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<title>Secret Service No. 84, August 31, 1900: The Bradys’ Race For Life, by Francis Worcester Doughty—a Project Gutenberg eBook</title>
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<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 60903 ***</div>
<div id="cover" class="img">
<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Secret Service No. 84, August 31, 1900: The Bradys’ Race For Life" width="500" height="687" />
</div>
<div class="box">
<p class="center"><b><span class="xxlarge">SECRET SERVICE.</span>
<br />OLD AND YOUNG KING BRADY, DETECTIVES.</b></p>
<p class="center smallest"><i>Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office, March 1, 1899. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1900, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C., by Frank Tousey, 24 Union Square, New York.</i></p>
<p class="center"><b>No. 84.</b> <span class="hst">NEW YORK, August 31, 1900.</span><span class="hst"> <b>Price 5 Cents.</b></span></p>
<h1>The Bradys’ Race for Life;
<br /><span class="smallest">OR,</span>
<br /><span class="small">ROUNDING UP A TOUGH TRIO.</span></h1>
<p class="center"><b>A Detective Story of Life.
<br /><span class="smaller">BY A NEW YORK DETECTIVE.</span></b></p>
<p class="small">Van and Burke fought like tigers, but were finally overpowered. “You are trapped, my fine
birds,” cried Old King Brady jubilantly. But at this moment Ah Ling appeared on the scene.
The uproar had attracted him. With white, scared face he stared at the detectives.</p>
</div>
<div class="pb" id="Page_1">1</div>
<h2 id="c1">CHAPTER I.
<br /><span class="small">A MYSTERIOUS CRIME.</span></h2>
<p>“Help! Help!”</p>
<p>This thrilling cry rang out upon the night air in one
of the side streets of New York City.</p>
<p>The few pedestrians in the bleak, storm-swept vicinity
paused and instinctively looked for the cause of this blood-curdling
appeal.</p>
<p>Someone was in trouble.</p>
<p>That was certain.</p>
<p>But who was it and what was the nature of the trouble?</p>
<p>As usual, no officer chanced to be within call. Two men
who were on their way home from business, however
crossed the street with long strides and plunged into a dingy
area.</p>
<p>It was illy lighted by a gaslight over the door of a
wretched tenement.</p>
<p>No person could be seen in the area, but one of the men,
whose name was Mortimer Smith, bent over and cried:</p>
<p>“My soul! This looks as if murder had been done!”</p>
<p>His companion, a merchant named Benjamin Hanks,
echoed:</p>
<p>“Murder beyond a doubt!”</p>
<p>The snow in the area was trodden and saturated with
blood. All the ghostly evidences of a crime save the body
of the victim were there.</p>
<p>The trail of blood led to the door of the wretched dwelling.</p>
<p>The two men noted this, and for a moment seemed about
to enter the dwelling. But Smith said:</p>
<p>“We had better call the police.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Undoubtedly they have taken the body of the victim
into that house.”</p>
<p>“That is true.”</p>
<p>“Let us give the alarm.”</p>
<p>These two well-meaning and worthy citizens started for
an officer. They reached the nearest corner and found a
patrolman just pulling in an electric call.</p>
<p>Upon their statement of the case the officer made it a
hurry call, and then hastily returned to the area with them.</p>
<p>He tried the door of the tenement.</p>
<p>It was locked.</p>
<p>He pressed his weight upon the door and forced it in.</p>
<p>A dark hallway was seen. All was silence of the tomb.</p>
<p>Naturally the guardian of the peace hesitated ere entering
the place alone and in the dark.</p>
<p>It was a rough quarter where crimes were of common
occurrence.</p>
<p>But just at this moment the hurry wagon arrived with
more officers.</p>
<p>A quick consultation was held.</p>
<p>The police captain at once surrounded the house. That
is, men went to the alley in its rear while the place was
entered from the front.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_2">2</div>
<p>The two citizens, Smith and Hanks, were held as witnesses.</p>
<p>But just as the officers with dark-lanterns entered the
tenement they were met by a sudden wall of smoke.</p>
<p>The crackling of flames was heard.</p>
<p>“Fire!” cried the police captain.</p>
<p>The word was echoed by the others. The inference was
easy.</p>
<p>The criminals had sought to conceal the evidences of
their crime by means of the flames.</p>
<p>The fire alarm was given and into the street now there
dashed the fire companies.</p>
<p>Lines of hose were quickly run into the building and
preparations made to subdue the fire.</p>
<p>Not one of the inmates of the place had thus far put in
an appearance. Indeed, it seemed deserted.</p>
<p>But while the police had been hesitating about entering
the smoke-filled dwelling, two men had joined them.</p>
<p>“Hello! What is wrong here?” said one of them, a tall,
strong-framed man, dressed in a tightly-buttoned blue
coat, old-fashioned stock collar and wide-brimmed slouch
hat.</p>
<p>“Ah, Old King Brady!” cried the police captain. “Here
is a case for you. It looks like murder and attempt to
conceal it by means of arson.”</p>
<p>“Who has entered the place?”</p>
<p>“Nobody as yet.”</p>
<p>“Is anybody in there?”</p>
<p>“We do not know.”</p>
<p>“Humph! What are you waiting for?”</p>
<p>“The smoke is so dense that it is not safe. The firemen
will soon have the blaze under control.”</p>
<p>“Bah!” cried Old King Brady. “By that time evidence
of the crime will be missing. Come on, Harry!”</p>
<p>This to his younger companion. The officers were startled
and the police captain cried:</p>
<p>“Why, Brady, you don’t think of entering that place?”</p>
<p>“Yes, I do!”</p>
<p>“Why, that is foolhardy. You’ll not come out alive!”</p>
<p>“No matter. It is my duty!”</p>
<p>“You must not attempt it!”</p>
<p>The man with the wide-brimmed hat laughed sardonically.</p>
<p>“Come on, Harry,” he said to his young companion,
“this is work for us.”</p>
<p>“All right, partner.”</p>
<p>And then before the police could recover from their surprise,
both plunged into the dark hallway and the smoke.</p>
<p>“Here, stop them!” cried the police captain. “They are
going to their death.”</p>
<p>But it was too late.</p>
<p>The Bradys, detectives of the first class, and the best in
the Secret Service, were out of sight.</p>
<p>The men in that police squad were what might be ordinarily
termed brave men.</p>
<p>But not one of them cared to follow the two detectives.</p>
<p>But Old King Brady, Gotham’s greatest detective, and
his protege and pupil, Harry Brady, knew that if the
mystery was to be solved, great risk must be incurred.</p>
<p>So they plunged unhesitatingly into the burning dwelling.
The possibility of death never deterred either from
exact fulfillment of duty.</p>
<p>They dashed through the smoke and reached the foot of
a flight of stairs.</p>
<p>As near as he could, Old King Brady located the fire.</p>
<p>He believed that it was confined to a point in the rear of
the tenement and had, as yet, not extended beyond one
room.</p>
<p>Each of the detectives carried a dark-lantern.</p>
<p>It could hardly furnish light enough to penetrate the
pall of stifling smoke, but yet enabled them to find their
way up the stairs.</p>
<p>Choking and gasping they made their way bravely from
room to room.</p>
<p>The dwelling was humbly furnished.</p>
<p>It was plainly the abode of people of small means. It was
dingy and meagre.</p>
<p>The Bradys looked for a clew to the supposed crime.</p>
<p>Suddenly Harry went down on his knees and focused his
lantern on the floor.</p>
<p>He cried excitedly:</p>
<p>“Ah, here is the clew!”</p>
<p>A trail of blood marked the floor. In the trail lay a
white handkerchief of dainty texture.</p>
<p>The detectives examined it closely. Harry gave an exclamation.</p>
<p>On one corner in ink was marked a name:</p>
<p>“Evelyn Grimm.”</p>
<p>This was the name.</p>
<p>It was a clew.</p>
<p>The detectives realized this. At once they began to follow
the trail of blood.</p>
<p>They felt certain of a sure revelation of the mystery. The
blood trail led to the door of a room at the end of the
corridor.</p>
<p>This door was closed and locked.</p>
<p>What was beyond it, the detectives could only guess.</p>
<p>But in their mind’s-eye they saw the mangled remains of
the murderer’s victim. So they threw themselves against
the door.</p>
<p>And beneath their combined weight it gave way.</p>
<p>As it crashed in, however, they were met by an impassable
barrier.</p>
<p>Flames and smoke filled the doorway and forbade their
entrance. They were driven back.</p>
<p>In fact it now became a question of self-preservation.</p>
<p>The old building was like a tinder-box.</p>
<p>The Bradys seemed to be literally penned in by the fire
and smoke.</p>
<p>There was no time to lose.</p>
<p>“No use, Harry!” cried Old King Brady. “We are
beaten for just now. We must get out of here.”</p>
<p>The detectives reached the stairs. But escape in this
direction was cut off. Flames were in their faces.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_3">3</div>
<p>At the other end of the corridor was a window opening
upon the street. The detectives made a rush for this.</p>
<p>They reached it just as the sash was carried away by a
stream of water from the firemen’s hose. This gave the
detectives a chance.</p>
<p>Drawing a deep breath of fresh air they felt returning
strength.</p>
<p>Harry vaulted lightly over the sill. It was fifteen feet
to the area below. The firemen shouted, but Harry dropped
to the flagging.</p>
<p>Old King Brady followed.</p>
<p>In another moment they were safe within the fire lines.</p>
<p>By this time a great crowd was in the street, attracted in
spite of the driving storm.</p>
<p>The firemen were badly handicapped by the snow, but
yet fought their way bravely while the rickety tenement
was being consumed.</p>
<p>The fire was not allowed to spread, but the tenement was
reduced to ashes.</p>
<p>Then the crowd dispersed.</p>
<p>The detectives left the scene and returned to their lodgings
for the night.</p>
<p>One thing was certain.</p>
<p>A tragedy had been enacted, which the flames concealed
and the only clew which the Bradys had secured was the
delicate lady’s handkerchief.</p>
<p>This alone could furnish the only suggestion to be gained
in any way from the affair.</p>
<p>Whether it would prove a sufficient means for the complete
revelation of the mystery or not, remained to be seen.</p>
<p>The detectives hoped it would.</p>
<h2 id="c2">CHAPTER II.
<br /><span class="small">FOLLOWING THE CLEWS.</span></h2>
<p>Fire had destroyed all tangible evidence of the supposed
murder.</p>
<p>The Bradys were up against a hard proposition.</p>
<p>To evolve the truth from the matter as it now stood did
not by any means seem easy.</p>
<p>Insurmountable difficulties had seemed to present themselves.
All hung upon the single clew.</p>
<p>This was the lace handkerchief.</p>
<p>It was of delicate workmanship and had certainly belonged
to a lady of refinement.</p>
<p>All manner of deductions could be made. It might be
assumed that the victim was a wealthy woman, decoyed
into a trap of death and for some unknown purpose murdered.</p>
<p>The Bradys pondered over the case long and deeply.</p>
<p>The ruins of the fire were visited.</p>
<p>An inspection seemed to verify the fact of the murder.</p>
<p>In the ashes there were found the bones of an unknown
victim.</p>
<p>So nearly consumed were they that it was not easy to
say whether they were those of a man or a woman.</p>
<p>But it was safe to assume the latter.</p>
<p>But beyond this, all was a wall of mystery. The detectives
learned that the inmates of the tenement were an Irish
family by the name of Roche.</p>
<p>They were honest working people and had been absent
for the night on a visit to an adjoining town.</p>
<p>It was easily proved that they had no connection whatever
with the crime.</p>
<p>Thus matters remained in statu quo when one day the
detectives dropped into the office of the Chief of the Secret
Service.</p>
<p>“Hello, boys!” called out the chief, in his cheery way.
“What is the good word to-day?”</p>
<p>“We are up a stump,” replied Old King Brady.</p>
<p>“How so?”</p>
<p>“You know that mysterious Fifteenth street fire and
murder?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“We can’t get a clew beyond this lace handkerchief.”</p>
<p>“Indeed!” exclaimed the chief. “Well, that is something.
Let me see the handkerchief.”</p>
<p>Old King Brady placed a hand in his pocket for the
handkerchief.</p>
<p>To his surprise it was not there.</p>
<p>“Oh, I recall,” he said, “I left that handkerchief in the
room at our lodging house. Do you remember, Harry?”</p>
<p>“Yes,” replied the young detective. “That is the truth.”</p>
<p>“Then that is your only clew?” asked the chief.</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“To be sure it is a slight one. Was it a lady’s handkerchief?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Then the victim was a woman?”</p>
<p>“We think so.”</p>
<p>The chief was silent a moment.</p>
<p>“Many a dark crime has been covered up in that same
way,” he said. “Nothing obliterates the traces of a crime
like fire.”</p>
<p>“That is right,” agreed Old King Brady. “The oddest
thing of all is that the house was occupied by people who
could have had no possible connection with the crime on
account of absence.”</p>
<p>“Well, that is strange,” agreed the chief. “You cannot
explain the dragging of the body into that house in particular?”</p>
<p>“Exactly.”</p>
<p>“It would seem that the perpetrators of the crime were
acquainted with the fact that the inmates were away and
that an excellent chance was afforded to cover up the murder,”
said Harry.</p>
<p>“Ah, I see!” agreed the chief. “Altogether it is a baffling
case.”</p>
<p>“There seems not even a shadow for us to grasp.”</p>
<p>The chief laughed.</p>
<p>“I’ll wager that state of affairs will not last long,” he
<span class="pb" id="Page_4">4</span>
said. “The Bradys were never yet defeated, and I’m sure
this case will meet the fate of all others.”</p>
<p>“We shall do our best,” said Old King Brady.</p>
<p>“If you were not already engaged on this case I could
give you another which would interest you,” said the chief.</p>
<p>“What is it?” asked Harry.</p>
<p>“Perhaps we can handle both,” said Old King Brady.</p>
<p>But the chief shook his head.</p>
<p>“I think not,” he said. “It is a case which will require
the best efforts of a man, and could hardly be divided.”</p>
<p>“Let us hear it,” said Old King Brady, with interest.</p>
<p>“Certainly!” agreed the chief, as he turned to his notebook.
“Here are the details.”</p>
<p>The chief glanced over his notes and then said:</p>
<p>“A mysterious disappearance. A beautiful young society
lady and heiress, of Westchester, drops suddenly from
sight. Not a clew to her whereabouts.</p>
<p>“Miss Evelyn Grimm, daughter of the late Theophilus
Grimm, and heiress to a vast estate now held in trust by
Napoleon Blood, her uncle, awaiting her coming of age,
suddenly disappears. The uncle is frantic and has used
every means to trace her.</p>
<p>“The only clew is a brief note of appointment, written
in a masculine hand, with these words:</p>
<p>“‘Miss Grimm: I will be at the Union Square rendezvous
at ten o’clock. Do not fail to meet me, for I have
business of very great importance.
<span class="lr">D. B.’”</span></p>
<p>The chief finished reading the notes and then leaned
back in his chair.</p>
<p>When he looked up he was startled at the expression on
the faces of the detectives.</p>
<p>Old King Brady’s eyes gleamed like balls of fire.</p>
<p>“What’s the matter, Brady? You look excited!” exclaimed
the chief.</p>
<p>“Well, perhaps I am,” replied the old detective. “I beg
leave to ask you the name of that young lady?”</p>
<p>“I read it to you. Miss Evelyn Grimm.”</p>
<p>“Grimm?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>Both detectives drew a deep breath.</p>
<p>“She lived in Westchester?”</p>
<p>“So the notes say.”</p>
<p>“And kept an appointment at ten o’clock Wednesday
evening at Union Square?”</p>
<p>“It is believed so.”</p>
<p>“That was the night of the storm?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Also the night of the fire and murder in East Fifteenth
street.”</p>
<p>“That is so!” The chief gave a start. “By jove!” he
exclaimed. “You don’t really think that—there is any
connection——”</p>
<p>“Yes,” said Old King Brady, emphatically, “there is
no doubt of it!”</p>
<p>“How——”</p>
<p>“The name on the lace handkerchief which we found in
the burning tenement, bore the name of Evelyn Grimm.”</p>
<p>For a moment the chief sat in startled silence.</p>
<p>Then he whistled.</p>
<p>“Whew!” he exclaimed. “I never dreamed of such a
thing. But—I can see it plainly now.”</p>
<p>“The two cases are one.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“We can easily undertake your case for you.”</p>
<p>“On my word, this is a surprise,” said the chief. “But
this is light upon the mystery. We now know the identity
of the victim.”</p>
<p>“Beyond a doubt.”</p>
<p>“It is easy to assume that the young girl was decoyed to
Fifteenth street and foully murdered.”</p>
<p>“For what purpose?”</p>
<p>“And by whom?”</p>
<p>“That remains to be unearthed.”</p>
<p>“It must be done!”</p>
<p>At this moment the door opened and a clerk appeared.</p>
<p>“What is it, White?” asked the chief.</p>
<p>“A gentleman to see you, sir,” replied the clerk, handing
the chief a card. The latter glanced at it.</p>
<p>Then he gave a start.</p>
<p>The name upon the card was:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="bq">“Napoleon Blood, Notary and Justice, Wall street, New
York.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>“The uncle and guardian,” said the chief. “What does
he want to see me for? Perhaps he has a clew!”</p>
<p>The Bradys arose.</p>
<p>“Wait a moment,” said the chief, “I want you to hear
what this visitor has to say.”</p>
<p>“But—perhaps he will not speak if we are here,” said
Old King Brady.</p>
<p>“We will fix that,” said the chief, drawing the wing
of a folding screen across a corner of the room. “Get
behind this and listen.”</p>
<p>The detectives obeyed.</p>
<p>In a few moments the door again opened and the clerk
showed Mr. Blood into the room.</p>
<p>Napoleon Blood, uncle of the missing heiress, was a
sharp-eyed, hatchet-faced man of not altogether prepossessing
appearance.</p>
<p>He was dressed in dark clothes and had an oily, suave
manner.</p>
<p>He bowed obsequiously as he accepted the chair proffered
him by the chief.</p>
<p>“Well, Mr. Blood, what can I do for you?” asked the
chief.</p>
<p>“Ah, if you could only give me a clew to the fate of my
dear niece I would be forever in your debt,” replied Blood,
in a psalm-singing tone.</p>
<p>The chief bowed.</p>
<p>“Then you have discovered nothing new?” he asked.</p>
<p>“Well, ahem! That is, I have a new theory.”</p>
<p>The chief affected interest.</p>
<p>“What is it?” he asked.</p>
<p>“Well, it may be only theory, but sometimes I think it
fact. I do not wish to wrong the young man—but—you
<span class="pb" id="Page_5">5</span>
see young people will be foolish—and—I—of course, this
is all confidential.”</p>
<p>“Certainly!” replied the chief in a mystified way.</p>
<p>“There is a young man in the case. His name is Allerton
Banks.”</p>
<p>The chief noted down the name.</p>
<p>“He is a poverty-stricken clerk,” continued Blood, “but
he dared to aspire to the hand of my niece. Of course I
forbade the thing at once. My niece acted very rebellious
and forward and I was obliged to be very peremptory with
her.</p>
<p>“I suspect that young Banks made the appointment with
her which the note indicates. They very likely quarreled.
Probably he tried to induce her to elope with him. When
she refused, he might have, in a fit of rage, killed her and
dragged her body into the tenement.”</p>
<p>The chief listened to this statement silently.</p>
<p>He was silent a long while. His gaze was fixed on Blood
so long that the latter became nervous.</p>
<p>“I am sure,” said the notary, “that this clew, if followed
up, will yield an explanation of the motive. I would suggest
that detectives shadow young Banks and even that his
lodgings be searched. I am convinced he is guilty.”</p>
<p>“Is it so bad as that?” said the chief, quietly. “We will
consider your proposition, Mr. Blood. We are glad to get
all the hints possible.”</p>
<p>“And young Banks——”</p>
<p>“Shall be put under surveillance.”</p>
<h2 id="c3">CHAPTER III.
