of your reward."
-
-"Have you talked much to the detectives?"
-
-"I have not, because until now I was indifferent."
-
-"If I can secure the slightest clue I will promise success. Have you any
-recollection of the appearance of either of the men?"
-
-"Yes; I had a struggle with them before they chloroformed me."
-
-The old man proceeded and gave quite an accurate description of one of
-the men.
-
-"This is great!" said Ike, and he asked:
-
-"Where did the struggle take place?"
-
-"Down in my parlor. I heard them down there as I heard you, despite your
-care, and there I met and fought them until overpowered."
-
-Ike went down to the parlor. He spent one minute gazing at the portrait
-and then set to work. He had associated so much with detectives he had
-their methods down to a fine point; and besides, as our readers know, he
-was naturally a perfect wonder in shrewdness and cunning. He drew his
-mask lantern and the old man asked:
-
-"Are you a detective?"
-
-"A sort of amateur," came the answer.
-
-Ike got down on the floor, face forward, and flashed the light of his
-mask lantern over every inch of the carpet, asking questions of the old
-man as to just where the first grapple commenced, and soon he cried,
-"Eureka!"
-
-The old man had become eagerly interested.
-
-"What have you found?"
-
-"All I need, added to your description."
-
-Ike had come across several strands of hair. He rose from the floor and
-held the threads under the full glare of his lantern, and the old man
-exclaimed:
-
-"I remember; yes, I did grasp one of them by the hair and must have
-pulled a few locks."
-
-"Hardly a few locks, but enough," said Ike.
-
-The young ventriloquist obtained what he most desired. He had the
-description, as stated, and he knew the color of the hair of at least
-one of the robbers. Let him find one of them and he well knew he would
-not only run down the men but the "swag." He felt quite jubilant, and
-after a long talk with Mr. Sidney, in which he gave the old gentleman
-very minute instructions, he passed out the front door, and as he did so
-a man seized him.
-
-"Hello, young fellow! what are you doing in there?" came the question.
-
-"I am not in there; I am out here," answered Ike coolly, and at the same
-instant Jack ran up and said:
-
-"Look out for that fellow, Ike. He's a bad one."
-
-"I want you," said the man.
-
-Ike suddenly drew his mask lantern, which he had not extinguished, and
-flashed the light straight in the fellow's face. The man uttered an
-oath, drew a revolver and made as if to strike Ike a blow, but instead
-he received a rap on the head which felled him as though he had been
-hit with an iron bar. As the man fell Ike leaped over his form and he
-and Jack sped away. Our hero had reasons for speeding away, for he
-believed he was on to a great thing.
-
-Once out of sight Jack asked:
-
-"What happened; Ike?"
-
-"Wonders upon wonders, Jack; it's a night of wonders. I can't stop to
-tell you now; but who is that fellow? You said he was a bad one."
-
-"I'll tell you. While I was waiting for you I saw him and another man
-come stealthily down the street. I stole behind them and overheard their
-conversation. They were not looking for you, but some one else. I think
-when you came forth they mistook you for the man they were looking for."
-
-"They are not officers?"
-
-"No."
-
-"We must trail that fellow. He is probably associated with the robbers."
-
-The two ventriloquists worked a transform and separated, but both were
-making for the one objective point and both got on to the trail of the
-man whom Jack had so opportunely knocked over just as he aimed a blow at
-Ike.
-
-As intimated, they got on the trail of the man and followed him until he
-met a second man on the Bowery. The latter had come from a saloon--a
-brilliantly illuminated gin palace. He stood right under the glare of
-the electric lights and Ike had a clear, full view of him.
-
-"There's our man," said Ike.
-
-"What do you mean, Iky?"
-
-Quickly Ike stated that he had received a clue and that he identified
-the man standing in the doorway of the gin palace beyond all question as
-one of the burglars.
-
-"This is great!" said Jack. "Let's close in on him, and I'll try a
-little hypnotism on him."
-
-"You may have plenty of chance yet for the exercise of your mysterious
-power, Jack."
-
-We will here state that Jack had given Ike an exhibition of his wondrous
-gift as a hypnotist. Ike was the greater ventriloquist, but he did not
-possess the hypnotic power; while Jack possessed it, as the readers of
-his former adventures as recorded in Number 19 of our series are aware,
-to a remarkable degree.
-
-Ike was not naturally excitable. He was singularly cold-blooded, but
-upon discovering his man so soon his blood did course rather rapidly
-through his veins.
