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diff --git a/old/62010-h/62010-h.htm b/old/62010-h/62010-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index db83109..0000000 --- a/old/62010-h/62010-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12351 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Photographer’s Evidence or Clever but Crooked, by Nicholas Carter. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - /* body */ - body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} - div.body-with {max-width: 35em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} - - /* headings */ - h1, h2 { text-align: center; clear: both;} - h1, h2 {margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1.0em;} - h2.no-break {page-break-before: avoid; margin-top: 2em;} - - /* font sizes */ - .xxlarge {font-size: xx-large;} - .xlarge {font-size: x-large;} - .large {font-size: large;} - .smaller {font-size: 0.7em;} - - /* font style */ - .bold {font-weight: bold;} - - /* small caps */ - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - - /* paragraphs */ - p {margin-top: .25em; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.5em; margin-bottom: .25em;} - .no-indent {text-indent: inherit;} - .p1 {margin-top: 1em;} - .p2 {margin-top: 2em;} - - /* text alignment */ - .center {text-align: center;} - - /* Blockquote */ - .blockquot {margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; font-size: inherit;} - .signature {text-align: right; margin-right: 5%;} - - /* Images */ - .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} - - /* horizontal rule */ - hr.chap, hr.tn {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em; clear: both;} - hr.title-xshort {width: 2.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0em; margin-bottom: 0em; text-align: center;} - - /* asterism */ - .asterism {font-size: large; text-indent: inherit; text-align: center; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;} - - /* tables */ - table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} - .tdt {vertical-align: top;} - .tdb {vertical-align: bottom;} - .tdl {text-align: left;} - .tdr {text-align: right;} - .tdc {text-align: center;} - .tdpt {padding-top: 1em;} - .tdpr {padding-right: 1em;} - .tdh {padding-left: 2.5em; text-indent: -2.5em;} - - /* page numbers */ - .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right; - font-weight: normal; /* no bold */ font-style: normal; /* no italic */ font-variant: normal; /* no small cap */ - margin: 0em; /* no margin */ padding: 0em; /* no padding */ text-indent: 0em; /* no indent */} - - /* Transcriber's notes */ - .transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; color: black; font-size:smaller; padding: 2%; - margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; font-family:sans-serif, serif;} - - @media handheld - { - .chapter {page-break-inside: avoid;} - body {width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} - div.body-with {max-width: inherit;} - table {margin-left: 1%; margin-right: 1%; width: 98%;} - hr.chap, .titlepage {display: none; visibility: hidden;} - hr.tn {width: 20%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} - } - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's The Photographer's Evidence, by Nicholas Carter - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll -have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using -this ebook. - - - -Title: The Photographer's Evidence - Clever but Crooked - -Author: Nicholas Carter - -Release Date: May 3, 2020 [EBook #62010] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S EVIDENCE *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Nahum Maso i Carcases, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="body-with"> - - - -<hr class="tn" /> -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="no-indent center bold">Transcriber's Notes:</p> -<p>The original spelling, hyphenation, and punctuation have been retained, with the exception -of apparent typographical errors which have been corrected.</p> -<p>For convenience, a table of contents, which is not present in the original, has been included.</p> -</div> -<hr class="tn" /> - - - - -<div class="titlepage"> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> -<img src="images/illus01.jpg" width="200" height="282" alt="Cover" /> -</div> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xlarge p2">CONTENTS</p> - -<table summary="Contents"> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt"><span class="smaller">CHAPTER</span></td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr"> </td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><span class="smaller">PAGE</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">I.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">A DOUBTFULL CLIENT</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">II.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">MR. SNELL IN TROUBLE</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">III.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">A GAME OF WATCHING</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">IV.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">PATSY’S DANCING LESSON</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">V.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">CAUGHT IN THE HILLS</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">VI.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">PATSY IS FORCED TO SLEEP</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">VII.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">THE MYSTERY OF GEORGE SNELL</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_76">76</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">VIII.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">THE RANSOM</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">IX.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">A CALL TO COLORADO</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">X.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">WAITING FOR NICK CARTER</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">XI.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">A SUSPECT AND AN ALIBI</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_132">132</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">XII.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">THE JOURNEY TO HANK LOW’S</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">XIII.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">AN ARREST</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_156">156</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">XIV.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">SNAPPED</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_172">172</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">XV.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">DADDY DREW’S DIVE</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_183">183</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdr tdt">XVI.</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">HANK LOW’S LUCK</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"><a href="#Page_194">194</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent bold center large p2">NICK CARTER STORIES</p> - -<p class="no-indent bold center xxlarge">New Magnet Library</p> - -<p class="no-indent bold center"><em>Not a Dull Book in This List</em></p> - -<p class="no-indent bold center large p1">ALL BY NICHOLAS CARTER</p> - - -<p class="p2">Nick Carter stands for an interesting detective story. The fact -that the books in this line are so uniformly good is entirely due to -the work of a specialist. The man who wrote these stories produced -no other type of fiction. His mind was concentrated upon the creation -of new plots and situations in which his hero emerged triumphantly -from all sorts of troubles and landed the criminal just where -he should be—behind the bars.</p> - -<p>The author of these stories knew more about writing detective stories -than any other single person.</p> - -<p>Following is a list of the best Nick Carter stories. They have been -selected with extreme care, and we unhesitatingly recommend each of -them as being fully as interesting as any detective story between cloth -covers which sells at ten times the price.</p> - -<p>If you do not know Nick Carter, buy a copy of any of the New -Magnet Library books, and get acquainted. He will surprise and delight -you.</p> - - -<table summary="Nick Carter Stories"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">850—Wanted: A Clew</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">851—A Tangled Skein</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">852—The Bullion Mystery</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">853—The Man of Riddles</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">854—A Miscarriage of Justice</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">855—The Gloved Hand</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">856—Spoilers and the Spoils</td> - <td class="tdl tdt ">857—The Deeper Game</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">858—Bolts from Blue Skies</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">859—Unseen Foes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">860—Knaves in High Places</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">861—The Microbe of Crime</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">862—In the Toils of Fear</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">863—A Heritage of Trouble</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">864—Called to Account</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">865—The Just and the Unjust</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">866—Instinct at Fault</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">867—A Rogue Worth Trapping</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">868—A Rope of Slender Threads</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">869—The Last Call</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">870—The Spoils of Chance</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">871—A Struggle with Destiny</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">872—The Slave of Crime</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">873—The Crook’s Blind</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">874—A Rascal of Quality</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">875—With Shackles of Fire</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">876—The Man Who Changed Faces</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">877—The Fixed Alibi</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">878—Out with the Tide</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">879—The Soul Destroyers</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">880—The Wages of Rascality</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">881—Birds of Prey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">882—When Destruction Threatens</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">883—The Keeper of Black Hounds</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">884—The Door of Doubt</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">885—The Wolf Within</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">886—A Perilous Parole</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">887—The Trail of the Finger Prints</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">888—Dodging the Law</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">889—A Crime in Paradise</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">890—On the Ragged Edge</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">891—The Red God of Tragedy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">892—The Man Who Paid</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">893—The Blind Man’s Daughter</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">894—One Object in Life</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">895—As a Crook Sows</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">896—In Record Time</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">897—Held in Suspense</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">898—The $100,000 Kiss</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">899—Just One Slip</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">900—On a Million-dollar Trail</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">901—A Weird Treasure</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">902—The Middle Link</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">903—To the Ends of the Earth</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">904—When Honors Pall</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">905—The Yellow Brand</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">906—A New Serpent in Eden</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">907—When Brave Men Tremble</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">908—A Test of Courage</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">909—Where Peril Beckons</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">910—The Garoni Girdle</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">911—Rascals & Co.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">912—Too Late to Talk</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">913—Satan’s Apt Pupil</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">914—The Girl Prisoner</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">915—The Danger of Folly</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">916—One Shipwreck Too Many</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">917—Scourged by Fear</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">918—The Red Plague</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">919—Scoundrels Rampant</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">920—From Clew to Clew</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">921—When Rogues Conspire</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">922—Twelve in a Grave</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">923—The Great Opium Case</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">924—A Conspiracy of Rumors</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">925—A Klondike Claim</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">926—The Evil Formula</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">927—The Man of Many Faces</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">928—The Great Enigma</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">929—The Burden of Proof</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">930—The Stolen Brain</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">931—A Titled Counterfeiter</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">932—The Magic Necklace</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">933—’Round the World for a Quarter</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">934—Over the Edge of the World</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">935—In the Grip of Fate</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">936—The Case of Many Clews</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">937—The Sealed Door</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">938—Nick Carter and the Green Goods Men</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">939—The Man Without a Will</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">940—Tracked Across the Atlantic</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">941—A Clew from the Unknown</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">942—The Crime of a Countess</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">943—A Mixed up Mess</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">944—The Great Money-order Swindle</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">945—The Adder’s Brood</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">946—A Wall Street Haul</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">947—For a Pawned Crown</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">948—Sealed Orders</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">949—The Hate that Kills</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">950—The American Marquis</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">951—The Needy Nine</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">952—Fighting Against Millions</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">953—Outlaws of the Blue</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">954—The Old Detective’s Pupil</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">955—Found in the Jungle</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">956—The Mysterious Mail Robbery</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">957—Broken Bars</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">958—A Fair Criminal</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">959—Won by Magic</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">960—The Piano Box Mystery</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">961—The Man They Held Back</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">962—A Millionaire Partner</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">963—A Pressing Peril</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">964—An Australian Klondike</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">965—The Sultan’s Pearls</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">966—The Double Shuffle Club</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">967—Paying the Price</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">968—A Woman’s Hand</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">969—A Network of Crime</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">970—At Thompson’s Ranch</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">971—The Crossed Needles</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">972—The Diamond Mine Case</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">973—Blood Will Tell</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">974—An Accidental Password</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">975—The Crook’s Double</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">976—Two Plus Two</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">977—The Yellow Label</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">978—The Clever Celestial</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">979—The Amphitheater Plot</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">980—Gideon Drexel’s Millions</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">981—Death in Life</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">982—A Stolen Identity</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">983—Evidence by Telephone</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">984—The Twelve Tin Boxes</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">985—Clew Against Clew</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">986—Lady Velvet</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">987—Playing a Bold Game</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">988—A Dead Man’s Grip</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">989—Snarled Identities</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">990—A Deposit Vault Puzzle</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">991—The Crescent Brotherhood</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">992—The Stolen Pay Train</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">993—The Sea Fox</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">994—Wanted by Two Clients</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">995—The Van Alstine Case</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">996—Check No. 777</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">997—Partners in Peril</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">998—Nick Carter’s Clever Protégé</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">999—The Sign of the Crossed Knives</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1000—The Man Who Vanished</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1001—A Battle for the Right</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1002—A Game of Craft</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1003—Nick Carter’s Retainer</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1004—Caught in the Toils</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1005—A Broken Bond</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1006—The Crime of the French Café</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1007—The Man Who Stole Millions</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1008—The Twelve Wise Men</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1009—Hidden Foes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1010—A Gamblers’ Syndicate</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1011—A Chance Discovery</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1012—Among the Counterfeiters</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1013—A Threefold Disappearance</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1014—At Odds with Scotland Yard</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1015—A Princess of Crime</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1016—Found on the Beach</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1017—A Spinner of Death</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1018—The Detective’s Pretty Neighbor</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1019—A Bogus Clew</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1020—The Puzzle of Five Pistols</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1021—The Secret of the Marble Mantle</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1022—A Bite of an Apple</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1023—A Triple Crime</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1024—The Stolen Race Horse</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1025—Wildfire</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1026—A <em>Herald</em> Personal</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1027—The Finger of Suspicion</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1028—The Crimson Clew</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1029—Nick Carter Down East</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1030—The Chain of Clews</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1031—A Victim of Circumstances</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1032—Brought to Bay</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1033—The Dynamite Trap</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1034—A Scrap of Black Lace</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1035—The Woman of Evil</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1036—A Legacy of Hate</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1037—A Trusted Rogue</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1038—Man Against Man</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1039—The Demons of the Night</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1040—The Brotherhood of Death</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1041—At the Knife’s Point</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1042—A Cry for Help</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1043—A Stroke of Policy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1044—Hounded to Death</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1045—A Bargain in Crime</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1046—The Fatal Prescription</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1047—The Man of Iron</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1048—An Amazing Scoundrel</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1049—The Chain of Evidence</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1050—Paid with Death</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1051—A Fight for a Throne</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1052—The Woman of Steel</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1053—The Seal of Death</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1054—The Human Fiend</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1055—A Desperate Chance</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1056—A Chase in the Dark</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1057—The Snare and the Game</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1058—The Murray Hill Mystery</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1059—Nick Carter’s Close Call</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1060—The Missing Cotton King</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1061—A Game of Plots</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1062—The Prince of Liars</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1063—The Man at the Window</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1064—The Red League</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1065—The Price of a Secret</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1066—The Worst Case on Record</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1067—From Peril to Peril</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1068—The Seal of Silence</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1069—Nick Carter’s Chinese Puzzle</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1070—A Blackmailer’s Bluff</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1071—Heard in the Dark</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1072—A Checkmated Scoundrel</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1073—The Cashier’s Secret</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1074—Behind a Mask</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1075—The Cloak of Guilt</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1076—Two Villains in One</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1077—The Hot Air Clew</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1078—Run to Earth</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1079—The Certified Check</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1080—Weaving the Web</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1081—Beyond Pursuit</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1082—The Claws of the Tiger</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1083—Driven from Cover</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1084—A Deal in Diamonds</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1085—The Wizard of the Cue</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1086—A Race for Ten Thousand</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1087—The Criminal Link</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1088—The Red Signal</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1089—The Secret Panel</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1090—A Bonded Villain</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1091—A Move in the Dark</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1092—Against Desperate Odds</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1093—The Telltale Photographs</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1094—The Ruby Pin</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1095—The Queen of Diamonds</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1096—A Broken Trail</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1097—An Ingenious Stratagem</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1098—A Sharper’s Downfall</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1099—A Race Track Gamble</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1100—Without a Clew</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1101—The Council of Death</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1102—The Hole in the Vault</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1103—In Death’s Grip</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1104—A Great Conspiracy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1105—The Guilty Governor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1106—A Ring of Rascals</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1107—A Masterpiece of Crime</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1108—A Blow for Vengeance</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1109—Tangled Threads</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1110—The Crime of the Camera</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1111—The Sign of the Dagger</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1112—Nick Carter’s Promise</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1113—Marked for Death</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1114—The Limited Holdup</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1115—When the Trap Was Sprung</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1116—Through the Cellar Wall</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1117—Under the Tiger’s Claws</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1118—The Girl in the Case</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1119—Behind a Throne</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1120—The Lure of Gold</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1121—Hand to Hand</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1122—From a Prison Cell</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1123—Dr. Quartz, Magician</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1124—Into Nick Carter’s Web</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1125—The Mystic Diagram</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1126—The Hand that Won</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1127—Playing a Lone Hand</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1128—The Master Villain</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1129—The False Claimant</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1130—The Living Mask</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1131—The Crime and the Motive</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1132—A Mysterious Foe</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1133—A Missing Man</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1134—A Game Well Played</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1135—A Cigarette Clew</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1136—The Diamond Trail</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1137—The Silent Guardian</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1138—The Dead Stranger</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1140—The Doctor’s Stratagem</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1141—Following a Chance Clew</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1142—The Bank Draft Puzzle</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1143—The Price of Treachery</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1144—The Silent Partner</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1145—Ahead of the Game</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1146—A Trap of Tangled Wire</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1147—In the Gloom of Night</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1148—The Unaccountable Crook</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1149—A Bundle of Clews</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1150—The Great Diamond Syndicate</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1151—The Death Circle</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1152—The Toss of a Penny</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1153—One Step Too Far</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1154—The Terrible Thirteen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1155—A Detective’s Theory</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1156—Nick Carter’s Auto Trail</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1157—A Triple Identity</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1158—A Mysterious Graft</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1159—A Carnival of Crime</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1160—The Bloodstone Terror</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1161—Trapped in His Own Net</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1162—The Last Move in the Game</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1163—A Victim of Deceit</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1164—With Links of Steel</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1165—A Plaything of Fate</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1166—The Key Ring Clew</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1167—Playing for a Fortune</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1168—At Mystery’s Threshold</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1169—Trapped by a Woman</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1170—The Four Fingered Glove</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1171—Nabob and Knave</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1172—The Broadway Cross</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1173—The Man Without a Conscience</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1174—A Master of Deviltry</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1175—Nick Carter’s Double Catch</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1176—Doctor Quartz’s Quick Move</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1177—The Vial of Death</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1178—Nick Carter’s Star Pupils</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1179—Nick Carter’s Girl Detective</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1180—A Baffled Oath</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1181—A Royal Thief</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1182—Down and Out</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1183—A Syndicate of Rascals</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1184—Played to a Finish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1185—A Tangled Case</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1186—In Letters of Fire</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1187—Crossed Wires</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1188—A Plot Uncovered</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1189—The Cab Driver’s Secret</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1190—Nick Carter’s Death Warrant</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1191—The Plot that Failed</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1192—Nick Carter’s Masterpiece</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1193—A Prince of Rogues</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1194—In the Lap of Danger</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1195—The Man from London</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1196—Circumstantial Evidence</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1197—The Pretty Stenographer Mystery</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1198—A Villainous Scheme</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1199—A Plot Within a Plot</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1200—The Elevated Railroad Mystery</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1201—The Blow of a Hammer</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1202—The Twin Mystery</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1203—The Bottle with the Black Label</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1204—Under False Colors</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1205—A Ring of Dust</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1206—The Crown Diamond</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1207—The Blood-red Badge</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1208—The Barrel Mystery</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1209—The Photographer’s Evidence</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1210—Millions at Stake</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1211—The Man and his Price</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1212—A Double-Handed Game</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below will be issued during the respective months in -New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a -distance promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> - - -<table summary="Nick Carter Stories in Press"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc">To be published in July, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">1213—A Strike for Freedom</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1214—A Disciple of Satan</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in Aug., 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">1215—The Marked Hand</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1216—A Fight with a Fiend</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">1217—When the Wicked Prosper</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in Sept., 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">1218—A Plunge into Crime</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1219—An Artful Schemer</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in Oct., 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">1220—Reaping the Whirlwind</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1221—Out of Crime’s Depths</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in Nov., 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">1222—A Woman at Bay</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1223—The Temple of Vice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in Dec., 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdpr">1224—Death at the Feast</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1225—A Double Plot</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h1>The Photographer’s Evidence</h1> - -<p class="no-indent center">OR</p> - -<p class="no-indent center xlarge p1">CLEVER BUT CROOKED</p> - -<p class="no-indent center p2">BY</p> - -<p class="no-indent center xlarge">NICHOLAS CARTER</p> - -<p class="no-indent center">Author of “The Barrel Mystery,” “The Blood-red Badge,” -“The Crown Diamond,” etc.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 82px;"> -<img src="images/illus02.jpg" width="82" height="100" alt="Illustration" /> -</div> - -<p class="no-indent center">STREET & SMITH CORPORATION -<br /> -<small>PUBLISHERS</small> -<br /> -79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent center p2"> -Copyright, 1902-1903 -<br /> -By STREET & SMITH</p> - -<hr class="title-xshort" /> - -<p class="no-indent center">The Photographer’s Evidence</p> - - -<p class="no-indent center p2"> -All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign -languages, including the Scandinavian.</p> - -<p class="no-indent center">Printed in the U.S.A.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xlarge p2">THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S EVIDENCE.</p> - - - - -<h2 class="no-break">CHAPTER I. -<br /> -<small>A DOUBTFUL CLIENT.</small></h2> - - -<p>“Mr. Carter, can I trust you?”</p> - -<p>It was in the great detective’s own house that this -question was asked.</p> - -<p>“Well,” was Nick’s quiet answer, “if you had any doubt -on that matter, why did you come to me?”</p> - -<p>His caller looked nervously at the floor.</p> - -<p>“There’s no use in talking to me,” Nick went on, “unless -you do trust me. A detective can do nothing for a -client who does not give him his confidence absolutely.”</p> - -<p>“Of course,” the other assented; “I did not mean to -offend you.”</p> - -<p>“You haven’t offended me.”</p> - -<p>“I am so disturbed by it, you see. So much depends -on secrecy. It is so terribly important that I found it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> -difficult to make up my mind to consult anybody on the -matter; and yet I know by your reputation that you are a -perfectly trustworthy man. There is nobody in the States -more so.”</p> - -<p>While the man was speaking Nick was studying him.</p> - -<p>In fact, the detective had been doing that from the -moment the man entered.</p> - -<p>He was apparently about fifty years old; a well-dressed, -prosperous-looking man, who might be a merchant, or a -lawyer, or a banker.</p> - -<p>Nick did no guessing. The man might be anything else. -He had given his name as George Snell, but he had not -sent in his card, and he had not said where he belonged.</p> - -<p>Word had simply been taken to Nick by a servant that -a Mr. George Snell wanted to see him on “most important -business.”</p> - -<p>“He isn’t an American,” was Nick’s only conclusion -from what had been said thus far. “An American would -not have spoken simply of ‘the States,’ as he did.”</p> - -<p>There had been a pause after the caller’s last remarks.</p> - -<p>“Well,” he exclaimed then, “I’m not coming more than -two-thirds of the way across the continent for nothing. -I set out to consult you, and I will do so.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> - -<p>“That’s better,” said the detective; and, willing to help -him tell his story, he asked: “What kind of a case is it, -Mr. Snell?”</p> - -<p>“I suppose you’d call it kidnaping; but there’s robbery -combined with it, and—and also—also blackmail.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Snell hesitated and stammered a little at the end of -this speech.</p> - -<p>Nick merely nodded.</p> - -<p>“To begin with,” continued Mr. Snell, “I come from -Wenonah. You may not be aware that the Government -of England has made a large section of Western British -America into a province and called it Wenonah.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Nick, “I am aware of that.”</p> - -<p>“You are a well-informed man. Few Americans would -know the fact, for the province is so young that it isn’t -down on the maps yet. You know, also, I suppose, that -the capital of the province is a town called Manchester?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“That is where the crime was committed. It happened -a month ago. The governor of the province, Bradley is -his name, gave a party at his house. All the prominent -families of the town and country around attended. There -was dancing till a late hour.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Then, when the guests were going away, it was discovered -that the governor’s daughter, Estelle, was missing. -She has not been seen since.”</p> - -<p>“How old is the child?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“Child?” echoed Mr. Snell, in apparent astonishment. -Then he seemed to understand, and added: “It is natural -that you should use that word, but the girl is twenty.”</p> - -<p>“Oh!”</p> - -<p>“She’s the governor’s only daughter, and heiress, therefore, -to his property, which is very great.”</p> - -<p>“Has nothing been heard from her?”</p> - -<p>“Indirectly, yes. Her captors have offered to restore -her for a ransom.”</p> - -<p>“Has there been any attempt to deal with her captors?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but nothing has come of it. There is doubt now -whether she is really in the hands of kidnapers.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! what then?”</p> - -<p>“I haven’t told you the whole story, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>“Go on, then.”</p> - -<p>“The day after she disappeared it was found that a -considerable amount of jewelry had gone also.”</p> - -<p>“Did she wear it at the ball?”</p> - -<p>“Some of it, most of it, in fact. But that was not all.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> -There were also missing certain State papers and some -private documents belonging to the governor. These are -extremely important. They must be recovered at any -cost.”</p> - -<p>“Are they more important than the recovery of Miss -Bradley, Mr. Snell?”</p> - -<p>“No, I wouldn’t say that, but they complicate the case -badly. An offer has been made to restore them.”</p> - -<p>“And the girl?”</p> - -<p>“No. That is, there was one offer to restore the girl -and another to deal for the return of the papers and jewelry. -There seems to be a double gang of villains at -work.”</p> - -<p>“Possibly. What about the blackmail you mentioned?”</p> - -<p>“That,” answered Mr. Snell, hesitating, “has to do with -the stolen papers.”</p> - -<p>“Something shady in the governor’s past?”</p> - -<p>Mr. Snell looked at the floor.</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t like to say,” he replied. “Some people -might think so.”</p> - -<p>“Evidently the robbers do think so, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, for they put a big price on the papers.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I suppose the matter has been investigated by the -police of Manchester?