<br /><span class="small">IN SLY JIMMIE’S PLACE.</span></h2>
<p>An evil smile flickered about the lips of the guardian.</p>
<p>“Well,” he said, “I give you the hint. Make the most of
it. I could have given it to the private detectives, but I
thought the Secret Service safer.”</p>
<p>“That was a wise move,” said the chief. “The Secret
Service is all that its name implies, absolutely safe!”</p>
<p>“When shall I expect to hear from you?”</p>
<p>“At a date as early as possible.”</p>
<p>“You know where my office is?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Very well. Good-day!”</p>
<p>“Good-day!”</p>
<p>The door closed and Blood was gone. The detectives
emerged from behind the screen.</p>
<p>“Well?” said the chief.</p>
<p>“Ahem!” said Harry.</p>
<p>“Humph!” exclaimed Old King Brady.</p>
<p>They exchanged glances.</p>
<p>“What do you think of that fellow?” asked the chief,
finally.</p>
<p>“He’s an atrocious old scoundrel!” said Harry, impulsively.</p>
<p>“Well, I think so,” agreed Old King Brady. “There is
a dark game underneath all this. Somebody has been
fearfully wronged.”</p>
<p>“I hope you will get at the bottom of it,” said the chief.</p>
<p>“We will!”</p>
<p>“I wish you luck!”</p>
<p>The Bradys went to the door.</p>
<p>“Thank you!” replied Old King Brady. “We shall see
you again when we have something worth reporting.”</p>
<p>“Good! I shall wait with eagerness.”</p>
<p>Then parting salutations were exchanged and the detectives
went out upon the street.</p>
<p>It was natural for them to fall into the making of
deductions.</p>
<p>Many an important fact is arrived at through the medium
of deduction.</p>
<p>By a process of reasoning, therefore, the Bradys managed
to hit upon what they believed was a true line.</p>
<p>To them it looked logical that there was an animus in
the purpose of Blood in throwing suspicion upon the young
clerk, Allerton Banks.</p>
<p>The detectives made searching inquiries.</p>
<p>They discovered that Allerton Banks was a young man
of character and reputation beyond reproach.</p>
<p>No charge could possibly be brought against him.</p>
<p>Moreover, by inquiry, they learned that he could not
possibly have written the note of appointment signed D. B.,
and that it was easy for him to prove a certain alibi.</p>
<p>All these things had their value and were given due
weight by the Bradys.</p>
<p>On the other hand, investigation showed that Napoleon
Blood was a crotchety, narrow-minded old usurer and that
he handled the inheritance of Evelyn Grimm as if it was
his own.</p>
<p>In fact, now that it was assumed that she was out of
existence, the property was likely to revert to him as the
next and only heir.</p>
<p>All these things the detectives quietly unearthed.</p>
<p>Thus they got a line upon the case and were able to form
their conclusions.</p>
<p>“I can see only one party at the bottom of it all,” said
Harry, “and that is Napoleon Blood.”</p>
<p>“Precisely!” agreed Old King Brady. “He is our man!”</p>
<p>“It is a gigantic black conspiracy.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“But Blood had accomplices.”</p>
<p>“Oh, yes. The crime that evening on Fifteenth street
could not have been committed by him alone.”</p>
<p>So the detectives made their diagnosis. It was in order
now to place Blood under close surveillance.</p>
<p>The detectives shadowed him persistently.</p>
<p>Wherever he went they dogged him and this resulted in
bearing fruit.</p>
<p>One day Blood left his office in Wall street and made
his way to Chatham Square.</p>
<p>Here there was a small bar-room known as the “Travelers’
Rest,” and kept by a notorious fence called Sly Jimmie
Callahan.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_6">6</div>
<p>That the eminently respectable Mr. Blood should visit
such a place as Sly Jimmie’s, was odd, to say the least.</p>
<p>The detectives felt sure that at last they had a clew.</p>
<p>So they kept close behind the notary and followed him
into Sly Jimmie’s place.</p>
<p>Blood kept his collar turned up and his hat pulled over
his eyes as if to escape recognition.</p>
<p>He had hardly entered the place, however, when three
men stepped up to him.</p>
<p>They were a trio of as odd-looking crooks as ever saw the
light of day.</p>
<p>The detectives knew them in an instant.</p>
<p>“By Jupiter! The Tough Trio!” exclaimed Harry.</p>
<p>“Whew!” whispered Old King Brady. “When did they
return? They have not been seen around New York for
five years.”</p>
<p>This was true.</p>
<p>The three men were a trio of the most dreaded crooks
Gotham had ever known.</p>
<p>But they had been absent from New York for years.</p>
<p>The tall, lantern-jawed fellow with the patch over his
eye was Dick Burke. He was a cool, shrewd villain, and
the brains of the trio.</p>
<p>The hump-backed, heavy-jowled fellow with the scar
on his cheek was Dan Collins.</p>
<p>He was a cunning sneak thief.</p>
<p>The short, pudgy rascal with the leer and St. Vitus dance
was Martin Van, as atrocious a monster as ever saw the
light of day—a veritable Caliban.</p>
<p>It was not easy for this trio to disguise themselves.</p>
<p>They couldn’t conceal their identity anywhere, yet they
were mysteriously elusive and always fooled the detectives.</p>
<p>They managed to perpetrate the blackest of crimes and
yet cover their tracks so well that they could not be cornered.</p>
<p>The Tough Trio was an appropriate name for them.</p>
<p>What could the eminently respectable Mr. Blood be doing
in such company?</p>
<p>What business could he possibly have with them?</p>
<p>This was the question.</p>
<p>The detectives, it is hardly necessary to say, were interested.</p>
<p>Yet Mr. Blood met the trio familiarly and as if they were
old friends.</p>
<p>All drank at the bar and then withdrew to a table nearby.</p>
<p>The detectives in their clever disguise were not recognized.</p>
<p>They also sat at a table and pretended to sip the vile beer
which the place afforded.</p>
<p>They regretted that not a word of the conversation
reached them.</p>
<p>It was impossible to get any nearer without exciting suspicion.</p>
<p>So the Bradys were compelled to wait and be satisfied
with the assumption that something of importance was
being discussed.</p>
<p>They were content now to accept as a fact that their first
theory was absolutely correct.</p>
<p>The murder of Evelyn Grimm was the work of Napoleon
Blood.</p>
<p>The motive was the securing of her inheritance.</p>
<p>The Tough Trio were his hired tools.</p>
<p>It was a horrible thing to think of. The young girl decoyed
by the note of appointment to the Fifteenth street
rendezvous on that fearful stormy night in winter. The
fearful murder and the burning of the tenement.</p>
<p>The work of fiends.</p>
<p>Such it was.</p>
<p>But the trio were capable of even worse crimes than this.
The detectives were assured of this.</p>
<p>For over an hour the conference between Blood and the
Tough Trio went on.</p>
<p>Then they arose and left the place.</p>
<p>It was now after dark.</p>
<p>Blood shook hands with each and left them. The detectives
caught only one sentence uttered by Blood:</p>
<p>“They can’t beat us now.”</p>
<p>Old King Brady’s jaws snapped.</p>
<p>He smiled grimly.</p>
<p>“We shall see!” he muttered.</p>
<p>“Well,” whispered Harry, “what shall we do?”</p>
<p>“Shadow them.”</p>
<p>“The trio?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>This they proceeded to do. The three villains now
walked away toward the Bowery.</p>
<p>The detectives shadowed them from one place to another
until long past midnight.</p>
<p>Then they turned into a cheap concert hall in Bleecker
street, known as Dan Maguire’s.</p>
<p>The trio seated themselves at a table and sipped their
beer.</p>
<p>Suddenly Burke arose and walked leisurely to the bar
where the detectives stood, apparently engaged in drinking
beer.</p>
<p>Burke went up to them coolly and said:</p>
<p>“How are ye, gents? Won’t ye have a drink with us?”</p>
<p>The Bradys were never more astonished in their lives.</p>
<p>“Eh?” exclaimed Old King Brady. “You have the advantage
of us!”</p>
<p>“Have I?” leered the villain. “Well, that’s queer, for
I know you!”</p>
<p>“You do?”</p>
<p>“Yas!”</p>
<p>For a moment the old detective was staggered. Harry
was also dumfounded.</p>
<p>“Come!” continued Burke. “We’d like to talk with ye.
Come over an’ sit down.”</p>
<p>“I—I can’t leave my friend, thank you,” replied Old
King Brady. “It is evident you take me for somebody
else.”</p>
<p>“Who are ye?”</p>
<p>“My name is Schmidt.”</p>
<p>“Oh!” said Burke, significantly. “I thought it was
Brady!”</p>
<p>The Bradys were never more astonished in their lives.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_7">7</div>
<p>It was certain that their disguise had been penetrated by
the keen rogues and they were known.</p>
<p>Concealment was out of the question. Old King Brady
saw that a bluff would be foolish.</p>
<p>So he said:</p>
<p>“All right, Burke. You’re dead onto us.”</p>
<p>“Certainly I am!”</p>
<p>“What are you doing in New York?”</p>
<p>“That’s my affair. What are ye shadowing us for?”</p>
<p>“Can’t you guess?”</p>
<p>“I wouldn’t ask if I could!”</p>
<p>“Well, we lay you up for the gang that burned the Fifteenth
street tenement.”</p>
<p>Burke only grinned.</p>
<p>“That’s jest our luck,” he said. “Everybody lays things
to us!”</p>
<p>“Well, not without reason.”</p>
<p>“Mebbe so! But ye can’t clinch us. Anyhow, come over
an’ sit down, we want to talk with ye.”</p>
<p>Old King Brady looked at Harry.</p>
<p>“All right,” he said, “we’ll do it.”</p>
<h2 id="c4">CHAPTER IV.
<br /><span class="small">THE PRIVATE DETECTIVE.</span></h2>
<p>It was an unusual request made by Burke.</p>
<p>It was a strange thing for the detectives to sit at the
same table in a friendly way with three men whom they
meant to hang, if possible.</p>
<p>But life is full of anomalies.</p>
<p>And detectives certainly meet with queer experiences.
This was one of them beyond a doubt.</p>
<p>The Bradys quietly seated themselves at the table.</p>
<p>Burke called for beer.</p>
<p>But Old King Brady said:</p>
<p>“Don’t order any for us.”</p>
<p>“You won’t drink?”</p>
<p>“No.”</p>
<p>“Ah, that’s odd!” said Burke, with bad grace. “Mebbe
it would be to yer interest to.”</p>
<p>“We do not drink anyway,” replied the old detective.
“Not with anybody except when absolutely necessary.”</p>
<p>“Well, all right. Now let’s get to the point. What be ye
shadowing us fer?”</p>
<p>“I have told you once,” replied Old King Brady, quietly.</p>
<p>“Humph!” exclaimed Collins. “Do ye think we had
anything to do with killing that gal?”</p>
<p>“Yes, I am sure you did.”</p>
<p>The trio exchanged glances.</p>
<p>Martin Van contorted his ugly face frightfully and said:</p>
<p>“So ye mean to haul us in, do ye? That’s your game?”</p>
<p>“That is just it,” replied Old King Brady. “I know
that you are the hired tools of Napoleon Blood!”</p>
<p>“Ugh!” said Collins, in a gritty voice. “Whoever runs
up ag’in’ the trio has a hard time.”</p>
<p>“Lots of ’em have tried it.”</p>
<p>“And they’ve paid fer it,” said Burke.</p>
<p>“It’s a fair warnin’.”</p>
<p>Old King Brady laughed.</p>
<p>“You are talking to the wrong man,” he said. “There’s
nothing you can do or say will scare me. I mean to put
you fellows in the electric chair.”</p>
<p>“Well,” said Burke, darkly, “that’s a declaration of war.”</p>
<p>“That is my duty!”</p>
<p>For a few moments there was silence. Then Burke said:</p>
<p>“Yes, it is!”</p>
<p>“An’ you make war on us?”</p>
<p>“Ye don’t know what ye’re doin’. No man ever run up
ag’in’ us that didn’t get the worst of it. Nuthin’ kin save
ye if we git after ye. Don’t fergit that. Ye’ll have a hot
race fer life!”</p>
<p>“All right,” said the old detective, rising, “you understand
me, and I understand you.”</p>
<p>“You are satisfied to let it go at that?” asked Collins.</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Very well. You will know what it is to fight the
Tough Trio!”</p>
<p>“And you will soon find yourselves in the meshes of the
law,” retorted Harry. “Remember that escape is impossible.
You are not for a moment lost sight of and whatever
comes you are always within our reach!”</p>
<p>The villains laughed scornfully.</p>
<p>“Save your threats,” said Van.</p>
<p>“Make your peace with God!” advised Burke, coolly.</p>
<p>“You say you will hound us,” said Collins. “Why don’t
you arrest us now?”</p>
<p>“Yes,” echoed Van. “You are so sure of our guilt, take
us right in!”</p>
<p>Old King Brady smiled.</p>
<p>“Have your fun now,” he said, “you may not have the
stomach for it later.”</p>
<p>“Well, why don’t you arrest us?”</p>
<p>“I am not ready.”</p>
<p>“Is that your only excuse?”</p>
<p>“Just at present.”</p>
<p>Old King Brady bowed very politely. Then he said to
Harry:</p>
<p>“Come! Let us get away from here.”</p>
<p>The detectives left the saloon.</p>
<p>They had no idea of leaving the vicinity, though. Their
purpose was to remain as long as possible in close touch
with the villains.</p>
<p>If the truth was told, the Bradys were not at all sure
of their case.</p>
<p>They had not the slightest bit of legal evidence against
the trio.</p>
<p>What they were satisfied of in their own minds could
never be proved in a court of law.</p>
<p>So they were baffled.</p>
<p>But the bull-dog tenacity of Old King Brady’s nature
was never more evident than now.</p>
<p>Leaving the saloon they dodged into a dark doorway
near and waited.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_8">8</div>
<p>“Harry,” said Old King Brady in a low tone of voice,
“that old Blood is a fiend in human shape.”</p>
<p>“Indeed he is!”</p>
<p>“We must convict him!”</p>
<p>“We certainly will do so.”</p>
<p>Just then Harry gave a start and nudged Old King
Brady.</p>
<p>At first, unseen to both, a man with muffled features had
been standing in the shadows of the doorway.</p>
<p>He now emerged.</p>
<p>As he came into the light he turned sharply and said:</p>
<p>“Gentlemen, I wish you luck, but you’re on the wrong
tack!”</p>
<p>“Eh?” exclaimed Old King Brady. “What do you mean,
sir?”</p>
<p>“You are tracking the trio with a belief that they are
involved in that affair at the Fifteenth street house.”</p>
<p>“We are!”</p>
<p>“Well, you’re wrong. They are not the men.”</p>
<p>“Eh?” exclaimed Old King Brady. “What do you know
about it?”</p>
<p>“I know it all.”</p>
<p>“Who are you?”</p>
<p>“I am Ralph Scott, detective, the same as you. I have
the right clew!”</p>
<p>The two Bradys stared at the fellow.</p>
<p>“You have?” exclaimed Harry. “I would like to know
what it is?”</p>
<p>“I can prove it, too!”</p>
<p>“That is best.”</p>
<p>“Well, I can tell you that the young cashier is the guilty
man.”</p>
<p>“Do you mean Allerton Banks?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>The fellow spoke positively.</p>
<p>The detectives exchanged glances.</p>
<p>“Look here, Scott,” said Old King Brady, “you’re not
a Secret Service man.”</p>
<p>The fellow looked defiant.</p>
<p>“It isn’t necessary to be in the Secret Service to be a
detective,” he snapped.</p>
<p>“Perhaps not. But what service are you in?”</p>
<p>“I have no ties. I am in the business on my own hook!”</p>
<p>“Private detective?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Umph! What is your clew?”</p>
<p>“I got it through a man who is in a position to know
all about the case.”</p>
<p>“Who is he?”</p>
<p>“That is my affair.”</p>
<p>“I can tell you who you mean.”</p>
<p>Scott looked incredulous.</p>
<p>“Well,” he said, “who?”</p>
<p>“Napoleon Blood, the uncle and guardian of the dead
girl.”</p>
<p>The private detective started. His face flushed angrily.</p>
<p>“Eh? You’d better guess again,” he said. “Who told
you that?”</p>
<p>“Is it not so?”</p>
<p>“I refuse to say.”</p>
<p>“Well, how much has Blood promised to pay you to
convict the cashier?”</p>
<p>Scott looked angry and baffled. He glared at the detectives
savagely. Then muttering he began to move away.</p>
<p>“Hold on!” said Harry. “Take a bit of advice before
you go.”</p>
<p>“What do you mean?” demanded Scott, in a surly way.</p>
<p>“Better let this matter alone entirely. It makes no
difference what you do, you’re going to get the worst of it.
Old Blood will surely be found out.”</p>
<p>“You talk like fools!” growled Scott. “But just keep
on and we’ll see who comes out best. I work for money,
I do!”</p>
<p>“That is right,” agreed Old King Brady. “Nobody will
dispute that.”</p>
<p>Scott went away in high dudgeon. The Bradys were
much edified.</p>
<p>“It is easy to understand him,” said the old detective.
“He is only a tool for Blood.”</p>
<p>“It is evident the old usurer means to put the young
cashier out of the way,” said Harry.</p>
<p>“Very true.”</p>
<p>“I think it would be a good idea to see Allerton and
warn him.”</p>
<p>“So do I. Ah!”</p>
<p>Old King Brady gave a great start. A man had crossed
the street and now passed very close to the detectives.</p>
<p>It was Blood.</p>
<p>The detectives were, of course, greatly interested.</p>
<p>They watched the old usurer carefully. He entered Sly
Jimmie’s dive.</p>
<p>“He has gone in to see the trio,” said Old King Brady
in a breath.</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“They will tell him of our position in the case.”</p>
<p>“The old fellow will be put on his guard.”</p>
<p>“Just so.”</p>
<p>“By Jupiter!” exclaimed Harry. “I’d like mighty well
to know just what their conversation will be.”</p>
<p>“Would it be safe to venture into the place again in
another guise?”</p>
<p>“They would know us.”</p>
<p>“Well,” said the old detective, with sudden inspiration,
“I think I have a plan.”</p>
<p>“What is it?”</p>
<p>“Do you see the alley on this side of the building?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Well, I think there is a small window on a level with
the ground. It is directly over the table where those fellows
sit.”</p>
<p>“Indeed!”</p>
<p>“It is true. I remember seeing it. Now, if we can only
creep in there and either open the window or remove a
pane of glass, we ought to hear every word.”</p>
<p>“Good! Let us try it.”</p>
<p>The Bradys were not slow in undertaking this feat.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div>
<p>They crept into the alley and soon had located the
window.</p>
<p>Here they made an agreeable discovery. It was not
necessary to open the window or remove the glass.</p>
<p>Every word spoken by the villains below came up to
their ears.</p>
<p>They were still seated at the table and Blood was with
them.</p>
<p>The old usurer seemed greatly excited that the Bradys
were possessed of a knowledge of his complicity in the
crime.</p>
<p>“Curse them!” cried Blood, savagely. “I hope they do
not know too much. Did you admit anything?”</p>
<p>“You bet we didn’t!” said Collins, angrily. “What do
you take us for?”</p>
<p>“Well, it looks as if they might be an obstacle in our
path.”</p>
<p>“Wall, you bet!”</p>
<p>“There’s only one thing to be done!”</p>
<p>“We’re waitin’ fer the word!”</p>
<p>“If the trio gets after them it’s all up with them.”</p>
<p>“You bet!” cried Van, with a fierce grin. “Say the
word, boss. We’ll give ’em a race fer life. What’s the job
worth to ye in solid money?”</p>
<p>“Ten thousand dollars!” replied the usurer.</p>
<h2 id="c5">CHAPTER V.
<br /><span class="small">OUTWITTING THE CROOKS.</span></h2>
<p>“Done!” cried Burke. “We are your birds.”</p>
<p>“It’s understood,” said Collins, “when the Bradys are
safe outen the way you will pay us ten thousand in gold?”</p>
<p>“That is right!” agreed Blood.</p>
<p>“Then the job is as good as done!”</p>
<p>“They are a pair of foxes!”</p>
<p>The trio laughed in a blood-curdling way.</p>
<p>“Don’t ye fear!” said Burke.</p>
<p>“Well, it’s worth that to me,” said Blood. “Once they
are out of the way the course is pretty clear.”</p>
<p>“Wall, it oughter be.”</p>
<p>“I fear nobody else.”</p>
<p>“Ten thousand in gold!” said Burke. “That will take us
to Australia. The twenty thousand we got fer the Fifteenth
street job will start us in business, all right!”</p>
<p>“Yes, and I wish you luck!” said Blood. “Make the
work sure!”</p>
<p>“Did ye ever know us to fail?”</p>
<p>“Well, no!”</p>
<p>“Very well. Ye’ll see that we’ll take keer of them
Bradys all right.”</p>
<p>“Look here!” cried Collins. “What be ye going to do
with that young Banks, anyway?”</p>
<p>“I’m going to arrest him,” replied Blood. This interested
the detectives.</p>
<p>“Arrest him?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Ah! Have ye got the right evidence, think ye?”</p>
<p>“My man Scott, a private detective, has worked that all
right. Some of the girl’s jewelry, and a lace necktie stained
with blood will be found in young Banks’ room to-morrow.
Also, there’ll be blood on some of his clothes.”</p>
<p>The trio laughed grimly.</p>
<p>“You’ll do!” jeered Burke. “If you’d join us this trio
might become a quartette.”</p>
<p>At this there was a general laugh. Then Blood arose
to go.</p>
<p>“All right,” he said in parting, “see that you do your
work well by the Bradys. I’ll keep an eye out all the
while.”</p>
<p>Blood left the place.</p>
<p>Then the trio also separated for the night. It was a peculiarity
of theirs to be seldom found together.</p>
<p>The Bradys had gained the most valuable of information.</p>
<p>“We have got them solid!” cried Old King Brady. “We
can now easily checkmate them.”</p>
<p>“What do you advise?” asked Harry.</p>
<p>“We must see young Banks at once.”</p>
<p>“So I think!”</p>
<p>“He must be put on his guard and the dastardly scheme
of Blood’s frustrated. Then we will have sufficient against
both Blood and the trio.”</p>
<p>“And arrest them?”</p>
<p>“Instantly!”</p>
<p>“Good! Nothing could be better.”</p>
<p>The Bradys left Sly Jimmie’s place. The air was crisp
and cold, for the frigidity of winter had not yet passed
away.</p>
<p>They did not attempt to shadow any individual member
of the gang.</p>
<p>But they started at once for the lodgings of young Banks.</p>
<p>He roomed, while at work in the city, in Irving Place.