-
-There is one other fact we wish to state: burglars, as a rule, do not
-leave the great cities. They find them safer hiding-places than anywhere
-else, despite the great number of detectives hovering around. There are
-all sorts of burglars--the bunglers and the accomplished chaps who
-proceed on almost scientific principles. These men are strategic. They
-study out all their plans weeks in advance. They calculate all their
-chances, both to accomplish their burglaries and also to prepare for
-their retreat and hiding. Ike calculated that the men who had robbed Mr.
-Sidney were accomplished and veteran crooks who would be likely to
-remain in the city, especially after making such a big haul; and when he
-secured the specific clue he calculated upon finding his man, but
-certainly did not hope to drop on him so soon.
-
-"What shall we do?" asked Jack, after a few moments.
-
-"We will follow this fellow. He will go home by and by, and----"
-
-The lads did follow the man, but he did not go home, and they were
-destined to have quite a long shadow ere they ran their game down. They
-located him in his haunts, but did not trail to any permanent
-abiding-place; and finally, well on toward morning, they returned to
-their home well wearied out but hopeful. Ike was sure the man would
-remain in the city and that he could locate him almost any time when he
-needed.
-
-It was late on the following afternoon when our hero visited Sara
-Sidney. He listened to a long and hopeful talk of the girl's plans. He
-did not say anything direct, but did project:
-
-"Suppose you should find your uncle, and he should disapprove of your
-plans?"
-
-"I do not expect ever to find my uncle."
-
-"Well, now, I once made you a promise."
-
-"I know you did, but remember, it is thirty years since my father saw
-his brother."
-
-"Well, some men live to a pretty old age. I am sure I will find your
-uncle."
-
-"What makes you so certain?"
-
-"Oh, it came to me in a vision. Yes, I will make you a positive promise:
-I will find your uncle. I know that he is alive, or was a few weeks
-ago."
-
-The girl became quite interested, and she looked very animated and
-beautiful as she urged Ike to tell her how he had learned that her uncle
-was living a few weeks previously.
-
-Ike, however, did not tell his tale, but he hoped to tell her in the
-near future, and with it also add the wonderful narrative of the
-recovery of a great fortune.
-
-Three weeks passed, and during that time either Ike or Jack or Detective
-Du Flore was on the trail of the light-haired man whom our hero had
-identified as one of the robbers.
-
-One day Jack asked:
-
-"Ike, are you sure you have the right man?"
-
-"Yes, I am sure, and we'll get down to him."
-
-"Possibly the fellow knows we are on his track."
-
-"No, but he is well aware that detectives are liable to be on his track
-and he is playing away from his lair; but he'll go home sure."
-
-On the day following the conversation recorded Ike was on the trail. All
-three did not "dog" the man at one time--they did so alternately. It was
-Ike's "tour," as boatmen say, and the ventriloquist struck his "lay" at
-last. Hope is the propelling force of energy, and it was constant hope
-that made our hero so persistent on the track of his man. Often during
-the three weeks he had visited Sara Sidney. He enjoyed her importunity
-as she urged him to explain what he meant when he told her that he knew
-her uncle was still living. It was delightful to him. The girl was a
-constant charm to him when in her presence, and a memory of her sweet
-personality haunted him when he was away from her. Yes, he had a strong
-motive for sticking to the trail, and, as intimated, he at length fell
-to a great lead. He had followed his man to Staten Island, or rather
-followed him on board one of the Staten Island boats, and then a great
-game commenced. He saw the thief wander all over the boat scanning the
-face of every man and woman on board, and the ventriloquist made a
-second discovery. He had seen the man exchange signals with a
-fine-looking lady on board, and as the burglar wandered around Ike saw
-the lady watch him in a most intent manner, and he muttered as a great
-suggestion came to him: "At last! At last!"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX.
-
-     IKE'S PERTINACITY IS REWARDED IN A MOST REMARKABLE MANNER--HE
-     PROVES ALL THEORIES AND REDEEMS ALL PROMISES.
-
-
-The exchange of signals between the burglar and the woman was an
-incident of great significance to our hero. The burglar was a very
-gentlemanly looking and acting man--a fellow far above the usual
-personality of robbers. Ike was after him, however, and in his own mind
-had arrived at a conclusion. A little time passed. The man made the
-circuit of the boat, appeared to be satisfied and returned to the cabin
-where the woman sat. He walked boldly up to her and they engaged in a
-very earnest conversation, while our hero muttered: "At last! At last!"