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Then how did you communicate with the robbers?”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t say that I had communicated with the robbers!” -exclaimed Mr. Snell, hastily.</p> - -<p>“No, but I supposed it was you. Never mind that for a -moment. Tell me more about the disappearance of Miss -Bradley.”</p> - -<p>“There isn’t much that I can tell. She must have left -the house soon after midnight, but she wasn’t missed till -three hours or more later.”</p> - -<p>“Was she engaged to be married?”</p> - -<p>Snell looked sharply at the detective.</p> - -<p>“You’re a keen one,” he said. “No, she wasn’t engaged, -and that is another complication.</p> - -<p>“Well, it is known that she was in love with a young -fellow who wasn’t liked by her father. Naturally he -wasn’t at the ball. It is thought possible that she eloped -with him, and that the offer of the robbers to restore her -was a bluff.”</p> - -<p>“Was her lover a rich man?”</p> - -<p>“Decidedly not.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Then you think she may have taken the jewelry to -sell for her own use.”</p> - -<p>“It’s possible, yes. I’ve thought of it.”</p> - -<p>“And that the robbery of the papers simply happened -to come at the same time.”</p> - -<p>“That might be.”</p> - -<p>“Has Miss Bradley’s lover been seen since she disappeared?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“What does he say?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed! I should suppose he would say a good deal.”</p> - -<p>“He goes about his business as usual, but he is under -constant watch. It’s plain enough that there is something -on his mind.”</p> - -<p>“I should think there might be, in any case. What is -his name?”</p> - -<p>“Cecil West.”</p> - -<p>“And what is your relation to the affair, Mr. Snell?”</p> - -<p>The visitor seemed startled.</p> - -<p>“My relation to it?” he echoed.</p> - -<p>“Certainly. Do you come here as the representative -of Governor Bradley?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Oh, no! not at all! the governor didn’t send me.”</p> - -<p>“Who did, then?”</p> - -<p>Snell looked uncomfortable.</p> - -<p>“Do you need an answer to that?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Of course I do. I must know whom I am dealing -with.”</p> - -<p>“But I gave my name——”</p> - -<p>“It is not enough.”</p> - -<p>The detective spoke rather sharply.</p> - -<p>Mr. Snell hesitated and then said:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Carter, I cannot see why I should be dragged into -the matter at all——”</p> - -<p>“But,” interrupted Nick, coldly, “nobody has dragged -you that I am aware of. I certainly didn’t.”</p> - -<p>“You are trying to do so now, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>Nick arose.</p> - -<p>“There is no need that we should talk longer,” he said.</p> - -<p>Snell also stood up, and he looked very much troubled.</p> - -<p>“I see that I have offended you,” he said. “I didn’t -mean to. You see, Mr. Carter, a great scandal might -come of this. It is very important that there should be -none. The governor’s position might be lost——”</p> - -<p>“At this moment,” said Nick, “I care nothing for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> -governor’s position. You have given me some facts in a -case that might be interesting, but I don’t propose to -tackle it unless I know what I am about.”</p> - -<p>“We want you to look for the girl and the stolen -papers.”</p> - -<p>“Who are we?”</p> - -<p>Snell hung his head.</p> - -<p>“Excuse me a moment,” said Nick; then: “I think I -heard the telephone ring. When I return I hope you will -have made up your mind to trust me. If you haven’t we -can’t do business.”</p> - -<p>He bowed and left the room, but he did not go to the -telephone.</p> - -<p>Instead he went to a room where Patsy, one of his assistants, -was reading and gave him a few rapid instructions.</p> - -<p>Then he wrote a telegram and sent it to the nearest -office by a servant.</p> - -<p>Patsy got his hat and went downstairs.</p> - -<p>“Now, Mr. Snell,” said Nick, when he returned, “are -you ready to tell me what I want to know?”</p> - -<p>“I can only say that I want you to act in behalf of the -governor.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Does he know that you came to New York to ask -this?”</p> - -<p>Snell did not answer.</p> - -<p>“We are wasting each other’s time,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>Snell made a last appeal.</p> - -<p>“I may be doing wrong,” he said, “but I beg you to look -into this matter. You can’t help seeing how important it -is.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” replied Nick, “usually I have nothing to do -with a case where any facts are concealed from me——”</p> - -<p>“I am concealing no facts.”</p> - -<p>“Pardon me, you refuse to answer one of the first -questions a detective would ask. I was going to say, Mr. -Snell, give me a few hours to think it over and come -again. Will you call to-morrow morning?”</p> - -<p>“I will.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, till then.”</p> - -<p>The detective went with his visitor to the door.</p> - -<p>Mr. Snell said “good-evening,” politely, and started -down the street.</p> - -<p>A short distance behind him went Patsy.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER II. -<br /> -<small>MR. SNELL IN TROUBLE.</small></h2> - - -<p>Nick had not taken time to tell Patsy very much about -Snell.</p> - -<p>“There’s something up,” he said to his assistant. “I -have no idea what it is, but I want you to shadow this -man and see what becomes of him.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think he’s a crook?” asked the young man.</p> - -<p>“Not yet. He may be. If so, it won’t be the first time -that a crook has tried to throw me off the track by calling -on me. I simply feel that there’s something queer in this, -and I’d like to find out about it. So I shall ask this man -to call again unless he makes up his mind to tell me all -the facts.”</p> - -<p>Snell refused to tell all the facts, and so Patsy slipped -out after him.</p> - -<p>He had not gone far from the house when the young -detective became convinced that another man also was -following Snell.</p> - -<p>This made his work very difficult, for he had to look<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> -sharp against betraying himself not only to Snell, but the -other man.</p> - -<p>Snell went into a drug store and bought a cigar.</p> - -<p>The man who seemed to be following him loafed on the -opposite corner.</p> - -<p>Patsy turned down a street, and dropped into a doorway, -where he made a swift change in his appearance.</p> - -<p>He was at Snell’s heels again when the man from -Wenonah went on.</p> - -<p>The other man seemed to have disappeared.</p> - -<p>“I was mistaken,” thought Patsy, “or the second chap is -a better shadow than I am.”</p> - -<p>For some blocks he kept up his chase, never losing sight -of Snell, and seeing nothing more of the other.</p> - -<p>Meantime Snell was apparently wandering around aimlessly.</p> - -<p>He would stop at a corner and wait a full minute before -he made up his mind which way to go.</p> - -<p>Often he changed his direction.</p> - -<p>In this way he got into a neighborhood which was very -quiet in the evening.</p> - -<p>Part way down a block he stopped suddenly, stood still -for a moment and then went close to a building.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p> - -<p>He was then in such deep shadow that Patsy could -not see him.</p> - -<p>“Somebody spoke to him,” reasoned the detective.</p> - -<p>He went cautiously closer, and before he could see anybody -he heard the sounds of voices in conversation.</p> - -<p>What they said it was impossible to make out.</p> - -<p>The detective dared not get close enough than that for -fear of attracting the attention of the men.</p> - -<p>There seemed to be two of them.</p> - -<p>Presently he heard one voice say:</p> - -<p>“I won’t do it.”</p> - -<p>One of the men started away.</p> - -<p>“It will be the worse for you, then,” growled the other.</p> - -<p>The first man hastened his steps.</p> - -<p>As he came from the shadow, Patsy saw that it was -Snell.</p> - -<p>The other man was darting after him on tiptoe.</p> - -<p>He had one arm drawn back.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!” thought Patsy, “he means murder!”</p> - -<p>He gave up trying to conceal his actions then.</p> - -<p>Running forward as fast as possible, he shouted:</p> - -<p>“Look out!”</p> - -<p>Snell turned quickly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> - -<p>The other man was close to him, and let his hand fall.</p> - -<p>With a great leap Patsy was up to him just in time to -catch his arm.</p> - -<p>But it was too late to stop the blow entirely.</p> - -<p>A slungshot in the man’s hand slipped from it and -struck Snell a glancing blow on the head.</p> - -<p>“Ah!” he cried, and staggered.</p> - -<p>Patsy dashed to assist him, and caught hold of him in -time to prevent him from falling against an iron fence, -which probably would have broken his head.</p> - -<p>The would-be murderer was dashing down the street.</p> - -<p>Patsy could not be in two places at once.</p> - -<p>He wanted to chase the unknown criminal, but his -first business was with Snell.</p> - -<p>This was not only because Nick had sent him out to -shadow Snell, but because the man seemed to be badly -injured.</p> - -<p>He was groaning and trembling so that he would have -fallen if the detective had not held him up.</p> - -<p>“Better sit down a minute,” Patsy suggested, “and let -me see if there’s anything serious the matter.”</p> - -<p>Snell sank to a doorstep, and Patsy made a quick examination -of his head.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> - -<p>“That was a nasty blow,” he said, “but I think your -skull is sound. Aren’t you feeling better?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” Snell replied, “I am. I was more frightened -than hurt, perhaps. I am greatly obliged to you.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t mention it. Let me help you to your house. -Do you live near?”</p> - -<p>Snell laughed a little.</p> - -<p>“Near!” he repeated, “I should say not.”</p> - -<p>“Will you have a cab called to take you home?” asked -Patsy.</p> - -<p>Again Snell laughed.</p> - -<p>“It would be too long a journey,” he said. “I am a -stranger in New York, and I am staying at the Fifth -Avenue. That isn’t very far away, I believe.”</p> - -<p>“No, and you can get a car at the next block, if you -want to.”</p> - -<p>“I’d rather walk.”</p> - -<p>He got up, and Patsy held his arm till they came to the -corner.</p> - -<p>“I don’t suppose your friend will tackle you again,” -said the detective, then: “but I haven’t anything to do, -and if you like I’ll walk with you to the hotel.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p> - -<p>“You are very kind,” Snell responded; “suppose you -do. I confess that I am very nervous.”</p> - -<p>“He had it in for you, I suppose,” remarked Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you want to speak to this policeman about it?”</p> - -<p>An officer was approaching.</p> - -<p>“No! no!” exclaimed Snell, hastily; “I have my reasons -for keeping the matter quiet. Don’t for Heaven’s sake, -say a word.”</p> - -<p>“All right. It’s no business of mine, but if any fellow -had thumped me like that I should want him put where -he couldn’t try it again.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think he will try it again; at least, not in New -York. I’d rather not talk about it.”</p> - -<p>“Just as you say, sir. Want to stop in at a drug store -and get your head bathed with arnica?”</p> - -<p>“That would be a good idea.”</p> - -<p>They entered the next drug store they came to, where -it proved that Snell had suffered nothing more than a -painful bruise.</p> - -<p>After that they went on to the Fifth Avenue Hotel.</p> - -<p>“I am very much obliged to you,” said Snell, halting -in the doorway.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Don’t mention it,” Patsy responded.</p> - -<p>“Will you come in and have something?”</p> - -<p>He looked as if he hoped Patsy would say no, but the -detective was glad of any excuse to stick to him.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Patsy, “don’t care if I do.”</p> - -<p>Snell nodded silently, and led the way into the hotel.</p> - -<p>As they were passing the desk the clerk spoke to him.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Snell,” he said, “there’s a telegram here for you.”</p> - -<p>“Excuse me,” said Snell to Patsy, going quickly to the -desk.</p> - -<p>He took the envelope handed to him, and opened it with -trembling fingers.</p> - -<p>When he had read the message he crumpled the paper -in his hand and frowned.</p> - -<p>After a moment of thought, he turned to Patsy, saying, -“Excuse me” again, and went with him to the barroom.</p> - -<p>Snell poured himself a stiff drink of whiskey.</p> - -<p>“Once more,” he said, raising his glass, “I thank you -for coming to my rescue. Honestly, I believe I should -be a dead man this minute if you hadn’t. Here’s your -health.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” responded Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Now,” continued Snell, “I don’t like to leave a man<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> -who has saved my life, in this abrupt way, but I’ve got to. -This telegram calls me out of town, and I must lose no -time in getting ready. Won’t you leave me your name -and address?”</p> - -<p>“Why,” answered Patsy, “I’ll give you my name if you -want it, and address, too, but it isn’t likely that we shall -meet again if you don’t live in New York. My name is -James Callahan,” and he gave an address that the detectives -sometimes used.</p> - -<p>It was a place where any letters that came to strange -names were promptly taken to Nick’s house.</p> - -<p>Snell made a note of the address.</p> - -<p>“My name is Snell,” he said, “and I hope we shall meet -again, Mr. Callahan. I must say good-by now.”</p> - -<p>They shook hands and Snell went to the elevator.</p> - -<p>“I wish he had dropped that telegram,” thought the -detective.</p> - -<p>He looked at the clock. It was an hour and a half to -midnight. If Snell meant to leave town at once he -could hardly hope to do so until midnight, for that was -the hour at which through trains started from most -stations.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> - -<p>There was time to make a report to Nick and get back -again if that should be necessary.</p> - -<p>Accordingly Patsy hurried to Nick’s house, and told -his chief what had happened.</p> - -<p>Nick looked very thoughtful.</p> - -<p>“I had about decided that the man is crazy,” he said. -“I sent a telegram to the chief of police at Manchester, -asking if he knew of any robbery of jewels, State papers, -or anything else of great importance within a month. -I also asked if there had been a mysterious disappearance -within the same time, and if he knew who George Snell -was. Here’s his answer, received five minutes ago.”</p> - -<p>He handed a telegram to Patsy.</p> - -<p>It read:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p>“Nothing doing in crime here. Never heard of George -Snell. No man of that name lives here.</p> - -<p class="signature">“<span class="smcap">Dinsmore.</span>”<br /></p> -</div> - -<p>“Dinsmore,” said Nick, “is the chief at Manchester -now. He used to be on the New York force, and I know -him well. Now, if there has been a serious crime at Manchester, -two thousand miles away, isn’t it strange that I -should hear of it in New York before it is known there?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It beats me,” said Patsy.</p> - -<p>“And it looks as if Snell was the chief crook in the -matter,” added Nick. “But, if he is, I can’t see what he’s -driving at. After getting this telegram I thought he was -crazy, that he imagined a crime had been committed, and -I didn’t mean to have anything more to do with the -matter.</p> - -<p>“Now I am interested. What you have told me shows -that there’s something up, something very mysterious.</p> - -<p>“I think we’d better keep our eyes on it, Patsy.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“Go back to the hotel and get on Snell’s track. Follow -him across the continent if necessary, and keep me -posted.”</p> - -<p>“All right, boss.”</p> - -<p>“Better take a cab. Leave your grip in it until you -know what station Snell is going to. Then stick to him -like a burr. There may be more attempts against his life.”</p> - -<p>Patsy was gone in a minute.</p> - -<p>When his cab halted at the Fifth Avenue he did not -leave it, for he saw Snell coming out.</p> - -<p>The man got into a hotel carriage, and told the driver -to take him to the Pennsylvania Railroad station.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p> - -<p>This was done, and, of course, Patsy followed.</p> - -<p>Snell bought a ticket for Chicago, and Patsy, who stood -close behind him at the window, did the same.</p> - -<p>They were almost side by side as they went to the ferry-boat, -Patsy, of course, so disguised that Snell did not -recognize him.</p> - -<p>Snell went to the forward end of the boat and stood -near the rail.</p> - -<p>The detective sat down in the men’s cabin.</p> - -<p>Hardly had he taken his seat when a man came aboard -whom he had seen before.</p> - -<p>It was the one whom he had suspected as shadowing -Snell from Nick Carter’s house.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER III. -<br /> -<small>A GAME OF WATCHING.</small></h2> - - -<p>Patsy thought that this was the same man who had -come so near killing Snell.</p> - -<p>He had not been sure of that at the time, for he had -not been able to see the would-be murderer’s face.</p> - -<p>Now it took only a sharp glance to satisfy him, for the -man’s motions were a little peculiar.</p> - -<p>He had a way of bending his head to one side which -Patsy had noticed in the man who had shadowed Snell.</p> - -<p>As he remembered it the same sideways hang of the -head had been the case with the would-be murderer in -that instant when he saw him darting after his victim.</p> - -<p>“So,” thought Patsy, “he’s at his game again. Been -watching Snell, probably, ever since the attack. There’ll -be trouble if he finds his man on board.”</p> - -<p>Nothing could have been plainer than that the man -was looking for somebody.</p> - -<p>He went part way through the cabin, giving stealthy, -side glances at the men on the seats.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> - -<p>When he came to the doorway that led to the upper -deck, he went up.</p> - -<p>“He won’t find Snell up there, I think,” said Patsy -to himself, as he got up and went forward.</p> - -<p>The detective went as far as the door that opened upon -the forward deck.</p> - -<p>Looking through it, he saw Snell leaning against the -rail.</p> - -<p>Nobody else was out there.</p> - -<p>At that moment the boat had hardly got beyond the end -of the ferry slip.</p> - -<p>Patsy sat down where he could look the length of the -men’s cabin and also glance through the glass in the -door at the forward deck.</p> - -<p>In less than a minute he saw the stranger coming down -the stairs from the upper cabin.</p> - -<p>He was still walking slowly, and peering sharply at the -passengers.</p> - -<p>When he had come as far as the door, he halted and -looked through the glass.</p> - -<p>The detective could see his face.</p> - -<p>He saw the man’s brow wrinkle first when he perceived -that somebody was standing alone by the rail.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> - -<p>Then his lips were pressed hard together, and he nodded -as if satisfied.</p> - -<p>Evidently he had recognized Snell.</p> - -<p>For a moment longer he stood there, hesitating, perhaps.</p> - -<p>Then he gave a side glance at Patsy, who sat so close -that they almost touched each other.</p> - -<p>The detective seemed to be deeply engaged in reading a -placard hung on the opposite wall.</p> - -<p>The man softly opened the door and went out.</p> - -<p>Patsy was on his feet instantly.</p> - -<p>Looking through the glass, he saw the stranger slink -into the darkness by the side wall of the boat, there -being a space thus shut in between the cabin door and the -open deck where Snell stood looking at the water.</p> - -<p>“What a chance,” thought Patsy, “to sneak up and -pitch his man overboard!”</p> - -<p>The stranger stood motionless a moment.</p> - -<p>Then he edged forward.</p> - -<p>At that Patsy quietly opened the door and stepped out.</p> - -<p>The man did not hear him.</p> - -<p>His attention was too much taken with what he was -going to do.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> - -<p>Snell was motionless.</p> - -<p>The boat was about in midstream.</p> - -<p>Patsy’s muscles quivered as the stranger glided swiftly -up and placed his hand on Snell’s shoulder.</p> - -<p>Snell whirled around, with a gasp of surprise and -alarm.</p> - -<p>He put up his hands to push the man away, and tried -to back from the rail.</p> - -<p>The stranger kept his hand firmly on Snell’s shoulder.</p> - -<p>For a second or two the men jostled each other, but it -could not be said that they were struggling.</p> - -<p>The stranger seemed merely trying to hold Snell still.</p> - -<p>Patsy heard him say:</p> - -<p>“Keep quiet! I am not going to hurt you!”</p> - -<p>Evidently Snell was somewhat relieved at this, but he -was still frightened.</p> - -<p>“I’ve a good mind to have you arrested,” he said.</p> - -<p>The other laughed.</p> - -<p>“You’ll think better of that as soon as you see a policeman,” -he retorted.</p> - -<p>“You’ve tried to kill me once to-night,” said Snell.</p> - -<p>“Well, let that pass. I didn’t succeed, and now that -you’re starting West I shan’t try again.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p> - -<p>“What do you want of me now?”</p> - -<p>“I want to talk with you.”</p> - -<p>“On the same subject?”</p> - -<p>“The same.”</p> - -<p>Snell gave a hasty glance at the river.</p> - -<p>“Think of jumping in?” sneered the stranger.</p> - -<p>“No,” replied Snell, with a shudder.</p> - -<p>Then he looked back toward the cabin, and saw Patsy.</p> - -<p>Seeing that he was perceived, the detective walked -easily forward and stood looking at the lights of Jersey -City.</p> - -<p>“This is no place,” said Snell, in a low tone.</p> - -<p>“Of course not. I’ll go on the train with you.”</p> - -<p>Snell started uncomfortably.</p> - -<p>“I presume,” the other went on, with a harsh chuckle, -“that you engaged a stateroom on the sleeper, and thought -that you would lock yourself in and so be safe for the -night. Fortunately, there’s room for two in a stateroom.”</p> - -<p>At this, Snell said nothing, but went back to the cabin.</p> - -<p>The other followed, and both went inside.</p> - -<p>“Well!” thought Patsy, “this is a puzzler, and no mistake.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> -Are they both crooks? and have they had a falling -out?</p> - -<p>“One is certainly a would-be murderer, and Snell is -plainly in great fear of him.</p> - -<p>“I should think he would be.</p> - -<p>“I wonder if they will actually occupy the same room -on the train?”</p> - -<p>They did.</p> - -<p>Snell, as the stranger had said, had engaged a stateroom, -and both went into it immediately on going aboard -the train.</p> - -<p>Patsy secured a berth in the same car, and, as he -turned in he wondered whether one man or two would -come out of that stateroom in the morning.</p> - -<p>It seemed to him most likely that the stranger would -make an attempt to murder Snell during the night.</p> - -<p>“If it were my business to take care of Snell,” thought -the detective, “I’d invent some way to do it; but it isn’t, -and I’ll just wait and see what happens.”</p> - -<p>With that thought he went to sleep.</p> - -<p>In the morning he touched the button beside his berth -before getting up.</p> - -<p>When the porter came he asked:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Is there a dining car on the train, Charley?”</p> - -<p>“Yessah,” replied the porter. “Breakfast will be ready -in twenty minutes, sah.”</p> - -<p>“All right; then I’ll get up.”</p> - -<p>“Sumfin else yo’ want, sah?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Put your head in here, Charley?”</p> - -<p>The porter put his head in between the curtains.</p> - -<p>“Have the gentlemen in the stateroom turned out yet?” -asked Patsy.</p> - -<p>“No, sah; ain’t seed nuffin’ of ’em.”</p> - -<p>“Were they quiet all night?”</p> - -<p>“Yassah. Leastwise, I didn’t hear nuffin.”</p> - -<p>“All right.”</p> - -<p>“Friends of yours, sah?”</p> - -<p>“Not exactly, but I’m curious about them, that’s all. -You needn’t say I asked any questions.”</p> - -<p>“No, sah—thank yo’ berry much, sah. Won’t say a -word.”</p> - -<p>The porter had received handsome pay for his silence, -and Patsy knew he could be trusted.</p> - -<p>He dressed and went forward to the dining car.</p> - -<p>As he passed Snell’s stateroom, he listened for the sound -of voices, but none came.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> - -<p>The detective wondered if there was one man in that -room who couldn’t speak.</p> - -<p>Having plenty of time to kill, he spent an hour at the -breakfast table.</p> - -<p>Before he was ready to go, in came Snell and the -stranger.</p> - -<p>They sat at the same table and appeared to be in good -spirits—at least, the stranger was.</p> - -<p>Snell looked rather haggard, but he talked with his -companion, and without any apparent fear of him.</p> - -<p>“Strange!” thought Patsy; “but I’m glad my man is -still alive. I want to find out what it all means.”</p> - -<p>He went to the smoker, and after he had been there -half an hour or so, Snell and the stranger came in also.</p> - -<p>They did not talk much as they smoked their cigars, -but no one would have guessed that one had tried to kill -the other less than twelve hours before.</p> - -<p>So it was all the way to Chicago.</p> - -<p>The two men were together all the time, and there was -hardly a minute that the detective did not have them in -view.</p> - -<p>It was early morning when the train arrived in Chicago.</p> - -<p>Snell and his companion got into a cab, and Patsy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> -heard them tell the driver to go to the Northwestern -station.</p> - -<p>Patsy arrived at the station at the same moment they -did.</p> - -<p>They breakfasted in the station restaurant, and after a -time they went to the ticket window.</p> - -<p>Snell bought a ticket for Helena, Montana.</p> - -<p>The stranger did not buy any.</p> - -<p>This also seemed somewhat strange, and the detective -was a little disappointed.</p> - -<p>He had hoped to keep them together.</p> - -<p>But he bought a ticket for Helena, and in due time -was again on the same train with Snell.</p> - -<p>The stranger stayed at the station until the train left, -and Patsy saw him on the platform as it rolled out.</p> - -<p>Nothing of importance happened on the rest of the way -to Helena.</p> - -<p>Once the detective tried to scrape acquaintance with -Snell, but the latter answered him in a surly way, and -made it plain that he did not care to talk to anybody.</p> - -<p>So Patsy gave it up for fear of making him suspicious.</p> - -<p>Meantime, he had telegraphed Nick as to where he was -going.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p> - -<p>When they arrived in Helena, Snell did not go to a -first-rate hotel, as he had done in New York, but walked -about the streets, as if looking for some place that he -had been sent to.</p> - -<p>It was pretty clear that he was a stranger in the city.</p> - -<p>At last he turned into a small building, on which there -was a rough sign, with these words:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p class="center">BRONCO BILL’S HOUSE.</p> -</div> - -<p>The place was hardly larger than an ordinary saloon, -and liquor selling certainly was its principal business.</p> - -<p>Patsy went in a moment after Snell.</p> - -<p>He found himself in a cheap barroom, where a few men -were loafing.</p> - -<p>Snell was at one end of the bar, talking in a low voice -with one who seemed to be the proprietor.</p> - -<p>The detective took his place at the other end of the -bar and called for a drink.</p> - -<p>A moment later, Snell and the proprietor went out by -a door at the back, and he heard their steps going up a -flight of stairs.</p> - -<p>They were gone but a minute, and when they returned, -Snell was saying:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It may be only two or three days, you know, and I can -get along all right. I’ll pay for the room for a week, -anyway.”</p> - -<p>With this, he took bills from his pocket, and gave -money to the proprietor, who responded:</p> - -<p>“O.K., then the place is yours.”</p> - -<p>Then the landlord invited Snell to have a drink, and -Snell accepted the invitation.</p> - -<p>“Well,” thought Patsy, “I shall have to find another -place to stay. Bronco Bill evidently isn’t used to having -guests in real hotel fashion, and two at a time would make -him and everybody else suspicious.</p> - -<p>“I couldn’t put up any sort of a yarn that would satisfy -them. So I’ll get a room somewhere else, and then drop -in here when I feel like it.</p> - -<p>“That will be safe enough, for it looks sure that Snell -is bound to stay for a while.”</p> - -<p>As the detective left the saloon, he saw a sign in the -window of a house opposite:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p class="center">ROOMS TO LET.</p> -</div> - -<p>“That will do,” he decided, “but not just yet.”</p> - -<p>He was fearful that Snell might be watching him, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> -he could not tell how suspicious that strange man might -be.</p> - -<p>So he walked around town a little while, made a complete -change in his disguise, and finally returned to the -lodging house opposite Bronco Bill’s.</p> - -<p>There he hired a room that had a window opening on -the street, at which he sat for some time, with his face -hidden behind the curtain.</p> - -<p>He saw enough to know that Snell was still at the -“hotel,” and he was satisfied.</p> - -<p>Late in the afternoon, Snell went out.</p> - -<p>The detective followed, of course.</p> - -<p>At first Snell did not seem to have any errand. He -seemed to be walking for exercise.</p> - -<p>But at last he stopped and looked in at a store window.</p> - -<p>Rifles, revolvers, and all sorts of things that hunters -need were displayed there.</p> - -<p>Snell went in, and Patsy, looking in at the window, saw -him buy a revolver.</p> - -<p>With this in his pocket, the strange man returned to -Bronco Bill’s and disappeared within.</p> - -<p>That evening the detective loafed away most of the -time in Bronco Bill’s barroom, but he did not see Snell.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> - -<p>There was the ordinary crowd of idle workingmen, -and a few roughs who evidently came in from ranches at a -distance, but there was no disorder; none of the men -seemed to be crooks, and nothing happened to throw any -light on Snell’s business in Helena.</p> - -<p>It was much the same the next day and evening.</p> - -<p>Snell took a long walk, but spoke to no one on the -way, and when he returned he apparently shut himself in -the room he had hired.</p> - -<p>He came into the barroom late during the evening, -but it was only to have a drink, and go upstairs again at -once.</p> - -<p>“Who’s the stranger, Bill?” asked one of the loafers.</p> - -<p>“How should I know?” was the surly response. “A -gent comes to my house an’ takes a room an’ pays for it -like a gent. Why should I ask him if his father went to -church reg’lar, or if he intends to start a faro bank?”</p> - -<p>“Do you think he does mean to start a faro bank, Bill?”</p> - -<p>“Aw, come off!” returned Bill, scornfully. “Can’t you -take a hint? I don’t know the gent’s business, and, if I -did, I shouldn’t shoot off my mouth about it.”</p> - -<p>Next day, Snell took several walks, but they were short -ones. He always returned quickly to Bill’s, and once<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> -Patsy heard him ask the landlord if anybody had inquired -for him.</p> - -<p>Nobody had, but it was clear that Snell’s business, -whatever it was, was coming to a head.</p> - -<p>In the evening quite a number of men galloped through -the streets on horseback.</p> - -<p>They shouted and sang songs and made a good deal of -a racket at every place they visited.</p> - -<p>By the time they arrived at Bronco Bill’s they were -well loaded and noisier than ever.</p> - -<p>“Paint the place red,” yelled half a dozen of them, as -they came stamping in.</p> - -<p>Patsy was standing at the farther end of the bar talking -with Bill, with whom he had picked up acquaintance.</p> - -<p>Snell was seated at a table in the corner nearest the -door.</p> - -<p>“Everybody have a drink!” shouted the leader of the -party, looking around the room.</p> - -<p>All except Snell got up and went to the bar.</p> - -<p>“Come on, stranger,” yelled the leader.</p> - -<p>Snell, seeing that he was spoken to, got up slowly and -started toward the bar.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p> - -<p>His face was pale, and it was evident to Patsy that he -wished he were not there.</p> - -<p>When he was halfway to the bar he turned suddenly -and made for the stairway door.</p> - -<p>He passed through quickly, closed the door behind him, -and all in the room heard the click of the lock as he -turned the key.</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll be durned!” exclaimed the leader.</p> - -<p>As he spoke he drew a revolver from his belt, and, with -the quick motions of a Westerner, pointed it toward the -door.</p> - -<p>But he was not so quick as Patsy, who darted forward -and knocked his arm up.</p> - -<p>The revolver went off, but the bullet, instead of crashing -through the door and thus endangering Snell’s life, -flew into the ceiling.</p> - -<p>“Now then, gents,” began Bronco Bill, who didn’t want -a disturbance in his place.</p> - -<p>The leader was too mad to be stopped by talk.</p> - -<p>Turning fiercely upon Patsy, he demanded:</p> - -<p>“What in thunder do you mean, tenderfoot?”</p> - -<p>“I was afraid you might hurt somebody,” responded -the detective, quietly; “then you’d be sorry.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Sorry! me sorry!” roared the ruffian; “reckon you -don’t know who you’re talking to. I’m Serpent Sam, of -the Dead Hills, I am, and no man tells me what I shall or -shan’t do. I’ll make you dance for your impudence, you -measly tenderfoot!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER IV. -<br /> -<small>PATSY’S DANCING LESSON.</small></h2> - - -<p>Serpent Sam, as he called himself, backed into the -middle of the room as he spoke.</p> - -<p>The other men in the crowd yelled with joy, and got -together at the other end of the bar from Patsy, most of -them.</p> - -<p>A few stood almost behind their leader.</p> - -<p>They were grinning at the fun they thought they were -going to have with the tenderfoot.</p> - -<p>Patsy thrust his hands in the side pockets of his coat, -and watched, as if with curiosity.</p> - -<p>He knew exactly what would happen, for he had met -wild men from the Western hills before.</p> - -<p>So, when Serpent Sam blazed at his feet, he did not stir.</p> - -<p>The first bullet tore a hole in the floor, just in front -of his right toe.</p> - -<p>“Dance, you onery cuss! dance!” yelled Serpent Sam.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know how,” replied Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Jump then, you idiot! jump into the air, durn ye! I’ll -teach ye!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> - -<p>As he spoke, Serpent Sam fired again.</p> - -<p>This time the bullet struck so close to the detective’s -foot that it jarred it.</p> - -<p>But no harm was done, and Patsy never stirred.</p> - -<p>He knew that the first shots would be aimed so as to -scare him—not to hit.</p> - -<p>After that, Serpent Sam might be angered into firing -to kill.</p> - -<p>“For Heaven’s sake, stranger,” called Bronco Bill, -“don’t be a fool. Dance for the gentleman. It won’t last -long, and nobody will be hurt. Jump and let him have his -fun.”</p> - -<p>Patsy himself saw by the savage glare in Serpent Sam’s -eyes that it would be jump or get hit at the next shot.</p> - -<p>Quick as a flash, therefore, without moving from his -place, and before Serpent Sam could cock his revolver -again, Patsy drew one of his own barkers and fired.</p> - -<p>Nobody in the room knew what he was about till they -heard the bang! and saw the puff of smoke that rolled -away from in front of the detective.</p> - -<p>“I don’t dance for anybody,” said Patsy, quietly.</p> - -<p>“Wow! ouch! damn!” howled Serpent Sam, as his -revolver flew from his hand.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p> - -<p>Patsy’s bullet had struck it on the butt.</p> - -<p>It not only caused Serpent Sam to drop the weapon, -but it numbed his fingers.</p> - -<p>And the bullet did another thing.</p> - -<p>Glancing from the place where it struck Sam’s revolver, -it flew across the room and hit another man on the cartridge -belt, doing no harm, but startling that man fearfully.</p> - -<p>For that matter, all the men were startled.</p> - -<p>Some of them ran behind the bar and crouched down.</p> - -<p>Half a dozen of those who had been in the place when -the horsemen came ran for the outside door.</p> - -<p>Serpent Sam, cursing with rage and pain, reached for -his other revolver.</p> - -<p>He could bend his numbed fingers just enough to draw -it from his belt, but he could not cock it.</p> - -<p>While he was trying to do so, it dropped to the floor.</p> - -<p>The fingers of his right hand would not hold it.</p> - -<p>Patsy, knowing that he was disabled, was paying no -attention to him.</p> - -<p>He was sweeping his revolver carelessly around the -room.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It might go off,” he remarked. “It’s got a hair trigger. -Look out!”</p> - -<p>At that his weapon did go off.</p> - -<p>One of the men was just getting the drop on him.</p> - -<p>Patsy’s shot did for him just what had been done for -Serpent Sam.</p> - -<p>It knocked the gun out of his hand and caused him to -leap back, cursing with rage.</p> - -<p>“If you gents enjoy dancing,” said Patsy, coolly, “just -recollect that I’m floor manager here. I’ll tell you when -it’s your turn—yours, for instance.”</p> - -<p>With this he let drive at the feet of a man near the -edge of the crowd.</p> - -<p>The bullets splintered the floor at the man’s toe.</p> - -<p>He jumped for fear, and the detective laughed.</p> - -<p>“It’s more fun than I thought,” he cried; “we’ll try it -again.”</p> - -<p>He made as if he would empty all his cartridges at the -men’s feet, but he had done enough.</p> - -<p>All except Serpent Sam were making a wild scramble -to get behind the bar, out of doors, underneath tables—any -place, so as to be out of range.</p> - -<p>Sam had cooled down very suddenly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Hold on, stranger,” he called; “we uns know when -we’re licked. You’ve done us brown, an’ ef thar’s anything -in the house you want, call for it.”</p> - -<p>Patsy understood the man.</p> - -<p>His tone and manner showed that he meant what he -said.</p> - -<p>He was rubbing his sore hand and kicking his revolvers -so that they would lie where he could pick them up.</p> - -<p>Of all the men there Sam was the only one who hadn’t -shown fear.</p> - -<p>The detective immediately pocketed his weapon.</p> - -<p>“All right, pard,” he said, good-naturedly; “there is -one thing in the house I want.”</p> - -<p>“Name it.”</p> - -<p>“I want every man jack of you to wet up. The drinks -are on me, gents. Step lively.”</p> - -<p>For an instant nobody stirred.</p> - -<p>They looked at him as if they could not believe their -ears.</p> - -<p>Those who had crouched behind the bar gradually -began to poke their heads above it.</p> - -<p>Naturally, Serpent Sam was the first to move.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> - -<p>Leaving his revolvers where they were on the floor, -he strode to Patsy with his hand outstretched.</p> - -<p>“Put it there, pard,” he cried; “you’re a white man an’ -no mistake. I see I don’t need to ’pologize fer trying to -hev some fun with yer.”</p> - -<p>“Not at all,” replied Patsy, shaking the man’s hand.</p> - -<p>Sam winced, for the detective’s grip hurt his sore -fingers.</p> - -<p>“Excuse me,” said Patsy, letting go; “I didn’t think.”</p> - -<p>Then both laughed, and at that sound the other men -came crowding up.</p> - -<p>“Whar’d you learn to shoot?” asked one.</p> - -<p>“Say, are you a walking Gatling gun?” inquired another.</p> - -<p>Patsy smiled at them.</p> - -<p>“I never learned to shoot,” he said. “I was born with -a gun in my hand, and I used to practice at the flies on -the wall before I could walk.”</p> - -<p>Everybody laughed at this.</p> - -<p>Bronco Bill drew a long breath.</p> - -<p>The shooting scrap had turned out pleasantly, with nobody -the worse for it, and everybody thirsty.</p> - -<p>Glasses rattled on the bar, and bottles passed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Here’s how, pard,” said Sam.</p> - -<p>He drained his glass at one gulp, and set it down.</p> - -<p>“But say,” he added, “you’d oughter hev let us make -the other cuss dance. Friend of yourn?”</p> - -<p>“No. I saw that he was scared half to death, and I -was afraid he might have a fit.”</p> - -<p>“Rot! he’d ’a’ got over it. Jine us now, won’t ye, pard, -and rout him out?”</p> - -<p>“We’ll let you do the shootin’,” said another, eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Now, gents,” began Bronco Bill, fearful that the rough -crowd would break loose again.</p> - -<p>He didn’t know Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Rout him out?” echoed the detective; “why! he’s a -mile from here by this time.”</p> - -<p>“Go on!”</p> - -<p>“That’s what he’s doing. Bet your life on it.”</p> - -<p>“We might break down the door and see,” somebody -suggested.</p> - -<p>Several of them began to move toward the door.</p> - -<p>“Wait a minute,” called Patsy.</p> - -<p>He was smiling, and they stopped to hear what he had -to say.</p> - -<p>“I’d rather you wouldn’t bother the fellow,” he went<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> -on; “I tell you that straight, but if you’re dead anxious -to have some fun with him and want me to join, I’ll take -the chance of a toss-up. What do you say?”</p> - -<p>“It’s a go!” cried Sam, taking a coin from his pocket. -“Heads or tails, pard?”</p> - -<p>“Is it a cent?” asked the detective.</p> - -<p>“No—a dime.”</p> - -<p>“Just as good. Throw it up to the ceiling, and if it -comes down what you call yourself, I’ll join you.”</p> - -<p>Serpent Sam tossed up the coin.</p> - -<p>“Tails!” he called.</p> - -<p>It struck the ceiling with a ting, and began to fall.</p> - -<p>The detective’s revolver flashed, to the great surprise -of all, for they were watching the coin.</p> - -<p>Crack! bang! went the trusty barker twice in rapid -order.</p> - -<p>There was another ting at the further side of the room.</p> - -<p>Sam went over there, and, after hunting a bit, picked -up the dime.</p> - -<p>He came back to the bar with it, his face fairly blue with -wonder.</p> - -<p>“Durned ef the stranger hain’t won,” he said; “the -dime hain’t got either a head or a tail.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> - -<p>He laid the coin on the bar, and everybody crowded -around to look at it.</p> - -<p>Patsy’s first bullet had struck it on one side and his -second on the other, for the coin was spinning in the air -and luck was with him to the extent that both bullets did -not hit the same side.</p> - -<p>“Wal! ef that ain’t the durnedest shootin’ ever I seen!” -said one of the men.</p> - -<p>All agreed with him.</p> - -<p>“It means,” said Sam, gravely, “that we let the white-livered -cuss upstairs alone. But you must come with us -to the next joint, pardner.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” replied Patsy, “lead on.”</p> - -<p>“An’ you’ll hev to make some galoot dance soon as we -find one of the right kind.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead. I’m agreed.”</p> - -<p>The whole mob charged for the door.</p> - -<p>On the sidewalk they paused to decide which way to go.</p> - -<p>The street was not well lighted, and, while they were -talking, Patsy slipped a beard to his face.</p> - -<p>“We’ll go to Danny Dineen’s next,” said Serpent Sam. -“Come on, pard——”</p> - -<p>He looked around.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Where’s the sharpshooter?” he asked.</p> - -<p>Patsy pointed down the street.</p> - -<p>“He’s just scooted that way,” he said, in a disguised -tone.</p> - -<p>“Durned ef I don’t believe he’s tryin’ to shake us!” -cried Serpent Sam; “come on, boys, let’s catch up with -him.”</p> - -<p>Off they went, yelling like mad, some jumping to their -horses, others on foot.</p> - -<p>When they had all disappeared around a corner, Patsy -took off his beard and went back into Bronco Bill’s.</p> - -<p>Bill and his bartender were alone in the place.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!” exclaimed Bill, “where’d you come -from?”</p> - -<p>“I thought I’d say good-night,” responded Patsy, -laughing.