The room was a specimen of the sort usually found in
lodging houses.</p>
<p>As is usually the case in New York, Allerton knew none
of the other lodgers.</p>
<p>He simply knew that a tall, hawk-eyed man roomed next
to him. But he had never ventured a surmise as to the
man’s character or identity.</p>
<p>The chambermaid had caught Mr. Scott, the hawk-eyed
man, one day trying to fit skeleton keys to Allerton’s door.</p>
<p>But Mr. Scott profusely explained that he had got the
wrong room by mistake and went into his own room.</p>
<p>All this the Bradys possessed themselves of very quickly
after arriving at Allerton’s lodging house.</p>
<p>He was not in when they called, but they waited for him.</p>
<p>In due time he entered.</p>
<p>At once the Bradys introduced themselves and a pleasant
conversation followed.</p>
<p>“I can assure you,” said young Banks, “the disappearance
of my fiancee has been a dreadful blow to me. I have
until now never given up hope that she might be found
alive.”</p>
<p>“I fear there is no ground for such a hope,” said Old
<span class="pb" id="Page_10">10</span>
King Brady. “You will do well to preserve your own life
from the same gang.”</p>
<p>Allerton was startled.</p>
<p>“Is that true?” he exclaimed.</p>
<p>“As true as can be. We have come to warn you.”</p>
<p>Young Banks was dumfounded. He listened to the story
repeated by the Bradys.</p>
<p>“That is very strange,” he said, finally. “I cannot
understand it.”</p>
<p>“Now, we must work sharp to beat Blood at his own
game,” said Old King Brady. “Who could have access
to your room here?”</p>
<p>“Only the maid and landlady,” replied Allerton.</p>
<p>“Unless your next-door neighbor picked the lock.”</p>
<p>“Do you think it?”</p>
<p>“It is likely.”</p>
<p>“I do not even know him beyond the fact that he is a
private detective and his name is Scott.”</p>
<p>The detectives winked hard.</p>
<p>“Yes, yes!” said Harry. “Well, such fellows make no
trouble in finding their way through any door.”</p>
<p>“Do you think it possible?”</p>
<p>“I am sure of it.”</p>
<p>“But what could he enter my room for?” asked Allerton.</p>
<p>“The answer we will give you speedily,” replied Old
King Brady. “Overhaul your wardrobe. We must search
every corner of this room.”</p>
<p>“You puzzle me!”</p>
<p>“Never mind. Do as I say!”</p>
<p>“Oh, certainly!”</p>
<p>The young cashier went through his wardrobe. To his
horror a suit of clothes was found smeared with blood.</p>
<p>In the coat pocket was a bloody knife.</p>
<p>The detectives kept grimly at work. Other incriminating
evidence was quickly produced.</p>
<p>The young cashier was aghast.</p>
<p>“I need only say,” he said, “that this is all very inexplicable
to me.”</p>
<p>“Indeed?” said Old King Brady. “How did these
bloody clothes come in your room?”</p>
<p>“I have not the slightest idea.”</p>
<p>“Do you mean that?”</p>
<p>“Yes, I do!”</p>
<p>“Are they not yours?”</p>
<p>“They are.”</p>
<p>“How did the blood come upon them?”</p>
<p>“I do not know.”</p>
<p>Young Banks was like one dazed.</p>
<p>“Gentlemen,” he said, earnestly, “I swear to you that I
have committed no crime. How the blood came here is an
intense mystery to me. Could anybody have placed it there
to incriminate me?”</p>
<p>Old King Brady’s face relaxed.</p>
<p>“I’m glad you have come to your senses, young man,” he
said. “Now you are getting near the mark.”</p>
<p>“Do you know that such is the case?” asked Banks.</p>
<p>“Yes,” replied Old King Brady.</p>
<p>Banks was amazed.</p>
<p>“All this is very strange and incomprehensible to me,”
he said. “Can you kindly explain it all?</p>
<p>With this, Old King Brady gave succinctly the facts in
the case.</p>
<p>Young Banks listened with surprise, horror and indignation.</p>
<p>“And it is true that Evelyn was foully murdered?” he
gasped. “I have had hopes until now. Oh, this is too
dreadful! And it is all Blood’s work?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Then I swear that he shall be brought to justice. He
shall hang.”</p>
<p>“That is just what we are trying to do now,” said Old
King Brady. “And I think we are in a fair way to succeed.”</p>
<p>“I hope so. Oh, gentlemen, I place myself in your
hands! What ought I to do under these circumstances?”</p>
<p>“Keep very quiet,” advised Old King Brady. “Officers
will come here to arrest you and to search your room.
Make no objection. Even let them arrest you if they will.
Have faith in us. We will not see you come to harm.”</p>
<p>“Oh, heaven bless you! This is a terrible nightmare to
me.”</p>
<p>“Do as we tell you and you will be safe!”</p>
<p>“I will surely do so!”</p>
<p>The Bradys now took their leave.</p>
<p>They carried with them the blood-stained clothes and all
the evidences of the murder.</p>
<p>Thus the matter rested.</p>
<p>The next day officers went to young Banks’ room and
arrested him.</p>
<p>The place was searched thoroughly, but not a trace of the
evidence, supposed by Scott to be there, was found.</p>
<p>The effect of this upon the private detective it is easy to
estimate.</p>
<p>However, the warrant demanded the arrest of Allerton
Banks and he was taken to the Tombs.</p>
<p>The evening papers came out with a thrilling account of
the arrest.</p>
<p>“The murderer found!” it read. “At last an arrest is
made. It proves a great surprise, for the party charged
with the crime by Detective Scott is no other than the
lover of the missing girl, Allerton Banks.”</p>
<p>A long reminiscent account of the crime followed.</p>
<p>The Bradys read this with interest.</p>
<p>Then they caused an article to appear the next day deriding
Scott and ridiculing the arrest.</p>
<p>The brief hearing before a police magistrate justified this.</p>
<p>There was no case whatever against young Banks.</p>
<p>The police justice at once discharged him and reprimanded
Scott.</p>
<p>The Bradys now decided to act.</p>
<p>Their purpose was to make wholesale arrests. They
would scoop the whole gang at once.</p>
<p>They believed they had plenty of evidence to convict all.</p>
<p>They had evidence that Scott had secured the room next
to Banks for the purpose of effecting an entrance.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div>
<p>They had the evidence of the chambermaid that he had
been seen trying to pick the lock.</p>
<p>They could show complicity between Blood and the
Tough Trio.</p>
<p>They could also show a warrantable motive for the crime
and altogether quite sufficient evidence to convict the gang.</p>
<p>So the Bradys went first to the residence of Mr. Napoleon
Blood in lonely Westchester.</p>
<p>But he was not there.</p>
<p>“He has just gone to the city with Mr. Scott, the detective,”
declared the servant.</p>
<p>And that was all.</p>
<p>Mr. Blood did not return. His good sense precluded
this.</p>
<p>He had seen the handwriting on the wall and at once
took measures to protect himself.</p>
<p>He was missing.</p>
<p>So also was Scott, the detective, and the Tough Trio.</p>
<h2 id="c6">CHAPTER VI.
<br /><span class="small">SHADOWED.</span></h2>
<p>With no one to appear against him young Allerton Banks
was discharged as free of guilt.</p>
<p>Great excitement was created when it was known that a
warrant was out for Napoleon Blood.</p>
<p>And the interest was at fever heat when it was learned
that he had skipped for parts unknown.</p>
<p>The Bradys were deeply chagrined that their birds had
slipped them.</p>
<p>They had not dreamed that they would skip so soon.</p>
<p>They regretted not having made the arrests earlier.</p>
<p>However, they were by no means discouraged or defeated.</p>
<p>They knew that Blood had money and would not be
easily overtaken. But the Tough Trio could not get away
so easily.</p>
<p>But events proved that this was not at all the purpose
of the three toughs.</p>
<p>The Bradys were surprised to receive the following
unique message.</p>
<p>It came by mail, being post-marked at Station E, and was
written in a coarse hand as follows:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="bq">“Mr. Braddy: You hev opened the action ag’in’ us and
we are on the deefensive. Pretty soon it will be the other
way an’ we’ll be on the offensive. Mark it now, we’re
goin’ to do you up. No man can stand ag’in’ the trio and
you’ll be kept busy running a race fer life.</p>
<p class="bq">“You can’t take no step we don’t kno’ about and we’ll
be hot on your heels all the while. You can’t sleep nites
fer the knife will be at yure windpipe. You can’t leave
the city or a bullet will drop ye. We’re watchin’ every move
of yours and you can’t fool us. There’s no escape unless you
make a race for it.
<span class="center">Yures fer revenge,</span>
<span class="lr">“The Trio.”</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Bradys read this message several times with curious
emotions.</p>
<p>Then Harry said:</p>
<p>“On my word, partner, this is no joke. It means something.”</p>
<p>“I believe you, Harry,” agreed Old King Brady. “But
our move is to keep ahead of them.”</p>
<p>“They mean to kill us!”</p>
<p>“That is so.”</p>
<p>“Then we have certainly got to capture or kill them.”</p>
<p>“For self-preservation if nothing else.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“It is literally a race for life. We must win.”</p>
<p>“We must.”</p>
<p>The detectives decided to give up their quest for Blood.</p>
<p>They knew that a false step now meant their lives.</p>
<p>It is no light thing to ponder upon that three elusive
deadly thugs are seeking one’s life and waking or sleeping
there is never a safe moment.</p>
<p>The Bradys were constrained to do a heap of thinking.</p>
<p>The problem before them was the worst they had ever
undertaken.</p>
<p>Every step must be guarded, every move carefully
weighed.</p>
<p>They knew that it was true that they were under the
constant surveillance of the trio.</p>
<p>How to turn the tables and place the other gang under
the shadow was the question.</p>
<p>They considered the matter of disguise.</p>
<p>Disguises are all right and in many cases a valuable aid
to a detective.</p>
<p>But they are not infallible.</p>
<p>In a passing crowd or the glare of gaslight they will
prove sometimes very effective.</p>
<p>But not always are they effective. The cunning crook
penetrates the cleverest disguise with ease.</p>
<p>Every person has certain physical peculiarities which
no disguise on earth can absolutely conceal.</p>
<p>The Bradys knew that they could not depend wholly
upon disguise.</p>
<p>The detectives decided finally that their only way to
baffle their murderous foes was to make a literal race of it.</p>
<p>They knew that the three crooks would make hot pursuit.</p>
<p>By keeping always just ahead of the trio they could be
sure of safety and perhaps find a way of doubling and turning
the tables on the foe.</p>
<p>“We will lead them a chase across the continent!” cried
Old King Brady. “If they can catch us they may have
our scalps. In the meantime we will try every kind of a
decoy for them.”</p>
<p>The Bradys left their lodgings.</p>
<p>They had barely struck the street when Harry exclaimed:</p>
<p>“We are shadowed!”</p>
<p>“Eh?” exclaimed the old detective.</p>
<p>“I tell you it is so!”</p>
<p>“How do you know that?”</p>
<p>“I saw one of the gang slip around that corner.”</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div>
<p>“If that is so we ought to be able to decoy him. Come
on!”</p>
<p>The two detectives carelessly strolled down the street.</p>
<p>It was a crowded thoroughfare and they knew that no
attempt would be made upon their lives here.</p>
<p>But presently they slipped into a dark alley.</p>
<p>Here they crouched behind some barrels. Each held a
revolver in his hand.</p>
<p>If their foes came into the alley, the trap was ready and
would be sprung.</p>
<p>The detectives watched very closely. Twice they saw
their birds at a corner far down the street.</p>
<p>But they would not venture to accept the decoy.</p>
<p>Old King Brady was disgruntled.</p>
<p>“Confound them! They are too sharp,” he said. “What
shall we do?”</p>
<p>“Give it up,” said Harry, laconically.</p>
<p>“It looks like it. Well, we would be foolish to go their
way. Let us give them the slip through this alley.”</p>
<p>“Very well.”</p>
<p>So the detectives slipped away and into another street.
Soon they were on Broadway.</p>
<p>“Aha!” said Old King Brady, triumphantly. “That’s
the way to slip them. I think we can fool them yet, Harry.”</p>
<p>But the young detective clutched his arm and said:
“Don’t you believe it. Just look across the street.”</p>
<p>Old King Brady was astounded.</p>
<p>One of the trio, Collins it was, stood at an opposite
street corner.</p>
<p>He glanced at the detectives and then vanished down the
side street.</p>
<p>“By Jupiter!” exclaimed the old detective. “That beats
me! Where did he come from?”</p>
<p>“I tell you they are almost omnipresent,” declared
Harry. “We can’t seem to turn the trick on them.”</p>
<p>“Well, we will!” cried Old King Brady, angrily. “We’ll
catch that fellow. Stay here, Harry.”</p>
<p>With this the old detective darted across the street.</p>
<p>But search as he would, he could find no trace of Collins.
Baffled, Old King Brady returned to Broadway.
“Confound the slippery rascal!” he cried. “There must
be a way to trip them up.”</p>
<p>“I have a plan,” said Harry.</p>
<p>“What?” asked the old detective, eagerly.</p>
<p>“Well, it may seem simple, but I think it will work.
Go to an uptown hotel and register.”</p>
<p>“Well?”</p>
<p>“We will assume to go to our room. But in reality we
will slip out by a rear entrance. Once the gang enters the
hotel we will nab them.”</p>
<p>“But will they do that?”</p>
<p>“I think they will. Certainly they will leave nothing
undone to encompass our death.”</p>
<p>“Very good!” agreed Old King Brady. “We’ll try your
plan.”</p>
<p>“We’ll go to the Broadway Central Hotel.”</p>
<p>“Very good!”</p>
<p>“It is an old hostelry and does not depend altogether on
elevators. There are rear stairs for us to descend.”</p>
<p>The detectives proceeded to carry out their plan.</p>
<p>Certainly it looked feasible.</p>
<p>They registered at the hotel, boldly, under their own
names.</p>
<p>They prepaid their room as they did not have baggage.</p>
<p>Then they ascended by the elevator. They proceeded to
the door of their room.</p>
<p>They entered and waited for the bell-boy to disappear.</p>
<p>Then they emerged and started for the rear stairs.</p>
<p>They reached a corner of the long corridor when some-thing
like a chuckle came to their ears.</p>
<p>Old King Brady turned his head.</p>
<p>“By jove!” he exclaimed, aghast.</p>
<p>At the same moment Harry saw the cause of the old
detective’s excitement.</p>
<p>Far down the corridor a man stood apparently studying
the number on a room door. He seemed totally oblivious of
the presence of the detectives.</p>
<p>It was Dick Burke.</p>
<p>“Great Scott!” exclaimed Harry, and said no more.
The detectives looked at each other in sheer wonderment.</p>
<p>“What do you think of that?”</p>
<p>“I think I want that cuss!” said Old King Brady, starting
for the crook.</p>
<p>But at that moment Burke stepped into a side corridor
and vanished.</p>
<p>When the detectives reached the spot he was gone.</p>
<p>They made a quick search and went all over the hotel.</p>
<p>They made inquiries of bell-boys and other attaches.</p>
<p>But in vain.</p>
<p>It convinced them that they were truly up against a
hard game.</p>
<p>The trio seemed possessed of a supernatural faculty for
making themselves invisible at will.</p>
<p>Completely mystified, the Bradys sat down in the hotel
lobby and tried to think.</p>
<p>It was a conundrum.</p>
<p>The foes were close upon their heels and could not be
shaken off or decoyed. They were as elusive as the will-o’-the-wisp.</p>
<p>It was easy to understand their game.</p>
<p>They were waiting only a favorable opportunity for
pouncing upon their intended victims. They were slow and
patient as the Hindoo thug himself.</p>
<p>Old King Brady was all cold sweat.</p>
<p>“By Jupiter, Harry!” he exclaimed. “They certainly
mean to catch us off our guard. What can we do?”</p>
<p>“There is only one plan.”</p>
<p>“Well?”</p>
<p>“We must make a race of it. Let them chase us. We
will keep on the jump. At a favorable moment we will
double back on our tracks and then—they are ours.”</p>
<p>“A good plan and the only one,” said Old King Brady.
“They will pursue us. We are sure of that. We are not
smart if we do not fool them in some way.”</p>
<p>So the plan was decided upon and action made at once.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_13">13</div>
<h2 id="c7">CHAPTER VII.
<br /><span class="small">THE RACE BEGINS.</span></h2>
<p>The plan of the Bradys certainly looked logical.</p>
<p>To make a race of it was the only safe way. So they
acted at once.</p>
<p>They did not even spend the night at the Broadway Central
Hotel. Instead they took a car for the Grand Central
Depot.</p>
<p>Here they bought tickets for Boston.</p>
<p>The plan was cleverly laid.</p>
<p>It was arranged to go on to Boston by the night express.
When they arrived in the Hub city they would at once slip
onto the next train back.</p>
<p>This would confuse the pursuers and place them on the
defensive.</p>
<p>The Shore Line Express took them out of New York.</p>
<p>The Bradys kept a sharp outlook and were certain that
none of the gang were on the train.</p>
<p>Consequently they felt elated.</p>
<p>“On my word!” exclaimed Harry. “I believe we have
slipped them.”</p>
<p>“It looks like it,” agreed Old King Brady. “But I am
not wholly sure. They have disappointed us several times.”</p>
<p>“That is true,” agreed Harry. “Yet I believe we will
fool them this time.”</p>
<p>The Bradys made themselves comfortable in the sleeping
car.</p>
<p>Just as they were about to retire, a short man with
bushy whiskers and a tweed suit came into the car.</p>
<p>He occupied the section next to the detectives.</p>
<p>He claimed their attention at once, but neither remembered
having seen him before.</p>
<p>He ignored them, however, and at once tumbled into his
bunk. His snore could soon be heard above the rumble of
the train.</p>
<p>In due season the Bradys also retired.</p>
<p>They slept soundly until at about six o’clock the train
rolled into Boston.</p>
<p>The detectives had decided to stay in Boston during the
day and take the night train back to New York.</p>
<p>Then they could assume the best disguise they had and
perhaps shake their murderous pursuers.</p>
<p>They left the depot and made their way to a respectable
Boston hostelry.</p>
<p>The weather was typical of New England at the time of
year and was most bitterly cold.</p>
<p>When the detectives registered at the Parker House, the
fellow-passenger in the tweed suit also registered.</p>
<p>He was assigned to a room, as were the detectives. Young
King Brady noted the coincidence, but thought nothing of
it.</p>
<p>But once in the room, a sudden thought came to Harry.</p>
<p>He instantly exclaimed:</p>
<p>“Confound it! You and I are getting daft, partner.”</p>
<p>“Eh?” exclaimed Old King Brady. “What are you
driving at?”</p>
<p>“We are blind fools! Far from eluding the gang, we are
only getting into their way.”</p>
<p>“What do you mean?”</p>
<p>“Do you remember the man who slept in the berth
next us?”</p>
<p>“On the train?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Short man with tweed suit?”</p>
<p>“The very one!”</p>
<p>“Yes. What of it?”</p>
<p>“Well, we are blind. That fellow is Martin Van in disguise!”</p>
<p>Old King Brady gasped.</p>
<p>“Harry!” he ejaculated. “What do you mean?”</p>
<p>“It is true! I have placed him now. I knew he seemed
familiar.”</p>
<p>“Nonsense! I can’t see any connection or any similarity.”</p>
<p>“You can’t?”</p>
<p>“No.”</p>
<p>“Well, I couldn’t at first. But after we registered, I
went down into the wash-room. He was there as well!”</p>
<p>“Ah!”</p>
<p>“I passed by him and chancing to glance into a side
mirror I had profile view of him. He was indulging in the
St. Vitus dance and his features were all contorted.”</p>
<p>Old King Brady was silent.</p>
<p>He knew that Van had the St. Vitus dance. The coincidence
was certainly suspicious.</p>
<p>He was thoughtful.</p>
<p>“I declare!” he finally exclaimed. “Perhaps you are
right, Harry. Those whiskers did not look really natural.”</p>
<p>“No, nor are they. I tell you that fellow is Van!”</p>
<p>Old King Brady strode up and down the room for some
time.</p>
<p>“Well,” he said, finally, “what ought we to do?”</p>
<p>“I see only one plan.”</p>
<p>“What?”</p>
<p>“Arrest him!”</p>
<p>“Of course! We could have done it at the hotel desk.”</p>
<p>“But we did not know him.”</p>
<p>“That is it.”</p>
<p>“He is very likely in his room just now. Let us work
the surprise on him. Fate seems to have played this into
our hands.”</p>
<p>The Bradys were elated.</p>
<p>Their luck in having probed the fellow’s disguise seemed
likely to stand them in good stead.</p>
<p>But they knew better than to act too openly.</p>
<p>“Harry,” said Old King Brady, “we must proceed with
due caution. You can slip out now and get an officer.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“I will go down and look on the register and get the
number of his room.”</p>
<p>“Very well.”</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div>
<p>“Then I will meet you at the Tremont street door. Do
you see?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Very good. The officer can go right up to his room.