-When the boat reached the landing the woman went ashore alone, and Ike
-was in a dilemma. He did not wish to lose sight of either of them. He
-believed he was not only on to the burglars, but also going direct
-toward the hiding-place of the stolen property. He decided to follow the
-woman, but knew how necessary it was to be very careful.
-
-We will here state that nearly all burglars have women confederates, and
-we will also state that the most romantic dénouements have time and
-again followed the running down of an expert burglar. Burglars are not
-all vulgar, rough men. Some of them are rascals possessing æsthetic
-tastes. The police records will show that many burglars have been
-married to very reputable women whom they have kept in total ignorance
-of their criminal life. It is upon the records that burglars have been
-known to be very fond of their families. Of course, these cases are
-exceptions, as the usual housebreaker is a vulgar rascal. Ike, however,
-knew of many singular romances connected with criminals and believed
-that he had fallen to one, a romance of a peculiarly exceptional
-character.
-
-As stated, he desired to follow the woman, but did not dare show his
-hand. He left the boat, however, and a few moments later saw the burglar
-pass around to the returning boat. It was evident he had met the woman
-and was about to return to New York.
-
-Ike boarded the Staten Island rapid transit train. He had seen the woman
-go on the train and she rode to the third station, where she alighted.
-Our hero was on the alert. He alighted from the train also. His disguise
-was a good one. Again, in a rural district he could lay away back. He
-followed the lady until to his surprise he saw her enter a very handsome
-villa house, and then he remembered he had overheard just one word
-between the lady and the burglar. As he saw her enter that villa
-residence he fell to the significance of the man's words. He intended to
-visit the house that night, and our hero was put to his wits' end to
-decide upon his course in the emergency. Two propositions were presented
-to him: Was the stolen property in the villa, and did the man intend to
-come that night and take it away, or did he intend to remove it from
-some other place and hide it in the villa? The ventriloquist meditated a
-long time and finally decided he had the burglar located. He had the
-villa located. He had reason to believe the man was to visit the villa
-that night. The chances favored a double catch--the burglars and the
-"swag."
-
-Ike determined to return to New York, notify Jack and Du Flore and with
-them return to Staten Island and stand ready for a grand dénouement.
-Before returning, however, he "piped" the house a bit and saw a man
-greet the woman as she stepped upon the grand piazza. He then returned
-to the station, muttering as he went:
-
-"It will be great luck if we capture both burglars and all the swag.
-Great ginger! what a man the young Detective Du Flore will be!"
-
-Our hero arrived in the city, got in communication with his detective
-friend and told his story. Du Flore was all excitement. He said:
-
-"Ike, you have got on to the whole business, sure, and you've done it
-all yourself. Yes, that property is in that villa. We will have a great
-sensation for the public, who are never tired of great sensations, but
-we will give them a dandy this time, sure."
-
-Ike, Jack and the detective got themselves up in first-class disguises,
-and taking different boats proceeded singly to the Island, where they
-all arrived just about dark. They met and our hero indicated the road to
-the villa, and some time later they were all laying low and on the watch
-near the house where they expected to make the capture of the season.
-
-It had been arranged between Ike and Jack to exchange signals, but it
-was some hours before they had the opportunity and then Ike signaled
-that their man had arrived. Our hero recognized his gait. The rogue went
-straight to the villa, which was illuminated on the first and second
-floors, and the woman evidently heard the step, for she came to the door
-to meet her friend. The ventriloquists and detective came together and
-held a few moments' conversation, and it was decided that Ike should
-steal into the house, as he was the one most experienced in that sort of
-work. Ike started right in. He had reconnoitered the house earlier in
-the day and knew just where to effect an entrance. He succeeded, and
-once in the house he went very slow. He saw no servants and decided they
-had all retired; or, as it proved later, had been granted a holiday, for
-only one servant was in the house. As it also proved, this servant was
-really a confederate and had retired. Ike observed that all the lights
-on the lower floor had been extinguished, and he ascended to the second
-floor and fell to his old game of peep and listen. The man and woman
-were seated at a table. The latter was a sharp, shrewd-faced woman. Ike
-heard the man say:
-
-"Mosely will not be here to-night."
-
-"Then what do you propose to do?"
-
-"Look over the swag."
-
-"Do you not think it risky?"
-
-"No, the detectives have given it up as a bad job."
-
-"How do you intend to make a division?"
-
-"The jewels are all yours. The money and bonds we will take."
-
-The woman's face betrayed her delight.
-
-"All right," she said; "such a division is agreeable to me. I will bring
-the bonds and let you count them over."