</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you go with that crowd?”</p> - -<p>“You see.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, I don’t see how you done it, but you done me and -my house a good turn, pardner. Gee! I thought they’d -shoot the whole outfit to pieces. Have something?”</p> - -<p>“No, thank you. When they find that I’ve given them -the shake, they may come back here, and if they find me,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> -it won’t be so easy to get rid of them again. Tell ’em -you don’t know where I went.”</p> - -<p>“All right, no more I do. Call again?”</p> - -<p>“To-morrow.”</p> - -<p>The detective then went out and crossed the street to -his lodging.</p> - -<p>He sat at his window for more than an hour.</p> - -<p>He saw the horsemen return after a time, heard them -singing and shouting in Bronco Bill’s, but he heard no -more shooting, and he saw no more of Snell that night.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER V. -<br /> -<small>CAUGHT IN THE HILLS.</small></h2> - - -<p>Next morning, in a fresh disguise, Patsy went over to -Bronco Bill’s and saw Snell eating breakfast.</p> - -<p>The detective felt relieved.</p> - -<p>He had feared that the man might have been so frightened -by the drunken horseman as to light out.</p> - -<p>Patsy had now been studying the man for several days.</p> - -<p>“I can’t make him out,” he said to himself, “but I don’t -believe he’s a regular crook.”</p> - -<p>The detective was inclined to think that Snell had been -up to crooked work, but that he was new to it.</p> - -<p>He went back to his lodging almost at once, and -watched.</p> - -<p>Snell came to the door of Bronco Bill’s and stood there -a moment, looking up and down the street.</p> - -<p>“He wants to walk for exercise,” thought the waiting -detective, “but he doesn’t dare to get far away, for he’s expecting -somebody. I won’t bother to follow him.”</p> - -<p>So Snell that morning took his walks alone.</p> - -<p>They were not long ones.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> - -<p>He was always back at Bronco Bill’s within ten minutes -from the time he started.</p> - -<p>At length he went in and stayed there.</p> - -<p>Patsy went across and looked in long enough to see -that Snell had found an old book somewhere, and was -reading it in the barroom.</p> - -<p>It was almost noon when the man Snell had been expecting -came.</p> - -<p>The detective knew it before Snell did.</p> - -<p>Watching from his window, he saw a man come rapidly -up from the direction of the railroad.</p> - -<p>He walked as if he knew where he was going, and -he turned in at Bronco Bill’s.</p> - -<p>It was the stranger who had come so near to murdering -Snell a short time before in New York City.</p> - -<p>“Now we’re getting down to business!” thought Patsy, -with great satisfaction.</p> - -<p>It had been a long wait, and he was a little tired of it.</p> - -<p>Every day he had sent a telegram to Nick, saying, -simply: “No change,” or “Nothing doing.”</p> - -<p>Meantime, he had received no word from his chief.</p> - -<p>So he knew that there was nothing for him to do but -stay there and watch.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> - -<p>Of course, he crossed over to the saloon soon after the -stranger went in.</p> - -<p>He was disguised so that neither knew him, and Bronco -Bill did not suspect that the man who asked for a cigar -was the one who had done the wonderful shooting the -night before.</p> - -<p>Snell and the stranger were eating dinner at a table -in the corner.</p> - -<p>They did no talking.</p> - -<p>Patsy returned to his watching place.</p> - -<p>After dinner, the stranger went away alone.</p> - -<p>The detective would have liked to follow, but it was his -business to spot Snell.</p> - -<p>So he stayed where he was.</p> - -<p>Some three hours passed, and then the stranger returned.</p> - -<p>He went into the saloon, and almost immediately came -out again with Snell.</p> - -<p>They walked away rapidly.</p> - -<p>Patsy was after them.</p> - -<p>Thinking that there might be some such excursion as -this, the detective had bought a horse.</p> - -<p>The animal was stabled a few doors from his lodging<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> -house, where he could be got quickly, and he was kept -saddled all the time.</p> - -<p>But there was no use for him on this trip.</p> - -<p>The men walked through the city, and they acted as if -they were in a hurry, but they walked, and Patsy thought -it better to follow them in the same way.</p> - -<p>As long as they were in busy streets he had no difficulty -in keeping close to them.</p> - -<p>When they came to a long street, where the houses were -scattered, he fell a little further behind.</p> - -<p>And at last they were in the open country, with no -house at all in sight ahead.</p> - -<p>Then the detective had to be very cautious.</p> - -<p>He decided to get into a field alongside the road, where -he could dodge behind bushes.</p> - -<p>It was well he took this precaution when he did.</p> - -<p>He had hardly left the road when both men wheeled -about suddenly.</p> - -<p>They stood for a full minute, looking back toward the -city.</p> - -<p>There could be no doubt that some sudden fear of pursuit -had made them turn.</p> - -<p>Patsy stooped behind a low bush and waited.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p> - -<p>At last they went on, but Snell turned frequently, and -Patsy was kept on the dodge all the time.</p> - -<p>This continued for two miles or more.</p> - -<p>By then the road had brought them to hilly land, and -the detective was thinking that his pursuit would be -easier, when the two turned aside and began to climb a -steep hill.</p> - -<p>It was covered with trees, and there was no path.</p> - -<p>Dead wood was on the ground everywhere.</p> - -<p>A man’s footsteps could be heard a long way, no matter -how carefully he proceeded.</p> - -<p>Therefore, it was not possible any longer to keep the -men in sight.</p> - -<p>Patsy took the chance of cutting across ahead of where -the men seemed to be aiming for.</p> - -<p>In this way he thought he might come to the top of -the hill before they did.</p> - -<p>Perhaps he succeeded. He could not tell, for, when -he got to the hilltop, they were not to be seen.</p> - -<p>He waited a bit, and listened for a sound of their voices, -or footsteps, but heard nothing.</p> - -<p>The hill dipped steeply on the other side, and there were -many hills beyond.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was a very wild place, only partly wooded, and there -seemed to be deep gullies in every direction.</p> - -<p>“They didn’t come out here for their health,” thought -Patsy. “It was to meet somebody.</p> - -<p>“Probably that somebody is waiting in one of these -gullies.</p> - -<p>“Which one?</p> - -<p>“It’s almost as good a place for hiding as a big city is.”</p> - -<p>After some little thought he went part way down the -hill, then along the side until he came near the edge of a -ravine.</p> - -<p>While he was cautiously approaching the edge, he -heard a laugh somewhere below him.</p> - -<p>In the ravine, undoubtedly.</p> - -<p>Then that was where the men had gone.</p> - -<p>Patsy saw a rock a short distance away, from behind -which he thought he might be able to look down into the -ravine without being seen.</p> - -<p>A few cautious steps and he was beside it.</p> - -<p>Leaning far over it, he found that he had chosen the -spot luckily; for a little way below him he saw a group -of men, most of them roughly dressed.</p> - -<p>Among them were Snell and his strange companion.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> - -<p>They were talking earnestly.</p> - -<p>At that moment, Snell’s companion was speaking, and -the others were listening.</p> - -<p>His words came faintly to Patsy’s ears.</p> - -<p>“I tell you,” he said, “we’re ready to pay the price, but -you’ve got to deliver the goods. There’s nothing unfair -in that. We’ve come out here to tell you so, but you can’t -deliver the goods here, can you?”</p> - -<p>“That’ll be all right,” said one of the rough men.</p> - -<p>“Oh! will it? How do we know?” demanded Snell’s -companion. “We don’t propose to put our feet into a -trap.”</p> - -<p>At this some of the men laughed hoarsely.</p> - -<p>“Supposin’,” suggested one of them, “we don’t let you -get out of this gulch alive?”</p> - -<p>Snell could be seen to start uncomfortably.</p> - -<p>His companion was unmoved.</p> - -<p>“In that case,” he retorted, “you’d leave a couple of -worthless stiffs here for the crows to pick. That’s all.”</p> - -<p>“Do you mean that you haven’t brought the stuff with -you?”</p> - -<p>“That’s it, exactly.”</p> - -<p>“Then what the dev——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Why!” interrupted Snell’s companion, “we’re here to -let you know that we’re acting on the square. Prove that -you’re on the square, too, and we can do business.”</p> - -<p>The men looked at each other.</p> - -<p>“Don’t like it,” grumbled one.</p> - -<p>“Well,” said another, the youngest in the party, “I -think they’ve got the best of the argument. Here they -are, just as they agreed to be. They haven’t gone to any -detectives, and it’s our business now to hand over the -goods——”</p> - -<p>Patsy was greatly interested, wondering whether this -young man would persuade the gang to his way of thinking, -when, without the least warning, strong hands were -laid upon him.</p> - -<p>He turned like a flash at the first touch.</p> - -<p>His hand raised the revolver that he had been clutching -from the moment when he lay down behind the rock.</p> - -<p>But there was no use in firing it.</p> - -<p>The bullet wouldn’t have hit anybody.</p> - -<p>His assailants had every advantage of him.</p> - -<p>He had been caught by both feet and yanked backward.</p> - -<p>Others had grabbed him by the arms.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> - -<p>Still another dropped a noose over his head and pulled -it tight.</p> - -<p>A little more strain on that rope, and the detective -would have been choked to death.</p> - -<p>In much less time than it takes to tell it, they had him -with his hands securely bound behind his back.</p> - -<p>The detective was helpless.</p> - -<p>And up to this moment, nobody had said a word, and -no sound of the capture had reached the ears of the men -in the ravine.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER VI. -<br /> -<small>PATSY IS FORCED TO SLEEP.</small></h2> - - -<p>When they had him bound to their satisfaction, Patsy’s -captors laid him on his back and looked him over.</p> - -<p>He saw, too late, how it had happened.</p> - -<p>Close to the rock was a thick bunch of bushes.</p> - -<p>His judgment had been perfect, for it had taken him to -the exact spot where there was an easy way down to the -gulch.</p> - -<p>It was the way these men always took to get there.</p> - -<p>But, unluckily for the detective, they had posted sentinels -at that spot.</p> - -<p>His captors had been within reach of him from the moment -he arrived.</p> - -<p>Why they had not attacked him at once could only be -guessed.</p> - -<p>Probably they were so surprised that they didn’t know -what to do at first.</p> - -<p>And maybe they thought he might be a prospector, -or anybody but a detective, who would go away as soon -as he had taken a look.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Wal, by gosh!” muttered one who seemed to be the -leader of the sentinels, “I reckon this’ll make some difference -with what they’re jawin’ about down thar.”</p> - -<p>Patsy tried a bluff.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know what you mean,” he began, indignantly. -“I haven’t done anything to you——”</p> - -<p>“And we won’t do a thing to you,” interrupted the -leader, harshly—“oh, no! we won’t tech ye! Pick him up, -boys.”</p> - -<p>Two of the men took Patsy on their shoulders, and -they went stumbling down the side of the gulch.</p> - -<p>Snell and the others looked up in the greatest surprise -when they heard the sentinels coming.</p> - -<p>All the men got to their feet, for some had been sitting, -and guns were shown freely.</p> - -<p>“What ye got thar?” demanded the chief of the gang.</p> - -<p>“A spy,” replied the leader of the sentinels.</p> - -<p>“Find him up thar?”</p> - -<p>“Yes—behind that rock. He crep’ up jest as ef he -knowed thar was suthin’ to see below.”</p> - -<p>“The skunk!”</p> - -<p>“Prob’ly,” went on the sentinel, “he was put onto the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> -thing by them galoots,” and he pointed to Snell and his -companion.</p> - -<p>“That’s it!” roared more than one, angrily.</p> - -<p>“So this is what ye call bein’ on the square, is it?” exclaimed -the chief, turning to Snell’s companion, fiercely. -“Ye make a deal to meet us here alone to talk business, -and give the tip to a pryin’ detective, do ye? An’ do ye -think ye’ll git outen it with hull skins? Wal, I don’t -think!”</p> - -<p>The ruffians were growling angrily and watching their -leader.</p> - -<p>It needed only his word to make every one of them -empty their revolvers into Snell and his companion.</p> - -<p>Snell was horribly frightened.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know anything about this,” he stammered; “I -give you my word of honor——”</p> - -<p>“Rats!” interrupted the leader, scornfully, “what’s your -word of honor worth?”</p> - -<p>“Plug ’em full of holes!” cried another.</p> - -<p>The men raised their weapons, and it did look as if -there would be a double murder on the spot.</p> - -<p>“He’s right!” said Patsy, quietly.</p> - -<p>The leader turned swiftly toward him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> - -<p>“What’s that ye say?” he demanded; “who’s right?”</p> - -<p>“The man who just spoke.”</p> - -<p>“Him?” pointing to Snell.</p> - -<p>“Yes. I don’t know who he is.”</p> - -<p>“And I s’pose ye don’t know him, nuther,” pointing to -Snell’s companion.</p> - -<p>“I certainly don’t.”</p> - -<p>It was plain enough that nobody believed the detective, -but he breathed easier.</p> - -<p>His interruption had gained time.</p> - -<p>The men were not so likely now to shoot in a hurry and -ask questions afterward.</p> - -<p>Patsy had been set on the ground with his back to a -rock.</p> - -<p>Snell’s companion was looking at him sharply.</p> - -<p>It was to him the leader spoke next.</p> - -<p>“I s’pose, Jim Leonard,” he said, “thet you’ve got a -word of honor to stack up thet ye never seen this man -afore, eh?”</p> - -<p>“He’s a stranger to me,” replied Leonard. “I never saw -him before, and we took all the pains we could to keep -from being followed. Snell’s been in town three days<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> -without seeing anybody who was on his track. Why -should anybody be on his track, anyway?”</p> - -<p>“Why!” roared the leader, “to get us behind the bars, -you fool! Ain’t that reason enough?”</p> - -<p>He turned again to the detective.</p> - -<p>“P’r’haps you’ll tell us how ye come here?” he said.</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” replied Patsy. “I saw these two men in -town. It was plain enough that they had good business -of some kind on. I took ’em for prospectors and thought -they’d struck a good thing somewhere. It wasn’t a -straight thing to do, but I followed ’em to see what they’d -got.”</p> - -<p>This was a story that it was very easy for the rough -Westerners to believe.</p> - -<p>Evidently they were struck by it, for they looked at -each other doubtfully.</p> - -<p>All except the leader.</p> - -<p>He turned his eyes from Snell to his companion, and -then to Patsy, and remarked, calmly:</p> - -<p>“You lie—every one of ye.”</p> - -<p>Then he addressed his men.</p> - -<p>“We won’t go off at half-cock,” said he; “these geezers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> -hev done us dirt, but mebbe we’d better talk it over -afore we do anything.”</p> - -<p>He spoke then to the sentinels.</p> - -<p>“Stay here and use yer guns, ef any of ’em tries to -scoot. We’ll go further down the gulch and chin about -it.”</p> - -<p>The sentinels nodded and the leader and the rest of his -men went down the ravine until they were out of sight.</p> - -<p>Now and then their voices could be heard as they -argued, but what they said could not be told.</p> - -<p>Once they sent a couple of men up to take Snell’s companion, -Jim Leonard, down to talk with him.</p> - -<p>They sent him back after half an hour, and continued -their discussion until the sun was setting.</p> - -<p>Then they all came slowly back to the spot where Patsy -lay.</p> - -<p>The young man who had been speaking when Patsy -was captured, was talking with the leader.</p> - -<p>“I’m sure it’s the best way,” he was saying.</p> - -<p>“Wal, Harry,” returned the leader, “you’ve got a -sound nut on yer shoulders, an’ you can talk better’n -most of us, but I dunno. Howsomever, we’ll try it. As -you say, the main thing is to get the stuff.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> - -<p>“We certainly can’t get the ransom, if we don’t give -’em a chance to pay it,” said Harry.</p> - -<p>The leader nodded.</p> - -<p>“After dark,” he said, shortly.</p> - -<p>It grew dark early in that deep ravine, but it was not -till fully two hours had passed that the gang began to -move.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, they smoked and talked in low voices, -or lay on the ground and snoozed.</p> - -<p>At last the leader stood up and said:</p> - -<p>“Bring ’em along.”</p> - -<p>Patsy had tried at first to see if he could free his hands. -In the darkness he tried again, but it was of no use.</p> - -<p>These fellows had known how to tie a knot, and they -kept the noose around his neck, with a warning that they -wouldn’t mind leaving him there for crows to pick.</p> - -<p>That was only too plain. They cared little for the detective. -It was Snell and Leonard that they were interested -in.</p> - -<p>The gang returned to Helena in pairs mostly.</p> - -<p>Two went beside Patsy, and one each with Snell and -Leonard.</p> - -<p>The rest trailed along—some in advance, some behind.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p> - -<p>When they came to the edge of the town they scattered -over different streets.</p> - -<p>No one meeting any of them would have suspected that -a score of men were coming into the city together.</p> - -<p>Patsy’s guides took the noose from around his neck -then, and cautioned him that if he tried to break away -they would shoot.</p> - -<p>The caution wasn’t necessary, for the detective had no -idea of doing anything except stick to the gang until he -had found out all about the business that had brought -them together.</p> - -<p>They came at length to a house in a quiet street.</p> - -<p>Patsy’s guides took him in there, opening the front -door with a key, and led him to the kitchen.</p> - -<p>The house was dark when they arrived, but it had gas, -and this was lit.</p> - -<p>Curtains were pulled down at the windows, and they -waited in silence.</p> - -<p>Others came in from time to time.</p> - -<p>The last to arrive were Snell and Leonard, and the -men who had been walking with them.</p> - -<p>It was understood that they had been to Bronco Bill’s, -where Snell had hidden the “stuff.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p> - -<p>When all were there, the leader said:</p> - -<p>“Now, ef ye’re ready fer business at last, let’s git at it -without any palaver.”</p> - -<p>“We’re ready,” responded Leonard.</p> - -<p>“Prove it.”</p> - -<p>Leonard glanced at Snell, who slowly drew a wallet -from his pocket, and took from it a number of one-thousand-dollar -bills.</p> - -<p>The eyes of the men in the gang flashed greedily.</p> - -<p>“I’d ruther ’twas gold,” muttered the leader, “but it -looks straight enough.”</p> - -<p>“It’s perfectly straight,” said Snell, closing the wallet.</p> - -<p>“Wal, but what are ye doin’ now? You brought that -stuff to hand over, didn’t ye?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly; when you deliver the goods.”</p> - -<p>It was Snell who responded, and his voice was calm -now.</p> - -<p>He seemed to feel that his victory was won.</p> - -<p>Leonard, on the other hand, looked worried.</p> - -<p>“Guess that’s right enough, then,” remarked the leader. -“We’ve got the goods, an’ we’ll show thet we can meet ye. -Harry——”</p> - -<p>He interrupted himself suddenly, with a glance at Patsy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p> - -<p>“’Twon’t do,” he added, in a decided tone; “not jest -yet. We don’t want no witnesses to this perceedin’. I -don’t perfess to say thet this geezer’s a detective, but dead -men tell no tales. I wisht we’d bored holes in him out -thar in the hills.”</p> - -<p>“Better not do any shootin’ here,” suggested one of the -men.</p> - -<p>“Right; but thar’s a good way, jest as quiet an’ peaceable -as a graveyard. Take him into the basement.”</p> - -<p>“What!” exclaimed Harry, “you wouldn’t do that?”</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t I? In course I would,” replied the leader, -harshly. “You go an’ git the goods, Harry, an’ mind yer -own business. Two or three of ye gag that geezer and -tie his feet. Then take him to the basement. Hear?”</p> - -<p>They heard.</p> - -<p>Patsy saw young Harry’s face pale as he went slowly -from the room.</p> - -<p>Others proceeded promptly to obey the leader.</p> - -<p>“I wonder if my time has really come at last?” thought -the detective.</p> - -<p>He could make no resistance, and tried none.</p> - -<p>It was useless, too, to bluff the men or try to plead with -them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p> - -<p>They stuffed his own handkerchief in his mouth and -tied a cord tightly around his ankles.</p> - -<p>Then they lifted him, while the rest of the gang and -Snell and Leonard looked silently on, and took him from -the room by a door that opened upon a stairway.</p> - -<p>Down the stairs and along a short passage they carried -the helpless detective, and at last laid him upon a cemented -floor.</p> - -<p>Not a ray of light was there.</p> - -<p>The men stumbled in the darkness as if they were not -familiar with the place.</p> - -<p>“Say yer pra’rs, tenderfoot,” remarked one of them, -with a harsh chuckle, as he started away.</p> - -<p>“He’s got nerve,” said another, noticing that no sound -came from their victim’s throat.</p> - -<p>“More likely he’s scared silly,” returned the first.</p> - -<p>One of them was feeling along the wall.</p> - -<p>“Hurry up,” said the other.</p> - -<p>“It’s all right, I’ve found it,” was the reply from a -corner.</p> - -<p>“Full on,” said the first.</p> - -<p>“So ’tis.”</p> - -<p>“Come on, then.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p> - -<p>They went out.</p> - -<p>Patsy heard the door close behind them.</p> - -<p>Then their steps stumbling along the passage and upstairs.</p> - -<p>At last he heard the opening and shutting of a door at -the top.</p> - -<p>The sound of the leader’s rough voice came to him, evidently -asking a question.</p> - -<p>“Is the trick done?” or something of that sort.</p> - -<p>He could imagine the men’s short answer.</p> - -<p>Then probably the gang got down to business again with -Snell and Leonard.</p> - -<p>It would do no good to try to tell what Patsy’s thoughts -and feelings were.</p> - -<p>He had been unlucky enough before to get captured -by men who meant to kill him.</p> - -<p>On other occasions he had worked himself free, or -Nick or Chick had come just in time to rescue him.</p> - -<p>Nick was thousands of miles away.</p> - -<p>Chick wasn’t on this strange case at all.</p> - -<p>The cords upon his hands and legs were very firm.</p> - -<p>And yet the young man felt no despair.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Somehow!” he thought, and he went to rubbing his -back as well as he could against the hard cellar floor.</p> - -<p>He thought he might wear the cords through in time.</p> - -<p>In time—good Heaven! would there be time?</p> - -<p>What was that he smelled?</p> - -<p>An enemy more fearful than the bullets of assassins.</p> - -<p>He understood now what he had been doing when the -man had been feeling along the way.</p> - -<p>The villain had been hunting for the gas jet.</p> - -<p>He had found it and turned the cock “full on!”</p> - -<p>The close cellar was filling rapidly with the poisonous -stuff.</p> - -<p>Patsy’s throat tickled.</p> - -<p>He coughed and partly dislodged his gag, but it was -only to take more gas into his lungs.</p> - -<p>With all his might he wriggled so that the cord might -be cut or worn enough to break.</p> - -<p>He could make no effect on it, so far as he could tell.</p> - -<p>Every strain simply made the cord cut deeper into his -flesh, and he was as helpless as before.</p> - -<p>The poisoned atmosphere choked him.</p> - -<p>He felt his head whirling.</p> - -<p>The whole house seemed to be going around and around.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p> - -<p>In the confusion of his mind he seemed to hear voices -in a loud discussion.</p> - -<p>They ceased—there was no sound—except a fearful -roaring as if he lay at the bottom of Niagara Falls.</p> - -<p>And then, a dreadful feeling that he might as well give -it all up.</p> - -<p>A man had to die some time.</p> - -<p>One time was probably as good as another.</p> - -<p>He had done what Nick told him to as well as he knew -how.</p> - -<p>He hoped that Nick and Chick would somehow get at -this gang.</p> - -<p>Patsy was very tired and sleepy.</p> - -<p>The whirling and the noises ceased. His brain was at -rest.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER VII. -<br /> -<small>THE MYSTERY OF GEORGE SNELL.</small></h2> - - -<p>Nick Carter had said good-by to his bright young assistant -at about half-past ten of an evening.</p> - -<p>He gave little further thought to the case that night, for -he knew that it was in good hands.</p> - -<p>“I shall probably hear from the boy in the morning,” -he thought, as he went to bed.</p> - -<p>No message came from Patsy in the morning, because -the young man had been too much occupied in watching -Snell and Leonard in the Jersey City station to send one.</p> - -<p>But a message came from Dinsmore that gave Nick a -bit of a surprise.</p> - -<p>It was as follows:</p> - -<p>“Important robbery just reported. Don’t know if it is -the one you referred to last night, but it is very important -and mysterious. Wish you would come on.”</p> - -<p>Nick took the next train for the West.</p> - -<p>Dinsmore’s telegram was sent from Manchester, the -capital of Wenonah, and there, of course, the detective -went.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p> - -<p>The journey was without incident, and was made as -rapidly as possible, considering that there are no through -trains between New York and the distant Canadian town.</p> - -<p>Dinsmore met him at the station.</p> - -<p>“I’ve got a telegram for you,” he said, as soon as they -had shaken hands. “It was forwarded from New York, -after you left.”</p> - -<p>Nick opened and read it. It was the one Patsy had -sent from Chicago to say that he was going with Snell to -Helena.</p> - -<p>“All right,” said Nick. “Now, what’s the case?”</p> - -<p>“It was reported by the lieutenant governor,” replied -Dinsmore, “Gov. Bradley being away. His absence makes -the thing very peculiar, and I don’t understand it at all. -How you should know in New York that a robbery had -taken place in Manchester before anybody here suspected -such a thing, is quite a mystery.”</p> - -<p>“I believe,” responded Nick, “that I begin to see how -that happened. But go on. Some State papers have disappeared.”</p> - -<p>“That’s it, and that’s what makes me suppose it the -same affair that you seemed to have in mind when you -telegraphed from New York.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Anything else?”</p> - -<p>“Do you mean anything else stolen? Not that I am -aware of, but the papers are very important. I thought -you ought to come on, as you seemed to know something -of the matter.”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid I don’t, but I’m interested. You say -there’s been no abduction, or kidnaping?”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t say so, but I know of no such case.”</p> - -<p>“Well, tell me all you know about the loss of the -papers.”</p> - -<p>“That’s very little. The lieutenant governor called me -up late on the night you telegraphed me. In fact, I think -it was about two hours after I had sent my answer.</p> - -<p>“‘Dinsmore,’ said he, ‘there’s been a very strange robbery, -or something that looks very much like it. Some -papers that cannot be of value to ordinary thieves, but for -which the government would pay a handsome reward, -have disappeared.’”</p> - -<p>“I asked him when they were taken.</p> - -<p>“‘I’ve no idea,’ he answered. ‘I only discovered the loss -this afternoon.’</p> - -<p>“Then I asked him why he had not called on me sooner.</p> - -<p>“‘Because,’ he replied, ‘we’ve been hunting high and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> -low for the papers. We supposed they must be somewhere -in the government building. But we’ve looked -everywhere. They’re gone, and that’s all there is to it.’”</p> - -<p>“I thought of your telegram, Nick, but said nothing. -After I had asked the usual questions about where the -papers were kept, and so forth, I inquired if he had any -suspicions.</p> - -<p>“The questions seemed to make him uneasy.</p> - -<p>“‘I cannot suspect anybody,’ he replied.</p> - -<p>“I remembered you, Nick, and I said:</p> - -<p>“‘That means that you suspect everybody.’”</p> - -<p>“What did he say to that?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“Huh! he smiled in a queer way, and simply said: -‘Well?’ Of course, I pressed him to be frank with me, -but didn’t succeed at first.</p> - -<p>“Finally, though, he let the cat out of the bag in a kind -of roundabout way.</p> - -<p>“I saw that he actually suspected Gov. Bradley himself.”</p> - -<p>“Well!” exclaimed Nick, “that’s rather interesting.”</p> - -<p>“Yes—and mysterious. I’ll tell you a fact or two without -stopping to say how I squeezed them from the lieutenant -governor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Some six or seven weeks ago a man unknown here -called on Gov. Bradley. We know his name was Leonard -and that he and the governor had been in some sort of -business deal together years before.</p> - -<p>“That much is known, because a part of their conversation -was accidentally overheard.</p> - -<p>“Nobody thought anything of it at the time, of course, -for it all seemed natural and straight enough.</p> - -<p>“The lieutenant governor heard Leonard asking about -some papers of some kind.</p> - -<p>“‘They’re safe,’ Gov. Bradley told him.</p> - -<p>“‘That’s all well enough for you to say,’ Leonard responded, -‘but I’d rather keep them myself. Then I’d -know.’”</p> - -<p>Dinsmore paused.</p> - -<p>“Does anybody know what the governor said to that?” -asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“He was heard to say something to the effect that that -would give Leonard the whip hand.</p> - -<p>“The men were evidently on bad terms, and that is all -that is known of that matter.</p> - -<p>“Now, some time later—it is rather more than three<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> -weeks ago—Gov. Bradley left town. He hasn’t been back -since.”</p> - -<p>“Is there anything strange in that?”</p> - -<p>“Not exactly. He went away openly enough. Told -everybody that he was tired and needed rest. That was -natural. He also told the lieutenant governor secretly -that he was going to travel without letting anybody know -where he was.</p> - -<p>“‘I don’t want to be bothered with letters,’ he said.”</p> - -<p>“That was natural enough, too, wasn’t it?”</p> - -<p>“I suppose so; but just now the lieutenant governor is -putting two and two together, and I can see that he is -suspicious. He hasn’t said so in so many words, you understand, -but that’s what he feels, just the same.”</p> - -<p>“You haven’t told me all, Dinsmore.”</p> - -<p>“Not quite. Governor Bradley told the lieutenant governor -that he would manage to be within reach at all -times, but that his movements and address must be kept -private.</p> - -<p>“‘I will take the name of George Snell,’ said he, ‘and -keep you informed where you may telegraph to me, if anything -of real importance comes up.’</p> - -<p>“So, for some days, the lieutenant governor received a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> -telegram every day, saying: ‘Snell, Auditorium, Chicago,’ -or ‘Snell, Planter’s, St. Louis,’ and so forth.</p> - -<p>“Then there was a break of a few days, after which -came word that ‘Snell’ was at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, -New York.</p> - -<p>“Meantime, nothing had happened that the lieutenant -governor couldn’t attend to alone.</p> - -<p>“Then came the discovery that papers were missing.</p> - -<p>“As soon as it was certain that the papers had disappeared, -the lieutenant governor telegraphed the fact to -‘Snell,’ and told him in the same message that the matter -would be placed in my hands.</p> - -<p>“If the lieutenant governor had thought twice, he would -have called me up before wiring to Bradley, alias Snell, -but he didn’t think quick enough, and since that time not -a word has been heard from ‘Snell.’ And there you are.”</p> - -<p>“I see,” said Nick; “it’s very interesting. When does -the next train go to Helena, Mont.?”</p> - -<p>“To Helena! There’s no direct train to that point, in -any case; but what the mischief do you want to go there -for?”</p> - -<p>“Because that’s where Gov. Bradley is, or where he -went. I think, Dinsmore, that I shall have to hunt for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> -your governor, as well as for the thieves who stole the -papers. I hope I may find the governor alive.”</p> - -<p>“Good gracious! what——”</p> - -<p>“Look up the trains, please. I want to catch the first -that goes.”</p> - -<p>With a wondering face, Dinsmore studied a railway -guide for a few minutes.</p> - -<p>Presently, he looked at his watch.</p> - -<p>“There’s a train in half an hour,” he said, “that will get -you pretty well started, and you can probably make connections -that will take you through so as to reach Helena -in about thirty hours. Will that do?”</p> - -<p>“How can I tell? I must take that train, and I think, -Dinsmore, it would be as well if you should come along, -too.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll do it, gladly.”</p> - -<p>“Anything to do to get ready?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s start for the station, then.”</p> - -<p>They went out, and on the way Nick asked:</p> - -<p>“Dinsmore, do you know anybody in Manchester whose -name is Cecil West?”</p> - -<p>“Slightly,” replied Dinsmore. “Friend of yours?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p> - -<p>“No, I never saw him. What sort of a man is he?”</p> - -<p>“Tiptop, from all I hear. Not rich, you know, but -honest and industrious. First-rate fellow, every way. By -the way, he’s in love with the governor’s daughter, Estelle.”</p> - -<p>“So?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and the old man won’t have him. He’s sent the -girl away, so as to keep them from meeting.”</p> - -<p>“The governor sent his daughter away, did he?”</p> - -<p>“That’s what I hear. She dropped out of sight after a -big party at the governor’s house some five weeks ago, -and it is understood that she was packed off to visit a -distant aunt, or something, in the hope that she would forget -young West.”</p> - -<p>“I wonder if West hears from her?” mused Nick.</p> - -<p>“If he does, he doesn’t say so.”</p> - -<p>“Of course not.”</p> - -<p>Nothing more was said on this subject, and Dinsmore -did not suspect what was in the detective’s mind.</p> - -<p>Nick asked one other question about the case:</p> - -<p>“I understand that nothing has been reported, except a -theft of government papers. Is that right?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Yes, and I have wondered a little, for in your telegram -to me you mentioned jewelry.”</p> - -<p>“I did. I heard some was taken.”</p> - -<p>“Nick,” said Dinsmore, “who gave you the tip about all -this?”</p> - -<p>The detective looked his old friend in the eyes for a -moment, and answered, quietly:</p> - -<p>“Gov. Bradley.”</p> - -<p>“The deuce you say! Why didn’t you jump on the -case?”</p> - -<p>“Because I didn’t know till I arrived in Manchester that -it was the governor who called on me. He said his name -was Snell. I doubted it, but I had no suspicion as to -who he really was. I could see that he was holding -some facts back, and that made me turn him down. That -was where Bradley made a bad mistake.”</p> - -<p>The detective and Dinsmore made good connections, -and arrived in Helena at six o’clock in the evening of -the following day.</p> - -<p>They began at once to trace the men they wanted to find.</p> - -<p>Dinsmore made inquiries for a man answering the description -of Gov. Bradley.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> - -<p>Nick, knowing that Patsy must have come to Helena, -hunted for some trace of him.</p> - -<p>He had the more difficult task, for Patsy, of course, had -been disguised when he arrived in the town, and, as Nick -presumed, he changed his disguise almost daily.</p> - -<p>Calculating from the telegram, Nick reckoned that -Patsy must have reached Helena on a certain day and by -a certain train.</p> - -<p>He asked men employed at the station about the passengers -who arrived on that day.</p> - -<p>From one he got a tip as to a man who might be Patsy -who left his grip at the station and walked away.</p> - -<p>The grip was sent for later, the man said, and was -taken to a street that he named.</p> - -<p>Nick went to that street.</p> - -<p>He walked the length of it twice.</p> - -<p>There was no good hotel on it, but several boarding -houses, and any number of saloons.</p> - -<p>Among others was Bronco Bill’s.</p> - -<p>Nick looked at it each time he passed.</p> - -<p>It was not the first one he entered, but, after dropping -in at two or three other places, he entered Bronco Bill’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> -place just as the proprietor was telling a customer about -a shooting scrap that had taken place there recently.</p> - -<p>“They wanted to make the tenderfoot dance,” said Bill, -grinning, “but durn me ef he didn’t make them dance -and holler afore he got through with them. Such shootin’ -I never did see! I thought ’twould be the last of -Bronco Bill’s house, but the young stranger just brought -them crazy galoots to their senses in no time. Say! he -hit a dime——”</p> - -<p>And Bill went on to tell the whole story.</p> - -<p>“Patsy!” said Nick to himself, as he slowly put down -a glass of beer at the other end of the bar. “I wonder -how long it will take Dinsmore to follow his trail to this -joint?”</p> - -<p>Nick sat down to wait, and had supper meantime.</p> - -<p>Shortly after nine o’clock, Dinsmore came in, looking -sour and hopeless.</p> - -<p>“Ah! there you are,” said he. “I’ve been looking for -you.”</p> - -<p>“Why didn’t you come here, then?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“Because I didn’t expect to find you here. I seemed -to trace a man who looked like the governor to this hole -several times. Plenty said they’d seen such a man hanging<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> -around, but the governor wouldn’t put up in such a place, -not he!”</p> - -<p>“It’s where he put up, just the same,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“Who told you?”</p> - -<p>“I guessed it. My assistant has been here, and he -wouldn’t stay in such a place, either, unless there was -business in it. The business that brought Patsy here -was——”</p> - -<p>Nick did not finish.</p> - -<p>Instead, he caught up a newspaper and held it in front -of Dinsmore.</p> - -<p>“Read it!” he whispered, “and don’t show your face!”</p> - -<p>Four men were coming in from the street.</p> - -<p>One of them was the man whom Nick had known as -George Snell.</p> - -<p>As the detective was now disguised, he did not hesitate -to show his face.</p> - -<p>It looked, however, as if his disguise would have been -unnecessary, for Snell walked quickly across the room -and out by a door at the back.</p> - -<p>One of the four went with him.</p> - -<p>The other two stepped up to the bar and called for -drinks.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> - -<p>Snell came back in a short time with the man who had -gone out with him.</p> - -<p>“Have something?” asked a man at the bar.</p> - -<p>“No,” replied Snell; “let’s be going.”</p> - -<p>The four then went out at once.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!” whispered Dinsmore, “that was Gov. -Bradley’s voice!”</p> - -<p>“Of course it was,” replied Nick. “Come on.”</p> - -<p>They kept on the track of the four men, and followed -them to a house in a quiet street.</p> - -<p>There was a light in the kitchen windows.</p> - -<p>“Crooked work here,” whispered Dinsmore.</p> - -<p>“Sure!” replied Nick. “We must get a line on it, if -possible.”</p> - -<p>They had not gone very near the house, presuming that -there might be men on guard who would give warning -to the others.</p> - -<p>It seemed best to try to get at the kitchen windows from -behind, and, accordingly, they went around to another -street, through a yard, and over a fence.</p> - -<p>This took some time, but the lights were still there, and -all was quiet within.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> - -<p>Although the curtains were down, they managed to get -a glimpse inside through a small hole.</p> - -<p>It was just enough to show a good many tough-looking -men around a table, with Snell in the middle.</p> - -<p>He was counting out a big roll of bills.</p> - -<p>“Buying back the papers,” whispered Nick, “and paying -the ransom for his daughter.”</p> - -<p>“What! you don’t mean——”</p> - -<p>“Miss Bradley was kidnaped. That’s what I mean. -Ah! if the governor had had the sense to tell me the whole -truth!”</p> - -<p>Nick was thinking.</p> - -<p>“There are a good many of them,” whispered Dinsmore; -“shall we go to headquarters for a squad of -police?”</p> - -<p>“No. They’ll be through in a minute. We must make -a bluff, and they’ll think they’re surrounded. You go to -the front door, and I’ll tackle them here.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER VIII. -<br /> -<small>THE RANSOM.</small></h2> - - -<p>Harry had brought down what the leader of the gang -called “the goods.”</p> - -<p>This was a parcel of papers done up in red tape.</p> - -<p>It was laid on the kitchen table, and Snell began to -count out the money that he had shown a few minutes before.</p> - -<p>“I have forty thousand dollars here,” he remarked.</p> - -<p>“Ought to be twice that!” growled the leader.</p> - -<p>“That was the price agreed on with Leonard, wasn’t it?”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead.”</p> - -<p>“You haven’t produced the goods.”</p> - -<p>Snell, or, rather, Gov. Bradley, stopped counting out the -money, and looked straight at the leader.</p> - -<p>“Plank down the money!” ordered the leader, harshly.</p> - -<p>Just then there was a furious knocking at both the back -and front doors.</p> - -<p>Loud voices—there seemed to be a dozen of them—were -crying:</p> - -<p>“Surrender, in the name of the law!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p> - -<p>“We’re done!” gasped the leader, starting up, and lifting -his revolver, “and by thunder! I know who done it! -You, Harry, you sneak, with your argument——”</p> - -<p>“I haven’t given you away, Hamilton,” cried Harry, -“I swear——”</p> - -<p>He got no further, for Hamilton, the leader, fired.</p> - -<p>Harry groaned and staggered to the cellar door.</p> - -<p>He grasped the handle to keep from falling.</p> - -<p>It turned, the door opened, and he plunged headlong -down the stairs.</p> - -<p>All the other men were starting up in great confusion.</p> - -<p>“Kill the governor!” they cried.</p> - -<p>“No!” shouted Hamilton; “there’ll be more in him than -in anything else. Take him with us.”</p> - -<p>Then he added, in a lower tone:</p> - -<p>“Side door, boys. Nobody seems to be there. They’ve -forgotten the side door!”</p> - -<p>He seized the governor as he spoke, and pushed him -from the room.</p> - -<p>Others helped, and both the governor and Leonard were -hustled out.</p> - -<p>All the things on the table—money and papers—were -swept off by somebody.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p> - -<p>A door crashed in, and next instant Nick Carter leaped -into the room.</p> - -<p>He was greeted by a pistol shot from one of the ruffians.</p> - -<p>It missed him.</p> - -<p>Many voices were heard, calling, ordering, cursing.</p> - -<p>Dinsmore rushed in from the front.</p> - -<p>“Heaven!” he gasped, “the governor’s voice. He’s calling -for help. After him, Nick, and rescue him.”</p> - -<p>Together they made for the side door.</p> - -<p>They overtook some of the gang there and Nick laid -them flat with giant blows from his fists.</p> - -<p>Then they went on.</p> - -<p>Over a fence at a little distance a number of men were -seen climbing.</p> - -<p>A pistol shot from Nick dropped one.</p> - -<p>The rest ran on.</p> - -<p>Nick and Dinsmore dashed off in pursuit, their one -hope being to rescue the governor, who had foolishly tried -to do his own detective work.</p> - -<p class="asterism">* * * * *</p> - -<p>Patsy felt as if a fearfully heavy blanket lay upon him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p> - -<p>Slowly, for he was less than half-awake, he put up his -hands to brush the blanket away.