I will go up one corridor and you the other. Then we
have him trapped.”</p>
<p>“Splendid!”</p>
<p>The detectives had laid their plan well. As a matter of
fact, their surmises were correct.</p>
<p>Martin Van was in his room.</p>
<p>He did not dream, of course, that the Bradys had penetrated
his disguise.</p>
<p>It was his purpose to follow them like a lynx and at a
favorable moment strike one or both down with his own
hand.</p>
<p>The officer secured by Harry carried out his part of the
programme.</p>
<p>He proceeded to the door of Van’s room and rapped.</p>
<p>At first there was no answer.</p>
<p>Then a movement in the room was heard and a voice
said:</p>
<p>“Who is it?”</p>
<p>“A friend on business!”</p>
<p>“What is the name?”</p>
<p>“Open the door and you will see!”</p>
<p>Silence ensued and the officer rapped again.</p>
<p>“Wait a moment!” said the occupant of the room. That
was the last answer. The officer suddenly put his shoulder
to the door and forced it in.</p>
<p>The Bradys came rushing up the corridor expecting
trouble.</p>
<p>But there was none.</p>
<p>The reason was evident.</p>
<p>The room was empty.</p>
<p>A window opening upon a fire-escape was open. It was
by means of this that Van had escaped.</p>
<p>“Quick!” cried Harry. “We must cut him off below.”</p>
<p>Downstairs dashed the detectives. As they reached the
sidewalk they saw a man in a big overcoat turn the corner
below into Washington street.</p>
<p>It was Van.</p>
<p>The detectives rushed after him. In the crowd, however,
they lost track of their man.</p>
<p>Much chagrined, however, the detectives would not give
up.</p>
<p>They went on at random.</p>
<p>Suddenly leaving Haymarket Square they turned into
Portland street.</p>
<p>This is the street of livery stables. From the door of one
of these stables they saw a cutter sleigh drawn by a spirited
horse emerge.</p>
<p>One man sat in the sleigh.</p>
<p>“Great Scott!” exclaimed Harry. “Is not that Van?”</p>
<p>The same big overcoat and hat betokened that it was
the crook. He looked back once and saw the Bradys.</p>
<p>His whiskers had been sacrificed.</p>
<p>It was easy to recognize him.</p>
<p>His face lit up with evil exultation and he made a contemptuous
gesture with his hand.</p>
<p>“Hold!” shouted Old King Brady at the top of his
lungs. “Stop or I will fire!”</p>
<p>The old detective’s revolver came out then.</p>
<p>But it was too late.</p>
<p>The cutter turned a corner and Van was out of sight.</p>
<p>The Bradys looked about for a means of pursuit.</p>
<p>“The stable!” cried Harry. “Get another team at once!”</p>
<p>Into the stable the Bradys rushed.</p>
<p>The proprietor stared at them.</p>
<p>“Quick!” cried Old King Brady. “Give us the best horse
you’ve got in your stable. We will pay for him.”</p>
<p>“Who are you?” asked the stableman, suspiciously.</p>
<p>“We are Secret Service detectives.”</p>
<p>“Why, I just let a team to a detective to go to Lexington.”</p>
<p>“What!” cried Old King Brady. “Did you say to
Lexington?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Well, he fooled you. He is a noted crook and we are
after him.”</p>
<p>“Look here, I can’t let my teams this way.”</p>
<p>“Enough of that!” cried Old King Brady, thrusting
a roll of greenbacks in the man’s face. “Your best horse.
I’ll buy him. Here’s his value as security!”</p>
<p>“The other fellow left a deposit, too. Do you mean
it?”</p>
<p>“Yes, here is five hundred. If I don’t bring the team
back you are paid.”</p>
<p>This was enough.</p>
<p>The stable keeper quickly brought out a flea-bitten gray
horse. He was attached to a light sleigh.</p>
<p>“Do you know the Lexington road?” he asked.</p>
<p>“By Scallay Square and Brighton street to Cambridge
and Arlington?” said Old King Brady.</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“I’ll find it. Thank you!”</p>
<p>“That’s the best road horse in Boston. You’ll catch
your man before he gets there.”</p>
<p>“That’s what we want!” cried Old King Brady.</p>
<p>Then away in pursuit went the two detectives.</p>
<p>“If we can catch Van,” said Old King Brady, “we
shall be all right. We will have only two bloodhounds
on our trail.”</p>
<p>Highly elated, the detectives drove on. It was slow
work getting out of the crowded streets. But finally they
crossed the Cambridge Bridge and were out on a clear
highway.</p>
<p>Then the horse was given a free head.</p>
<h2 id="c8">CHAPTER VIII.
<br /><span class="small">AT THE ASYLUM.</span></h2>
<p>The horse given the Bradys by the stable keeper was certainly
a good one.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div>
<p>He dashed over the snow-covered road like the wind.</p>
<p>Sleighs were met and passed.</p>
<p>But yet nothing was seen of the sleigh which contained
Martin Van. To be sure he had a long start.</p>
<p>But still the Bradys kept on.</p>
<p>Arlington highway was reached and then they turned up
the historic thoroughfare, the route of Paul Revere on his
memorable ride, and entered Lexington.</p>
<p>On the left was a historic tavern.</p>
<p>The minute men of olden times who had met here to
resist the advance of the British column of invasion, had
once drank their flip and toddy in this ancient house.</p>
<p>As the detectives dashed along the snow-bound thoroughfare,
Old King Brady gave a start.</p>
<p>“Hello!” he exclaimed. “Luck is with us!”</p>
<p>In the tavern yard was a sleigh. It was the veritable
cutter hired by Van in Boston.</p>
<p>“Now we have him!” chuckled Old King Brady, as he
turned his horse into the yard.</p>
<p>The detectives threw the reins to a hostler.</p>
<p>Then they dashed into the tavern.</p>
<p>At a counter stood a man of plain, stern features. He
was evidently the proprietor and stared at the invaders.</p>
<p>Old King Brady leaned over the counter and said:</p>
<p>“Where is the man who just came up in that cutter out
there?”</p>
<p>The proprietor looked blank.</p>
<p>“He did not stop here,” he said.</p>
<p>The detectives were staggered.</p>
<p>“Are you sure of that?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Do you know which way he went?”</p>
<p>“Yes, he took the Concord road.”</p>
<p>“Thank you!”</p>
<p>The Bradys rushed out and leaped into their wagon.
They drove on at full speed for Concord.</p>
<p>They were soon outside the little town of Lexington.</p>
<p>The road to Concord is a hilly and difficult highway,
particularly in winter.</p>
<p>Moreover, a blinding snow storm had commenced to
block the roads. After going a few miles the detectives
found that their horse was giving out.</p>
<p>“On my word, Harry,” said Old King Brady, “I am
afraid we are bound to get stuck.”</p>
<p>“There is one consolation.”</p>
<p>“What?”</p>
<p>“If we are, Van is also.”</p>
<p>Night was at hand and darkness began to settle down.</p>
<p>The Bradys realized that it was necessary to get under
cover somewhere.</p>
<p>They were averse to going back to Lexington.</p>
<p>Suddenly, after floundering a while in the snow, a dim
light was seen in the distance.</p>
<p>“There is a habitation of some kind,” said Old King
Brady. “I think we had better strike for it.”</p>
<p>“Very good,” declared Harry. “I will go ahead on
foot.”</p>
<p>Slowly the Bradys staggered on through the snow.</p>
<p>After a while they passed through a gateway and drew
up in the yard of a time-stained and weather-beaten old
mansion of revolutionary style.</p>
<p>Lights shone in the windows of the old house.</p>
<p>Old King Brady shouted and two farm boys came out
with lanterns.</p>
<p>“Reckon hyars some more storm-bound people,” said
one of the boys. “Say, mister, what kin we do fer ye?”</p>
<p>“It looks as if we had got to trespass on you for the
night,” said Old King Brady.</p>
<p>“Wall, ye’re welcome! Put yer hoss right in the barn.”</p>
<p>This was done.</p>
<p>The big barn doors were with difficulty swung back.
Then as the detectives entered they were given a thrilling
start.</p>
<p>Right in the center of the barn floor was the cutter which
Van had driven from Boston.</p>
<p>The horse was in a nearby stall.</p>
<p>“By jove!” whispered Harry. “We’ve come up with the
sharp rogue at last. He won’t slip us this time.”</p>
<p>“Indeed he won’t!” declared Old King Brady. “I say,
my man?”</p>
<p>“Well, sir?”</p>
<p>“Where is the man who came in with this team?”</p>
<p>Both boys stared.</p>
<p>“Eh?” stammered one. “That team? Why, nobody
came in with it.”</p>
<p>“What?”</p>
<p>“That’s so, sir.”</p>
<p>“Do you mean to say nobody drove in here with that
team?”</p>
<p>“Jest so, sir! It came in by itself an’ nobody in the
sleigh. I don’t know nuthin’ more about it.”</p>
<p>“And you don’t know where the driver of it is?”</p>
<p>“No, sir.”</p>
<p>The detectives were dumfounded.</p>
<p>It was a most astounding turn in affairs. For a few moments
they were overcome.</p>
<p>What could it mean?</p>
<p>It was easy to assume that Van had deserted the team.</p>
<p>But where and why? Where was he now?</p>
<p>It seemed an altogether foolish thing for him to desert
the horse and sleigh to go afoot such a wild night.</p>
<p>No man could hope to live long in such a storm.</p>
<p>Yet it seemed that he had done this very thing.</p>
<p>The closest inquiries by the detectives revealed nothing
more.</p>
<p>The farmer’s boys could vouchsafe no further information.</p>
<p>The detectives were obliged to be satisfied with it.</p>
<p>Wherever Van was, nothing could be done to secure him
that night. He might be freezing somewhere in the snow.</p>
<p>However this might be, the Bradys knew that they could
only make themselves comfortable for the night and wait
for the morrow.</p>
<p>So they went into the farm house.</p>
<p>A cheery fire blazed on the hearth.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div>
<p>John Paine, the farmer, and his wife welcomed the detectives.</p>
<p>They were given seats by the fire and the housewife
hustled about to get them something to eat.</p>
<p>The Bradys were soon toasting their frigid feet by the
fire and listening to John Paine’s homely talk.</p>
<p>“I reckoned it ud be a pow’ful hard winter,” he said.
“Everything p’inted that way.”</p>
<p>“How far are you from the next house?” asked Old King
Brady.</p>
<p>“Summut of a mile, I reckon.”</p>
<p>“What is it, a farm house like this?”</p>
<p>John Paine screwed up his mouth.</p>
<p>“I reckon ye’re strangers about yere,” he said.</p>
<p>“We are.”</p>
<p>“Bekase if ye warn’t ye’d never ax that question. Why,
the next <i>house</i> ain’t a <i>house</i> at all. It’s a mad-house!”</p>
<p>“A mad-house?”</p>
<p>“Yes, some people call it a ’sylum.”</p>
<p>“Oh, yes; a private asylum!”</p>
<p>“I reckon so. It’s private enuff. Old Doctor Scraggs
who keeps it has about four of ther wust dogs in this kentry.
Nobody dares to go about there arter dark.”</p>
<p>The detectives were doing some deep thinking.</p>
<p>Private asylums were not uncommon in any part of the
country.</p>
<p>They wondered if there could be any connection between
Van’s disappearance and the asylum.</p>
<p>For a long while they pondered over it.</p>
<p>Then Old King Brady asked:</p>
<p>“I say, my friend! Have you any snowshoes?”</p>
<p>“Sartin!” replied Paine. “But ye ain’t goin’ out to-night?”</p>
<p>“I have a desire to visit that asylum,” said the detective.</p>
<p>“Wait till ter-morrer. We’ll break the road out airly.”</p>
<p>“Oh, I don’t mind the storm.”</p>
<p>At this moment one of the farm boys came in with a
stamp of his feet.</p>
<p>“I say!” he cried. “It’s all breaking away an’ the moon
is coming out.”</p>
<p>“Sho!” cried the farmer. “You don’t say so?”</p>
<p>“That settles it!” cried Old King Brady. “We’ll take a
trip on snowshoes, anyway!”</p>
<p>The farmer made no further demur. For himself he
couldn’t see the sense of it.</p>
<p>“But city folks does hev queer ways,” he remarked to his
wife.</p>
<p>Two pairs of snowshoes were brought out.</p>
<p>The Bradys first indulged in a hearty meal as prepared
by the good housewife.</p>
<p>Then they sallied forth.</p>
<p>Warmly wrapped they did not feel the chill air. The
moon had appeared high in the heavens and the air was
sublime.</p>
<p>Over the drifted fields the detectives made their way.</p>
<p>“It’s easy enough to understand it all now,” said Old
King Brady. “You see Van went as far as he could with
his team. Then he turned it into this man’s yard and went
ahead on foot.”</p>
<p>“He meant to reach the asylum. It was certainly his
objective point.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“But what business can he possibly have at the asylum
of Doctor Scraggs?”</p>
<p>“That is for us to find out.”</p>
<p>“Perhaps——”</p>
<p>Old King Brady paused. Both detectives had experienced
the same thought. Was there any connection between
the insane asylum of Doctor Scraggs and the Fifteenth
street mystery?</p>
<p>Had the Tough Trio any relationship with this private
home for the insane?</p>
<p>The Bradys knew well that many of these private asylums
are but prisons for innocent victims of evil plots.</p>
<p>On the charge of insanity a perfectly sane man may be
kept for years, even to the hour of his death, in awful, torturous
confinement.</p>
<p>It seemed certain that Van had not alone come on to
Boston to shadow the detectives or even to decoy them.</p>
<p>It was really to pay a visit to Doctor Scraggs’ asylum.</p>
<p>But what was his business there?</p>
<p>What sort of a place was it?</p>
<p>The Bradys felt that they were upon a new lead.</p>
<p>As they glided along on their snowshoes, they were resolved
to solve the mystery that night if possible.</p>
<p>Nearer now they drew to the grounds of the asylum.</p>
<p>Now a barrier arose which seemed likely to thwart them.</p>
<h2 id="c9">CHAPTER IX.
<br /><span class="small">A CLEVER GAME.</span></h2>
<p>The savage baying of a dog broke the stillness of the
winter night.</p>
<p>The hoarse barking was succeeded by others until the air
became heavy with the uproar.</p>
<p>Then the distant clang of a door was heard.</p>
<p>The Bradys had come to a halt undecided what to do.</p>
<p>They had little fear that the dogs could reach them in
that deep snow. But suddenly as they stood there in the
moonlight a distant sharp crack was heard and the hiss of
a bullet by Harry’s ear was a note of danger.</p>
<p>“Down, my lad!” cried Old King Brady, warningly.</p>
<p>They crouched behind the rails of a fence.</p>
<p>Bullets now began to sing about their heads.</p>
<p>It was evident that they had been seen in the moonlight.</p>
<p>Why the asylum people should receive possible visitors
in this warlike if not murderous fashion was a problem
which needed solution.</p>
<p>“It is might queer,” said Old King Brady. “The place
cannot be very straight to be sure. Can it be that they suspect
our identity?”</p>
<p>“Let us find out.”</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_17">17</div>
<p>“How?”</p>
<p>“I’ll show you!”</p>
<p>Harry disguised his voice, imitating the vernacular of a
Yankee farmer.</p>
<p>“I say, what in darnation be yu afirin’ at us fer?” he
shouted in a nasal twang. “Gosh hang it! We ain’t doin’
of anything to yu!”</p>
<p>The firing ceased.</p>
<p>There was a distant murmur of voices as if a consultation
was being held.</p>
<p>Then a gruff voice came over the expanse of snow:</p>
<p>“Who are ye?”</p>
<p>“Wall, I’m Jim Simpson an’ this ere is my uncle Hank
Small. We live up tew Concord an’ we’ve got tuckered out
an’ thought mebbe we cud git yu to keep us until mornin’.
We’re willin’ tu pay fer a nite’s lodgin’.”</p>
<p>“That don’t count,” came back the same gruff voice. “We
ain’t got no use fer strangers around hyar, I kin tell ye.
Better move on!”</p>
<p>“Wall, I must say ye’re mighty civil people tu try tu
shoot us. I reckon I’ll send the constable down to see yu!”</p>
<p>A savage curse came back.</p>
<p>“Ye wouldn’t want to spend the night hyar if ye knew
what sort of a house this is,” said the gruff speaker.</p>
<p>“Eh?” retorted Harry. “What kind of a house is it?
Dang me, but it looks big enuff for a hotel.”</p>
<p>“Wall, it’s a hotel fast enuff. But it’s a hotel fer mad
people!”</p>
<p>Harry whistled shrilly.</p>
<p>“Yu don’t say! Say, now, I’d like to see a mad pusson.
Won’t ye let us take a look at one?”</p>
<p>Fierce oaths greeted this request.</p>
<p>“Go on yer way an’ leave this place as far behind ye as
ye can, or it’ll be the wuss for ye.”</p>
<p>“Durn it! But we’re all tuckered out. Take us in an’
give us a cup of suthin’ warm, anyway. Then we’ll go
along.”</p>
<p>“Ye’ll git somethin’ hotter nor ye want if ye fool around
hyar too long. Now git out!”</p>
<p>“All right!” replied Harry, in a disappointed voice.</p>
<p>“I say!” came back the call.</p>
<p>“Wall?”</p>
<p>“Did ye cum up from Lexington?”</p>
<p>“Yas!”</p>
<p>“By ther highway?”</p>
<p>“We did.”</p>
<p>“Ah, did ye see anything of two men in a sleigh on the
way?”</p>
<p>“Oh, they turned back fer ther snow was too deep!”</p>
<p>This reply seemed to have a peculiar effect upon the
asylum people. A distant murmur was heard and then
there came another hail.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Harry and Old King Brady had been holding
a hurried consultation.</p>
<p>On the way from Paine’s farm house they had effected a
very clever disguise. They had borrowed some old coats,
mufflers and hats of Farmer Paine.</p>
<p>With the use of false beards and wigs they had easily
made themselves up for countrymen of the most verdant
kind.</p>
<p>“What do you think?” whispered Harry. “Is our disguise
good enough to risk a trip to the asylum if they finally
decide to take us in?”</p>
<p>Old King Brady hesitated.</p>
<p>He knew that it would be like walking literally into a
lion’s den.</p>
<p>Discovery was of course possible and could mean nothing
but death.</p>
<p>But the daring old detective was ready to take any risk,
however great, to gain a valuable end.</p>
<p>So he replied:</p>
<p>“We will take the chances.”</p>
<p>At this moment the hail came again.</p>
<p>“Hello, you rubes!”</p>
<p>“Hello!” replied Harry.</p>
<p>“Did ye give us a straight story about the two men in
the sleigh?”</p>
<p>“Dead straight!”</p>
<p>“Do ye know who they were?”</p>
<p>“Naw! Somebody down in Lexington said they wuz
New York people, but they didn’t look tu me tu be stylish
enuff.”</p>
<p>At this a laugh came back.</p>
<p>“Well, Simpson, you an’ your friend can come over an’
we’ll take a look at ye. Mebbe we can put ye up fer the
night.”</p>
<p>“Whoopla!” cried Harry. “We’re glad enuff of that
an’ we’ll pay ye fur it.”</p>
<p>“Don’t want no pay, see?”</p>
<p>“All right!”</p>
<p>“Come along sharp now. It’s mighty cold.”</p>
<p>The detectives climbed over the fence and came along on
their snowshoes. It required nerve to do this.</p>
<p>For aught they knew this might be only a subterfuge on
the part of the villains to get them within range.</p>
<p>They could be easily shot dead. Indeed, their nerves were
sorely tried.</p>
<p>But it was all honest enough on the villains’ part.</p>
<p>The detectives came suddenly to a high wicket gate in an
iron fence.</p>
<p>Three huge mastiffs were held in leash by a bull-faced
keeper. In the gateway stood three men.</p>
<p>Two of these the detectives recognized at once as Burke
and Collins of the trio. This was a revelation.</p>
<p>It proved that Dr. Scraggs’ asylum was really a rendezvous
for the thugs.</p>
<p>The third man was tall and lean with rounded shoulders
and a hatchet face.</p>
<p>He was the asylum proprietor. No other than Doctor
Scraggs himself.</p>
<p>The three miscreants and the rascally gatekeeper keenly
scrutinized the two detectives.</p>
<p>It was a critical moment.</p>
<p>Collins held the lantern close up to their faces and
studied them hard. Then he grinned.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div>
<p>“It’s all right,” he said. “They’re a couple of Rubes
all right. Come in an’ we’ll keep ye till morning.”</p>
<p>“Isaac,” said Scraggs to the gatekeeper, “put the dogs
back in the kennel. Show these two men to a room in the
south wing. Give ’em a swig of whiskey.”</p>
<p>“Much obleeged to yu, mister,” said Harry, profusely.