-
-"Are all the windows tightly closed?"
-
-"We can close them."
-
-"Do so."
-
-The woman did close all the windows, and then going to an adjoining room
-returned in a few moments, bearing in her arms, we will say, a bundle of
-bonds. Ike well recognized the documents. He had seen so many
-bonds--indeed, had captured so many at different times from thieves. The
-woman laid the certificates on the table and the man said:
-
-"Where are the jewels and the money?"
-
-"I thought they were to be my share."
-
-"Certainly, but I wish to look them over. I wish to see the full amount
-of our great capture."
-
-The woman's face displayed a little disconcertion, but she went to the
-adjoining room and soon returned, bringing with her a jewel case and a
-bag which clinked, showing its contents to be gold. The man opened the
-bag and tossed gold and bills on the table, and his eyes glittered as
-his glance fell upon the wealth.
-
-Ike had seen enough for the time being. He slid down the stairs, gave a
-signal and was joined by his friends. To them he told the wondrous news.
-He said:
-
-"We've got it all. It's right to our hands." As stated, he told the tale
-and then led his companions into the house. A programme had hastily been
-arranged. They all gathered at the door of the room. Just one moment
-they stood and then there sounded a wild, weird shriek, and it appeared
-to be in the very room where the robber and his female pal were counting
-the gold and examining the jewels. The shriek had been sent forth with a
-purpose. Both the man and the woman were paralyzed with terror, so
-sudden had come the yell, in all its shrill and piercing distinctness.
-As they stood and gazed Du Flore, armed with a pair of cocked revolvers,
-entered the room. The man attempted to draw a weapon, but Du Flore
-called out:
-
-"Hold on there! you're covered."
-
-Ike and Jack entered the room. Both were armed, and Ike went directly to
-the woman and in a strange, weird voice said:
-
-"You do not wish to die."
-
-"Throw up your hands," commanded Du Flore.
-
-The man did not obey. The click of a hammer sounded in his ears and he
-muttered: "It's all up with us, Maggie. Who is to blame?"
-
-Du Flore was a powerful fellow. He suddenly leaped forward and quicker
-than a wink struck the man a blow that felled him to the floor. The
-robber was unprepared, and fell as though shot; and Jack, ever ready as
-usual, clapped the darbies on him while Ike with singular dexterity
-performed the same service for the woman, and the job was over.
-
-It had been a bold, well-played game from first to last.
-
-The bonds and gold and jewels were scooped into a bag, the man and woman
-were led down the stairs, and a little later the whole party were on
-board one of the Staten Island ferryboats. Jack remarked:
-
-"The servants in that house will wonder where their mistress is when
-they walk downstairs in the morning."
-
-The two prisoners were taken to headquarters, and within two hours the
-"pard" of the robber was captured on information which the chief of
-police secured from the woman. The mystery of the robbery had been
-solved, and on the following morning our hero proceeded to the home of
-Mr. Sidney. He found the old gentleman in his usual placid humor, but he
-did display just a little excitement when Ike said:
-
-"I'm ready now to introduce you to your niece."
-
-The old man stared.
-
-"Is it possible?" he ejaculated.
-
-"Yes, sir, it is possible. It's true your fortune has been
-recovered--every bond, every dollar, every jewel."
-
-The old man stood a moment lost in deep thought, and finally he said:
-
-"This is indeed wonderful--yes, very wonderful!"
-
-"It is true, and now I go to prepare your lovely niece to receive you."
-
-Ike did proceed to the home of Sara Sidney. He found the young lady in
-quite a happy mood, and her lovely face became radiant as she entered
-the little parlor where Ike waited to meet her.
-
-"I am so glad you have come."
-
-"Indeed!"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Do you anticipate the news I have to tell you?"
-
-"I do not."
-
-"I have great news for you, but first let me tell you a strange tale."
-
-Ike proceeded and told the tale of the robbery--told it as though he
-were merely relating an interesting story with which Miss Sidney had no
-connection--and proceeded and told how he and his friend Jack, with
-Detective Du Flore, had recovered all the stolen bonds, money and
-jewels.
-
-The girl listened and was deeply interested, evidently believing that
-Jack was merely telling a tale of his success, and she said when he had
-concluded:
-
-"You are one of the greatest detectives on earth."
-
-"I will not lay claim to that distinction until I have found your uncle.
-You know I told you I had a clue."
-
-"Yes, and it would be so strange if after all these years I should meet
-my father's brother, my uncle."
-
-"Would you like to meet him?"