</p> - -<p>It was too heavy, and he wondered.</p> - -<p>Then he opened his eyes.</p> - -<p>It was rather a dark place, and rough, unfinished ceiling -overhead.</p> - -<p>He saw that first, naturally, for he was lying on his -back.</p> - -<p>“By Jumbo!” he muttered, beginning to remember, “I -thought I was dead.”</p> - -<p>He looked down, raising his head a little, and saw with -horror that what he thought was a heavy blanket was the -body of a young man.</p> - -<p>There was an open knife in the young man’s hand.</p> - -<p>“It’s the fellow they called Harry!” said Patsy to himself, -sitting up now and carefully lifting the body away. -“What the mischief does it all mean?”</p> - -<p>His memory was returning fast.</p> - -<p>He recalled now how he had been carried down to this -cellar to be suffocated with gas.</p> - -<p>That was early last night.</p> - -<p>It was now day, as he could tell from the light at one -dusty window.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p> - -<p>Besides, the cellar door was open, the one opening into -the passage through which he had been taken.</p> - -<p>His hands had been bound so hard that he could not -loose them, and now they were free!</p> - -<p>“How did that hap——”</p> - -<p>He looked at the cord that had been around his wrists.</p> - -<p>It was cut through.</p> - -<p>Nothing could be clearer than that smooth mark of a -sharp knife.</p> - -<p>The detective looked at the knife in Harry’s dead hand.</p> - -<p>“That’s it!” he said, softly. “The poor fellow tried to -save me, and he came pretty near doing it.”</p> - -<p>He tried to take the knife from Harry’s hand, but the -stiffened fingers held it tight.</p> - -<p>His own knife was in his pocket, and with that he cut -the cord around his ankles.</p> - -<p>Then he got up.</p> - -<p>His head still swam, and he was weak, but his strength -came back rapidly.</p> - -<p>Going to the wall, he found the gas jet.</p> - -<p>The cock had been turned square off.</p> - -<p>“Harry did it,” he whispered. “Poor fellow! I remember -how he couldn’t stand the idea of my being murdered.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> -His coming in and leaving the door open, ventilated -the place, and so I didn’t die of suffocation. Poor -chap! he meant well. I wonder how he came to be shot?”</p> - -<p>Shot he was, as the detective could see from the wound -in the young man’s breast.</p> - -<p>Patsy stood still for a full minute.</p> - -<p>“Hang me!” he exclaimed, “if it doesn’t seem as wonderful -as if I was dead!”</p> - -<p>He felt for his revolver.</p> - -<p>One had been taken away from him, but he had the -other, and, with this in his hand, he went upstairs.</p> - -<p>The house was very still.</p> - -<p>In the kitchen he found overturned chairs and other -signs of disorder.</p> - -<p>“There was a ruction of some kind,” he concluded.</p> - -<p>He wasn’t sure just what he ought to do, and decided -that before he tried to form a plan he would explore the -house.</p> - -<p>Nothing attracted his attention in the rooms of the -ground floor, and it was the same on the next floor.</p> - -<p>They were ordinary rooms, furnished cheaply.</p> - -<p>The detective looked into bureau drawers, not because<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> -he was expecting to find anything, but to see if there was -any evidence that the house was regularly occupied.</p> - -<p>There was none. All the drawers were empty.</p> - -<p>Opening a door, he found himself at the foot of the -stairs to the attic.</p> - -<p>“Might as well take it all in,” he thought, and he -started up.</p> - -<p>The third step was loose, and came up when he put his -foot on it.</p> - -<p>At once he pulled the board away.</p> - -<p>He saw something that made his eyes bulge.</p> - -<p>A box had been made beneath the step, and, lying in it, -were two packets of papers done up in red ribbon, and a -great quantity of money in big bills.</p> - -<p>He took out and counted twenty one-thousand-dollar -bills, and twenty thousand more dollars in bills of five and -one hundred.</p> - -<p>“Whew!” he whistled, sitting down and looking at his -find.</p> - -<p>A sound startled him.</p> - -<p>It came from above.</p> - -<p>A faint, weak voice—a woman’s, apparently.</p> - -<p>It seemed to be calling for help.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p> - -<p>Patsy stuffed the money in his pockets, and bounded up -the attic stairs.</p> - -<p>Under the unfinished loft on a couch of blankets he saw -a young woman lying.</p> - -<p>She was tied to the place so that she could turn over only -with difficulty.</p> - -<p>“Good gracious!” he cried, “who are you? What does -this mean? Have you been hurt?”</p> - -<p>“No,” she answered, weakly, “but I am so weak and -hungry. They haven’t given me anything to eat or -drink for more than a day. I suppose they have forgotten -me. I am Estelle Bradley, sir. If you would only get -word to my father! He is the Governor of Wenonah, and -I know he would reward you!”</p> - -<p>“Don’t try to talk, Miss Bradley,” interrupted Patsy.</p> - -<p>He was stooping to cut the cords that bound her to the -floor.</p> - -<p>When this was done, he helped her to her feet and then -downstairs. On the way, he took the papers he had seen -in the box, and put them in his pockets.</p> - -<p>She told him, when he explained that he was a detective, -how she had been deceived by a message that was -supposed to be sent by her lover, Cecil West.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It was handed to me during a party at my father’s -house,” she said, “and it told me that Cecil was lying -dangerously wounded not far away. I went at once to see -him, and was seized by rough men, who brought me here -and have kept me ever since.”</p> - -<p>Patsy took her to a hotel, where they had breakfast.</p> - -<p>Then, knowing nothing of Nick’s journey to the West, -he arranged for taking her home.</p> - -<p>They started on a train that left Helena just as Nick -and Dinsmore returned after a successful chase of the -ruffians.</p> - -<p>It had taken them most of the night, but they had rescued -the governor and caught three of the gang, though -Hamilton, the leader, had escaped.</p> - -<p>Leonard had been shot through the heart by the leader -when it came to the last fight out in the hills miles beyond -Helena.</p> - -<p>The governor confessed bitterly that he and Leonard -had been engaged in a business that could not be called -quite square years before.</p> - -<p>“For my reputation,” said the governor, “I had to keep -certain papers, and Leonard wanted them, fearing that I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> -would give them up some time, and so ruin him. We -feared each other.</p> - -<p>“So he hired a band of ruffians to steal the papers. They -not only stole mine, but, without knowing it, a number of -government documents, also. Then, to make a complete -job of it, they kidnaped my daughter.</p> - -<p>“I dared not trust my secrets to the police, or to you, -Mr. Carter. When Leonard found that the ruffians would -not give up the papers without an immense ransom, that -he was unable to pay, he told me what he had done. It -was for the interest of both of us to keep the matter dark, -and he thought he could drive a bargain with the thieves.</p> - -<p>“So I got together all the cash I could and we tried it.</p> - -<p>“We went from city to city, but whether Leonard saw -the leader anywhere, I do not know. At last, I told him -I should give the matter to Nick Carter.</p> - -<p>“Leonard threatened to kill me if I did so. He nearly -succeeded, as, perhaps, you know. At last, he said we -should find that gang in Helena, and that by this time -they would be willing to come to my terms—forty thousand -dollars—their first bid having been for a hundred -thousand.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></p> - -<p>“We came to Helena, Leonard taking a different route -from Chicago, in order to give the word to the gang, who, -he said, were mostly at the North.</p> - -<p>“I came here and went, as he told me, to a low saloon, -where I stayed till he came, and the rest you know.”</p> - -<p>“Not quite all,” said Nick; “wasn’t there a man on your -track all this time?”</p> - -<p>“Not that I know of, though yesterday a stranger was -found spying on us. The gang killed him.”</p> - -<p>“How? When? Where?” demanded Nick, anxiously.</p> - -<p>Gov. Bradley told him about the way the stranger was -put down the cellar.</p> - -<p>“And I was there,” thought Nick, with deep sorrow, -“perhaps in time to save him! I wish I had let the governor -go.”</p> - -<p>They went to the house, and found it deserted by all, -save the dead Harry.</p> - -<p>What Nick saw, though, the open knife, the cut cords, -convinced him that Patsy had made his escape.</p> - -<p>But the case did not seem to be finished, for the valuable -papers and the governor’s daughter were still missing, to -say nothing of the great ransom that had been paid down.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p> - -<p>So Nick went with the governor to Manchester, and -there found Patsy, Miss Estelle, and all that the governor -had been looking for.</p> - -<p>It is supposed that one of the gang hid the papers and -the money in the box under the stairs during the confusion -of the attempt to escape.</p> - -<p>“It was a clever move,” said Nick, discussing it; “for -the rascal must have known that some, if not all the gang, -would be captured, and it would be foolish to have the -stuff captured with them. So he took the chance of hiding -it, meaning to go back some time, next day, probably, and -get it.”</p> - -<p>Gov. Bradley offered to pay Nick and Patsy for their -services.</p> - -<p>“I don’t think we want any pay,” replied Nick. “We’ve -had a good time out of it, and we weren’t engaged on the -matter at all. But I’d like to ask two favors.”</p> - -<p>“They shall be granted,” said the governor.</p> - -<p>“First, then, when you have detective work to do in the -future, don’t try to do it yourself.”</p> - -<p>“That’s easy,” laughed the governor; “you may be sure -I shan’t try that sort of thing again.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> - -<p>“The second,” said Nick, “is that you consent to the -marriage of your daughter and Cecil West. He’s a fine -young man——”</p> - -<p>“I yield,” interrupted Gov. Bradley. “I will send for -West at once.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER IX. -<br /> -<small>A CALL TO COLORADO.</small></h2> - - -<p>“Patsy, here’s a letter from a friend of mine in Colorado -who asks me to go around that way and look at -some mining property he’s got.”</p> - -<p>“Just the thing,” said Patsy. “I’m pretty sick of British -America, and I guess Colorado is about as good a way -as any other to get back to old New York. I don’t suppose -we’ll ever strike that gang of villains again.”</p> - -<p>“You think not?” queried Nick. “I’m not usually disposed -to plume myself on any prophetic gifts, but something -tells me that before we sight the Brooklyn Bridge -again we’ll have some of the members of that gang to deal -with once more. In the meantime, however, we’ll accept -this invitation to Colorado.”</p> - -<p>It is not necessary to dwell on the trip; suffice it to say -that Nick finished the examination of the mines and prepared -to resume his return journey.</p> - -<p>While on the train he received a telegram that disarranged -his plans and gave him the first inkling that his -prophetic vision was to materialize.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p> - -<p>The telegram was from a man named Folsom, whom -Nick had met while examining his friend’s mining property. -It intimated that a tragic occurrence was disturbing -the people of Mason Creek, and that the services of -Nick Carter would be appreciated in clearing up the mystery.</p> - -<p>Nick decided to reply in person to the telegram, and -started immediately for Denver.</p> - -<p>It is necessary to go back a little to understand why -Folsom had telegraphed for Nick.</p> - -<p>A day or two before, two men had met on a rocky -plateau, some three miles from the village of Mason Creek, -in Colorado, and a little farther from Denver, near which -city the overland express was bearing Nick Carter and his -assistant eastward.</p> - -<p>One of the men was a farmer, the other a clergyman.</p> - -<p>The farmer was vociferating wildly, while the clergyman -strove to pacify him.</p> - -<p>“It ain’t right! it’s swindling, and you can’t make it anything -else!” declared the farmer.</p> - -<p>The clergyman raised his hand, and there was a look of -pain on his pale face.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I wish you wouldn’t swear,” he said, gently. “Be calm, -and tell me just what you mean.”</p> - -<p>The farmer looked ashamed of himself, and probably -would have answered in a quiet way if another man who -was standing near had not put in:</p> - -<p>“Don’t pay any attention to him, Mr. Judson. Let him -rave. If he’s such a fool that he can’t make money, it’s -not your fault, and he has no business to complain to you.”</p> - -<p>“But,” said Mr. Judson, “he makes a serious -charge——”</p> - -<p>The farmer did not hear this, for he was angry almost -beyond his control, “mad clean through,” as the saying is -in that part of Colorado.</p> - -<p>He did not hear, because he broke in violently:</p> - -<p>“I’ve been swindled, robbed, do you hear? and you’re -just as much to blame as if you’d been the only one in the -scheme. You wear the clothes of a preacher, but, by -thunder! you’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and you deserve -to be shot on the spot. If you want to keep that pious -skin of yours whole, you’d better not come around Hank -Low’s way.”</p> - -<p>“But, Mr. Low, listen to me,” the clergyman begged.</p> - -<p>“Not a word, you black-coated villain! When I think<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> -of the way my wife and children have been cheated by a -sneak-thief of a minister, it puts murder in my heart, it -does! I won’t talk to you, for fear I’ll forgit and take the -law into my own hands. Geddap, Jenny.”</p> - -<p>The farmer’s old mare responded to the command and a -lash of the whip and jogged away, dragging the rickety -old wagon in which sat the angry Hank Low alone.</p> - -<p>The clergyman turned, with a sigh, to his companion.</p> - -<p>“I’m afraid, Mr. Claymore,” he said, “that all is not as it -should be in this matter.”</p> - -<p>“Pooh!” returned Claymore, easily; “you mustn’t mind -the howling of such a wild man. He doesn’t know what -he’s talking about. He won’t hurt you.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! that isn’t what I fear. I don’t like to hear a man -talk like that, because it shows that he believes he has -been wronged. There might be some truth in it. If so, -I should be the first to make it right.”</p> - -<p>“But there isn’t anything wrong. It was all a plain matter -of business. Hank Low had a lot of land that he -couldn’t do anything with. We asked him his price for -it, we had a dicker with him, and he sold. What could be -simpler, or fairer, than that?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p> - -<p>Instead of answering, the clergyman looked over the -ground where they were standing.</p> - -<p>It was a level, but rocky, spot between high hills.</p> - -<p>No house was in sight, but half a mile farther up the -valley was Hank Low’s cabin.</p> - -<p>This spot where they stood had been part of Hank -Low’s farm.</p> - -<p>He had had a hard struggle trying to make a living out -of his land, and had not succeeded very well.</p> - -<p>There was a heavy mortgage to be lifted, besides.</p> - -<p>One day a couple of men came to Mason Creek and -spent a good deal of time tramping about the country.</p> - -<p>One of them was William Claymore.</p> - -<p>After a few days of tramping about, Claymore offered -to buy the most useless part of Hank Low’s farm.</p> - -<p>He mentioned the name of Rev. Elijah Judson as a -man who was interested with him in some kind of a plan.</p> - -<p>Nothing very definite was said about it, but Low understood -that the clergyman meant to put up a private school -for young ladies, and wanted the land for that purpose.</p> - -<p>A deal was made by which Low was able to pay off his -mortgage, but nothing more.</p> - -<p>He would have been content with that if he had not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> -discovered, when it was too late, that the parties who -bought his land had no idea of putting up a school or anything -of that sort.</p> - -<p>It was at the time when the fact was just becoming -known that oil could be found in great quantities in the far -Western lands.</p> - -<p>Claymore and his companion, by making secret tests of -the soil, had come to the conclusion that this worthless end -of Hank Low’s farm was the best place in the State for -oil wells.</p> - -<p>So they bought several acres for next to nothing.</p> - -<p>It might be supposed that their next step would be to -sink wells and build a refinery, or a pipe line.</p> - -<p>But such things cost money, and neither Claymore nor -his partner had any left to speak of.</p> - -<p>They had to raise it, and in this task they had the assistance -of the Rev. Elijah Judson.</p> - -<p>The clergyman had not been in Colorado when Hank -Low’s land was bought.</p> - -<p>In fact, he did not half understand the scheme.</p> - -<p>He had not been a success as a preacher, but he had a -little money, some two or three thousand dollars, and Claymore<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> -had persuaded him that with it he could make his -fortune in oil.</p> - -<p>There was nothing dishonest in discovering oil and digging -for it.</p> - -<p>If there had been, the clergyman would not have touched -the scheme.</p> - -<p>Supposing that it was all right, he had put in his money, -and had been made the president of the company.</p> - -<p>His name was printed in large type on the letters sent -out by Claymore.</p> - -<p>These letters were sent to people in the far East, who -had been members of the Rev. Mr. Judson’s church.</p> - -<p>They were sent to other places where his name was -known, and they told all about the wonderful discovery -of oil.</p> - -<p>Friends of the clergyman were to be allowed to invest -in the company, if they wanted a sure thing.</p> - -<p>The letters did not state that money was needed for -digging the wells or building a refinery.</p> - -<p>Oh, no! Persons who received the letters were given to -understand that this was their chance to get rich quickly.</p> - -<p>And the Rev. Elijah Judson’s name as president of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> -oil company was enough to make everybody sure that it -was all right.</p> - -<p>For, of course, the clergyman would not go into any -business that was not perfectly straight and sure.</p> - -<p>That was quite the case—at least, the clergyman -thought it was. He meant well, and he really believed that -the company was square, and that there would be great -profits in the business.</p> - -<p>There were many answers to the letters, and money -came in rapidly. Not many persons invested large -amounts, but the sum total was considerable.</p> - -<p>All this operation of raising money for the work took -several months.</p> - -<p>At last the clergyman went to Colorado to look over the -plant and do his share of the work.</p> - -<p>He was surprised to find that there wasn’t any plant.</p> - -<p>There was the land that had been bought; on it were a -few small mounds of loose dirt to show where borings had -been made; and in Denver there was an office of the company.</p> - -<p>Nothing more.</p> - -<p>Claymore explained that it took time to get the machinery<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> -for sinking the wells, and Mr. Judson was satisfied.</p> - -<p>They went out to the land, and there happened to meet -Hank Low, as he was driving to the city with a small -load of farm stuff for the market.</p> - -<p>By that time, of course, Low had learned just why his -land had been bought.</p> - -<p>The farmer honestly believed that he had been swindled, -because nobody had told him that the land he was selling -was very valuable.</p> - -<p>“They might have let me in on the deal,” he grumbled. -“The land was mine. S’pose it had been gold they found. -Wouldn’t it be swindling to make me sell it dirt cheap just -because I didn’t know what ’twas worth?”</p> - -<p>His neighbors told him he mustn’t expect any better -treatment in a business deal.</p> - -<p>“But,” he argued, “they sprung the preacher on me, -made me believe there was to be a school there. Ain’t -that false pretenses? You bet, ’tis!—an’ ef ever I git my -hands on that preacher, I’ll make him suffer!”</p> - -<p>He hadn’t had his hands on the Rev. Elijah Judson, but -he had made him suffer, just the same.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I hate to be called a swindler,” sighed the clergyman, -as he stood there with Claymore.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Judson,” responded Claymore, “business is business, -and the man who gets left in a trade is always sore. -That’s all there is to it, and you mustn’t think anything -more about it.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said Mr. Judson, “I’ll try to think it’s all right, -but if I should find that any wrong has been done, I shall -insist on making things right with Low.”</p> - -<p>There was a sneering expression on Claymore’s face, but -he said nothing, and they returned to the city.</p> - -<p>Mr. Judson found new trouble there. He met one of -his old church members on the street and shook hands with -him.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t know you were in this part of the country, -Mr. Folsom,” said the clergyman.</p> - -<p>“I suppose not,” snapped Mr. Folsom, in reply, -“and I presume you’d have liked it better if I had stayed -away.”</p> - -<p>“Why! what do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“I came out here to look into the oil company I put my -money in. That’s what I mean.”</p> - -<p>“Well——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> - -<p>“There isn’t any well. There ought to be several, but -there isn’t one, and, what’s more, there won’t be any, and -what’s more yet, you know it.”</p> - -<p>“Why! Brother Folsom——”</p> - -<p>“Don’t brother me! You’ve lent your name to a swindle, -and you ought to be ashamed of yourself. I can stand -my loss, and it will teach me not to trust a minister again, -but there are others, widows and orphans, who have put -their all into your infernal scheme, and they can’t stand it. -You’ve made them beggars just to fatten yourself.”</p> - -<p>The clergyman grew ghastly pale as he listened, and -even Claymore, who was still with him, looked troubled.</p> - -<p>“This is dreadful!” gasped Mr. Judson. “I’d die if I -believed it to be half true!”</p> - -<p>“Then you’d better die,” retorted Folsom. “That’s all -I’ve got to say. I’ve looked at that wonderful land the -company bought, and there isn’t enough oil in it to fill a -lamp. Not a dollar that’s been put into it will ever be got -out again. But you’ll be fairly well off with the money -you’ve got from the widows and orphans—if you don’t get -into jail for swindling.”</p> - -<p>With this Mr. Folsom strode away.</p> - -<p>“What does it mean?” asked Mr. Judson.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Sore head, that’s all,” responded Claymore. “He -doesn’t know what he’s talking about——”</p> - -<p>“But he seems to. Mr. Claymore, if I find that there -has been any dishonest work in this business I shall expose -it all, understand that. I shall die of the shame of it, -but I will not commit suicide until I have seen that the -really guilty parties are punished.”</p> - -<p>“Come, Mr. Judson, don’t talk of suicide. That’s foolish. -You’re not used to business, that’s all.”</p> - -<p>“It is not all—ah! there’s Mr. Low’s wagon in front of -that store. I am going to speak to him.”</p> - -<p>Claymore objected, but the minister was stubborn, and -they went into the store.</p> - -<p>Low was there, and the clergyman asked him to call at -the hotel to talk over matters.</p> - -<p>“I want to know all the facts,” said Mr. Judson.</p> - -<p>“Wal,” answered Low, slowly, “I’ve got some business -to attend to, but ef ye’re in at half-past three I’ll be thar.”</p> - -<p>“I shall look for you at that hour.”</p> - -<p>It was then about noon, and while they were at dinner -Claymore tried to make the clergyman think that the business -was all straight, but evidently he did not succeed.</p> - -<p>“I shall go to my room and think quietly till Low<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> -comes,” said Mr. Judson when they got up from the -table, “and I repeat that if all does not seem to be honest -and aboveboard I shall take measures to right the wrongs -that have been done.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead, then,” grumbled Claymore. “I shall be at -the office if you want any information.”</p> - -<p>They parted, and did not meet again.</p> - -<p>Half-past three came, and, prompt to the minute, Hank -Low drove to the hotel entrance and went in.</p> - -<p>Mr. Judson’s room was on the fourth floor, the clerk -told him, and called a boy to show the visitor up.</p> - -<p>“Never mind,” said Low, “I’ve been here before, and I -know the way.”</p> - -<p>He therefore went up alone.</p> - -<p>Within five minutes he came down the stairs again, an -angry look upon his face.</p> - -<p>He said nothing to anybody, but hastened to his wagon, -got in, said, “Geddap, Jenny,” and drove away as rapidly -as the old nag could take him.</p> - -<p>As nearly as anybody could make out, it was just previous -to Low’s departure that two or three persons on a -street that ran along one side of the hotel were fearfully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> -startled by the sight of a man falling from an upper story -window.</p> - -<p>He struck head first on the sidewalk, and was instantly -killed.</p> - -<p>Men were at his side before his heart stopped beating, -but no word came from the unfortunate man’s lips.</p> - -<p>He was unknown to those who saw his end, but they -knew from the cut of his clothes that he was a clergyman.</p> - -<p>Information was taken to the hotel office at once, and -the clerk went out.</p> - -<p>He immediately identified the body as that of a guest -of the house, the Rev. Elijah Judson.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER X. -<br /> -<small>WAITING FOR NICK CARTER.</small></h2> - - -<p>In the first horror of this discovery nobody thought of -murder.</p> - -<p>It was taken for granted that the unfortunate clergyman -had been leaning from his window, and lost his -balance.</p> - -<p>It was not long, however, before men began to look -at the thing in another way.</p> - -<p>The minister’s body was left on the walk under guard -of policemen until an undertaker came to take it away.</p> - -<p>Up to that time no friend of the dead man had appeared.</p> - -<p>The clerk had been so shocked that he could not remember -whom he had seen with Mr. Judson.</p> - -<p>So the hotel manager had engaged the undertaker.</p> - -<p>At last the clerk recalled that Judson had been with -Claymore early in the morning, and that the two had dined -together in the hotel restaurant at noon.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, a messenger was sent to the oil company’s -office to inform Claymore of what had happened.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was while the messenger was gone on this errand -that a man went into the hotel, and laid his card on the -clerk’s desk.</p> - -<p>“Send it up to Mr. Judson, please,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Judson!” gasped the clerk, looking first at the man -and then at his card.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied the caller, “Rev. Elijah Judson. He’s -stopping here, isn’t he?”</p> - -<p>“Yes—that is, he was, Mr.——” The clerk looked at -the card. “Mr. Folsom,” he added, “but he’s—he’s -gone.”</p> - -<p>“Gone! when?”</p> - -<p>“A short time ago—ah! you see, Mr. Folsom, he’s -dead!”</p> - -<p>“Dead!” cried Folsom, “dead! Mr. Judson dead?”</p> - -<p>“Instantly killed, sir.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Folsom echoed these words as if he were in a -dream.</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” he whispered then; “how did -it happen?”</p> - -<p>“Nobody knows, sir,” replied the clerk, “except that he -pitched headforemost out of his window. He struck the -sidewalk; was just outside there——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p> - -<p>The clerk’s explanation was not heard by Mr. Folsom.</p> - -<p>“Great Heavens!” he gasped, pressing his hand to his -brow; “he took me in earnest and committed suicide.”</p> - -<p>“Suicide!”</p> - -<p>It was the clerk who repeated the word, but he had -not time to say more when Claymore rushed breathlessly -up.</p> - -<p>He had caught the last of Folsom’s remark.</p> - -<p>“What’s that you say of suicide?” he demanded, excitedly.</p> - -<p>Folsom looked at him, blankly.</p> - -<p>“I said,” he answered, slowly, “that my old friend had -committed suicide, and I fear it was some hasty, angry -words of mine that drove him to it.”</p> - -<p>Claymore looked sharply at the speaker.</p> - -<p>He remembered him.</p> - -<p>That conversation on the street was not easy to forget, -though Claymore had taken no part in it.</p> - -<p>Evidently, Folsom did not remember that he had ever -seen Claymore before.</p> - -<p>He had spoken to the clergyman without noticing that -a stranger stood near.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I think you’re wrong,” said Claymore, still looking -straight at Folsom.</p> - -<p>“I wish I could think so,” responded Folsom, sadly; -“but I spoke to Judson very harshly. I thought I had -reason to be angry, and I guess I had, but I should not -have spoken in that way. I came here just now to beg his -pardon. He said at the time he should die, and I told him -he’d better. Great Heaven! to think that I should have -hounded him to his death!”</p> - -<p>Mr. Folsom was terribly distressed.</p> - -<p>The crowd that had gathered at the clerk’s desk listened -breathlessly.</p> - -<p>“You may be entirely right,” said Claymore, quietly, -“but I think not. I heard the conversation you refer to.”</p> - -<p>“You heard it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I was with Mr. Judson at the time.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! I didn’t see you. Then you heard his words?”</p> - -<p>“I did, and, as I say, you may be right, but I think differently.”</p> - -<p>“How can you?” asked Mr. Folsom, eagerly; “if there’s -a ray of hope for a different explanation, in the name of -Heaven speak up, man!”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Judson had a bitter enemy,” said Claymore.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p> - -<p>“An enemy? Do you know this?”</p> - -<p>“I heard a man threaten to kill him this morning.”</p> - -<p>For an instant Mr. Folsom was too astonished to -speak.</p> - -<p>He stood with his mouth open, staring at Claymore.</p> - -<p>Then he brought his fist down on the clerk’s desk with -a bang, and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Then, I’ll be responsible for tracking that enemy to -the ends of the earth, if necessary. I’ll telegraph for Nick -Carter to come. He’s in this part of the country, and I -can get him here by evening, if not sooner.”</p> - -<p>There was a murmur from the crowd.</p> - -<p>Everybody, unless it was Claymore, seemed to think -that this would be the best possible plan.</p> - -<p>After a moment, he asked:</p> - -<p>“Is Nick Carter a friend of yours?”</p> - -<p>“I met him not long ago,” replied Folsom. “He’ll -come; I know he’ll come if he’s not too far away. I can’t -rest as long as there’s any shadow of doubt that I worried -poor Judson to his death.”</p> - -<p>“The local police on such a plain case,” began Claymore, -but Folsom interrupted:</p> - -<p>“I said I’d take the responsibility, and I will. Let the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> -local police do all they can. It won’t do any harm to have -Nick Carter also on the spot. I’ll wire him at once.”</p> - -<p>He reached for a pad of telegraph blanks, and wrote -a dispatch, which he gave to the clerk with a request -that it be sent to the office in a hurry.</p> - -<p>A bell boy went off with it on the run.</p> - -<p>Then Folsom turned again to Claymore.</p> - -<p>“Who is this enemy of Judson’s you speak of?” he -asked.</p> - -<p>A man who had been quietly listening to the conversation -touched Claymore on the shoulder.</p> - -<p>“Don’t answer that question just yet,” he said.</p> - -<p>At the same time he pulled aside the lapel of his coat.</p> - -<p>Claymore and Folsom both saw a badge pinned to his -vest.</p> - -<p>“Come into the office a minute, both of you,” added -the stranger.</p> - -<p>The two men followed him into the hotel manager’s -private room, and the door was closed.</p> - -<p>“My name is Kerr,” the stranger said then. “I am a -detective, and belong to the regular force here. I shall -be very proud to work with Nick Carter on this case if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> -he comes, but it is my duty to get ahead on it, and clear it -up before he arrives, if possible.”</p> - -<p>“Of course,” responded Claymore.</p> - -<p>Folsom nodded.</p> - -<p>“Now,” said Detective Kerr, “you may answer this -gentleman’s question. Who is the enemy you refer to?”</p> - -<p>“You mean the man I heard threaten Mr. Judson’s -life?” asked Claymore, cautiously.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“It was a farmer named Hank Low. He lives out beyond -Mason Creek a few miles.”</p> - -<p>Kerr made a note of the name.</p> - -<p>“What led to the threat?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“The men had high words about a business transaction, -in which Low thought he’d been badly used. As a matter -of fact, Low was treated with perfect fairness.”</p> - -<p>“But he was hot about it, eh?”</p> - -<p>“I should say so!”</p> - -<p>“Out there.”</p> - -<p>“Near Mason Creek?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; on the oil company’s land.”</p> - -<p>“Well, do you mean to say that this Hank Low followed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> -Mr. Judson to the city for the purpose of murdering -him?”</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t mean to say anything of the kind.”</p> - -<p>“Then I don’t see how we can suspect Low. Mason -Creek is some miles away——”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but Low was on his way to the city when we saw -him.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! that’s different. Now perhaps we are getting -down to business. The first question is, did anybody see -him in town?”</p> - -<p>“I saw his wagon in front of the store,” said Claymore, -hesitatingly.</p> - -<p>“Why do you hesitate?” demanded the detective -sharply.</p> - -<p>“Well, just begin to feel that it’s a pretty serious thing -to bring a charge of murder against a man. You see, -Low was hot and his tongue was uncontrollable. I presume -he didn’t mean what he said.”</p> - -<p>“It isn’t our business to think what he meant,” declared -Kerr. “And we’re not bringing any charge against him. -If he’s innocent he can stand a little inquiry. So you’d -better tell all you know frankly, and not wait till you are -examined in court.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Oh, I’ll be frank enough,” said Claymore, “I know -that Mr. Judson asked him to call here at half-past -three.”</p> - -<p>“You ought to have said that before.”</p> - -<p>Folsom, who had been listening quietly to the conversation, -here suggested that an investigation should be made -to find whether this Hank Low had been seen in the -hotel.</p> - -<p>“I was just going to,” said Kerr.</p> - -<p>He opened the door, and asked the clerk to step in.</p> - -<p>“Do you know anybody named Low?” asked Kerr, -when the clerk was with them.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied the clerk; “there’s a farmer named Hank -Low, from Mason Creek——”</p> - -<p>“That’s the man.”</p> - -<p>The clerk said nothing further, and Kerr asked:</p> - -<p>“When did you see him last?”</p> - -<p>“This afternoon,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“Here?”</p> - -<p>“Yes—great Heaven!”</p> - -<p>The clerk looked suddenly startled.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Why! Hank Low called on Mr. Judson just before -he died—or was it afterward?”</p> - -<p>“That’s a mighty important point,” said Kerr, gravely. -“Isn’t there any way by which you can fix the time?”</p> - -<p>The clerk thought a moment.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” he said, “I can fix it to the minute, but I can’t -do it offhand.”</p> - -<p>“Why? How can you fix it, then?”</p> - -<p>“Just as Low came to the desk a telegraph boy came -with a message for a guest. I had to sign the boy’s -book.”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Well?”</p> - -<p>“I had to enter the time, you know, and I looked up -at the clock as I did so.”</p> - -<p>“Did you enter the exact minute?”</p> - -<p>“I did.”</p> - -<p>“What was it?”</p> - -<p>“That I can’t remember.”</p> - -<p>“The boy’s book will show?”</p> - -<p>“Sure.”</p> - -<p>“Then,” said Kerr, rising, “we’ll look up that boy, and -also try to find the exact minute at which Mr. Judson fell -or was thrown from the window.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></p> - -<p>The detective cautioned the others to say nothing -about their conversation, and went out to talk with the -men who had seen Judson fall.</p> - -<p>They agreed pretty nearly as to the time of the event.</p> - -<p>One said twenty-five minutes of four.</p> - -<p>The other thought it was two minutes later.</p> - -<p>When their watches were compared it was found that -one was two minutes ahead of the other’s.</p> - -<p>The testimony of several other persons was taken on -this matter, and it was agreed that twenty-five or twenty-six -minutes of four was the time when Mr. Judson met -his death.</p> - -<p>A bell boy was quietly questioned also.</p> - -<p>He remembered seeing Hank Low leave the hotel office.</p> - -<p>“’Twas just after he had gone up alone,” the boy said. -“I remember, ’cause the clerk was going to send me -up with him, and he saved me a trip upstairs by going -alone.”</p> - -<p>This was important, and Kerr asked a number of other -questions as to how it happened that Low went up alone, -and so forth.</p> - -<p>Next he found a man who remembered seeing Low -drive rapidly away.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span></p> - -<p>This man did not know when he was being questioned -that Low was suspected of murder.</p> - -<p>“I says, ‘Hello, Hank,’ says I,” he told the detective, -“and he said, ‘Hello,’ and got into his wagon.</p> - -<p>“‘How’s things up at the farm?’ says I.</p> - -<p>“‘Can’t stop to chin,’ says he, kind of mad, and he -whipped up his critter, and went away. Never seen Hank -in such a hurry.”</p> - -<p>All this was important, and Kerr made a note of the -names of all witnesses.</p> - -<p>“I’ll try to show Nick Carter,” he thought, “that I can -work up a case.”</p> - -<p>He was just about to leave the hotel, when Folsom approached -him with a telegram in his hand.</p> - -<p>He gave it to Kerr, who read the one word it contained:</p> - -<p>“Coming.”</p> - -<p>It was signed “N.C.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” said Kerr; “when he gets here I shall -probably have the guilty man in the lockup. He doesn’t -say when he will arrive.”</p> - -<p>“No,” responded Folsom, “but as this was sent from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> -Pueblo, it shows that he is on the way. I’ve looked up -the trains, and should say that he’d be here early in the -evening.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’m going down to the telegraph office to look -up that messenger’s book. If it gives the time I think it -does, I shall start for Mason Creek without waiting for -Carter.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose that’s right,” said Folsom.</p> - -<p>Kerr was sure it was.</p> - -<p>He went to the telegraph office, but was disappointed -to learn that the boy who had the book he needed to see -had been sent to a distant part of the city, and could not -be back before six o’clock at the earliest.</p> - -<p>Then Kerr was in doubt as to what he ought to do.</p> - -<p>“It would make me look like thirty cents,” he reflected, -“if I should arrest Hank Low, and bring him to the city, -only to find that the boy’s book showed that he couldn’t -have done the thing.”</p> - -<p>“Suppose, for example, the book shows that the clerk -signed it at twenty minutes to four.</p> - -<p>“By that time Judson had been dead at least five minutes, -and, of course, Low couldn’t be guilty.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I think I’ll wait for the boy to get back. Carter may -be here by that time, and I’d rather take his judgment.”</p> - -<p>And Kerr left it that way. He went down to the railroad -station at a quarter to six with Folsom, hoping to -meet the great detective on the train due to arrive from -Pueblo at that hour.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XI. -<br /> -<small>A SUSPECT AND AN ALIBI.</small></h2> - - -<p>They were not disappointed.</p> - -<p>Nick was on the train, and Patsy was with him.</p> - -<p>Nick greeted Folsom warmly when they met on the -platform, and then he was introduced to Detective Kerr.</p> - -<p>“I’m glad to see you, Mr. Kerr,” said Nick. “I suppose -there’s no mystery about this case?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I don’t know,” replied Kerr, doubtfully. “I -think not.”</p> - -<p>“I thought it was all settled.”</p> - -<p>“Settled, Mr. Carter? What do you mean?”</p> - -<p>Nick smiled, and glanced at Folsom.</p> - -<p>“Usually,” he said, “my friends do not have a brass -band to meet me when I begin to work.”</p> - -<p>Folsom started, and looked uncomfortable.</p> - -<p>He had heard it said that Nick Carter had a great objection -to working on a case when it was known that he -was at work.</p> - -<p>“I beg your pardon,” said Folsom, hastily; “I’ve been -excited this afternoon, or I would have sent for you secretly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> -but there’s no brass band about it. Mr. Kerr is -the only one who knows that you are here.”</p> - -<p>“It’s all right, Folsom; don’t worry,” responded Nick, -“but I’ll bet the cigars that more than Mr. Kerr know.”</p> - -<p>“You’d win,” said Kerr. “Mr. Folsom spoke of sending -for you in the presence of fifty men.”</p> - -<p>“That’s so!” exclaimed Folsom, looking very awkward.</p> - -<p>Nick laughed.</p> - -<p>“Let it go,” he said, good-humoredly. “I don’t need to -bother with the case if I don’t want to. I presume Mr. -Kerr has the hang of it, anyway. So, unless there is real -trouble, Patsy and I can take the night train for the -East.”</p> - -<p>“I hope you won’t, Mr. Carter,” said Kerr, earnestly. -“I do think that I can put my hand on the murderer, but -I’d like very much to get your opinion if not your assistance.”</p> - -<p>“All right. There’ll be time enough for that while -we get dinner somewhere. Can you take us to a quiet -place?”</p> - -<p>“We were going to the hotel where the crime was committed. -The Western Union manager is going to send<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> -a boy there with a piece of evidence we need just as soon -as the boy gets back from a long errand.”</p> - -<p>“Very well,” said Nick; “we’ll go to the hotel, but we -won’t go together, if you please. You and Folsom go -back together, and if anybody asks you about Nick Carter, -give them any kind of an evasive answer you choose, as -long as you make them understand that I’m not in town. -Then engage a private room for dinner——”</p> - -<p>“We have done that already, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>“Good! What’s the number?”</p> - -<p>“Fourteen, second floor.”</p> - -<p>“Patsy and I will join you there in half an hour unless -there’s some hurry.”</p> - -<p>“No,” said Kerr, a little doubtfully, “I don’t believe -there’s any hurry, for we can’t act till we get the messenger -boy’s evidence.”</p> - -<p>“So long, then.”</p> - -<p>Kerr and Folsom left Nick and Patsy inside the station, -where they had met.</p> - -<p>“You don’t really hope to conceal the fact that you’re -in Denver, do you, Nick?” asked Patsy.</p> - -<p>The great detective smiled.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p> - -<p>“When fifty men heard that I was sent for?” he returned, -quietly; “not quite.”</p> - -<p>“Then, why do you make such a fuss about it? Why -not go along to the hotel openly?”</p> - -<p>“Patsy,” said Nick, as he pretended to consult a pocket -time-table, “if the guilty man was one of that fifty, don’t -you think it likely that he would shadow Folsom and -Kerr, and follow them to the station to see if I came?”</p> - -<p>“Yes! I hadn’t thought of that.”</p> - -<p>“And if he did so, of course, he’s seen me.”</p> - -<p>“Sure.”</p> - -<p>“And he wouldn’t follow the others out, but would -wait to see what became of me.”</p> - -<p>“That’s it.”</p> - -<p>“Well, then——”</p> - -<p>“You needn’t say any more, Nick. I see now. I’ve -spotted every man who had been in sight since we stepped -off the train.”