“I kin see yu are a gentleman. An’ yu kin bet Jim
Simpson won’t fergit to make it up with yu.”</p>
<p>“That’s all right,” growled the asylum keeper. “Maybe
you won’t like your room when you find out it’s next to
a madman’s cell.”</p>
<p>“I kin stand it if yu can,” replied Harry.</p>
<p>“What’s that?”</p>
<p>“I say that anything is a durned sight better than freezing
to death out in this tarnal snow.”</p>
<p>“Oh, I see! Well, come on, gentlemen, there’s business
for us to do. Look here, you jays, you’re not lying to me
about those two detec—I mean men in the sleigh? They
really went back to Lexington?”</p>
<p>“Dead sure, boss! They couldn’t git through.”</p>
<p>“Thet is about right,” said Yan’s voice from an open
door in the building. “I know I had the start an’ a half
hour afterwards I couldn’t have got through myself.”</p>
<p>This ended the confab.</p>
<p>Isaac, the bull-faced keeper, led the detectives across the
snow-covered yard to a wing of the asylum which was dark
and looked cheerless and grim enough with its iron-barred
windows.</p>
<p>In a few moments, however, the Bradys were in the
kitchen of the asylum and the keeper had prepared some
hot whisky for them.</p>
<p>The detectives never made a practice of drinking, but the
exposure and the chill made the potation welcome.</p>
<p>Then they fell into easy conversation with Isaac.</p>
<p>The fellow had the appearance of a sharp, ferret-like
rascal, but in the hands of the wily detectives he was like
wax.</p>
<p>In a few moments they had wormed some interesting
facts out of him.</p>
<p>“Betcher life Scraggy knows his biz,” said Isaac, in a
tough way. “He’ll make anything pay. This ere asylum
is a dead open cinch fer a fortune. See!”</p>
<p>“Gosh!” exclaimed Harry, rolling his eyes up. “Yu
don’t say so? What kind of mad people is there here?”</p>
<p>“Oh, thar’s all kinds,” replied the keeper. “Them that’s
fat an’ them that’s lean. Men an’ women, an’ anybody
whose friends don’t want ’em around. Do ye see?”</p>
<p>“What’s that ye say?” interrogated Harry. “What’s
that about people’s friends?”</p>
<p>“If ye don’t ax me too many questions I’ll tell ye no
lies!” said Isaac with a shrewd wink.</p>
<p>“I say,” said Harry, in a dull way, “s’posin’ ye knew a
man yu didn’t like! Couldn’t ye put him in this ’ere
’sylum an’ swear he wuz crazy?”</p>
<p>Isaac looked sharply at Harry.</p>
<p>“Have you any friends you want to git rid of?” he
asked.</p>
<p>“Wall, I dunno! That depends.”</p>
<p>The keeper chuckled.</p>
<p>“You kin bet your dimes that this is a straight joint,”
he said. “If anybody gits in hyar they stays hyar.”</p>
<p>“P’r’aps ye won’t let us out,” said Harry, suspiciously.</p>
<p>Isaac laughed loudly.</p>
<p>“P’r’aps we won’t, you jay!” he declared. “This is a hot
place for jays, you can bet!”</p>
<p>“Do women ever go crazy?” asked Harry, credulously.</p>
<p>“Eh?” exclaimed the keeper in surprise. “Do women
go crazy? Wall, I should say so!”</p>
<p>“Are there any here?”</p>
<p>“Any crazy women here? Well, there’s one on the very
floor above this.”</p>
<p>The detectives had the deepest of interest. They questioned
Isaac closely and skillfully, but they could learn
no more.</p>
<p>They wondered who the lady inmate of the asylum was.</p>
<p>But they felt sure that before morning the chance would
be given them to ascertain.</p>
<h2 id="c10">CHAPTER X.
<br /><span class="small">THE ASYLUM PRISONER.</span></h2>
<p>Isaac, the keeper, became quite voluble after a few drinks
of whisky.</p>
<p>He talked freely and the detectives used every effort to
pump him.</p>
<p>They learned that there was a strange female patient
in the asylum.</p>
<p>That she had been brought there by the four crooks.</p>
<p>That all the gang were in the asylum and that Dr.
Scraggs was a close ally.</p>
<p>All this Isaac, of course, did not tell them in as many
words.</p>
<p>But from his conversation these facts were easily gathered.</p>
<p>Altogether the Bradys were well satisfied with the progress
of affairs.</p>
<p>They had all their birds located and but for the embargo
of the storm they might easily have summoned officers and
completed the arrest of their birds.</p>
<p>Napoleon Blood was safely hidden in the asylum.</p>
<p>Under ordinary circumstances there would have been
scant chance of his being found.</p>
<p>But the Bradys were in luck.</p>
<p>Their foes, from dogging their footsteps with murderous
intent, were now in the position of being dogged themselves.</p>
<p>The race for life which they had intended giving the
detectives had been arrested by circumstances.</p>
<p>Altogether the odds were just now decidedly in the detectives’
favor.</p>
<p>But the Bradys were not disposed to spend their whole
evening in the kitchen of the asylum.</p>
<p>There was other work for them to do.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div>
<p>Somewhere within the walls of the place the four conspirators
were holding a meeting.</p>
<p>What that meeting was to decide the detectives could
only guess.</p>
<p>But it was exceedingly important that they should know.
This was their purpose.</p>
<p>So they did not waste much further time in the kitchen
with the keeper.</p>
<p>Harry began to yawn.</p>
<p>“By gum, I’m awful sleepy,” he averred. “I reckon I’d
like tew turn in. Ain’t it about time, mister?”</p>
<p>“So ye want to go to bed, do ye?” said Isaac, with a leer.</p>
<p>“Yas.”</p>
<p>“All right!”</p>
<p>The fellow trimmed the wick of an oil lamp and said:</p>
<p>“Follow me!”</p>
<p>The detectives shuffled along after the keeper up several
flights of stairs and finally they passed through a narrow
corridor with iron-barred doors on either side.</p>
<p>A distant wailing cry gave the detectives a chilly feeling
along the spine. There is no more dreadful sound than
the cry of a maniac.</p>
<p>“Here ye are,” said the keeper, throwing open one of the
iron doors. “Ye’ll be good an’ quiet here, fer Old Hickory,
the only madman on this floor, is asleep. Thar’s a good bed
fer ye!”</p>
<p>The detectives passed into the little chamber.</p>
<p>As they looked about the place they suddenly heard a
little click and a chuckle behind them.</p>
<p>Turning suddenly they were aghast at the sight which
rewarded them.</p>
<p>The barred door was between them and the grinning
keeper.</p>
<p>He had shut it and barred it.</p>
<p>They were prisoners.</p>
<p>Harry was the first to recover.</p>
<p>“Oh, I say, b’gosh! I don’t like thet kind of foolin’,”
he said, angrily. “Open thet door, mister!”</p>
<p>“Will I?” leered the keeper. “Jest hold yer hat on till
I do!”</p>
<p>“Are ye foolin’?”</p>
<p>“Does it look like it?”</p>
<p>“Gosh hang ye, let us out!”</p>
<p>“What for?”</p>
<p>“Come, we don’t like it!”</p>
<p>“Don’t ye? Wall, I’m sorry, but it’s orders, ye know!”</p>
<p>For a moment a horrible fear struck the Bradys.</p>
<p>Was it true?</p>
<p>Had they walked unwittingly into a trap?</p>
<p>Were the Tough Trio after all to be able to carry out their
fearful threat of vengeance?</p>
<p>For a moment the thought made both detectives shiver.</p>
<p>They exchanged glances. Then Harry placed his hands
on the iron bars of the door.</p>
<p>“Gol durn it, friend, this ain’t no joke!” he said, entreatingly.
“Let us out an’ we’ll say no more!”</p>
<p>Isaac laughed demoniacally.</p>
<p>“Let ye out? Wall, what fer? When we git two as good
patients as you we allus holds ’em. You’ll be worth something
to your friends, likely.”</p>
<p>“Oh, ye think ye’ll get a ransom fer us, do ye?” asked
Harry.</p>
<p>“Well, we oughter.”</p>
<p>“You won’t!”</p>
<p>“We’ll see!”</p>
<p>“I tell ye we’ve got no money nor friends. Let us out!”</p>
<p>“Ye live in Concord?”</p>
<p>“Yas.”</p>
<p>“What do ye do?”</p>
<p>“Work out fer a livin’.”</p>
<p>“I believe ye’re durned liars. This is the safest place
fer ye to-night. To-morrow the boss kin decide what to
do with ye. I hope as how ye’ll have pleasant dreams!”</p>
<p>And with this the fellow was gone. The detectives were
aghast.</p>
<p>They saw it was no joke.</p>
<p>It was a clever game to keep them close prisoners for the
night. But for what purpose?</p>
<p>Did the crooks suspect them?</p>
<p>Old King Brady was loth to believe this. He reckoned
that it was only intended to keep them from wandering
about the asylum, as curious countrymen might be tempted
to do.</p>
<p>But even at this the situation was extremely unsatisfactory
to the detectives.</p>
<p>Above all things they wanted their freedom.</p>
<p>Harry inspected the iron bars of the door closely.</p>
<p>Suddenly with a thrill he discovered that one of them
was loose.</p>
<p>He believed that it could be sprung from its socket.</p>
<p>He whispered this fact to Old King Brady and said:</p>
<p>“Never mind. We will get out all right, yet.”</p>
<p>“Do you think so?”</p>
<p>“I do!”</p>
<p>“We had better not try it yet.”</p>
<p>“Oh, certainly not.”</p>
<p>The detectives listened long and intently. They heard a
door creak at intervals at the far end of the corridor.</p>
<p>It was possible that the wily keeper was on watch there
to see what move to escape the two men might make.</p>
<p>But the detectives made loud conversation.</p>
<p>“I don’t keer a durn!” Harry finally yawned. “I’m
goin’ to have some sleep, anyway.”</p>
<p>“Same hyar! I’m fagged.”</p>
<p>They cast themselves heavily upon the iron cot beds.
Then in a few moments both were snoring.</p>
<p>But they were not sleeping.</p>
<p>Each, through half-shut eyes, watched the cell door.</p>
<p>Just what they expected occurred.</p>
<p>Suddenly at the iron bars there appeared a leering face.</p>
<p>It was the keeper Isaac.</p>
<p>He crouched there a moment and then glided away.</p>
<p>A distant door creaked and then all was silence.</p>
<p>Old King Brady sat up on the edge of his bunk.</p>
<p>“It’s all right, Harry?” he said. “The coast is clear.”</p>
<p>“We are safe?”</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_20">20</div>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“The fellow was easy to fool. He is off his guard now.”</p>
<p>“Sure!”</p>
<p>Harry now tried the iron bar.</p>
<p>It was an easy matter to spring it from the socket. The
aperture thus made was small.</p>
<p>But Harry squeezed far enough through it to reach the
bar and lift it. The door swung back.</p>
<p>Freedom was theirs.</p>
<p>But there was lively work before them. They glided
away down the dark corridor.</p>
<p>Noiselessly they passed from one corridor to another, past
the doors of cells where madmen prattled, until suddenly
Old King Brady gave a gasp.</p>
<p>A light shone through the grated door of one cell.</p>
<p>It was more cheerfully furnished than the others. But
the single occupant enchained the detectives.</p>
<p>A young girl, beautiful, though pale as marble.</p>
<p>Her face was clear and sweet. Her manner mild and
gentle. Surely she was no maniac.</p>
<p>The Bradys paused and gazed upon the fair occupant of
this cell as if spellbound.</p>
<p>She did not at the moment observe them.</p>
<p>When she did, finally, she gave a great start and half
arose. A frightened light was in her eyes.</p>
<p>“I pray you be not alarmed, young lady,” said Old
King Brady, in an undertone. “We are friends!”</p>
<p>“Who—who are you?” she asked. “Have you come to
take me away?”</p>
<p>“Perhaps so,” said Old King Brady, closely searching for
any possible evidence of insanity.</p>
<p>But there was none.</p>
<p>He was satisfied of this.</p>
<p>No doubt she was confined here against her will. Perhaps
she was the victim of some cowardly plot.</p>
<p>“Oh, I am thankful!” she said, joyfully. “For my
prayer is answered. I shall die if I remain longer in this
awful place!”</p>
<p>Old King Brady drew close to the bars of the cell door.</p>
<p>“Come a little nearer, young lady,” he said. “We are in
danger of being overheard.”</p>
<p>She drew nearer.</p>
<p>Her large eyes were fixed upon the detectives questioningly.
But it was plain that her confidence was wan.</p>
<p>“Oh, I am sure you are friends,” she said, earnestly, “and
you will take me from this dreadful place.”</p>
<p>“Tell me your story,” said Old King Brady. “Who
brought you here? Why are you here?”</p>
<p>“Oh, I do not know,” she said with a shudder. “They
tell me that I am insane like the others in this place. But
I am not. Truly I am not!”</p>
<p>“Where did you come from?”</p>
<p>“My home is in Westchester near New York City.”</p>
<p>Old King Brady gave a start.</p>
<p>His eyes flashed.</p>
<p>“Will you tell me your name?”</p>
<p>“Certainly!” replied the fair prisoner. “My name is
Evelyn Grimm!”</p>
<h2 id="c11">CHAPTER XI.
<br /><span class="small">THE RESCUE.</span></h2>
<p>“Evelyn Grimm!”</p>
<p>Old King Brady repeated the name with a horrified gasp.
Both detectives rubbed their eyes.</p>
<p>“Did I hear you aright?” asked the old detective. “Did
you say the name was Grimm?”</p>
<p>“Yes, sir.”</p>
<p>The young girl looked at him wonderingly.</p>
<p>“You lived in Westchester?”</p>
<p>“That is my home.”</p>
<p>“Do you know Napoleon Blood?”</p>
<p>The young girl shuddered.</p>
<p>“He is my uncle,” she said. “He it was who declared
I was insane and had me brought here!”</p>
<p>Old King Brady began to see his way through the fog.</p>
<p>The vile plot in all its intricacies was now exposed to him.</p>
<p>“That was the way of it,” he said. “Then you did not
keep an appointment in Union Square on a certain evening?”</p>
<p>“Never!”</p>
<p>“Nor you were not murdered and burned up in a Fifteenth
street house?”</p>
<p>The young girl looked astonished.</p>
<p>“I do not understand you,” she said.</p>
<p>“I do not wonder,” said the old detective. “I will explain.
That is the story of your mysterious disappearance
as given to the world by your uncle.”</p>
<p>“Well, it is false!”</p>
<p>“Even traces of your clothing were found and other
clews to show that you were burned in that dwelling.”</p>
<p>“That is strange.”</p>
<p>“Yes, it is part of the plot.”</p>
<p>“Plot?”</p>
<p>“Yes, young lady, you are the victim of a villainous plot.”</p>
<p>“I think you are right,” said Evelyn, with conviction.
“And I believe my uncle is at the bottom of it. I know he
always hated me and he wanted my heritage.”</p>
<p>“Now you have it right,” said Old King Brady. “He
tried to hang young Allerton Banks for the supposed crime,
but an alibi was proved.”</p>
<p>A cry of horror and indignation escaped the young girl.</p>
<p>“The scoundrel!” she said, intensely. “He always hated
Allerton. Oh, sir, who are you? Surely you do not keep
this dreadful place?”</p>
<p>“Sh!” said Old King Brady, in a whisper. “We must
be careful. No, my dear young lady, we do not. We are
New York detectives, of the Secret Service. We are in
quest of the villains who were supposed to be your murderers!”</p>
<p>Evelyn Grimm was plainly surprised and delighted.</p>
<p>“Oh, heaven be praised!” she said, ardently. “You will
save me. You will take me back to New York. In another
year my heritage will be mine. I shall contest my
uncle’s right to put me in an insane asylum.”</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_21">21</div>
<p>“And well you may. It is as you say, only a scheme to
beat you out of your inheritance.”</p>
<p>“Uncle Napoleon will pay for it.”</p>
<p>“We promise you he will. But now let us consider what
is to be done. Very naturally you are anxious to escape.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“But there are many things to consider. In the first
place there is a terrible risk!”</p>
<p>“Indeed!”</p>
<p>“You see the gang of villains with whom your uncle
is in league are here to-night. We want to entrap them.”</p>
<p>“Then I must wait?”</p>
<p>“Perhaps so. Or—it might be as well for us to liberate
you now. But you must be very careful and not betray us.”</p>
<p>“Oh, I will promise.”</p>
<p>“Very well.”</p>
<p>The detectives now lifted the iron bar and opened the
cell door.</p>
<p>It creaked a bit, but after listening carefully the detectives
were convinced that they were not betrayed.</p>
<p>In another moment Evelyn Grimm, the supposed victim
of the Fifteenth street crime, walked out safe and well.</p>
<p>The Bradys felt that they had made a great step toward
the winning of this remarkable case.</p>
<p>While they knew that the crime charged against the trio
was thus disproved, yet there was sufficient evidence against
the gang to hold them for the law.</p>
<p>So they did not deem the case by any means ended, with
the liberation of Evelyn Grimm.</p>
<p>Along the corridor to the end of the wing they now all
crept.</p>
<p>It had been decided by the Bradys what was to be done.</p>
<p>At the end of the wing there was an iron fire-escape.</p>
<p>It would be easy to descend by this to the ground.</p>
<p>Luckily Evelyn knew the use of snowshoes. Harry was
to accompany her to the Paine farm house.</p>
<p>Then he was to organize a band of the farmers, armed,
and return. The asylum would be surrounded.</p>
<p>It seemed that this must be a certain way of capturing
the gang.</p>
<p>“Queer, isn’t it?” said Harry. “The charred remains of
a body were found in the ruins of that Fifteenth street fire.”</p>
<p>“Very good.”</p>
<p>“Well, now we find Evelyn Grimm alive.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“But I cannot see that that disproves the crime of murder.
A murder must have been enacted.”</p>
<p>“Beyond a doubt.”</p>
<p>“But who was the victim?”</p>
<p>“That remains to be seen. It certainly was not Evelyn
Grimm.”</p>
<p>“No.”</p>
<p>“I can see the gist of the whole diabolical plot,” said
Harry. “Old Blood thought he could bury his niece forever
in this asylum. The evidences of her presence in the
burning dwelling would blind everybody and make them
believe that she was burned to death.”</p>
<p>“That is true.”</p>
<p>“But she is very much alive.”</p>
<p>“Well, I should rather think so. Ah, here we are!”</p>
<p>They had now reached the window opening out upon the
fire-escape.</p>
<p>Harry softly raised the sash.</p>
<p>Then he descended and assisted the young girl down.
The snowshoes were found in the kitchen which luckily was
deserted and Harry quickly appeared with them.</p>
<p>They were put on and then Harry and his fair charge
walked away across the white fields.</p>
<p>Old King Brady closed the window down and went back
along the corridor.</p>
<p>He could not help wondering at the unexpected outcome
of the case.</p>
<p>“Indeed, people will be surprised beyond measure when
they learn that Evelyn Grimm is alive!” he mused. “It
will prove a great sensation.”</p>
<p>But the old detective had no idea of remaining idle while
Harry was absent.</p>
<p>There was work before him.</p>
<p>Somewhere in the asylum he knew that a council of
villainy was being held.</p>
<p>He was desirous of becoming a listener to the same. He
proceeded, however, with extreme caution.</p>
<p>He made his way carefully to the head of a flight of
stairs.</p>
<p>Down these he crept to a floor below.</p>
<p>Still further below he now heard the murmur of voices.
The light in the corridor was dim.</p>
<p>But far below he saw a bright gleam which seemed to
come from the reception room of the asylum.</p>
<p>The place was unusually quiet.</p>
<p>Some of the boisterous patients had been drugged to
keep them quiet. It was a villainous practice, but yet of
common occurrence.</p>
<p>Old King Brady had half expected to run across Isaac
or some one of the other keepers in the corridors.</p>
<p>But good fortune favored him.</p>
<p>He did not come across any of them. Down the stairs
he glided.</p>
<p>The door of the reception room was half open.</p>
<p>The old detective peered in.</p>
<p>The scene which met his gaze at once interested him.</p>
<p>There were the five precious villains. At a table sat the
Tough Trio.</p>
<p>Beside them were Doctor Scraggs and Napoleon Blood.</p>
<p>On the table were a number of papers.</p>
<p>“You know, curse ye, that ye agreed to keep the girl
until she dies,” said Blood, in an angry tone. “And now
you want to back out.”</p>
<p>“I never had any luck with women patients,” said
Scraggs, persistently, “and I know what I’m talking about.
You must pay me good money to keep her here.”</p>
<p>“Why more for her than any other patient?” growled
Blood.</p>
<p>“She gives us more trouble.”</p>
<p>“Bah! You’re over nice!”</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div>
<p>“Not a bit of it. But confound ’em! I never had any
luck with women.”</p>
<p>“Ye’ve got to keep her! She’ll die before long.”</p>
<p>“Humph!” ejaculated Collins, sourly. “Why don’t ye
make it a sure thing right off?”</p>
<p>“What do ye mean?”</p>
<p>“You want the gal out of the way?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Well, the safest way is the best.”</p>
<p>“What?”</p>
<p>“Kill her!”</p>
<p>Blood shivered. He drew his cloak closer about him.</p>
<p>“That’s work for a man younger than I am,” he said.