-
-"How can you ask such a question? Do you know what it means to be alone
-in the world?"
-
-"Yes, I know exactly what it means to be alone in the world. I am alone
-in the world. I do not know that I have a living relative on earth."
-
-"Ike, you never told me your story."
-
-"Shall I tell you my story?"
-
-"Yes; I should be delighted to hear it."
-
-"I will tell it to you. All I can remember of my earliest days is that I
-was traveling around the world from city to city with a strange man who
-bade me call him uncle. He was a great magician. He taught me his trade.
-I had a natural aptitude for the business. I evidently possessed a gift
-in that direction, and he cultivated my natural gift so that I became a
-wonder to him and a wonder to myself. Well, one day, without any
-previous warning, the old man announced to me here in New York that he
-was going away--to leave me. I was amazed and heart-broken. He had been
-in America a year when he made the announcement. He would not tell me
-why he deserted me; he would not tell me where he was going and would
-not assure me that I should ever see him or hear from him again. And
-what was stranger still, although I knew that he was rich--for together
-we had been very successful--he was leaving me practically penniless.
-All he gave me was five dollars, and when I reproached him he said:
-
-"'You can earn the money you need with your wonderful gift.' He gave me
-a great deal of good advice as concerned my conduct while making the
-struggle of life."
-
-"Did you not ask him about your parentage?"
-
-"I did, but he refused to give me any information."
-
-"Did he deny knowing about you?"
-
-"He indicated that he did know the story of my earliest life, but he
-refused to give me any information. He did say, however, that some day
-if I lived I would learn all about myself."
-
-"How cruel he was!"
-
-"It would appear so, but after all it is proved that he knew what he was
-talking about. He said I could earn all the money I needed with my great
-gift, and his words have proved true. I have not wanted for anything
-since the night he so strangely disappeared. Before going he gave me a
-box and told me I must not open that box until I was twenty-one, or
-until such time as I might fall into some dreadful calamity; then, when
-all other means failed, I was to open the box."
-
-"And you have that box?"
-
-"I have."
-
-"You never opened it?"
-
-"I have never opened it."
-
-"Oh, how I would like to see what is in that box!" said Sara in an eager
-tone.
-
-"No doubt you are a true daughter of Eve, but I will not open that box
-until I am one-and-twenty. I have never had any excuse for opening it,
-as far as having been overtaken by any dire calamity. My life has been
-pleasant and successful. I have been enabled to perform many good deeds
-for people who needed aid and assistance."
-
-"You did a wonderful deed for me."
-
-"I propose to do more for you. I propose to find your uncle."
-
-"But that box, Ike?"
-
-"Well, what about the box?"
-
-"Are you sure it is safe?"
-
-"Yes, I am sure it is safe."
-
-"Oh, how I should like to be present when you open that box!"
-
-"Maybe you can be," said Ike.
-
-"Oh, I should go wild in anticipation."
-
-"Some day--not now--but some day I may propose a condition whereby you
-may earn the privilege of being present when I open that box."
-
-"No doubt it contains some wonderful secret."
-
-"It is possibly a secret concerning me. It may inform me that I am the
-unknown son of a beggar, or it may tell me that I am a prince, a lord or
-a duke."
-
-"A prince, Ike! Yes, it will inform you that you are a prince."
-
-"The prince of ventriloquists," said Ike with a laugh--a very merry
-laugh.
-
-"Oh, Ike, you are really a lord or a duke," cried Sara in tones of great
-enthusiasm.
-
-Ike observed her enthusiasm, and, for reasons which our readers shall
-learn when we tell the story of the opening of the mysterious box, our
-hero was quite pleased, and the girl again said:
-
-"Ike, remember your promise. You are to give me an opportunity to be
-present when you open that mysterious box. Oh, how I would like to learn
-its secret! Not for myself, but for you. It will be a great and
-pleasing discovery when you open that box."
-
-"Maybe I have a great and pleasing disclosure to make to you now."
-
-The girl's face assumed a sudden pallor.
-
-"What do you mean, Ike?"
-
-"I made you another promise. I told you I would find your uncle."
-
-"I see, I see! You have found him?"
-
-"Yes, I have found him."
-
-"I know now why you told me the story of the old miser and the loss and
-recovery of his treasures."
-
-"You discern why I told?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Why did I tell you?"
-
-"I hardly dare answer."
-
-"Do not fear. Tell me what you suspect."
-
-"That old miser is my uncle?"
-
-"Yes, Sara, that old miser is indeed your uncle, and I have a great
-surprise for you."