</p> - -<p>“About a dozen of them, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Fully that.”</p> - -<p>All through this talk each had been carefully looking -around the station, though no one there could have suspected<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> -that they were paying attention to anything but -themselves.</p> - -<p>In fact, Nick had been taking in the situation from the -moment he met Kerr and Folsom.</p> - -<p>“Let’s go into the waiting-room,” he said, as he put -away his time-table, “and buy a cigar and a newspaper.”</p> - -<p>As they crossed the large room they watched very -carefully to see if any man was observing their movements.</p> - -<p>The crime had happened too late in the afternoon for -the regular editions of the evening papers, but extras -were now out, and a big pile of them had just been -brought to the newsstand.</p> - -<p>Several men were at the counter buying the papers.</p> - -<p>Patsy went to the cigar case, and Nick asked for a -paper.</p> - -<p>The boy behind the counter was very busy just then.</p> - -<p>Nick had to wait his turn, which didn’t trouble him -any.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Claymore!” the boy called, suddenly; “you forgot -your change.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! did I?” said a man, who had bought several papers, -and was hurrying away.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p> - -<p>He came back and reached his hand across the counter.</p> - -<p>“Keep a nickel of it for your honesty,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Thankee, Mr. Claymore.”</p> - -<p>Nick bought his paper next, and Patsy joined him.</p> - -<p>They went slowly to a corner of the waiting-room, and -sat down.</p> - -<p>“Well?” said Nick, as he unfolded the paper, and -began to read about the death of the Rev. Mr. Judson.</p> - -<p>“Well,” repeated Patsy, “there’s nobody around now -who was here when we came.”</p> - -<p>“I thought not.”</p> - -<p>Nick read for a moment, and then remarked:</p> - -<p>“That’s an honest newsboy.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” returned Patsy, who had heard the talk about -the forgotten change.</p> - -<p>“The man he spoke to was on the platform when we -arrived.”</p> - -<p>“He was.”</p> - -<p>That was all they said about it.</p> - -<p>As a matter of fact, neither of them had the slightest -suspicion of Claymore, any more than they had of any of -the dozen others who had stayed in sight while Kerr and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> -Folsom were there; but they remembered his face and -name.</p> - -<p>That was a matter of habit with them.</p> - -<p>“Look it over,” said Nick, passing the paper to Patsy.</p> - -<p>While the young man read, Nick thought.</p> - -<p>At last he said:</p> - -<p>“I think we’ll call at the undertaker’s.”</p> - -<p>The name of the undertaker who had taken charge of -Judson’s body was printed in the paper, and Nick inquired -the way to his place from the first policeman they met.</p> - -<p>There was a crowd of curious idlers at the door, and -a man stood there, who at first was not going to let the -detectives in.</p> - -<p>“We want to see the body of the clergyman who——” -Nick began.</p> - -<p>“I know you do!” interrupted the man, crossly, “and -so does everybody else, but you can’t see!”</p> - -<p>“Can’t see when I have eyes,” retorted Nick, with a -queer smile, and he pushed by the man into the building.</p> - -<p>The man was astonished.</p> - -<p>He had not expected this stranger to defy him, and -there was something so commanding in Nick’s quiet way<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> -of doing things that he had let both detectives pass before -he knew it.</p> - -<p>Then he followed them into the office, blustering:</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” he demanded.</p> - -<p>“It’s my business to be here,” said Nick, coldly. “I -am a detective, and my name is Nicholas Carter.”</p> - -<p>“Oh!” exclaimed the undertaker, and his eyes grew -large. He did not seem to be able to take them off the -famous man, of whom he had heard so much. “Oh!” he -added, after a pause.</p> - -<p>“If that makes a difference,” said Nick, “you may show -us the body.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, anything you want, Mr. Carter. Only too -proud.”</p> - -<p>He led the way to a back room, and for a minute or -two Nick and Patsy stood there studying the still, cold -form.</p> - -<p>“Can I do anything more for you?” asked the undertaker, -as they turned away.</p> - -<p>“No, thank you.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose you’ll see the clergyman’s friend, won’t -you?”</p> - -<p>“Do you mean Mr. Folsom?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Yes, sir. The hotel people, you see, Mr. Carter, told -me to take charge of the body, and I supposed it would -be a kind of charity case, as, of course, the hotel people -had no interest in the unfortunate man. But if Mr. Folsom -was his friend, perhaps he’d like to order a better -casket, don’t you see. If——”</p> - -<p>“I’ll speak to Mr. Folsom about it.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, sir. Perhaps you’d like to look at some -of my caskets, and advise Mr. Folsom——”</p> - -<p>“I’ll leave that to him.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! very well, sir; but if you don’t mind speaking to -him about the matter. It would be too bad to bury a -clergyman in an ordinary——”</p> - -<p>By this time Nick and Patsy were out of hearing.</p> - -<p>When they were about halfway to the hotel, Nick remarked:</p> - -<p>“It wasn’t suicide.”</p> - -<p>“No,” responded Patsy. “I could see that. The thing -that killed him was the breaking of the back of his skull -on the sidewalk; but he had a black and blue mark over -the right eye. That wasn’t made by his fall.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly not. It was made by the blow that sent him -reeling through the window.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p> - -<p>“That information will make your friend Folsom feel -better, won’t it?”</p> - -<p>“I judge so, as his telegram told me that he feared -suicide, and hoped that it was murder.</p> - -<p>“But,” added Nick, “I don’t think I shall be in a hurry -to ease Folsom’s mind. We’ll wait till we have heard -the whole story before letting him know what we think. -It may be handy to give out the report that we believe -it a case of suicide.”</p> - -<p>“I’m on,” said Patsy.</p> - -<p>They found Kerr and Folsom waiting for them in room -fourteen, and they sat down at once to dinner.</p> - -<p>While they were eating, Kerr told the whole story as -far as he knew it.</p> - -<p>Naturally, he mentioned Claymore’s name as the witness -to Hank Low’s threats.</p> - -<p>“Who is this Claymore?” asked Nick, as he lighted a -cigar at the end of the meal.</p> - -<p>“He’s a Denver business man,” replied Kerr. “I have -no acquaintance with him. I believe he hasn’t been here -more than a year or so.”</p> - -<p>“Less than a year, I guess,” said Folsom.</p> - -<p>“Why, do you know him?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p> - -<p>“No,” replied Folsom, “except as I have talked with -him this afternoon, but I remember now that his name is -on the letters sent out by the oil company of which Judson -was president. Claymore is the secretary of the concern, -I believe.”</p> - -<p>“But you hadn’t met him before?”</p> - -<p>“No; and I didn’t hear his name till late in the day, -and even then I didn’t connect him with the company, -though I remember wondering a little how he knew so -much about poor Judson. You see, I was terribly excited.”</p> - -<p>“No wonder.”</p> - -<p>“It worries me a great deal,” continued Folsom, “to -think that my angry words might have led Judson to suicide. -He meant well, I am sure of that, and he was deceived -by the rascals as much as the rest of us.”</p> - -<p>“Hum!” murmured Nick; “seems to me that’s setting -Claymore out in rather a black light.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, it is. I hadn’t given it much thought, for my -attention was taken up with the death of Judson, but I -have no doubt that Claymore is crooked. A dishonest -promoter, you know. One of these fellows who knows<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> -how to swindle and keep on the right side of the law. -Don’t you think so?”</p> - -<p>“Maybe.”</p> - -<p>Folsom looked as if he wished that Nick would say -more, but the detective was silent.</p> - -<p>Shortly after this, a waiter came to the room to say that -a telegraph messenger wished to see Mr. Kerr.</p> - -<p>“Send him up at once!” exclaimed Kerr.</p> - -<p>The boy came in with his book.</p> - -<p>“Boss said you wanted to see it,” said he, laying it on -the table, and going out again at once.</p> - -<p>Kerr opened the book with great eagerness.</p> - -<p>After looking down the columns of names and time -marks until he came to the one he wanted, his eyes -glowed with delight, and he passed the book to Nick, -with his finger on a certain line where the hotel clerk’s -name was written.</p> - -<p>“There!” he cried, triumphantly; “see that?”</p> - -<p>Nick looked.</p> - -<p>He saw the clerk’s name in one column, and against it -in another column the figures, “3-31.”</p> - -<p>“You see!” added Kerr, too excited to wait for Nick’s -opinion, “Hank Low did it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I see,” responded Nick, slowly, “that Hank Low could -have done it.”</p> - -<p>The reply disappointed Kerr.</p> - -<p>He began to argue, but Nick interrupted.</p> - -<p>“Excuse me a moment, gentlemen,” he said.</p> - -<p>He arose and looked at Patsy.</p> - -<p>They withdrew to a corner of the room, and whispered -together a moment.</p> - -<p>Then Patsy went out.</p> - -<p>Nick returned to the table.</p> - -<p>“Excuse me,” said Nick, again. “I don’t mean to interfere -with your handling of the case, Mr. Kerr——”</p> - -<p>“Oh! bless you!” exclaimed Kerr, “that’s what we all -want. You do just what you think best, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you. I was going to say that I had forgotten -something and sent my assistant out to look after it. -Now, as to this time mark, it is very important. I can -see that.”</p> - -<p>“Of course,” said Kerr, encouraged by the great detective’s -tone. “The testimony of the clerk cannot be -doubted. Here is the sure testimony that Hank Low -started for Judson’s room four minutes before the man -fell from his window. It is known that Low left the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> -hotel and drove away just before word was brought in -that the man had fallen out. See?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Then do you think we ought to lose any time before -arresting Low?”</p> - -<p>“Do you say that he lives some eight miles from here?”</p> - -<p>“Yes—about eight.”</p> - -<p>“If he’s running away, he’s got a pretty good start.”</p> - -<p>“All the more reason why we should get after him at -once. I declare, I wish I had run out there and hauled -him in before you came.”</p> - -<p>“That might have been a good idea, but I don’t believe -there’s any use in hurrying now.”</p> - -<p>Neither Kerr nor Folsom could understand Nick’s -delay.</p> - -<p>The fact was he was waiting for Patsy.</p> - -<p>He kept them talking for several minutes, and then -Patsy returned.</p> - -<p>“Speak out,” said Nick. “I want these gentlemen to -hear what you have to report.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said Patsy, “Claymore was in his office all the -time from one o’clock to ten minutes of four, when a messenger -came to tell him of Judson’s death.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XII. -<br /> -<small>THE JOURNEY TO HANK LOW’S.</small></h2> - - -<p>Kerr and Folsom stared at each other and at Nick.</p> - -<p>They were no fools.</p> - -<p>It was clear enough what Patsy’s errand meant.</p> - -<p>“Then,” said Folsom, in a low voice, “you suspected -Claymore?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no, not exactly,” Nick replied, “but I thought it -would be just as well to make it impossible to suspect him. -That was all.”</p> - -<p>This remark did not convince either of the men.</p> - -<p>“You wouldn’t have gone to this trouble,” said Folsom, -“if you hadn’t believed that he had a motive for the -crime.”</p> - -<p>“As to motive,” replied Nick, “I can only guess, but -if Claymore is crooked and Judson was straight, isn’t it -possible that Judson threatened an exposure, and that -Claymore would try to prevent it?”</p> - -<p>Kerr nodded.</p> - -<p>“That’s all right,” he said, “but in the face of this evidence,” -and he tapped the messenger’s book.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It looks very bad for Hank Low,” admitted Nick.</p> - -<p>“You think that Claymore set Low up to it?” remarked -Folsom.</p> - -<p>“Do I?” inquired Nick, mildly.</p> - -<p>“Well,” responded Folsom, “what are we to think?”</p> - -<p>“Anything you please. I am willing to take hold of this -case, but, as I start under unusual difficulties, I want you -to let me go at it in my own way.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, Mr. Carter,” said Kerr; “but I don’t see the -difficulties with all this evidence——”</p> - -<p>Nick raised his hand.</p> - -<p>“You’ve done first-rate work, Mr. Kerr,” he said. “The -evidence is sound as far as it goes. But it don’t go quite -far enough. The difficulties I refer to are the fact that -so many men know that I am here, and that the only -man who can say that Judson was murdered is dead.”</p> - -<p>“I see.”</p> - -<p>It was Kerr who spoke.</p> - -<p>Folsom turned pale.</p> - -<p>“You think, then,” he said, hoarsely, “that it was not a -case of murder at all?”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t say so,” responded Nick; “but this I will say, -for, as I am in it now pretty deep, there’s no use in concealing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> -my thoughts from you two—but you mustn’t let -it go any further.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly not, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>“Well, then, I don’t believe that Hank Low did it.”</p> - -<p>Both Kerr and Folsom stared open-mouthed.</p> - -<p>“By thunder!” said Kerr, slowly, “if any man but Nick -Carter said that——”</p> - -<p>He hesitated.</p> - -<p>“You’d say he was a fool,” remarked Nick.</p> - -<p>Kerr laughed uneasily.</p> - -<p>“I am afraid I should,” he admitted.</p> - -<p>“That’s all right,” said Nick; “you can think that of me -just as well as not, if you want to. Meantime, I’ll go out -and get acquainted with Hank Low.”</p> - -<p>“To-night?”</p> - -<p>“Now.”</p> - -<p>“Won’t you want help?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no. If I don’t come back with him as a voluntary -prisoner, Mr. Kerr, I’ll help you arrest him in the morning -and give you all the credit.”</p> - -<p>“Credit be hanged, Mr. Carter! I’m not a jealous -idiot.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Glad to hear you say so. You will lie low, then, till -you hear from me again?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but if it was any other man——”</p> - -<p>“You’d lock him up as a dangerous lunatic. I know. -If I’m mistaken, I’ll own up frankly. Now, tell me the -way to Mason Creek.”</p> - -<p>Kerr told him and advised him where to get a horse.</p> - -<p>“It seems to me,” said Nick, “you’ve described a roundabout -way.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, the road runs along a crooked valley, and around -the base of a big hill. If it was daylight, I might tell you -of a short cut over the hill, but you wouldn’t be able to -keep to the trail in the dark, to say nothing of the fact -that the woods on the hill are not safe just now.”</p> - -<p>“Not safe?”</p> - -<p>“No. There’s a scare about panthers out that way.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! I shall have to keep my revolver handy.”</p> - -<p>“It will be as well, but, of course, you’ll stick to the -road?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, though you might tell me where the trail strikes -off.”</p> - -<p>“It’s about four miles from here. You pass a perfectly -bare ledge a hundred yards long at your right, and then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> -come to a stream. Instead of crossing the bridge, you can -follow up the stream. In the daytime, it’s plain enough, -and not a bad ride for a good horse.”</p> - -<p>“All right.”</p> - -<p>Nick then gave some private instructions to Patsy, and -left them.</p> - -<p>He went to the stable that Kerr had spoken of and -hired a horse.</p> - -<p>It was about eight in the evening when he galloped -away, and at that hour it was quite dark.</p> - -<p>The road took him quickly out of the city, and he was -soon in a wild country, where it would have been easy to -imagine that there wasn’t a town within a hundred miles.</p> - -<p>The sky was clear, but the moon had not yet risen.</p> - -<p>Nick did not ride hard, for he felt in no hurry.</p> - -<p>It was somewhat less than half an hour after he started -when he noticed a long, high ledge at his right.</p> - -<p>“Probably the place Kerr spoke of,” he thought.</p> - -<p>He was glancing up at it, when his horse suddenly -leaped violently.</p> - -<p>At the same instant there was a flash and a report from -the bushes at the other side of the road.</p> - -<p>Nick’s hat flew from his head.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p> - -<p>It had been singed by a rifle bullet.</p> - -<p>His hand caught his revolver, but before it was drawn, -another shot came, and the horse staggered.</p> - -<p>Nick slipped off quickly.</p> - -<p>He ran a few paces and fell.</p> - -<p>Then he lay still and watched.</p> - -<p>The horse fell in earnest.</p> - -<p>He was some two rods from the detective, and, as he -did not struggle after he went down, Nick knew that he -had been instantly killed.</p> - -<p>Not another sound came from the bushes across the -road.</p> - -<p>“Confound them!” thought Nick, who was not -scratched, except for the slight mark on his forehead. -“Why don’t they come out to make sure of their business?”</p> - -<p>It was clearly a case of murder intended, for, if the unseen -villains had been robbers they would have crept forward -to go through the supposed dead man.</p> - -<p>And, of course, it was plain that they knew whom they -were firing at.</p> - -<p>Nobody would have shot at a stranger like that.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p> - -<p>“This,” muttered Nick, “is what comes of starting on a -case with a brass band at the head of the procession.”</p> - -<p>He meant by this that he believed the attempt to kill -him was connected with the death of Judson.</p> - -<p>“It’s only too easy to see how it happened,” he thought. -“Everybody knew I was sent for, and there isn’t a doubt -that my arrival was spotted.</p> - -<p>“Then it was easy to guess that I would go out to look -up Hank Low, and, as this is the only way to his place, -they were sure of having a shot at me.”</p> - -<p>Nick listened as he lay there, but could hear no sound -of steps on the other side of the road.</p> - -<p>The rushing of the stream a little beyond would have -drowned ordinary noises, so that the would-be murderers -could have got away without being noticed.</p> - -<p>Apparently, that was what they did, for the detective -neither heard nor saw them.</p> - -<p>He could only guess whether they believed that their -shots had done their work.</p> - -<p>While he was waiting the moon rose.</p> - -<p>As the sky was perfectly clear the land became almost -as light as day.</p> - -<p>Nick at last got up cautiously and went to his horse.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p> - -<p>The animal had fallen at the side of the road, and so -was out of the way of anyone passing.</p> - -<p>Nick took off the saddle and bridle and hid them in the -bushes near.</p> - -<p>“I’ll pay for the horse,” he thought, “but there’s no -sense in giving the saddle to the first thief who comes -along.”</p> - -<p>He went back to the spot from which the shots had been -fired, and lit up the place with his pocket lantern.</p> - -<p>If the scoundrels had accidentally dropped anything -that could serve as a clew, the detective would have found -it.</p> - -<p>Nothing was there that could be of any use to him.</p> - -<p>He saw traces of footprints on the grass and leaves, but -they were too faint to be measured.</p> - -<p>Having satisfied himself on this matter, Nick started -on foot to finish his journey.</p> - -<p>When he came to the stream, he did not cross the -bridge, but turned into the trail that Kerr had told him -about.</p> - -<p>The moon made the path perfectly plain at the start, -and Nick took it, not only to save the long walk around -the base of the hill, but to save time.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p> - -<p>For some reasons, he would have liked to go straight -back to Denver.</p> - -<p>There was no doubt in his mind that his would-be murderers -had gone to the city.</p> - -<p>If he was there, he might run across them.</p> - -<p>But he believed it to be his first business to have a talk -with Hank Low, and so he went on.</p> - -<p>The trail followed along the bank of the stream for -some distance, and then crossed it on a bridge of fallen -trees.</p> - -<p>After that, it was very steep until it reached the summit -of the hill.</p> - -<p>Although the trees were rather thick, the moonlight -came in on the eastern slope sufficiently to make the way -clear.</p> - -<p>It was different when Nick began to descend upon the -other side.</p> - -<p>That slope was in shadow, for the moon was not high -enough to light it, and more than once he found it difficult -to keep on the path.</p> - -<p>Once he thought he had lost it, and he was thinking -that it would make him feel rather foolish to get lost at -night in these woods.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Better have kept to the road,” he muttered, standing -still.</p> - -<p>There was a very steep descent just before him.</p> - -<p>He could see hardly anything, but he felt that the -ground was dipping sharply.</p> - -<p>At the left there was a ridge of bare rock, and it -seemed that the trail led along the underside of it.</p> - -<p>“This must be right,” he argued to himself. “By daylight -a horse would get down here easily enough. It’s the -right general direction, anyway, and I’ll chance it.”</p> - -<p>Putting his hands on the bare rock at his left to steady -himself, he went slowly down.</p> - -<p>It was not a high ledge, and he had come, as he -thought, about to the bottom, when there was a slight -noise behind and almost overhead that startled him.</p> - -<p>His revolver was in his hand instantly.</p> - -<p>There was a blinding flash not ten feet in front of him -and a deafening report.</p> - -<p>Swish! went a bullet past his face.</p> - -<p>Then there was a blood-curdling scream in the air -above, and the detective fell flat under a heavy body.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIII. -<br /> -<small>AN ARREST.</small></h2> - - -<p>Nick’s breath was knocked out of him, but he was not -stunned.</p> - -<p>He knew partly what had happened.</p> - -<p>It was a wild beast that had borne him to the ground.</p> - -<p>Kerr’s remarks about the “panther scare” flashed upon -his memory.</p> - -<p>Evidently, this beast had sprung upon him from the top -of the ledge.</p> - -<p>He could feel the great limbs quivering, and one of the -claws scratched his hand.</p> - -<p>All this was in a quarter of a second.</p> - -<p>In the next second, Nick had exerted all his giant -strength, and rolled the beast over.</p> - -<p>He got upon his knees and fired his revolver three times -in rapid succession at the huge carcass that he could feel -but not see in front of him.</p> - -<p>Then a rough, surprised voice interrupted him.</p> - -<p>“Geewhilikins! how many of ’em be ye, anyway?”</p> - -<p>“Only one, stranger,” replied Nick, getting to his feet.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Gosh! I thought it mought be a regiment by the way -ye fired. Got a double-quick action repeater, ain’t ye?”</p> - -<p>Nick did not reply at once.</p> - -<p>The beast was still clawing the ground frantically, and -he was not sure that another dose of lead was not necessary.</p> - -<p>Then a little flame glowed in the darkness near by.</p> - -<p>The man who had spoken to him had struck a match.</p> - -<p>He held it first over the dying panther, for such it was, -and then remarked, in a satisfied tone:</p> - -<p>“Done for. Four times dead, I reckon.”</p> - -<p>Then he took a step forward and held the match close -to Nick’s face.</p> - -<p>The men looked at each other in silence for a moment.</p> - -<p>Nick saw a surprised, honest-looking face—that of a -hardy backwoodsman—and he caught a glimpse of the -rifle that the man held loosely in the hollow of his arm.</p> - -<p>The backwoodsman saw a well-dressed tenderfoot, -whose coat was torn by the panther’s claw, whose face -was grimed with dirt and smeared with blood.</p> - -<p>“By golly, stranger,” said the backwoodsman, “you’re -not jest fit to enter a beauty show—not but what ye may -be a slick-lookin’ chap when yer face is washed.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p> - -<p>The detective laughed heartily.</p> - -<p>“I reckon, pard,” he said, “that you saved my life.”</p> - -<p>“Reckon I did,” returned the other, quietly, “but I come -close to killin’ you to do it.”</p> - -<p>“I felt your bullet hiss past my face.”</p> - -<p>“So? Should ha’ thought that mought have scared ye -to death.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no, I’m used to that.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t say!”</p> - -<p>“But I’m not used to enemies that spring on a man in -the dark without making any noise of warning. That’s -what the panther did.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, he’d ha’ had ye, sure, ef I hadn’t been here to -fire.”</p> - -<p>“It was good luck.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, I dunno about the luck of it. I was here on purpose. -Been a-lookin’ fer that critter.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed!”</p> - -<p>“Yes; the pesky varmint has been worryin’ the life out -of us, and to-night I jest made up my mind that I’d get -him. I was pretty durn certain he’d be on the trail somewhere, -fer there’s enough as comes over it, you know, to -give the scent. I thought he’d be watchin’ fer prey, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> -I didn’t have no idee that he’d git a chance at any. That’s -whar I’m s’prised. How come ye here, stranger?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you in a minute,” Nick answered; “just explain -to me first how you managed to take that shot in -time. I heard the beast springing just as you fired.”</p> - -<p>“Why!” said the backwoodsman, “I was waitin’ here, -hopin’ the scent of me would bring the varmint along, -and, of course, I wasn’t makin’ no noise about it.</p> - -<p>“Then I heard steps—your’n, you know—and I was -wondering about it as you come down the steep part of -the trail.</p> - -<p>“Ef you look up at the top of the ledge thar you’ll see -that the risin’ moon makes the top line quite clear.</p> - -<p>“Wal, I had my gun up, fer I didn’t know but what you -might be an enemy, when, all of a suddent, I saw a black -mass on the clear edge of the rock up thar.</p> - -<p>“I knowed what it was, and the thing jumped.</p> - -<p>“Thar wasn’t no time to think about it.</p> - -<p>“I knowed the critter had spied you, and was springin’ -fer ye, and I had to fire then, or not at all.</p> - -<p>“So I blazed while the beast was in the air.</p> - -<p>“It was too late to save you from a knock down, but -the critter was dead when he hit you. Them shots of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> -yours was mighty slick ones, comin’ as fast as they did, -just as ef you was out practicin’ at a target, but they was -good powder and lead throwed away.”</p> - -<p>“I can spare the powder and lead,” Nick responded, -“and at the time I couldn’t believe that the panther had -been hit in the heart. He was making a furious struggle.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” drawled the backwoodsman, “it takes them critters -some time to die. But how’d you come here?”</p> - -<p>“I was going along the road on horseback when the animal -died suddenly.”</p> - -<p>“Died!”</p> - -<p>“Shot.”</p> - -<p>“Gosh!”</p> - -<p>“It was meant for me.”</p> - -<p>“Huh! Robbers?”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps, but they let me alone.”</p> - -<p>“Mebbe they knowed you was handy with a gun?”</p> - -<p>“I shouldn’t wonder. Anyhow, I had business out this -way, so I came along. I took the trail to save time.”</p> - -<p>“So! Business out here, you say.”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I’m looking for Hank Low’s place. I presume -it’s not much further, is it?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Hank Low’s! No, it ain’t much further—’bout two -gunshots.”</p> - -<p>There was surprise and suspicion in the man’s tone.</p> - -<p>“This trail will bring me there, I suppose,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“’Twill if ye follow it far enough.”</p> - -<p>“Then I shall have to go on. I’m much obliged——”</p> - -<p>“Hold on, stranger! What’s yer business with Hank -Low?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell that to Low.”</p> - -<p>“Then you can tell it to me.”</p> - -<p>“Why, are you——”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I am. My name’s Hank Low.”</p> - -<p>Nick had guessed as much.</p> - -<p>He held out his hand in the darkness and grasped that -of the man who had saved his life.</p> - -<p>Low returned the grasp rather feebly.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Low,” said Nick, “I am more obliged to you than -ever.”</p> - -<p>“What do you want of me?” demanded Low, in a surly -tone.</p> - -<p>“I want to talk to you about the land you sold some -months ago.”</p> - -<p>“Do you belong to the company that bought it?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span></p> - -<p>The question came quickly, and Low’s voice was harsh.</p> - -<p>There was no longer the good-natured tone in which -he had spoken while talking about the panther.</p> - -<p>“No,” replied Nick, “I haven’t anything to do with the -company. I heard you were swindled.”</p> - -<p>“That was it, stranger!” cried Low; “nothing short of -it. People say I was beat in a business deal, but I’m -tellin’ ye it wasn’t a squar’ deal.”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know all about it.”</p> - -<p>“What’s yer name?”</p> - -<p>“Nicholas.”</p> - -<p>“Be you a lawyer?”</p> - -<p>“Not exactly, but I may be able to set you right in some -ways that you may not have thought of.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, Mr. Nicholas, come down to the house. I’ve -got nothin’ to hold back, and ef you’re interested, you can -hear the whole story.”</p> - -<p>Low talked as they walked along through the woods.</p> - -<p>His voice continued to be harsh, as he told of the trick -that had been played upon him, but Nick saw that Claymore -had kept well within the law.</p> - -<p>“It wasn’t fair,” thought the detective, “but it was what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> -would be called a business deal, and Low was beaten. No -wonder he feels sore, but he can’t do anything about it.”</p> - -<p>Of course, Low mentioned the Rev. Elijah Judson in -the course of his story.</p> - -<p>His voice was more angry at this point.</p> - -<p>“I can’t understand an out-an’-out villain,” said he, -“but it seems a durned sight worse when a preacher takes -to swindling, now don’t it, Mr. Nicholas?”</p> - -<p>“I should say so,” replied Nick, “if I was sure that the -preacher had known that the scheme was unfair.”</p> - -<p>“Know! How could he help it? Ain’t he president -of the company?”</p> - -<p>“He was.”</p> - -<p>“Was? Ef he ain’t now, then thar’s been a mighty -sudden change. Will ye come into the house, Mr. Nicholas?”</p> - -<p>They had come to cleared land at the bottom of the hill, -and Low’s house was plainly seen in the moonlight a few -rods away.</p> - -<p>None of the windows were lighted.</p> - -<p>“No,” said Nick; “your wife and children are asleep -by this time, and we might wake them up. We can talk -out here just as well, can’t we?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Sure.”</p> - -<p>They sat down on a log near a shallow brook that -crossed the farm.</p> - -<p>The moon rays reflected from the water straight into -Nick’s eyes, and his attention was curiously attracted.</p> - -<p>“Must be handy having running water on your place,” -he remarked.</p> - -<p>“Huh!” returned Low, “that’s whar you reckon wrong. -I thought so when I took this land, and I found out my -mistake too late.”</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter?”</p> - -<p>“Durned ef I know. The cattle won’t drink it, and I -don’t like the taste myself. I’ve had to dig a well up on -the hill thar and run the water to my house and barn -through pipes. That cost a good bit, but it was the only -way I could get water that would do.”</p> - -<p>They were silent for a moment. Then Low said:</p> - -<p>“I seen that cuss, Judson, to-day.”</p> - -<p>“So?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. He was up here with Claymore in the early -morning. I met ’em and we had a jawin’ match. I spoke -pretty hot, I reckon, but I can’t help it when I think how -I’ve been used. Thar’s my wife and children, you see.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> -I never have been able to give them the nice things I’d -like to. Ef they had let me in on the deal I mought ha’ -got money enough to dress my children right smart and -send them to school in the city.”</p> - -<p>“What should you say,” suggested Nick, “if you heard -that the company had got left in buying your land.”</p> - -<p>“Eh? Got left? What do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“Suppose that, after all, the land proves to be as worthless -as you thought?”</p> - -<p>“B’gosh! ’twould serve ’em right.”</p> - -<p>“I guess that’s the case.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, I’m durn glad to hear it, but it don’t make me -feel any better toward those swindlers. I kind o’ thought -the preacher chap wanted to squar’ things, but I found I -was mistaken.”</p> - -<p>“So? How was that?”</p> - -<p>“He met me again in the city, and asked me to call on -him at the hotel. Reckon he had some new, slick scheme -up his sleeve.”</p> - -<p>“Did you call on him?”</p> - -<p>“Yep.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“He wouldn’t see me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p> - -<p>“That’s odd.”</p> - -<p>“I thought so at the time. I told him I’d be there at -half-past three, and he said he’d wait for me. I was there -on time, and I went right up to his room.”</p> - -<p>“What did he say?”</p> - -<p>“Say? He didn’t say nothin’. I didn’t see him. He -wouldn’t let me in.”</p> - -<p>“Did he know you were there?”</p> - -<p>“Sure! I knocked, and heard somebody stirrin’ in the -room. I’m sure of that. So, when he didn’t say ‘Come -in,’ I knocked again. ‘It’s Hank Low,’ says I, loud and -sharp. ‘Ef you want to see me, speak up quick, fer I -ain’t got any time to waste on ye.’</p> - -<p>“Thar wa’n’t no answer to that, so I sung out that he -was off, and I waltzed downstairs fast.</p> - -<p>“I was kind o’ ’fraid he might call me back, and I -didn’t want to hear him, for I was as mad as a hornet, and -I was afraid that ef him and me got together thar’d be -trouble.”</p> - -<p>“Did you leave the hotel at once?”</p> - -<p>“Yep. Drove straight home and didn’t see him then, -nor since.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Did you notice any excitement around the hotel as you -drove away?”</p> - -<p>“Excitement? Reckon not. A feller I know spoke to -me, but I was too durn mad to answer him decent.”</p> - -<p>“But didn’t you notice anything else?”</p> - -<p>Low thought a moment.</p> - -<p>“Now I think of it,” he said, “I do remember seein’ -two or three men runnin’ down the street at the side of the -hotel, but I was so durn mad that I didn’t turn my head. -The hull town mought ha’ been on fire fer all I cared. -I was thinkin’ of how I’d been cheated.”</p> - -<p>“I understand.”</p> - -<p>If Nick had had any doubt of this man’s innocence it -was all gone now.</p> - -<p>Low was no actor; just a plain, honest farmer—bullheaded, -quick-tempered and unreasonable, perhaps, but -no murderer.</p> - -<p>He couldn’t have told his story of the afternoon in that -straightforward way, if he had been guilty.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Low,” said Nick, after a pause, “Judson is dead.”</p> - -<p>“Dead!” repeated the farmer, in a tone that showed -the greatest surprise. “How long since, Mr. Nicholas?”</p> - -<p>“He died while you were at the door to his room.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p> - -<p>“You don’t mean it!”</p> - -<p>“He was murdered.”</p> - -<p>“Wha-a-a-t!”</p> - -<p>“Thrown from his window to the sidewalk.”</p> - -<p>“Good Lord! Then that was what those men were -runnin’ for.”</p> - -<p>“Yes—they went to pick him up.”</p> - -<p>The farmer sat with his elbows on his knees, staring -open-mouthed at Nick.</p> - -<p>“That’s awful, ain’t it?” he whispered.</p> - -<p>“It is,” said Nick, “and there’s something else that is -still more awful.”</p> - -<p>He paused, but Low said nothing.</p> - -<p>“It is perfectly well known,” Nick added, “that you -started up to Judson’s room just before the deed.”</p> - -<p>Low became very attentive, but it was plain that the -truth was not dawning on him yet.</p> - -<p>“And that you came down again in a hurry,” added the -detective, “immediately afterward. It is also well known -that you threatened Mr. Judson——”</p> - -<p>This was enough.</p> - -<p>The light burst upon the honest farmer suddenly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p> - -<p>In the moonlight, his face was ghastly white, and his -voice almost choked, as he said:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Nicholas, you don’t mean to set thar an’ tell me -thar’s folks as say I done it?”</p> - -<p>“That is what they say,” returned Nick, quietly.</p> - -<p>Low groaned, and buried his face in his hands.</p> - -<p>“My wife has often told me,” he sobbed, “that that -sharp tongue of mine would git me into trouble. I see! -It all fits in like the handle into an ax.”</p> - -<p>“Listen,” said Nick. “There isn’t going to be as much -trouble as you think for. I told you that I was not a -lawyer, but that I might be able to help you. I am a detective, -Mr. Low.”</p> - -<p>The farmer uncovered his face and looked frightened -now.</p> - -<p>“I said my name was Nicholas,” the detective went on, -“and that was the truth, but only a part of it. My last -name is Carter.”</p> - -<p>Low started.</p> - -<p>“From New York?” he gasped.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>The farmer shook from head to toes. He laid his trembling -hands on Nick’s arm, and began:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Mr. Carter, I’ve hearn tell of you, that you’re keen and -hard when it comes to criminals, but you’re straight with -innocent men. I swear——”</p> - -<p>“You don’t need to,” interrupted Nick; “you are as innocent -as I am, and I know it. I believed it when I -started out to see you, but I am going to arrest you for -murder, nevertheless.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Carter! I don’t understand! What will my poor -wife say?”</p> - -<p>“You needn’t let her know. I want you to understand, -though. Suspicion has been put on you by an enemy of -yours. Now, if I lock you up over night, it will make -this enemy believe that I have finished my work. See?”</p> - -<p>“You want to blind him?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Then I can hunt for the real murderer in my -own way.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Mr. Carter.”</p> - -<p>Low was perfectly quiet. He did not talk or act like the -hot-tempered man who had threatened Mr. Judson.</p> - -<p>“You can tell your wife,” said Nick, “that a man wants -you to go to the city on business about the land deal. Let -her think that some good luck has come your way. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> -don’t think you’ll have to disappoint her afterward. Then -hitch up your horse, and we’ll go back together.”</p> - -<p>Low agreed to this without argument. He went into -the house and was gone several minutes. Then he went -into the barn and hitched up. A little later, he and the -detective were jogging over the road toward Denver.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIV. -<br /> -<small>SNAPPED.</small></h2> - - -<p>Kerr was at police headquarters when Nick arrived with -his prisoner.</p> - -<p>His eyes glowed triumphantly when he saw them -come in.</p> - -<p>“You got him?” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Nick, “he surrendered when I told him -how strong the evidence was against him.”</p> - -<p>“I wonder he hadn’t run away.”</p> - -<p>“Well, you see, he didn’t know that a messenger had -come in with a telegram just ahead of him.”</p> - -<p>Kerr chuckled.</p> - -<p>“This will be a great story for the newspaper fellows,” -he said. “They’ve been here all the evening till about -half an hour ago. I told them to come back later.”</p> - -<p>Nick looked thoughtful.</p> - -<p>He wondered if it would be necessary to give the honest -farmer the shame of having it printed that he had been -arrested for murder.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I suppose the newspaper boys know that I am on the -case,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes—everybody knows it.”</p> - -<p>“But they don’t know that I went to Mason Creek?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I reckon they’ve guessed it. Newspaper reporters -are good at that, you know.”</p> - -<p>“Do they know that Low was under suspicion?”</p> - -<p>“Sure! They got that from the hotel clerk.”</p> - -<p>“Humph!”</p> - -<p>Nick was a little disgusted.</p> - -<p>When he handled a case in his own way, hotel clerks -and others were not allowed to tell what they knew, and -he took pains that nobody should know too much, anyway, -until he got ready to tell them.</p> - -<p>“See here, Kerr,” he said, earnestly, “I’d hold the reporters -off for a time, if I were in your place.”</p> - -<p>Kerr glanced at the clock.</p> - -<p>It was not far from midnight.</p> - -<p>“They’ll be hungry for news pretty soon,” said he.</p> - -<p>“And perhaps I can give them a little more, and a better -story, if they wait a bit.”</p> - -<p>“Why——”</p> - -<p>“Low isn’t the only one.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Ah!”</p> - -<p>“I want to consult with my assistant before telling about -this arrest.”</p> - -<p>“You have a clew that you haven’t spoken of, then?”</p> - -<p>“Maybe. Just lock Low up without putting anything -on the blotter for a little while. Give me an hour to see -what I can do.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Mr. Carter, if you say so. But what shall I -tell the reporters?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing. I’ll be back inside an hour.”</p> - -<p>Nick whispered a few words to Low, telling him to -keep his courage up and his mouth shut, and went away.</p> - -<p>He had asked Kerr to wait an hour, without any idea -as to what he should or could do.</p> - -<p>Nick felt that he had only got to the beginning of the -case.</p> - -<p>He was certain of Low’s innocence, though he might -not be able to convince a jury of it.</p> - -<p>It was necessary, then, to find the proof of Low’s innocence, -as well as proof that somebody else was guilty.</p> - -<p>Who that somebody else was, he could not guess.</p> - -<p>He still thought of Claymore, in spite of the alibi that -Patsy had found to be sound.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p> - -<p>Claymore evidently had not committed the murder, -but that he knew more than he had told, Nick was certain.</p> - -<p>Could any evidence be got in an hour that would save -Low from being published in the papers as a suspected -murderer?</p> - -<p>Low’s horse and wagon were at the door of the station.</p> - -<p>Nick got in and drove to the stable where he had hired -a horse.</p> - -<p>There he explained what had happened to the horse, -paid the damage, and returned the saddle and bridle that -he had picked up on the way back with his prisoner.</p> - -<p>Then he went to the hotel in the hope of finding -Patsy.</p> - -<p>He made the round of the rooms on the ground floor -without finding him.</p> - -<p>As he was passing the desk, the clerk spoke to him.</p> - -<p>“Excuse me,” said he, “but aren’t you Mr. Carter?”</p> - -<p>“I am,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“There’s a young man waiting here to see you. Your -assistant told me to point him out to you as soon as you -came in.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Where is he?”</p> - -<p>“That man sitting near the door with a parcel in his -hands.”</p> - -<p>Nick went up to the young man.</p> - -<p>“Are you waiting for Mr. Carter?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied the young man, rising.</p> - -<p>“I am he.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! well, sir, I understand you are working on the -Judson matter. The man who is supposed to have committed -suicide.”