“I’m too old to cover up the job.”</p>
<p>“Pshaw! We’ll do it for you!”</p>
<p>“All right. What is your price?”</p>
<p>“The girl and money!”</p>
<p>Blood gave a violent start.</p>
<p>He glanced at Collins.</p>
<p>“The girl?” he repeated.</p>
<p>“Yes, the gal!”</p>
<p>“What do you want of her? You will only have her
dead body?”</p>
<p>“That is just it,” said Collins, with a leer, “we could get
a good price fer the body.”</p>
<p>“Who will pay it?”</p>
<p>“Her lover—or perhaps her friends.”</p>
<p>Blood sneered scornfully.</p>
<p>“You are cracked!” he declared. “But if you want her
you can have her. That settles it.”</p>
<p>“Very well, then,” said Burke. “It is understood.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“We are to put the gal out of the way. You don’t care
so long as she never puts in an appearance ag’in’?”</p>
<p>“No! Curse her!” gritted Blood. “She has been nothing
but a source of trouble to me. See that you make the
job sure.”</p>
<p>“Trust the trio fer that,” said Burke with a horrible leer.
“Come on, boys! The dainty female is ours.”</p>
<h2 id="c12">CHAPTER XII.
<br /><span class="small">DISAFFECTION.</span></h2>
<p>Collins and Van both arose eagerly at this.</p>
<p>The detective’s blood surged hotly through his veins.</p>
<p>“The unconscionable scoundrels!” he muttered under
his breath. “They are human fiends.”</p>
<p>And in that moment the old detective rejoiced that their
would-be victim was beyond their reach.</p>
<p>But he was conscious of his own perilous position.</p>
<p>If the trio of villains went to Evelyn’s prison cell to
commit the contemplated horrible crime of murder, her
escape would be discovered.</p>
<p>But the old detective was only temporarily alarmed.</p>
<p>He reckoned that it would be very soon time for Harry
to return from Paine’s with assistance.</p>
<p>Certainly escape would be a difficult matter for the villains.</p>
<p>The snow was too deep to admit of their making very
rapid progress if they attempted to leave the asylum.</p>
<p>The trio of villains had arisen for the purpose of paying
a murderous visit to the prison cell of the young girl.</p>
<p>But at that moment Scraggs interposed.</p>
<p>“Hold on!” he growled. “What are ye going to do?”</p>
<p>Burke turned and stared at him.</p>
<p>“You heard the agreement.”</p>
<p>“Well, you can’t kill the girl in this house. I object to
that!”</p>
<p>“Thunder!” ejaculated Burke. “What has come over
you?”</p>
<p>“That’s what has come over me,” said Dr. Scraggs,
coolly.</p>
<p>“You are blocking our plans.”</p>
<p>“I don’t care if I am. This is my house and I am boss
here!”</p>
<p>There was an ominous silence.</p>
<p>The trio looked ugly and Collins glared at the asylum
keeper.</p>
<p>“You’re a cursed traitor!”</p>
<p>“No, I am not!”</p>
<p>“Then what’s the matter with ye?”</p>
<p>“I’m not going to have any murder in my house, that’s
all! I don’t care a picayune what you do with the girl, but
you can’t kill her here. Do you see?”</p>
<p>“Humph!” exclaimed Burke. “You’re mighty particular.
It’s an easy job. There’ll be no blood stains. We’ll
just shut her windpipe and she can be carried out for a
dead patient. See?”</p>
<p>But Scraggs was obdurate.</p>
<p>“I don’t care!” he said. “It’s not going to be done here.
That ends it.”</p>
<p>All this while Blood had been silent. Now he said:</p>
<p>“Well, I don’t blame Scraggs for that, boys. This asylum
is his way of making a living. If any scandal arose
out of this place it would put him out of business.”</p>
<p>“That’s it,” agreed Scraggs. “Them’s my reasons an’
nothin’ more nor less.”</p>
<p>“Well,” said Burke, in a mollified way, “if that’s the way
of it perhaps you’re right.”</p>
<p>“We can fix that!” said Collins.</p>
<p>“How?”</p>
<p>“To-morrow we’ll take her away in a sleigh. A few miles
from here is the Assabet river. We can dump her in under
the ice and if she’s ever found it won’t be until Spring,
anyway.”</p>
<p>“Good!” cried Blood. “That is the best way to work it.
No need of having any hard feelings.”</p>
<p>“I haven’t any feelings about it,” said Burke. “So we’ll
put it off until morning. One more drink, gents.”</p>
<p>Brandy was decanted and the party drank freely.</p>
<p>All this while Old King Brady had listened with deep
interest.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_23">23</div>
<p>Now that the fate of Evelyn Grimm had been settled,
other matters came in for discussion.</p>
<p>Burke laughed uproariously.</p>
<p>“Haw! Haw!” he guffawed. “Every detective in this
country thinks the girl was burned up in Fifteenth street.”</p>
<p>“Everybody else does, for that matter,” said Blood.</p>
<p>“We led ’em astray easy enough. The poor woman who
was burned up there though——”</p>
<p>“Sh!” exclaimed Van, with a frightful contortion of the
face. “Let thet rest.”</p>
<p>“Oh, it’s a tender subject with you, Old Bluebeard. How
many more wives have you burned up ther same way?”</p>
<p>“Curse you, shut up!” growled Van, savagely. “I had
to shut her mouth. She was false and would have betrayed
the whole gang of us sooner or later.”</p>
<p>“Never mind that,” said Scraggs, “I am interested in
those accursed detectives. You say a couple of them chased
you as far as Lexington?”</p>
<p>“Yes,” agreed Burke.</p>
<p>“Do you know who they were?”</p>
<p>“I do!” said Van. “For I’m the man they chased.
Curse ’em! They are the Bradys of New York!”</p>
<p>“They are on our list,” said Collins. “We’ll trap them.”</p>
<p>“They must die!”</p>
<p>“Well,” growled Scraggs, “I don’t want them to get their
eyes on my place here. I’ve too much at stake. See?”</p>
<p>“Ain’t you with us?”</p>
<p>“Of course!”</p>
<p>“Then you’ve got to take chances.”</p>
<p>“But there’s no need of being so reckless.”</p>
<p>“Oh, don’t fret, we can handle the Bradys all right!
Hello! What the deuce is that?”</p>
<p>A wild, animal-like cry came down the stairs.</p>
<p>Old King Brady crouched back in the shadows just in
time.</p>
<p>A dark form rushed past him. The next moment Isaac,
the keeper, sprang into the reception room.</p>
<p>He was wildly excited.</p>
<p>“Quick!” he shouted. “They have got her! She is
gone! She is gone, I tell you!”</p>
<p>Wildly threshing his arms about him he made the circuit
of the room.</p>
<p>Van caught him by the shoulder.</p>
<p>“What are ye talkin’ about, ye cursed hyena?” he yelled.
“Speak plain! What’s wrong?”</p>
<p>“Oh, the girl! She’s gone!”</p>
<p>“Gone?” echoed all.</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Where?”</p>
<p>“I don’t know. The two countrymen slipped a bar out of
the cell door and they’re gone, too!”</p>
<p>Fierce exclamations filled the room. Van hurled the
unfortunate keeper to the floor.</p>
<p>“You cursed traitorous dog!” he yelled, drawing a knife.
“I’ll kill you for this!”</p>
<p>He flung himself forward and that moment might indeed
have been the keeper’s last.</p>
<p>But Scraggs forced the ruffian back.</p>
<p>“Hold on!” he growled. “Hear the man’s story first.
I’ve always found him true.”</p>
<p>“Oh, I swear it!” cried Isaac. “I left the door securely
barred. Come and see for yourself. They were asleep
before I left them.”</p>
<p>“Come on then, you dog!” hissed Van. “If I find you’ve
lied, you shall die!”</p>
<p>Up the stairs all now rushed.</p>
<p>They found the prison cell of the girl captive empty.</p>
<p>A brief examination told the whole story.</p>
<p>The tracks on the fire-escape and the snow beneath told
all.</p>
<p>Fury and fear alike overwhelmed the villains.</p>
<p>Their consternation was great.</p>
<p>“We’ve been fooled!” cried Burke, savagely. “I tell ye
it was a game!”</p>
<p>“Them two Rubes weren’t what we thought they were.”</p>
<p>Martin brought his hands forcibly together.</p>
<p>“Curse it!” he cried. “We had the game right in our
hands and didn’t know it. Them two jays were our men!”</p>
<p>“The Bradys?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“They fooled us!”</p>
<p>As this conviction dawned upon the villains their fury
was beyond expression. Words cannot depict it.</p>
<p>But Scraggs was sour.</p>
<p>“Confound you for coming here at all!” he growled.
“Why didn’t you lead those detectives somewhere else?”</p>
<p>“We thought this the best place,” said Van. “If things
had worked the way I thought they would——”</p>
<p>“But they didn’t!” snapped Scraggs. “What are you
going to do about it?”</p>
<p>“That’s the idea!” cried Van. “We are gaining nothin’
hyar. We ought to chase ’em.”</p>
<p>“Chase ’em!” said Burke. “In this snow?”</p>
<p>“We ought to git along just as well as they kin!”</p>
<p>“You fergit.”</p>
<p>“What?”</p>
<p>“They have snowshoes.”</p>
<p>“Wall, git snowshoes, then, for us. I say, Scraggs, have
ye such a thing?”</p>
<p>“No!” replied the asylum keeper. “What do you take
me for? I’m no keeper of a logging camp.”</p>
<p>“No, nor anything else!” snapped Burke, viciously. “But
if we can’t do any better we must wade.”</p>
<p>“That would be a fool’s game,” said the asylum keeper.
“They can go four steps to your one on snowshoes.”</p>
<p>“Curse the luck! They can’t go far on such a night.”</p>
<p>“Ten miles would put ’em beyond your reach.”</p>
<p>“Wall, suggest a plan then,” growled Burke. “I’m
sick of it.”</p>
<p>“So am I!” snapped Scraggs. “I wish I’d never seen
you or your girl. This will be my ruin.”</p>
<p>“You’re awful afraid of being ruined,” said Blood, angrily.
“I’ve paid you good money, Anthony Scraggs!”</p>
<p>“And you’re making a fugitive from justice of me, the
same as yourself.”</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_24">24</div>
<p>“Well, you ought to be. You’re the worst shark of us
all.”</p>
<p>Old King Brady listened to all this wrangling with much
edification.</p>
<p>The old detective was exultant.</p>
<p>Certainly he had reason to be.</p>
<p>In a short while the asylum would be surrounded by
armed men and the birds would be in limbo.</p>
<p>The great case would be won.</p>
<p>Old King Brady could hardly contain himself.</p>
<p>He listened intently for some distant sound of the return
of Harry. But time passed.</p>
<p>The crooks did not attempt a pursuit.</p>
<p>They abandoned it as impracticable. But they were
alive fully to the exigencies of the moment.</p>
<p>It had been decided to let the girl go without any effort
to recapture her.</p>
<p>The trio would trudge the best way they could through
the snow to a distant railway station.</p>
<p>Blood was to remain in the asylum with Scraggs.</p>
<p>“I can hide you where nobody will ever find you,” said
the proprietor of the asylum. “So have no fears.”</p>
<p>Old King Brady listened to all this with some misgiving.
Would his men slip him after all?</p>
<h2 id="c13">CHAPTER XIII.
<br /><span class="small">BAFFLED AGAIN.</span></h2>
<p>The trio went on with their preparations to leave the
asylum.</p>
<p>Old King Brady was powerless to prevent it.</p>
<p>Moreover, he had all he could do now to keep out of sight
and assure his own safety.</p>
<p>It was long past midnight.</p>
<p>What had become of Harry?</p>
<p>It seemed full time for him to return. Yet he did not
come.</p>
<p>Old King Brady knew that it would require some time to
arouse the neighbors and organize a relief band.</p>
<p>But yet, it would seem that this had already ought to
have been accomplished.</p>
<p>Old King Brady grew nervous.</p>
<p>He was half tempted to essay the conflict single handed.
But he knew that it could only result in failure.</p>
<p>So he tried to remain patient and hopeful. The trio
were now all ready to leave the asylum.</p>
<p>Yet Harry did not return.</p>
<p>A fear came to the old detective that some mishap might
have overtaken the young detective.</p>
<p>The three crooks now took their leave. Old King Brady
felt the hands of his watch.</p>
<p>It was two o’clock.</p>
<p>He heard the crooks leave by way of the big front door.
He did not dare to follow them.</p>
<p>But he was consoled with one reflection.</p>
<p>It might not be difficult to overtake them when Harry
should arrive, for the trio had no snowshoes and must leave
a plain trail.</p>
<p>So the old detective was patient.</p>
<p>It was half-past three before the long-looked-for summons
came. The dogs were confined, so they gave no warning.</p>
<p>But there came a loud knock on the door.</p>
<p>Scraggs, who had retired to sleep, scrambled out of bed
and thrust his head out of a window.</p>
<p>“Who is it?” he asked. “And what do you want?”</p>
<p>“It’s yer neighbor,” said the voice of Paine, the farmer.
“Come down, Scraggs, we want to see ye!”</p>
<p>“What do you want?” demanded the asylum keeper.</p>
<p>“You’ll find out when you git down hyar.”</p>
<p>“Well, I’m not to be aroused from my bed at this hour
of the night,” replied Scraggs, angrily. “If you want to
see me, come around in the daytime.”</p>
<p>“We want to see ye now,” insisted Paine.</p>
<p>“Well, you won’t see me!” replied Scraggs, hotly. “Get
off my premises or I’ll fire on you!”</p>
<p>“No, ye won’t!” gritted the angry farmer. “Ye’ve run
your rig hyar, Scraggs. We air goin’ to run you out of this
kentry. If ye don’t come down we’ll come up after ye!”</p>
<p>“Curse you! What does this mean?”</p>
<p>“Come down!”</p>
<p>Scraggs closed the window and then went down to the
door. He met John Paine backed by a score of armed men.</p>
<p>These pushed by Scraggs and entered the asylum.</p>
<p>They instantly took possession of the place.</p>
<p>Harry Brady was foremost and gave directions what
to do.</p>
<p>Scraggs was stunned.</p>
<p>“Look here!” he cried. “This is an outrage. I’m a
peaceable, law-abiding citizen, and——”</p>
<p>“Oh, come off!” cried one of the invaders. “You’re a
swindling old hypocrite, you are!”</p>
<p>“Where are those crooks who came up here yesterday?”
asked Harry. “I mean Burke, Collins and Van?”</p>
<p>Scraggs looked desperate.</p>
<p>“I don’t know ’em!” he said.</p>
<p>“Come now, that lie won’t save you. Search the place,
men! We’ll find them and——”</p>
<p>Harry ceased talking. Old King Brady had appeared.</p>
<p>In a moment the two detectives were comparing notes.</p>
<p>“I reached Paine’s all right,” said Harry, “and the girl
is safe. It took a long while to get these men together.”</p>
<p>“Too bad!” said Old King Brady. “For our birds are
gone!”</p>
<p>“Gone?” gasped the young detective.</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Where?”</p>
<p>“For the nearest railway station. But I think we can
overtake them.”</p>
<p>“We must do so!” cried the young detective. “We have
staked too much to lose now.”</p>
<p>“You are right we have. But one of our men is still
here!”</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_25">25</div>
<p>“Who?”</p>
<p>“Napoleon Blood!”</p>
<p>“The old scoundrel! I have the town constable with
me. We will arrest him and Scraggs, too.”</p>
<p>“Very good!”</p>
<p>“Paine will look out for Miss Grimm until we want to
take her back to New York. Everything is working all
right.”</p>
<p>“Splendid! Let us then give chase to the trio at once!”</p>
<p>Scraggs was arrested at once and easily frightened into
revealing the hiding place of Blood.</p>
<p>The latter was handcuffed and left in the care of the
constable.</p>
<p>Then the Bradys organized the party to pursue the trio.</p>
<p>The best men in the party were selected. Only those with
snowshoes were taken.</p>
<p>Then the pursuit began.</p>
<p>It was now almost daylight.</p>
<p>There was little difficulty in following the trail of the
fugitives.</p>
<p>But as they went on the Bradys were impressed with one
startling fact.</p>
<p>The villains had made wonderfully rapid progress
through the snow.</p>
<p>It was not so easy to overtake them.</p>
<p>At six o’clock it was daylight.</p>
<p>This brought the party to a railroad track. It was
cleared of snow and far down the line a semaphore was seen.</p>
<p>The station was just around the curve and the Bradys
pushed on.</p>
<p>“Perhaps they are in the station waiting for a train,”
said Harry.</p>
<p>“In that case,” declared Old King Brady, “we had better
deploy and surround the place.”</p>
<p>This was done.</p>
<p>Gradually the party of searchers drew in about the railway
station.</p>
<p>They finally reached the platform.</p>
<p>The station agent had just come out.</p>
<p>He stared at them.</p>
<p>“What’s this?” he asked. “Do you want a train?”</p>
<p>“We want three men who are here waiting for a train,”
said Old King Brady. “Where are they?”</p>
<p>“I am sorry,” replied the station agent, “but they are
gone!”</p>
<p>“Gone?”</p>
<p>“Yes. They left on the five-forty train for Boston.”</p>
<p>The Bradys were beaten.</p>
<p>There was nothing left but to return to the asylum.</p>
<p>There was no use in wiring ahead to make the arrest
in Boston, for the train had reached that city long ere this.</p>
<p>So back to the asylum they went.</p>
<p>The case against Scraggs was left in the hands of the
local constable.</p>
<p>But the Bradys took Napoleon Blood with them back to
Boston.</p>
<p>Here he was delivered to State officers to await requisition
papers.</p>
<p>Then the Bradys scoured Boston for a clew to the trio.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Evelyn Grimm had gone back to New York
in the care of friends who were bound to see her wrongs
righted.</p>
<p>It is needless to say that a tremendous sensation was
created when the facts concerning Evelyn Grimm’s experience
were made known.</p>
<p>It was known now, as overheard by Old King Brady, that
the bones found in the tenement ruins were those of the last
of Martin Van’s innumerable wives.</p>
<p>He had killed her in a fit of anger and by the suggestion
of Napoleon Blood, had arranged clews to suggest that
Evelyn was the victim instead.</p>
<p>Certainly the plot had for a time worked well.</p>
<p>Even such keen detectives as the Bradys had certainly
been deceived.</p>
<p>The case had now simmered down to one thread and this
the Bradys were taking up.</p>
<p>It consisted namely in the chase and capture of the Tough
Trio.</p>
<p>A murder had certainly been committed.</p>
<p>It was just as necessary as ever, therefore, for the detectives
to capture the trio of villains.</p>
<p>Evelyn Grimm and her rascally uncle were now entirely
out of the case.</p>
<p>The young girl’s friends took hold of her affairs, with the
assurance that much of the inheritance would be saved for
her.</p>
<p>As for Napoleon Blood, he was held for trial on a number
of criminal charges.</p>
<p>Scraggs, the Asylum keeper, was also jailed and his
asylum closed.</p>
<p>The case simmered rapidly down to the problem of running
down the Tough Trio.</p>
<p>Or rather to the running down of the Bradys by this
clique of rogues.</p>
<p>For that they had not abandoned their purpose of assassinating
the detectives was proved by the following
startling message received by Old King Brady one day.</p>
<p>Thus it read:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="bq">“To the Bradys:</p>
<p class="bq">“Mebbe you think you hev scared the trio. Butt you will
find thet death is on your track an’ you can’t escape it.
An’ don’t you fergit it, either! Wakin’ or sleepin’ it don’t
make no diffrunce which, we are rite after you. So look
out!</p>
<p class="bq">“Thet’s all fer just now from,
<span class="lr">The Trio.”</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Old King Brady carefully studied the post-mark on the
envelope. It was mailed at Station C, New York.</p>
<p>The Bradys were assured that their birds were in the big
city, so they had returned to New York.</p>
<p>For a week they groped blindly in vain for a clew.</p>
<p>Then one day almost a grim accomplishment of the
threat uttered by the villains occurred.</p>
<p>The two detectives stood on the platform of an elevated
station.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_26">26</div>
<p>They were waiting for an uptown train. Suddenly as
the train came thundering up a man with muffled features
sprang out of the crowd.</p>
<p>With all his force he rushed against Old King Brady and
hurled him from the station platform down in front of the
train which was rushing in at the moment.</p>
<h2 id="c14">CHAPTER XIV.
<br /><span class="small">A LIVELY CHASE.</span></h2>
<p>Only one thing saved Old King Brady from an awful
death.</p>
<p>The impetus given by the push was exceedingly fierce.</p>
<p>An ordinary shove would have dropped anyone right
under the onrushing wheels.</p>
<p>But the force of the push sent the old detective far out
into the air. He struck the further rail and the locomotive
just brushed his body as it rolled over upon the next track.</p>
<p>It was a fearful fall, however, and for a moment stunned
the old detective.</p>
<p>He lay half senseless upon the middle track.</p>
<p>Luckily no train was approaching for it was not the
time of day for the expresses which used this track.</p>
<p>A great shriek of horror went up from the spectators.</p>
<p>Women fainted, men turned sick and all was fearful excitement.</p>
<p>Harry was so horror-struck and dazed that he allowed the
assailant to vanish.</p>
<p>When he found that his partner had escaped death, he
turned to look for the perpetrator of the deed.</p>
<p>But it was too late.</p>
<p>He was gone.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the train guards and policemen had climbed
down to give assistance to the detective.</p>
<p>But though badly shaken, Old King Brady recovered and
got upon his feet.</p>
<p>He was assisted back to the platform and the train went
on.</p>
<p>The police, learning who he was, asked no questions. The
Bradys, it is needless to say, were on the qui vive.</p>
<p>“Did you see the fellow?” asked Old King Brady.</p>
<p>“No,” replied Harry. “He got away too quick.”</p>
<p>“I have no doubt it was one of the trio.”</p>
<p>“Oh, certainly!”</p>
<p>“That was a close call, Harry.”</p>
<p>“I should say so.”</p>
<p>“To think he was so near us and we did not know it.