-
-Sara was thoughtful a moment and then asked:
-
-"Are you sure he is my uncle?"
-
-"I am."
-
-"You have absolute proof?"
-
-"I have."
-
-"And I am the niece of a soulless miser!" murmured Sara in a
-disconsolate tone.
-
-"No, he is not an old miser--he is a warm-hearted, generous man. I will
-tell you more about him later on."
-
-"But are you sure you have the proof?"
-
-"Yes, I am sure."
-
-"Tell me what the proof is."
-
-"I am going to show you the proof. I have a great surprise for you.
-Come, put on your hat and cloak. You are to go with me and behold
-something that will make you stare."
-
-"I shall not stare at my uncle; and again, Ike, I assure you I must have
-positive proof."
-
-"You shall have positive proof. This is a most strange and remarkable
-romance. It is fate. I am a strong believer in fate. I have encountered
-so many strange incidents during my short life. See my meeting with you;
-remember the tragic incidents that followed. You intended to drown
-yourself in the park lake."
-
-The girl's face became ghastly.
-
-"No, no, Ike."
-
-"Yes, I know."
-
-"I will admit the temptation to drown myself after the discovery of my
-loss was very great; but no, no, I would have recoiled at the last
-moment."
-
-"I am so glad to hear you say so. I do not think much of people who on
-the appearance of every little trouble rush to kill themselves. It shows
-lack of mind strength. But come; I am to take you to meet your uncle."
-
-The girl hesitated. She did not appear as glad as Ike had thought she
-would be. The fact was, he did not know the lovely girl yet. He was to
-learn more about her later on, and there was to follow an intense
-romance as a result of his meeting with this lovely little lady from the
-far West.
-
-"Come, your uncle awaits you."
-
-"Does he know about me?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Does he accept the proof?"
-
-"He will when he sees you."
-
-"What do you mean?"
-
-"That is my little secret for the present. I tell you I still have in
-reserve a great surprise for you--the proof for you, the proof for him.
-It is a most remarkable coincidence, and here again fate comes in. Yes,
-yes, there is a wonderful surprise for you."
-
-While Ike was talking he could not keep his eyes off the face of the
-lovely girl. Its changing expressions made her look wondrously
-beautiful. He was charmed--charmed as he had never been charmed before
-in all his life. We will not say yet that he had met his fate, but we
-will say that he was in a very dangerous position.
-
-Our hero finally persuaded Sara to go and prepare herself for the
-street, and together they started to go to the home of the old miser.
-When they arrived in front of the house the girl stood still; a shudder
-passed over her delicate frame and she said:
-
-"Must I enter that old miserable-looking house to meet my uncle?"
-
-"Yes, but I am surprised. I do not understand your reluctance."
-
-"Never mind. I must go and I will."
-
-Ike led the way into the house. He had completed all his arrangements
-for the meeting. He knew just what he was about. Once in the house he
-led the fair girl into the parlor. There had been no cleaning done.
-Everything was moldy, old and decaying as upon the night when Ike first
-forced an entrance. The girl looked around in a disdainful manner, and
-again Ike did not understand her mood. She did not appear even pleased
-when he had thought she would be so delighted. He dusted off a chair,
-bade her sit down and then he lit the gas; for there was gas in the old
-house. After lighting the gas he went to the covered picture and said:
-
-"Sara, look at this and tell me how old you were when you sat for this
-picture."
-
-As he spoke he removed the cover and the beautiful face of the old man's
-dead daughter was revealed as pictured upon the canvas. It was a
-beautiful painting, and the resemblance to the living girl who gazed
-upon the face was marvelous. She did not speak--she could not speak. She
-just gazed with all her eyes.
-
-"This is something I did not promise to find," said Ike; "but it is the
-proof that Mr. Sidney is your uncle. This is a portrait of his----"
-
-Ike stopped short, and the girl gasped:
-
-"Go on. Of whom?"
-
-"Mr. Sidney's daughter--your cousin--the daughter whose place in his
-affections you are to supply; for she is dead, and that is why he lives
-the life which led people to believe that he was a miser. He is not a
-miser, but a kind, generous, liberal man, and in finding your uncle for
-you I have found one whom you can and will love."
-
-Sara appeared to be completely overcome with astonishment.
-
-"I do not understand it," she said.