</p> - -<p>“I have been looking into it a little.”</p> - -<p>“Well, sir, I’ve got something here to show you. I -showed it to your assistant, and he said it would interest -you.”</p> - -<p>The young man went to undoing his parcel, and three -or four idlers drew near.</p> - -<p>“Wait,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>He led the young man to the desk and asked for a -room.</p> - -<p>Shortly afterward, they were in a room alone, and Nick -took the parcel.</p> - -<p>Unfolding the paper with which it was wrapped, he -found a photograph.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was a clean-cut picture of the Rev. Mr. Judson’s fall -from the hotel window.</p> - -<p>Nick looked earnestly at the picture.</p> - -<p>“How did you happen to get this?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“I am an amateur photographer,” was the reply. “I -work in the office at the top of the building just across the -Street from the hotel. Yesterday I got hold of some -new plates that a friend had advised me to use, but I -had no time to try them till this afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“And you tried them on this scene?” asked Nick, -quickly.</p> - -<p>“Without meaning to, yes. You see, I knew it would -be Sunday before I would have time to take any pictures -that I cared about, but I wanted to be sure that the plates -were all right.</p> - -<p>“So, when there was a dull time in the office work, I -got out my camera, which I had with me, and went to the -window.</p> - -<p>“There isn’t much of a view from here, but I thought -I’d take a couple of shots at the roofs, just to test the -plates.</p> - -<p>“I had the camera all ready, when I accidentally touched -the button.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> - -<p>“That made me hot, for I had spoiled a plate.</p> - -<p>“I pointed it carefully from the best view I could get -from there, and tried again.</p> - -<p>“Just as I pushed the button, I heard cries on the street, -and, looking down, saw a man lying on the sidewalk, and -several others running toward him.</p> - -<p>“Of course, I went down to see what was the matter.</p> - -<p>“It was Mr. Judson.</p> - -<p>“Later I went back, and as soon as possible after supper, -while there was yet sunlight, I developed my second -plate.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t bring that with me, for it wouldn’t interest -you. But it came out so good that I thought I might as -well see what I had caught on the first plate, when the -thing went off before I knew.</p> - -<p>“That picture in your hand was what I caught.”</p> - -<p>He paused, but Nick said nothing, and the young man -added:</p> - -<p>“I had heard your name mentioned in connection with -the matter, and, as people said it was a case of suicide, I -thought I ought to show you what I had caught.”</p> - -<p>Nick drew a long breath.</p> - -<p>“Well!” he said, “for once the brass band has been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> -useful. I wanted to work unknown, but the fact that I -am known to be on the case has brought me a piece of -evidence that otherwise I might never have discovered.”</p> - -<p>Again he looked at the picture.</p> - -<p>“This lets Low out of it,” he murmured.</p> - -<p>Kerr’s theory was that Low had made a mad rush for -the clergyman as soon as he entered the room, pushed -him from the window, and then hurried out and down the -stairs.</p> - -<p>The amateur photograph showed not only the unfortunate -clergyman falling headforemost toward the sidewalk, -but above him the forms of two men at the window.</p> - -<p>They were not looking out, but rather in the act of -dodging back.</p> - -<p>These two were outlined very dimly, but the picture -was clear enough to show that there were two of them, -and that their arms were half-raised, as would be natural -if they had just thrown a body away from them.</p> - -<p>Unluckily, the faces were not at all distinct.</p> - -<p>Try as he would, and Nick used his magnifying glass, -he could not make them out to his satisfaction.</p> - -<p>While he was still studying it, there came a knock at -the door, and Patsy hurried in.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p> - -<p>“The clerk told me you were here?” he said. “Well?”</p> - -<p>“It’s a good piece of evidence,” responded Nick; “if -only this young man had had a little more luck! We -could get along without the picture of Judson if we only -had a clean-cut picture of the two murderers.”</p> - -<p>“That’s all right,” said Patsy, confidently, “I know who -they are.”</p> - -<p>Nick looked quickly at his assistant.</p> - -<p>Then he turned to the photographer.</p> - -<p>“Will you leave this with us?” he asked. “I shall see -that you are well paid for it.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! I don’t care for any pay,” replied the young man. -“I shall be glad if it helps you. Good-night.”</p> - -<p>He left them, and Patsy made his report.</p> - -<p>“I laid for Claymore, as you told me,” he said, “and -after chasing him around town for a while, I found at -last that he had gone to the office of the oil company. He -spent the whole evening there.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“There was nothing for me to do but stay around. I -was pretty sure that any attempt to find out what Claymore -was doing would make him suspicious. So I didn’t<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> -go into the building even, but stayed outside on the other -side of the street.</p> - -<p>“It was a dull wait till a while ago.</p> - -<p>“Then something happened.</p> - -<p>“A man came hurrying up the street and another man -after him. I thought I had seen them both before somewhere, -from their motions, but I couldn’t see their faces in -the dark. I suppose I wouldn’t have bothered to get a -closer look, if they hadn’t stopped right in the entrance to -the building where Claymore has his office.</p> - -<p>“That interested me, and I crossed over.</p> - -<p>“One man was holding the other back.</p> - -<p>“‘’Tain’t safe to wait any longer,’ said the one who got -there first.</p> - -<p>“‘And it ain’t half so safe to try to see him here,’ the -other answered. ‘Don’t be a fool! You see, his windows -are still lighted, and he’s busy. When he gets through, -he’ll come, as he said he would. Let him alone now and -come back.’</p> - -<p>“They talked a little more back and forth, and finally -the second man got the first one to go away.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t know then what they were talking about, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> -I don’t know now, but I dropped Claymore for a time -and followed those two men.”</p> - -<p>“Why?” asked Nick.</p> - -<p>“Because I knew them. One was Nat Hamilton, the -leader of the gang we had a tussle with in Helena, and -the other was his right-hand man, Jack Thompson.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XV. -<br /> -<small>DADDY DREW’S DIVE.</small></h2> - - -<p>“What! those two scoundrels!” cried Nick.</p> - -<p>“Yes, you were right when you prophesied that we -would come upon them again.”</p> - -<p>Nick looked suddenly at the picture.</p> - -<p>“By Jove!” he muttered, “I believes I know them now.”</p> - -<p>“I haven’t a doubt of it,” said Patsy, “but you couldn’t -swear to it to the satisfaction of a jury.”</p> - -<p>“True, and the jurymen could look at the picture for -themselves, and see that the likenesses are not there. -We’ve got to get more evidence than this, Patsy. Nobody -saw them do the deed. This picture almost tells the -story, but not quite. But go on. You must have more -to tell.”</p> - -<p>“A little. I shadowed Hamilton and Thompson to a -dive where you and I have been before—Daddy Drew’s.”</p> - -<p>“Whew!” whistled Nick. “It means a fight with all the -crooks in Denver, if we go there.”</p> - -<p>“Well, that’s where they are, and they’re waiting for -Claymore.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p> - -<p>“All right. We’ll go there and get them, then, if we -decide we’d better arrest them. Is that all?”</p> - -<p>“Not quite. Knowing they were there to stay, I ran -back to Claymore’s office. He had just put out his lights -and was leaving the building.</p> - -<p>“He went to police headquarters.”</p> - -<p>“Did you go in, too?”</p> - -<p>“With a disguise, yes. I saw that Claymore had a -private talk with Kerr. Then he went out again.”</p> - -<p>“How did he look?”</p> - -<p>“Rocky, but he was saying, ‘Very good,’ and ‘Quite -right’ to Kerr.”</p> - -<p>“That means that Kerr told him,” said Nick.</p> - -<p>“Told him what?” asked Patsy.</p> - -<p>“What I have done. He shouldn’t have said a word, -but I can understand how he should make such a slip, for -Claymore was the first to direct suspicion at Hank Low. -What became of Claymore?”</p> - -<p>“He went home. He lives in a boarding house——”</p> - -<p>“We must have him! Come on!”</p> - -<p>They left the hotel together hurriedly.</p> - -<p class="asterism">* * * * *</p> - -<p>In a corner of Daddy Drew’s dive—the worst place in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> -Denver—sat the two men who had escaped from Nick -Carter in Helena a short time before.</p> - -<p>They had liquor in front of them, but they drank little.</p> - -<p>Every time the door opened to admit a newcomer, they -looked that way eagerly.</p> - -<p>The place was pretty well filled.</p> - -<p>All the scum of the city seemed to drift in there, for it -was known that once inside the doors a man need not leave -until morning.</p> - -<p>Daddy let his customers sleep on the floor, if they had -nowhere else to go.</p> - -<p>At last it was closing hour.</p> - -<p>The doors were locked, and the curtains pulled tightly -across the windows.</p> - -<p>Jack Thompson muttered an oath.</p> - -<p>“He’s going to bilk us,” he muttered.</p> - -<p>“Not him,” responded Hamilton. “Wait, I tell you. -The night’s young yet. He can’t afford to bilk us, don’t -you see?”</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t. He might skip——”</p> - -<p>“But he’s not suspected! He’s got every reason to stay, -for here is where the money is. He’ll get around before -the night is over.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I hope he brings his wad with him.”</p> - -<p>“He will.”</p> - -<p>They were silent for a moment, and then Jack muttered:</p> - -<p>“I’d have liked it better if he’d paid us for the other -job and not asked us to tackle the detective.”</p> - -<p>“Pooh! what scares you so?”</p> - -<p>“Nick Carter. Ain’t that enough?”</p> - -<p>“Nick Carter is dead.”</p> - -<p>“Do you believe it, Nat?”</p> - -<p>“I’m going to tell Claymore so.”</p> - -<p>Jack shuddered.</p> - -<p>“I see you don’t believe it,” he said; “But I hope Claymore -comes along and believes it. Then he’ll pay us, and -we can skip before the cuss comes to life.”</p> - -<p>Nat Hamilton smiled.</p> - -<p>“He won’t come to life if he’s dead,” he remarked, -coolly, “any more than the preacher chap will.”</p> - -<p>“Ugh!” grunted Jack, and they were silent again.</p> - -<p>Not less than thirty men were in the place.</p> - -<p>They were fairly quiet, for they knew that loud noise -might bring the police down on the dive, and then their -night’s shelter would be closed up.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span></p> - -<p>But they were a tough lot, and every man of them -would have joined in to help anybody there if a policeman, -or a dozen of them, had come in to make an arrest.</p> - -<p>This was so well known that the police usually waited -for their men to come out before trying to arrest them.</p> - -<p>There hadn’t been a murder in Daddy Drew’s for a long -time, and a tough present on this night remarked to another -that one was about due.</p> - -<p>A few minutes after twelve, there was a light knock -at the door.</p> - -<p>The bartender, who went to it and looked through a -slide, came back to Nat.</p> - -<p>“Feller out there askin’ fer youse,” he said.</p> - -<p>Both men got up, but Nat pushed Jack back into his -chair.</p> - -<p>“I’ll see who ’tis,” he said.</p> - -<p>He went to the door and looked through the slide.</p> - -<p>Claymore’s face appeared there as if it were a picture in -a frame.</p> - -<p>“He’s all right,” said Nat to the bartender; “friend o’ -mine. Let him in.”</p> - -<p>The door was opened, and Nat’s friend came in.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p> - -<p>As he went to the back of the room silently with Nat, -many curious glances were cast at him.</p> - -<p>“Who is he?” asked one of another.</p> - -<p>And those who answered came pretty near to guessing -the truth.</p> - -<p>“Some fellow,” said they, “who gets others to do his -work for him.”</p> - -<p>Two or three knew Claymore by sight, and they were -not surprised.</p> - -<p>“Well?” said the newcomer, when he sat down at the -table in the corner, and three heads were put close together.</p> - -<p>“We done it,” said Nat.</p> - -<p>“Sure?”</p> - -<p>“He’s dead as a nail.”</p> - -<p>There was a short pause. Then, in a low voice:</p> - -<p>“You lie, Nat.”</p> - -<p>Both the criminals started angrily, but they gritted their -teeth and looked at the man, who added:</p> - -<p>“He’s just as alive as I am. Less than an hour ago he -brought Hank Low in on a charge of murder.”</p> - -<p>“Then,” exclaimed Jack; “it’s all right, ain’t it?”</p> - -<p>“No! it isn’t all right. Carter believes that Low is innocent,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> -and he has arrested him for a bluff. He knows -that you did it.”</p> - -<p>Jack turned ghastly pale.</p> - -<p>Nat looked as if he didn’t believe it.</p> - -<p>“He can’t have any evidence against us,” said he.</p> - -<p>“He’ll get it. You know Nick Carter.”</p> - -<p>“But how can he get it? Nobody saw us.”</p> - -<p>“Somebody must have seen you enter the hotel.”</p> - -<p>“No,” said Nat, positively; “I swear, Claymore, we got -in without being seen.”</p> - -<p>“You haven’t told me how you managed that.”</p> - -<p>“No, for you sent us down the road on the chance of a -pot shot at the detective. I’ll tell you. There’s an office -building next to the hotel, you know, with an alley between.”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“We went in there and found an empty room. It was -easy enough to pick the lock and get in. Then we found -that a short board would reach from the window to an -open window in the hotel. Jack went out and swiped a -board from the place where they’re putting up a new -building. At twenty-five minutes past three we put the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> -board out, crawled across and got to the preacher’s room -without meeting anybody.”</p> - -<p>“And left the board there?”</p> - -<p>“Not on your life!” replied Nat. “We took the board -in and hid it in a closet until we had tumbled the preacher -out of the window. Then we slipped back, returned to the -office building by the same way, and so went down to the -street.”</p> - -<p>“And left the board——”</p> - -<p>“Of course! We weren’t going to lug it around in -daylight. What harm could it do in an empty room?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no harm, of course,” very sarcastically. “Nobody -would find it, and wonder about it; oh, no!”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean, Claymore?”</p> - -<p>“I mean this: Nick Carter has that infernally sharp -Patsy along with him. I believe you know Patsy.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, confound him!”</p> - -<p>“So I say! but while Nick went out to get Low, Patsy -was nosing around town. He probably found that board; -he probably saw you two fellows, and knew you; then he -put two and two together, and the long and short of it is -that Carter is after you.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll be hanged, sure!” groaned Jack.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> - -<p>“There’s only one way out of it, boys.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“Carter will come here to a dead certainty. He knows -the town, and knows that this is the place where you -would most likely hang out. He’ll come here.”</p> - -<p>“Then he’ll get a warm time of it,” said Nat.</p> - -<p>“If you think so, stay. But you know the Carters. If -you want a chance to escape, take it now. There’s a train -for San Francisco runs through here in half an hour. -You can catch it.”</p> - -<p>“Come on,” said Jack, rising.</p> - -<p>“Hold on a bit,” said Nat. “Who pays the freight? -We haven’t had our money yet.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve got it, but I’ll be hanged myself if I pay you in -here. Get out on the street. I’ll go with you part way -to the station, and settle with you.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t wait,” urged Jack.</p> - -<p>“That’s good advice. Carter may break in here any -minute, or he may sneak in in disguise. That’s his most -likely way, and then you’ll be nabbed before you know it.”</p> - -<p>Nat was rather pale now.</p> - -<p>“I’ll give him a fight for it, if he comes,” he muttered, -but he got up, and the three went out.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p> - -<p>When they were on the street Nat turned.</p> - -<p>“Will you settle now?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Don’t be in such a hurry,” was the sharp reply. “Your -only safety is to get away from this place. Walk along -toward the railroad. I’ll be close at your heels until I -think it’s safe to stop and settle.”</p> - -<p>Nat hesitated.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you dare to try to skip without paying!” he -hissed, savagely.</p> - -<p>“I’ll settle with you both before you get to the station. -Get a move on! Carter may be here the next second.”</p> - -<p>The crooks started away, looking back frequently to see -that Claymore was following.</p> - -<p>He kept about half a block behind them.</p> - -<p>Nobody but themselves seemed to be on the streets.</p> - -<p>There was a drunken man staggering along some distance -ahead, but he didn’t count.</p> - -<p>He, too, disappeared around a corner before the crooks -came to it.</p> - -<p>When they were about to pass that corner a quiet voice -behind them said:</p> - -<p>“This will do. We’ll settle here.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” responded Nat.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p> - -<p>Both men halted and turned about.</p> - -<p>They looked into the muzzles of two revolvers.</p> - -<p>The face back of the hands that held the weapons was -not that of their employer, Claymore, but that of their -deadly enemy, Nick Carter.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XVI. -<br /> -<small>HANK LOW’S LUCK.</small></h2> - - -<p>Claymore was not in his boarding house when Nick and -Patsy arrived there.</p> - -<p>He had come in and gone out shortly afterward.</p> - -<p>Where he had gone, or in what direction, nobody could -say.</p> - -<p>Possibly to Daddy Drew’s to meet the desperadoes he -had hired to commit murder; but Nick didn’t believe it.</p> - -<p>“That long work in his office this evening means something -else,” said Nick. “He’s got another plot up his -sleeve. I’ll go to Daddy Drew’s and get those men.”</p> - -<p>Accordingly, he had turned his face into a copy of Claymore’s -and had been admitted easily.</p> - -<p>Nat had said he would put up a stiff fight if he should -meet Carter, and he kept his word.</p> - -<p>Probably he reckoned that the detective would wish -to take him alive, for he did not surrender when he saw -the revolver pointed at his heart.</p> - -<p>Instead, he made a quick rush at Nick, trying to knock -up both his arms.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span></p> - -<p>The detective was quite ready for that.</p> - -<p>It was true that he wished to take the men alive, and he -did not fire.</p> - -<p>He had hoped they would be scared into quiet surrender.</p> - -<p>When the attack came, he dropped both weapons to the -sidewalk.</p> - -<p>Letting drive with his fists, he caught Nat on the chest, -and knocked the wind out of him.</p> - -<p>But the crook did not fall.</p> - -<p>He staggered against Jack, who at first was going to -give up.</p> - -<p>Seeing that the weapons had been dropped, Jack joined -in and made a desperate effort for freedom.</p> - -<p>He caught his partner and kept him from falling.</p> - -<p>Then both together sailed into the detective.</p> - -<p>“Why!” said Nick, with a laugh, “come on, if that’s -what you want.”</p> - -<p>His arms shot out like lightning flashes, and every blow -landed, but the crooks kept too close for him to give -them settlers.</p> - -<p>And, after a moment, Jack retreated and drew his revolver.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p> - -<p>That was a moment of peril for Nick, as he was busy -just then with Nat.</p> - -<p>And Nat, seeing the chance, pretended to be knocked -down.</p> - -<p>This was to give Jack a chance to shoot.</p> - -<p>Up came the ruffian’s revolver, but before he could aim, -around the corner rushed the drunken man whom they -had seen.</p> - -<p>This man threw his arms about Jack’s neck, and bore -him silently to the ground.</p> - -<p>“Put the bracelets on him, Patsy,” called Nick.</p> - -<p>“They’re on,” replied the “drunken man,” calmly.</p> - -<p>Nick had leaped upon Nat, and in a second had him -ironed.</p> - -<p>“This is the way I settle,” he said, as he stood up.</p> - -<p>The prisoners cursed furiously, but if that did them -any good nobody knew it.</p> - -<p>Nick picked up his revolvers, and then he and Patsy -marched the prisoners to headquarters.</p> - -<p>Kerr was still there, and he was surrounded by eager -reporters.</p> - -<p>“Here are the murderers,” said Nick. “Low is innocent.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span></p> - -<p>He produced the amateur’s photograph, and told the -story as briefly as possible.</p> - -<p>“The chief villain is yet to be caught,” he concluded. -“I think we shall find the clew to him in his office.”</p> - -<p>There was a great deal of excitement at headquarters, -and many questions were asked.</p> - -<p>Nick told the reporters to make it plain that Low’s arrest -had been a fake.</p> - -<p>“When it’s all settled,” he said, “I’ll give you the details, -or you can get them from Kerr, who deserves a great -deal of credit for the way he picked up evidence. I’ve -got work ahead between now and morning.”</p> - -<p>Low was released, of course, and he went with Nick, -Patsy and Kerr to Claymore’s office.</p> - -<p>Everything seemed to be in order there, but Nick picked -the lock of Claymore’s desk, and found a lot of papers -there on which the man had been at work during the long -evening.</p> - -<p>There were maps of the country around Mason Creek, -some printed, some roughly drawn with a pencil.</p> - -<p>There was also the deed which Low had given to the -oil company when he sold a piece of his land.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p> - -<p>Using his magnifying glass, Nick saw that some -changes had been made in the deed.</p> - -<p>Words and figures had been carefully scratched out and -others inked in.</p> - -<p>“I had an idea this was what he was up to,” said Nick. -“We shall find Claymore out at Low’s farm.”</p> - -<p>The four men set out for Mason Creek soon after.</p> - -<p>Nick went in Low’s wagon, and Patsy and Kerr in one -they hired.</p> - -<p>When they came to the beginning of the trail, Nick got -down and told the others to drive slowly on.</p> - -<p>“I’ll take the short cut,” said he. “You keep on by the -road, and if he escapes me he’ll run into your hands.”</p> - -<p>As it was late in the spring, light came early.</p> - -<p>The day was beginning to break when Nick passed the -dead body of the panther.</p> - -<p>As he approached nearer Low’s house he moved cautiously.</p> - -<p>Coming to the edge of the cleared land, he saw a man -busy with a shovel at a little distance.</p> - -<p>It was Claymore.</p> - -<p>He was digging a hole for the purpose of setting a -boundary post in it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p> - -<p>The post had been taken up from a spot some distance -farther down the stream that crossed the farm.</p> - -<p>Claymore’s scheme was to change the boundaries of the -land bought by the oil company so that they should include -twice as much as had been bought.</p> - -<p>That was why the deed had been changed, and it explained -the maps in Claymore’s desk.</p> - -<p>Nick watched the rascal for a few minutes, and then -walked toward him.</p> - -<p>“Why don’t you put the post up where it will take in -Hank Low’s house and barn?” he asked.</p> - -<p>Claymore turned at the sound, and caught up a revolver -that was lying on the ground beside him.</p> - -<p>He fired hastily, and the bullet went wild.</p> - -<p>Nick had him covered.</p> - -<p>“Try again,” said the detective, “if you think you can do -your own murdering.”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he was advancing upon the man.</p> - -<p>Claymore gave one desperate look around.</p> - -<p>He saw two wagons coming up the road.</p> - -<p>Then he dropped his weapon, sat down on the ground, -and put his hands to his face.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p> - -<p>“You haven’t as much nerve as I thought you had,” remarked -Nick.</p> - -<p>He put handcuffs on the prisoner, and waited for the -others to come up.</p> - -<p>“I can tell you all about it,” said Nick, then. “This -man Claymore found that he had bought land where the -oil was scarce. He was so anxious to get the land cheap -that he didn’t dare to prospect thoroughly. If he had -done his work well, he would have seen that the place -for oil wells is further up the stream and nearer Low’s -house.</p> - -<p>“He found that out after a while, and then schemed -to get possession of the rest of the farm without paying -for it.</p> - -<p>“Seeing that Judson would expose the crooked work of -the company, he had him murdered by a couple of desperadoes -who drifted into Denver just in time for the -job.</p> - -<p>“Then he did some forgery work on the deed to make -it show that he had bought a good many acres more than -he really had, and to back up the deed he had to come -out here and change the boundary posts.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p> - -<p>“His best chance for doing that was while Low was -locked up.</p> - -<p>“That was why he didn’t go to meet his confederates -early at Daddy Drew’s.</p> - -<p>“His confederates have told me all about the murder -of Judson, so that they are sure to be hanged, and one -of them, Jack Thompson, is ready to confess and tell just -how Claymore hired them to do the deed.</p> - -<p>“Between Jack’s confession and what I heard them say, -we have got a complete case.</p> - -<p>“If I was in Hank Low’s place I’d give up farming on -land where the water is covered with oil, and dig wells.</p> - -<p>“I noticed the appearance of the water in the stream -when I was talking with Low earlier in the night, and I -knew that the place to dig for oil is near his house.”</p> - -<p>It was soon proved that Nick was entirely right.</p> - -<p>The upper part of Low’s farm was rich in oil.</p> - -<p>The farmer acted more than honestly about it.</p> - -<p>With the help of Folsom, who was greatly pleased to -learn that the clergyman had not committed suicide, Low -got the names and addresses of all who had put money into -the scheme of which Judson had been president. And in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> -the end nobody who had invested with the clergyman lost -anything.</p> - -<p>No attempt was made to get back the part of the farm -that was sold, for the land wasn’t worth the trouble.</p> - -<p>Jack Thompson confessed, but that did not save him -from severe punishment. He was put in prison for life, -and Claymore and Hamilton were hanged.</p> - -<p>Nick Carter and his faithful assistant, Patsy, were content -at last.</p> - - -<p class="no-indent center p2">THE END.</p> - - -<p class="p2">“Millions at Stake” is the title of <span class="smcap">New Magnet No</span>. -1210, by Nicholas Carter. A story in which Nick Carter’s -brilliant young assistants all help to solve a mystery that -involves millions in the Stock Exchange.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent center bold large p2">POPULAR COPYRIGHTS</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xxlarge">New Eagle Series</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold"><em>Carefully Selected Love Stories</em></p> - - -<p class="p2">There is such a profusion of good books in this list, that it is an -impossibility to urge you to select any particular title or author’s -work. All that we can say is that any line that contains the complete -works of Mrs. Georgie Sheldon, Charles Garvice, Mrs. Harriet -Lewis, May Agnes Fleming, Wenona Gilman, Mrs. Alex. McVeigh -Miller, and other writers of the same type, is worthy of your attention.</p> - - - -<table summary="New Eagle Series"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1—Queen Bess</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">2—Ruby’s Reward</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">7—Two Keys</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">9—The Virginia Heiress</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">12—Edrie’s Legacy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">17—Leslie’s Loyalty</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">22—Elaine</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">24—A Wasted Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">41—Her Heart’s Desire</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">44—That Dowdy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">50—Her Ransom</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">55—Thrice Wedded</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">66—Witch Hazel</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">70—Sydney</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">73—The Marquis</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">77—Tina</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">79—Out of the Past</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">84—Imogene</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">85—Lorrie; or, Hollow Gold</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">88—Virgie’s Inheritance</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">95—A Wilful Maid</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">98—Claire</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">99—Audrey’s Recompense</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">102—Sweet Cymbeline</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">109—Signa’s Sweetheart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">111—Faithful Shirley</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">117—She Loved Him</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">119—’Twixt Smile and Tear</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">122—Grazia’s Mistake</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">130—A Passion Flower</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">133—Max</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">136—The Unseen Bridegroom</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">138—A Fatal Wooing</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">141—Lady Evelyn</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">144—Dorothy’s Jewels</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">146—Magdalen’s Vow</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">151—The Heiress of Glen Gower</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">155—Nameless Dell</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">157—Who Wins</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">166—The Masked Bridal</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">168—Thrice Lost, Thrice Won</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">174—His Guardian Angel</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">177—A True Aristocrat</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">181—The Baronet’s Bride</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">188—Dorothy Arnold’s Escape</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">199—Geoffrey’s Victory</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">203—Only One Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">210—Wild Oats</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">213—The Heiress of Egremont</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">215—Only a Girl’s Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">219—Lost: A Pearle</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">228—The Lily of Mordaunt</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">223—Leola Dale’s Fortune</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">231—The Earl’s Heir</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">233—Nora</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">236—Her Humble Lover</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">242—A Wounded Heart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">244—A Hoiden’s Conquest</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">250—A Woman’s Soul</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">255—The Little Marplot</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">257—A Martyred Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">266—The Welfleet Mystery</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">267—Jeanne</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">268—Olivia; or, It Was for Her Sake</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">272—So Fair, So False</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">276—So Nearly Lost</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">277—Brownie’s Triumph</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">280—Love’s Dilemma</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">282—The Forsaken Bride</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">283—My Lady Pride</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">287—The Lady of Darracourt</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">288—Sibyl’s Influence</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">291—A Mysterious Wedding Ring</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">292—For Her Only</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">296—The Heir of Vering</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">299—Little Miss Whirlwind</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">300—The Spider and the Fly</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">303—The Queen of the Isle</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">304—Stanch as a Woman</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">305—Led by Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">309—The Heiress of Castle Cliffs</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">312—Woven on Fate’s Loom, and The Snowdrift</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">315—The Dark Secret</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">317—Ione</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">318—Stanch of Heart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">322—Mildred</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">326—Parted by Fate</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">327—He Loves Me</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">328—He Loves Me Not</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">330—Aikenside</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">333—Stella’s Fortune</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">334—Miss McDonald</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">339—His Heart’s Queen</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">340—Bad Hugh. Vol. I.</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">341—Bad Hugh. Vol. II.</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">344—Tresillian Court</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">345—The Scorned Wife</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">346—Guy Tresillian’s Fate</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">347—The Eyes of Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">348—The Hearts of Youth</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">351—The Churchyard Betrothal</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">352—Family Pride. Vol. I.</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">353—Family Pride. Vol. II.</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">354—A Love Comedy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">360—The Ashes of Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">361—A Heart Triumphant</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">362—Stella Rosevelt</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">367—The Pride of Her Life</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">368—Won By Love’s Valor</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">372—A Girl in a Thousand</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">373—A Thorn Among Roses.<br />Sequel to “A Girl in Thousand”</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">380—Her Double Life</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">381—The Sunshine of Love.<br />Sequel to “Her Double Life”</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">382—Mona</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">391—Marguerite’s Heritage</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">399—Betsey’s Transformation</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">407—Esther, the Fright</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">415—Trixy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">440—Edna’s Secret Marriage</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">449—The Bailiff’s Scheme</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">450—Rosamond’s Love.<br />Sequel to “The Bailiff’s Scheme”</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">451—Helen’s Victory</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">456—A Vixen’s Treachery</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">457—Adrift in the World.<br />Sequel to “A Vixen’s Treachery”</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">458—When Love Meets Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">464—The Old Life’s Shadows</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">465—Outside Her Eden.<br />Sequel to “The Old Life’s Shadows”</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">474—The Belle of the Season</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">475—Love Before Pride.<br />Sequel to “The Belle of the Season”</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Harriet Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">481—Wedded, Yet No Wife</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">489—Lucy Harding</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">495—Norine’s Revenge</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">511—The Golden Key</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">512—A Heritage of Love.<br />Sequel to “The Golden Key”</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">519—The Magic Cameo</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">520—The Heatherford Fortune.<br />Sequel to “The Magic Cameo”</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">531—Better Than Life</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">542—Once In a Life</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">548—’Twas Love’s Fault</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">553—Queen Kate</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">554—Step by Step</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">557—In Cupid’s Chains</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">630—The Verdict of the Heart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">635—a Coronet of Shame</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">640—A Girl of Spirit</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">645—A Jest of Fate</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">648—Gertrude Elliott’s Crucible</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">650—Diana’s Destiny</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">655—Linked by Fate</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">663—Creatures of Destiny</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">671—When Love Is Young </td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">676—My Lady Beth</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">679—Gold in the Gutter</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">712—Love and a Lie</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">721—A Girl from the South</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">730—John Hungerford’s Redemption</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">741—The Fatal Ruby</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">749—The Heart of a Maid</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">758—The Woman in It</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">774—Love in a Snare</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">775—My Love Kitty</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">776—That Strange Girl</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">777—Nellie</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">778—Miss Estcourt; or Olive</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">818—The Girl Who Was True</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">826—The Irony of Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">896—A Terrible Secret</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">897—When To-morrow Came</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">904—A Mad Marriage</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">905—A Woman Without Mercy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">912—One Night’s Mystery</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">913—The Cost of a Lie</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">920—Silent and True</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">921—A Treasure Lost</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">925—Forrest House</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">926—He Loved Her Once</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">930—Kate Danton</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">931—Proud as a Queen</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">935—Queenie Hetherton</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">936—Mightier Than Pride</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">940—The Heir of Charlton</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">941—While Love Stood Waiting</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">945—Gretchen</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">946—Beauty That Faded</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">950—Carried by Storm</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">951—Love’s Dazzling Glitter</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">954—Marguerite</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">955—When Love Spurs Onward</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">960—Lost for a Woman</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">961—His to Love or Hate</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">964—Paul Ralston’s First Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">965—Where Love’s Shadows Lie Deep</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">968—The Tracy Diamonds</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">969—She Loved Another</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">972—The Cromptons</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">973—Her Husband Was a Scamp</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">975—The Merivale Banks</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">978—The One Girl in the World</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">979—His Priceless Jewel</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">982—The Millionaire’s Daughter<br />and Other Stories</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charles Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">983—Doctor Hathern’s Daughters</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">984—The Colonel’s Bride</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mary J. Holmes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">988—Her Ladyship’s Diamonds,<br />and Other Stories</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Chas. Garvice</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">998—Sharing Her Crime</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">999—The Heiress of Sunset Hall</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1004—Maude Percy’s Secret</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1005—The Adopted Daughter</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1010—The Sisters of Torwood</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1015—A Changed Heart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1016—Enchanted</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1025—A Wife’s Tragedy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1026—Brought to Reckoning</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1027—A Madcap Sweetheart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1028—An Unhappy Bargain</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1029—Only a Working Girl</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1030—The Unbidden Guest</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1031—The Man and His Millions</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1032—Mabel’s Sacrifice</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1033—Was He Worth It?