I fear we have lost ground, my boy.”</p>
<p>“We are the shadowed!”</p>
<p>“Just so.”</p>
<p>“Well,” said the young detective, resolutely, “we’ve got
to rig a trap for those fellows. If we don’t they’ll finish
us.”</p>
<p>“You are right!”</p>
<p>“What can we do?”</p>
<p>“I have an idea!”</p>
<p>“What is it?”</p>
<p>Old King Brady was thoughtful. They had decided not to
take the train and had left the elevated station.</p>
<p>They were walking down a part of Columbus avenue.
The elevated trains thundered along overhead.</p>
<p>But before Old King Brady could elucidate his plan,
exciting incidents came along in quick order.</p>
<p>Harry suddenly ejaculated:</p>
<p>“There is our man!”</p>
<p>He clutched Old King Brady’s arm and drew him back
into a doorway.</p>
<p>Standing before the door of a liquor saloon on the opposite
side of the street, sure enough, was Dan Collins.</p>
<p>He wore the same slouch hat and it was beyond doubt
that he was the villain who had pushed Old King Brady
off the platform.</p>
<p>The two detectives gazed at him for a moment intently.</p>
<p>Then Harry whispered:</p>
<p>“It’s no use!”</p>
<p>“What?”</p>
<p>“He is onto us! He knows we are watching him.”</p>
<p>“Do you think so?”</p>
<p>“Sure!”</p>
<p>Old King Brady changed his position slightly.</p>
<p>Then he gave a start.</p>
<p>“By the great horn spoon!” he exclaimed. “They are
all around us!”</p>
<p>Harry followed his gaze and saw his meaning.</p>
<p>On the opposite corner stood Martin Van. The crook
seemed utterly oblivious of the presence of the detectives.</p>
<p>But the Bradys knew better.</p>
<p>They were sure that the villain knew of their presence.</p>
<p>“We will test it,” said Old King Brady, after some discussion.</p>
<p>The old detective left the doorway and leisurely sauntered
toward the corner.</p>
<p>Instantly Van, who appeared to be studying something
in his hand, began also to change his position.</p>
<p>“Ah! That is it!” thought the old detective. “He can
see me plainly enough from the little mirror he carries in
his hand.”</p>
<p>Very swiftly the old detective revolved a plan of action
in his head.</p>
<p>He acted with great suddenness.</p>
<p>As he slowly approached, Van moved as slowly away.</p>
<p>This was irritating to the old detective.</p>
<p>Suddenly he made a panther-like leap forward.</p>
<p>So swift was his action that the villain was taken off his
guard.</p>
<p>Old King Brady actually succeeded in getting hold of
his arm.</p>
<p>A hissing curse broke from Van’s lips.</p>
<p>He aimed a murderous blow at Old King Brady.</p>
<p>But the old detective dodged it.</p>
<p>He would have had his man then and there but for an
unlooked-for incident.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_27">27</div>
<p>When Harry saw the old detective grapple with Van, he
also saw Collins perform a strange act.</p>
<p>He raised the palm of his hand.</p>
<p>In it was a tiny revolver.</p>
<p>The next moment the spiteful little report rang out on
the air and Old King Brady released his hold on Van and
sank to the sidewalk.</p>
<p>Harry had crossed the street in flying leaps and was
upon Collins like a panther.</p>
<p>People on the sidewalk paused in terror, not understanding
the situation at all.</p>
<p>In another moment Harry would have collared his man.</p>
<p>But a sharp warning cry from Van caused Collins to
turn his head.</p>
<p>With a side leap he went through a saloon entrance.</p>
<p>Harry burst into the place hot after his man.</p>
<p>Half a dozen or more men were drinking at the bar.</p>
<p>These turned in surprise as Harry burst into the place.</p>
<p>The proprietor, a huge, red-faced man, confronted the
young detective.</p>
<p>“What do you want here?” he demanded. “Get out
before you’re bounced!”</p>
<p>“Easy, my friend,” said the young detective. “I am in
pursuit of a criminal. He came into this place.”</p>
<p>“You’re mistaken. No such man is here!”</p>
<p>“I saw him enter.”</p>
<p>“That’s not so. Come, get out!”</p>
<p>Harry ran his gaze quickly over the place.</p>
<p>He saw a door at the far end of the saloon.</p>
<p>He was convinced that his man had gone through that
door.</p>
<p>He made a move toward it, but the big man barred his
way.</p>
<p>“No, I guess not!” he said. “You’re not going in!”</p>
<p>“You stop me at your peril!” said Harry, sternly. “I
am an officer of the law!”</p>
<p>“Is that so?” cried one of habitues of the place, jeeringly.
“Well, we haven’t any use for you here!”</p>
<p>“He’s a peeler!”</p>
<p>“Throw him out!”</p>
<p>These were the cries which filled the place.</p>
<p>Harry saw that the situation was by no means a pleasant
one. He was only one against ten.</p>
<p>All this while Collins was making good his escape.
Probably by some rear way.</p>
<p>This angered the young detective exceedingly, and he
cried:</p>
<p>“You pack of hounds! You are trying to aid in the
escape of that man. You are thwarting justice.”</p>
<p>A jeering roar of laughter followed.</p>
<p>But at this moment the door of the place burst open
again.</p>
<p>This time Old King Brady and a couple of policemen
appeared.</p>
<p>The old detective had not been seriously wounded.</p>
<p>The bullet had struck him a glancing blow in the leg
and had brought him down with the shock.</p>
<p>But he had quickly recovered.</p>
<p>Van, however, was beyond pursuit.</p>
<p>But Old King Brady had seen Harry pursue his man
into the liquor saloon.</p>
<p>Realizing that the young detective might need assistance,
he hailed a couple of policemen and started after him.</p>
<p>He had arrived just in the nick of time.</p>
<p>Harry was facing the gang of crooks, but the odds were
too great for him and the result might have been serious
had he been left to play his hand alone.</p>
<p>The appearance of the officers, however, had a salutary
effect.</p>
<p>The gang fell back toward the bar.</p>
<p>“What’s this?” cried Old King Brady. “Where is your
man, Harry?”</p>
<p>“I might have caught him but for these fellows who have
tried to block me,” said Harry.</p>
<p>The old detective gazed keenly at the proprietor of the
place.</p>
<p>“If I am not mistaken, I know you, Jack Billings!” he
said. “Up to your old tricks, eh? Where is Dan Collins?”</p>
<p>Billings shifted his gaze.</p>
<p>“I don’t know who you mean,” he said.</p>
<p>“Yes, you do, too,” said Old King Brady, sharply.
“Come, out with it. I want the truth.”</p>
<p>“I don’t know the man!”</p>
<p>“You speak falsely!”</p>
<p>“I swear it.”</p>
<p>“Your oath is worthless. Come, tell us the truth.
Where is he?”</p>
<p>“Really,” protested Billings, “I don’t know the man you
are speaking of. But perhaps you are after a fellow who
rushed through here a little while ago and went out through
that rear door.”</p>
<p>“And you detained me here on purpose to aid his escape,”
declared Harry. “Don’t you deny it. You shall pay for
this.”</p>
<p>“That is not so!”</p>
<p>“Don’t lie about it. I shall see you later!” cried the
young detective as with his companions he rushed through
the door at the far end of the saloon.</p>
<p>They emerged into a small paved court.</p>
<h2 id="c15">CHAPTER XV.
<br /><span class="small">WHICH ENDS THE CASE.</span></h2>
<p>But the birds had flown.</p>
<p>Again they had escaped the Bradys. It was a disheartening
reflection.</p>
<p>Ordinary men might have abandoned the case in despair.</p>
<p>But the Bradys were not of that sort.</p>
<p>With their usual tenacity they hung out, still looking
for a clew which they felt was bound to come.</p>
<p>In fact they had little choice in the matter.</p>
<p>They knew there was nothing to be done but to trap the
Tough Trio.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_28">28</div>
<p>If they did not do so the trio would trap them. It was
a case of the survival of the fittest.</p>
<p>The Bradys failed to track their birds even the slightest
distance. The trio had seemed to cover their tracks effectually.</p>
<p>Days passed and still the Bradys were befogged.</p>
<p>One day they ran across a detective of the regular city
force in a lower part of New York.</p>
<p>“There’s no use in you fellows trying to find the trio,”
said this fellow, whose name was Whitman.</p>
<p>“Indeed!” said Old King Brady, caustically. “You are
very sure of that, are you?”</p>
<p>“As sure as can be!”</p>
<p>“How do you get your surety?”</p>
<p>“Well, I know that all three of the rascals have skipped
the country.”</p>
<p>For a moment the Bradys stared at each other.</p>
<p>Then Old King Brady said:</p>
<p>“Do you mean to Europe?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Do you know that?”</p>
<p>“Well, you bet I do!”</p>
<p>“Can you prove it?”</p>
<p>Whitman was silent a moment. Then he said:</p>
<p>“Well, I’ve been working up a case on the White Star
Line dock. I know three men sailed from there last
Saturday whom I am sure are the trio.”</p>
<p>“Did you see them?”</p>
<p>“Well, that is, a friend of mine did.”</p>
<p>Finally the fellow was bound to admit that he was not by
any means sure of his statement.</p>
<p>He depended largely upon the imagination of another,
and finally, much discomfited, admitted that he could not
prove it.</p>
<p>The Bradys thus met with all sorts of rumors.</p>
<p>But they said nothing.</p>
<p>All the while they were quietly at work.</p>
<p>One day, however, a messenger boy stopped them at the
door of their lodgings.</p>
<p>He handed them a message.</p>
<p>Thus it read:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="bq">“My dear Brady:</p>
<p class="bq">“Come down to the office at once. I think I have a clew
for you.
<span class="lr">“Chief of the Secret Service.”</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>“Ah!” said Old King Brady, with a smile. “Perhaps
at last we have hit upon the right thing. Let us try it.”</p>
<p>So the Bradys at once went down to the Secret Service
headquarters.</p>
<p>The chief welcomed them warmly.</p>
<p>“I am glad to see you!” he said. “And I believe I have
valuable news for you!”</p>
<p>“That is what we are looking for,” said Harry.</p>
<p>“You are still after the trio?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“You can’t seem to find a clew as to their whereabouts?”</p>
<p>“Not the slightest.”</p>
<p>“Well,” said the chief, slowly, “yesterday we brought a
man in here from Chinatown. He killed a man in an opium
den.</p>
<p>“While questioning him closely I learned that he knew
Dan Collins.”</p>
<p>“Dan Collins!” exclaimed Harry.</p>
<p>“Yes. Do you know him?”</p>
<p>“He is one of the trio!”</p>
<p>“Ah! Then it is all right. Collins and two companions
have been frequenting Ah Ling’s place in Mott street for
a few days past.”</p>
<p>“Hitting the pipe?”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“Are they there now?”</p>
<p>“They may be!”</p>
<p>Old King Brady sprang up.</p>
<p>“Come, Harry!” he cried. “Here is work for us.”</p>
<p>“I feel it in my bones,” said the young detective, “that
the game is ours.”</p>
<p>“I agree with you,” said the chief. “If those fellows are
taking dope you will surely get them.”</p>
<p>Old King Brady knew that many a criminal had been
taken in this way.</p>
<p>Under the influence of opium they are careless and easily
entrapped. So Old King Brady’s spirits arose.</p>
<p>“Very good!” he said, with his grim smile. “I think
we shall get them.”</p>
<p>“The tip may be of no value,” said the chief, “but such
as it is I give it to you.”</p>
<p>“I feel sure that it is of great value!” said Harry. “We
will get our men this time.”</p>
<p>Frequenters of the opium dens sometimes drop from sight
for days.</p>
<p>This would easily explain why the Bradys had not heard
from the villains before.</p>
<p>The detectives lost no time.</p>
<p>They at once set out for Mott street.</p>
<p>Ah Ling was a character very familiar to them.</p>
<p>There was no shrewder character, no deeper scoundrel in
Chinatown than Ah Ling.</p>
<p>The Bradys knew that it would be folly to attempt to
gain admittance to his place in their own character.</p>
<p>So they went thither in a clever disguise.</p>
<p>And Harry, for the first time in a long while dressed up
as a very handsome young lady.</p>
<p>As men and women both frequented the opium joints,
this was not deemed strange.</p>
<p>Old King Brady made himself up as a country jay, and
Harry took him in tow.</p>
<p>He steered him into Mott street and Harry led the way
into Ah Ling’s shop.</p>
<p>That urbane Celestial came up smiling and bowing.</p>
<p>“Ah, Melican lady buy fine handkerchief,” he simpered
“Sellee cheap! Comee allee way China.”</p>
<p>Harry punched his rustic partner in the ribs and in true
Bowery-girl style said:</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div>
<p>“Come, buy me that, cully! Don’t you see I’m your
steady now?”</p>
<p>“B’gosh! Haow much money do ye want fer the durned
thing, Mister Chineeman?” asked Old King Brady.</p>
<p>“Sellee cheap. Allee same one dollar!” said the Celestial,
winking at Harry.</p>
<p>“All right! Hyars yer dollar. Now take it gal, an’ I
say, what’s that you told me about? I want to see all the
sights. But I’ll be gol-blamed if I haven’t forgotten.”</p>
<p>“Oh, you mean hit the pipe,” said Harry.</p>
<p>“Yas, yas! That’s it. I dunno what it is, but b’gosh
I’m reddy fer it.”</p>
<p>Harry winked at Ah Ling, who bit readily enough.</p>
<p>“Yeppee, me slee!” he said. “Hittee pipe. Heap fine
tlime. Comee dis lay.”</p>
<p>The detectives followed the Chinaman through various
corridors and down stairs until finally they were in the
opium den.</p>
<p>About on bunks and rugs lay the half-stupefied devotees
of the pipe.</p>
<p>The Bradys almost instantly singled out their men.</p>
<p>Collins lay completely stupefied. Van was still smoking
and Burke was getting ready for the same.</p>
<p>The Bradys were elated.</p>
<p>The birds were at last in their hands.</p>
<p>Escape was out of the question.</p>
<p>The detectives took in the full situation at a glance.</p>
<p>Not one of the gang was capable of offering much resistance.
The Bradys quickly planned their coup.</p>
<p>After Ah Ling had gone, the two detectives laid their
plans.</p>
<p>Nobody in the place noticed them. Old King Brady
whispered:</p>
<p>“Everything is coming our way. Now, I’ll first slip
over and put the handcuffs on Collins.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“He’ll never know it for he is too deeply asleep.”</p>
<p>“Exactly.”</p>
<p>“Then together we will tackle the other two.”</p>
<p>“Capital!”</p>
<p>“That will place them hors du combat. We must trust to
a bold dash to get them out of here.”</p>
<p>“If Ah Ling is wise he will not offer resistance.”</p>
<p>“He may not.”</p>
<p>“Very good.”</p>
<p>“I’ll spring it now!”</p>
<p>“All right!”</p>
<p>Old King Brady crept over to where Collins lay.</p>
<p>He snapped the handcuffs on him and the fellow never
moved. Then Harry took the signal.</p>
<p>Van and Burke were both half dazed. They fought like
tigers, however, but were finally overpowered.</p>
<p>“You are trapped, my fine birds!” cried Old King Brady,
jubilantly.</p>
<p>But at this moment Ah Ling appeared on the scene.</p>
<p>The uproar had attracted him. With white, scared face
he stared at the detectives.</p>
<p>“Whatee de debbil you do?” he cried. “You no make
such noise. Hi-hi, yeppee, yeppee, who you be? No pleece-man?”</p>
<p>“Yes,” replied Old King Brady, sternly, covering the
Chinaman with a revolver. “We are detectives. These men
are murderers. We are going to take them out of here.
If you offer resistance, I will shoot you dead!”</p>
<p>Old King Brady kept Ah Ling covered while Harry went
out to the nearest signal box.</p>
<p>In a very short space of time a squad of police were in
the place. A short while later the Tough Trio were in the
Tombs.</p>
<p>The Bradys had won their famous race for life.</p>
<p>The case was thus ended.</p>
<p>The three notorious criminals expiated their crimes in the
electric chair. The Fifteenth street case soon became a
matter of past history and the two famous detectives soon
had their attention claimed by another undertaking even
more complex and mysterious. The details of this we will
reserve for another story.</p>
<p class="tbcenter"><span class="small">THE END.</span></p>
<p class="tb">Read “THE BRADYS’ LAST CHANCE; OR, THE
CASE IN THE DARK,” which will be the next number
(85) of “Secret Service.”</p>
<hr />
<p>SPECIAL NOTICE: All back numbers of this weekly
are always in print. If you cannot obtain them from any
newsdealer, send the price in money or postage stamps by
mail to FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 24 UNION
SQUARE, NEW YORK, and you will receive the copies
you order by return mail.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div>
<h3 class="generic"><span class="large">These Books Tell You Everything!</span>
<br /><span class="u">A COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA!</span></h3>
<p>Each book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, in clear type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated cover.
Most of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that any
child can thoroughly understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subjects
mentioned.</p>
<hr />
<p>THESE BOOKS ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL BE SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRESS
FROM THIS OFFICE ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, TEN CENTS EACH, OR ANY THREE BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE
CENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N. Y.</p>
<hr />
<h4>SPORTING.</h4>
<p>No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete
hunting and fishing guide ever published. It contains full instructions
about guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing,
together with descriptions of game and fish.</p>
<p>No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL, AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully
illustrated. Every boy should know how to row and sail a boat.
Full instructions are given in this little book, together with instructions
on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating.</p>
<p>No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE, AND DRIVE A HORSE.—A
complete treatise on the horse. Describing the most useful horses
for business, the best horses for the road; also valuable recipes for
diseases peculiar to the horse.</p>
<p>No. 48. HOW TO BUILD AND SAIL CANOES.—A handy
book for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes
and the most popular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated.
By C. Stansfield Hicks.</p>
<h4>FORTUNE TELLING.</h4>
<p>No. 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.—Containing
the great oracle of human destiny; also the true meaning
of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies,
and curious games of cards. A complete book.</p>
<p>No. 23. HOW TO EXPLAIN DREAMS.—Everybody dreams,
from the little child to the aged man and woman. This little book
gives the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky
and unlucky days, and “Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate.</p>
<p>No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES.—Everyone is desirous of
knowing what his future life will bring forth, whether happiness or
misery, wealth or poverty. You can tell by a glance at this little
book. Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell
the fortune of your friends.</p>
<p>No. 76. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES BY THE HAND.—Containing
rules for telling fortunes by the aid of the lines of the
hand, or the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future
events by aid of moles, marks, scars, etc. Illustrated. By A.
Anderson.</p>
<h4>ATHLETIC.</h4>
<p>No. 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE.—Giving full instruction
for the use of dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars,
horizontal bars and various other methods of developing a good,
healthy muscle; containing over sixty illustrations. Every boy can
become strong and healthy by following the instructions contained
in this little book.</p>
<p>No. 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self-defense made easy.
Containing over thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the different
positions of a good boxer. Every boy should obtain one of
these useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to box
without an instructor.</p>
<p>No. 25. HOW TO BECOME A GYMNAST.—Containing full
instructions for all kinds of gymnastic sports and athletic exercises.
Embracing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald.
A handy and useful book.</p>
<p>No. 34. HOW TO FENCE.—Containing full instruction for
fencing and the use of the broadsword; also instruction in archery.
Described with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best
positions in fencing. A complete book.</p>
<p>No. 61. HOW TO BECOME A BOWLER.—A complete manual
of bowling. Containing full instructions for playing all the standard
American and German games; together with rules and systems
of sporting in use by the principal bowling clubs in the United
States. By Bartholomew Batterson.</p>
<h4>TRICKS WITH CARDS.</h4>
<p>No. 51. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing
explanations of the general principles of sleight-of-hand applicable
to card tricks; of card tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring
sleight-of-hand; of tricks involving sleight-of-hand, or the use of
specially prepared cards. By Professor Haffner. With illustrations.</p>
<p>No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Embracing
all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with illustrations.
By A. Anderson.</p>
<p>No. 77. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing
deceptive Card Tricks as performed by leading conjurers
and magicians. Arranged for home amusement. Fully illustrated.</p>
<h4>MAGIC.</h4>
<p>No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and
card tricks, containing full instruction of all the leading card tricks
of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed by
our leading magicians; every boy should obtain a copy of this book,
as it will both amuse and instruct.</p>
<p>No. 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight
explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining how
the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and the
boy on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals. The only
authentic explanation of second sight.</p>
<p>No. 43. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing the
grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the
public. Also tricks with cards, incantations, etc.</p>
<p>No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS.—Containing over
one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals.