-
-Ike had told the story of the robbery. He proceeded and told the
-previous history of Mr. Sidney, and when he had concluded he said:
-
-"It's all very strange and wonderful. Indeed, mysterious are the ways of
-Providence, but the most remarkable feature of this whole series of
-incidents, Miss Sidney, is the fact that the portending dénouement was
-all brought about through two very mean and contemptible robberies. But
-all's well that ends well, as I've often had occasion to say in the
-past, and I wish you to meet your uncle."
-
-Ike had no reason, however, to go and call the old miser, for there
-occurred a most unexpected metamorphosis. Our hero had just concluded
-the last remark above quoted when he chanced to turn, and there stood a
-fine-looking old gentleman, clean shaved, his hair cut and his attire
-perfect. Ike started in amazement, for despite the startling
-metamorphosis he recognized Mr. Sidney. Sara also beheld the old man,
-and she stood and gazed aghast.
-
-For a few moments both stood and gazed at each other as though they were
-looking upon a visitant from the grave. It was Mr. Sidney who broke the
-silence. He said:
-
-"Indeed you have brought to me my child from the grave. I need no
-further proof. This is my niece."
-
-Sara's voice was broken as she said:
-
-"No, no, there is no call for proof. It is wonderful--it is wonderful!
-It would appear that my father had come to me from his grave."
-
-"My dear child, your father and I were twin brothers. Forty years ago we
-quarreled. The quarrel was due to me. I have mourned your father long
-before he went away to California, and now that he is dead this is more
-than I deserve that he should have left as his legacy to me a child to
-solace the remaining years of my life."
-
-A little later Jack and Du Flore entered the room. Many explanations
-followed and also a very enjoyable time.
-
-Jack and Ike had performed several great feats, but later they were led
-into another series of adventures together which we shall relate in
-Number 50 of "OLD SLEUTH'S OWN," wherein our readers will learn the
-thrilling romance of the life of Nimble Ike, the most wonderful
-ventriloquist yet known in all the world, and also will be revealed the
-secret of the mysterious box.
-
-
-THE END.
-
-
-NOTE.--Remember there are some charming stories in the back numbers of
-"OLD SLEUTH'S OWN." Back numbers are always in print. When books are
-ordered in advance they will be sent as soon as issued.
-
-
-
-
-Eureka Detective Series
-
-[Illustration]
-
-All of the books in the =Eureka Series= are clever detective stories,
-and each one of those mentioned below has received the heartiest
-recommendation. Ask for the =Eureka Series= detective books.
-
-  1. Inspector Henderson, the Central Office Detective. By H. I. Hancock
-  2. His Evil Eye.                                  By Harrie I. Hancock
-  3. Detective Johnson of New Orleans.                  By H. I. Hancock
-  4. Harry Blount, the Detective.                      By T. J. Flanagan
-  5. Harry Sharp, the New York Detective.                 By H. Rockwood
-  6. Private Detective No. 39.                       By John W. Postgate
-  7. Not Guilty.              By the author of "The Original Mr. Jacobs"
-  8. A Confederate Spy.                         By Capt. Thos. N. Conrad
-  9. A Study in Scarlet.                               By A. Conan Doyle
-  10. The Unwilling Bride.                             By Fergus W. Hume
-  11. The Man Who Vanished.                            By Fergus W. Hume
-  12. The Lone Inn.                                    By Fergus W. Hume
-  13. The World's Finger.                                  By T. Hanshew
-  14. Tour of the World in Eighty Days.                   By Jules Verne
-  15. The Frozen Pirate.                             By W. Clark Russell
-  16. Mystery of a Hansom Cab.                         By Fergus W. Hume
-  17. A Close Call.                                       By J. L. Berry
-  18. No. 99; A Detective Story.                      By Arthur Griffith
-  19. The Sign of the Four.                            By A. Conan Doyle
-  20. The Mystery of the Montauk Mills.                By E. L. Coolidge
-  21. The Mountain Limited.                            By E. L. Coolidge
-  22. Gilt-Edge Tom, Conductor.                        By E. L. Coolidge
-  23. The Mossbank Murder.                                By Harry Mills
-  24. The Woman Stealer.                                  By Harry Mills
-  25. King Dan, The Factory Detective.                    By G. W. Goode
-
-See other advertisement for other list of titles in the =Eureka Series=.
-
-You can obtain the =Eureka Series= books where you bought this one, or
-we will mail them to you, postpaid, for =30= cents each.
-
-Address all orders to
-
-  J. S. OGILVIE PUBLISHING CO.
-  57 Rose Street, New York
-
-
-
-
-Transcriber's Notes:
-
-
-Italics represented with _underscores_. Bold represented with =equals
-signs=.