</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1034—Her Two Suitors</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1035—Edith Percival</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1036—Caught in the Snare</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By May Agnes Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1037—A Love Concealed</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1038—The Price of Happiness</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1039—The Lucky Man</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1040—A Forced Promise</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1041—The Crime of Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Barbara Howard</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1042—The Bride’s Opals</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1043—Love That Was Cursed</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1044—Thorns of Regret</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1045—Love Will Find the Way</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1046—Bitterly Atoned</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. E. Burke Collins</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1047—Told in the Twilight</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1048—A Little Barbarian</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte Kingsley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1049—Love’s Golden Spell</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1050—Married in Error</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1051—If It Were True</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1052—Vivian’s Love Story</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. E. Burke Collins</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1053—From Tears to Smiles</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1054—When Love Dawns</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Stirling</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1055—Love’s Earnest Prayer</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1056—The Strength of Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1057—A Lost Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1058—The Stronger Passion</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lillian R. Drayton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1059—What Love Can Cost</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1060—At Another’s Bidding</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1061—Above All Things</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Stirling</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1062—The Curse of Beauty</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1063—Her Sister’s Secret</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1064—Married in Haste</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1065—Fair Maid Marian</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1066—No Man’s Wife</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1067—A Sacrifice to Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Stirling</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1068—Her Fatal Gift</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1069—Her Life’s Burden</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1070—Evelyn, the Actress</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1071—Married for Money</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lucy Randall Comfort</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1072—A Lost Sweetheart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1073—A Golden Sorrow</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1074—Her Heart’s Challenge</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Barbara Howard</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1075—His Willing Slave</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lillian R. Drayton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1076—A Freak of Fate</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1077—Her Punishment</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Joan Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1078—The Shadow Between Them</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1079—No Time for Penitence</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1080—Norma’s Black Fortune</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1081—A Wilful Girl</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lucy Randall Comfort</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1082—Love’s First Kiss</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1083—Lola Dunbar’s Crime</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Barbara Howard</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1084—Ethel’s Secret</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1085—Lynette’s Wedding</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1086—A Fair Enchantress</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1087—The Tide of Fate</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1088—Her Husband’s Other Wife</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1089—Hearts of Stone</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1090—In Love’s Springtime</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1091—Love at the Loom</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1092—What Was She to Him?</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1093—For Another’s Fault</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1094—Hearts and Dollars</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1095—A Wife’s Triumph</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1096—A Bachelor Girl</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lucy May Russell</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1097—Love and Spite</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Stirling</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1098—Leola’s Heart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1099—The Power of Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1100—An Angel of Evil</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1101—True to His Bride</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1102—The Lady of Beaufort Park</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1103—A Daughter of Darkness</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1104—My Pretty Maid</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1105—Master of Her Fate</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1106—A Shadowed Happiness</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1107—John Elliott’s Flirtation</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lucy May Russell</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1108—A Forgotten Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Stirling</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1109—Sylvia, The Forsaken</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1110—Her Dearest Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1111—Love’s Greatest Gift</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1112—Mischievous Maid Faynie</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1113—In Love’s Name</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1114—Love’s Clouded Dawn</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1115—A Blue Grass Heroine</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1116—Only a Kiss</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1117—Virgie Talcott’s Mission</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lucy May Russell</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1118—Her Evil Genius</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Stirling</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1119—In Love’s Paradise</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1120—Sold for Gold</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1121—Andrew Leicester’s Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1122—Taken by Storm</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1123—The Mills of the Gods</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1124—The Breath of Slander</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1125—Loyal Unto Death</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1126—A Spurned Proposal</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1127—Daredevil Betty</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1128—Her Life’s Dark Cloud</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lillian R. Drayton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1129—True Love Endures</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1130—The Battle of Hearts</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1131—Better Than Riches</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1132—Tempted By Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1133—Between Good and Evil</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1134—A Southern Princess</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1135—The Thorns of Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1136—A Married Flirt</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1137—Her Priceless Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1138—My Own Sweetheart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1139—Love’s Harvest</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Fox Robinson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1140—His Two Loves</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1141—The Love He Sought</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lillian R. Drayton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1142—A Fateful Promise</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1143—Love Surely Triumphs</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte May Kingsley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1144—The Haunting Past </td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1145—Sorely Tried</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1146—Falsely Accused</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1147—Love Given in Vain</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Fox Robinson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1148—No One to Help Her</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1149—Her Golden Secret</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1150—Saved From Herself</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Stirling</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1151—The Gypsy’s Warning</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1152—Caught in Love’s Net</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1153—The Pride of My Heart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1154—A Vagabond Heiress</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte May Kingsley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1155—That Terrible Tomboy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1156—The Man She Hated</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1157—Her Fateful Choice</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1158—A Hero For Love’s Sake</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1159—A Penniless Princess</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1160—Love’s Rugged Pathway</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1161—Had She Loved Him Less</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1162—The Serpent and the Dove</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte May Kingsley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1163—What Love Made Her</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1164—Love Conquers Pride</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1165—His Unbounded Faith</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1166—A Heart’s Triumph</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1167—Stronger than Fate</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1168—A Virginia Goddess</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1169—Love’s Young Dream</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1170—When Fate Decrees</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Fox Robinson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1171—For a Flirt’s Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1172—All For Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1173—Could He Have Known</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte May Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1174—The Girl He Loved</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Stirling</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1175—They Met By Chance</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1176—The Lovely Constance</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1177—The Love That Prevailed</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. E. Burke Collins</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1178—Trixie’s Honor</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1179—Driven from Home</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1180—The Arm of the Law</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1181—A Will of Her Own</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1182—Pity—Not Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1183—Brave Barbara</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1184—Lady Gay’s Martyrdom</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte May Kingsley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1185—Barriers of Stone</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1186—A Useless Sacrifice</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1187—When We Two Parted</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1188—Far Above Price</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1189—In Love’s Shadows</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1190—The Veiled Bride</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1191—The Love Knot</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte May Kingsley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1192—She Scoffed at Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. E. Burke Collins</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1193—Life’s Richest Jewel</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Fox Robinson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1194—A Barrier Between Them</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1195—Too Quickly Judged</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1196—Lotta, the Cloak Model</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1197—Loved at Last</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1198—They Looked and Loved</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1199—The Wiles of a Siren</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1200—Tricked Into Marriage</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1201—Her Twentieth Guest</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1202—From Dreams to Waking</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Kingsley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1203—Sweet Kitty Clover</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Laura Jean Libbey</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1204—Selina’s Love Story</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1205—The Cost of Pride</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lillian R. Drayton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1206—Love Is a Mystery</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Fox Robinson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1207—When Love Speaks</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1208—A Siren’s Heart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1209—Her Share of Sorrow</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wenona Gilman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1210—The Other Girl’s Lover</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lillian R. Drayton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1211—The Fatal Kiss</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1212—A Reckless Promise</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1213—Without Name or Wealth</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1214—At Her Father’s Bidding</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1215—The Heart of Hetta</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1216—A Dreadful Legacy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1217—For Jack’s Sake</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1218—One Man’s Evil</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1219—Through the Shadows</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Fox Robinson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1220—The Stolen Bride</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1221—When the Heart Hungers</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1222—The Love that Would Not Die</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1223—A King and a Coward</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1224—A Queen of Song</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1225—Shall We Forgive Her?</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte May Kingsley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1226—Face to Face with Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lillian R. Drayton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1227—Long Since Forgiven</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. E. Burke Collins</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1228—As Light as Air</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1229—When Man Proposes</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1230—Wedded for Wealth</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lillian R. Drayton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1231—Only Love’s Fancy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1232—Alone with Her Sorrow</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte May Kingsley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1233—Her Life’s Desire</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs E. Burke Collins</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1234—For Her Husband’s Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1235—Bound by Gratitude</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lillian R. Drayton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1236—A Splendid Man</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1237—The Vanished Heir</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs E. Burke Collins</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1238—Somebody Loves Me!</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1239—A Question of Honor</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte May Kingsley</td> - </tr> <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1240—No Mother To Guide Her</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs E. Burke Collins</td> - </tr> <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1241—The Seed of Hate</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1242—A Wife Yet No Wife</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lillian R. Drayton</td> - </tr> -</table> - - -<p>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that -the books listed below will be issued during the respective months -in New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at -a distance promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> - - - -<table summary="New Eagle Series in Press"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc">To be published in July, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1243—One of Life’s Roses</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1244—With Beauty Beaming</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in August, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1245—She Could Not Forsake Him</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Grace Garland</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1246—After She Promised</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Adelaide Fox Robinson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in September, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1247—Bewitched</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Evelyn Malcolm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1248—His Love for Her</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Geraldine Fleming</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in October, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1249—Between Love and Conscience</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte M. Stanley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1250—The Web of Life</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ida Reade Allen</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1251—Love’s Bitter Harvest</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in November, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1252—Just for a Title</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emma Garrison Jones</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1253—A Little Impostor</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Charlotte May Kingsley</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in December, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1254—The Wife He Chose</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Mrs. E. Burke Collins</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1255—The Wine of Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Lillian R. Drayton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh"></td> - <td class="tdr tdb"></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - - -<p class="no-indent center bold large p2">ROMANCES THAT PLEASE MILLIONS</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xxlarge">The Love Story Library</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold"><em>This Popular Writer’s Favorites</em></p> - - -<p class="p2">There is unusual charm and fascination about the love stories -of Ruby M. Ayres that give her writings a universal appeal. Probably -there is no other romantic writer whose books are enjoyed by -such a wide audience of readers. Her stories have genuine feeling -and sentiment, and this quality makes them liked by those who appreciate -the true romantic spirit. In this low-priced series, a choice selection -of Miss Ayres’ best stories is offered.</p> - - -<table summary="The Love Story Library"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">By RUBY M. AYRES</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1—Is Love Worth While?</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">2—The Black Sheep</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">3—The Waif’s Wedding</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">4—The Woman Hater</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">5—The Story of an Ugly Man</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">6—The Beggar Man</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">7—The Long Lane to Happiness</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">8—Dream Castles</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">9—The Highest Bidder</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">10—Love and a Lie</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">11—The Love of Robert Dennison</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">12—A Man of His Word</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">13—The Master Man</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">14—Nobody’s Lover</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">15—For Love</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">16—The Remembered Kiss</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">17—The Littl’st Lover</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">18—Amid Scarlet Roses</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">19—The One Who Forgot</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">20—Sacrificial Love</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">21—The Imperfect Lover</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">22—By the Gate of Pity</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">23—The Scarred Heart</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">24—The Winds of the World</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">25—The Second Honeymoon</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">26—The Uphill Road</td> - </tr> -</table> - - -<p class="p2">In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below will be issued during the respective months in New -York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a distance -promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> - - -<table summary="The Love Story Library in Press"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc">To be published in July, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">27—The Man Without a Heart</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ruby M. Ayres</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">28—The Phantom Lover</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ruby M. Ayres</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in August, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">29—The Rose of Yesterday</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">30—As Pictured in Dreams</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ruby M. Ayres</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">31—Her Second Marriage</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Viola Tyrell</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in September, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">32—The Dancing Master</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ruby M. Ayres</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">33—A Life’s Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in October, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">34—The Ring on her Hand</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Viola Tyrell</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">35—The Fortune Hunter</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ruby M. Ayres</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in November, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">36—The Triumph of Love</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">37—The Woman Pays</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Viola Tyrell</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in December, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">38—The Little Lady in Lodgings</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ruby M. Ayres</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">39—Why Did She Shun Him?</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Effie Adelaide Rowlands</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent center bold large p2">BOOKS FOR YOUNG MEN</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xxlarge">MERRIWELL SERIES</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold">ALL BY BURT L. STANDISH</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold p1">Stories of Frank and Dick Merriwell</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold p1">Fascinating Stories of Athletics</p> - - -<p class="p2">A half million enthusiastic followers of the Merriwell brothers will -attest the unfailing interest and wholesomeness of these adventures -of two lads of high ideals, who play fair with themselves, as well as -with the rest of the world.</p> - -<p>These stories are rich in fun and thrills in all branches of sports -and athletics. They are extremely high in moral tone, and cannot -fail to be of immense benefit to every boy who reads them.</p> - -<p>They have the splendid quality of firing a boy’s ambition to become -a good athlete, in order that he may develop into a strong, vigorous, -right-thinking man.</p> - - -<table summary="Merriwell Series"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1—Frank Merriwell’s School Days</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">2—Frank Merriwell’s Chums</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">3—Frank Merriwell’s Foes</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">4—Frank Merriwell’s Trip West</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">5—Frank Merriwell Down South</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">6—Frank Merriwell’s Bravery</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">7—Frank Merriwell’s Hunting Tour</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">8—Frank Merriwell in Europe</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">9—Frank Merriwell at Yale</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">10—Frank Merriwell’s Sports Afield</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">11—Frank Merriwell’s Races</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">12—Frank Merriwell’s Party</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">13—Frank Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">14—Frank Merriwell’s Courage</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">15—Frank Merriwell’s Daring</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">16—Frank Merriwell’s Alarm</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">17—Frank Merriwell’s Athletes</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">18—Frank Merriwell’s Skill</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">19—Frank Merriwell’s Champions</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">20—Frank Merriwell’s Return to Yale</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">21—Frank Merriwell’s Secret</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">22—Frank Merriwell’s Danger</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">23—Frank Merriwell’s Loyalty</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">24—Frank Merriwell in Camp</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">25—Frank Merriwell’s Vacation</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">26—Frank Merriwell’s Cruise</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">27—Frank Merriwell’s Chase</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">28—Frank Merriwell in Maine</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">29—Frank Merriwell’s Struggle</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">30—Frank Merriwell’s First Job</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">31—Frank Merriwell’s Opportunity</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">32—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Luck</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">33—Frank Merriwell’s Protégé</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">34—Frank Merriwell on the Road</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">35—Frank Merriwell’s Own Company</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">36—Frank Merriwell’s Fame</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">37—Frank Merriwell’s College Chums</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">38—Frank Merriwell’s Problem</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">39—Frank Merriwell’s Fortune</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">40—Frank Merriwell’s New Comedian</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">41—Frank Merriwell’s Prosperity</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">42—Frank Merriwell’s Stage Hit</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">43—Frank Merriwell’s Great Scheme</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">44—Frank Merriwell in England</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">45—Frank Merriwell on the Boulevards</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">46—Frank Merriwell’s Duel</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">47—Frank Merriwell’s Double Shot</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">48—Frank Merriwell’s Baseball Victories</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">49—Frank Merriwell’s Confidence</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">50—Frank Merriwell’s Auto</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">51—Frank Merriwell’s Fun</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">52—Frank Merriwell’s Generosity</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">53—Frank Merriwell’s Tricks</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">54—Frank Merriwell’s Temptation</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">55—Frank Merriwell on Top</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">56—Frank Merriwell’s Luck</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">57—Frank Merriwell’s Mascot</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">58—Frank Merriwell’s Reward</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">59—Frank Merriwell’s Phantom</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">60—Frank Merriwell’s Faith</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">61—Frank Merriwell’s Victories</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">62—Frank Merriwell’s Iron Nerve</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">63—Frank Merriwell in Kentucky</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">64—Frank Merriwell’s Power</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">65—Frank Merriwell’s Shrewdness</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">66—Frank Merriwell’s Setback</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">67—Frank Merriwell’s Search</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">68—Frank Merriwell’s Club</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">69—Frank Merriwell’s Trust</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">70—Frank Merriwell’s False Friend</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">71—Frank Merriwell’s Strong Arm</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">72—Frank Merriwell as Coach</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">73—Frank Merriwell’s Brother</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">74—Frank Merriwell’s Marvel</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">75—Frank Merriwell’s Support</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">76—Dick Merriwell at Fardale</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">77—Dick Merriwell’s Glory</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">78—Dick Merriwell’s Promise</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">79—Dick Merriwell’s Rescue</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">80—Dick Merriwell’s Narrow Escape</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">81—Dick Merriwell’s Racket</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">82—Dick Merriwell’s Revenge</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">83—Dick Merriwell’s Ruse</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">84—Dick Merriwell’s Delivery</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">85—Dick Merriwell’s Wonders</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">86—Frank Merriwell’s Honor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">87—Dick Merriwell’s Diamond</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">88—Frank Merriwell’s Winners</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">89—Dick Merriwell’s Dash</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">90—Dick Merriwell’s Ability</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">91—Dick Merriwell’s Trap</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">92—Dick Merriwell’s Defense</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">93—Dick Merriwell’s Model</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">94—Dick Merriwell’s Mystery</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">95—Frank Merriwell’s Backers</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">96—Dick Merriwell’s Backstop</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">97—Dick Merriwell’s Western Mission</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">98—Frank Merriwell’s Rescue</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">99—Frank Merriwell’s Encounter</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">100—Dick Merriwell’s Marked Money</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">101—Frank Merriwell’s Nomads</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">102—Dick Merriwell on the Gridiron</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">103—Dick Merriwell’s Disguise</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">104—Dick Merriwell’s Test</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">105—Frank Merriwell’s Trump Card</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">106—Frank Merriwell’s Strategy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">107—Frank Merriwell’s Triumph</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">108—Dick Merriwell’s Grit</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">109—Dick Merriwell’s Assurance</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">110—Dick Merriwell’s Long Slide</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">111—Frank Merriwell’s Rough Deal</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">112—Dick Merriwell’s Threat</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">113—Dick Merriwell’s Persistence</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">114—Dick Merriwell’s Day</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">115—Frank Merriwell’s Peril</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">116—Dick Merriwell’s Downfall</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">117—Frank Merriwell’s Pursuit</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">118—Dick Merriwell Abroad</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">119—Frank Merriwell in the Rockies</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">120—Dick Merriwell’s Pranks</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">121—Frank Merriwell’s Pride</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">122—Frank Merriwell’s Challengers</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">123—Frank Merriwell’s Endurance</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">124—Dick Merriwell’s Cleverness</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">125—Frank Merriwell’s Marriage</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">126—Dick Merriwell, the Wizard</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">127—Dick Merriwell’s Stroke</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">128—Dick Merriwell’s Return</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">129—Dick Merriwell’s Resource</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">130—Dick Merriwell’s Five</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">131—Frank Merriwell’s Tigers</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">132—Dick Merriwell’s Polo Team</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">133—Frank Merriwell’s Pupils</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">134—Frank Merriwell’s New Boy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">135—Dick Merriwell’s Home Run</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">136—Dick Merriwell’s Dare</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">137—Frank Merriwell’s Son</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">138—Dick Merriwell’s Team Mate</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">139—Frank Merriwell’s Leaguers</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">140—Frank Merriwell’s Happy Camp</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">141—Dick Merriwell’s Influence</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">142—Dick Merriwell, Freshman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">143—Dick Merriwell’s Staying Power</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">144—Dick Merriwell’s Joke</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">145—Frank Merriwell’s Talisman</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">146—Frank Merriwell’s Horse</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">147—Dick Merriwell’s Regret</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">148—Dick Merriwell’s Magnetism</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">149—Dick Merriwell’s Backers</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">150—Dick Merriwell’s Best Work</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">151—Dick Merriwell’s Distrust</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">152—Dick Merriwell’s Debt</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">153—Dick Merriwell’s Mastery</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">154—Dick Merriwell Adrift</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">155—Frank Merriwell’s Worst Boy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">156—Dick Merriwell’s Close Call</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">157—Frank Merriwell’s Air Voyage</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">158—Dick Merriwell’s Black Star</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">159—Frank Merriwell in Wall Street</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">160—Frank Merriwell Facing His Foes</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">161—Dick Merriwell’s Stanchness</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">162—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Case</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">163—Dick Merriwell’s Stand</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">164—Dick Merriwell Doubted</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">165—Frank Merriwell’s Steadying Hand</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">166—Dick Merriwell’s Example</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">167—Dick Merriwell in the Wilds</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">168—Frank Merriwell’s Ranch</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">169—Dick Merriwell’s Way</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh"> </td> - </tr> -</table> - - -<p>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below will be issued during the respective months in -New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a -distance promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> - - -<table summary="Merriwell Series in Press"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc">To be published in July, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">170—Frank Merriwell’s Lesson</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">171—Dick Merriwell’s Reputation</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in Aug., 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">172—Frank Merriwell’s Encouragement</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">173—Dick Merriwell’s Honors</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in Sept., 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">174—Frank Merriwell’s Wizard</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">175—Dick Merriwell’s Race</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in Oct., 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">176—Dick Merriwell’s Star Play</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">177—Frank Merriwell at Phantom Lake</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">178—Dick Merriwell a Winner</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in Nov., 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">179—Dick Merriwell at the County Fair</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">180—Frank Merriwell’s Grit</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in Dec., 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">181—Dick Merriwell’s Power</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">182—Frank Merriwell in Peru</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent center bold large p2">RATTLING GOOD ADVENTURE</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xxlarge">SPORT STORIES</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold"><em>Stories of the Big Outdoors</em></p> - - -<p class="p2">There has been a big demand for outdoor stories, and a very -considerable portion of it has been for the Maxwell Stevens stories -about Jack Lightfoot, the athlete.