By A. Anderson. Handsomely illustrated.</p>
<p>No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing over
fifty of the latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also containing
the secret of second sight. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson.</p>
<p>No. 70. HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing full
directions for making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds.
By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated.</p>
<p>No. 73. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Showing
many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. By A.
Anderson. Fully illustrated.</p>
<p>No. 75. HOW TO BECOME A CONJURER.—Containing
tricks with Dominoes, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, etc. Embracing
thirty-six illustrations. By A. Anderson.</p>
<p>No. 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART.—Containing a complete
description of the mysteries of Magic and Sleight of Hand,
together with many wonderful experiments. By A. Anderson.
Illustrated.</p>
<h4>MECHANICAL.</h4>
<p>No. 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.—Every boy
should know how inventions originated. This book explains them
all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, optics,
pneumatics, mechanics, etc., etc. The most instructive book published.</p>
<p>No. 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER.—Containing full
instructions how to proceed in order to become a locomotive engineer;
also directions for building a model locomotive; together
with a full description of everything an engineer should know.</p>
<p>No. 57. HOW TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.—Full
directions how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zither, Aeolian Harp, Xylophone
and other musical instruments; together with a brief description
of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient or
modern times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon S. Fitzgerald,
for twenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines.</p>
<p>No. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTERN.—Containing
a description of the lantern, together with its history and invention.
Also full directions for its use and for painting slides. Handsomely
illustrated, by John Allen.</p>
<p>No. 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Containing
complete instructions for performing over sixty Mechanical Tricks.
By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated.</p>
<h4>LETTER WRITING.</h4>
<p>No. 11. HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS.—A most complete
little book, containing full directions for writing love-letters,
and when to use them; also giving specimen letters for both young
and old.</p>
<p>No. 12. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO LADIES.—Giving
complete instructions for writing letters to ladies on all subjects;
also letters of introduction, notes and requests.</p>
<p>No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GENTLEMEN.—Containing
full directions for writing to gentlemen on all subjects;
also giving sample letters for instruction.</p>
<p>No. 53. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS.—A wonderful little
book, telling you how to write to your sweetheart, your father,
mother, sister, brother, employer; and, in fact, everybody and anybody
you wish to write to. Every young man and every young
lady in the land should have this book.</p>
<p>No. 74. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS CORRECTLY.—Containing
full instructions for writing letters on almost any subject;
also rules for punctuation and composition; together with specimen
letters.</p>
<h4>THE STAGE.</h4>
<p>No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKE
BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the
most famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without
this wonderful little book.</p>
<p>No. 42. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKER.—Containing
a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch
and Irish. Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amusement
and amateur shows.</p>
<p>No. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE
AND JOKE BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. Every
boy should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for organizing
an amateur minstrel troupe.</p>
<p>No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original
joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It
contains a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, etc., of
Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of
the day. Every boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should
obtain a copy immediately.</p>
<p>No. 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—Containing complete
instructions how to make up for various characters on the
stage; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter,
Scenic Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager.</p>
<h4>HOUSEKEEPING.</h4>
<p>No. 16. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing
full instructions for constructing a window garden either in town
or country, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful
flowers at home. The most complete book of the kind ever published.</p>
<p>No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books
on cooking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats,
fish, game, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of
pastry, and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular
cooks.</p>
<p>No. 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE.—It contains information for
everybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to
make almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments,
brackets, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds.</p>
<h4>ELECTRICAL.</h4>
<p>No. 46. HOW TO MAKE AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A description
of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism;
together with full instructions for making Electric Toys, Batteries,
etc. By George Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty illustrations.</p>
<p>No. 64. HOW TO MAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Containing
full directions for making electrical machines, induction
coils, dynamos, and many novel toys to be worked by electricity.
By R. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated.</p>
<p>No. 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a
large collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks,
together with illustrations. By A. Anderson.</p>
<h4>ENTERTAINMENT.</h4>
<p>No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry
Kennedy, The secret given away. Every intelligent boy reading
this book of instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multitudes
every night with his wonderful imitations), can master the
art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the
greatest book ever published, and there’s millions (of fun) in it.</p>
<p>No. 20. HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A
very valuable little book just published. A complete compendium
of games, sports, card diversions, comic recreations, etc., suitable
for parlor or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the
money than any book published.</p>
<p>No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little
book, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle,
backgammon, croquet, dominoes, etc.</p>
<p>No. 36. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all
the leading conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches
and witty sayings.</p>
<p>No. 52. HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little
book, giving the rules and full directions for playing Euchre, Cribbage,
Casino, Forty-Five, Rounce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker,
Auction Pitch, All Fours, and many other popular games of cards.</p>
<p>No. 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hundred
interesting puzzles and conundrums, with key to same. A
complete book. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson.</p>
<h4>ETIQUETTE.</h4>
<p>No. 13. HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—It
is a great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know
all about. There’s happiness in it.</p>
<p>No. 33. HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and
etiquette of good society and the easiest and most approved methods
of appearing to good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church,
and in the drawing-room.</p>
<h4>DECLAMATION.</h4>
<p>No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS.—Containing
the most popular selections in use, comprising Dutch
dialect, French dialect, Yankee and Irish dialect pieces, together
with many standard readings.</p>
<p>No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER.—Containing fourteen
illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to become
a good speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems from
all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the most
simple and concise manner possible.</p>
<p>No. 49. HOW TO DEBATE.—Giving rules for conducting debates,
outlines for debates, questions for discussion, and the best
sources for procuring information on the questions given.</p>
<h4>SOCIETY.</h4>
<p>No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation are
fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of
handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it contains
a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is
interesting to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy
without one.</p>
<p>No. 4. HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsome
little book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instructions
in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties,
how to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular square
dances.</p>
<p>No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to love,
courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette
to be observed, with many curious and interesting things not generally
known.</p>
<p>No. 17. HOW TO DRESS.—Containing full instruction in the
art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the
selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up.</p>
<p>No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the
brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world.
Everybody wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male and
female. The secret is simple, and almost costless. Read this book
and be convinced how to become beautiful.</p>
<h4>BIRDS AND ANIMALS.</h4>
<p>No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated, and
containing full instructions for the management and training of the
canary, mocking-bird, bobolink, blackbird, paroquet, parrot, etc.</p>
<p>No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND
RABBITS.—A useful and instructive book. Handsomely illustrated.
By Ira Drofraw.</p>
<p>No. 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including hints
on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds.
Also how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington
Keene.</p>
<p>No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A
valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting
and preserving birds, animals and insects.</p>
<p>No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving complete
information as to the manner and method of raising, keeping,
taming, breeding, and managing all kinds of pets; also giving full
instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty-eight
illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kind ever
published.</p>
<h4>MISCELLANEOUS.</h4>
<p>No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and instructive
book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also experiments
in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and directions
for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. This
book cannot be equaled.</p>
<p>No. 14. HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book for
making all kinds of candy, ice-cream, syrups, essences, etc., etc.</p>
<p>No. 15. HOW TO BECOME RICH.—This wonderful book presents
you with the example and life experience of some of the most
noted and wealthy men in the world, including the self-made men
of our country. The book is edited by one of the most successful
men of the present age, whose own example is in itself guide enough
for those who aspire to fame and money. The book will give you
the secret.</p>
<p>No. 19. FRANK TOUSEY’S UNITED STATES DISTANCE
TABLES, POCKET COMPANION AND GUIDE.—Giving the
official distances on all the railroads of the United States and
Canada. Also table of distances by water to foreign ports, hack
fares in the principal cities, reports of the census, etc., etc., making
it one of the most complete and handy books published.</p>
<p>No. 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A wonderful
book, containing useful and practical information in the
treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to every
family. Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general complaints.</p>
<p>No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKE
BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the
most famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without
this wonderful little book.</p>
<p>No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Containing
valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging
of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated.</p>
<p>No. 58. HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE.—By Old King Brady,
the world-known detective. In which he lays down some valuable
and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures
and experiences of well-known detectives.</p>
<p>No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.—Containing
useful information regarding the Camera and how to work it;
also how to make Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and other
Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W.
Abney.</p>
<p>No. 62. HOW TO BECOME A WEST POINT MILITARY
CADET.—Containing full explanations how to gain admittance,
course of Study, Examinations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Post
Guard, Police Regulations, Fire Department, and all a boy should
know to be a Cadet. Compiled and written by Lu Senarens,
Author of “How to Become a Naval Cadet.”</p>
<p>No. 63. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET.—Complete instructions
of how to gain admission to the Annapolis Naval
Academy. Also containing the course of instruction, description,
of grounds and buildings, historical sketch, and everything a boy
should know to become an officer in the United States Navy. Compiled
and written by Lu Senarens, author of “How to Become a
West Point Military Cadet.”</p>
<p class="center"><span class="large"><b>PRICE 10 CENTS EACH OR 3 FOR 25 CENTS
<br /><span class="smaller">Address,</span> FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square</b></span></p>
<h2 id="c16"><span class="larger">SECRET SERVICE.</span>
<br /><span class="small"><span class="smaller">OLD AND YOUNG KING BRADY, DETECTIVES.</span></span>
<br /><span class="smallest">PRICE 5 CTS. 32 PAGES. COLORED COVERS. ISSUED WEEKLY</span></h2>
<dl class="undent"><dt>1 The Black Band; or, The Two King Bradys Against a Hard Gang. An Interesting Detective Story.</dt>
<dt>2 Told by the Ticker; or, The Two King Bradys on a Wall Street Case.</dt>
<dt>3 The Bradys After a Million; or, Their Chase to Save an Heiress.</dt>
<dt>4 The Bradys’ Great Bluff; or, A Bunco Game that Failed to Work.</dt>
<dt>5 In and Out; or, The Two King Bradys on a Lively Chase.</dt>
<dt>6 The Bradys’ Hard Fight; or, After the Pullman Car Crooks.</dt>
<dt>7 Case Number Ten; or, The Bradys and the Private Asylum Fraud.</dt>
<dt>8 The Bradys’ Silent Search; or, Tracking the Deaf and Dumb Gang.</dt>
<dt>9 The Maniac Doctor; or, Old and Young King Brady in Peril.</dt>
<dt>10 Held at Bay; or, The Bradys on a Baffling Case.</dt>
<dt>11 Miss Mystery, the Girl from Chicago; or, Old and Young King Brady on a Dark Trail.</dt>
<dt>12 The Bradys’ Deep Game; or, Chasing the Society Crooks.</dt>
<dt>13 Hop Lee, the Chinese Slave Dealer; or, Old and Young King Brady and the Opium Fiends.</dt>
<dt>14 The Bradys in the Dark; or, The Hardest Case of All.</dt>
<dt>15 The Queen of Diamonds; or, The Two King Bradys’ Treasure Case.</dt>
<dt>16 The Bradys on Top; or, The Great River Mystery.</dt>
<dt>17 The Missing Engineer; or, Old and Young King Brady and the Lightning Express.</dt>
<dt>18 The Bradys’ Fight For a Life; or, A Mystery Hard to Solve.</dt>
<dt>19 The Bradys’ Best Case; or, Tracking the River Pirates.</dt>
<dt>20 The Foot in the Frog; or, Old and Young King Brady and the Mystery of the Owl Train.</dt>
<dt>21 The Bradys’ Hard Luck; or, Working Against Odds.</dt>
<dt>22 The Bradys Baffled; or, In Search of the Green Goods Men.</dt>
<dt>23 The Opium King; or, The Bradys’ Great Chinatown Case.</dt>
<dt>24 The Bradys in Wall Street; or, A Plot to Steal a Million.</dt>
<dt>25 The Girl From Boston; or, Old and Young King Brady on a Peculiar Case.</dt>
<dt>26 The Bradys and the Shoplifters; or, Hard Work on a Dry Goods Case.</dt>
<dt>27 Zig Zag the Clown; or, The Bradys’ Great Circus Trail.</dt>
<dt>28 The Bradys Out West; or, Winning a Hard Case.</dt>
<dt>29 After the Kidnappers; or, The Bradys on a False Clue.</dt>
<dt>30 Old and Young King Bradys’ Battle; or, Bound to Win Their Case.</dt>
<dt>31 The Bradys’ Race Track Job; or, Crooked Work Among Jockeys.</dt>
<dt>32 Found in the Bay; or, The Bradys on a Great Murder Mystery.</dt>
<dt>33 The Bradys in Chicago; or, Solving the Mystery of the Lake Front.</dt>
<dt>34 The Bradys’ Great Mistake; or, Shadowing the Wrong Man.</dt>
<dt>35 The Bradys and the Mail Mystery; or, Working for the Government.</dt>
<dt>36 The Bradys Down South; or, The Great Plantation Mystery.</dt>
<dt>37 The House in the Swamp; or, The Bradys’ Keenest Work.</dt>
<dt>38 The Knock-out-Drops Gang; or, The Bradys’ Risky Venture.</dt>
<dt>39 The Bradys’ Close Shave; or, Into the Jaws of Death.</dt>
<dt>40 The Bradys’ Star Case; or, Working for Love and Glory.</dt>
<dt>41 The Bradys in ’Frisco; or, A Three Thousand Mile Hunt.</dt>
<dt>42 The Bradys and the Express Thieves; or, Tracing the Package Marked “Paid.”</dt>
<dt>43 The Bradys’ Hot Chase; or, After the Horse Stealers.</dt>
<dt>44 The Bradys’ Great Wager; or, The Queen of Little Monte Carlo.</dt>
<dt>45 The Bradys’ Double Net; or, Catching the Keenest of Criminals.</dt>
<dt>46 The Man in the Steel Mask; or, The Bradys’ Work for a Great Fortune.</dt>
<dt>47 The Bradys and the Black Trunk; or, Working a Silent Clew.</dt>
<dt>48 Going It Blind; or, The Bradys’ Good Luck.</dt>
<dt>49 The Bradys Balked; or, Working up Queer Evidence.</dt>
<dt>50 Against Big Odds; or, The Bradys’ Great Stroke.</dt>
<dt>51 The Bradys and the Forger; or, Tracing the N. G. Check.</dt>
<dt>52 The Bradys’ Trump Card; or, Winning a Case by Bluff.</dt>
<dt>53 The Bradys and the Grave Robbers; or, Tracking the Cemetery Owls.</dt>
<dt>54 The Bradys and the Missing Boy; or, The Mystery of School No. 6.</dt>
<dt>55 The Bradys Behind the Scenes; or, The Great Theatrical Case.</dt>
<dt>56 The Bradys and the Opium Dens; or, Trapping the Crooks of Chinatown.</dt>
<dt>57 The Bradys Down East; or, The Mystery of a Country Town.</dt>
<dt>58 Working for the Treasury; or, The Bradys and the Bank Burglars.</dt>
<dt>59 The Bradys’ Fatal Clew; or, A Desperate Game for Gold.</dt>
<dt>60 Shadowing the Sharpers; or, The Bradys’ $10,000 Deal.</dt>
<dt>61 The Bradys and the Firebug; or, Found in the Flames.</dt>
<dt>62 The Bradys in Texas; or, The Great Ranch Mystery.</dt>
<dt>63 The Bradys on the Ocean; or, The Mystery of Stateroom No. 7.</dt>
<dt>64 The Bradys and the Office Boy; or, Working Up a Business Case.</dt>
<dt>65 The Bradys in the Backwoods; or, The Mystery of the Hunters’ Camp.</dt>
<dt>66 Ching Foo, the Yellow Dwarf; or, The Bradys and the Opium Smokers.</dt>
<dt>67 The Bradys’ Still Hunt; or, The Case that was Won by Waiting.</dt>
<dt>68 Caught by the Camera; or, The Bradys and the Girl from Maine.</dt>
<dt>69 The Bradys in Kentucky; or, Tracking a Mountain Gang.</dt>
<dt>70 The Marked Bank Note; or, The Bradys Below the Dead Line.</dt>
<dt>71 The Bradys on Deck; or, The Mystery of the Private Yacht.</dt>
<dt>72 The Bradys in a Trap; or, Working Against a Hard Gang.</dt>
<dt>73 Over the Line; or, The Bradys’ Chase Through Canada.</dt>
<dt>74 The Bradys in Society; or, The Case of Mr. Barlow.</dt>
<dt>75 The Bradys in the Slums; or, Trapping the Crooks of the “Red Light District.”</dt>
<dt>76 Found in the River; or, The Bradys and the Brooklyn Bridge Mystery.</dt>
<dt>77 The Bradys and the Missing Box; or, Running Down the Railroad Thieves.</dt>
<dt>78 The Queen of Chinatown; or, The Bradys Among the “Hop” Fiends.</dt>
<dt>79 The Bradys and the Girl Smuggler; or, Working for the Custom House.</dt>
<dt>80 The Bradys and the Runaway Boys; or, Shadowing the Circus Sharps.</dt>
<dt>81 The Bradys and the Ghosts; or, Solving the Mystery of the Old Church Yard.</dt>
<dt>82 The Bradys and the Brokers; or, A Desperate Game in Wall Street.</dt>
<dt>83 The Bradys’ Fight to a Finish; or, Winning a Desperate Case.</dt>
<dt>84 The Bradys’ Race for Life; or, Rounding Up a Tough Trio.</dt></dl>
<p class="center"><b>For sale by all newsdealers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price, 5 cents a copy, by</b>
<br /><b>FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher,</b> <span class="hst"><b>24 Union Square, New York.</b></span></p>
<h3 class="generic">THIS GIVES YOU FAIR WARNING!</h3>
<p>That all the Numbers of the Best Weeklies Published are always in print and can be obtained from
this office direct, if you cannot procure them from any newsdealer. Cut out and fill in the following
Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you
by return mail.</p>
<p class="center"><b>Postage Stamps taken the same as money.</b></p>
<hr />
<table class="center">
<tr><td colspan="5" class="l">FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York: </td><td class="l">.... 1900.</td></tr>
<tr><td class="l"> </td><td class="c"> </td><td colspan="4" class="l"><span class="sc">Dear Sir</span>—Enclosed find .... cents for which please send me:</td></tr>
<tr><td class="l">.... </td><td class="c">copies </td><td class="c">of </td><td class="l">WORK AND WIN, </td><td class="c">Nos. </td><td class="l">.................................</td></tr>
<tr><td class="l">.... </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="l">THREE CHUMS </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="l">.................................</td></tr>
<tr><td class="l">.... </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="l">PLUCK AND LUCK </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="l">.................................</td></tr>
<tr><td class="l">.... </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="l">SECRET SERVICE </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="l">.................................</td></tr>
<tr><td class="l">.... </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="l">SNAPS </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="l">.................................</td></tr>
<tr><td class="l">.... </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="l">Ten Cent Hand Books </td><td class="c">” </td><td class="l">.................................</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="6" class="l">.............. Street and No............. Town ............. State ........</td></tr>
</table>
<h3 class="generic">A Good Watch for One Dollar!
<br />A STEM WINDER AND STEM SETTER.
<br /><span class="small"><span class="ss">A Splendid Chance for “SECRET SERVICE” Readers to get a good Time-piece.</span></span></h3>
<p>This Watch usually retails for $3.00, but
owing to the immense quantity we have
contracted for we procure them at such a
low figure that we can afford to dispose of
them to readers of our publications at the
extremely low price of $1.00.</p>
<p><span class="ss"><span class="small">THIS IS A FAIRLY GOOD DESCRIPTION OF THE WATCH, ALTHOUGH IT HARDLY DOES IT JUSTICE.</span></span></p>
<div class="img">
<img src="images/i1.jpg" alt="(watch)" width="290" height="384" />
</div>
<p class="small">It is an American watch that <i>will keep accurate time</i>, and will not get out of order.
<i>This we guarantee. The Case</i> is strongly made and carefully fitted to exclude dust. It
is <i>Open Face</i> with heavy polished bevel crystal. Case is heavily nickeled and presents
a handsome appearance. Weight of watch complete 4½ oz. <i>The Movement</i> combines
many patented devices, including American Lever, Lantern Pinion, Patent Escapement,
and is a stem winder and stem setter, the same as any expensive watch. The cut, which
falls far short of doing it justice, exactly represents the watch three-fourths size.</p>
<h3 class="generic">HOW TO GET ONE OF THESE WATCHES.</h3>
<p>A coupon will appear on this page of “Secret Service” every week. Cut out
<i>five</i> of these coupons from any numbers of “Secret Service” and send them to
this office with $1.00 in money or postage stamps and we will send you the watch
by return mail.</p>
<h3 class="generic">THIS IS THE COUPON.</h3>
<div class="box">
<p class="center"><span class="large"><b>“SECRET SERVICE” Watch Coupon.</b></span></p>
<p>Send us five of these Coupons cut from
any numbers of “Secret Service” and $1.00
in money or Postage Stamps and you will
receive the watch by return mail....</p>
</div>
<p class="center">Address your envelope plainly to ...
<br /><b><span class="larger">FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher,</span></b>
<br /><b>24 Union Square, New York.</b></p>
<h2>Transcriber’s Notes</h2>
<ul>
<li>Retained original copyright from the printed edition; this eBook is public-domain in the country of publication.</li>
<li>Relocated promotional material to the end of the book.</li>
<li>Corrected some palpable typographical errors.</li>
</ul>
<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 60903 ***</div>
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