-
-Added table of contents.
-
-Page 4, added missing comma after "60c."
-
-Page 38, changed "had became enraged" to "had become enraged" and
-"become angry" to "became angry."
-
-Page 48, changed "mean time" to "meantime" for consistency.
-
-Page 52, added missing open quotes to first two paragraphs on page.
-
-Page 59, changed "starred" to "stared."
-
-Page 61, changed "statemen" to "statement."
-
-Page 65, changed "politicially" to "politically."
-
-Page 74, changed "althugh" to "although."
-
-Page 82, changed "aked" to "asked."
-
-Page 85, changed "Burlgars" to "Burglars."
-
-Page 96, changed "appeear" to "appear."
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Twin Ventriloquists, by Old Sleuth
-
-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TWIN VENTRILOQUISTS ***
-
-***** This file should be named 43765-8.txt or 43765-8.zip *****
-This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
-        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/7/6/43765/
-
-Produced by Demian Katz and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (Images courtesy
-of the Digital Library@Villanova University
-(http://digital.library.villanova.edu/))
-
-
-Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
-will be renamed.
-
-Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
-one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
-(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
-permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
-set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
-copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
-protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
-Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
-charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
-do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
-rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
-such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
-research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
-practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
-subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
-redistribution.
-
-
-
-*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
-
-THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
-PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
-
-To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
-distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
-(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
-Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
-Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
-  www.gutenberg.org/license.
-
-
-Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic works
-
-1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
-and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
-(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
-the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
-all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
-If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
-terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
-entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
-
-1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
-used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
-agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
-things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
-even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
-paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
-and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
-
-1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
-or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
-collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
-individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
-located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
-copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
-works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
-are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
-Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
-freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
-this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
-the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
-keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
-Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
-
-1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
-what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
-a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
-the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
-before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
-creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
-Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
-the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
-States.
-
-1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
-
-1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
-access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
-whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
-phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
-Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
-copied or distributed:
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
-almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
-
-1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
-from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
-posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
-and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
-or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
-with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
-work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
-through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
-Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
-1.E.9.
-
-1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
-with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
-must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
-terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
-to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
-permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
-
-1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
-work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
-
-1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
-electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
-prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
-active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm License.
-
-1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
-compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
-word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
-distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
-"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
-posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
-you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
-copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
-request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
-form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
-
-1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
-performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
-unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
-
-1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
-access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
-that
-
-- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
-     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
-     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
-     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
-     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
-     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
-     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
-     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
-     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
-     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
-     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
-     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
-
-- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
-     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
-     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-     License.  You must require such a user to return or
-     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
-     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
-     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
-
-- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
-     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
-     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
-     of receipt of the work.
-
-- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
-     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
-
-1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
-forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
-both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
-Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
-Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
-
-1.F.
-
-1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
-effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
-public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
-collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
-"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
-corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
-property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
-computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
-your equipment.
-
-1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
-of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
-liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
-fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
-LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
-PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
-TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
-LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
-INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
-DAMAGE.
-
-1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
-defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
-receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
-written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
-received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
-your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
-the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
-refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
-providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
-receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
-is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
-opportunities to fix the problem.
-
-1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
-in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
-WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
-WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
-
-1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
-warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
-If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
-law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
-interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
-the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
-provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
-
-1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
-trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
-providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
-with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
-promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
-harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
-that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
-or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
-work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
-Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
-
-
-Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
-electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
-including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
-because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
-people in all walks of life.
-
-Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
-assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
-goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
-remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
-and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
-To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
-and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
-and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
-Foundation
-
-The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
-501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
-state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
-Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
-number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
-Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
-permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
-
-The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
-Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
-throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at 809
-North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887.  Email
-contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
-Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
-
-For additional contact information:
-     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
-     Chief Executive and Director
-     gbnewby@pglaf.org
-
-Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
-Literary Archive Foundation
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
-spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
-increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
-freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
-array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
-($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
-status with the IRS.
-
-The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
-charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
-States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
-considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
-with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
-where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
-SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
-particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
-have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
-against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
-approach us with offers to donate.
-
-International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
-any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
-outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
-
-Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
-methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
-ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
-To donate, please visit:  www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-
-Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works.
-
-Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
-concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
-with anyone.  For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
-Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
-editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
-unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
-keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
-
-Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
-
-     www.gutenberg.org
-
-This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
-including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
-Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
-subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.