</p> - -<p>These stories are not, strictly speaking, stories for boys, but boys -everywhere will find a great deal in them to interest them.</p> - - -<table summary="Sport Stories"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1—Jack Lightfoot, the Athlete</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">2—Jack Lightfoot’s Crack Nine</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">3—Jack Lightfoot Trapped</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">4—Jack Lightfoot’s Rival</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">5—Jack Lightfoot in Camp</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">6—Jack Lightfoot’s Canoe Trip</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">7—Jack Lightfoot’s Iron Arm</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">8—Jack Lightfoot’s Hoodoo</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">9—Jack Lightfoot’s Decision</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">10—Jack Lightfoot’s Gun Club</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">11—Jack Lightfoot’s Blind</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">12—Jack Lightfoot’s Capture</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">13—Jack Lightfoot’s Head Work</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">14—Jack Lightfoot’s Wisdom</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent center bold large p2">A CARNIVAL OF ACTION</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xxlarge">ADVENTURE LIBRARY</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold">Splendid, Interesting, Big Stories</p> - - -<p class="p2">This line is devoted exclusively to a splendid type of adventure -story, in the big outdoors. There is really a breath of fresh air in -each of them, and the reader who pays fifteen cents for a copy of this -line feels that he has received his money’s worth and a little more.</p> - -<p>The authors of these books are experienced in the art of writing, -and know just what the up-to-date American reader wants.</p> - - -<table summary="Adventure Library"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">By WILLIAM WALLACE COOK</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1—The Desert Argonaut</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">2—A Quarter to Four</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">3—Thorndyke of the Bonita</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">4—A Round Trip to the Year 2000</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">5—The Gold Gleaners</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">6—The Spur of Necessity</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">7—The Mysterious Mission</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">8—The Goal of a Million</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">9—Marooned in 1492</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">10—Running the Signal</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">11—His Friend the Enemy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">12—In the Web</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">13—A Deep Sea Game</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">14—The Paymaster’s Special</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">15—Adrift in the Unknown</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">16—Jim Dexter, Cattleman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">17—Juggling with Liberty</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">18—Back from Bedlam</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">19—A River Tangle</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">20—Billionaire Pro Tem</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">21—In the Wake of the Scimitar</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">22—His Audacious Highness</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">23—At Daggers Drawn</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">24—The Eighth Wonder</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">25—The Cat’s-Paw</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">26—The Cotton Bag</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">27—Little Miss Vassar</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">28—Cast Away at the Pole</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">29—The Testing of Noyes</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">30—The Fateful Seventh</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">31—Montana</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">32—The Deserter</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">33—The Sheriff of Broken Bow</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">34—Wanted: A Highwayman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">35—Frisbie of San Antone</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">36—His Last Dollar</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">37—Fools for Luck</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">38—Dare of Darling & Co.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">39—Trailing “The Josephine”</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">40—The Snapshot Chap</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Bertram Lebhar</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">41—Brothers of the Thin Wire</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Franklin Pitt</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">42—Jungle Intrigue</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edmond Lawrence</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">43—His Snapshot Lordship</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Bertram Lebhar</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">44—Folly Lode</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By James F. Dorrance</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">45—The Forest Rogue</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Julian G. Wharton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">46—Snapshot Artillery</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Bertram Lebhar</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">47—Stanley Holt, Thoroughbred</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ralph Boston</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">48—The Riddle and the Ring</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Gordon McLaren</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">49—The Black Eye Snapshot</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Bertram Lebhar</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">50—Bainbridge of Bangor</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Julian G. Wharton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">51—Amid Crashing Hills</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edmond Lawrence</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">52—The Big Bet Snapshot</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Bertram Lebhar</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">53—Boots and Saddles</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By J. Aubrey Tyson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">54—Hazzard of West Point</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edmond Lawrence</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">55—Service Courageous</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Don Cameron Shafer</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">56—On Post</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Bertram Lebhar</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">57—Jack Cope, Trooper</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Fessenden</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">58—Service Audacious</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Don Cameron Shafer</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">59—When Fortune Dares</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emerson Baker</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">60—In the Land of Treasure</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Barry Wolcott</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">61—A Soul Laid Bare</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By J. Kenilworth Egerton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">62—Wireless Sid</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Dana R. Preston</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">63—Garrison’s Finish</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B.M. Ferguson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">64—Bob Storm of the Navy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Ensign Lee Tempest, U.S.N.</td> - </tr> -</table> - - -<p>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below will be issued during the respective months in -New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a -distance promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> - - -<table summary="Adventure Library in Press"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc">To be published in July, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">65—Golden Bighorn</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By William Wallace Cook</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">66—The Square Deal Garage</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in August, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">67—Ridgway of Montana</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Wm. MacLeod Raine</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">68—The Motor Wizard’s Daring</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">69—The Presidential Snapshot</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Bertram Lebhar</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in September, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">70—The Sky Pilot</td> - <td class="tdr tdb"> By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">71—An Innocent Outlaw</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By William Wallace Cook</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in October, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">72—The Motor Wizard’s Mystery</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">73—From Copy Boy to Reporter</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W. Bert Foster</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in November, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">74—The Motor Wizard’s Strange Adventure</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">75—Lee Blake, Trolley Man</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roland Ashford Phillips</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in December, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">76—The Motor Wizard’s Clean-up</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">77—Rogers of Butte</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By William Wallace Cook</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="no-indent center bold large"> -When you get the<br /> -S & S Novels you<br /> -get the best!<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent center bold large p2"><em>NOTE THE NEW TITLES LISTED</em></p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xxlarge">Western Story Library</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold">For Everyone Who Likes Adventure</p> - - -<p class="p2">Ted Strong and his band of broncho-busters have most exciting adventures -in this line of attractive big books, and furnish the reader -with an almost unlimited number of thrills.</p> - -<p>If you like a really good Western cowboy story, then this line is -made expressly for you.</p> - - -<table summary="Western Story Library"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1—Ted Strong, Cowboy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">2—Ted Strong Among the Cattlemen</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">3—Ted Strong’s Black Mountain Ranch</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">4—Ted Strong With Rifle and Lasso</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">5—Ted Strong Lost in the Desert</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">6—Ted Strong Fighting the Rustlers</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">7—Ted Strong and the Rival Miners</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">8—Ted Strong and the Last of the Herd</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">9—Ted Strong on a Mountain Trail</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">10—Ted Strong Across the Prairie</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">11—Ted Strong Out For Big Game</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">12—Ted Strong, Challenged</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">13—Ted Strong’s Close Call</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">14—Ted Strong’s Passport</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">15—Ted Strong’s Nebraska Ranch</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">16—Ted Strong’s Cattle Drive</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">17—Ted Strong’s Stampede</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">18—Ted Strong’s Prairie Trail</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">19—Ted Strong’s Surprise</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">20—Ted Strong’s Wolf Hunters</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">21—Ted Strong’s Crooked Trail</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">22—Ted Strong in Colorado</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">23—Ted Strong’s Justice</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">24—Ted Strong’s Treasure</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">25—Ted Strong’s Search</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">26—Ted Strong’s Diamond Mine</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">27—Ted Strong’s Manful Task</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">28—Ted Strong, Manager</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">29—Ted Strong’s Man Hunt</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">30—Ted Strong’s Gold Mine</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">31—Ted Strong’s Broncho Boys</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">32—Ted Strong’s Wild Horse</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">33—Ted Strong’s Tenderfoot</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">34—Ted Strong’s Stowaway</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">35—Ted Strong’s Prize Herd</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">36—Ted Strong’s Trouble</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">37—Ted Strong’s Mettle</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">38—Ted Strong’s Big Business</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">39—Ted Strong’s Treasure Cave</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">40—Tod Strong’s Vanishing Island</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">41—Ted Strong’s Motor Car</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">42—Ted Strong in Montana</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">43—Ted Strong’s Contract</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">44—Ted Strong’s Stolen Pinto</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">45—Ted Strong’s Saddle Pard</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">46—Ted Strong and the Sioux Players</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">47—Ted Strong’s Bronchos</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">48—Ted Strong’s Ranch War</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">49—Ted Strong and the Cattle Raiders</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">50—Ted Strong’s Great Round-up</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">51—Ted Strong’s Big Horn Trail</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">52—Ted Strong in Bandit Cañon</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">53—Ted Strong at Z-Bar Ranch</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">54—Ted Strong’s Cattle Feud</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">55—Ted Strong’s Border Battle</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">56—Ted Strong on U.P. Duty</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="asterism">* * * * *</p> - - -<p>We have arranged with the author, Edward C. Taylor, to continue the stories, and -the following, therefore, are new stories, right up to the minute. They are going to -make a big hit, for we have abundant proof in the way of letters that readers of paper -books are strong for Ted Strong.</p> - -<p class="asterism">* * * * *</p> - -<p>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below will be issued during the respective months in -New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a -distance promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> - - -<table summary="Western Story Library in Press"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc">To be published in July, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">57—Ted Strong’s Lariat Duel</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">58—Ted Strong’s Vigilantes</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in August, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">59—Ted Strong’s Mesa Foe</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">60—Ted Strong Tries Prospecting</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in September, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">61—Ted Strong’s Desert Round-up</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">62—Ted Strong at Lost Gulch</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in October, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">63—Ted Strong on an Outlaw’s Trail</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">64—Ted Strong and the Two-Gun Men</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">65—Ted Strong’s Rodeo Ride</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in November, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">66—Ted Strong’s Ivory-Handled Gun</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">67—Ted Strong’s Redskin Pal</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in December, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">68—Ted Strong and the Sagebrush Kid</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">69—Ted Strong’s Rustler Round-up</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent center bold large p2"><em>TALES OF THE ROLLING PLAINS</em></p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xxlarge">Great Western Library</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold">By COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM and W.B. LAWSON</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold p1">Thrilling Adventure</p> - - -<p class="p2">For many years we have been urged by readers who like Western -stories to publish some tales about the adventures of Diamond Dick. -Therefore, we decided to have a new series of stories based upon the -adventures of this famous Western character, and to put them in a -line called GREAT WESTERN LIBRARY, together with stories about -Buffalo Bill, by Col. Prentiss Ingraham.</p> - -<p>Thus, in this line two of the most famous of all American characters -join hands. The so-called society stories with a kick in them -come and go, but these clean, wholesome tales of the West give a -clean-cut picture of the lives and characters of the men who carried -the advance banners of civilization westward.</p> - -<p>There are Indian stories, cowboy stories, outlaw stories, all sorts -of stories of adventures out West. Each one is clean and decent, -even if it is thrilling.</p> - - -<table summary="Great Western Library"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1—Diamond Dick’s Own Brand</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">2—Buffalo Bill’s Honor</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">3—Diamond Dick’s Maverick</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">4—Buffalo Bill’s Phantom Hunt</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">5—Diamond Dick’s Man Hunt</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">6—Buffalo Bill’s Fight with Fire</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">7—Diamond Dick’s Danger Signal</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">8—Buffalo Bill’s Danite Trail</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">9—Diamond Dick’s Prospect</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">10—Buffalo Bill’s Ranch Riders</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">11—Diamond Dick and the Gold Bugs</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">12—Buffalo Bill’s Death Trail</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">13—Diamond Dick at Comet City</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> -</table> - - -<p>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below will be issued during the respective months in -New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a -distance promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> - - -<table summary="Great Western Library in Press"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc">To be published in July, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">14—Buffalo Bill’s Trackers</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">15—Diamond Dick and the Worthless Bonanza</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in August, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">16—Buffalo Bill’s Mid-air Flight</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">17—Diamond Dick’s Black List</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in September, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">18—Buffalo Bill, Ambassador</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">19—Diamond Dick and the Indian Outlaw</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in October, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">20—Buffalo Bill’s Air Voyage</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">21—Diamond Dick and Gentleman Jack</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in November, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">22—Buffalo Bill’s Secret Mission</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">23—Diamond Dick at Secret Pass</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">24—Buffalo Bill’s Long Trail</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in December, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">25—Diamond Dick’s Red Trailer</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By W.B. Lawson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">26—Buffalo Bill Against Odds</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Col. Prentiss Ingraham</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent center bold large p2">BOOKS THAT NEVER GROW OLD</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xxlarge">Alger Series</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold">Clean Adventure Stories for Boys</p> - -<p class="no-indent center bold p1">The Most Complete List Published</p> - - -<p class="p2">The following list does not contain all the books that Horatio Alger -wrote, but it contains most of them, and certainly the best.</p> - -<p>Horatio Alger is to boys what Charles Dickens is to grown-ups. His -work is just as popular to-day as it was years ago. The books have -a quality, the value of which is beyond computation.</p> - -<p>There are legions of boys of foreign parents who are being helped -along the road to true Americanism by reading these books which are -so peculiarly American in tone that the reader cannot fail to absorb -some of the spirit of fair play and clean living which is so characteristically -American.</p> - -<p>In this list will be included certain books by Edward Stratemeyer, -Oliver Optic, and other authors who wrote the Alger type of stories, -which are equal in interest and wholesomeness with those written by -the famous author after which this great line of books for boys is -named.</p> - - -<table summary="Alger Series"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">By HORATIO ALGER, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">1—Driven from Home</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">2—A Cousin’s Conspiracy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">3—Ned Newton</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">4—Andy Gordon</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">5—Tony, the Tramp</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">6—The Five Hundred Dollar Check</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">7—Helping Himself</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">8—Making His Way</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">9—Try and Trust</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">10—Only an Irish Boy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">11—Jed, the Poorhouse Boy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">12—Chester Rand</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">13—Grit, the Young Boatman of Pine Point</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">14—Joe’s Luck</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">15—From Farm Boy to Senator</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">16—The Young Outlaw</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">17—Jack’s Ward</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">18—Dean Dunham</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">19—In a New World</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">20—Both Sides of the Continent</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">21—The Store Boy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">22—Brave and Bold</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">23—A New York Boy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">24—Bob Burton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">25—The Young Adventurer</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">26—Julius, the Street Boy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">27—Adrift in New York</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">28—Tom Brace</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">29—Struggling Upward</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">30—The Adventures of a New York Telegraph Boy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">31—Tom Tracy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">32—The Young Acrobat</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">33—Bound to Rise</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">34—Hector’s Inheritance</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">35—Do and Dare</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">36—The Tin Box</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">37—Tom, the Bootblack</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">38—Risen from the Ranks</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">39—Shifting for Himself</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">40—Wait and Hope</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">41—Sam’s Chance</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">42—Striving for Fortune</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">43—Phil, the Fiddler</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">44—Slow and Sure</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">45—Walter Sherwood’s Probation</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">46—The Trials and Triumphs of Mark Mason</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">47—The Young Salesman</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">48—Andy Grant’s Pluck</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">49—Facing the World</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">50—Luke Walton</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">51—Strive and Succeed</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">52—From Canal Boy to President</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">53—The Erie Train Boy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">54—Paul, the Peddler</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">55—The Young Miner</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">56—Charlie Codman’s Cruise</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">57—A Debt of Honor</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">58—The Young Explorer</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">59—Ben’s Nugget</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">60—The Errand Boy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">61—Frank and Fearless</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">62—Frank Hunter’s Peril</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">63—Adrift in the City</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">64—Tom Thatcher’s Fortune</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">65—Tom Turner’s Legacy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">66—Dan, the Newsboy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">67—Digging for Gold</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">68—Lester’s Luck</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">69—In Search of Treasure</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">70—Frank’s Campaign</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">71—Bernard Brook’s Adventures</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">72—Robert Coverdale’s Struggles</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">73—Paul Prescott’s Charge</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">74—Mark Manning’s Mission</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">75—Rupert’s Ambition</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">76—Sink or Swim</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">77—The Backwoods Boy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">78—Tom Temple’s Career</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">79—Ben Bruce</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">80—The Young Musician</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">81—The Telegraph Boy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">82—Work and Win</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">83—The Train Boy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">84—The Cash Boy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">85—Herbert Carter’s Legacy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">86—Strong and Steady</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">87—Lost at Sea</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">88—From Farm to Fortune</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">89—Young Captain Jack</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">90—Joe, the Hotel Boy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">91—Out for Business</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">92—Falling in with Fortune</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">93—Nelson, the Newsboy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">94—Randy of the River</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">95—Jerry, the Backwoods Boy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">96—Ben Logan’s Triumph</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">97—The Young Book Agent</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">168—Luck and Pluck</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">169—Ragged Dick</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">170—Fame and Fortune</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">171—Mark, the Match Boy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">172—Rough and Ready</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">173—Ben, the Luggage Boy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">174—Rufus and Rose</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">By EDWARD STRATEMEYER</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">98—The Last Cruise of <em>The Spitfire</em></td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">99—Reuben Stone’s Discovery</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">100—True to Himself</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">101—Richard Dare’s Venture</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">102—Oliver Bright’s Search</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">103—To Alaska for Gold</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">104—The Young Auctioneer</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">105—Bound to Be an Electrician</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">106—Shorthand Tom</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">107—Fighting for His Own</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">108—Joe, the Surveyor</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">109—Larry, the Wanderer</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">110—The Young Ranchman</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">111—The Young Lumberman</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">112—The Young Explorers</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">113—Boys of the Wilderness</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">114—Boys of the Great Northwest</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">115—Boys of the Gold Field</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">116—For His Country</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">117—Comrades in Peril</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">118—The Young Pearl Hunters</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">119—The Young Bandmaster</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">120—Boys of the Fort</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">121—On Fortune’s Trail</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">122—Lost in the Land of Ice</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">123—Bob, the Photographer</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">By OLIVER OPTIC</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">124—Among the Missing</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">125—His Own Helper</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">126—Honest Kit Dunstable</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">127—Every Inch a Boy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">128—The Young Pilot</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">129—Always in Luck</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">130—Rich and Humble</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">131—In School and Out</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">132—Watch and Wait</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">133—Work and Win</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">134—Hope and Have</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">135—Haste and Waste</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">136—Royal Tarr’s Pluck</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">137—The Prisoners of the Cave</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">138—Louis Chiswick’s Mission</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">139—The Professor’s Son</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">140—The Young Hermit</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">141—The Cruise of <em>The Dandy</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">142—Building Himself Up</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">143—Lyon Hart’s Heroism</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">144—Three Young Silver Kings</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">145—Making a Man of Himself</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">146—Striving for His Own</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">147—Through by Daylight</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">148—Lightning Express</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">149—On Time</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">150—Switch Off</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">151—Brake Up</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">152—Bear and Forbear</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">153—The “Starry Flag”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">154—Breaking Away</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">155—Seek and Find</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">156—Freaks of Fortune</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">157—Make or Break</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">158—Down the River</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">159—The Boat Club</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">160—All Aboard</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">161—Now or Never</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">162—Try Again</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">163—Poor and Proud</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">164—Little by Little</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">165—The Sailor Boy</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">166—The Yankee Middy</td> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">167—Brave Old Salt</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">175—Fighting for Fortune</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">176—The Young Steel Worker</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Frank H. MacDougal</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">177—The Go-ahead Boys</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Gale Richards</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">178—For the Right</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">179—The Motor Cycle Boys</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Donald Grayson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">180—The Wall Street Boy</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Allan Montgomery</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">181—Stemming the Tide</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">182—On High Gear</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Donald Grayson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">183—A Wall Street Fortune</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Allan Montgomery</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">184—Winning by Courage</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">185—From Auto to Airship</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Donald Grayson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">186—Camp and Canoe</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Remson Douglas</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">187—Winning against Odds</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">188—The Luck of Vance Sevier</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Frederick Gibson</td> - </tr> -</table> - - -<p>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below will be issued during the respective months in -New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a -distance promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> - - -<table summary="Alger Series in Press"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc">To be published in July, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">189—The Island Castaway</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">190—The Boy Marvel</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Frank H. MacDougal</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">191—A Boy With a Purpose</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in August, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">192—The River Fugitives</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Remson Douglas</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">193—Out For a Fortune</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in September, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">194—The Boy Horse Owner</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Frederick Gibson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">195—Always on Deck</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in October, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">196—Paul Hassard’s Peril</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Matt Royal</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">197—His Own Master</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in November, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">198—When Courage Wins</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Edward S. Ellis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">199—Bound to Get There</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc tdpt">To be published in December, 1927.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">200—Who Was Milton Marr?</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Frederick Gibson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">201—The Lost Mine</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Roy Franklin</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl tdt tdh">202—Larry Borden’s Redemption</td> - <td class="tdr tdb">By Emerson Baker</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xxlarge p2">VALUE</p> - - -<p class="p2">Although literature is generally regarded as -more or less of a luxury, there is such a thing -as getting your money’s worth, and a little more, -in the way of literature.</p> - -<p>For seventy years the firm of STREET & -SMITH has specialized in the publication of -fiction. During all this time everything bearing -our imprint represented good value for the -money.</p> - -<p>When, about thirty years ago, we began the -publication of a series of paper bound books, -which has since become world famous by the -name of “The S & S Novel,” we did our best -to publish the right sort of fiction. The sales -of these books proved that we have succeeded in -interesting and pleasing the American reading -public.</p> - -<p>There are over 1,800 different titles in our -catalogue, and every title above reproach from -every standpoint. The STREET & SMITH -NOVEL has been rightly called the fiction of -the masses.</p> - -<p>Do not be deceived by books which look like -the STREET & SMITH NOVELS but which -are made like them only in looks. Insist upon -having paper covered books bearing the imprint -of STREET & SMITH, and so be sure of -securing full value for your money.</p> - - -<p class="no-indent center bold large p1"> -STREET & SMITH CORPORATION<br /> -79 Seventh Avenue :: New York City<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="no-indent center bold xxlarge p2">The Dealer</p> - - -<p class="no-indent p2">who handles the STREET & SMITH NOVELS -is a man worth patronizing. The fact that he -does handle our books proves that he has considered -the merits of paper-covered lines, and -has decided that the STREET & SMITH -NOVELS are superior to all others.</p> - -<p>He has looked into the question of the morality -of the paper-covered book, for instance, and -feels that he is perfectly safe in handing one of -our novels to any one, because he has our assurance -that nothing except clean, wholesome -literature finds its way into our lines.</p> - -<p>Therefore, the STREET & SMITH NOVEL -dealer is a careful and wise tradesman, and it -is fair to assume selects the other articles he -has for sale with the same degree of intelligence -as he does his paper-covered books.</p> - -<p>Deal with the STREET & SMITH NOVEL -dealer.</p> - - -<p class="no-indent center bold large p1"> -STREET & SMITH CORPORATION<br /> -79 Seventh Avenue :: New York City<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="tn" /> -</div> - - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Photographer's Evidence, by Nicholas Carter - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S EVIDENCE *** - -***** This file should be named 62010-h.htm or 62010-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/0/1/62010/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Nahum Maso i Carcases, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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